bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Complementing asteroseismology with 4MOST spectroscopy
Authors: de Jong R. S. , 4MOST Consortium
Published: September 2016

4MOST is a wide‐field, high‐multiplex spectroscopic survey facility under development for the VISTA telescope of the European Southern Observatory (ESO). Its main science drivers are in the areas of galactic archeology, high‐energy physics, galaxy evolution and cosmology. 4MOST will in particular provide the spectroscopic complements to the large area surveys coming from space missions like Gaia, eROSITA, Euclid, and PLATO. 4MOST will have an unique operations concept in which 5‐years public surveys from both the consortium and the ESO community will be combined and observed in parallel during each exposure, resulting in more than 25 million spectra of targets spread over a large fraction of the southern sky. As a dedicated spectroscopic survey facility with a large field‐of‐view, a high multiplex that can be reconfigured quickly, and with a broad wavelength coverage, 4MOST is particularly well suited to complement the upcoming asteroseismology space missions like TESS and PLATO. Here we show that, by dedicating the observing time during twilight and poor observing conditions to bright stars, 4MOST will obtain resolution R > 18000 spectra of nearly all stars brighter than 12th magnitude at Dec <30° every 2 years. 4MOST is also expected to spectroscopically complement any fainter asteroseismology target tobe observed with PLATO. These observations will provide a chemical characterization of nearly all stars tobe observed with the TESS and PLATO missions and place any planets found in a full chemo‐dynamical context of the star formation history of the Galaxy, yield very accurate ages and masses for all stars that can be characterized with asteroseismology, and allow removal of contaminants from target samples (e.g., spectroscopic binaries).
Galactic stellar populations with APOGEE and Kepler
Authors: Johnson J. A. , APOKASC collaboration
Published: September 2016

Understanding the history of baryons is key to understanding galaxy formation, as galaxies with very similar stellar mass and/or dark matter halo mass can have markedly different morphologies in their stellar light. Stars are a useful way to study this history, because properties such as their composition, age, and orbital motion can map galaxy formation and evolution. Lightcurves from the Kepler mission, both original and extended, provide asteroseismic parameters, such as Δν and νmax, and rotation periods. The high‐resolution near‐infrared APOGEE spectroscopic survey is observing an extensive sample of red giants and cool dwarfs in both the Kepler and K2 fields to provide composition and effective temperature measurements. These spectroscopic and seismic parameters can be combined to yield ages, important for dissecting the history of the Milky Way. Results based on this combination have already been published in the first APOKASC catalog. Among the interesting results about stellar populations so far are the presence of a large metallicity spread in the young secondary red clump population at the solar circle, the identification of young, yet α‐rich stars, and the detection of a field blue straggler descendant. The K2 fields along the ecliptic will extend the possibilities of these techniques to new lines of sight in the Galaxy and provide a much more representative sample of Galactic populations with seismic and spectroscopic information.
SOD1 dimerization monitoring using a novel split NanoLuc, NanoBit
Authors: Oh‐hashi Kentaro , Hirata Yoko , Kiuchi Kazutoshi
Published: September 2016

In the present study, we applied a highly sensitive NanoLuc‐based technology to understand the status of superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) within mammalian cells. Two fragments of NanoLuc (NanoBit), large N‐terminal and small C‐terminal regions, were fused with wild‐type (wt) and mutant human SOD1 (hSOD1) genes and transfected into cells. Luciferase activity through NanoBit assembly was only detected in NanoBit‐tagged wtSOD1‐expressing cells. Furthermore, the developed NanoLuc system was used to investigate the role of protein‐protein interactions in the pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). In addition to SOD1, we also applied this NanoBit system for detecting the dimerization of wild‐type, M337V‐mutated human TAR‐binding protein 43 kDa (hTDP43) and its cleaved C‐terminal fragment (TDP25M337V) as well as their interactions with SOD1. Luciferase activities of NanoBit‐tagged mutant SOD1, TDP43, or TDP25 were negligible. Finally, we found that a zinc chelator partially reduced the luciferase activity of NanoBit‐wtSOD1. Collectively, these results show that the present assay is sensitive and convenient to appreciate ALS and to develop useful agents for the modulation of SOD1 conformation.
Future Challenges in Heterogeneous Catalysis: Understanding Catalysts under Dynamic Reaction Conditions
Authors: Kalz Kai F. , Kraehnert Ralph , Dvoyashkin Muslim , Dittmeyer Roland , Gläser Roger , Krewer Ulrike , Reuter Karsten , Grunwaldt Jan‐Dierk
Published: September 2016

In the future, (electro‐)chemical catalysts will have to be more tolerant towards a varying supply of energy and raw materials. This is mainly due to the fluctuating nature of renewable energies. For example, power‐to‐chemical processes require a shift from steady‐state operation towards operation under dynamic reaction conditions. This brings along a number of demands for the design of both catalysts and reactors, because it is well‐known that the structure of catalysts is very dynamic. However, in‐depth studies of catalysts and catalytic reactors under such transient conditions have only started recently. This requires studies and advances in the fields of 1) operando spectroscopy including time‐resolved methods, 2) theory with predictive quality, 3) kinetic modelling, 4) design of catalysts by appropriate preparation concepts, and 5) novel/modular reactor designs. An intensive exchange between these scientific disciplines will enable a substantial gain of fundamental knowledge which is urgently required. This concept article highlights recent developments, challenges, and future directions for understanding catalysts under dynamic reaction conditions.
Froth Flotation of Copper and Copper Compounds from Fine Fractions of Waste Incineration Bottom Ashes
Authors: Breitenstein Boris , Elwert Tobias , Goldmann Daniel , Haas Andrea , Schirmer Thomas , Vogt Volker
Published: September 2016

