bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transatlantic Anglican Networks, c.1680 – c.1770: Transplanting, Translating and Transforming the Church of England
Authors: Gregory Jeremy
Published: February 2016

In recent years, much historical interest has been paid to the evangelical (and often by extension the Nonconformist) international and transatlantic religious networks which communicated ideas and personnel from and to various parts of Britain, the Continent and North America during the eighteenth century. Historians of the Evangelical Revival have looked at individuals, most notably the dynamic and much-travelled George Whitefield, whose criss-crossing the Atlantic exemplified the international reach of the revival, and also at the many hundreds (perhaps thousands) of less colourful personalities who created, and moved through, the international evangelical world. In addition, attention has been given by Susan O’Brien (and others) to the vibrant publishing and book distribution networks which enabled the Evangelical Revival to have a truly international impact (mirroring – perhaps beating – the Enlightenment republic of letters). In particular, O’Brien has emphasized the ways in which the transatlantic movement of letters, books, pamphlets, tracts and journals was a vital way by which what David Hempton has recently termed the ‘Empire of the Spirit’ was able to expand.
International Religious Networks: Methodism and Popular Protestantism, c. 1750 – c. 1850
Authors: Hempton David
Published: February 2016

The benefits of using an international lens to understand both the complexity and the essence of religious movements have been well demonstrated in a number of important recent studies. In fact it has become quite unusual to write about early modern puritanism and Protestantism without taking at least a transatlantic, if not a global, perspective. Philip Benedict’s important book, Christ’s Churches Purely Reformed: A Social History of Calvinism (2002) has shown that only by looking at Calvinism as an international movement taking root in France, the Netherlands, the British Isles, the Holy Roman Empire, eastern Europe and New England can one properly identify the distinctive aspects of Calvinist piety and begin to answer bigger questions about Calvinism’s alleged contribution to the emergence of modern liberal democracy. He shows, for example, that while no post-Reformation confession had a monopoly of resistance to unsatisfactory rulers, Calvinists, because of their deep hostility to idolatrous forms of worship and unscriptural church institutions, were generally speaking more unwilling than others to compromise with or submit to religious and political institutions antithetical to their interests. Similarly, although Benedict is sceptical about the supposed connections between Calvinism and capitalism and Calvinism and democracy, he does show that Calvinism was a midwife of modernity through its routinization of time, its promotion of literacy, and its emphasis on the individual conscience.
Bureaucratic or Personal Networks? Formation of the Ecumenical Movement During the Second World War
Authors: Ryman Björn
Published: February 2016

An ecumenical alliance was forged as a result of Archbishop Nathan Söderblom’s efforts in the 1920s; this approach to the history of the ecumenical movement is well documented. The historical research is done mainly according to the political situation during the Nazi years or along confessional lines: it argues that ecumenical networks were built up and consolidated during the Nazi period and war years, and that these networks prevailed despite the political situation.
An analysis of student engagement patterns in language learning facilitated by Web 2.0 technologies
Authors: Liu Chen-Chung , Wang Pin-Ching , Tai Shu-Ju Diana
Published: February 2016

Recent research indicates that Web 2.0 applications contribute to supporting a social constructivist approach for language learning. However, students encounter different types of barrier associated with technologies and learning tasks, which can cause disengagement during different phases of learning. Thus, based on flow theory and the strategic motivation framework, this study aims to investigate students’ motivation and their engagement patterns while participating in Web 2.0 digital storytelling activities. The participants are 24 elementary school students of a suburban school in northern Taiwan. Over 19 weeks of observations on students aged 9–10 years in a third-grade classroom, data were collected through three sources: surveys, students’ digital stories, and English tests. The analysis of the data showed that motivation was a dynamic process, initially low but increasing in later phases. A dynamic pattern was also identified in the students’ flow perceptions, which included two cycles of disengagement and reengagement. Students encountered different challenges that led to disengagement phases, which highlighted the need for specific types of learning support in elementary school contexts. In addition, the participants’ vocabulary and oral fluency were found to have been enhanced by the end of the study. The implications for educational practice are discussed and the direction for future studies addressed.
Incipient UV-Induced Structural Changes in Neutrophil Granulocytes: Morphometric and Texture Analysis of Two-Dimensional Digital Images
Authors: Grbatinić Ivan , Milošević Nebojša T.
Published: February 2016

The aim of this study is to determine the ability and consequent significance of fractal and lacunarity analysis together with computational morphometric and gray-level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) analysis in detecting subtle initial UVB-induced chromatin and cytosolic changes in neutrophil granulocytes. In addition, the direction and potential significance of the observed changes is speculated. Feulgen-stained neutrophils are pictured and their digitalized images are analyzed in specialized software for digital image processing and ImageJ analysis. Significant statistical difference is observed (p<0.01) between UV-treated neutrophils and controls in the vast majority of cytoplasmic morphometric parameters. Nuclear GLCM analysis was very sensitive with just GLCM homogeneity as non-significant between UV-treated cells and controls (p>0.05). For other parameters there was mostly high statistical significance (p>0.05). Significant unmatched correlations were found as sensitive markers of early morphological changes in cells exposed to UV light. In addition, the correlation between nuclear area and entropy was determined and was highly significant (p<0.001). UVB light, due to its high absorbance by DNA molecules, leads to double behavior of the cells. On one hand, cells start to rearrange but on the other UV light starts very early to immediately damage the cell. All these processes are very subtle in their intensity and GLCM analysis and computational imaging methods based on fractal geometry, i.e. fractal and morphometric analysis, in particular their combination, are very sensitive for detecting and describing these early chromatin changes.
Non-State actors’ pursuit of CBRN weapons: From motivation to potential humanitarian consequences
Authors: Meulenbelt Stephanie E. , Nieuwenhuizen Maarten S.
Published: February 2016

