bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High phylogenetic diversity is preserved in species-poor high-elevation temperate moth assemblages
Authors: Zou Yi , Sang Weiguo , Hausmann Axel , Axmacher Jan Christoph
Published: March 2016

Understanding the diversity and composition of species assemblages and identifying underlying biotic and abiotic determinants represent great ecological challenges. Addressing some of these issues, we investigated the α-diversity and phylogenetic composition of species-rich geometrid moth (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) assemblages in the mature temperate forest on Changbai Mountain. A total of 9285 geometrid moths representing 131 species were collected, with many species displaying wide elevational distribution ranges. Moth α-diversity decreased monotonously, while the standardized effect size of mean pairwise phylogenetic distances (MPD) and phylogenetic diversity (PD) increased significantly with increasing elevation. At high elevations, the insect assemblages consisted largely of habitat generalists that were individually more phylogenetically distinct from co-occurring species than species in assemblages at lower altitudes. This could hint at higher speciation rates in more favourable low-elevation environments generating a species-rich geometrid assemblage, while exclusion of phylogenetically closely related species becomes increasingly important in shaping moth assemblages at higher elevations. Overall, it appears likely that high-elevation temperate moth assemblages are strongly resilient to environmental change and that they contain a much larger proportion of the genetic diversity encountered at low-elevation assemblages in comparison to tropical geometrid communities.
Identification of protein secretion systems in bacterial genomes
Authors: Abby Sophie S. , Cury Jean , Guglielmini Julien , Néron Bertrand , Touchon Marie , Rocha Eduardo P. C.
Published: March 2016

Bacteria with two cell membranes (diderms) have evolved complex systems for protein secretion. These systems were extensively studied in some model bacteria, but the characterisation of their diversity has lagged behind due to lack of standard annotation tools. We built online and standalone computational tools to accurately predict protein secretion systems and related appendages in bacteria with LPS-containing outer membranes. They consist of models describing the systems’ components and genetic organization to be used with MacSyFinder to search for T1SS-T6SS, T9SS, flagella, Type IV pili and Tad pili. We identified ~10,000 candidate systems in bacterial genomes, where T1SS and T5SS were by far the most abundant and widespread. All these data are made available in a public database. The recently described T6SSiiiand T9SS were restricted to Bacteroidetes, and T6SSiitoFrancisella. The T2SS, T3SS, and T4SS were frequently encoded in single-copy in one locus, whereas most T1SS were encoded in two loci. The secretion systems of diderm Firmicutes were similar to those found in other diderms. Novel systems may remain to be discovered, since some clades of environmental bacteria lacked all known protein secretion systems. Our models can be fully customized, which should facilitate the identification of novel systems.
miR-27a-3p suppresses tumor metastasis and VM by down-regulating VE-cadherin expression and inhibiting EMT: an essential role for Twist-1 in HCC
Authors: Zhao Nan , Sun Huizhi , Sun Baocun , Zhu Dongwang , Zhao Xiulan , Wang Yong , Gu Qiang , Dong Xueyi , Liu Fang , Zhang Yanhui , Li Xiao
Published: March 2016

Twist-1 and miRNAs have been reported to be associated with tumor metastasis and angiogenesis. However, the relationship between Twist-1 and miRNAs and the function of miRNAs remain largely undefined. We aimed to reveal the Twist-1-related miRNA expression profile and to determine whether Twist-1 functions in tumor metastasis and vasculogenic mimicry (VM) by regulating miRNA expression in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Results showed that the expression of miR-27a-3p was consistently down-regulated in HCC cell lines and tissue samples displaying high expression of Twist-1. Both loss- and gain-of-function assays revealed suppressive effects of miR-27a-3p. Low miR-27a-3p expression was significantly associated with early metastasis in HCC. Subsequent investigations revealed that miR-27a-3p mediated the inhibition of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). Additional experiments showed that VE-cadherin is a direct target of miR-27a-3p and further demonstrated the critical role of miR-27a-3p in suppressing tumor metastasis and VM. Conclusions: Twist-1 up-regulation in HepG2 cells resulted in the differential expression of 18 miRNAs. Among them, miR-27a-3p deregulation contributed to VM and metastasis. The miR-27a-3p-mediated down-regulation of VE-cadherin and inhibition of EMT may be essential for Twist-1 to induce tumor metastasis and VM. Our findings highlight the importance of miR-27a-3p and suggest a promising new strategy for anti-HCC therapy.
Plasmofluidic Disk Resonators
Authors: Kwon Min-Suk , Ku Bonwoo , Kim Yonghan
Published: March 2016

Waveguide-coupled silicon ring or disk resonators have been used for optical signal processing and sensing. Large-scale integration of optical devices demands continuous reduction in their footprints, and ultimately they need to be replaced by silicon-based plasmonic resonators. However, few waveguide-coupled silicon-based plasmonic resonators have been realized until now. Moreover, fluid cannot interact effectively with them since their resonance modes are strongly confined in solid regions. To solve this problem, this paper reports realized plasmofluidic disk resonators (PDRs). The PDR consists of a submicrometer radius silicon disk and metal laterally surrounding the disk with a 30-nm-wide channel in between. The channel is filled with fluid, and the resonance mode of the PDR is strongly confined in the fluid. The PDR coupled to a metal-insulator-silicon-insulator-metal waveguide is implemented by using standard complementary metal oxide semiconductor technology. If the refractive index of the fluid increases by 0.141, the transmission spectrum of the waveguide coupled to the PDR of radius 0.9 μm red-shifts by 30 nm. The PDR can be used as a refractive index sensor requiring a very small amount of analyte. Plus, the PDR filled with liquid crystal may be an ultracompact intensity modulator which is effectively controlled by small driving voltage.
High applicability of two-dimensional phosphorous in Kagome lattice predicted from first-principles calculations
Authors: Chen Peng-Jen , Jeng Horng-Tay
Published: March 2016

