bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Occurrence and genetic diversity of piroplasms and other apicomplexa in wild carnivores
Authors: BARANDIKA J. F. , ESPÍ A. , OPORTO B. , DEL CERRO A. , BARRAL M. , POVEDANO I. , GARCÍA-PÉREZ A. L. , HURTADO A.
Published: May 2016

Tick-borne apicomplexan haemoparasites infect wild and domestic animals, but studies on their distribution among free-living animals are comparatively fewer. Tissues from 241 wild carnivores of eight Mustelidae, two Canidae, one Viverridae and one Felidae species were collected in Northern Spain, and analysed by real-time PCR targeting the 18S rRNA gene and sequencing.Babesia vulpes(formerly known asTheileria annae) was the only piroplasm detected in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes). Badgers (Meles meles) were shown to harbour two novelBabesiasp. sequence types (A and B) that only shared 96.7% homology between them and were closely related (ca. 97–98%) to, but distinct fromB. vulpesand other babesia from carnivores. Analysis of PCR-derived sequences also revealed the presence ofCystoisosporasp. andHepatozoonsp. in badgers and showed that wild cats (Felis silvestris catus) were infected withCytauxzoonsp. Forty-two per cent of the animals subjected to a detailed external examination were parasitized by ixodid ticks, beingIxodes hexagonusandIxodes ricinusthe most abundant species. This study provided novel data on the different haemoparasites that can infect European wild carnivores and showed that they can be hosts for a range of haemoparasites and pose a potential risk for transmission to domestic animals.
Yorick Smaal, 'Sex, soldiers and the South Pacific, 1939–45: Queer identities in Australia in the Second World War', Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan, 2015, ISBN 9 7811 3736 5132, 250 pp., A$119.95
Authors: McKinnon Scott
Published: May 2016

Yorick Smaal, Sex, soldiers and the South Pacific, 1939–45: Queer identities in Australia in the Second World War, Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan, 2015, ISBN 9 7811 3736 5132, 250 pp., A$119.95
Practices and outcomes of self-treatment with helminths based on physicians' observations
Authors: Liu J. , Morey R.A. , Wilson J.K. , Parker W.
Published: May 2016

The successful use of helminths as therapeutic agents to resolve inflammatory disease was first recorded 40 years ago. Subsequent work in animal models and in humans has demonstrated that the organisms might effectively treat a wide range of inflammatory diseases, including allergies, autoimmune disorders and inflammation-associated neuropsychiatric disorders. However, available information regarding the therapeutic uses and effects of helminths in humans is limited. This study probes the practices and experiences of individuals ‘self-treating’ with helminths through the eyes of their physicians. Five physicians monitoring more than 700 self-treating patients were interviewed. The results strongly support previous indications that helminth therapy can effectively treat a wide range of allergies, autoimmune conditions and neuropsychiatric disorders, such as major depression and anxiety disorders. Approximately 57% of the self-treating patients observed by physicians in the study had autism. Physicians reported that the majority of patients with autism and inflammation-associated co-morbidities responded favourably to therapy with either of the two most popular organisms currently used by self-treaters, Hymenolepis diminuta and Trichuris suis. However, approximately 1% of paediatric patients experienced severe gastrointestinal pains with the use of H. diminuta, although the symptoms were resolved with an anti-helminthic drug. Further, exposure to helminths apparently did not affect the impaired comprehension of social situations that is the hallmark of autism. These observations point toward potential starting points for clinical trials, and provide further support for the importance of such trials and for concerted efforts aimed at probing the potential of helminths, and perhaps other biologicals, for therapeutic use.
Crossing borders, addressing diversity
Authors: Canagarajah Suresh
Published: May 2016

This paper presents a story of applied linguistics from my personal vantage point as a multilingual scholar whose career began outside the centers of research and scholarship. The article explains the assumptions and practices characterizing the foundation of the discipline in modernist discourses, and delineates the changes resulting from globalization towards postmodern discourses that question positivistic inquiry and homogeneity. As applied linguistics evolves to address diversity as the norm, the article identifies the different schools that have gradually moved the field in that direction – e.g., variationist applied linguistics (VAL), critical applied linguistics (CAL), postmodern hybridity, and translingual practice. Through these movements, the field has also evolved fromlinguistics applied (LA)to a more theoretically plural and, currently, to a more agentive relationship with other disciplines. Rather than simply borrowing from other disciplines, applied linguists have begun to make their own contributions to those disciplines on language-related issues.
Developing illustrative descriptors of aspects of mediation for the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR)
Authors: North Brian , Piccardo Enrica
Published: May 2016

The notion of mediation has been the object of growing interest in second language education in recent years. The increasing awareness of the complex nature of the process of learning – and teaching – stretches our collective reflection towards less explored areas. In mediation, the immediate focus is on the role of language in processes like creating the space and conditions for communication and/or learning, constructing and co-constructing new meaning, and/or passing on information, whilst simplifying, elaborating, illustrating or otherwise adapting input in order to facilitate the process concerned. At a deeper level though, the notion of mediation embraces a broader spectrum of dimensions and connotations. Mediation has been defined as a ‘nomadic notion’ (Lenoir 1996) insomuch as it is at the core of a variety of scientific disciplines and the term ‘mediation’ is used in different senses in different contexts.
MULTIPLE SERVER PREEMPTIVE SCHEDULING WITH IMPATIENCE
Authors: Cao Yang
Published: May 2016

There are n customers that need to be served by m parallel servers (n≥m). Customer i will only wait in queue for an exponentially distributed time with rate λi before departing the system. The service time on server j is exponentially distributed with rate μj for all customers, and upon completion of service of customer i a positive reward ri is earned. The non-preemptive problem is to choose, after each service completion, which currently in queue customer to serve next. The preemptive problem is to decide when to preempt a service, and to choose, after each service completion or preemption, which currently in queue customer to serve next. The objective of both problems is to maximize the expected total return. We give conditions under which a list policy is optimal for both problems.
H1–semistability for projective groups
Authors: BISWAS INDRANIL , MJ MAHAN
Published: May 2016

