bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Opportunity for Backing Down: Looking for an Electoral Connection to Audience Costs
Authors: YASUI KIYOTAKA , NAKAI RYO
Published: April 2016

This paper explores the time-inconsistency problem of audience costs in international disputes. The nature of democracy makes it difficult for leaders to back down from earlier diplomatic positions in an international dispute, out of fear of domestic political costs. Few studies have addressed the temporal aspect of such costs. This study argues that election timing impinges on the extent to which the audience cost mechanism works, and consequently, on state conflict behavior. While competitive elections are central to the political accountability inherent in a democracy, voters typically lack enough opportunities to punish unsatisfactory leaders in a timely way, because of fixed election timing, and also may disregard foreign policy missteps that occurred in the distant past. Democratic leaders therefore have an incentive to choose strategically, with the electoral calendar in mind, when selecting a form of conflict behavior. Leaders can retreat from their demands without paying high audience costs when the upcoming election is in the distant future. To test this argument, the authors conduct a natural experiment featuring territorial disputes between Russia and two Baltic republics – Estonia and Latvia. Despite the commonalities in the disputes, as well as in their political systems and socioeconomic backgrounds, the governments of the two Baltic countries showed a sharp contrast in their diplomatic decisions. This paper argues that only the temporal gap in electoral timing can explain this variation, imparting the ironical implication that frequent democratic elections can obstruct peaceful conflict resolutions, and that excessive democratization may well hinder the very goal of peace.
THE ACCIDENTAL MARXIST: ANDRE GUNDER FRANK AND THE “NEO-MARXIST” THEORY OF UNDERDEVELOPMENT, 1958–1967
Authors: STEPHENS CODY
Published: April 2016

Based on newly available archival records, this article examines the life and thought of Andre Gunder Frank from his years as a graduate student in development economics to the publication of his first and most influential book. A closer look at the evolution of Frank's thought provides new insight into the relationship of his brand of “neo-Marxist” development theories with both classical Marxism and modernization theory. Frank interpreted Marxist political debates according to the categories of thought of 1950s American development economics, and in doing so he both misinterpreted fundamental aspects of Marxism and simultaneously generated lively theoretical debates that remain relevant today.
The Impact of Gender Stereotypes on Voting for Women Candidates by Level and Type of Office
Authors: Dolan Kathleen , Lynch Timothy
Published: April 2016

Previous research has documented that the public often views women candidates through the lens of gender stereotypes. However, as much of this work draws on experimental designs and hypothetical candidates, we have less information about whether and how voters employ stereotypes in the face of real candidates for office. This project examines one important aspect of the impact of stereotypes on the fate of actual women candidates: whether gender stereotypes have a different influence on elections for different levels and types of offices. Previous research suggests that voters are more likely to apply male stereotypes and evaluate candidates differently as the level of office increases and as we consider executive versus legislative office. The research reported here draws on new data that capture voter attitudes and behaviors in real-world elections to test a series of hypotheses related to when and how gender stereotypes affect candidates for the U.S. Congress and governorships. In general, we find little evidence to support claims that voters stereotype women candidates differently when they seek different kinds of offices.
A micrometeorite record in Ordovician Durness Group limestones, Isle of Skye
Authors: Parnell John , Salter Natalie , West Peter
Published: April 2016

Samples of mid-Ordovician Durness Group limestone from Skye yield micrometeorites in the magnetic fraction after dissolution in acid. The micrometeorites are concentrated in the upper part of the sequence, in the Arenig Balnakeil and Croisaphuill formations. This finding is consistent with their stratigraphic distribution determined previously in the Durness district. A single sample of contemporaneous limestones from the Highland Border Fault Zone also yielded a micrometeorite. These observations suggest an elevated flux of meteoritic matter, shortly before the greatest concentration of meteorites in the geological record in the mid-Ordovician of Sweden.
The establishment of DOHaD working groups in Australia and New Zealand
Authors: Prescott S. L. , Allen K. , Armstrong K. , Collins C. , Dickinson H. , Gardiner K. , Jacka F. , Jasoni C. , Moore T. , Moritz K. M. , Muhlhausler B. , Siero W. , Sim K. , Nanan R. , Saffery R. , Singh G. , Vickers M. H , Craig J. M.
Published: April 2016

The evidence underpinning the developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD) is overwhelming. As the emphasis shifts more towards interventions and the translational strategies for disease prevention, it is important to capitalize on collaboration and knowledge sharing to maximize opportunities for discovery and replication. DOHaD meetings are facilitating this interaction. However, strategies to perpetuate focussed discussions and collaborations around and between conferences are more likely to facilitate the development of DOHaD research. For this reason, the DOHaD Society of Australia and New Zealand (DOHaD ANZ) has initiated themed Working Groups, which convened at the 2014–2015 conferences. This report introduces the DOHaD ANZ Working Groups and summarizes their plans and activities. One of the first Working Groups to form was the ActEarly birth cohort group, which is moving towards more translational goals. Reflecting growing emphasis on the impact of early life biodiversity – even before birth – we also have a Working Group titled Infection, inflammation and the microbiome. We have several Working Groups exploring other major non-cancerous disease outcomes over the lifespan, including Brain, behaviour and development and Obesity, cardiovascular and metabolic health. The Epigenetics and Animal Models Working Groups cut across all these areas and seeks to ensure interaction between researchers. Finally, we have a group focussed on ‘Translation, policy and communication’ which focusses on how we can best take the evidence we produce into the community to effect change. By coordinating and perpetuating DOHaD discussions in this way we aim to enhance DOHaD research in our region.
Schlaganfall aus der Perspektive des Neurologen (Teil 1): Neues aus der Akutdiagnostik
Authors: Schur Patrick , Luft Andreas
Published: April 2016