A new semiconducting phase of two-dimensional phosphorous in the Kagome lattice is proposed from first-principles calculations. The band gaps of the monolayer (ML) and bulk Kagome phosphorous (Kagome-P) are 2.00 and 1.11 eV, respectively. The magnitude of the band gap is tunable by applying the in-plane strain and/or changing the number of stacking layers. High optical absorption coefficients at the visible light region are predicted for multilayer Kagome-P, indicating potential applications for solar cell devices. The nearly dispersionless top valence band of the ML Kagome-P with high density of states at the Fermi level leads to superconductivity withTcof ~9 K under the optimal hole doping concentration. We also propose that the Kagome-P can be fabricated through the manipulation of the substrate-induced strain during the process of the sample growth. Our work demonstrates the high applicability of the Kagome-P in the fields of electronics, photovoltaics and superconductivity.
Longitudinal association between toenail zinc levels and the incidence of diabetes among American young adults: The CARDIA Trace Element Study
Authors: Park Jong Suk , Xun Pengcheng , Li Jing , Morris Steve J. , Jacobs David R. , Liu Kiang , He Ka
Published: March 2016

Data on primary prevention of zinc status and diabetes risk are sparse and inconsistent. Of note, the previous studies measured either dietary zinc intake with questionnaire or zinc status in serum or hair. Toenail zinc levels are reliable biomarkers of a relatively long-term exposure. A total of 3,960 American young adults, aged 20–32 years, free of diabetes at baseline in 1987 when toenail clippings were collected, were examined for incident diabetes through 2010. Toenail zinc levels were measured with an inductively-coupled-plasma mass spectroscopy method. Incident diabetes cases were identified by fasting or non-fasting plasma glucose levels, oral glucose tolerance tests, hemoglobin A1C levels, and/or antidiabetic medications. During the 23-year follow-up, 418 incident diabetes occurred. After adjusted for age, sex, ethnicity, study center, body mass index, education, smoking status, alcohol consumption, physical activity, family history of diabetes, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, and other dietary and non-dietary potential confounders, the hazard ratio of incident diabetes comparing the highest to the lowest quartile of toenail zinc levels was 1.21 (95% CI: 0.90–1.63; Ptrend = 0.20). Findings from this study do not support the hypothesis that zinc status is inversely and longitudinally associated with the incidence of diabetes in American young adults.
Universal limiting shape of worn profile under multiple-mode fretting conditions: theory and experimental evidence
Authors: Dmitriev Andrey I. , Voll Lars B. , Psakhie Sergey G. , Popov Valentin L.
Published: March 2016

We consider multiple-mode fretting wear in a frictional contact of elastic bodies subjected to a small-amplitude oscillation, which may include in-plane and out-of-plane translation, torsion and tilting (“periodic rolling”). While the detailed kinetics of wear depends on the particular loading history and wear mechanism, the final worn shape, under some additional conditions, occurs to be universal for all types and loading and wear mechanisms. This universal form is determined solely by the radius of the permanent stick region and the maximum indentation depth during the loading cycle. We provide experimental evidence for the correctness of the theoretically predicted limiting shape. The existence of the universal limiting shape can be used for designing joints which are resistant to fretting wear.
Mutual antagonism between hepatitis B viral mRNA and host microRNA let-7
Authors: Takata Akemi , Otsuka Motoyuki , Ohno Motoko , Kishikawa Takahiro , Yoshikawa Takeshi , Koike Kazuhiko
Published: March 2016

The interplay between viral and host factors plays a major role in viral pathogenesis. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a global health problem that leads to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Although HBV proteins have been studied extensively about their implication in hepatocarcinogenesis, the molecular mechanisms of oncogenesis are still largely unknown. A recent concept in gene regulation, in which competitive endogenous RNAs compete for common microRNAs (miRNAs), suggests that mRNA targets are key elements in the regulation of miRNA availability. Here, we show that HBV mRNA in the preS2 region can be targeted by host miRNA let-7 g. This leads to the sequestration of let-7 g and inhibition of let-7 g function. The expression of HBV transcripts, including the preS2 region, de-repressed let-7 g targets, which may contribute to long-term oncogenesis. HBV transcript-expressing transgenic mice, but not non-targeted transcript-expressing mice, were more prone to chemically induced hepatoocarcinogenesis. Let-7 target protein expression was upregulated in human HCC tissues derived from HBV-infected patients. On the other hand, let-7 g inhibited HBV preS2 protein expression and viral products. These results suggest that the interplay between viral intermediate transcripts during HBV replication and host miRNAs is crucial to the pathogenesis of chronic viral infection.
Testing the relation between percentage change and baseline value
Authors: Tu Yu-Kang
Published: March 2016

Testing the relation between percentage change and baseline value has been controversial, but it is not clear why this practice may yield spurious results. In this paper, we first explained why the usual testing of the relation between percentage change and baseline value is inappropriate and then demonstrated how the appropriate null hypothesis could be formulated. We also proposed a simple procedure for testing the appropriate null hypothesis based on the assumption that when there is no relation between percentage change and baseline value, the coefficients of variation for repeated measurements of a random variable should remain unchanged. Two examples were used to demonstrate how the usual testing gave rise to misleading results, whilst results from our simple test were in general consistent with those from simulations. We also undertook simulations to investigate the impact of measurement errors on the performance of the proposed test. Results suggested the type-I error rates increased with the magnitude of measurement errors, whilst the statistical power to detect a genuine relation decreased. The usual approach to testing the relation between percentage change and baseline value tended to yield misleading results and should be avoided.
Increased resting state connectivity between ipsilesional motor cortex and contralesional premotor cortex after transcranial direct current stimulation with physical therapy
Authors: Chen Joyce L , Schlaug Gottfried
Published: March 2016

