bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Expression, purification, and functional characterization of the insulin‐responsive facilitative glucose transporter GLUT4
Authors: Kraft Thomas E. , Hresko Richard C. , Hruz Paul W. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThe insulin‐responsive facilitative glucose transporter GLUT4 is of fundamental importance for maintenance of glucose homeostasis. Despite intensive effort, the ability to express and purify sufficient quantities of structurally and functionally intact protein for biophysical analysis has previously been exceedingly difficult. We report here the development of novel methods to express, purify, and functionally reconstitute GLUT4 into detergent micelles and proteoliposomes. Rat GLUT4 containing FLAG and His tags at the amino and carboxy termini, respectively, was engineered and stably transfected into HEK‐293 cells. Overexpression in suspension culture yielded over 1.5 mg of protein per liter of culture. Systematic screening of detergent solubilized GLUT4‐GFP fusion protein via fluorescent‐detection size exclusion chromatography identified lauryl maltose neopentyl glycol (LMNG) as highly effective for isolating monomeric GLUT4 micelles. Preservation of structural integrity and ligand binding was demonstrated via quenching of tryptophan fluorescence and competition of ATB‐BMPA photolabeling by cytochalasin B. GLUT4 was reconstituted into lipid nanodiscs and proper folding was confirmed. Reconstitution of purified GLUT4 with amphipol A8‐35 stabilized the transporter at elevated temperatures for extended periods of time. Functional activity of purified GLUT4 was confirmed by reconstitution of LMNG‐purified GLUT4 into proteoliposomes and measurement of saturable uptake of D‐glucose over L‐glucose. Taken together, these data validate the development of an efficient means to generate milligram quantities of stable and functionally intact GLUT4 that is suitable for a wide array of biochemical and biophysical analyses.
Observation‐based evaluation of ensemble reliability
Authors: Yamaguchi Munehiko , Lang Simon T. K. , Leutbecher Martin , Rodwell Mark J. , Radnoti Gabor , Bormann Niels 
Published: September 2015

In order to obtain new insight into the reliability of the ensemble prediction system of the European Centre for Medium‐range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), we compare the ensemble spread‐error relationship obtained from an observation‐based verification to the one obtained from an analysis‐based verification. Observations used in this study are mainly radiosonde temperatures and radiance measurements from the AMSU‐A channel 5 microwave temperature sounder. The observation operators from the 4D‐Var data assimilation scheme are used to map the forecasts into observation space. In ‘observation‐space’, observed radiances are compared with forecast radiances, derived from the ensemble's atmospheric profiles of temperature, gas concentrations, cloud, and surface properties using the ‘RTTOV’ radiative transfer code.The observation‐space assessment yields different results than the analysis‐based assessment in the extratropics for short‐range forecasts (1‐day), and in the Tropics in general. In the extratropics, for 5‐day forecasts the discrepancy between the analysis‐based and observation‐based verification is small and the ensemble variances are quite reliable.The observation‐based diagnostics indicate that the stochastic model error schemes contribute to the well‐tuned ensemble spread in the extratropics, but can degrade the reliability of the ensemble in the Tropics. It is suggested that observation‐based diagnostics should be used more routinely to diagnose the ensemble performance, and help diagnosing the effectiveness of model error schemes and estimating the amplitude of the initial perturbations.
Intermittent Urinary Catheterization: The Impact of Training on a Low-Fidelity Simulator on the Self-Confidence of Patients and Caregivers
Authors: Silva Dayane R. A. , Mazzo Alessandra , Jorge Beatriz M. , Souza Júnior Valtuir D. , Fumincelli Laís , Almeida Rodrigo G. S. 
Published: September 2015

Abstract

Purpose:
The purpose of this study was to identify how training on a low-fidelity simulator impacts the confidence of caregivers and patients with neurogenic bladder who use clean intermittent urinary catheterization.

Design:
Quasi-experimental study.

Methods:
Developed in a rehabilitation center in Brazil including patients who use clean intermittent urinary catheterization and caregivers from September to November 2013. After Ethics approval (Opinion 146/2012) during the nursing consultation, data were collected before and after training on a low-fidelity simulator.

Findings:
A total of 36 respondents (72.0%) patients and 14 (28.0%) caregivers participated. The self-confidence acquired after training on low-fidelity simulators was significant.

