bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regions of ion energization observed during the Galaxy‐15 substorm with TWINS
Authors: Keesee A. M. , Chen M. W. , Scime E. E. , Lui A. T. Y.
Published: September 2014

Ions in the plasma sheet are measured by the energetic neutral atom imagers on the Two Wide‐Angle Imaging Neutral‐Atom Spectrometers (TWINS) spacecraft. A line of sight (LOS) projection is used to determine the location of the ions that dominate the measured spectrum, assuming that the equatorial plane is the hottest region along the LOS. We verify reasonable agreement between ion spectral shapes measured using this remote measurement technique and in situ measurements from the Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions during Substorms (THEMIS) spacecraft during two moderate geomagnetic storms. Conditions for reliable use of this technique to determine ion spectra and effective ion temperatures are identified. The technique is applied to the substorm interval associated with the loss of communication with the Galaxy‐15 satellite. During this interval, localized and broad regions of ion energization are observed, demonstrating that magnetic reconnection and current disruption may have played a role during this very extreme event. These observations demonstrate the ability of this technique to cast local ion spectra measurements in a global context.
Direct Growth of Nanographene on Silicon with Thin Oxide Layer for High‐Performance Nanographene‐Oxide‐Silicon Diodes
Authors: Zhang Qichong , Wang Xiaojuan , Li Dong , Zhang Zengxing
Published: September 2014

Graphene‐silicon based configurations are attracting great attention for their potential application as electronics and optoelectronics. For their practical use, it is still limited by the configuration fabrication process. In this paper, a catalyst‐free method is reported to directly grow nanographene on silicon covered with a thin oxide layer to form nanographene‐oxide‐silicon configurations. Compared with previously reported nanographene‐silicon Schottky junctions, the nanographene‐oxide‐silicon structures exhibit a high performance on electronic and photovoltaic properties. The reverse leakage current of the nanographene‐oxide‐silicon is suppressed from over 10−5 A down to 10−8 A and the rectifier ratio is greatly enhanced from less than 5 up to 103. The photovoltage is enhanced over 50 times. The nanographene‐oxide‐silicon structures exhibit especially ultrasensitive to weak light at a photovoltage working mode, which exceeds up to 106 V/W at the light power of 0.025 μW. Due to the source material for nanographene is photoresist and the fabrication process is mainly based on the current‐used photolithography and silicon technique, the developed nanographene‐oxide‐silicon structures are very easy for device fabrication, integration, and miniaturization, and could be a promising way to produce metal‐free graphene‐silicon based electronics and optoelectronics for commercial use.
Cationic Vesicles Based on Amphiphilic Pillar[5]arene Capped with Ferrocenium: A Redox‐Responsive System for Drug/siRNA Co‐Delivery
Authors: Chang Yincheng , Yang Kui , Wei Peng , Huang Sisi , Pei Yuxin , Zhao Wei , Pei Zhichao
Published: September 2014

A novel ferrocenium capped amphiphilic pillar[5]arene (FCAP) was synthesized and self‐assembled to cationic vesicles in aqueous solution. The cationic vesicles, displaying low cytotoxicity and significant redox‐responsive behavior due to the redox equilibrium between ferrocenium cations and ferrocenyl groups, allow building an ideal glutathione (GSH)‐responsive drug/siRNA co‐delivery system for rapid drug release and gene transfection in cancer cells in which higher GSH concentration exists. This is the first report of redox‐responsive vesicles assembled from pillararenes for drug/siRNA co‐delivery; besides enhancing the bioavailability of drugs for cancer cells and reducing the adverse side effects for normal cells, these systems can also overcome the drug resistance of cancer cells. This work presents a good example of rational design for an effective stimuli‐responsive drug/siRNA co‐delivery system.
Zinc–Porphyrin Dyes with Different meso‐Aryl Substituents for Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells: Experimental and Theoretical Studies
Authors: Sirithip Kanokkorn , Prachumrak Narid , Rattanawan Rattanawalee , Keawin Tinnagon , Sudyoadsuk Taweesak , Namuangruk Supawadee , Jungsuttiwong Siriporn , Promarak Vinich
Published: September 2014

A series of new zinc–porphyrin dyes that contain different meso substituents (phenyl, carbazole phenyl, and carbazole thiophenyl groups) and bithiophenyl cyanoacrylic acid as the π‐conjugated anchoring moiety were designed, synthesized, and characterized as sensitizers for dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The effects of these meso substituents on the properties of the porphyrin dyes were theoretically and experimentally investigated. By meso substitution of the porphyrin ring with carbazole‐aryl moieties, the short‐circuit current (Jsc) and open‐circuit voltage (Voc) of the DSSCs were improved as was the power conversion efficiency (η) owing to the influence of both the suppression of dye aggregations and the enhanced charge separation and charge‐injection efficiency of the dye to TiO2 films. Among these dyes, ZnPCPA made of the carbazole phenyl meso substituents gave rise to the highest η of 6.24 % (Jsc=13.38 mA cm−2, Voc=0.66 V, and fill factor of 0.71).
Universal evolution mechanisms and energy conversion characteristics of long‐lived mesoscale vortices over the Sichuan Basin
Authors: Fu Shenming , Li Wanli , Sun Jianhua , Zhang Jingping , Zhang Yuanchun
Published: September 2014

