bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Linking atomic force microscopy with nanothermal analysis to assess microspatial distribution of material characteristics in young soils
Authors: Mouvenchery Yamuna Kunhi , Miltner Anja , Schurig Christian , Kästner Matthias , Schaumann Gabriele Ellen
Published: January 2016

Coupling of atomic force microscopy (AFM) with nanothermal analysis (nTA) has the potential to assess material characteristics in soils on the lower µm‐scale, but has been shown to require additional characteristics for clear distinction of materials. The objective of this study was to evaluate to which extent the combination of AFM‐nTA with AFM adhesion force analysis and structural features allows distinction of organic materials in soils. Using soil samples from a chronosequence from the Damma Glacier forefield, Switzerland, as example, we tested a grid analysis approach for assessing distribution of adhesion forces and nanothermal characteristics. This approach was compared with an approach involving pre‐selection of structural features of interest via morphological criteria. Only three types of nanothermograms were distinguished in the soil samples based on different thermal expansion‐compression characteristics and phase transition temperatures. Combined evaluation of nanothermal characteristics, adhesion forces and morphological characteristics allowed distinction of a larger set of materials than using nanothermal analysis, adhesion force distribution or morphological characteristics separately. Part of the analyzed features showed a combination of characteristics similar to that of fresh bacterial cells which we analyzed as a potential reference material. Their stronger occurrence in the regions of interest of older samples than in those of younger samples may underline their relevance in soil development. Achieving the long‐term objective of identification of materials still requires more information on reference materials, understanding the impact of mixed layering of materials on thermal profiles and the assessment of variability of the characteristics within and between different material groups.
HRM, Trust in Employer and Organizational Performance
Authors: Vanhala Mika , Dietz Graham
Published: January 2016

This paper draws upon social exchange theory to examine the explanatory power of employees' trust in their employer as the mediating variable between an organization's human resources (HR) management interventions and performance outcomes at individual, work unit and organizational levels. We utilize two large‐scale survey studies in two different organizations, from the forestry and information and communications technology (ICT) industries in Finland: a forest company (411 respondents) and an ICT company (304 respondents) were analysed with confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling. The results for the two studies validated all our hypotheses including the mediating role of trust in employer. The results do suggest that if HR management can be designed specifically to enhance employees' trust in their organization, its effect on performance is positive. In a practical point of view, our findings provide new insights into the nature of organizational trust, and particularly the impersonal dimension for practitioners, especially those in HR. The evidence from two studies is that HR policies can enhance employees' trust towards their employer and, through this, the performance of the organization. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sampling and onboard analytical methods for determining subnanomolar concentrations of zinc in seawater
Authors: Kim Taejin , Obata Hajime , Gamo Toshitaka , Nishioka Jun
Published: January 2016

Zinc (Zn) is an essential micronutrient for bacteria and phytoplankton in the ocean. However, seawater samples for Zn measurements are highly prone to contamination due to the ubiquity of Zn in laboratories and research vessels. To identify a potential Zn contamination problem during a research cruise to the subarctic North Pacific, we compared three operational sampling approaches for trace Zn in seawater. Acid‐cleaned Niskin‐X samplers were: (1) deployed on a conductivity–temperature‐depth carousel multisampling system (CTD‐CMS) launched at the vessel's starboard side, (2) attached to a Kevlar wire lowered at the vessel's stern, and (3) attached to a Ti wire lowered from a starboard position. Zn contamination in the case of Kevlar wire hydrocasts was problematic for samples from ≤400 m because Zn is used as a sacrificial anode for the ship's propeller shaft and for the pipes of the seawater cooling system. In deep waters, consistent Zn concentrations were found using the three different sampling methods. Based on the clean seawater sampling with CTD‐CMS and the onboard analytical method, vertical profiles of dissolved Zn were then obtained. These profiles were compared with those of Si in the subarctic North Pacific. Both Zn and Si concentrations showed a clear west–east gradient in shallow waters.
Successful Treatment of Genetically Profiled Pediatric Extranodal NK/T‐Cell Lymphoma Targeting Oncogenic STAT3 Mutation
Authors: McEachron Troy A. , Kirov Ivan , Wungwattana Minkkwan , Cortes Daisy , Zabokrtsky Keri B. , Sassoon Aaron , Craig David , Carpten John D. , Sender Leonard S.
Published: January 2016

Extranodal natural killer (NK)/T‐cell lymphoma (ENKTCL) is a distinct type of non‐Hodgkin lymphoma predominantly observed in Asian and Latin American adult males. A 12‐year‐old Hispanic female diagnosed with ENKTCL was enrolled in our genomic profiling research protocol. We identified specific somatic alterations consistent with diagnosis of ENKTCL as well as oncogenic mutations in MAP2K1 and STAT3. To our knowledge, this is the first report of an immunophenotypically confirmed and genetically profiled case of ENKTCL in a female pediatric patient in the United States, including its unique treatment and favorable outcome.
Synthesis of pH‐ and thermoresponsive poly(2‐n‐propyl‐2‐oxazoline) based copolymers
Authors: Boerman Marcel A. , Van der Laan Harry L. , Bender Johan C. M. E. , Hoogenboom Richard , Jansen John A. , Leeuwenburgh Sander C. , Van Hest Jan C. M.
Published: January 2016

