bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Full Members of the TEAM? Evangelical Women in the European Mission, 1945–1980
Authors: KRABBENDAM HANS
Published: October 2017

After World War II, American evangelicals realized that the European religious landscape had been seriously damaged, causing them to begin to include Europe in their mission programs. Their initiatives reversed the established direction of things, changing the pattern of who sent and who received missionary support. The religious aid flowing from the US fell almost entirely within the masculine framing of the American state, which had so recently exerted its influence in Europe in the military, economic, and cultural spheres. This essay explains how, as a result of practical experience and general social change, gender relations in American missions came to embrace greater inclusivity. European evangelicals, in turn, were both empowered by working with the American missionaries and impacted by the American debate over the separation of male and female roles in the mission field.
The Global Conscience of American Evangelicalism: Internationalism and Social Concern in the 1970s and Beyond
Authors: MCALISTER MELANI
Published: October 2017

The Lausanne Congress on World Evangelization in 1974 was the largest global gathering of evangelical Christians in the latter half of the twentieth century. Lausanne was significant, in part because of the struggle between two sets of evangelical leaders: those, led by the US, who wanted to retain a focus on “evangelism,” and the young radicals, led by Latin Americans, who demanded a broader attention to “social concern.” This essay traces the impact of the liberalizing faction, while also following the “evangelism-first” movement and its role in the rise of the religious right in the US in the 1980s.
Reassessing the Eagle and the Lion
Authors: OFFILER BEN
Published: October 2017

In June 2013, Iran surprised many observers by electing the moderate, but still firmly establishment, cleric Hassan Rouhani as President. Following Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's eight years in office, few analysts predicted Rouhani's victory. It was expected that Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, would oversee the election of a more controllable conservative politician than Ahmadinejad had turned out to be. Instead, the array of hard-line candidates presented to the electorate on polling day split the conservative vote, resulting in an overwhelming victory for Rouhani.
Senses and Sensibility: The Civil War as Lived Experience
Authors: ANDERSON DAVID
Published: October 2017

Among wartime and postwar Americans, North and South, an appetite to narrate their experiences of preserving Union or achieving state sovereignty is reflected in their many accounts of the coming of the Civil War, its fighting, and its aftermath. Private letters from the home front and front line were regularly written and received; despite shortages of paper and ink, diaries and journals were diligently kept, recording experiences at both local and state levels; and memoirs and reminiscences, usually written many years after the events they describe, were produced for regional, national, and even international literary markets. These eyewitness accounts from a wide range of historical actors offer scholars, students, and general readers a remarkably detailed, intimate, and valuable glimpse of lived experience during four years of fighting that shaped a nation.
Influencing the imagined ‘polar regions’: the politics of Japan's Arctic and Antarctic policies
Authors: Tonami Aki
Published: October 2017

How does a state that is not a ‘natural’ Arctic or Antarctic state perceive the polar regions, interpret their roles in its foreign policy and translate this into actual polar policy? This paper seeks to answer these questions by comparing the Arctic and Antarctic policies of Japan. The paper shows that Japan's national image of the polar regions as a combined region began before World War II due to its imperial past of joining the race to the Antarctic and the Arctic. However, from a policy point of view, the polar regions for Japan long meant primarily Antarctica. Japan, as a defeated power and a late-comer to the international system established after World War II, takes a liberal position in the governance of Antarctica. Having and maintaining a capability to conduct scientific research in the Antarctic via international decision-making institutions has been considered an important status marker associated with great power identity. Regarding the Arctic, Japan attempts to replicate the general success of its Antarctic policy, backed by tools of science and technological diplomacy, the purpose of which is to revive its domestic economy. Japan's scientific whaling in the Antarctic is primarily a domestic, identity-based political conflict between a nostalgia for Japan's imperial past and its more modern, liberal identity of today.
Infinite Now by Chaya Czernowin, Vlaamse Opera, Ghent, Belgium
Authors: Jones Stephanie
Published: October 2017

On the evening of 18 April 2017, the world premiere of Chaya Czernowin's highly anticipated new opera, Infinite Now, was performed at Vlaamse Opera Ghent, Belgium. The ambience of the venue was buzzing, highly charged, electrical – a visceral state that seemed contextually appropriate for the lengthy 2.5-hour experience (without intermission) ahead. Programmed as part of the Opera Ballet Vlaanderen 2016–17 ‘Borderline’ series, the set-up and contour of the pre-concert events became eerily symbolic: a large, grandiose, guarded door separated the rooms holding the press conference and pre-concert lecture, through which the composer would eventually pass toward the latter to conclude: ‘[t]he power to continue, that is what [the opera] is all about. It is not the power to be happy or to be sad. … It is much more morass, elemental and existential. The power to continue’. In an instant, the strong ring of emergency sirens then happened to pierce and penetrate from the world beyond – a rather poignant signal to declare the doors to the first performance officially open.
Big Data and Democracy: Facts and Values
Authors: Gorham Ashley E.
Published: October 2017

The incongruity between traditional research standards and the realities of “big data” raises novel ethical questions for political science researchers. Data’s status as a commodity largely held by private companies only further confuses matters. Drawing on Max Weber, this article attempts to shift the current ethical discussion away from the individualistic concern for privacy toward the more collective framework of democratic values.
Does Peer Review Identify the Best Papers? A Simulation Study of Editors, Reviewers, and the Scientific Publication Process
Authors: Esarey Justin
Published: October 2017

