bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lexically-guided perceptual learning in non-native listening
Authors: DROZDOVA POLINA , VAN HOUT ROELAND , SCHARENBORG ODETTE
Published: April 2016

There is ample evidence that native and non-native listeners use lexical knowledge to retune their native phonetic categories following ambiguous pronunciations. The present study investigates whether a non-native ambiguous sound can retune non-native phonetic categories. After a brief exposure to an ambiguous British English [l/ɹ] sound, Dutch listeners demonstrated retuning. This retuning was, however, asymmetrical: the non-native listeners seemed to show (more) retuning of the /ɹ/ category than of the /l/ category, suggesting that non-native listeners can retune non-native phonetic categories. This asymmetry is argued to be related to the large phonetic variability of /r/ in both Dutch and English.
LA VARIANTE INFINITÉSIMALE DE LA FORMULE DES TRACES DE JACQUET-RALLIS POUR LES GROUPES LINÉAIRES
Authors: Zydor Michał
Published: April 2016

We establish an infinitesimal version of the Jacquet-Rallis trace formula for general linear groups. Our formula is obtained by integrating a kernel truncated à la Arthur multiplied by the absolute value of the determinant to the power $s\in \mathbb{C}$. It has a geometric side which is a sum of distributions $I_{\mathfrak{o}}(s,\cdot )$ indexed by the invariants of the adjoint action of $\text{GL}_{n}(\text{F})$ on $\mathfrak{gl}_{n+1}(\text{F})$ as well as a «spectral side» consisting of the Fourier transforms of the aforementioned distributions. We prove that the distributions $I_{\mathfrak{o}}(s,\cdot )$ are invariant and depend only on the choice of the Haar measure on $\text{GL}_{n}(\mathbb{A})$. For regular semi-simple classes $\mathfrak{o}$, $I_{\mathfrak{o}}(s,\cdot )$ is a relative orbital integral of Jacquet-Rallis. For classes $\mathfrak{o}$ called relatively regular semi-simple, we express $I_{\mathfrak{o}}(s,\cdot )$ in terms of relative orbital integrals regularised by means of zeta functions.
Ecuador Earthquake Kills Hundreds, Injures Thousands
Authors: Wendel JoAnna
Published: April 2016

Ecuador's president declared a state of emergency after a large earthquake shook the country.
A virtual lymph node model to dissect the requirements for T‐cell activation by synapses and kinapses
Authors: Moreau Hélène D , Bogle Gib , Bousso Philippe
Published: April 2016

The initiation of T‐cell responses in lymph nodes requires T cells to integrate signals delivered by dendritic cells (DCs) during long‐lasting contacts (synapses) or more transient interactions (kinapses). However, it remains extremely challenging to understand how a specific sequence of contacts established by T cells ultimately dictates T‐cell fate. Here, we have coupled a computational model of T‐cell migration and interactions with DCs with a real‐time, flow cytometry‐like representation of T‐cell activation. In this model, low‐affinity peptides trigger T‐cell proliferation through kinapses but we show that this process is only effective under conditions of high DC densities and prolonged antigen availability. By contrast, high‐affinity peptides favor synapse formation and a vigorous proliferation under a wide range of antigen presentation conditions. In line with the predictions, decreasing the DC density in vivo selectively abolished proliferation induced by the low‐affinity peptide. Finally, our results suggest that T cells possess a biochemical memory of previous stimulations of at least 1–2 days. We propose that the stability of T‐cell–DC interactions, apart from their signaling potency, profoundly influences the robustness of T‐cell activation. By offering the ability to control parameters that are difficult to manipulate experimentally, the virtual lymph node model provides new possibilities to tackle the fundamental mechanisms that regulate T‐cell responses elicited by infections or vaccines.
The timescales of global surface-ocean connectivity
Authors: Jönsson Bror F. , Watson James R.
Published: April 2016

Planktonic communities are shaped through a balance of local evolutionary adaptation and ecological succession driven in large part by migration. The timescales over which these processes operate are still largely unresolved. Here we use Lagrangian particle tracking and network theory to quantify the timescale over which surface currents connect different regions of the global ocean. We find that the fastest path between two patches—each randomly located anywhere in the surface ocean—is, on average, less than a decade. These results suggest that marine planktonic communities may keep pace with climate change—increasing temperatures, ocean acidification and changes in stratification over decadal timescales—through the advection of resilient types.
Supramolecular macrocycles reversibly assembled by Te…O chalcogen bonding
Authors: Ho Peter C. , Szydlowski Patrick , Sinclair Jocelyn , Elder Philip J. W. , Kübel Joachim , Gendy Chris , Lee Lucia Myongwon , Jenkins Hilary , Britten James F. , Morim Derek R. , Vargas-Baca Ignacio
Published: April 2016

Organic molecules with heavy main-group elements frequently form supramolecular links to electron-rich centres. One particular case of such interactions is halogen bonding. Most studies of this phenomenon have been concerned with either dimers or infinitely extended structures (polymers and lattices) but well-defined cyclic structures remain elusive. Here we present oligomeric aggregates of heterocycles that are linked by chalcogen-centered interactions and behave as genuine macrocyclic species. The molecules of 3-methyl-5-phenyl-1,2-tellurazole 2-oxide assemble a variety of supramolecular aggregates that includes cyclic tetramers and hexamers, as well as a helical polymer. In all these aggregates, the building blocks are connected by Te…O–N bridges. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic experiments demonstrate that the two types of annular aggregates are persistent in solution. These self-assembled structures form coordination complexes with transition-metal ions, act as fullerene receptors and host small molecules in a crystal.
Dual-functional transdermal drug delivery system with controllable drug loading based on thermosensitive poloxamer hydrogel for atopic dermatitis treatment
Authors: Wang Wenyi , Wat Elaine , Hui Patrick C. L. , Chan Ben , Ng Frency S. F. , Kan Chi-Wai , Wang Xiaowen , Hu Huawen , Wong Eric C. W. , Lau Clara B. S. , Leung Ping-Chung
Published: April 2016

The treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD) has long been viewed as a problematic issue by the medical profession. Although a wide variety of complementary therapies have been introduced, they fail to combine the skin moisturizing and drug supply for AD patients. This study reports the development of a thermo-sensitive Poloxamer 407/Carboxymethyl cellulose sodium (P407/CMCs) composite hydrogel formulation with twin functions of moisture and drug supply for AD treatment. It was found that the presence of CMCs can appreciably improve the physical properties of P407 hydrogel, which makes it more suitable for tailored drug loading. The fabricated P407/CMCs composite hydrogel was also characterized in terms of surface morphology by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), rheological properties by a rheometer, release profilein vitroby dialysis method and cytotoxicity test. More importantly, the findings from transdermal drug delivery behavior revealed that P407/CMCs showed desirable percutaneous performance. Additionally, analysis of cytotoxicity test suggested that P407/CMCs composite hydrogel is a high-security therapy for clinical trials and thus exhibits a promising way to treat AD with skin moisturizing and medication.
Steady-state mechanical squeezing in a hybrid atom-optomechanical system with a highly dissipative cavity
Authors: Wang Dong-Yang , Bai Cheng-Hua , Wang Hong-Fu , Zhu Ai-Dong , Zhang Shou
Published: April 2016

Quantum squeezing of mechanical resonator is important for studying the macroscopic quantum effects and the precision metrology of weak forces. Here we give a theoretical study of a hybrid atom-optomechanical system in which the steady-state squeezing of the mechanical resonator can be generated via the mechanical nonlinearity and cavity cooling process. The validity of the scheme is assessed by simulating the steady-state variance of the mechanical displacement quadrature numerically. The scheme is robust against dissipation of the optical cavity and the steady-state squeezing can be effectively generated in a highly dissipative cavity.
Bioprinting three-dimensional cell-laden tissue constructs with controllable degradation
Authors: Wu Zhengjie , Su Xin , Xu Yuanyuan , Kong Bin , Sun Wei , Mi Shengli
Published: April 2016

Alginate hydrogel is a popular biologically inert material that is widely used in 3D bioprinting, especially in extrusion-based printing. However, the printed cells in this hydrogel could not degrade the surrounding alginate gel matrix, causing them to remain in a poorly proliferating and non-differentiating state. Here, we report a novel study of the 3D printing of human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs)/collagen/gelatin/alginate hydrogel incubated with a medium containing sodium citrate to obtain degradation-controllable cell-laden tissue constructs. The 3D-printed hydrogel network with interconnected channels and a macroporous structure was stable and achieved high cell viability (over 90%). By altering the mole ratio of sodium citrate/sodium alginate, the degradation time of the bioprinting constructs can be controlled. Cell proliferation and specific marker protein expression results also revealed that with the help of sodium citrate degradation, the printed HCECs showed a higher proliferation rate and greater cytokeratin 3(CK3) expression, indicating that this newly developed method may help to improve the alginate bioink system for the application of 3D bioprinting in tissue engineering.
The Asian arowana (Scleropages formosus) genome provides new insights into the evolution of an early lineage of teleosts
Authors: Bian Chao , Hu Yinchang , Ravi Vydianathan , Kuznetsova Inna S. , Shen Xueyan , Mu Xidong , Sun Ying , You Xinxin , Li Jia , Li Xiaofeng , Qiu Ying , Tay Boon-Hui , Thevasagayam Natascha May , Komissarov Aleksey S. , Trifonov Vladimir , Kabilov Marsel , Tupikin Alexey , Luo Jianren , Liu Yi , Song Hongmei , Liu Chao , Wang Xuejie , Gu Dangen , Yang Yexin , Li Wujiao , Polgar Gianluca , Fan Guangyi , Zeng Peng , Zhang He , Xiong Zijun , Tang Zhujing , Peng Chao , Ruan Zhiqiang , Yu Hui , Chen Jieming , Fan Mingjun , Huang Yu , Wang Min , Zhao Xiaomeng , Hu Guojun , Yang Huanming , Wang Jian , Wang Jun , Xu Xun , Song Linsheng , Xu Gangchun , Xu Pao , Xu Junmin , O’Brien Stephen J. , Orbán László , Venkatesh Byrappa , Shi Qiong
Published: April 2016

The Asian arowana (Scleropages formosus), one of the world’s most expensive cultivated ornamental fishes, is an endangered species. It represents an ancient lineage of teleosts: the Osteoglossomorpha. Here, we provide a high-quality chromosome-level reference genome of a female golden-variety arowana using a combination of deep shotgun sequencing and high-resolution linkage mapping. In addition, we have also generated two draft genome assemblies for the red and green varieties. Phylogenomic analysis supports a sister group relationship between Osteoglossomorpha (bonytongues) and Elopomorpha (eels and relatives), with the two clades together forming a sister group of Clupeocephala which includes all the remaining teleosts. The arowana genome retains the full complement of eight Hox clusters unlike the African butterfly fish (Pantodon buchholzi), another bonytongue fish, which possess only five Hox clusters. Differential gene expression among three varieties provides insights into the genetic basis of colour variation. A potential heterogametic sex chromosome is identified in the female arowana karyotype, suggesting that the sex is determined by a ZW/ZZ sex chromosomal system. The high-quality reference genome of the golden arowana and the draft assemblies of the red and green varieties are valuable resources for understanding the biology, adaptation and behaviour of Asian arowanas.
Dynamic Changes of Functional Pain Connectome in Women with Primary Dysmenorrhea
Authors: Wu Ting-Hsuan , Tu Cheng-Hao , Chao Hsiang-Tai , Li Wei-Chi , Low Intan , Chuang Chih-Ying , Yeh Tzu-Chen , Cheng Chou-Ming , Chou Chih-Che , Chen Li-Fen , Hsieh Jen-Chuen
Published: April 2016

