bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Ruralist Paradigm: Social Work Bureaucrats in Colonial Korea and Japan's Assimilationism in the Interwar Period
Authors: Chatani Sayaka
Published: September 2016

How did the Japanese Empire, while adamantly adhering to assimilationism, manage the politics of colonial difference in the interwar years? How should we situate the seemingly exceptional conduct of Japanese colonial rule from a comparative perspective? To examine these questions, this article analyzes the mindsets of mid-level colonial bureaucrats who specialized in social work. Social work became a major field of political contestation in the post-World War I period around the globe. Policies on social work tested colonial officials regarding their assumptions about state-society relationships and Japan's assimilationist goals. Their debates on social work reveal that by the end of the 1920s colonial officials in Korea had reached a tacit consensus to use a particular analytical lens and ideological goal that I call “ruralism.” In the ruralist paradigm, these officials viewed Korean society as consisting of “rural peasants” and understood Korean social problems as primarily “rural problems.” Ruralism was a product of many overlapping factors, including pressures to integrate colonial society into the imperial system, the empire-wide popularity of agrarian nationalism, global discourses that increasingly dichotomized the “rural” and the “industrial,” and the rivalry between the colonial government and the metropole. How social work officials re-conceptualized the colonial masses and attempted to engage with social problems under the rhetoric of assimilationism showed a similar dynamic to the “developmental colonialism” that prevailed in the French and British empires after World War II.
Ion acoustic wave modulation in a dusty plasma in presence of ion loss, collision and ionization
Authors: Sarkar Subrata , Adak Ashish , Ghosh Samiran , Khan Manoranjan
Published: September 2016

The effects of ionization, ion loss and ion-neutral collisions on ion acoustic wave modulations in a dusty plasma are investigated. It is found that the dynamics of the modulated wave is governed by a nonlinear Schrödinger equation with a linear dissipative (damping or growth) term. This linear dissipative term arises due to the combined influence of ionization, ion loss and ion-neutral collisions. Analytical and numerical investigations predict the formation of envelope (bright) soliton with growing or decaying amplitude with time. The ionization instability causes the amplitude amplification, whereas, ion loss and ion-neutral collisions are responsible for the amplitude decay. Results are discussed in the context of dusty plasma experiments.
New species in Bryoria (Parmeliaceae, Lecanoromycetes) from north-west North America
Authors: MYLLYS Leena , VELMALA Saara , PINO-BODAS Raquel , GOWARD Trevor
Published: September 2016

Two new species of Bryoria are described based on morphology, chemistry and molecular phylogeny (ITS and Mcm7). Both species belong in section Bryoria, which was resolved as a polyphyletic group in the ITS+Mcm7 phylogeny. Bryoria alaskana belongs to a clade restricted to South-East Asia and north-west North America, and is so far known from south-east Alaska and the Sino-Himalayan Mountains. This highly variable species is most reliably recognized by its pendent, esorediate thallus, its production of fumarprotocetraric acid, and the combination of isotomic branching, abundant, whitish, predominantly fusiform pseudocyphellae, and sparse, short perpendicular side branches. Black emorient patches are lacking. Bryoria irwinii is endemic to north-west North America and is closely related to B. araucana from South America, B. poeltii from South-East Asia, as well as B. nadvornikiana and B. trichodes, both widely distributed in the Northern Hemisphere. It is a subpendent, esorediate species recognized by its predominantly anisotomic branching, olivaceous hue, black emorient patches, conspicuous pale brownish, fusiform pseudocyphellae, and numerous perpendicular, more or less basally constricted, side branches.
Morphological, chemical and species delimitation analyses provide new taxonomic insights into two groups ofRinodina
Authors: RESL Philipp , MAYRHOFER Helmut , CLAYDEN Stephen R. , SPRIBILLE Toby , THOR Göran , TØNSBERG Tor , SHEARD John W.
Published: September 2016

The genusRinodina(Physciaceae), with approximately 300 species, has been subject to few phylogenetic studies. Consequently taxonomic hypotheses inRinodinaare largely reliant on phenotypic data, while hypotheses incorporating DNA dependent methods remain to be tested. Here we investigateRinodina degeliana/R. subparietaand theRinodina mniaraeagroup, which previously have not been subjected to comprehensive molecular and phenotypic studies. We conducted detailed morphological, anatomical, chemical, molecular phylogenetic and species delimitation studies including 24 newly sequenced specimens. We propose thatRinodina degelianaandR. subparietaare conspecific and that chemical morphs within theR. mniaraeagroup should be recognized as distinct species. We also propose the placement of the recently described genusOxnerellainPhysciaceae.
Two new host-specific hepaticolous species ofCatinaria(Ramalinaceae)
Authors: LENDEMER James C. , BUCK William R. , HARRIS Richard C.
Published: September 2016

Two species ofCatinariawith an unusual hepaticolous (i.e. growing on liverworts) lifestyle are described as new to science.Catinaria brodoanais described from species ofCheilolejeuneasect.Leucolejeunea(Lejeuneaceae) growing in south-eastern North America. Catinaria radulaeis described fromRadula flavifolia(Radulaceae) growing in the Cape Horn Archipelago of southernmost Chile, South America. The species are compared with the type ofCatinaria(C. atropurpurea). In addition to occurring on hepatics,C. brodoanais characterized by its cellular exciple, warted ascospores and thallus composed of goniocysts, whileC. radulaeis characterized by its exciple of radiating hyphae, warted ascospores and absence of a lichenized thallus.
The longitudinal relationship between post-traumatic stress disorder and perceived social support in survivors of traumatic injury
Authors: Nickerson A. , Creamer M. , Forbes D. , McFarlane A. C. , O'Donnell M. L. , Silove D. , Steel Z. , Felmingham K. , Hadzi-Pavlovic D. , Bryant R. A.
Published: September 2016

Background

Although perceived social support is thought to be a strong predictor of psychological outcomes following trauma exposure, the temporal relationship between perceived positive and negative social support and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms has not been empirically established. This study investigated the temporal sequencing of perceived positive social support, perceived negative social support, and PTSD symptoms in the 6 years following trauma exposure among survivors of traumatic injury.