The mesoscale southwest vortices (SWVs) over the Sichuan Basin during the summer of 2000–2013 were detected and tracked based on a high‐resolution reanalysis data and station observations. Four types of SWV were classified according to dynamical and thermodynamical standards, and their main features were compared. This study presents the first analysis of the universal evolution mechanisms and energy conversion characteristics of long‐lived SWVs by using the vorticity and kinetic energy budgets, as well as a new composite method under a normalized polar coordinate. Also, this study is the first work to reveal the three‐dimensional shape of SWVs.
Septal projections to nucleus incertus in the rat: Bidirectional pathways for modulation of hippocampal function
Authors: Sánchez‐Pérez Ana M. , Arnal‐Vicente Isabel , Santos Fabio N. , Pereira Celia W. , ElMlili Nisrin , Sanjuan Julio , Ma Sherie , Gundlach Andrew L. , Olucha‐Bordonau Francisco E.
Published: September 2014

Projections from the nucleus incertus (NI) to the septum have been implicated in the modulation of hippocampal theta rhythm. In this study we describe a previously uncharacterized projection from the septum to the NI, which may provide feedback modulation of the ascending circuitry. Fluorogold injections into the NI resulted in retrograde labeling in the septum that was concentrated in the horizontal diagonal band and areas of the posterior septum including the septofimbrial and triangular septal nuclei. Double‐immunofluorescent staining indicated that the majority of NI‐projecting septal neurons were calretinin‐positive and some were parvalbumin‐, calbindin‐, or glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD)−67‐positive. Choline acetyltransferase‐positive neurons were Fluorogold‐negative. Injection of anterograde tracers into medial septum, or triangular septal and septofimbrial nuclei, revealed fibers descending to the supramammillary nucleus, median raphe, and the NI. These anterogradely labeled varicosities displayed synaptophysin immunoreactivity, indicating septal inputs form synapses on NI neurons. Anterograde tracer also colocalized with GAD‐67‐positive puncta in labeled fibers, which in some cases made close synaptic contact with GAD‐67‐labeled NI neurons. These data provide evidence for the existence of an inhibitory descending projection from medial and posterior septum to the NI that provides a "feedback loop" to modulate the comparatively more dense ascending NI projections to medial septum and hippocampus. Neural processes and associated behaviors activated or modulated by changes in hippocampal theta rhythm may depend on reciprocal connections between ascending and descending pathways rather than on unidirectional regulation via the medial septum. J. Comp. Neurol. 523:565–588, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A novel scheme for denitrifying biological phosphorus removal via nitrite from nutrient‐rich anaerobic effluents in a short‐cut sequencing batch reactor
Authors: Frison Nicola , Katsou Evina , Malamis Simos , Fatone Francesco
Published: September 2014

BACKGROUND

In this work a novel scheme was developed for nitrifying and denitrifying biological phosphorus removal via nitrite, the anaerobic co‐digestate of waste activated sludge, and the organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) in a sequencing batch reactor (SBR).

RESULTS

The on‐site available fermentation liquid of OFMSW was used to promote the biological via nitrite nutrient removal. The specific phosphorus uptake rate under anoxic conditions was, on average, 10.7 and 9.2 and mg P VSS−1 h−1 and occurred at nitrite concentrations exceeding 10 mg L−1 and up to 140 mg L−1. Biomass was able to acclimatise and cope with such nitrite concentrations and denitrifying phosphorus‐accumulating organisms steadily developed. From the phosphorus mass balances, the phosphorus removal was mainly attributed to phosphorus‐accumulating organisms (68–71%) and partly to heterotrophic biomass growth (19–22%).

CONCLUSIONS

The denitrifying biological phosphorus removal via nitrite can be successfully integrated into existing municipal plants of anaerobic co‐digestion for short‐cut nitrogen removal and enhanced biological phosphorus accumulation. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Suppression of spring rain by surface greening over North China Plain
Authors: Zhang Xuezhen , Tang Qiuhong , Zheng Jingyun , Ge Quansheng , Mao Rui
Published: September 2014

Surface greenness and rainfall in spring have changed from the 1980s to 1990s over the North China Plain (NCP). The greenness changes are characterized by large increase in north and little in south with an obvious greening zone from the centre of the NCP to the northeast. The rainfall change has a similar spatial pattern with reversed sign. The correlation between changes in greenness and rainfall is significant and the correlation (r = −0.71,p < 0.001) is highest for light rainfall. The number of light rainfall days decreased by only ∼10% at the stations where the Normalized Differences Vegetation Index (NDVI) did not change, whereas it decreased by up to ∼30% at the stations where NDVI increased by 20%. Further analyses found that surface greening increased evaporation wetting the atmosphere and, meanwhile, reduced sensible heat flux to cooling surface air. The cooling surface promotes the air stability and thus suppresses the occurrence of rainfall. This finding supports that surface cooling effects from greening play a more dominant role on occurrence of spring rainfall than the wetting effect in the NCP.
Taxane‐induced hedgehog signaling is linked to expansion of breast cancer stem‐like populations after chemotherapy
Authors: Sims‐Mourtada Jennifer , Opdenaker Lynn M. , Davis Joshua , Arnold Kimberly M. , Flynn Daniel
Published: September 2014

