bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Discussion of Katherine J. Cramer's The Politics of Resentment: Rural Consciousness in Wisconsin and the Rise of Scott Walker
Authors: Dudas Jeffrey R.
Published: June 2017

The policies of Republican Governor Scott Walker have come to symbolize a resurgent assault on the public sector, and on public employee unions in particular, by the Republican Party. The fact that this is happening in Wisconsin, the state that in the last century was considered the “laboratory of Progressivism,” makes the politics surrounding these policies all the more compelling. In The Politics of Resentment: Rural Consciousness in Wisconsin and the Rise of Scott Walker, Katherine J. Cramer analyzes the “politics of resentment” surrounding these developments. Employing an ethnographic “method of listening,” Cramer furnishes thick description of the political language employed by rural Wisconsinites, and proceeds to develop an interpretive theory of “political resentment” that illuminates the reasons why lower-class citizens so strongly oppose public policies seeking to offset social and economic inequality. The book is important methodologically and politically. We have thus invited a range of social and political scientists to comment on the book as a work of political science and as a diagnosis of the current political moment.
A Discussion of Katherine J. Cramer's The Politics of Resentment: Rural Consciousness in Wisconsin and the Rise of Scott Walker
Authors: Petersen Roger
Published: June 2017

The policies of Republican Governor Scott Walker have come to symbolize a resurgent assault on the public sector, and on public employee unions in particular, by the Republican Party. The fact that this is happening in Wisconsin, the state that in the last century was considered the “laboratory of Progressivism,” makes the politics surrounding these policies all the more compelling. In The Politics of Resentment: Rural Consciousness in Wisconsin and the Rise of Scott Walker, Katherine J. Cramer analyzes the “politics of resentment” surrounding these developments. Employing an ethnographic “method of listening,” Cramer furnishes thick description of the political language employed by rural Wisconsinites, and proceeds to develop an interpretive theory of “political resentment” that illuminates the reasons why lower-class citizens so strongly oppose public policies seeking to offset social and economic inequality. The book is important methodologically and politically. We have thus invited a range of social and political scientists to comment on the book as a work of political science and as a diagnosis of the current political moment.
A Discussion of Aviezer Tucker's The Legacies of Totalitarianism: A Theoretical Framework
Authors: Bunce Valerie
Published: June 2017

The concept of totalitarianism emerged between the two world wars in twentieth-century Europe to become a central concept of Cold War social science designed to highlight similarities between the Nazi and Soviet regimes and implicitly to contrast these forms of dictatorship with liberal democracy. While in the 1960s and 1970s many critics challenged the concept’s Cold War uses as an ideology of “the West,” the idea of totalitarianism and later “post-totalitarianism” played important roles in East Central Europe, where they helped dissident intellectuals, academics, and activists both to understand and to challenge Soviet-style communism. The concept of “totalitarianism” remains heavily contested. But whatever one thinks about the concept’s social scientific validity, there can be no doubt that it played a crucial role in both the scholarship of communism and the public intellectual debates about the possibilities of post-communism. Aviezer Tucker’s The Legacies of Totalitarianism: A Theoretical Framework (Cambridge 2015) addresses many of these issues, and so we have invited a range of political scientists to comment on the book and the broader theme denoted by its title.
A Discussion of Aviezer Tucker's The Legacies of Totalitarianism: A Theoretical Framework
Authors: Tismăneanu Vladimir
Published: June 2017

The concept of totalitarianism emerged between the two world wars in twentieth-century Europe to become a central concept of Cold War social science designed to highlight similarities between the Nazi and Soviet regimes and implicitly to contrast these forms of dictatorship with liberal democracy. While in the 1960s and 1970s many critics challenged the concept’s Cold War uses as an ideology of “the West,” the idea of totalitarianism and later “post-totalitarianism” played important roles in East Central Europe, where they helped dissident intellectuals, academics, and activists both to understand and to challenge Soviet-style communism. The concept of “totalitarianism” remains heavily contested. But whatever one thinks about the concept’s social scientific validity, there can be no doubt that it played a crucial role in both the scholarship of communism and the public intellectual debates about the possibilities of post-communism. Aviezer Tucker’s The Legacies of Totalitarianism: A Theoretical Framework (Cambridge 2015) addresses many of these issues, and so we have invited a range of political scientists to comment on the book and the broader theme denoted by its title.
A Discussion of Péter Krasztev and Jon Van Til’s The Hungarian Patient: Social Opposition to an Illiberal Democracy
Authors: Mueller Jan-Werner
Published: June 2017

In the wake of the Revolutions of 1989, Hungary was long considered one of the “success stories” of post-communist transition to liberal democracy. Yet in recent years the Hungarian government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Viktor Orban, has pioneered a new conception of “illiberal democracy.” In a July 2014 speech, Orban indeed declared that “the era of liberal democracies is over.” Similar declarations can be heard in other parts of post-communist Eastern Europe. The Hungarian Patient: Social Opposition to an Illiberal Democracy, is a collection of essays by Hungarian social scientists and intellectuals reflecting on both the sources of this emergent illiberalism and the sources of opposition to it. Because it is important for American political scientists to understand the way their colleagues in other parts of the world reflect on the challenges of democracy, and because the Hungarian situation is significant for the future of Europe and the EU, we have invited a wide range of scholars to comment on the book and on its topic—the significance of the emergence of “illiberal democracy” in Hungary and in Europe.
Wissensaufbereitung für den Unterricht – ein Aspekt von Lehrerprofessionalität
Authors: Kuckeland Heidi
Published: June 2017

