bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Injuries and Illnesses Occurring on a Recreational Bicycle Tour: The Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure
Authors: Pommering Thomas L. , Manos Diane C. , Singichetti Bhavna , Brown Chelsea R. , Yang Jingzhen
Published: August 2017

Objective

Recreational multiday cycling events have grown popular in the United States; however, little has been published regarding the injuries and illnesses that occur during these events. The objective of this study was to describe injuries and illnesses that occur in the Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure (GOBA) and to examine associated risk factors.

Methods

Injury and illness data collected from an on-site medical clinic during the 2013 and 2014 GOBA tours were merged with rider registration data for analysis. Diagnoses were classified as acute injury, overuse injury, or medical illness. The odds ratios of sustaining at least 1 injury/illness, as well as sustaining an acute injury, were assessed adjusting for riders’ demographics.

Results

A total of 4005 (2172 in 2013 and 1833 in 2014) cyclists participated in GOBA, with an an age of 50.7±17.6 (2–86) years (mean±SD [range]), of whom 59.8% were male. During the tours, 143 (3.6%) riders reported at least 1 injury/illness, which resulted in 220 clinical diagnoses, including 114 (51.8%) acute injuries, 27 (12.3 %) overuse injuries, and 79 (35.9%) medical illnesses. The lower extremities were the most commonly injured body site (n=71, 50.4%). “Superficial/Abrasions/Contusions” was the most common injury/illness type (n=68, 30.9%). Riders who had no previous tour experience or who were at least 50 years old had a greater risk of injury/illness than their counterparts.

Conclusions

The prevalence of injury and illness is relatively low in multiday recreational cycling events. Our findings provide important data for planning and preparing for medical coverage at mass recreational cycling events.
Accountability of Canadian Mining Corporations for Their Overseas Conduct: Can Extraterritorial Corporate Criminal Prosecution Come to the Rescue?
Authors: NWAPI CHILENYE
Published: August 2017

This article is set against the backdrop of the inability of Canadian courts to hear civil cases brought by victims of the operations of Canadian mining corporations in developing countries where accountability mechanisms are weak. The article examines the legal framework for extraterritorial criminal prosecution in Canada with a view to seeing how corporate criminal prosecution could fill the accountability gap and contribute to the promotion of the accountability of Canadian mining corporations involved in human and environmental rights abuses in developing countries. The article argues that extraterritorial criminal prosecution holds prospects for success in Canada, if only the Canadian government is willing to utilize it. The real and substantial link test, the Crimes against Humanity and War Crimes Act, and several sections of the Criminal Code provide sufficient jurisdictional bases for such prosecution. The amendments to the doctrine of corporate criminal liability that were made in Canada in 2003 bolster the criminal jurisdictional strength of Canadian courts. Lastly, there are no compelling international comity concerns to discourage the Canadian government from utilizing the criminal justice process to contribute to the global fight against corporate impunity in human and environmental rights abuses. This article seeks to contribute to the knowledge of the powers at the disposal of the Canadian government to do so.
Trust Company Failures and Institutional Change in New York, 1875–1925
Authors: HANSEN BRADLEY A.
Published: August 2017

In the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, New York State trust companies were successful, grew quickly, and failed rarely. The few failures, however, played a leading role in shaping the rules that governed trust companies. Because trust company failures were consistently interpreted as isolated departures from the norm of conservative management, trust companies were able to continue to participate in the rule-making process. The institutions that evolved promoted financial stability by imposing the costs of failure on decision makers and discouraging risky behavior. These failures shed new light on the treatment of failure and the development of corporate governance and financial regulation in the United States
Strengthening human genetics research in Africa: report of the 9th meeting of the African Society of Human Genetics in Dakar in May 2016
Authors: Ndiaye Diallo R. , Gadji M. , Hennig B. J. , Guèye M. V. , Gaye A. , Diop J. P. D. , Sylla Niang M. , Lopez Sall P. , Guèye P. M. , Dem A. , Faye O. , Dieye A. , Cisse A. , Sembene M. , Ka S. , Diop N. , Williams S. M. , Matovu E. , Ramesar R.S. , Wonkam A. , Newport M. , Rotimi C. , Ramsay M.
Published: August 2017

The 9th meeting of the African Society of Human Genetics, in partnership with the Senegalese Cancer Research and Study Group and the Human Heredity and Health in Africa (H3Africa) Consortium, was held in Dakar, Senegal. The theme wasStrengthening Human Genetics Research in Africa.The 210 delegates came from 21 African countries and from France, Switzerland, UK, UAE, Canada and the USA. The goal was to highlight genetic and genomic science across the African continent with the ultimate goal of improving the health of Africans and those across the globe, and to promote the careers of young African scientists in the field. A session on the sustainability of genomic research in Africa brought to light innovative and practical approaches to supporting research in resource-limited settings and the importance of promoting genetics in academic, research funding, governmental and private sectors. This meeting led to the formation of the Senegalese Society for Human Genetics.
ZHENG ZHEN AND THE RISE OF EVIDENTIAL RESEARCH IN LATE QING NORTHERN GUIZHOU
Authors: Wu Guo
Published: August 2017

