bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microencapsulated bitter compounds (from Gentiana lutea) reduce daily energy intakes in humans
Authors: Mennella Ilario , Fogliano Vincenzo , Ferracane Rosalia , Arlorio Marco , Pattarino Franco , Vitaglione Paola
Published: November 2016

Mounting evidence showed that bitter-tasting compounds modulate eating behaviour through bitter taste receptors in the gastrointestinal tract. This study aimed at evaluating the influence of microencapsulated bitter compounds on human appetite and energy intakes. A microencapsulated bitter ingredient (EBI) with a core of bitter Gentiana lutea root extract and a coating of ethylcellulose–stearate was developed and included in a vanilla microencapsulated bitter ingredient-enriched pudding (EBIP). The coating masked bitterness in the mouth, allowing the release of bitter secoiridoids in the gastrointestinal tract. A cross-over randomised study was performed: twenty healthy subjects consumed at breakfast EBIP (providing 100 mg of secoiridoids) or the control pudding (CP) on two different occasions. Blood samples, glycaemia and appetite ratings were collected at baseline and 30, 60, 120 and 180 min after breakfast. Gastrointestinal peptides, endocannabinoids (EC) and N-acylethanolamines (NAE) were measured in plasma samples. Energy intakes were measured at an ad libitum lunch 3 h after breakfast and over the rest of the day (post lunch) through food diaries. No significant difference in postprandial plasma responses of gastrointestinal hormones, glucose, EC and NAE and of appetite between EBIP and CP was found. However, a trend for a higher response of glucagon-like peptide-1 after EBIP than after CP was observed. EBIP determined a significant 30 % lower energy intake over the post-lunch period compared with CP. These findings were consistent with the tailored release of bitter-tasting compounds from EBIP along the gastrointestinal tract. This study demonstrated that microencapsulated bitter secoiridoids were effective in reducing daily energy intake in humans.
Effects of thermo-photoperiod on induction and termination of hibernation inChilo partellus(Swinhoe)
Authors: Dhillon M. K. , Hasan F. , Tanwar A. K. , Bhadauriya A. S.
Published: November 2016

Determination of critical threshold for induction and termination of diapause (hibernation) are important for better understanding the bio-ecology and population dynamics ofChilo partellus(Swinhoe) under varying climatic conditions. We studied initiation and termination of hibernation under five temperature and photoperiod regimesviz., 27°C + 12L:12D, 22°C + 11.5L:12.5D, 18°C + 11L:13D, 14°C + 10.5L:13.5D and 10°C + 10L:14D under fixed and ramping treatments, and the observations were recorded on various phenological and developmental characteristics at weekly intervals. Present studies revealed that the induction of hibernation inC. partelluslarvae takes from 46 to 56 days depending upon temperature and photoperiod conditions. Induction of hibernation varied from 7.9 to 18.3% across treatment conditions, indicating that not allC. partelluslarvae undergo diapause under prevailing environmental conditions. Weight, length and head capsule width of diapausing larvae were found significantly lower than the non-diapausing larvae. The non-diapausingC. partelluslarvae required a thermal threshold of 1068 degree-days under ambient conditions, while in case of hibernating larvae it varied significantly across treatment conditions. Diapausing larvae underwent up to five supernumerary moults, wherein highest percentage of diapausing larvae (35.7%) exhibited two supernumerary moults. The developmental time of diapausing larvae varied from 94.9 to 160.4 days across treatments. A population loss of 17.2–28.3% was recorded inC. partellusdue to hibernation, which has implications for population buildup of post-hibernation first brood and management strategies.
The role ofPlasmodium knowlesiin the history of malaria research
Authors: BUTCHER G. A. , MITCHELL G. H.
Published: November 2016

In recent years, a malaria infection of humans in South East Asia, originally diagnosed as a known human-infecting species,Plasmodium malariae, has been identified as a simian parasite,Plasmodium knowlesi.This species had been subject to considerable investigation in monkeys since the 1930s. With the development of continuous culture of the erythrocytic stages of the human malarial parasite,Plasmodium falciparumin 1976, the emphasis in research shifted away from knowlesi. However, its importance as a human pathogen has provoked a renewed interest inP. knowlesi, not least because it too can be maintained in continuous culture and thus provides an experimental model. In fact, this parasite species has a long history in malaria research, and the purpose of this chapter is to outline approximately the first 50 years of this history.
Murine models susceptibility to distinctTrypanosoma cruziI genotypes infection
Authors: LEÓN CIELO M. , MONTILLA MARLENY , VANEGAS RICARDO , CASTILLO MARIA , PARRA EDGAR , RAMÍREZ JUAN DAVID
Published: November 2016

Chagas disease is a complex zoonosis that affects around 8 million people worldwide. This pathology is caused byTrypanosoma cruzi, a kinetoplastid parasite that shows tremendous genetic diversity evinced in six distinct Discrete Typing Units (TcI-TcVI) including a recent genotype named as TcBat and associated with anthropogenic bats. TcI presents a broad geographical distribution and has been associated with chronic cardiomyopathy. Recent phylogenetic studies suggest the existence of two genotypes (Domestic (TcIDom) and sylvatic TcI) within TcI. The understanding of the course of the infection in different mouse models by these two genotypes is not yet known. Therefore, we infected 126 animals (ICR-CD1, National Institute of Health (NIH) and Balb/c) with two TcIDomstrains and one sylvatic strain for a follow-up period of 60 days. We quantified the parasitaemia, immune response and histopathology observing that the maximum day of parasitaemia was achieved at day 21 post-infection. Domestic strains showed higher parasitaemia than the sylvatic strain in the three mouse models; however in the survival curves Balb/c mice were less susceptible to infection compared with NIH and ICR-CD1. Our results suggest that the genetic background plays a fundamental role in the natural history of the infection and the sympatric TcI genotypes have relevant implications in disease pathogenesis.
Geometry of resource interaction and Taylor–Ehrhard–Regnier expansion: a minimalist approach
Authors: SOLIERI MARCO
Published: November 2016