Recurrence of breast cancer after chemotherapy is thought to arise from resistant breast cancer stem cells which are eventually able to repopulate the tumor. The Hedgehog (HH) signaling pathway has been shown to regulate the proliferation and survival of breast cancer stem cells, and has been shown to promote resistance to chemotherapy through the activation of multi‐drug resistance and pro survival pathways. Here we report that exposure of heterogenous breast cancer cell lines to docetaxel (DOC) resulted in release of Sonic Hedgehog ligand (SHH) and activation of the HH pathway as evidenced by increased expression and nuclear translocation of the downstream effector Gli‐1 at 4–24 h after DOC treatment. This activation had little effect on the bulk of the tumor cell population as inhibition of HH signaling failed to increase apoptosis in response to DOC. However, HH pathway activation was required for clonogenic growth of cell lines after DOC. Increases in stemness markers as well as mammosphere formation were observed after treatment with DOC suggesting an increase in the breast cancer stem cell populations. These increases were similar to that of cell lines cultured in the presence of recombinant SHH and could be eliminated by co‐treatment with HH inhibitors. These results suggest that HH pathway activation induced by DOC treatment does not have a chemosensitizing effect on the heterogeneous tumor population, but may be required for survival and expansion of breast cancer stem cells after chemotherapy. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
TGFβ and IL10 have an impact on risk group and prognosis in childhood ALL
Authors: Winkler B. , Taschik J. , Haubitz I. , Eyrich M. , Schlegel P.G. , Wiegering V.
Published: September 2014

Background

Cytokines and their genes have been described to have an influence on incidence and prognosis in malignant, infectious and autoimmune disease. We previously described the impact of cytokine production on prognosis in paediatric standard‐risk acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL).

Procedure

In this study, we investigated the influence of cytokine gene polymorphisms (TNFα, TGFβ, IL10 and IFNγ) on frequency, risk group and prognosis in 95 paediatric ALL‐patients. We further report on intracellular production of these cytokines in T‐cells.

Results

IL10 high‐producer‐haplotypes were reduced in ALL‐patients compared with healthy controls and resulted in a reduced relapse rate compared with low‐producer haplotypes. TGFβ high‐producer‐haplotypes were correlated with a high initial blast‐count (codon 25: G/G) and were elevated in high‐risk ALL‐patients (codon 10: T/T).

IL10 was positively and IFNγ‐production was negatively correlated with initial blast‐count. At diagnosis the expression of TNFα and IFNγ was reduced in patients compared with healthy controls. This was more pronounced in high‐risk and in T‐ALL‐patients.

Conclusion

We conclude that gene‐polymorphisms of the regulatory/anti‐inflammatory cytokines, TGFβ and IL10, but not of the pro‐inflammatory cytokines, IFNγ and TNFα, have an impact on prognosis and risk‐group of ALL. However, the reduced capacity to produce pro‐inflammatory cytokines at diagnosis may serve as another important, functional risk factor. These data may help in further risk stratification and adaptation of therapy‐intensity in paediatric patients with ALL. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2015;62:72–79. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Tumour volume reduction after neoadjuvant chemotherapy impacts outcome in localised embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma
Authors: Dantonello Tobias M. , Stark Monika , Timmermann Beate , Fuchs Jörg , Selle Barbara , Linderkamp Christin , Handgretinger Rupert , Hagen Rudolf , Feuchtgruber Simone , Kube Stefanie , Kosztyla Daniel , Kazanowska Bernarda , Ladenstein Ruth , Niggli Felix , Ljungman Gustaf , Bielack Stefan S. , Klingebiel Thomas , Koscielniak Ewa ,   on behalf of the Cooperative Weichteilsarkom Studiengruppe [CWS]
Published: September 2014

Background

Response (tumour volume reduction) to induction chemotherapy has been used to stratify secondary local and systemic treatment of Intergroup Rhabdomyosarcoma Study Group III (IRSG‐III) embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma (RME) in consecutive CWS‐trials. To evaluate its actual impact we studied response‐related treatment and outcomes.

Procedure

Patients with IRSG‐III RME <21 years and non‐response (NR, <33% volume reduction) in five consecutive CWS‐trials were analysed and compared with partial responders (PAR, ≥33% reduction). The NR was reviewed and sub‐classified as Objective Response (OR, <0%–33% reduction) or Stable/Progressive Disease (SPD).

Results

Fifty‐nine of 529 patients had NR (n = 34 OR, n = 25 SPD). Primary risk‐factors including age, tumour size, and TN‐classification did not differ between NR and PAR groups but NR had more patients with unfavourable sites comparatively (P = 0.04). There were no differences in primary risk‐factors between OR and SPD. Significant factors associated with poor outcome in multivariate analysis were NR, TN‐classification, age >10 years, tumour size >5 cm and therapy in older trials. After response assessment n = 24 NR continued to receive induction chemotherapy, n = 32 received other combinations and n = 3 no further chemotherapy. Forty‐two non‐responders were irradiated, and the tumours were completely resected in n = 20. After a median follow‐up of 8 years, 34 NR are alive. Seventeen of 21 failures leading to disease‐related deaths were locoregional. The five‐year overall survival rate (OS) was 76 ± 4% for PAR, 79 ± 14% for OR, but only 40 ± 19% for SPD (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Response to induction chemotherapy appears to be an important surrogate marker of poor outcome in patients with SPD largely due to ineffective local control. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2015;62:16–23. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma biopsy: A single institution experience
Authors: Wang Zhihong J. , Rao Latha , Bhambhani Kanta , Miller Kathy , Poulik Janet , Altinok Deniz , Sood Sandeep
Published: September 2014

