bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Memory, Migration and Literature
Authors: Larsen Svend Erik
Published: September 2016

More often than not, memory is taken to be the storehouse of past experiences situated in a local context. However, recent theories have moved the focus to the process of memory which, in any present moment, allows the past, collective or individual, to emerge as a construction that works as a strong driving force of identity formation. In this perspective the memory process selects features of the past and turns them into more or less coherent structures, which then will have to be checked out with others in order for them to exercise their role as valid interpretations of the past and building blocks of present and future identity. Memories are therefore dialogical phenomena shaped by discussion, or more broadly by exchanges in various media, concerning the selected features, their configuration and the identities they promote. Today, the globalized flows of migration open up a new set of problems for the understanding of memories and their functions. When migration becomes a dominant experience across the globe, the concepts of locality and of local experiences changes and raise a new question: can we imagine and attach any meaning to globalized memories? Today, a huge amount of literatures from all corners of the world takes issue with this question, the so-called literatures of migration, where the literary imagination suggests answers to the open question of what memory might mean in a globalized world. To address this question, the Greek-Australian writer Christos Tsiolkas’ novelThe Slap(2008) and the Australian context will serve as my point of reference.
Overcoming History through Trauma. The HungarianHistorikerstreit
Authors: Kovács Éva
Published: September 2016

In the mid-summer of 2012, a sort ofHistorikerstreitbroke out in Hungary. The main topics of the controversy were the language of and the attitude to the history of the Holocaust. In what follows I will argue that the HungarianHistorikerstreitis closely related to both the renaissance of the Horthy era (1920–1944) in current Hungarian politics and the ambivalent attitude towards the Holocaust in public memory. Since 2010, Hungary has celebrated ‘Trianon commemoration day’, remembering on the peace treaty of Trianon after the First World War. In today’s Hungary, Trianon seems to be a permanent trauma of the nation not only in the public memory but also in history writing. In spite of the fact that many respected scholars argue that currently the construction of the trauma of Trianon has a hegemonic position in Hungarian social memory and that the Holocaust cannot compete with it, I will show that the Trianon trauma is a construction of the current politics of history, which overshadows the tragic experiences of the First World War. Moreover, Trianon and the Holocaust are strongly interconnected historical events, which cannot be understood separately.
Organized Crime in Russia
Authors: Shinar Chaim
Published: September 2016

The breakup of the Soviet Union in the 1990s opened the gates of immigration to Israel and to the West. The wave of immigration to Israel also included criminal elements who wanted to evade the rule of law in their countries. The arrival of these people to Israel aroused my interest in the historical causes of corruption in Russia, forms of corrupt behaviour by state employees, and the processes of development and creation of criminal organizations in Russia.
Temporal trends, regional variation and socio-economic differences in height, BMI and body proportions among German conscripts, 1956–2010
Authors: Lehmann Andreas , Floris Joël , Woitek Ulrich , Rühli Frank J , Staub Kaspar
Published: September 2016

Objective

We analyse temporal trends and regional variation among the most recent available anthropometric data from German conscription in the years 2008–2010 and their historical contextualization since 1956.

Design/setting/subjects

The overall sample included German conscripts (N13 857 313) from 1956 to 2010.

Results

German conscripts changed from growing in height to growing in breadth. Over the analysed 54 years, average height of 19-year-old conscripts increased by 6·5 cm from 173·5 cm in 1956 (birth year 1937) to 180·0 cm in 2010 (birth year 1991). This increase plateaued since the 1990s (1970s birth years). The increase in average weight, however, did not lessen during the last two decades but increased in two steps: at the end of the 1980s and after 1999. The weight and BMI distributions became increasingly right-skewed, the prevalence of overweight and obesity increased from 11·6 % and 2·1 % in 1984 to 19·9 % and 8·5 % in 2010, respectively. The north–south gradient in height (north = taller) persisted during our observations. Height and weight of conscripts from East Germany matched the German average between the early 1990s and 2009. Between the 1980s and the early 1990s, the average chest circumference increased, the average difference between chest circumference when inhaling and exhaling decreased, as did leg length relative to trunk length.

Conclusions

Measuring anthropometric data for military conscripts yielded year-by-year monitoring of the health status of young men at a proscribed age. Such findings contribute to a more precise identification of groups at risk and thus help with further studies and to target interventions.
The effect on drink sales of removal of unhealthy drinks from display in a self-service café
Authors: Huse Oliver , Blake Miranda R , Brooks Ruby , Corben Kirstan , Peeters Anna
Published: September 2016

Objective

The present study assessed the impact of the retailer-led removal of unhealthy beverages from display at a self-service café within a major health service. While unhealthy beverages remained available from behind the counter upon request, this was not communicated directly to customers.

Design

Drinks were categorised based on the state government nutrient profiling system, classifying drinks as ‘green’ (best choices), ‘amber’ (choose carefully) and ‘red’ (limit). Total drink sales (as number of items sold per week) in the café were measured for five weeks. All unhealthy ‘red’ beverages were removed from display (but were still available for purchase) and the sales of all beverages were measured for another six weeks.

Results

We found that, in response to this strategy, the proportion of ‘red’ drinks sold decreased from 33 % to 10 % of total drink sales. As ‘amber’ and ‘green’ drink sales increased in response to this strategy, total retailer sales remained steady. Most consumers appeared to switch to purchasing ‘amber’ drinks rather than the healthiest option, ‘green’ drinks.

