bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Purification and biochemical characterization of an alkaline protease from marine bacteria Pseudoalteromonas sp. 129‐1
Authors: Wu Shimei , Liu Ge , Zhang Dechao , Li Chaoxu , Sun Chaomin
Published: July 2015

An extracellular alkaline protease produced by marine bacteria strain Pseudoalteromonas sp. 129‐1 was purified by ammonium sulphate precipitation, anion exchange chromatography, and gel filtration. The purity of the protease was confirmed by SDS–PAGE and molecular mass was estimated to be 35 kDa. The protease maintained considerable activity and stability at a wide temperature range of 10–60 °C and pH range of 6–11, and optimum activity was detected at temperature of 50 °C and pH of 8. Metallo‐protease inhibitor, EDTA, had no inhibitory effect on protease activity even at concentration up to 15 mM, whereas 15 mM PMSF, a common serine protease inhibitor, greatly inactivated the protease. The high stability of the protease in the presence of surfactants (SDS, Tween 80, and Triton X‐100), oxidizing agent H2O2, and commercial detergents was observed. Moreover, the protease was tolerant to most of the tested organic solvents, and saline tolerant up to 30%. Interestingly, biofilm of Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 was greatly reduced by 0.01 mg ml−1 of the protease, and nearly completely abolished with the concentration of 1 mg ml−1. Collectively, the protease showed valuable feathers as an additive in laundry detergent and non‐toxic anti‐biofilm agent.
Identifying clinically meaningful benchmarks for gait improvement after total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Foucher Kharma C.
Published: July 2015

There are no established benchmarks for gait mechanics after total hip arthroplasty (THA). This study sought to identify minimum clinically important postoperative (MCIP) or minimum clinically important improvement (MCII) values for self‐selected walking speed, sagittal plane dynamic hip range of motion (HROM) (peak flexion‐peak extension) and peak hip adduction moments measured during quantitative gait analysis. Preoperative and 1‐year postoperative data collected during quantitative gait analysis, along with Harris Hip Scores (HHS), for 145 subjects were collected from a motion analysis data repository. The MCIP (or MCII) was defined as the 75th percentile mark on a plot of the cumulative percent of subjects with HHS ≥ 80 versus the postoperative value (or change) in the respective variable. 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. Logistic regression was used to test the association of age, sex, BMI, and preoperative HHS with benchmarks. The MCIP of speed was 1.34 m/s (95%CI 1.30, 1.37); MCII was 0.32 (0.30, 0.35) m/s. The HROM MCIP was 30.0° (29.4°, 30.7°); MCII was 13.3° (12.1°, 14.8°). The adduction moment MCIP was 4.2% Body Weight × Height (4.0, 4.4); MCII was 0.87 (0.57, 1.17) % Body Weight × Height. Women were more likely to achieve MCII for HROM and MCIP for adduction moment (ORs 2.4–11.6, p ≤ 0.031). Lower BMI predicted HROM and adduction moment MCIPs (ORs 0.85–0.88, p ≤ 0.015). Lower preoperative HHS predicted speed, HROM and adduction moment MCIIs (ORs 0.95–0.97, p ≤ 0.012). With further validation, clinically‐relevant gait benchmarks can enhance efforts to improve THA outcomes. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 34:88–96, 2016.
The Effect of Organoclay on Curing Characteristic, Mechanical Properties, Swelling and Morphology of Natural Rubber/Organoclay Nanocomposites
Authors: Fathurrohman M. Irfan , Soegijono Bambang , Budianto Emil , Rohman Saeful , Ramadhan Arief
Published: July 2015

Rubber nanocomposites based on the natural rubber (NR) and organically modified montmorillonite (OMMT) were prepared by melt intercalation technique using a laboratory open mill followed by compression molding. Organically modified organoclays with different d‐spacing were added to the natural rubber matrix to examine the influence of d‐spacing of organoclay on morphology, curing characteristic and mechanical property of nanocomposite. The characterizations were carried out by means of X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron, atomic force microscopy and moving die rheometer. The results show that melt mixing by an open mill is an effective method for dispersing OMMT throughout the natural rubber matrix especially for organoclay cloisite 15A whose d‐spacing is high and well dispersed in natural rubber matrix. The hardness and stresses at low strain of NR/organoclay nanocomposites slightly increased with increasing d‐spacing of organoclay, but elongation at break decreased. The swelling behavior of NR/organoclay nanocomposite improved with increasing d‐spacing of organoclay.
Effect of Different Blend Ratios and Compatibilizer on Tensile Properties of Recycled Poly(propylene)/Recycled High Density Polyethylene Blends
Authors: Atiqah A.A.S Mariam , Salmah H. , Firuz Z. , Lan D.N.U.
Published: July 2015

Polymer blending is an efficient way for tailoring products with required set of properties and is often more cost effective when recycling. In this study, the effect of different blend ratios on tensile properties, morphology and crystallinity of recycled poly(propylene) (rPP) and recycled high density polyethylene (rHDPE) were studied. Polyethylene maleic anhydride (PEMA) as compatibilizer was used to improve the properties of rPP/rHDPE blends. The blends were prepared using a counter rotating twin screw extruder. The tensile strength and elongation at break of uncompatibilized blends decreased with increasing rHDPE content, whereas the modulus of elasticity increased. The crystallinity of rPP decreased with increases of the rHDPE content, but the crystallinity of rHDPE increased in uncompatibilized blends. It was found that tensile strength and modulus of elasticity of compatibilized rPP/rHDPE blends higher than uncompatibilized blends. The SEM micrograpgh of tensile fractured surface of compatibilized rPP/rHDPE showed better interfacial adhesion and interaction between rPP and rHDPE. It was also found that the crystallinity of compatibilized rPP/rHDPE blends enhanced with the presence of PEMA.
Radiation Graft Copolymerization of Acrylic Acid onto Rice Straw Cellulose
Authors: Rahmawati  , Suhartini Meri , Budianto Emil
Published: July 2015

