bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
‘Through you, men live endowed with reason’: Gregory Nazianzen's trinitarian thinking as a window to his personal character
Authors: Awad Najeeb
Published: April 2015

It has been recently argued that the doctrine of the Trinity in Gregory Nazianzen's thinking is the driving force of his personal and ecclesiastical life. However, no serious study has so far been done on the relation between Gregory Nazianzen's personal character as reflective of his theological mind and personal rationale. This article suggests that the proper road for reaching an accurate and perceptive understanding of Gregory Nazianzen's character starts from reading the literature of this father in a serious attempt at discovering the man behind the ideas of the texts and to perceive the core of his personality and character as theologian and servant of the church. Gregory's character and Gregory's theology, especially his trinitarian thinking, are windows which open towards each other. They reciprocally depict for us a sincere and puzzling servant of God as well as a unique and challenging theologian. The article starts by shedding analytical light on Gregory Nazianzen's core trinitarian logic, which lies in his understanding of the idea of ‘reciprocity’ and his envisioning of triadic perichoretic trinitarian monarchy, instead of a hierarchical one, in the Godhead. It then explores the presence of this rationale in Gregory's own understanding of his personal and ministerial character as the ‘dwelling place’ of God's triune image. The article concludes with the suggestion that Gregory's writings clearly state his belief that theology is the theologian, and the theologian is someone whose life and personhood mirror her theological mind. For this church father, there is no claimed neutral separation between the theologian and his or her theology.
Thomas F. Torrance and the problem of universalism
Authors: Molnar Paul D.
Published: April 2015

While Karl Barth and Thomas F. Torrance both believed in the possibility of universal salvation, they also rejected the idea that we could make a final determination about this possibility prior to the second coming of Jesus Christ. Hence, both theologians rejected what may be called a doctrine of universal salvation in the interest of respecting God's freedom to determine the outcome of salvation history in accordance with the love which was revealed in and through the death and resurrection of Jesus himself. This article explores Torrance's reasons for holding that ‘the voice of the Catholic Church . . . throughout all ages has consistently judged universalism a heresy for faith and a menace to the Gospel’. Torrance expressly believed in the ‘universality of Christ's saving work’ but rejected ‘universalism’ and any idea of ‘limited atonement’. He considered both of these views to be rationalistic approaches which ignore the need for eschatological reserve when thinking about what happens at the end when Christ comes again and consequently tend to read back logical necessities into the gospel of free grace. Whenever this happens, Torrance held that the true meaning of election as the basis for Christian hope is lost and some version of limited atonement or determinism invariably follows. The ultimate problem with universalism then, from Torrance's perspective, can be traced to a form of Nestorian thinking with respect to christology and to a theoretical and practical separation of the person of Christ from his atoning work for us. What I hope to show in this article is that those who advance a ‘doctrine of universalism’ as opposed to its possibility also have an inadequate understanding of the Trinity. Interestingly, Torrance objected to the thinking of John A. T. Robinson and Rudolf Bultmann because both theologians, in their own way, separated knowledge of God for us from knowledge of who God is ‘in himself’. Any such thinking transfers our knowledge of God and of salvation from the objective knowledge of God given in revelation to a type of symbolic, mythological or existential knowledge projected from one's experience of faith and this once again opens the door to both limited atonement and to universalism. Against this Torrance insisted that we cannot speak objectively about what God is doing for us unless we can speak analogically about who God is in himself.
Speech-act theory to enhance Karl Barth's homiletical postulation of a sermon's ‘revelatory compliance’
Authors: Thane Markus
Published: April 2015

Karl Barth's theology is a theology which was born from the pulpit. For Barth the formulation and enactment of the unity of church, theology and proclamation had become an integral part of his life and theological legacy. While Barth taught as professor at the University of Bonn he published his first volume of hisChurch Dogmatics(CD) with an emphasis on divine revelation. At the time of the publication ofCDI, Barth held two seminars on homiletics. The seminar notes were later assembled and turned into a book with the same title. If both works,CDI andHomiletics, are compared side by side a major theological inconsistency becomes apparent. InCDI Barth emphasises that revelation as the ‘Word of God’ remains with God, leaving the divine as the solely acting sovereign. Whereas inHomiletics, Barth talks about a sermon's ‘Offenbarungsmässigkeit’ – a sermon's revelatory compliance. These two postulations are not only in tension but they contradict each other. The underlying problem is that Barth cannot define revelation as a solely divine act which takes place separately and independently of human interaction; by simultaneously asking for a sermon and preachers’ revelatory compliance, as if otherwise God would not be able to reveal himself. This poses the question as to how this inconsistency can be resolved. The underlying problem for Barth was at that time, apparently, upholding both divine revelation and human proclamation without compromising the character of God and the nature of a sermon. A way out of the dilemma can be found if revelation and sermon delivery are reframed and complemented by the philosophical approach of John R. Searle's and John L. Austin's ‘speech-act theory’. ‘Speech act theory’ better appropriates Barth's desire to elevate a homily because of the ‘reality change’ which takes places in the very act of proclamation. In this theory proclamation is understood as a human act bound to God's truth which is creating a ‘new reality’ that opens and expects to have this reality filled and actualised by God's sovereign act of revelation. When proclamation/preaching is interpreted as ‘speech-act theory’, this follows Barth's desire to elevate the human act of the sermon delivery by simultaneously keeping the distinction between the human and divine, which is really worthy to be called a speech event.
Paul and the Faithfulness of God
Authors: Barclay John M. G.
Published: April 2015