Zusammenfassung. „Ein solides systematisch, methodisch und wissenschaftsgeschichtlich gestütztes Wissen in den und über die Unterrichtsfächer(n) ist eine Conditio sine qua non.“ (Terhart, 2002, S. 31) Das Zitat von Terhart macht deutlich, wie selbstverständlich Lehrerprofessionalität mit einem fundierten Wissen von Lehrenden einhergeht. Doch um welches Wissen von Lehrenden handelt es sich konkret und wie kann Wissen von Lehrenden für Lernende so aufbereitet werden, dass es für sie zugänglich und nachhaltig wird?
Pflegepädagogen an der Hochschule
Authors: Koch Lee F. , Reiber Karin
Published: June 2017

Zusammenfassung. Angesichts der Transition der Pflege von einem Ausbildungsberuf zu einer wissenschaftlichen Disziplin wird künftig qualifiziertes Lehrpersonal mit einer einschlägigen beruflichen und wissenschaftlichen Ausbildung in der Pflege benötigt. Wie sieht aber die Rolle von Lehrpersonen in den Pflegestudiengängen konkret aus?
Die Problemlöser von Morgen
Authors: Scheerer Melanie , Morgenstern Ulrike
Published: June 2017

Zusammenfassung. Damit künftige Gesundheits- und Krankenpfleger / innen in der Lage sind, problemorientierte Lösungen für komplexe Situationen im interdisziplinären Team generieren zu können, gewinnt das problemorientierte Lernen (POL) an Bedeutung in den Berufsschulen. Untersucht wurde die aktuelle Anwendung in der Gesundheits- und Krankenpflegeausbildung, wobei Defizite aufgedeckt und ein Fortbildungsbedarf konkretisiert wurde.
Patienten- und Angehörigenbroschüren als Bestandteil der Edukation
Authors: Protz Kerstin
Published: June 2017

Zusammenfassung. Broschüren können ein wesentlich unterstützendes Mittel in der Edukation von Patienten sein. Das Wundzentrum Hamburg e. V. erstellt und veröffentlicht Patienten- und Angehörigenbroschüren, um die Versorgungssituation von Menschen mit chronischen Wunden sowie deren Lebensqualität zu verbessern.
The Protective Role of Childcare Quality for Behavioral Adjustment in 3- to 5-Year-Old Children
Authors: Seiler Corina Wustmann , Müller Eva , Simoni Heidi
Published: June 2017

Abstract. This study examined the role of childcare process quality regarding the relation between family risks and preschoolers’ social–emotional problems. The study included 24 childcare centers with 42 groups in the German-speaking part of Switzerland. The 162 children in the sample were aged 3 – 5 years. Parents and teachers completed the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ-Deu). Eight family risk factors were subsumed into a cumulative risk index. Childcare process quality was assessed by various observation instruments, for example, the Infant/Toddler Environment Rating Scale-Revised (ITERS-R) and the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale-Revised (ECERS–R). The calculated structural equation models show that high-quality teaching and interaction, and provisions for learning, can mitigate the negative effects of family risks on children’s internalizing problems. High process quality can provide the chance of considerable attention, encouragement, and new learning opportunities for children at risk; these high-quality centers thereby contribute to protective processes.
Migrationsbedingte Disparitäten in der Notenvergabe nach dem Übergang auf das Gymnasium
Authors: Bonefeld Meike , Dickhäuser Oliver , Janke Stefan , Praetorius Anna-Katharina , Dresel Markus
Published: June 2017

Zusammenfassung. Disparitäten bei der Leistungsbewertung von Schülern und Schülerinnen mit Migrationshintergrund konnten häufig für den Übergang zwischen Grundschule und weiterführender Schule nachgewiesen werden. In der hier vorgestellten Studie wurde geprüft, ob sich solche Zusammenhänge auch nach dem Übergang auf das Gymnasium zeigen. Untersucht wurde der Effekt des Migrationshintergrundes von Schüler_innen auf die Leistungsbewertung im Fach Mathematik bei Klassenarbeiten und Zeugnissen. Daten von 1487 Gymnasiastinnen und Gymnasiasten und deren 56 Lehrkräften im Fach Mathematik zu fünf Messzeitpunkten (Beginn der fünften Klasse bis zum Ende der sechsten Klasse) zeigten, dass Schüler_innen nicht-deutscher Herkunft auch unter Kontrolle von Leistungen in standardisierten Tests signifikant schlechtere Klassenarbeits- und Zeugnisnoten erhielten. Der Effekt blieb im Zeitverlauf stabil. Diese Ergebnisse unterstützen die Hypothese, dass sich Urteilsfehler bei der Benotung von Leistungen von Schülern und Schülerinnen mit nichtdeutscher Herkunft zeigen.
Erfassung des Selbstkonzepts von Kindern im Grundschulalter
Authors: Weber Kira Elena , Freund Philipp Alexander
Published: June 2017

Zusammenfassung. In der vorliegenden Studie wird überprüft, ob sich der Fragebogen zur Erfassung multipler Selbstkonzeptfacetten bei Förderschülern (Schwerpunkt Lernen) und Regelschülern der Sekundarstufe I von Weber und Freund (2017) auch für die Erfassung des Selbstkonzepts bei Kindern im Grundschulalter eignet. Die Stichprobe umfasste N = 416 Kinder der vierten Klassenstufe. Konfirmatorische Faktorenanalysen bestätigten die multidimensionale Struktur. Die Reliabilitätsschätzungen fielen für alle Skalen zufriedenstellend aus (.73 ≤ α ≤ .89, .84 ≤ ω ≤ .93) und die Messinvarianz über die Variable Geschlecht konnte belegt werden. Die Skalen wiesen theoriekonforme Geschlechterunterschiede und Zusammenhänge zu Außenkriterien auf. Der Fragebogen erfasst somit reliabel, valide und ökonomisch ein inhaltlich ausdifferenziertes Selbstkonzept bei Kindern und Jugendlichen im Alter zwischen 8 und 18 Jahren.
Meteorites Mix Moon’s Surface at Both Small and Large Scales
Authors: Cook Terri
Published: June 2017