Conclusions:
In this study sample, low-fidelity simulation was demonstrated to be an effective strategy for the development of self-confidence.

Clinical Relevance:
Low-fidelity simulation training enables patients and caregivers to increase their self-confidence when performing clean intermittent urinary catheterization and should be used as a training strategy by healthcare professionals.
What is carbon? Conceptualising carbon and capabilities in the context of community sequestration projects in the global South
Authors: Twyman Chasca , Smith Thomas Aneurin , Arnall Alex 
Published: September 2015

Carbon has been described as a ‘surreal commodity.’ While carbon trading, storage, sequestration, and emissions have become a part of the contemporary climate lexicon, how carbon is understood, valued, and interpreted by actors responsible for implementing carbon sequestration projects is still unclear. In this review paper, we are concerned with how carbon has come to take on a range of meanings. In particular, we appraise what is known about the situated meanings that people involved in delivering, and participating in, carbon sequestration projects in the global South assign to this complex element. There has been some reflection on the new meanings conferred on carbon via the neoliberal processes of marketisation and on how these processes interact with historical and contemporary narratives of environmental change. But less is known about how these meanings are (re)produced and (re)interpreted locally. We review how carbon has been defined both as a chemical element and as a tradable, marketable commodity. We discuss the implications these global meanings might have for situated understandings, particularly linked to climate change narratives, among communities in the global South. We consider how the concept of carbon capabilities, alongside theoretical notions of networks, assemblages, and local knowledges of the environment and nature, might be useful in beginning to understand how communities engage with abstract notions of carbon. We discuss the implications of specific values attributed to carbon, and therefore to different ecologies, for wider conceptualizations of how nature is valued, and climate is understood. We review in particular how this may impact on community interactions with carbon sequestration projects. Knowing more about how people understand, value, and know carbon allows policies to be better informed and practices more effectively targeted at engaging local populations meaningfully in carbon‐related projects. WIREs Clim Change 2015, 6:627–641. doi: 10.1002/wcc.367This article is categorized under:

Climate and Development > Knowledge and Action in Development
Social Status of Climate Change Knowledge > Knowledge and Practice
The Hubble Constant
Authors: Jackson Neal 
Published: September 2015

AbstractI review the current state of determinations of the Hubble constant, which gives the length scale of the Universe by relating the expansion velocity of objects to their distance. There are two broad categories of measurements. The first uses individual astrophysical objects which have some property that allows their intrinsic luminosity or size to be determined, or allows the determination of their distance by geometric means. The second category comprises the use of all-sky cosmic microwave background, or correlations between large samples of galaxies, to determine information about the geometry of the Universe and hence the Hubble constant, typically in a combination with other cosmological parameters. Many, but not all, object-based measurements give H0 values of around 72–74 km s−1 Mpc−1, with typical errors of 2–3 km s−1 Mpc−1. This is in mild discrepancy with CMB-based measurements, in particular those from the Planck satellite, which give values of 67–68 km s−1 Mpc−1 and typical errors of 1–2 km s−1 Mpc−1. The size of the remaining systematics indicate that accuracy rather than precision is the remaining problem in a good determination of the Hubble constant. Whether a discrepancy exists, and whether new physics is needed to resolve it, depends on details of the systematics of the object-based methods, and also on the assumptions about other cosmological parameters and which datasets are combined in the case of the all-sky methods.
Is membrane homeostasis the missing link between inflammation and neurodegenerative diseases?
Authors: de Groot Natalia Sánchez , Burgas Marc Torrent 
Published: September 2015

Abstract
Systemic inflammation and infections are associated with neurodegenerative diseases. Unfortunately, the molecular bases of this link are still largely undiscovered. We, therefore, review how inflammatory processes can imbalance membrane homeostasis and theorize how this may have an effect on the aggregation behavior of the proteins implicated in such diseases. Specifically, we describe the processes that generate such imbalances at the molecular level, and try to understand how they affect protein folding and localization. Overall, current knowledge suggests that microglia pro-inflammatory mediators can generate membrane damage, which may have an impact in terms of triggering or accelerating disease manifestation.
68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT: a new technique with high potential for the radiotherapeutic management of prostate cancer patients
Authors: Sterzing Florian , Kratochwil Clemens , Fiedler Hannah , Katayama Sonja , Habl Gregor , Kopka Klaus , Afshar-Oromieh Ali , Debus Jürgen , Haberkorn Uwe , Giesel Frederik L. 
Published: September 2015

Abstract

Purpose
Radiotherapy is the main therapeutic approach besides surgery of localized prostate cancer. It relies on risk stratification and exact staging. This report analyses the potential of [68Ga]Glu-urea-Lys(Ahx)-HBED-CC (68Ga-PSMA-11), a new positron emission tomography (PET) tracer targeting prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) for prostate cancer staging and individualized radiotherapy planning.

