bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Illuminating Xist
Authors: Coker Heather , Moindrot Benoit , Pintacuda Greta , Brockdorff Neil
Published: October 2019

The Central Dogma proposed that RNA, encoded by DNA in the genome, acts as the template used by cells for protein production. The simplicity of RNA as a discrete mediator of information has subsequently been challenged by the discovery of non-protein-coding RNAs. Understanding of this intricate new field has been fuelled by the development of new research techniques. In this article, we consider how recent advances in microscopy have added to our current understanding of the non-coding RNA Xist (X-inactive specific transcript).
Science and the General Election
Authors: Ball Cat
Published: October 2019

The UK is in the grip of election fever. Political parties are campaigning, MPs are squabbling and policies are being debated. The rosettes are out in force, but where does science fit into this?
Bacterial multidrug efflux pumps: … and some suggestions on how they might work
Authors: Du Dijun , Luisi Ben F.
Published: October 2019

One of the key mechanisms that confers drug resistance in bacteria involves the action of energyconsuming transporters that drive the efflux of toxic compounds from the cell. In the Gramnegative group of bacteria, which have a characteristic system of two lipid membranes, some of these transporters are the engine components of tripartite assemblies that span both membranes and the interstitial periplasm. These assemblies have been the focus of extensive structural and mechanistic studies for decades, and we provide a brief synopsis of the current understanding of how they are organized into functioning machines, how those machines might work in detail and the likely points in the machinery that could be targets for therapeutic intervention.
Engaging the public with antibiotic resistance
Authors: Burnett Rachel
Published: October 2019

“The time may come when penicillin can be bought by anyone in the shops. Then there is the danger that the ignorant man may easily under dose himself and by exposing his microbes to nonlethal quantities of the drug make them resistant.” (Alexander Fleming, Nobel Prize speech 1945).
Allosteric regulation: Illuminating allosteric conformational change with an environmentally sensitive fluorescent probe
Authors: Freedman Robert B. , Malcolm Alan D.B.
Published: October 2019

Allosteric regulation was a hot topic in the 1960s, but there was very limited structural data on allosteric equilibria, and no solid information on the rates of allosteric conformational changes. In this Biochemical Journal Classic paper from 1969 George Radda and his first D.Phil. student, George Dodd determined the rate of allosteric transition in the regulatory enzyme glutamate dehydrogenase by a method new in the 1960s, the fluorescence of an environmentally sensitive extrinsic probe.
Aging and stress: The role of the environment in cellular replication
Authors: Coelho Miguel
Published: October 2019

In single cell organisms, such as yeast and bacteria, cells age as they divide – a clock where time is counted by consecutive cell division events. Aging is characterized by a decrease in replicative fitness, which correlates with the increased probability of death. Although both in prokaryotes and eukaryotes asymmetries at cell division define the identity of the aging cell, setting the temporal and causative order of aging events, an important question has remained unsolved: how does the environment influence aging? It has been reported that under favourable conditions, cells avoid aging or age slowly, while under stress, aging is triggered or accelerated. Stress-induced changes in division morphology or damage segregation might modulate the rate of aging. This article explores the connection between aging and stress in unicellular organisms, highlighting evolutionarily conserved features.
Model super-organisms: Can the biochemical genetics of E. coli help us understand aging?
Authors: Weinkove David
Published: October 2019

Escherichia coli is a powerful model organism to help us understand biochemical pathways and enzyme function. In E. coli, biosynthetic pathway mutants are conditionally viable depending on the composition of the nutrient media. Genetic analysis allows enzyme function to be linked to gene sequences. E. coli is used in the lab as a food source for the nematode worm Caenorhabditis elegans, a model organism for the understanding of basic animal biology. Recent work has shown that specific biosynthetic pathways in E. coli can influence C. elegans aging. Careful experimentation is needed to determine whether E. coli biochemistry influences aging by altering C. elegans nutrition or through changes to bacterial functions, such as toxin production. Understanding these interactions in the C. elegans–E. coli model “super-organism” will inform studies of how bacteria of the human microbiota interact with the host.
Oxidative stress: Its role in regulating aging and longevity
Authors: Aiken Catherine E. , Tarry-Adkins Jane L. , Ozanne Susan E.
Published: October 2019

Although aging is ubiquitous across organisms, the rate at which it occurs varies considerably between species and individuals. The initial links between oxidative stress and rates of cellular aging were postulated over 50 years ago by Harman, who published a theory connecting free radical damage with the aging process in 19561. Since then a wide body of literature has accumulated demonstrating the links between oxidative damage to various cellular components and cellular senescence2. Oxidative stress is known to contribute to the aetiology of a wide variety of pathological processes including metabolic, cardiovascular and neoplastic diseases, all of which can shorten lifespan. Macromolecules such as proteins, lipids and particularly DNA can be irreversibly damaged by oxidative stress, leading to a decline in cellular function and apoptosis. This leads to aging, initially at a cellular level, then of the tissues and organs, culminating in whole organism pathology and eventually death. This article explores the various processes by which cells accrue oxidative damage and how such long-term damage leads to senescence. In particular, we focus on how the early-life environment influences the accumulation of oxidative stress over the entire life-course of an individual and how this may accelerate the normal aging process.
The caloric restriction paradigm
Authors: Anderson Rozalyn M.
Published: October 2019

