bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stress responses of tomato fruit tissue submitted to massive doses of ionising radiation
Authors: Triantaphylidès C. , Banzet N. , Ferullo J. M. , Larrigaudière C. , Nespoulous L.
Published: February 2016

In plant tissue, massive doses of ionising radiation (0.5–3 kGy) induce an oxidative burst due to the overproduction of oxygen-centred free radicals. Changes in the protein metabolism of cherry tomato fruits were investigated in response to this peculiar stress. Although DNA damage definitively arrested cell division, the changes observed on a short-term basis were attributed to genetic regulation. Changes in protein metabolism were also maintained long term. Gamma-induced proteins (GIPs) were classified according to their induction kinetics. Group 1 proteins were induced immediately after the treatment and their synthesis was stopped within 24 h. During the same time period, global protein synthesis was restored and a new set of GIPs was induced. The function of these proteins is not yet known; but they may be involved in physiological disorders triggered by irradiation or in repair processes. Short-term typical changes involve the synthesis of ACC synthase – the ethylene pathway regulating enzyme - and most probably of some LMW-HSPs. A non-relevant response to irradiation has also been discovered, namely the long-term accumulation of chitinases. Irradiation induces both specific and non-specific responses which can be analysed by comparison with other types of oxidative stress and some GIPs seem to be specific to the treatment. The ability of irradiation to induce such different responses might be profitably applied for a better understanding of the oxidative mechanisms involved in signal transduction during environmental stress situations.
A cross-linguistic study of the development of gesture and speech in Zulu and French oral narratives
Authors: KUNENE NICOLAS RAMONA , GUIDETTI MICHÈLE , COLLETTA JEAN-MARC
Published: February 2016

The present study reports on a developmental and cross-linguistic study of oral narratives produced by speakers of Zulu (a Bantu language) and French (a Romance language). Specifically, we focus on oral narrative performance as a bimodal (i.e., linguistic and gestural) behaviour during the late language acquisition phase. We analyzed seventy-two oral narratives produced by L1 Zulu and French adults and primary school children aged between five and ten years old. The data were all collected using a narrative retelling task. The results revealed a strong effect of age on discourse performance, confirming that narrative abilities improve with age, irrespective of language. However, the results also showed cross-linguistic differences. Zulu oral narratives were longer, more detailed, and accompanied by more co-speech gestures than the French narratives. The parallel effect of age and language on gestural behaviour is discussed and highlights the importance of studying oral narratives from a multimodal perspective within a cross-linguistic framework.
St. Anselm in the Social Science Quad: The Ontological Argument One More Time
Authors: Battaglia Anthony
Published: February 2016

An interest in the validity and importance of religion has led some social scientists to try to change some of the common assumptions of their discipline. In doing so, they have made statements, such as “Religion is true,” which invite analysis and response from the context of the traditional Ontological Argument. Recasting the argument in the vocabulary of the social sciences also sheds new light on traditional discussions of it.
Protected Areas: offering security to whom, when and where?
Authors: KELLY ALICE B. , GUPTA A. CLARE
Published: February 2016

This study considers the issue of security in the context of protected areas in Cameroon and Botswana. Though the literature on issues of security and well-being in relation to protected areas is extensive, there has been less discussion of how and in what ways these impacts and relationships can change over time, vary with space and differ across spatial scales. Looking at two very different historical trajectories, this study considers the heterogeneity of the security landscapes created by Waza and Chobe protected areas over time and space. This study finds that conservation measures that various subsets of the local population once considered to be ‘bad’ (e.g. violent, exclusionary protected area creation) may be construed as ‘good’ at different historical moments and geographical areas. Similarly, complacency or resignation to the presence of a park can be reversed by changing environmental conditions. Changes in the ways security (material and otherwise) has fluctuated within these two protected areas has implications for the long-term management and funding strategies of newly created and already existing protected areas today. This study suggests that parks must be adaptively managed not only for changing ecological conditions, but also for shifts in a protected area's social, political and economic context.
Marching to the beat of a late drummer: Turkey's experience of neoliberal industrialization since 1980
Authors: Taymaz Erol , Voyvoda Ebru
Published: February 2016

The paper discusses the main characteristics of Turkey's experience of neoliberal industrialization since 1980. We suggest that Turkey has been a “successful follower” in the sense that it has achieved structural transformation in manufacturing output and exports, while its mode of articulation with the global economy has remained intact. To follow our premise, we first provide a comparative overview of the dynamics of growth, productivity, employment and trade in the post-1980 period. We focus on the manufacturing industry because it has evolved as the leading sector in the restructuring of the economy away from domestic demand-oriented import substitution towards export orientation and integration with global production networks. To analyze the direction of structural change in a comparative perspective, we also offer a synopsis of divergent patterns of development in Turkey and Korea. Our brief comparison emphasizes that, while Korea has rapidly changed the structure of its industry and mode of articulation with the world economy with the sense of direction provided by a pro-active state and a far-reaching industrial policy, Turkey has remained a follower ever trying to reach its moving target.
Cannibalism in Naticidae from the La Meseta Formation (Eocene, Antarctica)
Authors: Brezina S.S. , Cech N. , Martín Serralta D. , Casadío S.
Published: February 2016

