bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Party Quotas and Rising Women Politicians in Singapore
Authors: Tan Netina
Published: March 2015

Women were severely underrepresented in Singapore's early politics. From 1970 to 1984, not a single female member was found in the Parliament. Unlike the experiences of Taiwan and South Korea in this issue, the ruling People's Action Party (PAP) of Singapore faced no similar pressure from the opposition parties or feminist groups to adopt gender quotas to “fast track” women into politics (Dahlerup and Freidenvall 2005). Yet, the total number of women candidates increased from 0 in 1980 to 32 by 2011. And women's legislative representation reached a high of 23% after the 2011 general election.
Mixed Effects of Legislative Quotas in South Korea
Authors: Yoon Jiso , Shin Ki-young
Published: March 2015

Gender and politics scholars have demonstrated that the women's movement plays a pivotal role in the adoption of gender quotas and in improving women's political representation (Bauer and Britton 2006; Dahlerup 2006; Krook 2009). They typically argue that domestic political transformations and international pressure help to mobilize the women's movement and demands for more women in elected offices (Huang, this volume; Krook, O'Brian, and Swip 2010). The South Korean case affirms these studies, as women's organizations often take advantage of the local political transformations to push for the gender quota adoption. However, we contend that without political parties' full commitment to implementing gender quotas and supplementing quotas with non-quota measures, efforts that prioritize the descriptive representation of women and formal quota legislation have brought only limited effects on enhancing women's political representation.
High‐resolution imaging of the melt distribution in partially molten upper mantle rocks: evidence for wetted two‐grain boundaries
Authors: Garapić G. , Faul U. H. , Brisson E.
Published: March 2015

We determine the 3‐D melt geometry of partially molten samples of olivine containing 1.6 and 3.6 vol.% of basaltic melt that were held in a piston cylinder apparatus at upper mantle conditions for 430 h. Our approach involves serial sectioning and high‐resolution field emission SEM imaging. Resolution is such that melt pockets approaching ~30 nm in size were resolved while covering an area of ~300 by 230 µm. The principal result of this study is to show that thin layers (typically 100 nm or less in thickness) between adjacent grains observed in 2‐D images persist with depth and are therefore wetted two‐grain boundaries. Melt geometries most closely resembling triple junction tubules of the isotropic equilibrium model occur at all three‐grain edges but are small compared to larger pockets. The wetted grain boundaries at a dihedral angle >0° for this system are inferred to be due to slow expulsion of melt from dynamically reorganizing grain boundaries during steady state grain growth. The attenuation peak observed in forced torsional oscillation experiments on similar samples is likely related to the wetted grain boundaries. Grain growth, driven by surface energy reduction, occurs also at the larger grain sizes expected for the mantle. This suggests the presence of wetted grain boundaries and significant velocity reduction and attenuation in partially molten upper mantle, as observed for example in back‐arc basins.
Cold ice in the ablation zone: Its relation to glacier hydrology and ice water content
Authors: Ryser C. , Lüthi M. , Blindow N. , Suckro S. , Funk M. , Bauder A.
Published: March 2015

Cold ice within a polythermal ice body controls its flow dynamics through the temperature dependence of viscosity, and affects glacier hydrology by blocking water flow paths. Lakes on the surface, linked by persistent, deeply incised meltwater streams, are hallmark features of cold ice in the ablation zone of a glacier or ice sheet. Ice radar is a convenient method to map scattering from internal water bodies present in ice at the pressure melting temperature (PMT). Consequently, lack of internal scatters is indicative of cold ice. We use a helicopter‐borne 30 MHz ice radar to delineate the extent of cold ice within Grenzgletscher (Zermatt, Swiss Alps). The inferred thermal structure is validated with temperature measurements in 15 deep boreholes, showing excellent agreement. The cold ice occupies 80–90 % of the total ice thickness in a 400 m wide flow band along the central flow line. Quantitative interpretation of ice radar scattering power indicates a decrease of ice water content between PMT and 0.5 K below PMT, as predicted by theory, and observed in the laboratory. The cold ice which emerges at the surface in the lower ablation zone is impermeable to water, and is thus devoid of moulins if not crevassed. The surface water from melt and rain is routed through deeply incised, persistent streams and lakes, and cryoconite holes are frequent, in stark contrast to the adjacent temperate ice from other tributaries. The cold ice thus has a strong control on glacier hydrology, but is likely to change due to continued warming.
Long noncoding RNAs: a potent source of regulation in immunity and disease
Authors: Yu Albert D , Wang Zichen , Morris Kevin V
Published: March 2015

The discovery of functional long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) coupled with the ever‐increasing accessibility of genomic and transcriptomic technology has led to an explosion of functional and mechanistic investigation and discovery into what was once dismissed as junk DNA. Over the past decade, a significant number of lncRNAs have been found to be involved in a diverse array of processes: from epigenetic modulation, both repressive and activating; to protein scaffolding; to miRNA sequestration; to competitive inhibition; and more. The broad character of these mechanisms means that lncRNAs have the potential for regulation across all biological processes—not least of which are immunity and disease. A number of lncRNAs operating within these two contexts have already been identified and characterized, but untold more remain yet to be discovered. This review aims to provide an overview of the current state of research on lncRNAs involved in immune modulation and disease, with an emphasis on their mechanism and discovery.
Shigella IpaB and IpaD displayed on L. lactis bacterium‐like particles induce protective immunity in adult and infant mice
Authors: Heine Shannon J , Franco‐Mahecha Olga L , Chen Xiaotong , Choudhari Shyamal , Blackwelder William C , van Roosmalen Maarten L , Leenhouts Kees , Picking Wendy L , Pasetti Marcela F
Published: March 2015

