bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular insights into the binding of coenzyme F420 to the conserved protein Rv1155 from Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Mashalidis Ellene H. , Gittis Apostolos G. , Tomczak Aurelie , Abell Chris , Barry Clifton E. , Garboczi David N.
Published: January 2015

Coenzyme F420 is a deazaflavin hydride carrier with a lower reduction potential than most flavins. In Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), F420 plays an important role in activating PA‐824, an antituberculosis drug currently used in clinical trials. Although F420 is important to Mtb redox metabolism, little is known about the enzymes that bind F420 and the reactions that they catalyze. We have identified a novel F420‐binding protein, Rv1155, which is annotated in the Mtb genome sequence as a putative flavin mononucleotide (FMN)‐binding protein. Using biophysical techniques, we have demonstrated that instead of binding FMN or other flavins, Rv1155 binds coenzyme F420. The crystal structure of the complex of Rv1155 and F420 reveals one F420 molecule bound to each monomer of the Rv1155 dimer. Structural, biophysical, and bioinformatic analyses of the Rv1155–F420 complex provide clues about its role in the bacterium.
Evaluation of a model community‐wide bed bug management program in affordable housing
Authors: Cooper Richard A , Wang Changlu , Singh Narinderpal
Published: January 2015

BACKGROUND

Low‐income apartment communities in the United States are suffering from disproportionally high bed bug, Cimex lectularius L., infestations owing to lack of effective monitoring and treatment. Studies examining the effectiveness of integrated pest management (IPM) for the control of bed bugs in affordable housing have been limited to small subsets of bed‐bug‐infested apartments, rather than at the apartment community level. We developed, implemented and evaluated a complex‐wide IPM program for bed bugs in an affordable housing community. Proactive inspections and biweekly treatments using a combination of non‐chemical and chemical methods until bed bugs were not detected for three biweekly monitoring visits were key elements of the IPM program.

RESULTS

A total of 55 bed‐bug‐infested apartments were identified during the initial inspection. Property management was unaware of 71% of these infestations. Over the next 12 months, 14 additional infested apartments were identified. The IPM program resulted in a 98% reduction in bed bug counts among treated apartments and reduced infestation rates from 15 to 2.2% after 12 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Adopting a complex‐wide bed bug IPM program, incorporating proactive monitoring, and biweekly treatments of infested apartments utilizing non‐chemical and chemical methods can successfully reduce infestation rates to very low levels. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Antitumor efficacy, pharmacokinetic and biodistribution studies of the anticancer peptide CIGB‐552 in mouse models
Authors: Vallespí Maribel G. , Pimentel Gilmara , Cabrales‐Rico Ania , Garza Julio , Oliva Brizaida , Mendoza Osmani , Gomez Yolanda , Basaco Tais , Sánchez Iraida , Calderón Carlos , Rodriguez Juan C. , Markelova Maria Rivera , Fichtner Iduna , Astrada Soledad , Bollati‐Fogolín Mariela , Garay Hilda E. , Reyes Osvaldo
Published: January 2015

Accumulation of the COMMD1 protein as a druggable pharmacology event to target cancer cells has not been evaluated so far in cancer animal models. We have previously demonstrated that a second‐generation peptide, with cell‐penetrating capacity, termed CIGB‐552, was able to induce apoptosis mediated by stabilization of COMMD1. Here, we explore the antitumor effect by subcutaneous administration of CIGB‐552 in a therapeutic schedule. Outstandingly, a significant delay of tumor growth was observed at 0.2 and 0.7 mg/kg (p < 0.01) or 1.4 mg/kg (p < 0.001) after CIGB‐552 administration in both syngeneic murine tumors and patient‐derived xenograft models. Furthermore, we evidenced that 131I‐CIGB‐552 peptide was actually accumulated in the tumors after administration by subcutaneous route. A typical serine‐proteases degradation pattern for CIGB‐552 in BALB/c mice serum was identified. Further, biological characterization of the main metabolites of the peptide CIGB‐552 suggests that the cell‐penetrating capacity plays an important role in the cytotoxic activity. This report is the first in describing the antitumor effect induced by systemic administration of a peptide that targets COMMD1 for stabilization. Moreover, our data reinforce the perspectives of CIGB‐552 for cancer targeted therapy. Copyright © 2014 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluating model‐based imputation methods for missing covariates in regression models with interactions
Authors: Kim Soeun , Sugar Catherine A. , Belin Thomas R.
Published: January 2015

Imputation strategies are widely used in settings that involve inference with incomplete data. However, implementation of a particular approach always rests on assumptions, and subtle distinctions between methods can have an impact on subsequent analyses. In this research article, we are concerned with regression models in which the true underlying relationship includes interaction terms. We focus in particular on a linear model with one fully observed continuous predictor, a second partially observed continuous predictor, and their interaction. We derive the conditional distribution of the missing covariate and interaction term given the observed covariate and the outcome variable, and examine the performance of a multiple imputation procedure based on this distribution. We also investigate several alternative procedures that can be implemented by adapting multivariate normal multiple imputation software in ways that might be expected to perform well despite incompatibilities between model assumptions and true underlying relationships among the variables. The methods are compared in terms of bias, coverage, and CI width. As expected, the procedure based on the correct conditional distribution performs well across all scenarios. Just as importantly for general practitioners, several of the approaches based on multivariate normality perform comparably with the correct conditional distribution in a number of circumstances, although interestingly, procedures that seek to preserve the multiplicative relationship between the interaction term and the main‐effects are found to be substantially less reliable. For illustration, the various procedures are applied to an analysis of post‐traumatic stress disorder symptoms in a study of childhood trauma. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
miR-135a Inhibits Cancer Stem Cell-Driven Medulloblastoma Development by Directly Repressing Arhgef6 Expression
Authors: Hemmesi Katayoun , Squadrito Mario Leonardo , Mestdagh Pieter , Conti Valentina , Cominelli Manuela , Piras Ignazio S. , Sergi Lucia Sergi , Piccinin Sara , Maestro Roberta , Poliani Pietro L. , Speleman Frank , De Palma Michele , Galli Rossella
Published: January 2015