Polinices marambioensisis a naticid gastropod which is the most common constituent in fossil accumulations in the upper section of the Cucullaea I Allomember (Middle Eocene) of the La Meseta Formation in James Ross Basin, Antarctic Peninsula. This species was an important predator of infaunal bivalves and gastropods, including other naticids. The aim of this work was to assess the pattern of predation and cannibalistic behaviour ofP. marambioensis. A total of 2648 specimens ofP. marambioensiswere examined for drill holes, which were assigned toOichnus paraboloides. Drilling frequency data were measured as a proxy for predation intensity and statistical analyses were performed. Further, the site of each drill hole was established according to the morphological features of the shell on each specimen to assess possible preference of predators for the site of perforation. Results suggest thatP. marambioensisis an efficient cannibalistic predator for a specific size range of prey (8–22 mm), and drill holes are distributed preferentially in two specific sectors of their shells. This selective cannibalistic prey behaviour inP. marambioensisaffected not only the dynamics of their populations but the ecological structure of the community in which they lived.
Disasters and Development: Part I. Relationships between Disasters and Development
Authors: Stephenson Rob S. , DuFrane Charles
Published: February 2016

This module introduces a paradigm for understanding the disaster/ development interface. Specifically, the module asserts that disasters and development are linked closely in that disasters can both destroy development initiatives and create development opportunities, and that development schemes can both increase and decrease vulnerability. The module consists of four parts:

Part One introduces these concepts and discusses how disasters can vary from one type of hazard to another, as well as from one type of economic condition to another.

Part Two develops the paradigm in depth, and provides case examples to amplify the points made in the text.

Part Three describes and discusses different methods and tools for analyzing decisions for potential investment of resources, and should enhance the reader's capacity to analyze the mitigational benefits of development alternatives in both the pre- and post-disaster context.

Part Four conceptualizes the role of UN agencies, NGOs, and the affected communities in promoting development based on the concepts discussed in the module.

This training module, Disasters and Development, initially was designed to introduce this aspect of disaster management to an audience of UN organization professionals who form disaster management teams, as well as to government counterpart agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and donors. The educational process has been designed to increase the audience's awareness of the nature and management of disasters, in order to lead to better performance in disaster preparedness and response.

The content has been written by experts in the field of disaster management and in general follows the UNDP/UNDRO Disaster Management Manual and its principles, procedures, and terminology.
Introduction of a Prehospital Critical Incident Monitoring System—Final Results
Authors: Stella Julian , Bartley Bruce , Jennings Paul
Published: February 2016

Background:

Incident monitoring has been shown to improve patient care and has been adopted widely in the hospital care setting. There are limited data on incident monitoring in the prehospital setting.

Hypothesis:

A high-yield, systems-oriented, incident monitoring process can be implemented successfully in a prehospital setting.

Methods:

This prospective, descriptive study outlines the implementation of an incident monitoring process in a regional prehospital setting. Both trauma care and non-trauma care were monitored by a system of anonymous reporting and chart review with debriefing for trauma cases that met major trauma criteria. A committee reviewed all identified cases and coded and logged all incidents and provider recommendations.

Results:

There were 454 incidents identified from 230 cases (mean = 2.0; 95% CI 1.8−2.1 per case). Anonymous reporting resulted in the identification of 113 incidents from 69 cases (1.6l per case 95% CI = 1.4−1.9 per case) Major trauma cases generated 266 incidents from 134 cases (mean = 2.0; 95% CI = 1.8−2.2 per case), and there were 74 incidents from 26 combined cases (mean = 2.9; 95% CI = 2.2−3.5 per case). One incident was uncategorized. There were 315 (69.4%) incidents categorized as management problems and 123 (27.1%) were system problems. Prolonged scene time was the most common incident in both management and system categories; 56 (17.8%) and 18 (14.6%) respectively. Mitigating circumstances were found in 111 (24.4%) incidents. The most common incident-related patient outcome was none/near miss (127 (28%)). Incident monitoring most commonly led to generalized feedback (105 (23.1%)) or specific trend analysis (140 (30.8%)). Reports to higher or external bodies occurred in 18 incidents (4.0%).

Conclusions:

The project has been implemented successfully in a regional prehospital settling. The methodology, utilizing a number of incident detection techniques, results in a high yield of incidents over a broad range of error types. The large proportion of “near miss” type incidents allows for incident assessment without demonstrable patient harm. Many incidents were mitigated and the majority represented management-type issues.
Religious Imagination
Authors: Hepburn Ronald W.
Published: February 2016

In some recent theological writing, imagination is presented as a power of the mind with crucial importance for religion, but one whose role has often suffered neglect. Its fuller acknowledgment has become a live issue today. ‘Theologians’, wrote Professor J. P. Mackey, ‘have recently taken to symbol and metaphor, poetry and story, with an enthusiasm which contrasts very strikingly with their all-but-recent avoidance of such matters’ (1986, p. 1). As well as relevant writings by Eliade and Ricoeur, there have been treatments of religious imagination by Professor John Mclntyre in his Faith, Theology and Imagination (1987) and in J. P. Mackey's composite volume entitled Religious Imagination.
A “POLYGONAL” RELATIONSHIP: THEODORE ROOSEVELT, THE UNITED STATES AND EUROPE
Authors: Thompson John M.
Published: February 2016

