bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Denouncers: Populism and the Press in Venezuela
Authors: SAMET ROBERT
Published: June 2016

Despite recent attention to the relationship between the media and populist mobilisation in Latin America, there is a misfit between the everyday practices of journalists and the theoretical tools that we have for making sense of these practices. The objective of this article is to help reorient research on populism and the press in Latin America so that it better reflects the grounded practices and autochthonous norms of the region. To that end, I turn to the case of Venezuela, and a practice that has been largely escaped attention from scholars – the use of denuncias.
Dust and plasma properties measured using two confined particles
Authors: Sheridan T. E. , Weiner Nicholas R. , Steinberger Thomas E.
Published: June 2016

We consider two isolated, interacting dust particles confined in plasma. Measurements of normal mode frequencies are used to determine the dust charge, the Debye shielding length and the anisotropy of the confining potential well. For dust particles confined near the sheath edge, the vertical electric field and an effective electron temperature are also determined. This method is used to characterize the sheath above a short rectangular trench in the powered electrode of a radio-frequency discharge.
Pointwise multipliers for Campanato spaces on Gauss measure spaces
Authors: Liu Liguang , Yang Dachun
Published: June 2016

In this paper, the authors characterize pointwise multipliers for Campanato spaces on the Gauss measure space (ℝn,| · |,γ), which includes BMO(γ) as a special case. As applications, several examples of the pointwise multipliers are given. Also, the authors give an example of a nonnegative function in BMO(γ) but not in BLO(γ).
Elimination of urogenital schistosomiasis in Iran: past history and the current situation
Authors: KHADEMVATAN SHAHRAM , SALMANZADEH SHOKROLLAH , FOROUTAN-RAD MASOUD , GHOMESHI MOHAMMAD
Published: June 2016

In recent years, through a national programme for schistosomiasis control, this infection has been eliminated from Iran. The aim of this study was to report the process of significant decrease of urogenital schistosomiasis in southwestern Iran. During national programme surveillance for urogenital schistosomiasis control which was implemented by Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of Khuzestan province from 1975 to 2013, more than 1·3 million urine samples were taken from inhabitants of high risk foci. All urine samples were gathered between 10:00 a.m and 02:00 p.m and, after centrifuging, specimens were tested under optical microscope in order to detectSchistosoma haematobiumeggs. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 18 software. In this retrospective study significant reduction was seen in number of infections between 1975 and 2013. During the years 1975–1980, 1981–1990 and 1991–2000 there were 1582, 761 and 79 cases ofS. haematobium, respectively. In 2001 only one case was reported from Ahvaz and indeed this was the last case of urogenital schistosomiasis in Khuzestan and of course, in Iran. Prevalence from 1·064% between 1975 and 1980 slumped to 0% in 2012–2013. During several projects for surveillance of urogenital schistosomiasis, selective population chemotherapy, snail control, population education, environmental improvement, etc were carried out throughout the surveillance period. According to elimination ofS. haematobiumin Khuzestan province, the only endemic region of Iran, control of disease, especially the campaign with intermediate host snails should be continued. Iran can be a successful model for countries suffering from this disease.
Genetic diversity of Bartonella genotypes found in the striped field mouse (Apodemus agrarius) in Central Europe
Authors: KRALJIK JASNA , PAZIEWSKA-HARRIS ANNA , MIKLISOVÁ DANA , BLAŇAROVÁ LUCIA , MOŠANSKÝ LADISLAV , BONA MARTIN , STANKO MICHAL
Published: June 2016

We investigated the diversity of Bartonella in Apodemus agrarius, an important rodent of peri-domestic habitats, which has spread into Europe in the past 1000 years. Spleen samples of 344 A. agrarius from Eastern Slovakia were screened for the presence of Bartonella spp. using 16S–23S rRNA internal transcribed spacer region and bacteria were detected in 9% of rodents. Based on sequencing of three housekeeping genes (gltA, rpoB and groEL) Bartonella genotypes were ascribed to the species typical for mice and voles: B. grahamii, B. taylorii and B. birtlesii. However, the study also confirmed presence of genotypes belonging to the B. clarridgeiae/B. rochalimae clade, and the B. elizabethae/B. tribocorum clade, which are not commonly found in woodland rodents. In addition, a potential recombination event between these two genotypes was noted, which highlights an important role of A. agrarius in shaping Bartonella diversity and evolution.
Closeness to singularities of manipulators based on geometric average normalized volume spanned by weighted screws
Authors: Bu Wanghui
Published: June 2016

In order to prevent robot manipulators from reaching singularities, the “distance” from the current configuration to a singular configuration should be measured. This paper presents a novel metric based on geometric average normalized volume spanned by weighted screws to measure closeness to singularities for both serial and parallel manipulators. The weighted screws are proposed to reinterpret the physical meaning of twists and wrenches, so the problem of inconsistent dimensions in the dot product of screws has been eliminated. Compared with other existing methods, the proposed metric can obtain an identical result for similar manipulators with different sizes. Furthermore, the metric is independent of the selection of base screws, which is very suitable for the overconstrained or lower mobility parallel manipulator whose base screws are not uniquely definite. Besides, the geometrical meaning of the metric is related to the dimensionless volume of a high dimensional polyhedron, and hence the metric is insensitive to screw magnitude.
A novel variable stiffness mechanism with linear spring characteristic for machining operations
Authors: Vuong Ngoc-Dung , Li Renjun , Chew Chee-Meng , Jafari Amir , Polden Joseph
Published: June 2016