The resource λ-calculus is a variation of the λ-calculus where arguments are superpositions of terms and must be linearly used; hence, it is a model for linear and non-deterministic programming languages. Moreover, it is the target language of the Taylor–Ehrhard–Regnier expansion of λ-terms, a linearisation of the λ-calculus which develops ordinary terms into infinite series of resource terms. In a strictly typed restriction of the resource λ-calculus, we study the notion of path persistence, and define a remarkably simple geometry of resource interaction (GoRI) that characterises it. In addition, GoRI is invariant under reduction and counts addends in normal forms. We also analyse expansion on paths in ordinary terms, showing that reduction commutes with expansion and, consequently, that persistence can be transferred back and forth between a path and its expansion. Lastly, we also provide an expanded counterpart of the execution formula, which computes paths as series of objects of GoRI; thus, exchanging determinism and conciseness for linearity and simplicity.
Post-market surveillance to detect adverse events associated with Melody® valve implantation
Authors: Hill Kevin D. , Goldstein Bryan H. , Angtuaco Michael J. , Chu Patricia Y. , Fleming Gregory A.
Published: November 2016

Objective

The aim of this study was to describe previously unrecognised or under-recognised adverse events associated with Melody® valve implantation.

Background

In rare diseases and conditions, it is typically not feasible to conduct large-scale safety trials before drug or device approval. Therefore, post-market surveillance mechanisms are necessary to detect rare but potentially serious adverse events.

Methods

We reviewed the United States Food and Drug Administration’s Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience (MAUDE) database and conducted a structured literature review to evaluate adverse events associated with on- and off-label Melody® valve implantation. Adverse events were compared with those described in the prospective Investigational Device Exemption and Post-Market Approval Melody® transcatheter pulmonary valve trials.

Results

We identified 631 adverse events associated with “on-label” Melody® valve implants and 84 adverse events associated with “off-label” implants. The most frequent “on-label” adverse events were similar to those described in the prospective trials including stent fracture (n=210) and endocarditis (n=104). Previously unrecognised or under-recognised adverse events included stent fragment embolisation (n=5), device erosion (n=4), immediate post-implant severe valvar insufficiency (n=2), and late coronary compression (n=2 cases at 5 days and 3 months after implantation). Under-recognised adverse events associated with off-label implantation included early valve failure due to insufficiency when implanted in the tricuspid position (n=7) and embolisation with percutaneous implantation in the mitral position (n=5).

Conclusion

Post-market passive surveillance does not demonstrate a high frequency of previously unrecognised serious adverse events with “on-label” Melody® valve implantation. Further study is needed to evaluate safety of “off-label” uses.
LITTLEWOOD–PALEY CHARACTERIZATION OF WEIGHTED HARDY SPACES ASSOCIATED WITH OPERATORS
Authors: HU GUORONG
Published: November 2016

Let$(X,d,\unicode[STIX]{x1D707})$be a metric measure space endowed with a distance$d$and a nonnegative, Borel, doubling measure$\unicode[STIX]{x1D707}$. Let$L$be a nonnegative self-adjoint operator on$L^{2}(X)$. Assume that the (heat) kernel associated to the semigroup$e^{-tL}$satisfies a Gaussian upper bound. In this paper, we prove that for any$p\in (0,\infty )$and$w\in A_{\infty }$, the weighted Hardy space$H_{L,S,w}^{p}(X)$associated with$L$in terms of the Lusin (area) function and the weighted Hardy space$H_{L,G,w}^{p}(X)$associated with$L$in terms of the Littlewood–Paley function coincide and their norms are equivalent. This improves a recent result of Duonget al.[‘A Littlewood–Paley type decomposition and weighted Hardy spaces associated with operators’,J. Geom. Anal.26(2016), 1617–1646], who proved that$H_{L,S,w}^{p}(X)=H_{L,G,w}^{p}(X)$for$p\in (0,1]$and$w\in A_{\infty }$by imposing an extra assumption of a Moser-type boundedness condition on$L$. Our result is new even in the unweighted setting, that is, when$w\equiv 1$.
2.45-GHz wideband harmonic rejection rectenna for wireless power transfer
Authors: Kang Zhanyu , Lin Xianqi , Tang Cong , Mei Peng , Liu Wangmao , Fan Yong
Published: November 2016

In this paper, a 2.45-GHz wideband harmonic rejection rectenna for wireless power transfer is proposed. The rectenna comprises a microstrip-fed circular ring slot antenna (CRSA) and a series-parallel rectifier (SPR). A compact micro strip resonant cell is inserted into the CRSA so that the harmonic suppression over a wide bandwidth (3–8 GHz) can be obtained. The radio-frequency (RF)–DC conversion efficiency of the SPR is improved effectively by loading a proper compensating inductance, especially under the low input power levels. Furthermore, the proposed rectenna can easily achieve large-scale rectenna arrays using its simple structure. The adopted rectenna fabricated on a low cost Taconic RF-35 substrate has been measured. By up to 3rd-order harmonic rejection, the efficiency of the rectenna can achieve 70.2% with the optimum load resistance 1 kΩ. Good agreement among the calculated, simulated, and measured rectenna is observed.
Using intrinsic zero to notch satellite signals in UWB filter
Authors: Xiong Yang , Teng Cheng , He Ming , Tam Kam-Weng , Yu Xian , Choi Wai-Wa , Chen Hai Hua
Published: November 2016

