bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The yield response of oilseed rape to plant population density
Authors: ROQUES S. E. , BERRY P. M.
Published: January 2015

Eight winter oilseed rape and two spring oilseed rape field experiments were performed in the UK in harvest years 2009–12. Each experiment consisted of at least one hybrid and one open-pollinated variety grown at five seed rates from 10 or 20 seeds/m2 to 160 or 200 seeds/m2. Linear plus exponential curves were used to describe the yield response to seed rate and to calculate economically optimal seed rates. Plant counts were then used to derive optimal plant population densities. These ranged from <10 to 39 plants/m2 for six winter oilseed rape experiments between 73 and >155 plants/m2 in two winter oilseed rape experiments with severe spring droughts, and from 47 to 65 plants/m2 for spring oilseed rape. Optimal plant population densities were lower for hybrid than for open-pollinated varieties, due to a combination of the higher cost of hybrid seed and, for some experimental sites, hybrid varieties compensating better for low plant populations. Across all sites, sowing winter oilseed rape at 30 seeds/m2 rather than common commercial rates of 70 seeds/m2 for hybrids and 100 seeds/m2 for open-pollinated varieties would have increased average gross margin by £29/ha. Sowing spring oilseed rape at 70 seeds/m2 rather than commonly used rates of 120 or 150 seeds/m2 would have increased average gross margin by £64/ha.
Nonlinear third harmonic radiation in thermal free electron laser with modified wiggler
Authors: Bazouband F. , Maraghechi B.
Published: January 2015

Simulation of free electron laser (FEL) with modified wiggler consisting of a conventional planar wiggler with third harmonic field component is presented. A set of self consistent nonlinear differential equations is derived and solved numerically by Runge–Kutta method. The optimum amplitudes of fundamental and third harmonic wiggler filed are obtained to increase the third harmonic radiation in comparison with conventional wiggler and also to have lower electron beam energy compared to conventional wiggler with the same wavelength. For the thermal effect the axial energy spread of electron beam, without any spread in the transverse velocity, is assumed. A peculiar region is found in which there is a sharp increase of the radiation amplitude. Thermal effect of the electron beam was found to be irregular in this peculiar region.
Child Support Grants in South Africa: A Pathway to Women's Empowerment and Child Well-being?
Authors: PATEL LEILA , KNIJN TRUDIE , VAN WEL FRITS
Published: January 2015

Despite the growth of cash transfers to reduce poverty, promote child and family well-being and women's empowerment, the gender dynamics and impact of social protection remains poorly understood. We hypothesise that poor female care-givers receiving a cash transfer for their children are better able to contribute to the material and social well-being of their children than female care-givers who do not receive a cash transfer. This paper reports results of a household survey in one of the poorest wards in Johannesburg, South Africa. Structural equation modelling is used to analyse the data. We found that cash transfers increase women's individual income, which is in turn positively associated with increased financial independence, decision-making power over financial resources and decisions about children's well-being. Beneficiaries were more actively engaged in care activities with their children. There are two implications for the insertion of gender and care into social protection policies. First that it is not necessary to attach behavioural change conditions to social protection policies in order to stimulate female care-givers to be more engaged in developmental activities with their children. Second, there is no risk of promoting a maternalistic model of care or ‘maternalism’ in the South African context as the transfer contributes to both women's individual incomes and their financial decision-making power.
HEAVY-TRAFFIC ANALYSIS OF A NON-PREEMPTIVE MULTI-CLASS QUEUE WITH RELATIVE PRIORITIES
Authors: Izagirre A. , Verloop I.M. , Ayesta U.
Published: January 2015

We study the steady-state queue-length vector in a multi-class queue with relative priorities. Upon service completion, the probability that the next served customer is from class k is controlled by class-dependent weights. Once a customer has started service, it is served without interruption until completion. We establish a state-space collapse for the scaled queue-length vector in the heavy-traffic regime, that is, in the limit the scaled queue-length vector is distributed as the product of an exponentially distributed random variable and a deterministic vector. We observe that the scaled queue length reduces as classes with smaller mean service requirement obtain relatively larger weights. We finally show that the scaled waiting time of a class-k customer is distributed as the product of two exponentially distributed random variables.
The impact of socioeconomic status on foodborne illness in high-income countries: a systematic review
Authors: NEWMAN K. L. , LEON J. S. , REBOLLEDO P. A. , SCALLAN E.
Published: January 2015

Foodborne illness is a major cause of morbidity and loss of productivity in developed nations. Although low socioeconomic status (SES) is generally associated with negative health outcomes, its impact on foodborne illness is poorly understood. We conducted a systematic review to examine the association between SES and laboratory-confirmed illness caused by eight important foodborne pathogens. We completed this systematic review using PubMed for all papers published between 1 January 1980 and 1 January 2013 that measured the association between foodborne illness and SES in highly developed countries and identified 16 studies covering four pathogens. The effect of SES varied across pathogens: the majority of identified studies forCampylobacter, salmonellosis, andE. coliinfection showed an association between high SES and illness. The single study of listeriosis showed illness was associated with low SES. A reporting bias by SES could not be excluded. SES should be considered when targeting consumer-level public health interventions for foodborne pathogens.
An experimental library of formalized Mathematics based on the univalent foundations
Authors: VOEVODSKY VLADIMIR
Published: January 2015

This is a short overview of an experimental library of Mathematics formalized in the Coq proof assistant using the univalent interpretation of the underlying type theory of Coq. I started to work on this library in February 2010 in order to gain experience with formalization of Mathematics in a constructive type theory based on the intuition gained from the univalent models (see Kapulkinet al.2012).
A framework for the interpretation of temperature effects on dormancy and germination in seed populations showing dormancy
Authors: Batlla Diego , Benech-Arnold Roberto L.
Published: January 2015

