bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acetylene hydrogenation over structured Au–Pd catalysts
Authors: McCue Alan J. , Baker Richard T. , Anderson James A.
Published: November 2015

AuPd nanoparticles were prepared following a methodology designed to produce core–shell structures (an Au core and a Pd shell). Characterisation suggested that slow addition of the shell metal favoured deposition onto the pre-formed core, whereas more rapid addition favoured the formation of a monometallic Pd phase in addition to some nanoparticles with the core–shell morphology. When used for the selective hydrogenation of acetylene, samples that possessed monometallic Pd particles favoured over-hydrogenation to form ethane. A sample prepared by the slow addition of a small amount of Pd resulted in the formation of a core–shell structure but with an incomplete Pd shell layer. This material exhibited a completely different product selectivity with ethylene and oligomers forming as the major products as opposed to ethane. The improved performance was thought to be as a result of the absence of Pd particles, which are capable of forming a Pd-hydride phase, with enhanced oligomer selectivity associated with reaction on uncovered Au atoms.
Cotton derived porous carbon via an MgO template method for high performance lithium ion battery anodes
Authors: Zhu Chunyu , Akiyama Tomohiro
Published: November 2015

This paper presents a biomass-derived porous carbon containing macro/mesopores for high-performance LIB anodes.
Nitrogen-assisted electroless assembling of 3D nanodendrites consisting of Pd and N-doped carbon nanoparticles as bifunctional catalysts
Authors: Sadhanala H. K. , Nandan R. , Nanda K. K.
Published: November 2015

Synthesis of locally and spatially separated interconnected nano-armed Pd 3D nanodendrites by N-doped carbon nanoparticles: methanol oxidation and 4-nitrophenol reduction.
Chemical speciation via X-ray emission spectroscopy in the tender X-ray range
Authors: Petric Marko , Kavčič Matjaž
Published: November 2015

Kα X-ray emission spectra from a series of phosphorus, sulfur, and chlorine containing compounds covering the full range of oxidation states were measured employing high energy resolution proton induced X-ray emission (PIXE) spectroscopy in the tender X-ray range.
Biocompatible fluorinated polyglycerols for droplet microfluidics as an alternative to PEG-based copolymer surfactants
Authors: Wagner Olaf , Thiele Julian , Weinhart Marie , Mazutis Linas , Weitz David A. , Huck Wilhelm T. S. , Haag Rainer
Published: November 2015

Polyglycerol-based triblock surfactants with tailored side-chain composition are exemplified in cell encapsulation and in vitro gene expression studies in droplet-based microfluidics as alternative to PEG-based surfactants.
Nickel oxide nanoparticles/ionic liquid crystal modified carbon composite electrode for determination of neurotransmitters and paracetamol
Authors: Atta Nada F. , Ibrahim Asmaa H. , Galal Ahmed
Published: November 2015

Ionic liquid crystals mimic the natural bio-based ionic liquid crystals such as cell membrane structures in their interactions with drugs.
Diastereoselective synthesis of substituted hexahydrobenzo[de]isochromanes and evaluation of their antileishmanial activity
Authors: Saikia Anil K. , Sultana Sabera , Devi Ngangbam Renubala , Deka Manash J. , Tiwari Kartikeya , Dubey Vikash K.
Published: November 2015

Hexahydrobenzo[de]isochromanes and hexahydropyrano[3,4,5-ij]isoquinolines are synthesizedviaFriedel–Crafts and oxa-Pictet–Spengler reaction of enol ethers mediated by triflic acid in good yields.
The chemical synthesis of aryltetralin glycosides
Authors: Sun Jian-Song , Liu Hui , Guo Xiao-Hong , Liao Jin-Xi
Published: November 2015

A review placing its emphasis on the enantioselective synthesis of aryltetralin derivatives and the construction of key glycosydic linkages is presented.
Benzo[5]helicene-based conjugated polymers: synthesis, photophysical properties, and application for the detection of nitroaromatic explosives
Authors: Zhou Li-Li , Li Meng , Lu Hai-Yan , Chen Chuan-Feng
Published: November 2015

Benzo[5]helicene-based conjugated polymers were synthesized and demonstrated as fluorescent chemosensors for the highly selective and sensitive detection of nitroaromatic explosives.
Designing structurally tunable and functionally versatile synthetic supercontainers
Authors: Dai Feng-Rong , Qiao Yupu , Wang Zhenqiang
Published: November 2015

A new family of flexible metal–organic supercontainers exhibit selective binding with cationic guests and tunable supramolecular catalytic activity.
Controllable synthesis of core–satellite Fe3O4@polypyrrole/Pd nanoarchitectures with aggregation-free Pd nanocrystals confined into polypyrrole satellites as magnetically recoverable and highly efficient heterogeneous catalysts
Authors: Guo Wanchun , Jiao Jiao , Tian Kesong , Tang Yongfu , Jia Yin , Li Ruifei , Xu Zhaopeng , Wang Haiyan
Published: November 2015

A soft template-assisted redox strategy has been developed to fabricate core–satellite Fe3O4@PPy/Pd nanocomposites as efficient nanocatalysts for reduction of nitroaromatics.
Quercetin delivery to porcine cornea and sclera by solid lipid nanoparticles and nanoemulsion
Authors: Liu Chi-Hsien , Huang Yun-Chun , Jhang Jhe-Wei , Liu Yu-Hong , Wu Wei-Chi
Published: November 2015

