bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Types of Injury in Inter-State Reparation Claims: A Guide for the International Criminal Court
Authors: Abtahi Hirad
Published: July 2015

In determining “the scope and extent of any damage, loss and injury to, or in respect of, victims” under article 75(1) of the International Criminal Court (“ICC”) Statute, the ICC will progressively lay the foundation of reparations in international criminal justice. In the process of establishing the typology of harms sustained by natural and—under some qualifications—legal persons, inter-state claims practice may prove to be of assistance to the judges in light of the particular circumstances of each case. In addition, such an exercise illuminates how the doctrinal methods adopted in public international law scholarship categorize and describe the harms that have given rise to reparation claims during both war and peacetime.
Vaping Shadows Tobacco Control: Imperatives for Malaysia
Authors: Ahmadi Keivan , Soyiri Ireneous N.
Published: July 2015

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) have been the subject of numerous debates in the literature. (Bullen et al., 2013; Cressey, 2014; The Lancet, 2013) So much discussion has been on it this year alone to the extent that the word vape, which means ‘to inhale and exhale the vapour produced by an e-cigarette or similar device’, has become the Oxford Dictionaries Word of the year. E-cigarettes have gained popularity amongst the youth who are smokers and want to quit as well as among children and adult non-smokers who fancy it. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2013; Dawkins, Turner, Roberts & Soar, 2013; Emery, Vera, Huang & Szczypka, 2014; News & Angeles, n.d.; Serrie, 2014; US Drug and Food Administration, 2014) Even in rural communities in middle- and low-income countries, their availability in shopping centres and through multilevel marketing schemes is common (I.N.S., unpublished observation/data).
Insights Into the Support Services for Students With Vision Impairment
Authors: Datta Poulomee , Palmer Carolyn
Published: July 2015

There is a general need for research in Australia on whether the support services provided in schools prove useful for students with disabilities (Datta, 2015; O’Rourke & Houghton, 2006), especially students with vision impairment. This qualitative study aimed to provide insights into the influence of the support services delivered in South Australian schools for students with vision impairments’ problem-solving skills, and their family, social, and academic lives. Semistructured, open-ended interviews were conducted with 14 students with vision impairment (8 adolescents and 6 adults), 5 parents, and 4 teachers. Participating students’ age ranged between 15 and 18 years for the adolescent students and between 19 and 25 years for the adult students. Adolescent students were enrolled in mainstream and specialist secondary schools, and adult students were enrolled in vocational courses at TAFE Institutes. The data reflected a range of viewpoints from which to examine the problem under investigation. The interview responses from the 3 groups of participants revealed that the support services positively influenced students’ problem-solving skills, their social behaviour, and their academic learning. Although most students with vision impairment felt that the support services had no influence on their family relationships, their parents and teachers considered it had helped in the students’ family lives. The interviews were particularly useful in evaluating the support services that students with vision impairment received. These findings have implications for teachers, special educators, policymakers, and a range of professionals in the education and special education sector in highlighting modifications and improvements in the support services for these students. This study has provided a limited basis for generalising to any wider population beyond the participants themselves due to the study's small sample size and diversity of educational settings.
Non-targeted lipidomics of CSF and frontal cortex grey and white matter in control, mild cognitive impairment, and Alzheimer’s disease subjects
Authors: Wood Paul L. , Barnette Brooke L. , Kaye Jeffrey A. , Quinn Joseph F. , Woltjer Randall L.
Published: July 2015

Objective

We undertook a non-targeted lipidomics analysis of post-mortem cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), frontal cortex grey matter, and subjacent white matter to define potential biomarkers that distinguish cognitively intact subjects from those with incipient or established dementia. Our objective was to increase our understanding of the role of brain lipids in pathophysiology of aging and age-related cognitive impairment.

Methods

Levels of 650 individual lipids, across 26 lipid subclasses, were measured utilising a high-resolution mass spectrometric analysis platform.

Results

Monoacylglycerols (MAG), diacylglycerols (DAG), and the very-long-chain fatty acid 26:0 were elevated in the grey matter of the mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and old dementia (OD) cohorts. Ethanolamine plasmalogens (PlsEtn) were decreased in the grey matter of the young dementia (YD) and OD cohorts while and phosphatidylethanolamines (PtdEth) were lower in the MCI, YD and OD cohorts. In the white matter, decrements in sulphatide levels were detected in the YD group, DAG levels were elevated in the MCI group, and MAG levels were increased in the YD and OD groups.

Conclusion

The parallel changes in grey matter MAGs and DAGs in the MCI and OD groups suggest that these two cohorts may have a similar underlying pathophysiology; consistent with this, MCI subjects were more similar in age to OD than to YD subjects. While PlsEtn and phosphatidylethanolamine were decreased in the YD and OD groups they were unaltered in the MCI group indicating that alterations in plasmalogen synthesis are unlikely to represent an initiating event in the transition from MCI to dementia.
Effects of school meals based on the New Nordic Diet on intake of signature foods: a randomised controlled trial. The OPUS School Meal Study
Authors: Andersen Rikke , Biltoft-Jensen Anja , Andersen Elisabeth W. , Ege Majken , Christensen Tue , Ygil Karin H. , Thorsen Anne V. , Damsgaard Camilla T. , Astrup Arne , Michaelsen Kim F. , Tetens Inge
Published: July 2015