We initiate the study of the asymptotic topology of groups that can be realised as fundamental groups of smooth complex projective varieties with holomorphically convex universal covers (these are called here as holomorphically convex groups). We prove the H1-semistability conjecture of Geoghegan for holomorphically convex groups. In view of a theorem of Eyssidieux, Katzarkov, Pantev and Ramachandran [EKPR], this implies that linear projective groups satisfy the H1-semistability conjecture.
Multiple micronutrients in powder delivered through primary health care reduce iron and vitamin A deficiencies in young Amazonian children
Authors: Oliveira Cristieli SM , Sampaio Patrícia , Muniz Pascoal T , Cardoso Marly A ,   for the ENFAC Working Group
Published: May 2016

Objective

We evaluated the effect of home fortification with multiple micronutrient powder (MNP) on anaemia and micronutrient status of young Amazonian children.

Design

A pragmatic controlled trial was performed. A control group (CG) of children aged 11–14 months was recruited in the routine of primary health-care centres for assessing anaemia and micronutrient status. At the same time, an intervention group (IG) of infants aged 6–8 months was recruited in the same health centres to receive MNP daily in complementary feeding for 2 months. The IG children were assessed 4–6 months after enrolment (n112) when they had reached the age of the CG participants (n128) for comparisons.

Setting

Primary health centres in Rio Branco city, Brazilian Amazon.

Subjects

A total of 240 children aged<2 years.

Results

In the CG, the prevalence of anaemia (Hb<110 g/l), iron deficiency (ID; plasma ferritin <12 μg/l or soluble transferrin receptor >8·3 mg/l) and vitamin A deficiency (VAD; serum retinol <0·70 μmol/l) was 20·3 %, 72·4 % and 18·6 %, respectively. Among the IG participants (aged 11–14 months), the prevalence of anaemia, ID and VAD was 15·2 %, 25·2 % and 4·7 %, respectively. The IG had a lower likelihood of ID (prevalence ratio (95 % CI): 0·34 (0·24, 0·49)) and VAD (0·25 (0·09, 0·64)).

Conclusions

Home fortification of complementary feeding delivered through primary health care was effective in reducing iron and vitamin A deficiencies among young Amazonian children.
New Applications in Atom Probe Tomography
Authors: Larson D.J. , Valley J.W. , Ushikubo T. , Miller M.K. , Takamizawa H. , Shimizu Y. , Gordon L.M. , Joester D. , Giddings D. , Reinhard D.A. , Prosa T.J. , Olson D.P. , Lawrence D.F. , Clifton P.H. , Ulfig R.M. , Martin I. , Kelly T.F.
Published: May 2016

Extended abstract of a paper presented at Microscopy and Microanalysis 2013 in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, August 4 – August 8, 2013.
Understanding Legislator Experiences of Family-Friendly Working Practices in Political Institutions
Authors: Allen Peter , Cutts David , Winn Madelaine
Published: May 2016

Family-friendly (FF) working practices in political institutions have attracted scant attention from scholars, arguably reflecting the scarcity of their implementation. Using a survey of legislators and qualitative interviews, we examine for the first time how satisfied elected members of two new legislatures (the Welsh Assembly and the Scottish Parliament) are with FF working practices. We offer four possible explanations—parenthood, age of the legislator, sex, and the distance between the legislator's constituency and the legislature—for the variation in satisfaction. Our findings suggest that being a woman and having a greater distance between legislature and constituency exerted significant negative effects on legislators' satisfaction with FF working practices. In contrast, legislators over age 60 were significantly more likely to be satisfied with FF working practices in the new legislatures. We conclude by outlining future research avenues for comparative scholars of gender and politics interested in the effectiveness and resilience of FF working practices, in particular highlighting the importance of looking beyond the parent–child caring relationship to other caring and domestic obligations.
DAMNATIO MEMORIAEORCREATIO MEMORIAE? MEMORY SANCTIONS AS CREATIVE PROCESSES IN THE FOURTH CENTURY AD
Authors: Omissi Adrastos
Published: May 2016

Damnatio memoriae, the ill-defined group of processes that we often now refer to by the term ‘memory sanctions’, is generally thought of in wholly negative terms. It is imagined as a process of destruction, of erasure, and of silence. Yet these complex assaults on the memory of fallen enemies were far more than simply destructive processes. Through the example of Magnus Maximus (383–8) and his commemoration in Rome and Constantinople during the reign of Theodosius I, this article considers how memory sanctions could be generative of historical material and how emperors used oratory, ceremony and triumphal architecture to memorialise their fallen enemies.
Between- and within-breed morphological variability in Moroccan sheep breeds
Authors: Boujenane I. , Petit D.
Published: May 2016

The objective of this study was a morphological characterization of five Moroccan sheep breeds (Béni Guil, Boujaâd, D'man, Sardi and Timahdite) to assess between- and within-breed variability using multivariate analyses. Fourteen morphological measurements were collected on 876 adult animals of both sexes in 98 different flocks located in 22 geographic localities of five breeds. The multiple analysis of variance revealed that significant morphological differences existed between breeds. The overall proportion of total variance due to between-breed component was 28.3 percent. The factor analysis revealed three factors accounting for 50.1, 11.8 and 7.54 percent of total variance. The first factor had high loadings for variables relating to body size, whilst the second factor had high association with traits reflecting tail length and ear size. The third factor had high loadings for wool trait. The squared Mahalanobis distance between the five sheep breeds were highly significant (P< 0.001). The largest morphological divergence was shown between Béni Guil and Sardi breeds (23.5) and the smallest one was between Boujaâd and Sardi breeds (3.54). The discriminant functions clearly discriminated and assigned 94.4 percent of Béni Guil, 79.7 of Boujaâd, 88.5 percent of D'man, 86.7 of Sardi and 80.1 percent of Timahdite sheep into their breed of origin. Overall morphological differences observed within-breeds were due for 18.1 percent to geographic locality and for 20.7 percent to flock management. It was concluded that the information reported in this study will be the basis for the establishment of characterization and selection strategies for Moroccan sheep.
Impfstatus bei Pflegepersonal
Authors: Voigt Karen , Rühle Frank , Bergmann Antje , Schübel Jeannine , Hirsch Kathleen , Riemenschneider Henna
Published: May 2016

