bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hepatitis C virus seroprevalence in pregnant women delivering live-born infants in North Thames, England in 2012
Authors: CORTINA-BORJA M. , WILLIAMS D. , PECKHAM C. S. , BAILEY H. , THORNE C.
Published: July 2015

To estimate HCV seroprevalence in subpopulations of women delivering live-born infants in the North Thames region in England in 2012, an unlinked anonymous (UA) cross-sectional survey of neonatal dried blood spot samples was conducted. Data were available from 31467 samples from live-born infants received by the North Thames screening laboratory. Thirty neonatal samples had HCV antibodies, corresponding to a maternal seroprevalence of 0·095% (95% confidence interval 0·067–0·136). Estimated HCV seroprevalences in women born in Eastern Europe, Southern Asia and the UK were 0·366%, 0·162% and 0·019%, respectively. For women born in Eastern Europe seroprevalence was highest in those aged around 27 years, while in women born in the UK and Asia-Pacific region, seroprevalence increased significantly with age. HCV seroprevalence in UK-born women whose infant's father was also UK-born was 0·016%. One of the 30 HCV-seropositive women was HIV-1 seropositive. Estimated HCV seroprevalence for women delivering live-born infants in North Thames in 2012 (0·095%) was significantly lower than that reported in an earlier UA survey in 1997–1998 (0·191%). Data indicate that the cohort of UK-born HCV-seropositive women is ageing and that, in this area of England, most perinatally HCV-exposed infants were born to women themselves born in Southern Asia or Eastern Europe.
Rod- and cone-isolated flicker electroretinograms and their response summation characteristics
Authors: MCANANY J. JASON , PARK JASON C. , CAO DINGCAI
Published: July 2015

This study defined the amplitude and phase characteristics of rod- and cone-isolated flicker electroretinograms (ERGs) and determined how these responses summate to generate the nonreceptor-specific ERG. Full-field ERGs were obtained from six normally sighted subjects (age 26 to 44 years) using a four-primary LED-based photostimulator and standard recording techniques. The four primaries were either modulated sinusoidally in phase to achieve simultaneous rod and cone activation (ERGR+C; nonreceptor-specific) or in different phases to achieve rod-isolated (ERGR) and cone-isolated (ERGC) responses by means of triple silent substitution. ERGs were measured at two mean luminance levels (2.4 and 24 cd/m2), two contrasts (20 and 40%), and four temporal frequencies (2–15 Hz). Fundamental amplitude and phase for each condition were derived by Fourier analysis. Response amplitude and phase depended on the stimulus conditions (frequency, mean luminance, and contrast), however, for all conditions: 1) response phase decreased monotonically as stimulus frequency increased; 2) response amplitude tended to decrease monotonically as stimulus frequency increased, with the exception of the 24 cd/m2, 40% contrast ERGR+Cthat was sharply V-shaped; 3) ERGRphase was delayed (32 to 210 deg) relative to the ERGCphase; 4) ERGRamplitude was typically equal to or lower than the ERGCamplitude, with the exception of the 2.4 cd/m2, 40% contrast condition; and 5) the pattern of ERGR+Cresponses could be accounted for by a vector summation model of the rod and cone pathway signals. The results show that the ERGR+Camplitude and phase can be predicted from ERGRand ERGCamplitude and phase. For conditions that elicit ERGRand ERGCresponses that have approximately equal amplitude and opposite phase, there is strong destructive interference between the rod and cone responses that attenuates the ERGR+C. Conditions that elicit equal amplitude and opposite phase rod and cone responses may be particularly useful for evaluating rod–cone interactions.
Paternalism: An Analysis
Authors: RYAN SHANE
Published: July 2015

In this article I argue for a particular analysis of paternalism. I start by examining Dworkin's conditions for the paternalist act and make a case for alternative conditions. I argue that the paternalist actor acts irrespective of what she believes the wishes of the target of her action are and the paternalist actor acts because she has a positive epistemic standing that the act may or will improve the welfare of the target of her action. I also argue that it is consistent with my analysis that there are paternalist acts that don't interfere with the autonomy of the object of the paternalist act. I describe some such acts and make the case that such acts, when they are paternalist acts, may be morally permissible and outline the factors that bear on their permissibility. Finally I locate my analysis in the literature by comparing it to a number of other accounts.
A Method for Preparing Difficult Plant Tissues for Light and Electron Microscopy
Authors: Clode Peta L.
Published: July 2015

Although the advent of microwave technologies has both improved and accelerated tissue processing for microscopy, there still remain many limitations in conventional chemical fixation, dehydration, embedding, and sectioning, particularly with regard to plant materials. The Proteaceae, a family of plants widely distributed in the Southern Hemisphere and well adapted to harsh climates and nutrient-poor soils, is a perfect example; the complexity of Proteaceae leaves means that almost no ultrastructural data are available as these are notoriously difficult to both infiltrate and section. Here, a step-by-step protocol is described that allows for the successful preparation ofBanksia prionotes(Australian Proteaceae) leaves for both light and transmission electron microscopy. The method, which applies a novel combination of vibratome sectioning, microwave processing and vacuum steps, and the utilization of an ultra low viscosity resin, results in highly reproducible, well-preserved, sectionable material from which very high-quality light and electron micrographs can be obtained. With this, cellular ultrastructure from the level of a leaf through to organelle substructure can be studied. This approach will be widely applicable, both within and outside of the plant sciences, and can be readily adapted to meet specific sample requirements and imaging needs.
Martin Brasier (1947–2014): astrobiologist
Authors: McMahon Sean , Cockell Charles
Published: July 2015

