bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tiny giants of gene regulation: experimental strategies for microRNA functional studies
Authors: Steinkraus Bruno R. , Toegel Markus , Fulga Tudor A.
Published: March 2016

The discovery over two decades ago of short regulatory microRNAs (miRNAs) has led to the inception of a vast biomedical research field dedicated to understanding these powerful orchestrators of gene expression. Here we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of the methods and techniques underpinning the experimental pipeline employed for exploratory miRNA studies in animals. Some of the greatest challenges in this field have been uncovering the identity of miRNA–target interactions and deciphering their significance with regard to particular physiological or pathological processes. These endeavors relied almost exclusively on the development of powerful research tools encompassing novel bioinformatics pipelines, high‐throughput target identification platforms, and functional target validation methodologies. Thus, in an unparalleled manner, the biomedical technology revolution unceasingly enhanced and refined our ability to dissect miRNA regulatory networks and understand their roles in vivo in the context of cells and organisms. Recurring motifs of target recognition have led to the creation of a large number of multifactorial bioinformatics analysis platforms, which have proved instrumental in guiding experimental miRNA studies. Subsequently, the need for discovery of miRNA–target binding events in vivo drove the emergence of a slew of high‐throughput multiplex strategies, which now provide a viable prospect for elucidating genome‐wide miRNA–target binding maps in a variety of cell types and tissues. Finally, deciphering the functional relevance of miRNA post‐transcriptional gene silencing under physiological conditions, prompted the evolution of a host of technologies enabling systemic manipulation of miRNA homeostasis as well as high‐precision interference with their direct, endogenous targets. WIREs Dev Biol 2016, 5:311–362. doi: 10.1002/wdev.223

This article is categorized under:

Gene Expression and Transcriptional Hierarchies > Gene Networks and Genomics

Gene Expression and Transcriptional Hierarchies > Regulatory RNA

Technologies > Perturbing Genes and Generating Modified Animals
β‐catenin‐driven binary cell fate decisions in animal development
Authors: Bertrand Vincent
Published: March 2016

The Wnt/β‐catenin pathway plays key roles during animal development. In several species, β‐catenin is used in a reiterative manner to regulate cell fate diversification between daughter cells following division. This binary cell fate specification mechanism has been observed in animals that belong to very diverse phyla: the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, the annelid Platynereis, and the ascidian Ciona. It may also play a role in the regulation of several stem cell lineages in vertebrates. While the molecular mechanism behind this binary cell fate switch is not fully understood, it appears that both secreted Wnt ligands and asymmetric cortical factors contribute to the generation of the difference in nuclear β‐catenin levels between daughter cells. β‐Catenin then cooperates with lineage specific transcription factors to induce the expression of novel sets of transcription factors at each round of divisions, thereby diversifying cell fate. WIREs Dev Biol 2016, 5:377–388. doi: 10.1002/wdev.228

This article is categorized under:

Gene Expression and Transcriptional Hierarchies > Regulatory Mechanisms

Signaling Pathways > Cell Fate Signaling

Invertebrate Organogenesis > Worms
Structural colors: from natural to artificial systems
Authors: Fu Yulan , Tippets Cary A. , Donev Eugenii U. , Lopez Rene
Published: March 2016

Structural coloration has attracted great interest from scientists and engineers in recent years, owing to fascination with various brilliant examples displayed in nature as well as to promising applications of bio‐inspired functional photonic structures and materials. Much research has been done to reveal and emulate the physical mechanisms that underlie the structural colors found in nature. In this article, we review the fundamental physics of many natural structural colors displayed by living organisms as well as their bio‐inspired artificial counterparts, with emphasis on their connections, tunability strategies, and proposed applications, which aim to maximize the technological benefits one could derive from these photonic nanostructures. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2016, 8:758–775. doi: 10.1002/wnan.1396

This article is categorized under:

Diagnostic Tools > Biosensing

Diagnostic Tools > In Vitro Nanoparticle-Based Sensing

Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology
Evolving Management of Zenker’s Diverticulum in the Endoscopic Era: A North American Experience
Authors: Jones Daniel , Aloraini Abdullah , Gowing Stephen , Cools‐Lartigue Jonathan , Leimanis Mara , Tabah Roger , Ferri Lorenzo
Published: March 2016

Background

Open surgical cricopharyngeal myotomy(CM) is considered standard of care for Zenker’s diverticulum(ZD). Trans‐oral CM has been described using a rigid stapling device for two decades; however, this remains problematic for severely kyphotic patients. This problem can be overcome with flexible endoscopy utilizing an electrosurgical needle knife. We sought to compare clinical outcomes between these techniques to stratify patient selection.

Methods

Patients undergoing ZD treatment from 1992 to 2015 were reviewed. Demographics, diverticulum size, post‐operative complications, and length of stay (LOS) were compared between open cricopharyngeal myotomy (OpenCM), rigid trans‐oral stapling myotomy (RigidCM), and flexible endoscopic myotomy (FlexCM). Dysphagia scores (DS, 0:best‐4:worst) and pneumonia incidence were assessed pre‐operatively and post‐operatively.