microRNAs (miRNAs) are short noncoding RNAs, which regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally and play crucial roles in relevant biological and pathological processes. Here, we investigated the putative role of miRNAs in modulating the tumor-initiating potential of mouse medulloblastoma (MB)-derived cancer stem cells (CSCs). We first subjected bona fide highly tumorigenic (HT) CSCs as well as lowly tumorigenic MB CSCs and normal neural stem cells to miRNA profiling, which identified a HT CSC-specific miRNA signature. Next, by cross-checking CSC mRNA/miRNA profiles, we pinpointed miR-135a as a potential tumor suppressor gene, which was strongly downregulated in HT CSCs as well as in the highly malignant experimental tumors derived from them. Remarkably, enforced expression of miR-135a in HT CSCs strongly inhibited tumorigenesis by repressing the miR-135a direct target gene Arhgef6. Considering the upregulation of Arhgef6 in human MBs and its involvement in mediating experimental medulloblastomagenesis, its efficient suppression by miR-135a might make available an effective therapeutic strategy to selectively impair the tumorigenic potential of MB CSCs. Stem Cells  2015;33:1377–1389
Perturbations of Heart Development and Function in Cardiomyocytes from Human Embryonic Stem Cells with Trisomy 21
Authors: Bosman Alexis , Letourneau Audrey , Sartiani Laura , Del Lungo Martina , Ronzoni Flavio , Kuziakiv Rostyslav , Tohonen Virpi , Zucchelli Marco , Santoni Federico , Guipponi Michel , Dumevska Biljana , Hovatta Outi , Antonarakis Stylianos E. , Jaconi Marisa E.
Published: January 2015

Congenital heart defects (CHD) occur in approximately 50% of patients with Down syndrome (DS); the mechanisms for this occurrence however remain unknown. In order to understand how these defects evolve in early development in DS, we focused on the earliest stages of cardiogenesis to ascertain perturbations in development leading to CHD. Using a trisomy 21 (T21) sibling human embryonic stem cell (hESC) model of DS, we show that T21-hESC display many significant differences in expression of genes and cell populations associated with mesodermal, and more notably, secondary heart field (SHF) development, in particular a reduced number of ISL1+ progenitor cells. Furthermore, we provide evidence for two candidate genes located on chromosome 21, ETS2 and ERG, whose overexpression during cardiac commitment likely account for the disruption of SHF development, as revealed by downregulation or overexpression experiments. Additionally, we uncover an abnormal electrophysiological phenotype in functional T21 cardiomyocytes, a result further supported by mRNA expression data acquired using RNA-Seq. These data, in combination, revealed a cardiomyocyte-specific phenotype in T21 cardiomyocytes, likely due to the overexpression of genes such as RYR2, NCX, and L-type Ca2+ channel. These results contribute to the understanding of the mechanisms involved in the development of CHD. Stem Cells  2015;33:1434–1446
Enhanced SMAD1 Signaling Contributes to Impairments of Early Development in CFC-iPSCs
Authors: Han Kyu-Min , Kim Seung-Kyoon , Kim Dongkyu , Choi Jung-Yun , Im Ilkyun , Hwang Kyu-Seok , Kim Cheol-Hee , Lee Beom Hee , Yoo Han-Wook , Han Yong-Mahn
Published: January 2015

Cardio-facio-cutaneous (CFC) syndrome is a developmental disorder caused by constitutively active ERK signaling manifesting mainly from BRAF mutations. Little is known about the role of elevated ERK signaling in CFC syndrome during early development. Here, we show that both SMAD1 and ERK signaling pathways may contribute to the developmental defects in CFC syndrome. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) derived from dermal fibroblasts of a CFC syndrome patient (CFC-iPSCs) revealed early developmental defects in embryoid body (EB) development, β-catenin localization, and neuronal differentiation. Both SMAD1 and ERK signalings were significantly activated in CFC-iPSCs during EB formation. Most of the β-catenin was dissociated from the membrane and preferentially localized into the nucleus in CFC-EBs. Furthermore, activation of SMAD1 signaling recapitulated early developmental defects in wild-type iPSCs. Intriguingly, inhibition of SMAD1 signaling in CFC-iPSCs rescued aberrant EB morphology, impaired neuronal differentiation, and altered β-catenin localization. These results suggest that SMAD1 signaling may be a key pathway contributing the pathogenesis of CFC syndrome during early development. Stem Cells  2015;33:1447–1455
Universal Cardiac Induction of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells in Two and Three-Dimensional Formats: Implications for In Vitro Maturation
Authors: Zhang Miao , Schulte Jan Sebastian , Heinick Alexander , Piccini Ilaria , Rao Jyoti , Quaranta Roberto , Zeuschner Dagmar , Malan Daniela , Kim Kee-Pyo , Röpke Albrecht , Sasse Philipp , Araúzo-Bravo Marcos , Seebohm Guiscard , Schöler Hans , Fabritz Larissa , Kirchhof Paulus , Müller Frank Ulrich , Greber Boris
Published: January 2015