A three-dimensional model of material transport suggests that impact cratering can mix lunar soils across distances of more than 100 kilometers.
USGS Funding Slashed 15% in Proposed Federal Budget
Authors: Showstack Randy
Published: June 2017

Requested fiscal year 2018 spending levels support energy and mineral resources programs but make deep cuts to climate programs and many other areas.
Psychology of Narrative Art
Authors: Oatley Keith , Djikic Maja
Published: June 2017

Artistic narrative has been recognized in fictional genres such as poetry, plays, novels, short stories, and films. It occurs also in nonfictional genres such as essays and biographies. We review evidence on the empirical exploration of effects of narrative, principally fiction, on how it enables people to become more empathetic, on how foregrounded phrases encourage readers to recognize the significance of events as if for the first time in ways that tend to elicit emotion, and on how literary works can help people to change their own personalities. We then suggest 3 principles that characterize narrative art in psychological terms: a focus on emotion and empathy, a focus on character, and a basis of indirect communication.
Essential but partially redundant roles for POU4F1/Brn-3a and POU4F2/Brn-3b transcription factors in the developing heart
Authors: Maskell Lauren J , Qamar Kashif , Babakr Aram A , Hawkins Thomas A , Heads Richard J , Budhram-Mahadeo Vishwanie S
Published: June 2017

Congenital heart defects contribute to embryonic or neonatal lethality but due to the complexity of cardiac development, the molecular changes associated with such defects are not fully understood. Here, we report that transcription factors (TFs) Brn-3a (POU4F1) and Brn-3b (POU4F2) are important for normal cardiac development. Brn-3a directly represses Brn-3b promoter in cardiomyocytes and consequently Brn-3a knockout (KO) mutant hearts express increased Brn-3b mRNA during mid-gestation, which is linked to hyperplastic growth associated with elevated cyclin D1, a known Brn-3b target gene. However, during late gestation, Brn-3b can cooperate with p53 to enhance transcription of pro-apoptotic genes e.g. Bax, thereby increasing apoptosis and contribute to morphological defects such as non-compaction, ventricular wall/septal thinning and increased crypts/fissures, which may cause lethality of Brn-3a KO mutants soon after birth. Despite this, early embryonic lethality in e9.5 double KO (Brn-3a−/− : Brn-3b−/−) mutants indicate essential functions with partial redundancy during early embryogenesis. High conservation between mammals and zebrafish (ZF) Brn-3b (87%) or Brn-3a (76%) facilitated use of ZF embryos to study potential roles in developing heart. Double morphant embryos targeted with morpholino oligonucleotides to both TFs develop significant cardiac defects (looping abnormalities and valve defects) suggesting essential roles for Brn-3a and Brn-3b in developing hearts.
Autophagy blockade and lysosomal membrane permeabilization contribute to lead-induced nephrotoxicity in primary rat proximal tubular cells
Authors: Song Xiang-Bin , Liu Gang , Liu Fei , Yan Zhen-Gui , Wang Zhen-Yong , Liu Zong-Ping , Wang Lin
Published: June 2017

Lead (Pb) is a known nephrotoxicant that causes damage to proximal tubular cells. Autophagy has an important protective role in various renal injuries, but the role of autophagy in Pb-elicited nephrotoxicity remains largely unknown. In this study, Pb promoted the accumulation of autophagosomes in primary rat proximal tubular (rPT) cells, and subsequent findings revealed that this autophagosome accumulation was caused by the inhibition of autophagic flux. Moreover, Pb exposure did not affect the autophagosome–lysosome fusion in rPT cells. Next, we found that Pb caused lysosomal alkalinization, may be through suppression of two V-ATPase subunits. Simultaneously, Pb inhibited lysosomal degradation capacity by affecting the maturation of cathepsin B (CTSB) and cathepsin D (CTSD). Furthermore, translocation of CTSB and CTSD from lysosome to cytoplasm was observed in this study, suggesting that lysosomal membrane permeabilization (LMP) occurred in Pb-exposed rPT cells. Meanwhile, Pb-induced caspase-3 activation and apoptosis were significantly but not completely inhibited by CTSB inhibitor (CA 074) and CTSD inhibitor (pepstatin A), respectively, demonstrating that LMP-induced lysosomal enzyme release was involved in Pb-induced apoptosis in rPT cells. In conclusion, Pb-mediated autophagy blockade in rPT cells is attributed to the impairment of lysosomal function. Both inhibition of autophagic flux and LMP-mediated apoptosis contribute to Pb-induced nephrotoxicity in rPT cells.
Loss of the novel mitochondrial protein FAM210B promotes metastasis via PDK4-dependent metabolic reprogramming
Authors: Sun Shujuan , Liu Jia , Zhao Meisong , Han Yingyan , Chen Pingbo , Mo Qingqing , Wang Beibei , Chen Gang , Fang Yong , Tian Yuan , Zhou Jianfeng , Ma Ding , Gao Qinglei , Wu Peng
Published: June 2017