Zusammenfassung. Hintergrund: Krankenpflegepersonal kann aufgrund des Patientenkontaktes Multiplikator für Infektionserkrankungen sein. In Deutschland besteht keine Impfpflicht, für medizinisches Personal liegen spezifische Empfehlungen vor. Ein bundesweiter Überblick zum Impfstatus medizinischen Personals existiert nicht. Fragestellung/Ziel: Impfstatus hinsichtlich Diphtherie, Tetanus, Pertussis, Poliomyelitis, Hepatitis A (HA) und Hepatitis B (HB) des Krankenhauspflegepersonals sowie Zusammenhänge zwischen Alter, Dauer der Betriebszugehörigkeit, Impfakzeptanz und -status wurden untersucht. Methode: In einer anonymen Befragung von Krankenhausmitarbeitern zu Gesundheitsbelastung/-verhalten wurden Fragen zu Impfstatus/-akzeptanz gestellt. Die statistische Analyse (SPSS) umfasste deskriptive Verfahren, Verteilungsunterschiede wurden per Chi2-Anpassungstest geprüft. Ergebnisse: 99 % des Krankenpflegepersonals bewerteten unabhängig von Alter oder Beschäftigungsdauer Impfen für mind. «teilweise notwendig». Der Anteil der Befragten mit berichtetem vollständigen Impfstatus war für Tetanus (82 %) und HB (70 %) am höchsten. Für Diphtherie (52 %), Poliomyelitis (49 %), HA (43 %) und Pertussis (42 %) war er geringer. Der Anteil der Befragten, die ihren Impfstatus nicht kannten, war teils > 20 %. Schlussfolgerungen: Trotz hoher Impfakzeptanz waren die berichteten Impfquoten beim Krankenpflegepersonal nicht zufriedenstellend. Die Implementation von Impfmaßnahmen beim Pflegepersonal sollte forciert werden, um höhere Durchimpfungsraten zur Prävention von Infektionskrankheiten bei Personal und Patienten im Krankenhaus zu erreichen.
Laudatio für Hilde Schädle-Deininger anlässlich der Verleihung des psychiatrischen Pflegepreises durch die DFPP, BAPP und VAPP
Authors: Schoppmann Susanne
Published: May 2016

Zusammenfassung. Sigmund Freud soll mal gesagt haben: «Gegen Kritik kann man sich wehren, Lob muss man aushalten.» Für dich, liebe Hilde, bedeutet das jetzt etwas zu tun, was du nicht so gerne tust: nämlich zurücklehnen und Klappe halten.
Sicher ist sicher, nur… für wen?
Authors: Hemkendreis Bruno
Published: May 2016

Zusammenfassung. Es war Freitagnachmittag, als Bernadette Hinscher alles soweit erledigt hatte, dass sie sich endlich in der psychiatrischen Klinik vorstellen konnte.
Zur Wirksamkeit von Sprachförderung in Kindertageseinrichtungen in Deutschland
Authors: Egert Franziska , Hopf Michaela
Published: May 2016

Zusammenfassung. In den letzten Jahren wurde in Deutschland versucht, mithilfe verschiedener Förderansätze die Sprachentwicklung von Kindern in Kindertageseinrichtungen zu unterstützen. Nur wenige der angebotenen Sprachförderkonzepte sind wissenschaftlich evaluiert. Ziel des vorliegenden narrativen Reviews ist es, einen Forschungsüberblick über evidenzbasierte Sprachfördermaßnahmen zu erhalten. Dabei wird die Studienqualität der einzelnen Evaluationen dargestellt und hinsichtlich der empirischen Belastbarkeit diskutiert. In das Review einbezogen wurden (quasi–)experimentelle Interventionsstudien zu additiven oder alltagsintegrierten Sprachfördermaßnahmen für Kinder von einem Jahr bis sechs Jahren in Kindertageseinrichtungen (publiziert im Zeitraum 2000 bis 2013). In der systematischen Literatursuche wurden 23 Evaluationen für das Review identifiziert. Nach Einschätzung der Studienqualität anhand eines Verzerrungsindex bieten lediglich acht Studien belastbare Ergebnisse und erfüllen Basiskriterien für Wirkungsanalysen. Während die Forschungslage für Kinder von drei bis sechs Jahren eher inkonsistent ist, deuten die Befunde von zwei Studien eine positive Wirkung von alltagsintegrierter Förderung auf die Sprachleistungen von Kindern unter drei Jahren an.
Meta-Analyse zur Wirksamkeit deutscher suchtpräventiver Lebenskompetenzprogramme
Authors: Bühler Anneke
Published: May 2016

Zusammenfassung. Schulbasierte Lebenskompetenzprogramme (LKP) sind ein wichtiger Ansatz der Suchtprävention in Deutschland. Ihre Wirksamkeit wurde bisher nicht meta-analytisch getestet. Resultate von 13 systematisch identifizierten randomisierten und nicht-randomisierten Studien mit deutschsprachigen Zielgruppen wurden quantitativ integriert. Risk Ratios (RR) wurden signifikant für den Einstieg in den Tabakkonsum (RR=.77) bzw. das allgemeine Rauchverhalten (RR=.64) bei GrundschülerInnen, bei SekundarstufenschülerInnen ein Initialeffekt von RR=.44 für den aktuellen Konsum. Effekte für die Lebenszeitprävalenz (RR=.78) und den aktuellen Konsum (RR=.71) von Alkohol wurden zum Posttest signifikant. Die Ergebnisse belegen eine Wirksamkeit der suchtpräventiven LKP mit deutsch(sprachig)en SchülerInnen insofern, als dass sie das Risiko für einen frühzeitigen Konsum, der einen Risikofaktor für späteren Substanzmissbrauch darstellt, verringern.
Effekte von Objekt-Familiarisierung auf die frühe gestische Kommunikation
Authors: Grimminger Angela , Lüke Carina , Ritterfeld Ute , Liszkowski Ulf , Rohlfing Katharina J.
Published: May 2016

