bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
GRAZING BEHAVIOUR OF DAIRY COWS AND BODY CONDITION SCORE ASSOCIATED WITH SWARD CHARACTERISTICS OF FOUR PASTURE TYPES
Authors: CASTELÁN-ORTEGA O. A. , MARTÍNEZ-GARCÍA C. G. , MOULD F. L. , DORWARD P. , MIRANDA-DE LA LAMA G. C. , CRUZ-MONTERROSA ROSY GABRIELA , RAYAS-AMOR A. A.
Published: March 2016

The objectives were to assess the following: (1) the relationship between sward height and chemical composition of four pasture types in association with grazing behaviour and body condition score (BCS) of dairy cows, and (2) the possibility of developing predictive equations of the nutrient intake and grazing behaviour within a continued grazing system. Pasture type had a significant (p< 0.01) effect on nutrient supply from January to June for all pastures investigated. Ryegrass–white clover pasture (RW) had the highest metabolizable protein and metabolizable energy, followed by kikuyu pasture (KP), which was significantly (p< 0.001) higher than native pastures 1 and 2 (NP1 and NP2). The highest values for effective grazing time, bite rate and BCS were found when dairy cows grazed RW followed by KP, NP2 and NP1. The results suggested that pasture type and sward height influenced grazing behaviour and BCS of dairy cows during the dry season. In the same vein, RW showed higher effective grazing time, bite rate, nutrient intake and BCS than the other three pastures suggesting that RW pastures that appear to be more expensive than native pastures could result in superior cow performance.
Earned Citizenship: Labour Migrants’ Views on the Welfare State
Authors: KREMER MONIQUE
Published: March 2016

In policy and research, migration and the welfare state are often seen as being at odds. When ‘strangers’ enter the welfare state, the financial and social foundations of solidarity are said to crumble. A prominent question, therefore, is whether immigrants should have the same rights as the autochthonous population. Within this frame, migrants are often ‘objects’. This paper reports on qualitative research exploring what different types of labour migrants themselves think about the Dutch welfare state in general, and about giving social rights to immigrants, in particular. The differences in national backgrounds and levels of education in labour migrants’ views are striking: lower-educated Turkish and Polish migrants show little interest in the welfare state, whereas higher-educated Western Europeans seek welfare state security. Higher-educated Indian migrants find the welfare state a totally new concept, although after a while some come to appreciate it. A significant proportion of the questioned migrants, moreover, believe that people should not be entitled to welfare state rights immediately upon arrival. They favour ‘earned citizenship’, with the welfare state being a ‘contribution state’, but stress that migrants should not have to wait too long before being entitled to such rights. The paper also suggests new topics for further research in the increasingly important field of migration, diversity and the welfare state.
Prevalence of psychotic symptoms among older adults in an Asian population
Authors: Subramaniam Mythily , Abdin Edimansyah , Vaingankar Janhavi , Picco Louisa , Shahwan Shazana , Jeyagurunathan Anitha , Zhang Yunjue , Verma Swapna , Chong Siow Ann
Published: March 2016

Background:

Psychotic symptoms are common among older adults and are seen in a wide range of conditions. Most studies examining the prevalence and correlates of psychotic symptoms among older adults have been conducted in Western populations. To address this gap the current study was undertaken to establish the prevalence and correlates of psychotic symptoms and paranoid ideation within a community sample of older adults without dementia in an Asian population.

Methods:

The Well-being of the Singapore Elderly (WiSE) study was a comprehensive single phase, cross-sectional survey. All respondents were assessed using the Geriatric Mental State examination (GMS). Specific questions of the GMS were then used to establish the prevalence of hallucinations and persecutory delusions.

Results:

A total of 2,565 respondents completed the study giving a response rate of 65.6%. The prevalence of any psychotic symptoms in this population of older adults was 5.2%. The odds of hallucinations and any psychotic symptoms were significantly higher among those of Malay ethnicity, and those who had no formal education. Older adults aged 75–84 years were significantly associated with lower odds of having hallucinations (vs. older adult aged 60–74 years), while homemaker status was significantly associated with lower odds of having any psychotic symptoms.

Conclusions:

The prevalence of psychotic symptoms among older Asian adults without dementia was higher than that reported from Western countries. Psychotic symptoms were associated with Malay ethnicity, poor cognitive performance and fewer years of schooling, visual and hearing impairment as well as depression and irritability.
Voice,Technē, andJouissanceinMusic for 18 Musicians
Authors: PIERSON MARCELLE
Published: March 2016

In this article, I propose that Steve Reich takes on the voice as a problem, and that his solutions to this problem are manifold, informing – perhaps driving – works from across his oeuvre. A close reading of his music and commentary indicates that he is motivated by reinvigorating what I call the ‘vocal imaginary’ of Western classical music, or the connection between melody, voice, and human presence. My argument unfolds in four parts. First, I read closely Reich's writings and interviews that illuminate this problem. Second, I turn an analytic lens on two works composed before and afterMusic for 18 Musicians, respectively –It's Gonna RainandTehillim– to see how it plays out in music. Third, I focus on a close reading ofMusic for 18 Musicians. Finally, I close with some thoughts about how Reich's relationship with the voice might complicate his professed relationship with modernism, calling into question his adversarial stance vis-à-vis modernist practice.
Spatial Inferences in Narrative Comprehension: the Role of Verbal and Spatial Working Memory
Authors: Irrazabal Natalia , Burin Debora
Published: March 2016