Variable stiffness mechanisms are able to mechanically reconfigure themselves in order to adjust their system stiffness. It is generally accepted that only antagonistic designs, featuring quadratic springs, can produce linear spring-like behaviour (i.e., a linear relationship between the displacement and its resultant force). However, these antagonistic designs typically are not as energy efficient as series-based designs. In this work, we propose a novel variable stiffness mechanism that can achieve both linear-spring behaviour whilst maintaining an energy efficient characteristic. This paper will present the working principle, mechanical design and characterization of the joints stiffness properties (verified via experimental procedure). The pros and cons of this novel design with reference to the other Variable Stiffness Actuator (VSA) designs will be discussed based on experimental results and in the context of general machining tasks.
Photosynthesis, foliage development and productivity of Sitka spruce
Authors: Cannell M. G. R.
Published: June 2016

Synopsis

Young Sitka spruce trees grow slowly, compared with poplar for instance, because of lower photosynthetic rates and slower rates of leaf area production. On the other hand, the canopies of Sitka spruce stands have structural and photosynthetic properties which make them very productive. Both the slow growth of young trees, and the high productivities of closed stands, can be attributed to the needle habit.
The Possibilities and Pitfalls of Humanitarian Drones
Authors: Emery John R.
Published: June 2016

What comes to mind when we hear the word “drone”? For many of us, it is the image of a General Atomics MQ-1B Predator drone launching a Hellfire missile at a suspected militant target. But is this picture beginning to change? Should this picture change?
Accountability for the Sustainable Development Goals: A Lost Opportunity?
Authors: Donald Kate , Way Sally-Anne
Published: June 2016

On August 2, 2015, after three long years of intergovernmental negotiations and consultations and some tense final moments, all UN member states finally endorsed the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, with a new set of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that replace the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in 2016. The question of accountability—or, more precisely, the question of how governments will be held to account for implementing the commitments made in this new agenda—was a critical point of contention throughout the negotiations, resulting in a significant watering down of initial proposals by the end of the process.
Glacier sediment plumes in small bays on the Danco Coast, Antarctic Peninsula
Authors: Rodrigo Cristian , Giglio Susana , Varas Andres
Published: June 2016

Glacimarine sedimentary environments provide information about climate and oceanographic evolution in the Antarctic Peninsula. This study focuses on the generation of sediment plumes from glaciers. In February 2013 and 2014, two Chilean Antarctic Institute (INACH) Scientific Expeditions were carried out on board the Chilean Navy vessel Aquiles. Five relatively small bays were visited: Curtiss Bay, Recess Cove, Beaupre Cove, Paradise Harbour/Oscar Cove and Salvesen bay. Hydrography and turbidity profiling was carried out up to 100 m depth using an SBE19 Plus-V2 CTD-T. In general, the results showed sediment plumes at two levels: an upper plume from the surface up to 10 m deep and a deeper plume at 40–100 m. These plumes were identified by higher turbidity concentrations and their association with colder water tongues. The deeper plume tended to remain below the 1027.5 kg m-3 isopycnal and extended ~4 km from the glacier, maintaining its shape with a gradually decreasing particle concentration. This longitudinal extension was favoured by ebb tides. The characteristics of the sediment plumes may be influenced by the heat input from water masses. The contribution of the sediments from these small bay systems could play an important role in regional sedimentary processes.
Entwicklung und Evaluierung eines Stressbewältigungsprogramms für Studierende im Hochschulsetting
Authors: Seidl Marie-Hélène , Limberger Matthias F. , Ebner-Priemer Ulrich W.
Published: June 2016

Zusammenfassung. Nicht erst seit den Studierendenprotesten werden die Themen Stress und Belastung an Universitäten mannigfaltig thematisiert. Im Gegensatz zur enormen Bedeutung ist die Anzahl der evaluierten Stresstrainings, die speziell für Studierende entwickelt wurden, bestenfalls überschaubar. Ziel der vorliegenden Studie war es, ein auf die Bedürfnisse der Studierenden zugeschnittenes multimodales Stressbewältigungsprogramm zu entwickeln und auf seine Wirksamkeit zu überprüfen. Die Evaluierung des siebenwöchigen Trainings erfolgte durch ein randomisiertes Wartelisten-Kontrollgruppendesign an 63 Studierenden. Insgesamt zeigt sich eine deutliche Verbesserung (signifikante Interaktion Gruppe*Zeit) bezüglich einer Vielzahl gesundheitsrelevanter Parameter: Stressbelastung, Prüfungsangst, psychosomatische Beschwerden, depressive Symptomatik, Perfektionismus, Selbstwert, Erholungsfähigkeit, Beanspruchungs-Erholungs-Bilanz und Selbstmanagementfähigkeiten/Ressourcen. Zusammenfassend erscheint das Trainingsprogramm, mit seiner innovativen zielgruppenspezifischen Konzeption, als erfolgsversprechender Baustein einer präventiven Gesundheitsförderung im Hochschulsetting.
Incidence Rates of Deliberate Self-Harm in Denmark 1994–2011
Authors: Reuter Morthorst Britt , Soegaard Bodil , Nordentoft Merete , Erlangsen Annette
Published: June 2016

