bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EDITORIAL FOREWORD
Authors: Khater Akram , Culang Jeffrey
Published: April 2016

This issue is focused on reframing analytical categories in ways different from how scholars have used them, and mechanisms of power in juxtaposition to how states intended them. We open with two articles on “Reading in Translation.” Anne-Marie E. McManus's “Scale in the Balance: Reading with the International Prize for Arabic Fiction (‘The Arabic Booker’)” focuses on the International Prize for Arabic Fiction, or IPAF. Founded in 2007 with funding from Dubai and based on the more well-known Man Booker Prize, the IPAF is awarded to one Arabic novel each year. The prize supports that novel's translation into English and catapults it from the national domain into a global marketplace of readers whose reading practices, McManus suggests, have already been shaped by the postcolonial Anglophone novel. Arguing that methods inherited from postcolonial studies are inadequate for addressing these modes of reading and interpretation (i.e., the national and the global), McManus develops a comparative “scale-based method” combining insights from postcolonial and world literary theory and from area studies, which she brings to bear on two IPAF-winning Egyptian novels: Bahaʾ Taher's Wahat al-Ghurub (Sunset Oasis) and Saud Alsanousi’s Saq al-Bambu (The Bamboo Stalk). In her analysis of these literary works, McManus shows us why “a stark either/or between national and world literary frames . . . cannot apprehend the ways in which a movement between them is institutionalized in bodies such as the IPAF, nor can it grapple with the implications for reading.” “Reading with the IPAF,” she suggests, requires instead “a resituation of national frames, institutionally and hermeneutically, within the nodal relation the IPAF represents.”
THE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN'S FOREIGN POLICY AND CONSTRUCTION JIHAD'S DEVELOPMENTAL ACTIVITIES IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA
Authors: Lob Eric
Published: April 2016

This article adopts the theoretical framework of complex realism to trace the evolution of the Islamic Republic of Iran's foreign policy and developmental activities in Africa between the 1980s and the 2000s. Contrary to common assumptions, the deradicalization of the Islamic Republic's foreign policy in Africa began not under the moderates in the early 1990s, but under the conservatives in the mid-1980s. This period marked the first time that the Islamic Republic instrumentalized development to advance its strategic interests in Africa—a policy that has continued despite the factionalization of Iran's political elite. Based on one year of archival research and interviews in Iran, this article is the first to investigate the history and activities of the Islamic Republic's rural development organization, Construction Jihad, in Africa. It posits that development, instead of arms or ideology, has enabled Iran to make the farthest inroads into the continent due to Africa's sizeable agrarian economies, widespread rural poverty, and formidable developmental challenges.
A COMMENT ON KIOUMARS GHEREGHLOU'S REVIEW OF RUDI MATTHEE, PERSIA IN CRISIS: SAFAVID DECLINE AND THE FALL OF ISFAHAN (IJMES 47 [2015]: 815–18)
Authors: Matthee Rudi
Published: April 2016

Criticism arising from disagreement is what advances debate, making scholarship progress. A critical review therefore should leave an author unperturbed—as long as it is honest and fair. Kioumars Ghereghlou's review of my book Persia in Crisis: Safavid Decline and the Fall of Isfahan is neither. Rather than engaging in a serious and substantive discussion of the book's content and argument, it offers a string of innuendo-filled swipes and tendentious statements reflecting a prickly type of modern identity politics. I thus feel compelled to respond.
A COMMENT ON ALI YAYCIOĞLU'S REVIEW OF TIMUR KURAN, ED., SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC LIFE IN SEVENTEENTH-CENTURY ISTANBUL: GLIMPSES FROM COURT RECORDS, VOLS. 1–10 (IJMES 47 [2015]: 625–27)
Authors: Kuran Timur
Published: April 2016

The August 2015 issue of IJMES reviews a ten-volume compilation of 17th-century Istanbul court records, issued between 2010 and 2013 under my editorship. The review offers useful quibbles that highlight differences between the priorities of historians and those of analytical social scientists. These comments fall within the boundaries of healthy academic discourse.
The Sanskrit Udānavarga and the Tocharian B Udānastotra: a window on the relationship between religious and popular language on the northern Silk Road
Authors: Peyrot Michaël
Published: April 2016

The majority of the Sanskrit Buddhist manuscripts from the northern part of the Tarim Basin in present-day Xinjiang (China) were found in an area where the local languages Tocharian A and B were spoken. In this article, the interplay of Sanskrit, the religious language, and Tocharian, the popular language, is investigated based on the example of the relationship between the Sanskrit Udānavarga and the Tocharian B Udānastotra. To this end, a reconstruction of the text of the introduction to the Udānastotra is attempted, which forms the transition from the Udānavarga to the Udānastotra proper. It is argued that this Tocharian B text was found in otherwise Sanskrit manuscripts, which suggests that speakers of Tocharian preferred certain doctrinal texts in Sanskrit.
I.—On Kuiper's Theory of the Origin of the Solar System
Authors: ter Haar D.
Published: April 2016

Synopsis

Kuiper's recent theory of the origin of the solar system is criticised on several grounds. Firstly, it is pointed out that the empirical relation between the ratio of the masses of two consecutive planets (satellites) on the one hand and the ratio of their distances from the sun (primary) on the other hand is not the one discussed by Kuiper. Secondly, it is shown that the densities needed for a successful application of Kuiper's theory are probably not attained in the system considered by him. Finally, some other points are discussed which enter into most theories about the origin of the solar system.
Mood Induction Procedure: Importance of Individualising Music
Authors: Carter Frances A. , Wilson Jenny S. , Lawson Rachel H. , Bulik Cynthia M.
Published: April 2016