Directed cardiac differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) enables disease modeling, investigation of human cardiogenesis, as well as large-scale production of cardiomyocytes (CMs) for translational purposes. Multiple CM differentiation protocols have been developed to individually address specific requirements of these diverse applications, such as enhanced purity at a small scale or mass production at a larger scale. However, there is no universal high-efficiency procedure for generating CMs both in two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) culture formats, and undefined or complex media additives compromise functional analysis or cost-efficient upscaling. Using systematic combinatorial optimization, we have narrowed down the key requirements for efficient cardiac induction of hPSCs. This implied differentiation in simple serum and serum albumin-free basal media, mediated by a minimal set of signaling pathway manipulations at moderate factor concentrations. The method was applicable both to 2D and 3D culture formats as well as to independent hPSC lines. Global time-course gene expression analyses over extended time periods and in comparison with human heart tissue were used to monitor culture-induced maturation of the resulting CMs. This suggested that hPSC-CMs obtained with our procedure reach a rather stable transcriptomic state after approximately 4 weeks of culture. The underlying gene expression changes correlated well with a decline of immature characteristics as well as with a gain of structural and physiological maturation features within this time frame. These data link gene expression patterns of hPSC-CMs to functional readouts and thus define the cornerstones of culture-induced maturation. Stem Cells  2015;33:1456–1469
Chromatin Changes at thePPAR-γ2Promoter During Bone Marrow-Derived Multipotent Stromal Cell Culture Correlate With Loss of Gene Activation Potential
Authors: Lynch Patrick J. , Thompson Elaine E. , McGinnis Kathleen , Rovira Gonzalez Yazmin I. , Lo Surdo Jessica , Bauer Steven R. , Hursh Deborah A.
Published: January 2015

Bone marrow-derived multipotent stromal cells (BM-MSCs) display a broad range of therapeutically valuable properties, including the capacity to form skeletal tissues and dampen immune system responses. However, to use BM-MSCs in a clinical setting, amplification is required, which may introduce epigenetic changes that affect biological properties. Here we used chromatin immunoprecipitation to compare post-translationally modified histones at a subset of gene promoters associated with developmental and environmental plasticity in BM-MSCs from multiple donors following culture expansion. At many locations, we observed localization of both transcriptionally permissive (H3K4me3) and repressive (H3K27me3) histone modifications. These chromatin signatures were consistent among BM-MSCs from multiple donors. Since promoter activity depends on the relative levels of H3K4me3 and H3K27me3, we examined the ratio of H3K4me3 to H3K27me3 (K4/K27) at promoters during culture expansion. The H3K4me3 to H3K27me3 ratios were maintained at most assayed promoters over time. The exception was the adipose-tissue specific promoter for the PPAR-γ2 isoform of PPAR-γ, which is a critical positive regulator of adipogenesis. At PPAR-γ2, we observed a change in K4/K27 levels favoring the repressed chromatin state during culture. This change correlated with diminished promoter activity in late passage cells exposed to adipogenic stimuli. In contrast to BM-MSCs and osteoblasts, lineage-restricted preadipocytes exhibited levels of H3K4me3 and H3K27me3 that favored the permissive chromatin state at PPAR-γ2. These results demonstrate that locus-specific changes in H3K4me3 and H3K27me3 levels can occur during BM-MSC culture that may affect their properties. Stem Cells 2015;33:2169–2181
Gender, assets, and market-oriented agriculture: learning from high-value crop and livestock projects in Africa and Asia
Authors: Quisumbing Agnes R. , Rubin Deborah , Manfre Cristina , Waithanji Elizabeth , van den Bold Mara , Olney Deanna , Johnson Nancy , Meinzen-Dick Ruth
Published: January 2015

Strengthening the abilities of smallholder farmers in developing countries, particularly women farmers, to produce for both home and the market is currently a development priority. In many contexts, ownership of assets is strongly gendered, reflecting existing gender norms and limiting women’s ability to invest in more profitable livelihood strategies such as market-oriented agriculture. Yet the intersection between women’s asset endowments and their ability to participate in and benefit from agricultural interventions receives minimal attention. This paper explores changes in gender relations and women’s assets in four agricultural interventions that promoted high value agriculture with different degrees of market-orientation. Findings suggest that these dairy and horticulture projects can successfully involve women and increase production, income and the stock of household assets. In some cases, women were able to increase their control over production, income and assets; however in most cases men’s incomes increased more than women’s and the gender-asset gap did not decrease. Gender- and asset-based barriers to participation in projects as well as gender norms that limit women’s ability to accumulate and retain control over assets both contributed to the results. Comparing experiences across the four projects, especially where projects implemented adaptive measures to encourage gender-equitable outcomes, provides lessons for gender-responsive projects targeting existing and emerging value chains for high value products. Other targeted support to women farmers may also be needed to promote their acquisition of the physical assets required to expand production or enter other nodes of the value chain.
Characterization and review of MTHFD1 deficiency: four new patients, cellular delineation and response to folic and folinic acid treatment
Authors: Burda P. , Kuster A. , Hjalmarson O. , Suormala T. , Bürer C. , Lutz S. , Roussey G. , Christa L. , Asin‐Cayuela J. , Kollberg G. , Andersson B. A. , Watkins D. , Rosenblatt D. S. , Fowler B. , Holme E. , Froese D. S. , Baumgartner M. R.
Published: January 2015