Shigella spp. are among the enteric pathogens with the highest attributable incidence of moderate‐to‐severe diarrhea in children under 5 years of age living in endemic areas. There are no vaccines available to prevent this disease. In this work, we investigated a new Shigella vaccine concept consisting of nonliving, self‐adjuvanted, Lactococcus lactis bacterium‐like particles (BLP) displaying Shigella invasion plasmid antigen (Ipa) B and IpaD and examined its immunogenicity and protective efficacy in adult and newborn/infant mice immunized via the nasal route. Unique advantages of this approach include the potential for broad protection due to the highly conserved structure of the Ipas and the safety and practicality of a probiotic‐based mucosal/adjuvant delivery platform. Immunization of adult mice with BLP‐IpaB and BLP‐IpaD (BLP‐IpaB/D) induced high levels of Ipa‐specific serum IgG and stool IgA in a dose‐dependent manner. Immune responses and protection were enhanced by BLP delivery. Vaccine‐induced serum antibodies exhibited opsonophagocytic and cytotoxic neutralizing activity, and IpaB/D IgG titers correlated with increased survival post‐challenge. Ipa‐specific antibody secreting cells were detected in nasal tissue and lungs, as well as IgG in bronchoalveolar lavage. Bone marrow cells produced IpaB/D‐specific antibodies and contributed to protection after adoptive transfer. The BLP‐IpaB/D vaccine conferred 90% and 80% protection against S. flexneri and S. sonnei, respectively. Mice immunized with BLP‐IpaB/D as newborns also developed IpaB and IpaD serum antibodies; 90% were protected against S. flexneri and 44% against S. sonnei. The BLP‐IpaB/D vaccine is a promising candidate for safe, practical and potentially effective immunization of children against shigellosis.
Human thymic epithelial primary cells produce exosomes carrying tissue‐restricted antigens
Authors: Skogberg Gabriel , Lundberg Vanja , Berglund Martin , Gudmundsdottir Judith , Telemo Esbjörn , Lindgren Susanne , Ekwall Olov
Published: March 2015

Exosomes are nano‐sized vesicles released by cells into the extracellular space and have been shown to be present in thymic tissue both in mice and in humans. The source of thymic exosomes is however still an enigma and hence it is not known whether thymic epithelial cells (TECs) are able to produce exosomes. In this work, we have cultured human TECs and isolated exosomes. These exosomes carry tissue‐restricted antigens (TRAs), for example, myelin basic protein and desmoglein 3. The presence of TRAs indicates a possible role for thymic epithelium‐derived exosomes in the selection process of thymocytes. The key contribution of these exosomes could be to disseminate self‐antigens from the thymic epithelia, thus making them more accessible to the pool of maturing thymocytes. This would increase the coverage of TRAs within the thymus, and facilitate the process of positive and negative selection.
Erratum: The host metabolite D-serine contributes to bacterial niche specificity through gene selection
Authors: Connolly James P R , Goldstone Robert J , Burgess Karl , Cogdell Richard J , Beatson Scott A , Vollmer Waldemar , Smith David G E , Roe Andrew J
Published: March 2015

Correction to: The ISME Journal advance online publication, 19 December 2014; doi: 10.1038/ismej.2014.242 Since the publication of this article, the publishers have identified that the sentence ‘We found that D-serine alone caused repression of the Type 3 Secretion System (T3SS) and induced the SOS response is not an acronym’ is incorrect and should be ‘We found that D-serine alone caused repression of the Type 3 Secretion System (T3SS) and induced the SOS’.
High performing and stable supported nano-alloys for the catalytic hydrogenation of levulinic acid to γ-valerolactone
Authors: Luo Wenhao , Sankar Meenakshisundaram , Beale Andrew M. , He Qian , Kiely Christopher J. , Bruijnincx Pieter C. A. , Weckhuysen Bert M.
Published: March 2015

The catalytic hydrogenation of levulinic acid, a key platform molecule in many biorefinery schemes, into γ-valerolactone is considered as one of the pivotal reactions to convert lignocellulose-based biomass into renewable fuels and chemicals. Here we report on the development of highly active, selective and stable supported metal catalysts for this reaction and on the beneficial effects of metal nano-alloying. Bimetallic random alloys of gold-palladium and ruthenium-palladium supported on titanium dioxide are prepared with a modified metal impregnation method. Gold-palladium/titanium dioxide shows a marked,~27-fold increase in activity (that is, turnover frequency of 0.1 s−1) compared with its monometallic counterparts. Although ruthenium-palladium/titanium dioxide is not only exceptionally active (that is, turnover frequency of 0.6 s−1), it shows excellent, sustained selectivity to γ-valerolactone (99%). The dilution and isolation of ruthenium by palladium is thought to be responsible for this superior catalytic performance. Alloying, furthermore, greatly improves the stability of both supported nano-alloy catalysts.
The multikinase inhibitor Sorafenib enhances glycolysis and synergizes with glycolysis blockade for cancer cell killing
Authors: Tesori Valentina , Piscaglia Anna Chiara , Samengo Daniela , Barba Marta , Bernardini Camilla , Scatena Roberto , Pontoglio Alessandro , Castellini Laura , Spelbrink Johannes N. , Maulucci Giuseppe , Puglisi Maria Ausiliatrice , Pani Giovambattista , Gasbarrini Antonio
Published: March 2015

