bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bilayered, non-cross-linked collagen matrix for regeneration of facial defects after skin cancer removal: a new perspective for biomaterial-based tissue reconstruction
Authors: Ghanaati Shahram , Kovács Adorján , Barbeck Mike , Lorenz Jonas , Teiler Anna , Sadeghi Nader , Kirkpatrick Charles James , Sader Robert
Published: December 2015

Classically skin defects are covered by split thickness skin grafts or by means of local or regional skin flaps. In the presented case series for the first time a bilayered, non-crossed-linked collagen matrix has been used in an off-label fashion in order to reconstruct facial skin defects following different types of skin cancer resection. The material is of porcine origin and consists of a spongy and a compact layer. The ratio of the two layers is 1:3 in favour of the spongy layer. The aim of the study was to investigate the potential of this matrix for skin regeneration as an alternative to the standard techniques of skin grafts or flaps. Six patients between 39 and 83 years old were included in the study based on a therapeutic trial. The collagen matrix was used in seven defects involving the nose, eyelid, forehead- and posterior scalp regions, and ranging from 1,2 to 6 cm in diameter. Two different head and neck surgeons at two different institutions performed the operations. Each used a different technique in covering the wound following surgery, i.e. with and without a latex-based sheet under the pressure dressing. In three cases cylindrical biopsies were taken after 14 days. In all cases the biomaterial application was performed without any complication and no adverse effects were observed. Clinically, the collagen matrix contributed to a tension-free skin regeneration, independent of the wound dressing used. The newly regenerated skin showed strong similarity to the adjacent normal tissue both in quality and colour. Histological analysis indicated that the spongy layer replaced the defective connective tissue, by providing stepwise integration into the surrounding implantation bed, while the compact layer was infiltrated by mononuclear cells and contributed to its epithelialization by means of a „conductive“process from the surrounding epithelial cells. The clinical and histological data demonstrate that the collagen bilayered matrix used in this series contributes to a „Guided-Integrative-Regeneration-Process“, which still needs to be further understood. The biomimetic nature of this material seems to contribute to physiological matrix remodelling, which probably involves other matricellular proteins essential for soft tissue regeneration. A deeper understanding of the mechanism, involved in the tissue integration of this material and its contribution to soft tissue regeneration based on the direct and indirect effect of matricellular proteins could open new therapeutic avenues for biomaterial-based soft tissue regeneration as an alternative to traditional flap-based plastic surgery.
Fertility Responses of High-Skilled Native Women to Immigrant Inflows
Authors: Furtado Delia
Published: December 2015

Despite debate regarding the magnitude of the impact, immigrant inflows are generally understood to depress wages and increase employment in immigrant-intensive sectors. In light of the overrepresentation of the foreign-born in the childcare industry, this article examines whether college-educated native women respond to immigrant-induced lower cost and potentially more convenient childcare options with increased fertility. An analysis of U.S. Census data between 1980 and 2000 suggests that immigrant inflows are indeed associated with native women’s increased likelihoods of having a baby, and responses are strongest among women who are most likely to consider childcare costs when making fertility decisions—namely, married women and women with a graduate degree. Given that native women also respond to immigrant inflows by working long hours, this article concludes with an analysis of the types of women who have stronger fertility responses versus labor supply responses to immigration.
The Midline Sagittal View of Fetal Brain: Moving from 3D to 2D
Authors: Kaur Ladbans , Singh Divya , Kaur Meetan Preet
Published: December 2015

The objective of the present study was to investigate the effectiveness of a simplified approach by using two dimensional (2D) technique for evaluation of the midline structures of the fetal brain and comparing it with the three dimensional (3D) technique. The study was performed in 60 fetuses with normal intracranial anatomy and 10 fetuses with anomalies involving the midline cerebral structures from 19 to 28 weeks of gestation. Ultrasound examinations were performed on Voluson E8 BT10. 2D median planes were obtained by aligning the transducer through the anterior and posterior fontanelle and the sutures by either transabdominal sonogram or transvaginal sonogram (TVS) approach. Median planes were also obtained by 3D. Visualization of the relevant anatomic details, corpus callosum and cerebellar vermis in particular, was noted by both 2D and 3D images. 2D and 3D median planes were compared qualitatively. 3D midline sagittal planes could be visualized in 48/50 normal fetuses. 2D median planes were obtained in all, usually more easily and rapidly. TVS was also used in fetuses with breech presentation. There was a good correlation between 2D and 3D images. The abnormal group included 10 fetuses. In all cases, the diagnosis could be made by both 2D and 3D views but 3D added clinically useful information especially in two fetuses with posterior fossa lesions. The 2D median views yielded excellent display of anatomy as well as the abnormalities. With high resolution probes, 2D median planes are good enough which can substitute 3D median plane views, especially in developing countries where there is less availability of 3D equipment and expertise of the 3D technique.
Longitudinal relations between parental media monitoring and adolescent aggression, prosocial behavior, and externalizing problems
Authors: Padilla‐Walker Laura M. , Coyne Sarah M. , Collier Kevin M.
Published: December 2015

