bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“Let Us All Mutate Together”: Cracking the Code in Laing’sBig Bishop Roko and the Altar Gangsters
Authors: MacDonald Ian P.
Published: October 2016

Both Derek Wright and Francis Ngaboh-Smart have interpreted Laing’sMajor Gentl and the Achimota Wars(1992) as an allegory for the emergence of the Internet. In that novel, a future Africa has been digitally erased from the Web archive, and the story follows a civil war aimed at reintegrating the continent into the global scene. Beginning from this reading, I approach Laing’s next work,Big Bishop Roko and the Altar Gangsters(2006), as a formal sequel toMajor Gentl, investigating the changing landscape of global digital access and its potential as a site of resistance over the decade that separates their publication. If, inMajor Gentl, West Africans have been exiled from the Web, the eponymous protagonist inRokouses networked access to interrupt neoliberal economic and social engineering underway in the global North. Through experiments in “genetic mutation”—a metaphor for cyborgian transformation from biological to networked existence—Roko hacks the evolutionary process and forces Africa’s voice into the digital sphere in an attempt to remedy that technology’s unequal distribution. In both novels, Laing indigenizes science fiction using a technique I refer to asjujutech—a hybrid of science fiction and African folk traditions. The resulting style identifies the ways the genre itself mutates and evolves as it escapes the gravity of its Euro-American roots. Laing’s decision to publishRokoelectronically further points to form following function, highlighting new avenues for the dissemination of experimental African works in underrepresented genres.
“We are change”: The Novum as Event in Nnedi Okorafor’sLagoon
Authors: O’Connell Hugh Charles
Published: October 2016

Nnedi Okorafor is a member of a growing vanguard of global SF/F authors who challenge the hegemony of SF as a purely Western genre. This decentering of SF foremost demands a critical engagement with its dominant, operative tropes. In this light,Lagoonsubverts the stock colonial ideology long associated with the first contact alien invasion narrative. Drawing on Afrofuturist criticism, this essay argues thatLagoonutilizes the figure of the alien in order to examine Nigeria as both an object of the neoliberal futures industry and a progenitor of radical anti-neoimperial futurity. Rather than merely incorporating the predominantly Americentric determinations of much Afrofuturist thought wholesale, however, the novel demands a rethinking of the role of the alien from an African-utopian perspective. Ultimately, this requires a reconsideration of the work of the SFnovumitself in line with Alain Badiou’s conception of the event, whereby the introduction of the SF novum of the alien can be seen as a placeholder for the unknowable, unforeseeable eruption of a radical, historical event: the reawakening of a seemingly structurally unrepresentable anticolonial subjectivity that is pitched against the ideological confines of the neoliberal present.
The Role of Islam in Muslim Higher Education in India: The Case of Jamia Millia Islamia in New Delhi
Authors: Pedersen Gry Hvass
Published: October 2016

With the worldwide expansion of the modern university system during the twentieth century, higher education has become an important feature of our modern society at a global level. Islamic universities form part of this global phenomenon, but so far major studies on the globalized higher education system have ignored the role of religion in this field. This article briefly explores the role of Islam at three Islamic universities in India, with a primary focus on the Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) in New Delhi. JMI was established in 1920 and holds a long history of providing higher education, particular for Muslims, within the specific national context of India, where Muslims constitute a significant minority. More precisely, the article investigates how the “Islamic” is defined and expressed differently at the three institutions and what that difference means in conceptual terms. Finally, the findings are placed in relation to the issue of standardization/localization within the theory on globalized education.
Comparative validity and repeatability of a single question, a twenty-eight-item FFQ and estimated food records to assess takeaway meal intake
Authors: Cook Amelia S. , McCook Rochelle , Petocz Peter , O’Leary Fiona , Allman-Farinelli Margaret
Published: October 2016

A single question (SQ) and a twenty-eight-item FFQ to measure takeaway meal intake were compared with two 7-d estimated food records (EFR; reference method). Test methods were completed after the reference period and repeated 6–8 d later for repeatability. The SQ asked about intake of high-SFA takeaway meals. FFQ items included low- and high-SFA meals. Test methods were compared with EFR for sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values, using a goal of ≤1 high-SFA weekly takeaway meals. Bland–Altman analyses were used to check agreement between measurement approaches, theκcoefficient was used to summarise the observed level of agreement, and Spearman’s correlation was used to assess the degree to which instruments ranked individuals. Young adults were recruited from two universities, and 109 participants (61 % female) completed the study. The mean age was 24·4 (sd4·9) years, and the mean BMI was 23·5 (sd3·7) kg/m2. The SQ and the FFQ had a sensitivity of 97 and 83 % and a specificity of 46 and 92 %, respectively. Both methods exhibited moderate correlation for measuring total and high-SFA takeaway meal intakes (rsranging from 0·64 to 0·80). Neither instrument could measure precise, absolute intake at the group or individual level. Test methods ranged from fair (κw=0·24) to moderate agreement (κw=0·59). The repeatability for all was acceptable. The FFQ identified excessive high-SFA takeaway meal intake and measured individuals’ category for total and high-SFA takeaway intakes. Both methods are suitable for ranking individuals for total or high-SFA takeaway meal intakes.
Geographic distribution, large-scale spatial structure and diversity of parasitoids of the seed-feeding beetleAcanthoscelides macrophthalmus
Authors: Wood A. , Haga E.B. , Costa V.A. , Rossi M.N.
Published: October 2016