In this paper, an ultra-wideband (UWB) filter with a notch band using T-shaped step impedance resonator loaded with cross-shaped open stubs has been presented. The notch band is formed by utilizing intrinsic zero. The characteristics of the new quad-mode resonator have been analyzed using odd-even mode analysis method. It can be shown that it is the intrinsic zero that generates the notch band. In addition, wide tunable notch band form 5–9.3 GHz can be achieved. A UWB filter with a notch band centered at 6.25 GHz using the proposed quad-mode resonator has been designed, fabricated, and tested. Experiment results show that the attenuation in notch frequency is >22 dB while the return loss of the simulation and measurement results are 22 dB/20 dB and 14.5 dB/11.2 dB in the lower and upper passband, respectively, which illustrate that the simulation and measurement results are in agreement.
Pastors for Pinochet: Authoritarian Stereotypes and Voting for Evangelicals in Chile
Authors: Boas Taylor C.
Published: November 2016

How does a candidate’s religion affect voting behavior in societies without politically salient interdenominational cleavages? Communicating one’s faith should win votes among fellow believers, but in the absence of intergroup competition, it should not directly affect the vote of out-group members. Yet a candidate’s religion can also influence out-group voting behavior via stereotypes that are politically salient. This article uses a survey experiment, conducted prior to Chile’s 2013 election, to examine how priming evangelicals’ historical support for the government of General Augusto Pinochet affects vote intention for an evangelical candidate for Congress. Identifying a candidate as evangelical boosts vote intention among evangelical respondents but does not directly affect members of the out-group. Among right-wing non-evangelicals, the Pinochet prime increases vote intention for an evangelical candidate, but it has no effect for center-left voters. These results suggest that pinochetismo remains salient for a new generation of right-wing voters in Chile.
Isotopes Track Carbon Cycle in Northern Wisconsin Wilderness
Authors: Branscombe Alexandra
Published: November 2016

Researchers collected carbon from 3 years' worth of air samples and traced it back to its source.
Whiskers on Familiar Crystal Revealed as New Mineral
Authors: Wendel JoAnna
Published: November 2016

A 14-year-old girl's chance encounter with a random sample of tanzanite led scientists to find an entirely new mineral.
Rapid construction of a whole-genome transposon insertion collection for Shewanella oneidensis by Knockout Sudoku
Authors: Baym Michael , Shaket Lev , Anzai Isao A. , Adesina Oluwakemi , Barstow Buz
Published: November 2016

Whole-genome knockout collections are invaluable for connecting gene sequence to function, yet traditionally, their construction has required an extraordinary technical effort. Here we report a method for the construction and purification of a curated whole-genome collection of single-gene transposon disruption mutants termed Knockout Sudoku. Using simple combinatorial pooling, a highly oversampled collection of mutants is condensed into a next-generation sequencing library in a single day, a 30- to 100-fold improvement over prior methods. The identities of the mutants in the collection are then solved by a probabilistic algorithm that uses internal self-consistency within the sequencing data set, followed by rapid algorithmically guided condensation to a minimal representative set of mutants, validation, and curation. Starting from a progenitor collection of 39,918 mutants, we compile a quality-controlled knockout collection of the electroactive microbeShewanella oneidensisMR-1 containing representatives for 3,667 genes that is functionally validated by high-throughput kinetic measurements of quinone reduction.
Hyperglycaemia inhibits REG3A expression to exacerbate TLR3-mediated skin inflammation in diabetes
Authors: Wu Yelin , Quan Yanchun , Liu Yuanqi , Liu Keiwei , Li Hongquan , Jiang Ziwei , Zhang Tian , Lei Hu , Radek Katherine A. , Li Dongqing , Wang Zhenhua , Lu Jilong , Wang Wang , Ji Shizhao , Xia Zhaofan , Lai Yuping
Published: November 2016

Dysregulated inflammatory responses are known to impair wound healing in diabetes, but the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Here we show that the antimicrobial protein REG3A controls TLR3-mediated inflammation after skin injury. This control is mediated by REG3A-induced SHP-1 protein, and acts selectively on TLR3-activated JNK2. In diabetic mouse skin, hyperglycaemia inhibits the expression of IL-17-induced IL-33 via glucose glycation. The decrease in cutaneous IL-33 reduces REG3A expression in epidermal keratinocytes. The reduction in REG3A is associated with lower levels of SHP-1, which normally inhibits TLR3-induced JNK2 phosphorylation, thereby increasing inflammation in skin wounds. To our knowledge, these findings show for the first time that REG3A can modulate specific cutaneous inflammatory responses and that the decrease in cutaneous REG3A exacerbates inflammation in diabetic skin wounds.
Efficacy and Acceptability of Different Auxiliary Drugs in Pediatric Sevoflurane Anesthesia: A Network Meta-analysis of Mixed Treatment Comparisons
Authors: Wang Wuchao , Huang Panchuan , Gao Weiwei , Cao Fangli , Yi Mingling , Chen Liyong , Guo Xiaoli
Published: November 2016