Conclusions

The removal of unhealthy beverages from display can result in consumers making healthier purchases, while not significantly affecting retailers’ sales.
Aberration-Corrected Transmission Electron Microscopic Study of the Central Dark Line Defect in Human Tooth Enamel Crystals
Authors: Reyes-Gasga José , Hémmerlé Joseph , Brès Etienne F.
Published: September 2016

Angstrom resolution images of human tooth enamel (HTE) crystallites were obtained using aberration-corrected high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and atomic-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy in the modes of bright field, annular dark field, and high-angle annular dark-field. Images show that the central dark line (CDL) defect observed around the center of the HTE crystals is a site for caries formation in the HTE and has a thickness of ~0.2 nm. Results also suggest that the CDL goes through one of the OH−planes.
Adam M. Dziewonski (1936–2016)
Authors: Romanowicz Barbara
Published: September 2016

Adam Dziewonski, a towering figure in solid Earth geophysics and a pioneer of global seismic tomography, passed away on 1 March 2016. He was 79.
The sources of atmospheric black carbon at a European gateway to the Arctic
Authors: Winiger P , Andersson A , Eckhardt S , Stohl A , Gustafsson Ö.
Published: September 2016

Black carbon (BC) aerosols from incomplete combustion of biomass and fossil fuel contribute to Arctic climate warming. Models—seeking to advise mitigation policy—are challenged in reproducing observations of seasonally varying BC concentrations in the Arctic air. Here we compare year-round observations of BC and its δ13C/Δ14C-diagnosed sources in Arctic Scandinavia, with tailored simulations from an atmospheric transport model. The model predictions for this European gateway to the Arctic are greatly improved when the emission inventory of anthropogenic sources is amended by satellite-derived estimates of BC emissions from fires. Both BC concentrations (R2=0.89, P<0.05) and source contributions (R2=0.77, P<0.05) are accurately mimicked and linked to predominantly European emissions. This improved model skill allows for more accurate assessment of sources and effects of BC in the Arctic, and a more credible scientific underpinning of policy efforts aimed at efficiently reducing BC emissions reaching the European Arctic.
Self-assembly of biomorphic carbon/sulfur microstructures in sulfidic environments
Authors: Cosmidis Julie , Templeton Alexis S.
Published: September 2016

In natural and laboratory-based environments experiencing sustained counter fluxes of sulfide and oxidants, elemental sulfur (S0)—a key intermediate in the sulfur cycle—can commonly accumulate. S0 is frequently invoked as a biomineralization product generated by enzymatic oxidation of hydrogen sulfide and polysulfides. Here we show the formation of S0 encapsulated in nanometre to micrometre-scale tubular and spherical organic structures that self-assemble in sulfide gradient environments in the absence of any direct biological activity. The morphology and composition of these carbon/sulfur microstructures so closely resemble microbial cellular and extracellular structures that new caution must be applied to the interpretation of putative microbial biosignatures in the fossil record. These reactions between sulfide and organic matter have important implications for our understanding of S0 mineralization processes and sulfur interactions with organic carbon in the environment. They furthermore provide a new pathway for the synthesis of carbon-sulfur nanocomposites for energy storage technologies.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Air-stable superparamagnetic metal nanoparticles entrapped in graphene oxide matrix
Authors: Tuček Jiří , Sofer Zdeněk , Bouša Daniel , Pumera Martin , Holá Kateřina , Malá Aneta , Poláková Kateřina , Havrdová Markéta , Čépe Klára , Tomanec Ondřej , Zbořil Radek
Published: September 2016

Superparamagnetism is a phenomenon caused by quantum effects in magnetic nanomaterials. Zero-valent metals with diameters below 5 nm have been suggested as superior alternatives to superparamagnetic metal oxides, having greater superspin magnitudes and lower levels of magnetic disorder. However, synthesis of such nanometals has been hindered by their chemical instability. Here we present a method for preparing air-stable superparamagnetic iron nanoparticles trapped between thermally reduced graphene oxide nanosheets and exhibiting ring-like or core-shell morphologies depending on iron concentration. Importantly, these hybrids show superparamagnetism at room temperature and retain it even at 5 K. The corrected saturation magnetization of 185 Am2 kg–1is among the highest values reported for iron-based superparamagnets. The synthetic concept is generalized exploiting functional groups of graphene oxide to stabilize and entrap cobalt, nickel and gold nanoparticles, potentially opening doors for targeted delivery, magnetic separation and imaging applications.
Adipokinetic hormones and their G protein-coupled receptors emerged in Lophotrochozoa
Authors: Li Shizhong , Hauser Frank , Skadborg Signe K. , Nielsen Stine V. , Kirketerp-Møller Nikolaj , Grimmelikhuijzen Cornelis J. P.
Published: September 2016