In the folate cycle MTHFD1, encoded by MTHFD1, is a trifunctional enzyme containing 5,10‐methylenetetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase, 5,10‐methenyltetrahydrofolate cyclohydrolase and 10‐formyltetrahydrofolate synthetase activity. To date, only one patient with MTHFD1 deficiency, presenting with hyperhomocysteinemia, megaloblastic anaemia, hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) and severe combined immunodeficiency, has been identified (Watkins et al J Med Genet 48:590–2, 2011). We now describe four additional patients from two different families. The second patient presented with hyperhomocysteinemia, megaloblastic anaemia, HUS, microangiopathy and retinopathy; all except the retinopathy resolved after treatment with hydroxocobalamin, betaine and folinic acid. The third patient developed megaloblastic anaemia, infection, autoimmune disease and moderate liver fibrosis but not hyperhomocysteinemia, and was successfully treated with a regime that included and was eventually reduced to folic acid. The other two, elder siblings of the third patient, died at 9 weeks of age with megaloblastic anaemia, infection and severe acidosis and had MTFHD1 deficiency diagnosed retrospectively. We identified a missense mutation (c.806C > T, p.Thr296Ile) and a splice site mutation (c.1674G > A) leading to exon skipping in the second patient, while the other three harboured a missense mutation (c.146C > T, p.Ser49Phe) and a premature stop mutation (c.673G > T, p.Glu225*), all of which were novel. Patient fibroblast studies revealed severely reduced methionine formation from [14C]‐formate, which did not increase in cobalamin supplemented culture medium but was responsive to folic and folinic acid. These additional cases increase the clinical spectrum of this intriguing defect, provide in vitro evidence of disturbed methionine synthesis and substantiate the effectiveness of folic or folinic acid treatment.
Evaluation of Some Nonionic Surfactants Derived From Vanillin as Corrosion Inhibitors for Carbon Steel During Drilling Processes
Authors: Negm Nabel A. , Tawfik Salah M. , Badr Emad A. , Abdou Mahmoud I. , Ghuiba Ferial M.
Published: January 2015

Four eco‐friendly nonionic surfactants based on vanillin were investigated as corrosion inhibitors against carbon steel dissolution during the drilling process in the oil field. The corrosion inhibition efficiencies of the tested compounds were determined using weight loss, electrochemical polarization, and electrochemical impedance techniques. The data obtained show that the nonionic surfactants prevent the corrosion of drilling tools and their inhibition efficiency increased with an increase in their concentration. Tafel curves revealed that the surfactants under study act as mixed inhibitors. The adsorption of the inhibitors on carbon steel surface decreases the double‐layer capacitance. The inhibition efficiencies of the surfactants were influenced by their chemical structure and surface activity.
MiR‐204, down‐regulated in retinoblastoma, regulates proliferation and invasion of human retinoblastoma cells by targeting CyclinD2 and MMP‐9
Authors: Wu XianJin , Zeng Yong , Wu ShaoKe , Zhong JiXin , Wang YuZhou , Xu JunFa
Published: January 2015

Aberrant expression of miR‐204 had been frequently reported in cancer studies; however, the mechanism of its function in retinoblastoma remained unknown. Here, we reported that miR‐204 was frequently downregulated in retinoblastoma tissues and cell lines. Enforced expression of miR‐204 inhibited retinoblastoma cells’ proliferation and invasion. In vivo study indicated that restoration of miR‐204 inhibited tumor growth. CyclinD2 and MMP‐9 were identified as potential targets of miR‐204. In addition, a reverse correlation between miR‐204 and CyclinD2 or MMP‐9 expression was noted in retinoblastoma tissues. Taken together, our results identified a crucial tumor suppressive role of miR‐204 in the progression of retinoblastoma.
Glucose‐6‐phosphate tips the balance in modulating apoptosis in cerebellar granule cells
Authors: Bobba A. , Amadoro G. , La Piana G. , Petragallo V.A. , Calissano P. , Atlante A.
Published: January 2015

A metabolic shift from oxidative phosphorylation to glycolysis (i.e. the Warburg effect) occurs in Alzheimer's disease accompanied by an increase of both activity and level of HK‐I. The findings reported here demonstrate that in the early phase of apoptosis VDAC1 activity, but not its protein level, progressively decreases, in concomitance with the physical interaction of HK‐I with VDAC1. In the late phase of apoptosis, glucose‐6‐phosphate accumulation in the cell causes the dissociation of the two proteins, the re‐opening of the channel and the recovery of VDAC1 function, resulting in a reawakening of the mitochondrial function, thus inevitably leading to cell death.
Solution NMR studies reveal the location of the second transmembrane domain of the human sigma‐1 receptor
Authors: Ortega-Roldan Jose Luis , Ossa Felipe , Amin Nader T. , Schnell Jason R.
Published: January 2015

The sigma‐1 receptor (S1R) is a ligand‐regulated membrane chaperone protein associated with endoplasmic reticulum stress response, and modulation of ion channel activities at the plasma membrane. We report here a solution NMR study of a S1R construct (S1R(Δ35)) in which only the first transmembrane domain and the eight‐residue N‐terminus have been removed. The second transmembrane helix is found to be composed of residues 91–107, which corresponds to the first steroid binding domain‐like region. The cytosolic domain is found to contain three helices, and the secondary structure and backbone dynamics of the chaperone domain are consistent with that determined previously for the chaperone domain alone. The position of TM2 provides a framework for ongoing studies of S1R ligand binding and oligomerisation.
Prediction of AD dementia by biomarkers following the NIA‐AA and IWG diagnostic criteria in MCI patients from three European memory clinics
Authors: Prestia Annapaola , Caroli Anna , Wade Sara K. , van der Flier Wiesjie M. , Ossenkoppele Rik , Van Berckel Bart , Barkhof Frederik , Teunissen Charlotte E. , Wall Anders , Carter Stephen F. , Schöll Michael , Choo Il Han , Nordberg Agneta , Scheltens Philip , Frisoni Giovanni B.
Published: January 2015

Introduction

Proposed diagnostic criteria (international working group and National Institute on Aging and Alzheimer's Association) for Alzheimer's disease (AD) include markers of amyloidosis (abnormal cerebrospinal fluid [CSF] amyloid beta [Aβ]42) and neurodegeneration (hippocampal atrophy, temporo‐parietal hypometabolism on [18F]‐fluorodeoxyglucose‐positron emission tomography (FDG‐PET), and abnormal CSF tau). We aim to compare the accuracy of these biomarkers, individually and in combination, in predicting AD among mild cognitive impairment (MCI) patients.