This article investigates the formation of the Shatan scholarly group and the contribution of its leader, Zheng Zhen. Zheng benefitted from a vigorous trans-regional cultural network of returned local scholars such as Li Xun and Mo Yuchou and prominent scholar-officials from outside such as Cheng Enze and He Changling. Zheng Zhen remained true to the approaches and research topics of evidential research, i.e., historical philology and exegesis of pre-Qin classics, bibliography, and an inquiry into ancient institutions and technology, in an era when the general intellectual trend turned toward statecraft studies and the politicized Modern Text School, promoted by scholars like Gong Zizhen and Kang Youwei. The contribution of the Shatan group, Zheng Zhen in particular, embodies the rise of evidential research, a passion for facts, as well as concerns about society. More importantly, it prompts us to rethink Guizhou as an active agent in the late Qing Chinese cultural landscape.
Revision of the oryctocephalid trilobite generaArthricocephalusBergeron andOryctocarellaTomashpolskaya and Karpinski (Cambrian) from South China and Siberia
Authors: Peng Shanchi , Babcock Loren E. , Zhu Xuejian , Lei Qianping , Dai Tao
Published: August 2017

Restudy of the limestone slab containing the type suite ofArthricocephalus chauveauiBergeron, 1899 (Trilobita), the type species ofArthricocephalusBergeron, 1899, shows that specimens of three species, each representing a separate genus, are present on the slab and were likely included in the original concept of the species. BesidesA.chauveaui, the slab contains specimens ofOryctocarella duyunensis(Qian, 1961) andDuyunaspis duyunensisZhang and Qian in Zhou et al., 1977. Bergeron (1899) illustrated one exoskeleton from the type suite ofA.chauveauionly and apparently based much of his written description on that specimen. This specimen was clearly intended to be the type specimen ofA.chauveaui. Subsequently, Lane et al. (1988) designated another specimen, which was not originally illustrated, as the lectotype, and this specimen is referable toOryctocarella duyunensis. As revised here, Bergeron’s illustrated specimen should be regarded as the lectotype ofA.chauveaui. Such designation stabilizes the concepts of bothArthricocephalusandA.chauveaui.ArthricocephalitesQian in Lu et al., 1974 andHaliplanktosBlaker and Peel, 1997 are regarded as junior synonyms ofArthricocephalus.OryctocarellaTomashpolskaya and Karpinski, 1961, which was previously regarded as a junior synonym ofArthricocephalus, is revived as a valid genus.Oryctocarellaincludes a number of species previously assigned toArthricocephalus. The type species of bothArthricocephalusandOryctocarella, together with related species, are described on the basis of new material.
‘Quit and Stay Quit Monday’ as a Novel Approach to Smoking Cessation: A Pilot Experimental Study
Authors: De Leon Elaine , Crossnohere Norah L. , Fuentes Laura W. , Johnson Morgan , Welding Kevin , Cohen Joanna E.
Published: August 2017

Introduction:Emerging evidence suggests a heightened interest in healthy behaviour changes, including smoking cessation, at the beginning of the week. Evidence from Google searches, quitlines, and cessation websites show greater information-seeking and interest in early week quitting.

Aims:This pilot assesses the comparative effectiveness of a smoking cessation intervention that encourages participants to use Mondays as a day to quit or recommit to quitting smoking.

Methods:We partnered with existing smoking cessation group programs to conduct a quasi-experimental, pre–post study. Both comparison and intervention groups received the same standard-care curriculum from program instructors. Intervention group participants received Monday materials including a wallet card and a mantra card during enrolment. On Mondays, intervention participants received an emailed tip-of-the-week and were encouraged to quit or recommit to quitting. Quit buddies were recommended in both groups, but intervention participants were encouraged to check-in with quit buddies on Mondays. The outcomes of smoking abstinence, number and length of quit attempts, and self-efficacy were assessed at the final program session and three months later.

Results:At the last session, intervention group participants who were still smoking had a higher self-efficacy of quitting in the future, rated their programs as more helpful in quitting smoking, and were more likely to rate quit buddies as very helpful. Differences in self-efficacy were no longer observed at the second follow-up. No differences were observed between intervention and standard group participants in abstinence, number of quits, length of quits, or self-efficacy of staying quit at either follow-up.

Conclusions:Encouraging results from this pilot study indicate that further research is needed to explore how Monday messaging may improve smoking cessation programs.
The co-evolution of emotional well-being with weak and strong friendship ties
Authors: ELMER TIMON , BODA ZSÓFIA , STADTFELD CHRISTOPH
Published: August 2017

Social ties are strongly related to well-being. But what characterizes this relationship? This study investigates social mechanisms explaining how social ties affect well-being through social integration and social influence, and how well-being affects social ties through social selection. We hypothesize that highly integrated individuals–those with more extensive and dense friendship networks–report higher emotional well-being than others. Moreover, emotional well-being should be influenced by the well-being of close friends. Finally, well-being should affect friendship selection when individuals prefer others with higher levels of well-being, and others whose well-being is similar to theirs. We test our hypotheses using longitudinal social network and well-being data of 117 individuals living in a graduate housing community. The application of a novel extension of Stochastic Actor-Oriented Models for ordered networks (ordered SAOMs) allows us to detail and test our hypotheses for weak- and strong-tied friendship networks simultaneously. Results do not support our social integration and social influence hypotheses but provide evidence for selection: individuals with higher emotional well-being tend to have more strong-tied friends, and there are homophily processes regarding emotional well-being in strong-tied networks. Our study highlights the two-directional relationship between social ties and well-being, and demonstrates the importance of considering different tie strengths for various social processes.
ON CONVEX COMBINATIONS OF CONVEX HARMONIC MAPPINGS
Authors: FERRADA-SALAS ÁLVARO , HERNÁNDEZ RODRIGO , MARTÍN MARÍA J.
Published: August 2017