Abstract. Background: The validity and reliability of suicide statistics have been questioned and few nationwide studies of deliberate self-harm have been presented. Aim: To calculate rates of deliberate self-harm in Denmark in order to investigate trends and assess the reliability of hospital records. Method: A register study based on all individuals recorded with an episode of deliberate self-harm or probable deliberate self-harm in nationwide registers during 1994–2011. Results: A substantial difference in the rates of deliberate self-harm and probable deliberate self-harm was noted for both genders. The average incidence rate of deliberate self-harm for women and men was 130.7 (95% CI = 129.6–131.8) per 100,000 and 86.9 (95% CI = 86.0–87.8) per 100,000, respectively. The rates of deliberate self-harm for women increased from 137.6 (95% CI = 132.9–142.3) per 100,000 in 1994 to 152.7 (95% CI = 147.8–157.5) in 2011. For a subgroup of younger women aged 15–24 years, an almost threefold increase was observed, IRR = 2.5 (95% CI = 2.4–2.7). The most frequently used method was self-poisoning. Conclusion: The rates of deliberate self-harm and probable deliberate self-harm differed significantly. An increased incidence of deliberate self-harm among young Danish women was observed, despite detection bias. An improved registration procedure of suicidal behavior is needed.
Advancing Science Through the Renovation of AGU's Headquarters
Authors: McEntee Chris
Published: June 2016

Earth and space science society aims to showcase science, promote collaboration, and push the limits of sustainable practice through renovation of its headquarters.
Mysm1 is required for interferon regulatory factor expression in maintaining HSC quiescence and thymocyte development
Authors: Huang X F , Nandakumar V , Tumurkhuu G , Wang T , jiang X , Hong B , Jones L , Won H , Yoshii H , Ozato K , Masumi A , Chen S-Y
Published: June 2016

Mysm1−/− mice have severely decreased cellularity in hematopoietic organs. We previously revealed that Mysm1 knockout impairs self-renewal and lineage reconstitution of HSCs by abolishing the recruitment of key transcriptional factors to the Gfi-1 locus, an intrinsic regulator of HSC function. The present study further defines a large LSKs in >8-week-old Mysm1−/− mice that exhibit increased proliferation and reduced cell lineage differentiation compared with those of WT LSKs. We found that IRF2 and IRF8, which are important for HSC homeostasis and commitment as transcription repressors, were expressed at lower levels in Mysm1−/− HSCs, and Mysm1 enhanced function of the IRF2 and IRF8 promoters, suggesting that Mysm1 governs the IRFs for HSC homeostasis. We further found that the lower expressions of IRF2 and IRF8 led to an enhanced transcription of p53 in Mysm1−/− HSCs, which was recently defined to have an important role in mediating Mysm1−/−-associated defects. The study also revealed that Mysm1−/− thymocytes exhibited lower IRF2 expression, but had higher Sca1 expression, which has a role in mediating thymocyte death. Furthermore, we found that the thymocytes from B16 melanoma-bearing mice, which display severe thymus atrophy at late tumor stages, exhibited reduced Mysm1 and IRF2 expression but enhanced Sca1 expression, suggesting that tumors may downregulate Mysm1 and IRF2 for thymic T-cell elimination.
Regulation of alternative splicing of Bcl-x by BC200 contributes to breast cancer pathogenesis
Authors: Singh R , Gupta S C , Peng W-X , Zhou N , Pochampally R , Atfi A , Watabe K , Lu Z , Mo Y-Y
Published: June 2016

BC200 is a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) that has been implicated in the regulation of protein synthesis, yet whether dysregulation of BC200 contributes to the pathogenesis of human diseases remains elusive. In this study, we show that BC200 is upregulated in breast cancer; among breast tumor specimens there is a higher level of BC200 in estrogen receptor (ER) positive than in ER-negative tumors. Further experiments show that activation of estrogen signaling induces expression of BC200. To determine the significance of ER-regulated BC200 expression, we knockout (KO) BC200 by CRISPR/Cas9. BC200 KO suppresses tumor cell growth in vitro and in vivo by expression of the pro-apoptotic Bcl-xS isoform. Mechanistically, BC200 contains a 17-nucleotide sequence complementary to Bcl-x pre-mRNA, which may facilitate its binding to Bcl-x pre-mRNA and recruitment of heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein (hnRNP) A2/B1, a known splicing factor. Consequently, hnRNP A2/B1 interferes with association of Bcl-x pre-mRNA with the Bcl-xS-promoting factor Sam68, leading to a blockade of Bcl-xS expression. Together, these results suggest that BC200 plays an oncogenic role in breast cancer. Thus, BC200 may serve as a prognostic marker and possible target for attenuating deregulated cell proliferation in estrogen-dependent breast cancer.
Golgi-localized STELLO proteins regulate the assembly and trafficking of cellulose synthase complexes in Arabidopsis
Authors: Zhang Yi , Nikolovski Nino , Sorieul Mathias , Vellosillo Tamara , McFarlane Heather E. , Dupree Ray , Kesten Christopher , Schneider René , Driemeier Carlos , Lathe Rahul , Lampugnani Edwin , Yu Xiaolan , Ivakov Alexander , Doblin Monika S. , Mortimer Jenny C. , Brown Steven P. , Persson Staffan , Dupree Paul
Published: June 2016

As the most abundant biopolymer on Earth, cellulose is a key structural component of the plant cell wall. Cellulose is produced at the plasma membrane by cellulose synthase (CesA) complexes (CSCs), which are assembled in the endomembrane system and trafficked to the plasma membrane. While several proteins that affect CesA activity have been identified, components that regulate CSC assembly and trafficking remain unknown. Here we show that STELLO1 and 2 are Golgi-localized proteins that can interact with CesAs and control cellulose quantity. In the absence of STELLO function, the spatial distribution within the Golgi, secretion and activity of the CSCs are impaired indicating a central role of the STELLO proteins in CSC assembly. Point mutations in the predicted catalytic domains of the STELLO proteins indicate that they are glycosyltransferases facing the Golgi lumen. Hence, we have uncovered proteins that regulate CSC assembly in the plant Golgi apparatus.
A stable room-temperature sodium–sulfur battery
Authors: Wei Shuya , Xu Shaomao , Agrawral Akanksha , Choudhury Snehashis , Lu Yingying , Tu Zhengyuan , Ma Lin , Archer Lynden A.
Published: June 2016