The current study examined longitudinal relations between parental media monitoring and adolescent behavior, and explored indirect effects via sympathy and self‐regulation. A sample of adolescents and their mothers from Northwestern and Mountain West cities in the USA participated in a study at three time points, approximately one year apart (N = 681;Mage of child at Time 3 = 13.33,SD = 1.06; 51% female; 73% European American, 9% African American, 17% Multi‐ethnic). Though findings varied by reporter, results suggested that restrictive and active media monitoring were indirectly associated with adolescents' prosocial behavior, aggression, and externalizing behavior, with restrictive monitoring being somewhat maladaptive and active monitoring adaptive. The discussion focuses on the need to examine multiple aspects of media monitoring, and highlights implications of findings for parents.
Radical Craft: Exhibiting Homelands in Rochester, New York
Authors: SAAB A. JOAN
Published: December 2015

This article looks at the Homelands Exhibition in Rochester, New York which took place in the spring of 1920. Placing the craft objects on display, as well as their makers and their creative labor, into a larger constellation of local and national history, I focus on how the material culture of the show acted simultaneously as a stand-in and an extensions of their makers, to trouble the boundaries between author and reader, art and work, producer and spectator, the quotidian and the exceptional, and ultimately to question what it meant to be American at this particular moment in time.
The Long Struggle: Enlightenment, Counter-Enlightenment, and the Importance of Ideas in Democratization
Authors: Chirot Daniel
Published: December 2015

The parts of Asia we are looking at have more than half of the world's population, but the issue of how democratization occurs and why is even bigger than just an Asian matter. It is global, and at its heart is something that has been a controversial process in at least parts of the world for well over two centuries. The following papers show that the diversity of experiences within Asia itself—even within any of its major subregions, East, Southeast, and South Asia—is so great that it might seem foolhardy to claim that some common ideas transcend region and encompass not only Asia but all of humanity. But I want to try. In addition, I want to emphasize, as the other papers on democratization in this issue also demonstrate, particularly the one by Mark Thompson, that insisting on an “Asian” compared to a “Western” vision of what democracy means is drastically misleading. The struggle over conflicting ideas at the heart of the matter has taken place everywhere, and still does.
The Populist Dream of Chinese Democracy
Authors: Perry Elizabeth J.
Published: December 2015

Mainstream Chinese discussions of “democracy” have long betrayed a decidedly populist understanding of the concept. Xi Jinping draws freely on this tradition in formulating his China Dream. Xi's efforts are part of the Chinese Communist Party's “re-Orientation” of official propaganda to showcase the glories of the ancient civilization that it claims to represent and rejuvenate. The idea of “democracy” (minzhu民主)—understood in populist rather than institutional terms—plays an important role in the process. This populist interpretation of “democracy” seeks to elide the fundamental contradiction between Enlightenment values and illiberal politics. Whether it will prove persuasive to contemporary Chinese intellectuals remains to be seen.
Serious Fun at Sun City: Theatre for Incarcerated Women in the “New” South Africa
Authors: Biggs Lisa
Published: December 2015

Women have been largely invisible in crime discourse in South Africa; they have never been conceived of as either the primary authors or objects of the law. Yet according to the Republic of South Africa Department of Correctional Services (DCS), they are one of the fastest-growing segments of the prison population today. In the eight years following democratic elections in 1994, DCS reports that the number of women behind bars grew by over 31 percent. From 2008 to 2012 alone, the women's prison population rose by 10 percent while the number of men behind bars declined. These increases are not fully attributable to an escalation in women's illicit behavior. Instead, shifts in policing and sentencing policies now mandate longer sentences for crimes for which women are most likely to be convicted—both aggressive and non-violent, often poverty-related, offenses such as theft (shoplifting, robbery, burglary, carjacking, fraud, embezzlement), narcotics (trafficking, sale, distribution), and sex work.
Macrostructure components in narrations of Turkish–German bilingual children
Authors: MAVIŞ İLKNUR , TUNÇER MÜGE , GAGARINA NATALIA
Published: December 2015

Two studies examined the effects of age, gender, and task on Turkish narrative skills of Turkish–German bilingual children. In Study 1, 36 children (2 years, 11 months [2;11]–7;11) told stories in two conditions (“tell-after model” and “tell-no model”) and answered comprehension questions. In Study 2, 13 children (5;5–7;11) participated in two conditions (“tell-no model” and “retell”) and were compared to Study 1 participants’ on tell tasks. The studies showed significant age effects on story complexity and comprehension, but not story structure and internal state terms. There were no significant effects for gender. Comprehension was significantly better in the “tell-after model” than in the “tell-no model” condition (Study 1). For production (storytelling), a trend favoring retell over tell was found (Study 2).
Macrostructure in the narratives of monolingual Finnish and bilingual Finnish–Swedish children
Authors: KUNNARI SARI , VÄLIMAA TAINA , LAUKKANEN-NEVALA PÄIVI
Published: December 2015