Polymers that possess lower critical solution temperature behavior such as poly(2‐alkyl‐2‐oxazoline)s (PAOx) are interesting for their application as stimulus‐responsive materials, for example in the biomedical field. In this work, we discuss the scalable and controlled synthesis of a library of pH‐ and temperature‐sensitive 2‐n‐propyl‐2‐oxazoline P(nPropOx) based copolymers containing amine and carboxylic acid functionalized side chains by cationic ring opening polymerization and postpolymerization functionalization strategies. Using turbidimetry, we found that the cloud point temperature (CP) is strongly dependent on both the polymer concentration and the polymer charge (as a function of pH). Furthermore, we observed that the CP decreased with increasing salt concentration, whereas the CP increased linearly with increasing amount of carboxylic acid groups. Finally, turbidimetry studies in PBS‐buffer indicate that CPs of these polymers are close to body temperature at biologically relevant polymer concentrations, which demonstrates the potential of P(nPropOx) as stimulus‐responsive polymeric systems in, for example, drug delivery applications. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2016, 54, 1573–1582
Triple hydrogen‐bonding block copolymers via RAFT polymerization: Synthesis, vesicle formation, and molecule‐recognition behavior
Authors: Wang Shixue , Li Maosheng , Zhang Hang , Yang Xinxiao , Zhang Xiaojie , Tao Youhua , Wang Xianhong
Published: January 2016

Reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer polymerization afforded triple hydrogen‐bonding block copolymers (PBA‐b‐PDAD) with well‐controlled molecular weight and molecular weight distributions (1.2–1.4). The complexation via specific hydrogen bonding between these block copolymers in CHCl3 provided an unprecedented approach for the formation of spherical vesicles. Atomic force microscopy and dynamic light‐scattering measurements revealed that the resultant polymeric vesicles were about 100 nm in radius. Triple hydrogen‐bonding interactions between maleimide and PBA‐b‐PDAD resulted in the dissociation of these spherical vesicles, facilitating the guest molecule recognition. The hydrogen‐bonding interaction between maleimide and the PBA‐b‐PDAD was further confirmed by 1H NMR and FTIR spectra. These results indicated that these vesicles of triple hydrogen‐bonding block copolymer could be a potential new vehicle for molecular recognition. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2016, 54, 1633–1638
Exploration of binding affinity and selectivity of brucine with G‐quadruplex in the c‐myb proto‐oncogene by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Li Huihui , Hai Jinhui , Zhou Jiang , Yuan Gu
Published: January 2016

Rationale

The c‐myb gene is a potential therapeutic target for human tumors and leukemias. Active ingredients from natural products may be used as drugs in chemotherapy for human cancers. Here, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS) was used to probe the formation and recognition of the G‐quadruplex structure from the G‐rich sequence that is found in the c‐myb gene promoter, 5'‐GGGCTGGGCTGGGCGGGG‐3'. The aim of our study is to evaluate a potential binder for the c‐myb gene from natural products, and thereby to modulate c‐myb gene expression.

Methods

ESI‐MS, as an effective method, was utilized not only to characterize the formation of the G‐quadruplex in the c‐myb oncogene, but also as a tool to probe the binding characteristics of alkaloid molecules with the target G‐quadruplex DNA.

Results

ESI‐MS results with the support of circular dichroism (CD) spectra demonstrated the formation of an intramolecular parallel‐stranded G‐quadruplex in the c‐myb oncogene promoter. A screening of six alkaloid molecules showed that brucine (P1) had a strong binding affinity to the c‐myb G‐quadruplex DNA. It is notable that P1 can bind selectively to the c‐myb G‐quadruplex with respect to duplex DNAs, as well as to G‐quadruplexes in other types of gene sequences. According to ESI‐MS results, in which the stability was tested by capillary heating and collision‐induced dissociation, the binding of P1 could thermally stabilize the c‐myb G‐quadruplex DNA.

Conclusions

In this work, brucine (P1), an alkaloid molecule, has been found to bind to the intramolecular parallel G‐quadruplex in the c‐myb oncogene promoter with high affinity and selectivity, and could thermally stabilize the c‐myb G‐quadruplex DNA, indicating that the binding of P1 has the potential to modulate c‐myb gene expression. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Axial spatial distribution focusing: improving MALDI‐TOF/RTOF mass spectrometric performance for high‐energy collision‐induced dissociation of biomolecules
Authors: Belgacem O. , Pittenauer E. , Openshaw M. E. , Hart P. J. , Bowdler A. , Allmaier G.
Published: January 2016

Rationale

For the last two decades, curved field reflectron technology has been used in matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight (MALDI‐TOF) mass spectrometers, assisting in the generation of post‐source‐decay (PSD) or collision‐induced dissociation (CID) without decelerating precursor ions, producing true high‐energy CID spectra. The result was the generation of product ion mass spectra with product ions typical of high‐energy (10 keV and beyond) collision processes. The disadvantage of this approach was the lack of resolution in CID spectra resulting from the excess laser energy deposition used to generate those MS/MS spectra. The work presented in this study overcomes this limitation and includes comprehensive examples of high‐energy and high‐resolution CID MALDI‐MS/MS spectra of biomolecules.

