bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Who's In and Who's Out: The Politics of Religious Norms
Authors: Karpowitz Christopher F. , Monson J. Quin , Patterson Kelly D.
Published: August 2016

What are the boundaries for discussing a candidate's religion? In the 2008 and the 2012 presidential campaigns, the religious beliefs and practices of at least one of the candidates became a subject of intense scrutiny from the media and the public. To ascertain the limits of social discourse for religious out-group, we conducted a survey experiment on the 2012 CCES survey. We find strong evidence that norms of social discourse do not apply to all religions equally. Furthermore, the application of norms differs by political party because Democrats and Republicans express concerns about different religious groups. Overall, there is a large difference for Muslims when it comes to social discourse. Finally, individuals have internalized the norms because most of them are willing to sanction those who violate them, even if the norms on social discourse are not applied equally among American voters.
Widespread adaptive evolution during repeated evolutionary radiations in New World lupins
Authors: Nevado Bruno , Atchison Guy W. , Hughes Colin E. , Filatov Dmitry A.
Published: August 2016

The evolutionary processes that drive rapid species diversification are poorly understood. In particular, it is unclear whether Darwinian adaptation or non-adaptive processes are the primary drivers of explosive species diversifications. Here we show that repeated rapid radiations within New World lupins (Lupinus, Leguminosae) were underpinned by a major increase in the frequency of adaptation acting on coding and regulatory changes genome-wide. This contrasts with far less frequent adaptation in genomes of slowly diversifying lupins and all other plant genera analysed. Furthermore, widespread shifts in optimal gene expression coincided with shifts to high rates of diversification and evolution of perenniality, a putative key adaptation trait thought to have triggered the evolutionary radiations in New World lupins. Our results reconcile long-standing debate about the relative importance of protein-coding and regulatory evolution, and represent the first unambiguous evidence for the rapid onset of lineage- and genome-wide accelerated Darwinian evolution during rapid species diversification.
Resin embedded multicycle imaging (REMI): a tool to evaluate protein domains
Authors: Busse B. L. , Bezrukov L. , Blank P. S. , Zimmerberg J.
Published: August 2016

Protein complexes associated with cellular processes comprise a significant fraction of all biology, but our understanding of their heterogeneous organization remains inadequate, particularly for physiological densities of multiple protein species. Towards resolving this limitation, we here present a new technique based on resin-embedded multicycle imaging (REMI) of proteins in-situ. By stabilizing protein structure and antigenicity in acrylic resins, affinity labels were repeatedly applied, imaged, removed, and replaced. In principle, an arbitrarily large number of proteins of interest may be imaged on the same specimen with subsequent digital overlay. A series of novel preparative methods were developed to address the problem of imaging multiple protein species in areas of the plasma membrane or volumes of cytoplasm of individual cells. For multiplexed examination of antibody staining we used straightforward computational techniques to align sequential images, and super-resolution microscopy was used to further define membrane protein colocalization. We give one example of a fibroblast membrane with eight multiplexed proteins. A simple statistical analysis of this limited membrane proteomic dataset is sufficient to demonstrate the analytical power contributed by additional imaged proteins when studying membrane protein domains.
Identification of uterine leiomyoma-specific marker genes based on DNA methylation and their clinical application
Authors: Sato Shun , Maekawa Ryo , Yamagata Yoshiaki , Tamura Isao , Lee Lifa , Okada Maki , Jozaki Kosuke , Asada Hiromi , Tamura Hiroshi , Sugino Norihiro
Published: August 2016

Differential diagnosis of uterine leiomyomas and leiomyosarcomas is needed to determine whether the uterus can be retained. Therefore, biomarkers for uterine leiomyomas and reliable and objective diagnostic methods have been desired besides the pathological diagnosis. In the present study, we identified 12 genes specific to uterine leiomyomas based on DNA methylation. Using these marker genes specific to uterine leiomyomas, we established a hierarchical clustering system based on the DNA methylation level of the marker genes, which could completely differentiate between uterine leiomyomas and normal myometrium. Furthermore, our hierarchical clustering system completely discriminated uterine cancers and differentiated between uterine leiomyosarcomas and leiomyomas with more than 70% accuracy. In conclusion, this study identified DNA methylation-based marker genes specific to uterine leiomyomas and our hierarchical clustering system using these marker genes was useful for differential diagnosis of uterine leiomyomas and leiomyosarcomas.
A subpopulation of high IL-21-producing CD4+ T cells in Peyer’s Patches is induced by the microbiota and regulates germinal centers
Authors: Jones Leigh , Ho Wen Qi , Ying Sze , Ramakrishna Lakshmi , Srinivasan Kandhadayar G. , Yurieva Marina , Ng Wan Pei , Subramaniam Sharrada , Hamadee Nur H. , Joseph Sabrina , Dolpady Jayashree , Atarashi Koji , Honda Kenya , Zolezzi Francesca , Poidinger Michael , Lafaille Juan J. , Curotto de Lafaille Maria A.
Published: August 2016

