bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Structure-free Method for Quantifying Conformational Flexibility in proteins
Authors: Burger Virginia M. , Arenas Daniel J. , Stultz Collin M.
Published: June 2016

All proteins sample a range of conformations at physiologic temperatures and this inherent flexibility enables them to carry out their prescribed functions. A comprehensive understanding of protein function therefore entails a characterization of protein flexibility. Here we describe a novel approach for quantifying a protein’s flexibility in solution using small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) data. The method calculates an effective entropy that quantifies the diversity of radii of gyration that a protein can adopt in solution and does not require the explicit generation of structural ensembles to garner insights into protein flexibility. Application of this structure-free approach to over 200 experimental datasets demonstrates that the methodology can quantify a protein’s disorder as well as the effects of ligand binding on protein flexibility. Such quantitative descriptions of protein flexibility form the basis of a rigorous taxonomy for the description and classification of protein structure.
Increased circulating concentrations of mesencephalic astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factor in children with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Galli Emilia , Härkönen Taina , Sainio Markus T. , Ustav Mart , Toots Urve , Urtti Arto , Yliperttula Marjo , Lindahl Maria , Knip Mikael , Saarma Mart , Lindholm Päivi
Published: June 2016

Mesencephalic astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factor (MANF) was recently shown to be essential for the survival and proliferation of pancreatic β-cells in mice, where deletion of MANF resulted in diabetes. The current study aimed at determining whether the concentration of circulating MANF is associated with the clinical manifestation of human type 1 diabetes (T1D). MANF expression in T1D or MANF levels in serum have not been previously studied. We developed an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for MANF and measured serum MANF concentrations from 186 newly diagnosed children and adolescents and 20 adults with longer-term T1D alongside with age-matched controls. In healthy controls the mean serum MANF concentration was 7.0 ng/ml. High MANF concentrations were found in children 1–9 years of age close to the diagnosis of T1D. The increased MANF concentrations were not associated with diabetes-predictive autoantibodies and autoantibodies against MANF were extremely rare. Patients with conspicuously high MANF serum concentrations had lower C-peptide levels compared to patients with moderate MANF concentrations. Our data indicate that increased MANF concentrations in serum are associated with the clinical manifestation of T1D in children, but the exact mechanism behind the increase remains elusive.
A dinuclear ruthenium(II) complex as turn-on luminescent probe for hypochlorous acid and its application for in vivo imaging
Authors: Liu Zonglun , Gao Kuo , Wang Beng , Yan Hui , Xing Panfei , Zhong Chongmin , Xu Yongqian , Li Hongjuan , Chen Jianxin , Wang Wei , Sun Shiguo
Published: June 2016

A dinuclear ruthenium(II) complex Ruazo was designed and synthesized, in which oxidative cyclization of the azo and o-amino group was employed for the detection of hypochlorous acid (HClO) in aqueous solution. The non-emissive Ruazo formed highly luminescent triazole-ruthenium(II) complex in presence of HClO and successfully imaged HClO in living cell and living mouse.
Individuality in nutritional preferences: a multi-level approach in field crickets
Authors: Han Chang S. , Jäger Heidi Y. , Dingemanse Niels J.
Published: June 2016

Selection may favour individuals of the same population to differ consistently in nutritional preference, for example, because optimal diets covary with morphology or personality. We provided Southern field crickets (Gryllus bimaculatus) with two synthetic food sources (carbohydrates and proteins) and quantified repeatedly how much of each macronutrient was consumed by each individual. We then quantified (i) whether individuals were repeatable in carbohydrate and protein intake rate, (ii) whether an individual’s average daily intake of carbohydrates was correlated with its average daily intake of protein, and (iii) whether short-term changes in intake of carbohydrates coincided with changes in intake of protein within individuals. Intake rates were individually repeatable for both macronutrients. However, individuals differed in their relative daily intake of carbohydrates versus proteins (i.e., ‘nutritional preference’). By contrast, total consumption varied plastically as a function of body weight within individuals. Body weight—but not personality (i.e., aggression, exploration behaviour)—positively predicted nutritional preference at the individual level as large crickets repeatedly consumed a higher carbohydrate to protein ratio compared to small ones. Our finding of level-specific associations between the consumption of distinct nutritional components demonstrates the merit of applying multivariate and multi-level viewpoints to the study of nutritional preference.
Loss of Lipid Virulence Factors Reduces the Efficacy of the BCG Vaccine
Authors: Tran Vanessa , Ahn Sang Kyun , Ng Mark , Li Ming , Liu Jun
Published: June 2016

Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG), an attenuated strain of Mycobacterium bovis, is the only vaccine available for tuberculosis (TB) control. BCG comprises a number of substrains that exhibit genetic and biochemical differences. Whether and how these differences affect BCG efficacy remain unknown. Compared to other BCG strains, BCG-Japan, -Moreau, and -Glaxo are defective in the production of phthiocerol dimycocerosates (PDIMs) and phenolic glycolipids (PGLs), two lipid virulence factors. To determine if the loss of PDIMs/PGLs affects BCG efficacy, we constructed a PDIM/PGL-deficient strain of BCG-Pasteur by deleting fadD28, and compared virulence, immunogenicity, and protective efficacy in animal models. SCID mouse infection experiments showed that ∆fadD28 was more attenuated than wild type (WT). The ∆fadD28 and WT strains induced equivalent levels of antigen specific IFN-γ by CD4+ and CD8+ T cells; however, ∆fadD28 was less effective against Mycobacterium tuberculosis challenge in both BALB/c mice and guinea pigs. These results indicate that the loss of PIDMs/PGLs reduces the virulence and protective efficacy of BCG. Since the loss of PDIMs/PGLs occurs naturally in a subset of BCG strains, it also suggests that these strains may have been over-attenuated, which compromises their effectiveness. Our finding has important implications for current BCG programs and future vaccine development.
An efficient method for determining the acid value in edible oils by solvent-assisted headspace gas chromatography
Authors: Xie Wei-Qi , Chai Xin-Sheng
Published: June 2016

This work investigates a solvent-assisted and reaction-based HS-GC method for the determination of the acid value (AV) in edible oils.
The active sites of supported silver particle catalysts in formaldehyde oxidation
Authors: Chen Yaxin , Huang Zhiwei , Zhou Meijuan , Hu Pingping , Du Chengtian , Kong Lingdong , Chen Jianmin , Tang Xingfu
Published: June 2016

Surface silver atoms with upshifted d-orbitals are identified as the catalytically active sites in formaldehyde oxidation by correlating their activity with the number of surface silver atoms, and the degree of the d-orbital upshift governs the catalytic performance of the active sites.
The unusual hydridicity of a cobalt bound Si–H moiety
Authors: Kim Jin , Kim Yujeong , Sinha Indranil , Park Koeun , Kim Sun Hee , Lee Yunho
Published: June 2016

A paramagnetic cobalt–SiH intermediate possessing the Co–(η1-H–Si) moiety shows unusual Si–H bond activation studied by ENDOR, XRD and DFT.
An expeditious synthesis of early transition metal carbide nanoparticles on graphitic carbons
Authors: Ressnig Debora , Moldovan Simona , Ersen Ovidiu , Beaunier Patricia , Portehault David , Sanchez Clément , Carenco Sophie
Published: June 2016

Fast and furious: the reaction of potassium graphites with metal chloride is initiated at room temperature and proceeds expeditiously to yield supported crystalline metal carbide nanoparticles.
Computational screening of iodine uptake in zeolitic imidazolate frameworks in a water-containing system
Authors: Yuan Yue , Dong Xiuqin , Chen Yifei , Zhang Minhua
Published: June 2016

This work systematically investigated iodine adsorption in ZIFs to confirm the vital structural factors affecting iodine adsorption and separation.
Regioisomer-specific electron affinities and electronic structures of C70para-adducts at polar and equatorial positions with (bromo)benzyl radicals: photoelectron spectroscopy and theoretical study
Authors: Hou Gao-Lei , Li Lei-Jiao , Li Shu-Hui , Sun Zhong-Ming , Gao Xiang , Wang Xue-Bin
Published: June 2016

Negative ion photoelectron spectroscopy shows that the electron affinities of 2,5-polar adducts of C70 are higher than their 7,23-equatorial counterparts.
The unexpected case of reactions of halogens and interhalogens with halide substituted Pd(ii) σ-butadienyl complexes
Authors: Scattolin Thomas , Visentin Fabiano , Santo Claudio , Bertolasi Valerio , Canovese Luciano
Published: June 2016

Palladium σ-butadienyl derivatives react with halogens and interhalogens, under mild experimental conditions, to induce the substitution of the halogen to coordinated palladium and to the terminal butadienyl carbon without extrusion of the butadienyl fragment.
The combined action of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and grape proanthocyanidins on a rat model of diet-induced metabolic alterations
Authors: Ramos-Romero Sara , Molinar-Toribio Eunice , Pérez-Jiménez Jara , Taltavull Núria , Dasilva Gabriel , Romeu Marta , Medina Isabel , Torres Josep Lluís
Published: June 2016

A combination of ω-3 PUFAs (EPA/DHA 1 : 1) and proanthocyanidins reverts metabolic changes induced by an energy-dense diet, more effectively than either supplement individually.
The biogenic amine transporter activity of vinylogous amphetamine analogs
Authors: Decker Ann M. , Partilla John S. , Baumann Michael H. , Rothman Richard B. , Blough Bruce E.
Published: June 2016

Vinylogous amphetamine analog S-6 is a potent dual dopamine/serotonin (DA/5-HT) releaser with no activity at 5-HT2 receptors.
Electrochemical redox-based tuning of near infrared localized plasmons of CuS nanoplates
Authors: Asami Keisuke , Nishi Hiroyasu , Tatsuma Tetsu
Published: June 2016

Fast and reversible control of the plasmonic properties of CuS nanoplates was achieved through electrochemical redox reactions. Their electrochemical tunability can be applied to near infrared electrochromic devices, whose visible appearance is not changed by switching.
C–C bond migration in the cycloisomerization of 1,6-enynes
Authors: Stevenson Susan M. , Newcomb Eric T. , Ferreira Eric M.
Published: June 2016

