bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modelling Plant Hormone Gradients
Authors: Moore Simon , Zhang Xiaoxian , Liu Junli , Lindsey Keith 
Published: October 2015

Abstract

Cellular patterning in the Arabidopsis root is coordinated via a localised auxin concentration maximum in the root tip, requiring the regulated expression of specific genes. The activities of plant hormones such as auxin, ethylene and cytokinin depend on cellular context and exhibit either synergistic or antagonistic interactions. Due to the complexity and nonlinearity of spatiotemporal interactions between both hormones and gene expression in root development, modelling plant hormone gradients requires a systems approach in which experimental data and modelling analysis are closely combined. Modelling therefore allows a predictive interrogation of highly complex and nonintuitive interactions between components in the system. Important factors to be considered when modelling hormone gradients include the construction of a hormonal crosstalk network, the formulation of kinetic equations and the construction of an
in silico
root map. A modelling approach enables the analysis of relationships between multiple hormone gradients, predictions on how hormone gradients emerge under the action of hormonal crosstalk, and the prediction and elucidation of experimental results from mutant roots.

Key Concepts

Patterning in Arabidopsis root development is coordinated via a localised auxin concentration maximum in the root tip, requiring the regulated expression of specific genes.

The activities of plant hormones such as auxin, ethylene, cytokinin, abscisic acid, gibberellin and brassinosteroids depend on cellular context and exhibit either synergistic or antagonistic interactions.

Auxin concentration and the associated regulatory and target genes are regulated by diverse interacting hormones and gene expression and therefore cannot change independently of the various crosstalk components in space and time.

Other hormone concentrations, such as ethylene and cytokinin concentrations, and expression of the associated regulatory and target genes are also interlinked.

Modelling plant hormone gradients requires a systems approach where experimental data and modelling analysis are closely combined.

A hormonal crosstalk network describes the regulatory relationships between hormones and their associated genes.

A kinetic equation can be formulated for any regulatory relationship following thermodynamic and kinetic principles.

Construction of an
in silico
root map enables the study of multicellular cell–cell communications in Arabidopsis root development.

Modelling hormone gradients enables the analysis of relationships between multiple hormone gradients, predictions on how hormone gradients emerge under the action of hormonal crosstalk, and the prediction and elucidation of experimental results from mutant roots.

Modelling auxin gradients can also incorporate different mechanisms of polar auxin transport and the interaction of hormone gradients and root growth.
Prediction of Human Pigmentation Traits from
DNA
Polymorphisms
Authors: Branicki Wojciech , Kayser Manfred 
Published: October 2015

Abstract

Driven by recent evolutionary history, pigmentation traits significantly contribute to the most obvious parts of the overall human phenotypic diversity with skin colour varying between worldwide individuals, while eye and hair colour differences only exist in individuals of European (and neighbouring region) descent. Genetic association studies have discovered various DNA variants that together explain large proportion of phenotypic variance in eye, hair and skin colouration. Besides providing leads in the molecular understanding of human pigmentation, multiple associated DNA variants have also been used for prediction modelling of pigmentation traits. The success of DNA‐based pigmentation prediction laid the foundation for a new subfield of forensic genetics known as Forensic DNA Phenotyping, which aims to help finding unknown perpetrators. Pigmentation DNA prediction is further relevant in anthropological research from old and ancient human remains for reconstructing colour phenotypes of deceased persons including those of historical importance.

Key Concepts

Driven by recent evolutionary history, differences in pigmentation significantly contribute to the phenotypic diversity in humans.

Eye, hair and skin colour reflect complex traits with multiple genes and environmental factors determining phenotypic variation distributed differently around the world.

Gene mapping studies identified a number of pigmentation genes that typically but not necessarily determine all three pigmentation traits in humans.

Multiple pigmentation‐associated DNA variants have proven useful to predict all three human pigmentation traits with varying accuracies.

Several DNA test systems are available for accurate prediction of blue and brown eyes, while for other eye colours further research is needed.

Available DNA test systems for hair colour provide accurate prediction of red and (albeit less so) of black hair, while the DNA prediction of blond and brown hair is troubled by age‐dependent hair colour changes in some (but not all) individuals not yet understood on the molecular level.