Studies examining the musical mood induction procedure (MMIP) currently typically involve the experimenter preselecting a piece of music for use with all subjects. This assumes that the same piece of music will be equally effective at eliciting low mood for all subjects. The validity of this assumption was evaluated among 12 bulimic and 12 control women. Subjects listened to seven preselected pieces of music and rated them according to how likely it would be that the piece of music would help them to lower their mood / feel sad. Analysis showed that subjects were highly individual in their responses, and that it could not be assumed that the same piece of music would be equally effective at eliciting low mood across subjects.
Learning to Govern Oneself: Environmental Education Pedagogy and the Formation of an Environmental Subject
Authors: Ferreira Jo-Anne
Published: April 2016

This paper uses the work of Weber and Foucault to explore the ways in which environmental education may operate as a site for forming and maintaining particular ethical competencies which most environmental educators argue are necessary in order to live in an ‘environmentally sustainable' manner. Environmental education practices, as evidenced in the Earthkeepers program, are examined to show how environmental education may be working in quite particular ways to construct specific ethical abilities and competencies in students. It is argued that we need to be far more concerned with and aware of the actual means we use to encourage students to live in an ‘environmentally sustainable' fashion.
Famous English Canon Lawyers: X Sir Robert Phillimore, QC, DCL († 1885) and the Last Practising Doctors of Law
Authors: Baker J. H.
Published: April 2016

At the time of the sale of Doctors' Commons in 1865. there were twenty-seven surviving members of the Society of Doctors of Law, some of whom were retired from practice. Five of them (Adams. Deane, Harding, Phillimore and Twiss) had been given silk in 1858, after the loss of their monopoly of audience, and in the case of Dr Adams this set a precedent for granting that rank to a law graduate who was not a barrister. (The precedent was followed in the case of Dr Tristram in 1881.) The other Civilian silks had long before taken the precaution of being called to the common-law Bar—as had fourteen of the twenty-seven advocates mentioned above—and a few were benchers of their inns. Dr Spinks had been admitted and called to the Bar by the Inner Temple in 1858, but did not take silk until 1866. A partial assimilation had thus began, as a prelude to extinction.
The General Synod of the Church of England
Authors: Slack Stephen
Published: April 2016

The principal item of legislative business at the July Group of Sessions was the Church of England (Pensions) Measure, which had received final approval in November 2001 (see 6 Ecc LJ 298). On its submission to the Ecclesiastical Committee of Parliament, the Committee indicated that it opposed the inclusion of a power (exercisable by statutory instrument passed under the negative resolution procedure) to extend beyond 2011 the power enjoyed by the Church Commissioners under the Pensions Measure 1997 to spend capital to meet their pre-1998 pensions liabilities. The Ecclesiastical Committee preferred that any further extension of that power should be achieved by a fresh Measure.
Famous English Canon Lawyers I
Authors: Baker J. H.
Published: April 2016

Given the prominence accorded to doctrinal authority in the earlier canon law, it is natural that most famous canonists achieved their fame through their writings. Although the leading writers were often also judges and men of affairs, it was possible to lead an active life in the practice of the canon law without leaving any identifiable mark on history. To this general principle Bishop Bateman constitutes a remarkable exception: distinguished judge, leading figure in the Curia at Avignon, and patron of legal studies in Cambridge, he left several marks on history which entitle him, though not known as a writer, to be classed with the greatest English canon lawyers.
The British attempt to manage long-term interest rates in 1962–1964
Authors: Allen William A.
Published: April 2016

The British monetary authorities tried to encourage lower long-term interest rates through their government debt management operations between 1962 and 1964, following the Radcliffe report's recommendation that they should have an objective for long-term rates, and with the intention of supporting the government's pursuit of faster economic growth. The implementation of the policy was complicated by the Bank of England's role as a market maker in the government securities market, and beset by misunderstandings among the monetary authorities. The policy was abandoned when the conditions of strong market demand for bonds on which it depended changed. The article describes how the policy was developed and implemented, and the impact of political preferences on it.
Success and Complication Rates with Prehospital Placement of an Esophageal-Tracheal Combitube as a Rescue Airway
Authors: Calkins Thomas R. , Miller Ken , Langdorf Mark I.
Published: April 2016

Introduction:

Previous studies have proven the success of the EsophagealTracheal Combitube (ETC) as a primary airway, but not as a rescue airway.

Objective:

The object of this study was to observe success and complication rates of paramedic placement of an ETC as a rescue airway, and to compare success rates with endotracheal tube (ETT) intubation. The primary outcome indicator was placement with successful ventilation. Complication rates, esophageal placement, and return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) were secondary measures.

Methods:

A retrospective review of the records of patients who had ETC attempts by Emergency Medical Services (EMS) was conducted for a period of three years. Complications were defined a priori. The ETC is used primarily as rescue airway for a failed attempt at an endotracheal tube (ETT) intubation. A control group for ETT placements was drawn from the EMS quality assurance (QA) database for the same period.