Zusammenfassung. Die vaskuläre Neurologie ist im Wandel. In den folgenden drei «Praxis»-Ausgaben wird aus der Perspektive des Neurologen ein Update des akuten Schlaganfalls in der Akutdiagnostik, in der Akutbehandlung und in der Sekundärprävention gegeben. Der erste Teil wird die Neuerungen in der Akutdiagnostik erarbeiten. Trotz der Fortschritte ist der Schlaganfall in der Schweiz häufig und die wichtigste Ursache schwerer Behinderung im Erwachsenenalter. Das pathophysiologische Korrelat dessen ist die zerebrale Ischämie oder zerebrale Blutung, welche die häufigsten Ursachen für persistierende Behinderungen sind und hohe Gesundheitskosten ausmachen. Der kürzeste Weg zur korrekten Diagnose und zur adäquaten Therapie kann Leben retten und vor allem verbessern. Die rasche klinische und bildgebende Diagnostik der Patienten, die von einer Therapie profitieren, ist der Schlüssel im Wettlauf mit der Zeit. In den letzten Jahren sind einige randomisiert-kontrollierte Studien veröffentlicht worden, die neue Evidenz bringen und die ärztlichen Perspektiven schärfen.
Die mysteriöse Parese
Authors: Biskup Ewelina , Necek Magdalena , Changjin Qu , Xue Guanhua
Published: April 2016

Zusammenfassung. Die Einlage eines zentralen Venenkatheters in der V. jugularis ist eine wichtige und häufige Intervention im klinischen Alltag; dennoch birgt der Eingriff ein gewisses Risiko iatrogener Verletzungen. Die Komplikationsrate kann durch sorgfältige Planung mit Berücksichtigung der vorliegenden anatomischen Verhältnisse des Patienten sowie durch Kenntniss der Gefässanatomie reduziert werden. Im Falle frustraner Punktionsversuche sollte ein genaues Protokoll eingehalten werden, um Spätfolgen zu vermeiden. In unserem Fallbericht präsentieren wir eine seltene Pseudoaneurysmalokalisation sowie deren Therapieoptionen.
Exosomal microRNA miR-92a concentration in serum reflects human brown fat activity
Authors: Chen Yong , Buyel Joschka J. , Hanssen Mark J. W. , Siegel Franziska , Pan Ruping , Naumann Jennifer , Schell Michael , van der Lans Anouk , Schlein Christian , Froehlich Holger , Heeren Joerg , Virtanen Kirsi A. , van Marken Lichtenbelt Wouter , Pfeifer Alexander
Published: April 2016

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) dissipates energy and its activity correlates with leanness in human adults. 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography coupled with computer tomography (PET/CT) is still the standard for measuring BAT activity, but exposes subjects to ionizing radiation. To study BAT function in large human cohorts, novel diagnostic tools are needed. Here we show that brown adipocytes release exosomes and that BAT activation increases exosome release. Profiling miRNAs in exosomes released from brown adipocytes, and in exosomes isolated from mouse serum, we show that levels of miRNAs change after BAT activation in vitro and in vivo. One of these exosomal miRNAs, miR-92a, is also present in human serum exosomes. Importantly, serum concentrations of exosomal miR-92a inversely correlate with human BAT activity measured by 18F-FDG PET/CT in two unique and independent cohorts comprising 41 healthy individuals. Thus, exosomal miR-92a represents a potential serum biomarker for BAT activity in mice and humans.
A cell cycle kinase with tandem sensory PAS domains integrates cell fate cues
Authors: Mann Thomas H. , Seth Childers W. , Blair Jimmy A. , Eckart Michael R. , Shapiro Lucy
Published: April 2016

All cells must integrate sensory information to coordinate developmental events in space and time. The bacterium Caulobacter crescentus uses two-component phospho-signalling to regulate spatially distinct cell cycle events through the master regulator CtrA. Here, we report that CckA, the histidine kinase upstream of CtrA, employs a tandem-PAS domain sensor to integrate two distinct spatiotemporal signals. Using CckA reconstituted on liposomes, we show that one PAS domain modulates kinase activity in a CckA density-dependent manner, mimicking the stimulation of CckA kinase activity that occurs on its transition from diffuse to densely packed at the cell poles. The second PAS domain interacts with the asymmetrically partitioned second messenger cyclic-di-GMP, inhibiting kinase activity while stimulating phosphatase activity, consistent with the selective inactivation of CtrA in the incipient stalked cell compartment. The integration of these spatially and temporally regulated signalling events within a single signalling receptor enables robust orchestration of cell-type-specific gene regulation.
Correction: Corrigendum: Growth of semiconducting single-wall carbon nanotubes with a narrow band-gap distribution
Authors: Zhang Feng , Hou Peng-Xiang , Liu Chang , Wang Bing-Wei , Jiang Hua , Chen Mao-Lin , Sun Dong-Ming , Li Jin-Cheng , Cong Hong-Tao , Kauppinen Esko I. , Cheng Hui-Ming
Published: April 2016

Nature Communications 7: Article number: 11160 (2016); Published 30 March 2016; Updated 27 April 2016 This Article contains an error in Fig. 6. In Fig. 6a, the units on the y-axis should be ‘μA’ not ‘mA’.
Internet tools to enhance breast cancer care
Authors: Shachar Shlomit Strulov , Muss Hyman B
Published: April 2016

