bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cohesion policy after Brexit: the economic, social and institutional challenges
Authors: BACHTLER JOHN , BEGG IAIN
Published: July 2017

Since 1988, when the current EU Cohesion Policy was introduced, it has played an influential role in setting priorities for policies aimed at dealing with the effects of European economic integration on regional and social disparities. Although, latterly, the amount of money spent in the UK through the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF) has declined, EU programmes have had a disproportionate effect on the design and implementation of UK policies shaping regional and local economic and social development. This paper starts by recalling how EU Cohesion Policy has functioned in the UK, then considers how Brexit may affect regional and social development and the need for a corresponding policy response, focusing on the sorts of policies currently supported by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the European Social Fund (ESF). The paper shows that filling the policy vacuum will be far from straightforward because complementary national policies and institutional frameworks have lacked consistency or coherence. It concludes by examining the wider policy issues arising from rethinking domestic policy outside the ESIF framework. The sub-national level, in particular, will need a fresh approach following Brexit.
Embedded authority: a relational network approach to hierarchy in world politics
Authors: MacDonald Paul K.
Published: July 2017

Relations of sovereign inequality permeate international politics, and a growing body of literature grapples with the question of how states establish and sustain hierarchy amidst anarchy. I argue that existing literature on hierarchy, for all its diverse insights, misses what makes hierarchy unique in world politics. Hierarchy is not simply the presence of inequality or stratification among actors, but rather an authority relationship in which a dominant actor exercises some modicum of control over a subordinate one. This authority relationship, moreover, is dramatically different than ones found in domestic hierarchies. It is shaped less by written laws or formal procedures, than by subtle forms of manipulation and the development of informal practices. For this reason, hierarchy cannot simply be reduced the to the dynamics of anarchy, and must be viewed as a relational phenomenon. Ties between actors create positions that permit dominant actors to appropriate and orchestrate the sharing of authority with subordinate intermediaries. This article develops this relational network approach, highlighting how concepts such as access, brokerage, and yoking can illuminate the processes by which authority is enlisted and appropriated in world politics.
Prior-knowledge Fitting of Accelerated Five-dimensional Echo Planar J-resolved Spectroscopic Imaging: Effect of Nonlinear Reconstruction on Quantitation
Authors: Iqbal Zohaib , Wilson Neil E. , Thomas M. Albert
Published: July 2017

1H Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopic imaging (SI) is a powerful tool capable of investigating metabolism in vivo from mul- tiple regions. However, SI techniques are time consuming, and are therefore difficult to implement clinically. By applying non-uniform sampling (NUS) and compressed sensing (CS) reconstruction, it is possible to accelerate these scans while re- taining key spectral information. One recently developed method that utilizes this type of acceleration is the five-dimensional echo planar J-resolved spectroscopic imaging (5D EP-JRESI) sequence, which is capable of obtaining two-dimensional (2D) spectra from three spatial dimensions. The prior-knowledge fitting (ProFit) algorithm is typically used to quantify 2D spectra in vivo, however the effects of NUS and CS reconstruction on the quantitation results are unknown. This study utilized a simulated brain phantom to investigate the errors introduced through the acceleration methods. Errors (normalized root mean square error >15%) were found between metabolite concentrations after twelve-fold acceleration for several low concentra- tion (<2 mM) metabolites. The Cramér Rao lower bound% (CRLB%) values, which are typically used for quality control, were not reflective of the increased quantitation error arising from acceleration. Finally, occipital white (OWM) and gray (OGM) human brain matter were quantified in vivo using the 5D EP-JRESI sequence with eight-fold acceleration.
Promoting Singlet/triplet Exciton Transformation in Organic Optoelectronic Molecules: Role of Excited State Transition Configuration
Authors: Chen Runfeng , Tang Yuting , Wan Yifang , Chen Ting , Zheng Chao , Qi Yuanyuan , Cheng Yuanfang , Huang Wei
Published: July 2017

Exciton transformation, a non-radiative process in changing the spin multiplicity of an exciton usually between singlet and triplet forms, has received much attention recently due to its crucial effects in manipulating optoelectronic properties for various applications. However, current understanding of exciton transformation mechanism does not extend far beyond a thermal equilibrium of two states with different multiplicity and it is a significant challenge to probe what exactly control the transformation between the highly active excited states. Here, based on the recent developments of three types of purely organic molecules capable of efficient spin-flipping, we perform ab initio structure/energy optimization and similarity/overlap extent analysis to theoretically explore the critical factors in controlling the transformation process of the excited states. The results suggest that the states having close energy levels and similar exciton characteristics with same transition configurations and high heteroatom participation are prone to facilitating exciton transformation. A basic guideline towards the molecular design of purely organic materials with facile exciton transformation ability is also proposed. Our discovery highlights systematically the critical importance of vertical transition configuration of excited states in promoting the singlet/triplet exciton transformation, making a key step forward in excited state tuning of purely organic optoelectronic materials.
Search for non-lactam inhibitors of mtb β-lactamase led to its open shape in apo state: new concept for antibiotic design
Authors: Sagar Amin , Haleem Nazia , Bashir Yaawar Mir , Ashish
Published: July 2017