Method

Participants were 1132 trauma survivors initially assessed upon admission to one of four Level 1 trauma hospitals in Australia after experiencing a traumatic injury. Participants were followed up at 3 months, 12 months, 24 months, and 6 years after the traumatic event.

Results

Latent difference score analyses revealed that greater severity of PTSD symptoms predicted subsequent increases in perceived negative social support at each time-point. Greater severity of PTSD symptoms predicted subsequent decreases in perceived positive social support between 3 and 12 months. High levels of perceived positive or negative social support did not predict subsequent changes in PTSD symptoms at any time-point.

Conclusions

Results highlight the impact of PTSD symptoms on subsequent perceived social support, regardless of the type of support provided. The finding that perceived social support does not influence subsequent PTSD symptoms is novel, and indicates that the relationship between PTSD and perceived social support may be unidirectional.
How salient are onomatopoeia in the early input? A prosodic analysis of infant-directed speech
Authors: LAING CATHERINE E. , VIHMAN MARILYN , KEREN-PORTNOY TAMAR
Published: September 2016

Onomatopoeia are frequently identified amongst infants’ earliest words (Menn & Vihman, 2011), yet few authors have considered why this might be, and even fewer have explored this phenomenon empirically. Here we analyze mothers’ production of onomatopoeia in infant-directed speech (IDS) to provide an input-based perspective on these forms. Twelve mothers were recorded interacting with their 8-month-olds; onomatopoeic words (e.g.quack) were compared acoustically with their corresponding conventional words (duck). Onomatopoeia were more salient than conventional words across all features measured: mean pitch, pitch range, word duration, repetition, and pause length. Furthermore, a systematic pattern was observed in the production of onomatopoeia, suggesting a conventionalized approach to mothers’ production of these words in IDS.
Effective irrationality measures for real and p-adic roots of rational numbers close to 1, with an application to parametric families of Thue–Mahler equations
Authors: BUGEAUD YANN
Published: September 2016

We show how the theory of linear forms in two logarithms allows one to get very good effective irrationality measures for nth roots of rational numbers a/b, when a is very close to b. We give a p-adic analogue of this result under the assumption that a is p-adically very close to b, that is, that a large power of p divides a−b. As an application, we solve completely certain families of Thue–Mahler equations. Our results illustrate, admittedly in a very special situation, the strength of the known estimates for linear forms in logarithms.
Introduction: Discourse, grammar and intersubjectivity
Authors: Etelämäki Marja
Published: September 2016

This special issue includes a collection of papers on language and intersubjctivity. There are two paradigms in linguistic approaches to intersubjectivity; cognitive linguistics and interactional linguistics, but these two paradigms hardly ever meet. This is due to the fact that these paradigms have opposing views on cognition and mental events. However, both these paradigms draw from phenomenology: whereas cognitive linguistic approaches to intersubjectivity have their basis on Husserl's philosophy, interactional linguistics is influenced by ethnomethodological conversation analysis and the philosophy of Schutz. Despite the apparent differences between these approaches, there are convergences, too. Moreover, both approaches are needed for a full account of language and human intersubjectivity.
Schizo-obsessive spectrum disorders: an update
Authors: Scotti-Muzzi Estêvão , Saide Osvaldo Luis
Published: September 2016

The presence of obsessive-compulsive symptoms (OCS) and obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD) in schizophrenia is frequent, and a new clinical entity has been proposed for those who show the dual diagnosis: the schizo-obsessive disorder. This review scrutinizes the literature across the main academic databases, and provides an update on different aspects of schizo-obsessive spectrum disorders, which include schizophrenia, schizotypal personality disorder (SPD) with OCD, OCD with poor insight, schizophrenia with OCS, and schizophrenia with OCD (schizo-obsessive disorder). An epidemiological discussion on the discrepancies observed in the prevalence of OCS and OCD in schizophrenia across time is provided, followed by an overview of the main clinical and phenomenological features of the disorder in comparison to the primary conditions under a spectral perspective. An updated and comparative analysis of the main genetic, neurobiological, neurocognitive, and pharmacological treatment aspects for the schizo-obsessive spectrum is provided, and a discussion on endophenotypic markers is introduced in order to better understand its substrate. There is sufficient evidence in the literature to demonstrate the clinical relevance of the schizo-obsessive spectrum, although little is known about the neurobiology, genetics, and neurocognitive aspects of these groups. The pharmacological treatment of these patients is still challenging, and efforts to search for possible specific endophenotypic markers would open new avenues in the knowledge of schizo-obsessive spectrum.
State Budgets, Geological Surveys, and the New Reality
Authors: Buchanan Rex
Published: September 2016

As state geological surveys face budget cuts and reorganizations, scientists must step into political spheres to advocate for what they do.
Twister ribozymes as highly versatile expression platforms for artificial riboswitches
Authors: Felletti Michele , Stifel Julia , Wurmthaler Lena A. , Geiger Sophie , Hartig Jörg S.
Published: September 2016