As Eric Hobsbawm recounts in his classic work, The Age of Empire: 1875–1914, the final decades of the nineteenth century and the initial decades of the twentieth century were years of enormous change and activity across the globe. It was the apogee of imperialism for the West; mass, or at least more broadly based, democracy emerged in many countries; total wealth increased dramatically; technological changes greatly reduced travel times and facilitated rapid, even instantaneous, communication between states and continents, which, in turn, allowed the spread of mass culture in a way the world had never seen before. At the center of these events were the great powers of Europe—in particular Britain, France, Germany, Russia, and Austria-Hungary—and the United States. Indeed, the interaction between Europe's great powers and the United States drove much of the political, economic, cultural, and technological ferment that culminated in the First World War. No American played a more important role in this process than Theodore Roosevelt, and this special issue is devoted to exploring key facets of TR's, and by extension his country's, relationship with Europe.
Die Einstellung deutschsprachiger Pflegefachpersonen gegenüber dem «Advanced Nursing Process» vor und nach einer Bildungsintervention
Authors: Leoni-Scheiber Claudia , Gothe Raffaella Matteucci , Müller-Staub Maria
Published: February 2016

Zusammenfassung. Hintergrund: Die Einstellung von Pflegefachpersonen beeinflusst die Anwendung des Advanced Nursing Process. Studien zeigen Mängel in der Umsetzung dieses auf validen Assessments und Klassifikationen basierenden Prozesses. Diese Defizite beeinträchtigen die klinische Entscheidungsfindung und damit die Pflegequalität. Im deutschsprachigen Raum wurde die Einstellung von Pflegepersonen zu Pflegediagnosen als Teil des Advanced Nursing Process noch nicht erhoben. Ziel dieser Studie war die Evaluation des Effektes einer Bildungsintervention auf die Einstellung Pflegender. Methode: Eine quasi-experimentelle Interventionsstudie wurde in Österreich und in Deutschland durchgeführt. Vor und nach einer standardisierten Bildungsintervention haben 51 Pflegefachpersonen ihre Einstellung mit dem Instrument «Positions on Nursing Diagnosis» (PND) eingeschätzt; die Analysen erfolgten mit Wilcoxon- und U-Tests. Ergebnisse: Vor der Bildungsintervention war der durchschnittliche Einstellungsscore der österreichischen Pflegenden positiver als in der deutschen Gruppe. Nach der Studienintervention empfanden beide Gruppen die Pflegediagnostik statistisch signifikant überzeugender und verständlicher. Jedoch empfanden beide Gruppen die Umsetzung des Advanced Nursing Process nach wie vor als schwierig und anspruchsvoll. Schlussfolgerungen: Zukünftig sollte der Reflexion und Entwicklung der Einstellung von Pflegefachpersonen zum Advanced Nursing Process mehr Raum zugestanden werden, denn Einstellungen leiten ihr Handeln. In weiteren Studien sind beeinflussende Faktoren diverser Settings zu analysieren.
Low levels of Caspase-3 predict favourable response to 5FU-based chemotherapy in advanced colorectal cancer: Caspase-3 inhibition as a therapeutic approach
Authors: Flanagan L , Meyer M , Fay J , Curry S , Bacon O , Duessmann H , John K , Boland K C , McNamara D A , Kay E W , Bantel H , Schulze-Bergkamen H , Prehn J H M
Published: February 2016

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers in the Western world. 5-Fluorouracil (5FU)-based chemotherapy (CT) remains the mainstay treatment of CRC in the advanced setting, and activates executioner caspases in target cells. Executioner caspases are key proteins involved in cell disassembly during apoptosis. Activation of executioner caspases also has a role in tissue regeneration and repopulation by stimulating signal transduction and cell proliferation in neighbouring, non-apoptotic cells as reported recently. Tissue microarrays (TMAs) consisting of tumour tissue from 93 stage II and III colon cancer patients were analysed by immunohistochemistry. Surprisingly, patients with low levels of active Caspase-3 had an increased disease-free survival time. This was particularly pronounced in patients who received 5FU-based adjuvant CT. In line with this observation, lower serum levels of active Caspase-3 were found in patients with metastasised CRC who revealed stable disease or tumour regression compared with those with disease progression. The role of Caspase-3 in treatment responses was explored further in primary human tumour explant cultures from fresh patient tumour tissue. Exposure of explant cultures to 5FU-based CT increased the percentage of cells positive for active Caspase-3 and Terminal Deoxynucleotidyl Transferase dUTP Nick end Labelling (TUNEL), but also the expression of regeneration and proliferation markers β-Catenin and Ki-67, as well as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Of note, selective inhibition of Caspase-3 with Ac-DNLD-CHO, a selective, reversible inhibitor of Caspase-3, significantly reduced the expression of proliferation markers as well as COX-2. Inhibition of COX-2 with aspirin or celecoxib did not affect Caspase-3 levels but also reduced Ki-67 and β-Catenin levels, suggesting that Caspase-3 acted via COX-2 to stimulate cell proliferation and tissue regeneration. This indicates that low levels of active Caspase-3 may represent a new predictor of CT responsiveness, and inhibition of Caspase-3, or antagonising downstream effectors of Caspase-3 paracrine signalling, such as COX-2 may improve patient outcomes following CT in advanced CRC.
Evidence for link between modelled trends in Antarctic sea ice and underestimated westerly wind changes
Authors: Purich Ariaan , Cai Wenju , England Matthew H. , Cowan Tim
Published: February 2016

