bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increased N6-methyladenosine in Human Sperm RNA as a Risk Factor for Asthenozoospermia
Authors: Yang Ying , Huang Wei , Huang Jing-Tao , Shen Fan , Xiong Jun , Yuan Er-Feng , Qin Shan-shan , Zhang Ming , Feng Yu-Qi , Yuan Bi-Feng , Liu Song-Mei
Published: April 2016

Male infertility is a worldwide medical problem. Asthenozoospermia is a common cause of infertility. Epigenetic modifications of DNA and histones have been shown to influence human infertility, but no research has explored whether N6-methyladenosine (m6A) level in RNA is associated with asthenozoospermia. Here, we collected a total of 52 semen samples, including 20 asthenozoospermia patients and 32 healthy controls. An LC-ESI-MS/MS method was used to detect m6A contents in sperm RNA, and real-time PCR was performed to determine the mRNA expression of demethylase (FTO, ALKBH5), methyltransferase (METTL3, METTL14, WTAP) and an m6A-selective-binding protein (YTHDF2). We found that m6A content (p = 0.033) and the mRNA expression of METTL3 (p = 0.016) and METTL14 (p = 0.025) in asthenozoospermia patients were significantly higher than those of controls. Increased m6A content was a risk factor for asthenozoospermia (odds ratio (OR) 3.229, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.178 – 8.853, p = 0.023). Moreover, m6A content was correlated with the expression of METTL3 (r = 0.303, p = 0.032) and with sperm motility (progressive motility: r = −0.288, p = 0.038; non-progressive motility: r = −0.293, p = 0.037; immotility: r = 0.387, p = 0.005). Our data suggest that increased m6A content is a risk factor for asthenozoospermia and affects sperm motility. Methyltransferases, particularly METTL3, play key roles in increasing m6A contents in sperm RNA.
DNA hypomethylation upregulates expression of the MGAT3 gene in HepG2 cells and leads to changes in N-glycosylation of secreted glycoproteins
Authors: Klasić Marija , Krištić Jasminka , Korać Petra , Horvat Tomislav , Markulin Dora , Vojta Aleksandar , Reiding Karli R. , Wuhrer Manfred , Lauc Gordan , Zoldoš Vlatka
Published: April 2016

Changes in N-glycosylation of plasma proteins are observed in many types of cancer, nevertheless, few studies suggest the exact mechanism involved in aberrant protein glycosylation. Here we studied the impact of DNA methylation on the N-glycome in the secretome of the HepG2 cell line derived from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Since the majority of plasma glycoproteins originate from the liver, the HepG2 cells represent a good model for glycosylation changes in HCC that are detectable in blood, which is an easily accessible analytic material in a clinical setting. Two different concentrations of 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine (5-aza-2dC) differentially affected global genome methylation and induced different glycan changes. Around twenty percent of 84 glyco-genes analysed changed expression level after the 5-aza-2dC treatment as a result of global genome hypomethylation. A correlation study between the changes in glyco-gene expression and the HepG2 glycosylation profile suggests that the MGAT3 gene might be responsible for the glycan changes consistently induced by both doses of 5-aza-2dC. Core-fucosylated tetra-antennary structures were decreased in quantity likely as a result of hypomethylated MGAT3 gene promoter followed by increased expression of this gene.
Topographically Engineered Large Scale Nanostructures for Plasmonic Biosensing
Authors: Xiao Bo , Pradhan Sangram K. , Santiago Kevin C. , Rutherford Gugu N. , Pradhan Aswini K.
Published: April 2016

We demonstrate that a nanostructured metal thin film can achieve enhanced transmission efficiency and sharp resonances and use a large-scale and high-throughput nanofabrication technique for the plasmonic structures. The fabrication technique combines the features of nanoimprint and soft lithography to topographically construct metal thin films with nanoscale patterns. Metal nanogratings developed using this method show significantly enhanced optical transmission (up to a one-order-of-magnitude enhancement) and sharp resonances with full width at half maximum (FWHM) of ~15nm in the zero-order transmission using an incoherent white light source. These nanostructures are sensitive to the surrounding environment and the resonance can shift as the refractive index changes. We derive an analytical method using a spatial Fourier transformation to understand the enhancement phenomenon and the sensing mechanism. The use of real-time monitoring of protein-protein interactions in microfluidic cells integrated with these nanostructures is demonstrated to be effective for biosensing. The perpendicular transmission configuration and large-scale structures provide a feasible platform without sophisticated optical instrumentation to realize label-free surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensing.
Somatostatin triggers rhythmic electrical firing in hypothalamic GHRH neurons
Authors: Osterstock Guillaume , Mitutsova Violeta , Barre Alexander , Granier Manon , Fontanaud Pierre , Chazalon Marine , Carmignac Danielle , Robinson Iain C. A. F. , Low Malcolm J. , Plesnila Nikolaus , Hodson David J. , Mollard Patrice , Méry Pierre-François
Published: April 2016