The utilization of ribozyme-based synthetic switches in biotechnology has many advantages such as an increased robustness due to incis regulation, small coding space and a high degree of modularity. The report of small endonucleolytic twister ribozymes provides new opportunities for the development of advanced tools for engineering synthetic genetic switches. Here we show that the twister ribozyme is distinguished as an outstandingly flexible expression platform, which in conjugation with three different aptamer domains, enables the construction of many different one- and two-input regulators of gene expression in both bacteria and yeast. Besides important implications in biotechnology and synthetic biology, the observed versatility in artificial genetic control set-ups hints at possible natural roles of this widespread ribozyme class.
Multi-pass microscopy
Authors: Juffmann Thomas , Klopfer Brannon B. , Frankort Timmo L.I. , Haslinger Philipp , Kasevich Mark A.
Published: September 2016

Microscopy of biological specimens often requires low light levels to avoid damage. This yields images impaired by shot noise. An improved measurement accuracy at the Heisenberg limit can be achieved exploiting quantum correlations. If sample damage is the limiting resource, an equivalent limit can be reached by passing photons through a specimen multiple times sequentially. Here we use self-imaging cavities and employ a temporal post-selection scheme to present full-field multi-pass polarization and transmission micrographs with variance reductions of 4.4±0.8 dB (11.6±0.8 dB in a lossless setup) and 4.8±0.8 dB, respectively, compared with the single-pass shot-noise limit. If the accuracy is limited by the number of detected probe particles, our measurements show a variance reduction of 25.9±0.9 dB. The contrast enhancement capabilities in imaging and in diffraction studies are demonstrated with nanostructured samples and with embryonic kidney 293T cells. This approach to Heisenberg-limited microscopy does not rely on quantum state engineering.
Observation of unusual topological surface states in half-Heusler compounds LnPtBi (Ln=Lu, Y)
Authors: Liu Z. K. , Yang L. X. , Wu S.-C. , Shekhar C. , Jiang J. , Yang H. F. , Zhang Y. , Mo S.-K. , Hussain Z. , Yan B. , Felser C. , Chen Y. L.
Published: September 2016

Topological quantum materials represent a new class of matter with both exotic physical phenomena and novel application potentials. Many Heusler compounds, which exhibit rich emergent properties such as unusual magnetism, superconductivity and heavy fermion behaviour, have been predicted to host non-trivial topological electronic structures. The coexistence of topological order and other unusual properties makes Heusler materials ideal platform to search for new topological quantum phases (such as quantum anomalous Hall insulator and topological superconductor). By carrying out angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy and ab initio calculations on rare-earth half-Heusler compounds LnPtBi (Ln=Lu, Y), we directly observe the unusual topological surface states on these materials, establishing them as first members with non-trivial topological electronic structure in this class of materials. Moreover, as LnPtBi compounds are non-centrosymmetric superconductors, our discovery further highlights them as promising candidates of topological superconductors.
Bony cranial ornamentation linked to rapid evolution of gigantic theropod dinosaurs
Authors: Gates Terry A. , Organ Chris , Zanno Lindsay E.
Published: September 2016

Exaggerated cranial structures such as crests and horns, hereafter referred to collectively as ornaments, are pervasive across animal species. These structures perform vital roles in visual communication and physical interactions within and between species. Yet the origin and influence of ornamentation on speciation and ecology across macroevolutionary time scales remains poorly understood for virtually all animals. Here, we explore correlative evolution of osseous cranial ornaments with large body size in theropod dinosaurs using a phylogenetic comparative framework. We find that body size evolved directionally toward phyletic giantism an order of magnitude faster in theropod species possessing ornaments compared with unadorned lineages. In addition, we find a body mass threshold below which bony cranial ornaments do not originate. Maniraptoriform dinosaurs generally lack osseous cranial ornaments despite repeatedly crossing this body size threshold. Our study provides novel, quantitative support for a shift in selective pressures on socio-sexual display mechanisms in theropods coincident with the evolution of pennaceous feathers.
Study on Synergistic Mechanism of Inhibitor Mixture Based on Electron Transfer Behavior
Authors: Han Peng , He Yang , Chen Changfeng , Yu Haobo , Liu Feng , Yang Hong , Ma Yue , Zheng Yanjun
Published: September 2016

Mixing is an important method to improve the performance of surfactants due to their synergistic effect. The changes in bonding interaction and adsorption structure of IM and OP molecules before and after co-adsorbed on Fe(001) surface is calculated by DFTB+ method. It is found that mixture enable the inhibitor molecules with higher EHOMO donate more electrons while the inhibitor molecules with lower ELUMO accept more electrons, which strengthens the bonding interaction of both inhibitor agent and inhibitor additive with metal surface. Meanwhile, water molecules in the compact layer of double electric layer are repulsed and the charge transfer resistance during the corrosion process increases. Accordingly, the correlation between the frontier orbital (EHOMO and ELUMO of inhibitor molecules and the Fermi level of metal) and inhibition efficiency is determined. Finally, we propose a frontier orbital matching principle for the synergistic effect of inhibitors, which is verified by electrochemical experiments. This frontier orbital matching principle provides an effective quantum chemistry calculation method for the optimal selection of inhibitor mixture.
Programmable Potentials: Approximate N-body potentials from coarse-level logic
Authors: Thakur Gunjan S. , Mohr Ryan , Mezić Igor
Published: September 2016