The production of IL-21 by T follicular helper (Tfh) cells is vital in driving the germinal centre reaction and high affinity antibody formation. However, the degree of Tfh cell heterogeneity and function is not fully understood. We used a novel IL-21eGFP reporter mouse strain to analyze the diversity and role of Tfh cells. Through the analysis of GFP expression in lymphoid organs of IL-21eGFP mice, we identified a subpopulation of GFP+, high IL-21 producing Tfh cells present only in Peyer’s Patches. GFP+Tfh cells were found to be polyclonal and related to GFP−Tfh cells of Peyer’s Patches in TCR repertoire composition and overall gene expression. Studies on the mechanisms of induction of GFP+Tfh cells demonstrated that they required the intestinal microbiota and a diverse repertoire of CD4+ T cells and B cells. Importantly, ablation of GFP+ cells resulted in a reduced frequency of Peyer’s Patches IgG1 and germinal center B cells in addition to small but significant shifts in gut microbiome composition. Our work highlights the diversity among IL-21 producing CD4+ Tfh cells, and the interrelationship between the intestinal bacteria and Tfh cell responses in the gut.
Nanoscale Morphology of PTB7 Based Organic Photovoltaics as a Function of Fullerene Size
Authors: Roehling John D. , Baran Derya , Sit Joseph , Kassar Thaer , Ameri Tayebeh , Unruh Tobias , Brabec Christoph J. , Moulé Adam J.
Published: August 2016

High efficiency polymer:fullerene photovoltaic device layers self-assemble with hierarchical features from ångströms to 100’s of nanometers. The feature size, shape, composition, orientation and order all contribute to device efficiency and are simultaneously difficult to study due to poor contrast between carbon based materials. This study seeks to increase device efficiency and simplify morphology measurements by replacing the typical fullerene acceptor with endohedral fullerene Lu3N@PC80BEH. The metal atoms give excellent scattering contrast for electron beam and x-ray experiments. Additionally, Lu3N@PC80BEH has a lower electron affinity than standard fullerenes, which can raise the open circuit voltage of photovoltaic devices. Electron microscopy techniques are used to produce a detailed account of morphology evolution in mixtures of Lu3N@PC80BEH with the record breaking donor polymer, PTB7 and coated using solvent mixtures. We demonstrate that common solvent additives like 1,8-diiodooctane or chloronapthalene do not improve the morphology of endohedral fullerene devices as expected. The poor device performance is attributed to the lack of mutual miscibility between this particular polymer:fullerene combination and to co-crystallization of Lu3N@PC80BEH with 1,8-diiodooctane. This negative result explains why solvent additives mixtures are not necessarily a morphology cure-all.
Blunted apoptosis of erythrocytes in mice deficient in the heterotrimeric G-protein subunit Gαi2
Authors: Bissinger Rosi , Lang Elisabeth , Ghashghaeinia Mehrdad , Singh Yogesh , Zelenak Christine , Fehrenbacher Birgit , Honisch Sabina , Chen Hong , Fakhri Hajar , Umbach Anja T. , Liu Guilai , Rexhepaj Rexhep , Liu Guoxing , Schaller Martin , Mack Andreas F. , Lupescu Adrian , Birnbaumer Lutz , Lang Florian , Qadri Syed M.
Published: August 2016

Putative functions of the heterotrimeric G-protein subunit Gαi2-dependent signaling include ion channel regulation, cell differentiation, proliferation and apoptosis. Erythrocytes may, similar to apoptosis of nucleated cells, undergo eryptosis, characterized by cell shrinkage and cell membrane scrambling with phosphatidylserine (PS) exposure. Eryptosis may be triggered by increased cytosolic Ca2+ activity and ceramide. In the present study, we show that Gαi2 is expressed in both murine and human erythrocytes and further examined the survival of erythrocytes drawn from Gαi2-deficient mice (Gαi2−/−) and corresponding wild-type mice (Gαi2+/+). Our data show that plasma erythropoietin levels, erythrocyte maturation markers, erythrocyte counts, hematocrit and hemoglobin concentration were similar in Gαi2−/− and Gαi2+/+ mice but the mean corpuscular volume was significantly larger in Gαi2−/− mice. Spontaneous PS exposure of circulating Gαi2−/− erythrocytes was significantly lower than that of circulating Gαi2+/+ erythrocytes. PS exposure was significantly lower in Gαi2−/− than in Gαi2+/+ erythrocytes following ex vivo exposure to hyperosmotic shock, bacterial sphingomyelinase or C6 ceramide. Erythrocyte Gαi2 deficiency further attenuated hyperosmotic shock-induced increase of cytosolic Ca2+ activity and cell shrinkage. Moreover, Gαi2−/− erythrocytes were more resistant to osmosensitive hemolysis as compared to Gαi2+/+ erythrocytes. In conclusion, Gαi2 deficiency in erythrocytes confers partial protection against suicidal cell death.
The High-efficiency LED Driver for Visible Light Communication Applications
Authors: Gong Cihun-Siyong Alex , Lee Yu-Chen , Lai Jyun-Liang , Yu Chueh-Hao , Huang Li Ren , Yang Chia-Yen
Published: August 2016

This paper presents a LED driver for VLC. The main purpose is to solve the low data rate problem used to be in switching type LED driver. The GaN power device is proposed to replace the traditional silicon power device of switching LED driver for the purpose of increasing switching frequency of converter, thereby increasing the bandwidth of data transmission. To achieve high efficiency, the diode-connected GaN power transistor is utilized to replace the traditional ultrafast recovery diode used to be in switching type LED driver. This work has been experimentally evaluated on 350-mA output current. The results demonstrate that it supports the data of PWM dimming level encoded in the PPM scheme for VLC application. The experimental results also show that system’s efficiency of 80.8% can be achieved at 1-Mb/s data rate.
Dynamic Emotional Faces Generalise Better to a New Expression but not to a New View
Authors: Liu Chang Hong , Chen Wenfeng , Ward James , Takahashi Nozomi
Published: August 2016

