bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Toward a Description of Convection with Temperature‐and‐Pressure‐Dependent Viscosity
Authors: Fowler A. C.
Published: September 2015

In seeking a description of convection in the Earth's mantle, one is led to the study of convection in a fluid at large Rayleigh number, and with large activation energy and volume for viscosity. This paper presents an initial attempt to understand the asymptotic behavior in the combined triple attempt to understand the asymptotic behavior in the combined triple asymptotic limit where these parameters are all large. The model is a simplified set of mean field equations. We show that it mimics successfully both constant and temperature‐dependent viscosity. We then show that temperature‐and‐pressure‐dependent viscosity gives an internal isoviscous structure. There are tempting inferences that might be suggested for the convective style in the earth's mantle.
Singular Perturbation Analysis of Integral Equations: Part II
Authors: Lange Charles G. , Smith Donald R.
Published: September 2015

Singularly perturbed linear Volterra or Fredholm integral equations with kernels possessing jump discontinuities in a derivative are discussed within the framework of [6]. An intriguing and remarkable feature of such equations is that in general the leading order outer solution does not satisfy the unperturbed integral equation. Moreover, the solution usually exhibits large amplitude boundary layer behavior at one or both endpoints. Our perturbation technique, which is based on an efficient asymptotic splitting of the integral equation, clearly reveals the rich asymptotic solution structure for this class of equations.
Slowly Varying Solitary Wave Solutions of the Perturbed Korteweg‐de Vries Equation Revisited
Authors: Grimshaw R. , Mitsudera H.
Published: September 2015

Using a multi‐scale perturbation expansion we reconsider the slowly varying solitary wave asymptotic solution of the perturbed Korteweg‐de Vries equation. The well‐known results for the variation of the solitary‐wave amplitude and the accompanying trailing tail are recovered. Here the analysis is carried through to second order so as to determine a general expression for the first‐order speed correction. The result obtained here generalizes and improves previous results.
All Binomial‐Type Painlevé Equations of the Second Order and Degree Three or Higher
Authors: Cosgrove Christopher M.
Published: September 2015

In this paper we construct all rational Painlevé‐type differential equations which take the binomial form, (d2y/dx2)n = F(x,y,dy/dx), where n ≥ 3, the case n = 2 having previously been treated in Cosgrove and Scoufis [1]. While F is assumed to be rational in the complex variables y and y′ and locally analytic in x, it is shown that the Painlevé property together with the absence of intermediate powers of y″ forces F to be a polynomial in y and y′. In addition to the six classes of second‐degree equations found in the aforementioned paper, we find nine classes of higher‐degree binomial Painlevé equations, denoted BP‐VII,..., BP‐XV, of which the first seven are new. Two of these equations are of the third degree, two of the fourth degree, three of the sixth degree, and two of arbitrary degree n. All equations are solved in terms of the first, second or fourth Painlevé transcendents, elliptic functions, or quadratures. In the appendices, we discuss certain closely related classes of second‐order nth equations (not necessarily of Painlevé type) which can also be solved in terms of Painlevé transcendents or elliptic functions.
A Simpler Characterization of Sheffer Polynomials
Authors: Di Bucchianico A. , Loeb D.
Published: September 2015

We characterize the Sheffer sequences by a single convolution identity urn:x-wiley:00222526:media:sapm19949211:sapm19949211-math-0001 where F(y) is a shift‐invariant operator. We then study a generalization of the notion of Sheffer sequences by removing the requirement that F(y) be shift‐invariant. All these solutions can then be interpreted as cocommutative coalgebras. We also show the connection with generalized translation operators as introduced by Delsarte. Finally, we apply the same convolution to symmetric functions where we find that the “Sheffer” sequences differ from ordinary full divided power sequences by only a constant factor.
Some Explanations of Dobinski's Formula
Authors: Chen Beifang , Yeh Yeong‐Nan
Published: September 2015

The geometric, algebraic, and combinatorial explanations of Dobinski's formula are presented by mixed volumes of compact convex sets, Möbius inversion, difference operator, and species. The employed method may be useful in proving some other combinatorial identities.
Singularity Structure and Chaotic Behavior of the Homopolar Disk Dynamo
Authors: Sachdev P. L. , Sarathy R.
Published: September 2015

We study in great detail a system of three first‐order ordinary differential equations describing a homopolar disk dynamo (HDD). This system displays a large variety of behaviors, both regular and chaotic. Existence of periodic solutions is proved for certain ranges of parameters. Stability criteria for periodic solutions are given. The nonintegrability aspects of the HDD system are studied by investigating analytically the singularity structure of the system in the complex domain. Coexisting attractors (including period‐doubling sequence) and coexisting strange attractors appear in some parametric regimes. The gluing of strange attractors and the ungluing of a strange attractor are also shown to occur. A period of bifurcation leading to chaos, not observed for other chaotic systems, is shown to characterize the chaotic behavior in some parametric ranges. The limiting case of the Lorenz system is also studied and is related to HDD.
Three‐Dimensional Water Waves
Authors: Milewski Paul A. , Keller Joseph B.
Published: September 2015

