bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phospholipase C Epsilon (PLCε) Induced TRPC6 Activation: A Common but Redundant Mechanism in Primary Podocytes
Authors: Kalwa Hermann , Storch Ursula , Demleitner Jana , Fiedler Susanne , Mayer Tim , Kannler Martina , Fahlbusch Meike , Barth Holger , Smrcka Alan , Hildebrandt Friedhelm , Gudermann Thomas , Dietrich Alexander
Published: December 2014

In eukaryotic cells, activation of phospholipase C (PLC)‐coupled membrane receptors by hormones leads to an increase in the intracellular Ca2+ concentration [Ca2+]i. Catalytic activity of PLCs results in the hydrolysis of phosphatidylinositol 4,5‐bisphosphate to generate inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate (IP3) and diacylglycerol (DAG) which opens DAG‐sensitive classical transient receptor channels 3, 6, and 7 (TRPC3/6/7), initiating Ca2+ influx from the extracellular space. Patients with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) express gain‐of‐function mutants of TRPC6, while others carry loss‐of‐function mutants of PLCε, raising the intriguing possibility that both proteins interact and might work in the same signalling pathway. While TRPC6 activation by PLCβ and PLCγ isozymes was extensively studied, the role of PLCε in TRPC6 activation remains elusive. TRPC6 was co‐immunoprecipitated with PLCε in a heterologous overexpression system in HEK293 cells as well as in freshly isolated murine podocytes. Receptor‐operated TRPC6 currents in HEK293 cells expressing TRPC6 were reduced by a specific PLCε siRNA and by a PLCε loss‐of‐function mutant isolated from a patient with FSGS. PLCε‐induced TRPC6 activation was also identified in murine embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) lacking Gαq/11 proteins. Further analysis of the signal transduction pathway revealed a Gα12/13 Rho‐GEF activation which induced Rho‐mediated PLCε stimulation. Therefore, we identified a new pathway for TRPC6 activation by PLCε. PLCε‐/‐ podocytes however, were undistinguishable from WT podocytes in their angiotensin II‐induced formation of actin stress fibers and their GTPγS‐induced TRPC6 activation, pointing to a redundant role of PLCε‐mediated TRPC6 activation at least in podocytes. J. Cell. Physiol. 230: 1389–1399, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., A Wiley Company
Kinetically Trapped Block Copolymer Nano‐Objects with Cylinder to Sphere Shape Transition Properties
Authors: Li Yuyan , Peng Bo , Chen Yongming
Published: December 2014

Here, the cylinder to sphere transition property is reported in kinetically trapped block copolymer (BCP) nano‐objects made from polystyrene‐block‐poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PS‐b‐PNIPAM) in ethanol. The PS‐b‐PNIPAM BCPs are found to self‐assemble into hexagonally packed cylindrical morphology in bulk. When dispersing the bulk microphase‐separated BCP materials in selective solvent, nanocylinders stabilized by kinetically trapped PS cores were obtained. However, when the kinetic barrier is removed by external energy input, a morphology transition from cylinder to sphere occurred. The transition procedure could be accelerated by applying higher external energy, which could be realized by using higher temperatures as well as treating with ultrasonic. Additionally, lowering the kinetic barrier by using polymers with a shorter PS block also accelerates the morphology transition process.

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Infantile Hemangiomas, Retinopathy of Prematurity and Cancer: A Common Pathogenetic Role of the β‐Adrenergic System
Authors: Filippi Luca , Dal Monte Massimo , Casini Giovanni , Daniotti Marta , Sereni Federica , Bagnoli Paola
Published: December 2014

