bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reproductive interference can promote recurrent speciation
Authors: Yamaguchi Ryo , Iwasa Yoh
Published: June 2015

Many consequences of reproductive interference have important implications in biodiversity conservation policy. After briefly summarizing our comments on the articles in this special feature, we focus on the role of reproductive interference in speciation due to geographic isolation with only infrequent migration between islands (or island‐like habitats). As two isolated populations accumulate incompatible genes, they became genetically distinct. When a rare migration occurs from one island to the other, reproductive interference greatly affects its outcome. A paper in this special feature showed that either the migrant or resident population becomes extinct, presumably due to reproductive interference. However, we also found cases in which the migrant and resident populations evolved quickly to avoid mixing, either by character displacement or spatial segregation within the island. To improve our understanding of the dynamics of species diversity, theoretical modeling and empirical studies of reproductive interference immediately after invasion are important targets for future studies.
Selection of yeast strains for bioethanol production from UK seaweeds
Authors: Kostas Emily T. , White Daniel A. , Du Chenyu , Cook David J.
Published: June 2015

Macroalgae (seaweeds) are a promising feedstock for the production of third generation bioethanol, since they have high carbohydrate contents, contain little or no lignin and are available in abundance. However, seaweeds typically contain a more diverse array of monomeric sugars than are commonly present in feedstocks derived from lignocellulosic material which are currently used for bioethanol production. Hence, identification of a suitable fermentative microorganism that can utilise the principal sugars released from the hydrolysis of macroalgae remains a major objective. The present study used a phenotypic microarray technique to screen 24 different yeast strains for their ability to metabolise individual monosaccharides commonly found in seaweeds, as well as hydrolysates following an acid pre-treatment of five native UK seaweed species (Laminaria digitata, Fucus serratus, Chondrus crispus, Palmaria palmata and Ulva lactuca). Five strains of yeast (three Saccharomyces spp, one Pichia sp and one Candida sp) were selected and subsequently evaluated for bioethanol production during fermentation of the hydrolysates. Four out of the five selected strains converted these monomeric sugars into bioethanol, with the highest ethanol yield (13 g L−1) resulting from a fermentation using C. crispus hydrolysate with Saccharomyces cerevisiae YPS128. This study demonstrated the novel application of a phenotypic microarray technique to screen for yeast capable of metabolising sugars present in seaweed hydrolysates; however, metabolic activity did not always imply fermentative production of ethanol.
Comparison of coprological, immunological and molecular methods for the detection of dogs infected with Angiostrongylus vasorum before and after anthelmintic treatment
Authors: SCHNYDER M. , JEFFERIES R. , SCHUCAN A. , MORGAN E. R. , DEPLAZES P.
Published: June 2015

Timely diagnosis of the nematode Angiostrongylus vasorum in dogs is important in view of severe and permanent lung and cardiovascular lesions that may occur. The performance of the classical Baermann coprological method was compared with ELISAs for the serological detection of circulating antigen and specific antibodies and with Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) performed on EDTA blood, feces and tracheal swabs of serial samples from experimentally inoculated dogs over 13 weeks post inoculation (wpi) (n = 16) and following anthelmintic treatment (n = 6). Patency was observed from 6·7 to 7·6 wpi in all dogs, Baermann results were then mostly positive (116/119, 97%) during the patent period, with wide variations in the numbers of first stage larvae numbers. Blood PCR was tested positive on 1–2 occasions in 11/16 dogs in the pre-patent period, while all tested positive by antibody-detection ELISA by 6 wpi. The proportion of dogs testing positive by fecal PCR and antigen-detection ELISA rose early in the patent period. Tracheal swabs were occasionally DNA-positive in 3/16 dogs starting from 10 wpi. Following treatment, larval excretion stopped within 3 weeks and blood PCR results became negative within 1 week (5/6 dogs), while 4/6 dogs were positive for parasite DNA in tracheal swabs. Parasite antigen and specific antibodies both persisted in the blood for 3–9 weeks after treatment, with average optical densities and the proportion of positive dogs falling gradually, while results using other tests were much more variable. Results indicate that the earliest and most consistent results are obtained by the ELISAs, which can also be used for monitoring dogs after anthelmintic treatment.
Egg-specific expression of protein with DNA methyltransferase activity in the biocarcinogenic liver fluke Clonorchis sinensis
Authors: KIM SEON-HEE , CHO HYE-JEONG , SOHN WOON-MOK , AHN CHUN-SEOB , KONG YOON , YANG HYUN-JONG , BAE YOUNG-AN
Published: June 2015

Despite recent reports regarding the biology of cytosine methylation in Schistosoma mansoni, the impact of the regulatory machinery remains unclear in diverse platyhelminthes. This ambiguity is reinforced by discoveries of DNA methyltransferase 2 (DNMT2)-only organisms and the substrate specificity of DNMT2 preferential to RNA molecules. Here, we characterized a novel DNA methyltransferase, named CsDNMT2, in a liver fluke Clonorchis sinensis. The protein exhibited structural properties conserved in other members of the DNMT2 family. The native and recombinant CsDNMT2 exhibited considerable enzymatic activity on DNA. The spatiotemporal expression of CsDNMT2 mirrored that of 5-methylcytosine (5 mC), both of which were elevated in the C. sinensis eggs. However, CsDNMT2 and 5 mC were marginally detected in other histological regions of C. sinensis adults including ovaries and seminal receptacle. The methylation site seemed not related to genomic loci occupied by progenies of an active long-terminal-repeat retrotransposon. Taken together, our data strongly suggest that C. sinensis has preserved the functional DNA methylation machinery and that DNMT2 acts as a genuine alternative to DNMT1/DNMT3 to methylate DNA in the DNMT2-only organism. The epigenetic regulation would target functional genes primarily involved in the formation and/or maturation of eggs, rather than retrotransposons.
‘From the Land of the White Elephant through the Gay Cities of Europe and America’: Re-routing the World Tour of the Boosra Mahin Siamese Theatre Troupe (1900)
Authors: LEONHARDT NIC
Published: June 2015

