bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The "Face with Tears of Joy" Emoji. A Socio-Semiotic and Multimodal Insight into a Japan-America Mash-Up
Authors: Moschini Ilaria 
Published: August 2016

The blog site of the Oxford Dictionaries features a post dated November 16 2015, which announces that, “for the first time ever”, their “Word of the Year” is not a word, but a pictograph: the “Face with Tears of Joy” emoji. The term emoji, which is a loanword from Japanese, identifies “a small digital image or icon used to express an idea or emotion in electronic communication” (OED 2015). The sign was chosen since it is the item that “best reflected the ethos, mood, and preoccupations of 2015”. Indeed, the Oxford Dictionaries’ President, Caspar Grathwohl declared that emojis are “an increasingly rich form of communication that transcends linguistic borders” and reflects the “playfulness and intimacy” of global digital culture. Adopting a socio-semiotic multimodal approach, the present paper aims at decoding the many semantic and semiotic layers of the 2015 “Word of the Year”, with a special focus on the context of cultures out of which it originates. More in detail, the author will focus on the concept of translation as “transduction”, that is the movement of meaning across sign systems (Kress 1997), in order to map the history of this ‘pictographic word’ from language to language, from culture to culture, from niche discursive communities to the global scenario. Indeed, the author maintains that this ‘pictographic word’ is to be seen as a marker of the mashing up of Japanese and American cultures in the discursive practices of geek communities, now gone mainstream thanks to the spreading of digital discourse.
Retropubic Dilation With a Foley Catheter Balloon: A Novel Technique for Penile Prosthesis Reservoir Placement
Authors: Szell Nicole M. , McIntosh Gregory V. , DiMatteo Anthony D. , Campbell Todd , Shaw Michael K. 
Published: August 2016

Abstract

Background: The 3-piece inflatable penile prosthesis was introduced in 1973 as a treatment for men with erectile dysfunction. Consisting of 2 corporal cylinders, 1 pump, and a fluid-filled reservoir, the prosthesis is placed by blunt dissection into the retropubic space. The dissection for the reservoir is performed blindly into a space juxtaposed with nerves, vessels, and the bladder.

Objective: To propose a novel approach for inflatable penile prosthesis reservoir placement involving gentle dilation of the retropubic space using a Foley catheter balloon.

Methods: Patient medical records from 1 surgeon were reviewed. Patients did not have a history of pelvic surgery or prostatectomy. Each implant was approached using a penoscrotal incision, and the retropubic space was dilated with a 30-mL Foley catheter balloon filled to 100-mL capacity before reservoir placement. The postoperative visits were examined for complications, including reservoir infection and herniation. A literature search of penile prosthesis reservoir placement technique and complications (eg, herniation, infection) of reservoir placement was also performed.

Results: Fifteen patient records were examined. The reservoir herniation rate was 0% and the infection rate was 7%. The average reservoir herniation rate is reported to be 1% to 3%, and the average infection rate is reported to be 1% to 5%.

Conclusion: The use of a Foley catheter balloon is a safe, atraumatic, cost-effective, and easily performed method of dilating the retropubic space for subsequent inflatable penile prosthesis reservoir placement.
Microbial functional diversity alters the structure and sensitivity of oxygen deficient zones
Authors: Penn Justin , Weber Thomas , Deutsch Curtis 
Published: August 2016

AbstractOxygen deficient zones (ODZs) below the ocean surface regulate marine productivity by removing bioavailable nitrogen (N). A complex microbial community mediates N loss, but the interplay of its diverse metabolisms is poorly understood. We present an ecosystem model of the North Pacific ODZ that reproduces observed chemical distributions yet predicts different ODZ structure, rates, and climatic sensitivity compared to traditional geochemical models. An emergent lower O2 limit for aerobic nitrification lies below the upper O2 threshold for anaerobic denitrification, creating a zone of microbial coexistence that causes a larger ODZ but slower total rates of N loss. The O2‐dependent competition for the intermediate nitrite produces gradients in its oxidation versus reduction, anammox versus heterotrophic denitrification, and the net ecological stoichiometry of N loss. The latter effect implies that an externally driven ODZ expansion should favor communities that more efficiently remove N, increasing the sensitivity of the N cycle to climate change.
Effect of hydrate nucleation mechanisms and capillarity on permeability reduction in granular media
Authors: Kang Dong Hun , Yun Tae Sup , Kim Kwang Yeom , Jang Jaewon 
Published: August 2016

