bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dougie Young and political resistance in early Aboriginal country music
Authors: Martin Toby
Published: October 2019

Country music has a reputation for being the music of the American white working-class South and being closely aligned with conservative politics. However, country music has also been played by non-white minorities and has been a vivid way of expressing progressive political views. In the hands of the Indigenous peoples of Australia, country music has often given voice to a form of life-writing that critiques colonial power. The songs of Dougie Young, dating from the late 1950s, provide one of the earliest and most expressive examples of this use of country music. Young's songs were a type of social-realist satire and to be fully understood should be placed within the broader socio-political context of 1950s and 1960s Australia. Young's legacy was also important for Aboriginal musicians in the 1990s and the accompanying reassessment of Australia's colonial past. Country music has provided particular opportunities for minority and Indigenous groups seeking to use popular culture to tell their stories. This use of country music provides a new dimension to more conventional understandings of its political role.
Thermal influence on the embryonic development and hatching rate of the flameback pygmy angelfish Centropyge aurantonotus eggs
Authors: Mendonça Raoani Cruz , Ikebata Sarah Pittigliani , Araújo-Silva Sérgio Leandro , Manhães João Vitor Azevedo , Tsuzuki Mônica Yumi
Published: October 2019

The flameback pygmy angelfish Centropyge aurantonotus, highly appreciated and valued by the aquarium market, is heavily harvested and traded. Temperature is one of the abiotic factors that has the most influence on fish development, especially in the early stages of life. For captive production, it is essential to know the appropriate environmental parameters for each species. In this sense, this study aimed to evaluate the influence of temperature on the embryonic development and hatching rates of C. aurantonotus incubated at six different temperatures (20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30°C). Embryonic development events were very similar in terms of morphological and chronological characteristics compared with other species of the genus Centropyge. Incubation time was inversely proportional to temperature. The treatment at 22°C required twice the time of that required by 30°C treatment for hatching to occur. The best incubation temperature range was 24–28°C. Values below 22°C and at 30°C showed lower hatching rates compared with other treatments. Based on these results, the recommended temperature at which to incubate C. aurantonotus eggs is between 24–28°C.
Water and stone: the economics of wall-painting in Pompeii (A.D. 62-79)
Authors: Bologna Francesca
Published: October 2019

This article investigates production times, workforce, and materials involved in the creation of wall-paintings, applying figures obtained from pre-industrial building manuals and through experimental archaeology. This is a crucial yet — at least with regard to Roman wall-painting – unexploited avenue for research, one that has already been successfully applied to the study of ancient construction, stone-working, and mosaic production.1 The implications of this type of study are twofold: estimating labour figures allows us to assess painters’ working practices and workforce organization, yet it can also help uncover the burden sustained by patrons in both economic and personal terms, thereby providing a more realistic notion of what it meant to have one’s house decorated. Ultimately, this can lead to a better understanding of local markets and of the socio-economic implications of the wall-painting industry
Reconsidering the Roman conquest: new archaeological perspectives
Authors: Roymans Nico , Fernández-Götz Manuel
Published: October 2019

This issue of JRA includes a thematic section with 5 papers on new advances in the archaeology of the Roman conquest. They emanate from a session organised by the present authors at the Roman Archaeology Conference held in April 2018 at the University of Edinburgh. As editors of this section, we intend that the present article serves as a short introduction to the topic.
Roman attitudes to empire and imperialism: the view from history
Authors: Cornwell Hannah
Published: October 2019

In a letter written to Atticus in mid March 60 B.C., Cicero (Att. 1.19.2) flagged up a number of concerns regarding the situation in Gaul:

In public life at the moment, fear of a Gallic war is the big issue. For the Aeduans, our brothers, have recently fought a hard fight and without doubt the Helvetii are up in arms and making excursions into the province. The senate has decreed that the consuls should cast lots for the two Gauls, that levies should take place with no exemptions valid, and that legates with authority should be sent to go to the Gallic communities and to make an effort to prevent them from joining forces with the Helvetii (author’s transl.)
Vegetarianism and other eating practices among youth and young adults in major Canadian cities
Authors: Vergeer Laura , Vanderlee Lana , White Christine M , Rynard Vicki L , Hammond David
Published: October 2019

Objective:

To estimate the prevalence and sociodemographic characteristics of youth and young adults in major Canadian cities with self-reported vegetarian dietary practices and examine efforts to alter their diets.

Design:

Data were collected in autumn 2016 via web-based surveys. Respondents reported vegetarian dietary practices (vegan, vegetarian or pescatarian) and efforts in the preceding year to consume more or less of several nutrients, food groups and/or foods with particular attributes. Logistic regression models examined sociodemographic correlates of each vegetarian dietary practice and differences in other eating practices by diet type.

Setting:

Participants were recruited from five major Canadian cities.

Participants:

Youth and young adults, aged 16–30 years (n 2566).