This paper gives a systematic method for constructing an N-body potential, approximating the true potential, that accurately captures meso-scale behavior of the chemical or biological system using pairwise potentials coming from experimental data or ab initio methods. The meso-scale behavior is translated into logic rules for the dynamics. Each pairwise potential has an associated logic function that is constructed using the logic rules, a class of elementary logic functions, and AND, OR, and NOT gates. The effect of each logic function is to turn its associated potential on and off. The N-body potential is constructed as linear combination of the pairwise potentials, where the “coefficients” of the potentials are smoothed versions of the associated logic functions. These potentials allow a potentially low-dimensional description of complex processes while still accurately capturing the relevant physics at the meso-scale. We present the proposed formalism to construct coarse-grained potential models for three examples: an inhibitor molecular system, bond breaking in chemical reactions, and DNA transcription from biology. The method can potentially be used in reverse for design of molecular processes by specifying properties of molecules that can carry them out.
Advent of Continents: A New Hypothesis
Authors: Tamura Yoshihiko , Sato Takeshi , Fujiwara Toshiya , Kodaira Shuichi , Nichols Alexander
Published: September 2016

The straightforward but unexpected relationship presented here relates crustal thickness to magma type in the Izu-Ogasawara (Bonin) and Aleutian oceanic arcs. Volcanoes along the southern segment of the Izu-Ogasawara arc and the western Aleutian arc (west of Adak) are underlain by thin crust (10–20 km). In contrast those along the northern segment of the Izu-Ogasawara arc and eastern Aleutian arc are underlain by crust ~35 km thick. Interestingly, andesite magmas dominate eruptive products from the former volcanoes and mostly basaltic lavas erupt from the latter. According to the hypothesis presented here, rising mantle diapirs stall near the base of the oceanic crust at depths controlled by the thickness of the overlying crust. Where the crust is thin, melting occurs at relatively low pressures in the mantle wedge producing andesitic magmas. Where the crust is thick, melting pressures are higher and only basaltic magmas tend to be produced. The implications of this hypothesis are: (1) the rate of continental crust accumulation, which is andesitic in composition, would have been greatest soon after subduction initiated on Earth, when most crust was thin; and (2) most andesite magmas erupted on continental crust could be recycled from “primary” andesite originally produced in oceanic arcs.
BK channel agonist represents a potential therapeutic approach for lysosomal storage diseases
Authors: Zhong Xi Zoë , Sun Xue , Cao Qi , Dong Gaofeng , Schiffmann Raphael , Dong Xian-Ping
Published: September 2016

Efficient lysosomal Ca2+ release plays an essential role in lysosomal trafficking. We have recently shown that lysosomal big conductance Ca2+-activated potassium (BK) channel forms a physical and functional coupling with the lysosomal Ca2+ release channel Transient Receptor Potential Mucolipin-1 (TRPML1). BK and TRPML1 forms a positive feedback loop to facilitate lysosomal Ca2+ release and subsequent lysosome membrane trafficking. However, it is unclear whether the positive feedback mechanism is common for other lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs) and whether BK channel agonists rescue abnormal lysosomal storage in LSDs. In this study, we assessed the effect of BK agonist, NS1619 and NS11021 in a number of LSDs including NPC1, mild cases of mucolipidosis type IV (ML4) (TRPML1-F408∆), Niemann-Pick type A (NPA) and Fabry disease. We found that TRPML1-mediated Ca2+ release was compromised in these LSDs. BK activation corrected the impaired Ca2+ release in these LSDs and successfully rescued the abnormal lysosomal storage of these diseases by promoting TRPML1-mediated lysosomal exocytosis. Our study suggests that BK channel activation stimulates the TRPML1-BK positive reinforcing loop to correct abnormal lysosomal storage in LSDs. Drugs targeting BK channel represent a potential therapeutic approach for LSDs.
Next Generation Sequencing of Pooled Samples: Guideline for Variants’ Filtering
Authors: Anand Santosh , Mangano Eleonora , Barizzone Nadia , Bordoni Roberta , Sorosina Melissa , Clarelli Ferdinando , Corrado Lucia , Martinelli Boneschi Filippo , D’Alfonso Sandra , De Bellis Gianluca
Published: September 2016

Sequencing large number of individuals, which is often needed for population genetics studies, is still economically challenging despite falling costs of Next Generation Sequencing (NGS). Pool-seq is an alternative cost- and time-effective option in which DNA from several individuals is pooled for sequencing. However, pooling of DNA creates new problems and challenges for accurate variant call and allele frequency (AF) estimation. In particular, sequencing errors confound with the alleles present at low frequency in the pools possibly giving rise to false positive variants. We sequenced 996 individuals in 83 pools (12 individuals/pool) in a targeted re-sequencing experiment. We show that Pool-seq AFs are robust and reliable by comparing them with public variant databases and in-house SNP-genotyping data of individual subjects of pools. Furthermore, we propose a simple filtering guideline for the removal of spurious variants based on the Kolmogorov-Smirnov statistical test. We experimentally validated our filters by comparing Pool-seq to individual sequencing data showing that the filters remove most of the false variants while retaining majority of true variants. The proposed guideline is fairly generic in nature and could be easily applied in other Pool-seq experiments.
Endothelial to mesenchymal transition contributes to arsenic-trioxide-induced cardiac fibrosis
Authors: Zhang Yong , Wu Xianxian , Li Yang , Zhang Haiying , Li Zhange , Zhang Ying , Zhang Longyin , Ju Jiaming , Liu Xin , Chen Xiaohui , Glybochko Peter V. , Nikolenko Vladimir , Kopylov Philipp , Xu Chaoqian , Yang Baofeng
Published: September 2016