During the comprehension of narrative texts, readers keep a mental representation of the location of protagonists and objects; a breach in spatial coherence is detected by longer online reading times (consistency effect). We addressed whether these spatial inferences involve verbal or spatial working memory in two experiments, combining the consistency paradigm with selective verbal and spatial working memory concurrent tasks. The first experiment found longer reading times with a concurrent spatial task under imagery instructions (t33 = 2.87,p= .021). The second experiment, under comprehension reading instructions, found effects of verbal interference on reading times and accuracy. With a verbal secondary task, reading times for the target sentence were shorter (t45 = 3.60,p= .004) and the error rate was significantly higher (t47 = 2.95,p= .005) than without interference. This pattern of results suggests that spatial inferences in narrative comprehension rely mainly on verbal resources, and spatial working memory resources are recruited when imagery is required.
Unterstützungsbedarf von Eltern in der Trauerbegleitung nach dem Tod ihres frühgeborenen Kindes
Authors: Rehfeldt Ingrid , Doll Axel , Thierfelder Ina , Tegethoff Dorothea
Published: March 2016

Zusammenfassung. Hintergrund: In Deutschland kommen 9 % aller Kinder zu früh zur Welt, 32 % der Frühgeborenen versterben. Die Frühtodsituation stellt Eltern und professionelle Akteure in der Neonatologie vor besondere Herausforderungen. 1994 wurde an der Charité aus der Gesundheits- und Kinderkrankenpflege eine Initiative gestartet, um Eltern perinatal verstorbener Kinder zu begleiten. Ziel dieser Studie war es, den Unterstützungsbedarf von Eltern nach dem perinatalen Verlust ihres frühgeborenen Kindes auf der neonatologischen Intensivstation aus der Sicht professioneller Akteure zu erheben. Methode: Es wurden sechs leitfadengestützte Experteninterviews mit in der Neonatologie der Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin tätigen Gesundheits- und Kinderkrankenpflegerinnen durchgeführt und inhaltsanalytisch ausgewertet. Ergebnisse: Die Ergebnisse zeigen einen differenzierten Unterstützungsbedarf der Eltern, der sich zu fünf Schwerpunkten bündeln lässt: «Vermeiden und Schutz vor Überforderung», «Emotionen ausdrücken», «Sicherheit und familiäre Unterstützung», «Bindung zum Kind aufbauen» und «Verstehen und Sinn geben». Schlussfolgerungen: Aus dem Verständnis des elterlichen Unterstützungsbedarfs, gerahmt durch die Caring-Theorie von Swanson, ergab sich, dass die meisten Bedarfe mit der Dimension des «Da seins» korrespondieren. Die Bedeutung orientierender und emotional unterstützender pflegerischer Trauerbegleitung wird unterstrichen. Voraussetzung dafür ist, die Eltern in ihren Bedürfnissen «kennenzulernen».
Nitrogenase FeMoco investigated by spatially resolved anomalous dispersion refinement
Authors: Spatzal Thomas , Schlesier Julia , Burger Eva-Maria , Sippel Daniel , Zhang Limei , Andrade Susana L.A. , Rees Douglas C. , Einsle Oliver
Published: March 2016

The [Mo:7Fe:9S:C] iron-molybdenum cofactor (FeMoco) of nitrogenase is the largest known metal cluster and catalyses the 6-electron reduction of dinitrogen to ammonium in biological nitrogen fixation. Only recently its atomic structure was clarified, while its reactivity and electronic structure remain under debate. Here we show that for its resting S=3/2 state the common iron oxidation state assignments must be reconsidered. By a spatially resolved refinement of the anomalous scattering contributions of the 7 Fe atoms of FeMoco, we conclude that three irons (Fe1/3/7) are more reduced than the other four (Fe2/4/5/6). Our data are in agreement with the recently revised oxidation state assignment for the molybdenum ion, providing the first spatially resolved picture of the resting-state electron distribution within FeMoco. This might provide the long-sought experimental basis for a generally accepted theoretical description of the cluster that is in line with available spectroscopic and functional data.
Targeting neurotransmitter receptors with nanoparticles in vivo allows single-molecule tracking in acute brain slices
Authors: Varela Juan A. , Dupuis Julien P. , Etchepare Laetitia , Espana Agnès , Cognet Laurent , Groc Laurent
Published: March 2016

Single-molecule imaging has changed the way we understand many biological mechanisms, particularly in neurobiology, by shedding light on intricate molecular events down to the nanoscale. However, current single-molecule studies in neuroscience have been limited to cultured neurons or organotypic slices, leaving as an open question the existence of fast receptor diffusion in intact brain tissue. Here, for the first time, we targeted dopamine receptors in vivo with functionalized quantum dots and were able to perform single-molecule tracking in acute rat brain slices. We propose a novel delocalized and non-inflammatory way of delivering nanoparticles (NPs) in vivo to the brain, which allowed us to label and track genetically engineered surface dopamine receptors in neocortical neurons, revealing inherent behaviour and receptor activity regulations. We thus propose a NP-based platform for single-molecule studies in the living brain, opening new avenues of research in physiological and pathological animal models.
Nanosecond formation of diamond and lonsdaleite by shock compression of graphite
Authors: Kraus D. , Ravasio A. , Gauthier M. , Gericke D. O. , Vorberger J. , Frydrych S. , Helfrich J. , Fletcher L. B. , Schaumann G. , Nagler B. , Barbrel B. , Bachmann B. , Gamboa E. J. , Göde S. , Granados E. , Gregori G. , Lee H. J. , Neumayer P. , Schumaker W. , Döppner T. , Falcone R. W. , Glenzer S. H. , Roth M.
Published: March 2016