Emergence agitation preventive medicine should be combined with pediatric anesthesia because of the high frequency of emergence agitation. However, it is challenging to determine the most appropriate medication that can be introduced into pediatric anesthesia for the sake of emergence agitation prevention. We reviewed and retrieved the data from PubMed and Embase. Various medications were assessed based on several endpoints including Emergence agitation outcomes (EA), postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), the number of patients who required analgesic (RA), pediatric anesthesia emergence delirium (PAED), the extubation time, the emergency time and the duration of post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) stay. Both traditional and network meta-analysis were carried in this study. A total of 45 articles were complied with the selection criteria and the corresponding articles were reviewed. Fentanyl demonstrated the highest cumulative ranking probability which was followed by those of ketamine and dexmedetomidine with respect to EA and PAED. When PONV and RA were concerned together, clonidine exhibited the highest cumulative ranking probability compared to other medications. Our study suggested that dexmedetomidine perhaps is the most appropriate prophylactic treatment which can be introduced into anesthesia for preventing emergence agitation.
Metabolic alterations by indoxyl sulfate in skeletal muscle induce uremic sarcopenia in chronic kidney disease
Authors: Sato Emiko , Mori Takefumi , Mishima Eikan , Suzuki Arisa , Sugawara Sanae , Kurasawa Naho , Saigusa Daisuke , Miura Daisuke , Morikawa-Ichinose Tomomi , Saito Ritsumi , Oba-Yabana Ikuko , Oe Yuji , Kisu Kiyomi , Naganuma Eri , Koizumi Kenji , Mokudai Takayuki , Niwano Yoshimi , Kudo Tai , Suzuki Chitose , Takahashi Nobuyuki , Sato Hiroshi , Abe Takaaki , Niwa Toshimitsu , Ito Sadayoshi
Published: November 2016

Sarcopenia is associated with increased morbidity and mortality in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Pathogenic mechanism of skeletal muscle loss in CKD, which is defined as uremic sarcopenia, remains unclear. We found that causative pathological mechanism of uremic sarcopenia is metabolic alterations by uremic toxin indoxyl sulfate. Imaging mass spectrometry revealed indoxyl sulfate accumulated in muscle tissue of a mouse model of CKD. Comprehensive metabolomics revealed that indoxyl sulfate induces metabolic alterations such as upregulation of glycolysis, including pentose phosphate pathway acceleration as antioxidative stress response, via nuclear factor (erythroid-2-related factor)-2. The altered metabolic flow to excess antioxidative response resulted in downregulation of TCA cycle and its effected mitochondrial dysfunction and ATP shortage in muscle cells. In clinical research, a significant inverse association between plasma indoxyl sulfate and skeletal muscle mass in CKD patients was observed. Our results indicate that indoxyl sulfate is a pathogenic factor for sarcopenia in CKD.
Reduced incidence of interstitial pneumonitis after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation using a modified technique of total body irradiation
Authors: Chiang Yun , Tsai Cheng-Hong , Kuo Sung-Hsin , Liu Chieh-Yu , Yao Ming , Li Chi-Cheng , Huang Shang-Yi , Ko Bor-Sheng , Lin Chien-Ting , Hou Hsin-An , Chou Wen-Chien , Liu Jia-Hau , Lin Chien-Chin , Wu Shang-Ju , Hsu Szu-Chun , Chen Yao-Chang , Lin Kai-Hsin , Lin Dong-Tsamn , Chou Hsien-Tang , Lu Meng-Yu , Yang Yung-Li , Chang Hsiu-Hao , Liu Ming-Chih , Liao Xiu-Wen , Wu Jian-Kuen , Chou Sheng-Chieh , Cheng Chieh-Lung , Chen Chien-Yuan , Tsay Woei , Tien Hwei-Fang , Tang Jih-Luh , Chen Yu-Hsuan
Published: November 2016

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is a curative-intent treatment for patients with high-risk hematologic diseases. However, interstitial pneumonitis (IP) and other toxicities remain major concerns after total body irradiation (TBI). We have proposed using linear accelerators with rice-bag compensators for intensity modulation (IM-TBI), as an alternative to the traditional cobalt-60 teletherapy with lung-shielding technique (Co-TBI). Patients who received a TBI-based myeloablative conditioning regimen between 1995 and 2014 were recruited consecutively. Before March 2007, TBI was delivered using Co-TBI (n = 181); afterward, TBI was administered using IM-TBI (n = 126). Forty-four patients developed IP; of these cases, 19 were idiopathic. The IP-related mortality rate was 50% in the total IP cohort and 63% in the idiopathic subgroup. The 1-year cumulative incidences of IP and idiopathic IP were 16.5% and 7.4%, respectively; both rates were significantly higher in the Co-TBI group than in the IM-TBI group. Multivariate analysis revealed that Co-TBI was an independent prognostic factor for both total and idiopathic IP. In the acute myeloid leukemia subgroup, patients with different TBI techniques had similar outcomes for both overall and relapse-free survival. In conclusion, IM-TBI is an easy and effective TBI technique that could substantially reduce the complication rate of IP without compromising treatment efficacy.
The ubiquitin hybrid gene UBA52 regulates ubiquitination of ribosome and sustains embryonic development
Authors: Kobayashi Masanori , Oshima Shigeru , Maeyashiki Chiaki , Nibe Yoichi , Otsubo Kana , Matsuzawa Yu , Nemoto Yasuhiro , Nagaishi Takashi , Okamoto Ryuichi , Tsuchiya Kiichiro , Nakamura Tetsuya , Watanabe Mamoru
Published: November 2016

Ubiquitination is a crucial post-translational modification; however, the functions of ubiquitin-coding genes remain unclear. UBA52 encodes a fusion protein comprising ubiquitin at the N-terminus and ribosomal protein L40 (RPL40) at the C-terminus. Here we showed that Uba52-deficient mice die during embryogenesis. UBA52-deficient cells exhibited normal levels of total ubiquitin. However, UBA52-deficient cells displayed decreased protein synthesis and cell-cycle arrest. The overexpression of UBA52 ameliorated the cell-cycle arrest caused by UBA52 deficiency. Surprisingly, RPL40 expression itself is insufficient to regulate cyclin D expression. The cleavage of RPL40 from UBA52 was required for maintaining protein synthesis. Furthermore, we found that RPL40 formed a ribosomal complex with ubiquitin cleaved from UBA52. UBA52 supplies RPL40 and ubiquitin simultaneously to the ribosome. Our study demonstrated that the ubiquitin-coding gene UBA52 is not just an ubiquitin supplier to the ubiquitin pool but is also a regulator of the ribosomal protein complex. These findings provide novel insights into the regulation of ubiquitin-dependent translation and embryonic development.
Artificial Blood for Dogs
Authors: Yamada Kana , Yokomaku Kyoko , Kureishi Moeka , Akiyama Motofusa , Kihira Kiyohito , Komatsu Teruyuki
Published: November 2016