A New Nordic Diet (NND) was developed in the context of the Danish OPUS Study (Optimal well-being, development and health for Danish children through a healthy New Nordic Diet). Health, gastronomic potential, sustainability and Nordic identity were crucial principles of the NND. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of serving NND school meals compared with the usual packed lunches on the dietary intake of NND signature foods. For two 3-month periods, 834 Danish children aged 8–11 years received NND school meals or their usual packed lunches brought from home (control) in random order. The entire diet was recorded over 7 consecutive days using a validated Web-based Dietary Assessment Software for Children. The NND resulted in higher intakes during the entire week (% increase) of root vegetables (116 (95 % CI 1·93, 2·42)), cabbage (26 (95 % CI 1·08, 1·47)), legumes (22 (95 % CI 1·06, 1·40)), herbs (175 (95 % CI 2·36, 3·20)), fresh berries (48 (95 % CI 1·13, 1·94)), nuts and seeds (18 (95 % CI 1·02, 1·38)), lean fish and fish products (47 (95 % CI 1·31, 1·66)), fat fish and fish products (18 (95 % CI 1·02, 1·37)) and potatoes (129 (95 % CI 2·05, 2·56)). Furthermore, there was a decrease in the number of children with zero intakes when their habitual packed lunches were replaced by NND school meals. In conclusion, this study showed that the children increased their intake of NND signature foods, and, furthermore, there was a decrease in the number of children with zero intakes of NND signature foods when their habitual packed lunches were replaced by school meals following the NND principles.
Tea consumption and mortality of all cancers, CVD and all causes: a meta-analysis of eighteen prospective cohort studies
Authors: Tang Jun , Zheng Ju-Sheng , Fang Ling , Jin Yongxin , Cai Wenwen , Li Duo
Published: July 2015

Epidemiological studies have demonstrated inconsistent associations between tea consumption and mortality of all cancers, CVD and all causes. To obtain quantitative overall estimates, we conducted a dose–response meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies. A literature search in PubMed and Embase up to April 2015 was conducted for all relevant papers published. Random-effects models were used to calculate pooled relative risks (RR) with 95 % CI. In eighteen prospective studies, there were 12 221, 11 306 and 55 528 deaths from all cancers, CVD and all causes, respectively. For all cancer mortality, the summary RR for the highest v. lowest category of green tea and black tea consumption were 1·06 (95 % CI 0·98, 1·15) and 0·79 (95 % CI 0·65, 0·97), respectively. For CVD mortality, the summary RR for the highest v. lowest category of green tea and black tea consumption were 0·67 (95 % CI 0·46, 0·96) and 0·88 (95 % CI 0·77, 1·01), respectively. For all-cause mortality, the summary RR for the highest v. lowest category of green tea and black tea consumption were 0·80 (95 % CI 0·68, 0·93) and 0·90 (95 % CI 0·83, 0·98), respectively. The dose–response analysis indicated that one cup per d increment of green tea consumption was associated with 5 % lower risk of CVD mortality and with 4 % lower risk of all-cause mortality. Green tea consumption was significantly inversely associated with CVD and all-cause mortality, whereas black tea consumption was significantly inversely associated with all cancer and all-cause mortality.
A NOTE ON SOME TOPOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF SETS WITH FINITE PERIMETER
Authors: DELLADIO SILVANO
Published: July 2015

Some well-known results about the 2-density topology on${\mathcal R}$(in particular in the context of the Lusin–Menchoff property) are extended to τbm, i.e. them-density topology on${\mathcal R}$nwithm∈ (n,+∞). Every set of finite perimeter in${\mathcal R}$nis equivalent (in measure) to a set in τbm0, wherem0=n+1+${1\over n-1}$. There exists a set of finite perimeter in${\mathcal R}$nwhich is not equivalent (in measure) to any member in the a.e.-modification of τbm, whateverm∈ [n,+∞).
Vocal fold mobility as the main prognostic factor of treatment outcomes and survival in stage II squamous cell carcinomas of the glottic larynx
Authors: Gorphe P , Blanchard P , Breuskin I , Temam S , Tao Y , Janot F
Published: July 2015

Objective:

This study aimed to assess the influence of supra- and subglottic extensions and vocal fold mobility on outcome in a large monocentric cohort of 148 patients treated for tumour–node–metastasis stage T2N0 glottic carcinomas.

Methods:

In all, 107 glottic carcinoma patients had normal vocal fold mobility (T2aN0), and 41 had impaired vocal fold mobility (T2bN0). Treatment decisions were made by a multidisciplinary team.

Results:

Vocal fold mobility was associated with overall survival, disease-free survival, local control, larynx preservation and laryngectomy-free survival. For patients with T2a lesions, local control, laryngectomy-free survival and disease-free survival improved after surgery but overall survival did not. For patients with T2b lesions, local control, laryngectomy-free survival, disease-free survival and overall survival were all higher after surgery than after radiotherapy.