In Germany about 5 million tons of municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) bottom ashes are treated for metal recovery annually. With the actual processing metal recovery is realized down to 2 mm. The fractions < 2 mm are utilized without metal recovery. Due to high residual concentrations of non‐ferrous metals in these fractions, especially Cu, several thousand tons of metals are lost every year. This article presents an approach to recover Cu of fine fractions < 0.2 mm by froth flotation. Several collector regimes are screened and flotation parameters are varied. First results exhibit Cu recoveries of 50 % with Cu concentrations of about 5 %.
Geoarchaeology, Forensics, and the Prosecution of Saddam Hussein: A Case Study from the Iraq War (2003–2011)
Authors: Schuldenrein Joseph , Trimble Michael K. , Malin‐Boyce Susan , Smith Mark
Published: September 2016

During the Iraq War (2003–2011), the U.S. government dispatched teams of forensic archaeologists and anthropologists to examine a series of mass graves, a site of genocide allegedly perpetrated by Saddam Hussein in the late 20th century. Remote sensing and limited field‐testing disclosed a crime scene featuring extensive landscape disturbances from haphazard placements of shallow, presumed grave trenches and associated spoil heaps. Geoarchaeological expertise was used to explain the terrain irregularities at the crime scene and to reconstruct the processes and sequence chronology of grave site selection, interments, and site abandonment. Geomorphic investigations included observations of field relations and follow‐up sedimentological and geochemical analyses. The precrime scene landforms were demonstrably Upper Pleistocene in age and were underlain by calcretes of variable morphogenetic origins; they produced an impenetrable crust of variable depths. Misreading of these elements underpinned the flawed planning and inefficient excavation and disposal strategies by the perpetrators. Geochemical analysis of the grave fills isolated elements (chiefly K) that could be diagnostic of otherwise homogeneous sediment units. Taken together, these data provided key evidence for conviction of the Hussein regime. A “geotaphonomic model” for mass graves analysis is proposed as a blueprint for practical and critical future applications of geoarchaeology.
A complex magmatic system beneath the middle and northern Okinawa Trough: evidence from pyroxene characteristics
Authors: Liao Renqiang , Huang Peng , Hu Ningjing
Published: September 2016

The Okinawa Trough is an initial marginal back‐arc basin. In this paper, we present a comparative study of pyroxenes in white and black pumice from the Okinawa Trough to explore the magmatic evolution of the region and the characteristics of the magmatic system. The results show two species of pyroxenes in the white pumice (clinopyroxene and orthopyroxene) but only one species in the black pumice (orthopyroxene). Many isomorphic replacements among the cations occurred during clinopyroxene crystallization. Clinopyroxene‐melt thermobarometry yielded a temperature of 847–988°C and a pressure of 2.73–7.42 kbar, which vary considerably and correspond to a maximum depth of approximately 24 km. All of the orthopyroxenes in both the white and black pumice crystallized at similar pressures ranging from 0.67 to 4.59 kbar, which correspond to a maximum depth of approximately 15 km. The clinopyroxenes crystallized mainly in the lower crust, whereas the orthopyroxenes formed at the boundary depth between the upper crust and the lower crust. The similarities in the pyroxene chemical compositions and the whole‐rock characteristics between the two types of pumice indicate that both types of pumice are linked to the same magmatic system at depth. The pyroxenes crystallized from genetically related melts within a magmatic system that had undergone various degrees of differentiation. The physicochemical characteristics of the pyroxenes show that the magma chamber module changed during the crystallization process from clinopyroxenes to orthopyroxenes. This change most likely resulted from local characteristics of the near‐surface structure. These observations support the model of a ‘two‐layered magma chamber’ in the northern Okinawa Trough. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Patient Satisfaction with Pharmacist‐Led Collaborative Follow‐Up Care in an Ambulatory Rheumatology Clinic
Authors: Hall Jill J. , Katz Steven J. , Cor M. Ken
Published: September 2016

Objectives

Patient satisfaction is known to increase with pharmacist intervention in general outpatient clinics and with nurse‐led care in rheumatology clinics. The aim of the present study was to describe and compare patient satisfaction with two different types of care: a pharmacist physician collaborative model and a traditional physician model in a rheumatology clinic setting.

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey of inflammatory arthritis patients seen during a follow‐up visit in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, was conducted over a ten‐week period. Patient satisfaction was measured using a modified version of the validated Leeds Satisfaction Questionnaire, which uses a five‐point Likert scale to measure six dimensions of satisfaction, and compared between the collaborative care and traditional physician models.

Results

A total of 62 patients completed the questionnaire (21 collaborative care and 41 traditional physician model). The average age of respondents was 52 years and the majority were female. The mean score for satisfaction across the six dimensions was 4.56 in the collaborative care group and 4.30 in the traditional physician group (p = 0.02). Patient satisfaction in the collaborative care group was consistently higher across all dimensions. No difference was noted between participants seen for the first time compared with those seen two or more times by the pharmacist.