The family${\mathcal{F}}_{\unicode[STIX]{x1D706}}$of orientation-preserving harmonic functions$f=h+\overline{g}$in the unit disc$\mathbb{D}$(normalised in the standard way) satisfying$$\begin{eqnarray}h^{\prime }(z)+g^{\prime }(z)=\frac{1}{(1+\unicode[STIX]{x1D706}z)(1+\overline{\unicode[STIX]{x1D706}}z)},\quad z\in \mathbb{D},\end{eqnarray}$$for some$\unicode[STIX]{x1D706}\in \unicode[STIX]{x2202}\mathbb{D}$, along with their rotations, play an important role among those functions that are harmonic and orientation-preserving and map the unit disc onto a convex domain. The main theorem in this paper generalises results in recent literature by showing that convex combinations of functions in${\mathcal{F}}_{\unicode[STIX]{x1D706}}$are convex.
Maintaining abstinence from smoking after a period of enforced abstinence – systematic review, meta-analysis and analysis of behaviour change techniques with a focus on mental health
Authors: Brose L. S. , Simonavicius E. , McNeill A.
Published: August 2017

Background

Smoking prevalence is doubled among people with mental health problems and reaches 80% in inpatient, substance misuse and prison settings, widening inequalities in morbidity and mortality. As more institutions become smoke-free but most smokers relapse immediately post-discharge, we aimed to review interventions to maintain abstinence post-discharge.

Methods

MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL and Web of Science were searched from inception to May 2016 and randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and cohort studies conducted with adult smokers in prison, inpatient mental health or substance use treatment included. Risk of bias (study quality) was rated using the Effective Public Health Practice Project Tool. Behaviour change techniques (BCTs) were coded from published papers and manuals using a published taxonomy. Mantel–Haenszel random effects meta-analyses of RCTs used biochemically verified point-prevalence smoking abstinence at (a) longest and (b) 6-month follow-up.

Results

Five RCTs (n = 416 intervention, n = 415 control) and five cohort studies (n = 471) included. Regarding study quality, four RCTs were rated strong, one moderate; one cohort study was rated strong, one moderate and three weak. Most common BCTs were pharmacotherapy (n = 8 nicotine replacement therapy, n = 1 clonidine), problem solving, social support, and elicitation of pros and cons (each n = 6); papers reported fewer techniques than manuals. Meta-analyses found effects in favour of intervention [(a) risk ratio (RR) = 2.06, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.30–3.27; (b) RR = 1.86, 95% CI 1.04–3.31].

Conclusion

Medication and/or behavioural support can help maintain smoking abstinence beyond discharge from smoke-free institutions with high mental health comorbidity. However, the small evidence base tested few different interventions and reporting of behavioural interventions is often imprecise.
The ℓ-parity conjecture over the constant quadratic extension
Authors: ČESNAVIČIUS KĘSTUTIS
Published: August 2017

For a prime ℓ and an abelian varietyAover a global fieldK, the ℓ-parity conjecture predicts that, in accordance with the ideas of Birch and Swinnerton–Dyer, the ℤℓ-corank of the ℓ∞-Selmer group and the analytic rank agree modulo 2. Assuming that charK> 0, we prove that the ℓ-parity conjecture holds for the base change ofAto the constant quadratic extension if ℓ is odd, coprime to charK, and does not divide the degree of every polarisation ofA. The techniques involved in the proof include the étale cohomological interpretation of Selmer groups, the Grothendieck–Ogg–Shafarevich formula and the study of the behavior of local root numbers in unramified extensions.
Diameter of the Stochastic Mean-Field Model of Distance
Authors: BHAMIDI SHANKAR , VAN DER HOFSTAD REMCO
Published: August 2017

We consider the complete graph𝜅nonnvertices with exponential meannedge lengths. WritingCijfor the weight of the smallest-weight path between verticesi, j∈ [n], Janson [18] showed that maxi,j∈[n]Cij/lognconverges in probability to 3. We extend these results by showing that maxi,j∈[n]Cij− 3 lognconverges in distribution to some limiting random variable that can be identified via a maximization procedure on a limiting infinite random structure. Interestingly, this limiting random variable has also appeared as the weak limit of the re-centredgraph diameterof the barely supercritical Erdős–Rényi random graph in [22].
BETTI NUMBER ESTIMATES IN -ADIC COHOMOLOGY
Authors: Caro Daniel
Published: August 2017

In the framework of Berthelot’s theory of arithmetic${\mathcal{D}}$-modules, we prove the$p$-adic analogue of Betti number estimates and we give some standard applications.
Institutions in the climate adaptation literature: a systematic literature review through the lens of the Institutional Analysis and Development framework
Authors: ROGGERO MATTEO , BISARO ALEXANDER , VILLAMAYOR-TOMAS SERGIO
Published: August 2017

Analyses of climate adaptation seldom rely on the conceptual toolbox of institutional economics. Yet articles addressing institutions make up a large portion of the climate adaptation literature. With a wealth of institutionally relevant knowledge in the adaptation literature, organizing such knowledge in institutionally meaningful ways can advance the present understanding of the link between institutions and adaptation. Knowing which aspects of this link are well researched, and where in contrast research gaps lie, can provide guidance to institutional economists interested in adaptation. We contribute to this through a systematic review of the adaptation literature, assessing the consideration adaptation scholars give to different elements of the Institutional Analysis and Development framework. Results show a strong focus on collective choice and on adaptation by public actors, with an emphasis on rules in use, social interactions and, to a lesser extent, attributes of the community. Research gaps rather encompass operational and constitutional choice, private adaptation, physical interactions and biophysical conditions.
Wide-stopband bandpass-filtering power divider with high-frequency selectivity
Authors: Song Kaijun , Zhou Yifang , Fan Maoyu , Zhu Yu , Fan Yong
Published: August 2017