Methods
A cohort of 57 patients with prostate cancer scanned with 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT for radiotherapy planning was retrospectively reviewed; 15 patients were at initial diagnosis and 42 patients at time of biochemical recurrence. Staging results of conventional imaging, including bone scintigraphy, CT or MRI, were compared with 68Ga-PSMA ligand PET/CT results and the influence on radiotherapeutic management was quantified.

Results

68Ga-PSMA ligand PET/CT had a dramatic impact on radiotherapy application in the presented cohort. In 50.8 % of the cases therapy was changed.

Conclusion
The presented imaging technique of 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT could be a key technology for individualized radiotherapy management in prostate cancer.
Successful bone-anchored hearing aid implantation in a patient with osteogenesis imperfecta
Authors: Coutinho M B , Marques C , Mendes G J , Gonçalves C 
Published: September 2015

AbstractObjective:To report a case of successful bone-anchored hearing aid implantation in an adult patient with type III osteogenesis imperfecta, which is commonly regarded as a contraindication to this procedure.Case report:A 45-year-old man with type III osteogenesis imperfecta presented with mixed hearing loss. There was a mild sensorineural component in both ears, with an air–bone gap between 45 and 50 dB HL. He was implanted with a bone-anchored hearing aid. The audiological outcome was good, with no complications and good implant stability (as measured by resonance frequency analysis).Conclusion:To our knowledge, this is the first recorded case of bone-anchored hearing aid implantation in a patient with osteogenesis imperfecta.
Comprehensive multi-modality assessment of regional and global arterial structure and function in adults born preterm
Authors: Boardman Henry , Birse Katherine , Davis Esther F , Whitworth Polly , Aggarwal Veena , Lewandowski Adam J , Leeson Paul 
Published: September 2015