Primary dysmenorrhea (PDM) is the most prevalent gynecological problem. Many key brain systems are engaged in pain processing. In light of dynamic communication within and between systems (or networks) in shaping pain experience and behavior, the intra-regional functional connectivity (FC) in the hub regions of the systems may be altered and the functional interactions in terms of inter-regional FCs among the networks may be reorganized to cope with the repeated stress of menstrual pain in PDM. Forty-six otherwise healthy PDM subjects and 49 age-matched, healthy female control subjects were enrolled. Intra- and inter-regional FC were assessed using regional homogeneity (ReHo) and ReHo-seeded FC analyses, respectively. PDM women exhibited a trait-related ReHo reduction in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex, part of the default mode network (DMN), during the periovulatory phase. The trait-related hypoconnectivity of DMN-salience network and hyperconnectivity of DMN-executive control network across the menstrual cycle featured a dynamic transition from affective processing of pain salience to cognitive modulation. The altered DMN-sensorimotor network may be an ongoing representation of cumulative menstrual pain. The findings indicate that women with long-term PDM may develop adaptive neuroplasticity and functional reorganization with a network shift from affective processing of salience to the cognitive modulation of pain.
Clinicopathological Analysis and Multipronged Quantitative Proteomics Reveal Oxidative Stress and Cytoskeletal Proteins as Possible Markers for Severe Vivax Malaria
Authors: Ray Sandipan , Patel Sandip K. , Venkatesh Apoorva , Bhave Amruta , Kumar Vipin , Singh Vaidhvi , Chatterjee Gangadhar , Shah Veenita G. , Sharma Sarthak , Renu Durairaj , Nafis Naziya , Gandhe Prajakta , Gogtay Nithya , Thatte Urmila , Sehgal Kunal , Verma Sumit , Karak Avik , Khanra Dibbendhu , Talukdar Arunansu , Kochar Sanjay K. , S. B Vijeth , Kochar Dhanpat K. , Rojh Dharmendra , Varma Santosh G. , Gandhi Mayuri N. , Srikanth Rapole , Patankar Swati , Srivastava Sanjeeva
Published: April 2016

In Plasmodium vivax malaria, mechanisms that trigger transition from uncomplicated to fatal severe infections are obscure. In this multi-disciplinary study we have performed a comprehensive analysis of clinicopathological parameters and serum proteome profiles of vivax malaria patients with different severity levels of infection to investigate pathogenesis of severe malaria and identify surrogate markers of severity. Clinicopathological analysis and proteomics profiling has provided evidences for the modulation of diverse physiological pathways including oxidative stress, cytoskeletal regulation, lipid metabolism and complement cascades in severe malaria. Strikingly, unlike severe falciparum malaria the blood coagulation cascade was not found to be affected adversely in acute P. vivax infection. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive proteomics study, which identified some possible cues for severe P. vivax infection. Our results suggest that Superoxide dismutase, Vitronectin, Titin, Apolipoprotein E, Serum amyloid A, and Haptoglobin are potential predictive markers for malaria severity.
Increased frequency of social interaction is associated with enjoyment enhancement and reward system activation
Authors: Kawamichi Hiroaki , Sugawara Sho K. , Hamano Yuki H. , Makita Kai , Kochiyama Takanori , Sadato Norihiro
Published: April 2016

Positive social interactions contribute to the sense that one’s life has meaning. Enjoyment of feelings associated through social interaction motivates humans to build social connections according to their personal preferences. Therefore, we hypothesized that social interaction itself activates the reward system in a manner that depends upon individual interaction preferences. To test this hypothesis, we conducted a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study in which 38 participants played a virtual ball-toss game in which the number of ball tosses to the participant was either similar to (normal-frequency condition) or higher than (high-frequency condition) the number of tosses to the other players. Participants reported greater-than-anticipated enjoyment during the high-frequency condition, suggesting that receiving a social reward led to unexpected positive feelings. Consistent with this, the high-frequency condition produced stronger activation in the ventral striatum, which is part of the reward system, and the precuneus, representing positive self-image, which might be translated to social reward. Furthermore, ventral striatal activation covaried with individual participants’ preference for interactions with others. These findings suggest that an elevated frequency of social interaction is represented as a social reward, which might motivate individuals to promote social interaction in a manner that is modulated by personal preference.
Disorder prediction-based construct optimization improves activity and catalytic efficiency of Bacillus naganoensis pullulanase
Authors: Wang Xinye , Nie Yao , Mu Xiaoqing , Xu Yan , Xiao Rong
Published: April 2016