Two potential nanocarriers including nanoemulsions and solid lipid nanoparticles have been demonstrated as vehicles for quercetin encapsulation and ocular delivery.
Atomic force microscopy for dynamic observation of human erythrocytes in a microfluidic system
Authors: Kuo Feng-Jia , Ho Mon-Shu , Dai Jane , Fan Ming-Huisung
Published: November 2015

This study investigated the possibility of using atomic force microscopy (AFM) as a drug delivery system as well as a means to manipulate individual cells in an open microfluidic system for the rapid evaluation of human erythrocyte pathologyin situ.
First direct access to 2-hydroxybenzophenones via nickel-catalyzed cross-coupling of 2-hydroxybenzaldehydes with aryl iodides
Authors: Nowrouzi N. , Zarei M. , Roozbin F.
Published: November 2015

The Nickel-catalyzed cross-coupling of 2-hydroxybenzaldehydes with aryl iodides proceeds in ethylene glycol to give the corresponding 2-hydroxybenzophenones.
An amorphous calcium phosphate nanocomposite for storing and sustained release of IgY protein with antibacterial activity
Authors: Chen Feng , Yang Bin , Qi Chao , Sun Tuan-Wei , Jiang Ying-Ying , Wu Jin , Chen Xi , Zhu Ying-Jie
Published: November 2015

Amorphous calcium phosphate nanospheres with/without La doping are prepared and used for IgY storing, sustained release and antibacterial study.
Effect of pore-size distribution in cathodic gas diffusion layers on the electricity generation of microbial fuel cells (MFCs)
Authors: Shi Xinxin , Huang Tinglin
Published: November 2015

A simple approximate proportional relationship was found between the increases of electricity generation of microbial fuel cells and the volume fraction of mesopores in gas diffusion layers.
Polymer porous interfaces with controllable oil adhesion underwater
Authors: Heng Liping , Guo Tianqi , Wang Bin , Zhang Yuqi , Jiang Lei
Published: November 2015

Porous montmorillonite (MMT)/poly acrylic acid (PAA) composite surfaces with different oil adhesions were achieved by controlling the MMT arrangement in the pore wall.
Superior high rate capability of size-controlled LiMnPO4/C nanosheets with preferential orientation
Authors: Dinh Hung-Cuong , Mho Sun-il , Yeo In-Hyeong , Kang Yongku , Kim Dong-Wan
Published: November 2015

Rectangular-shaped LiMnPO4/C nanosheets prepared via a solvothermal process exhibited high discharge capacities near the theoretical value and stable cycling retentions.
A facile synthesis of a highly water-soluble and selective fluorescent sensor towards zinc ions derived from β-cyclodextrin based on an unexpected sensing process
Authors: Liu Zengchen , Yang Weijie , Li Yanxia , Tian Fengshou , Zhu Wenping
Published: November 2015

A highly selective and sensitive fluorescent sensor for Zn2+ derived from a β-cyclodextrin derivate was fabricated. Through fluorescence micrograph experiments, the sensor showed an excellent image effect on onion epidermal cells.
Research progress on design strategies, synthesis and performance of LiMn2O4-based cathodes
Authors: Mao Fangxin , Guo Wei , Ma Jianmin
Published: November 2015

In this work, we review recent progress in structural design, designing composites with graphene/carbon nanotubes, crystalline doping, and coatings for improving the electrochemical performance of LiMn2O4-based cathode materials.
Platinum functionalized multiwall carbon nanotube composites as recyclable catalyst for highly efficient asymmetric hydrogenation of methyl pyruvate
Authors: Sharma Poonam , Sharma Rakesh K.
Published: November 2015

A highly efficient platinum nanoparticle functionalized carbon nanocomposite is demonstrated to be a recyclable heterogeneous catalyst for asymmetric hydrogenation of methyl pyruvate.
Counterintuitive increase in optical scattering efficiency during negentropic orientational transition in dilute ZnO nanowire suspensions
Authors: Šutka Andris , Timusk Martin , Järvekülg Martin , Loot Ardi , Joost Urmas , Lõhmus Rünno , Saal Kristjan
Published: November 2015

We demonstrate experimentally that the electrophoretic manipulation of a ZnO nanowire (NW) suspension in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) causes a remarkable change in optical scattering.
Piperazine and DBU: a safer alternative for rapid and efficient Fmoc deprotection in solid phase peptide synthesis
Authors: Ralhan Krittika , KrishnaKumar V. Guru , Gupta Sharad
Published: November 2015

We demonstrate PolyAla synthesis using 5% piperazine + 2% DBU, which significantly reduces deletion products arising due to incomplete Fmoc-deprotection and can be used for deletion-free assembly of aggregation prone difficult peptides.
Progress in reactor engineering of controlled radical polymerization: a comprehensive review
Authors: Li Xiaohui , Mastan Erlita , Wang Wen-Jun , Li Bo-Geng , Zhu Shiping
Published: November 2015

Controlled radical polymerization (CRP) represents an important advancement in polymer chemistry. It allows synthesis of polymers with well-controlled chain microstructures.
A highly active nickel electrocatalyst shows excellent selectivity for CO2 reduction in acidic media
Authors: Neri Gaia , Aldous Iain M. , Walsh James J. , Hardwick Laurence J. , Cowan Alexander J.
Published: November 2015