Results:

Esophageal-Tracheal Combitube insertion was attempted on 162 patients, of which, 113 (70%) were successful, 46 (28%) failed, and the outcome of three (2%) was not recorded. Inability to place the ETC occurred in 29 (18%) patients, and accounted for 48% (22/46) of failures. The use of the ETC caused dental trauma in one patient, and one placement of the ETC was related to the onset of subcutaneous emphysema. Blood in the ETC from active upper gatrointestinal bleeding occurred in nine patients (6%), and four tubes (3%) became dislodged en route to the hospital. The a priori complication rate was 44/162 (27%). Inability to determine placement of the ETC due to emesis from both ports occurred in 21 cases. Combining these problems with the a priori complications, the overall rate was 40% (65/162). EsophagealTracheal Combitube location was noted in a subset of 90 charts, of which, 76 (84%) were esophageal, and 14 (16%) were tracheal. Thirteen of 126 (10%) patients in cardiac arrest had return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) in the field after placement of the ETC. An ETT was attempted in 128 control patients, of which, 107 (84%) were successful, 21 (16%) failed (odds ratio (OR) for ETT vs. ETC = 2.1; 95% CI = 1.12–3.86).

Conclusion:

Despite a low ROSC rate, the complication and success rates of ETC are acceptable for a rescue airway device. Tracheal placement of the Combitube is uncommon, but requires fail-safe discrimination. Similar to previous reports, the success ratio for ETT was greater than for the ETC.
Mass Gathering Medical Care: A Twenty-Five Year Review
Authors: Michael John A. , Barbera Joseph A.
Published: April 2016

Introduction:

The purpose of this study was to critically review the provision of medical care at mass gatherings as described in 25 years of case reports. Specifically measured was the relationship between the size of a mass gathering and the frequency of patients seeking medical aid and the effects of certain event characteristics on this relationship.

Methods:

Data were obtained through a retrospective literature review. Medline and CINHAL computerized databases were searched for English language articles using several keywords: “mass gathering”, “concert”, “festival”, “Olympics”, “crowd”, “riot”, “stadium”, “sports”, “games”, “papal”, and “football”. Only articles containing complete information on the number of spectators, number of patients, type, location, and duration of the mass gathering were included in the primary analysis. As available, additional information was added including the described weather patterns, number of patients transported to a hospital, and number of patients suffering a cardiac arrest. Thirty-five of the approximately 100 articles reviewed, met these criteria.

Results:

A Spearman Rank Correlation Coefficient was calculated for number of spectators and patients and a significant relationship was identified (p = 0.0001). Mann-Whitney U-tests indicated that papal masses (p = 0.04), rock concerts (p = 0.005), hot climatic conditions (p = 0.03) and events held in the British Commonwealth (p = 0.03) had a significantly higher frequency of patient visits. Significantly more cardiac arrests occurred at papal masses (p = 0.04) and sporting events (p = 0.0002).

Conclusion:

Type of event, country, weather, and the size of the mass gathering had a significant effect on the numbers of spectators seeking medical care. A uniform classification scheme is necessary for future prospective studies of mass gatherings.
Clinical Features and Treatment Characteristics of Compulsive Hoarding in Japanese Patients with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Authors: Matsunaga Hisato , Hayashida Kazuhisa , Kiriike Nobuo , Nagata Toshihiko , Stein Dan J.
Published: April 2016

ABSTRACT

Introduction:

Compulsive hoarding has been studied primarily in Western countries. Here we sought to examine compulsive hoarding in Japanese patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The heterogeneous nature of hoarding was also investigated.

Methods:

One hundred and sixty-eight OCD outpatients were initially assessed to determine the presence or absence of compulsive hoarding, and whether hoarding was primary or secondary to another symptom dimension for which they had received treatment for 1 year.

Results:

Of the participants, 54 patients were found to have compulsive hoarding. Hoarders were significantly more likely than non-hoarding patients to have more severe psychopathology including elevated severity of OCD symptoms, poorer insight, higher prevalence of comorbid schizotypal or obsessive-compulsive personality disorder, closer association with symmetry dimension, and poorer treatment outcome. Comparisons of subjects with primary and secondary hoarding found that the former group had more severe clinical features, while the latter group hoarded a wider variety of items, including apparently bizarre ones.

Conclusion:

The prevalence and clinical characteristics of compulsive hoarding in OCD subjects was similar to those reported in Western countries, supporting its trans-cultural consistency. The distinction between primary and secondary hoarding in OCD is clinically useful, and may contribute to the debate about whether hoarding should be a separate diagnostic entity.
Coupling Atom Probe Tomography with Aberration-Corrected Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy and First-Principles Computations to Investigate Omega Precipitation in Titanium Alloys
Authors: Nag S. , Devaraj A. , Gupta N. , Williams R. , Srivilliputhur S. , Fraser H.L. , Banerjee R.
Published: April 2016

Extended abstract of a paper presented at Microscopy and Microanalysis 2013 in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, August 4 – August 8, 2013.
X-Ray Absorption Correction for Quantitative Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopic Energy-Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy of Spherical Nanoparticles
Authors: Slater Thomas , Chen Yiqiang , Auton Gregory , Zaluzec Nestor , Haigh Sarah
Published: April 2016

A new method to perform X-ray absorption correction for spherical particles in quantitative energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy in the scanning transmission electron microscope is presented. An absorption correction factor is derived and simulated data is presented encompassing a range of X-ray absorption conditions. Theoretical calculations are compared with experimental data of X-ray counts from Au nanoparticles to verify the derived methodology. The effect of detector elevation angle is considered and a comparison with thin-film absorption correction is included.
Switchable bandpass filter using CRLH cells based on a new kind of admittance inverter
Authors: Keshavarzi Samaneh , Atlasbaf Zahra
Published: April 2016

