bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Governing the world at a distance: the practice of global benchmarking
Authors: BROOME ANDRÉ , QUIRK JOEL
Published: November 2015

Benchmarking practices have rapidly diffused throughout the globe in recent years. This can be traced to their popularity amongst non-state actors, such as civil society organisations and corporate actors, as well as states and international organisations (IOs). Benchmarks serve to both ‘neutralise’ and ‘universalise’ a range of overlapping normative values and agendas, including freedom of speech, democracy, human development, environmental protection, poverty alleviation, ‘modern’ statehood, and ‘free’ markets. The proliferation of global benchmarks in these key areas amounts to a comprehensive normative vision regarding what various types of transnational actors should look like, what they should value, and how they should behave. While individual benchmarks routinely differ in terms of scope and application, they all share a common foundation, with normative values and agendas being translated into numerical representations through simplification and extrapolation, commensuration, reification, and symbolic judgements. We argue that the power of benchmarks chiefly stems from their capacity to create the appearance of authoritative expertise on the basis of forms of quantification and numerical representation. This politics of numbers paves the way for the exercise of various forms of indirect power, or ‘governance at a distance’, for the purposes of either status quo legitimation or political reform.
Addressing the compliance gap? UN initiatives to benchmark the human rights performance of states and corporations
Authors: HARRISON JAMES , SEKALALA SHARIFAH
Published: November 2015

This article examines under what conditions benchmarking and associated measurement initiatives produced by UN human rights actors could, and should, play a role in promoting compliance with international human rights norms. It is organised around a comparative analysis of UN benchmarking initiatives for states and corporations. With regard to states, the article argues that ideological misgivings and technical limitations have so far triumphed over aspirations that indicators and benchmarks might play a significant role in increasing compliance with international human rights norms. With regard to corporations, we find that measuring human rights performance has been framed by the recent UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights using a much more expansive and less quantitative set of benchmarks. These latter benchmarks do not appear to be creating conditions under which the human rights performance of corporations is effectively interrogated, and as a result there is a danger of superficial legitimation. Comparative analysis of these two initiatives reveals some of the tensions inherent in utilising benchmarking in transnational efforts to achieve human rights compliance. It also allows us to contribute to broader debates about the quantification of performance and its potential and limitations as a tool of global governance.
STRONG SKEW COMMUTATIVITY PRESERVING MAPS ON RINGS
Authors: LIU LEI
Published: November 2015

Let${\mathcal{A}}$be a unital ring with involution. Assume that${\mathcal{A}}$contains a nontrivial symmetric idempotent and${\it\phi}:{\mathcal{A}}\rightarrow {\mathcal{A}}$is a nonlinear surjective map. We prove that if${\it\phi}$preserves strong skew commutativity, then${\it\phi}(A)=ZA+f(A)$for all$A\in {\mathcal{A}}$, where$Z\in {\mathcal{Z}}_{s}({\mathcal{A}})$satisfies$Z^{2}=I$and$f$is a map from${\mathcal{A}}$into${\mathcal{Z}}_{s}({\mathcal{A}})$. Related results concerning nonlinear strong skew commutativity preserving maps on von Neumann algebras are given.
On PostinitialAberand Other Syntactic Transgressions: Some Considerations on the Nature of V2 in German
Authors: Catasso Nicholas
Published: November 2015

At least since the seminal works on the clause structure of German (Bierwisch 1963, Thiersch 1978, Den Besten 1983 in the generative framework; Drach 1963 and Höhle 1986 within the Topological Field Model), much attention has been devoted to cases of apparent violation of the strict Verb-Second (V2) word order that characterizes matrix but not embedded clauses in German. In particular, phenomena such as multiply-filled prefield (Müller 2003, 2005, 2013; Speyer 2008; Bildhauer 2011; Müller et al. 2012) and so-called postinitial adverbial connectors (Métrich & Courdier 1995, Pasch et al. 2003, Breindl 2008, Volodina & Weiß 2010) in main clauses have been discussed. In this paper, I propose a novel approach to the nature and formal status of V2 in German, showing that a slightly different postulation of its structural features solves the problem of finding ad-hoc solutions to each “deviant” phenomenon.
Financial knowledge and 401(k) investment performance: a case study
Authors: CLARK ROBERT , LUSARDI ANNAMARIA , MITCHELL OLIVIA S.
Published: November 2015

We explore whether investors who are more financially knowledgeable earn more on their retirement plan investments compared with their less sophisticated counterparts, using a unique new dataset linking administrative data on investment performance and financial knowledge. Results show that the most financially knowledgeable investors: (a) held 18% points more stock than their least knowledgeable counterparts; (b) could anticipate earning 8 basis points per month more in excess returns; (c) had 40% higher portfolio volatility; and (d) held portfolios with about 38% less idiosyncratic risk, as compared with their least savvy counterparts. Our results are qualitatively similar after controlling on observables as well as modeling sample selection. We also examine portfolio changes to assess the potential impact of the financial literacy intervention. Controlling on other factors, those who elected to take the financial literacy survey boosted their equity allocations by 66 basis points and their monthly expected excess returns rose by 2.3 basis points; no significant difference in volatility or non-systematic risk was detected before versus after the survey. While these findings relate to only one firm, we anticipate that they may spur other efforts to enhance financial knowledge in the workplace.
Micro-Foundations of Religion and Public Goods Provision: Belief, Belonging, and Giving in Catholicism and Islam
Authors: Kılınç Ramazan , Warner Carolyn M.
Published: November 2015