Conclusions

A collaborative care model can exceed the already high expectations for care of patients with inflammatory arthritis. Our findings support the role of pharmacists using a collaborative care approach to care for patients in rheumatology clinics.
Role of the Internet in Care Initiation by People Living With HIV
Authors: Perazzo Joseph , Haas Stephen , Webel Allison , Voss Joachim
Published: September 2016

People frequently use the internet to obtain information, including information about health, but we lack understanding of how people living with HIV (PLHIV) use the internet in their care and treatment decisions. In this secondary analysis, interviews with 23 individuals who initiated HIV care at an urban, Midwestern medical center and mentioned internet use were analyzed using qualitative content analysis to explore how they used the internet during the process of initiating HIV care. HIV care had been initiated by this sample from less than one month to three years post‐diagnosis. Participants discussed the internet as a source of information about their diagnosis that influenced their care and treatment decisions. Five themes were predominant: (i) The internet alerted me to the possibility of HIV, (ii) the internet showed me a solution is available, (iii) the internet influenced my decisions about care, (iv) the internet empowered me to participate in my treatment decisions, and (v) the internet gave me hope for my future. The results suggest that the internet has the potential to provide information that can profoundly influence PLHIVs’ acceptance of care and treatment decisions. Clinicians face a new reality in which patients use internet resources to obtain information and shape opinions about HIV treatment and care initiation decision‐making. Guiding PLHIV in their selection of online resources is one approach to educating and empowering individuals as they cope with their diagnosis and contemplate decisions regarding HIV care and treatment. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Epoxy/α‐alumina nanocomposite with decreased dielectric constant and dielectric loss
Authors: Chen Yun , Zhang Donghai , Wu Xiaofeng , Wang Haosheng , Xue Yang , Wu Ruiwen , Zhang Zhong , Chen Yunfa
Published: September 2016

In this work, the dielectric spectroscopy and dynamic mechanical thermal spectroscopy of neat epoxy and epoxy nanocomposites modified by boehmite, γ‐alumina and α‐alumina nanoparticles, respectively, were investigated. The dielectric behavior of epoxy resin was significantly affected by the incorporation of α‐alumina nanofiller. The values of real and imaginary part of relative permittivity of epoxy/α‐alumina nanocomposite were even lower than these of neat epoxy. On the contrary, these values of boehmite and γ‐alumina nanocomposites were higher than these of neat epoxy. The glass transition temperature (Tg) determined by dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMA) was obviously decreased when boehmite nanofiller was added into the epoxy nanocomposite. The value of Tg was slightly decreased by γ‐alumina and apparently increased by α‐alumina nanofiller. These changes of performance may be attributed to that the existence of α‐alumina nanoparticles restricted the mobility of polymer molecular chains. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:2307–2319, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
A Fluorophore‐Free Chemodosimeter for H2S with Luminescence Turn–on Response: Hyrdogen Sulphide Sensing in Garlic Extract
Authors: Maiti Kalipada , Mahapatra Ajit Kumar , Maji Rajkishor , Mondal Sanchita , Ali Syed Samim , Gangopadhyay Ankita , Manna Saikat Kumar , Mandal Sukhendu
Published: September 2016

A novel non‐fluorophoric chemodosimeter, 2‐[4‐Diethylamino‐2‐(4‐nitro‐benzyloxy)‐benzylidene]‐malonic acid diethyl ester (1) was developed for the estimation of hydrogen sulphide by exploitation of the ubiquitous reduction of nitro functionality to amino under mild conditions which culminated in the generation of the popular fluorescent moiety, coumarin via tandem nucleophilic addition‐elimination reaction made facile by the structure of the probe molecule. The coumarin moiety produced a brilliant blue fluorescence turn‐on response. Apart from its sensitivity, selectivity and successful application in cellular imaging, a remarkable feature of 1 is its capacity to detect H2S in garlic extract both in presence as well as absence of glutathione which is a crucial player in the pathway for the production of H2S from garlic extract.
Surfactant–free Self‐Templating Construction of BiOCl/BiO1.84H0.08 Nanodisc Heterostructures with Visible‐Light‐Driven Antibacterial Activity
Authors: Wu Dan , Ye Liqun , Wang Wei , Yip Ho Yin , Wong Po Keung
Published: September 2016

A unique nanodisc heterostructure is achieved at room temperature without any additional organic surfactants. By using bismuth oxychloride (BiOCl) precursor itself as templates, bismuth oxide hydrates BiO1.8•0.04H2O (BiO1.84H0.08) ultrathin nanosheets are generated to be stacked around the original BiOCl nanodiscs, while the major composition of the inner part remains the precursor itself. Notably, the obtained nanodisc heterostructures well duplicate the size and overall discal shape of the precursor. The structural and crystalline matching of two phases is favour for the morphological construction, further facilitating the separation and transfer of photogenerated charge carries. Significantly, the BiOCl/BiO1.84H0.08 heterostructures exhibit excellent photocatalytic activity in bacterial inactivation under visible light irradiation, which is mainly due to the directly oxidation of photoexcited hole (h+). Accordingly, a h+ transfer process between two phases is proposed. This work will inspire the exploration of a facile way to construct unique heterostructures with diverse photocatalytic applications.
Minding the Genes: a Multidisciplinary Approach towards Genetic Assessment of Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Rhodes Ashley , Rosman Lindsey , Cahill John , Ingles Jodie , Murray Brittney , Tichnell Crystal , James Cynthia A. , Sears Samuel F.
Published: September 2016