How did life on Earth begin? What does the search for life in the distant past tell us about the search for life on distant planets? How should the most ancient and ambiguous putative biosignatures be critically evaluated? How did the Earth–life system evolve through the dramatic upheavals of the Precambrian–Cambrian boundary? When and why did eukaryotes begin to produce mineralized skeletons? These are among the astrobiological questions to which palaeobiologist Martin Brasier made profound contributions in a career spanning nearly half a century and tragically cut short late last year. Here, we summarize and celebrate Martin's contributions to astrobiology.
Access to Justice for Victims/Survivors of Elder Abuse: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Clarke Alan , Williams John , Wydall Sarah
Published: July 2015

Elder abuse can be conceptualised as a social problem, a crime problem and a human rights issue. This article presents the findings from an evaluation of the ‘Access to Justice’ Pilot Project for victims/survivors1of elder abuse, which was launched in 2010 as part of the Welsh Government's six-year integrated strategy for tackling domestic abuse. It was designed to address the needs of older people in domestic settings and facilitate their access to criminal and civil justice options. Between April and July 2012, case study data were obtained for 131 individuals. A total of thirty-three interviews and a focus group were conducted with service providers, potential service users and practitioners drawn from relevant statutory and third sector groups. The article explores multi-agency responses to elder abuse and addresses the victim‒perpetrator dynamic. Reactive and proactive types of perpetrator2behaviour are identified and interdependence is described as a feature of the victim‒perpetrator relationship.
Experience rating with Poisson mixtures
Authors: Brown Garfield O. , Buckley Winston S.
Published: July 2015

We propose a Poisson mixture model for count data to determine the number of groups in a Group Life insurance portfolio consisting of claim numbers or deaths. We take a non-parametric Bayesian approach to modelling this mixture distribution using a Dirichlet process prior and use reversible jump Markov chain Monte Carlo to estimate the number of components in the mixture. Unlike Haastrup, we show that the assumption of identical heterogeneity for all groups may not hold as 88% of the posterior probability is assigned to models with two or three components, and 11% to models with four or five components, whereas models with one component are never visited. Our major contribution is showing how to account for both model uncertainty and parameter estimation within a single framework.
Naïve Tests of Basic Local Independence Model’s Invariance
Authors: Chiusole Debora de , Stefanutti Luca , Anselmi Pasquale , Robusto Egidio
Published: July 2015

The basic local independence model (BLIM) is a probabilistic model for knowledge structures, characterized by the property that lucky guess and careless error parameters of the items are independent of the knowledge states of the subjects. When fitting the BLIM to empirical data, a good fit can be obtained even when the invariance assumption is violated. Therefore, statistical tests are needed for detecting violations of this specific assumption. This work provides an extension to theoretical results obtained by de Chiusole, Stefanutti, Anselmi, and Robusto (2013), showing that statistical tests based on the partitioning of the empirical data set into two (or more) groups are not adequate for testing the BLIM’s invariance assumption. A simulation study confirms the theoretical results.
A Common Genetic Influence on Human Intensity Ratings of Sugars and High-Potency Sweeteners
Authors: Hwang Liang-Dar , Zhu Gu , Breslin Paul A. S. , Reed Danielle R. , Martin Nicholas G. , Wright Margaret J.
Published: July 2015

The perception of sweetness varies among individuals but the sources of this variation are not fully understood. Here, in a sample of 1,901 adolescent and young adults (53.8% female; 243 MZ and 452 DZ twin pairs, 511 unpaired individuals; mean age 16.2 ± 2.8, range 12–26 years), we studied the variation in the perception of sweetness intensity of two monosaccharides and two high-potency sweeteners: glucose, fructose, neohesperidine dihydrochalcone (NHDC), and aspartame. Perceived intensity for all sweeteners decreased with age (2–5% per year) and increased with the history of otitis media (6–9%). Males rated aspartame slightly stronger than females (7%). We found similar heritabilities for sugars (glucose: h2 = 0.31, fructose: h2 = 0.34) and high-potency sweeteners (NHDC: h2 = 0.31, aspartame: h2 = 0.30); all were in the modest range. Multivariate modeling showed that a common genetic factor accounted for >75% of the genetic variance in the four sweeteners, suggesting that individual differences in perceived sweet intensity, which are partly due to genetic factors, may be attributed to a single set of genes. This study provided evidence of the shared genetic pathways between the perception of sugars and high-potency sweeteners.
Seipin deficiency increases chromocenter fragmentation and disrupts acrosome formation leading to male infertility
Authors: El Zowalaty A E , Baumann C , Li R , Chen W , De La Fuente R , Ye X
Published: July 2015