Results

62 patients underwent OpenCM (39/62(63 %)) or endoscopic CM (23/62(37 %) (8 RigidCM/15 FlexCM)). CM significantly reduced dysphagia for all approaches [OpenCM:2(2‐3)‐0(0‐0); RigidCM:2(2‐2)‐0(0‐0); FlexCM:3(3‐3)‐0(0‐0)]. FlexCM patients had significantly worse pre‐operative DS. Endoscopic CM was attempted and completed in 23/35(66 %) patients. Reasons for OpenCM conversion included inability to position the diverticular retractor due to patient body habitus (RigidCM), and the inability to position the overtube due to small ZD (FlexCM). Major post‐operative complications were rare and similar in all groups. Medium‐to‐long‐term post‐myotomy pneumonia was comparable between groups. LOS (days) was reduced for FlexCM (1(1‐2)) versus RigidCM (3(2‐6)) and OpenCM (4(3‐7)).

Conclusions

CM is highly effective for treating ZD. Open and endoscopic approaches offer comparable outcomes and dysphagia resolution. FlexCM is efficacious for large ZD and can be performed in most patients irrespective of body habitus. FlexCM represents an excellent approach for large ZD, while OpenCM should be reserved for small ZD for which an overtube cannot be positioned.
Minimally Invasive Versus Open Pancreatic Surgery in Patients with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1
Authors: Lopez Caroline L. , Albers Max B. , Bollmann Carmen , Manoharan Jerena , Waldmann Jens , Fendrich Volker , Bartsch Detlef K.
Published: March 2016

Objective

The role of minimally invasive pancreatic surgery for pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (pNENs) in patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) is not well defined. The aim of this study was to compare the outcome of minimally invasive versus open pancreatic resections in patients with MEN1.

Materials and methods

Prospectively collected data of MEN1 patients who underwent a primary distal pancreatic resection and/or enucleation for non‐functioning pNENs or insulinoma were retrospectively analyzed regarding the outcome of minimally invasive or open pancreatic resections.

Results

Thirty‐three patients underwent primary pancreatic resection for either organic hyperinsulinism (n = 9, 27 %) or non‐functioning pNENs >1 cm in size (n = 24, 73 %) between 1987 and 2015. 21 (64 %) patients underwent an open surgical (group 1) and 12 patients (36 %) a minimally invasive approach, either laparoscopic (n = 8) or robotic assisted (n = 4) (group 2). Both groups were comparable regarding age, gender, number, and size of pancreatic tumors. In both groups, the hyperinsulinism of all patients (9/9,100 %) could be cured and all NF‐pNENs >1 cm could be resected. Group 2 had a significant shorter operative time (200 vs. 260 min; p = 0.036), less intraoperative blood loss (120 vs. 280 ml; p < 0.001), and a shorter hospital stay (11 vs. 15.5 days; p = 0.034). The rate of patients with postoperative complications, especially postoperative pancreatic fistulas, was not different between groups (62 % group 1 vs. 67 % group 2, p = 0.74).

Conclusion

Minimally invasive distal pancreatic resections and enucleations are feasible and safe in MEN1 patients with insulinoma or non‐functioning pNENs.
High Probability of an Underlying Colorectal Cancer Among Patients Treated for Acute Diverticulitis. A Population‐Based Cohort Follow‐Up Study
Authors: Grahnat Carl Johan , Hérard Sebastian , Ackzell Annicka , Andersson Roland E.
Published: March 2016

Introduction

Patients treated conservatively for acute diverticulitis (AD) are recommended colonic assessment to rule out an underlying Colorectal cancer (CRC). This has been questioned in patients with a CT diagnosis of uncomplicated AD. We analyzed the frequency of CRC and compared the characteristics of the CRC patients with controls.

Method

A cohort of patients treated conservatively for AD during 2005–2011 was identified through an administrative database. Patients diagnosed with CRC within 1 year after the index admission and four randomly selected controls were identified. The patients’ files were reviewed to verify the diagnosis and obtain information about the clinical characteristics and the management. A blinded review was performed of CT examinations. The expected number of CRC was calculated from age, sex, and period‐specific incidence data. The characteristics of the CRC patients were compared with the controls in a nested case‐control study.

Results

890 patients (298 men and 592 women) were treated conservatively for AD. 12 patients were diagnosed with CRC within 1 year, and ten of them in the sigmoid, giving a Standardized Incidence Ratio of 20.0 (95 % CI 10.2–35.7, p<0.001) for sigmoidal cancer. All CRC patients were aged over 70 years. The cancer was missed in six CT scans at the primary reading and in five at the blinded review.

Conclusion

Patients conservatively treated for AD are at high risk for an underlying CRC, especially if older than 70 years, which motivates routine follow‐up. A CT diagnosis of uncomplicated AD does not rule out CRC.
The Relationship Between Body Weight and Motor Skill Competence in Hispanic Low-SES Preschool Children
Authors: Hamilton Michelle , Liu Ting , ElGarhy Sayed
Published: March 2016

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between motor competence and BMI in Hispanic preschool children from low SES backgrounds. One hundred and forty-eight Hispanic low SES preschool children (male = 81, female = 67 participated in this study. All children were measured on gross and fine motor competence using the Peabody Developmental Motor Scales-2 (PDMS-2). Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated for all participants. A Pearson correlation was used to analyze the relationship between the preschool children’s BMI and PDMS-2 performance. A 2 (gender) × 3 (BMI) MANOVA was conducted to assess the gender and BMI differences on each PDMS-2 subtest. Nearly one-third of children in the study demonstrated gross and fine motor delays and slightly over one-third of the children were classified as overweight or obese. A significant negative correlation was found between BMI and visual motor integration scores. The MANOVA analysis showed that low SES Hispanic boys were significantly better in gross motor skill competence and girls were more advanced in fine motor performance. These findings will make a significant contribution to the literature in identifying relationship between motor competence and children’s body weight. This study is also beneficial to practitioners and educators in designing intervention and preschool curriculum to improve children identified with motor delays and to reduce BMI through physical activity.
Conocimiento del consentimiento informado clínico en profesionales en formación en salud
Authors: Galván Meléndez Manuel Fernando , Huerta Guerrero Héctor Manuel , Galindo Burciaga Matilde , Barrientos Ramos Ana Angélica , Morales Castro María Elena
Published: March 2016