Isolation of α‐cellulose from rice straw has been successfully carried out having 26.95% yield, with 74.28% crystallinity index. The α‐cellulose is then chemically modified ​​by grafting acrylic acid monomer onto cellulose using pre‐irradiation graft copolymerization technique. The optimum condition for grafting is obtained at 30 kGy radiation doses, 10% monomer concentration, 60 °C grafting temperature and 120 min reaction time, with 84.12% grafting average. The infrared spectroscopy showed a new absorption band at 1720 cm−1 in the modified cellulose, which can be attributed to the presence of carbonyl group of acrylic acid. FESEM imaging showed that the acrylic acid grafting leads to an increase in the roughness and width of the cellulose. The grafting process was found to increase final decomposition temperature of the fibers.
Line source in a poroelastic layer bounded by an elastic space
Authors: Marck Julien , Savitski Alexei A. , Detournay Emmanuel
Published: July 2015

The fundamental solution of a continuous line source, injecting fluid at a constant rate over the thickness of a poroelastic reservoir bounded by infinite impermeable elastic layers, is derived in this paper. This idealized problem has applications in hydrogeology and in petroleum engineering, as it can be used to assess the mechanical perturbations caused by injection or withdrawal of fluid in the subsurface through a vertical well. Construction of the solution takes advantage of the uncoupling of the pore pressure field, which, in this particular case, is given by the classical singular solution of the diffusion equation for an infinite line source. The mechanical fields then are determined by solving an elasticity‐like problem with a body force field proportional to the time‐dependent pore pressure gradient. On account of the problem symmetries, the Navier equations of elasticity reduce to two uncoupled partial differential equations for the radial and vertical (axial) displacement components, which are solved by a twofold application of Fourier and Hankel transforms. The solution exhibits different regimes at small, intermediate, and large times. When the diffusion radius, proportional to the square root of time, is smaller than or comparable to the thickness of the permeable layer, the induced deformation is confined to a region with a characteristic dimension of the same order as the diffusion radius. At large time, when the diffusion radius is large compared with the permeable layer thickness, the deformation rate in the reservoir is essentially oedometric (uniaxial). The different regimes of solutions are justified with a conceptual model based on identifying the evolving characteristics of complementary interior and exterior domain problems. The derived solution can serve as a valuable benchmark for coupled reservoir simulators. It also provides insights in to such problems as waterflooding, shearing at reservoir/cap rock interfaces, and stress redistribution around producing wells. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimal replacement of continuously degrading systems in partially observed environments
Authors: Flory John A. , Kharoufeh Jeffrey P. , Abdul‐Malak David T.
Published: July 2015

Motivated by wind energy applications, we consider the problem of optimally replacing a stochastically degrading component that resides and operates in a partially observable environment. The component's rate of degradation is modulated by the stochastic environment process, and the component fails when it is accumulated degradation first reaches a fixed threshold. Assuming periodic inspection of the component, the objective is to minimize the long‐run average cost per unit time of performing preventive and reactive replacements for two distinct cases. The first case examines instantaneous replacements and fixed costs, while the second considers time‐consuming replacements and revenue losses accrued during periods of unavailability. Formulated and solved are mixed state space, partially observable Markov decision process models, both of which reveal the optimality of environment‐dependent threshold policies with respect to the component's cumulative degradation level. Additionally, it is shown that for each degradation value, a threshold policy with respect to the environment belief state is optimal if the environment alternates between two states. The threshold policies are illustrated by way of numerical examples using both synthetic and real wind turbine data. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics 62: 395–415, 2015
Effect of electron radiation and triallyl isocyanurate on the average molecular weight and crosslinking of poly(ε‐caprolactone)
Authors: Malinowski Rafał
Published: July 2015

Investigation of the effect of electron radiation on the flow rate and average molecular weight of poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) as well as on formation of the gel fraction of this polymer being irradiated in the presence of triallyl isocyanurate (TAIC) was the aim of the present paper. It was found that PCL macromolecules upon the electron radiation underwent both degradation and linking, because of which the polymer molecular weight increased. The processes associated with elongation of the polymer chains prevailed over the degradation ones. It was also found that PCL irradiated in the presence of TAIC underwent crosslinking resulting in formation of a significant amount of the gel fraction. The largest amount of this fraction was created upon the radiation with the dose of 60 kGy, which was confirmed by the results of determination of the swelling index. Changes in properties of PCL, occurring because of the electron radiation, are important for controlling viscosity of polymeric materials during processing of these materials. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Use of demographic and pharmacy data to identify patients included within both the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) and The Health Improvement Network (THIN)
Authors: Carbonari Dean M. , Saine M. Elle , Newcomb Craig W. , Blak Betina , Roy Jason A. , Haynes Kevin , Wood Jennifer , Gallagher Arlene M. , Bhullar Harshvinder , Cardillo Serena , Hennessy Sean , Strom Brian L. , Lo Re Vincent
Published: July 2015

Purpose

Pharmacoepidemiology researchers often utilize data from two UK electronic medical record databases, the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) and The Health Improvement Network (THIN), and may choose to combine the two in an effort to increase sample size. To minimize duplication of data, previous studies examined the practice‐level overlap between these databases. However, the proportion of overlapping patients remains unknown. We developed a method using demographic and pharmacy variables to identify patients included in both CPRD and THIN, and applied this method to measure the proportion of overlapping patients who initiated the oral anti‐diabetic drug saxagliptin.