A wide-stopband bandpass-filtering power divider with high-frequency selectivity has been proposed in this paper. The input and output feeding lines and eight 1/4 wavelength resonators are used to realize the signal transmission. In order to obtain good frequency selectivity, source-load coupling transmission path is used to generate transmission zeros near the passband. A four-way power divider with bandpass-filtering response and high-frequency selectivity is designed, fabricated, and measured. The measured results agree with the simulated ones closely in the desirable frequency range. The measured center frequency of the power divider is 2.38 GHz with input return loss of 31.2 dB, while the measured insertion loss is about 1 dB (not including ideal 6 dB four-way power dividing insertion loss). Moreover, the measured 3-dB bandwidth is 12% and the measured stopband attenuation is >15 dB from 2.59 to 7.7 GHz. In addition, two transmission zeros of 1.9 and 2.8 GHz are located near the passband. The measured output isolations are all >15.7 dB.
A meta-analysis of monthly variation in occurrence of abdominal aortic aneurysm rupture
Authors: Takagi Hisato , Ando Tomo , Umemoto Takuya
Published: August 2017

Abstract. Background: We performed a meta-analysis to assess the presence of an annual rhythmic variability of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (RAAA) onset. Patients and methods: Eligible studies were observational studies enrolling patients with RAAA and reporting monthly incidence of RAAA. Study-specific estimates, i. e. monthly incidence of RAAA, were combined using the random-effects model. Chronobiological analysis was performed by applying a partial Fourier series to pooled monthly incidence by using the weighted least-squares method. Results: We identified 14 eligible studies enrolling a total of 3,798 patients with RAAA. Pooled monthly incidence of RAAA was 8.7 % in January, 7.7 % in February, 8.7 % in March, 7.3 % in April, 7.8 % in May, 7.2 % in June, 7.0 % in July, 7.0 % in August, 8.1 % in September, 8.8 % in October, 8.4 % in November, and 8.3 % in December. Chronobiological analysis identified a significant (p = 0.0020) annual pattern in the occurrence of RAAA with a peak in December to January and a nadir in June to July. Pooled analysis demonstrated significantly more incidence in December than in June (p = 0.03) as well as in January than in July (p = 0.05). Conclusions: A significant annual pattern in the occurrence of RAAA with a peak in December to January and a nadir in June to July was identified with significantly more incidence in December than in June and in January than in July.
Erratum: YAP determines the cell fate of injured mouse hepatocytes in vivo
Authors: Miyamura Norio , Hata Shoji , Itoh Tohru , Tanaka Minoru , Nishio Miki , Itoh Michiko , Ogawa Yoshihiro , Terai Shuji , Sakaida Isao , Suzuki Akira , Miyajima Atsushi , Nishina Hiroshi
Published: August 2017

Nature Communications 8 Article number: 16017 (2017); Published: 6 July 2017; Updated: 7 August 2017. The financial support for this Article was not fully acknowledged. The Acknowledgements should have included the following: This work was supported by a Nanken-Kyoten grant from Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU).
Low dose arsenite confers resistance to UV induced apoptosis via p53-MDM2 pathway in ketatinocytes
Authors: Zhou Y , Zeng W , Qi M , Duan Y , Su J , Zhao S , Zhong W , Gao M , Li F , He Y , Hu X , Xu X , Chen X , Peng C , Zhang J
Published: August 2017

Chronic arsenite and ultraviolet (UV) exposure are associated with skin tumor. To investigate the details by low concentrations of arsenite and UV induced carcinogenesis in skin, hTERT-immortalized human keratinocytes were used as a cellular model with exposure to low concentrations of sodium arsenite and UV. The effect of NaAsO2 on UV treatment-induced apoptosis was measured by flow cytometry and Hoechst staining. We found that the cell apoptosis induced by UV exposure was significantly attenuated after exposure to low-dose arsenite, and knockdown of p53 could block UV-induced apoptosis indicating that this phenomenon depended on p53. Interestingly, the expression of murine double minute 2 (MDM2), including its protein and transcriptional levels, was remarkably high after exposure to low-dose arsenite. Moreover, low-dose arsenite treatment dramatically decreased the MDM2 gene promoter activity, suggesting that this effect has been mediated through transcription. In addition, treatment of PD98059 reversed low-dose arsenite-induced MDM2 expression, and the inhibition of ERK2 expression could significantly block MDM2 expression as a consequence, and p53 expression automatically was increased. To validate the role of p53 in exposure to low-dose arsenite, the expression of p53 was examined by immunohistochemistry in the skin of Sprague−Dawley rats model by chronic arsenite exposure for 6 months and in patients with arsenic keratosis, and the results showed that the expression of p53 was decreased in those samples. Taken together, our results demonstrated that low-dose arsenite-induced resistance to apoptosis through p53 mediated by MDM2 in keratinocytes.
Transcriptional response to stress is pre-wired by promoter and enhancer architecture
Authors: Vihervaara Anniina , Mahat Dig Bijay , Guertin Michael J. , Chu Tinyi , Danko Charles G. , Lis John T. , Sistonen Lea
Published: August 2017