The ability of caloric restriction (CR) to extend lifespan was first reported in 19351. A deceptively simple intervention of reduced calorie intake in the absence of malnutrition, CR impinges directly on the highly complex process that is aging. Investigations into how CR accomplishes these remarkable effects have the potential to determine which processes contribute to disease vulnerability as a function of chronological age, and to identify factors and processes induced by CR that may be harnessed to develop interventions to enhance disease resilience. Studies to date reveal that CR engages a multiplicity of cellular processes, many of which are responsive to a highly interconnected suite of regulatory molecules. One of the emerging themes is the importance of metabolism in aging and delayed aging by CR, raising the possibility that metabolism itself may be a promising target to counter the diseases of aging.
Mind like a sponge: evolutionary paths to the brain
Authors: Godwin Dwayne W. , Masicampo Melissa L.
Published: October 2019

The human brain is one of the most complex arrangements of matter of which we know. This reflects the fact that despite current advances in neuroscience we still do not have a comprehensive understanding of the structure or function of the human brain. It is perhaps understandable that there is still much about the evolution of the brain, and how it came to be so complex, that remains a mystery. This complexity did not arise all at once. The lineage of the human brain can be traced back to the origin and subsequent assemblage of the key neural properties necessary for core functions of generating, sharing and propagating electrical signals.
Contagion: a worthy entrant in the outbreak film genre
Authors: Loman Nick , Gardy Jennifer
Published: October 2019

As researchers working in the fields of genomics, infection and epidemiology, we chose to write about Contagion for this issue. It wasn't much of a choice, a quick bit of Internet research confirmed that there aren't many films about infectious diseases, outbreaks and epidemiology, with the exception of the fairly terrible Outbreak (1995), and the 1970s-tastic sci-fi thriller The Andromeda Strain. What we do have plenty of are zombie flicks, and the parallels to outbreaks have been well recognized. Often starting with a virus or uncharacterized pathogen, zombie films exploit the nature of contagion as ever greater numbers of the population are infected, usually with the film's heroic (World War Z) or hapless (Shaun of the Dead) protagonist tasked with rescuing humanity, or at least staying alive.
The War of the Worlds and antibiotic resistance: a case study for science teaching
Authors: Riva Elena
Published: October 2019

What is the web with which Spiderman swings, slides and jumps through the streets of New York City if not a long-chain polymer molecule, similar to nylon, that in contact with air knits and forms an extremely tough, flexible fibre with extraordinary adhesive properties? Did you know that the ultrafast lasers utilized for ‘capturing’ the temporal behaviour of chemical and biological reactions are similar to the ones with which every spaceship involved in Star Wars was equipped? Have you ever thought that Superman's ‘X-ray eyesight’ that allows him to see through solid objects works on the same principle of the X-ray crystallography that allows chemists, physicists and biologists to ‘see’ molecules and proteins?
Metabonomics: the future of personalized healthcare in liver intensive care?
Authors: Zia Rabiya , Coen Muireann , McPhail Mark , Wilson Ian
Published: October 2019

Metabonomics involves the use of high-resolution analytical platforms to characterize the low-molecular-mass metabolic composition of biofluids and tissues. The resulting complex metabolic phenotype data are modelled using multivariate statistical approaches to identify systems levels panels of metabolites that discriminate between phenotypes (metabotypes), providing mechanistic insight and candidate biomarkers. With the increasing incidence of liver cirrhosis nationally, the pressures on NHS liver units is set to intensify, with mortality rates in these patients remaining high. This article describes a personalized medicine approach to stratify patients' mortality risk using metabolic phenotyping. This could aid doctors in clinical decision-making for patient transplant candidacy and critical care management to improve current survival rates.
Precision medicine in hypertension
Authors: Padmanabhan Sandosh , Touyz Rhian M.
Published: October 2019

The blood pressure (BP) threshold for hypertension has changed over time, and currently in the general adult population, the accepted cut-off is at or below 140/90 mmHg upon repeated sphygmomanometric measurements in the doctor's office (in children, the threshold is blood pressure above the 95th percentile for height and gender). When blood pressure exceeds this level, clinic management strategies are triggered to reduce blood pressure, and thus represent a simple and practical diagnostic approach for healthcare providers to initiate and monitor treatment. On the basis of this definition, there are over 1 billion people with high blood pressure worldwide and the World Health Organization suggest this will rise to 1.5 billion by 20201.
Personalized anticoagulant therapy
Authors: Iqbal Omer , Aziz Jenna E. , Aziz Salim
Published: October 2019