There is no blood bank for pet animals. Consequently, veterinarians themselves must obtain “blood” for transfusion therapy. Among the blood components, serum albumin and red blood cells (RBCs) are particularly important to save lives. This paper reports the synthesis, structure, and properties of artificial blood for the exclusive use of dogs. First, recombinant canine serum albumin (rCSA) was produced using genetic engineering withPichiayeast. The proteins showed identical features to those of the native CSA derived from canine plasma. Furthermore, we ascertained the crystal structure of rCSA at 3.2 Å resolution. Pure rCSA can be used widely for numerous clinical and pharmaceutical applications. Second, hemoglobin wrapped covalently with rCSA, hemoglobin–albumin cluster (Hb-rCSA3), was synthesized as an artificial O2-carrier for the RBC substitute. This cluster possesses satisfactorily negative surface net charge (pI = 4.7), which supports enfolding of the Hb core by rCSA shells. The anti-CSA antibody recognized the rCSA exterior quantitatively. The O2-binding affinity was high (P50 = 9 Torr) compared to that of the native Hb. The Hb-rCSA3cluster is anticipated for use as an alternative material for RBC transfusion, and as an O2therapeutic reagent that can be exploited in various veterinary medicine situations.
Production of ricinoleic acid-containing monoestolide triacylglycerides in an oleaginous diatom, Chaetoceros gracilis
Authors: Kajikawa Masataka , Abe Tatsuki , Ifuku Kentaro , Furutani Ken-ichi , Yan Dongyi , Okuda Tomoyo , Ando Akinori , Kishino Shigenobu , Ogawa Jun , Fukuzawa Hideya
Published: November 2016

Ricinoleic acid (RA), a hydroxyl fatty acid, is suitable for medical and industrial uses and is produced in high-oil-accumulating organisms such as castor bean and the ergot fungus Claviceps. We report here the efficient production of RA in a transgenic diatom Chaetoceros gracilis expressing the fatty acid hydroxylase gene (CpFAH) from Claviceps purpurea. In transgenic C. gracilis, RA content increased at low temperatures, reaching 2.2 pg/cell when cultured for 7 d at 15 °C, without affecting cell growth, and was enhanced (3.3 pg/cell) by the co-expression of a palmitic acid-specific elongase gene. Most of the accumulated RA was linked with monoestolide triacylglycerol (ME TAG), in which one RA molecule was esterified to the α position of the glycerol backbone and was further esterified at its hydroxy group with a fatty acid or second RA moiety, or 1-OH TAG, in which RA was esterified to the glycerol backbone. Overall, 80% of RA was accumulated as ME TAGs. Furthermore, exogenous RA-methyl ester suppressed the growth of wild-type diatoms in a dose-dependent manner and was rapidly converted to ME TAG. These results suggest that C. gracilis masks the hydroxyl group and accumulates RA as the less-toxic ME TAG.
New structural insight of C-terminal region of Syntenin-1, enhancing the molecular dimerization and inhibitory function related on Syndecan-4 signaling
Authors: Choi Youngsil , Yun Ji-Hye , Yoo Jiho , Lee Inhwan , Kim Heeyoun , Son Hye-Nam , Kim In-San , Yoon Ho Sup , Zimmermann Pascale , Couchman John R. , Cho Hyun-Soo , Oh Eok-Soo , Lee Weontae
Published: November 2016

The PDZ domain-containing scaffold protein, syntenin-1, binds to the transmembrane proteoglycan, syndecan-4, but the molecular mechanism/function of this interaction are unknown. Crystal structure analysis of syntenin-1/syndecan-4 cytoplasmic domains revealed that syntenin-1 forms a symmetrical pair of dimers anchored by a syndecan-4 dimer. The syndecan-4 cytoplasmic domain is a compact intertwined dimer with a symmetrical clamp shape and two antiparallel strands forming a cavity within the dimeric twist. The PDZ2 domain of syntenin-1 forms a direct antiparallel interaction with the syndecan-4 cytoplasmic domain, inhibiting the functions of syndecan-4 such as focal adhesion formation. Moreover, C-terminal region of syntenin-1 reveals an essential role for enhancing the molecular homodimerization. Mutation of key syntenin-1 residues involved in the syndecan-4 interaction or homodimer formation abolishes the inhibitory function of syntenin-1, as does deletion of the homodimerization-related syntenin-1 C-terminal domain. Syntenin-1, but not dimer-formation-incompetent mutants, rescued the syndecan-4-mediated inhibition of migration and pulmonary metastasis by B16F10 cells. Therefore, we conclude that syntenin-1 negatively regulates syndecan-4 function via oligomerization and/or syndecan-4 interaction, impacting cytoskeletal organization and cell migration.
VEGF released by deferoxamine preconditioned mesenchymal stem cells seeded on collagen-GAG substrates enhances neovascularization
Authors: Wahl Elizabeth A. , Schenck Thilo L. , Machens Hans-Günther , Balmayor Elizabeth R.
Published: November 2016