In this paper, a new kind of admittance inverter and design of a switchable microstrip bandpass filter using composite right/left-handed (CRLH) cells has been presented. The proposed filter has two states (or passbands). One of the two passbands, is accessible at each time by on/off state of three PIN diodes. This filter is a three-pole, coupled resonator filter, composed of short-circuited shunt resonators. These resonators are coupled using admittance inverters. With regard to the characteristics of the equivalent circuit of CRLH cells, a new structure of admittance inverter (J-inverter) has been introduced. This novel J-inverter has PI-section equivalent circuit and it consists of both inductive and capacitive elements. In our work, the proposed J-inverter was mathematically studied and the switchable filter was simulated and implemented. The results of simulations for the first and second state of the filter, which are frequency bands of (Δ1 = 0.11 and f1 = 1.26 GHz) and (Δ2 = 0.12 and f2 = 1.5 GHz), are verified by measurements.
Tide Pools Mimic Climate Change in Everyday Cycle
Authors: Wendel JoAnna
Published: April 2016

Researchers unexpectedly discovered that tiny shoreline ecosystems act as miniature laboratories in which ocean acidification and its effects play out nightly.
KCa3.1 inhibition switches the phenotype of glioma-infiltrating microglia/macrophages
Authors: Grimaldi A , D'Alessandro G , Golia M T , Grössinger E M , Di Angelantonio S , Ragozzino D , Santoro A , Esposito V , Wulff H , Catalano M , Limatola C
Published: April 2016

Among the strategies adopted by glioma to successfully invade the brain parenchyma is turning the infiltrating microglia/macrophages (M/MΦ) into allies, by shifting them toward an anti-inflammatory, pro-tumor phenotype. Both glioma and infiltrating M/MΦ cells express the Ca2+-activated K+ channel (KCa3.1), and the inhibition of KCa3.1 activity on glioma cells reduces tumor infiltration in the healthy brain parenchyma. We wondered whether KCa3.1 inhibition could prevent the acquisition of a pro-tumor phenotype by M/MΦ cells, thus contributing to reduce glioma development. With this aim, we studied microglia cultured in glioma-conditioned medium or treated with IL-4, as well as M/MΦ cells acutely isolated from glioma-bearing mice and from human glioma biopsies. Under these different conditions, M/MΦ were always polarized toward an anti-inflammatory state, and preventing KCa3.1 activation by 1-[(2-Chlorophenyl)diphenylmethyl]-1H-pyrazole (TRAM-34), we observed a switch toward a pro-inflammatory, antitumor phenotype. We identified FAK and PI3K/AKT as the molecular mechanisms involved in this phenotype switch, activated in sequence after KCa3.1. Anti-inflammatory M/MΦ have higher expression levels of KCa3.1 mRNA (kcnn4) that are reduced by KCa3.1 inhibition. In line with these findings, TRAM-34 treatment, in vivo, significantly reduced the size of tumors in glioma-bearing mice. Our data indicate that KCa3.1 channels are involved in the inhibitory effects exerted by the glioma microenvironment on infiltrating M/MΦ, suggesting a possible role as therapeutic targets in glioma.
GATA3 induces human T-cell commitment by restraining Notch activity and repressing NK-cell fate
Authors: Van de Walle Inge , Dolens Anne-Catherine , Durinck Kaat , De Mulder Katrien , Van Loocke Wouter , Damle Sagar , Waegemans Els , De Medts Jelle , Velghe Imke , De Smedt Magda , Vandekerckhove Bart , Kerre Tessa , Plum Jean , Leclercq Georges , Rothenberg Ellen V. , Van Vlierberghe Pieter , Speleman Frank , Taghon Tom
Published: April 2016

The gradual reprogramming of haematopoietic precursors into the T-cell fate is characterized by at least two sequential developmental stages. Following Notch1-dependent T-cell lineage specification during which the first T-cell lineage genes are expressed and myeloid and dendritic cell potential is lost, T-cell specific transcription factors subsequently induce T-cell commitment by repressing residual natural killer (NK)-cell potential. How these processes are regulated in human is poorly understood, especially since efficient T-cell lineage commitment requires a reduction in Notch signalling activity following T-cell specification. Here, we show that GATA3, in contrast to TCF1, controls human T-cell lineage commitment through direct regulation of three distinct processes: repression of NK-cell fate, upregulation of T-cell lineage genes to promote further differentiation and restraint of Notch activity. Repression of the Notch1 target gene DTX1 hereby is essential to prevent NK-cell differentiation. Thus, GATA3-mediated positive and negative feedback mechanisms control human T-cell lineage commitment.
Directed elimination of senescent cells by inhibition of BCL-W and BCL-XL
Authors: Yosef Reut , Pilpel Noam , Tokarsky-Amiel Ronit , Biran Anat , Ovadya Yossi , Cohen Snir , Vadai Ezra , Dassa Liat , Shahar Elisheva , Condiotti Reba , Ben-Porath Ittai , Krizhanovsky Valery
Published: April 2016