Methods

We conducted a cross‐sectional study among patients initiating saxagliptin in CPRD and THIN between October 2009 and September 2012. Within both databases, we identified patients: (i) ≥18 years, (ii) newly prescribed saxagliptin, and (iii) with ≥180 days enrollment prior to saxagliptin initiation. Demographic data (birth year, sex, patient registration date, family number, and marital status) and prescriptions (including dates) for the first two oral anti‐diabetic drugs prescribed within the study period were used to identify matching patients.

Results

Among 4202 CPRD and 3641 THIN patients initiating saxagliptin, 2574 overlapping patients (61% of CPRD saxagliptin initiators; 71% of THIN saxagliptin initiators) were identified. Among these patients, 2474 patients (96%) perfectly matched on all demographic and prescription data.

Conclusions

Within each database, over 60% of patients initiating saxagliptin were included within both CPRD and THIN. Combined demographic and prescription data can be used to identify patients included in both CPRD and THIN. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Successful implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator implantation through a communicating branch of the persistent left superior vena cava
Authors: Kumar Vineet , Yoshida Naoki , Yamada Takumi
Published: July 2015

A left pectoral dual chamber implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) was successfully implanted through a small branch communicating between a persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) and right‐sided venous drainage with long sheaths. Postprocedural computed tomography identified the communicating branch. ICD lead implantation through a PLSVC is challenging and sometimes unsuccessful. This case illustrates an alternative approach for ICD lead implantation in patients with a PLSVC. A PLSVC system should be carefully inspected for any communicating branches that can be utilized for lead implantation in order to increase the chance of success and minimize the risk of complications.
The Detection of Eating Disorder Symptoms in Adolescence: A Comparison Between the Children's Eating Disorder Examination and the Children's Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire
Authors: Van Durme Kim , Craeynest Elke , Braet Caroline , Goossens Lien
Published: July 2015

Introduction:Eating disorder symptoms already occur in childhood and adolescence and are predictive of full-blown eating disorders and obesity later in life. To enhance the quality of assessment in youngsters, this study examined the convergence between the clinical interview, the Child Eating Disorder Examination (ChEDE), and the self-report questionnaire, the Child Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire (ChEDE-Q).Method:Both instruments were administered in 12- to 16-year-old boys and girls retrieved from the general population (N= 57,Mage= 13.4).Results:The results showed that there was a strong correlation between the interview and the questionnaire and that the subscale scores of the two research instruments did not significantly differ.Discussion:The present study is among the first to confirm the utility of the ChEDE-Q to screen for eating disorder symptoms in adolescents from the general population. Large-scale studies should further determine whether these preliminary findings can be generalised.
Molecular identification of the strongyloid nematodeOesophagostomum aculeatumin the Asian wild elephantElephas maximus
Authors: Phuphisut O. , Maipanich W. , Pubampen S. , Yindee M. , Kosoltanapiwat N. , Nuamtanong S. , Ponlawat A. , Adisakwattana P.
Published: July 2015

The transmission of zoonoses by wildlife, including elephants, is a growing global concern. In this study, we screened for helminth infections among Asian wild elephants (Elephas maximus) of the Salakpra Wildlife Sanctuary, Kanchanaburi, Thailand. Elephant faecal samples (45) were collected from the sanctuary grounds during January through November 2013 and assayed individually using the tetranucleotide microsatellite technique. Microscopic examination indicated a high prevalence of strongylids (93.0%) and low prevalences of trichurids (2.3%) and ascarids (2.3%). To identify the strongylid species, small subunit (SSU) rDNA sequences were amplified from copro-DNA and compared with sequences in GenBank. The generated SSU-rDNA sequences comprised five distinct haplotypes that were closely related toOesophagostomum aculeatum. A phylogenetic analysis that incorporated related nematodes yielded a tree separated into two main clades, one containing our samples and human and domestic animal hookworms and the other consisting ofStrongyloides. The present results indicate thatO. aculeatumin local elephants is a potential source of helminthiasis in human and domestic animals in this wild-elephant irrupted area.
Special topics in plasma confinement
Authors: Taylor J. B. , Newton S. L.
Published: July 2015

These notes are based on lectures given by one of us (J.B.T.) at the University of
Texas in Austin in 1991. Part I concerns some basic features of plasma confinement by
magnetic fields as an introduction to an account of plasma relaxation in Part II.
Part III discusses confinement by magnetic mirrors, especially minimum-$B$ systems. It also includes a general discussion of adiabatic
invariants and of the principle of maximal ordering in perturbation theory. Part IV
is devoted to the analysis of perturbations in toroidal plasmas and the stability of
ballooning modes.
Comparative Social Policy Analysis and Active Labour Market Policy: Putting Quality before Quantity
Authors: CLASEN JOCHEN , CLEGG DANIEL , GOERNE ALEXANDER
Published: July 2015