Tumor biopsy is rarely performed in diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) due to the presumed risk of surgical complications, although data on the surgery related morbidity of DIPG biopsy is sparse. We performed a retrospective review on 22 consecutive cases of DIPG diagnosed from 2002 to 2012 at Children's Hospital of Michigan, 15 of which underwent biopsy. Transient new or worsening neurological deficits were observed in three of 15 cases following surgery. No surgery related mortality or permanent deficit was observed, and the mean overall survival was 10.4 ± 3.8 months. Undergoing biopsy did not adversely affect the outcome. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2015;62:163–165. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Topical analgesia treats pain and decreases propofol use during lumbar punctures in a randomized pediatric leukemia trial
Authors: Whitlow Puja G. , Saboda Kathylynn , Roe Denise J. , Bazzell Susan , Wilson Cera
Published: September 2014

Background

Lumbar punctures are frequently performed in pediatric leukemia for central nervous system leukemic prophylaxis. The contribution of local anesthetic with deep sedation is unknown. The objective was to evaluate EMLA (eutectic mixture of local anesthetics) cream as a pain reliever in conjunction with propofol in the setting of routine lumbar punctures.

Procedure

We included patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia aged 3–21 years requiring at least two routine lumbar punctures. Patients were randomly assigned to receive EMLA or placebo cream and the alternate treatment with the second procedure. Patients, personnel and outcome assessors were blinded to allocation. The primary outcome included three indirect measures of pain: total median propofol doses, patient movement and heart rate changes at the time of skin puncture in both treatment groups.

Results

Twenty‐six patients were enrolled and 25 were analyzed. With EMLA cream, 4 mg/kg (median) of propofol was required (95% CI 3.5–4.4). With placebo, 4.9 mg/kg of propofol was needed (95% CI 4.3–5.6; P = 0.008). When EMLA cream was applied, 8% of patients moved, whereas 84% moved with placebo cream (P < 0.0001). There was a lower average heart rate by seven beats in the EMLA treatment compared to placebo (95% CI −2.3–4.3; 4.1–12.4; P = 0.009). There were no adverse events in either treatment group.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that the combination of EMLA cream with propofol is beneficial. Topical analgesics are at the discretion of the oncologist, allowing us to advocate for patients by providing safe and efficacious pain management for lumbar punctures. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2015;62:85–90. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Coronary artery dilation and left ventricular hypertrophy do not predict morbidity in children with sickle cell disease
Authors: Johnson Mark C. , Johnikin Micean J. , Euteneuer Joshua C. , DeBaun Michael R. , Hildebolt Charles
Published: September 2014

Background

Little is known about the clinical significance of coronary artery dilation (CAD) and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD).

Procedure

In a retrospective cohort, we studied the prevalence of CAD and LVH in 101 children with SCD in comparison to 93 healthy African–American patients without SCD. Hospital days, number of admissions, and intensive care unit admission after the echocardiogram were assessed as measures of morbidity.

Results

Multivariable analysis of echocardiographic measures of LVH and CAD did not predict subsequent intensive care unit admission, hospital days/year or number of hospital admissions/year during a median follow‐up time of 6.1 years. LVH as measured by left ventricular mass index was present in 46% of children with SCD and was inversely related to age (P = 0.0004). Height‐indexed dimensions in children with SCD demonstrated that the prevalence of dilation was 49% for the left main coronary artery (LMCA), 29% for the left anterior descending (LAD), and 6% for the right coronary artery (RCA). LMCA dilation was related to relative wall thickness (P = 0.006), inversely to age (P < 0.0006) and weakly to disease severity as determined by hemoglobin (P = 0.03). CAD and LVH were not related to a clinical history of vaso‐occlusive pain episode, acute chest syndrome, or cerebrovascular accident.

Conclusion

LVH and CAD are common findings in children with SCD; however, they are not associated with need for subsequent hospital or intensive care unit admission. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2015;62:115–119. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of Hypericum perforatum L. Extract on Insulin Resistance and Lipid Metabolic Disorder in High‐Fat‐Diet Induced Obese Mice
Authors: Tian Jin‐ying , Tao Rong‐ya , Zhang Xiao‐lin , Liu Qian , He Yi‐bo , Su Ya‐lun , Ji Teng‐fei , Ye Fei
Published: September 2014

Natural product Hypericum perforatum L. has been used in folk medicine to improve mental performance. However, the effect of H. perforatum L. on metabolism is still unknown. In order to test whether H. perforatum L. extract (EHP) has an effect on metabolic syndrome, we treated diet induced obese (DIO) C57BL/6J mice with the extract. The chemical characters of EHP were investigated with thin‐layer chromatography, ultraviolet, high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and HPLC‐mass spectrometry fingerprint analysis. Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), insulin tolerance test (ITT), and the glucose infusion rate (GIR) in hyperinsulinemic–euglycemic clamp test were performed to evaluate the glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity. Skeletal muscle was examined for lipid metabolism. The results suggest that EHP can significantly improve the glucose and lipid metabolism in DIO mice. In vitro, EHP inhibited the catalytic activity of recombinant human protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) and reduced the protein and mRNA levels of PTP1B in the skeletal muscle. Moreover, expressions of genes related to fatty acid uptake and oxidation were changed by EHP in the skeletal muscle. These results suggest that EHP may improve insulin resistance and lipid metabolism in DIO mice. © 2014 The Authors. Phytotherapy Research published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Storing matter technique performed in the analytical chamber of a quadrupole SIMS analyser
Authors: Konarski P. , Miśnik M. , Zawada A. , Brongersma H. H.
Published: September 2014

