bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lipids of Rhodotorula mucilaginosa IIPL32 with biodiesel potential: Oil yield, fatty acid profile, fuel properties
Authors: Khot Mahesh , Ghosh Debashish
Published: February 2017

This study analyzes the single cell oil (SCO), fatty acid profile, and biodiesel fuel properties of the yeast Rhodotorula mucilaginosa IIPL32 grown on the pentose fraction of acid pre‐treated sugarcane bagasse as a carbon source. The yeast biomass from nitrogen limiting culture conditions (15.3 g L−1) was able to give the SCO yield of 0.17 g g−1 of xylose consumed. Acid digestion, cryo‐pulverization, direct in situ transesterification, and microwave assisted techniques were evaluated in comparison to the Soxhlet extraction for the total intracellular yeast lipid recovery. The significant differences were observed among the SCO yield of different methods and the in situ transesterification stood out most for effective yeast lipid recovery generating 97.23 mg lipid as FAME per gram dry biomass. The method was fast and consumed lesser solvent with greater FAME yield while accessing most cellular fatty acids present. The yeast lipids showed the major presence of monounsaturated fatty esters (35–55%; 18:1, 16:1) suitable for better ignition quality, oxidative stability, and cold‐flow properties of the biodiesel. Analyzed fuel properties (density, kinematic viscosity, cetane number) of the yeast oil were in good agreement with international biodiesel standards. The sugarcane bagasse‐derived xylose and the consolidated comparative assessment of lab scale SCO recovery methods highlight the necessity for careful substrate choice and validation of analytical method in yeast oil research. The use of less toxic co‐solvents together with solvent recovery and recycling would help improve process economics for sustainable production of biodiesel from the hemicellulosic fraction of cheap renewable sources.
Wintertime ENSO influence on late spring European climate: the stratospheric response and the role of North Atlantic SST
Authors: Herceg‐Bulić Ivana , Mezzina Bianca , Kucharski Fred , Ruggieri Paolo , King Martin P.
Published: February 2017

The impact of the wintertime El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO) on European late spring climate is examined using an atmospheric general circulation model of intermediate complexity. The analysis is focused on the response of the lower stratosphere/upper troposphere, downward propagation of the ENSO signal detected in temperature, zonal wind and geopotential height and contribution of the North Atlantic to the persistence of the associated surface anomalies. It is found that the stratosphere responds to El Niño (La Niña) events with substantial warming (cooling) occurring in the polar area accompanied by a corresponding modification of upper‐level geopotential heights and zonal winds resembling the pattern of the Northern Annular Mode. The atmospheric response is detected in the upper troposphere as well as at the surface where it interacts with the North Atlantic. In this way, the footprint of atmospheric wintertime ENSO signal is preserved in the ocean persisting until the following spring when it is transmitted back into the atmosphere through the sea–air interaction. Furthermore, it is showed here that the late springtime ENSO signal over Europe may be considered as a result of two contributing processes: one is a direct (spring‐to‐spring) ENSO influence and the other is a delayed (winter‐to‐spring) ENSO influence. Two processes enable the delayed ENSO impact: the persistence of the wintertime ENSO signal in the stratosphere and the atmosphere–ocean interaction in the North Atlantic. Numerical simulations indicate that the memory of the ocean mixed layer is stronger than that of the stratosphere. In this manner, the presented results emphasize the extratropical Atlantic as a contributing factor for climate variability linking wintertime atmospheric circulation associated with ENSO forcing and European climate during the following spring.
Mechanical Energy‐to‐Electricity Conversion of Electron/Hole‐Transfer Agent‐Doped Poly(Vinylidene Fluoride) Nanofiber Webs
Authors: Shao Hao , Fang Jian , Wang Hongxia , Lang Chenhong , Yan Guilong , Lin Tong
Published: February 2017

Electrospun poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) nanofibers have shown novel property to convert kinetic energy into electricity. However, most of the PVDF nanofiber energy devices are based on pure PVDF. In this paper, the effect of small molecule doping on PVDF nanofiber diameter, β phase content, and mechanical‐to‐electrical energy conversion property is reported. Two chemicals, tri‐p‐tolylamine (TTA) and 2‐(4‐tert‐butylphenyl)‐5‐(4‐biphenylyl)‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole (Butyl‐PBD) which have electron‐ and hole‐transfer features, respectively, are chosen as dopants. When the nanofibers contain 0.5% TTA or 1% Butyl‐PBD, they show high β phase content and electric outputs. By combining a layer of nanofiber web which contained TTA with a layer of nanofiber web containing Butyl‐PBD, the voltage output is changed to 3.1 V, increasing by ≈100% when compared with the single layer nanofiber device of the same thickness. In addition, asymmetric electric outputs are observed in the two layer energy device. These novel features are probably attributed to the high internal polarity across the nanofiber web.