High-energy rechargeable batteries based on earth-abundant materials are important for mobile and stationary storage technologies. Rechargeable sodium–sulfur batteries able to operate stably at room temperature are among the most sought-after platforms because such cells take advantage of a two-electron-redox process to achieve high storage capacity from inexpensive electrode materials. Here we report a room-temperature sodium–sulfur battery that uses a microporous carbon–sulfur composite cathode, and a liquid carbonate electrolyte containing the ionic liquid 1-methyl-3-propylimidazolium-chlorate tethered to SiO2 nanoparticles. We show that these cells can cycle stably at a rate of 0.5 C (1 C=1675, mAh g−1) with 600 mAh g−1 reversible capacity and nearly 100% Coulombic efficiency. By means of spectroscopic and electrochemical analysis, we find that the particles form a sodium-ion conductive film on the anode, which stabilizes deposition of sodium. We also find that sulfur remains interred in the carbon pores and undergo solid-state electrochemical reactions with sodium ions.
Inhibition of herpes simplex virus 1 gene expression and replication by RNase P-associated external guide sequences
Authors: Liu Jin , Shao Luyao , Trang Phong , Yang Zhu , Reeves Michael , Sun Xu , Vu Gia-Phong , Wang Yu , Li Hongjian , Zheng Congyi , Lu Sangwei , Liu Fenyong
Published: June 2016

An external guide sequence (EGS) is a RNA sequence which can interact with a target mRNA to form a tertiary structure like a pre-tRNA and recruit intracellular ribonuclease P (RNase P), a tRNA processing enzyme, to degrade target mRNA. Previously, an in vitro selection procedure has been used by us to engineer new EGSs that are more robust in inducing human RNase P to cleave their targeted mRNAs. In this study, we constructed EGSs from a variant to target the mRNA encoding herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) major transcription regulator ICP4, which is essential for the expression of viral early and late genes and viral growth. The EGS variant induced human RNase P cleavage of ICP4 mRNA sequence 60 times better than the EGS generated from a natural pre-tRNA. A decrease of about 97% and 75% in the level of ICP4 gene expression and an inhibition of about 7,000- and 500-fold in viral growth were observed in HSV infected cells expressing the variant and the pre-tRNA-derived EGS, respectively. This study shows that engineered EGSs can inhibit HSV-1 gene expression and viral growth. Furthermore, these results demonstrate the potential for engineered EGS RNAs to be developed and used as anti-HSV therapeutics.
Engineered disorder and light propagation in a planar photonic glass
Authors: Romanov Sergei G. , Orlov Sergej , Ploss Daniel , Weiss Clemens K. , Vogel Nicolas , Peschel Ulf
Published: June 2016

The interaction of light with matter strongly depends on the structure of the latter at wavelength scale. Ordered systems interact with light via collective modes, giving rise to diffraction. In contrast, completely disordered systems are dominated by Mie resonances of individual particles and random scattering. However, less clear is the transition regime in between these two extremes, where diffraction, Mie resonances and near-field interaction between individual scatterers interplay. Here, we probe this transitional regime by creating colloidal crystals with controlled disorder from two-dimensional self-assembly of bidisperse spheres. Choosing the particle size in a way that the small particles are transparent in the spectral region of interest enables us to probe in detail the effect of increasing positional disorder on the optical properties of the large spheres. With increasing disorder a transition from a collective optical response characterized by diffractive resonances to single particles scattering represented by Mie resonances occurs. In between these extremes, we identify an intermediate, hopping-like light transport regime mediated by resonant interactions between individual spheres. These results suggest that different levels of disorder, characterized not only by absence of long range order but also by differences in short-range correlation and interparticle distance, exist in colloidal glasses.
Optical control of filamentation-induced damage to DNA by intense, ultrashort, near-infrared laser pulses
Authors: Dharmadhikari J. A. , Dharmadhikari A. K. , Kasuba K. C. , Bharambe H. , D’Souza J. S. , Rathod K. D. , Mathur D.
Published: June 2016

We report on damage to DNA in an aqueous medium induced by ultrashort pulses of intense laser light of 800 nm wavelength. Focusing of such pulses, using lenses of various focal lengths, induces plasma formation within the aqueous medium. Such plasma can have a spatial extent that is far in excess of the Rayleigh range. In the case of water, the resulting ionization and dissociation gives rise to in situ generation of low-energy electrons and OH-radicals. Interactions of these with plasmid DNA produce nicks in the DNA backbone: single strand breaks (SSBs) are induced as are, at higher laser intensities, double strand breaks (DSBs). Under physiological conditions, the latter are not readily amenable to repair. Systematic quantification of SSBs and DSBs at different values of incident laser energy and under different external focusing conditions reveals that damage occurs in two distinct regimes. Numerical aperture is the experimental handle that delineates the two regimes, permitting simple optical control over the extent of DNA damage.
Reciprocal voltage sensor-to-pore coupling leads to potassium channel C-type inactivation
Authors: Conti Luca , Renhorn Jakob , Gabrielsson Anders , Turesson Fredrik , Liin Sara I , Lindahl Erik , Elinder Fredrik
Published: June 2016