Methods

In 73 MCI patients, followed to ascertain AD progression, markers were measured. Sensitivity and specificity, positive (LR+) and negative (LR−) likelihood ratios, and crude and adjusted hazard ratios were computed.

Results

Twenty‐nine MCI patients progressed and 44 remained stable. Positivity to any marker achieved the lowest LR− (0.0), whereas the combination Aβ42 plus FDG‐PET achieved the highest LR+ (6.45). In a survival analysis, positivity to any marker was associated with 100% conversion rate, whereas negativity to all markers was associated with 100% stability.

Discussion

The best criteria combined amyloidosis and neurodegeneration biomarkers, whereas the individual biomarker with the best performance was FDG‐PET.
The psychosocial indicators related to neuroticism in both sexes: A study of incoming university students
Authors: Chang Wei‐Hung , Cheng Shu‐Hui , Sun Zih‐Jie , Lee I‐Hui , Lee Chih‐Ting , Chen Kao‐Chin , Tsai Chung‐Hung , Yang Yen‐Kuang , Yang Yi‐Ching
Published: January 2015

Neuroticism may have great impact on mental and physical health in both sexes. The aims of this study were to explore whether relationships between neuroticism scores and psychosocial indicators as well as metabolic syndrome in a population of incoming university students existed in the different sexes. In total, 4266 incoming students were included in this study. The test battery comprised a self‐administered structured questionnaire, including the neuroticism subscale of the Maudsley Personality Inventory, the 12‐item Chinese Health Questionnaire, the Chinese Internet Addiction Scale‐Revision, the measurement of support functions, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Multivariate logistic regression showed that higher Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores, higher Chinese Internet Addiction Scale‐Revision scores, and higher 12‐item Chinese Health Questionnaire scores were significantly correlated with neuroticism in both sexes, but lower perceived routine support: measurement of support functions scores were associated only with the male participants. No significant differences were found in terms of body mass index or other metabolic profiles. Individuals with poorer mental health and a poorer personal lifestyle had higher neuroticism scores, and sex effects may influence the scale of perceived social support in the neuroticism group. However, the lack of an association between neuroticism score and metabolic syndrome may be due to the recruitment of younger participants in this study.
RESTORING CROPLAND PRODUCTIVITY AND PROFITABILITY IN NORTHERN ETHIOPIAN DRYLANDS AFTER NINE YEARS OF RESOURCE-CONSERVING AGRICULTURE
Authors: ARAYA TESFAY , NYSSEN JAN , GOVAERTS BRAM , BAUDRON FRÉDÉRIC , CARPENTIER LOUISE , BAUER HANS , LANCKRIET SIL , DECKERS JOZEF , CORNELIS WIM M.
Published: January 2015

Long-termin situsoil and water conservation experiments are rare in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in Eastern Africa. A long-term experiment was conducted (2005–2013) on a Vertisol to quantify the impacts of resource-conserving agriculture (RCA) on runoff, soil loss, soil fertility and crop productivity and economic profitability in northern Ethiopia. Two RCA practices were developed from traditional furrow tillage practices: (i)derdero+(DER+) andterwah+ (TER+). DER+ is a furrow and permanent raised bed planting system, tilled once at planting time by refreshing the furrow and 30% of crop residue is retained. TER+ is ploughed once at planting, furrows are made at 1.5 m intervals and 30% crop residue is retained. The third treatment was a conventional tillage (CT) with a minimum of three tillage operations and complete removal of crop residues. Wheat, teff, barley and grass pea crops were grown in rotation. Runoff, and soil and nutrient loss were measured in plastic sheet-lined collector trenches. Significantly different (P< 0.05) runoff coefficients (%) and soil losses (t ha−1) averaged over 9 yrs were 14 and 3, 22 and 11 and 30 and 17 for DER+, TER+ and CT, respectively. Significant improvements in crop yield and gross margin were observed after a period of three years of cropping This study demonstrated that RCA systems in semi-arid agro-ecosystems constitute a field rainwater conservation and soil fertility improvement strategy that enhances crop productivity and economic profitability. Adoption of RCA systems (DER+ and TER+) in the study area requires further work to improve smallholder farmers’ awareness on benefits, to guarantee high standards during implementation and to design appropriate weed management strategies.
The Nature of Objects: Targeting Networks and the Challenge of Defining Cyber Military Objectives
Authors: Harrison Dinniss Heather A
Published: January 2015

Cyber warfare and the advent of computer network operations have forced us to look again at the concept of the military objective. The definition set out in Article 52(2) of Additional Protocol I – that an object must by its nature, location, purpose or use, make an effective contribution to military action – is accepted as customary international law; its application in the cyber context, however, raises a number of issues which are examined in this article. First, the question of whether data may constitute a military objective is discussed. In particular, the issue of whether the requirement that the definition applies to ‘objects’ requires that the purported target must have tangible or material form. The article argues on the basis of both textual and contextual analysis that this is not required, but it contends that it may prove to be useful to differentiate between operational- and content-level data. The article then examines the qualifying contribution of military objectives such as their nature, location, purpose or use, and questions whether network location rather than geographical location may be used as a qualifying criterion in the cyber context. The final part of the article addresses the question of whether the particular ability of cyber operations to effect results at increasingly precise levels of specificity places an obligation on a party to an armed conflict to define military objectives at their smallest possible formulation – that is, a small piece of code or component rather than the computer or system itself. Such a requirement would have significant implications for the cyber context where much of the infrastructure is dual use, but the distinction between civilian objects and military objectives is a binary classification.
The Boundaries of Social Transformation through Litigation: Women's and LGBT Rights in Israel, 1970–2010
Authors: Dotan Yoav
Published: January 2015