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Phytochemicals in whole grain wheat and their health‐promoting effects
Authors: Zhu Yingdong , Sang Shengmin
Published: February 2017

Accumulated evidence in epidemiological studies has consistently shown that consumption of whole grains (WGs) is inversely associated with risk of major chronic diseases such as certain types of cancer, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Dietary fiber (DF) has been reported to be responsible for the health effects of WG consumption. Evidence from in vitro and in vivo studies is emerging that, in addition to DF and minerals, the unique phytochemicals in WGs may in part contribute to these health‐promoting effects. WGs are rich sources of various phytochemicals. However, phytochemical contents and profiles in WG wheat are not systematically summarized yet, and the rapid rate of discovery of wheat phytochemicals necessitates an update on the current state of this field. Furthermore, the biological roles of phytochemicals in protective effects of WGs are also relatively underestimated compared to DFs. This manuscript summarized current research literature regarding phytochemicals that have been identified and characterized from wheat grains and wheat bran, and their corresponding contributions to the major health benefits of WG wheat consumption.
Rigid Amino Acid as Linker to Enhance the Crystallinity of CH3NH3PbI3 Particles
Authors: Zhang Chenming , Zhang Shufang , Miao Xiaoliang , Hu Yanqiang , Staaden Leon , Jia Guohua
Published: February 2017

Organic–inorganic hybrid perovskites have attracted extensive interest in recent years due to their remarkable properties in highly efficient solar cells. The quality of the perovskite thin films has been identified as a critical factor to affect the performances of the solar cells. To achieve uniform and dense perovskite films, many efforts have been attempted on controlling the crystallinity of the particles, grain size, as well as surface coverage. Using organic coupling agents to connect the mesoporous TiO2 with the perovskite film is an effective way to guide the growth of perovskite film. However, the influences of organic molecular configurations on the perovskite crystallization are still not being well studied. In this article, two amino acids, 4‐aminobenzoic acid and 4‐aminobutyric acid, are employed with similar molecular size and closed chain length to study the molecular rigidity of the organic coupling agents affecting the quality of perovskite films. Greatly improved perovskite film has been obtained with the template effect of rigid 4‐aminobenzoic acid and thus the cell performance has been significantly increased.
Predictability of meso‐γ‐scale, localized, extreme heavy rainfall during the warm season in Japan using high‐resolution precipitation nowcasts
Authors: Kato Ryohei , Shimizu Shingo , Shimose Ken‐ichi , Maesaka Takeshi , Iwanami Koyuru , Nakagaki Hisashi
Published: February 2017

The development and verification of a forecast method for localized, meso‐γ‐scale (2–20 km), extreme heavy rainfall (MγExHR) is important, because it can cause urban flash flooding and inundation with accompanying damage and potential loss of life. Although previous studies have examined the predictability of precipitation at a very short range (≤1 h) using extrapolation‐based nowcasts, they did not specifically focus on MγExHR. In this study, we examine the predictability of 23 selected events of MγExHR (1 h rainfall accumulation ≥50 mm) that occurred during the warm season of 2014 in Japan using High‐Resolution Precipitation Nowcasts (HRPNs) provided by the Japan Meteorological Agency, which are extrapolation‐based nowcasts. Traditional grid‐scale verification using the equitable threat score shows that the HRPNs usefully predict the heavy rainfall areas of ≥20 mm h−1 for at least 12 min at the grid scale of 1 km. Neighbourhood verification using fractions skill scores shows that HRPNs usefully predict the areas of ≥20 mm h−1 up to 29 min by tolerating 11 km displacement errors. After 30 min, a useful forecast cannot be obtained, even if the 11 km displacement errors are tolerated for the ≥20 mm h−1 areas. This result suggests that a numerical weather prediction (NWP) model, whose accuracy is useful after ∼30 min, is necessary to seamlessly provide useful forecasts for heavy rainfall areas of ≥20 mm h−1 for MγExHR with ∼10 km displacement errors, by blending the extrapolation‐based nowcast with NWP.
Amorphous Mixed‐Valence Vanadium Oxide/Exfoliated Carbon Cloth Structure Shows a Record High Cycling Stability
Authors: Song Yu , Liu Tian‐Yu , Yao Bin , Kou Tian‐Yi , Feng Dong‐Yang , Liu Xiao‐Xia , Li Yat
Published: February 2017

Previous studies show that vanadium oxides suffer from severe capacity loss during cycling in the liquid electrolyte, which has hindered their applications in electrochemical energy storage. The electrochemical instability is mainly due to chemical dissolution and structural pulverization of vanadium oxides during charge/discharge cyclings. In this study the authors demonstrate that amorphous mixed‐valence vanadium oxide deposited on exfoliated carbon cloth (CC) can address these two limitations simultaneously. The results suggest that tuning the V4+/V5+ ratio of vanadium oxide can efficiently suppress the dissolution of the active materials. The oxygen‐functionalized carbon shell on exfoliated CC can bind strongly with VO
x
via the formation of COV bonding, which retains the electrode integrity and suppresses the structural degradation of the oxide during charging/discharging. The uptake of structural water during charging and discharging processes also plays an important role in activating the electrode material. The amorphous mixed‐valence vanadium oxide without any protective coating exhibits record‐high cycling stability in the aqueous electrolyte with no capacitive decay in 100 000 cycles. This work provides new insights on stabilizing vanadium oxide, which is critical for the development of vanadium oxide based energy storage devices.
Monoamine Oxidase A in Antisocial Personality Disorder and Borderline Personality Disorder
Authors: Kolla Nathan J. , Vinette Sarah A.
Published: February 2017

Purpose of Review

Variation in the monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) gene and MAO-A enzyme levels have been linked to antisocial behavior and aggression in clinical and non-clinical populations. Here, we provide an overview of the genetic, epigenetic, and neuroimaging research that has examined MAO-A structure and function in antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) and borderline personality disorder (BPD).

Recent Findings

The low-activity MAO-A variable nucleotide tandem repeat genetic polymorphism has shown a robust association with large samples of violent and seriously violent offenders, many of whom had ASPD. A recent positron emission tomography (PET) study of ASPD similarly revealed low MAO-A density in brain regions thought to contribute to the psychopathology of the condition. By contrast, PET has also demonstrated that brain MAO-A levels are increased in BPD and that they relate to symptoms of low mood and suicidality.

