bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of deep eutectic solvents applied in extraction and separation
Authors: Li Xiaoxia , Row Kyung Ho
Published: August 2016

Deep eutectic solvents, as an alternative to ionic liquids, have greener credentials than ionic liquids, and have attracted considerable attention in related chemical research. Deep eutectic solvents have attracted increasing attention in chemistry for the extraction and separation of various target compounds from natural products. This review highlights the preparation of deep eutectic solvents, unique properties of deep eutectic solvents, and synthesis of deep‐eutectic‐solvent‐based materials. On the other hand, application in the extraction and separation of deep eutectic solvents is also included in this report. In this paper, the available data and references in this field are reviewed to summarize the applications and developments of deep eutectic solvents. Based on the development of deep eutectic solvents, an exploitation of new deep eutectic solvents and deep eutectic solvents‐based materials is expected to diversify into extraction and separation.
Controllability for some integrodifferential equations driven by vector measures
Authors: Dieye Moustapha , Diop Mamadou Abdoul , Ezzinbi Khalil
Published: August 2016

In this work, we consider the question of controllability of a class of integrodifferential equations on Hilbert space with measures as controls. We assume that the linear part has a resolvent operator in the sense given by R. Grimmer. We generalize the original work of N. Ahmed on vector measures, and we use it to develop necessary and sufficient conditions for weak and the exact controllability of the integrodifferential equation. Using the latter, we prove that exact controllability of the integrodifferential equation implies exact controllability of a perturbed integrodifferential equation. Controllability problem for the perturbed system is formulated fixed point problem in the space of vector measures. Our results cover impulsive controls as well as regular controls. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect Of combining FK506 and neurotrophins on neurite branching and elongation
Authors: Labroo Pratima , Shea Jill , Sant Himanshu , Gale Bruce , Agarwal Jayant
Published: August 2016

Introduction

There is a clinical need to improve the outcomes of peripheral nerve regeneration and repair after injury. In addition to its immunosuppressive effects, FK506 (tacrolimus) has been shown to have neuroregenerative properties. To determine biologically relevant local FK506 and growth factor concentrations, we performed an in vitro bioassay using dorsal root ganglion (DRG) from chicken embryos.

Methods

Neurite elongation and neurite branching were analyzed microscopically after addition of FK506, glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), and nerve growth factor (NGF), each alone and in combination.

Results

FK506 induced modest neurite elongation (∼500–800 µm) without improving neurite branching significantly. The combination of FK506 with NGF, GDNF, or both, exerted a potentiating or competitive effect on neurite elongation (∼700–1100 µm) based on dosage and competitive effect on neurite branching (∼0.2–0.4).

Conclusions

These results strongly suggest that the interaction of FK506 with GDNF and NGF mediates distinct enhancement of neurite growth. Muscle Nerve 55: 570–581, 2017
A dynamic condensation method using algebraic substructuring
Authors: Boo Seung‐Hwan , Lee Phill‐Seung
Published: August 2016

In this paper, we develop a robust reduced‐order modeling method, named algebraic dynamic condensation, which is based on the improved reduced system method. Using algebraic substructuring, the global mass and stiffness matrices are divided into many small submatrices without considering the physical domain, and substructures and interface boundary are defined in the algebraic perspective. The reduced model is then constructed using three additional procedures: substructural stiffness condensation, interface boundary reduction, and substructural inertial effect condensation. The formulation of the reduced model is simply expressed at a submatrix level without using a transformation matrix that induces huge computational cost. Through various numerical examples, the performance of the proposed method is demonstrated in terms of accuracy and computational cost. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
How to talk about protein‐level false discovery rates in shotgun proteomics
Authors: The Matthew , Tasnim Ayesha , Käll Lukas
Published: August 2016

A frequently sought output from a shotgun proteomics experiment is a list of proteins that we believe to have been present in the analyzed sample before proteolytic digestion. The standard technique to control for errors in such lists is to enforce a preset threshold for the false discovery rate (FDR). Many consider protein‐level FDRs a difficult and vague concept, as the measurement entities, spectra, are manifestations of peptides and not proteins. Here, we argue that this confusion is unnecessary and provide a framework on how to think about protein‐level FDRs, starting from its basic principle: the null hypothesis. Specifically, we point out that two competing null hypotheses are used concurrently in today's protein inference methods, which has gone unnoticed by many. Using simulations of a shotgun proteomics experiment, we show how confusing one null hypothesis for the other can lead to serious discrepancies in the FDR. Furthermore, we demonstrate how the same simulations can be used to verify FDR estimates of protein inference methods. In particular, we show that, for a simple protein inference method, decoy models can be used to accurately estimate protein‐level FDRs for both competing null hypotheses.
A case of pulmonary artery sling where onset Was induced by therapeutic hypothermia
Authors: Nakajima Junya , Sunohara Daisuke , Kawashima Hisashi
Published: August 2016

A neonate with severe neonatal asphyxia was treated with therapeutic hypothermia. He developed hypothermia‐induced respiratory deterioration, after which congenital tracheal stenosis and pulmonary artery sling were diagnosed. Even low‐grade hypothermia is likely to induce bronchial narrowing in neonates, especially in neonates with congenital respiratory tract anomalies. Congenital tracheal stenosis represents a potential pitfall in differential diagnosis and should be carefully ruled out in cases of bronchial narrowing episode induced by therapeutic hypothermia. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2017;52:E7–E10. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Enhanced dielectric properties of thin Ta2O5 films grown on 65 nm SiO2/Si
Authors: Kolkovsky Vl. , Kurth E. , Kunath C.
Published: August 2016