Non-invasive stimulation of the brain using transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) during motor rehabilitation can improve the recovery of movements in individuals with stroke. However, the neural substrates that underlie the clinical improvements are not well understood. In this proof-of-principle open-label pilot study, five individuals with stroke received 10 sessions of tDCS while undergoing usual care physical/occupational therapy for the arm and hand. Motor impairment as indexed by the Upper Extremity Fugl Meyer assessment was significantly reduced after the intervention. Resting state fMRI connectivity increased between ipsilesional motor cortex and contralesional premotor cortex after the intervention. These findings provide preliminary evidence that the neural underpinnings of tDCS coupled with rehabilitation exercises, may be mediated by interactions between motor and premotor cortex. The latter, of which has been shown to play an important role in the recovery of movements post-stroke. Our data suggest premotor cortex could be tested as a target region for non-invasive brain-stimulation to enhance connectivity between regions that might be beneficial for stroke motor recovery.
Knockout of Foxp2 disrupts vocal development in mice
Authors: Castellucci Gregg A. , McGinley Matthew J. , McCormick David A.
Published: March 2016

The FOXP2 gene is important for the development of proper speech motor control in humans. However, the role of the gene in general vocal behavior in other mammals, including mice, is unclear. Here, we track the vocal development of Foxp2 heterozygous knockout (Foxp2+/−) mice and their wildtype (WT) littermates from juvenile to adult ages, and observe severe abnormalities in the courtship song of Foxp2+/− mice. In comparison to their WT littermates, Foxp2+/− mice vocalized less, produced shorter syllable sequences, and possessed an abnormal syllable inventory. In addition, Foxp2+/− song also exhibited irregular rhythmic structure, and its development did not follow the consistent trajectories observed in WT vocalizations. These results demonstrate that the Foxp2 gene is critical for normal vocal behavior in juvenile and adult mice, and that Foxp2 mutant mice may provide a tractable model system for the study of the gene’s role in general vocal motor control.
Development of magnetic ytterbium oxide core–shell particles for selectively trapping phosphopeptides
Authors: Meisenbichler Christina , Rauch Julia S. , Güzel Yüksel , Wernig Eva-Maria , Schemeth Dieter , Tribus Martina , Tessadri Richard , Rainer Matthias
Published: March 2016

Selective enrichment of phosphorylated peptides by magnetic ytterbium oxide core-shell particles.
Formation of α-chalcogenyl acrylamides through unprecedented chalcogen-mediated metal-free oxyfunctionalization of ynamides with DMSO as an oxidant
Authors: Huang Hai , Tang Luning , Liu Qi , Xi Yang , He Guangke , Zhu Hongjun
Published: March 2016

A novel chalcogen-mediated metal-free oxyfunctionalization mode of ynamides for the synthesis of α-chalcogenyl acrylamides has been developed.
Creep-resistant behavior of beta-polypropylene with different crystalline morphologies
Authors: Jia Chenfei , Liao Xia , Zhu Jingjun , An Zhu , Zhang Qiongwen , Yang Qi , Li Guangxian
Published: March 2016

This manuscript investigates the creep performance of β-iPP with different crystalline morphologies.
Fast fabrication of self-supported porous nickel phosphide foam for efficient, durable oxygen evolution and overall water splitting
Authors: Wang Xiaoguang , Li Wei , Xiong Dehua , Liu Lifeng
Published: March 2016

Self-supported porous Ni–P foam is fabricated by a convenient one-step method, and exhibits excellent electrocatalytic performance towards oxygen evolution reaction. An alkaline electrolyzer constructed using two self-supported porous Ni–P foams shows superior energy efficiency of 90.2% at 10 mA cm−2, and can sustain 1000 h under operation conditions without obvious degradation.
In situ bifunctionalized carbon dots with boronic acid and amino groups for ultrasensitive dopamine detection
Authors: Liu Xiaojing , Hu Xiujie , Xie Zheng , Chen Ping , Sun Xingming , Yan Jun , Zhou Shuyun
Published: March 2016

In this paper, in situ bifunctionalized carbon dots (B-N-CDs) with boronic acid and amino groups were prepared by a simple hydrothermal method using 3-aminophenylboronic acid as the sole precursor.
P4functionalization by hydrides: direct synthesis of P–H bonds
Authors: Bhattacharyya Koyel X. , Dreyfuss Sébastien , Saffon-Merceron Nathalie , Mézailles Nicolas
Published: March 2016

Functionalization of white phosphorus (P4) by hydride sources MBH4and LiBEt3H leads to the formation of HP4M and LiPH2(BEt3)2respectively.
Effect of the alkaline cation size on the conductivity in gel polymer electrolytes and their influence on photo electrochemical solar cells
Authors: Bandara T. M. W. J. , Fernando H. D. N. S. , Furlani M. , Albinsson I. , Dissanayake M. A. K. L. , Ratnasekera J. L. , Mellander B.-E.
Published: March 2016

The nature and concentration of cationic species in the electrolyte exert a profound influence on the efficiency of nanocrystalline dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs).
Synthesis and high electrocatalytic activity of Au-decorated Pd heterogeneous nanocube catalysts for ethanol electro-oxidation in alkaline media
Authors: Zhong Jiatai , Bin Duan , Feng Yue , Zhang Ke , Wang Jin , Wang Caiqin , Guo Jun , Yang Ping , Du Yukou
Published: March 2016

