bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“A Hindu is white although he is black”: Hindu Alterity and the Performativity of Religion and Race between the United States and the Caribbean
Authors: Rocklin Alexander
Published: January 2016

This essay uses the controversies surrounding the enigmatic Ismet Ali, a yogi working in Chicago and New York in the 1920s, to illuminate the complexities of how the performativity of religion and race are interrelated. I examine several moments in which Ali's “authenticity” as Indian is brought into doubt to open up larger questions regarding the global flows of colonial knowledge, racial tropes, and groups of people between India, the United States, and the Caribbean. I explore the ways in which, in the early twentieth-century United States, East Indian “authenticity” only became legible via identificatory practices that engaged with and adapted orientalized stereotypes. The practices of the yogi persona and its sartorial stylings meant to signify “East Indianness” in the United States, particularly the donning of a turban and beard, were one mode through which both South Asian and African Americans repurposed “Hindoo” stereotypes as models for self-formation. By taking on “Hindoo” identities, peoples of color could circumvent the U.S. black/white racial binary and the violence of Jim Crow. This act of racial passing was also an act of religious passing. However, the ways in which identities had to and could be performed changed with context as individuals moved across national and colonial boundaries.
An acoustic analysis of the vowels of Hawai‘i English
Authors: Kirtley M. Joelle , Grama James , Drager Katie , Simpson Sean
Published: January 2016

This paper provides an acoustic phonetic description of Hawai‘i English vowels. The data comprise wordlist tokens produced by twenty-three speakers (twelve males and eleven females) and spontaneous speech tokens produced by ten of those speakers. Analysis of these vowel tokens shows that while there are similarities between Hawai‘i English and other dialects, the particular combination of vowel realizations in Hawai‘i English is unique to this dialect. Additionally, there are characteristics of the Hawai‘i English vowel system that are not found in other English dialects. These findings suggest that Hawai‘i English is a unique regional variety that warrants further description.
Activity, Process, Continuant, Substance, Organism
Authors: Wiggins David
Published: January 2016

This paper is a response to the suggestion that processes provide a better framework for interpreting science, biological science especially, than do substances. The philosopher of substance is ill-prepared, it has been suggested, for the question ‘how a combination of processes can maintain the appearance of stability and persistence in an entity that is fundamentally only a temporary eddy in a flux of change’. In response, I defend a plural ontology of process, activity, event and continuant, and show how a sortalist philosophy of substance that makes Hilary Putnam's distinction of ‘realism’ from ‘metaphysical realism’ can treat disputed questions concerning the identity and individuation of colonial siphonophores, slime moulds and plant-colonies.
La disparition d’un marqueur discursif: le cas de n’est-ce pas
Authors: COMBETTES BERNARD
Published: January 2016

L’expression n’est-ce pas? peut être analysée, dans la majorité de ses emplois, comme un ‘mot du discours’ qui fonctionne en tant que ‘marqueur d’appel à l’écoute’. Cette contribution vise à déterminer les raisons qui ont pu conduire à la diminution quantitative relativement rapide de ce marqueur, encore abondamment utilisé dans la première moitié du XXe siècle. Une étude sur corpus, prenant en compte les divers contextes d’emploi de n’est-ce pas, permet de situer dans la décennie 1955–1965 le début du déclin de la locution, que nous expliquons au moyen de ses valeurs pragmatiques et de ses caractéristiques morphosyntaxiques.
Separation of Craniopagus Twins
Authors: JOHNSON REUBEN , WEIR PHILIP
Published: January 2016

Separation of craniopagus twins is fraught by ethical issues. The surgery is high risk and may involve the sacrifice of one twin. We review surgical successes in separation of craniopagus twins and consider ethical and legal concepts affecting the decision to undertake such procedures. Our discussion considers how Gillett’s potentiality principle and the concept of moral permissibility may be used to arrive at fair and realistic decisions.
Growth Attenuation Therapy
Authors: KERRUISH NIKKI
Published: January 2016

The “Ashley treatment” has provoked much debate and remains ethically controversial. Given that more children are being referred for such treatment, there remains a need to provide advice to clinicians and ethics committees regarding how to respond to such requests. This article contends that there is one particularly important gap in the existing literature about growth attenuation therapy (GAT) (one aspect of the Ashley treatment): the views of parents of children with profound cognitive impairment (PCI) remain significantly underrepresented. The article attempts to redress this balance by analyzing published accounts both from parents of children who have received GAT and from parents who oppose treatment. Using these accounts, important points are illuminated regarding how parents characterize benefits and harms, and their responsibilities as surrogate decisionmakers. This analysis could contribute to decisionmaking about future requests for GAT and might also have wider relevance to healthcare decisionmaking for children with PCI.
Parents of Adults with Diminished Self-Governance
Authors: DESANTE JENNIFER , DEGRAZIA DAVID , DANIS MARION
Published: January 2016

Most theories of parenthood assume, at least implicitly, that a child will grow up to be an independent, autonomous adult. However, some children with cognitive limitations or psychiatric illness are unable to do so. For this reason, these accounts do not accommodate the circumstances and responsibilities of parents of such adult children. Our article attempts to correct this deficiency. In particular, we describe some of the common characteristics and experiences of this population of parents and children, examine the unique aspects of their relationships, review several philosophical accounts of parental obligations, consider how these accounts might be extrapolated to semiautonomous adult children, and provide suggestions about parental obligations to promote autonomy and independence in adult children with cognitive limitations or psychiatric illness. In extending accounts of parental responsibilities to the case of semiautonomous adults, we find that the parental role includes the duty to continue to provide care—indefinitely if necessary—while cultivating autonomy and independence.
Minimum Degrees and Codegrees of Ramsey-Minimal 3-Uniform Hypergraphs
Authors: CLEMENS DENNIS , PERSON YURY
Published: January 2016