The development of selective electrocatalysts for CO2 reduction in water offers a sustainable route to carbon based fuels and feedstocks.
Single near-infrared fluorescent probe with high- and low-sensitivity sites for sensing different concentration ranges of biological thiols with distinct modes of fluorescence signals
Authors: Chen Hua , Tang Yonghe , Ren Mingguang , Lin Weiying
Published: November 2015

We describe a unique approach for the development of an interesting type of the fluorescent probes, which can show different modes of fluorescence signals to distinct concentration ranges of a target of interest.
Cellulose regeneration and spinnability from ionic liquids
Authors: Hauru Lauri K. J. , Hummel Michael , Nieminen Kaarlo , Michud Anne , Sixta Herbert
Published: November 2015

Ionic liquid solutions of cellulose can be spun into Lyocell-type textile fibers by dry-jet wet spinning.
Colloidally-synthesized cobalt molybdenum nanoparticles as active and stable electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction under alkaline conditions
Authors: McEnaney Joshua M. , Soucy Taylor L. , Hodges James M. , Callejas Juan F. , Mondschein Jared S. , Schaak Raymond E.
Published: November 2015

Colloidal nanoparticles of a cobalt–molybdenum alloy were synthesized and found to be active electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction in alkaline aqueous solutions.
Band gap narrowing of SnS2superstructures with improved hydrogen production
Authors: Li Guowei , Su Ren , Rao Jiancun , Wu Jiquan , Rudolf Petra , Blake Graeme R. , de Groot Robert A. , Besenbacher Flemming , Palstra Thomas T. M.
Published: November 2015

By introducing atom vacancies, the band-gap of semiconductors can be optimized for better photocatalytic performance.
Polycondensation and carbonization of phenolic resin on structured nano/chiral silicas: reactions, morphologies and properties
Authors: Liu Xin-Ling , Moriyama Kazuki , Gao Yan-Feng , Jin Ren-Hua
Published: November 2015

Diversely shaped and chiral nano-carbonaceous materials were obtained using bioinspired polyethyleneimine (PEI)–silica hybrids as catalytic templates and chiral sources.
Gemcitabine and chlorotoxin conjugated iron oxide nanoparticles for glioblastoma therapy
Authors: Mu Qingxin , Lin Guanyou , Patton Victoria K. , Wang Kui , Press Oliver W. , Zhang Miqin
Published: November 2015

Nanoparticles bearing gemcitabine and chlorotoxin show efficient cancer cell uptake and killing, extended blood half-life, and blood–brain barrier penetration.
Lightweight and high-performance electromagnetic radiation shielding composites based on a surface coating of Cu@Ag nanoflakes on a leather matrix
Authors: Liu Chang , Huang Xin , Zhou Jianfei , Chen Zerui , Liao Xuepin , Wang Xiaoling , Shi Bi
Published: November 2015

A leather matrix was used as a microwave-absorptive substrate to surface coat with Cu@Ag nanoflakes to prepare a lightweight, high-performance and wearable nanocomposite shielding material.
Electrically conductive thermoplastic elastomer nanocomposites at ultralow graphene loading levels for strain sensor applications
Authors: Liu Hu , Li Yilong , Dai Kun , Zheng Guoqiang , Liu Chuntai , Shen Changyu , Yan Xingru , Guo Jiang , Guo Zhanhu
Published: November 2015

Strain sensors with high sensitivity are reported in the thermoplastic polyurethane nanocomposites with ultralow graphene loading.
Synthesis of nanocrystalline Cu deficient CuCrO2 – a high figure of merit p-type transparent semiconductor
Authors: Farrell Leo , Norton Emma , Smith Christopher M. , Caffrey David , Shvets Igor V. , Fleischer Karsten
Published: November 2015

The delafossite structured CuCrO2 system is well known as p-type transparent conducting oxide. We have synthesized a Cu deficient form at low process temperature maintaining its good conductive properties.
Fusing directional wavelet local binary pattern and moments for human action recognition
Authors: Al‐Berry Maryam Nabil , Salem Mohammed A.‐M. , Ebeid Hala Mousher , Hussein Ashraf S. , Tolba Mohammed F.
Published: November 2015

Recently, transformation‐based methods have been widely used in many computer vision areas because of their powerful representation ability. One of the most widely used transforms is the wavelet transform that has proved to be very useful in many applications. In this study, a new method for human action representation and description is proposed. This method combines the advantages of local and global descriptions. The method works by fusing the Hu invariant moments as global descriptors with a new local descriptor that is based on three‐dimensional stationary wavelet transform and the concept of local binary patterns. The performance of the new method was examined in two different ways. The first one is by fusing the proposed directional global and local features in one feature vector, while the other is using the features of different directional bands separately to train multiple classifiers and then using a voting scheme to vote for the best match. The performance of the proposed method is verified using standard datasets, achieving high accuracy in comparison with state‐of‐the‐art methods. In addition, the proposed method is proved to be robust to the changes in lighting and scale variations, but it exhibits limitations towards dynamic backgrounds.
Using mathematical morphology to discriminate between internal fault and inrush current of transformers
Authors: Wu Wencong , Ji Tianyao , Li Mengshi , Wu Qinghua
Published: November 2015