This paper discusses non-State actors’ motivation and capacity to develop and use chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear (CBRN) improvised weapons in attacks, as well as the possible consequences of such use. Six types of groups have been identified as potential CBRN weapons users that may increasingly be able to acquire relevant CBRN weapons-related knowledge, skills and possibly materials. As technical barriers still form a gap between the theoretical possibility and the operational reality, any potential future CBRN attacks would most likely be crude, low-level attacks, including chemical or radiological materials. CBRN attacks carried out by non-State actors in the future are likely to be more disruptive than destructive.
Tracking Radioactive Cesium Released During Fukushima Disaster
Authors: Shultz David
Published: February 2016

Scientists probe the Pacific to determine how far the damage from one of the largest nuclear meltdowns in history extends.
Human oocyte developmental potential is predicted by mechanical properties within hours after fertilization
Authors: Yanez Livia Z. , Han Jinnuo , Behr Barry B. , Pera Renee A. Reijo , Camarillo David B.
Published: February 2016

The causes of embryonic arrest during pre-implantation development are poorly understood. Attempts to correlate patterns of oocyte gene expression with successful embryo development have been hampered by the lack of reliable and nondestructive predictors of viability at such an early stage. Here we report that zygote viscoelastic properties can predict blastocyst formation in humans and mice within hours after fertilization, with >90% precision, 95% specificity and 75% sensitivity. We demonstrate that there are significant differences between the transcriptomes of viable and non-viable zygotes, especially in expression of genes important for oocyte maturation. In addition, we show that low-quality oocytes may undergo insufficient cortical granule release and zona-hardening, causing altered mechanics after fertilization. Our results suggest that embryo potential is largely determined by the quality and maturation of the oocyte before fertilization, and can be predicted through a minimally invasive mechanical measurement at the zygote stage.
Structural hot spots for the solubility of globular proteins
Authors: Ganesan Ashok , Siekierska Aleksandra , Beerten Jacinte , Brams Marijke , Van Durme Joost , De Baets Greet , Van der Kant Rob , Gallardo Rodrigo , Ramakers Meine , Langenberg Tobias , Wilkinson Hannah , De Smet Frederik , Ulens Chris , Rousseau Frederic , Schymkowitz Joost
Published: February 2016

Natural selection shapes protein solubility to physiological requirements and recombinant applications that require higher protein concentrations are often problematic. This raises the question whether the solubility of natural protein sequences can be improved. We here show an anti-correlation between the number of aggregation prone regions (APRs) in a protein sequence and its solubility, suggesting that mutational suppression of APRs provides a simple strategy to increase protein solubility. We show that mutations at specific positions within a protein structure can act as APR suppressors without affecting protein stability. These hot spots for protein solubility are both structure and sequence dependent but can be computationally predicted. We demonstrate this by reducing the aggregation of human α-galactosidase and protective antigen of Bacillus anthracis through mutation. Our results indicate that many proteins possess hot spots allowing to adapt protein solubility independently of structure and function.
Ferroelasticity and domain physics in two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenide monolayers
Authors: Li Wenbin , Li Ju
Published: February 2016

Monolayers of transition metal dichalcogenides can exist in several structural polymorphs, including 2H, 1T and 1T′. The low-symmetry 1T′ phase has three orientation variants, resulting from the three equivalent directions of Peierls distortion in the parental 1T phase. Using first-principles calculations, we predict that mechanical strain can switch the relative thermodynamic stability between the orientation variants of the 1T′ phase. We find that such strain-induced variant switching only requires a few percent elastic strain, which is eminently achievable experimentally with transition metal dichalcogenide monolayers. Calculations indicate that the transformation barrier associated with such variant switching is small (<0.2 eV per chemical formula unit), suggesting that strain-induced variant switching can happen under laboratory conditions. Monolayers of transition metal dichalcogenides with 1T′ structure therefore have the potential to be ferroelastic and shape memory materials with interesting domain physics.
Central nervous system uptake of intranasal glutathione in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Mischley Laurie K , Conley Kevin E , Shankland Eric G , Kavanagh Terrance J , Rosenfeld Michael E , Duda John E , White Collin C , Wilbur Timothy K , De La Torre Prysilla U , Padowski Jeannie M
Published: February 2016

Glutathione (GSH) is depleted early in the course of Parkinson’s disease (PD), and deficiency has been shown to perpetuate oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, impaired autophagy, and cell death. GSH repletion has been proposed as a therapeutic intervention. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether intranasally administered reduced GSH, (in)GSH, is capable of augmenting central nervous system GSH concentrations, as determined by magnetic resonance spectroscopy in 15 participants with mid-stage PD. After baseline GSH measurement, 200 mg (in)GSH was self-administered inside the scanner without repositioning, then serial GSH levels were obtained over ~1 h. Statistical significance was determined by one-way repeated measures analysis of variance. Overall, (in)GSH increased brain GSH relative to baseline (P<0.001). There was no increase in GSH 8 min after administration, although it was significantly higher than baseline at all of the remaining time points (P<0.01). This study is the first to demonstrate that intranasal administration of GSH elevates brain GSH levels. This increase persists at least 1 h in subjects with PD. Further dose–response and steady-state administration studies will be required to optimize the dosing schedule for future trials to evaluate therapeutic efficacy.
Insights into the mechanism of human papillomavirus E2-induced procaspase-8 activation and cell death
Authors: Singh Nitu , Senapati Sanjib , Bose Kakoli
Published: February 2016