Prior research based on static images has found limited improvement for recognising previously learnt faces in a new expression after several different facial expressions of these faces had been shown during the learning session. We investigated whether non-rigid motion of facial expression facilitates the learning process. In Experiment 1, participants remembered faces that were either presented in short video clips or still images. To assess the effect of exposure to expression variation, each face was either learnt through a single expression or three different expressions. Experiment 2 examined whether learning faces in video clips could generalise more effectively to a new view. The results show that faces learnt from video clips generalised effectively to a new expression with exposure to a single expression, whereas faces learnt from stills showed poorer generalisation with exposure to either single or three expressions. However, although superior recognition performance was demonstrated for faces learnt through video clips, dynamic facial expression did not create better transfer of learning to faces tested in a new view. The data thus fail to support the hypothesis that non-rigid motion enhances viewpoint invariance. These findings reveal both benefits and limitations of exposures to moving expressions for expression-invariant face recognition.
Dose estimation derived from the exposure to radon, thoron and their progeny in the indoor environment
Authors: Ramola R. C. , Prasad Mukesh , Kandari Tushar , Pant Preeti , Bossew Peter , Mishra Rosaline , Tokonami S.
Published: August 2016

The annual exposure to indoor radon, thoron and their progeny imparts a major contribution to inhalation doses received by the public. In this study, we report results of time integrated passive measurements of indoor radon, thoron and their progeny concentrations that were carried out in Garhwal Himalaya with the aim of investigating significant health risk to the dwellers in the region. The measurements were performed using recently developed LR-115 detector based techniques. The experimentally determined values of radon, thoron and their progeny concentrations were used to estimate total annual inhalation dose and annual effective doses. The equilibrium factors for radon and thoron were also determined from the observed data. The estimated value of total annual inhalation dose was found to be 1.8 ± 0.7 mSv/y. The estimated values of the annual effective dose were found to be 1.2 ± 0.5 mSv/y and 0.5 ± 0.3 mSv/y, respectively. The estimated values of radiation doses suggest no important health risk due to exposure of radon, thoron and progeny in the study area. The contribution of indoor thoron and its progeny to total inhalation dose ranges between 13–52% with mean value of 30%. Thus thoron cannot be neglected when assessing radiation doses.
A new animal model containing human SCARB2 and lacking stat-1 is highly susceptible to EV71
Authors: Liou An-Ting , Wu Szu-Yao , Liao Chun-Che , Chang Ya-Shu , Chang Chih-Shin , Shih Chiaho
Published: August 2016

Enterovirus 71 (EV71) is a major threat to children worldwide. Children infected with EV71 could develop subclinical infection and hand-foot-and -mouth disease (HFMD). In severe cases, patients could develop encephalitis, paralysis, pulmonary edema, and death. A more user-friendly and robust animal model is essential to investigating EV71 pathogenesis. Here, we established a hybrid (hSCARB2+/+/stat-1−/−) mouse strain from crossbreeding SCARB2 transgenic and stat-1 KO mice, and compared the susceptibilities to EV71 infection and pathogenesis between parental and hybrid mice. Virus-encoded VP1 protein can be detected in the streaking nerve fibers in brain and spinal cord. This hybrid mouse strain at 2-week-old age can still be infected with different genotypes of EV71 at 1000-fold lower titer via an ip route. Infected hybrid mice developed earlier onset of CNS disease, paralysis, and death at a higher incidence. These advantages of this novel model meet the urgent need from the scientific community in basic and preclinical research in therapeutics and pathogenesis.
A novel recombinant cell fluorescence biosensor based on toxicity of pathway for rapid and simple evaluation of DON and ZEN
Authors: Ji Jian , Gu Wenshu , Sun Chao , Sun Jiadi , Jiang Hui , Zhang Yinzhi , Sun Xiulan
Published: August 2016

During an exposure, humans and animals are most often exposed to a mixture rather than individual mycotoxins. In this study, a Human Embryonic Kidney 293 cell (HEK-293) fluorescence sensor was developed to detect and evaluate mycotoxins, deoxynivalenol (DON) and zearalenone (ZEN) compounds, produced by Fusarium culmorum that are common food contaminants. TRE-copGFP (green fluorescent protein) and ERE-TagRFP (red fluorescent protein) plasmids were constructed and cotransfected into HEK-293 cells through a highly efficient, lipid-mediated, DNA-transfection procedure. Results show that fluorescence intensity was proportional to DON and ZEN concentrations, ranging from 2 to 40 ng/mL and 10 to 100 ng/mL respectively, with a detection limit of 0.75 ng/mL and 3.2 ng/mL respectively. The EC50 of DON and ZEN are 30.13 ng/mL and 76.63 ng/mL respectively. Additionally, ZEN may have a synergistic effect on enhancing AP-1 activity of the toxicity pathway of DON. These data indicate the high sensitivity and effectiveness of our biosensor system in the evaluation of the combined toxicity of ZEN, DON and their derivatives. In addition, this approach is suitable for an early warning method for the detection of ZEN and DON family mycotoxins contamination without higher-priced, conventional analytical chemistry methods.
Declining ecosystem health and the dilution effect
Authors: Khalil Hussein , Ecke Frauke , Evander Magnus , Magnusson Magnus , Hörnfeldt Birger
Published: August 2016

