bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the origin of the imaginary part of complex contact angles
Authors: Jennissen H. P.
Published: August 2015

Complex contact angles of water on rough surfaces have been described to consist of a real part for ideal wetting and of an imaginary part for non‐ideal wetting (Jennissen, 2011, 2014). The concept of imaginary contact angles has accordingly been successfully applied to the analysis of hyperhydrophilic rough surfaces. The origin of the imaginary part of complex contact angles has hitherto been attributed to the non‐ideality of surfaces (e.g. surface roughness) but is otherwise unclear. It is generally accepted that the Young equation is valid, if the criteria ideal surface and thermodynamic equilibrium are fulfilled. What has been overlooked is a third criterion, namely, if an ideal fluid also exists. This criterion, has never been seriously questioned, but is assumed to be fulfilled. Recent evidence indicates that this assumption is false. Xiong et al. 2014 have reported that the surface tension of water is a complex quantity consisting of a real and an imaginary part. In this paper it is demonstrated that imaginary contact angles can also originate after incorporation of a complex surface tension of water into the Young and Wilhelmy equations, thus confirming the concept of complex contact angles also from the side of the non‐ideality of the fluid.
Effect of process parameters and talc ratio on hot plate welding of polypropylene
Authors: Taşkıran E. , Sayer S. , Özes Ç. , Yeni Ç. , Ülker A.
Published: August 2015

This study analyzes the influence of different talc ratios on weld strength of polypropylene joined with hot plate welding process. It further determines the optimum welding parameter settings to achieve the optimum weld strength and observes the effect of process parameters, namely plate temperature and heating time on the joint quality.

Process parameters were considered as variables and their effect, interactions and relative significance were investigated by utilizing design of experiment. Simultaneously, a mathematical predictive model of the weld strength was developed in terms of welding parameters. The model can predict effectively weld strength with a 95% confidence level.
A Practical One‐Pot Synthesis of Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Tracers via Nickel‐Mediated Radiofluorination
Authors: Zlatopolskiy Boris D. , Zischler Johannes , Urusova Elizaveta A. , Endepols Heike , Kordys Elena , Frauendorf Holm , Mottaghy Felix M. , Neumaier Bernd
Published: August 2015

Invited for this months cover picture is the group of Professor Bernd Neumaier at the Institute of Radiochemistry and Experimental Molecular Imaging at the University Clinic of Cologne. The cover picture shows the differences in brain metabolism of a healthy young and a healthy old subject, as well as a patient suffering from Parkinsons disease (left to right) uncovered by 6‐[18F]FDOPA‐positron emission tomography (PET). Morbus Parkinson occurs when nerve cells that produce dopamine begin to die. The shortage of dopamine leads to movement problems in affected individuals. 6‐[18F]FDOPA is extensively used to evaluate the progression of Parkinsons disease. Bold stick projections of this PET tracer, as well as a neuronal network, are seen in the background. Unfortunately, conventional procedures to produce 6‐[18F]FDOPA are cumbersome. Thus, several recent developments aim at the simplification of this radiosynthesis. In our work, we studied the applicability of the recently reported Ni‐mediated radiofluorination approach for daily routine production of 6‐[18F]FDOPA. For more details, see the Full Paper on p. 457 ff.
Psychological Predictors of Outcomes with Lumbar Spinal Fusion: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Wilhelm Mark , Reiman Michael , Goode Adam , Richardson William , Brown Christopher , Vaughn Daniel , Cook Chad
Published: August 2015

Purpose

To review the predictive/risk psychological factors at baseline that are associated with a favourable (or non‐favourable) outcome following lumbar spinal fusion (LSF).

Methods

A computer‐assisted literature search of PubMed, CINAHL complete and EMBASE for studies published between January 1, 1990 and October 1, 2014 with controlled vocabulary and key words related to LSF, degenerative lumbar spine diagnoses and appropriate terms for predictive variables. Each study was required to be a retrospective or prospective design that involved LSF (all forms). Quality assessment was conducted with the Quality In Prognosis Studies tool. A study protocol was registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO# CRD42014008728).

Results

The majority of the eight accepted studies were observational, prospective cohorts (n = 6). High levels of baseline depression and lower SF‐36 Mental Component Scores (MCS) lower quality of life were associated with non‐favourable outcomes. Two studies were rated as high quality, five were moderate and one study had low quality.

Conclusions

At present, there are a number of psychological variables that are associated with a poorer outcome with LSF. Higher levels of depression and lower scores on the SF‐36 MCS are the most commonly implicated. However, based on the results of the studies using single arm designs there is not enough evidence to determine which psychological variables are influential in predicting outcomes for LSF. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effect of succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor/azole mixtures on selection of Zymoseptoria tritici isolates with reduced sensitivity
Authors: Dooley Hilda , Shaw Michael W , Spink John , Kildea Steven
Published: August 2015

BACKGROUND

Combining fungicides with different modes of action is regarded as one of the most effective means of slowing the selection of resistance. Field trials were used to study the effects of such mixtures on selection for Zymoseptoria tritici with reduced sensitivity to the succinate dehydrogenase inhibitors (SDHIs) and azole fungicides. The SDHI isopyrazam and the azole epoxiconazole were applied individually as solo products, and together in a preformulated mixture. All fungicide treatments were included at both full and half the recommended doses.