High-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) E2 protein, the master regulator of viral life cycle, induces apoptosis of host cell that is independent of its virus-associated regulatory functions. E2 protein of HR-HPV18 has been found to be involved in novel FADD-independent activation of caspase-8, however, the molecular basis of this unique non-death-fold E2-mediated apoptosis is poorly understood. Here, with an interdisciplinary approach that involves in silico, mutational, biochemical and biophysical probes, we dissected and characterized the E2-procasapse-8 binding interface. Our data demonstrate direct non-homotypic interaction of HPV18 E2 transactivation domain (TAD) with α2/α5 helices of procaspase-8 death effector domain-B (DED-B). The observed interaction mimics the homotypic DED-DED complexes, wherein the conserved hydrophobic motif of procaspase-8 DED-B (F122/L123) occupies a groove between α2/α3 helices of E2 TAD. This interaction possibly drives DED oligomerization leading to caspase-8 activation and subsequent cell death. Furthermore, our data establish a model for E2-induced apoptosis in HR-HPV types and provide important clues for designing E2 analogs that might modulate procaspase-8 activation and hence apoptosis.
Evidence of limited carbon sequestration in soils under no-tillage systems in the Cerrado of Brazil
Authors: Corbeels Marc , Marchão Robelio Leandro , Neto Marcos Siqueira , Ferreira Eliann Garcia , Madari Beata Emöke , Scopel Eric , Brito Osmar Rodrigues
Published: February 2016

The Brazilian government aims at augmenting the area cropped under no-tillage (NT) from 32 to 40 million ha by 2020 as a means to mitigate CO2 emissions. We estimated soil carbon (C) sequestration under continuous NT systems in two municipalities in the Goiás state that are representative of the Cerrado. A chronosequence of NT fields of different age since conversion from conventional tillage (CT) was sampled in 2003 and 2011. Soil C levels of native Cerrado and pasture were measured for comparison. After about 11 to 14 years, soil C stocks under NT were highest and at the levels of those under natural Cerrado. Average annual rates of soil C sequestration estimated using the chronosequence approach were respectively 1.61 and 1.48 Mg C ha−1 yr−1 for the 2003 and 2011 sampling and were higher than those observed using repeated sampling after eight years. The diachronic sampling revealed that the younger NT fields tended to show higher increases in soil C stocks than the older fields. Converting an extra 8 million ha of cropland from CT to NT represents an estimated soil C storage of about 8 Tg C yr−1 during 10 to 15 years.
Rapid Mapping of Lithiation Dynamics in Transition Metal Oxide Particles with Operando X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy
Authors: Nowack Lea , Grolimund Daniel , Samson Vallerie , Marone Federica , Wood Vanessa
Published: February 2016

Since the commercialization of lithium ion batteries (LIBs), layered transition metal oxides (LiMO2, where M = Co, Mn, Ni, or mixtures thereof) have been materials of choice for LIB cathodes. During cycling, the transition metals change their oxidation states, an effect that can be tracked by detecting energy shifts in the X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectrum. X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) can therefore be used to visualize and quantify lithiation kinetics in transition metal oxide cathodes; however, in-situ measurements are often constrained by temporal resolution and X-ray dose, necessitating compromises in the electrochemistry cycling conditions used or the materials examined. We report a combined approach to reduce measurement time and X-ray exposure for operando XAS studies of lithium ion batteries. A highly discretized energy resolution coupled with advanced post-processing enables rapid yet reliable identification of the oxidation state. A full-field microscopy setup provides sub-particle resolution over a large area of battery electrode, enabling the oxidation state within many transition metal oxide particles to be tracked simultaneously. Here, we apply this approach to gain insights into the lithiation kinetics of a commercial, mixed-metal oxide cathode material, nickel cobalt aluminium oxide (NCA), during (dis)charge and its degradation during overcharge.
Drug activity screening based on microsomes-hydrogel system in predicting metabolism induced antitumor effect of oroxylin A
Authors: Yang Huiying , Li Jianfeng , Zheng Yuanting , Zhou Lu , Tong Shanshan , Zhao Bei , Cai Weimin
Published: February 2016

A novel microsomes-hydrogel added cell culture system (MHCCS) was employed in the antitumor activity screening of natural compounds, aiming to achieve drug screening with better in vivo correlation, higher initiative to explore the potential active metabolites and investigation of the antitumor mechanism from the perspective of metabolism. MTT assay and cell apoptosis detection showed that test drug oroxylin A (OA) had enhanced cytotoxicity and wogonin (W) with reduced cytotoxicity on MCF-7 cell line upon MHCCS incubation. In vivo antitumor evaluations also demonstrated that OA induced higher tumor inhibition than W at the same dosage. To explore the reasons, nine major metabolites of OA were separated and collected through UPLC-Q-TOF and semi-preparative HPLC. Metabolites M318 exhibited higher cytotoxicity than OA and other metabolites by MTT assay. 1H NMR spectrums, HPLC and TOF MS/MS results revealed that OA was catalyzed into its active metabolite M318 via a ring-opening reaction. M318 induced significant cell apoptosis and S-phase arrest through affecting tumor survival related genes after mechanism study. In conclusion, our MHCCS could be a useful tool for drug activity screening from a perspective of metabolism.
Individual Apostichopus japonicus fecal microbiome reveals a link with polyhydroxybutyrate producers in host growth gaps
Authors: Yamazaki Yohei , Meirelles Pedro Milet , Mino Sayaka , Suda Wataru , Oshima Kenshiro , Hattori Masahira , Thompson Fabiano L. , Sakai Yuichi , Sawabe Toko , Sawabe Tomoo
Published: February 2016