Platinum- and iridium-catalyzed cycloisomerizations of 1,6 enynes that proceed via a C–C bond migration into a carbenoid intermediate are described.
Aqueous phase reforming and hydrodeoxygenation of ethylene glycol on Pt/SiO2–Al2O3: effects of surface acidity on product distribution
Authors: Jeon Seongho , Roh Hyun-Seog , Moon Dong Ju , Bae Jong Wook
Published: June 2016

Aqueous-phase reforming and hydrodeoxygenation of ethylene glycol were investigated on Pt/SiO2–Al2O3. The Pt/SiO2–Al2O3 with Si/Al ratio of 0.1 showed a higher activity due to an abundant acidic sites with small platinum crystallites and a lower coke deposition.
Fabrication of a magnetic nanoparticle embedded NH2-MIL-88B MOF hybrid for highly efficient covalent immobilization of lipase
Authors: Samui Arpita , Chowdhuri Angshuman Ray , Mahto Triveni Kumar , Sahu Sumanta Kumar
Published: June 2016

We demonstrate an approach to synthesize an amine-functionalized magnetic metal-organic framework (MOF) for lipase immobilization. The activity of immobilized lipase is enhanced by different parameters like pH, temperature and thermal stability.
A simple method for industrialization to enhance the tap density of LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2cathode material for high-specific volumetric energy lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Zhang Yin , Wang Zhen-Bo , Nie Min , Yu Fu-Da , Yun-Fei Xia Yun-Fei Xia , Liu Bao-Sheng , Xue Yuan , Zheng Li-Li , Wu Jin
Published: June 2016

The sample mixed with 9 μm, 6 μm and 3 μm (7 : 2 : 1) has a tap density of 2.57 g cm−3and the specific volumetric capacity of 394.3 mA h cm−3. And it has the advance of 8.5%, 22.2% and 40.6% than 9 μm, 6 μm and 3 μm, respectively.
Synthesis, phase behaviour and photo-optical properties of bent-core methacrylate with azobenzene group and corresponding side-chain polymethacrylate
Authors: Novotná V. , Bobrovsky A. , Shibaev V. , Pociecha D. , Kašpar M. , Hamplová V.
Published: June 2016

Novel LC monomer and corresponding polymethacrylate are synthesized and their phase behaviour, photooptical properties and photoorientation under polarized-light action are studied.
UV-light aided photoelectrochemical synthesis of Au/TiO2 NTs for photoelectrocatalytic degradation of HPAM
Authors: Gu Di , Wang Yang , Li Zhida , Liu Yue , Wang Baohui , Wu Hongjun
Published: June 2016

TiO2 NTs loaded with Au nanoparticles were fabricated as an electrode for enhanced photoelectrocatalytic activity toward HPAM degradation. (a) and (b) depicted the degradation rate under different systems and different concentrations of HAuCl4.
Aminolysis of triglycerides using nanocrystalline nickel doped CaO as an efficient solid catalyst
Authors: Kumar Dinesh , Abida KM , Ali Amjad
Published: June 2016

A Ni/CaO catalyst is able to catalyze (A) aminolysis as well as (B) transesterification reactions.
Graphene-based fabrics and their applications: a review
Authors: Molina J.
Published: June 2016

This review covers the up-to-date synthesis and applications of graphene-based fabrics obtained by chemical coating or by chemical vapor deposition.
Stabilization of ZnS nanoparticles by polymeric matrices: syntheses, optical properties and recent applications
Authors: Tiwari Ashish , Dhoble S. J.
Published: June 2016

ZnS nanocomposites is a promising area of research for designing novel functional hybrid materials due to their unique optical and electronic properties. This review emphasizes on the synthesis, optical studies and potential applications.
Fabrication and erosion resistance of dense α-Si3N4/Sialon coating on porous Si3N4 ceramic
Authors: Wang Chao , Qiao Ruiqing , Chen Lijia
Published: June 2016

A dense α-Si3N4/Sialon ceramic coating was fabricated on porous Si3N4 ceramic using the liquid infiltration and filling method.
Emulsion-polymerized flexible semi-conducting CNCs–PANI–DBSA nanocomposite films
Authors: Atifi Siham , Hamad Wadood Y.
Published: June 2016

Flexible, organic electronics for sustainable technologies.
Interpenetrating polymer networks of poly(methacrylic acid) and polyacrylamide: synthesis, characterization and potential application for sustained drug delivery
Authors: Simeonov Marin , Kostova Bistra , Vassileva Elena
Published: June 2016

Novel interpenetrating polymer networks (IPN) of poly(methacrylic acid) (PMAA) and polyacrylamide (PAAm) were synthesized and characterized and their potential as drug delivery system was revealed.
Production of liquid hydrocarbon fuels with 3-pentanone and platform molecules derived from lignocellulose
Authors: Shen Tao , Zhu Chenjie , Tang Chenglun , Cao Zhi , Wang Linfeng , Guo Kai , Ying Hanjie
Published: June 2016

Diesel or jet fuel range C10–C17 branched and cyclic alkanes were produced by reaction of 3-pentanone derived from lactic acid with bio-based aldehydes.
The reactivity and conformational control of cyclic tetrapeptides derived from aziridine-containing amino acids
Authors: Chung Benjamin K. W. , White Christopher J. , Scully Conor C. G. , Yudin Andrei K.
Published: June 2016