Conclusion:

This study highlights for the first time the importance of vocal fold mobility in treatment outcomes and is the first to assess its influence on survival. Updated tumour–node–metastasis classifications should consider the distinction between T2a and T2b lesions.
Homophony and morphology: The acoustics of word-final S in English
Authors: PLAG INGO , HOMANN JULIA , KUNTER GERO
Published: July 2015

Recent research has shown that homophonous lexemes show systematic phonetic differences (e.g. Gahl 2008, Drager 2011), with important consequences for models of speech production such as Levelt et al. (1999). These findings also pose the question of whether similar differences hold for allegedly homophonous affixes (instead of free lexemes). Earlier experimental research found some evidence that morphemic and non-morphemic sounds may differ acoustically (Walsh & Parker 1983, Losiewicz 1992). This paper investigates this question by analyzing the phonetic realization of non-morphemic /s/ and /z/, and of six different English /s/ and /z/ morphemes (plural, genitive, genitive-plural and 3rd person singular, as well as cliticized forms ofhasandis). The analysis is based on more than 600 tokens extracted from conversational speech (Buckeye Corpus, Pitt et al. 2007). Two important results emerge. First, there are significant differences in acoustic duration between some morphemic /s/’s and /z/’s and non-morphemic /s/ and /z/, respectively. Second, there are significant differences in duration between some of the morphemes. These findings challenge standard assumptions in morphological theory, lexical phonology and models of speech production.
Replication research in pedagogical approaches to formulaic sequences: Jones & Haywood (2004) and Alali & Schmitt (2012)
Authors: Coxhead Averil
Published: July 2015

Research into the formulaic nature of language has grown in size and scale in the last 20 years or more, much of it based in corpus studies and involving the identification and categorisation of formulas. Research suggests that there are benefits for second and foreign language learners recognising formulaic sequences when listening and reading, and using them in speaking and writing. Very few studies, however, actually focus on formulaic sequences and teaching methodology and materials design in second and foreign language learning. This paper presents a brief background to researching, teaching and learning formulaic sequences, and considers the case for replication research in this area. The third part focuses on two original studies (Jones & Hayward 2004; Alali & Schmitt 2012) and makes suggestions for possible replication studies.
Terahertz radiation from plasma filament generated by two-color laser gas–plasma interaction
Authors: Magesh Kumar K. K. , Kumar M. , Yuan T. , Sheng Z. M. , Chen M.
Published: July 2015

We develop a theoretical model for terahertz (THz) radiation generation, when an intense short laser pulse (ω1, k1) is mixed with its frequency shifted second harmonic (ω2, k2), where ω2 = 2ω1 + ωT and ωT is in the THz range in the plasma. The lasers exert a ponderomotive force on the electrons and drive density perturbations at (2ω1, 2k1) and (ω2 − ω1, k2 − k1). These density perturbations couple with the oscillatory velocities of the electron due to the lasers and produce a nonlinear current at (ω2 − 2ω1, k2 − 2k1). This current acts as an antenna to produce the THz radiation. The THz power depends upon the square of plasma density and $I_1^2 {I_2}$, where I1 and I2 are the intensities of fundamental and second harmonic laser. The radiation is mainly along the forward direction. Two-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations are used to study the near-field radiation properties.
A relativistic PIC model of nonlinear laser absorption in a finite-size plasma with arbitrary mass and density ratios
Authors: Mehdian H. , Kargarian A. , Hasanbeigi A. , Hajisharifi K.
Published: July 2015

In this paper, we have studied the nonlinear laser absorption in a finite-size plasma, using a fully kinetic relativistic 1½-dimensional particle-in-cell simulation code, and shown that the rate in which laser absorption increases depends on the mass ratio (δ = m+/m−) and the equilibrium density ratio (α = n0+/n0− = z−/z+), respectively. This can be attributed to the essential effects of these parameters on the nonlinear phenomena related to the laser absorption such as phase-mixing and laser-scattering process. We have indicated that the reduction of the defined mass and density ratios increases the absorption rate in the finite-size plasma as long as the laser scattering from the plasma is not considerable. Moreover, the study of kinetic phase-space distributions indicates in a specific range of mass and density ratios a large amount of laser energy leads to arise a population of charged particles having directed kinetic energy along the laser direction. These simulation results are expected to be relevant to the experiments on the intense laser–plasma interactions with applications to the particle acceleration and fast ignition concept as well as to the astrophysical environments.
Necrotizing pneumonia due to clonally diverse Staphylococcus aureus strains producing Panton-Valentine leukocidin: the Czech experience
Authors: RÁJOVÁ J. , PANTŮČEK R. , PETRÁŠ P. , VARBANOVOVÁ I. , MAŠLAŇOVÁ I. , BENEŠ J.
Published: July 2015

A prospective study (2007–2013) was undertaken to investigate clinical features and prognostic factors of necrotizing pneumonia caused by Staphylococcus aureus producing Panton–Valentine leukocidin (PVL) in the Czech Republic. Twelve cases of necrotizing pneumonia were detected in 12 patients (median age 25 years) without severe underlying disease. Eight cases occurred in December and January and the accumulation of cases in the winter months preceding the influenza season was statistically significant (P < 0·001). The course of pneumonia was very rapid, leading to early sepsis and/or septic shock in all but one patient. Seven patients died and mortality was fourfold higher in those patients presenting with primary pneumonia than with pneumonia complicating other staphylococcal/pyogenic infection elsewhere in the body. The S. aureus isolates displayed considerable genetic variability and were assigned to five lineages CC8 (n = 3), CC15 (n = 2), CC30 (n = 2), CC80 (n = 1), and CC121 (n = 3) and one was a singleton of ST154 (n = 1), all were reported to be associated with community-acquired infection. Four strains were methicillin resistant. The high case-fatality rate can only be reduced by improving the speed of diagnosis and a rapid test to detect S. aureus in the airways is needed.
The Hele-Shaw injection problem for an extremely shear-thinning fluid
Authors: RICHARDSON G. , KING J. R.
Published: July 2015