Although the only effective drug against primary hepatocarcinoma, the multikinase inhibitor Sorafenib (SFB) usually fails to eradicate liver cancer. Since SFB targets mitochondria, cell metabolic reprogramming may underlie intrinsic tumor resistance. To characterize cancer cell metabolic response to SFB, we measured oxygen consumption, generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and ATP content in rat LCSC (Liver Cancer Stem Cells) -2 cells exposed to the drug. Genome wide analysis of gene expression was performed by Affymetrix technology. SFB cytotoxicity was evaluated by multiple assays in the presence or absence of metabolic inhibitors, or in cells genetically depleted of mitochondria. We found that low concentrations (2.5–5 μM) of SFB had a relatively modest effect on LCSC-2 or 293 T cell growth, but damaged mitochondria and increased intracellular ROS. Gene expression profiling of SFB-treated cells was consistent with a shift toward aerobic glycolysis and, accordingly, SFB cytotoxicity was dramatically increased by glucose withdrawal or the glycolytic inhibitor 2-DG. Under metabolic stress, activation of the AMP dependent Protein Kinase (AMPK), but not ROS blockade, protected cells from death. We conclude that mitochondrial damage and ROS drive cell killing by SFB, while glycolytic cell reprogramming may represent a resistance strategy potentially targetable by combination therapies.
The Relationship between Dietary Protein Consumption and Risk of Fracture: a subgroup and dose-response meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies
Authors: Wu Ai-Min , Sun Xiao-Lei , Lv Qing-Bo , Zhou Yong , Xia Dong-Dong , Xu Hua-Zi , Huang Qi-Shan , Chi Yong-Long
Published: March 2015

It is still debate of the relationship between the dietary protein consumption and risk of fracture. We searched Medline and Embase to assess the effects of dietary protein consumption on risk of fracture. Twelve prospective cohort studies with 407,104 participants were included, higher total protein consumption may be decrease 11% risk of hip fractures, with adj. RR of 0.89 (0.82, 0.97), no significant difference was found for total protein and risk of all fractures and limb fracture; for animal protein consumption and risk of all fractures and hip fracture, with adj.RR of 0.79 (032, 1.96) and 1.04 (0.70, 1.54); for vegetable protein consumption and risk of all fractures, hip fracture and limb fractures with adj.RR of 0.77 (0.52, 1.12), 1.00 (0.53, 1.91) and 0.94 (0.40, 2.22), the subgroup of vegetable protein consumption and risk of all fractures of postmenopausal women with adj.RR of 0.78(0.52,1.16). Dose-response meta-analysis the relationship of total/animal/vegetable protein and hip fracture was consistent to the results of forest plot, the line of total protein and hip fracture was below the Y = 1.0 line. This meta-analysis showed that total dietary protein consumption may be decrease the risk of hip fracture, but not for animal or vegetable protein.
Preparation of Hollow CuO@SiO2 Spheres and Its Catalytic Performances for the NO + CO and CO Oxidation
Authors: Niu Xiaoyu , Zhao Tieying , Yuan Fulong , Zhu Yujun
Published: March 2015

The hollow CuO@SiO2spheres with a mean diameter of 240 nm and a thin shell layer of about 30 nm in thickness was synthesized using an inorganic SiO2shell coating on the surface of Cu@C composite that was prepared by a two-step hydrothermal method. The obtained hollow CuO@SiO2spheres were characterized by ICP-AES, nitrogen adsorption-desorption, SEM, TEM, XRD, H2-TPR, CO-TPR, CO-TPD and NO-TPD. The results revealed that the hollow CuO@SiO2spheres consist of CuO uniformly inserted into SiO2layer. The CuO@SiO2sample exhibits particular catalytic activities for CO oxidation and NO + CO reactions compared with CuO supported on SiO2(CuO/SiO2). The higher catalytic activity is attributed to the special hollow shell structure that possesses much more highly dispersed CuO nanocluster that can be easy toward the CO and NO adsorption and the oxidation of CO on its surface.
Trace phase formation, crystallization kinetics and crystallographic evolution of a lithium disilicate glass probed by synchrotron XRD technique
Authors: Huang Saifang , Huang Zhaohui , Gao Wei , Cao Peng
Published: March 2015

X-ray diffraction technique using a laboratory radiation has generally shown limitation in detectability. In this work, we investigated the in situ high-temperature crystallization of a lithium disilicate glass-ceramic in the SiO2–Li2O–CaO–P2O5–ZrO2 system with the aid of synchrotron radiation. The formation of lithium metasilicate and other intermediate phases in trace amount was successfully observed by synchrotron X-ray diffraction (SXRD). The crystallization mechanism in this glass was thus intrinsically revised to be the co-nucleation of lithium metasilicate and disilicate, instead of the nucleation of lithium disilicate only. The phase content, crystallite size and crystallographic evolutions of Li2Si2O5 in the glass-ceramic as a function of annealing temperature were studied by performing Rietveld refinements. It is found that the growth of Li2Si2O5 is constrained by Li2SiO3 phase at 580–700°C. The relationship between the crystallographic evolution and phase transition was discussed, suggesting a common phenomenon of structural response of Li2Si2O5 along its c axis to other silicon-related phases during glass crystallization.
Does left-handedness confer resistance to spatial bias?
Authors: Bareham Corinne A. , Bekinschtein Tristan A. , Scott Sophie K. , Manly Tom
Published: March 2015

We recently demonstrated that drowsiness, indexed using EEG, was associated with left-inattention in a group of 26 healthy right-handers. This has been linked to alertness-related modulation of spatial bias in left neglect patients and the greater persistence of left, compared with right, neglect following injury. Despite handedness being among the most overt aspects of human lateralization, studies of this healthy analogue of left neglect have only been conducted with predominantly or exclusively right-handed individuals. Here, with a group of 26 healthy non-right-handers we demonstrate that, unlike right-handers who showed a rightward shift in attention with drowsiness, non-right-handers showed the opposite pattern on an auditory spatial localization task. The current results are the first indication that factors linked to handedness can affect the development and extremity of spatial biases, potentially conferring resilience to clinical symptoms in non-right-handers and, given that 90% of us are right-handed, why left neglect is disproportionately persistent.
Enhancer-promoter interaction facilitated by transiently forming G-quadruplexes
Authors: Hegyi Hedi
Published: March 2015