AbstractA model for water permeability reduction in hydrate‐bearing sediments is presented by considering capillary effect in hydrate nucleation. Both grain‐coating and pore‐filling cases are considered. The model is developed from a series of lattice Boltzmann flow simulations. Results show that the permeability decreases quasi‐linearly with increasing hydrate saturation during grain‐coating nucleation and that the permeability tends to be higher than predicted by previous analytical models, in which capillarity is not taken into account. The permeability follows unique reduction curve and is not so sensitive to initial sediment bulk density and grain size distribution. Simulations further show that there is a transition zone at Shyd = 0.3~0.4, where permeability reduction trend switches from grain‐coating model to pore‐filling model. Analyses of tortuosity and surface area confirm that the permeability reduction mechanisms result from pore‐channel blocking in grain‐coating case and pore size reduction in pore‐filling case.
MJO simulation in a cloud‐system‐resolving global ocean‐atmosphere coupled model
Authors: Sasaki Wataru , Onishi Ryo , Fuchigami Hiromitsu , Goto Koji , Nishikawa Shiro , Ishikawa Yoichi , Takahashi Keiko 
Published: August 2016

AbstractAn observed Madden‐Julian Oscillation (MJO) propagating from the central Indian Ocean to the western Pacific from 15 December 2006 to 10 January 2007 was successfully simulated by a cloud‐system‐resolving global ocean‐atmosphere coupled model without parameterization of cumulus convection. We found that the ocean coupling has significant impacts on the MJO simulation, e.g., strength of the moisture convergence, and the timing and strength of the westerly wind burst over the Maritime Continent. The model also generally well simulated the decay of the MJO in the western Pacific, as well as the changes in sea surface temperature. These results demonstrate that the cloud‐system‐resolving global ocean‐atmosphere coupled model can be used for realistic MJO simulation.
GPS TEC variations in the polar cap ionosphere: Solar wind and IMF dependence
Authors: Watson Chris , Jayachandran P. T. , MacDougall John W. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractThis statistical study examines the solar wind dependence of total electron content (TEC) variations arising from mesoscale (tens to hundreds of kilometers) structuring of the polar cap ionosphere. Six years of TEC measurements were collected from five high‐data rate Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers of the Canadian High Arctic Ionospheric Network (CHAIN), from which high‐resolution magnetic local time‐latitude maps of TEC variation occurrence rate and amplitude were created. Ionosonde radars were used to identify TEC variations arising from ionization of the E and F region ionospheres. Statistical TEC maps were examined as a function of solar wind and interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) measurements. Statistical results showed that occurrence rate of TEC variations was highest in localized dayside regions, with exact local time and latitude of peak occurrence depending primarily on the dayside coupling rate of the solar wind and magnetosphere, as well as IMF orientation and magnitude in the Y‐Z plane. Occurrence of TEC variations throughout the polar cap increased with solar wind‐magnetosphere coupling rate and IMF magnitude. The solar wind dependence of occurrence rate largely reflected the location and rate of dayside magnetic reconnection and subsequent particle precipitation and polar cap convection. Amplitudes of TEC variations were largest around noon and increased throughout the polar cap with increased solar wind‐magnetosphere coupling rate. These statistical results improve upon the existing observational picture of the polar ionosphere and will potentially facilitate development of models and techniques for mitigating impacts of the polar ionosphere on navigation signals and communication links.
Comparative aeronomy: Molecular ionospheres at Earth and Mars
Authors: Mendillo Michael , Trovato Jeffrey , Narvaez Clara , Mayyasi Majd , Moore Luke , Vogt Marissa F. , Fallows Kathryn , Withers Paul , Martinis Carlos 
Published: August 2016