RESULTS

Compared with using epoxiconazole alone, mixing epoxiconazole with isopyrazam led to an increase in epoxiconazole‐sensitive isolates. In contrast, all treatments containing isopyrazam reduced the sensitivity of Z. tritici to isopyrazam compared with those without. Reducing doses to half the recommended rate had no effect on sensitivity of isolates to either active ingredient. In a subgroup of isolates least sensitive to isopyrazam, non‐synonymous mutations were found in the SdhC and SdhD subunits, but their presence was unrelated to sensitivity.

CONCLUSION

Mixing an azole and SDHI was clearly beneficial for the azole, but not for the SDHI component. This dynamic might change if strains conferring reduced sensitivity to the SDHIs were to arise. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Ultrasonic and dielectric relaxations in PDMS/ZnO nanocomposite
Authors: Belovickis Jaroslavas , Macutkevic Jan , Svirskas Šarūnas , Samulionis Vytautas , Banys Jūras , Shenderova Olga , Borjanovic Vesna
Published: August 2015

In this article, we present the impact of ZnO nanoparticles on ultrasonic and dielectric properties of Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)‐based nanocomposites in a wide temperature range. The complex dielectric permittivity was measured as a function of the frequency at various temperatures and it was shown that the magnitude and the position of the dielectric loss peak in the temperature scale depend on the concentration of fillers in PDMS/ZnO composite. The temperature dependences of ultrasonic wave attenuation showed attenuation peaks similar to those obtained by means of the dielectric spectroscopy. These peaks are attributed to the dynamic glass transition and obey the Vogel–Fulcher–Tammann (VFT) equation. Values of the static glass transition temperature obtained analyzing the dielectric and ultrasonic data are consistent and increase with the concentration of ZnO. The ultrasonic wave attenuation and velocity in these composites depend on the filler concentration.
Subcellular localization of anthracyclines in cultured rat cardiomyoblasts as possible predictors of cardiotoxicity
Authors: Studzian Kazimierz , Kik Krzysztof , Lukawska Malgorzata , Oszczapowicz Irena , Strek Malgorzata , Szmigiero Leszek
Published: August 2015

In this study, we compared the cellular uptake, intracellular localization and cytotoxicity of two groups of anthracycline derivatives in cultured H9c2(2-1) rat cardiomyoblasts. The first group consisted of doxorubicin (DOX) and two of its derivatives containing a formamidino group (–N = CH–N<) at the C-3′ position with a morpholine (DOXM) or a hexamethyleneimine (DOXH) ring. The second group consisted of daunorubicin (DRB) and its derivatives containing a morpholine (DRBM) or a hexamethyleneimine (DRBH) ring. DOXH and DRBH were taken up by cardiomyoblasts more efficiently than estimated for other tested anthracyclines. The cellular uptakes of DOXM and DRBM were reduced compared to those of the parent compounds. Applied structural modifications of DOX and DRB influenced the subcellular localization of the tested derivatives. DOX and DOXH were localized primarily in nuclei, whereas the other anthracyclines were found in the nuclei and cytoplasm. The percentages of the compounds that accumulated in the nuclei were 80.2 and 54.2 % for DOX and DOXH, respectively. The lowest nuclear accumulation values were observed for DRBM (19.9 %), DRBH (21.9 %) and DOXM (23.7 %). The ability of anthracyclines to accumulate in the nuclei correlated with their DNA binding constants (r = 0.858, P = 0.029). A correlation was found between the accumulation of the tested anthracyclines in the nuclei of cardiomyoblasts and their cardiotoxicity in vivo, which was observed in our previous study. We suggest that cytotoxicity and the anthracycline accumulation level in the nuclei of cultured cardiomyoblasts could be used for early prediction of their cardiotoxicity.
Restricted Maximum Likelihood Estimation for Parameters of the Social Relations Model
Authors: Nestler Steffen
Published: August 2015

In many areas of research, the round-robin design is used to study interpersonal judgments and behaviors. The resulting data are analyzed with the social relations model (SRM), whereby almost all previously published studies have used ANOVA-based methods or multilevel-based methods to obtain SRM parameter estimates. In this article, the SRM is embedded into the linear mixed model framework, and it is shown how restricted maximum likelihood can be employed to estimate the SRM parameters. It is also described how the effect of covariates on the SRM-specific effects can be estimated. An example is presented to illustrate the approach. We also present the results of a simulation study in which the performance of the proposed approach is compared to the ANOVA method.
Fucoxanthin Enhances Chain Elongation and Desaturation of Alpha‐Linolenic Acid in HepG2 Cells
Authors: Wu Meng‐Ting , Su Hui‐Min , Cui Yi , Windust Anthony , Chou Hong‐Nong , Huang Ching‐jang
Published: August 2015

Dietary fucoxanthin (FX), a carotenoid compound from brown algae, was found to increase docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n‐3) and arachidonic acid (ARA, 20:4n‐6) in the liver of mice. DHA and ARA are known to be biosynthesized from the respective precursor α‐linolenic acid (ALA, 18:3n‐3) and linoleic acid (LNA, 18:2n‐6), through desaturation and chain elongation. We examined the effect of FX on the fatty acid metabolism in HepG2 cells (Hepatocellular carcinoma, human). In the first experiment, cells were co‐treated with ALA (100 μM) and FX (0–100 μM) or vehicle for 48 h. FX increased eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5n‐3), docosapentaenoic acid (DPA, 22:5n‐3), DHA at concentrations of ≥50 μM. To clarify the change in the metabolism of polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), in the second experiment, cells were co‐treated with universally‐[13C]‐labeled (U‐[13C]‐) ALA (100 μM) and FX (100 μM) for 0.5, 3, 6, 24 and 48 h. [13C] labeled‐EPA, DPA and DHA content in HepG2 cells were all increased by FX after 48 h treatment. Furthermore, estimated delta‐5 desaturase (D5D) but not delta‐6 desaturase (D6D) activity index was increased at 48 h. These results suggested that FX may enhance the conversion of ALA to longer chain n‐3 PUFA through increasing D5D activity in the liver.
Does Sexual-Stimuli Intensity and Sexual Self-Schema Influence Female Consumers’ Reactions toward Sexualised Advertising? An Australian Perspective
Authors: Wyllie Jessica , Carlson Jamie , Rosenberger Philip J.
Published: August 2015