The Berardinelli–Seip congenital lipodystrophy type 2 (Bscl2, seipin) gene is involved in adipogenesis. Bscl2−/− males were infertile but had normal mating behavior. Both Bscl2−/− cauda epididymis sperm count and sperm motility were ~20 × less than control. Bscl2−/− seminiferous tubules had relatively normal presence of spermatogonia and spermatocytes but had reduced spermatids and sperm. Spatiotemporal expression analyses in Bscl2+/+ testes demonstrated prominent Bscl2 transcriptional activity in spermatocytes with a plateau reached around postnatal day 28. Seipin protein localization was most abundant in postmeiotic spermatids, suggesting translational repression of Bscl2 mRNA in spermatocytes. In situ end-labeling plus detected increased spermatid apoptosis in Bscl2−/− testis and annexin V detected increased percentage of positive Bscl2−/− round spermatids compared with control. Immunofluorescence of marker proteins synaptonemal complex proteins 3 and 1 (SYCP3 and SYCP1), and H3K9me3 (histone H3 trimethylated at lysine 9) in germ cell spreads detected normal meiotic chromosome pairing and homologous chromosome synapsis in Bscl2−/− spermatocytes, but significantly increased percentages of round spermatids with chromocenter fragmentation and late spermatids and sperm with chromatin vacuoles, indicating defective chromatin condensation in Bscl2−/− spermatids. Bscl2−/− late spermatids were disorganized within the seminiferous epithelium, despite normal appearance of Sertoli cells detected by vimentin immunofluorescence. Peanut agglutinin staining revealed various abnormalities of acrosomes in Bscl2−/− late spermatids, including the absence, irregular-shaped, and fragmented acrosomes, indicating defective acrosome formation in Bscl2−/− late spermatids, which may affect late spermatid orientation in the seminiferous epithelium. Mitotracker strongly stained the midpiece of control sperm but only very weakly labeled the midpiece of Bscl2−/− sperm, indicating defective mitochondrial activity that most likely contributed to reduced Bscl2−/− sperm motility. These data demonstrate novel roles of seipin in spermatid chromatin integrity, acrosome formation, and mitochondrial activity. Increased spermatid apoptosis, increased chromocenter fragmentation, defective chromatin condensation, abnormal acrosome formation, and defective mitochondrial activity contributed to decreased sperm production and defective sperm that resulted in Bscl2−/− male infertility.
Transition of dislocation nucleation induced by local stress concentration in nanotwinned copper
Authors: Lu N. , Du K. , Lu L. , Ye H. Q.
Published: July 2015

Metals with a high density of nanometre-scale twins have demonstrated simultaneous high strength and good ductility, attributed to the interaction between lattice dislocations and twin boundaries. Maximum strength was observed at a critical twin lamella spacing (∼15 nm) by mechanical testing; hence, an explanation of how twin lamella spacing influences dislocation behaviours is desired. Here, we report a transition of dislocation nucleation from steps on the twin boundaries to twin boundary/grain boundary junctions at a critical twin lamella spacing (12–37 nm), observed with in situ transmission electron microscopy. The local stress concentrations vary significantly with twin lamella spacing, thus resulting in a critical twin lamella spacing (∼18 nm) for the transition of dislocation nucleation. This agrees quantitatively with the mechanical test. These results demonstrate that by quantitatively analysing local stress concentrations, a direct relationship can be resolved between the microscopic dislocation activities and macroscopic mechanical properties of nanotwinned metals.
Thermodynamic picture of ultrafast charge transport in graphene
Authors: Mics Zoltán , Tielrooij Klaas-Jan , Parvez Khaled , Jensen Søren A. , Ivanov Ivan , Feng Xinliang , Müllen Klaus , Bonn Mischa , Turchinovich Dmitry
Published: July 2015

The outstanding charge transport properties of graphene enable numerous electronic applications of this remarkable material, many of which are expected to operate at ultrahigh speeds. In the regime of ultrafast, sub-picosecond electric fields, however, the very high conduction properties of graphene are not necessarily preserved, with the physical picture explaining this behaviour remaining unclear. Here we show that in graphene, the charge transport on an ultrafast timescale is determined by a simple thermodynamic balance maintained within the graphene electronic system acting as a thermalized electron gas. The energy of ultrafast electric fields applied to graphene is converted into the thermal energy of its entire charge carrier population, near-instantaneously raising the electronic temperature. The dynamic interplay between heating and cooling of the electron gas ultimately defines the ultrafast conductivity of graphene, which in a highly nonlinear manner depends on the dynamics and the strength of the applied electric fields.
Rational design of crystalline supermicroporous covalent organic frameworks with triangular topologies
Authors: Dalapati Sasanka , Addicoat Matthew , Jin Shangbin , Sakurai Tsuneaki , Gao Jia , Xu Hong , Irle Stephan , Seki Shu , Jiang Donglin
Published: July 2015

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are an emerging class of highly ordered porous polymers with many potential applications. They are currently designed and synthesized through hexagonal and tetragonal topologies, limiting the access to and exploration of new structures and properties. Here, we report that a triangular topology can be developed for the rational design and synthesis of a new class of COFs. The triangular topology features small pore sizes down to 12 Å, which is among the smallest pores for COFs reported to date, and high π-column densities of up to 0.25 nm−2, which exceeds those of supramolecular columnar π-arrays and other COF materials. These crystalline COFs facilitate π-cloud delocalization and are highly conductive, with a hole mobility that is among the highest reported for COFs and polygraphitic ensembles.
Tyrosine glycosylation of Rho by Yersinia toxin impairs blastomere cell behaviour in zebrafish embryos
Authors: Jank Thomas , Eckerle Stephanie , Steinemann Marcus , Trillhaase Christoph , Schimpl Marianne , Wiese Sebastian , van Aalten Daan M. F. , Driever Wolfgang , Aktories Klaus
Published: July 2015

Yersiniaspecies cause zoonotic infections, including enterocolitis and plague. Here we studiedYersinia ruckeriantifeeding prophage 18 (Afp18), the toxin component of the phage tail-derived protein translocation system Afp, which causes enteric redmouth disease in salmonid fish species. Here we show that microinjection of the glycosyltransferase domain Afp18Ginto zebrafish embryos blocks cytokinesis, actin-dependent motility and cell blebbing, eventually abrogating gastrulation. In zebrafish ZF4 cells, Afp18Gdepolymerizes actin stress fibres by mono-O-GlcNAcylation of RhoA at tyrosine-34; thereby Afp18Ginhibits RhoA activation by guanine nucleotide exchange factors, and blocks RhoA, but not Rac and Cdc42 downstream signalling. The crystal structure of tyrosine-GlcNAcylated RhoA reveals an open conformation of the effector loop distinct from recently described structures of GDP- or GTP-bound RhoA. Unravelling of the molecular mechanism of the toxin component Afp18 as glycosyltransferase opens new perspectives in studies of phage tail-derived protein translocation systems, which are preserved from archaea to human pathogenic prokaryotes.
EGCG reverses human neutrophil elastase-induced migration in A549 cells by directly binding to HNE and by regulating α1-AT
Authors: Xiaokaiti Yilixiati , Wu Haoming , Chen Ya , Yang Haopeng , Duan Jianhui , Li Xin , Pan Yan , Tie Lu , Zhang Liangren , Li Xuejun
Published: July 2015