Genetic assessment for inherited cardiovascular disease (CVD) is increasingly available, due in part to rapid innovations in genetic sequencing technologies. While genetic testing is aimed at reducing uncertainty, it also produces awareness of potential medical conditions and can leave patients feeling uncertain about their risk, especially if there are ambiguous results. This uncertainty can produce psychological distress for patients and their families undergoing the assessment process. Additionally, patients may experience psychological distress related to living with inherited CVD. In order to more effectively manage the psychosocial challenges related to genetic assessment for CVD, a multidisciplinary model expanded to include psychologists and other allied health professionals is outlined. A case study is provided to illustrate how psychological distress can manifest in a patient living with inherited CVD, as well as proposed psychological management of this patient. Finally, a guide for genetic counselors is provided to aid in identifying and managing common psychological reactions to genetic assessment for CVD.
Lower cerebral blood flow is associated with impairment in multiple cognitive domains in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Leeuwis Anna E. , Benedictus Marije R. , Kuijer Joost P.A. , Binnewijzend Maja A.A. , Hooghiemstra Astrid M. , Verfaillie Sander C.J. , Koene Teddy , Scheltens Philip , Barkhof Frederik , Prins Niels D. , van der Flier Wiesje M.
Published: September 2016

Introduction

We examined the association between decreased cerebral blood flow (CBF) and cognitive impairment in Alzheimer's disease (AD), mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and subjective cognitive decline (SCD).

Methods

We included 161 AD, 95 MCI, and 143 SCD patients from the Amsterdam Dementia Cohort. We used 3‐T pseudo‐continuous arterial spin labeling to estimate whole‐brain and regional partial volume–corrected CBF. Neuropsychological tests covered global cognition and five cognitive domains. Associations were investigated using linear regression analyses.

Results

In the whole sample, reduced overall and regional CBF was associated with impairment in all cognitive domains. We found significant interactions between diagnosis and CBF for language and between diagnosis and parietal CBF for global cognition and executive functioning. Stratification showed that decreased CBF was associated with worse performance in AD patients but not in MCI or SCD.

Discussion

Our results suggest that CBF may have potential as a functional marker of disease severity.
The Changing Religious Cleavage in Canadians' Voting Behaviour
Authors: Wilkins-Laflamme Sarah
Published: September 2016

Past studies have shown that religion plays an important role in voting behaviour in Canada. Yet, little is known about the changes this religious vote has undergone over the past few decades. Using Canadian Election Studies data, we analyze the evolving impact of religious affiliation and level of religiosity on vote choice in federal elections between 1965 and 2011. We find that, as the marginal impact of Catholic and mainline Protestant traditions has declined, the effect of level of religiosity has gained in importance. In 2011, religious citizens were overall more likely to vote Conservative and secular individuals were more likely to vote NDP both in Quebec and in the rest of Canada. Some distinct voting patterns also remain for non-mainline Protestant groups in the ROC and religious nones in Quebec.
IN THE NAME OF A LAW: ISLAMIC LEGAL MODERNISM AND THE MAKING OF AFGHANISTAN'S 1923 CONSTITUTION
Authors: Ahmed Faiz
Published: September 2016

In 1919, a new amir in Afghanistan named Aman Allah Khan launched an ambitious campaign to reorder his government into a constitutional monarchy. By 1923, Afghanistan had ratified its first constitution, supplemented by scores of legal and administrative codes. Whereas the latter have long been attributed to European borrowings or Kemalist imitation, this article uncovers two neglected features of Aman Allah's reformist project to argue that the making of Afghanistan's 1923 Constitution presents a distinctive path of state building in the region: Islamic legal modernism. First, by upholding the Hanafi school of Islamic jurisprudence as the basis of Afghan substantive law, Amir Aman Allah sought a cohesive national judiciary through the codification offiqh, not European civil law. Second, by synthesizing the expertise of a diverse cast of Muslim scholars and professionals—from Afghan clerics to Ottoman and Indian technocrats recruited to Kabul—he attempted to avert a rift between “Islamic” and “secular” lawmaking.
History, Geography, and the Sea
Authors: Wick Alexis
Published: September 2016

Maritime history has grown exponentially in recent years. Seen as a remedy to the ideological straightjackets of nation-state and area studies paradigms associated with modernization theory, a methodological orientation towards the sea offers the historian the advantages of an interactive transnational approach, and places matters of the environment and material culture before stories of kings and battles. Crucially, it focuses on flows, routes, mobility, and exchange rather than fixed identities and linear trajectories.
SECTARIANISM, MINORITIES, AND THE SECULAR STATE IN THE MIDDLE EAST
Authors: Gasper Michael
Published: September 2016

Over the last few years there has been much scholarly interest in sectarianism and minorities in the Middle East. New scholarship has appeared against the backdrop of communal violence in Iraq triggered by the US-led invasion, the intensifying Saudi–Iranian rivalry, the rise of extremist groups such as ISIS that have made sectarian violence a centerpiece of their ideology, and the ongoing Syrian Civil War.
Epigenetic legacy of parental experiences: Dynamic and interactive pathways to inheritance
Authors: Champagne Frances A.
Published: September 2016

