bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Borrelia afzelii outer membrane protein BAPKO_0422 binds human factor-H and is predicted to form a membrane-spanning β-barrel
Authors: Dyer Adam , Brown Gemma , Stejskal Lenka , Laity Peter R. , Bingham Richard J. 
Published: July 2015

The deep evolutionary history of the Spirochetes places their branch point early in the evolution of the diderms, before the divergence of the present day Proteobacteria. As a spirochete, the morphology of the Borrelia cell envelope shares characteristics of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. A thin layer of peptidoglycan, tightly associated with the cytoplasmic membrane, is surrounded by a more labile outer membrane (OM). This OM is rich in lipoproteins but with few known integral membrane proteins. The outer membrane protein A (OmpA) domain is an eight-stranded membrane-spanning β-barrel, highly conserved among the Proteobacteria but so far unknown in the Spirochetes. In the present work, we describe the identification of four novel OmpA-like β-barrels from Borrelia afzelii, the most common cause of erythema migrans (EM) rash in Europe. Structural characterization of one these proteins (BAPKO_0422) by SAXS and CD indicate a compact globular structure rich in β-strand consistent with a monomeric β-barrel. Ab initio molecular envelopes calculated from the scattering profile are consistent with homology models and demonstrate that BAPKO_0422 adopts a peanut shape with dimensions 25×45 Å (1 Å=0.1 nm). Deviations from the standard C-terminal signature sequence are apparent; in particular the C-terminal phenylalanine residue commonly found in Proteobacterial OM proteins is replaced by isoleucine/leucine or asparagine. BAPKO_0422 is demonstrated to bind human factor H (fH) and therefore may contribute to immune evasion by inhibition of the complement response. Encoded by chromosomal genes, these proteins are highly conserved between Borrelia subspecies and may be of diagnostic or therapeutic value.
Overexpression of transforming growth factor type III receptor restores TGF-β1 sensitivity in human tongue squamous cell carcinoma cells
Authors: Li Duo , Xu Dongyang , Lu Zhiyong , Dong Xingli , Wang Xiaofeng 
Published: July 2015

The transforming growth factor type III receptor (TβRIII), also known as β-glycan, is a multi-functional sensor that regulates growth, migration and apoptosis in most cancer cells. We hereby investigated the expression of TβRIII in clinical specimens of tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) and the underlying mechanism that TβRIII inhibits the growth of CAL-27 human oral squamous cells. The TSCC tissues showed a significant decrease in TβRIII protein expression as detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and western blot analysis. Transfection of TβRIII-containing plasmid DNA dramatically promoted TGF-β1 (10 ng/ml)-induced decrease in cell viability, apoptosis and cell arrest at the G0-/G1-phase. Moreover, transient overexpression of TβRIII enhanced the TGF-β1-induced cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2b (CDKN2b) and p38 protein activity, but did not affect the activities of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase 1/2 (JNK1/2) in CAL-27 cells. These results suggest overexpression of TβRIII receptor restored TGF-β1 sensitivity in CAL-27 cells, which may provide some new insights on exploiting this molecule therapeutically.
Osteoprotective effect of combination therapy of low-dose oestradiol with G15, a specific antagonist of GPR30/GPER in ovariectomy-induced osteoporotic rats
Authors: Kang Wen-Bo , Cong Yu , Ru Jiang-Ying , Ying Si-Qi , Zhu Ting , Wang Dong-Sheng , Liu Xiao-Wei , Liu Gang , Zhao Jian-Ning 
Published: July 2015