Results:

Overall, 13·6 % of respondents reported vegetarian dietary practices: 6·6 % vegetarian, 4·5 % pescatarian and 2·5 % vegan. Sex, race/ethnicity, self-reported frequency of using the Nutrition Facts table and health literacy were significantly correlated with self-reported vegetarian dietary practice (P < 0·01 for all). Efforts to consume more fruits and vegetables (66·8 %) and protein (54·8 %), and less sugar (61·3 %) and processed foods (54·7 %), were prevalent overall. Respondents with vegetarian dietary practices were more likely to report efforts to consume fewer carbohydrates and animal products, and more organic, locally produced, ethically sourced/sustainably sourced/fair trade and non-GM foods (P < 0·01 for all), compared with those without these reported dietary practices.

Conclusions:

Nearly 14 % of the sampled youth and young adults in major Canadian cities reported vegetarian dietary practices and may be especially likely to value and engage in behaviours related to health-conscious diets and sustainable food production.
The political economy of insecure property rights: insights from the Kingdom of Sicily
Authors: Candela Rosolino A.
Published: October 2019

How did the evolution of the rule of law become stunted in Sicily during the 19thcentury? The work of economist Yoram Barzel, particularly his property-rights approach to understanding the political economy of state formation, is uniquely suited to understanding the failure of Italy's unification process to secure the rule of law in Sicily during the 19th century. This failure can be explained by a lack of a credible commitment to the rule of law in the state formation process. I argue that this lack of credible commitment manifested itself in the abolition of previously existing parliamentary institutions as an independent collective action mechanism, as well as prior constitutional agreements that existed in the Kingdom of Sicily. The resulting uncertainty over the security and legal definition of property rights over land raised the transaction costs of competing for resources through productive specialization and market exchange. In turn, it reduced the relative costs of competition for land ownership and the use of enforcement through other means, such as rent seeking or organized crime.
Differences Between OCO‐2 and GOME‐2 SIF Products From a Model‐Data Fusion Perspective
Authors: Bacour C. , Maignan F. , Peylin P. , MacBean N. , Bastrikov V. , Joiner J. , Köhler P. , Guanter L. , Frankenberg C.
Published: October 2019

Space‐borne retrievals of solar‐induced chlorophyll fluorescence (SIF) over land surfaces have recently become a resource for studying and quantifying the broad scale dynamics of gross carbon uptake (gross primary productivity—GPP) across ecosystems. To prepare for the assimilation of SIF data in terrestrial biosphere models, we examine how differences between SIF products (due to differences in acquisition characteristics and processing chain) may affect the optimization of model parameters and the resultant GPP estimate. We compare recent daily mean SIF products (one from the Orbiting Carbon Observatory‐2 [OCO‐2] and two from the Global Ozone Monitoring Experiment–2 [GOME‐2], GlobFluo [GF] and NASA‐v28 [N28], missions), averaged at 0.5° × 0.5° spatial resolution and 16‐day temporal resolution, at the biome level. Phase differences between these products are relatively small. A first‐order correction of the difference in spectral sampling between the two instruments shows that OCO‐2 and N28 are consistent in terms of magnitude and amplitude, while GF is twice as large as the others. Using a bias‐blind toy data assimilation framework, we analyze how biases between SIF products, and between model and products, can be partially alleviated by optimizing the slope and intercept parameters of a linear GPP‐SIF operator. As observation biases can transfer to biases in other optimized process‐based parameters and to modeled carbon fluxes— thereby resulting in unidentified inaccurate parameter values—we argue that potential SIF biases should be treated cautiously in real‐world experiments in order to achieve realistic and reliable future simulations.
Electrification of Experimental Volcanic Jets with Varying Water Content and Temperature
Authors: Stern S. , Cimarelli C. , Gaudin D. , Scheu B. , Dingwell D.B.
Published: October 2019

Volcanic lightning—a near ubiquitous feature of explosive volcanic eruptions—possesses great potential for the analysis of volcanic plume dynamics. To date, the lack of quantitative knowledge on the relationships between plume characteristics hinders efficient data analysis and application of the resulting parameterizations. We use a shock‐tube apparatus for rapid decompression experiments to produce particle‐laden jets. We have systematically and independently varied the water content (0–27 wt%) and the temperature (25–320 °C) of the particle‐gas mixture. The addition of a few weight percent of water is sufficient to reduce the observed electrification by an order of magnitude. With increasing temperature, a larger number of smaller discharges are observed, with the overall amount of electrification staying similar. Changes in jet dynamics are proposed as the cause of the temperature‐dependence, while multiple factors (including the higher conductivity of wet ash) can be seen responsible for the decreased electrification in wet experiments.
Urbanization Effect in Regional Temperature Series Based on a Remote Sensing Classification Scheme of Stations
Authors: Tysa Suonam Kealdrup , Ren Guoyu , Qin Yun , Zhang Panfeng , Ren Yuyu , Jia Wenqian , Wen Kangmin
Published: October 2019