The “dilution effect” implies that where species vary in susceptibility to infection by a pathogen, higher diversity often leads to lower infection prevalence in hosts. For directly transmitted pathogens, non-host species may “dilute” infection directly (1) and indirectly (2). Competitors and predators may (1) alter host behavior to reduce pathogen transmission or (2) reduce host density. In a well-studied system, we tested the dilution of the zoonotic Puumala hantavirus (PUUV) in bank voles (Myodes glareolus) by two competitors and a predator. Our study was based on long-term PUUV infection data (2003–2013) in northern Sweden. The field vole (Microtus agrestis) and the common shrew (Sorex araneus) are bank vole competitors and Tengmalm’s owl (Aegolius funereus) is a main predator of bank voles. Infection probability in bank voles decreased when common shrew density increased, suggesting that common shrews reduced PUUV transmission. Field voles suppressed bank vole density in meadows and clear-cuts and indirectly diluted PUUV infection. Further, Tengmalm’s owl decline in 1980–2013 may have contributed to higher PUUV infection rates in bank voles in 2003–2013 compared to 1979–1986. Our study provides further evidence for dilution effect and suggests that owls may have an important role in reducing disease risk.
Determination of the local structure of CsBi4−xPbxTe6 (x = 0, 0.5) by X-ray absorption spectroscopy
Authors: Wakita Takanori , Paris Eugenio , Mizokawa Takashi , Hacisalihoǧlu Muammer Yasin , Terashima Kensei , Okazaki Hiroyuki , Proux Olivier , Kieffer Isabelle , Lahera Eric , Del Net William , Olivi Luca , Takano Yoshihiko , Muraoka Yuji , Yokoya Takayoshi , Saini Naurang L.
Published: August 2016

We have studied the local structure and valence electronic unoccupied states of CsBi4Te6 and CsBi3.5Pb0.5Te6 (Tc ∼ 3 K) by EXAFS and XANES measurements.
RE16AuxAl13−xwith RE = La–Nd, Sm (x ≤ 3.37): synthesis, crystal structure and physical properties of an intermetallic solid solution with barrelane analogue units
Authors: Stegemann Frank , Janka Oliver
Published: August 2016

The RE16AuxAl13−x(RE = La–Nd, Sm,x≤ 3.37) compounds were synthesized by reactive RE/Au eutectics with Al.
The expression levels of cellular prion protein affect copper isotopic shifts in the organs of mice
Authors: Miller Kerri A. , Keenan Catherine M. , Martin Gary R. , Jirik Frank R. , Sharkey Keith A. , Wieser Michael E.
Published: August 2016

Alterations in gene expression of PrPCproduce systematic changes in the distribution of copper isotopes in transgenic mice.
A study on the structural features of SELK, an over-expressed protein in hepatocellular carcinoma, by molecular dynamics simulations in a lipid–water system
Authors: Polo Andrea , Guariniello Stefano , Colonna Giovanni , Ciliberto Gennaro , Costantini Susan
Published: August 2016

Terminal regions in SELK present different conformational dynamics being coupled complicatedly through the membrane.
Novel soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibitors with a dihydropyrimidinone scaffold: design, synthesis and biological evaluation
Authors: Rezaee Elham , Hedayati Mahdi , Rad Laleh Hoghooghi , Shahhosseini Soraya , Faizi Mehrdad , Tabatabai Sayyed Abbas
Published: August 2016

Amide non-urea derivatives with a dihydropyrimidinone ring as a novel secondary pharmacophore against the sEH enzyme were designed, synthesized and biologically evaluated.
Catching anions with coloured assemblies: binding of pH indicators by a giant-size polyammonium macrocycle for anion naked-eye recognition
Authors: Bartoli Francesco , Bencini Andrea , Conti Luca , Giorgi Claudia , Valtancoli Barbara , Paoli Paola , Rossi Patrizia , Le Bris Nathalie , Tripier Raphael
Published: August 2016

Among inorganic anions, only triphosphate displaces bromocresol purple from its assembly with a tetra-cyclam macrocycle, allowing for its selective colorimetric detection.
A new route to achieve the side-chain-type sulfone-containing polysiloxanes via sulfide oxidation-induced cleavage and rearrangement of Si–O–Si bonds with fine selectivity toward cyclosiloxanes
Authors: Gou Zhiming , Zuo Yujing , Qi Jinwan , Li Zhaoyue , Feng Shengyu
Published: August 2016

A novel approach to obtain polysiloxanes containing sulfone groups was carried out.
Design, synthesis and thermotropic self-organization of dendronized polystyrenes with different length alkyl tails
Authors: Yang Ming , Mao Dongxiong , Chen Sheng , Zhang Hailiang
Published: August 2016

A reentrant phase is observed for the first time in dendronized polystyrenes with high molecular weight through regulating the length of tail chains.
Design of charge transporting grids for efficient ITO-free flexible up-scaled organic photovoltaics
Authors: Zuo Lijian , Zhang Shuhua , Shi Minmin , Li Hanying , Chen Hongzheng
Published: August 2016