We study the evolution of small‐amplitude water waves when the fluid motion is three dimensional. An isotropic pseudodifferential equation that governs the evolution of the free surface of a fluid with arbitrary, uniform depth is derived. It is shown to reduce to the Benney‐Luke equation, the Korteweg‐de Vries (KdV) equation, the Kadomtsev‐Petviashvili (KP) equation, and to the nonlinear shallow water theory in the appropriate limits. We compute, numerically, doubly periodic solutions to this equation. In the weakly two‐dimensional long wave limit, the computed patterns and nonlinear dispersion relations agree well with those of the doubly periodic theta function solutions to the KP equation. These solutions correspond to traveling hexagonal wave patterns, and they have been compared with experimental measurements by Hammack, Scheffner, and Segur. In the fully two‐dimensional long wave case, the solutions deviate considerably from those of KP, indicating the limitation of that equation. In the finite depth case, both resonant and nonresonant traveling wave patterns are obtained.
Developmental psychopathology: recent advances and future challenges
Authors: Pollak Seth D.
Published: September 2015

The integrative field of developmental psychopathology is having a huge impact on our understanding of human health and behavior. In this paper, I use the example of children's early stress exposure to illustrate how developmental psychopathologists now tend to deemphasize diagnostic categories and, instead, emphasize the social and biological contexts, events and circumstances that have created opportunities for maladaptive responses and health problems in youth. This example shows that developmental psychopathology is increasing understanding of how children develop the abilities that allow them to cope effectively with challenges and what leads to failures in development of these abilities. Integrating research about the neurobiology of learning may prove to be a powerful future direction to understand how the environment regulates behavior. Learning processes become increasingly intricate and fine‐tuned as relevant neuroanatomical systems develop, and as the range, complexity and amount of environmental information increases for the developing child. A focus on these processes allows psychopathologists to formulate questions about which neural mechanisms children use to process information, how these mechanisms are themselves shaped by social context, why adverse social environments confer risk for children, and, perhaps, what sorts of neutrally informed interventions might remediate the deficits in self‐regulation that underlie common psychopathologies.
Etiological overlap between obsessive‐compulsive disorder and anorexia nervosa: a longitudinal cohort, multigenerational family and twin study
Authors: Cederlöf Martin , Thornton Laura M. , Baker Jessica , Lichtenstein Paul , Larsson Henrik , Rück Christian , Bulik Cynthia M. , Mataix‐Cols David
Published: September 2015

Obsessive‐compulsive disorder (OCD) often co‐occurs with anorexia nervosa (AN), a comorbid profile that complicates the clinical management of both conditions. This population‐based study aimed to examine patterns of comorbidity, longitudinal risks, shared familial risks and shared genetic factors between OCD and AN at the population level. Participants were individuals with a diagnosis of OCD (N=19,814) or AN (N=8,462) in the Swedish National Patient Register between January 1992 and December 2009; their first‐, second‐ and third‐degree relatives; and population‐matched (1:10 ratio) unaffected comparison individuals and their relatives. Female twins from the population‐based Swedish Twin Register (N=8,550) were also included. Females with OCD had a 16‐fold increased risk of having a comorbid diagnosis of AN, whereas males with OCD had a 37‐fold increased risk. Longitudinal analyses showed that individuals first diagnosed with OCD had an increased risk for a later diagnosis of AN (risk ratio, RR=3.6), whereas individuals first diagnosed with AN had an even greater risk for a later diagnosis of OCD (RR=9.6). These longitudinal risks were about twice as high for males than for females. First‐ and second‐degree relatives of probands with OCD had an increased risk for AN, and the magnitude of this risk tended to increase with the degree of genetic relatedness. Bivariate twin models revealed a moderate but significant degree of genetic overlap between self‐reported OCD and AN diagnoses (ra=0.52, 95% CI: 0.26‐0.81), but most of the genetic variance was disorder‐specific. The moderately high genetic correlation supports the idea that this frequently observed comorbid pattern is at least in part due to shared genetic factors, though disorder‐specific factors are more important. These results have implications for current gene‐searching efforts and for clinical practice.
Atopic Dermatitis and Respiratory Allergy: What is the Link
Authors: Belgrave Danielle C. M. , Simpson Angela , Buchan Iain E. , Custovic Adnan
Published: September 2015

Understanding the aetiology and progression of atopic dermatitis and respiratory allergy may elucidate early preventative and management strategies aimed towards reducing the global burden of asthma and allergic disease. In this article, we review the current opinion concerning the link between atopic dermatitis and the subsequent progression of respiratory allergies during childhood and into early adolescence. Advances in machine learning and statistical methodology have facilitated the discovery of more refined definitions of phenotypes for identifying biomarkers. Understanding the role of atopic dermatitis in the development of respiratory allergy may ultimately allow us to determine more effective treatment strategies, thus reducing the patient and economic burden associated with these conditions.
Retrospective comparison of laparoscopic versus open radical hysterectomy after neoadjuvant chemotherapy for locally advanced cervical cancer
Authors: Cai Jing , Yang Lu , Dong Weihong , Wang Hongbo , Xiong Zhoufang , Wang Zehua
Published: September 2015

Objective

To compare outcomes after laparoscopic radical hysterectomy (LRH) and abdominal radical hysterectomy (ARH) for locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC)after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT).

Methods

In a retrospective study, data were analyzed from patients with FIGO stage IB2–IIB cervical cancer who underwent LRH or ARH after NACT at Union Hospital, Wuhan, China, between January 2007 and August 2013. Perioperative outcomes and survival were compared.

Results

Overall, 99 patients who underwent LRH and 30 who underwent ARH were included. Compared with ARH patients, LRH patients presented with lower‐stage tumors (P = 0.013). Median operative time, number of harvested lymph nodes, and rate of positive surgical margins did not differ significantly between the groups, but LRH resulted in less blood loss (median 300 mL [range 20–1100] vs 375 mL [100–1200]; P = 0.027). There were two intraoperative complications and 23 postoperative complications in the LRH group, and 12 postoperative complications in the ARH group. No conversions occurred in the LRH group; all complications were managed without severe sequelae. As of March 2014, recurrence had been noted for 6(6.1%) LRH patients and 2 (6.7%) ARH patients.