Candidate gene studies have produced the most compelling evidence connecting MAO-A genetic variants to both ASPD and BPD. Still, conflicting results abound in the literature, making it highly unlikely that ASPD or BPD is related to a specific MAO-A genetic variant. Future research should strive to examine how MAO-A genotypes interact with broad-spectrum environmental influences to produce brain endophenotypes that may ultimately become tractable targets for novel treatment strategies.
Self-reported psychosis-like experiences in patients with mood disorders
Authors: Baryshnikov I. , Aaltonen K. , Koivisto M. , Melartin T. , Näätänen P. , Suominen K. , Karpov B. , Heikkinen M. , Oksanen J. , Paunio T. , Joffe G. , Isometsä E.
Published: February 2017

Background:

Self-reported psychosis-like experiences (PEs) may be common in patients with mood disorders, but their clinical correlates are not well known. We investigated their prevalence and relationships with self-reported symptoms of depression, mania, anxiety, borderline (BPD) and schizotypal (SPD) personality disorders among psychiatric patients with mood disorders.

Methods:

The Community Assessment of Psychic Experiences (CAPE-42), Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ), McLean Screening Instrument (MSI), The Beck Depressive Inventory (BDI), Overall Anxiety Severity and Impairment Scale (OASIS) and Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire-Brief form (SPQ-B) were filled in by patients with mood disorders (n=282) from specialized care. Correlation coefficients between total scores and individual items of CAPE-42 and BDI, SPQ-B, MSI and MDQ were estimated. Hierarchical multivariate regression analysis was conducted to examine factors influencing the frequency of self-reported PE.

Results:

PEs are common in patients with mood disorders. The “frequency of positive symptoms” score of CAPE-42 correlated strongly with total score of SPQ-B (rho=0.63;P<0.001) and moderately with total scores of BDI, MDQ, OASIS and MSI (rho varied from 0.37 to 0.56;P<0.001). Individual items of CAPE-42 correlated moderately with specific items of BDI, MDQ, SPQ-B and MSI (rφvaried from 0.2 to 0.5;P<0.001). Symptoms of anxiety, mania or hypomania and BPD were significant predictors of the “frequency of positive symptoms” score of CAPE-42.

Conclusions:

Several, state- and trait-related factors may underlie self-reported PEs among mood disorder patients. These include cognitive-perceptual distortions of SPD; distrustfulness, identity disturbance, dissociative and affective symptoms of BPD; and cognitive biases related to depressive or manic symptoms.
Quality of life and functional capacity are adversely affected in osteoarthritis patients with neuropathic pain
Authors: Aşkın Ayhan , Özkan Ayten , Tosun Aliye , Demirdal Ümit Seçil , İsnaç Fethi
Published: February 2017

The aim of this study was to examine the neuropathic pain component of knee osteoarthritis (OA) patients and to investigate the relationship between neuropathic pain, disease stage, functional state, depression, anxiety, and quality of life. This study included 60 patients with knee OA. All demographic data and radiological results were recorded. Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Timed Up and Go Test, Chair Stand Test, Western Ontario and McMasters Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), PainDETECT questionnaire, DN4 questionnaire, Short form‐36 questionnaire, and Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale were performed for each patient. Neuropathic pain was detected in 66.7% of patients based on the PainDETECT scale and in 46.7% of patients based on DN4 scale. VAS‐resting, OA grade, WOMAC scores, and SF‐scores showed a significant difference in patients that detected neuropathic pain with PainDETECT (p < 0.05). Based on the DN4 scale, patients with neuropathic pain had significantly higher WOMAC scores and significantly lower SF‐36 scores (p < 0.05). The PainDETECT questionnaire scores showed positive correlations with Timed Up‐and‐go Test, VAS‐resting, WOMAC scores, Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale scores, and a negative correlation with all SF‐36 scores (p < 0.05). DN4 questionnaire scores showed a negative correlation with SF‐36 scores and positive correlation with WOMAC scores (p < 0.05). To conclude, it should be kept in mind that patients with knee OA who describe intense pain may have a neuropathic component involved in the clinical condition. Quality of life and functional capacity are adversely affected in patients with knee OA who have neuropathic pain. This should be taken into account while planning the treatment of these patients.
Trajectories of Stroke Care in Ontario: Which Path to Best Care?
Authors: Hall Ruth E. , Sondergaard Diana , Wodchis Walter P. , Fang Jiming , Mondal Prosanta , Bayley Mark T.
Published: February 2017

Background:Few studies have tracked stroke survivors through transitions across the health system and identified the most common trajectories and quality of care received. The objectives of our study were to examine the trajectories that incident stroke patients experience and to quantify the extent to which their care adhered to the best practices for stroke care.Methods:A population-based cohort of first-ever stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA) patients from the 2012/13 Ontario Stroke Audit was linked to administrative databases using an encrypted health card number to identify dominant trajectories (N=12,362). All trajectories began in the emergency department (ED) and were defined by the transitions that followed immediately after the ED. Quality indicators were calculated to quantify best practice adherence within trajectories.Results:Six trajectories of stroke care were identified with significant variability in patient characteristics and quality of care received. Almost two-thirds (64.5%) required hospital admission. Trajectories that only involved the ED had the lowest rates of brain and carotid artery imaging (91.5 and 44.2%, respectively). Less than 20% of patients in trajectories involving hospital admissions received care on a stroke unit. The trajectory involving inpatient rehabilitation received suboptimal secondary prevention measures.Conclusions:There are six main trajectories stroke patients follow, and adherence to best practices varies by trajectory. Trajectories resulting in patients being transitioned to home care following ED management only are least likely and those including inpatient rehabilitation are most likely to receive stroke best practices. Increased time in facility-based care results in greater access to best practices. Stroke patients receiving only ED care require closer follow-up by stroke specialists.
NORTHEAST ASIA AND THE INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT: MEASURING NORMATIVE DISPOSITION
Authors: Dukalskis Alexander
Published: February 2017