Limited empirical research has investigated the impact of varying intensity levels of sexual-stimuli in print advertising on consumer behaviour together with the influence of sexual self-schema (SSS). Therefore, an exploratory experimental study was conducted with Australian women that examined the influence of explicit (high) versus mild (low) sexual stimuli intensity in print advertisements, and positive (high) versus negative (low) sexual self-schema levels on their reactions toward sex appeals. The results suggest that mild sexual-stimuli intensity has a more positive influence on women's attitudes and intended purchase behaviours, and that SSS has a limited influence. Further analysis suggests that the dimensionality of the SSS construct has shown divergent findings to prior U.S. centric research, calling for further studies to scrutinise the construct beyond this advertising context. Practitioner implications and future research directions are discussed.
The effects of religion on consumer behavior: A conceptual framework and research agenda
Authors: Mathras Daniele , Cohen Adam B. , Mandel Naomi , Mick David Glen
Published: August 2015

This article provides a conceptual framework for studying the effects of religion on consumer behavior, with the goal of stimulating future research at the intersection of these two topics. We delineate religion as a multidimensional construct and propose that religion affects consumer psychology and behavior through four dimensions—beliefs, rituals, values, and community. For each dimension of religion, we offer definitions and measures, integrate previous findings from research in the psychology, consumer behavior, marketing, and religion literatures, and propose testable future research directions. With this conceptual framework and research agenda, we challenge consumer researchers to ask deeper questions about why religious affiliation and level of religiosity may be driving previously established differences in consumer behavior, and to uncover the psychological mechanisms underlying the effects. This framework complements and extends previous literature and provides a new delineated framework for considering research on the effects of religion on consumer behavior.
Vibration Analysis of the Multiple-Hole Membrane by using the Coupled Diem-Fe Scheme
Authors: Liu D.-S. , Lin I.-H.
Published: August 2015

This paper presents a 2D dynamics infinite element method (DIEM) for modeling the multiple-hole membrane for vibration analysis. A new concept involving converting the DIEM into a super element that can adjust the hole size and free and fixed boundary conditions around the hole is also proposed. The special element, embedded with an elastic membrane, is formulated on the basis of the conventional finite element method (FEM) by using the similarity mass/stiffness property of isoparametric elements and Craig-Bampton matrix reduction procedures. A DIEM-FE coupling scheme is also developed and self-programmed into the software MATLAB to conduct the vibration analysis of a membrane with multiple holes. The DIEM-FE approach is validated to study the vibration of the rectangular membranes by using the corresponding analytical solutions and the solutions obtained using the conventional FEM. The DIEM-FE is then applied to analyze imbedded L-shaped and circular opening problems. The effects of varying hole diameters and the free or fixed boundary condition along the hole are also examined. Finally, the last example shows that to perform vibration analysis of the multiple-hole membrane, only one DIEM mass/stiffness matrix must be calculated for all holes with an identical circular shape. Overall, this study provides a flexibility and efficient scheme for analyzing a wide variety of membrane vibration problems. The number of degrees of freedom and the corresponding PC memory storage are substantially reduced through the computation.
“The Power of the Purse” of Local People's Congresses in China: Controllable Contestation under Bureaucratic Negotiation
Authors: Ma Jun , Lin Muhua
Published: August 2015

Since the 1999 budget reform, and for the first time in China, local people's congresses (LPCs) have begun to exert “the power of the purse.” Based on our fieldwork and survey, we argue that while LPCs have strengthened their budgetary oversight since the reform, they continue to employ a strategy of “embeddedness.” Although certain LPCs have become more contentious, they tend to veil contestations in bureaucratic negotiation in order to avoid uncontrollable budgetary conflicts. The strategy adopted by LPCs in budgetary oversight provides a case for examining the recent debate over the behaviour patterns of LPCs in legislative oversight.
Tropical forest seeds in the household economy: effects of market participation among three sociocultural groups in the Upper Xingu region of the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: URZEDO D. I. , VIDAL E. , SILLS E. O. , PIÑA-RODRIGUES F. C. M. , JUNQUEIRA R. G. P.
Published: August 2015

Government regulations have created new markets for non-timber forest products such as tropical forest seeds for ecological restoration and agroforestry in Brazil. This paper examines whether and how participation in the seed market has affected assets that will shape households’ ability to pursue new livelihood opportunities. These impacts may vary across different dimensions of capital and among sociocultural groups. Impacts were characterized through semi-structured interviews following the sustainable livelihoods approach; 40 producers in the Xingu Seed Network, from settler farmer, urban and indigenous groups, were interviewed. The groups differed in perceptions of impacts on their natural, social and human capital, which could be related to the sociocultural background and vulnerability context of each group. Communities that were already organized were most likely to strengthen their social capital through participation. Cash income earned from sale of seeds was correlated with household-reported gains in financial capital, but not correlated with changes in other dimensions of capital. Contrary to expectations, sociocultural groups less integrated with the market achieved better livelihood outcomes through participation in the seed market.
Powder X-ray diffraction of 1-(4-Nitrophenyl)-2-piperidinone, C11H12N2O3
Authors: Wang Qing , Xiong Xin Nuo , He Jia Wei , Tang Pei Xiao , Li Hui
Published: August 2015