Introducción: En la actualidad las preferencias del paciente integran el núcleo moral y legal de la relación médico-paciente, la cual no puede iniciarse sin la aceptación de él en la mayor parte de los casos; es asi como la participación y la deliberación conjunta es la mejor manera de abordar hoy en dia ese encuentro. El consentimiento informado es una herramienta esencial de la práctica clínica para garantizar los derechos del individuo y salvaguardar uno de los pilares básicos en la bioética, la autonomía de cada persona.
Objetivo: Identificar el conocimiento del consentimiento informado clínico en profesionales de la salud en formación en un Hospital de Durango
Método: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, observacional y prospectivo en 46 participantes (21 médicos internos, 18 pasantes de enfermería y 7 pasantes de odontología) de un hospital de Durango. Se les aplicó un cuestionario de 28 ítems sobre consentimiento informado, datos generales y preguntas de opinión. Se utilizó prueba Kolmogorov-Smirnov, estadística descriptiva, ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis, un 1C al 95% y como significación un valor de peo.05. La información se mantuvo en estricta confidencialidad. 
Resultado: Se obtuvo una media de edad de 24+1.2 años, el 52.2% fueron hombres y el tiempo de estancia en el hospital de 5.5 (2-12) meses. De los reactivos contestados correctamente sobre consentimiento informado se obtuvo una media de 5.3 + 1.4 y una calificación de 4.1 + 1.1. El 91.7% de los encuestados refirió interés en capacitarse sobre el consentimiento informado y el 96.8% sobre aspectos bioéticos.
Conclusiones: Los resultados arrojaron deficiencias en los profesionales en formación en salud en el conocimiento que tienen del consentimiento informado. Sin embargo, resalta el alto interés que tienen por capacitarse sobre estos aspectos.
The emerging role of GATA transcription factors in development and disease
Authors: Lentjes Marjolein HFM , Niessen Hanneke EC , Akiyama Yoshimitsu , de Bruïne Adriaan P , Melotte Veerle , van Engeland Manon
Published: March 2016

The GATA family of transcription factors consists of six proteins (GATA1-6) which are involved in a variety of physiological and pathological processes. GATA1/2/3 are required for differentiation of mesoderm and ectoderm-derived tissues, including the haematopoietic and central nervous system. GATA4/5/6 are implicated in development and differentiation of endoderm- and mesoderm-derived tissues such as induction of differentiation of embryonic stem cells, cardiovascular embryogenesis and guidance of epithelial cell differentiation in the adult.
Continuity of Lyapunov exponents for random two-dimensional matrices
Authors: BOCKER-NETO CARLOS , VIANA MARCELO
Published: March 2016

The Lyapunov exponents of locally constant$\text{GL}(2,\mathbb{C})$-cocycles over Bernoulli shifts vary continuously with the cocycle and the invariant probability measure.
The local Hölder exponent for the dimension of invariant subsets of the circle
Authors: CARMINATI CARLO , TIOZZO GIULIO
Published: March 2016

We consider for each $t$ the set $K(t)$ of points of the circle whose forward orbit for the doubling map does not intersect $(0,t)$, and look at the dimension function $\unicode[STIX]{x1D702}(t):=\text{H.dim}\,K(t)$. We prove that at every bifurcation parameter $t$, the local Hölder exponent of the dimension function equals the value of the function $\unicode[STIX]{x1D702}(t)$ itself. A similar statement holds for general expanding maps of the circle: namely, we consider the topological entropy of the map restricted to the survival set, and obtain bounds on its local Hölder exponent in terms of the value of the function.
Transitive dendrite map with zero entropy
Authors: BYSZEWSKI JAKUB , FALNIOWSKI FRYDERYK , KWIETNIAK DOMINIK
Published: March 2016

Hoehn and Mouron [Hierarchies of chaotic maps on continua. Ergod. Th. & Dynam. Sys.34 (2014), 1897–1913] constructed a map on the universal dendrite that is topologically weakly mixing but not mixing. We modify the Hoehn–Mouron example to show that there exists a transitive (even weakly mixing) dendrite map with zero topological entropy. This answers the question of Baldwin [Entropy estimates for transitive maps on trees. Topology40(3) (2001), 551–569].
Periodic points and transitivity on dendrites
Authors: ACOSTA GERARDO , HERNÁNDEZ-GUTIÉRREZ RODRIGO , NAGHMOUCHI ISSAM , OPROCHA PIOTR
Published: March 2016

We study relations between transitivity, mixing and periodic points on dendrites. We prove that, when there is a point with dense orbit which is a cutpoint, periodic points are dense and there is a terminal periodic decomposition. We also show that it is possible that all periodic points except one (and points with dense orbit) are contained in the (dense) set of endpoints. It is also possible that a dynamical system is transitive but there is a unique periodic point which, in fact, is the unique fixed point. We also prove that on almost meshed continua (a class of continua containing topological graphs and dendrites with closed or countable set of endpoints), periodic points are dense if and only if they are dense for the map induced on the hyperspace of all non-empty compact subsets.
Weak forms of topological and measure-theoretical equicontinuity: relationships with discrete spectrum and sequence entropy
Authors: GARCÍA-RAMOS FELIPE
Published: March 2016