AbstractThe ionospheres in our solar system vary not only in their electron densities but also in the dominance of atomic versus molecular ions at their altitudes of peak plasma density. With the exception of Earth's F layer composed of atomic oxygen ions and electrons, all other planets have their peak ionospheric layers composed of molecular ions and electrons embedded in a dense neutral atmosphere. At Mars, both of its ionospheric layers have molecular ions, with the M1 layer at a lower altitude than the more robust M2 layer above it. The terrestrial ionosphere has a prominent region of molecular ions (the E layer) below the dominant F layer. In this paper, we explore the production and loss of molecular ion layers observed under the same solar irradiance conditions at Mars and Earth. We compare observations of M1 and M2 electron densities with terrestrial ionosonde data for the peak densities of the E and F layers during low, moderate, and high solar flux conditions. The subsolar peak densities of molecular ion layers have high correlations at each planet, as well as between planets, even though they are produced by separate portions of the solar spectrum. We use photochemical‐equilibrium theory for layers produced by soft X‐rays (M1 and E) versus the M2 layer produced by extreme ultraviolet (EUV) to identify the key parameters that cause similarities and differences. The yield of our comparative study points to the roles of secondary ionization and temperature‐dependent plasma recombination rates as areas most in need of further study at each planet.
Poleward transport variability in the Northern Hemisphere during final stratospheric warmings simulated by CESM(WACCM)
Authors: Thiéblemont Rémi , Matthes Katja , Orsolini Yvan J. , Hauchecorne Alain , Huret Nathalie 
Published: August 2016

AbstractObservational studies of Arctic stratospheric final warmings have shown that tropical/subtropical air masses can be advected to high latitudes and remain confined within a long‐lived “frozen‐in” anticyclone (FrIAC) for several months. It was suggested that the frequency of FrIACs may have increased since 2000 and that their interannual variability may be modulated by (i) the occurrence of major stratospheric warmings (mSSWs) in the preceding winter and (ii) the phase of the quasi‐biennial oscillation (QBO). In this study, we tested these observational‐based hypotheses for the first time using a chemistry climate model. Three 145 year sensitivity experiments were performed with the National Center of Atmospheric Research's Community Earth System Model (CESM): one control experiment including only natural variability, one with an extreme greenhouse gas emission scenario, and one without the QBO in the tropical stratosphere. In comparison with reanalysis, the model simulates a realistic frequency and characteristics of FrIACs, which occur under an abrupt and early winter‐to‐summer stratospheric circulation transition, driven by enhanced planetary wave activity. Furthermore, the model results support the suggestion that the development of FrIACs is favored by an easterly QBO in the middle stratosphere and by the absence of mSSWs during the preceding winter. The lower stratospheric persistence of background dynamical state anomalies induced by deep mSSWs leads to less favorable conditions for planetary waves to enter the high‐latitude stratosphere in April, which in turn decreases the probability of FrIAC development. Our model results do not suggest that climate change conditions (RCP8.5 scenario) influence FrIAC occurrences.
Experimental study of the effect of zeolite 4A treated with magnesium hydroxide on the characteristics and gas‐permeation properties of polysulfone‐based mixed‐matrix membranes
Authors: Pakizeh Majid , Hokmabadi Sasan 
Published: August 2016

ABSTRACTNowadays, new methods for gas‐separation processes are being quickly developed. The separation of CH4/CO2 and CH4/H2 is usually the subject of most related research studies, especially in the membrane gas‐separation process, because of their important role in industry. In this study, we attempted to improve the separation properties of a polysulfone/zeolite 4A mixed‐matrix membrane by modifying the zeolite particle surface. The method included a simple ion‐exchange reaction of magnesium chloride with ammonium hydroxide that yielded the formation and precipitation of magnesium hydroxide whiskers on the surface of the zeolites. The whiskers could omit most of the nonselective voids by interlocking the polymer chains through them and, consequently, improve the permeability, selectivity, and elastic modulus of the membranes. X‐ray diffraction, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and dynamic mechanical analysis proved all the changes recorded after the particle and membrane treatments. SEM images showed the petal‐like morphology of the whiskers that formed on the surface of the particles after the reaction against the smooth surface of the untreated zeolite. At a 30 wt % loading of particles in the polymeric matrix, the selectivities for H2/CH4 and CO2/CH4 increased by 69 and 56%, respectively; in contrast, the H2 and CO2 permeabilities decreased by 2.5 and 10%, respectively. The modulus of elasticity for the treated membrane also increased by 14 and 30% compared to those of the pure and untreated membranes, respectively. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 44329.
MAR‐Mediated transgene integration into permissive chromatin and increased expression by recombination pathway engineering
Authors: Kostyrko Kaja , Neuenschwander Samuel , Junier Thomas , Regamey Alexandre , Iseli Christian , Schmid‐Siegert Emanuel , Bosshard Sandra , Majocchi Stefano , Le Fourn Valérie , Girod Pierre‐Alain , Xenarios Ioannis , Mermod Nicolas 
Published: August 2016