A uniform hypergraphHis calledk-Ramseyfor a hypergraphFif, no matter how one colours the edges ofHwithkcolours, there is always a monochromatic copy ofF. We say thatHisk-Ramsey-minimal for FifHisk-Ramsey forFbut every proper subhypergraph ofHis not. Burr, Erdős and Lovasz studied various parameters of Ramsey-minimal graphs. In this paper we initiate the study of minimum degrees and codegrees of Ramsey-minimal 3-uniform hypergraphs. We show that the smallest minimum vertex degree over allk-Ramsey-minimal 3-uniform hypergraphs forKt(3)is exponential in some polynomial inkandt. We also study the smallest possible minimum codegree over 2-Ramsey-minimal 3-uniform hypergraphs.
Predictors of Hypertension in Survivors of the Great East Japan Earthquake, 2011: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Tanaka Reiichiro , Okawa Motohisa , Ujike Yoshihito
Published: January 2016

Introduction

Many survivors of a major disaster die shortly after the event. Hypertension (HT) is one of the most important risk factors for these disaster-related diseases. An urgent need exists to establish methods to detect disaster survivors with HT and start medication immediately, as those with no injuries or symptoms may not be examined and medical teams cannot measure all survivors’ blood pressure (BP) because they often do not have sufficient time.

Objective

The goals of this report were: (1) to evaluate the importance of taking antihypertensive drugs continuously for patients with HT during the sub-acute phase after a major earthquake, when patients cannot attend a clinic because of destruction of the local infrastructure; and (2) to establish simple and reliable predictors to detect evacuees with HT, who require clinical examination and treatment at evacuation shelters or in their homes after a major earthquake.

Methods

Medical rounds were performed at evacuation shelters in Iwate Prefecture after the Great East Japan Earthquake. Forty evacuees were enrolled in a cross-sectional study. The effect of taking antihypertensive drugs continuously was evaluated and predictors of HT in evacuees were identified using multiple logistic regression analysis.

Results

Twenty-eight evacuees were hypertensive (70%), nine of whom were asymptomatic (32%). Most evacuees who had discontinued antihypertensive medication (92%; 11/12) had very high BP, while those who had continued antihypertensive medication (80%; 8/10) were mildly hypertensive. The systolic BP of those who had discontinued antihypertensive drugs was significantly higher than that of those who had continued hypertensive drugs in the whole cohort (n=40), and also in evacuees diagnosed as having HT at evacuation shelters (n=28; P<.01 for both comparisons). A history of HT (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 11.40; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03-126.08) or age >55 years (aOR, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.01-1.21) predicted HT with a sensitivity of 0.96 and specificity of 0.80.

Conclusions

The results of this study suggest that continuity of antihypertensive medication prevents serious HT at evacuation shelters in the first 10 days after a major earthquake. Onsite medical rounds focusing on simple predictors in an early stage after disasters may be an effective means of detecting and treating hypertensive disaster victims before they succumb to a fatal disease.

TanakaR, OkawaM, UjikeY. Predictors of hypertension in survivors of the Great East Japan Earthquake, 2011: a cross-sectional study. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2016;31(1):17–26.
Two Faces of the “Relational Turn”
Authors: Selg Peeter
Published: January 2016

In the previous decade, the literature on “relational approach” has burgeoned in the social sciences. Recently, a “relational turn” in political science was called for in a symposium in this journal (McClurg and Young, 2011). The participants perceived a promising path for such a “turn” by introducing social network analysis (SNA) into political science. This call is informed by a conviction that the central concept of political science— that is, power—isrelational. Considering this viewpoint, this article argues that there are two different understandings of the connection between the qualifier “relational” and the concept of power, referred to as the “Anglo-American” and the “Continental” perspectives. I contend that symposium participants conceived of the connection from only the Anglo-American perspective and that the Continental understanding would add extra value for political science.
Tools to do the job: The ICRC's legal status, privileges and immunities
Authors: Debuf Els
Published: January 2016

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) enjoys a specific legal status and specific privileges and immunities under both international and domestic law. They enable the ICRC to effectively carry out its mandate, and to do so in full conformity with its Fundamental Principles and standard working modalities. This article clarifies the ICRC's particular legal status and explains the rationale, scope and legal sources of its privileges and immunities.
Manchmal muss man einen Zahn zulegen
Authors: Apicella Lysann , Cassis Paola Rodoni , Balestra Brenno
Published: January 2016

Zusammenfassung. Wir berichten über einen 80-jährigen Patienten, der einen oberen Molar wegen Gesichtsscherzen entfernt hatte und im Verlauf eine Sinusitis maxillaris bei einem ektopischen Zahn entwickelte. Als Fieber und Nackenschmerzen auftraten, wurde eine eitrige Meningitis vermutet. Der unauffällige Liquor und der Nachweis im CT von typischen Verkalkungen um den Dens axis führten endlich zur korrekten Diagnose eines «Crowned Dens»-Syndroms.
Drones in a Cold Climate
Authors: Williams Guy , Fraser Alexander , Lucieer Arko , Turner Darren , Cougnon Eva , Kimball Peter , Toyota Takenobu , Maksym Ted , Singh Hanumant , Nitsche Frank , Paget Matt
Published: January 2016