Most multicellular animals belong to two evolutionary lineages, the Proto– and Deuterostomia, which diverged 640–760 million years (MYR) ago. Neuropeptide signaling is abundant in animals belonging to both lineages, but it is often unclear whether there exist evolutionary relationships between the neuropeptide systems used by proto- or deuterostomes. An exception, however, are members of the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptor superfamily, which occur in both evolutionary lineages, where GnRHs are the ligands in Deuterostomia and GnRH-like peptides, adipokinetic hormone (AKH), corazonin, and AKH/corazonin-related peptide (ACP) are the ligands in Protostomia. AKH is a well-studied insect neuropeptide that mobilizes lipids and carbohydrates from the insect fat body during flight. In our present paper, we show that AKH is not only widespread in insects, but also in other Ecdysozoa and in Lophotrochozoa. Furthermore, we have cloned and deorphanized two G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) from the oyster Crassostrea gigas (Mollusca) that are activated by low nanomolar concentrations of oyster AKH (pQVSFSTNWGSamide). Our discovery of functional AKH receptors in molluscs is especially significant, because it traces the emergence of AKH signaling back to about 550 MYR ago and brings us closer to a more complete understanding of the evolutionary origins of the GnRH receptor superfamily.
The Impact of Cognitive Training on Cerebral White Matter in Community-Dwelling Elderly: One-Year Prospective Longitudinal Diffusion Tensor Imaging Study
Authors: Cao Xinyi , Yao Ye , Li Ting , Cheng Yan , Feng Wei , Shen Yuan , Li Qingwei , Jiang Lijuan , Wu Wenyuan , Wang Jijun , Sheng Jianhua , Feng Jianfeng , Li Chunbo
Published: September 2016

It has been shown that cognitive training (CogTr) is effective and recuperative for older adults, and can be used to fight against cognitive decline. In this study, we investigated whether behavioural gains from CogTr would extend to white matter (WM) microstructure, and whether training-induced changes in WM integrity would be associated with improvements in cognitive function, using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). 48 healthy community elderly were either assigned to multi-domain or single-domain CogTr groups to receive 24 sessions over 12 weeks, or to a control group. DTI was performed at both baseline and 12-month follow-up. Positive effects of multi-domain CogTr on long-term changes in DTI indices were found in posterior parietal WM. Participants in the multi-domain group showed a trend of long-term decrease in axial diffusivity (AD) without significant change in fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD) or radial diffusivity (RD), while those in the control group displayed a significant FA decrease, and an increase in MD and RD. In addition, significant relationships between an improvement in processing speed and changes in RD, MD and AD were found in the multi-domain group. These findings support the hypothesis that plasticity of WM can be modified by CogTr, even in late adulthood.
Evaluation of the neural function of nonhuman primates with spinal cord injury using an evoked potential-based scoring system
Authors: Ye Jichao , Ma Mengjun , Xie Zhongyu , Wang Peng , Tang Yong , Huang Lin , Chen Keng , Gao Liangbin , Wu Yanfeng , Shen Huiyong , Zeng Yuanshan
Published: September 2016

Nonhuman primate models of spinal cord injury (SCI) have been widely used in evaluation of the efficacy and safety of experimental restorative interventions before clinical trials. However, no objective methods are currently available for the evaluation of neural function in nonhuman primates. In our long-term clinical practice, we have used evoked potential (EP) for neural function surveillance during operation and accumulated extensive experience. In the present study, a nonhuman primate model of SCI was established in 6 adult cynomologus monkeys through spinal cord contusion injury at T8–T9. The neural function before SCI and within 6 months after SCI was evaluated based on EP recording. A scoring system including somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs) and transcranial electrical stimulation-motor evoked potentials (TES-MEPs) was established for the evaluation of neural function of nonhuman primates with SCI. We compared the motor function scores of nonhuman primates before and after SCI. Our results showed that the EP below the injury level significantly changed during the 6 months after SCI. In addition, a positive correlation was identified between the EP scores and motor function. The EP-based scoring system is a reliable approach for evaluating the motor function changes in nonhuman primates with SCI.
Diagnostic copper imaging of Menkes disease by synchrotron radiation-generated X-ray fluorescence analysis
Authors: Kinebuchi Miyuki , Matsuura Akihiro , Kiyono Tohru , Nomura Yumiko , Kimura Sachiko
Published: September 2016

Copper (Cu) is an indispensable metal for normal development and function of humans, especially in central nervous system (CNS). However, its redox activity requires accurate Cu transport system. ATP7A, a main Cu2+transporting-ATPase, is necessary to efflux Cu across the plasma membrane and synthesize cuproenzymes. Menkes disease (MD) is caused by mutations inATP7Agene. Clinically, MD is Cu deficiency syndrome and is treated with Cu-histidine injections soon after definite diagnosis. But outcome of the most remains poor. To estimate the standard therapy, Cu distribution in the treated classic MD patients is analyzed by synchrotron-generated X-ray fluorescence technique (SR-XRF), which identifies and quantifies an individual atom up to at subcellular level of resolution with wide detection area. SR-XRF analysis newly reveals that Cu exists in spinal cord parenchyma and flows out via venous and lymph systems. By systemic analysis, excess Cu is detected in the proximal tubular cells of the kidney, the mucosal epithelial cells of the intestine, and the lymph and venous systems. The current study suggests that the standard therapy supply almost enough Cu for patient tissues. But given Cu passes through the tissues to venous and lymph systems, or accumulate in the cells responsible for Cu absorption.
Genome-wide analysis of long intergenic non-coding RNAs in chickpea and their potential role in flower development
Authors: Khemka Niraj , Singh Vikash Kumar , Garg Rohini , Jain Mukesh
Published: September 2016