G-quadruplexes are guanine-rich nucleic acid sequences capable of forming a four-stranded structure through Hoogsteen hydrogen bonding. G-quadruplexes are highly concentrated near promoters and transcription start sites suggesting a role in gene regulation. They are less often found on the template than non-template strand where they either inhibit or enhance transcription, respectively. However, their potential role in enhancers and other distal regulatory elements has not been assessed yet. Here we show that DNAse hypersensitive (DHS) cis-regulatory elements are also enriched in Gs and their G-content correlate with that of their respective promoters. Besides local G4s, the distal cis regions may form G-quadruplexes together with the promoters, each contributing half a G4. This model is supported more for the non-template strand and we hypothesised that the G4 forming capability of the promoter and the enhancer non-template strand could facilitate their binding together and making the DHS regions accessible for the transcription factory.
Error-based Extraction of States and Energy Landscapes from Experimental Single-Molecule Time-Series
Authors: Taylor J. Nicholas , Li Chun-Biu , Cooper David R. , Landes Christy F. , Komatsuzaki Tamiki
Published: March 2015

Characterization of states, the essential components of the underlying energy landscapes, is one of the most intriguing subjects in single-molecule (SM) experiments due to the existence of noise inherent to the measurements. Here we present a method to extract the underlying state sequences from experimental SM time-series. Taking into account empirical error and the finite sampling of the time-series, the method extracts a steady-state network which provides an approximation of the underlying effective free energy landscape. The core of the method is the application of rate-distortion theory from information theory, allowing the individual data points to be assigned to multiple states simultaneously. We demonstrate the method's proficiency in its application to simulated trajectories as well as to experimental SM fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) trajectories obtained from isolated agonist binding domains of the AMPA receptor, an ionotropic glutamate receptor that is prevalent in the central nervous system.
Rsite: a computational method to identify the functional sites of noncoding RNAs
Authors: Zeng Pan , Li Jianwei , Ma Wei , Cui Qinghua
Published: March 2015

There is an increasing demand for identifying the functional sites of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs). Here we introduce a tertiary-structure based computational approach, Rsite, which first calculates the Euclidean distances between each nucleotide and all the other nucleotides in a RNA molecule and then determines the nucleotides that are the extreme points in the distance curve as the functional sites. By analyzing two ncRNAs, tRNA (Lys) and Diels-Alder ribozyme, we demonstrated the efficiency of Rsite. As a result, Rsite recognized all of the known functional sites of the two ncRNAs, suggesting that Rsite could be a potentially useful tool for discovering the functional sites of ncRNAs. The source codes and data sets of Rsite are available at http://www.cuilab.cn/rsite.
Choice of Flap Affects Fistula Rate after Salvage Laryngopharyngectomy
Authors: Kao Huang-Kai , Abdelrahman Mohamed , Chang Kai-Ping , Wu Chao-Min , Hung Shao-Yu , Shyu Victor Bong-Hang
Published: March 2015

Due to the significant morbidity and mortality associated with pharyngocutaneous fistula in pharyngoesophageal reconstruction following cancer resection, the purpose of this retrospective study is to examine the selection of tubed skin flaps that impact anastomotic integrity. The flaps evaluated included radial forearm flap versus anterolateral thigh flap and fasciocutaneous anterolateral thigh flap versus chimeric anterolateral thigh flap. The outcome of interest is the incidence of pharyngocutaneous fistula. The radial forearm group had a significantly higher rate of fistula than the anterolateral thigh group (56.6% vs. 30.2%, p = 0.03). No significant difference in the incidence of fistula was demonstrated between fasciocutaneous and chimeric anterolateral thigh flap (36.8% vs. 25%, p = 0.51). The anastomotic integrity in pharyngoesopharyngeal reconstruction is affected by choice of skin flaps. Anterolateral thigh flap appears to be a viable option for pharyngoesophageal reconstruction. The more technical demand of the anterolateral thigh flap must be weighed against an easily harvested radial forearm flap.
Atomic picture of elastic deformation in a metallic glass
Authors: Wang X. D. , Aryal S. , Zhong C. , Ching W. Y. , Sheng H. W. , Zhang H. , Zhang D. X. , Cao Q. P. , Jiang J. Z.
Published: March 2015

The tensile behavior of a Ni60Nb40 metallic glass (MG) has been studied by using ab initio density functional theory (DFT) calculation with a large cell containing 1024 atoms (614 Ni and 410 Nb). We provide insight into how a super elastic limit can be achieved in a MG. Spatially inhomogeneous responses of single atoms and also major polyhedra are found to change greatly with increasing external stress when the strain is over 2%, causing the intrinsically viscoelastic behavior. We uncover the origin of the observed super elastic strain limit under tension (including linear and viscoelastic strains) in small-sized MG samples, mainly caused by inhomogeneous distribution of excess volumes in the form of newly formed subatomic cavities.
Characterization of macrophage - cancer cell crosstalk in estrogen receptor positive and triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: Hollmén Maija , Roudnicky Filip , Karaman Sinem , Detmar Michael
Published: March 2015