Hypothalamic growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) neurons orchestrate body growth/maturation and have been implicated in feeding responses and ageing. However, the electrical patterns that dictate GHRH neuron functions have remained elusive. Since the inhibitory neuropeptide somatostatin (SST) is considered to be a primary oscillator of the GH axis, we examined its acute effects on GHRH neurons in brain slices from male and female GHRH-GFP mice. At the cellular level, SST irregularly suppressed GHRH neuron electrical activity, leading to slow oscillations at the population level. This resulted from an initial inhibitory action at the GHRH neuron level via K+ channel activation, followed by a delayed, sst1/sst2 receptor-dependent unbalancing of glutamatergic and GABAergic synaptic inputs. The oscillation patterns induced by SST were sexually dimorphic and could be explained by differential actions of SST on both GABAergic and glutamatergic currents. Thus, a tripartite neuronal circuit involving a fast hyperpolarization and a dual regulation of synaptic inputs appeared sufficient in pacing the activity of the GHRH neuronal population. These “feed-forward loops” may represent basic building blocks involved in the regulation of GHRH release and its downstream sexual specific functions.
Gardening in the zone of death: an experimental assessment of the absolute elevation limit of vascular plants
Authors: Dvorský Miroslav , Chlumská Zuzana , Altman Jan , Čapková Kateřina , Řeháková Klára , Macek Martin , Kopecký Martin , Liancourt Pierre , Doležal Jiří
Published: April 2016

Vascular plants in the western Tibetan Plateau reach 6000 m-the highest elevation on Earth. Due to the significant warming of the region, plant ranges are expected to shift upwards. However, factors governing maximum elevational limits of plant are unclear. To experimentally assess these factors, we transplanted 12 species from 5750 m to 5900 m (upper edge of vegetation) and 6100 m (beyond range) and monitored their survival for six years. In the first three years (2009–2012), there were plants surviving beyond the regional upper limit of vegetation. This supports the hypothesis of dispersal and/or recruitment limitation. Substantial warming, recordedin-situduring this period, very likely facilitated the survival. The survival was ecologically a non-random process, species better adapted to repeated soil freezing and thawing survived significantly better. No species have survived at 6100 m since 2013, probably due to the extreme snowfall in 2013. In conclusion, apart from the minimum heat requirements, our results show that episodic climatic events are decisive determinants of upper elevational limits of vascular plants.
The 37/67kDa laminin receptor (LR) inhibitor, NSC47924, affects 37/67kDa LR cell surface localization and interaction with the cellular prion protein
Authors: Sarnataro Daniela , Pepe Anna , Altamura Gennaro , De Simone Imma , Pesapane Ada , Nitsch Lucio , Montuori Nunzia , Lavecchia Antonio , Zurzolo Chiara
Published: April 2016

The 37/67 kDa laminin receptor (LR) is a non-integrin protein, which binds both laminin-1 of the extracellular matrix and prion proteins, that hold a central role in prion diseases. The 37/67 kDa LR has been identified as interactor for the prion protein (PrPC) and to be required for pathological PrP (PrPSc) propagation in scrapie-infected neuronal cells, leading to the possibility that 37/67 kDa LR-PrPC interaction is related to the pathogenesis of prion diseases. A relationship between 37/67 kDa LR and PrPC in the presence of specific LR inhibitor compounds has not been investigated yet. We have characterized the trafficking of 37/67 kDa LR in both neuronal and non-neuronal cells, finding the receptor on the cell surface and nuclei and identified the 67 kDa LR as the almost exclusive isoform interacting with PrPC. Here, we show that the treatment with the 37/67 kDa LR inhibitor, NSC47924, affects both the direct 37/67 kDa LR-PrPC interaction in vitro and the formation of the immunocomplex in live cells, inducing a progressive internalization of 37/67 kDa LR and stabilization of PrPC on the cell surface. These data reveal NSC47924 as a useful tool to regulate PrPC and 37/67 kDa LR trafficking and degradation, representing a novel small molecule to be tested against prion diseases.
Abundance of megalin and Dab2 is reduced in syncytiotrophoblast during placental malaria, which may contribute to low birth weight
Authors: Lybbert Jared , Gullingsrud Justin , Chesnokov Olga , Turyakira Eleanor , Dhorda Mehul , Guerin Philippe J. , Piola Patrice , Muehlenbachs Atis , Oleinikov Andrew V.
Published: April 2016

Placental malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum contributes to ~200,000 child deaths annually, mainly due to low birth weight (LBW). Parasitized erythrocyte sequestration and consequent inflammation in the placenta are common attributes of placental malaria. The precise molecular details of placental changes leading to LBW are still poorly understood. We hypothesized that placental malaria may disturb maternofetal exchange of vitamins, lipids and hormones mediated by the multi-ligand (n ~ 50) scavenging/signaling receptor megalin, which is abundantly expressed in placenta but was not previously analyzed in pregnancy outcomes. We studied abundance of megalin and its intracellular adaptor protein Dab2 by immunofluorescence microscopy in placental biopsies from Ugandan women with (n = 8) and without (n = 20) active placental malaria. We found that: (a) abundances of both megalin (p = 0.01) and Dab2 (p = 0.006) were significantly reduced in brush border of syncytiotrophoblast of infected placentas; (b) amounts of megalin and Dab2 were strongly correlated (Spearman’s r = 0.53, p = 0.003); (c) abundances of megalin and Dab2 (p = 0.046) were reduced in infected placentas from women with LBW deliveries. This study provides first evidence that placental malaria infection is associated with reduced abundance of megalin transport/signaling system and indicate that these changes may contribute to the pathology of LBW.
Imaging live cells at high spatiotemporal resolution for lab-on-a-chip applications
Authors: Chin Lip Ket , Lee Chau-Hwang , Chen Bi-Chang
Published: April 2016

The synergy of novel super-resolution imaging techniques and microfluidic technology provides new biological and biomedical insights into sub-cellular processes.
Quantum dots modified with quaternized poly(dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) for selective recognition and killing of bacteria over mammalian cells
Authors: Tu Qin , Ma Chao , Tian Chang , Yuan Maosen , Han Xiang , Wang Dong-En , Cao Chenyu , Wang Jinyi
Published: April 2016