Programs of gene expression are executed by a battery of transcription factors that coordinate divergent transcription from a pair of tightly linked core initiation regions of promoters and enhancers. Here, to investigate how divergent transcription is reprogrammed upon stress, we measured nascent RNA synthesis at nucleotide-resolution, and profiled histone H4 acetylation in human cells. Our results globally show that the release of promoter-proximal paused RNA polymerase into elongation functions as a critical switch at which a gene’s response to stress is determined. Highly transcribed and highly inducible genes display strong transcriptional directionality and selective assembly of general transcription factors on the core sense promoter. Heat-induced transcription at enhancers, instead, correlates with prior binding of cell-type, sequence-specific transcription factors. Activated Heat Shock Factor 1 (HSF1) binds to transcription-primed promoters and enhancers, and CTCF-occupied, non-transcribed chromatin. These results reveal chromatin architectural features that orient transcription at divergent regulatory elements and prime transcriptional responses genome-wide.
Observation of hybrid Tamm-plasmon exciton- polaritons with GaAs quantum wells and a MoSe2 monolayer
Authors: Wurdack Matthias , Lundt Nils , Klaas Martin , Baumann Vasilij , Kavokin Alexey V. , Höfling Sven , Schneider Christian
Published: August 2017

Strong light matter coupling between excitons and microcavity photons, as described in the framework of cavity quantum electrodynamics, leads to the hybridization of light and matter excitations. The regime of collective strong coupling arises, when various excitations from different host media are strongly coupled to the same optical resonance. This leads to a well-controllable admixture of various matter components in three hybrid polariton modes. Here, we study a cavity device with four embedded GaAs quantum wells hosting excitons that are spectrally matched to the A-valley exciton resonance of a MoSe2 monolayer. The formation of hybrid polariton modes is evidenced in momentum resolved photoluminescence and reflectivity studies. We describe the energy and k-vector distribution of exciton-polaritons along the hybrid modes by a thermodynamic model, which yields a very good agreement with the experiment.
Lorentz-violating type-II Dirac fermions in transition metal dichalcogenide PtTe2
Authors: Yan Mingzhe , Huang Huaqing , Zhang Kenan , Wang Eryin , Yao Wei , Deng Ke , Wan Guoliang , Zhang Hongyun , Arita Masashi , Yang Haitao , Sun Zhe , Yao Hong , Wu Yang , Fan Shoushan , Duan Wenhui , Zhou Shuyun
Published: August 2017

Topological semimetals have recently attracted extensive research interests as host materials to condensed matter physics counterparts of Dirac and Weyl fermions originally proposed in high energy physics. Although Lorentz invariance is required in high energy physics, it is not necessarily obeyed in condensed matter physics, and thus Lorentz-violating type-II Weyl/Dirac fermions could be realized in topological semimetals. The recent realization of type-II Weyl fermions raises the question whether their spin-degenerate counterpart—type-II Dirac fermions—can be experimentally realized too. Here, we report the experimental evidence of type-II Dirac fermions in bulk stoichiometric PtTe2 single crystal. Angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy measurements and first-principles calculations reveal a pair of strongly tilted Dirac cones along the Γ-A direction, confirming PtTe2 as a type-II Dirac semimetal. Our results provide opportunities for investigating novel quantum phenomena (e.g., anisotropic magneto-transport) and topological phase transition.
A light-regulated host–guest-based nanochannel system inspired by channelrhodopsins protein
Authors: Sun Yue , Ma Junkai , Zhang Fan , Zhu Fei , Mei Yuxiao , Liu Lu , Tian Demei , Li Haibing
Published: August 2017

The light-controlled gating of ion transport across membranes is central to nature (e.g., in protein channels). Herein, inspired by channelrhodopsins, we introduce a facile non-covalent approach towards light-responsive biomimetic channelrhodopsin nanochannels using host–guest interactions between a negative pillararene host and a positive azobenzene guest. By switching between threading and dethreading states with alternating visible and UV light irradiation, the functional channels can be flexible to regulate the inner surface charge of the channels, which in turn was exploited to achieve different forms of ion transport, for instance, cation-selective transport and anion-selective transport. Additionally, the pillararene-azobenzene-based nanochannel system could be used to construct a light-activated valve for molecular transport. Given these promising results, we suggest that this system could not only provide a better understanding of some biological processes, but also be applied for drug delivery and various biotechnological applications.
A new class of hybrid secretion system is employed in Pseudomonas amyloid biogenesis
Authors: Rouse Sarah L. , Hawthorne William J. , Berry Jamie-Lee , Chorev Dror S. , Ionescu Sandra A. , Lambert Sebastian , Stylianou Fisentzos , Ewert Wiebke , Mackie Uma , Morgan R. Marc L. , Otzen Daniel , Herbst Florian-Alexander , Nielsen Per H. , Dueholm Morten , Bayley Hagan , Robinson Carol V. , Hare Stephen , Matthews Stephen
Published: August 2017

Gram-negative bacteria possess specialised biogenesis machineries that facilitate the export of amyloid subunits for construction of a biofilm matrix. The secretion of bacterial functional amyloid requires a bespoke outer-membrane protein channel through which unfolded amyloid substrates are translocated. Here, we combine X-ray crystallography, native mass spectrometry, single-channel electrical recording, molecular simulations and circular dichroism measurements to provide high-resolution structural insight into the functional amyloid transporter fromPseudomonas, FapF. FapF forms a trimer of gated β-barrel channels in which opening is regulated by a helical plug connected to an extended coil-coiled platform spanning the bacterial periplasm. Although FapF represents a unique type of secretion system, it shares mechanistic features with a diverse range of peptide translocation systems. Our findings highlight alternative strategies for handling and export of amyloid protein sequences.
Thermodiffusion in multicomponent n-alkane mixtures
Authors: Galliero Guillaume , Bataller Henri , Bazile Jean-Patrick , Diaz Joseph , Croccolo Fabrizio , Hoang Hai , Vermorel Romain , Artola Pierre-Arnaud , Rousseau Bernard , Vesovic Velisa , Bou-Ali M. Mounir , Ortiz de Zárate José M. , Xu Shenghua , Zhang Ke , Montel François , Verga Antonio , Minster Olivier
Published: August 2017