Conclusion

LRH was similar to ARH in terms of safety, feasibility, and morbidity, with less blood loss among women with LACC undergoing NACT. Long‐term outcomes need to be documented.
Organization and evaluation of a pilot cervical cancer screening program in Morocco
Authors: Selmouni Farida , Sauvaget Catherine , Belakhel Latifa , Lucas Eric , Khouchoua Mohamed , Sankaranarayanan Rengaswamy
Published: September 2015

Objective

To evaluate a pilot program for early detection of cervical cancer using visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) and the loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) in one region of Morocco.

Methods

A descriptive analysis of the screening outcome measures of 43 participating primary care units and one reference center for LEEP was conducted in Meknès‐Tafilalet between January 1, 2011, and December 31, 2013. Data on the number of participants, VIA results, colposcopy, and treatment were used in analyses.

Results

Of the 308 197 women in the target age group (30–49 years), 18 586 (6.0%) were screened by VIA. Positive screening test results were recorded for 1628 (8.8%) women, of whom 1144 (70.3%) received diagnostic confirmation by colposcopy. Of the 87 (7.6%) women with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, only 16 (18.4%) underwent LEEP; three cases of invasive cervical cancer were diagnosed.

Conclusion

Issues with implementation of the screening program were found, including low compliance and a low treatment rate of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia by LEEP. By contrast, high rates of colposcopy referral were observed. Screen‐and‐treat by ablative methods (e.g. thermocoagulation) should be considered to increase treatment rates at national scale‐up.
Altered purinergic receptor‐Ca2+ signaling associated with hypoxia‐induced epithelial‐mesenchymal transition in breast cancer cells
Authors: Azimi Iman , Beilby Hannah , Davis Felicity M. , Marcial Daneth L. , Kenny Paraic A. , Thompson Erik W. , Roberts-Thomson Sarah J. , Monteith Gregory R.
Published: September 2015

Hypoxia is a feature of the microenvironment of many cancers and can trigger epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT), a process by which cells acquire a more invasive phenotype with enriched survival. A remodeling of adenosine 5′‐triphosphate (ATP)‐induced Ca2+ signaling via purinergic receptors is associated with epidermal growth factor (EGF)‐induced EMT in MDA‐MB‐468 breast cancer cells. Here, we assessed ATP‐mediated Ca2+ signaling in a model of hypoxia‐induced EMT in MDA‐MB‐468 cells. Like EGF, hypoxia treatment (1% O2) was also associated with a significant reduction in the sensitivity of MDA‐MB‐468 cells to ATP (EC50 of 0.5 μM for normoxic cells versus EC50 of 5.8 μM for hypoxic cells). Assessment of mRNA levels of a panel of P2X and P2Y purinergic receptors following hypoxia revealed a change in levels of a suite of purinergic receptors. P2X4, P2X5, P2X7, P2Y1 and P2Y11 mRNAs decreased with hypoxia, whereas P2Y6 mRNA increased. Up‐regulation of P2Y6 was a common feature of both growth factor‐ and hypoxia‐induced models of EMT. P2Y6 levels were also significantly increased in basal‐like breast tumors compared to other subtypes and breast cancer patients with higher P2Y6 levels showed reduced overall survival rates. P2Y6 siRNA‐mediated silencing and the P2Y6 pharmacological inhibitor MRS2578 reduced hypoxia‐induced vimentin protein expression in MDA‐MB‐468 cells. P2Y6 inhibition also reduced the migration of mesenchymal‐like MDA‐MB‐231 breast cancer cells. The up‐regulation of P2Y6 appears to be a common feature of the mesenchymal phenotype of breast cancer cells and inhibition of this receptor may represent a novel therapeutic target in breast cancer metastasis.
Personalised pathway analysis reveals association between DNA repair pathway dysregulation and chromosomal instability in sporadic breast cancer
Authors: Liu Chao , Srihari Sriganesh , Lal Samir , Gautier Benoît , Simpson Peter T. , Khanna Kum Kum , Ragan Mark A. , Lê Cao Kim-Anh
Published: September 2015

The Homologous Recombination (HR) pathway is crucial for the repair of DNA double‐strand breaks (DSBs) generated during DNA replication. Defects in HR repair have been linked to the initiation and development of a wide variety of human malignancies, and exploited in chemical, radiological and targeted therapies. In this study, we performed a personalised pathway analysis independently for four large sporadic breast cancer cohorts to investigate the status of HR pathway dysregulation in individual sporadic breast tumours, its association with HR repair deficiency and its impact on tumour characteristics. Specifically, we first manually curated a list of HR genes according to our recent review on this pathway (Liu et al., 2014), and then applied a personalised pathway analysis method named Pathifier (Drier et al., 2013) on the expression levels of the curated genes to obtain an HR score quantifying HR pathway dysregulation in individual tumours. Based on the score, we observed a great diversity in HR dysregulation between and within gene expression‐based breast cancer subtypes, and by using two published HR‐defect signatures, we found HR pathway dysregulation reflects HR repair deficiency. Furthermore, we identified a novel association between HR pathway dysregulation and chromosomal instability (CIN) in sporadic breast cancer. Although CIN has long been considered as a hallmark of most solid tumours, with recent extensive studies highlighting its importance in tumour evolution and drug resistance, the molecular basis of CIN in sporadic cancers remains poorly understood. Our results imply that HR pathway dysregulation might contribute to CIN in sporadic breast cancer.
Boundedness of the velocity derivative skewness in various turbulent flows
Authors: Antonia R. A. , Tang S. L. , Djenidi L. , Danaila L.
Published: September 2015