This article aims to understand the policies of three major Northeast Asian states toward the Rome Statute and the International Criminal Court (ICC) that it established. Using a unique measurement tool, it traces the interactions of South Korea, Japan, and China with the Court since negotiations on its formation in the late 1990s. Included in this analysis is a focus on how Northeast Asian states have responded to recent efforts to bring North Korea into the Court's orbit for that country's military actions in 2010 and its human rights record over several decades. Data is based on publicly available documents as well as interviews with diplomats, legislators, legal experts, and activists in Japan, South Korea, and China conducted in 2015.
Extremal area ellipses of a convex quadrilateral
Authors: Silvester John R.
Published: February 2017

In this paper we are going to generalise some standard results about the ellipses of least or greatest area, respectively circumscribing or inscribed in a triangle, to the corresponding ellipses for a convex quadrilateral.

Given ΔABC let D, E, F be the midpoints of BC, CA, AB respectively; then the medians AD, BE, CF concur at the centroid G of ΔABC. There is an ellipse with centre G, touching the sides of ΔABC at their respective midpoints. It is known as the midpoint ellipse or Steiner inellipse of ΔABC, and it is the ellipse of greatest area inscribed in ΔABC. Since AG : GD = 2 : 1, and similarly for the other medians, a central dilation (an enlargement) with centre G and scale factor –2 (or, equivalently, 2) applied to the Steiner inellipse produces a similar ellipse, also with centre G, and passing through A, B and C. This is the Steiner circumellipse of ΔABC, and it is the ellipse of least area circumscribing ΔABC. See Figure 1. For more detail, see [1, 2] and the references given there.
Recycling Stirling's series acceleration technique
Authors: Levrie Paul , Nimbran Amrik Singh
Published: February 2017

Infinite series are an important topic in mathematical analysis and convergence is the most crucial concept in the theory of infinite series. The speed at which the sequence of the partial sums of a series approaches its limiting sum has been a subject of investigation for many a mathematician. Euler [1], Kummer [2] and Markoff [3] all developed techniques for accelerating the convergence of slowly converging series. Euler's method only works for alternating series, Kummer's and Markoff's are suitable for general series with a special form.

Gosper [4] illustrates how the rate of convergence of infinite series can be accelerated by a suitable splitting of each term into two parts and then combining the second part of thenth term with the first part ofn+ 1 th the term and leaving the first part of the first term. Repeated application of this process yields a new series which approaches 0 and the series of the left out first parts (‘orphans’) that converges faster than the original series.
Is Bultmann a Heideggerian theologian?
Authors: Congdon David W.
Published: February 2017

Ever since the 1920s, Rudolf Bultmann has been charged with confining theology to philosophy, owing to his naïve adoption of Martin Heidegger's existentialist ontology. Bultmann's personal friendship with Heidegger is well-known, and the presence of Heideggerian concepts throughout his work is impossible to miss. But there is a great deal of confusion over the details of this relationship, and scholars differ widely over what conclusions we ought to draw regarding the nature of Bultmann's work. This article reassesses the Bultmann–Heidegger relationship from three angles. First, I show that the essential elements of Bultmann's theology were already in place before he met or learnt from Heidegger. Second, I argue that Bultmann circumscribes Heidegger's philosophy within a theology of revelation. Third, I demonstrate that his theological programme is, in principle, open to other conceptualities. Since nothing material rests on the appropriation of Heidegger, one cannot accurately call Bultmann a Heideggerian theologian.
When Jesus lost his soul: fourth-century christology and modern neuroscience
Authors: Harris Mark
Published: February 2017

Modern conversations between the natural sciences and theology on the human soul have not so far engaged extensively with relevant debates in the early church. Contemporary neuroscience tends to operate within a monistic paradigm, often referred to as ‘physicalism’, that understands human mental activity entirely in naturalistic terms. While there is ongoing scientific debate about the degree to which human consciousness can be reduced entirely to biology, physicalism is often cited as making traditional religious belief in the soul obsolete, or at least modifying it significantly. The Apollinarian question of whether Jesus has a soul therefore reappears. This article considers the contemporary relevance of the Apollinarian controversy, suggesting that fourth-century insights possess key points of contact with the modern non-reductive physicalist position and thus raising important considerations for the science–theology conversation on the soul.
Genome of the pitcher plant Cephalotus reveals genetic changes associated with carnivory
Authors: Fukushima Kenji , Fang Xiaodong , Alvarez-Ponce David , Cai Huimin , Carretero-Paulet Lorenzo , Chen Cui , Chang Tien-Hao , Farr Kimberly M. , Fujita Tomomichi , Hiwatashi Yuji , Hoshi Yoshikazu , Imai Takamasa , Kasahara Masahiro , Librado Pablo , Mao Likai , Mori Hitoshi , Nishiyama Tomoaki , Nozawa Masafumi , Pálfalvi Gergő , Pollard Stephen T. , Rozas Julio , Sánchez-Gracia Alejandro , Sankoff David , Shibata Tomoko F. , Shigenobu Shuji , Sumikawa Naomi , Uzawa Taketoshi , Xie Meiying , Zheng Chunfang , Pollock David D. , Albert Victor A. , Li Shuaicheng , Hasebe Mitsuyasu
Published: February 2017