The structural and electrical properties of Ta2O5/65 nm SiO2 structures with different thicknesses of Ta2O5 varying in the range of 0‐260 nm are investigated. We find that the stack structures grown by the magnetron sputtering technique and annealed at 1220 K in O and Ar atmosphere show one of the highest dielectric constant of Ta2O5(about 64) among those previously reported in the literature. The structure of the annealed polycrystalline Ta2O5 films is orthorhombic, as obtained from X‐ray diffraction measurements and we do not observe any preferential orientation of the annealed films. The Ta2O5 films contain positively charged defects which become mobile at around 400 K and they are tentatively correlated with the oxygen vacancies. The leakage current in the stack structures is a factor of 20 higher compared to that in thin layers with 65 nm SiO2. The conduction mechanism in the stack structures can be described by the Fowler‐Nordheim model with a barrier height that decreases slightly (<10%) as a function of the thickness of the films. (© 2016 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Ab initio calculations of PbTiO3/SrTiO3 (001) heterostructures
Authors: Eglitis R. I. , Piskunov S. , Zhukovskii Yu. F.
Published: August 2016

We performed ab initio calculations for the PbTiO3/SrTiO3 (001) heterostructures. For both PbO and TiO2‐terminations of the PbTiO3 (001) thin film, augmented on the SrTiO3 (001) substrate, the magnitudes of atomic relaxations Δz increases as a function of the number of augmented monolayers. For both terminations of the augmented PbTiO3 (001) nanothin film, all upper, third and fifth monolayers are displaced inwards (Δz is negative), whereas all second, fourth and sixth monolayers are displaced outwards (Δz is positive). The B3PW calculated PbTiO3/SrTiO3 (001) heterostructure band gaps, independently from the number of augmented layers, are always smaller than the PbTiO3 and SrTiO3 bulk band gaps. For both PbO and TiO2‐terminated PbTiO3/SrTiO3(001) heterostructures, their band gaps are reduced due to the increased number of PbTiO3 (001) monolayers. The band gaps of PbO‐terminated augmented PbTiO3 (001) films are always larger than those for TiO2‐terminated PbTiO3 (001) thin films. The only exception is the case of 7‐layer PbO‐terminated and 8‐layer TiO2‐terminated augmented PbTiO3 (001) thin films, where their band gaps both are equal to 2.99 eV. For each monolayer of the SrTiO3 (001) substrate, charge magnitudes always are more than several times larger, than for each monolayer in the augmented PbTiO3 (001) thin film. (© 2016 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Stability of Y‐Ti‐O nanoparticles in ODS alloys during heat treatment and high temperature swift heavy ion irradiation
Authors: Skuratov V. A. , Sohatsky A. S. , O'Connell J. H. , Kornieieva K. , Nikitina A. A. , Neethling J. H. , Ageev V. S. , Zdorovets M. , Volkov A. D.
Published: August 2016

Aim of this report is to compare the morphology of swift (167 and 220 MeV) Xe ion induced latent tracks in Y2Ti2O7 nanoparticles during post‐irradiation heat treatment and after irradiation at different temperatures in pre‐thinned TEM foils and TEM targets prepared from hundreds microns thick irradiated oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) steel. No difference in track parameters was found in room temperature irradiated nanoparticles in pre‐thinned and conventional samples. Microstructural data gathered from pre‐thinned foils irradiated in the temperature range 350‐650 °C or annealed at similar temperatures demonstrate that amorphous latent tracks interact with the surrounding matrix, changing the track and nanoparticle morphology, while such effect is not observed in conventional ODS material treated at the same conditions. (© 2016 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Synthesis and characterization of a family of layered trichalcogenides for assisted hydrogen photogeneration
Authors: Flores E. , Ares J. R. , Ferrer I. J. , Sánchez C.
Published: August 2016

Three layered trisulfides (TiS3, ZrS3, HfS3) have been synthesized by solid–gas reaction between metal and sulfur in a vacuum sealed ampoule at 550 °C during 60 h. The samples used in this work were prepared from a colloidal suspension of powder of each one of the metal trisulfides (MS3, M = Ti, Zr, Hf) in ethanol and deposited on titanium disks and quartz substrates by ”drop coating” technique. These samples have been characterized by X‐ray diffraction, energy dispersive analysis of X‐ray and scanning electron microscopy. The obtained direct optical band gaps are 1.0 ± 0.1 eV, 2.0 ± 0.1 eV and 2.2 ± 0.1 eV for TiS3, ZrS3 and HfS3, respectively. Photoelectrochemical measurements in 0.5 M Na2SO3 have been carried out to characterize the MS3/electrolyte interface. The flat‐band potentials (Vfb) vs. Ag/AgCl measured by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) are –0.84 ± 0.02 V (TiS3), –0.93 ± 0.02 V (ZrS3) and –0.92 ± 0.02 V (HfS3). Hydrogen generation was investigated in a photoelectrochemical cell (PEC) with MS3 as photoanodes under white light illumination of 200 ± 20 mW/cm2 at external bias potentials of 0.3 V vs. Ag/AgCl. Hydrogen evolution flows have been quantified by quadrupole mass spectrometry (QMS) reaching instantaneous values up to 19 ± 2 nmol H2/min cm2 with TiS3 as photoanode.
Multiscale modeling for interpreting nuclear magnetic resonance relaxation in flexible molecules
Authors: Zerbetto Mirco , Polimeno Antonino
Published: August 2016