Methods

The devices used in this study are TOF/RTOF instruments equipped with a high‐vacuum MALDI ion source. High‐resolution and high‐energy CID spectra result from the use of axial spatial distribution focusing (ASDF) in combination with curved field reflectron technology.

Results

A CID spectrum of the P14R1 peptide exhibits product ion resolution in excess of 10,000 (FWHM) but at the same time yields typical high‐energy product ions such as w‐ and [y–2]‐type ion series. High‐energy CID spectra of lipids, exemplified by a glycerophospholipid and triglyceride, demonstrate C–C backbone fragmentation elucidating the presence of a hydroxyl group in addition to double‐bond positioning. A complex high mannose carbohydrate (Man)8(GlcNAc)2 was also studied at 20 keV collision energy and revealed further high‐energy product ions with very high resolution, allowing unambiguous detection and characterization of cross‐ring cleavage‐related ions.

Conclusions

This is the first comprehensive study using a MALDI‐TOF/RTOF instrument equipped with a curved field reflectron and an ASDF device prior to the reflectron. © 2015 The Authors. Rapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Re: Mid‐gestation brain Doppler and head biometry in fetuses with congenital heart disease predict abnormal brain development at birth. N. Masoller, M. Sanz‐Cortés, F. Crispi, O. Gómez, M. Bennasar, G. Egaña‐Ugrinovic, N. Bargalló, J. M. Martínez and E. Gratacós. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2016; 47: 65–73
Authors: Taylor‐Clarke M.
Published: January 2016

Linked Comment: Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2016; 47: 65–73
Microinjection of poly(vinylidene fluoride) in the presence of various additives
Authors: Chen Gang , Nie Min , Wang Qi
Published: January 2016

In this study, microinjections of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) in the presence of polar additives were investigated. The experimental results showed that compared with the static state, the strong stress during microinjection was more conducive to generate β‐PVDF with electroactive property because it could promote the transition from trans‐gauche–trans‐gauche conformation to all‐trans zigzag (TT) conformation. However, because metastable TT conformation easily relaxed back to trans‐gauche–trans‐gauche conformation with low energy, α‐PVDF coexisted with β‐PVDF in the microinjected pure PVDF. With the presence of polar additives, TT conformation formed during the microinjection was stabilized via special interaction between their polar groups and >CF2 groups of PVDF, which was beneficial to the formation of β‐PVDF. As a result, PVDF microparts with rich β‐phases were prepared under the synergistic effects of external force field and special interaction. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 24:103–108, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
Cover Image, Volume 5, Issue 1
Authors: Xu Xiaofeng , Goswami Santonu , Gulledge Jay , Wullschleger Stan D. , Thornton Peter E.
Published: January 2016

The cover image, by Xiaofeng Xu et al., is based on the Advanced Review “Interdisciplinary research in climate and energy sciences,”, DOI 10.1002/wene.180.

image
Physicochemical Principles of Pharmacy
Authors: Florence A. T. , Attwood D.
Published: January 2016

Physical chemistry is the basis of rational pharmaceutical formulation and processing, and provides the basis for understanding the complexities of drug delivery and drug absorption. Knowledge of the physicochemical principles is essential for the modern pharmaceutical scientist and pharmacist. The third edition of this well-established textbook has been thoroughly rewritten, updated and reset, while retaining its essential characteristic of using only pharmaceutical examples to illustrate the physical chemistry involved. A new chapter on proteins as pharmaceuticals is included. Solutions, the solid state and the gaseous state are discussed (the latter particularly with pressurised aerosols in mind), while ionization of drugs is considered at length. Surface chemistry retains its place and the treatment of colloidal systems includes discussion of liposomes and other colloidal carriers now more widely used in therapeutics. The properties of soluble, insoluble and dispersible natural and synthetic polymers - elements of many delivery systems - are described. Each route used for delivering medicines is treated by considering the physiology of the route and the conditions of the route that affect the drug and dosage form. Many drug interactions have a physicochemical basis and these are considered in a short chapter. In vitro functionality tests for many delivery systems can be devised if the physical basis of their functioning is recognised; again a short chapter deals with this important topic relating to the quality of pharmaceuticals. Wherever possible, calculations and worked examples are included to aid understanding of the equations described. There are many diagrams and each chapter contains a bibliography.
Analysis of Plasmalogen Species in Foodstuffs
Authors: Yamashita Shinji , Kanno Susumu , Honjo Ayako , Otoki Yurika , Nakagawa Kiyotaka , Kinoshita Mikio , Miyazawa Teruo
Published: January 2016