In this study, highly active Au-decorated Pd heterogeneous nanocubes with Pd/Au molar ratios ranging from 15 : 1 to 2 : 1 were successfully synthesized based on a successive reduction strategy.
Correction: Absolute stereochemistry and preferred conformations of urate degradation intermediates from computed and experimental circular dichroism spectra
Authors: Pipolo Silvio , Percudani Riccardo , Cammi Roberto
Published: March 2016

Correction for ‘Absolute stereochemistry and preferred conformations of urate degradation intermediates from computed and experimental circular dichroism spectra’ by Silvio Pipolo et al., Org. Biomol. Chem., 2011, 9, 5149–5155.
A library of heptyl mannose-functionalized copolymers with distinct compositions, microstructures and neighboring non-sugar motifs as potent antiadhesives of type 1 piliated E. coli
Authors: Yan Xibo , Sivignon Adeline , Barnich Nicolas , Gouin Sébastien G. , Bouckaert Julie , Fleury Etienne , Bernard Julien
Published: March 2016

Heptyl Mannose-functionalized copolymers are efficient anti-adhesives of type 1 Piliated E. coli.
Oxidative trifluoromethylthiolation and thiocyanation of amines: a general approach to N–S bond formation
Authors: Xiong Heng-Ying , Pannecoucke Xavier , Besset Tatiana
Published: March 2016

Herein, we described a practical and efficient one-pot oxidative trifluoromethylthiolation of amines.
Enhanced total phenolic and isoflavone aglycone content, antioxidant activity and DNA damage protection of soybeans processed by solid state fermentation with Rhizopus oligosporus RT-3
Authors: Xiao Yu , Fan Juan , Chen Yulian , Rui Xin , Zhang Qiuqin , Dong Mingsheng
Published: March 2016

In this study,Rhizopus oligosporusRT-3, which was first isolated in our group, was used for solid state fermentation of soybeans (R. oligosporus-fermented soybeans, RFS) in a short time (22 h).
Improving the dissolution of fenofibrate with yeast cell-derived hollow core/shell carbon microparticles
Authors: Huang Xiaoxi , Zhang Tao , Zou Xiaoxin , Tao Zhimin , Asefa Tewodros
Published: March 2016

Hollow-mesoporous core/shell carbon microparticles that aid the adsorption and release properties of poorly soluble drugs are synthesized from yeast cells.
Interaction of cationic gemini surfactant tetramethylene-1,4-bis(dimethyltetradecylammonium bromide) with anionic polyelectrolyte sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, with two different molar masses, in aqueous and aquo-organic (isopropanol) media
Authors: Das Sibani , Mondal Satyajit , Ghosh Soumen
Published: March 2016

Interactions of the cationic gemini surfactant, 14-4-14 with anionic polymer, NaCMC.
Formation mechanism of plasmonic silver nanohexagonal particles made by galvanic displacement reaction
Authors: Yamamoto Y. S. , Fujime Y. , Takahashi N. , Nakanishi S. , Itoh T.
Published: March 2016

Multi-element XPS depth profile analysis made clear that Ag nanoscale hexagonal columns formed by newly-discovered galvanic displacement reaction are covered with Cu compounds which prevent Ag columns from fusion, resulting in stable hotspots.
A robust and easily integrated plasma separation chip using gravitational sedimentation of blood cells filling-in high-aspect-ratio weir structure
Authors: Xie Yao , Chen Di , Lin Shujing , Wang Zhigang , Cui Daxiang
Published: March 2016

A robust and easily integrated plasma separation chip is very important for integration with microfluidic chips.
Enhancement of xylanase productivity using industrial by-products under solid suspended fermentation in a stirred tank bioreactor, with a dissolved oxygen constant control strategy
Authors: Moteshafi Hadis , Mousavi Seyyed Mohammad , Hashemi Maryam
Published: March 2016

Solid suspended fermentation ofBacillus subtilisD3d using different agro-industrial residues was performed in this work for the co-production of xylanase and lichenase.
A facile strategy for the synthesis of monodispersed W17O47 nanoneedles
Authors: Lu Lili , Xu Suying , Cui Jiabin , Wang Leyu
Published: March 2016

We present a facile one-pot wet chemical strategy for the synthesis of monodispersed W17O47 nanoneedles, of which the synthetic conditions and photothermal properties are systematically investigated.
Ternary cooperative Au–CdS–rGO hetero-nanostructures: synthesis with multi-interface control and their photoelectrochemical sensor applications
Authors: Cheng Lei , Liu Jiajia , Chen Tao , Xu Meng , Ji Muwei , Zhang Bing , Zhang Xiang , Zhang Jiatao
Published: March 2016

This paper demonstrates the synthesis of ternary cooperative semiconductor–metal–graphene (Au–CdS–rGO) hetero-nanostructures. The obtained Au–CdS–rGO photoanode showed a greatly enhanced photoelectrochemical photocurrent.
Investigation into the adsorption of partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide onto in situ formed magnesium hydroxide particles
Authors: Li Feng , Ye Lanlan , Li Yujiang , Wu Tao
Published: March 2016

Robust, fast method treating wastewater containing HPAM and the detailed adsorption mechanism of HPAM onto in situ formed Mg(OH)2 was proposed.
Doxorubicin-loaded ionic liquid–polydopamine nanoparticles for combined chemotherapy and microwave thermal therapy of cancer
Authors: Tang Wenting , Liu Bo , Wang Shengping , Liu Tianlong , Fu Changhui , Ren Xiangling , Tan Longfei , Duan Wubiao , Meng Xianwei
Published: March 2016