Following on from the completion of Human Genome Project in 2003 and through continuing advances in genome sequencing technology, scientists hope to be able to predict with exquisite precision, whether or not an individual is developing a disease now, will develop the disease in the future, will respond to treatment or have a serious reaction to a particular drug. Based on this information, physicians will be able to prescribe the right drug to the right patient at the right dosage in the framework of personalized or individualized medicine. As Brooke Byers of Kleiner Perkins Caufield and Byers states: “Personalized medicine is our chance to revolutionize health care, but it will require a team effort by innovators, entrepreneurs, regulators, payers, and policymakers”. The emergence of pharmacogenomics-guided drug development has led to novel strategies in the management of patients with bleeding and thrombotic disorders, enabling a personalized approach in this area of medicine, which we discuss in this article.
RNA networks at the origins of life
Authors: Yeates Jessica A.M. , Lehman Niles
Published: October 2019

The origin of life has often been viewed as the advent of a single self-replicating molecular species, such as RNA. We propose a somewhat different approach in that a network of co-operating molecules could have kick-started life. This view has both theoretical and experimental support. The foundations for life, as we understand it on our planet, began some 4.5 billion years ago with the formation of the Earth1 and by 4.0 billion years ago evidence for the presence of life existed. Within that timeframe, physical and chemical processes would have produced increasingly more complex interactions, moving from simple inorganic molecules to biopolymers capable of replication and variation. In order to answer the question of how life originated and to even understand what life is, empirical proof-ofconcept simple abiotic pathways demonstrating these transitions are needed. In this article, we discuss how networks of molecules, rather than single replicating molecular species, is an emerging view that may unlock some longstanding problems in the origins field.
Type 1 diabetes: treat the symptoms or cure the disease?
Authors: King Aileen , Zhi Zheng-Liang , Persaud Shanta , Jones Peter
Published: October 2019

Islet transplantation has shown great promise as an experimental treatment for Type 1 diabetes, but current clinical protocols have problems with long-term graft survival when islets are transplanted into an inflammatory, immunogenic host environment. Encapsulation strategies designed to present a biocompatible barrier between graft and host may offer solutions to these problems.
Taking Science to the Xtremes: a unique PhD experience
Authors: O'Brien Katie
Published: October 2019

Obtaining a PhD is a long and often rocky road. Now in my final year of doctoral study, I am taking a moment to look back at the successes and (far more frequent) failures of PhD life, particularly my first year experience. This was, quite literally, full of ups and downs as I found myself undertaking research as part of the Xtreme Everest 2 (XE2) expedition team.
Novel 3D imaging platform tracks cancer progression in vivo
Authors: McGinty James , French Paul , Frankel Paul
Published: October 2019

Optical imaging underpins biomedical research in many respects and recent decades have seen spectacular advances, particularly in fluorescence imaging where genetic engineering approaches to labelling have been combined with new light sources, detectors and data analysis techniques to provide capabilities like super-resolution beyond the diffraction limit, exquisite spectroscopic contrast for molecular readouts and high-speed image capture for in vivo and high-throughput applications. However, the main impact of such advanced instrumentation and data analysis has been to provide unprecedented quantitative 2D and 3D information concerning samples compatible with microscopy where volumes of less than 1 mm3 are typically imaged in a single ‘acquisition’. The ability to view and measure cellular processes and signalling pathways in live cells has been a significant advance for biomedical research and drug discovery. However, for conventional microscope-based assays and experiments, the samples typically comprise thin layers of cells that are not experiencing the same signals that they would in a 3D tissue context and any findings may not directly translate to live organisms. It is desirable to study disease processes in live intact organisms that can provide appropriate physiological complexity. For cancer studies, recent research from our group shows that optical tomography can be used to directly monitor in vivo changes in tumour growth and vascular development in a zebrafish cancer model over time. This technique not only improves the value of the collected data, but if used on a wider scale should result in a reduction in the number of animals used in biomedical research.
Light-activated wound healing and tissue modification
Authors: Kochevar Irene E. , Redmond Robert W.
Published: October 2019

The unique properties of light have led to the development of many effective medical treatments. Ultraviolet, visible and infrared light can be focused to small tissue volumes, providing spatial specificity for treatments. The specificity is further enhanced when a dye is applied because the light is only absorbed in the tissue volume that is stained with the dye. Light can also be delivered in a time-controlled manner by simply turning on or off a switch. Thus, in contrast to drugs, the treatment can be exquisitely tuned. Currently, light is frequently used to treat skin diseases such as psoriasis and diseases of the eye such as keratoconus (involving thinning of the cornea), age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy, and light is used with dyes to treat certain malignancies. In addition, promising results have been reported for the destruction of pathogenic microbes by light, with and without a dye. The light sources employed range from simple fluorescent tubes to high-powered lasers.
Assessing the quality of research: preparing for REF2021
Authors: Butkute Gabriele
Published: October 2019

In an age where huge amounts of data is collected on everything we do – from our Google searches to our GPS coordinates – we like to be able to count, measure and assess things. This includes measuring the impact and quality of research in the UK, through an assessment method known as the Research Excellence Framework (REF).
Building BORIS – an outreach project on drug design and molecular modelling
Authors: Rossington Steven
Published: October 2019

Within university chemistry departments, organic chemists are formulating reaction pathways which will yield a desired chemical product. In most cases, it is often found that the targeted product exerts some beneficial biological effect towards cellular activity. In my organic chemistry lectureship within the University of Salford, I too am involved in the synthesis of potential biologically active compounds; namely a range of anti-cancer compounds and anti-bacterial agents. Using my professional knowledge, I have developed an outreach project known as BORIS designed to show GCSE and A-level students what proteins look like, their importance and role within the body and how drugs interact with them.
The complex relationship between the emerging flaviviruses: dengue and Zika
Authors: Tan Min Jie Alvin , Gaunt Michael W. , Hibberd Martin L. , Furnham Nicholas
Published: October 2019

Many flaviviruses cause important and serious human diseases, including yellow fever, West Nile, Japanese encephalitis and tick-borne encephalitis viruses. Two further flaviviruses, the closely related dengue and Zika virus, have emerged as significant threats to global health with their potential to inflict severe disease to millions of people. Here, we look at some of the molecular similarities and differences between these two emerging diseases, as this is key to the development of novel preventions and therapeutics.
Good germs, bad germs: citizen science and microbiology
Authors: Lorimer Jamie , Hodgetts Timothy
Published: October 2019

Have you ever wondered about the bacteria that live on your chopping boards? How about those in your sink, or the murky depths of the plughole? And if so, were you thinking only about pathogenic ‘germs’, or also about the wider microbial communities that might persist in your homes? And how does such thinking sit with contemporary understandings of ‘good bacteria’, and the popular discourse that we might be ‘too clean’ for our own good? Taking advantage of recent developments in DNA sequencing, a citizen science project called Good Germs Bad Germs is exploring the ambiguously understood microbial ecologies found in peoples' kitchens. Working with a small community of public participants, the project is concerned with the questions people ask about bacteria in their homes, and what happens when they work with scientists to find out the answers.
Young scientists quiz key political figures on science policy topics
Authors: Butkute Gabriele
Published: October 2019

How will legislation on genetic engineering, cloning and animal experimentation change once the UK leaves the EU? What roles do scientific advice and public opinion play when considering policies where these viewpoints might oppose one another – for example the banning of GM crops? How will the merger of the nine current UK Research Councils into the new UK Research and Innovation affect the funding and delivery of novel research? These are just a few questions that were asked at this year's Voice of the Future event in Parliament.
Parliamentary Links Day 2017
Authors: Albert Helen
Published: October 2019

The theme for this year's Links Day was UK Science and Global Opportunities, a somewhat timely topic in light of last year's Referendum result. This annual event brings together scientists, politicians and Learned Societies to network and discuss topical issues in science policy.
Apprenticeships: building new vocational pathways to success
Authors: Giannella Lorenza
Published: October 2019

The focus on apprenticeships and technical education as a means of decreasing the UK's skills gap is offering an increasing number of different pathways into bioscience careers. A close relationship between education providers and industry is a key component of making these new routes a success. In this article, we explore the value of vocational training with Malcolm Skingle, Amy Mercer and Stephen Stewart, who highlight its benefits to companies and students alike.
CEO Viewpoint
Authors: Baillie Kate
Published: October 2019

I am taking a break from CEO Viewpoint this month and handing over to our Directors, who will introduce recent highlights from the Society's activities across Society Programmes, Publishing and Operations.
Halophiles: the salt of the Earth
Authors: Antunes André
Published: October 2019

Salt has been historically used for preventing decay and preserving food, as many microbes are unable to survive under high salinities. Despite this, several organisms – also known as halophiles (from the greek “salt-loving”) – are specifically adapted and thrive under such conditions. The study of their biodiversity provides us important new biomolecules and biotechnological applications, which are vital resources for the Bioeconomy. Equally important, research on halophiles offers new insights on Life's resilience, and its possible existence outside our planet.
The power of online learning
Authors: Giannella Lorenza
Published: October 2019

We live in an era where technology is embedded in everything we do. We use the Internet and various apps numerous times every day to order our favourite takeaway, keep in touch with friends and book GP appointments. In this digital age, technology is also deeply influencing education and learning, especially in science.
Bridging the gap: engineering bone for skeletal injuries
Authors: Mercado-Pagán Ángel E. , Yang Yunzhi Peter
Published: October 2019

For years, mechanical fixators, grafts and cements have provided a surgical solution to bone injuries. However, the inherent restrictions of these treatments have prompted the search for newer options that can fully repair bone and restore its function. But, what are these approaches? What is the future of bone repair? Tissue engineering has stepped up efforts to tackle this difficult topic.
Traffic control inside the cell: microtubule-based regulation of cargo transport
Authors: Balabanian Linda , Chaudhary Abdullah R. , Hendricks Adam G.
Published: October 2019

The cell relies on an intricate system of molecular highways and motors to transport proteins, organelles and other vesicular cargoes to their proper locations. Microtubules, long filaments that form a network throughout the cell, act as highways. The motor proteins kinesin and dynein associate with cargoes and transport them along microtubules. Rather than simply acting as passive tracks, microtubules contain signals that regulate kinesin and dynein to target cargoes to specific locations in the cell. These signals include the organization of the microtubule network, chemical modifications that alter the microtubule surface properties and mechanics, and microtubuleassociated proteins that modulate the motility of motor proteins and microtubule polymerization.
Seminal reactive oxygen species, a novel biochemical assay for testing male fertility?
Authors: Dimakopoulou Anastasia , Jayasena Channa N.
Published: October 2019

Infertility is defined as a failure to achieve a positive pregnancy test over 12 months of regular unprotected sex. It is a devastating condition affecting 15% of couples and is socially marginalizing. Despite significant focus on the female, nearly half of cases are in fact due to poor sperm function in the male partner. It is therefore surprising that despite the existence of numerous diagnostic tools and management options currently available for female infertility, very few exist for their male counterparts. So, what can we do to diagnose men with impaired fertility promptly and direct couples to effective management strategies?
Driving developments in diversity
Authors: Sykes Emma
Published: October 2019

‘We’ve shifted the deadline - what I hoped to achieve for my daughter I now hope to achieve for my granddaughter'

These were the poignant words spoken by Professor Lesley Yellowlees CBE, at the launch of the Royal Society of Chemistry's most recent diversity report ‘Diversity landscape of the chemical sciences’ in February 2018.
Biochemical Society 2019 Award Winners
Authors: Mitchell Rowena
Published: October 2019

Eleven distinguished scientists and exceptional early career researchers have been honoured in the Biochemical Society's annual Awards.
About cats, mice and behaviour-changing parasites
Authors: Bolton Victoria
Published: October 2019

The Science Communication Competition is now in its eighth year. As in previous years, it aims to find young talented science writers and give them the opportunity to have their work published in The Biochemist. In 2015, a new branch of the competition was launched to include video entries. Overall this year's competition attracted 74 entries and these were reviewed by our external panel of expert judges. The first prize in the written category was awarded to Victoria Bolton from the University of Glasgow, whose article is presented here; the winner of the video category was Jirayu Tanprasertsuk from Tufts University. Jirayu's winning video can be viewed at bit.ly/scicommvid2018.
Introducing the Chair of the Basic Bioscience Theme Panel
Authors: West Michelle
Published: October 2019

I would like to introduce myself as Chair of the Basic Bioscience Theme Panel (BBTP). This panel and role was newly created in March 2017 as part of restructuring that took place within the Biochemical Society to improve the scientific meeting application and review process. The BBTP is the largest of the three new Theme Panels that were created and sits above six existing Research Area committees. The Research Areas are Genes, Molecular Structure and Function, Energy and Metabolism, Cells, Signalling and Biological Systems. The Research Areas provide broad representation across the Molecular Biosciences, the area of science championed by the Biochemical Society (it's not just Biochemistry!). The Chairs of the six Research Areas are members of the BBTP which meets four times a year. As Chair of the BBTP I am also a trustee of the Biochemical Society so take part in key discussions relating to the strategy and operations of the Biochemical Society at its Council Meetings that take place four times a year.
Signs of life on a global scale: Earth as a laboratory for exoplanet biosignatures
Authors: Schwieterman Edward , Lyons Timothy , Reinhard Christopher
Published: October 2019

Thousands of planets orbiting stars other than the Sun (exoplanets) have been discovered, and the pace of discoveries will only accelerate as new observing missions are deployed. As the state of the field moves from exoplanet detection to characterization we are inching ever closer to indepth determination of the properties of rocky planets within the so-called ‘habitable zones’ of their host stars. The question now becomes---how would we recognize the signs of habitability and life on a distant exoplanet? We must begin with the only known example of a habitable and inhabited world---our own. But Earth affords more than one glimpse into conditions on a lifebearing world. Throughout geologic time the prevailing atmospheric and chemical state of our planet has undergone titanic shifts including from a hazy, orange, oxygen-free, methane-choked global habitat to the oxygen-rich pale blue dot we now take for granted. Here, we discuss ongoing efforts by astrobiologists and astronomers to catalogue the potential signatures of habitability and life we may find elsewhere in the universe by using Earth---both present and past---as a laboratory for the possible signatures of inhabited exoplanets.
The chemistry of fossilization on Earth and Mars
Authors: McMahon Sean
Published: October 2019

The story of our world is written in the rocks. Turning over the stony pages, a trained geologist can read about mountains that rose and fell in the distant past, oceans that dried out in the sun, and continents that came together and drifted apart. The ground beneath us was shaped by processes like these over millions of years, and perhaps it is unsurprising that these epic shifts in the landscape should have left traces behind. But here and there, to our immense good fortune, the rocks yield something else: remains or traces of ancient life. If a good rock can be read like a good book, then a well-preserved fossil is like a finely wrought illustration, a vivid depiction of a fleeting moment in the life of the world. Fossils, whether on the scale of dinosaurs or individual molecules, provide our most decisive evidence for testing hypotheses about the abundance, diversity and evolution of life on Earth over the past three-and-a-half billion years. They are also our best hope for answering one of the most compelling questions in science: was there ever life on Mars?
How ultrafast X-ray pulses can reveal hidden secrets of photosynthesis
Authors: Bergmann Uwe , Yachandra Vittal , Yano Junko
Published: October 2019

X-ray-based techniques are extremely versatile and can provide information regarding the atomic arrangement of atoms in a molecule and are often the method of choice for exploring the structures of proteins and their ligands. The photosynthetic splitting of water and evolution of molecular oxygen by plants and cyanobacteria is one of the key reactions in nature, which is catalysed by a metal site in a membrane-bound photosynthetic protein complex. In this article, we will describe how X-ray pulse lasers can simultaneously probe the overall atomic structure of the photosynthetic system and the electronic structure of a catalytic metal site under physiological conditions in real time.
Single-molecule science: an emerging discipline
Authors: Gaus Katharina , Liu Sue Min
Published: October 2019

All forms of life have a molecular basis. A cell---the smallest unit of life---is essentially a bag full of molecules. But simply putting molecules together in a bag will not create a life. So where is the magic? What brings a bag full of molecules to life?
Synthetic biology: paving the way with novel drug delivery
Authors: Bush Lucas M. , Gibbs Chelsea , Deans Tara L.
Published: October 2019

Synthetic biology is a multidisciplinary field that focuses on the rational design and construction of novel genetic tools for the purpose of engineering cells to behave in controllable and predictable ways. The promise of this modern technology relies on our understanding of basic genetics and gene expression to engineer cells with unique functions. This is accomplished by designing biological parts and assembling them into higher-order gene circuits that control cell operations through tight regulation of gene expression, effectively reprogramming and rewiring the cells. In this article, we review the basic concepts of gene expression, discuss the framework of how synthetic biologists reprogram cells and outline how cells can be engineered to function as new vehicles for delivering therapeutic proteins.
Engineered pathogens: the opportunities, risks and challenges
Authors: Nelson Cassidy
Published: October 2019

Before modern times, only nature was capable of engineering pathogens. This ability was by no means unimpressive: evolution has repeatedly demonstrated a formidable capacity for producing a vast array of infectious agents. Pathogens such as Variola major and Yersinia pestis, which cause smallpox and plague respectively, wielded enough destructive power to shape parts of human history. However, recent advancements in biotechnology mean it is now possible to engineer new viruses and bacteria. Developments in the field of synthetic biology present many exciting opportunities, enabling better understanding of disease-causing agents and facilitating the creation of new medical therapeutics and diagnostics. However, with these breakthroughs comes the risk that some of the worst pathogens in history could be recreated without requiring access to natural sources. Furthermore, engineered microbes may surpass the destructive potential of their evolved counterparts by being designed to be deadlier or more transmissible. These enhanced agents could pose an unprecedented pandemic threat to the global community. Given the risks, it is essential that regulatory frameworks for potentially hazardous research reflect modern capabilities and address emerging biosecurity concerns.
Shining a light on the dark secrets of the cell: synthetic proteins for better fluorescence imaging
Authors: Oi Curran , Tokarska Diana , Regan Lynne
Published: October 2019

The discovery of intrinsically fluorescent proteins revolutionized our ability to visualize proteins within living cells. Since that original observation, a plethora of fluorescent proteins with varied colour and brightness have been obtained. For a number of imaging purposes, however, synthetic biology approaches have been required to create new labelling methodologies. Here, we describe the protein engineering technologies that underlie some of those key designs and show how they have been used to great effect in different cell types.
Students go through the gears at the iGEM competition for engineering biology
Authors: Lawrence Joshua , Chang Siwat , Rodriguez Luis Chaves , Ouldridge Thomas
Published: October 2019

The annual International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) competition, represents an exciting opportunity for students to experience first-hand the potential of synthetic biology approaches to solve real-world problems. In this article, an iGEM team based at Imperial College London share some of the highlights from their participation in the 2018 iGEM event, including sharing their work at the annual Jamboree in Boston, Massachusetts.
Chemically tailored carbon nanotubes as a new toolbox for biomedicine and beyond
Authors: Barnes Benjamin , Brozenay Alexandra , Wang YuHuang
Published: October 2019

Like molecules of DNA, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) can display a variety of structures, but all conduct electrons and feature unique optical properties. In this perspective article, we highlight several recent works that bridge these two seemingly distant worlds. We illustrate the largely untapped potential of CNTs for biological research by exploring several developing biomedical applications utilizing nanotube semiconductors, including field effect transistor biosensors that couple high sensitivity with selectivity, and fluorophores for deep-tissue imaging whose excitation and emission wavelengths can be tuned throughout the near-IR II window simply by using defect chemistry.
The Spoken Language and Social Communication Characteristics of Adolescents in Behavioral Schools: A Controlled Comparison Study
Authors: James Karen , Munro Natalie , Togher Leanne , Cordier Reinie
Published: October 2019

Purpose

Working with students with emotional behavioral disorders is a challenging area of speech-language pathology practice. In this study, we compare and profile the narrative discourse, structural language, and social communication characteristics of adolescents attending behavioral support and mainstream schools. We also examine relationships between narratives, structural language, social communication, and behavior.

Method

Fifty-four students aged between 12 and 16 years participated. Twenty-seven students were from 3 Australian government Schools for Specific Purposes for students with behavioral difficulties, and 27 typically developing students were from a mainstream, government school. Students were matched for age and closely matched for sex and socioeconomic status. All students completed 3 communication assessments: oral narrative, structural language, and social communication skills. Teachers were asked to complete 2 behavioral questionnaires.

Results

Students in behavioral schools had significant difficulties generating narratives. Their structural language and overall social communication skills were also significantly poorer than their mainstream peers. One third of the behavioral group experienced significant difficulties across all 3 of these communication areas. Externalizing behavior was significantly related to narrative, structural language, and social communication only when the data were pooled across both groups.

Conclusions

Language and social communication difficulties were evident in adolescents who attend alternative school settings—behavioral schools. These findings confirm the need for speech-language pathologists to be engaged in specialist behavioral schools and provide impetus to service providers, speech-language pathologists, and educators to address relationships between behavior and communication ability.
Adaptive optimal wide‐area controller for multi‐area power system using phasor measurement unit measurements
Authors: Joseph Thomas , Tyagi Barjeev , Kumar Vishal
Published: October 2019

A neural network‐based adaptive optimal controller for the damping of inter‐area low‐frequency electromechanical oscillations inherent to multi‐area power systems is proposed. The controller is designed based on the linear quadratic regulator, which is usually designed based on the linear model obtained about an operating point (OP). As the power system is non‐linear and dynamic, the optimal condition will only be satisfied at the designed OP. This proposed controller utilises an adaptive structure so that the controller can effectively act in all operating conditions. The phasor measurement unit measurements provide the remote feedback input to the controller. The generator states are estimated using the unbiased minimum variance filter so that the estimation can be done in the absence of generator input measurements. The performance of the proposed structure under various operating conditions and dynamic conditions are analysed in this study.
SiC gate‐controlled bipolar‐field‐effect composite transistor with large on‐state current
Authors: Duan Baoxing , Zhang Yipan , Dong Ziming , Yang Yintang
Published: October 2019

In this work, a novel bipolar‐field‐effect composite transistor based on silicon carbide (SiC) Vertical Double‐diffused MOSFET (VDMOS) is proposed and investigated for the first time. The novel device is controlled by a gate and is a composite structure of a parasitic Bipolar Junction Transistor (BJT) and a Vertical Double‐diffused MOSFET (VDMOSFET), called SiC GCBT (SiC Gate‐Controlled Bipolar‐field‐effect composite Transistor). The structure features using the base–gate short connection mode, instead of the base–source short connection mode, as the traditional SiC VDMOS. So that two conductive channels can be provided by the parasitic bipolar transistor and the metal oxide semiconductor structure for the new device, which not only can improve the integration degreebut also greatly increases the on‐state current while the breakdown mechanism remains unchanged. As simulation results show that, compared to the traditional SiC VDMOS with the same parameters, SiC GCBT has the identical BV (about 800 V) and a Vth (2.98 V) that is reduced by a factor of 3, and its on‐state current is 16.7 times larger than that of SiC VDMOS and is almost unaffected by the width of the Junction Field‐Effect Transistor (JFET) region. In addition, under the same gate‐controlled voltage, its switching speed can even be compared with that of the traditional SiC VDMOS.
Pre-processing of galaxies in cosmic filaments around AMASCFI clusters in the CFHTLS
Authors: Sarron F. , Adami C. , Durret F. , Laigle C.
Published: October 2019

Context. Galaxy clusters and groups are thought to accrete material along the preferred direction of cosmic filaments. These structures have proven difficult to detect because their contrast is low, however, and only a few studies have focused on cluster infall regions.

Aims. We detect cosmic filaments around galaxy clusters using photometric redshifts in the range 0.15 <  z <  0.7. We characterise galaxy populations in these structures to study the influence of pre-processing by cosmic filaments and galaxy groups on star formation quenching.

Methods. We detected cosmic filaments in the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope Legacy Survey (CFHTLS) T0007 data, focusing on regions around clusters of the AMASCFI CFHTLS cluster sample. The filaments were reconstructed with the discrete persistent structure extractor (DISPERSE) algorithm in photometric redshift slices. We show that this reconstruction is reliable for a CFHTLS-like survey at 0.15 <  z <  0.7 using a mock galaxy catalogue. We split our galaxy catalogue into two populations (passive and star forming) using the LePhare spectral energy density fitting algorithm and worked with two redshift bins (0.15 <  z ≤ 0.4 and 0.4 <  z <  0.7).

Results. We showed that the AMASCFI cluster connectivity (i.e. the number of filaments that is connected to a cluster) increases with cluster mass M200. Filament galaxies outside R200 are found to be closer to clusters at low redshift, regardless of the galaxy type. Passive galaxies in filaments are closer to clusters than star-forming galaxies in the low redshift bin alone. The passive fraction of galaxies decreases with increasing clustercentric distance up to d ∼ 5 cMpc. Galaxy groups and clusters that are not located at nodes of our reconstruction are mainly found inside cosmic filaments.

Conclusions. These results give clues for pre-processing in cosmic filaments that could be due to smaller galaxy groups. This trend could be further explored by applying this method to larger photometric surveys such as the Hyper Suprime-Cam Subaru Strategic Program (HSC-SPP) or Euclid.
Projector augmented-wave method: an analysis in a one-dimensional setting
Authors: Dupuy Mi-Song
Published: October 2019

In this article, a numerical analysis of the projector augmented-wave (PAW) method is presented, restricted to the case of dimension one with Dirac potentials modeling the nuclei in a periodic setting. The PAW method is widely used in electronic ab initio calculations, in conjunction with pseudopotentials. It consists in replacing the original electronic Hamiltonian H by a pseudo-Hamiltonian HPAW via the PAW transformation acting in balls around each nuclei. Formally, the new eigenvalue problem has the same eigenvalues as H and smoother eigenfunctions. In practice, the pseudo-Hamiltonian HPAW has to be truncated, introducing an error that is rarely analyzed. In this paper, error estimates on the lowest PAW eigenvalue are proved for the one-dimensional periodic Schrödinger operator with double Dirac potentials.
Terminankündigungen
Authors: Nipshagen Sabine , Wiegard-Szramek Ina , Eikelmann Matthias , Dierkes Heike
Published: October 2019

Im Folgenden finden Sie Veranstaltungsankündigungen des fnb e. V. für 2020.
Abhängigkeit von Transplantationsstatus und Mortalität bei Tumordiagnose
Authors: Thorban Stefan
Published: October 2019

Anhand einer Metaanalyse wurden die Verläufe von über 7 Millionen US-Bürgern bei 16 verschiedenen Tumorentitäten aus 11 Tumorregistern untersucht und mit dem Transplantationsregister verlinkt. Hierbei hatten 11 416 Tumorpatienten nach dem Transplantationsregister eine solide Organtransplantation erhalten. Mithilfe des Cox-Modells wurde die Verbindung zwischen Transplantationsstatus und tumorspezifischer Mortalität, angepasst an demografische Charakteristika und Tumorstadium, untersucht. Hierbei zeigte sich, dass die Gesamtmortalität bei Transplantatempfängern aufgrund von Komplikationen der Grundkrankheit und zusätzlich der Tumorerkrankung erhöht war.
Erweiterte Spenderkriterien (ECD) bei allogener Nierentransplantation
Authors: Matevossian Edouard , Dorian Andrade , Aßfalg Volker , Thorban Stefan
Published: October 2019

Die Nierentransplantation stellt heute – mehr als ein halbes Jahrhundert nach ihrer Einführung in die klinische Behandlung – ein etabliertes und sicheres Therapieverfahren mit guten Langzeitergebnissen dar. Sie führt im Vergleich zur Dialyse zu einer Verbesserung der Lebensqualität und Reduktion der Mortalität. Das Patienten- und Transplantatüberleben konnten in den letzten Jahrzehnten stetig verbessert werden. Das 5-Jahres-Transplantatüberleben nach Nierentransplantation beträgt nach postmortaler Spende 74 % bzw. nach Lebendspende 86 % 1. Demgegenüber steht aber ein zunehmender Mangel an Spenderorganen, der in Deutschland und im gesamten Eurotransplant-Bereich zu einer zunehmend offensiven Nutzung von Organangeboten mit sogenannten erweiterten Spenderkriterien (ECD: „extended criteria donor“) geführt hat. Im Vergleich zu Standardkriterien für Spendernieren („standard criteria donor“) sind ECD-Nieren mit einem bis zu 2-fach erhöhten Risiko für eine verzögerte Transplantatfunktion, akute Abstoßung und einen Transplantatverlust verbunden. Voraussetzungen für eine langfristig erfolgreiche Transplantation der ECD-Transplantate waren und sind v. a. grundlegende Kenntnisse der Immunologie zur Vermeidung von Abstoßungsreaktionen.