The global expansion of judicial power and the rise of litigation as a vehicle for social transformation are two conspicuous social phenomena that are subject to intensive research by social scientists and lawyers alike. One of the most hotly debated questions in this regard relates to the potential value of law in general, and litigation in particular, as a strategy for social change. This article examines the question by comparing the struggle for equality in Israel by two groups – women's rights activists and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights activists – between 1970 and 2010. The struggles of women and LGBT people for equality have many shared characteristics, since both challenge the traditional conservative patriarchal social model. In Israeli society, moreover, both LGBT rights activists and women's equality activists faced the same political rivals: the powerful macho-type socio-political mentality, rooted in the central status of the military in Israeli society, and the strong hold of Jewish ultra-orthodox parties in the political system. The strategies that the two groups adopted to overcome these obstacles, however, were markedly different. While women's groups adopted an elitist strategy of struggle that concentrated on legal measures, LGBT rights groups adopted a variety of strategies that emphasised grassroots political tactics. The article examines the success of each group in achieving its political objectives by using cross-country comparative indexes of LGBT and women's rights. I argue that the comparison between the two groups points to the relative weaknesses of legal and litigation-centred strategies as vehicles for social transformation.
The lichen genusKroswiais a synonym ofFuscopannaria(Pannariaceae)
Authors: MAGAIN Nicolas , SÉRUSIAUX Emmanuël
Published: January 2015

Molecular inferences of three loci within a phylogenetic framework of a subset of thePannariaceaeconfirm that the genusKroswiais nested within the genusFuscopannaria. The formal combination of the type species ofKroswiaintoFuscopannariais therefore made here, andKroswiais reduced into synonymy with the latter genus.
From Beginning to End: Perspectives of the Dementia Journey in Northern Ontario
Authors: Gregorio Deanna Di , Ferguson Shannon , Wiersma Elaine
Published: January 2015

La recherche sur les soins de la démence continue à se développer, mais peu d'attention est accordée à l'expérience de la démence dans les lieux ruraux et nordiques. Cette étude explore la démence à travers les points de vue des services de santé, les soignants, les membres de la communauté, et les personnes atteintes de démence. Les résultats mettent en évidence la complexité de la prise de conscience et la compréhension de ce phénomène dans des lieux ruraux. La perspective des gens vivants avec une démence, la compréhension des services disponibles et une prise de conscience communautaire, sont essentiels à la prise en charge rural. La nécessité d'accroître les connaissances et l’emphase sur le développement des services de santé et bien-être en milieux ruraux sont discutée.
Triple splitting and z-rays in polar ionograms
Authors: Scotto Carlo
Published: January 2015

The theory of propagation in a direction almost parallel to the Earth’s magnetic field is reviewed, calculating the group refractive index of the ordinary ray in the presence of electron-neutral collisions. An electron density profile is estimated from the ordinary trace and is used to compute the z-ray trace. It is shown that this reconstruction can help to identify the rare cases of z-rays from among the numerous cases of duplicate ordinary traces, due to reflection from two different directions.
Centuries of Change: Wrocław – Breslau – Vratislavia
Authors: Davies Norman
Published: January 2015

What follows is the Heinz Nixdorf Memorial Lecture that Norman Davies, as the recipient of the Erasmus Medal of the Academia Europaea, gave on the occasion of the 25th anniversary meeting of the Academia Europaea in Wrocław in September 2013.
Twardowski on Presentations and Truth
Authors: Kijania-Placek Katarzyna
Published: January 2015

This paper is concerned with Twardowski’s role as a teacher and a founder of the Lvov-Warsaw School of logic and philosophy as well as with his main contributions to philosophy: the distinction between the content and object of presentations and his defense of objective truth, which initiated a debate on the eternity of truth in the School. It would perhaps be no exaggeration to say that the emergence of the Lvov-Warsaw School was the result of the premeditated efforts of one philosopher, namely Kazimierz Twardowski. Therefore, I will first present Twardowski’s role as a teacher and founder of the School and then move on to his theoretical achievements.
Logic in Poland after 1945 (until 1975)
Authors: Woleński Jan , Marek Victor
Published: January 2015

This paper summarizes logical investigations in Poland in the years 1945–1975 conducted by logicians living and working in the country. We concentrate on mathematical logic and the foundations of mathematics. Thus, we omit works in semantics (except logical model theory) and methodology of science; that is, other branches of general logic (logicsensu largo). We also skip investigations into the history of logic, one of the favorites of Polish logicians, except for mentioning reconstructions of some earlier systems. We also try to outline sociological circumstances relevant for the development of logic after the Second World War.
Verdrängt Multiplex PCR den klassischen Kulturnachweis in der Mikrobiologie?
Authors: Auckenthaler Raymond , Risch Martin
Published: January 2015

Die Multiplex PCR Technologie hält in der mikrobiologischen Diagnostik mehr und mehr Einzug. Diese Technik erlaubt in einem einzigen Probenlauf die simultane Amplifikation von mehreren DNA/RNA-Zielsequenzen von Erregern über die Speziesebene hinaus. Verschiedene Erreger von Infektionskrankheiten können durch einen Symptom-orientierten Approach eindeutig und rasch mit hoher Zuverlässigkeit nachgewiesen werden. Im Wesentlichen verfügt man heute über Multiplex PCR-Panels zur Abklärung von gastrointestinalen, respiratorischen, urogenitalen Infekten, sowie zur Meningitis-Diagnostik. Das heutige Angebot der Industrie, der Universitätsspitäler und der größeren Privatlabors der Schweiz wird tabellarisch dargestellt und kommentiert.
Der Laborfehler – warum das Labor nicht (immer) schuld ist
Authors: Savoca Reto
Published: January 2015

