bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Conformational flexibility of BECN1: Essential to its key role in autophagy and beyond
Authors: Mei Yang , Glover Karen , Su Minfei , Sinha Sangita C. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractBECN1 (Beclin 1), a highly conserved eukaryotic protein, is a key regulator of autophagy, a cellular homeostasis pathway, and also participates in vacuolar protein sorting, endocytic trafficking, and apoptosis. BECN1 is important for embryonic development, the innate immune response, tumor suppression, and protection against neurodegenerative disorders, diabetes, and heart disease. BECN1 mediates autophagy as a core component of the class III phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase complexes. However, the exact mechanism by which it regulates the activity of these complexes, or mediates its other diverse functions is unclear. BECN1 interacts with several diverse protein partners, perhaps serving as a scaffold or interaction hub for autophagy. Based on extensive structural, biophysical and bioinformatics analyses, BECN1 consists of an intrinsically disordered region (IDR), which includes a BH3 homology domain (BH3D); a flexible helical domain (FHD); a coiled‐coil domain (CCD); and a β‐α‐repeated autophagy‐specific domain (BARAD). Each of these BECN1 domains mediates multiple diverse interactions that involve concomitant conformational changes. Thus, BECN1 conformational flexibility likely plays a key role in facilitating diverse protein interactions. Further, BECN1 conformation and interactions are also modulated by numerous post‐translational modifications. A better structure‐based understanding of the interplay between different BECN1 conformational and binding states, and the impact of post‐translational modifications will be essential to elucidating the mechanism of its multiple biological roles.
Conformational flexibility of the complete catalytic domain of Cdc25B phosphatases
Authors: Sayegh Raphael S. R. , Tamaki Fabio K. , Marana Sandro R. , Salinas Roberto K. , Arantes Guilherme M. 
Published: July 2016

ABSTRACTCdc25B phosphatases are involved in cell cycle checkpoints and have become a possible target for developing new anticancer drugs. A more rational design of Cdc25B ligands would benefit from detailed knowledge of its tertiary structure. The conformational flexibility of the C‐terminal region of the Cdc25B catalytic domain has been debated recently and suggested to play an important structural role. Here, a combination of experimental NMR measurements and molecular dynamics simulations for the complete catalytic domain of the Cdc25B phosphatase is presented. The stability of the C‐terminal α‐helix is confirmed, but the last 20 residues in the complete catalytic domain are very flexible, partially occlude the active site and may establish transient contacts with the protein core. This flexibility in the C‐terminal tail may modulate the molecular recognition of natural substrates and competitive inhibitors by Cdc25B. Proteins 2016; 84:1567–1575. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Processivity of nucleic acid unwinding and translocation by helicases
Authors: Xie Ping 
Published: July 2016

ABSTRACTHelicases are a class of enzymes that use the chemical energy of NTP hydrolysis to drive mechanical processes such as translocation and nucleic acid (NA) strand separation. Besides the NA unwinding speed, another important factor for the helicase activity is the NA unwinding processivity. Here, we study the NA unwinding processivity with an analytical model that captures the phenomenology of the NA unwinding process. First, we study the processivity of the non‐hexameric helicase that can unwind NA efficiently in the form of a monomer and the processivity of the hexameric helicase that can unwind DNA effectively, providing quantitative explanations of the available single‐molecule experimental data. Then, we study the processivity of the non‐hexameric helicases, in particular UvrD, in the form of a dimer and compare with that in the form of a monomer. The available single‐molecule and some biochemical data showing that while UvrD monomer is a highly processive single‐stranded DNA translocase it is inactive in DNA unwinding, whereas other biochemical data showing that UvrD is active in both single‐stranded DNA translocation and DNA unwinding in the form of a monomer can be explained quantitatively and consistently. In addition, the recent single‐molecule data are also explained quantitatively showing that constraining the 2B subdomain in closed conformation by intramolecular cross‐linking can convert Rep monomer with a very poor DNA unwinding activity into a superhelicase that can unwind more than thousands of DNA base pairs processively, even against a large opposing force. Proteins 2016; 84:1590–1605. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Robust H∞ controller design using frequency‐domain data via convex optimization
Authors: Karimi Alireza , Nicoletti Achille , Zhu Yuanming 
Published: July 2016