The variation of$S$, the velocity derivative skewness, with the Taylor microscale Reynolds number$\mathit{Re}_{{\it\lambda}}$is examined for different turbulent flows by considering the locally isotropic form of the transport equation for the mean energy dissipation rate$\overline{{\it\epsilon}}_{iso}$. In each flow, the equation can be expressed in the form$S+2G/\mathit{Re}_{{\it\lambda}}=C/\mathit{Re}_{{\it\lambda}}$, where$G$is a non-dimensional rate of destruction of$\overline{{\it\epsilon}}_{iso}$and$C$is a flow-dependent constant. Since$2G/\mathit{Re}_{{\it\lambda}}$is found to be very nearly constant for$\mathit{Re}_{{\it\lambda}}\geqslant 70$,$S$should approach a universal constant when$\mathit{Re}_{{\it\lambda}}$is sufficiently large, but the way this constant is approached is flow dependent. For example, the approach is slow in grid turbulence and rapid along the axis of a round jet. For all the flows considered, the approach is reasonably well supported by experimental and numerical data. The constancy of$S$at large$\mathit{Re}_{{\it\lambda}}$has obvious ramifications for small-scale turbulence research since it violates the modified similarity hypothesis introduced by Kolmogorov (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 13, 1962, pp. 82–85) but is consistent with the original similarity hypothesis (Kolmogorov,Dokl. Akad. Nauk SSSR, vol. 30, 1941, pp. 299–303).
Absorption and initial metabolism of 75Se-l-selenomethionine: a kinetic model based on dynamic scintigraphic data
Authors: Große Ruse Mareile , Søndergaard Lasse R. , Ditlevsen Susanne , Damgaard Morten , Fuglsang Stefan , Ottesen Johnny T. , Madsen Jan L.
Published: September 2015

Selenomethionine (SeMet) is an important organic nutritional source of Se, but the uptake and metabolism of SeMet are poorly characterised in humans. Dynamic gamma camera images of the abdominal region were acquired from eight healthy young men after the ingestion of radioactive 75Se-l-SeMet (75Se-SeMet). Scanning started simultaneously to the ingestion of 75Se-SeMet and lasted 120 min. We generated time-activity curves from two-dimensional regions of interest in the stomach, small intestine and liver. During scanning, blood samples were collected at 10-min intervals to generate plasma time-activity curves. A four-compartment model, augmented with a delay between the liver and plasma, was fitted to individual participants’ data. The mean rate constant for 75Se-SeMet transport was 2·63 h–1 from the stomach to the small intestine, 13·2 h–1 from the small intestine to the liver, 0·261 h–1 from the liver to the plasma and 0·267 h–1 from the stomach to the plasma. The delay in the liver was 0·714 h. Gamma camera imaging provides data for use in compartmental modelling of 75Se-SeMet absorption and metabolism in humans. In clinical settings, the obtained rate constants and the delay in the liver may be useful variables for quantifying reduced intestinal absorption capacity or liver function.
Harnessing values to save the rhinoceros: insights from Namibia
Authors: Muntifering Jeff R. , Linklater Wayne L. , Clark Susan G. , !Uri-≠Khob Simson , Kasaona John K. , /Uiseb Kenneth , Du Preez Pierre , Kasaona Kapoi , Beytell Petrus , Ketji Jermain , Hambo Boas , Brown Matthew A. , Thouless Chris , Jacobs Shayne , Knight Andrew T.
Published: September 2015

The rate at which the poaching of rhinoceroses has escalated since 2010 poses a threat to the long-term persistence of extant rhinoceros populations. The policy response has primarily called for increased investment in military-style enforcement strategies largely based upon simple economic models of rational crime. However, effective solutions will probably require a context-specific, stakeholder-driven mix of top-down and bottom-up mechanisms grounded in theory that represents human behaviour more realistically. Using a problem-oriented approach we illustrate in theory and practice how community-based strategies that explicitly incorporate local values and institutions are a foundation for combating rhinoceros poaching effectively in specific contexts. A case study from Namibia demonstrates how coupling a locally devised rhinoceros monitoring regime with joint-venture tourism partnerships as a legitimate land use can reconcile individual values represented within a diverse stakeholder group and manifests as both formal and informal community enforcement. We suggest a social learning approach as a means by which international, national and regional governance can recognize and promote solutions that may help empower local communities to implement rhinoceros management strategies that align individual values with the long-term health of rhinoceros populations.
TRADE OPENNESS, GOVERNMENT SIZE, AND FACTOR INTENSITIES
Authors: Jiang Mingming
Published: September 2015

This paper examines the long-run relationship between trade openness and government size in a two-country dynamic general equilibrium model. We analytically show that different factor intensities in the production of tradable and nontradable sectors affect the government's response to changes in trade openness. Specifically, if the production of the nontradable sector is more capital-intensive, a positive relationship between trade openness and government size will be observed. In contrast, if the production of the tradable sector is more capital-intensive, a negative correlation between trade openness and government size will arise. This theoretical prediction is robust to both utility-enhancing and productive government expenditures. The differentiated factor intensities therefore provide a potential explanation to the mixed empirical findings in the literature about the long-run relation of trade openness and government size.
How to prove that your therapy is effective, even when it is not: a guideline
Authors: Cuijpers P. , Cristea I. A.
Published: September 2015

Aims.

