bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is Killing People Right?
Authors: Hutchinson Allan C.
Published: May 2016

'Great cases' are those judicial decisions around which the common law pivots. In a sequel to the instant classic Is Eating People Wrong?, this book presents eight new great cases from the United Kingdom, the United States and Australia. Written in a highly accessible yet rigorous style, it explores the social circumstances, institutions (lawyers, judges and courts) and ordinary people whose stories shaped the law. Across the courts' diverse and uncoordinated attempts to adapt to changing conditions and shifting demands, it shows the law as the living, breathing and down-the-street experience it really is. Including seminal cases in end of life, abortion and equal rights, this is an ideal introduction for students to legal history and jurisprudence.
Retreat and its Consequences
Authors: Lieber Robert J.
Published: May 2016

What are the consequences of retreat and retrenchment in foreign policy? In recent years, America has pulled back from its long-time role of international leadership. In doing so the Obama administration has sought to conciliate adversaries, shown indifference to allies; called upon the international community to step in; proclaimed and then disavowed 'red lines'; and preferred to lead from behind in the face of catastrophic civil war in Syria, ISIS barbarism in the Middle East and North Africa, Russia's predatory behavior in Eastern Europe, and China's muscle-flexing in East Asia. The consequences of this 'realist' experiment have been costly and painful, and it has caused the US to lose credibility with friends and foes. America retains the capacity to lead, but unless it resumes a more robust role, the world is likely to become a more dangerous place, with mounting threats not only to regional stability and international order, but to the national interests of America itself.
Peremptory law, global order, and the normative boundaries of a pluralistic world
Authors: Schmidt Dennis R.
Published: May 2016

This article develops a socio-legal approach to theorizing the construction of peremptory norms in international relations. It argues that due to its focus on formalism and abstract notions of rights, traditional legal treatments have failed to acknowledge the socially constructed nature of higher order norms. To address this shortcoming, the article transfers the concept ofjus cogensinto the realm of International Relations. Drawing on insights from constructivism and English School theory, it situates law in the context of society and conceptualizesjus cogensas part of international society’s constitutional structure. Proceeding from the assumption that the content and identity ofjus cogensdepends on the normative character of international society, the article then assesses two possible ‘normative logics’ through which the peremptory status of a norm may be generated. It rejects a solidarist logic, which sees universal norms as the manifestation of cosmopolitan ideas about inalienable rights. Instead, it argues for a pluralist approach to ethics and order that depictsjus cogensas key to the development of international society towards a social site marked by diversity and respect for difference.
Transcription factor Six2 mediates the protection of GDNF on 6-OHDA lesioned dopaminergic neurons by regulating Smurf1 expression
Authors: Gao J , Kang X-y , Sun S , Li L , Zhang B-l , Li Y-q , Gao D-s
Published: May 2016

Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) has strong neuroprotective and neurorestorative effects on dopaminergic (DA) neurons in the substantia nigra (SN); however, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain to be fully elucidated. In this study, we found that the expression level of transcription factor Six2 was increased in damaged DA neurons after GDNF rescue in vivo and in vitro. Knockdown of Six2 resulted in decreased cell viability and increased the apoptosis of damaged DA neurons after GDNF treatment in vitro. In contrast, Six2 overexpression increased cell viability and decreased cell apoptosis. Furthermore, genome-wide chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq) indicated that Six2 directly bound to the promoter CAGCTG sequence of smad ubiquitylation regulatory factor 1 (Smurf1). ChIP-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysis showed that Smurf1 expression was significantly upregulated after GDNF rescue. Moreover, knockdown of Six2 decreased Smurf1 expression, whereas overexpression of Six2 increased Smurf1 expression in damaged DA neurons after GDNF rescue. Meanwhile, knockdown and overexpression of Smurf1 increased and decreased p53 expression, respectively. Taken together, our results from in vitro and in vivo analysis indicate that Six2 mediates the protective effects of GDNF on damaged DA neurons by regulating Smurf1 expression, which could be useful in identifying potential drug targets for injured DA neurons.
The extracellular interactome of the human adenovirus family reveals diverse strategies for immunomodulation
Authors: Martinez-Martin Nadia , Ramani Sree R. , Hackney Jason A. , Tom Irene , Wranik Bernd J. , Chan Michelle , Wu Johnny , Paluch Maciej T. , Takeda Kentaro , Hass Philip E. , Clark Hilary , Gonzalez Lino C.
Published: May 2016

Viruses encode secreted and cell-surface expressed proteins essential to modulate host immune defenses and establish productive infections. However, to date there has been no systematic study of the extracellular interactome of any human virus. Here we utilize the E3 proteins, diverse and rapidly evolving transmembrane-containing proteins encoded by human adenoviruses, as a model system to survey the extracellular immunomodulatory landscape. From a large-scale protein interaction screen against a microarray of more than 1,500 human proteins, we find and validate 51 previously unidentified virus–host interactions. Our results uncover conserved strategies as well as substantial diversity and multifunctionality in host targeting within and between viral species. Prominent modulation of the leukocyte immunoglobulin-like and signalling lymphocyte activation molecule families and a number of inhibitory receptors were identified as hubs for viral perturbation, suggesting unrecognized immunoregulatory strategies. We describe a virus–host extracellular interaction map of unprecedented scale that provides new insights into viral immunomodulation.
Repeated quantum error correction on a continuously encoded qubit by real-time feedback
Authors: Cramer J. , Kalb N. , Rol M. A. , Hensen B. , Blok M. S. , Markham M. , Twitchen D. J. , Hanson R. , Taminiau T. H.
Published: May 2016