Quantum dots modified with quaternized poly(dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) were prepared by simple copper-free click chemistry for the selective recognition and killing of bacterial over mammalian cells.
Effect of sodium dodecyl sulphate and Brij-35 on the analysis of sulphonamides in physiological samples using direct injection and acetonitrile gradients
Authors: Peris-García E. , Ubeda-Torres M. T. , Ruiz-Angel M. J. , García-Alvarez-Coque M. C.
Published: April 2016

An initial isocratic step of a micellar mobile phase facilitates the direct injection of physiological samples. A further gradient of organic solvent decreases the retention times of strongly retained compounds.
Non-radiative processes in protonated diazines, pyrimidine bases and an aromatic azine
Authors: Pino Gustavo A. , Feraud Géraldine , Broquier Michel , Grégoire Gilles , Soorkia Satchin , Dedonder Claude , Jouvet Christophe
Published: April 2016

Protonated diazines have very short excited state lifetimes.
Probing the reactivity of H-phosphonate derivatives for the hydrophosphonylation of various alkenes and alkynes under free-radical conditions
Authors: Geant Pierre-Yves , Mohamed Bemba Sidi , Périgaud Christian , Peyrottes Suzanne , Uttaro Jean-Pierre , Mathé Christophe
Published: April 2016

Hydrophosphonylation of various alkenes and alkynes is reported using DPAP as a photoinitiator under UV irradiation.
Sintering-resistant Pt@CeO2 nanoparticles for high-temperature oxidation catalysis
Authors: Lee Siwon , Seo Jongsu , Jung WooChul
Published: April 2016

We successfully synthesized shell-controllable Pt@CeO2 core–shell nanocomposites for high-temperature oxidation catalysis. We showed a T10 lower by 100 °C and an eight-fold higher reaction rate compared to a bare mixture of Pt and CeO2 nanoparticles, while maintaining complete methane oxidation for more than 50 h at 700 °C.
Piperazine-modified ammonium polyphosphate as monocomponent flame-retardant hardener for epoxy resin: flame retardance, curing behavior and mechanical property
Authors: Tan Yi , Shao Zhu-Bao , Yu Lei-Xiao , Long Jia-Wei , Qi Min , Chen Li , Wang Yu-Zhong
Published: April 2016

PAz-APP (as a monocomponent hardener) can bring excellent flame retardance and smoke suppression efficiency to the EP system without sacrificing the mechanical properties and glass transition temperature.
Sulfonated poly(etheretherketone) and sulfonated polyvinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene based blend proton exchange membranes for direct methanol fuel cell applications
Authors: Bagheri Ahmad , Javanbakht Mehran , Beydaghi Hossein , Salarizadeh Parisa , Shabanikia Akbar , Salar Amoli Hossein
Published: April 2016

Novel blend membranes based on sulfonated poly(etheretherketone) (SPEEK) and sulfonated polyvinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene (SPVDF-co-HFP) were prepared as proton exchange membranes and used in DMFC.
The effect of 2-mercaptobenzothiazole on laser-assisted electroless copper plating
Authors: Xiang Sisi , Li Weiping , Qian Zhiyuan , Zhu Liqun , Liu Huicong
Published: April 2016

Copper coatings on PET substrates (conductive treatment through laser direct structuring) were prepared from an electroless plating bath. The coatings' morphology and the plating rate were shown in the figure at various concentrations of 2-MBT.
Direct synthesis of self-assembled ZSM-5 microsphere with controllable mesoporosity and its enhanced LDPE cracking properties
Authors: Ding Jian , Hu Jiangbo , Xue Teng , Wang Yimeng , Wu Haihong , Wu Peng , He Mingyuan
Published: April 2016

Diffusion-enhanced ZSM-5 aggregates by n-hexylamine directing are obtained with easy control on mesopore and the possible growth mechanism is proposed.
Up-conversion emission and in vitro cytotoxicity characterization of blue emitting, biocompatible SrTiO3 nanoparticles activated with Tm3+ and Yb3+ ions
Authors: Pazik R. , Zięcina A. , Poźniak B. , Malecka M. , Marciniak L. , Wiglusz R. J.
Published: April 2016

Blue emitting, up-converting NP's of SrTiO3:Tm3+/Yb3+ synthesized using the citric route are biocompatible towards J774.E whereas the cytotoxic effect to U2OS cells is not particle size dependent but most probably is related to Sr2+ ion release.
Investigation on the interfacial properties of a viscoelastic-based surfactant as an oil displacement agent recovered from fracturing flowback fluid
Authors: Wang Kai , Liu Chen , Zhou Wensheng
Published: April 2016

The utilization of a viscoelastic-based surfactant recovered from fracturing flowback fluid in chemical flooding was investigated in this paper.
A novel polymerization method based on pressure drop for monomodal high solid content low viscosity latexes of poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate)
Authors: Liang Ruixue , Zhang Pengpeng , Wei Caiqin , Li Hongsheng , Wang Zepeng , Chen Xiaopeng
Published: April 2016

Secondary nucleation followed by limited flocculation of particles could be caused by pressure drop, further, PSD of latex was optimized.
A facile approach to upconversion crystalline CaF2:Yb3+,Tm3+@mSiO2 nanospheres for tumor therapy
Authors: Li Yangyang , Zhou Yurong , Li Xiang , Sun Jihong , Ren Zhaohui , Wen Wengjian , Yang Xiaoming , Han Gaorong
Published: April 2016

