bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
YIELD GAPS AND RESOURCE USE ACROSS FARMING ZONES IN THE CENTRAL RIFT VALLEY OF ETHIOPIA
Authors: GETNET MEZEGEBU , VAN ITTERSUM MARTIN , HENGSDIJK HUIB , DESCHEEMAEKER KATRIEN
Published: October 2015

In the Central Rift Valley (CRV) of Ethiopia, low productive cereal systems and a declining resource base call for options to increase crop productivity and improve resource use efficiency to meet the growing demand of food. We compiled and analysed a large amount of data from farmers’ fields (>10,000) and experimental data across the CRV from 2004–2009 to quantify yield gaps (Yg) between actual (average and best performing farmers) and experimental (water-limited potential (Yw)) yields of maize and wheat in homogenous farming zones (HFZs). Resource use efficiencies (nutrients and water) of maize and wheat were also analysed to assess spatial variation and scope for improvements. The average (2004–2009) yield gap of maize and wheat in the CRV ranged between 4.2 t ha−1 and 9.2 t ha−1, and 2.5 t ha−1 and 4.7 t ha−1, respectively, across farming zones. The yield gap was lowest in the Central lowlands, where Yw was also lowest, i.e. 6.5 t ha−1 for maize and 4.4 t ha−1 for wheat, compared with Yw in the Eastern highlands (11 t ha−1 for maize and 6.7 t ha−1 for wheat) and Western highlands (10.8 t ha−1 for maize and 5.7 t ha−1 for wheat). The actual nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) application in farmers’ fields was low, as about 46% of maize and 27% of wheat fields did not receive fertilizers, while the average applied mineral fertilizer rates across all farmers (2.6–16.5 kg N ha−1 and 2.2–17.3 kg P ha−1 across HFZs and crops) were far below the recommended rate. On average, the best performing farmers applied 8–20 kg N ha−1 and 5–21 kg P ha−1 ranging across HFZs and crops. Increasing N application to recommended rates had only a small effect on narrowing the yield gap under current farmers’ management. Therefore, the yield gap closure strongly depends on improving other aspects of crop management while paying attention to the interaction with nutrient management. Since rain water use efficiency (seasonal rainfall) of water-limited yields was 12–17.3 kg mm−1 for maize and 7.4–10.6 kg mm−1 for wheat and much higher than that of actual yields (2.7–4.3 kg mm−1 for maize and 2.3–3.5 kg mm−1 for wheat), improving the input use and crop management can increase water use efficiency. A large set of experimental and survey data enabled us to gain insight in the spatial and temporal variation in yield gaps and input rates and in differences between average and the best performing farmers.
EU LOYALTY AS GOOD FAITH
Authors: De Baere Geert , Roes Timothy
Published: October 2015

Comparing the EU law principle of loyalty with international law good faith and the duty of federal good faith in German constitutional law (Bundestreue), this article contributes to the discussion on the nature of the EU legal order and its relationship to international law more generally by finding that EU loyalty is in essence a specific incarnation of the international law principle that treaties are to be interpreted in good faith. At the same time, it challenges the assumption that international law good faith differs fundamentally from federal good faith. To this end, the article points at historical links between both, and posits that good faith is in essence a principle of constructive interpretation, the strictures of which increase with the level of integration of the legal order in which it is applied.
Effects of anthropogenic mortality on Critically Endangered red wolf Canis rufus breeding pairs: implications for red wolf recovery
Authors: Hinton Joseph W. , Brzeski Kristin E. , Rabon David R. , Chamberlain Michael J.
Published: October 2015

Following precipitous population declines as a result of intensive hunting and 20th century predator-control programmes, hybridization of the Critically Endangered red wolf Canis rufus with coyotes Canis latrans posed a significant challenge for red wolf recovery efforts. Anthropogenic mortality and hybridization continue to pose challenges; the increasing number of wolf deaths caused by humans has limited wolf population growth, facilitated the encroachment of coyotes into eastern North Carolina, and affected the formation and disbandment of breeding pairs. We assessed the effects of anthropogenic mortality on Canis breeding units during a 22-year period (1991–2013). Our results show that deaths caused by people accounted for 40.6% of breeding pair disbandment, and gunshots were the primary cause of mortality. Red wolves replaced congeneric breeding pairs > 75% of the time when pairs disbanded under natural conditions or as a result of management actions. Since the mid 2000s anthropogenic mortality has caused annual preservation rates of red wolf breeding pairs to decline by 34%, and replacement of Canis breeders by red wolves to decline by 30%. Our results demonstrate that human-caused mortality, specifically by gunshots, had a strong negative effect on the longevity of red wolf pairs, which may benefit coyotes indirectly by removing their primary competitor. Coyotes are exacerbating the decline of red wolves by pair-bonding with resident wolves whose mates have been killed.
V.—The Periodic Lamé Functions
Authors: Ince E. L.
Published: October 2015

Any solution of the Lamé equation

in which sn u has the modulus k, may be termed a Lamé function, but this paper is devoted mainly to functions of real periods 2K or 4K. We suppose that k2 ≤ 1; the number n is real, but not necessarily an integer, and it is sufficient to take n ≥ − ½. These periodic solutions exist for certain characteristic values of h; a table of such values is included in this paper.
Turkey's foreign policy implementation in sub-Saharan Africa: A post-international approach
Authors: İpek Volkan , Biltekin Gonca
Published: October 2015