In the past decade, active labour market policy (ALMP) has become a major topic in comparative social policy analysis, with scholars exploiting cross-national variation to seek to identify the determinants of policy development in this central area of the ‘new welfare state’. In this paper, we argue that better integration of this policy field into social policy scholarship requires rather more critical engagement with considerable methodological, conceptual and theoretical challenges in order to analyse these policies comparatively. Most fundamentally, rather more reflection is needed on what the substantially relevant dimensions of variation in ALMP from a social policy perspective actually are, as well as enhanced efforts to ensure that it is those that are being analysed and compared.
Engaging older people in healthy and active lifestyles: a systematic review
Authors: MENICHETTI JULIA , CIPRESSO PIETRO , BUSSOLIN DARIO , GRAFFIGNA GUENDALINA
Published: July 2015

In 2002, the World Health Organization emphasised the concept of active ageing to manage and increase the last third of life. Although many efforts have been made to optimise treatment management, less attention has been paid to health promotion initiatives. To date, few shared guidelines exist that promote an active life in healthy older targets. To fill this gap, we conducted a systematic review to map health promotion interventions that targeted an active and healthy ageing among older citizens. Articles containing the key term active ageing and seven synonyms were searched for in the electronic databases. Because we were interested in actions aimed to promote healthier lifestyles, we connected the string with the term health. A total of 3,918 titles were retrieved and 20 articles were extracted. Twelve of the 20 studies used group interventions, five interventions targeted the individual level and three interventions targeted the community level. Interventions differed for the health focus of the programmes, which ranged from physical activity interventions to social participation or cognitive functioning. Most of the studies aimed to act on psychological components. The review suggests that different interventions promoted for active ageing are effective in improving specific healthy and active lifestyles; however, no studies were concerned directly with a holistic process of citizen health engagement to improve long-term outcomes.
Reenacting Heritage at Bomas of Kenya: Dancing the Postcolony
Authors: Franco Susanne
Published: July 2015

This article deals with the representation of Kenyan national identity through dance. It analyses the reenactment of a series of ethnic dances at Bomas of Kenya, a cultural center located just outside Nairobi and part of the network of National Museums of Kenya. As an institution resulting from a strategic political investment in both Kenya's immaterial heritage and the tourist industry, since its inception in the early 1970s Bomas of Kenya has played an important role in conveying the idea of ethnic harmony and national unity. The comparison with Cut Off My Tongue (2009), the show by Kenyan writer and performer Sitawa Namwalie in which dance is interwoven with political satire to frame reflections on negative ethnicity, serves to highlight the implications that different approaches to dancing bodies, through such concepts as identity, embodiment, archive, and memory, could have for a meaningful political future.
Mill on Mental Health Acts
Authors: BROWNE ALISTER
Published: July 2015

Mental health acts allow for interference with the liberty of the individual. As such, they serve as test cases for theories of liberty, and thus the question of what Mill would think about them arises. My aim is to answer this question. I argue that Mill would embrace mental health acts to protect mentally disturbed individuals from themselves and others from them, and that they should have broad admission criteria, allow capable patients to refuse treatment, and have treatment decisions made by patients or their families on the basis of substituted judgements rather than representatives of the state acting on best interest judgements. This interpretation will show that many writers who claim Mill's support cannot properly do so. It is also a combination of views that cannot be readily found in mental health acts themselves, but which, as Mill's reasons for it show, is a serious candidate for legislative adoption.
Transmission and diffusion: Linguistic change in the regional French of Béarn
Authors: MOONEY DAMIEN
Published: July 2015

This article examines the seemingly dichotomous linguistic processes of transmission and diffusion (Labov, 2007) in the regional variety of French spoken in Béarn, southwestern France. Using a sociophonetic apparent time methodology, an analysis of nasal vowel quality provides evidence for the advancement of linguistic changes from below taking place between successive generations during the transmission process, as well as for change from above taking place in the variety as a result of exposure to diffusing non-local varieties of French. The results address Labov's (2007) assertion that it is rare to investigate incremental changes occurring from below in European dialectological studies and shed light on the transmission–diffusion interface by showing the adoption of an individual change from above to instigate a faithfully-transmitted counterclockwise chain shift in the regional French nasal vowel system.
Non-invasive assessment of porcine oocyte quality by supravital staining of cumulus–oocyte complexes with lissamine green B
Authors: Dutta Rahul , Li Shun , Fischer Konrad , Kind Alexander , Flisikowska Tatiana , Flisikowski Krzysztof , Rottmann Oswald , Schnieke Angelika
Published: July 2015

We evaluated the usefulness of lissamine green B (LB) staining of cumulus–oocyte complexes (COC) as a non-invasive method of predicting maturational and developmental competence of slaughterhouse-derived porcine oocytes cultured in vitro. Cumulus cells of freshly aspirated COCs were evaluated either morphologically on the basis of thickness of cumulus cell layers, or stained with LB, which penetrates only non-viable cells. The extent of cumulus cell staining was taken as an inverse indicator of membrane integrity. The two methods of COC grading were then examined as predictors of nuclear maturation and development after parthenogenetic activation. In both cases LB staining proved a more reliable indicator than morphological assessment (P < 0.05). The relationship between LB staining and cumulus cell apoptosis was also examined. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay for DNA fragmentation revealed that oocytes within COCs graded as low quality by either LB staining or visual morphology showed significantly greater DNA fragmentation (P < 0.05) than higher grades, and that LB and visual grading were of similar predictive value. Expression of the stress response gene TP53 showed significantly higher expression in COCs graded as low quality by LB staining. However expression of the apoptosis-associated genes BAK and CASP3 was not significantly different between high or low grade COCs, suggesting that mRNA expression of BAK and CASP3 is not a reliable method of detecting apoptosis in porcine COCs. Evaluation of cumulus cell membrane integrity by lissamine green B staining thus provides a useful new tool to gain information about the maturational and developmental competence of porcine oocytes.
Changing Service Provision in Rural Areas and the Possible Impact on Older People: A Case Example of Compulsory Post Office Closures and Outreach Services in England
Authors: Hamilton Charlotte
Published: July 2015