This study proposes a novel scheme using mathematical morphology to effectively discriminate between the internal fault and inrush currents of power transformers. The proposed scheme consists of two parts. The first part is based on morphological gradient (MG), for discrimination of currents occurring without considering the current transformer (CT) saturation. The second one uses a symmetrical criterion involving MG to identify internal fault current under CT saturation. To demonstrate its compatibility and efficiency, the scheme is verified employing the data simulated using PSCAD/EMTDC and data collected from laboratory experiment, respectively. The simulation and experimental results indicate that the proposed scheme can improve the accuracy of inrush current identification, even under certain extreme conditions.
Modulation technique for Four‐Leg Voltage Source Inverter without a Look‐Up Table
Authors: Ebrahimzadeh Esmaeil , Farhangi Shahrokh , Iman‐Eini Hossein , Blaabjerg Frede
Published: November 2015

Three‐dimensional space‐vector modulation (3D SVM) has more popularity among the other modulation techniques of the four‐leg inverter due to higher DC‐link voltage utilisation. Sequencing schemes of the switching vectors in the 3D SVM are divided into Class I and II categories. Each of these classes itself has four kinds: (a) rising‐edge aligned, (b) falling‐edge aligned, (c) symmetrically aligned and (d) alternative sequence. In this study, implementation of the conventional 3D SVM technique in abc‐coordinate for four‐leg voltage source inverters is simplified, while it can be so easily adopted in all kinds of sequencing schemes. Unlike conventional techniques, the proposed technique needs no switching vector determination and duty ratio calculation as well as reduces the computational burden. In this technique, turn‐on interval of the upper switches, in every switching period, is calculated without need of a look‐up table and complex equations. Applying the dead time by software is very straightforward in the proposed technique. In addition, by simplification of the proposed modulation technique, it can be applied to the three‐leg inverters. Simulation results in PSCAD/EMTDC environment confirm the validity and effectiveness of the proposed technique. Experimental results are also provided to confirm the validity of the new approach.
Optical fibre intrusion detection method based on Lefevre‐loop and bidirectional polarisation optical time‐domain reflectometer‐C technique
Authors: Franciscangelis Carolina , Floridia Claudio , Fruett Fabiano
Published: November 2015

The authors validated a novel optical fibre intrusion sensor proposal based on Lefevre‐loop and bidirectional polarisation optical time‐domain reflectometer technique. Disturbances along 5 m fibre section inside 9 km perimeter were localised within 18 m resolution.
Structural Basis for the Structure–Activity Behaviour of Oxaliplatin and its Enantiomeric Analogues: A Molecular Dynamics Study of Platinum-DNA Intrastrand Crosslink Adducts
Authors: Yang Jing , Chen Jing , Li Zibiao
Published: November 2015

The discrimination of Pt-GG adducts by mismatch repair proteins, DNA damage-recognition proteins, and translation DNA polymerases was thought to be vital in determining the toxicity, efficacy, and mutagenicity of platinum anti-tumour drugs. Studies on cis-diammine-Pt-GG (from cisplatin and carboplatin) and trans-R,R-diaminocyclohexane (DACH)-Pt-GG indicated that these proteins recognized the differences in conformation and conformational dynamics of Pt-DNA complexes. However, the structural basis of enantiomeric DACH-Pt-GG forms is unclear. Molecular dynamics simulations results presented here reveal that the conformational dynamics between trans-R,R-DACH-Pt-GG, trans-S,S-DACH-Pt-GG, cis-DACH-Pt-GG and undamaged DNA are distinct and depend on the chirality of DACH though their major conformations are similar. Trans-DACH-Pt was found to be energetically favoured over cis-DACH-Pt to form DNA adducts. Moreover, oxaliplatin and its cis-DACH analogues were found to preferentially form hydrogen bonds on the 3′ side of the Pt-GG adduct, whereas the S,S-DACH-Pt preferred the 5′ side. A three-centre hydrogen bond formed between cis1-DACH-Pt and DNA was observed, and the differences in hydrogen bond formation are highly correlated with differences in DNA conformational dynamics. Based on these results, it is suggested that the different bioactivities of oxaliplatin and its enantiomeric analogues were controlled by the difference in hydrogen bonds formation dynamics between DNA and the Pt moiety. Our molecular dynamics approach was demonstrated to be applicable to the study of stereoisomer conformations of platinum-DNA model, thereby suggesting its potential application as a tool for the study and design of new effective platinum-based drugs.
CD11b+Ly6G−myeloid cells mediate mechanical inflammatory pain hypersensitivity
Authors: Ghasemlou Nader , Chiu Isaac M. , Julien Jean-Pierre , Woolf Clifford J.
Published: November 2015

Significance

Inflammatory mediators can activate and sensitize nociceptors, specialized high-threshold nerve fibers that relay noxious signals to the spinal cord and brain to initiate pain. However, the contribution of specific immune cell types to pain in animal models of inflammation remains largely unknown. We therefore characterized the immune response in two widely used preclinical models of inflammatory pain: intraplantar injection of complete Freund’s adjuvant and plantar incisional wound. Cell-depletion strategies investigated the contribution of neutrophils, myeloid cells (including monocytes and macrophages), and T cells to pain behavior outcomes. Our results show that these two models induced quite different inflammatory processes and that targeted elimination of a subpopulation of nonneutrophil myeloid cells blocked development of mechanical hypersensitivity following incisional wounds.
Weaker axially dipolar time-averaged paleomagnetic field based on multidomain-corrected paleointensities from Galapagos lavas
Authors: Wang Huapei , Kent Dennis V. , Rochette Pierre
Published: November 2015