Regioselective ring-opening at a flexible N-acyl aziridine enables conformational control of α3β cyclic tetrapeptides through torsional strain.
Aromatic “Redox Tag”-assisted Diels–Alder reactions by electrocatalysis
Authors: Okada Yohei , Yamaguchi Yusuke , Ozaki Atsushi , Chiba Kazuhiro
Published: June 2016

Electrocatalytic Diels–Alder reactions have been designed and demonstrated based on the aromatic “redox tag” concept.
Alkali-stable and highly anion conducting poly(phenylene oxide)s carrying quaternary piperidinium cations
Authors: Dang Hai-Son , Jannasch Patric
Published: June 2016

A variety of anion-exchange membranes functionalized with quaternary piperidinium cations via alkyl spacer units demonstrates excellent combinations of properties for fuel cell applications.
Porphyrins with intense absorptivity: highly efficient sensitizers with a photovoltaic efficiency of up to 10.7% without a cosensitizer and a coabsorbate
Authors: Li Chengming , Luo Liang , Wu Di , Jiang Ruyong , Lan Jingbo , Wang Ruilin , Huang Luyi , Yang Shengyong , You Jingsong
Published: June 2016

An indoline-conjugated porphyrin sensitizer achieves a photovoltaic efficiency of up to 10.7% in DSSCs without a cosensitizer and a coabsorbate.
The goldilocks electrolyte: examining the performance of iron/nickel oxide thin films as catalysts for electrochemical water splitting in various aqueous NaOH solutions
Authors: Browne Michelle P. , Stafford Shelley , O'Brien Maria , Nolan Hugo , Berner Nina C. , Duesberg Georg S. , Colavita Paula E. , Lyons Michael E. G.
Published: June 2016

A rigorous study of electrodeposited Ni/Fe oxides for the OER was performed in three different sodium hydroxide electrolytes with various Fe impurity concentrations.
Three-dimensional porous graphene-like carbon cloth from cotton as a free-standing lithium-ion battery anode
Authors: Bi Hui , Liu Zhanqiang , Xu Feng , Tang Yufeng , Lin Tianquan , Huang Fuqiang
Published: June 2016

Free-standing N-doped porous graphene-like carbon cloth has been fabricated as a lithium ion battery anode to deliver excellent electrochemical performance.
Seed-assisted growth of α-Fe2O3 nanorod arrays on reduced graphene oxide: a superior anode for high-performance Li-ion and Na-ion batteries
Authors: Kong Dezhi , Cheng Chuanwei , Wang Ye , Liu Bo , Huang Zhixiang , Yang Hui Ying
Published: June 2016

α-Fe2O3 nanorod/reduced graphene oxide nanosheet composites are fabricated using a facile and scalable seed-assisted hydrothermal growth route and further investigated as superior anodes for both lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries with high capacity and long-cycling life.
Branched carbon-encapsulated MnS core/shell nanochains prepared via oriented attachment for lithium-ion storage
Authors: Ning Jinyu , Zhang Di , Song Huaihe , Chen Xiaohong , Zhou Jisheng
Published: June 2016

Branched carbon encapsulated MnS nanochains were prepared via oriented attachment growth and exhibit high-performance as anode materials for LIBs.
High mobility group box 1-immobilized nanofibrous scaffold enhances vascularization, osteogenesis and stem cell recruitment
Authors: Lv Yonggang , Lin Chongwen
Published: June 2016

An engineered, multi-functional HMGB1-immobilized scaffold is developed. HMGB1 is immobilized on the surface of electrospinning poly-l-lactide (PLLA)/polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofibers via heparin, which is used as a “trigger” signal to make the bone scaffold capable of enhancing vascularization, inducing osteogenesis and recruiting stem cells.
A new approach to polycyclic azaarenes: visible-light photolysis of vinyl azides in the synthesis of diazabenzopyrene and diazaperylene
Authors: Schneider J. A. , Perepichka D. F.
Published: June 2016

The Hemetsberger indole synthesis was repurposed for the preparation of luminescent electron-deficient azaarenes which display dual-mode pH fluorescence sensing properties.
Mitochondrial health, the epigenome and healthspan
Authors: Aon Miguel A. , Cortassa Sonia , Juhaszova Magdalena , Sollott Steven J.
Published: June 2016

Food nutrients and metabolic supply–demand dynamics constitute environmental factors that interact with our genome influencing health and disease states. These gene–environment interactions converge at the metabolic–epigenome–genome axis to regulate gene expression and phenotypic outcomes. Mounting evidence indicates that nutrients and lifestyle strongly influence genome–metabolic functional interactions determining disease via altered epigenetic regulation. The mitochondrial network is a central player of the metabolic–epigenome–genome axis, regulating the level of key metabolites [NAD+, AcCoA (acetyl CoA), ATP] acting as substrates/cofactors for acetyl transferases, kinases (e.g. protein kinase A) and deacetylases (e.g. sirtuins, SIRTs). The chromatin, an assembly of DNA and nucleoproteins, regulates the transcriptional process, acting at the epigenomic interface between metabolism and the genome. Within this framework, we review existing evidence showing that preservation of mitochondrial network function is directly involved in decreasing the rate of damage accumulation thus slowing aging and improving healthspan.
Angiotensin II type 2 receptor (AT2R) in renal and cardiovascular disease
Authors: Chow Bryna S.M. , Allen Terri J.
Published: June 2016