As climate change reshapes the Earth's polar regions, scientists turn to drone-mounted cameras to measure sea ice. One expedition found out that flying drones near Antarctica isn't easy.
Pervasive selection for and against antibiotic resistance in inhomogeneous multistress environments
Authors: Chait Remy , Palmer Adam C. , Yelin Idan , Kishony Roy
Published: January 2016

Antibiotic-sensitive and -resistant bacteria coexist in natural environments with low, if detectable, antibiotic concentrations. Except possibly around localized antibiotic sources, where resistance can provide a strong advantage, bacterial fitness is dominated by stresses unaffected by resistance to the antibiotic. How do such mixed and heterogeneous conditions influence the selective advantage or disadvantage of antibiotic resistance? Here we find that sub-inhibitory levels of tetracyclines potentiate selection for or against tetracycline resistance around localized sources of almost any toxin or stress. Furthermore, certain stresses generate alternating rings of selection for and against resistance around a localized source of the antibiotic. In these conditions, localized antibiotic sources, even at high strengths, can actually produce a net selection against resistance to the antibiotic. Our results show that interactions between the effects of an antibiotic and other stresses in inhomogeneous environments can generate pervasive, complex patterns of selection both for and against antibiotic resistance.
A vacuolar iron-transporter homologue acts as a detoxifier in Plasmodium
Authors: Slavic Ksenija , Krishna Sanjeev , Lahree Aparajita , Bouyer Guillaume , Hanson Kirsten K. , Vera Iset , Pittman Jon K. , Staines Henry M. , Mota Maria M.
Published: January 2016

Iron is an essential micronutrient but is also highly toxic. In yeast and plant cells, a key detoxifying mechanism involves iron sequestration into intracellular storage compartments, mediated by members of the vacuolar iron-transporter (VIT) family of proteins. Here we study the VIT homologue from the malaria parasites Plasmodium falciparum (PfVIT) and Plasmodium berghei (PbVIT). PfVIT-mediated iron transport in a yeast heterologous expression system is saturable (Km∼14.7 μM), and selective for Fe2+ over other divalent cations. PbVIT-deficient P. berghei lines (Pbvit−) show a reduction in parasite load in both liver and blood stages of infection in mice. Moreover, Pbvit− parasites have higher levels of labile iron in blood stages and are more sensitive to increased iron levels in liver stages, when compared with wild-type parasites. Our data are consistent with Plasmodium VITs playing a major role in iron detoxification and, thus, normal development of malaria parasites in their mammalian host.
Conversion of graded phosphorylation into switch-like nuclear translocation via autoregulatory mechanisms in ERK signalling
Authors: Shindo Yuki , Iwamoto Kazunari , Mouri Kazunari , Hibino Kayo , Tomita Masaru , Kosako Hidetaka , Sako Yasushi , Takahashi Koichi
Published: January 2016

The phosphorylation cascade in the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway is a versatile reaction network motif that can potentially act as a switch, oscillator or memory. Nevertheless, there is accumulating evidence that the phosphorylation response is mostly linear to extracellular signals in mammalian cells. Here we find that subsequent nuclear translocation gives rise to a switch-like increase in nuclear ERK concentration in response to signal input. The switch-like response disappears in the presence of ERK inhibitor, suggesting the existence of autoregulatory mechanisms for ERK nuclear translocation involved in conversion from a graded to a switch-like response. In vitro reconstruction of ERK nuclear translocation indicates that ERK-mediated phosphorylation of nucleoporins regulates ERK translocation. A mathematical model and knockdown experiments suggest a contribution of nucleoporins to regulation of the ERK nuclear translocation response. Taken together, this study provides evidence that nuclear translocation with autoregulatory mechanisms acts as a switch in ERK signalling.
Correction: Corrigendum: Light exposure before learning improves memory consolidation at night
Authors: Shan Li-Li , Guo Hao , Song Ning-Ning , Jia Zheng-Ping , Hu Xin-Tian , Huang Jing-Fei , Ding Yu-Qiang , Richter-Levin Gal , Zhou Qi-Xin , Xu Lin
Published: January 2016

Light is recently recognized as a modulator able to activate the hippocampus and modulate memory processing, but little is known about the molecular mechanisms. Here, we report that in mice, a short pulse of white light before learning dramatically improves consolidation of contextual fear memory during the night. The light exposure increases hippocampal active p21-activated kinase 1 (PAK1) and CA1 long-term potentiation (LTP). These light effects are abolished in PAK1 knockout and dominant-negative transgenic mice, but preserved by expression of constitutively active PAK1 in the hippocampus. Our results indicate that light can act as a switch of PAK1 activity that modulate CA1 LTP and thereby memory consolidation without affecting learning and short-term memory.
Selenium Exposure and Cancer Risk: an Updated Meta-analysis and Meta-regression
Authors: Cai Xianlei , Wang Chen , Yu Wanqi , Fan Wenjie , Wang Shan , Shen Ning , Wu Pengcheng , Li Xiuyang , Wang Fudi
Published: January 2016