Lung carcinogenesis is a complex process that occurs in unregulated inflammatory environment. EGCG has been extensively investigated as a multi-targeting anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory compound. In this study, we demonstrated a novel mechanism by which EGCG reverses the neutrophil elastase-induced migration of A549 cells. We found that neutrophil elastase directly triggered human adenocarcinoma A549 cell migration and that EGCG suppressed the elevation of tumor cell migration induced by neutrophil elastase. We observed that EGCG directly binds to neutrophil elastase and inhibits its enzymatic activity based on the CDOCKER algorithm, MD stimulation by GROMACS, SPR assay and elastase enzymatic activity assay. As the natural inhibitor of neutrophil elastase, α1-antitrypsin is synthesized in tumor cells. We further demonstrated that the expression of α1-antitrypsin was up-regulated after EGCG treatment in neutrophil elastase-treated A549 cells. We preliminarily discovered that the EGCG-mediated induction of α1-antitrypsin expression might be correlated with the regulatory effect of EGCG on the PI3K/Akt pathway. Overall, our results suggest that EGCG ameliorates the neutrophil elastase-induced migration of A549 cells. The mechanism underlying this effect may include two processes: EGCG directly binds to neutrophil elastase and inhibits its enzymatic activity; EGCG enhances the expression of α1-antitrypsin by regulating the PI3K/AKT pathway.
LRP-1-mediated intracellular antibody delivery to the Central Nervous System
Authors: Tian Xiaohe , Nyberg Sophie , Sharp Paul S. , Madsen Jeppe , Daneshpour Nooshin , Armes Steven P. , Berwick Jason , Azzouz Mimoun , Shaw Pamela , Abbott N. Joan , Battaglia Giuseppe
Published: July 2015

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is by far the most important target in developing new approaches to improve delivery of drugs and diagnostic tools into the Central Nervous System (CNS). Here we report the engineering of pH- sensitive polymersomes (synthetic vesicles formed by amphiphilic copolymers) that exploit endogenous transport mechanisms to traverse the BBB, enabling delivery of large macromolecules into both the CNS parenchyma and CNS cells. We achieve this by targeting the Low Density Lipoprotein Receptor-Related Protein 1 (LRP-1) receptor. We show that LRP-1 is associated with endothelial transcytosis that does not involve acidification of cargo in membrane-trafficking organelles. By contrast, this receptor is also associated with traditional endocytosis in CNS cells, thus aiding the delivery of relevant cargo within their cytosol. We prove this using IgG as a model cargo, thus demonstrating that the combination of appropriate targeting combined with pH-sensitive polymersomes enables the efficient delivery of macromolecules into CNS cells.
Regulation of microtubule dynamics by DIAPH3 influences amoeboid tumor cell mechanics and sensitivity to taxanes
Authors: Morley Samantha , You Sungyong , Pollan Sara , Choi Jiyoung , Zhou Bo , Hager Martin H. , Steadman Kenneth , Spinelli Cristiana , Rajendran Kavitha , Gertych Arkadiusz , Kim Jayoung , Adam Rosalyn M. , Yang Wei , Krishnan Ramaswamy , Knudsen Beatrice S. , Di Vizio Dolores , Freeman Michael R.
Published: July 2015

Taxanes are widely employed chemotherapies for patients with metastatic prostate and breast cancer. Here, we show that loss of Diaphanous-related formin-3 (DIAPH3), frequently associated with metastatic breast and prostate cancers, correlates with increased sensitivity to taxanes. DIAPH3 interacted with microtubules (MT) and its loss altered several parameters of MT dynamics as well as decreased polarized force generation, contractility and response to substrate stiffness. Silencing of DIAPH3 increased the cytotoxic response to taxanes in prostate and breast cancer cell lines. Analysis of drug activity for tubulin-targeted agents in the NCI-60 cell line panel revealed a uniform positive correlation between reduced DIAPH3 expression and drug sensitivity. Low DIAPH3 expression correlated with improved relapse-free survival in breast cancer patients treated with chemotherapeutic regimens containing taxanes. Our results suggest that inhibition of MT stability arising from DIAPH3 downregulation enhances susceptibility to MT poisons and that the DIAPH3 network potentially reports taxane sensitivity in human tumors.
The Kallisti Limnes, carbon dioxide-accumulating subsea pools
Authors: Camilli Richard , Nomikou Paraskevi , Escartín Javier , Ridao Pere , Mallios Angelos , Kilias Stephanos P. , Argyraki Ariadne ,   and the Caldera Science Team, Andreani Muriel , Ballu Valerie , Campos Ricard , Deplus Christine , Gabsi Taoufic , Garcia Rafael , Gracias Nuno , Hurtós Natàlia , Magí Lluis , Mével Catherine , Moreira Manuel , Palomeras Narcís , Pot Olivier , Ribas David , Ruzié Lorraine , Sakellariou Dimitris
Published: July 2015

