bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phylogeographic structure of cotton pest Adelphocoris suturalis (Hemiptera: Miridae): strong subdivision in China inferred from mtDNA and rDNA ITS markers
Authors: Zhang Lijuan , Li Hu , Li Shujuan , Zhang Aibing , Kou Fei , Xun Huaizhu , Wang Pei , Wang Ying , Song Fan , Cui Jianxin , Cui Jinjie , Gouge Dawn H. , Cai Wanzhi 
Published: September 2015

AbstractPhylogeographic patterns of some extant plant and vertebrate species have been well studied; however, they are poorly understood in the majority of insects. The study documents analysis of mitochondrial (COI, CYTB and ND5) and nuclear (5.8S rDNA, ITS2 and 28S rDNA) data from 419 individuals ofAdelphocoris suturalis, which is one of the main cotton pests found in the 31 locations in China and Japan involved in the study. Results show that the species is highly differentiated between populations from central China and peripheral China regions. Analysis of molecular variance showed a high level of geographical differentiation at different hierarchical levels. Isolation-by-distance test showed no significant correlation between genetic distance and geographical distance amongA. suturalispopulations, which suggested gene flow is not restricted by distance. In seven peripheral populations, the high levels of genetic differentiation and the smallNemvalues implied that geographic barriers were more likely restrict gene flow. Neutrality tests and the Bayesian skyline plot suggested population expansion likely happened during the cooling transition between Last Interglacial and Last Glacial Maximum. All lines of evidence suggest that physical barriers, Pleistocene climatic oscillations and geographical heterogeneity have affected the population structure and distribution of this insect in China.
A novel natural product inspired scaffold with robust neurotrophic, neurogenic and neuroprotective action
Authors: Chakravarty Sumana , Maitra Swati , Reddy R Gajendra , Das Tapatee , Jhelum Priya , Kootar Scherazad , Rajan Wenson D. , Samanta Anumita , Samineni Ramesh , Pabbaraja Srihari , Kernie Steven G. , Mehta Goverdhan , Kumar Arvind 
Published: September 2015

AbstractIn search for drugs to treat neuropsychiatric disorders wherein neurotrophic and neurogenic properties are affected, two neurotrophically active small molecules specially crafted following natural product leads based on 2-oxa-spiro[5.5]-undecane scaffold, have been thoroughly evaluated for their neurotrophic, neurogenic and neuroprotective potential in ex vivo primary culture and in vivo zebrafish and mouse models. The outcome of in vivo investigations suggest that one of these molecules is more neurotrophic than neurogenic while the other one is more neurogenic than neurotrophic and the former exhibits remarkable neuroprotection in a mouse acute ischemic stroke model. The molecular mechanisms of action of these compounds appear to be through the TrkB-MEK-ERK-CREB-BDNF pathway as pre-treatment with neurotrophin receptor TrkB inhibitor ANA-12 and MEK inhibitor PD98059 attenuates the neurotrophic action of compounds.
Microgravity promotes osteoclast activity in medaka fish reared at the international space station
Authors: Chatani Masahiro , Mantoku Akiko , Takeyama Kazuhiro , Abduweli Dawud , Sugamori Yasutaka , Aoki Kazuhiro , Ohya Keiichi , Suzuki Hiromi , Uchida Satoko , Sakimura Toru , Kono Yasushi , Tanigaki Fumiaki , Shirakawa Masaki , Takano Yoshiro , Kudo Akira 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThe bone mineral density (BMD) of astronauts decreases specifically in the weight-bearing sites during spaceflight. It seems that osteoclasts would be affected by a change in gravity; however, the molecular mechanism involved remains unclear. Here, we show that the mineral density of the pharyngeal bone and teeth region of TRAP-GFP/Osterix-DsRed double transgenic medaka fish was decreased and that osteoclasts were activated when the fish were reared for 56 days at the international space station. In addition, electron microscopy observation revealed a low degree of roundness of mitochondria in osteoclasts. In the whole transcriptome analysis, fkbp5 and ddit4 genes were strongly up-regulated in the flight group. The fish were filmed for abnormal behavior; and, interestingly, the medaka tended to become motionless in the late stage of exposure. These results reveal impaired physiological function with a change in mechanical force under microgravity, which impairment was accompanied by osteoclast activation.
Discovery of carbon-vacancy ordering in Nb4AlC3–x under the guidance of first-principles calculations
Authors: Zhang Hui , Hu Tao , Wang Xiaohui , Li Zhaojin , Hu Minmin , Wu Erdong , Zhou Yanchun 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThe conventional wisdom to tailor the properties of binary transition metal carbides by order-disorder phase transformation has been inapplicable for the machinable ternary carbides (MTCs) due to the absence of ordered phase in bulk sample. Here, the presence of an ordered phase with structural carbon vacancies in Nb4AlC3–x (x ≈ 0.3) ternary carbide is predicted by first-principles calculations and experimentally identified for the first time by transmission electron microscopy and micro-Raman spectroscopy. Consistent with the first-principles prediction, the ordered phase, o-Nb4AlC3, crystalizes in P63/mcm with a = 5.423 Å, c = 24.146 Å. Coexistence of ordered (o-Nb4AlC3) and disordered (Nb4AlC3–x) phase brings about abundant domains with irregular shape in the bulk sample. Both heating and electron irradiation can induce the transformation from o-Nb4AlC3 to Nb4AlC3–x. Our findings may offer substantial insights into the roles of carbon vacancies in the structure stability and order-disorder phase transformation in MTCs.
Cyanobacterial Light-Harvesting Phycobilisomes Uncouple From Photosystem I During Dark-To-Light Transitions
Authors: Chukhutsina Volha , Bersanini Luca , Aro Eva-Mari , van Amerongen Herbert 
Published: September 2015