The objective of this study was to investigate the associations between selenium exposure and cancer risk. We identified 69 studies and applied meta-analysis, meta-regression and dose-response analysis to obtain available evidence. The results indicated that high selenium exposure had a protective effect on cancer risk (pooled OR = 0.78; 95%CI: 0.73–0.83). The results of linear and nonlinear dose-response analysis indicated that high serum/plasma selenium and toenail selenium had the efficacy on cancer prevention. However, we did not find a protective efficacy of selenium supplement. High selenium exposure may have different effects on specific types of cancer. It decreased the risk of breast cancer, lung cancer, esophageal cancer, gastric cancer and prostate cancer, but it was not associated with colorectal cancer, bladder cancer and skin cancer.
Why I tense up when you watch me: Inferior parietal cortex mediates an audience’s influence on motor performance
Authors: Yoshie Michiko , Nagai Yoko , Critchley Hugo D. , Harrison Neil A.
Published: January 2016

The presence of an evaluative audience can alter skilled motor performance through changes in force output. To investigate how this is mediated within the brain, we emulated real-time social monitoring of participants’ performance of a fine grip task during functional magnetic resonance neuroimaging. We observed an increase in force output during social evaluation that was accompanied by focal reductions in activity within bilateral inferior parietal cortex. Moreover, deactivation of the left inferior parietal cortex predicted both inter- and intra-individual differences in socially-induced change in grip force. Social evaluation also enhanced activation within the posterior superior temporal sulcus, which conveys visual information about others’ actions to the inferior parietal cortex. Interestingly, functional connectivity between these two regions was attenuated by social evaluation. Our data suggest that social evaluation can vary force output through the altered engagement of inferior parietal cortex; a region implicated in sensorimotor integration necessary for object manipulation and a component of the action-observation network which integrates and facilitates performance of observed actions. Social-evaluative situations may induce high-level representational incoherence between one’s own intentioned action and the perceived intention of others which, by uncoupling the dynamics of sensorimotor facilitation, could ultimately perturbe motor output.
Heterologously-expressed and Liposome-reconstituted Human Transient Receptor Potential Melastatin 4 Channel (TRPM4) is a Functional Tetramer
Authors: Constantine Maryrose , Liew Chu Kong , Lo Victor , Macmillan Alex , Cranfield Charles G. , Sunde Margaret , Whan Renee , Graham Robert M. , Martinac Boris
Published: January 2016

Mutation, irregular expression and sustained activation of the Transient Receptor Potential Channel, type Melastatin 4 (TRPM4), have been linked to various cardiovascular diseases. However, much remains unknown about the structure of this important ion channel. Here, we have purified a heterologously expressed TRPM4-eGFP fusion protein and investigated the oligomeric state of TRPM4-eGFP in detergent micelles using crosslinking, native gel electrophoresis, multi-angle laser light scattering and electron microscopy. Our data indicate that TRPM4 is tetrameric, like other TRP channels studied to date. Furthermore, the functionality of liposome reconstituted TRPM4-eGFP was examined using electrophysiology. Single-channel recordings from TRPM4-eGFP proteoliposomes showed inhibition of the channel using Flufenamic acid, a well-established inhibitor of TRPM4, suggesting that the channels are functional upon reconstitution. Our characterisation of the oligomeric structure of TRPM4 and the ability to reconstitute functional channels in liposomes should facilitate future studies into the structure, function and pharmacology of this therapeutically relevant channel.
Correction: Corrigendum: Human rather than ape-like orbital morphology allows much greater lateral visual field expansion with eye abduction
Authors: Denion Eric , Hitier Martin , Levieil Eric , Mouriaux Frédéric
Published: January 2016

While convergent, the human orbit differs from that of non-human apes in that its lateral orbital margin is significantly more rearward. This rearward position does not obstruct the additional visual field gained through eye motion. This additional visual field is therefore considered to be wider in humans than in non-human apes. A mathematical model was designed to quantify this difference. The mathematical model is based on published computed tomography data in the human neuro-ocular plane (NOP) and on additional anatomical data from 100 human skulls and 120 non-human ape skulls (30 gibbons; 30 chimpanzees / bonobos; 30 orangutans; 30 gorillas). It is used to calculate temporal visual field eccentricity values in the NOP first in the primary position of gaze then for any eyeball rotation value in abduction up to 45° and any lateral orbital margin position between 85° and 115° relative to the sagittal plane. By varying the lateral orbital margin position, the human orbit can be made “non-human ape-like”. In the Pan-like orbit, the orbital margin position (98.7°) was closest to the human orbit (107.1°). This modest 8.4° difference resulted in a large 21.1° difference in maximum lateral visual field eccentricity with eyeball abduction (Pan-like: 115°; human: 136.1°).
Extracellular Tau Oligomers Produce An Immediate Impairment of LTP and Memory
Authors: Fá M. , Puzzo D. , Piacentini R. , Staniszewski A. , Zhang H. , Baltrons M. A. , Li Puma D. D. , Chatterjee I. , Li J. , Saeed F. , Berman H. L. , Ripoli C. , Gulisano W. , Gonzalez J. , Tian H. , Costa J. A. , Lopez P. , Davidowitz E. , Yu W. H. , Haroutunian V. , Brown L. M. , Palmeri A. , Sigurdsson E. M. , Duff K. E. , Teich A. F. , Honig L. S. , Sierks M. , Moe J. G. , D’Adamio L. , Grassi C. , Kanaan N. M. , Fraser P. E. , Arancio O.
Published: January 2016