Mtb β-lactamase (BlaC) is extremely efficient in hydrolyzing ß-lactam antibiotics which renders/leads to protection and/or resistance to this bug. There is a compelling need to develop new non-lactam inhibitors which can bind and inhibit BlaC, but cannot be hydrolyzed, thus neutralizing this survival mechanism of Mtb. Using the crystal structure of BlaC we screened 750000 purchasable compounds from ZINC Database for their theoretical affinity to the enzyme’s active site. 32 of the best hits of the compounds having tetra-, tri- and thiadi-azole moiety were tested in vitro, and 4 efficiently inhibited the enzymatic activity of recombinant BlaC. Characterization of the shape of BlaC−/+ inhibitors by small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) brought forth that BlaC adopts: (1) an open shape (radius of gyration of 2.3 nm compared to 1.9 nm of crystal structures) in solution; (2) closed shape similar to observed crystal structure(s) in presence of effective inhibitor; and (3) a closed shape which opens up when a hydrolysable inhibitor is present in solution. New BlaC inhibitors were: 1-(4-(pyridin-3-yl)-thiazol-2-ylamino)-2-(7,8,9-triaza-bicyclo[4.3.0]nona-1(6),2,4,8-tetraen-7-yl)-ethanone; 8-butyl-3-((5-(pyridin-2-yl)-4H-1,2,4-triazol-3-ylamino)-formyl)-8-aza-bicyclo[4.3.0]nona-1(6),2,4-triene-7,9-dione; 1-(3-((5-(5-bromo-thiophen-2-yl)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-methoxy)-phenyl)-1H-1,2,3,4-tetraazole; and 1-(2,3-dimethyl-phenylamino)-2-(2-(1-(2-methoxy-5-methyl-phenyl)-1H-1,2,3,4-tetraazol-5-ylsulfanyl)-acetylamino)-ethanone. The open-close shape of BlaC questions the physiological significance of the closed shape known for BlaC−/+ inhibitors and paves new path for structure aided design of novel inhibitors.
Relation between Arterial Stiffness and Markers of Inflammation and Hemostasis – Data from the Population-based Gutenberg Health Study
Authors: Arnold Natalie , Gori Tommaso , Schnabel Renate B. , Schulz Andreas , Prochaska Jürgen H. , Zeller Tanja , Binder Harald , Pfeiffer Norbert , Beutel Manfred , Espinola-Klein Christine , Lackner Karl J. , Blankenberg Stefan , Münzel Thomas , Wild Philipp S.
Published: July 2017

The relation between inflammation, hemostasis and arterial stiffness is of pathophysiological relevance for the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Data investigating this interplay using stiffness index (SI) by digital photoplethysmography are not available yet. Therefore, sex-specific relation between SI and inflammatory and hemostatic biomarkers was investigated within 13,724 subjects from the population-based Gutenberg Health Study. C-reactive protein (CRP), white blood cell count (WBCC), neopterin, interleukin-18, interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA), fibrinogen and hematocrit were measured. Multivariable linear regression analysis with adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors, medication, and hormonal status (in females) revealed an independent association between SI and WBCC, IL-1RA and hematocrit in both sexes, and with fibrinogen in women. There was a joint effect of increasing tertiles of SI and biomarker concentrations for future CVD risk prediction. Subjects with both SI and biomarker concentration above the median had the worst overall survival and with both below the median the best survival during a follow-up period of 6.2 ± 1.7 years, except for hematocrit. The results support the relation between inflammation, hemostasis and arterial stiffness measured by digital photoplethysmography. Markers of inflammation and hemostasis modulate the ability of SI to identify subjects at risk for future CVD or higher mortality.
A modified formulation of Huanglian-Jie-Du-Tang reduces memory impairments and β-amyloid plaques in a triple transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Durairajan Siva Sundara Kumar , Iyaswamy Ashok , Shetty Sravan Gopalakrishna , Kammella Ananth Kumar , Malampati Sandeep , Shang Wenbin , Yang Chuanbin , Song Juxian , Chung Sookja , Huang Jiandong , Ilango Kaliappan , Han Quan-Bin , Li Min
Published: July 2017

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a degenerative disorder typified by progressive deterioration of memory and the appearance of β-amyloid peptide (Aβ)-rich senile plaques. Recently we have identified a novel function of a patented formulation of modified Huanglian-Jie-Tu-Tang (HLJDT-M), a Chinese herbal medicine, in treating AD in in vitro studies (US patent No. 9,375,457). HLJDT-M is a formulation composed of Rhizoma Coptitis, Cortex Phellodendri and Fructus Gardeniae without Radix Scutellariae. Here, we assessed the efficacy of HLJDT-M on a triple transgenic mouse model of AD (3XTg-AD). Oral administration of HLJDT-M ameliorated the cognitive dysfunction of 3XTg-AD mice and lessened the plaque burden. In addition, biochemical assays revealed a significant decrease in levels of detergent-soluble and acid-soluble Aβ via decreasing the levels of full length amyloid-β precursor protein (FL-APP) and C-terminal fragments of APP (CTFs) in brain lysates of HLJDT-M-treated mice. HLJDT-M treatment also significantly reduced the levels of FL-APP and CTFs in N2a/SweAPP cells. In contrast, treatment using the classical formula HLJDT did not reduce the memory impairment of 3XTg-AD mice and, rather, increased the Aβ/Fl-APP/CTFs in both animal and cell culture studies. Altogether, our study indicates that HLJDT-M is a promising herbal formulation to prevent and/or cure AD.
Elucidating the mechanisms underlying the beneficial health effects of dietary pollen on honey bees (Apis mellifera) infested by Varroa mite ectoparasites
Authors: Annoscia Desiderato , Zanni Virginia , Galbraith David , Quirici Anna , Grozinger Christina , Bortolomeazzi Renzo , Nazzi Francesco
Published: July 2017