Hypoxia preconditioning of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has been shown to promote wound healing through HIF-1α stabilization. Preconditioned MSCs can be applied to three-dimensional biomaterials to further enhance the regenerative properties. While environmentally induced hypoxia has proven difficult in clinical settings, this study compares the wound healing capabilities of adipose derived (Ad) MSCs seeded on a collagen-glycosaminoglycan (GAG) dermal substrate exposed to either environmental hypoxia or FDA approved deferoxamine mesylate (DFO) to stabilize HIF-1α for wound healing. The release of hypoxia related reparative factors by the cells on the collagen-GAG substrate was evaluated to detect if DFO produces results comparable to environmentally induced hypoxia to facilitate optimal clinical settings. VEGF release increased in samples exposed to DFO. While the SDF-1α release was lower in cells exposed to environmental hypoxia in comparison to cells cultured in DFO in vitro. The AdMSC seeded biomaterial was further evaluated in a murine model. The implants where harvested after 1 days for histological, inflammatory, and protein analysis. The application of DFO to the cells could mimic and enhance the wound healing capabilities of environmentally induced hypoxia through VEGF expression and promises a more viable option in clinical settings that is not merely restricted to the laboratory.
Electronic bonding analyses and mechanical strengths of incompressible tetragonal transition metal dinitrides TMN2 (TM = Ti, Zr, and Hf)
Authors: Zhang Meiguang , Cheng Ke , Yan Haiyan , Wei Qun , Zheng Baobing
Published: November 2016

Motivated by recent successful synthesis of transition metal dinitride TiN2, the electronic structure and mechanical properties of the discovered TiN2 and other two family members (ZrN2 and HfN2) have been thus fully investigated by using first-principles calculations to explore the possibilities and provide guidance for future experimental efforts. The incompressible nature of these tetragonal TMN2 (TM = Ti, Zr, and Hf) compounds has been demonstrated by the calculated elastic moduli, originating from the strong N-N covalent bonds that connect the TMN8 units. However, as compared with traditional fcc transition metal mononitride (TMN), the TMN2 possess a larger elastic anisotropy may impose certain limitations on possible applications. Further mechanical strength calculations show that tetragonal TMN2 exhibits a strong resistance against (100)[010] shear deformation prevents the indenter from making a deep imprint, whereas the peak stress values (below 12 GPa) of TMN2 along "Equation missing"shear directions are much lower than those of TMN, showing their lower shear resistances than these known hard wear-resistant materials. The shear deformation of TMN2 at the atomic level during shear deformation can be attributed to the collapse of TMN8 units with breaking of TM-N bonds through the bonding evolution and electronic localization analyses.
Changes in agricultural carbon emissions and factors that influence agricultural carbon emissions based on different stages in Xinjiang, China
Authors: Xiong Chuanhe , Yang Degang , Xia Fuqiang , Huo Jinwei
Published: November 2016

Xinjiang’s agricultural carbon emissions showed three stages of change, i.e., continued to rise, declined and continued to rise, during 1991–2014. The agriculture belonged to the “low emissions and high efficiency” agriculture category, with a lower agricultural carbon emission intensity. By using the logarithmic mean divisia index decomposition method, agricultural carbon emissions were decomposed into an efficiency factor, a structure factor, an economy factor, and a labour factor. We divided the study period into five stages based on the changes in efficiency factor and economy factor. Xinjiang showed different agricultural carbon emission characteristics at different stages. The degree of impact on agricultural carbon emissions at these stages depended on the combined effect of planting-animal husbandry carbon intensity and agricultural labour productivity. The economy factor was the critical factor to promote the increase in agricultural carbon emissions, while the main inhibiting factor for agricultural carbon emissions was the efficiency factor. The labour factor became more and more obvious in increasing agricultural carbon emissions. Finally, we discuss policy recommendations in terms of the main factors, including the development of agricultural science and technology (S&T), the establishment of three major mechanisms and transfer of rural labour in ethnic areas.
Conformal mapping for multiple terminals
Authors: Wang Weimin , Ma Wenying , Wang Qiang , Ren Hao
Published: November 2016

Conformal mapping is an important mathematical tool that can be used to solve various physical and engineering problems in many fields, including electrostatics, fluid mechanics, classical mechanics, and transformation optics. It is an accurate and convenient way to solve problems involving two terminals. However, when faced with problems involving three or more terminals, which are more common in practical applications, existing conformal mapping methods apply assumptions or approximations. A general exact method does not exist for a structure with an arbitrary number of terminals. This study presents a conformal mapping method for multiple terminals. Through an accurate analysis of boundary conditions, additional terminals or boundaries are folded into the inner part of a mapped region. The method is applied to several typical situations, and the calculation process is described for two examples of an electrostatic actuator with three electrodes and of a light beam splitter with three ports. Compared with previously reported results, the solutions for the two examples based on our method are more precise and general. The proposed method is helpful in promoting the application of conformal mapping in analysis of practical problems.
Lineage diversification, homo- and heterologous reassortment and recombination shape the evolution of chicken orthoreoviruses
Authors: Farkas Szilvia L. , Marton Szilvia , Dandár Eszter , Kugler Renáta , Gál Bence , Jakab Ferenc , Bálint Ádám , Kecskeméti Sándor , Bányai Krisztián
Published: November 2016