Turkey's activism in Africa has been extensively noted. It has been argued that non-state actors like business and civil society organizations take part in Turkeys Africa initiative. Nevertheless, state/non-state interaction in Turkey's foreign policy implementation has not been accounted for in theoretical terms in Turkish foreign policy literature. This paper combines post-international theory and foreign policy implementation in looking at Turkey's foreign policy towards sub-Saharan Africa. We argue that adapting to the multi-centric world, the Turkish government has moved beyond conventional state-to-state dealings in implementing its foreign policy and increasingly relies on the cooperation of non-state actors.
Predictive Effect of Out-of-Hospital Time in Outcomes of Severely Injured Young Adult and Elderly Patients
Authors: Báez Amado Alejandro , Lane Peter L. , Sorondo Barbara , Giráldez Ediza M.
Published: October 2015

Introduction:

The importance of accessing care within the first hour after injury has been a fundamental tenet of trauma system planning for 30 years. However, the scientific basis for this belief either has been missing or largely derived from case series from trauma centers. This study sought to determine the correlation between prehospital times and outcomes among severely injured elderly patients.

Methods:

This is a cross-sectional, observational study. All adults (<18 years of age) with acute trauma as defined byThe International Classification of Diseases Ninth Edition, Clinical Modificationdiagnostic codes and E-codes were included. Poisonings, single system burns, and late effects of injury were excluded. Chi-square and Student's ttest were used for significance testing. To assess the predictive effects of prehospital time and outcomes, three inde-pendent logistic regression models were constructed for both young and elderly groups, with hospital length of stay, mortality, and complications as individual dependent variables. Statistical significance was set at the 0.05 level.

Results:

Of 41,041 cases, 37,276 were >_18 years of age. Of the 1,866 with an Injury Severity Score (ISS) >15, 1,205 were young and 661 elderly. Logistic regression results showed that prehospital time correlated significantly with hospital length of stay (p = 0.001) and complications (p = 0.016), but not with mortality (p = 0.264) among young patients, whereas in the elderly group prehospital time had no significant predictive effect for length of stay, complica- tions, or mortality (p = 0.512, p = 0.512, and p = 0.954 respectively).

Conclusion:

This population-based study has demonstrated that prehospital time correlates with length of stay and complications in young patients. In elderly patients, prehospital time failed to show correlation with any outcomes measured.
Misconception as a Barrier to Teaching about Disasters
Authors: Alexander David E.
Published: October 2015

Introduction:

This paper is a report on an exercise designed to reveal the extent of belief in the common myths about disasters held by members of four groups of students from the University of Massachusetts and three groups of trainee emergency workers from Italy.

Methods:

A questionnaire was administered in which students and trainees were asked to agree or disagree with 19 statements about disasters. These statements were based on common misconceptions about disasters and are at least statements untenable in statistical terms, if not downright wrong. In each case, a Likert scale was used to assess the strength of the students' and trainees' agreement or disagreement with the statements.

Results:

The results suggest that some of the misconceptions (for example, that panic and looting are widespread reactions to disaster) were strongly held, whereas others (for instance, that disasters cannot be managed) were less well-rooted. Despite years of refutation by experts, all groups firmly believed that dead bodies constitute a health hazard if they are not disposed of quickly. Attitudes to the proposition that technology offers a solution to the disaster problem were equivocal.

Conclusions:

Though the results of the study by no means were homogeneous, students and emergency workers, on either side of the Atlantic, bring many of the same misconceptions that the mass media continually propagates. These beliefs represent a serious challenge for the instructor who wants to ensure that disasters and emergencies are not misconstrued.
Evaluation of a Pandemic Preparedness Training Intervention for Emergency Medical Services Personnel
Authors: Gershon Robyn R.M. , Vandelinde Nikole , Magda Lori A. , Pearson Julie M. , Werner Andrew , Prezant David
Published: October 2015

Introduction:

Emergency medical services (EMS) personnel play an integral role during the national response to a pandemic event. To help ensure their health and safety, especially during the early stages of an outbreak, knowledge and adherence with personal protective equipment (PPE) and infection control strategies will be essential.

Objectives:

The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a multi-method, pandemic preparedness training intervention using a pre-/post-test design.

Methods:

A convenience sample of 129 EMS personnel participated in a training program on pandemic preparedness. Training consisted of an educational intervention with a focus on the routes of transmission of the influenza virus, proper use of respiratory PPE, agency policies regarding infection control practices, and seasonal influenza vaccination. This was followed by a skill-based drill on respirator fit-checking and proper respirator donning and doffing procedures.

Results:

Pre-/post-test results indicate a significant increase in knowledge and behavioral intentions with respect to respirator use, vaccination with seasonal influenza vaccine, and willingness to report to duty during a pandemic.