Gut microbiome shapes various aspects of a host’s physiology, but these functions in aquatic animal hosts have yet to be fully investigated. The sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus Selenka is one such example. The large growth gap in their body size has delayed the development of intensive aquaculture, nevertheless the species is in urgent need of conservation. To understand possible contributions of the gut microbiome to its host’s growth, individual fecal microbiome comparisons were performed. High-throughput 16S rRNA sequencing revealed significantly different microbiota in larger and smaller individuals; Rhodobacterales in particular was the most significantly abundant bacterial group in the larger specimens. Further shotgun metagenome of representative samples revealed a significant abundance of microbiome retaining polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) metabolism genes in the largest individual. The PHB metabolism reads were potentially derived from Rhodobacterales. These results imply a possible link between microbial PHB producers and potential growth promotion in Deuterostomia marine invertebrates.
The intertropical convergence zone modulates intense hurricane strikes on the western North Atlantic margin
Authors: van Hengstum Peter J. , Donnelly Jeffrey P. , Fall Patricia L. , Toomey Michael R. , Albury Nancy A. , Kakuk Brian
Published: February 2016

Most Atlantic hurricanes form in the Main Development Region between 9°N to 20°N along the northern edge of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ). Previous research has suggested that meridional shifts in the ITCZ position on geologic timescales can modulate hurricane activity, but continuous and long-term storm records are needed from multiple sites to assess this hypothesis. Here we present a 3000 year record of intense hurricane strikes in the northern Bahamas (Abaco Island) based on overwash deposits in a coastal sinkhole, which indicates that the ITCZ has likely helped modulate intense hurricane strikes on the western North Atlantic margin on millennial to centennial-scales. The new reconstruction closely matches a previous reconstruction from Puerto Rico, and documents a period of elevated intense hurricane activity on the western North Atlantic margin from 2500 to 1000 years ago when paleo precipitation proxies suggest that the ITCZ occupied a more northern position. Considering that anthropogenic warming is predicted to be focused in the northern hemisphere in the coming century, these results provide a prehistoric analog that an attendant northern ITCZ shift in the future may again return the western North Atlantic margin to an active hurricane interval.
Optical bistability in a nonlinear-shell-coated metallic nanoparticle
Authors: Chen Hongli , Zhang Youming , Zhang Baile , Gao Lei
Published: February 2016

We provide a self-consistent mean field approximation in the framework of Mie scattering theory to study the optical bistability of a metallic nanoparticle coated with a nonlinear shell. We demonstrate that the nanoparticle coated with a weakly nonlinear shell exhibits optical bistability in a broad range of incident optical intensity. This optical bistability critically relies on the geometry of the shell-coated nanoparticle, especially the fractional volume of the metallic core. The incident wavelength can also affect the optical bistability. Through an optimization-like process, we find a design with broader bistable region and lower threshold field by adjusting the size of the nonlinear shell, the fractional volume of the metallic core and the incident wavelength. These results may find potential applications in optical bistable devices such as all-optical switches, optical transistors and optical memories.
Intracellular delivery of antibodies by chimeric Sesbania mosaic virus (SeMV) virus like particles
Authors: Abraham Ambily , Natraj Usha , Karande Anjali A. , Gulati Ashutosh , Murthy Mathur R. N. , Murugesan Sathyabalan , Mukunda Pavithra , Savithri Handanahal S.
Published: February 2016

The therapeutic potential of antibodies has not been fully exploited as they fail to cross cell membrane. In this article, we have tested the possibility of using plant virus based nanoparticles for intracellular delivery of antibodies. For this purpose,Sesbania mosaic viruscoat protein (CP) was genetically engineered with the B domain ofStaphylococcus aureusprotein A (SpA) at the βH-βI loop, to generate SeMV loop B (SLB), which self-assembled to virus like particles (VLPs) with 43 times higher affinity towards antibodies. CP and SLB could internalize into various types of mammalian cells and SLB could efficiently deliver three different monoclonal antibodies–D6F10 (targeting abrin), anti-α-tubulin (targeting intracellular tubulin) and Herclon (against HER2 receptor) inside the cells. Such a mode of delivery was much more effective than antibodies alone treatment. These results highlight the potential of SLB as a universal nanocarrier for intracellular delivery of antibodies.
Drainage isolation and climate change-driven population expansion shape the genetic structures of Tuber indicum complex in the Hengduan Mountains region
Authors: Feng Bang , Zhao Qi , Xu Jianping , Qin Jiao , Yang Zhu L.
Published: February 2016