Compositional grading within a mixture has a strong impact on the evaluation of the pre-exploitation distribution of hydrocarbons in underground layers and sediments. Thermodiffusion, which leads to a partial diffusive separation of species in a mixture due to the geothermal gradient, is thought to play an important role in determining the distribution of species in a reservoir. However, despite recent progress, thermodiffusion is still difficult to measure and model in multicomponent mixtures. In this work, we report on experimental investigations of the thermodiffusion of multicomponent n-alkane mixtures at pressure above 30 MPa. The experiments have been conducted in space onboard the Shi Jian 10 spacecraft so as to isolate the studied phenomena from convection. For the two exploitable cells, containing a ternary liquid mixture and a condensate gas, measurements have shown that the lightest and heaviest species had a tendency to migrate, relatively to the rest of the species, to the hot and cold region, respectively. These trends have been confirmed by molecular dynamics simulations. The measured condensate gas data have been used to quantify the influence of thermodiffusion on the initial fluid distribution of an idealised one dimension reservoir. The results obtained indicate that thermodiffusion tends to noticeably counteract the influence of gravitational segregation on the vertical distribution of species, which could result in an unstable fluid column. This confirms that, in oil and gas reservoirs, the availability of thermodiffusion data for multicomponent mixtures is crucial for a correct evaluation of the initial state fluid distribution.
Discovery of novel highly active and stable aspartate dehydrogenases
Authors: Li Hao , Zhu Taicheng , Miao Liangtian , Zhang Dan , Li Yongxian , Li Qi , Li Yin
Published: August 2017

Aspartate family amino acids (AFAAs) have important commercial values due to their wide spectrum of applications. Most if not all AFAAs are produced under aerobic conditions which is energy-intensive. To establish a cost-effective anaerobic process for production of AFAAs, it holds great promise to develop a new pathway enabling the conversion of oxoloacetate into aspartate through direct amination which is catalyzed by aspartate dehydrogenase (AspDH). Compared with the well studied aspartate aminotransferase and aspartate ammonia-lyase, only a few AspDHs are characterized till date, and failure to reproduce the high activity of AspDH from Rastonia eutropha documented in the literature encouraged us to screen and characterize novel AspDHs from different origins. Interestingly, the AspDHs from Klebsiella pneumoniae 34618 (KpnAspDH) and Delftia sp. Cs1–4 (DelAspDH) showed successful soluble expression. KpnAspDH and DelAspDH containing C-terminal hexa-histidine tags were purified and characterized for their catalytic properties. Notably, in addition to its high reductive amination activity, DelAspDH exhibited considerable stability as compared to the other source of AspDHs. This work thus provides novel enzyme resource for engineering strains capable of producing AFAAs under anaerobic conditions.
HIF1α regulates glioma chemosensitivity through the transformation between differentiation and dedifferentiation in various oxygen levels
Authors: Wang Pan , Wan Wenwu , Xiong Shuanglong , Wang Junwei , Zou Dewei , Lan Chuan , Yu Shuangjiang , Liao Bin , Feng Hua , Wu Nan
Published: August 2017

Chemotherapy plays a significant role in glioma treatment; however, it has limited effectiveness in extending the life expectancies of glioma patients. Traditional studies have attributed this lack of efficacy to glioma stem cells (GSCs) and their high resistance to chemotherapy, and hypoxia worsens this issue. In contrast, hyperoxia effectively alleviates hypoxia in glioma and sensitizes glioma cells to chemotherapy. In a summary of traditional studies, the majority of researchers overlooked the influence of hypoxia on differentiated cells because they only focused on the maintenance of GSCs stemness, which thus resulted in chemoresistance. Because of this background, we hypothesized that GSCs may be induced through dedifferentiation under hypoxic conditions, and hypoxia maintains GSCs stemness, which thus leads to resistance to chemotherapy. In contrast, hyperoxia inhibits the dedifferentiation process and promotes GSCs differentiation, which increases the sensitization of glioma cells to chemotherapy. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF1α) contributes substantially to the stemness maintenance of GSCs and resistance of glioma to chemotherapy; thus, we investigated whether HIF1α regulates the resistance or sensitization of glioma cells to chemotherapy in different oxygen levels. It highlights a novel viewpoint on glioma chemosensitivity from the transformation between dedifferentiation and differentiation in different oxygen levels.
Dietary arginine affects the insulin signaling pathway, glucose metabolism and lipogenesis in juvenile blunt snout bream Megalobrama amblycephala
Authors: Liang Hualiang , Habte-Tsion Habte-Michael , Ge Xianping , Ren Mingchun , Xie Jun , Miao Linghong , Zhou Qunlan , Lin Yan , Pan Wenjing
Published: August 2017

