bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Purification of a recombinant glutathione transferase from the causative agent of hydatidosis, Echinococcus granulosus
Authors: Fleitas Andrea L. , Randall Lía M. , Möller Matías N. , Denicola Ana
Published: October 2015

This practical class activity was designed to introduce students to recombinant protein expression and purification. The principal goal is to shed light on basic aspects concerning recombinant protein production, in particular protein expression, chromatography methods for protein purification, and enzyme activity as a tool to evaluate purity and conformation of the recombinant product. Herein, we describe the purification of a glutathione transferase from the human parasite Echinococcus granulosus (EgGST1), the causative agent of hydatidosis. EgGST1 is expressed fused to a histidine tag and is purified by immobilized metal affinity chromatography. Protein quantification based on direct (UV absorbance) and indirect (colorimetric) methods are used and discussed. A simple colorimetric assay is used to measure GST activity and special emphasis is put on how to use these measurements to follow protein purification yields, its enrichment and its correct folding along the purification process. EgGST1 is easily expressed with high yields, purified in absence of protease inhibitors and proved to be robust concerning enzyme activity and protein integrity on a 1 week practical activity. © 2015 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 44:28–37, 2016.
Neuritic complexity of hippocampal neurons depends on WIP‐mediated mTORC1 and Abl family kinases activities
Authors: Franco‐Villanueva Ana , Wandosell Francisco , Antón Inés M.
Published: October 2015

Introduction

Neuronal morphogenesis is governed mainly by two interconnected processes, cytoskeletal reorganization, and signal transduction. The actin‐binding molecule WIP (Wiskott‐Aldrich syndrome protein [WASP]‐interacting protein) was identified as a negative regulator of neuritogenesis. Although WIP controls activity of the actin‐nucleation‐promoting factor neural WASP (N‐WASP) during neuritic differentiation, its implication in signal transduction remains unknown.

Methods

Using primary neurons from WIP‐deficient and wild‐type mice we did an immunofluorescence, morphometric, and biochemical analysis of the signaling modified by WIP deficiency.

Results

Here, we describe the WIP contribution to the regulation of neuritic elaboration and ramification through modification in phosphorylation levels of several kinases that participate in the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1)‐p70S6K (phosphoprotein 70 ribosomal protein S6 kinase, S6K) intracellular signaling pathway. WIP deficiency induces an increase in the number of neuritic bifurcations and filopodial protrusions in primary embryonic neurons. This phenotype is not due to modifications in the activity of the phosphoinositide 3 kinase (PI3K)‐Akt pathway, but to reduced phosphorylation of the S6K residues Ser411 and Thr389. The resulting decrease in kinase activity leads to reduced S6 phosphorylation in the absence of WIP. Incubation of control neurons with pharmacological inhibitors of mTORC1 or Abl, two S6K regulators, conferred a morphology resembling that of WIP‐deficient neurons. Moreover, the preferential co‐distribution of phospho‐S6K with polymerized actin is altered in WIP‐deficient neurons.

Conclusion

These experiments identify WIP as a member of a signaling cascade comprised of Abl family kinases, mTORC1 and S6K, which regulates neuron development and specifically, neuritic branching and complexity. Thus, we postulated a new role for WIP protein.
Female genital mutilation/cutting type IV in Cambodia: a case report
Authors: Abdulcadir Jasmine , Irion Olivier , de Tejada Begoña Martinez
Published: October 2015

Key Clinical Message

Nontherapeutic female genital modifications can cause short‐ and long‐term consequences. Caregivers should promote women's self knowledge on genitals' anatomy and physiology, and psychophysical and sexual health. They should also inform on possible negative consequences of vulvar nontherapeutic alterations requested and avoid the medicalization of female genital mutilation.
Antiarthritis Effect of Morin is Associated with Inhibition of Synovial Angiogensis
Authors: Zeng Ni , Tong Bei , Zhang Xinyu , Dou Yannong , Wu Xin , Xia Yufeng , Dai Yue , Wei Zhifeng
Published: October 2015

Preclinical Research

Morin, a flavonoid isolated from Morus alba L. (Moraceae), possesses anti‐inflammatory, antiangiogenic among other biological activities. This study investigated its effect on type II collagen‐induced arthritis (CIA) in rats and explored the underlying mechanisms in view of synovial angiogenesis. Morin administered po attenuated arthritic progression as indicated by reduction of arthritis scores and paw swelling. It also markedly reduced serum levels of the proinflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α) and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), but increased the level of anti‐inflammatory cytokine interleukin‐10, and ameliorated histopathological changes of joints. Morin markedly inhibited expression of CD31, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and basic fibroblast growth factor in synovial membrane tissues, and decreased serum levels of VEGF in CIA rats. In vitro, morin markedly inhibited VEGF‐induced migration and tube formation in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. These results indicate that morin had antirheumatoid potential, and its mechanism might be associated with inhibition of synovial angiogenesis. Drug Dev Res 76 : 463–473, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Modeling directional spatio‐temporal processes in island biogeography
Authors: Carvalho José C. , Cardoso Pedro , Rigal François , Triantis Kostas A. , Borges Paulo A. V.
Published: October 2015