Quantifying the urbanization effect on station and regional surface air temperature (SAT) trends is a prerequisite for monitoring and detecting long‐term climate change. Based on the data set of satellite visible spectral remote sensing, a new method is developed to determine the urbanization level around observational sites on varied spatial scales and to classify the sites into different categories of stations (U1, U2, …, U6) with U1 the least and U6 the largest affected by urbanization. Urbanization effect on SAT anomaly series of urban and national stations are then evaluated for the periods of 1980–2015 and 1960–2015. Results show that the percentage of built‐up area in different circumferences of the observational sites can be considered as a good indicator of comprehensive urbanization level of station and can be used to classify stations and to determine reference stations; the largest increase in annual mean SAT (Tmean) during 1980–2015 occurred at U6 stations, and U1 stations registered the weakest annual mean warming. The urbanization level is significantly positively correlated to the linear trends of annual mean Tmean and minimum SAT (Tmin) and significantly negatively correlated to the diurnal temperature range (DTR) change. The data sets of the national reference climate station network and basic meteorological station network show large urbanization effect and contribution, with the annual mean urbanization contributions reaching 28.7% and 25.8% for the periods 1960–2015 and 1980–2015, respectively. For all the national stations (2,286 in total), the urbanization contributions are 17.1% and 14.6% for the two same periods, respectively.
Pseudodiabetes—not a contraindication for metabolic interventions
Authors: Bravo-San Pedro José Manuel , Sica Valentina , Kroemer Guido
Published: October 2019

Type-2 diabetes is characterized by glycosuria, hyperglycemia, glucose intolerance, hyperinsulinemia, and insulin resistance. One or several among these alterations are also found after starvation, ketogenic diet, and pharmacological treatment with rapamycin or antibody-mediated neutralization of the obesogenic factor ACBP/DBI. Thus, a variety of metabolic interventions that improve metabolic health can induce a transient state of “pseudo-diabetes”.
De novo exploration and self-guided learning of potential-energy surfaces
Authors: Bernstein Noam , Csányi Gábor , Deringer Volker L.
Published: October 2019

Interatomic potential models based on machine learning (ML) are rapidly developing as tools for material simulations. However, because of their flexibility, they require large fitting databases that are normally created with substantial manual selection and tuning of reference configurations. Here, we show that ML potentials can be built in a largely automated fashion, exploring and fitting potential-energy surfaces from the beginning (de novo) within one and the same protocol. The key enabling step is the use of a configuration-averaged kernel metric that allows one to select the few most relevant and diverse structures at each step. The resulting potentials are accurate and robust for the wide range of configurations that occur during structure searching, despite only requiring a relatively small number of single-point DFT calculations on small unit cells. We apply the method to materials with diverse chemical nature and coordination environments, marking an important step toward the more routine application of ML potentials in physics, chemistry, and materials science.
Quantum key distribution with simply characterized light sources
Authors: Mizutani Akihiro , Sasaki Toshihiko , Takeuchi Yuki , Tamaki Kiyoshi , Koashi Masato
Published: October 2019

To guarantee the security of quantum key distribution (QKD), security proofs of QKD protocols have assumptions on the devices. Commonly used assumptions are, for example, each random bit information chosen by a sender to be precisely encoded on an optical emitted pulse and the photon-number probability distribution of the pulse to be exactly known. These typical assumptions imposed on light sources such as the above two are rather strong and would be hard to verify in practical QKD systems. The goal of the paper is to replace those strong assumptions on the light sources with weaker ones. In this paper, we adopt the differential-phase-shift (DPS) QKD protocol and drastically mitigate the requirements on light sources, while for the measurement unit, trusted and photon-number-resolving detectors are assumed. Specifically, we only assume the independence among emitted pulses, the independence of the vacuum emission probability from a chosen bit, and upper bounds on the tail distribution function of the total photon number in a single block of pulses for single, two and three photons. Remarkably, no other detailed characterizations, such as the amount of phase modulation, are required. Our security proof significantly relaxes demands for light sources, which paves a route to guarantee implementation security with simple verification of the devices.
Effect of surgical parameters on the biomechanical behaviour of bicondylar total knee endoprostheses – A robot-assisted test method based on a musculoskeletal model
Authors: Kebbach M. , Grawe R. , Geier A. , Winter E. , Bergschmidt P. , Kluess D. , D’Lima D. , Woernle C. , Bader R.
Published: October 2019

The complicated interplay of total knee replacement (TKR) positioning and patient-specific soft tissue conditions still causes a considerable number of unsatisfactory outcomes. Therefore, we deployed a robot-assisted test method, in which a six-axis robot moved and loaded a bicondylar cruciate-retaining (CR)-TKR in a virtual lower extremity emulated by a musculoskeletal multibody model. This enabled us to systematically analyse the impact of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), tibial slope, and tibial component rotation on TKR function while considering the physical implant components and physiological-like conditions during dynamic motions. The PCL resection yielded a decrease of femoral rollback by 4.5 mm and a reduction of tibiofemoral contact force by 50 N. A reduced tibial slope led to an increase of tibiofemoral contact force by about 170 N and a decrease of femoral rollback up to 1.7 mm. Although a higher tibial slope reduced the contact force, excessive tibial slopes should be avoided to prevent joint instability. Contrary to an external rotation of the tibial component, an internal rotation clearly increased the contact force and lateral femoral rollback. Our data contribute to improved understanding the biomechanics of TKRs and show the capabilities of the robot-assisted test method based on a musculoskeletal multibody model as a preoperative planning tool.
Snap29 mutant mice recapitulate neurological and ophthalmological abnormalities associated with 22q11 and CEDNIK syndrome
Authors: Keser Vafa , Lachance Jean-François Boisclair , Alam Sabrina Shameen , Lim Youngshin , Scarlata Eleonora , Kaur Apinder , Zhang Tian Fang , Lv Shasha , Lachapelle Pierre , O’Flaherty Cristian , Golden Jeffrey A. , Jerome-Majewska Loydie A.
Published: October 2019