This study evaluated the mechanisms governing insulin resistance, glucose metabolism and lipogenesis in juvenile fish fed with graded levels of dietary arginine. The results showed that, compared with the control group (0.87%), 2.31% dietary arginine level resulted in the upregulation of the relative gene expression of IRS-1, PI3K and Akt in the insulin signaling pathway, while 2.70% dietary arginine level led to inhibition of these genes. 1.62% dietary arginine level upregulated glycolysis by increasing GK mRNA level; 2.70% dietary arginine level upregulated gluconeogenesis and resulted in high plasma glucose content by increasing PEPCK and G6P mRNA level. Furthermore, 2.70% dietary arginine level significantly lowered GLUT2 and increased PK mRNA levels. 1.62% dietary arginine level significantly upregulated ACC, FAS and G6PDH mRNA levels in the fat synthesis pathway and resulted in high plasma TG content. These results indicate that 1.62% dietary arginine level improves glycolysis and fatty acid synthesis in juvenile blunt snout bream. However, 2.70% dietary arginine level results in high plasma glucose, which could lead to negative feedback of insulin resistance, including inhibition of IRS-1 mRNA levels and activation of gluconeogenesis-related gene expression. This mechanism seems to be different from mammals at the molecular level.
TNFα induced up-regulation of Na+,K+,2Cl− cotransporter NKCC1 in hepatic ammonia clearance and cerebral ammonia toxicity
Authors: Pozdeev Vitaly I. , Lang Elisabeth , Görg Boris , Bidmon Hans J. , Shinde Prashant V. , Kircheis Gerald , Herebian Diran , Pfeffer Klaus , Lang Florian , Häussinger Dieter , Lang Karl S. , Lang Philipp A.
Published: August 2017

The devastating consequences of hepatic failure include hepatic encephalopathy, a severe, life threatening impairment of neuronal function. Hepatic encephalopathy is caused by impaired hepatic clearance of NH4+. Cellular NH4+ uptake is accomplished mainly by the Na+,K+,2Cl− cotransporter. Here we show that hepatic clearance of NH4+ is impaired in TNFα deficient as well as TNFR1&TNFR2 double knockout mice, which both develop hyperammonemia. Despite impaired hepatic clearance of NH4+, TNFα deficient mice and TNFR1 deficient mice were protected against acute ammonia intoxication. While 54% of the wild-type mice and 60% of TNFR2 deficient mice survived an NH4+ load, virtually all TNFα deficient mice and TNFR1 deficient mice survived the treatment. Conversely, TNFα treatment of wild type mice sensitized the animals to the toxic effects of an NH4+ load. The protection of TNFα-deficient mice against an NH4+ load was paralleled by decreased cerebral expression of NKCC1. According to the present observations, inhibition of TNFα formation and/or NKCC1 may be strategies to favorably influence the clinical course of hepatic encephalopathy.
Immune responses against Helicobacter pylori-specific antigens differentiate relapsing remitting from secondary progressive multiple sclerosis
Authors: Efthymiou Georgios , Dardiotis Efthymios , Liaskos Christos , Marou Emmanouela , Tsimourtou Vana , Rigopoulou Eirini I. , Scheper Thomas , Daponte Alexandros , Meyer Wolfgang , Sakkas Lazaros I. , Hadjigeorgiou Georgios , Bogdanos Dimitrios P.
Published: August 2017

To assess whether Helicobacter pylori (Hp) antibody (ab) reactivity against individual Hp antigens is pathogenetically relevant to multiple sclerosis (MS), we systematically investigated prevalence and clinical significance of abs against 14 immunodominant and subdominant Hp antigens by ELISA and immunoblotting in 139 consecutive MS patients with relapsing-remitting (RRMS, n = 102) or secondary progressive (SPMS, n = 37). Sera from 39 patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD), 21 with Alzheimer’s disease (ALZ) and 68 healthy controls (HCs), were also tested. Anti-flagellin (18.3%) and anti-p41 (25.0%) abs in MS were less frequent than in HCs (39.4%, 48.5%, respectively). Abs against 5 of the 14 antigens were less frequent in RRMS than HCs, including p41, p54-flagellin, p29-UreA, p67-FSH, and p120-CagA. Anti-VacA abs were more frequent in SPMS than in HCs (42.1 vs 12.1%, p = 0.019). Anti-p54, anti-p29-UreA and anti-p26 correlated with extended disability status scale (EDSS) (p = 0.017, p = 0.005, p = 0.002, respectively). Anti-p26 and anti-p17 correlated with the number of relapses (p = 0.037 and p = 0.047, respectively). This is the first comprehensive analysis of ab reactivities against most Hp antigens in MS patients. Ab responses differ between MS and HCs and between RRMS and SPMS, being more prevalent in SPMS than RRMS, thus suggesting an association between anti-Hp and the former type of MS.
SNAP-25 phosphorylation at Ser187 regulates synaptic facilitation and short-term plasticity in an age-dependent manner
Authors: Katayama Norikazu , Yamamori Saori , Fukaya Masahiro , Kobayashi Shizuka , Watanabe Masahiko , Takahashi Masami , Manabe Toshiya
Published: August 2017