Carnivorous plants exploit animals as a nutritional source and have inspired long-standing questions about the origin and evolution of carnivory-related traits. To investigate the molecular bases of carnivory, we sequenced the genome of the heterophyllous pitcher plantCephalotus follicularis, in which we succeeded in regulating the developmental switch between carnivorous and non-carnivorous leaves. Transcriptome comparison of the two leaf types and gene repertoire analysis identified genetic changes associated with prey attraction, capture, digestion and nutrient absorption. Analysis of digestive fluid proteins fromC. follicularisand three other carnivorous plants with independent carnivorous origins revealed repeated co-options of stress-responsive protein lineages coupled with convergent amino acid substitutions to acquire digestive physiology. These results imply constraints on the available routes to evolve plant carnivory.
Regulation of pairing between broken DNA-containing chromatin regions by Ku80, DNA-PKcs, ATM, and 53BP1
Authors: Yamauchi Motohiro , Shibata Atsushi , Suzuki Keiji , Suzuki Masatoshi , Niimi Atsuko , Kondo Hisayoshi , Miura Miwa , Hirakawa Miyako , Tsujita Keiko , Yamashita Shunichi , Matsuda Naoki
Published: February 2017

Chromosome rearrangement is clinically and physiologically important because it can produce oncogenic fusion genes. Chromosome rearrangement requires DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) at two genomic locations and misrejoining between the DSBs. Before DSB misrejoining, two DSB-containing chromatin regions move and pair with each other; however, the molecular mechanism underlying this process is largely unknown. We performed a spatiotemporal analysis of ionizing radiation-induced foci of p53-binding protein 1 (53BP1), a marker for DSB-containing chromatin. We found that some 53BP1 foci were paired, indicating that the two damaged chromatin regions neighboured one another. We searched for factors regulating the foci pairing and found that the number of paired foci increased when Ku80, DNA-PKcs, or ATM was absent. In contrast, 53BP1 depletion reduced the number of paired foci and dicentric chromosomes—an interchromosomal rearrangement. Foci were paired more frequently in heterochromatin than in euchromatin in control cells. Additionally, the reduced foci pairing in 53BP1-depleted cells was rescued by concomitant depletion of a heterochromatin building factor such as Krüppel-associated box-associated protein 1 or chromodomain helicase DNA-binding protein 3. These findings indicate that pairing between DSB-containing chromatin regions was suppressed by Ku80, DNA-PKcs, and ATM, and this pairing was promoted by 53BP1 through chromatin relaxation.
Roles of N-glycans in the polymerization-dependent aggregation of mutant Ig-μ chains in the early secretory pathway
Authors: Giannone Chiara , Fagioli Claudio , Valetti Caterina , Sitia Roberto , Anelli Tiziana
Published: February 2017

The polymeric structure of secretory IgM allows efficient antigen binding and complement fixation. The available structural models place the N-glycans bound to asparagines 402 and 563 of Ig-μ chains within a densely packed core of native IgM. These glycans are found in the high mannose state also in secreted IgM, suggesting that polymerization hinders them to Golgi processing enzymes. Their absence alters polymerization. Here we investigate their role following the fate of aggregation-prone mutant μ chains lacking the Cμ1 domain (μ∆). Our data reveal that μ∆ lacking 563 glycans (μ∆5) form larger intracellular aggregates than μ∆ and are not secreted. Like μ∆, they sequester ERGIC-53, a lectin previously shown to promote polymerization. In contrast, μ∆ lacking 402 glycans (μ∆4) remain detergent soluble and accumulate in the ER, as does a double mutant devoid of both (μ∆4–5). These results suggest that the two C-terminal Ig-μ glycans shape the polymerization-dependent aggregation by engaging lectins and acting as spacers in the alignment of individual IgM subunits in native polymers.
EpEX/EpCAM and Oct4 or Klf4 alone are sufficient to generate induced pluripotent stem cells through STAT3 and HIF2α
Authors: Kuan I.-I. , Liang Kang-Hao , Wang Yi-Ping , Kuo Ting-Wen , Meir Yaa-Jyuhn James , Wu Sareina Chiung-Yuan , Yang Shang-Chih , Lu Jean , Wu Han-Chung
Published: February 2017

Epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) was reported to be cleaved into extracellular domain of EpCAM (EpEX) and intracellular domain of EpCAM (EpICD). We previously reported that EpCAM serves as a potent stem cell marker which is highly and selectively expressed by undifferentiated rather than differentiated hESC. However, the functional role of EpCAM remains elusive. Here, we found that EpEX and EpCAM enhance the efficiency of OSKM reprogramming. Interestingly, Oct4 or Klf4 alone, but not Sox2, can successfully reprogram fibroblasts into iPSCs with EpEX and EpCAM. Moreover, EpEX and EpCAM trigger reprogramming via activation of STAT3, which leads to the nuclear-translocation of HIF2α. This study reveals the importance of a novel EpEX/EpCAM-STAT3-HIF2α signal in the reprogramming process, and uncovers a new means of triggering reprogramming by delivery of soluble and transmembrane proteins.
Toxic metabolites, MAPK and Nrf2/Keap1 signaling pathways involved in oxidative toxicity in mice liver after chronic exposure to Mequindox
Authors: Liu Qianying , Lei Zhixin , Huang Anxiong , Wu Qinghua , Xie Shuyu , Awais Ihsan , Dai Menghong , Wang Xu , Yuan Zonghui
Published: February 2017