Emerging evidence has suggested the critical role of endothelial to mesenchymal transition (EndMT) in fibrotic diseases. The present study was designed to examine whether EndMT is involved in arsenic trioxide (As2O3)-induced cardiac fibrosis and to explore the underlying mechanisms. Cardiac dysfunction was observed in rats after exposure to As2O3 for 15 days using echocardiography and the deposition of collagen was detected by Masson’s trichrome staining and electron microscope. EndMT was indicated by the loss of endothelial cell markers (VE-cadherin and CD31) and the acquisition of mesenchymal cell markers (α-SMA and FSP1) determined by RT-PCR at the mRNA level and Western blot and immunofluorescence analysis at the protein level. In the in-vitro experiments, endothelial cells acquired a spindle-shaped morphology accompanying downregulation of the endothelial cell markers and upregulation of the mesenchymal cell markers when exposed to As2O3. As2O3 activated the AKT/GSK-3β/Snail signaling pathway and blocking this pathway with PI3K inhibitor (LY294002) abolished EndMT in As2O3-treated endothelial cells. Our results highlight that As2O3 is an EndMT-promoting factor during cardiac fibrosis, suggesting that targeting EndMT is beneficial for preventing As2O3-induced cardiac toxicity.
Acquisition of natural humoral immunity to P. falciparum in early life in Benin: impact of clinical, environmental and host factors
Authors: Dechavanne Célia , Sadissou Ibrahim , Bouraima Aziz , Ahouangninou Claude , Amoussa Roukiyath , Milet Jacqueline , Moutairou Kabirou , Massougbodji Achille , Theisen Michael , Remarque Edmond J. , Courtin David , Nuel Gregory , Migot-Nabias Florence , Garcia André
Published: September 2016

To our knowledge, effects of age, placental malaria infection, infections during follow-up, nutritional habits, sickle-cell trait and individual exposure to Anopheles bites were never explored together in a study focusing on the acquisition of malaria antibody responses among infants living in endemic areas.Five hundred and sixty-seven Beninese infants were weekly followed-up from birth to 18 months of age. Immunoglobulin G (IgG), IgG1 and IgG3 specific for 5 malaria antigens were measured every 3 months. A linear mixed model was used to analyze the effect of each variable on the acquisition of antimalarial antibodies in 6-to18-month old infants in univariate and multivariate analyses. Placental malaria, nutrition intakes and sickle-cell trait did not influence the infant antibody levels to P. falciparum antigens. In contrary, age, malaria antibody levels at birth, previous and present malaria infections as well as exposure to Anopheles bites were significantly associated with the natural acquisition of malaria antibodies in 6-to18-month old Beninese infants. This study highlighted inescapable factors to consider simultaneously in an immuno-epidemiological study or a vaccine trial in early life.
Individuals that are consistent in risk-taking benefit during collective foraging
Authors: Ioannou Christos C. , Dall Sasha R. X.
Published: September 2016

It is well established that living in groups helps animals avoid predation and locate resources, but maintaining a group requires collective coordination, which can be difficult when individuals differ from one another. Personality variation (consistent behavioural differences within a population) is already known to be important in group interactions. Growing evidence suggests that individuals also differ in their consistency, i.e. differing in how variable they are over time, and theoretical models predict that this consistency can be beneficial in social contexts. We used three-spined sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatus) to test whether the consistency in, as well as average levels of, risk taking behaviour (i.e. boldness) when individuals were tested alone affects social interactions when fish were retested in groups of 2 and 4. Behavioural consistency, independently of average levels of risk-taking, can be advantageous: more consistent individuals showed higher rates of initiating group movements as leaders, more behavioural coordination by joining others as followers, and greater food consumption. Our results have implications for both group decision making, as groups composed of consistent individuals are more cohesive, and personality traits, as social interactions can have functional consequences for consistency in behaviour and hence the evolution of personality variation.
JMJD8 is a positive regulator of TNF-induced NF-κB signaling
Authors: Yeo Kok Siong , Tan Ming Cheang , Wong Wan Ying , Loh Sheng Wei , Lam Yi Lyn , Tan Chin Leng , Lim Yat-Yuen , Ea Chee-Kwee
Published: September 2016

TNF-induced signaling mediates pleiotropic biological consequences including inflammation, immunity, cell proliferation and apoptosis. Misregulation of TNF signaling has been attributed as a major cause of chronic inflammatory diseases and cancer. Jumonji domain-containing protein 8 (JMJD8) belongs to the JmjC family. However, only part of the family members has been described as hydroxylase enzymes that function as histone demethylases. Here, we report that JMJD8 positively regulates TNF-induced NF-κB signaling. Silencing the expression of JMJD8 using RNA interference (RNAi) greatly suppresses TNF-induced expression of several NF-κB-dependent genes. Furthermore, knockdown of JMJD8 expression reduces RIP ubiquitination, IKK kinase activity, delays IκBα degradation and subsequently blocks nuclear translocation of p65. In addition, JMJD8 deficiency enhances TNF-induced apoptosis. Taken together, these findings indicate that JMJD8 functions as a positive regulator of TNF-induced NF-κB signaling.
Helium and methane sources and fluxes of shallow submarine hydrothermal plumes near the Tokara Islands, Southern Japan
Authors: Wen Hsin-Yi , Sano Yuji , Takahata Naoto , Tomonaga Yama , Ishida Akizumi , Tanaka Kentaro , Kagoshima Takanori , Shirai Kotaro , Ishibashi Jun-ichiro , Yokose Hisayoshi , Tsunogai Urumu , Yang Tsanyao F.
Published: September 2016