The orogenesis of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau and the Quaternary climate changes have played key roles in driving the evolution of flora and fauna in Southwest China, but their effects on higher fungi are poorly addressed. In this study, we investigated the phylogeographic pattern of the Tuber indicum species complex, an economically important fungal group distributed in the Hengduan Mountains region. Our data confirmed the existence of two distinct lineages, T. indicum and T. himalayense, within this species complex. Three geographic groups (Groups W, N and C) were revealed within T. indicum, with Group W found in the paleo-Lancang River region, while Groups N and C corresponded to the two banks along the contemporary Jinsha River, suggesting that rivers have acted as barriers for gene flow among populations from different drainages. Historical range expansion resulted from climate changes was inferred in Group C, contributing to the observed gene flow among geographic populations within this group. Although no significant geographic structure was identified in T. himalayense, evidence of drainage isolation for this species was also detected. Our findings demonstrate that both topographic changes and Quaternary climate oscillations have played important roles in driving the genetic structures of the T. indicum species complex.
Confidence through consensus: a neural mechanism for uncertainty monitoring
Authors: Paz Luciano , Insabato Andrea , Zylberberg Ariel , Deco Gustavo , Sigman Mariano
Published: February 2016

Models that integrate sensory evidence to a threshold can explain task accuracy, response times and confidence, yet it is still unclear how confidence is encoded in the brain. Classic models assume that confidence is encoded in some form of balance between the evidence integrated in favor and against the selected option. However, recent experiments that measure the sensory evidence’s influence on choice and confidence contradict these classic models. We propose that the decision is taken by many loosely coupled modules each of which represent a stochastic sample of the sensory evidence integral. Confidence is then encoded in the dispersion between modules. We show that our proposal can account for the well established relations between confidence and stimuli discriminability and reaction times, as well as the fluctuations influence on choice and confidence.
Histone H3 N-terminal acetylation sites especially K14 are important for rDNA silencing and aging
Authors: Xu Heng-hao , Su Trent , Xue Yong
Published: February 2016

Histone variants and histone modifications are essential components in the establishment and maintenance of the repressed status of heterochromatin. Among these histone variants and modifications, acetylation at histone H4K16 is uniquely important for the maintenance of silencing at telomere and mating type loci but not at the ribosomal DNA locus. Here we show that mutations at H3 N-terminal acetylation site K14 specifically disrupt rDNA silencing. However, the mutant ion at H3K14R doesn’t affect the recruitment of Pol II repressor RENT (regulator of nucleolar silencing and telophase exit) complex at the rDNA region. Instead, the CAF-1(chromatin assembly factor I) subunit Cac2 level decreased in the H3K14R mutant. Further experiments revealed that the single mutation at H3K14 and multi-site mutations at H3 N-terminus including K14 also delayed replication-depend nucleosome assembly and advanced replicative life span. In conclusion, our data suggest that histone H3 N-terminal acetylation sites especially at K14 are important for rDNA silencing and aging.
Polyclonal Antibody Production for Membrane Proteins via Genetic Immunization
Authors: Hansen Debra T. , Robida Mark D. , Craciunescu Felicia M. , Loskutov Andrey V. , Dörner Katerina , Rodenberry John-Charles , Wang Xiao , Olson Tien L. , Patel Hetal , Fromme Petra , Sykes Kathryn F.
Published: February 2016

Antibodies are essential for structural determinations and functional studies of membrane proteins, but antibody generation is limited by the availability of properly-folded and purified antigen. We describe the first application of genetic immunization to a structurally diverse set of membrane proteins to show that immunization of mice with DNA alone produced antibodies against 71% (n = 17) of the bacterial and viral targets. Antibody production correlated with prior reports of target immunogenicity in host organisms, underscoring the efficiency of this DNA-gold micronanoplex approach. To generate each antigen for antibody characterization, we also developed a simple in vitro membrane protein expression and capture method. Antibody specificity was demonstrated upon identifying, for the first time, membrane-directed heterologous expression of the native sequences of the FopA and FTT1525 virulence determinants from the select agent Francisella tularensis SCHU S4. These approaches will accelerate future structural and functional investigations of therapeutically-relevant membrane proteins.
Possible linkage between neuronal recruitment and flight distance in migratory birds
Authors: Barkan Shay , Roll Uri , Yom-Tov Yoram , Wassenaar Leonard I. , Barnea Anat
Published: February 2016

New neuronal recruitment in an adult animal’s brain is presumed to contribute to brain plasticity and increase the animal’s ability to contend with new and changing environments. During long-distance migration, birds migrating greater distances are exposed to more diverse spatial information. Thus, we hypothesized that greater migration distance in birds would correlate with the recruitment of new neurons into the brain regions involved with migratory navigation. We tested this hypothesis on two Palearctic migrants - reed warblers (Acrocephalus scirpaceus) and turtle doves (Streptopelia turtur), caught in Israel while returning from Africa in spring and summer. Birds were injected with a neuronal birth marker and later inspected for new neurons in brain regions known to play a role in navigation - the hippocampus and nidopallium caudolateral. We calculated the migration distance of each individual by matching feather isotopic values (δ2H and δ13C) to winter base-maps of these isotopes in Africa. Our findings suggest a positive correlation between migration distance and new neuronal recruitment in two brain regions - the hippocampus in reed warblers and nidopallium caudolateral in turtle doves. This multidisciplinary approach provides new insights into the ability of the avian brain to adapt to different migration challenges.
Gap locations influence the release of carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus in two shrub foliar litter in an alpine fir forest
Authors: He Wei , Wu Fuzhong , Yang Wanqin , Zhang Danju , Xu Zhenfeng , Tan Bo , Zhao Yeyi , Justine Meta Francis
Published: February 2016