We consider Hele-Shaw flows driven by injection of a highly shear-thinning power-law fluid (of exponentn) in the absence of surface tension. We formulate the problem in terms of the streamfunction ψ, which satisfies thep-Laplacian equation ∇·(|∇ψ|p−2∇ψ) = 0 (withp= (n+1)/n) and use the method of matched asymptotic expansions in the largen(extreme-shear-thinning) limit to find an approximate solution. The results show that significant flow occurs only in (I) segments of a (single) circle centred on the injection point, whose perimeters comprise the portion of free boundary closest to the injection point and (II) an exponentially small region around the injection point and (III) a transition region to the rest of the fluid: while the flow in the latter is exponentially slow it can be characterised in detail.
A stable universal domain related to ω
Authors: ZHAO HAORAN , KOU HUI
Published: July 2015

In 1978, G. Plotkin noticed that $\mathbb{T}$ω, the cartesian product of ω copies of the three element flat domain of Booleans, is a universal domain, where ‘universal’ means that the retracts of $\mathbb{T}$ω for Scott's continuous semantics are exactly all the ωCC-domains, which with Scott continuous functions form a cartesian closed category. As usual, ‘ω’ is for ‘countably based,’ and here ‘CC’ is for ‘conditionally complete,’ which essentially means that any subset which is pairwise bounded has a least upper bound. Since $\mathbb{T}$ω is also an ωDI-domain (an important structure in stable domain theory), the following problem arises naturally: is there a cartesian closed category C of domains with stable functions such that $\mathbb{T}$ω, or a related structure, is universal in C for Berry’s stable semantics? The aim of this paper is to answer this question. We first investigate the properties of stable retracts. We introduce a new class of domains called conditionally complete DI-domains (CCDI-domain for short) and show that, (1) $\mathbb{T}$ω is an ωCCDI-domain and the category of CCDI-domains (resp. ωCCDI-domains) with stable functions is cartesian closed; (2) [$\mathbb{T}$ω →st$\mathbb{T}$ω] is a stable universal domain in the sense that every ωCCDI-domain is a stable retract of [$\mathbb{T}$ω → st$\mathbb{T}$ω], where [$\mathbb{T}$ω → st$\mathbb{T}$ω] is the stable function space of $\mathbb{T}$ω; (3) in particular, [$\mathbb{T}$ω → st$\mathbb{T}$ω] is not a stable retract of $\mathbb{T}$ω and hence $\mathbb{T}$ω is not universal for Berry’s stable semantics. We remark that this paper is a completion and correction of our earlier report in the Proceedings of the 6th International Symposium on Domain Theory and Its Applications (ISDT2013).
Coalgebraic analysis of subgame-perfect equilibria in infinite games without discounting
Authors: ABRAMSKY SAMSON , WINSCHEL VIKTOR
Published: July 2015

We present a novel coalgebraic formulation of infinite extensive games. We define both the game trees and the strategy profiles by possibly infinite systems of corecursive equations. Certain strategy profiles are proved to be subgame-perfect equilibria using a novel proof principle of predicate coinduction which is shown to be sound. We characterize all subgame-perfect equilibria for the dollar auction game. The economically interesting feature is that in order to prove these results we do not need to rely on continuity assumptions on the pay-offs which amount to discounting the future. In particular, we prove a form of one-deviation principle without any such assumptions. This suggests that coalgebra supports a more adequate treatment of infinite-horizon models in game theory and economics.
‘All these negative thoughts come flooding in’: how young people with depression describe their experience of rumination
Authors: Oliver Jeremy , Smith Patrick , Leigh Eleanor
Published: July 2015

Rumination, or dwelling repeatedly on negative thoughts about the past, can prolong depression and make it worse. When treating clients with depression, it can be important to consider the behavioural, cognitive and emotional impact of rumination on their life. Previous research has examined adult experience of rumination, but the current study was the first to examine how young people with depression experience rumination. Seven young people with depression were interviewed about the cognitive content of their rumination episodes, the associated feelings, and any behavioural start and stop triggers. Interview transcripts were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). Participants reported experiencing rumination as a disorientating cognitive battle, in which they felt under attack. The process elicited sadness predominantly, but also anger and anxiety, with mood and rumination often maintaining each other. Interpersonal interaction played a key role in starting and stopping rumination episodes. CBT-based interventions specifically targeting the ruminative process may be important for young people with depression, particularly interventions which consider the impact of family members or other systemic factors on rumination behaviour.
What Is an Enlightenment Film?Cinema and the Rhetoric of Social Hygiene in Interwar Germany
Authors: Killen Andreas
Published: July 2015