Recent advances in tumor metabolism have revealed that metabolic reprogramming could dramatically promote caner metastasis. However, the relation and mechanism between metastasis and metabolic reprogramming are not thoroughly explored. Cell proliferation, colony formation, and invasion analysis were performed to evaluate the role of FAM210B in human cancer cells. Human ovarian cancer xenograft model was used to determine the effects of inhibiting FAM210B by shRNA on tumor metastasis. Microarray analysis was used to determine the target genes of FAM210B. FAM210B cellular localization was performed by mitochondria isolation and mitochondria protein extraction. To detect FAM210B-mediated metabolic reprogramming, oxygen consumption rate and extracellular acidification rate were measured. Our previous study screened a novel cancer progression-suppressor gene, FAM210B, which encodes an outer mitochondrial membrane protein, by the suppression of mortality by antisense rescue technique (SMART). Here we demonstrated that FAM210B loss was significantly associated with cancer metastasis and decreased survival in a clinical setting. Additionally, it was found that low expression of FAM210B was significantly correlated with decreased survival and enhanced metastasis in vivo and in vitro, and the loss of FAM210B led to an increased mitochondrial respiratory capacity and reduced glycolysis through the downregulation of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4 (PDK4), which activated the EMT program and enhanced migratory and invasive properties. Collectively, our data unveil a potential metabolic target and mechanism of cancer metastasis.
Loss of Asxl2 leads to myeloid malignancies in mice
Authors: Li Jianping , He Fuhong , Zhang Peng , Chen Shi , Shi Hui , Sun Yanling , Guo Ying , Yang Hui , Man Na , Greenblatt Sarah , Li Zhaomin , Guo Zhengyu , Zhou Yuan , Wang Lan , Morey Lluis , Williams Sion , Chen Xi , Wang Qun-Tian , Nimer Stephen D. , Yu Peng , Wang Qian-Fei , Xu Mingjiang , Yang Feng-Chun
Published: June 2017

ASXL2 is frequently mutated in acute myeloid leukaemia patients with t(8;21). However, the roles of ASXL2 in normal haematopoiesis and the pathogenesis of myeloid malignancies remain unknown. Here we show that deletion of Asxl2 in mice leads to the development of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS)-like disease. Asxl2−/− mice have an increased bone marrow (BM) long-term haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and granulocyte–macrophage progenitors compared with wild-type controls. Recipients transplanted with Asxl2−/− and Asxl2+/− BM cells have shortened lifespan due to the development of MDS-like disease or myeloid leukaemia. Paired daughter cell assays demonstrate that Asxl2 loss enhances the self-renewal of HSCs. Deletion of Asxl2 alters the expression of genes critical for HSC self-renewal, differentiation and apoptosis in Lin−cKit+ cells. The altered gene expression is associated with dysregulated H3K27ac and H3K4me1/2. Our study demonstrates that ASXL2 functions as a tumour suppressor to maintain normal HSC function.
Protein-directed ribosomal frameshifting temporally regulates gene expression
Authors: Napthine Sawsan , Ling Roger , Finch Leanne K. , Jones Joshua D. , Bell Susanne , Brierley Ian , Firth Andrew E.
Published: June 2017

Programmed −1 ribosomal frameshifting is a mechanism of gene expression, whereby specific signals within messenger RNAs direct a proportion of translating ribosomes to shift −1 nt and continue translating in the new reading frame. Such frameshifting normally occurs at a set ratio and is utilized in the expression of many viral genes and a number of cellular genes. An open question is whether proteins might function as trans-acting switches to turn frameshifting on or off in response to cellular conditions. Here we show that frameshifting in a model RNA virus, encephalomyocarditis virus, is trans-activated by viral protein 2A. As a result, the frameshifting efficiency increases from 0 to 70% (one of the highest known in a mammalian system) over the course of infection, temporally regulating the expression levels of the viral structural and enzymatic proteins.
Water pumping in mantle shear zones
Authors: Précigout Jacques , Prigent Cécile , Palasse Laurie , Pochon Anthony
Published: June 2017

Water plays an important role in geological processes. Providing constraints on what may influence the distribution of aqueous fluids is thus crucial to understanding how water impacts Earth’s geodynamics. Here we demonstrate that ductile flow exerts a dynamic control on water-rich fluid circulation in mantle shear zones. Based on amphibole distribution and using dislocation slip-systems as a proxy for syn-tectonic water content in olivine, we highlight fluid accumulation around fine-grained layers dominated by grain-size-sensitive creep. This fluid aggregation correlates with dislocation creep-accommodated strain that localizes in water-rich layers. We also give evidence of cracking induced by fluid pressure where the highest amount of water is expected. These results emphasize long-term fluid pumping attributed to creep cavitation and associated phase nucleation during grain size reduction. Considering the ubiquitous process of grain size reduction during strain localization, our findings shed light on multiple fluid reservoirs in the crust and mantle.
Current-induced skyrmion generation and dynamics in symmetric bilayers
Authors: Hrabec A. , Sampaio J. , Belmeguenai M. , Gross I. , Weil R. , Chérif S. M. , Stashkevich A. , Jacques V. , Thiaville A. , Rohart S.
Published: June 2017

Magnetic skyrmions are quasiparticle-like textures which are topologically different from other states. Their discovery in systems with broken inversion symmetry sparked the search for materials containing such magnetic phase at room temperature. Their topological properties combined with the chirality-related spin–orbit torques make them interesting objects to control the magnetization at nanoscale. Here we show that a pair of coupled skyrmions of opposite chiralities can be stabilized in a symmetric magnetic bilayer system by combining Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interaction (DMI) and dipolar coupling effects. This opens a path for skyrmion stabilization with lower DMI. We demonstrate in a device with asymmetric electrodes that such skyrmions can be independently written and shifted by electric current at large velocities. The skyrmionic nature of the observed quasiparticles is confirmed by the gyrotropic force. These results set the ground for emerging spintronic technologies where issues concerning skyrmion stability, nucleation and propagation are paramount.
Dynamic contrast-enhanced photoacoustic imaging using photothermal stimuli-responsive composite nanomodulators
Authors: Chen Yun-Sheng , Yoon Soon Joon , Frey Wolfgang , Dockery Mary , Emelianov Stanislav
Published: June 2017