Non-fibrillar soluble oligomeric forms of amyloid-β peptide (oAβ) and tau proteins are likely to play a major role in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The prevailing hypothesis on the disease etiopathogenesis is that oAβ initiates tau pathology that slowly spreads throughout the medial temporal cortex and neocortices independently of Aβ, eventually leading to memory loss. Here we show that a brief exposure to extracellular recombinant human tau oligomers (oTau), but not monomers, produces an impairment of long-term potentiation (LTP) and memory, independent of the presence of high oAβ levels. The impairment is immediate as it raises as soon as 20 min after exposure to the oligomers. These effects are reproduced either by oTau extracted from AD human specimens, or naturally produced in mice overexpressing human tau. Finally, we found that oTau could also act in combination with oAβ to produce these effects, as sub-toxic doses of the two peptides combined lead to LTP and memory impairment. These findings provide a novel view of the effects of tau and Aβ on memory loss, offering new therapeutic opportunities in the therapy of AD and other neurodegenerative diseases associated with Aβ and tau pathology.
Transcriptome assembly and expression profiling of molecular responses to cadmium toxicity in hepatopancreas of the freshwater crab Sinopotamon henanense
Authors: Sun Min , Ting Li Yi , Liu Yang , Chin Lee Shao , Wang Lan
Published: January 2016

Cadmium (Cd) pollution is a serious global problem, which causes irreversible toxic effects on animals. Freshwater crab, Sinopotamon henanense, is a useful environmental indicator since it is widely distributed in benthic habitats whereby it tends to accumulate Cd and other toxicants. However, its molecular responses to Cd toxicity remain unclear. In this study, we performed transcriptome sequencing and gene expression analyses of its hepatopancreas with and without Cd treatments. A total of 7.78 G clean reads were obtained from the pooled samples and 68,648 unigenes with an average size of 622 bp were assembled, in which 5,436 were metabolism-associated and 2,728 were stimulus response-associated that include 380 immunity-related unigenes. Expression profile analysis demonstrated that most genes involved in macromolecular metabolism, oxidative phosphorylation, detoxification and anti-oxidant defense were up-regulated by Cd exposure, whereas immunity-related genes were down-regulated, except the genes involved in phagocytosis were up-regulated. The current data indicate that Cd exposure alters gene expressions in a concentration-dependent manner. Therefore, our results provide the first comprehensive S.henanense transcriptome dataset, which is useful for biological and ecotoxicological studies on this crab and its related species at molecular level and some key Cd-responsive genes may provide candidate biomarkers for monitoring aquatic pollution by heavy metals.
A simulation-based breeding design that uses whole-genome prediction in tomato
Authors: Yamamoto Eiji , Matsunaga Hiroshi , Onogi Akio , Kajiya-Kanegae Hiromi , Minamikawa Mai , Suzuki Akinori , Shirasawa Kenta , Hirakawa Hideki , Nunome Tsukasa , Yamaguchi Hirotaka , Miyatake Koji , Ohyama Akio , Iwata Hiroyoshi , Fukuoka Hiroyuki
Published: January 2016

Efficient plant breeding methods must be developed in order to increase yields and feed a growing world population, as well as to meet the demands of consumers with diverse preferences who require high-quality foods. We propose a strategy that integrates breeding simulations and phenotype prediction models using genomic information. The validity of this strategy was evaluated by the simultaneous genetic improvement of the yield and flavour of the tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), as an example. Reliable phenotype prediction models for the simulation were constructed from actual genotype and phenotype data. Our simulation predicted that selection for both yield and flavour would eventually result in morphological changes that would increase the total plant biomass and decrease the light extinction coefficient, an essential requirement for these improvements. This simulation-based genome-assisted approach to breeding will help to optimise plant breeding, not only in the tomato but also in other important agricultural crops.
Intravital Imaging Reveals Dynamics of Lymphangiogenesis and Valvulogenesis
Authors: Kang Gyeong Jin , Ecoiffier Tatiana , Truong Tan , Yuen Don , Li Guangyu , Lee Narae , Zhang Liwei , Chen Lu
Published: January 2016

Lymphatic research signifies a field of rapid progression in recent years. Though lymphatic dysfunction has been found in a myriad of disorders, to date, few effective treatments are available for lymphatic diseases. It is therefore urgent to develop new experimental approaches and therapeutic protocols. The cornea offers an ideal site for lymphatic research due to its transparent nature, accessible location and lymphatic-free but –inducible features. Moreover, we have recently discovered that corneal lymphatic vessels develop luminal valves as lymphangiogenesis proceeds. This tissue thus provides an optimal tool to study both lymphangiogenesis and valvulogenesis upon a pathological insult. In this paper, we show that the modified Prox-1-GFP mice carrying wildtype C57BL/6 background provide a valuable tool for intravital imaging of corneal lymphatic vessels and valves and can be used to study pathological lymphangiogenesis induced by various insults. Further, we demonstrate the multifaceted dynamics of lymphangiogenesis and valvulogenesis associated with transplantation, from the initiation to regression phases and report several novel and critical phenomena and mechanisms that cannot be detected by conventional ex vivo approaches. Further investigation holds the great potential for divulging new mechanisms and therapeutic strategies for lymphangiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis-related diseases at various stages and inside or outside the eye.
Canonical Notch signaling plays an instructive role in auditory supporting cell development
Authors: Campbell Dean P. , Chrysostomou Elena , Doetzlhofer Angelika
Published: January 2016