Despite global warming, total Antarctic sea ice coverage increased over 1979–2013. However, the majority of Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 5 models simulate a decline. Mechanisms causing this discrepancy have so far remained elusive. Here we show that weaker trends in the intensification of the Southern Hemisphere westerly wind jet simulated by the models may contribute to this disparity. During austral summer, a strengthened jet leads to increased upwelling of cooler subsurface water and strengthened equatorward transport, conducive to increased sea ice. As the majority of models underestimate summer jet trends, this cooling process is underestimated compared with observations and is insufficient to offset warming in the models. Through the sea ice-albedo feedback, models produce a high-latitude surface ocean warming and sea ice decline, contrasting the observed net cooling and sea ice increase. A realistic simulation of observed wind changes may be crucial for reproducing the recent observed sea ice increase.
Design of crystal-like aperiodic solids with selective disorder–phonon coupling
Authors: Overy Alistair R. , Cairns Andrew B. , Cliffe Matthew J. , Simonov Arkadiy , Tucker Matthew G. , Goodwin Andrew L.
Published: February 2016

Functional materials design normally focuses on structurally ordered systems because disorder is considered detrimental to many functional properties. Here we challenge this paradigm by showing that particular types of strongly correlated disorder can give rise to useful characteristics that are inaccessible to ordered states. A judicious combination of low-symmetry building unit and high-symmetry topological template leads to aperiodic ‘procrystalline’ solids that harbour this type of disorder. We identify key classes of procrystalline states together with their characteristic diffraction behaviour, and establish mappings onto known and target materials. The strongly correlated disorder found in these systems is associated with specific sets of modulation periodicities distributed throughout the Brillouin zone. Lattice dynamical calculations reveal selective disorder-driven phonon broadening that resembles the poorly understood ‘waterfall’ effect observed in relaxor ferroelectrics. This property of procrystalline solids suggests a mechanism by which strongly correlated topological disorder might allow independently optimized thermal and electronic transport behaviour, such as required for high-performance thermoelectrics.
ALS-associated mutant FUS induces selective motor neuron degeneration through toxic gain of function
Authors: Sharma Aarti , Lyashchenko Alexander K. , Lu Lei , Nasrabady Sara Ebrahimi , Elmaleh Margot , Mendelsohn Monica , Nemes Adriana , Tapia Juan Carlos , Mentis George Z. , Shneider Neil A.
Published: February 2016

Mutations in FUS cause amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), including some of the most aggressive, juvenile-onset forms of the disease. FUS loss-of-function and toxic gain-of-function mechanisms have been proposed to explain how mutant FUS leads to motor neuron degeneration, but neither has been firmly established in the pathogenesis of ALS. Here we characterize a series of transgenic FUS mouse lines that manifest progressive, mutant-dependent motor neuron degeneration preceded by early, structural and functional abnormalities at the neuromuscular junction. A novel, conditional FUS knockout mutant reveals that postnatal elimination of FUS has no effect on motor neuron survival or function. Moreover, endogenous FUS does not contribute to the onset of the ALS phenotype induced by mutant FUS. These findings demonstrate that FUS-dependent motor degeneration is not due to loss of FUS function, but to the gain of toxic properties conferred by ALS mutations.
Suppression law of quantum states in a 3D photonic fast Fourier transform chip
Authors: Crespi Andrea , Osellame Roberto , Ramponi Roberta , Bentivegna Marco , Flamini Fulvio , Spagnolo Nicolò , Viggianiello Niko , Innocenti Luca , Mataloni Paolo , Sciarrino Fabio
Published: February 2016

The identification of phenomena able to pinpoint quantum interference is attracting large interest. Indeed, a generalization of the Hong–Ou–Mandel effect valid for any number of photons and optical modes would represent an important leap ahead both from a fundamental perspective and for practical applications, such as certification of photonic quantum devices, whose computational speedup is expected to depend critically on multi-particle interference. Quantum distinctive features have been predicted for many particles injected into multimode interferometers implementing the Fourier transform over the optical modes. Here we develop a scalable approach for the implementation of the fast Fourier transform algorithm using three-dimensional photonic integrated interferometers, fabricated via femtosecond laser writing technique. We observe the suppression law for a large number of output states with four- and eight-mode optical circuits: the experimental results demonstrate genuine quantum interference between the injected photons, thus offering a powerful tool for diagnostic of photonic platforms.
Suppression of the antiferromagnetic pseudogap in the electron-doped high-temperature superconductor by protect annealing
Authors: Horio M. , Adachi T. , Mori Y. , Takahashi A. , Yoshida T. , Suzuki H. , Ambolode L. C. C. , Okazaki K. , Ono K. , Kumigashira H. , Anzai H. , Arita M. , Namatame H. , Taniguchi M. , Ootsuki D. , Sawada K. , Takahashi M. , Mizokawa T. , Koike Y. , Fujimori A.
Published: February 2016

In the hole-doped cuprates, a small number of carriers suppresses antiferromagnetism and induces superconductivity. In the electron-doped cuprates, on the other hand, superconductivity appears only in a narrow window of high-doped Ce concentration after reduction annealing, and strong antiferromagnetic correlation persists in the superconducting phase. Recently, Pr1.3−xLa0.7CexCuO4 (PLCCO) bulk single crystals annealed by a protect annealing method showed a high critical temperature of around 27 K for small Ce content down to 0.05. Here, by angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy measurements of PLCCO crystals, we observed a sharp quasi-particle peak on the entire Fermi surface without signature of an antiferromagnetic pseudogap unlike all the previous work, indicating a dramatic reduction of antiferromagnetic correlation length and/or of magnetic moments. The superconducting state was found to extend over a wide electron concentration range. The present results fundamentally challenge the long-standing picture on the electronic structure in the electron-doped regime.
Development of novel FP-based probes for live-cell imaging of nitric oxide dynamics
Authors: Eroglu Emrah , Gottschalk Benjamin , Charoensin Suphachai , Blass Sandra , Bischof Helmut , Rost Rene , Madreiter-Sokolowski Corina T. , Pelzmann Brigitte , Bernhart Eva , Sattler Wolfgang , Hallström Seth , Malinski Tadeusz , Waldeck-Weiermair Markus , Graier Wolfgang F. , Malli Roland
Published: February 2016