Temperature is a key factor affecting both dormancy and germination. In non-dormant seeds, when temperature is within the thermal range permissive for germination, it just regulates germination velocity, while in seeds presenting dormancy it can also be affecting dormancy level, dormancy termination and the expression of dormancy itself. This dual effect of temperature on dormancy and germination often leads to misinterpretation of obtained germination results and confounds the analysis of temperature effects in seed populations presenting some degree of dormancy. In the present paper we discuss the effect of temperature in the regulation of dormancy level and its implications in dormancy expression, as an attempt to construct a conceptual framework that allows distinguishing between the effects of temperature on dormancy and germination. Finally, we present examples of how a better understanding of these effects could help us to interpret the mixed effects of temperature on both processes during incubation of seeds presenting dormancy.
ARE THE NEOTROPICAL SWAMP FORESTS A DISTINGUISHABLE FOREST TYPE? PATTERNS FROM SOUTHEAST AND SOUTHERN BRAZIL
Authors: Kurtz B. C. , Valentin J. L. , Scarano F. R.
Published: January 2015

This work synthesises information about plant diversity of 37 sites of coastal and inland swamp forests of southeast and southern Brazil and investigates floristic similarities and differences among them. Swamp forests often show low species richness, diversity and evenness, which are associated with the selective character of oxygen deprivation caused by soil waterlogging. However, our results pointed out some degree of site-level variation (Sobs = 5 to 110; Sjack1 = 6 to 151; H′ = 0.82 to 3.98; J′ = 0.51 to 0.87) related to local ecological conditions. Two major phytogeographical patterns emerged from our work: the strong influence of the neighbouring non-flooded vegetation on the flora of swamp forests and its high spatial heterogeneity. At least 85.9% of the 518 species sampled are found in neighbouring non-flooded vegetation. A correspondence analysis consistently separated swamp forests of the coastal plain from those of the plateau. A Mantel test indicated a significant correlation between floristic and geographical distances among sites (r = 0.45; p = 0.001), and highlighted the main effect of regional-scale changes in the flora of swamp forests. We conclude that swamp forests of southeast and southern Brazil cannot be considered a distinguishable floristic unit.
Comparison of invasive and non-invasive pressure gradients in aortic arch obstruction
Authors: Wisotzkey Bethany L. , Hornik Christoph P. , Green Amanda S. , Barker Piers C. A.
Published: January 2015

Background

Aortic arch obstruction can be evaluated by catheter peak-to-peak gradient or by Doppler peak instantaneous pressure gradient. Previous studies have shown moderate correlation in discrete coarctation, but few have assessed correlation in patients with more complex aortic reconstruction.

Methods

We carried out retrospective comparison of cardiac catheterisations and pre- and post-catheterisation echocardiograms in 60 patients with native/recurrent coarctation or aortic reconstruction. Aortic arch obstruction was defined as peak-to-peak gradient ⩾25 mmHg in patients with native/recurrent coarctation and ⩾10 mmHg in aortic reconstruction.

Results

Diastolic continuation of flow was not associated with aortic arch obstruction in either group. Doppler peak instantaneous pressure gradient, with and without the expanded Bernoulli equation, weakly correlated with peak-to-peak gradient even in patients with a normal cardiac index (r=0.36, p=0.016, and r=0.49, p=0.001, respectively). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis identified an area under the curve of 0.61 for patients with all types of obstruction, with a cut-off point of 45 mmHg correctly classifying 64% of patients with arch obstruction (sensitivity 39%, specificity 89%). In patients with aortic arch reconstruction who had a cardiac index ⩾3 L/min/m2, a cut-off point of 23 mmHg correctly classified 69% of patients (71% sensitivity, 50% specificity) with an area under the curve of 0.82.

Conclusion

The non-invasive assessment of aortic obstruction remains challenging. The greatest correlation of Doppler indices was noted in patients with aortic reconstruction and a normal cardiac index.
Closure of a secundum atrial septal defect in two infants with chronic lung disease using the Gore HELEX Septal Occluder
Authors: Zussman Matt E. , Freire Grace , Cupp Shawn D. , Stapleton Gary E.
Published: January 2015

Children with a secundum atrial septal defect are usually asymptomatic and are referred for elective closure after 3–4 years of age; however, in premature infants with chronic lung disease, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, or pulmonary hypertension, increased pulmonary blood flow secondary to a left-to-right atrial shunt, may exacerbate their condition. Closure of the atrial septal defect in these patients can result in significant clinical improvement. We report the cases of two premature infants with chronic lung disease, who underwent atrial septal defect closure with the Gore HELEX Septal Occluder and discuss the technical aspects of using the device in these patients and their clinical outcomes.
DOES FEAR LEAD TO RECESSIONS?
Authors: Chen Shiu-Sheng , Chou Yu-Hsi
Published: January 2015

This paper investigates the link between consumer pessimism and U.S. economic recessions empirically. First we use structural vector autoregressive models to identify negative structural shocks to consumer confidence, which are used as a proxy for recession fear. We then apply probit models and time-varying-transition-probability Markov-switching autoregressive models to investigate how the lack of consumer confidence affects the probability of recession. We find that recession fear leads to a higher probability of economic downturns. Furthermore, strong evidence exists that an increase in market pessimism may push the economy from an expansion state to a recession state. We also find weaker evidence suggesting that a lack of consumer confidence may trap the economy in the depressed regime longer. We conclude that a lack of confidence can push the economy into recession.
Serum folate, vitamin B12 and cognitive impairment in Chilean older adults
Authors: Castillo-Lancellotti Cecilia , Margozzini Paula , Valdivia Gonzalo , Padilla Oslando , Uauy Ricardo , Rozowski Jaime , Tur Josep A
Published: January 2015

Objective

To analyse the relationship between serum folate (SF), vitamin B12 and impaired cognitive function in the Chilean elderly.