Conclusions:

This method was effective in increasing knowledge and compliance intentions in EMS healthcare personnel. Further research should focus on whether training results in behavior modification.
Production Contracts, Risk Shifting, and Relative Performance Payments in the Pork Industry
Authors: Martin Laura L.
Published: October 2015

Actual performance records of production contract farmers are used to assess the extent to which contract production reduces the risk borne by pork producers. Comparisons of contracting relative to independent market production reveal that farmers who enter into production contracts based on absolute performance measures reduce risks associated with variable income. Weak evidence is found that relative performance contracts, similar to those used in the broiler chicken industry, further reduce income variability. The effectiveness of such relative performance contracts will rely on several factors; among these are increased contract production and a more uniform pork production and processing system.
U.S.-Canadian Tomato Wars: An Economist Tries to Make Sense Out of Recent Antidumping Suits
Authors: VanSickle John J. , Evans Edward A. , Emerson Robert D.
Published: October 2015

U.S. growers filed an antidumping case against Canadian growers of greenhouse-grown tomatoes, alleging that U.S. growers were being injured, or threatened with material injury, by imports from Canada. The U.S. Department of Commerce determined that imports of greenhouse-grown tomatoes were being sold in U.S. markets at less than fair market value. The U.S. International Trade Commission determined the “like product” to be all fresh market tomatoes, concluding the domestic industry was not materially injured. Anecdotal evidence used by the Commission Department in determining like product ignores the wealth of knowledge that economics can add. An economic model is proposed for purposes of determining like product.
Antidepressant Treatment of Psychotic Major Depression: Potential Role of the σ Receptor
Authors: Stahl Stephen M.
Published: October 2015

Psychotic major depression is a severe condition that frequently proves difficult-to-treat. The most effective traditional treatments (electroconvulsive therapy and combinations of antipsychotics with tricyclic antidepressants) are associated with significant side effects, and the use of tricyclic antidepressants alone is largely ineffective. Recent evidence has indicated that the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, either alone or in combination with antipsychotics, may provide a desirable alternative to traditional treatments. Among selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, fluvoxamine has been the best studied and, somewhat surprisingly, has proven effective in several studies as a monotherapy without the need to combine with an antipsychotic. It is proposed that the apparent efficacy of fluvoxamine in psychotic major depression may be related to its unique property of high affinity for the σ1receptor, which is thought to play a role in psychosis and in the action of some antipsychotic drugs.
ADVANTAGES OF FOLLOWING A GOLDEN RULE IN A MONETARY UNION
Authors: Menguy Séverine
Published: October 2015

The European sovereign debt crisis has revived the debate about appropriate fiscal rules in the European Economic and Monetary Union. Whereas the Stability and Growth Pact and the Fiscal Compact make no distinction between public consumption and investment expenditure, the aim of the current paper is to analyze the implications of the adoption of the Golden rule in a monetary union, distinguishing between the two types of public expenditure. With the help of a macroeconomic model, we show that introducing a Golden rule and smoothing public investment expenditure would be welfare-improving, and mostly for countries where taxation rates and the productivity of public investment are highest, and for the most closed countries. It would also be the most beneficial for countries where the monetary transmission parameter, the propensity to consume, and the price elasticity of supply are weakest, whereas supply-side distortions are the strongest.
Xe+ FIB Milling and Measurement of Amorphous Silicon Damage
Authors: Kelley R.D. , Song K. , Van Leer B. , Wall D. , Kwakman L.
Published: October 2015

Extended abstract of a paper presented at Microscopy and Microanalysis 2013 in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, August 4 – August 8, 2013.
Social Intelligence as a Predictor of Loneliness in the Workplace
Authors: Silman Fatos , Dogan Tayfun
Published: October 2015

The aim of this research is to examine the relationship between social intelligence and loneliness of academics in the workplace. This study involves 326 (149 female/177 male) academics employed in various universities in Turkey and North Cyprus. The age average of participants is 39.09 years. In this study, the Loneliness at Work Scale (LAWS) and Tromso Social Intelligence Scale (TSIS) have been utilized. The data were analyzed using multiple regression and Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient analysis techniques. The findings showed that social information processing, social skills, and social awareness, which are the sub-dimensions of social intelligence, positively explained 26% of social deprivation. Social skills and social awareness positively explained 13% of social companionship. The findings also showed that the social information processing sub-dimension did not meaningfully explain social companionship.
Intensity of Love in a Community Sample of Spanish Couples in the Region of Madrid
Authors: Cuenca-Montesino María Luisa , Graña José Luis , O’Leary K. Daniel
Published: October 2015

Intensity of love was examined in a representative community sample of 2,988 couples, from the Region of Madrid (Spain). Gender differences revealed no significant differences in intensity of love. Twenty-five percent of the participants who were in a relationship of less than 10 years and eleven percent of the participants in a relationship of more than 30 years reported being “very intensely in love”F(3, 5.972) = 191.32,p< .001, ηp2= 0.08. The cognitive variables, thinking positively about the partner and thinking about the partner when apart, were significant predictors of the intensity of long-term love for both men and women. Affection was also positively associated with intense love for men (r= .47,p< .001) and women (r= .52,p< .001); sexual intercourse was for women (r= .36,p< .001) but not for men. Wanting to know the whereabouts of partner was associated with the intensity of love for women (r= .15,p< .05), but not for men. Engaging in novel activities with partner was not associated with intense love for male or females. As predicted, love declined significantly in the first decade of marriage, but not much after that. The percentage of men and women who reported being intensely in love was lower than that obtained in the U.S.
USGS issues report on responses to climate change in different watersheds
Authors: Showstack Randy
Published: October 2015