The shock-induced transition from graphite to diamond has been of great scientific and technological interest since the discovery of microscopic diamonds in remnants of explosively driven graphite. Furthermore, shock synthesis of diamond and lonsdaleite, a speculative hexagonal carbon polymorph with unique hardness, is expected to happen during violent meteor impacts. Here, we show unprecedented in situ X-ray diffraction measurements of diamond formation on nanosecond timescales by shock compression of pyrolytic as well as polycrystalline graphite to pressures from 19 GPa up to 228 GPa. While we observe the transition to diamond starting at 50 GPa for both pyrolytic and polycrystalline graphite, we also record the direct formation of lonsdaleite above 170 GPa for pyrolytic samples only. Our experiment provides new insights into the processes of the shock-induced transition from graphite to diamond and uniquely resolves the dynamics that explain the main natural occurrence of the lonsdaleite crystal structure being close to meteor impact sites.
Superconductivity in Weyl semimetal candidate MoTe2
Authors: Qi Yanpeng , Naumov Pavel G. , Ali Mazhar N. , Rajamathi Catherine R. , Schnelle Walter , Barkalov Oleg , Hanfland Michael , Wu Shu-Chun , Shekhar Chandra , Sun Yan , Süß Vicky , Schmidt Marcus , Schwarz Ulrich , Pippel Eckhard , Werner Peter , Hillebrand Reinald , Förster Tobias , Kampert Erik , Parkin Stuart , Cava R. J. , Felser Claudia , Yan Binghai , Medvedev Sergey A.
Published: March 2016

Transition metal dichalcogenides have attracted research interest over the last few decades due to their interesting structural chemistry, unusual electronic properties, rich intercalation chemistry and wide spectrum of potential applications. Despite the fact that the majority of related research focuses on semiconducting transition-metal dichalcogenides (for example, MoS2), recently discovered unexpected properties of WTe2 are provoking strong interest in semimetallic transition metal dichalcogenides featuring large magnetoresistance, pressure-driven superconductivity and Weyl semimetal states. We investigate the sister compound of WTe2, MoTe2, predicted to be a Weyl semimetal and a quantum spin Hall insulator in bulk and monolayer form, respectively. We find that bulk MoTe2 exhibits superconductivity with a transition temperature of 0.10 K. Application of external pressure dramatically enhances the transition temperature up to maximum value of 8.2 K at 11.7 GPa. The observed dome-shaped superconductivity phase diagram provides insights into the interplay between superconductivity and topological physics.
Essential role for SphK1/S1P signaling to regulate hypoxia-inducible factor 2α expression and activity in cancer
Authors: Bouquerel P , Gstalder C , Müller D , Laurent J , Brizuela L , Sabbadini R A , Malavaud B , Pyronnet S , Martineau Y , Ader I , Cuvillier O
Published: March 2016

The sphingosine kinase-1/sphingosine 1-phosphate (SphK1/S1P) signaling pathway has been reported to modulate the expression of the canonical transcription factor hypoxia-inducible HIF-1α in multiple cell lineages. HIF-2α is also frequently overexpressed in solid tumors but its role has been mostly studied in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), the most common form of kidney cancer, where HIF-2α has been established as a driver of a more aggressive disease. In this study, the role of SphK1/S1P signaling with regard to HIF-2α was investigated in various cancer cell models including ccRCC cells. Under hypoxic conditions or in ccRCC lacking a functional von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) gene and expressing high levels of HIF-2α, SphK1 activity controls HIF-2α expression and transcriptional activity through a phospholipase D (PLD)-driven mechanism. SphK1 silencing promotes a VHL-independent HIF-2α loss of expression and activity and reduces cell proliferation in ccRCC. Importantly, downregulation of SphK1 is associated with impaired Akt and mTOR signaling in ccRCC. Taking advantage of a monoclonal antibody neutralizing extracellular S1P, we show that inhibition of S1P extracellular signaling blocks HIF-2α accumulation in ccRCC cell lines, an effect mimicked when the S1P transporter Spns2 or the S1P receptor 1 (S1P1) is silenced. Here, we report the first evidence that the SphK1/S1P signaling pathway regulates the transcription factor hypoxia-inducible HIF-2α in diverse cancer cell lineages notably ccRCC, where HIF-2α has been established as a driver of a more aggressive disease. These findings demonstrate that SphK1/S1P signaling may act as a canonical regulator of HIF-2α expression in ccRCC, giving support to its inhibition as a therapeutic strategy that could contribute to reduce HIF-2 activity in ccRCC.
Configurational space discretization and free energy calculation in complex molecular systems
Authors: Wang Kai , Long Shiyang , Tian Pu
Published: March 2016

We sought to design a free energy calculation scheme with the hope of saving cost for generating dynamical information that is inherent in trajectories. We demonstrated that snapshots in a converged trajectory set are associated with implicit conformers that have invariant statistical weight distribution (ISWD). Since infinite number of sets of implicit conformers with ISWD may be created through independent converged trajectory sets, we hypothesized that explicit conformers with ISWD may be constructed for complex molecular systems through systematic increase of conformer fineness and tested the hypothesis in lipid molecule palmitoyloleoylphosphatidylcholine (POPC). Furthermore, when explicit conformers with ISWD were utilized as basic states to define conformational entropy, change of which between two given macrostates was found to be equivalent to change of free energy except a mere difference of a negative temperature factor and change of enthalpy essentially cancels corresponding change of average intra-conformer entropy. By implicitly taking advantage of entropy enthalpy compensation and forgoing all dynamical information, constructing explicit conformers with ISWD and counting thermally accessible number of which for interested end macrostates is likely to be an efficient and reliable alternative end point free energy calculation strategy.
Independent control of electrical and heat conduction by nanostructure designing for Si-based thermoelectric materials
Authors: Yamasaka Shuto , Watanabe Kentaro , Sakane Shunya , Takeuchi Shotaro , Sakai Akira , Sawano Kentarou , Nakamura Yoshiaki
Published: March 2016