Parasites and pathogens of the honey bee (Apis mellifera) are key factors underlying colony losses, which are threatening the beekeeping industry and agriculture as a whole. To control the spread and development of pathogen infections within the colony, honey bees use plant resins with antibiotic activity, but little is known about the properties of other substances, that are mainly used as a foodstuff, for controlling possible diseases both at the individual and colony level. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that pollen is beneficial for honey bees challenged with the parasitic mite Varroa destructor associated to the Deformed Wing Virus. First, we studied the effects of pollen on the survival of infested bees, under laboratory and field conditions, and observed that a pollen rich diet can compensate the deleterious effects of mite parasitization. Subsequently, we characterized the pollen compounds responsible for the observed positive effects. Finally, based on the results of a transcriptomic analysis of parasitized bees fed with pollen or not, we developed a comprehensive framework for interpreting the observed effects of pollen on honey bee health, which incorporates the possible effects on cuticle integrity, energetic metabolism and immune response.
Partial Correlation between Spatial and Temporal Regularities of Human Mobility
Authors: Geng Wei , Yang Guang
Published: July 2017

The regularity of human mobility has been extensively studied because of its prominent applications in a considerable number of important areas. Entropy, in addition to many other measures, has long been used to quantify the regularity of human mobility. We adopt the commonly used spatial entropy and develop an analogical temporal entropy to separately investigate the spatial and temporal regularities of human mobility. The underlying data are from an automated transit fare collection system operated by a metropolitan public transit authority in China. The distributions of both spatial and temporal entropies and their dependences on several widely used statistics are examined. The spatial and temporal entropies present a statistically significant correlation, which has not previously been reported to the best of our knowledge.
Alantolactone induces apoptosis, promotes STAT3 glutathionylation and enhances chemosensitivity of A549 lung adenocarcinoma cells to doxorubicin via oxidative stress
Authors: Maryam Amara , Mehmood Tahir , Zhang He , Li Yongming , Khan Muhammad , Ma Tonghui
Published: July 2017

Alantolactone (ALT), a sesquiterpene lactone component of Inula helenium, has been reported to exert anticancer activity in various cancers. However, the cellular targets and underlying mechanism of anticancer activity of ALT in various cancers including lung cancer has not been fully defined. In the present study, we found that ALT effectively inhibits proliferation and triggers oxidative stress mediated-apoptosis in A549 lung adenocarcinoma cells by inducing ER stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. This ALT-mediated apoptosis was inhibited by NAC while diamide potentiated it. Moreover, ALT effectively suppressed both constitutive and inducible STAT3 activation, inhibited its translocation into nucleus and decreased its DNA binding activity. Further mechanistic study revealed that ALT abrogated STAT3 activation by promoting STAT3 glutathionylation. ROS scavenger NAC reverted ALT-mediated STAT3 glutathionylation and inhibition of STAT3 phosphorylation. Finally, ALT enhanced chemosensitivity of A549 cells to doxorubicin and reversed doxorubicin resistance in A549/DR cells by inhibiting STAT3 activation and P-glycoprotein expression and increasing intracellular accumulation of doxorubicin. Suppression of STAT3 activation by targeting ROS metabolism with ALT thus discloses a previously unrecognized mechanism underlying the biological activity of ALT. Taken together; ALT induces oxidative stress-dependent apoptosis, inhibits STAT3 activation and augments doxorubicin toxicity in A549 lung cancer cells. These findings provide an in-depth insight into the molecular mechanism of ALT in the treatment of lung cancer.
Overexpression of DNMT3b target genes during Enteric Nervous System development contribute to the onset of Hirschsprung disease
Authors: Villalba-Benito Leticia , Torroglosa Ana , Fernández Raquel María , Ruíz-Ferrer Macarena , Moya-Jiménez María José , Antiñolo Guillermo , Borrego Salud
Published: July 2017

Hirschsprung disease (HSCR) is attributed to a failure of neural crest cells (NCCs) to migrate, proliferate, differentiate and/or survive in the bowel wall during embryonic Enteric Nervous System (ENS) development. ENS formation is the result from a specific gene expression pattern regulated by epigenetic events, such DNA methylation by the DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs), among other mechanisms. Specifically, DNMT3b de novo methyltransferase is associated with NCCs development and has been shown to be implicated in ENS formation and in HSCR. Aiming to elucidate the specific mechanism underlying the DNMT3b role in such processes, we have performed a chromatin immunoprecipitation coupled with massively parallel sequencing analysis to identify the DNMT3B target genes in enteric precursor cells (EPCs) from mice. Moreover, the expression patterns of those target genes have been analyzed in human EPCs from HSCR patients in comparison with controls. Additionally, we have carried out a search of rare variants in those genes in a HSCR series. Through this approach we found 9 genes showing a significantly different expression level in both groups. Therefore, those genes may have a role in the proper human ENS formation and a failure in their expression pattern might contribute to this pathology.
Freeze-drying of mammalian cells using trehalose: preservation of DNA integrity
Authors: Zhang Miao , Oldenhof Harriëtte , Sydykov Bulat , Bigalk Judith , Sieme Harald , Wolkers Willem F.
Published: July 2017