We define weaker forms of topological and measure-theoretical equicontinuity for topological dynamical systems, and we study their relationships with sequence entropy and systems with discrete spectrum. We show that for topological systems equipped with ergodic measures having discrete spectrum is equivalent to$\unicode[STIX]{x1D707}$-mean equicontinuity. In the purely topological category we show that minimal subshifts with zero topological sequence entropy are strictly contained in diam-mean equicontinuous systems; and that transitive almost automorphic subshifts are diam-mean equicontinuous if and only if they are regular (i.e. the maximal equicontinuous factor map is one–one on a set of full Haar measure). For both categories we find characterizations using stronger versions of the classical notion of sensitivity. As a consequence, we obtain a dichotomy between discrete spectrum and a strong form of measure-theoretical sensitivity.
Modal instability of the flow in a toroidal pipe
Authors: Canton Jacopo , Schlatter Philipp , Örlü Ramis
Published: March 2016

The modal instability encountered by the incompressible flow inside a toroidal pipe is studied, for the first time, by means of linear stability analysis and direct numerical simulation (DNS). In addition to the unquestionable aesthetic appeal, the torus represents the smallest departure from the canonical straight pipe flow, at least for low curvatures. The flow is governed by only two parameters: the Reynolds number $\mathit{Re}$ and the curvature of the torus ${\it\delta}$, i.e. the ratio between pipe radius and torus radius. The absence of additional features, such as torsion in the case of a helical pipe, allows us to isolate the effect that the curvature has on the onset of the instability. Results show that the flow is linearly unstable for all curvatures investigated between 0.002 and unity, and undergoes a Hopf bifurcation at $\mathit{Re}$ of about 4000. The bifurcation is followed by the onset of a periodic regime, characterised by travelling waves with wavelength $\mathit{O}(1)$ pipe diameters. The neutral curve associated with the instability is traced in parameter space by means of a novel continuation algorithm. Tracking the bifurcation provides a complete description of the modal onset of instability as a function of the two governing parameters, and allows a precise calculation of the critical values of $\mathit{Re}$ and ${\it\delta}$. Several different modes are found, with differing properties and eigenfunction shapes. Some eigenmodes are observed to belong to groups with a set of common characteristics, deemed ‘families’, while others appear as ‘isolated’. Comparison with nonlinear DNS shows excellent agreement, confirming every aspect of the linear analysis, its accuracy, and proving its significance for the nonlinear flow. Experimental data from the literature are also shown to be in considerable agreement with the present results.
The turbulent transition of a supercritical downslope flow: sensitivity to downstream conditions
Authors: Winters Kraig B.
Published: March 2016

Blocked, continuously stratified, crest-controlled flows have hydraulically supercritical downslope flow in the lee of a ridge-like obstacle. The downslope flow separates from the obstacle and, depending on conditions further downstream, transitions to a subcritical state. A controlled, stratified overflow and its transition to a subcritical state are investigated here in a set of three-dimensional numerical experiments in which the height of a second, downstream ridge is varied. The downslope flow is associated with an isopycnal and streamline bifurcation, which acts to form a nearly-uniform-density isolating layer and a sharp pycnocline that separates deeper blocked and stratified fluid between the ridges from the flow above. The height of the downstream obstacle is communicated upstream via gravity waves that propagate along the density interface and set the separation depth of the downslope flow. The penetration depth of the downslope flow, its susceptibility to shear instabilities, and the amount of energy dissipated in the turbulent outflow all increase as the height of a downstream ridge, which effectively sets the downstream boundary conditions, is reduced.
Associations of serum carotenoid concentrations and fruit or vegetable consumption with serum insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 and IGF binding protein-3 concentrations in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III)
Authors: Diener Anja , Rohrmann Sabine
Published: March 2016

Dietary intervention may alter the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system and thereby cancer risk. In a qualitative review, eleven of twenty studies showed a link between one or more carotenoids, vegetable or fruit intake and the IGF system, however, with partly contrary findings, such that no firm conclusion can be drawn. Therefore, we evaluated associations between serum carotenoid concentrations or the intake of fruits and vegetables with IGF-1, IGF binding protein (BP)-3 and their molar ratio (IGF-1:IGFBP-3) within the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III, 1988–1994). In our analysis, we included 6061 NHANES III participants and used multivariable-adjusted linear regression models. IGF-1 concentrations were significantly positively associated with serum concentrations of lycopene, β-carotene, α-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin and lutein/zeaxanthin in men and women. Statistically significant positive associations were observed for serum concentrations of α-carotene and lutein/zeaxanthin and intake of fruits with serum IGFBP-3 concentrations in women, but not in men. The IGF-1:IGFBP-3 molar ratio was significantly positively associated with serum concentrations of lycopene, β-carotene and α-carotene in men and with β-carotene in women. In conclusion, dietary interventions with carotenoids, fruits and vegetables may affect the IGF system, although the direction of these effects is currently unclear.
Against Mastery: Teaching Thomas King’s Green Grass, Running Water
Authors: McGill Robert
Published: March 2016