The near complete genome sequences of ten field avian orthoreovirus (ARV) strains collected from young chicken between 2002 and 2011 in Hungary have been determined in order to explore the genetic diversity and evolutionary mechanisms affecting ARVs in this region. Sequence analyses and phylogenetic calculations revealed similar geographic distribution and distinct evolution in case of eight studied strains that were closely related to the recently described Hungarian strain T1781. The remaining two strains showed the highest similarity with the US origin AVS-B. The topology of the phylogenetic trees of certain segments was affected by several potential homologous reassortment events between strains of Hungarian, Chinese and US origin. Analyzing the μB gene a possible heterologous reassortment event was identified in three Hungarian strains. Recombination events were detected in as much as a dozen cases implying that beside point mutations and reassorment this mechanism also plays an important role in the diversification of ARVs. All these mechanisms in concert may explain the reduced effectiveness of immunization using commercial vaccine strains.
Patterned Microstructure Fabrication: Polyelectrolyte Complexes vs Polyelectrolyte Multilayers
Authors: Gai Meiyu , Frueh Johannes , Kudryavtseva Valeriya L. , Mao Rui , Kiryukhin Maxim V. , Sukhorukov Gleb B.
Published: November 2016

Polyelectrolyte complexes (PEC) are formed by mixing the solutions of oppositely charged polyelectrolytes, which were hitherto deemed “impossible” to process, since they are infusible and brittle when dry. Here, we describe the process of fabricating free-standing micro-patterned PEC films containing array of hollow or filled microchambers by one-step casting with small applied pressure and a PDMS mould. These structures are compared with polyelectrolyte multilayers (PEM) thin films having array of hollow microchambers produced from a layer-by-layer self-assembly of the same polyelectrolytes on the same PDMS moulds. PEM microchambers “cap” and “wall” thickness depend on the number of PEM bilayers, while the “cap” and “wall” of the PEC microchambers can be tuned by varying the applied pressure and the type of patterned mould. The proposed PEC production process omits layering approaches currently employed for PEMs, reducing the production time from ~2 days down to 2 hours. The error-free structured PEC area was found to be significantly larger compared to the currently-employed microcontact printing for PEMs. The sensitivity of PEC chambers towards aqueous environments was found to be higher compared to those composed of PEM.
Light-controllable toxicity recovery from selenium-based amphiphiles
Authors: Pan Hang , Wang Shangfeng , Xue Yudong , Cao Hongliang , Zhang Weian
Published: November 2016

A selenium-containing anticancer compound DSeMTTG was prepared, which could be self-assembled into a unimolecular amphiphilic drug nanoassembly (UADN) with good biocompatibility.
A chemical proteomic probe for detecting native carrier protein motifs in nonribosomal peptide synthetases
Authors: Kasai Shota , Ishikawa Fumihiro , Suzuki Takehiro , Dohmae Naoshi , Kakeya Hideaki
Published: November 2016

An activity-based probe coupled to a 5′-(vinylsulfonylaminodeoxy)adenosine scaffold with a clickable alkyne functionality selectively targets native carrier protein motifs in nonribosomal peptide synthetases.
Intramolecular radical non-reductive alkylation of ketones via transient enamines
Authors: Diaba Faïza , Montiel Juan A. , Bonjoch Josep
Published: November 2016

A five-minute one-pot cyclization of dichloro-acetamide-tethered ketones was achieved under microwave activation through a radical procedure involving a transient enamine.
The effect of Mo doping on the charge separation dynamics and photocurrent performance of BiVO4 photoanodes
Authors: Pattengale Brian , Huang Jier
Published: November 2016

The effect of Mo doping on the electronic structure, carrier dynamics, and photocurrent performance of BiVO4 photoanodes was investigated.
Hydrolysis of trivalent plutonium and solubility of Pu(OH)3(am) under electrolytic reducing conditions
Authors: Cho Hye-Ryun , Youn Young-Sang , Jung Euo Chang , Cha Wansik
Published: November 2016

This paper focusses on the determination of the thermodynamic data of Pu(iii) hydrolysis, which are important for a long-term safety assessment of high-level radioactive waste disposal in a deep geological system.
Synthesis of CuxNi(1−x)O coral-like nanostructures and their application in the design of a reusable toxic heavy metal ion sensor based on an adsorption-mediated electrochemical technique
Authors: Dey Sayan , Santra Sumita , Midya Anupam , Guha Prasanta Kumar , Ray Samit Kumar
Published: November 2016

Nanostructured, Cu-doped nickel oxides serve as excellent, ultra-fast, re-usable heavy metal ion sensors with an ultra-low detection limit and very high selectivity towards toxic Cr(vi) ions.
Multiplexed droplet Interface bilayer formation
Authors: Barlow Nathan E. , Bolognesi Guido , Flemming Anthony J. , Brooks Nicholas J. , Barter Laura M. C. , Ces Oscar
Published: November 2016

A movable PMMA device to reversibly form droplet interface bilayers (DIBs).
A comprehensive physico-chemical study on the molecular structure effects of sulfonated polyamide thin-film composites
Authors: Hu Jiahui , Liu Yang , Cao Xingzhong , Zhang Peng , Zheng Junfeng , Li Meng , Zhang Xuan , Wang Lianjun
Published: November 2016

Two similar monomers, 4,4′-diaminodiphenyl ether-2,2′-disulfonic acid (ODADS) and benzidine-2,2′-disulfonic acid (BDSA), were used for the fabrication of the corresponding sulfonated thin-film composite (TFC) membranes with trimesoyl chloride (TMC) on the polysulfone substrate.
Fluorescent benzimidazo[1,2-a]quinolines: synthesis, spectroscopic and computational studies of protonation equilibria and metal ion sensitivity
Authors: Hranjec Marijana , Horak Ema , Babić Darko , Plavljanin Sanela , Srdović Zrinka , Steinberg Ivana Murković , Vianello Robert , Perin Nataša
Published: November 2016