Voltage-gated potassium channels open at depolarized membrane voltages. A prolonged depolarization causes a rearrangement of the selectivity filter which terminates the conduction of ions – a process called slow or C-type inactivation. How structural rearrangements in the voltage-sensor domain (VSD) cause alteration in the selectivity filter and vice versa, are not fully understood. We show that pulling the pore domain of the Shaker potassium channel towards the VSD by a Cd2+ bridge accelerates C-type inactivation. Molecular dynamics simulations show that such pulling widens the selectivity filter and disrupts the K+ coordination, a hallmark for C-type inactivation. An engineered Cd2+ bridge within the VSD also affect C-type inactivation. Conversely, a pore domain mutation affects VSD gating-charge movement. Finally, C-type inactivation is caused by the concerted action of distant amino acid residues in the pore domain. All together, these data suggest a reciprocal communication between the pore domain and the VSD in the extracellular portion of the channel.
Remote Control Effect of Li+, Na+, K+ Ions on the Super Energy Transfer Process in ZnMoO4:Eu3+, Bi3+ Phosphors
Authors: Ran Weiguang , Wang Lili , Tan Lingling , Qu Dan , Shi Jinsheng
Published: June 2016

Luminescent properties are affected by lattice environment of luminescence centers. The lattice environment of emission centers can be effectively changed due to the diversity of lattice environment in multiple site structure. But how precisely control the doped ions enter into different sites is still very difficult. Here we proposed an example to demonstrate how to control the doped ions into the target site for the first time. Alkali metal ions doped ZnMoO4:Bi3+, Eu3+ phosphors were prepared by the conventional high temperature solid state reaction method. The influence of alkali metal ions as charge compensators and remote control devices were respectively observed. Li+ and K+ ions occupy the Zn(2) sites, which impede Eu and Bi enter the adjacent Zn(2) sites. However, Na+ ions lie in Zn(1) sites, which greatly promoted the Bi and Eu into the adjacent Zn(2) sites. The Bi3+ and Eu3+ ions which lie in the immediate vicinity Zn(2) sites set off intense exchange interaction due to their short relative distance. This mechanism provides a mode how to use remote control device to enhance the energy transfer efficiency which expected to be used to design efficient luminescent materials.
The PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitory pathway is altered in pre-eclampsia and regulates T cell responses in pre-eclamptic rats
Authors: Tian Mei , Zhang Yonghong , Liu Zhaozhao , Sun Guoqiang , Mor Gil , Liao Aihua
Published: June 2016

The programmed cell death-1(PD-1)/PD-ligand 1 (PD-L1) pathway is critical to immune homeostasis by promoting regulatory T (Treg) development and inhibiting effector T (such as Th17) cell responses. However, the association between the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway and the Treg/Th17 imbalance has not been fully investigated in pre-eclampsia (PE). In this study, we observed an inverse correlation between the percentages of Treg and Th17 cells, and the expression of PD-1 and PD-L1 on the two subsets also changed in PE compared with normal pregnancy. We further explored their relationshipin vivousing the L-NG-Nitroarginine Methyl Ester (L-NAME) induced PE-like rat models, also characterized by Treg/Th17 imbalance. Administration of PD-L1-Fc protein provides a protective effects on the pre-eclamptic models, both to the mother and the fetuses, by reversing Treg/Th17 imbalance through inhibiting PI3K/AKT/m-TOR signaling and enhancing PTEN expression. In addition, we also observed a protective effect of PD-L1-Fc on the placenta by reversing placental damages. These results suggested that altered PD-1/PD-L1 pathway contributed to Treg/Th17 imbalance in PE. Treatment with PD-L1-Fc posed protective effects on pre-eclamptic models, indicating that the use of PD-L1-Fc might be a potential therapeutic target in PE treatment.
Structural disorder in metallic glass-forming liquids
Authors: Pan Shao-Peng , Feng Shi-Dong , Wang Li-Min , Qiao Jun-Wei , Niu Xiao-Feng , Dong Bang-Shao , Wang Wei-Min , Qin Jing-Yu
Published: June 2016

We investigated structural disorder by a new structural parameter, quasi-nearest atom (QNA), in atomistic configurations of eight metallic glass-forming systems generated through molecular dynamics simulations at various temperatures. Structural analysis reveals that the scaled distribution of the number of QNA appears to be an universal property of metallic liquids and the spatial distribution of the number of QNA displays to be clearly heterogeneous. Furthermore, the new parameter can be directly correlated with potential energy and structural relaxation at the atomic level. Some straightforward relationships between QNA and other properties (per-atom potential energy and α-relaxation time) are introduced to reflect structure-property relationship in metallic liquids. We believe that the new structural parameter can well reflect structure disorder in metallic liquids and play an important role in understanding various properties in metallic liquids.
Six Hours after Infection, the Metabolic Changes Induced by WSSV Neutralize the Host’s Oxidative Stress Defenses
Authors: Chen I-Tung , Lee Der-Yen , Huang Yun-Tzu , Kou Guang-Hsiung , Wang Han-Ching , Chang Geen-Dong , Lo Chu-Fang
Published: June 2016