Molecular photoacoustic imaging has shown great potential in medical applications; its sensitivity is normally in pico-to-micro-molar range, dependent on exogenous imaging agents. However, tissue can produce strong background signals, which mask the signals from the imaging agents, resulting in orders of magnitude sensitivity reduction. As such, an elaborate spectral scan is often required to spectrally un-mix the unwanted background signals. Here we show a new single-wavelength photoacoustic dynamic contrast-enhanced imaging technique by employing a stimuli-responsive contrast agent. Our technique can eliminate intrinsic background noises without significant hardware or computational resources. We show that this new contrast agent can generate up to 30 times stronger photoacoustic signals than the concentration-matched inorganic nanoparticle counterparts. By dynamically modulating signals from the contrast agents with an external near-infrared optical stimulus, we can further suppress the background signals leading to an additional increase of more than five-fold in imaging contrast in vivo.
Quantum annealing with all-to-all connected nonlinear oscillators
Authors: Puri Shruti , Andersen Christian Kraglund , Grimsmo Arne L. , Blais Alexandre
Published: June 2017

Quantum annealing aims at solving combinatorial optimization problems mapped to Ising interactions between quantum spins. Here, with the objective of developing a noise-resilient annealer, we propose a paradigm for quantum annealing with a scalable network of two-photon-driven Kerr-nonlinear resonators. Each resonator encodes an Ising spin in a robust degenerate subspace formed by two coherent states of opposite phases. A fully connected optimization problem is mapped to local fields driving the resonators, which are connected with only local four-body interactions. We describe an adiabatic annealing protocol in this system and analyse its performance in the presence of photon loss. Numerical simulations indicate substantial resilience to this noise channel, leading to a high success probability for quantum annealing. Finally, we propose a realistic circuit QED implementation of this promising platform for implementing a large-scale quantum Ising machine.
Spatio-temporal variability of trace elements fingerprints in cockle (Cerastoderma edule) shells and its relevance for tracing geographic origin
Authors: Ricardo Fernando , Pimentel Tânia , Génio Luciana , Calado Ricardo
Published: June 2017

Understanding spatio-temporal variability of trace elements fingerprints (TEF) in bivalve shells is paramount to determine the discrimination power of this analytical approach and secure traceability along supply chains. Spatio-temporal variability of TEF was assessed in cockle (Cerastoderma edule) shells using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Four elemental ratios (Mg/Ca, Mn/Ca, Sr/Ca and Ba/Ca) were measured from the shells of specimens originating from eight different ecosystems along the Portuguese coast, as well as from four different areas, within one of them, over two consecutive years (2013 and 2014). TEF varied significantly in the shells of bivalves originating from the eight ecosystems surveyed in the present study. Linear discriminant function analyses assigned sampled cockles to each of the eight ecosystems with an average accuracy of 90%. Elemental ratios also displayed significant differences between the two consecutive years in the four areas monitored in the same ecosystem. Overall, while TEF displayed by cockle shells can be successfully used to trace their geographic origin, a periodical verification of TEF (>6 months and <1 year) is required to control for temporal variability whenever comparing specimens originating from the same area collected more than six months apart.
Universal fractality of morphological transitions in stochastic growth processes
Authors: Nicolás-Carlock J. R. , Carrillo-Estrada J. L. , Dossetti V.
Published: June 2017

Stochastic growth processes give rise to diverse and intricate structures everywhere in nature, often referred to as fractals. In general, these complex structures reflect the non-trivial competition among the interactions that generate them. In particular, the paradigmatic Laplacian-growth model exhibits a characteristic fractal to non-fractal morphological transition as the non-linear effects of its growth dynamics increase. So far, a complete scaling theory for this type of transitions, as well as a general analytical description for their fractal dimensions have been lacking. In this work, we show that despite the enormous variety of shapes, these morphological transitions have clear universal scaling characteristics. Using a statistical approach to fundamental particle-cluster aggregation, we introduce two non-trivial fractal to non-fractal transitions that capture all the main features of fractal growth. By analyzing the respective clusters, in addition to constructing a dynamical model for their fractal dimension, we show that they are well described by a general dimensionality function regardless of their space symmetry-breaking mechanism, including the Laplacian case itself. Moreover, under the appropriate variable transformation this description is universal, i.e., independent of the transition dynamics, the initial cluster configuration, and the embedding Euclidean space.
Differential synchrotron X-ray imaging markers based on the renal microvasculature for tubulointerstitial lesions and glomerulopathy
Authors: Lin Yu-Chuan , Hwu Yeukuang , Huang Guo-Shu , Hsiao Michael , Lee Tsung-Tse , Yang Shun-Min , Lee Ting-Kuo , Chen Nan-Yow , Yang Sung-Sen , Chen Ann , Ka Shuk-Man
Published: June 2017

High resolution synchrotron microtomography capable of revealing microvessels in three dimensional (3D) establishes distinct imaging markers of mouse kidney disease strongly associated to renal tubulointerstitial (TI) lesions and glomerulopathy. Two complementary mouse models of chronic kidney disease (CKD), unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), were used and five candidates of unique 3D imaging markers were identified. Our characterization to differentially reflect the altered microvasculature of renal TI lesions and/or glomerulopathy demonstrated these image features can be used to differentiate the disease status and the possible cause therefore qualified as image markers. These 3D imaging markers were further correlated with the histopathology and renal microvessel-based molecular study using antibodies against vascular endothelial cells (CD31), the connective tissue growth factor or the vascular endothelial growth factor. We also found that these 3D imaging markers individually characterize the development of renal TI lesions or glomerulopathy, quantitative and integrated use of all of them provide more information for differentiating the two renal conditions. Our findings thus establish a practical strategy to characterize the CKD-associated renal injuries by the microangiography-based 3D imaging and highlight the impact of dysfunctional microvasculature as a whole on the pathogenesis of the renal lesions.
Improved retinal function in RCS rats after suppressing the over-activation of mGluR5
Authors: Dai Jiaman , Fu Yan , Zeng Yuxiao , Li Shiying , Qin Yin Zheng
Published: June 2017