The high electrical and drastically-low thermal conductivities, a vital goal for high performance thermoelectric (TE) materials, are achieved in Si-based nanoarchitecture composed of Si channel layers and epitaxial Ge nanodots (NDs) with ultrahigh areal density (~1012 cm−2). In this nanoarchitecture, the ultrasmall NDs and Si channel layers play roles of phonon scattering sources and electrical conduction channels, respectively. Electron conductivity in n-type nanoacrhitecture shows high values comparable to those of epitaxial Si films despite the existence of epitaxial NDs. This is because Ge NDs mainly scattered not electrons but phonons selectively, which could be attributed to the small conduction band offset at the epitaxially-grown Si/Ge interface and high transmission probability through stacking faults. These results demonstrate an independent control of thermal and electrical conduction for phonon-glass electron-crystal TE materials by nanostructure designing and the energetic and structural interface control.
A genistein-enriched diet neither improves skeletal muscle oxidative capacity nor prevents the transition towards advanced insulin resistance in ZDF rats
Authors: van Bree Bianca W. J. , Lenaers Ellen , Nabben Miranda , Briedé Jacco J. , Jörgensen Johanna A. , Schaart Gert , Schrauwen Patrick , Hoeks Joris , Hesselink Matthijs K. C.
Published: March 2016

Genistein, a natural food compound mainly present in soybeans, is considered a potent antioxidant and to improve glucose homeostasis. However, its mechanism of action remains poorly understood. Here, we analyzed whether genistein could antagonize the progression of the hyperinsulinemic normoglycemic state (pre-diabetes) toward full-blown T2DM in Zucker Diabetic Fatty (ZDF) rats by decreasing mitochondrial oxidative stress and improving skeletal muscle oxidative capacity. Rats were assigned to three groups: (1) lean control (CNTL), (2) fa/fa CNTL and (3) fa/fa genistein (GEN). GEN animals were subjected to a 0.02% (w/w) genistein-enriched diet for 8 weeks, whereas CNTL rats received a standard diet. We show that genistein did not affect the overall response to a glucose challenge in ZDF rats. In fact, genistein may exacerbate glucose intolerance as fasting glucose levels were significantly higher in fa/fa GEN (17.6 ± 0.7 mM) compared with fa/fa CNTL animals (14.9 ± 1.4 mM). Oxidative stress, established by electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy, carbonylated protein content and UCP3 levels, remained unchanged upon dietary genistein supplementation. Furthermore, respirometry measurements revealed no effects of genistein on mitochondrial function. In conclusion, dietary genistein supplementation did not improve glucose homeostasis, alleviate oxidative stress, or augment skeletal muscle metabolism in ZDF rats.
Regulation of cell polarity determinants by the Retinoblastoma tumor suppressor protein
Authors: Payankaulam Sandhya , Yeung Kelvin , McNeill Helen , Henry R. William , Arnosti David N.
Published: March 2016

In addition to their canonical roles in the cell cycle, RB family proteins regulate numerous developmental pathways, although the mechanisms remain obscure. We found that Drosophila Rbf1 associates with genes encoding components of the highly conserved apical–basal and planar cell polarity pathways, suggesting a possible regulatory role. Here, we show that depletion of Rbf1 in Drosophila tissues is indeed associated with polarity defects in the wing and eye. Key polarity genes aPKC, par6, vang, pk and fmi are upregulated and an aPKC mutation suppresses the Rbf1-induced phenotypes. RB control of cell polarity may be an evolutionarily conserved function, with important implications in cancer metastasis.
hTERT promotes cell adhesion and migration independent of telomerase activity
Authors: Liu Haiying , Liu Qianqian , Ge Yuanlong , Zhao Qi , Zheng Xiaohui , Zhao Yong
Published: March 2016

hTERT, a catalytic component of human telomerase, is undetectable in normal somatic cells but up-regulated in cancer and stem cells where telomere length is maintained by telomerase. Accumulated evidence indicates that hTERT may have noncanonical functions beyond telomerase by regulating the expression of particular genes. However, comprehensive identification of the genes regulated by hTERT is unavailable. In this report, we expressed WT hTERT and hTERTmut which displays dysfunctional catalytic activity, in human U2OS cancer cells and VA-13 immortalized fibroblast cells, both of which lack endogenous hTERT and hTR expression. Changes in gene expression induced by hTERT and hTERT-mut expression were determined by genome-wide RNA-seq and verified by qPCR. Our results showed that hTERT affects different genes in two cell lines, implying that the regulation of gene expression by hTERT is indirect and cell type dependent. Moreover, functional analysis identifies cell adhesion-related genes that have been changed by hTERT in both cell lines. Adhesion experiments revealed that hTERT expression significantly increases cell adhesion. Monolayer wound healing and transwell assays demonstrated increased cell migration upon hTERT expression. These results provide new evidence to support a noncanonical function for hTERT in promoting tumorigenesis.
Efficient and simple generation of multiple unmarked gene deletions in Mycobacterium smegmatis
Authors: Mao Xu-Jian , Yan Mei-Yi , Zhu Hui , Guo Xiao-Peng , Sun Yi-Cheng
Published: March 2016

Research on mycobacterial genetics relies heavily on techniques for directed gene mutation, but genetic studies are often hampered by the difficulty of generating gene deletions in mycobacteria. We developed an efficient and improved deletion system, described here in detail, which can be used to construct multiple unmarked recombinants in mycobacteria. We tested this system by using it to sequentially delete four pairs of toxin-antitoxin genes in Mycobacterium smegmatis.
Shape perception enhances perceived contrast: evidence for excitatory predictive feedback?
Authors: Han Biao , VanRullen Rufin
Published: March 2016