SummaryA new robust controller design method that satisfies the H∞ criterion is developed for linear time‐invariant single‐input single‐output (SISO) systems. A data‐driven approach is implemented in order to avoid the unmodeled dynamics associated with parametric models. This data‐driven method uses fixed‐order controllers to satisfy the H∞ criterion in the frequency domain. The necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of such controllers are presented by a set of convex constraints. These conditions are also extended to systems with frequency‐domain uncertainties in polytopic form. It is shown that the upper bound on the weighted infinity norm of the sensitivity function converges monotonically to the optimal value, when the controller order increases. Additionally, the practical issues involved in computing fixed‐order rational H∞ controllers in discrete‐time or continuous‐time by convex optimization techniques are addressed. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Typology of a Great River Using Fish Assemblages: Implications for the Bioassessment of the Danube River
Authors: Erős T. , Bammer V. , György Á. I. , Pehlivanov L. , Schabuss M. , Zornig H. , Weiperth A. , Szalóky Z. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractMatching habitat typology and ecological assemblages can be useful in environmental management. We examined whether a priori defined riverine sections correspond with distinct fish assemblage types along the >2000 km long course of the Danube River, Europe. We also tested whether different sampling methods (i.e. day and night inshore electric fishing and offshore benthic trawling) provide consistent typological results. Analysis of assemblage similarities, indicator species analysis, non‐metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) and k‐means analyses indicated that fish assemblages of the a priori defined Upper‐, Middle and Lower‐Danubian sections differed slightly, but within class variability was high. Although indicator species analysis showed that the Upper‐Danube belongs to the barbel (Barbus barbus) zone and the Middle‐ and Lower Danube belong to the bream (Abramis spp) zone, indicator values of the character species were generally low. The NMDS analyses suggested a weak gradient in assemblage structure along the course of the river with relatively high variability between neighbouring sites. K‐means analyses revealed that many sampling sites were in a different class than the a priori defined sections, and classifications at other group numbers did not lead to better classification outcome. Overall, the results do not suggest clearly distinguishable assemblage types with distinct boundaries in the potamal section of a great river. Nevertheless, the division of the potamon to smaller sections may explain some variability in fish assemblage structure, and could be used for bioassessment purposes. The study also shows the importance of multihabitat and multigear surveys in the typological assessment of great rivers. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Drawing the line between adaptation and development: a systematic literature review of planned adaptation in developing countries
Authors: Sherman Mya , Berrang‐Ford Lea , Lwasa Shuaib , Ford James , Namanya Didacus B. , Llanos‐Cuentas Alejandro , Maillet Michelle , Harper Sherilee , IHACC Research Team  
Published: July 2016

Climate change adaptation is increasingly considered an urgent priority for policy action. Billions of dollars have been pledged for adaptation finance, with many donor agencies requiring that adaptation is distinct from baseline development. However, practitioners and academics continue to question what adaptation looks like on the ground, especially in a developing country. This study examines the current framing of planned adaptation amidst low socioeconomic development and considers the practical implications of this framing for adaptation planning. Three overarching approaches to planned adaptation in a developing country context emerged in a systematic review of 30 peer‐reviewed articles published between 2010 and 2015, including: (1) technocratic risk management, which treats adaptation as additional to development, (2) pro‐poor vulnerability reduction, which acknowledges the ability of conventional development to foster and act as adaptation, and (3) sustainable adaptation, which suggests that adaptation should only be integrated into a type of development that is socially and environmentally sustainable. Over half of ‘sustainable adaptation’ articles in this review took a critical adaptation approach, drawing primarily from political ecology and postdevelopment studies, and emphasizing the malleability of adaptation. The reviewed articles highlight how the different framings of the relationship between adaptation and development result in diverse and sometimes contradictory messages regarding adaptation design, implementation, funding, monitoring, and evaluation. This review illustrates the need to continually interrogate the multiple framings of adaptation and development and to foster a pragmatic and pluralistic dialogue regarding planned adaptation and transformative change in developing countries. WIREs Clim Change 2016, 7:707–726. doi: 10.1002/wcc.416This article is categorized under:

Vulnerability and Adaptation to Climate Change > Learning from Cases and Analogies
Climate and Development > Knowledge and Action in Development
An overview of the Earth system science of solar geoengineering
Authors: Irvine Peter J. , Kravitz Ben , Lawrence Mark G. , Muri Helene 
Published: July 2016