The narrative macrostructure of 16 Finnish–Swedish bilingual children (M age = 5 years, 8 months) was assessed in both of their languages. In the case of the Finnish language, the macrostructure was compared with that of 16 monolingual same-age peers. The narratives were analyzed for story structure, structural complexity, and internal state terms in two conditions (telling and retelling). There were no differences in macrostructure between the two languages of bilingual children, or between the monolingual and bilingual children. However, the results revealed differences between elicitation tasks. The story structure score for bilingual children was lower in a telling task than in a retelling task in Finnish. Further, the retelling task elicited higher structural complexity and more internal state terms, regardless of the language.
Hindrances to the new teaching goals of College English in China
Authors: Du Hui , Guan Hongdi
Published: December 2015

College English refers to a type of English course offered to non-English majors at tertiary level in mainland China. In recent years, however, College English has been criticised as ‘deaf and dumb English’ (Wu, 2004; Zhang, 2002) because of Chinese students’ perceived weaknesses in listening and speaking. As Zhang (2002), Director of the Department of Higher Education in the Chinese Ministry of Education (MOE), explains, ‘Chinese university students can neither speak English nor understand it when they hear the language spoken’ (p. 4). To improve the situation, Zhang urges that ‘[w]hile reading has to be reduced properly, listening and speaking should be increased in College English textbooks’ (ibid.: 5). In other words, it is listening and speaking rather than reading that should be emphasised.
Corpora as game changers: The growing impact of corpus tools for dictionary makers and users
Authors: Heuberger Reinhard
Published: December 2015

English lexicography is undergoing a transformation so profound that both dictionary makers and users need new strategies to cope with the challenges of today's technologies and to take full advantage of their potential. Rundell has rightly stated that dictionaries have finally found their ideal platform in the electronic medium (2012: 15), which provides quicker and more sophisticated access to large data collections that are no longer subject to space restrictions. But the innovations go far beyond storage space and ease of access - customization, hybridization and user-input are amongst the most promising trends in electronic lexicography. Customization means that dictionaries can be adaptable, i.e. manually customized by the user, or even adaptive, i.e. automatically adapted to users’ needs on the basis of their behaviour (Granger, 2012: 4). Paquot lists genre, domain as well as L1 as examples of fruitful areas for customization (2012: 185). In the electronic medium, the barriers between different language resources such as dictionaries, encyclopaedias, databases, writing aids and translation tools are disappearing, a development referred to as hybridization (Granger, 2012: 4). And the concept of user-input is exemplified by the well-known platforms Wiktionary and Urban Dictionary, both of which are online reference works based on contributions by users.
A generalisation of the Abhyankar Jung theorem to associated graded rings of valuations
Authors: CUTKOSKY STEVEN DALE
Published: December 2015

Suppose thatR→Sis an extension of local domains andν* is a valuation dominatingS. We consider the natural extension of associated graded rings along the valuation grν*(R) → grν*(S). We give examples showing that in general, this extension does not share good properties of the extensionR→S, but after enough blow ups above the valuations, good properties of the extensionR→Sare reflected in the extension of associated graded rings. Stable properties of this extension (after blowing up) are much better in characteristic zero than in positive characteristic. Our main result is a generalisation of the Abhyankar–Jung theorem which holds for extensions of associated graded rings along the valuation, after enough blowing up.
Longitudinal phenotypes for alcoholism: Heterogeneity of course, early identifiers, and life course correlates
Authors: Jester Jennifer M. , Buu Anne , Zucker Robert A.
Published: December 2015

Alcoholism is a heterogeneous disorder; however, characterization of life-course variations in symptomatology is almost nonexistent, and developmentally early predictors of variations are very poorly characterized. In this study, the course of alcoholic symptomatology over 32 years is differentiated, and predictors and covariates of trajectory class membership are identified. A community sample of alcoholic and neighborhood matched control families, 332 men and 336 women, was recruited based on alcoholism in the men. Symptoms were assessed retrospectively at baseline (mean age = 32) back to age 15 and prospectively from baseline every 3 years for 15 years. Trajectory classes were established using growth mixture modeling. Men and women had very similarly shaped trajectory classes: developmentally limited (men: 29%, women: 42%), developmentally cumulative (men: 26%, women: 38%), young adult onset (men: 31%, women: 21%), and early onset severe (men: 13%). Three factors at age 15 predicted class membership: family history of alcoholism, age 15 symptoms, and level of childhood antisocial behavior. Numerous measures of drinking and other psychopathology were also associated with class membership. The findings suggest that clinical assessments can be crafted where the profile of current and historical information can predict not only severity of prognosis but also future moderation of symptoms and/or remission over intervals as long as decades.
PhD abstracts
Authors: HUTTON GRAHAM
Published: December 2015

Many students complete PhDs in functional programming each year. As a service to the community, the Journal of Functional Programming publishes the abstracts from PhD dissertations completed during the previous year.
A REALITY CHECK TO FORM YOUR PHILOSOPHY
Authors: Irwin William
Published: December 2015

Your philosophy consists of your beliefs and your reasons for your beliefs. Beliefs form a garden; we need to learn to weed out the dandelions and water the flowers. The readiness to weed out a previously held belief takes courage and is the sign of a true philosopher. In particular we need to avoid committing the aesthetic fallacy, the mistaken idea that what is true is necessarily pleasant, good, or beautiful.
SCIENTISM AND ROMAN CATHOLIC THEOLOGY: TOWARDS EXORCISING THE ZEITGEIST OF INSTITUTIONALIZED TRUTH?
Authors: Dunne Gerry
Published: December 2015