This paper examines the discursive production of risk and its management in the German “enlightenment film” of the interwar period. From the sexual enlightenment films of the immediate postwar era to the Nazi-era sterilization films, public health campaigns mobilized new ideas about hygiene and the new resources of the mass media. Depicting a world composed of discrete risks (venereal disease, hereditary illness), on the one hand, and supplying information on how to manage such risks, on the other, public officials and experts invested considerable resources in this project of public education. Yet insofar as this project addressed controversial aspects of human behavior, and often proposed controversial solutions, this campaign of state-sponsored enlightenment remained an ambivalent one. Particularly in campaigns against venereal disease, leading advocates were frequently drawn into debates both about film's value as medium of mass instruction and the nature of the public they sought to address, a public perceived in fundamental ways as “at risk.” Their efforts routinely provoked charges that enlightenment films on sexual conduct could incite the very behaviors they strove to warn audiences against. By the end of the 1920s, the hopes placed in public enlightenment campaigns seemed to have waned. And yet the enlightenment film underwent a significant revival during the Nazi era. The paper concludes by examining the interconnections between the Nazis' reconceptualization of public enlightenment, risk, and strategies for managing it.
Welche Faktoren beeinflussen das perioperative Outcome nach Verletzungen der oberen Extremität?
Authors: Neuhaus Valentin
Published: July 2015

Zusammenfassung. Verletzungen der oberen Extremität sind häufig, und deren Anzahl wird in Zukunft noch zunehmen. Das Patientengut zeichnet sich durch ein zunehmendes Alter sowie Multimorbidität aus. Das perioperative Behandlungsergebnis nach Versorgung dieser Verletzungen hängt unter anderem von diversen Patientenfaktoren ab, wie z.B. das fortgeschrittene Alter, die Verletzungsschwere sowie das Vorhandensein relevanter Komorbiditäten wie die Herzinsuffizienz oder das Vorhofflimmern. Neben diesen Patientenfaktoren spielt die Effektivität der eingeleiteten Therapie eine wichtige Rolle. Die Entscheidungsfindung für oder gegen eine gewisse Therapie ist komplex. Die Übereinstimmung unter den behandelnden Ärzten ist hierfür lediglich mässig. Gute anatomische und pathophysiologische Kenntnisse sowie langjährige Erfahrung haben einen gewissen Einfluss auf die Reliabilität. Zudem können Zufälle das Outcome verändern.
Interactions between muscle stem cells, mesenchymal-derived cells and immune cells in muscle homeostasis, regeneration and disease
Authors: Farup J , Madaro L , Puri P L , Mikkelsen U R
Published: July 2015

Recent evidence has revealed the importance of reciprocal functional interactions between different types of mononuclear cells in coordinating the repair of injured muscles. In particular, signals released from the inflammatory infiltrate and from mesenchymal interstitial cells (also known as fibro-adipogenic progenitors (FAPs)) appear to instruct muscle stem cells (satellite cells) to break quiescence, proliferate and differentiate. Interestingly, conditions that compromise the functional integrity of this network can bias muscle repair toward pathological outcomes that are typically observed in chronic muscular disorders, that is, fibrotic and fatty muscle degeneration as well as myofiber atrophy. In this review, we will summarize the current knowledge on the regulation of this network in physiological and pathological conditions, and anticipate the potential contribution of its cellular components to relatively unexplored conditions, such as aging and physical exercise.
Conserved nematode signalling molecules elicit plant defenses and pathogen resistance
Authors: Manosalva Patricia , Manohar Murli , von Reuss Stephan H. , Chen Shiyan , Koch Aline , Kaplan Fatma , Choe Andrea , Micikas Robert J. , Wang Xiaohong , Kogel Karl-Heinz , Sternberg Paul W. , Williamson Valerie M. , Schroeder Frank C. , Klessig Daniel F.
Published: July 2015

Plant-defense responses are triggered by perception of conserved microbe-associated molecular patterns (MAMPs), for example, flagellin or peptidoglycan. However, it remained unknown whether plants can detect conserved molecular patterns derived from plant-parasitic animals, including nematodes. Here we show that several genera of plant-parasitic nematodes produce small molecules called ascarosides, an evolutionarily conserved family of nematode pheromones. Picomolar to micromolar concentrations of ascr#18, the major ascaroside in plant-parasitic nematodes, induce hallmark defense responses including the expression of genes associated with MAMP-triggered immunity, activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases, as well as salicylic acid- and jasmonic acid-mediated defense signalling pathways. Ascr#18 perception increases resistance in Arabidopsis, tomato, potato and barley to viral, bacterial, oomycete, fungal and nematode infections. These results indicate that plants recognize ascarosides as a conserved molecular signature of nematodes. Using small-molecule signals such as ascarosides to activate plant immune responses has potential utility to improve economic and environmental sustainability of agriculture.
Superconductivity emerging from a suppressed large magnetoresistant state in tungsten ditelluride
Authors: Kang Defen , Zhou Yazhou , Yi Wei , Yang Chongli , Guo Jing , Shi Youguo , Zhang Shan , Wang Zhe , Zhang Chao , Jiang Sheng , Li Aiguo , Yang Ke , Wu Qi , Zhang Guangming , Sun Liling , Zhao Zhongxian
Published: July 2015

The recent discovery of large magnetoresistance in tungsten ditelluride provides a unique playground to find new phenomena and significant perspective for potential applications. The large magnetoresistance effect originates from a perfect balance of hole and electron carriers, which is sensitive to external pressure. Here we report the suppression of the large magnetoresistance and emergence of superconductivity in pressurized tungsten ditelluride via high-pressure synchrotron X-ray diffraction, electrical resistance, magnetoresistance and alternating current magnetic susceptibility measurements. Upon increasing pressure, the positive large magnetoresistance effect is gradually suppressed and turned off at a critical pressure of 10.5 GPa, where superconductivity accordingly emerges. No structural phase transition is observed under the pressure investigated. In situ high-pressure Hall coefficient measurements at low temperatures demonstrate that elevating pressure decreases the population of hole carriers but increases that of the electron ones. Significantly, at the critical pressure, a sign change of the Hall coefficient is observed.
Unlocking nature’s treasure-chest: screening for oleaginous algae
Authors: Slocombe Stephen P. , Zhang QianYi , Ross Michael , Anderson Avril , Thomas Naomi J. , Lapresa Ángela , Rad-Menéndez Cecilia , Campbell Christine N. , Black Kenneth D. , Stanley Michele S. , Day John G.
Published: July 2015