While watershed‐scale responses to climate change could include reductions in snowpack and soil moisture, changes to snowmelt timing, and alterations to streamflow, those changes will vary in different U.S. water basins, according to a 16 May report by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). “A key finding is that the hydrological response of the different geographical regions of the United States to potential climate change may be different, depending on the dominant physical processes of that particular region,” states the report, which includes modeling studies for 14 basins. Also considered is the tremendous amount of uncertainty present in the carbon emission scenarios and how this uncertainty propagates through the hydrologic simulations,” states the report, entitled “Integrated watershed‐ scale response to climate change for selected basins across the United States.”
Jaczko to resign as chair of Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Authors: Showstack Randy
Published: October 2015

Gregory Jaczko, chair of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), announced on 21 May that he will resign once his successor is appointed. His resignation will end a stormy 3‐year chairmanship during which he was accused of bullying NRC staff, lying to Congress, and being too close to the political process. Jaczko formerly served as science advisor to Sen. Harry Reid (D‐Nev.). As NRC chair, Jaczko halted the commission's license application review for storing nuclear waste at Nevada's Yucca Mountain. In addition, during his NRC tenure the commission focused on identifying and implementing lessons from Japan's Fukushima Daiichi reactors damaged by the 2011 tsunami.
Proposal to protect marine areas around Antarctica
Authors: Showstack Randy
Published: October 2015

Forty percent of Antarctica's Southern Ocean should be protected in a network of marine protected areas (MPAs) and no‐take marine reserves, according to a 21 May report by the Antarctic Ocean Alliance, which is composed of about 20 environmental groups. The protected areas should include the 19 Antarctic marine habitats outlined in the report, along with existing MPAs and areas identified through previous conservation and planning analyses, the report notes. Protected areas should include the Antarctic Peninsula, the Weddell and Ross seas, the Indian Ocean Benthic Environment, and Pacific seamounts, according to the report. The Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR), which manages living resources for the Southern Ocean, has already agreed to establish an initial network of Antarctic MPAs this year, the report states.
Honors
Authors: Anonymous
Published: October 2015

Pascal Richet, a faculty member of the Physique des Minéraux et des Magmas, Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris, has been selected as the recipient of a Humboldt Research Award. Given by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, this award is conferred in recognition of lifetime achievements in research.
Nominations guidelines
Authors: Anonymous
Published: October 2015

To be elected a Fellow of AGU is a special tribute for those who have made exceptional contributions to the Earth and space sciences.

Any AGU member, whether or not a Fellow, may nominate another member for Fellow. The process is simple and very satisfying.
Neuronal uptake and propagation of a rare phosphorylated high-molecular-weight tau derived from Alzheimer’s disease brain
Authors: Takeda Shuko , Wegmann Susanne , Cho Hansang , DeVos Sarah L. , Commins Caitlin , Roe Allyson D. , Nicholls Samantha B. , Carlson George A. , Pitstick Rose , Nobuhara Chloe K. , Costantino Isabel , Frosch Matthew P. , Müller Daniel J. , Irimia Daniel , Hyman Bradley T.
Published: October 2015

Tau pathology is known to spread in a hierarchical pattern in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) brain during disease progression, likely by trans-synaptic tau transfer between neurons. However, the tau species involved in inter-neuron propagation remains unclear. To identify tau species responsible for propagation, we examined uptake and propagation properties of different tau species derived from postmortem cortical extracts and brain interstitial fluid of tau-transgenic mice, as well as human AD cortices. Here we show that PBS-soluble phosphorylated high-molecular-weight (HMW) tau, though very low in abundance, is taken up, axonally transported, and passed on to synaptically connected neurons. Our findings suggest that a rare species of soluble phosphorylated HMW tau is the endogenous form of tau involved in propagation and could be a target for therapeutic intervention and biomarker development.
Harnessing the landscape of microbial culture media to predict new organism–media pairings
Authors: Oberhardt Matthew A. , Zarecki Raphy , Gronow Sabine , Lang Elke , Klenk Hans-Peter , Gophna Uri , Ruppin Eytan
Published: October 2015

Culturing microorganisms is a critical step in understanding and utilizing microbial life. Here we map the landscape of existing culture media by extracting natural-language media recipes into a Known Media Database (KOMODO), which includes >18,000 strain–media combinations, >3300 media variants and compound concentrations (the entire collection of the Leibniz Institute DSMZ repository). Using KOMODO, we show that although media are usually tuned for individual strains using biologically common salts, trace metals and vitamins/cofactors are the most differentiating components between defined media of strains within a genus. We leverage KOMODO to predict new organism–media pairings using a transitivity property (74% growth in new in vitro experiments) and a phylogeny-based collaborative filtering tool (83% growth in new in vitro experiments and stronger growth on predicted well-scored versus poorly scored media). These resources are integrated into a web-based platform that predicts media given an organism’s 16S rDNA sequence, facilitating future cultivation efforts.
Mucosal vaccination with attenuated Mycobacterium tuberculosis induces strong central memory responses and protects against tuberculosis
Authors: Kaushal Deepak , Foreman Taylor W. , Gautam Uma S. , Alvarez Xavier , Adekambi Toidi , Rangel-Moreno Javier , Golden Nadia A. , Johnson Ann-Marie F. , Phillips Bonnie L. , Ahsan Muhammad H. , Russell-Lodrigue Kasi E. , Doyle Lara A. , Roy Chad J. , Didier Peter J. , Blanchard James L. , Rengarajan Jyothi , Lackner Andrew A. , Khader Shabaana A. , Mehra Smriti
Published: October 2015