The storing matter technique is applied in quadrupole type SIMS analyser. Its analytical chamber is additionally equipped with a special magnetically driven x, Θ, UHV manipulator applied for transfer of the metal ring collector. The sample holder, horizontally positioned, carries the analysed sample as well as a watch like rotation mechanism carrying a continuously rotating collector of 1 inch diameter at a rate of 1 rev. per hour. The procedure includes cleaning of the collector with the ion beam, the collector reverse, sputter deposition of the analysed material from the sample onto the clean surface of the collector, reversal of the sample and analysis of the stored material. The whole procedure is performed in one analytical chamber, using a Physical Electronics 06‐350E sputter ion gun and QMA‐410 Balzers quadrupole mass analyser. The procedure is tested on pure chromium and is applied to an inconel alloy implanted with 120 keV Cr2+ and 145 keV Y2+. The SIMS results are obtained using 5 and 3 keV Ar+ ion beam at 45° incidence angle. As the collector, we use high purity titanium. The obtained depth profile analysis of the inconel alloy shows that the ‘matrix effect’ is largely reduced when compared with standard SIMS analysis. The storing matter procedure was performed with the use of oxygen flooding (during sputter deposition and during SIMS analysis). Results show significant improvement with respect to the use of this technique without oxygen flooding. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Control of cell migration through mRNA localization and local translation
Authors: Liao Guoning , Mingle Lisa , Van De Water Livingston , Liu Gang
Published: September 2014

Cell migration plays an important role in many normal and pathological functions such as development, wound healing, immune defense, and tumor metastasis. Polarized migrating cells exhibit asymmetric distribution of many cytoskeletal proteins, which is believed to be critical for establishing and maintaining cell polarity and directional cell migration. To target these proteins to the site of function, cells use a variety of mechanisms such as protein transport and messenger RNA (mRNA) localization‐mediated local protein synthesis. In contrast to the former which is intensively investigated and relatively well understood, the latter has been understudied and relatively poorly understood. However, recent advances in the study of mRNA localization and local translation have demonstrated that mRNA localization and local translation are specific and effective ways for protein localization and are crucial for embryo development, neuronal function, and many other cellular processes. There are excellent reviews on mRNA localization, transport, and translation during development and other cellular processes. This review will focus on mRNA localization‐mediated local protein biogenesis and its impact on somatic cell migration. WIREs RNA 2015, 6:1–15. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1265

This article is categorized under:

RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein–RNA Interactions: Functional Implications

Translation > Translation Regulation

RNA Export and Localization > RNA Localization
Genetic defects in dolichol metabolism
Authors: Buczkowska Anna , Swiezewska Ewa , Lefeber Dirk J.
Published: September 2014

Congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDG) comprise a group of inborn errors of metabolism with abnormal glycosylation of proteins and lipids. Patients with defective protein N‐glycosylation are identified in routine metabolic screening via analysis of serum transferrin glycosylation. Defects in the assembly of the dolichol linked Glc3Man9GlcNAc2 glycan and its transfer to proteins lead to the (partial) absence of complete glycans on proteins. These defects are called CDG‐I and are located in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) or cytoplasm. Defects in the subsequent processing of protein bound glycans result in the presence of truncated glycans on proteins. These defects are called CDG‐II and the enzymes involved are located mainly in the Golgi apparatus. In recent years, human defects have been identified in dolichol biosynthesis genes within the group of CDG‐I patients. This has increased interest in dolichol metabolism, has resulted in specific recognizable clinical symptoms in CDG‐I and has offered new mechanistic insights in dolichol biosynthesis. We here review its biosynthetic pathways, the clinical and biochemical phenotypes in dolichol‐related CDG defects, up to the formation of dolichyl‐P‐mannose (Dol‐P‐Man), and discuss existing evidence of regulatory networks in dolichol metabolism to provide an outlook on therapeutic strategies.
The individual N‐ and C‐lobes of calmodulin tether to the Cav1.2 channel and rescue the channel activity from run‐down in ventricular myocytes of guinea‐pig heart
Authors: Shao Dongxue , Zhao Meimi , Xu Jianjun , Feng Rui , Guo Feng , Hu Huiyuan , Sun Xuefei , Gao Qinghua , He Guilin , Sun Wei , Wang Hongmei , Yu Lifeng , Liu Suyuan , Zhu Yaonan , Minobe Etsuko , Zhu Tong , Kameyama Masaki , Hao Liying
Published: September 2014

The present study examined the binding of the individual N‐ and C‐lobes of calmodulin (CaM) to Cav1.2 at different Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]) from ≈ free to 2 mM, and found that they may bind to Cav1.2 Ca2+‐dependently. In particular, using the patch‐clamp technique, we confirmed that the N‐ or C‐lobes can rescue the basal activity of Cav1.2 from run‐down, demonstrating the functional relevance of the individual lobes. The data imply that at resting [Ca2+], CaM may tether to the channel with its single lobe, leading to multiple CaM molecule binding to increase the grade of Ca2+‐dependent regulation of Cav1.2.
A new pma1 mutation identified in a chronologically long‐lived fission yeast mutant
Authors: Naito Chikako , Ito Hirokazu , Oshiro Tomoko , Ohtsuka Hokuto , Murakami Hiroshi , Aiba Hirofumi
Published: September 2014