Bruchine beetles are highly host-specific seed feeders during the larval stage. Although some specific parasitoid families have been recorded attacking bruchine beetles, most studies have been done at small spatial scales. Therefore, the current knowledge about the diversity and the geographic distribution of parasitoid species parasitizing bruchines is scarce, especially at a wide geographic area that extends over large distances through a latitudinal cline (i.e. large-scale spatial structure). The present study determined the species richness and evenness of parasitoids attacking the bruchine beetleAcanthoscelides macrophthalmusfeeding onLeucaena leucocephalaseeds, examined their geographic distribution, and characterized the large-scale spatial structure in parasitoid species composition. A total of 1420 parasitoids (all Hymenoptera) belonging to four families, five subfamilies and eight species were collected (genera:Horismenus, Paracrias, Urosigalphus, Stenocorse, Chryseida, Eupelmus). Most parasitoid species showed wide spatial distribution, high evenness in species abundance and the species richness estimators were close to stabilization (approximately eight species). Overall, greater similarity was observed in the species composition of plant populations near to each other than those farther apart, revealing a large-scale spatial structure in parasitoid species composition.
EFFECTS OF PLANT DENSITY ON THE PERFORMANCE OF COWPEA IN NIGERIAN SAVANNAS
Authors: KAMARA ALPHA Y. , TOFA ABDULLAHI I. , KYEI-BOAHEN STEPHEN , SOLOMON REUBEN , AJEIGBE HAKEEM A. , KAMAI NKEKI
Published: October 2016

Grain yields of cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] in the Nigerian savannas are low even with the cultivation of improved varieties. The recommended spacing for cowpea is 75 × 20 cm with two seeds planted per stand. This corresponds to plant population of 133333 plants ha−1, which may not be sufficient for optimal cowpea yield. Field experiments were conducted to determine plant density effects on cowpea performance in the Northern Guinea and the Sudan savannas of Nigeria and also to determine if genotypes varied in their response to plant density. Four cowpea varieties with contrasting maturity duration were planted in single, double and triple rows on ridges spaced 75 cm apart to achieve corresponding densities of 133333, 266666 and 400000 plants ha−1, respectively. Plant densities of 266666 and 400000 plants ha−1 gave higher crop performance in terms of light interception, biomass production, yield and yield components for all cowpea varieties. Yield increases were related largely to increased pod and seed production but the effect of seed size on yield was relatively minor. Our results provide evidence that the current density of 133333 plants ha−1 used by farmers is not optimum for cowpea production. Smallholder farmers can increase cowpea grain and fodder yields if they use a density of 266666 plants ha−1 in cowpea cultivation. Further yield increases when cowpea is planted at 400000 plants ha−1 may not be sufficient to offset the cost of seed.
The Mandate System as a Messianic Alternative in the Ultra-Religious Jurisprudence of Rabbi Dr Isaac Breuer
Authors: Israel-Vleeschhouwer Amos
Published: October 2016

Dr Rabbi Isaac Breuer, a German jurist and Jewish rabbi, represented the ultra-orthodox community in Palestine before the international committees which considered the future of the Palestine Mandate. In his work, Breuer criticised the concept of sovereignty and introduced an alternative regime for global governance of developing peoples. His unique position, as analysed in this article, can contribute to contemporary debates surrounding the role of sovereigns as trustees of humanity, sovereignty and international law and ways of promoting global peace and human welfare.

By introducing Breuer's thought, this article seeks to contribute additional sources – both Jewish and universal – to these ongoing debates. Letting these neglected voices in international legal history enrich the debate can convince us, once again, of the importance of the periphery and of peripheral voices for the development, vitality and relevance of international law.

Breuer's model replaces the notions of ‘sovereignty’ and ‘rights’ with those of internalised obligations and subservience to law and justice. Limiting any national aspirations to total sovereignty, he implored the United Nations to refrain from elevating the Jewish national home to statehood. Opposing the Zionist position, he insisted that the Mandatory power and international institutions would enable two nations to develop side by side, in what he termed ‘the state of peace’, under international trusteeship.

We carefully draw on Breuer's insights to reflect on present debates on trusteeship, sovereignty and the management of areas devastated by conflict.
Legal Entitlements, Changing Circumstances and Intertemporality: A Comment on the Creation of Israel and the Status of Palestine
Authors: Shany Yuval
Published: October 2016

The events surrounding the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948 and the ensuing Palestiniannaqba(disaster) have generated an abundance of legal literature. It is beyond the ambitions of this article to revisit all or most of the existing literature, or to strive and comprehensively discuss the various legal propositions they consider. Instead, it offers a critical assessment of some of the legal conclusions offered by one of the most influential experts in the field – Professor James Crawford – who, in the second edition of his seminal treatiseThe Creation of States in International Law,discusses at some length the events surrounding the creation of Israel and the status of Palestine. Section 2 of the article offers some general observations on the continued relevance of the events surrounding the creation of Israel. In particular, it raises the question of the relationship between the principles ofex injuria non oritur jusandex factis oritur jusin the Israeli–Palestinian context. Section 3 examines the legal significance of the 1922 League of Nations Mandate and Crawford's position concerning its validity. Sections 4 and 5 adopt a similar examination with regard to two other historic events of potential legal significance, namely the 1947 UN General Assembly Resolution 181 (the Partition Resolution) and Israel's 1948 Declaration of Independence. Section 5 also briefly examines Crawford's conclusions relating to the status of Palestine, and Section 6 concludes.
Reinventing a Region (1915–22): Visions of the Middle East in Legal and Diplomatic Texts Leading to the Palestine Mandate
Authors: Loevy Karin
Published: October 2016