Tuberculosis (TB) is a global pandaemic, partially due to the failure of vaccination approaches. Novel anti-TB vaccines are therefore urgently required. Here we show that aerosol immunization of macaques with the Mtb mutant in SigH (MtbΔsigH) results in significant recruitment of inducible bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue (iBALT) as well as CD4+ and CD8+ T cells expressing activation and proliferation markers to the lungs. Further, the findings indicate that pulmonary vaccination with MtbΔsigH elicited strong central memory CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell responses in the lung. Vaccination with MtbΔsigH results in significant protection against a lethal TB challenge, as evidenced by an approximately three log reduction in bacterial burdens, significantly diminished clinical manifestations and granulomatous pathology and characterized by the presence of profound iBALT. This highly protective response is virtually absent in unvaccinated and BCG-vaccinated animals after challenge. These results suggest that future TB vaccine candidates can be developed on the basis of MtbΔsigH.
Outward- and inward-facing structures of a putative bacterial transition-metal transporter with homology to ferroportin
Authors: Taniguchi Reiya , Kato Hideaki E. , Font Josep , Deshpande Chandrika N. , Wada Miki , Ito Koichi , Ishitani Ryuichiro , Jormakka Mika , Nureki Osamu
Published: October 2015

In vertebrates, the iron exporter ferroportin releases Fe2+ from cells into plasma, thereby maintaining iron homeostasis. The transport activity of ferroportin is suppressed by the peptide hormone hepcidin, which exhibits upregulated expression in chronic inflammation, causing iron-restrictive anaemia. However, due to the lack of structural information about ferroportin, the mechanisms of its iron transport and hepcidin-mediated regulation remain largely elusive. Here we report the crystal structures of a putative bacterial homologue of ferroportin, BbFPN, in both the outward- and inward-facing states. Despite undetectable sequence similarity, BbFPN adopts the major facilitator superfamily fold. A comparison of the two structures reveals that BbFPN undergoes an intra-domain conformational rearrangement during the transport cycle. We identify a substrate metal-binding site, based on structural and mutational analyses. Furthermore, the BbFPN structures suggest that a predicted hepcidin-binding site of ferroportin is located within its central cavity. Thus, BbFPN may be a valuable structural model for iron homeostasis regulation by ferroportin.
Sea surface temperature and salinity from French research vessels, 2001–2013
Authors: Gaillard Fabienne , Diverres Denis , Jacquin Stéphane , Gouriou Yves , Grelet Jacques , Le Menn Marc , Tassel Joelle , Reverdin Gilles
Published: October 2015

French Research vessels have been collecting thermo-salinometer (TSG) data since 1999 to contribute to the Global Ocean Surface Underway Data (GOSUD) programme. The instruments are regularly calibrated and continuously monitored. Water samples are taken on a daily basis by the crew and later analysed in the laboratory. We present here the delayed mode processing of the 2001–2013 dataset and an overview of the resulting quality. Salinity measurement error was a few hundredths of a unit or less on the practical salinity scale (PSS), due to careful calibration and instrument maintenance, complemented with a rigorous adjustment on water samples. In a global comparison, these data show excellent agreement with an ARGO-based salinity gridded product. The Sea Surface Salinity and Temperature from French REsearch SHips (SSST-FRESH) dataset is very valuable for the ‘calibration and validation’ of the new satellite observations delivered by the Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity (SMOS) and Aquarius missions.
Comparison of efficacy and safety of conventional laparoscopic radical prostatectomy by the transperitoneal versus extraperitoneal procedure
Authors: De Hong Cao , Liang Ren Liu , Qiang Wei , Jia Wang , Ying Chun Hu , Lu Yang , Zheng Hua Liu , Heng Ping Li , Shi Bing Yan , Yun Xiang Li
Published: October 2015

Worldwide, prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most common malignancy in males. We undertook a meta-analysis to compare the efficacy and safety of conventional laparoscopic radical prostatectomy with a transperitoneal (TLRP) approach, versus that of an extraperitoneal (ELRP) approach, for treatment of localized PCa. A comprehensive literature search retrieved 14 publications, with a total of 1715 patients. Meta-analysis of these studies showed that an ELRP approach was associated with a significantly shorter postoperative catheterization time (MD: 1.99; 95% CI: 0.52 to 3.54; P = 0.008), less blood transfusion rate (OR: 2.05; 95% CI: 1.03 to 4.06; P = 0.04), shorter intestinal function recovery time (MD: 0.08; 95% CI: 0.52 to 1.09; P < 0.0001) and shorter hospitalization days (MD: 2.71; 95% CI: 1.03 to 4.39; P = 0.002). In addition, our results showed no statistically significant differences between the two groups in operation time (MD: 19.39; 95% CI: −6.67 to 45.44; P = 0.014), intraoperative blood loss (MD: 4.89; 95% CI: −105.00 to 114.79; P = 0.93) and total complication rate (RR: 1.22; 95% CI: 0.86 to 1.74; P = 0.27). In summary, our meta-analysis showed that ELRP is likely to be a safe and feasible alternative for localized PCa patients compared with TLRP.
Serum osteoprotegerin is associated with pulse pressure in kidney transplant recipients
Authors: Nemeth Zsofia K. , Mardare Nicoleta G. , Czira Maria E. , Deak Gyorgy , Kiss Istvan , Mathe Zoltan , Remport Adam , Ujszaszi Akos , Covic Adrian , Molnar Miklos Z. , Mucsi Istvan
Published: October 2015