In this tutorial review, we provide a comprehensive description of a multiscale methodology tailored to the calculation of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) relaxation data of flexible molecules, based on the definition, parametrization, and solution of a Smoluchowski equation defined for a set of relevant molecular coordinates. While the method is applicable in principle to any collection of internal degrees of freedom, here we focus on flexibility described in terms of torsion angles under the paradigm of what we call the diffusive chain model. The theoretical basis of the multiscale stochastic approach to NMR spectroscopy is provided in detail. Computational aspects are discussed, pointing at a suggested set of specific software packages. To give to this contribution a hands‐on component, a self‐contained tutorial is made available as Supporting Information with the discussion of some examples taken from recently published studies.
Water vapor δ2H, δ18O and δ17O measurements using an off‐axis integrated cavity output spectrometer – sensitivity to water vapor concentration, delta value and averaging‐time
Authors: Tian Chao , Wang Lixin , Novick Kimberly A.
Published: August 2016

Rationale

High‐precision analysis of atmospheric water vapor isotope compositions, especially δ17O values, can be used to improve our understanding of multiple hydrological and meteorological processes (e.g., differentiate equilibrium or kinetic fractionation). This study focused on assessing, for the first time, how the accuracy and precision of vapor δ17O laser spectroscopy measurements depend on vapor concentration, delta range, and averaging‐time.

Methods

A Triple Water Vapor Isotope Analyzer (T‐WVIA) was used to evaluate the accuracy and precision of δ2H, δ18O and δ17O measurements. The sensitivity of accuracy and precision to water vapor concentration was evaluated using two international standards (GISP and SLAP2). The sensitivity of precision to delta value was evaluated using four working standards spanning a large delta range. The sensitivity of precision to averaging‐time was assessed by measuring one standard continuously for 24 hours.

Results

Overall, the accuracy and precision of the δ2H, δ18O and δ17O measurements were high. Across all vapor concentrations, the accuracy of δ2H, δ18O and δ17O observations ranged from 0.10‰ to 1.84‰, 0.08‰ to 0.86‰ and 0.06‰ to 0.62‰, respectively, and the precision ranged from 0.099‰ to 0.430‰, 0.009‰ to 0.080‰ and 0.022‰ to 0.054‰, respectively. The accuracy and precision of all isotope measurements were sensitive to concentration, with the higher accuracy and precision generally observed under moderate vapor concentrations (i.e., 10000–15000 ppm) for all isotopes. The precision was also sensitive to the range of delta values, although the effect was not as large compared with the sensitivity to concentration. The precision was much less sensitive to averaging‐time than the concentration and delta range effects.

Conclusions

The accuracy and precision performance of the T‐WVIA depend on concentration but depend less on the delta value and averaging‐time. The instrument can simultaneously and continuously measure δ2H, δ18O and δ17O values in water vapor, opening a new window to better understand ecological, hydrological and meteorological processes. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Advances in the characterization of RNA‐binding proteins
Authors: Marchese Domenica , de Groot Natalia Sanchez , Lorenzo Gotor Nieves , Livi Carmen Maria , Tartaglia Gian G.
Published: August 2016

From transcription, to transport, storage, and translation, RNA depends on association with different RNA‐binding proteins (RBPs). Methods based on next‐generation sequencing and protein mass‐spectrometry have started to unveil genome‐wide interactions of RBPs but many aspects still remain out of sight. How many of the binding sites identified in high‐throughput screenings are functional? A number of computational methods have been developed to analyze experimental data and to obtain insights into the specificity of protein–RNA interactions. How can theoretical models be exploited to identify RBPs? In addition to oligomeric complexes, protein and RNA molecules can associate into granular assemblies whose physical properties are still poorly understood. What protein features promote granule formation and what effects do these assemblies have on cell function? Here, we describe the newest in silico, in vitro, and in vivo advances in the field of protein–RNA interactions. We also present the challenges that experimental and computational approaches will have to face in future studies. WIREs RNA 2016, 7:793–810. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1378

This article is categorized under:

RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein–RNA Recognition

RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > RNA–Protein Complexes

RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease
Assessing Student Leadership Competency Development
Authors: Seemiller Corey
Published: August 2016

Many mission statements include language focusing on the institutional commitment to develop student leaders who will affect their communities and professions upon graduation. This chapter explores how institutions can ensure that elements of the experience are factors in a student's leadership development.
Assessing Leadership Using National Assessment Tools
Authors: Hynes Sharra
Published: August 2016

Determining the appropriate use of national or multicampus leadership assessments requires careful consideration of program goals and resources. This chapter explores quantitative dimensions of assessing leadership.
Carts Before Horses? Remembering the Primacy of the Student's Experience in Student Learning
Authors: Preston Michael , Peck Adam
Published: August 2016