Solar geoengineering has been proposed as a means to cool the Earth by increasing the reflection of sunlight back to space, for example, by injecting reflective aerosol particles (or their precursors) into the lower stratosphere. Such proposed techniques would not be able to substitute for mitigation of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions as a response to the risks of climate change, as they would only mask some of the effects of global warming. They might, however, eventually be applied as a complementary approach to reduce climate risks. Thus, the Earth system consequences of solar geoengineering are central to understanding its potentials and risks. Here we review the state‐of‐the‐art knowledge about stratospheric sulfate aerosol injection and an idealized proxy for this, ‘sunshade geoengineering,’ in which the intensity of incoming sunlight is directly reduced in models. Studies are consistent in suggesting that sunshade geoengineering and stratospheric aerosol injection would generally offset the climate effects of elevated GHG concentrations. However, it is clear that a solar geoengineered climate would be novel in some respects, one example being a notably reduced hydrological cycle intensity. Moreover, we provide an overview of nonclimatic aspects of the response to stratospheric aerosol injection, for example, its effect on ozone, and the uncertainties around its consequences. We also consider the issues raised by the partial control over the climate that solar geoengineering would allow. Finally, this overview highlights some key research gaps in need of being resolved to provide sound basis for guidance of future decisions around solar geoengineering. WIREs Clim Change 2016, 7:815–833. doi: 10.1002/wcc.423This article is categorized under:

Climate Models and Modeling > Knowledge Generation with Models
The Surgical Teams’ Perception of the Effects of a Routine Intraoperative Pause
Authors: Erestam Sofia , Angenete Eva , Derwinger Kristoffer 
Published: July 2016

AbstractBackgroundA pause routine may reduce stress and errors during surgery. The aim of this study was to explore how the team, divided into the different professional groups, perceived the implementation of a pause routine and its possible impact on safety.MethodsA pause routine was introduced at a University hospital operating theatre in Sweden in 2013. Questionnaires were distributed about 1 year later to all members of the operating theatre team. The questions included different perspectives of possible effects of the pause routine.ResultsA majority were positive to scheduled pauses. The surgeons often felt refreshed and at times changed their view on both anatomy and their surgical strategy. They were also perceived by other team members as improved regarding communication. All groups felt that patient safety was promoted. There were differences by profession in perception of team communication.ConclusionsThe pause routine was well perceived by the surgical team. A majority believed that scheduled and regular pauses contribute to improved patient safety and better team communication. There were also findings of differences in communication and experience of team coherence between personnel categories that could benefit from further acknowledgement and exploration.
A Model of the Unmet Need for Cleft Lip and Palate Surgery in Low‐ and Middle‐Income Countries
Authors: Carlson Lucas C. , Stewart Barclay T. , Hatcher Kristin W. , Kabetu Charles , VanderBurg Richard , Magee William P. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractBackgroundThere is a significant unmet need for the cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) care in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs)
; however, country‐level estimates that can be used to inform local and international cleft care program strategies are lacking.MethodsUsing data from Operation Smile surgical programs in twelve LMICs and country‐level indicators from the World Health Organization and World Bank, we developed a model to estimate the proportion of individuals with CL/Ps older than respective surgery age targets for cleft lip and cleft palate surgery (1 and 2 years, respectively). After extrapolating this model to other LMICs with available indicator data, we combined these findings with estimates of CL/P prevalence among live births to estimate the total number of unrepaired CL/P cases in LMICs worldwide.ResultsThe models were constructed from a total of 887 cases of cleft palate and 576 cases of cleft lip across the twelve countries. From these, we estimated that there are 616,655 cases of unrepaired CL/P (95 % CI 564,893–678,503) in the 113 countries with available data for extrapolation. The rate of unrepaired CL/Ps ranged from 2.5 per 100,000 population in Romania to 28.5 per 100,000 in Cambodia, respectively (median rate 10.7 per 100,000 population).ConclusionsOur model provides marked insight into the global surgical backlog due to cleft lip and palate. While the most populated LMICs have the largest number of unrepaired CL/Ps, low‐income countries with relatively less healthcare infrastructure have exceptionally high rates (e.g., Cambodia, Afghanistan, and Nepal). These estimates can be used by local and international cleft care organizations to set program priorities, estimate resource requirements, and inform strategies to support cleft care.
P123 assisted synthesis and characterization of urchin-like γ-Al2O3 hollow microspheres
Authors: Liang Qi , Guo Xiaorui , Quan Tingting , Meng Fancheng 
Published: July 2016