Pullulanase is a well-known starch-debranching enzyme. However, the production level of pullulanase is yet low in both wide-type strains and heterologous expression systems. We predicted the disorder propensities of Bacillus naganoensis pullulanase (PUL) using the bioinformatics tool, Disorder Prediction Meta-Server. On the basis of disorder prediction, eight constructs, including PULΔN5, PULΔN22, PULΔN45, PULΔN64, PULΔN78 and PULΔN106 by deleting the first 5, 22, 45, 64, 78 and 106 residues from the N-terminus and PULΔC9 and PULΔC36 by deleting the last 9 and 36 residues from the C-terminus, were cloned into the recombinant expression vector pET-28a-PelB and auto-induced in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) cells. All constructs were evaluated in production level, specific activities and kinetic parameters. Both PULΔN5 and PULΔN106 gave higher production levels of protein than the wide type and displayed increased specific activities. Kinetic studies showed that substrate affinities of the mutants were improved in various degrees and the catalytic efficiency of PULΔN5, PULΔN45, PULΔN78, PULΔN106 and PULΔC9 were enhanced. However, the truncated mutations did not change the advantageous properties of the enzyme involving optimum temperature and pH for further application. Therefore, Disorder prediction-based truncation would be helpful to efficiently improve the enzyme activity and catalytic efficiency.
Predictability of uncontrollable multifocal seizures – towards new treatment options
Authors: Lehnertz Klaus , Dickten Henning , Porz Stephan , Helmstaedter Christoph , Elger Christian E.
Published: April 2016

Drug-resistant, multifocal, non-resectable epilepsies are among the most difficult epileptic disorders to manage. An approach to control previously uncontrollable seizures in epilepsy patients would consist of identifying seizure precursors in critical brain areas combined with delivering a counteracting influence to prevent seizure generation. Predictability of seizures with acceptable levels of sensitivity and specificity, even in an ambulatory setting, has been repeatedly shown, however, in patients with a single seizure focus only. We did a study to assess feasibility of state-of-the-art, electroencephalogram-based seizure-prediction techniques in patients with uncontrollable multifocal seizures. We obtained significant predictive information about upcoming seizures in more than two thirds of patients. Unexpectedly, the emergence of seizure precursors was confined to non-affected brain areas. Our findings clearly indicate that epileptic networks, spanning lobes and hemispheres, underlie generation of seizures. Our proof-of-concept study is an important milestone towards new therapeutic strategies based on seizure-prediction techniques for clinical practice.
Capacitive-coupled Series Spoof Surface Plasmon Polaritons
Authors: Yin Jia Yuan , Ren Jian , Zhang Hao Chi , Zhang Qian , Cui Tie Jun
Published: April 2016

A novel method to realize stopband within the operating frequency of spoof surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) is presented. The stopband is introduced by a new kind of capacitive-coupled series spoof SPPs. Two conventional H-shaped unit cells are proposed to construct a new unit cell and every two new unit cells are separated by a gap with certain distance, which is designed to implement capacitive coupling. The original surface impedance matching is disturbed by the capacitive coupling, leading to the stopband during the transmission of SPPs. The proposed method is verified by both numerical simulations and experiments and the simulated and measured results have good agreements. It is shown that the proposed structure exhibits a stopband in 9–9.5 GHz while the band-pass feature maintains in 5–9 GHz and 9.5–11 GHz. In the passband, the reflection coefficient is less than −10 dB and the transmission loss is around 3 dB; in the stopband, the reflection coefficient is −2 dB and the transmission coefficient is less than −30 dB. The compact size, easy fabrication and good band-pass and band-stop features make the proposed structure a promising plasmonic device in SPP communication systems.
Cardiac troponin T and echocardiographic dimensions after repeated sprint vs. moderate intensity continuous exercise in healthy young males
Authors: Weippert Matthias , Divchev Dimitar , Schmidt Paul , Gettel Hannes , Neugebauer Antina , Behrens Kristin , Wolfarth Bernd , Braumann Klaus-Michael , Nienaber Christoph A.
Published: April 2016

Regular physical exercise can positively influence cardiac function; however, investigations have shown an increase of myocardial damage biomarkers after acute prolonged endurance exercises. We investigated the effect of repeated sprint vs. moderate long duration exercise on markers of myocardial necrosis, as well as cardiac dimensions and functions. Thirteen healthy males performed two different running sessions (randomized, single blinded cross-over design): 60 minutes moderate intensity continuous training (MCT, at 70% of peak heart rate (HRpeak)) and two series of 12 × 30-second sprints with set recovery periods in-between (RST, at 90% HRpeak). Venous blood samples for cardiac troponin T (cTnT), creatine kinase (CK) and MB isoenzyme (CK-MB) were taken 1 and 4 hours after exercise sessions. After each session electrocardiographic (ECG) and transthoracic echocardiographic (TTE) data were recorded. Results showed that all variables - average heart rate, serum lactate concentration during RST, subjective exertion and cTnT after RST - were significantly higher compared to MCT. CK and CK-MB significantly increased regardless of exercise protocol, while ECG and TTE indicated normal cardiac function. Our results provide evidence that RST contributes significantly to cTnT and CK release. This biomarker increase seems to reflect a physiological rather than a pathological phenomenon in healthy, exercising subjects.
Rate-dependent interface capture beyond the coffee-ring effect
Authors: Li Yanan , Yang Qiang , Li Mingzhu , Song Yanlin
Published: April 2016

The mechanism of droplet drying is a widely concerned fundamental issue since controlling the deposition morphology of droplet has significant influence on printing, biology pattern, self-assembling and other solution-based devices fabrication. Here we reveal a striking different kinetics-controlled deposition regime beyond the ubiquitous coffee-ring effect that suspended particles tend to kinetically accumulate at the air-liquid interface and deposit uniformly. As the interface shrinkage rate exceeds the particle average diffusion rate, particles in vertical evaporation flow will be captured by the descending surface, producing surface particle jam and forming viscous quasi-solid layer, which dramatically prevents the trapped particles from being transported to drop edge and results in uniform deposition. This simple, robust drying regime will provide a versatile strategy to control the droplet deposition morphology, and a novel direction of interface assembling for fabricating superlattices and high quality photonic crystal patterns.
Feasibility of Leadless Cardiac Pacing Using Injectable Magnetic Microparticles
Authors: Rotenberg Menahem Y. , Gabay Hovav , Etzion Yoram , Cohen Smadar
Published: April 2016