Synaptosomal-associated protein 29 (SNAP29) encodes a member of the SNARE family of proteins implicated in numerous intracellular protein trafficking pathways. SNAP29 maps to the 22q11.2 region and is deleted in 90% of patients with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS). Moreover, bi-allelic SNAP29 mutations in patients are responsible for CEDNIK (cerebral dysgenesis, neuropathy, ichthyosis, and keratoderma) syndrome. A mouse model that recapitulates abnormalities found in these syndromes is essential for uncovering the cellular basis of these disorders. In this study, we report that mice with a loss of function mutation of Snap29 on a mixed CD1;FvB genetic background recapitulate skin abnormalities associated with CEDNIK, and also phenocopy neurological and ophthalmological abnormalities found in CEDNIK and a subset of 22q11.2DS patients. Our work also reveals an unanticipated requirement for Snap29 in male fertility and supports contribution of hemizygosity for SNAP29 to the phenotypic spectrum of abnormalities found in 22q11.2DS patients.
Identification of stoichiometric and microstructural parameters of a lithium-ion cell with blend electrode
Authors: Mayur Manik , Yagci Mehmet C. , Carelli Serena , Margulies Peter , Velten Dirk , Bessler Wolfgang G.
Published: October 2019

Microstructural and stoichiometry parameters of lithium-ion battery electrodes are identified using macroscopic experiments and mathematical optimization.
Development of a suitable detection method for silver nanoparticles in fish tissue using single particle ICP-MS
Authors: Clark Nathaniel J. , Clough Robert , Boyle David , Handy Richard D.
Published: October 2019

A strong alkali extraction technique and suitable single particle ICP-MS method is described for the routine quantifying of particle number concentration, particle size and particle mass concentration for silver nanomaterials in fish tissue.
An ambient-stable and stretchable ionic skin with multimodal sensation
Authors: Ying Binbin , Wu Qiyang , Li Jianyu , Liu Xinyu
Published: October 2019

A diode-like artificial ionic skin for strain and humidity sensing with controlled ion mobility, high toughness, stretchability, ambient stability and transparency.
A monomer-assembly template-directed synthesis of conjugated porous polymer microtubular bundles
Authors: Zhang Wenbei , Cui Tianlu , Bi Shuai , Ma Lie , Lu Deng , Wu Dongqing , Zhang Fan
Published: October 2019

A monomer-assembly template directed strategy to synthesize the conjugated porous polymer with microtubular bundles morphology.
Investigation of the kinetics and mechanism of Z-scheme Ag3PO4/WO3 p–n junction photocatalysts with enhanced removal efficiency for RhB
Authors: You Lisha , Gao Minghuan , Li Tiesheng , Guo Linna , Chen Penglei , Liu Minghua
Published: October 2019

The activity of an Ag3PO4/polyhedron-like WO3 photocatalyst could be enhanced 27 times compared to P25 in the visible light-driven region towards RhB.
Polymorphs, phase transitions and stability in BaM2(PO4)2 M = Mn, Fe, Co systems
Authors: Leclercq Bastien , Kabbour Houria , Arevalo-Lopez Angel , Huvé Marielle , Daviero-Minaud Sylvie , Minaud Claire , Blazquez Alcover Ignacio , Mentré Olivier
Published: October 2019

Here we show the complexity in the BaM2(PO4)2 (M = Mn, Fe, Co) phase diagram. The original structures are discussed in terms of structural stability by comparison between the systems and by analogy to the number of transitions in these phase diagrams.
Bromobenzene aliphatic nucleophilic substitution guided controllable and reproducible synthesis of high quality cesium lead bromide perovskite nanocrystals
Authors: Li Feiming , Lin Fangyuan , Huang Yipeng , Cai Zhixiong , Qiu Linhang , Zhu Yimeng , Jiang Yaqi , Wang Yiru , Chen Xi
Published: October 2019

We develop a new chemical design for the controllable and reproducible synthesis of high quality CsPbBr3 perovskite nanocrystals in one step based on bromobenzene and alkane amine aliphatic nucleophilic substitution.
The synergetic effect of acid and nickel sites on bifunctional MWW zeolite catalysts for ethylene oligomerization and aromatization
Authors: Lu Kang , Jin Fang , Wu Guiying , Ding Yigang
Published: October 2019

The acidities of MWW zeolites were adjusted to investigate the synergetic effect of acidity and Ni species on ethylene oligomerization and aromatization.
In situ hybridization; Manchester: 25–29 June 2001
Authors: Cresswell Neil
Published: October 2019