Gap formation favors the growth of understory plants and affects the decomposition process of plant debris inside and outside of gaps. Little information is available regarding how bioelement release from shrub litter is affected by gap formation during critical periods. The release of carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) in the foliar litter ofFargesia nitidaandSalix paraplesiain response to gap locations was determined in an alpine forest of the eastern Qinghai-Tibet Plateau via a 2-year litter decomposition experiment. The daily release rates of C, N and P increased from the closed canopy to the gap centers during the two winters, the two later growing seasons and the entire 2 years, whereas this trend was reversed during the two early growing seasons. The pairwise ratios among C, N and P converged as the litter decomposition proceeded. Compared with the closed canopy, the gap centers displayed higher C:P and N:P ratio but a lower C:N ratio as the decomposition proceeded. Alpine forest gaps accelerate the release of C, N and P in decomposing shrub litter, implying that reduced snow cover resulting from vanishing gaps may inhibit the release of these elements in alpine forests.
Cyclometalated Iridium(III) Complexes as AIE Phosphorescent Probes for Real-Time Monitoring of Mitophagy in Living Cells
Authors: Jin Chengzhi , Liu Jiangping , Chen Yu , Guan Ruilin , Ouyang Cheng , Zhu Yanjiao , Ji Liangnian , Chao Hui
Published: February 2016

Mitophagy, which is a special autophagy that removes damaging mitochondria to maintain sufficient healthy mitochondria, provides an alternative path for addressing dysfunctional mitochondria and avoiding cellular death. In the present study, by coupling the triphenylamine group with 2-phenylimidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline derivatives, we synthesized five Ir(III) complexes with an AIE property that are expected to fulfill requirements for real-time monitoring of mitophagy. Ir1-Ir5 were exploited to image mitochondria with a short incubation time by confocal microscopy and inductive coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Due to aggregation-induced emission (AIE), Ir1-Ir5 exhibited excellent photostability compared to MitoTracker Green (MTG). Moreover, Ir1-Ir5 manifested satisfactory photostability in the mitochondrial physiological pH range. In addition, the uptake mechanism of Ir1 was investigated using confocal microscopy and flow cytometry analysis. Finally, using both Ir1 and LysoTracker Green, we were able to achieve real-time monitoring of mitophagy.
TLR5 mediates CD172α+ intestinal lamina propria dendritic cell induction of Th17 cells
Authors: Liu Han , Chen Feidi , Wu Wei , Cao Anthony T , Xue Xiaochang , Yao Suxia , Evans-Marin Heather L , Li Yan-Qing , Cong Yingzi
Published: February 2016

Multiple mechanisms exist in regulation of host responses to massive challenges from microbiota to maintain immune homeostasis in the intestines. Among these is the enriched Th17 cells in the intestines, which regulates intestinal homeostasis through induction of antimicrobial peptides and secretory IgA among others. However, the means by which Th17 cells develop in response to microbiota is still not completely understood. Although both TLR5 and CD172α+ lamina propria dendritic cells (LPDC) have been shown to promote Th17 cell development, it is still unclear whether TLR5 mediates the CD172α+LPDC induction of Th17 cells. By using a microbiota antigen-specific T cell reporter mouse system, we demonstrated that microbiota antigen-specific T cells developed into Th17 cells in the intestinal LP, but not in the spleen when transferred into TCRβxδ−/− mice. LPDCs expressed high levels of TLR5 and most CD172α+LPDCs also co-expressed TLR5. LPDCs produced high levels of IL-23, IL-6 and TGFβ when stimulated with commensal flagellin and promoted Th17 cell development when cultured with full-length CBir1 flagellin but not CBir1 peptide. Wild-type CD172α+, but not CD172α−, LPDCs induced Th17 cells, whereas TLR5-deficient LPDC did not induce Th17 cells. Our data thereby demonstrated that TLR5 mediates CD172α+LPDC induction of Th17 cells in the intestines.
Cross-reactivity between avian influenza A (H7N9) virus and divergent H7 subtypic- and heterosubtypic influenza A viruses
Authors: Guo Li , Wang Dayan , Zhou Hongli , Wu Chao , Gao Xin , Xiao Yan , Ren Lili , Paranhos-Baccalà Gláucia , Shu Yuelong , Jin Qi , Wang Jianwei
Published: February 2016

The number of human avian H7N9 influenza infections has been increasing in China. Understanding their antigenic and serologic relationships is crucial for developing diagnostic tools and vaccines. Here, we evaluated the cross-reactivities and neutralizing activities among H7 subtype influenza viruses and between H7N9 and heterosubtype influenza A viruses. We found strong cross-reactivities between H7N9 and divergent H7 subtypic viruses, including H7N2, H7N3, and H7N7. Antisera against H7N2, H7N3, and H7N7 could also effectively neutralize two distinct H7N9 strains. Two-way cross-reactivities exist within group 2, including H3 and H4, whereas one-way cross-reactivities were found across other groups, including H1, H10, H9, and H13. Our data indicate that the hemaglutinins from divergent H7 subtypes may facilitate the development of vaccines for distinct H7N9 infections. Moreover, serologic diagnoses for H7N9 infections need to consider possible interference from the cross-reactivity of H7N9 with other subtype influenza viruses.
Effects of warm ischemia and reperfusion on the liver microcirculatory phenotype of rats: underlying mechanisms and pharmacological therapy
Authors: Hide Diana , Ortega-Ribera Martí , Garcia-Pagan Juan-Carlos , Peralta Carmen , Bosch Jaime , Gracia-Sancho Jordi
Published: February 2016