A key challenge in island biogeography is to quantity the role of dispersal in shaping biodiversity patterns among the islands of a given archipelago. Here, we propose such a framework. Dispersal within oceanic archipelagos may be conceptualized as a spatio‐temporal process dependent on: (1) the spatial distribution of islands, because the probability of successful dispersal is inversely related to the spatial distance between islands and (2) the chronological sequence of island formation that determines the directional asymmetry of dispersal (hypothesized to be predominantly from older to younger islands). From these premises, directional network models may be constructed, representing putative connections among islands. These models may be translated to eigenfunctions in order to be incorporated into statistical analysis. The framework was tested with 12 datasets from the Hawaii, Azores, and Canaries. The explanatory power of directional network models for explaining species composition patterns, assessed by the Jaccard dissimilarity index, was compared with simpler time‐isolation models. The amount of variation explained by the network models ranged from 5.5% (for Coleoptera in Hawaii) to 60.2% (for Pteridophytes in Canary Islands). In relation to the four studied taxa, the variation explained by network models was higher for Pteridophytes in the three archipelagos. By the contrary, small fractions of explained variation were observed for Coleoptera (5.5%) and Araneae (8.6%) in Hawaii. Time‐isolation models were, in general, not statistical significant and explained less variation than the equivalent directional network models for all the datasets. Directional network models provide a way for evaluating the spatio‐temporal signature of species dispersal. The method allows building scenarios against which hypotheses about dispersal within archipelagos may be tested. The new framework may help to uncover the pathways via which species have colonized the islands of a given archipelago and to understand the origins of insular biodiversity.
Changes in chocolate crystallization are influenced by type and amount of introduced filling lipids
Authors: Rothkopf Isabell , Danzl Wolfgang
Published: October 2015

Filled chocolates are particularly susceptible to quality loss due to oil migration. Since the fillings are often softer than the chocolate coatings, the filling lipids can function as an activator for diffusion processes with the formation of fat bloom as a consequence. Filling lipids can merge with chocolate during production or storage. However, in most studies concerning crystallization or migration cocoa butter and hazelnut oil were analyzed, investigations on chocolate are rare. To cover a broad variety of fillings, dark chocolate was blended with hazelnut oil, butterfat, and coconut oil and crystallization was analyzed. All investigated lipids reduced the solid fat content to the same extend. However, crystallization behavior of the blended samples differed. Hazelnut oil accelerated crystallization rate and did not affect crystallization time, while butterfat reduced crystallization rate and time. The effect of coconut oil addition was in between those of hazelnut oil and butterfat. Nucleation and crystal growth rate, which affect the crystallization speed, have been shown to be affected by the type of filling lipid. Additionally, there is evidence that crystal transformation during crystallization is also affected by filling lipids.

Practical applications: Based on the results of this study, manufacturers of filled chocolate products may adapt their processing parameters such as temperature and retention time in the cooling tunnel accordingly. The analytical methods may be used to control the production of confectionery and to determine filling fat concentrations in the chocolate shells of freshly produced pralines. As different filling lipids in small contents cause similar softening of chocolate shells, the solid fat content (SFC) of chocolate is an appropriate method to control filling lipid migration into chocolate.

Isothermal crystallization of non‐tempered samples shown as solid fat content (SFC) versus time indicate that hazelnut oil has a less retarding effect on crystallization than butterfat and the effect of coconut oil is in between, but closer to hazelnut oil.
Individualised Versus Standardised Assessment of Quality of Life in Eating Disorders
Authors: Las Hayas Carlota , Padilla Patricia , del Barrio Andrés Gómez , Beato‐Fernandez Luís , Muñoz Pedro , Gámez‐Guadix Manuel
Published: October 2015

Individualised measures of quality of life (QoL) refer to instruments that encourage the respondent to actively elicit which areas of their life are most relevant for his/her QoL. The aim of this study is to compare individualised versus standard measures of QoL in a sample of patients with eating disorder (ED). The Schedule for the Evaluation of the Individual Quality of Life (SEIQoL) and a generic measure of QoL [World Health Organization Brief Quality of Life Assessment Scale (WHOQOL‐BREF)] were applied on two occasions (one‐year follow‐up) to a sample of 165 patients with ED, 57 recovered patients with ED, and 349 women from the general population. The areas of ‘family’, ‘education/career or job’, ‘friends’, ‘leisure’, ‘romantic partner’ and ‘health’ were identified as the most important for their QoL for all groups, both times. The WHOQOL‐BREF was more sensitive than the SEIQoL in detecting changes that occurred over time. Clinical interventions for ED should consider social components as objectives of intervention. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
The great solar boom: a global perspective into the far reaching impact of an unexpected energy revolution
Authors: Meneguzzo Francesco , Ciriminna Rosaria , Albanese Lorenzo , Pagliaro Mario
Published: October 2015

This study offers a unified perspective into the unexpected solar energy photovoltaic revolution, and its far reaching impact onto both energy generation and electricity markets. Practically relevant aspects, such as those related to the value of solar PV electricity, land consumption, energy return on energy invested, reliability of the technology, the structure of the global PV industry, the cost of Li ion batteries and related market trends are clarified. We identify the main barriers to overcome for solar PV to expand beyond a niche market (say, <10% of a country's power generation), and the related societal benefits with electrification of energy end uses.
Glycemic responses to maize flour stiff porridges prepared using local recipes in Malawi
Authors: Mlotha Vincent , Mwangwela Agnes Mbachi , Kasapila William , Siyame Edwin W.P. , Masamba Kingsley
Published: October 2015