A noninvasive, effective approach for immediate and painless heart pacing would have invaluable implications in several clinical scenarios. Here we present a novel strategy that utilizes the well-known mechano-electric feedback of the heart to evoke cardiac pacing, while relying on magnetic microparticles as leadless mechanical stimulators. We demonstrate that after localizing intravenously-injected magnetic microparticles in the right ventricular cavity using an external electromagnet, the application of magnetic pulses generates mechanical stimulation that provokes ventricular overdrive pacing in the rat heart. This temporary pacing consistently managed to revert drug-induced bradycardia, but could only last up to several seconds in the rat model, most likely due to escape of the particles between the applied pulses using our current experimental setting. In a pig model with open chest, MEF-based pacing was induced by banging magnetic particles and has lasted for a longer time. Due to overheating of the electromagnet, we intentionally terminated the experiments after 2 min. Our results demonstrate for the first time the feasibility of external leadless temporary pacing, using injectable magnetic microparticles that are manipulated by an external electromagnet. This new approach can have important utilities in clinical settings in which immediate and painless control of cardiac rhythm is required.
Draft genome sequencing and secretome analysis of fungal phytopathogen Ascochyta rabiei provides insight into the necrotrophic effector repertoire
Authors: Verma Sandhya , Gazara Rajesh Kumar , Nizam Shadab , Parween Sabiha , Chattopadhyay Debasis , Verma Praveen Kumar
Published: April 2016

Constant evolutionary pressure acting on pathogens refines their molecular strategies to attain successful pathogenesis. Recent studies have shown that pathogenicity mechanisms of necrotrophic fungi are far more intricate than earlier evaluated. However, only a few studies have explored necrotrophic fungal pathogens. Ascochyta rabiei is a necrotrophic fungus that causes devastating blight disease of chickpea (Cicer arietinum). Here, we report a 34.6 megabase draft genome assembly of A. rabiei. The genome assembly covered more than 99% of the gene space and 4,259 simple sequence repeats were identified in the assembly. A total of 10,596 high confidence protein-coding genes were predicted which includes a large and diverse inventory of secretory proteins, transporters and primary and secondary metabolism enzymes reflecting the necrotrophic lifestyle of A. rabiei. A wide range of genes encoding carbohydrate-active enzymes capable for degradation of complex polysaccharides were also identified. Comprehensive analysis predicted a set of 758 secretory proteins including both classical and non-classical secreted proteins. Several of these predicted secretory proteins showed high cysteine content and numerous tandem repeats. Together, our analyses would broadly expand our knowledge and offer insights into the pathogenesis and necrotrophic lifestyle of fungal phytopathogens.
Effect of the PGD2-DP signaling pathway on primary cultured rat hippocampal neuron injury caused by aluminum overload
Authors: Ma Jie , Yang Qunfang , Wei Yuling , Yang Yang , Ji Chaonan , Hu Xinyue , Mai Shaoshan , Kuang Shengnan , Tian Xiaoyan , Luo Ying , Liang Guojuan , Yang Junqing
Published: April 2016

In the present study, the agonists and antagonists of DP receptor were used to examine whether the PGD2-DP signaling pathway affects neuronal function. Primary cultured hippocampal neuron was prepared and treated with aluminum maltolate (100 μM) to establish the neuronal damage model. PGD2 and cAMP content was detected by ELISA. L-PGDS and DPs mRNA and protein expression were measured by RT-PCR and Western blotting, respectively. The aluminium-load neuron was treated with the DP1 agonist BW245C, the DP1 antagonist BWA868C, the DP2 agonist DK-PGD2, and the DP2 antagonist CAY10471, respectively. Neuronal pathomorphology was observed using H-E staining. The cell viability and the lactate dehydrogenase leakage rates of neurons were measured with MTT and LDH kit, respectively. Ca2+ level was detected by Fluo-3/AM. In the model group, the MTT values obviously decreased; LDH leakage rates and PGD2 content increased significantly; L-PGDS, DP1 mRNA and protein expressions increased and DP2 level decreased. BW245C reduced the Ca2+ fluorescence intensity and protected the neurons. DK-PGD2 increased the intensity of Ca2+ fluorescence, while CAY10471 had the opposite effect. In conclusion, contrary to the effect of DP2, the PGD2-DP1 signaling pathway protects against the primary cultured rat hippocampal neuronal injury caused by aluminum overload.
The effects of Bt Cry1Ie toxin on bacterial diversity in the midgut of Apis mellifera ligustica (Hymenoptera: Apidae)
Authors: Jia Hui-Ru , Geng Li-Li , Li Yun-He , Wang Qiang , Diao Qing-Yun , Zhou Ting , Dai Ping-Li
Published: April 2016