This book, the latest in Wright's series on ‘Christian Origins and the Question of God’, is a daunting phenomenon: over 1500 pages, packaged in two volumes, containing (I reckon) more than 800,000 words. Building on his earlier publications, and referring across to companion volumes – not even this gigantic text is self-sufficient – Wright here advances in full the synthetic vision of Paul's theology which he has developed and promoted over more than thirty years. The scale reflects his ambition: to integrate all the motifs in Pauline theology within a single large-scale schema; to elucidate its Jewish roots and its points of interaction with Graeco-Roman philosophy, religion and politics; to engage in most of the recent debates on Pauline theology; and to defend and advance his own distinctive theories on justification, covenant and the Messiahship of Jesus, against critics who have lined up against him on several sides. The structure and size of the project create considerable repetition. Many topics are opened, postponed for several hundred pages, then discussed and then later reprised, while the reader is liable to be wearied by a prose style which often seems excessively baggy. Wright strives to keep our attention with arresting metaphors, engaging illustrations and a knock-about lecture-hall style, but the latter is often tetchy in its criticism of others, and descends too often to caricature. Indeed, the standard of intellectual engagement with contrary opinions is often disappointing, and hardly improved by grand generalisations about ‘Enlightenment frameworks’ and ‘postmodern moralism’. It is only rarely that this large work engages in detailed exegesis (close engagement with texts, in debate with a range of exegetical options): the opening discussion of Philemon, the focused study of Galatians 6:16 and the close analysis of Romans 9–11 (the highlight of this work) are among the exceptions. Of course one cannot advance a thesis of such breadth without sacrificing some depth in textual debate, but the effect is to lessen considerably the persuasiveness of the whole.
A Jarník type theorem for planar curves: everything about the parabola
Authors: HUSSAIN MUMTAZ
Published: April 2015

The well-known theorems of Khintchine and Jarník in metric Diophantine approximation provide a comprehensive description of the measure theoretic properties of real numbers approximable by rational numbers with a given error. Various generalisations of these fundamental results have been obtained for other settings, in particular, for curves and more generally manifolds. In this paper we develop the theory for planar curves by completing the theory in the case of parabola. This represents the first comprehensive study of its kind in the theory of Diophantine approximation on manifolds.
Sent-down Youth and Rural Economic Development in Maoist China
Authors: Honig Emily , Zhao Xiaojian
Published: April 2015

This article explores the relationship between the sent-down youth movement and economic development in rural China during the Cultural Revolution. It examines ways in which sent-down youth themselves initiated improvements in rural life, and more importantly, how local officials used both their presence to acquire equipment and technical training and their skills and education to promote rural industry. The sent-down youth offices established in the cities and the countryside inadvertently provided connections between remote rural counties and large urban centres that enabled the transfer of a significant quantity of material goods, ranging from electrical wires and broadcast cables to tractors and factory machinery. Ultimately, we show how individual sent-down youths, their families, and both urban and rural officials – none of whom had a role in determining government policies – identified and made use of resources that those policies unintentionally produced.
Applying Standard Digital Map Data in Map-aided, Lane-level GNSS Location
Authors: Bétaille David , Peyret François ,   IFSTTAR, Voyer Maxime
Published: April 2015

Urban positioning using the Global Positioning System (GPS) is challenging because of multipath. Urban canyons limit open sky visibility, and cause signal reflection and diffraction, resulting in significant satellite range measurement errors. The investigations reported here have been carried out in a French project calledInturb(an acronym derived from integrity and urban positioning). So far, the project has had two phases: first, a simple Three-Dimensional (3D) geometrical city modelling, called “Urban Trench”, has been developed and engineered manually from data sets collected in different cities. Positioning improvement in terms of accuracy was quantified where the model could be applied. Second, this modelling has been automated, based on the standard national BD Topo ® map database for France, with promising results. This geometrical modelling makes it possible to distinguish between line-of-sight satellite signals and those from non-line-of-sight. The latter, apparentlybona fide, signals are caused by strong reflections, usually from buildings with a lot of steel and glass in their construction. A correction of the pseudo-range measurements of the latter is also computed and applied in the position estimator. Positioning accuracy is improved, whilst availability is kept at its maximum. In the study both manual and automatic 3D models are used in extensive experimental campaigns. Results are: first, the possibility to cover entirely any urban area in the country; second, the reduction of the median error in 3D by more than 50% on data collected in Nantes, Paris and Toulouse for a total duration of nearly ten hours; third, the compliance with standards used in most embedded maps and geographical information systems, including an assessment of the trade-off between the model simplicity and the positioning improvement.
Decentralising via Russia: Glinka’sA Life for the Tsarin Nice, 1890
Authors: Alexander Tamsin
Published: April 2015

On 30 January 1890, the audience at the Théâtre Municipal in Nice witnessed something extraordinary. Midway through the first public performance of a Russian opera in France, Glinka’sA Life for the Tsar, the chorus and orchestra broke into a rendition of the Russian national anthem, followed by the ‘Marseillaise’. Both anthems were then repeated, with the audience calling out ‘Vive la Russie!’, ‘Vive la France!’ With France and Russia on the verge of a historic alliance, the evening was proclaimed a political and an artistic triumph. This unusual event, I suggest, can be explained by considering the context of operatic decentralisation in France, in conjunction with the arrival of a new director at the Théâtre, Raoul Gunsbourg. As a result of local and personal imperatives, the performance came to resonate nationally, withA Lifeserving as an unlikely emblem of modernity, while also bringing one peripheral French region strongly into Paris’s purview.
Early signs that predict later haemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus
Authors: Engür Defne , Deveci Murat , Türkmen Münevver K.
Published: April 2015

Objective

Our aim was to determine the optimal cut-off values, sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic power of 12 echocardiographic parameters on the second day of life to predict subsequent ductal patency.