Bangkok, Singapore, Paris, Vienna, Berlin, St Petersburg – some thirty performers of the Boosra Mahin Siamese Theatrical Troupe toured the world in 1900. Daily newspapers enthusiastically reported on the unprecedented shows of the performers ‘from the land of the white elephant’. After they disappeared from the map of theatre history, in 2010 Thai choreographer Pichet Klunchun ‘revives’ the troupe in his performance Nijinsky Siam. He follows their October 1900 St Petersburg show – the very performance attended by choreographer Mikhail Fokine and costume designer Léon Bakst, who later worked closely with Vaslav Nijinsky. In 1910, Nijinsky's La danse siamoise/Siamese Dance premiered at the Marinsky Theatre, St Petersburg. This article follows the routes of the Boosra Mahin Troupe on the basis of selected primary sources and from a global-historical perspective. In tracing the Boosra Mahin Troupe and their tours, the article not only maps their manifold routings and reroutings, but also advocates for the need for a global theatre historiography that puts past cultural entanglements and connected performance histories centre stage.
Genetic moderation of the association between adolescent romantic involvement and depression: Contributions of serotonin transporter gene polymorphism, chronic stress, and family discord
Authors: Starr Lisa R. , Hammen Constance
Published: June 2015

Studies support a link between adolescent romantic involvement and depression. Adolescent romantic relationships may increase depression risk by introducing chronic stress, and genetic vulnerability to stress reactivity/emotion dysregulation may moderate these associations. We tested genetic moderation of longitudinal associations between adolescent romantic involvement and later depressive symptoms by a polymorphism in the serotonin transporter linked polymorphic region gene (5-HTTLPR) and examined contributory roles of chronic stress and family discord. Three hundred eighty-one youth participated at ages 15 and 20. The results indicated that5-HTTLPRmoderated the association between age 15 romantic involvement and age 20 depressive symptoms, with strongest effects for short homozygotes. Conditional process analysis revealed that chronic stress functioned as a moderated mediator of this association, fully accounting for the romantic involvement–depression link among short/short genotypes. Also, romantic involvement predicted later depressive symptoms most strongly among short-allele carriers with high family discord. The results have important implications for understanding the romantic involvement–depression link and the behavioral and emotional correlates of the5-HTTLPRgenotype.
Parenting Support in England: The Bedding Down of a New Policy
Authors: Daly Mary , Bray Rachel
Published: June 2015

This article enquires into how parenting support, as concept, policy and provision, has penetrated the English social policy landscape, and critically considers why it has proved so popular with policy makers. It first outlines the existing policy configuration. The second section identifies some key factors precipitating the roll-out of parenting support and the third section takes an overview of the significance of the developments from a social and family policy perspective. The argument advanced is that the growth and expansion of parenting support is explained by a coming together of a set of political exigencies around ‘risk’ and the healthy child, and a set of policy ‘solutions’ which are seen to have high promise. In particular, parenting support has the advantage of being relatively easily generalisable (especially in the form of programmes) and aligns with several current developments of the welfare state, towards activation, provision of support through services and an interest in localism.
The Space in the Rules: Bureaucratic Discretion in the Administration of Ontario Works
Authors: Baker Collins Stephanie
Published: June 2015

One of the central lessons taken from the work of Michael Lipsky on street level bureaucracies is that street level bureaucrats make policy. Two resulting broad public policy concerns are the impact of street level decision making on public policy and the impact on citizens’ access to public services. This article reports on a study of the views of Ontario Works’ case managers on the nature of bureaucratic discretion in the setting of a highly rule bound provincial income assistance programme in Canada. The focus of this article is on case managers’ interaction with contradictory and complex policy directives. An argument is developed that in such a restrictive policy setting, meeting the goals of unswerving policy implementation and citizen access to public services may work at cross purposes.
Neuropsychological Predictors of the Clinical Response to Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy in Patients with Major Depression
Authors: Kundermann Bernd , Hemmeter-Spernal Julia , Strate Peter , Gebhardt Stefan , Huber Martin Tobias , Krieg Jürgen-Christian , Lautenbacher Stefan
Published: June 2015

Aim of the study was to identify neuropsychological predictors of the clinical response to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in patients with major depression. 19 unmedicated patients underwent neuropsychological testing at baseline and subsequently were assigned randomly to CBT over 3 weeks either as monotherapy or combined with sleep deprivation (SD) therapy (two nights of total SD / week). Hierarchical regression analysis revealed that parameters of declarative verbal memory and a word fluency task predicted the clinical response (percentage improvement of Hamilton depression scores) to CBT monotherapy, whereas no such prediction was obtained in the combination group. The results suggest that certain cognitive performances have a unique predictive value for the response to CBT, which appears to be abolished by additive treatments with cognitive side effects (e. g. SD).
Gestörte Frühschwangerschaft: Relevantes für die Praxis
Authors: Birindelli Esther , Fink Daniel
Published: June 2015

