bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
SUMOylation of TARBP2 regulates miRNA/siRNA efficiency
Authors: Chen Cheng , Zhu Changhong , Huang Jian , Zhao Xian , Deng Rong , Zhang Hailong , Dou Jinzhuo , Chen Qin , Xu Ming , Yuan Haihua , Wang Yanli , Yu Jianxiu 
Published: November 2015

AbstractSmall RNA-induced gene silencing is essential for post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression; however, it remains unclear how miRNA/siRNA efficiency is regulated. Here we show that TARBP2 is SUMOylated at K52, which can be enhanced by its phosphorylation. This modification can stabilize TARBP2 via repressing its K48-linked ubiquitination. We find that TARBP2 SUMOylation does not influence the overall production of mature miRNAs, but it regulates miRNA/siRNA efficiency. SUMOylated TARBP2 recruits Ago2 to constitute the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC)-loading complex (RLC), and simultaneously promotes more pre-miRNAs to load into the RLC. Consequently, Ago2 is stabilized and miRNAs/siRNAs bound by TARBP2/Dicer is effectively transferred to Ago2. Thus, these processes lead to the formation of the effective RISC for RNA interference (RNAi). Collectively, our data suggest that SUMOylation of TARBP2 is required for regulating miRNA/siRNA efficiency, which is a general mechanism of miRNA/siRNA regulation.
Stable Lithium Argon compounds under high pressure
Authors: Li Xiaofeng , Hermann Andreas , Peng Feng , Lv Jian , Wang Yanchao , Wang Hui , Ma Yanming 
Published: November 2015

AbstractHigh pressure can fundamentally alter the bonding patterns of chemical elements. Its effects include stimulating elements thought to be “inactive” to form unexpectedly stable compounds with unusual chemical and physical properties. Here, using an unbiased structure search method based on CALYPSO methodology and density functional total energy calculations, the phase stabilities and crystal structures of Li−Ar compounds are systematically investigated at high pressure up to 300 GPa. Two unexpected LimArncompounds (LiAr and Li3Ar) are predicted to be stable above 112 GPa and 119 GPa, respectively. A detailed analysis of the electronic structure of LiAr and Li3Ar shows that Ar in these compounds attracts electrons and thus behaves as an oxidizing agent. This is markedly different from the hitherto established chemical reactivity of Ar. Moreover, we predict that theP4/mmmphase of Li3Ar has a superconducting transition temperature of 17.6 K at 120 GPa.
Nutrient Loads Flowing into Coastal Waters from the Main Rivers of China (2006–2012)
Authors: Tong Yindong , Zhao Yue , Zhen Gengchong , Chi Jie , Liu Xianhua , Lu Yiren , Wang Xuejun , Yao Ruihua , Chen Junyue , Zhang Wei 
Published: November 2015

AbstractBased on monthly monitoring data of unfiltered water, the nutrient discharges of the eight main rivers flowing into the coastal waters of China were calculated from 2006 to 2012. In 2012, the total load of NH3-N (calculated in nitrogen), total nitrogen (TN, calculated in nitrogen) and total phosphorus (TP, calculated in phosphorus) was 5.1 × 105, 3.1 × 106 and 2.8 × 105 tons, respectively, while in 2006, the nutrient load was 7.4 × 105, 2.2 × 106 and 1.6 × 105 tons, respectively. The nutrient loading from the eight major rivers into the coastal waters peaked in summer and autumn, probably due to the large water discharge in the wet season. The Yangtze River was the largest riverine nutrient source for the coastal waters, contributing 48% of the NH3-N discharges, 66% of the TN discharges and 84% of the TP discharges of the eight major rivers in 2012. The East China Sea received the majority of the nutrient discharges, i.e. 50% of NH3-N (2.7 × 105 tons), 70% of TN (2.2 × 106 tons) and 87% of TP (2.5 × 105 tons) in 2012. The riverine discharge of TN into the Yellow Sea and Bohai Sea was lower than that from the direct atmospheric deposition, while for the East China Sea, the riverine TN input was larger.
Intravenous multipotent adult progenitor cell treatment decreases inflammation leading to functional recovery following spinal cord injury
Authors: DePaul Marc A. , Palmer Marc , Lang Bradley T. , Cutrone Rochelle , Tran Amanda P. , Madalena Kathryn M. , Bogaerts Annelies , Hamilton Jason A. , Deans Robert J. , Mays Robert W. , Busch Sarah A. , Silver Jerry 
Published: November 2015