Non-coding RNAs constitute a major portion of the transcriptome in most of eukaryotes. Long non-coding transcripts originating from the DNA segment present between the protein coding genes are termed as long intergenic non-coding RNAs (lincRNAs). Several evidences suggest the role of lincRNAs in regulation of various biological processes. In this study, we identified a total of 2248 lincRNAs in chickpea using RNA-seq data from eight successive stages of flower development and three vegetative tissues via an optimized pipeline. Different characteristic features of lincRNAs were studied and compared with those of predicted mRNAs in chickpea. Further, we utilized a method using network propagation algorithm to reveal the putative function of lincRNAs in plants. In total, at least 79% of the identified chickpea lincRNAs were assigned with a putative function. A comprehensive expression profiling revealed differential expression patterns and tissue specificity of lincRNAs in different stages of flower development in chickpea. In addition, potential lincRNAs-miRNA interactions were explored for the predicted lincRNAs in chickpea. These findings will pave the way for understanding the role of lincRNAs in the regulatory mechanism underlying flower development in chickpea and other legumes.
Synchronous vitellogenin expression and sexual maturation during migration are negatively correlated with juvenile hormone levels in Mythimna separata
Authors: Xiao Hai-Jun , Fu Xiao-Wei , Liu Yong-Qiang , Wu Kong-Ming
Published: September 2016

Annual migration of pests between different seasonal habitats can lead to serious crop damage. Reproductive immaturity is generally associated with the migratory process (oogenesis-flight syndrome), but the mechanism of reproductive development during migration varies unpredictably. Here, the vitellogenin gene (MsVg) and three key regulatory enzyme genes (MsJhamt, MsJhehandMsJhe) related to juvenile hormone (JH) synthesis and degradation were identified and characterized inMythimna separata. The relative expression ofMsVgvaried significantly in response to seasonal changes and was significantly correlated with stages of ovarian development. The relatively low levels of JH titer did not differ significantly in male moths but slightly increased in female adults during the migratory season, which was consistent with changes in mRNA levels forMsJhamt, MsJhehandMsJhe. JH titer was negatively associated with relative seasonal levels of vitellogenin mRNA transcripts and with ovarian development in migratingM. separata. The synchrony ofMsVgexpression with sexual maturation highlighted the potential ofMsVgtranscript levels to serve as an index to monitor the adult reproductive status. In addition, the level of JH and sexual maturity were correlated with the extent of JH in regulating theMsVgexpression and reproduction during seasonal northern and southern migration.
Determinants of effective lentivirus-driven microRNA expression in vivo
Authors: Mishima Takuya , Sadovsky Elena , Gegick Margaret E. , Sadovsky Yoel
Published: September 2016

Manipulation of microRNA (miRNA) levels, including overexpression of mature species, has become an important biological tool, even motivating miRNA-based therapeutics. To assess key determinants of miRNA overexpression in a mammalian system in vivo, we sought to bypass the laborious generation of a transgenic animal by exploiting placental trophoblast-specific gene manipulation using lentiviral vectors, which has been instrumental in elucidating trophoblast biology. We examined the impact of several key components of miRNA stem loops and their flanking sequences on the efficiency of mature miRNA expression in vivo. By combining established and novel approaches for miRNA expression, we engineered lentivirus-driven miRNA expression plasmids, which we tested in the mouse placenta. We found that reverse sense inserts minimized single-strand splicing and degradation, and that maintaining longer, poly-A-containing arms flanking the miRNA stem-loop markedly enhanced transgenic miRNA expression. Additionally, we accomplished overexpression of diverse mammalian, drosophila, or C. elegans miRNAs, either based on native context or using a “cassette” replacement of the mature miRNA sequence. Together, we have identified primary miRNA sequences that are paramount for effective expression of mature miRNAs, and validated their role in mice. Principles established by our findings may guide the design of efficient miRNA vectors for in vivo use.
Effects of captivity and artificial breeding on microbiota in feces of the red-crowned crane (Grus japonensis)
Authors: Xie Yuwei , Xia Pu , Wang Hui , Yu Hongxia , Giesy John P. , Zhang Yimin , Mora Miguel A. , Zhang Xiaowei
Published: September 2016

Reintroduction of the threatened red-crowned crane has been unsuccessful. Although gut microbiota correlates with host health, there is little information on gut microbiota of cranes under different conservation strategies. The study examined effects of captivity, artificial breeding and life stage on gut microbiota of red-crown cranes. The gut microbiotas of wild, captive adolescent, captive adult, artificially bred adolescent and artificially bred adult cranes were characterized by next-generation sequencing of 16S rRNA gene amplicons. The gut microbiotas were dominated by three phyla: Firmicutes (62.9%), Proteobacteria (29.9%) and Fusobacteria (9.6%). Bacilli dominated the ‘core’ community consisting of 198 operational taxonomic units (OTUs). Both captivity and artificial breeding influenced the structures and diversities microbiota of the gut. Especially, wild cranes had distinct compositions of gut microbiota from captive and artificially bred cranes. The greatest alpha diversity was found in captive cranes, while wild cranes had the least. According to the results of ordination analysis, influences of captivity and artificial breeding were greater than that of life stage. Overall, captivity and artificial breeding influenced the gut microbiota, potentially due to changes in diet, vaccination, antibiotics and living conditions. Metagenomics can serve as a supplementary non-invasive screening tool for disease control.
Eddy, drift wave and zonal flow dynamics in a linear magnetized plasma
Authors: Arakawa H. , Inagaki S. , Sasaki M. , Kosuga Y. , Kobayashi T. , Kasuya N. , Nagashima Y. , Yamada T. , Lesur M. , Fujisawa A. , Itoh K. , Itoh S.-I.
Published: September 2016