Die Frühschwangerschaft umfasst das 1. Trimenon und somit die Zeitspanne zwischen Konzeption und Abschluss der 12. SSW mit der embryonalen Implantation und Organogenese. Als gestört gilt eine Frühschwangerschaft, wenn sich der Embryo nicht korrekt intrauterin einnistet (extrauterine Gravidität EUG), sich nicht regelrecht (missed abortion) oder gar nicht (Windmole) entwickelt und es früher oder später zum Abort kommt. Als Spezialfall ist der «vanishing twin», als eine Form der missed abortion im Rahmen einer ursprünglichen Zwillingsschwangerschaft zu nennen. Selten kommt es zudem zu gestationsbedingten Trophoblasterkrankungen mit einer kompletten (keine fetalen Anteile) oder inkompletten (fetale Anteile nachweisbar) Blasenmole und den invasiven Molen als villöse Trophoblasterkrankungen sowie den nicht-villösen Trophoblasterkrankungen mit dem seltenen Chorionkarzinom.
Ikterus nach Kräuterwanderung
Authors: Sawatzki Mikael , Haller Christoph , Henz Samuel
Published: June 2015

Wir berichten über einen 44-jährigen gesunden Patienten mit schwerer akuter Hepatitis E. Im Rahmen der Kräuterwanderung ist es durch Verzehr von kontaminierten Wiesenkräutern über fäko-orale Übertragung zu den Symptomen der Hepatitis mit Ikterus, dunklem Urin, Gliederschmerzen und ausgeprägter Müdigkeit gekommen. Die Hepatitis E ist eine häufige Ursache für akute Hepatitis und Ikterus weltweit. In der Schweiz wird diese autochtone Infektion (mit einer Seroprävalenz bis zu 22%) z.B. über den Verzehr von Schweine- und Wildfleisch erworben. Die Klinik kann von asymptomatischen Patienten bis zum fulminanten Leberversagen führen. Es können nicht selten auch extrahepatische Symptome auftreten.
Association between the Perfusion/Diffusion and Diffusion/FLAIR Mismatch: Data from the AXIS2 Trial
Authors: Wouters Anke , Dupont Patrick , Ringelstein Erich B , Norrving Bo , Chamorro Angel , Grond Martin , Laage Rico , Schneider Armin , Wilms Guido , Thomalla Götz , Lemmens Robin , Thijs Vincent N
Published: June 2015

The perfusion-/diffusion-weighted imaging (PWI/DWI) mismatch and the diffusion/fluid attenuated inversion recovery (DWI/FLAIR) mismatch are magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) markers of evolving brain ischemia. We examined whether the DWI/FLAIR mismatch was independently associated with the PWI/DWI mismatch. Furthermore, we determined whether the presence of the DWI/FLAIR mismatch in patients with the PWI/DWI mismatch would provide additional information regarding last seen normal time (LTM). We used data from the ‘AX200 for ischemic stroke’ trial (AXIS 2 study NCT00927836). We studied the association between the presence of the DWI/FLAIR and PWI/DWI mismatch, baseline National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), age, ischemic-core volume, gender, intravenous (IV) tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), and perfusion-mismatch volume in univariate analysis.

Significant variables ( P < 0.05) were added into the final multivariate model. We analyzed 197 patients. Seventy-two (37%) had both the PWI/DWI and the DWI/FLAIR mismatch. Patients with the double mismatch pattern had a shorter LTM than patients with the PWI/DWI mismatch alone (Median difference 90 minutes, P < 0.01). Multivariate analysis confirmed the independent association between the two mismatch patterns (odds ratio (OR) 2.6, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.2 to 5.4). Our study implies that the DWI/FLAIR mismatch and PWI/DWI mismatch are strongly associated, independent from LTM. Furthermore, in the presence of the PWI/DWI mismatch, the DWI/FLAIR pattern indicates a shorter LTM. This could have implications in selecting patients for reperfusion therapy.
Hippocampal Complex Atrophy in Poststroke and Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Selnes Per , Grambaite Ramune , Rincon Mariano , Bjørnerud Atle , Gjerstad Leif , Hessen Erik , Auning Eirik , Johansen Krisztina , Almdahl Ina S , Due-Tønnessen Paulina , Vegge Kjetil , Bjelke Börje , Fladby Tormod
Published: June 2015

To investigate putative interacting or distinct pathways for hippocampal complex substructure (HCS) atrophy and cognitive affection in early-stage Alzheimer's disease (AD) and cerebrovascular disease (CVD), we recruited healthy controls, patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and poststroke patients. HCSs were segmented, and quantitative white-matter hyperintensity (WMH) load and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) amyloid-β concentrations were determined. The WMH load was higher poststroke. All examined HCSs were smaller in amyloid-positive MCI than in controls, and the subicular regions were smaller poststroke. Memory was reduced in amyloid-positive MCI, and psychomotor speed and executive function were reduced in poststroke and amyloid-positive MCI. Size of several HCS correlated with WMH load poststroke and with CSF amyloid-β concentrations in MCI. In poststroke and amyloid-positive MCI, neuropsychological function correlated with WMH load and hippocampal volume. There are similar patterns of HCS atrophy in CVD and early-stage AD, but different HCS associations with WMH and CSF biomarkers. WMHs add to hippocampal atrophy and the archetypal AD deficit delayed recall. In line with mounting evidence of a mechanistic link between primary AD pathology and CVD, these additive effects suggest interacting pathologic processes.
Region-Specific Cerebral Metabolic Alterations in Streptozotocin-Induced Type 1 Diabetic Rats: An in vivo Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Study
Authors: Zhang Hui , Huang Mingming , Gao Lifeng , Lei Hao
Published: June 2015