X-ray powder diffraction data for 1-(4-Nitrophenyl)-2-piperidinone, C11H12N2O3, are reported [a = 9.514(3) Å, b = 12.308(6) Å, c = 9.175(1) Å, α = 90°, β = 91.811(2)°, γ = 90°, V = 1073.94 Å3, Z = 4, ρcal = 1.362 g cm−3 and space group P21/n]. All measured lines were indexed and are consistent with the P21/n space group. No detectable impurities were observed.
De-centring Managua: post-earthquake reconstruction and revolution in Nicaragua
Authors: LEE DAVID JOHNSON
Published: August 2015

The reconstruction of Managua following the 1972 earthquake laid bare the contradictions of modernization theory that justified the US alliance with Latin American dictators in the name of democracy in the Cold War. Based on an idealized model of urban development, US planners developed a plan to ‘decentralize’ both the city of Managua and the power of the US-backed Somoza dictatorship. In the process, they helped augment the power of the dictator and create a city its inhabitants found intolerable. The collective rejection of the city, the dictator and his alliance with the United States, helped propel Nicaragua toward its 1979 revolution and turned the country into a Cold War battleground.
A model building framework for answer set programming with external computations
Authors: EITER THOMAS , FINK MICHAEL , IANNI GIOVAMBATTISTA , KRENNWALLNER THOMAS , REDL CHRISTOPH , SCHÜLLER PETER
Published: August 2015

As software systems are getting increasingly connected, there is a need for equipping nonmonotonic logic programs with access to external sources that are possibly remote and may contain information in heterogeneous formats. To cater for this need,hexprograms were designed as a generalization of answer set programs with an API style interface that allows to access arbitrary external sources, providing great flexibility. Efficient evaluation of such programs however is challenging, and it requires to interleave external computation and model building; to decide when to switch between these tasks is difficult, and existing approaches have limited scalability in many real-world application scenarios. We present a new approach for the evaluation of logic programs with external source access, which is based on a configurable framework for dividing the non-ground program into possibly overlapping smaller parts called evaluation units. The latter will be processed by interleaving external evaluation and model building using an evaluation graph and a model graph, respectively, and by combining intermediate results. Experiments with our prototype implementation show a significant improvement compared to previous approaches. While designed forhex-programs, the new evaluation approach may be deployed to related rule-based formalisms as well.
Age aspects of habitability
Authors: Safonova M. , Murthy J. , Shchekinov Yu. A.
Published: August 2015

A ‘habitable zone’ of a star is defined as a range of orbits within which a rocky planet can support liquid water on its surface. The most intriguing question driving the search for habitable planets is whether they host life. But is the age of the planet important for its habitability? If we define habitability as the ability of a planet to beget life, then probably it is not. After all, life on Earth has developed within only ~800 Myr after its formation – the carbon isotope change detected in the oldest rocks indicates the existence of already active life at least 3.8 Gyr ago. If, however, we define habitability as our ability to detect life on the surface of exoplanets, then age becomes a crucial parameter. Only after life had evolved sufficiently complex to change its environment on a planetary scale, can we detect it remotely through its imprint on the atmosphere – the so-called biosignatures, out of which the photosynthetic oxygen is the most prominent indicator of developed (complex) life as we know it. Thus, photosynthesis is a powerful biogenic engine that is known to have changed our planet's global atmospheric properties. The importance of planetary age for the detectability of life as we know it follows from the fact that this primary process, photosynthesis, is endothermic with an activation energy higher than temperatures in habitable zones, and is sensitive to the particular thermal conditions of the planet. Therefore, the onset of photosynthesis on planets in habitable zones may take much longer time than the planetary age. The knowledge of the age of a planet is necessary for developing a strategy to search for exoplanets carrying complex (developed) life – many confirmed potentially habitable planets are too young (orbiting Population I stars) and may not have had enough time to develop and/or sustain detectable life. In the last decade, many planets orbiting old (9–13 Gyr) metal-poor Population II stars have been discovered. Such planets had had enough time to develop necessary chains of chemical reactions and may carry detectable life if located in a habitable zone. These old planets should be primary targets in search for the extraterrestrial life.
DIVISION I: COMMISSION 8: ASTROMETRY
Authors: Evans Dafydd Wyn , Zacharias Norbert , Kumkova Irina , Andrei Alexandre , Brown Anthony , Gouda Naoteru , Popescu Petre , Souchay Jean , Unwin Stephen , Zhu Zi
Published: August 2015

The business meeting was opened by the President, Dafydd Evans, who presented the agenda, which was approved. It was agreed that Norbert Zacharias should be the secretary of the meeting and take the minutes. This session was attended by about 20 participants.
DIVISION VII: COMMISSION 37: STAR CLUSTERS AND ASSOCIATIONS
Authors: Carraro Giovanni , Grijs Richard de , Elmegreen Bruce , Minniti Dante , Goodwin Simon , Stetson Peter , Geisler Douglas , Anthony-Twarog Barbara
Published: August 2015

The business session for Commission 37 was held on 24 August 2012 at the IAU General Assembly in Beijing. The meeting was attended by about a dozen members of our Comission, including President Carraro, VP de Grijs and several committee members. We introduced ourselves and then went through a powerpoint presentation first prepared by outgoing President Elmegreen and revised by incoming President Carraro. The contents of the powerpoint presentation are given in this summary.
The seabed geomorphology and geological structure of the Firth of Lorn, western Scotland, UK, as revealed by multibeam echo-sounder survey
Authors: Howe John A. , Anderton Roger , Arosio Riccardo , Dove Dayton , Bradwell Tom , Crump Philip , Cooper Rhys , Cocuccio Andre
Published: August 2015

This paper presents recently collected swath bathymetry from the Firth of Lorn. 553 km2 of data were collected during 2012–2013 as part of the INIS Hydro (Ireland, Northern Ireland and Scotland Hydrographic Survey) programme.