Zusammenfassung. Für die frühe Verwendung von Gesten werden in der Forschung verschiedene Funktionen diskutiert. Zum einen wird angenommen, dass sie die kognitive Last der Situationsverarbeitung reduzieren (z. B. Goldin-Meadow & Wagner, 2005 ), zum anderen, dass sie genutzt werden, um Informationen von einer Bezugsperson zu elizitieren oder Neues und Interessantes mit ihr zu teilen (z. B. Begus & Southgate, 2012 ; Liszkowski, Carpenter, Henning, Striano & Tomasello, 2004 ). Aus diesen Annahmen ergeben sich verschiedene Vorhersagen in Bezug auf das gestische bzw. multimodale Verhalten junger Kinder in wiederholten Situationen, in denen einige Objekte bekannt und andere unbekannt sind. Um diese zu überprüfen, beobachteten wir 14 Kinder längsschnittlich zwischen ihrem 14. und 16. Lebensmonat alle zwei Wochen in einer semi-experimentellen Situation mit einer Bezugsperson und untersuchten, wie sich das sprachliche und gestische Verhalten in Abhängigkeit von der Familiarität mit Objekten verändert. Dabei wurden die Kinder auf der Grundlage ihres Wortschatzes mit 21 Monaten in zwei Gruppen (größerer vs. geringerer Wortschatz) geteilt. Unsere Ergebnisse zeigen, dass Kinder mit einem größeren Wortschatz mehr Zeigegeste-Wort-Kombinationen gegenüber nicht bekannten Objekten als gegenüber bekannten und mehr Wörter insgesamt äußern, während sich für die Kinder mit einem geringeren Wortschatz keine Unterschiede in Bezug auf die Familiarität zeigten. Wir diskutieren die Ergebnisse im Sinne einer sozial-pragmatischen Nutzung der Zeigegeste.
Mysterious Heavy Ion Beams Above Mars Explained
Authors: Zastrow Mark
Published: May 2016

NASA's latest mission to Mars has uncovered the origins of fast-moving streams of particles high above the planet, flowing against the solar wind.
Microwave a.c. conductivity of domain walls in ferroelectric thin films
Authors: Tselev Alexander , Yu Pu , Cao Ye , Dedon Liv R. , Martin Lane W. , Kalinin Sergei V. , Maksymovych Petro
Published: May 2016

Ferroelectric domain walls are of great interest as elementary building blocks for future electronic devices due to their intrinsic few-nanometre width, multifunctional properties and field-controlled topology. To realize the electronic functions, domain walls are required to be electrically conducting and addressable non-destructively. However, these properties have been elusive because conducting walls have to be electrically charged, which makes them unstable and uncommon in ferroelectric materials. Here we reveal that spontaneous and recorded domain walls in thin films of lead zirconate and bismuth ferrite exhibit large conductance at microwave frequencies despite being insulating at d.c. We explain this effect by morphological roughening of the walls and local charges induced by disorder with the overall charge neutrality. a.c. conduction is immune to large contact resistance enabling completely non-destructive walls read-out. This demonstrates a technological potential for harnessing a.c. conduction for oxide electronics and other materials with poor d.c. conduction, particularly at the nanoscale.
Dirac cone protected by non-symmorphic symmetry and three-dimensional Dirac line node in ZrSiS
Authors: Schoop Leslie M. , Ali Mazhar N. , Straßer Carola , Topp Andreas , Varykhalov Andrei , Marchenko Dmitry , Duppel Viola , Parkin Stuart S. P. , Lotsch Bettina V. , Ast Christian R.
Published: May 2016

Materials harbouring exotic quasiparticles, such as massless Dirac and Weyl fermions, have garnered much attention from physics and material science communities due to their exceptional physical properties such as ultra-high mobility and extremely large magnetoresistances. Here, we show that the highly stable, non-toxic and earth-abundant material, ZrSiS, has an electronic band structure that hosts several Dirac cones that form a Fermi surface with a diamond-shaped line of Dirac nodes. We also show that the square Si lattice in ZrSiS is an excellent template for realizing new types of two-dimensional Dirac cones recently predicted by Young and Kane. Finally, we find that the energy range of the linearly dispersed bands is as high as 2 eV above and below the Fermi level; much larger than of other known Dirac materials. This makes ZrSiS a very promising candidate to study Dirac electrons, as well as the properties of lines of Dirac nodes.
Wolbachia infections in natural Anopheles populations affect egg laying and negatively correlate with Plasmodium development
Authors: Shaw W. Robert , Marcenac Perrine , Childs Lauren M. , Buckee Caroline O. , Baldini Francesco , Sawadogo Simon P. , Dabiré Roch K. , Diabaté Abdoulaye , Catteruccia Flaminia
Published: May 2016

The maternally inherited alpha-proteobacterium Wolbachia has been proposed as a tool to block transmission of devastating mosquito-borne infectious diseases like dengue and malaria. Here we study the reproductive manipulations induced by a recently identified Wolbachia strain that stably infects natural mosquito populations of a major malaria vector, Anopheles coluzzii, in Burkina Faso. We determine that these infections significantly accelerate egg laying but do not induce cytoplasmic incompatibility or sex-ratio distortion, two parasitic reproductive phenotypes that facilitate the spread of other Wolbachia strains within insect hosts. Analysis of 221 blood-fed A. coluzzii females collected from houses shows a negative correlation between the presence of Plasmodium parasites and Wolbachia infection. A mathematical model incorporating these results predicts that infection with these endosymbionts may reduce malaria prevalence in human populations. These data suggest that Wolbachia may be an important player in malaria transmission dynamics in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Experimental test of the no-go theorem for continuous ψ-epistemic models
Authors: Liao Kai-Yu , Zhang Xin-Ding , Guo Guang-Zhou , Ai Bao-Quan , Yan Hui , Zhu Shi-Liang
Published: May 2016