Levels of intracellular ROS (reactive oxygen species) were significantly increased in hemocytes collected from WSSV-infected shrimp within the first 30–120 min after infection. Measurement of the NADPH/NADP+ and GSH/GSSG ratios revealed that after a significant imbalance toward the oxidized forms at 2 hpi, redox equilibrium was subsequently restored. Meanwhile, high levels of lactic acid production, elevated NADH/NAD+ ratios and metabolic changes in the glycolysis pathway show that the Warburg effect was triggered by the virus. The timing of these changes suggests that WSSV uses this metabolic shift into aerobic glycolysis to counteract the high levels of ROS produced in response to viral infection. We further show that if the Warburg effect is inhibited by chemical inhibition of the PI3K-Akt-mTOR signaling pathway, or if the pentose phosphate pathway is chemically inhibited, then in both cases, the production of intracellular ROS is sustained. We conclude that WSSV uses the PI3K-Akt-mTOR-regulated Warburg effect to restore host redox balance and to counter the ROS produced by the host in response to WSSV infection. We also found that pyruvate kinase activity was inhibited by WSSV. This inhibition is likely to increase the availability of the raw materials essential for WSSV gene expression and replication.
Aqueous Two Phase System Assisted Self-Assembled PLGA Microparticles
Authors: Yeredla Nitish , Kojima Taisuke , Yang Yi , Takayama Shuichi , Kanapathipillai Mathumai
Published: June 2016

Here, we produce poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) based microparticles with varying morphologies, and temperature responsive properties utilizing a Pluronic F127/dextran aqueous two-phase system (ATPS) assisted self-assembly. The PLGA polymer, when emulsified in Pluronic F127/dextran ATPS, forms unique microparticle structures due to ATPS guided-self assembly. Depending on the PLGA concentration, the particles either formed a core-shell or a composite microparticle structure. The microparticles facilitate the simultaneous incorporation of both hydrophobic and hydrophilic molecules, due to their amphiphilic macromolecule composition. Further, due to the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) properties of Pluronic F127, the particles exhibit temperature responsiveness. The ATPS based microparticle formation demonstrated in this study, serves as a novel platform for PLGA/polymer based tunable micro/nano particle and polymersome development. The unique properties may be useful in applications such as theranostics, synthesis of complex structure particles, bioreaction/mineralization at the two-phase interface, and bioseparations.
Tracking airborne CO2 mitigation and low cost transformation into valuable carbon nanotubes
Authors: Ren Jiawen , Licht Stuart
Published: June 2016

Primary evidence of the direct uptake of atmospheric CO2 and direct transformation into carbon nanotubes, CNTs, is demonstrated through isotopic labeling and provides a new high yield route to mitigate this greenhouse gas. CO2 is converted directly to CNTs and does not require pre-concentration of the airbone CO2. This C2CNT (CO2 to carbon nanotube) synthesis transforms CO2-gas dissolved in a 750 °C molten Li2CO3, by electrolysis, into O2-gas at a nickel electrode and at a steel cathode into CNTs or carbon or nanofibers, CNFs. CNTs are synthesized at a 100-fold price reduction compared to conventional chemical vapour deposition, CVD, synthesis. The low cost conversion to a stable, value-added commodity incentivizes CO2 removal to mitigate climate change. The synthesis allows morphology control at the liquid/solid interface that is not available through conventional CVD synthesis at the gas/solid interface. Natural abundance 12CO2 forms hollow CNTs, while equivalent synthetic conditions with heavier 13CO2 favours closed core CNFs, as characterized by Raman, SEM and TEM. Production ease is demonstrated by the first synthesis of a pure 13C multiwalled carbon nanofiber.
Maternal Obesity Promotes Diabetic Nephropathy in Rodent Offspring
Authors: Glastras Sarah J. , Tsang Michael , Teh Rachel , Chen Hui , McGrath Rachel T. , Zaky Amgad A. , Pollock Carol A. , Saad Sonia
Published: June 2016

Maternal obesity is known to increase the risk of obesity and diabetes in offspring. Though diabetes is a key risk factor for the development of chronic kidney disease (CKD), the relationship between maternal obesity and CKD has not been clearly defined. In this study, a mouse model of maternal obesity was employed to determine the impact of maternal obesity on development of diabetic nephropathy in offspring. Female C57BL/6 mice were fed high-fat diet (HFD) for six weeks prior to mating, during gestation and lactation. Male offspring were weaned to normal chow diet. At postnatal Week 8, offspring were randomly administered low dose streptozotocin (STZ, 55 mg/kg/day for five days) to induce diabetes. Assessment of renal damage took place at postnatal Week 32. We found that offspring of obese mothers had increased renal fibrosis, inflammation and oxidative stress. Importantly, offspring exposed to maternal obesity had increased susceptibility to renal damage when an additional insult, such as STZ-induced diabetes, was imposed. Specifically, renal inflammation and oxidative stress induced by diabetes was augmented by maternal obesity. Our findings suggest that developmental programming induced by maternal obesity has implications for renal health in offspring. Maternal obesity should be considered a risk factor for CKD.
Sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide inhibition efficiently blocks hepatitis B virus spread in mice with a humanized liver
Authors: Nakabori Tasuku , Hikita Hayato , Murai Kazuhiro , Nozaki Yasutoshi , Kai Yugo , Makino Yuki , Saito Yoshinobu , Tanaka Satoshi , Wada Hiroshi , Eguchi Hidetoshi , Takahashi Takeshi , Suemizu Hiroshi , Sakamori Ryotaro , Hiramatsu Naoki , Tatsumi Tomohide , Takehara Tetsuo
Published: June 2016

Sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (NTCP) is a recently discovered hepatitis B virus (HBV) receptor. In the present study, we used TK-NOG mice with a humanized liver to examine the impact of endogenous NTCP expression on HBV infection. Upon inoculation with HBV, these mice exhibited clear viremia in 2 weeks and serum HBV DNA levels gradually increased. The frequency of HBsAg-positive hepatocytes in the liver was 5.1 ± 0.6% at 2 weeks and increased with increasing HBV DNA levels, reaching 92.9 ± 2.8% at 10 to 12 weeks. In vivo siRNA-mediated NTCP knockdown before and after HBV inoculation significantly suppressed the levels of HBV replication and the frequency of HBsAg-positive hepatocytes at 2 weeks, whereas NTCP knockdown 13 weeks after infection did not affect these parameters. Similar to the humanized mouse livers in the early phase of HBV infection, human liver samples from chronic hepatitis B patients, especially those treated with nucleos(t)ide analogues, contained a considerable number of hepatocytes that were negative for the anti-HBs antibody. In conclusion, NTCP inhibition prevents the spread of HBV-infected hepatocytes in mice with a humanized liver. NTCP-targeted therapy has potential for regulating HBV infection in patients with chronic hepatitis B.
Label-free Chemical Imaging of Fungal Spore Walls by Raman Microscopy and Multivariate Curve Resolution Analysis
Authors: Noothalapati Hemanth , Sasaki Takahiro , Kaino Tomohiro , Kawamukai Makoto , Ando Masahiro , Hamaguchi Hiro-o , Yamamoto Tatsuyuki
Published: June 2016

Fungal cell walls are medically important since they represent a drug target site for antifungal medication. So far there is no method to directly visualize structurally similar cell wall components such as α-glucan, β-glucan and mannan with high specificity, especially in a label-free manner. In this study, we have developed a Raman spectroscopy based molecular imaging method and combined multivariate curve resolution analysis to enable detection and visualization of multiple polysaccharide components simultaneously at the single cell level. Our results show that vegetative cell and ascus walls are made up of both α- and β-glucans while spore wall is exclusively made of α-glucan. Co-localization studies reveal the absence of mannans in ascus wall but are distributed primarily in spores. Such detailed picture is believed to further enhance our understanding of the dynamic spore wall architecture, eventually leading to advancements in drug discovery and development in the near future.
Organic–inorganic interactions of single crystalline organolead halide perovskites studied by Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Xie Li-Qiang , Zhang Tai-Yang , Chen Liang , Guo Nanjie , Wang Yu , Liu Guo-Kun , Wang Jia-Rui , Zhou Jian-Zhang , Yan Jia-Wei , Zhao Yi-Xin , Mao Bing-Wei , Tian Zhong-Qun
Published: June 2016

Perovskite single crystals with varied cations and halides have been grown for Raman spectroscopic study of their organic–inorganic interactions.
The role of reduction extent of graphene oxide in the photocatalytic performance of Ag/AgX (X = Cl, Br)/rGO composites and the pseudo-second-order kinetics reaction nature of the Ag/AgBr system
Authors: Gao Weiyin , Ran Chenxin , Wang Minqiang , Li Le , Sun Zhongwang , Yao Xi
Published: June 2016

The role of reduction extent of GO in a graphene-based photocatalyst has been studied using Ag/AgX (X = Cl, Br)/rGO composites as a model. The pseudo-second-order kinetics reaction nature of the Ag/AgBr system was also observed.
Confined water in imidazolium based ionic liquids: a supramolecular guest@host complex case
Authors: Zanatta Marcileia , Girard Anne-Lise , Marin Graciane , Ebeling Gunter , dos Santos Francisco P. , Valsecchi Chiara , Stassen Hubert , Livotto Paolo R. , Lewis William , Dupont Jairton
Published: June 2016

Traces of water in some ionic liquids can be regarded as a guest@host supramolecular structure even when diluted in solvents with high dielectric constants.
Sb@C coaxial nanotubes as a superior long-life and high-rate anode for sodium ion batteries
Authors: Liu Zhiming , Yu Xin-Yao , Lou Xiong Wen (David) , Paik Ungyu
Published: June 2016

Sb@C coaxial nanotubes have been designed and synthesized using a facile strategy starting with Sb2S3nanorods. The as-obtained Sb@C nanotubes exhibit unprecedented sodium storage properties.
Copper, differently from zinc, affects the conformation, oligomerization state and activity of bradykinin
Authors: Naletova Irina , Nicoletti Vincenzo G. , Milardi Danilo , Pietropaolo Adriana , Grasso Giuseppe
Published: June 2016

The conformation and oligomerization state of BK are strongly affected by copper but not zinc and this in turn affects the activity of BK in cells.
Automated library synthesis of cyclopropyl boronic esters employing diazomethane in a tube-in-tube flow reactor
Authors: Koolman Hannes F. , Kantor Stanislaw , Bogdan Andrew R. , Wang Ying , Pan Jeffrey Y. , Djuric Stevan W.
Published: June 2016

Direct access to a library of cyclopropyl boronic esters, using an automated, safe diazomethane flow process.
Composites of poly(l-lactide-trimethylene carbonate-glycolide) and surface modified calcium carbonate whiskers as a potential bone substitute material
Authors: Wang Jielin , Cheng Yilin , Fan Zhongyong , Li Suming , Liu Xue , Shen Xin , Su Feng
Published: June 2016

Calcium carbonate whiskers are surface modified by grafting of poly(l-lactide) chains, and used to reinforce a biodegradable terpolymer matrix. Optimal properties are obtained for composites with a PLLA-g-CCW content of 2 wt%.
Development of a reactive oxygen species (ROS)-responsive nanoplatform for targeted oral cancer therapy
Authors: Li Qing , Wen Yong , You Xinru , Zhang Fenghe , Shah Vishva , Chen Xing , Tong Dongdong , Wei Xiujuan , Yin Linlin , Wu Jun , Xu Xin
Published: June 2016