Predictive coding theory suggests that predictable responses are “explained away” (i.e., reduced) by feedback. Experimental evidence for feedback inhibition, however, is inconsistent: most neuroimaging studies show reduced activity by predictive feedback, while neurophysiology indicates that most inter-areal cortical feedback is excitatory and targets excitatory neurons. In this study, we asked subjects to judge the luminance of two gray disks containing stimulus outlines: one enabling predictive feedback (a 3D-shape) and one impeding it (random-lines). These outlines were comparable to those used in past neuroimaging studies. All 14 subjects consistently perceived the disk with a 3D-shape stimulus brighter; thus, predictive feedback enhanced perceived contrast. Since early visual cortex activity at the population level has been shown to have a monotonic relationship with subjective contrast perception, we speculate that the perceived contrast enhancement could reflect an increase in neuronal activity. In other words, predictive feedback may have had an excitatory influence on neuronal responses. Control experiments ruled out attention bias, local feature differences and response bias as alternate explanations.
Atomic visualization of a flipped-back conformation of bisected glycans bound to specific lectins
Authors: Nagae Masamichi , Kanagawa Mayumi , Morita-Matsumoto Kana , Hanashima Shinya , Kizuka Yasuhiko , Taniguchi Naoyuki , Yamaguchi Yoshiki
Published: March 2016

Glycans normally exist as a dynamic equilibrium of several conformations. A fundamental question concerns how such molecules bind lectins despite disadvantageous entropic loss upon binding. Bisected glycan, a glycan possessing bisecting N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc), is potentially a good model for investigating conformational dynamics and glycan-lectin interactions, owing to the unique ability of this sugar residue to alter conformer populations and thus modulate the biological activities. Here we analyzed bisected glycan in complex with two unrelated lectins, Calsepa and PHA-E. The crystal structures of the two complexes show a conspicuous flipped back glycan structure (designated ‘back-fold’ conformation) and solution NMR analysis also provides evidence of ‘back-fold’ glycan structure. Indeed, statistical conformational analysis of available bisected and non-bisected glycan structures suggests that bisecting GlcNAc restricts the conformations of branched structures. Restriction of glycan flexibility by certain sugar residues may be more common than previously thought and impinges on the mechanism of glycoform-dependent biological functions.
Quantum probability assignment limited by relativistic causality
Authors: Han Yeong Deok , Choi Taeseung
Published: March 2016

Quantum theory has nonlocal correlations, which bothered Einstein, but found to satisfy relativistic causality. Correlation for a shared quantum state manifests itself, in the standard quantum framework, by joint probability distributions that can be obtained by applying state reduction and probability assignment that is called Born rule. Quantum correlations, which show nonlocality when the shared state has an entanglement, can be changed if we apply different probability assignment rule. As a result, the amount of nonlocality in quantum correlation will be changed. The issue is whether the change of the rule of quantum probability assignment breaks relativistic causality. We have shown that Born rule on quantum measurement is derived by requiring relativistic causality condition. This shows how the relativistic causality limits the upper bound of quantum nonlocality through quantum probability assignment.
Terahertz Artificial Dielectric Lens
Authors: Mendis Rajind , Nagai Masaya , Wang Yiqiu , Karl Nicholas , Mittleman Daniel M.
Published: March 2016

We have designed, fabricated and experimentally characterized a lens for the THz regime based on artificial dielectrics. These are man-made media that mimic properties of naturally occurring dielectric media, or even manifest properties that cannot generally occur in nature. For example, the well-known dielectric property, the refractive index, which usually has a value greater than unity, can have a value less than unity in an artificial dielectric. For our lens, the artificial-dielectric medium is made up of a parallel stack of 100 μm thick metal plates that form an array of parallel-plate waveguides. The convergent lens has a plano-concave geometry, in contrast to conventional dielectric lenses. Our results demonstrate that this lens is capable of focusing a 2 cm diameter beam to a spot size of 4 mm, at the design frequency of 0.17 THz. The results further demonstrate that the overall power transmission of the lens can be better than certain conventional dielectric lenses commonly used in the THz regime. Intriguingly, we also observe that under certain conditions, the lens boundary demarcated by the discontinuous plate edges actually resembles a smooth continuous surface. These results highlight the importance of this artificial-dielectric technology for the development of future THz-wave devices.
Discovery of a Novel Seminal Fluid Microbiome and Influence of Estrogen Receptor Alpha Genetic Status
Authors: Javurek Angela B. , Spollen William G. , Ali Amber M. Mann , Johnson Sarah A. , Lubahn Dennis B. , Bivens Nathan J. , Bromert Karen H. , Ellersieck Mark R. , Givan Scott A. , Rosenfeld Cheryl S.
Published: March 2016

Bacteria harbored in the male reproductive system may influence reproductive function and health of the male and result in developmental origins of adult health and disease (DOHaD) effects in his offspring. Such effects could be due to the seminal fluid, which is slightly basic and enriched with carbohydrates; thereby, creating an ideal habitat for microbes or a potential seminal fluid microbiome (SFM). Using wild-type (WT) and estrogen receptor-alpha (ESR1) knockout (KO) male mice, we describe a unique SFM whose inhabitants differ from gut microbes. The bacterial composition of the SFM is influenced according to whether mice have functional Esr1 genes. Propionibacterium acnes, causative agent of chronic prostatitis possibly culminating in prostate cancer, is reduced in SFM of ESR1 KO compared to WT mice (P ≤ 0.0007). In certain genetic backgrounds, WT mice show a greater incidence of prostate cancer than ESR1 KO, which may be due to increased abundance of P. acnes. Additionally, select gut microbiome residents in ESR1 KO males, such as Lachnospiraceae and Christensenellaceae, might contribute to previously identified phenotypes, especially obesity, in these mutant mice. Understanding how genetics and environmental factors influence the SFM may provide the next frontier in male reproductive disorders and possibly paternal-based DOHaD diseases.
High-pressure Gas Activation for Amorphous Indium-Gallium-Zinc-Oxide Thin-Film Transistors at 100 °C
Authors: Kim Won-Gi , Tak Young Jun , Du Ahn Byung , Jung Tae Soo , Chung Kwun-Bum , Kim Hyun Jae
Published: March 2016