Quantum states are the key mathematical objects in quantum theory; however, there is still much debate concerning what a quantum state truly represents. One such century-old debate is whether a quantum state is ontic or epistemic. Recently, a no-go theorem was proposed, stating that the continuous ψ-epistemic models cannot reproduce the measurement statistic of quantum states. Here we experimentally test this theorem with high-dimensional single photon quantum states without additional assumptions except for the fair-sampling assumption. Our experimental results reproduce the prediction of quantum theory and support the no-go theorem.
Correction: Corrigendum: Generation of a monoclonal antibody recognizing the CEACAM glycan structure and inhibiting adhesion using cancer tissue-originated spheroid as an antigen
Authors: Sato Yumi , Tateno Hiroaki , Adachi Jun , Okuyama Hiroaki , Endo Hiroko , Tomonaga Takeshi , Inoue Masahiro
Published: May 2016

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 24823; published online: 21 April 2016; updated: 31 May 2016 This Article contains a typographical error in the Results section under subheading ‘5G2 mAb recognized sugar chain epitopes’, “The 5G2 mAb recognized the Lea (Galβ1-3(Fucα1-2)GlcNAc), Lec (Galβ1-3GlcNAc), core1 (Galβ1-3GalNAc), core2 (Galβ1-3(GlcNAcβ1-6)GalNAc), and Siaα2-6core1 (Siaα2-6(Galβ1-3)GalNAc) structures (Fig.
Identification of metal species by ESI-MS/MS through release of free metals from the corresponding metal-ligand complexes
Authors: Tsednee Munkhtsetseg , Huang Yu-Chen , Chen Yet-Ran , Yeh Kuo-Chen
Published: May 2016

Electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) is used to analyze metal species in a variety of samples. Here, we describe an application for identifying metal species by tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS) with the release of free metals from the corresponding metal–ligand complexes. The MS/MS data were used to elucidate the possible fragmentation pathways of different metal–deoxymugineic acid (–DMA) and metal–nicotianamine (–NA) complexes and select the product ions with highest abundance that may be useful for quantitative multiple reaction monitoring. This method can be used for identifying different metal–ligand complexes, especially for metal species whose mass spectra peaks are clustered close together. Different metal–DMA/NA complexes were simultaneously identified under different physiological pH conditions with this method. We further demonstrated the application of the technique for different plant samples and with different MS instruments.
Excess HB-EGF, which promotes VEGF signaling, leads to hydrocephalus
Authors: Shim Joon W. , Sandlund Johanna , Hameed Mustafa Q. , Blazer-Yost Bonnie , Zhou Feng C. , Klagsbrun Michael , Madsen Joseph R.
Published: May 2016

Heparin binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor (HB-EGF) is an angiogenic factor mediating radial migration of the developing forebrain, while vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is known to influence rostral migratory stream in rodents. Cell migratory defects have been identified in animal models of hydrocephalus; however, the relationship between HB-EGF and hydrocephalus is unclear. We show that mice overexpressing human HB-EGF with β-galactosidase reporter exhibit an elevated VEGF, localization of β-galactosidase outside the subventricular zone (SVZ), subarachnoid hemorrhage and ventriculomegaly. In Wistar polycystic kidney rats with hydrocephalus, alteration of migratory trajectory is detected. Furthermore, VEGF infusions into the rats result in ventriculomegaly with an increase of SVZ neuroblast in rostral migratory stream, whereas VEGF ligand inhibition prevents it. Our results support the idea that excess HB-EGF leads to a significant elevation of VEGF and ventricular dilatation. These data suggest a potential pathophysiological mechanism that elevated HB-EGF can elicit VEGF induction and hydrocephalus.
Plasma β-amyloid in Alzheimer’s disease and vascular disease
Authors: Janelidze Shorena , Stomrud Erik , Palmqvist Sebastian , Zetterberg Henrik , van Westen Danielle , Jeromin Andreas , Song Linan , Hanlon David , Tan Hehir Cristina A. , Baker David , Blennow Kaj , Hansson Oskar
Published: May 2016

Implementation of amyloid biomarkers in clinical practice would be accelerated if such biomarkers could be measured in blood. We analyzed plasma levels of Aβ42 and Aβ40 in a cohort of 719 individuals (the Swedish BioFINDER study), including patients with subjective cognitive decline (SCD), mild cognitive impairment (MCI), Alzheimer’s disease (AD) dementia and cognitively healthy elderly, using a ultrasensitive immunoassay (Simoa platform). There were weak positive correlations between plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels for both Aβ42 and Aβ40, and negative correlations between plasma Aβ42 and neocortical amyloid deposition (measured with PET). Plasma levels of Aβ42 and Aβ40 were reduced in AD dementia compared with all other diagnostic groups. However, during the preclinical or prodromal AD stages (i.e. in amyloid positive controls, SCD and MCI) plasma concentration of Aβ42 was just moderately decreased whereas Aβ40 levels were unchanged. Higher plasma (but not CSF) levels of Aβ were associated with white matter lesions, cerebral microbleeds, hypertension, diabetes and ischemic heart disease. In summary, plasma Aβ is overtly decreased during the dementia stage of AD indicating that prominent changes in Aβ metabolism occur later in the periphery compared to the brain. Further, increased levels of Aβ in plasma are associated with vascular disease.
Mitogenomics of southern hemisphere blue mussels (Bivalvia: Pteriomorphia): Insights into the evolutionary characteristics of the Mytilus edulis complex
Authors: Gaitán-Espitia Juan Diego , Quintero-Galvis Julian F. , Mesas Andres , D’Elía Guillermo
Published: May 2016