Senescent cells, formed in response to physiological and oncogenic stresses, facilitate protection from tumourigenesis and aid in tissue repair. However, accumulation of such cells in tissues contributes to age-related pathologies. Resistance of senescent cells to apoptotic stimuli may contribute to their accumulation, yet the molecular mechanisms allowing their prolonged viability are poorly characterized. Here we show that senescent cells upregulate the anti-apoptotic proteins BCL-W and BCL-XL. Joint inhibition of BCL-W and BCL-XL by siRNAs or the small-molecule ABT-737 specifically induces apoptosis in senescent cells. Notably, treatment of mice with ABT-737 efficiently eliminates senescent cells induced by DNA damage in the lungs as well as senescent cells formed in the epidermis by activation of p53 through transgenic p14ARF. Elimination of senescent cells from the epidermis leads to an increase in hair-follicle stem cell proliferation. The finding that senescent cells can be eliminated pharmacologically paves the way to new strategies for the treatment of age-related pathologies.
Large-scale production of megakaryocytes from human pluripotent stem cells by chemically defined forward programming
Authors: Moreau Thomas , Evans Amanda L. , Vasquez Louella , Tijssen Marloes R. , Yan Ying , Trotter Matthew W. , Howard Daniel , Colzani Maria , Arumugam Meera , Wu Wing Han , Dalby Amanda , Lampela Riina , Bouet Guenaelle , Hobbs Catherine M. , Pask Dean C. , Payne Holly , Ponomaryov Tatyana , Brill Alexander , Soranzo Nicole , Ouwehand Willem H. , Pedersen Roger A. , Ghevaert Cedric
Published: April 2016

The production of megakaryocytes (MKs)—the precursors of blood platelets—from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) offers exciting clinical opportunities for transfusion medicine. Here we describe an original approach for the large-scale generation of MKs in chemically defined conditions using a forward programming strategy relying on the concurrent exogenous expression of three transcription factors: GATA1, FLI1 and TAL1. The forward programmed MKs proliferate and differentiate in culture for several months with MK purity over 90% reaching up to 2 × 105 mature MKs per input hPSC. Functional platelets are generated throughout the culture allowing the prospective collection of several transfusion units from as few as 1 million starting hPSCs. The high cell purity and yield achieved by MK forward programming, combined with efficient cryopreservation and good manufacturing practice (GMP)-compatible culture, make this approach eminently suitable to both in vitro production of platelets for transfusion and basic research in MK and platelet biology.
Near optimal graphene terahertz non-reciprocal isolator
Authors: Tamagnone Michele , Moldovan Clara , Poumirol Jean-Marie , Kuzmenko Alexey B. , Ionescu Adrian M. , Mosig Juan R. , Perruisseau-Carrier Julien
Published: April 2016

Isolators, or optical diodes, are devices enabling unidirectional light propagation by using non-reciprocal optical materials, namely materials able to break Lorentz reciprocity. The realization of isolators at terahertz frequencies is a very important open challenge made difficult by the intrinsically lossy propagation of terahertz radiation in current non-reciprocal materials. Here we report the design, fabrication and measurement of a terahertz non-reciprocal isolator for circularly polarized waves based on magnetostatically biased monolayer graphene, operating in reflection. The device exploits the non-reciprocal optical conductivity of graphene and, in spite of its simple design, it exhibits almost 20 dB of isolation and only 7.5 dB of insertion loss at 2.9 THz. Operation with linearly polarized light can be achieved using quarter-wave plates as polarization converters. These results demonstrate the superiority of graphene with respect to currently used terahertz non-reciprocal materials and pave the way to a novel class of optimal non-reciprocal devices.
Akt1-mediated Gata3 phosphorylation controls the repression of IFNγ in memory-type Th2 cells
Authors: Hosokawa Hiroyuki , Tanaka Tomoaki , Endo Yusuke , Kato Miki , Shinoda Kenta , Suzuki Akane , Motohashi Shinichiro , Matsumoto Masaki , Nakayama Keiichi I. , Nakayama Toshinori
Published: April 2016

Th2 cells produce Th2 cytokines such as IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13, but repress Th1 cytokine IFNγ. Recent studies have revealed various distinct memory-type Th2 cell subsets, one of which produces a substantial amount of IFNγ in addition to Th2 cytokines, however it remains unclear precisely how these Th2 cells produce IFNγ. We herein show that phosphorylation of Gata3 at Ser308, Thr315 and Ser316 induces dissociation of a histone deacetylase Hdac2 from the Gata3/Chd4 repressive complex in Th2 cells. We also identify Akt1 as a Gata3-phosphorylating kinase, and the activation of Akt1 induces derepression of Tbx21 and Ifng expression in Th2 cells. Moreover, T-bet-dependent IFNγ expression in IFNγ-producing memory Th2 cells appears to be controlled by the phosphorylation status of Gata3 in human and murine systems. Thus, this study highlights the molecular basis for posttranslational modifications of Gata3 that control the regulation of IFNγ expression in memory Th2 cells.
Cryo-EM structure of lysenin pore elucidates membrane insertion by an aerolysin family protein
Authors: Bokori-Brown Monika , Martin Thomas G. , Naylor Claire E. , Basak Ajit K. , Titball Richard W. , Savva Christos G.
Published: April 2016

Lysenin from the coelomic fluid of the earthworm Eisenia fetida belongs to the aerolysin family of small β-pore-forming toxins (β-PFTs), some members of which are pathogenic to humans and animals. Despite efforts, a high-resolution structure of a channel for this family of proteins has been elusive and therefore the mechanism of activation and membrane insertion remains unclear. Here we determine the pore structure of lysenin by single particle cryo-EM, to 3.1 Å resolution. The nonameric assembly reveals a long β-barrel channel spanning the length of the complex that, unexpectedly, includes the two pre-insertion strands flanking the hypothetical membrane-insertion loop. Examination of other members of the aerolysin family reveals high structural preservation in this region, indicating that the membrane-insertion pathway in this family is conserved. For some toxins, proteolytic activation and pro-peptide removal will facilitate unfolding of the pre-insertion strands, allowing them to form the β-barrel of the channel.
Helical X-ray phase-contrast computed tomography without phase stepping
Authors: Marschner M. , Willner M. , Potdevin G. , Fehringer A. , Noël P. B. , Pfeiffer F. , Herzen J.
Published: April 2016