We investigated the use of high-pressure gases as an activation energy source for amorphous indium-gallium-zinc-oxide (a-IGZO) thin film transistors (TFTs). High-pressure annealing (HPA) in nitrogen (N2) and oxygen (O2) gases was applied to activate a-IGZO TFTs at 100 °C at pressures in the range from 0.5 to 4 MPa. Activation of the a-IGZO TFTs during HPA is attributed to the effect of the high-pressure environment, so that the activation energy is supplied from the kinetic energy of the gas molecules. We reduced the activation temperature from 300 °C to 100 °C via the use of HPA. The electrical characteristics of a-IGZO TFTs annealed in O2 at 2 MPa were superior to those annealed in N2 at 4 MPa, despite the lower pressure. For O2 HPA under 2 MPa at 100 °C, the field effect mobility and the threshold voltage shift under positive bias stress were improved by 9.00 to 10.58 cm2/V.s and 3.89 to 2.64 V, respectively. This is attributed to not only the effects of the pressurizing effect but also the metal-oxide construction effect which assists to facilitate the formation of channel layer and reduces oxygen vacancies, served as electron trap sites.
Decoding regulatory landscape of somatic embryogenesis reveals differential regulatory networks between japonica and indica rice subspecies
Authors: Indoliya Yuvraj , Tiwari Poonam , Chauhan Abhisekh Singh , Goel Ridhi , Shri Manju , Bag Sumit Kumar , Chakrabarty Debasis
Published: March 2016

Somatic embryogenesis is a unique process in plants and has considerable interest for biotechnological application. Compare to japonica, indica rice has been less responsive to in vitro culture. We used Illumina Hiseq 2000 sequencing platform for comparative transcriptome analysis between two rice subspecies at six different developmental stages combined with a tag-based digital gene expression profiling. Global gene expression among different samples showed greater complexity in japonica rice compared to indica which may be due to polyphyletic origin of two rice subspecies. Expression pattern in initial stage indicate major differences in proembryogenic callus induction phase that may serve as key regulator to observe differences between both subspecies. Our data suggests that phytohormone signaling pathways consist of elaborate networks with frequent crosstalk, thereby allowing plants to regulate somatic embryogenesis pathway. However, this crosstalk varies between the two rice subspecies. Down regulation of positive regulators of meristem development (i.e. KNOX, OsARF5) and up regulation of its counterparts (OsRRs, MYB, GA20ox1/GA3ox2) in japonica may be responsible for its better regeneration and differentiation of somatic embryos. Comprehensive gene expression information in the present experiment may also facilitate to understand the monocot specific meristem regulation for dedifferentiation of somatic cell to embryogenic cells.
Functional characterization of ent-copalyl diphosphate synthase, kaurene synthase and kaurene oxidase in the Salvia miltiorrhiza gibberellin biosynthetic pathway
Authors: Su Ping , Tong Yuru , Cheng Qiqing , Hu Yating , Zhang Meng , Yang Jian , Teng Zhongqiu , Gao Wei , Huang Luqi
Published: March 2016

Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge is highly valued in traditional Chinese medicine for its roots and rhizomes. Its bioactive diterpenoid tanshinones have been reported to have many pharmaceutical activities, including antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. Previous studies found four different diterpenoid biosynthetic pathways from the universal diterpenoid precursor (E,E,E)-geranylgeranyl diphosphate (GGPP) in S. miltiorrhiza. Here, we describe the functional characterization of ent-copalyl diphosphate synthase (SmCPSent), kaurene synthase (SmKS) and kaurene oxidase (SmKO) in the gibberellin (GA) biosynthetic pathway. SmCPSent catalyzes the cyclization of GGPP to ent-copalyl diphosphate (ent-CPP), which is converted to ent-kaurene by SmKS. Then, SmKO catalyzes the three-step oxidation of ent-kaurene to ent-kaurenoic acid. Our results show that the fused enzyme SmKS-SmCPSent increases ent-kaurene production by several fold compared with separate expression of SmCPSent and SmKS in yeast strains. In this study, we clarify the GA biosynthetic pathway from GGPP to ent-kaurenoic acid and provide a foundation for further characterization of the subsequent enzymes involved in this pathway. These insights may allow for better growth and the improved accumulation of bioactive tanshinones in S. miltiorrhiza through the regulation of the expression of these genes during developmental processes.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Overexpression of miR-499-5p inhibits non-small cell lung cancer proliferation and metastasis by targeting VAV3
Authors: Li Ming , Zhang Shenjun , Wu Ning , Wu Liang , Wang Changhui , Lin Yinping
Published: March 2016

Dysregulation of miRNAs is reported to be involved in the invasion and metastasis of lung cancer. Previous studies showed that low serum miR-499 expression was associated with advanced TNM stage and poor prognosis. The present study is carried out to evaluate the biological functions of miR-499-5p in lung cancer. We demonstrated that miR-499-5p was significantly reduced in NSCLC tissues and correlated with poor clinical outcomes. Overexpression of miR-499-5p inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, miR-499-5p overexpression also inhibited NSCLC metastasis in vitro and in vivo. Using bioinformatics tools, we identified VAV3 as a candidate target of miR-499-5p and demonstrated that restoration of miR-499-5p expression in NSCLC cells downregulated VAV3 expression while inhibition of miR-499-5p upregulated VAV3 expression. Luciferase reporter assays showed that miR-499-5p targeted 3′-UTR of VAV3. Moreover, cancer growth, proliferation and metastasis were decreased and apoptosis was increased after VAV3 blockage induced by miR-499-5p overexpression. We conclude that miR-499-5p functions as a tumor suppressor by targeting VAV3. This finding may provide a therapeutic approach for future treatment of NSCLC.
Coupling a DNA–ligand ensemble with Ag cluster formation for the label-free and ratiometric detection of intracellular biothiols
Authors: Cao Fangfang , Ju Enguo , Liu Chaoqun , Pu Fang , Ren Jinsong , Qu Xiaogang
Published: March 2016