Ethanolamine plasmalogen (PlsEtn), which is present at high levels in brains, is believed to be involved in neuronal protection. The present study was performed to search for PlsEtn resources in foodstuffs. The foodstuffs examined showed a wide range of PlsEtn contents from 5 to 549 μmol/100 g wet wt. The marine invertebrates, blue mussel, and ascidian had high PlsEtn contents (over 200 μmol/100 g wet wt). Profiling of the molecular species showed that the predominant fatty acids of PlsEtn species were 20:5 (EPA) and 22:6 (DHA) at the sn‐2 position of the glycerol moiety in marine foodstuffs, whereas major PlsEtn species in land foodstuffs were 20:4. Following quantitative analysis by multiple reaction monitoring, the ascidian viscera were shown to contain the highest levels of 18:0/20:5‐PlsEtn and 18:0/22:6‐PlsEtn (86 and 68 μmol/100 g wet wt, respectively). In order to evaluate a neuronal antiapoptotic effect of these PlsEtn species, human neuroblastoma SH‐SY5Y cells were treated with ethanolamine glycerophospholipid (EtnGpl), purified from the ascidian viscera, under serum starvation conditions. Extrinsic EtnGpl from ascidian viscera showed stronger suppression of cell death induced by serum starvation than with bovine brain EtnGpl. The EtnGpl from ascidian viscera strongly suppressed the activation of caspase 3. These results suggest that PlsEtn, especially that containing EPA and DHA, from marine foodstuffs is potentially useful for a therapeutic dietary supplement preventing neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD).
Hyperbolic Manifolds
Authors: Marden Albert
Published: January 2016

Over the past three decades there has been a total revolution in the classic branch of mathematics called 3-dimensional topology, namely the discovery that most solid 3-dimensional shapes are hyperbolic 3-manifolds. This book introduces and explains hyperbolic geometry and hyperbolic 3- and 2-dimensional manifolds in the first two chapters and then goes on to develop the subject. The author discusses the profound discoveries of the astonishing features of these 3-manifolds, helping the reader to understand them without going into long, detailed formal proofs. The book is heavily illustrated with pictures, mostly in color, that help explain the manifold properties described in the text. Each chapter ends with a set of exercises and explorations that both challenge the reader to prove assertions made in the text, and suggest further topics to explore that bring additional insight. There is an extensive index and bibliography.
Independent Politics
Authors: Klar Samara , Krupnikov Yanna
Published: January 2016

The number of independent voters in America increases each year, yet they remain misunderstood by both media and academics. Media describe independents as pivotal for electoral outcomes. Political scientists conclude that independents are merely 'undercover partisans': people who secretly hold partisan beliefs and are thus politically inconsequential. Both the pundits and the political scientists are wrong, argue the authors. They show that many Americans are becoming embarrassed of their political party. They deny to pollsters, party activists, friends, and even themselves, their true partisanship, instead choosing to go 'undercover' as independents. Independent Politics demonstrates that people intentionally mask their partisan preferences in social situations. Most importantly, breaking with decades of previous research, it argues that independents are highly politically consequential. The same motivations that lead people to identify as independent also diminish their willingness to engage in the types of political action that sustain the grassroots movements of American politics.
ASSYRIOLOGY AT THE MARGINS, THE CASE OF WILLIAM ST. CHAD BOSCAWEN (1855–1913)
Authors: Horry Ruth
Published: January 2016

This study presents the career of late-nineteenth-century Assyriologist William St. Chad Boscawen (1855–1913) as a case study in recovering contributions to knowledge-making by low-status, marginal actors. Boscawen took Assyriological knowledge and expertise, gained at the British Museum, into a new disciplinary setting: a private museum of history of medicine, owned by pharmaceuticals entrepreneur Henry Wellcome (1853–1936). Yet his relocation was only partially successful, and his contributions to knowledge were transient. I employ a sociological framework to explore how social factors, as much as academic ones, influenced Boscawen's career trajectory. In doing so, I argue that studying marginal figures offers a richer understanding of past Assyriological practices and the wider research community in which the most prominent figures operated.
XENOPHON'S ROUTE THROUGH BABYLONIA AND ASSYRIA
Authors: Reade Julian Edgeworth
Published: January 2016

TheAnabasisof the Greek historian Xenophon describes the march of a mercenary army in 401–400b.c.from the Aegean coast down the Euphrates to Babylonia, and back up the Tigris to the Black Sea and the Aegean. This paper presents the evidence for the army's route through Babylonia and Assyria, and attempts to resolve the main uncertainties.1
Numerical studies on the dynamics of an open triangle in a vertically oscillatory flow
Authors: Shao Xueming , Zhang Xiaolong , Yu Zhaosheng , Lin Jianzhong
Published: January 2016

A direct-forcing fictitious domain method is employed to study the dynamics of an open triangle in a vertically oscillatory flow. The flow structures, the vertical force and the torque on the fixed body are analysed for the stable flow regime in which the flow structures form and evolve exactly in the same way in each period and the unstable regime, respectively. Our results indicate that in the stable flow regime for the body with upright orientation, the steady streaming structure mainly comprises two vortex pairs located respectively above and below the body. Due to up–down asymmetry of the body, the pair below the body produces a larger vertical force on the body than the upper pair, which is mainly responsible for the non-zero average force at relatively high Reynolds numbers. The average force increases with increasing Reynolds number or increasing dimensionless period for the parameter range studied, due to the vortex effects. In the unstable regime, a vortex pair is ejected downward from each body edge. The irregular motion of the emitted vortices below the body leads to the irregular fluctuation of the vertical force. Regarding the torque on a tilted body, in the stable regime, the body experiences a restoring torque when its vertex angle is larger than a critical value being close to (and smaller than) 60°, and otherwise a destructive torque, irrespective of the value of tilt angle. For a fixed vertex angle, the torque magnitude is largest when the tilt angle is around 45°. In the unstable regime, the persistent ejection of the vortex pair during upward flow and corresponding restoring torque are observed for a large tilt angle with one edge aligned close to the horizontal direction, as in the experiment of Liu et al. (Phys. Rev. Lett., vol. 108, 2012, 068103). For a relatively small tilt angle, the emission direction of the vortex pair has intermittency, leading to the intermittency in the direction of torque. The reasons for the above observations are discussed. The predictions on the stable orientation for a hovering body in the stable flow regime and the irregular orientation in the unstable regime are confirmed in the dynamic simulation of a freely moving body. The body with the stable horizontal orientation in case of small vertex angle migrates along the body-shape-diverging direction.
Connected Material Histories: A response
Authors: CLUNAS CRAIG
Published: January 2016