This chapter makes a case for employing qualitative methodologies in the assessment of student leadership programs. Frameworks for reflective practice are discussed.
Fish Oil and Microalga Omega‐3 as Dietary Supplements: A Comparative Study on Cardiovascular Risk Factors in High‐Fat Fed Rats
Authors: Haimeur Adil , Mimouni Virginie , Ulmann Lionel , Martineau Anne‐Sophie , Messaouri Hafida , Pineau‐Vincent Fabienne , Tremblin Gérard , Meskini Nadia
Published: August 2016

Dietary supplementation with marine omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n‐3 PUFA) can have beneficial effects on a number of risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD). We compared the effects of two n‐3 PUFA rich food supplements (freeze‐dried Odontella aurita and fish oil) on risk factors for CVD. Male rats were randomly divided into four groups of six animals each and fed with the following diets: control group (C) received a standard diet containing 7 % lipids; second group (HF high fat) was fed with a high‐fat diet containing 40 % lipids; third group (HFFO high fat+fish oil) was fed with the high‐fat diet supplemented with 0.5 % fish oil; and fourth group (HFOA high fat+O. aurita) received the high‐fat diet supplemented with 12 % of freeze‐dried O. aurita. After 8 weeks rats fed with the high‐fat diet supplemented with O. aurita displayed a significantly lower bodyweight than those in the other groups. Both the microalga and the fish oil significantly reduced insulinemia and serum lipid levels. O. aurita was more effective than the fish oil in reducing hepatic triacyglycerol levels and in preventing high‐fat diet‐induced steatosis. O. aurita and fish oil also reduced platelet aggregation and oxidative status induced by high fat intake. After an OA supplementation, the adipocytes in the HFOA group were smaller than those in the HF group. Freeze‐dried O. aurita showed similar or even greater biological effects than the fish oil. This could be explained by a potential effect of the n‐3 PUFA but also other bioactive compounds of the microalgae.
Omega‐3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Concentration Using Synthesized Poly‐Vinylidene Fluoride (PVDF) Asymmetric Membranes
Authors: Ghasemian Samaneh , Sahari Mohammad Ali , Barzegar Mohsen , Ahmadi Gavlighi Hassan
Published: August 2016

In this study, the performance of synthesized poly‐vinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes to concentrate ω3‐polyunsaturated fatty acids from lantern fish oil was evaluated. The PVDF membranes were prepared via the phase inversion method. The effect of coagulation bath temperatures (CBT: 0, 25 and 50 °C) on the morphology of the membranes and the ω3‐PUFA concentration process was examined and discussed. Scanning electron microscopy images showed that an increasing coagulation bath temperature (CBT) leads to a more porous structure in the membranes as well as a larger pore diameter. ω3‐PUFA concentration was evaluated at different pressures and temperatures, ranging from 3 to 5 bar and 20 to 40 °C, respectively. The PVDF membrane prepared at a CBT of 0 °C (M1) resulted in the best ω3‐PUFA concentration (40.4 %) at a pressure and temperature of 5 bar and 30 °C, respectively. Conversely, the PVDF membrane formed at CBT of 50 °C (M3) showed the highest oil flux. In addition, fouling analysis indicates that complete pore blocking was the predominant mechanism for the M1 membrane and intermediate pore blocking for the M2 and M3 membranes.
Nature of Occurrence of Phosphatic Bands in Owk Formation, Neoproterozoic Kurnool Basin, Andhra Pradesh
Authors: Gopakumar B. , Waghmare Minakshi
Published: August 2016

Detailed field and petrological studies revealed the presence of phosphatic bands at the interface of khaki-green and variegated shale and within the khaki-green shale of Owk Formation in Neoproterozoic Kurnool basin. The phosphatic bands which are encountered as thin individual layers (10–40 cm) within the Owk shale have formed due to sedimentary processes. A maximum of seven phosphatic bands including two variants hard, compact, fine grained jet-black type and soft friable, grayish white to greenish white type are discontinuously exposed at the surface but are laterally persistent throughout the hillocks of the area. Petrographic examination reveals that the phosphatic bands are composed of cryptocrystalline apatite occurring as isotropic phosphate and minor anisotropic phosphate. Chemical analysis of selected samples of the phosphatic bands indicate that the P2O5 content ranges from 5–19.8% whereas the P2O5 content determined by the EPMA ranges from 1.76–38.11%. Apatite, quartz, clinochlore, muscovite and traces of xenotime are the mineral constituents of the phosphatic bands identified by XRD. The apatite mineral is identified as fluorapatite.
How Binding are the EU’s ‘Binding’ Renewables Targets?
Authors: JOHNSTON Angus , VAN DER MAREL Eva
Published: August 2016

The EU’s current renewable energy legislation sets a binding EU target for renewables as a share of overall energy consumption, allied with binding national targets for renewables as well. Yet the precise implications of having imposed such ‘mandatory’ binding targets have received little attention to date. This contribution examines the history and evolution of such targets, the context within which they must be pursued and applied, and some of the problems in and prospects for their enforcement and effectiveness. Comparisons are drawn with other areas of EU law where appropriate and some tentative lessons learned, as well as challenges still to be faced, are offered by way of conclusion.
USING EXPERT OPINION IN HEALTH TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT: A GUIDELINE REVIEW
Authors: Hunger Theresa , Schnell-Inderst Petra , Sahakyan Narine , Siebert Uwe
Published: August 2016

Objectives: External experts can be consulted at different stages of an HTA. When using vague information sources, it is particularly important to plan, analyze, and report the information processing in a standardized and transparent way. Our objective was to search and analyze recommendations regarding where and how to include expert data in HTA.