Turbulence and its structure formation are universal in neutral fluids and in plasmas. Turbulence annihilates global structures but can organize flows and eddies. The mutual-interactions between flow and the eddy give basic insights into the understanding of non-equilibrium and nonlinear interaction by turbulence. In fusion plasma, clarifying structure formation by Drift-wave turbulence, driven by density gradients in magnetized plasma, is an important issue. Here, a new mutual-interaction among eddy, drift wave and flow in magnetized plasma is discovered. A two-dimensional solitary eddy, which is a perturbation with circumnavigating motion localized radially and azimuthally, is transiently organized in a drift wave – zonal flow (azimuthally symmetric band-like shear flows) system. The excitation of the eddy is synchronized with zonal perturbation. The organization of the eddy has substantial impact on the acceleration of zonal flow.
Muon dynamic radiography of density changes induced by hydrothermal activity at the La Soufrière of Guadeloupe volcano
Authors: Jourde Kevin , Gibert Dominique , Marteau Jacques , de Bremond d’Ars Jean , Komorowski Jean-Christophe
Published: September 2016

Imaging geological structures through cosmic muon radiography is a newly developed technique which shows a great potential in volcanology. Here we demonstrate that muon radiography permits to detect and characterize mass movements in shallow hydrothermal systems of low-energy active volcanoes like the La Soufrière lava dome. We present an experiment conducted on this volcano during the Summer 2014 and bring evidence that very important density changes occurred in three domains of the lava dome. Depending on their position and on the medium porosity the volumes of these domains vary from 1 × 106 m3 to 7 × 106 m3. However, the total mass budget remains approximately constant : two domains show a mass loss (Δm∈ [−0.8;−0.4] × 109 kg) and the third one a mass gain (Δm∈ [1.5; 2.5] × 109 kg). We attribute the negative mass changes to the formation of steam in shallow hydrothermal reservoir previously partly filled with liquid water. This coincides with the emergence of new fumaroles on top of the volcano. The positive mass change is synchronized with the negative mass changes indicating that liquid water probably flowed from the two reservoirs invaded by steam toward the third reservoir.
Experimental Realization of Tunable Metamaterial Hyper-transmitter
Authors: Yoo Young Joon , Yi Changhyun , Hwang Ji Sub , Kim Young Ju , Park Sang Yoon , Kim Ki Won , Rhee Joo Yull , Lee YoungPak
Published: September 2016

We realized the tunable metamaterial hyper-transmitter in the microwave range utilizing simple planar meta-structure. The single-layer metamaterial hyper-transmitter shows that the transmission peak occurs at 14 GHz. In case of the dual-layer one, it is possible to control the transmission peak from 5 to 10 GHz. Moreover, all the transmission peaks reveal transmission over 100%. We experimentally and theoretically investigated these phenomena through 3-dimensional simulation and measurement. The reason for being over 100% is also elucidated. The suggested hyper-transmitter can be used, for example, in enhancing the operating distance of the electromagnetic wave in Wi-Fi, military radar, wireless power transfer and self-driving car.
Morphological abnormalities and cell death in the Asian citrus psyllid (Diaphorina citri) midgut associated with Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus
Authors: Ghanim Murad , Fattah-Hosseini Somayeh , Levy Amit , Cilia Michelle
Published: September 2016

Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas) is a phloem-limited, gram-negative, fastidious bacterium that is associated with the development of citrus greening disease, also known as Huanglongbing (HLB). CLas is transmitted by the Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) Diaphorina citri, in a circulative manner. Two major barriers to transmission within the insect are the midgut and the salivary glands. We performed a thorough microscopic analysis within the insect midgut following exposure to CLas-infected citrus trees. We observed changes in nuclear architecture, including pyknosis and karyorrhexis as well as changes to the actin cytoskeleton in CLas-exposed midgut cells. Further analyses showed that the changes are likely due to the activation of programmed cell death as assessed by Annexin V staining and DNA fragmentation assays. These results suggest that exposure to CLas-infected trees induces apoptotic responses in the psyllid midgut that should be further investigated. Understanding the adaptive significance of the apoptotic response has the potential to create new approaches for controlling HLB.
Double-Network Hydrogel with Tunable Mechanical Performance and Biocompatibility for the Fabrication of Stem Cells-Encapsulated Fibers and 3D Assemble
Authors: Liang Zhe , Liu Chenguang , Li Lili , Xu Peidi , Luo Guoan , Ding Mingyu , Liang Qionglin
Published: September 2016

Fabrication of cell-encapsulated fibers could greatly contribute to tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. However, existing methods suffered from not only unavoidability of cell damaging conditions and/or sophisticated equipment, but also unavailability of proper materials to satisfy both mechanical and biological expectations. In this work, a simple method is proposed to prepare cell-encapsulated fibers with tunable mechanical strength and stretching behavior as well as diameter and microstructure. The hydrogel fibers are made from optimal combination of alginate and poly(N-iso-propylacrylamide)-poly(ethylene glycol), characteristics of double-network hydrogel, with enough stiffness and flexibility to create a variety of three dimensional structures like parallel helical and different knots without crack. Furthermore, such hydrogel fibers exhibit better compatibility as indicated by the viability, proliferation and expression of pluripotency markers of embryonic stem cells encapsulated after 4-day culture. The double-network hydrogel possesses specific quick responses to either of alginate lyase, EDTA or lower environmental temperature which facilitate the optional degradation of fibers or fibrous assemblies to release the cells encapsulated for subsequent assay or treatment.
Identification of differentially expressed genes in Monochamus alternatus digested with azadirachtin
Authors: Lin Tong , Liu Qisi , Chen Jingxiang
Published: September 2016