Design

We analysed the relationships between impaired cognitive function and age, SF (µg/l) and vitamin B12 (pg/ml) with Student’s t test, as well as between impaired cognitive function and gender, educational level, residence area, diabetes and hypertension with the χ2 test. Multiple logistic regressions with interactions were estimated to assess the impact of SF on impaired cognitive function according to these methods.

Setting

Chile.

Subjects

Older adults (>65 years, n 1051), drawn from representative households of a national prevalence study, assessed using the Modified Mini Mental Status Examination (MMMSE). Individuals with altered MMMSE scores (≤13 points) were sequentially assessed using the Pfeffer Functional Activities Questionnaire (PFAQ).

Results

Multivariate models using the MMMSE demonstrated an increased risk of impaired cognitive function for seniors who had hypertension, diabetes and higher vitamin B12 levels. SF and its square (SF2) were statistically significant, indicating that this predictor of impaired cognitive function displays a U-shaped distribution. The interaction between SF and vitamin B12 was not statistically significant. Models using the MMMSE plus PFAQ suggested that urban residence decreased the risk of impaired cognitive function, whereas male gender, older age, vitamin B12 levels and hypertension increased this risk. The variables SF and SF2 and the SF × vitamin B12 interaction were statistically significant (P<0.05). The risk of impaired cognitive function depended on different combinations of SF and vitamin B12 levels. When SF was low, a one-unit increase in SF (1 µg/l) diminished the risk. When SF was elevated, a further increase in SF raised the risk, especially at low vitamin B12 levels.

Conclusions

The relationship between folate, vitamin B12 and impaired cognitive function warrants further study.
Reliability and validity of the Chinese version of the Nutritional Form For the Elderly
Authors: Gao Han , Söderhamn Ulrika , Zhang Lin , Cui Hui-Xia , Liu Kun
Published: January 2015

Objective

The present study aimed to translate the English version of the Nutritional Form For the Elderly into Simplified Chinese, as well as to test the reliability (homogeneity and stability) and validity (content and construct validity) of the Chinese version of the Nutritional Form For the Elderly (NUFFE-CHI).

Design

The study adopted a cross-sectional design. The English version of the NUFFE was translated into Simplified Chinese and a questionnaire survey was conducted. The data were analysed with statistical methods to estimate the homogeneity, stability, content and construct validity.

Setting

Jinzhou City, China.

Subjects

A total number of 701 community-dwelling older adults answered the questionnaire, including background variables and the NUFFE-CHI. A small group of the participants (n50) completed the NUFFE-CHI twice for test–retest reliability.

Results

Cronbach’sαwas 0·65 and the split-half reliability was 0·67. Item-to-total correlation analyses showed that the scale has sufficient internal consistency. The test–retest reliability regarding the total scores of NUFFE-CHI was reflected in an intra-class correlation coefficient of 0·88. The intra-class correlation coefficients between the test and retest of the NUFFE-CHI items varied between 0·43 and 0·98. A content validity index of 0·83 explained good content validity. Construct validity was demonstrated in an exploratory factor analysis with a six-factor solution, explaining 57·65 % of the variance.

Conclusions

This first testing of the NUFFE-CHI indicates sufficient evidence for reliability, content and construct validity. Further testing studies regarding homogeneity, concurrent validity, sensitivity and specificity are required before the NUFFE-CHI can be used as a screening instrument in clinical settings and in research.
A dual-band unequal power divider with flexible choice of implementation
Authors: Tang Cong , Fan Yong , Song Kaijun
Published: January 2015

In this paper, a new asymmetric structure is proposed for the dual-band unequal application, in which both open- and short-ended stubs are applied. Closed-form design equations are obtained for the proposed power divider using the modified even- and odd-mode analysis method. It is observed that the proposed power divider can operate at high frequency ratio from 2.3 to 3.7 and has a wide operating band. Besides, this proposed circuit can offer flexibility in fabrication. For verification, two power dividers operate at 1/2.5 GHz with different values of line impedance are fabricated and tested. There is good agreement between simulation and experimental results, validating the proposed design concepts.
Clinical decision making and outcome in the routine care of people with severe mental illness across Europe (CEDAR)
Authors: Puschner B. , Becker T. , Mayer B. , Jordan H. , Maj M. , Fiorillo A. , Égerházi A. , Ivánka T. , Munk-Jørgensen P. , Krogsgaard Bording M. , Rössler W. , Kawohl W. , Slade M. ,   for the CEDAR study group
Published: January 2015

Aims.

Shared decision making has been advocated as a means to improve patient-orientation and quality of health care. There is a lack of knowledge on clinical decision making and its relation to outcome in the routine treatment of people with severe mental illness. This study examined preferred and experienced clinical decision making from the perspectives of patients and staff, and how these affect treatment outcome.

Methods.