How does the structure of the peer review process, which can vary among journals, influence the quality of papers published in a journal? This article studies multiple systems of peer review using computational simulation. I find that, under any of the systems I study, a majority of accepted papers are evaluated by an average reader as not meeting the standards of the journal. Moreover, all systems allow random chance to play a strong role in the acceptance decision. Heterogeneous reviewer and reader standards for scientific quality drive both results. A peer review system with an active editor—that is, one who uses desk rejection before review and does not rely strictly on reviewer votes to make decisions—can mitigate some of these effects.
The Politics of Presence in Academic Professional Associations: A Research Note on Governance at the APSA
Authors: Atchison Amy
Published: October 2017

Professional associations like the American Political Science Association (APSA) are intended to represent the interests of all of the members of the profession. The APSA has worked diligently to increase diversity in its leadership, successfully bringing more women and minorities into APSA governance. However, there has not been a corresponding effort to ensure that members from diverse institution types have a seat at the table. This is important because different institution types have different professional issues and interests. In this research note, I explore the extent to which APSA’s leadership is reflective of the range of institution types in higher education. I find that the APSA’s leadership is disproportionately comprised of members from large doctoral-granting universities and elite graduate programs. I conclude with potential ramifications and suggestions for further research.
What if? Counterfactual (Hi)Stories of International Law
Authors: VENZKE Ingo
Published: October 2017

This paper proposes to think counterfactually about international law: How could it have been otherwise? Asking that question has the benefit of, first, exposing contingencies in international law’s development that are otherwise glossed over in the rush towards making sense of what happened. Second, counterfactual thinking supports the understanding of what actually happened in a context-sensitive fashion. Third, it forms part of comparative moral assessments and exposes blind spots. Counterfactual thinking may thus contribute to the freedom from necessity, from grand theory, and from reality. The paper draws the contours of what writing counterfactual (hi)stories of international law is about, discusses its merits as well as drawbacks, offers guidance on how to do it, and then focuses on two probing examples: What if the International Trade Organization had been established around 1949? What if garment workers were seals and the European Commission prohibited the importation of certain textiles?
The ASEAN Convention Against Trafficking in Persons: A Preliminary Assessment
Authors: YUSRAN Ranyta
Published: October 2017

This paper offers a preliminary assessment of the ASEAN Convention against Trafficking in Persons [ACTIP] and the road leading to ACTIP’s adoption. It argues that ACTIP’s adoption and entry into force represent a growing trend in ASEAN treaty practice, especially on issues of international and regional concern, in which hard and soft obligations are combined to appeal to states’ ratification and thus the possible timely entry into force of certain binding instruments. However, more needs to be done to increase the effectiveness of ACTIP, including the prescription of a stronger compliance mechanism. To investigate whether ACTIP represents a growing trend in ASEAN treaty practice, and to study further measures to increase ACTIP’s effectiveness, the paper endeavours to assess the strength of ACTIP’s provisions, effective implementation, and compliance. It shall do this by comparing ACTIP to other relevant international and regional anti-TIP conventions.
The Relationship Between Working Time and Ill Health
Authors: Tanner Grit , Bamberg Eva , Kersten Maren , Kozak Agnessa , Nienhaus Albert
Published: October 2017

Abstract: Several studies have investigated the relationship between working time and health; however, an adequate comparison of this relationship among full-time and part-time workers is still missing. Therefore, this study aimed to fill this gap in the literature. We investigated several aspects of working time: weekly overtime, monthly on-call duties, monthly shift work, and adherence to breaks. To assess health, we investigated sleeping problems, cognitive irritation, and emotional exhaustion. Data were collected from 812 hospital physicians. We tested our assumptions with a group comparison using structural equation modeling. Overtime and adherence to breaks were shown to be health-relevant factors, particularly for full-time workers, whereas night and weekend shifts were more relevant for part-time workers’ health. On-call duties were less relevant for both groups. The inclusion of time pressure and autonomy caused different changes. The results of this study illustrate that personal needs should be considered when scheduling working time to promote health.
Do Work Characteristics Mediate the Negative Effect of Transformational Leadership on Impaired Well-Being?
Authors: Vincent-Höper Sylvie , Gregersen Sabine , Nienhaus Albert
Published: October 2017

Abstract: In recent years, transformational leadership as a health-related factor has become a focal point of interest in research and practice. However, the pathways and mechanisms underlying this association are not yet well understood. In order to gain knowledge on how or why transformational leadership and employee well-being are associated, we investigated the mediating effect of the work characteristics role clarity and predictability. The study was carried out on 618 employees working in the health-care sector in Germany. We tested the mediator effect using structural equation modeling. The results indicate that role clarity and predictability fully mediate the relation between transformational leadership and negative indicators of well-being. These results give credit to the notion that work characteristics play an important role in identifying health-relevant aspects of leadership behavior. Our findings advance the understanding of how to enhance employee well-being and have implications for the design of leadership-related interventions of workplace health promotion.
Satellite Quantifies Carbon Dioxide from Coal-Fired Power Plants
Authors: Kornei Katherine
Published: October 2017

Using data from NASA’s Orbiting Carbon Observatory 2 satellite, researchers measured emissions of the greenhouse gas from individual coal plants in the United States, India, and South Africa.
Single cell genomics of uncultured marine alveolates shows paraphyly of basal dinoflagellates
Authors: Strassert Jürgen F H , Karnkowska Anna , Hehenberger Elisabeth , del Campo Javier , Kolisko Martin , Okamoto Noriko , Burki Fabien , Janouškovec Jan , Poirier Camille , Leonard Guy , Hallam Steven J , Richards Thomas A , Worden Alexandra Z , Santoro Alyson E , Keeling Patrick J
Published: October 2017

Marine alveolates (MALVs) are diverse and widespread early-branching dinoflagellates, but most knowledge of the group comes from a few cultured species that are generally not abundant in natural samples, or from diversity analyses of PCR-based environmental SSU rRNA gene sequences. To more broadly examine MALV genomes, we generated single cell genome sequences from seven individually isolated cells. Genes expected of heterotrophic eukaryotes were found, with interesting exceptions like presence of proteorhodopsin and vacuolar H+-pyrophosphatase. Phylogenetic analysis of concatenated SSU and LSU rRNA gene sequences provided strong support for the paraphyly of MALV lineages. Dinoflagellate viral nucleoproteins were found only in MALV groups that branched as sister to dinokaryotes. Our findings indicate that multiple independent origins of several characteristics early in dinoflagellate evolution, such as a parasitic life style, underlie the environmental diversity of MALVs, and suggest they have more varied trophic modes than previously thought.
Genetic effects on gene expression across human tissues
Authors:   GTEx Consortium
Published: October 2017

Characterization of the molecular function of the human genome and its variation across individuals is essential for identifying the cellular mechanisms that underlie human genetic traits and diseases. The Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) project aims to characterize variation in gene expression levels across individuals and diverse tissues of the human body, many of which are not easily accessible. Here we describe genetic effects on gene expression levels across 44 human tissues. We find that local genetic variation affects gene expression levels for the majority of genes, and we further identify inter-chromosomal genetic effects for 93 genes and 112 loci. On the basis of the identified genetic effects, we characterize patterns of tissue specificity, compare local and distal effects, and evaluate the functional properties of the genetic effects. We also demonstrate that multi-tissue, multi-individual data can be used to identify genes and pathways affected by human disease-associated variation, enabling a mechanistic interpretation of gene regulation and the genetic basis of disease.
Blood vessel control of macrophage maturation promotes arteriogenesis in ischemia
Authors: Krishnasamy Kashyap , Limbourg Anne , Kapanadze Tamar , Gamrekelashvili Jaba , Beger Christian , Häger Christine , Lozanovski Vladimir J. , Falk Christine S. , Napp L. Christian , Bauersachs Johann , Mack Matthias , Haller Hermann , Weber Christian , Adams Ralf H. , Limbourg Florian P.
Published: October 2017

Ischemia causes an inflammatory response that is intended to restore perfusion and homeostasis yet often aggravates damage. Here we show, using conditional genetic deletion strategies together with adoptive cell transfer experiments in a mouse model of hind limb ischemia, that blood vessels control macrophage differentiation and maturation from recruited monocytes via Notch signaling, which in turn promotes arteriogenesis and tissue repair. Macrophage maturation is controlled by Notch ligand Dll1 expressed in vascular endothelial cells of arteries and requires macrophage canonical Notch signaling via Rbpj, which simultaneously suppresses an inflammatory macrophage fate. Conversely, conditional mutant mice lacking Dll1 or Rbpj show proliferation and transient accumulation of inflammatory macrophages, which antagonizes arteriogenesis and tissue repair. Furthermore, the effects of Notch are sufficient to generate mature macrophages from monocytes ex vivo that display a stable anti-inflammatory phenotype when challenged with pro-inflammatory stimuli. Thus, angiocrine Notch signaling fosters macrophage maturation during ischemia.
Regulation of T cell alloimmunity by PI3Kγ and PI3Kδ
Authors: Uehara Mayuko , McGrath Martina M. , Ohori Shunsuke , Solhjou Zhabiz , Banouni Naima , Routray Sujit , Evans Catherine , DiNitto Jonathan P. , Elkhal Abdallah , Turka Laurence A. , Strom Terry B. , Tullius Stefan G. , Winkler David G. , Azzi Jamil , Abdi Reza
Published: October 2017

Phosphatidylinositol-3-kinases (PI3K) γ and δ are preferentially enriched in leukocytes, and defects in these signaling pathways have been shown to impair T cell activation. The effects of PI3Kγ and PI3Kδ on alloimmunity remain underexplored. Here, we show that both PI3Kγ
−/−
and PI3Kδ
D910A/D910A
mice receiving heart allografts have suppression of alloreactive T effector cells and delayed acute rejection. However, PI3Kδ mutation also dampens regulatory T cells (Treg). After treatment with low dose CTLA4-Ig, PI3Kγ
−/−
, but not PI3Κδ
D910A/D910A
, recipients exhibit indefinite prolongation of heart allograft survival. PI3Kδ
D910A/D910A
Tregs have increased apoptosis and impaired survival. Selective inhibition of PI3Kγ and PI3Kδ (using PI3Kδ and dual PI3Kγδ chemical inhibitors) shows that PI3Kγ inhibition compensates for the negative effect of PI3Kδ inhibition on long-term allograft survival. These data serve as a basis for future PI3K-based immune therapies for transplantation.
TRPA1–FGFR2 binding event is a regulatory oncogenic driver modulated by miRNA-142-3p
Authors: Berrout Jonathan , Kyriakopoulou Eleni , Moparthi Lavanya , Hogea Alexandra S. , Berrout Liza , Ivan Cristina , Lorger Mihaela , Boyle John , Peers Chris , Muench Stephen , Gomez Jacobo Elies , Hu Xin , Hurst Carolyn , Hall Thomas , Umamaheswaran Sujanitha , Wesley Laura , Gagea Mihai , Shires Michael , Manfield Iain , Knowles Margaret A. , Davies Simon , Suhling Klaus , Gonzalez Yurema Teijeiro , Carragher Neil , Macleod Kenneth , Abbott N. Joan , Calin George A. , Gamper Nikita , Zygmunt Peter M. , Timsah Zahra
Published: October 2017

Recent evidence suggests that the ion channel TRPA1 is implicated in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), where its role and mechanism of action remain unknown. We have previously established that the membrane receptor FGFR2 drives LUAD progression through aberrant protein–protein interactions mediated via its C-terminal proline-rich motif. Here we report that the N-terminal ankyrin repeats of TRPA1 directly bind to the C-terminal proline-rich motif of FGFR2 inducing the constitutive activation of the receptor, thereby prompting LUAD progression and metastasis. Furthermore, we show that upon metastasis to the brain, TRPA1 gets depleted, an effect triggered by the transfer of TRPA1-targeting exosomal microRNA (miRNA-142-3p) from brain astrocytes to cancer cells. This downregulation, in turn, inhibits TRPA1-mediated activation of FGFR2, hindering the metastatic process. Our study reveals a direct binding event and characterizes the role of TRPA1 ankyrin repeats in regulating FGFR2-driven oncogenic process; a mechanism that is hindered by miRNA-142-3p.
Regulating p-block metals in perovskite nanodots for efficient electrocatalytic water oxidation
Authors: Li Bo-Quan , Xia Zi-Jing , Zhang Bingsen , Tang Cheng , Wang Hao-Fan , Zhang Qiang
Published: October 2017

Water oxidation represents the core process of many sustainable energy systems, such as fuel cells, rechargeable metal-air batteries, and water splitting. Material surface defects with high-energy hanging bonds possess superb intrinsic reactivity, whose actual performance is limited by the dimension and conductivity of the electrocatalyst. Herein we propose a surface defect-rich perovskite electrocatalyst through a p-block metal regulation concept to achieve high performance for oxygen evolution. As a typical p-metal, Sn4+ dissolves from the solid phase from model SnNiFe perovskite nanodots, resulting in abundant surface defects with superior water oxidation performance. An oxygen pool model and a fusion-evolution mechanism are therefore proposed for the in-depth understanding of p-block metal regulation and the oxygen evolution reaction. The energy chemistry unveiled herein provides insights into water oxidation and helps to tackle critical issues in multi-electron oxygen electrocatalysis.
Direct visualization of critical hydrogen atoms in a pyridoxal 5′-phosphate enzyme
Authors: Dajnowicz Steven , Johnston Ryne C. , Parks Jerry M. , Blakeley Matthew P. , Keen David A. , Weiss Kevin L. , Gerlits Oksana , Kovalevsky Andrey , Mueser Timothy C.
Published: October 2017

Enzymes dependent on pyridoxal 5′-phosphate (PLP, the active form of vitamin B6) perform a myriad of diverse chemical transformations. They promote various reactions by modulating the electronic states of PLP through weak interactions in the active site. Neutron crystallography has the unique ability of visualizing the nuclear positions of hydrogen atoms in macromolecules. Here we present a room-temperature neutron structure of a homodimeric PLP-dependent enzyme, aspartate aminotransferase, which was reacted in situ with α-methylaspartate. In one monomer, the PLP remained as an internal aldimine with a deprotonated Schiff base. In the second monomer, the external aldimine formed with the substrate analog. We observe a deuterium equidistant between the Schiff base and the C-terminal carboxylate of the substrate, a position indicative of a low-barrier hydrogen bond. Quantum chemical calculations and a low-pH room-temperature X-ray structure provide insight into the physical phenomena that control the electronic modulation in aspartate aminotransferase.
Blood pressure and cholesterol level checks as dynamic interrelated screening examinations
Authors: Labeit Alexander , Kedir Abbi , Peinemann Frank
Published: October 2017

This study analysed the determinants of screening uptake for blood pressure and cholesterol level checks. Furthermore, it investigated the presence of possible spillover effects from one type of cardiovascular screening to another type of cardiovascular screening. A dynamic random effects bivariate panel probit model with initial conditions (Wooldridge-type estimator) was adopted for the estimation. The outcome variables were the participation in blood pressure and cholesterol level checks by individuals in a given year. The balanced panel sample of 21,138 observations was constructed from 1,626 individuals from the British Household Panel Survey (BHPS) between 1996 and 2008. The analysis showed the significance of past screening behaviour for both cardiovascular screening examinations. For both cardiovascular screening examinations state dependence exist. The study also shows a significant spillover effect of the cholesterol level check on the blood pressure check and vice versa. Also a poorer health status led to a higher uptake for both types of screening examinations. Changes in recommendations have to consider the fact that taking part in one type of cardiovascular screening examination can influence the decision to take part in the other type of cardiovascular screening examination.
A doping-less junction-formation mechanism between n-silicon and an atomically thin boron layer
Authors: Mohammadi Vahid , Nihtianov Stoyan , Fang Changming
Published: October 2017

The interest in nanostructures of silicon and its dopants has significantly increased. We report the creation of an ultimately-shallow junction at the surface of n-type silicon with excellent electrical and optical characteristics made by depositing an atomically thin boron layer at a relatively low temperature where no doping of silicon is expected. The presented experimental results and simulations of the ab initio quantum mechanics molecular dynamics prove that the structure of this new type of junction differs from all other known rectifying junctions at this time. An analysis of the junction formation has led to the conclusion that the chemical interaction between the surface atoms of crystalline silicon and the first atomic layer of the as-deposited amorphous boron is the dominant factor leading to the formation of a depletion zone in the crystalline silicon which originates from the surface. The simulation results show a very strong electric field across the c-Si/a-B interface systems where the charge transfer occurs mainly from the interface Si atoms to the neighboring B atoms. This electric field appears to be responsible for the creation of a depletion zone in the n-silicon resulting in a rectifying junction-formation between the n-silicon and the atomically thin boron layer.
Efficacy and safety for Apatinib treatment in advanced gastric cancer: a real world study
Authors: Zhang Yong , Han Chun , Li Juan , Zhang Li , Wang Lijie , Ye Sisi , Hu Yi , Bai Li
Published: October 2017

Apatinib has been proved to be effective and safe among patients in gastric cancer in Phase II and III Trials. We aimed to evaluate its efficacy and safety in real world practice, and to explore factors associated with efficacy. Between January 2015 and February 2017, totally 36 patients with advanced gastric adenocarcinoma or adenocarcinoma of gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) were enrolled and followed up retrospectively after failing at least two lines of systemic therapy. The mPFS was 2.65 months (95%CI 1.66–3.54), and mOS was 5.8 months (95%CI 4.77–6.83). Two patients achieved partial response, and nineteen achieved stable disease. The disease control rate (DCR) was 58.3%, and objective response rate (ORR) was 5.6%. Common grade adverse events were hypertension (38.9%), proteinuria (36.1%), and neutropenia (33.3%). And the most common adverse events over grade 3 were hand-foot syndrome (8.3%), anemia (5.6%), and diarrhea (5.6%). No treatment-related death was documented during the drug administration. Exploratory analyses indicated patients treated with antiangiogenic therapy previously were more likely to benefit from apatinib.
Hydrogen Sulphide Treatment Increases Insulin Sensitivity and Improves Oxidant Metabolism through the CaMKKbeta-AMPK Pathway in PA-Induced IR C2C12 Cells
Authors: Chen Xubo , Zhao Xueyan , Lan Fazhang , Zhou Tao , Cai Hua , Sun Haiying , Kong Weijia , Kong Wen
Published: October 2017

Studies have reported attenuation of insulin resistance (IR) by improving phosphorylation of the insulin signalling pathway. However, the upstream molecular signalling pathway is still elusive. In this study, Western blot was used to evaluate the phosphorylation level of the insulin signalling pathway and the AMPK pathway. 2-NBDG was used to evaluate glucose uptake. Ca2+ imaging was used to assess change of intracellular Ca2+ concentration. We found that NaHS enhanced the intracellular Ca2+ concentration and glucose uptake and activated the insulin signalling cascade in a palmitic acid (PA)-induced IR model in C2C12 cells. Furthermore, activation of the IRS1/PI3K/AKT pathway and glucose uptake were decreased when AMPK or CaMKKβ was inhibited. Our study also showed that the mitochondrial electron transport chain, ATP production, and intramitochondrial cAMP declined in the IR model but that this effect was reversed by NaHS, an effect that may be mediated by the Ca2+/CaMKK2/AMPK and PI3K/AKT pathways. Our data indicate that H2S improves activation of the insulin signalling cascade and glucose uptake via activation of the Ca2+/CaMKK2/AMPK pathway and mitochondrial metabolism in C2C12 cells. Furthermore, NaHS protects mitochondrial function and maintains normal ATP production by activating the cAMP system and the Ca2+/CaMKK2/AMPK and PI3K/ATK pathways.
Controlling the Quantum State with a time varying potential
Authors: Carrasco Sebastián , Rogan José , Valdivia Juan Alejandro
Published: October 2017

The problem of controlling the quantum state of a system is investigated using a time varying potential. As a concrete example we study the problem of a particle in a box with a periodically oscillating infinite square-well potential, from which we obtain results that can be applied to systems with periodically oscillating boundary conditions. We derive an analytic expression for the frequencies of resonance between states, and against standard intuition, we show how to use this behavior to control the quantum state of the system at will. In particular, we offer as an example the transition from the ground state to the first excited state of the square well potential. At first sight, it may be counter intuitive that we can control the state of such a quantum Hamiltonian, as the Schrödinger equation conserves the norm of the wave function. In this manuscript, we show how that can be achieved.
Analysis of Nkx3.1:Cre-driven Erk5 deletion reveals a profound spinal deformity which is linked to increased osteoclast activity
Authors: Loveridge Carolyn J. , van ’t Hof Rob J. , Charlesworth Gemma , King Ayala , Tan Ee Hong , Rose Lorraine , Daroszewska Anna , Prior Amanda , Ahmad Imran , Welsh Michelle , Mui Ernest J. , Ford Catriona , Salji Mark , Sansom Owen , Blyth Karen , Leung Hing Y.
Published: October 2017

Extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 5 (ERK5) has been implicated during development and carcinogenesis. Nkx3.1-mediated Cre expression is a useful strategy to genetically manipulate the mouse prostate. While grossly normal at birth, we observed an unexpected phenotype of spinal protrusion in Nkx3.1:Cre;Erk5fl/fl (Erk5fl/fl) mice by ~6–8 weeks of age. X-ray, histological and micro CT (µCT) analyses showed that 100% of male and female Erk5fl/fl mice had a severely deformed curved thoracic spine, with an associated loss of trabecular bone volume. Although sex-specific differences were observed, histomorphometry measurements revealed that both bone resorption and bone formation parameters were increased in male Erk5fl/fl mice compared to wild type (WT) littermates. Osteopenia occurs where the rate of bone resorption exceeds that of bone formation, so we investigated the role of the osteoclast compartment. We found that treatment of RANKL-stimulated primary bone marrow-derived macrophage (BMDM) cultures with small molecule ERK5 pathway inhibitors increased osteoclast numbers. Furthermore, osteoclast numbers and expression of osteoclast marker genes were increased in parallel with reduced Erk5 expression in cultures generated from Erk5fl/fl mice compared to WT mice. Collectively, these results reveal a novel role for Erk5 during bone maturation and homeostasis in vivo.
Effects of charge-modifying mutations in histone H2A α3-domain on nucleosome stability assessed by single-pair FRET and MD simulations
Authors: Lehmann Kathrin , Zhang Ruihan , Schwarz Nathalie , Gansen Alexander , Mücke Norbert , Langowski Jörg , Toth Katalin
Published: October 2017

Nucleosomes are important for chromatin compaction and gene regulation; their integrity depends crucially on the structural properties of the histone tails. Recent all-atom molecular dynamics simulations revealed that removal of the N-terminal tails of histone H3, known to destabilize nucleosomes, causes a rearrangement of two arginines of histone H2A, namely R81 and R88 by altering the electrostatic environment of the H2A α3 domain. Whether this rearrangement is the cause or the effect of decreased stability, is unclear. Here, we emulate the altered electrostatic environment that was found after H3 tail clipping through charge-modifying mutations to decouple its impact on intranucleosomal interactions from that of the histone tails. Förster resonance energy transfer experiments on recombinant nucleosomes and all-atom molecular dynamics simulations reveal a compensatory role of those amino acids in nucleosome stability. The simulations indicate a weakened interface between H2A-H2B dimers and the (H3-H4)2 tetramer, as well as between dimers and DNA. These findings agree with the experimental observations of position and charge dependent decreased nucleosome stability induced by the introduced mutations. This work highlights the importance of the H2A α3 domain and suggests allosteric effects between this domain and the outer DNA gyre as well as the H3 N-terminal tail.
Anti-Infective Effect of Adhesive Probiotic Lactobacillus in Fish is Correlated With Their Spatial Distribution in the Intestinal Tissue
Authors: He Suxu , Ran Chao , Qin Chubin , Li Shuning , Zhang Hongling , de Vos Willem M. , Ringø Einar , Zhou Zhigang
Published: October 2017

Abstracr

In this study, we tested the distribution of 49 Lactobacillus strains in the mucus and mucosa of the intestine tissue of zebrafish. We observed a progressive change in the spatial distribution of Lactobacillus strains, and suggested a division of the strains into three classes: mucus type (>70% in mucus), mucosa type (>70% in mucosa) and hybrid type (others). The hybrid type strains were more efficient in protection of zebrafish against Aeromonas hydrophila infection. Three strains representing different distribution types (JCM1149, CGMCC1.2028, and JCM 20300) were selected. The mucosa type strain JCM1149 induced higher intestinal expression of inflammatory cytokines and Hsp70 than the other strains. Furthermore, we used L. rhamnosus GG and its mutant (PB22) lacking SpaCBA pili to investigate the influence of pili on spatial distribution. LGG showed a mucosa type distribution, while PB22 revealed a hybrid distribution and the disease protection was accordingly improved. The different protection ability between LGG and PB22 did not involve the intestinal microbiota, however, LGG induced injury to the mucosa of zebrafish. Collectively, the disease protection activity of Lactobacillus in zebrafish is correlated with their spatial distribution in the intestinal tissue, with strains showing a balanced distribution (hybrid type) more efficient in protection.
Barocaloric effect on graphene
Authors: Ma Ning , Reis Mario S.
Published: October 2017

We describe how mechanical strain is able to control the flow of heat on a graphene sheet, since this material can either absorb or expel heat from/to a thermal reservoir, depending on the strain energy. In a similar fashion as the magneto- and electro-caloric effects, the present case considers the fact that a mechanical strain produces a pseudo-magnetic field that, on its turn, is responsible for the barocaloric effect. This result pushes graphene to the list of multicaloric materials.
Phylogenetic analysis of the metazoan carotenoid oxygenase superfamily: a new ancestral gene assemblage of BCO-like (BCOL) proteins
Authors: Poliakov Eugenia , Soucy Joseph , Gentleman Susan , Rogozin Igor B. , Redmond T. Michael
Published: October 2017

Here we describe a new family of carotenoid cleavage oxygenases (CCOs) in metazoans, the BCO2-like (BCOL) clade, which contains lancelet, nematode, and molluscan carotenoid oxygenase sequences. Phylogenetic analysis of CCOs in all kingdoms of life confirmed that the BCOL enzymes are an independent clade of ancient origin. One of the predicted lancelet BCOL proteins, cloned and analyzed for carotenoid cleavage activity in a bacterial carotenoid expression system, had activity similar to lancelet BCO2 proteins, although with a preference forcis isomers. Our docking predictions correlated well with thecis-favored activity. The extensive expansions of the new animal BCOL family in some species (e.g., lancelet) suggests that the carotenoid cleavage oxygenase superfamily has evolved in the “extremely high turnover” fashion: numerous losses and duplications of this family are likely to reflect complex regulation processes during development, and interactions with the environment. These findings also serve to provide a rationale for the evolution of the BCO-related outlier RPE65 retinol isomerase, an enzyme that does not utilize carotenoids as substrate or perform double-bond cleavage.
The major outer sheath protein forms distinct conformers and multimeric complexes in the outer membrane and periplasm of Treponema denticola
Authors: Puthenveetil Robbins , Kumar Sanjiv , Caimano Melissa J. , Dey Abhishek , Anand Arvind , Vinogradova Olga , Radolf Justin D.
Published: October 2017

The major outer sheath protein (MOSP) is a prominent constituent of the cell envelope of Treponema denticola (TDE) and one of its principal virulence determinants. Bioinformatics predicts that MOSP consists of N- and C-terminal domains, MOSPN and MOSPC. Biophysical analysis of constructs refolded in vitro demonstrated that MOSPC, previously shown to possess porin activity, forms amphiphilic trimers, while MOSPN forms an extended hydrophilic monomer. In TDE and E. coli expressing MOSP with a PelB signal sequence (PelB-MOSP), MOSPC is OM-embedded and surface-exposed, while MOSPN resides in the periplasm. Immunofluorescence assay, surface proteolysis, and novel cell fractionation schemes revealed that MOSP in TDE exists as outer membrane (OM) and periplasmic trimeric conformers; PelB-MOSP, in contrast, formed only OM-MOSP trimers. Although both conformers form hetero-oligomeric complexes in TDE, only OM-MOSP associates with dentilisin. Mass spectrometry (MS) indicated that OM-MOSP interacts with proteins in addition to dentilisin, most notably, oligopeptide-binding proteins (OBPs) and the β-barrel of BamA. MS also identified candidate partners for periplasmic MOSP, including TDE1658, a spirochete-specific SurA/PrsA ortholog. Collectively, our data suggest that MOSP destined for the TDE OM follows the canonical BAM pathway, while formation of a stable periplasmic conformer involves an export-related, folding pathway not present in E. coli.
Human rickettsial pathogen modulates arthropod organic anion transporting polypeptide and tryptophan pathway for its survival in ticks
Authors: Taank Vikas , Dutta Shovan , Dasgupta Amrita , Steeves Tanner K. , Fish Durland , Anderson John F. , Sultana Hameeda , Neelakanta Girish
Published: October 2017

The black-legged tick Ixodes scapularis transmits the human anaplasmosis agent, Anaplasma phagocytophilum. In this study, we show that A. phagocytophilum specifically up-regulates I. scapularis organic anion transporting polypeptide, isoatp4056 and kynurenine amino transferase (kat), a gene involved in the production of tryptophan metabolite xanthurenic acid (XA), for its survival in ticks. RNAi analysis revealed that knockdown of isoatp4056 expression had no effect on A. phagocytophilum acquisition from the murine host but affected the bacterial survival in tick cells. Knockdown of the expression of kat mRNA alone or in combination with isoatp4056 mRNA significantly affected A. phagocytophilum survival and isoatp4056 expression in tick cells. Exogenous addition of XA induces isoatp4056 expression and A. phagocytophilum burden in both tick salivary glands and tick cells. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays provide further evidence that A. phagocytophilum and XA influences isoatp4056 expression. Collectively, this study provides important novel information in understanding the interplay between molecular pathways manipulated by a rickettsial pathogen to survive in its arthropod vector.
Simultaneous visualisation of calcified bone microstructure and intracortical vasculature using synchrotron X-ray phase contrast-enhanced tomography
Authors: Núñez Juan A. , Goring Alice , Hesse Eric , Thurner Philipp J. , Schneider Philipp , Clarkin Claire E.
Published: October 2017

3D imaging of the bone vasculature is of key importance in the understanding of skeletal disease. As blood vessels in bone are deeply encased in the calcified matrix, imaging techniques that are applicable to soft tissues are generally difficult or impossible to apply to the skeleton. While canals in cortical bone can readily be identified and characterised in X-ray computed tomographic data in 3D, the soft tissue comprising blood vessels that are putatively contained within the canal structures does not provide sufficient image contrast necessary for image segmentation. Here, we report an approach that allows for rapid, simultaneous visualisation of calcified bone tissue and the vasculature within the calcified bone matrix. Using synchrotron X-ray phase contrast-enhanced tomography we show exemplar data with intracortical capillaries uncovered at sub-micrometre level without the need for any staining or contrast agent. Using the tibiofibular junction of 15 week-old C57BL/6 mice post mortem, we show the bone cortical porosity simultaneously along with the soft tissue comprising the vasculature. Validation with histology confirms that we can resolve individual capillaries. This imaging approach could be easily applied to other skeletal sites and transgenic models, and could improve our understanding of the role the vasculature plays in bone disease.
The Incipient Motion Features of Sediment from Yangtze Estuary: Annular Flume Experiments
Authors: Wei Huang , Ya-kun Liu , Hua-lin Wu , Yuan-yang Wan
Published: October 2017

In this study, annular flume experiments are carried out, using the sediment samples collected from Yangtze estuary. The incipient velocity and the incipient shear stress of three different groups of median grain size of sediment are given. The turbulent kinetic energy method (TKE) is used to determine the bed shear stress (τ), by evaluating variations in the suspended sediment concentration (SSC) within the water column. The suspended sediment concentration increases with the increase of the bed shear stress. When the sediment concentration reaches a certain concentration, the rate of change in τ obviously slows down. As the concentration increasing again, the bed shear stress grows rapidly with different growth rate attributed to different grain size. The results of the experiments indicate that SSC and grain size have strong influence on τ.
Invariant nature of substituted element in metal-hexacyanoferrate
Authors: Niwa Hideharu , Kobayashi Wataru , Shibata Takayuki , Nitani Hiroaki , Moritomo Yutaka
Published: October 2017

The chemical substitution of a transition metal (M) is an effective method to improve the functionality of materials. In order to design the highly functional materials, we first have to know the local structure and electronic state around the substituted element. Here, we systematically investigated the local structure and electronic state of the host (Mh) and guest (Mg) transition metals in metal-hexacyanoferrate (M-HCF), Na
x
(Mh, Mg)[Fe(CN)6]
y
(1.40 < x < 1.60 and 0.85 < y < 0.90), by means of extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) and X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) analyses. The EXAFS and XANES analyses revealed that the local structure and electronic state around Mg are essentially the same as those in the pure compound, i.e, Mg-HCF. Such an invariant nature of Mg in M-HCF is in sharp contrast with that in layered oxide, in which the Mg valence changes so that local Mg-O distance (d
M-Og) approaches the Mh-O distance (d
M-Oh).
Estimation of the age of human bloodstains under the simulated indoor and outdoor crime scene conditions by ATR-FTIR spectroscopy
Authors: Lin Hancheng , Zhang Yinming , Wang Qi , Li Bing , Huang Ping , Wang Zhenyuan
Published: October 2017

Estimation of the age of human bloodstains is of great importance in forensic practices, but it is a challenging task because of the lack of a well-accepted, reliable, and established method. Here, the attenuated total reflection (ATR)-Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) technique combined with advanced chemometric methods was utilized to determine the age of indoor and outdoor bloodstains up to 107 days. The bloodstain storage conditions mimicked crime scene scenarios as closely as possible. Two partial least squares regression models—indoor and outdoor models with 7–85 days—exhibited good performance for external validation, with low values of predictive root mean squared error (5.83 and 4.77) and high R2 values (0.94 and 0.96) and residual predictive deviation (4.08 and 5.14), respectively. Two partial least squares–discriminant analysis classification models were built and demonstrated excellent distinction between fresh (age ≤1 d) and older (age >1 d) bloodstains, which is highly valuable for forensic investigations. These findings demonstrate that ATR-FTIR spectroscopy coupled with advanced chemometric methods can be employed as a rapid and non-destructive tool for age estimation of bloodstains in real-world forensic investigation.
Structural and Morphological Evolution for Water-resistant Organic Thermoelectrics
Authors: Oh Hyeon Jin , Jang Jae Gyu , Kim Jong-Gyu , Hong Jong-In , Kim Jaeyun , Kwak Jeonghun , Kim Sung Hyun , Shin Seunghan
Published: October 2017

We systematically investigated the effect of 2,5-bis(2-hydroxy-3-methacryloyloxypropoxy)-1,4:3,6-dianhydro-sorbitol (Iso-GMA) with different concentrations on the structural and morphological evolution of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) containing a fixed volume of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) to realize water-resistant organic thermoelectric devices. As an additive, Iso-GMA is a hydrophilic and crosslinking agent that can interact with PEDOT and PSS chains by hydrogen bonding and/or dipole-dipole- or dipole-charge-interaction. The Seebeck coefficient and power factor in the film incorporating 3.0 vol% DMSO and 0.8 vol% Iso-GMA were respectively 1.82 × 102 and 1.53 × 105% higher than those of the pristine PEDOT:PSS film without additives (DMSO and Iso-GMA). These results can be attributed to the self-assembled and crosslinked fibril networks with optimized phase separation, where the film has densely-packed PEDOT and highly lamellar-stacked PSS. Also, the reduced charge carrier concentration from the structural characteristics originated in the higher thermoelectric properties. We introduced the schematic illustration to understand the chemical bonding among the components and the morphological evolution according to the Iso-GMA concentration. The increased mechanical strength by the interchain stacking degree of PEDOT and the crosslinking of Iso-GMA facilitate the film remained in a water bath for 0.5 h without physical degradation, and sustain the thermoelectric properties during 12 h in humid conditons.