Angiotensin II (Ang II) is well-considered to be the principal effector of the renin–angiotensin system (RAS), which binds with strong affinity to the angiotensin II type 1 (AT1R) and type 2 (AT2R) receptor subtype. However, activation of both receptors is likely to stimulate different signalling mechanisms/pathways and produce distinct biological responses. The haemodynamic and non-haemodynamic effects of Ang II, including its ability to regulate blood pressure, maintain water–electrolyte balance and promote vasoconstriction and cellular growth are well-documented to be mediated primarily by the AT1R. However, its biological and functional effects mediated through the AT2R subtype are still poorly understood. Recent studies have emphasized that activation of the AT2R regulates tissue and organ development and provides in certain context a potential counter-regulatory mechanism against AT1R-mediated actions. Thus, this review will focus on providing insights into the biological role of the AT2R, in particular its actions within the renal and cardiovascular system.
Introduction to biosensors
Authors: Bhalla Nikhil , Jolly Pawan , Formisano Nello , Estrela Pedro
Published: June 2016

Biosensors are nowadays ubiquitous in biomedical diagnosis as well as a wide range of other areas such as point-of-care monitoring of treatment and disease progression, environmental monitoring, food control, drug discovery, forensics and biomedical research. A wide range of techniques can be used for the development of biosensors. Their coupling with high-affinity biomolecules allows the sensitive and selective detection of a range of analytes. We give a general introduction to biosensors and biosensing technologies, including a brief historical overview, introducing key developments in the field and illustrating the breadth of biomolecular sensing strategies and the expansion of nanotechnological approaches that are now available.
Antibodies and antibody-derived analytical biosensors
Authors: Sharma Shikha , Byrne Hannah , O'Kennedy Richard J.
Published: June 2016

The rapid diagnosis of many diseases and timely initiation of appropriate treatment are critical determinants that promote optimal clinical outcomes and general public health. Biosensors are now being applied for rapid diagnostics due to their capacity for point-of-care use with minimum need for operator input. Antibody-based biosensors or immunosensors have revolutionized diagnostics for the detection of a plethora of analytes such as disease markers, food and environmental contaminants, biological warfare agents and illicit drugs. Antibodies are ideal biorecognition elements that provide sensors with high specificity and sensitivity. This review describes monoclonal and recombinant antibodies and different immobilization approaches crucial for antibody utilization in biosensors. Examples of applications of a variety of antibody-based sensor formats are also described.
Bioconjugation and stabilisation of biomolecules in biosensors
Authors: Liébana Susana , Drago Guido A.
Published: June 2016

Suitable bioconjugation strategies and stabilisation of biomolecules on electrodes is essential for the development of novel and commercially viable biosensors. In the present review, the functional groups that comprise the selectable targets for practical bioconjugation methods are discussed. We focus on describing the most common immobilisation techniques used in biosensor construction, which are classified into irreversible and reversible methods. Concerning the stability of proteins, the two main types of stability may be defined as (i) storage or shelf stability, and (ii) operational stability. Both types of stability are explained, as well as the introduction of an electrophoretic technique for predicting protein–polymer interactions. In addition, solution and dry stabilisation as well as stabilisation using the covalent immobilisation of proteins are discussed including possible factors that influence stability. Finally, the integration of nanomaterials, such as magnetic particles, with protein immobilisation is discussed in relation to protein stability studies.
Acoustic biosensors
Authors: Fogel Ronen , Limson Janice , Seshia Ashwin A.
Published: June 2016

Resonant and acoustic wave devices have been researched for several decades for application in the gravimetric sensing of a variety of biological and chemical analytes. These devices operate by coupling the measurand (e.g. analyte adsorption) as a modulation in the physical properties of the acoustic wave (e.g. resonant frequency, acoustic velocity, dissipation) that can then be correlated with the amount of adsorbed analyte. These devices can also be miniaturized with advantages in terms of cost, size and scalability, as well as potential additional features including integration with microfluidics and electronics, scaled sensitivities associated with smaller dimensions and higher operational frequencies, the ability to multiplex detection across arrays of hundreds of devices embedded in a single chip, increased throughput and the ability to interrogate a wider range of modes including within the same device. Additionally, device fabrication is often compatible with semiconductor volume batch manufacturing techniques enabling cost scalability and a high degree of precision and reproducibility in the manufacturing process. Integration with microfluidics handling also enables suitable sample pre-processing/separation/purification/amplification steps that could improve selectivity and the overall signal-to-noise ratio. Three device types are reviewed here: (i) bulk acoustic wave sensors, (ii) surface acoustic wave sensors, and (iii) micro/nano-electromechanical system (MEMS/NEMS) sensors.
Narrow-Bladed “Endo” Sagittal Split Osteotomy Retractor
Authors: Mommaerts Maurice Yves
Published: June 2016

A modification of the Obwegeser sagittal split retractor is presented. It is slender while still protecting the soft tissues and is particularly suitable for endoscopically assisted surgery.
The Nature of Reaction Wood
Authors: Wardrop AB , Dads Well HE
Published: June 2016