A smart nanoprobe was constructed by coupling a DNA–ligand ensemble with Ag cluster formation for the ratiometric detection of intracellular biothiols.
Role of naphthalene during the induction period of methanol conversion on HZSM-5 zeolite
Authors: Qi Liang , Li Jinzhe , Wei Yingxu , Xu Lei , Liu Zhongmin
Published: March 2016

Despite the lower activity of naphthalene compared with that of methylbenzenes, its activity was also proved over an HZSM-5 catalyst.
A linear fluorescence-quenching response in an amidine-functionalised solid-state sensor for gas-phase and aqueous CO2 detection
Authors: Das A. , D'Alessandro D. M.
Published: March 2016

An amidine-functionalised metal–organic framework (MOF) was shown to be an effective chemosensor in the presence of gaseous and aqueous phase CO2.
A method for the preservation and determination of welding fume nanoparticles in exhaled breath condensate
Authors: Gschwind Sabrina , Graczyk Halshka , Günther Detlef , Riediker Michael
Published: March 2016

Analysis of exhaled breath condensate (EBC) represents a non-invasive method for detecting inhaled nanoparticles (NPs) associated with various occupational and environmental exposures.
Synthesis of N-alkyl-4-vinylpyridinium-based cross-linked polymers and their catalytic performance for the conversion of fructose into 5-hydroxymethylfurfural
Authors: Ruby Marc-Philipp , Schüth Ferdi
Published: March 2016

We developed a metal-free and acid-free polymer-based catalyst for the dehydration of fructose into HMF in ethanol as a low-boiling solvent.
A facile approach to prepare a microporous polycarbazole P-tetra(4-(N-carbazolyl)phenyl)silane network with high CO2 storage and separation properties
Authors: Jiang Fei , Sun Jianling , Yang Renqiang , Qiao Shanlin , An Zengjian , Huang Jianqing , Mao Haifang , Chen Guie , Ren Yujie
Published: March 2016

A facile approach to prepare a microporous polycarbazole P-TCzPhSi network by FeCl3 oxidative polymerization reaction.
Synthesis and characterization of poly(glycerol sebacate)-based elastomeric copolyesters for tissue engineering applications
Authors: Jia Yating , Wang Weizhong , Zhou Xiaojun , Nie Wei , Chen Liang , He Chuanglong
Published: March 2016

A poly(glycerol sebacate)-based elastomeric copolyesters with improved mechanical properties and higher water uptake capacity.
The formation and study of poly(ethylene oxide)-poly(norbornene) block-copolymers on the surface of titanium-dioxide particles: a novel approach towards application of si-ROMP to larger surface modification
Authors: Cao Edgar , Pichavant Loïc , Prouzet Eric , Héroguez Valérie
Published: March 2016

This work highlights the potential of si-ROMP through use of easier to functionalize titania particles that form hybrid titania-copolymers applied to larger scale coatings.
A new boat-like tungstoarsenate functionalized by carboxyethyltin and its catalytic properties
Authors: Ji Li-Ping , Du Jing , Li Jian-Sheng , Zhang Lan-Cui , Sang Xiao-Jing , Yang He , Cui Hong-Juan , Zhu Zai-Ming
Published: March 2016

The boat-like carboxyethyltin tungstoarsenate derivative was applied for the first time for oxidation catalysis and photocatalysis as well as for mimicking enzyme catalysis.
Three-dimensional quantification of composition and electrostatic potential at individual grain boundaries in doped ceria
Authors: Diercks David R. , Tong Jianhua , Zhu Huayang , Kee Robert , Baure George , Nino Juan C. , O'Hayre Ryan , Gorman Brian P.
Published: March 2016

Three-dimensional nanometer-scale quantification of all species is made around grain boundaries in Nd-doped CeO2allowing three-dimensional determination of electrostatic potentials.
Solid-oxide Fe–air rechargeable battery using Fe–Ce(Mn, Fe)O2 for low temperature operation
Authors: Kim H. , Inoishi A. , Ida S. , Ishihara T.
Published: March 2016

The reaction rate constant of Fe oxidation and reduction can be much increased through mixing with Ce0.6Mn0.3Fe0.1O2 (CMF), and when CMF mixed with Fe was set into the fuel chamber of a solid state Fe–air rechargeable battery, a discharge potential of ca. 1 V and a discharge capacity of 600 mA h gFe−1 were achieved at 673 K.
Tunable, bioactive protein conjugated hyaluronic acid hydrogel for neural engineering applications
Authors: Shendi Dalia , Dede Ana , Yin Yuan , Wang Chaoming , Valmikinathan Chandra , Jain Anjana
Published: March 2016

A one-step Michael addition click chemistry reaction is used to fabricate a bioactive conjugated hyaluronic acid (HA) scaffold for neural engineering applications.
A dual-mode signaling response of a AuNP-fluorescein based probe for specific detection of thiourea
Authors: Chen Chuanxia , Zhao Dan , Sun Jian , Yang Xiurong
Published: March 2016

By employing fluorescein and AuNPs as energy donors and acceptors, respectively, a novel fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based dual-mode sensor for selective recognition and quantitative detection of thiourea was designed and constructed in this study for the first time.
Solid-phase microextraction low temperature plasma mass spectrometry for the direct and rapid analysis of chemical warfare simulants in complex mixtures
Authors: Dumlao Morphy C. , Jeffress Laura E. , Gooding J. Justin , Donald William A.
Published: March 2016