“Clinical Decision Making and Outcome in Routine Care for People with Severe Mental Illness” (CEDAR; ISRCTN75841675) is a naturalistic prospective observational study with bimonthly assessments during a 12-month observation period. Between November 2009 and December 2010, adults with severe mental illness were consecutively recruited from caseloads of community mental health services at the six study sites (Ulm, Germany; London, UK; Naples, Italy; Debrecen, Hungary; Aalborg, Denmark; and Zurich, Switzerland). Clinical decision making was assessed using two instruments which both have parallel patient and staff versions: (a) The Clinical Decision Making Style Scale (CDMS) measured preferences for decision making at baseline; and (b) the Clinical Decision Making Involvement and Satisfaction Scale (CDIS) measured involvement and satisfaction with a specific decision at all time points. Primary outcome was patient-rated unmet needs measured with the Camberwell Assessment of Need Short Appraisal Schedule (CANSAS). Mixed-effects multinomial regression was used to examine differences and course over time in involvement in and satisfaction with actual decision making. The effect of clinical decision making on the primary outcome was examined using hierarchical linear modelling controlling for covariates (study centre, patient age, duration of illness, and diagnosis). Analysis were also controlled for nesting of patients within staff.

Results.

Of 708 individuals approached, 588 adults with severe mental illness (52% female, mean age = 41.7) gave informed consent. Paired staff participants (N = 213) were 61.8% female and 46.0 years old on average. Shared decision making was preferred by patients (χ2 = 135.08; p < 0.001) and staff (χ2 = 368.17; p < 0.001). Decision making style of staff significantly affected unmet needs over time, with unmet needs decreasing more in patients whose clinicians preferred active to passive (−0.406 unmet needs per two months, p = 0.007) or shared (−0.303 unmet needs per two months, p = 0.015) decision making.

Conclusions.

Decision making style of staff is a prime candidate for the development of targeted intervention. If proven effective in future trials, this would pave the ground for a shift from shared to active involvement of patients including changes to professional socialization through training in principles of active decision making.
An epigenetic view of B‐cell disorders
Authors: Alberghini Federica , Petrocelli Valentina , Rahmat Mahshid , Casola Stefano
Published: January 2015

B‐cell development is a multistep process sustained by a highly coordinated transcriptional network under the control of a limited set of transcription factors. Epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA methylation, histone posttranslational modifications and microRNAs act in concert with transcription factors to promote lineage commitment, define and sustain cell identity and establish heritable cell‐type‐ and stage‐specific gene expression profiles. Epigenetic modifiers have recently emerged as key regulators of B‐cell development and activation. Central to B‐cell‐mediated immunity are germinal centers, transient structures formed in secondary lymphoid organs where antigen‐specific B cells undergo intense proliferation, immunoglobulin somatic hypermutation and isotype switching, to generate ultimately long‐lived memory B cells and terminally differentiated plasma cells expressing high‐affinity antibodies. Deregulation of one or more epigenetic axes represents a common feature of several B‐cell disorders arising from germinal center B cells, including autoimmunity and lymphoma. Moreover, the hijacking of epigenetic determinants is central to the ability of the B‐lymphotropic Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) to establish, via the germinal center reaction, life‐long latency and occasionally contribute to malignant B‐cell transformation. In the light of recent findings, this review will discuss the relevance of epigenetic deregulation in the pathogenesis of B‐cell diseases. Understanding how specific epigenetic alterations contribute to the development of lymphomas, autoimmunity and EBV‐associated disorders is instrumental to develop novel therapeutic interventions for the cure of these often fatal pathologies.
NOD mice are functionally deficient in the capacity of cross‐presentation
Authors: Lee Chin‐Nien , Lew Andrew M , Shortman Ken , Wu Li
Published: January 2015

Cross‐presentation by CD8+ conventional dendritic cells (cDCs) is involved in the maintenance of peripheral tolerance and this process is termed cross‐tolerance. Previous reports showed that non‐obese diabetic (NOD) mice have reduced number of splenic CD8+ cDCs compared with non‐diabetic strains, and that the administration of Flt3L to enhance DC development resulted in reduced diabetes incidence. As CD8+ cDCs are the most efficient antigen cross‐presenting cells, it was assumed that reduced cross‐presentation by non‐activated, tolerogenic CD8+ cDC predisposes to autoimmune diabetogenesis. Here we show for the first time that indeed NOD mice have a defect in autoantigen cross‐presentation capacity. First, we showed that NOD CD8+ cDCs were less sensitive to iatrogenic cytochrome c, which had previously been shown to selectively deplete CD8+ cDCs that functionally cross‐present. Second, we found that proliferation of islet‐specific glucose‐6‐phosphatase catalytic subunit‐related protein (IGRP)‐specific CD8+ T cells was impaired in NOD compared with non‐obese diabetes resistant mice after immunization with cell associated recombinant fusion protein containing the cognate IGRP peptide. This study, therefore, suggests that the reduced number of CD8+ cDCs in NOD mice, coupled with the reduced capacity to cross‐present self‐antigens, reduces the overall capacity to maintain peripheral tolerance in the spontaneous autoimmune type 1 diabetes mice.
The deubiquitinating enzyme CYLD regulates the differentiation and maturation of thymic medullary epithelial cells
Authors: Reissig Sonja , Hövelmeyer Nadine , Tang Yilang , Weih Debra , Nikolaev Alexey , Riemann Marc , Weih Falk , Waisman Ari
Published: January 2015