Shallow submarine volcanoes have been newly discovered near the Tokara Islands, which are situated at the volcanic front of the northern Ryukyu Arc in southern Japan. Here, we report for the first time the volatile geochemistry of shallow hydrothermal plumes, which were sampled using a CTD-RMS system after analyzing water column images collected by multi-beam echo sounder surveys. These surveys were performed during the research cruise KS-14-10 of the R/V Shinsei Maru in a region stretching from the Wakamiko Crater to the Tokara Islands. The 3He flux and methane flux in the investigated area are estimated to be (0.99–2.6) × 104 atoms/cm2/sec and 6–60 t/yr, respectively. The methane in the region of the Tokara Islands is a mix between abiotic methane similar to that found in the East Pacific Rise and thermogenic one. Methane at the Wakamiko Crater is of abiotic origin but affected by isotopic fractionation through rapid microbial oxidation. The helium isotopes suggest the presence of subduction-type mantle helium at the Wakamiko Crater, while a larger crustal component is found close to the Tokara Islands. This suggests that the Tokara Islands submarine volcanoes are a key feature of the transition zone between the volcanic front and the spreading back-arc basin.
Leucine zipper-EF-hand containing transmembrane protein 1 (LETM1) forms a Ca2+/H+ antiporter
Authors: Shao Juan , Fu Zhenglin , Ji Yanli , Guan Xiangchen , Guo Shang , Ding Zhanyu , Yang Xue , Cong Yao , Shen Yuequan
Published: September 2016

Leucine zipper-EF-hand-containing transmembrane protein1 (LETM1) is located in the mitochondrial inner membrane and is defective in Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome. LETM1 contains only one transmembrane helix, but it behaves as a putative transporter. Our data shows that LETM1 knockdown or overexpression robustly increases or decreases mitochondrial Ca2+ level in HeLa cells, respectively. Also the residue Glu221 of mouse LETM1 is identified to be necessary for Ca2+ flux. The mutation of Glu221 to glutamine abolishes the Ca2+-transport activity of LETM1 in cells. Furthermore, the purified LETM1 exhibits Ca2+/H+ anti-transport activity and the activity is enhanced as the proton gradient is increased. More importantly, electron microscopy studies reveal a hexameric LETM1 with a central cavity and also, observe two different conformational states under alkaline and acidic conditions, respectively. Our results indicate that LETM1 is a Ca2+/H+ antiporter and most likely responsible for mitochondrial Ca2+ output.
Stretchable Materials for Robust Soft Actuators towards Assistive Wearable Devices
Authors: Agarwal Gunjan , Besuchet Nicolas , Audergon Basile , Paik Jamie
Published: September 2016

Soft actuators made from elastomeric active materials can find widespread potential implementation in a variety of applications ranging from assistive wearable technologies targeted at biomedical rehabilitation or assistance with activities of daily living, bioinspired and biomimetic systems, to gripping and manipulating fragile objects, and adaptable locomotion. In this manuscript, we propose a novel two-component soft actuator design and design tool that produces actuators targeted towards these applications with enhanced mechanical performance and manufacturability. Our numerical models developed using the finite element method can predict the actuator behavior at large mechanical strains to allow efficient design iterations for system optimization. Based on two distinctive actuator prototypes’ (linear and bending actuators) experimental results that include free displacement and blocked-forces, we have validated the efficacy of the numerical models. The presented extensive investigation of mechanical performance for soft actuators with varying geometric parameters demonstrates the practical application of the design tool, and the robustness of the actuator hardware design, towards diverse soft robotic systems for a wide set of assistive wearable technologies, including replicating the motion of several parts of the human body.
Probing the question order effect while developing a chemistry concept inventory
Authors: Undersander Molly A. , Lund Travis J. , Langdon Laurie S. , Stains Marilyne
Published: September 2016

The design of assessment tools is critical to accurately evaluate students' understanding of chemistry. Although extensive research has been conducted on various aspects of assessment tool design, few studies in chemistry have focused on the impact of the order in which questions are presented to students on the measurement of students' understanding and students' performance. This potential impact has been labeled the question order effect in other literature and may be considered as a threat to the construct validity of the assessment tool. The set of studies described in this article tested whether question order effects were present within a concept inventory on acid-based chemistry. In particular, we tested whether the order of two conceptually isomorphic questions, one pictorial and one verbal, affected students' performance on the concept inventory. Two different versions of the inventory were developed and collected from students enrolled in the second semester of first-year university chemistry courses (general chemistry;N= 774) at two different institutions and to students enrolled in the first semester of organic chemistry (N= 163) at one of the two institutions. Students were further divided in two groups based on their self-reported level of effort in answering the concept inventory. Interviews were also conducted with a total of 19 students at various stages of the studies. Analyses of differences in students' responses to the two versions of the inventory revealed no question order effect in all settings. Implications for instructors and researchers are provided.
Use of near infrared reflectance imaging spectroscopy to map wool and silk fibres in historic tapestries
Authors: Delaney John K. , Ricciardi Paola , Glinsman Lisha , Palmer Michael , Burke Julia
Published: September 2016

Reflectance imaging spectroscopy is examined as a tool to map and identify natural textile fibresin situon historic tapestries using a high-sensitivity hyperspectral camera.
The suppression of metastatic lung cancer by pulmonary administration of polymer nanoparticles for co-delivery of doxorubicin and Survivin siRNA
Authors: Xu Caina , Tian Huayu , Wang Ping , Wang Yanbing , Chen Xuesi
Published: September 2016