The article traces a set of regional images in international legal and diplomatic documents leading to the establishment of the Palestine Mandate (1915–22). The analysis suggests that at that important crossroad, when a new world order was imagined and negotiated, a broad, layered and diverse vision of a comprehensive ‘region’ was actively present in the minds of very different actors within the framework of empire. A vast territory was reconstructed as opening up for new ways of rule and of influence, for enhanced development and for dealing with strictly European globalised issues. That this powerful regional vision has been disregarded because of the weight of the subsequent territorial geopolitics in the Middle East is not surprising. Today, however, when classic international law responses – the state on the one hand and international cooperation on the other – prove weak and unstable, and especially vulnerable to ‘new regional threats’, it may be worthwhile to look back at a period in which the region was still imagined as a place of political possibility.
The Outcome of Monochorionic Diamniotic Twins Discordant at 11 to 13+6 Weeks’ Gestation
Authors: Zipori Yaniv , Reidy Karen , Gilchrist T. , Doyle Lex W. , Umstad Mark P.
Published: October 2016

Background: Monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA) twin pregnancies are associated with adverse perinatal outcome. Intertwin discordances at the time of nuchal translucency (NT) screening may have a value in the prediction of fetal loss or twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome. We aimed to determine the ability of intertwin NT and crown rump length (CRL) discordances among MCDA twins to predict adverse outcomes. Material and Methods: All MCDA twins with a documented routine ultrasound at 11 to 13+6 weeks’ gestation, and known pregnancy outcome between August 2003 and August 2012 were included. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to determine the ideal NT and CRL discordances cut-off points that maximized the ability to predict adverse outcome, which was defined as any of: death of one or both twins, twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome, or estimated fetal weight or birth weight discordances ≥25%. Results: Of the 89 cases, 20 (22.5%) had at least one adverse outcome. NT discordance was more discriminatory of adverse outcome than was CRL discordance. The optimal values for predicting any adverse outcomes for NT were >23.7% and for CRL >3.5%. The positive predictive values for NT (52.4%) and CRL (29.8%) screening were relatively low; however, the lack of either NT or CRL discordances was more reassuring, with negative predictive values of 86.8% and 86.4%, respectively. Conclusions: NT discordance is more predictive for adverse fetal outcome in MCDA twins than CRL discordance. Neither NT nor CRL discordance are likely to modify the intensive monitoring required for these very high-risk pregnancies.
European-Russian Mission Reaches Mars: Lander’s Fate Yet Unknown
Authors: Wendel JoAnna
Published: October 2016

Although the mission’s lander might not have survived, the new Trace Gas Orbiter spacecraft will explore clues that may indicate extraterrestrial life.
Mixed functional microarchitectures for orientation selectivity in the mouse primary visual cortex
Authors: Kondo Satoru , Yoshida Takashi , Ohki Kenichi
Published: October 2016

A minicolumn is the smallest anatomical module in the cortical architecture, but it is still in debate whether it serves as functional units for cortical processing. In the rodent primary visual cortex (V1), neurons with different preferred orientations are mixed horizontally in a salt and pepper manner, but vertical functional organization was not examined. In this study, we found that neurons with similar orientation preference are weakly but significantly clustered vertically in a short length and horizontally in the scale of a minicolumn. Interestingly, the vertical clustering is found only in a part of minicolumns, and others are composed of neurons with a variety of orientation preferences. Thus, the mouse V1 is a mixture of vertical clusters of neurons with various degrees of orientation similarity, which may be the compromise between the brain size and keeping the vertical clusters of similarly tuned neurons at least in a subset of clusters.
Tumor-targeted delivery of a C-terminally truncated FADD (N-FADD) significantly suppresses the B16F10 melanoma via enhancing apoptosis
Authors: Yang Yun-Wen , Zhang Chun-Mei , Huang Xian-Jie , Zhang Xiao-Xin , Zhang Lin-Kai , Li Jia-Huang , Hua Zi-Chun
Published: October 2016

Fas-associated protein with death domain (FADD), a pivotal adaptor protein transmitting apoptotic signals, is indispensable for the induction of extrinsic apoptosis. However, overexpression of FADD can form large, filamentous aggregates, termed death effector filaments (DEFs) by self-association and initiate apoptosis independent of receptor cross-linking. A mutant of FADD, which is truncated of the C-terminal tail (m-FADD, 182–205 aa) named N-FADD (m-FADD, 1–181 aa), can dramatically up-regulate the strength of FADD self-association and increase apoptosis. In this study, it was found that over-expression of FADD or N-FADD caused apoptosis of B16F10 cells in vitro, even more, N-FADD showed a more potent apoptotic effect than FADD. Meanwhile, Attenuated Salmonella Typhimurium strain VNP20009 was engineered to express FADD or N-FADD under the control of a hypoxia-induced NirB promoter and each named VNP-pN-FADD and VNP-pN-N-FADD. The results showed both VNP-pN-FADD and VNP-pN-N-FADD delayed tumor growth in B16F10 mice model, while VNP-pN-N-FADD suppressed melanoma growth more significantly than VNP-pN-FADD. Additionally, VNP-pN-FADD and VNP-pN-N-FADD induced apoptosis of tumor cells by activating caspase-dependent apoptotic pathway. Our results show that N-FADD is a more potent apoptotic inducer and VNP20009-mediated targeted expression of N-FADD provides a possible cancer gene therapeutic approach for the treatment of melanoma.
Tissue, developmental, and caste-specific expression of odorant binding proteins in a eusocial insect, the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta
Authors: Zhang Wei , Wanchoo Arun , Ortiz-Urquiza Almudena , Xia Yuxian , Keyhani Nemat O.
Published: October 2016