The area proves to consist of bedrock-dominated seabed, divided into narrow, stratigraphically-constrained and glacially-over-deepened basins. The bedrock is composed of late Proterozoic Dalradian metasediments overlain unconformably by Old Red Sandstone (ORS) sediments and lavas of ?Silurian-age. The central region of the Firth of Lorn is dominated by a vertical cliff, up to 150 m high and extending for approximately 24 km. This feature, here termed the Insh Fault, may have originated as a Dalradian extensional fault, been reactivated as an ORS feature and now forms a fault-line scarp with resistant ORS rocks on the downthrown side, flanking the more deeply eroded metasediments exposed in the basin. Tertiary intrusives are common, in particular, swarms of Paleocene dolerite dykes exposed on the sediment-free bedrock surfaces, and can be traced for many kilometres.

Evidence for past glaciation is widespread, manifest in the extensive erosion of the bedrock platforms and the abundance of well-preserved moraines and over-deepened basins. The survey region includes the Corryvreckan Whirlpool and Great Race, beneath the tidal flows of which occur submarine dunes.
Cerebral Lesions at Fetal Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Neurologic Outcome After Single Fetal Death in Monochorionic Twins
Authors: Jatzko Birgit , Rittenschober-Böhm Judith , Mailath-Pokorny Mariella , Worda Christof , Prayer Daniela , Kasprian Gregor , Worda Katharina
Published: August 2015

Background:Single fetal death (sFD) in monochorionic twin pregnancies is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality in the survivor. The aim of our study was to evaluate the rate of cerebral lesions detected at fetal Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and to correlate the results with the neurologic outcome of the survivors of monochorionic twin pregnancies after sFD.Methods:Between 2005 and 2012, 11 monochorionic twin pregnancies with sFD and subsequent fetal MRI of the survivor were included. All neonates underwent neurologic assessment after birth and 56% of surviving infants underwent long-term neurologic assessment. MRI findings and neurologic outcome of the survivors were evaluated.Results:Gestational age at sFD was 20.9 (±2.9) weeks; 55% (6/11) of survivors of monochorionic twin pregnancies after sFD showed cerebral lesions at fetal MRI; 72% (8/11) of all survivors had normal neonatal neurologic outcome: all survivors with normal fetal MRI and 50% of survivors with cerebral lesions at fetal MRI. Long-term neurologic assessment was normal in all tested patients with normal fetal MRI and in one of three tested patients with cerebral lesions at fetal MRI.Conclusion:Survivors of monochorionic twin pregnancies after sFD show a high rate of cerebral lesions at fetal MRI. The importance of cerebral lesions at fetal MRI in survivors after sFD in monochorionic twin pregnancies is uncertain. All tested survivors with normal fetal MRI showed normal neurologic outcome but only one of three survivors with cerebral lesions at fetal MRI showed normal long-term neurologic outcome.
Failure of Location Recognition in the Rorschach
Authors: Yasuda Masaru
Published: August 2015

Abstract. Eye movements during the Rorschach Inkblot Method (RIM) were monitored to investigate the existence of location recognition failures that were accompanied by clients’ explanations in the inquiry phase. We hypothesized that perceived locations may have differed from actual explained locations if fixations did not occur – and visual attention was diverted to other locations – just before the response in the free association phase. The eye movement data of 29 participants under a Rorschach administration were collected, and 688 responses were obtained. Of these, 195 responses that involved perception of small, specific locations were used to investigate the association between pre-response eye movements and queried locations. Six responses of three participants showed fixations within 3 s before the time of response at locations different from the locations provided in the explanation. Responses made to similar but different locations were indicative of potential failures of location recognition.
Joint AGU-ESA Event Brings Together Collaborative Networks
Authors: Wendel JoAnna
Published: August 2015

Members of AGU and the Ecological Society of America came together in their first joint event to discuss opportunities for research collaboration.
AK2 deficiency compromises the mitochondrial energy metabolism required for differentiation of human neutrophil and lymphoid lineages
Authors: Six E , Lagresle-Peyrou C , Susini S , De Chappedelaine C , Sigrist N , Sadek H , Chouteau M , Cagnard N , Fontenay M , Hermine O , Chomienne C , Reynier P , Fischer A , André-Schmutz I , Gueguen N , Cavazzana M
Published: August 2015