Glycemic index is defined as the incremental area under the blood glucose response curve of a 50 g carbohydrate portion of a test food expressed as a percent of the response to the same amount of carbohydrate from a standard food taken by the same subject. This study investigated glycemic index of maize stiff porridges consumed as staple food in Malawi and a large majority of other countries in sub‐Saharan Africa to identify areas for improvement in consumer diets. Stiff porridges were prepared using flour from whole maize, maize grits, and fermented maize grits. The porridges were served to 11 healthy volunteers for 3 weeks, with two serving sessions a week. Glucose was served as a reference food during weekly serving sessions. Results from descriptive analysis revealed that glycemic responses varied across subjects and porridge types. Porridge prepared from fermented maize grits had moderate glycemic index of 65.49 and was comparable in nutrient composition and sensory characteristics with the other test porridges. Glycemic indices of the porridges prepared from whole maize flour and grits were high at 94.06 and 109.64, respectively, attributed to the effect of traditional maize flour processing, preparation, and cooking methods used. The study also calculated glyaemic load of the porridges and drew recommendations to inform diet planning and modifications for healthy and diabetic individuals.
Long‐term streamflow trends in the middle reaches of the Yellow River Basin: detecting drivers of change
Authors: Gao Zhaoliang , Zhang Lu , Zhang Xiaoping , Cheng Lei , Potter Nick , Cowan Tim , Cai Wenju
Published: October 2015

The catchments in the Loess Plateau, in China's middle reaches of the Yellow River Basin, experienced unprecedented land use changes in the last 50 years as a result of large‐scale soil conservation measure to control soil erosion. The climate of the region also exhibited some levels of change with decreased precipitation and increased temperature. This study combined the time‐trend analysis method with a sensitivity‐based approach and found that annual streamflow in the Loess Plateau decreased significantly since the 1950s and surface runoff trends appear to dominate the streamflow trends in most of the catchments. Annual baseflow exhibited mostly downward trends, but significant upward trends were also observed in 3 out of 38 gauging stations. Mean annual streamflow during 1979−2010 decreased by up to 65% across the catchments compared with the period of 1957−1978, indicating significant changes in the hydrological regime of the Loess Plateau. It is estimated that 70% of the streamflow reduction can be attributed to land use change, while the remaining 30% is associated with climate variability. Land use change because of the soil conservation measures and reduction in precipitation are the key drivers for the observed streamflow trends. These findings are consistent with results of previous studies for the region and appear to be reasonable given the accelerated level of the soil conservation measures implemented since the late 1970s. Changes in sea surface temperature in the Pacific Ocean, as indicated by variations in El Niño–Southern Oscillation and phase shifts of the Pacific Decadal Oscillation, appear to have also affected the annual streamflow trends. The framework described in this study shows promising results for quantifying the effects of land use change and climate variability on mean annual streamflow of catchments within the Loess Plateau. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Human‐made structures, vegetation, and weather influence ferruginous hawk breeding performance
Authors: Wallace Zachary P. , Kennedy Patricia L. , Squires John R. , Olson Lucretia E. , Oakleaf Robert J.
Published: October 2015

Studies of anthropogenic impacts on wildlife may produce inconclusive or biased results if they fail to account for natural sources of variation in breeding performance and do not use probabilistic sampling at a scale functional for management. We used stratified random sampling and generalized linear mixed models to test hypotheses on relationships of daily nest survival rate (DSR) and fledgling production with anthropogenic and environmental factors that influence reproduction in the ferruginous hawk (Buteo regalis). We conducted the study across ferruginous hawk range in Wyoming, USA, 2010–2012. We performed extensive field surveys of prey, vegetation, and nest substrates, and used spatially explicit data to quantify weather, and the most widespread forms of anthropogenic infrastructure (i.e., roads, oil and gas well pads) in ferruginous hawk territories. We found strong evidence that DSR and productivity were greater for nests on anthropogenic structures (i.e., artificial nest platforms, gas condensation tanks, abandoned windmill platforms, power poles) compared to natural substrates (i.e., trees, cliffs, rock outcrops). Additionally, ferruginous hawks produced more fledglings at territories with greater shrub cover and fewer severe storms during the June brood‐rearing period. Amount of oil and gas development and prey was not associated with either measure of breeding performance. Our results suggest that artificial nest platforms are an effective tool to improve breeding success of ferruginous hawks and nesting on anthropogenic structures does not constitute an ecological trap for this species. Although ferruginous hawks nested in some areas with very little vegetative cover, territories with greater amounts of shrub cover produced more fledglings. The negative impact of severe spring storms on fledgling production illustrates the importance of including future weather scenarios in management planning for this species because storms are predicted to increase in frequency and intensity as a result of climate change. Published 2015. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Male greater sage‐grouse detectability on leks
Authors: Fremgen Aleshia L. , Hansen Christopher P. , Rumble Mark A. , Gamo R. Scott , Millspaugh Joshua J.
Published: October 2015