Clinical and experimental in vivo1H-magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) studies have demonstrated that type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is associated with cerebral metabolic abnormalities. However, less is known whether T1DM induces different metabolic disturbances in different brain regions. In this study, in vivo1H-MRS was used to measure metabolic alterations in the visual cortex, striatum, and hippocampus of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced uncontrolled T1DM rats at 4 days and 4 weeks after induction. It was observed that altered neuronal metabolism occurred in STZ-treated rats as early as 4 days after induction. At 4 weeks, T1DM-related metabolic disturbances were clearly region specific. The diabetic visual cortex had more or less normal-appearing metabolic profile; while the striatum and hippocampus showed similar abnormalities in neuronal metabolism involving N-acetyl aspartate and glutamate; but only the hippocampus exhibited significant changes in glial markers such as taurine and myo-inositol. It is concluded that cerebral metabolic perturbations in STZ-induced T1DM rats are region specific at 4 weeks after induction, perhaps as a manifestation of varied vulnerability among the brain regions to sustained hyperglycemia.
The Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase C385A Variant Affects Brain Binding of the Positron Emission Tomography Tracer [11C]CURB
Authors: Boileau Isabelle , Tyndale Rachel F , Williams Belinda , Mansouri Esmaeil , Westwood Duncan J , Foll Bernard Le , Rusjan Pablo M , Mizrahi Romina , De Luca Vincenzo , Zhou Qian , Wilson Alan A , Houle Sylvain , Kish Stephen J , Tong Junchao
Published: June 2015

The common functional single-nucleotide polymorphism (rs324420, C385A) of the endocannabinoid inactivating enzyme fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) has been associated with anxiety disorder relevant phenotype and risk for addictions. Here, we tested whether the FAAH polymorphism affects in vivo binding of the FAAH positron emission tomography (PET) probe [11C]CURB ([11C-carbonyl]-6-hydroxy-[1,10-biphenyl]-3-yl cyclohexylcarbamate (URB694)). Participants ( n = 24) completed one [11C]CURB/PET scan and were genotyped for rs324420. Relative to C/C (58%), A-allele carriers (42%) had 23% lower [11C]CURB binding ( λk3) in brain. We report evidence that the genetic variant rs324420 in FAAH is associated with measurable differences in brain FAAH binding as per PET [11C]CURB measurement.
Cardiovascular risk factors and small vessel disease of the brain: Blood pressure, white matter lesions, and functional decline in older persons
Authors: Abraham Hazel Mae A , Wolfson Leslie , Moscufo Nicola , Guttmann Charles R G , Kaplan Richard F , White William B
Published: June 2015

Several potential vascular risk factors exist for the development and accumulation of subcortical white matter disease in older people. We have reported that in older people followed for up to 4 years white matter hyperintensity (WMH) lesions on magnetic resonance imaging nearly doubled in volume and were associated with alterations in mobility and cognitive function. Herein we review the genetic, metabolic, and vascular risk factors that have been evaluated in association with the development and pathogenesis of WMH in older persons. Our research efforts have focused on systemic hypertension, particularly in the out-of-office setting as 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure (BP) has proven to be a stronger indicator of the progression of WMH in older people and the associated functional decline than doctor’s office BP. Based on relations between 24-hour systolic BP levels, the accrual of WMH, and functional decline, we have designed the INFINITY trial, the first interventional study to use ambulatory BP to guide antihypertensive therapy to address this problem in the geriatric population.
Total synthesis of tetraacylated phosphatidylinositol hexamannoside and evaluation of its immunomodulatory activity
Authors: Patil Pratap S. , Cheng Ting-Jen Rachel , Zulueta Medel Manuel L. , Yang Shih-Ting , Lico Larry S. , Hung Shang-Cheng
Published: June 2015

Tuberculosis, aggravated by drug-resistant strains and HIV co-infection of the causative agent Mycobacterium tuberculosis, is a global problem that affects millions of people. With essential immunoregulatory roles, phosphatidylinositol mannosides are among the cell-envelope components critical to the pathogenesis and survival of M. tuberculosis inside its host. Here we report the first synthesis of the highly complex tetraacylated phosphatidylinositol hexamannoside (Ac2PIM6), having stearic and tuberculostearic acids as lipid components. Our effort makes use of stereoelectronic and steric effects to control the regioselective and stereoselective outcomes and minimize the synthetic steps, particularly in the key desymmetrization and functionalization of myo-inositol. A short synthesis of tuberculostearic acid in six steps from the Roche ester is also described. Mice exposed to the synthesized Ac2PIM6 exhibit increased production of interleukin-4 and interferon-γ, and the corresponding adjuvant effect is shown by the induction of ovalbumin- and tetanus toxoid-specific antibodies.
Ionic transport through sub-10 nm diameter hydrophobic high-aspect ratio nanopores: experiment, theory and simulation
Authors: Balme Sébastien , Picaud Fabien , Manghi Manoel , Palmeri John , Bechelany Mikhael , Cabello-Aguilar Simon , Abou-Chaaya Adib , Miele Philippe , Balanzat Emmanuel , Janot Jean Marc
Published: June 2015

Fundamental understanding of ionic transport at the nanoscale is essential for developing biosensors based on nanopore technology and new generation high-performance nanofiltration membranes for separation and purification applications. We study here ionic transport through single putatively neutral hydrophobic nanopores with high aspect ratio (of lengthL = 6 μm with diameters ranging from 1 to 10 nm) and with a well controlled cylindrical geometry. We develop a detailed hybrid mesoscopic theoretical approach for the electrolyte conductivity inside nanopores, which considers explicitly ion advection by electro-osmotic flow and possible flow slip at the pore surface. By fitting the experimental conductance data we show that for nanopore diameters greater than 4 nm a constant weak surface charge density of about 10−2 C m−2needs to be incorporated in the model to account for conductance plateaus of a few pico-siemens at low salt concentrations. For tighter nanopores, our analysis leads to a higher surface charge density, which can be attributed to a modification of ion solvation structure close to the pore surface, as observed in the molecular dynamics simulations we performed.
Short term ex vivo storage of kidneys cause progressive nuclear ploidy changes of renal tubular epitheliocytes
Authors: Sun Huaibin , Tian Jun , Xian Wanhua , Xie Tingting , Yang Xiangdong
Published: June 2015