Müller cells maintain retinal synaptic homeostasis by taking up glutamate from the synaptic cleft and transporting glutamine back to the neurons. To study the interaction between Müller cells and photoreceptors, we injected either DL-α-aminoadipate or L-methionine sulfoximine–both inhibitors of glutamine synthetase–subretinally in rats. Following injection, the a-wave of the electroretinogram (ERG) was attenuated, and metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5) was activated. Selective antagonism of mGluR5 by 2-methyl-6-(phenylethynyl)-pyridine increased the ERG a-wave amplitude and also increased rhodopsin expression. Conversely, activation of mGluR5 by the agonist, (R,S)-2-chloro-5-hydroxyphenylglycine, decreased both the a-wave amplitude and rhodopsin expression, but upregulated expression of Gq alpha subunit and phospholipase C βIII. Overexpression of mGluR5 reduced the inward-rectifying potassium ion channel (Kir) current and decreased the expression of Kir4.1 and aquaporin-4 (AQP4). Further experiments indicated that mGluR5 formed a macromolecular complex with these two membrane channels. Lastly, increased expression of mGluR5 was found in Royal College of Surgeons rats–a model of retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Inhibition of mGluR5 in this model restored the amplitude of ERG features, and reduced the expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein. These results suggest that mGluR5 may be worth considering as a potential therapeutic target in RP.
The CCAAT-Binding Complex Controls Respiratory Gene Expression and Iron Homeostasis in Candida Glabrata
Authors: Thiébaut Antonin , Delaveau Thierry , Benchouaia Médine , Boeri Julia , Garcia Mathilde , Lelandais Gaëlle , Devaux Frédéric
Published: June 2017

The CCAAT-binding complex (CBC) is a heterotrimeric transcription factor which is widely conserved in eukaryotes. In the model yeast S. cerevisiae, CBC positively controls the expression of respiratory pathway genes. This role involves interactions with the regulatory subunit Hap4. In many pathogenic fungi, CBC interacts with the HapX regulatory subunit to control iron homeostasis. HapX is a bZIP protein which only shares with Hap4 the Hap4Like domain (Hap4L) required for its interaction with CBC. Here, we show that CBC has a dual role in the pathogenic yeast C. glabrata. It is required, along with Hap4, for the constitutive expression of respiratory genes and it is also essential for the iron stress response, which is mediated by the Yap5 bZIP transcription factor. Interestingly, Yap5 contains a vestigial Hap4L domain. The mutagenesis of this domain severely reduced Yap5 binding to its targets and compromised its interaction with Hap5. Hence, Yap5, like HapX in other species, acts as a CBC regulatory subunit in the regulation of iron stress response. This work reveals new aspects of iron homeostasis in C. glabrata and of the evolution of the role of CBC and Hap4L-bZIP proteins in this process.
Oestrogen Inhibits Arterial Calcification by Promoting Autophagy
Authors: Peng Yi-Qun , Xiong Dan , Lin Xiao , Cui Rong-Rong , Xu Feng , Zhong Jia-Yu , Zhu Ting , Wu Feng , Mao Min-Zhi , Liao Xiao-Bo , Yuan Ling-Qing
Published: June 2017

Arterial calcification is a major complication of cardiovascular disease. Oestrogen replacement therapy in postmenopausal women is associated with lower levels of coronary artery calcification, but its mechanism of action remains unclear. Here, we show that oestrogen inhibits the osteoblastic differentiation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) in vitro and arterial calcification in vivo by promoting autophagy. Through electron microscopy, GFP–LC3 redistribution, and immunofluorescence analyses as well as measurement of the expression of the autophagosome marker light-chain I/II (LC3I/II) and autophagy protein 5 (Atg5), we show that autophagy is increased in VSMCs by oestrogen in vitro and in vivo. The inhibitory effect of oestrogen on arterial calcification was counteracted by 3-methyladenine (3MA) or knockdown of Atg5 and was increased by rapamycin. Furthermore, the inhibitory effect of oestrogen on arterial calcification and the degree of autophagy induced by oestrogen were blocked by a nonselective oestrogen receptor (ER) antagonist (ICI 182780), a selective oestrogen receptor alpha (ERα) antagonist (MPP), and ERα-specific siRNA. Our data indicate that oestrogen inhibits the osteoblastic differentiation of VSMCs by promoting autophagy through the ERα signalling pathway in vitro and arterial calcification in vivo by increasing autophagy. Our findings provide new insights into the mechanism by which oestrogen contributes to vascular calcification in vitro and in vivo.
Urban conservation hotspots: predation release allows the grassland-specialist burrowing owl to perform better in the city
Authors: Rebolo-Ifrán Natalia , Tella José L. , Carrete Martina
Published: June 2017

