bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The ‘hanging flag’ problem: on the heaving motion of a thin filament in the limit of small flexural stiffness
Authors: Manela A. , Weidenfeld M.
Published: September 2017

We investigate the fluid–structure interaction of a vertically hanging filament immersed in uniform incompressible high Reynolds number flow. The filament is subject to small-amplitude harmonic heaving at its upstream edge, and to a gravity-induced (‘hanging chain’) tension force. We focus on the limit of small bending rigidity to examine the differences between a highly elastic beam (where bending rigidity is small but finite) and a membrane (where bending rigidity vanishes). The problem is analysed by means of thin airfoil theory, in conjunction with a discrete vortex model for the downstream wake. Denoting the filament non-dimensional rigidity (normalized by the tension force) by $\bar{\unicode[STIX]{x1D700}}$, it is first verified that the beam deflection and associated flow field converge to the membrane solution at $\bar{\unicode[STIX]{x1D700}}\rightarrow 0$. At low actuation frequencies, the differences between the membrane and beam motions are small, and both follow a nearly rigid-body motion parallel to the upstream-edge actuation. With increasing frequency, the differences between the beam and membrane become visible at increasingly lower values of $\bar{\unicode[STIX]{x1D700}}$, and the stabilizing effect of beam flexural rigidity, resulting in reduced flapping amplitudes, is apparent. Examining the beam motion near its edge points at non-small frequencies, semi-analytic approximations for the associated time-periodic displacements are obtained. Close to the actuated end, a layer of width $\bar{\unicode[STIX]{x1D700}}^{1/2}$ is found, where the flexural rigidity term in the equation of motion is balanced by the tension term. Here, the differences between the beam and membrane deflections are attributed to the additional zero-slope condition satisfied by the former. In the vicinity of the free end, a local Taylor expansion is carried out. A balance between the bending and inertia terms results in a layer of width $\propto \bar{\unicode[STIX]{x1D700}}^{1/4}/\bar{\unicode[STIX]{x1D714}}_{h}^{1/2}$, where $\bar{\unicode[STIX]{x1D714}}_{h}$ denotes the scaled heaving frequency. The layer is therefore thicker than the upstream layer for $\bar{\unicode[STIX]{x1D714}}_{h}\approx 1$, and becomes thinner with increasing $\bar{\unicode[STIX]{x1D714}}_{h}$. Within the layer, the beam deflects linearly with the distance from the edge, in marked difference from a membrane and in accordance with the free-end conditions satisfied by the former.
Coupled Mechanism on Interfacial Slip and Shear Lag for Twin-Cell Composite Box Beam Under Even Load
Authors: Yu J. , Hu S. W. , Xu Y. C. , Fan B.
Published: September 2017

A model of Twin-cell Composite Box Beam (TCCBB), which is composed of concrete plate and thin-walled steel box beam with twin-cell, is proposed in this paper. Combined with structural features, longitudinal interfacial slip mode (LISM) and related shear hysteresis functions (SHFS) of this TCCBB model are defined respectively; analytical formulation describing combination effect between interfacial slip and shear lag is launched for this TCCBB model under even load. Based on established governing differential equations and its relative boundary conditions (calculated with compatible mechanism of interfacial slip and shear lag effect), closed form solutions of normal stress and shear stress are derived for this TCCBB model, as well as effective shear-lag coefficient and effective coupled behavior coefficient. To obtain more accurate computational results of specific coupled mechanism of this TCCBB model, numerical example is carried out to analyze and predict coupled mechanism of interfacial slip and shear lag effect for this type of composite structures.
The Expulsion of South Africa and Rhodesia from the Commonwealth Medical Association, 1947–70
Authors: Stewart John
Published: September 2017

In 1970 the medical associations of South Africa and Rhodesia (now, Zimbabwe) were expelled from the Commonwealth Medical Association. The latter had been set up, as the British Medical Commonwealth Medical Conference, in the late 1940s by the British Medical Association (BMA). These expulsions, and the events leading up to them, are the central focus of this article. The BMA’s original intention was to establish an organisation bringing together the medical associations of the constituent parts of the expanding Commonwealth. Among the new body’s preoccupations was the relationship between the medical profession and the state in the associations’ respective countries. It thus has to be seen as primarily a medico-political organisation rather than one concerned with medicine per se. Although, there were also tensions from the outset regarding the membership of the Southern African medical associations. Such stresses notwithstanding, these two organisations remained in the BMA-sponsored body even after South Africa and Rhodesia had left the Commonwealth. This was not, however, a situation which could outlast the growing number of African associations which joined in the wake of decolonisation; and hardening attitudes towards apartheid. The article therefore considers: why the BMA set up this Commonwealth body in the first place and what it hoped to achieve; the history of the problems associated with South African and Rhodesian membership; and how their associations came to be expelled.
Effects of oralLactobacillusadministration on antioxidant activities and CD4+CD25+forkhead box P3 (FoxP3)+ T cells in NZB/W F1 mice
Authors: Tzang Bor-Show , Liu Chung-Hsien , Hsu Kuo-Ching , Chen Yi-Hsing , Huang Chih-Yang , Hsu Tsai-Ching
Published: September 2017