Rural post office provision is becoming increasingly reliant on alternative delivery models. The effect of change could fall disproportionately on older people as a key customer group of the Post Office, overrepresented in rural areas. There are only very limited polices in this area. The existing literature has not yet examined where compulsory changes have taken place alongside the impact on older people living in the community. This research uses a mixed methods approach, exploring the example of the 2007–9 Post Office Network Change Programme in England and a case study of older people in a community affected by this change. Very rural areas were vulnerable to post office changes; 70 per cent of changes to post office delivery models occurred in these areas. It is important to consider the impacts of changes more broadly, including both direct and indirect outcomes.
Ultrafast spontaneous emission source using plasmonic nanoantennas
Authors: Hoang Thang B. , Akselrod Gleb M. , Argyropoulos Christos , Huang Jiani , Smith David R. , Mikkelsen Maiken H.
Published: July 2015

Typical emitters such as molecules, quantum dots and semiconductor quantum wells have slow spontaneous emission with lifetimes of 1–10 ns, creating a mismatch with high-speed nanoscale optoelectronic devices such as light-emitting diodes, single-photon sources and lasers. Here we experimentally demonstrate an ultrafast (<11 ps) yet efficient source of spontaneous emission, corresponding to an emission rate exceeding 90 GHz, using a hybrid structure of single plasmonic nanopatch antennas coupled to colloidal quantum dots. The antennas consist of silver nanocubes coupled to a gold film separated by a thin polymer spacer layer and colloidal core–shell quantum dots, a stable and technologically relevant emitter. We show an increase in the spontaneous emission rate of a factor of 880 and simultaneously a 2,300-fold enhancement in the total fluorescence intensity, which indicates a high radiative quantum efficiency of ∼50%. The nanopatch antenna geometry can be tuned from the visible to the near infrared, providing a promising approach for nanophotonics based on ultrafast spontaneous emission.
Parallel damage in mitochondrial and lysosomal compartments promotes efficient cell death with autophagy: The case of the pentacyclic triterpenoids
Authors: Martins Waleska K. , Costa Érico T. , Cruz Mário C. , Stolf Beatriz S. , Miotto Ronei , Cordeiro Rodrigo M. , Baptista Maurício S.
Published: July 2015

The role of autophagy in cell death is still controversial and a lot of debate has concerned the transition from its pro-survival to its pro-death roles. The similar structure of the triterpenoids Betulinic (BA) and Oleanolic (OA) acids allowed us to prove that this transition involves parallel damage in mitochondria and lysosome. After treating immortalized human skin keratinocytes (HaCaT) with either BA or OA, we evaluated cell viability, proliferation and mechanism of cell death, function and morphology of mitochondria and lysosomes and the status of the autophagy flux. We also quantified the interactions of BA and OA with membrane mimics, bothin-vitroand in-silico. Essentially, OA caused mitochondrial damage that relied on autophagy to rescue cellular homeostasis, which failed upon lysosomal inhibition by Chloroquine or Bafilomycin-A1. BA caused parallel damage on mitochondria and lysosome, turning autophagy into a destructive process. The higher cytotoxicity of BA correlated with its stronger efficiency in damaging membrane mimics. Based on these findings, we underlined the concept that autophagy will turn into a destructive outcome when there is parallel damage in mitochondrial and lysosomal membranes. We trust that this concept will help the development of new drugs against aggressive cancers.
Characterization of RNA silencing components in the plant pathogenic fungus Fusarium graminearum
Authors: Chen Yun , Gao Qixun , Huang Mengmeng , Liu Ye , Liu Zunyong , Liu Xin , Ma Zhonghua
Published: July 2015

The RNA interference (RNAi) plays a critical role in gene regulation in a variety of eukaryotic organisms. However, the role of RNAi remains largely unclear in plant pathogenic fungi. In this study, we explored the roles of core components of the RNAi pathway in Fusarium graminearum, the major causal agent of wheat head blight. Our results demonstrated that the hairpin RNA (hpRNA) can efficiently silence the expression level of target gene and the argonaute protein FgAgo1 and dicer protein FgDicer2 are important in this silencing process. RNAi machinery was not involved in growth, abiotic stress and pathogenesis in F. graminearum under tested conditions. We firstly applied high-throughput sequencing technology to elucidate small RNA (17–40 nucleotides) (sRNA) transcriptome in F. graminearum and found that a total of forty-nine micro-like-RNA (milRNA) candidates were identified in the wild-type and ∆FgDICER2 and twenty-four of them were FgDicer2-dependent. Fg-milRNA-4 negatively regulated expression of its target gene. Taken together, our results indicated that the hpRNA-induced gene silencing was a valuable genetic tool for exploring gene function in F. graminearum. FgAgo1 and FgDicer2 proteins played a critical role in the hpRNA mediated gene silencing process. In addition, FgDicer2 was involved in sRNA transcription and milRNA generation in this fungus.
Basolateral amygdala rapid glutamate release encodes an outcome-specific representation vital for reward-predictive cues to selectively invigorate reward-seeking actions
Authors: Malvaez Melissa , Greenfield Venuz Y. , Wang Alice S. , Yorita Allison M. , Feng Lili , Linker Kay E. , Monbouquette Harold G. , Wassum Kate M.
Published: July 2015