Of the three human pigmentation traits, DNA prediction of skin colour is least advanced, requiring considerable further research.

Current DNA prediction on the level of categorical eye, hair and skin colour shall be improved towards more detailed colour phenotypes, if the necessary DNA predictors become available via dedicated future research.

Forensic science is a major recipient of pigmentation predictive DNA tests, where they are used to trace unknown perpetrators unidentifiable via conventional DNA profiling.

Pigmentation DNA prediction is also relevant in anthropological and human evolutionary research particularly from old and ancient human remains.
Myeloid‐Derived Suppressor Cells
Authors: Toor Salman M , Elkord Eyad 
Published: October 2015

AbstractMyeloid‐derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are a heterogeneous population of myeloid progenitor cells and immature myeloid cells (IMCs) with a potent immunosuppressive activity against T‐cell responses. In health, IMCs differentiate into mature granulocytes, macrophages and dendritic cells, and these IMCs can be detected at low levels in circulation. However, different pathological conditions including cancer, infection, transplantation, autoimmune diseases and inflammation cause a disruption in the differentiation pathway of IMCs, leading to their accumulation. MDSCs exert their immunosuppressive function through the increased activity of immunosuppressive factors such as arginase‐1 and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), in addition to the increased production of nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen/nitrogen species (ROS/RNS), and by modulating the production of various cytokines. The role of MDSCs in regulation of immune responses in both health and disease makes them an attractive therapeutic target in conquering various human diseases.Key ConceptsMDSCs are a heterogeneous population of immature myeloid cells.Much of our understanding of MDSCs came from cancer studies; however, recent work highlighted their significance in many other pathological conditions.MDSCs are expanded in cancer and other pathological conditions owing to abnormal myelopoiesis.Mice MDSCs are defined by the co‐expression of GR‐1 and CD11b.Human MDSCs can be identified as CD11b+CD33+HLA‐DR−/low, and further divided into granulocytic CD14−and monocytic CD14+cells.MDSCs exhibit a potent inhibitory effect on various T‐cell functions.MDSCs exert their suppressive function through different mechanisms including expression of arginase 1 and inducible nitric oxide synthase and production of reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide.Correlations between circulating/infiltrating MDSC levels and clinical parameters are contradictory owing to the heterogeneous nature of human MDSCs.Some agents have been shown to reverse the immunosuppressive function or to directly target MDSCs for clinical benefits.
Viral Encephalitis
Authors: Jones Cheryl A 
Published: October 2015

Abstract

Viral encephalitis can result from direct invasion of the brain or indirectly through immune‐mediated effects. Syndromes of infection‐associated encephalopathies can also occur without direct brain invasion, and autoimmune encephalitides can be triggered by viruses. Here, we review the epidemiology and pathogenesis of encephalitis by virus families, and consider diagnosis, management and prevention. Age, immune competency and geographic location influence aetiology.
HSV
is the commonest sporadic viral encephalitis in adults and older children in the developed world. Nonpolio enteroviruses and Japanese encephalitis virus are additional common causes in young children, particularly in developing countries. Rabies is the leading cause of fatal encephalitis worldwide. Outbreaks of infectious encephalitis may signal emergence of novel viruses or changes in distribution of known viruses. Better deployment and/or development of vaccines and therapies are required to prevent viral encephalitis. Further research is needed to clarify the role of immune modulation in viral encephalitis.

Key Concepts

Viral encephalitis (brain inflammation with cerebral dysfunction) can result from direct invasion of the brain or indirectly from immune‐mediated pathology.

Viral‐associated encephalopathies such as those associated with influenza virus infection are not usually associated with detection of virus in the CSF.

The causes of viral encephalitis are influenced by geographic location, age, immune competency, the availability of effective vaccines or antivirals and the season.

Outbreaks of viral encephalitis can indicate emerging viral pathogens of public health significance or spread of vector‐borne and zoonotic viral encephalitides to new geographic locations.

Increases of zoonotic encephalitis such as rabies have recently occurred in countries where they were previously eradicated, and indicate a global need for a one health (animal and human) approach to prevention.

Empiric antiviral therapy should be commenced early in suspected viral encephalitis cases but promptly ceased when herpes simplex virus encephalitis has been excluded.