Abstract
Preterm birth is associated with higher blood pressure, which could be because preterm birth alters early aortic elastin and collagen development to cause increased arterial stiffness. We measured central and conduit artery size and multiple indices of arterial stiffness to define the extent and severity of macrovascular changes in individuals born preterm. A total of 102 young adults born preterm and 102 controls who were born after an uncomplicated pregnancy underwent cardiovascular magnetic resonance on a Siemens 1.5 T scanner to measure the aortic cross-sectional area in multiple locations. Ultrasound imaging with a Philips CX50 and linear array probe was used to measure carotid and brachial artery diameters. Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity and the augmentation index were measured by SphygmoCor, brachial-femoral pulse wave velocity by Vicorder and aortic pulse wave velocity by cardiovascular magnetic resonance. The cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) was used as a measurement of global stiffness, and ultrasound was used to assess peripheral vessel distensibility. Adults born preterm had 20% smaller thoracic and abdominal aortic lumens (2.19±0.44 vs. 2.69±0.60 cm2, P<0.001; 1.25±0.36 vs. 1.94±0.45 cm2, P<0.001, respectively) but similar carotid and brachial diameters to adults born at term. Pulse wave velocity was increased (5.82±0.80 vs. 5.47±0.59 m s−1, P<0.01, 9.06±1.25 vs. 8.33±1.28 m s−1, P=0.01, 5.23±1.19 vs. 4.75±0.91 m s−1, P<0.01) and carotid distensibility was decreased (4.75±1.31 vs. 5.60±1.48 mm Hg−1103, P<0.001) in this group compared with the group born at term. However, the global and peripheral arterial stiffness measured by CAVI and brachial ultrasound did not differ (5.95±0.72 vs. 5.98±0.60, P=0.80 and 1.07±0.48 vs. 1.19±0.54 mm Hg−1103, P=0.12, respectively). Adults who are born preterm have significant differences in their aortic structure from adults born at term, but they have relatively small differences in central arterial stiffness that may be partially explained by blood pressure variations.
Wnt signalling tunes neurotransmitter release by directly targeting Synaptotagmin-1
Authors: Ciani Lorenza , Marzo Aude , Boyle Kieran , Stamatakou Eleanna , Lopes Douglas M. , Anane Derek , McLeod Faye , Rosso Silvana B. , Gibb Alasdair , Salinas Patricia C. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThe functional assembly of the synaptic release machinery is well understood; however, how signalling factors modulate this process remains unknown. Recent studies suggest that Wnts play a role in presynaptic function. To examine the mechanisms involved, we investigated the interaction of release machinery proteins with Dishevelled-1 (Dvl1), a scaffold protein that determines the cellular locale of Wnt action. Here we show that Dvl1 directly interacts with Synaptotagmin-1 (Syt-1) and indirectly with the SNARE proteins SNAP25 and Syntaxin (Stx-1). Importantly, the interaction of Dvl1 with Syt-1, which is regulated by Wnts, modulates neurotransmitter release. Moreover, presynaptic terminals from Wnt signalling-deficient mice exhibit reduced release probability and are unable to sustain high-frequency release. Consistently, the readily releasable pool size and formation of SNARE complexes are reduced. Our studies demonstrate that Wnt signalling tunes neurotransmitter release and identify Syt-1 as a target for modulation by secreted signalling proteins.
Ultra-low-power hybrid light–matter solitons
Authors: Walker P. M. , Tinkler L. , Skryabin D. V. , Yulin A. , Royall B. , Farrer I. , Ritchie D. A. , Skolnick M. S. , Krizhanovskii D. N. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractNew functionalities in nonlinear optics will require systems with giant optical nonlinearity as well as compatibility with photonic circuit fabrication techniques. Here we introduce a platform based on strong light–matter coupling between waveguide photons and quantum-well excitons. On a sub-millimetre length scale we generate picosecond bright temporal solitons at a pulse energy of only 0.5 pJ. From this we deduce a nonlinear refractive index three orders of magnitude larger than in any other ultrafast system. We study both temporal and spatio-temporal nonlinear effects and observe dark–bright spatio-temporal polariton solitons. Theoretical modelling of soliton formation in the strongly coupled system confirms the experimental observations. These results show the promise of our system as a high speed, low power, integrated platform for physics and devices based on strong interactions between photons.
PTEN regulates cilia through Dishevelled
Authors: Shnitsar Iryna , Bashkurov Mikhail , Masson Glenn R. , Ogunjimi Abiodun A. , Mosessian Sherly , Cabeza Eduardo Aguiar , Hirsch Calley L. , Trcka Daniel , Gish Gerald , Jiao Jing , Wu Hong , Winklbauer Rudolf , Williams Roger L. , Pelletier Laurence , Wrana Jeffrey L. , Barrios-Rodiles Miriam 
Published: September 2015

AbstractCilia are hair-like cellular protrusions important in many aspects of eukaryotic biology. For instance, motile cilia enable fluid movement over epithelial surfaces, while primary (sensory) cilia play roles in cellular signalling. The molecular events underlying cilia dynamics, and particularly their disassembly, are not well understood. Phosphatase and tensin homologue (PTEN) is an extensively studied tumour suppressor, thought to primarily act by antagonizing PI3-kinase signalling. Here we demonstrate that PTEN plays an important role in multicilia formation and cilia disassembly by controlling the phosphorylation of Dishevelled (DVL), another ciliogenesis regulator. DVL is a central component of WNT signalling that plays a role during convergent extension movements, which we show here are also regulated by PTEN. Our studies identify a novel protein substrate for PTEN that couples PTEN to regulation of cilia dynamics and WNT signalling, thus advancing our understanding of potential underlying molecular etiologies of PTEN-related pathologies.
STIM1 dimers undergo unimolecular coupling to activate Orai1 channels
Authors: Zhou Yandong , Wang Xizhuo , Wang Xianming , Loktionova Natalia A. , Cai Xiangyu , Nwokonko Robert M. , Vrana Erin , Wang Youjun , Rothberg Brad S. , Gill Donald L. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThe endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca2+ sensor, STIM1, becomes activated when ER-stored Ca2+ is depleted and translocates into ER–plasma membrane junctions where it tethers and activates Orai1 Ca2+ entry channels. The dimeric STIM1 protein contains a small STIM-Orai-activating region (SOAR)—the minimal sequence sufficient to activate Orai1 channels. Since SOAR itself is a dimer, we constructed SOAR concatemer–dimers and introduced mutations at F394, which is critical for Orai1 coupling and activation. The F394H mutation in both SOAR monomers completely blocks dimer function, but F394H introduced in only one of the dimeric SOAR monomers has no effect on Orai1 binding or activation. This reveals an unexpected unimolecular coupling between STIM1 and Orai1 and argues against recent evidence suggesting dimeric interaction between STIM1 and two adjacent Orai1 channel subunits. The model predicts that STIM1 dimers may be involved in crosslinking between Orai1 channels with implications for the kinetics and localization of Orai1 channel opening.
Trophic network architecture of root-associated bacterial communities determines pathogen invasion and plant health
Authors: Wei Zhong , Yang Tianjie , Friman Ville-Petri , Xu Yangchun , Shen Qirong , Jousset Alexandre 
Published: September 2015