Insects interact with the surrounding environment via chemoreception, and in social insects such as ants, chemoreception functions to mediate diverse behaviors including food acquisition, self/non-self recognition, and intraspecific communication. The invasive red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta, has spread worldwide, displaying a remarkable environmental adaptability. Odorant binding proteins (OBPs) are chemical compound carriers, involved in diverse physiological processes including odor detection and chemical transport. S. invicta contains a highly divergent 17-member OBP gene family, that includes an ant-specific expansion and the social organization implicated Gp-9 (OBP3) gene. A systematic gene expression analysis of the SiOBP repertoire was performed across social caste (workers, male and female alates), tissues (antennae, head, thorax, and abdomen), and developmental stages (egg, larvae, and pupae), revealing that although SiOBPs were expressed in the antennae, the major regions of expression were in the head and thorax across all castes, and the abdomen in male and female alates. SiOBPs were very highly expressed in female alates and at somewhat lower levels in male alates and workers. SiOBPs were differentially expressed, with unique signatures in various castes and tissues, suggesting functionality of SiOBPs beyond olfaction Expression patterns of SiOBP subgroups also showed relationships with their evolutionary relatedness.
Extraversion and neuroticism related to the resting-state effective connectivity of amygdala
Authors: Pang Yajing , Cui Qian , Wang Yifeng , Chen Yuyan , Wang Xiaona , Han Shaoqiang , Zhang Zhiqiang , Lu Guangming , Chen Huafu
Published: October 2016

The amygdala plays a key role in emotion processing. Its functional connectivity with other brain regions has been extensively demonstrated to be associated with extraversion and neuroticism. However, how the amygdala affects other regions and is affected by others within these connectivity patterns associated with extraversion and neuroticism remains unclear. To address this issue, we investigated the effective connectivity of the amygdala using Granger causality analysis on the resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data of 70 participants. Results showed that extraversion was positively correlated with the influence from the right inferior occipital gyrus (IOG) to the left amygdala, and from the bilateral IOG to the right amygdala; such result may represent the neural correlates of social interactions in extraverts. Conversely, neuroticism was associated with an increased influence from right amygdala to right middle frontal gyrus and a decreased influence from right precuneus to right amygdala. This influence might affect the modulations of cognitive regulation function and self-referential processes in neurotic individuals. These findings highlight the importance of the causal influences of amygdala in explaining the individual differences in extraversion and neuroticism, and offer further insights into the specific neural networks underlying personality.
Genetic polymorphisms in glycolytic pathway are associated with the prognosis of patients with early stage non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Lee Shin Yup , Jin Cheng Cheng , Choi Jin Eun , Hong Mi Jeong , Jung Deuk Kju , Do Sook Kyung , Baek Sun Ah , Kang Hyo Jung , Kang Hyo-Gyoung , Choi Sun Ha , Lee Won Kee , Seok Yangki , Lee Eung Bae , Jeong Ji Yun , Shin Kyung Min , Cho Sukki , Yoo Seung Soo , Lee Jaehee , Cha Seung Ick , Kim Chang Ho , Lee You Mie , Lee In-Kyu , Jheon Sanghoon , Park Jae Yong
Published: October 2016

This study was conducted to investigate whether polymorphisms of genes involved in glycolysis are associated with the prognosis of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) after surgical resection. Forty-four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of 17 genes in glycolytic pathway were investigated in a total of 782 patients with NSCLC who underwent curative surgical resection. The association of the SNPs with overall survival (OS) and disease free survival (DFS) were analyzed. Among the 44 SNPs investigated, four SNPs (ENO1 rs2274971A > G, PFKM rs11168417C > T, PFKP rs1132173C > T, PDK2 rs3785921G > A) were significantly associated with survival outcomes in multivariate analyses. When stratified by tumor histology, three SNPs (ENO1 rs2274971A > G, PFKM rs11168417C > T, and PDK2 rs3785921G > A) were significantly associated with OS and/or DFS only in squamous cell carcinoma, whereas PFKP rs1132173C > T exhibited a significant association with survival outcomes only in adenocarcinoma. When the four SNPs were combined, OS and DFS decreased as the number of bad genotypes increased (Ptrend = 8 × 10−4 and 3 × 10−5, respectively). Promoter assays showed that ENO1 rs2274971G allele had significantly higher promoter activity compared to the rs2274971A allele. The four SNPs, especially ENO1 rs2274971A > G, may be useful for the prediction of prognosis in patients with surgically resected NSCLC.
Relaxation dynamics of glasses along a wide stability and temperature range
Authors: Rodríguez-Tinoco C. , Ràfols-Ribé J. , González-Silveira M. , Rodríguez-Viejo J.
Published: October 2016

While lots of measurements describe the relaxation dynamics of the liquid state, experimental data of the glass dynamics at high temperatures are much scarcer. We use ultrafast scanning calorimetry to expand the timescales of the glass to much shorter values than previously achieved. Our data show that the relaxation time of glasses follows a super-Arrhenius behaviour in the high-temperature regime above the conventional devitrification temperature heating at 10 K/min. The liquid and glass states can be described by a common VFT-like expression that solely depends on temperature and limiting fictive temperature. We apply this common description to nearly-isotropic glasses of indomethacin, toluene and to recent data on metallic glasses. We also show that the dynamics of indomethacin glasses obey density scaling laws originally derived for the liquid. This work provides a strong connection between the dynamics of the equilibrium supercooled liquid and non-equilibrium glassy states.
d-PET-controlled “off-on” Polarity-sensitive Probes for Reporting Local Hydrophilicity within Lysosomes
Authors: Zhu Hao , Fan Jiangli , Mu Huiying , Zhu Tao , Zhang Zhen , Du Jianjun , Peng Xiaojun
Published: October 2016