The aim of this study was to investigate preservation of biomolecular structures, particularly DNA, in freeze-dried fibroblasts, after loading with trehalose via freezing-induced uptake. Cells were freeze-dried with trehalose alone or in a mixture of albumin and trehalose. Albumin was added to increase the glass transition temperature and storage stability. No viable cells were recovered after freeze-drying and rehydration. FTIR studies showed that membrane phase behavior of freeze-dried cells resembles that of fresh cells. However, one day after rehydration membrane phase separation was observed, irrespective of the presence or absence of trehalose during freeze-drying. Freeze-drying did not affect the overall protein secondary structure. Analysis of DNA damage via single cell gel electrophoresis (‘comet assay’) showed that DNA damage progressively increased with storage duration and temperature. DNA damage was prevented during storage at 4 °C. It is shown that trehalose reduces DNA damage during storage, whereas addition of albumin did not seem to have an additional protective effect on storage stability (i.e. DNA integrity) despite the fact that albumin increased the glass transition temperature. Taken together, DNA in freeze-dried somatic cells can be preserved using trehalose as protectant and storage at or below 4 °C.
Phylodynamics of major CRF01_AE epidemic clusters circulating in mainland of China
Authors: Wang Xiaolin , He Xiang , Zhong Ping , Liu Yongjian , Gui Tao , Jia Dijing , Li Hanping , Wu Jianjun , Yan Jin , Kang Dianmin , Han Yang , Li Taisheng , Yang Rongge , Han Xiaoxu , Chen Lin , Zhao Jin , Xing Hui , Liang Shu , He Jianmei , Yan Yansheng , Xue Yile , Zhang Jiafeng , Zhuang Xun , Liang Shujia , Bao Zuoyi , Li Tianyi , Zhuang Daomin , Liu Siyang , Han Jingwan , Jia Lei , Li Jingyun , Li Lin
Published: July 2017

As the most dominant HIV-1 strain in China, CRF01_AE needs to have its evolutionary and demographic history documented. In this study, we provide phylogenetic analysis of all CRF01_AE pol sequences identified in mainland China. CRF01_AE sequences were collected from the Los Alamos HIV Sequence Database and the local Chinese provincial centers of disease control and prevention. Phylogenetic trees were constructed to identify major epidemic clusters. Bayesian coalescent-based method was used to reconstruct the time scale and demographic history. There were 2965 CRF01_AE sequences from 24 Chinese provinces that were collected, and 5 major epidemic clusters containing 85% of the total CRF01_AE sequences were identified. Every cluster contains sequences from more than 10 provinces with 1 or 2 dominant transmission routes. One cluster arose in the 1990s and 4 clusters arose in the 2000s. Cluster I is in the decline stage, while the other clusters are in the stable stage. Obvious lineage can be observed among sequences from the same transmission route but not the same area. Two large clusters in high-level prevalence were found in MSM (Men who have sex with men), which highlighted that more emphasis should be placed on MSM for HIV control in mainland China.
Validation of asynchronous quantitative bone densitometry of the spine: Accuracy, short-term reproducibility, and a comparison with conventional quantitative computed tomography
Authors: Wang Ling , Su Yongbin , Wang Qianqian , Duanmu Yangyang , Yang Minghui , Yi Chen , Cheng Xiaoguang
Published: July 2017

Asynchronous calibration quantitative computed tomography (QCT) is a new tool that allows the quantification of bone mineral density (BMD) without the use of a calibration phantom during scanning; however, this tool is not fully validated for clinical use. We used the European spine phantom (ESP) with repositioning during scanning and assessed the accuracy and short-term reproducibility of asynchronous QCT. Intra-scanner and intra-observer precision were each calculated as the root mean square of the standard deviation (RMSSD) and the coefficient of variation (CV-RMSSD). We also compared asynchronous and conventional QCT results in 50 clinical subjects. The accuracy of asynchronous QCT for three ESP vertebrae ranged from 1.4–6.7%, whereas intra-scanner precision for these vertebrae ranged from 0.53–0.91 mg/cc. Asynchronous QCT was most precise for a trabecular BMD of 100 mg/cc (CV-RMSSD = 0.2%). For intra-observer variability, overall precision error was smaller than 3%. In clinical subjects there was excellent agreement between the two calibration methods with correlation coefficients ranging from 0.96–0.99. A Bland–Altman analysis demonstrated that methodological differences depended on the magnitude of the BMD variable. Our findings indicate that the asynchronous QCT has good accuracy and precision for assessing trabecular BMD in the spine.
Universality of maximum-work efficiency of a cyclic heat engine based on a finite system of ultracold atoms
Authors: Ye Zhuolin , Hu Yingying , He Jizhou , Wang Jianhui
Published: July 2017

We study the performance of a cyclic heat engine which uses a small system with a finite number of ultracold atoms as its working substance and works between two heat reservoirs at constant temperatures T
h
and T
c
(<T
h
). Starting from the expression of heat capacity which includes finite-size effects, the work output is optimized with respect to the temperature of the working substance at a special instant along the cycle. The maximum-work efficiency η
mw at small relative temperature difference can be expanded in terms of the Carnot value $${{\boldsymbol{\eta }}}_{{\boldsymbol{C}}}={\bf{1}}-{{\boldsymbol{T}}}_{{\boldsymbol{c}}}/{{\boldsymbol{T}}}_{{\boldsymbol{h}}}$$

η

C

=
1
−

T

c

/

T

h

, $${{\boldsymbol{\eta }}}^{{\boldsymbol{m}}{\bf{w}}}={{\boldsymbol{\eta }}}_{{\boldsymbol{C}}}/{\bf{2}}+{{\boldsymbol{\eta }}}_{{\boldsymbol{C}}}^{{\bf{2}}}({\bf{1}}/{\bf{8}}+{{\boldsymbol{a}}}_{{\bf{0}}})+{\boldsymbol{\ldots }}$$

η

m
w

=

η

C

/
2

+

η

C

2

(

1
/
8

+

a

0

)
+
…
, where a0 is a function depending on the particle number N and becomes vanishing in the symmetric case. Moreover, we prove using the relationship between the temperatures of the working substance and heat reservoirs that the maximum-work efficiency, when accurate to the first order of η
C
, reads $${{\boldsymbol{\eta }}}^{{\boldsymbol{m}}{\bf{w}}}={{\boldsymbol{\eta }}}_{{\boldsymbol{CA}}}+{\bf{O}}$$