Significance

Our multidomain-corrected paleointensity results from near-equatorial lavas from the Galapagos give a mean intensity only about one-half of that obtained from the only robust published result from near-polar lavas from Antarctica. This new evidence is consistent with the factor-of-2 equator-to-pole paleointensity signature of a geocentric axial dipole field and also indicates that the time-averaged field is considerably weaker than the present-day field. The resulting dipole moment provides a new calibration standard for cosmogenic isotope production rates and suggests that the present decrease in geomagnetic field intensity may simply be a return to a more average magnitude rather than a harbinger of a polarity reversal.
Uterine glucocorticoid receptors are critical for fertility in mice through control of embryo implantation and decidualization
Authors: Whirledge Shannon D. , Oakley Robert H. , Myers Page H. , Lydon John P. , DeMayo Francesco , Cidlowski John A.
Published: November 2015

Significance

Glucocorticoids are primary stress and immune mediators of several fundamental processes, including reproduction and development. However, the direct actions of glucocorticoid signaling in the uterus are largely unknown. We have discovered that the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) in the mouse uterus is essential for normal fertility. Female mice lacking GR specifically in the uterus are subfertile due to defects in implantation related to inadequate remodeling of the endometrial stroma. Moreover, the deficiency in uterine glucocorticoid signaling leads to aberrant gene regulation during tissue remodeling events. Our findings demonstrate previously unrecognized functions of GR in both uterine physiology and fertility.
Engineering opportunities in cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Jeanbart Laura , Swartz Melody A.
Published: November 2015

Immunotherapy has great potential to treat cancer and prevent future relapse by activating the immune system to recognize and kill cancer cells. A variety of strategies are continuing to evolve in the laboratory and in the clinic, including therapeutic noncellular (vector-based or subunit) cancer vaccines, dendritic cell vaccines, engineered T cells, and immune checkpoint blockade. Despite their promise, much more research is needed to understand how and why certain cancers fail to respond to immunotherapy and to predict which therapeutic strategies, or combinations thereof, are most appropriate for each patient. Underlying these challenges are technological needs, including methods to rapidly and thoroughly characterize the immune microenvironment of tumors, predictive tools to screen potential therapies in patient-specific ways, and sensitive, information-rich assays that allow patient monitoring of immune responses, tumor regression, and tumor dissemination during and after therapy. The newly emerging field of immunoengineering is addressing some of these challenges, and there is ample opportunity for engineers to contribute their approaches and tools to further facilitate the clinical translation of immunotherapy. Here we highlight recent technological advances in the diagnosis, therapy, and monitoring of cancer in the context of immunotherapy, as well as ongoing challenges.
Regenerative medicine: Current therapies and future directions
Authors: Mao Angelo S. , Mooney David J.
Published: November 2015

Organ and tissue loss through disease and injury motivate the development of therapies that can regenerate tissues and decrease reliance on transplantations. Regenerative medicine, an interdisciplinary field that applies engineering and life science principles to promote regeneration, can potentially restore diseased and injured tissues and whole organs. Since the inception of the field several decades ago, a number of regenerative medicine therapies, including those designed for wound healing and orthopedics applications, have received Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval and are now commercially available. These therapies and other regenerative medicine approaches currently being studied in preclinical and clinical settings will be covered in this review. Specifically, developments in fabricating sophisticated grafts and tissue mimics and technologies for integrating grafts with host vasculature will be discussed. Enhancing the intrinsic regenerative capacity of the host by altering its environment, whether with cell injections or immune modulation, will be addressed, as well as methods for exploiting recently developed cell sources. Finally, we propose directions for current and future regenerative medicine therapies.
Inhibition of host cell translation elongation by
Legionella pneumophila
blocks the host cell unfolded protein response
Authors: Hempstead Andrew D. , Isberg Ralph R.
Published: November 2015

Significance

The unfolded protein response (UPR) is a cellular mechanism for coping with misfolded proteins in the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). UPR pathways are also induced in response to viral and bacterial pathogens, resulting in enhanced proinflammatory cytokine induction. Here we provide mechanistic evidence for how an intracellular pathogen is able to inhibit the IRE1 branch of the UPR by blocking host translation elongation. Given that a broad spectrum of pathogens block protein synthesis specifically at elongation rather than at other steps of translation, this may point to a common mechanism for blocking the UPR and thereby preventing enhanced proinflammatory cytokine signaling.
Microbes are trophic analogs of animals
Authors: Steffan Shawn A. , Chikaraishi Yoshito , Currie Cameron R. , Horn Heidi , Gaines-Day Hannah R. , Pauli Jonathan N. , Zalapa Juan E. , Ohkouchi Naohiko
Published: November 2015

Significance

We report evidence that microbes are trophically equivalent to animals. When bacteria or fungi are fed the same diets as animals, the microbes register the same trophic position as animals. This discovery reframes how microbes can be viewed within food chains and facilitates the inclusion of the microbiome in functional diversity studies. To demonstrate the broad applicability of our approach, we investigated the ancient symbioses represented by leaf-cutter ant fungus gardens, revealing four discrete trophic levels within this community and providing evidence that fungi, not ants, are the dominant herbivores of the Neotropics. Altogether, we show that microbes can be integrated with plants and animals in a food chain, thereby unifying the macro- and microbiome in studies of trophic ecology.
Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 is a novel target to promote axonal regeneration
Authors: Brochier Camille , Jones James I. , Willis Dianna E. , Langley Brett
Published: November 2015