The cross talk between thymocytes and the thymic epithelium is critical for T‐cell development and the establishment of central tolerance. Medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs) are located in the thymic medulla and mediate the elimination of self‐reactive thymocytes, thereby preventing the onset of autoimmunity. Previous studies identified the deubiquitinating enzyme CYLD as a critical regulator of T‐cell development by activating proximal T‐cell receptor signaling during the transition of double‐positive to single‐positive thymocytes. Here we evaluated the impact of the naturally occurring short‐splice variant of the cyld gene (sCYLD) on the development and maturation of mTECs. We found that thymi of CYLDex7/8 mice, solely expressing sCYLD, displayed a reduced number of mature mTECs caused by a developmental block during the transition of immature to mature mTECs. Further, we could demonstrate an impaired negative selection of thymocytes in these mice. Our data demonstrate that inefficient negative selection in the thymus of CYLDex7/8 mice result from a defect in mTEC maturation.
HPV16 E7 expression in skin induces TSLP secretion, type 2 ILC infiltration and atopic dermatitis‐like lesions
Authors: Bergot Anne‐Sophie , Monnet Nastasia , Le Tran Son , Mittal Deepak , Al‐Kouba Jane , Steptoe Raymond J , Grimbaldeston Michele A , Frazer Ian H , Wells James W
Published: January 2015

Atopic dermatitis is a common pruritic and inflammatory skin disorder with unknown etiology. Most commonly occurring during early childhood, atopic dermatitis is associated with eczematous lesions and lichenification, in which the epidermis becomes hypertrophied resulting in thickening of the skin. In this study, we report an atopic dermatitis‐like pathophysiology results in a murine model following the expression of the high‐risk human papillomavirus (HPV) 16 oncoprotein E7 in keratinocytes under the keratin 14 promoter. We show that HPV16 E7 expression in the skin is associated with skin thickening, acanthosis and light spongiosis. Locally, HPV16 E7‐expressing skin secreted high levels of thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) and contained increased numbers of innate lymphoid cells (ILCs). High levels of circulating immunoglobulin E were associated with increased susceptibility to skin allergy in a model of cutaneous challenge, and to airway bronchiolar inflammation, enhanced airway goblet cell metaplasia and mucus production in a model of atopic march. Surprisingly, skin pathology occurred independently of T cells and mast cells. Thus, our findings suggest that the expression of a single HPV oncogene in the skin can drive the onset of atopic dermatitis‐like pathology through the induction of TSLP and type 2 ILC infiltration.
Non‐transcriptional regulation of NLRP3 inflammasome signaling by IL‐4
Authors: Hwang Inhwa , Yang Jungmin , Hong Sujeong , Ju Lee Eun , Lee Seung‐Hyo , Fernandes‐Alnemri Teresa , Alnemri Emad S , Yu Je‐Wook
Published: January 2015

Th2 cytokine IL‐4 has been previously shown to suppress the production of proinflammatory cytokines in monocytes. However, the underlying molecular mechanism by which IL‐4 signaling antagonizes proinflammatory responses is poorly characterized. In particular, whether IL‐4 can modulate inflammasome signaling remains unknown. Here, we provide evidence that IL‐4 suppresses NLRP3‐dependent caspase‐1 activation and the subsequent IL‐1β secretion but does not inhibit absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2)‐ or NLRC4 (NOD‐like receptor family, CARD domain‐containing 4)‐dependent caspase‐1 activation in THP‐1 and mouse bone marrow‐derived macrophages. Upon lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or LPS/ATP stimulation, IL‐4 markedly inhibited the assembly of NLRP3 inflammasome, including NLRP3‐dependent ASC (apoptosis‐associated speck‐like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain) oligomerization, NLRP3‐ASC interaction and NLRP3 speck‐like oligomeric structure formation. The negative regulation of NLRP3 inflammasome by IL‐4 was not due to the impaired mRNA or protein production of NLRP3 and proinflammatory cytokines. Supporting this observation, IL‐4 attenuated NLRP3 inflammasome activation even in reconstituted NLRP3‐expressing macrophages in which NLRP3 expression is not transcriptionally regulated by TLR‐NF‐κB signaling. Furthermore, the IL‐4‐mediated suppression of NLRP3 inflammasome was independent of STAT6‐dependent transcription and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS). Instead, IL‐4 inhibited subcellular redistribution of NLRP3 into mitochondria and microtubule polymerization upon NLRP3‐activating stimulation. Our results collectively suggest that IL‐4 could suppress NLRP3 inflammasome activation in a transcription‐independent manner, thus providing an endogenous regulatory machinery to prevent excessive inflammasome activation.
Femtosecond all-optical synchronization of an X-ray free-electron laser
Authors: Schulz S. , Grguraš I. , Behrens C. , Bromberger H. , Costello J. T. , Czwalinna M. K. , Felber M. , Hoffmann M. C. , Ilchen M. , Liu H. Y. , Mazza T. , Meyer M. , Pfeiffer S. , Prędki P. , Schefer S. , Schmidt C. , Wegner U. , Schlarb H. , Cavalieri A. L.
Published: January 2015

Many advanced applications of X-ray free-electron lasers require pulse durations and time resolutions of only a few femtoseconds. To generate these pulses and to apply them in time-resolved experiments, synchronization techniques that can simultaneously lock all independent components, including all accelerator modules and all external optical lasers, to better than the delivered free-electron laser pulse duration, are needed. Here we achieve all-optical synchronization at the soft X-ray free-electron laser FLASH and demonstrate facility-wide timing to better than 30 fs r.m.s. for 90 fs X-ray photon pulses. Crucially, our analysis indicates that the performance of this optical synchronization is limited primarily by the free-electron laser pulse duration, and should naturally scale to the sub-10 femtosecond level with shorter X-ray pulses.
Abundance of live 244Pu in deep-sea reservoirs on Earth points to rarity of actinide nucleosynthesis
Authors: Wallner A. , Faestermann T. , Feige J. , Feldstein C. , Knie K. , Korschinek G. , Kutschera W. , Ofan A. , Paul M. , Quinto F. , Rugel G. , Steier P.
Published: January 2015