ABSTRACTUntargeted plasmid integration into mammalian cell genomes remains a poorly understood and inefficient process. The formation of plasmid concatemers and their genomic integration has been ascribed either to non‐homologous end‐joining (NHEJ) or homologous recombination (HR) DNA repair pathways. However, a direct involvement of these pathways has remained unclear. Here, we show that the silencing of many HR factors enhanced plasmid concatemer formation and stable expression of the gene of interest in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, while the inhibition of NHEJ had no effect. However, genomic integration was decreased by the silencing of specific HR components, such as Rad51, and DNA synthesis‐dependent microhomology‐mediated end‐joining (SD‐MMEJ) activities. Genome‐wide analysis of the integration loci and junction sequences validated the prevalent use of the SD‐MMEJ pathway for transgene integration close to cellular genes, an effect shared with matrix attachment region (MAR) DNA elements that stimulate plasmid integration and expression. Overall, we conclude that SD‐MMEJ is the main mechanism driving the illegitimate genomic integration of foreign DNA in CHO cells, and we provide a recombination engineering approach that increases transgene integration and recombinant protein expression in these cells. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2017;114: 384–396. © 2016 The Authors. Biotechnology and Bioengineering published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Differentiation of human foreskin fibroblast‐derived induced pluripotent stem cells into hepatocyte‐like cells
Authors: Wang Jianjun , Zhao Ping , Wan Zhihong , Jin Xueyuan , Cheng Yongqian , Yan Tao , Qing Song , Ding Ning , Xin Shaojie 
Published: August 2016

The aim of this study was to investigate the differentiation potential of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) derived from human foreskin fibroblasts (HFFs) into hepatocyte‐like cells (HLCs). The iPSCs were firstly induced by transduction of OCT4, SOX2, KLF4, and c‐MYC into HFFs using retrovirus. Afterwards, expressions of pluripotency factors were identified by semiquantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction and immunofluorescence staining, and karyotype, embryoid, and teratoma were observed by microscope. Then, iPSCs were gradually differentiated into endoderm cells, hepatic progenitor cells, and mature HLCs by special culture medium. During this process, differentiation efficiency into each kind of cells was evaluated by detecting SOX17, HNF4a, and ALB using flow cytometry, respectively. Besides, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay was conducted to detect the secretion of ALB in iPSC‐induced HLCs and quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction was performed to detect the expression levels of hepatocyte‐specific genes. The iPSCs were successfully induced by HFFs, which exhibited typical embryonic stem cells morphology, positive alkaline phosphatase staining, normal diploid karyotype, and positive expression of various pluripotency factors. Meanwhile, spherical embryoid and teratoma with 3 germ layers were formed by iPSCs. The iPSCs were consecutively induced into endoderm cells, hepatic progenitor cells and mature HLCs, and the differentiation efficiency was 55.7 ± 2.9%, 45.7 ± 4.8%, and 35.0 ± 3.9%, respectively. Besides, the secretion of ALB and expression of various hepatocyte‐specific genes was highly detected in iPSC‐induced HLCs. The iPSCs were successfully derived from HFFs and then differentiated into HLCs, which proved a new source for hepatocyte transplantation.Highlights

HFFs were successfully induced into iPSCs by transduction of OCT4, SOX2, KLF4, and c‐MYC.
Positive expressions of various pluripotency factors were exhibited in HFFs‐induced iPSCs.
The iPSCs were consecutively induced into endoderm cells, hepatic progenitor cells, and mature HLCs.
Various hepatocyte‐specific genes were highly expressed in iPSC‐induced HLCs.
Lipophilic 2′‐O‐Acetal Ester RNAs: Synthesis, Thermal Duplex Stability, Nuclease Resistance, Cellular Uptake, and siRNA Activity after Spontaneous Naked Delivery
Authors: Biscans Annabelle , Bertrand Jean‐Rémi , Dubois Josephine , Rüger Jacqueline , Vasseur Jean‐Jacques , Sczakiel Georg , Dupouy Christelle , Debart Françoise 
Published: August 2016