Identified and cloned in 1996 for the first time, G protein-coupled oestrogen receptor (ER) 30 (GPR30/GPER) has been a hot spot in the field of sex hormone research till now. In the present study, we examined the effects of low-dose oestradiol (E2) combined with G15, a specific antagonist of GPR30 on ovariectomy (OVX)-induced osteoporosis in rats. Female Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats undergoing OVX were used to evaluate the osteoprotective effect of the drugs. Administration of E2 [35 μg/kg, intraperitoneally (ip), three times/week) combining G15 (160 μg/kg, ip, three times/week) for 6 weeks was found to have prevented OVX-induced effects, including increase in bone turnover rate, decrease in bone mineral content (BMC) and bone mineral density (BMD), damage of bone structure and the aggravation in biomechanical properties of bone. The therapeutic effect of these two drugs in combination was better than that of E2 alone. Meanwhile, the administration of G15 prevented body weight increase or endometrium proliferation in the rats. In conclusion, administration of low-dose E2 combining G15 had a satisfactory bone protective effect for OVX rats, without significant influence on body weight or the uterus. This combination therapy may be an effective supplement of drugs in prevention and treatment for postmenopausal osteoporosis.
Unbalanced input pair zero current detector for DC–DC buck converter
Authors: Kok C.L. , Siek L. 
Published: July 2015

A hybrid control system is introduced which can simultaneously optimise dead time and reverse inductor current with both the proposed switched capacitor delay dead time controller and the unbalanced input pair zero current detector (UIP‐ZCD). Furthermore, the total silicon chip area of the hybrid control system occupies an area of 1.44 mm2. The estimated power efficiency is 95.8%, taking into account the losses due to wire bonding, package leads and PCB traces. The VIN_BUCK is 2.8–3.3 V, being regulated to a VOUT value of 1.8 V while driving 5–30 mA of load current. The proposed UIP‐ZCD is implemented in the buck converter which minimises the duration of reverse inductor current to be <1 ns.
Wiring cost and topological participation of the mouse brain connectome
Authors: Rubinov Mikail , Ypma Rolf J. F. , Watson Charles , Bullmore Edward T. 
Published: July 2015

SignificanceWe analyzed a large dataset of tract tracing experiments to investigate the topological and spatial properties of the mouse brain connectome. We found expensive, topologically integrative hub nodes, which could not be explained by global minimization of wiring cost alone. These “high-participation” hubs mediated communication between functionally specialized and anatomically localized network modules and were associated with high expression of genes involved in cognitive and behavioral processes. We propose that the mouse brain network is selected by simultaneous competitive pressures for wiring-cost minimization and hub-mediated information exchange between network modules. High-participation hubs are expensive but central to global integration of information and, thus, essential for adaptive “higher order” brain functions.
Rational design of antibodies targeting specific epitopes within intrinsically disordered proteins
Authors: Sormanni Pietro , Aprile Francesco A. , Vendruscolo Michele 
Published: July 2015

Significance
Although antibodies can normally be obtained against a wide variety of antigens, there are still hard targets, including weakly immunogenic epitopes, which are not readily amenable to existing production techniques. In addition, such techniques can be relatively time-consuming and costly, especially if the screening for a specific epitope is required. In this work we describe a rational design method that enables one to obtain antibodies targeting any specific epitope within a disordered protein or disordered region. We show that this method can be used to target three disordered proteins and peptides associated with neurodegenerative and systemic misfolding diseases.
Mechanics of torque generation in the bacterial flagellar motor
Authors: Mandadapu Kranthi K. , Nirody Jasmine A. , Berry Richard M. , Oster George 
Published: July 2015

SignificanceLocomotion in many bacterial species is driven by the rotation of one or more long flagellar filaments, each powered by a bacterial flagellar motor (BFM) at its base. The BFM, then, plays a central role in processes such as chemotaxis, bacterial pathogenicity, and biofilm formation. Using information from structural and biophysical experiments on the BFM, we construct a testable model for the mechanism of torque generation. Our model is, to our knowledge, the first to propose and test a specific physical mechanism for this process, and it provides a mechanical explanation for several fundamental properties of the BFM. In addition to fitting current experimental results, model predictions suggest further experiments to shed light on various aspects of motor function.
Microbiota regulates type 1 diabetes through Toll-like receptors
Authors: Burrows Michael P. , Volchkov Pavel , Kobayashi Koichi S. , Chervonsky Alexander V. 
Published: July 2015