Abstract
Hierarchical urchin-like γ-Al2O3 hollow microspheres were prepared by a hydrothermal method followed by a calcination process using Al(NO3)3·9H2O as aluminum source, NH3·H2O as precipitating agent, and P123 as structure-directing agent (SDA). The obtained samples were investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), filed emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and N2 adsorption/desorption. The influences of P123 concentration, acidic condition, and hydrothermal time on the morphology of product were discussed. P123 has a great influence on ruling the oriented attachment of nanowires and stabilizing the superstructure in the self-assembly process. The 3D urchin-like hollow microspheres have a surface area of 210.2 m2/g and the average pore size is 11.42 nm, which have widely potential application such as catalyst, adsorption, and separation.
Nonlinear Frequency Response Analysis and Jump Avoidance Design of Molecular Spring Isolator
Authors: Yu M.-C. , Gao X. , Chen Q. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractMolecular spring vibration isolation technology has been invented in the recent years but it still needs further development in dynamics theory. A molecular spring isolation (MSI) consists of water and hydrophobic zeolites as working medium, providing high-static-low-dynamic stiffness. The dynamic properties of MSI are thoroughly investigated in this paper. Firstly, the nonlinear dynamic model of a vibration system support by MSI, i.e. the equation of motion, is established. Then the averaging method is employed to estimate the frequency response function (FRF) of the primary resonance. The phase trajectories diagram evolvement of primary resonance is also investigated to analysis the stability of the primary resonance response. From the plot of FRF, it is found that there exists a jump phenomenon induced by nonlinear stiffness, which may have harmful impacts on the equipment which is supposed to be protected from vibrations and shocks. To avoid jump, the FRF is analyzed to find the critical values of system parameters and a jump avoidance criterion is introduced.
Schellenberg's evolutionary religion: how evolutionary and how religious?
Authors: ROTTSCHAEFER WILLIAM A. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractInEvolutionary Religion, J. L. Schellenberg synthesizes his previous impressive contributions to an understanding of religion by formulating an account of religion supported by a Darwinian evolutionary theory understood as a science of the deep future. Such a future enables the realization that our present understandings of religion are immature, that future understandings of divine reality may be radically altered and that religious practice may become the centre of human well-being. In this article, I argue that Schellenberg's evolutionary religion represents at best but half the evolutionary story, its epistemic side. Ontologically, it remains fundamentally non-evolutionary. Positively, I suggest naturalistic alternatives to Schellenberg's Ultimate. I conclude that Schellenberg's evolutionary religion is neither adequately evolutionary nor adequately religious.
Agroforestry in Bolivia: opportunities and challenges in the context of food security and food sovereignty
Authors: JACOBI JOHANNA 
Published: July 2016

SUMMARYAgroforestry systems have long been implemented in Bolivia, but little is known about their overall current status. Interviews with farmers, policymakers and members of civil society organizations about the challenges and opportunities that agroforestry faces, as well as field visits to agroforestry projects revealed a wide range of agroforestry initiatives in Bolivia that provide ecosystem services, food and income to local families. All interviewees attributed a high potential to agroforestry, for example, to promote biodiversity, water conservation, food sovereignty and adaptation to climate change impacts. However, agroforestry initiatives lacked support because government incentives were channelled to cattle rearing and large-scale monocultures rather than diversified farming systems, and agroforestry initiatives tended to be small and isolated. A nationwide policy is needed which is coordinated with civil society organizations and individual farmers and strategically and efficiently supports agroforestry initiatives – especially in the most vulnerable first years of establishment – through extension services and access to materials, markets, knowledge and financial resources.
Recent Developments in Economic Theory and their Application to Insurance
Authors: Borch Karl 
Published: July 2016

The very title of this paper may cause some surprise, since economic theory so far has found virtually no application in insurance. Insurance is obviously an economic activity, and it is indeed strange that general economic theory should seem inapplicable to insurance.This apparent paradox may to some extent be explained by the historic development. Actuarial mathematics and the essential scientific basis of insurance were developed into a self-contained and fairly complete theory long before economists could claim the name of science for their subject. Actuaries and other insurance people may from time to time have turned to economic theory for help on their problems. In most cases they must have turned away in disappointment, being convinced that actuarial mathematics was well ahead of general economic theory.The last point is brought out clearly in a paper on the safety loading of insurance premiums which Tauber (19) presented at the Sixth International Congress of Actuaries in Vienna in 1909. In the introduction to this paper Tauber seems to consider risk bearing as a service and appears to assume that it like all other goods and services must have a price, determined by supply and demand in the market. Tauber did not develop this idea, apparently because the economic theory of his time was utterly unable to analyse the problem. That his approach was sound, and that the problem can be formulated and solved by modern economic theory, has been indicated in a previous paper (6).During the last thirty years there has been an extremely rapid development in economic theory. The “General Theory” of Keynes (12) which appeared in 1936, is usually considered to have caused a revolution in economic theory. However, this “revolution” has not lead to any developments which seem to have an immediate application in insurance. Post- and pre-Keynesian economics are equally powerless when confronted with the problem which Tauber tried to formulate. It is therefore premature to conclude from the title of this paper that economic theory has caught up with actuarial science, and that the theory of insurance has now become a part of a general theory comprising all economic activities.