A new facile approach, namely chemical-assisted sol–gel growth (CASGG), was successfully developed to induce the formation of fine CaF2:Yb3+,Tm3+ nanocrystals within the pore channels of mesoporous silica (mSiO2) nanoparticles.
High-rate capability of bamboo-like single crystalline LiFePO4 nanotubes with an easy access to b-axis 1D channels of olivine structure
Authors: Viji M. , Swain Pravati , Mocherla Pavana S. V. , Sudakar C.
Published: April 2016

Bamboo-like vertically standing LFP nanotube bundles enable a better accessibility for Li-ion movement along 1D-channels in b-axis of olivine structure.
Characterization of tungsten monomeric oxide species supported on hydroxylated silica; a DFT study
Authors: Guesmi Hazar , Grybos Robert , Handzlik Jarosław , Tielens Frederik
Published: April 2016

A DFT based characterization of tungsten oxide supported on amorphous hydroxylated silica is presented.
Mango stone-derived activated carbon with high sulfur loading as a cathode material for lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Zhang Songtao , Zheng Mingbo , Lin Zixia , Zang Rui , Huang Qingli , Xue Huaiguo , Cao Jieming , Pang Huan
Published: April 2016

A mango stone-derived activated carbon/sulfur composite cathode with a high sulfur loading of 71 wt% for long cycle-life Li–S batteries.
Supramolecular assembly-mediated lithium ion transport in nanostructured solid electrolytes
Authors: Cheng Chih-Chia , Lee Duu-Jong
Published: April 2016

Supramolecular solid polymer electrolytes provide mechanical integrity and well-defined ion-conducting paths for rapid ion transport that can be applied in high-performance lithium-ion batteries.
An amide functionalized task specific carbon nanotube for the sorption of tetra and hexa valent actinides: experimental and theoretical insight
Authors: Sengupta Arijit , Sk. Jayabun , Boda Anil , Ali Sk. Musharaf
Published: April 2016

An amide functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotube (CNT-DHA) was used for efficient and selective solid phase separation of tetravalent (Th4+) and hexavalent (UO22+) actinides.
Investigation of micromixing by acoustically oscillated sharp-edges
Authors: Nama Nitesh , Huang Po-Hsun , Huang Tony Jun , Costanzo Francesco
Published: April 2016

Recently, acoustically oscillated sharp-edges have been utilized to achieve rapid and homogeneous mixing in microchannels. Here, we present a numerical model to investigate acoustic mixing inside a sharp-edge-based micromixer in the presence of a background flow. We extend our previously reported numerical model to include the mixing phenomena by using perturbation analysis and the Generalized Lagrangian Mean (GLM) theory in conjunction with the convection-diffusion equation. We divide the flow variables into zeroth-order, first-order, and second-order variables. This results in three sets of equations representing the background flow, acoustic response, and the time-averaged streaming flow, respectively. These equations are then solved successively to obtain the mean Lagrangian velocity which is combined with the convection-diffusion equation to predict the concentration profile. We validate our numerical model via a comparison of the numerical results with the experimentally obtained values of the mixing index for different flow rates. Further, we employ our model to study the effect of the applied input power and the background flow on the mixing performance of the sharp-edge-based micromixer. We also suggest potential design changes to the previously reported sharp-edge-based micromixer to improve its performance. Finally, we investigate the generation of a tunable concentration gradient by a linear arrangement of the sharp-edge structures inside the microchannel.
CCC-NHC Pincer Zr Diamido Complexes: Synthesis, Characterisation, and Catalytic Activity in Hydroamination/Cyclisation of Unactivated Amino-Alkenes, -Alkynes, and Allenes
Authors: Valle Henry U. , Akurathi Gopalakrishna , Cho Joon , Clark Wesley D. , Chakraborty Amarraj , Hollis T. Keith
Published: April 2016

2-(1,3-Bis-3′-butylimidazol-1′-yl-2′-ylidene)phenylene)bis(dimethylamido) iodo zirconium(iv) (3) and 2-(1,3-bis-3′-butylimidazol-1′-yl-2′-ylidene)phenylene)bis (dimethylamido) bromo zirconium(iv) (4), have been prepared via a modification of the solvent and stoichiometry from the previously reported methodology. The reactivity of 3 and 4 in hydroamination/cyclisation is reported. Both diamido complexes have been found to improve catalytic activity as compared with the previously reported mono-amido analogues. Complexes 3 and 4 were observed to be selective for primary amines over secondary amines in hydroamination/cyclisation. The lack of reactivity with secondary amines is consistent with a mechanism involving requisite formation of a Zr-imido intermediate.
Intravaginal practices among a cohort of rural Malawian women
Authors: Esber Allahna , Turner Abigail Norris , Mopiwa Gladson , Norris Alison H.
Published: April 2016