Micro-algae synthesize high levels of lipids, carbohydrates and proteins photoautotrophically, thus attracting considerable interest for the biotechnological production of fuels, environmental remediation, functional foods and nutraceuticals. Currently, only a few micro-algae species are grown commercially at large-scale, primarily for “health-foods” and pigments. For a range of potential products (fuel to pharma), high lipid productivity strains are required to mitigate the economic costs of mass culture. Here we present a screen concentrating on marine micro-algal strains, which if suitable for scale-up would minimise competition with agriculture for water. Mass-Spectrophotometric analysis (MS) of nitrogen (N) and carbon (C) was subsequently validated by measurement of total fatty acids (TFA) by Gas-Chromatography (GC). This identified a rapid and accurate screening strategy based on elemental analysis. The screen identified Nannochloropsis oceanica CCAP 849/10 and a marine isolate of Chlorella vulgaris CCAP 211/21A as the best lipid producers. Analysis of C, N, protein, carbohydrate and Fatty Acid (FA) composition identified a suite of strains for further biotechnological applications e.g. Dunaliella polymorpha CCAP 19/14, significantly the most productive for carbohydrates and Cyclotella cryptica CCAP 1070/2, with utility for EPA production and N-assimilation.
Huygens synchronization of two clocks
Authors: Oliveira Henrique M. , Melo Luís V.
Published: July 2015

The synchronization of two pendulum clocks hanging from a wall was first observed by Huygens during the XVII century. This type of synchronization is observed in other areas and is fundamentally different from the problem of two clocks hanging from a moveable base. We present a model explaining the phase opposition synchronization of two pendulum clocks in those conditions. The predicted behaviour is observed experimentally, validating the model.
Analysing calcium signalling of cells under high shear flows using discontinuous dielectrophoresis
Authors: Soffe Rebecca , Baratchi Sara , Tang Shi-Yang , Nasabi Mahyar , McIntyre Peter , Mitchell Arnan , Khoshmanesh Khashayar
Published: July 2015

Immobilisation of cells is an important feature of many cellular assays, as it enables the physical/chemical stimulation of cells; whilst, monitoring cellular processes using microscopic techniques. Current approaches for immobilising cells, however, are hampered by time-consuming processes, the need for specific antibodies or coatings and adverse effects on cell integrity. Here, we present a dielectrophoresis-based approach for the robust immobilisation of cells and analysis of their responses under high shear flows. This approach is quick and label-free and more importantly, minimises the adverse effects of electric field on the cell integrity, by activating the field for a short duration of 120 s, just long enough to immobilise the cells, after which cell culture media (such as HEPES) is flushed through the platform. In optimal conditions, at least 90% of the cells remained stably immobilised, when exposed to a shear stress of 63 dyn/cm2. This approach was used to examine the shear-induced calcium signalling of HEK-293 cells expressing a mechanosensitive ion channel, transient receptor potential vaniloid type 4 (TRPV4), when exposed to the full physiological range of shear stress.
The Brain Functional State of Music Creation: an fMRI Study of Composers
Authors: Lu Jing , Yang Hua , Zhang Xingxing , He Hui , Luo Cheng , Yao Dezhong
Published: July 2015

In this study, we used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to explore the functional networks in professional composers during the creation of music. We compared the composing state and resting state imagery of 17 composers and found that the functional connectivity of primary networks in the bilateral occipital lobe and bilateral postcentral cortex decreased during the composing period. However, significantly stronger functional connectivity appeared between the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), the right angular gyrus and the bilateral superior frontal gyrus during composition. These findings indicate that a specific brain state of musical creation is formed when professional composers are composing, in which the integration of the primary visual and motor areas is not necessary. Instead, the neurons of these areas are recruited to enhance the functional connectivity between the ACC and the default mode network (DMN) to plan the integration of musical notes with emotion.
Myo5b knockout mice as a model of microvillus inclusion disease
Authors: Cartón-García Fernando , Overeem Arend W. , Nieto Rocio , Bazzocco Sarah , Dopeso Higinio , Macaya Irati , Bilic Josipa , Landolfi Stefania , Hernandez-Losa Javier , Schwartz Simo , Ramon y Cajal Santiago , van Ijzendoorn Sven C. D. , Arango Diego
Published: July 2015