Reliable quantum information processing in the face of errors is a major fundamental and technological challenge. Quantum error correction protects quantum states by encoding a logical quantum bit (qubit) in multiple physical qubits. To be compatible with universal fault-tolerant computations, it is essential that states remain encoded at all times and that errors are actively corrected. Here we demonstrate such active error correction on a continuously protected logical qubit using a diamond quantum processor. We encode the logical qubit in three long-lived nuclear spins, repeatedly detect phase errors by non-destructive measurements, and apply corrections by real-time feedback. The actively error-corrected qubit is robust against errors and encoded quantum superposition states are preserved beyond the natural dephasing time of the best physical qubit in the encoding. These results establish a powerful platform to investigate error correction under different types of noise and mark an important step towards fault-tolerant quantum information processing.
Trace Detection of RDX, HMX and PETN Explosives Using a Fluorescence Spot Sensor
Authors: Wang Chen , Huang Helin , Bunes Benjamin R. , Wu Na , Xu Miao , Yang Xiaomei , Yu Li , Zang Ling
Published: May 2016

1,3,5-trinitroperhydro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX), octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine (HMX), and pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN), the major components in plastic explosives, pose a significant threat to public safety. A quick, sensitive, and low-cost detection method for these non-volatile explosives is eagerly demanded. Here we present a fluo-spot approach, which can be employed for in situ detection of trace amount of explosives. The sensor molecule is a charge-transfer fluorophore, DCM, which is strongly fluorescent in its pristine state, but non-fluorescent after the quick reaction with NO2· (or NO2+) generated from the UV photolysis of RDX, HMX (or PETN). When fabricated within silica gel TLC plate, the fluo-spot sensor features high sensitivity owing to the large surface area and porous structure of the substrate. The sensor reaction mechanism was verified by various experimental characterizations, including chromatography, UV-Vis absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy, MS and 1H NMR spectrometry. The fluo-spot also demonstrated high selectivity towards RDX, HMX and PETN, as no significant fluorescence quenching was observed for other chemical compounds including common nitro-aromatic explosives and inorganic oxidative compounds. The DCM sensor can also be used as an economical spray kit to directly spot the explosives by naked eyes, implying great potential for quick, low-cost trace explosives detection.
Comparative and kinetic analysis of viral shedding and immunological responses in MERS patients representing a broad spectrum of disease severity
Authors: Min Chan-Ki , Cheon Shinhye , Ha Na-Young , Sohn Kyung Mok , Kim Yuri , Aigerim Abdimadiyeva , Shin Hyun Mu , Choi Ji-Yeob , Inn Kyung-Soo , Kim Jin-Hwan , Moon Jae Young , Choi Myung-Sik , Cho Nam-Hyuk , Kim Yeon-Sook
Published: May 2016

Despite the ongoing spread of MERS, there is limited knowledge of the factors affecting its severity and outcomes. We analyzed clinical data and specimens from fourteen MERS patients treated in a hospital who collectively represent a wide spectrum of disease severity, ranging from mild febrile illness to fatal pneumonia, and classified the patients into four groups based on severity and mortality. Comparative and kinetic analyses revealed that high viral loads, weak antibody responses, and lymphopenia accompanying thrombocytopenia were associated with disease mortality, whereas persistent and gradual increases in lymphocyte responses might be required for effective immunity against MERS-CoV infection. Leukocytosis, primarily due to increased neutrophils and monocytes, was generally observed in more severe and fatal cases. The blood levels of cytokines such as IL-10, IL-15, TGF-β, and EGF were either positively or negatively correlated with disease mortality. Robust induction of various chemokines with differential kinetics was more prominent in patients that recovered from pneumonia than in patients with mild febrile illness or deceased patients. The correlation of the virological and immunological responses with disease severity and mortality, as well as their responses to current antiviral therapy, may have prognostic significance during the early phase of MERS.
RBFOX1 and RBFOX2 are dispensable in iPSCs and iPSC-derived neurons and do not contribute to neural-specific paternal UBE3A silencing
Authors: Chen Pin-Fang , Hsiao Jack S. , Sirois Carissa L. , Chamberlain Stormy J.
Published: May 2016

Angelman Syndrome (AS) is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder caused by loss of function of the maternally inherited copy of UBE3A, an imprinted gene expressed biallelically in most tissues, but expressed exclusively from the maternal allele in neurons. Active transcription of the neuron-specific long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), UBE3A-ATS, has been shown to silence paternal UBE3A. We hypothesized that alternative splicing factors RBFOX2 and RBFOX1 might mediate splicing changes and result in the transcription of UBE3A-ATS in neurons. We found that RBFOX2 and RBFOX1 both bind to UBE3A-ATS transcript in neurons, but are not required for gene expression and/or neuron-specific processing in the SNURF/SNRPN-UBE3A region. However, we found that depletion of RBFOX2 causes a proliferation phenotype in immature neural cultures, suggesting that RBFOX2 is involved in division versus differentiation decisions in iPSC-derived neural progenitors. Absence of RBFOX2 also altered the expression of some genes that are important for glutamatergic neocortical development and Wnt-Frizzled signalling in mature neuronal cultures. Our data show that while RBFOX1 and RBFOX2 do not mediate neuron-specific processing of UBE3A-ATS, these proteins play important roles in developing neurons and are not completely functionally redundant.
A Novel Protective Function of 5-Methoxytryptophan in Vascular Injury
Authors: Ho Yen-Chun , Wu Meng-Ling , Su Chen-Hsuan , Chen Chung-Huang , Ho Hua-Hui , Lee Guan-Lin , Lin Wei-Shiang , Lin Wen-Yu , Hsu Yu-Juei , Kuo Cheng-Chin , Wu Kenneth K. , Yet Shaw-Fang
Published: May 2016