Natural CO2 releases from shallow marine hydrothermal vents are assumed to mix into the water column and not accumulate into stratified seafloor pools. We present newly discovered shallow subsea pools located within the Santorini volcanic caldera of the Southern Aegean Sea, Greece, that accumulate CO2 emissions from geologic reservoirs. This type of hydrothermal seafloor pool, containing highly concentrated CO2, provides direct evidence of shallow benthic CO2 accumulations originating from sub-seafloor releases. Samples taken from within these acidic pools are devoid of calcifying organisms and channel structures among the pools indicate gravity driven flow, suggesting that seafloor release of CO2 at this site may preferentially impact benthic ecosystems. These naturally occurring seafloor pools may provide a diagnostic indicator of incipient volcanic activity and can serve as an analog for studying CO2 leakage and benthic accumulations from subsea carbon capture and storage sites.
Biochemical investigations of the mechanism of action of small molecules ZL006 and IC87201 as potential inhibitors of the nNOS-PDZ/PSD-95-PDZ interactions
Authors: Bach Anders , Pedersen Søren W. , Dorr Liam A. , Vallon Gary , Ripoche Isabelle , Ducki Sylvie , Lian Lu-Yun
Published: July 2015

ZL006 and IC87201 have been presented as efficient inhibitors of the nNOS/PSD-95 protein-protein interaction and shown great promise in cellular experiments and animal models of ischemic stroke and pain. Here, we investigate the proposed mechanism of action of ZL006 and IC87201 using biochemical and biophysical methods, such as fluorescence polarization (FP), isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) and 1H-15N HSQC NMR. Our data show that under the applied in vitro conditions, ZL006 and IC87201 do not interact with the PDZ domains of nNOS or PSD-95, nor inhibit the nNOS-PDZ/PSD-95-PDZ interface by interacting with the β-finger of nNOS-PDZ. Our findings have implications for further medicinal chemistry efforts of ZL006, IC87201 and analogues and challenge the general and widespread view on their mechanism of action.
Memory-built-in quantum cloning in a hybrid solid-state spin register
Authors: Wang W.-B. , Zu C. , He L. , Zhang W.-G. , Duan L.-M.
Published: July 2015

As a way to circumvent the quantum no-cloning theorem, approximate quantum cloning protocols have received wide attention with remarkable applications. Copying of quantum states to memory qubits provides an important strategy for eavesdropping in quantum cryptography. We report an experiment that realizes cloning of quantum states from an electron spin to a nuclear spin in a hybrid solid-state spin register with near-optimal fidelity. The nuclear spin provides an ideal memory qubit at room temperature, which stores the cloned quantum states for a millisecond under ambient conditions, exceeding the lifetime of the original quantum state carried by the electron spin by orders of magnitude. The realization of a cloning machine with built-in quantum memory provides a key step for application of quantum cloning in quantum information science.
Polyubiquitination of Transforming Growth Factor β-activated Kinase 1 (TAK1) at Lysine 562 Residue Regulates TLR4-mediated JNK and p38 MAPK Activation
Authors: Chen I-Ting , Hsu Pang-Hung , Hsu Wan-Ching , Chen Nien-Jung , Tseng Ping-Hui
Published: July 2015

Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) plays an important role in innate immunity by eliciting inflammation. Upon receptor engagement, transforming growth factor β-activated kinase 1 (TAK1) is an essential mediator that transmits a signal from the receptor to downstream effectors, IκB kinase (IKK) and the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), which control the production of inflammatory cytokines. However, the association between phosphorylation and ubiquitination of TAK1 is not yet clear. Here, we examined the crosstalk between phosphorylation and polyubiquitination of TAK1 and further investigated the mechanism of distinct activation of MAPKs and IKK. Inhibition of TAK1 phosphorylation enhanced Lys63-linked polyubiquitination of TAK1. Conversely, ubiquitin modification was counteracted by phospho-mimic TAK1 mutant, T(184,187)D. Moreover, using LC-MS analysis, Lys562 of TAK1 was identified as a novel Lys63-linked ubiquitination site and as the key residue in the feedback regulation. Mutation of Lys562 of TAK1 leads to a decrease in TAK1 phosphorylation and specific inhibition of the MAPK pathway, but has no effect on formation of the TAK1-containing complex. Our findings demonstrate a feedback loop for phosphorylation and ubiquitination of TAK1, indicating a dynamic regulation between TAK1 polyubiquitiantion and phosphorylated activation and the molecular mechanism by which IKK and MAPKs are differentially activated in the TLR4 pathway.
Human rather than ape-like orbital morphology allows much greater lateral visual field expansion with eye abduction
Authors: Denion Eric , Hitier Martin , Levieil Eric , Mouriaux Frédéric
Published: July 2015

While convergent, the human orbit differs from that of non-human apes in that its lateral orbital margin is significantly more rearward. This rearward position does not obstruct the additional visual field gained through eye motion. This additional visual field is therefore considered to be wider in humans than in non-human apes. A mathematical model was designed to quantify this difference. The mathematical model is based on published computed tomography data in the human neuro-ocular plane (NOP) and on additional anatomical data from 100 human skulls and 120 non-human ape skulls (30 gibbons; 30 chimpanzees / bonobos; 30 orangutans; 30 gorillas). It is used to calculate temporal visual field eccentricity values in the NOP first in the primary position of gaze then for any eyeball rotation value in abduction up to 45° and any lateral orbital margin position between 85° and 115° relative to the sagittal plane. By varying the lateral orbital margin position, the human orbit can be made “non-human ape-like”. In the Pan-like orbit, the orbital margin position (98.7°) was closest to the human orbit (107.1°). This modest 8.4° difference resulted in a large 21.1° difference in maximum lateral visual field eccentricity with eyeball abduction (Pan-like: 115°; human: 136.1°).
Development of a PtSn bimetallic catalyst for direct fuel cells using bio-butanol fuel
Authors: Puthiyapura V. K. , Brett D. J. L. , Russell A. E. , Lin W. F. , Hardacre C.
Published: July 2015