X-ray phase-contrast computed tomography (PCCT) using grating interferometry provides enhanced soft-tissue contrast. The possibility to use standard polychromatic laboratory sources enables an implementation into a clinical setting. Thus, PCCT has gained significant attention in recent years. However, phase-contrast CT scans still require significantly increased measurement times in comparison to conventional attenuation-based CT imaging. This is mainly due to a time-consuming stepping of a grating, which is necessary for an accurate retrieval of the phase information. In this paper, we demonstrate a novel scan technique, which directly allows the determination of the phase signal without a phase-stepping procedure. The presented work is based on moiré fringe scanning, which allows fast data acquisition in radiographic applications such as mammography or in-line product analysis. Here, we demonstrate its extension to tomography enabling a continuous helical sample rotation as routinely performed in clinical CT systems. Compared to standard phase-stepping techniques, the proposed helical fringe-scanning procedure enables faster measurements, an extended field of view and relaxes the stability requirements of the system, since the gratings remain stationary. Finally, our approach exceeds previously introduced methods by not relying on spatial interpolation to acquire the phase-contrast signal.
Flocculated meltwater particles control Arctic land-sea fluxes of labile iron
Authors: Markussen Thor Nygaard , Elberling Bo , Winter Christian , Andersen Thorbjørn Joest
Published: April 2016

Glacial meltwater systems supply the Arctic coastal ocean with large volumes of sediment and potentially bioavailable forms of iron, nitrogen and carbon. The particulate fraction of this supply is significant but estuarine losses have been thought to limit the iron supply from land. Here, our results reveal how flocculation (particle aggregation) involving labile iron may increase horizontal transport rather than enhance deposition close to the source. This is shown by combining field observations in Disko Fjord, West Greenland and laboratory experiments. Our data show how labile iron affects floc sizes, shapes and densities and consequently yields low settling velocities and extended sediment plumes. We highlight the importance of understanding the flocculation mechanisms when examining fluxes of meltwater transported iron in polar regions today and in the future and we underline the influence of terrestrial hotspots on the nutrient and solute cycles in Arctic coastal waters.
Growth resumption from stationary phase reveals memory in Escherichia coli cultures
Authors: Jõers Arvi , Tenson Tanel
Published: April 2016

Frequent changes in nutrient availability often result in repeated cycles of bacterial growth and dormancy. The timing of growth resumption can differ among isogenic cells and delayed growth resumption can lead to antibiotic tolerant persisters. Here we describe a correlation between the timing of entry into stationary phase and resuming growth in the next period of cell proliferation. E. coli cells can follow a last in first out rule: the last ones to shut down their metabolism in the beginning of stationary phase are the first to recover in response to nutrients. This memory effect can last for several days in stationary phase and is not influenced by environmental changes. We observe that the speed and heterogeneity of growth resumption depends on the carbon source. A good carbon source (glucose) can promote rapid growth resumption even at low concentrations and is seen to act more like a signal than a growth substrate. Heterogeneous growth resumption can protect the population from adverse effect of stress, investigated here using heat-shock, because the stress-resilient dormant cells are always present.
Quantifying the role of motor imagery in brain-machine interfaces
Authors: Marchesotti Silvia , Bassolino Michela , Serino Andrea , Bleuler Hannes , Blanke Olaf
Published: April 2016

Despite technical advances in brain machine interfaces (BMI), for as-yet unknown reasons the ability to control a BMI remains limited to a subset of users. We investigate whether individual differences in BMI control based on motor imagery (MI) are related to differences in MI ability. We assessed whether differences in kinesthetic and visual MI, in the behavioral accuracy of MI and in electroencephalographic variables, were able to differentiate between high- versus low-aptitude BMI users. High-aptitude BMI users showed higher MI accuracy as captured by subjective and behavioral measurements, pointing to a prominent role of kinesthetic rather than visual imagery. Additionally, for the first time, we applied mental chronometry, a measure quantifying the degree to which imagined and executed movements share a similar temporal profile. We also identified enhanced lateralized μ-band oscillations over sensorimotor cortices during MI in high- versus low-aptitude BMI users. These findings reveal that subjective, behavioral and EEG measurements of MI are intimately linked to BMI control. We propose that poor BMI control cannot be ascribed only to intrinsic limitations of EEG recordings and that specific questionnaires and mental chronometry can be used as predictors of BMI performance (without the need to record EEG activity).
Improving the catalytic activity of isopentenyl phosphate kinase through protein coevolution analysis
Authors: Liu Ying , Yan Zhihui , Lu Xiaoyun , Xiao Dongguang , Jiang Huifeng
Published: April 2016

Protein rational design has become more and more popular for protein engineering with the advantage of biological big-data. In this study, we described a method of rational design that is able to identify desired mutants by analyzing the coevolution of protein sequence. We employed this approach to evolve an archaeal isopentenyl phosphate kinase that can convert dimethylallyl alcohol (DMA) into precursor of isoprenoids. By designing 9 point mutations, we improved the catalytic activities of IPK about 8-foldin vitro. After introducing the optimal mutant of IPK into engineeredE. colistrain for β-carotenoids production, we found that β-carotenoids production exhibited 97% increase over the starting strain. The process of enzyme optimization presented here could be used to improve the catalytic activities of other enzymes.
Modelling of segmented high-performance thermoelectric generators with effects of thermal radiation, electrical and thermal contact resistances
Authors: Ouyang Zhongliang , Li Dawen
Published: April 2016