Neurotransmitter release is mediated by the SNARE complex, but the role of its phosphorylation has scarcely been elucidated. Although PKC activators are known to facilitate synaptic transmission, there has been a heated debate on whether PKC mediates facilitation of neurotransmitter release through phosphorylation. One of the SNARE proteins, SNAP-25, is phosphorylated at the residue serine-187 by PKC, but its physiological significance has been unclear. To examine these issues, we analyzed mutant mice lacking the phosphorylation of SNAP-25 serine-187 and found that they exhibited reduced release probability and enhanced presynaptic short-term plasticity, suggesting that not only the release process, but also the dynamics of synaptic vesicles was regulated by the phosphorylation. Furthermore, it has been known that the release probability changes with development, but the precise mechanism has been unclear, and we found that developmental changes in release probability of neurotransmitters were regulated by the phosphorylation. These results indicate that SNAP-25 phosphorylation developmentally facilitates neurotransmitter release but strongly inhibits presynaptic short-term plasticity via modification of the dynamics of synaptic vesicles in presynaptic terminals.
Social contact patterns relevant to the spread of respiratory infectious diseases in Hong Kong
Authors: Leung Kathy , Jit Mark , Lau Eric H. Y. , Wu Joseph T.
Published: August 2017

The spread of many respiratory infections is determined by contact patterns between infectious and susceptible individuals in the population. There are no published data for quantifying social contact patterns relevant to the spread of respiratory infectious diseases in Hong Kong which is a hotspot for emerging infectious diseases due to its high population density and connectivity in the air transportation network. We adopted a commonly used diary-based design to conduct a social contact survey in Hong Kong in 2015/16 using both paper and online questionnaires. Participants using paper questionnaires reported more contacts and longer contact duration than those using online questionnaires. Participants reported 13 person-hours of contact and 8 contacts per day on average, which decreased over age but increased with household size, years of education and income level. Prolonged and frequent contacts, and contacts at home, school and work were more likely to involve physical contacts. Strong age-assortativity was observed in all age groups. We evaluated the characteristics of social contact patterns relevant to the spread of respiratory infectious diseases in Hong Kong. Our findings could help to improve the design of future social contact surveys, parameterize transmission models of respiratory infectious diseases, and inform intervention strategies based on model outputs.
Electrochemically anodized porous silicon: Towards simple and affordable anode material for Li-ion batteries
Authors: Ikonen T. , Nissinen T. , Pohjalainen E. , Sorsa O. , Kallio T. , Lehto V.-P.
Published: August 2017

Silicon is being increasingly studied as the next-generation anode material for Li-ion batteries because of its ten times higher gravimetric capacity compared with the widely-used graphite. While nanoparticles and other nanostructured silicon materials often exhibit good cyclability, their volumetric capacity tends to be worse or similar than that of graphite. Furthermore, these materials are commonly complicated and expensive to produce. An effortless way to produce nanostructured silicon is electrochemical anodization. However, there is no systematic study how various material properties affect its performance in LIBs. In the present study, the effects of particle size, surface passivation and boron doping degree were evaluated for the mesoporous silicon with relatively low porosity of 50%. This porosity value was estimated to be the lowest value for the silicon material that still can accommodate the substantial volume change during the charge/discharge cycling. The optimal particle size was between 10–20 µm, the carbide layer enhanced the rate capability by improving the lithiation kinetics, and higher levels of boron doping were beneficial for obtaining higher specific capacity at lower rates. Comparison of pristine and cycled electrodes revealed the loss of electrical contact and electrolyte decay to be the major contributors to the capacity decay.
Evaluation of novel factor Xa inhibitors from Oxya chinensis sinuosa with anti-platelet aggregation activity
Authors: Lee Wonhwa , Lee HeeSeung , Kim Mi-Ae , Choi Joonhyeok , Kim Kyung-Min , Hwang Jae Sam , Na MinKyun , Bae Jong-Sup
Published: August 2017

The edible grasshopper Oxya chinensis sinuosa is consumed worldwide for its various medicinal effects. The purpose of this study was to investigate potential bioactive antithrombotic and antiplatelet compounds from O. chinensis sinuosa. Five N-acetyldopamine dimers (1–5) were isolated from O. chinensis sinuosa and compounds 1 and 2 were identified as new chemicals with chiral centers at H-2 and H-3 of the benzo-1,4-dioxane structure. Compounds 1–4 were found to have both FXa and platelet aggregation inhibitory activities. These compounds inhibited the catalytic activity of FXa toward its synthetic substrate, S-2222, by noncompetitive inhibition, and inhibited platelet aggregation induced by ADP and U46619. Furthermore, compounds 1–4 showed enhanced antithrombotic effects, which were assessed using in vivo models of pulmonary embolism and arterial thrombosis. The isolated compounds also showed anticoagulant effects in mice. However, compounds 1–4 did not prolong bleeding time in mice, as shown by tail clipping. N-Acetyldopamine dimers, including two new stereoisomers 1 and 2, are novel antithrombotic compounds showing both FXa inhibition and antiplatelet aggregation activity with a low bleeding risk. Collectively, these results suggest that compounds 1–4 could serve as candidates and provide scaffolds for development of new antithrombotic drugs.
Fluorescent hydrogel waveguide for on-site detection of heavy metal ions
Authors: Guo Jingjing , Zhou Minjuan , Yang Changxi
Published: August 2017

Hydrogels have great applications in tissue engineering and drug delivery. Recently, there have been intense interests in developments and applications of nanocomposite hydrogels by incorporating nanomaterials into polymer matrix, which endows the hydrogels with new functionalities. Here, we report on the first carbon dots (CDs) doped hydrogel waveguide for selective, on-site detection of heavy metal ions in aqueous solutions. The CDs-doped hydrogel waveguide exhibits efficient light confinement in water due to the refractive index contrast. The smooth waveguide surfaces lead to low light scattering loss. Real-time spectra measurement of the CDs-doped hydrogel waveguide with a compact interrogation setup demonstrates that the novel design can be used as a portable, robust sensing platform for on-site analysis and assessment of heavy metal ions.