We isolated a chronologically long‐lived mutant of Schizosaccharomyces pombe and found a new mutation in pma1
+ that encoded for an essential P‐type proton ATPase. An Asp‐138 to Asn mutation resulted in reduced Pma1 activity, concomitant with an increase in the chronological lifespan of this fission yeast. This study corroborates our previous report indicating Pma1 activity is crucial for the determination of life span of fission yeast, and offers information for better understanding of the enzyme, Pma1.
Committing under the shadow of tomorrow: Self‐control and commitment to future virtuous behaviors
Authors: Ein‐Gar Danit
Published: September 2014

Individuals acknowledge the importance of engaging in virtuous behaviors, but find them difficult. Past research suggests that a distant‐future focus may result in more commitment. This research demonstrates that, for certain consumers, distant‐future execution timing may discourage commitment. Specifically, whereas low self‐control consumers are indeed more likely to commit to distant‐future behaviors, high self‐control consumers are more likely to commit to near‐future behaviors. This is demonstrated when commitment does not hold a cost (study 1), but also when it does (study 2). Consumers' time availability certainty underlies the effect: Low self‐control consumers feel more certain that in the distant future they will be able to identify the time necessary to fulfill their commitments, whereas high self‐control consumers feel more certain regarding their ability to identify their available time in the near future (studies 3a–3b). The effect is shown to occur only when the commitment's time of execution reflects different levels of time concreteness: The effect is eliminated among consumers who perceive the near and distant future as equally concrete or abstract (study 4).
Collaboration in Multi‐Partner R&D Projects: The Impact of Partnering Scale and Scope
Authors: Mishra Anant , Chandrasekaran Aravind , MacCormack Alan
Published: September 2014

How can firms design collaboration structures for effective performance in R&D projects that involve multiple partners? To address this question, we examine the theoretical underpinnings of collaboration structures in multi‐partner R&D projects—i.e., the scale and the scope of partnering efforts. Partnering scale captures the extent of resource interdependencies between a firm and its partners; partnering scope captures both the breadth and depth of the interdependencies between a firm and its partners. Using primary data from 147 multi‐partner R&D projects, we develop and test hypotheses that examine the impact of partnering scale and scope decisions on partnering performance. Results indicate that partnering scale has a curvilinear relationship with partnering performance. That is, intermediate levels of partnering scale are associated with higher partnering performance, compared to low or high levels of partnering scale. However, we also find that the nature of this relationship is moderated by the sub‐dimensions of partnering scope. Specifically, increase in partnering breadth appears to magnify the negative effect of partnering scale on performance. In contrast, increase in partnering depth appears to overcome this negative effect, allowing firms to operate at higher levels of partnering scale. Taken together, these results highlight the importance of adopting a comprehensive approach to designing collaboration structures for multi‐partner R&D projects.
Vergangenheit und Nichtvergehenwollendes: Der ÖGD im Nationalsozialismus
Authors: Donhauser Johannes
Published: September 2014

Einleitung

Der ÖGD in Deutschland wurde im Nationalsozialismus gegründet. Für ihre rassistische Bevölkerungspolitik benötigten die Nazis eine gut funktionierende, zentral gesteuerte Verwaltungsstruktur. Herzstück war das neu organisierte Gesundheitsamt unter staatlicher Aufsicht. Die nazistische „Erb- und Rassenpflege“ fungierte als ideologisches Fundament für Zwangssterilisierungen, Eheverbote und Krankenmord.
The determination of turbulence-model statistics from the velocity–acceleration correlation
Authors: Pope Stephen B.
Published: September 2014

For inhomogeneous turbulent flows at high Reynolds number, it is shown that the redistribution term in Reynolds-stress turbulence models can be determined from the velocity–acceleration correlation. It is further shown that the drift coefficient in the generalized Langevin model (which is used in probability density function (PDF) methods) can be determined from the Reynolds stresses and the velocity–acceleration correlation. These observations are valuable, since the second moments of velocity and acceleration can be measured in experiments, in direct numerical simulations and in well-resolved large-eddy simulations (LES), and hence these turbulence-model quantities can be determined. The redistribution is closely related to the pressure–rate-of-strain, and the unknown in the PDF equation is closely related to the conditional mean pressure gradient (conditional on velocity). In contrast to the velocity–acceleration moments, these pressure statistics are much more difficult to obtain, and our knowledge of them is quite limited. It is also shown that the generalized Langevin model can be re-expressed to provide a direct connection between the drift term and the fluid acceleration. All of these results are first obtained using the constant-property Navier–Stokes equations, but it is then shown that the results are simply extended to variable-density flows.
Leo Strauss on Social and Natural Science: Two Previously Unpublished
Papers
Authors: Colen José A. , Minkov Svetozar
Published: September 2014