Sensitive, rapid, and direct detection of chemical-warfare agent simulants in urine by solid-phase microextraction low temperature plasma ionisation mass spectrometry.
Functional nanomaterials for near-infrared-triggered cancer therapy
Authors: Liu Bei , Li Chunxia , Cheng Ziyong , Hou Zhiyao , Huang Shanshan , Lin Jun
Published: March 2016

Near-infrared region is a so-called transparency “therapeutic window” for biological applications. In this review, the rapid developments of NIR light-responsive cancer therapy systems for deep tumor treatment are introduced.
Metal-free C(sp3)–H functionalization: oxidative carbo-oxygenation of α-diazo carbonyls via radical dediazotization
Authors: Wang Nan-Nan , Hao Wen-Juan , Zhang Tian-Shu , Li Guigen , Wu Ya-Nan , Tu Shu-Jiang , Jiang Bo
Published: March 2016

A novel three-component carbo-oxygenation of α-diazo carbonyls for flexible synthesis of unprecedented α-aminooxy-β-amino ketones has been established through metal-free C(sp3)–H functionalization from readily accessible N,N-dimethylanilines and N-hydroxyphthalimide.
Sucrose-fueled, energy dissipative, transient formation of molecular hydrogels mediated by yeast activity
Authors: Angulo-Pachón César A. , Miravet Juan F.
Published: March 2016

We report on new molecular hydrogels whose formation/disassembly is regulated by the presence of sucrose as fuel and CO2 release as a dissipative process.
Directional coalescence growth of ultralong Au93Pt7 alloy nanowires and their superior electrocatalytic performance in ethanol oxidation
Authors: Gan Qi-Min , Tao Li , Zhou Lin-Nan , Zhang Xiao-Ting , Wang Shuangyin , Li Yong-Jun
Published: March 2016

Directional coalescence achieved for growing ultralong (∼25–30 μm) AuPt alloy nanowires with superior electrocatalytic activity towards ethanol oxidation.
Modeling the tyrosine–sugar interactions in supersonic expansions: glucopyranose–phenol clusters
Authors: Usabiaga Imanol , González Jorge , Arnáiz Pedro F. , León Iker , Cocinero Emilio J. , Fernández José A.
Published: March 2016

We present here the structure of glucopyranoe–phenol complexes, as revealed by mass-resolved laser spectroscopy and DFT calculations.
Determination of nitroxide spin label conformations via PELDOR and X-ray crystallography
Authors: Abdullin D. , Hagelueken G. , Schiemann O.
Published: March 2016

PELDOR is used to unravel the position and orientation of MTSSL in six singly-labelled azurin mutants. A comparison with X-ray structures of the mutants shows good agreement with respect to the position and orientation of the nitroxide group.
Electrochemical lithiation/delithiation of SnP2O7 observed by in situ XRD and ex situ7Li/31P NMR, and 119Sn Mössbauer spectroscopy
Authors: Bezza Ilham , Kaus Maximilian , Riekehr Lars , Pfaffmann Lukas , Doyle Stephen , Indris Sylvio , Ehrenberg Helmut , Solhy Abderrahim , Saadoune Ismael
Published: March 2016

The lithiation of the SnP2O7 anode material leads to tin extrusion and formation of LixSn alloys with stable capacity during the subsequent cycles.
Modification of Sn-Beta zeolite: characterization of acidic/basic properties and catalytic performance in Baeyer–Villiger oxidation
Authors: Otomo Ryoichi , Kosugi Ryota , Kamiya Yuichi , Tatsumi Takashi , Yokoi Toshiyuki
Published: March 2016

Sn-Beta modified with cations such as Li and Na showed better catalytic performance than non-modified Sn-Beta with “open” sites in Baeyer–Villiger oxidation.
Diphosphane 2,2′-binaphtho[1,8-de][1,3,2]dithiaphosphinine and the easy formation of a stable phosphorus radical cation
Authors: Kirst Christin , Bode Bela E. , Cordes David B. , Nejman Phillip S. , Slawin Alexandra M. Z. , Karaghiosoff Konstantin , Woollins J. Derek
Published: March 2016

Oxidative of a P–P bonded system using [NO][BF4] leads to the phosphonium radical cation.
A practical method for the generation of organoarsenic nucleophiles towards the construction of a versatile arsenic library
Authors: Tanaka Susumu , Imoto Hiroaki , Kato Takuji , Naka Kensuke
Published: March 2016

Organoarsenic nucleophiles were easily and safely prepared, leading to a practical method for As–C bond formation. Promising ligand structures such as asymmetric and bidentate types can be widely constructed by the present method.
Nitro-redox reactions at a frustrated borane/phosphane Lewis pair
Authors: Chen Guo-Qiang , Kehr Gerald , Daniliuc Constantin G. , Erker Gerhard
Published: March 2016

The unsaturated 1,4-P/B-FLPs reduced nitrobenzene to nitrosobenzene which was directly trapped by an allylboration reaction to give the seven-membered B–O–P compounds.
Identifying relevant positions in proteins by Critical Variable Selection
Authors: Grigolon Silvia , Franz Silvio , Marsili Matteo
Published: March 2016

Evolution in its course has found a variety of solutions to the same optimisation problem.
Synthesis of highly functionalized oligobenzamide proteomimetic foldamers by late stage introduction of sensitive groups
Authors: Burslem George M. , Kyle Hannah F. , Prabhakaran Panchami , Breeze Alexander L. , Edwards Thomas A. , Warriner Stuart L. , Nelson Adam , Wilson Andrew J.
Published: March 2016

New routes are developed to allow introduction of sensitive side-chains and synthesis of challenging proteomimetic sequences.