η

m
w

=

η

CA

+
O
(ΔT2). Within the framework of linear irreversible thermodynamics, the maximum-power efficiency is obtained as $${{\boldsymbol{\eta }}}^{{\boldsymbol{mp}}}={{\boldsymbol{\eta }}}_{{\boldsymbol{CA}}}+{\bf{O}}$$

η

mp

=

η

CA

+
O
(ΔT2) through appropriate identification of thermodynamic fluxes and forces, thereby showing that this kind of cyclic heat engines satisfy the tight-coupling condition.
Green tide development associated with submarine groundwater discharge in a coastal harbor, Jeju, Korea
Authors: Kwon Hyeong Kyu , Kang Hyekyung , Oh Yong Hwa , Park Sang Rul , Kim Guebuem
Published: July 2017

We measured the magnitude of submarine fresh groundwater discharge (SFGD) and associated nutrient inputs to Jocheon harbor, on Jeju Island, Korea, during four sampling periods, in order to determine the link between SFGD and Ulva sp. green tide development. Good correlations among salinity, 222Rn, and dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) in harbor seawater suggest that SFGD is the major source of DIN and fresh water since there are no surface runoffs. Using a 222Rn mass balance model, SFGD to the harbor was estimated to be 5.8 ± 2.3 × 104 m3 d−1. The DIN inputs through SFGD enhanced DIN concentrations in harbor seawater approximately 10-fold of those in the open-ocean (outer harbor) seawater. Results from mesocosm experiments showed that the growth rate of U. pertusa increased by 160% on average due to the enhanced DIN concentrations (from 1 to 24 µM) through SFGD in this harbor. Thus, we conclude that DIN inputs through SFGD cause the green tide development in Jocheon harbor and perhaps in other green tide regions where river inputs are absent.
p38 MAPK signaling and phosphorylations in the BRCT1 domain regulate XRCC1 recruitment to sites of DNA damage
Authors: de Sousa Mirta Mittelstedt Leal , Bjørås Karine Øian , Hanssen-Bauer Audun , Solvang-Garten Karin , Otterlei Marit
Published: July 2017

XRCC1 is a scaffold protein involved in base excision repair and single strand break repair. It is a phosphoprotein that contains more than 45 phosphorylation sites, however only a few of these have been characterized and connected to specific kinases and functions. Mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPK) are mediators of cellular stress responses, and here we demonstrate that p38 MAPK signaling is involved in phosphorylation of XRCC1 and regulation of recruitment to oxidative stress. Inhibition of p38 MAPK caused a marked pI shift of XRCC1 towards a less phosphorylated state. Inhibition of p38 also increased the immediate accumulation of XRCC1 at site of DNA damage in a poly(ADP)-ribose (PAR) dependent manner. These results suggest a link between PARylation, p38 signaling and XRCC1 recruitment to DNA damage. Additionally, we characterized two phosphorylation sites, T358 and T367, located within, or close to, the phosphate-binding pocket of XRCC1, which is important for interaction with PAR. Mutation of these sites impairs recruitment of XRCC1 to DNA damage and binding to PARP1/PAR. Collectively, our data suggest that phosphorylation of T358 and T367 and p38 signaling are important for proper regulation of XRCC1 recruitment to DNA damage and thereby avoidance of potential toxic and mutagenic BER-intermediates.
Environment Changes Genetic Effects on Respiratory Conditions and Allergic Phenotypes
Authors: Song Yong , Schwager Michelle J. , Backer Vibeke , Guo Jing , Porsbjerg Celeste , Khoo Siew-Kim , Laing Ingrid A. , Moses Eric K. , LeSouëf Peter , Zhang Guicheng
Published: July 2017

The prevalence of asthma and allergic diseases is disproportionately distributed among different populations, with an increasing trend observed in Western countries. Here we investigated how the environment affected genotype-phenotype association in a genetically homogeneous, but geographically separated population. We evaluated 18 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) corresponding to 8 genes (ADAM33, ALOX5, LT-α, LTC4S, NOS1, ORMDL3, TBXA2R and TNF-α), the lung function and five respiratory/allergic conditions (ever asthma, bronchitis, rhinitis, dermatitis and atopy) in two populations of Inuit residing either in the westernized environment of Denmark or in the rural area of Greenland. Our results showed that lung function was associated with genetic variants in ORMDL3, with polymorphisms having a significant interaction with place of residence. LT-α SNP rs909253 and rs1041981 were significantly associated with bronchitis risk. LT-α SNP rs2844484 was related to dermatitis susceptibility and was significantly influenced by the place of residence. The observed gene-phenotype relationships were exclusively present in one population and absent in the other population. We conclude that the genotype-phenotype associations relating to bronchitis and allergy susceptibility are dependent on the environment and that environmental factors/lifestyles modify genetic predisposition and change the genetic effects on diseases.
Synergistic therapy of chemotherapeutic drugs and MTH1 inhibitors using a pH-sensitive polymeric delivery system for oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Li Xiao , Li Lei , Huang Yu , Liu Bing , Chi Huirong , Shi Leilei , Zhang Wei , Li Guolin , Niu Yumei , Zhu Xinyuan
Published: July 2017

MutT homolog 1 (MTH1) is an essential sanitizer of the free nucleotide pool that prevents lethal DNA damage in cancer cells, which has been validated as an anticancer target in recent years.
Room-temperature fabrication of a three-dimensional porous silicon framework inspired by a polymer foaming process
Authors: Wang Zi , Hou Zhongyu
Published: July 2017