The quality of the environment experienced by an individual across his or her lifespan can result in a unique developmental trajectory with consequences for adult phenotype and reproductive success. However, it is also evident that these experiences can impact the development of offspring with continued effect on subsequent generations. Epigenetic mechanisms have been proposed as a mediator of both these within- and across-generation effects, and there is increasing evidence to support the role of environmentally induced changes in DNA methylation, posttranslational histone modifications, and noncoding RNAs in predicting these outcomes. Advances in our understanding of these molecular modifications contribute to increasingly nuanced perspectives on plasticity and transmission of phenotypes across generations. A challenge that emerges from this research is in how we integrate these “new” perspectives with traditional views of development, reproduction, and inheritance. This paper will highlight evidence suggestive of an epigenetic impact of the environment on mothers, fathers, and their offspring, and illustrate the importance of considering the dynamic nature of reproduction and development and inclusive views of inheritance within the evolving field of behavioral and environmental epigenetics.
Lamotrigine compared to placebo and other agents with antidepressant activity in patients with unipolar and bipolar depression: a comprehensive meta-analysis of efficacy and safety outcomes in short-term trials
Authors: Solmi Marco , Veronese Nicola , Zaninotto Leonardo , van der Loos Marc L. M. , Gao Keming , Schaffer Ayal , Reis Catherine , Normann Claus , Anghelescu Ion-George , Correll Christoph U.
Published: September 2016

Objectives

To meta-analytically summarize lamotrigine’s effectiveness and safety in unipolar and bipolar depression.

Methods

We conducted systematic PubMed and SCOPUS reviews (last search =10/01/2015) of randomized controlled trials comparing lamotrigine to placebo or other agents with antidepressant activity in unipolar or bipolar depression. We performed a random-effects meta-analysis of depression ratings, response, remission, and adverse effects calculating standardized mean difference (SMD) and risk ratio (RR) ±95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

Eighteen studies (n=2152, duration=9.83 weeks) in patients with unipolar depression (studies=4, n=187; monotherapy vs lithium=1, augmentation of antidepressants vs placebo=3) or bipolar depression (studies=14, n=1965; monotherapy vs placebo=5, monotherapy vs lithium or olanzapine+fluoxetine=2, augmentation of antidepressants vs placebo=1, augmentation of mood stabilizers vs placebo=3, augmentation of mood stabilizers vs trancylpromine, citalopram, or inositol=3) were meta-analyzed. Lamotrigine’s efficacy for depressive symptoms did not differ significantly in monotherapy vs augmentation studies (vs. placebo: p=0.98, I2=0%; vs active agents: p=0.48, I2=0%) or in unipolar vs bipolar patients (vs placebo: p=0.60, I2=0%), allowing pooling of each placebo-controlled and active-controlled trials. Lamotrigine outperformed placebo regarding depressive symptoms (studies=11, n=713 vs n=696; SMD=–0.15, 95% CI=–0.27, –0.02, p=0.02, heterogeneity: p=0.24) and response (after removing one extreme outlier; RR=1.42, 95% CI=1.13–1.78; p=0.003, heterogeneity: p=0.08). Conversely, lamotrigine did not differ regarding efficacy on depressive symptoms, response, or remission from lithium, olanzapine+fluoxetine, citalopram, or inositol (studies=6, n=306 vs n=318, p-values=0.85–0.92). Adverse effects and all-cause/specific-cause discontinuation were similar across all comparisons.

Conclusions

Lamotrigine was superior to placebo in improving unipolar and bipolar depressive symptoms, without causing more frequent adverse effects/discontinuations. Lamotrigine did not differ from lithium, olanzapine+fluoxetine, citalopram, or inositol.
THE THEODICY TRAP
Authors: Cahn Steven M.
Published: September 2016

A theodicy is shaky if it explains only some evils but not all. For if certain possible evils are inconsistent with the existence of God, then their occurrence would disprove theism. But if a theodicy offers a justification for all possible evils, then it leads into a trap. After all, if God's existence is compatible with every horrible occurrence imaginable, why should belief in God afford any comfort?
IF GOD COULD TALK, WE WOULDN'T BE ABLE TO UNDERSTAND HIM
Authors: Clarke David
Published: September 2016

The idea that God can communicate with human beings is at the heart of religion. Most people who believe in God also believe that God speaks to them through a holy text, or through an inspired preacher, or even directly. However, language works only because it is embedded in, and a product of, human activity. Therefore it is impossible for God to speak to human beings, or for people to speak to God.
Thinking with Africa
Authors: McGowan Andrew
Published: September 2016

Africa is not only a geographical region but an idea which Westerners, including modern Anglicans, have used ‘to think with’. This includes how accounts of recent Christian growth and decline used by Westerners and Africans alike, and which may require nuance in themselves, have been used questionably in debates about other issues. The real diversity of African Anglican thought and experience offers more complex and enriching possibilities, and should be engaged more directly and fully.
Tide Gauge Records May Underestimate 20th Century Sea Level Rise
Authors: Crane Leah
Published: September 2016

Tide gauges can help measure sea level change, but their limited locations and short records make it hard to pinpoint trends. Now researchers are evaluating the instruments' limitations.
Earthquakes Could Funnel Radio Waves to Dark Zones in Mountains
Authors: Crane Leah
Published: September 2016