In a fable by Lincoln Steffens, he recounts the fate of a man, who, climbing to the top of a mountain, seizes hold of the Truth. Satan, suspecting mischief from this upstart, duly directs his underlings to tail him. When the demon reports with alarm the man's success – that he had indeed seized hold of the Truth – Satan remains unperturbed. ‘Don't worry’, he yawned. ‘I’ll tempt him to institutionalize it.’1

The purpose of this paper is to offer an exploratory critique of the concept of institutionalized truth, as it is postulated within the epistemic traditions of scientism and Roman Catholic theology. Drawing on examples from each of these paradigms, namely, the conclusions of scientism, and the doctrine of papal infallibility, this disquisition argues that immutable truths, as championed by both camps, are in fact, questionable constructs, open to interpretation and criticism.
LIBERTARIANISM AND THE SEX TRADE ARGUMENT
Authors: Duran Jane
Published: December 2015

The work of MacKinnon, Pheterson and others is cited to examine what are commonly described as libertarian arguments for the decriminalization of sex work. Original Marxist lines of analysis are also examined, and it is concluded that the dangers of sex work outweigh the notion that there is no compelling state interest in suppressing it.
Negative effects of self-help materials: three explorative studies
Authors: Papworth Mark , Ward Aileen , Leeson Karen
Published: December 2015

Within the field of adult mental health, self-help is now a pivotal treatment modality. However, earlier research indicates that some individuals react negatively to this. Through three, small-scale studies, this paper explores both clinicians’ experience of harm in patients as a response to self-help materials as well as patients’ own reports. In Study 1, a postal survey was administrated to clinicians; in Study 2, semi-structured interviews were conducted with clinicians; and in Study 3, patients were sent a postal survey. Over 18% of clinicians indicated that they had experienced self-help materials resulting in harm to patients. The interviews uncovered four main themes: the patients’ clinical presentation, how the materials were presented within the therapeutic contact, certain personality characteristics in patients, and the characteristics of some materials. Between 12% and 24% of patients reported experience of negative effects (depending upon how this is defined), although the latter finding is limited by a small sample size. Proposals are made that are linked to best practice and it is suggested that there is a generic training need for clinicians in materials’ use.
Late Caledonian transpression and the structural controls on pluton construction; new insights from the Omey Pluton, western Ireland
Authors: McCarthy William , Reavy R. John , Stevenson Carl T. , Petronis Michael S.
Published: December 2015

The Galway Granite Complex is unique among the British and Irish Caledonian granitoid terranes, as it records punctuated phases of magmatism from ∼425–380 Ma throughout the latest phase of the Caledonian Orogeny. Remapping of the Omey Pluton, the oldest member of this suite, has constrained the spatial distribution and contact relationships of the pluton's three main facies relative to the nature of the host rock structure. The external contacts of the pluton are mostly concordant to the limbs and hinge of the Connemara Antiform. New AMS data show that a subtle concentric outward dipping foliation is present, and this is interpreted to reflect pluton inflation during continued magma ingress. Combined field, petrographic and AMS data show that two sets of shear zones (NNW–SSE and ENE–WSW) cross-cut the concentric foliation, and that these structures were active during the construction of the pluton. We show that regional sinistral transpression at ∼420 Ma would have caused dilation along the intersection of these two fault sets, and suggest that this facilitated centralised magma ascent. Lateral emplacement was controlled by the symmetry of the Connemara Antiform to ultimately produce a discordant phacolith. We propose that regional sinistral transpression at ∼420 Ma influenced the siting of smaller intrusions over NNW–SSE faults, and that the later onset of regional transtension caused larger volumes of magma to intrude along the E–W Skird Rocks Fault at ∼400 Ma.
The effect of maternal and post-weaning low and high glycaemic index diets on glucose tolerance, fat deposition and hepatic function in rat offspring
Authors: Gugusheff J. , Sim P. , Kheng A. , Gentili S. , Al-Nussairawi M. , Brand-Miller J. , Muhlhausler B.
Published: December 2015

Clinical studies have reported beneficial effects of a maternal low glycaemic index (GI) diet on pregnancy and neonatal outcomes, but the impact of the diet on the offspring in later life, and the mechanisms underlying these effects, remain unclear. In this study, Albino Wistar rats were fed either a low GI (n=14) or high GI (n=14) diet during pregnancy and lactation and their offspring weaned onto either the low or high GI diet. Low GI dams had better glucose tolerance (AUC[glucose], 1322±55 v. 1523±72 mmol min/l, P<0.05) and a lower proportion of visceral fat (19.0±2.9 v. 21.7±3.8% of total body fat, P<0.05) compared to high GI dams. Female offspring of low GI dams had lower visceral adiposity (0.45±0.03 v. 0.53±0.03% body weight, P<0.05) and higher glucose tolerance (AUC[glucose], 1243±29 v. 1351±39 mmol min/l, P<0.05) at weaning, as well as lower hepatic PI3K-p85 mRNA at 12 weeks of age. No differences in glucose tolerance or hepatic gene expression were observed in male offspring, but the male low GI offspring did have reduced hepatic lipid content at weaning. These findings suggest that consuming a low GI diet during pregnancy and lactation can improve glucose tolerance and reduce visceral adiposity in the female offspring at weaning, and may potentially produce long-term reductions in the hepatic lipogenic capacity of these offspring.
The Effects of Multiple Stigmas on Discrimination in the German	Housing Market
Authors: Mazziotta Agostino , Zerr Michael , Rohmann Anette
Published: December 2015