In this study, segmented thermoelectric generators (TEGs) have been simulated with various state-of-the-art TE materials spanning a wide temperature range, from 300 K up to 1000 K. The results reveal that by combining the current best p-type TE materials, BiSbTe, MgAgSb, K-doped PbTeS and SnSe with the strongest n-type TE materials, Cu-Doped BiTeSe, AgPbSbTe and SiGe to build segmented legs, TE modules could achieve efficiencies of up to 17.0% and 20.9% at ΔT = 500 K and ΔT = 700 K, respectively and a high output power densities of over 2.1 Watt cm−2 at the temperature difference of 700 K. Moreover, we demonstrate that successful segmentation requires a smooth change of compatibility factor s from one end of the TEG leg to the other, even if s values of two ends differ by more than a factor of 2. The influence of the thermal radiation, electrical and thermal contact effects have also been studied. Although considered potentially detrimental to the TEG performance, these effects, if well-regulated, do not prevent segmentation of the current best TE materials from being a prospective way to construct high performance TEGs with greatly enhanced efficiency and output power density.
A dual drug regimen synergistically blocks human parainfluenza virus infection
Authors: Bailly Benjamin , Dirr Larissa , El-Deeb Ibrahim M. , Altmeyer Ralf , Guillon Patrice , von Itzstein Mark
Published: April 2016

Human parainfluenza type-3 virus (hPIV-3) is one of the principal aetiological agents of acute respiratory illness in infants worldwide and also shows high disease severity in the elderly and immunocompromised, but neither therapies nor vaccines are available to treat or prevent infection, respectively. Using a multidisciplinary approach we report herein that the approved drug suramin acts as a non-competitivein vitroinhibitor of the hPIV-3 haemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN). Furthermore, the drug inhibits viral replication in mammalian epithelial cells with an IC50of 30 μM, when applied post-adsorption. Significantly, we show in cell-based drug-combination studies using virus infection blockade assays, that suramin acts synergistically with the anti-influenza virus drug zanamivir. Our data suggests that lower concentrations of both drugs can be used to yield high levels of inhibition. Finally, using NMR spectroscopy andin silicodocking simulations we confirmed that suramin binds HN simultaneously with zanamivir. This binding event occurs most likely in the vicinity of the protein primary binding site, resulting in an enhancement of the inhibitory potential of theN-acetylneuraminic acid-based inhibitor. This study offers a potentially exciting avenue for the treatment of parainfluenza infection by a combinatorial repurposing approach of well-established approved drugs.
Reconfigurable all-dielectric metamaterial frequency selective surface based on high-permittivity ceramics
Authors: Li Liyang , Wang Jun , Wang Jiafu , Ma Hua , Du Hongliang , Zhang Jieqiu , Qu Shaobo , Xu Zhuo
Published: April 2016

Based on effective medium theory and dielectric resonator theory, we propose the design of reconfigurable all-dielectric metamaterial frequency selective surfaces (FSSs) using high-permittivity ceramics. The FSS is composed of ceramic resonators with different band stop responses under front and side incidences. By mechanically tuning the orientation of the ceramic resonators, reconfigurable electromagnetic (EM) responses between two adjacent stopbands can be achieved. The two broad stopbands originate from the first two resonant modes of the ceramic resonators. As an example, a reconfigurable FSS composed of cross-shaped ceramic resonators is demonstrated. Both numerical and experimental results show that the FSS can switch between two consecutive stopbands in 3.55–4.60 GHz and 4.54–4.94 GHz. The design method can be readily extended to the design of FSSs in other frequencies for high-power applications.
Procaspase-9 induces its cleavage by transnitrosylating XIAP via the Thioredoxin system during cerebral ischemia-reperfusion in rats
Authors: Zhang Dengyue , Zhao Ningjun , Ma Bin , Wang Yan , Zhang Gongliang , Yan Xianliang , Hu Shuqun , Xu Tie
Published: April 2016

Transnitrosylation is an important mechanism by which nitric oxide (NO) modulates cell signaling pathways. For instance, SNO-caspase-3 can transnitrosylate the X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis (XIAP) to enhance apoptosis. XIAP is a potent antagonist of caspase apoptotic activity. Decrease in XIAP activity via nitrosylation results in SNO-XIAP-mediated caspase activation. Considering the functional liaison of procaspase-9 and XIAP, we hypothesized that procaspase-9 nitrosylates XIAP directly. Our data confirmed that cerebral ischemia-reperfusion induced XIAP nitrosylation, procaspase-9 denitrosylation and cleavage. Interestingly, the time courses of the nitrosylation of procaspase-9 and XIAP were negatively correlated, which was more prominent after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion, suggesting a direct interaction. The nitrosylation of XIAP, as well as the denitrosylation and cleavage of procaspase-9, were inhibited by DNCB, TrxR1 AS-ODNs, or TAT-AVPY treatment. Meanwhile, DNCB, TrxR1 AS-ODNs, or TAT-AVPY also inhibited the decrease in hippocampal CA1 neurons induced by ischemia-reperfusion in rats. The denitrosylation and cleavage of procaspase-9 induced by OGD/reoxygenation in SH-SY5Y cells were inhibited when cells were co-transfected with wild-type procaspase-9 and XIAP mutant (C449G). These data suggest that cerebral ischemia-reperfusion induces a transnitrosylation from procaspase-9 to XIAP via the Trx system to consequently cause apoptosis. Additionally, Cys325 is a critical S-nitrosylation site of procaspase-9.
Chromatin architecture may dictate the target site for DMC1, but not for RAD51, during homologous pairing
Authors: Kobayashi Wataru , Takaku Motoki , Machida Shinichi , Tachiwana Hiroaki , Maehara Kazumitsu , Ohkawa Yasuyuki , Kurumizaka Hitoshi
Published: April 2016