It is unlikely all male sage‐grouse are detected during lek counts, which could complicate the use of lek counts as an index to population abundance. Understanding factors that influence detection probabilities will allow managers to more accurately estimate the number of males present on leks. We fitted 410 males with global positioning system and very high frequency transmitters, and uniquely identifiable leg‐bands over 4 years in Carbon County, Wyoming. We counted male sage‐grouse using commonly used lek‐count protocols and evaluated variables associated with our ability to detect marked males using sightability surveys on 22 leks. We evaluated detection probabilities of male sage‐grouse based on factors related to bird characteristics such as age or posture, lek and group size, lek characteristics such as vegetation cover or aspect, light conditions, weather, and observer. We then applied the detection probabilities to more accurately estimate male counts on leks. Detection probabilities were generally high ( = 0.87) but varied among leks from 0.77 to 0.93. Male sage‐grouse detection declined with increasing sagebrush height and bare ground and increased with more snow cover. Detection probabilities were also lower when observers counted from a higher elevation than the lek. Our sightability models predicted detection well and can be used to accurately estimate male abundance on leks from lek counts, which is especially useful where accurate abundance estimates are required or inference about population status is based on only 1 count. Further, it is important to consider lek attendance as a component of counts on leks because it affects availability of male sage‐grouse for detection during lek counts. Detection can be maximized by conducting lek counts from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunrise, although current protocols recommend lek counts can be performed up to 1 hour after sunrise. Detection can also be maximized by conducting lek counts ≥2 days after snowfall, which maximizes attendance and detection. © 2015 The Wildlife Society.
Estimates of small Indian mongoose densities: Implications for rabies management
Authors: Johnson Shylo R. , Berentsen Are R. , Ellis Christine , Davis Amy , Vercauteren Kurt C.
Published: October 2015

The small Indian mongoose (Herpestes auropunctatus) is an invasive species and rabies reservoir in Puerto Rico. In the continental United States, terrestrial wildlife rabies is primarily managed by the National Rabies Management Program (NRMP) of the United States Department of Agriculture through oral rabies vaccination (ORV); the distribution of the vaccine baits is influenced by the population density of the target species. The NRMP uses a density index for estimating raccoon (Procyon lotor) population density to guide bait distribution. In Puerto Rico, a wildlife rabies vaccination program does not exist and vaccination of domestic animals is limited and not compulsory. To acquire information on density and other population dynamics, we compared a mongoose density index (MDI) adapted from the NRMP raccoon density index (RDI) to 3 other methods (2 types of capture–mark–recapture [CAPTURE and MARK] and spatially explicit capture–recapture [SECR]) for estimating density that incorporate modeling procedures on detection probabilities, and examined the spatial distribution of mongooses within our study plots. We used the RDI trapping protocol modified for mongooses to livetrap mongooses in El Yunque National Forest (El Yunque) and Cabo Rojo National Wildlife Refuge (Cabo Rojo) in fall of 2011 and spring of 2012 resulting in 4 trapping sessions. The MDI estimates were consistently less than those from other methods for estimating mongoose densities. The MDI detected a greater mongoose density during the wet season (0.55 mongooses/ha) than the dry season (0.34 mongooses/ha) at Cabo Rojo, consistent with all 3 other density estimation methods. Overall, the correlation coefficient between MDI and the other calculation methods was ≥0.68. When we examined known locations of mongooses and travel distances, we detected more mongooses in a smaller area within the study plot at Cabo Rojo than at El Yunque. The MDI provided information on the spatial distribution of mongooses, which will be needed to implement an ORV program to target mongooses in Puerto Rico. Published 2015. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Ab initio description of the thermoelectric properties of heterostructures in the diffusive limit of transport
Authors: Hinsche Nicki F. , Rittweger Florian , Hölzer Martin , Zahn Peter , Ernst Arthur , Mertig Ingrid
Published: October 2015

The scope of this review is to present the recent progress in the understanding of the microscopic origin of thermoelectric transport in semiconducting heterostructures and to identify and elucidate mechanisms which could lead to enhanced thermoelectric conversion efficiency. Based on first‐principles calculations a consistent and convenient method is presented to fully describe the thermoelectric properties in the diffusive limit of transport for bulk systems and their associated heterostructures. While fundamentals of the functionality of phonon‐blocking and electron‐transmitting superlattices could be unveiled, we provide also distinct analysis and ideas for thermoelectric enhancement for two archetypical thermoelectric heterostructures based on   and Si/Ge. A focus was on the influence of bulk and interfacial strain, varying charge carrier concentration, temperature, and superlattice periods on the thermoelectric transport properties.

Transmission electron micrograph of a 10 Å/50 Å  superlattice. Red and green areas highlight the layered structure. For optimal cross‐plane transport () phonons (p) are expected to be scattered at the interfaces, while electrons (e−) transmit without losses.
Blunt Traumatic Abdominal Wall Hernias: A Surgeon’s Dilemma
Authors: Pardhan Amyn , Mazahir Samia , Rao Sudhakar , Weber Dieter
Published: October 2015

Background

Traumatic abdominal wall hernias (TAWH) have been recognized for more than a century since they were first reported by Selby (JAMA 47:1485–1486, 1906). They continue to be a rare diagnosis, encountered in approximately 1 % blunt trauma admissions. The present study is a 10‐year retrospective review of patients presenting with TAWH to a State Major Trauma Unit in Western Australia. We hypothesized that the timing of the repair of TAWH was dependent on the severity of the abdominal wall injury, as well as associated injuries, and in turn, this may affect patient outcomes.

Materials and methods

The Trauma Registry at Royal Perth Hospital (the only Level I Trauma Centre for adults in Western Australia) was scrutinized for TAWH, between 2003 and 2013. The injuries were graded by the classification system of Dennis et al. (Am J Surg 197:413–417, 2009). Patients with TAWH following penetrating trauma were excluded.