Tumor heterogeneity may broadly influence the activation of tumor-associated macrophages. We aimed to dissect how breast cancer cells of different molecular characteristics contribute to macrophage phenotype and function. Therefore, we performed whole transcriptome sequencing of human monocytes that were co-cultured with estrogen receptor positive (ER+) or triple-negative (TNBC) breast cancer cell lines and studied the biological responses related to the differential gene activation in both monocytes and cancer cells by pathway analysis. ER+ and TNBC cancer cell lines induced distinctly different macrophage phenotypes with different biological functions, cytokine and chemokine secretion and morphology. Conversely, ER+ and TNBC breast cancer cell lines were distinctly influenced by the presence of macrophages. ER+ cells demonstrated up-regulation of an acute phase inflammatory response, IL-17 signaling and antigen presentation pathway, whereas thioredoxin and vitamin D3 receptor pathways were down-regulated in the respective macrophages. The TNBC educated macrophages down-regulated citrulline metabolism and differentiated into M2-like macrophages with increased MMR protein expression and CCL2 secretion. These data demonstrate how different cancer cells educate the host cells to support tumor growth and might explain why high infiltration of macrophages in TNBC tumors associates with poor prognosis.
Flagellar Kinematics and Swimming of Algal Cells in Viscoelastic Fluids
Authors: Qin B. , Gopinath A. , Yang J. , Gollub J. P. , Arratia P. E.
Published: March 2015

The motility of microorganisms is influenced greatly by their hydrodynamic interactions with the fluidic environment they inhabit. We show by direct experimental observation of the bi-flagellated alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii that fluid elasticity and viscosity strongly influence the beating pattern - the gait - and thereby control the propulsion speed. The beating frequency and the wave speed characterizing the cyclical bending are both enhanced by fluid elasticity. Despite these enhancements, the net swimming speed of the alga is hindered for fluids that are sufficiently elastic. The origin of this complex response lies in the interplay between the elasticity-induced changes in the spatial and temporal aspects of the flagellar cycle and the buildup and subsequent relaxation of elastic stresses during the power and recovery strokes.
Trek1 contributes to maintaining nasal epithelial barrier integrity
Authors: Jiang Jing , Liu Jiang-Qi , Li Jing , Li Meng , Chen Hong-Bin , Yan Hao , Mo Li-Hua , Qiu Shu-Qi , Liu Zhi-Gang , Yang Ping-Chang
Published: March 2015

Epithelial barrier integrity is critical to maintain the homeostasis in the body. The regulatory mechanism of the epithelial barrier function has not been fully understood. This study aims to elucidate the role of the TWIK-related potassium channel-1 (Trek1) in the regulation of the epithelial barrier function of the nasal mucosa. In this study, the levels of Trek1 were assessed by real time RT-PCR and Western blotting. The epithelial barrier function of the rat nasal epithelia was evaluated by the Ussing chamber system. The results showed that Trek1 was detected in the human and rat nasal epithelia, which were significantly lower in patients and rats with allergic rhinitis than that in healthy controls. Exposure to the signature T helper 2 cytokine, interleukin (IL)-4, markedly suppressed the expression of Trek1 in the nasal mucosa via up regulating the expression of the histone deacetylase (HDAC)1. The IL-4-induced rat nasal epithelial barrier dysfunction could be blocked by HDAC1 inhibitor (Trichostatin A), or sodium butyrate, or administration of Clostridium Butyricum. We conclude that Trek1 is critical to maintain the nasal epithelial barrier function.
Requirement of CHROMOMETHYLASE3 for somatic inheritance of the spontaneous tomato epimutation Colourless non-ripening
Authors: Chen Weiwei , Kong Junhua , Qin Cheng , Yu Sheng , Tan Jinjuan , Chen Yun-ru , Wu Chaoqun , Wang Hui , Shi Yan , Li Chunyang , Li Bin , Zhang Pengcheng , Wang Ying , Lai Tongfei , Yu Zhiming , Zhang Xian , Shi Nongnong , Wang Huizhong , Osman Toba , Liu Yule , Manning Kenneth , Jackson Stephen , Rolin Dominique , Zhong Silin , Seymour Graham B. , Gallusci Philippe , Hong Yiguo
Published: March 2015

Naturally-occurring epimutants are rare and have mainly been described in plants. However how these mutants maintain their epigenetic marks and how they are inherited remain unknown. Here we report that CHROMOMETHYLASE3 (SlCMT3) and other methyltransferases are required for maintenance of a spontaneous epimutation and its cognate Colourless non-ripening (Cnr) phenotype in tomato. We screened a series of DNA methylation-related genes that could rescue the hypermethylated Cnr mutant. Silencing of the developmentally-regulated SlCMT3 gene results in increased expression of LeSPL-CNR, the gene encodes the SBP-box transcription factor residing at the Cnr locus and triggers Cnr fruits to ripen normally. Expression of other key ripening-genes was also up-regulated. Targeted and whole-genome bisulfite sequencing showed that the induced ripening of Cnr fruits is associated with reduction of methylation at CHG sites in a 286-bp region of the LeSPL-CNR promoter and a decrease of DNA methylation in differentially-methylated regions associated with the LeMADS-RIN binding sites. Our results indicate that there is likely a concerted effect of different methyltransferases at the Cnr locus and the plant-specific SlCMT3 is essential for sustaining Cnr epi-allele. Maintenance of DNA methylation dynamics is critical for the somatic stability of Cnr epimutation and for the inheritance of tomato non-ripening phenotype.
Single-carbon discrimination by selected peptides for individual detection of volatile organic compounds
Authors: Ju Soomi , Lee Ki-Young , Min Sun-Joon , Yoo Yong Kyoung , Hwang Kyo Seon , Kim Sang Kyung , Yi Hyunjung
Published: March 2015