The serendipitous demonstration that the nonselective β‐adrenergic receptor (β‐AR) antagonist propranolol promotes the regression of infantile hemangiomas (IHs) aroused interest around the involvement of the β‐adrenergic system in angiogenic processes. The efficacy of propranolol was related to the β2‐AR blockade and the consequent inhibition of the production of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), suggesting the hypothesis that propranolol could also be effective in treating retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), a retinal pathology characterized by VEGF‐induced neoangiogenesis. Consequent to the encouraging animal studies, a pilot clinical trial showed that oral propranolol protects newborns from ROP progression, even though this treatment is not sufficiently safe. Further, animal studies clarified the role of β3‐ARs in the development of ROP and, together with several preclinical studies demonstrating the key role of the β‐adrenergic system in tumor progression, vascularization, and metastasis, prompted us to also investigate the participation of β3‐ARs in tumor growth. The aim of this review is to gather the recent findings on the role of the β‐adrenergic system in IHs, ROP, and cancer, highlighting the fact that these different pathologies, triggered by different pathogenic noxae, share common pathogenic mechanisms characterized by the presence of hypoxia‐induced angiogenesis, which may be contrasted by targeting the β‐adrenergic system. The mechanisms characterizing the pathogenesis of IHs, ROP, and cancer may also be active during the fetal–neonatal development, and a great contribution to the knowledge on the role of β‐ARs in diseases characterized by chronic hypoxia may come from research focusing on the fetal and neonatal period.
Clinical and genetic associations of autoantibodies to 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methyl‐glutaryl‐coenzyme a reductase in patients with immune‐mediated myositis and necrotizing myopathy
Authors: Limaye Vidya , Bundell Chris , Hollingsworth Peter , Rojana‐Udomsart Arada , Mastaglia Frank , Blumbergs Peter , Lester Sue
Published: December 2014

Introduction: Inhibition of 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methyl‐glutaryl‐coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR) with statins may trigger idiopathic inflammatory myositis (IIM) or immune‐mediated necrotizing myopathy (IMNM). Anti‐HMGCR antibodies have been detected in patients with IIM/IMNM. We aimed to determine the associations of anti‐HMGCR in IIM/IMNM. Methods: Anti‐HMGCR antibodies were detected by ELISA in sera from patients with IIM/IMNM. Results: Anti‐HMGCR antibodies were detected in 19 of 207 patients with IIM/IMNM, and there was a trend toward an association with male gender (P = 0.079). Anti‐HMGCR antibodies were associated strongly with statin exposure (OR = 39, P = 0.0001) and HLA‐DRB1*11 (OR = 50, P < 0.0001). The highest risk for development of anti‐HMGCR antibodies was among HLA‐DR11 carriers exposed to statins. Univariate analysis showed a strong association of anti‐HMGCR antibodies with diabetes mellitus (P = 0.008), which was not confirmed by multiple regression. Among anti‐HMGCR+ patients there was a trend toward increased malignancy (P = 0.15). Conclusions: Anti‐HMGCR antibodies are seen in all subtypes of IIM and IMNM and are associated strongly with statin use and HLA‐DR11. Muscle Nerve 52: 196–203, 2015
Weight gain in pregnancy and application of the 2009 IOM guidelines: Toward a uniform approach
Authors: Gilmore L. Anne , Redman Leanne M.
Published: December 2014

Objective

There is an urgent need to adopt standardized nomenclature as it relates to gestational weight gain (GWG), a more uniform approach to calculate it, and hence quantifying adherence to the 2009 Institute of Medicine (IOM) guidelines.

Methods

This perspective highlights the varying methods used to estimate GWG and discuss the advantages and limitations of each.

Results

While these calculations could be argued to have a minimal impact on data at the population level, on the patient level, incorrectly estimating weight at conception can result in misclassification of preconception body mass index (BMI) and assignment of the IOM guidelines which inherently affect the prospective management of weight gain (and potential outcomes) during the current pregnancy.

Conclusions

This study recommends that preconception BMI and total GWG be determined objectively and total GWG be adjusted for length of gestation before assessing adherence to the IOM GWG guidelines.
Synthesis, characterization and luminescent properties of new copolymers of dimethacrylate derivatives of naphthalene‐2,7‐diol
Authors: Podkościelna Beata , Lipke Agnieszka , Gawdzik Barbara , Majdan Marek
Published: December 2014

Synthesis and characterization of new type photoluminescent, bulk copolymers of 2,7‐(2‐hydroxy‐3‐methacryloyloxypropoxy)naphthalene (2,7‐NAF.DM) with different vinyl comonomers (methyl methacrylate, 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate, butyl acrylate, divinylbenzene, styrene and N‐vinyl‐2‐pyrrolidone) are presented. The chemical structure of 2,7‐NAF.DM was confirmed by NMR, GC‐MS and elemental analysis. The copolymers were characterized by ATR and thermal (differential scanning calorimetry) analyses. Their luminescent properties were studied in terms of quantum efficiency (Φabs), which was shown to change in the range of 50–90% depending on the type of comonomer. It was found that the green‐emitting species in these polymers can be excited directly by low‐energy (400–520 nm) photoirradiation. These materials can be applied in the liquid or solid states in the form of powders, films or monoliths. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The SMART model: Soft Membranes Adapt and Respond, also Transiently, in the presence of antimicrobial peptides
Authors: Bechinger Burkhard
Published: December 2014