Half of the heavy elements including all actinides are produced in r-process nucleosynthesis, whose sites and history remain a mystery. If continuously produced, the Interstellar Medium is expected to build-up a quasi-steady state of abundances of short-lived nuclides (with half-lives ≤100 My), including actinides produced in r-process nucleosynthesis. Their existence in today’s interstellar medium would serve as a radioactive clock and would establish that their production was recent. In particular 244Pu, a radioactive actinide nuclide (half-life=81 My), can place strong constraints on recent r-process frequency and production yield. Here we report the detection of live interstellar 244Pu, archived in Earth’s deep-sea floor during the last 25 My, at abundances lower than expected from continuous production in the Galaxy by about 2 orders of magnitude. This large discrepancy may signal a rarity of actinide r-process nucleosynthesis sites, compatible with neutron-star mergers or with a small subset of actinide-producing supernovae.
Origins of multicellular evolvability in snowflake yeast
Authors: Ratcliff William C. , Fankhauser Johnathon D. , Rogers David W. , Greig Duncan , Travisano Michael
Published: January 2015

Complex life has arisen through a series of ‘major transitions’ in which collectives of formerly autonomous individuals evolve into a single, integrated organism. A key step in this process is the origin of higher-level evolvability, but little is known about how higher-level entities originate and gain the capacity to evolve as an individual. Here we report a single mutation that not only creates a new level of biological organization, but also potentiates higher-level evolvability. Disrupting the transcription factorACE2inSaccharomyces cerevisiaeprevents mother–daughter cell separation, generating multicellular ‘snowflake’ yeast. Snowflake yeast develop through deterministic rules that produce geometrically defined clusters that preclude genetic conflict and display a high broad-sense heritability for multicellular traits; as a result they are preadapted to multicellular adaptation. This work demonstrates that simple microevolutionary changes can have profound macroevolutionary consequences, and suggests that the formation of clonally developing clusters may often be the first step to multicellularity.
The unexpected role of polyubiquitin chains in the formation of fibrillar aggregates
Authors: Morimoto Daichi , Walinda Erik , Fukada Harumi , Sou Yu-Shin , Kageyama Shun , Hoshino Masaru , Fujii Takashi , Tsuchiya Hikaru , Saeki Yasushi , Arita Kyohei , Ariyoshi Mariko , Tochio Hidehito , Iwai Kazuhiro , Namba Keiichi , Komatsu Masaaki , Tanaka Keiji , Shirakawa Masahiro
Published: January 2015

Ubiquitin is known to be one of the most soluble and stably folded intracellular proteins, but it is often found in inclusion bodies associated with various diseases including neurodegenerative disorders and cancer. To gain insight into this contradictory behaviour, we have examined the physicochemical properties of ubiquitin and its polymeric chains that lead to aggregate formation. We find that the folding stability of ubiquitin chains unexpectedly decreases with increasing chain length, resulting in the formation of amyloid-like fibrils. Furthermore, when expressed in cells, polyubiquitin chains covalently linked to EGFP also form aggregates depending on chain length. Notably, these aggregates are selectively degraded by autophagy. We propose a novel model in which the physical and chemical instability of polyubiquitin chains drives the formation of fibrils, which then serve as an initiation signal for autophagy.
Electronic Structure Engineering of Cu2O Film/ZnO Nanorods Array All-Oxide p-n Heterostructure for Enhanced Photoelectrochemical Property and Self-powered Biosensing Application
Authors: Kang Zhuo , Yan Xiaoqin , Wang Yunfei , Bai Zhiming , Liu Yichong , Zhang Zheng , Lin Pei , Zhang Xiaohui , Yuan Haoge , Zhang Xueji , Zhang Yue
Published: January 2015

We have engineered the electronic structure at the interface between Cu2O and ZnO nanorods (NRs) array, through adjusting the carrier concentration of Cu2O. The electrodeposition of Cu2O at pH 11 acquired the highest carrier concentration, resulting in the largest interfacial electric field between Cu2O and ZnO, which finally led to the highest separation efficiency of photogenerated charge carriers. The optimized Cu2O/ZnO NRs array p-n heterostructures exhibited enhanced PEC performance, such as elevated photocurrent and photoconversion efficiency, as well as excellent sensing performance for the sensitive detection of glutathione (GSH) in PBS buffer even at applied bias of 0 V which made the device self-powered. Besides, the favorable selectivity, high reproducibility and extremely wide detection range, make such heterostructure a promising candidate for PEC biosensing applications, probably for the extended field of PEC water splitting or other solar photovoltaic beacons.
Highly Sensitive and Multifunctional Tactile Sensor Using Free-standing ZnO/PVDF Thin Film with Graphene Electrodes for Pressure and Temperature Monitoring
Authors: Lee James S. , Shin Keun-Young , Cheong Oug Jae , Kim Jae Hyun , Jang Jyongsik
Published: January 2015

We demonstrate an 80-μm-thick film (which is around 15% of the thickness of the human epidermis), which is a highly sensitive hybrid functional gauge sensor and was fabricated from poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) and ZnO nanostructures with graphene electrodes. Using this film, we were able to simultaneously measure pressure and temperature in real time. The pressure was monitored from the change in the electrical resistance via the piezoresistance of the material and the temperature was inferred based on the recovery time of the signal. Our thin film system enabled us to detect changes in pressure as small as 10 Pa which is pressure detection limit was 103-fold lower than the minimum level required for artificial skin and to detect temperatures in the range 20–120°C.
Spin pumping in Ferromagnet-Topological Insulator-Ferromagnet Heterostructures
Authors: Baker A. A. , Figueroa A. I. , Collins-McIntyre L. J. , van der Laan G. , Hesjedal T.
Published: January 2015