There may be a role for early institution of immune suppression in some forms of viral encephalitis.

Many cases of encephalitis are lost opportunities for prevention due to missed opportunities for vaccination or ineffective immunisation programs vaccines.

Viral encephalitis continues to cause ongoing high burden of death and disability, particularly in childhood.
JAK/STATSignalling and Haematological Malignancies
Authors: Constantinescu Stefan N , Vainchenker William 
Published: October 2015

AbstractA major focus of investigation and drug screening efforts started with the discovery of JAK2V617F as a major driver of the BCR‐ABL‐negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). An acquired somatic mutation,JAK2V617F, drives 65% of MPNs. Further studies established that these diseases almost always exhibit mutations leading to persistent JAK2‐STAT5 activation. Sequencing of the four mammalianJAKs(Janus kinases) (JAK1,JAK2,JAK3andTYK2) and of the seven STATs (signal transducers and activators of transcriptions) in a variety of cancers identified the pathologic activation of these JAKs and STATs, by mutations in the genes themselves or in upstream or downstream regulators as significant contributors to several haematological and solid malignancies. The development of JAK2, JAK1, JAK3 and TYK2 kinase inhibitors is unfolding with JAK2, JAK1 and JAK3 inhibitors being approved in certain conditions. Altogether, the JAK/STAT pathway became a new gold mine for discovery and therapy in haematological cancers.Key ConceptsThe JAK/STAT pathway has a central role in cytokine signalling in normal haematopoiesis.The JAK/STAT pathway is frequently pathologically activated by several mechanisms in many types of haematological malignancies.The JAK/STAT pathway can be targeted by small molecules.The JAK/STAT pathway can be pathologically activated by down‐modulation of negative regulators such as phosphatases.Constitutive STAT activation in blood cancers can be the result of several activated kinases, not only JAKs.JAK2 activation is the main mechanismresponsible of the poorprognosis of mostpediatric B‐cell acute lymphoblasticleukemia.
The Genetics of Stuttering
Authors: Domingues Carlos EF , Drayna Dennis 
Published: October 2015

Abstract

Stuttering is a common disorder that affects the flow of speech and is characterised by uncontrollable repetitions, prolongations or interruptions in speech. The aetiology of developmental stuttering is still not well understood, however genetic studies over the past decade have made some important advances. Strong evidence for genetic factors in this disorder comes from twin and adoption studies, as well as from family studies that include measures of familial aggregation, segregation and genetic linkage analyses. However, Mendelian segregation of the disorder in families does not occur, and thus stuttering is a complex genetic disorder which poses a challenge for linkage and other genetic analyses. Nevertheless, genetic linkage studies have defined numerous loci‐carrying genes that can cause persistent stuttering, and several causative genes have recently been identified. Application of massively parallel DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) sequencing holds the promise of facilitating the identification of genes that cause stuttering and other speech and language disorders.

Key Concepts

Stuttering is a disorder of the flow of speech, in which the affected individuals know what they wish to say but are unable to say it owing to uncontrollable repetitions, prolongations or interruptions in their speech.

Developmental stuttering typically arises at a characteristic time during the acquisition of speech in children, and approximately 75–80% children recover, sometimes with and sometimes without the aid of speech therapy.

Twin studies provide strong evidence for the involvement of genetic factors in developmental stuttering.

Stuttering is a complex genetic disorder in which Mendelian segregation does not occur.

Genetic linkage studies in families have defined numerous loci for persistent stuttering, and several causative genes have recently been identified.
Immunology of Reptiles
Authors: Rios Francesca M , Zimmerman Laura M 
Published: October 2015

Abstract

Reptiles tend to have a broad innate immune response followed by a more moderate adaptive response, and as an ectotherm, their immune response is strongly affected by temperature. The innate immune responses in reptiles encompass a diverse group of molecules and cells that includes non‐specific leukocytes, lysozymes, antimicrobial peptides, the complement pathway and fever. The adaptive response involves both T and B cells; however, reptile humoral responses are much less robust than mammalian responses. Thus, reptiles may rely more heavily on a natural antibody response. The slower adaptive response may be because reptiles lack lymph nodes and do not form germinal centres. Phagocytic B cells have also been identified in reptiles. Studies of the reptilian immune system may contribute to our understanding of the evolution of the immune system as well as to the fields of conservation biology, ecological immunology and human medicine.