In renal transplantation, there has been considerable success, mainly in term of post-transplant graft function. However, upon closer scrutiny, it is known that severe dysfunction, including persistence of renal failure is seen after transplantation. The major condition that potentially cause significant lesion may be hypothesized to be related to the hypothermic approach to storage. To systematically examine these issues, we stored mammalian (sheep) kidneys in UWS at 4 °C for four different time points (0, 1, 3 and 6 hours). We obtained renal histological sections and examined tubular architecture as well as nuclear characteristics of tubular epitheliocytes. The results of our preliminary investigations suggest that there are temporal changes of tubular epitheliocytes, as well as genomic changes. These changes were also seen in tissues stored at room temperature. Our observations suggest the need for additional studies for redesigning of improvised storage solutions. Pilot studies using Celsior also revelaed similar kind of nuclear changes, suggesting that storage conditons are contributory, including perfusion versus static conditions. The results may explain persistence of tubular injury several days after orthotopic transplantation and may potentially be contributory to delayed graft function (DGF).
Residual force depression in single sarcomeres is abolished by MgADP-induced activation
Authors: Trecarten Neal , Minozzo Fabio C. , Leite Felipe S. , Rassier Dilson E.
Published: June 2015

The mechanisms behind the shortening-induced force depression commonly observed in skeletal muscles remain unclear, but have been associated with sarcomere length non-uniformity and/or crossbridge inhibition. The purpose of this study was twofold: (i) to evaluate if force depression is present in isolated single sarcomeres, a preparation that eliminates sarcomere length non-uniformities and (ii) to evaluate if force depression is inhibited when single sarcomeres are activated with MgADP, which biases crossbridges into a strongly-bound state. Single sarcomeres (n = 16) were isolated from rabbit psoas myofibrils using two micro-needles (one compliant, one rigid), piercing the sarcomere externally adjacent to the Z-lines. The sarcomeres were contracted isometrically and subsequently shortened, in both Ca2+- and MgADP-activating solutions. Shortening in Ca2+-activated samples resulted in a 27.44 ± 9.04% force depression when compared to isometric contractions produced at similar final sarcomere lengths (P < 0.001). There was no force depression in MgADP-activated sarcomeres (force depression = −1.79 ± 9.69%, P =  0.435). These results suggest that force depression is a sarcomeric property and that is associated with an inhibition of myosin-actin interactions.
CRISPR/Cas9-mediated reporter knock-in in mouse haploid embryonic stem cells
Authors: Kimura Yasuyoshi , Oda Masaaki , Nakatani Tsunetoshi , Sekita Yoichi , Monfort Asun , Wutz Anton , Mochizuki Hideki , Nakano Toru
Published: June 2015

Mouse parthenogenetic haploid embryonic stem cells (ESCs) are pluripotent cells generated from chemically activated oocytes. Haploid ESCs provide an opportunity to study the effect of genetic alterations because of their hemizygotic characteristics. However, their further application for the selection of unique phenotypes remains limited since ideal reporters to monitor biological processes such as cell differentiation are missing. Here, we report the application of CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knock-in of a reporter cassette, which does not disrupt endogenous target genes in mouse haploid ESCs. We first validated the system by inserting the P2A-Venus reporter cassette into the housekeeping gene locus. In addition to the conventional strategy using the Cas9 nuclease, we employed the Cas9 nickase and truncated sgRNAs to reduce off-target mutagenesis. These strategies induce targeted insertions with an efficiency that correlated with sgRNA guiding activity. We also engineered the neural marker gene Sox1 locus and verified the precise insertion of the P2A-Venus reporter cassette and its functionality by monitoring neural differentiation. Our data demonstrate the successful application of the CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knock-in system for establishing haploid knock-in ESC lines carrying gene specific reporters. Genetically modified haploid ESCs have potential for applications in forward genetic screening of developmental pathways.
Novel Handheld Magnetometer Probe Based on Magnetic Tunnelling Junction Sensors for Intraoperative Sentinel Lymph Node Identification
Authors: Cousins A. , Balalis G. L. , Thompson S. K. , Forero Morales D. , Mohtar A. , Wedding A. B. , Thierry B.
Published: June 2015

Using magnetic tunnelling junction sensors, a novel magnetometer probe for the identification of the sentinel lymph node using magnetic tracers was developed. Probe performance was characterised in vitro and validated in a preclinical swine model. Compared to conventional gamma probes, the magnetometer probe showed excellent spatial resolution of 4.0 mm and the potential to detect as few as 5 μg of magnetic tracer. Due to the high sensitivity of the magnetometer, all first-tier nodes were identified in the preclinical experiments and there were no instances of false positive or false negative detection. Furthermore, these preliminary data encourage the application of the magnetometer probe for use in more complex lymphatic environments, such as in gastrointestinal cancers, where the sentinel node is often in close proximity to other non-sentinel nodes and high spatial resolution detection is required.
Trans-generational responses to low pH depend on parental gender in a calcifying tubeworm
Authors: Lane Ackley , Campanati Camilla , Dupont Sam , Thiyagarajan Vengatesen
Published: June 2015