Pulse pressure (PP) reflects increased large artery stiffness, which is caused, in part, by arterial calcification in patients with chronic kidney disease. PP has been shown to predict both cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events in various patient populations, including kidney transplant (KTX) recipients. Osteoprotegerin (OPG) is a marker and regulator of arterial calcification and it is related to cardiovascular survival in hemodialysis patients. Here we tested the hypothesis that OPG is associated with increased pulse pressure. We cross-sectionally analyzed the association between serum OPG and PP in a prevalent cohort of 969 KTX patients (mean age: 51 +/− 13 years, 57% male, 21% diabetics, mean eGFR 51 +/− 20 ml/min/1.73 m2). Independent associations were tested in a linear regression model adjusted for multiple covariables. PP was positively correlated with serum OPG (rho = 0.284, p < 0.001). Additionally, a positive correlation was seen between PP versus age (r = 0.358, p < 0.001), the Charlson Comorbidity Index (r = 0.232, p < 0.001), serum glucose (r = 0.172, p < 0.001), BMI (r = 0.133, p = 0.001) and serum cholesterol (r = 0.094, p = 0.003). PP was negatively correlated with serum Ca, albumin and eGFR. The association between PP and OPG remained significant after adjusting for multiple potentially relevant covariables (beta = 0.143, p < 0.001). We conclude that serum OPG is independently associated with pulse pressure in kidney transplant recipients.
Time-lapse contact microscopy of cell cultures based on non-coherent illumination
Authors: Gabriel Marion , Balle Dorothée , Bigault Stéphanie , Pornin Cyrille , Gétin Stéphane , Perraut François , Block Marc R. , Chatelain François , Picollet-D’hahan Nathalie , Gidrol Xavier , Haguet Vincent
Published: October 2015

Video microscopy offers outstanding capabilities to investigate the dynamics of biological and pathological mechanisms in optimal culture conditions. Contact imaging is one of the simplest imaging architectures to digitally record images of cells due to the absence of any objective between the sample and the image sensor. However, in the framework of in-line holography, other optical components, e.g., an optical filter or a pinhole, are placed underneath the light source in order to illuminate the cells with a coherent or quasi-coherent incident light. In this study, we demonstrate that contact imaging with an incident light of both limited temporal and spatial coherences can be achieved with sufficiently high quality for most applications in cell biology, including monitoring of cell sedimentation, rolling, adhesion, spreading, proliferation, motility, death and detachment. Patterns of cells were recorded at various distances between 0 and 1000 μm from the pixel array of the image sensors. Cells in suspension, just deposited or at mitosis focalise light into photonic nanojets which can be visualised by contact imaging. Light refraction by cells significantly varies during the adhesion process, the cell cycle and among the cell population in connection with every modification in the tridimensional morphology of a cell.
Functional microarray analysis of differentially expressed genes in granulosa cells from women with polycystic ovary syndrome related to MAPK/ERK signaling
Authors: Lan Chen-Wei , Chen Mei-Jou , Tai Kang-Yu , Yu Danny CW , Yang Yu-Chieh , Jan Pey-Shynan , Yang Yu-Shih , Chen Hsin-Fu , Ho Hong-Nerng
Published: October 2015

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age. Although its aetiology and pathogenesis remain unclear, recent studies suggest that the dysfunction of granulosa cells may partly be responsible. This study aimed to use cDNA microarray technology to compare granulosa cell gene expression profiles in women with and without PCOS to identify genes that may be aetiologically implicated in the pathogenesis of PCOS. The study cohort included 12 women undergoingin vitrofertilization, six with PCOS and six without PCOS. Differential gene expression profiles were classified by post-analyses of microarray data, followed by western blot analyses to confirm the microarray data of selected genes. In total, 243 genes were differentially expressed (125 upregulated and 118 downregulated) between the PCOS and non-PCOS granulosa cells. These genes are involved in reproductive system development, amino acid metabolism and cellular development and proliferation. Comparative analysis revealed genes involved in the mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular regulated kinase (MAPK/ERK) signaling pathways. Western blot analyses confirmed that mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase 4 and phospho-ERK1/2 were decreased in PCOS granulosa cells. This study identified candidate genes involved in MAPK/ERK signaling pathways that may influence the function of granulosa cells in PCOS.
Signature of a polyamorphic transition in the THz spectrum of vitreous GeO2
Authors: Cunsolo Alessandro , Li Yan , Kodituwakku Chaminda N. , Wang Shibing , Antonangeli Daniele , Bencivenga Filippo , Battistoni Andrea , Verbeni Roberto , Tsutsui Satoshi , Baron Alfred Q. R. , Mao Ho-Kwang , Bolmatov Dima , Cai Yong Q.
Published: October 2015