Key Concepts

Reptiles have a broad innate immune response able to encompass a variety of pathogens followed by a specific adaptive response.

Because reptiles are ectothermic, temperature has a strong effect on immune responses.

Seasonal variation in structure and function of the immune system in reptiles is common.

As the only ectothermic amniotes, reptiles provide vital information on the evolution of the immune systems.
Characterization of multiwalled carbon nanotube filled, palm‐oil‐based polyalkyds: Effects of loading and in situ reaction
Authors: Islam Muhammad Remanul , Beg Mohammad Dalour Hossen , Jamari Saidatul Shima 
Published: October 2015

ABSTRACTIn this study, the contribution of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) was studied for the evaluation of the performances of polyalkyd‐based films produced from dehydrated palm oil. Initially, different percentages of MWCNTs, including 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 wt %, were considered for loading into the resin with the help of sonication. Additionally, a 1.0 wt % loading was considered for in situ conditions during the esterification process to achieve better dispersion and obtain improved properties of the film. The loading was evaluated by different performance tests, such as those of tensile, elongation, pencil hardness, swelling ratio, gel content, wettability, chemical resistivity, adhesion, and surface morphology. The results of mechanical testing showed that the addition of 1.0 wt % MWCNTs enhanced the tensile strength by 50%, whereas in situ conditions were found to be favorable for significantly improving the tensile strength by 75%. Moreover, the wettability, surface morphology, and thermal properties were also found to be in favor of in situ conditions for the dispersion of the MWCNTs. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 42934.
Microwave‐assisted green approach for graft copolymerization of l‐lactic acid onto starch
Authors: Salimi Kouroush , Topuzogullari Murat , Dincer Sevil , Aydin Halil Murat , Piskin Erhan 
Published: October 2015

ABSTRACTPoly l‐lactic acid grafted starch (St‐g‐PLA) copolymers were directly synthesized under microwave irradiation by using sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and stannous 2‐ethyl hexanoate acting as a catalyst, without the use of toxic solvents. The product were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), nuclear magnetic resonance (13C CP/MAS NMR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA‐DTG). SEM analysis indicated that microwave heating had a considerable effect on the interfacial adhesion between PLA and starch. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA‐DTG) revealed that copolymers exhibited better thermal stability. Maximum PLA grafting was achieved with the following reaction conditions: 450W microwave power, monomer ratio of 1:5 and 0.4M of NaOH. This study demonstrates that it is possible to obtain St‐g‐PLA copolymers with better processing characteristics and smaller sizes via microwave‐assisted synthesis. The applied procedure is an interesting “green” synthesis method for the production of biodegradable materials used in a diverse range of applications. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 42937.
Tuning the photovoltaic performances of the terpolymers based on thiophene‐benzene‐thiophene via the modification of alkyl side chains
Authors: Guo Huan , Shen Tianpei , Wu Fen , Hou Rongyan , Liu Xuxu , Zhao Bin , Tan Songting 
Published: October 2015

ABSTRACTThree new random conjugated terpolymers based on thiophene‐2,5‐bis((2‐ ethylhexyl)oxy)benzene‐thiophene or thiophene‐2,5‐bis((2‐octyl)oxy)benzene‐ thiophene as electron‐donating units, diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP) and 4,7‐dithien‐5‐yl‐2,1,3‐benzothiadiazole (DTBT) side group as electron‐withdrawing units have been designed and synthesized by Stille‐coupling reaction. All the terpolymers exhibit good thermal stability, broad absorption in the range of 300 to 800 nm. By tuning the alkyl side chains of the terpolymers, the absorption spectra, HOMO energy levels and photovoltaic properties of the terpolymers changed dramatically. A bulk heterojunction polymer solar cell fabricated from terpolymerGP2and PC61BM exhibited a promising power conversion efficiency of 3.31% without any processing additives. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2016,133, 42982.
Polyvinylpyrrolidone–polydimethylsiloxane amphiphilic co‐networks: Synthesis, characterization, and perm‐selective behavior
Authors: Zhang Li , Zhao Xinzhen , Liu Dapeng , Wang Haiye , He Chunju 
Published: October 2015