Topological insulators (TIs) are enticing prospects for the future of spintronics due to their large spin-orbit coupling and dissipationless, counter-propagating conduction channels in the surface state. However, a means to interact with and exploit the topological surface state remains elusive. Here, we report a study of spin pumping at the TI-ferromagnet interface, investigating spin transfer dynamics in a spin-valve like structure using element specific time-resolved x-ray magnetic circular dichroism and ferromagnetic resonance. Gilbert damping increases approximately linearly with increasing TI thickness, indicating efficient behaviour as a spin sink. However, layer-resolved measurements suggest that a dynamic coupling is limited. These results shed new light on the spin dynamics of this novel material class and suggest great potential for TIs in spintronic devices, through their novel magnetodynamics that persist even up to room temperature.
A sensitive electrochemical DNA biosensor for Microcystis spp. sequence detection based on an Ag@Au NP composite film
Authors: Tong Ping , Shao Yanhong , Chen Jinfeng , He Yu , Zhang Lan
Published: January 2015

An electrochemical DNA biosensor is developed for detecting a gene sequence related to blooming genera of Cyanobacteria, Microcystis spp. based on an Ag@Au NP composite film. The detection limit was low to 1.6×10−12 mol L−1.
Terahertz time-domain spectroscopy combined with support vector machines and partial least squares-discriminant analysis applied for the diagnosis of cervical carcinoma
Authors: Qi Na , Zhang Zhuoyong , Xiang Yuhong , Yang Yuping , Liang Xueai , Harrington Peter de B.
Published: January 2015

Combined with terahertz spectroscopy, partial least squares-discriminant analysis and support vector machines could be novel and effective diagnosis methods for cervical cancer.
Study on the chemical markers of Caulis Lonicerae japonicae for quality control by HPLC-QTOF/MS/MS and chromatographic fingerprints combined with chemometrics methods
Authors: Zhang Yi-Da , Huang Xi , Zhao Fang-Li , Tang Yuan-Lin , Yin Lian
Published: January 2015

Caulis Lonicerae japonicae (CLJ), one of the commonly used herb drugs in Chinese Pharmacopoeia, has been used in China for centuries.
Non-polar modifier assisted analysis of aromatic compounds by means of planar differential ion mobility spectrometry with a 63Ni ionization source
Authors: Kuklya Andriy , Uteschil Florian , Kerpen Klaus , Marks Robert , Telgheder Ursula
Published: January 2015

In this paper we demonstrate that the choice of an appropriate non-polar modifier which can provide sufficient chemical interactions with the target analytes may lead to the improvement of the selectivity and sensitivity of differential ion mobility spectrometric (DMS) methods.
Molecularly imprinted hydrophobic polymers as a tool for separation in capillary electrochromatography
Authors: Derazshamshir Ali , Yılmaz Fatma , Denizli Adil
Published: January 2015

The use of molecular imprinted polymers (MIPs), which provides a means for preparing stationary phases with predetermined selectivity for a target molecule in capillary electrochromatography (CEC), is attractive because it combines selectivity, higher separation efficiency and shorter analysis time.
Chemoselective recognition with phosphonate cavitands: the ephedrine over pseudoephedrine case
Authors: Biavardi Elisa , Ugozzoli Franco , Massera Chiara
Published: January 2015

The molecular origin of the selective recognition of ephedrine over pseudoephedrine by an achiral phosphonate cavitand receptor was revealed by the crystal structure of the respective complexes.
Improved low temperature NH3-SCR performance of FeMnTiOx mixed oxide with CTAB-assisted synthesis
Authors: Wu Shiguo , Yao Xiaojiang , Zhang Lei , Cao Yuan , Zou Weixin , Li Lulu , Ma Kaili , Tang Changjin , Gao Fei , Dong Lin
Published: January 2015

Transformation of anatase into rutile was inhibited by CTAB during preparation, and caused excellent low-temperature performance in NH3-SCR.
SrNb2O6 nanoplates as efficient photocatalysts for the preferential reduction of CO2 in the presence of H2O
Authors: Xie Shunji , Wang Yu , Zhang Qinghong , Deng Weiping , Wang Ye
Published: January 2015

SrNb2O6 nanoplates synthesized by a facile hydrothermal method work as promising photocatalysts for the preferential reduction of CO2.
Synthesis and characterization of bis-triruthenium cluster derivatives of an all equatorial [60]fullerene tetramalonate
Authors: Chen Chia-Hsiang , Aghabali Amineh , Suarez Catalina , Olmstead Marilyn M. , Balch Alan L. , Echegoyen Luis
Published: January 2015

The parallel-[Ru3(CO)9]2{μ3-η2,η2,η2-C60[C(COOC2H5)2]4} is the first complex where the two face-capping trinuclear metallic clusters coordinate to C60 on opposite sites, in a parallel orientation.
Four new lead(ii)–iridium(iii) heterobimetallic coordination frameworks: synthesis, structures, luminescence and oxygen-sensing properties
Authors: Chen Yi-Ting , Lin Chun-Yen , Lee Gene-Hsiang , Ho Mei-Lin
Published: January 2015

Crystalline lead(ii)–iridium(iii) heterobimetallic coordination frameworks were prepared and characterized, and one was mixed with C480 to form a ratiometric oxygen sensor for the determination of oxygen in real gas.
Light induced modulation of charge transport phenomena across the bistability region in [Fe(Htrz)2(trz)](BF4) spin crossover micro-rods
Authors: Lefter Constantin , Tan Reasmey , Dugay Julien , Tricard Simon , Molnár Gábor , Salmon Lionel , Carrey Julian , Rotaru Aurelian , Bousseksou Azzedine
Published: January 2015