Suppose you are the developer of a new therapy for a mental health problem or you have several years of experience working with such a therapy, and you would like to prove that it is effective. Randomised trials have become the gold standard to prove that interventions are effective, and they are used by treatment guidelines and policy makers to decide whether or not to adopt, implement or fund a therapy.

Methods.

You would want to do such a randomised trial to get your therapy disseminated, but in reality your clinical experience already showed you that the therapy works. How could you do a trial in order to optimise the chance of finding a positive effect?

Results.

Methods that can help include a strong allegiance towards the therapy, anything that increases expectations and hope in participants, making use of the weak spots of randomised trials (risk of bias), small sample sizes and waiting list control groups (but not comparisons with existing interventions). And if all that fails one can always not publish the outcomes and wait for positive trials.

Conclusions.

Several methods are available to help you show that your therapy is effective, even when it is not.
Food Preference Patterns in a UK Twin Cohort
Authors: Pallister Tess , Sharafi Mastaneh , Lachance Genevieve , Pirastu Nicola , Mohney Robert P. , MacGregor Alex , Feskens Edith J. M. , Duffy Valerie , Spector Tim D. , Menni Cristina
Published: September 2015

Food liking-disliking patterns may strongly influence food choices and health. Here we assess: (1) whether food preference patterns are genetic/environmentally driven; and (2) the relationship between metabolomics profiles and food preference patterns in a large population of twins. 2,107 individuals from TwinsUK completed an online food and lifestyle preference questionnaire. Principle components analysis was undertaken to identify patterns of food liking-disliking. Heritability estimates for each liking pattern were obtained by structural equation modeling. The correlation between blood metabolomics profiles (280 metabolites) and each food liking pattern was assessed in a subset of 1,491 individuals and replicated in an independent subset of monozygotic twin pairs discordant for the liking pattern (65 to 88 pairs). Results from both analyses were meta-analyzed. Four major food-liking patterns were identified (Fruit and Vegetable, Distinctive Tastes, Sweet and High Carbohydrate, and Meat) accounting for 26% of the total variance. All patterns were moderately heritable (Fruit and Vegetable,h2[95% CI]: 0.36 [0.28; 0.44]; Distinctive Tastes: 0.58 [0.52; 0.64]; Sweet and High Carbohydrate: 0.52 [0.45, 0.59] and Meat: 0.44 [0.35; 0.51]), indicating genetic factors influence food liking-disliking. Overall, we identified 14 significant metabolite associations (Bonferronip< 4.5 × 10−5) with Distinctive Tastes (8 metabolites), Sweet and High Carbohydrate (3 metabolites), and Meat (3 metabolites). Food preferences follow patterns based on similar taste and nutrient characteristics and these groupings are strongly determined by genetics. Food preferences that are strongly genetically determined (h2≥ 0.40), such as for meat and distinctive-tasting foods, may influence intakes more substantially, as demonstrated by the metabolomic associations identified here.
My Life in Baseball and Earthquakes
Authors: Buchanan Rex
Published: September 2015

How earthquakes interrupted a Royals game and thrust me into a whirlpool of politics, media, and law.
CPI motif interaction is necessary for capping protein function in cells
Authors: Edwards Marc , McConnell Patrick , Schafer Dorothy A. , Cooper John A.
Published: September 2015

Capping protein (CP) has critical roles in actin assembly in vivo and in vitro. CP binds with high affinity to the barbed end of actin filaments, blocking the addition and loss of actin subunits. Heretofore, models for actin assembly in cells generally assumed that CP is constitutively active, diffusing freely to find and cap barbed ends. However, CP can be regulated by binding of the ‘capping protein interaction’ (CPI) motif, found in a diverse and otherwise unrelated set of proteins that decreases, but does not abolish, the actin-capping activity of CP and promotes uncapping in biochemical experiments. Here, we report that CP localization and the ability of CP to function in cells requires interaction with a CPI-motif-containing protein. Our discovery shows that cells target and/or modulate the capping activity of CP via CPI motif interactions in order for CP to localize and function in cells.
Corrected placement of Mus-Rattus fossil calibration forces precision in the molecular tree of rodents
Authors: Kimura Yuri , Hawkins Melissa T. R. , McDonough Molly M. , Jacobs Louis L. , Flynn Lawrence J.
Published: September 2015

Time calibration derived from the fossil record is essential for molecular phylogenetic and evolutionary studies. Fossil mice and rats, discovered in the Siwalik Group of Pakistan, have served as one of the best-known fossil calibration points in molecular phylogenic studies. Although these fossils have been widely used as the 12 Ma date for theMus/Rattussplit or a more basal split, conclusive paleontological evidence for the nodal assignments has been absent. This study analyzes newly recognized characters that demonstrate lineage separation in the fossil record of Siwalik murines and examines the most reasonable nodal placement of the diverging lineages in a molecular phylogenetic tree by ancestral state reconstruction. Our specimen-based approach strongly indicates that Siwalik murines of theKarnimataclade are fossil members of the Arvicanthini-Otomyini-Millardini clade, which excludesRattusand its relatives. Combining the new interpretation with the widely accepted hypothesis that theProgonomysclade includesMus, the lineage separation event in the Siwalik fossil record represents theMus/Arvicanthissplit. Our test analysis on Bayesian age estimates shows that this new calibration point provides more accurate estimates of murine divergence than previous applications. Thus, we define this fossil calibration point and refine two other fossil-based points for molecular dating.
Baclofen mediates neuroprotection on hippocampal CA1 pyramidal cells through the regulation of autophagy under chronic cerebral hypoperfusion
Authors: Liu Li , Li Chang-jun , Lu Yun , Zong Xian-gang , Luo Chao , Sun Jun , Guo Lian-jun
Published: September 2015