In giving the very first lecture that first-year History of Art undergraduates at Oxford will hear, I usually employ the practice of giving them a sheet of paper with nothing on it but the outlines of the land masses of the globe, and ask them to draw a line round ‘the West’. The idea was inspired by a reading of Lewis and Wigen's 1997 bookThe Myth of Continents(‘justly celebrated’, as Sanjay Subrahmanyam says), and remains a useful pedagogic act, up to a point, for the reasons so clearly laid out in that book; also, it breaks the ice, it gets a buzz of conversation going in the room, it certainly foregrounds the topic, central now to art historical enquiry, of the way in which ‘representations are social facts’. But the reason I do not ask them to draw a map round ‘the East’ is that I suspect it would be too easy, or at least done too quickly, and indeed the boundaries of both ‘East’ and ‘Orient’, as ‘Europe's Other’, can be shown to have fluctuated much less than have the boundaries of what, for most Oxford students, is still, if somewhat tenuously, ‘us’ or ‘here’. Wherever ‘the East’ is, it all lies (as Subrahmanyam points out in his lecture) in that assuredly -etic part of the world called Asia. I might, in the privacy of my own hard drive, choose to categorize those European images which I need for teaching as ‘Non-Eastern’ (to balance the ‘Non-Western’ rubric on which my specialist options appear in the syllabus). But that is not a category widely used, or at least not in my own discipline of art history.
Editorial
Authors: Chatterji Joya , Johnson Gordon , Peabody Norbert
Published: January 2016

Modern Asian Studies was first published in 1967. It was a manifestation of the enthusiasm for ‘area studies’ which swept academia in the mid-twentieth century. This in turn was prompted by a recognition in Western scholarly and other circles of the importance of understanding the history, languages, and cultures of the world beyond North America and Europe. Such knowledge was desirable in its own right, adding to the sum total of human experience and achievement, but, as societies and economies became increasingly interwoven, it was believed to have significant practical value for dealing with problems of business and trade, politics and diplomacy, the migration of peoples on an unprecedented scale, and fears and anxieties as differing cultures and religions came into contact with each other.
Sex differences in language competence of 3- to 6-year-old children
Authors: LANGE BENJAMIN P. , EULER HARALD A. , ZARETSKY EUGEN
Published: January 2016

For decades, developmental research has involved the study of sex differences in language acquisition. Many studies of these differences have found a slight advantage in competence for females early in life that seems to wane with age. However, because most of these studies have focused on sex differences in mean values, they have mostly neglected sex differences in variance with males being more variable. In the current study, we examined sex differences in language competence in terms of mean values and variance in large samples (N> 10,000) of German children aged 3–6 years. We administered several tests to assess the children's vocabulary, grammar, speech comprehension, pronunciation, and the processing of sentences and nonce words. Girls performed better than boys in all domains, most often to a statistically significant degree, although the effect sizes were small. Differences decreased with age. Boys varied significantly more than girls in their language competence. In response, we discuss explanations for these findings, as well as recommend directions for future research.
Differences in the Perceptual Processes Behind Shading and Achromatic	Color Responses on the Rorschach
Authors: Yasuda Masaru
Published: January 2016

Abstract. Differences in perceptional processes between shading responses and achromatic-color responses were examined by comparing eye movements. The following hypotheses were tested. Hypothesis 1: Shading responses, compared to non-shading responses, would show an increased fixation time directed at the inside of the area of shading stimuli and a decreased fixation time directed at the outline. Hypothesis 2: The differences in fixation times proposed in Hypothesis 1 would not be observed between achromatic-color responses and non-achromatic-color responses. Eye movement data of 60 responses produced for the W in Card IV and D1 in Card VI were analyzed. The results indicated that shading responses had significantly longer fixation times directed at the inner area and significantly shorter fixation times directed at the outline, compared to non-shading responses. On the other hand, achromatic-color responses did not show a significant main effect or interaction. The above results supported Hypotheses 1 and 2.
An Open Letter to Hermann Rorschach
Authors: Kleiger James Herman
Published: January 2016