AbstractPhotosynthetic organisms cope with changes in light quality by balancing the excitation energy flow between photosystems I (PSI) and II (PSII) through a process called state transitions. Energy redistribution has been suggested to be achieved by movement of the light-harvesting phycobilisome between PSI and PSII, or by nanometre scale rearrangements of the recently discovered PBS-PSII-PSI megacomplexes. The alternative ‘spillover’ model, on the other hand, states that energy redistribution is achieved by mutual association/dissociation of PSI and PSII. State transitions have always been studied by changing the redox state of the electron carriers using electron transfer inhibitors, or by applying illumination conditions with different colours. However, the molecular events during natural dark-to-light transitions in cyanobacteria have largely been overlooked and still remain elusive. Here we investigated changes in excitation energy transfer from phycobilisomes to the photosystems upon dark-light transitions, using picosecond fluorescence spectroscopy. It appears that megacomplexes are not involved in these changes and neither does spillover play a role. Instead, the phycobilisomes partly energetically uncouple from PSI in the light but hardly couple to PSII.
Extracellular vesicles from Paracoccidioides pathogenic species transport polysaccharide and expose ligands for DC-SIGN receptors
Authors: da Silva Roberta Peres , Heiss Christian , Black Ian , Azadi Parastoo , Gerlach Jared Q. , Travassos Luiz R. , Joshi Lokesh , Kilcoyne Michelle , Puccia Rosana 
Published: September 2015

AbstractExtracellular vesicles (EVs) mediate non-conventional transport of molecules across the fungal cell wall. We aimed at describing the carbohydrate composition and surface carbohydrate epitopes of EVs isolated from the pathogenic fungi Paracoccidioides brasiliensis and P. lutzii using standard procedures. Total EV carbohydrates were ethanol-precipitated from preparations depleted of lipids and proteins, then analyzed by chemical degradation, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance and size-exclusion chromatography. EV glycosyl residues of Glc, Man and Gal comprised most probably two major components: a high molecular mass 4,6-α-glucan and a galactofuranosylmannan, possibly an oligomer, bearing a 2-α-Manp main chain linked to β-Galf (1,3) and α-Manp (1,6) end units. The results also suggested the presence of small amounts of a (1→6)-Manp polymer, (1→3)-glucan and (1→6)-glucan. Glycan microarrays allowed identification of EV surface lectin(s), while plant lectin microarray profiling revealed terminal Man and GlcNAc residues exposed at the EVs surface. Mammalian lectin microarray profiling showed that DC-SIGN receptors recognized surface carbohydrate in Paracoccidioides EVs. Our results suggest that oligosaccharides, cytoplasmic storage and cell wall polysaccharides can be exported in fungal EVs, which also expose surface PAMPs and lectins. The role of these newly identified components in the interaction with the host remains to be unraveled.
High-throughput design and optimization of fast lithium ion conductors by the combination of bond-valence method and density functional theory
Authors: Xiao Ruijuan , Li Hong , Chen Liquan 
Published: September 2015