Set in the impressive surroundings of the Manchester Incubator Building, Orion Molecular Services, established in 1999, offer 4–5-day ‘hands on’ courses on techniques in general molecular biology and, more specifically, in situ hybridization (ISH).
8–10 April, 2002: Highland fling: Biochemical Society Meeting No. 676, University of Heriot-Watt, Edinburgh
Authors: Burd Gary
Published: October 2019

The campus of Heriot-Watt University welcomed the Biochemical Society with open arms, and even managed by Gary Burd to tempt some on to the dancefloor -- oh yes … we saw you! Around 400 delegates attended the meeting, (Executive Editor) which included colloquia on tetrapyrroles, amyloidogenic proteins, type II family of G-protein-coupled receptors, 14-3-3 proteins and antibodies. The Society also organized its first Research Colloquium aiming at a more relaxed, informal atmosphere, and this was judged a great success. The drinks reception was held at the Edinburgh City Chambers, and was hosted by Councillor Maureen Child (Executive Member for Finance).
Early days of biochemical spectroscopy at Liverpool
Authors: Goodwin Trevor
Published: October 2019

From 1924 to 1940 R.A. Morton1 was Special Lecturer in Spectroscopy in the Chemistry Department of the University of Liverpool. He used a Hilger E3 prism spectrograph (Figure 1) attached to a rotating sector photometer (Figure 2) and illuminated by two types of light source (see later). Before considering how Morton's activities moved from pure chemistry into biological chemistry, it is interesting to know how this antediluvian apparatus functioned, because it is highly unlikely that any reader under the age of 70 years will have seen it, let alone used it.
Life's (more than) a BLAST™: Proteomics software
Authors: O’Malley Ronan
Published: October 2019

Proteomics, the study of the expressed protein complement of a genome, centres on the identification and characterization of protein mixtures isolated from biological systems. Mass spectrometry (MS), in combination with one or more pre-separation steps, is currently the preferred method for analysing protein samples. Recent developments in these disciplines, particularly the emergence of high-throughput, automated techniques, have led to an exponential increase in data quantity -- gigabytes of data can be produced daily. A major challenge lies in processing these data to extract the maximum amount of information in a time- and labour-efficient manner. To meet this challenge, Micromass UK Ltd has developed a comprehensive proteomics software suite, ProteinLynxTM GlobalSERVER 2.0, which enables the automated processing, analysis, storage and reporting of proteomics data.
Alcoholic myopathy: Your legs go before your liver
Authors: Preedy Victor R. , Emery Peter W.
Published: October 2019

The consumption of alcohol has been a part of the cultural heritage of man for thousands of years. Although moderate alcohol consumption is reported to be beneficial in reducing cardiovascular risk, excessive and sustained drinking beyond the limits set by the Royal Colleges is damaging1. It is recommended that men should not drink more than 21 Units/weeks whereas women should not drink more than 14 Units/week1. A Unit is a standard amount of ethanol (usually 8 g) in half a pint of beer, a glass of wine or a measure of spirit or fortified wine.
The deadly weed: Nicotine and tobacco dependence
Authors: West Robert
Published: October 2019

Nicotine is an alkaloid that is derived exclusively from the plants of the tobacco family. Of its two isomers, S-nicotine is by far the most common and biologically potent, and the much rarer R-nicotine has only a weak biological activity. Nicotine has a simple structure that consists of a pyridine and pyrrolidine ring (Figure 1).
Irish Area Section Meeting; National University of Ireland, Galway: 4–5 July 2002
Authors: Carty Michael P.
Published: October 2019

The meeting of the Biochemical Society's Irish Area Section took place at the National University of Ireland (NUI), Galway on 4 and 5 July 2002. The meeting featured a pre-doctoral day, the Richard O'Kennedy's Royal Irish Academy Medal Lecture and a colloquium on cellular stress responses and cancer.
PI3K in the Immune System; Novartis Respiratory Centre, Horsham, UK: 9–10 September 2002
Authors: Ward Stephen G. , Finan Peter , Welham Melanie J.
Published: October 2019

The first ever scientific gathering to consider the role of phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3Ks) in the immune system was held as a Biochemical Society focused meeting at Novartis Respiratory Centre, Horsham, UK on 8–10 September 2002. The meeting offered the opportunity to bring leading figures in the field together to present and discuss exciting new insights into the roles of distinct PI3K isoforms, their regulators and downstream effectors in adaptive and innate immunity. Approximately 150 people attended this 2-day symposium and there was lively debate and discussion throughout.
Spatial diversity: Ras trafficking and signalling
Authors: Prior Ian A.
Published: October 2019

Ras proteins are small monomeric G-proteins that play a central role in linking extracellular stimuli with the internal kinase cascades that are primarily involved in modulating cell proliferation and differentiation. Constitutively activated mutants of these proteins are found in many human cancers. Differences in the trafficking and plasma membrane localization of Ras isoforms play critical roles in regulating their function. New research is trying to understand the mechanisms behind, and consequences of, these differences.
Directed evolution: Creating new enzymes
Authors: Williams Gavin J. , Berry Alan
Published: October 2019