Marine blue mussels (Mytilus spp.) are widespread species that exhibit an antitropical distribution with five species occurring in the Northern Hemisphere (M. trossulus, M. edulis, M. galloprovincialis, M. californianus and M. coruscus) and three in the Southern Hemisphere (M. galloprovincialis, M. chilensis and M. platensis). Species limits in this group remain controversial, in particular for those forms that live in South America. Here we investigated structural characteristics of marine mussels mitogenomes, based on published F mtDNA sequences of Northern Hemisphere species and two newly sequenced South American genomes, one from the Atlantic M. platensis and another from the Pacific M. chilensis. These mitogenomes exhibited similar architecture to those of other genomes of Mytilus, including the presence of the Atp8 gene, which is missing in most of the other bivalves. Our evolutionary analysis of mitochondrial genes indicates that purifying selection is the predominant force shaping the evolution of the coding genes. Results of our phylogenetic analyses supported the monophyly of Pteriomorphia and fully resolved the phylogenetic relationships among its five orders. Finally, the low genetic divergence of specimens assigned to M. chilensis and M. platensis suggests that these South American marine mussels represent conspecific variants rather than distinct species.
Formulation optimization of Docetaxel loaded self-emulsifying drug delivery system to enhance bioavailability and anti-tumor activity
Authors: Valicherla Guru R. , Dave Kandarp M. , Syed Anees A. , Riyazuddin Mohammed , Gupta Anand P. , Singh Akhilesh , Wahajuddin  , Mitra Kalyan , Datta Dipak , Gayen Jiaur R.
Published: May 2016

Poor bioavailability of Docetaxel (DCT) arising due to its low aqueous solubility and permeability limits its clinical utility. The aim of the present study was to develop DCT loaded self-emulsified drug delivery systems (D-SEDDS) and evaluate its potential ability to improve the oral bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy of DCT. D-SEDDS were characterized for their in vitro antitumor activity, in situ single pass intestinal perfusion (SPIP), bioavailability, chylomicron flow blocking study and bio-distribution profile. The D-SEDDS were prepared using Capryol 90, Vitamin E TPGS, Gelucire 44/14 and Transcutol HP with a ratio of 32.7/29.4/8.3/29.6 using D-Optimal Mixture Design. The solubility of DCT was improved upto 50 mg/mL. The oral bioavailability of the D-SEDDS in rats (21.84 ± 3.12%) was increased by 3.19 fold than orally administered Taxotere (6.85 ± 1.82%). The enhanced bioavailability was probably due to increase in solubility and permeability. In SPIP, effective permeability of D-SEDDS was significantly higher than Taxotere. D-SEDDS showed 25 fold more in vitro cytotoxic activity compared to free DCT. Chylomicron flow blocking study and tissue distribution demonstrated the intestinal lymphatic transport of D-SEDDS and higher retention in tumor than Taxotere. The data suggests that D-SEDDS showed desired stability, enhanced oral bioavailability and in vitro antitumor efficacy.
Importance of Plasmonic Heating on Visible Light Driven Photocatalysis of Gold Nanoparticle Decorated Zinc Oxide Nanorods
Authors: Bora Tanujjal , Zoepfl David , Dutta Joydeep
Published: May 2016

Herein we explore the role of localized plasmonic heat generated by resonantly excited gold (Au) NPs on visible light driven photocatalysis process. Au NPs are deposited on the surface of vertically aligned zinc oxide nanorods (ZnO NRs). The localized heat generated by Au NPs under 532 nm continuous laser excitation (SPR excitation) was experimentally probed using Raman spectroscopy by following the phonon modes of ZnO. Under the resonant excitation the temperature at the surface of the Au-ZnO NRs reaches up to about 300 °C, resulting in almost 6 times higher apparent quantum yield (AQY) for photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB) compared to the bare ZnO NRs. Under solar light irradiation the Au-ZnO NRs demonstrated visible light photocatalytic activity twice that of what was achieved with bare ZnO NRs, while significantly reduced the activation energy required for the photocatalytic reactions allowing the reactions to occur at a faster rate.
Correction: Corrigendum: Operational stability enhancement in organic light-emitting diodes with ultrathin Liq interlayers
Authors: Tsang Daniel Ping-Kuen , Matsushima Toshinori , Adachi Chihaya
Published: May 2016

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 22463; published online: 01 March 2016; updated: 31 May 2016 Toshinori Matsushima was omitted from the author list in the original version of this Article. This has been corrected in the PDF and HTML versions of the Article. The Acknowledgements section now reads:
Pharmacological activation of lysophosphatidic acid receptors regulates erythropoiesis
Authors: Lin Kuan-Hung , Ho Ya-Hsuan , Chiang Jui-Chung , Li Meng-Wei , Lin Shi-Hung , Chen Wei-Min , Chiang Chi-Ling , Lin Yu-Nung , Yang Ya-Jan , Chen Chiung-Nien , Lu Jenher , Huang Chang-Jen , Tigyi Gabor , Yao Chao-Ling , Lee Hsinyu
Published: May 2016

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), a growth factor-like phospholipid, regulates numerous physiological functions, including cell proliferation and differentiation. In a previous study, we have demonstrated that LPA activates erythropoiesis by activating the LPA 3 receptor subtype (LPA3) under erythropoietin (EPO) induction. In the present study, we applied a pharmacological approach to further elucidate the functions of LPA receptors during red blood cell (RBC) differentiation. In K562 human erythroleukemia cells, knockdown of LPA2 enhanced erythropoiesis, whereas knockdown of LPA3 inhibited RBC differentiation. In CD34+ human hematopoietic stem cells (hHSC) and K526 cells, the LPA3 agonist 1-oleoyl-2-methyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphothionate (2S-OMPT) promoted erythropoiesis, whereas the LPA2 agonist dodecyl monophosphate (DMP) and the nonlipid specific agonist GRI977143 (GRI) suppressed this process. In zebrafish embryos, hemoglobin expression was significantly increased by 2S-OMPT treatment but was inhibited by GRI. Furthermore, GRI treatment decreased, whereas 2S-OMPT treatment increased RBC counts and amount of hemoglobin level in adult BALB/c mice. These results indicate that LPA2 and LPA3 play opposing roles during RBC differentiation. The pharmacological activation of LPA receptor subtypes represent a novel strategies for augmenting or inhibiting erythropoiesis.
Stellettin B Induces G1 Arrest, Apoptosis and Autophagy in Human Non-small Cell Lung Cancer A549 Cells via Blocking PI3K/Akt/mTOR Pathway
Authors: Wang Ran , Zhang Qian , Peng Xin , Zhou Chang , Zhong Yuxu , Chen Xi , Qiu Yuling , Jin Meihua , Gong Min , Kong Dexin
Published: May 2016