Reticular dysgenesis is a human severe combined immunodeficiency that is primarily characterized by profound neutropenia and lymphopenia. The condition is caused by mutations in the adenylate kinase 2 (AK2) gene, resulting in the loss of mitochondrial AK2 protein expression. AK2 regulates the homeostasis of mitochondrial adenine nucleotides (ADP, ATP and AMP) by catalyzing the transfer of high-energy phosphate. Our present results demonstrate that AK2-knocked-down progenitor cells have poor proliferative and survival capacities and are blocked in their differentiation toward lymphoid and granulocyte lineages. We also observed that AK2 deficiency impaired mitochondrial function in general and oxidative phosphorylation in particular – showing that AK2 is critical in the control of energy metabolism. Loss of AK2 disrupts this regulation and leads to a profound block in lymphoid and myeloid cell differentiation.
A multi‐subunit Chlamydia vaccine inducing neutralizing antibodies and strong IFN‐γ+ CMI responses protects against a genital infection in minipigs
Authors: Bøje Sarah , Olsen Anja Weinreich , Erneholm Karin , Agerholm Jørgen Steen , Jungersen Gregers , Andersen Peter , Follmann Frank
Published: August 2015

Chlamydia is the most widespread sexually transmitted bacterial disease and a prophylactic vaccine is highly needed. Ideally, this vaccine is required to induce a combined response of Th1 cell‐mediated immune (CMI) response in concert with neutralizing antibodies. Using a novel Göttingen minipig animal model, we evaluated the immunogenicity and efficacy of a multi‐subunit vaccine formulated in the strong Th1‐inducing adjuvant CAF01. We evaluated a mixture of two fusion proteins (Hirep1 and CTH93) designed to promote either neutralizing antibodies or cell‐mediated immunity, respectively. Hirep1 is a novel immunogen based on the variant domain (VD) 4 region from major outer membrane protein (MOMP) serovar (Sv) D, SvE and SvF, and CTH93 is a fusion molecule of three antigens (CT043, CT414 and MOMP). Pigs were immunized twice intramuscularly with either Hirep1+CTH93/CAF01, UV‐inactivated Chlamydia trachomatis SvD bacteria (UV‐SvD/CAF01) or CAF01. The Hirep1+CTH93/CAF01 vaccine induced a strong CMI response against the vaccine antigens and high titers of antibodies, particularly against the VD4 region of MOMP. Sera from Hirep1+CTH93/CAF01 immunized pigs neutralized C. trachomatis SvD and SvF infectivity in vitro. Both Hirep1+CTH93/CAF01 and UV‐SvD/CAF01 vaccination protected pigs against a vaginal C. trachomatis SvD infection. In conclusion, the Hirep1+CTH93/CAF01 vaccine proved highly immunogenic and equally protective as UV‐SvD/CAF01 showing promise for the development of a subunit vaccine against Chlamydia.
XUV excitation followed by ultrafast non-adiabatic relaxation in PAH molecules as a femto-astrochemistry experiment
Authors: Marciniak A. , Despré V. , Barillot T. , Rouzée A. , Galbraith M.C.E. , Klei J. , Yang C.-H. , Smeenk C.T.L. , Loriot V. , Reddy S. Nagaprasad , Tielens A.G.G.M. , Mahapatra S. , Kuleff A. I. , Vrakking M.J.J. , Lépine F.
Published: August 2015

Highly excited molecular species are at play in the chemistry of interstellar media and are involved in the creation of radiation damage in a biological tissue. Recently developed ultrashort extreme ultraviolet light sources offer the high excitation energies and ultrafast time-resolution required for probing the dynamics of highly excited molecular states on femtosecond (fs) (1 fs=10−15s) and even attosecond (as) (1 as=10−18 s) timescales. Here we show that polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) undergo ultrafast relaxation on a few tens of femtoseconds timescales, involving an interplay between the electronic and vibrational degrees of freedom. Our work reveals a general property of excited radical PAHs that can help to elucidate the assignment of diffuse interstellar absorption bands in astrochemistry, and provides a benchmark for the manner in which coupled electronic and nuclear dynamics determines reaction pathways in large molecules following extreme ultraviolet excitation.
A hepatic amino acid/mTOR/S6K-dependent signalling pathway modulates systemic lipid metabolism via neuronal signals
Authors: Uno Kenji , Yamada Tetsuya , Ishigaki Yasushi , Imai Junta , Hasegawa Yutaka , Sawada Shojiro , Kaneko Keizo , Ono Hiraku , Asano Tomoichiro , Oka Yoshitomo , Katagiri Hideki
Published: August 2015

Metabolism is coordinated among tissues and organs via neuronal signals. Levels of circulating amino acids (AAs), which are elevated in obesity, activate the intracellular target of rapamycin complex-1 (mTORC1)/S6kinase (S6K) pathway in the liver. Here we demonstrate that hepatic AA/mTORC1/S6K signalling modulates systemic lipid metabolism via a mechanism involving neuronal inter-tissue communication. Hepatic expression of an AA transporter, SNAT2, activates the mTORC1/S6K pathway, and markedly elevates serum triglycerides (TGs), while downregulating adipose lipoprotein lipase (LPL). Hepatic Rheb or active-S6K expression have similar metabolic effects, whereas hepatic expression of dominant-negative-S6K inhibits TG elevation in SNAT2 mice. Denervation, pharmacological deafferentation and β-blocker administration suppress obesity-related hypertriglyceridemia with adipose LPL upregulation, suggesting that signals are transduced between liver and adipose tissue via a neuronal pathway consisting of afferent vagal and efferent sympathetic nerves. Thus, the neuronal mechanism uncovered here serves to coordinate amino acid and lipid levels and contributes to the development of obesity-related hypertriglyceridemia.
Divergent sorting of a balanced ancestral polymorphism underlies the establishment of gene-flow barriers in Capsella
Authors: Sicard Adrien , Kappel Christian , Josephs Emily B. , Lee Young Wha , Marona Cindy , Stinchcombe John R. , Wright Stephen I. , Lenhard Michael
Published: August 2015