Thomas King’s novel Green Grass, Running Water stands as an indictment of North American colonialism and the continuing injustices facing indigenous peoples; it also offers valuable insights in terms of what constitutes good teaching. With reference to personal experiences of teaching the novel in a large lecture course, this article discusses its author’s efforts at implementing the novel’s implied pedagogical principles, which include a scepticism about granting authority to certain texts over others; a collaborative model of learning; a wariness regarding totalizing narratives and claims of interpretive mastery; and a need to wrestle in class discussion with texts’ unresolved problematics.
Stone Age Pottery Chronology in the Northeast European Forest Zone: New AMS and EA-IRMS Results on Foodcrusts
Authors: Piezonka Henny , Meadows John , Hartz Sönke , Kostyleva Elena , Nedomolkina Nadezhda , Ivanishcheva Marina , Kosorukova Natalya , Terberger Thomas
Published: March 2016

Pottery produced by mobile hunter-gatherer-fisher groups in the northeast European forest zone is among the earliest in Europe. Absolute chronologies, however, are still subject to debate due to a general lack of reliable contextual information. Direct radiocarbon dating of carbonized surface residues (“foodcrusts”) on pots can help to address this problem, as it dates the use of the pottery. If a pot was used to cook fish or other aquatic species, however, carbon in the crust may have been depleted in 14C compared to carbon in terrestrial foods and thus appear older than it really is (i.e. showing a “freshwater reservoir effect,” or FRE). A connected problem, therefore, is the importance of aquatic resources in the subsistence economy, and whether pots were used to process aquatic food. To build better chronologies from foodcrust dates, we need to determine which 14C results are more or less likely to be subject to FRE, i.e. to distinguish crusts derived mainly from aquatic ingredients from those composed mainly of terrestrial foods. Integrating laboratory analyses with relative chronologies based on typology and stratigraphy can help to assess the extent of FRE in foodcrust dates. This article reports new 14C and stable isotope measurements on foodcrusts from six Stone Age sites in central and northern European Russia, and one in southeastern Estonia. Most of these 14C results are not obviously influenced by FRE, but the isotopic data suggest an increasing use of aquatic products over the course of the 6th and 5th millennia cal BC.
ASSESSMENT OF NAPIER GRASS ACCESSIONS IN LOWLAND AND HIGHLAND TROPICAL ENVIRONMENTS IN EAST AFRICA: PRODUCTIVITY AND FORAGE QUALITY
Authors: MWENDIA S. W. , YUNUSA I. A. M. , SINDEL B. M. , WHALLEY R. D. B. , KARIUKI I. W.
Published: March 2016

Ten accessions of Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schumach.) were evaluated for their dry matter (DM) yield and forage quality in a semi-arid lowland (Katumani) and a relatively wet highland (Muguga) over seven growth cycles from 2011 to 2013 in tropical Kenya. Three biomass yield clusters were identified from the 10 accessions as high-yielding (HYC), medium-yielding (MYC) and low-yielding (LYC) clusters for both sites. Total biomass (shoot and root) yields (t ha−1) over the seven growth cycles were 25.3 for HYC, 22.2 for MYC and 19.6 for LYC at Katumani and 40.0, 41.4 and 29.1 at Muguga. Total biomass yield averaged over the study period was DM 22.4 t ha−1 at Katumani and 36.8 at Muguga. Rainfall productivity was higher at Katumani (28.8 kg ha−1 mm−1) than 20.8 kg ha−1 mm−1 at Muguga. Neutral detergent fibre (NDF) was lower in LYC, which was more leafy than the other clusters and there was little difference in NDF between the two sites.
INTENSIFICATION PATHWAY FOR IMPROVEMENT OF SMALLHOLDER CASSAVA PRODUCTION SYSTEMS IN SOUTHERN CÔTE D'IVOIRE
Authors: GNAHOUA JEAN-BAPTISTE GNÉLIÉ , ETTIEN DJÉTCHI JEAN BAPTISTE , N'ZUÉ BONI , EBAH CATHÉRINE , KONÉ BRAHIMA , DE NEVE STEFAAN , BOECKX PASCAL
Published: March 2016

In order to intensify cassava production in southern Côte d'Ivoire, multiple farmers’ field trials were carried out in two important cassava-producing areas (Dabou and Bingerville). The effectiveness of an Integrated Soil Fertility Management (ISFM) approach as intensification pathway was evaluated for poor sandy soils. Overall, ISFM-based systems outperformed the local cultivation system. The average cassava yield was 14.5 and 6.5 t ha−1 and 12.6 and 5.7 t ha−1 for the ISFM and traditional systems, in Dabou and Bingerville, respectively. The average profitability of ISFM systems was ca. 2500 Euro ha−1, whereby 66% was generated by cowpea intercrop, which yielded on average 3.1 t ha−1. Taking into account the limited farmer's resource endowment and poor soil fertility, ISFM is a crucial component for sustainable intensification of cassava production and poverty alleviate in southern Côte d'Ivoire.
INVENTING THE ‘TRADITIONAL WORKING CLASS’: A RE-ANALYSIS OF INTERVIEW NOTES FROM YOUNG AND WILLMOTT'S FAMILY AND KINSHIP IN EAST LONDON
Authors: LAWRENCE JON
Published: March 2016