Methods: We performed a systematic database search and screened the Internet pages of seventy-seven HTA organizations for guidelines, recommendations, and methods papers that address the inclusion of experts in HTA. Relevant documents were downloaded, and information was extracted in a standard form. Results were merged in tables and narrative evidence synthesis.

Results: From twenty-two HTA organizations, we included forty-two documents that consider the use of expert opinion in HTA. Nearly all documents mention experts in the step of preparation of the evidence report. Six documents address their role for priority setting of topics, fifteen for scoping, twelve for the appraisal of evidence and results, another twelve documents mention experts when considering the dissemination of HTA results.

During the assessment step, experts are most often asked to amend the literature search or to provide expertise for special data analyses. Another issue for external experts is to appraise the HTA results and refer them back to a clinical and social context. Little is reported on methods of expert elicitation when their input substitutes study data.

Conclusions: Despite existing recommendations on the use of expert opinion in HTA, common standards for elicitation are scarce in HTA guidelines.
On the Widom–Rowlinson Occupancy Fraction in Regular Graphs
Authors: COHEN EMMA , PERKINS WILL , TETALI PRASAD
Published: August 2016

We consider the Widom–Rowlinson model of two types of interacting particles on d-regular graphs. We prove a tight upper bound on the occupancy fraction, the expected fraction of vertices occupied by a particle under a random configuration from the model. The upper bound is achieved uniquely by unions of complete graphs on d + 1 vertices, Kd+1. As a corollary we find that Kd+1 also maximizes the normalized partition function of the Widom–Rowlinson model over the class of d-regular graphs. A special case of this shows that the normalized number of homomorphisms from any d-regular graph G to the graph HWR, a path on three vertices with a loop on each vertex, is maximized by Kd+1. This proves a conjecture of Galvin.
Physiological Scoring: An Aid to Emergency Medical Services Transport Decisions?
Authors: Challen Kirsty , Walter Darren
Published: August 2016

Introduction:

Attendance at UK emergency departments is rising steadily despite the proliferation of alternative unscheduled care providers. Evidence is mixed on the willingness of emergency medical services (EMS) providers to decline to transport patients and the safety of incorporating such an option into EMS provision. Physiologically based Early Warning Scores are in use in many hospitals and emergency departments, but not yet have been proven to be of benefit in the prehospital arena.

Hypothesis:

The use of a physiological-social scoring system could safely identify patients calling EMS who might be diverted from the emergency department to an alternative, unscheduled, care provider.

Methods:

This was a retrospective, cohort study of patients with a presenting complaint of “shortness of breath” or “difficulty breathing” transported to the emergency department by EMS. Retrospective calculation of a physiologicalsocial score (PMEWS) based on first recorded data from EMS records was performed. Outcome measures of hospital admission and need for physiologically stabilizing treatment in the emergency department also were performed.

Results:

A total of 215 records were analyzed. One hundred thirty-nine (65%) patients were admitted from the emergency department or received physiologically stabilizing treatment in the emergency department. Area Under the Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve (AUROC) for hospital admission was 0.697 and for admission or physiologically stabilizing treatment was 0.710. No patient scoring <2 was admitted or received stabilizing treatment.

Conclusions:

Despite significant over-triage, this system could have diverted 79 patients safely from the emergency department to alternative, unscheduled, care providers.
Institutional entrepreneurship, wikipedia, and the opportunity of the commons
Authors: SAFNER RYAN
Published: August 2016

Copyright laws traditionally attempt to incentivize expression and minimize free rider problems through legal restrictions, at the expense of closing off access to cultural history. However, entrepreneurial changes to institutions and the creation of alternative governance structures can allow for spaces that facilitate expression without resorting to the copyright approach. Wikipedia, the free online encyclopedia, stands as a highly visible example of such institutional entrepreneurship, leveraging copyright lawagainstits intended purpose. This paper uses the Bloomington School's IAD framework to explain the success of Wikipedia's alternative model of managing a common resource of free encyclopedia articles, and suggests a roadmap for understanding the role of institutional entrepreneurship in crafting alternative governance structures to foster expression.
Genomics of variation in nitrogen fixation activity in a population of the thermophilic cyanobacterium Mastigocladus laminosus
Authors: Hutchins Patrick R , Miller Scott R
Published: August 2016

Variation in phenotypic traits that contribute to fitness influences a population’s evolutionary response and its impact on ecosystem function following environmental change, yet its amount and nature are rarely known. Here, we investigated variation in nitrogen (N) fixation activity and its genetic basis for a random sample of laboratory strains of the cyanobacterium Mastigocladus laminosus from a N-limited, geothermally influenced stream in Yellowstone National Park. In a linear mixed-effects model, temperature and genetic differences among strains were the most important factors explaining variation in activity. Genome-wide analyses of genetic divergence between groups of strains that varied in N fixation activity revealed that few loci were strongly associated with these phenotypic differences. Notably, a single nonsynonymous polymorphism in the sulfate assimilation gene apsK explained >25% of the variation in activity at high temperature. We further identified a role for allelic variation of multiple terminal cytochrome oxidases for different aspects of N fixation. In addition, genomes of strains that fixed the most N overall contained a nonsense mutation in a histidine kinase gene that is expected to disrupt normal protein function and may result in transcriptional rewiring. This study illustrates how taking complementary approaches to link phenotype and genotype can inform our understanding of microbial population diversity.
Drosophila wing imaginal discs respond to mechanical injury via slow InsP3R-mediated intercellular calcium waves
Authors: Restrepo Simon , Basler Konrad
Published: August 2016