One of the goals for protein engineers has been the acquisition of the knowledge to design and build proteins for any given function. This has usually been achieved by modifying an existing protein with a similar function. However, the protein engineer has been faced with an intensive task of gathering and understanding a whole realm of information about the enzyme's structure and mechanism and the role that each amino acid plays in the catalytic process. Although rational enzyme redesign has resulted in some notable successes, it has highlighted more often our relatively poor understanding of the intricacies of enzyme recognition and catalysis. The search was therefore on to develop an alternative to rational enzyme redesign. The techniques of molecular biology coupled with more automated methods for handling repetitive tasks have provided an answer: directed evolution.
Matrix fully loaded: Assembly and secretion of collagen fibrils
Authors: Kadler Karl E. , Canty Elizabeth G. , Lu Yinhui
Published: October 2019

The secretory pathway operates like a well-oiled machine when it comes to secreting small proteins. But how does it cope with stiff rod-like molecules such as type I collagen, which spontaneously self-assembles into the millimetre-long collagen fibrils that are characteristic of the extracellular matrix (ECM)? A recent study in our laboratory shows that the secretory pathway adapts exquisitely to intracellular fibril formation by creating tubular vesicles that dock to specialized secretory nozzles in the plasma membrane (E.G. Canty, Y. Lu, R.M. Meadows, M. Shaw, D.F. Holmes and K.E. Kadler, unpublished work). This article gives a brief account of the biochemical and structural work that led up to these new observations.
The ancient battle for iron: Our struggle with pathogens
Authors: Prentice Andrew , Doherty Conor , McDermid Joann , Atkinson Sarah , Cox Sharon
Published: October 2019

Young children in rural Gambia face constant exposure to gastrointestinal and respiratory infections and, during the rainy season (July–November), suffer recurrent bouts of Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Within living memory, these conditions led to more than half of the children dying before their fifth birthday, providing a graphic demonstration of the impact that infectious diseases have had on our natural selection. Fortunately, these horrific statistics have been decreased greatly by improved medical care, especially through vaccination and anti-malarial therapies, but conditions such as these have inevitably left a powerful imprint on man's genetic make-up.
Hapten engineering: Raising antibodies against the smallest of small molecules
Authors: Porter Andy
Published: October 2019

In recent years, antibody engineering has become one of the most important and most productive routes to drug discovery. It is now widely accepted that this approach can reduce development times and increase potential success, compared with classical drug development. Until recently, the isolation and production of therapeutic-antibody products has been concentrated on larger, protein targets. A research team at Haptogen has now overcome the significant technical difficulties that have been associated with raising antibodies to the smallest of small molecules — bioactive haptens — and, for the first time, anti-hapten therapeutics can be realized. Here, we outline our pioneering approach to antibody engineering and present the results of early work in the important field of anti-infective therapy.
What careers advice?: Teaching the scientists of tomorrow
Authors: Thomson Jane
Published: October 2019

The Biosciences Federation's first ever event took place on October 6 2003, following its launch earlier in the autumn. The event was a 1-day colloquium aimed at addressing the factors affecting the changing face of the biosciences undergraduate and the issues associated with links between schools and universities. This colloquium provided a much-needed forum for communication between the sectors, and headway was made in exchanging ideas and perspectives through topical presentations and lively debate.
Pace of life: Complexity at the heart of the plant clock
Authors: McWatters Harriet
Published: October 2019

Circadian rhythms are found in most organisms. They are endogenous rhythms of activity, hormone production or gene expression with a cycle length of approximately 24 hours. A central clock, whose principle role appears to be co-ordinating internal rhythms with the daily rhythm of day and night (Figure 1) controls the different observed rhythms in a single organism. In animals, fungi and cyanobacteria, this circadian clock is formed from loops of negative regulation of gene and protein expression1. Whether this is also true of plant clocks is the subject of some current debate.
Looking good: Science and the Creative Image: The Royal Society, London, 10 November 2003
Authors: Burgess Mark
Published: October 2019

Are the dramatic images that many scientists now use to liven up their research papers a good way of communicating science to an untrained audience? Or are they starting to blur the border between fact and fiction, sacrificing truth for visual effect?
Getting the whole story: The role of high-content analysis
Authors: Wylie Paul , Bowen Wayne
Published: October 2019

High-content screening (HCS) is the measurement of complex cellular responses in a population of whole cells in parallel. It provides additional knowledge that can be critical when determining which targets to investigate and which lead compounds to pursue. In this article, we highlight the advantages of HCS analysis over traditional biochemical assays, using work on G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and kinases as examples.
Pain:Passion, Compassion, Sensibility: Science Museum, London, from 13 February to 20 June 2004
Authors: Burgess Mark
Published: October 2019

The first exhibit in the Pain exhibition is a set of three chairs; one used for torture, one for dentistry and one for childbirth. We all know pain; how we react to it is the subject of the latest exhibition from the Wellcome Trust.
Response to the STC Inquiry into Scientific Publications: Supporting Excellence in the Science Base
Authors: Oliver Rhonda
Published: October 2019