5-Methoxytryptophan (5-MTP), a 5-methoxyindole metabolite of tryptophan metabolism, was recently shown to suppress inflammatory mediator-induced cancer cell proliferation and migration. However, the role of 5-MTP in vascular disease is unknown. In this study, we investigated whether 5-MTP protects against vascular remodeling following arterial injury. Measurements of serum 5-MTP levels in healthy subjects and patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) showed that serum 5-MTP concentrations were inversely correlated with CAD. To test the role of 5-MTP in occlusive vascular disease, we subjected mice to a carotid artery ligation model of neointima formation and treated mice with vehicle or 5-MTP. Compared with vehicle-treated mice, 5-MTP significantly reduced intimal thickening by 40% 4 weeks after ligation. BrdU incorporation assays revealed that 5-MTP significantly reduced VSMC proliferation both in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, 5-MTP reduced endothelial loss and detachment, ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expressions and inflammatory cell infiltration in the ligated arterial wall, suggesting attenuation of endothelial dysfunction. Signaling pathway analysis indicated that 5-MTP mediated its effects predominantly via suppressing p38 MAPK signaling in endothelial and VSMCs. Our data demonstrate a novel vascular protective function of 5-MTP against arterial injury-induced intimal hyperplasia. 5-MTP might be a therapeutic target for preventing and/or treating vascular remodeling.
Sequence-based Association Analysis Reveals an MGST1 eQTL with Pleiotropic Effects on Bovine Milk Composition
Authors: Littlejohn Mathew D. , Tiplady Kathryn , Fink Tania A. , Lehnert Klaus , Lopdell Thomas , Johnson Thomas , Couldrey Christine , Keehan Mike , Sherlock Richard G. , Harland Chad , Scott Andrew , Snell Russell G. , Davis Stephen R. , Spelman Richard J.
Published: May 2016

The mammary gland is a prolific lipogenic organ, synthesising copious amounts of triglycerides for secretion into milk. The fat content of milk varies widely both between and within species and recent independent genome-wide association studies have highlighted a milk fat percentage quantitative trait locus (QTL) of large effect on bovine chromosome 5. Although both EPS8 and MGST1 have been proposed to underlie these signals, the causative status of these genes has not been functionally confirmed. To investigate this QTL in detail, we report genome sequence-based imputation and association mapping in a population of 64,244 taurine cattle. This analysis reveals a cluster of 17 non-coding variants spanning MGST1 that are highly associated with milk fat percentage and a range of other milk composition traits. Further, we exploit a high-depth mammary RNA sequence dataset to conduct expression QTL (eQTL) mapping in 375 lactating cows, revealing a strong MGST1 eQTL underpinning these effects. These data demonstrate the utility of DNA and RNA sequence-based association mapping and implicate MGST1, a gene with no obvious mechanistic relationship to milk composition regulation, as causally involved in these processes.
A Chemical Template for Synthesis of Molecular Sheets of Calcium Carbonate
Authors: Rianasari Ina , Benyettou Farah , Sharma Sudhir Kumar , Blanton Thomas , Kirmizialtin Serdal , Jagannathan Ramesh
Published: May 2016

Inspired by the discovery of graphene and its unique properties, we focused our research to develop a scheme to create nacre like lamellar structures of molecular sheets of CaCO3 interleaved with an organic material, namely carbon. We developed a facile, chemical template technique, using a formulation of poly(acrylic) acid (PAA) and calcium acetate to create lamellar stacks of single crystal sheets of CaCO3, with a nominal thickness of 17 Å, the same as a unit-cell dimension for calcite (c–axis = 17.062 Å), interleaved with amorphous carbon with a nominal thickness of 8 Å. The strong binding affinity between carboxylate anions and calcium cations in the formulation was used as a molecular template to guide CaCO3 crystallization. Computational modeling of the FTIR spectra showed good agreement with experimental data and confirmed that calcium ions are bridged between polymer chains, resulting in a net-like polymer structure. The process readily lends itself to explore the feasibility of creating molecular sheets of other important inorganic materials and potentially find applications in many fields such as super capacitors and “low k di-electric” systems.
Rupture Forces among Human Blood Platelets at different Degrees of Activation
Authors: Nguyen Thi-Huong , Palankar Raghavendra , Bui Van-Chien , Medvedev Nikolay , Greinacher Andreas , Delcea Mihaela
Published: May 2016

Little is known about mechanics underlying the interaction among platelets during activation and aggregation. Although the strength of a blood thrombus has likely major biological importance, no previous study has measured directly the adhesion forces of single platelet-platelet interaction at different activation states. Here, we filled this void first, by minimizing surface mediated platelet-activation and second, by generating a strong adhesion force between a single platelet and an AFM cantilever, preventing early platelet detachment. We applied our setup to measure rupture forces between two platelets using different platelet activation states and blockade of platelet receptors. The rupture force was found to increase proportionally to the degree of platelet activation, but reduced with blockade of specific platelet receptors. Quantification of single platelet-platelet interaction provides major perspectives for testing and improving biocompatibility of new materials; quantifying the effect of drugs on platelet function; and assessing the mechanical characteristics of acquired/inherited platelet defects.
Non-tumor tissue derived interleukin-17B activates IL-17RB/AKT/β-catenin pathway to enhance the stemness of gastric cancer
Authors: Bie Qingli , Sun Caixia , Gong Aihua , Li Chunye , Su Zhaoliang , Zheng Dong , Ji Xiaoyun , Wu Yumin , Guo Qi , Wang Shengjun , Xu Huaxi
Published: May 2016

Inflammation is a critical component involved in tumor progression. Interleukin-17 (IL-17) belongs to a relatively new family of cytokines that has been associated with the progression of cancers. However, the role of IL-17B/IL-17RB (IL-17 receptor B) signaling to stemness of gastric cancer remains unknown. Here, we confirmed that the expression of IL-17RB in gastric cancer tissues was significantly increased, that overexpression was associated with poor prognosis of gastric cancer patients, and that overexpression was positively correlated with some stemness markers. Interestingly, the expression of IL-17B was upregulated in patient serum rather than gastric tumor tissues. Furthermore, exogenous rIL-17B significantly promoted the stemness of gastric cancer cells depending on IL-17RB and induced the expression of IL-17RB. Simultaneously, the expression of phosphorylated AKT, GSK-3β, and β-catenin as well as the nuclear translocation of β-catenin were significantly increased in the MGC-803 cell in a dose-dependent manner, when treated with rIL-17B. The AKT inhibitor, LY294002, and the knockdown of AKT expression reversed the rIL-17B-induced upregulation of β-catenin and some stemness markers. Together, our results indicate that the IL-17B/IL-17RB signal can promote the growth and migration of tumor cells, and upregulate cell stemness through activating the AKT/β-catenin pathway in gastric cancer, suggesting that IL-17RB may be a novel target in human gastric cancer therapy.
Wearable 3-D Photoacoustic Tomography for Functional Brain Imaging in Behaving Rats
Authors: Tang Jianbo , Coleman Jason E. , Dai Xianjin , Jiang Huabei
Published: May 2016

Understanding the relationship between brain function and behavior remains a major challenge in neuroscience. Photoacoustic tomography (PAT) is an emerging technique that allows for noninvasive in vivo brain imaging at micrometer-millisecond spatiotemporal resolution. In this article, a novel, miniaturized 3D wearable PAT (3D-wPAT) technique is described for brain imaging in behaving rats. 3D-wPAT has three layers of fully functional acoustic transducer arrays. Phantom imaging experiments revealed that the in-plane X-Y spatial resolutions were ~200 μm for each acoustic detection layer. The functional imaging capacity of 3D-wPAT was demonstrated by mapping the cerebral oxygen saturation via multi-wavelength irradiation in behaving hyperoxic rats. In addition, we demonstrated that 3D-wPAT could be used for monitoring sensory stimulus-evoked responses in behaving rats by measuring hemodynamic responses in the primary visual cortex during visual stimulation. Together, these results show the potential of 3D-wPAT for brain study in behaving rodents.
CD36 is expressed in a defined subpopulation of neurons in the olfactory epithelium
Authors: Xavier André Machado , Ludwig Raissa Guimarães , Nagai Maíra Harume , de Almeida Tiago Jonas , Watanabe Hebe Mizuno , Hirata Marcio Yukio , Rosenstock Tatiana Rosado , Papes Fabio , Malnic Bettina , Glezer Isaias
Published: May 2016

The sensory neurons in the olfactory epithelium (OSNs) are equipped with a large repertoire of olfactory receptors and the associated signal transduction machinery. In addition to the canonical OSNs, which express odorant receptors (ORs), the epithelium contains specialized subpopulations of sensory neurons that can detect specific information from environmental cues and relay it to relevant neuronal circuitries. Here we describe a subpopulation of mature OSNs in the main olfactory epithelium (MOE) which expresses CD36, a multifunctional receptor involved in a series of biological processes, including sensory perception of lipid ligands. The Cd36 expressing neurons coexpress markers of mature OSNs and are dispersed throughout the MOE. Unlike several ORs analyzed in our study, we found frequent coexpression of the OR Olfr287 in these neurons, suggesting that only a specific set of ORs may be coexpressed with CD36 in OSNs. We also show that CD36 is expressed in the cilia of OSNs, indicating a possible role in odorant detection. CD36-deficient mice display no signs of gross changes in the organization of the olfactory epithelium, but show impaired preference for a lipid mixture odor. Our results show that CD36-expressing neurons represent a distinct population of OSNs, which may have specific functions in olfaction.
A novel small molecule ameliorates ocular neovascularisation and synergises with anti-VEGF therapy
Authors: Sulaiman Rania S. , Merrigan Stephanie , Quigley Judith , Qi Xiaoping , Lee Bit , Boulton Michael E. , Kennedy Breandán , Seo Seung-Yong , Corson Timothy W.
Published: May 2016

Ocular neovascularisation underlies blinding eye diseases such as retinopathy of prematurity, proliferative diabetic retinopathy, and wet age-related macular degeneration. These diseases cause irreversible vision loss, and provide a significant health and economic burden. Biologics targeting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are the major approach for treatment. However, up to 30% of patients are non-responsive to these drugs and they are associated with ocular and systemic side effects. Therefore, there is a need for small molecule ocular angiogenesis inhibitors to complement existing therapies. We examined the safety and therapeutic potential of SH-11037, a synthetic derivative of the antiangiogenic homoisoflavonoid cremastranone, in models of ocular neovascularisation. SH-11037 dose-dependently suppressed angiogenesis in the choroidal sprouting assay ex vivo and inhibited ocular developmental angiogenesis in zebrafish larvae. Additionally, intravitreal SH-11037 (1 μM) significantly reduced choroidal neovascularisation (CNV) lesion volume in the laser-induced CNV mouse model, comparable to an anti-VEGF antibody. Moreover, SH-11037 synergised with anti-VEGF treatments in vitro and in vivo. Up to 100 μM SH-11037 was not associated with signs of ocular toxicity and did not interfere with retinal function or pre-existing retinal vasculature. SH-11037 is thus a safe and effective treatment for murine ocular neovascularisation, worthy of further mechanistic and pharmacokinetic evaluation.
An Evaluation of Blood Compatibility of Silver Nanoparticles
Authors: Huang He , Lai Wenjia , Cui Menghua , Liang Ling , Lin Yuchen , Fang Qiaojun , Liu Ying , Xie Liming
Published: May 2016

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have tremendous potentials in medical devices due to their excellent antimicrobial properties. Blood compatibility should be investigated for AgNPs due to the potential blood contact. However, so far, most studies are not systematic and have not provided insights into the mechanisms for blood compatibility of AgNPs. In this study, we have investigated the blood biological effects, including hemolysis, lymphocyte proliferation, platelet aggregation, coagulation and complement activation, of 20 nm AgNPs with two different surface coatings (polyvinyl pyrrolidone and citrate). Our results have revealed AgNPs could elicit hemolysis and severely impact the proliferation and viability of lymphocytes at all investigated concentrations (10, 20, 40 μg/mL). Nevertheless, AgNPs didn’t show any effect on platelet aggregation, coagulation process, or complement activation at up to ~40 μg/mL. Proteomic analysis on AgNPs plasma proteins corona has revealed that acidic and small molecular weight blood plasma proteins were preferentially adsorbed onto AgNPs, and these include some important proteins relevant to hemostasis, coagulation, platelet, complement activation and immune responses. The predicted biological effects of AgNPs by proteomic analysis are mostly consistent with our experimental data since there were few C3 components on AgNPs and more negative than positive factors involving platelet aggregation and thrombosis.
Gluten-specific antibodies of celiac disease gut plasma cells recognize long proteolytic fragments that typically harbor T-cell epitopes
Authors: Dørum Siri , Steinsbø Øyvind , Bergseng Elin , Arntzen Magnus Ø. , de Souza Gustavo A. , Sollid Ludvig M.
Published: May 2016

This study aimed to identify proteolytic fragments of gluten proteins recognized by recombinant IgG1 monoclonal antibodies generated from single IgA plasma cells of celiac disease lesions. Peptides bound by monoclonal antibodies in complex gut-enzyme digests of gluten treated with the deamidating enzyme transglutaminase 2, were identified by mass spectrometry after antibody pull-down with protein G beads. The antibody bound peptides were long deamidated peptide fragments that contained the substrate recognition sequence of transglutaminase 2. Characteristically, the fragments contained epitopes with the sequence QPEQPFP and variants thereof in multiple copies and they typically also harbored many different gluten T-cell epitopes. In the pull-down setting where antibodies were immobilized on a solid phase, peptide fragments with multivalent display of epitopes were targeted. This scenario resembles the situation of the B-cell receptor on the surface of B cells. Conceivably, B cells of celiac disease patients select gluten epitopes that are repeated multiple times in long peptide fragments generated by gut digestive enzymes. As the fragments also contain many different T-cell epitopes, this will lead to generation of strong antibody responses by effective presentation of several distinct T-cell epitopes and establishment of T-cell help to B cells.
I. Dissociation free energies of drug–receptor systems via non-equilibrium alchemical simulations: a theoretical framework
Authors: Procacci Piero
Published: May 2016

In this contribution I critically discuss the alchemical approach for evaluating binding free energies in drug–receptor systems, placing this methodology into the broader context of non-equilibrium thermodynamics.
Effects of N,N-heterocyclic ligands on the in vitro cytotoxicity and DNA interactions of copper(ii) chloride complexes from amidino-O-methylurea ligands
Authors: Meenongwa Atittaya , Brissos Rosa F. , Soikum Chaiyaporn , Chaveerach Prapansak , Gamez Patrick , Trongpanich Yanee , Chaveerach Unchulee
Published: May 2016

Four novel copper(ii) complexes based on guanidine derivatives have been synthesized by addition of N,N-heterocyclic ligands, and their interesting biological activities have been evaluated.
Dynamic resolution of 2-cyclohexylidene acetaldehydes through organocatalytic dienamine [4+2] cycloaddition
Authors: Blom Jakob , Johansen Tore Kiilerich , Jensen Frank , Jørgensen Karl Anker
Published: May 2016

Organocatalytic formed dienamines are shown to be involved in dynamic resolution of 2-cyclohexylidene acetaldehydes.
Development of isomer-free fullerene bisadducts for efficient polymer solar cells
Authors: Xiao Zuo , Geng Xinjian , He Dan , Jia Xue , Ding Liming
Published: May 2016