Until now, there is not yet antitumor drug with dramatically improved efficacy on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Marine organisms are rich source of novel compounds with various activities. We isolated stellettin B (Stel B) from marine sponge Jaspis stellifera and demonstrated that it induced G1 arrest, apoptosis and autophagy at low concentrations in human NSCLC A549 cells. G1 arrest by Stel B might be attributed to the reduction of cyclin D1 and enhancement of p27 expression. The apoptosis induction might be related to the cleavage of PARP and increase of ROS generation. Moreover, we demonstrated that Stel B induced autophagy in A549 cells by use of various assays including monodansylcadaverine (MDC) staining, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), tandem mRFP-GFP-LC3 fluorescence microscopy and western blot detection of the autophagy markers of LC3B, p62 and Atg5. Meanwhile, Stel B inhibited the expression of PI3K-p110 and the phosphorylation of PDK1, Akt, mTOR, p70S6K as well as GSK-3β, suggesting the correlation of blocking PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway with the above antitumor activities. Together, our findings indicate the antitumor potential of Stel B for NSCLC by targeting PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway.
Association between striatal dopamine D2/D3 receptors and brain activation during visual attention: effects of sleep deprivation
Authors: Tomasi D , Wang G-J , Volkow N D
Published: May 2016

Sleep deprivation (SD) disrupts dopamine (DA) signaling and impairs attention. However, the interpretation of these concomitant effects requires a better understanding of dopamine’s role in attention processing. Here we test the hypotheses that D2/D3 receptors (D2/D3R) in dorsal and ventral striatum would distinctly regulate the activation of attention regions and that, by decreasing D2/D3, SD would disrupt these associations. We measured striatal D2/D3R using positron emission tomography with [11C]raclopride and brain activation to a visual attention (VA) task using 4-Tesla functional magnetic resonance imaging. Fourteen healthy men were studied during rested wakefulness and also during SD. Increased D2/D3R in striatum (caudate, putamen and ventral striatum) were linearly associated with higher thalamic activation. Subjects with higher D2/D3R in caudate relative to ventral striatum had higher activation in superior parietal cortex and ventral precuneus, and those with higher D2/D3R in putamen relative to ventral striatum had higher activation in anterior cingulate. SD impaired the association between striatal D2/D3R and VA-induced thalamic activation, which is essential for alertness. Findings suggest a robust DAergic modulation of cortical activation during the VA task, such that D2/D3R in dorsal striatum counterbalanced the stimulatory influence of D2/D3R in ventral striatum, which was not significantly disrupted by SD. In contrast, SD disrupted thalamic activation, which did not show counterbalanced DAergic modulation but a positive association with D2/D3R in both dorsal and ventral striatum. The counterbalanced dorsal versus ventral striatal DAergic modulation of VA activation mirrors similar findings during sensorimotor processing (Tomasi et al., 2015) suggesting a bidirectional influence in signaling between the dorsal caudate and putamen and the ventral striatum.
The formation of an ordered microporous aluminum-based material mediated by phthalic acid
Authors: Zhang Wei , Cai Jian-Hua , Huang Pei-Pei , Hu Lin-Lin , Cao An-Min , Wan Li-Jun
Published: May 2016

An ordered microporous aluminum-based material was successfully prepared by using phthalic acid as a soft template.
An ultrasensitive “on–off–on” photoelectrochemical aptasensor based on signal amplification of a fullerene/CdTe quantum dots sensitized structure and efficient quenching by manganese porphyrin
Authors: Li Mengjie , Zheng Yingning , Liang Wenbin , Yuan Yali , Chai Yaqin , Yuan Ruo
Published: May 2016

An ultrasensitive “on–off–on” photoelectrochemical aptasensor was developed for thrombin detection coupling signal amplification of a fullerene/CdTe quantum dots sensitized structure with efficient quenching by manganese porphyrin.
A swelling-suppressed Si/SiOx nanosphere lithium storage material fabricated by graphene envelopment
Authors: Yoo Hyundong , Park Eunjun , Kim Hyekyoung , Bae Juhye , Chang Hankwon , Jang Hee Dong , Kim Hansu
Published: May 2016

A swelling-suppressed, Si nanocrystals-embedded SiOx nanospheres lithium storage material was prepared by graphene envelopment.
Activated carbon becomes active for oxygen reduction and hydrogen evolution reactions
Authors: Yan Xuecheng , Jia Yi , Odedairo Taiwo , Zhao Xiaojun , Jin Zhao , Zhu Zhonghua , Yao Xiangdong
Published: May 2016

A facile defect creation method was used to enable the inert activated carbon into a highly active ORR and HER electrocatalyst.
Correction: An acid-free rechargeable battery based on PbSO4 and spinel LiMn2O4
Authors: Liu Yu , Wen Zubiao , Wu Xiongwei , Wang Xiaowei , Wu Yuping , Holze Rudolf
Published: May 2016

Correction for ‘An acid-free rechargeable battery based on PbSO4 and spinel LiMn2O4’ by Yu Liu et al., Chem. Commun., 2014, 50, 13714–13717.
Dynamics of effusive and diffusive gas separation on pillared graphene
Authors: Wesołowski Radosław P. , Terzyk Artur P.
Published: May 2016