In December last year, the House of Commons Science and Technology Committee (STC) announced that it was to conduct an inquiry into scientific publications. It was interested in access to journals within the scientific community and, in particular, price and availability. In a statement, the Committee said that it “will be asking what measures are being taken in government, the publishing industry and academic institutions to ensure that researchers, teachers and students have access to the publications they need in order to carry out their work effectively. The inquiry will also examine the impact that the current trend towards e-publishing may have on the integrity of journals and the scientific process.” It invited written evidence from interested organizations and individuals. Here is the Society's submission.
Keeping proteins on the straight and narrow: Molecular chaperones in the Archaea
Authors: Kapatai Georgia , Large Andrew , Lund Peter
Published: October 2019

For many years, studies on protein folding were done by biochemists and biophysicists using purified components and defined conditions. More recently, attention has shifted to thinking about protein folding in the messier internal environment of the cell. Here, proteins are faced with many hazards not encountered in the test tube: other proteins are present at high concentrations, the cell is full of membranes that need to be crossed, and conditions that can have a large effect on protein folding may not be constant. Proteins are often not well suited for these vagaries of cellular life, and a host of accessory proteins need to be present to assist the process of protein folding. These accessory proteins are referred to as molecular chaperones, and they use various mechanisms to make sure that their client proteins stay on the straight and narrow path to the folded active state.
Genome browsing ‘for the rest of us’: Software and resources for visualizing genomic data
Authors: Leader David P.
Published: October 2019

Anyone whose sporting prowess has given him the opportunity to examine X-rays of his own broken bones will know the perverse fascination that such pictures of one's ‘physical inner-self’ can provide. As biochemists, our fascination is less likely to be with our bones than with our genomes, and this article considers some of the ways in which we can survey our ‘genetic inner-selves’ on a desktop computer, in the office or in the home. The article takes the standpoint that, in addition to any particular genetic ‘bone’ (broken or otherwise) that we may wish to view, we are also interested in traversing the whole genomic ‘skeleton’. Those of a squeamish nature, who think that genome browsing should be left to the scientific equivalent of the surgeon, need read no further.
Relationship between protein structure and function: Valuable insight from computational studies
Authors: Sutcliffe Mike
Published: October 2019

Life as we know it is sustained by the plethora of functional roles performed by proteins -- the precise function depending exquisitely on three-dimensional structure. The quest to understand protein function from structure has led worldwide to the establishment of a number of structural genomics projects and the concomitant substantial investment from both the public and private sectors, estimated to total around US$1 billion worldwide. Once a structure is solved, deducing function on the basis of this structure alone is often a non-trivial, but nonetheless essential, exercise -- mankind's pursuit of a complete, working molecular model of a cell is underway. This article discusses some of the computational approaches that assist in: (i) deducing function from protein structure, and (ii) elucidating factors at the atomic level that determine function. Far from replacing experimental studies, these approaches should be used to complement them -- the real value comes from an interdependent multidisciplinary approach.
The Guildford Bench Methodology Fund
Authors: McWhinnie Alison
Published: October 2019

The Guildford Bench Methodology Fund was endowed by a Trust (Guildford Academic Associates) co-founded by an Emeritus member. It can give modest support for benchwork. Its emphasis is on methodology, with a preference for cellular or bioanalytical work (reflecting symposia, mounted by the Trust, that generated ‘Methodological Surveys’ publications, which continue in the drug-bioanalysis field). Examples of awards include feasibility studies by new staff before they apply to a major award-granting body, developing a new technique and checking the application of a known technique in new circumstances. Assistance by a member to an overseas laboratory can also be supported. Consideration will be given only to applications that are carefully compiled and scientifically convincing.
RNA interference: what it is and what it does: A potent gene regulator
Authors: Black Darcey , Newbury Sarah
Published: October 2019

RNA interference (RNAi) is a potent and specific way of down-regulating gene expression. It is effective in most multicellular organisms, and every gene in the genome can potentially be targeted, providing that the sequence of the gene is known. It has provided a breakthrough in the study of gene regulation, because the function of a gene can often be deduced by inhibiting its ex-pression. RNAi therefore provides a rapid way of studying the function of known genes in organisms where genetic studies are difficult. Since RNAi is effective in human cells, it is now being used in several ways. These include the elucidation of biochemical and metabolic pathways, validation of potential drug targets, and as a therapeutic in the treatment of disease.
More money, less politics: Research is not like shopping
Authors: Cotgreave Peter
Published: October 2019

The trouble with money is that there never seems to be enough of it, while the trouble with politics is that there always seems to be too much. This is just as true in the world of science as it is everywhere else.
Innovate or perish: a new paradigm for academics in the biosciences?: Commercialization of academic research
Authors: Lowe Christopher R.
Published: October 2019

Europe is striving to become the world's most competitive knowledgebased economy by 2010. The higher education sector will play a key role by providing the ideas and skilled manpower to effect this transition, but will require organizational and cultural change to be truly effective. The Institute of Biotechnology at the University of Cambridge is used as an example of how these issues can be addressed in a single organization that is able to provide a seamless mechanism to exploit its pure science base to create knowledge-based business spin-offs.
Enzymes in context: Kinetic characterization of enzymes for systems biology
Authors: Cornish-Bowden Athel , Hofmeyr Jan-Hendrik S.
Published: October 2019