Warm ischemia and reperfusion (WIR) causes hepatic damage and may lead to liver failure, however the mechanisms involved are largely unknown. Here we have characterized the microcirculatory status and endothelial phenotype of livers undergoing WIR and evaluated the use of simvastatin in WIR injury prevention. Male Wistar rats received simvastatin, or vehicle, 30 min before undergoing 60 min of partial warm ischemia (70%) followed by 2 h or 24 h of reperfusion. Hepatic and systemic hemodynamics, liver injury (AST, ALT, LDH), endothelial function (vasodilatation in response to acetylcholine), KLF2 and nitric oxide pathways, oxidative stress, inflammation (neutrophil and macrophage infiltration) and cell death were evaluated. Profound microcirculatory dysfunction occurred rapidly following WIR. This was evidenced by down-regulation of the KLF2 vasoprotective pathway, impaired vasodilatory capability and endothelial activation, altogether leading to increased hepatic vascular resistance and liver inflammation, with significant leukocyte infiltration, oxidative stress and cell death. Simvastatin preserved the hepatic endothelial phenotype and blunted the detrimental effects of WIR on liver hemodynamics and organ integrity. In conclusion, WIR-induced injury to liver sinusoidal endothelial cells is mitigated by pre-treatment with Simvastatin probably through a KLF2-dependent mechanism.
Dating the period when intensive anthropogenic activity began to influence the Sanjiang Plain, Northeast China
Authors: Cong Jinxin , Gao Chuanyu , Zhang Yan , Zhang Shaoqing , He Jiabao , Wang Guoping
Published: February 2016

Dating the start of intensive anthropogenic influence on ecosystems is important for identifying the conditions necessary for ecosystem recovery. However, few studies have focused on determining when anthropogenic influences on wetland began through sedimentary archives. To fill this critical gap in our knowledge, combustion sources and emission intensities, reconstructed via black carbon (BC) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were analyzed in two wetlands in the Sanjiang Plain in Northeast China. 14C provided age control for the sedimentary records. By combining previous sedimentary and archaeological studies, we attempt to date the beginning of intensive anthropogenic influences on the Sanjiang Plain. Our results showed that BC deposition fluxes increased from 0.02 to 0.7 g C/m2.yr during the last 10,000 years. An upward trend was apparent during the last 500 years. Before 1200 cal yr BP, human activities were minor, such that the wetland ecosystem in the Sanjiang Plain before this period may represent the reference conditions that for the recovery of these wetlands. As the human population increased after 1200 cal yr BP, combustion sources changed and residential areas became a major source of BC and PAHs. In this way, the wetland ecosystem gradually became more heavily influenced by human activities.
A Label-Free Electrochemical Impedance Cytosensor Based on Specific Peptide-Fused Phage Selected from Landscape Phage Library
Authors: Han Lei , Liu Pei , Petrenko Valery A. , Liu Aihua
Published: February 2016

One of the major challenges in the design of biosensors for cancer diagnosis is to introduce a low-cost and selective probe that can recognize cancer cells. In this paper, we combined the phage display technology and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) to develop a label-free cytosensor for the detection of cancer cells, without complicated purification of recognition elements. Fabrication steps of the cytosensing interface were monitored by EIS. Due to the high specificity of the displayed octapeptides and avidity effect of their multicopy display on the phage scaffold, good biocompatibility of recombinant phage, the fibrous nanostructure of phage and the inherent merits of EIS technology, the proposed cytosensor demonstrated a wide linear range (2.0 × 102 − 2.0 × 108 cells mL−1), a low limit of detection (79 cells mL−1, S/N = 3), high specificity, good inter-and intra-assay reproducibility and satisfactory storage stability. This novel cytosensor designing strategy will open a new prospect for rapid and label-free electrochemical platform for tumor diagnosis.
Angiotensin II centrally induces frequent detrusor contractility of the bladder by acting on brain angiotensin II type 1 receptors in rats
Authors: Kawamoto Bunya , Shimizu Shogo , Shimizu Takahiro , Higashi Youichirou , Honda Masashi , Sejima Takehiro , Saito Motoaki , Takenaka Atsushi
Published: February 2016

Angiotensin (Ang) II plays an important role in the brain as a neurotransmitter and is involved in psychological stress reactions, for example through activation of the sympatho-adrenomedullary system. We investigated the effects of centrally administered Ang II on the micturition reflex, which is potentially affected by the sympatho-adrenomedullary system and brain Ang II receptors in urethane-anesthetized (1.0 g/kg, intraperitoneally) male rats. Central administration of Ang II (0.01, 0.02 and 0.07 nmol per rat, intracerebroventricularly, icv) but not vehicle rapidly and dose-dependently decreased the urinary bladder intercontraction interval, without altering the bladder detrusor pressure. Central administration of antagonists of Ang II type 1 but not type 2 receptors inhibited the Ang II-induced shortening of intercontraction intervals. Administration of the highest dose of Ang II (0.07 nmol per rat, icv) but not lower doses (0.01 and 0.02 nmol per rat, icv) elevated the plasma concentration of adrenaline. Bilateral adrenalectomy reduced Ang II-induced elevation in adrenaline, but had no effect on the Ang II-induced shortening of the intercontraction interval. These data suggest that central administration of Ang II increases urinary frequency by acting on brain Ang II type 1 receptors, independent of activation of the sympatho-adrenomedullary system.
Cationic polycarbonate-grafted superparamagnetic nanoparticles with synergistic dual-modality antimicrobial activity
Authors: Pu Lu , Xu Jinbao , Sun Yimin , Fang Zheng , Chan-Park Mary B. , Duan Hongwei
Published: February 2016