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that is characterised by a dysregulation of the immune system, which causes inflammation responses, excessive oxidative stress and a reduction in the number of cluster of differentiation (CD)4+CD25+forkhead box P3 (FoxP3)+ T cells. Supplementation with certainLactobacillusstrains has been suggested to be beneficial in the comprehensive treatment of SLE. However, little is known about the effect and mechanism of certainLactobacillusstrains on SLE. To investigate the effects ofLactobacilluson SLE, NZB/W F1 mice were orally gavaged withLactobacillus paracaseiGMNL-32 (GMNL-32),Lactobacillus reuteriGMNL-89 (GMNL-89) andL. reuteriGMNL-263 (GMNL-263). Supplementation with GMNL-32, GMNL-89 and GMNL-263 significantly increased antioxidant activity, reduced IL-6 and TNF-αlevels and significantly decreased the toll-like receptors/myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88 signalling in NZB/W F1 mice. Notably, supplementation with GMNL-263, but not GMNL-32 and GMNL-89, in NZB/W F1 mice significantly increased the differentiation of CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ T cells. These findings reveal beneficial effects of GMNL-32, GMNL-89 and GMNL-263 on NZB/W F1 mice and suggest that these specificLactobacillusstrains can be used as part of a comprehensive treatment of SLE patients.
Help options for L2 listening in CALL: A research agenda
Authors: Cross Jeremy
Published: September 2017

In this article, I present an agenda for researching help options for second language (L2) listening in computer-assisted language learning (CALL) environments. I outline several theories which researchers in the area draw on, then present common points of concern identified from a review of related literature. This serves as a means to establishing the need for this research agenda and also informs the approach suggested for the six research tasks I propose classified under four themes: learner perceptions and experiences; comparisons of different conditions; learner variables; and learner training.
Design and simulation study of ultra-fast beam bunches split for three orthogonal planes high-energy electron dynamic radiography
Authors: Zhao Q.T. , Cao S.C. , Shen X.K. , Wang Y.R. , Zong Y. , Xiao J.H. , Zhu Y.L. , Zhou Y.W. , Liu M. , Cheng R. , Zhao Y.T. , Zhang Z.M. , Gai W.
Published: September 2017

Here a compact three orthogonal planes high-energy electron radiography system was proposed. One of the critical technologies, the ultra-fast beam bunches split from the bunch train are studied. The separated bunches could be transported to the three orthogonal planes of the target for dynamic radiography diagnostics. The key elements of the ultra-fast bunches split system are transverse deflecting cavity (TDC) and the twin septum magnet (TSM). The principle of TDC and TSM are briefly introduced. An example of the beam bunches split system for test experiment (40 MeV electron beam) with TDC and TSM is designed and studied by particle-tracking simulation and it confirms this method is valid and feasible. Especially with TSM, a compact three orthogonal planes radiography system can be realized. The evolution of the beam parameters along the beam line from simulation are investigated. The detailed design of the beam split system and beam dynamics simulation study are presented in this paper.
Function modeling using the system state flow diagram
Authors: Yildirim Unal , Campean Felician , Williams Huw
Published: September 2017

This paper introduces a rigorous framework for function modeling of complex multidisciplinary systems based on the system state flow diagram (SSFD). The work addresses the need for a consistent methodology to support solution-neutral function-based system decomposition analysis, facilitating the design, modeling, and analysis of complex systems architectures. A rigorous basis for the SSFD is established by defining conventions for states and function definitions and a representation scheme, underpinned by a critical review of existing literature. A set of heuristics are introduced to support the function decomposition analysis and to facilitate the deployment of the methodology with strong practitioner guidelines. The SSFD heuristics extend the existing framework of Otto and Wood (2001) by introducing a conditional fork node heuristic, to facilitate analysis and aggregation of function models across multiple modes of operation of the system. The empirical validation of the SSFD function modeling framework is discussed in relation to its application to two case studies: a benchmark problem (glue gun) set for the engineering design community; and an industrial case study of an electric vehicle powertrain. Based on the evidence from the two case studies presented in the paper, a critical evaluation of the SSFD function modeling methodology is discussed based on the function benchmarking framework established by Summers et al. (2013), considering the representation, modeling, cognitive, and reasoning characteristics. The significance of this paper is that it establishes a rigorous reference framework for the SSFD function representation and a consistent methodology to guide the practitioner with its deployment, facilitating its impact to industrial practice.
Transforming functional models to critical chain models via expert knowledge and automatic parsing rules for design analogy identification
Authors: Agyemang Malena , Linsey Julie , Turner Cameron J.
Published: September 2017

Critical chains composed of critical flows and functions have been demonstrated as an effective qualitative analogy retrieval approach based on performance metrics. In prior work, engineers used expert knowledge to transform functional models into critical chain models, which are abstractions of the functional model. Automating this transformation process is highly desirable so as to provide for a robust transformation method. Within this paper, two paradigms for functional modeling abstraction are compared. A series of pruning rules provide an automated transformation approach, and this is compared to the results generated previously through an expert knowledge approach. These two approaches are evaluated against a set of published functional models. The similarity of the resulting transformation of the functional models into critical chain models is evaluated using a functional chain similarity metric, developed in previous work. Once critical chain models are identified, additional model evaluation criteria are used to evaluate the utility of the critical chain models for design analogy identification. Since the functional vocabulary acts as a common language among designers and engineers to abstract and represent critical design artifact information, analogous matching can be made about the functional vocabulary. Thus, the transformation of functional models into critical chain models enables engineers to use functional abstraction as a mechanism to identify design analogies. The critical flow rule is the most effective first step when automatically transforming a functional model to a critical chain model. Further research into more complex critical chain model architectures and the interactions between criteria is merited.
Pflegequalität auf politischem Weg einfordern
Authors: Zaugg Helena , Ribi Yvonne
Published: September 2017