DOX and siRNA were sprayed into trachea, bronchi and alveoli, and were co-delivered to cancer cells.
Genetically encoded fluorophenylalanines enable insights into the recognition of lysine trimethylation by an epigenetic reader
Authors: Lee Yan-Jiun , Schmidt M. J. , Tharp Jeffery M. , Weber Annemarie , Koenig Amber L. , Zheng Hong , Gao Jianmin , Waters Marcey L. , Summerer Daniel , Liu Wenshe R.
Published: September 2016

Fluorophenylalanines bearing 2–5 fluorine atoms at the phenyl ring have been genetically encoded by amber codon.
Geometric and electronic properties of gold clusters doped with a single oxygen atom
Authors: Ding Xun-Lei , Liao Heng-Lu , Zhang Yan , Chen Yi-Ming , Wang Dan , Wang Ya-Ya , Zhang Hua-Yong
Published: September 2016

A systematic theoretical study on single oxygen atom doped gold clusters showed that a single oxygen atom can be adsorbed on various sites of gold surfaces, and obtain nearly one electron from gold atoms.
Adsorption of water and ethanol on noble and transition-metal substrates: a density functional investigation within van der Waals corrections
Authors: Freire Rafael L. H. , Kiejna Adam , Da Silva Juarez L. F.
Published: September 2016

We report an extensive density functional theory investigation of water and ethanol adsorption on several Cu-, Pt-, and Au-based substrates including substrates with low-coordinated sites due to intermixing of Pt–Cu and Pt–Au in the topmost surface.
Liquid silver tris(perfluoroethyl)trifluorophosphate salts as new media for propene/propane separation
Authors: Pliquett Daniel , Schulz Peter S. , Heinemann Frank W. , Bause Angela , Wasserscheid Peter
Published: September 2016

The preparation and characterization of new liquid Ag[FAP] complexes as well as their use in propene/propane separation is presented.
Tuning phase behaviour of PEG-functionalized ionic liquids from UCST to LCST in alcohol–water mixtures
Authors: Yao Wenhui , Wang Huiyong , Cui Guokai , Li Zhiyong , Wang Jianji
Published: September 2016

Phase behaviour of PEG-functionalized ionic liquids can be tuned from UCST to LCST by the addition of water into aliphatic alcohol.
Double quantum coherence ESR spectroscopy and quantum chemical calculations on a BDPA biradical
Authors: Haeri Haleh Hashemi , Spindler Philipp , Plackmeyer Jörn , Prisner Thomas
Published: September 2016

A carbon-centered BDPA biradical has been investigated by DQC-EPR and DFT calculations to extract the distance between the two unpaired electron spins and geometry of the the BDPA moieties.
Ruthenium molecular complexes immobilized on graphene as active catalysts for the synthesis of carboxylic acids from alcohol dehydrogenation
Authors: Ventura-Espinosa David , Vicent Cristian , Baya Miguel , Mata Jose A.
Published: September 2016

Green efficient synthesis of carboxylic acids catalyzed by molecular ruthenium complexes supported on graphene using water as solvent and with the formation of molecular hydrogen as a by-product.
High thermoelectric performance in Te-free (Bi,Sb)2Se3via structural transition induced band convergence and chemical bond softening
Authors: Wang Shanyu , Sun Yongxing , Yang Jiong , Duan Bo , Wu Lihua , Zhang Wenqing , Yang Jihui
Published: September 2016

In Te-free (Bi,Sb)2Se3, structural transition induced electronic band convergence and intensified phonon scattering triple the thermoelectricZTto 1.0.
Powering the future: application of cellulose-based materials for supercapacitors
Authors: Pérez-Madrigal Maria M. , Edo Miquel G. , Alemán Carlos
Published: September 2016

In recent years, significant research has aimed at developing environmentally friendly supercapacitors by introducing sustainable natural polymerse. This review summarizes the advances on electrically active cellulose-based devices and the challenges of this exciting field of study.
Design and synthesis of new s-triazine polymers and their application as nanoparticulate drug delivery systems
Authors: Khattab Sherine N. , Abdel Naim Samar E. , El-Sayed Mousa , El Bardan Aly A. , Elzoghby Ahmed O. , Bekhit Adnan A. , El-Faham Ayman
Published: September 2016

The feasibility ofs-triazine polyamides to fabricate celecoxib-loaded nanoparticles.
Synthesis and multimodal responsiveness of poly(α-amino acid)s bearing OEGylated azobenzene side-chains
Authors: Xiong Wei , Fu Xiaohui , Wan Yaoming , Sun Yunlong , Li Zhibo , Lu Hua
Published: September 2016

Photo and thermal dual-responsive poly(α-amino acid)s with radial amphiphilicity were designed and synthesized.
Iodosobenzene-mediated direct and efficient oxidation of β-dicarbonyls to vicinal tricarbonyls catalyzed by iron(iii) salts
Authors: Cui Jian , Duan Ya-Nan , Yu Jun , Zhang Chi
Published: September 2016

The direct and efficient oxidation of β-dicarbonyls to vicinal tricarbonyl compounds has been achieved, which was mediated by PhIO and catalyzed by Fe(NO3)3·9H2O under mild and environmentally friendly conditions.
Biological macromolecule cross linked TPP–chitosan complex: a novel nanohybrid for improved ovulatory activity against PCOS treatment in female rats
Authors: Anbu A. Sujima , Venkatachalam P.
Published: September 2016

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a relatively common endocrine disorder among young women and leads to metabolic problems associated with the onset of infertility.
The adsorption mechanisms of ClO4− onto highly graphited and hydrophobic porous carbonaceous materials from biomass
Authors: Xu Bibo , Zhai Yunbo , Zhu Yun , Peng Chuan , Wang Tengfei , Zhang Chen , Li Caiting , Zeng Guangming
Published: September 2016