Results

During the study period, 44 patients were diagnosed to have TAWH accounting for 0.08 % of admissions. Thirty (68 %) of the patients were male and the median age was 36 years (IQR 24–54). The median BMI was between 25 and 30. The majority of the patients sustained trauma secondary to motor vehicle crashes and the commonest associated injury was a pelvic fracture. Grades 3 and 4 injuries were found to have an association with a pelvic fracture (p < 0.001). No association was seen in the present study between seat belt use and the development of TAWH or between the location of TAWH and seat belt pattern. The median time of diagnosis of TAWH following arrival to hospital was 18 hours while the median time of surgery from diagnosis was 15.5 hours. Forty‐one (93 %) of the patients underwent surgery. Of these, 8 (20 %) were emergent due to a simultaneous bowel perforation and another five had primary mesh repairs. Three of the patients suffered superficial complications (7.5 %) and there were 3 (7 %) recurrences at a mean time of 7.25 months from the first repair. The follow‐up period ranged from 1 to 51 months with an average time of 16 months.

Conclusion

This series is the largest single institution study conducted on TAWH to date. Despite its retrospective nature and small numbers, it has generated some important questions. A larger prospective study with a longer follow‐up period is required to generate reliable treatment algorithms as well as to standardize the management of TAWH.
Evaluation of rhizomania-resistance segregating sequences and overall genetic diversity pattern among selected accessions of Beta and Patellifolia. Potential implications of breeding for genetic bottlenecks in terms of rhizomania resistance
Authors: Litwiniec Anna , Gośka Maria , Choińska Beata , Kużdowicz Kamilla , Łukanowski Aleksander , Skibowska Barbara
Published: October 2015

Sugar beet is hypothesized to have a narrowed genetic base due to its origin as White Silesian Beet and from numerous breeding selections and practices. High sugar quality, yield of recoverable sugar, cytoplasmic-male sterility system, monogermity, pests and disease resistance and bolting resistance constitute some of the adaptations that significantly influenced the existing genetic background of the crop. In this study we aimed to evaluate the extent of genetic diversity existing in wild beet representatives of Beta and Patellifolia and sugar beet cultivars, with a special focus on the complex Beta vulgaris. Another purpose was to determine the potential usefulness and conformity of selected molecular markers in different groups of materials in the context of rhizomania resistance. To reach these goals, molecular RAPD, ISSR techniques, literature-selected rhizomania resistance-segregating sequences as well as mitochondrial markers were used. The comparison of genetic diversity in wild and cultivated Beta forms shows that the population differentiation values and distance values are relatively high in cultivars. Moreover, the diversity component seemed to be compromised rather on the level of population (Hs) than in total (Ht) in cultivars. Our results shed a new light on the expected genetic bottlenecks existing in cultivars and revealed features specific for individual taxa (Patellifolia, Corollinae). Some degree of distinctiveness was suggested between genetic determinants of rhizomania resistance in modern cultivars in comparison with wild resistance sources. In addition, we document here an internal heterogeneity existing in selected wild/weedy accessions at the level of crucial sequences using high resolution melting.
Partial coalescence from bubbles to drops
Authors: Zhang F. H. , Thoraval M.-J. , Thoroddsen S. T. , Taborek P.
Published: October 2015

The coalescence of drops is a fundamental process in the coarsening of emulsions. However, counter-intuitively, this coalescence process can produce a satellite, approximately half the size of the original drop, which is detrimental to the overall coarsening. This also occurs during the coalescence of bubbles, while the resulting satellite is much smaller, approximately 10 %. To understand this difference, we have conducted a set of coalescence experiments using xenon bubbles inside a pressure chamber, where we can continuously raise the pressure from 1 up to 85 atm and thereby vary the density ratio between the inner and outer fluid, from 0.005 up to unity. Using high-speed video imaging, we observe a continuous increase in satellite size as the inner density is varied from the bubble to emulsion-droplet conditions, with the most rapid changes occurring as the bubble density grows up to 15 % of that of the surrounding liquid. We propose a model that successfully relates the satellite size to the capillary wave mode responsible for its pinch-off and the overall deformations from the drainage. The wavelength of the primary wave changes during its travel to the apex, with the instantaneous speed adjusting to the local wavelength. By estimating the travel time of this wave mode on the bubble surface, we also show that the model is consistent with the experiments. This wavenumber is determined by both the global drainage as well as the interface shapes during the rapid coalescence in the neck connecting the two drops or bubbles. The rate of drainage is shown to scale with the density of the inner fluid. Empirically, we find that the pinch-off occurs when 60 % of the bubble fluid has drained from it. Numerical simulations using the volume-of-fluid method with dynamic adaptive grid refinement can reproduce these dynamics, as well as show the associated vortical structure and stirring of the coalescing fluid masses. Enhanced stirring is observed for cases with second-stage pinch-offs. Numerous sub-satellites are observed when the length of the top protrusion of the drop exceeds the Rayleigh instability wavelength. We also find a parameter regime where the focusing of more than one capillary wave can pinch-off satellites. One realization shows a sequence of three pinch-offs, where the middle one pinches off a toroidal bubble.
Tectonomagmatic evolution of the South Dehshir Ophiolite, Central Iran
Authors: KHALATBARI JAFARI MORTEZA , SEPEHR HADI , MOBASHER KATAYOUN
Published: October 2015