The structure of tension wood fibres is ofconsiderahle academic and practicalinterest, both in relation to considerations of the stimuli which produce them,and to studies of the influence of fibre structure on the properties of the wood asa whole. As is well known, the chief abnormal properties of tension wood lie inits unusually high longitudinal shrinkage, its high tensile strength, and its lowcompressive strength .
The Copper-Catalysed Oxidation of Ascorbic Acid in Fruitand Vegetable Suspensions
Authors: Huelin FE , Myee Stephens I
Published: June 2016

Considerable attention has been given to the retention of ascorbic acid byfruit and vegetables, both fresh and processed. The stability of ascorbic acid tooxidation can vary greatly in different tissues and under different conditions ofprocessing and storage. The factors concerned in this stability include (a) accessof atmospheric oxygen, as determined by the structure of the tissue and by processingprocedures; (b) oxidation catalysts, including enzymes, copper, and othersubstances in the tissues; and (c) "protective" factors.
The Enzyme-Catalysed Oxidation of Ascorbic Acid in Fruit and Vegetable Suspensions
Authors: Huelin FE , Myee Stephens I
Published: June 2016

In a previous paper (Huelin and Stephens 1948), the authors describedstudies of the eopper-catalysed oxidation of ascorbic acid in fruit and vegetablesuspensions. In the work on copper catalysis, the suspensions were boiled fortwo minutes to inactivate the enzymes.' The relative importance of enzymicoxidation in unboiled suspensions is discussed in the present paper.
Energy Transactions in the Sheep I. The Basal Heat Production and Beat Increment
Authors: R Marston Hedley
Published: June 2016

Lavoisier's observation that his colleague Seguin consumed more oxygenafter eating a meal (Seguin and Lavoisier 1789) revealed a fundamental physiologicalproblem which has not been satisfactorily solved. A little over half acentury after this, the discovery that carbon dioxide prod~ction increases undersimilar circumstances (Scharling 1843) rendered more simple the experimentalinvestigation of the phenomenon, and then only a few years elapsed before boththe basal metabolism and the increase in heat production which superveneson feeding were defined. Edward Smith, after observing the rate of elimination? 'of carbon dioxide by human subjects under a variety of conditions, concludedthat" ... there is a normal (basal) level below which the system does not pass inhealth and wakefulness and which is tolerably uniform ... in complete abstinencefrom food . . . " and he expressed the view that " . . . foodstuffs may fitly bedivided into two classes, viz. those which excite certain respiratory changes andthose which do not." (Smith 1859a, 1859b.) .
Taxonomic revision of Halimeda (Bryopsidales, Chlorophyta) in south-western Australia
Authors: Cremen Ma. Chiela M. , Huisman John M. , Marcelino Vanessa R. , Verbruggen Heroen
Published: June 2016

Halimeda J.V.Lamour. is a green algal genus that is an important component of tropical reefs and lagoons. Although it does not generally occur outside the tropics, the range of one putatively widespread species, Halimeda cuneata Hering, in Western Australia extends southward past Cape Leeuwin to its southern extreme at Cape Howe and around to its most easterly record at Middle Island of the Recherche Archipelago. Previous molecular studies have shown that H. cuneata as recorded worldwide encompasses cryptic species diversity, with most of the cryptic entities being geographically isolated from the others. Halimeda cuneata has been the name consistently applied to specimens from the south-western coast of Australia, where it has been regarded as the only representative of its genus in the region. Using a combination of morphological features and assessment of species boundaries based on a plastid gene (tufA) and a nuclear protein-coding gene (HSP90), we have reassessed the supposed presence of H. cuneata in south-western Australia. Our results showed the existence of two species in the region, namely, H. versatilis J.Agardh, to which the name H. cuneata has been misapplied, and H. gigas W.R.Taylor, a central-Pacific species previously recorded only from tropical Australia.
Mnemonic convergence in social networks: The emergent properties of cognition at a collective level
Authors: Coman Alin , Momennejad Ida , Drach Rae D. , Geana Andra
Published: June 2016

Significance

Human memory is highly malleable. Because of this malleability, jointly remembering the past along with another individual often results in increased similarity between the conversational partners’ memories. We propose an approach that examines the conversation between a pair of participants as part of a larger network of social interactions that has the potential to reveal how human communities form collective memories. Empirical evidence indicating that dyadic-level conversational alignment processes give rise to community-wide shared memories is presented. We find that individual-level memory updating phenomena and social network structure are two fundamental factors that contribute to the emergence of collective memories.
Temporal and intrinsic factors of rifampicin tolerance in mycobacteria
Authors: Richardson Kirill , Bennion Owen T. , Tan Shumin , Hoang Anh N. , Cokol Murat , Aldridge Bree B.
Published: June 2016

Significance

Treatment for tuberculosis is lengthy and requires multiple-drug treatment, in part because some cells of a
Mycobacterium
population take longer to be killed by antibiotics. To understand the contributions of bacterial growth and cell cycle state on antibiotic tolerance, we used microfluidics-based live-cell imaging to compare growth parameters and treatment responses in single cells. We identified key growth and cell cycle classifiers that correlated with rifampicin tolerance. We used these data and modeling to define differences between cells in rifampicin-tolerant and rifampicin-susceptible mycobacterial subpopulations. This study establishes that subpopulations with simple phenotypic characteristics, such as size and cell cycle states, are associated with differences in antibiotic susceptibility, which may improve our ability to rationally design improved drug combinations.
Stereoisomerism, crystal structures, and dynamics of belt-shaped cyclonaphthylenes
Authors: Sun Zhe , Suenaga Takuya , Sarkar Parantap , Sato Sota , Kotani Motoko , Isobe Hiroyuki
Published: June 2016