Mequindox (MEQ) is a synthetic antimicrobial agent of quinoxaline-1,4-dioxide group (QdNOs). The liver is regarded as the toxicity target of QdNOs, and the role of N → O group-associated various toxicities mediated by QdNOs is well recognized. However, the mechanism underlying the in vivo effects of MEQ on the liver, and whether the metabolic pathway of MEQ is altered in response to the pathophysiological conditions still remain unclear. We now provide evidence that MEQ triggers oxidative damage in the liver. Moreover, using LC/MS-ITTOF analysis, two metabolites of MEQ were detected in the liver, which directly confirms the potential connection between N → O group reduction metabolism of MEQ and liver toxicity. The gender difference in MEQ-induced oxidative stress might be due to adrenal toxicity and the generation of M4 (2-isoethanol 1-desoxymequindox). Furthermore, up-regulation of the MAPK and Nrf2-Keap1 family and phase II detoxifying enzymes (HO-1, GCLC and NQO1) were also observed. The present study demonstrated for the first time the protein peroxidation and a proposal metabolic pathway after chronic exposure of MEQ, and illustrated that the MAPK, Nrf2-Keap1 and NF-кB signaling pathways, as well as the altered metabolism of MEQ, were involved in oxidative toxicity mediated by MEQ in vivo.
Albumin nanoparticle encapsulation of potent cytotoxic therapeutics shows sustained drug release and alleviates cancer drug toxicity
Authors: Wang Hangxiang , Wu Jiaping , Xu Li , Xie Ke , Chen Chao , Dong Yuehan
Published: February 2017

We present novel HSA-based nanoassemblies for the formulation of highly potent cytotoxic therapeutic drugs such as maytansinoid DM1.
Core-to-core dimers forming switchable mesophase
Authors: Horčic M. , Svoboda J. , Novotná V. , Pociecha D. , Gorecka E.
Published: February 2017

We report structurally new type of dimers composed of bent-core molecules connected through their central cores by an alkylene spacer.
On how electron density affects the redox stability of phenothiazine sensitizers on semiconducting surfaces
Authors: Chiykowski Valerie A. , Lam Brian , Du Chuan , Berlinguette Curtis P.
Published: February 2017

The stabilities of three organic dyes that differ only by two substituents (–OMe, –H and –Br) about the phenothiazine donor unit were evaluated when immobilized on a semiconductor surface.
Photocyclization of photoswitches with high enantioselectivity in human serum albumin in an artificial environment
Authors: Kawamura Koichi , Osawa Ken , Watanobe Yuta , Saeki Yuri , Maruyama Naoki , Yokoyama Yasushi
Published: February 2017

Three photochromic bisthienylethenes exhibited 56 to >99% enantiomeric excess in photochemical ring closure upon UV irradiation when incorporated in human serum albumin dissolved in 15% acetonitrile-phosphate buffer solution and incubated for 24 h at −4 °C.
Interfacial electronic structures revealed at the rubrene/CH3NH3PbI3 interface
Authors: Ji Gengwu , Zheng Guanhaojie , Zhao Bin , Song Fei , Zhang Xiaonan , Shen Kongchao , Yang Yingguo , Xiong Yimin , Gao Xingyu , Cao Liang , Qi Dong-Chen
Published: February 2017

The promising rubrene-based PSC device performance demonstrates the potential of rubrene as a suitable hole transport material in PSCs due to an optimal energy level alignment at the rubrene/CH3NH3PbI3 interface.
Toward accurately modeling N-methylated cyclic peptides
Authors: Slough Diana P. , Yu Hongtao , McHugh Sean M. , Lin Yu-Shan
Published: February 2017

Structure prediction of benchmark N-methylated cyclic hexapeptides using enhanced sampling methods.
Tailoring the Schiff base photoswitching – a non-adiabatic molecular dynamics study of substituent effect on excited state proton transfer
Authors: Jankowska Joanna , Barbatti Mario , Sadlej Joanna , Sobolewski Andrzej L.
Published: February 2017

Dynamics reveals how to design chemical substitutions to control excited-state proton transfer efficiency.
Water quality and filter performance of nutrient-, oxidant- and media-enhanced drinking water biofilters
Authors: Stoddart Amina K. , Gagnon Graham A.
Published: February 2017

Enhancement strategies provided mixed outcomes for both water quality and filter performance metrics.
Porous organic polymers as emerging new materials for organic photovoltaic applications: current status and future challenges
Authors: Bildirir Hakan , Gregoriou Vasilis G. , Avgeropoulos Apostolos , Scherf Ullrich , Chochos Christos L.
Published: February 2017

Porous organic polymers represent an unexplored field of materials for organic photovoltaic applications with great potential.
Solar H2 evolution in water with modified diketopyrrolopyrrole dyes immobilised on molecular Co and Ni catalyst–TiO2 hybrids
Authors: Warnan Julien , Willkomm Janina , Ng Jamues N. , Godin Robert , Prantl Sebastian , Durrant James R. , Reisner Erwin
Published: February 2017

A series of diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP) dyes with a terminal phosphonic acid group for attachment to metal oxide surfaces were synthesised and the effect of side chain modification on their properties investigated.
Modification of N-doped TiO2 photocatalysts using noble metals (Pt, Pd) – a combined XPS and DFT study
Authors: Batalović K. , Bundaleski N. , Radaković J. , Abazović N. , Mitrić M. , Silva R. A. , Savić M. , Belošević-Čavor J. , Rakočević Z. , Rangel C. M.
Published: February 2017