AbstractFollowing spinal cord injury (SCI), immune-mediated secondary processes exacerbate the extent of permanent neurological deficits. We investigated the capacity of adult bone marrow-derived stem cells, which exhibit immunomodulatory properties, to alter inflammation and promote recovery following SCI. In vitro, we show that human multipotent adult progenitor cells (MAPCs) have the ability to modulate macrophage activation and prior exposure to MAPC secreted factors can reduce macrophage-mediated axonal dieback of dystrophic axons. Using a contusion model of SCI, we found that intravenous delivery of MAPCs one day, but not immediately, after SCI significantly improves urinary and locomotor recovery, which was associated with marked spinal cord tissue sparing. Intravenous MAPCs altered the immune response in the spinal cord and periphery, however biodistribution studies revealed that no MAPCs were found in the cord and instead preferentially homed to the spleen. Our results demonstrate that MAPCs exert their primary effects in the periphery and provide strong support for the use of these cells in acute human contusive SCI.
Growing magma chambers control the distribution of small-scale flood basalts
Authors: Yu Xun , Chen Li-Hui , Zeng Gang 
Published: November 2015

AbstractSmall-scale continental flood basalts are a global phenomenon characterized by regular spatio-temporal distributions. However, no genetic mechanism has been proposed to explain the visible but overlooked distribution patterns of these continental basaltic volcanism. Here we present a case study from eastern China, combining major and trace element analyses with Ar–Ar and K–Ar dating to show that the spatio-temporal distribution of small-scale flood basalts is controlled by the growth of long-lived magma chambers. Evolved basalts (SiO2 > 47.5 wt.%) from Xinchang–Shengzhou, a small-scale Cenozoic flood basalt field in Zhejiang province, eastern China, show a northward younging trend over the period 9.4–3.0 Ma. With northward migration, the magmas evolved only slightly ((Na2O + K2O)/MgO = 0.40–0.66; TiO2/MgO = 0.23–0.35) during about 6 Myr (9.4–3.3 Ma). When the flood basalts reached the northern end of the province, the magmas evolved rapidly (3.3–3.0 Ma) through a broad range of compositions ((Na2O + K2O)/MgO = 0.60–1.28; TiO2/MgO = 0.30–0.57). The distribution and two-stage compositional evolution of the migrating flood basalts record continuous magma replenishment that buffered against magmatic evolution and induced magma chamber growth. Our results demonstrate that the magma replenishment–magma chamber growth model explains the spatio-temporal distribution of small-scale flood basalts.
Direct and Convenient Mass Spectrometry Sampling with Ambient Flame Ionization
Authors: Liu Xiao-Pan , Wang Hao-Yang , Zhang Jun-Ting , Wu Meng-Xi , Qi Wan-Shu , Zhu Hui , Guo Yin-Long 
Published: November 2015

AbstractRecent innovations in ambient ionization technology for the direct analysis of various samples in their native environment facilitate the development and applications of mass spectrometry in natural science. Presented here is a novel, convenient and flame-based ambient ionization method for mass spectrometric analysis of organic compounds, termed as the ambient flame ionization (AFI) ion source. The key features of AFI ion source were no requirement of (high) voltages, laser beams and spray gases, but just using small size of n-butane flame (height approximately 1 cm, about 500 oC) to accomplish the rapid desorption and ionization for direct analysis of gaseous-, liquid- and solid-phase organic compounds, as well as real-world samples. This method has high sensitivity with a limit of detection of 1 picogram for propyphenazone, which allows consuming trace amount of samples. Compared to previous ionization methods, this ion source device is extremely simple, maintain-free, low-cost, user–friendly so that even an ordinary lighter (with n-butane as fuel) can achieve efficient ionization. A new orientation to mass spectrometry ion source exploitation might emerge from such a convenient, easy and inexpensive AFI ion source.
Exotic stable cesium polynitrides at high pressure
Authors: Peng Feng , Han Yunxia , Liu Hanyu , Yao Yansun 
Published: November 2015