The pine sawyer beetle Monochamus alternatus Hope, a major forest insect pest, is the primary vector of the destructive forest pest pine wood nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus. Azadirachtin, an active compound of neem, is biologically interesting because it represents a group of important, successful botanical pesticides. We provide insight into the molecular effects of azadirachtin on M. alternatus at the transcriptional level to provide clues about possible molecular-level targets and to establish a link between azadirachtin and insect global responses. We found that 920 and 9894 unique genes were significantly up- and down-regulated, respectively. We obtained expression patterns of the differentially expressed genes (DEGs), identifying 4247, 3488 and 7613 sequences that involved cellular components, molecular functions and biological processes, respectively, and showed that the DEGs were distributed among 50 Gene Ontology categories. The Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis indicated that the DEGs were enriched in 50 pathways. Detailed gene profile knowledge of the interaction of azadirachtin with M. alternatus should facilitate the development of more effective azadirachtin-based products against M. alternatus and other target Coleoptera. These results further enhance the value of azadirachtin as a potential insecticide of biological origin, as well as for other biological applications.
Investigating the Responses of Human Epithelial Cells to Predatory Bacteria
Authors: Monnappa Ajay K. , Bari Wasimul , Choi Seong Yeol , Mitchell Robert J.
Published: September 2016

One beguiling alternative to antibiotics for treating multi-drug resistant infections areBdellovibrio-and-like-organisms (BALOs), predatory bacteria known to attack human pathogens. Consequently, in this study, the responses from four cell lines (three human and one mouse) were characterized during an exposure to different predatory bacteria,Bdellovibrio bacteriovorusHD100,BacteriovorusBY1 andBacteriovorax stolpiiEB1. TNF-α levels were induced in Raw 264.7 mouse macrophage cultures with each predator, but paled in comparison to those obtained withE. coli. This was true even though the latter strain was added at an 11.1-fold lower concentration (p < 0.01). Likewise,E. coliled to a significant (54%) loss in the Raw 264.7 murine macrophage viability while the predatory strains had no impact. Tests with various epithelial cells, including NuLi-1 airway, Caco2, HT29 and T84 colorectal cells, gave similar results, withE. coliinducing IL-8 production. The viabilities of the NuLi-1 and Caco-2 cells were slightly reduced (8%) when exposed to the predators, while T84 viability remained steady. In no cases did the predatory bacteria induce actin rearrangement. These results clearly demonstrate the gentle natures of predatory bacteria and their impacts on human cells.
Near-Field and Far-Field Directional Conversion of Spoof Surface Plasmon Polaritons
Authors: Tang Heng-He , Tan Yunhua , Liu Pu-Kun
Published: September 2016

A compact metallic meta-structure is proposed to realize directional conversion between spoof surface plasmon polaritons (SSPPs) and propagating waves at millimeter wave and THz frequencies. The structure is constructed by embedding two slits or multi-slits array into a subwavelength metallic reflection grating. When the back-side of the structure is illuminated by an oblique beam with a fixed incident angle, the propagating wave will be unidirectionally converted into SSPPs with a considerable efficiency. Both the simulations and experiments demonstrate that the excitation ratio of the SSPPs between the two possible propagating directions (left and right) reaches up to about 340. Furthermore, assisted by the structure, near-field SSPPs can be also converted into far-field narrow beams with particular directions. Through frequency sweeping, wide-angle beam scanning is verified by theory and experiments. The work paves a new way for SSPPs launching and also provides fresh ideas for super-resolution imaging in the longer wavelength range.
Anion channelrhodopsins for inhibitory cardiac optogenetics
Authors: Govorunova Elena G. , Cunha Shane R. , Sineshchekov Oleg A. , Spudich John L.
Published: September 2016

Optical control of the heart muscle is a promising strategy for cardiology because it is more specific than traditional electrical stimulation, and allows a higher temporal resolution than pharmacological interventions. Anion channelrhodopsins (ACRs) from cryptophyte algae expressed in cultured neonatal rat ventricular cardiomyocytes produced inhibitory currents at less than one-thousandth of the light intensity required by previously available optogenetic tools, such as the proton pump archaerhodopsin-3 (Arch). Because of their greater photocurrents, ACRs permitted complete inhibition of cardiomyocyte electrical activity under conditions in which Arch was inefficient. Most importantly, ACR expression allowed precisely controlled shortening of the action potential duration by switching on the light during its repolarization phase, which was not possible with previously used optogenetic tools. Optical shortening of cardiac action potentials may benefit pathophysiology research and the development of optogenetic treatments for cardiac disorders such as the long QT syndrome.
BG-4, a novel anticancer peptide from bitter gourd (Momordica charantia), promotes apoptosis in human colon cancer cells
Authors: Dia Vermont P. , Krishnan Hari B.
Published: September 2016