Although volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are becoming increasingly recognized as harmful agents and potential biomarkers, selective detection of the organic targets remains a tremendous challenge. Among the materials being investigated for target recognition, peptides are attractive candidates because of their chemical robustness, divergence and their homology to natural olfactory receptors. Using a combinatorial peptide library and either a graphitic surface or phenyl-terminated self-assembled monolayer as relevant target surfaces, we successfully selected three interesting peptides that differentiate a single carbon deviation among benzene and its analogues. The heterogeneity of the designed target surfaces provided peptides with varying affinity toward targeted molecules and generated a set of selective peptides that complemented each other. Microcantilever sensors conjugated with each peptide quantitated benzene, toluene and xylene to sub-ppm levels in real time. The selection of specific receptors for a group of volatile molecules will provide a strong foundation for general approach to individually monitoring VOCs.
The Glycan Role in the Glycopeptide Immunogenicity Revealed by Atomistic Simulations and Spectroscopic Experiments on the Multiple Sclerosis Biomarker CSF114(Glc)
Authors: Bruno Agostino , Scrima Mario , Novellino Ettore , D'Errico Gerardino , D'Ursi Anna Maria , Limongelli Vittorio
Published: March 2015

Glycoproteins are often recognized as not-self molecules by antibodies triggering the onset of severe autoimmune diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Thus, the development of antigen-mimicking biomarkers represents an attractive strategy for an early diagnosis of the disease. An example is the synthetic glycopeptide CSF114(Glc), which was designed and tested as MS biomarker and whose clinical application was limited by its reduced ability to detect autoantibodies in MS patients. In the attempt to improve the efficacy of CSF114(Glc), we have characterized all the events leading to the final binding of the biomarker to the autoantibody using atomistic simulations, ESR and NMR experiments. The glycosydic moiety plays a primary role in the whole process. In particular, in an environment mimicking that used in the clinical tests the glycopeptide assumes a α-helix structure that is functional for the interaction with the antibody. In this conformation CSF114(Glc) binds the monoclonal antibody mAb8-18C5 similarly to the myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein MOG, which is a known MS auto-antigen, thus explaining its diagnostic activity. Our study offers new molecular bases to design more effective biomarkers and provides a most valid protocol to investigate other systems where the environment effect is determinant for the biological activity.
Pushing the limit: Examining factors that affect anoxia tolerance in a single genotype of adult D. melanogaster
Authors: Benasayag-Meszaros Raquel , Risley Monica G. , Hernandez Priscilla , Fendrich Margo , Dawson-Scully Ken
Published: March 2015

Drosophila melanogaster is a promiscuous species that inhabits a large range of harsh environments including flooded habitats and varying temperature changes. To survive these environments, fruit flies have adapted mechanisms of tolerance that allow them to thrive. During exposure to anoxic stress, fruit flies and other poikilotherms enter into a reversible, protective coma. This coma can be manipulated based on controlled environmental conditions inside the laboratory. Here we utilize a common laboratory raised strain of D. melanogaster to characterize adaptation abilities to better understand coma recovery and survival limitations. Our goal is to mimic the fly's natural environments (wet anoxia) and relate findings to a typical gas induced environment (dry anoxia) that is commonly used in a laboratory. Despite the abundance of research regarding acute and chronic anoxic exposure and cold stress, the literature is lacking evidence linking anoxic stress with variable environmental conditions such as animal age and stress duration. We present novel ways to assess coma recovery and survival using readily available laboratory tools. Our findings suggest that younger age, exposure to colder temperatures and wet environments increase resistance to anoxic stress.
An all-optical modulation method in sub-micron scale
Authors: Yang Longzhi , Pei Chongyang , Shen Ao , Zhao Changyun , Li Yan , Li Xia , Yu Hui , Li Yubo , Jiang Xiaoqing , Yang Jianyi
Published: March 2015

We report a theoretical study showing that by utilizing the illumination of an external laser, the Surface Plasmon Polaritons (SPP) signals on the graphene sheet can be modulated in the sub-micron scale. The SPP wave can propagate along the graphene in the middle infrared range when the graphene is properly doped. Graphene's carrier density can be modified by a visible laser when the graphene sheet is exfoliated on the hydrophilic SiO2/Si substrate, which yields an all-optical way to control the graphene's doping level. Consequently, the external laser beam can control the propagation of the graphene SPP between the ON and OFF status. This all-optical modulation effect is still obvious when the spot size of the external laser is reduced to 400 nm while the modulation depth is as high as 114.7 dB/μm.
Developmental white matter microstructure in autism phenotype and corresponding endophenotype during adolescence
Authors: Lisiecka D M , Holt R , Tait R , Ford M , Lai M-C , Chura L R , Baron-Cohen S , Spencer M D , Suckling J
Published: March 2015

During adolescence, white matter microstructure undergoes an important stage of development. It is hypothesized that the alterations of brain connectivity that have a key role in autism spectrum conditions (ASCs) may interact with the development of white matter microstructure. This interaction may be present beyond the phenotype of autism in siblings of individuals with ASC, who are 10 to 20 times more likely to develop certain forms of ASC. We use diffusion tensor imaging to examine how white matter microstructure measurements correlate with age in typically developing individuals, and how this correlation differs in n=43 adolescents with ASC and their n=38 siblings. Correlations observed in n=40 typically developing individuals match developmental changes noted in previous longitudinal studies. In comparison, individuals with ASC display weaker negative correlation between age and mean diffusivity in a broad area centred in the right superior longitudinal fasciculus. These differences may be caused either by increased heterogeneity in ASC or by temporal alterations in the group’s developmental pattern. Siblings of individuals with ASC also show diminished negative correlation between age and one component of mean diffusivity—second diffusion eigenvalue—in the right superior longitudinal fasciculus. As the observed differences match for location and correlation directionality in our comparison of typically developing individuals to those with ASC and their siblings, we propose that these alterations constitute a part of the endophenotype of autism.
Identification of the dye adsorption modes in dye-sensitised solar cells with X-ray spectroscopy techniques: a computational study
Authors: Akbari Ali , Hashemi Javad , Niskanen Johannes , Huotari Simo , Hakala Mikko
Published: March 2015