Background: Intravaginal practices (IVP) are highly prevalent and commonly performed in many countries for a variety of purposes related to genital health, hygiene and sexual pleasure. However, IVP may also have harmful side effects, including associations with bacterial vaginosis and HIV. Methods: The prevalence and motivations for IVP among 650 women participating in the baseline survey of a community-based cohort study on sexual and reproductive health in rural Lilongwe District, Malawi, were characterised. Key variables included the type and frequency of IVP, and motivations for engaging in IVP. Results: Most women (95%) had engaged in IVP in the past 30 days: 88% reported internal vaginal cleansing with water only, 87% reported cleansing with soap and water, and 84% reported inserting cotton, cloth or tissue. A majority (60%) reported at least three practices. Very frequent engagement in at least one type of IVP was also common; among those who inserted cotton, cloth or tissue, 43% did so more than once a day; among those who cleansed internally with soap and water, 51% did so more than once a day. Women reported many reasons for using IVP. The most commonly reported reasons were to remove odours (91%), to remove extra moisture (58%), to prevent disease (49%), to relieve symptoms of disease (41%) and to improve sex for a partner (40%). Conclusion: IVP are highly prevalent and frequently performed among these rural Malawian women. Future research should investigate the associations between IVP and sexually transmissible infection prevalence.
Stress-induced gene expression and behavior are controlled by DNA methylation and methyl donor availability in the dentate gyrus
Authors: Saunderson Emily A. , Spiers Helen , Mifsud Karen R. , Gutierrez-Mecinas Maria , Trollope Alexandra F. , Shaikh Abeera , Mill Jonathan , Reul Johannes M. H. M.
Published: April 2016

Significance

Appropriate behavioral responses to psychologically stressful events are important for maintaining mental health and well-being. The consolidation of these behavioral responses critically depends on the induction of the immediate-early gene products FBJ murine osteosarcoma viral oncogene homolog (c-Fos) and early growth response protein 1 (Egr-1) in dentate gyrus neurons. In this report, we found that an intricate balance between DNA methylation, DNA demethylation, and availability of the methyl donor
S
-adenosyl methionine governs the induction of these genes as well as the behavioral responses after stress. These findings provide insights into the epigenetic control of gene expression underlying stress-induced behavioral adaptation.
Phonon mechanism in the most dilute superconductor
n
-type SrTiO
3
Authors: Gor’kov Lev P.
Published: April 2016

Significance

Low-temperature superconductivity of SrTiO
3
gives insight into high-T
C
(up to 110 K) superconductivity in atomic-thin FeSe layers on SrTiO
3
. In low-doped SrTiO
3
long-range electron interactions with longitudinal (LO) polar modes provide the unique pairing mechanism. Frequencies of polar modes larger than the Fermi energy imply nonadiabatic pairing rather than the usual separate treatment of electron and phonon degrees of freedom. Transport experiments reveal the mobility edge. Random localized states control the interaction between electrons and LO phonons via the magnitude of the dielectric constant. T
C
is proportional to the Fermi energy. Interaction of the FeSe electrons with surface LO phonons is governed by the dielectric constant at a diffuse surface. Larger 2D Fermi surface results in higher
T

C

for FeSe/SrTiO
3
.
Translocation and Intracellular Distribution of Tritiated Gibberellin A3
Authors: Asakawa Yukio , Tamari Kinjiro , Inoue Keiko , Kaji Jun
Published: April 2016

The localization of tritium-radioactivity in dwarf kidney bean plants (Phaseolus vulgaris) of 3H-gibberellm A3(3H-GA3) applied in a large quantity was investigated in advance of the study on GA3 metabolism in this plant. Immediately after the application of 3H-GA3, the radioactivity was distributed uniformly in the top of this plant; no further transportation of the radioactivity into the growing apical region from mature leaves and stems was the observed as the growth stage proceeded. An investigation on the intracellular localization of the radioactivity demonstrated that most part of the radioactivity was found in the cellular soluble fraction, while no radioactivity was detected in such subcellular particles as nuclei, mitochondria and microsomes. Examinations of the occurrence of GA3 bound with such macromolecules as RNA and protein gave negative results.
Metabolic Products of Gibbercllin A3 and Their Interconversion in Dwarf Kidney Bean Plants
Authors: Asakawa Yukio , Tamari Kinjiro , Shoji Akiko , Kaji Jun
Published: April 2016

Five radioactive substances were isolated from dwarf kidney bean plants (Phaseolus vulgaris) treated with radioactive gibberellin A3. These compounds were identified respectively as original gibberellin A3, 2-O-β-glucosyl-gibberellin A3 (PIIIA 2-O-β-glucosyl-isogibberellin A3 (PII), 2-O-β-glucosyl-gibberellenic acid (PIIIB) and the β-glucoside of an unknown gibberellin-like substance (PI). PI, PII, PIIIA and PIIIB were drived directly from gibberellins A3; the conversion of PIIIA to PI and PIIIB also occurred. PI, PII and PIIIB were not further metabolized.
Systematic Separation of Human Urinary Peptides
Authors: Takita Toshichika , Miyoshi Kazuhiko , Kumada Koichi , Nishi Hiroshi
Published: April 2016

Urinary peptides were roughly fractionated by combined columns of cation and anion exchange resins, and the peptides eluted from each column were further fractionated by a combination of various ion exchange resins and DEAE-cellulose column chromatography, paper chromatography and other methods. From the fractions adsorbed on cation exchange resin, 13 homogeneous peptides could be isolated, and from the ones adsorbed on anion exchange resin, 8 glycopeptides could be found. Their amino acid compositions were analyzed.

Although some fractions remain univestigated, an outline of the whole aspect of main urinary peptides has been clarified by this study.
Conversion of (−)-Carvone and (+)-Carvone by a Strain of Aspergillus niger
Authors: Noma Yoshiaki , Nonomura Seiichi
Published: April 2016

The conversion of (−)-carvone and (+)-carvone by a strain of Aspergillus niger was studied as one of the series of biochemical reduction of terpenes.