Momordica charantia is a perennial plant with reported health benefits. BG-4, a novel peptide from Momordica charantia, was isolated, purified and characterized. The trypsin inhibitory activity of BG-4 is 8.6 times higher than purified soybean trypsin inhibitor. The high trypsin inhibitory activity of BG-4 may be responsible for its capability to cause cytotoxicity to HCT-116 and HT-29 human colon cancer cells with ED50 values of 134.4 and 217.0 μg/mL after 48 h of treatment, respectively. The mechanism involved in the cytotoxic effect may be associated with induction of apoptosis as evidenced by increased percentage of HCT-116 and HT-29 colon cancer cells undergoing apoptosis from 5.4% (untreated) to 24.8% (BG-4 treated, 125 μg/mL for 16 h) and 8.5% (untreated) to 31.9% (BG-4 treated, 125 μg/mL for 16 h), respectively. The molecular mechanistic explanation in the apoptosis inducing property of BG-4 is due to reduced expression of Bcl-2 and increased expression of Bax leading to increased expression of caspase-3 and affecting the expression of cell cycle proteins p21 and CDK2. This is the first report on the anti-cancer potential of a novel bioactive peptide isolated from Momordica charantia in vitro supporting the potential therapeutic property of BG-4 against colon cancer that must be addressed using in vivo models of colon carcinogenesis.
Vanadium(ivandv) complexes of pyrazolone based ligands: Synthesis, structural characterization and catalytic applications
Authors: Maurya Mannar R. , Sarkar Bithika , Avecilla Fernando , Correia Isabel
Published: September 2016

Four different types of novel vanadium(ivandv) complexes have been isolated and characterized. Complexes [VVO(OMe)(L)] are used as catalysts in the oxidative aromatization of Hantzsch 1,4-dihydropyridine derivatives and in the oxidation of tetralin.
[RuIII(EDTA)(H2O)]− mediated oxidation of cellular thiols by HSO5−
Authors: Sarkar Papiya , Saha Amrita , Chatterjee Debabrata
Published: September 2016

[RuIII(EDTA)(H2O)]− (EDTA4− = ethylenediaminetetraacetate) effectively catalyzes the oxidation of thiols (RSH) to produce disulfides (RSSR) using KHSO5 as an oxidant.
Copolymers from norbornene and norbornadiene with organized morphologies and high Tg values obtained via ROMP with a highly reactive [RuCl3(PCy3)2] complex
Authors: Ferraz C. P. , Fonseca L. R. , Tomazetti V. , Silva F. C. S. , Lima-Neto B. S. , Carvalho V. P.
Published: September 2016

[RuCl3(PCy3)2] presented high reactivity toward ROMP of norbornene and norbornadiene in air, in the presence of ethyl diazoacetate, resulting in copolymers with high Tg values and organized morphologies.
A one-pot synthesis of tetrazolones from acid chlorides: understanding functional group compatibility, and application to the late-stage functionalization of marketed drugs
Authors: Duncton Matthew A. J. , Singh Rajinder
Published: September 2016

A one-pot and scalable synthesis of tetrazolones (tetrazol-5-ones) from acid chlorides using azidotrimethylsilane is presented.
Luminescence properties of La2W2−xMoxO9 (x = 0–2):Eu3+ materials and their Judd–Ofelt analysis: novel red line emitting phosphors for pcLEDs
Authors: S. Kasturi , V. Sivakumar
Published: September 2016

The emission intensity of a Eu1.6La0.4W1.6Mo0.4O9 phosphor, synthesized by a co-precipitation technique, was found to be ∼1.78 times higher than that of the phosphor synthesized by a solid state reaction.
Influence of protein adsorption on the cellular uptake of AuNPs conjugated with chiral oligomers
Authors: Deng Jun , Zheng Honghao , Gao Changyou
Published: September 2016

A hydrophilic PHEMA block reduces the adsorption of serum proteins, maintaining the chiral-selective cellular uptake of PAV-b-PHEMA–AuNPs.
Edge-rich and (N, S)-doped 3D porous graphene as an efficient metal-free electrocatalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Wu Xiaobo , Xie Zhiyong , Sun Min , Lei Ting , Zuo Zhenmin , Xie Xiangmin , Liang Yili , Huang Qizhong
Published: September 2016

A novel edge-rich and (N, S)-doped 3D porous graphene was synthesized by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and chemical corrosion.
Pre-treatment and conditioning of chabazites followed by functionalization for making suitable additives used in antimicrobial ultra-fine powder coated surfaces
Authors: Yeasmin Rezwana , Zhang Hui , Zhu Jingxu , Kazemian Hossein
Published: September 2016

Durability of functionalized chabazite containing ultrafine powder coated surface.
Electroreduction of Er3+ in nonaqueous solvents
Authors: Small Leo J. , Sears Jeremiah M. , Lambert Timothy N. , Boyle Timothy J. , Hess Ryan F.
Published: September 2016

The electroreduction of Er3+ in propylene carbonate, N,N-dimethylformamide, or a variety of quaternary ammonium ionic liquids (ILs) was investigated using [Er(OTf)3] and [Er(NTf2)3].
Rapid and complete degradation of sulfur mustard adsorbed on M/zeolite-13X supported (M = 5 wt% Mn, Fe, Co) metal oxide catalysts with ozone
Authors: Ramakrishna Chowdam , Saini Bijendra Kumar , Racharla Krishna , Gujarathi Swetha , Sridara Chandra Shekar , Gupta Arvind , Thakkallapalli Gopi , Rao P. V. L.
Published: September 2016

Complete degradation of sulfur mustard adsorbed over M/zeolite-13X (M = 5 wt% Mn, Fe, Co) catalysts using ozone gas under ambient conditions.
Synthesis of magnetic graphene oxide doped with strontium titanium trioxide nanoparticles as a nanocomposite for the removal of antibiotics from aqueous media
Authors: Rashidi Nodeh Hamid , Sereshti Hassan
Published: September 2016

