bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Human Rights Prosecutions and Autocratic Survival
Authors: Escribà-Folch Abel , Wright Joseph 
Published: February 2015

AbstractDo human rights prosecutions deter dictatorships from relinquishing power? Advances in the study of human rights show that prosecutions reduce repression in transition countries. However, prosecuting officials for past crimes may jeopardize the prospects of regime change in countries that have not transitioned, namely dictatorships. The creation of the International Criminal Court has further revitalized this debate. This article assesses how human rights prosecutions influence autocratic regime change in neighboring dictatorships. We argue that when dictators and their elite supporters can preserve their interests after a regime transition, human rights prosecutions are less likely to deter them from leaving power. Using personalist dictatorship as a proxy for weak institutional guarantees of posttransition power, the evidence indicates that these regimes are less likely to democratize when their neighbors prosecute human rights abusers. In other dictatorships, however, neighbor prosecutions do not deter regimes from democratizing.
The sheep growth hormone gene polymorphism and its effects on milk traits
Authors: Dettori Maria Luisa , Pazzola Michele , Pira Emanuela , Paschino Pietro , Vacca Giuseppe Massimo 
Published: February 2015

Growth hormone (GH) is encoded by theGHgene, which may be single copy or duplicate in sheep. The two copies of the sheep GH gene (GH1/GH2-NandGH2-Z) were entirely sequenced in one 106 ewes of Sarda breed, in order to highlight sequence polymorphisms and investigate possible association between genetic variants and milk traits. Milk traits included milk yield, fat, protein, casein and lactose percentage. We evidenced 75 nucleotide changes. Transcription factor binding site prediction revealed two sequences potentially recognised by the pituitary-specific transcription factorPOU1FIat theGH1/GH2-Ngene, which were lost at the promoter ofGH2-Z, which might explain the different tissues of expression ofGH1/GH2-N(pituitary) andGH2-Z(placenta). Significant differences in milk traits were observed among genotypes at polymorphic loci only for theGH2-Zgene. Sheep with homozygote genotype ss748770547 CC had higher fat percentage (P < 0·01) than TT. SNP ss748770547 was part of a potential transcription factor binding site for C/EBP alpha (CCAAT/Enhancer Binding Protein), which is involved in the regulation of adipogenesis and adipoblast differentiation. SNP ss748770547, located in theGH2-Zgene 5′ flanking region, may be a causal mutation affecting milk fat content. These findings might contribute to the knowledge of the sheepGHlocus and might be useful in selection processes in sheep.
Solving kinematics and stiffness of a novel n(2-UPS/PS+RPS) spatial hyper-redundant manipulator
Authors: Hu Bo , Wang Yin , Yu Jingjing , Lu Yi 
Published: February 2015

SUMMARYA novel n(2-UPS/PS+RPS) spatial hyper-redundant manipulator (SHRM) formed by an optional number of 2-UPS/PS+RPS(2-universal joint-prismatic joint-spherical joint/prismatic joint-spherical joint+revolute joint-prismatic joint-spherical joint) parallel manipulators(PMs) connected in series is proposed and analyzed in this paper. First, the forward kinematics of the 2-UPS/PS+RPS PM is derived in close form. By extending this result to the whole SHRM, the forward kinematics model of the n(2-UPS/PS+RPS) SHRM is established. Second, the compact and elegant expressions for solving the forward velocity of the n(2-UPS/PS+RPS) SHRM are derived. Third, the statics and stiffness of the n(2-UPS/PS+RPS) SHRM are analyzed systematically by considering both active forces and constrained forces existed in each 2-UPS/PS+RPS PM. Finally, an analytically solved example is given for a 4(2-UPS/PS+RPS) SHRM formed by four 2-UPS/PS+RPS PMs. The analytical results are verified by CAD software.
Ambivalent Alliance: Chinese Policy towards Indonesia, 1960–1965
Authors: Zhou Taomo 
Published: February 2015

