bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mirror Movements After Stroke Suggest Facilitation From Nonprimary Motor Cortex: A Case Presentation
Authors: Caronni Antonio , Sciumé Luciana , Ferpozzi Valentina , Blasi Valeria , Castellano Antonella , Falini Andrea , Perucca Laura , Cerri Gabriella
Published: October 2015

When stroke occurs in adulthood, mirror movements (MMs; involuntary movements occurring in 1 hand when performing unilateral movements with the contralateral hand) in the paretic hand rarely occur. We present a case of an apparently healthy 54‐year‐old man presenting with MMs in his left (nondominant) hand. Further evaluation revealed diminished strength and dexterity in left hand, increased spinal excitability, decreased corticospinal excitability, occurrence of ipsilateral motor responses, enlarged cortical motor representation, and imaging findings consistent with a previously undiagnosed right‐subcortical stroke. MMs and ipsilateral motor responses may reflect the increased spinal motor neurons' excitability sustained by the spared nonprimary ipsilesional motor areas.
A brighter future for life in the tropics: translating big picture academic vision into practical research
Authors: Tsey Komla
Published: October 2015

The past decade has witnessed a significant resurgence of academic and developmental interest in the tropical zones of the world. The task of translating big picture academic institutional vision into practical research can, however, be quite daunting for those at the coalface of implementing such visions, not least because there is no guidance as to where exactly to start. Using James Cook University's tropical vision as a case, this commentary proposes a set of guidelines to assist research teams and organisations to translate the global tropical vision, especially the social and psychological dimensions, into practical research questions.
Evidence for specific adaptations of fossil benthic foraminifera to anoxic–dysoxic environments
Authors: Meilijson Aaron , Ashckenazi-Polivoda Sarit , Illner Peter , Alsenz Heiko , Speijer Robert P. , Almogi-Labin Ahuva , Feinstein Shimon , Püttmann Wilhelm , Abramovich Sigal
Published: October 2015

It has generally been argued that the majority of fossil benthic foraminifera, the most common proxy for paleo bottom oceanic conditions, could not tolerate anoxia. Here we present evidence that fossil foraminifera were able to successfully colonize anoxic–dysoxic bottom waters, by using adaptations similar to those found in living species. Our study is based on a multi proxy micropaleontological and geochemical investigation of the Upper Cretaceous sediments from the Levant upwelling regime. A shift from buliminid to diverse trochospiral dominated assemblages was recorded in an interval with a distinct anoxic geochemical signature coinciding with a regional change in lithology. This change was triggered by an alteration in the type of primary producers from diatoms to calcareous nannoplankton, possibly causing modifications in benthic foraminiferal morphological and physiological adaptations to life in the absence of oxygen.

Our data show that massive blooms of triserial (buliminid) benthic foraminifera with distinct apertural and test morphologies during the Campanian were enabled by their ability to sequester diatom chloroplasts and associate with bacteria, in a similar manner as their modern analogs. Diverse trochospiral forms existed during the Maastrichtian by using nitrate instead of oxygen for their respiratory pathways in a denitrifying environment. Species belonging to the Stilostomellidae and Nodosariidae families might have been affected by the change in food type arriving to the seafloor after the phytoplankton turnover at the Campanian/Maastrichtian boundary, in a similar manner as their mid Pleistocene descendants prior to their extinction. This study promotes the need for a re-evaluation of the current models used for interpreting paleoceanographic data and demonstrates that the identification of adaptations and mechanisms involved in promoting sustained life under anoxic to dysoxic conditions should become a standard in faunal paleoceanographic studies.
On the homotopy groups of the self-equivalences of linear spheres
Authors: Libman Assaf
Published: October 2015

Let S(V) be a complex linear sphere of a finite group G. Let S(V)*n denote the n-fold join of S(V) with itself and let aut G(S(V)*) denote the space of G-equivariant self-homotopy equivalences of S(V)*n. We show that for any k ≥ 1 there exists M > 0 that depends only on V such that |πk autG(S(V)*n)|≤ M for all n ≫0.
Khadi Curtains and Swadeshi Bed Covers: Textiles and the changing possibilities of home in western India, 1900–1960
Authors: McGOWAN ABIGAIL
Published: October 2015

In examining the remarkable expansion of India's textile production in the late colonial period, many scholars have identified consumption trends as shaping the relative success of mills as opposed to handlooms. That scholarship, however, has focused on only one component of consumption: clothing. This article explores another important area of cloth consumption in western India: non-clothing textiles. Across classes, urban dwellers used curtains and furnishing fabrics to try to improve comfort and create privacy—two qualities in short supply in cities like Bombay and Ahmedabad, where the pressures of rapidly growing populations came into conflict with new sanitary demands to open up houses to light and air. More broadly, non-clothing textiles helped to negotiate the novel conditions of urban life, where people moved regularly, homes were increasingly open to non-kin visitors, men and women shared space in new ways, and elite women were aesthetic arbiters of domestic space. While clothing choices in the late colonial period have often been studied in the context of nationalism, this article argues that nationalism was only one factor among many that shaped the use of household furnishing fabrics; equally, or more importantly, new ideas of ‘home’ led to and were expressed in expanded fabric use in urban western India.
Decoding the mechanical fingerprints of biomolecules
Authors: Dudko Olga K.
Published: October 2015