Significance
Commensal microbes affect autoimmunity, but it is not clear how. Type 1 diabetes is an organ-specific autoimmune disorder, and it too can be influenced by commensal microbiota. However, the complexity of the microbiota makes it difficult to connect specific microbes with disease progression or prevention. Studies of signaling pathways that microbes stimulate may shed light on disease pathogenesis and provide tools to interfere with it. We found that different Toll-like receptors can induce both pro- and antidiabetogenic signals. Both signals are triggered by commensal microbes, but the former signals control the microbiota, whereas the latter induce tolerance to self-antigens. Identification of signaling pathways that link commensal microbes with autoimmunity shortens the path to intervention with autoimmunity.
GRIP1 is required for homeostatic regulation of AMPAR trafficking
Authors: Tan Han L. , Queenan Bridget N. , Huganir Richard L. 
Published: July 2015

Significance
Homeostatic plasticity constrains neuronal networks, allowing the brain to maintain a dynamic equilibrium. Loss of homeostatic plasticity disrupts normal brain function and has been implicated in autism spectrum disorder. Much of homeostatic regulation centers on synapses. In particular, excitatory AMPA-type glutamate receptors (AMPARs) are moved in and out of synapses to recalibrate neuronal activity. AMPARs can be inserted at the surface to compensate for inactivity or removed to compensate for hyperactivity. We found that GRIP1, an AMPAR-binding protein implicated in autism, regulates the homeostatic shuttling of AMPARs between cytoplasmic and synaptic pools. Restoring GRIP1 regulation may therefore prove therapeutically useful in autism.
Novel 10-kHz High-frequency Therapy (HF10 Therapy) Is Superior to Traditional Low-frequency Spinal Cord Stimulation for the Treatment of Chronic Back and Leg Pain
Authors: Kapural Leonardo , Yu Cong , Doust Matthew W. , Gliner Bradford E. , Vallejo Ricardo , Sitzman B. Todd , Amirdelfan Kasra , Morgan Donna M. , Brown Lora L. , Yearwood Thomas L. , Bundschu Richard , Burton Allen W. , Yang Thomas , Benyamin Ramsin , Burgher Abram H. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractAbstract
This randomized trial involving 198 participants demonstrated that high-frequency spinal cord stimulation was superior to conventional spinal cord stimulation for the treatment of back pain and leg pain. The effects of high-frequency stimulation relative to conventional stimulation persisted for 12 months.

Background:
Current treatments for chronic pain have limited effectiveness and commonly known side effects. Given the prevalence and burden of intractable pain, additional therapeutic approaches are desired. Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) delivered at 10 kHz (as in HF10 therapy) may provide pain relief without the paresthesias typical of traditional low-frequency SCS. The objective of this randomized, parallel-arm, noninferiority study was to compare long-term safety and efficacy of SCS therapies in patients with back and leg pain.

Methods:
A total of 198 subjects with both back and leg pain were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to a treatment group across 10 comprehensive pain treatment centers. Of these, 171 passed a temporary trial and were implanted with an SCS system. Responders (the primary outcome) were defined as having 50% or greater back pain reduction with no stimulation-related neurological deficit.

Results:
At 3 months, 84.5% of implanted HF10 therapy subjects were responders for back pain and 83.1% for leg pain, and 43.8% of traditional SCS subjects were responders for back pain and 55.5% for leg pain (P < 0.001 for both back and leg pain comparisons). The relative ratio for responders was 1.9 (95% CI, 1.4 to 2.5) for back pain and 1.5 (95% CI, 1.2 to 1.9) for leg pain. The superiority of HF10 therapy over traditional SCS for leg and back pain was sustained through 12 months (P < 0.001). HF10 therapy subjects did not experience paresthesias.