AbstractFrom 1960 until 1965, the People's Republic of China (PRC) built a remarkably cordial quasi alliance with the Republic of Indonesia. At the same time, however, the years between 1960 and 1965 were marked by two large waves of anti-Chinese movements in Indonesia. Although more than half a century has passed since these events, our understanding of Chinese foreign policy towards Indonesia during these turbulent years remains incomplete. In 2008, the Chinese Foreign Ministry Archives declassified for the first time documents produced during the years between 1961 and 1965. However, very recently in summer 2013, the Chinese Foreign Ministry Archives re-classified the main body of its collection. Through examining this body of fresh but currently inaccessible official records, this article aims to bridge the gap between scholarly works on the PRC's diplomatic history and overseas Chinese history. By tracing the processes by which Chinese diplomats dealt with Sukarno, the ethnic Chinese in Indonesia, and the Communist Party of Indonesia (Partai Komunis Indonesia, or the PKI), this article argues that the ambivalent Chinese alliance with Indonesia was shaped by three disparate pressures which interacted and competed with one another: the strategic need to befriend Third World countries, ethnic ties to the Chinese in Indonesia and ideological commitment to the international communist movement.
Temporally sequenced anticancer drugs overcome adaptive resistance by targeting a vulnerable chemotherapy-induced phenotypic transition
Authors: Goldman Aaron , Majumder Biswanath , Dhawan Andrew , Ravi Sudharshan , Goldman David , Kohandel Mohammad , Majumder Pradip K. , Sengupta Shiladitya 
Published: February 2015

AbstractUnderstanding the emerging models of adaptive resistance is key to overcoming cancer chemotherapy failure. Using human breast cancer explants, in vitro cell lines, mouse in vivo studies and mathematical modelling, here we show that exposure to a taxane induces phenotypic cell state transition towards a favoured transient CD44HiCD24Hi chemotherapy-tolerant state. This state is associated with a clustering of CD44 and CD24 in membrane lipid rafts, leading to the activation of Src Family Kinase (SFK)/hemopoietic cell kinase (Hck) and suppression of apoptosis. The use of pharmacological inhibitors of SFK/Hck in combination with taxanes in a temporally constrained manner, where the kinase inhibitor is administered post taxane treatment, but not when co-administered, markedly sensitizes the chemotolerant cells to the chemotherapy. This approach of harnessing chemotherapy-induced phenotypic cell state transition for improving antitumour outcome could emerge as a translational strategy for the management of cancer.
A genetic contribution from the Far East into Ashkenazi Jews via the ancient Silk Road
Authors: Tian Jiao-Yang , Wang Hua-Wei , Li Yu-Chun , Zhang Wen , Yao Yong-Gang , van Straten Jits , Richards Martin B. , Kong Qing-Peng 
Published: February 2015

AbstractContemporary Jews retain a genetic imprint from their Near Eastern ancestry, but obtained substantial genetic components from their neighboring populations during their history. Whether they received any genetic contribution from the Far East remains unknown, but frequent communication with the Chinese has been observed since the Silk Road period. To address this issue, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) variation from 55,595 Eurasians are analyzed. The existence of some eastern Eurasian haplotypes in eastern Ashkenazi Jews supports an East Asian genetic contribution, likely from Chinese. Further evidence indicates that this connection can be attributed to a gene flow event that occurred less than 1.4 kilo-years ago (kya), which falls within the time frame of the Silk Road scenario and fits well with historical records and archaeological discoveries. This observed genetic contribution from Chinese to Ashkenazi Jews demonstrates that the historical exchange between Ashkenazim and the Far East was not confined to the cultural sphere but also extended to an exchange of genes.
Hybrid luminescence materials assembled by [Ln(DPA)3]3− and mesoporous host through ion-pairing interactions with high quantum efficiencies and long lifetimes
Authors: Li Qing-Feng , Yue Dan , Lu Wei , Zhang Xinlei , Li Chunyang , Wang Zhenling 
Published: February 2015

AbstractA kind of mesoporous hybrid luminescence material was assembled through the ion exchange method between [Ln(DPA)3]3− and ionic liquid functionalized SBA-15. [Ln(DPA)3]3− was successfully anchored onto positive-charge modified SBA-15 by the strong electrostatic interaction. In [Ln(DPA)3]3−, Ln3+ ions are in 9-fold coordination through six oxygen atoms of carboxyl groups and three nitrogen atoms of pyridine units, leaving no coordination site for water molecules. Therefore the hybrids possess prominent luminescent properties, SBA-15-IMI-Tb(DPA)3 and SBA-15-IMI-Eu(DPA)3 exhibit high quantum yield values of 63% and 79% and long lifetimes values of 2.38 ms and 2.34 ms, respectively. Especially, SBA-15-IMI-Eu(DPA)3 presents a high color purity and the red/orange intensity ratio is as high as 7.6. The excellent luminescence properties and ordered mesoporous structures give rise to many potential applications in optical and electronic areas.
Phenazine virulence factor binding to extracellular DNA is important for Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm formation
Authors: Das Theerthankar , Kutty Samuel K. , Tavallaie Roya , Ibugo Amaye I. , Panchompoo Janjira , Sehar Shama , Aldous Leigh , Yeung Amanda W. S. , Thomas Shane R. , Kumar Naresh , Gooding J. Justin , Manefield Mike 
Published: February 2015