The THz spectrum of density fluctuations, S(Q, ω), of vitreous GeO2 at ambient temperature was measured by inelastic x-ray scattering from ambient pressure up to pressures well beyond that of the known α-quartz to rutile polyamorphic (PA) transition. We observe significant differences in the spectral shape measured below and above the PA transition, in particular, in the 30–80 meV range. Guided by first-principle lattice dynamics calculations, we interpret the changes in the phonon dispersion as the evolution from a quartz-like to a rutile-like coordination. Notably, such a crossover is accompanied by a cusp-like behavior in the pressure dependence of the elastic response of the system. Overall, the presented results highlight the complex fingerprint of PA phenomena on the high-frequency phonon dispersion.
Direct cloning and heterologous expression of the salinomycin biosynthetic gene cluster from Streptomyces albus DSM41398 in Streptomyces coelicolor A3(2)
Authors: Yin Jia , Hoffmann Michael , Bian Xiaoying , Tu Qiang , Yan Fu , Xia Liqiu , Ding Xuezhi , Francis Stewart A. , Müller Rolf , Fu Jun , Zhang Youming
Published: October 2015

Linear plus linear homologous recombination-mediated recombineering (LLHR) is ideal for obtaining natural product biosynthetic gene clusters from pre-digested bacterial genomic DNA in one or two steps of recombineering. The natural product salinomycin has a potent and selective activity against cancer stem cells and is therefore a potential anti-cancer drug. Herein, we separately isolated three fragments of the salinomycin gene cluster (salO-orf18) from Streptomyces albus (S. albus) DSM41398 using LLHR and assembled them into intact gene cluster (106 kb) by Red/ET and expressed it in the heterologous host Streptomyces coelicolor (S. coelicolor) A3(2). We are the first to report a large genomic region from a Gram-positive strain has been cloned using LLHR. The successful reconstitution and heterologous expression of the salinomycin gene cluster offer an attractive system for studying the function of the individual genes and identifying novel and potential analogues of complex natural products in the recipient strain.
Direct frequency comb optical frequency standard based on two-photon transitions of thermal atoms
Authors: Zhang S. Y. , Wu J. T. , Zhang Y. L. , Leng J. X. , Yang W. P. , Zhang Z. G. , Zhao J. Y.
Published: October 2015

Optical clocks have been the focus of science and technology research areas due to their capability to provide highest frequency accuracy and stability to date. Their superior frequency performance promises significant advances in the fields of fundamental research as well as practical applications including satellite-based navigation and ranging. In traditional optical clocks, ultrastable optical cavities, laser cooling and particle (atoms or a single ion) trapping techniques are employed to guarantee high stability and accuracy. However, on the other hand, they make optical clocks an entire optical tableful of equipment and cannot work continuously for a long time; as a result, they restrict optical clocks used as very convenient and compact time-keeping clocks. In this article, we proposed and experimentally demonstrated, a novel scheme of optical frequency standard based on comb-directly-excited atomic two-photon transitions. By taking advantage of the natural properties of the comb and two-photon transitions, this frequency standard achieves a simplified structure, high robustness as well as decent frequency stability, which promise widespread applications in various scenarios.
Evidence of fatal skeletal injuries on Malapa Hominins 1 and 2
Authors: L’Abbé Ericka N. , Symes Steven A. , Pokines James T. , Cabo Luis L. , Stull Kyra E. , Kuo Sharon , Raymond David E. , Randolph-Quinney Patrick S. , Berger Lee R.
Published: October 2015

Malapa is one of the richest early hominin sites in Africa and the discovery site of the hominin species, Australopithecus sediba. The holotype and paratype (Malapa Hominin 1 and 2, or MH1 and MH2, respectively) skeletons are among the most complete in the early hominin record. Dating to approximately two million years BP, MH1 and MH2 are hypothesized to have fallen into a natural pit trap. All fractures evident on MH1 and MH2 skeletons were evaluated and separated based on wet and dry bone fracture morphology/characteristics. Most observed fractures are post-depositional, but those in the right upper limb of the adult hominin strongly indicate active resistance to an impact, while those in the juvenile hominin mandible are consistent with a blow to the face. The presence of skeletal trauma independently supports the falling hypothesis and supplies the first evidence for the manner of death of an australopith in the fossil record that is not attributed to predation or natural death.
Three plasma metabolite signatures for diagnosing high altitude pulmonary edema
Authors: Guo Li , Tan Guangguo , Liu Ping , Li Huijie , Tang Lulu , Huang Lan , Ren Qian
Published: October 2015

High-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) is a potentially fatal condition, occurring at altitudes greater than 3,000 m and affecting rapidly ascending, non-acclimatized healthy individuals. However, the lack of biomarkers for this disease still constitutes a bottleneck in the clinical diagnosis. Here, ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with Q-TOF mass spectrometry was applied to study plasma metabolite profiling from 57 HAPE and 57 control subjects. 14 differential plasma metabolites responsible for the discrimination between the two groups from discovery set (35 HAPE subjects and 35 healthy controls) were identified. Furthermore, 3 of the 14 metabolites (C8-ceramide, sphingosine and glutamine) were selected as candidate diagnostic biomarkers for HAPE using metabolic pathway impact analysis. The feasibility of using the combination of these three biomarkers for HAPE was evaluated, where the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was 0.981 and 0.942 in the discovery set and the validation set (22 HAPE subjects and 22 healthy controls), respectively. Taken together, these results suggested that this composite plasma metabolite signature may be used in HAPE diagnosis, especially after further investigation and verification with larger samples.
Co-infections and transmission networks of HCV, HIV-1 and HPgV among people who inject drugs
Authors: Ng Kim Tien , Takebe Yutaka , Chook Jack Bee , Chow Wei Zhen , Chan Kok Gan , Abed Al-Darraji Haider Abdulrazzaq , Kamarulzaman Adeeba , Tee Kok Keng
Published: October 2015