Grids were integrated onto a top-illumination device with ultra-thin Ag as the TE: grid B further improved the device efficiency by ∼7% compared with grid A due to the shadow loss reduction.
Cp*Co(iii)-catalyzed, N–N bond-based redox-neutral synthesis of isoquinolines
Authors: Wang Jie , Zha Shanke , Chen Kehao , Zhu Jin
Published: August 2016

We report herein a redox-neutral Cp*Co(iii)-catalyzed cyclization of acetophenone N-Boc hydrazones with alkynes for streamlined synthesis of isoquinolines, accomplished via formation of a C–C and a C–N bond along with N–N bond cleavage.
Synergistic interactions of Cu and N on surface altered amorphous TiO2 nanoparticles for enhanced photocatalytic oxidative desulfurization of dibenzothiophene
Authors: Hitam C. N. C. , Jalil A. A. , Triwahyono S. , Ahmad A. , Jaafar N. F. , Salamun N. , Fatah N. A. A. , Teh L. P. , Khusnun N. F. , Ghazali Z.
Published: August 2016

Amorphous TiO2 (AT) nanoparticles were prepared by a simple sol–gel method and subsequent incorporation with 5–20 wt% copper via an electrochemical method in the presence of tetraethylammonium perchlorate gave an active CuO/TiO2 (CAT) photocatalyst.
Toward the design of Zn–Al and Zn–Cr LDH wrapped in activated carbon for the solar assisted de-coloration of organic dyes
Authors: Khan Shahid Ali , Khan Sher Bahadar , Asiri Abdullah M.
Published: August 2016

Designing of materials for the extraction of organic toxins are the critical factors for environmental remediation.
Highly efficient iron phthalocyanine based porous carbon electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Jiang Yu , Xie Yan , Jin Xinxin , Hu Qi , Chen Li , Xu Ling , Huang Jiahui
Published: August 2016

FePc-based porous carbon materials with large surface area exhibit excellent oxygen reduction reaction activity in alkaline solution. Such electrocatalyst favors nearly four electron reduction of oxygen to water, similar to commercial Pt/C.
Amino acid appended cholic acid–azobenzene dyad: an effective & smart phase selective gelator for aromatic solvents
Authors: Agarwal Devesh S. , Gogoi Neelam , Chowdhury Devasish , Sakhuja Rajeev
Published: August 2016

A series of amino acid appended cholic acid–azobenzene dyads have been synthesized and studied for their phase selective gelation behavior, which was further explored for water purification and oil spill remediation.
Pd nanoparticles supported on amino-functionalized magnetic mesoporous silica nanotubes: a highly selective catalyst for the catalytic hydrodechlorination reaction
Authors: Zhao Shiling , Zhao Chang , Li Xinzhe , Li Feng , Jiao Lixin , Gao Wenbin , Li Rong
Published: August 2016

Highly dispersed Pd nanoparticles supported on amine-functionalized magnetic mesoporous silica nanotubes are prepared. This catalyst exhibits remarkable catalytic performance for the HDC reaction.
Evaluation of a drinking water treatment process involving directly recycling filter backwash water using physico-chemical analysis and toxicity assay
Authors: Hou Bingwei , Lin Tao , Chen Wei
Published: August 2016

Recycling the filter backwash water of a drinking water treatment plant (DWTP) was considered as a feasible method to enhance the efficiencies of pollutant removal and water conservation.
Study on the interaction between Fe3+and fibrinogen and its influence on the polymerization behavior of fibrin networks
Authors: Wang Lei , Li Rui , Li Lianzhi , Wang Huaisheng , Liu Jifeng
Published: August 2016

The interactions between fibrinogen molecule and Fe3+were studied and applied to explicate the polymerization behavior of fibrinogen mediated with Fe3+. Overloading Fe3+in the fibrinogen solution will accelerate the amorphous aggregation of fibrin.
Tribological and electrochemical properties of Cr–Si–C–N coatings in artificial seawater
Authors: Wu Zhiwei , Zhou Fei , Ma Qiang , Wang Qianzhi , Zhou Zhifeng , Kwok-Yan Li Lawrence
Published: August 2016

Cr–Si–C–N coatings were deposited on using unbalanced magnetron sputteringviaadjusting trimethylsilane (TMS) flow. CrSiCN coatings exhibited low friction coefficient. The impedance modulus and phase value became high with increasing TMS flow.
The fabrication of oriented organic–inorganic ultrathin films with enhanced electrochromic properties
Authors: Zhou Awu , Liu Xiaoxi , Dou Yibo , Guan Shanyue , Han Jingbin , Wei Min
Published: August 2016

Organic–inorganic hybrid films are fabricated via an alternate assembly of poly(3,4-ethylene-dioxythiophene)–poly(styrene sulphonate) (PEDOT:PSS) and layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanosheets, which display significantly enhanced electrochromic performance, including ultrafast switching, high coloration efficiency and good stability.
Effect of ruminal mechanical stimulating brushes on rumen fermentation and plasma oxidative stress and subsequent milk yield and composition in lactating dairy cattle
Authors: Golder H. M. , Celi P. , Takahashi J. , Lean I. J.
Published: August 2016