Enhancement of nitrogen-doped TiO2 photocatalysts due to the surface deposition of Pd and Pt is investigated.
VOC emission rates over London and South East England obtained by airborne eddy covariance
Authors: Vaughan Adam R. , Lee James D. , Shaw Marvin D. , Misztal Pawel K. , Metzger Stefan , Vieno Massimo , Davison Brian , Karl Thomas G. , Carpenter Lucy J. , Lewis Alastair C. , Purvis Ruth M. , Goldstein Allen H. , Hewitt C. Nicholas
Published: February 2017

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) originate from a variety of sources, and play an intrinsic role in influencing air quality. Some VOCs, including benzene, are carcinogens and so directly affect human health, while others, such as isoprene, are very reactive in the atmosphere and play an important role in the formation of secondary pollutants such as ozone and particles. Here we report spatially-resolved measurements of the surface-to-atmosphere fluxes of VOCs across London and SE England made in 2013 and 2014. High-frequency 3-D wind velocities and VOC volume mixing ratios (made by proton transfer reaction – mass spectrometry) were obtained from a low-flying aircraft and used to calculate fluxes using the technique of eddy covariance. A footprint model was then used to quantify the flux contribution from the ground surface at spatial resolution of 100 m, averaged to 1 km. Measured fluxes of benzene over Greater London showed positive agreement with the UK’s National Atmospheric Emissions Inventory, with the highest fluxes originating from central London. Comparison of MTBE and toluene fluxes suggest that petroleum evaporation is an important emission source of toluene in central London. Outside London, increased isoprene emissions were observed over wooded areas, at rates greater than those predicted by a UK regional application of the European Monitoring and Evaluation Programme model (EMEP4UK). This work demonstrates the applicability of the airborne eddy covariance method to the determination of anthropogenic and biogenic VOC fluxes and the possibility of validating emission inventories through measurements.
Three-component difunctionalization of alkenes leading to β-acetamido sulfides and β-acetoxy sulfides
Authors: Wang Dingyi , Yan Zhaohua , Xie Qihuang , Zhang Rongxing , Lin Sen , Wang Yuanxing
Published: February 2017

Convenient approaches to synthesize β-acetamido sulfides and β-acetoxy sulfides by using two sulfur sources in moderate to excellent yields.
Cognitive cross network design with physical‐layer coding and spatial modulation
Authors: Üstünbaş S. , Basar E. , Aygölü Ü.
Published: February 2017

A cognitive cross network where both primary and secondary users’ receivers are closer to the transmitter of the other user; however, the distances to their own transmitters are too large that a relay is required for a reliable communication, is considered. To this end, the secondary user shares its relay with the primary user (PU) by means of physical‐layer network coding in exchange for access to PU's licensed band. It is assumed that both transmitters and the relay adopt the emerging spatial modulation concept to improve the error performance. Bit error probability of the proposed scheme is analytically derived and supported via computer simulation results.
Study of the electronic structure of short chain oligothiophenes
Authors: Grazioli C. , Baseggio O. , Stener M. , Fronzoni G. , de Simone M. , Coreno M. , Guarnaccio A. , Santagata A. , D’Auria M.
Published: February 2017

The electronic structure of short-chain thiophenes (thiophene, 2,2′-bithiophene, and 2,2′:5′,2″-terthiophene) in the gas phase has been investigated by combining the outcomes of Near-Edge X-ray-Absorption Fine-Structure (NEXAFS) and X-ray Photoemission Spectroscopy (XPS) at the C K-edge with those of density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The calculated NEXAFS spectra provide a comprehensive description of the main experimental features and allow their attribution. The evolution of the C1s NEXAFS spectral features is analyzed as a function of the number of thiophene rings; a tendency to stabilization for increasing chain length is found. The computation of the binding energy allows to assign the experimental XPS peaks to the different carbon sites on the basis of both the inductive effects generated by the presence of the S atom as well as of the differential aromaticity effects.
Water graphene contact surface investigated by pairwise potentials from force-matching PAW-PBE with dispersion correction
Authors: Li Jicun , Wang Feng
Published: February 2017

A pairwise additive atomistic potential was developed for modeling liquid water on graphene. The graphene-water interaction terms were fit to map the PAW-PBE-D3 potential energy surface using the adaptive force matching method. Through condensed phase force matching, the potential developed implicitly considers the many-body effects of water. With this potential, the graphene-water contact angle was determined to be 86° in good agreement with a recent experimental measurement of 85° ± 5° on fully suspended graphene. Furthermore, the PAW-PBE-D3 based model was used to study contact line hysteresis. It was found that the advancing and receding contact angles of water do agree on pristine graphene, however a long simulation time was required to reach the equilibrium contact angle. For water on suspended graphene, sharp peaks in the water density profile disappear when the flexibility of graphene was explicitly considered. The water droplet induces graphene to wrap around it leading to a slightly concave contact interface.
Quantitative photoacoustic characterization of blood clot in blood: A mechanobiological assessment through spectral information
Authors: Biswas Deblina , Vasudevan Srivathsan , Chen George C. K. , Sharma Norman
Published: February 2017