GABA receptors play an important role in ischemic brain injury. Studies have indicated that autophagy is closely related to neurodegenerative diseases. However, during chronic cerebral hypoperfusion, the changes of autophagy in the hippocampal CA1 area, the correlation between GABA receptors and autophagy and their influences on hippocampal neuronal apoptosis have not been well established. Here, we found that chronic cerebral hypoperfusion resulted in rat hippocampal atrophy, neuronal apoptosis, enhancement and redistribution of autophagy, down-regulation of Bcl-2/Bax ratio, elevation of cleaved caspase-3 levels, reduction of surface expression of GABAA receptor α1 subunit and an increase in surface and mitochondrial expression of connexin 43 (CX43) and CX36. Chronic administration of GABAB receptors agonist baclofen significantly alleviated neuronal damage. Meanwhile, baclofen could up-regulate the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax and increase the activation of Akt, GSK-3β and ERK which suppressed cytodestructive autophagy. The study also provided evidence that baclofen could attenuate the decrease in surface expression of GABAA receptor α1 subunit and down-regulate surface and mitochondrial expression of CX43 and CX36, which might enhance protective autophagy. The current findings suggested that, under chronic cerebral hypoperfusion, the effects of GABAB receptors activation on autophagy regulation could reverse neuronal damage.
The arsenic hyperaccumulating Pteris vittata expresses two arsenate reductases
Authors: Cesaro Patrizia , Cattaneo Chiara , Bona Elisa , Berta Graziella , Cavaletto Maria
Published: September 2015

Enzymatic reduction of arsenate to arsenite is the first known step in arsenate metabolism in all organisms. Although the presence of one mRNA arsenate reductase (PvACR2) has been characterized in gametophytes of P. vittata, no arsenate reductase protein has been directly observed in this arsenic hyperaccumulating fern, yet. In order to assess the possible presence of arsenate reductase in P. vittata, two recombinant proteins, ACR2-His6 and Trx-His6-S-Pv2.5–8 were prepared in Escherichia coli, purified and used to produce polyclonal antibodies. The presence of these two enzymes was evaluated by qRT-PCR, immunoblotting and direct MS analysis. Enzymatic activity was detected in crude extracts. For the first time we detected and identified two arsenate reductase proteins (PvACR2 and Pv2.5–8) in sporophytes and gametophytes of P. vittata. Despite an increase of the mRNA levels for both proteins in roots, no difference was observed at the protein level after arsenic treatment. Overall, our data demonstrate the constitutive protein expression of PvACR2 and Pv2.5–8 in P. vittata tissues and propose their specific role in the complex metabolic network of arsenic reduction.
PAK2 is an effector of TSC1/2 signaling independent of mTOR and a potential therapeutic target for Tuberous Sclerosis Complex
Authors: Alves Maria M. , Fuhler Gwenny M. , Queiroz Karla C.S. , Scholma Jetse , Goorden Susan , Anink Jasper , Arnold Spek C. , Hoogeveen-Westerveld Marianne , Bruno Marco J. , Nellist Mark , Elgersma Ype , Aronica Eleonora , Peppelenbosch Maikel P.
Published: September 2015

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is caused by inactivating mutations in eitherTSC1orTSC2and is characterized by uncontrolled mTORC1 activation. Drugs that reduce mTOR activity are only partially successful in the treatment of TSC, suggesting that mTOR-independent pathways play a role in disease development. Here, kinome profiles of wild-type andTsc2−/−mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) were generated, revealing a prominent role for PAK2 in signal transduction downstream of TSC1/2. Further investigation showed that the effect of the TSC1/2 complex on PAK2 is mediated through RHEB, but is independent of mTOR and p21RAC. We also demonstrated that PAK2 over-activation is likely responsible for the migratory and cell cycle abnormalities observed inTsc2−/−MEFs. Finally, we detected high levels of PAK2 activation in giant cells in the brains of TSC patients. These results show that PAK2 is a direct effector of TSC1-TSC2-RHEB signaling and a new target for rational drug therapy in TSC.
Charge transfer and electronic doping in nitrogen-doped graphene
Authors: Joucken Frédéric , Tison Yann , Le Fèvre Patrick , Tejeda Antonio , Taleb-Ibrahimi Amina , Conrad Edward , Repain Vincent , Chacon Cyril , Bellec Amandine , Girard Yann , Rousset Sylvie , Ghijsen Jacques , Sporken Robert , Amara Hakim , Ducastelle François , Lagoute Jérôme
Published: September 2015

Understanding the modification of the graphene’s electronic structure upon doping is crucial for enlarging its potential applications. We present a study of nitrogen-doped graphene samples on SiC(000"Equation missing") combining angle-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The comparison between tunneling and angle-resolved photoelectron spectra reveals the spatial inhomogeneity of the Dirac energy shift and that a phonon correction has to be applied to the tunneling measurements. XPS data demonstrate the dependence of the N 1s binding energy of graphitic nitrogen on the nitrogen concentration. The measure of the Dirac energy for different nitrogen concentrations reveals that the ratio usually computed between the excess charge brought by the dopants and the dopants’ concentration depends on the latter. This is supported by a tight-binding model considering different values for the potentials on the nitrogen site and on its first neighbors.
Ursolic acid exerts anti-cancer activity by suppressing vaccinia-related kinase 1-mediated damage repair in lung cancer cells
Authors: Kim Seong-Hoon , Ryu Hye Guk , Lee Juhyun , Shin Joon , Harikishore Amaravadhi , Jung Hoe-Yune , Kim Ye Seul , Lyu Ha-Na , Oh Eunji , Baek Nam-In , Choi Kwan-Yong , Yoon Ho Sup , Kim Kyong-Tai
Published: September 2015