Polarity-sensitive fluorescent probes are powerful chemical tools for studying biomolecular structures and activities both in vitro and in vivo. However, the lack of “off-on” polarity-sensing probes has limited the accurate monitoring of biological processes that involve an increase in local hydrophilicity. Here, we design and synthesize a series of “off-on” polarity-sensitive fluorescent probes BP series consisting of the difluoroboron dippyomethene (BODIPY) fluorophore connected to a quaternary ammonium moiety via different carbon linkers. All these probes showed low fluorescence quantum yields in nonpolar solution but became highly fluorescent in polar media. BP-2, which contains a two-carbon linker and a trimethyl quaternary ammonium, displayed a fluorescence intensity and quantum yield that were both linearly correlated with solvent polarity. In addition, BP-2 exhibited high sensitivity and selectivity for polarity over other environmental factors and a variety of biologically relevant species. BP-2 can be synthesized readily via an unusual Mannich reaction followed by methylation. Using electrochemistry combined with theoretical calculations, we demonstrated that the “off-on” sensing behavior of BP-2 is primarily due to the polarity-dependent donor-excited photoinduced electron transfer (d-PET) effect. Live-cell imaging established that BP-2 enables the detection of local hydrophilicity within lysosomes under conditions of lysosomal dysfunction.
Silencing microRNA-143 protects the integrity of the blood-brain barrier: implications for methamphetamine abuse
Authors: Bai Ying , Zhang Yuan , Hua Jun , Yang Xiangyu , Zhang Xiaotian , Duan Ming , Zhu Xinjian , Huang Wenhui , Chao Jie , Zhou Rongbin , Hu Gang , Yao Honghong
Published: October 2016

MicroRNA-143 (miR-143) plays a critical role in various cellular processes; however, the role of miR-143 in the maintenance of blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity remains poorly defined. Silencing miR-143 in a genetic animal model or via an anti-miR-143 lentivirus prevented the BBB damage induced by methamphetamine. miR-143, which targets p53 unregulated modulator of apoptosis (PUMA), increased the permeability of human brain endothelial cells and concomitantly decreased the expression of tight junction proteins (TJPs). Silencing miR-143 increased the expression of TJPs and protected the BBB integrity against the effects of methamphetamine treatment. PUMA overexpression increased the TJP expression through a mechanism that involved the NF-κB and p53 transcription factor pathways. Mechanistically, methamphetamine mediated up-regulation of miR-143 via sigma-1 receptor with sequential activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and phosphatidylinositol-3′ kinase (PI3K)/Akt and STAT3 pathways. These results indicated that silencing miR-143 could provide a novel therapeutic strategy for BBB damage-related vascular dysfunction.
Oxytocin modulates GABAAR subunits to confer neuroprotection in stroke in vitro
Authors: Kaneko Yuji , Pappas Colleen , Tajiri Naoki , Borlongan Cesar V.
Published: October 2016

Oxytocin protects against ischemia-induced inflammation and oxidative stress, and is associated with GABA (γ-aminobutyric acid, an inhibitory neurotransmitter) signaling transduction in neurons. However, the molecular mechanism by which oxytocin affords neuroprotection, especially the interaction between oxytocin receptor and GABAA receptor (GABAAR), remains to be elucidated. Primary rat neural cells were exposed to oxytocin before induction of experimental acute stroke model via oxygen-glucose deprivation-reperfusion (OGD/R) injury. Pretreatment with oxytocin increased cell viability, decreased the cell damage against oxidative stress, and prevented the release of high mobility group box1 during OGD/R. However, introduction of oxytocin during OGD/R did not induce neuroprotection. Although oxytocin did not affect the glutathione-related cellular metabolism before OGD, oxytocin modulated the expression levels of GABAAR subunits, which function to remove excessive neuronal excitability via chloride ion influx. Oxytocin-pretreated cells significantly increased the chloride ion influx in response to GABA and THIP (δ-GABAAR specific agonist). This study provides evidence that oxytocin regulated GABAAR subunits in affording neuroprotection against OGD/R injury.
Molecular dynamics simulation of nanoindentation on Cu/Ni nanotwinned multilayer films using a spherical indenter
Authors: Fu Tao , Peng Xianghe , Chen Xiang , Weng Shayuan , Hu Ning , Li Qibin , Wang Zhongchang
Published: October 2016

We performed molecular dynamics simulation of nanoindentation on Cu/Ni nanotwinned multilayer films using a spherical indenter, aimed to investigate the effects of hetero-twin interface and twin thickness on hardness. We found that both twinning partial slip (TPS) and partial slip parallel with twin boundary (PSPTB) can reduce hardness and therefore should not be ignored when evaluating mechanical properties at nanoscale. There is a critical range of twin thickness λ (~25 Å < λ < ~31 Å), in which hardness of the multilayer films is maximized. At a smaller λ, TPSs appear due to the reaction between partial dislocations and twin boundary accounts for the softening-dominated mechanism. We also found that the combination of the lowered strengthening due to confined layer slips and the softening due to TPSs and PSPTBs results in lower hardness at a larger λ.
Nondestructive Detection and Quantification of Blueberry Bruising using Near-infrared (NIR) Hyperspectral Reflectance Imaging
Authors: Jiang Yu , Li Changying , Takeda Fumiomi
Published: October 2016