ABSTRACTAn amphiphilic co‐network (APCN) membrane has been synthesized through end‐crosslinking of amphiphilic grafts of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) backbone carrying polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) branches fitted with terminal vinylsilyl groups via free radical polymerization. The synthesis strategy has been carried out by the free radical polymerization of N‐vinylpyrrolidone (VP) with methacrylate allyl terminated polydimethylsiloxane (MA‐PDMS‐V) and dimethacrylate terminated polydimethylsiloxane (MA‐PDMS‐MA) to form a soluble graft consisting of PVP main chains carrying vinyl terminated PDMS branches, which is crosslinked with polymethylhydrosiloxane through hydrosilylation. The resulting APCN membrane exhibited a combination of unique properties, that is, high transparency, high mechanical properties, and high permeation rate to inulin. Notably, the mechanical properties and inulin permeability of fabric‐support APCN membrane were higher than that of pure APCN membrane. As a result of their unique performance, the resulting APCN membranes showed a wide range of potential applications in drug release vectors, soft contact lenses, and biomedical separation materials. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 42985.
Sonication‐Aided Formation of Hollow Hybrid Nanoparticles as High‐Efficiency Absorbents for Dissolved Toluene in Water
Authors: Huang Ting , Xu Liju , Wang Chen , Yin Zheng , Qiu Dong 
Published: October 2015

AbstractA surfactant‐free emulsion polymerization process was developed to produce hollow hybrid nanoparticles (HHNP thereafter). Ultrasonication was found not only to help the generation of nanosized monomer droplets but also to generate surface active species through mediating the hydrolysis of the monomer, 3‐(methacryloyloxy) propyltrimethoxysilane (MPS), thus stabilizing the oil/water interface. The hollow structure was formed based on a soft template approach, where the partially hydrolyzed monomer served as emulsifier and polymerized at the interface to form a hybrid shell. These HHNPs were used to absorb dissolved toluene in water and it was found they could reduce the toluene level down to zero, a level hardly being achieved by other methods. Combined with their good colloidal stability in water, these HHNPs are very promising colloidal collectors for dissolved organic solvents, in order to generate high quality water from contaminated water.
Heterometallic Na6Co3 Phenylsilsesquioxane Exhibiting Slow Dynamic Behavior in its Magnetization
Authors: Bilyachenko Alexey N. , Yalymov Alexey I. , Korlyukov Alexander A. , Long Jérôme , Larionova Joulia , Guari Yannick , Zubavichus Yan V. , Trigub Alexander L. , Shubina Elena S. , Eremenko Igor L. , Efimov Nikolay N. , Levitsky Mikhail M. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractA heterometallic phenylsilsesquioxane [(PhSiO1,5)22(CoO)3(NaO0.5)6]⋅(EtOH)6⋅(H2O) 1 cage architecture of CoII ions in a triangular topology exhibits a slow dynamic behavior in its magnetization, induced by the freezing of the spins of individual molecules.
Biologically Active Heteroglycoclusters Constructed on a Pillar[5]arene‐Containing [2]Rotaxane Scaffold
Authors: Vincent Stéphane P. , Buffet Kevin , Nierengarten Iwona , Imberty Anne , Nierengarten Jean‐François 
Published: October 2015

AbstractA synthetic approach combining recent concepts for the preparation of multifunctional nanomolecules (click chemistry on multifunctional scaffolds) with supramolecular chemistry (self‐assembly to prepare rotaxanes) gave easy access to a large variety of sophisticated [2]rotaxane heteroglycoclusters. Specifically, compounds combining galactose and fucose have been prepared to target the two bacterial lectins (LecA and LecB) from the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
ChemInform Abstract: Electronic Structure of the Heavy Fermion Superconductor Ce2PdIn8: Experiment and Calculations.
Authors: Werwinski M. , Szajek A. , Slebarski A. , Kaczorowski D. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe electronic structure of the heavy‐fermion superconductor Ce2PdIn8 is investigated by means of XPS and ab initio DFT band structure calculations.