AbstractThe in vivo application of siRNA depends on its cellular uptake and intracellular release, and this is an unsatisfactorily resolved technical hurdle in medicinal applications. Promising concepts directed towards providing efficient cellular and intracellular delivery include lipophilic chemical modification of siRNA. Here we describe chemistry for the production of modified siRNAs designed to display improved transmembrane transport into human cells while preserving the potency of the RNAi‐based inhibitors. We report the synthesis and the biochemical and biophysical characteristics of 2′‐O‐phenylisobutyryloxymethyl (PiBuOM)‐modified siRNAs and their impact on biological activity. In the case of spontaneous cellular uptake of naked PiBuOM‐modified siRNA, we observed increased target suppression in human cells relative to unmodified or pivaloyloxymethyl (PivOM)‐modified siRNA. We provide evidence of improved spontaneous cellular uptake of naked PiBuOM‐modified siRNA and of substantial target suppression in human cells in serum‐containing medium.
AMPK activation by prolonged stimulation with interleukin‐1β contributes to the promotion of GLUT4 translocation in skeletal muscle cells
Authors: Takaguri Akira , Inoue Saya , Kubo Takashi , Satoh Kumi 
Published: August 2016

AbstractImpaired insulin signaling in skeletal muscle cells causes insulin resistance associated with the onset of type 2 diabetes. Although interleukin (IL)‐1β has been considered to be implicated in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes, the action of prolonged stimulation with IL‐1β on the insulin signaling pathway in skeletal muscle cells remains poorly understood. In the current study, we investigated the effect of IL‐1β stimulation on insulin signal transduction from the insulin receptor (IR), resulting in glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) translocation in skeletal muscle cells. In L6‐GLUT4myc cells, stimulation with IL‐1β for 24 h promoted GLUT4 translocation to the plasma membrane and increased glucose uptake in a concentration‐dependent manner, whereas short‐term stimulation with IL‐1 for up to 6 h did not affect that. In addition, stimulation with IL‐1β for 24 h further increased insulin‐stimulated GLUT4 translocation. Interestingly, stimulation with IL‐1β for 24 h did not cause any change in the phosphorylation of insulin signal molecules IR, insulin receptor substrate (IRS)‐1, Akt, and p21‐activated kinase (PAK1). Stimulation with IL‐1β for 24 h significantly increased AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation and GLUT4 protein expression. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting AMPK1/2 significantly inhibited IL‐1β‐stimulated GLUT4 translocation. These results suggest that prolonged stimulation with IL‐1β positively regulates GLUT4 translocation in skeletal muscle cells. IL‐1β may have a beneficial effect on maintaining glucose homeostasis in skeletal muscle cells in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Manipulating the Crystalline Structure and Electrochemical Performance of a Dilithium Manganese Silicate Cathode Material by Polyanion Doping
Authors: Ji Ran , Ding Zhengping , Zhao Ying , Ma Cheng , Zeng Xiaohui , Chen Libao , Ivey Douglas G. , Wei Weifeng 
Published: August 2016

AbstractAs a promising candidate for lithium‐ion battery cathodes, dilithium manganese silicate (Li2MnSiO4) has high theoretical capacity (333 mA h g−1) and compatible working potentials resulting in high energy density. However, the material suffers from low electronic conductivity and severe capacity loss as a result of structural instability during charge and discharge. Herein, a strategy to manipulate crystalline structure through incorporating boracic polyanions into the lattice of Li2MnSiO4 is presented to achieve preferential growth of an orthorhombic Pmn21 structure, which has proven difficult to achieve through traditional synthesis methods. The modified cathode material exhibits improved cycling stability and excellent rate capability. The excellent electrochemical performance is due to the higher structural consistency, the pillar effect of the boracic polyanions and enlarged Li+ pathways in the structure.