Mehr als die Hälfte der „Laborfehler“ sind schon passiert, bevor die Messung im Labor beginnt und viele passieren auch nach der Analytik. Bei rund 60 – 90 % aller fehlerhaften oder unerwarteten Laborresultate liegen die Ursachen bei der Prä- oder Postanalytik und nur in ca. 10 – 15 % aller Fälle ist die eigentliche Analytik fehlerhaft. Interne und externe analytische Qualitätskontrolle sind heute selbstverständlich; Verbesserungsbedarf gibt es vor allem noch bezüglich der Methodenstandardisierung. Es wäre wünschenswert, vermehrt auch die Prozesse vor und nach der Analyse zu verbessern. Gute Patientenvorbereitung, zuverlässige Identifikation und eine korrekte Blutentnahme sind noch nicht überall selbstverständlich – bessere Ausbildung in diesem Gebiet tut not. Auch bei der Kommunikation der Resultate und dem Umsetzen der klinischen Konsequenzen gibt es immer noch Verbesserungsmöglichkeiten. Die Fehler in allen Phasen des analytischen Prozesses beinhalten wertvolle Hinweise für Optimierungen. Dieses Potential könnte mit einer veänderten Fehlerkultur ausgeschöpft werden.
Der Referenzbereich ist tot – es lebe der Reference Change Value
Authors: Walz Brigitte , Fierz Walter
Published: January 2015

Eigentlich wollen wir ja meist nicht wissen, wo ein Labormesswert unseres Patienten in Bezug auf den Normbereich liegt, welcher ja aufgrund des Polymorphismus der Bevölkerung eine recht große Streuung aufweist. Was uns interessiert, ist im Grunde genommen, ob sich der Messwert beim jetzt kranken Patienten vom Wert des früheren Gesunden unterscheidet. Wir kennen das aus der Pädiatrie mit den Wachstumskurven. Das Interessante ist nicht, ob das Kind groß oder klein ist, sondern ob sich ein Knick in der Kurve gebildet hat. Da wir aber in der Regel leider keinen Ausgangswert des Patienten haben, greifen wir als Ersatz auf den Normbereich zurück und verpassen dabei die „Knicks“, die bereits innerhalb des Normbereichs stattfinden. Idealerweise hätten wir eine „Lebenskurve“ der Laborwerte eines Patienten, was ja ein Teil des Nutzens des lebenslangen Gesundheits-/Krankheits-Dossiers wäre. Die Frage, mit welcher wir uns hier beschäftigen wollen, ist, welcher Messunterschied, beziehungsweise welcher „Knick“ bereits signifikant ist. Die Signifikanz einer Änderung hängt von zwei Faktoren ab: Die Messungenauigkeit und die biologische Variabilität. Erstere wird mit zunehmend verbesserter Messtechnologie immer kleiner, letztere ist konstant und oft erstaunlich hoch. Beide zusammen können im Reference Change Value (RCV) zusammengefasst werden. Anhand von mehreren klinisch chemischen Analysen wird der Stellenwert des RCV aufgezeigt.
Inhibition of immunoproteasome reduces infarction volume and attenuates inflammatory reaction in a rat model of ischemic stroke
Authors: Chen X , Zhang X , Wang Y , Lei H , Su H , Zeng J , Pei Z , Huang R
Published: January 2015

The detailed knowledge about the contribution of immunoproteasome to the neuroinflammation in ischemic stroke is still not available. The immunoreactivity of low molecular mass peptide 2 (LMP2) and low molecular mass peptide 7 (LMP7) was evident in the ipsilateral ischemic cerebral cortex and striatum following transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Both LMP2 and LMP7 increased as early as 4 h after the MCAO, further increased at 24 h, peaked at 72 h and decreased 7 days later. LMP2 and LMP7 were mainly present in astrocytes and microglia/macrophage cells, respectively. LMP2 knockdown by shRNA (short hairpin RNA) markedly reduced the levels of LMP2 and LMP7 protein and caused 75.5 and 78.6% decrease in the caspase-like (C-L) and chymotrypsin-like (CT-L) activities, respectively. Compared with cont-shRNA group (39.7%, infarction volumes/total ipsilateral hemisphere), the infarction volumes were reduced to 22.5% in LMP2-shRNA group. Additionally, LMP2 knockdown significantly reduced activated astrocytes and microglia, the expression nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) p65, tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) and interleukin-1β(IL-1β) and caused less accumulation of ischemia-induced protein ubiquitination compared with MG132. These findings demonstrate that inhibition of LMP2 significantly attenuates inflammatory reaction and offers neuroprotection against focal cerebral ischemia in rats, suggesting that selective immunoproteasome inhibitors may be a promising strategy for stroke treatment.
Simultaneous strain and temperature sensing using a slightly tapered optical fiber with an inner cavity
Authors: Chen H. F. , Wang D. N. , Wang Y.
Published: January 2015

An ultracompact optical fiber mode interferometer capable of performing simultaneous strain and temperature sensing is demonstrated.
Evidence of chitosan-mediated reduction of Au(iii) to Au(0) nanoparticles under electron beam by using OH˙ and e−aq scavengers
Authors: Dang Nguyen VÔ Khoa , Kowandy Christelle , Dupont Laurent , Coqueret Xavier
Published: January 2015