(−)-Carvone was found to be reduced essentially to (+)-neodihydrocarveol, although (+)-dihydrocarvone and (+)-isodihydrocarvone were also formed in small amounts, whereas (+)-carvone was converted to (−)-isodihydrocarvone, (−)-isodihydrocarveol, (−)-neoisodihydrocarveol, (−)-dihydrocarvone, (−)-neodihydrocarveol, and (+)-dihydrocarveol, of which the former three were the major products.

The metabolic pathways for (−)-carvone and (+)-carvone by the strain of Aspergillus niger are discussed and the results on microbial and chemical reductions of carvone and dihydrocarvone are summarized.
Purification and Properties of Phage HM 7-Induced Lytic Enzyme of Clostridium saccharoperbutylacetonicum
Authors: Hongo Motoyoshi , Tahara Yasutaka , Ogata Seiya
Published: April 2016

A lytic enzyme was isolated from phage HM 7-induced lysate of Clostridium saccharoperbutylacetonicum, and purified about 200-fold by precipitation with ammonium sulfate, gel filtration with Sephadex G–75 and ampholine isoelectric focusing. The purified lytic enzyme had an apparent homogeneity on disc-electrophoresis, and the character of acidic protein showing isoelectric point at pH 4.0. The molecular weight of lytic enzyme was estimated to be about 100,000 from the result of SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The optimum pH for the lytic enzyme activity was 6.5. Maximum activity occurred at 30 to 35°C, and at the ionic strength of 0.04 m or above. The lytic enzyme activity was stimulated about 140% by 10−3  m EDTA. The lytic enzyme lysed the living cells, but it had a narrow specificity which was restricted to a certain species of Clostridium such as Cl. saccharoperbutylacetonicum, Cl. butyricum, Cl. botulinum, Cl. sporogenes, and Cl. thiaminolyticum.
Histidine Production by Corynebacterium glutamicum Mutants, Multiresistant to Analogs of Histidine, Tryptophan, Purine and Pyrimidine
Authors: Araki Kazumi , Shimojo Setsuko , Nakayama Kiyoshi
Published: April 2016

The histidine productivity of 1,2,4-triazole-3-alanine (TRA)-resistant histidine producer, Corynebacterium glutamicum KY–10260 was improved by successive additions of such markers as purine, pyrimidine, histidine and tryptophan analog-resistance to the mutant. A selected mutant AT–83, multi-resistant to 6-mercaptoguanine, 8-azaguanine, 4-thiouracil, 6-methylpurine, TRA and 5-methyltryptophan, accumulated twice as much histidine as KY–10260 in the culture medium. The level of histidine production by this mutant reached 15 mg/ml or 10% (w/w) of the initial suagr in the medium containing 6% (as glucose concentration) cane molasses and 9% sucrose as carbon sources. 2-Fluoroadenine-resistant mutants produced adenine in addition to histidine.
Critical review on friction stir welding of aluminium to copper
Authors: Galvão I. , Loureiro A. , Rodrigues D. M.
Published: April 2016

The status quo of aluminium-to-copper joining by friction stir welding (FSW) drastically changed in recent years, as a result of the increased interest of the scientific community on this subject. Actually, since 2006 a large increase in the number of research groups addressing Al–Cu FSW has been witnessed all over the world, together with a significant increase in the amount of published studies. A chronological perspective on the evolution in Al–Cu FSW research is provided in this work, highlighting the pioneer and original contribution of several researchers to the current knowledge on the subject. Detailed and comprehensive investigations on the material flow mechanisms, the phenomena governing the formation and distribution of intermetallic phases during Al–Cu FSW, their relations with the welding parameters and their impact on the morphological, structural and mechanical properties of the welds are thoroughly discussed. The main findings reported in the literature are summarised in thematic tables.
Ferritic–austenitic stainless steels dissimilar resistance spot welds: metallurgical and failure characteristics
Authors: Pouranvari M. , Khorramifar M. , Marashi S. P. H.
Published: April 2016

The paper addresses the microstructure and failure characteristics of dissimilar resistance spot welds between austenitic stainless steel and ferritic stainless steel. The fusion zone (FZ) of dissimilar welds exhibited complex microstructure consisting of ferrite, austenite and martensite. The development of this triplex structure in the FZ was explained by analysing the phase transformation path and austenite stability. Results showed that all dissimilar welds failed in partial thickness–partial pull-out failure mode. It was shown that the fraction of the nugget fracture of the weld is reduced by increasing the FZ size improving the mechanical performance of the weld. Peak load and energy absorption of the similar and dissimilar welds were compared and analysed.
Decreases in body temperature and body mass constitute pre-hibernation remodelling in the Syrian golden hamster, a facultative mammalian hibernator
Authors: Chayama Yuichi , Ando Lisa , Tamura Yutaka , Miura Masayuki , Yamaguchi Yoshifumi
Published: April 2016

Hibernation is an adaptive strategy for surviving during periods with little or no food availability, by profoundly reducing the metabolic rate and the core body temperature (
T
b
). Obligate hibernators (e.g. bears, ground squirrels, etc.) hibernate every winter under the strict regulation of endogenous circannual rhythms, and they are assumed to undergo adaptive remodelling in autumn, the pre-hibernation period, prior to hibernation. However, little is known about the nature of pre-hibernation remodelling. Syrian hamsters (
Mesocricetus auratus
) are facultative hibernators that can hibernate irrespective of seasons when exposed to prolonged short photoperiod and cold ambient temperature (SD-Cold) conditions. Their
T
b
set point reduced by the first deep torpor (DT) and then increased gradually after repeated cycles of DT and periodic arousal (PA), and finally recovered to the level observed before the prolonged SD-Cold in the post-hibernation period. We also found that, before the initiation of hibernation, the body mass of animals decreased below a threshold, indicating that hibernation in this species depends on body condition. These observations suggest that Syrian hamsters undergo pre-hibernation remodelling and that
T
b
and body mass can be useful physiological markers to monitor the remodelling process during the pre-hibernation period.
A personal perspective on modelling the climate system
Authors: Palmer T. N.
Published: April 2016