Internet tools have become a great aid in the daily practice of physicians who treat breast cancer patients. In cancer care there are frequent and important intersections where major decisions need to be made; these include (1) whether or not to give chemotherapy; (2) how much toxicity to expect, and (3) the life expectancy of the patient, considering non-breast cancer comorbidities. These decisions can be made more accurately using calculators based on data sets of thousands of patients as opposed to physician intuition. Such tools also help patients and caregivers in optimal decision making, as they estimate the absolute benefits and risks of treatment. In this perspective we describe selected internet sites that are useful across several domains of care, including the potential benefits of different adjuvant regimens for early breast cancer, prognosis after neoadjuvant therapy, prognosis for ductal carcinoma in situ, and toxicity and life expectancy estimates. We review the variables required to use the tools, the results obtained, the methods of validation, and the advantages and disadvantages of each tool.
Type conversion of secretomes in a 3D TAM2 and HCC cell co-culture system and functional importance of CXCL2 in HCC
Authors: Lu Yu , Li Shan , Ma Liping , Li Yan , Zhang Xiaolian , Peng Qiliu , Mo Cuiju , Huang Li , Qin Xue , Liu Yinkun
Published: April 2016

Macrophages play important roles in the tumor microenvironment, driving cancer progression and metastasis, particularly in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, few studies have assessed the exact secretome composition in HCC. In the present study, the impact of different phenotype of macrophages on HCC cells was investigated. Alternatively activated macrophages (M2) were found to significantly increase the proliferation, migration and invasion abilities of SMMC7721 cells (all P < 0.05). M2 were then co-cultured with SMMC7721 cells to reconstruct the tumor microenvironment. Conditioned medium from 3D single cultures of M2, SMMC7721 cells and their co-culture system were analyzed using quantitative proteomics via iTRAQ labeling combined with mass spectrometric analysis. Secretome analysis revealed a total of 159 differential secreted proteins in the co-culture system compared to the single culture systems, with 63 being up-regulated (>1.3-fold) and 96 down-regulated (<0.7-fold). CXCL2 was confirmed to have higher expression in the co-culture system and HCC tissues and was selected for further investigation. Functional effects data suggested that recombinant human CXCL2 significantly enhanced the migration, invasion ability of SMMC7721 cells and weakened adhesion ability. While CXCL2 neutralization and CXCR2 blockage significantly inhibited the effects of CXCL2 on SMMC7721 cells, indicating that CXCL2 may play pivotal role in HCC metastasis.
Protecting enzymatic function through directed packaging into bacterial outer membrane vesicles
Authors: Alves Nathan J. , Turner Kendrick B. , Medintz Igor L. , Walper Scott A.
Published: April 2016

Bacteria possess innate machinery to transport extracellular cargo between cells as well as package virulence factors to infect host cells by secreting outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) that contain small molecules, proteins and genetic material. These robust proteoliposomes have evolved naturally to be resistant to degradation and provide a supportive environment to extend the activity of encapsulated cargo. In this study, we sought to exploit bacterial OMV formation to package and maintain the activity of an enzyme, phosphotriesterase (PTE), under challenging storage conditions encountered for real world applications. Here we show that OMV packaged PTE maintains activity over free PTE when subjected to elevated temperatures (>100-fold more activity after 14 days at 37 °C), iterative freeze-thaw cycles (3.4-fold post four-cycles) and lyophilization (43-fold). We also demonstrate how lyophilized OMV packaged PTE can be utilized as a cell free reagent for long term environmental remediation of pesticide/chemical warfare contaminated areas.
Substantial and robust changes in microRNA transcriptome support postnatal development of the hypothalamus in rat
Authors: Doubi-Kadmiri Soraya , Benoit Charlotte , Benigni Xavier , Beaumont Guillaume , Vacher Claire-Marie , Taouis Mohammed , Baroin-Tourancheau Anne , Amar Laurence
Published: April 2016

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) modulate gene expression in male germ cells and somatic tissues of mammals on a genome-wide scale. Hundreds of miRNAs are encoded by mammalian genomes, a large fraction of which is expressed in brain. Here we have investigated the complexity and dynamics of miRNA transcriptomes that associate with neuronal network maturation of hypothalamic arcuate nucleus and median eminence (ARC/ME) in rat by analysing more than 300 miRNAs from 3–7 biological replicates at 5 postnatal time-points. The network connecting ARC/ME to other hypothalamic and extra-hypothalamic regions maturates in an environment-dependent manner. We therefore analyzed miRNA transcriptomes of progeny of dams fed either a balanced or unbalanced diet during gestation and lactation. More than 30% of the miRNAs displayed significative changes of expression between stages P8 and P14, and P21 and P28; half of the changes were greater than 3-fold. Among those miRNAs were well-known and dozens of still poorly documented miRNAs. Progeny of dams fed an unbanced diet displayed a severe growth retardation phenotype, lower levels of plasma leptin but almost identical miRNA transcriptomes. Together these data demonstrate that two substantial and robust changes in miRNA transcriptome of ARC/ME occur at a period crucial for neuronal network functional organization.
Fingolimod modulates multiple neuroinflammatory markers in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Aytan Nurgul , Choi Ji-Kyung , Carreras Isabel , Brinkmann Volker , Kowall Neil W. , Jenkins Bruce G. , Dedeoglu Alpaslan
Published: April 2016

Sphingosine 1-phosphate (SP1) receptors may be attractive targets for modulation of inflammatory processes in neurodegenerative diseases. Recently fingolimod, a functional S1P1 receptor antagonist, was introduced for treatment of multiple sclerosis. We postulated that anti-inflammatory mechanisms of fingolimod might also be protective in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Therefore, we treated a mouse model of AD, the 5xFAD model, with two doses of fingolimod (1 and 5 mg/kg/day) and measured the response of numerous markers of Aβ pathology as well as inflammatory markers and neurochemistry using biochemical, immunohistochemistry and high resolution magic angle spinning magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). In mice at 3 months of age, we found that fingolimod decreased plaque density as well as soluble plus insoluble Aβ measured by ELISA. Fingolimod also decreased GFAP staining and the number of activated microglia. Taurine has been demonstrated to play a role as an endogenous anti-inflammatory molecule. Taurine levels, measured using MRS, showed a very strong inverse correlation with GFAP levels and ELISA measurements of Aβ, but not with plaque density or activated microglia levels. MRS also showed an effect of fingolimod on glutamate levels. Fingolimod at 1 mg/kg/day provided better neuroprotection than 5 mg/kg/day. Together, these data suggest a potential therapeutic role for fingolimod in AD.
Virtual Raters for Reproducible and Objective Assessments in Radiology
Authors: Kleesiek Jens , Petersen Jens , Döring Markus , Maier-Hein Klaus , Köthe Ullrich , Wick Wolfgang , Hamprecht Fred A. , Bendszus Martin , Biller Armin
Published: April 2016

Volumetric measurements in radiologic images are important for monitoring tumor growth and treatment response. To make these more reproducible and objective we introduce the concept of virtual raters (VRs). A virtual rater is obtained by combining knowledge of machine-learning algorithms trained with past annotations of multiple human raters with the instantaneous rating of one human expert. Thus, he is virtually guided by several experts. To evaluate the approach we perform experiments with multi-channel magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data sets. Next to gross tumor volume (GTV) we also investigate subcategories like edema, contrast-enhancing and non-enhancing tumor. The first data set consists of N = 71 longitudinal follow-up scans of 15 patients suffering from glioblastoma (GB). The second data set comprises N = 30 scans of low- and high-grade gliomas. For comparison we computed Pearson Correlation, Intra-class Correlation Coefficient (ICC) and Dice score. Virtual raters always lead to an improvement w.r.t. inter- and intra-rater agreement. Comparing the 2D Response Assessment in Neuro-Oncology (RANO) measurements to the volumetric measurements of the virtual raters results in one-third of the cases in a deviating rating. Hence, we believe that our approach will have an impact on the evaluation of clinical studies as well as on routine imaging diagnostics.
Long-term effects of cerebral hypoperfusion on neural density and function using misery perfusion animal model
Authors: Nishino Asuka , Tajima Yosuke , Takuwa Hiroyuki , Masamoto Kazuto , Taniguchi Junko , Wakizaka Hidekatsu , Kokuryo Daisuke , Urushihata Takuya , Aoki Ichio , Kanno Iwao , Tomita Yutaka , Suzuki Norihiro , Ikoma Yoko , Ito Hiroshi
Published: April 2016

We investigated the chronic effects of cerebral hypoperfusion on neuronal density and functional hyperemia using our misery perfusion mouse model under unilateral common carotid artery occlusion (UCCAO). Neuronal density evaluated 28 days after UCCAO using [11C]flumazenil-PET and histology indicated no neurologic deficit in the hippocampus and neocortex. CBF response to sensory stimulation was assessed using laser-Doppler flowmetry. Percentage changes in CBF response of the ipsilateral hemisphere to UCCAO were 18.4 ± 3.0%, 6.9 ± 2.8%, 6.8 ± 2.3% and 4.9 ± 2.4% before and 7, 14 and 28 days after UCCAO, respectively. Statistical significance was found at 7, 14 and 28 days after UCCAO (P < 0.01). Contrary to our previous finding (Tajima et al. 2014) showing recovered CBF response to hypercapnia on 28 days after UCCAO using the same model, functional hyperemia was sustained and became worse 28 days after UCCAO.
Effects of germination season on life history traits and on transgenerational plasticity in seed dormancy in a cold desert annual
Authors: Lu Juan J. , Tan Dun Y. , Baskin Carol C. , Baskin Jerry M.
Published: April 2016

The maternal environment can influence the intensity of seed dormancy and thus seasonal germination timing and post-germination life history traits. We tested the hypotheses that germination season influences phenotypic expression of post-germination life history traits in the cold desert annualIsatis violascensand that plants from autumn- and spring-germinating seeds produce different proportions of seeds with nondeep and intermediate physiological dormancy (PD). Seeds were sown in summer and flexibility in various life history traits determined for plants that germinated in autumn and in spring. A higher percentage of spring- than of autumn-germinating plants survived the seedling stage and all surviving plants reproduced. Number of silicles increased with plant size (autumn- > spring-germinating plants), whereas percent dry mass allocated to reproduction was higher in spring- than in autumn-germinating plants. Autumn-germinating plants produced proportionally more seeds with intermediate PD than spring-germinating plants, while spring-germinating plants produced proportionally more seeds with nondeep PD than autumn-germinating plants. Flexibility throughout the life history and transgenerational plasticity in seed dormancy are adaptations ofI. violascensto its desert habitat. Our study is the first to demonstrate that autumn- and spring-germinating plants in a species population differ in proportion of seeds produced with different levels of PD.
Terminalia Chebula provides protection against dual modes of necroptotic and apoptotic cell death upon death receptor ligation
Authors: Lee Yoonjung , Byun Hee Sun , Seok Jeong Ho , Park Kyeong Ah , Won Minho , Seo Wonhyoung , Lee So-Ra , Kang Kidong , Sohn Kyung-Cheol , Lee Ill Young , Kim Hyeong-Geug , Son Chang Gue , Shen Han-Ming , Hur Gang Min
Published: April 2016