Doxorubicin-loaded ionic liquid–polydopamine (IL–PDA–DOX) nanocomposites were obtained with high antitumor efficacy for combined chemotherapy and microwave thermal therapy of cancer.
Catalytic transformation of glycerol to 1-propanol by combining zirconium phosphate and supported Ru catalysts
Authors: Wang Mengpan , Yang Hanmin , Xie Yinzheng , Wu Xiaohui , Chen Chen , Ma Wenbo , Dong Qifeng , Hou Zhenshan
Published: March 2016

The one-pot hydrogenolysis of biomass-derived glycerol to 1-propanol has been investigated over sequential two-layer catalysts in a continuous-flow fixed-bed reactor.
Binder-free lithium ion battery electrodes made of silicon and pyrolized lignin
Authors: Chen Tao , Zhang Qinglin , Xu Jiagang , Pan Jie , Cheng Yang-Tse
Published: March 2016

A binder-free silicon based lithium ion anode with renewable biopolymer lignin shows high electrochemical performance and stability.
Access to enhanced catalytic core–shell CuO–Pd nanoparticles for the organic transformations
Authors: Mishra Kanchan , Basavegowda Nagaraj , Lee Yong Rok
Published: March 2016

This paper describes the biosynthesis of core–shell CuO–Pd nanocatalysts with the aid of aCyperus rotundusrhizome extract.
Propane dehydrogenation over Ce-containing ZSM-5 supported platinum–tin catalysts: Ce concentration effect and reaction performance analysis
Authors: Zhang Yiwei , Xue Mengwei , Zhou Yuming , Zhang Hongxing , Wang Wen , Wang Qianli , Sheng Xiaoli
Published: March 2016

Ce-containing ZSM-5 zeolites were hydrothermally synthesized and then used as supports for platinum–tin catalysts in propane dehydrogenation.
A FRET probe with AIEgen as the energy quencher: dual signal turn-on for self-validated caspase detection
Authors: Yuan Youyong , Zhang Ruoyu , Cheng Xiamin , Xu Shidang , Liu Bin
Published: March 2016

A new generation of FRET probe, based on coumarin (Cou) as the energy donor and AIEgen (TPETP) as the energy quencher conjugatedviaan Asp-Glu-Val-Asp (DEVD) substrate was developed for self-validated caspase-3 detection with dual fluorescent signal turn-on.
Multitechnique investigation of Dy3 – implications for coupled lanthanide clusters
Authors: Gysler Maren , El Hallak Fadi , Ungur Liviu , Marx Raphael , Hakl Michael , Neugebauer Petr , Rechkemmer Yvonne , Lan Yanhua , Sheikin Ilya , Orlita Milan , Anson Christopher E. , Powell Annie K. , Sessoli Roberta , Chibotaru Liviu F. , van Slageren Joris
Published: March 2016

Torque magnetometry and far-infrared spectroscopy elucidate electronic structure and magnetic properties of Dy3 single molecule magnet.
IL-10-producing regulatory B-cells suppressed effector T-cells but enhanced regulatory T-cells in chronic HBV infection
Authors: Liu Yun , Cheng Li-sha , Wu Sheng-di , Wang Si-qi , Li Lei , She Wei-min , Li Jing , Wang Ji-yao , Jiang Wei
Published: March 2016

Non-specific immune responses to antigens have been demonstrated as being enhanced during chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Here, we evaluated the role of interleukin-10 (IL-10)-producing regulatory B-cells (Bregs) in the pathogenesis of HBV-related liver fibrosis (HBV-LF) and assessed their immunoregulatory effects. Sixty-seven patients diagnosed with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) were enrolled in this study. Numbers and frequencies of peripheral B-cells (memory CD19+CD24hiCD27+ cells, immature/transitional CD19+CD24hiCD38hi cells, mature CD19+CD24intCD38int cells) were tested and analysed. Flow cytometry-sorted CD4+T cells were cultured with autologous Bregs to elucidate the effects of Bregs on CD4+T cells, including effector T and regulatory T-cells (Tregs). The potential immunoregulatory mechanism of Bregs was also investigated. The numbers of total B-cells and Bregs were enriched in CHB patients. The frequency of Bregs was negatively correlated with elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and histological inflammation grades (G), but positively correlated with advanced histological fibrosis stages (S) and enhanced HBV replication. The phenotype of Bregs was predominantly characterized as CD19+CD24hiCD38hi. In co-culture with Bregs, CD4+CD25−T cells from CHB patients produced less interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and IL-17 but more IL-4 than CD4+CD25−T cells alone, whereas their conversions into Tregs and IL-10+T cells were enhanced. In addition, Breg depletion in CHB samples dramatically decreased Treg numbers and expression of cytotoxic T-lymphocyte associated antigen-4 (CTLA-4), IL-10 and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β). Moreover, the observed regulatory effect was partly dependent on IL-10 release and cell-to-cell contact. Elevated Bregs can suppress effector T but enhance Treg functions, which might influence immune tolerance in chronic HBV infection.
Poly(3-hexylthiophene) End-Functionalization via Quenching Resulting in Heteroatom-Bond Formation
Authors: Kang Lauren J. , Luscombe Christine K.
Published: March 2016