The capacity of biological macromolecules to act as exceedingly sophisticated and highly efficient cellular machines – switches, assembly factors, pumps, or motors – is realized through their conformational transitions, that is, their folding into distinct shapes and selective binding to other molecules. Conformational transitions can be induced, monitored, and manipulated by pulling individual macromolecules apart with an applied force. Pulling experiments reveal, for a given biomolecule, the relationship between applied force and molecular extension. Distinct signatures in the force–extension relationship identify a given biomolecule and thus serve as the molecule's ‘mechanical fingerprints’. But, how can these fingerprints be decoded to uncover the energy barriers crossed by the molecule in the course of its conformational transition, as well as the associated timescales? This review summarizes a powerful class of approaches to interpreting single-molecule force spectroscopy measurements – namely,analytically tractableapproaches. On the fundamental side, analytical theories have the power to reveal the unifying principles underneath the bewildering diversity of biomolecules and their behaviors. On the practical side, analytical expressions that result from these theories are particularly well suited for a direct fit to experimental data, yielding the important parameters that govern biological processes at the molecular level.
MIXTURE DISTRIBUTION HYPOTHESIS AND THE IMPACT OF A TOBIN TAX ON EXCHANGE RATE VOLATILITY: A REASSESSMENT
Authors: Damette Olivier
Published: October 2015

This paper applies smooth transition regressions to incorporate nonlinearity into the impact of trading volume on exchange rate volatility, the so-called mixture distribution hypothesis (MDH). Linking this analysis to the Tobin tax debate, we provide the first empirical corroboration that such a tax may be effective in limiting speculation and reducing exchange rate volatility, especially in turbulent times. Our study points to two main results. First, we show that nonlinearities should be taken into account to explain the MDH. When volatility, spreads, and volume are simultaneously high, the relationship between trading volume and volatility tends to grow stronger and thus the MDH holds in turbulent periods. Second, on the assumption of constant trading volume elasticity, a Tobin tax would have been stabilizing and effective in the 2008 crisis.
AMERICANIZING PSYCHOANALYSIS
Authors: ASH MITCHELL G.
Published: October 2015

The general theme that unites the works to be discussed here is the history of psychoanalysis in America over the past hundred years, particularly during the heyday of its public impact from the 1950s through the 1970s. The broad outlines of this story have been well known for some time. Interesting about the volumes discussed here is the step that each book takes in its own way beyond a narrow focus on Freud and his followers or the institutional history of the psychoanalytic profession to examinations of so-called neo-Freudianism and of the entry of psychoanalytic discourse into American middle- and highbrow popular culture. The question whether, how, or to what extent psychoanalysis became “Americanized” in the course of all this is addressed explicitly in the volume by Elizabeth Lunbeck, and implicitly in the other books under review. In the following I will discuss each volume in turn, pointing to linkages among them along the way.
Patch-burn grazing (PBG) as a livestock management alternative for fire-prone ecosystems of North America
Authors: Scasta J.D. , Thacker E.T. , Hovick T.J. , Engle D.M. , Allred B.W. , Fuhlendorf S.D. , Weir J.R.
Published: October 2015

Many rangelands of the world are fire dependent and display a strong interaction between fire and grazing on animal behavior, productivity and ecosystem processes. The application of this fire–grazing interaction as patch-burn grazing (PBG) has recently been promoted in North America to conserve biodiversity and as an alternative for livestock management in fire-prone ecosystems to enhance forage quality and other production benefits. PBG is functionally applied by burning spatially and temporally discrete patches to allow livestock to choose where and when to graze. However, considering that the primary intent of PBG in fire-dependent ecosystems has been for the conservation of biodiversity, we synthesized the peer-reviewed literature to assess PBG as an alternative strategy for livestock management in fire-prone ecosystems. We reviewed the literature to assess PBG as an alternative livestock management approach to optimize animal production and conserve biodiversity in fire-prone ecosystems. We reviewed the results of 83 studies that focused on two main areas: (1) livestock production and inputs and (2) maintaining or improving ecosystem functioning and biodiversity to support sustainable livestock production. PBG can optimize cattle production by offsetting input costs such as supplemental feed, insecticides, herbicides, mechanical brush control, veterinary costs and cross-fencing. PBG can also maintain native herbaceous plant communities that are the resource base for cattle grazing enterprises by reducing woody plant encroachment, stimulating above- and below-ground biomass of native perennial grasses, enhancing nutrient cycling and optimizing plant diversity. PBG creates a habitat mosaic critical for many trophic levels of wildlife, particularly grassland birds, which are currently in decline. Further research is needed to clarify the potential environmental gradients defining applicability of PBG, economic outcomes of PBG, potential gastro-intestinal parasite control with PBG and other metrics of animal production. Overall, PBG is a viable management approach to improve productivity and biodiversity in fire-regulated grassland ecosystems in a manner supported by both fire and grazing disturbances. This is especially true when these communities have other organisms that depend on periodic disturbance and interaction with large animal grazing and is supported by ample empirical research.
First record of the Red Sea shrimp-goby Cryptocentrus caeruleopunctatus in the Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Rothman Shevy B.S. , Goren Menachem
Published: October 2015

We report a first record of the alien fishCryptocentrus caeruleopunctatusin the Mediterranean Sea. The fish was found along the northern coast of Israel. This finding increases the number of Red Sea gobies in the Mediterranean to six, and the number of shrimp-gobies to two. A dense colony of this species was observed at depths of 20–30 m in the Rosh Ha'nikra-Achziv Nature Reserve.
Faith inspiration in a secular world: An Islamic perspective on humanitarian principles
Authors: Salek Lucy V.
Published: October 2015