In this paper we report a photo-activated phenomena in [Fe(Htrz)2(trz)](BF4) spin crossover material based electrical device upon and after light irradiation.
The effect of acetone on the dynamics of temporal oscillations and waves in the ruthenium-catalyzed Belousov–Zhabotinsky reaction
Authors: Somboon Titikan , Wilairat Prapin , Müller Stefan C. , Kheowan On-Uma
Published: January 2015

The periods of temporal oscillations and waves significantly decrease with increasing acetone concentration. At low concentrations, regular wave patterns are observed with prolonged lifetimes. However, for higher concentrations the lifetime is shortened and irregular patterns are formed.
Surface controlled reduction kinetics of nominally undoped polycrystalline CeO2
Authors: Knoblauch Nicole , Dörrer Lars , Fielitz Peter , Schmücker Martin , Borchardt Günter
Published: January 2015

The oxygen loss of nominally undoped dense polycrystalline ceria is monitored by thermogravimetric analyses. It is shown that the kinetics of oxygen release is surface controlled.
Competition between electron transfer, trapping, and recombination in CdS nanorod–hydrogenase complexes
Authors: Utterback James K. , Wilker Molly B. , Brown Katherine A. , King Paul W. , Eaves Joel D. , Dukovic Gordana
Published: January 2015

Kinetic modeling of transient absorption measurements provides rate constants for the excited state relaxation processes relevant for photochemical H2 generation.
Highly selective luminescence sensing for Cu2+ ions and selective CO2 capture in a doubly interpenetrated MOF with Lewis basic pyridyl sites
Authors: Liu Bo , Hou Lei , Wu Wei-Ping , Dou Ai-Na , Wang Yao-Yu
Published: January 2015

A doubly interpenetrated MOF containing active pyridyl sites was constructed, exhibiting luminescence sensing for Cu2+ ions and selective CO2 capture.
Cyclopalladated complexes containing 2-C6R4PPh2 ligands (R = H, F): one-electron electrochemical reduction leading to metal–carbon σ-bond cleavage via palladium(i)
Authors: Kar Gopa , Privér Steven H. , Jones Lathe A. , Guo Si-Xuan , Torriero Angel A. J. , Bond Alan M. , Bennett Martin A. , Bhargava Suresh K.
Published: January 2015

Cyclopalladated complexes containing the 2-C6F4PPh2 fragment have been prepared and their electrochemical reduction behaviour investigated.
Structure and magnetism of a binuclear CuII pyrophosphate: transition to a 3D magnetic behaviour studied by single crystal EPR
Authors: Sartoris Rosana P. , Nascimento Otaciro R. , Santana Ricardo C. , Perec Mireille , Baggio Ricardo F. , Calvo Rafael
Published: January 2015

A binuclear CuII compound [Cu2(bpa)2(P2O7)(H2O)2]·2.5H2O, 1, (bpa = 2,2′-bipyridylamine), with pairs of CuII ions bridged by one pyrophosphate tetra-anion was characterized by single crystal X-ray and EPR measurements.
Spectroscopic, computational and electrochemical studies on the formation of the copper complex of 1-amino-4-hydroxy-9,10-anthraquinone and effect of it on superoxide formation by NADH dehydrogenase
Authors: Roy Sanjay , Mondal Palash , Sengupta Partha Sarathi , Dhak Debasis , Santra Ramesh Chandra , Das Saurabh , Guin Partha Sarathi
Published: January 2015

A copper-anthraquinone complex significantly reduces O2˙−by NADH dehydrogenase compared to the free ligand.
Heteroleptic platinum(ii) isocyanide complexes: convenient synthetic access, polymorphs, and vapoluminescence
Authors: Janzen Daron E. , Mann Kent R.
Published: January 2015

Mixed cyanide/isocyanide Pt(ii) complexes exhibit vapoluminescence. Mechanistic studies of polymorphs and solvates of these complexes indicate large reversible photoluminescence changes accompany inclusion of stoichiometric amounts of water.
Photochemical origins of burn-in degradation in small molecular weight organic photovoltaic cells
Authors: Burlingame Quinn , Tong Xiaoran , Hankett Jeanne , Slootsky Michael , Chen Zhan , Forrest Stephen R.
Published: January 2015

Using a combination of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and physics-based degradation models, we find that the early aging of small molecular weight organic photovoltaic (OPV) cells is due to photochemical degradation of the C60acceptor layer.
A structurally simple perylene dye with ethynylbenzothiadiazole-benzoic acid as the electron acceptor achieves an over 10% power conversion efficiency
Authors: Yao Zhaoyang , Wu Heng , Ren Yameng , Guo Yanchun , Wang Peng
Published: January 2015

A metal-free perylene dye achieves a PCE of 10.4% at the AM1.5G conditions as the well-known zinc porphyrin dye YD2-o-C8.
Adsorptive removal of arsenic from groundwater using a novel high flux polyacrylonitrile (PAN)–laterite mixed matrix ultrafiltration membrane
Authors: Chatterjee Somak , De Sirshendu
Published: January 2015

A novel high flux PAN–laterite mixed matrix membrane was developed and used to treat arsenate from groundwater.
Compositional analysis of a historical collection of Cisalpine Gaul's coins kept at the Hungarian National Museum
Authors: Corsi J. , Maróti B. , Re A. , Kasztovszky Zs. , Szentmiklósi L. , Torbágyi M. , Agostino A. , Angelici D. , Allegretti S.
Published: January 2015

This work, through PGAA and XRF measurements, enabled the detection of silver debasement and alloy changes in pre-Roman age coins.