Biomass activated carbons were activated and pyrolyzed at 300–800 °C under nitrogen circumstance (named as CAC300–CAC800).
The effect of carbon nanotubes/NiFe2O4on the thermal stability, combustion behavior and mechanical properties of unsaturated polyester resin
Authors: Yu Xiaojuan , Wang Dong , Yuan Bihe , Song Lei , Hu Yuan
Published: September 2016

The incorporation of MWCNT@NiFe2O4into the UPR matrix exhibit significant improvements in flame retardancy and mechanical properties, compared to that of pure UPR.
Synthesis of carbon nanoparticle embedded graphene for sensitive and selective determination of dopamine and ascorbic acid in biological fluids
Authors: Biswas Sudip , Das Rashmita , Basu Malini , Bandyopadhyay Rajib , Pramanik Panchanan
Published: September 2016

We have prepared carbon nanoparticle embedded graphene (CNEG) by carbonizing a ternary composite of GO/melamine-formaldehyde resin/Zn(OAc)2.
Thermal conductivity and mechanical properties of a flake graphite/Cu composite with a silicon nano-layer on a graphite surface
Authors: Zhu Yingbin , Bai Hua , Xue Chen , Zhou Rong , Xu Qunfeng , Tao Pengfei , Wang Chen , Wang Junwei , Jiang Nan
Published: September 2016

A new vibration mode is proposed to increase the thermal conductivity of Gf/Cu composites (up to 676 W m−1 K−1). Additionally, a 300 nm thick silicon coating on the graphite surface improves the bending strength of the composites (up to 110 MPa).
An ultra-long and low junction-resistance Ag transparent electrode by electrospun nanofibers
Authors: Song Ruobing , Li Xing , Gu Fangyuan , Fei Linfeng , Ma Qianli , Chai Yang
Published: September 2016

An ultra-long PVDF/SnCl2 nanofiber transparent conducting electrode with high transmittance, low sheet resistance and good flexibility was fabricated at ambient temperature onto a flexible substrate via combining electrospinning and electroless metal deposition methods.
Fluorescent carbon dots for the sensitive detection of Cr(vi) in aqueous media and their application in test papers
Authors: Bu Lingli , Peng Jingdong , Peng Huanjun , Liu Shaopu , Xiao Huan , Liu Dan , Pan Ziyu , Chen Yu , Chen Fang , He Yan
Published: September 2016

A fluorescent sensor for the sensitive and selective detection of Cr(vi) was developed and applied to spot test papers.
Magnetism in living magnetically-induced bacteria
Authors: Martín Miguel , Garcés Victor , Domínguez-Vera Jose M. , Gálvez Natividad
Published: September 2016

Artificial magnetically-induced bacteria (AMB) exhibited a magnetic dilution during proliferation. The anisotropic magnetic properties of the 1D AMB nanostructure are enhanced similarly to magnetosomes inside the magnetotactic bacteria.
Stretchable and transparent supercapacitors based on aerosol synthesized single-walled carbon nanotube films
Authors: Gilshteyn Evgenia P. , Kallio Tanja , Kanninen Petri , Fedorovskaya Ekaterina O. , Anisimov Anton S. , Nasibulin Albert G.
Published: September 2016

Aerosol SWCNTs are used for stretchable transparent supercapacitor fabrication, stable after 1000 stretching cycles to 120% and 1000 charge–discharge cycles.
Injectable camptothecin conjugated hydrogels with simultaneous drug release and degradation
Authors: Gao Lilong , Chen Yadong , Luo Qiaojie , Wang Ying , Li Xiaodong , Shen Zhiquan , Zhu Weipu
Published: September 2016

Novel injectable camptothecin conjugated hydrogels with simultaneous drug release and degradation properties were prepared, which show significant cytotoxicity to HepG2 cells, and could be a potential candidate for intratumor drug delivery.
Preparation and characterization of a chitin/platelet-poor plasma composite as a hemostatic material
Authors: Lv Lingmei , Tang Fengling , Lan Guangqian
Published: September 2016

The development of life-saving hemostatic materials for emergencies can reduce death caused by uncontrolled hemorrhaging.
Investigation of the fluorescence quenching behavior of PEI-doped silica nanoparticles and its applications
Authors: Qiao Yali , Zheng Xingwang
Published: September 2016

A simple and feasible method for overcoming the fluorescence quenching effect of PEI on fluorophores (eosin Y was chosen as the model dye) was designed for the first time.
Highly specific probe for dual-emissive mitochondrial imaging based on a photostable and aqueous-soluble phosphonium fluorophore
Authors: Li Gaocan , Yang Ke , Sun Jing , Wang Yunbing
Published: September 2016

In recent years, fluorescent mitochondrial imaging has emerged as a powerful tool for monitoring the biological processes of mitochondria with high spatial and temporal resolution.
Facile preparation of a hierarchically porous metal–organic nanocomposite with excellent catalytic performance
Authors: Kuang Rui , Zheng Luyi , Cottrill Ethan , Pan Ning , Chi Yanhui , Shi Jingmin , Zhang Chengcheng , Chen Xuexue
Published: September 2016

A hierarchical porous MOF nanocrystal, hpCuL (L = 2,4,6-tris(3,5-dicarboxylatephenylamino)-1,3,5-triazine) was prepared via a facile gel-aging process. This nanocomposite exhibits high catalytic activity and stability for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol.