bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fractionation of Stable Cadmium Isotopes in the Cadmium Tolerant Ricinus communis and Hyperaccumulator Solanum nigrum
Authors: Wei Rongfei , Guo Qingjun , Wen Hanjie , Liu Congqiang , Yang Junxing , Peters Marc , Hu Jian , Zhu Guangxu , Zhang Hanzhi , Tian Liyan , Han Xiaokun , Ma Jie , Zhu Chuanwei , Wan Yingxin
Published: April 2016

Cadmium (Cd) isotopes provide new insights into Cd uptake, transport and storage mechanisms in plants. Therefore, the present study adopted the Cd-tolerant Ricinus communis and Cd-hyperaccumulator Solanum nigrum, which were cultured under controlled conditions in a nutrient solution with variable Cd supply, to test the isotopic fractionation of Cd during plant uptake. The Cd isotope compositions of nutrient solutions and organs of the plants were measured by multiple collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC-ICPMS). The mass balance of Cd isotope yields isotope fractionations between plant and Cd source (δ114/110Cdorgans-solution) of −0.70‰ to −0.22‰ in Ricinus communis and −0.51‰ to −0.33‰ in Solanum nigrum. Moreover, Cd isotope fractionation during Cd transport from stem to leaf differs between the Cd-tolerant and -hyperaccumulator species. Based on these results, the processes (diffusion, adsorption, uptake or complexation), which may induce Cd isotope fractionation in plants, have been discussed. Overall, the present study indicates potential applications of Cd isotopes for investigating plant physiology.
Soil microbial community composition and respiration along an experimental precipitation gradient in a semiarid steppe
Authors: Zhao Cancan , Miao Yuan , Yu Chengde , Zhu Lili , Wang Feng , Jiang Lin , Hui Dafeng , Wan Shiqiang
Published: April 2016

As a primary limiting factor in arid and semiarid regions, precipitation strongly influences soil microbial properties. However, the patterns and mechanisms of soil microbial responses to precipitation have not been well documented. In this study, changes in soil microorganisms along an experimental precipitation gradient with seven levels of precipitation manipulation (i.e., ambient precipitation as a control and ±20%, ±40% and ±60% of ambient precipitation) were explored in a semiarid temperate steppe in northern China. Soil microbial biomass carbon and respiration as well as the ratio of fungal to bacterial biomass varied along the experimental precipitation gradient and peaked under the +40% precipitation treatment. The shifts in microbial community composition could be largely attributable to the changes in soil water and nutrient availability. The metabolic quotient increased (indicating reduced carbon use efficiency) with increasing precipitation due to the leaching of dissolved organic carbon. The relative contributions of microbial respiration to soil and ecosystem respiration increased with increasing precipitation, suggesting that heterotrophic respiration will be more sensitive than autotrophic respiration if precipitation increases in the temperate steppe as predicted under future climate-change scenarios.
Anti-IL-20 monoclonal antibody promotes bone fracture healing through regulating IL-20-mediated osteoblastogenesis
Authors: Hsu Yu-Hsiang , Chiu Yi-Shu , Chen Wei-Yu , Huang Kuo-Yuan , Jou I-Ming , Wu Po-Tin , Wu Chih-Hsing , Chang Ming-Shi
Published: April 2016

Bone loss and skeletal fragility in bone fracture are caused by an imbalance in bone remodeling. The current challenge in bone fracture healing is to promote osteoblastogenesis and bone formation. We aimed to explore the role of IL-20 in osteoblastogenesis, osteoblast differentiation and bone fracture. Serum IL-20 was significantly correlated with serum sclerostin in patients with bone fracture. In a mouse model, anti-IL-20 monoclonal antibody (mAb) 7E increased bone formation during fracture healing. In vitro, IL-20 inhibited osteoblastogenesis by upregulating sclerostin, and downregulating osterix (OSX), RUNX2, and osteoprotegerin (OPG). IL-20R1 deficiency attenuated IL-20-mediated inhibition of osteoblast differentiation and maturation and reduced the healing time after a bone fracture. We conclude that IL-20 affects bone formation and downregulates osteoblastogenesis by modulating sclerostin, OSX, RUNX2, and OPG on osteoblasts. Our results demonstrated that IL-20 is involved in osteoregulation and anti-IL-20 mAb is a potential therapeutic for treating bone fracture or metabolic bone diseases.
Burrowing hard corals occurring on the sea floor since 80 million years ago
Authors: Sentoku Asuka , Tokuda Yuki , Ezaki Yoichi
Published: April 2016

We describe a previously unknown niche for hard corals in the small, bowl-shaped, solitary scleractinian, Deltocyathoides orientalis (Family Turbinoliidae), on soft-bottom substrates. Observational experiments were used to clarify how the sea floor niche is exploited by turbinoliids. Deltocyathoides orientalis is adapted to an infaunal mode of life and exhibits behaviours associated with automobility that include burrowing into sediments, vertical movement through sediments to escape burial and recovery of an upright position after being overturned. These behaviours were achieved through repeated expansion and contraction of their peripheral soft tissues, which constitute a unique muscle-membrane system. Histological analysis showed that these muscle arrangements were associated with deeply incised inter-costal spaces characteristic of turbinoliid corals. The oldest known turbinoliid, Bothrophoria ornata, which occurred in the Cretaceous (Campanian), also possessed a small, conical skeleton with highly developed costae. An infaunal mode of life became available to turbinoliids due to the acquisition of automobility through the muscle-membrane system at least 80 million years ago. The newly discovered active burrowing strategies described herein provide new insights into the use of an unattached mode of life by corals inhabiting soft-bottom substrates throughout the Phanerozoic.
Precise phase retrieval under harsh conditions by constructing new connected interferograms
Authors: Deng Jian , Wu Dan , Wang Kai , Vargas Javier
Published: April 2016

To date, no phase-shifting method can accurately retrieve the phase map from a small set of noisy interferograms with low phase-shifts. In this Letter, we develop a novel approach to resolve this limitation under such harsh conditions. The proposed new method is based on constructing a set of connected interferograms by means of simple subtraction and addition operations, in which all the subset of interferograms have the same phase-shift interval of π/2. According to this characteristic, this set of connected interferograms can be processed with conventional phase retrieval methods as PCA or AIA obtaining accurate results. The reduction in the RMS errors after using our method reaches as high as 93.7% and 89.3% respectively comparing with conventional PCA and AIA methods under harsh conditions. Both simulation and experiment results demonstrate that the new proposed method provides an effective way, with high precision and robustness against noise, for phase retrieval.
Hyper-stable organo-EuIII luminophore under high temperature for photo-industrial application
Authors: Nakajima Ayako , Nakanishi Takayuki , Kitagawa Yuichi , Seki Tomohiro , Ito Hajime , Fushimi Koji , Hasegawa Yasuchika
Published: April 2016

Novel organo-EuIII luminophores, Eu(hfa)x(CPO)y and Eu(hfa)x(TCPO)y (hfa: hexafluoroacetylacetonate, CPO: 4-carboxyphenyl diphenyl phosphine oxide, TCPO: 4,4′,4″-tricarboxyphenyl phosphine oxide), were synthesized by the complexation of EuIII ions with hfa moieties and CPO or TCPO ligands. The thermal and luminescent stabilities of the luminophores are extremely high. The decomposition temperature of Eu(hfa)x(CPO)y and Eu(hfa)x(TCPO)y were determined as 200 and 450 °C, respectively. The luminescence of Eu(hfa)x(TCPO)y under UV light irradiation was observed even at a high temperature, 400 °C. The luminescent properties of Eu(hfa)x(CPO)y and Eu(hfa)x(TCPO)y were estimated from emission spectra, quantum yields and lifetime measurements. The energy transfer efficiency from hfa moieties to EuIII ions in Eu(hfa)x(TCPO)y was 59%. The photosensitized luminescence of hyper-stable Eu(hfa)x(TCPO)y at 400 °C is demonstrated for future photonic applications.
The dynamic behavior of Ect2 in response to DNA damage
Authors: He Dan , Xiang Jinnan , Li Baojie , Liu Huijuan
Published: April 2016

Ect2 is a BRCT-containing guanidine exchange factor for Rho GTPases. It is essential for cytokinesis and is also involved in tumorigenesis. Since most BRCT-containing proteins are involved in DNA damage response and/or DNA repair, we tested whether Ect2 plays similar roles. We report that in primary mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs), DNA damage quickly led to Ect2 relocalization to the chromatin and DNA damage foci-like structures. Ect2 knockdown did not affect foci localization of γH2AX, TopBP1, or Brca1, or activation of Atm, yet it impeded p53 Ser15 phosphorylation and activation and resulted in defects in apoptosis and activation of S and G2/M checkpoints in response to DNA damage. These results suggest that Ect2 plays a role in DNA damage response. Interestingly, Ect2 is down-regulated at late stages of DNA damage response. Although p53 and E2F1 have been shown to regulate Ect2 transcription, DNA damage-induced Ect2 down-regulation occurred in p53−/− or Atm−/− MEFs and E2F1 knockdown cells. Instead, DNA damage-induced Ect2 down-regulation is mainly attributable to decreased protein stability. Like Ect2 knockdown, Ect2 destabilization may help the cell to recover from DNA damage response. These results suggest that Ect2 plays roles in multiple aspects of DNA damage response.
Re-polarizing Myeloid-derived Suppressor Cells (MDSCs) with Cationic Polymers for Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: He Wei , Liang Pei , Guo Guangxing , Huang Zhen , Niu Yiming , Dong Lei , Wang Chunming , Zhang Junfeng
Published: April 2016

Our evolving understandings of cell-material interactions provide insights for using polymers to modulate cell behaviour that may lead to therapeutic applications. It is known that in certain cancers, myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) play vital roles in promoting tumour progression, chiefly because of their ‘alternatively activated’ (or M2) phenotype that orchestrates immunosuppression. In this study, we demonstrated that two cationic polymers – cationic dextran (C-dextran) and polyethyleneimine (PEI) – could directly remodel these cells into an anti-tumour, ‘classically activated’ (or M1) phenotype, thereby stimulating these cells to express tumouricidal cytokines, reactivating the T cell functions, and prolonging the lifespan of the mice model. Our investigations with knock-out mice further indicate that the functions of these cationic polymers require the involvement of toll-like receptor 4-mediated signalling. Taken together, our study suggests that these cationic polymers can effectively and directly re-polarize MDSCs from an immunosuppressive characteristic to an anti-tumour phenotype, leading to successful restoration of immune surveillance in the tumour microenvironment and elimination of tumour cells. Our findings may have immediate impact on further development of polymer-based therapeutics for cancer immunotherapy.
An efficient sewage sludge-derived bi-functional electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction and evolution reaction
Authors: Yuan Shi-Jie , Dai Xiao-Hu
Published: April 2016

An efficient, low cost, and stable bi-functional electrocatalyst for ORR and OER consisting of N, Fe, and S multi-doped nanoporous carbon was produced by a facile one-step pyrolysis of sewage sludge under NH3 conditions.
Solar-assisted photocatalytic reduction of methyl orange azo dye over porous TiO2 nanostructures
Authors: Sheikh Mehraj Ud Din , Naikoo Gowhar Ahmad , Thomas Molly , Bano Mustri , Khan Farid
Published: April 2016

Mesoporous TiO2 nanostructures were explored via a facile, environmentally friendly and scalable sol–gel route for photocatalysis.
CO2 decomposition in a packed DBD plasma reactor: influence of packing materials
Authors: Ray Debjyoti , Subrahmanyam Ch.
Published: April 2016

Carbon dioxide (CO2) decomposition has drawn significant interest over the years due to its global warming potential.
A two-photon fluorescent probe for bio-imaging of formaldehyde in living cells and tissues
Authors: Li Jun-Bin , Wang Qian-Qian , Yuan Lin , Wu Yong-Xiang , Hu Xiao-Xiao , Zhang Xiao-Bing , Tan Weihong
Published: April 2016

We report a new two-photon fluorescent probe FATP1 that allows for the two-photon bio-imaging of formaldehyde in live cells and tissues.
Analysis of alkyl esters of p-hydroxybenzoic acid (parabens) in baby teethers via gas chromatography-quadrupole mass spectrometry (GC-qMS) using a stable isotope dilution assay (SIDA)
Authors: Potouridis Theodoros , Berger Elisabeth , Püttmann Wilhelm
Published: April 2016

The present work describes an analytical method for the analysis of methyl-, ethyl- andn-propylparaben in plastic and gel material from baby teethers filled with cooling gel.
Online monitoring of ethanol concentration using a responsive microfluidic membrane device
Authors: Zou Xiao-Yi , Luo Feng , Xie Rui , Zhang Li-Ping , Ju Xiao-Jie , Wang Wei , Liu Zhuang , Chu Liang-Yin
Published: April 2016

A novel method for online monitoring of ethanol concentration has been proposed by successfully developing an ethanol-responsive microfluidic membrane device.
Sensitive analysis of phthalate esters in plastic bottled water via on-line capillary solid-phase microextraction liquid chromatography electrospray ionization-ion trap mass spectrometry
Authors: Cheng Cheanyeh , Chang Kuo-Chung
Published: April 2016

An online capillary solid-phase microextraction coupled liquid chromatography electrospray ionization-ion trap mass spectrometry (cSPME-LC-ESI-IT-MS) has been developed and applied for analyzing six phthalate esters (PAEs) in commercially available plastic bottled water.
Does Fe2+ in olivine-based interstellar grains play any role in the formation of H2? Atomistic insights from DFT periodic simulations
Authors: Navarro-Ruiz J. , Ugliengo P. , Sodupe M. , Rimola A.
Published: April 2016

The presence of Fe2+ on interstellar silicate surfaces renders them good reservoirs of H atoms that are ready to recombine to form H2.
Constrained subsystem density functional theory
Authors: Ramos Pablo , Pavanello Michele
Published: April 2016

Constrained Subsystem Density Fucntional Theory (CSDFT) allows to compute diabatic states for charge transfer reactions using the machinery of the constrained DFT method, and at the same time is able to embed such diabatic states in a molecular environmentviaa subsystem DFT scheme.
Extended charge accumulation in ruthenium–4H-imidazole-based black absorbers: a theoretical design concept
Authors: Kupfer Stephan
Published: April 2016

A theoretical-guided design concept aiming to achieve highly efficient unidirectional charge transfer and multi-charge separation upon successive photoexcitation for light-harvesting dyes in the scope of supramolecular photocatalysts is presented.
Electron interaction with a DNA duplex: dCpdC:dGpdG
Authors: Gu Jiande , Wang Jing , Leszczynski Jerzy
Published: April 2016

Electron attachment to double-stranded cytosine-rich DNA, dCpdC:dGpdG, leads to the formation of different cytosine centered radical anions.
Functionalization of metal–organic frameworks with cuprous sites using vapor-induced selective reduction: efficient adsorbents for deep desulfurization
Authors: Qin Ju-Xiang , Tan Peng , Jiang Yao , Liu Xiao-Qin , He Qiu-Xia , Sun Lin-Bing
Published: April 2016

Efficient, controllable conversion of Cu(ii) to Cu(i) was realized on metal–organic frameworks by using a vapor-induced selective reduction strategy.
Redox proteomic analysis of serum from aortic anerurysm patients: insights on oxidation of specific protein target
Authors: Spadaccio Cristiano , Coccia Raffaella , Perluigi Marzia , Pupo Gilda , Schininà Maria Eugenia , Giorgi Alessandra , Blarzino Carla , Nappi Francesco , Sutherland Fraser W. , Chello Massimo , Di Domenico Fabio
Published: April 2016

Oxidative stress is undoubtedly one of the main players in abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) pathophysiology.
Palladium catalysed meta-C–H functionalization reactions
Authors: Dey Aniruddha , Agasti Soumitra , Maiti Debabrata
Published: April 2016

The directing group assisted site selective C–H functionalization approach is having a continuous impact in the field of natural product synthesis, drug discovery and material sciences.
Correction: Hypervalent iodine(iii)-promoted N-incorporation into N-aryl vinylogous carbamates to quinoxaline diesters: access to 1,4,5,8-tetraazaphenanthrene
Authors: Sagar A. , Vidyacharan Shinde , Shinde Anand H. , Sharada Duddu S.
Published: April 2016

Correction for ‘Hypervalent iodine(iii)-promoted N-incorporation into N-aryl vinylogous carbamates to quinoxaline diesters: access to 1,4,5,8-tetraazaphenanthrene’ by A. Sagar, et al., Org. Biomol. Chem., 2016, DOI: 10.1039/c6ob00447d.
A polycationic covalent organic framework: a robust adsorbent for anionic dye pollutants
Authors: Yu Shang-Bo , Lyu Hao , Tian Jia , Wang Hui , Zhang Dan-Wei , Liu Yi , Li Zhan-Ting
Published: April 2016

A 2D polycationic covalent organic framework has been constructed, which exhibits a robust capability of adsorbing dye pollutants from water.
A mild, efficient and catalyst-free thermoreversible ligation system based on dithiooxalates
Authors: Pahnke Kai , Haworth Naomi L. , Brandt Josef , Paulmann Uwe , Richter Christian , Schmidt Friedrich G. , Lederer Albena , Coote Michelle L. , Barner-Kowollik Christopher
Published: April 2016

We introduce dithiooxalates as efficient and catalyst-free thermoreversible hetero Diels–Alder linkers for applications in self-healing materials, organic sheets, mild ligation or complex architecture design.
Improved performances of inkjet-printed poly(3-hexylthiophene) organic thin-film transistors by inserting an ionic self-assembled monolayer
Authors: Lin Yan , Liu Cheng-Fang , Song Yi-Jing , Yang Lei , Zeng Wen-Jin , Lai Wen-Yong , Huang Wei
Published: April 2016

Improved performances of inkjet-printed poly(3-hexylthiophene) organic thin-film transistors have been demonstrated by inserting an ionic self-assembled monolayer.
Nanoparticle supported, magnetically separable manganese porphyrin as an efficient retrievable nanocatalyst in hydrocarbon oxidation reactions
Authors: Bagherzadeh Mojtaba , Mortazavi-Manesh Anahita
Published: April 2016

Magnetically separable manganese porphyrin was prepared by immobilizing on functionalized magnetic nanoparticles via the amino propyl linkage and used as an efficient retrievable nanocatalyst in hydrocarbon oxidation reactions.
A telescopic one-pot synthesis of β-lactam rings using amines as a convenient source of imines
Authors: Rajamäki Suvi H. M. , De Luca Lidia , Capitta Francesca , Porcheddu Andrea
Published: April 2016

A facile synthetic approach to substituted β-lactams was designed, using secondary benzylic amines and acid chlorides as starting materials. The reactions proceeded smoothly and all the products were obtained in good yields.
An efficient and green method for regio- and chemo-selective Friedel–Crafts acylations using a deep eutectic solvent ([CholineCl][ZnCl2]3)
Authors: Tran Phuong Hoang , Nguyen Hai Truong , Hansen Poul Erik , Le Thach Ngoc
Published: April 2016

An efficient and environmentally benign method for regio- and chemo-selective Friedel–Crafts acylation using deep eutectic solvent ([CholineCl][ZnCl2]3) under solvent-free microwave irradiation.
Preparation of N-doped activated carbons with high CO2 capture performance from microalgae (Chlorococcum sp.)
Authors: Luo H. , Zhu C. C. , Tan Z. C. , Bao L. W. , Wang J. J. , Miao G. , Kong L. Z. , Sun Y. H.
Published: April 2016

N-Doped activated carbons with high CO2 adsorption capacity have been prepared from sugar-rich microalgae (Chlorococcum sp.) feedstock via simple hydrothermal carbonization coupled with KOH activation or NH3 modification.
Preparation and engineering of oriented 2D covalent organic framework thin films
Authors: Gou Xianhua , Zhang Qing , Wu Yunling , Zhao Yajing , Shi Xiaofei , Fan Xing , Huang Lizhen , Lu Guang
Published: April 2016

Hybrid metal/COF stack multilayers and patterned COF films were fabricated via the flexible combination of solvothermal deposition and compatible film processing techniques.
Cobalt phosphide-based nanoparticles as bifunctional electrocatalysts for alkaline water splitting
Authors: Vigil Julian A. , Lambert Timothy N. , Christensen Benjamin T.
Published: April 2016

Cobalt phosphide-based nanoparticles serve as effective bifunctional electrocatalysts for alkaline water splitting reactions.
Structural evolution of SrLaAl1−x(Zn0.5Ti0.5)xO4ceramics and effects on their microwave dielectric properties
Authors: Liu Bing , Li Lei , Liu Xiao Qiang , Chen Xiang Ming
Published: April 2016

The structure and microwave dielectric properties of SrLaAl1−x(Zn0.5Ti0.5)xO4ceramics were determined in the composition range ofx= 0–0.9.
Independence of ℓ and traces on cohomology
Authors: Olsson Martin
Published: April 2016

Significance

The theory of motives is one of the central themes in modern arithmetic geometry and number theory. It provides a theoretical framework for understanding a wide variety of questions in the subject and, in particular, predicts certain “independence of

ℓ
”

properties of étale cohomology of varieties in positive characteristic. Although still partly conjectural, there have been many recent advances in the development of the foundations of a motivic theory. In this paper, we explain how these recent advances in the theory of motives enable one to prove certain expected independence of

ℓ

properties for operators acting on étale cohomology.
A distant trophoblast-specific enhancer controls HLA-G expression at the maternal–fetal interface
Authors: Ferreira Leonardo M. R. , Meissner Torsten B. , Mikkelsen Tarjei S. , Mallard William , O’Donnell Charles W. , Tilburgs Tamara , Gomes Hannah A. B. , Camahort Raymond , Sherwood Richard I. , Gifford David K. , Rinn John L. , Cowan Chad A. , Strominger Jack L.
Published: April 2016

Significance

Successful pregnancy poses an immunological paradox, as the mother’s immune system does not reject a fetus, even though it is a partially foreign tissue. Fetal extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs) deeply invade the uterus and interact with maternal immune cells without facing rejection. The nonclassical major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecule HLA-G is essential for immune tolerance induction in pregnancy, yet the mechanism by which EVTs uniquely express HLA-G remains unknown. Using high-throughput
cis
-regulatory element dissection and genome editing tools, we discovered a remote enhancer essential for HLA-G expression in human EVTs, describing the basis for its selective expression at the maternal–fetal interface. These findings provide insight into immune tolerance induction during pregnancy and may yield new therapeutic targets for pregnancy-related disorders.
Dimethyl fumarate treatment induces adaptive and innate immune modulation independent of Nrf2
Authors: Schulze-Topphoff Ulf , Varrin-Doyer Michel , Pekarek Kara , Spencer Collin M. , Shetty Aparna , Sagan Sharon A. , Cree Bruce A. C. , Sobel Raymond A. , Wipke Brian T. , Steinman Lawrence , Scannevin Robert H. , Zamvil Scott S.
Published: April 2016

Significance

Dimethyl fumarate (DMF) (BG-12, Tecfidera), a fumaric acid ester (FAE), is a commonly prescribed oral therapy for multiple sclerosis (MS), a CNS autoimmune inflammatory demyelinating disease that may result in sustained neurologic damage. It is thought that the benefit of DMF in MS therapy is mediated through activation of the antioxidative transcription factor nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) pathway. However, the role of Nrf2 in the antiinflammatory effects of DMF has not been fully elucidated. Here, we investigated the role of Nrf2 in DMF treatment of the MS model, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), and demonstrated DMF can modulate T cells, B cells, and antigen-presenting cells, and reduce clinical and histologic EAE, independent of Nrf2.
Subject expression in Spanish
Authors: Geeslin Kimberly L. , Gudmestad Aarnes
Published: April 2016

Research on variation demonstrates that analyses of frequency and predictors of use contribute to our understanding of languages. Investigations of subject expression in Spanish in particular have identified differences across person and number of the verb that suggest that linguists should focus their analyses exclusively on a single category of that variable (e.g., Torres-Cacoullos and Travis 2010). The current paper examines the subject-expression forms produced in first- and second-person contexts in separate analyses, exploring the degree to which patterns of use generalize across verbal person categories. Data from 32 sociolinguistic interviews with native and non-native speakers of Spanish in the same speech community were coded for independent linguistic variables, such as switch reference, perseveration, tense, mood and aspect of the verb form, verbal negation, presence of object pronouns, specificity and reference cohesiveness. Separate multivariate analyses for first- and second-person referents show subtle differences between NSs and NNSs.
Cross-linguistic lexical influence between English and Spanish
Authors: Muñoz-Basols Javier , Salazar Danica
Published: April 2016

This article focuses on the cross-linguistic lexical influence between English and Spanish. We begin by redefining the concept of cross-linguistic lexical influence as the impact that two or more languages have on each other’s vocabulary. We then present a brief chronological survey of Hispanicisms in English and Anglicisms in Spanish, taking theOxford English Dictionary(OED) and theDiccionario de la lengua española(DRAE) as the main sources, and examine some of the factors that affect the patterns of word interchange between these two languages. We argue that the historical and social milieu, mass media, information technology, prevailing attitudes to foreignisms, and the stance taken by dictionaries and official linguistic policy condition which words are borrowed, affect the phonological, orthographic and semantic forms of these borrowings, and impact the degree of their integration in the receiving language. The present study is the first to offer a cross-linguistic (bilateral) perspective on lexical borrowing, a novel approach that is of particular interest given the contrasting philosophical differences governing language policy and lexicographic traditions in English and Spanish. It demonstrates the importance of adopting a comparative approach in the study of lexical influence between languages.
Deciphering the molecular mechanisms behind cellulase production in Trichoderma reesei, the hyper-cellulolytic filamentous fungus
Authors: Shida Yosuke , Furukawa Takanori , Ogasawara Wataru
Published: April 2016

The filamentous fungus Trichoderma reesei is a potent cellulase producer and the best-studied cellulolytic fungus. A lot of investigations not only on glycoside hydrolases produced by T. reesei, but also on the machinery controlling gene expression of these enzyme have made this fungus a model organism for cellulolytic fungi. We have investigated the T. reesei strain including mutants developed in Japan in detail to understand the molecular mechanisms that control the cellulase gene expression, the biochemical and morphological aspects that could favor this phenotype, and have attempted to generate novel strains that may be appropriate for industrial use. Subsequently, we developed recombinant strains by combination of these insights and the heterologous-efficient saccharifing enzymes. Resulting enzyme preparations were highly effective for saccharification of various biomass. In this review, we present some of the salient findings from the recent biochemical, morphological, and molecular analyses of this remarkable cellulase hyper-producing fungus.
Residual stress variation in a thick welded joint after ultrasonic impact treatment
Authors: Liu Chuan , Ge Qinglei , Chen Dongjun , Gao Fei , Zou Jiasheng
Published: April 2016

The effects of ultrasonic impact treatment (UIT) on the residual stress within a 45 mm-thick high-strength steel welded joint were investigated. The internal residual stresses after UIT was measured with contour method and compared with the as-welded stresses simulated by finite element method. The surface stresses were also measured by X-ray diffraction method and hole-drilling method to validate the simulation model. Results show that UIT introduces compressive stress layer in the weld zone and has the same effect on the longitudinal and transverse welding stresses; the interior stresses increase and demonstrate more uniform distribution after UIT; UIT would not affect the initial compressive stress presented far away from the weld zone.
Global dynamics of a Yang-Mills field on an asymptotically hyperbolic space
Authors: Bizoń Piotr , Mach Patryk
Published: April 2016

We consider a spherically symmetric (purely magnetic)

S
U
(
2
)

SU(2)

Yang-Mills field propagating on an ultrastatic spacetime with two asymptotically hyperbolic regions connected by a throat of radius

α
\alpha

. Static solutions in this model are shown to exhibit an interesting bifurcation pattern in the parameter

α
\alpha

. We relate this pattern to the Morse index of the static solution with maximal energy. Using a hyperboloidal approach to the initial value problem, we describe the relaxation to the ground state solution for generic initial data and unstable static solutions for initial data of codimension one, two, and three.
Different cell cycle modifications repress apoptosis at different steps independent of developmental signaling inDrosophila
Authors: Qi Suozhi , Calvi Brian R.
Published: April 2016

Apoptotic cell death is important for the normal development of a variety of organisms. Apoptosis is also a response to DNA damage and an important barrier to oncogenesis. The apoptotic response to DNA damage is dampened in specific cell types during development. Developmental signaling pathways can repress apoptosis, and reduced cell proliferation also correlates with a lower apoptotic response. However, because developmental signaling regulates both cell proliferation and apoptosis, the relative contribution of cell division to the apoptotic response has been hard to discern in vivo. Here we use Drosophila oogenesis as an in vivo model system to determine the extent to which cell proliferation influences the apoptotic response to DNA damage. We find that different types of cell cycle modifications are sufficient to repress the apoptotic response to ionizing radiation independent of developmental signaling. The step(s) at which the apoptosis pathway was repressed depended on the type of cell cycle modification—either upstream or downstream of expression of the p53-regulated proapoptotic genes. Our findings have important implications for understanding the coordination of cell proliferation with the apoptotic response in development and disease, including cancer and the tissue-specific responses to radiation therapy.
Sialylation Facilitates the Maturation of Mammalian Sperm and Affects Its Survival in Female Uterus1
Authors: Ma Xue , Pan Qian , Feng Ying , Choudhury Biswa P. , Ma Qianhong , Gagneux Pascal , Ma Fang
Published: April 2016

Establishment of adequate levels of sialylation is crucial for sperm survival and function after insemination; however, the mechanism for the addition of the sperm sialome has not been identified. Here, we report evidence for several different mechanisms that contribute to the establishment of the mature sperm sialome. Directly quantifying the source of the nucleotide sugar CMP-beta-N-acetylneuraminic acid in epididymal fluid indicates that transsialylation occurs in the upper epididymis. Western blots for the low-molecular-mass sialoglycoprotein (around 20–50 kDa) in C57BL/6 mice epididymal fluid reflect that additional sialome could be obtained by glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored sialoglycopeptide incorporation during epididymal transit in the caput of the epididymis. Additionally, we found that in Cmah (CMP-N-acetylneuraminic acid hydroxylase)−/− transgenic mice, epididymal sperm obtained sialylated-CD52 from seminal vesicle fluid (SVF). Finally, we used Gfp (green fluorescent protein)+/+ mouse sperm to test the role of sialylation on sperm for protection from female leukocyte attack. There is very low phagocytosis of the epididymal sperm when compared to that of sperm coincubated with SVF. Treating sperm with Arthrobacter ureafaciens sialidase (AUS) increased phagocytosis even further. Our results highlight the different mechanisms of increasing sialylation, which lead to the formation of the mature sperm sialome, as well as reveal the sialome's function in sperm survival within the female genital tract.
Sharing brain mapping statistical results with the neuroimaging data model
Authors: Maumet Camille , Auer Tibor , Bowring Alexander , Chen Gang , Das Samir , Flandin Guillaume , Ghosh Satrajit , Glatard Tristan , Gorgolewski Krzysztof J. , Helmer Karl G. , Jenkinson Mark , Keator David B. , Nichols B. Nolan , Poline Jean-Baptiste , Reynolds Richard , Sochat Vanessa , Turner Jessica , Nichols Thomas E.
Published: April 2016

Only a tiny fraction of the data and metadata produced by an fMRI study is finally conveyed to the community. This lack of transparency not only hinders the reproducibility of neuroimaging results but also impairs future meta-analyses. In this work we introduce NIDM-Results, a format specification providing a machine-readable description of neuroimaging statistical results along with key image data summarising the experiment. NIDM-Results provides a unified representation of mass univariate analyses including a level of detail consistent with available best practices. This standardized representation allows authors to relay methods and results in a platform-independent regularized format that is not tied to a particular neuroimaging software package. Tools are available to export NIDM-Result graphs and associated files from the widely used SPM and FSL software packages, and the NeuroVault repository can import NIDM-Results archives. The specification is publically available at:http://nidm.nidash.org/specs/nidm-results.html.
Allele-Specific Quantification of Structural Variations in Cancer Genomes
Authors: Li Yang , Zhou Shiguo , Schwartz David C. , Ma Jian
Published: April 2016

One of the hallmarks of cancer genome is aneuploidy, resulting in abnormal copy numbers of alleles. Structural variations (SVs) can further modify the aneuploid cancer genomes into a mixture of rearranged genomic segments with extensive range of somatic copy number alterations (CNAs). Indeed, aneuploid cancer genomes have significantly higher rate of CNAs and SVs. However, although methods have been developed to identify SVs and allele-specific copy number of genome (ASCNG) separately, no existing algorithm can simultaneously analyze SVs and ASCNG. Such integrated approach is particularly important to fully understand the complexity of cancer genomes. Here we introduce a new algorithm called Weaver to provide allele-specific quantification of SVs and CNAs in aneuploid cancer genomes. Weaver uses a probabilistic graphical model by utilizing cancer whole genome sequencing data to simultaneously estimate the digital copy number and inter-connectivity of SVs. Our simulation evaluation, comparison with single-molecule Optical Mapping analysis, and real data applications (including MCF-7, HeLa, and TCGA whole genome sequencing samples) demonstrated that Weaver is highly accurate and can greatly refine the analysis of complex cancer genome structure.
Real-time observation of DNA recognition and rejection by the RNA-guided endonuclease Cas9
Authors: Singh Digvijay , Sternberg Samuel H. , Fei Jingyi , Doudna Jennifer A. , Ha Taekjip
Published: April 2016

Binding specificity of Cas9-guide RNA complexes to DNA is important for genome engineering applications, but how mismatches influence target recognition and rejection kinetics is not well understood. We used single-molecule FRET to probe real-time interactions between Cas9-RNA and DNA targets. The bimolecular association rate is only weakly dependent on sequence, but the dissociation rate greatly increases from < 0.006 s-1to > 2 s-1upon introduction of mismatches proximal to the protospacer adjacent motif (PAM), demonstrating that mismatches encountered early during heteroduplex formation induce rapid rejection of off-target DNA. In contrast, PAM-distal mismatches up to 12 base pairs in length, which prevent DNA cleavage, still allow the formation of a stable complex (off-rate < 0.006 s-1), suggesting that extremely slow rejection could sequester Cas9-RNA, increasing the Cas9 expression level necessary for genome editing thereby aggravating off-target effects. We also observed at least two different bound FRET states that may represent distinct steps in target search and proofreading.
Concordance Among Indices of Intrinsic Brain Function: Insights from Inter-Individual Variation and Temporal Dynamics
Authors: Yan Chao-Gan , Yang Zhen , Colcombe Stanley J. , Zuo Xi-Nian , Milham Michael P.
Published: April 2016

Various resting-state fMRI (R-fMRI) measures have been developed to characterize intrinsic brain activity. While each of these measures has gained a growing presence in the literature, questions remain regarding the common and unique aspects these indices capture. The present work provided a comprehensive examination of inter-individual variation and intra-individual temporal variation for commonly used measures, including fractional amplitude of low frequency fluctuations, regional homogeneity, voxel-mirrored homotopic connectivity, network centrality and global signal correlation. Regardless of whether examining intra-individual or inter-individual variation, we found that these definitionally distinct R-fMRI indices tend to exhibit a relatively high degree of covariation, which doesn’t exist in phase randomized surrogate data. As a measure of intrinsic brain function, concordance for R-fMRI indices was negatively correlated with age across individuals (i.e., concordance among functional indices decreased with age). To understand the functional significance of concordance, we noted that higher concordance was generally associated with higher strengths of R-fMRI indices, regardless of whether looking through the lens of inter-individual (i.e., high vs. low concordance participants) or intra-individual (i.e., high vs. low concordance states identified via temporal dynamic analyses) differences. We also noted a linear increase in functional concordance together with the R-fMRI indices through the scan, which may suggest a decrease in arousal. The current study demonstrated an enriched picture regarding the relationship among the R-fMRI indices, as well as provided new insights in examining dynamic states within and between individuals.
Reversible Polymorphism-Aware Phylogenetic Models and their Application to Tree Inference
Authors: Schrempf Dominik , Minh Bui Quang , De Maio Nicola , von Haeseler Arndt , Kosiol Carolin
Published: April 2016

We present a reversible Polymorphism-Aware Phylogenetic Model (revPoMo) for species tree estimation from genome-wide data. revPoMo enables the reconstruction of large scale species trees for many within-species samples. It expands the alphabet of DNA substitution models to include polymorphic states, thereby, naturally accounting for incomplete lineage sorting. We implemented revPoMo in the maximum likelihood software IQ-TREE. A simulation study and an application to great apes data show that the runtimes of our approach and standard substitution models are comparable but that revPoMo has much better accuracy in estimating trees, divergence times and mutation rates. The advantage of revPoMo is that an increase of sample size per species improves estimations but does not increase runtime. Therefore, revPoMo is a valuable tool with several applications, from speciation dating to species tree reconstruction.
Variation and evolution of the glutamine-rich repeat region of Drosophila Argonaute-2
Authors: Palmer William H , Obbard Darren J
Published: April 2016

RNA interference pathways mediate multiple biological processes through Argonaute-family proteins, which bind small RNAs as guides to silence complementary target nucleic acids. In insects and crustaceans,Argonaute-2silences viral nucleic acids, and therefore acts as a primary effector of innate antiviral immunity. Although the function of the major ofArgonaute-2domains, which are conserved across most Argonaute-family proteins, are known, many invertebrateArgonaute-2homologs contain a glutamine-rich repeat (GRR) region of unknown function at the N-terminus. Here we combine long-read amplicon sequencing of Drosophila Genetic Reference Panel (DGRP) lines with publicly available sequence data from many insect species to show that this region evolves extremely rapidly and is hypervariable within species. We identify distinct GRR haplotype groups inD. melanogaster, and suggest that one of these haplotype groups has recently risen to high frequency in North American populations. Finally, we use published data from genome-wide association studies of viral resistance inD. melanogasterto test whether GRR haplotypes are associated with survival after virus challenge. We find a marginally significant association with survival after challenge with Drosophila C Virus in the DGRP, but we were unable to replicate this finding using lines from the Drosophila Synthetic Population Resource panel.
Comparing online and in-store risks in multichannel shopping
Authors: BEZES Christophe
Published: April 2016

Purpose

This paper compares empirically the nature, level and influence of perceived risks involved in a retailer’s website and stores, as multichannel shoppers will do when deciding which distribution channel to buy in.

Design/methodology/approach

The research design uses an online survey of 1,015 multichannel customers that was drawn from the behavioural databases of a French multichannel retailer.

Findings

Overall risk as well as risks associated with logistics, psychological and performance are higher and more dissuasive for an online purchase; however, financial, time and transaction risks tend predominantly or exclusively to discourage in-store purchasing. Customers’ familiarity with the channel seems to make them more vigilant.

Research limitations/implications

The concept of risk, and especially financial risk, is variable among researchers, making it more difficult to undertake comparative studies on e-commerce than on stores or products.

Practical implications

Retailers should not look merely to the salience of an isolated risk factor but rather should consider its actual impact on their customers’ final decision. Nonetheless, retailers will find it more difficult to reduce perceived risk on-line than in-store.

Originality/value

By focussing on a multichannel retailer’s website and stores and comparing the effects of six types of risk on the purchase attitudes of its multichannel shoppers, this study is distinct from most single-channel studies, which have examined risk inherent in Internet purchasing, handled risk on an experimental website and explored in-store risk. Moreover, the study focuses on the risks entailed by the purchase channel rather than those related to particular products or brands.
Impact of environment on performance measurement design and processing in retailing
Authors: Harrauer Verena , Schnedlitz Peter
Published: April 2016

Purpose

By focusing on the interface between information dissemination and interpretation at the retail sales floor, the paper aims to open up new practice theory contribution on management control and performance measurement used in complex environments.

Design/methodology/approach

Problem-centered qualitative interviews in two different contexts (U.S. and Europe) build the methodological approach. 22 interviewees were selected from various retail sectors and hierarchy levels with the focus on store management. Following content analysis procedures, data was coded according to contingency theoretical underpinnings.

Findings

Environment shapes corporate processes as well as retail management in multiple ways. By studying fast fashion industries, we found similarities in retail management in all researched settings. First, we present relevant operational performance metrics in the retailing context. Second, we see that store managers aim to optimize processes and generate efficient and effective practices to maximize store performance. Third, information and task overload are reasons for neglecting performance information. As a consequence, managers call for decision facilitating tools, e.g. dashboards, to reduce information complexity.

Originality/value

Widely accepted in contingency literature, environmental aspects influence business activities and performance outcomes. However, evaluating research studies that deal with performance measurement in retailing contexts reveals contradicting results. With the focus on larger retail companies with multibranch and department structures in two different national contexts we can unravel different perspectives on environment in operational retail settings for the first time.
The multi-channel impact on the sales forces management.
Authors: Lapoule Paul , Colla Enrico  Bruno
Published: April 2016

Purpose

The primary objective of this qualitative research is to gain a deeper understanding of the multi-channel impact on the role of sales forces and the way in which they are managed in a B2B context.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors compare the conclusion of their literature review with an analysis of the sales strategy of a leading cosmetic brand. They conducted their study by applying a multi-method qualitative research approach, which includes semi-structured interviews with managers and a research action performed by accompanying five salespeople on visits to their professional clients.

Findings

The results suggest that the development of a multi-channel context encourages salespeople to focus less on sales and order taking and more on advising clients about how best to develop their businesses. The multi-channel evolution seems to have enabled a transition of the role of sales people from a sales function to a function of a provider of personalized advice in the fields of business development, team management, salon promotions and merchandising.

Research limitations/implications

The quest for coherence, particularly at the international level, would justify a broadening of our study to include the impact of multi-channels sales on the market positioning of the brand and of other brands in different industrial sectors.

Practical implications

The expansion of the multi-channel sales approach implies that managers are obliged to seek a convergence, or at least a degree of coherence between the different channels. This strategy can be used to promote an effective integration of channels at the international level into a single, reliable distribution system that avoids all forms of cannibalization.
The Omni-channel strategy implies shifting the emphasis in the channel and moving from a focus on direct sales to the professional client (“selling-in”) to a stress on direct sales to the end user (“selling-out”).

Originality/value

This article provides an original analytical approach to highlighting training methods and systems of remuneration that will help sales forces to manage the inter-channel migration of their customers. Salespeople will then be able to view the future Omni-channel context as an opportunity to improve the status of their role.