Although habitat transformation is one of the main causes of biodiversity loss, there are many examples of species successfully occupying and even proliferating in highly human-modified habitats such are the cities. Thus, there is an increasing interest in understanding the drivers favoring urban life for some species. Here, we show how the low richness and abundance of predators in urban areas may explain changes in the habitat selection pattern of a grassland specialist species, the burrowing owlAthene cunicularia, toward urban habitats. Predation release improves the demographic parameters of urban individuals, thus favoring an increment in the breeding density of the species in urban areas that accounts for the apparent positive selection of this habitat in detriment of the more natural ones that are avoided. These results suggest that traditional habitat selection analyses do not necessarily describe habitat choice decisions actively taken by individuals but differences in their demographic prospects. Moreover, they also highlight that cites, as predator-free refuges, can become key conservation hotspots for some species dependent on threatened habitats such as the temperate grasslands of South America.
A fast, highly sensitive and selective assay of iodide ions with single-stranded DNA-templated copper nanoparticles as a fluorescent probe for its application in Kunming mice samples
Authors: Chen Zhenzhen , Niu Yaxin , Cheng Guiying , Tong Lili , Zhang Guanglu , Cai Feng , Chen Tingting , Liu Bao , Tang Bo
Published: June 2017

A facile means for the detection of iodide ions with ssDNA-CuNPs due to the fluorescence decrease was proposed.
ε-Polylysine-based thermo-responsive adsorbents for immunoglobulin adsorption–desorption under mild conditions
Authors: Maruyama Masashi , Shibuya Keisuke
Published: June 2017

Thermo-responsive adsorbents for immunoglobulin G (IgG) employing ε-polylysine (EPL) as a polymer backbone were developed.
Regioselective addition of C(sp3)–H bonds of alkyl pyridines to olefins catalysed by cationic zirconium complexes
Authors: Sun Qiu , Xie Peipei , Yuan Dan , Xia Yuanzhi , Yao Yingming
Published: June 2017

The first group 4 metal catalysts are developed to catalyse C(sp3)–H addition of alkyl pyridines to olefins. Ligand-controlled regioselectivity was observed and verified.
Mixing scheme of an aqueous solution of tetrabutylphosphonium trifluoroacetate in the water-rich region
Authors: Nitta Ayako , Morita Takeshi , Nishikawa Keiko , Koga Yoshikata
Published: June 2017

The enthalpic interaction of this particular ionic liquid is extremely high, 16 000 kJ mol−1!
FeCo nanoparticles-embedded carbon nanofibers as robust peroxidase mimics for sensitive colorimetric detection of l-cysteine
Authors: Yang Zezhou , Zhu Yun , Nie Guangdi , Li Meixuan , Wang Ce , Lu Xiaofeng
Published: June 2017

FeCo nanoparticles embedded in carbon nanofibers as efficient peroxidase-like mimics for the sensitive detection of l-cysteine have been developed.
Photocatalytic activity of silicon-based nanoflakes for the decomposition of nitrogen monoxide
Authors: Itahara Hiroshi , Wu Xiaoyong , Imagawa Haruo , Yin Shu , Kojima Kazunobu , Chichibu Shigefusa F. , Sato Tsugio
Published: June 2017

The photocatalytic decomposition of nitrogen monoxide was achieved using one-pot synthesized nanocomposite powders composed of Si nanoflakes and metallic particles.
Magnetically frustrated synthetic end member Mn2(PO4)OH in the triplite–triploidite family
Authors: Yakubovich Olga V. , Shvanskaya Larisa V. , Dimitrova Olga V. , Volkova Olga S. , Vasiliev Alexander N.
Published: June 2017

It is found that synthetic triploidite, Mn2(PO4)OH, is highly magnetically frustrated at variance with other representatives of this structural type.
1,2-Diaza-4-phosphaferrocenes: synthesis, structural characterization, 57Fe Mössbauer spectrum analysis, and DFT calculation
Authors: Duan Lian , Zhang Xiang , Zheng Wenjun
Published: June 2017

1,2-Diaza-4-phosphaferrocenes [(η5-3,5-R2dp)Fe(η5-CpMe5)] (R = tBu (3), Ph (4)) with a single η5 ring containing two nitrogen atoms are kinetically and thermodynamically very stable without the use of Lewis acids such as BH3 or BF3 to protect the nitrogen lone pairs.
Insights into the structural effects of layered cathode materials for high voltage sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Xu Gui-Liang , Amine Rachid , Xu Yue-Feng , Liu Jianzhao , Gim Jihyeon , Ma Tianyuan , Ren Yang , Sun Cheng-Jun , Liu Yuzi , Zhang Xiaoyi , Heald Steve M. , Solhy Abderrahim , Saadoune Ismael , Mattis Wenjuan Liu , Sun Shi-Gang , Chen Zonghai , Amine Khalil
Published: June 2017

We reported the interplay between phase structures, interfacial microstrain and electrochemical properties of layered cathodes.
Fabrication of graphene nanosheet–multiwalled carbon nanotube–polyaniline modified carbon paste electrode for the simultaneous electrochemical determination of terbutaline sulphate and guaifenesin
Authors: Kalambate Pramod K. , Rawool Chaitali R. , Srivastava Ashwini K.
Published: June 2017

A sensitive electrochemical method is developed for the simultaneous determination of terbutaline sulphate (TBS) and guaifenesin (GF) at a carbon paste electrode modified with graphene nanosheet–multiwalled carbon nanotube–polyaniline composite (GNS–MWCNT–PANI).
Direct aqueous solution synthesis of an ultra-fine amorphous nickel–boron alloy with superior pseudocapacitive performance for advanced asymmetric supercapacitors
Authors: Li Wei , Wang Shaolan , Wu Ming , Wang Xiangjian , Long Yi , Lou Xiaojie
Published: June 2017

This study reports a facile aqueous solution synthesis of an ultrafine amorphous nickel–boron alloy and its applications as a novel positive electrode material for asymmetric supercapacitors.
Facile construction of AuNP modulated SDS-wrapped G-TC-tailored electrode for sensitive detection of ascorbic acid
Authors: Kashyap Hemant , Singh Puneet K. , Verma Fooleswar , Rai Vijai K. , Rai Ankita , Singh Manorama
Published: June 2017