Biophysical and structural studies of peptide–lipid interactions, peptide topology and dynamics have changed our view on how antimicrobial peptides insert and interact with membranes. Clearly, both the peptides and the lipids are highly dynamic, change and mutually adapt their conformation, membrane penetration and detailed morphology on a local and a global level. As a consequence, the peptides and lipids can form a wide variety of supramolecular assemblies in which the more hydrophobic sequences preferentially, but not exclusively, adopt transmembrane alignments and have the potential to form oligomeric structures similar to those suggested by the transmembrane helical bundle model. In contrast, charged amphipathic sequences tend to stay intercalated at the membrane interface where they cause pronounced disruptions of the phospholipid fatty acyl packing. At increasing local or global concentrations, the peptides result in transient membrane openings, rupture and ultimately lysis. Depending on peptide‐to‐lipid ratio, lipid composition and environmental factors (temperature, buffer composition, ionic strength, etc.), the same peptide sequence can result in a variety of those responses. Therefore, the SMART model has been introduced to cover the full range of possibilities. With such a view in mind, novel antimicrobial compounds have been designed from amphipathic polymers, peptide mimetics, combinations of ultra‐short polypeptides with hydrophobic anchors or small designer molecules. Copyright © 2015 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dynamical entanglement of stretching–stretching and stretching–bending vibrations in SO2
Authors: Zhai Liangjun , Zheng Yujun
Published: December 2014

The dynamics of stretching–stretching (SS) and stretching–bending (SB) entanglement in the normal mode molecule SO2 are studied by the Lie algebraic method. The influence of the decoherence from the remaining vibrational mode is considered. We have found that SS vibrations can achieve a higher degree of entanglement than the SB vibrations, and the degeneration rate of SB entanglement is higher than the SS entanglement. By the comparative study, the SS vibrations are found to be more suitable to construct a biqubit system rather than the stretching–bending vibrations. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Conference key establishment protocol using a multivariate polynomial and its applications
Authors: Harn Lein , Gong Guang
Published: December 2014

In 1992, a non‐interactive k‐secure m‐conference protocol based on an m‐variate polynomial has been proposed. Each user needs to store a (m − 1)‐polynomial having degree k as a private share. A secret conference key involving m users can be computed by each conference member non‐interactively using each private share. There is no overhead to exchange information in order to establish a conference key. However, the storage space of each user is exponentially proportional to the group size of the conference. In this paper, we propose a key establishment protocol using a multivariate polynomial in ZN, where N is a RSA modulus. One unique feature of using this special type of polynomials for conference key protocol is that the storage space of each user is fixed and is independent to the group size of the conference. User can use their shares obtained from a key generation center initially to establish conference keys consisting of different users. Furthermore, we propose two applications to demonstrate the importance of using this special type of polynomials to design solutions. One is the private reconstruction of secret in a secret sharing scheme over network, and the other is the secure group communication. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Human Umbilical Cord Blood Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived PGE2 and TGF-β1 Alleviate Atopic Dermatitis by Reducing Mast Cell Degranulation
Authors: Kim Hyung-Sik , Yun Jun-Won , Shin Tae-Hoon , Lee Sung-Hoon , Lee Byung-Chul , Yu Kyung-Rok , Seo Yoojin , Lee Seunghee , Kang Tae-Wook , Choi Soon Won , Seo Kwang-Won , Kang Kyung-Sun
Published: December 2014

Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) is a promising tool for the therapy of immune disorders. However, their efficacy and mechanisms in treating allergic skin disorders are less verified. We sought to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of human umbilical cord blood-derived MSCs (hUCB-MSCs) against murine atopic dermatitis (AD) and to explore distinct mechanisms that regulate their efficacy. AD was induced in mice by the topical application of Dermatophagoides farinae. Naïve or activated-hUCB-MSCs were administered to mice, and clinical severity was determined. The subcutaneous administration of nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain 2 (NOD2)-activated hUCB-MSCs exhibited prominent protective effects against AD, and suppressed the infiltration and degranulation of mast cells (MCs). A β-hexosaminidase assay was performed to evaluate the effect of hUCB-MSCs on MC degranulation. NOD2-activated MSCs reduced the MC degranulation via NOD2-cyclooxygenase-2 signaling. In contrast to bone marrow-derived MSCs, hUCB-MSCs exerted a cell-to-cell contact-independent suppressive effect on MC degranulation through the higher production of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). Additionally, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 production from hUCB-MSCs in response to interleukin-4 contributed to the attenuation of MC degranulation by downregulating FcεRI expression in MCs. In conclusion, the subcutaneous application of NOD2-activated hUCB-MSCs can efficiently ameliorate AD, and MSC-derived PGE2 and TGF-β1 are required for the inhibition of MC degranulation. Stem Cells  2015;33:1254–1266
Forced Expression of Nanog or Esrrb Preserves the ESC Status in the Absence of Nucleostemin Expression
Authors: Katano Miyuki , Ema Masatsugu , Nakachi Yutaka , Mizuno Yosuke , Hirasaki Masataka , Suzuki Ayumu , Ueda Atsushi , Nishimoto Masazumi , Takahashi Satoru , Okazaki Yasushi , Okuda Akihiko
Published: December 2014

Nucleostemin (NS) is a nucleolar GTP-binding protein that is involved in a plethora of functions including ribosomal biogenesis and maintenance of telomere integrity. In addition to its expression in cancerous cells, the NS gene is expressed in stem cells including embryonic stem cells (ESCs). Previous knockdown and knockout studies have demonstrated that NS is important to preserve the self-renewality and high expression levels of pluripotency marker genes in ESCs. Here, we found that forced expression of Nanog or Esrrb, but not other pluripotency factors, resulted in the dispensability of NS expression in ESCs. However, the detrimental phenotypes of ESCs associated with ablation of NS expression were not mitigated by forced expression of Rad51 or a nucleolar localization-defective NS mutant that counteracts the damage associated with loss of NS expression in other NS-expressing cells such as neural stem/progenitor cells. Thus, our results indicate that NS participates in preservation of the viability and integrity of ESCs, which is distinct from that in other NS-expressing cells. Stem Cells  2015;33:1089–1101
Population dynamics inside cancer biomass driven by repeated hypoxia‐reoxygenation cycles
Authors: Zhang Chi , Cao Sha , Xu Ying
Published: December 2014

A computational analysis of genome‐scale transcriptomic data collected on ~1,700 tissue samples of three cancer types: breast carcinoma, colon adenocarcinoma and lung adenocarcinoma, revealed that each tissue consists of (at least) two major subpopulations of cancer cells with different capabilities to handle fluctuating O2 levels. The two populations have distinct genomic and transcriptomic characteristics, one accelerating its proliferation under hypoxic conditions and the other proliferating faster with higher O2 levels, referred to as the hypoxia and the reoxygenation subpopulations, respectively. The proportions of the two subpopulations within a cancer tissue change as the average O2 level changes. They both contribute to cancer development but in a complementary manner. The hypoxia subpopulation tends to have higher proliferation rates than the reoxygenation one as well as higher apoptosis rates; and it is largely responsible for the acidic environment that enables tissue invasion and provides protection against attacks from T‐cells. In comparison, the reoxygenation subpopulation generates new extracellular matrices in support of further growth of the tumor and strengthens cell‐cell adhesion to provide scaffolds to keep all the cells connected. This subpopulation also serves as the major source of growth factors for tissue growth. These data and observations strongly suggest that these two major subpopulations within each tumor work together in a conjugative relationship to allow the tumor to overcome stresses associated with the constantly changing O2 level due to repeated growth and angiogenesis. The analysis results not only reveal new insights about the population dynamics within a tumor but also have implications to our understanding of possible causes of different cancer phenotypes such as diffused versus more tightly connected tumor tissues.
Maternal high-fat diet consumption impairs exercise performance in offspring
Authors: Walter Isabel , Klaus Susanne
Published: December 2014