Methods

We evaluated preterm infants, born at ⩽32 weeks of gestation, starting on their second day of life, and they were evaluated every other day until ductal closure or until there were clinical signs of re-opening. We measured transductal diameter; pulmonary arterial diastolic flow; retrograde aortic diastolic flow; pulsatility index of the left pulmonary artery and descending aorta; left atrium and ventricle/aortic root ratio; left ventricular output; left ventricular flow velocity time integral; mitral early/late diastolic flow; and superior caval vein diameter and flow as well as performed receiver operating curve analysis.

Results

Transductal diameter (>1.5 mm); pulmonary arterial diastolic flow (>25.6 cm/second); presence of retrograde aortic diastolic flow; ductal diameter by body weight (>1.07 mm/kg); left pulmonary arterial pulsatility index (⩽0.71); and left ventricle to aortic root ratio (>2.2) displayed high sensitivity and specificity (p<0.0001; area under the curve>0.9). Parameters with moderate sensitivity and specificity were as follows: left atrial to aortic root ratio; left ventricular output; left ventricular flow velocity time integral; and mitral early/late diastolic flow ratio (p<0.05; area under the curve 0.7–0.88). Descending aortic pulsatility index and superior caval vein diameter and flow (p>0.05) had low diagnostic value.

Conclusion

Left pulmonary arterial pulsatility index, left ventricle/aortic root ratio, and ductal diameter by body weight are useful adjuncts offering a broader outlook for predicting ductal patency.
Appraisals of Internal States and their Consequences: Relationship to Adolescent Analogue Bipolar Symptoms
Authors: Kelly Rebecca E. , Smith Patrick , Leigh Eleanor , Mansell Warren
Published: April 2015

Background: Extreme appraisals of internal states correlate with and prospectively predict mood symptoms in adults, and discriminate individuals with bipolar disorder from individuals with unipolar depression and non-clinical controls. Aims: These findings required replication in adolescents. This study sought to investigate the relationships between appraisals of internal states, mood symptoms and risk for bipolar disorder in an adolescent sample. Method: A non-clinical sample (n = 98) of adolescents completed measures of mood symptoms, appraisals, and mania risk, alongside covariates. Results: Appraisals of internal states were associated with analogue bipolar symptoms, independently of impulsivity and responses to positive affect. Positive appraisals of activated mood states were uniquely associated with hypomania, whilst negative appraisals were uniquely associated with depression and irritability symptoms. Individuals who appraised activated states as both extremely positive and extremely negative were more likely to score at high or moderate risk for future mania. Conclusions: This study is the first to demonstrate associations between appraisals of internal states, analogue mood symptoms and mania risk in adolescents. Clinical implications are discussed.
HIV Infection Is Associated with Attenuated Frontostriatal Intrinsic Connectivity: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Ipser Jonathan C. , Brown Gregory G. , Bischoff-Grethe Amanda , Connolly Colm G. , Ellis Ronald J. , Heaton Robert K. , Grant Igor ,   Translational Methamphetamine AIDS Research Center (TMARC) Group
Published: April 2015

HIV-associated cognitive impairments are prevalent, and are consistent with injury to both frontal cortical and subcortical regions of the brain. The current study aimed to assess the association of HIV infection with functional connections within the frontostriatal network, circuitry hypothesized to be highly vulnerable to HIV infection. Fifteen HIV-positive and 15 demographically matched control participants underwent 6 min of resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (RS-fMRI). Multivariate group comparisons of age-adjusted estimates of connectivity within the frontostriatal network were derived from BOLD data for dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), dorsal caudate and mediodorsal thalamic regions of interest. Whole-brain comparisons of group differences in frontostriatal connectivity were conducted, as were pairwise tests of connectivity associations with measures of global cognitive functioning and clinical and immunological characteristics (nadir and current CD4 count, duration of HIV infection, plasma HIV RNA). HIV – associated reductions in connectivity were observed between the DLPFC and the dorsal caudate, particularly in younger participants (<50 years, N=9). Seropositive participants also demonstrated reductions in dorsal caudate connectivity to frontal and parietal brain regions previously demonstrated to be functionally connected to the DLPFC. Cognitive impairment, but none of the assessed clinical/immunological variables, was also associated with reduced frontostriatal connectivity. In conclusion, our data indicate that HIV is associated with attenuated intrinsic frontostriatal connectivity. Intrinsic connectivity of this network may therefore serve as a marker of the deleterious effects of HIV infection on the brain, possibly via HIV-associated dopaminergic abnormalities. These findings warrant independent replication in larger studies. (JINS, 2015, 21, 1–11)
Linking vegetable preferences, health and local food systems through community-supported agriculture
Authors: Wilkins Jennifer L , Farrell Tracy J , Rangarajan Anusuya
Published: April 2015

Objective

The objective of the present study was to explore the influence of participation in community-supported agriculture (CSA) on vegetable exposure, vegetable intake during and after the CSA season, and preference related to locally produced vegetables acquired directly from CSA growers.

Design

Quantitative surveys were administered at three time points in two harvest seasons to four groups of CSA participants: new full-paying, returning full-paying, new subsidized and returning subsidized members. Questionnaires included a vegetable frequency measure and measures of new and changed vegetable preference. Comparisons were made between new and returning CSA members and between those receiving subsidies and full-paying members.