Calcium signalling is a highly versatile cellular communication system that modulates basic functions such as cell contractility, essential steps of animal development such as fertilization and higher-order processes such as memory. We probed the function of calcium signalling in Drosophila wing imaginal discs through a combination of ex vivo and in vivo imaging and genetic analysis. Here we discover that wing discs display slow, long-range intercellular calcium waves (ICWs) when mechanically stressed in vivo or cultured ex vivo. These slow imaginal disc intercellular calcium waves (SIDICs) are mediated by the inositol-3-phosphate receptor, the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) calcium pump SERCA and the key gap junction component Inx2. The knockdown of genes required for SIDIC formation and propagation negatively affects wing disc recovery after mechanical injury. Our results reveal a role for ICWs in wing disc homoeostasis and highlight the utility of the wing disc as a model for calcium signalling studies.
Inhibition of Mycobacterium tuberculosis dihydrodipicolinate synthase by alpha-ketopimelic acid and its other structural analogues
Authors: Shrivastava Priyanka , Navratna Vikas , Silla Yumnam , Dewangan Rikeshwer P. , Pramanik Atreyi , Chaudhary Sarika , Rayasam GeethaVani , Kumar Anuradha , Gopal Balasubramanian , Ramachandran Srinivasan
Published: August 2016

TheMycobacterium tuberculosisdihydrodipicolinate synthase (Mtb-dapA) is an essential gene. Mtb-DapA catalyzes the aldol condensation between pyruvate and L-aspartate-beta-semialdehyde (ASA) to yield dihydrodipicolinate. In this work we tested the inhibitory effects of structural analogues of pyruvate on recombinant Mtb-DapA (Mtb-rDapA) using a coupled assay with recombinant dihydrodipicolinate reductase (Mtb-rDapB). Alpha-ketopimelic acid (α-KPA) showed maximum inhibition of 88% and IC50of 21 μM in the presence of pyruvate (500 μM) and ASA (400 μM). Competition experiments with pyruvate and ASA revealed competition of α-KPA with pyruvate. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) data with multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) showed that the relative abundance peak of final product, 2,3,4,5-tetrahydrodipicolinate, was decreased by 50%. Thermal shift assays showed 1 °C Tm shift of Mtb-rDapA upon binding α-KPA. The 2.4 Å crystal structure of Mtb-rDapA-α-KPA complex showed the interaction of critical residues at the active site with α-KPA. Molecular dynamics simulations over 500 ns of pyruvate docked to Mtb-DapA and of α-KPA-bound Mtb-rDapA revealed formation of hydrogen bonds with pyruvate throughout in contrast to α-KPA. Molecular descriptors analysis showed that ligands with polar surface area of 91.7 Å2are likely inhibitors. In summary, α-hydroxypimelic acid and other analogues could be explored further as inhibitors of Mtb-DapA.
Proteome mapping of Plasmodium: identification of the P. yoelii remodellome
Authors: Siau Anthony , Huang Ximei , Weng Mei , Sze Siu Kwan , Preiser Peter R.
Published: August 2016

Plasmodium associated virulence in the host is linked to extensive remodelling of the host erythrocyte by parasite proteins that form the “remodellome”. However, without a common motif or structure available to identify these proteins, little is known about the proteins that are destined to reside in the parasite periphery, the host-cell cytoplasm and/or the erythrocyte membrane. Here, the subcellular fractionation of erythrocytic P. yoelii at trophozoite and schizont stage along with label-free quantitative LC-MS/MS analysis of the whole proteome, revealed a proteome of 1335 proteins. Differential analysis of the relative abundance of these proteins across the subcellular compartments allowed us to map their locations, independently of their predicted features. These results, along with literature data and in vivo validation of 61 proteins enabled the identification of a remodellome of 184 proteins. This approach identified a significant number of conserved remodelling proteins across plasmodium that likely represent key conserved functions in the parasite and provides new insights into parasite evolution and biology.
Genome-Wide Transcriptome and Binding Sites Analyses Identify Early FOX Expressions for Enhancing Cardiomyogenesis Efficiency of hESC Cultures
Authors: Yeo Hock Chuan , Ting Sherwin , Brena Romulo Martin , Koh Geoffrey , Chen Allen , Toh Siew Qi , Lim Yu Ming , Oh Steve Kah Weng , Lee Dong-Yup
Published: August 2016