PtSn showed a higher activity and lower activation energy towards butanol electrooxidation compared to pure Pt.
A novel visible light mediated radical cyclization of enol lactones: a concise method for fluorinated polycyclic lactone scaffolds
Authors: Qu Chuanhua , Xu Pan , Ma Wujiang , Cheng Yixiang , Zhu Chengjian
Published: July 2015

A novel visible light mediated cyclization of enol lactones with difluoroacyl arenes via a free radical tandem difluoroalkylation and C–C coupling of butenolides is presented. This strategy provides a facile approach to potential biological fluorinated γ-butyrolactones with excellent diastereoselectivity.
Site-directed spin labeling of 2′-amino groups in RNA with isoindoline nitroxides that are resistant to reduction
Authors: Saha Subham , Jagtap Anil P. , Sigurdsson Snorri Th.
Published: July 2015

2'-Amino groups in RNA were selectively spin labeled with reductively stable isoindoline nitroxides through a high-yielding reaction with aromatic isothiocyanates.
Less sensitive oxygen-rich organic peroxides containing geminal hydroperoxy groups
Authors: Gamage Nipuni-Dhanesha H. , Stiasny Benedikt , Stierstorfer Jörg , Martin Philip D. , Klapötke Thomas M. , Winter Charles H.
Published: July 2015

Oxygen-rich, highly energetic organic peroxide compounds containing two bis(hydroperoxy)methylene groups are described.
Dendritic nanofibers of gold formed by the electron transfer at the interface between water and a highly hydrophobic ionic liquid
Authors: Nishi Naoya , Kakinami Tatsuya , Sakka Tetsuo
Published: July 2015

Novel nanostructures, dendritic nanofibers of gold, have been found to be formedviaan electron-transfer reaction at the ionic liquid–water interface, instead of the more conventional oil–water interface.
(Ti/Zr,N) codoped hematite for enhancing the photoelectrochemical activity of water splitting
Authors: Pan Haijun , Meng Xiangying , Liu Dongyan , Li Song , Qin Gaowu
Published: July 2015

In this theoretical study, first-principles calculations were carried out to explore the photocatalytic activity of cation (Ti or Zr) and anion (N) compensated codoped hematite based on density functional theory (DFT).
On the short circuit resilience of organic solar cells: prediction and validation
Authors: Jolt Oostra A. , Smits Edsger C. P. , de Leeuw Dago M. , Blom Paul W. M. , Michels Jasper J.
Published: July 2015

As flexible organic solar cell performance suffers from processing-related short-circuits, quantitative insight in the effect of flaws is eminent. This work provides such insight and explains how an intrinsic healing mechanism significantly enhances fault-tolerance.
Spontaneously electrical solids in a new light
Authors: Lasne Jérôme , Rosu-Finsen Alexander , Cassidy Andrew , McCoustra Martin R. S. , Field David
Published: July 2015

Reflection–absorption infrared spectroscopy (RAIRS) of nitrous oxide (N2O) thin films is shown to provide an independent means of observing the spontelectric state; the first new structural phase of matter, with unique electrical properties, to have emerged in decades.
Selective electrochemical reduction of CO2to CO on CuO-derived Cu nanowires
Authors: Ma Ming , Djanashvili Kristina , Smith Wilson A.
Published: July 2015

A Cu nanowire array shows high selectivity towards the production of CO and HCOOH from the electrochemical reduction of CO2.
Aggregation induced phosphorescent N-oxyde-2,2′-bipyridine bismuth complexes and polymorphism-dependent emission
Authors: Toma Oksana , Mercier Nicolas , Allain Magali , Forni Alessandra , Meinardi Francesco , Botta Chiara
Published: July 2015

Aggregation induced phosphorescence is unprecedentedly observed for a bismuth complex [BiBr3(bp2mo)2] (bp2mo = N-oxide-2,2′-bipyridine).
Few-layered MoSe2 nanosheets as an advanced electrode material for supercapacitors
Authors: Balasingam Suresh Kannan , Lee Jae Sung , Jun Yongseok
Published: July 2015

Few-layered MoSe2 nanosheets are synthesized via a facile hydrothermal method. A symmetric two-electrode device consisting of MoSe2 nanosheets showed enhanced performance and good capacitance retention over 10 000 cycles.
Merging open metal sites and Lewis basic sites in a NbO-type metal–organic framework for improved C2H2/CH4 and CO2/CH4 separation
Authors: Song Chengling , Hu Jiayi , Ling Yajing , Feng Yunlong , Chen De-Li , He Yabing
Published: July 2015

A new NbO-type metal–organic framework ZJNU-47a incorporating Lewis acidic copper sites and Lewis basic nitrogen donor sites exhibits better performance than the isostructural NOTT-101a in the separation of C2H2/CH4 and CO2/CH4 gas mixtures at room temperature.
The seed of the Amazonian fruit Couepia bracteosa exhibits higher scavenging capacity against ROS and RNS than its shell and pulp extracts
Authors: Berto Alessandra , Ribeiro Alessandra Braga , Sentandreu Enrique , de Souza Nilson Evelázio , Mercadante Adriana Zerlotti , Chisté Renan Campos , Fernandes Eduarda
Published: July 2015

Couepia bracteosais an interesting source of bioactive compounds which may be investigated for protecting human health against oxidative damage.
Apoptosis progression studied using parallel dielectrophoresis electrophysiological analysis and flow cytometry
Authors: Mulhall H. J. , Cardnell A. , Hoettges K. F. , Labeed F. H. , Hughes M. P.
Published: July 2015

Combined studies of cells undergoing apoptosis, using both dielectrophoresis and flow cytometry, allows electrophysiology and molecular biology to be correlated.
Novel 3-hydroxypyridin-4-one hexadentate ligand-based polymeric iron chelator: synthesis, characterization and antimicrobial evaluation
Authors: Zhou Ying-Jun , Kong Xiao-Le , Li Jun-Pei , Ma Yong-Min , Hider Robert C , Zhou Tao
Published: July 2015