Abstract. The Rorschach has become a cultural icon. Over the last century, Hermann Rorschach’s creative experiment has imbedded itself in our society and captured the imagination of generations of clinicians, researchers, artists, writers, and the lay public in general. The author writes an imaginary letter to Hermann Rorschach, informing him of what has become of the inkblot experiment he began over 100 years ago. Inviting the reader to join in this imagined communication, the author recounts what became of some of Rorschach’s colleagues and followers who promoted his test. The author informs Rorschach about the universal appeal of his experiment, along with the developments and the challenges to his inkblots since Rorschach’s untimely demise in 1922. Along the way, the author raises some of the unsettled questions about the nature and meaning of task, before closing by highlighting key aspects of the enduring legacy Rorschach left behind.
Controlling the screening process of a nanoscaled space charge region by minority carriers
Authors: Kloth Philipp , Kaiser Katharina , Wenderoth Martin
Published: January 2016

The miniaturization of future electronic devices is intimately connected to the ability to control electric fields on the atomic scale. In a nanoscopic system defined by a limited number of charges, the combined dynamics of bound and free charges become important. Here we present a model system based on the electrostatic interaction between a metallic tip of a scanning tunnelling microscope and a GaAs(110) semiconductor surface. The system is driven out of equilibrium by optical excitation, which provides ambipolar free charge carriers, and by an optically induced unipolar tunnel current. This combination enables the active control of the density and spatial distribution of free and bound charge in the space-charge region, that is, modifying the screening processes. Temporal fluctuations of single dopants are modified, meaning we are able to control the noise of the system. It is found that free charge carriers suppress the noise level in field-controlled, nanoscopic systems.
Mouse strains to study cold-inducible beige progenitors and beige adipocyte formation and function
Authors: Berry Daniel C. , Jiang Yuwei , Graff Jonathan M.
Published: January 2016

Cold temperatures induce formation of beige adipocytes, which convert glucose and fatty acids to heat, and may increase energy expenditure, reduce adiposity and lower blood glucose. This therapeutic potential is unrealized, hindered by a dearth of genetic tools to fate map, track and manipulate beige progenitors and ‘beiging’. Here we examined 12 Cre/inducible Cre mouse strains that mark adipocyte, muscle and mural lineages, three proposed beige origins. Among these mouse strains, only those that marked perivascular mural cells tracked the cold-induced beige lineage. Two SMA-based strains, SMA-CreERT2 and SMA-rtTA, fate mapped into the majority of cold-induced beige adipocytes and SMA-marked progenitors appeared essential for beiging. Disruption of the potential of the SMA-tracked progenitors to form beige adipocytes was accompanied by an inability to maintain body temperature and by hyperglycaemia. Thus, SMA-engineered mice may be useful to track and manipulate beige progenitors, beige adipocyte formation and function.
EPR pairing dynamics in Hubbard model with resonant U
Authors: Zhang X. Z. , Song Z.
Published: January 2016

We study the dynamics of the collision between two fermions in Hubbard model with on-site interaction strength U. The exact solution shows that the scattering matrix for two-wavepacket collision is separable into two independent parts, operating on spatial and spin degrees of freedom, respectively. The S-matrix for spin configuration is equivalent to that of Heisenberg-type pulsed interaction with the strength depending on U and relative group velocity vr. This can be applied to create distant EPR pair, through a collision process for two fermions with opposite spins in the case of |vr/U| = 1, without the need for temporal control and measurement process. Multiple collision process for many particles is also discussed.
Integration of genomic, transcriptomic and proteomic data identifies two biologically distinct subtypes of invasive lobular breast cancer
Authors: Michaut Magali , Chin Suet-Feung , Majewski Ian , Severson Tesa M. , Bismeijer Tycho , de Koning Leanne , Peeters Justine K. , Schouten Philip C. , Rueda Oscar M. , Bosma Astrid J. , Tarrant Finbarr , Fan Yue , He Beilei , Xue Zheng , Mittempergher Lorenza , Kluin Roelof J.C. , Heijmans Jeroen , Snel Mireille , Pereira Bernard , Schlicker Andreas , Provenzano Elena , Ali Hamid Raza , Gaber Alexander , O’Hurley Gillian , Lehn Sophie , Muris Jettie J.F. , Wesseling Jelle , Kay Elaine , Sammut Stephen John , Bardwell Helen A. , Barbet Aurélie S. , Bard Floriane , Lecerf Caroline , O’Connor Darran P. , Vis Daniël J. , Benes Cyril H. , McDermott Ultan , Garnett Mathew J. , Simon Iris M. , Jirström Karin , Dubois Thierry , Linn Sabine C. , Gallagher William M. , Wessels Lodewyk F.A. , Caldas Carlos , Bernards Rene
Published: January 2016

Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) is the second most frequently occurring histological breast cancer subtype after invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC), accounting for around 10% of all breast cancers. The molecular processes that drive the development of ILC are still largely unknown. We have performed a comprehensive genomic, transcriptomic and proteomic analysis of a large ILC patient cohort and present here an integrated molecular portrait of ILC. Mutations in CDH1 and in the PI3K pathway are the most frequent molecular alterations in ILC. We identified two main subtypes of ILCs: (i) an immune related subtype with mRNA up-regulation of PD-L1, PD-1 and CTLA-4 and greater sensitivity to DNA-damaging agents in representative cell line models; (ii) a hormone related subtype, associated with Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) and gain of chromosomes 1q and 8q and loss of chromosome 11q. Using the somatic mutation rate and eIF4B protein level, we identified three groups with different clinical outcomes, including a group with extremely good prognosis. We provide a comprehensive overview of the molecular alterations driving ILC and have explored links with therapy response. This molecular characterization may help to tailor treatment of ILC through the application of specific targeted, chemo- and/or immune-therapies.
Variability of Action Potentials Within and Among Cardiac Cell Clusters Derived from Human Embryonic Stem Cells
Authors: Zhu Renjun , Millrod Michal A. , Zambidis Elias T. , Tung Leslie
Published: January 2016

Electrophysiological variability in cardiomyocytes derived from pluripotent stem cells continues to be an impediment for their scientific and translational applications. We studied the variability of action potentials (APs) recorded from clusters of human embryonic stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hESC-CMs) using high-resolution optical mapping. Over 23,000 APs were analyzed through four parameters: APD30, APD80, triangulation and fractional repolarization. Although measures were taken to reduce variability due to cell culture conditions and rate-dependency of APs, we still observed significant variability in APs among and within the clusters. However, similar APs were found in spatial locations with close proximity and in some clusters formed distinct regions having different AP characteristics that were reflected as separate peaks in the AP parameter distributions, suggesting multiple electrophysiological phenotypes. Using a recently developed automated method to group cells based on their entire AP shape, we identified distinct regions of different phenotypes within single clusters and common phenotypes across different clusters when separating APs into 2 or 3 subpopulations. The systematic analysis of the heterogeneity and potential phenotypes of large populations of hESC-CMs can be used to evaluate strategies to improve the quality of pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes for use in diagnostic and therapeutic applications and in drug screening.
Probing the molecular design of hyper-branched aryl polyesters towards lubricant applications
Authors: Robinson Joshua W. , Zhou Yan , Bhattacharya Priyanka , Erck Robert , Qu Jun , Bays J. Timothy , Cosimbescu Lelia
Published: January 2016

We report novel polymeric materials that may be used as viscosity index improvers (VII) for lubricant applications. Our efforts included probing the comb-burst hyper-branched aryl polyester architecture for beneficial viscosity and friction behavior when utilized as an additive in a group I oil. The monomer was designed as to undergo polymerization via polycondensation within the architectural construct (AB2), typical of hyperbranched polymers. The monomer design was comprised of aliphatic arms (12 or 16 methylenes) to provide the necessary lipophilicity to achieve solubility in a non-polar medium. Once polymerized, via catalyst and heat, the surface alcohols were functionalized with fatty acids (lauric and palmitic). Controlling the aliphatic nature of the internal arms and peripheral end-groups provided four unique flexible polymer designs. Changing the reaction time and concentration provided opportunities to investigate the influence of molecular weight and branching density on oil-solubility, viscosity and friction. Oil-solubility was found to decrease with fewer internal carbons, but the number of internal carbons appears to have little influence on the bulk solution viscosity. At concentrations of 2 wt % in a group I base oil, these polymer additives demonstrated an improved viscosity index and reduced friction coefficient, validating the basic approach.
Mercury Isotopes as Proxies to Identify Sources and Environmental Impacts of Mercury in Sphalerites
Authors: Yin Runsheng , Feng Xinbin , Hurley James P. , Krabbenhoft David P. , Lepak Ryan F. , Hu Ruizhong , Zhang Qian , Li Zhonggen , Bi Xianwu
Published: January 2016

During the past few years, evidence of mass independent fractionation (MIF) for mercury (Hg) isotopes have been reported in the Earth’s surface reservoirs, mainly assumed to be formed during photochemical processes. However, the magnitude of Hg-MIF in interior pools of the crust is largely unknown. Here, we reported significant variation in Hg-MIF signature (Δ199Hg: −0.24 ~ + 0.18‰) in sphalerites collected from 102 zinc (Zn) deposits in China, indicating that Hg-MIF can be recorded into the Earth’s crust during geological recycling of crustal material. Changing magnitudes of Hg-MIF signals were observed in Zn deposits with different formations, evidence that Hg isotopes (especially Hg-MIF) can be a useful tracer to identify sources (syngenetic and epigenetic) of Hg in mineral deposits. The average isotopic composition in studied sphalerites (δ202Hgaverage: −0.58‰; Δ199Hgaverage: +0.03‰) may be used to fingerprint Zn smelting activities, one of the largest global Hg emission sources.
A deleterious role for Th9/IL-9 in hepatic fibrogenesis
Authors: Qin Shan-yu , Lu Dong-hong , Guo Xiao-yun , Luo Wei , Hu Bang-li , Huang Xiao-li , Chen Mei , Wang Jia-xu , Ma Shi-Jia , Yang Xian-wen , Jiang Hai-xing , Zhou You
Published: January 2016