Many mitotic kinases have been targeted for the development of anti-cancer drugs and inhibitors of these kinases have been expected to perform well for cancer therapy. Efforts focused on selecting good targets and finding specific drugs to target are especially needed, largely due to the increased frequency of anti-cancer drugs used in the treatment of lung cancer. Vaccinia-related kinase 1 (VRK1) is a master regulator in lung adenocarcinoma and is considered a key molecule in the adaptive pathway, which mainly controls cell survival. We found that ursolic acid (UA) inhibits the catalytic activity of VRK1 via direct binding to the catalytic domain of VRK1. UA weakens surveillance mechanisms by blocking 53BP1 foci formation induced by VRK1 in lung cancer cells and possesses synergistic anti-cancer effects with DNA damaging drugs. Taken together, UA can be a good anti-cancer agent for targeted therapy or combination therapy with DNA damaging drugs for lung cancer patients.
Illusory Tactile Motion Perception: An Analog of the Visual Filehne Illusion
Authors: Moscatelli Alessandro , Hayward Vincent , Wexler Mark , Ernst Marc O.
Published: September 2015

We continually move our body and our eyes when exploring the world, causing our sensory surfaces, the skin and the retina, to move relative to external objects. In order to estimate object motion consistently, an ideal observer would transform estimates of motion acquired from the sensory surface into fixed, world-centered estimates, by taking the motion of the sensor into account. This ability is referred to as spatial constancy. Human vision does not follow this rule strictly and is therefore subject to perceptual illusions during eye movements, where immobile objects can appear to move. Here, we investigated whether one of these, the Filehne illusion, had a counterpart in touch. To this end, observers estimated the movement of a surface from tactile slip, with a moving or with a stationary finger. We found the perceived movement of the surface to be biased if the surface was sensed while moving. This effect exemplifies a failure of spatial constancy that is similar to the Filehne illusion in vision. We quantified this illusion by using a Bayesian model with a prior for stationarity, applied previously in vision. The analogy between vision and touch points to a modality-independent solution to the spatial constancy problem.
Rapid microwave assisted synthesis of nearly monodisperse aqueous CuInS2/ZnS nanocrystals
Authors: Mange Yatin J. , Dewi Melissa R. , Macdonald Thomas J. , Skinner William M. , Nann Thomas
Published: September 2015

A rapid microwave-assisted synthesis for nearly monodisperse CuInS2/ZnS nanocrystals (NCs) has been developed.
Bio-mediated synthesis, characterization and cytotoxicity of gold nanoparticles
Authors: Klekotko Magdalena , Matczyszyn Katarzyna , Siednienko Jakub , Olesiak-Banska Joanna , Pawlik Krzysztof , Samoc Marek
Published: September 2015

We report here a “green” approach for the synthesis of gold nanoparticles (GNPs) in which theMentha piperitaextract was applied for the bioreduction of chloroauric acid and the stabilization of the formed nanostructures.
Computational insights into the inhibition and destabilization of morin on the oligomer of full-length human islet amyloid polypeptide
Authors: Wang Qianqian , Zhou Shuangyan , Wei Wei , Yao Xiaojun , Liu Huanxiang , Hu Zhide
Published: September 2015

In this work, we simulated the full-length human islet amyloid peptide (hIAPP) pentamer with and without morins to investigate the mechanism of inhibition and destabilization of this inhibitor on hIAPP oligomer, and identify its possible binding sites on hIAPP.
The mechanism of water/ion exchange at a protein surface: a weakly bound chloride in Helicobacter pylori apoflavodoxin
Authors: Galano-Frutos Juan J. , Carmen Morón M. , Sancho Javier
Published: September 2015

Binding/unbinding of small ligands, such as ions, to/from proteins influences biochemical processes such as protein folding, enzyme catalysis or protein/ligand recognition.
Quantum chemical analysis of thermodynamics of 2D cluster formation of alkanes at the water/vapor interface in the presence of aliphatic alcohols
Authors: Vysotsky Yu. B. , Kartashynska E. S. , Belyaeva E. A. , Fainerman V. B. , Vollhardt D. , Miller R.
Published: September 2015

A quantum-chemical model for alkane monolayer formation is developed at the water/vapor interface containing non-ionic surfactants.
One-pot synthesis of etched Cu2O cubes with exposed {110} facets with enhanced visible-light-driven photocatalytic activity
Authors: Tang Linli , Du Yuhang , Kong Chuncai , Sun Shaodong , Yang Zhimao
Published: September 2015

Novel Cu2O cubes with exposed {110} facets have been prepared. When evaluated for the photocatalytic performances, the etched Cu2O manifest higher photocatalytic activity than that of the normal Cu2O cubes.
Synthesis, luminescence, and anti-tumor properties of MgSiO3:Eu-DOX-DPP-RGD hollow microspheres
Authors: Lv Ruichan , Zhong Chongna , Gulzar Arif , Gai Shili , He Fei , Gu Rui , Zhang Shenghuan , Yang Guixin , Yang Piaoping
Published: September 2015