In eukaryotes, genomic DNA is compacted as chromatin, in which histones and DNA form the nucleosome as the basic unit. DMC1 and RAD51 are essential eukaryotic recombinases that mediate homologous chromosome pairing during homologous recombination. However, the means by which these two recombinases distinctly function in chromatin have remained elusive. Here we found that, in chromatin, the human DMC1-single-stranded DNA complex bypasses binding to the nucleosome, and preferentially promotes homologous pairing at the nucleosome-depleted regions. Consistently, DMC1 forms ternary complex recombination intermediates with the nucleosome-free DNA or the nucleosome-depleted DNA region. Surprisingly, removal of the histone tails improperly enhances the nucleosome binding by DMC1. In contrast, RAD51 does not specifically target the nucleosome-depleted region in chromatin. These are the first demonstrations that the chromatin architecture specifies the sites to promote the homologous recombination reaction by DMC1, but not by RAD51.
Structural properties of Sb2S3 under pressure: evidence of an electronic topological transition
Authors: Efthimiopoulos Ilias , Buchan Cienna , Wang Yuejian
Published: April 2016

High-pressure Raman spectroscopy and x-ray diffraction of Sb2S3 up to 53 GPa reveals two phase transitions at 5 GPa and 15 GPa. The first transition is evidenced by noticeable compressibility changes in distinct Raman-active modes, in the lattice parameter axial ratios, the unit cell volume, as well as in specific interatomic bond lengths and bond angles. By taking into account relevant results from the literature, we assign these effects to a second-order isostructural transition arising from an electronic topological transition in Sb2S3 near 5 GPa. Close comparison between Sb2S3 and Sb2Se3 up to 10 GPa reveals a slightly diverse structural behavior for these two compounds after the isostructural transition pressure. This structural diversity appears to account for the different pressure-induced electronic behavior of Sb2S3 and Sb2Se3 up to 10 GPa, i.e. the absence of an insulator-metal transition in Sb2S3 up to that pressure. Finally, the second high-pressure modification appearing above 15 GPa appears to trigger a structural disorder at ~20 GPa; full decompression from 53 GPa leads to the recovery of an amorphous state.
Deficiency of the TLR4 analogue RP105 aggravates vein graft disease by inducing a pro-inflammatory response
Authors: Wezel Anouk , de Vries Margreet R. , Maassen Johanna M. , Kip Peter , Peters Erna A. , Karper Jacco C. , Kuiper Johan , Bot Ilze , Quax Paul H. A.
Published: April 2016

Venous grafts are often used to bypass occlusive atherosclerotic lesions; however, poor patency leads to vein graft disease. Deficiency of TLR4, an inflammatory regulator, reduces vein graft disease. Here, we investigate the effects of the accessory molecule and TLR4 analogue RadioProtective 105 (RP105) on vein graft disease. RP105 deficiency resulted in a 90% increase in vein graft lesion area compared to controls. In a hypercholesterolemic setting (LDLr−/−/RP105−/− versus LDLr−/− mice), which is of importance as vein graft disease is usually characterized by excessive atherosclerosis, total lesion area was not affected. However we did observe an increased number of unstable lesions and intraplaque hemorrhage upon RP105 deficiency. In both setups, lesional macrophage content and lesional CCL2 was increased. In vitro, RP105−/− smooth muscle cells and mast cells secreted higher levels of CCL2. In conclusion, aggravated vein graft disease caused by RP105 deficiency results from an increased local inflammatory response.
Alteration of podocyte phenotype in the urine of women with preeclampsia
Authors: Zhai Tianyue , Furuta Itsuko , Akaishi Rina , Ishikawa Satoshi , Morikawa Mamoru , Yamada Takahiro , Koyama Takahiro , Minakami Hisanori
Published: April 2016

Podocyte injury has been suggested to induce phenotypic alteration of glomerular podocytes and accelerate the detachment of podocytes from the glomeruli resulting in podocyturia. However, it is not clear whether podocyte phenotypic alteration occurs in the urine of women with preeclampsia (PE). Seventy-seven and 116 pelleted urine samples from 38 and 18 women at various stages of normal and PE pregnancies, respectively underwent quantitative analysis of podocyte-specific or associated protein mRNA expression, including podocin, nephrin, and synaptopodin using RT-PCR. Significant proteinuria in pregnancy (SPIP) is defined as protein:creatinine ratio (P/Cr, mg/mg) ≥0.27 in the urine supernatant. All three urine-pellet mRNAs expression levels were significantly positively correlated with P/Cr levels, suggesting that podocyturia increased with proteinuria. The podocin:nephrin mRNA ratio (PNR) and synaptopodin:nephrin mRNA ratio (SNR) increased significantly with increasing P/Cr, while the podocin:synaptopodin mRNA ratio (PSR) did not change significantly according to P/Cr, resulting in significantly higher PNR and SNR, but not PSR levels, in urine from PE women with than without SPIP. The PNR, SNR, and PSR in urine from PE women before onset of SPIP were comparable to those from controls. Thus, nephrin mRNA expression was reduced in the podocytes recovered from PE women.