T helper 9 (Th9) cells, a recently recognized Th cell subset, are involved in autoimmune diseases. We aimed to investigate the role of Th9/interleukin-9 (IL-9) in the pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis. Th9 and Th17 cells were quantified in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients with hepatic fibrosis, HBV-associated liver cirrhosis (LC) patients and healthy controls (HC). The percentages of Th9 and Th17 cells, concentrations of IL-9 and IL-17, as well as expression of IL-17, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-4, IL-21, TGF-β1 and IFN-γ were significantly increased in plasma of CHB and LC patients compared with those in HC. Splenic Th9 and Th17 cells, plasma concentrations and liver expression of IL-9 and IL-17A were significantly elevated in mice with hepatic fibrosis compared with controls. Neutralization of IL-9 in mice ameliorated hepatic fibrosis, attenuated the activation of hepatic stellate cells, reduced frequencies of Th9, Th17 and Th1 cells in spleen and suppressed expression of IL-9, IL-17A, IFN-γ, TGF-β1, IL-6, IL-4 and TNF-α in plasma and liver respectively. Our data suggest a deleterious role of Th9/IL-9 in increasing hepatic fibrosis and exacerbating disease endpoints, indicating that Th9/IL9 based immunotherapy may be a promising approach for treating hepatic fibrosis.
Protein oxidation mediated by heme-induced active site conversion specific for heme-regulated transcription factor, iron response regulator
Authors: Kitatsuji Chihiro , Izumi Kozue , Nambu Shusuke , Kurogochi Masaki , Uchida Takeshi , Nishimura Shin-Ichiro , Iwai Kazuhiro , O’Brian Mark R. , Ikeda-Saito Masao , Ishimori Koichiro
Published: January 2016

The Bradyrhizobium japonicum transcriptional regulator Irr (iron response regulator) is a key regulator of the iron homeostasis, which is degraded in response to heme binding via a mechanism that involves oxidative modification of the protein. Here, we show that heme-bound Irr activates O2 to form highly reactive oxygen species (ROS) with the “active site conversion” from heme iron to non-heme iron to degrade itself. In the presence of heme and reductant, the ROS scavenging experiments show that Irr generates H2O2 from O2 as found for other hemoproteins, but H2O2 is less effective in oxidizing the peptide and further activation of H2O2 is suggested. Interestingly, we find a time-dependent decrease of the intensity of the Soret band and appearance of the characteristic EPR signal at g = 4.3 during the oxidation, showing the heme degradation and the successive formation of a non-heme iron site. Together with the mutational studies, we here propose a novel “two-step self-oxidative modification” mechanism, during which O2 is activated to form H2O2 at the heme regulatory motif (HRM) site and the generated H2O2 is further converted into more reactive species such as ·OH at the non-heme iron site in the His-cluster region formed by the active site conversion.
Farnesoid X receptor activation promotes cell proliferation via PDK4-controlled metabolic reprogramming
Authors: Xie Yang , Wang Hong , Cheng Xuefang , Wu Yuzheng , Cao Lijuan , Wu Mengqiu , Xie Wen , Wang Guangji , Hao Haiping
Published: January 2016

Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) plays a pivotal role in the regulation of various metabolic pathways as well as liver regeneration. However, the casual link between cell proliferative effects during liver regeneration and metabolic regulation of FXR was elusive. In this study, we found that FXR activation significantly promotes HepG2 cell proliferation accompanied with metabolic switch towards the excessive accumulation of aerobic glycolytic intermediates including lactic acid, pyruvate and the subsequently increased biosynthesis of glycine. This FXR-induced metabolic switch was found dependent on an up-regulation of pyruvate dehydrogenate kinase 4 (PDK4), a FXR target gene. FXR agonists were found to promote liver regeneration in the murine model of APAP induced liver injury, which was associated with a metabolic switch favoring the accumulation of glycolytic intermediates as precursors for generation of biomass. However, FXR activation has little effect on the glycolytic metabolism in healthy primary hepatocytes in vitro and the liver of healthy mice in vivo. Therefore, we conclude that FXR may promote the proliferation of tumor cells and the hepatocytes in the process of liver regeneration by activating the PDK4-mediated metabolic reprogramming to generate glycolytic intermediates essential for rapid biomass generation, establishing a mechanistic link between cell proliferation and metabolic switch.
Topographic confinement of epithelial clusters induces epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in compliant matrices
Authors: Nasrollahi Samila , Pathak Amit
Published: January 2016

Epithelial cells disengage from their clusters and become motile by undergoing epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), an essential process for both embryonic development and tumor metastasis. Growing evidence suggests that high extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffness induces EMT. In reality, epithelial clusters reside in a heterogeneous microenvironment whose mechanical properties vary not only in terms of stiffness, but also topography, dimensionality and confinement. Yet, very little is known about how various geometrical parameters of the ECM might influence EMT. Here, we adapt a hydrogel-microchannels based matrix platform to culture mammary epithelial cell clusters in ECMs of tunable stiffness and confinement. We report a previously unidentified role of ECM confinement in EMT induction. Surprisingly, confinement induces EMT even in the cell clusters surrounded by a soft matrix, which otherwise protects against EMT in unconfined environments. Further, we demonstrate that stiffness-induced and confinement-induced EMT work through cell-matrix adhesions and cytoskeletal polarization, respectively. These findings highlight that both the structure and the stiffness of the ECM can independently regulate EMT, which brings a fresh perspective to the existing paradigm of matrix stiffness-dependent dissemination and invasion of tumor cells.