AbstractHost-associated bacterial communities can function as an important line of defence against pathogens in animals and plants. Empirical evidence and theoretical predictions suggest that species-rich communities are more resistant to pathogen invasions. Yet, the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Here, we experimentally test how the underlying resource competition networks of resident bacterial communities affect invasion resistance to the plant pathogen Ralstonia solanacearum in microcosms and in tomato plant rhizosphere. We find that bipartite resource competition networks are better predictors of invasion resistance compared with resident community diversity. Specifically, communities with a combination of stabilizing configurations (low nestedness and high connectance), and a clear niche overlap with the pathogen, reduce pathogen invasion success, constrain pathogen growth within invaded communities and have lower levels of diseased plants in greenhouse experiments. Bacterial resource competition network characteristics can thus be important in explaining positive diversity–invasion resistance relationships in bacterial rhizosphere communities.
High damage tolerance of electrochemically lithiated silicon
Authors: Wang Xueju , Fan Feifei , Wang Jiangwei , Wang Haoran , Tao Siyu , Yang Avery , Liu Yang , Beng Chew Huck , Mao Scott X. , Zhu Ting , Xia Shuman 
Published: September 2015

AbstractMechanical degradation and resultant capacity fade in high-capacity electrode materials critically hinder their use in high-performance rechargeable batteries. Despite tremendous efforts devoted to the study of the electro–chemo–mechanical behaviours of high-capacity electrode materials, their fracture properties and mechanisms remain largely unknown. Here we report a nanomechanical study on the damage tolerance of electrochemically lithiated silicon. Our in situ transmission electron microscopy experiments reveal a striking contrast of brittle fracture in pristine silicon versus ductile tensile deformation in fully lithiated silicon. Quantitative fracture toughness measurements by nanoindentation show a rapid brittle-to-ductile transition of fracture as the lithium-to-silicon molar ratio is increased to above 1.5. Molecular dynamics simulations elucidate the mechanistic underpinnings of the brittle-to-ductile transition governed by atomic bonding and lithiation-induced toughening. Our results reveal the high damage tolerance in amorphous lithium-rich silicon alloys and have important implications for the development of durable rechargeable batteries.
Climate constrains the evolutionary history and biodiversity of crocodylians
Authors: Mannion Philip D. , Benson Roger B. J. , Carrano Matthew T. , Tennant Jonathan P. , Judd Jack , Butler Richard J. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThe fossil record of crocodylians and their relatives (pseudosuchians) reveals a rich evolutionary history, prompting questions about causes of long-term decline to their present-day low biodiversity. We analyse climatic drivers of subsampled pseudosuchian biodiversity over their 250 million year history, using a comprehensive new data set. Biodiversity and environmental changes correlate strongly, with long-term decline of terrestrial taxa driven by decreasing temperatures in northern temperate regions, and biodiversity decreases at lower latitudes matching patterns of increasing aridification. However, there is no relationship between temperature and biodiversity for marine pseudosuchians, with sea-level change and post-extinction opportunism demonstrated to be more important drivers. A ‘modern-type’ latitudinal biodiversity gradient might have existed throughout pseudosuchian history, and range expansion towards the poles occurred during warm intervals. Although their fossil record suggests that current global warming might promote long-term increases in crocodylian biodiversity and geographic range, the 'balancing forces' of anthropogenic environmental degradation complicate future predictions.