Novel benzimidazo[1,2-a]quinolines with promising pH and chemosensing properties are experimentally and computationally characterized.
Crystal structure and physical properties of 1-methyl-3-(carboxymethyl)benzimidazolium betaine·CuBr2 in crystal and water solution
Authors: Czekański Łukasz , Hoffmann Stanisław K. , Barczyński Piotr , Gąsowska Anna , Bregier-Jarzębowska Romualda , Zalewska Alina , Goslar Janina , Ratajczak-Sitarz Małgorzata , Katrusiak Andrzej
Published: November 2016

Planar CuO2Br2 complex exists in a triclinic unit cell. Single crystal EPR and MO-theory give electron spin density delocalization parameters.
Synthesis of lipo-glycopolymers for cell surface engineering
Authors: Liu Qi , Xue Hui , Gao Jinbo , Cao Limin , Chen Gaojian , Chen Hong
Published: November 2016

A novel synthetic lipo-glycopolymer was inserted into cell membranes for cell surface engineering.
Characterization of a graphene oxide/poly(acrylic acid) nanocomposite by means of molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Karatasos Kostas , Kritikos Georgios
Published: November 2016

Graphene oxide/poly(acrylic acid) nanocomposite: static, dynamic, thermal properties and hydrogen bonding, as studied by molecular dynamics simulations.
Selective nitrogen bonding states in nitrogen-doped carbon via a solution plasma process for advanced oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Li Oi Lun , Chiba Satoshi , Wada Yuta , Lee Hoonseung , Ishizaki Takahiro
Published: November 2016

Selective nitrogen bonding within nitrogen-doped carbon nanoparticles was achieved by altering linear and heterocyclic precursor via solution plasma.
Capturing students’ abstraction while solving organic reaction mechanism problems across a semester
Authors: Weinrich M. L. , Sevian H.
Published: November 2016

Students often struggle with solving mechanism problems in organic chemistry courses. They frequently focus on surface features, have difficulty attributing meaning to symbols, and do not recognize tasks that are different from the exact tasks practiced. To be more successful, students need to be able to extract salient features, map similarities to problems seen previously, and extrapolate while solving problems. In short, students must be able to recognize and generate abstractions. To help students in learning to solve problems, we need a better understanding of the nature of students’ capacity for abstraction. Building upon an exploratory study (Sevian H., Bernholt S., Szteinberg G. A., Auguste S. and Pérez L. C., (2015), Use of representation mapping to capture abstraction in problem solving in different courses in chemistry,Chem. Educ. Res. Pract., 16(3), 429–446), we applied the representation mapping model of Hahn and Chater (1998a) to characterize the abstraction employed by students while solving mechanistic problems in organic chemistry, and to measure students’ growth in abstraction capacity across a semester. This model operationalizes abstraction by considering (a) the ways in which students match existing knowledge to new instances (abstracting) and (b) the level of abstractness of students’ representations. We describe characteristic indicators of abstracting and abstractness. Trends were observable in the abstraction present in the reasoning of successful and unsuccessful problem solvers. Students who proposed plausible solutions used both strict or partial matching, but students who proposed implausible solutions tended to use strict matching. Students who proposed plausible solutions utilized higher levels of abstractness. This indicates that flexibility in abstraction processes may be important to successfully solve problems. The findings have implications for developing instructors’ assessment practices in ways that build students’ abstraction capacity.
Decreasing the electronic confinement in layered perovskites through intercalation
Authors: Smith Matthew D. , Pedesseau Laurent , Kepenekian Mikaël , Smith Ian C. , Katan Claudine , Even Jacky , Karunadasa Hemamala I.
Published: November 2016

We show that post-synthetic small-molecule intercalation can significantly reduce the electronic confinement of 2D hybrid perovskites.
In situ tether formation from amines and alcohols enabling highly selective Tsuji–Trost allylation and olefin functionalization
Authors: Orcel Ugo , Waser Jérôme
Published: November 2016

A new generation of methods based on in situ tether formation greatly enhances the efficiency and selectivity of olefin functionalization.
Incorporation of MnO nanoparticles inside porous carbon nanotubes originated from conjugated microporous polymers for lithium storage
Authors: Zhang Qingtang , Dai Qinqin , Li Meng , Wang Xiaomei , Li An
Published: November 2016

Porous carbon nanotubes were simply fabricated by the pyrolysis of conjugated microporous polymer nanotubes, followed by doping MnO nanoparticles inside of the nanotubes (MnO–PCNTs). MnO–PCNTs deliver superior electrochemical performance to PCNTs.
Contribution of adaptive thermogenesis to the hypothalamic regulation of energy balance
Authors: Lage Ricardo , Fernø Johan , Nogueiras Rubén , Diéguez Carlos , López Miguel
Published: November 2016

Obesity and its related disorders are among the most pervasive diseases in contemporary societies, and there is an urgent need for new therapies and preventive approaches. Given (i) our poor social capacity to correct unhealthy habits, and (ii) our evolutionarily genetic predisposition to store excess energy as fat, the current environment of caloric surplus makes the treatment of obesity extremely difficult. During the last few decades, an increasing number of methodological approaches have increased our knowledge of the neuroanatomical basis of the control of energy balance. Compelling evidence underlines the role of the hypothalamus as a homeostatic integrator of metabolic information and its ability to adjust energy balance. A greater understanding of the neural basis of the hypothalamic regulation of energy balance might indeed pave the way for new therapeutic targets. In this regard, it has been shown that several important peripheral signals, such as leptin, thyroid hormones, oestrogens and bone morphogenetic protein 8B, converge on common energy sensors, such as AMP-activated protein kinase to modulate sympathetic tone on brown adipose tissue. This knowledge may open new ways to counteract the chronic imbalance underlying obesity. Here, we review the current state of the art on the role of hypothalamus in the regulation of energy balance with particular focus on thermogenesis.