While debates continue about the relationship between state-provided social welfare and religious charities, and whether organized religions are more capable of providing social welfare than is the public sector, less attention has focused on the question of what motivates religious adherents to contribute to the charitable work of their religions. In this article, we examine how adherents of Catholicism and Islam understand their generosity and its relationship to their faith. Through 218 semi-structured interviews with Catholics and Muslims in four cities in France, Ireland, Italy, and Turkey, we find systematic differences between the two religions. Catholics emphasize love of others and Muslims emphasize duty to God. We also find, contrary to expectations of the literature that emphasizes monitoring and sanctioning within groups to obtain cooperation, that Catholics and Muslims see their generosity as also motivated by the positive affect they feel towards their respective communities.
Prävention des postthrombotischen Syndroms
Authors: Hügel Ulrike , Baumgartner Iris
Published: November 2015

Zusammenfassung. Das postthrombotische Syndrom (PTS) ist eine Komplikation, die nach tiefen Beinvenenthrombosen, trotz optimaler Antikoagulation auftritt. Der Terminus «postthrombotisches Syndrom» subsumiert alle klinischen Symptome und Hautveränderungen, die sich im Anschluss an eine tiefe Beinvenenthrombose entwickeln. Zur Prävention des PTS stehen therapeutische Möglichkeiten bereit, deren Anwendung abhängig von der zeitlichen Distanz zur Thrombose ist. In der Akutphase hat sich die Katheterlyse bei Beckenvenenthrombosen als effiziente Therapie bewährt. Beginnend in der Akutphase bis hin zur chronischen Phase sollte eine Kompressionstherapie durchgeführt werden. In der chronischen Phase kann die Rekanalisation des venösen Ausflusstraktes im Bereich der Beckenachse mittels endovaskulärem Stenting eine klinisch relevante Besserung des PTS erzielen. Die Behandlung des insuffizienten epifaszialen Venensystems mittels Chirurgie oder thermoablativen endovenösen Verfahren stellt dabei eine sinnvolle Ergänzung dar.
STAT5-regulated microRNA-193b controls haematopoietic stem and progenitor cell expansion by modulating cytokine receptor signalling
Authors: Haetscher Nadine , Feuermann Yonatan , Wingert Susanne , Rehage Maike , Thalheimer Frederic B. , Weiser Christian , Bohnenberger Hanibal , Jung Klaus , Schroeder Timm , Serve Hubert , Oellerich Thomas , Hennighausen Lothar , Rieger Michael A.
Published: November 2015

Haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) require the right composition of microRNAs (miR) for proper life-long balanced blood regeneration. Here we show a regulatory circuit that prevents excessive HSC self-renewal by upregulation of miR-193b upon self-renewal promoting thrombopoietin (TPO)-MPL-STAT5 signalling. In turn, miR-193b restricts cytokine signalling, by targeting the receptor tyrosine kinase c-KIT. We generated a miR-193b knockout mouse model to unravel the physiological function of miR-193b in haematopoiesis. MiR-193b−/− mice show a selective gradual enrichment of functional HSCs, which are fully competent in multilineage blood reconstitution upon transplantation. The absence of miR-193b causes an accelerated expansion of HSCs, without altering cell cycle or survival, but by decelerating differentiation. Conversely, ectopic miR-193b expression restricts long-term repopulating HSC expansion and blood reconstitution. MiR-193b-deficient haematopoietic stem and progenitor cells exhibit increased basal and cytokine-induced STAT5 and AKT signalling. This STAT5-induced microRNA provides a negative feedback for excessive signalling to restrict uncontrolled HSC expansion.
Intrinsic cardiovascular autonomic regulatory system of astronauts exposed long-term to microgravity in space: observational study
Authors: Otsuka Kuniaki , Cornelissen Germaine , Kubo Yutaka , Hayashi Mitsutoshi , Yamamoto Naomune , Shibata Koichi , Aiba Tatsuya , Furukawa Satoshi , Ohshima Hiroshi , Mukai Chiaki
Published: November 2015

The fractal scaling of the long-term heart rate variability (HRV) reflects the ‘intrinsic’ autonomic regulatory system. Herein, we examine how microgravity on the ISS affected the power-law scaling β (beta) of astronauts during a long-duration (about 6 months) spaceflight. Ambulatory electrocardiographic (ECG) monitoring was performed on seven healthy astronauts (5 men, 52.0±4.2 years of age) five times: before launch, 24±5 (F01) and 73±5 (F02) days after launch, 15±5 days before return (F03), and after return to Earth. The power-law scaling β was calculated as the slope of the regression line of the power density of the MEM spectrum versus frequency plotted on a log10–log10 scale in the range of 0.0001–0.01 Hz (corresponding to periods of 2.8 h to 1.6 min). β was less negative in space (−0.949±0.061) than on Earth (−1.163±0.075; P<0.025). The difference was more pronounced during the awake than during the rest/sleep span. The circadian amplitude and acrophase (phase of maximum) of β did not differ in space as compared with Earth. An effect of microgravity was detected within 1 month (F01) in space and continued throughout the spaceflight. The intrinsic autonomic regulatory system that protects life under serious environmental conditions on Earth is altered in the microgravity environment, with no change over the 6-month spaceflight. It is thus important to find a way to improve conditions in space and/or in terms of human physiology, not to compromise the intrinsic autonomic regulatory system now that plans are being made to inhabit another planet in the near future.
GPRC6A mediates Alum-induced Nlrp3 inflammasome activation but limits Th2 type antibody responses
Authors: Quandt Dagmar , Rothe Kathrin , Baerwald Christoph , Rossol Manuela
Published: November 2015