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of ruminal mechanical stimulating brushes (RMS brush) on rumen fermentation and plasma oxidative stress and subsequent milk production in early lactation dairy cattle in the Australian spring and summer. Two hundred pasture-fed Holstein, Jersey, and Holstein × Jersey multiparous cows were enrolled into Control (no treatment; n = 103) or RMS brush (n = 97) groups in a randomised controlled trial at 26 ± 15 days before calving. The RMS brush group had three brushes/cow administered orally. Each RMS brush consisted of synthetic polymer bristles held in place with a metal component and was enclosed in a paper capsule that dissolved after insertion. Milk yield (MY), bodyweight, and weather data were recorded daily for the first 30 weeks of lactation. Stomach tube rumen fluid samples and plasma were collected monthly for the first 3 months of lactation from a minimum subset of 14 cows from each group. A total of 182 cows calved successfully and 34 cows were removed during the first 30 weeks of lactation. There was no difference in survival between the groups (hazard ratio = 0.952, confidence interval = 0.481–1.88). Rumen, plasma oxidative stress, and milk production measures were not affected by group or the interaction between group and time, with the exception of a mean increase of 304 µM of biological antioxidant potential in the RMS brush cows. The mean temperature humidity index for the first 30 weeks of lactation was <72; hence, effects on heat stress could not be evaluated. Maximum and minimum temperature and THI over the first 30 weeks of lactation were not correlated with MY and bodyweight for either group on time series cross correlation. Positive correlations occurred for the Controls at lag 0 and negative correlations for both groups at lags of 3 and 4 weeks between MY and relative humidity at 1500 hours. There appeared to be no effect of RMS on mitigation of temperature humidity index within the range studied. There did not appear to be negative impacts of the RMS brushes.
National identity-building and the “Ustaša-nostalgia” in Croatia: the past that will not pass
Authors: Đurašković Stevo
Published: August 2016

Most scholarship on post-Communist Croatia claims that the first Croatian president, Franjo Tuđman, intentionally rehabilitated the legacy of the World War II (WWII) Croatian Ustaša and its Nazi-puppet state. The rehabilitation of the Ustaša has been linked to Tuđman's national reconciliation politics that tended toward a particular “forgetting of the past.” The national reconciliation was conceptualized as a joint struggle of both the Croatian anti-fascist Partisan and the Croatian WWII fascist Ustaša successors to achieve Croatian independence. However, the existing scholarship does not offer a comprehensive explanation of the nexus between national reconciliation and the rehabilitation of the Ustaša. Hence, this article will present how “Ustaša-nostalgia” does not stem from Tuđman's intentions, but rather from the morphological gap occurring in Tuđman's nation-building idea. Namely, Tuđman's condemnation of the entire idea of Yugoslavism and Yugoslavia eventually brought about the perception that any historical agent advocating the idea of an independent Croatia is better than any form of Croatian Yugoslavism. Finally, the article will present how contemporary Croatian society is still seeped in “Ustaša-nostalgia” due to the hesitation of the post-Tuđman Croatian politics to come to terms with the legacy of his national reconciliation politics.
Validation of the Spanish version of the Therapeutic Alliance Negotiation Scale / Validación de la versión en español de la Escala de Negociación de la Alianza Terapéutica
Authors: Díaz-Oropeza Ismael-Fernando , Peña-Leyva Lucero-Aytzeé
Published: August 2016

The objectives of this research study were to validate a Spanish version of The Alliance Negotiation Scale with Mexican patients and contrast relevant variables from the therapy and negotiation of the alliance. The sample was composed of 199 participants of both sexes. Exploratory factor analysis grouped three factors related to the therapeutic alliance negotiation, which are: therapist’s flexibility; therapist’s negotiating stance; and being comfortable expressing negative feelings. This factorial structure differs from the English version. It was found that clients’ sex and age did not influence the negotiation of the alliance, while time in therapy and the reason for attendance did offer differences; it was determined that negotiations depend largely on the therapist being flexible and their negotiating stance during the process.
Growth of three-dimensional graphene films on the Ni foil
Authors: Qu B. , Lian X.-B. , Wu Q.-H.
Published: August 2016

Construction of three-dimensional (3D) graphene has become one of the most stirring engineering topics in recent decades due to their potential applications in the fields of sensor, catalysis and energy conversion/storage. In present work, we reported the synthesis of 3D graphene films using plasma-enhanced chemical vapour deposition on the Ni foil substrate. The results of Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy indicated that the synthesised 3D graphene films are in multi-layered structure, with high defect concentration, and with small crystalline particle size. Finally the growth mechanism of the 3D graphene is proposed.
A disulfide bond in the TIM23 complex is crucial for voltage gating and mitochondrial protein import
Authors: Ramesh Ajay , Peleh Valentina , Martinez-Caballero Sonia , Wollweber Florian , Sommer Frederik , van der Laan Martin , Schroda Michael , Alexander R. Todd , Campo María Luisa , Herrmann Johannes M.
Published: August 2016