The South Dehshir Ophiolite, exposed along the southwestern margin of the Central Iranian microcontinent, comprises a mantle and a crustal sequence. This massif contains serpentinized peridotites, gabbros and diabase sheeted dykes cutting across wherlite, pegmatitic gabbro and plagiogranite, and is tectonically covered by radiolarites, pelagic limestones with Late Cretaceous microfauna and lavas. Under a microscope, the gabbros exhibit mesocumulate, adcumulate and hetradcumulate textures presumably formed in open magma chambers. Hypabyssal and lava samples show tholeiitic to calc-alkaline affinities, and their compositions cluster in the fields of arc or supra-subduction zone magmatism. Binary diagrams display compositional trends of magmatic differentiation, plotting away from the mid-ocean-ridge basalt (MORB) (tholeiitic) trend and following the arc (calc-alkaline) trend. Rare Earth element (REE) and spider diagrams display various enrichments at different levels. Moderate enrichment of the large-ion lithophile elements (LILE; Rb, Ba, Th, U, La, Sr) relative to the high-field-strength elements (HFSE; Nb, Ta) and slight depletion of Ti and Zr in some patterns may be attributed to variable influences of subduction components over the depleted mantle wedge. Elemental ratios display evidence for the contribution of both fluids and melt released from the subducted slab. Few patterns display ocean-island basalt (OIB) characteristics, possibly attributed to the involvement of local mantle plumes on the partial melting of the mantle wedge. This evidence indicates that the crustal rocks of the South Dehshir Ophiolite formed in a supra-subduction zone.
The stochastic tetrad magneto-hydrodynamics via functional formalism
Authors: Materassi Massimo , Consolini Giuseppe
Published: October 2015

In this work we discuss an application of the Tetrad Dynamics approach, a stochastic dynamical theory already introduced in hydrodynamic turbulence, to incompressible magneto-hydrodynamics. This theoretical framework is capable of taking into account some crucial aspects of turbulent plasmas, namely, (i) its material nature, which is stressed through the adoption of Lagrangian variables, (ii) its probabilistic dynamics, which is fundamental to understand the intermittency and highly irregular nature of turbulence, and (iii) the multi-scale character of interactions, which is approached by promoting the space size of parcels to the role of a dynamical variable. In particular, here, we construct the probabilistic equations of motion for quantities describing the evolution of a turbulent plasma (a matrix${\bf\varrho}$describing the parcel’s shape, the plasma velocity and magnetic field coarse-grained gradient tensors,$\unicode[STIX]{x1D648}$and$\unicode[STIX]{x1D652}$), resorting the functional formalism of classical statistical dynamics. Through the introduction of a stochastic action and using a path integral approach, the statistical properties of$({\bf\varrho},\unicode[STIX]{x1D648},\unicode[STIX]{x1D652})$can be derived from those of noises appearing in their equations of motion, both at equilibrium and out of equilibrium.
Evolutionary structural and spatial adaptation of topologically differentiated tensile systems in architectural design
Authors: Ahlquist Sean , Erb Dillon , Menges Achim
Published: October 2015

This paper presents research in the development of heuristic evolutionary algorithms (EAs) for generating and exploring differentiated force-based structures. The algorithm is weighted toward design exploration of topological differentiation while including specific structural and material constraints. An embryological EA model is employed to “grow” networks of mass-spring elements achieving desired mesh densities that resolve themselves in tensile force (form-active) equilibrium. The primal quadrilateral quadrisection method serves as the foundation for a range of extensible subdivision methods. Unique to this research, the quad is addressed as a “cell” rather than a topological or geometric construct, allowing for the contents of the cell to vary in number of mass-spring elements and orientation. In this research, this approach has been termed the quadrilateral quadrisection withnvariable topological transformation method. This research culminates with the introduction of a method forgraftingmeshes where emergent features from the evolved meshes can be transposed and replicated in an explicit yet informed manner. The EA and grafting methods function within a Java-based software calledspringFORM, developed in previous research, which utilizes a mass-spring based library for solving force equilibrium and allows for both active (manual) and algorithmic topology manipulation. In application to a specific complex tensile mesh, the design framework, which combines the generative EA and mesh grafting method, is shown to produce emergent and highly differentiated topological arrangements that negotiate the specific relationships among a desired maximal mesh density, geometric patterning, and equalized force distribution.
Pretreating porcine sperm with lipase enhances developmental competence of embryos produced by intracytoplasmic sperm injection
Authors: Wei Yinghui , Fan Junhua , Li Lin , Liu Zhiguo , Li Kui
Published: October 2015