End-functionalized poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) has contributed to continued advancements in conjugated polymer applications, especially within organic electronics. P3HT synthesized using Kumada catalyst-transfer polymerization (KCTP) has many favourable attributes such as controlled molecular weight, high regioregularity, and narrow dispersity. With the addition of reactive end-groups, P3HT plays an important role in advancing the development of hybrid materials and preparation of block copolymers. Exploring methods of end-functionalization that result in heteroatom-bond formation, giving a non-carbon atom bonded to the terminal thiophene, could help control and understand the p–n junction of hybrid materials. This research highlight focuses on the development of a novel and facile way of end-functionalizing P3HT with chalcogens.
Phylogeny and population genetic structure of the ant genus Acropyga (Hymenoptera : Formicidae) in Papua New Guinea
Authors: Janda Milan , Matos-Maraví Pável , Borovanska Michaela , Zima Jan , Youngerman Eric , Pierce Naomi E.
Published: March 2016

Spatial isolation and geological history are important factors in the diversification and population differentiation of species. Here we describe distributional patterns of ants in the genus Acropyga across Papua New Guinea (PNG), a highly biodiverse but little-studied region. We estimate phylogenetic relationships among currently recognised species of Acropyga and assess population genetic structure of the widespread species, A. acutiventris, across lowland areas of the island. We find that species of Acropyga present in PNG diversified during the Pliocene, between six and two million years ago. Most species now exhibit a patchy distribution that does not show a strong signal of geological history. However, the population genetic structure of the widespread species A. acutiventris has been influenced by geography, habitat association and, possibly, historical habitat fragmentation. There is a significant effect of isolation-by-distance within continuous lowland forest, and proximity to Australia has had a larger impact in structuring populations of A. acutiventris in PNG than has the Central Papuan Cordillera. This study is the first to describe population genetic patterns of an ant species in Papua New Guinea.
Is Hydroides brachyacantha (Serpulidae : Annelida) a widespread species?
Authors: Sun Yanan , Wong Eunice , Tovar-Hernández María Ana , Williamson Jane E. , Kupriyanova Elena K.
Published: March 2016

Hydroides brachyacantha Rioja, 1941, an important fouling serpulid species originally described from Mazatlán (Southern Gulf of California, Mexico) and Acapulco (southern Mexican Pacific), has been reported from the Mexican Pacific and numerous tropical and subtropical localities. However, a recent description of H. amri Sun, Wong, ten Hove, Hutchings, Williamson & Kupriyanova, 2015 from Australia, which was historically misidentified as H. brachyacantha, suggested that the widespread ‘H. brachyacantha’ is indeed a species complex. To test the status of H. amri, we conducted phylogenetic analyses based on a combined dataset of 18S rRNA, internal transcribed spacer-2, and cytochrome b sequences of H. brachyacantha from the type locality in Mexico with those of H. amri from Australia. Our molecular data supported the morphology-based hypothesis of H. amri and H. brachyacantha sensu stricto as two distinct species. Furthermore, H. amri comprises two non-sister well-supported clades. Hydroides amri thus comprises what we consider two cryptic species with long-term isolation. Here we describe the genetic lineage in South Australia as Hydroides nikae, sp. nov. Given the absence of a holotype of H. brachyacantha, we designate a neotype collected from the type locality (Mazatlán, Mexico). This study calls for a worldwide revision of the H. brachyacantha-complex.
Molecular evidence for non-monophyly of the pinnotheroid crabs (Crustacea : Brachyura : Pinnotheroidea), warranting taxonomic reappraisal
Authors: Palacios Theil Emma , Cuesta José A. , Felder Darryl L.
Published: March 2016

The crabs of the family Pinnotheridae are well known as commensals or parasites, mainly of molluscs and tubeworms. The phylogeny of the group, however, is poorly understood, with preliminary morphological and molecular studies questioning its monophyly. Here we used molecular genetic markers (16S, 12S mitochondrial; histone 3 nuclear) to infer a phylogeny for the family Pinnotheridae De Haan, 1833 to reevaluate the phylogeny and systematics at the level of its subfamilies and genera. Our molecular phylogeny indicated that Parapinnixa cortesi Thoma, Heard, & Vargas, 2005, Parapinnixa hendersoni Rathbun, 1918, Pinnotherelia laevigata H. Milne Edwards & Lucas, 1844, Sakaina yokoyai (Glassell, 1933), Tetrias fischerii (A. Milne-Edwards, 1867) and Tetrias scabripes Rathbun, 1898 should be removed from the family Pinnotheridae, while composition of the present subfamilies, Pinnotherinae De Haan, 1833 and Pinnothereliinae Alcock, 1900, must be revised. At generic level, Clypeasterophilus Campos, 1990, Dissodactylus Smith, 1870, Fabia Dana, 1851, Nepinnotheres Manning, 1993 and Pinnixa White, 1846 were not monophyletic in our analyses. With the exclusion of Pinnotherelia from Pinnotheridae, remaining species of Pinnothereliinae are assigned to Pinnixinae Števčić, 2005, a new subfamily based upon revision and elevation of rank for the tribe Pinnixini Števčić, 2005. In addition, we restructure membership of the subfamily Pinnotherinae and propose Pinnixulalinae, subfam. nov. to accommodate species that were excluded by molecular analyses from the other two subfamilies. These have a firm, wider-than-long carapace with clearly defined regions, strong legs that are usually tuberculate and very setose, and a third maxilliped with an elongate ischiomerus in which the ischium and merus may or may not be indistinguishably fused. Our analyses included 169 pinnotherid exemplars, representing almost half of the genera and about a quarter of the species presently recognised for the family. The relationships within and among some taxa are resolved to greater or lesser extent and the phylogenetic biodiversity of pinnotherid crabs is revealed. However, future publications will most likely result in a further increase in the number of taxa.
Biotic homogenization can decrease landscape-scale forest multifunctionality
Authors: van der Plas Fons , Manning Pete , Soliveres Santiago , Allan Eric , Scherer-Lorenzen Michael , Verheyen Kris , Wirth Christian , Zavala Miguel A. , Ampoorter Evy , Baeten Lander , Barbaro Luc , Bauhus Jürgen , Benavides Raquel , Benneter Adam , Bonal Damien , Bouriaud Olivier , Bruelheide Helge , Bussotti Filippo , Carnol Monique , Castagneyrol Bastien , Charbonnier Yohan , Coomes David Anthony , Coppi Andrea , Bastias Cristina C. , Dawud Seid Muhie , De Wandeler Hans , Domisch Timo , Finér Leena , Gessler Arthur , Granier André , Grossiord Charlotte , Guyot Virginie , Hättenschwiler Stephan , Jactel Hervé , Jaroszewicz Bogdan , Joly François-xavier , Jucker Tommaso , Koricheva Julia , Milligan Harriet , Mueller Sandra , Muys Bart , Nguyen Diem , Pollastrini Martina , Ratcliffe Sophia , Raulund-Rasmussen Karsten , Selvi Federico , Stenlid Jan , Valladares Fernando , Vesterdal Lars , Zielínski Dawid , Fischer Markus
Published: March 2016