Given their increasing relevance for society, I suggest that the climate science community itself does not treat the development of error-free
ab initio
models of the climate system with sufficient urgency. With increasing levels of difficulty, I discuss a number of proposals for speeding up such development. Firstly, I believe that climate science should make better use of the pool of post-PhD talent in mathematics and physics, for developing next-generation climate models. Secondly, I believe there is more scope for the development of modelling systems which link weather and climate prediction more seamlessly. Finally, here in Europe, I call for a new European Programme on Extreme Computing and Climate to advance our ability to simulate climate extremes, and understand the drivers of such extremes. A key goal for such a programme is the development of a 1 km global climate system model to run on the first exascale supercomputers in the early 2020s.
Experimental demonstration of information to energy conversion in a quantum system at the Landauer limit
Authors: Peterson J. P. S. , Sarthour R. S. , Souza A. M. , Oliveira I. S. , Goold J. , Modi K. , Soares-Pinto D. O. , Céleri L. C.
Published: April 2016

Landauer’s principle sets fundamental thermodynamical constraints for classical and quantum information processing, thus affecting not only various branches of physics, but also of computer science and engineering. Despite its importance, this principle was only recently experimentally considered for classical systems. Here we employ a nuclear magnetic resonance set-up to experimentally address the information to energy conversion in a quantum system. Specifically, we consider a three nuclear spins

S
=

1
2

(qubits) molecule—the system, the reservoir and the ancilla—to measure the heat dissipated during the implementation of a global system–reservoir unitary interaction that changes the information content of the system. By employing an interferometric technique, we were able to reconstruct the heat distribution associated with the unitary interaction. Then, through quantum state tomography, we measured the relative change in the entropy of the system. In this way, we were able to verify that an operation that changes the information content of the system must necessarily generate heat in the reservoir, exactly as predicted by Landauer’s principle. The scheme presented here allows for the detailed study of irreversible entropy production in quantum information processors.
Pollinator sharing and gene flow among closely related sympatric dioecious fig taxa
Authors: Wang Gang , Cannon Charles H. , Chen Jin
Published: April 2016

Hybridization and insect pollination are widely believed to increase rates of plant diversification. The extreme diversity of figs (Ficus) and their obligate pollinators, fig wasps (Agaonidae), provides an opportunity to examine the possible role of pollinator-mediated hybridization in plant diversification. Increasing evidence suggests that pollinator sharing and hybridization occurs among fig taxa, despite relatively strict coevolution with the pollinating wasp. Using five sympatric dioecious fig taxa and their pollinators, we examine the degree of pollinator sharing and inter-taxa gene flow. We experimentally test pollinator preference for floral volatiles, the main host recognition signal, from different figs. All five fig taxa shared pollinators with other taxa, and gene flow occurred between fig taxa within and between sections. Floral volatiles of each taxon attracted more than one pollinator species. Floral volatiles were more similar between closely related figs, which experienced higher levels of pollinator sharing and inter-taxa gene flow. This study demonstrates that pollinator sharing and inter-taxa gene flow occurs among closely related sympatric dioecious fig taxa and that pollinators choose the floral volatiles of multiple fig taxa. The implications of pollinator sharing and inter-taxa gene flow on diversification, occurring even in this highly specialized obligate pollination system, require further study.
Disentangling the effect of body size and phylogenetic distances on zooplankton top-down control of algae
Authors: Gianuca Andros T. , Pantel Jelena H. , De Meester Luc
Published: April 2016

A negative consequence of biodiversity loss is reduced rates of ecosystem functions. Phylogenetic-based biodiversity indices have been claimed to provide more accurate predictions of ecosystem functioning than species diversity alone. This approach assumes that the most relevant traits for ecosystem functioning present a phylogenetic signal. Yet, traits-mediating niche partitioning and resource uptake efficiency in animals can be labile. To assess the relative power of a key trait (body size) and phylogeny to predict zooplankton top-down control on phytoplankton, we manipulated trait and phylogenetic distances independently in microcosms while holding species richness constant. We found that body size provided strong predictions of top-down control. In contrast, phylogeny was a poor predictor of grazing rates. Size-related grazing efficiency asymmetry was mechanistically more important than niche differences in mediating ecosystem function in our experimental settings. Our study demonstrates a strong link between a single functional trait (i.e. body size) in zooplankton and trophic interactions, and urges for a cautionary use of phylogenetic information and taxonomic diversity as substitutes for trait information to predict and understand ecosystem functions.
Declaring a tuberculosis outbreak over with genomic epidemiology
Authors: Hatherell Hollie-Ann , Didelot Xavier , Pollock Sue L. , Tang Patrick , Crisan Anamaria , Johnston James C. , Colijn Caroline , Gardy Jennifer L.
Published: April 2016

We report an updated method for inferring the time at which an infectious disease was transmitted between persons from a time-labelled pathogen genome phylogeny. We applied the method to 48 Mycobacterium tuberculosis genomes as part of a real-time public health outbreak investigation, demonstrating that although active tuberculosis (TB) cases were diagnosed through 2013, no transmission events took place beyond mid-2012. Subsequent cases were the result of progression from latent TB infection to active disease, and not recent transmission. This evolutionary genomic approach was used to declare the outbreak over in January 2015.
Conformal growth ofArabidopsisleaves
Authors: Mitchison Graeme
Published: April 2016