Environmental stimuli have the ability to generate specific representations of the rewards they predict and in so doing alter the selection and performance of reward-seeking actions. The basolateral amygdala participates in this process, but precisely how is unknown. To rectify this, we monitored, in near-real time, basolateral amygdala glutamate concentration changes during a test of the ability of reward-predictive cues to influence reward-seeking actions (Pavlovian-instrumental transfer). Glutamate concentration was found to be transiently elevated around instrumental reward seeking. During the Pavlovian-instrumental transfer test these glutamate transients were time-locked to and correlated with only those actions invigorated by outcome-specific motivational information provided by the reward-predictive stimulus (i.e., actions earning the same specific outcome as predicted by the presented CS). In addition, basolateral amygdala AMPA, but not NMDA glutamate receptor inactivation abolished the selective excitatory influence of reward-predictive cues over reward seeking. These data support the hypothesis that transient glutamate release in the BLA can encode the outcome-specific motivational information provided by reward-predictive stimuli
An in silico platform for predicting, screening and designing of antihypertensive peptides
Authors: Kumar Ravi , Chaudhary Kumardeep , Singh Chauhan Jagat , Nagpal Gandharva , Kumar Rahul , Sharma Minakshi , Raghava Gajendra P.S.
Published: July 2015

High blood pressure or hypertension is an affliction that threatens millions of lives worldwide. Peptides from natural origin have been shown recently to be highly effective in lowering blood pressure. In the present study, we have framed a platform for predicting and designing novel antihypertensive peptides. Due to a large variation found in the length of antihypertensive peptides, we divided these peptides into four categories (i) Tiny peptides, (ii) small peptides, (iii) medium peptides and (iv) large peptides. First, we developed SVM based regression models for tiny peptides using chemical descriptors and achieved maximum correlation of 0.701 and 0.543 for dipeptides and tripeptides, respectively. Second, classification models were developed for small peptides and achieved maximum accuracy of 76.67%, 72.04% and 77.39% for tetrapeptide, pentapeptide and hexapeptides, respectively. Third, we have developed a model for medium peptides using amino acid composition and achieved maximum accuracy of 82.61%. Finally, we have developed a model for large peptides using amino acid composition and achieved maximum accuracy of 84.21%. Based on the above study, a web-based platform has been developed for locating antihypertensive peptides in a protein, screening of peptides and designing of antihypertensive peptides.
Molecular mechanisms of the non-coenzyme action of thiamin in brain: biochemical, structural and pathway analysis
Authors: Mkrtchyan Garik , Aleshin Vasily , Parkhomenko Yulia , Kaehne Thilo , Luigi Di Salvo Martino , Parroni Alessia , Contestabile Roberto , Vovk Andrey , Bettendorff Lucien , Bunik Victoria
Published: July 2015

Thiamin (vitamin B1) is a pharmacological agent boosting central metabolism through the action of the coenzyme thiamin diphosphate (ThDP). However, positive effects, including improved cognition, of high thiamin doses in neurodegeneration may be observed without increased ThDP or ThDP-dependent enzymes in brain. Here, we determine protein partners and metabolic pathways where thiamin acts beyond its coenzyme role. Malate dehydrogenase, glutamate dehydrogenase and pyridoxal kinase were identified as abundant proteins binding to thiamin- or thiazolium-modified sorbents. Kinetic studies, supported by structural analysis, revealed allosteric regulation of these proteins by thiamin and/or its derivatives. Thiamin triphosphate and adenylated thiamin triphosphate activate glutamate dehydrogenase. Thiamin and ThDP regulate malate dehydrogenase isoforms and pyridoxal kinase. Thiamin regulation of enzymes related to malate-aspartate shuttle may impact on malate/citrate exchange, responsible for exporting acetyl residues from mitochondria. Indeed, bioinformatic analyses found an association between thiamin- and thiazolium-binding proteins and the term acetylation. Our interdisciplinary study shows that thiamin is not only a coenzyme for acetyl-CoA production, but also an allosteric regulator of acetyl-CoA metabolism including regulatory acetylation of proteins and acetylcholine biosynthesis. Moreover, thiamin action in neurodegeneration may also involve neurodegeneration-related 14-3-3, DJ-1 and β-amyloid precursor proteins identified among the thiamin- and/or thiazolium-binding proteins.
Doubling Throughput of a Real-Time PCR
Authors: Ahrberg Christian D. , Neužil Pavel
Published: July 2015

The invention of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in 1983 revolutionized many areas of science, due to its ability to multiply a number of copies of DNA sequences (known as amplicons). Here we report on a method to double the throughput of quantitative PCR which could be especially useful for PCR-based mass screening. We concurrently amplified two target genes using only single fluorescent dye. A FAM probe labelled olionucleotide was attached to a quencher for one amplicon while the second one was without a probe. The PCR was performed in the presence of the intercalating dye SYBR Green I. We collected the fluorescence amplitude at two points per PCR cycle, at the denaturation and extension steps. The signal at denaturation is related only to the amplicon with the FAM probe while the amplitude at the extension contained information from both amplicons. We thus detected two genes within the same well using a single fluorescent channel. Any commercial real-time PCR systems can use this method doubling the number of detected genes. The method can be used for absolute quantification of DNA using a known concentration of housekeeping gene at one fluorescent channel.
A label-free and time-resolved luminescence strategy for the detection of proteins based on DNA–Tb3+ luminescence quenched by graphene oxide
Authors: Li Hao , Li Wang , Nie Zhou , Yao Shouzhuo
Published: July 2015