AbstractBacterial resistance to conventional antibiotics necessitates the identification of novel leads for infection control. Interference with extracellular phenomena, such as quorum sensing, extracellular DNA integrity and redox active metabolite release, represents a new frontier to control human pathogens such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and hence reduce mortality. Here we reveal that the extracellular redox active virulence factor pyocyanin produced by P. aeruginosa binds directly to the deoxyribose-phosphate backbone of DNA and intercalates with DNA nitrogenous base pair regions. Binding results in local perturbations of the DNA double helix structure and enhanced electron transfer along the nucleic acid polymer. Pyocyanin binding to DNA also increases DNA solution viscosity. In contrast, antioxidants interacting with DNA and pyocyanin decrease DNA solution viscosity. Biofilms deficient in pyocyanin production and biofilms lacking extracellular DNA show similar architecture indicating the interaction is important in P. aeruginosa biofilm formation.
Biomechanical Determination of Distal Level for Fusions across the Cervicothoracic Junction
Authors: Cheng Ivan , Sundberg Eric B. , Iezza Alex , Lindsey Derek P. , Riew K. Daniel 
Published: February 2015

Study Design In vitro testing. Objective To determine whether long cervical and cervicothoracic fusions increase the intradiscal pressure at the adjacent caudal disk and to determine which thoracic end vertebra causes the least increase in the adjacent-level intradiscal pressure. Methods A bending moment was applied to six cadaveric cervicothoracic spine specimens with intact rib cages. Intradiscal pressures were recorded from C7–T1 to T9–10 before and after simulated fusion by anterior cervical plating and posterior thoracic pedicle screw constructs. The changes in the intradiscal pressure from baseline were calculated and compared. Results No significant differences where found when the changes of the juxtafusion intradiscal pressure at each level were compared for the flexion, extension, and left and right bending simulations. However, combining the pressures for all directions of bending at each level demonstrated a decrease in the pressures at the T2–T3 level. Exploratory analysis comparing changes in the pressure at T2–T3 to other levels showed a significant decrease in the pressures at this level ( p = 0.005). Conclusions Based on the combined intradiscal pressures alone it may be advantageous to end long constructs spanning the cervicothoracic junction at the T2 level if there are no other mitigating factors.
Preserving positivity for matrices with sparsity constraints
Authors: Guillot Dominique , Khare Apoorva , Rajaratnam Bala 
Published: February 2015

Functions preserving Loewner positivity when applied entrywise to positive semidefinite matrices have been widely studied in the literature. Following the work of Schoenberg [Duke Math. J. 9], Rudin [Duke Math. J. 26], and others, it is well-known that functions preserving positivity for matrices of all dimensions are absolutely monotonic (i.e., analytic with nonnegative Taylor coefficients). In this paper, we study functions preserving positivity when applied entrywise to sparse matrices, with zeros encoded by a graphGGor a family of graphsGnG_n. Our results generalize Schoenberg and Rudin’s results to a modern setting, where functions are often applied entrywise to sparse matrices in order to improve their properties (e.g. better conditioning, graphical models). The only such result known in the literature is for the complete graphK2K_2. We provide the first such characterization result for a large family of non-complete graphs. Specifically, we characterize functions preserving Loewner positivity on matrices with zeros according to a tree. These functions are multiplicatively midpoint-convex and superadditive. Leveraging the underlying sparsity in matrices thus admits the use of functions which are not necessarily analytic nor absolutely monotonic. We further show that analytic functions preserving positivity on matrices with zeros according to trees can contain arbitrarily long sequences of negative coefficients, thus obviating the need for absolute monotonicity in a very strong sense. This result leads to the question of exactly when absolute monotonicity is necessary when preserving positivity for an arbitrary class of graphs. We then provide a stronger condition in terms of the numerical range of all symmetric matrices, such that functions satisfying this condition on matrices with zeros according to any family of graphs with unbounded degrees are necessarily absolutely monotonic.
A national action plan for sharable and comparable nursing data to support practice and translational research for transforming health care
Authors: Westra Bonnie L , Latimer Gail E , Matney Susan A , Park Jung In , Sensmeier Joyce , Simpson Roy L , Swanson Mary Jo , Warren Judith J , Delaney Connie W 
Published: February 2015