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy of O 1s is shown to be the most reliable technique in assessing adsorption geometry of dye molecules in a dye-sensitised solar cell.
Post-synthesis incorporation of Al into germanosilicate ITH zeolites: the influence of treatment conditions on the acidic properties and catalytic behavior in tetrahydropyranylation
Authors: Shamzhy Mariya V. , Opanasenko Maksym V. , Ramos Francisca S. de O. , Brabec Libor , Horáček Michal , Navarro-Rojas Marta , Morris Russell E. , Pastore Heloise de O. , Čejka Jiří
Published: March 2015

Tuning of acidity and porosity of ITH germanosilicates by post-synthesis alumination.
Luminescent copper(i) halide and pseudohalide phenanthroline complexes revisited: simple structures, complicated excited state behavior
Authors: Nitsch Jörn , Kleeberg Christian , Fröhlich Roland , Steffen Andreas
Published: March 2015

Despite their chemical simplicity, copper(i) phenanthroline halides appear to involve multiple states in the emission process and exhibit non-trivial photophysical properties.
Valence properties of Cu and Ru in titanium-substituted LnCu3Ru4O12+δ (Ln = La, Pr, Nd) investigated by XANES and TGA
Authors: Riegg Stefan , Reller Armin , Loidl Alois , Ebbinghaus Stefan G.
Published: March 2015

In LayCu3RuxTi4−xO12+δ ruthenium remains as Ru4+, while the Cu valence decreases from +2 to +1.6 with increasing x.
Perilipin 5 mediated lipid droplet remodelling revealed by coherent Raman imaging
Authors: Billecke Nils , Bosma Madeleen , Rock William , Fleissner Frederik , Best Gerrit , Schrauwen Patrick , Kersten Sander , Bonn Mischa , Hesselink Matthijs K. C. , Parekh Sapun H.
Published: March 2015

Quantitative, label-free coherent Raman microscopy was used to show lipid droplet compositional differences in muscle upon plin5 overexpressionin vivoandin vitro.
The shear response of copper bicrystals with Σ11 symmetric and asymmetric tilt grain boundaries by molecular dynamics simulation
Authors: Zhang Liang , Lu Cheng , Tieu Kiet , Zhao Xing , Pei Linqing
Published: March 2015

The dissociated stacking fault from the grain boundary plane can increase ductility while retaining the high strength of the Cu bicrystal model under shear deformation.
Towards an improved understanding of liquid transportation along a hair fiber: ratchet-like microstructure induced capillary rise
Authors: Sheng Xianliang , Bai Hongming , Zhang Jihua
Published: March 2015

Hair cuticular cells speed up sweat transportation and thus hair care is important in the cosmetic industry.
Influence of matrix and bulk behaviour of an injectable hydrogel on the survival of encapsulated cardiac cells
Authors: Komeri Remya , Thankam Finosh Gnanaprakasam , Muthu Jayabalan
Published: March 2015

The influence of physicochemical, morphological and mechanical behaviour of an injectable poly(propylene fumarate-co-ethylene glycol)/PEGDA hydrogel on the viability and proliferation of encapsulated cardiac cells was investigated.
Effects of various hybrid nanostructures on antireflective performance of poly-Si solar cells
Authors: Tang Jian-Fu , Tseng Zong-Liang , Chen Chieh-Ying , Lu Yang-Ming , Chu Sheng-Yuan
Published: March 2015

The comparative of three kinds of hybrid nanostructures (flat film, column and cone) as antireflection layers to reduce reflectivity for solar cells.
Synthesis of different CuO nanostructures from Cu(OH)2 nanorods through changing drying medium for lithium-ion battery anodes
Authors: Shi Lin , Fan Chenyao , Sun Chunxiao , Ren Zhimin , Fu Xinxin , Qian Guodong , Wang Zhiyu
Published: March 2015

Schematic illustration of synthesis processes of different CuO nanostructures by changing the drying medium.
Three-dimensional porous nickel supported Sn–O–C composite thin film as anode material for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Qian Xin , Hang Tao , Ran Guang , Li Ming
Published: March 2015

A 3D porous Ni/Sn–O–C composite thin film anode is electrodeposited from organic electrolyte containing LiPF6 and exhibits satisfactory electrochemical performance.
Electrospun hydroxyethyl cellulose nanofibers functionalized with calcium phosphate coating for bone tissue engineering
Authors: Chahal Sugandha , Jahir Hussain Fathima Shahitha , Kumar Anuj , Yusoff Mashitah M. , Bahari Abdull Rasad Mohammad Syaiful
Published: March 2015

Calcium phosphate coated HEC/PVA nanofibrous scaffolds for bone tissue engineering applications.
An ultralight, elastic, cost-effective, and highly recyclable superabsorbent from microfibrillated cellulose fibers for oil spillage cleanup
Authors: Wang Sha , Peng Xinwen , Zhong Linxin , Tan Jiewen , Jing Shuangshuang , Cao Xuefei , Chen Wei , Liu Chuanfu , Sun Runcang
Published: March 2015

An ultralight, elastic, cost-effective, and highly recyclable superabsorbent was fabricated from microfibrillated cellulose fibers for oil spillage cleanup.
Bacterial cellulose–hyaluronan nanocomposite biomaterials as wound dressings for severe skin injury repair
Authors: Li Ying , Jiang Hua , Zheng Wenfu , Gong Niya , Chen Lili , Jiang Xingyu , Yang Guang
Published: March 2015