The two papers published here for the first time were written by Leo Strauss
(1899–1973) in or around 1945, when he was teaching at the New School
for Social Research in New York City. One of Strauss's colleagues at
the New School was Kurt Riezler (1882–1955). Riezler had earned a PhD
in classics, but had an even more distinguished career as a practical
politician; he had been a high-ranking cabinet member in both Imperial and
Weimar Germany and a drafter of the Weimar constitution. He had wide-ranging
scholarly interests, having written books on the theoretical foundations of
politics, art, ancient philosophy, and the fundamental structure of social life.
Because they shared an interest in the foundations of social science, he and
Strauss co-taught a couple of courses in the mid-1940s (on
Aristotle's De anima and Descartes's
Passions of the Soul [along with Solomon Asch], and on
Plato's Theaetetus [along with Alexandre
Koyré]). Strauss indicated the enduring respect he had for Riezler in
a eulogy he wrote for him in 1955 and republished as the concluding essay in
What Is Political Philosophy? and Other Studies in
1959.
Sex work and modes of self-employment in the informal economy: diverse business practices and constraints to effective working
Authors: Pitcher Jane
Published: September 2014

This article draws on research with adult sex workers in indoor settings in Great Britain to explore diverse forms of self-employment, employment relationships and small business development, set within the context of changes to the wider economy. It considers how external constraints such as the legal context, social stigma and dominant policy discourses can impact on sex workers’ autonomy and actively work against their safety and wellbeing. The article argues that broad policy and legal approaches which fail to recognise the complexity of sex work constrain sex workers’ opportunities for business development and improvement of their working circumstances. It suggests the need for recognition of sex work as legitimate labour, as a prerequisite for policy changes to support sex workers and pave the way for improved working conditions, not only in managed settings but also facilitating collective arrangements and independent lone working.
A RESPONSE TO LAW AND MCBRAYER ON HOMOSEXUAL ACTIVITY
Authors: Mulder Jack
Published: September 2014

This short paper argues that two attempts in this journal to argue for the moral permissibility of homosexual activity do not succeed.
Social Desirability in Personality Inventories
Authors: Bäckström Martin , Björklund Fredrik
Published: September 2014

The difference between evaluatively loaded and evaluatively neutralized five-factor inventory items was used to create new variables, one for each factor in the five-factor model. Study 1 showed that these variables can be represented in terms of a general evaluative factor which is related to social desirability measures and indicated that the factor may equally well be represented as separate from the Big Five as superordinate to them. Study 2 revealed an evaluative factor in self-ratings and peer ratings of the Big Five, but the evaluative factor in self-reports did not correlate with such a factor in ratings by peers. In Study 3 the evaluative factor contributed above the Big Five in predicting work performance, indicating a substance component. The results are discussed in relation to measurement issues and self-serving biases.
Influence of thermal treatment and Au-loading on the growth of versatile crystal phase composition and photocatalytic activity of sodium titanate nanotubes
Authors: Grover Inderpreet Singh , Singh Satnam , Pal Bonamali
Published: September 2014

A coalescence influence of Au-loading followed by calcination at 800 °C led to a notable change in crystal-structure, morphology, phase composition and photocatalytic activity of titanate-nanostructures.
Mediating ordered assembly of gold nanorods by controlling droplet evaporation modes for surface enhanced Raman scattering
Authors: Kim Young-Kwan , Na Hee-Kyung , Ham Seulbeom , Min Dal-Hee
Published: September 2014

The evaporation induced self-assembly of nanomaterials has emerged as one of the important approaches to fabricate various ordered nanostructures with enhanced optical properties.
A novel approach to prepare graphene oxide/soluble polyimide composite films with a low dielectric constant and high mechanical properties
Authors: Liao Wei-Hao , Yang Shin-Yi , Hsiao Sheng-Tsung , Wang Yu-Sheng , Li Shin-Ming , Tien Hsi-Wen , Ma Chen-Chi M. , Zeng Shi-Jun
Published: September 2014

This study proposes a facile, practical and effective approach to prepare high-performance graphene oxide (GO)/soluble polyimide (SPI) composite films through a dissolved and dispersed strategy.
A supramolecular hydrogel for the delivery of bortezomib
Authors: Pu Guojuan , Ren Chunhua , Li Dongxia , Wang Ling , Sun Jiangtao
Published: September 2014

A supramolecular hydrogel that can release the anti-cancer drug BTZ is reported in this study.
Rational design of TiO2–V2O5–C nanostructure grafted by N-doped graphene with enhanced photocatalysis and lithium ion store performances
Authors: Qin Guohui , Wu Xuan , Zhang Hongjuan
Published: September 2014

The fabricated GN–TV–C core–shell nanostructures are alternative candidates for both energy storage as well as photocatalysis applications.
Integrated zwitterionic conjugated poly(carboxybetaine thiophene) as a new biomaterial platform
Authors: Cao Bin , Tang Qiong , Li Linlin , Lee Chen-Jung , Wang Hua , Zhang Yanqiao , Castaneda Homero , Cheng Gang
Published: September 2014

An integrated zwitterionic conjugated polymer-based biomaterial platform was designed and studied to address some of the key challenges of conjugated polymers in biomedical applications.
Representations of centrally extended Lie superalgebra $\mathfrak {psl}(2|2)$psl(2|2)
Authors: Matsumoto Takuya , Molev Alexander
Published: September 2014