The auditory sensory epithelium, composed of mechano-sensory hair cells (HCs) and highly specialized glial-like supporting cells (SCs), is critical for our ability to detect sound. SCs provide structural and functional support to HCs and play an essential role in cochlear development, homeostasis and repair. Despite their importance, however, surprisingly little is known about the molecular mechanisms guiding SC differentiation. Here, we provide evidence that in addition to its well-characterized inhibitory function, canonical Notch signaling plays a positive, instructive role in the differentiation of SCs. Using γ-secretase inhibitor DAPT to acutely block canonical Notch signaling, we identified a cohort of Notch-regulated SC-specific genes, with diverse functions in cell signaling, cell differentiation, neuronal innervation and synaptogenesis. We validated the newly identified Notch-regulated genes in vivo using genetic gain (Emx2Cre/+; Rosa26N1ICD/+) and loss-of-function approaches (Emx2Cre/+; Rosa26DnMAML1/+). Furthermore, we demonstrate that Notch over-activation in the differentiating murine cochlea (Emx2Cre/+; Rosa26N1ICD/+) actively promotes a SC-specific gene expression program. Finally, we show that outer SCs –so called Deiters’ cells are selectively lost by prolonged reduction (Emx2Cre/+; Rosa26DnMAML1/+/+) or abolishment of canonical Notch signaling (Fgfr3-iCreER; Rbpj−/Δ), indicating a critical role for Notch signaling in Deiters’ cell development.
Acupuncture for neurogenesis in experimental ischemic stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Lu Lin , Zhang Xiao-guang , Zhong Linda L.D. , Chen Zi-xian , Li Yan , Zheng Guo-qing , Bian Zhao-xiang
Published: January 2016

Acupuncture has been used for patients with stroke and post-stroke rehabilitation for thousands of years. Previous studies reported that acupuncture enhanced stroke recovery through neurogenesis. Hence, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis for preclinical studies to assess the current evidence for acupuncture effect on neurogenesis in treating ischaemic stroke. Studies were obtained from six databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, VIP information database and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, Ultimately, 34 studies containing 1617 animals were identified. Neurogenesis markers of Brdu, Nestin, PSA-NCAM, NeuN and GFAP were selected as major outcomes. The pooled results of 15 studies marked with Brdu showed significant effects of acupuncture for improving proliferation when compared with control groups (P < 0.01); 13 studies marked with Nestin showed significant effects of acupuncture for increasing proliferation when compared with control groups (P < 0.01); 4 studies marked with PSA-NCAM showed significant effects of acupuncture for enhancing migration when compared with control groups (P < 0.01); 4 studies marked with NeuN showed significant effects of acupuncture for stimulating differentiation when compared with control groups (P < 0.01). The findings suggest that acupuncture is a prospective therapy targeting neurogenesis for ischemic stroke.
In-Situ High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy Investigation of Overheating of Cu Nanoparticles
Authors: Chen Chunlin , Hu Ziyu , Li Yanfen , Liu Limin , Mori Hirotaro , Wang Zhangchang
Published: January 2016

Synthesizing and functionalizing metal nanoparticles supported on substrates is currently the subject of intensive study owing to their outstanding catalytic performances for heterogeneous catalysis. Revealing the fundamental effect of the substrates on metal nanoparticles represents a key step in clarifying mechanisms of stability and catalytic properties of these heterogeneous systems. However, direct identification of these effects still poses a significant challenge due to the complicacy of interactions between substrates and nanoparticles and also for the technical difficulty, restraining our understanding of these heterogeneous systems. Here, we combine in situ high-resolution transmission electron microscopy with molecular dynamics simulations to investigate Cu nanoparticles supported on graphite and Cu2O substrates and demonstrate that melting behavior and thermal stability of Cu nanoparticles can be markedly influenced by substrates. The graphite-supported Cu nanoparticles do not melt during annealing at 1073 K until they vanish completely, i.e. only the sublimation occurs, while the Cu2O-supported Cu nanoparticles suffer melting during annealing at 973 K. Such selective superheating of the Cu nanoparticles can be attributed to the adsorption of a thin carbon layer on the surface of the Cu nanoparticles, which helps guide further stability enhancement of functional nanoparticles for realistic applications.
Noninvasive, Targeted and Non-Viral Ultrasound-Mediated GDNF-Plasmid Delivery for Treatment of Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Fan Ching-Hsiang , Ting Chien-Yu , Lin Chung‐Yin , Chan Hong-Lin , Chang Yuan-Chih , Chen You-Yin , Liu Hao-Li , Yeh Chih-Kuang
Published: January 2016

Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) supports the growth and survival of dopaminergic neurons. CNS gene delivery currently relies on invasive intracerebral injection to transit the blood-brain barrier. Non-viral gene delivery via systematic transvascular route is an attractive alternative because it is non-invasive, but a high-yield and targeted gene-expressed method is still lacking. In this study, we propose a novel non-viral gene delivery approach to achieve targeted gene transfection. Cationic microbubbles as gene carriers were developed to allow the stable formation of a bubble-GDNF gene complex and transcranial focused ultrasound (FUS) exposure concurrently interacting with the bubble-gene complex allowed transient gene permeation and induced local GDNF expression. We demonstrate that the focused ultrasound-triggered GDNFp-loaded cationic microbubbles platform can achieve non-viral targeted gene delivery via a noninvasive administration route, outperform intracerebral injection in terms of targeted GDNF delivery of high-titer GDNF genes and has a neuroprotection effect in Parkinson’s disease (PD) animal models to successfully block PD syndrome progression and to restore behavioral function. This study explores the potential of using FUS and bubble-gene complexes to achieve noninvasive and targeted gene delivery for the treatment of neurodegenerative disease.
Analysis of bacterial diversity in two oil blocks from two low-permeability reservoirs with high salinities
Authors: Xiao Meng , Sun Shan-Shan , Zhang Zhong-Zhi , Wang Jun-Ming , Qiu Long-Wei , Sun Hua-Yang , Song Zhao-Zheng , Zhang Bei-Yu , Gao De-Li , Zhang Guang-Qing , Wu Wei-Min
Published: January 2016