Significance

Stereoisomerism of molecules shapes an indispensable concept in molecular science. Stereoisomerism becomes complicated in cyclic structures such as saccharides but has now been established to form a fundamental knowledge in chemistry. When dynamic conformations are involved in the stereoisomerism of cyclic structures, there emerges a unique type of isomerism. Such perplexing dynamic stereoisomerism is involved in belt-shaped cyclic arrays of aromatic molecules, known recently as carbon nanohoops, but has scarcely been clarified to date. In this paper, a series of nanohoops with multiple panels of naphthalene has been synthesized. Their stereoisomerism, static structures, and dynamic behaviors have been investigated by using mathematical, crystallographic, and spectroscopic methods to reveal the unique structural chemistry present in segmental sp
2
-carbon networks of carbon nanotubes.
Heterogeneous Behavior, Obesity, and Storability in the Demand for Soft Drinks
Authors: Wang Emily , Rojas Christian , Colantuoni Francesca
Published: June 2016

We apply a dynamic estimation procedure to investigate the effect of obesity on the demand for soda. The dynamic model accounts for consumers’ storing behavior, and allows us to study soda consumers’ price sensitivity (how responsive consumers are to the overall price) and sale sensitivity (the fraction of consumers that store soda during temporary price reductions). By matching store‐level purchase data to county‐level data on obesity incidence, we find higher sale sensitivity in populations with higher obesity rates. Conversely, we find that storers are less price sensitive than non‐storers, and that their price sensitivity decreases with the obesity rate. Our results suggest that policies aimed at increasing soda prices might be less effective than previously thought, especially in areas where consumers can counteract that price increase by stockpiling during sale periods; according to our results, this dampening effect would be more pronounced precisely in those areas with higher obesity rates.
Accounting for pairwise distance restraints in FFT-based protein–protein docking
Authors: Xia Bing , Vajda Sandor , Kozakov Dima
Published: June 2016

Summary: ClusPro is a heavily used protein–protein docking server based on the fast Fourier transform (FFT) correlation approach. While FFT enables global docking, accounting for pairwise distance restraints using penalty terms in the scoring function is computationally expensive. We use a different approach and directly select low energy solutions that also satisfy the given restraints. As expected, accounting for restraints generally improves the rank of near native predictions, while retaining or even improving the numerical efficiency of FFT based docking.

Availability and Implementation: The software is freely available as part of the ClusPro web-based server at http://cluspro.org/nousername.php

Contact:  midas@laufercenter.org or vajda@bu.edu

Supplementary information : Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Local versus global biological network alignment
Authors: Meng Lei , Striegel Aaron , Milenković Tijana
Published: June 2016

Motivation: Network alignment (NA) aims to find regions of similarities between species’ molecular networks. There exist two NA categories: local (LNA) and global (GNA). LNA finds small highly conserved network regions and produces a many-to-many node mapping. GNA finds large conserved regions and produces a one-to-one node mapping. Given the different outputs of LNA and GNA, when a new NA method is proposed, it is compared against existing methods from the same category. However, both NA categories have the same goal: to allow for transferring functional knowledge from well- to poorly-studied species between conserved network regions. So, which one to choose, LNA or GNA? To answer this, we introduce the first systematic evaluation of the two NA categories.

Results: We introduce new measures of alignment quality that allow for fair comparison of the different LNA and GNA outputs, as such measures do not exist. We provide user-friendly software for efficient alignment evaluation that implements the new and existing measures. We evaluate prominent LNA and GNA methods on synthetic and real-world biological networks. We study the effect on alignment quality of using different interaction types and confidence levels. We find that the superiority of one NA category over the other is context-dependent. Further, when we contrast LNA and GNA in the application of learning novel protein functional knowledge, the two produce very different predictions, indicating their complementarity. Our results and software provide guidelines for future NA method development and evaluation.

Availability and implementation: Software: http://www.nd.edu/~cone/LNA_GNA

Contact: tmilenko@nd.edu

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Network-based pathway enrichment analysis with incomplete network information
Authors: Ma Jing , Shojaie Ali , Michailidis George
Published: June 2016

Motivation: Pathway enrichment analysis has become a key tool for biomedical researchers to gain insight into the underlying biology of differentially expressed genes, proteins and metabolites. It reduces complexity and provides a system-level view of changes in cellular activity in response to treatments and/or in disease states. Methods that use existing pathway network information have been shown to outperform simpler methods that only take into account pathway membership. However, despite significant progress in understanding the association amongst members of biological pathways, and expansion of data bases containing information about interactions of biomolecules, the existing network information may be incomplete or inaccurate and is not cell-type or disease condition-specific.

Results: We propose a constrained network estimation framework that combines network estimation based on cell- and condition-specific high-dimensional Omics data with interaction information from existing data bases. The resulting pathway topology information is subsequently used to provide a framework for simultaneous testing of differences in expression levels of pathway members, as well as their interactions. We study the asymptotic properties of the proposed network estimator and the test for pathway enrichment, and investigate its small sample performance in simulated and real data settings.