The honey bee has been regarded as a key species in the environmental risk assessment of biotech crops. Here, the potential adverse effects of Cry1Ie toxin on the midgut bacteria of the worker bees (Apis mellifera ligustica) were investigated under laboratory conditions. Newly emerged bees were fed with different concentrations of Cry1Ie toxin syrups (20 ng/mL, 200 ng/mL and 20 μg/mL), pure sugar syrup and 48 ppb of imidacloprid syrups, then sampled after 15 and 30 d. We characterized the dominant midgut bacteria and compared the composition and structure of the midgut bacterial community in all samples using the Illumina MiSeq platform targeting the V3–V4 regions of 16S rDNA. No significant differences in the diversity of the midgut bacteria were observed between the five treatments. This work was the first to show the effects of Cry1Ie toxin on honey bees and our study provided a theoretical basis for the biosafety assessment of transgenic Cry1Ie maize.
Perceptual learning shapes multisensory causal inference via two distinct mechanisms
Authors: McGovern David P. , Roudaia Eugenie , Newell Fiona N. , Roach Neil W.
Published: April 2016

To accurately represent the environment, our brains must integrate sensory signals from a common source while segregating those from independent sources. A reasonable strategy for performing this task is to restrict integration to cues that coincide in space and time. However, because multisensory signals are subject to differential transmission and processing delays, the brain must retain a degree of tolerance for temporal discrepancies. Recent research suggests that the width of this ‘temporal binding window’ can be reduced through perceptual learning, however, little is known about the mechanisms underlying these experience-dependent effects. Here, in separate experiments, we measure the temporal and spatial binding windows of human participants before and after training on an audiovisual temporal discrimination task. We show that training leads to two distinct effects on multisensory integration in the form of (i) a specific narrowing of the temporal binding window that does not transfer to spatial binding and (ii) a general reduction in the magnitude of crossmodal interactions across all spatiotemporal disparities. These effects arise naturally from a Bayesian model of causal inference in which learning improves the precision of audiovisual timing estimation, whilst concomitantly decreasing the prior expectation that stimuli emanate from a common source.
ATM mediates spermidine-induced mitophagy via PINK1 and Parkin regulation in human fibroblasts
Authors: Qi Yongmei , Qiu Qian , Gu Xueyan , Tian Yihong , Zhang Yingmei
Published: April 2016

The ATM (ataxia telangiectasia mutated) protein has recently been proposed to play critical roles in the response to mitochondrial dysfunction by initiating mitophagy. Here, we have used ATM-proficient GM00637 cells and ATM-deficient GM05849 cells to investigate the mitophagic effect of spermidine and to elucidate the role of ATM in spermdine-induced mitophagy. Our results indicate that spermidine induces mitophagy by eliciting mitochondrial depolarization, which triggers the formation of mitophagosomes and mitolysosomes, thereby promoting the accumulation of PINK1 and translocation of Parkin to damaged mitochondria, finally leading to the decreased mitochondrial mass in GM00637 cells. However, in GM05849 cells or GM00637 cells pretreated with the ATM kinase inhibitor KU55933, the expression of full-length PINK1 and the translocation of Parkin are blocked and the colocalization of Parkin with either LC3 or PINK1 is disrupted. These results suggest that ATM drives the initiation of the mitophagic cascade. Our study demonstrates that spermidine induces mitophagy through ATM-dependent activation of the PINK1/Parkin pathway. These findings underscore the importance of a mitophagy regulatory network of ATM and PINK1/Parkin and elucidate a novel mechanism by which ATM influences spermidine-induced mitophagy.
Reversal of evoked gamma oscillation deficits is predictive of antipsychotic activity with a unique profile for clozapine
Authors: Hudson M R , Rind G , O'Brien T J , Jones N C
Published: April 2016

Recent heuristic models of schizophrenia propose that abnormalities in the gamma frequency cerebral oscillations may be closely tied to the pathophysiology of the disorder, with hypofunction of N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors (NMDAr) implicated as having a crucial role. Prepulse inhibition (PPI) is a behavioural measure of sensorimotor gating that is disrupted in schizophrenia. We tested the ability for antipsychotic drugs with diverse pharmacological actions to (1) ameliorate NMDAr antagonist-induced disruptions to gamma oscillations and (2) attenuate NMDAr antagonist-induced disruptions to PPI. We hypothesized that antipsychotic-mediated improvement of PPI deficits would be accompanied by a normalization of gamma oscillatory activity. Wistar rats were implanted with extradural electrodes to facilitate recording of electroencephalogram during PPI behavioural testing. In each session, the rats were administered haloperidol (0.25 mg kg−1), clozapine (5 mg kg−1), olanzapine (5 mg kg−1), LY379268 (3 mg kg−1), NFPS (sarcosine, 1 mg kg−1), d-serine (1800 mg kg−1) or vehicle, followed by the NMDAr antagonists MK-801(0.16 mg kg−1), ketamine (5 mg kg−1) or vehicle. Outcome measures were auditory-evoked, as well as ongoing, gamma oscillations and PPI. Although treatment with all the clinically validated antipsychotic drugs reduced ongoing gamma oscillations, clozapine was the only compound that prevented the sensory-evoked gamma deficit produced by ketamine and MK-801. In addition, clozapine was also the only antipsychotic that attenuated the disruption to PPI produced by the NMDAr antagonists. We conclude that disruptions to evoked, but not ongoing, gamma oscillations caused by NMDAr antagonists are functionally relevant, and suggest that compounds, which restore sensory-evoked gamma oscillations may improve sensory processing in patients with schizophrenia.
Substrate-dependent aromatic ring fission of catechol and 2-aminophenol with O2catalyzed by a nonheme iron complex of a tripodal N4ligand
Authors: Lakshman Triloke Ranjan , Chatterjee Sayanti , Chakraborty Biswarup , Paine Tapan Kanti
Published: April 2016