In this study, strontium titanium trioxide (SrTiO3) nanoparticles were synthesized and doped onto graphene oxide (GO) based magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) simply via ultrasound.
Substantial luminescence enhancement in ternary europium complexes by coordination of different ionic ligands
Authors: Silva Anderson I. S. , Santos Vanessa F. C. , Lima Nathalia B. D. , Simas Alfredo M. , Gonçalves Simone M. C.
Published: September 2016

We demonstrate in a general and comprehensive manner that a substantial enhancement of luminescence in europium complexes can be achieved by increasing ionic ligand diversity. The measured boosts in quantum efficiency ranged from 100% to 543%.
One-pot synthesis of nanoscale carbon dots-embedded metal–organic frameworks at room temperature for enhanced chemical sensing
Authors: Xu Longhua , Fang Guozhen , Liu Jifeng , Pan Mingfei , Wang Ranran , Wang Shuo
Published: September 2016

One-pot synthesis of nanoscale carbon dot-embedded metal–organic frameworks for enhanced chemical sensing.
Shifts in Lachnospira and Clostridium sp. in the 3-month stool microbiome are associated with preschool age asthma
Authors: Stiemsma Leah T. , Arrieta Marie-Claire , Dimitriu Pedro A. , Cheng Jasmine , Thorson Lisa , Lefebvre Diana L. , Azad Meghan B. , Subbarao Padmaja , Mandhane Piush , Becker Allan , Sears Malcolm R. , Kollmann Tobias R. ,   the Canadian Healthy Infant Longitudinal Development (CHILD) Study Investigators, Mohn William W. , Finlay B. Brett , Turvey Stuart E.
Published: September 2016

Asthma is a chronic disease of the airways affecting one in ten children in Westernized countries. Recently, our group showed that specific bacterial genera in early life are associated with atopy and wheezing in 1-year-old children. However, little is known about the link between the early life gut microbiome and the diagnosis of asthma in preschool age children. To determine the role of the gut microbiota in preschool age asthma, children up to 4 years of age enrolled in the Canadian Healthy Infant Longitudinal Development (CHILD) study were classified as asthmatic (n=39) or matched healthy controls (n=37). 16S rRNA sequencing and quantitative PCR (qPCR) were used to analyse the composition of the 3-month and 1-year gut microbiome of these children. At 3 months the abundance of the genus, Lachnospira (L), was decreased (P=0.008), whereas the abundance of the species, Clostridium neonatale (C), was increased (P=0.07) in asthmatics. Quartile analysis of stool composition at 3-months revealed a negative association between the ratio of these two bacteria (L/C) and asthma risk by 4 years of age [quartile 1: odds ratio (OR)=15, P=0.02, CI (confidence interval)= 1.8–124.7; quartile 2: OR=1.0, ns; quartile 3: OR=0.37, ns]. We conclude that opposing shifts in the relative abundances of Lachnospira and C. neonatale in the first 3 months of life are associated with preschool age asthma, and that the L/C ratio may serve as a potential early life biomarker to predict asthma development.
Method for classification of PQ events based on discrete Gabor transform with FIR window and T2FK‐based SVM and its experimental verification
Authors: Naderian Sobhan , Salemnia Ahmad
Published: September 2016

This paper aims to develop a new method for identification of Power Quality (PQ) events based on Discrete Gabor Transform (DGT) with a Finite Impulse Response Window (FIR‐DGT) and Type‐2 Fuzzy Kernel‐based Support Vector Machine (T2FK‐SVM). The FIR‐DGT extracted features from the input signals and the T2FK‐SVM classified them. Using proper window function for DGT is essential. Iterated sine window was used as window function to extract the events' features. The iterated sine window's function is four times faster than the default window function of DGT. Kernel design is a main part of many Kernel‐based methods such as SVM, so by using T2FK, the total accuracy of classification is enhanced. In the present work, use of this hybrid approach decreased the extracted features size, so the execution time and total required memory were optimized for the classification section. The simulation results revealed accurate classification and execution in the detection and classification of nine types of PQ events. The overall accuracy of the proposed method was comparable to other methods and the accuracy evaluated under noisy conditions. Hardware platform was developed for evaluating the proposed method based on ARM LPC 1768 microcontroller to assess accuracy of the method in real conditions.
Provisional internal and external power exchange to support remote sustainable microgrids in the course of power deficiency
Authors: Pashajavid Ehsan , Shahnia Farhad , Ghosh Arindam
Published: September 2016

This paper proposes a power exchange strategy for sustainable microgrids (MGs) of remote areas that have no access to a utility grid. This strategy manages the MG during power deficiencies under a decentralised approach (DA), which is the most probable case for remote MGs due to the lack of communication systems, or a centralised approach if a data communication system is available. Under each approach, a two‐level (internal/external) control is established. The internal support is provided through power exchange with local energy storage while the external support is provided through power exchange with a neighbouring MG, after their temporary coupling. Appropriate conditions and constraints, under which the necessity and possibility of internal/external power exchange can be determined, are defined and formulated. These terms are based on local frequency measurements (for DA) and instantaneous power generation of the dispatchable distributed energy resources (for centralised approach). The dynamic performance of a remote system, composed of two MGs, operating with this strategy is evaluated by simulation studies in PSCAD/EMTDC. Furthermore, the small signal stability of such a system is investigated in MATLAB.