Death receptor (DR) ligation elicits two different modes of cell death (necroptosis and apoptosis) depending on the cellular context. By screening a plant extract library from cells undergoing necroptosis or apoptosis, we identified a water extract of Terminalia chebula (WETC) as a novel and potent dual inhibitor of DR-mediated cell death. Investigation of the underlying mechanisms of its anti-necroptotic and anti-apoptotic action revealed that WETC or its constituents (e.g., gallic acid) protected against tumor necrosis factor-induced necroptosis via the suppression of TNF-induced ROS without affecting the upstream signaling events. Surprisingly, WETC also provided protection against DR-mediated apoptosis by inhibition of the caspase cascade. Furthermore, it activated the autophagy pathway via suppression of mTOR. Of the WETC constituents, punicalagin and geraniin appeared to possess the most potent anti-apoptotic and autophagy activation effect. Importantly, blockage of autophagy with pharmacological inhibitors or genetic silencing of Atg5 selectively abolished the anti-apoptotic function of WETC. These results suggest that WETC protects against dual modes of cell death upon DR ligation. Therefore, WETC might serve as a potential treatment for diseases characterized by aberrantly sensitized apoptotic or non-apoptotic signaling cascades.
Low-temperature catalytic oxidative coupling of methane in an electric field over a Ce–W–O catalyst system
Authors: Sugiura Kei , Ogo Shuhei , Iwasaki Kousei , Yabe Tomohiro , Sekine Yasushi
Published: April 2016

We examined oxidative coupling of methane (OCM) over various Ce–W–O catalysts at 423 K in an electric field. Ce2(WO4)3/CeO2 catalyst showed high OCM activity. In a periodic operation test over Ce2(WO4)3/CeO2 catalyst, C2 selectivity exceeded 60% during three redox cycles. However, Ce2(WO4)3/CeO2 catalyst without the electric field showed low activity, even at 1073 K: CH4 Conv., 6.0%; C2 Sel., 2.1%. A synergetic effect between the Ce2(WO4)3 structure and electric field created the reactive oxygen species for selective oxidation of methane. Results of XAFS, in-situ Raman and periodic operation tests demonstrated that OCM occurred as the lattice oxygen in Ce2(WO4)3 (short W–O bonds in distorted WO4 unit) was consumed. The consumed oxygen was reproduced by a redox mechanism in the electric field.
Identification and characterization of rabbit ROSA26 for gene knock-in and stable reporter gene expression
Authors: Yang Dongshan , Song Jun , Zhang Jifeng , Xu Jie , Zhu Tianqing , Wang Zhong , Lai Liangxue , Chen Y. Eugene
Published: April 2016

The laboratory rabbit has been a valuable model system for human disease studies. To make the rabbit model more amendable to targeted gene knockin and stable gene over-expression, we identified a rabbit orthologue of the mouse Rosa26 locus through genomic sequence homology analysis. Real-time PCR and 5′ RACE and 3′ RACE experiments revealed that this locus encodes two transcript variants of a long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) (rbRosaV1 and rbRosaV2). Both variants are expressed ubiquitously and stably in different tissues. We next targeted the rabbit Rosa26 (rbRosa26) locus using CRISPR/Cas9 and produced two lines of knock-in rabbits (rbRosa26-EGFP and rbRosa26-Cre-reporter). In both lines, all the founders and their offspring appear healthy and reproduce normally. In F1 generation animals, the rbRosa26-EGFP rabbits express EGFP and the rbRosa26-Cre-reporter rabbits express tdTomato ubiquitously in all the tissues examined. Furthermore, disruption of rbRosa26 locus does not adversely impact the animal health and reproduction. Therefore, our work establishes rbRosa26 as a safe harbor suitable for nuclease mediated gene targeting. The addition of rbRosa26 to the tool box of transgenic research is expected to allow diverse genetic manipulations, including gain-of function, conditional knock out and lineage-tracing studies in rabbits.
Positional distribution of transcription factor binding sites in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Yu Chun-Ping , Lin Jinn-Jy , Li Wen-Hsiung
Published: April 2016

Binding of a transcription factor (TF) to its DNA binding sites (TFBSs) is a critical step to initiate the transcription of its target genes. It is therefore interesting to know where the TFBSs of a gene are likely to locate in the promoter region. Here we studied the positional distribution of TFBSs in Arabidopsis thaliana, for which many known TFBSs are now available. We developed a method to identify the locations of TFBSs in the promoter sequences of genes in A. thaliana. We found that the distribution is nearly bell-shaped with a peak at 50 base pairs (bp) upstream of the transcription start site (TSS) and 86% of the TFBSs are in the region from −1,000 bp to +200 bp with respect to the TSS. Our distribution was supported by chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing and microarray data and DNase I hypersensitive site sequencing data. When TF families were considered separately, differences in positional preference were observed between TF families. Our study of the positional distribution of TFBSs seems to be the first in a plant.
sFRP4-dependent Wnt signal modulation is critical for bone remodeling during postnatal development and age-related bone loss
Authors: Haraguchi Ryuma , Kitazawa Riko , Mori Kiyoshi , Tachibana Ryosuke , Kiyonari Hiroshi , Imai Yuuki , Abe Takaya , Kitazawa Sohei
Published: April 2016

sFRP4 is an extracellular Wnt antagonist that fine-tunes its signal activity by direct binding to Wnts. Bone fragility under oxidative stress by diabetes and aging is partly related to the suppression of the Wnt signal through upregulated sFRP4. Here, to explore the functions of sFRP4 as a balancer molecule in bone development and remodeling, we analyzed the sFRP4 knock-in mouse strain. X-gal and immunohistochemically stained signals in sFRP4-LacZ heterozygous mice were detectable in restricted areas, mostly in osteoblasts and osteoclasts, of the femoral diaphysis after neonatal and postnatal stages. Histological and μCT analyses showed increased trabecular bone mass with alteration of the Wnt signal and osteogenic activity in sFRP4 mutants; this augmented the effect of the buildup of trabecular bone during the ageing period. Our results indicate that sFRP4 plays a critical role in bone development and remodeling by regulating osteoblasts and osteoclasts and that its functional loss prevents age-related bone loss in the trabecular bone area. These findings imply that sFRP4 functions as a key potential endogenous balancer of the Wnt signaling pathway by efficiently having direct influence on both bone formation and bone absorption during skeletal bone development and maintenance through remodeling.
Increased and prolonged human norovirus infection in RAG2/IL2RG deficient gnotobiotic pigs with severe combined immunodeficiency
Authors: Lei Shaohua , Ryu Junghyun , Wen Ke , Twitchell Erica , Bui Tammy , Ramesh Ashwin , Weiss Mariah , Li Guohua , Samuel Helen , Clark-Deener Sherrie , Jiang Xi , Lee Kiho , Yuan Lijuan
Published: April 2016