Abstract. In two online field-experiments (N1 = 336, N2 = 456) we investigated the effects of belonging to an ethnic minority, a sexual minority, or to both minority groups simultaneously on rental discrimination in Germany. We predicted that a Turkish heterosexual couple and a German gay male couple would receive fewer replies to their inquiries about a rental offering and fewer invitations for viewings than a German heterosexual couple. We also predicted that the intersection of two stigmatized identities would have beneficial effects and thus result in less discrimination of the Turkish gay male couple compared to the Turkish heterosexual couple. Chi-square tests revealed evidence of rental discrimination based on ethnicity, but not for discrimination based on sexual orientation; no evidence for beneficial effects of the intersection of two stigmatized identities was found. Implications for future research on discrimination of ethnic and sexual minorities are discussed.
Atlantic multi-decadal oscillation covaries with Agulhas leakage
Authors: Biastoch Arne , Durgadoo Jonathan V. , Morrison Adele K. , van Sebille Erik , Weijer Wilbert , Griffies Stephen M.
Published: December 2015

The interoceanic transfer of seawater between the Indian Ocean and the Atlantic, ‘Agulhas leakage’, forms a choke point for the overturning circulation in the global ocean. Here, by combining output from a series of high-resolution ocean and climate models with in situ and satellite observations, we construct a time series of Agulhas leakage for the period 1870–2014. The time series demonstrates the impact of Southern Hemisphere westerlies on decadal timescales. Agulhas leakage shows a correlation with the Atlantic Multi-decadal Oscillation on multi-decadal timescales; the former leading by 15 years. This is relevant for climate in the North Atlantic.
Effects of warming on ectomycorrhizal colonization and nitrogen nutrition of Picea asperata seedlings grown in two contrasting forest ecosystems
Authors: Li Yuejiao , Sun Didi , Li Dandan , Xu Zhenfeng , Zhao Chunzhang , Lin Honghui , Liu Qing
Published: December 2015

Ectomycorrhiza (ECM) plays an important role in plant nitrogen (N) nutrition and regulates plant responded to climate warming. We conducted a field experiment in a natural forest and a plantation in the eastern Tibetan Plateau to estimate the warming effects of open-top chambers (OTC) on ECM and N nutrition ofPicea asperataseedlings. Four-year warming significantly decreased ECM colonization, ECM fungal biomass, fine root vigor and the N concentration of leaf, stem and coarse root, but significantly increased fine root N concentration and N content of leaf, stem, fine root and whole plant in natural forest. Contrarily, warming induced no obvious change in most of these parameters in plantation. Moreover, warming decreased rhizospheric soil inorganic N content in both forests. Our results showed that four-year warming was not beneficial for ECM colonization ofP. asperataseedlings in the two forests and the seedlings in natural forest were more sensitive and flexible to experimental warming than in plantation. The changes of ECM colonization and fine root biomass for effective N uptake would be good for plant growth and remit N leaching under future warming in natural forest.
Quantitative image analysis for evaluating the abrasion resistance of nanoporous silica films on glass
Authors: Nielsen Karsten H. , Karlsson Stefan , Limbach Rene , Wondraczek Lothar
Published: December 2015

The abrasion resistance of coated glass surfaces is an important parameter for judging lifetime performance, but practical testing procedures remain overly simplistic and do often not allow for direct conclusions on real-world degradation. Here, we combine quantitative two-dimensional image analysis and mechanical abrasion into a facile tool for probing the abrasion resistance of anti-reflective (AR) coatings. We determine variations in the average coated area, during and after controlled abrasion. Through comparison with other experimental techniques, we show that this method provides a practical, rapid and versatile tool for the evaluation of the abrasion resistance of sol-gel-derived thin films on glass. The method yields informative data, which correlates with measurements of diffuse reflectance and is further supported by qualitative investigations through scanning electron microscopy. In particular, the method directly addresses degradation of coating performance, i.e., the gradual areal loss of antireflective functionality. As an exemplary subject, we studied the abrasion resistance of state-of-the-art nanoporous SiO2 thin films which were derived from 5–6 wt% aqueous solutions of potassium silicates, or from colloidal suspensions of SiO2 nanoparticles. It is shown how abrasion resistance is governed by coating density and film adhesion, defining the trade-off between optimal AR performance and acceptable mechanical performance.
A G-protein-coupled receptor regulation pathway in cytochrome P450-mediated permethrin-resistance in mosquitoes, Culex quinquefasciatus
Authors: Li Ting , Cao Chuanwang , Yang Ting , Zhang Lee , He Lin , Xi Zhiyong , Bian Guowu , Liu Nannan
Published: December 2015