The aim of the present study was to scrutinise the influence of maternal high-fat diet (mHFD) consumption during gestation and lactation on exercise performance and energy metabolism in male mouse offspring. Female C3H/HeJ mice were fed either a semi-synthetic high-fat diet (HFD; 40 % energy from fat) or a low-fat diet (LFD; 10 % energy from fat) throughout gestation and lactation. After weaning, male offspring of both groups received the LFD. At the age of 7·5 weeks half of the maternal LFD (n 20) and the mHFD (n 21) groups were given access to a running wheel for 28 d as a voluntary exercise training opportunity. We show that mHFD consumption led to a significantly reduced exercise performance (P < 0·05) and training efficiency (P < 0·05) in male offspring. There were no effects of maternal diet on offspring body weight. Lipid and glucose metabolism was disturbed in mHFD offspring, with altered regulation of cluster of differentiation 36 (CD36) (P < 0·001), fatty acid synthase (P < 0·05) and GLUT1 (P < 0·05) gene expression in skeletal muscle. In conclusion, maternal consumption of a HFD is linked to decreased exercise performance and training efficiency in the offspring. We speculate that this may be due to insufficient muscle energy supply during prolonged exercise training. Further, this compromised exercise performance might increase the risk of obesity development in adult life.
Geological setting and paleoecology of the Upper Cretaceous Bench 19 Marine Vertebrate Bonebed at Bentiaba, Angola
Authors: Strganac C. , Jacobs L.L. , Polcyn M.J. , Mateus O. , Myers T.S. , Salminen J. , May S.R. , Araújo R. , Ferguson K.M. , Gonçalves A. Olímpio , Morais M.L. , Schulp A.S. , da Silva Tavares T.
Published: December 2014

The Bench 19 Bonebed at Bentiaba, Angola, is a unique concentration of marine vertebrates preserving six species of mosasaurs in sediments best correlated by magnetostratigraphy to chron C32n.1n between 71.4 and 71.64 Ma. The bonebed formed at a paleolatitude near 24°S, with an Atlantic width at that latitude approximating 2700 km, roughly half that of the current width. The locality lies on an uncharacteristically narrow continental shelf near transform faults that controlled the coastal outline of Africa in the formation of the South Atlantic Ocean. Biostratigraphic change through the Bentiaba section indicates that the accumulation occurred in an ecological time dimension within the 240 ky bin delimited by chron 32n.1n. The fauna occurs in a 10 m sand unit in the Mocuio Formation with bones and partial skeletons concentrated in, but not limited to, the basal 1–2 m. The sediment entombing the fossils is an immature feldspathic sand shown by detrital zircon ages to be derived from nearby granitic shield rocks. Specimens do not appear to have a strong preferred orientation and they are not concentrated in a strand line. Stable oxygen isotope analysis of associated bivalve shells indicates a water temperature of 18.5°C. The bonebed is clearly mixed with scattered dinosaur and pterosaur elements in a marine assemblage. Gut contents, scavenging marks and associated shed shark teeth in the Bench 19 Fauna indicate biological association and attrition due to feeding activities. The ecological diversity of mosasaur species is shown by tooth and body-size disparity and by δ13C analysis of tooth enamel, which indicate a variety of foraging areas and dietary niches. The Bench 19 Fauna was formed in arid latitudes along a coastal desert similar to that of modern Namibia on a narrow, tectonically controlled continental shelf, in shallow waters below wave base. The area was used as a foraging ground for diverse species, including molluscivorusGlobidens phosphaticus, small species expected near the coast, abundantPrognathodon kianda, which fed on other mosasaurs at Bench 19, and species that may have been transient and opportunistic feeders in the area.
We Are the World: The U.S. Supreme Court’s Use of Foreign Sources of Law
Authors: Black Ryan C. , Owens Ryan J. , Brookhart Jennifer L.
Published: December 2014

The United States Supreme Court recently employed foreign legal sources to interpret U.S. law, provoking widespread political and legal controversy. Scholars have yet to examine systematically the conditions under which justices cite foreign law, however. Applying theoretical approaches from international relations and judicial politics scholarship, we search every Supreme Court opinion between 1953 and 2009 for references to foreign law. Justices strategically reference foreign law to prop up their most controversial opinions. They also borrow law from countries whose domestic political institutions are viewed as legitimate; and, surprisingly, conservatives are as likely as liberals to cite foreign law. These findings add important information to the discussion over citing foreign law, and highlight how geopolitical context influences domestic legal policy.
COMPLEX CYCLES AS OBSTRUCTIONS ON REAL ALGEBRAIC VARIETIES
Authors: KUCHARZ WOJCIECH
Published: December 2014