AbstractBackground There is wide recognition that, with the rapid implementation of electronic health records (EHRs), large data sets are available for research. However, essential standardized nursing data are seldom integrated into EHRs and clinical data repositories. There are many diverse activities that exist to implement standardized nursing languages in EHRs; however, these activities are not coordinated, resulting in duplicate efforts rather than building a shared learning environment and resources.Objective The purpose of this paper is to describe the historical context of nursing terminologies, challenges to the use of nursing data for purposes other than documentation of care, and a national action plan for implementing and using sharable and comparable nursing data for quality reporting and translational research.Methods In 2013 and 2014, the University of Minnesota School of Nursing hosted a diverse group of nurses to participate in the Nursing Knowledge: Big Data and Science to Transform Health Care consensus conferences. This consensus conference was held to develop a national action plan and harmonize existing and new efforts of multiple individuals and organizations to expedite integration of standardized nursing data within EHRs and ensure their availability in clinical data repositories for secondary use. This harmonization will address the implementation of standardized nursing terminologies and subsequent access to and use of clinical nursing data.Conclusion Foundational to integrating nursing data into clinical data repositories for big data and science, is the implementation of standardized nursing terminologies, common data models, and information structures within EHRs. The 2014 National Action Plan for Sharable and Comparable Nursing Data for Transforming Health and Healthcare builds on and leverages existing, but separate long standing efforts of many individuals and organizations. The plan is action focused, with accountability for coordinating and tracking progress designated.
Uncovering Long Palindromic Sequences in Rice (Oryza sativasubsp.indica) Genome
Authors: Ahmadikhah Asadollah , Kheiavi Elmira Katanchi , Mosammam Ali Mohammadian 
Published: February 2015

AbstractBecause the rice genome has been sequenced entirely, search to find specific features at genome-wide scale is of high importance. Palindromic sequences are important DNA motifs involved in the regulation of different cellular processes and are a potential source of genetic instability. In order to search and study the long palindromic regions in the rice genome “R” statistical programming language was used. All palindromes, defined as identical inverted repeats with spacer DNA, could be analyzed and sorted according to their frequency, size, GC content, compact index etc. The results showed that the overall palindrome frequency was high in rice genome (nearly 51000 palindromes), with highest and lowest number of palindromes, respectively belongs to chromosome 1 and 12. Palindrome numbers could well explain the rice chromosome expansion (R2>92%). Average GC content of the palindromic sequences is 42.1%, indicating AT-richness and hence, the low-complexity of palindromic sequences. The results also showed different compact indices of palindromes in different chromosomes (43.2 per cM in chromosome 8 and 34.5 per cM in chromosome 3, as highest and lowest, respectively). The possible application of palindrome identification can be the use in the development of a molecular marker system facilitating some genetic studies such as evaluation of genetic variation and gene mapping and also serving as a useful tool in population structure analysis and genome evolution studies. Based on these results it can be concluded that the rice genome is rich in long palindromic sequences that triggered most variation during evolution.Availability: The R scripts used to construct the palindrome sequence library are available upon request.
Reducing the Genetic Redundancy of Arabidopsis PHOSPHATE TRANSPORTER1 Transporters to Study Phosphate Uptake and Signaling
Authors: Ayadi Amal , David Pascale , Arrighi Jean-François , Chiarenza Serge , Thibaud Marie-Christine , Nussaume Laurent , Marin Elena 
Published: February 2015

AbstractArabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) absorbs inorganic phosphate (Pi) from the soil through an active transport process mediated by the nine members of the PHOSPHATE TRANSPORTER1 (PHT1) family. These proteins share a high level of similarity (greater than 61%), with overlapping expression patterns. The resulting genetic and functional redundancy prevents the analysis of their specific roles. To overcome this difficulty, our approach combined several mutations with gene silencing to inactivate multiple members of the PHT1 family, including a cluster of genes localized on chromosome 5 (PHT1;1, PHT1;2, and PHT1;3). Physiological analyses of these lines established that these three genes, along with PHT1;4, are the main contributors to Pi uptake. Furthermore, PHT1;1 plays an important role in translocation from roots to leaves in high phosphate conditions. These genetic tools also revealed that some PHT1 transporters likely exhibit a dual affinity for phosphate, suggesting that their activity is posttranslationally controlled. These lines display significant phosphate deficiency-related phenotypes (e.g. biomass and yield) due to a massive (80%–96%) reduction in phosphate uptake activities. These defects limited the amount of internal Pi pool, inducing compensatory mechanisms triggered by the systemic Pi starvation response. Such reactions have been uncoupled from PHT1 activity, suggesting that systemic Pi sensing is most probably acting downstream of PHT1.
InsP6-Sensitive Variants of the Gle1 mRNA Export Factor Rescue Growth and Fertility Defects of the ipk1 Low-Phytic-Acid Mutation in Arabidopsis
Authors: Lee Ho-Seok , Lee Du-Hwa , Cho Hui Kyung , Kim Song Hee , Auh Joong Hyuck , Pai Hyun-Sook 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
Myo-inositol-1,2,3,4,5,6-hexakisphosphate (InsP6), also known as phytic acid, accumulates in large quantities in plant seeds, serving as a phosphorus reservoir, but is an animal antinutrient and an important source of water pollution. Here, we report that Gle1 (GLFG lethal 1) in conjunction with InsP6 functions as an activator of the ATPase/RNA helicase LOS4 (low expression of osmotically responsive genes 4), which is involved in mRNA export in plants, supporting the Gle1-InsP6-Dbp5 (LOS4 homolog) paradigm proposed in yeast. Interestingly, plant Gle1 proteins have modifications in several key residues of the InsP6 binding pocket, which reduce the basicity of the surface charge. Arabidopsis thaliana Gle1 variants containing mutations that increase the basic charge of the InsP6 binding surface show increased sensitivity to InsP6 concentrations for the stimulation of LOS4 ATPase activity in vitro. Expression of the Gle1 variants with enhanced InsP6 sensitivity rescues the mRNA export defect of the ipk1 (inositol 1,3,4,5,6-pentakisphosphate 2-kinase) InsP6-deficient mutant and, furthermore, significantly improves vegetative growth, seed yield, and seed performance of the mutant. These results suggest that Gle1 is an important factor responsible for mediating InsP6 functions in plant growth and reproduction and that Gle1 variants with increased InsP6 sensitivity may be useful for engineering high-yielding low-phytate crops.
Epigenetic Basis of Morphological Variation and Phenotypic Plasticity inArabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Kooke Rik , Johannes Frank , Wardenaar René , Becker Frank , Etcheverry Mathilde , Colot Vincent , Vreugdenhil Dick , Keurentjes Joost J.B. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractEpigenetics is receiving growing attention in the plant science community. Epigenetic modifications are thought to play a particularly important role in fluctuating environments. It is hypothesized that epigenetics contributes to plant phenotypic plasticity because epigenetic modifications, in contrast to DNA sequence variation, are more likely to be reversible. The population of decrease in DNA methylation 1-2 (ddm1-2)-derived epigenetic recombinant inbred lines (epiRILs) in Arabidopsis thaliana is well suited for studying this hypothesis, as DNA methylation differences are maximized and DNA sequence variation is minimized. Here, we report on the extensive heritable epigenetic variation in plant growth and morphology in neutral and saline conditions detected among the epiRILs. Plant performance, in terms of branching and leaf area, was both reduced and enhanced by different quantitative trait loci (QTLs) in the ddm1-2 inherited epigenotypes. The variation in plasticity associated significantly with certain genomic regions in which the ddm1-2 inherited epigenotypes caused an increased sensitivity to environmental changes, probably due to impaired genetic regulation in the epiRILs. Many of the QTLs for morphology and plasticity overlapped, suggesting major pleiotropic effects. These findings indicate that epigenetics contributes substantially to variation in plant growth, morphology, and plasticity, especially under stress conditions.