Inherited MYO5B mutations have recently been associated with microvillus inclusion disease (MVID), an autosomal recessive syndrome characterized by intractable, life-threatening, watery diarrhea appearing shortly after birth. Characterization of the molecular mechanisms underlying this disease and development of novel therapeutic approaches is hampered by the lack of animal models. In this study we describe the phenotype of a novel mouse model with targeted inactivation of Myo5b. Myo5b knockout mice show perinatal mortality, diarrhea and the characteristic mislocalization of apical and basolateral plasma membrane markers in enterocytes. Moreover, in transmission electron preparations, we observed microvillus atrophy and the presence of microvillus inclusion bodies. Importantly, Myo5b knockout embryos at day 20 of gestation already display all these structural defects, indicating that they are tissue autonomous rather than secondary to environmental cues, such as the long-term absence of nutrients in the intestine. Myo5b knockout mice closely resemble the phenotype of MVID patients and constitute a useful model to further investigate the underlying molecular mechanism of this disease and to preclinically assess the efficacy of novel therapeutic approaches.
Chromium inhibition and size-selected Au nanocluster catalysis for the solution growth of low-density ZnO nanowires
Authors: Errico Vito , Arrabito Giuseppe , Plant Simon R. , Medaglia Pier Gianni , Palmer Richard E. , Falconi Christian
Published: July 2015

The wet chemical synthesis of nanostructures has many crucial advantages over high-temperature methods, including simplicity, low-cost and deposition on almost arbitrary substrates. Nevertheless, the density-controlled solution growth of nanowires still remains a challenge, especially at the low densities (e.g. 1 to 10 nanowires/100 μm2) required, as an example, for intracellular analyses. Here, we demonstrate the solution-growth of ZnO nanowires using a thin chromium film as a nucleation inhibitor and Au size-selected nanoclusters (SSNCs) as catalytic particles for which the density and, in contrast with previous reports, size can be accurately controlled. Our results also provide evidence that the enhanced ZnO hetero-nucleation is dominated by Au SSNCs catalysis rather than by layer adaptation. The proposed approach only uses low temperatures (≤70 °C) and is therefore suitable for any substrate, including printed circuit boards (PCBs) and the plastic substrates which are routinely used for cell cultures. As a proof-of-concept we report the density-controlled synthesis of ZnO nanowires on flexible PCBs, thus opening the way to assembling compact intracellular-analysis systems, including nanowires, electronics and microfluidics, on a single substrate.
Identification of Drosophila Mutants Affecting Defense to an Entomopathogenic Fungus
Authors: Lu Hsiao-Ling , Wang Jonathan B. , Brown Markus A. , Euerle Christopher , St. Leger Raymond J.
Published: July 2015

Fungi cause the majority of insect disease. However, to date attempts to model host–fungal interactions with Drosophila have focused on opportunistic human pathogens. Here, we performed a screen of 2,613 mutant Drosophila lines to identify host genes affecting susceptibility to the natural insect pathogen Metarhizium anisopliae (Ma549). Overall, 241 (9.22%) mutant lines had altered resistance to Ma549. Life spans ranged from 3.0 to 6.2 days, with females being more susceptible than males in all lines. Speed of kill correlated with within-host growth and onset of sporulation, but total spore production is decoupled from host genotypes. Results showed that mutations affected the ability of Drosophila to restrain rather than tolerate infections and suggested trade-offs between antifungal and antibacterial genes affecting cuticle and gut structural barriers. Approximately, 13% of mutations where in genes previously associated with host pathogen interactions. These encoded fast-acting immune responses including coagulation, phagocytosis, encapsulation and melanization but not the slow-response induction of anti-fungal peptides. The non-immune genes impact a wide variety of biological functions, including behavioral traits. Many have human orthologs already implicated in human disorders; while others were mutations in protein and non-protein coding genes for which disease resistance was the first biological annotation.
Rap2B promotes proliferation, migration and invasion of human breast cancer through calcium-related ERK1/2 signaling pathway
Authors: Di Jiehui , Huang Hui , Qu Debao , Tang Juangjuan , Cao Wenjia , Lu Zheng , Cheng Qian , Yang Jing , Bai Jin , Zhang Yanping , Zheng Junnian
Published: July 2015

Rap2B, a member of GTP-binding proteins, is widely upregulated in many types of tumors and promotes migration and invasion of human suprarenal epithelioma. However, the function of Rap2B in breast cancer is unknown. Expression of Rap2B was examined in breast cancer cell lines and human normal breast cell line using Western blot analysis. Using the CCK-8 cell proliferation assay, cell cycle analysis and transwell migration assay, we also elucidated the role of Rap2B in breast cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Results showed that the expression of Rap2B is higher in tumor cells than in normal cells. Flow cytometry and Western blot analysis revealed that Rap2B elevates the intracellular calcium level and further promotes extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK) 1/2 phosphorylation. By contrast, calcium chelator BAPTM/AM and MEK inhibitor (U0126) can reverse Rap2B-induced ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Furthermore, Rap2B knockdown inhibits cell proliferation, migration and invasion abilities via calcium related-ERK1/2 signaling. In addition, overexpression of Rap2B promotes cell proliferation, migration and invasion abilities, which could be neutralized by BAPTM/AM and U0126. Taken together, these findings shed light on Rap2B as a therapeutic target for breast cancer.
Multiple B-cell epitope vaccine induces a Staphylococcus enterotoxin B-specific IgG1 protective response against MRSA infection
Authors: Zhao Zhuo , Sun He-Qiang , Wei Shan-Shan , Li Bin , Feng Qiang , Zhu Jiang , Zeng Hao , Zou Quan-Ming , Wu Chao
Published: July 2015