This article examines surviving notes from interviews conducted by Michael Young and Peter Willmott in the London Borough of Bethnal Green and the Essex ‘overspill’ estate of ‘Greenleigh’ (Debden) in the mid-1950s to ask how far they support the central arguments about kinship, community, and place advanced in their classic 1957 book Family and kinship in East London. These interviews are used to suggest that Young and Willmott's powerful a priori models about ‘community’ and working-class kinship, and their strong political investment in the idea of a decentralized social democracy based on self-servicing, working-class communities, led them to discount testimony which ran counter to their assumptions as ‘aberrant’ or ‘exceptional’. Though it is difficult to draw strong conclusions from thirty-seven interviews, it is suggested that the snippets of personal testimony that survive in Michael Young's papers reinforce the arguments of historians who seek to question cataclysmic accounts of the consequences of working-class suburbanization in the mid-twentieth century. Culture and lifestyle changed much less with the move out to suburban Essex than Family and kinship would suggest, partly because Bethnal Green's family and neighbourhood networks were considerably less cohesive than they claimed.
Feedback learning and behavior problems after pediatric traumatic brain injury
Authors: Königs M. , van Heurn L. W. E. , Vermeulen R. J. , Goslings J. C. , Luitse J. S. K. , Poll-Thé B. T. , Beelen A. , van der Wees M. , Kemps R. J. J. K. , Catsman-Berrevoets C. E. , Luman M. , Oosterlaan J.
Published: March 2016

Background

Feedback learning is essential for behavioral development. We investigated feedback learning in relation to behavior problems after pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Method

Children aged 6–13 years diagnosed with TBI (n= 112; 1.7 years post-injury) were compared with children with traumatic control (TC) injury (n= 52). TBI severity was defined as mild TBI without risk factors for complicated TBI (mildRF−TBI,n= 24), mild TBI with ⩾1 risk factor for complicated TBI (mildRF+TBI,n= 51) and moderate/severe TBI (n= 37). The Probabilistic Learning Test was used to measure feedback learning, assessing the effects of inconsistent feedback on learning and generalization of learning from the learning context to novel contexts. The relation between feedback learning and behavioral functioning rated by parents and teachers was explored.

Results

No evidence was found for an effect of TBI on learning from inconsistent feedback, while the moderate/severe TBI group showed impaired generalization of learning from the learning context to novel contexts (p= 0.03,d= −0.51). Furthermore, the mildRF+TBI and moderate/severe TBI groups had higher parent and teacher ratings of internalizing problems (p's⩽ 0.04,d's ⩾ 0.47) than the TC group, while the moderate/severe TBI group also had higher parent ratings of externalizing problems (p= 0.006,d= 0.58). Importantly, poorer generalization of learning predicted higher parent ratings of externalizing problems in children with TBI (p= 0.03,β= −0.21) and had diagnostic utility for the identification of children with TBI and clinically significant externalizing behavior problems (area under the curve = 0.77,p= 0.001).

Conclusions

Moderate/severe pediatric TBI has a negative impact on generalization of learning, which may contribute to post-injury externalizing problems.
The Exit-Voice Choice: Religious Cleavages, Public Aid, and America's Private Schools
Authors: Hackett Ursula
Published: March 2016

In America's culture wars denominations increasingly ally with one another despite differences in theology, church organization, and membership. But these developments are not reflected in America's private K-12 school system or in patterns of public aid for children who attend them where divisions between religious traditions remain stark. I demonstrate, by means of an analysis of critical junctures in American political development supported by statistical analysis, that Catholics who desire a religious education for their children have historically tended to exit for the parochial sector while Evangelicals having similar desires lobbied for reform of the public school system. These differential group responses stem from differing conceptions of identity and belonging, theological understanding, and institutional structure. In American education policy, differences between religious groups are surprisingly tenacious.
Associations Between Sibling Relationship Quality and Friendship Quality in Early Adolescence: Looking at the Case of Twins
Authors: Bekkhus Mona , Brendgen Mara , Czajkowski Nikolai O. , Vitaro Frank , Dionne Ginette , Boivin Michel
Published: March 2016

Bidirectional pathways between twin relationship quality and friendship quality were investigated in a large longitudinal twin cohort. We examined negative and positive relationship features in 313 monozygotic (MZ) twins and 238 same-sex dizygotic (DZ) twins from ages 13 to 14 years, using latent structural modeling. Results showed stronger stability of the twin relationship quality compared to friendship quality. Positive features in the sibling relationship were associated with increased positive features in the relationship with the best friend a year later. In contrast, no significant association between negative sibling relationship features and change in negative friendship quality features was found. These findings speak to the important role of the sibling relationship in the development of good quality friendship relations in twins.
New GPS Satellite Technique to Monitor Ionospheric Disturbances
Authors: Kelleher Shannon
Published: March 2016

Researchers are developing better ways to use satellites to understand space weather events that can interfere with technology.
Inductive interactions mediated by interplay of asymmetric signalling underlie development of adult haematopoietic stem cells
Authors: Souilhol Céline , Gonneau Christèle , Lendinez Javier G. , Batsivari Antoniana , Rybtsov Stanislav , Wilson Heather , Morgado-Palacin Lucia , Hills David , Taoudi Samir , Antonchuk Jennifer , Zhao Suling , Medvinsky Alexander
Published: March 2016

During embryonic development, adult haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) emerge preferentially in the ventral domain of the aorta in the aorta–gonad–mesonephros (AGM) region. Several signalling pathways such as Notch, Wnt, Shh and RA are implicated in this process, yet how these interact to regulate the emergence of HSCs has not previously been described in mammals. Using a combination of ex vivo and in vivo approaches, we report here that stage-specific reciprocal dorso–ventral inductive interactions and lateral input from the urogenital ridges are required to drive HSC development in the aorta. Our study strongly suggests that these inductive interactions in the AGM region are mediated by the interplay between spatially polarized signalling pathways. Specifically, Shh produced in the dorsal region of the AGM, stem cell factor in the ventral and lateral regions, and BMP inhibitory signals in the ventral tissue are integral parts of the regulatory system involved in the development of HSCs.
A ligand-independent integrin β1 mechanosensory complex guides spindle orientation
Authors: Petridou Nicoletta I. , Skourides Paris A.
Published: March 2016