An iron(ii)–acetonitrile complex of a tripodal N4ligand catalyzes the O2-dependent aromatic ring fission of catechol and 2-aminophenolviaintradiol and extradiol pathway, respectively.
Peanut protein structure, polyphenol content and immune response to peanut proteins in vivo are modulated by laccase
Authors: Mihajlovic L. , Radosavljevic J. , Nordlund E. , Krstic M. , Bohn T. , Smit J. , Buchert J. , Cirkovic Velickovic T.
Published: April 2016

Laccase cross-linking of peanut protein causes changes in the protein structure, phenolic composition and immunological properties of the treated peanut protein.
SERS monitoring the dynamics of local pH in lysosome of living cells during photothermal therapy
Authors: Luo Rongxing , Li Yinhui , Zhou Qifeng , Zheng Jing , Ma Dandan , Tang Pinting , Yang Sheng , Qing Zhihe , Yang Ronghua
Published: April 2016

A gold nanorod-based SERS nanotracker is proposed to monitor the local pH change during photothermal therapy.
Stretched homoporous composite membranes with elliptic nanopores for external-energy-free ultrafiltration
Authors: Guo Leiming , Wang Lei , Wang Yong
Published: April 2016

Homoporous composite membranes are stretched to produce novel membranes with elliptic nanopores for external-energy-free ultrafiltration.
Photo-induced oxidation of the uniquely liganded heme f in the cytochrome b6f complex of oxygenic photosynthesis
Authors: Chauvet Adrien A. P. , Agarwal Rachna , Haddad André al , van Mourik Frank , Cramer William A.
Published: April 2016

The ultrafast behavior of the ferrous hemeffrom the cytochromeb6fcomplex of oxygenic photosynthesis is revealed by means of transient absorption spectroscopy.
Near-infrared squaraine co-sensitizer for high-efficiency dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Rao G. Hanumantha , Venkateswararao A. , Giribabu L. , Han Liyuan , Bedja Idriss , Gupta Ravindra Kumar , Islam Ashraful , Singh Surya Prakash
Published: April 2016

A combination of squaraine-based dyes (SPSQ1 and SPSQ2) and a ruthenium-based dye (N3) were chosen as co-sensitizers to construct efficient dye-sensitized solar cells.
Achirality in the low temperature structure and lattice modes of tris(acetylacetonate)iron(iii)
Authors: Ellis Thomas K. , Kearley Gordon J. , Piltz Ross O. , Jayasooriya Upali A. , Stride John A.
Published: April 2016

The relatively ubiquitous mononuclear inorganic coordination complex tris(acetylaceonate) iron(iii) has been studied using neutron scattering techniques. The molecular dynamics are shown to be dominated by motions of the highly flexible ligand shell in a non-chiral space group.
Determination of ultra-low level 129I in vegetation using pyrolysis for iodine separation and accelerator mass spectrometry measurements
Authors: Hou Xiaolin , Wang Yanyun
Published: April 2016

Radioactive isotopes of iodine are the most common radiological toxins from nuclear accidents due to their high release and high enrichment in human thyroid. Determination of long-lived 129I can estimate the transferring of radioactive iodine among ecosystems and the radiation risk to humans during an accident.
The p-toluenesulfonic acid catalyzed single pot synthesis of tetracyclic 1,2-dihydroquinolines: a metal free approach
Authors: Hajare Anil K. , Jagdale Arun R. , Shenoy G. Gautham , Sinha Neelima
Published: April 2016

A simple, convenient and efficient metal free approach towards the synthesis of polysubstituted 1,2-dihydroquinolines.
On-resin Diels–Alder reaction with inverse electron demand: an efficient ligation method for complex peptides with a varying spacer to optimize cell adhesion
Authors: Pagel Mareen , Meier René , Braun Klaus , Wiessler Manfred , Beck-Sickinger Annette G.
Published: April 2016

The DARinvon resin is a new orthogonal reaction in peptide synthesis and the benefits for cell adhesion are discussed.
Enantiorecognition of planar “metallocenic” chirality by a nitrile hydratase/amidase bienzymatic system
Authors: D'Antona N. , Morrone R. , Gambera G. , Pedotti S.
Published: April 2016

The first example of chiral planar enantiorecognition by a nitrile hydratase/amidase bienzymatic system from bacterial whole cells is presented.
Two wavelength-shifting molecular beacons for simultaneous and selective imaging of vesicular miRNA-21 and miRNA-31 in living cancer cells
Authors: Bohländer Peggy R. , Abba Mohammed L. , Bestvater Felix , Allgayer Heike , Wagenknecht Hans-Achim
Published: April 2016

Two molecular beacons were designed as complementary fluorescent imaging probes for miRNA-21 and miRNA-31.
Light-triggered “on–off” switching of fluorescence based on a naphthopyran-containing compound polymer micelle
Authors: Li Dehua , Jiang Jinhui , Huang Qiutong , Wang Guang , Zhang Meiduo , Du Jianzhong
Published: April 2016

We report a compound micelle based on a naphthopyran-containing copolymer and a fluorophore-containing copolymer for light-triggered “on–off” switching of fluorescence.
Synthesis of a nano molecularly imprinted polymeric sorbent for solid phase extraction and determination of phenytoin in plasma, urine, and wastewater by HPLC
Authors: Abdollahi E. , Abdouss M. , Mohammadi A.
Published: April 2016

In this work a nano polymeric sorbent for phenytoin was synthesized by non-covalent molecularly imprinted polymerization approach.
Optimizing the structure and yield of vanadium oxide nanotubes by periodic 2D layer scrolling
Authors: McNulty David , Buckley D. Noel , O'Dwyer Colm
Published: April 2016