In recent years, there has been more and more interaction and engagement between “faith-based” organizations (FBOs) and secular humanitarian organizations. While humanitarian organizations operate under the humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence, it is often believed that faith-based organizations cannot be neutral or impartial due to their religious identity and agenda. Drawing on the research of Islamic Relief Worldwide, this article looks critically at connections that can be drawn between Islamic religious principles and those upheld as key to secular humanitarian action. The article outlines the Islamicmaqasid al-Shari'ahframework as an example of how religious-based approaches can provide a basis for humanitarian action that is both relevant to Islamic communities and complementary to humanitarian principles.
Maternal hyperglycemia at different stages of gestation and its effects on male reproductive functions in rats
Authors: Akindele O. O. , Kunle-Alabi O. T. , Udofia U. A. , Ahmed T. T. , Raji Y.
Published: October 2015

The critical period during which maternal hyperglycemia predisposes offspring to develop reproductive disorders in adult life is not known. The relationship between maternal hyperglycemia at different stages and reproductive functions of male offspring was investigated. A single intraperitoneal injection of alloxan (90 mg/kg body weight) was administered at gestation days (GD) 1, 8 and 15. Animals were subsequently given 10% glucose solution daily as drinking water until parturition. All male pups were sacrificed on the 63rd day of postnatal life. Birth weight, anogenital distance index (AGDi), testes descent day, preputial separation day, sperm profile, serum testosterone, luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone levels and the histology of the testis were assessed. Data significance test was based on 95% confidence interval. GD1 pups showed a significant increase in mean birth weight, whereas GD8 pups and GD15 pups had significantly reduced birth weight as compared with control. AGDi was significantly increased in GD8 and GD15 pups. Testes descent and preputial separation in all the experimental groups were significantly earlier. There was a significant reduction in sperm count and viability in GD8 offspring. Sperm motility was reduced in all test groups. Testosterone level was reduced in all test groups. Histology of the testis showed varying degrees of pathologies. It was deduced from this study that maternal hyperglycemia caused alterations in reproductive functions in male offspring of Wistar rats irrespective of the period of gestation involved, although GD8 pups were most severely affected.
Experiments in global democracy: The cases of UNITAID and the FAO Committee on World Food Security
Authors: FRAUNDORFER MARKUS
Published: October 2015

A growing literature explores how global governance mechanisms can be made more effective and democratic to tackle trans-boundary development challenges like global epidemics, global poverty or climate change. The international system today is characterized by an increasing influence of non-state actors gradually undermining the prominent role of the state. Considering this new reality, the focus of analysis has increasingly shifted towards examining the fundamental role of non-state actors, in particular from civil society, in building democratic global governance mechanisms. The literature still says little about joint governance efforts of both state and non-state actors to promote democracy on the global level. This article examines two global governance mechanisms, UNITAID and the FAO Committee on World Food Security, which were created by the joint action of state and non-state actors to tackle trans-boundary development challenges. Departing from the ideal type of democratic polycentrism this article argues that both mechanisms can be seen as encouraging experiments in global democracy. This analysis attempts to show that democratic polycentrism may prove to be a useful theoretical blueprint for pursuing more democratic global governance mechanisms and that more democracy on the global level depends on the joint activities of democratic states and civil society actors.
Global constitutionalism and the responsibility to protect
Authors: TACHEVA BLAGOVESTA , BROWN GARRETT WALLACE
Published: October 2015

There is recent scholarship suggesting that theResponsibility to Protect(R2P) has now emerged as a master concept in relation to responding to mass atrocity crimes and that the R2P can further be seen as representative of an emerging global constitutional norm. In critical response, this article provides the first attempt to systematically investigate R2P’s relationship with global constitutionalisation as well as to explore its wider implication with regard to global constitutionalism. In doing so, the article examines existing discussions of R2P and global constitutionalism, tracks the normative evolution of R2P in order to determine its current ‘stage’ ofnorm diffusion, and further attempts to locate the extent to which the R2P can be perceived as also part of a process of global constitutionalisation. From this analysis the article concludes that although the R2P could be labelled as, at best, a weak emerging norm, it fails to meet the more demanding signifier of an emerging constitutional norm and that there is further evidence to suggest that the R2P might be better understood as a stalled or degenerating norm.
A Genome-Wide Scan of DNA Methylation Markers for Distinguishing Monozygotic Twins
Authors: Du Qingqing , Zhu Guijun , Fu Guangping , Zhang Xiaojing , Fu Lihong , Li Shujin , Cong Bin
Published: October 2015

Identification of individuals within pairs of monozygotic (MZ) twins remains unresolved using common forensic DNA typing technology. For some criminal cases involving MZ twins as suspects, the twins had to be released due to inability to identify which of the pair was the perpetrator. In this study, we performed a genome-wide scan on whole blood-derived DNA from four pairs of healthy phenotypically concordant MZ twins using the methylated DNA immunoprecipitation sequencing technology to identify candidate DNA methylation markers with capacity to distinguish MZ twins within a pair. We identified 38 differential methylation regions showing within-pair methylation differences in all four MZ pairs. These are all located in CpG islands, 17 of which are promoter-associated, 17 are intergenic islands, and four are intragenic islands. Genes associated with these markers are related with cell proliferation, differentiation, and growth and development, including zinc finger proteins, PRRX2, RBBP9, or are involved in G-protein signaling, such as the regulator of G-protein signaling 16. Further validation studies on additional MZ twins are now required to evaluate the broader utility of these 38 markers for forensic use.
New Clues to Mysterious Hiss in Earth's Plasmasphere
Authors: Zastrow Mark
Published: October 2015

An analysis of the electromagnetic "hiss" that surrounds Earth reveals it's not just static; there's a signal hidden within, which may help scientists uncover its source.
Defining the minimal peptide sequence of the ING1b tumour suppressor capable of efficiently inducing apoptosis
Authors: Boyko A , Riabowol K
Published: October 2015

The ING1b protein is a type-II tumour suppressor and stoichiometric member of the Sin3 histone deacetylase (HDAC) protein complex in which it acts to target HDAC activity to regulate chromatin structure. Altering ING1 levels by ectopic expression of ING1b in cancer cells promotes apoptosis, whereas altering levels by knockout in normal murine fibroblasts alters sensitivity to doxorubicin-induced apoptosis. We have identified a minimal region of ING1b capable of inducing levels of apoptosis in targeted cells as effectively as full-length ING1b, using transient overexpression of ING1b fragments followed by the Annexin V assay. We observed high levels of apoptosis in 14 of 14 cancer cell lines tested. Infecting triple-negative tumorigenic MDA-MB-468 breast cancer, U2OS or Saos-2 cells at multiplicities of infection (MOIs) ranging from 10 to 20 rapidly triggered apoptosis in ~80% of infected cells within 48 h. This was not due to the effects of virus, as infection at the same MOI with a control adenovirus expressing GFP was not effective in inducing apoptosis. When used at low MOIs, the ING1b fragment showed a cell-killing efficacy that was higher than native, full-length ING1b. Using a doxycycline-regulated inducible p53 expression system demonstrated that apoptosis induced by the ING1b fragment was p53 independent. Given the growing importance of combination therapies, we evaluated whether there was synergism between the ING1b fragment and HDAC inhibitors. Combination treatments with TSA, LBH 589 and SAHA reduced cancer cell survival by 3.9–4.7-fold as compared with single-drug treatment, and resulted in ~90% reduction in cell survival. Normalized isobologram analysis confirmed strong synergism between the ING1b fragment and drugs tested. These findings provide support for using ING1b-derived therapeutics as adjuvant treatments in combination with existing epigenetic therapies.
High ω3-polyunsaturated fatty acids in fat-1 mice prevent streptozotocin-induced Purkinje cell degeneration through BDNF-mediated autophagy
Authors: Bak Dong Ho , Zhang Enji , Yi Min-Hee , Kim Do-Kyung , Lim Kyu , Kim Jwa-Jin , Kim Dong Woon
Published: October 2015

Loss of Purkinje cells has been implicated in the development of diabetic neuropathy and this degeneration is characterized by impairment of autophagic processes. We evaluated whether fat-1 transgenic mice, a well-established animal model that endogenously synthesizes ω3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω3-PUFA), are protected from Purkinje cell degeneration in streptozotocin (STZ)-treated model with fat-1 mice. STZ-treated fat-1 mice did not develop hyperglycemia, motor deficits, or Purkinje cell loss. The expression of LC3 I, II, Beclin-1 and p62 were increased in the cerebellum of STZ-treated wild-type mice and these expressions were more increased in STZ-treated fat-1 mice, but not of p62. Moreover, cerebellar Rab7, Cathepsin D and ATP6E were increased in STZ-treated fat-1 mice. There was also increased BDNF expression in Purkinje cells without any changes in TrkB and phosphorylation of Akt and CREB in the cerebellums of fat-1 mice. Collectively, these findings indicate that STZ-treated fat-1 mice were protected from Purkinje cell loss and exhibited increased BDNF signaling, enhancing autophagic flux activity in cerebellar Purkinje neurons. These processes may underlie Purkinje cell survival and may be potential therapeutic targets for treatment of motor deficits related to diabetic neuropathy.
Ezh2 is involved in radial neuronal migration through regulating Reelin expression in cerebral cortex
Authors: Zhao Linnan , Li Jun , Ma Yuanlin , Wang Jiutao , Pan Wen , Gao Kai , Zhang Zhengrong , Lu Tianlan , Ruan Yanyan , Yue Weihua , Zhao Shanting , Wang Lifang , Zhang Dai
Published: October 2015

Radial migration of pyramidal neurons is an important event during the development of cerebral cortex. Neurons experience series of morphological and directional transitions to get to their final laminar positions. Here we report that the histone methyltransferase enhancer of zest homolog 2 (Ezh2) is involved in the regulation of cortical radial migration. We show that Ezh2 knockdown leads to disturbed neuronal orientation, which results in the impairment of radial migration. Further results reveal that this migration deficiency may be due to the derepression of Reelin transcription in the migrating neurons. Our study provides evidence that epigenetic regulation of Reelin by Ezh2 maintains appropriate Reelin expression pattern to fulfill proper orientation of migrating neurons.
Radioluminescence and photoluminescence of Th:CaF2 crystals
Authors: Stellmer Simon , Schreitl Matthias , Schumm Thorsten
Published: October 2015

We study thorium-doped CaF2 crystals as a possible platform for optical spectroscopy of the 229Th nuclear isomer transition. We anticipate two major sources of background signal that might cover the nuclear spectroscopy signal: VUV-photoluminescence, caused by the probe light and radioluminescence, caused by the radioactive decay of 229Th and its daughters. We find a rich photoluminescence spectrum at wavelengths above 260 nm and radioluminescence emission above 220 nm. This is very promising, as fluorescence originating from the isomer transition, predicted at a wavelength shorter than 200 nm, could be filtered spectrally from the crystal luminescence. Furthermore, we investigate the temperature-dependent decay time of the luminescence, as well as thermoluminescence properties. Our findings allow for an immediate optimization of spectroscopy protocols for both the initial search for the nuclear transition using synchrotron radiation, as well as future optical clock operation with narrow-linewidth lasers.
Nucleosome alterations caused by mutations at modifiable histone residues in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Liu Hongde , Wang Pingyan , Liu Lingjie , Min Zhu , Luo Kun , Wan Yakun
Published: October 2015

Nucleosome organization exhibits dynamic properties depending on the cell state and environment. Histone proteins, fundamental components of nucleosomes, are subject to chemical modifications on particular residues. We examined the effect of substituting modifiable residues of four core histones with the non-modifiable residue alanine on nucleosome dynamics. We mapped the genome-wide nucleosomes in 22 histone mutants of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and compared the nucleosome alterations relative to the wild-type strain. Our results indicated that different types of histone mutation resulted in different phenotypes and a distinct reorganization of nucleosomes. Nucleosome occupancy was altered at telomeres, but not at centromeres. The first nucleosomes upstream (−1) and downstream (+1) of the transcription start site (TSS) were more dynamic than other nucleosomes. Mutations in histones affected the nucleosome array downstream of the TSS. Highly expressed genes, such as ribosome genes and genes involved in glycolysis, showed increased nucleosome occupancy in many types of histone mutant. In particular, the H3K56A mutant exhibited a high percentage of dynamic genomic regions, decreased nucleosome occupancy at telomeres, increased occupancy at the +1 and −1 nucleosomes and a slow growth phenotype under stress conditions. Our findings provide insight into the influence of histone mutations on nucleosome dynamics.
Nationwide trophic cascades: changes in avian community structure driven by ungulates
Authors: Palmer Georgina , Stephens Philip A. , Ward Alastair I. , Willis Stephen G.
Published: October 2015

In recent decades, many ungulate populations have changed dramatically in abundance, resulting in cascading effects across ecosystems. However, studies of such effects are often limited in their spatial and temporal scope. Here, we contrast multi-species composite population trends of deer-sensitive and deer-tolerant woodland birds at a national scale, across Britain. We highlight the divergent fates of these two groups between 1994 and 2011 and show a striking association between the calculated divergence and a composite population trend of woodland deer. Our results demonstrate the link between changes in deer populations and changes in bird communities. In a period when composite population trends for deer increased by 46%, the community population trend across deer-sensitive birds (those dependent on understory vegetation) declined much more than the community trend for deer-tolerant birds. Our findings suggest that ongoing changes in the populations of herbivorous ungulates in many countries worldwide may help explain patterns of community restructuring at other trophic levels. Ungulate impacts on other taxa may require more consideration by conservation practitioners than they currently receive.
Heralded high-efficiency quantum repeater with atomic ensembles assisted by faithful single-photon transmission
Authors: Li Tao , Deng Fu-Guo
Published: October 2015

Quantum repeater is one of the important building blocks for long distance quantum communication network. The previous quantum repeaters based on atomic ensembles and linear optical elements can only be performed with a maximal success probability of 1/2 during the entanglement creation and entanglement swapping procedures. Meanwhile, the polarization noise during the entanglement distribution process is harmful to the entangled channel created. Here we introduce a general interface between a polarized photon and an atomic ensemble trapped in a single-sided optical cavity and with which we propose a high-efficiency quantum repeater protocol in which the robust entanglement distribution is accomplished by the stable spatial-temporal entanglement and it can in principle create the deterministic entanglement between neighboring atomic ensembles in a heralded way as a result of cavity quantum electrodynamics. Meanwhile, the simplified parity-check gate makes the entanglement swapping be completed with unity efficiency, other than 1/2 with linear optics. We detail the performance of our protocol with current experimental parameters and show its robustness to the imperfections, i.e., detuning and coupling variation, involved in the reflection process. These good features make it a useful building block in long distance quantum communication.
Screening and identification of five serum proteins as novel potential biomarkers for cured pulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: Wang Chong , Wei Li-Liang , Shi Li-Ying , Pan Zhi-Fen , Yu Xiao-Mei , Li Tian-Yu , Liu Chang-Ming , Ping Ze-Peng , Jiang Ting-Ting , Chen Zhong-Liang , Mao Lian-Gen , Li Zhong-Jie , Li Ji-Cheng
Published: October 2015

Rapid and efficient methods for the determination of cured tuberculosis (TB) are lacking. A total of 85 differentially expressed serum proteins were identified by iTRAQ labeling coupled with two-dimensional liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (2D LC-MS/MS) analysis (fold change >1.50 or <0.60, P < 0.05). We validated albumin (ALB), Rho GDP-dissociation inhibitor 2 (ARHGDIB), complement 3 (C3), ficolin-2 (FCN2) and apolipoprotein (a) (LPA) using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Significantly increased ALB and LPA levels (P = 0.036 and P = 0.012, respectively) and significantly reduced ARHGDIB, C3 and FCN2 levels (P < 0.001, P = 0.035 and P = 0.018, respectively) were observed in cured TB patients compared with untreated TB patients. In addition, changes in ALB and FCN2 levels occurred after 2 months of treatment (P < 0.001 and P = 0.030, respectively). We established a cured TB model with 87.10% sensitivity, 79.49% specificity and an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.876. The results indicated that ALB, ARHGDIB, C3, FCN2 and LPA levels might serve as potential biomarkers for cured TB. Our study provides experimental data for establishing objective indicators of cured TB and also proposes potential markers for evaluating the efficacy of anti-TB drugs.
Efficient synthesis of stably adenylated DNA and RNA adapters for microRNA capture using T4 RNA ligase 1
Authors: Song Yunke , Liu Kelvin J , Wang Tza-Huei
Published: October 2015

MicroRNA profiling methods have become increasingly important due to the rapid rise of microRNA in both basic and translational sciences. A critical step in many microRNA profiling assays is adapter ligation using pre-adenylated adapters. While pre-adenylated adapters can be chemically or enzymatically prepared, enzymatic adenylation is preferred due to its ease and high yield. However, previously reported enzymatic methods either require tedious purification steps or use thermostable ligases that can generate side products during the subsequent ligation step. We have developed a highly efficient, template- and purification-free, adapter adenylation method using T4 RNA ligase 1. This method is capable of adenylating large amounts of adapter at ~100% efficiency and can efficiently adenylate both DNA and RNA bases. We find that the adenylation reaction speed can differ between DNA and RNA and between terminal nucleotides, leading to bias if reactions are not allowed to run to completion. We further find that the addition of high PEG levels can effectively suppress these differences.
Gas Evolution in Operating Lithium-Ion Batteries Studied In Situ by Neutron Imaging
Authors: Michalak Barbara , Sommer Heino , Mannes David , Kaestner Anders , Brezesinski Torsten , Janek Jürgen
Published: October 2015

Gas generation as a result of electrolyte decomposition is one of the major issues of high-performance rechargeable batteries. Here, we report the direct observation of gassing in operating lithium-ion batteries using neutron imaging. This technique can be used to obtain qualitative as well as quantitative information by applying a new analysis approach. Special emphasis is placed on high voltage LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4/graphite pouch cells. Continuous gassing due to oxidation and reduction of electrolyte solvents is observed. To separate gas evolution reactions occurring on the anode from those associated with the cathode interface and to gain more insight into the gassing behavior of LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4/graphite cells, neutron experiments were also conducted systematically on other cathode/anode combinations, including LiFePO4/graphite, LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4/Li4Ti5O12 and LiFePO4/Li4Ti5O12. In addition, the data were supported by gas pressure measurements. The results suggest that metal dissolution in the electrolyte and decomposition products resulting from the high potentials adversely affect the gas generation, particularly in the first charge cycle (i.e., during graphite solid-electrolyte interface layer formation).
Control of litchi downy blight by zeamines produced by Dickeya zeae
Authors: Liao Lisheng , Zhou Jianuan , Wang Huishan , He Fei , Liu Shiyin , Jiang Zide , Chen Shaohua , Zhang Lian-Hui
Published: October 2015

Zeamines (ZMS), a class of polyamine-polyketide-nonribosomal peptide produced by bacterial isolate Dickeya zeae, were shown recently to be potent antibiotics against some bacterial pathogens. In this study, the results indicated that ZMS showed antifungal activity against Peronophythora litchii and other fungal pathogens. The activity of ZMS against the oomycete pathogen P. litchi, which causes the devastating litchi downy blight, was further investigated under in vitro and in vivo conditions. ZMS displayed potent inhibitory activity against the mycelial growth and sporangia germination of P. litchii. At a concentration of 2 μg/mL, about 99% of the sporangia germination was inhibited. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy analyses showed that treatment with ZMS could cause substantial damages to the oomycete endomembrane system. Furthermore, treatment of litchi fruits with ZMS solution significantly (P < 0.05) reduced the fruits decay and peel browning caused by P. litchii infection during storage at 28 °C. Taken together, our results provide useful clues on the antifungal mechanisms of ZMS and highlight the promising potentials of ZMS as a fungicide, which in particular, may be useful for prevention and control of litchi fruits decay and browning caused by P. litchii infection during storage and transportation.
Nitrogen fluxes at the root-soil interface show a mismatch of nitrogen fertilizer supply and sugarcane root uptake capacity
Authors: Brackin Richard , Näsholm Torgny , Robinson Nicole , Guillou Stéphane , Vinall Kerry , Lakshmanan Prakash , Schmidt Susanne , Inselsbacher Erich
Published: October 2015

Globally only ≈50% of applied nitrogen (N) fertilizer is captured by crops and the remainder can cause pollution via runoff and gaseous emissions. Synchronizing soil N supply and crop demand will address this problem, however current soil analysis methods provide little insight into delivery and acquisition of N forms by roots. We used microdialysis, a novel technique for in situ quantification of soil nutrient fluxes, to measure N fluxes in sugarcane cropping soils receiving different fertilizer regimes and compare these with N uptake capacities of sugarcane roots. We show that in fertilized sugarcane soils, fluxes of inorganic N exceed the uptake capacities of sugarcane roots by several orders of magnitude. Contrary, fluxes of organic N closely matched roots’ uptake capacity. These results indicate root uptake capacity constrains plant acquisition of inorganic N. This mismatch between soil N supply and root N uptake capacity is a likely key driver for low N efficiency in the studied crop system. Our results also suggest that (i) the relative contribution of inorganic N for plant nutrition may be overestimated when relying on soil extracts as indicators for root-available N and (ii) organic N may contribute more to crop N supply than is currently assumed.
A Highly Similar Mathematical Model for Cerebral Blood Flow Velocity in Geriatric Patients with Suspected Cerebrovascular Disease
Authors: Liu Bo , Li Qi , Wang Jisheng , Xiang Hu , Ge Hong , Wang Hui , Xie Peng
Published: October 2015

Cerebral blood flow velocity(CBFV) is an important parameter for study of cerebral hemodynamics. However, a simple and highly similar mathematical model has not yet been established for analyzing CBFV. To alleviate this issue, through TCD examination in 100 geriatric patients with suspected cerebrovascular disease (46 males and 54 females), we established a representative eighth-order Fourier function Vx(t) that simulates the CBFV. The measured TCD waveforms were compared to those derived from Vx(t), an illustrative Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was employed to determine the validity. The results showed that the TCD waves could been reconstructed for patients with different CBFVs by implementing their variable heart rates and the formulated maximum/minimum of Vx(t). Comparisons between derived and measured TCD waveforms suggest that the two waveforms are very similar. The results confirm that CBFV can be well-modeled through an eighth-order Fourier function. This function Vx(t) can be used extensively for a prospective study of cerebral hemodynamics in geriatric patients with suspected cerebrovascular disease.
The protective role of montelukast against intestinal ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats
Authors: Wu Shenbao , Zhu Xuxing , Jin Zhonghai , Tong Xiuping , Zhu Liqin , Hong Xiaofei , Zhu Xianfei , Liu Pengfei , Shen Weidong
Published: October 2015

Several drugs are effective in attenuating intestinal ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI); however little is known about the effect of montelukast. Fifty rats were randomly assigned to 3 groups: model group (operation with clamping), sham group (operation without clamping) and study group (operation with clamping and 0.2, 2 and 20 mg/kg montelukast pretreatment). Intestinal ischemia-reperfusion was performed by occlusion (clamping) of the arteria mesenterica anterior for 45 min, followed by 24 h reperfusion. Intestinal IRI in the model group led to severe damage of the intestinal mucosa, liver and kidney. The Chiu scores of the intestines from the study group (2 and 20 mg/kg) were lower than that of the model group. Intestinal IRI induced a marked increase in CysLTR1, Caspase-8 and -9 expression in intestine, liver and kidney, which were markedly reduced by preconditioning with 2 mg/kg montelukast. Preconditioning with 2 g/kg montelukast significantly attenuated hepatic tissue injury and kidney damage and decreased plasma interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels in plasma after intestinal IRI. In conclusion, preconditioning with montelukast could attenuate intestinal IRI and the subsequent systemic inflammatory response in rats.
Assessing the stability of a proficiency test material by participant-blind re-use after a period of storage
Authors: Sykes Mark , Thompson Michael
Published: October 2015

Stability of a reference material characterised by proficiency test is monitored inexpensively by a participant-blind issue of the same material in two rounds of the test separated by a suitable period.
A highly enantioselective thiolation of sulfonyl indoles to access 3-sec-sulfur-substituted indoles in water
Authors: Chen Ping , Lu Sheng-mei , Guo Wengang , Liu Yan , Li Can
Published: October 2015

Highly enantioselective organocatalytic Michael addition of thiol to vinylogous imine intermediates generated in situ from sulfonylindoles in aqueous medium is presented.
Microwave gallium-68 radiochemistry for kinetically stable bis(thiosemicarbazone) complexes: structural investigations and cellular uptake under hypoxia
Authors: Alam Israt S. , Arrowsmith Rory L. , Cortezon-Tamarit Fernando , Twyman Frazer , Kociok-Köhn Gabriele , Botchway Stanley W. , Dilworth Jonathan R. , Carroll Laurence , Aboagye Eric O. , Pascu Sofia I.
Published: October 2015

Hypoxia selectivity of new gallium-68 bis-(thiosemicarbazones) synthesised via microwave heating were investigated.
Silver nanoparticle anchored carbon dots for improved sensing, catalytic and intriguing antimicrobial activity
Authors: Jana Jayasmita , Gauri Samiran Sona , Ganguly Mainak , Dey Satyahari , Pal Tarasankar
Published: October 2015

Catalytic, sensing and efficient antimicrobial activity of silver nanoparticle anchored hybrid carbon dots.
Effect of chalcogens on CO insertion into the palladium–methyl bond of [(N^N^X)Pd(CH3)]+ (X = O, S, Se) and on CO/ethylene copolymerisation
Authors: Kumar Kamlesh , Darkwa James
Published: October 2015

Neutral and cationic palladium(ii) complexes of Npz^Npy^X (X = O, S, and Se) tridentate ligands are used to study the CO insertion and CO/ethylene copolymerisation. This study sheds light on the use of chalcogens as hemilabile donor atoms.
Instant high-selectivity Cd-MOF chemosensor for naked-eye detection of Cu(ii) confirmed using in situ microcalorimetry
Authors: Qiao Chengfang , Qu Xiaoni , Yang Qi , Wei Qing , Xie Gang , Chen Sanping , Yang Desuo
Published: October 2015

A Cd(ii) metal–organic framework, {NH2(CH3)2·Cd2.5(L)2(H2O)·(H2O)}n (H3L = tricarboxytriphenylamine), featuring a 3D microporous framework with two different types of 1D channel has been synthesized and used for the naked-eye detection of Cu2+ ions.
Chiral bifunctional ferrocenylphosphine catalyzed highly enantioselective [3 + 2] cycloaddition reaction
Authors: Hu Haiwen , Yu Shuxian , Zhu Linglong , Zhou Lingxiu , Zhong Weihui
Published: October 2015

The asymmetric [3 + 2] annulation catalyzed by air-stable (R,SFc)-N-acyl amino ferrocenylphosphines LB5 affords the bicyclic imides with 84–99% ee and 67–99% yield.
The structure of tagetitoxin
Authors: Aliev Abil E. , Karu Kersti , Mitchell Robin E. , Porter Michael J.
Published: October 2015

The previously reported structure of tagetitoxin is incorrect. A new structure of tagetitoxin is proposed based on the NMR analysis.
Classical photopolymerization kinetics, exceptional gelation, and improved diffraction efficiency and driving voltage in scaffolding morphological H-PDLCs afforded using a photoinitibitor
Authors: Peng Haiyan , Chen Guannan , Ni Mingli , Yan Yan , Zhuang Jiaqing , Roy V. A. L. , Li Robert K. Y. , Xie Xiaolin
Published: October 2015

Ketyl radical inhibition results in prolonged gelation and an enhanced diffraction efficiency, allowing for the facile fabrication of colored 3D images.
Preparation of novel BiOBr/CeO2 heterostructured photocatalysts and their enhanced photocatalytic activity
Authors: Zhang Shujuan , Wang Dongyuan
Published: October 2015

Novel BiOBr/CeO2 heterostructured photocatalysts were synthesized by a simple solvothermal method.
Synthesis and characterization of polyurethane/poly(vinylpyridine) composite membranes for desulfurization of gasoline
Authors: Roostaiy Ghalehnooiy Mahmood , Marjani Azam , Ghadiri Mehdi
Published: October 2015

Polyurethane/poly(vinylpyridine) (PU/PVP) composite membranes for desulfurizing gasoline were prepared.
Kinetics and mechanism for OH-initiated gas-phase chemistry of α-terpineol
Authors: Zhao Yan , Sun Haitao , Qin Mei , Wang Renjun , Xu Laixiang
Published: October 2015

For the OH-initiated indoor oxidation of α-terpineol, the reaction scheme is proposed and the main reaction pathways are reported.
A novel poly(p-styrenesulfonic acid) grafted carbon nanotube/graphene oxide architecture with enhanced catalytic performance for the synthesis of benzoate esters and fatty acid alkyl esters
Authors: Bian Gang , Jiang Pingping , Zhang Weijie , Jiang Kelei , Hu Ling , Jian Zhang , Shen Yirui , Zhang Pingbo
Published: October 2015

A novel poly(p-styrenesulfonic acid) grafted carbon nanotube/graphene oxide composite has been constructed to improve the yield in the synthesis of benzoate esters and fatty acid alkyl esters.
Highly graphitic carbon nanosheets synthesized over tailored mesoporous molecular sieves using acetylene by chemical vapor deposition method
Authors: Atchudan Raji , Perumal Suguna , Jebakumar Immanuel Edison Thomas Nesakumar , Lee Yong Rok
Published: October 2015

Graphitic carbon nanosheets (GCNS) were synthesized using mesoporous Ti-MCM-41 molecular sieves as catalytic template and acetylene as carbon precursor following chemical vapor deposition method, under atmospheric pressure.
Excellent performance of carbon-coated TiO2/Li4Ti5O12 composites with low Li/Ti ratio for Li-ion storage
Authors: Yang Wei , Bai Xue , Li Tao , Ma Yuan-Yuan , Qi Yong-Xin , Yin Long-Wei , Li Hui , Lun Ning , Bai Yu-Jun
Published: October 2015

Carbon-coated TiO2/Li4Ti5O12 composites with Li : Ti = 4 : 8 display high rate capacities and excellent long-term cycling performance at high current density.
New bifunctional-pullulan-based micelles with good biocompatibility for efficient co-delivery of cancer-suppressing p53 gene and doxorubicin to cancer cells
Authors: Chen Lili , Wang Xiaohong , Ji Fangling , Bao Yongming , Wang Jingyun , Wang Xianwu , Guo Lianying , Li Yachen
Published: October 2015

Combined treatment of drugs and therapeutic genes has emerged as a new modality of anticancer therapy.
Chemical and mechanical strains tuned dielectric properties in Zr-doped CaCu3Ti4O12 highly epitaxial thin films
Authors: Gao M. , Feng D. , Yao G. , Zhang Y. , Chen C.-L. , Lin Y.
Published: October 2015

The dielectric properties of CaCu3Ti4O12 highly epitaxial thin films were successfully tuned by the in-plane strain.
Ruthenium hydroxycyclopentadienyl N-heterocyclic carbene complexes as transfer hydrogenation catalysts
Authors: Cesari Cristiana , Cingolani Andrea , Parise Chiara , Zacchini Stefano , Zanotti Valerio , Cassani Maria Cristina , Mazzoni Rita
Published: October 2015

Novel Ru–NHC complexes bearing cyclopentadienones/hydroxycyclopentadienyls are active and selective in transfer hydrogenation exploiting the cooperation of both classes of ligands.
Candida parapsilosis ATCC 7330 mediated oxidation of aromatic (activated) primary alcohols to aldehydes
Authors: Sivakumari Thakkellapati , Chadha Anju
Published: October 2015

A green, simple and high yielding [up to 86% yield] procedure is developed for the oxidation of aromatic (activated) primary alcohols to aldehydes using whole cells of Candida parapsilosis ATCC 7330.
Cu adatom charging on Mo supported ScN, MgO and NaF
Authors: Žguns Pjotrs A. , Wessel Michael , Skorodumova Natalia V.
Published: October 2015

Molybdenum supported thin films of ScN, MgO and NaF with a Cu adatom have been studied in the framework of density functional theory.