Nitric oxide ("Equation missing") is a free radical with a wide range of biological effects, but practically impossible to visualize in single cells. Here we report the development of novel multicoloured fluorescent quenching-based "Equation missing" probes by fusing a bacteria-derived "Equation missing"-binding domain close to distinct fluorescent protein variants. These genetically encoded "Equation missing" probes, referred to as geNOps, provide a selective, specific and real-time read-out of cellular "Equation missing" dynamics and, hence, open a new era of "Equation missing" bioimaging. The combination of geNOps with a Ca2+ sensor allowed us to visualize "Equation missing" and Ca2+ signals simultaneously in single endothelial cells. Moreover, targeting of the "Equation missing" probes was used to detect "Equation missing" signals within mitochondria. The geNOps are useful new tools to further investigate and understand the complex patterns of "Equation missing" signalling on the single (sub)cellular level.
Sustained hole inversion layer in a wide-bandgap metal-oxide semiconductor with enhanced tunnel current
Authors: Shoute Gem , Afshar Amir , Muneshwar Triratna , Cadien Kenneth , Barlage Douglas
Published: February 2016

Wide-bandgap, metal-oxide thin-film transistors have been limited to low-power, n-type electronic applications because of the unipolar nature of these devices. Variations from the n-type field-effect transistor architecture have not been widely investigated as a result of the lack of available p-type wide-bandgap inorganic semiconductors. Here, we present a wide-bandgap metal-oxide n-type semiconductor that is able to sustain a strong p-type inversion layer using a high-dielectric-constant barrier dielectric when sourced with a heterogeneous p-type material. A demonstration of the utility of the inversion layer was also investigated and utilized as the controlling element in a unique tunnelling junction transistor. The resulting electrical performance of this prototype device exhibited among the highest reported current, power and transconductance densities. Further utilization of the p-type inversion layer is critical to unlocking the previously unexplored capability of metal-oxide thin-film transistors, such applications with next-generation display switches, sensors, radio frequency circuits and power converters.
High resolution Physio-chemical Tissue Analysis: Towards Non-invasive In Vivo Biopsy
Authors: Xu Guan , Meng Zhuo-xian , Lin Jian-die , Deng Cheri X. , Carson Paul L. , Fowlkes J. Brian , Tao Chao , Liu Xiaojun , Wang Xueding
Published: February 2016

Conventional gold standard histopathologic diagnosis requires information of both high resolution structural and chemical changes in tissue. Providing optical information at ultrasonic resolution, photoacoustic (PA) technique could provide highly sensitive and highly accurate tissue characterization noninvasively in the authentic in vivo environment, offering a replacement for histopathology. A two-dimensional (2D) physio-chemical spectrogram (PCS) combining micrometer to centimeter morphology and chemical composition simultaneously can be generated for each biological sample with PA measurements at multiple optical wavelengths. This spectrogram presents a unique 2D “physio-chemical signature” for any specific type of tissue. Comprehensive analysis of PCS, termed PA physio-chemical analysis (PAPCA), can lead to very rich diagnostic information, including the contents of all relevant molecular and chemical components along with their corresponding histological microfeatures, comparable to those accessible by conventional histology. PAPCA could contribute to the diagnosis of many diseases involving diffusive patterns such as fatty liver.
Dual-functionalized liposomal delivery system for solid tumors based on RGD and a pH-responsive antimicrobial peptide
Authors: Zhang Qianyu , Lu Libao , Zhang Li , Shi Kairong , Cun Xingli , Yang Yuting , Liu Yayuan , Gao Huile , He Qin
Published: February 2016

[D]-H6L9, as a pH-responsive anti-microbial peptide (AMP), has been evidenced by us to be an excellent choice in tumor microenvironment-responsive delivery as it could render liposomes responsive to the acidified tumor microenvironment. However, [D]-H6L9-modified liposomes could not actively target to tumor area. Therefore, integrin αvβ3-targeted peptide RGD was co-modified with [D]-H6L9 onto liposomes [(R + D)-Lip] for improved tumor delivery efficiency. Under pH 6.3, (R + D)-Lip could be taken up by C26 cells and C26 tumor spheroids (integrin αvβ3-positive) with significantly improved efficiency compared with other groups, which was contributed by both RGD and [D]-H6L9, while RGD did not increase the cellular uptake performance on MCF-7 cells (integrin αvβ3-negative). Results showed that RGD could decrease cellular uptake of (R + D)-Lip while [D]-H6L9 could increase it, implying the role of both RGD and [D]-H6L9 in cellular internalization of (R + D)-Lip. On the other hand, (R + D)-Lip could escape the entrapment of lysosomes. PTX-loaded (R + D)-Lip could further increase the cellular toxicity against C26 cells compared with liposomes modified only with RGD and [D]-H6L9 respectively and achieve remarkable tumor inhibition effect on C26 tumor models.
A Common Variant in CLDN14 is Associated with Primary Biliary Cirrhosis and Bone Mineral Density
Authors: Tang Ruqi , Wei Yiran , Li Zhiqiang , Chen Haoyan , Miao Qi , Bian Zhaolian , Zhang Haiyan , Wang Qixia , Wang Zhaoyue , Lian Min , Yang Fan , Jiang Xiang , Yang Yue , Li Enling , Seldin Michael F. , Gershwin M. Eric , Liao Wilson , Shi Yongyong , Ma Xiong
Published: February 2016

Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), a chronic autoimmune liver disease, has been associated with increased incidence of osteoporosis. Intriguingly, two PBC susceptibility loci identified through genome-wide association studies are also involved in bone mineral density (BMD). These observations led us to investigate the genetic variants shared between PBC and BMD. We evaluated 72 genome-wide significant BMD SNPs for association with PBC using two European GWAS data sets (n = 8392), with replication of significant findings in a Chinese cohort (685 cases, 1152 controls). Our analysis identified a novel variant in the intron of the CLDN14 gene (rs170183, Pfdr = 0.015) after multiple testing correction. The three associated variants were followed-up in the Chinese cohort; one SNP rs170183 demonstrated consistent evidence of association in diverse ethnic populations (Pcombined = 2.43 × 10−5). Notably, expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) data revealed that rs170183 was correlated with a decline in CLDN14 expression in both lymphoblastoid cell lines and T cells (Padj = 0.003 and 0.016, respectively). In conclusion, our study identified a novel PBC susceptibility variant that has been shown to be strongly associated with BMD, highlighting the potential of pleiotropy to improve gene discovery.
Mechanistic insights into the recognition of 5-methylcytosine oxidation derivatives by the SUVH5 SRA domain
Authors: Rajakumara Eerappa , Nakarakanti Naveen Kumar , Nivya M. Angel , Satish Mutyala
Published: February 2016

5-Methylcytosine (5 mC) is associated with epigenetic gene silencing in mammals and plants. 5 mC is consecutively oxidized to 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5 hmC), 5-formylcytosine (5fC) and 5-carboxylcytosine (5caC) by ten-eleven translocation enzymes. We performed binding and structural studies to investigate the molecular basis of the recognition of the 5 mC oxidation derivatives in the context of a CG sequence by the SET- and RING-associated domain (SRA) of the SUVH5 protein (SUVH5 SRA). Using calorimetric measurements, we demonstrate that the SRA domain binds to the hydroxymethylated CG (5hmCG) DNA duplex in a similar manner to methylated CG (5mCG). Interestingly, the SUVH5 SRA domain exhibits weaker affinity towards carboxylated CG (5caCG) and formylated CG (5fCG). We report the 2.6 Å resolution crystal structure of the SUVH5 SRA domain in a complex with fully hydroxymethyl-CG and demonstrate a dual flip-out mechanism, whereby the symmetrical 5hmCs are simultaneously extruded from the partner strands of the DNA duplex and are positioned within the binding pockets of individual SRA domains. The hydroxyl group of 5hmC establishes both intra- and intermolecular interactions in the binding pocket. Collectively, we show that SUVH5 SRA recognizes 5hmC in a similar manner to 5 mC, but exhibits weaker affinity towards 5 hmC oxidation derivatives.
Thermoreversible (Ionic-Liquid-Based) Aqueous Biphasic Systems
Authors: Passos Helena , Luís Andreia , Coutinho João A. P. , Freire Mara G.
Published: February 2016

The ability to induce reversible phase transitions between homogeneous solutions and biphasic liquid-liquid systems, at pre-defined and suitable operating temperatures, is of crucial relevance in the design of separation processes. Ionic-liquid-based aqueous biphasic systems (IL-based ABS) have demonstrated superior performance as alternative extraction platforms and their thermoreversible behaviour is here disclosed by the use of protic ILs. The applicability of the temperature-induced phase switching is further demonstrated with the complete extraction of two value-added proteins, achieved in a single-step. It is shown that these temperature-induced mono(bi)phasic systems are significantly more versatile than classical liquid-liquid systems which are constrained by their critical temperatures. IL-based ABS allow to work in a wide range of temperatures and compositions which can be tailored to fit the requirements of a given separation process.
Growing Embossed Nanostructures of Polymer Brushes on Wet-Etched Silicon Templated via Block Copolymers
Authors: Lu Xiaobin , Yan Qin , Ma Yinzhou , Guo Xin , Xiao Shou-Jun
Published: February 2016

Block copolymer nanolithography has attracted enormous interest in chip technologies, such as integrated silicon chips and biochips, due to its large-scale and mass production of uniform patterns. We further modified this technology to grow embossed nanodots, nanorods and nanofingerprints of polymer brushes on silicon from their corresponding wet-etched nanostructures covered with pendent SiHx (X = 1–3) species. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to image the topomorphologies and multiple transmission-reflection infrared spectroscopy (MTR-IR) was used to monitor the surface molecular films in each step for the sequential stepwise reactions. In addition, two layers of polymethacrylic acid (PMAA) brush nanodots were observed, which were attributed to the circumferential convergence growth and the diffusion-limited growth of the polymer brushes. The pH response of PMAA nanodots in the same region was investigated by AFM from pH 3.0 to 9.0.
Massive and massless Dirac fermions in Pb1−xSnxTe topological crystalline insulator probed by magneto-optical absorption
Authors: Assaf B.A. , Phuphachong T. , Volobuev V.V. , Inhofer A. , Bauer G. , Springholz G. , de Vaulchier L.A. , Guldner Y.
Published: February 2016