Control of spindle orientation is a fundamental process for embryonic development, morphogenesis and tissue homeostasis, while defects are associated with tumorigenesis and other diseases. Force sensing is one of the mechanisms through which division orientation is determined. Here we show that integrin β1 plays a critical role in this process, becoming activated at the lateral regions of the cell cortex in a ligand-independent manner. This activation is force dependent and polar, correlating with the spindle capture sites. Inhibition of integrin β1 activation on the cortex and disruption of its asymmetric distribution leads to spindle misorientation, even when cell adhesion is β1 independent. Examining downstream targets reveals that a cortical mechanosensory complex forms on active β1, and regulates spindle orientation irrespective of cell context. We propose that ligand-independent integrin β1 activation is a conserved mechanism that allows cell responses to external stimuli.
Cadherin-11 localizes to focal adhesions and promotes cell–substrate adhesion
Authors: Langhe Rahul P. , Gudzenko Tetyana , Bachmann Michael , Becker Sarah F. , Gonnermann Carina , Winter Claudia , Abbruzzese Genevieve , Alfandari Dominique , Kratzer Marie-Claire , Franz Clemens M. , Kashef Jubin
Published: March 2016

Cadherin receptors have a well-established role in cell–cell adhesion, cell polarization and differentiation. However, some cadherins also promote cell and tissue movement during embryonic development and tumour progression. In particular, cadherin-11 is upregulated during tumour and inflammatory cell invasion, but the mechanisms underlying cadherin-11 stimulated cell migration are still incompletely understood. Here, we show that cadherin-11 localizes to focal adhesions and promotes adhesion to fibronectin in Xenopus neural crest, a highly migratory embryonic cell population. Transfected cadherin-11 also localizes to focal adhesions in different mammalian cell lines, while endogenous cadherin-11 shows focal adhesion localization in primary human fibroblasts. In focal adhesions, cadherin-11 co-localizes with β1-integrin and paxillin and physically interacts with the fibronectin-binding proteoglycan syndecan-4. Adhesion to fibronectin mediated by cadherin-11/syndecan-4 complexes requires both the extracellular domain of syndecan-4, and the transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains of cadherin-11. These results reveal an unexpected role of a classical cadherin in cell–matrix adhesion during cell migration.
Electrochemical oxygen reduction catalysed by Ni3(hexaiminotriphenylene)2
Authors: Miner Elise M. , Fukushima Tomohiro , Sheberla Dennis , Sun Lei , Surendranath Yogesh , Dincă Mircea
Published: March 2016

Control over the architectural and electronic properties of heterogeneous catalysts poses a major obstacle in the targeted design of active and stable non-platinum group metal electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction. Here we introduce Ni3(HITP)2 (HITP=2, 3, 6, 7, 10, 11-hexaiminotriphenylene) as an intrinsically conductive metal-organic framework which functions as a well-defined, tunable oxygen reduction electrocatalyst in alkaline solution. Ni3(HITP)2 exhibits oxygen reduction activity competitive with the most active non-platinum group metal electrocatalysts and stability during extended polarization. The square planar Ni-N4 sites are structurally reminiscent of the highly active and widely studied non-platinum group metal electrocatalysts containing M-N4 units. Ni3(HITP)2 and analogues thereof combine the high crystallinity of metal-organic frameworks, the physical durability and electrical conductivity of graphitic materials, and the diverse yet well-controlled synthetic accessibility of molecular species. Such properties may enable the targeted synthesis and systematic optimization of oxygen reduction electrocatalysts as components of fuel cells and electrolysers for renewable energy applications.
Experimental evidence for compositional syntax in bird calls
Authors: Suzuki Toshitaka N. , Wheatcroft David , Griesser Michael
Published: March 2016

Human language can express limitless meanings from a finite set of words based on combinatorial rules (i.e., compositional syntax). Although animal vocalizations may be comprised of different basic elements (notes), it remains unknown whether compositional syntax has also evolved in animals. Here we report the first experimental evidence for compositional syntax in a wild animal species, the Japanese great tit (Parus minor). Tits have over ten different notes in their vocal repertoire and use them either solely or in combination with other notes. Experiments reveal that receivers extract different meanings from ‘ABC’ (scan for danger) and ‘D’ notes (approach the caller), and a compound meaning from ‘ABC–D’ combinations. However, receivers rarely scan and approach when note ordering is artificially reversed (‘D–ABC’). Thus, compositional syntax is not unique to human language but may have evolved independently in animals as one of the basic mechanisms of information transmission.
Towards population-level conservation in the critically endangered Antarctic blue whale: the number and distribution of their populations
Authors: Attard Catherine R. M. , Beheregaray Luciano B. , Möller Luciana M.
Published: March 2016