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) has been widely applied in humans, mice, and some domestic animals to cure human infertility, or produce genetically superior or genetically engineered animals. However, the production efficiency of ICSI in pigs remains quite low. In this study, we developed a new sperm pretreatment method to improve production efficiency of ICSI in pigs. Experiment 1 revealed that pretreating porcine sperm with 2.5 mg/ml lipase before ICSI operation, not only can reduce the adhesion between sperm and the injection pipette without adding polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) in the operating medium, but also significantly improve male pronuclei (MPN) formation rate (55.56% vs. 40.00% (0 mg/ml), 42.59% (5.0 mg/ml), 40.00% (10.0 mg/ml), P < 0.05) and enhance developmental competence of ICSI embryos (26.03% vs. 10.87% (0 mg/ml), 10.00% (5.0 mg/ml), 10.13% (10.0 mg/ml), P < 0.05). Experiment 2 showed that this method has a higher MPN formation rate (50.47% vs. 30.78%, P < 0.05) and blastocyst rate (18.81% vs. 7.41%, P < 0.05) than the PVP method, and was better than the Triton X-100 treatment method (50.47% vs. 46.23%, 18.81% vs. 12.75%). Therefore, pretreating porcine sperm with 2.5 mg/ml lipase before ICSI operation is highly recommended, instead of adding PVP in the operating medium.
Lesen mit Hund
Authors: Beetz Andrea M. , Heyer Meike
Published: October 2015

Zusammenfassung. Die Lesekompetenz von Kindern unter Einbezug von Hunden zu fördern, gewinnt als innovativer Ansatz zunehmend Aufmerksamkeit in der Öffentlichkeit und in der pädagogischen Praxis. Dabei gibt es verschiedene Ansätze dieser tiergestützten pädagogischen Intervention. Diese reichen vom freien Lesen in Anwesenheit eines Hundes und eines meist ehrenamtlichen Hundeführers (Lesen mit Hund) bis zur hundegestützten Leseförderung, durchgeführt von einer pädagogischen Fachkraft mit einem Hund bzw. in Kooperation mit einem Hunde-Team. Während beim ersten Ansatz vorrangig die Leseflüssigkeit über den Viellese-Ansatz trainiert wird, kann der Hund in der Leseförderung auch zum Erwerb der Grundlagen der Lesekompetenz, selbst zu Beginn des Lese-Lern-Prozesses, eingesetzt werden. Erste wissenschaftliche Studien ( Heyer & Beetz, 2014 ; Le Roux et al., 2014 ; Wohlfarth et al., 2014 ) dokumentieren positive Effekte des Lesens mit Hund, sowohl hinsichtlich Lesekompetenz als auch Motivation und Selbstkonzept der Schüler. Zu den Mechanismen, welche zur Erklärung der positiven Effekte herangezogen werden können, zählen Stressreduktion durch soziale Unterstützung durch den Hund sowie Aktivierung des Oxytozin-Systems. Dadurch werden insgesamt gute Bedingungen für Lernerfolge, wie positive Stimmung, gesteigerte Konzentration und Motivation und insgesamt bessere Exekutive Funktionen unterstützt. Voraussetzung für die erfolgreiche Umsetzung dieser tiergestützten pädagogischen Maßnahme sind eine entsprechende Eignung und Ausbildung von Hund und Hundeführer und eine fachgerechten Umsetzung. In diesem Artikel werden, anhand von Beispielen, Hinweise für die konkrete Umsetzung der Leseförderung mit Hund gegeben.
A splicing variant of Merlin promotes metastasis in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Luo Zai-Li , Cheng Shu-Qun , Shi Jie , Zhang Hui-Lu , Zhang Cun-Zhen , Chen Hai-Yang , Qiu Bi-Jun , Tang Liang , Hu Cong-Li , Wang Hong-Yang , Li Zhong
Published: October 2015

Merlin, which is encoded by the tumour suppressor gene Nf2, plays a crucial role in tumorigenesis and metastasis. However, little is known about the functional importance of Merlin splicing forms. In this study, we show that Merlin is present at low levels in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), particularly in metastatic tumours, where it is associated with a poor prognosis. Surprisingly, a splicing variant of Merlin that lacks exons 2, 3 and 4 (Δ2–4Merlin) is amplified in HCC and portal vein tumour thrombus (PVTT) specimens and in the CSQT2 cell line derived from PVTT. Our studies show that Δ2–4Merlin interferes with the capacity of wild-type Merlin to bind β-catenin and ERM, and it is expressed in the cytoplasm rather than at the cell surface. Furthermore, Δ2–4Merlin overexpression increases the expression levels of β-catenin and stemness-related genes, induces the epithelium–mesenchymal-transition phenotype promoting cell migration in vitro and the formation of lung metastasis in vivo. Our results indicate that the Δ2–4Merlin variant disrupts the normal function of Merlin and promotes tumour metastasis.
An LSC epigenetic signature is largely mutation independent and implicates the HOXA cluster in AML pathogenesis
Authors: Jung Namyoung , Dai Bo , Gentles Andrew J. , Majeti Ravindra , Feinberg Andrew P.
Published: October 2015

Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is characterized by subpopulations of leukaemia stem cells (LSCs) that are defined by their ability to engraft in immunodeficient mice. Here we show an LSC DNA methylation signature, derived from xenografts and integration with gene expression that is comprised of 71 genes and identifies a key role for the HOXA cluster. Most of the genes are epigenetically regulated independently of underlying mutations, although several are downstream targets of epigenetic modifier genes mutated in AML. The LSC epigenetic signature is associated with poor prognosis independent of known risk factors such as age and cytogenetics. Analysis of early haematopoietic progenitors from normal individuals reveals two distinct clusters of AML LSC resembling either lymphoid-primed multipotent progenitors or granulocyte/macrophage progenitors. These results provide evidence for DNA methylation variation between AML LSCs and their blast progeny, and identify epigenetically distinct subgroups of AML likely reflecting the cell of origin.
ScbR- and ScbR2-mediated signal transduction networks coordinate complex physiological responses in Streptomyces coelicolor
Authors: Li Xiao , Wang Juan , Li Shanshan , Ji Junjie , Wang Weishan , Yang Keqian
Published: October 2015