Formation of blood clots, called thrombus, can happen due to hyper-coagulation of blood. Thrombi, while moving through blood vessels can impede blood flow, an important criterion for many critical diseases like deep vein thrombosis and heart attacks. Understanding mechanical properties of clot formation is vital for assessment of severity of thrombosis and proper treatment. However, biomechanics of thrombus is less known to clinicians and not very well investigated. Photoacoustic (PA) spectral response, a non-invasive technique, is proposed to investigate the mechanism of formation of blood clots through elasticity and also differentiate clots from blood. Distinct shift (increase in frequency) of the PA response dominant frequency during clot formation is reported. In addition, quantitative differentiation of blood clots from blood has been achieved through parameters like dominant frequency and spectral energy of PA spectral response. Nearly twofold increases in dominant frequency in blood clots compared to blood were found in the PA spectral response. Significant changes in energy also help in quantitatively differentiating clots from blood, in the blood. Our results reveal that increase in density during clot formation is reflected in the PA spectral response, a significant step towards understanding the mechanobiology of thrombus formation. Hence, the proposed tool, in addition to detecting thrombus formation, could reveal mechanical properties of the sample through quantitative photoacoustic spectral parameters.
Entanglement of four-qubit systems: A geometric atlas with polynomial compass II (the tame world)
Authors: Holweck Frédéric , Luque Jean-Gabriel , Thibon Jean-Yves
Published: February 2017

We propose a new approach to the geometry of the four-qubit entanglement classes depending on parameters. More precisely, we use invariant theory and algebraic geometry to describe various stratifications of the Hilbert space by Stochastic Local Operations with Classical Communication (SLOCC) invariant algebraic varieties. The normal forms of the four-qubit classification of Verstraete et al. are interpreted as dense subsets of components of the dual variety of the set of separable states and an algorithm based on the invariants/covariants of the four-qubit quantum states is proposed to identify a state with a SLOCC equivalent normal form (up to qubits permutation).
Encapsulation of graphene in Parylene
Authors: Skoblin Grigory , Sun Jie , Yurgens August
Published: February 2017

Graphene encapsulated between flakes of hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) demonstrates the highest known mobility of charge carriers. However, the technology is not scalable to allow for arrays of devices. We are testing a potentially scalable technology for encapsulating graphene where we replace hBN with Parylene while still being able to make low-ohmic edge contacts. The resulting encapsulated devices show low parasitic doping and a robust Quantum Hall effect in relatively low magnetic fields <5 T.
The state of the community: JGP in 2017
Authors: Gordon Sharona E.
Published: February 2017

Amid a difficult year for science and scientists, The Journal of General Physiology is thriving and gearing up for its 100th anniversary celebrations.
Optimizing a stratified sampling design when faced with multiple objectives
Authors: Miller Timothy J. , Skalski John R. , Ianelli James N.
Published: February 2017

Miller, T. J., Skalski, J. R., and Ianelli, J. N. 2007. Optimizing a stratifield sampling design when faced with multiple objectives – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 64, 97–109. For many stratified sampling designs, the data collected are used by multiple parties with different estimation objectives. Quantitative methods to determine allocation of sampling effort to different strata to satisfy the often disparate estimation objectives are lacking. Analytical results for the sampling fractions and sample sizes for primary units within each stratum of a stratified (multi-stage) sampling design that are optimal with respect to a weighted sum of relative variances for the estimation objectives are presented. Further, an approach for assessing gains or losses for each estimation objective by changing allocation of sample sizes to each stratum is provided. As an illustration, the analytical results are applied to determine optimal observer sampling fractions (coverage rates) for the North Pacific Groundfish Observer Programme (NPGOP), for which the multiple objectives are assumed to be bycatch (seabird, marine mammal, and non-targeted fish species) and total catch, and catch-at-length and -age of targeted fish species. Simultaneously optimizing a criterion that defines the strata of the NPGOP sampling design is also considered. When observer coverage rates are allowed to be gear-specific for the NPGOP design, the optimized objective function is between 10% and 28% less than the value corresponding to current sampling for annual data (2000–2003) and 12% less when optimized over all years combined.
IFN-α2a or IFN-β1a in combination with ribavirin to treat Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus pneumonia: a retrospective study
Authors: Shalhoub Sarah , Farahat Fayssal , Al-Jiffri Abdullah , Simhairi Raed , Shamma Omar , Siddiqi Nauman , Mushtaq Adnan
Published: February 2017

Objectives

Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is associated with significant mortality. We examined the utility of plasma MERS-CoV PCR as a prognostic indicator and compared the efficacies of IFN-α2a and IFN-β1a when combined with ribavirin in reducing MERS-CoV-related mortality rates.

Methods

We retrospectively analysed 32 patients with confirmed MERS-CoV infection, admitted between April 2014 and June 2014, by positive respiratory sample RT–PCR. Plasma MERS-CoV RT–PCR was performed at the time of diagnosis for 19 patients.

Results

The overall mortality rate was 69% (22/32). Ninety percent (9/10) of patients with positive plasma MERS-CoV PCR died compared with 44% (4/9) of those with negative plasma MERS-CoV PCR. Mortality rate in patients who received IFN-α2a was 85% (11/13) compared with 64% (7/11) in those who received IFN-β1a (P = 0.24). The mortality rate in patients with renal failure (14), including 8 on haemodialysis, was 100%. Age >50 years and diabetes mellitus were found to be significantly associated with mortality (OR = 26.1; 95% CI 3.58–190.76; P = 0.001 and OR = 15.74; 95% CI 2.46–100.67; P = 0.004, respectively). The median duration of viral shedding in patients who recovered was 11 days (range 6–38 days). Absence of fever was noted in 5/32 patients.

Conclusions

Plasma MERS-CoV RT–PCR may serve as an effective tool to predict MERS-CoV-associated mortality. Older age and comorbid conditions may have contributed to the lack of efficacy of IFN-α2a or IFN-β1a with ribavirin in treating MERS-CoV. Absence of fever should not exclude MERS-CoV.