Dirac fermions in condensed matter physics hold great promise for novel fundamental physics, quantum devices and data storage applications. IV-VI semiconductors, in the inverted regime, have been recently shown to exhibit massless topological surface Dirac fermions protected by crystalline symmetry, as well as massive bulk Dirac fermions. Under a strong magnetic field (B), both surface and bulk states are quantized into Landau levels that disperse as B1/2 and are thus difficult to distinguish. In this work, magneto-optical absorption is used to probe the Landau levels of high mobility Bi-doped Pb0.54Sn0.46Te topological crystalline insulator (111)-oriented films. The high mobility achieved in these thin film structures allows us to probe and distinguish the Landau levels of both surface and bulk Dirac fermions and extract valuable quantitative information about their physical properties. This work paves the way for future magnetooptical and electronic transport experiments aimed at manipulating the band topology of such materials.
Tensile Characterization of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes with Helical Structural Defects
Authors: Jhon Young I. , Kim Chulki , Seo Minah , Cho Woon Jo , Lee Seok , Jhon Young Min
Published: February 2016

Recently, evidence was presented that certain single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) possess helical defective traces, exhibiting distinct cleaved lines, yet their mechanical characterization remains a challenge. On the basis of the spiral growth model of SWNTs, here we present atomic details of helical defects and investigate how the tensile behaviors of SWNTs change with their presence using molecular dynamics simulations. SWNTs have exhibited substantially lower tensile strength and strain than theoretical results obtained from a seamless tubular structure, whose physical origin cannot be explained either by any known SWNT defects so far. We find that this long-lasting puzzle could be explained by assuming helical defects in SWNTs, exhibiting excellent agreement with experimental observation. The mechanism of this tensile process is elucidated by analyzing atomic stress distribution and evolution and the effects of the chirality and diameter of SWNTs on this phenomenon are examined based on linear elastic fracture mechanics. This work contributes significantly to our understanding of the growth mechanism, defect hierarchies and mechanical properties of SWNTs.
Reciprocal regulation of autism-related genes MeCP2 and PTEN via microRNAs
Authors: Lyu Jing-Wen , Yuan Bo , Cheng Tian-Lin , Qiu Zi-Long , Zhou Wen-Hao
Published: February 2016

MeCP2 encodes a methyl-CpG-binding protein that plays a critical role in repressing gene expression, mutations of which lead to Rett syndrome and autism. PTEN is a critical tumor suppressor gene that is frequently mutated in human cancers and autism spectrum disorders. Various studies have shown that both MeCP2 and PTEN proteins play important roles in brain development. Here we find that MeCP2 and PTEN reciprocally regulate expression of each other via microRNAs. Knockdown of MeCP2 leads to upregulation of microRNA-137, which in turn represses expression of PTEN, thus PTEN would be down-regulated when MeCP2 is knockdown. Furthermore, we find that deletion of PTEN leads to phosphorylation of Serine 133 of CREB, then increases the expression of microRNA-132. miR-132 inhibits the expression of MeCP2 by targeting on the 3′UTR of MeCP2 mRNA. Our work shows that two critical disorders-related gene MeCP2 and PTEN reciprocally regulate expression of each other by distinct mechanisms, suggesting that rare mutations in various disorders may lead to dysregulation of other critical genes and yield unexpected consequences.
A microbial transformation using Bacillus subtilis B7-S to produce natural vanillin from ferulic acid
Authors: Chen Peng , Yan Lei , Wu Zhengrong , Li Suyue , Bai Zhongtian , Yan Xiaojuan , Wang Ningbo , Liang Ning , Li Hongyu
Published: February 2016

Bacillus subtilis strain B7-S screened from18 strains is an aerobic, endospore-forming, model organism of Gram-positive bacteria which is capable to form vanillin during ferulic acid bioconversion. The bioconversion of ferulic acid to vanillin by Bacillus subtilis B7-S (B. subtilis B7-S) was investigated. Based on our results, the optimum bioconversion conditions for the production of vanillin by B. subtilis B7-S can be summarized as follows: temperature 35 °C; initial pH 9.0; inoculum volume 5%; ferulic acid concentration 0.6 g/L; volume of culture medium 20%; and shaking speed 200 r/min. Under these conditions, several repeated small-scale batch experiments showed that the maximum conversion efficiency was 63.30% after 3 h of bioconversion. The vanillin products were confirmed by spectral data achieved from UV–vis, inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscope (ICP-AES) and Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FT-IR) spectra. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron spectroscopy (TEM) results confirmed that the cell surface of B. subtilis plays a role in the induction of ferulic acid tolerance. These results demonstrate that B. subtilis B7-S has the potential for use in vanillin production through bioconversion of ferulic acid.
Decreased B and T lymphocyte attenuator in Behcet’s disease may trigger abnormal Th17 and Th1 immune responses
Authors: Ye Zi , Deng Bolin , Wang Chaokui , Zhang Dike , Kijlstra Aize , Yang Peizeng
Published: February 2016