Rhodopsin-like G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are known to be involved in the GPCR signal transduction system and regulate many essential physiological processes in organisms. This study, for the first time, revealed that knockdown of the rhodopsin-like GPCR gene in resistant mosquitoes resulted in a reduction of mosquitoes’ resistance to permethrin, simultaneously reducing the expression of two cAMP-dependent protein kinase A genes (PKAs) and four resistance related cytochrome P450 genes. The function of rhodopsin-like GPCR was further confirmed using transgenic lines of Drosophila melanogaster, in which the tolerance to permethrin and the expression of Drosophila resistance P450 genes were both increased. The roles of GPCR signaling pathway second messenger cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and downstream effectors PKAs in resistance were investigated using cAMP production inhibitor Bupivacaine HCl and the RNAi technique. Inhibition of cAMP production led to significant decreases in both the expression of four resistance P450 genes and two PKA genes and mosquito resistance to permethrin. Knockdown of the PKA genes had shown the similar effects on permethrin resistance and P450 gene expression. Taken together, our studies revealed, for the first time, the role of the GPCR/cAMP/PKA-mediated regulatory pathway governing P450 gene expression and P450-mediated resistance in Culex mosquitoes.
Full Quantitative Analysis of Arbitrary Cylindrically Polarized Pulses by Using Extended Stokes Parameters
Authors: Suzuki Masato , Yamane Keisaku , Oka Kazuhiko , Toda Yasunori , Morita Ryuji
Published: December 2015

Cylindrically polarized (CP) modes are laser beam modes which have rotational symmetry of the polarization distribution around the beam axis. Considerable attention has been paid to CP modes for their various applications. In this paper, by using the extended Stokes parameters and the degree of polarization defined for the spatial distribution (DOP-SD), we fully-quantitatively characterize the spectrally-resolved polarization states of arbitrary CP (axisymmetrically polarized and higher-order cylindrically polarized) broadband pulses generated by coherent beam combining. All the generated pulse states were fully-quantitatively analyzed for the first time and proved to have high symmetry (DOP-SD ≳ 0.95) and low spectral dependence of polarization states. Moreover, we show the DOP-SD, which cannot be defined by the conventional higher-order and hybrid Stokes parameters, enables us to make a quantitative evaluation of small degradation of rotational symmetry of polarization distribution. This quantitative characterization with high precision is significant for applications of precise material processing, quantum information processing, magneto-optical storage and nonlinear spectroscopic polarimetry.
Direct Femtosecond Laser Surface Structuring with Optical Vortex Beams Generated by a q-plate
Authors: JJ Nivas Jijil , He Shutong , Rubano Andrea , Vecchione Antonio , Paparo Domenico , Marrucci Lorenzo , Bruzzese Riccardo , Amoruso Salvatore
Published: December 2015

Creation of patterns and structures on surfaces at the micro- and nano-scale is a field of growing interest. Direct femtosecond laser surface structuring with a Gaussian-like beam intensity profile has already distinguished itself as a versatile method to fabricate surface structures on metals and semiconductors. Here we present an approach for direct femtosecond laser surface structuring based on optical vortex beams with different spatial distributions of the state of polarization, which are easily generated by means of a q-plate. The different states of an optical vortex beam carrying an orbital angular momentum ℓ = ±1 are used to demonstrate the fabrication of various regular surface patterns on silicon. The spatial features of the regular rippled and grooved surface structures are correlated with the state of polarization of the optical vortex beam. Moreover, scattered surface wave theory approach is used to rationalize the dependence of the surface structures on the local state of the laser beam characteristics (polarization and fluence). The present approach can be further extended to fabricate even more complex and unconventional surface structures by exploiting the possibilities offered by femtosecond optical vector fields.
2D dynamical arrest transition in a mixed nanoparticle-phospholipid layer studied in real and momentum spaces
Authors: Orsi Davide , Guzmán Eduardo , Liggieri Libero , Ravera Francesca , Ruta Beatrice , Chushkin Yuriy , Rimoldi Tiziano , Cristofolini Luigi
Published: December 2015

We investigate the interfacial dynamics of a 2D self-organized mixed layer made of silica nanoparticles interacting with phospholipid (DPPC) monolayers at the air/water interface. This system has biological relevance, allowing investigation of toxicological effects of nanoparticles on model membranes and lung surfactants. It might also provide bio-inspired technological solutions, exploiting the self-organization of DPPC to produce a non-trivial 2D structuration of nanoparticles. The characterization of interfacial dynamics yields information on the effects of NPs on the mechanical properties, important to improve performances of systems such as colloidosomes, foams, creams. For this, we combine micro-tracking in real-space with measurement in momentum-space via x-ray photon-correlation spectroscopy and Digital Fourier Microscopy. Using these complementary techniques, we extend the spatial range of investigation beyond the limits of each one. We find a dynamical transition from Brownian diffusion to an arrested state driven by compression, characterized by intermittent rearrangements, compatible with a repulsive glass phase. The rearrangement and relaxation of the monolayer structure results dramatically hindered by the presence of NPs, which is relevant to explain some the mechanical features observed for the dynamic surface pressure response of these systems and which can be relevant for the respiratory physiology and for future drug-delivery composite systems.
CeRu4Sn6: a strongly correlated material with nontrivial topology
Authors: Sundermann Martin , Strigari Fabio , Willers Thomas , Winkler Hannes , Prokofiev Andrey , Ablett James M. , Rueff Jean-Pascal , Schmitz Detlef , Weschke Eugen , Sala Marco Moretti , Al-Zein Ali , Tanaka Arata , Haverkort Maurits W. , Kasinathan Deepa , Tjeng Liu Hao , Paschen Silke , Severing Andrea
Published: December 2015