The uptake of anthropogenic CO2 emissions by oceans has started decreasing pH and carbonate ion concentrations of seawater, a process called ocean acidification (OA). Occurring over centuries and many generations, evolutionary adaptation and epigenetic transfer will change species responses to OA over time. Trans-generational responses, via genetic selection or trans-generational phenotypic plasticity, differ depending on species and exposure time as well as differences between individuals such as gender. Males and females differ in reproductive investment and egg producing females may have less energy available for OA stress responses. By crossing eggs and sperm from the calcareous tubeworm Hydroides elegans (Haswell, 1883) raised in ambient (8.1) and low (7.8) pH environments, we observed that paternal and maternal low pH experience had opposite and additive effects on offspring. For example, when compared to offspring with both parents from ambient pH, growth rates of offspring of fathers or mothers raised in low pH were higher or lower respectively, but there was no difference when both parents were from low pH. Gender differences may result in different selection pressures for each gender. This may result in overestimates of species tolerance and missed opportunities of potentially insightful comparisons between individuals of the same species.
Genome-Wide Association Studies of HIV-1 Host Control in Ethnically Diverse Chinese Populations
Authors: Wei Zejun , Liu Yang , Xu Heng , Tang Kun , Wu Hao , Lu Lin , Wang Zhe , Chen Zhengjie , Xu Junjie , Zhu Yufei , Hu Landian , Shang Hong , Zhao Guoping , Kong Xiangyin
Published: June 2015

Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have revealed several genetic loci associated with HIV-1 outcome following infection (e.g., HLA-C at 6p21.33) in multi-ethnic populations with genetic heterogeneity and racial/ethnic differences among Caucasians, African-Americans and Hispanics. To systematically investigate the inherited predisposition to modulate HIV-1 infection in Chinese populations, we performed GWASs in three ethnically diverse HIV-infected patients groups (i.e., HAN, YUN and XIN, N = 538). The reported loci at 6p21.33 was validated in HAN (e.g., rs9264942, P = 0.0018). An independent association signal (rs2442719, P = 7.85 × 10−7, HAN group) in the same region was observed. Imputation results suggest that haplotype HLA-B*13:02/C*06:02, which can partially account for the GWAS signal, is associated with lower viral load in Han Chinese. Moreover, several novel loci were identified using GWAS approach including the top association signals at 6q13 (KCNQ5, rs947612, P = 2.15 × 10−6), 6p24.1 (PHACTR1, rs202072, P = 3.8 × 10−6) and 11q12.3 (SCGB1D4, rs11231017, P = 7.39 × 10−7) in HAN, YUN and XIN groups, respectively. Our findings imply shared or specific mechanisms for host control of HIV-1 in ethnically diverse Chinese populations, which may shed new light on individualized HIV/AIDS therapy in China.
Robustness of plasmon phased array nanoantennas to disorder
Authors: Arango Felipe Bernal , Thijssen Rutger , Brenny Benjamin , Coenen Toon , Koenderink A. Femius
Published: June 2015

We present cathodoluminescence experiments that quantify the response of plasmonic Yagi-Uda antennas fabricated on one-dimensional silicon nitride waveguides as function of electron beam excitation position and emission wavelength. At the near-infrared antenna design wavelength cathodoluminescence signal robustly is strongest when exciting the antenna at the reflector element. Yet at just slightly shorter wavelengths the signal is highly variable from antenna to antenna and wavelength to wavelength. Hypothesizing that fabrication randomness is at play, we analyze the resilience of plasmon Yagi-Uda antennas to varations in element size of just 5 nm. While in our calculations the appearance of directivity is robust, both the obtained highest directivity and the wavelength at which it occurs vary markedly between realizations. The calculated local density of states is invariably high at the reflector for the design wavelength, but varies dramatically in spatial distribution for shorter wavelengths, consistent with the cathodoluminescence experiments.
Direct fluorescence quantification of sulfadiazine from quenching of novel functional monomer based molecularly imprinted polymers
Authors: Zhang Zhe , Li Ming , Shen Feng , Ren Xueqin
Published: June 2015

Novel fluorescent, molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) were synthesized to detect sulfadiazine (SDz), an antibiotic used in animals that produce food for human consumption.
A one-pot domino C–H, C–C activation in coumarins: a fast track to 2,3-diaryl benzo[b]furans
Authors: Khoobi Mehdi , Molaverdi Fatemeh , Jafarpour Farnaz , Abbasnia Masoumeh , Kubicki Maciej , Shafiee Abbas
Published: June 2015

An approach to synthesize 2,3-diaryl benzo[b]furans using coumarins and aryl bromides is developed.
A FRET-based ratiometric redox probe for detecting oxidative stress by confocal microscopy, FLIM and flow cytometry
Authors: Kaur Amandeep , Haghighatbin Mohammad A. , Hogan Conor F. , New Elizabeth J.
Published: June 2015

A FRET-based, ratiometric redox probe undergoes a fluorescence colour change upon reduction, and can be used to study cellular oxidative capacity using confocal microscopy, fluorescence lifetime imaging and flow cytometry.
Rh(iii)-catalyzed 7-azaindole synthesis via C–H activation/annulative coupling of aminopyridines with alkynes
Authors: Kim Yechan , Hong Sungwoo
Published: June 2015

An efficient Rh(iii)-catalyzed 7-azaindole synthesis was developed via C–H activation/annulative coupling of aminopyridines with alkynes.
Regular assembly of cage siloxanes by hydrogen bonding of dimethylsilanol groups
Authors: Sato Naoto , Kuroda Yoshiyuki , Abe Takuya , Wada Hiroaki , Shimojima Atsushi , Kuroda Kazuyuki
Published: June 2015

A new class of ordered silica-based materials has been prepared by assembly of cage siloxanes with hydrogen bonds of dimethylsilanol groups at their corners.
High selectivity ZIF-93 hollow fiber membranes for gas separation
Authors: Cacho-Bailo Fernando , Caro Guillermo , Etxeberría-Benavides Miren , Karvan Oğuz , Téllez Carlos , Coronas Joaquín
Published: June 2015

Aldehyde-functionalized ZIF-93 and P84 copolyimide facilitated a hollow fiber supported membrane with enhanced permselective properties in H2–CH4 and CO2–CH4 separation processes.
An effective route to the synthesis of carbonated apatite crystals with controllable morphologies and their growth mechanism
Authors: Shen Juan , Jin Bo , Hu Yamin , Jiang Qiying
Published: June 2015