AbstractNew polynitrides containing metastable forms of nitrogen are actively investigated as potential high-energy-density materials. Using a structure search method based on the CALYPSO methodology, we investigated the stable stoichiometries and structures of cesium polynitrides at high pressures. Along with the CsN3, we identified five new stoichiometric compounds (Cs3N, Cs2N, CsN, CsN2 and CsN5) with interesting structures that may be experimentally synthesizable at modest pressures (i.e., less than 50 GPa). Nitrogen species in the predicted structures have various structural forms ranging from single atom (N) to highly endothermic molecules (N2, N3, N4, N5, N6) and chains (N∞). Polymeric chains of nitrogen were found in the high-pressure C2/c phase of CsN2. This structure contains a substantially high content of single N-N bonds that exceeds the previously known nitrogen chains in pure forms and also exhibit metastability at ambient conditions. We also identified a very interesting CsN crystal that contains novel N44− anion. To our best knowledge, this is the first time a charged N4 species being reported. Results of the present study suggest that it is possible to obtain energetic polynitrogens in main-group nitrides under high pressure.
The preferential accumulation of heavy metals in different tissues following frequent respiratory exposure to PM2.5 in rats
Authors: Li Qingzhao , Liu Huibin , Alattar Mohamed , Jiang Shoufang , Han Jing , Ma Yujiao , Jiang Chunyang 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThis study aimed to explore the pattern of accumulation of some of main heavy metals in blood and various organs of rats after exposed to the atmospheric fine particulate matter (PM2.5). Rats were randomly divided into control and three treatment groups (tracheal perfusion with 10 mg/kg, 20 mg/kg and 40 mg/kg of PM2.5 suspension liquid, respectively). Whole blood and the lung, liver, kidney and cerebral cortex were harvested after rats were treated and sacrificed. The used heavy metals were detected using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) instrument. As results, Lead was increased in the liver, lung and cerebral cortex and the level of manganese was significantly elevated in the liver and cerebral cortex in PM2.5 treated rats. Besides, arsenic was prominently enriched both in cerebral cortex and in blood and so did the aluminum in the cerebral cortex and the copper in the liver. However, cadmium, chromium and nickel have shown no difference between the control group and the three PM2.5 treated groups. Following the exposure of PM2.5, different heavy metals are preferentially accumulated in different body tissues.
Cep55 regulates spindle organization and cell cycle progression in meiotic oocyte
Authors: Xu Zhao-Yang , Ma Xue-Shan , Qi Shu-Tao , Wang Zhen-Bo , Guo Lei , Schatten Heide , Sun Qing-Yuan , Sun Ying-Pu 
Published: November 2015

AbstractCep55 is a relatively novel member of the centrosomal protein family. Here, we show that Cep55 is expressed in mouse oocytes from the germinal vesicle (GV) to metaphase II (MII) stages. Immuostaining and confocal microscopy as well as time lapse live imaging after injection of mRNA encoding fusion protein of Cep55 and GFP identified that Cep55 was localized to the meiotic spindle, especially to the spindle poles at metaphase, while it was concentrated at the midbody in telophase in meiotic oocytes. Knockdown of Cep55 by specific siRNA injection caused the dissociation of γ-tubulin from the spindle poles, resulting in severely defective spindles and misaligned chromosomes, leading to metaphase I arrest and failure of first polar body (PB1) extrusion. Correspondingly, cyclin B accumulation and spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) activation were observed in Cep55 knockdown oocytes. Our results suggest that Cep55 may act as an MTOC-associated protein regulating spindle organization and thus cell cycle progression during mouse oocyte meiotic maturation.
Exercise promotes IL‐6 release from legs in older men with minor response to unilateral immobilization
Authors: Reihmane Dace , Gram Martin , Vigelsø Andreas , Wulff Helge Jørn , Dela Flemming 
Published: November 2015

AbstractPhysical inactivity is a major contributor to low‐grade systemic inflammation. Most of the studies characterizing interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) release from exercising legs have been done in young, healthy men, but studies on inactivity in older people are lacking. The impact of 14 days of one‐leg immobilization (IM) on IL‐6 and TNF‐α release during exercise in comparison to the contralateral control (CON) leg was investigated. Fifteen healthy men (age 68.1 ± 1.1 year (mean ± SEM); BMI 27.0 ± 0.4 kg·m2; VO2max 33.3 ± 1.6 ml·kg‒1·min‒1) performed 45 min of two‐leg dynamic knee extensor exercise at 19.5 ± 0.9 W. Arterial and femoral venous blood samples from the CON and the IM legs were collected every 15 min during exercise, and thigh blood flow was measured with ultrasound Doppler. Arterial plasma IL‐6 concentration increased with exercise (rest vs. 45 min, main effect p < .05). IL‐6 release increased with exercise (rest vs. 30 min, main effect p < .05). Furthermore, IL‐6 release was borderline (main effect, p = .085, effect size 0.28) higher in the IM leg compared to the CON leg (288 (95% CI: 213–373) vs. 220 (95% CI: 152–299) pg·min‒1, respectively). There was no release of TNF‐α in either leg and arterial concentrations remained unchanged during exercise (p > .05). In conclusion, exercise induces more pronounced IL‐6 secretion in healthy older men. Two weeks of unilateral immobilization on the other hand had only a minor influence on IL‐6 release. Neither immobilization nor exercise had an effect on TNF‐α release across the working legs in older men.
Reflective practice as a determinant of performance outcomes in services
Authors: Saunila Minna , Ukko Juhani 
Published: November 2015