Significance

Numerous studies have demonstrated the importance of biodiversity in maintaining multiple ecosystem functions and services (multifunctionality) at local spatial scales, but it is unknown whether similar relationships are found at larger spatial scales in real-world landscapes. Here, we show, for the first time to our knowledge, that biodiversity can also be important for multifunctionality at larger spatial scales in European forest landscapes. Both high local (α-) diversity and a high turnover in species composition between locations (high β-diversity) were found to be potentially important drivers of ecosystem multifunctionality. Our study provides evidence that it is important to conserve the landscape-scale biodiversity that is being eroded by biotic homogenization if ecosystem multifunctionality is to be maintained.
Ready for the homeland? Ritual, remembrance, and political extremism in Croatian football
Authors: Brentin Dario
Published: March 2016

In the case of Croatia, sport has proved to be a highly politicized form of national expression, functioning as a salient social field in which its “national habitus codes” are most intensively articulated, debated, and contested. An incident emblematizing this argument occurred on 19 November 2013, when the Croatian national football team secured their qualification for the 2014 Football World Cup in Brazil. In front of the 25,000 people at Zagreb'sMaksimirstadium, the national team player, Josip Simunić, grabbed the microphone and “greeted” all four stands with a loud chanting ofZa dom(For the home(land)), to which the stands thunderously respondedspremni(ready), the official salute of the Independent State of Croatia, a fascist WWII quisling-state. This paper argues that the issue extends beyond politically radicalized football hooligans and has to be understood from the standpoint of “social memory.” By focusing on football, the article scrutinizes debates in the Croatian public sphere dealing with the saluteZa dom – spremni.Providing an insight into its complex and multi-layered nature, this paper illustrates that Croatian football has to be understood as a field in which social memory is prominently constructed, heatedly articulated, and powerfully disseminated.
Effect of pulse-current heating multiple forging on mechanical properties of Mg–Nd–Zn–Zr alloy
Authors: Li C. , Tan H. , Wu W. M.
Published: March 2016

The effects of pulse current heating on microstructure evolution and mechanical property of Mg–Nd–Zn–Zr magnesium alloy during multiple forging are investigated. The results of uniaxial tensile test show that tensile strength, yield strength and elongation of the alloy are improved with the increasing of forging passes. Moreover, under the condition of pulse current heating, this promotion effect is more obvious. The results of microstructure analysis show that recrystallisation occurs during the deformation, and the recrystallisation is obviously accelerated by pulse current. The magnesium alloy billet with fine grains is obtained eventually. Theoretical analysis shows that pulse current can increase the recrystallisation nucleation rate and reduce the rate of grain growth, which is helpful to refine the grains of alloy.
Hydrogen embrittlement in bearing steels
Authors: Alexander Stopher Miles , Rivera-Diaz-del-Castillo Pedro E. J.
Published: March 2016

Hydrogen embrittlement is, and has been for over a century, a prominent issue within many sectors of industry. Despite this, the mechanisms by which hydrogen embrittlement occur and the suitable means for its prevention are yet to be fully established. Hydrogen embrittlement is becoming an ever more pertinent issue. This has led to a considerable demand for novel hydrogen embrittlement-resistant alloys, notably within the bearings industry. This paper provides an overview of the literature surrounding hydrogen embrittlement in bearing steels, and the means by which manufacturers may optimise alloys and accompanying processes to prevent embrittlement. Notably, novel steels combining both high strength and hydrogen embrittlement resistance are reviewed with respect to their design, evaluation methods and required future work.

This paper is part of a Themed Issue on Recent developments in bearing steels.
Evaluation of Reproductive Status in Atlantic Tripletail by Traditional and Nonlethal Approaches
Authors: Parr R. T. , Jennings C. A. , Denslow N. D. , Kroll K. J. , Bringolf R. B.
Published: March 2016

Reproductive biology information is an important tool for fishery management actions such as the identification of spawning areas and the development of protective size limits, bag limits, and seasons. Such information for the management of Atlantic Tripletail Lobotes surinamensis is currently limited, particularly in the western Atlantic Ocean, as information regarding the reproductive biology of this species is sparse in the published literature. To this end, we determined the reproductive status of tripletail and compared the results of a nonlethal sampling method, plasma vitellogenin (VTG) analysis, with those of two traditional (lethal) methods, gonadosomatic index (GSI) and gonad histology. A total of 223 (122 male and 101 female) tripletail were sampled over 2 years near Jekyll Island, Georgia. Gonad histology indicated that 107 (94%) of the male tripletail were in the spawning-capable reproductive phase. Female tripletail were found in all reproductive phases, but only nine (8.9%) were in the spawning-capable phase. Plasma VTG was strongly related to GSI in females (R2 = 0.832, n = 77), and female GSI differed significantly among reproductive phases (p < 0.0001). The estimated length at which 50% (L50) of female tripletail reached maturity was 463 mm; however, the L50 for male tripletail could not be determined because of the lack of immature fish within the study sample. Our study provides valuable information for the management of tripletail and indicates that a nonlethal approach (plasma VTG) may be useful for differentiating developing and spawning-capable females from males and from females in other reproductive phases.