Zusammenfassung. Die Schweiz kennt weltweit ein nahezu einmaliges politisches Instrument, die Eidgenössische Volksinitiative. Mit 100 000 beglaubigten Unterschriften von stimmberechtigten Schweizer Bürgerinnen, die innerhalb von 18 Monaten gesammelt werden müssen, kann ein Initiativkomitee ein als neuen Verfassungsartikel formuliertes politisches Anliegen beim Parlament einreichen. Das Parlament muss dem Volk den Artikel innerhalb einer bestimmten Frist als Antrag auf Änderung der Bundesverfassung zur Abstimmung vorlegen. Zwischen dem Einreichen der Unterschriften und dem Abstimmungsdatum können je nach dem eingeleiteten politischen Prozess mehrere Jahre liegen.
Zwischen Orientierung und Ablösung
Authors: Hollick Jürgen
Published: September 2017

Zusammenfassung. Es mag heute überholt wirken, über den Pflegeprozess zu schreiben. Schließlich ist dieser wirklich nichts Neues, den Pflegenden wohl bekannt und durch eine Dokumentation, die einzelne Prozessschritte abbildet, fester Bestandteil des Arbeitsalltags. Prozesshafte Arbeitsmethoden werden heute mit einer Selbstverständlichkeit im Pflegealltag verwandt, die wohl zurecht als Hinweis auf dessen Verbesserungspotentiale und hohe Wirksamkeit für die Pflegearbeit verstanden werden darf. Warum also dieser Diskurs?
VIDEO: The Weird, Wonderful Science Behind Titan’s Atmosphere
Authors: Wendel JoAnna
Published: September 2017

Scientists are baffled by a spacecraft’s detection of large molecules in a moon’s atmosphere.
Do p Values Lose Their Meaning in Exploratory Analyses? It Depends How You Define the Familywise Error Rate
Authors: Rubin Mark
Published: September 2017

Several researchers have recently argued that p values lose their meaning in exploratory analyses due to an unknown inflation of the alpha level (e.g., Nosek & Lakens, 2014 ; Wagenmakers, 2016 ). For this argument to be tenable, the familywise error rate must be defined in relation to the number of hypotheses that are tested in the same study or article. Under this conceptualization, the familywise error rate is usually unknowable in exploratory analyses because it is usually unclear how many hypotheses have been tested on a spontaneous basis and then omitted from the final research report. In the present article, I argue that it is inappropriate to conceptualize the familywise error rate in relation to the number of hypotheses that are tested. Instead, it is more appropriate to conceptualize familywise error in relation to the number of different tests that are conducted on the same null hypothesis in the same study. Under this conceptualization, alpha-level adjustments in exploratory analyses are (a) less necessary and (b) objectively verifiable. As a result, p values do not lose their meaning in exploratory analyses.
POPX2 phosphatase regulates apoptosis through the TAK1-IKK-NF-κB pathway
Authors: Weng Ting , Koh Cheng-Gee
Published: September 2017

Chemoresistance is one of the leading causes that contributes to tumor relapse and poor patient outcome after several rounds of drug therapy. The causes of chemoresistance are multi-factorial. Ultimately, it is the balance of pro- and anti-apoptotic activities in the cells. We have previously reported links between POPX2 serine/threonine phosphatase with cell motility and invasiveness of breast cancer cells. Here, we show that POPX2 plays a role in the regulation of apoptosis. The effect of POPX2 on apoptosis centers on the inactivation of TGF-β activated kinase (TAK1). TAK1 is essential for several important biological functions including innate immunity, development and cell survival. We find that POPX2 interacts directly with TAK1 and is able to dephosphorylate TAK1. Cells with lower levels of POPX2 exhibit higher TAK1 activity in response to etoposide (VP-16) treatment. This subsequently leads to increased translocation of NF-κB from the cytosol to the nucleus. Consequently, NF-κB-mediated transcription of anti-apoptotic proteins is upregulated to promote cell survival. On the other hand, cells with higher levels of POPX2 are more vulnerable to apoptosis induced by etoposide. Our data demonstrate that POPX2 is a negative regulator of TAK1 signaling pathway and modulates apoptosis through the regulation of TAK1 activity. As inhibition of TAK1 has been proposed to reduce chemoresistance and increase sensitivity to chemotherapy in certain types of cancer, modulation of POPX2 levels may provide an additional avenue and consideration in fine-tuning therapeutic response.
Cardiac progenitor cells for heart repair
Authors: Le TYL , Chong JJH
Published: September 2017