Application of genetically engineered (GE) large animals carrying multi-allelic modifications has been hampered by low efficiency in production and extended gestation period compared to rodents. Here, we rapidly generated RAG2/IL2RG double knockout pigs using direct injection of CRISPR/Cas9 system into developing embryos. RAG2/IL2RG deficient pigs were immunodeficient, characterized by depletion of lymphocytes and either absence of or structurally abnormal immune organs. Pigs were maintained in gnotobiotic facility and evaluated for human norovirus (HuNoV) infection. HuNoV shedding lasted for 16 days in wild type pigs, compared to 27 days (until the end of trials) in RAG2/IL2RG deficient pigs. Additionally, higher HuNoV titers were detected in intestinal tissues and contents and in blood, indicating increased and prolonged HuNoV infection in RAG2/IL2RG deficient pigs and the importance of lymphocytes in HuNoV clearance. These results suggest that GE immunodeficient gnotobiotic pigs serve as a novel model for biomedical research and will facilitate HuNoV studies.
Cellular processing and destinies of artificial DNA nanostructures
Authors: Lee Di Sheng , Qian Hang , Tay Chor Yong , Leong David Tai
Published: April 2016

This review gives a panoramic view of the many DNA nanotechnology applications in cells, mechanistic understanding of how and where their interactions occur and their subsequent outcomes.
How should the completeness and quality of curated nanomaterial data be evaluated?
Authors: Marchese Robinson Richard L. , Lynch Iseult , Peijnenburg Willie , Rumble John , Klaessig Fred , Marquardt Clarissa , Rauscher Hubert , Puzyn Tomasz , Purian Ronit , Åberg Christoffer , Karcher Sandra , Vriens Hanne , Hoet Peter , Hoover Mark D. , Hendren Christine Ogilvie , Harper Stacey L.
Published: April 2016

The challenge of evaluating the completeness and quality of (curated) nanomaterial data is addressed.
Facile synthesis of high-surface-area activated carbon from coal for supercapacitors and high CO2 sorption
Authors: Peng Zhu , Guo Zhanglong , Chu Wei , Wei Min
Published: April 2016

AC4T800t2 displayed the high specific capacitance (384 F g−1) at the scan rate of 5 mV s−1 and good cyclic stability (95% retention after 5000 cycles) at the current density of 5 A g−1. It also showed high CO2 uptake of 169.44 mL g−1 at 1 MPa.
Green silver nanoparticles for drug transport, bioactivities and a bacterium (Bacillus subtilis)-mediated comparative nano-patterning feature
Authors: Dey B. , Mukherjee S. , Mukherjee N. , Mondal R. K. , Satpati B. , Senapati D. , Babu S. P. Sinha
Published: April 2016

Supramolecular hydrogel-capped non-toxic Ag NPs are effective for cellular drug transport and are potentially bioactive, which also leads to the formation of novel silver nanoparticles.
A study of separation selectivity using embedded ester-bonded stationary phases for liquid chromatography
Authors: Bocian Szymon , Krzemińska Katarzyna , Buszewski Bogusław
Published: April 2016

A new group of silica based packing materials was synthesized. The embedded ester-bonded stationary phases were characterized under various chromatographic conditions.
Time-dependent SERS spectra monitoring the dynamic adsorption behavior of bipyridine isomerides combined with bianalyte method
Authors: Yan Xiunan , Li Pan , Yang Liangbao , Liu Jinhuai
Published: April 2016

Based on the bianalyte method, time-dependent surface-enhanced Raman spectrosopy (SERS) spectra were applied to observe and study the competitive adsorption of bipyridine isomerides 2,2′-bpy and 4,4′-bpy.
Direct estimation of ethanol as a negative peak from alcoholic beverages and fermentation broths by reversed phase-HPLC
Authors: Nisha M. , Shankar Mukund , Krishnan Nagasathiya , Saleena Lilly M. , Rajesh Mathur , Vairamani M.
Published: April 2016

Direct injection of alcoholic samples/broths into a RP-HPLC (with a PDA-UV detector) system to quantify ethanol directly as a negative peak. The kind of peak pair depends on the ethanol concentration as described in the article.
Random peptide mixtures inhibit and eradicate methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus biofilms
Authors: Stern Tal , Zelinger Einat , Hayouka Zvi
Published: April 2016

Sequence-random hydrophobic-cationic peptides are capable of controlling and managing methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureusbiofilms and might be used as lead biofilm inhibitor candidates for further studies.
Palladium-catalyzed directing group-assisted C8-triflation of naphthalenes
Authors: Yang Zhi-Wei , Zhang Qi , Jiang Yuan-Ye , Li Lei , Xiao Bin , Fu Yao
Published: April 2016

The transition-metal-catalyzed direct triflation of naphthyl amides and naphthyl ketones has been accomplished for the first time.
Highly regioselective meta arylation of oxalyl amide-protected β-arylethylamine via the Catellani reaction
Authors: Han Jian , Zhang Li , Zhu Yan , Zheng Yongxiang , Chen Xiaolan , Huang Zhi-Bin , Shi Da-Qing , Zhao Yingsheng
Published: April 2016