The symmetries provided by representations of the centrally extended Lie superalgebra \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\begin{document}$\mathfrak {psl}(2|2)$\end{document}psl(2|2) are known to play an important role in the spin chain models originated in the planar anti-de Sitter/conformal field theory correspondence and one-dimensional Hubbard model. We give a complete description of finite-dimensional irreducible representations of this superalgebra thus extending the work of Beisert which deals with a generic family of representations. Our description includes a new class of modules with degenerate eigenvalues of the central elements. Moreover, we construct explicit bases in all irreducible representations by applying the techniques of Mickelsson–Zhelobenko algebras.
Transient conformational fluctuation of TePixD during a reaction
Authors: Kuroi Kunisato , Okajima Koji , Ikeuchi Masahiko , Tokutomi Satoru , Terazima Masahide
Published: September 2014

Significance

The role of conformational fluctuations in protein reactions has been frequently mentioned to discuss the reaction mechanism. Supporting evidence for the importance of the fluctuation has been reported by showing the relationship between the flexibility of the reactant structure and reaction efficiency. However, there has been no direct evidence showing that the fluctuation is indeed enhanced during the reaction, although recent molecular dynamic simulations pointed out the importance. Here, we focused our attention on the experimental proof of enhancement by the time-resolved transient grating method, which is a unique and powerful method. Our results showed that fluctuation is a key to understanding why light-stimulated proteins can transfer the signal without changing the averaged conformation.
Crystal structure of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
ClpP1P2 suggests a model for peptidase activation by AAA+ partner binding and substrate delivery
Authors: Schmitz Karl R. , Carney Daniel W. , Sello Jason K. , Sauer Robert T.
Published: September 2014

Significance

Caseinolytic peptidase P (ClpP) normally collaborates with ATPases associated with diverse activities (AAA+) partner proteins, such as ClpX and ClpC, to carry out energy-dependent degradation of proteins within cells. The ClpP enzyme from
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
is required for survival of this human pathogen, is a validated drug target, and is unusual in consisting of discrete ClpP1 and ClpP2 rings. We solved the crystal structure of ClpP1P2 bound to peptides that mimic binding of protein substrates and small molecules that mimic binding of a AAA+ partner and cause unregulated rogue proteolysis. These studies explain why two different ClpP rings are required for peptidase activity and provide a foundation for the rational development of drugs that target ClpP1P2 and kill
M. tuberculosis
.
Enlight: web-based integration of GWAS results with biological annotations
Authors: Guo Yunfei , Conti David V , Wang Kai
Published: September 2014

Summary: Identifying causal variants remains a key challenge in post-GWAS (genome-wide association study) era, as many GWAS single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (including imputed ones) fall into non-coding regions, making it difficult to associate statistical significance with predicted functionality. Therefore, we created a web-based tool, Enlight, which overlays functional annotation information, such as histone modification states, methylation patterns, transcription factor binding sites, eQTL and higher-order chromosomal structure, to GWAS results.

Availability and implementation: Accessible by a Web browser at http://enlight.usc.edu .

Contact:  kaiwang@usc.edu
LongTarget: a tool to predict lncRNA DNA-binding motifs and binding sites via Hoogsteen base-pairing analysis
Authors: He Sha , Zhang Hai , Liu Haihua , Zhu Hao
Published: September 2014

Motivation: In mammalian cells, many genes are silenced by genome methylation. DNA methyltransferases and polycomb repressive complexes, which both lack sequence-specific DNA-binding motifs, are recruited by long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) to specific genomic sites to methylate DNA and chromatin. Increasing evidence indicates that many lncRNAs contain DNA-binding motifs that can bind to DNA by forming RNA:DNA triplexes. The identification of lncRNA DNA-binding motifs and binding sites is essential for deciphering lncRNA functions and correct and erroneous genome methylation; however, such identification is challenging because lncRNAs may contain thousands of nucleotides. No computational analysis of typical lncRNAs has been reported. Here, we report a computational method and program ( LongTarget ) to predict lncRNA DNA-binding motifs and binding sites. We used this program to analyse multiple antisense lncRNAs, including those that control well-known imprinting clusters, and obtained results agreeing with experimental observations and epigenetic marks. These results suggest that it is feasible to predict many lncRNA DNA-binding motifs and binding sites genome-wide.

Availability and implementation: Website of LongTarget : lncrna.smu.edu.cn , or contact: hao.zhu@ymail.com .

Contact:  zhuhao@smu.edu.cn

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Aristotle's Philosophy of Mind
Authors: Gregoric Pavel
Published: September 2014

It is somewhat anachronistic to speak of Aristotle’s philosophy of mind, since he does not operate with our concept of mind and does not share our focus on questions concerning consciousness and characteristics of mental states. Instead, Aristotle operates with a concept of the soul (psuchē), which only partially overlaps with our concept of mind. The soul is the animating principle that accounts for all manifestations of life. It is evoked to explain processes and states that modern thinkers regard as purely physiological, such as nutrition, growth, reproduction, respiration, sleep, and waking. However, to the extent that the soul also accounts for mental states and processes, a study of soul overlaps with a study of mind and inevitably touches upon issues of consciousness and characteristics of mental states, which makes it legitimate to speak of Aristotle’s philosophy of mind. Aristotle provides an account of the soul in the relatively short treatise De anima, which has been one of his most widely read and commented writings. There are also whole treatises in Aristotle’s biological corpus, and many passages elsewhere, dedicated to various phenomena that Aristotle explains with reference to the soul and that are consequently informative of his views on it. Over the past fifty years philosophers have approached Aristotle as a possible source of fresh ideas concerning mental phenomena and their relation to physical states, followed by ever more conceptually sophisticated and historically sensitive scholarship.