A novel 3-hydroxypyridin-4-one hexadentate-based copolymeric iron chelator was prepared. The polymer was found to possess high iron affinity and appreciable inhibitory activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
A highly selective fluorescent chemosensor for cyanide anions based on a chalcone derivative in the presence of iron(iii) ions, and its capacity for living cell imaging in mixed aqueous systems
Authors: Yang Wen , Cheng Zhongqin , Xu Yunlong , Shao Jie , Zhou Weiqun , Xie Juan , Li Mengying
Published: July 2015

A chalcone based chemosensor was reported, and its in situ formed complex can serve as a cyanide anion probe.
The development of carbene-stabilized N–O radical coupling strategy in metal-free regioselective C–H azidation of quinoline N-oxides
Authors: Li Pan , Zhao Jingjing , Xia Chungu , Li Fuwei
Published: July 2015

The key regioselective issue of quinolineN-oxide azidation was resolvedviathe oxidative cross-coupling of carbene-stabilized N–O radicals and TMSN3. Compared with the reported azidations, the present metal-free procedure is convenient and regioselective under mild conditions, and could be scaled up to gram-synthesis.
Metabolic regulation of α-linolenic acid on β-carotene synthesis in Blakeslea trispora revealed by a GC-MS-based metabolomic approach
Authors: Hu Jing , Li Hao , Yang Yumeng , Wang Shizeng , Tang Pingwah , Li Chunfang , Tian Guifang , Yuan Qipeng
Published: July 2015

ALA promoted β-carotene production in two ways: increasing the dissolved oxygen and decreasing the consumption of acetyl-CoA.
Effect of nanosilica-based immobile antioxidant on thermal oxidative degradation of SBR
Authors: Wei Haitao , Guo Lili , Zheng Jing , Huang Guangsu , Li Guangxian
Published: July 2015

A new kind of nanosilica-based immobile antioxidant (RT-silica) possesses outstanding reinforcement and anti-aging performance. For example, the tensile strength of SBR/RT composite is far more than that of SBR/silica composite.
Characterization of micro fibrillation process of cellulose and mercerized cellulose pulp
Authors: Sharma Sudhir , Nair Sandeep Sudhakaran , Zhang Zhe , Ragauskas Arthur J. , Deng Yulin
Published: July 2015

The effects of cellulose I and cellulose II on the microfibrillation process and final properties of MFC were studied.
Experimental modelling of chemically graded geopolymer under flexure: load application perpendicular to the graded region
Authors: Nazari Ali , Sanjayan Jay G.
Published: July 2015

Functionally graded regions in geopolymers are made after the chemical diffusion of different mixtures into each other during the vibration and hardening process.
Tubular porous coordination polymer for the selective sensing of Cu2+ ions and cyclohexane in mixed suspensions of metal ions via fluorescence quenching
Authors: Wang Hai-Ning , Liu Ping-Xiao , Chen He , Xu Ning , Zhou Zi-Yan , Zhuo Shu-Ping
Published: July 2015

A tubular porous coordination polymer has been developed that can rapidly and selectively sense Cu2+ ions via fluorescence quenching in a suspension of mixed metal ions.
The improved effect of co-doping with nano-SiO2and nano-Al2O3on the performance of poly(methyl methacrylate-acrylonitrile-ethyl acrylate) based gel polymer electrolyte for lithium ion batteries
Authors: Sun Ping , Liao Youhao , Luo Xueyi , Li Zihao , Chen Tingting , Xing Lidan , Li Weishan
Published: July 2015

We report a novel gel polymer electrolyte (GPE) for lithium ion batteries, which is prepared using P(MMA-AN-EA) as a polymer matrix and doping with nano-SiO2and nano-Al2O3simultaneously.
Comparison of thermophilic microaerobic and alkali pretreatment of sugarcane bagasse for anaerobic digestion
Authors: Fu Shan-fei , Shi Xiao-shuang , Wang Fei , Yuan Xian-zheng , Guo Rong-Bo
Published: July 2015

Effects of alkali pretreatment (AP) and thermophilic microaerobic pretreatment (TMP) on the AD of sugarcane bagasse were investigated and compared.
Self-assembled fullerene additives for boosting the capacity of activated carbon electrodes in supercapacitors
Authors: Sridhar Deepak , Balakrishnan Kaushik , Gnanaprakasa Tony J. , Raghavan Srini , Muralidharan Krishna
Published: July 2015

Self-assembled fullerene additives at minor weight fractions (∼1 wt%) are shown to improve the specific capacity of activated carbon electrode based supercapacitors significantly, while simultaneously increasing the maximum power density.
Slow magnetic relaxation of a three-dimensional metal–organic framework featuring a unique dysprosium(iii) oxalate layer
Authors: Liu Cai-Ming , Zhang De-Qing , Zhu Dao-Ben
Published: July 2015

Two-step thermal magnetic relaxation was observed in a novel three-dimensional dysprosium(iii) metal–organic framework.
Effects of confinement, surface-induced orientations and strain on dynamical behaviors of bacteria in thin liquid crystalline films
Authors: Mushenheim Peter C. , Trivedi Rishi R. , Roy Susmit Singha , Arnold Michael S. , Weibel Douglas B. , Abbott Nicholas L.
Published: July 2015

The effects of confinement, surface-induced orientations and strain on dynamical behaviors of bacteria in micrometer-thick films of liquid crystals are reported.
Nanocomposite polymer membrane derived from nano TiO2-PMMA and glass fiber nonwoven: high thermal endurance and cycle stability in lithium ion battery applications
Authors: Zhang Sen , Cao Jiang , Shang Yuming , Wang Li , He Xiangming , Li Jianjun , Zhao Peng , Wang Yaowu
Published: July 2015