By being coupled with a layer of mobile electrical charges on the Earth's surface, radio waves could travel over the ground to areas that would normally be unreachable, like behind a mountain.
Proteome-wide identification of the endogenous ADP-ribosylome of mammalian cells and tissue
Authors: Martello Rita , Leutert Mario , Jungmichel Stephanie , Bilan Vera , Larsen Sara C. , Young Clifford , Hottiger Michael O. , Nielsen Michael L.
Published: September 2016

Although protein ADP-ribosylation is involved in diverse biological processes, it has remained a challenge to identify ADP-ribose acceptor sites. Here, we present an experimental workflow for sensitive and unbiased analysis of endogenous ADP-ribosylation sites, capable of detecting more than 900 modification sites in mammalian cells and mouse liver. In cells, we demonstrate that Lys residues, besides Glu, Asp and Arg residues, are the dominant in vivo targets of ADP-ribosylation during oxidative stress. In normal liver tissue, we find Arg residues to be the predominant modification site. The cellular distribution and biological processes that involve ADP-ribosylated proteins are different in cultured cells and liver tissue, in the latter of which the majority of sites were found to be in cytosolic and mitochondrial protein networks primarily associated with metabolism. Collectively, we describe a robust methodology for the assessment of the role of ADP-ribosylation and ADP-ribosyltransferases in physiological and pathological states.
Feralisation targets different genomic loci to domestication in the chicken
Authors: Johnsson M. , Gering E. , Willis P. , Lopez S. , Van Dorp L. , Hellenthal G. , Henriksen R. , Friberg U. , Wright D.
Published: September 2016

Feralisation occurs when a domestic population recolonizes the wild, escaping its previous restricted environment, and has been considered as the reverse of domestication. We have previously shown that Kauai Island’s feral chickens are a highly variable and admixed population. Here we map selective sweeps in feral Kauai chickens using whole-genome sequencing. The detected sweeps were mostly unique to feralisation and distinct to those selected for during domestication. To ascribe potential phenotypic functions to these genes we utilize a laboratory-controlled equivalent to the Kauai population—an advanced intercross between Red Junglefowl and domestic layer birds that has been used previously for both QTL and expression QTL studies. Certain sweep genes exhibit significant correlations with comb mass, maternal brooding behaviour and fecundity. Our analyses indicate that adaptations to feral and domestic environments involve different genomic regions and feral chickens show some evidence of adaptation at genes associated with sexual selection and reproduction.
Biodegradable black phosphorus-based nanospheres for in vivo photothermal cancer therapy
Authors: Shao Jundong , Xie Hanhan , Huang Hao , Li Zhibin , Sun Zhengbo , Xu Yanhua , Xiao Quanlan , Yu Xue-Feng , Zhao Yuetao , Zhang Han , Wang Huaiyu , Chu Paul K.
Published: September 2016

Photothermal therapy (PTT) offers many advantages such as high efficiency and minimal invasiveness, but clinical adoption of PTT nanoagents have been stifled by unresolved concerns such as the biodegradability as well as long-term toxicity. Herein, poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) loaded with black phosphorus quantum dots (BPQDs) is processed by an emulsion method to produce biodegradable BPQDs/PLGA nanospheres. The hydrophobic PLGA not only isolates the interior BPQDs from oxygen and water to enhance the photothermal stability, but also control the degradation rate of the BPQDs. The in vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrate that the BPQDs/PLGA nanospheres have inappreciable toxicity and good biocompatibility, and possess excellent PTT efficiency and tumour targeting ability as evidenced by highly efficient tumour ablation under near infrared (NIR) laser illumination. These BP-based nanospheres combine biodegradability and biocompatibility with high PTT efficiency, thus promising high clinical potential.
Flux of signalling endosomes undergoing axonal retrograde transport is encoded by presynaptic activity and TrkB
Authors: Wang Tong , Martin Sally , Nguyen Tam H. , Harper Callista B. , Gormal Rachel S. , Martínez-Mármol Ramon , Karunanithi Shanker , Coulson Elizabeth J. , Glass Nick R. , Cooper-White Justin J. , van Swinderen Bruno , Meunier Frédéric A.
Published: September 2016

Axonal retrograde transport of signalling endosomes from the nerve terminal to the soma underpins survival. As each signalling endosome carries a quantal amount of activated receptors, we hypothesized that it is the frequency of endosomes reaching the soma that determines the scale of the trophic signal. Here we show that upregulating synaptic activity markedly increased the flux of plasma membrane-derived retrograde endosomes (labelled using cholera toxin subunit-B: CTB) in hippocampal neurons cultured in microfluidic devices, and live Drosophila larval motor neurons. Electron and super-resolution microscopy analyses revealed that the fast-moving sub-diffraction-limited CTB carriers contained the TrkB neurotrophin receptor, transiently activated by synaptic activity in a BDNF-independent manner. Pharmacological and genetic inhibition of TrkB activation selectively prevented the coupling between synaptic activity and the retrograde flux of signalling endosomes. TrkB activity therefore controls the encoding of synaptic activity experienced by nerve terminals, digitalized as the flux of retrogradely transported signalling endosomes.
Acoustic omni meta-atom for decoupled access to all octants of a wave parameter space
Authors: Koo Sukmo , Cho Choonlae , Jeong Jun-ho , Park Namkyoo
Published: September 2016