Topological insulators form a novel state of matter that provides new opportunities to create unique quantum phenomena. While the materials used so far are based on semiconductors, recent theoretical studies predict that also strongly correlated systems can show non-trivial topological properties, thereby allowing even the emergence of surface phenomena that are not possible with topological band insulators. From a practical point of view, it is also expected that strong correlations will reduce the disturbing impact of defects or impurities and at the same increase the Fermi velocities of the topological surface states. The challenge is now to discover such correlated materials. Here, using advanced x-ray spectroscopies in combination with band structure calculations, we infer that CeRu4Sn6 is a strongly correlated material with non-trivial topology.
Low-temperature-grown continuous graphene films from benzene by chemical vapor deposition at ambient pressure
Authors: Jang Jisu , Son Myungwoo , Chung Sunki , Kim Kihyeun , Cho Chunhum , Lee Byoung Hun , Ham Moon-Ho
Published: December 2015

There is significant interest in synthesizing large-area graphene films at low temperatures by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) for nanoelectronic and flexible device applications. However, to date, low-temperature CVD methods have suffered from lower surface coverage because micro-sized graphene flakes are produced. Here, we demonstrate a modified CVD technique for the production of large-area, continuous monolayer graphene films from benzene on Cu at 100–300 °C at ambient pressure. In this method, we extended the graphene growth step in the absence of residual oxidizing species by introducing pumping and purging cycles prior to growth. This led to continuous monolayer graphene films with full surface coverage and excellent quality, which were comparable to those achieved with high-temperature CVD; for example, the surface coverage, transmittance and carrier mobilities of the graphene grown at 300 °C were 100%, 97.6% and 1,900–2,500 cm2 V−1 s−1, respectively. In addition, the growth temperature was substantially reduced to as low as 100 °C, which is the lowest temperature reported to date for pristine graphene produced by CVD. Our modified CVD method is expected to allow the direct growth of graphene in device manufacturing processes for practical applications while keeping underlying devices intact.
Only a minority of broad-range detoxification genes respond to a variety of phytotoxins in generalist Bemisia tabaci species
Authors: Halon Eyal , Eakteiman Galit , Moshitzky Pnina , Elbaz Moshe , Alon Michal , Pavlidi Nena , Vontas John , Morin Shai
Published: December 2015

Generalist insect can utilize two different modes for regulating their detoxification genes, the constitutive mode and the induced mode. Here, we used the Bemisia tabaci sibling species MEAM1 and MED, as a model system for studying constitutive and induced detoxification resistance and their associated tradeoffs. B. tabaci adults were allowed to feed through membranes for 24 h on diet containing only sucrose or sucrose with various phytotoxins. Quantitative real-time PCR analyses of 18 detoxification genes, indicated that relatively few transcripts were changed in both the MEAM1 and MED species, in response to the addition of phytotoxins to the diet. Induced transcription of detoxification genes only in the MED species, in response to the presence of indole-3-carbinol in the insect’s diet, was correlated with maintenance of reproductive performance in comparison to significant reduction in performance of the MEAM1 species. Three genes, COE2, CYP6-like 5 and BtGST2, responded to more than one compound and were highly transcribed in the insect gut. Furthermore, functional assays showed that the BtGST2 gene encodes a protein capable of interacting with both flavonoids and glucosinolates. In conclusion, several detoxification genes were identified that could potentially be involved in the adaptation of B. tabaci to its host plants.
Divergent responses to thermogenic stimuli in BAT and subcutaneous adipose tissue from interleukin 18 and interleukin 18 receptor 1-deficient mice
Authors: Pazos Patricia , Lima Luis , Tovar Sulay , González-Touceda David , Diéguez Carlos , García María C.
Published: December 2015

Brown and beige adipocytes recruitment in brown (BAT) or white adipose tissue, mainly in the inguinal fat pad (iWAT), meet the need for temperature adaptation in cold-exposure conditions and protect against obesity in face of hypercaloric diets. Using interleukin18 (Il18) and Il18 receptor 1- knockout (Il18r1-KO) mice, this study aimed to investigate the role of IL18 signaling in BAT and iWAT activation and thermogenesis under both stimuli. Il18-KO, extremely dietary obesity-prone as previously described, failed to develop diet-induced thermogenesis as assessed by BAT and iWAT Ucp1 mRNA levels. Overweight when fed standard chow but not HFD, HFD-fed Il18r1-KO mice exhibited increased iWAT Ucp1 gene expression. Energy expenditure was reduced in pre-obese Il18r1-KO mice and restored upon HFD-challenge. Cold exposure lead to similar results; Il18r1-KO mice were protected against acute body temperature drop, displaying a more brown-like structure, alternative macrophage activation and thermogenic gene expression in iWAT than WT controls. Opposite effects were observed in Il18-KO mice. Thus, Il18 and Il18r1 genetic ablation disparate effects on energy homeostasis are likely mediated by divergent BAT responses to thermogenic stimuli as well as iWAT browning. These results suggest that a more complex receptor-signaling system mediates the IL18 adipose-tissue specific effects in energy expenditure.
Circular analysis in complex stochastic systems
Authors: Valleriani Angelo
Published: December 2015