A label-free and time-resolved luminescence strategy for protein detection was developed based on DNA–Tb3+ luminescence quenched by graphene.
New data on photochemistry of the interstellar molecule: HNCS. Identification of the S⋯HCN complex
Authors: Krupa Justyna , Kosendiak Iwona , Wierzejewska Maria
Published: July 2015

UV tunable laser induced photochemistry of matrix isolated HNCS leads to the formation of a hydrogen bonded complex between the sulfur atom and hydrogen cyanide: S(3P)⋯HCN.
Perfluoropropenyl-containing phosphines from HFC replacements
Authors: Brisdon Alan K. , Ali Ghaba Hana , Beutel Bernd , Egjandi Amina , Addaraidi Arij , Pritchard Robin G.
Published: July 2015

From HFC replacements CF3CF2CH2F and Z-CF3CFCFH new E-perfluoropropenyl phosphine ligands are prepared, including the first perfluoroalkenyl bidentate phosphine, (E-CF3CFCF)2PCH2CH2(E-CFCFCF3)2.
Correction: Pentafluoroethyl-substituted α-silanes: model compounds for new insights
Authors: Waerder Benedikt , Steinhauer Simon , Reuter Christian G. , Bader Julia , Neumann Beate , Stammler Hans-Georg , Vishnevskiy Yury V. , Hoge Berthold , Mitzel Norbert W.
Published: July 2015

Correction for ‘Pentafluoroethyl-substituted α-silanes: model compounds for new insights’ by Benedikt Waerder et al., Dalton Trans., 2015, 44, 13347–13358.
Correction: Chemopreventive activity of ellagitannins and their derivatives from black raspberry seeds on HT-29 colon cancer cells
Authors: Cho Hyunnho , Jung Hana , Lee Heejae , Yi Hae Chang , Kwak Ho-Kyung , Hwang Keum Taek
Published: July 2015

Correction for ‘Chemopreventive activity of ellagitannins and their derivatives from black raspberry seeds on HT-29 colon cancer cells’ by Hyunnho Cho et al., Food Funct., 2015, 6, 1675–1683.
Stable and efficient colour enrichment powders of nonpolar nanocrystals in LiCl
Authors: Erdem Talha , Soran-Erdem Zeliha , Sharma Vijay Kumar , Kelestemur Yusuf , Adam Marcus , Gaponik Nikolai , Demir Hilmi Volkan
Published: July 2015

The ionic salt encapsulation of nonpolar nanocrystals preserves the high quantum efficiency in a solid-film while substantially increasing stability on LEDs.
Phosphorylation of bio-based compounds: the state of the art
Authors: Illy Nicolas , Fache Maxence , Ménard Raphaël , Negrell Claire , Caillol Sylvain , David Ghislain
Published: July 2015

The aim of this review is to present both fundamental and applied research on the phosphorylation of renewable resources, through reactions on naturally occurring functions, and their use in biobased polymer chemistry and applications.
Chitosan coated alginate micro particles for the oral delivery of antifilarial drugs and combinations for intervention in Brugia malayi induced lymphatic filariasis
Authors: Shukla Rahul , Gupta J. , Shukla P. , Dwivedi P. , Tripathi P. , Bhattacharya Shailja M. , Mishra Prabhat R.
Published: July 2015

Mechanism of targeting of MPs and absorption through Peyer’s patches, to lymphatics where an adult worm resides.
Investigation on the aggregation behavior of photo-responsive system composed of 1-hexadecyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide and 2-methoxycinnamic acid
Authors: Du Mingyong , Dai Caili , Chen Ang , Wu Xuepeng , Li Yuyang , Liu Yifei , Li Weitao , Zhao Mingwei
Published: July 2015

Mechanism of the aggregation behavior for the photo-responsive system composed of 1-hexadecyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide and 2-methoxycinnamic acid.
Coacervated liposoluble fructan-based host–guest microspheres as unique drug delivery materials
Authors: Delgadillo Erika , Corona Rosa I. , Toriz Guillermo , Contreras Héctor J. , Sadeghifar Hasan , Baobing Wang , Yang Guihua , Lucia Lucian A. , Delgado Ezequiel
Published: July 2015

A new approach to drug release with microspheres from acetylated liposoluble fructans is demonstrated. Modification of solubility by acetylation supported their preparation by precipitation–coacervation that was able to encapsulate ∼33% of ibuprofen.
Synthesis, structure and luminescence characteristics of a novel red phosphor NaLa9(GeO4)6O2:Eu3+for light emitting diodes and field emission displays
Authors: Cao Yaxin , Zhu Ge , Wang Yuhua
Published: July 2015

An investigation on the synthesis, structure and luminescence characteristics of a novel red phosphor NaLa9(GeO4)6O2:Eu3+for LEDs and FEDs.
Rapid removal of cadmium ions using green-synthesized Fe3O4 nanoparticles capped with diethyl-4-(4 amino-5-mercapto-4H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)phenyl phosphonate
Authors: Venkateswarlu Sada , Yoon Minyoung
Published: July 2015