Received July 21, 2015; accepted December 14, 2015
Fertility preservation in primary brain tumor patients
Authors: Stone Jacqueline B. , Kelvin Joanne F. , DeAngelis Lisa M.
Published: March 2016

Background

Fertility preservation (FP) is an infrequently addressed issue for young adults with primary brain tumors. Given the improved prognosis and enhanced technology in reproductive medicine, more primary brain tumor patients see procreation as feasible, making the discussion of FP increasingly important. The goals of this study were to describe patients who received FP counseling by a fertility nurse specialist (FNS) and determine which sociodemographic and disease-related factors predict acceptance of referral to a reproductive specialist.

Methods

Institutional review board-approved retrospective review of primary brain tumor patients, ages 18 to 45, who were referred for FP counseling with a FNS from 2009 to 2013.

Results

Seventy patients were referred for FP counseling: 38 men, 32 women, with a median age of 32 years and median KPS of 90. Eighty-nine percent had gliomas; 58% grade III, 17% grade IV. Sixty-seven percent were referred for counseling at initial diagnosis. Of those referred, 73% accepted referral to a sperm bank (87% of men) or reproductive endocrinologist (56% of women). Patients were more likely to accept referral if they had no prior children (P = .048). There was no statistically significant difference in referral acceptance by age, race/ethnicity, marital status, religion, or tumor grade. After treatment, 3 men conceived naturally, 2 men conceived using banked sperm, and 2 women conceived naturally.

Conclusions

Despite the historically poor prognosis of patients with primary brain tumors, there is significant interest in FP among these patients, particularly if they have no prior children. Clinicians should develop strategies to incorporate FP counseling into practice.
Dahe Qin: time is limited to curb global warming
Authors: Wang Ling , Zhou Zhonghe
Published: March 2016

The landmark international accord reached in the UN climate meeting in Paris last December stipulates the goal of limiting global warming to less than 2°C by 2100. This goal has a solid scientific basis, defined after intensive global research by scientists of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) through modeling future landscapes under different global warming scenarios, showing that 2°C of global warming is the upper limit for maintaining a sustainable Earth. Dahe Qin, an Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Co-Chair of IPCC Working Group, has participated in climate change research for more than two decades, and knows very well the consequences of 2°C warming. In a recent interview with NSR, Qin says quite clearly, ‘Since time is limited for us to halt global warming, to achieve the rosy 2°C target, we must decrease human-produced green-house gas emissions by 40%–70% by 2050, as compared to levels from 2010, and zero (additional) emissions by 2100. This goal is unlikely to be achieved in the high-carbon emission scenario’. Currently, Qin is busy preparing the IPCC 6th Assessment Report (AR6) of IPCC with other scientists to be released in 2022. He indicates that the AR6 report will propose ‘Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs)’ that emphasize the local effects of global warming, and bring out constructive and specific recommendations for each area and country to deal with the threat and to maintain sustainable development.
Implicit Trait Policies About Prosocial Professionalism
Authors: Motowidlo Steve , Kell Harrison , Ghosh Kamalika , Martin Michelle P.
Published: March 2016

Prosocial elements of organizational citizenship behavior, contextual performance, citizenship performance, extra-role behavior, and organizational spontaneity are driven largely by beliefs about the importance of prosocial behavior for work effectiveness. These beliefs are a person’s prosocial implicit trait policy (ITP). We discuss recent theoretical and empirical work that develops the concept of prosocial ITP and tests hypotheses about relations between (a) prosocial ITPs; (b) their trait antecedents in agreeableness, benevolent values, social vocational interests, and emotional intelligence; and (c) their consequences for prosocial performance. Because prosocial action is especially critical in occupations that involve providing services and help to others, we focus primarily on management and administration, voluntary community service, medical practice, and legal practice. We review studies performed to develop measures of prosocial ITPs and test their relations with basic traits and prosocial performance. We also describe an effort to develop a generic measure of prosocial ITP.
Axis I Disorders
Authors: Bagby R. Michael , Uliaszek Amanda , Gralnick Tara M. , Al-Dajani Nadia
Published: March 2016

The purpose of this chapter is to summarize and discuss the complex relationship between Five Factor Model (FFM) personality traits and clinical (Axis I) psychopathology, including depressive, bipolar, anxiety, obsessive–compulsive, eating, schizophrenia and psychotic, trauma and stress-related, and substance use disorders. Considered herein will be the alternative forms of relationship, including vulnerability, common cause, pathoplasty, complication/scar, and spectrum. This chapter will highlight the necessity for well-designed, longitudinal studies aimed at elucidating the complex relationships between the FFM and clinical disorders. Consistent research supports Neuroticism as a vulnerability factor to certain disorders, even sharing genetic etiology. However, there are also important contributions for each of the other four domains. The majority of this research is in the area of mood and anxiety disorders. Expanding these studies to include other forms of psychopathology could help identify common personality vulnerabilities to psychopathology, as well as unique predictors of certain constellations of symptoms.