Stem cell therapy is being investigated as an innovative and promising strategy to restore cardiac function in patients with heart failure. Several stem cell populations, including adult (multipotent) stem cells from developed organs and tissues, have been tested for cardiac repair with encouraging clinical and pre-clinical results. The heart has been traditionally considered a post-mitotic organ, however, this view has recently changed with the identification of stem/progenitor cells residing within the adult heart. Given their cardiac developmental origins, these endogenous cardiac progenitor cells (CPCs) may represent better candidates for cardiac cell therapy compared with stem cells from other organs such as the bone marrow and adipose tissue. This brief review will outline current research into CPC populations and their cardiac repair/regenerative potential.
A universal strategy for the creation of machine learning-based atomistic force fields
Authors: Huan Tran Doan , Batra Rohit , Chapman James , Krishnan Sridevi , Chen Lihua , Ramprasad Rampi
Published: September 2017

Emerging machine learning (ML)-based approaches provide powerful and novel tools to study a variety of physical and chemical problems. In this contribution, we outline a universal strategy to create ML-based atomistic force fields, which can be used to perform high-fidelity molecular dynamics simulations. This scheme involves (1) preparing a big reference dataset of atomic environments and forces with sufficiently low noise, e.g., using density functional theory or higher-level methods, (2) utilizing a generalizable class of structural fingerprints for representing atomic environments, (3) optimally selecting diverse and non-redundant training datasets from the reference data, and (4) proposing various learning approaches to predict atomic forces directly (and rapidly) from atomic configurations. From the atomistic forces, accurate potential energies can then be obtained by appropriate integration along a reaction coordinate or along a molecular dynamics trajectory. Based on this strategy, we have created model ML force fields for six elemental bulk solids, including Al, Cu, Ti, W, Si, and C, and show that all of them can reach chemical accuracy. The proposed procedure is general and universal, in that it can potentially be used to generate ML force fields for any material using the same unified workflow with little human intervention. Moreover, the force fields can be systematically improved by adding new training data progressively to represent atomic environments not encountered previously.
Voltage-driven charge-mediated fast 180 degree magnetization switching in nanoheterostructure at room temperature
Authors: Yi Min , Zhang Hongbin , Xu Bai-Xiang
Published: September 2017

Voltage-driven 180° magnetization switching without electric current provides the possibility for revolutionizing the spintronics. We demonstrated the voltage-driven charge-mediated 180° magnetization switching at room temperature by combining first-principles calculations and temperature-dependent magnetization dynamics simulation. The electric field (E)-induced interface charge is found to allow a giant modulation of the magnetic anisotropy (K) of the nanomagnet. Particularly K is revealed to vary linearly with respect to E and the epitaxial strain. Magnetization dynamics simulations using the so-obtained K show that both in-plane and perpendicular 180° switching can be achieved by E pulses. The temperature effect renders the 180° switching as probability events. Statistical analysis indicates a fast (around 4 ns) and low-error-probability 180° switching achievable at room temperature by controlling the magnitude of E and the pulse width. The study inspires the rational design of miniaturized nanoscale spintronic devices where thermal fluctuation has a great impact.
New insights into earthquake precursors from InSAR
Authors: Moro Marco , Saroli Michele , Stramondo Salvatore , Bignami Christian , Albano Matteo , Falcucci Emanuela , Gori Stefano , Doglioni Carlo , Polcari Marco , Tallini Marco , Macerola Luca , Novali Fabrizio , Costantini Mario , Malvarosa Fabio , Wegmüller Urs
Published: September 2017

We measured ground displacements before and after the 2009 L’Aquila earthquake using multi-temporal InSAR techniques to identify seismic precursor signals. We estimated the ground deformation and its temporal evolution by exploiting a large dataset of SAR imagery that spans seventy-two months before and sixteen months after the mainshock. These satellite data show that up to 15 mm of subsidence occurred beginning three years before the mainshock. This deformation occurred within two Quaternary basins that are located close to the epicentral area and are filled with sediments hosting multi-layer aquifers. After the earthquake, the same basins experienced up to 12 mm of uplift over approximately nine months. Before the earthquake, the rocks at depth dilated, and fractures opened. Consequently, fluids migrated into the dilated volume, thereby lowering the groundwater table in the carbonate hydrostructures and in the hydrologically connected multi-layer aquifers within the basins. This process caused the elastic consolidation of the fine-grained sediments within the basins, resulting in the detected subsidence. After the earthquake, the fractures closed, and the deep fluids were squeezed out. The pre-seismic ground displacements were then recovered because the groundwater table rose and natural recharge of the shallow multi-layer aquifers occurred, which caused the observed uplift.
US Power Production at Risk from Water Stress in a Changing Climate
Authors: Ganguli Poulomi , Kumar Devashish , Ganguly Auroop R.
Published: September 2017

Thermoelectric power production in the United States primarily relies on wet-cooled plants, which in turn require water below prescribed design temperatures, both for cooling and operational efficiency. Thus, power production in US remains particularly vulnerable to water scarcity and rising stream temperatures under climate change and variability. Previous studies on the climate-water-energy nexus have primarily focused on mid- to end-century horizons and have not considered the full range of uncertainty in climate projections. Technology managers and energy policy makers are increasingly interested in the decadal time scales to understand adaptation challenges and investment strategies. Here we develop a new approach that relies on a novel multivariate water stress index, which considers the joint probability of warmer and scarcer water, and computes uncertainties arising from climate model imperfections and intrinsic variability. Our assessments over contiguous US suggest consistent increase in water stress for power production with about 27% of the production severely impacted by 2030s.
Efficient steam generation by inexpensive narrow gap evaporation device for solar applications
Authors: Morciano Matteo , Fasano Matteo , Salomov Uktam , Ventola Luigi , Chiavazzo Eliodoro , Asinari Pietro
Published: September 2017