A 3D porous silicon framework is fabricated directly based on the whole wafer, which is capable of accommodating nanowires in micron-sized pores.
Effects of plant polysaccharides with different carboxyl group contents on calcium oxalate crystal growth
Authors: Huang Li-Shan , Sun Xin-Yuan , Gui Qin , Ouyang Jian-Ming
Published: July 2017

The effects of five plant polysaccharides (PPSs) with molecular weights of ∼4000 Da and different carboxylic group (–COOH) contents on the crystal growth of calcium oxalate (CaOx) were comparatively studied.
Rendering cross-conjugated azophenine derivatives emissive to probe the silent photophysical properties of emeraldine
Authors: Lei Hu , Langlois Adam , Fortin Daniel , Karsenti Paul-Ludovic , Aly Shawkat M. , Harvey Pierre D.
Published: July 2017

A fluorescent azophenine derivative was synthesized by coupling truxene and azophenine via the copper-free Sonagashira reaction using Pd2(dba)3 and As(PPh)3 as catalysts.
Endocrine disrupting potential of PAHs and their alkylated analogues associated with oil spills
Authors: Lee Sangwoo , Hong Seongjin , Liu Xiaoshan , Kim Cheolmin , Jung Dawoon , Yim Un Hyuk , Shim Won Joon , Khim Jong Seong , Giesy John P. , Choi Kyungho
Published: July 2017

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and alkylated PAHs are known to be major toxic contaminants in spills of petroleum hydrocarbons (oil).
Use of PVP-coated magnetite nanoparticles to ameliorate oil toxicity to an estuarine meiobenthic copepod and stimulate the growth of oil-degrading bacteria
Authors: Alabresm Amjed , Mirshahghassemi Seyyedali , Chandler G. Thomas , Decho Alan W. , Lead Jamie
Published: July 2017

A new nanomaterial composed of polyvinylpyrrolidone coated iron oxide was successfully used to remediate toxicity of oil-contaminated seawater.
Protein intrinsic disorder negatively associates with gene age in different eukaryotic lineages
Authors: Banerjee Sanghita , Chakraborty Sandip
Published: July 2017

The emergence of new protein-coding genes in a specific lineage or species provides raw materials for evolutionary adaptations.
A simple, cyanovinylene-based, ratiometric, colorimetric and fluorescent chemodosimeter for the specific and sensitive detection of HClO in living cells
Authors: Wang Yawei , Shu Wei , Han Bingjun , Zhao Xiangwei , Wu Liu , Liu Caiyun , Ma Zhenmin , Zhu Baocun , Du Bin
Published: July 2017

A simple, cyanovinylene-based, ratiometric, colorimetric and fluorescent chemodosimeter was developed to sensitively and selectively monitor HClO in living cells.
Asymmetric synthesis of isoquinolinonaphthyridines catalyzed by a chiral Brønsted acid
Authors: Li Jianjun , Fu Yiwei , Qin Cong , Yu Yang , Li Hao , Wang Wei
Published: July 2017

A mild and efficient asymmetric cyclization reaction catalyzed by chiral Brønsted acids has been developed for the synthesis of chiral isoquinolinonaphthyridines.
Ring strain-dictated divergent fluorinating Prins cyclization or semipinacol rearrangement
Authors: Liu Yi , Yeung Ying-Yeung
Published: July 2017

We have developed ring-strain dictated divergent diastereoselective fluorinating Prins cyclizations or semipinacol rearrangements to access a range of tetrahydropyran derivatives.
Cation disorder and phase transitions in the structurally complex solar cell material Cu2ZnSnS4
Authors: Bosson C. J. , Birch M. T. , Halliday D. P. , Knight K. S. , Gibbs A. S. , Hatton P. D.
Published: July 2017

The highest-resolution neutron scattering yet reported is used to examine disorder, and the order–disorder transition temperature is found to depend on elemental composition.
A gradient engineered hole-transporting material for monolithic series-type large-area perovskite solar cells
Authors: Tu Yongguang , Wu Jihuai , He Xin , Guo Panfeng , Wu Tongyue , Luo Hui , Liu Quanzhen , Wu Qihui , Lin Jianming , Huang Miaoliang , Lan Zhang , Li Sizhong
Published: July 2017

Further efficiency enhancement mainly relies on decreasing the interface losses between the active layers in perovskite solar cells.
Rationally designed nickel oxide ravines@iron cobalt-hydroxides with largely enhanced capacitive performance for asymmetric supercapacitors
Authors: Gao Libo , Cao Ke , Zhang Hongti , Li Peifeng , Song Jian , Surjadi James Utama , Li Yanfang , Sun Dong , Lu Yang
Published: July 2017

NiO@FeCo-LDH can simultaneously achieve ultrahigh areal capacitance and rate capability.
Broadband dual‐circularly polarised SIW cavity antenna using a stacked structure
Authors: Kumar A. , Raghavan S.
Published: July 2017

A wideband dual‐circularly polarised (CP) substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) cavity‐backed patch antenna is designed by using two‐layer structure. The realised dual‐CP, a cavity‐backed square patch lies on the top substrate is excited by two pins, which are symmetrically located at an offset to the diagonal axis of the patch. These pins induce strong loading effect in the cavity and generate additional resonances in the vicinity of the patch resonant that help to achieve a wideband response by adjusting their locations. Thus, generation of dual‐CP and wide impedance bandwidth is accomplished by using this new feeding topology. Moreover, the antenna is fabricated and tested for dual‐CP. The experimental results show an impedance bandwidth of nearly 28.4% (8.59–11.43 GHz) and an axial‐ratio bandwidth of 3.4% under the criterion <3‐dB.
Energy‐efficient modulation scheme for software‐defined optical network
Authors: Liu Yuze , Li Hui , Wang Yunyun , Duan Zhiwei , Ji Yuefeng
Published: July 2017

An energy‐efficient modulation scheme (EEMS) is proposed to address the routing, modulation level and spectrum assignment (RMLSA) problem. A lot of study on RMLSA based on the assumption: the higher modulation level, the fewer frequency cost. The frequency cost is analysed and the result shows that different bandwidth request may result in same frequency slots cost. On the basis of it, an EEMS is proposed to find the lowest modulation level without impacting the spectrum usage. The results of numerical experiments verify the effectiveness of the scheme.
Optimal design and analysis of a variable reactor fault current limiter
Authors: Damaki Aliabad Aliakbar , Hajhoseini Zarchi Saeed
Published: July 2017

Development of power networks increases short circuit level and makes use of fault current limiters (FCLs) inevitably. FCLs should have low impedance in the normal condition of the network and high impedance quickly after the short circuit. For this purpose, a variable reactor has been proposed. In this scheme, the reactor impedance is dependent on the reactor air gap. In the normal condition, the reactor has a large air gap and has low impedance. When a fault occurs and the current increases immediately, a strong force is produced between the fixed and moving parts of the reactor and the air gap is decreased. This leads automatically to an increase in the reactor impedance. After the fault is cleaned, the reactor returns to its previous state by a spring and is recovered easily. An optimal design has been performed here to reach the FCL with desirable performance. To this end, analytical relations of the reactor are implemented and the optimum values are calculated by using genetic algorithm. The designed reactor has been simulated by the finite‐element method to verify the analytical calculations. The results confirm the proposed scheme and indicate that the reactor limits the fault current very well.
Probabilistic congestion driven network expansion planning using point estimate technique
Authors: Saberi Hossein , Monsef Hassan , Amraee Turaj
Published: July 2017

This study presents a probabilistic model to determine the optimal expansion of transmission network under uncertainties of demand, wind power generation, and energy price. The Benders decomposition approach and the point estimate method (PEM) are used to solve the developed mixed‐integer optimisation problem and tackle the uncertainties, respectively. The proposed market‐based expansion problem is a two‐stage model in which the master problem optimises the investment cost, and the sub‐problem (SP) includes the cost of energy not served, congestion cost and congestion rent. A new objective function is proposed to consider the congestion rent in the Benders algorithm. In the SP, a two‐step optimisation process is then proposed to generate proper Benders cuts. The proposed model has been applied to the Garver's, and modified IEEE 24‐bus and IEEE 118‐bus test systems. Furthermore, to validate the accuracy of the proposed PEM, a Monte Carlo simulation method (MCSM) has been used and the results of PEM have been compared to the MCSM.
Network survivability and recoverability in urban rail transit systems under disruption
Authors: Hua Wen , Ong Ghim Ping
Published: July 2017

It is important for an urban rail transit system network to be resilient in the event of a disruption, and to be capable to recover in the shortest possible time. This study presents a holistic approach to analyse the survivability and recoverability of an urban rail–bus transit network during and after a disruption. A maximum survivability‐minimum recovery time approach was formulated in this study to determine the number of affected passengers in the rail network during a disruption, the number of passengers who need to be transferred to alternate transport modes, and the recovery duration. A case study based on the Singapore urban mass rapid transit and bus networks is presented to demonstrate the applicability of the authors’ proposed framework. It was found from their analyses that the proposed framework could provide information on the state of rail network resilience given different disruption scenarios and estimate the recovery time after disruption occurrence.
Optical properties of TiO2 nanorod/PMMA bilayered film and the application for anti‐reflection
Authors: Yudoyono Gatut , Pramono Yono Hadi , Zainuri Mochamad , Darminto D.
Published: July 2017

TiO2/Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) bilayered films have been prepared by spin coating technique on the glass substrate. The nanorod‐structured TiO2 prepared by a coprecipitation method was used. The structure and morphology were tested by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The optical properties and the anti‐reflection (AR) coating performance were evaluated by UV‐Vis spectrometer. The XRD pattern has shown that the TiO2 particles have the nanorods structure and the rutile phase. The AFM analysis showed that the layer of TiO2 nanorods has formed a colloidal crystal with an amorphous structure having a smooth surface. Based on the absorption spectra of a single layer TiO2, the optical band gap (Eg) between 3.65–3.70 eV and the Urbach energy (Eu) between 204–255 meV can be determined. The maximum transmittance of TiO2/PMMA bilayered film at a normal incident light can reach up to 98.5%.
Reactions of Allylmagnesium Halides with Carbonyl Compounds: Reactivity, Structure, and Mechanism
Authors: Bartolo Nicole , Read Jacquelyne , Valentín Elizabeth , Woerpel K.
Published: July 2017

The additions of allylmagnesium reagents to carbonyl compounds are important methods in synthetic organic chemistry, but the mechanisms of these reactions are likely to be distinct from mechanisms followed by other organomagnesium reagents. Additions to alkyl aldehydes and ketones are likely to be concerted, proceeding through six-membered-ring transition states. These highly reactive reagents appear to react at rates that approach the diffusion limit, so chemoselectivity is generally low. Furthermore, reactions of allylmagnesium halides with carbonyl compounds are unlikely to follow stereochemical models that require differentiation between competing transition states. This Short Review discusses the current state of understanding of these reactions, including the structure of the reagent and unique aspects of the reactivity of allylmagnesium reagents.