The common behaviour of a wave is determined by wave parameters of its medium, which are generally associated with the characteristic oscillations of its corresponding elementary particles. In the context of metamaterials, the decoupled excitation of these fundamental oscillations would provide an ideal platform for top–down and reconfigurable access to the entire constitutive parameter space; however, this has remained as a conceivable problem that must be accomplished, after being pointed out by Pendry. Here by focusing on acoustic metamaterials, we achieve the decoupling of density ρ, modulus B−1 and bianisotropy ξ, by separating the paths of particle momentum to conform to the characteristic oscillations of each macroscopic wave parameter. Independent access to all octants of wave parameter space (ρ, B−1, ξ)=(+/−,+/−,+/−) is thus realized using a single platform that we call an omni meta-atom; as a building block that achieves top–down access to the target properties of metamaterials.
G-protein-coupled receptors mediate 14-3-3 signal transduction
Authors: Li Hua , Eishingdrelo Alex , Kongsamut Sathapana , Eishingdrelo Haifeng
Published: September 2016

G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR)-interacting proteins likely participate in regulating GPCR signaling by eliciting specific signal transduction cascades, inducing cross-talk with other pathways, and fine tuning the signal. However, except for G-proteins and β-arrestins, other GPCR-interacting proteins are poorly characterized. 14-3-3 proteins are signal adaptors, and their participation in GPCR signaling is not well understood or recognized. Here we demonstrate that GPCR-mediated 14-3-3 signaling is ligand-regulated and is likely to be a more general phenomenon than suggested by the previous reports of 14-3-3 involvement with a few GPCRs. For the first time, we can pharmacologically characterize GPCR/14-3-3 signaling. We have shown that GPCR-mediated 14-3-3 signaling is phosphorylation-dependent, and that the GPCR/14-3-3 interaction likely occurs later than receptor desensitization and internalization. GPCR-mediated 14-3-3 signaling can be β-arrestin-independent, and individual agonists can have different potencies on 14-3-3 and β-arrestin signaling. GPCRs can also mediate the interaction between 14-3-3 and Raf-1. Our work opens up a new broad realm of previously unappreciated GPCR signal transduction. Linking GPCRs to 14-3-3 signal transduction creates the potential for the development of new research directions and provides a new signaling pathway for drug discovery.
Bisphosphonates in multicentric osteolysis, nodulosis and arthropathy (MONA) spectrum disorder – an alternative therapeutic approach
Authors: Pichler Karin , Karall Daniela , Kotzot Dieter , Steichen-Gersdorf Elisabeth , Rümmele-Waibel Alexandra , Mittaz-Crettol Laureane , Wanschitz Julia , Bonafé Luisa , Maurer Kathrin , Superti-Furga Andrea , Scholl-Bürgi Sabine
Published: September 2016

Multicentric osteolysis, nodulosis and arthropathy (MONA) spectrum disorder is a rare inherited progressive skeletal disorder caused by mutations in the matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) gene. Treatment options are limited. Herein we present successful bisphosphonate therapy in three affected patients. Patients were treated with bisphosphonates (either pamidronate or zoledronate) for different time periods. The following outcome variables were assessed: skeletal pain, range of motion, bone densitometry, internal medical problems as well as neurocognitive function. Skeletal pain was dramatically reduced in all patients soon after initiation of therapy and bone mineral density increased. Range of motion did not significantly improve. One patient is still able to walk with aids at the age of 14 years. Neurocognitive development was normal in all patients. Bisphosphonate therapy was effective especially in controlling skeletal pain in MONA spectrum disorder. Early initiation of treatment seems to be particularly important in order to achieve the best possible outcome.
Dysbiosis of small intestinal microbiota in liver cirrhosis and its association with etiology
Authors: Chen Yanfei , Ji Feng , Guo Jing , Shi Ding , Fang Daiqiong , Li Lanjuan
Published: September 2016

Cirrhosis-associated duodenal dysbiosis is not yet clearly defined. In this research, duodenal mucosal microbiota was analyzed in 30 cirrhotic patients and 28 healthy controls using 16S rRNA gene pyrosequencing methods. The principal coordinate analysis revealed that cirrhotic patients were colonized by remarkable different duodenal mucosal microbiota in comparison with controls. At the genus level, Veillonella, Megasphaera, Dialister, Atopobium, and Prevotella were found overrepresented in cirrhotic duodenum. And the duodenal microbiota of healthy controls was enriched with Neisseria, Haemophilus, and SR1 genera incertae sedis. On the other hand, based on predicted metagenomes analyzed, gene pathways related to nutrient absorption (e.g. sugar and amino acid metabolism) were highly abundant in cirrhosis duodenal microbiota, and functional modules involved in bacterial proliferation and colonization (e.g. bacterial motility proteins and secretion system) were overrepresented in controls. When considering the etiology of cirrhosis, two operational taxonomic units (OTUs), OTU-23 (Neisseria) and OTU-36 (Gemella), were found discriminative between hepatitis-B-virus related cirrhosis and primary biliary cirrhosis. The results suggest that the structure of duodenal mucosa microbiota in cirrhotic patients is dramatically different from healthy controls. The duodenum dysbiosis might be related to alterations of oral microbiota and changes in duodenal micro-environment.
Characterization of the transcriptomes and cuticular protein gene expression of alate adult, brachypterous neotenic and adultoid reproductives of Reticulitermes labralis
Authors: Su Xiaohong , Liu He , Yang Xiaojuan , Chen Jiaoling , Zhang Honggui , Xing Lianxi , Zhang Xiaojing
Published: September 2016