Currently, blueberry bruising is evaluated by either human visual/tactile inspection or firmness measurement instruments. These methods are destructive, time-consuming, and subjective. The goal of this paper was to develop a non-destructive approach for blueberry bruising detection and quantification. Experiments were conducted on 300 samples of southern highbush blueberry (Camellia, Rebel, and Star) and on 1500 samples of northern highbush blueberry (Bluecrop, Jersey, and Liberty) for hyperspectral imaging analysis, firmness measurement, and human evaluation. An algorithm was developed to automatically calculate a bruise ratio index (ratio of bruised to whole fruit area) for bruise quantification. The spectra of bruised and healthy tissues were statistically separated and the separation was independent of cultivars. Support vector machine (SVM) classification of the spectra from the regions of interest (ROIs) achieved over 94%, 92%, and 96% accuracy on the training set, independent testing set, and combined set, respectively. The statistical results showed that the bruise ratio index was equivalent to the measured firmness but better than the predicted firmness in regard to effectiveness of bruise quantification, and the bruise ratio index had a strong correlation with human assessment (R2 = 0.78 − 0.83). Therefore, the proposed approach and the bruise ratio index are effective to non-destructively detect and quantify blueberry bruising.
Erratum: A suppressor locus for MODY3-diabetes
Authors: Garcia-Gonzalez Miguel A. , Carette Claire , Bagattin Alessia , Chiral Magali , Makinistoglu Munevver Parla , Garbay Serge , Prévost Géraldine , Madaras Cécile , Hérault Yann , Leibovici Michel , Pontoglio Marco
Published: October 2016

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 33087; published online: 26 September 2016; updated: 21 October 2016
miR-200 family controls late steps of postnatal forebrain neurogenesis via Zeb2 inhibition
Authors: Beclin Christophe , Follert Philipp , Stappers Elke , Barral Serena , Coré Nathalie , de Chevigny Antoine , Magnone Virginie , Lebrigand Kévin , Bissels Ute , Huylebroeck Danny , Bosio Andreas , Barbry Pascal , Seuntjens Eve , Cremer Harold
Published: October 2016

During neurogenesis, generation, migration and integration of the correct numbers of each neuron sub-type depends on complex molecular interactions in space and time. MicroRNAs represent a key control level allowing the flexibility and stability needed for this process. Insight into the role of this regulatory pathway in the brain is still limited. We performed a sequential experimental approach using postnatal olfactory bulb neurogenesis in mice, starting from global expression analyses to the investigation of functional interactions between defined microRNAs and their targets. Deep sequencing of small RNAs extracted from defined compartments of the postnatal neurogenic system demonstrated that the miR-200 family is specifically induced during late neuronal differentiation stages. Using in vivo strategies we interfered with the entire miR-200 family in loss- and gain-of-function settings, showing a role of miR-200 in neuronal maturation. This function is mediated by targeting the transcription factor Zeb2. Interestingly, so far functional interaction between miR-200 and Zeb2 has been exclusively reported in cancer or cultured stem cells. Our data demonstrate that this regulatory interaction is also active during normal neurogenesis.
In-situ growth of superconducting SmO1−xFxFeAs thin films by pulsed laser deposition
Authors: Haindl Silvia , Hanzawa Kota , Sato Hikaru , Hiramatsu Hidenori , Hosono Hideo
Published: October 2016

Oxypnictide thin film growth by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) is one of many insufficiently resolved issues in the research of iron-based superconductors. Here we report on the successful realization of superconducting SmO1−xFxFeAs oxypnictide thin film growth by in-situ PLD on CaF2 (fluorite) substrates. CaF2 acts as fluorine supplier by diffusion and thus enables superconducting oxypnictide thin film growth by PLD. Films are grown heteroepitaxially and characteristically have a broad resistive normal-to-superconducting transition. Best films have onset transition temperatures around 40 K. The proposed in-situ PLD film growth offers an alternative and cheap route for the fabrication of iron oxypnictides. PLD becomes now an additional option for iron oxypnictide synthesis.
The first complete mitochondrial genome for the subfamily Limacodidae and implications for the higher phylogeny of Lepidoptera
Authors: Liu Qiu-Ning , Xin Zhao-Zhe , Bian Dan-Dan , Chai Xin-Yue , Zhou Chun-Lin , Tang Bo-Ping
Published: October 2016

The mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) provides important information for understanding molecular evolution and phylogeny. To determine the systematic status of the family Limacodidae within Lepidoptera, we infer a phylogenetic hypothesis based on the complete mitogenome ofMonema flavescens(Lepidoptera: Limacodidae). The mitogenome ofM. flavescensis 15,396 base pairs (bp), and includes 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), two ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes, 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, and a control region (CR). The AT skew of this mitogenome is slightly negative and the nucleotide composition is also biased towards A + T nucleotides (80.5%). All PCGs are initiated by ATN codons, except for the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene, which is initiated by CGA. All tRNAs display the typical clover-leaf structure characteristic of mitochondrial tRNAs, with the exception oftrnS1(AGN). The mitogenome CR is 401 bp and consists of several features common to Lepidoptera. Phylogenetic analysis using Bayesian Inference (BI) and Maximum Likelihood (ML) based on nucleotide and amino acid sequences of 13 mitochondrial PCGs indicates thatM. flavescensbelongs to Zygaenoidea. We obtain a well-supported phylogenetic tree consisting of Yponomeutoidea + (Tortricoidea + Zygaenoidea + (Papilionoidea + (Pyraloidea + (Noctuoidea + (Geometroidea + Bombycoidea))))).
A multimodality imaging model to track viable breast cancer cells from single arrest to metastasis in the mouse brain
Authors: Parkins Katie M. , Hamilton Amanda M. , Makela Ashley V. , Chen Yuanxin , Foster Paula J. , Ronald John A.
Published: October 2016