Grafting cationic polycarbonates on superparamagnetic nanoparticles leads to synergistic antimicrobial activities of cationic charge induced membrane disruption and magnetic heating.
Surface grafting of octylamine onto poly(ethylene-alt-maleic anhydride) gate insulators for low-voltage DNTT thin-film transistors
Authors: Choe Yun-Seo , Yi Mi Hye , Kim Ji-Heung , Kim Yun Ho , Jang Kwang-Suk
Published: February 2016

We report the surface grafting of octylamine onto a poly(ethylene-alt-maleic anhydride) (PEMA) gate insulator for enhancing the performance of dinaphtho[2,3-b:2′,3′-f]thieno[3,2-b]thiophene (DNTT) thin-film transistors.
Energetic pathways and influence of the metallacyclobutane intermediates formed during isobutene/2-butene cross-metathesis over WH3/Al2O3 supported catalyst
Authors: Motta A. , Szeto K. C. , Taoufik M. , Nicholas C. P.
Published: February 2016

The preferred catalytic cycle occurring in the conversion of isobutene and 2-butene to propylene and pentenes over WH3/Al2O3 has been investigated via an energetic analysis of the metallacyclobutanes formed upon 2 + 2 butene cycloaddition with alumina supported tungsten alkylidenes.
Breaking the symmetry of dibenzoxazines: a paradigm to tailor the design of bio-based thermosets
Authors: Puchot L. , Verge P. , Fouquet T. , Vancaeyzeele C. , Vidal F. , Habibi Y.
Published: February 2016

Asymmetric di-benzoxazine monomers from naturally occurring phenolic compounds – cardanol and vanillin – were synthesized to obtain a processable and self-supported bio-thermoset with valuable properties. Such strategy constitutes an efficient and versatile route for the elaboration of biobased thermoset from a wide range of phenolic compounds derived from renewable resources.
Metabolomics reveals the physiological response of Pseudomonas putida KT2440 (UWC1) after pharmaceutical exposure
Authors: Currie Felicity , Broadhurst David I. , Dunn Warwick B. , Sellick Christopher A. , Goodacre Royston
Published: February 2016

Metabolomics is used to understand the physiological response ofPseudomonas putidato exposure with the human beta-blocker propranolol.
Efficacy of a novel ferrocenyl diaryl butene citrate compound as a biocide for preventing healthcare-associated infections
Authors: El Arbi Mehdi , Jalléli Karim , Trigui Fatma , Pigeon Pascal , Görmen Meral , Top Siden , Aifa Sami , Fliss Ismail , Jaouen Gérard , Hammami Riadh
Published: February 2016

The antiseptic and disinfectant potential of a formulation containing a tamoxifen analogue was assessed according to European standards and pharmacopeia in comparison with a commercial antiseptic product.
Fabrication of Ag nanoparticles supported on one-dimensional (1D) Mn3O4 spinel nanorods for selective oxidation of cyclohexane at room temperature
Authors: Acharyya Shankha Shubhra , Ghosh Shilpi , Sharma Sachin Kumar , Bal Rajaram
Published: February 2016

Silver nanoparticles supported on spinel Mn3O4 nanorods efficiently catalyze cyclohexane to cyclohexanone with high yield at room-temperature.
Three-dimensional crumpled graphene as an electro-catalyst support for formic acid electro-oxidation
Authors: Zhou Yang , Hu Xian-Chao , Fan Qizhe , Wen He-Rui
Published: February 2016

Three-dimensional crumpled graphene (PRGO) was synthesized from graphene oxide (GO) solution by the spay drying method and employed as the support material for the Pd catalyst. Compared with the commercial Pd/C and Pd/RGO catalysts, the as-prepared Pd/PRGO catalyst exhibits excellent activity and stability towards formic acid electrooxidation.
Tailoring the pore structure of carbon nanofibers for achieving ultrahigh-energy-density supercapacitors using ionic liquids as electrolytes
Authors: Kim Chang Hyo , Wee Jae-Hyung , Kim Yoong Ahm , Yang Kap Seung , Yang Cheol-Min
Published: February 2016

Carbon based supercapacitor with ultra-high energy density was developed by using pore structure tailored carbon nanofibers and ionic liquid.
Deep ultraviolet-to-NIR broad spectral response organic photodetectors with large gain
Authors: Yang Dezhi , Zhou Xiaokang , Wang Yanping , Vadim Agafonov , Alshehri Saad M. , Ahamad Tansir , Ma Dongge
Published: February 2016

We developed organic photodetectors with high photocurrent gain by enhancing the electron tunneling from the electrode owing to the effect of interface charge trapping.
Correction: Self-assembling peptides for stem cell and tissue engineering
Authors: Tatman Philip D. , Muhonen Ethan G. , Wickers Sean T. , Gee Albert O. , Kim Eung-Sam , Kim Deok-Ho
Published: February 2016

Correction for ‘Self-assembling peptides for stem cell and tissue engineering’ by Philip D. Tatman et al., Biomater. Sci., 2016, DOI: 10.1039/c5bm00550g.