Conclusion:
HF10 therapy promises to substantially impact the management of back and leg pain with broad applicability to patients, physicians, and payers.
Epidemiology and Outcomes of Kocuria Keratitis
Authors: Pedro-Aguilar Lucero , Ramirez-Miranda Arturo , Bautista-de Lucio Victor M. , Navas Alejandro , Ortiz-Casas Mariana , Graue-Hernandez Enrique O. 
Published: July 2015

Objective:
To determine the characteristics of infectious keratitis caused by Kocuria spp.

Methods:
Retrospective case series. Information included demographic data, medical history, risk factors associated with infectious keratitis, clinical characteristics, microbiological results and drug sensitivity, clinical course, management, and visual outcomes.

Results:
Eight patients were included (7 females and 1 male; mean age, 66.2 years; age range, 42–84 years). All patients presented risk factors for infectious complications, such as filamentous keratitis, dry eye, blepharitis, and persistent corneal edema. In all cases, ulcers were classified as severe. The infection resolved with medical treatment in one eye only. One case was treated with amniotic membrane graft. Two patients required keratoplasty (lamellar and penetrating), and one case needed sclerokeratoplasty. In three cases, the keratitis was severe enough to require evisceration. The final visual acuity ranged from 20/25 to no light perception.

Conclusions:
Bacterial keratitis by Kocuria spp. is a rare infection that may have an unexpected clinical course and possible serious outcomes. This pathogen should be considered in patients with unusual clinical course. Local or systemic immune compromise in the genesis of the disease must also be taken into account, and ophthalmologists should be more suspicious in this vulnerable group of patients.
Phylogenetic effective sample size
Authors: Bartoszek Krzysztof 
Published: July 2015

AbstractIn this paper I address the question —how large is a phylogenetic sample?I propose a definition of a phylogenetic effective sample size for Brownian motion and Ornstein–Uhlenbeck processes — theregression effective sample size. I discuss how mutual information can be used to define an effective sample size in the non-normal process case and compare these two definitions to an already present concept of effective sample size (the mean effective sample size). Through a simulation study I find that the AICcis robust if one corrects for the number of species or effective number of species. Lastly I discuss how the concept of the phylogenetic effective sample size can be useful for biodiversity quantification, identification of interesting clades and deciding on the importance of phylogenetic correlations.
The genetic basis of cone serotiny inPinus contortaas a function of mixed-severity and stand-replacement fire regimes
Authors: Feduck Mike , Henry Philippe , Winder Richard , Dunn David , Alfaro René , vanAkker Lara , Hawkes Brad 
Published: July 2015

ABSTRACTWildfires and mountain pine beetle (MPB) attacks are important contributors to the development of stand structure in lodgepole pine, and major drivers of its evolution. The historical pattern of these events have been correlated with variation in cone serotiny (possessing cones that remain closed and retain seeds until opened by fire) across the Rocky Mountain region of Western North America. As climate change brings about a marked increase in the size, intensity, and severity of our wildfires, it is becoming increasingly important to study the genetic basis of serotiny as an adaptation to wildfire. Knowledge gleaned from these studies would have direct implications for forest management in the future, and for the future. In this study, we collected physical data and DNA samples from 122 trees of two different areas in the IDF-dk of British Columbia; multi-cohort stands (Cariboo-Chilcotin) with a history of mixed-severity fire and frequent MPB disturbances, and single-cohort stands (Logan Lake) with a history of stand replacing (crown) fire and infrequent MPB disturbances. We used QuantiNemo to construct simulated populations of lodgepole pine at five different growth rates, and compared the statistical outputs to physical data, then ran a random forest analysis to shed light on sources of variation in serotiny. We also sequenced 39 SNPs, of which 23 failed or were monomorphic. The 16 informative SNPs were used to calculate HOand HE, which were included alongside genotypes for a second random forest analysis. Our best random forest model explained 33% of variation in serotiny, using simulation and physical variables. Our results highlight the need for more investigation into this matter, using more extensive approaches, and also consideration of alternative methods of heredity such as epigenetics.
An analysis on EEG power spectrum under pressure of girdle
Authors: Liu Yunjuan , Chen Dongsheng 
Published: July 2015

Purpose
– The pressure exerted on the body by clothes is one important factor affecting the comfort of clothing, it is an effective method to evaluate pressure comfort by physiology and psychology. The purpose of this paper is to measure, electroencephalography (EEG), an index of brain activity in order to examine the effect on brain activity conditions caused by oppression exerted by clothing on the body.