CHAp powders with controllable morphologies and sizes were synthesized using HMT as a hydroxide anion-generating agent in a phosphate-surplus solution.
Negative ion states of 5-bromouracil and 5-iodouracil
Authors: Kossoski F. , Varella M. T. do N.
Published: June 2015

The valence anion states of the potential radiosensitisers 5-bromouracil and 5-iodouracil were investigated through elastic scattering calculations.
Phase changes of the water hexamer and octamer in the gas phase and adsorbed on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
Authors: Oliveira Luiz Fernando L. , Cuny Jérôme , Morinière Maxime , Dontot Léo , Simon Aude , Spiegelman Fernand , Rapacioli Mathias
Published: June 2015

We investigate thermodynamic properties of small water clusters adsorbed on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which are relevant systems in the context of astrophysical and atmospheric chemistry.
Miniaturized catalysis: monolithic, highly porous, large surface area capillary flow reactors constructed in situ from polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS)
Authors: Scholder P. , Nischang I.
Published: June 2015

A single-step molding process utilizing free-radical cross-linking reaction of vinyl POSS in microliter-sized dimensions leads to hierarchically-structured, mechanically robust, porous hybrid structures tailored for catalytic applications.
Defect chemistry in ferroelectric perovskites: long standing issues and recent advances
Authors: Maglione M. , Philippot G. , Levasseur D. , Payan S. , Aymonier C. , Elissalde C.
Published: June 2015

Accurate control of residual defect density is required for reliable investigation and use of ferroelectric materials.
The Ganges–Brahmaputra–Meghna delta system: biophysical models to support analysis of ecosystem services and poverty alleviation
Authors: Nicholls Robert J. , Whitehead Paul , Wolf Judith , Rahman Munsur , Salehin Mashfiqus
Published: June 2015

Introduction to the ESPA deltas themed issue of Environmental Science: Processes & Impacts.
Determination of plasma ignition threshold fluence during femtosecond single-shot laser ablation on metallic samples detected by optical emission spectroscopy
Authors: López-Claros Marina , Vadillo José M. , Laserna J. Javier
Published: June 2015

The minimum laser fluence needed for plasma ignition on a sample during single-shot femtosecond laser ablation has been determined for a set of metals and alloys.
Structural D/E-rich repeats play multiple roles especially in gene regulation through DNA/RNA mimicry
Authors: Chou Chia-Cheng , Wang Andrew H.-J.
Published: June 2015

D/E-rich proteins might be involved in DNA mimicry, mRNA processing and regulation of the transcription complex.
A genetically amenable platensimycin- and platencin-overproducer as a platform for biosynthetic explorations: a showcase of PtmO4, a long-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase
Authors: Rudolf Jeffrey D. , Dong Liao-Bin , Huang Tingting , Shen Ben
Published: June 2015

Platensimycin and platencin congeners from overproducing strains support PtmO4 as a long-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase catalyzing β-oxidation of the diterpenoid intermediates.
Magnetically recoverable chitosan-stabilised copper–iron oxide nanocomposite material as an efficient heterogeneous catalyst for azide–alkyne cycloaddition reactions
Authors: Chetia Mitali , Ali Abdul Aziz , Bhuyan Diganta , Saikia Lakshi , Sarma Diganta
Published: June 2015

Chitosan-stabilised copper–iron oxide nanocomposite material is found to be a very efficient recyclable/reusable heterogeneous catalyst for azide–alkyne cycloaddition reactions under mild conditions.
Graphene oxide monolayers as atomically thin seeding layers for atomic layer deposition of metal oxides
Authors: Nourbakhsh Amirhasan , Adelmann Christoph , Song Yi , Lee Chang Seung , Asselberghs Inge , Huyghebaert Cedric , Brizzi Simone , Tallarida Massimo , Schmeißer Dieter , Van Elshocht Sven , Heyns Marc , Kong Jing , Palacios Tomás , De Gendt Stefan
Published: June 2015

Graphene oxide was explored as an atomically-thin transferable seed layer for the ALD of metal–oxides.
Melt-grafting for the synthesis of core–shell nanoparticles with ultra-high dispersant density
Authors: Zirbs Ronald , Lassenberger Andrea , Vonderhaid Iris , Kurzhals Steffen , Reimhult Erik
Published: June 2015

A grafting method that produces melt-like densities of stabilizing PEG-brushes on superparamagnetic nanoparticles, e.g. for biomedical applications.
Towards mechanically robust cellulose fiber-reinforced polypropylene composites with strong interfacial interaction through dual modification
Authors: Wang Shuman , Lin Yifeng , Zhang Xinxing , Lu Canhui
Published: June 2015

Strong interfacial interaction between bamboo cellulose fiber (BCF) and a polymeric matrix is very important to improve the mechanical properties of cellulose fiber-reinforced polymeric composites.
High rate capabilities of Li4Ti5−xVxO12 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.3) anode materials prepared by a sol–gel method for use in power lithium ion batteries
Authors: Chang Chien-Min , Chen Yi-Chih , Ma Wei-Lun , Chen-Yang Yui Whei
Published: June 2015

The electrochemical performance results show that the highest capacities, 208 (0.2 C), 198 (0.5 C), 189 (1 C), 179 (2 C), 157 mA h g−1 (5 C), are obtained from the LTOV06 electrode, which are higher than those of the LTO electrodes reported.
Fabrication of pH sensitive microcapsules using soft templates and their application to drug release
Authors: Yang Fan , Ma Shenghua , Zong Wei , Luo Nan , Lv Minlan , Hu Ying , Zhou Lili , Han Xiaojun
Published: June 2015