A new targeted and ROS-triggered drug delivery nanoplatform was developed from the RGD–PEG–TK–PLGA polymer for effective oral cancer therapy.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy mutations in the calponin-homology domain of ACTN2 affect actin binding and cardiomyocyte Z-disc incorporation
Authors: Haywood Natalie J. , Wolny Marcin , Rogers Brendan , Trinh Chi H. , Shuping Yu , Edwards Thomas A. , Peckham Michelle
Published: June 2016

α-Actinin-2 (ACTN2) is the only muscle isoform of α-actinin expressed in cardiac muscle. Mutations in this protein have been implicated in mild to moderate forms of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). We have investigated the effects of two mutations identified from HCM patients, A119T and G111V, on the secondary and tertiary structure of a purified actin binding domain (ABD) of ACTN2 by circular dichroism and X-ray crystallography, and show small but distinct changes for both mutations. We also find that both mutants have reduced F-actin binding affinity, although the differences are not significant. The full length mEos2 tagged protein expressed in adult cardiomyocytes shows that both mutations additionally affect Z-disc localization and dynamic behaviour. Overall, these two mutations have small effects on structure, function and behaviour, which may contribute to a mild phenotype for this disease.
RANK–RANKL signalling in cancer
Authors: Renema Nathalie , Navet Benjamin , Heymann Marie-Françoise , Lezot Frédéric , Heymann Dominique
Published: June 2016

Oncogenic events combined with a favourable environment are the two main factors in the oncological process. The tumour microenvironment is composed of a complex, interconnected network of protagonists, including soluble factors such as cytokines, extracellular matrix components, interacting with fibroblasts, endothelial cells, immune cells and various specific cell types depending on the location of the cancer cells (e.g. pulmonary epithelium, osteoblasts). This diversity defines specific “niches” (e.g. vascular, immune, bone niches) involved in tumour growth and the metastatic process. These actors communicate together by direct intercellular communications and/or in an autocrine/paracrine/endocrine manner involving cytokines and growth factors. Among these glycoproteins, RANKL (receptor activator nuclear factor-κB ligand) and its receptor RANK (receptor activator nuclear factor), members of the TNF and TNFR superfamilies, have stimulated the interest of the scientific community. RANK is frequently expressed by cancer cells in contrast with RANKL which is frequently detected in the tumour microenvironment and together they participate in every step in cancer development. Their activities are markedly regulated by osteoprotegerin (OPG, a soluble decoy receptor) and its ligands, and by LGR4, a membrane receptor able to bind RANKL. The aim of the present review is to provide an overview of the functional implication of the RANK/RANKL system in cancer development, and to underline the most recent clinical studies.
Heteromeric amino acid transporters. In search of the molecular bases of transport cycle mechanisms
Authors: Palacín Manuel , Errasti-Murugarren Ekaitz , Rosell Albert
Published: June 2016

Heteromeric amino acid transporters (HATs) are relevant targets for structural studies. On the one hand, HATs are involved in inherited and acquired human pathologies. On the other hand, these molecules are the only known examples of solute transporters composed of two subunits (heavy and light) linked by a disulfide bridge. Unfortunately, structural knowledge of HATs is scarce and limited to the atomic structure of the ectodomain of a heavy subunit (human 4F2hc-ED) and distant prokaryotic homologues of the light subunits that share a LeuT-fold. Recent data on human 4F2hc/LAT2 at nanometer resolution revealed 4F2hc-ED positioned on top of the external loops of the light subunit LAT2. Improved resolution of the structure of HATs, combined with conformational studies, is essential to establish the structural bases for light subunit recognition and to evaluate the functional relevance of heavy and light subunit interactions for the amino acid transport cycle.
WISB: Warwick Integrative Synthetic Biology Centre
Authors: McCarthy John
Published: June 2016

Synthetic biology promises to create high-impact solutions to challenges in the areas of biotechnology, human/animal health, the environment, energy, materials and food security. Equally, synthetic biologists create tools and strategies that have the potential to help us answer important fundamental questions in biology. Warwick Integrative Synthetic Biology (WISB) pursues both of these mutually complementary ‘build to apply’ and ‘build to understand’ approaches. This is reflected in our research structure, in which a core theme on predictive biosystems engineering develops underpinning understanding as well as next-generation experimental/theoretical tools, and these are then incorporated into three applied themes in which we engineer biosynthetic pathways, microbial communities and microbial effector systems in plants. WISB takes a comprehensive approach to training, education and outreach. For example, WISB is a partner in the EPSRC/BBSRC-funded U.K. Doctoral Training Centre in synthetic biology, we have developed a new undergraduate module in the subject, and we have established five WISB Research Career Development Fellowships to support young group leaders. Research in Ethical, Legal and Societal Aspects (ELSA) of synthetic biology is embedded in our centre activities. WISB has been highly proactive in building an international research and training network that includes partners in Barcelona, Boston, Copenhagen, Madrid, Marburg, São Paulo, Tartu and Valencia.
Peroxisome protein import: a complex journey
Authors: Baker Alison , Hogg Thomas Lanyon , Warriner Stuart L.
Published: June 2016

The import of proteins into peroxisomes possesses many unusual features such as the ability to import folded proteins, and a surprising diversity of targeting signals with differing affinities that can be recognized by the same receptor. As understanding of the structure and function of many components of the protein import machinery has grown, an increasingly complex network of factors affecting each step of the import pathway has emerged. Structural studies have revealed the presence of additional interactions between cargo proteins and the PEX5 receptor that affect import potential, with a subtle network of cargo-induced conformational changes in PEX5 being involved in the import process. Biochemical studies have also indicated an interdependence of receptor–cargo import with release of unloaded receptor from the peroxisome. Here, we provide an update on recent literature concerning mechanisms of protein import into peroxisomes.