BC–HA composite dressings have better performance in wound healing.
Tuning the ambipolar charge transport properties of N-heteropentacenes by their frontier molecular orbital energy levels
Authors: Liu Ke , Song Cheng-Li , Zhou Ye-Cheng , Zhou Xing-Yu , Pan Xiao-Jun , Cao Lu-Ya , Zhang Cheng , Liu Yu , Gong Xiong , Zhang Hao-Li
Published: March 2015

Tuning the ambipolar performance: carefully designed N-heteropentacenes realized fine tuning of their HOMOs and LUMOs, which dramatically affected their ambipolar transport performance in field-effect transistors.
Perfluorooctane sulfonate induces apoptosis of hippocampal neurons in rat offspring associated with calcium overload
Authors: Wang Yu , Zhao Huimin , Zhang Qian , Liu Wei , Quan Xie
Published: March 2015

The purpose of this research is to investigate the effects of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) on neuronal apoptosis in the hippocampus of rat offspring, and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms associated with calcium homeostasis.
A continuous method incorporating β-cyclodextrin modified CdSe/ZnS quantum dots for determination of ascorbic acid
Authors: Durán Gema M. , Contento Ana M. , Ríos Ángel
Published: March 2015

A flow system using water-soluble CdSe/ZnS quantum dots modified with β cyclodextrin (β-CD) was developed for the determination of ascorbic acid.
The ligand redox behavior and role in 1,2-bis[(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imino]-acenaphthene nickel–TMA(MAO) systems for ethylene polymerization
Authors: Gao Wei , Xin Lan , Hao Zhiqiang , Li Guodong , Su Ji-Hu , Zhou Lijing , Mu Ying
Published: March 2015

The BIAN ligand in the BIAN nickel–TMA(MAO) system is redox-active and plays a more important role than just acting as a neutral ligand.
Development of a web-based platform for studying lithiation reactions in silico
Authors: Kabeshov Mikhail A. , Śliwiński Éric , Fitzpatrick Daniel E. , Musio Biagia , Newby James A. , Blaylock Wayne D. W. , Ley Steven V.
Published: March 2015

A novel integrated web-based system has been developed to rationalise and predict lithiation reactions in silico.
Improving photo-controlled living radical polymerization from trithiocarbonates through the use of continuous-flow techniques
Authors: Chen Mao , Johnson Jeremiah A.
Published: March 2015

Herein, we report simple flow reactor designs that enable photo-controlled living radical polymerization (photo-CRP) from trithiocarbonates (TTCs) with significant enhancements in scalability and reaction rates compared to the analogous batch reactions.
Unraveling the charge transfer/electron transport in mesoporous semiconductive TiO2 films by voltabsorptometry
Authors: Renault Christophe , Nicole Lionel , Sanchez Clément , Costentin Cyrille , Balland Véronique , Limoges Benoît
Published: March 2015

Voltabsorptometry provides a unique access to the dynamics of heterogeneous electron transfer in mesoporous semiconductive TiO2 films loaded with a redox-active dye.
Disentangling vibronic and solvent broadening effects in the absorption spectra of coumarin derivatives for dye sensitized solar cells
Authors: Cerezo Javier , Avila Ferrer Francisco J. , Santoro Fabrizio
Published: March 2015

Individuation of vibronic and solvent contributions to the spectra of a family of coumarin dyes helps to understand the main differences in their lineshapes.
Argon ion irradiation induced morphological instability of bare and thiol-functionalized Au(111) surfaces
Authors: Venäläinen Annika , Räisänen Minna T. , Marchand Benoît , Mizohata Kenichiro , Räisänen Jyrki
Published: March 2015

Systematical investigation of Ar ion irradiation-induced changes in the surface morphology of bare and dodecanethiol self-assembled monolayer covered Au(111) surfaces.
Desulfitative Pd-catalysed coupling reaction using benzenesulfonyl chlorides and enones as the coupling partners
Authors: Yuan Kedong , Sang Rui , Soulé Jean-François , Doucet Henri
Published: March 2015

The reaction of benzenesulfonyl chlorides with some enones in the presence of a palladium catalyst affords the conjugate addition products instead of the expected Heck type products.
Aerobic oxidation of α-pinene catalyzed by carbon nanotubes
Authors: Cao Yonghai , Li Yuhang , Yu Hao , Peng Feng , Wang Hongjuan
Published: March 2015

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and nitrogen-doped CNTs (NCNTs) as metal-free catalysts exhibited an excellent activity in the selective oxidation of α-pinene with molecular oxygen as the terminal oxidant.
Ru(EDTA) mediated partial reduction of O2 by H2S
Authors: Chatterjee Debabrata , Jaiswal Namita , Sarkar Papiya
Published: March 2015

[RuIII(EDTA)(pz)]− (EDTA4− = ethylenediaminetetraacetate), pz = pyrazine) mediates two-electron reduction of O2 to produce H2O2 using H2S as a reducing agent.
Photodimerization behaviour of 1D–3D Zn(ii) coordination polymers with tetrazolyl styrylpyridine
Authors: Shu Yu-Bo , Tu Na , Shi Hua-Tian , Yin Ye-Gao , Liu Wei-Sheng
Published: March 2015

A zinc tetrazolate approach to solid-state photochemical [2 + 2] cycloaddition and in situ fluorescence study.
The influence of ethylenediamine tetra acetic acid (EDTA) on the transformation and solubility of metallic palladium and palladium(ii) oxide in the environment
Authors: Zereini Fathi , Wiseman Clare L. S. , Vang My , Albers Peter , Schneider Wolfgang , Schindl Roland , Leopold Kerstin
Published: March 2015

Metallic palladium used in automotive catalytic converters is likely to be solubilized in small amounts post-emission under ambient conditions.