The radiolytic synthesis of gold nanoparticles from Au(iii)–chitosan solutions does not exclusively follow the direct reduction pathway involving e−aq. Irradiation generates short-lived and long-lived reductive species derived from chitosan that efficiently convert Au(iii) into Au(0) which aggregates to form clusters.
Evaluation criteria for bioaerosol samplers
Authors: Kesavan Jana , Sagripanti Jose-Luis
Published: January 2015

Humans contract a variety of serious diseases through inhalation of infectious aerosols.
Enantioselective synthesis of bicyclo[2.2.2]octane-1-carboxylates under metal free conditions
Authors: Li Ying-Zi , Wang Jie , Sun Wang-Bin , Shan Yi-Fan , Sun Bing-Feng , Lin Guo-Qiang , Zou Jian-Ping
Published: January 2015

A new tandem reaction permits rapid access to bicyclo[2.2.2]octane-1-carboxylates with excellent enantioselectivities under metal free, mild, and operationally simple conditions.
Diosgenin, a steroidal saponin, prevents hypertension, cardiac remodeling and oxidative stress in adenine induced chronic renal failure rats
Authors: Manivannan Jeganathan , Shanthakumar Janakiraman , Silambarasan Thangarasu , Balamurugan Elumalai , Raja Boobalan
Published: January 2015

Prevention of hypertension, cardiac remodeling and oxidative stress in chronic renal failure (CRF) rats by diosgenin.
Underwater superoleophobic coatings fabricated from tannic acid-decorated carbon nanotubes
Authors: Jin Yi-Ning , Yang Hao-Cheng , Huang He , Xu Zhi-Kang
Published: January 2015

Tannic acid-decorated MWCNTs are fabricated into an underwater superoleophobic coating via vacuum filtration.
Ruthenium-containing β-cyclodextrin polymer globules for the catalytic hydrogenation of biomass-derived furanic compounds
Authors: Herbois R. , Noël S. , Léger B. , Tilloy S. , Menuel S. , Addad A. , Martel B. , Ponchel A. , Monflier E.
Published: January 2015

Robust and highly efficient ruthenium nanoparticles confined within individual microenvironments formed by a three-dimensional β-cyclodextrin polymer were easily prepared for the hydrogenation of biomass-derived furan compounds in water.
γ-Aminoalcohol rearrangement applied to pentahydroxylated azepanes provides pyrrolidines epimeric to homoDMDP
Authors: Jagadeesh Y. , Tran A. T. , Luo B. , Auberger N. , Désiré J. , Nakagawa S. , Kato A. , Zhang Y. , Sollogoub M. , Blériot Y.
Published: January 2015

Exploiting a γ-aminoalcohol rearrangement, pentahydroxylated azepanes are converted to pyrrolidines that are epimeric to homoDMDP, a potent glycosidase inhibitor.
Graphene oxide complex as a pH-sensitive antitumor drug
Authors: Cheng Rumei , Zou Ruitao , Ou Shengju , Guo Rui , Yan Ruiying , Shi Haiyan , Yu Shanshan , Li Xiaojian , Bu Yexu , Lin Mimi , Liu Yong , Dai Liming
Published: January 2015

A chitosan-xanthone-GO nanocomposite as a pH-sensitive nanocarrier for controlled release of the antitumor drug.
Orienting polydiacetylene using aligned carbon nanotubes
Authors: Sun Xuemei , Lu Xin , Qiu Longbin , Peng Huisheng
Published: January 2015

A general and effective strategy is developed to orient conjugated polymers, such as polydiacetylene, using aligned carbon nanotubes.
Base-CP proteasome can serve as a platform for stepwise lid formation
Authors: Yu Zanlin , Livnat-Levanon Nurit , Kleifeld Oded , Mansour Wissam , Nakasone Mark A. , Castaneda Carlos A. , Dixon Emma K. , Fushman David , Reis Noa , Pick Elah , Glickman Michael H.
Published: January 2015

26S proteasome, a major regulatory protease in eukaryotes, consists of a 20S proteolytic core particle (CP) capped by a 19S regulatory particle (RP). The 19S RP is divisible into base and lid sub-complexes. Even within the lid, subunits have been demarcated into two modules: module 1 (Rpn5, Rpn6, Rpn8, Rpn9 and Rpn11), which interacts with both CP and base sub-complexes and module 2 (Rpn3, Rpn7, Rpn12 and Rpn15) that is attached mainly to module 1. We now show that suppression of RPN11 expression halted lid assembly yet enabled the base and 20S CP to pre-assemble and form a base-CP. A key role for Regulatory particle non-ATPase 11 (Rpn11) in bridging lid module 1 and module 2 subunits together is inferred from observing defective proteasomes in rpn11–m1, a mutant expressing a truncated form of Rpn11 and displaying mitochondrial phenotypes. An incomplete lid made up of five module 1 subunits attached to base-CP was identified in proteasomes isolated from this mutant. Re-introducing the C-terminal portion of Rpn11 enabled recruitment of missing module 2 subunits. In vitro, module 1 was reconstituted stepwise, initiated by Rpn11–Rpn8 heterodimerization. Upon recruitment of Rpn6, the module 1 intermediate was competent to lock into base-CP and reconstitute an incomplete 26S proteasome. Thus, base-CP can serve as a platform for gradual incorporation of lid, along a proteasome assembly pathway. Identification of proteasome intermediates and reconstitution of minimal functional units should clarify aspects of the inner workings of this machine and how multiple catalytic processes are synchronized within the 26S proteasome holoenzymes.
Medical applications of EPR
Authors: Eichhoff Uwe , Höfer Peter
Published: January 2015

Selected applications of continuous-wave EPR in medicine are reviewed. This includes detection of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, pH measurements and oxymetry. Applications of EPR imaging are demonstrated on selected examples and future developments to faster imaging methods are discussed.