A prebisaddition-confined bisfunctionalization (PCB) approach was designed for the construction of isomer-free fullerene bisadducts for efficient polymer solar cells.
Fabrication of piezoelectric fiber composites by the double cutting–filling method and properties characterisation
Authors: Lu Fan , Lin Xiujuan , Ma Yupeng , Huang Shifeng
Published: May 2016

Fine-scaled piezoelectric fiber composites (PFCs) were successfully fabricated by the so-called double cutting–filling method developed in this research.
Neuroprotection effect of Y-27632 against H2O2-induced cell apoptosis of primary cultured cortical neurons
Authors: Wang Xingqin , Wang Bao , Li Zhenzhen , Zhu Gang , Heng Lijun , Zhu Xianke , Yang Qian , Ma Jie , Gao Guodong
Published: May 2016

Y-27632 protects the cortical neurons from H2O2-induced apoptosis by inhibiting oxidative stress and activation of JNK and p38 MAPKs pathways.
A novel supramolecular aggregated liquid–solid microextraction method for the preconcentration and determination of trace amounts of lead in saline solutions and food samples using electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry
Authors: Kahe H. , Chamsaz M. , Zavar M. H. Arbab
Published: May 2016

A novel supramolecular aggregated liquid–solid microextraction method was developed for the preconcentration and determination of trace amounts of lead in saline solutions and food samples.
Trehalose-8-hydroxyquinoline conjugates as antioxidant modulators of Aβ aggregation
Authors: Oliveri Valentina , Bellia Francesco , Grasso Giuseppa Ida , Pietropaolo Adriana , Vecchio Graziella
Published: May 2016

The conjugation of trehalose with 8-hydroxyquinoline induces synergistic effects that lead to good antiaggregant ability. The difunctionalization of trehalose produces a better-performing antiaggregant compound.
Performance and antifouling enhancement of polyethersulfone hollow fiber membranes incorporated with highly hydrophilic hydroxyapatite nanoparticles
Authors: Salimi Esmaeil , Ghaee Azadeh , Ismail Ahmad Fauzi
Published: May 2016

Membrane fouling is one of the main drawbacks in water purification applications. The present work indicated that the fabricated HAp/PES hollow fiber membranes presented better hydrophilicity, permeation and anti-fouling performance compared to PES membranes.
Dynamically controlled construction of microstructures based on photo-induced phase transition of a spirobenzopyran-modified polymer solution
Authors: Moriyama Kousuke , Sumaru Kimio , Takagi Toshiyuki , Satoh Taku , Kanamori Toshiyuki
Published: May 2016

Photo-responsive polymer containing spirobenzopyran moieties can dynamically control construction and collapse of micro-patterned structures via patterned blue light irradiation.
Detailed investigation of a NaTi2(PO4)3 anode prepared by pyro-synthesis for Na-ion batteries
Authors: Niu Yubin , Xu Maowen , Zhang Yan , Han Jin , Wang Yan , Li Chang Ming
Published: May 2016

NaTi2(PO4)3 nanoparticles are synthesized by a facile polyol-assisted pyro-synthetic reaction.
Revealing different aggregational states of a conjugated polymer in solution by a nanopore sensor
Authors: Guo Bingyuan , Yao Zhiyi , Liu Lei , Wu Hai-Chen
Published: May 2016

Nanopores are effective and powerful tools for the analysis of conformational and aggregational states of conjugated polymers in solution.
Facile synthesis of a hole transporting material with a silafluorene core for efficient mesoscopic CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite solar cells
Authors: Krishna Anurag , Sabba Dharani , Yin Jun , Bruno Annalisa , Antila Liisa J. , Soci Cesare , Mhaisalkar Subodh , Grimsdale Andrew C.
Published: May 2016

A power conversion efficiency of 11% has been obtained from a perovskite solar cell using a new silafluorene-based hole transporting material made by a short efficient synthesis.
Influence of a π-bridge dependent molecular configuration on the optical and electrical characteristics of organic solar cells
Authors: Wang Ting , Han Liangliang , Wei Huan , Zhu Dangqiang , Bao Xichang , Qiao Shanlin , Sun Weizhi , Chen Weichao , Yang Renqiang
Published: May 2016

A new small moleculeDCATT-Lwith the same building blocks but a different π-bridge configuration compared to that ofDCATTexhibited higher photovoltaic performance.
Nanoparticles of Cu2ZnSnS4as performance enhancing additives for organic field-effect transistors
Authors: Kevin Punarja , Malik Mohammad Azad , O'Brien Paul , Cameron Joseph , Taylor Rupert G. D. , Findlay Neil J. , Inigo Anto R. , Skabara Peter J.
Published: May 2016

An investigation on the addition of oleylamine coated Cu2ZnSnS4nanoparticles in organic semiconductor solutions to fabricate organic field-effect transistors (OFETs).
The therapeutic hope for HDAC6 inhibitors in malignancy and chronic disease
Authors: Batchu Sri N. , Brijmohan Angela S. , Advani Andrew
Published: May 2016