The community diversities of two oil reservoirs with low permeability of 1.81 × 10−3 and 2.29 × 10−3 μm2 in Changqing, China, were investigated using a high throughput sequencing technique to analyze the influence of biostimulation with a nutrient activator on the bacterial communities. These two blocks differed significantly in salinity (average 17,500 vs 40,900 mg/L). A core simulation test was used to evaluate the effectiveness of indigenous microbial-enhanced oil recovery (MEOR). The results indicated that in the two high salinity oil reservoirs, one reservoir having relatively lower salinity level and a narrow salinity range had higher bacterial and phylogenetic diversity. The addition of the nutrient activator increased the diversity of the bacterial community structure and the diversity differences between the two blocks. The results of the core simulation test showed that the bacterial community in the reservoir with a salinity level of 17,500 mg/L did not show significant higher MEOR efficiency compared with the reservoir with 40,900 mg/L i.e. MEOR efficiency of 8.12% vs 6.56% (test p = 0.291 > 0.05). Therefore, salinity levels affected the bacterial diversities in the two low permeability oil blocks remarkably. But the influence of salinity for the MEOR recovery was slightly.
Non-Markovianity hinders Quantum Darwinism
Authors: Galve Fernando , Zambrini Roberta , Maniscalco Sabrina
Published: January 2016

We investigate Quantum Darwinism and the emergence of a classical world from the quantum one in connection with the spectral properties of the environment. We use a microscopic model of quantum environment in which, by changing a simple system parameter, we can modify the information back flow from environment into the system and therefore its non-Markovian character. We show that the presence of memory effects hinders the emergence of classical objective reality, linking these two apparently unrelated concepts via a unique dynamical feature related to decoherence factors.
Epitaxial stabilization and phase instability of VO2 polymorphs
Authors: Lee Shinbuhm , Ivanov Ilia N. , Keum Jong K. , Lee Ho Nyung
Published: January 2016

The VO2 polymorphs, i.e., VO2(A), VO2(B), VO2(M1) and VO2(R), have a wide spectrum of functionalities useful for many potential applications in information and energy technologies. However, synthesis of phase pure materials, especially in thin film forms, has been a challenging task due to the fact that the VO2 polymorphs are closely related to each other in a thermodynamic framework. Here, we report epitaxial stabilization of the VO2 polymorphs to synthesize high quality single crystalline thin films and study the phase stability of these metastable materials. We selectively deposit all the phases on various perovskite substrates with different crystallographic orientations. By investigating the phase instability, phonon modes and transport behaviours, not only do we find distinctively contrasting physical properties of the VO2 polymorphs, but that the polymorphs can be on the verge of phase transitions when heated as low as ~400 °C. Our successful epitaxy of both VO2(A) and VO2(B) phases, which are rarely studied due to the lack of phase pure materials, will open the door to the fundamental studies of VO2 polymorphs for potential applications in advanced electronic and energy devices.
Somatic Copy Number Alterations at Oncogenic Loci Show Diverse Correlations with Gene Expression
Authors: Roszik Jason , Wu Chang-Jiun , Siroy Alan E. , Lazar Alexander J. , Davies Michael A , Woodman Scott E , Kwong Lawrence N
Published: January 2016

Somatic copy number alterations (SCNAs) affecting oncogenic drivers have a firmly established role in promoting cancer. However, no agreed-upon standard exists for calling locus-specific amplifications and deletions in each patient sample. Here, we report the correlative analysis of copy number amplitude and length with gene expression across 6,109 samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset across 16 cancer types. Using specificity, sensitivity and precision-based scores, we assigned optimized amplitude and length cutoffs for nine recurrent SCNAs affecting known oncogenic drivers, using mRNA expression as a functional readout. These cutoffs captured the majority of SCNA-driven, highly-expression-altered samples. The majority of oncogenes required only amplitude cutoffs, as high amplitude samples were almost invariably focal; however, CDKN2A and PTEN uniquely required both amplitude and length cutoffs as primary predictors. For PTEN, these extended to downstream AKT activation. In contrast, SCNA genes located peri-telomerically or in fragile sites showed poor expression-copy number correlations. Overall, our analyses identify optimized amplitude and length cutoffs as efficient predictors of gene expression changes for specific oncogenic SCNAs, yet warn against one-size-fits-all interpretations across all loci. Our results have implications for cancer data analyses and the clinic, where copy number and mutation data are increasingly used to personalize cancer therapy.
Blood metabolite markers of neocortical amyloid-β burden: discovery and enrichment using candidate proteins
Authors: Voyle N , Kim M , Proitsi P , Ashton N J , Baird A L , Bazenet C , Hye A , Westwood S , Chung R , Ward M , Rabinovici G D , Lovestone S , Breen G , Legido-Quigley C , Dobson R J B , Kiddle S J ,   for the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: January 2016