The differentiation efficiency of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) into heart muscle cells (cardiomyocytes) is highly sensitive to culture conditions. To elucidate the regulatory mechanisms involved, we investigated hESCs grown on three distinct culture platforms: feeder-free Matrigel, mouse embryonic fibroblast feeders, and Matrigel replated on feeders. At the outset, we profiled and quantified their differentiation efficiency, transcriptome, transcription factor binding sites and DNA-methylation. Subsequent genome-wide analyses allowed us to reconstruct the relevant interactome, thereby forming the regulatory basis for implicating the contrasting differentiation efficiency of the culture conditions. We hypothesized that the parental expressions of FOXC1, FOXD1 and FOXQ1 transcription factors (TFs) are correlative with eventual cardiomyogenic outcome. Through WNT induction of the FOX TFs, we observed the co-activation of WNT3 and EOMES which are potent inducers of mesoderm differentiation. The result strengthened our hypothesis on the regulatory role of the FOX TFs in enhancing mesoderm differentiation capacity of hESCs. Importantly, the final proportions of cells expressing cardiac markers were directly correlated to the strength of FOX inductions within 72 hours after initiation of differentiation across different cell lines and protocols. Thus, we affirmed the relationship between early FOX TF expressions and cardiomyogenesis efficiency.
Fabrication of Unique Magnetic Bionanocomposite for Highly Efficient Removal of Hexavalent Chromium from Water
Authors: Zhong Yunlei , Qiu Xun , Chen Dongyun , Li Najun , Xu Qingfeng , Li Hua , He Jinghui , Lu Jianmei
Published: August 2016

Biotreatment of hexavalent chromium has attracted widespread interest due to its cost effective and environmental friendliness. However, the difficult separation of biomass from aqueous solution and the slow hexavalent chromium bioreduction rate are bottlenecks for biotechnology application. In this approach, a core-shell structured functional polymer coated magnetic nanocomposite was prepared for enriching the hexavalent chromium. Then the nanocomposite was connected to the bacteria via amines on bacterial (Bacillus subtilis ATCC-6633) surface. Under optimal conditions, a series of experiments were launched to degrade hexavalent chromium from the aqueous solution using the as-prepared bionanocomposite. Results showed that B. subtilis@Fe3O4@mSiO2@MANHE (BFSM) can degrade hexavalent chromium from the water more effectively (a respectable degradation efficiency of about 94%) when compared with pristine B. subtilis and Fe3O4@mSiO2@MANHE (FSM). Moreover, the BFSM could be separated from the wastewater by magnetic separation technology conveniently due to the Fe3O4 core of FSM. These results indicate that the application of BFSM is a promising strategy for effective treating wastewater containing hexavalent chromium.
Composite Membranes of Recombinant Silkworm Antimicrobial Peptide and Poly (L-lactic Acid) (PLLA) for biomedical application
Authors: Li Zhi , Liu Xuan , Li Yi , Lan Xiqian , Leung Polly Hangmei , Li Jiashen , Li Gang , Xie Maobin , Han Yanxia , Lin Xiaofen
Published: August 2016

Antimicrobial peptides, produced by innate immune system of hosts in response to invading pathogens, are capable of fighting against a spectrum of bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites and cancer cells. Here, a recombinant silkworm AMP Bmattacin2 from heterologous expression is studied, indicating a broad spectrum of antibacterial activity and showing selective killing ability towards skin and colon cancer cells over their normal cell counterparts. For the purpose of biomedical application, the electrospinning fabrication technique is employed to load Bmattacin2 into PLLA nanofibrous membrane. In addition to a good compatibility with the normal cells, Bmattacin2 loaded nanofibrous membranes demonstrate instant antibacterial effects and sustained anticancer effects. The cancer cell and bacteria targeting dynamics of recombinant Bmattacin2 are investigated. With these characteristics, PLLA/Bmattacin2 composite membranes have a great potential for developing novel biomedical applications such as cancer therapies and wound healing treatments.
Investigating the association between photosynthetic efficiency and generation of biophotoelectricity in autotrophic microbial fuel cells
Authors: Ciniciato Gustavo P. M. K. , Ng Fong-Lee , Phang Siew-Moi , Jaafar Muhammad Musoddiq , Fisher Adrian C. , Yunus Kamran , Periasamy Vengadesh
Published: August 2016

Microbial fuel cells operating with autotrophic microorganisms are known as biophotovoltaic devices. It represents a great opportunity for environmentally-friendly power generation using the energy of the sunlight. The efficiency of electricity generation in this novel system is however low. This is partially reflected by the poor understanding of the bioelectrochemical mechanisms behind the electron transfer from these microorganisms to the electrode surface. In this work, we propose a combination of electrochemical and fluorescence techniques, giving emphasis to the pulse amplitude modulation fluorescence. The combination of these two techniques allow us to obtain information that can assist in understanding the electrical response obtained from the generation of electricity through the intrinsic properties related to the photosynthetic efficiency that can be obtained from the fluorescence emitted. These were achieved quantitatively by means of observed changes in four photosynthetic parameters with the bioanode generating electricity. These are the maximum quantum yield (Fv/Fm), alpha (α), light saturation coefficient (Ek) and maximum rate of electron transfer (rETRm). The relationship between the increases in the current density collected by the bioanode to the decrease of the rETRm values in the photosynthetic pathway for the two microorganisms was also discussed.
Ribosomal protein L18aB is required for both male gametophyte function and embryo development in Arabidopsis
Authors: Yan Hailong , Chen Dan , Wang Yifan , Sun Yang , Zhao Jing , Sun Mengxiang , Peng Xiongbo
Published: August 2016