Availability and Implementation: The proposed method has been implemented in the R-package netgsa available on CRAN.

Contact:  jinma@upenn.edu

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Translating evidence to practice in the health professions: a randomized trial of Twitter vs Facebook
Authors: Tunnecliff Jacqueline , Weiner John , Gaida James E , Keating Jennifer L , Morgan Prue , Ilic Dragan , Clearihan Lyn , Davies David , Sadasivan Sivalal , Mohanty Patitapaban , Ganesh Shankar , Reynolds John , Maloney Stephen
Published: June 2016

Objective: Our objective was to compare the change in research informed knowledge of health professionals and their intended practice following exposure to research information delivered by either Twitter or Facebook.

Methods: This open label comparative design study randomized health professional clinicians to receive “practice points” on tendinopathy management via Twitter or Facebook. Evaluated outcomes included knowledge change and self-reported changes to clinical practice.

Results: Four hundred and ninety-four participants were randomized to 1 of 2 groups and 317 responders analyzed. Both groups demonstrated improvements in knowledge and reported changes to clinical practice. There was no statistical difference between groups for the outcomes of knowledge change (P = .728), changes to clinical practice (P = .11) or the increased use of research information (P = .89). Practice points were shared more by the Twitter group (P < .001); attrition was lower in the Facebook group (P < .001).

Conclusion: Research information delivered by either Twitter or Facebook can improve clinician knowledge and promote behavior change. No differences in these outcomes were observed between the Twitter and Facebook groups. Brief social media posts are as effective as longer posts for improving knowledge and promoting behavior change. Twitter may be more useful in publicizing information and Facebook for encouraging course completion.
Segregation in Federal Government
Authors: Yellin Eric S.
Published: June 2016

The history of African American employment in the federal government is not characterized by a singular, static racial segregation. Rather, it is a history with three basic turning points: the arrival of hundreds (and eventually thousands) of free Black workers in Washington, D.C., after emancipation; extreme racial discrimination imposed by the Woodrow Wilson administration and largely maintained until the 1960s; and the rise of effective equal employment initiatives during the Lyndon Johnson administration. In between, federal segregation was rarely stable, however. All segregationist regimes are marked by inconsistencies and constant vigilance by both white supremacists and civil rights activists. Before the Civil War, African Americans in Washington were subject to an ever-changing set of racial practices and segregation laws. Free and enslaved Black laborers maintained public grounds and constructed federal buildings. Emancipation came to the District with a federal payment to slave owners in 1862, and soon after, African Americans began to find decent work and pay in federal offices. Federal employment fed Black mobility, especially for Black men. Even with the rise of Jim Crow in the 1890s, federal offices were relatively unsegregated and employed Black men and women at all levels of the federal bureaucracy, including high-ranking, white-collar positions. Racism could be found in federal offices in any decade, but rising racial discrimination in the 1910s, most significantly under the Wilson administration, was marked by a decline of economic fortunes of middle-class African Americans around the country and in Washington. National politics have always been integral to the history of Black public employment. Early Black federal employment was fostered by a Republican Party committed to inserting African Americans into the democracy and taking advantage of their votes in the South. The Wilson administration’s discriminatory actions were driven by racism and political ideologies, but the disenfranchisement of virtually all Black voters in the solidly Democratic South also meant that Wilson’s party had nothing to gain from Black patronage. Conversely, by the end of World War II, Black voters increasingly identified as Democrats and were a growing part of the electorate, thanks to massive migration to northern cities. Civil rights achievements during the Johnson administration ensured that Black voters saw their best political hopes—and federal jobs—in Democratic politics. By the mid-1960s, effective equal employment practices and policies began to reshape opportunities for African Americans in federal office. The economic benefits of more jobs spurred dramatic growth of Black middle-class communities in Washington and southern Maryland through the 1970s. Recent studies suggest that the best days of Black federal employment may be behind us, as declining support for affirmative action programs and a new emphasis on government austerity have undermined equal employment opportunities in the last three decades.
Informal Practices of Accountability in Urban Africa
Authors: Paller Jeffrey W.
Published: June 2016

Political accountability has since the late 20th century emerged as a central tenet of democracy. Accountability is typically understood as individuals being called to account for their actions, and in politics this refers to representatives informing their constituents about their activities in office. Political accountability provides the key mechanism for citizens to make sure representatives do their jobs, and it often involves sanctioning leaders out of office, ensuring transparency of government funds, and incorporating the ideas of citizens into political decision making. Across Africa, accountability is usually seen as lacking in African political systems, contributing to a missing, though crucial, element of democratic governance in the region. The study of accountability in African cities is particularly understudied, as rapid urbanization, proliferation of informal settlements, and growing populations of the urban poor lead to new political communities being formed, to shifting forms of identity and claims to citizenship, and to new relationships between leaders and followers. How citizens actually hold their leaders to account in urban Africa is largely unknown and is a key question that guides this article. The article examines informal practices of accountability that extend beyond elections and formal institutions to include the social practices and collective endeavors between residents and their leaders in the context of daily life. Examples of these informal practices include appealing to leaders’ moral standing in daily activities such as town hall meetings, nighttime chats, and house visits, as well as civic activism and street protests.