In this study we examine the ability of pillared graphene membranes to separate the species of two gas mixtures that are important from an industrial point of view: air and coal gas.
Revealing microheterogeneities and second order phase transitions in aqueous mixtures of 1-propoxypropan-2-ol at 298 K
Authors: Lampreia Isabel M. S. , Santos Ângela F. S. , Borges Carlos M. , Santos M. Soledade C. S. , Moita Maria-Luísa C. J. , Reis João Carlos R.
Published: May 2016

Second-order phase transitions, identified by Kirkwood–Buff integrals, assigned to solution microheterogeneities are corroborated by ESI-MS, surface tension and solvatochromic parameters.
Impact of the water dimer on the atmospheric reactivity of carbonyl oxides
Authors: Anglada Josep M. , Solé Albert
Published: May 2016

The atmospheric reactivity of carbonyl oxides with water vapor depends on the nature of the carbonyl oxide, on the temperature and on the relative humidity as well.
New insights into the comprehension of the magnetic properties of dinuclear MnIII compounds with the general formula [{MnL(NN)}2(μ-O)(μ-n-RC6H4COO)2]X2
Authors: Escriche-Tur Luis , Font-Bardia Mercè , Albela Belén , Corbella Montserrat
Published: May 2016

The effect of the local anisotropy and the structural parameters, modulated by the benzoate bridging ligands, on the magnetic behaviour is reported.
Bis(dimethylsulfoxide)carbonateplatinum(ii), a new synthon for a low-impact, versatile synthetic route to anticancer Pt carboxylates
Authors: Bergamini Paola , Marvelli Lorenza , Ferretti Valeria , Gemmo Chiara , Gambari Roberto , Hushcha Yekatsiaryna , Lampronti Ilaria
Published: May 2016

A new simple, eco-friendly route to anticancer Pt(ii)–carboxylate complexes is described, based on the new water-soluble synthon [PtCO3(Me2SO-S)2] (1), whose ligands can be easily replaced by O-donors.
Non-fullerene polymer solar cells based on a selenophene-containing fused-ring acceptor with photovoltaic performance of 8.6%
Authors: Li Yongxi , Zhong Lian , Wu Fu-Peng , Yuan Yi , Bin Hai-Jun , Jiang Zuo-Quan , Zhang Zhanjun , Zhang Zhi-Guo , Li Yongfang , Liao Liang-Sheng
Published: May 2016

In this work, we present a non-fullerene electron acceptor bearing a fused five-heterocyclic ring containing selenium atoms, denoted as IDSe-T-IC, for fullerene-free polymer solar cells (PSCs).
A recycled foam coloring approach based on the reversible photo-isomerization of an azobenzene cationic surfactant
Authors: Chen Shaoyu , Zhang Wan , Wang Chaoxia , Sun Shiguo
Published: May 2016

A cationic azobenzene surfactant with reversible photo-isomerization capability can be used to prepare switchable foam to develop a recyclable coloring approach.
NMR analysis of the human saliva metabolome distinguishes dementia patients from matched controls
Authors: Figueira João , Jonsson Pär , Nordin Adolfsson Annelie , Adolfsson Rolf , Nyberg Lars , Öhman Anders
Published: May 2016

A procedure for NMR analysis of the human saliva metabolome, that can differentiate dementia patients from matched controls and identify discriminatory metabolites, is described.
Discovery of a novel ROCK2 inhibitor with anti-migration effects via docking and high-content drug screening
Authors: Chong Cheong-Meng , Kou Man-Teng , Pan Peichen , Zhou Hefeng , Ai Nana , Li Chuwen , Zhong Hai-Jing , Leung Chung-Hang , Hou Tingjun , Lee Simon Ming-Yuen
Published: May 2016

Through the combined virtual and high content drug screening, BIPM was identified as a novel and potent ROCK2 inhibitor. Exposure of SH-SY5Y cells to BIPM led to significant changes in neurite length, cell migration and actin stress fibersviamediating ROCK2 downstream proteins.
Correlation between structural, physical and chemical properties of three new tetranuclear NiII clusters
Authors: Cindrić Marina , Pavlović Gordana , Pajić Damir , Zadro Krešo , Cinčić Dominik , Hrenar Tomica , Lekšić Edislav , Belen Pinar Prieto Ana , Lazić Predrag , Šišak Jung Dubravka
Published: May 2016

The structural alteration in investigated tetranuclear NiII clusters induced only by solvent exchange resulted in significant changes in their physical and chemical properties.
One-pot three-component synthesis of quinazolines via a copper-catalysed oxidative amination reaction
Authors: Duan Tiantian , Zhai Tianran , Liu Huanhuan , Yan Zilong , Zhao Yue , Feng Lei , Ma Chen
Published: May 2016

A copper-catalysed three-component reaction for constructing a series of quinazoline derivatives has been developed.
Structure–property relationships of photoresponsive inhibitors of the kinesin motor
Authors: Amrutha Ammathnadu S. , Kumar K. R. Sunil , Matsuo Kazuya , Tamaoki Nobuyuki
Published: May 2016

A new, more efficient photoresponsive inhibitor (key) of kinesin (lock), for the complete ON/OFF switching of kinesin motor activity was developed.
pH-Dependent membrane lysis by using melittin-inspired designed peptides
Authors: Kashiwada A. , Mizuno M. , Hashimoto J.
Published: May 2016

Effective acidic pH-selective liposomal membrane lysis was achieved by using a novel designed peptide.
Post-functionalization of novolac resins by introducing thermo-crosslinkable –OCFCF2 groups as the side chains: a new strategy for production of thermosetting polymers without releasing volatiles
Authors: Zhou Junfeng , Fang Linxuan , Wang Jiajia , Sun Jing , Jin Kaikai , Fang Qiang
Published: May 2016

Post-functionalization of a commercial novolac resin by introducing thermo-crosslinkable trifluorovinylether groups as the side chains offers a new polymer, which can form a cross-linked network without releasing volatiles during thermal curing.