Significance

Damage to axons in the central nervous system typically results in permanent functional deficits; however, the regenerative capacity of injured neurons can be improved by blocking signals from damaged myelin and activated astrocytes, which act as molecular and physical barriers to regeneration. Here, we identify poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1) as a previously unidentified and critical mediator of axon growth inhibition. We show that exposure of neurons to diverse growth-inhibiting molecules activates PARP1, resulting in the accumulation of poly(ADP-ribose) in the cell body and axon and limited axonal growth. Accordingly, the pharmacological inhibition or genetic loss of PARP1 markedly facilitates axon regeneration. Together, our findings provide critical insights into mechanisms of axon growth and identify PARP1 as a potent target to reverse neurological disability.
Associative learning rapidly establishes neuronal representations of upcoming behavioral choices in crows
Authors: Veit Lena , Pidpruzhnykova Galyna , Nieder Andreas
Published: November 2015

Significance

Corvid songbirds show remarkable cognitive abilities. The executive brain area nidopallium caudolaterale (NCL) is thought to mediate flexible behavior and cognition in birds, similar to the independently evolved prefrontal cortex in mammals. Here, we show that NCL neurons in crows change their responses during associative learning tasks to signal which stimuli belong together. NCL activity mapped distinct visual stimuli to a common associated response by grouping them according to their meaning. During association learning, such goal-oriented prospective representations are rapidly established within minutes of encountering previously unknown stimuli. By enabling a common, behaviorally meaningful code for both novel and highly familiar stimuli based on their required responses, NCL neuronal activity is ideally suited for executive control of flexible, goal-driven behavior.
Low-cost solution to the grid reliability problem with 100% penetration of intermittent wind, water, and solar for all purposes
Authors: Jacobson Mark Z. , Delucchi Mark A. , Cameron Mary A. , Frew Bethany A.
Published: November 2015

Significance

The large-scale conversion to 100% wind, water, and solar (WWS) power for all purposes (electricity, transportation, heating/cooling, and industry) is currently inhibited by a fear of grid instability and high cost due to the variability and uncertainty of wind and solar. This paper couples numerical simulation of time- and space-dependent weather with simulation of time-dependent power demand, storage, and demand response to provide low-cost solutions to the grid reliability problem with 100% penetration of WWS across all energy sectors in the continental United States between 2050 and 2055. Solutions are obtained without higher-cost stationary battery storage by prioritizing storage of heat in soil and water; cold in water and ice; and electricity in phase-change materials, pumped hydro, hydropower, and hydrogen.
Evidence for extensive horizontal gene transfer from the draft genome of a tardigrade
Authors: Boothby Thomas C. , Tenlen Jennifer R. , Smith Frank W. , Wang Jeremy R. , Patanella Kiera A. , Osborne Nishimura Erin , Tintori Sophia C. , Li Qing , Jones Corbin D. , Yandell Mark , Messina David N. , Glasscock Jarret , Goldstein Bob
Published: November 2015

Significance

Despite fascinating scientists for over 200 years, little at the molecular level is known about tardigrades, microscopic animals resistant to extreme stresses. We present the genome of a tardigrade. Approximately one-sixth of the genes in the tardigrade genome were found to have been acquired through horizontal transfer, a proportion nearly double the proportion of previous known cases of extreme horizontal gene transfer (HGT) in animals. Foreign genes have impacted the composition of the tardigrade genome: supplementing, expanding, and replacing endogenous gene families, including those families implicated in stress tolerance. Our results extend recent findings that HGT is more prevalent in animals than previously suspected, and they suggest that organisms that survive extreme stresses might be predisposed to acquiring foreign genes.
Ion-binding properties of a K
+
channel selectivity filter in different conformations
Authors: Liu Shian , Focke Paul J. , Matulef Kimberly , Bian Xuelin , Moënne-Loccoz Pierre , Valiyaveetil Francis I. , Lockless Steve W.
Published: November 2015

Significance

The selectivity filter of K
+
channels is responsible for their exquisite ion selectivity. This region is also responsible for C-type inactivation, a regulatory process in many voltage-dependent K
+
channels. Although the functional properties of inactivated channels have been known for decades, the first potential glimpse of their structure emerged from crystal structures of a constricted selectivity filter in an open channel. However, recent studies challenged the suggestion that the constricted selectivity filter is the inactivated structure, leaving open the question of what the inactivated structure looks like. Here, we provide evidence that the thermodynamic properties of the selectivity filter in an inactivated channel are more similar to properties of the conductive channel rather than the constricted open channel.
The modular and integrative functional architecture of the human brain
Authors: Bertolero Maxwell A. , Yeo B. T. Thomas , D’Esposito Mark
Published: November 2015