The kinetic behaviour of enzymes is typically observed in conditions appropriate for studying questions of mechanism of action, but these are not necessarily the most appropriate for studying their physiological roles, because they are often too far from those that exist in the living organism. Enzymes therefore need to be studied with natural substrates in the presence of all of the other small molecules likely to affect the activity in vivo, including the reaction products, so that the reverse reaction is not artificially prohibited. As complete reversible rate equations are often unmanageably complicated, especially for cooperative kinetics, care needs to be taken in choosing simpler equations that preserve the properties that are relevant in physiological conditions.
The search for a cure: Prion eliminating compounds
Authors: Byrne Lee J. , Tuite Mick F.
Published: October 2019

Prions are remarkable infectious agents that cause fatal neurodegenerative diseases in humans and other mammals. There is increasing activity, but, as yet, limited success, in the search for therapeutic compounds that can be used to treat these diseases. This is, in part, because a number of significant problems exist, hampering the route to rational drug screening strategies.
biochem4schools: Gateway to Biochemistry: Teaching the scientists of tomorrow
Authors: Baker Hannah
Published: October 2019

“Fantastic site! Really pleased that you have bothered and it will be of great benefit to my students. Thanks.” DC, The Castle School, Thornbury
Brain repair: Do it yourself
Authors: Phillips Wendy , Barker Roger
Published: October 2019

Neurogenesis is the process whereby newborn neurons are formed, and this continues into adulthood in defined regions. New neurons can be formed in the adult brain in response to stimulation and injury. Neurogenesis is disrupted in neurodegenerative disease and an attractive option for brain repair is to stimulate endogenous neurogenesis to ameliorate cell loss in these conditions.
Westminster Bridge
Authors: Burgess Mark
Published: October 2019

Established by the Royal Society in 2001, the MP–Scientist Pairing Scheme aims to build bridges between some of the best research workers in the country and members of the UK Parliament. To date, over 100 scientists and MPs have taken part. The scheme comprises three activities: a briefing by the Royal Society, a Week in Westminster, and reciprocal visits to the constituency office and the laboratory.
Recognizing glycans: Mammalian sugar-binding receptors
Authors: Taylor Kurt Drickamer and Maureen E.
Published: October 2019

The diversity of glycans makes them potentially information-rich structures that can be recognized by receptors that mediate cell adhesion, glycoprotein trafficking and other biological processes. Many well-understood examples of glycan–receptor interactions exist, but are there enough receptors to account for the number of glycans that are being identified?
‘Green’ …yet wasting energy?: Mitochondrial respiration in plants
Authors: Moore Anthony L. , Albury Mary S. , Crichton Paul G.
Published: October 2019

Plant mitochondria are characterized by the presence of both phosphorylating (cytochrome) and non-phosphorylating (alternative) pathways, the activity of which directly affects the efficiency of mitochondrial energy conservation. The cyanide-insensitive AOX (alternative oxidase) is located on the inner surface of the inner membrane, results in the oxidation of ubiquinol and the net reduction of oxygen to water, is non-protonmotive and is considered to be one of the newest members of the di-iron carboxylate group of proteins. In thermogenic tissues it plays a key role in pollination and the maintenance of a warm environment for the flower, whereas in non-thermogenic tissues functions include acting as an energy overflow, part of the oxygen defence mechanism and maintaining plant growth homoeostasis.
With a little help from their friends: Algae acquire vitamins through intimate associations with bacteria
Authors: Smith Martin T. Croft and Alison G.
Published: October 2019

Everyone is familiar with the concept of the Amazonian rainforest as the lungs of the world, but what is less well known is that 50% of the world's photosynthesis is carried out by algae1 -- simple aquatic plants found in all freshwater and marine systems. By analogy with higher plants, which evolved from the green algal lineage, it is assumed that algae are autotrophic, requiring merely light and a mixture of inorganic compounds to grow. It is perhaps surprising therefore to discover that more than half of all algal species require exogenous cobalamin for growth. Recent work has established that the source of the vitamin is from closely associated bacteria, which appear to live in symbiosis with the algal cells. At the same time, reports of other interactions between algae and bacteria are appearing, prompting a rethink on the concept of organisms existing as separate entities, and having profound implications for our understanding of oceanic ecosystems.
The antioxidant paradox: Damage and defence
Authors: Bender David A.
Published: October 2019

Over the last three decades, a considerable body of evidence has accumulated to suggest that a key factor in the development of both cancer and coronary heart disease is damage to tissues or plasma lipoproteins caused by free radicals. The majority of radicals that damage tissues are reactive oxygen species, and compounds that can quench potentially damaging radical chain reactions are therefore generally referred to as antioxidants. Epidemiological studies have shown a negative correlation between intakes of antioxidants (especially vitamin E and -carotene) and the incidence of cancer and coronary heart disease, and a positive correlation between markers of radical damage and disease. At the molecular level, there are sound theories to explain how radical damage can lead to cancer and coronary heart disease, and how antioxidants may provide protection. However, the results of intervention trials of vitamin E and -carotene have been, at best, disappointing; indeed, many trials have shown increased death among people taking supposedly protective antioxidant supplements. This is the antioxidant paradox.