Ruling out observations can lead to wrong models. This danger occurs unwillingly when one selects observations, experiments, simulations or time-series based on their outcome. In stochastic processes, conditioning on the future outcome biases all local transition probabilities and makes them consistent with the selected outcome. This circular self-consistency leads to models that are inconsistent with physical reality. It is also the reason why models built solely on macroscopic observations are prone to this fallacy.
A method for reproducible measurements of serum BDNF: comparison of the performance of six commercial assays
Authors: Polacchini Alessio , Metelli Giuliana , Francavilla Ruggiero , Baj Gabriele , Florean Marina , Mascaretti Luca Giovanni , Tongiorgi Enrico
Published: December 2015

Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) has attracted increasing interest as potential biomarker to support the diagnosis or monitor the efficacy of therapies in brain disorders. Circulating BDNF can be measured in serum, plasma or whole blood. However, the use of BDNF as biomarker is limited by the poor reproducibility of results, likely due to the variety of methods used for sample collection and BDNF analysis. To overcome these limitations, using sera from 40 healthy adults, we compared the performance of five ELISA kits (Aviscera-Bioscience, Biosensis, Millipore-ChemiKineTM, Promega-Emax®, R&D-System-Quantikine®) and one multiplexing assay (Millipore-Milliplex®). All kits showed 100% sample recovery and comparable range. However, they exhibited very different inter-assay variations from 5% to 20%. Inter-assay variations were higher than those declared by the manufacturers with only one exception which also had the best overall performance. Dot-blot analysis revealed that two kits selectively recognize mature BDNF, while the others reacted with both pro-BDNF and mature BDNF. In conclusion, we identified two assays to obtain reliable measurements of human serum BDNF, suitable for future clinical applications.
Increased Variability of Genomic Transcription in Schizophrenia
Authors: Zhang Fuquan , Yao Shugart Yin , Yue Weihua , Cheng Zaohuo , Wang Guoqiang , Zhou Zhenhe , Jin Chunhui , Yuan Jianmin , Liu Sha , Xu Yong
Published: December 2015

Schizophrenia (SZ) is a severe chronic mental disorder with a high heritability. Current microarray analyses typically focus on identifying differentially expressed genes or enriched pathways relevant to phenotypes. Whether there is a variability change of the genomic transcription in diseases has rarely been explored. In this study, we compared coefficient of variation (CV, the ratio of the standard deviation to the mean) of genome transcription of early-onset SZ (EOS) patients with controls in a blood mRNA microarray dataset and a blood microRNA (miRNA) microarray dataset. Furthermore, we compared CV of the expression levels of 17 genes in blood of the 30 patients before and after the 12-week treatment using real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) analysis. Our results indicated a significant increase of CV of genome transcription in patients compared with controls in both the mRNA and the miRNA datasets. The 30 after-treatment patients showed a significant decrease of CV of gene expression compared with the before-treatment patients. Our study may implicate the blood gene expression variability in SZ, providing further evidence supporting the abnormality of peripheral blood transcriptome in SZ. Given that peripheral blood can be easily collected from patients and followed longitudinally, our results may indicate a new way to facilitate the identification of the signatures of clinical subtypes, their prognosis and treatment response.
The well-coordinated linkage between acidogenicity and aciduricity via insoluble glucans on the surface of Streptococcus mutans
Authors: Guo Lihong , McLean Jeffrey S. , Lux Renate , He Xuesong , Shi Wenyuan
Published: December 2015

Streptococcus mutans is considered the principal cariogenic bacterium for dental caries. Despite the recognition of their importance for cariogenesis, the possible coordination among S. mutans’ main virulence factors, including glucan production, acidogenicity and aciduricity, has been less well studied. In the present study, using S. mutans strains with surface-displayed pH-sensitive pHluorin, we revealed sucrose availability- and Gtf functionality-dependent proton accumulation on S. mutans surface. Consistent with this, using a pH-sensitive dye, we demonstrated that both in vivo cell-produced and in vitro enzymatically synthesized insoluble glucans displayed proton-concentrating ability. Global transcriptomics revealed proton accumulation triggers the up-regulation of genes encoding functions involved in acid tolerance response in a glucan-dependent manner. Our data suggested that this proton enrichment around S. mutans could pre-condition the bacterium for acid-stress. Consistent with this hypothesis, we found S. mutans strains defective in glucan production were more acid sensitive. Our study revealed for the first time that insoluble glucans is likely an essential factor linking acidogenicity with aciduricity. The coordination of these key virulence factors could provide new insights on how S. mutans may have become a major cariogenic pathogen.