Significance

Many complex networks are composed of “modules” that form an interconnected network. We sought to elucidate the nature of the brain’s modular function by testing the autonomy of the brain’s modules and the potential mechanisms underlying their interactions. By studying the brain as a large-scale complex network and measuring activity across the network during 77 cognitive tasks, we demonstrate that, despite connectivity between modules, each module appears to execute a discrete cognitive function relatively autonomously from the other modules. Moreover, brain regions with diverse connectivity across the modules appear to play a role in enabling modules to interact while remaining mostly autonomous. This generates the counterintuitive idea that regions with diverse connectivity across modules are necessary for modular biological networks.
Neural mechanisms tracking popularity in real-world social networks
Authors: Zerubavel Noam , Bearman Peter S. , Weber Jochen , Ochsner Kevin N.
Published: November 2015

Significance

In virtually all human groups, differences in popularity induce social status and shape interactions. How do we recognize that certain individuals are popular—highly liked by the group—even when this collective preference differs from our own? Our results suggest that group members’ popularity is tracked by activity in neural valuation systems, which in turn engage social cognition systems that facilitate understanding others’ mental states. Popular participants’ valuation systems demonstrated enhanced sensitivity to differences among other group members’ popularity. These neural data offer insights into how status guides social behavior and reinforces social network structures, and why the affective valuation and social cognition systems are critical for navigating these networks and achieving high status within them.
High economic inequality leads higher-income individuals to be less generous
Authors: Côté Stéphane , House Julian , Willer Robb
Published: November 2015

Significance

Recent research finds that higher-income individuals are less generous than lower-income individuals. This work has received widespread academic and media attention, but the formulation is likely oversimplistic because it neglects the role of economic inequality. We test a new, multilevel perspective on the relationship between income and generosity that incorporates economic inequality. In a nationally representative survey study and an experiment, we find that higher-income individuals are only less generous if they reside in a highly unequal area or when inequality is experimentally portrayed as relatively high. Our findings offer a more complete understanding of the association between income and generosity and have implications for contemporary debates about the social impact of unequal resource distributions.
Army ants dynamically adjust living bridges in response to a cost–benefit trade-off
Authors: Reid Chris R. , Lutz Matthew J. , Powell Scott , Kao Albert B. , Couzin Iain D. , Garnier Simon
Published: November 2015

Significance

Complex systems, from ant colonies to stock markets, share a common property: sophisticated group-level structure emerges from simple individual-level behaviors. Using simple interaction rules,
Eciton
army ants construct complex bridges from their own bodies to span forest-floor gaps. These living bridges are uniquely complex in both their dynamic properties and the number of animals involved and so are of considerable interest for understanding emergent structures in complex systems. In field experiments, we show that construction interacts with traffic rate and environmental geometry, causing bridges to lengthen, widen, and migrate. Bridges provide a shortcut for foraging ants, at the cost of sequestering workers. We show that bridge location represents a cost–benefit trade-off, with potential implications for human engineered self-assembling systems.
High-resolution crystal structure of a hepatitis B virus replication inhibitor bound to the viral core protein
Authors: Klumpp Klaus , Lam Angela M. , Lukacs Christine , Vogel Robert , Ren Suping , Espiritu Christine , Baydo Ruth , Atkins Kateri , Abendroth Jan , Liao Guochun , Efimov Andrey , Hartman George , Flores Osvaldo A.
Published: November 2015

Significance

A high-resolution structure was obtained for a drug candidate achieving pharmacological activity by inducing and stabilizing protein–protein interaction, a mechanism difficult to study in structural biology. We found that with poorly diffracting protein crystals, a protein stabilizing compound can improve crystal quality and enable the acquisition of a high-resolution structure. It also becomes apparent from this structure how improvements in pharmacologic potency can be achieved by improving protein–protein interaction stabilization and clear avenues for compound optimization are apparent from the data. The binding site observed in crystallography was biologically validated by mutational analysis, which also provides for the first time, to our knowledge, an understanding of a pathway by which viable, drug resistant virus variants may evolve against this drug class.
Nanotechnologies for biomedical science and translational medicine
Authors: Heath James R.
Published: November 2015

In 2000 the United States launched the National Nanotechnology Initiative and, along with it, a well-defined set of goals for nanomedicine. This Perspective looks back at the progress made toward those goals, within the context of the changing landscape in biomedicine that has occurred over the past 15 years, and considers advances that are likely to occur during the next decade. In particular, nanotechnologies for health-related genomics and single-cell biology, inorganic and organic nanoparticles for biomedicine, and wearable nanotechnologies for wellness monitoring are briefly covered.
Progress in material design for biomedical applications
Authors: Tibbitt Mark W. , Rodell Christopher B. , Burdick Jason A. , Anseth Kristi S.
Published: November 2015

Biomaterials that interface with biological systems are used to deliver drugs safely and efficiently; to prevent, detect, and treat disease; to assist the body as it heals; and to engineer functional tissues outside of the body for organ replacement. The field has evolved beyond selecting materials that were originally designed for other applications with a primary focus on properties that enabled restoration of function and mitigation of acute pathology. Biomaterials are now designed rationally with controlled structure and dynamic functionality to integrate with biological complexity and perform tailored, high-level functions in the body. The transition has been from permissive to promoting biomaterials that are no longer bioinert but bioactive. This perspective surveys recent developments in the field of polymeric and soft biomaterials with a specific emphasis on advances in nano- to macroscale control, static to dynamic functionality, and biocomplex materials.
CK2 acts as a potent negative regulator of receptor-mediated insulin release in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Rossi Mario , Ruiz de Azua Inigo , Barella Luiz F. , Sakamoto Wataru , Zhu Lu , Cui Yinghong , Lu Huiyan , Rebholz Heike , Matschinsky Franz M. , Doliba Nicolai M. , Butcher Adrian J. , Tobin Andrew B. , Wess Jürgen
Published: November 2015

Significance

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) regulate the activity of virtually all cell types including pancreatic β-cells. β-Cell M
3
muscarinic receptors (M3Rs) play an essential role in maintaining proper whole-body glucose homeostasis. Activity of the M3R, like that of other GPCRs, is modulated by phosphorylation by various kinases, including GRKs and casein kinase 2 (CK2). The potential physiological relevance of M3R phosphorylation (or of GPCRs in general) by CK2 remains unknown. We here show that CK2-dependent phosphorylation of β-cell M3Rs significantly impairs M3R-mediated increases in insulin release in vitro and in vivo. Our data demonstrate, for the first time to our knowledge, the physiological relevance of CK2 phosphorylation of a GPCR and suggest the novel concept that kinases acting on β-cell GPCRs may represent therapeutic targets.
Multifaceted contribution of the TLR4-activated IRF5 transcription factor in systemic sclerosis
Authors: Saigusa Ryosuke , Asano Yoshihide , Taniguchi Takashi , Yamashita Takashi , Ichimura Yohei , Takahashi Takehiro , Toyama Tetsuo , Yoshizaki Ayumi , Sugawara Koji , Tsuruta Daisuke , Taniguchi Tadatsugu , Sato Shinichi
Published: November 2015

Significance

The present study is, to our knowledge, the first demonstration of the molecular mechanisms underlying the association of IFN regulatory factor 5 (IRF5) expression with milder clinical manifestations of systemic sclerosis (SSc). It is speculated that endogenous ligands induce Toll-like receptor 4 signaling and promote IRF5 transcriptional regulation of its target gene promoters, which may be required for the development of SSc. Our present study supports this notion. Symptoms associated with SSc in humans were suppressed in mice deficient in the
Irf5
gene. As such, this study offers previously unidentified insight into the complexity of SSc pathology, giving impetus to further clinical studies for the treatment of the disease.
Altered
Escherichia coli
membrane protein assembly machinery allows proper membrane assembly of eukaryotic protein vitamin K epoxide reductase
Authors: Hatahet Feras , Blazyk Jessica L. , Martineau Eugenie , Mandela Eric , Zhao Yongxin , Campbell Robert E. , Beckwith Jonathan , Boyd Dana
Published: November 2015

Significance

Proteins embedded in biological membranes are important targets for therapeutic intervention. However, they tend to be far more challenging to deal with than soluble proteins. We have used the anticoagulant target VKORc1 to investigate membrane protein expression bottlenecks in the bacterium
Escherichia coli
. When this poorly expressed enzyme is mutagenized or introduced to a library of
E. coli
mutants, functional expression is achieved. This approach gave clues on why certain foreign membrane proteins fail to correctly assimilate in
E. coli
membranes including mis-matches in membrane protein assembly signals. We also identified key critical residues in two components of membrane protein assembly and quality control for rational manipulations to enhance functional expression. Finally, we demonstrate the high-throughput screening for potential anticoagulants using bacteria.
Tim-3 enhances FcεRI-proximal signaling to modulate mast cell activation
Authors: Phong Binh L. , Avery Lyndsay , Sumpter Tina L. , Gorman Jacob V. , Watkins Simon C. , Colgan John D. , Kane Lawrence P.
Published: November 2015

T cell (or transmembrane) immunoglobulin and mucin domain protein 3 (Tim-3) has attracted significant attention as a novel immune checkpoint receptor (ICR) on chronically stimulated, often dysfunctional, T cells. Antibodies to Tim-3 can enhance antiviral and antitumor immune responses. Tim-3 is also constitutively expressed by mast cells, NK cells and specific subsets of macrophages and dendritic cells. There is ample evidence for a positive role for Tim-3 in these latter cell types, which is at odds with the model of Tim-3 as an inhibitory molecule on T cells. At this point, little is known about the molecular mechanisms by which Tim-3 regulates the function of T cells or other cell types. We have focused on defining the effects of Tim-3 ligation on mast cell activation, as these cells constitutively express Tim-3 and are activated through an ITAM-containing receptor for IgE (FcεRI), using signaling pathways analogous to those in T cells. Using a variety of gain- and loss-of-function approaches, we find that Tim-3 acts at a receptor-proximal point to enhance Lyn kinase-dependent signaling pathways that modulate both immediate-phase degranulation and late-phase cytokine production downstream of FcεRI ligation.
Hysteresis, Price Acceptance, and Reference Prices
Authors: Richards Timothy J. , Gómez Miguel I. , Printezis Iryna
Published: November 2015

The existence of price thresholds in grocery retailing is well‐documented. Most authors explain the existence of price thresholds using Assimilation‐Contrast Theory, Adaptation Level Theory, or Prospect Theory. However, each of these theories is untenable if consumers are believed to behave rationally. We offer a theoretical explanation grounded in Real Options Theory (ROT) and economic hysteresis. We test the ROT hypothesis against three plausible alternatives using a maximum likelihood friction model that we augment for unobserved heterogeneity. Our findings support the ROT hypothesis, and suggest that the existence of price thresholds in aggregate data are driven by a common recognition of real option values, which do not disappear with the inclusion of consumer heterogeneity.