I show that Arabidopsis leaf growth can be described with good precision by a conformal map, where expansion is locally isotropic (the same in all directions) but the amount of expansion can vary with position. Data obtained by tracking leaf growth over time can be reproduced with almost 90% accuracy by such a map. The growth follows a Moebius transformation, which is a type of conformal map that would arise if there were an underlying linear gradient of growth rate. From the data one can derive the parameters that describe this linear gradient and show how it changes over time. Growth according to a conformal map has the property of maintaining the flatness of a leaf.
Implementation of ultrafast X-ray diffraction at the 1W2B wiggler beamline of Beijing Synchrotron Radiation Facility
Authors: Sun Da-Rui , Xu Guang-Lei , Zhang Bing-Bing , Du Xue-Yan , Wang Hao , Li Qiu-Ju , Zhou Yang-Fan , Li Zhen-Jie , Zhang Yan , He Jun , Yue Jun-Hui , Lei Ge , Tao Ye
Published: April 2016

The implementation of a laser pump/X-ray probe scheme for performing picosecond-resolution X-ray diffraction at the 1W2B wiggler beamline at Beijing Synchrotron Radiation Facility is reported. With the hybrid fill pattern in top-up mode, a pixel array X-ray detector was optimized to gate out the signal from the singlet bunch with interval 85 ns from the bunch train. The singlet pulse intensity is ∼2.5 × 106 photons pulse−1at 10 keV. The laser pulse is synchronized to this singlet bunch at a 1 kHz repetition rate. A polycapillary X-ray lens was used for secondary focusing to obtain a 72 µm (FWHM) X-ray spot. Transient photo-induced strain in BiFeO3film was observed at a ∼150 ps time resolution for demonstration.
Faith-informed intellectual freedom: an annotated bibliography
Authors: Gehring Denise Rachel
Published: April 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this annotated bibliography is to show perspectives on intellectual freedom from literature that provides approaches for librarians in faith-based institutions. The articles reviewed in this annotated bibliography will assist both Christian and secular librarians in selecting library materials.

Design/methodology/approach

The author identified sources using LISTA, ATLA and other common library databases. Sources were selected from 1993 to the present, focusing on sources that are on the application of intellectual freedom in the Christian academic library and/or librarian.

Findings

Best (2010) discusses censorship in academic libraries based on the top ten most-challenged books in 2007 which have research implications for Christian institutions. Johnson (2002), Davis (2002) and Smith (2004) offer library recommendations based on the review of the literature and their own practice. Hippenhammer (1993/1994) presents survey data and findings on collection development policies and intellectual freedom from Christian libraries. Matacio (2003) shares quantitative research from Seventh-Day Adventist (SDA) libraries applicable to other Christian institutions.

Research limitations/implications

The majority of the research on intellectual freedom and Christian librarianship is from 10 or more years ago.

Originality/value

This annotated bibliography is a starting point for research that could be conducted to help in the evaluation of Christian academic library’s collection development policy.
Is more customer control of services always better?
Authors: Joosten Herm , Bloemer Josée , Hillebrand Bas
Published: April 2016

Purpose

– Research on empowerment and service co-production assumed that customers want more control and that more control is better. An empirical test of this assumption, however, is lacking. The purpose of this paper is to test this assumption by not only focussing on the customer’s capacity and opportunity for control, but also taking into account the customer’s desire for control.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study uses an experiment employing video clips depicting a service encounter in a banking context in which control beliefs are manipulated.

Findings

– This study shows that more control in services is not always better because individuals vary in their desire for control; that state measures of control are effective predictors of relevant attitudinal and behavioral effects like satisfaction and loyalty, and that the mechanism which produces these effects is the consistency between control beliefs.

Research limitations/implications

– Future research on customer empowerment and service co-production should acknowledge the pivotal role of variations in desire for control, focus on inconsistencies in control beliefs to predict effects and measure control beliefs as varying states rather than as stable personality traits.

Practical implications

– Enhancing customer control of a service may primarily mean: giving the customer the option to control or not to control the service.

Originality/value

– This study contributes to literature and marketing practice by demonstrating that more control may have negative effects and by demonstrating the mechanism by which these effects occur.
Exploring service adaptation in a business-to-business context
Authors: Zhu Xia , Zolkiewski Judy
Published: April 2016

Purpose

This study investigates service adaptation in a business-to-business context and explores the characteristics of service adaptation and how it takes place in business-to-business markets.

Design/methodology/approach

Two case studies were employed to obtain both suppliers’ and customers’ perceptions of service adaptation in a business-to-business context.

Findings

The findings captured both suppliers’ and customers’ adaptation in a business-to-business service context. It revealed customers’ active adaptation in assisting suppliers in the business-to-business service process. Suppliers’ willingness to make adaptation appears to have an impact on their relationships with customers. Business-to-business service adaptation is a dynamic and interactive process.

Research limitations/implications

The findings shed light for practitioners not to neglect customers’ active participation, but to understand customers’ role in making adaptation with suppliers in the service process to enhance their service experience and business-to-business relationships. The research is exploratory and the findings of these two case studies may be influenced by the manufacturing sector in which the case study firms are based.

Originality/value

This paper illustrates that the interactive nature of service adaptation is particularly pertinent in a business-to-business context and that the phenomena needs much more careful attention as it provides a potential area for marketing managers to achieve service differentiation.