Technologies for solar steam generation with high performance can help solving critical societal issues such as water desalination or sterilization, especially in developing countries. Very recently, we have witnessed a rapidly growing interest in the scientific community proposing sunlight absorbers for direct conversion of liquid water into steam. While those solutions can possibly be of interest from the perspective of the involved novel materials, in this study we intend to demonstrate that efficient steam generation by solar source is mainly due to a combination of efficient solar absorption, capillary water feeding and narrow gap evaporation process, which can also be achieved through common materials. To this end, we report both numerical and experimental evidence that advanced nano-structured materials are not strictly necessary for performing sunlight driven water-to-vapor conversion at high efficiency (i.e. ≥85%) and relatively low optical concentration (≈10 suns). Coherently with the principles of frugal innovation, those results unveil that solar steam generation for desalination or sterilization purposes may be efficiently obtained by a clever selection and assembly of widespread and inexpensive materials.
Long non-coding RNA HOTAIR promotes cell migration by upregulating insulin growth factor–binding protein 2 in renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Katayama Hiromichi , Tamai Keiichi , Shibuya Rie , Nakamura Mao , Mochizuki Mai , Yamaguchi Kazunori , Kawamura Sadafumi , Tochigi Tatsuo , Sato Ikuro , Okanishi Takamasa , Sakurai Kunie , Fujibuchi Wataru , Arai Yoichi , Satoh Kennichi
Published: September 2017

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is one of the most lethal urologic cancers. About one-third of RCC patients already have distal metastasis at the time of diagnosis. There is growing evidence that Hox antisense intergenic RNA (HOTAIR) plays essential roles in metastasis in several types of cancers. However, the precise mechanism by which HOTAIR enhances malignancy remains unclear, especially in RCC. Here, we demonstrated that HOTAIR enhances RCC-cell migration by regulating the insulin growth factor-binding protein 2 (IGFBP2) expression. HOTAIR expression in tumors was significantly correlated with nuclear grade, lymph-node metastasis, and lung metastasis. High HOTAIR expression was associated with a poor prognosis in both our dataset and The Cancer Genome Atlas dataset. Migratory capacity was enhanced in RCC cell lines in a HOTAIR-dependent manner. HOTAIR overexpression accelerated tumorigenicity and lung metastasis in immunodeficient mice. Microarray analysis revealed that IGFBP2 expression was upregulated in HOTAIR-overexpressing cells compared with control cells. The enhanced migration activity of HOTAIR-overexpressing cells was attenuated by IGFBP2 knockdown. IGFBP2 and HOTAIR were co-expressed in clinical RCC samples. Our findings suggest that the HOTAIR-IGFBP2 axis plays critical roles in RCC metastasis and may serve as a novel therapeutic target for advanced RCC.
Characterization of a spectrally diverse set of fluorescent proteins as FRET acceptors for mTurquoise2
Authors: Mastop Marieke , Bindels Daphne S. , Shaner Nathan C. , Postma Marten , Gadella Theodorus W. J. , Goedhart Joachim
Published: September 2017

The performance of Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) biosensors depends on brightness and photostability, which are dependent on the characteristics of the fluorescent proteins that are employed. Yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) is often used as an acceptor but YFP is prone to photobleaching and pH changes. In this study, we evaluated the properties of a diverse set of acceptor fluorescent proteins in combination with the optimized CFP variant mTurquoise2 as the donor. To determine the theoretical performance of acceptors, the Förster radius was determined. The practical performance was determined by measuring FRET efficiency and photostability of tandem fusion proteins in mammalian cells. Our results show that mNeonGreen is the most efficient acceptor for mTurquoise2 and that the photostability is better than SYFP2. The non-fluorescent YFP variant sREACh is an efficient acceptor, which is useful in lifetime-based FRET experiments. Among the orange and red fluorescent proteins, mCherry and mScarlet-I are the best performing acceptors. Several new pairs were applied in a multimolecular FRET based sensor for detecting activation of a heterotrimeric G-protein by G-protein coupled receptors. Overall, the sensor with mNeonGreen as acceptor and mTurquoise2 as donor showed the highest dynamic range in ratiometric FRET imaging experiments with the G-protein sensor.
Mulberry leaf alleviates streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats by attenuating NEFA signaling and modulating intestinal microflora
Authors: Sheng Yao , Zheng Shujuan , Ma Tianshi , Zhang Chuanhai , Ou Xiaoqun , He Xiaoyun , Xu Wentao , Huang Kunlun
Published: September 2017

Improvement of hyperglycemia through dietotherapy/herbal remedy is an effective approach to treating diabetes. In this study, mulberry leaf, famous for silkworm’s special food and therapeutic value without any side effects, alleviated diabetes by attenuating NEFA signaling and modulating intestinal microflora. Mulberry leaf treatment significantly reduce fasting blood-glucose and HbA1c, ameliorate the blood lipid profile and improve insulin resistance in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Mechanistically, we found that mulberry leaf inhibited NEFA signaling by reducing downstream signaling in the NEFA pathway, further verified by reduced PKC and improved cellular energy homeostasis based on restored expression of PGC-1α, AK2, OXPHOS and adiponectin. Mulberry leaf treatment also restored the phyla Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria and class Clostridia, which were associated with insulin resistance and diabetes. Our findings reveal that mulberry leaf is an edible with therapeutic potential for diabetes and may provide a novel dietotherapy/herbal remedy to the treatment of diabetes.
Identification and characterization of a novel Sso7d scaffold-based binder against Notch1
Authors: Gocha Tenzin , Rao Balaji M. , DasGupta Ramanuj
Published: September 2017

Notch signaling has important functions in regulating cell growth and development, misregulation of which has been implicated in various cancers. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeting Notch protein activity have already moved into clinical trials. However due to the limitations associated with cost and productivity of mAbs, there has been a surge in the development of complementary approaches that are based on non-antibody scaffolds. Non-antibody scaffolds are small proteins that are stable and can be engineered to develop high-affinity binders against specific targets of interest. Here we describe the isolation and characterization of a novel Notch1-binding protein, N9, obtained by screening of a combinatorial library based on the ultra-stable Sso7d scaffold. N9 targets the extracellular EGF-like repeats (ELR) 11–13 in Notch1, and therefore serves as a competitive inhibitor for Notch ligands to decrease expression of Notch target genes. We demonstrate that N9 recognizes surface expression of Notch1 on the plasma membrane and binds preferentially to cell lines misexpressing Notch1. Although N9 was selected against Notch1, we also observe cross-reactivity against other Notch receptors, including Notch2/3. Finally, we demonstrate that N9 inhibits proliferation and generation of tumorspheres in Notch expressing cancer cell lines, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent in Notch-associated malignancies.
Factors Generating Glucose Degradation Products In Sterile Glucose Solutions For Infusion: Statistical Relevance Determination Of Their Impacts
Authors: Haybrard J. , Simon N. , Danel C. , Pinçon C. , Barthélémy C. , Tessier F. J. , Décaudin B. , Boulanger E. , Odou P.
Published: September 2017

Sterilising glucose solutions by heat promotes the generation of a large number of glucose degradation products (GDPs). It has been shown that high levels of GDPs may result in Advanced Glycation End products that have an impact on cellular homeostasis and health in general. If data is available for peritoneal dialysis solutions, little has been published for glucose infusion fluids. It is essential to identify the parameters causing the formation of GDPs and so limit the risk of exposing patients to them. After quantifying both 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furfural, considered as an important indicator of degradation, and 2-furaldehyde, an ultimate GDP of one degradation pathway, in marketed solutions, the aim of this work is to build a model integrating all the parameters involved in the formation rates of these two GDPs: supplier, glucose amount, container material, oxygen permeability coefficient and time-lapse since manufacture. Our results show a good logarithmic relationship between GDP formation rates and time-lapse since manufacture for both GDPs. The amount of GDPs in the glucose solutions for infusion depends on the initial glucose amount, the polymer of the container, the time elapsed since manufacturing and the supplier.
BRD4 regulates adiponectin gene induction by recruiting the P-TEFb complex to the transcribed region of the gene
Authors: Sakurai Naoko , Inamochi Yuko , Inoue Takuya , Hariya Natsuyo , Kawamura Musashi , Yamada Masami , Dey Anup , Nishiyama Akira , Kubota Takeo , Ozato Keiko , Goda Toshinao , Mochizuki Kazuki
Published: September 2017

We previously reported that induction of the adipocyte-specific gene adiponectin (Adipoq) during 3T3-L1 adipocyte differentiation is closely associated with epigenetic memory histone H3 acetylation on the transcribed region of the gene. We used 3T3-L1 adipocytes and Brd4 heterozygous mice to investigate whether the induction of Adipoq during adipocyte differentiation is regulated by histone acetylation and the binding protein bromodomain containing 4 (BRD4) on the transcribed region. Depletion of BRD4 by shRNA and inhibition by (+)-JQ1, an inhibitor of BET family proteins including BRD4, reduced Adipoq expression and lipid droplet accumulation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Additionally, the depletion and inhibition of BRD4 reduced the expression of many insulin sensitivity-related genes, including genes related to lipid droplet accumulation in adipocytes. BRD4 depletion reduced P-TEFb recruitment and histone acetylation on the transcribed region of the Adipoq gene. The expression levels of Adipoq and fatty acid synthesis-related genes and the circulating ADIPOQ protein level were lower in Brd4 heterozygous mice than in wild-type mice at 21 days after birth. These findings indicate that BRD4 regulates the Adipoq gene by recruiting P-TEFb onto acetylated histones in the transcribed region of the gene and regulates adipocyte differentiation by regulating the expression of genes related to insulin sensitivity.
Optimizing the fragment complementation of APEX2 for detection of specific protein-protein interactions in live cells
Authors: Xue Miaomiao , Hou Junjie , Wang Linlin , Cheng Dongwan , Lu Jingze , Zheng Li , Xu Tao
Published: September 2017

Dynamic protein-protein interactions (PPIs) play crucial roles in cell physiological processes. The protein-fragment complementation (PFC) assay has been developed as a powerful approach for the detection of PPIs, but its potential for identifying protein interacting regions is not optimized. Recently, an ascorbate peroxidase (APEX2)-based proximity-tagging method combined with mass spectrometry was developed to identify potential protein interactions in live cells. In this study, we tested whether APEX2 could be employed for PFC. By screening split APEX2 pairs attached to FK506-binding protein 12 (FKBP) and the FKBP12-rapamycin binding (FRB) domain, which interact with each other only in the presence of rapamycin, we successfully obtained an optimized pair for visualizing the interaction between FRB and FKBP12 with high specificity and sensitivity in live cells. The robustness of this APEX2 pair was confirmed by its application toward detecting the STIM1 and Orial1 homodimers in HEK-293 cells. With a subsequent mass spectrometry analysis, we obtained five different biotinylated sites that were localized to the known interaction region on STIM1 and were only detected when the homodimer formed. These results suggest that our PFC pair of APEX2 provides a potential tool for detecting PPIs and identifying binding regions with high specificity in live cells.
Terahertz magneto-plasmonics using cobalt subwavelength aperture arrays
Authors: Gupta Barun , Pandey Shashank , Nahata Anjali , Sensale-Rodriguez Berardi , Guruswamy Sivaraman , Nahata Ajay
Published: September 2017

We characterize the terahertz (THz) magneto-plasmonic response of a cobalt-based periodic aperture array. The bare cobalt surface allows for low loss propagation of surface plasmon-polaritons, as evidenced by comparing the reflection from aperture arrays coated with Au and with Co. When an external magnetic field is applied in a polar Kerr geometry, we observe a maximum polarization rotation of ~0.6° and an ellipticity of ~0.35° from the Co-based array. These values are larger than expected based on existing models that include only interband transitions in ferromagnetic metals. We discuss possible reasons for the difference between experiment and theory.
Plasmonic Enhancement of Selective Photonic Virus Inactivation
Authors: Nazari Mina , Xi Min , Lerch Sarah , Alizadeh M. H. , Ettinger Chelsea , Akiyama Hisashi , Gillespie Christopher , Gummuluru Suryaram , Erramilli Shyamsunder , Reinhard Björn M.
Published: September 2017

Femtosecond (fs) pulsed laser irradiation techniques have attracted interest as a photonic approach for the selective inactivation of virus contaminations in biological samples. Conventional pulsed laser approaches require, however, relatively long irradiation times to achieve a significant inactivation of virus. In this study, we investigate the enhancement of the photonic inactivation of Murine Leukemia Virus (MLV) via 805 nm femtosecond pulses through gold nanorods whose localized surface plasmon resonance overlaps with the excitation laser. We report a plasmonically enhanced virus inactivation, with greater than 3.7-log reduction measured by virus infectivity assays. Reliable virus inactivation was obtained for 10 s laser exposure with incident laser powers ≥0.3 W. Importantly, the fs-pulse induced inactivation was selective to the virus and did not induce any measurable damage to co-incubated antibodies. The loss in viral infection was associated with reduced viral fusion, linking the loss in infectivity with a perturbation of the viral envelope. Based on the observations that physical contact between nanorods and virus particles was not required for viral inactivation and that reactive oxygen species (ROS) did not participate in the detected viral inactivation, a model of virus inactivation based on plasmon enhanced shockwave generation is proposed.
Surfactant Fluorinated Ionic Liquids
Authors: Pereiro A. B. , Araújo J. M. M. , Esperança J. M. S. S. , Rebelo L. P. N.
Published: September 2017

Fluorinated ionic liquids (FILs) are growing into greener biomaterials for engineering applications due to their exceptional physicochemical properties, such as their vanishing vapour pressure, solvent quality, outstanding chemical and biological inertness, null flammability, low surface tension, high surfactant power and high thermal stability. Tuning these properties by the proper choice of cations and anions also plays an important role in controlling the distinct types of interactions, namely van der Waals, hydrogen bonds and coloumbic. Moreover, the novel FILs herein proposed present an interesting nanostructuring effect, promoting the appearance of a third nanosegregated domain (fluorous), which permits control of their segregation capacity, converting FILs into 3-in-1 solvents with enhanced solubilisation power. Adjusting the different types of interactions, the size and type of domains (polar, hydrogenated/fluorinated apolar), surfactant behaviour and the solubility in water and other fluids will provide the ingredients needed to use these FILs as biomaterials in different applications where fluorocarbon compounds display some handicaps. This chapter provides a critical review of the characteristic and complex behaviour of this family of ionic liquids and their possible applications. The attained results will have a clear impact on applications using fluorocarbon compounds and ionic liquids.
Smart Ionic Liquids-based Gas Sensors
Authors: Zhao Chuan , Gondosiswanto Richard , Hibbert D. Brynn
Published: September 2017

Ionic liquids are “designer-solvents” that are promising candidates for substituting conventional aqueous/organic solvents in gas sensors. This is due to their unique set of properties, such as high ionic conductivity, great chemical and thermal stability, and low vapour pressure. The latter property is important in order to fabricate a membrane-free gas sensor. Direct contact between the gas analytes and the electrolyte medium (solvent) is preferable in order to enhance the overall performance (response time and sensitivity) of the gas sensor. Recent surges in publications, reports, and books have suggested increasing research interests towards this class of “smart” solvents. This chapter summarises the recent developments in ionic liquids-based gas sensor designs, for example electrochemical, optical, and mass-based. The performance of each gas sensor design to detect specific gas analyte was compared in terms of their sensitivity, response time, and limit of detection.
Structure–activity relationship study of ProxyPhos chemosensors for the detection of proximal phosphorylation and other phosphate species
Authors: Cabral A. D. , Murcar-Evans B. I. , Toutah K. , Bancerz M. , Rosa D. , Yuen K. , Radu T. B. , Ali M. , Penkul A. , Kraskouskaya D. , Gunning P. T.
Published: September 2017

Family of ProxyPhos chemosensors: a toolbox for the detection of proximally phosphorylated biologically-relevant phosphate species.
Selective crystallisation of carbamazepine polymorphs on surfaces with differing properties
Authors: Yang Huaiyu , Song Cai L. , Lim Ying X. S. , Chen Wenqian , Heng Jerry Y. Y.
Published: September 2017

Surface-induced nucleation of carbamazepine (CBZ) in ethanol was investigated with different surface materials: glass, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and tin.
An efficient algorithm for extracting the magnitude of the measurement error for fractional dynamics
Authors: Sikora G. , Kepten E. , Weron A. , Balcerek M. , Burnecki K.
Published: September 2017

Calibration surfaces enable the magnitude of the measurement noise and the anomalous diffusion exponent to be recovered from the observed experimental data.
Study of counter electrodes as an effective controlling factor of crystal orientation of TiO2 nanoarrays used as the anode in lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Kashani Hamideh , Gharibi Hussein , Javadian Soheila , Kakemam Jamal
Published: September 2017

The morphology, crystal orientation, and Li ion electrochemical performance of TNAs strongly depend on the counter electrode.
Electronic compensation-induced stabilization of carbon dots@PMMA under UV aging
Authors: Chen Xiang-Yang , Yang Xue-Chun , Zhang Zhi-Jun , Yao He-Liang , Zhang Lin-Lin , Lu Ping , Jin Teng-Teng , Xu Fang-Fang , Zhao Jing-Tai
Published: September 2017

As-prepared FOCDs could enhance the stability of optical polymers under UV aging through timely electron compensation with no deterioration in transparency.
Water-repellent and corrosion-resistance properties of superhydrophobic and lubricant-infused super slippery surfaces
Authors: Song Fan , Wu Cuiqing , Chen Hailong , Liu Qi , Liu Jingyuan , Chen Rongrong , Li Rumin , Wang Jun
Published: September 2017

Inspired by lotus leaves and pitcher plants, superhydrophobic surfaces and super slippery surfaces have been fabricated to improve the characteristics of AZ31 magnesium alloy surfaces.
Performance and durability of a layered proton conducting solid oxide fuel cell fueled by the dry reforming of methane
Authors: Guo Youmin , Wan Tingting , Zhu Ankang , Shi Tingting , Zhang Guilin , Wang Chunchang , Yu Hao , Shao Zongping
Published: September 2017

Layered H+-SOFCs with a LN-1, LN-2 or Ni/La2O3 catalyst layer had great cell performance for dry reforming of methane as fuel.
Restricted diffusion of model sulfides over a NiMo/BK catalyst under hydrodesulfurization reaction conditions
Authors: Wu Huadong , Duan Aijun , Zhao Zhen , Xu Chunming , Jiang Guiyuan , Liu Jian , Wei Yuechang , Li Jianmei , Chi Kebin , Guo Jia
Published: September 2017

The effective factors (η) of a NiMo/BK catalyst are greater than that of the traditional NiMo/Al2O3; the effective diffusion coefficient (De) decreases with the increasing molecular size of the model sulfides.
Highly efficient photoluminescence from isolated Eu3+ ions embedded in high-charge mica
Authors: Martín-Rodríguez R. , Valiente R. , Aguado F. , Perdigón A. C.
Published: September 2017

Incorporation of lanthanide ions in synthetic clay minerals is a promising approach to combine the efficient sharp-line emission of lanthanides with the unique structural stability and high adsorption capacity of high-charge micas.
A novel furo[3,2-c]pyridine-based iridium complex for high-performance organic light-emitting diodes with over 30% external quantum efficiency
Authors: Yan Zhimin , Wang Yanping , Wang Jiaxiu , Wang Yue , Ding Junqiao , Wang Lixiang
Published: September 2017

A novel furo[3,2-c]pyridine Ir complex has been developed by replacing S with O in the C^N ligand, which shows a blue-shifted emission and an EQE of over 30%.
The effect of bisphenol A on testicular steroidogenesis and its amelioration by quercetin: anin vivoandin silicoapproach
Authors: Samova Sanman , Patel Chirag N. , Doctor Hetal , Pandya Himanshu A. , Verma R. J.
Published: September 2017

Bisphenol A (BPA), a phenyl ring containing synthetic xenoestrogen, is widely used in the manufacture of polycarbonate plastics, epoxy resins and as a non-polymer additive to other plastics.
Luminescent CdSe@ZnS nanocrystals embedded in liposomes: a cytotoxicity study in HeLa cells
Authors: De Leo Vincenzo , Milano Francesco , Paiano Aurora , Bramato Roberta , Giotta Livia , Comparelli Roberto , Ruscigno Silvia , Agostiano Angela , Bucci Cecilia , Catucci Lucia
Published: September 2017

Fluorescent nanocrystals embedded in liposomes for bioimaging applications.