bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Protease resistance of porcine acidic mammalian chitinase under gastrointestinal conditions implies that chitin-containing organisms can be sustainable dietary resources
Authors: Tabata Eri , Kashimura Akinori , Wakita Satoshi , Ohno Misa , Sakaguchi Masayoshi , Sugahara Yasusato , Imamura Yasutada , Seki Shiro , Ueda Hitoshi , Matoska Vaclav , Bauer Peter O. , Oyama Fumitaka
Published: October 2017

Chitin, a polymer of N-acetyl-D-glucosamine (GlcNAc), is a major structural component in chitin-containing organism including crustaceans, insects and fungi. Mammals express two chitinases, chitotriosidase (Chit1) and acidic mammalian chitinase (AMCase). Here, we report that pig AMCase is stable in the presence of other digestive proteases and functions as chitinolytic enzyme under the gastrointestinal conditions. Quantification of chitinases expression in pig tissues using quantitative real-time PCR showed that Chit1 mRNA was highly expressed in eyes, whereas the AMCase mRNA was predominantly expressed in stomach at even higher levels than the housekeeping genes. AMCase purified from pig stomach has highest activity at pH of around 2–4 and remains active at up to pH 7.0. It was resistant to robust proteolytic activities of pepsin at pH 2.0 and trypsin and chymotrypsin at pH 7.6. AMCase degraded polymeric chitin substrates including mealworm shells to GlcNAc dimers. Furthermore, we visualized chitin digestion of fly wings by endogenous AMCase and pepsin in stomach extract. Thus, pig AMCase can function as a protease resistant chitin digestive enzyme at broad pH range present in stomach as well as in the intestine. These results indicate that chitin-containing organisms may be a sustainable feed ingredient in pig diet.
Hyaluronan–tyrosine–gold nanoparticles as an enzyme-free colorimetric probe for the detection of phosphorothiolate pesticides
Authors: Yang Limin , Zhang Xiaohui , Li Huiping , Jiang Lei
Published: October 2017

A simple strategy for colorimetric detection of OPPs with P–S bonds was proposed, requiring only the addition of analyte into the HA–Tyr–AuNP solution.
Influence of size, shape, heteroatom content and dispersive contributions on guest binding in a coordination cage
Authors: Löffler Susanne , Wuttke Axel , Zhang Bo , Holstein Julian J. , Mata Ricardo A. , Clever Guido H.
Published: October 2017

Encapsulation of neutral guest molecules inside a self-assembled coordination cage was systematically studied using NMR and MS experiments. Electronic structure calculations reveal substantial contributions of dispersive interactions to binding.
Targeted attachment of functional groups at Ge9clusters via silylation reactions
Authors: Mayer K. , Schiegerl L. J. , Kratky T. , Günther S. , Fässler T. F.
Published: October 2017

A metalloid Ge clusters receives reactive substituents.
Nucleation of octahedral titanate crystals using waste anodic electrolyte from the anodization of TiO2 nanotubes
Authors: Lee Kar Chun , Sreekantan Srimala , Ahmad Zainal Arifin , Saharudin Khairul Arifah , Taib Mustaffa Ali Azhar
Published: October 2017

Anodization conducted in ethylene glycol with H2O2 produces nanotube arrays. Octahedral crystals were extracted from the electrolyte waste for chemical recycling.
Solid electrolyte interphase formation by propylene carbonate reduction for lithium anode
Authors: Qian Qinlai , Yang Yifu , Shao Huixia
Published: October 2017

The reduction of PC occurs in two potential stages which was explored by scanning electrochemical microscopy.
Theories and simulations of roaming
Authors: Bowman Joel M. , Houston Paul L.
Published: October 2017

We review the theories and simulations that have recently been developed to address and understand a new reaction phenomenon called roaming.
Selective glycerol oxidation over ordered mesoporous copper aluminum oxide catalysts
Authors: Schünemann Stefan , Schüth Ferdi , Tüysüz Harun
Published: October 2017

Ordered mesoporous Cu–Al2O3 catalysts were employed for the selective oxidation of glycerol into value-added products. Co-solvents such as ethanol, 1-propanol, and tert-butanol strongly improve the reaction kinetics.
Engineering a highly dispersed co-catalyst on a few-layered catalyst for efficient photocatalytic H2 evolution: a case study of Ni(OH)2/HNb3O8 nanocomposites
Authors: Xia Yuzhou , Chen Weihang , Liang Shijing , Bi Jinhong , Wu Ling , Wang Xuxu
Published: October 2017

Ni(OH)2 has been highly dispersed on HNb3O8 nanosheets and the composites exhibited greatly enhanced photocatalytic activity.
Control of reactivity through chemical order in very small RuRe nanoparticles
Authors: Ayvalı Tuğçe , Fazzini Pier-Francesco , Lecante Pierre , Mayoral Alvaro , Philippot Karine , Chaudret Bruno
Published: October 2017

A suitable choice of organometallic precursors leads to control of chemical order within ultra-small Ru–Re nanoparticles exhibiting different surface reactivities.
Effects of Er3+ spatial distribution on luminescence properties and temperature sensing of upconverting core–shell nanocrystals with high Er3+ content
Authors: Chen Daqin , Xu Min , Ma Mengfan , Huang Ping
Published: October 2017

Two kinds of core–shell nanoarchitectures were fabricated and the effects of Er3+ spatial distribution on upconversion performance and temperature sensing were investigated.
Preventive effects of taurine againstd-galactose-induced cognitive dysfunction and brain damage
Authors: Tu Dom-Gene , Chang Yao-Ling , Chou Chung-Hsi , Lin Yi-Ling , Chiang Chia-Chun , Chang Yuan-Yen , Chen Yi-Chen
Published: October 2017

Oxidative stress arising from life processes or environmental influences and its resultant cellular dysfunctions are major causes of neurodegenerative disorders.
A Bayesian approach for estimating protein–protein interactions by integrating structural and non-structural biological data
Authors: Ur Rehman Hafeez , Bari Inam , Ali Anwar , Mahmood Haroon
Published: October 2017

Accurate elucidation of genome wide protein–protein interactions is crucial for understanding the regulatory processes of the cell.
Highly stable n-type thermoelectric materials fabricated via electron doping into inkjet-printed carbon nanotubes using oxygen-abundant simple polymers
Authors: Horike Shohei , Fukushima Tatsuya , Saito Takeshi , Kuchimura Takuya , Koshiba Yasuko , Morimoto Masahiro , Ishida Kenji
Published: October 2017

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) are important candidates for flexible and non-toxic thermoelectric (TE) energy-harvesting devices because they have large Seebeck coefficients, good flexibility, and inkjet printability onto plastic substrates.
Photothermal-triggered release of singlet oxygen from an endoperoxide-containing polymeric carrier for killing cancer cells
Authors: Lv Wen , Xia Huiting , Zhang Kenneth Yin , Chen Zejing , Liu Shujuan , Huang Wei , Zhao Qiang
Published: October 2017

An endoperoxide-containing polymeric carrier was developed to realize the photothermal-triggered release of singlet oxygen for killing cancer cells.
Addressing carrier extraction from optically-optimized nanopillar arrays for thin-film photovoltaics
Authors: Shalev Gil
Published: October 2017

Optoelectronic numerical examination of carrier extraction from nanopillar arrays that are optimized for maximum absorption of the solar radiation.
Far-field and near-field monitoring of hybridized optical modes from Au nanoprisms suspended on a graphene/Si nanopillar array
Authors: Nien Li-Wei , Chen Kai , Dao Thang Duy , Ishii Satoshi , Hsueh Chun-Hway , Nagao Tadaaki
Published: October 2017

A Au/graphene/Si hybrid with high spectral tunability was fabricated to investigate the optical hybridization between the plasmonic and photonic modes.
Evidence of single electron transfer from the enolate anion of an N,N′-dialkyldiketopiperazine additive in BHAS coupling reactions
Authors: Emery Katie J. , Tuttle Tell , Murphy John A.
Published: October 2017

A designed N,N′-dialkyldiketopiperazine (DKP) provides evidence for the role of DKP additives as initiators that act by electron transfer in base-induced homolytic aromatic substitution reactions, involving coupling of haloarenes to arenes.
A dynamic prediction of stability for nitromethane in external electric field
Authors: Ren Fu-de , Cao Duan-lin , Shi Wen-jing , You Min
Published: October 2017

Adding an external electric field into an energetic material system can increase the energy but the stability may be reduced.
Gaseous cyclohexanone catalytic oxidation by a self-assembled Pt/γ-Al2O3catalyst: process optimization, mechanistic study, and kinetic analysis
Authors: Cheng Zhuowei , Peng Xu , Li Chao , Yu Jianming , Feng Zhuohuan
Published: October 2017

γ-Al2O3nanocatalysts with a Pt loading of 0.6–1.0% were prepared successfullyviaa self-assembly method to be used in the catalytic oxidation of cyclohexanone in a fixed-bed reactor.
Synthesis, characterization and corrosion inhibition potential of two novel Schiff bases on mild steel in acidic medium
Authors: Pandey Archana , Singh B. , Verma Chandrabhan , Ebenso Eno E.
Published: October 2017

This study reports the synthesis of new Schiff bases namely 5-((4-chloro-3-nitrophenylimino)methyl)-2-methoxyphenol and 2-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzylidineamino)-4-nitrophenol using solid–liquid phase equilibrium diagram and their characterization.
Detailed molecular movements during poly(l-lactic acid) cold-crystallization investigated by FTIR spectroscopy combined with two-dimensional correlation analysis
Authors: Xue Bai , Xie Lan , Zhang Junhua
Published: October 2017

The sequential order of the groups' movement and the microdynamics mechanism of PLLA cold-crystallization are successfully investigated.
Synthesis, crystal structure, photophysical property and metal ion-binding behavior of a cyclometalated platinum(ii) terpyridylacetylide with efficient π-conjugation degree
Authors: Bi Dongqin , Feng Yuquan , Zhao Qian , Wang Hongwei , Zhu Yongsheng , Bao Xiaoyu , Fan Huitao , Yu Lintao , Yang Qichao , Qiu Dongfang
Published: October 2017

The “Donor–Phosphore–Receptor” platform as a novel building block for formation of heterotrinuclear transition metal complexes.
Mechanoresponsive luminescence and liquid-crystalline behaviour of a cyclophane featuring two 1,6-bis(phenylethynyl)pyrene groups
Authors: Sagara Yoshimitsu , Tamaoki Nobuyuki
Published: October 2017

A symmetric pyrenophane exhibits mechanoresponsive luminescence in the solid state and shows a nematic liquid-crystalline behavior at elevated temperature.
The relationship between chemistry self-efficacy of South African first year university students and their academic performance
Authors: Ramnarain Umesh , Ramaila Sam
Published: October 2017

This study investigated the self-efficacy of first-year Chemistry students at a South African university. The research involved a quantitative survey of 333 students using the College Chemistry Self-Efficacy Scale (CCSS) developed by Uzuntiryaki and Capa Aydin (2009). Descriptive statistics on data for the CCSS scales suggested that students have positive beliefs in their capability to accomplish chemistry tasks. The students scored more strongly on the self-efficacy constructs of cognitive and psychomotor skills than on everyday application. There was a significant difference between students of different professional orientations for cognitive skills and everyday applications, with students enrolled for Chemical Engineering having the highest mean scores for these constructs. A multiple regression analysis was run in order to explore the relationship between chemistry self-efficacy and performance in a chemistry examination. The analysis indicated that cognitive skills significantly predicted chemistry performance, while psychomotor skills and everyday applications had no significant impact. The implications for research and instruction are discussed in terms of the relationship between chemistry self-efficacy and performance.
Simple organic structure directing agents for synthesizing nanocrystalline zeolites
Authors: Gallego Eva M. , Paris Cecilia , Díaz-Rey M. Rocío , Martínez-Armero Marta E. , Martínez-Triguero Joaquín , Martínez Cristina , Moliner Manuel , Corma Avelino
Published: October 2017

The synthesis of ZSM-5 and beta zeolites in their nanosized form has been achieved by using simple alkyl-substituted mono-cationic cyclic ammonium cations as OSDA molecules.
Organic thermoelectric devices based on a stable n-type nanocomposite printed on paper
Authors: Ferhat Salim , Domain Christophe , Vidal Julien , Noël Didier , Ratier Bernard , Lucas Bruno
Published: October 2017

(PEDOT)xV2O5nanocomposites optimized for thermoelectric generation, adapted for the first time to printing technology and used for patterning a device.
Bacterial infection microenvironment-responsive enzymatically degradable multilayer films for multifunctional antibacterial properties
Authors: Yao Qingqing , Ye Zi , Sun Lin , Jin Yingying , Xu Qingwen , Yang Mei , Wang Yi , Zhou Yunlong , Ji Jian , Chen Hao , Wang Bailiang
Published: October 2017

The adhesion of bacteria is one of the most important stages in biofilm formation and bacterial infection.
Protective effects of Nigella sativa L. seed extract on lead induced neurotoxicity during development and early life in mouse models
Authors: Butt Umer Javed , Shah Syed Adnan Ali , Ahmed Touqeer , Zahid Saadia
Published: October 2017

Nigella sativa L. supplementation improves Pb-induced neurotoxicity in early life and provides neuroprotective and antioxidant potentials.
Improvement of speed response in four‐phase DC–DC converter switching using two shunt voltage‐source
Authors: Yahaya Jabbar A. , Mansor Muhamad , Sulaiman Suhaila
Published: October 2017

This study proposes a technique that is able to improve the speed response of a four‐phase DC–DC converter switching. The basic concept of the proposed technique is the inclusion of two shunt‐connected voltage sources in series to the converter system. Using a higher input voltage to drive the load, a higher current per microsecond output system will be obtained and reverts to its nominal input upon obtaining desired references. Thus, the transient response observed when using this proposed technique is found to be much faster when compared to the conventional converter. Moreover, this technique is easily implemented as it requires only an additional voltage source, power switch, and power diode. The integrated model of the two shunt voltage‐source in a four‐phase DC–DC converter was simulated in MATLAB/Simulink and validated against the experimental results of a laboratory prototype, 600 W four‐phase DC–DC converter. The novelty of this proposed technique is its ability to provide faster operations for critical loads applications, lower output capacitor and lower operating frequency.
Unified framework for multi‐scale decomposition and applications
Authors: Guanlei Xu , Xiaotong Wang , Xiaogang Xu , Lijia Zhou , Yonglu Liu
Published: October 2017

Since real‐world digital images differ in thousands ways, an adaptive multi‐scale decomposition scheme adapting to images is increasingly urgently required for image analysis and applications. In this paper, a unified framework for multi‐scale decomposition is developed. Instead of full using the extrema in bi‐dimensional empirical mode decomposition (BEMD), edges are fully taken into account because edges play an important role in images. First, effective edges are extracted using spatial scale, intensity difference and other parameters through their coarse‐to‐fine edge detection approach. Given Gaussian noise series with the same variance are added to these edges repeatedly to produce extrema. Then the produced extrema on edges are employed to interpolate to calculate the mean and further the different detail components from multiple noised signals on average. Through manipulating the parameters of this framework, multiple decomposition patterns: the alternative edge‐preserving multi‐scale decomposition and non‐edge‐preserving multi‐scale decomposition along with in‐between transitional multi‐scale decomposition can be obtained, respectively. It shows that the existing multi‐scale decomposition methods of BEMD can be taken as special cases of this decomposition framework. Finally, comparisons with other methods are performed and numerous applications of this decomposition approach are explored to show its efficiency.
On assessing the accuracy of defect free energy computations
Authors: Dobson Matthew , Duong Manh Hong , Ortner Christoph
Published: October 2017

We develop a rigorous error analysis for coarse-graining of defect-formation free energy. For a one-dimensional constrained atomistic system, we establish the thermodynamic limit of the defect-formation free energy and obtain explicitly the rate of convergence. We then construct a sequence of coarse-grained energies with the same rate but significantly reduced computational cost. We illustrate our analytical results through explicit computations for the case of harmonic potentials and through numerical simulations.
Evaluation of a new decision-aid parameter for job shop scheduling under uncertainties
Authors: Yahouni Zakaria , Mebarki Nasser , Sari Zaki
Published: October 2017

This paper addresses the groups of permutable operations method. This method is a flexible scheduling approach to hedge against uncertainties and is composed of a proactive/reactive phase. The proactive phase consists of computing a set of solutions (schedule) to a scheduling problem, leaving the choice of executing one of these solutions during the reactive phase according to the current state of the shop floor. During the reactive phase, the remaining decisions have to be made in real-time. The worst-case evaluation of the remaining solutions is a decision-aid parameter used during the reactive phase in order to control the final schedule from exceeding a worst-case performance. While the existing literature only tackles the worst-case evaluation of the groups of permutable operations, this paper deals with its best-case evaluation. For solving this problem, a new lower bound calculating this parameter in polynomial time is proposed. The computational efficiency of this parameter in a reactive algorithm exhibits very good performance. Moreover, the experiments show the robustness of this evaluation allowing this parameter to be used in an unstable job shop environment.
Tückische Patientenfahrt
Authors: Weimer Tobias
Published: October 2017

In vielen Kliniken fehlen klare Regelungen, wann ein Patient mit einem Mietliegewagen transportiert werden darf. Haftungsrechtlich ist das heikel.
Internationale Handelsabkommen: „Wir brauchen Ausnahmen für Krankenhäuser“
Authors: Alschner Uwe
Published: October 2017

Die Europäische Union will internationale Handelsabkommen wie CETA, TTIP oder JEFTA abschließen, doch mögliche Folgen könnten auch die Krankenhäuser treffen, warnt unser Autor Uwe Alschner. Prinzipien der deutschen Daseinsfürsorge könnten bald vor internationalen Schiedsgerichten verhandelt werden.
IT-Sicherheitslücken: Cybercrime in deutschen Krankenhäusern
Authors: Mewis Dirk
Published: October 2017

Die „WannaCry“-Attacke hat britische Kliniken lahmgelegt. Aber auch deutsche Krankenhäuser waren schon Ziel von Cyberkriminellen. Experten und Mediziner warnen vor großen Sicherheitslücken.
Krankenhausinformationssysteme: „IT-Anwendungen helfen dabei, Erlöse zu steigern“
Authors: Mewis Dirk
Published: October 2017

Winfried Post, General Manager und Geschäftsführer Agfa HealthCare Deutschland, Österreich und Schweiz (DACH) über die Vernetzung des Gesundheitswesens, Bedarfsanalysen und ORBIS.
Dach-Leitfaden Brandschutz für Krankenhäuser: Alles Wichtige zum Thema Brandschutz
Authors: Thalmayr Maria
Published: October 2017

Ein von der Arbeitsgruppe Brandschutz im Forum DACH erarbeiteter Leitfaden fasst den Brandschutz für Krankenhäuser übersichtlich zu einem schlüssigen Gesamtpaket sicherheitsrelevanter Maßnahmen zusammen. Er hilft Technischen Leitern, Planern und anderen Brandschützern, rechtssicher und durchdacht im besten Sinne der Gebäudenutzer zu handeln.
The Epidemiology of Tuberculosis in Children
Authors: Marais Ben , Khatami Ameneh
Published: October 2017

The epidemiology of tuberculosis, particularly in children, is highly intertwined with socio-political factors, such as poverty, access to healthcare, and migration. Growing evidence around the world shows that more children have tuberculosis (TB) than was previously thought, most of whom are undiagnosed and untreated, and that TB is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in children in TB endemic areas. Since TB in young children results from recent transmission, the incidence of pediatric TB is a marker of epidemic control in a community and an indirect indicator of the effectiveness of TB control programs. It is estimated that pediatric TB represents between 4 and 21% of all TB cases, depending on the background prevalence in the country, and at least 10 to 20% of the total cases in areas with poor epidemic control. However, a precise estimate of the global burden of TB in children is difficult due to challenges in case ascertainment, diagnosis, and weak surveillance systems in many countries with a high burden of disease. Several recent estimates highlight these difficulties and provide a starting point to motivate further study. In addition, since drug-resistant TB in young children reflects transmission of resistant strains in the community and occurs with the same frequency as in treatment-naive adults, accurate monitoring of drug-susceptibility patterns in pediatric TB cases will inform optimal empiric treatment regimens in both adults and children, in the context of increasing rates of drug-resistant TB globally.
Psychosoziale Interventionen für sexuelle
Funktionsstörungen bei Frauen
Authors: Schmidt Hannah Maren , Höhna Cindy , Widmeier Eugen , Berner Michael Martin
Published: October 2017

Diese Arbeit gibt eine systematische Übersicht über Studien zur Wirksamkeit
psychosozialer Interventionen bei Frauen mit sexuellen Funktionsstörungen. Die
eingeschlossenen Studien sind randomisierte kontrollierte Studien (RCT) und
kontrollierte klinische Studien (CCT), publiziert zwischen 1985 und 2014, welche
mindestens eine psychosoziale Intervention im Vergleich zu einer aktiven
Vergleichsgruppe (z. B. andere psychosoziale Intervention, medikamentöse oder
somatische Behandlung) oder Kontrollgruppe (z. B. Warteliste, Placebo)
untersuchen. Die Diagnose der sexuellen Funktionsstörung muss formal nach
ICD-10/9 oder DSM-IV/III-R oder durch eine Fachperson gestellt worden sein.
Studiencharakteristika und Ergebnisse sind durch zwei unabhängige Rater_innen
nach einem standardisierten Manual extrahiert worden, ebenso das Risiko einer
systematischen Verzerrung (Risk of Bias). Wir haben 19 Studien eingeschlossen.
Sexuell bedingte Schmerzen werden am häufigsten untersucht. Die meisten
psychosozialen Interventionen zeigen signifikante Verbesserungen im Vergleich zu
einer Wartekontrollgruppe für verminderte sexuelle Appetenz und sexuell bedingte
Schmerzen, wobei die Effekte über eine Follow-up-Periode meist erhalten bleiben.
Für Orgasmusstörungen sind die Ergebnisse uneinheitlich. Erregungsstörungen
werden nicht getrennt von anderen sexuellen Funktionsstörungen untersucht. Die
meisten Studien untersuchen ein kognitiv-verhaltenstherapeutisches oder ein
klassisch sexualtherapeutisches Behandlungskonzept. Eine willkommene Entwicklung
ist es, dass in den jüngsten Studien weitere, teilweise neuartige
Behandlungsansätze (z. B. interpersonelle und achtsamkeitsbasierte Ansätze sowie
expressives Schreiben) geprüft werden. Eine genaue Berichterstattung und die
Einhaltung methodischer Qualitätsstandards werden empfohlen.
34.5.2 Propargylic Fluorides (Update 2016)
Authors: Hamel J.-D. , Paquin J.-F.
Published: October 2017

This chapter is an update to the earlier Science of Synthesis contribution describing methods for the synthesis of propargylic fluorides. It focuses on the literature published in the period 2006–2015.
1.3 Metal-Catalyzed Intramolecular Allylic Substitution Reactions
Authors: Zhang X. , You S.
Published: October 2017

Metal-catalyzed intramolecular allylic substitution reactions provide diverse carbocycles and heterocycles. Various types of nucleophiles such as carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen can be employed.
Improved performance of quantum dot light emitting diode by modulating electron injection with yttrium-doped ZnO nanoparticles
Authors: Li Jingling , Guo Qiling , Jin Hu , Wang Kelai , Xu Dehua , Xu Yongjun , Xu Gang , Xu Xueqing
Published: October 2017

In a typical light emitting diode (QD-LED), with ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) serving as the electron transport layer (ETL) material, excessive electron injection driven by the matching conduction band maximum (CBM) between the QD and this oxide layer usually causes charge imbalance and degrades the device performance. To address this issue, the electronic structure of ZnO NPs is modified by the yttrium (Y) doping method. We demonstrate that the CBM of ZnO NPs has a strong dependence on the Y-doping concentration, which can be tuned from 3.55 to 2.77 eV as the Y doping content increases from 0% to 9.6%. This CBM variation generates an enlarged barrier between the cathode and this ZnO ETL benefits from the modulation of electron injection. By optimizing electron injection with the use of a low Y-doped (2%) ZnO to achieve charge balance in the QD-LED, device performance is significantly improved with maximum luminance, peak current efficiency, and maximal external quantum efficiency increase from 4918 cd/m2, 11.3 cd/A, and 4.5% to 11,171 cd/m2, 18.3 cd/A, and 7.3%, respectively. This facile strategy based on the ETL modification enriches the methodology of promoting QD-LED performance.
Small currents hold big clues to understanding nanoscale diodes
Authors: Dowd Deborah
Published: October 2017

Improved resolution provides insight when small currents through diode are examined.
Structures of human-infecting
Thogotovirus
fusogens support a common ancestor with insect baculovirus
Authors: Peng Ruchao , Zhang Shuijun , Cui Yingzi , Shi Yi , Gao George F. , Qi Jianxun
Published: October 2017

Significance

Thogotoviruses belong to
Orthomyxoviridae
family and infect a variety of mammalian hosts, including humans. The emergence of these viruses poses great threats to public health and the economy. In this work, we performed structural and phylogenic analyses on the fusogenic glycoproteins of Thogoto and Dhori viruses, two representatives of the
Thogotovirus
genus that cause severe human infections. Previous studies have shown that thogotovirus glycoproteins share ∼28% sequence identity with baculovirus Gp64s. Our structural analysis confirmed their homology in evolution and identified them as class III viral fusogens, in contrast to class I members of influenza viruses. Our studies provide structural evidence to help us to understand the evolution of these viruses and indicate a potential target for antiviral drug design.
Structure and dynamics of the RNAPII CTDsome with Rtt103
Authors: Jasnovidova Olga , Klumpler Tomas , Kubicek Karel , Kalynych Sergei , Plevka Pavel , Stefl Richard
Published: October 2017

Significance

RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) not only transcribes protein coding genes and many noncoding RNA, but also coordinates transcription and RNA processing. This coordination is mediated by a long C-terminal domain (CTD) of the largest RNAPII subunit, which serves as a binding platform for many RNA/protein-binding factors involved in transcription regulation. In this work, we used a hybrid approach to visualize the architecture of the full-length CTD in complex with the transcription termination factor Rtt103. Specifically, we first solved the structures of the isolated subcomplexes at high resolution and then arranged them into the overall envelopes determined at low resolution by small-angle X-ray scattering. The reconstructed overall architecture of the Rtt103–CTD complex reveals how Rtt103 decorates the CTD platform.
In situ synthesised WC-reinforced Co-based alloy layer by vacuum cladding
Authors: Tao X. P. , Zhang S. , Wu C. L. , Zhang C. H. , Chen J. , Abdullah Adil O.
Published: October 2017

Co-based alloy cladding layers (wallex50 and wallex55) were synthesised on 316L stainless steel by vacuum cladding. Experimental results showed that wallex50 composed of γ-Co, WC, Co6W6C, Cr7C3, in which in situ reinforcement WC phases were homogeneously distributed in the layer, having a clear and stable interface structure. Wallex55 with externally added WC particles was composed of γ-Co, WC, Co6W6C, Cr7C3, CrB, CoWB. The average microhardness of wallex50 and wallex55 was 794 ± 29 and 939 ± 24 HV, respectively. Nevertheless, wallex50 showed a better resistance to friction and wear than wallex55, which was not in a cross line with Archard's law. Relative wear resistance of wallex50 was 23.36, which was 1.56 times greater than that of wallex55. The improvement of friction and wear for wallex50 could be due to the fact that the in situ synthesised WC particles increased the friction and wear resistance by the pinning effect of the retained reinforced phase on the Co-based matrix.
Caenorhabditis elegansSORB-1 localizes to integrin adhesion sites and is required for organization of sarcomeres and mitochondria in myocytes
Authors: Loveless Timothy , Qadota Hiroshi , Benian Guy M. , Hardin Jeff
Published: October 2017

We have identified and characterized sorb-1, the only sorbin and SH3 domain–containing protein family member in Caenorhabditis elegans. SORB-1 is strongly localized to integrin adhesion complexes in larvae and adults, including adhesion plaques and dense bodies (Z-disks) of striated muscles and attachment plaques of smooth muscles. SORB-1 is recruited to the actin-binding, membrane-distal regions of dense bodies via its C-terminal SH3 domains in an ATN-1(α-actinin)– and ALP-1(ALP/Enigma)–dependent manner, where it contributes to the organization of sarcomeres. SORB-1 is also found in other tissues known to be under mechanical stress, including stress fibers in migratory distal tip cells and the proximal gonad sheath, where it becomes enriched in response to tissue distention. We provide evidence for a novel role for sorbin family proteins: SORB-1 is required for normal positioning of the mitochondrial network in muscle cells. Finally, we demonstrate that SORB-1 interacts directly with two other dense body components, DEB-1(vinculin) and ZYX-1(zyxin). This work establishes SORB-1 as a bona fide sorbin family protein—one of the late additions to the dense body complex and a conserved regulator of body wall muscle sarcomere organization and organelle positioning.
Polarity sorting of axonal microtubules: a computational study
Authors: Craig Erin M. , Yeung Howard T. , Rao Anand N. , Baas Peter W.
Published: October 2017

We present a computational model to test a “polarity sorting” mechanism for microtubule (MT) organization in developing axons. We simulate the motor-based axonal transport of short MTs to test the hypothesis that immobilized cytoplasmic dynein motors transport short MTs with their plus ends leading, so “mal-oriented” MTs with minus-end-out are transported toward the cell body while “correctly” oriented MTs are transported in the anterograde direction away from the soma. We find that dynein-based transport of short MTs can explain the predominately plus-end-out polarity pattern of axonal MTs but that transient attachments of plus-end-directed motor proteins and nonmotile cross-linker proteins are needed to explain the frequent pauses and occasional reversals observed in live-cell imaging of MT transport. Static cross-linkers increase the likelihood of a stalled “tug-of-war” between retrograde and anterograde forces on the MT, providing an explanation for the frequent pauses of short MTs and the immobility of longer MTs. We predict that inhibition of the proposed static cross-linker will produce disordered transport of short MTs and increased mobility of longer MTs. We also predict that acute inhibition of cytoplasmic dynein will disrupt the polarity sorting of MTs by increasing the likelihood of “incorrect” sorting of MTs by plus-end-directed motors.
The genome draft of coconut (Cocos nucifera)
Authors: Xiao Yong , Xu Pengwei , Fan Haikuo , Baudouin Luc , Xia Wei , Bocs Stéphanie , Xu Junyang , Li Qiong , Guo Anping , Zhou Lixia , Li Jing , Wu Yi , Ma Zilong , Armero Alix , Issali Auguste Emmanuel , Liu Na , Peng Ming , Yang Yaodong
Published: October 2017

Coconut palm (Cocos nucifera,2n = 32), a member of genus Cocos and family Arecaceae (Palmaceae), is an important tropical fruit and oil crop. Currently, coconut palm is cultivated in 93 countries, including Central and South America, East and West Africa, Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands, with a total growth area of more than 12 million hectares [1]. Coconut palm is generally classified into 2 main categories: “Tall” (flowering 8–10 years after planting) and “Dwarf” (flowering 4–6 years after planting), based on morphological characteristics and breeding habits. This Palmae species has a long growth period before reproductive years, which hinders conventional breeding progress. In spite of initial successes, improvements made by conventional breeding have been very slow. In the present study, we obtained de novo sequences of the Cocos nucifera genome: a major genomic resource that could be used to facilitate molecular breeding in Cocos nucifera and accelerate the breeding process in this important crop. A total of 419.67 gigabases (Gb) of raw reads were generated by the Illumina HiSeq 2000 platform using a series of paired-end and mate-pair libraries, covering the predicted Cocos nucifera genome length (2.42 Gb, variety “Hainan Tall”) to an estimated ×173.32 read depth. A total scaffold length of 2.20 Gb was generated (N50 = 418 Kb), representing 90.91% of the genome. The coconut genome was predicted to harbor 28 039 protein-coding genes, which is less than in Phoenix dactylifera (PDK30: 28 889), Phoenix dactylifera (DPV01: 41 660), and Elaeis guineensis (EG5: 34 802). BUSCO evaluation demonstrated that the obtained scaffold sequences covered 90.8% of the coconut genome and that the genome annotation was 74.1% complete. Genome annotation results revealed that 72.75% of the coconut genome consisted of transposable elements, of which long-terminal repeat retrotransposons elements (LTRs) accounted for the largest proportion (92.23%). Comparative analysis of the antiporter gene family and ion channel gene families between C. nucifera and Arabidopsis thaliana indicated that significant gene expansion may have occurred in the coconut involving Na+/H+ antiporter, carnitine/acylcarnitine translocase, potassium-dependent sodium-calcium exchanger, and potassium channel genes. Despite its agronomic importance, C. nucifera is still under-studied. In this report, we present a draft genome of C. nucifera and provide genomic information that will facilitate future functional genomics and molecular-assisted breeding in this crop species.
Azole-resistant and -susceptible Aspergillus fumigatus isolates show comparable fitness and azole treatment outcome in immunocompetent mice
Authors: Lackner Michaela , Rambach Günter , Jukic Emina , Sartori Bettina , Fritz Josef , Seger Christoph , Hagleitner Magdalena , Speth Cornelia , Lass-Flörl Cornelia
Published: October 2017

No data are available on the in vivo impact of infections with in vitro azole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus in immunocompetent hosts. Here, the aim was to investigate fungal fitness and treatment response in immunocompetent mice infected with A. fumigatus (parental strain [ps]) and isogenic mutants carrying either the mutation M220K or G54W (cyp51A). The efficacy of itraconazole (ITC) and posaconazole (PSC) was investigated in mice, intravenously challenged either with a single or a combination of ps and mutants (6 × 105 conidia/mouse). Organ fungal burden and clinical parameters were measured. In coinfection models, no fitness advantage was observed for the ps strain when compared to the mutants (M220K and G54W) independent of the presence or absence of azole-treatment. For G54W, M220K, and the ps, no statistically significant difference in ITC and PSC treatment was observed in respect to fungal kidney burden. However, clinical parameters suggest that in particular the azole-resistant strain carrying the mutation G54W caused a more severe disease than the ps strain. Mice infected with G54W showed a significant decline in body weight and lymphocyte counts, while spleen/body weight ratio and granulocyte counts were increased. In immunocompetent mice, in vitro azole-resistance did not translate into therapeutic failure by either ITC or PSC; the immune system appears to play the key role in clearing the infection.
Autoantibodies to Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor Associated With Severe and Unusual Manifestations of Cryptococcus gattii Infections
Authors: Crum-Cianflone Nancy F , Lam Pamela V , Ross-Walker Sarah , Rosen Lindsey B , Holland Steven M
Published: October 2017

Cryptococcus gattii infections, especially including those with severe clinical manifestations, may be related to underlying host immunologic factors. We present 2 cases with autoantibodies to granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), a key cytokine in macrophage function. Immunologic evaluation for anti-GM-CSF antibodies may be important to inform management and counseling.
Measuring Public Opinion with Social Media Data
Authors: Klašnja Marko , Barberá Pablo , Beauchamp Nick , Nagler Jonathan , Tucker Joshua A.
Published: October 2017

This chapter examines the use of social networking sites such as Twitter in measuring public opinion. It first considers the opportunities and challenges that are involved in conducting public opinion surveys using social media data. Three challenges are discussed: identifying political opinion, representativeness of social media users, and aggregating from individual responses to public opinion. The chapter outlines some of the strategies for overcoming these challenges and proceeds by highlighting some of the novel uses for social media that have fewer direct analogs in traditional survey work. Finally, it suggests new directions for a research agenda in using social media for public opinion work.
Computational Modeling of Person-Situation Transactions
Authors: Mõttus René , Allerhand Mike , Johnson Wendy
Published: October 2017

The chapter argues that individuals are dynamic systems that continually transact with their situational experiences. Computational modeling may provide a useful toolset for generating and refining hypotheses regarding general principles of such person-situation transactions. Building computational models encourages conceptual rigor and allows proof-of-principle testing of hypotheses, even though the models do not provide empirical evidence. The chapter introduces a framework (personality space framework; PSF) for building computational models that play through such scenarios. The models suggested that any kind of accumulating situational experiences may tend to make people more alike until variance reaches a plateau, regardless of whether the experiences are random or systematically tied to pre-existing trait levels. The simulations also suggested that person-environment transactions may contribute to the emergence of personality “factor(s).”
Genetics of Behavior in C. elegans
Authors: Walker Denise S. , Chew Yee Lian , Schafer William R.
Published: October 2017

The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans is among the most intensely studied animals in modern experimental biology. In particular, because of its amenability to classical and molecular genetics, its simple and compact nervous system, and its transparency to optogenetic recording and manipulation, C. elegans has been widely used to investigate how individual gene products act in the context of neuronal circuits to generate behavior. C. elegans is the first and at present the only animal whose neuronal connectome has been characterized at the level of individual neurons and synapses, and the wiring of this connectome shows surprising parallels with the micro- and macro-level structures of larger brains. This chapter reviews our current molecular- and circuit-level understanding of behavior in C. elegans. In particular, we discuss mechanisms underlying the processing of sensory information, the generation of specific motor outputs, and the control of behavioral states.
Compassionate Neurobiology and Health
Authors: Brown Stephanie L. , Brown R. Michael
Published: October 2017

This chapter explores the empirical roots of compassion science and the schools of thought that gave rise to the idea that compassion may be good for health. We review the evidence that suggests that those who help others are healthier and live longer than those who do not help others, and we highlight stress-buffering and compassionate motivation as mechanisms for this effect. We describe emerging models that connect compassion to physical health using neurobiology, and we review Numan’s (2006) animal model of parental behavior as the basis for predictions about specific areas of the brain, neuropeptides, and hormones that are hypothesized to interact to produce health benefits associated with helping others. We conclude with a discussion of the implications of compassionate neurobiology for medical research, mental health, and behavioral intervention.
Vagal Pathways
Authors: Porges Stephen W.
Published: October 2017

In this chapter, contemplative practices are conceptualized as methods that function as neural exercises enhancing vagal regulation of the autonomic nervous system. The model presented proposes that specific voluntary behaviors (e.g., breath, vocalizations, and posture), which characterize ancient rituals and form the core of contemplative practices, can trigger a physiological state mediated by vagal pathways that fosters health and optimizes subjective experiences. The model emphasizes that, in order for the positive benefits of contemplative practices to be experienced, the rituals associated with contemplative practices (e.g., chants, prayers, meditation, and dance) must be performed in a context defined by physical features that are calming and soothing and promote feelings of safety.
The Compassion Cultivation Training (CCT) Program
Authors: Goldin Philippe R. , Jazaieri Hooria
Published: October 2017

Compassion is a powerful feature of human experience and is a key component of individual, interpersonal, organizational and societal well-being. It is a fundamental skill that can be trained. Cultivating compassion may contribute to sustained well-being in individuals, groups, and organizations. There is now a growing scientific and clinical interest in understanding how compassion can be cultivated, and a need to examine what psychological processes are modulated by compassion training programs. The goal of this chapter is to briefly define the complex concept of compassion, describe the structure and content of the compassion cultivation training (CCT) program designed at Stanford University, and then share some of the empirical findings of research on CCT in community samples.
Empathy, Compassion, and Social Relationships
Authors: Davis Mark H.
Published: October 2017

Empathy is widely recognized to have multiple facets, both affective and cognitive. This chapter reviews evidence regarding the effect on social relationships of two of these facets: compassion and perspective-taking. The focus is on three domains: smooth social functioning/relationship quality, social support, and responses to partner transgression. Evidence indicates that perspective-taking is consistently related to measures of relationship quality, including global relationship satisfaction and interpersonal hostility. In contrast, compassion displays weaker and less consistent associations. A similar pattern is found for social support; perspective-taking has a consistent beneficial effect on the provision of various types of relationship support; the effects of compassion are weaker. A different pattern emerges for reactions to partner transgression. By far the strongest predictor of forgiveness is experiencing compassion for the transgressor. Finally, the limited evidence from studies examining these issues cross-culturally suggests that these patterns hold in non-American samples as well.
The Empathy-Altruism Hypothesis
Authors: Batson C. Daniel
Published: October 2017

Do we humans ever, in any degree, care for others for their sakes and not simply for our own? The empathy-altruism hypothesis offers an affirmative answer to this question. It claims that empathic concern (defined as “other-oriented emotion elicited by and congruent with the perceived welfare of another in need”) produces altruistic motivation (“a motivational state with the ultimate goal of increasing the other’s welfare”). Research over the past 40 years testing this hypothesis against egoistic alternatives has provided quite strong support. Empathy-induced altruistic motivation does seem to be within the human repertoire. This empathy-induced altruism may have its biological roots in generalized parental nurturance. Practical implications of the empathy-altruism hypothesis include both benefits and liabilities—for the targets of empathy, for others, and for the person feeling empathic concern. Implications of the empathy-altruism research for the content and conduct of compassion science are suggested.
How Leaders Shape Compassion Processes in Organizations
Authors: Worline Monica C. , Dutton Jane E.
Published: October 2017

This chapter focuses on how leaders matter for the expression of compassion in organizations. Leaders are imbued with both instrumental and symbolic power to shape individual and organizational responses to suffering. To understand how leaders impact a system’s compassionate responses, we focus on leadership moves, defined as actions taken by leaders in relation to those who are suffering and/or those who are seeking to alleviate suffering. We identify twelve leadership moves and offer a theoretical view of how these twelve leaders’ moves impact the way emergent compassion processes unfold. We focus particularly on the importance of (1) how leadership moves shape the expression of suffering; (2) how leaders draw attention to pain; (3) how leaders feel and express emotion; and (4) how they frame and narrate suffering. This review illuminates the variety of ways that leaders matter and invites further research into new questions about compassion and leadership.
Adult Attachment and Compassion
Authors: Mikulincer Mario , Shaver Phillip R.
Published: October 2017

According to attachment theory (Bowlby, 1973, 1982), the optimal functioning of the attachment behavioral system and the resulting sense of security in dealing with life’s challenges and difficulties facilitate the functioning of other behavioral systems, including the caregiving system that governs the activation of prosocial behavior and compassionate acts of helping needy others. In this chapter, we focus on what we have learned about the interplay of the attachment and caregiving systems and their effects on compassion and altruism. We begin by explaining the behavioral system construct in more detail and show how individual differences in a person’s attachment system affect the functioning of the caregiving system. We review examples from the literature on attachment, focusing on what attachment theorists call providing a “safe haven” for needy others. We then review studies that have shown how individual differences in attachment affect empathy, compassion, and support provision.