Recent years have witnessed an emergence of a new class of therapeutic agents, termed histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) inhibitors. HDAC6 is one isoform of a family of HDAC enzymes that catalyse the removal of functional acetyl groups from proteins. It stands out from its cousins in almost exclusively deacetylating cytoplasmic proteins, in exerting deacetylation-independent effects and in the success that has been achieved in developing relatively isoform-specific inhibitors of its enzymatic action that have reached clinical trial. HDAC6 plays a pivotal role in the removal of misfolded proteins and it is this role that has been most successfully targeted to date. HDAC6 inhibitors are being investigated for use in combination with proteasome inhibitors for the treatment of lymphoid malignancies, whereby HDAC6-dependent protein disposal currently limits the cytotoxic effectiveness of the latter. Similarly, numerous recent studies have linked altered HDAC6 activity to the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases that are characterized by misfolded protein accumulation. It seems likely though that the function of HDAC6 is not limited to malignancy and neurodegeneration, the deacetylase being implicated in a number of other cellular processes and diseases including in cardiovascular disease, inflammation, renal fibrosis and cystogenesis. Here, we review the unique features of HDAC6 that make it so appealing as a drug target and its currently understood role in health and disease. Whether HDAC6 inhibition will ultimately find a clinical niche in the treatment of malignancy or prevalent complex chronic diseases remains to be determined.
Finite‐control‐set model predictive control scheme of three‐phase four‐leg back‐to‐back converter‐fed induction motor drive
Authors: Zhou Dehong , Zhao Jin , Liu Yang
Published: May 2016

The three‐phase four‐leg back‐to‐back converter‐fed induction motor drive with only eight switches has the capability of variable‐frequency speed control and bidirectional power flow. It can provide the benefit of higher reliability and less cost in comparison with the full‐bridge back‐to‐back converter. On the other hand, the four‐leg back‐to‐back converter can be utilised in fault‐tolerant control to solve open‐circuit fault occurring at both rectifier and inverter leg in a full‐bridge back‐to‐back converter. However, the deviation of the two capacitor voltages which will lead to variation of voltage vectors in both amplitude and phase angle hinders its applications. This study proposes a control scheme based on finite‐control‐set model predictive control to remedy this disadvantage. With the proposed scheme, capacitor voltage deviation is suppressed. Bidirectional power flows and balanced input and output currents are achieved. The effectiveness of the proposed scheme is verified by the experimental results presented.
Formation and annihilation of E4 centers in ZnO: Influence of hydrogen
Authors: Hupfer A. , Bhoodoo C. , Vines L. , Svensson B. G.
Published: May 2016

Hydrothermally grown n-type ZnO bulk samples have been implanted with protons and deuterium ions to fluences in the range of 8 × 1010 to 8 × 1011 cm−2. The implantations were performed at the temperature of 285 K, and the samples were then analyzed in-situ by deep level transient spectroscopy (DLTS) using a setup connected to the implanter beam line. The concentration of the so-called E4 center, having an apparent energy level at ∼0.57 eV below the conduction edge, is found to increase linearly with the ion fluence and the generation rate is proportional to the elastic energy deposition, as expected for a primary defect. Isothermal annealing of the E4 center at temperatures between 290 and 315 K reveals first-order kinetics with the activation energy of ∼0.6 eV. The annealing rate is strongly enhanced with increasing hydrogen fluence, and a model invoking migration of interstitial hydrogen and subsequent reaction with E4 exhibits close agreement with the experimental data. The rate of electron capture by E4 during the DLTS filling pulse depends on temperature, and it displays a thermal barrier of ∼0.15 eV. Most of these experimental results for E4 conform to the theoretically predicted properties of the oxygen vacancy (VO) and a tentative assignment of E4 to VO is made, corroborating previous suggestions in the literature. In particular, the 0.57 eV level is ascribed to the double donor state of VO.
The first radial-mode Lorentzian Landau damping of dust acoustic space-charge waves
Authors: Lee Myoung-Jae , Jung Young-Dae
Published: May 2016

The dispersion properties and the first radial-mode Lorentzian Landau damping of a dust acoustic space-charge wave propagating in a cylindrical waveguide dusty plasma which contains nonthermal electrons and ions are investigated by employing the normal mode analysis and the method of separation of variables. It is found that the frequency of dust acoustic space-charge wave increases as the wave number increases as well as the radius of cylindrical plasma does. However, the nonthermal property of the Lorentzian plasma is found to suppress the wave frequency of the dust acoustic space-charge wave. The Landau damping rate of the dust acoustic space-charge wave is derived in a cylindrical waveguide dusty plasma. The damping of the space-charge wave is found to be enhanced as the radius of cylindrical plasma and the nonthermal property increase. The maximum Lorentzian Landau damping rate is also found in a cylindrical waveguide dusty plasma. The variation of the wave frequency and the Landau damping rate due to the nonthermal character and geometric effects are also discussed.
Diffraction at GaAs/Fe3Si core/shell nanowires: The formation of nanofacets
Authors: Jenichen B. , Hanke M. , Hilse M. , Herfort J. , Trampert A. , Erwin S. C.
Published: May 2016

GaAs/Fe3Si core/shell nanowire structures were fabricated by molecular-beam epitaxy on oxidized Si(111) substrates and investigated by synchrotron x-ray diffraction. The surfaces of the Fe3Si shells exhibit nanofacets. These facets consist of well pronounced Fe3Si{111} planes. Density functional theory reveals that the Si–terminated Fe3Si{111} surface has the lowest energy in agreement with the experimental findings. We can analyze the x-ray diffuse scattering and diffraction of the ensemble of nanowires avoiding the signal of the substrate and poly-crystalline films located between the wires. Fe3Si nanofacets cause streaks in the x-ray reciprocal space map rotated by an azimuthal angle of 30° compared with those of bare GaAs nanowires. In the corresponding TEM micrograph the facets are revealed only if the incident electron beam is oriented along [11¯0] in accordance with the x-ray results. Additional maxima in the x-ray scans indicate the onset of chemical reactions between Fe3Si shells and GaAs cores occurring at increased growth temperatures.
Feral camels: a nationally significant pest animal requiring a national management approach
Authors: Woolnough Andrew P. , Edwards Glenn , Hart Quentin
Published: May 2016