In model organism Streptomyces coelicolor, γ-butyrolactones (GBLs) and antibiotics were recognized as signalling molecules playing fundamental roles in intra- and interspecies communications. To dissect the GBL and antibiotic signalling networks systematically, the in vivo targets of their respective receptors ScbR and ScbR2 were identified on a genome scale by ChIP-seq. These identified targets encompass many that are known to play important roles in diverse cellular processes (e.g. gap1, pyk2, afsK, nagE2, cdaR, cprA, cprB, absA1, actII-orf4, redZ, atrA, rpsL and sigR) and they formed regulatory cascades, sub-networks and feedforward loops to elaborately control key metabolite processes, including primary and secondary metabolism, morphological differentiation and stress response. Moreover, interplay among ScbR, ScbR2 and other regulators revealed intricate cross talks between signalling pathways triggered by GBLs, antibiotics, nutrient availability and stress. Our work provides a global view on the specific responses that could be triggered by GBL and antibiotic signals in S. coelicolor, among which the main echo was the change of production profile of endogenous antibiotics and antibiotic signals manifested a role to enhance bacterial stress tolerance as well, shedding new light on GBL and antibiotic signalling networks widespread among streptomycetes.
A three-dimensional spin-diffusion model for micromagnetics
Authors: Abert Claas , Ruggeri Michele , Bruckner Florian , Vogler Christoph , Hrkac Gino , Praetorius Dirk , Suess Dieter
Published: October 2015

We solve a time-dependent three-dimensional spin-diffusion model coupled to the Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert equation numerically. The presented model is validated by comparison to two established spin-torque models: The model of Slonzewski that describes spin-torque in multi-layer structures in the presence of a fixed layer and the model of Zhang and Li that describes current driven domain-wall motion. It is shown that both models are incorporated by the spin-diffusion description, i.e., the nonlocal effects of the Slonzewski model are captured as well as the spin-accumulation due to magnetization gradients as described by the model of Zhang and Li. Moreover, the presented method is able to resolve the time dependency of the spin-accumulation.
Catalytic photoinduced electron transport across a lipid bilayer mediated by a membrane-soluble electron relay
Authors: Limburg B. , Bouwman E. , Bonnet S.
Published: October 2015

Unidirectional photocatalytic electron transfer from a hydrophilic electron donor encapsulated in the interior of a liposome, to a hydrophilic electron acceptor on the other side of the membrane, has been achieved using the simple membrane-soluble electron relay 1-methoxy-N-methylphenazinium (MMP+).
Time scale of dynamic heterogeneity in model ionic liquids and its relation to static length scale and charge distribution
Authors: Park Sang-Won , Kim Soree , Jung YounJoon
Published: October 2015

We find a general power-law behavior: , where ζdh ≈ 1.2 for all the ionic liquid models, regardless of charges and the length scale of structural relaxation.
Computational and carbon-13 NMR studies of Pt–C bonds in P–C–P pincer complexes
Authors: Jia Yu-Xiang , Yang Xiang-Yuan , Tay Wee Shan , Li Yongxin , Pullarkat Sumod A. , Xu Kai , Hirao Hajime , Leung Pak-Hing
Published: October 2015

Systematic X-ray analysis, 13C NMR spectroscopy and computational studies revealed the existence of Pt → C(aryl) π* back donation in P–C–P platinum(ii) pincer complexes.
Cobalt and copper pyridylmethylphosphonates with two- and three-dimensional structures and field-induced magnetic transitions
Authors: Yang Ting-Hai , Cai Zhong-Sheng , Shi Fa-Nian , Zheng Li-Min
Published: October 2015

Compounds [Co(4-pmp)] (1) and [Cu(4-pmp)(H2O)] (2) (4-pmp = 4-pyridylmethylphosphonate) with 2-D and 3-D structures are synthesized and characterized, which show metamagnetism at low temperature.
Impacts of terminal modification of [Ru(phen)2dppz]2+on the luminescence properties: a theoretical study
Authors: Gao Xing , Shi Shuo , Yao Jun-Liang , Zhao Juan , Yao Tian-Ming
Published: October 2015

Lowest singlet transitions were found to be related to the intriguing luminescence properties of three different dppz-like ruthenium(ii) complexes through a theoretical study.
A self-assembled bisoxazoline/Pd composite microsphere as an excellent catalyst for Suzuki–Miyaura coupling reactions
Authors: Wang Junke , Zong Yingxiao , Wang Xicun , Hu Yulai , Yue Guoren , Pan Yi
Published: October 2015

A palladium complex based on a novel oxazoline, a solid microsphere catalyst, was successfully prepared.
pH-modulated double LCST behaviors with diverse aggregation processes of random-copolymer grafted silica nanoparticles in aqueous solution
Authors: Chen Xiaolu , Sun Hui , Xu Jian , Han Xia , Liu Honglai , Hu Ying
Published: October 2015

Thermo-responsive hybrid nanoparticles composed of silica-core and poly(N,N-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate-co-N-isopropylacrylamide) P(DMAEMA-co-NIPAM) copolymer-shell were prepared through a one-pot ATRP technique.