Setting

The research was conducted in a rural county in New York, USA.

Subjects

CSA members who agreed to participate in the study.

Results

Analysis was based on 151 usable questionnaires. CSA participants reported higher intake of eleven different vegetables during the CSA season, with a sustained increase in some winter vegetables. Over half of the respondents reported trying at least one, and up to eleven, new vegetables. Sustained preferences for CSA items were reported.

Conclusions

While those who choose to join a CSA may be more likely to acquire new and expanded vegetable preferences than those who do not, the CSA experience has the potential to enhance vegetable exposure, augment vegetable preference and increase overall vegetable consumption. Dietary patterns encouraged through CSA participation can promote preferences and consumer demand that support local production and seasonal availability. Emphasis on fresh and fresh stored locally produced vegetables is consistent with sustainable community-based food systems.
Families First: the development of a new mentalization-based group intervention for first-time parents to promote child development and family health
Authors: Kalland Mirjam , Fagerlund Åse , von Koskull Malin , Pajulo Marjaterttu
Published: April 2015

Aim

The aim of the present study was to describe the development of Families First, a new mentalization-based group intervention model for supporting early parenthood. The general aim of the intervention was to support well-functioning models of parenting and prevent transmission of negative parenting models over generations, and thus promote child development and overall family health.

Background

In the Finnish society, great concern has aroused during the last decade regarding the well-being and mental health of children and adolescents. Increased number of divorces, poverty, substance abuse, and mental health problems among parents enhance the risk for child neglect and abuse. New effective, preventive, and health-promoting intervention tools are greatly needed to support families with young children. At present, the Families First intervention is being implemented in primary social and healthcare units all over Finland.

Methods and findings

This article will provide a theoretical understanding of the importance of parental mentalization for the development of the parent–child relationship and the development of the child as well as proposed mechanisms of actions in order to enhance mentalizing capacity. The cultural context will be described. The article will also provide a description of the scientific evaluation protocol of the intervention model. Finally, possible limitations and challenges of the intervention model are discussed.
Multi-sensor multi-target tracking based on range-Doppler measurement
Authors: Baruzzi Aurora , Martorella Marco
Published: April 2015

In this paper, we present a method for multiple target two-dimensional tracking using multiple sensors with very low azimuth resolution. Due to the scarce azimuth resolution, the data association is performed using range and Doppler information only from four radars. The proposed algorithm is tailored to perform in maritime scenarios. In order to test the algorithm performance, sea clutter data have been taken under consideration when simulating data.
Do African Voters Favor Coethnics? Evidence from a Survey Experiment in Benin
Authors: Adida Claire L.
Published: April 2015

Can African politicians play the ethnic card? Ethnicity matters for a host of outcomes in Africa, but debate remains about the extent to which it motivates the African voter. In experimental settings, we know that ethnicity shapes political support for hypothetical candidates. This paper offers an experimental test of the extent to which ethnicity shapes political support for actual, real-world politicians. Relying on Benin’s mixed-ethnicity President, this paper proposes a survey experiment that measures the independent effect of coethnic cues in boosting support across both coethnic groups. The results reveal that coethnic cues work: the same political actor can draw support from two different ethnic groups based solely on subtle ethnic cues.
Parker Receives 2014 G. K. Gilbert Award
Authors:   AGU
Published: April 2015

Gary Parker received the 2014 G. K. Gilbert Award at the 2014 American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting, held 15–19 December in San Francisco, Calif. The award recognizes "a scientist who has either made a single significant advance or sustained significant contributions to the field of Earth and planetary surface processes, and who has in addition promoted an environment of unselfish cooperation in research and the inclusion of young scientists into the field."
Exploring Natural Hazard Policies with Bike Helmets and Bus Fares
Authors: Stein Seth , Kley Jonas , Hindle David , Friedrich Anke
Published: April 2015

A close look at everyday decisions—whether or not to wear a bike helmet or cheat on bus fare—helps students learn about assessing natural hazards, mitigating risks, and setting political priorities.
Researchers Roll Clouds into Climate Modeling
Authors: Betz Eric
Published: April 2015

As computational power grows thanks to improving techniques and technology, scientists are working toward incorporating complex systems such as clouds into global and regional climate models.
The Neuroprotective Agent CNTF Decreases Neuronal Metabolites in the Rat Striatum: An in Vivo Multimodal Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study
Authors: Sauvage Maria-Angeles Carrillo-de , Flament Julien , Bramoulle Yann , Haim Lucile Ben , Guillermier Martine , Berniard Aurélie , Aurégan Gwennaëlle , Houitte Diane , Brouillet Emmanuel , Bonvento Gilles , Hantraye Philippe , Valette Julien , Escartin Carole
Published: April 2015

Ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) is neuroprotective against multiple pathologic conditions including metabolic impairment, but the mechanisms are still unclear. To delineate CNTF effects on brain energy homeostasis, we performed a multimodal imaging study, combining in vivo proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy, high-performance liquid chromatography analysis, and in situ glutamate imaging by chemical exchange saturation transfer. Unexpectedly, we found that CNTF expression through lentiviral gene transfer in the rat striatum significantly decreased the levels of neuronal metabolites ( N-acetyl-aspartate, N-acetyl-aspartyl-glutamate, and glutamate). This preclinical study shows that CNTF remodels brain metabolism, and suggests that decreased levels of neuronal metabolites may occur in the absence of neuronal dysfunction.
High-Intensity Interval Exercise and Cerebrovascular Health: Curiosity, Cause, and Consequence
Authors: Lucas Samuel JE , Cotter James D , Brassard Patrice , Bailey Damian M
Published: April 2015

Exercise is a uniquely effective and pluripotent medicine against several noncommunicable diseases of westernised lifestyles, including protection against neurodegenerative disorders. High-intensity interval exercise training (HIT) is emerging as an effective alternative to current health-related exercise guidelines. Compared with traditional moderate-intensity continuous exercise training, HIT confers equivalent if not indeed superior metabolic, cardiac, and systemic vascular adaptation. Consequently, HIT is being promoted as a more time-efficient and practical approach to optimize health thereby reducing the burden of disease associated with physical inactivity. However, no studies to date have examined the impact of HIT on the cerebrovasculature and corresponding implications for cognitive function. This review critiques the implications of HIT for cerebrovascular function, with a focus on the mechanisms and translational impact for patient health and well-being. It also introduces similarly novel interventions currently under investigation as alternative means of accelerating exercise-induced cerebrovascular adaptation. We highlight a need for studies of the mechanisms and thereby also the optimal dose-response strategies to guide exercise prescription, and for studies to explore alternative approaches to optimize exercise outcomes in brain-related health and disease prevention. From a clinical perspective, interventions that selectively target the aging brain have the potential to prevent stroke and associated neurovascular diseases.
A muscle-liver-fat signalling axis is essential for central control of adaptive adipose remodelling
Authors: Shimizu Noriaki , Maruyama Takako , Yoshikawa Noritada , Matsumiya Ryo , Ma Yanxia , Ito Naoki , Tasaka Yuki , Kuribara-Souta Akiko , Miyata Keishi , Oike Yuichi , Berger Stefan , Schütz Günther , Takeda Shin’ichi , Tanaka Hirotoshi
Published: April 2015

Skeletal muscle has a pleiotropic role in organismal energy metabolism, for example, by storing protein as an energy source, or by excreting endocrine hormones. Muscle proteolysis is tightly controlled by the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal signalling axis via a glucocorticoid-driven transcriptional programme. Here we unravel the physiological significance of this catabolic process using skeletal muscle-specific glucocorticoid receptor (GR) knockout (GRmKO) mice. These mice have increased muscle mass but smaller adipose tissues. Metabolically, GRmKO mice show a drastic shift of energy utilization and storage in muscle, liver and adipose tissues. We demonstrate that the resulting depletion of plasma alanine serves as a cue to increase plasma levels of fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) and activates liver-fat communication, leading to the activation of lipolytic genes in adipose tissues. We propose that this skeletal muscle-liver-fat signalling axis may serve as a target for the development of therapies against various metabolic diseases, including obesity.
Detection of PHLPP1α/β in Human and Mouse Brain by Different Anti-PHLPP1 Antibodies
Authors: Jackson Travis C. , Bayir Hülya , Ikonomovic Milos D. , Janesko-Feldman Keri , Mi Zaichuan , Gao Tianyan , Jackson Edwin K. , Kochanek Patrick M.
Published: April 2015

Pleckstrin homology domain and leucine rich repeat protein phosphatase 1 (PHLPP1) is a member of the serine/threonine family of phosphatases. It has been studied in organs including brain, heart, pancreas, adipose, breast and prostate. Human PHLPP1 encodes two splice variants - PHLPP1α (~140–150 kDa) and PHLPP1β (~180–190 kDa). Commercial antibodies are widely used to characterize PHLPP1 proteins in cells/tissues. Here we validate five different antibodies to detect PHLPP1α/β by Western blot using PHLPP1 WT/KO mice. All antibodies recognize PHLPP1β in brain. Only a single antibody (Cosmo Bio Co) detects PHLPP1α (~145–150 kDa). The other four antibodies detect a non-specific signal at ~150 kDa as evidenced by its abundance in PHLPP1 KO tissues. Results suggest Cosmo antibody is a better reagent to detect PHLPP1α by Western blot. In contrast, we found it unsuitable for immunofluorescence applications in brain. Our findings caution interpretation of the ~150 kDa band detected by some PHLPP1 antibodies in rodent and human tissues. Results also recapitulate the importance of including molecular weight standards in Western blot data to simplify retrospective analysis.
Identification of a novel selective agonist of PPARγ with no promotion of adipogenesis and less inhibition of osteoblastogenesis
Authors: Liu Chang , Feng Tingting , Zhu Ningyu , Liu Peng , Han Xiaowan , Chen Minghua , Wang Xiao , Li Ni , Li Yongzhen , Xu Yanni , Si Shuyi
Published: April 2015

Nuclear receptor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) plays an important role in the regulation of glucose homeostasis and lipid metabolism. However, current PPARγ-targeting drugs such as thiazolidinediones (TZDs) are associated with undesirable side effects. We identified a small molecular compound, F12016, as a selective PPARγ agonist by virtual screening, which showed moderate PPARγ agonistic activity and binding ability for PPARγ. F12016 did not activate other PPAR subtypes at 30 μM and selectively modulated PPARγ target gene expression. In diabetic KKAy mice, F12016 had insulin-sensitizing and glucose-lowering properties and suppressed weight gain. In vitro, F12016 effectively increased glucose uptake and blocked cyclin-dependent kinase 5-mediated phosphorylation of PPARγ at Ser273, but slightly triggered adipogenesis and less inhibited osteoblastogenesis than rosiglitazone. Moreover, compared with the full agonist rosiglitazone, F12016 had a distinct group of coregulators and a different predicted binding mode for the PPARγ ligand-binding domain. A site mutation assay confirmed the key epitopes, especially Tyr473 in AF-2. In summary, our study shows that F12016 is a non-TZD, novel selective PPARγ agonist without the classical lipogenic side effects, which may provide a new structural strategy for designing PPARγ ligands with advantages over TZDs.
Association between the CD24 Ala57Val polymorphism and risk for multiple sclerosis and systemic lupus erythematosus: a meta-analysis
Authors: Huang Jian , Yang Yaqi , Liang Zibin , Kang Miaomiao , Kuang Ying , Li Feng
Published: April 2015

The cluster of differentiation 24 (CD24) Ala57Val polymorphism has been implicated as a risk factor for multiple sclerosis (MS) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE); however, genetic studies have produced controversial results. A meta-analysis was performed on this topic. We used odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) to investigate the strength of association. Eleven studies from nine publications consisting of 2466 cases and 2650 controls were included. The results suggested that the CD24 Val/Val genotypes were associated with an increased risk of MS in all study subjects and Caucasians (OR = 2.28, 95% CI: 1.68–3.10, Pz < 0.001 and OR = 2.30, 95% CI: 1.66–3.20, Pz < 0.001, respectively). Sensitivity analysis showed that no individual study was found to be significantly biasing the pooled results. Although meta-analysis also suggested an association between the CD24 Val/Val genotypes and SLE risk in Caucasians (OR = 1.71, 95% CI: 1.31–2.24, Pz < 0.001), sensitivity analysis demonstrated that the association was not statistically significant after removing a Spanish study. In conclusion, this meta-analysis suggests that the CD24 Ala57Val polymorphism is associated with an increased risk of MS in Caucasians. However, the available evidence is not sufficient to support an association between the CD24 Ala57Val polymorphism and SLE risk.
Orbital change manipulation metal–insulator transition temperature in W-doped VO2
Authors: He Xinfeng , Zeng Yijie , Xu Xiaofeng , Gu Congcong , Chen Fei , Wu Binhe , Wang Chunrui , Xing Huaizhong , Chen Xiaoshuang , Chu Junhao
Published: April 2015

Using ultraviolet-infrared spectroscopy and first principles calculations, it is revealed that changes in the orbital structure can regulate the W-doped VO2 phase transition temperature.
Effect of cationic molecules on the oxygen reduction reaction on fuel cell grade Pt/C (20 wt%) catalyst in potassium hydroxide (aq, 1 mol dm−3)
Authors: Ong Ai Lien , Inglis Kenneth K. , Whelligan Daniel K. , Murphy Sam , Varcoe John R.
Published: April 2015

This study investigates the effect of a selection of small cationic molecules on the ex situ performance of a fuel cell grade oxygen reduction reaction catalyst (Johnson Matthey HiSPEC 3000) in aqueous KOH using rotating disk electrode voltammetry.
In situ fabrication of Ag3PO4/TiO2 nanotube heterojunctions with enhanced visible-light photocatalytic activity
Authors: Tong Zhen Wei , Yang Dong , Sun Yuan Yuan , Tian Yao , Jiang Zhong Yi
Published: April 2015

Ag3PO4/TNT heterojunctions have been fabricated via a facile in situ growth method. Compared with pure Ag3PO4, Ag3PO4/TNT possesses more active sites, less bulk defects, as well as better dye adsorption properties, and thus exhibits a significantly elevated photocatalytic activity and stability for RhB degradation.
Electrolyte ion adsorption and charge blocking effect at the hematite/aqueous solution interface: an electrochemical impedance study using multivariate data analysis
Authors: Shimizu K. , Nyström J. , Geladi P. , Lindholm-Sethson B. , Boily J.-F.
Published: April 2015

Specific adsorption of ions such as protonation determines the electrochemical activity of the hematite surface.
Marine protein hydrolysates: their present and future perspectives in food chemistry – a review
Authors: Vijaykrishnaraj M. , Prabhasankar P.
Published: April 2015

Marine protein hydrolysates are usually prepared by the enzymatic digestion with different proteases at controlled pH and temperature.
Humidity-dependent surface tension measurements of individual inorganic and organic submicrometre liquid particles
Authors: Morris Holly S. , Grassian Vicki H. , Tivanski Alexei V.
Published: April 2015

Atomic force microscopy has been utilized to measure the surface tension of atmospherically relevant droplets smaller than one micron.
Functional modulation and directed assembly of an enzyme through designed non-natural post-translation modification
Authors: Hartley Andrew M. , Zaki Athraa J. , McGarrity Adam R. , Robert-Ansart Cecile , Moskalenko Andriy V. , Jones Gareth F. , Craciun Monica F. , Russo Saverio , Elliott Martin , Macdonald J. Emyr , Jones D. Dafydd
Published: April 2015

Designed phenyl azide incorporation combined with bioorthogonal Click chemistry to regulate enzyme activity, or promote its stable assembly on graphene.
A computational study of tri-s-triazine-based molecules as ambipolar host materials for phosphorescent blue emitters: effective geometric and electronic tuning
Authors: Li Jing , Nie Zhaomin , Li Hai , Peng Yiming , Wang Ziyuan , Mai Zhirui , Zheng Wenxu
Published: April 2015

The design of tri-s-triazine derivatives as host materials.
Pure inorganic multi-color electrochromic thin films: vanadium-substituted Dawson type polyoxometalate based electrochromic thin films with tunable colors from transparent to blue and purple
Authors: Liu Lin , Wang Shi-Ming , Li Chao , Liu Cheng-Gong , Ma Chun-Lei , Han Zheng-Bo
Published: April 2015

The vanadium-substituted polyoxometalate based inorganic electrochromic thin films reveal multi-color changes from transparent to blue and purple.
Electropolymerized phenol derivatives as permselective polymers for biosensor applications
Authors: Calia Giammario , Monti Patrizia , Marceddu Salvatore , Dettori Maria A. , Fabbri Davide , Jaoua Samir , O'Neill Robert D. , Serra Pier A. , Delogu Giovanna , Migheli Quirico
Published: April 2015

Amperometric biosensors are often coated with a polymeric permselective film to avoid electroactive interference by reducing agents present in the target medium.
Sensitive measurement of total protein phosphorylation level in complex protein samples
Authors: Pan Li , Wang Linna , Hsu Chuan-Chih , Zhang Jiazhen , Iliuk Anton , Tao W. Andy
Published: April 2015

Measure total protein phosphorylation level in your samples? Multi-functionalized nanopolymer provides a simple solution.
Functional graphene–gold nanoparticle hybrid system for enhanced electrochemical biosensing of free cholesterol
Authors: Abraham Shiju , Nirala Narsingh R. , Pandey Shobhit , Srivastava Monika , Srivastava Sunil , Walkenfort Bernd , Srivastava Anchal
Published: April 2015

Realizing the unavailability of fast and reliable diagnostic techniques, this work reports the development of cost effective bioelectrodes based on a reduced graphene oxide–functionalized gold nanoparticle hybrid system.
A highly sensitive electrochemical OP biosensor based on electrodeposition of Au–Pd bimetallic nanoparticles onto a functionalized graphene modified glassy carbon electrode
Authors: Zhan Haijun , Li Jie , Liu Zhimin , Zheng Yingying , Jing Yanfeng
Published: April 2015

An Au–Pd bimetallic nanoparticle and ionic liquid functionalized graphene–chitosan nanocomposite (Au–Pd/IL-GR–CHI) modified glassy carbon electrode has been developed for the highly sensitive determination of organophosphorus pesticides.
A cation exchange based electrochemical sensor for cetyltrimethylammonium bromide detection using an acridine orange/polystyrene sulfonate system
Authors: Hao Xia , Xu Zhen , Li Na , Li Nian Bing , Luo Hong Qun
Published: April 2015

A novel electrochemical sensor for the detection of quaternary ammonium surfactants has been developed based on the cation exchange mechanism using an AO/PSS/PEI modified glassy carbon electrode.
A bivalent cationic dye enabling selective photo-inactivation against Gram-negative bacteria
Authors: Li Ke , Zhang Yang-Yang , Jiang Guo-Yu , Hou Yuan-Jun , Zhang Bao-Wen , Zhou Qian-Xiong , Wang Xue-Song
Published: April 2015

Selective photoinactivation against Gram-negative bacteria over Gram-positive bacteria was successfully realized by a bivalent triarylmethane dye.
Ion conducting Li2SiO3-coated lithium-rich layered oxide exhibiting high rate capability and low polarization
Authors: Zhao Enyue , Liu Xiangfeng , Zhao Hu , Xiao Xiaoling , Hu Zhongbo
Published: April 2015

Lithium-rich Li1.13Ni0.30Mn0.57O2 modified with fast Li+-ion conducting Li2SiO3 exhibits outstanding rate capability, cycle stability and low polarization.
A hybrid gel–solid-state polymer electrolyte for long-life lithium oxygen batteries
Authors: Luo Wen-Bin , Chou Shu-Lei , Wang Jia-Zhao , Kang Yong-Mook , Zhai Yu-Chun , Liu Hua-Kun
Published: April 2015

A gel–solid state polymer electrolyte has been used as the separator and an electrolyte for lithium oxygen batteries, which can not only avoid electrolyte evaporation but also protect the lithium metal anode during reactions over long-term cycling.
Divergent synthesis of chiral heterocycles via sequencing of enantioselective three-component reactions and one-pot subsequent cyclization reactions
Authors: Tang Min , Xing Dong , Huang Haoxi , Hu Wenhao
Published: April 2015

A highly efficient sequencing of enantioselective three-component reactions with a variety of one-pot subsequent cyclization reactions was developed.
Four binuclear coordination polymers with a 63 net and self-assembly of 2D 63 topology into different supramolecular networks using unit–unit H-bonds
Authors: Xu Guohai , Xie Min , Li Xiaokang , Shi Wenjie , Yu Hui , Hu Yinhui , Xun Xiaochen , Xie Yongrong
Published: April 2015

This work reported four coordination polymers with 63 subnets and unit–unit H-bonds as supramolecular synthons to form different supramolecular networks.
In situ solvothermal growth of highly oriented Zr-based metal organic framework UiO-66 film with monocrystalline layer
Authors: Miyamoto M. , Kohmura S. , Iwatsuka H. , Oumi Y. , Uemiya S.
Published: April 2015

A highly oriented UiO-66 film, with a monocrystalline layer, was successfully prepared by the solvothermal method.
Upconversion luminescence mechanisms of Er3+ ions under excitation of an 800 nm laser
Authors: Shang Xiaoying , Chen Ping , Jia Tianqing , Feng Donghai , Zhang Shian , Sun Zhenrong , Qiu Jianrong
Published: April 2015

The green/red emission mechanisms of Er3+ ions are studied by comparing PL properties upon excitation by CW and fs lasers.
Transport characteristics of organic solvents through carbon nanotube filled styrene butadiene rubber nanocomposites: the influence of rubber–filler interaction, the degree of reinforcement and morphology
Authors: Abraham Jiji , Maria Hanna J. , George Soney C. , Kalarikkal Nandakumar , Thomas Sabu
Published: April 2015

The aim of the present work is to investigate the role of the sorption technique in analysing the compatibility and the reinforcing effect of MWCNTs as a filler in the SBR matrix.
Gas-phase VUV photoionisation and photofragmentation of the silver deuteride nanocluster [Ag10D8L6]2+ (L = bis(diphenylphosphino)methane). A joint experimental and theoretical study
Authors: Daly Steven , Krstić Marjan , Giuliani Alexandre , Antoine Rodolphe , Nahon Laurent , Zavras Athanasios , Khairallah George N. , Bonačić-Koutecký Vlasta , Dugourd Philippe , O'Hair Richard A. J.
Published: April 2015

The VUV photoionisation and photofragmentation of a mass-selected, ligated silver deuteride nanocluster was studied.
Bipolar doping of double-layer graphene vertical heterostructures with hydrogenated boron nitride
Authors: Liu Zhun , Wang Ru-Zhi , Liu Li-Min , Lau Woon-Ming , Yan Hui
Published: April 2015

Using first-principles calculations, we examined the bipolar doping of double-layer graphene vertical heterostructures, which are constructed by hydrogenated boron nitride (BN) sheets sandwiched into two parallel graphene monolayers.
State-to-state vacuum ultraviolet photodissociation study of CO2 on the formation of state-correlated CO(X1Σ+; v) with O(1D) and O(1S) photoproducts at 11.95–12.22 eV
Authors: Lu Zhou , Chang Yih Chung , Benitez Yanice , Luo Zhihong , Houria Adel Ben , Ayari Tarek , Al Mogren Muneerah Mogren , Hochlaf M. , Jackson W. M. , Ng C. Y.
Published: April 2015

The state-to-state photodissociation of CO2 is investigated in the VUV range of 11.94–12.20 eV.
Optical writing and reading with a photoactivatable carbazole
Authors: Garcia-Amorós Jaume , Swaminathan Subramani , Zhang Yang , Nonell Santi , Raymo Françisco M.
Published: April 2015

Fluorescence photoactivation of a carbazole switch under plasmonic assistance permits the optical writing and reading of microstructured patterns.
Charge transfer in MOH(H2O)+ (M = Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn) complexes revealed by vibrational spectroscopy of mass-selected ions
Authors: Marsh Brett M. , Zhou Jia , Garand Etienne
Published: April 2015

The hydroxide frequency in MOH(H2O)+ is a sensitive probe of charge transfer.
Assessing thermochemical properties of materials through ab initio quantum-mechanical methods: the case of α-Al2O3
Authors: Erba Alessandro , Maul Jefferson , Demichelis Raffaella , Dovesi Roberto
Published: April 2015

Accurate ab initio calculations of thermodynamic and structural thermal properties of corundum demonstrate its quasi-harmonic nature up to the melting temperature.
Correction: Scaling properties of information-theoretic quantities in density functional reactivity theory
Authors: Rong Chunying , Lu Tian , Ayers Paul W. , Chattaraj Pratim K. , Liu Shubin
Published: April 2015

Correction for ‘Scaling properties of information-theoretic quantities in density functional reactivity theory’ by Chunying Rong et al., Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2015, 17, 4977–4988.
Ligand free copper(i)-catalyzed synthesis of diaryl ether with Cs2CO3via a free radical path
Authors: Chen Hong-Jie , Tseng Mei-Chun , Hsu I-Jui , Chen Wei-Ting , Han Chien-Chung , Shyu Shin-Guang
Published: April 2015

Complexes [Cu(i)(2,4-dimethylphenoxy)2]− (A) and [Cu(ii)(2,4-dimethylphenoxy)2(p-tolyl)]− (B) were observed by in situ ESI-MS analysis of the ligand free copper(i)-catalyzed C–O coupling reaction using Cs2CO3 under the catalytic reaction conditions.
Impact of various emulsifiers on ALA bioavailability and chylomicron synthesis through changes in gastrointestinal lipolysis
Authors: Couëdelo L. , Amara S. , Lecomte M. , Meugnier E. , Monteil J. , Fonseca L. , Pineau G. , Cansell M. , Carrière F. , Michalski M. C. , Vaysse C.
Published: April 2015

The nature of emulsifiers modulates ALA bioavailability by modifying the gastrointestinal lipolysis of lipid emulsions.
1,2,3-Dithiazoles – new reversible melanin synthesis inhibitors: a chemical genomics study
Authors: Charalambous Anna , Koyioni Maria , Antoniades Ioanna , Pegeioti Despoina , Eleftheriou Iro , Michaelidou Sophia S. , Amelichev Stanislav A. , Konstantinova Lidia S. , Rakitin Oleg A. , Koutentis Panayiotis A. , Skourides Paris A.
Published: April 2015

1,2,3-Dithiazolimines show potent and reversible inhibition of melanin synthesis inXenopus laevisembryos.
Correction: Novel pyrrole derivatives as selective CHK1 inhibitors: design, regioselective synthesis and molecular modeling
Authors: Eldebss Taha M. A. , Gomha Sobhi M. , Abdulla Mohamed M. , Arafa Reem K.
Published: April 2015

Correction for 'Novel pyrrole derivatives as selective CHK1 inhibitors: design, regioselective synthesis and molecular modeling' by Taha M. A. Eldebss et al., Med. Chem. Commun., 2015, DOI: 10.1039/c4md00560k.