Structural uniformity of vanadium oxide nanotubes is possible by ensuring that 2D crystalline lamina maintain a defined thickness and interlayer spacing during scrolling. These parameters are sensitive to uniform packing of amine molecular templates.
A reversible pH-modified fluorescence transition in block copolymer micelles enwrapped with a zinc(ii) fluorescent complex
Authors: Qin Yumei , Li Shuangde , Lu Jun , Li Zhen , Duan Xue
Published: April 2016

pH-Modified luminescent micelles and films were prepared and show a reversible green and blue luminescent response to acidic and alkaline atmospheres, respectively.
Correction: Fatty acids' double role in the prebiotic formation of a hydrophobic dipeptide
Authors: Murillo-Sánchez Sara , Beaufils Damien , González Mañas Juan Manuel , Pascal Robert , Ruiz-Mirazo Kepa
Published: April 2016

Correction for ‘Fatty acids' double role in the prebiotic formation of a hydrophobic dipeptide’ by Sara Murillo-Sánchez et al., Chem. Sci., 2016, DOI: 10.1039/c5sc04796j.
Nanoporous amide networks based on tetraphenyladamantane for selective CO2 capture
Authors: Zulfiqar Sonia , Mantione Daniele , El Tall Omar , Sarwar Muhammad Ilyas , Ruipérez Fernando , Rothenberger Alexander , Mecerreyes David
Published: April 2016

This paper reveals the potential of nanoporous amide networks based on tetraphenyladamantane for selective CO2 capture.
Metal–organic-framework-derived ZnO@C@NiCo2O4 core–shell structures as an advanced electrode for high-performance supercapacitors
Authors: Zeng Wei , Wang Lei , Shi Huimin , Zhang Guanhua , Zhang Kang , Zhang Hang , Gong Feilong , Wang Taihong , Duan Huigao
Published: April 2016

Unique core–shell ZnO@C@NiCo2O4 nanorod sheet arrays (NRSAs) on a carbon cloth substrate were synthesized through a facile hydrothermal and electrodeposition method.
Fault detection, classification and location for transmission lines and distribution systems: a review on the methods
Authors: Chen Kunjin , Huang Caowei , He Jinliang
Published: April 2016

A comprehensive review on the methods used for fault detection, classification and location in transmission lines and distribution systems is presented in this study. Though the three topics are highly correlated, the authors try to discuss them separately, so that one may have a more logical and comprehensive understanding of the concepts without getting confused. Great significance is also attached to the feature extraction process, without which the majority of the methods may not be implemented properly. Fault detection techniques are discussed on the basis of feature extraction. After the overall concepts and general ideas are presented, representative works as well as new progress in the techniques are covered and discussed in detail. One may find the content of this study helpful as a detailed literature review or a practical technical guidance.
Impact of time parameters of lightning impulse on the breakdown characteristics of oil paper insulation
Authors: Sima Wenxia , Sun Potao , Yang Ming , Wu Jingyu , Hua Jiefang
Published: April 2016

At present, the insulation performances of electrical apparatus under lightning impulse voltages are always evaluated by the withstand test of standard lightning impulse voltage (1.2/50 µs), which is recommended by IEC Standard. However, the actual time parameters of transformer invading lightning impulse voltage present an obvious dispersibility characteristics. The standard wave shape is only representative of one particular class of lightning waves, which is far from satisfactory to act as the guidance waveform in the design of power equipment insulation. On the basis of the above research background, the relationship between breakdown characteristics of oil paper insulation and time parameters of applied lightning impulse voltage was investigated in this study. The 50% breakdown voltage characteristics of oil paper insulation under lightning impulse voltage with different time parameters were determined. The test results indicate that a short wave front time could lead to relatively low 50% breakdown voltage, while when the wave tail time varied, the 50% breakdown voltage of oil paper insulation barely changed. At last the simulation model of oil paper insulation was developed, and the current flowing through the oil paper insulating system under lightning impulse voltage was calculated. On the basis of the simulating results, the relationship between current and time parameters was analysed.
New adiabatic calorimeter for realization the triple point of water in metallic-sealed cell at NIS-Egypt
Authors: El Matarawy Ahmed Ali , Ahmed Mohamed Gamal
Published: April 2016

The thermal metrology laboratory, at the National Institute for Standards (NIS-Egypt), has been working during the last three years on the development of metallic-sealed cells for the realization of the triple point of water (TPW), 273.16 K [H. Preston-Thomas, Metrologia 27, 3 (1990)]. A metallic-sealed cell has been already developed and characterized in the past [A. El Matarawy, M.G. Ahmed, Int. J. Metrol. Qual. Eng. 5, 401 (2014), M.G. Ahmed, A. El Matarawy, H.M. Abo Dorra, J. Phys. Sci. Appl. 1 (2015)]. The classical large triple point of water cell and metallic-sealed cell showed a discrepancy of 0.7 mK [A. El Matarawy, M.G. Ahmed, Int. J. Metrol. Qual. Eng. 5, 401 (2014)]. The main target of this work is to get the lowest possible uncertainty in calibrating Capsule Standard Platinum Resistance Thermometers (CSPRTs) under adiabatic conditions. The full system is composed of a metallic-sealed cell and an improved adiabatic calorimeter to increase as much as possible the thermal resistance between the cell and the inner adiabatic shield of the calorimeter. It gives also a reliable calculation of the heat capacity of the cell and the comparison copper block which accommodates several CSPRTs. With this new system the reproducibility of metallic-sealed cell was found to be 0.7 mK as described below. reproducibility of metallic-sealed cells is found to be less than 0.7 mK.