Managing established pest animals is difficult. The complexity increases significantly when the pest animal is found across the remote arid interior of a continent (Australia), the impacts (both positive and negative) are unclear, and there is a diverse array of affected stakeholders. This paper describes how the generation of primary scientific evidence was critical for the development of a national policy approach (the National Feral Camel Action Plan). The combination of evidence and policy led to the development and implementation of the Australian Feral Camel Management Project. This project offered the opportunity to implement a wide range of management interventions across the affected jurisdictions. The strengths of the Australian Feral Camel Management Project included having high-level support, participation by all affected stakeholders in partnerships, strong governance and a clear project management approach, underpinned by clear policy and scientific evidence. We believe that the evidence-based policy approach used in this project can be used as a template for the management of other established pest animals that are considered to be in need of requiring national coordination.
High rates of chromosome missegregation suppress tumor progression but do not inhibit tumor initiation
Authors: Zasadil Lauren M. , Britigan Eric M. C. , Ryan Sean D. , Kaur Charanjeet , Guckenberger David J. , Beebe David J. , Moser Amy R. , Weaver Beth A.
Published: May 2016

Aneuploidy, an abnormal chromosome number that deviates from a multiple of the haploid, has been recognized as a common feature of cancers for >100 yr. Previously, we showed that the rate of chromosome missegregation/chromosomal instability (CIN) determines the effect of aneuploidy on tumors; whereas low rates of CIN are weakly tumor promoting, higher rates of CIN cause cell death and tumor suppression. However, whether high CIN inhibits tumor initiation or suppresses the growth and progression of already initiated tumors remained unclear. We tested this using the ApcMin/+ mouse intestinal tumor model, in which effects on tumor initiation versus progression can be discriminated. ApcMin/+ cells exhibit low CIN, and we generated high CIN by reducing expression of the kinesin-like mitotic motor protein CENP-E. CENP-E+/−;ApcMin/+ doubly heterozygous cells had higher rates of chromosome missegregation than singly heterozygous cells, resulting in increased cell death and a substantial reduction in tumor progression compared with ApcMin/+ animals. Intestinal organoid studies confirmed that high CIN does not inhibit tumor cell initiation but does inhibit subsequent cell growth. These findings support the conclusion that increasing the rate of chromosome missegregation could serve as a successful chemotherapeutic strategy.
Advertising and Persuasion
Authors: Thomas Kevin D.
Published: May 2016

This is an advance summary of a forthcoming article in the Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Communication. Please check back later for the full article.

When discussing the relationship between advertising and persuasion the focus typically centers on the intended effects of advertising, which include increasing brand awareness, piquing brand interest, promoting brand use, and fostering brand loyalty. As such, the impact of advertising and persuasion is generally discussed in terms of market metrics. Did the advertising campaign lead to increased brand awareness, more favorable attitudes toward the brand, or increased consumer trial or retention? Structuring the relationship between advertising and persuasion in such a narrow fashion dismisses the broad array of unintended social effects associated with advertising, such as how race, gender, class, and sexuality are perceived and lived. While the goals of advertising explicitly exist within the realm of marketplace economics, its pervasive use of cultural symbols as a tool of persuasion squarely places it beyond the confines of mere business logic and in the domain of social learning. So while the messages communicated by advertisers are deliberately designed to impact how individuals relate to brands, those same messages also influence how individuals perceive themselves and relate to each other. Given the ways in which advertising serves as a marketing tool and socialization agent, the depth and breadth of its persuasive reach can only be understood when the intended and unintended effects of its output are examined in tandem.
Determinants and Measurement of Climate Change Risk Perception, Worry, and Concern
Authors: van der Linden Sander
Published: May 2016

Individuals, both within and between different countries, vary substantially in the extent to which they view climate change as a risk. What could explain such variation in climate change risk perception around the world? Climate change is relatively unique as a risk in the sense that it is difficult for people to experience directly or even detect on a purely perceptual or sensory level. In fact, research across the social and behavioral sciences has shown that although people might correctly perceive some changes in long-term climate conditions, psychological factors are often much more influential in determining how the public perceives the risk of climate change. Indeed, decades of research has shown that cognitive, affective, social, and cultural factors all greatly influence the public’s perception of risk, and that these factors, in turn, often interact with each other in complex ways. Yet, although a wide variety of cognitive, experiential, socio-cultural and demographic characteristics have all proven to be relevant, are there certain factors that systematically stand out in explaining and predicting climate change risk perception around the world? And even if so, what do we mean, exactly, by the term “risk perception” and to what extent does the way in which risk perception is measured influence the outcome? Last but certainly not least, how important is public concern about climate change in determining people’s level of behavioral engagement and policy-support for the issue?
Partisan Media and Polarization: Challenges for Future Work
Authors: Levendusky Matthew
Published: May 2016

Four potential mechanisms explore the linkages between partian media outlets and attitudinal polarization, as well as discusses how such outlets cause polarization and influence American politics more generally: partisan media outlets can have direct effects on their audience, indirect effects on the broader population, effects on the news media, and effects on political elites. Some challenges and questions remain to be answered in each area in the hopes of spurring more, and broader, work on these media institutions.