A first bidentate directing group assisted highly selective meta arylation of β-arylethylamine derivatives with various iodides is reported.
An effective modular process for biodiesel manufacturing using heterogeneous catalysis
Authors: Dimian Alexandre C. , Rothenberg Gadi
Published: April 2016

We present an innovative reaction set-up and process for biodiesel manufacturing by heterogeneous catalysis.
Biotransformation of 8:2 fluorotelomer alcohol by recombinant human cytochrome P450s, human liver microsomes and human liver cytosol
Authors: Li Zhong-Min , Guo Liang-Hong , Ren Xiao-Min
Published: April 2016

CYP2C19 catalyzes the phase I metabolism of 8:2 FTOH in humans, while phase II metabolism is the major metabolic pathway.
The effects of rosette nanotubes with different functionalizations on channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) lymphocyte viability and receptor function
Authors: Ede James D. , Ortega Van A. , Boyle David , Beingessner Rachel L. , Hemraz Usha D. , Fenniri Hicham , Stafford James L. , Goss Greg G.
Published: April 2016

Fish lymphocytes are a sensitive model to examine the effects of different surface functionalizations on rosette nanotube toxicity.
Tertiary amine-catalyzed and direct synthesis of α-chloroalkanesulfonylhydrazines from azodicarboxylates and sulfonyl chlorides
Authors: Zhou Bingnan , Xu Jiaxi
Published: April 2016

α-Chloroalkanesulfonylhydrazines were synthesized directly and efficiently from alkanesulfonyl chlorides and dialkyl azodicarboxylates under the catalysis of tertiary amines.
Assessing histidine tags for recruiting deoxyribozymes to catalyze peptide and protein modification reactions
Authors: Chu Chih-Chi , Silverman Scott K.
Published: April 2016

We evaluate the ability of hexahistidine tags to recruit deoxyribozymes for covalently modifying peptides and proteins.
Conjugated donor–acceptor terpolymers entailing the Pechmann dye and dithienyl-diketopyrrolopyrrole as co-electron acceptors: tuning HOMO/LUMO energies and photovoltaic performances
Authors: Qi Penglin , Wang Zhijie , Liu Zitong , Yang Sifen , Yang Yang , Yao Jingjing , Zhang Guanxin , Zhang Deqing
Published: April 2016

Three new conjugated D–A terpolymers with the Pechmann dye derivative and dithienyl-diketopyrrolopyrrole as co-acceptors are presented for photovoltaic studies.
Facile and efficient chemical functionalization of aliphatic polyesters by cross metathesis
Authors: Fournier Lucie , Robert Carine , Pourchet Sylvie , Gonzalez Alice , Williams Lewis , Prunet Joëlle , Thomas Christophe M.
Published: April 2016

Aliphatic polyesters were successfully synthesized using alternating ring-opening copolymerization and then functionalized via cross metathesis.
Lithium orthosilicate with halloysite as silicon source for high temperature CO2 capture
Authors: Niu Mengya , Li Xiaoyu , Ouyang Jing , Yang Huaming
Published: April 2016

Lithium orthosilicate (Li4SiO4)-based sorbents were synthesized using a low cost and naturally available mineral resource (halloysite) as silicon source for high temperature CO2 capture.
Field-actuated antineoplastic potential of smart and versatile PEO–bPEI electrospun scaffold by multi-staged targeted co-delivery of magnetite nanoparticles and niclosamide–bPEI complexes
Authors: Sukumar Uday Kumar , Gopinath P.
Published: April 2016

A PEO–bPEI based composite nanofiber scaffold has been realized for field actuated targeted delivery of magnetite nanoparticles and bPEI–niclosamide complexes for efficient management of cancer prognosis.
Fabrication of a thermo-responsive membrane with cross-linked smart gates via a ‘grafting-to’ method
Authors: Wu Cheng-Jing , Xie Rui , Wei Hong-Bo , Xu Ting-Ting , Liu Zhuang , Wang Wei , Ju Xiao-Jie , Chu Liang-Yin
Published: April 2016

A novel thermo-responsive membrane with the cross-linked microspheres as smart gates is fabricated by the “grafting to” technique, which exhibits excellent thermo-responsive characteristics with satisfactory reversibility and stability.
A catalyst-free, one-pot multicomponent synthesis of spiro-benzimidazoquinazolinones via a Knoevenagel–Michael-imine pathway: a microwave assisted approach
Authors: Maloo Preeti , Roy Tapta Kanchan , Sawant Devesh M. , Pardasani Ram T. , Salunkhe Manikrao M.
Published: April 2016

A multi-component route for the synthesis of spiro-benzimidazoquinazolinones was developed and its mechanism was studied.
D–A conjugated polymers based on thieno[3,2-b]indole (TI) and 2,1,3-benzodiathiazole (BT) derivatives: synthesis, characterization and side-chain influence on photovoltaic properties
Authors: Huang Hongyan , Li Quan , Qiu Meng , Wang Zheng , Zhang Xinzhen , Liu Shuli , Fu Nina , Zhao Baomin , Yang Renqiang , Huang Wei
Published: April 2016

Thieno[3,2-b]indole (TI) derivatives were developed via Cadogan annulation for constructing D–A copolymers. Their performance in photovoltaic cells were finely tuned by side-chain engineering.
Silver nanomaterials as future colorants and potential antimicrobial agents for natural and synthetic textile materials
Authors: Shahid-ul-Islam Shahid-ul-Islam , Butola B. S. , Mohammad Faqeer
Published: April 2016