Tim17 is a central, membrane-embedded subunit of the mitochondrial protein import machinery. In this study, we show that Tim17 contains a pair of highly conserved cysteine residues that form a structural disulfide bond exposed to the intermembrane space (IMS). This disulfide bond is critical for efficient protein translocation through the TIM23 complex and for dynamic gating of its preprotein-conducting channel. The disulfide bond in Tim17 is formed during insertion of the protein into the inner membrane. Whereas the import of Tim17 depends on the binding to the IMS protein Mia40, the oxidoreductase activity of Mia40 is surprisingly dispensable for Tim17 oxidation. Our observations suggest that Tim17 can be directly oxidized by the sulfhydryl oxidase Erv1. Thus, import and oxidation of Tim17 are mediated by the mitochondrial disulfide relay, though the mechanism by which the disulfide bond in Tim17 is formed differs considerably from that of soluble IMS proteins.
Mitochondrial protein import: An unexpected disulfide bond
Authors: Mokranjac Dejana
Published: August 2016

Most mitochondrial proteins are imported through the TIM23 translocation channel, the structure and molecular nature of which are still unclear. In this issue, Ramesh et al. (2016. J. Cell Biol. http://dx.doi.org/10.1083/jcb.201602074) show that the TIM23 subunit Tim17 contains a disulfide bond that is crucial for protein translocation and channel gating.
Cells set sail after lifting anchor from Myo1E
Authors: Short Ben
Published: August 2016

Study reveals that ERK signaling promotes cell migration by regulating motor protein’s localization.
Ubiquitin ligase MARCH 8 cooperates with CD83 to control surface MHC II expression in thymic epithelium and CD4 T cell selection
Authors: Liu Haiyin , Jain Reema , Guan Jing , Vuong Vivian , Ishido Satoshi , La Gruta Nicole L. , Gray Daniel H. , Villadangos Jose A. , Mintern Justine D.
Published: August 2016

Major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC II) expression is tightly regulated, being subjected to cell type–specific mechanisms that closely control its levels at the cell surface. Ubiquitination by the E3 ubiquitin ligase MARCH 1 regulates MHC II expression in dendritic cells and B cells. In this study, we demonstrate that the related ligase MARCH 8 is responsible for regulating surface MHC II in thymic epithelial cells (TECs). March8−/− mice have elevated MHC II at the surface of cortical TECs and autoimmune regulator (AIRE)− medullary TECs (mTECs), but not AIRE+ mTECs. Despite this, thymic and splenic CD4+ T cell numbers and repertoires remained unaltered in March8−/− mice. Notably, the ubiquitination of MHC II by MARCH 8 is controlled by CD83. Mice expressing a mutated form of CD83 (Cd83anu/anu mice) have impaired CD4+ T cell selection, but deleting March8 in Cd83anu/anu mice restored CD4+ T cell selection to normal levels. Therefore, orchestrated regulation of MHC II surface expression in TECs by MARCH 8 and CD83 plays a major role in CD4+ T cell selection. Our results also highlight the specialized use of ubiquitinating machinery in distinct antigen-presenting cell types, with important functional consequences and implications for therapeutic manipulation.
Spatial prediction of demersal fish diversity in the Baltic Sea: comparison of machine learning and regression-based techniques
Authors: Smoliński Szymon , Radtke Krzysztof
Published: August 2016

Marine spatial planning (MSP) is considered a valuable tool in the ecosystem-based management of marine areas. Predictive modelling may be applied in the MSP framework to obtain spatially explicit information about biodiversity patterns. The growing number of statistical approaches used for this purpose implies the urgent need for comparisons between different predictive techniques. In this study, we evaluated the performance of selected machine learning and regression-based methods that were applied for modelling fish community indices. We hypothesized that habitat features can influence fish assemblage and investigated the effect of environmental gradients on demersal fish diversity (species richness and Shannon–Weaver Index). We used fish data from the Baltic International Trawl Surveys (2001–2014) and maps of six potential predictors: bottom salinity, depth, seabed slope, growth season bottom temperature, seabed sediments and annual mean bottom current velocity. We compared the performance of six alternative modelling approaches: generalized linear models, generalized additive models, multivariate adaptive regression splines, support vector machines, boosted regression trees and random forests. We applied repeated 10-fold cross-validation, using accuracy as the measure of model quality. Finally, we selected random forest as the best performing algorithm and implemented it for the spatial prediction of fish diversity from the Baltic Proper to the Kattegat. To obtain information on the data reliability and confidence of the developed models, which are essential for MSP, we estimated the uncertainty of predictions with standard deviation of predictions obtained from all the trees in the ensemble random forest method. We showed how state-of-the-art predictive techniques, based on easily available data and simple Geographic Information System tools, can be used to obtain reliable spatial information about fish diversity. Our comparative work highlighted the potential of machine learning method to reduce prediction error in modelling of demersal fish diversity in the framework of MSP.
Host genome integration and giant virus-induced reactivation of the virophage mavirus
Authors: Fischer Matthias G. , Hackl Thomas
Published: August 2016

Endogenous viral elements (EVEs) are increasingly found in eukaryotic genomes1, yet little is known about their origins, dynamics, or function. Here, we provide a compelling example of a DNA virus that readily integrates into a eukaryotic genome where it acts as an inducible antiviral defense system. We found that the virophage mavirus2, a parasite of the giant Cafeteria roenbergensis virus (CroV)3, integrates at multiple sites within the nuclear genome of the marine protozoanCafeteria roenbergensis. The endogenous mavirus is structurally and genetically similar to the eukaryotic Maverick/Polinton DNA transposons4,5and endogenous polintoviruses6. Provirophage genes are not constitutively expressed, but are specifically activated by superinfection with CroV, which induces the production of infectious mavirus particles. Virophages inhibit the replication of giant viruses and a beneficial effect of provirophages on their host cells has been hypothesized2,7. We found that provirophage-carrying cells are not directly protected from CroV; however, lysis of these cells releases reactivated mavirus particles that are then able to suppress CroV replication and enhance host survival of other CroV-infected flagellate populations in a dose-dependent manner. The host-parasite interaction described here involves an altruistic aspect that is unique among microbes. Our results demonstrate a direct link between mavirus and Maverick/Polinton elements and suggest that provirophages can defend natural protist populations against infection by giant viruses.
Demonstrating value in research libraries: the shared service standards initiative
Authors: Stanley Tracey , Knowles Jackie
Published: August 2016