LetYbe a compact nonsingular real algebraic variety of positive dimension. Then one can find a compact connected nonsingular real algebraic varietyX, which admits a continuous map intoYthat is not homotopic to any regular map. It is hard to determine the minimum dimension of such a varietyX. In this paper, new upper bounds for dimXare obtained. The main role in the constructions is played by complex algebraic cycles onY.
Editorial note
Authors: Ruslan Mitkov
Published: December 2014

The Journal of Natural Language Engineering (JNLE) has enjoyed another very successful year. Two years after being accepted into Thomson Reuters Citation Index and being indexed in many of their products (including both the Science and the Social Science editions of the Journals Citation Rankings (JCR)), the journal further established itself as a leading forum for high-quality articles covering all aspects of Natural Language Processing research, including, but not limited to, the engineering of natural language methods and applications. I am delighted to report an increased number of submissions reaching a total of 92 between January–September 2014.
Fact and Fiction in the Life Story of Luigi von Kunits
Authors: Elliott Robin
Published: December 2014

Luigi von Kunits (1870–1931) had a substantial impact on classical music in Toronto. Born and educated in Vienna, he emigrated to Chicago in 1893 and then moved to Pittsburgh in 1896 as the concertmaster of the Pittsburgh Orchestra. After 17 years in the USA, he returned to Vienna for two years, before moving to Toronto to take up a teaching position at the Canadian Academy of Music. From the time of his arrival in Toronto in 1912 to his death in 1931 he was active on many fronts: teaching violin, composing, editing The Canadian Journal of Music (1914–1919), performing as a chamber musician and violin soloist, and serving as the conductor of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra (1922–1931). To many he seemed the very embodiment of the great Central European musical tradition: a pupil of Bruckner and Hanslick, associated with Brahms and acquainted with celebrated European musicians and composers. Much of what we know about Kunits derives from statements issuing from the musician himself or his immediate circle, with little or no corroborating evidence to support his assertions. As a result, it is difficult at this remove to separate fact from fiction. This article takes stock of the sources of information that are available and attempts to construct as accurate an account of his life and activities as possible.
Chinese Opera in Turn-of-the Century Canada: Local History and Transnational Circulation
Authors: Rao Nancy Yunhwa
Published: December 2014

One of the most curious aspects about Canadian Chinese cultural history is the role of opera theatres. They served as the public face of the community, cultural ambassadors or even artistic curiosities, but at the same time provided Chinese audiences the intimate world of emotive musical drama. Because of their public role, they were often ambitious projects. Since first appearing in Victoria in the 1860s, Chinese theatres played an integral role in its community life. Featuring performance of Cantonese opera, the regional genre known to the majority of Chinese immigrants that came from the Pearl River Delta of southern China, these theatres provided crucial entertainment. Chinese theatres’ success in Victoria, and later in Vancouver, was not an isolated phenomenon, but rather closely connected to other cities along the Pacific coast. The opera business waxed and waned, in large part as a result of the Chinese exclusionist policy in Canada and United States. In the 1910s and 1920s, through joint ventures, Chinese in Canada and the United States succeeded in forming a network of opera performance and revived their fluidity of movement in the Pacific Northwest region. Because this network returned significant mobility to troupes and performers, Chinese theatres flourished again in North America. This article provides a preliminary overview of this body of troupes and performers in Canada, its impact and the national and transnational forces that shaped it. It addresses key issues related to this history: the effect of immigration control, the relevance of Chinese theatres to community life, and the transborder crossings.
Genome-wide analysis of the human p53 transcriptional network unveils a lncRNA tumour suppressor signature
Authors: Sánchez Yolanda , Segura Victor , Marín-Béjar Oskar , Athie Alejandro , Marchese Francesco P. , González Jovanna , Bujanda Luis , Guo Shuling , Matheu Ander , Huarte Maite
Published: December 2014