1 Introduction

2 Reactions with Carbonyl Compounds

2.1 Reactivity of Allylmagnesium Halides

2.2 Selectivity of Addition

3 Structure of Allylmagnesium Reagents

3.1 Schlenk Equilibrium and Aggregation

3.2 Spectroscopic Studies

3.3 X-ray Crystallographic Studies

3.4 Computational Studies of Structure

4 Reaction Mechanism

4.1 Substrate-Dependent Mechanisms

4.2 Concerted Mechanisms

4.3 Single-Electron Transfer Mechanisms

4.4 Open, SE2′-Like Transition State

4.5 Computational Studies of Mechanism

5 Conclusion
Nickel-Catalyzed Reductive Cross-Coupling of Aryl Triflates and Nonaflates with Alkyl Iodides
Authors: Sumida Yuto , Hosoya Takamitsu , Sumida Tomoe
Published: July 2017

A nickel-catalyzed cross-electrophile coupling of aryl triflates and nonaflates with alkyl iodides using manganese(0) as a reductant is described. The method is applicable to the reductive alkylation of various aryl sulfonates, including o-borylaryl triflate, which enabled efficient construction of diverse alkylated arenes under mild conditions.
Vivantes klinikum im friedrichshain Berlin: Bauen am offenen Herzen
Authors: Lübbers Arno
Published: July 2017

Bei laufendem Betrieb zu bauen ist für Kliniken eine besondere Herausforderung, erst recht wenn es gilt, die Gebäudeteile nahtlos an denkmalgeschützte Bausubstanz anzupassen. So wie beim Neubau im Herzen Berlins, der die beiden Krankenhäuser Prenzlauer Berg und Friedrichshain auf dem Gelände des Klinikums im Friedrichshain zusammenführt. Der Erfolg ist dem intensiven Schulterschluss zwischen Bauherrn, Architekten und Fachplaner zu verdanken.
Logistikplanung im OP: Erst der Prozess, dann der Beton
Authors: Schug Alexander
Published: July 2017

Immer wieder werden Neu- und Umbauten von OP-Bereichen aufwendig und jahrelang geplant und dann sehr häufig korrigiert. Zumeist liegt der Fokus auf der Technik. Aber immer noch zu selten liegt der Blick auf den Prozessen, die dort zukünftig ablaufen sollen.
Modulbau: Klinik-Puzzle in 3-D
Authors: Kucera Martin
Published: July 2017

Soll der Betrieb während einer Bauphase weitergehen, setzen immer mehr Kliniken auf den Modulbau. Auch die Charité hat für die Sanierung ihres Bettenturms ein solches Ausweichquartier genutzt. Das Interimsgebäude punktet mit schneller Bauzeit und lässt sich jederzeit wieder abreißen – in Berlin könnte es sogar eine Dauerlösung werden.
Beleuchtungskonzepte: Lichtblicke gegen Patientenangst
Authors: Kucera Martin
Published: July 2017

Wer ins Krankenaus muss, hat mit Ängsten zu kämpfen. Obwohl es gerade die Untersuchungen sind, vor der sich Patienten am meisten fürchten, werden Diagnoseräume oft von einer kalten und sterilen Atmosphäre beherrscht. Erste Ansätze zeigen allerdings, dass es auch anders geht.
Factors Contributing to Patient Satisfaction and Expectations following Computer-Assisted Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Naito Yohei , Yamaguchi Toshio , Wakabayashi Hiroki , Sudo Akihiro , Hasegawa Masahiro
Published: July 2017

The purpose of this study was to determine which factors contribute to patient satisfaction and expectations after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). A total of 109 patients (130 knees) with knee osteoarthritis who underwent primary TKA with navigation were studied. Intraoperative mediolateral laxity was measured. The factors including mediolateral laxity that affected patient satisfaction and expectations were evaluated using the 2011 Knee Society Score. Patient satisfaction after TKA correlated positively with symptoms and functional activities, and negatively with old age in univariate analysis. Multivariate analysis showed that symptoms and functional activities remained statistically significant; however, old age showed no difference. Patient expectations after TKA correlated positively with symptoms and functional activities, and negatively with mediolateral laxity at 60 degrees in univariate analysis. Multivariate analysis showed that symptoms, functional activities, and mediolateral laxity at 60 degrees remained statistically significant. In conclusion, midflexion instability was associated with worse expectations.
Does Sporadic Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Spread via Axonal Connectivities?
Authors: Braak H. , Neumann M. , Ludolph A. , Del Tredici K.
Published: July 2017

The pathological process underlying sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (sALS) that is associated with the formation of cytoplasmic inclusions of a nuclear protein (TDP-43) is confined to only a few types of long-axoned projection neurons. The giant Betz pyramidal cells of the primary motor neocortex as well as large α-motor neurons of the lower brainstem and spinal cord become involved early. In the human brain, these 2 neuronal types are to a large extent interconnected by monosynaptic axonal projections. The cell nuclei of affected neurons gradually forfeit their normal expression of the protein TDP-43. In α-motor neurons, this nuclear loss is followed by the formation of insoluble TDP-43-immunopositive inclusions in the cytoplasm, whereas in Betz cells the loss of nuclear expression remains for an unknown period of time unaccompanied by somatodendritic and/or axoplasmic aggregations. It is possible that in cortical pyramidal cells (Betz cells) the nuclear clearing initially leads to the formation of an abnormal but still soluble cytoplasmic TDP-43 which may enter the axoplasm and, following transmission via direct synaptic contacts, induces anew TDP-43 dysregulation and aggregation in recipient neurons. The trajectory of the spreading pattern that consecutively develops during the course of sALS is consistent with the dissemination from chiefly cortical projection neurons via axonal transport through direct synaptic contacts leading to the secondary induction of TDP-43-containing inclusions within recipient nerve cells in involved subcortical regions.