Co-infections with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and human pegivirus (HPgV) are common in hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected individuals. However, analysis on the evolutionary dynamics and transmission network profiles of these viruses among individuals with multiple infections remains limited. A total of 228 injecting drug users (IDUs), either HCV- and/or HIV-1-infected, were recruited in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. HCV, HIV-1 and HPgV genes were sequenced, with epidemic growth rates assessed by the Bayesian coalescent method. Based on the sequence data, mono-, dual- and triple-infection were detected in 38.8%, 40.6% and 20.6% of the subjects, respectively. Fifteen transmission networks involving HCV (subtype 1a, 1b, 3a and 3b), HIV-1 (CRF33_01B) and HPgV (genotype 2) were identified and characterized. Genealogical estimates indicated that the predominant HCV, HIV-1 and HPgV genotypes were introduced into the IDUs population through multiple sub-epidemics that emerged as early as 1950s (HCV), 1980s (HIV-1) and 1990s (HPgV). By determining the difference in divergence times between viral lineages (ΔtMRCA), we also showed that the frequency of viral co-transmission is low among these IDUs. Despite increased access to therapy and other harm reduction interventions, the continuous emergence and coexistence of new transmission networks suggest persistent multiple viral transmissions among IDUs.
Sensitive Determination of Onco-metabolites of D- and L-2-hydroxyglutarate Enantiomers by Chiral Derivatization Combined with Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry Analysis
Authors: Cheng Qing-Yun , Xiong Jun , Huang Wei , Ma Qin , Ci Weimin , Feng Yu-Qi , Yuan Bi-Feng
Published: October 2015

2-hydroxyglutarate (2HG) is a potent competitor of α-ketoglutarate (α-KG) and can inhibit multiple α-KG dependent dioxygenases that function on the epigenetic modifications. The accumulation of 2HG contributes to elevated risk of malignant tumors. 2HG carries an asymmetric carbon atom in its carbon backbone and differentiation between D-2-hydroxyglutarate (D-2HG) and L-2-hydroxyglutarate (L-2HG) is crucially important for accurate diagnosis of 2HG related diseases. Here we developed a strategy by chiral derivatization combined with liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS) analysis for highly sensitive determination of D-2HG and L-2HG enantiomers. N-(p-toluenesulfonyl)-L-phenylalanyl chloride (TSPC) was used to derivatize 2HG. The formed diastereomers by TSPC labeling can efficiently improve the chromatographic separation of D-2HG and L-2HG. And derivatization by TSPC could also markedly increase the detection sensitivities by 291 and 346 folds for D-2HG and L-2HG, respectively. Using the developed method, we measured the contents of D-2HG and L-2HG in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) tissues. We observed 12.9 and 29.8 folds increase of D-2HG and L-2HG, respectively, in human ccRCC tissues compared to adjacent normal tissues. The developed chiral derivatization combined with LC-ESI-MS/MS analysis offers sensitive determination of D-2HG and L-2HG enantiomers, which benefits the precise diagnosis of 2HG related metabolic diseases.
Cadherin-13, a risk gene for ADHD and comorbid disorders, impacts GABAergic function in hippocampus and cognition
Authors: Rivero O , Selten M M , Sich S , Popp S , Bacmeister L , Amendola E , Negwer M , Schubert D , Proft F , Kiser D , Schmitt A G , Gross C , Kolk S M , Strekalova T , van den Hove D , Resink T J , Nadif Kasri N , Lesch K P
Published: October 2015

Cadherin-13 (CDH13), a unique glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored member of the cadherin family of cell adhesion molecules, has been identified as a risk gene for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and various comorbid neurodevelopmental and psychiatric conditions, including depression, substance abuse, autism spectrum disorder and violent behavior, while the mechanism whereby CDH13 dysfunction influences pathogenesis of neuropsychiatric disorders remains elusive. Here we explored the potential role of CDH13 in the inhibitory modulation of brain activity by investigating synaptic function of GABAergic interneurons. Cellular and subcellular distribution of CDH13 was analyzed in the murine hippocampus and a mouse model with a targeted inactivation ofCdh13was generated to evaluate how CDH13 modulates synaptic activity of hippocampal interneurons and behavioral domains related to psychopathologic (endo)phenotypes. We show that CDH13 expression in thecornu ammonis(CA) region of the hippocampus is confined to distinct classes of interneurons. Specifically, CDH13 is expressed by numerous parvalbumin and somatostatin-expressing interneurons located in the stratum oriens, where it localizes to both the soma and the presynaptic compartment.Cdh13−/−mice show an increase in basal inhibitory, but not excitatory, synaptic transmission in CA1 pyramidal neurons. Associated with these alterations in hippocampal function,Cdh13−/−mice display deficits in learning and memory. Taken together, our results indicate that CDH13 is a negative regulator of inhibitory synapses in the hippocampus, and provide insights into how CDH13 dysfunction may contribute to the excitatory/inhibitory imbalance observed in neurodevelopmental disorders, such as ADHD and autism.