Purpose

– In 2014, the Research Libraries UK (RLUK) consortium developed a shared set of customer-focused service standards to be adopted and used by all University Library members. This was the first time that such an approach had been taken across research libraries in the UK. The driver for this initiative was to enable the libraries to develop more comprehensive, shared quality indicators which would enable them to demonstrate their value, especially in times of austerity when budgets might be under threat. The purpose of this paper is to set out the approach taken to the development of shared service standards and ensuring the engagement and buy-in of the RLUK membership.

Design/methodology/approach

– The service standards initiative was conceived and developed as a strategic RLUK project, as part of the strategy on “collaboration to reduce costs and improve quality”. Initially it was considered that a collaborative approach to developing quality and performance indicators and service standards would reduce duplication of effort across members and save staff time in establishing mechanisms for collection of performance data. In addition it was agreed that there would be potential for a shared set of measures or standards to be used for benchmarking purposes and to enable libraries to demonstrate their value to their institutions.

Findings

– The initiative established eight customer-facing service standards which were agreed as being applicable to all of the University Library members of RLUK. These include a range of quality indicators focused on services rated as important to the largest customer group – undergraduate students. The service standards include measures on areas such as shelving turn-around, time taken to obtain materials on reading lists, opening hours, information literacy teaching and inter-library loans. In addition, the UK National Student Survey data are included on satisfaction rates for library services, with a benchmark target set at 90 per cent.

Originality/value

– Notwithstanding the SCONUL Annual Statistics exercise, this is the first time in the UK that a collaborative approach to the development of service standards has been attempted for a group of research libraries. The initiative also demonstrates the increased commitment amongst research libraries to the fundamental principles surrounding excellent customer service – in particular the need to demonstrate service quality and proactively identify gaps in services so that these can be addressed, and services can be improved on a continual basis.
Using Copac data to benchmark collections
Authors: Elder Ruth , Massam Diana
Published: August 2016

Purpose

– The Copac Collections Management (CCM) project has been underway since 2011 with the goal of exploring how Copac can make a real difference for collection managers. By making Copac data work harder and building prototype collection analysis features on its extensive database, the collections management tools can provide valuable information from the catalogues of the UK’s major research libraries. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– Developed to support staff in collection management activities the CCM tools offer a web-based collection management support service. It is a “grass roots” project designed to meet the needs of library practitioners and its development has been a community-based collaboration with extensive design input, consultation, feedback and support from the wider library community.

Findings

– This paper presents a case study showing how the tools are now embedded into “business as usual” at the University of York library. The case study reflects on how York is using the tools to assist: identify collection strengths and contribute to the identification of “unique and distinctive collections”; identify collection gaps and produce lists of potential titles for purchase; inform stock editing policies; review and prioritize work on “hidden collections”. The paper outlines the benefits of using the tools and considers lessons learnt.

Originality/value

– The paper offers an overall view of the tools and the potential uses by the UK higher education community. The case study will be of interest to libraries in exploring new ways to approach collection management issues, with a view to making efficient use of available resources.
Reasons for the poor provision of information by the government: public opinion
Authors: Gunnlaugsdottir Johanna
Published: August 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present, on the one hand, the findings of a survey conducted during 2012 in Iceland and, on the other hand, the results of interviews held in 2015 concerning why it was felt that the authorities withheld information either about subjects of general public interest or about public expenditures.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey questionnaire was sent in March 2012 to almost 2,000 Icelanders randomly selected from the National Registry. The response rate was almost 67 per cent. As to the interviews held in 2015, these were with individuals who were known to understand well the government’s actions, both as to provision of information to the public and the opposite, suppression of information. The interviewees were chosen purposively. The survey was modelled on other research and resources concerning open public information and other research that had examined trust towards public authorities and the influence of freedom of information acts on government information practices.

Findings

The research revealed that both participants in the questionnaire survey and the six interviewees in the later study felt that information was kept secret for a variety of reasons. Most felt that information was kept under wraps by the government, both about subjects of general public interest or about public expenditures, and that both transparency and traceability were less than sufficient in the public administration of Iceland.

Practical implications

The results could be of value to public authorities who want to improve the provision of information and practices according to the freedom of information act. They could also bring diverse and valuable opportunities to the profession of records managers as to documentation and registration, as well as others who practice information management.

Originality/value

The survey adds valuable information and fulfils a need for a better understanding of why public authorities suppress the provision of information in Iceland. Although the research cited was limited to Iceland, the findings may be of value also to public authorities and researchers in the Western World, Australia and New Zealand to give a few examples where the culture and the practice of government may not be that different, as well as in other countries. The two studies can, therefore, lay the foundation for further research into the field.