bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Operational stability enhancement in organic light-emitting diodes with ultrathin Liq interlayers
Authors: Tsang Daniel Ping-Kuen , Matsushima Toshinori , Adachi Chihaya 
Published: March 2016

AbstractOrganic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) under constant current operation suffer from a decrease of luminance accompanied by an increase of driving voltage. We report a way to greatly improve the stability of OLEDs having a green emitter exhibiting thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF), (4s,6s)-2,4,5,6-tetra(9H-carbazol-9-yl) isophthalonitrile (4CzIPN), by introducing ultrathin (1 to 3 nm) interlayers of 8-hydroxyquinolinato lithium (Liq) between hole-blocking layer and its surrounding emissive and electron-transport layers. Under constant current operation starting at a luminescence of 1,000 cd/m2, the time to reach 90% of initial luminance (LT90) increased eight times, resulting in LT90 = 1,380 hours after insertion of the interlayers. Combining this new concept and mixed host system, LT95 was further extended to 1315 hours that is 16 times of reference device. This is the best value reported for TADF-based OLEDs and is comparable to the operational lifetimes of well-established phosphorescence-based OLEDs. Thermally stimulated current measurements showed that the number of deep charge traps was reduced with the insertion of the ultrathin Liq interlayer, indicating that reducing the number of deep traps is important for improving the operational lifetime and that exciton-polaron annihilation may be a source of the device degradation.
Truncation of the unique N-terminal domain improved the thermos-stability and specific activity of alkaline α-amylase Amy703
Authors: Lu Zhenghui , Wang Qinhong , Jiang Sijing , Zhang Guimin , Ma Yanhe 
Published: March 2016

AbstractHigh pH condition is of special interest for the potential applications of alkaline α-amylase in textile and detergent industries. Thus, there is a continuous demand to improve the amylase’s properties to meet the requirements set by specific applications. Here we reported the systematic study of modular domain engineering to improve the specific activity and stability of the alkaline α-amylase from Bacillus pseudofirmus 703. The specific activity of the N-terminal domain truncated mutant (N-Amy) increased by ~35-fold with a significantly improved thermo-stability. Kinetic analysis demonstrated that the Kcat and Kcat/Kmof N-Amy were enhanced by 1300-fold and 425.7-fold, respectively, representing the largest catalytic activity improvement of the engineered α-amylases through the methods of domain deletion, fusion or swapping. In addition, different from the wild-type Amy703, no exogenous Ca2+ were required for N-Amy to maintain its full catalytic activity, implying its superior potential for many industrial processes. Circular dichroism analysis and structure modeling revealed that the increased compactness and α-helical content were the main contributors for the improved thermo-stability of N-Amy, while the improved catalytic efficiency was mainly attributed by the increased conformational flexibility around the active center.
Characterization of heat induced spherulites of lysozyme reveals new insight on amyloid initiation
Authors: Sharma Pankaj , Verma Neha , Singh Pradip Kumar , Korpole Suresh , Ashish  
Published: March 2016

AbstractHere, we report results obtained during our experiments to visualize how heat transforms globular protein, lysozyme into building block of β-amyloids. Light scattering experiments showed formation of lower order associated species around 50–70 °C followed by rapid cooperativity to β-amyloid fibrils. Interestingly, crystallization drops set at higher temperatures either led to aggregates or spherulites. The latter possess an amorphous β-fibril rich core with thin crystalline needles projecting outwards. Diffraction of the crystalline outgrowths revealed novel dimers and trimers of lysozyme where individual chains were similar to monomer with marginal gain in β-sheet content. Importantly, analysis of Amide I stretching frequencies showed that protein loses its secondary structure at temperatures higher than where we obtained crystals followed by rapid gain in β-sheet content. Interestingly, attempts to use the needles as seeds for more crystals led to “broom-like” fibril formations at the ends. Further, aggregation inhibitors like arginine and benzyl alcohol completely obliterated spherulites formation during crystallization. Refinement of crystals of lysozyme in presence of these molecules showed these small molecules bind to the interfaces of heat associated dimers and trimers. Overall our work concludes that heat induced weakly associated structures of lysozyme are the first step towards its amyloid formation.
Ambient air pollution and years of life lost in Ningbo, China
Authors: He Tianfeng , Yang Zuyao , Liu Tao , Shen Yueping , Fu Xiaohong , Qian Xujun , Zhang Yuelun , Wang Yong , Xu Zhiwei , Zhu Shankuan , Mao Chen , Xu Guozhang , Tang Jinling 
Published: March 2016

AbstractTo evaluate the burden of air pollution on years of life lost (YLL) in addition to mortality, we conducted a time series analysis based on the data on air pollution, meteorological conditions and 163,704 non-accidental deaths of Ningbo, China, 2009–2013. The mean concentrations of particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter <10 μm, particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter <2.5 μm, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide were 84.0 μg/m3, 60.1 μg/m3, 25.1 μg/m3 and 41.7 μg/m3, respectively. An increase of 10-μg/m3 in particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter <10 μm, particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter <2.5 μm, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide was associated with 4.27 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.17–7.38), 2.97 (95% CI −2.01–7.95), 29.98 (95% CI 19.21–40.76) and 16.58 (95% CI 8.19–24.97) YLL, respectively and 0.53% (95% CI 0.29–0.76%), 0.57% (95% CI 0.20–0.95%), 2.89% (95% CI 2.04–3.76%) and 1.65% (95% CI 1.01–2.30%) increase of daily death counts, respectively. The impact of air pollution lasted for four days (lag 0–3) and were more significant in the elderly than in the young population for both outcomes. These findings clarify the burden of air pollution on YLL and highlight the importance and urgency of air pollution control in China.
Immune responses to Mycobacterial heat shock protein 70 accompany self-reactivity to human BiP in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Shoda Hirofumi , Hanata Norio , Sumitomo Shuji , Okamura Tomohisa , Fujio Keishi , Yamamoto Kazuhiko 
Published: March 2016

AbstractRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease and a member of human heat shock protein (HSP) 70 protein family, Binding Immunoglobulin Protein (BiP), has been identified as an important autoantigen for T and B cells. We herein focused on Mycobacterial (Myc) HSPs and immune responses to MycHSPs in RA patients. Serum titers of antibodies against MycHSP70 were significantly elevated in RA patients and correlated with serum anti-BiP antibody titers. A MycHSP70-derived HLA-DR4 major epitope was identified using the proliferative capacity of RA PBMCs as an indicator. The major epitope, MycHSP70287–306, was located at the corresponding position in the major epitope for human BiP336–355 and a strong correlation was found between the proliferation of PBMCs in response to MycHSP70287–306 and BiP336–355. The immunization of HLA-DR4 transgenic mice with MycHSP70 induced the proliferation of T cells and development of anti-BiP antibodies. In contrast, the oral administration of MycHSP70287–306 resulted in the amelioration of collagen-induced arthritis, serum antibody responses and T cell proliferation. In conclusion, immune responses to MycHSP70 were associated with adaptive immunity against BiP in RA and could be an important mechanism underlying the development of autoimmunity.
Drastic underestimation of amphipod biodiversity in the endangered Irano-Anatolian and Caucasus biodiversity hotspots
Authors: Katouzian Ahmad-Reza , Sari Alireza , Macher Jan N. , Weiss Martina , Saboori Alireza , Leese Florian , Weigand Alexander M. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractBiodiversity hotspots are centers of biological diversity and particularly threatened by anthropogenic activities. Their true magnitude of species diversity and endemism, however, is still largely unknown as species diversity is traditionally assessed using morphological descriptions only, thereby ignoring cryptic species. This directly limits evidence-based monitoring and management strategies. Here we used molecular species delimitation methods to quantify cryptic diversity of the montane amphipods in the Irano-Anatolian and Caucasus biodiversity hotspots. Amphipods are ecosystem engineers in rivers and lakes. Species diversity was assessed by analysing two genetic markers (mitochondrial COI and nuclear 28S rDNA), compared with morphological assignments. Our results unambiguously demonstrate that species diversity and endemism is dramatically underestimated, with 42 genetically identified freshwater species in only five reported morphospecies. Over 90% of the newly recovered species cluster inside Gammarus komareki and G. lacustris; 69% of the recovered species comprise narrow range endemics. Amphipod biodiversity is drastically underestimated for the studied regions. Thus, the risk of biodiversity loss is significantly greater than currently inferred as most endangered species remain unrecognized and/or are only found locally. Integrative application of genetic assessments in monitoring programs will help to understand the true magnitude of biodiversity and accurately evaluate its threat status.
Genetic variation and dopamine D2 receptor availability: a systematic review and meta-analysis of human in vivo molecular imaging studies
Authors: Gluskin B S , Mickey B J 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThe D2 dopamine receptor mediates neuropsychiatric symptoms and is a target of pharmacotherapy. Inter-individual variation of D2 receptor density is thought to influence disease risk and pharmacological response. Numerous molecular imaging studies have tested whether common genetic variants influence D2 receptor binding potential (BP) in humans, but demonstration of robust effects has been limited by small sample sizes. We performed a systematic search of published human in vivo molecular imaging studies to estimate effect sizes of common genetic variants on striatal D2 receptor BP. We identified 21 studies examining 19 variants in 11 genes. The most commonly studied variant was a single-nucleotide polymorphism in ANKK1 (rs1800497, Glu713Lys, also called ‘Taq1A’). Fixed- and random-effects meta-analyses of this variant (5 studies, 194 subjects total) revealed that striatal BP was significantly and robustly lower among carriers of the minor allele (Lys713) relative to major allele homozygotes. The weighted standardized mean difference was −0.57 under the fixed-effect model (95% confidence interval=(−0.87, −0.27), P=0.0002). The normal relationship between rs1800497 and BP was not apparent among subjects with neuropsychiatric diseases. Significant associations with baseline striatal D2 receptor BP have been reported for four DRD2 variants (rs1079597, rs1076560, rs6277 and rs1799732) and a PER2 repeat polymorphism, but none have yet been tested in more than two independent samples. Our findings resolve apparent discrepancies in the literature and establish that rs1800497 robustly influences striatal D2 receptor availability. This genetic variant is likely to contribute to important individual differences in human striatal function, neuropsychiatric disease risk and pharmacological response.
Abnormality in glutamine–glutamate cycle in the cerebrospinal fluid of cognitively intact elderly individuals with major depressive disorder: a 3-year follow-up study
Authors: Hashimoto K , Bruno D , Nierenberg J , Marmar C R , Zetterberg H , Blennow K , Pomara N 
Published: March 2016

AbstractMajor depressive disorder (MDD), common in the elderly, is a risk factor for dementia. Abnormalities in glutamatergic neurotransmission via the N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDA-R) have a key role in the pathophysiology of depression. This study examined whether depression was associated with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of NMDA-R neurotransmission-associated amino acids in cognitively intact elderly individuals with MDD and age- and gender-matched healthy controls. CSF was obtained from 47 volunteers (MDD group, N=28; age- and gender-matched comparison group, N=19) at baseline and 3-year follow-up (MDD group, N=19; comparison group, N=17). CSF levels of glutamine, glutamate, glycine, l-serine and d-serine were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography. CSF levels of amino acids did not differ across MDD and comparison groups. However, the ratio of glutamine to glutamate was significantly higher at baseline in subjects with MDD than in controls. The ratio decreased in individuals with MDD over the 3-year follow-up, and this decrease correlated with a decrease in the severity of depression. No correlations between absolute amino-acid levels and clinical variables were observed, nor were correlations between amino acids and other biomarkers (for example, amyloid-β42, amyloid-β40, and total and phosphorylated tau protein) detected. These results suggest that abnormalities in the glutamine–glutamate cycle in the communication between glia and neurons may have a role in the pathophysiology of depression in the elderly. Furthermore, the glutamine/glutamate ratio in CSF may be a state biomarker for depression.
Real‐time demonstration of 30 Gbit/s hierarchical star 8‐QAM passive optical network employing fractionally‐spaced signed‐error radius directed equalisation
Authors: Kim S.‐Y , Iiyama N. , Kani J.‐i. , Koma R. , Suzuki T. , Suzuki K.‐I. , Otaka A. 
Published: March 2016

Real‐time demonstration of 30 Gbit/s hierarchical star 8‐quadrature amplitude modulation optical access system is presented. By incorporating a novel signed‐error radius directed equalisation algorithm with a fractionally‐spaced filter structure, the receiver supports high‐speed hierarchically‐modulated signals. The feasibility of the proposal is confirmed by demonstrating downlink coexistence in a 10 gigabit Ethernet passive optical network that conforms to IEEE 802.3av standards.
DC–X‐band high‐power SOI CMOS T/R switch
Authors: Suh B. , Min B.‐W. 
Published: March 2016

A high‐power single‐pole double‐throw transmit/receive (T/R) switch in a silicon‐on‐insulation (SOI) CMOS process is presented. The T/R switch is based on the series–shunt configuration, and the high performance is achieved by utilising SOI characteristics such as floating body transistors and SOI trench (TQ trench). To improve power handling capability, ten thick gate oxide transistors are stacked in transmitter (TX) shunt and receiver (RX) series paths with the source and drain of transistors biased. The measured insertion losses of TX and RX modes are <0.5 and <0.9 dB, respectively. The measured isolations of TX and RX modes are >30 and >23 dB up to 12 GHz. The measured input 1 dB compression point is 34 dBm.
Design of compact balanced ultra‐wideband bandpass filter with half mode dumbbell DGS
Authors: Lu Jiayuan , Wang Jianpeng , Gu Hui 
Published: March 2016

A new compact balanced ultra‐wideband (UWB) bandpass filter using half mode dumbbell defected ground structure (DGS) is presented. To realise the UWB response, the ‘T’ shape multiple‐mode resonator with short‐ended stub is employed. To achieve wideband common mode (CM) suppression and compact design simultaneously, the concept of half‐mode DGS is introduced in the two stacked microstrip layers. Afterwards, a balanced UWB filter is designed and measured for verifying the feasibility of the presented design method. The measured results match well with the expected results which indicate the proposed filter exhibits better than −30 dB CM suppression within the DM passband covering from 3.1 to 10.6 GHz.
Are the terms “socio-economic status” and “class status” a warped form of reasoning for Max Weber?
Authors: Waters Tony , Waters Dagmar 
Published: March 2016

AbstractA classic definition of social inequality comes from the sociologist Max Weber, who wrote that there are three fundamental types of inequality. The first is based in the marketplace and is “social class”. The second, and more important distinction, is based in estimations of honour that Weber called in German Stand, which traditionally is translated into English as “status group”. The third type of stratification is “party” where power is distributed. Weber emphasized that the two forms of stratification emerge out of two different parts of society: Stand with its emphasis on honour emerges out of the most fundamental part of society rooted in loyalties, the Gemeinschaft, whereas class emerges out of a sub-unit of the Gemeinschaft, rationally ordered markets and legal structures of the Gesellschaft. Party emerges out of both. In Weber’s estimation, two types of social stratification, class and Stand, although related, cannot be mixed because they are fundamentally different. The former is rooted in abstract emotion and the latter in rational calculation. To do so, he writes, is a “warped reasoning”. Despite Weber’s warnings, English-language terms used to measure social inequality, particularly “socio-economic status”, conflate the two qualities, presenting them as a single variable. However, when the two are separated, analysts get a much more nuanced view of the mechanisms for how different types of inequality persist, be they in the professions, residence, ethnicity, race or caste.
Ablation of sensory neurons in a genetic model of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma slows initiation and progression of cancer
Authors: Saloman Jami L. , Albers Kathryn M. , Li Dongjun , Hartman Douglas J. , Crawford Howard C. , Muha Emily A. , Rhim Andrew D. , Davis Brian M. 
Published: March 2016

Significance
In humans and genetically engineered mouse models (GEMs), the development of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is accompanied by intimate neural–tumor interactions. Using a PDAC GEM that phenocopies the human disease, we found that many changes in peripheral and central nervous systems, indicative of injury and inflammation, arise at time points prior to overt tumor formation. Ablation of sensory neurons that innervate the pancreas, via neonatal capsaicin treatment, prevented neurogenic inflammation and delayed tumor formation. The slowing of PDAC in capsaicin-treated mice suggests the nervous system is not a bystander with respect to disease progression. Further studies are warranted to examine nervous system–tumor interactions and to identify potential targets for early detection, prevention, and treatment.
Actomyosin dynamics drive local membrane component organization in an in vitro active composite layer
Authors: Köster Darius Vasco , Husain Kabir , Iljazi Elda , Bhat Abrar , Bieling Peter , Mullins R. Dyche , Rao Madan , Mayor Satyajit 
Published: March 2016

Significance
This manuscript addresses the role of active processes in the spatial organization and dynamics of cell surface components. Using a reconstituted minimal system, we provide experimental evidence for a proposed clustering mechanism that relies on the intrinsic, active mechanics of actin filaments and myosin motors expected to be present at the cell cortex. The coupling between the actomyosin and the lipid bilayer gives rise to an emergent active composite with properties that resemble those observed in live cells. This clustering mechanism is a key feature of the active composite cell surface model and furthers our understanding of the multiple ways in which the cell surface might regulate its composition.
Autoinhibition and relief mechanism by the proteolytic processing of Toll-like receptor 8
Authors: Tanji Hiromi , Ohto Umeharu , Motoi Yuji , Shibata Takuma , Miyake Kensuke , Shimizu Toshiyuki 
Published: March 2016

Significance
Toll-like receptors (TLRs) activate the innate immune system in response to invading pathogens. The single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) sensor TLR8 requires proteolytic cleavage at the loop region (Z-loop) for its activation. Biochemical and biophysical studies have revealed that the uncleaved Z-loop prevents formation of the TLR8 dimer, which is essential for its activation. Crystallographic analysis demonstrated that the uncleaved Z-loop located on the ascending lateral face prevents the approach of the dimerization partner by steric hindrance. Like TLR8, TLR7 and TLR9 also contain the Z-loop, and thus these proteins also might have this autoinhibition mechanism.
Mechanisms of backtrack recovery by RNA polymerases I and II
Authors: Lisica Ana , Engel Christoph , Jahnel Marcus , Roldán Édgar , Galburt Eric A. , Cramer Patrick , Grill Stephan W. 
Published: March 2016

Significance
Transcription of the genetic information from DNA into RNA is the central process of gene expression, and it is performed by enzymes called RNA polymerases (Pol). Transcription is interspersed with a proofreading mechanism called backtracking, during which the polymerase moves backward on the DNA template and displaces the RNA 3′ end from its active site. Backtrack recovery can happen by diffusion of the enzyme along the DNA or cleavage of the backtracked RNA. Using single-molecule optical tweezers and stochastic theory, we quantified distinct diffusion and cleavage rates of Pol I and Pol II and described distinct backtrack recovery strategies of these essential enzymes.
Excitatory synapses are stronger in the hippocampus of Rett syndrome mice due to altered synaptic trafficking of AMPA-type glutamate receptors
Authors: Li Wei , Xu Xin , Pozzo-Miller Lucas 
Published: March 2016

Significance
Rett syndrome is the most common intellectual disability in women after Down syndrome (1:10,000 incidence). Different mouse models of intellectual disability and autism exhibit deficits in synaptic plasticity, including impaired long-term potentiation (LTP) in mice lacking methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MeCP2); however, the bases of this deficit remain unclear. Using a combination of electrophysiology, time-lapse imaging, cell biology, and biochemistry, we provide direct evidence that naïve hippocampal synapses in Rett mice have all the hallmarks of potentiated synapses. Rett synapses also fail to insert and remove AMPA receptors properly to activated synapses, which freezes them in a nonplastic state. Our findings provide molecular, cellular, and network mechanisms underlying enhanced excitatory synaptic transmission and impaired LTP in Rett mice, identifying previously unidentified molecular targets for therapeutic intervention.
Delayed fungal evolution did not cause the Paleozoic peak in coal production
Authors: Nelsen Matthew P. , DiMichele William A. , Peters Shanan E. , Boyce C. Kevin 
Published: March 2016

Significance
The Carboniferous−Permian marks the greatest coal-forming interval in Earth’s history, contributing to glaciation and uniquely high oxygen concentrations at the time and fueling the modern Industrial Revolution. This peak in coal deposition is frequently attributed to an evolutionary lag between plant synthesis of the recalcitrant biopolymer lignin and fungal capacities for lignin degradation, resulting in massive accumulation of plant debris. Here, we demonstrate that lignin was of secondary importance in many floras and that shifts in lignin abundance had no obvious impact on coal formation. Evidence for lignin degradation—including fungal—was ubiquitous, and absence of lignin decay would have profoundly disrupted the carbon cycle. Instead, coal accumulation patterns implicate a unique combination of climate and tectonics during Pangea formation.