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to examine the outcomes of reflective practices in services. The paper contributes to the current understanding of the relationship between reflective practice and outcomes by presenting a description of the internal (i.e. what kind of reflection is required to attain the desired outcomes) and external (i.e. under what kind of circumstances does reflection result in the desired outcomes) factors of reflective practices.Design/methodology/approach– The results of this investigation are based on a mixed-method research approach that utilises both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods.Findings– According to the results, reflective practices are indeed connected to outcomes. Reflective practices foster better outcomes when they are more explicit and targeted through different organisational levels. The role of performance management and measurement is important in connecting the reflective practices with performance. Performance management must be considered as a communication and social system that allows the employees to discuss the learning and development process as a part of the results.Practical implications– As a practical contribution, the results of the research may help professionals begin to understand that leveraging reflective practices may aid an organisation in achieving its desired outcomes.Originality/value– Hitherto, studies that discuss the interphase of reflective practices and outcomes have mainly been theoretical considerations or surveys that lack an in-depth understanding of how the different methods operate in a real-life context. When focusing on the previous research, it is clear that in-depth empirical studies are needed to achieve a deeper understanding of the mechanisms and arrangements that connect reflective practice and outcomes. This research addresses this research gap by examining the outcomes of reflective practices in services.
Retail store influence on sustainable consumption behaviour
Authors: Lehner Matthias 
Published: November 2015

Purpose– This paper aims to contribute to the discussion about how retailers can more effectively promote sustainable food consumption in the retail store.Design/methodology/approach– Thirteen self-proclaimed sustainable consumers were observed and interviewed during their grocery shopping. Separate observations were conducted of the stores. Finally, consumers were asked to provide three weeks worth of grocery shopping receipts.Findings– Results show that the meaning of sustainable consumption varies among consumers. Observed consumer behaviour was mostly routinized, with little willingness to engage consciously with the choice situation. Mixed messages in the store cause confusion, uncertainty and frustration. Only for a minority of decisions, consumers showed a high level of decision-making involvement. Then, consumers were willing to engage with the retailer and accept trade-offs. The retail store should better account for consumption routines in sustainable consumption behaviour and open up to interaction with sustainably minded consumers where necessary.Research limitations/implications– The results are specific for urban areas with high concern for sustainability. Further research should focus on areas of low concern for sustainability and the impact of the store environment on such consumers.Practical implications– Retailers do not sufficiently take into account the contextual nature of sustainable consumption. Retailers would be well-advised to account for the habitual nature of grocery shopping and for contextually defined understanding of sustainable consumption in their efforts to promote sustainable consumption.Originality/value– This study gives new insights into the much debated “attitude-behaviour gap” in sustainable consumption and how retailers can more effectively encourage sustainable consumption behaviour in the retail store.
A method engineering perspective for service-oriented system engineering
Authors: Gherib Boutheina , Baghdadi Youcef , Kraiem Naoufel 
Published: November 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to consider the method engineering perspective for service-oriented system engineering (SOSE). A number of SOSE methods have been proposed in both academia and industry. Given this, many intuitive, common questions arise. To answer these questions, many comparison frameworks have been developed. Each of which has considered certain methodological perspectives. However, less attention has been given to the method engineering (ME) perspective. The authors argue that this perspective would answer the question “what ME to apply in order to produce SOSE methods that themselves produce quality services at different levels of abstraction and SBAs”. This research question is further decomposed into other questions; the main one is “whether the existing ME do apply to service orientation”. Answering such a question would lead to either developing SOSE methods by using the existing ME or developing a new ME or framework for the specifics of SOSE.

Design/methodology/approach
– This work first provides a literature review on ME approaches and techniques; then, it compares a sample of existing SOSE methods with respect to their ME within a comparison framework that comprises a set of relevant properties of a solution that would be provided by an SOSE method, namely, service-oriented architecture (SOA) adoption, quality of services and ME; and finally, it discusses the applicability of the existing ME to SOSE.

Findings
– Strengths and weaknesses of the existing methods with respect to the aforementioned criteria, in addition to SOSE methodology open issues, were identified. The comparison has shown that while the existing SOSE methods have proved their success in a specific task, they still present some weaknesses. Therefore, it is better to benefit from the advantages of the existing ME techniques, notable method fragments, even if they need some alteration.

Research limitations/implications
– While this work has many open issues related to SOSE methods with respect to ME, it could be further developed in many directions by exploring the open issues. For instance, the generation of a new ME technique and application of this new ME technique to the existing SOSE methods to see to what extent the existing methods may be situational.

Practical implications
– This work has practical implications, as it provides a better understanding of different views of SOSE methods, and assists the method engineers in deciding which ME technique is most suitable to their situation.

Social implications
– The produced artifact provides a research roadmap toward SOSE ME.

Originality/value
– None of the existing comparison frameworks for SOSE methods has considered the criteria such as SOA adoption and ME techniques. Indeed, ME techniques and approaches would allow better reuse of the existing proven fragments of methods.