In the Bateson–Dobzhansky–Muller model of genetic incompatibilities post-zygotic gene-flow barriers arise by fixation of novel alleles at interacting loci in separated populations. Many such incompatibilities are polymorphic in plants, implying an important role for genetic drift or balancing selection in their origin and evolution. Here we show that NPR1 and RPP5 loci cause a genetic incompatibility between the incipient species Capsella grandiflora and C. rubella, and the more distantly related C. rubella and C. orientalis. The incompatible RPP5 allele results from a mutation in C. rubella, while the incompatible NPR1 allele is frequent in the ancestral C. grandiflora. Compatible and incompatible NPR1 haplotypes are maintained by balancing selection in C. grandiflora, and were divergently sorted into the derived C. rubella and C. orientalis. Thus, by maintaining differentiated alleles at high frequencies, balancing selection on ancestral polymorphisms can facilitate establishing gene-flow barriers between derived populations through lineage sorting of the alternative alleles.
Mapping molecules in scanning far-field fluorescence nanoscopy
Authors: Ta Haisen , Keller Jan , Haltmeier Markus , Saka Sinem K. , Schmied Jürgen , Opazo Felipe , Tinnefeld Philip , Munk Axel , Hell Stefan W.
Published: August 2015

In fluorescence microscopy, the distribution of the emitting molecule number in space is usually obtained by dividing the measured fluorescence by that of a single emitter. However, the brightness of individual emitters may vary strongly in the sample or be inaccessible. Moreover, with increasing (super-) resolution, fewer molecules are found per pixel, making this approach unreliable. Here we map the distribution of molecules by exploiting the fact that a single molecule emits only a single photon at a time. Thus, by analysing the simultaneous arrival of multiple photons during confocal imaging, we can establish the number and local brightness of typically up to 20 molecules per confocal (diffraction sized) recording volume. Subsequent recording by stimulated emission depletion microscopy provides the distribution of the number of molecules with subdiffraction resolution. The method is applied to mapping the three-dimensional nanoscale organization of internalized transferrin receptors on human HEK293 cells.
IL-21-mediated non-canonical pathway for IL-1β production in conventional dendritic cells
Authors: Wan Chi-Keung , Li Peng , Spolski Rosanne , Oh Jangsuk , Andraski Allison B. , Du Ning , Yu Zu-Xi , Dillon Christopher P. , Green Douglas R. , Leonard Warren J.
Published: August 2015

The canonical pathway for IL-1β production requires TLR-mediated NF-κB-dependent Il1b gene induction, followed by caspase-containing inflammasome-mediated processing of pro-IL-1β. Here we show that IL-21 unexpectedly induces IL-1β production in conventional dendritic cells (cDCs) via a STAT3-dependent but NF-κB-independent pathway. IL-21 does not induce Il1b expression in CD4+ T cells, with differential histone marks present in these cells versus cDCs. IL-21-induced IL-1β processing in cDCs does not require caspase-1 or caspase-8 but depends on IL-21-mediated death and activation of serine protease(s). Moreover, STAT3-dependent IL-1β expression in cDCs at least partially explains the IL-21-mediated pathologic response occurring during infection with pneumonia virus of mice. These results demonstrate lineage-restricted IL-21-induced IL-1β via a non-canonical pathway and provide evidence for its importance in vivo.
Visualizing nanoscale excitonic relaxation properties of disordered edges and grain boundaries in monolayer molybdenum disulfide
Authors: Bao Wei , Borys Nicholas J. , Ko Changhyun , Suh Joonki , Fan Wen , Thron Andrew , Zhang Yingjie , Buyanin Alexander , Zhang Jie , Cabrini Stefano , Ashby Paul D. , Weber-Bargioni Alexander , Tongay Sefaattin , Aloni Shaul , Ogletree D. Frank , Wu Junqiao , Salmeron Miquel B. , Schuck P. James
Published: August 2015

Two-dimensional monolayer transition metal dichalcogenide semiconductors are ideal building blocks for atomically thin, flexible optoelectronic and catalytic devices. Although challenging for two-dimensional systems, sub-diffraction optical microscopy provides a nanoscale material understanding that is vital for optimizing their optoelectronic properties. Here we use the ‘Campanile’ nano-optical probe to spectroscopically image exciton recombination within monolayer MoS2 with sub-wavelength resolution (60 nm), at the length scale relevant to many critical optoelectronic processes. Synthetic monolayer MoS2 is found to be composed of two distinct optoelectronic regions: an interior, locally ordered but mesoscopically heterogeneous two-dimensional quantum well and an unexpected ∼300-nm wide, energetically disordered edge region. Further, grain boundaries are imaged with sufficient resolution to quantify local exciton-quenching phenomena, and complimentary nano-Auger microscopy reveals that the optically defective grain boundary and edge regions are sulfur deficient. The nanoscale structure–property relationships established here are critical for the interpretation of edge- and boundary-related phenomena and the development of next-generation two-dimensional optoelectronic devices.
Formation of helical membrane tubes around microtubules by single-headed kinesin KIF1A
Authors: Oriola David , Roth Sophie , Dogterom Marileen , Casademunt Jaume
Published: August 2015