Cellular MRI involves sensitive visualization of iron-labeled cells in vivo but cannot differentiate between dead and viable cells. Bioluminescence imaging (BLI) measures cellular viability, and thus we explored combining these tools to provide a more holistic view of metastatic cancer cell fate in mice. Human breast carcinoma cells stably expressing Firefly luciferase were loaded with iron particles, injected into the left ventricle, and BLI and MRI were performed on days 0, 8, 21 and 28. The number of brain MR signal voids (i.e., iron-loaded cells) on day 0 significantly correlated with BLI signal. Both BLI and MRI signals decreased from day 0 to day 8, indicating a loss of viable cells rather than a loss of iron label. Total brain MR tumour volume on day 28 also correlated with BLI signal. Overall, BLI complemented our sensitive cellular MRI technologies well, allowing us for the first time to screen animals for successful injections, and, in addition to MR measures of cell arrest and tumor burden, provided longitudinal measures of cancer cell viability in individual animals. We predict this novel multimodality molecular imaging framework will be useful for evaluating the efficacy of emerging anti-cancer drugs at different stages of the metastatic cascade.
PM10 Source Apportionment in Five North Western European Cities—Outcome of the Joaquin Project
Authors: Mooibroek Dennis , Staelens Jeroen , Cordell Rebecca , Panteliadis Pavlos , Delaunay Tiphaine , Weijers Ernie , Vercauteren Jordy , Hoogerbrugge Ronald , Dijkema Marieke , Monks Paul S. , Roekens Edward
Published: October 2016

The aim of this study was to identify and quantify sources contributing to particulate matter (PM10) at four urban background sites and an industrial site in North West Europe using a harmonized approach for aerosol sampling, laboratory analyses and statistical data processing. Filter samples collected every 6th day from April 2013 to May 2014 were analysed for metals, monosaccharide anhydrides, elemental and organic carbon, water-soluble ions and oxidative potential. The receptor-oriented model EPA-PMF 5.0.14 was used to carry out a source apportionment using the pooled data of all sites. A solution with 13 factor profiles was found which could be aggregated into eight groups: secondary aerosol; furnace slacks, road wear and construction; sea spray; mineral dust; biomass burning; industrial activities; traffic emissions and brake wear; and residual oil combustion. The largest part of PM10 (40–48%) was explained by nitrate-rich and sulphate-rich secondary aerosol, followed by (aged) sea spray (11–21%). Clear traffic and biomass burning profiles were also found. Conditional probability function plots were used to indicate the likely directions of the sources, while air mass back-trajectories were analysed using the HYSPLIT model. A better understanding of the composition and sources of particulate matter can facilitate the development of health-relevant air quality policies.
A novel method to predict protein aggregations using two-dimensional native protein microfluidic chip electrophoresis
Authors: Yu Shiyong , Xu Jiandong , Huang Kunjie , Chen Juan , Duan Jinyan , Xu Yuanqing , Qing Hong , Geng Lina , Deng Yulin
Published: October 2016

A microfluidic chip native protein electrophoresis was established to predict protein aggregation.
Colorimetric and ratiometric fluorescent probe for hydrogen sulfide using a coumarin–pyronine FRET dyad with a large emission shift
Authors: He Longwei , Yang Xueling , Liu Yong , Weiying Lin Weiying Lin
Published: October 2016

A ratiometric fluorescent probe for hydrogen sulfide based on a coumarin–pyronine FRET dyad with a large emission shift and high energy-transfer efficiency was engineered for bio-applications.
Characterisation of isothiocyanic acid, HNCS, in the solid state: trapped by hydrogen bonding
Authors: Nuzzo Stefano , Twamley Brendan , Platts James A. , Baker Robert J.
Published: October 2016

The structural characterisation of [Ph4P][NCS]·HNCS is reported and structurally characterised. DFT calculations and spectroscopy show a strong hydrogen bond (image courtesy of ESO).
A miniature origami biofuel cell based on a consumed cathode
Authors: Yu You , Han Yujie , Lou Baohua , Zhang Lingling , Han Lei , Dong Shaojun
Published: October 2016

A miniature origami BFC has been fabricated from a MnO2–graphite flake consumed solid-state cathode.
Synchronous exfoliation and assembly of graphene on 3D Ni(OH)2 for supercapacitors
Authors: Ma Liguo , Zheng Maojun , Liu Shaohua , Li Qiang , You Yuxiu , Wang Faze , Ma Li , Shen Wenzhong
Published: October 2016

We present a facile strategy to synchronously exfoliate graphite and assemble high-quality graphene on 3D Ni(OH)2 surfaces. When serving as electrode materials for supercapacitors, the resulting 3D Ni(OH)2/graphene composites exhibited excellent specific capacitance, remarkable rate capability and super-long cycle life.
Highlights from Faraday Discussion on Nanoparticles with Morphological and Functional Anisotropy, Glasgow, UK, July 2015
Authors: Abécassis Benjamin , Buzza D. Martin A. , Song Qijun
Published: October 2016

On July the 4th 2016, around 120 delegates from all around the world reunited at the technology and innovation centre of the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow to attend the Faraday Discussions meeting on Nanoparticles with Morphological and Functional Anisotropy.
Carbonate based ionic liquid synthesis (CBILS®): thermodynamic analysis
Authors: Kalb Roland S. , Stepurko Elena N. , Emel'yanenko Vladimir N. , Verevkin Sergey P.
Published: October 2016