AuNP modulated SDS wrapped G-TC electrode was fabricated for electrocatalytic oxidation of ascorbic acid with high sensitivity of 4017.0 μA mM−1. The LOD was calculated to be 0.07 μM and the sensor was investigated for determination of AcA in real sample (Vit. C tablets) with satisfactory results.
3-Piperazinyl propenylidene indolone merocyanines: consecutive three-component synthesis and electronic properties of solid-state luminophores with AIE properties
Authors: Denißen Melanie , Nirmalananthan Nithiya , Behnke Thomas , Hoffmann Katrin , Resch-Genger Ute , Müller Thomas J. J.
Published: June 2017

One-pot insertion-coupling-addition synthesis gives piperazinyl indolones showing aggregation induced emission and crystallization-induced emission enhancement.
Metal-seed planting fabrication of W–W18O49 core shell nanoflowers for gas sensors
Authors: Luo Jianyi , Li Yudong , Mo Xiwei , Xu Youxin , Zeng Qingguang
Published: June 2017

In this study, a new kind of metal oxide nanoflower has been controllably synthesized on pre-designed regions of a substrate by a metal-seed planting method, in which the nanoflowers only appear where the metal seeds are planted.
Simultaneous enhancements in stability and CO tolerance of Pt electrocatalyst by double poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) coatings
Authors: Sun Jiuxiao , Ling Ying , Zhang Quan , Yu Xinxin , Yang Zehui
Published: June 2017

CO poisoning and low durability of the anodic electrocatalyst is one of the obstacles restricting the practical application of direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs).
An unprecedented amplification of near-infrared emission in a Bodipy derived π-system by stress or gelation
Authors: Cherumukkil Sandeep , Ghosh Samrat , Praveen Vakayil K. , Ajayaghosh Ayyappanpillai
Published: June 2017

A meso-substituted Bodipy derived π-gelator exhibits amplified near-infrared (NIR) emission upon shearing of its film from n-decane or drying of its gel from DMSO.
In situ grown cobalt selenide/graphene nanocomposite counter electrodes for enhanced dye-sensitized solar cell performance
Authors: Murugadoss Vignesh , Wang Ning , Tadakamalla Sruthi , Wang Bin , Guo Zhanhu , Angaiah Subramania
Published: June 2017

In situhydrothermally grown hybrid CoSe/graphene nanocomposites exhibited a higher reaction kinetic rate for tri-iodide reduction and 20% improvement in power conversion efficiency than the Pt counter electrode.
The effect of side-chain substitution and hot processing on diketopyrrolopyrrole-based polymers for organic solar cells
Authors: Heintges Gaël H. L. , Leenaers Pieter J. , Janssen René A. J.
Published: June 2017

The effects of cold and hot processing on the performance of polymer–fullerene solar cells are investigated for polymers designed to exhibit temperature-dependent aggregation in solution via second-position branched alkyl side chains.
A rGO–CNT aerogel covalently bonded with a nitrogen-rich polymer as a polysulfide adsorptive cathode for high sulfur loading lithium sulfur batteries
Authors: Hong Xiaoheng , Jin Jun , Wu Tian , Lu Yang , Zhang Sanpei , Chen Chunhua , Wen Zhaoyin
Published: June 2017

A covalently bonded polyethylenimine–rGO–MWCNT composite achieves outstanding performance at an ultra-high sulfur loading of up to 18 mg cm−2.
Controlling interfacial properties in supported metal oxide catalysts through metal–organic framework templating
Authors: Abney Carter W. , Patterson Jacob T. , Gilhula James C. , Wang Li , Hensley Dale K. , Chen Jihua , Foo Guo Shiou , Wu Zili , Dai Sheng
Published: June 2017

Tuning homogeneously dispersed metals in sacrificial MOF templates affords control over supported metal oxide interfaces and improves catalytic performance.
Cation-driven luminescent self-assembled dots of copper nanoclusters with aggregation-induced emission for β-galactosidase activity monitoring
Authors: Huang Yuanyuan , Feng Hui , Liu Weidong , Zhang Shasha , Tang Cong , Chen Jianrong , Qian Zhaosheng
Published: June 2017

The self-assembly of CuNCs was driven by aluminum cations and they had a sensing application in the monitoring of β-galactosidase activity.
Light-induced self-assembly of bi-color CdTe quantum dots allows the discrimination of multiple proteins
Authors: Ma Lin , Liu Haiyan , Wu Guohua , Liu Zeyu , Wu Ping , Li Long
Published: June 2017

A dual-channel fluorescent sensor is fabricated using bi-color CdTe QDs for protein discrimination, based on UV light-induced self-assembly of QDs.
Multifunctional Cu39S28 hollow nanopeanuts for in vivo targeted photothermal chemotherapy
Authors: Li Lihua , Yang Xianfeng , Hu Xiaoming , Lu Yao , Wang Liping , Peng Mingying , Xia Hong , Yin Qingshui , Zhang Yu , Han Gang
Published: June 2017

This work represents a one-step direct aqueous method to synthesize Cu39S28 hollow nanopeanuts towards ultrasensitive tumor targeted photothermal chemotherapy.
Self-assembly directed synthesis of Au nanorices induced by polyaniline and their enhanced peroxidase-like catalytic properties
Authors: Song Wei , Chi Maoqiang , Gao Mu , Zhao Bing , Wang Ce , Lu Xiaofeng
Published: June 2017

We describe a self-assembly directed method that allows the one-pot synthesis of Au/polyaniline nanorices with enhanced peroxidase-like activity.