bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lovastatin blocks Kv1.3 channel in human T cells: a new mechanism to explain its immunomodulatory properties
Authors: Zhao Ning , Dong Qian , Qian Cheng , Li Sen , Wu Qiong-Feng , Ding Dan , Li Jing , Wang Bin-Bin , Guo Ke-fang , Xie Jiang-jiao , Cheng Xiang , Liao Yu-Hua , Du Yi-Mei 
Published: November 2015

AbstractLovastatin is a member of Statins, which are beneficial in a lot of immunologic cardiovascular diseases and T cell-mediated autoimmune diseases. Kv1.3 channel plays important roles in the activation and proliferation of T cells and have become attractive target for immune-related disorders. The present study was designed to examine the block effect of Lovastatin on Kv1.3 channel in human T cells and to clarify its new immunomodulatory mechanism. We found that Lovastatin inhibited Kv1.3 currents in a concentration- and voltage-dependent manner and the IC50 for peak, end of the pulse was 39.81 ± 5.11, 6.92 ± 0.95 μM, respectively. Lovastatin also accelerated the decay rate of current inactivation and negatively shifted the steady-state inactivation curves concentration-dependently, without affecting the activation curve. However, 30 μM Lovastatin had no apparent effect on KCa current in human T cells. Furthermore, Lovastatin inhibited Ca2+ influx, T cell proliferation as well as IL-2 production. The activities of NFAT1 and NF-κB p65/50 were down-regulated by Lovastatin, too. At last, Mevalonate application only partially reversed the inhibition of Lovastatin on IL-2 secretion and the siRNA against Kv1.3 also partially reduced this inhibitory effect of Lovastatin. In conclusion, Lovastatin can exert immunodulatory properties through the new mechanism of blocking Kv1.3 channel.
Mitigation of Corrosion on Magnesium Alloy by Predesigned Surface Corrosion
Authors: Zhang Xuming , Wu Guosong , Peng Xiang , Li Limin , Feng Hongqing , Gao Biao , Huo Kaifu , Chu Paul K. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractRapid corrosion of magnesium alloys is undesirable in structural and biomedical applications and a general way to control corrosion is to form a surface barrier layer isolating the bulk materials from the external environment. Herein, based on the insights gained from the anticorrosion behavior of corrosion products, a special way to mitigate aqueous corrosion is described. The concept is based on pre-corrosion by a hydrothermal treatment of Al-enriched Mg alloys in water. A uniform surface composed of an inner compact layer and top Mg-Al layered double hydroxide (LDH) microsheet is produced on a large area using a one-step process and excellent corrosion resistance is achieved in saline solutions. Moreover, inspired by the super-hydrophobic phenomenon in nature such as the lotus leaves effect, the orientation of the top microsheet layer is tailored by adjusting the hydrothermal temperature, time and pH to produce a water-repellent surface after modification with fluorinated silane. As a result of the trapped air pockets in the microstructure, the super-hydrophobic surface with the Cassie state shows better corrosion resistance in the immersion tests. The results reveal an economical and environmentally friendly means to control and use the pre-corrosion products on magnesium alloys.
Alkanols inhibit voltage-gated K+ channels via a distinct gating modifying mechanism that prevents gate opening
Authors: Martínez-Morales Evelyn , Kopljar Ivan , Snyders Dirk J. , Labro Alain J. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractAlkanols are small aliphatic compounds that inhibit voltage-gated K+ (Kv) channels through a yet unresolved gating mechanism. Kv channels detect changes in the membrane potential with their voltage-sensing domains (VSDs) that reorient and generate a transient gating current. Both 1-Butanol (1-BuOH) and 1-Hexanol (1-HeOH) inhibited the ionic currents of the Shaker Kv channel in a concentration dependent manner with an IC50 value of approximately 50 mM and 3 mM, respectively. Using the non-conducting Shaker-W434F mutant, we found that both alkanols immobilized approximately 10% of the gating charge and accelerated the deactivating gating currents simultaneously with ionic current inhibition. Thus, alkanols prevent the final VSD movement(s) that is associated with channel gate opening. Applying 1-BuOH and 1-HeOH to the Shaker-P475A mutant, in which the final gating transition is isolated from earlier VSD movements, strengthened that neither alkanol affected the early VSD movements. Drug competition experiments showed that alkanols do not share the binding site of 4-aminopyridine, a drug that exerts a similar effect at the gating current level. Thus, alkanols inhibit Shaker-type Kv channels via a unique gating modifying mechanism that stabilizes the channel in its non-conducting activated state.
Genetic dosage and position effect of small supernumerary marker chromosome (sSMC) in human sperm nuclei in infertile male patient
Authors: Olszewska Marta , Wanowska Elzbieta , Kishore Archana , Huleyuk Nataliya , Georgiadis Andrew P. , Yatsenko Alexander N. , Mikula Mariya , Zastavna Danuta , Wiland Ewa , Kurpisz Maciej 
Published: November 2015

AbstractChromosomes occupy specific distinct areas in the nucleus of the sperm cell that may be altered in males with disrupted spermatogenesis. Here, we present alterations in the positioning of the human chromosomes 15, 18, X and Y between spermatozoa with the small supernumerary marker chromosome (sSMC; sSMC+) and spermatozoa with normal chromosome complement (sSMC−), for the first time described in the same ejaculate of an infertile, phenotypically normal male patient. Using classical and confocal fluorescent microscopy, the nuclear colocalization of chromosomes 15 and sSMC was analyzed. The molecular cytogenetic characteristics of sSMC delineated the karyotype as 47,XY,+der(15)(pter->p11.2::q11.1->q11.2::p11.2->pter)mat. Analysis of meiotic segregation showed a 1:1 ratio of sSMC+ to sSMC− spermatozoa, while evaluation of sperm aneuploidy status indicated an increased level of chromosome 13, 18, 21 and 22 disomy, up to 7 × (2.7 − 15.1). Sperm chromatin integrity assessment did not reveal any increase in deprotamination in the patient’s sperm chromatin. Importantly, we found significant repositioning of chromosomes X and Y towards the nuclear periphery, where both chromosomes were localized in close proximity to the sSMC. This suggests the possible influence of sSMC/XY colocalization on meiotic chromosome division, resulting in abnormal chromosome segregation and leading to male infertility in the patient.
Thickness-Induced Metal-Insulator Transition in Sb-doped SnO2 Ultrathin Films: The Role of Quantum Confinement
Authors: Ke Chang , Zhu Weiguang , Zhang Zheng , Soon Tok Eng , Ling Bo , Pan Jisheng 
Published: November 2015

AbstractA thickness induced metal-insulator transition (MIT) was firstly observed in Sb-doped SnO2 (SnO2:Sb) epitaxial ultrathin films deposited on "Equation missing" sapphire substrates by pulsed laser deposition. Both electrical and spectroscopic studies provide clear evidence of a critical thickness for the metallic conductivity in SnO2:Sb thin films and the oxidation state transition of the impurity element Sb. With the shrinkage of film thickness, the broadening of the energy band gap as well as the enhancement of the impurity activation energy was studied and attributed to the quantum confinement effect. Based on the scenario of impurity level pinning and band gap broadening in quantum confined nanostructures, we proposed a generalized energy diagram to understand the thickness induced MIT in the SnO2:Sb system.
Second-Nearest-Neighbor Correlations from Connection of Atomic Packing Motifs in Metallic Glasses and Liquids
Authors: Ding Jun , Ma Evan , Asta Mark , Ritchie Robert O. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractUsing molecular dynamics simulations, we have studied the atomic correlations characterizing the second peak in the radial distribution function (RDF) of metallic glasses and liquids. The analysis was conducted from the perspective of different connection schemes of atomic packing motifs, based on the number of shared atoms between two linked coordination polyhedra. The results demonstrate that the cluster connections by face-sharing, specifically with three common atoms, are most favored when transitioning from the liquid to glassy state and exhibit the stiffest elastic response during shear deformation. These properties of the connections and the resultant atomic correlations are generally the same for different types of packing motifs in different alloys. Splitting of the second RDF peak was observed for the inherent structure of the equilibrium liquid, originating solely from cluster connections; this trait can then be inherited in the metallic glass formed via subsequent quenching of the parent liquid through the glass transition, in the absence of any additional type of local structural order. Increasing ordering and cluster connection during cooling, however, may tune the position and intensity of the split peaks.
Was millennial scale climate change during the Last Glacial triggered by explosive volcanism?
Authors: Baldini James U.L. , Brown Richard J. , McElwaine Jim N. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThe mechanisms responsible for millennial scale climate change within glacial time intervals are equivocal. Here we show that all eight known radiometrically-dated Tambora-sized or larger NH eruptions over the interval 30 to 80 ka BP are associated with abrupt Greenland cooling (>95% confidence). Additionally, previous research reported a strong statistical correlation between the timing of Southern Hemisphere volcanism and Dansgaard-Oeschger (DO) events (>99% confidence), but did not identify a causative mechanism. Volcanic aerosol-induced asymmetrical hemispheric cooling over the last few hundred years restructured atmospheric circulation in a similar fashion as that associated with Last Glacial millennial-scale shifts (albeit on a smaller scale). We hypothesise that following both recent and Last Glacial NH eruptions, volcanogenic sulphate injections into the stratosphere cooled the NH preferentially, inducing a hemispheric temperature asymmetry that shifted atmospheric circulation cells southward. This resulted in Greenland cooling, Antarctic warming and a southward shifted ITCZ. However, during the Last Glacial, the initial eruption-induced climate response was prolonged by NH glacier and sea ice expansion, increased NH albedo, AMOC weakening, more NH cooling, and a consequent positive feedback. Conversely, preferential SH cooling following large SH eruptions shifted atmospheric circulation to the north, resulting in the characteristic features of DO events.
Controlling the Electronic Structures and Properties of in-Plane Transition-Metal Dichalcogenides Quantum Wells
Authors: Wei Wei , Dai Ying , Niu Chengwang , Huang Baibiao 
Published: November 2015

AbstractIn-plane transition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) quantum wells have been studied on the basis of first-principles density functional calculations to reveal how to control the electronic structures and the properties. In collection of quantum confinement, strain and intrinsic electric field, TMD quantum wells offer a diverse of exciting new physics. The band gap can be continuously reduced ascribed to the potential drop over the embedded TMD and the strain substantially affects the band gap nature. The true type-II alignment forms due to the coherent lattice and strong interface coupling suggesting the effective separation and collection of excitons. Interestingly, two-dimensional quantum wells of in-plane TMD can enrich the photoluminescence properties of TMD materials. The intrinsic electric polarization enhances the spin-orbital coupling and demonstrates the possibility to achieve topological insulator state and valleytronics in TMD quantum wells. In-plane TMD quantum wells have opened up new possibilities of applications in next-generation devices at nanoscale.
Identifikation systemweiter Kontaminationen mit Legionella spec. in Trinkwasser-Installationen: Untersuchungsstrategien und korrespondierende Parameter
Authors: Völker S. , Schreiber C. , Müller H. , Zacharias N. , Kistemann T. 
Published: November 2015

ZusammenfassungNach der Novellierung der Trinkwasserverordnung im Jahr 2011 sind die Anforderungen an die hygienisch-mikrobiologische Überwachung von Trinkwasser-Installationen nochmals erheblich gestiegen. Im BMBF-geförderten Projekt „Biofilm-Management“ (2010–2014) untersuchten wir, inwieweit etablierte Probenahmestrategien in der Praxis systemweit mit Legionellen kontaminierte Trinkwasser-Installationen aufdecken können, und welche zusätzlichen Parameter geeignet sind, eine systemweite Kontamination zu erfassen. Wir unterzogen die Trinkwasser-Installation von 8 Gebäuden mit bekannter mikrobieller Kontamination (Legionellen) einer intensiven hygienisch-mikrobiologischen Beprobung mit hoher räumlicher und zeitlicher Auflösung. Insgesamt wurden 626 Trinkwarmwasser-Proben mit klassischen kulturellen Verfahren untersucht. Außerdem wurden in jedem Gebäude eine umfassende hygienische Ortsbesichtigung durchgeführt und qualitative Interviews mit Betreibern und Nutzern geführt. Erhobene zapfstellenspezifische Parameter wurden quantitativ mittels Sensitivitäts- und Korrektklassifikationsberechnungen analysiert. Das systemweite Vorkommen von Legionellen in Trinkwasser-Installationen weist eine hohe räumliche und zeitliche Variabilität auf. Etablierte Probenahmestrategien waren nur eingeschränkt geeignet, langfristig bestehende Legionellen-Kontaminationen von Trinkwasser-Installationen zu detektieren. Insbesondere die Beprobung von Warmwasser-Vorlauf und Zirkulationsrücklauf zeigte wenig Aussagekraft hinsichtlich des Kontaminationsgeschehens. Deutlich besser ließ sich eine systemweite Legionellen-Kontamination mittels der Parameter Stagnation (qualitativ) und Temperatur (Einhaltung der 5K-Regel) aufzeigen.
Collectives’ and individuals’ obligations: a parity argument
Authors: Collins Stephanie , Lawford-Smith Holly 
Published: November 2015

AbstractIndividuals have various kinds of obligations: keep promises, don’t cause harm, return benefits received from injustices, be partial to loved ones, help the needy and so on. How does this work for group agents? There are two questions here. The first is whether groups can bear the same kinds of obligations as individuals. The second is whether groups’ pro tanto obligations plug into what they all-things-considered ought to do to the same degree that individuals’ pro tanto obligations plug into what they all-things-considered ought to do. We argue for parity on both counts.
Recovery of a Surf Clam Donax deltoides Population in Southern Australia: Successful Outcomes of Fishery-Independent Surveys
Authors: Ferguson Greg J. , Ward Tim M. , Gorman Daniel 
Published: November 2015

Abstract
Estimates of biomass or relative biomass are required for monitoring the recovery of depleted bivalve resources and for the management of newly exploited resources. Uncertainty around fishery catch per unit effort (CPUE) as a proxy for biomass highlights the need for fishery-independent assessments. Following a prolonged period of decline in Australia's largest fishery for surf clam Donax deltoides, robust estimates of biomass were required to monitor recovery and to set appropriate total allowable commercial catches. Estimates of relative biomass were derived from fishery-independent surveys (FIS) conducted cooperatively by researchers and fishers. The FIS assessed both the spatial (m to km) and temporal (months to years) dynamics of the fishery and enabled comparisons with CPUE. Concurrent size-frequency distributions provided information on the mechanisms underlying variability in resource status across the fishery. Increasing relative biomass and complexity of size structures indicated recovery of the resource from 2009, although spatial contraction of the resource also occurred. Relative biomass from FIS provides a robust fishery performance indicator that is appropriate to the scale of the fishery and has advantages over fishery-dependent CPUE of finer temporal and spatial resolution and consistent sampling efficiency. Performance indicators based on FIS provide improved understanding of the changes in resource status. Active engagement of fishers contributes to enhanced economic and environmental outcomes.
Received December 9, 2014; accepted September 3, 2015
Transport, Dam Passage, and Size Selection of Adult Atlantic Salmon in the Penobscot River, Maine
Authors: Sigourney Douglas B. , Zydlewski Joseph D. , Hughes Edward , Cox Oliver 
Published: November 2015

Abstract
Prior to 2012, returning adult Atlantic Salmon Salmo salar had to pass through fishways at three dams in the lower section of the Penobscot River, Maine: Veazie Dam (river kilometer [rkm] 48; removed in 2013), Great Works Dam (rkm 60; removed in 2012), and Milford Dam (rkm 62). To facilitate better passage through the lower river, a fish transport program was implemented in 2010 and 2011. Fish were captured at Veazie Dam and were either transported by truck above Milford Dam (TRKD group) or released into the head pond above Veazie Dam (run-of-the-river [ROR] group). To assess the efficacy of transport, we used PIT telemetry to compare the performance and passage of TRKD and ROR fish based on their (1) success in reaching one of the three dams upstream of Milford Dam, (2) time taken to reach an upstream dam (transit time), and (3) success in passing that upstream dam. In both years, the percentage of fish detected at upstream dams was higher for the TRKD group (82.4% in 2010; 78.6% in 2011) than for the ROR group (41.3% in 2010; 22.4% in 2011). In addition, median transit time was faster for TRKD fish (7 d in 2010; 5 d in 2011) than for ROR fish (23 d in 2010; 25 d in 2011). However, passage success through the upstream dams did not differ between the two release groups. Our analysis also revealed a strong, negative size-selective force on dam passage: larger fish were consistently less likely to successfully pass dams than smaller fish. Finally, environmental conditions also influenced passage success. Our analysis shows that the transport of adult Atlantic Salmon can be an effective means by which to increase migration success in systems where upstream passage is poor.
Received May 27, 2014; accepted September 17, 2015
Precision and Bias in Aging Northern Pike: Comparisons among Four Calcified Structures
Authors: Oele Daniel L. , Lawson Zachary J. , McIntyre Peter B. 
Published: November 2015

Abstract
Age estimates based on calcified structures are central to the analysis and management of fish populations. A variety of structures have been used in studies of Northern Pike Esox lucius despite limited data on whether the structures provide comparable results. We quantified precision and bias of ages estimated from cleithra, otoliths, anal fin rays, and scales of Northern Pike sampled in tributaries of Green Bay, Lake Michigan. For three independent readers, the precision (CV) of age estimates did not significantly differ among otoliths, cleithra, and anal fin rays but was significantly lower for scales than for the other structures. Similarly, partial agreement among readers was greater than 90% for ages estimated from otoliths, cleithra, and anal fin rays, whereas partial agreement was 76% for scale-based ages. We discuss the tradeoffs associated with precision and bias for each structure in the context of reader experience, fish age, and management goals. We recommend that when fish mortality is not a concern, otoliths or cleithra should be used to achieve high-precision aging of Northern Pike. For strictly nonlethal sampling scenarios, the anal fin rays of Northern Pike will yield more precise age estimates than scales.
Received January 20, 2015; accepted September 17, 2015
Force supplementary comparison
Authors: Tegtmeier F L , Tsiporenko A 
Published: November 2015

The intercomparison in the 100 kN range is organised by the pilot laboratory PTB. The intercomparison is carried out in 8 force steps: 10 kN, 14 kN, 16 kN, 20 kN, 50 kN, 60 kN, 80 kN and 100 kN.

Main text

To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/.
The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCM, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).
The origin of the X-ray-emitting object moving away from PSR B1259–63
Authors: Barkov Maxim V. , Bosch-Ramon Valentí 
Published: November 2015

Abstract
A mysterious X-ray-emitting object has been detected moving away from the high-mass gamma-ray binary PSR B1259–63, which contains a non-accreting pulsar and a Be star whose winds collide forming a complex interaction structure. Given the strong eccentricity of this binary, the interaction structure should be strongly anisotropic, which together with the complex evolution of the shocked winds, could explain the origin of the observed moving X-ray feature. We propose here that a fast outflow made of a pulsar–stellar wind mixture is always present moving away from the binary in the apastron direction, with the injection of stellar wind occurring at orbital phases close to periastron passage. This outflow periodically loaded with stellar wind would move with a high speed, and likely host non-thermal activity due to shocks, on scales similar to those of the observed moving X-ray object. Such an outflow is thus a very good candidate to explain this X-ray feature. This, if confirmed, would imply pulsar-to-stellar wind thrust ratios of ∼0.1, and the presence of a jet-like structure on the larger scales, up to its termination in the interstellar medium.
Characterization of Pseudomonas aeruginosa phage KPP21 belonging to family Podoviridae genus N4‐like viruses isolated in Japan
Authors: Shigehisa Ryu , Uchiyama Jumpei , Kato Shin‐ichiro , Takemura‐Uchiyama Iyo , Yamaguchi Kotoe , Miyata Reina , Ujihara Takako , Sakaguchi Yoshihiko , Okamoto Noriaki , Shimakura Hidekatsu , Daibata Masanori , Sakaguchi Masahiro , Matsuzaki Shigenobu 
Published: November 2015

ABSTRACTBacteriophages (phages) belonging to the family Podoviridae genus N4‐like viruses have been used as therapeutic agent in phage therapy against Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections. P. aeruginosa phage KPP21 was isolated in Japan, and phylogenetically investigated the phages belonging to this viral genus. Morphological and genetic analyses confirmed that phage KPP21 belongs to the family Podoviridae genus N4‐like viruses. Moreover, phylogenetic analyses based on putative DNA polymerase and major virion protein showed that P. aeruginosa phages belonging to the genus N4‐like viruses are separated into two lineages and that phage KPP21 is in the same clade as phage LUZ7.