Population-level conservation is required to prevent biodiversity loss within a species, but it first necessitates determining the number and distribution of populations. Many whale populations are still depleted due to 20th century whaling. Whales are one of the most logistically difficult and expensive animals to study because of their mobility, pelagic lifestyle and often remote habitat. We tackle the question of population structure in the Antarctic blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus intermedia) – a critically endangered subspecies and the largest extant animal – by capitalizing on the largest genetic dataset to date for Antarctic blue whales. We found evidence of three populations that are sympatric in the Antarctic feeding grounds and likely occupy separate breeding grounds. Our study adds to knowledge of population structure in the Antarctic blue whale. Future research should invest in locating the breeding grounds and migratory routes of Antarctic blue whales through satellite telemetry to confirm their population structure and allow population-level conservation.
miR-155 Deletion in Female Mice Prevents Diet-Induced Obesity
Authors: Gaudet Andrew D. , Fonken Laura K. , Gushchina Liubov V. , Aubrecht Taryn G. , Maurya Santosh K. , Periasamy Muthu , Nelson Randy J. , Popovich Phillip G.
Published: March 2016

Obesity is a growing epidemic in developed countries. Obese individuals are susceptible to comorbidities, including cardiovascular disease and metabolic disorder. Increasing the ability of adipose tissue to expend excess energy could improve protection from obesity. One promising target is microRNA (miR)-155-5p. We demonstrate that deletion of miR-155 (-5p and -3p) in female mice prevents diet-induced obesity. Body weight gain did not differ between wild-type (WT) and miR-155 knockout (KO) mice fed control diet (CD); however, miR-155 KO mice fed high-fat diet (HFD) gained 56% less body weight and 74% less gonadal white adipose tissue (WAT) than WT mice. Enhanced WAT thermogenic potential, brown adipose tissue differentiation, and/or insulin sensitivity might underlie this obesity resistance. Indeed, miR-155 KO mice on HFD had 21% higher heat release than WT HFD mice. Compared to WT adipocytes, miR-155 KO adipocytes upregulated brown (Ucp1, Cidea, Pparg) and white (Fabp4, Pnpla2, AdipoQ, Fasn) adipogenic genes, and glucose metabolism genes (Glut4, Irs1). miR-155 deletion abrogated HFD-induced adipocyte hypertrophy and WAT inflammation. Therefore, miR-155 deletion increases adipogenic, insulin sensitivity, and energy uncoupling machinery, while limiting inflammation in WAT, which together could restrict HFD-induced fat accumulation. Our results identify miR-155 as a novel candidate target for improving obesity resistance.
Preexisting mild sleep disturbance as a vulnerability factor for inflammation-induced depressed mood: a human experimental study
Authors: Cho H J , Eisenberger N I , Olmstead R , Breen E C , Irwin M R
Published: March 2016

Sleep disturbance and depression are common, particularly in females, and sleep disturbance is a well-known risk factor for depression. Systemic inflammation has been suggested as a potential mechanism of this association. This study examined whether preexisting sleep disturbance acted as a vulnerability factor for depressed mood induced by an inflammatory challenge in healthy females vs males. In a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled design, volunteers aged 18–50 (N=111; 67 females) were assigned to placebo or low-dose endotoxin. Before substance administration, sleep disturbance was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and dichotomized using median split (⩾3 vs <3). Self-reported depressed mood (profile of mood states) and circulating proinflammatory cytokines (interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α) were repeatedly assessed over 6 h. Among females, moderation of depressed mood by sleep disturbance was significant even after adjustment for covariates (X2=12.73, df=6, P<0.05). There was a robust time-by-condition interaction in females with sleep disturbance (X2=26.22, df=6, P<0.001), but not in females without sleep disturbance (X2=8.65, df=6, P=0.19). Although cytokines increased equally in all females, the correlations between cytokines and depressed mood were significantly stronger in females with sleep disturbance. Among males, no moderating effect of sleep disturbance was observed. Inflammation-induced depressed mood was considerably more severe among females reporting mild sleep disturbance compared with those reporting no sleep disturbance, suggesting that even mild sleep disturbance may increase vulnerability for inflammation-induced depression in females. Furthermore, sleep disturbance appears to increase the vulnerability to depression by augmenting affective sensitivity to cytokines rather than by enhancing cytokine responses to inflammatory challenge in females.
Sensitive and selective colorimetric detection of Hg2+ by a Hg2+ induced dual signal amplification strategy based on cascade-type catalytic reactions
Authors: Li Suping , Lai Jianping , Qi Liming , Saqib Muhammad , Majeed Saadat , Tong Yuejing , Xu Guobao
Published: March 2016

A simple and fast colorimetric method is developed for the sensitive and selective detection of Hg2+ based on a dual signal amplification strategy.
Electron tunneling through molecule–electrode contacts of single alkane molecular junctions: experimental determination and a practical barrier model
Authors: Wang Kun , Xu Bingqian
Published: March 2016

A unique feature of the contact tunnelling barrier of Au–octanedithiol–Au molecular junctions was experimentally determined and well interpreted using a practical barrier model.
Cordyceps militaris fruit body extract ameliorates membranous glomerulonephritis by attenuating oxidative stress and renal inflammation via the NF-κB pathway
Authors: Song Jingjing , Wang Yingwu , Liu Chungang , Huang Yan , He Liying , Cai Xueying , Lu Jiahui , Liu Yan , Wang Di
Published: March 2016

Membranous glomerulonephritis (MGN) is a common pathogenesis of nephritic syndrome in adult patients.
Compounds from Caesalpinia sappan with anti-inflammatory properties in macrophages and chondrocytes
Authors: Mueller Monika , Weinmann Daniela , Toegel Stefan , Holzer Wolfgang , Unger Frank M. , Viernstein Helmut
Published: March 2016

The heartwood of Caesalpinia sappan is a traditional ingredient of food and beverages in South East Asia and has been used in traditional medicine as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory drug or to promote blood circulation.