Design/methodology/approach
– EEG power spectrum analysis was conduct to verify the electrophysiological characteristic of brain caused by pressure on the body by girdle.

Findings
– Experimental results showed that the intensity of α waves in the pressure condition is decreased compared to the non-pressure condition, and the somatosensory activated by pressure of girdle mainly in occipital, frontal and parietal region of brain.

Originality/value
– It was clarified that it is impossible to evaluate the clothes pressure by physiological technique of EEG, this study has enriched methods of evaluation pressure comfort.
Research on the surface of multilayer weft knitted fabrics using computer simulation
Authors: Jin Lanming , Jiang Gaoming 
Published: July 2015

Purpose
– Multilayer weft knitted fabrics possess many advantages, such as strongly stereoscopic patterns, soft handling and adjustable thickness of apparel and home textiles use. However, it is difficult to predict the final visual effects before the productive process because of the three-dimensional (3D) effect caused by the connecting yarn of the fabric. The purpose of this paper is to realize a realistic simulation of the fabric.

Design/methodology/approach
– The authors applied to the curve and surface model to simulate the knitted fabric, instead of previous single loop model by NURBS. Macro simulation is more suitable for the fabric with the 3D effect because of the quick, real and convenient simulation. This research includes experiments on the structural parameters concerning the regular sag of multilayer weft knitted fabrics, and analysis of parameter data and the simulation process with the aim of realizing a computer simulation of the fabric, especially with a sense of reality. The Digital Elevation Model was also applied to build a simulated 3D model.

Findings
– To obtain the values for the change rules, different samples were used and the outputs of the model were found to be close to the experimental results. The thickest and thinnest lengths and the changing curves between them were established. Patterned simple multilayer weft knitted fabric could be simulated through the results of the research. It is possible to simulate different real fabrics using their materials and expected effects. The authors are going to improve the model to simulate the complicate large-scale jacquard fabrics in further research.

Practical implications
– The results will be useful for establishing a computer surface simulation system for stereo perception of fabrics.

Originality/value
– The authors put forward the concept of surface warpage degree (R). It is an important factor affecting the fabric stereo feeling. The larger the value of R, the stronger the stereo sense of the fabric. It could be applied to most 3D fabric. A thickness difference testing method was proposed to characterize the stereo perception of fabrics. It is possible to simulate different real fabrics quickly without the model of the woven loop.
Temperature changes of plain cotton fabric during liquid absorption process
Authors: Zhu Guocheng , Kremenakova Dana , Wang Yan , Militky Jiri 
Published: July 2015

Purpose
– Clothing comfort has been one important and complex area which is the result of a balanced process of heat and moisture/liquid exchange between the human body, the clothing system and the environment. And the clothes will represent different properties when they are in different conditions, which have great influence on human comfort. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the hygroscopicity-exothermicity property of plain cotton fabric.

Design/methodology/approach
– A real-time testing device for monitoring the temperature change of cotton fabrics after adsorbing liquids was constructed, and serveral liuqids such as water, NaCl solution with different concentrations, NaOH solution with different concentrations, and urea solution with different concentrations were used in this work.

Findings
– It was found out that absorption of liquids by cotton fabric was followed by the liberation of heat, which increased the temperature of cotton fabric as well as the temperature of surrounding environment, and the process of temperature increase was much shorter than the process of temperature decrease. In addition, the released heat energy were different according to different liquids as well as the concentrations of liquid solutions.

Originality/value
– There have some studies in the heat of water/vapor sorption of textiles. Here the temperature changes of surrounding environment and fabric after absorbing different liquids were real-time observed and recorded.