A nano-composite polymer electrolyte membrane (NCPE) is made by introducing highly dispersed nano-TiO2 hybrid doped PVDF–HFP into a readily available nonwoven glass fiber.
Heterogeneous rhodium–tin nanoparticles: highly active and durable electrocatalysts for the oxidation of ethanol
Authors: Ahn Minjeh , Cha In Young , Lee Joong Kee , Yoo Sung Jong , Sung Yung-Eun
Published: July 2015

Highly active and durable heterogeneous Rh–Sn nanoparticles for the electrocatalytic oxidation of ethanol have been synthesized using a simple and facile surfactant-free microwave-assisted method.
Dielectric properties of fluorine substituted hydroxyapatite: the effect of the substitution on configuration of hydroxide ion chains
Authors: Horiuchi N. , Endo J. , Wada N. , Nozaki K. , Nakamura M. , Nagai A. , Katayama K. , Yamashita K.
Published: July 2015

Dielectric properties of fluoridated hydroxyapatite (F-HAp; Ca5(PO4)3(OH)1−xFx) were measured. The results show that the F-substitution induces the specific configuration that contains hydrogen bonds in F-HAp.
A dual-emission fluorescence-enhanced probe for imaging copper(ii) ions in lysosomes
Authors: Ren Mingguang , Deng Beibei , Wang Jian-Yong , Liu Zhan-Rong , Lin Weiying
Published: July 2015

We have developed the first example of a fluorescence-enhanced and lysosome-targeted Cu2+ probe (Lys-Cu) with unique dual-channel emissions. Fluorescence imaging shows that Lys-Cu is membrane-permeable and suitable for visualization of Cu2+ in lysosomes of living cells by dual-channel imaging.
Targeting Cullin–RING E3 ubiquitin ligases for drug discovery: structure, assembly and small-molecule modulation
Authors: Bulatov Emil , Ciulli Alessio
Published: July 2015

In the last decade, the ubiquitin–proteasome system has emerged as a valid target for the development of novel therapeutics. E3 ubiquitin ligases are particularly attractive targets because they confer substrate specificity on the ubiquitin system. CRLs [Cullin–RING (really interesting new gene) E3 ubiquitin ligases] draw particular attention, being the largest family of E3s. The CRLs assemble into functional multisubunit complexes using a repertoire of substrate receptors, adaptors, Cullin scaffolds and RING-box proteins. Drug discovery targeting CRLs is growing in importance due to mounting evidence pointing to significant roles of these enzymes in diverse biological processes and human diseases, including cancer, where CRLs and their substrates often function as tumour suppressors or oncogenes. In the present review, we provide an account of the assembly and structure of CRL complexes, and outline the current state of the field in terms of available knowledge of small-molecule inhibitors and modulators of CRL activity. A comprehensive overview of the reported crystal structures of CRL subunits, components and full-size complexes, alone or with bound small molecules and substrate peptides, is included. This information is providing increasing opportunities to aid the rational structure-based design of chemical probes and potential small-molecule therapeutics targeting CRLs.
The multidrug transporter Pdr5 on the 25th anniversary of its discovery: an important model for the study of asymmetric ABC transporters
Authors: Golin John , Ambudkar Suresh V.
Published: July 2015

Asymmetric ABC (ATP-binding cassette) transporters make up a significant proportion of this important superfamily of integral membrane proteins. These proteins contain one canonical (catalytic) ATP-binding site and a second atypical site with little enzymatic capability. The baker's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) Pdr5 multidrug transporter is the founding member of the Pdr subfamily of asymmetric ABC transporters, which exist only in fungi and slime moulds. Because these organisms are of considerable medical and agricultural significance, Pdr5 has been studied extensively, as has its medically important homologue Cdr1 from Candida albicans. Genetic and biochemical analyses of Pdr5 have contributed important observations that are likely to be applicable to mammalian asymmetric ABC multidrug transporter proteins, including the basis of transporter promiscuity, the function of the non-catalytic deviant ATP-binding site, the most complete description of an in vivo transmission interface, and the recent discovery that Pdr5 is a molecular diode (one-way gate). In the present review, we discuss the observations made with Pdr5 and compare them with findings from clinically important asymmetric ABC transporters, such as CFTR (cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator), Cdr1 and Tap1/Tap2.
Design and analysis of novel magnetic flux‐modulated mnemonic machines
Authors: Wang Qingsong , Niu Shuangxia , Ho Siu Lau , Fu Weinong , Zuo Shuguang
Published: July 2015

This paper presents two novel designs of magnetic flux‐modulated mnemonic (MFMM) machines which incorporate magnetic gearing effect and flux‐mnemonic concept together. Both of these two machines can perform large torque production at low‐speed because of the magnetic gearing effect, and can readily achieve flexible flux‐controllability by temporarily applying current pulses to magnetise/demagnetise aluminium‐nickel‐cobalt magnets so as to expand the constant‐power region operation effectively. One machine has permanent magnets (PMs) on its rotor and outer stator which is referred as the dual‐layer PM MFMM (DPM‐MFMM) machine; bi‐directional field modulating effect is artfully incorporated in this machine to guarantee effective coupling between the magnetic fields excited by the armature windings and those excited by the two sets of PMs. The second machine employs all the PMs on the outer stator and the rotor is only made up of ferromagnetic segments. In other words, it is a single‐layer PM‐MFMM (SPM‐MFMM) machine, and the rotor carries the flux modulating poles. The configurations and working principles of both machines are discussed. The electromagnetic performances are comprehensively studied and quantitatively compared using finite element method (FEM).