AbstractLooking for solid state electrolytes with fast lithium ion conduction is an important prerequisite for developing all-solid-state lithium secondary batteries. By combining the simulation techniques in different levels of accuracy, e.g. the bond-valence (BV) method and the density functional theory (DFT), a high-throughput design and optimization scheme is proposed for searching fast lithium ion conductors as candidate solid state electrolytes for lithium rechargeable batteries. The screening from more than 1000 compounds is performed through BV-based method and the ability to predict reliable tendency of the Li+ migration energy barriers is confirmed by comparing with the results from DFT calculations. β-Li3PS4 is taken as a model system to demonstrate the application of this combination method in optimizing properties of solid electrolytes. By employing the high-throughput DFT simulations to more than 200 structures of the doping derivatives of β-Li3PS4, the effects of doping on the ionic conductivities in this material are predicted by the BV calculations. The O-doping scheme is proposed as a promising way to improve the kinetic properties of this materials and the validity of the optimization is proved by the first-principles molecular dynamics (FPMD) simulations.
A new minimally-invasive method for microinjection into the mouse spinal dorsal horn
Authors: Kohro Yuta , Sakaguchi Emi , Tashima Ryoichi , Tozaki-Saitoh Hidetoshi , Okano Hideyuki , Inoue Kazuhide , Tsuda Makoto 
Published: September 2015

AbstractNoninvasive gene delivery to the spinal dorsal horn (SDH) remains challenging because existing methods to directly microinject vectors require laminectomy, which leads to tissue damage and inflammation. Such responses might hamper accurate readouts of cellular and behavioural effects of an introduced gene. Here we develop a new minimally-invasive SDH microinjection technique without the need of laminectomy in which a microcapillary is inserted into the SDH parenchyma through an intervertebral space. Using this method, we microinjected adeno-associated virus with an astrocytic promoter into the SDH and achieved efficient gene expression in an astrocyte-specific manner without gliosis, neuronal loss or inflammation. Furthermore, astrocytic loss- and gain-of-function of the transcription factor STAT3 by expressing a dominant-negative form and a constitutive-active form of STAT3, respectively, demonstrated the necessity and sufficiency of astrocytic STAT3 in the maintenance of neuropathic pain following peripheral nerve injury, a debilitating chronic pain state in which currently available treatments are frequently ineffective. Thus, our technique enables manipulation of gene expression in cell type- and spatial-specific manners without adverse effects and may be useful for research in SDH physiology and pathology.
Specific biological responses of the synovial membrane to carbon nanotubes
Authors: Nomura Hiroki , Takanashi Seiji , Tanaka Manabu , Haniu Hisao , Aoki Kaoru , Okamoto Masanori , Kobayashi Shinsuke , Takizawa Takashi , Usui Yuki , Oishi Ayumu , Kato Hiroyuki , Saito Naoto 
Published: September 2015

AbstractBiological evaluation of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is typically performed in the lung or abdominal cavity; however, biological reactions to CNTs are predicted to be markedly different in other tissues. In applications of CNTs as reinforcement for artificial joints and drug delivery systems, including their use in bone regeneration, the intra-articular synovial membrane makes contact with the CNTs. Herein, we analyzed the reaction of the synovial membrane with multiwalled CNTs (MWCNTs). Injection of MWCNTs into rat knee joints revealed their dose-dependent incorporation into deep synovial membranes and the formation of granulation tissue, without long-term inflammation. MWCNTs were incorporated into human fibroblast-like synoviocytes (HFLSs), with less cytotoxicity than that observed in macrophages (RAW264 cells). Moreover, MWCNTs inhibited the release of cytokines and chemokines from HFLSs. The reaction of the synovial membrane with MWCNTs differed from that observed in other tissues; thus, detailed biological evaluation at each target site is necessary for clinical applications.
The MIL-88A-Derived Fe3O4-Carbon Hierarchical Nanocomposites for Electrochemical Sensing
Authors: Wang Li , Zhang Yayun , Li Xia , Xie Yingzhen , He Juan , Yu Jie , Song Yonghai 
Published: September 2015

AbstractMetal or metal oxides/carbon nanocomposites with hierarchical superstructures have become one of the most promising functional materials in sensor, catalysis, energy conversion, etc. In this work, novel hierarchical Fe3O4/carbon superstructures have been fabricated based on metal-organic frameworks (MOFs)-derived method. Three kinds of Fe-MOFs (MIL-88A) with different morphologies were prepared beforehand as templates and then pyrolyzed to fabricate the corresponding novel hierarchical Fe3O4/carbon superstructures. The systematic studies on the thermal decomposition process of the three kinds of MIL-88A and the effect of template morphology on the products were carried out in detail. Scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and thermal analysis were employed to investigate the hierarchical Fe3O4/carbon superstructures. Based on these resulted hierarchical Fe3O4/carbon superstructures, a novel and sensitive nonenzymatic N-acetyl cysteine sensor was developed. The porous and hierarchical superstructures and large surface area of the as-formed Fe3O4/carbon superstructures eventually contributed to the good electrocatalytic activity of the prepared sensor towards the oxidation of N-acetyl cysteine. The proposed preparation method of the hierarchical Fe3O4/carbon superstructures is simple, efficient, cheap and easy to mass production. It might open up a new way for hierarchical superstructures preparation.
The energy blockers bromopyruvate and lonidamine lead GL15 glioblastoma cells to death by different p53-dependent routes
Authors: Davidescu Magdalena , Macchioni Lara , Scaramozzino Gaetano , Cristina Marchetti Maria , Migliorati Graziella , Vitale Rita , Corcelli Angela , Roberti Rita , Castigli Emilia , Corazzi Lanfranco 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThe energy metabolism of tumor cells relies on aerobic glycolysis rather than mitochondrial oxidation. This difference between normal and cancer cells provides a biochemical basis for new therapeutic strategies aimed to block the energy power plants of cells. The effects produced by the energy blockers bromopyruvate (3BP) and lonidamine (LND) and the underlying biochemical mechanisms were investigated in GL15 glioblastoma cells. 3BP exerts early effects compared to LND, even though both drugs lead cells to death but by different routes. A dramatic decrease of ATP levels occurred after 1 hour treatment with 3BP, followed by cytochrome c and hexokinase II degradation and by the decrease of both LC3I/LC3II ratio and p62, markers of an autophagic flux. In addition, Akt(Ser473) and p53(Ser15/Ser315) dephosphorylation occurred. In LND treatment, sustained ATP cellular levels were maintained up to 40 hours. The autophagic response of cells was overcome by apoptosis that was preceded by phosphatidylinositol disappearance and pAkt decrease. This last event favored p53 translocation to mitochondria triggering a p53-dependent apoptotic route, as observed at 48 and 72 hours. Adversely, in 3BP treatment, phospho-p53 dephosphorylation targeted p53 to MDM2-dependent proteolysis, thus channeling cells to irreversible autophagy.
High step‐up isolated resonant converter with voltage quadrupler rectifier and dual‐phase‐shift control
Authors: Wu Hongfei , Xia Tian , Zhan Xiaohai , Xing Yan 
Published: September 2015

An isolated resonant converter with voltage‐quadrupler rectifier (VQR) and dual‐phase‐shift (DPS) control strategy is proposed for high step‐up and wide voltage range applications. The VQR is composed of a resonant‐type voltage doubler and a conventional voltage doubler. The output voltage is improved and the voltage stresses of the secondary‐side devices are reduced significantly. Hence, low voltage‐rated switches and diodes with better switching and conduction performances can be applied to improve the efficiency. The DPS modulation strategy is adopted to implement the boost and buck modes operation, and to achieve wide voltage gain range. With the DPS control strategy, zero‐voltage switching performance is achieved for both the primary and secondary sides power devices, and zero‐current switching is achieved for all of the diodes within the entire voltage and load ranges. The operational principles and characteristics of the proposed converter are presented in detail. The analysis and performance have been fully validated experimentally on a 400 V/400 W output hardware prototype.
Effects of learning orientation and team embeddedness on mobility
Authors: Chang Jung-Nung , Cheng Chia-Yi 
Published: September 2015

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to explore the effects of learning orientation (LO) and team embeddedness (TE) on the turnover intention of team members within the context of both culturally diverse and uniform teams.Design/methodology/approach– A structural model was adopted to test the hypotheses with the help of data collected from a survey of 324 foreign and local students of an international university located in Taiwan. To compare the effects of TE and LO in the context of culturally diverse teams (CDT), a multi-group structural equation modeling was employed to investigate individual team behavior.Findings– The LO of team members in a culturally diverse context will positively influence their intention to leave the team. However, such an intention can be reduced by strengthening members’ TE along with the LO. Nonetheless, the direct effect of LO on team turnover intention in the context of same-culture teams was found to be insignificant, leaving TE as the only critical mediator in this case. Furthermore, capability validation, sought by performance-orientated individuals, was found to be an important factor worthy of special consideration for those in a single-culture team context.Originality/value– This study provides evidence regarding the applicability of the concept of job embeddedness to team relationships and the link between goal orientation and team mobility in a multi-cultural setting. Such an approach is helpful for determining ways to strengthen and stabilize team resources in the context of CDT.
Toward Experimental International Business
Authors: van Witteloostuijn Arjen 
Published: September 2015

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to argue that the time is ripe to establish a powerful tradition in Experimental International Business (IB). Probably due to what the Arjen van Witteloostuijn refers to as the external validity myth, experimental laboratory designs are underutilized in IB, which implies that the internal validity miracle of randomized experimentation goes largely unnoticed in this domain of the broader management discipline.Design/methodology/approach– In the following pages, the author explains why the author believes this implies a missed opportunity, providing arguments and examples along the way.Findings– Although an Experimental Management tradition has never really gained momentum, to the author, the lab experimental design has a very bright future in IB (and management at large). To facilitate the development of an Experimental IB tradition, initiating web-based tools would be highly instrumental. This will not only boost further progress in IB research, but will also increase the effectiveness and playfulness of IB teaching.Originality/value– Given the high potential of an Experimental IB, theCross-Cultural and Strategic Managementjournal will offer a platform for such exciting and intriguing laboratory work, cumulatively contributing to the establishment of an Experimental IB tradition.
Non-financial performance measures and the BSC of multinational companies with multi-cultural environment
Authors: Abdallah Wagdy M. , Alnamri Majbour 
Published: September 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the use of financial and non-financial performance measurement practices, including the use of the balanced scorecard (BSC) and the impact of the cultural values on the use of performance measurement systems (PMSs), in multinational companies (MNCs) operating in the Middle East with a special attention to the Saudi Arabian subsidiaries.

Design/methodology/approach
– Data were collected using a survey mailed to 180 randomly selected Saudi manufacturing subsidiaries in different industrial cities to collect data on their PMSs including the use of the BSC.

Findings
– Financial measures are more widely used by most of the companies included in the sample due to the fact they are common, well known, and the most familiar performance measures in the business practice and they are more standardized measures which can be easily understood, implemented, and quantified. Moreover, the use of the non-financial measures was at a very low rate compared with the use of financial measures. The reasons were the difficulty in finding objective measures of the effect of social factors and the avoidance of any disclosure of social problems that are existed in the society.

Research limitations/implications
– Several variables were not included in this study such as corporate culture, use of information technology, the use of mass number of expatriates in the KSA with completely different cultural values, and several other environmental factors, which might have a significant impact on the choice of multiple performance measures.

Practical implications
– From a practical standpoint, this study demonstrates that increasing levels of external environmental factors and exposure to American best practices could act as forces to adapt more updated and sophisticated PMSs in the Middle East. Moreover, it will contribute to the knowledge of PMSs in the emerging countries, particularly in Middle East countries.

Social implications
– Social variables have significant impact on the productivity of employees and they should be incorporated into the performance indictors in objective and practical models.

Originality/value
– This study illustrates how MNCs in the Middle East are adapting and applying the PMS and the effect of culture on the use of non-financial measures.