The separation of primary reproductive and secondary reproductive roles based on the differentiation of alate adults and neotenic reproductives is the most prominent characteristic of termites. To clarify the mechanism underlying this differentiation, we sequenced the transcriptomes of alate adults (ARs), brachypterous neotenics (BNs) and adultoid reproductives (ANs) from the last instar nymphs of Reticulitermes labralis. A total of 404,152,188 clean sequencing reads was obtained and 61,953 unigenes were assembled. Of the 54 identified cuticular protein (CP) genes of the reproductives, 22 were classified into the CPR family and 7 were classified into the CPG family. qRT-PCR analyses of the 6 CP genes revealed that the CP genes involved in exocuticle sclerotization were highly expressed in the ARs and RR-1 involved in soft endocuticle was highly expressed in the ARs and ANs. These results suggest that the alate adults might increase cuticular component deposition to adapt to new or changing environments and that the development of reproductive individuals into primary or secondary reproductives is controlled by the expression of cuticular protein genes involved in the hardening of the exocuticle. In addition, the AN caste is a transitional type between the BN and AR castes in the process of evolution.
Hydrogenation-controlled phase transition on two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides and their unique physical and catalytic properties
Authors: Qu Yuanju , Pan Hui , Kwok Chi Tat
Published: September 2016

Two-dimensional (2D) transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have been widely used from nanodevices to energy harvesting/storage because of their tunable physical and chemical properties. In this work, we systematically investigate the effects of hydrogenation on the structural, electronic, magnetic, and catalytic properties of 33 TMDs based on first-principles calculations. We find that the stable phases of TMD monolayers can transit from 1T to 2H phase or vice versa upon the hydrogenation. We show that the hydrogenation can switch their magnetic and electronic states accompanying with the phase transition. The hydrogenation can tune the magnetic states of TMDs among non-, ferro, para-, and antiferro-magnetism and their electronic states among semiconductor, metal, and half-metal. We further show that, out of 33 TMD monolayers, 2H-TiS2has impressive catalytic ability comparable to Pt in hydrogen evolution reaction in a wide range of hydrogen coverages. Our findings would shed the light on the multi-functional applications of TMDs.
Genetic homogenization of the nuclear ITS loci across two morphologically distinct gentians in their overlapping distributions in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau
Authors: Hu Quanjun , Peng Huichao , Bi Hao , Lu Zhiqiang , Wan Dongshi , Wang Qian , Mao Kangshan
Published: September 2016

Interspecific hybridization and introgression can lead to partial genetic homogenization at certain neutral loci between morphologically distinct species and may obscure the species delimitation using nuclear genes. In this study, we investigated this phenomenon through population genetic survey of two alpine plants (Gentiana siphonantha and G. straminea) in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, where the distributions of two species are partly overlapped. We identified two clusters of chloroplast DNA haplotypes which correspond to the two species, and three clusters of ITS ribotypes. In addition to clusters specific to each species, the third ITS cluster, which was most likely derived from hybridization between the other two clusters and subsequent recombination and concerted evolution, was widely shared by two species in their adjacent areas. In contrast to the morphological distinctiveness of the two species, interspecific gene flow possibly led to genetic homogenization at their ITS loci. The new ITS lineage recovered for species in adjacent areas is distinctly different from original lineages found in allopatric areas. These findings may have general implications for our understanding of cryptic changes at some genetic loci caused by interspecific gene flow in the history, and they indicate that species delimitation should be based on a combination of both nuclear and chloroplast DNA sequence variations.
Higher prevalence of elevated LDL-C than non-HDL-C and low statin treatment rate in elderly community-dwelling Chinese with high cardiovascular risk
Authors: Kuang YaShu , Li Xiaolin , Chen Xiaoli , Sun Huimin , Tomlinson Brian , Chan Paul , Zheng Liang , Pi Jinjiang , Peng Sheng , Wu Hong , Ding Xugang , Qian Dingguang , Shen Yixin , Yu Zuoren , Fan Lieying , Chen Ming , Fan Huimin , Liu Zhongmin , Zhang Yuzhen
Published: September 2016

Lipid levels are increasing in all age groups in the Chinese population, but the use of statin treatment in the elderly is not well documented. We examined serum lipids, statin usage and achievement of lipid goals in 3950 subjects aged ≥65 years. Established CVD was present in 7.77% of participants and increased CVD risk was common. Elevated LDL-C according to CVD risk level was present in 46.70% of all subjects and was more frequent (p < 0.01) than elevated non-HDL-C at 32.58%. With increasing age, LDL-C was unchanged but triglycerides and non-HDL-C decreased and HDL-C increased. Individuals at moderate risk for CVD had higher TC, LDL-C, and non-HDL-C than low-risk subjects, but the values were lower in high- and very-high-risk individuals, probably because of the use of statin which was 28.57% in high-risk subjects with established CVD and 37.60% in very-high-risk individuals, but only 2.62% in those with estimated high-risk and 3.75% in those with high-risk from diabetes. More subjects in each risk group reached the non-HDL-C goal than the LDL-C goal because of the relatively low triglycerides and VLDL-C levels. These findings demonstrate a high prevalence of elevated LDL-C but low rate of statin treatment in elderly community-dwelling Chinese.