Devolvement and experimental verification of a new quantum-chemical calculation method for the prediction of Carbonate Based Ionic liquid Synthesis (CBILS®) reactions.
Vibrational spectroscopy as a direct stereochemical probe for polyhydroxylated molecules
Authors: Passareli F. , Batista A. N. L. , Cavalheiro A. J. , Herrebout W. A. , Batista Junior J. M.
Published: October 2016

Relative and absolute configurations of polyhydroxylated molecules via acetonide derivatives: the power of IR and VCD.
Zebrafish as an in vivo model for sustainable chemical design
Authors: Noyes Pamela D. , Garcia Gloria R. , Tanguay Robert L.
Published: October 2016

Heightened public awareness about the many thousands of chemicals in use and present as persistent contaminants in the environment has increased the demand for safer chemicals and more rigorous toxicity testing.
Biocatalytic access to nonracemic γ-oxo esters via stereoselective reduction using ene-reductases
Authors: Turrini Nikolaus G. , Cioc Răzvan C. , van der Niet Daan J. H. , Ruijter Eelco , Orru Romano V. A. , Hall Mélanie , Faber Kurt
Published: October 2016

α,β-Unsaturated γ-keto esters were asymmetrically reduced by ene-reductases to yield versatile chiral intermediates in up to 99% ee.
A centrifugal microfluidic device with integrated gold leaf electrodes for the electrophoretic separation of DNA
Authors: Thompson Brandon L. , Birch Christopher , Nelson Daniel A. , Li Jingyi , DuVall Jacquelyn A. , Le Roux Delphine , Tsuei An-Chi , Mills Daniel L. , Root Brian E. , Landers James P.
Published: October 2016

A centrifugal microdevice with integrated gold leaf electrodes capable of high resolution electrophoretic separation of DNA fragments.
Don't fear the CRISPR
Authors: Lowe Derek
Published: October 2016

Does simple gene-editing mean the end of traditional medicinal chemistry? Probably not.
Correction: Design and microwave assisted synthesis of novel 2-phenyl/2-phenylethynyl-3-aroyl thiophenes as potent antiproliferative agents
Authors: Gill Rupinder Kaur , Kaur Ramandeep , Kumar Virender , Gupta Vivek , Singh Gagandeep , Bariwal Jitender
Published: October 2016

Correction for ‘Design and microwave assisted synthesis of novel 2-phenyl/2-phenylethynyl-3-aroyl thiophenes as potent antiproliferative agents’ by Rupinder Kaur Gill et al., Med. Chem. Commun., 2016, 7, 1966–1972.
Surface proteomics on nanoparticles: a step to simplify the rapid prototyping of nanoparticles
Authors: Kuruvilla J. , Farinha A. P. , Bayat N. , Cristobal S.
Published: October 2016

Engineered nanoparticles for biomedical applications require increasing effectiveness in targeting specific cells while preserving non-target cells safety.
Recent advances in rhodium-catalyzed asymmetric synthesis of heterocycles
Authors: Chen Wen-Wen , Xu Ming-Hua
Published: October 2016

This review covers the recent impressive progress and advances in the asymmetric construction of diverse enantioenriched heterocyclic frameworks under rhodium catalysis.
Efficient dual acidic carbo-catalyst for one-pot conversion of carbohydrates to levulinic acid
Authors: Gupta Dinesh , Kundu Sabuj , Saha Basudeb
Published: October 2016

Developed carbo-catalyst for one-pot conversion of sugars to levulinic acid which is an important intermediate for high value renewable bioproducts.
Graphene oxide-based polyethersulfone core–shell particles for dye uptake
Authors: Zhou Jukai , Chen Shengqiu , Xu Sheng , Zhang Xiang , Zhao Weifeng , Zhao Changsheng
Published: October 2016

Graphene oxide (GO), a graphene nanomaterial with great application potential, possesses promising adsorption abilities towards various water contaminants due to the ultra-large surface area and the nature of electric charge on the surface.
Phenylsulfonic acid functionalized carbon quantum dots based biosensor for acetylcholinesterase activity monitoring and inhibitor screening
Authors: Zhou Fengqi , Feng Hui , Fang Yafen , Sun Qian , Qian Zhaosheng
Published: October 2016

Phenylsulfonic acid functionalized carbon quantum dots (PSA-CQDs) were prepared and used to construct a convenient and reliable fluorometric biosensor for acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and inhibitor screening.
Enhanced up-conversion luminescence from NaYF4:Yb,Er nanocrystals by Gd3+ ions induced phase transformation and plasmonic Au nanosphere arrays
Authors: Wu Yangqing , Lin Shaobing , Shao Wenyi , Zhang Xiaowei , Xu Jun , Yu Linwei , Chen Kunji
Published: October 2016

NaYF4:Yb,Er nanocrystals with different concentrations of Gd3+ ions are prepared via a hydrothermal method.
Hybrid microcapsules with tunable properties via Pickering emulsion templates for the encapsulation of bioactive volatiles
Authors: Wu Yongtao , Shen Jiajun , Larcinese-Hafner Valeria , Erni Philipp , Ouali Lahoussine
Published: October 2016

Hybrid microcapsules with tunable properties and low permeability were fabricated via Pickering emulsion templates for the encapsulation of bioactive volatiles.
Confined synthesis of three-dimensionally ordered arrays of multilamellar silica nanoparticles as a gold catalyst support
Authors: Zhou Shujun , Yao Xinlei , Fan Tongxiang
Published: October 2016

Three-dimensional arrays of multilamellar silica nanoparticles are prepared through confined synthesis and enhance the catalytic activity of supported gold.