We believe this is the first study to investigate associations between blood metabolites and neocortical amyloid burden (NAB) in the search for a blood-based biomarker for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Further, we present the first multi-modal analysis of blood markers in this field. We used blood plasma samples from 91 subjects enrolled in the University of California, San Francisco Alzheimer’s Disease Research Centre. Non-targeted metabolomic analysis was used to look for associations with NAB using both single and multiple metabolic feature models. Five metabolic features identified subjects with high NAB, with 72% accuracy. We were able to putatively identify four metabolites from this panel and improve the model further by adding fibrinogen gamma chain protein measures (accuracy=79%). One of the five metabolic features was studied in the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative cohort, but results were inconclusive. If replicated in larger, independent studies, these metabolic features and proteins could form the basis of a blood test with potential for enrichment of amyloid pathology in anti-amyloid trials.
Multivariate optimization by statistical methods of ultra high performance liquid chromatography conditions for the separation of 17 capsaicinoids
Authors: Coutinho Janclei Pereira , Barbero Gerardo Fernández , Godoy Helena Teixeira , Palma Miguel , Barroso Carmelo García
Published: January 2016

Two new methods for the separation of capsaicin, dihydrocapsaicin and fifteen other synthetic capsaicinoids with properties similar to those of natural capsaicinoids with different chain lengths have been developed.
NaHCO3-enhanced hydrogen production from water with Fe and in situ highly efficient and autocatalytic NaHCO3reduction into formic acid
Authors: Duo Jia , Jin Fangming , Wang Yuanqing , Zhong Heng , Lyu Lingyun , Yao Guodong , Huo Zhibao
Published: January 2016

We report a highly efficient water splitting for CO2reduction into formic acid with a commercially available metal of Fe powder without adding any other catalyst.
Enzymatic synthesis of ligand-bearing DNAs for metal-mediated base pairing utilising a template-independent polymerase
Authors: Kobayashi Teruki , Takezawa Yusuke , Sakamoto Akira , Shionoya Mitsuhiko
Published: January 2016

Ligand-bearing artificial DNA oligomers that form metal-mediated base pairs were enzymatically synthesised by utilising a template-independent DNA polymerase.
The cubyl cation rearrangements
Authors: Jalife Said , Mondal Sukanta , Cabellos Jose Luis , Martinez-Guajardo Gerardo , Fernandez-Herrera Maria A. , Merino Gabriel
Published: January 2016

Born–Oppenheimer molecular dynamics simulations and high-level ab initio computations predict that the cage-opening rearrangement of the cubyl cation to the 7H+-pentalenyl cation is feasible in the gas phase.
Optical and morphological properties of thin films of bis-pyrenyl π-conjugated molecules
Authors: Lelaidier Tony , Lünskens Tobias , von Weber Alexander , Leoni Thomas , Ranguis Alain , D'Aléo Anthony , Fages Frédéric , Kartouzian Aras , Becker Conrad , Heiz Ulrich
Published: January 2016

s-CRD spectra of ultra thin bis-pyrene layers showing a shoulder due to interacting transition dipole moments in adjacent layers.
Heterogeneous formulation of the tricopper complex for efficient catalytic conversion of methane into methanol at ambient temperature and pressure
Authors: Liu Chih-Cheng , Mou Chung-Yuan , Yu Steve S.-F. , Chan Sunney I.
Published: January 2016

The development of a heterogeneous catalyst capable for efficient selective conversion of methane into methanol with multiple turnovers under ambient conditions is reported here.
Direct oxygen removal technique for recycling titanium using molten MgCl2salt
Authors: Okabe Toru H. , Hamanaka Yuki , Taninouchi Yu-ki
Published: January 2016

Deoxidation of Ti, or direct removal of O dissolved in metallic Ti, is known to be extremely difficult when Mg is used as the deoxidizing agent. This difficulty arises because the chemical potential of O2,pO2, under Mg/MgO equilibrium is high (approximately 10−41atm at 1200 K) and is equivalent to that of Ti containing ∼2 mass% O at 1200 K. Therefore, when deoxidizing Ti to the commercial level of high-grade pure Ti (below 0.05 mass% O) using an Mg reductant at 1200 K, the activity of the reaction product MgO (aMgO) must be decreased to below ∼0.025, which is difficult in practice. In this study, the removal of O in Ti in molten MgCl2salt using an electrochemical technique was examined at ∼1173 K with the objective of obtaining Ti containing less than 0.05 mass% O. Ti samples and graphite electrodes immersed in molten MgCl2served as the cathode and anode, respectively. A constant voltage was applied between the electrodes using an external DC source. Molten MgCl2was employed to produce the deoxidizing agent Mg and to facilitate deoxidation of Ti by decreasing the activity of the reaction product MgO. By applying a voltage of approximately 3.1 V between the electrodes, the chemical potential of Mg in the molten MgCl2was increased at the surface of the Ti cathode, and the Ti samples were deoxidized. The resulting O species, mainly formed O2−dissolved in the molten MgCl2, was removed from the molten salt by reacting with the C anode to form CO (or CO2) gas. Ti wires containing 0.12 mass% O were deoxidized to less than 0.02 mass% O. In some cases, the O concentration in the Ti samples was reduced to the level of 0.01 mass%, which cannot be accomplished using the conventional Kroll process. The possible application of this deoxidation technique to practical industrial recycling processes is discussed.