Behcet’s disease (BD) is a chronic, systemic and recurrent inflammatory disease associated with hyperactive Th17 and Th1 immune responses. Recent studies have shown that B and T lymphocyte attenuator (BTLA) negatively regulates the immune response. In this study, we investigated whether BTLA activation could be exploited to inhibit the development of abnormal immune responses in BD patients. BTLA expression in PBMCs and CD4+ T cells was significantly decreased in active BD patients. Decreased BTLA level was associated with increased Th17 and Th1 responses. Activation of BTLA inhibited the abnormal Th17 and Th1 responses and IL-22 expression in both patients and controls. Addition of an agonistic anti-BTLA antibody remarkably inhibited DC-induced Th17 and Th1 cell responses, resulted in decreased production of the Th17 and Th1-related cytokines IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-23 and IL-12p70 and reduced CD40 expression in DCs. In conclusion, decreased BTLA expression in ocular BD may lead to inappropriate control of the Th17 and Th1 immune responses and DC functions. Therefore, BTLA may be involved in the development and recurrence of this disease. Agonistic agents of BTLA may represent a potential therapeutic approach for the treatment of BD and other inflammatory diseases mediated by abnormal Th17 and Th1 immune responses.
Depletion of the LINC complex disrupts cytoskeleton dynamics and meiotic resumption in mouse oocytes
Authors: Luo Yibo , Lee In-Won , Jo Yu-Jin , Namgoong Suk , Kim Nam-Hyung
Published: February 2016

The SUN (Sad-1/UNC-84) and KASH (Klarsicht/ANC-1/Syne/homology) proteins constitute the linker of nucleoskeleton and cytoskeleton (LINC) complex on the nuclear envelope. To date, the SUN1/KASH5 complex is known to function as meiotic-specific factors. In this study, gene-silencing methods were used to explore the roles of SUN1 and KASH5 in mouse oocytes after prophase. SUN1 was detected throughout the nucleus; however, KASH5 was dispersed through the cell. After germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD), SUN1 and KASH5 migrated during spindle formation and localized to the spindle poles at the MII stage. Most oocytes were arrested at the germinal vesicle (GV) stage after depletion of either SUN1 or KASH5. The DNA damage response was triggered in SUN1-depleted oocytes and thus gave rise to the G2/M checkpoint protein, p-CHK1. Oocytes that underwent GVBD had relatively small and abnormal spindles and lower levels of cytoplasm F-actin mesh. Immunofluorescence results also indicated the dislocation of pericentrin and P150Glued after SUN1 or KASH5 depletion. Furthermore, KASH5 localized exclusively near the oocyte cortex after SUN1 depletion, but SUN1 localization was unaffected in KASH5-depleted oocytes. Taken together, the results suggest that SUN1 and KASH5 are essential factors in the regulation of meiotic resumption and spindle formation.
Three-Dimensional Gene Map of Cancer Cell Types: Structural Entropy Minimisation Principle for Defining Tumour Subtypes
Authors: Li Angsheng , Yin Xianchen , Pan Yicheng
Published: February 2016

In this study, we propose a method for constructing cell sample networks from gene expression profiles and a structural entropy minimisation principle for detecting natural structure of networks and for identifying cancer cell subtypes. Our method establishes a three-dimensional gene map of cancer cell types and subtypes. The identified subtypes are defined by a unique gene expression pattern and a three-dimensional gene map is established by defining the unique gene expression pattern for each identified subtype for cancers, including acute leukaemia, lymphoma, multi-tissue, lung cancer and healthy tissue. Our three-dimensional gene map demonstrates that a true tumour type may be divided into subtypes, each defined by a unique gene expression pattern. Clinical data analyses demonstrate that most cell samples of an identified subtype share similar survival times, survival indicators and International Prognostic Index (IPI) scores and indicate that distinct subtypes identified by our algorithms exhibit different overall survival times, survival ratios and IPI scores. Our three-dimensional gene map establishes a high-definition, one-to-one map between the biologically and medically meaningful tumour subtypes and the gene expression patterns and identifies remarkable cells that form singleton submodules.
Preparation and Characterization of Immobilized Lipase from Pseudomonas Cepacia onto Magnetic Cellulose Nanocrystals
Authors: Cao Shi-Lin , Huang Yu-Mei , Li Xue-Hui , Xu Pei , Wu Hong , Li Ning , Lou Wen-Yong , Zong Min-Hua
Published: February 2016

Magnetic cellulose nanocrystals (MCNCs) were prepared and used as an enzyme support for immobilization of Pseudomonas cepacialipase (PCL). PCL was successfully immobilized onto MCNCs (PCL@MCNC) by a precipitation-cross-linking method. The resulting PCL@MCNC with a nanoscale size had high enzyme loading (82.2 mg enzyme/g) and activity recovery (95.9%). Compared with free PCL, PCL@MCNC exhibited significantly enhanced stability and solvent tolerance, due to the increase of enzyme structure rigidity. The observable optimum pH and temperature for PCL@MCNC were higher than those of free PCL. PCL@MCNC manifested relatively higher enzyme-substrate affinity and catalytic efficiency. Moreover, PCL@MCNC was capable of effectively catalyzing asymmetric hydrolysis of ketoprofenethyl ester with high yield of 43.4% and product e.e. of 83.5%. Besides, immobilization allowed PCL@MCNC reuse for at least 6 consecutive cycles retaining over 66% of its initial activity. PCL@MCNC was readily recycled by magnetic forces. Remarkably, the as-prepared nanobiocatalyst PCL@MCNC is promising for biocatalysis.