The kinesin-3 motor KIF1A is in charge of vesicular transport in neuronal axons. Its single-headed form is known to be very inefficient due to the presence of a diffusive state in the mechanochemical cycle. However, recent theoretical studies have suggested that these motors could largely enhance force generation by working in teams. Here we test this prediction by challenging single-headed KIF1A to extract membrane tubes from giant vesicles along microtubule filaments in a minimal in vitro system. Remarkably, not only KIF1A motors are able to extract tubes but they feature a novel phenomenon: tubes are wound around microtubules forming tubular helices. This finding reveals an unforeseen combination of cooperative force generation and self-organized manoeuvreing capability, suggesting that the diffusive state may be a key ingredient for collective motor performance under demanding traffic conditions. Hence, we conclude that KIF1A is a genuinely cooperative motor, possibly explaining its specificity to axonal trafficking.
Identifying miRNA/mRNA negative regulation pairs in colorectal cancer
Authors: Zhou Xile , Xu Xiangming , Wang Jinhai , Lin Jianjiang , Chen Wenbin
Published: August 2015

Although considerable progress has been made in the molecular biology of Colorectal cancer (CRC), novel approaches are still required to uncover the detailed molecular mechanism of CRC. We aim to explore the potential negatively regulated miRNA-mRNA pairs and investigate their regulatory roles so as to elaborate the potential roles of the critical proteins in the signaling pathways enriched by the differential target genes of negatively regulated miRNA in CRC. Firstly, the differential miRNA-mRNA pairs were selected, followed by pairs of miRNA and their target genes. The obtained relationships were subjected to do functional enrichment analysis and those enriched in CRC pathways were chose to further construct a protein interaction network. Finally, we analyzed the regulatory roles of these relationships and constructed a regulatory network of negatively regulated miRNA and mRNA relationships. A total of 372 pairs of miRNA-mRNA were found and 108 target genes of miRNA were obtained. Three miRNAs including hsa-mir-23b, hsa-mir-365-1 and hsa-mir-365-2 showed significant influence on prognosis of CRC patients. To conclude, the miRNA/mRNA deregulations pairs identified in this study have high potentials to be further applied in diagnosis and treatment of CRC.
High resolution skin-like sensor capable of sensing and visualizing various sensations and three dimensional shape
Authors: Xu Tianbai , Wang Wenbo , Bian Xiaolei , Wang Xiaoxue , Wang Xiaozhi , Luo J.K. , Dong Shurong
Published: August 2015

Human skin contains multiple receptors and is able to sense various stimuli such as temperature, pressure, force, corrosion etc and to feel pains and the shape of objects. The development of skin-like sensors capable of sensing these stimuli is of great importance for various applications such as robots, touch detection, temperature monitoring, strain gauges etc. Great efforts have been made to develop high performance skin-like sensors, but they are far from perfect and much inferior to human skin as most of them can only sense one stimulus with focus on pressure (strain) or temperature and are unable to visualize sensations and shape of objects. Here we report a skin-like sensor which imitates real skin with multiple receptors and a new concept of pain sensation. The sensor with very high resolution not only has multiple sensations for touch, pressure, temperature, but also is able to sense various pains and reproduce the three dimensional shape of an object in contact.
The hormone-bound vitamin D receptor enhances the FBW7-dependent turnover of NF-κB subunits
Authors: Fekrmandi Fatemeh , Wang Tian-Tian , White John H.
Published: August 2015

Signaling by hormonal vitamin D, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25D) has attracted increasing interest because of its non-classical actions, particularly its putative anticancer properties and its role in controlling immune system function. Notably, the hormone-bound vitamin D receptor (VDR) suppresses signaling by pro-inflammatory NF-κB transcription factors, although the underlying mechanisms have remained elusive. Recently, the VDR was shown to enhance the turnover of the oncogenic transcription factor cMYC mediated by the E3 ligase and tumor suppressor FBW7. As FBW7 also controls the turnover of the p100 (NF-κB2) subunit of the family, we determined whether the 1,25D enhanced FBW7-dependent turnover of NF-κB subunits p100, p105 (NF-κB1) and p65 (RELA). Protein levels of all three subunits declined markedly in the presence of 1,25D in multiple cell lines in the absence of substantial changes in mRNA expression. The VDR coimmunoprecipitated with all three subunits and 1,25D treatment accelerated subunit turnover in cycloheximide-treated cells. Importantly, we observed an association of FBW7 with p105 and p65, as well as p100 and knockdown of FBW7 eliminated 1,25D-dependent subunit turnover. Moreover, expression of NF-κB target genes was elevated in FBW7-depleted cells. These results reveal that 1,25D signaling suppresses NF-κB function by enhancing FBW7-dependent subunit turnover.
A critical role of toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) and its’ in vivo ligands in radio-resistance
Authors: Gao Fu , Zhang Chaoxiong , Zhou Chuanfeng , Sun Weimin , Liu Xin , Zhang Pei , Han Jiaqi , Xian Linfeng , Bai Dongchen , Liu Hu , Cheng Ying , Li Bailong , Cui Jianguo , Cai Jianming , Liu Cong
Published: August 2015

The role of Toll-like receptor-2 (TLR2) in radio-resistance remained largely unknown. TLR2 knockout (TLR2−/−) mice received radiation of 6.5 Gy and then were studied. We found that radiation resulted in more severe mortality and morbidity rates in TLR2−/−mice. The cause of death in TLR2−/−mice may be severe and persistent bone marrow cell loss. Injection of the TLR2 agonist Pam3CSK4into wild type (WT) mice induced radio-resistance. Myd88−/−mice were more susceptible to radiation. In conclusion, our data indicate that, similar to TLR4, TLR2 plays a critical role in radio-resistance.