Ribosomal proteins are involved in numerous essential cell activities in plants. However, the regulatory role in specific plant developmental processes has not yet been fully elucidated. Here we identified the new ribosomal protein L18aB, which is specifically involved in sexual reproduction and plays a critical role in male gametophyte development and embryo pattern formation. In rpl18aB mutant plants, the mature pollen grains can germinate normally, but their competitiveness for growing in the style is significantly reduced. More interestingly, RPL18aB is required in early embryogenesis. rpl18aB embryos displayed irregular cell division orientations in the early pro-embryo and arrested at the globular stage with possible, secondary pattern formation defects. Further investigations revealed that the polar transportation of auxin is disturbed in the rpl18aB mutant embryos, which may explain the observed failure in embryo pattern formation. The cell type-specific complementation of RPL18aB in rpl18aB was not able to recover the phenotype, indicating that RPL18aB may play an essential role in early cell fate determination. This work unravels a novel role in embryo development for a ribosomal protein and provides insight into regulatory mechanism of early embryogenesis.
Changes in total plasma and serum N-glycome composition and patient-controlled analgesia after major abdominal surgery
Authors: Gudelj Ivan , Baciarello Marco , Ugrina Ivo , De Gregori Manuela , Napolioni Valerio , Ingelmo Pablo M. , Bugada Dario , De Gregori Simona , Đerek Lovorka , Pučić-Baković Maja , Novokmet Mislav , Gornik Olga , Saccani Jotti Gloria , Meschi Tiziana , Lauc Gordan , Allegri Massimo
Published: August 2016

Systemic inflammation participates to the complex healing process occurring after major surgery, thus directly affecting the surgical outcome and patient recovery. Total plasma N-glycome might be an indicator of inflammation after major surgery, as well as an anti-inflammatory therapy response marker, since protein glycosylation plays an essential role in the inflammatory cascade. Therefore, we assessed the effects of surgery on the total plasma N-glycome and the association with self-administration of postoperative morphine in two cohorts of patients that underwent major abdominal surgery. We found that plasma N-glycome undergoes significant changes one day after surgery and intensifies one day later, thus indicating a systemic physiological response. In particular, we observed the increase of bisialylated biantennary glycan, A2G2S[3,6]2, 12 hours after surgery, which progressively increased until 48 postoperative hours. Most changes occurred 24 hours after surgery with the decrease of most core-fucosylated biantennary structures, as well as the increase in sialylated tetraantennary and FA3G3S[3,3,3]3 structures. Moreover, we observed a progressive increase of sialylated triantennary and tetraantennary structures two days after surgery, with a concomitant decrease of the structures containing bisectingN-acetylglucosamine along with bi- and trisialylated triantennary glycans. We did not find any statistically significant association between morphine consumption and plasma N-glycome.
Pro-arrhythmogenic effects of CACNA1C G1911R mutation in human ventricular tachycardia: insights from cardiac multi-scale models
Authors: Bai Jieyun , Wang Kuanquan , Li Qince , Yuan Yongfeng , Zhang Henggui
Published: August 2016

Mutations in the CACNA1C gene are associated with ventricular tachycardia (VT). Although the CACNA1C mutations were well identified in patients with cardiac arrhythmias, mechanisms by which cardiac arrhythmias are generated in such genetic mutation conditions remain unclear. In this study, we identified a novel mechanism of VT resulted from enhanced repolarization dispersion which is a key factor for arrhythmias in the CACNA1C G1911R mutation using multi-scale computational models of the human ventricle. The increased calcium influx in the mutation prolonged action potential duration (APD), produced steepened action potential duration restitution (APDR) curves as well as augmented membrane potential differences among different cell types during repolarization, increasing transmural dispersion of repolarization (DOR) and the spatial and temporal heterogeneity of cardiac electrical activities. Consequentially, the vulnerability to unidirectional conduction block in response to a premature stimulus increased at tissue level in the G1911R mutation. The increased functional repolarization dispersion anchored reentrant excitation waves in tissue and organ models, facilitating the initiation and maintenance of VT due to less meandering rotor tip. Thus, the increased repolarization dispersion caused by the G1911R mutation is a primary factor that may primarily contribute to the genesis of cardiac arrhythmias in Timothy Syndrome.
A dynamical framework to relate perceptual variability with multisensory information processing
Authors: Thakur Bhumika , Mukherjee Abhishek , Sen Abhijit , Banerjee Arpan
Published: August 2016

Multisensory processing involves participation of individual sensory streams, e.g., vision, audition to facilitate perception of environmental stimuli. An experimental realization of the underlying complexity is captured by the “McGurk-effect”- incongruent auditory and visual vocalization stimuli eliciting perception of illusory speech sounds. Further studies have established that time-delay between onset of auditory and visual signals (AV lag) and perturbations in the unisensory streams are key variables that modulate perception. However, as of now only few quantitative theoretical frameworks have been proposed to understand the interplay among these psychophysical variables or the neural systems level interactions that govern perceptual variability. Here, we propose a dynamic systems model consisting of the basic ingredients of any multisensory processing, two unisensory and one multisensory sub-system (nodes) as reported by several researchers. The nodes are connected such that biophysically inspired coupling parameters and time delays become key parameters of this network. We observed that zero AV lag results in maximum synchronization of constituent nodes and the degree of synchronization decreases when we have non-zero lags. The attractor states of this network can thus be interpreted as the facilitator for stabilizing specific perceptual experience. Thereby, the dynamic model presents a quantitative framework for understanding multisensory information processing.