The schematic depiction of the process preparing hollow microcapsules and drug loading via layer-by-layer assembly technique.
Pyridoxal-thiosemicarbazide: its anion sensing ability and application in living cells imaging
Authors: Sharma Darshna , Moirangthem Anuradha , Kumar Rajender , Ashok Kumar S. K. , Kuwar Anil , Callan John F. , Basu Anupam , Sahoo Suban K.
Published: June 2015

A new anion selective chemosensor L was derived through a direct condensation reaction between pyridoxal and thiosemicarbazide.
Zwitterionic SiO2 nanoparticles as novel additives to improve the antifouling properties of PVDF membranes
Authors: Zhu Jing , Zhao Xinzhen , He Chunju
Published: June 2015

Zwitterionic SiO2 nanoparticles exhibit great potential for improving the antifouling performance of hydrophobic PVDF membranes.
The plasticized spinning and cyclization behaviors of functionalized carbon nanotube/polyacrylonitrile fibers
Authors: Li Xiang , Ji Xiaofei , Qin Aiwen , He Chunju
Published: June 2015

The plasticized spinning and cyclization behaviors of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) and polyacrylonitrile/functionalized carbon nanotube (PAN/CNT-COOH) composite fibers were studied.
Structural characterization of metal dopants (M = Ag or Au) in trimetallic M–Pd–Pt clusters
Authors: Wu Xia , Liu Qiman , Sun Yan , Wu Genhua
Published: June 2015

The number of Ag and Au bonds in M10PdnPt24−n (M = Ag and Au, n = 1–23) clusters is shown, and the motifs of M25Pd15Pt35 clusters are plotted.
Fabrication and characterization of high efficiency and stable Ag3PO4/TiO2nanowire array heterostructure photoelectrodes for the degradation of methyl orange under visible light irradiation
Authors: Jin Bei , Zhou Xiaosong , Luo Jin , Xu Xuyao , Ma Lin , Huang Dongyan , Shao Zilun , Luo Zhihui
Published: June 2015

Ag3PO4/TiO2nanowire array heterostructure photoelectrodes with excellent photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical properties under visible light are prepared.
Scalable large nanosheets of transition metal disulphides through exfoliation of amine intercalated MS2 [M = Mo, W] in organic solvents
Authors: Jeffery A. Anto , Nethravathi C. , Rajamathi Michael
Published: June 2015

Amine intercalated MS2 exfoliate in organic solvents to give large 2D nanosheets.
Rational design of a fluopyram hapten and preparation of bioconjugates and antibodies for immunoanalysis
Authors: Ceballos-Alcantarilla E. , Agulló C. , Abad-Fuentes A. , Abad-Somovilla A. , Mercader J. V.
Published: June 2015

A fluopyram mimicking hapten was designed, immunochemically active bioconjugates were produced and high-affinity and specific antibodies to fluopyram were generated.
Photo-catalytic deactivation of sulfate reducing bacteria – a comparative study with different catalysts and the preeminence of Pd-loaded WO3nanoparticles
Authors: Gondal Mohammed A. , Dastageer Mohamed A. , Khalil Amjad B. , Rashid Siddique G. , Baig Umair
Published: June 2015

Photo-catalytic deactivation of SRB with pure and palladium loaded photo-catalysts was carried out and their relative efficiencies are compared.
Self-assembling 1D core/shell microrods by the introduction of additives: a one-pot and shell-tunable method
Authors: Xu Jun , Yu Hongde , Yang Liulin , Wu Guanglu , Wang Zhiqiang , Wang Dong , Zhang Xi
Published: June 2015

A one-pot method for the fabrication of 1D core/shell microrods with tunable shell compositions by the introduction of additives.
Friction of polymer hydrogels studied by resonance shear measurements
Authors: Ren Huai-Yin , Mizukami Masashi , Tanabe Tadao , Furukawa Hidemitsu , Kurihara Kazue
Published: June 2015

The friction between an elastomer and a hard surface typically has two contributors, i.e., the interfacial and deformation components.
RuTe/M (M = Pt, Pd) nanoparticle nanotubes with enhanced electrocatalytic activity
Authors: Hong Wei , Wang Jin , Wang Erkang
Published: June 2015

A general strategy to synthesize multicomponent RuTe/M (M = Pt, Pd, PdPt, PdAu) nanoparticle nanotubes with enhanced electrocatalytic activity is demonstrated.
Ionic liquid–water mixtures and ion gels as electrolytes for organic electrochemical transistors
Authors: Yi Zhihui , Natale Giovanniantonio , Kumar Prajwal , Mauro Eduardo Di , Heuzey Marie-Claude , Soavi Francesca , Perepichka Iryna I. , Varshney Sunil K. , Santato Clara , Cicoira Fabio
Published: June 2015

Electrolytes consisting of mixtures of phosphonium ionic liquids and water lead to high ON/OFF ratios in organic electrochemical transistors making use of activated carbon gates.
Compact planar UWB MIMO antenna with on‐demand WLAN rejection
Authors: Khan M.S. , Capobianco A.D. , Naqvi A. , Shafique M.F. , Ijaz B. , Braaten B.D.
Published: June 2015

Presented are two different frequency reconfigurable ultra‐wideband multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) antenna array designs capable of rejecting on‐demand all WLAN communications in the 4.8 to 6.2 GHz range. Both arrays consist of two monopole UWB radiators placed orthogonally with respect to each other to introduce polarisation diversity and a quarter‐wave stub connected to the ground plane via pin diodes is used to introduce the on‐demand band rejection feature. One array design has separate ground planes and the other has two ground planes connected with a printed conductor (i.e. shared). For both cases, an isolation better than 20 dB between the elements is achieved in the 2 to 12 GHz frequency range with simulations and a manufactured prototype.