MgSiO3:Eu-DOX-DPP-RGD hollow microspheres employed for simultaneous imaging and anti-cancer therapy have been designed by sequentially loading DOX, DPP, and a targeted peptide of RGD on MgSiO3:Eu hollow spheres.
Thermoresponsive release of viable microfiltrated Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs) for precision medicine applications
Authors: Ao Zheng , Parasido Erika , Rawal Siddarth , Williams Anthony , Schlegel Richard , Liu Stephen , Albanese Chris , Cote Richard J. , Agarwal Ashutosh , Datar Ram H.
Published: September 2015

Stimulus responsive release of Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs), with high recovery rates from their capture platform, is highly desirable for off-chip analyses.
Graphene based anticorrosive coatings for Cr(vi) replacement
Authors: Aneja Karanveer. S. , Bohm Sivasambu , Khanna A. S. , Bohm H. L. Mallika
Published: September 2015

A promising eco-friendly coating as an alternative to chromate based pre-treatment for metal protection, based on functionalisation of graphene formulation.
Polymorphic transformation towards formation of nanotubes by self-assembly of an achiral molecule
Authors: Wang Shuai , Zhang Yajun , Xia Yijun , Song Bo
Published: September 2015

Polymorphic transformation to nanotubes: match of experimental results and theoretical prediction.
Solution processed thick film organic solar cells
Authors: Duan Chunhui , Huang Fei , Cao Yong
Published: September 2015

In this Review article, significant advances in materials development and processing methods toward efficient solution processed bulk-heterojunction thick film organic solar cells as well as the factors that determine the optimal active layer thickness are summarized.
Highly stable low temperature alcohol sensor based on hydrothermally grown tetragonal titania nanorods
Authors: Bhowmik B. , Bhattacharyya P.
Published: September 2015

Highly stable, low temperature (27–175 °C) alcohol (ethanol, methanol and 2-propanol) sensing performance of a hydrothermally grown tetragonal TiO2 nanorod array, targeting the detection level of 1–100 ppm, is reported in this paper.
Electrostatic template-assisted deposition of microparticles on electrospun nanofibers: towards microstructured functional biochips for screening applications
Authors: Nedjari S. , Hébraud A. , Eap S. , Siegwald S. , Mélart C. , Benkirane-Jessel N. , Schlatter G.
Published: September 2015

Electrostatic Template-Assisted Deposition (ETAD) of microparticles is described as a new process to control the deposition of microparticles by electrospraying onto a substrate.
A nanosheet-like BiPO4/Bi2O2CO3 heterostructured photocatalyst with enhanced photocatalytic activity
Authors: Liu Yumin , Zhang Peng , Lv Hua , Guang Jing , Li Shuang , Jiang Juhui
Published: September 2015

The as-formed BiPO4/Bi2O2CO3 heterojunction structure can facilitate interfacial charge transfer, thereby resulting in enhanced photocatalytic activity.
Enhanced performance of a TiO2 ultraviolet detector modified with graphene oxide
Authors: Zhang Dezhong , Jing Fuyi , Gao Fengli , Shen Liang , Sun Dongming , Zhou Jingran , Chen Yu , Ruan Shengping
Published: September 2015

The performance of a Schottky metal–semiconductor–metal (MSM) ultraviolet (UV) photodetector is limited by the insufficient gain and the uncontrollable noise current.
Structural evolution of mixed valent (V3+/V4+) and V4+ sodium vanadium fluorophosphates as cathodes in sodium-ion batteries: comparisons, overcharging and mid-term cycling
Authors: Palomares V. , Serras P. , Brand H. E. A. , Rojo T. , Sharma N.
Published: September 2015

The carbon-coated V3.8+ shows more tolerance to overcharging relative to V4+ and both samples reduce in particle size during overcharging.
Electro-deposition of CoNi2S4 flower-like nanosheets on 3D hierarchically porous nickel skeletons with high electrochemical capacitive performance
Authors: Wang Tao , Zhao Bo , Jiang Hong , Yang Hai-Peng , Zhang Kai , Yuen Matthew M. F. , Fu Xian-Zhu , Sun Rong , Wong Ching-Ping
Published: September 2015

Electro-deposited CoNi2S4 nanosheets on 3D hierarchically porous nickel skeletons demonstrate excellent electrochemical capacitive performance.
A study of suppressed formation of low-conductivity phases in doped Li7La3Zr2O12 garnets by in situ neutron diffraction
Authors: Chen Yan , Rangasamy Ezhiylmurugan , dela Cruz Clarina R. , Liang Chengdu , An Ke
Published: September 2015

In situ neutron diffraction reveals the mechanism of doped garnet synthesis and the activities of intermediate phases.
Porous nitrogen-doped carbon-immobilized bimetallic nanoparticles as highly efficient catalysts for hydrogen generation from hydrolysis of ammonia borane
Authors: Guo Lingling , Gu Xiaojun , Kang Kai , Wu Yanyan , Cheng Jia , Liu Penglong , Wang Tianshu , Su Haiquan
Published: September 2015

High-performance hydrogen generation from hydrolysis of ammonia borane has been achieved over porous nitrogen-doped carbon-immobilized bimetallic nanoparticles.
Effective medium theory based modeling of the thermoelectric properties of composites: comparison between predictions and experiments in the glass–crystal composite system Si10As15Te75–Bi0.4Sb1.6Te3
Authors: Vaney J.-B. , Piarristeguy A. , Ohorodniichuck V. , Ferry O. , Pradel A. , Alleno E. , Monnier J. , Lopes E. B. , Gonçalves A. P. , Delaizir G. , Candolfi C. , Dauscher A. , Lenoir B.
Published: September 2015

An experimental and modeling study of glass–crystal Si10As15Te75–Bi0.4Sb1.6Te3 composites.