Over the past few years, antimicrobial textiles have gained considerable interest for use in different application fields.
Role of Cu+ on ZnS:Cu p-type semiconductor films grown by sputtering: influence of substitutional Cu in the structural, optical and electronic properties
Authors: Chamorro W. , Shyju T. S. , Boulet P. , Migot S. , Ghanbaja J. , Miska P. , Kuppusami P. , Pierson J. F.
Published: April 2016

ZnS:Cu films were synthetized by co-sputtering. A Cu content higher than 10.6 at% lead to changes as the shrinkage of the ZnS:Cu cell and development of a p-type behavior. These results are explained by the substitution of Zn+2 ions by Cu+ ones.
Novel luminescent β-ketoimine derivative of 2,1,3-benzothiadiazole: synthesis, complexation with Zn(ii) and photophysical properties in comparison with related compounds
Authors: Sukhikh T. S. , Bashirov D. A. , Ogienko D. S. , Kuratieva N. V. , Sherin P. S. , Rakhmanova M. I. , Chulanova E. A. , Gritsan N. P. , Konchenko S. N. , Zibarev A. V.
Published: April 2016

2,1,3-Benzothiadiazoles and their Zn complexes show fluorescence in different wavelength regions, one of the complexes reveals white emission.
Surface polarization enhancement: high catalytic performance of Cu/CuOx/C nanocomposites derived from Cu-BTC for CO oxidation
Authors: Zhang Ruirui , Hu Lin , Bao Shouxin , Li Ran , Gao Lei , Li Ren , Chen Qianwang
Published: April 2016

Heterogeneous catalysts facilitate various chemical reactions through the changing of its surface charge density.
Performance enhancement of high temperature SnO2-based planar perovskite solar cells: electrical characterization and understanding of the mechanism
Authors: Xiong Liangbin , Qin Minchao , Yang Guang , Guo Yaxiong , Lei Hongwei , Liu Qin , Ke Weijun , Tao Hong , Qin Pingli , Li Songzhan , Yu Huaqing , Fang Guojia
Published: April 2016

Mg doping improves interfacial contact and endows low hysteresis high temperature processed SnO2-based PSCs with a steady-state PCE of 14.55%.
Photocontrol of charge injection/extraction at electrode/semiconductor interfaces for high-photoresponsivity organic transistors
Authors: Zhang Hongtao , Chen Hongliang , Ma Wei , Hui Jingshu , Meng Sheng , Xu Wei , Zhu Daoben , Guo Xuefeng
Published: April 2016

This study opens up an efficient route for building optically switchable OFETs featuring a photochromic spirothiopyran self-assembled monolayer-functionalized electrode/semiconductor interface.
Understanding quaternary compound Cu2ZnSnSe4 synthesis by microscopic scale analyses at an identical location
Authors: Crossay A. , Colombara D. , Melchiorre M. , Guennou M. , Mendis B. G. , Dale P. J.
Published: April 2016

Mapping of an identical location before and after chemical reactions reveals new insights on the synthesis of multinary compound films. For the photovoltaic material Cu2ZnSnSe4, the detrimental ZnSe phase appears mainly on areas that were Zn poor before selenization.
Correction: Computational and experimental investigation of TmAgTe2 and XYZ2 compounds, a new group of thermoelectric materials identified by first-principles high-throughput screening
Authors: Zhu Hong , Hautier Geoffroy , Aydemir Umut , Gibbs Zachary M. , Li Guodong , Bajaj Saurabh , Pöhls Jan-Hendrik , Broberg Danny , Chen Wei , Jain Anubhav , White Mary Anne , Asta Mark , Snyder G. Jeffrey , Persson Kristin , Ceder Gerbrand
Published: April 2016

Correction for ‘Computational and experimental investigation of TmAgTe2 and XYZ2 compounds, a new group of thermoelectric materials identified by first-principles high-throughput screening’ by Hong Zhu et al., J. Mater. Chem. C, 2015, 3, 10554–10565.
Correction: Eu3+ ion concentration induced 3D luminescence properties of novel red-emitting Ba4La6(SiO4)O:Eu3+ oxyapatite phosphors for versatile applications
Authors: Raju G. Seeta Rama , Pavitra E. , Hussain Sk. Khaja , Balaji D. , Yu Jae Su
Published: April 2016

Correction for ‘Eu3+ ion concentration induced 3D luminescence properties of novel red-emitting Ba4La6(SiO4)O:Eu3+ oxyapatite phosphors for versatile applications’ by G. Seeta Rama Raju et al., J. Mater. Chem. C, 2016, 4, 1039–1050.
Characterization of a functional C3A liver spheroid model
Authors: Gaskell Harriet , Sharma Parveen , Colley Helen E. , Murdoch Craig , Williams Dominic P. , Webb Steven D.
Published: April 2016

We have developed a method for creating C3A liver spheroids and demonstrated cellular polarisation, zonation as well as increased liver-specific functionality and more predictive toxicological response compared to standard 2D liver models.
Where Spanish and English Come Together: A Two Dimensional Bilingual Approach to Clinical Decision Making
Authors: Anaya Jissel B. , Peña Elizabeth D. , Bedore Lisa M.
Published: April 2016

An increasing number of United States school children are from culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) backgrounds and speak multiple languages. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are often challenged with differentiating the performance of bilingual children with language impairment from those who may display a language difference. While there is consensus that we should consider both languages of a bilingual child in formal and informal assessments, there is no agreed way to interpret results of testing in both languages. The aim of this article is to propose a framework for conducting and interpreting the results from comprehensive and unbiased evaluations that incorporate language samples, parent and teacher reports, and standardized testing. We will illustrate the use of this bilingual coordinate approach via a pair of case studies.