Water-dispersible diethyl-4-(4-amino-5-mercapto-4H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)phenyl phosphonate (DEAMTPP)-capped biogenic Fe3O4 magnetic nanocomposite has been synthesized using Ananas comosus peel pulp extract for rapid removal of Cd(ii) ions from water.
New α-glucosidase inhibitors from a marine sponge-derived fungus, Aspergillus sp. OUCMDZ-1583
Authors: Kong Fandong , Zhao Chengying , Hao Jiejie , Wang Cong , Wang Wei , Huang Xiaolong , Zhu Weiming
Published: July 2015

18 new compounds named aspergones A–Q and 6-O-demethylmonocerin, along with five known analogues, were isolated from the fermentation broth of Aspergillus sp. OUCMDZ-1583 associated with an unidentified marine sponge from the Xisha Islands of China.
Long-term reliability of silicon wafer-based traditional backsheet modules and double glass modules
Authors: Zhang Yingbin , Xu Jianmei , Mao Jing , Tao Jiahua , Shen Hui , Chen Yifeng , Feng Zhiqiang , Verlinden Pierre J. , Yang Pingxiong , Chu Junhao
Published: July 2015

An extensive program of series extended sequential long-term reliability stress including TC 600, DH 3000, 600 hours PID and HF 50 were performed on silicon wafer-based traditional backsheet modules and double glass PV modules.
Immobilization of thermotolerant intracellular enzymes on functionalized nanoporous activated carbon and application to degradation of an endocrine disruptor: kinetics, isotherm and thermodynamics studies
Authors: P Saranya , S Ranjitha , G Sekaran
Published: July 2015

Degradation of 2-nitro phloroglucinol using mixed intracellular enzymes immobilized FNAC matrix
pH triggered self-assembly structural transition of ionic liquids in aqueous solutions: smart use of pH-responsive additives
Authors: Wang Huiyong , Tan Bo , Zhang Hucheng , Wang Jianji
Published: July 2015

The pH responsive fluids consisting of single-chain ionic liquid surfactants [Cnmim]Br (n = 12, 14) and hydrotropes can reversibly transform from spherical micelles to vesicles then to spherical micelles again with the change of the solution pH value.
A new electrochemical sensor based on a nitrogen-doped graphene/CuCo2O4nanocomposite for simultaneous determination of dopamine, melatonin and tryptophan
Authors: Tadayon F. , Sepehri Z.
Published: July 2015

An electrochemical sensor was fabricated for the simultaneous determination of dopamine, melatonin and tryptophan in biological and pharmaceutical samples.
Selective preconcentration and online collection of charged molecules using ion concentration polarization
Authors: Choi Jihye , Huh Keon , Moon Dustin Jaesuk , Lee Hyomin , Son Seok Young , Kim Kihong , Kim Hee Chan , Chae Jong-Hee , Sung Gun Yong , Kim Ho-Young , Hong Jong Wook , Kim Sung Jae
Published: July 2015

Online collection of selectivity preconcentrated analytes was demonstrated utilizing ion concentration polarization phenomena and pneumatic valve system.
Visualising mouse neuroanatomy and function by metal distribution using laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry imaging
Authors: Paul Bence , Hare Dominic J. , Bishop David P. , Paton Chad , Nguyen Van Tran , Cole Nerida , Niedwiecki Megan M. , Andreozzi Erica , Vais Angela , Billings Jessica L. , Bray Lisa , Bush Ashley I. , McColl Gawain , Roberts Blaine R. , Adlard Paul A. , Finkelstein David I. , Hellstrom John , Hergt Janet M. , Woodhead Jon D. , Doble Philip A.
Published: July 2015

Studying the neuroanatomy of the mouse brain using imaging mass spectrometry and chemometric analysis.
Synthesis of the RTH-type layer: the first small-pore, two dimensional layered zeolite precursor
Authors: Schmidt Joel E. , Xie Dan , Davis Mark E.
Published: July 2015

The “rth” type layer is the first porous 2D zeolite layer; it forms zeolite RTH via topotactic condensation or can be pillared to create a thermally stable, expanded pore material.
Synthesis, nanoprecipitation and pH sensitivity of amphiphilic linear–dendritic hybrid polymers and hyperbranched-polydendrons containing tertiary amine functional dendrons
Authors: Rogers Hannah E. , Chambon Pierre , Auty Sam E. R. , Hern Faye Y. , Owen Andrew , Rannard Steve P.
Published: July 2015

Tertiary amine functional hyperbranched-polydendrons with pH-responsive chain ends and hydrophobic cores have been synthesised. The branched architecture leads to enhanced self-assembly over linear–dendritic analogues.
Nano-structural changes in Li-ion battery cathodes during cycling revealed by FIB-SEM serial sectioning tomography
Authors: Song Bohang , Sui Tan , Ying Siqi , Li Liu , Lu Li , Korsunsky Alexander M.
Published: July 2015

This study reports the feasibility of utilizing focused ion beam-scanning electron microscopy sectioning to reconstruct the 3D structure of electrodes before and after extended electrochemical cycling. The observed fragmentation of Li-rich layered spherical particles is speculated to be a possible cause of capacity fading.
Addition of Zn to the ternary Mg–Ca–Sr alloys significantly improves their antibacterial properties
Authors: He Guanping , Wu Yuanhao , Zhang Yu , Zhu Ye , Liu Yang , Li Nan , Li Mei , Zheng Guan , He Baohua , Yin Qingshui , Zheng Yufeng , Mao Chuanbin
Published: July 2015

Most of the magnesium (Mg) alloys possess excellent biocompatibility, mechanical properties and biodegradability in orthopedic applications. Addition of Zn to the alloys further significantly improves their antibacterial properties.