No vaccine against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has been currently approved for use in humans. Staphylococcus enterotoxin B (SEB) is one of the most potent MRSA exotoxins. In the present study, we evaluated the efficacy and immunologic mechanisms of an SEB multiple B-cell epitope vaccine against MRSA infection. Synthetic overlapping peptide ELISA identified three novel B-cell immunodominant SEB epitopes (in addition to those previously known): SEB31–48, SEB133–150 and SEB193–210. Six B-cell immunodominant epitopes (amino acid residues 31–48, 97–114, 133–150, 193–210, 205–222 and 247–261) were sufficient to induce robust IgG1/IgG2b-specific protective responses against MRSA infection. Therefore, we constructed a recombinant MRSA SEB-specific multiple B-cell epitope vaccine Polypeptides by combining the six SEB immunodominant epitopes and demonstrated its ability to induce a robust SEB-specific IgG1 response to MRSA, as well as a Th2-directing isotype response. Moreover, Polypeptides-induced antisera stimulated synergetic opsonophagocytosis killing of MRSA. Most importantly, Polypeptides was more effective at clearing the bacteria in MRSA-infected mice than the whole SEB antigen and was able to successfully protect mice from infection by various clinical MRSA isolates. Altogether, these results support further evaluation of the SEB multiple B-cell epitope-vaccine to address MRSA infection in humans.
One Dimensional Graphitic Carbon Nitrides as Effective Metal-Free Oxygen Reduction Catalysts
Authors: Tahir Muhammad , Mahmood Nasir , Zhu Jinghan , Mahmood Asif , Butt Faheem K. , Rizwan Syed , Aslam Imran , Tanveer M. , Idrees Faryal , Shakir Imran , Cao Chuanbao , Hou Yanglong
Published: July 2015

To explore the effect of morphology on catalytic properties of graphitic carbon nitride (GCN), we have studied oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) performance of two different morphologies of GCN in alkaline media. Among both, tubular GCN react with dissolved oxygen in the ORR with an onset potential close to commercial Pt/C. Furthermore, the higher stability and excellent methanol tolerance of tubular GCN compared to Pt/C emphasizes its suitability for fuel cells.
Highly sensitive transient absorption imaging of graphene and graphene oxide in living cells and circulating blood
Authors: Li Junjie , Zhang Weixia , Chung Ting-Fung , Slipchenko Mikhail N. , Chen Yong P. , Cheng Ji-Xin , Yang Chen
Published: July 2015

We report a transient absorption (TA) imaging method for fast visualization and quantitative layer analysis of graphene and GO. Forward and backward imaging of graphene on various substrates under ambient condition was imaged with a speed of 2 μs per pixel. The TA intensity linearly increased with the layer number of graphene. Real-time TA imaging of GO in vitro with capability of quantitative analysis of intracellular concentration and ex vivo in circulating blood were demonstrated. These results suggest that TA microscopy is a valid tool for the study of graphene based materials.
Spider foraging strategy affects trophic cascades under natural and drought conditions
Authors: Liu Shengjie , Chen Jin , Gan Wenjin , Schaefer Douglas , Gan Jianmin , Yang Xiaodong
Published: July 2015

Spiders can cause trophic cascades affecting litter decomposition rates. However, it remains unclear how spiders with different foraging strategies influence faunal communities, or present cascading effects on decomposition. Furthermore, increased dry periods predicted in future climates will likely have important consequences for trophic interactions in detritus-based food webs. We investigated independent and interactive effects of spider predation and drought on litter decomposition in a tropical forest floor. We manipulated densities of dominant spiders with actively hunting or sit-and-wait foraging strategies in microcosms which mimicked the tropical-forest floor. We found a positive trophic cascade on litter decomposition was triggered by actively hunting spiders under ambient rainfall, but sit-and-wait spiders did not cause this. The drought treatment reversed the effect of actively hunting spiders on litter decomposition. Under drought conditions, we observed negative trophic cascade effects on litter decomposition in all three spider treatments. Thus, reduced rainfall can alter predator-induced indirect effects on lower trophic levels and ecosystem processes and is an example of how such changes may alter trophic cascades in detritus-based webs of tropical forests.
“Do-it-yourself in vitro vasculature that recapitulates in vivo geometries for investigating endothelial-blood cell interactions”
Authors: Mannino Robert G. , Myers David R. , Ahn Byungwook , Wang Yichen , Margo Rollins  , Gole Hope , Lin Angela S. , Guldberg Robert E. , Giddens Don P. , Timmins Lucas H. , Lam Wilbur A.
Published: July 2015

Investigating biophysical cellular interactions in the circulation currently requires choosing between in vivo models, which are difficult to interpret due in part to the hemodynamic and geometric complexities of the vasculature; or in vitro systems, which suffer from non-physiologic assumptions and/or require specialized microfabrication facilities and expertise. To bridge that gap, we developed an in vitro “do-it-yourself” perfusable vasculature model that recapitulates in vivo geometries, such as aneurysms, stenoses and bifurcations and supports endothelial cell culture. These inexpensive, disposable devices can be created rapidly (<2 hours) with high precision and repeatability, using standard off-the-shelf laboratory supplies. Using these “endothelialized” systems, we demonstrate that spatial variation in vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM-1) expression correlates with the wall shear stress patterns of vascular geometries. We further observe that the presence of endothelial cells in stenoses reduces platelet adhesion but increases sickle cell disease (SCD) red blood cell (RBC) adhesion in bifurcations. Overall, our method enables researchers from all disciplines to study cellular interactions in physiologically relevant, yet simple-to-make, in vitro vasculature models.