Alum adjuvanticity is still an unknown mechanism despite the frequent use as vaccine adjuvant in humans. Here we show that Alum-induced inflammasome activation in vitro and in vivo is mediated by the G protein-coupled receptor GPRC6A. The Alum-induced humoral response in vivo was independent of the inflammasome because Nlrp3−/− and ASC−/− mice responded normally to Alum and blockade of IL-1 had no effect on antibody production. In contrast, Alum adjuvanticity was increased in GPRC6A−/− mice resulting in increased antibody responses and increased Th2 cytokine concentrations compared to wildtype mice. In vitro activation of GPRC6A−/− splenic B cells also induced increased IgG1 concentrations compared to wildtype B cells. For the first time, we show GPRC6A expression in B cells, contributing to the direct effects of Alum on those cells. B cell produced immunostimulatory IL-10 is elevated in GPRC6A−/− B cells in vitro and in vivo. Our results demonstrate a dual role of GPRC6A in Alum adjuvanticity. GPCR6A activation by Alum leads to the initiation of innate inflammatory responses whereas it is an important signal for the limitation of adaptive immune responses induced by Alum, partially explained by B cell IL-10.
The prognostic values of CYP2B6 genetic polymorphisms and metastatic sites for advanced breast cancer patients treated with docetaxel and thiotepa
Authors: Song Qingkun , Zhou Xinna , Yu Jing , Dong Ningning , Wang Xiaoli , Yang Huabing , Ren Jun , Kim Lyerly H
Published: November 2015

This study investigated interactive effects of CYP2B6 genotypes and liver metastasis on the prognosis of metastatic breast cancer patients who received combined chemotherapy of docetaxel and thiotepa. Totally 153 patients were retrospectively genotyped rs8192719 (c.1294 + 53C > T) and rs2279343 (c.785A > G). Kaplan-Meier method and Cox Proportional Hazard Regression model were used to estimate the survival. Patients with liver metastasis had worsen prognosis, conferring a 2.26-fold high risk of progression and 1.93-fold high risk of death (p < 0.05). Both CT/TT genotype of rs8192719 (c.1294 + 53C > T) and AG genotype of rs2279343 (c.785A > G) prolonged survival (p < 0.05). Furthermore, among liver metastatic patients, AG genotype of rs2279343 (c.785A > G) was associated with a 47% reduced risk of death and a 6-month-longer overall survival (p < 0.05). Among non-liver metastatic patients, hazard ratios of CT/TT genotype of rs8192719 (c.1294 + 53C > T) were 0.45 for progression and 0.40 for death; and the corresponding survival was improved by 6 months and 16 months, respectively (p < 0.05). Genotypes of CYP2B6 had an interaction with clinical efficacy of docetaxel and thiotepa on metastatic breast cancer patients; and metastatic sites also affected clinical responses. Further therapies should take into account of chemotherapy regimen, genotypes of metabolizing enzymes and metastatic sites for the particular subpopulation.
Vertically Conductive Single-Crystal SiC-Based Bragg Reflector Grown on Si Wafer
Authors: Massoubre David , Wang Li , Hold Leonie , Fernandes Alanna , Chai Jessica , Dimitrijev Sima , Iacopi Alan
Published: November 2015

Single-crystal silicon carbide (SiC) thin-films on silicon (Si) were used for the fabrication and characterization of electrically conductive distributed Bragg reflectors (DBRs) on 100 mm Si wafers. The DBRs, each composed of 3 alternating layers of SiC and Al(Ga)N grown on Si substrates, show high wafer uniformity with a typical maximum reflectance of 54% in the blue spectrum and a stopband (at 80% maximum reflectance) as large as 100 nm. Furthermore, high vertical electrical conduction is also demonstrated resulting to a density of current exceeding 70 A/cm2 above 1.5 V. Such SiC/III-N DBRs with high thermal and electrical conductivities could be used as pseudo-substrate to enhance the efficiency of SiC-based and GaN-based optoelectronic devices on large Si wafers.
Shearing of the CENP-A dimerization interface mediates plasticity in the octameric centromeric nucleosome
Authors: Winogradoff David , Zhao Haiqing , Dalal Yamini , Papoian Garegin A.
Published: November 2015

The centromeric nucleosome is a key epigenetic determinant of centromere identity and function. Consequently, deciphering how CENP-A containing nucleosomes contribute structurally to centromere function is a fundamental question in chromosome biology. Here, we performed microsecond timescale all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of CENP-A and H3 nucleosomes and report that the octameric CENP-A core particles and nucleosomes display different dynamics from their canonical H3-containing counterparts. The most significant motion observed is within key interactions at the heart of the CENP-A octameric core, wherein shearing of contacts within the CENP-A:CENP-A’ dimerization interface results in a weaker four helix bundle and an extrusion of 10–30 bp of DNA near the pseudo-dyad. Coupled to other local and global fluctuations, the CENP-A nucleosome occupies a more rugged free energy landscape than the canonical H3 nucleosome. Taken together, our data suggest that CENP-A encodes enhanced distortability to the octameric nucleosome, which may allow for enhanced flexing of the histone corein vivo.
Tumor-selective use of DNA base excision repair inhibition in pancreatic cancer using the NQO1 bioactivatable drug, β-lapachone
Authors: Chakrabarti Gaurab , Silvers Molly A. , Ilcheva Mariya , Liu Yuliang , Moore Zachary R. , Luo Xiuquan , Gao Jinming , Anderson Glenda , Liu Lili , Sarode Venetia , Gerber David E. , Burma Sandeep , DeBerardinis Ralph J. , Gerson Stanton L. , Boothman David A.
Published: November 2015

Base excision repair (BER) is an essential pathway for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) survival. Attempts to target this repair pathway have failed due to lack of tumor-selectivity and very limited efficacy. The NAD(P)H:Quinone Oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) bioactivatable drug, ß-lapachone (ARQ761 in clinical form), can provide tumor-selective and enhanced synergy with BER inhibition. ß-Lapachone undergoes NQO1-dependent futile redox cycling, generating massive intracellular hydrogen peroxide levels and oxidative DNA lesions that stimulate poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1) hyperactivation. Rapid NAD+/ATP depletion and programmed necrosis results. To identify BER modulators essential for repair of ß-lapachone-induced DNA base damage, a focused synthetic lethal RNAi screen demonstrated that silencing the BER scaffolding protein, XRCC1, sensitized PDA cells. In contrast, depleting OGG1 N-glycosylase spared cells from ß-lap-induced lethality and blunted PARP1 hyperactivation. Combining ß-lapachone with XRCC1 knockdown or methoxyamine (MeOX), an apyrimidinic/apurinic (AP)-modifying agent, led to NQO1-dependent synergistic killing in PDA, NSCLC, breast and head and neck cancers. OGG1 knockdown, dicoumarol-treatment or NQO1- cancer cells were spared. MeOX + ß-lapachone exposure resulted in elevated DNA double-strand breaks, PARP1 hyperactivation and TUNEL+ programmed necrosis. Combination treatment caused dramatic antitumor activity, enhanced PARP1-hyperactivation in tumor tissue and improved survival of mice bearing MiaPaca2-derived xenografts, with 33% apparent cures. Significance: Targeting base excision repair (BER) alone has limited therapeutic potential for pancreatic or other cancers due to a general lack of tumor-selectivity. Here, we present a treatment strategy that makes BER inhibition tumor-selective and NQO1-dependent for therapy of most solid neoplasms, particularly for pancreatic cancer.
Mesoporous magnetic secondary nanostructures as versatile adsorbent for efficient scavenging of heavy metals
Authors: Bhattacharya Kakoli , Parasar Devaborniny , Mondal Bholanath , Deb Pritam
Published: November 2015

Porous magnetic secondary nanostructures exhibit high surface area because of the presence of plentiful interparticle spaces or pores. Mesoporous Fe3O4 secondary nanostructures (MFSNs) have been studied here as versatile adsorbent for heavy metal scavenging. The porosity combined with magnetic functionality of the secondary nanostructures has facilitated efficient heavy metal (As, Cu and Cd) remediation from water solution within a short period of contact time. It is because of the larger surface area of MFSNs due to the porous network in addition to primary nanostructures which provides abundant adsorption sites facilitating high adsorption of the heavy metal ions. The brilliance of adsorption property of MFSNs has been realized through comprehensive adsorption studies and detailed kinetics. Due to their larger dimension, MFSNs help in overcoming the Brownian motion which facilitates easy separation of the metal ion sorbed secondary nanostructures and also do not get drained out during filtration, thus providing pure water.
Optically Transparent Microwave Polarizer Based On Quasi-Metallic Graphene
Authors: Grande Marco , Bianco Giuseppe Valerio , Vincenti Maria Antonietta , de Ceglia Domenico , Capezzuto Pio , Scalora Michael , D’Orazio Antonella , Bruno Giovanni
Published: November 2015

In this paper, we report on the engineering and the realization of optically transparent graphene-based microwave devices using Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD) graphene whose sheet resistance may be tailored down to values below 30 Ω/sq. In particular, we show that the process was successfully used to realize and characterize a simple, optically transparent graphene-based wire-grid polarizer at microwave frequencies (X band). The availability of graphene operating in a quasi-metallic region may allow the integration of graphene layers in several microwave components, thus leading to the realization of fully transparent (and flexible) microwave devices.
Circulating HIV DNA Correlates With Neurocognitive Impairment in Older HIV-infected Adults on Suppressive ART
Authors: Oliveira Michelli Faria de , Murrell Ben , Pérez-Santiago Josué , Vargas Milenka , Ellis Ronald J. , Letendre Scott , Grant Igor , Smith Davey M. , Woods Steven Paul , Gianella Sara
Published: November 2015

Older HIV-infected adults have a higher risk of neurocognitive impairment, but the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Here, we investigated the associations between levels of HIV DNA in peripheral blood, soluble markers of inflammation and cellular trafficking in blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and neurocognitive functioning among 18 younger (22–40 years) and 26 older (50–71 years) HIV-infected subjects, who were administered a comprehensive neurocognitive battery. Older HIV-infected individuals presented higher levels of inflammation in CSF and blood compared to younger individuals, but no difference was observed in HIV DNA levels. Among older participants, higher HIV DNA levels were significantly associated with more severe neurocognitive impairment (p = 0.005), particularly in the Executive Functions domain (p = 0.004). No association was observed between HIV DNA and neurocognition among younger individuals. Despite significantly increased inflammation observed in the older group, none of the inflammatory markers were associated with neurocognitive impairment among older HIV+ individuals (p > 0.05). Our study supports the involvement of peripheral HIV DNA reservoir in the pathogenesis of neurocognitive disorder during suppressive ART. Correlates of neurocognitive impairment might differ between younger and older adults, suggesting that future treatment and prevention strategies for HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders likely need to be tailored based on age.
MacroH2A1 associates with nuclear lamina and maintains chromatin architecture in mouse liver cells
Authors: Fu Yuhua , Lv Pin , Yan Guoquan , Fan Hui , Cheng Lu , Zhang Feng , Dang Yongjun , Wu Hao , Wen Bo
Published: November 2015

In the interphase nucleus, chromatin is organized into three-dimensional conformation to coordinate genome functions. The lamina-chromatin association is important to facilitate higher-order chromatin in mammalian cells, but its biological significances and molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. One obstacle is that the list of lamina-associated proteins remains limited, presumably due to the inherent insolubility of lamina proteins. In this report, we identified 182 proteins associated with lamin B1 (a constitutive component of lamina) in mouse hepatocytes, by adopting virus-based proximity-dependent biotin identification. These proteins are functionally related to biological processes such as chromatin organization. As an example, we validated the association between lamin B1 and core histone macroH2A1, a histone associated with repressive chromatin. Furthermore, we mapped Lamina-associated domains (LADs) in mouse liver cells and found that boundaries of LADs are enriched for macroH2A. More interestingly, knocking-down of macroH2A1 resulted in the release of heterochromatin foci marked by histone lysine 9 trimethylation (H3K9me3) and the decondensation of global chromatin structure. However, down-regulation of lamin B1 led to redistribution of macroH2A1. Taken together, our data indicated that macroH2A1 is associated with lamina and is required to maintain chromatin architecture in mouse liver cells.
Three-dimensional direct cell patterning in collagen hydrogels with near-infrared femtosecond laser
Authors: Hribar Kolin C. , Meggs Kyle , Liu Justin , Zhu Wei , Qu Xin , Chen Shaochen
Published: November 2015

We report a methodology for three-dimensional (3D) cell patterning in a hydrogel in situ. Gold nanorods within a cell-encapsulating collagen hydrogel absorb a focused near-infrared femtosecond laser beam, locally denaturing the collagen and forming channels, into which cells migrate, proliferate and align in 3D. Importantly, pattern resolution is tunable based on writing speed and laser power and high cell viability (>90%) is achieved using higher writing speeds and lower laser intensities. Overall, this patterning technique presents a flexible direct-write method that is applicable in tissue engineering systems where 3D alignment is critical (such as vascular, neural, cardiac and muscle tissue).
Streptococcus agalactiae Serotype Distribution and Antimicrobial Susceptibility in Pregnant Women in Gabon, Central Africa
Authors: Belard Sabine , Toepfner Nicole , Capan-Melser Mesküre , Mombo-Ngoma Ghyslain , Zoleko-Manego Rella , Groger Mirjam , Matsiegui Pierre-Blaise , Agnandji Selidji T. , Adegnika Ayôla A. , González Raquel , Kremsner Peter G. , Menendez Clara , Ramharter Michael , Berner Reinhard
Published: November 2015

Neonatal invasive disease due to Streptococcus agalactiae is life threatening and preventive strategies suitable for resource limited settings are urgently needed. Protective coverage of vaccine candidates based on capsular epitopes will relate to local epidemiology of S. agalactiae serotypes and successful management of critical infections depends on timely therapy with effective antibiotics. This is the first report on serotype distribution and antimicrobial susceptibility of S. agalactiae in pregnant women from a Central African region. Serotypes V, III and Ib accounted for 88/109 (81%) serotypes and all isolates were susceptible to penicillin and clindamycin while 13% showed intermediate susceptibility to erythromycin.
Quantification of copolymer composition (methyl acrylate and itaconic acid) in polyacrylonitrile carbon-fiber precursors by FTIR-spectroscopy
Authors: Loginova Ekaterina V. , Mikheev Ivan V. , Volkov Dmitry S. , Proskurnin Mikhail A.
Published: November 2015

Conditions for simple and sensitive FTIR quantitative determination of acrylonitrile, methyl acrylate, and itaconic acid in their copolymer films used as precursor products in carbon-fiber manufacturing are proposed.
Spotting and designing promiscuous ligands for drug discovery
Authors: Schneider P. , Röthlisberger M. , Reker D. , Schneider G.
Published: November 2015

The promiscuous binding behavior of bioactive compounds forms a mechanistic basis for understanding polypharmacological drug action.
Nickel sulfide microsphere film on Ni foam as an efficient bifunctional electrocatalyst for overall water splitting
Authors: Zhu Wenxin , Yue Xiaoyue , Zhang Wentao , Yu Shaoxuan , Zhang Yuhuan , Wang Jing , Wang Jianlong
Published: November 2015

A NiS microsphere film was grown in situ on Ni foam (NiS/Ni foam) via a sulfurization reaction as an efficient bifunctional electrocatalyst, with superior activity and durability for both the HER and OER in basic media.
Synthesis and characterization of a novel N–F reagent derived from the ethano-Tröger's base: 1JFN coupling constants as a signature for the N–F bond
Authors: Pereira Raul , Wolstenhulme Jamie , Sandford Graham , Claridge Timothy D. W. , Gouverneur Véronique , Cvengroš Ján
Published: November 2015

Methylation followed by fluorination of the ethano-Tröger's base affords a novel N–F reagent more reactive than Selectfluor bis(tetrafluoroborate). This study provides 1JFN coupling constants to characterize the N–F group.
Adsorption of CO2 on MIL-53(Al): FTIR evidence of the formation of dimeric CO2 species
Authors: Mihaylov M. , Chakarova K. , Andonova S. , Drenchev N. , Ivanova E. , Pidko E. A. , Sabetghadam A. , Seoane B. , Gascon J. , Kapteijn F. , Hadjiivanov K.
Published: November 2015

FTIR spectra of 12CO2 and 12CO2 + 13CO2 mixtures adsorbed on MIL-53(Al) reveal the formation of highly symmetric dimeric (CO2)2 species connected to two structural OH groups.
Morphological control of RGO/CdS hydrogels for energy storage
Authors: Zhang Xueyu , Ge Xin , Sun Shihan , Qu Yuanduo , Chi Wenzhong , Chen Chuandong , Lü Wei
Published: November 2015

This paper investigated the preparation of 3D RGO/CdS hydrogels by a facile hydrothermal process, the morphology control of CdS (ball-like, rod-like, needle-like) in 3D structures, and their application in electrochemical energy storage.
Shape-controlled growth of metal nanoparticles: an atomistic view
Authors: Konuk Mine , Durukanoğlu Sondan
Published: November 2015

The presented molecular static and dynamic simulations are the first simulations to understand the underlying atomistic mechanisms of the experimentally determined growth modes of metal nano-clusters.
Resistive switching properties of epitaxial BaTiO3−δ thin films tuned by after-growth oxygen cooling pressure
Authors: Heo Yooun , Kan Daisuke , Shimakawa Yuichi , Seidel Jan
Published: November 2015

Bias- and time-dependent resistive switching measurements of BaTiO3−δ, i.e. oxygen-deficient barium titanate (BaTiO3) thin films, reveal a strong dependence on the oxygen vacancy concentration, which can be tuned by after-growth oxygen cooling conditions of thin films.
Challenging compounds for calculating molecular second hyperpolarizabilities: the triplet state of the trimethylenemethane diradical and two derivatives
Authors: de Wergifosse Marc , Champagne Benoît , Ito Soichi , Fukuda Kotaro , Nakano Masayoshi
Published: November 2015

Intramolecular charge-transfer increases the requirement on wavefunction-based methods to evaluate γ of trimethylenemethane derivatives whereas DFT/M06-2X performs equally well.
Simple entry into N-tert-butyl-iminophosphonamide rare-earth metal alkyl and chlorido complexes
Authors: Rufanov Konstantin A. , Pruß Noa K. , Sundermeyer Jörg
Published: November 2015

New series of rare-earth metal dialkyls [(NPNtBu)Ln(CH2SiMe3)2(THF)n] (Ln = Sc,n= 0 (2), Ln = Y,n= 1 (3)) and monoalkyls [(NPNtBu)2Ln(CH2SiMe3)] (Ln = Y (4), Nd (6), Sm (7)), [(NPNtBu)2Sc(THF)CH3] (5) are achieved by protolysis of highly basic ligand Ph2P(N-tBu)(NH-tBu) = (NPNtBu)H (1). Further alkyl abstraction, alkyl/Cl exchange reactions and X-ray structure analyses of thus obtained new complexes are presented.
Newport Green, a fluorescent sensor of weakly bound cellular Zn2+: competition with proteome for Zn2+
Authors: Karim Mohammad Rezaul , Petering David H.
Published: November 2015

Comparison of titration of the fluorescent metal ion sensor Newport Green acid with Zn2+in the absence (red) and presence (blue) of cell proteome. The proteome strongly competes with Newport Green for Zn2+.
On-line speciation of chromium using a modified chelating resin and determination in industrial water samples by flame atomic absorption spectrometry
Authors: Tiwari Shelja , Sharma Niharika , Saxena Reena
Published: November 2015

Preconcentrative speciation of chromium in industrial water samples using a flow injection – FAAS system with a synthesized chelating resin in a minicolumn.
Copper-catalyzed direct C–H fluoroalkenylation of heteroarenes
Authors: Rousée Kevin , Schneider Cédric , Bouillon Jean-Philippe , Levacher Vincent , Hoarau Christophe , Couve-Bonnaire Samuel , Pannecoucke Xavier
Published: November 2015

Efficient copper-catalyzed direct C–H fluoroalkenylation of heterocycles using various gem-bromofluoroalkenes as electrophiles is reported for the first time.
Fluorinated bottlebrush polymers based on poly(trifluoroethyl methacrylate): synthesis and characterization
Authors: Xu Yuewen , Wang Weiyu , Wang Yangyang , Zhu Jiahua , Uhrig David , Lu Xinyi , Keum Jong K. , Mays Jimmy W. , Hong Kunlun
Published: November 2015

Fluorinated bottlebrush polymers thin films showed unique surface properties.
A poly(amidoamine) dendrimer-based nanocarrier conjugated with Angiopep-2 for dual-targeting function in treating glioma cells
Authors: Xu Zejun , Wang Yao , Ma Zhiyong , Wang Zhijian , Wei Yen , Jia Xinru
Published: November 2015

A dendrimer-based nanocarrier with Angiopep-2 as a dual-targeting group showed the abilities of crossing the BBB and targeting to C6 cells.
RAFT polymerization of ciprofloxacin prodrug monomers for the controlled intracellular delivery of antibiotics
Authors: Das Debobrato , Srinivasan Selvi , Kelly Abby M. , Chiu David Y. , Daugherty Bridget K. , Ratner Daniel M. , Stayton Patrick S. , Convertine Anthony J.
Published: November 2015

Prodrug monomers derived from the antibiotic ciprofloxacin were synthesized with phenolic or aliphatic esters linking the drug to a polymerizable methacrylate group.
Small molecular push–pull donors for organic photovoltaics: effect of the heterocyclic π-spacer
Authors: Labrunie Antoine , Jiang Yue , Baert François , Leliège Antoine , Roncali Jean , Cabanetos Clément , Blanchard Philippe
Published: November 2015

A series of (D–π–A) small push–pull molecules involving a triphenylamine electron-rich group (D) connected to a dicyanovinyl electron-deficient unit (A) through different chalcogenophene type π-connectors has been synthesized.
Nanoincorporation of curcumin in polymer-glycerosomes and evaluation of their in vitro–in vivo suitability as pulmonary delivery systems
Authors: Manca Maria Letizia , Peris José E. , Melis Virginia , Valenti Donatella , Cardia Maria Cristina , Lattuada Donatella , Escribano-Ferrer Elvira , Fadda Anna Maria , Manconi Maria
Published: November 2015

This work was aimed at deliver curcumin to lungs by its incorporation into innovative vesicles glycerosomes and polymer-glycerosomes, the latter obtained combining glycerosomes with two polymers: sodium hyaluronate and trimethyl chitosan.
Fabrication of polydopamine functionalized halloysite nanotube/polyetherimide membranes for heavy metal removal
Authors: Hebbar Raghavendra S. , Isloor Arun M. , Ananda K. , Ismail A. F.
Published: November 2015

Polydopamine modified halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) were synthesised and employed as a well dispersed hydrophilic additive to enhance the filtration properties of polyetherimide (PEI) membranes.
Electrophoretic deposition of Ca2Nb3O10− nanosheets synthesized by soft-chemical exfoliation
Authors: Kweon Sang-Hyo , Im Mir , Lee Woong-Hee , Nahm Sahn , Choi Ji-Won , Hwang Seong-Ju
Published: November 2015

Electrophoresis: negatively charged monolayers are attracted toward a positively charged metal electrode under specific electric field conditions.
Health hazards of methylammonium lead iodide based perovskites: cytotoxicity studies
Authors: Benmessaoud Iness R. , Mahul-Mellier Anne-Laure , Horváth Endre , Maco Bohumil , Spina Massimo , Lashuel Hilal A. , Forró Làszló
Published: November 2015

New technologies launch novel materials; besides their performances in products, their health hazards must be tested.
Inhibition of Wnt signalling and breast tumour growth by the multi-purpose drug suramin through suppression of heterotrimeric G proteins and Wnt endocytosis
Authors: Koval Alexey , Ahmed Kamal , Katanaev Vladimir L.
Published: November 2015

Overactivation of the Wnt signalling pathway underlies oncogenic transformation and proliferation in many cancers, including the triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), the deadliest form of tumour in the breast, taking about a quarter of a million lives annually worldwide. No clinically approved targeted therapies attacking Wnt signalling currently exist. Repositioning of approved drugs is a promising approach in drug discovery. In the present study we show that a multi-purpose drug suramin inhibits Wnt signalling and proliferation of TNBC cells in vitro and in mouse models, inhibiting a component in the upper levels of the pathway. Through a set of investigations we identify heterotrimeric G proteins and regulation of Wnt endocytosis as the likely target of suramin in this pathway. G protein-dependent endocytosis of plasma membrane-located components of the Wnt pathway was previously shown to be important for amplification of the signal in this cascade. Our data identify endocytic regulation within Wnt signalling as a promising target for anti-Wnt and anti-cancer drug discovery. Suramin, as the first example of such drug or its analogues might pave the way for the appearance of first-in-class targeted therapies against TNBC and other Wnt-dependent cancers.
Diagnostic technologies for circulating tumour cells and exosomes
Authors: Shao Huilin , Chung Jaehoon , Issadore David
Published: November 2015

Circulating tumour cells (CTCs) and exosomes are promising circulating biomarkers. They exist in easily accessible blood and carry large diversity of molecular information. As such, they can be easily and repeatedly obtained for minimally invasive cancer diagnosis and monitoring. Because of their intrinsic differences in counts, size and molecular contents, CTCs and exosomes pose unique sets of technical challenges for clinical translation–CTCs are rare whereas exosomes are small. Novel technologies are underway to overcome these specific challenges to fully harness the clinical potential of these circulating biomarkers. Herein, we will overview the characteristics of CTCs and exosomes as valuable circulating biomarkers and their associated technical challenges for clinical adaptation. Specifically, we will describe emerging technologies that have been developed to address these technical obstacles and the unique clinical opportunities enabled by technological innovations.
Accurate electromagnetic field exposure characterisation due to mediated lightning strikes via an efficient finite‐difference time‐domain‐based human body model
Authors: Alrim Viviane A. , Amanatiadis Stamatios A. , Kantartzis Nikolaos V. , Antonopoulos Christos S.
Published: November 2015

A versatile and straightforward human body model, comprising simple geometric structures, is consistently developed in this study for the precise electromagnetic field exposure assessment owing to mediated lightning strikes. The proposed model incorporates a realistic set of frequency‐dependent media, approximated by a 4‐Cole‐Cole scheme, while every body part is considered to be occupied by the most dominant medium. For the reliable evaluation of all related electromagnetic quantities, the featured implementation is systematically discretised by means of an efficient finite‐difference time‐domain algorithm and all results are compared to those of a circuit‐based approach, simulated via an electronic circuit software. Moreover, to minimise comparison errors, the most critical human body dimensions are carefully optimised. Finally, the model, so constructed, is employed for the study of a side flash impact and the investigation of a lethal electric discharge possibility through the disruptive effect technique. The benefits of the proposed realisation in the successful prediction of mediated lightning effects are thoroughly validated in terms of various real‐world scenarios, which, among others, reveal that the impact on humans is inversely proportional to its distance from the stroked object.
Generation of neutral atomic beams utilizing photodetachment by high power diode laser stacks
Authors: O’Connor A. P. , Grussie F. , Bruhns H. , de Ruette N. , Koenning T. P. , Miller K. A. , Savin D. W. , Stützel J. , Urbain X. , Kreckel H.
Published: November 2015

We demonstrate the use of high power diode laser stacks to photodetach fast hydrogen and carbon anions and produce ground term neutral atomic beams. We achieve photodetachment efficiencies of ∼7.4% for H− at a beam energy of 10 keV and ∼3.7% for C− at 28 keV. The diode laser systems used here operate at 975 nm and 808 nm, respectively, and provide high continuous power levels of up to 2 kW, without the need of additional enhancements like optical cavities. The alignment of the beams is straightforward and operation at constant power levels is very stable, while maintenance is minimal. We present a dedicated photodetachment setup that is suitable to efficiently neutralize the majority of stable negative ions in the periodic table.
Electron heat transport regimes in multi-scale turbulence
Authors: Vlad M. , Spineanu F.
Published: November 2015

Electron heat transport is studied in the framework of the test particle approach using a semi-analytical method. We consider multi-scale turbulence with a range of correlation lengths λ that covers two orders of magnitude. The model is based on numerical simulations and experiments, which show that fusion plasmas are characterized by the simultaneous presence of several types of turbulence. The electron temperature gradient drives the small scale turbulence with λ of the order of the electron Larmor radius, while the trapped electron modes and the ion temperature gradient generate large scale potential fluctuations with λ in the interval (ρi, 10ρi), where ρi is the ion Larmor radius. The transport regimes are determined for each type of turbulence and for the complex model that includes both small and large scale turbulence. We show that the electron heat transport in the multi-scale turbulence is not always the sum of the independent contributions of each component. Strong nonlinear effects can lead to diffusion coefficients that are much larger than the independent contributions. The conditions and the physical processes corresponding to these regimes are analyzed.
Influence of oxygen impurity on electronic properties of carbon and boron nitride nanotubes: A comparative study
Authors: Singh Ram Sevak
Published: November 2015

Influence of oxygen impurity on electronic properties of carbon and boron nitride nanotubes (CNTs and BNNTs) is systematically studied using first principle calculations based on density functional theory. Energy band structures and density of states of optimized zigzag (5, 0), armchair (3, 3), and chiral (4, 2) structures of CNT and BNNT are calculated. Oxygen doping in zigzag CNT exhibits a reduction in metallicity with opening of band gap in near-infrared region while metallicity is enhanced in armchair and chiral CNTs. Unlike oxygen-doped CNTs, energy bands are drastically modulated in oxygen-doped zigzag and armchair BNNTs, showing the nanotubes to have metallic behaviour. Furthermore, oxygen impurity in chiral BNNT induces narrowing of band gap, indicating a gradual modification of electronic band structure. This study underscores the understanding of different electronic properties induced in CNTs and BNNTs under oxygen doping, and has potential in fabrication of various nanoelectronic devices.
Antiproliferative Aporphine Alkaloids from Litsea glutinosa and Ethnopharmacological Relevance to Kuuku I’yu Traditional Medicine
Authors: Ndi Chi P. , Sykes Matthew J. , Claudie David J. , McKinnon Ross A. , Semple Susan J. , Simpson Bradley S.
Published: November 2015

Australian Aboriginal people have a long history of relying on plants for the treatment of various ailments and illnesses. Our ongoing collaborative research project initiated by Chuulangun Aboriginal Corporation (Cape York, Australia) has recently focussed on revealing whether Kuuku I’yu plant medicines possess anticancer-related activities and the chemistry responsible for this. Here, we present results from a study of the plant Litsea glutinosa, used traditionally for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. Four known aporphine alkaloids N-methylactinodaphnine (1), boldine (2), N-methyllaurotetanine (3), and isoboldine (4) were isolated by activity-guided fractionation and tested for cytotoxicity against HT29, SKMEL28, and primary human keratinocytes. Compound 1 was the most cytotoxic and this observation may be explained by the presence of a 1,2-methylenedioxy group. In silico docking revealed that a plausible mechanism for the observed cytotoxicity is the stabilization of a topoisomerase II (β) DNA–enzyme complex. The ethnopharmacological relevance of this study is discussed in the context of researching and using traditional knowledge in biomolecular discovery.
Association mapping reveals the role of purifying selection in the maintenance of genomic variation in gene expression
Authors: Josephs Emily B. , Lee Young Wha , Stinchcombe John R. , Wright Stephen I.
Published: November 2015

Significance

Biologists have long sought to explain why we see genetic variation for traits in populations despite the expectation that selection will remove most variation. We address this question by using gene expression as a model trait and identifying the genetic loci that affect gene expression in a single, large population of the plant
Capsella grandiflora
. Alleles at loci that affect expression were rarer than expected under neutral expectations, and there was a negative correlation between phenotypic effect size and frequency of these alleles. These observations are consistent with the hypothesis that purifying selection acts on the genetic variation for expression.
Competition between spin–orbit interaction and exchange coupling within a honeycomb lattice ribbon
Authors: Su Yu-Hsin , Chen Son-Hsien , Hu C D , Chang Ching-Ray
Published: November 2015

Spin density patterns of a pinned magnetic impurity that is embedded in a honeycomb lattice with zigzag edges are investigated by employing a mean-field assisted Landauer–Keldysh formalism. Both the intrinsic spin–orbit coupling and the extrinsic localized magnetic moments are considered, and the effects of the pinning directions and the species of the sublattice on the electron spins are analyzed. A local time-reversal symmetry breaking cannot destroy the equilibrium edge-state spin accumulation that is induced by intrinsic spin–orbit coupling when the pinning field lies in the plane of the ribbon and the embedding position is the A-site at the edge. The induced local spin can be either parallel or antiparallel to the localized impurity moment, depending on the location of the pinned impurity, because itinerant electrons are found only at the B-site of the edge, but not at the A-site.