Despite the inarguable relevance of p53 in cancer, genome-wide studies relating endogenous p53 activity to the expression of lncRNAs in human cells are still missing. Here, by integrating RNA-seq with p53 ChIP-seq analyses of a human cancer cell line under DNA damage, we define a high-confidence set of 18 lncRNAs that are p53 transcriptional targets. We demonstrate that two of the p53-regulated lncRNAs are required for the efficient binding of p53 to some of its target genes, modulating the p53 transcriptional network and contributing to apoptosis induction by DNA damage. We also show that the expression of p53-lncRNAs is lowered in colorectal cancer samples, constituting a tumour suppressor signature with high diagnostic power. Thus, p53-regulated lncRNAs establish a positive regulatory feedback loop that enhances p53 tumour suppressor activity. Furthermore, the signature defined by p53-regulated lncRNAs supports their potential use in the clinic as biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
Entropy, complexity and Markov diagrams for random walk cancer models
Authors: Newton Paul K. , Mason Jeremy , Hurt Brian , Bethel Kelly , Bazhenova Lyudmila , Nieva Jorge , Kuhn Peter
Published: December 2014

The notion of entropy is used to compare the complexity associated with 12 common cancers based on metastatic tumor distribution autopsy data. We characterize power-law distributions, entropy and Kullback-Liebler divergence associated with each primary cancer as compared with data for all cancer types aggregated. We then correlate entropy values with other measures of complexity associated with Markov chain dynamical systems models of progression. The Markov transition matrix associated with each cancer is associated with a directed graph model where nodes are anatomical locations where a metastatic tumor could develop and edge weightings are transition probabilities of progression from site to site. The steady-state distribution corresponds to the autopsy data distribution. Entropy correlates well with the overall complexity of the reduced directed graph structure for each cancer and with a measure of systemic interconnectedness of the graph, called graph conductance. The models suggest that grouping cancers according to their entropy values, with skin, breast, kidney and lung cancers being prototypical high entropy cancers, stomach, uterine, pancreatic and ovarian being mid-level entropy cancers and colorectal, cervical, bladder and prostate cancers being prototypical low entropy cancers, provides a potentially useful framework for viewing metastatic cancer in terms of predictability, complexity and metastatic potential.
Reversible switching of magnetic states by electric fields in nitrogenized-divacancies graphene decorated by tungsten atoms
Authors: Ge Gui-Xian , Sun Hai-Bin , Han Yan , Song Feng-Qi , Zhao Ji-Jun , Wang Guang-Hou , Wan Jian-Guo
Published: December 2014

Magnetic graphene-based materials have shown great potential for developing high-performance electronic devices at sub-nanometer such as spintronic data storage units. However, a significant reduction of power consumption and great improvement of structural stability are needed before they can be used for actual applications. Based on the first-principles calculations, here we demonstrate that the interaction between tungsten atoms and nitrogenized-divacancies (NDVs) in the hybrid W@NDV-graphene can lead to high stability and large magnetic anisotropy energy (MAE). More importantly, reversible switching between different magnetic states can be implemented by tuning the MAE under different electric fields and very low energy is consumed during the switching. Such controllable switching of magnetic states is ascribed to the competition between the tensile stain and orbital magnetic anisotropy, which originates from the change in the occupation number of W-5d orbitals under the electric fields. Our results provide a promising avenue for developing high-density magnetic storage units or multi-state logical switching devices with ultralow power at sub-nanometer.
Complexation–flocculation combined with microwave-assisted headspace solid-phase microextraction in determining the binding constants of hydrophobic organic pollutants to dissolved humic substances
Authors: Hsieh Ping-Chieh , Lee Chon-Lin , Jen Jen-Fon , Chang Kuei-Chen
Published: December 2014

CF-MA-HS-SPME is broadly applicable, with advantages over traditional methods for determining theKDOCof hydrophobic organic pollutants to dissolved humic substances.
Immobilising proteins on silica with site-specifically attached modified silaffin peptides
Authors: Lechner Carolin C. , Becker Christian F. W.
Published: December 2014

Site-specific modification of proteins with synthetic silaffin peptides allows efficient encapsulation in biomimetic silica particles. Variations in silaffin modifications provide control over particle shape, protein load and activity.
Tumor extracellular acidity activated “off–on” release of bortezomib from a biocompatible dendrimer
Authors: Wang Mingming , Wang Yu , Hu Ke , Shao Naimin , Cheng Yiyun
Published: December 2014

A nanoparticle with a specific response to tumor extracellular acidity provides a new option in the design of tumor-targeted delivery systems.
Electro-optical detection of single λ-DNA
Authors: Liu Shuo , Wall Thomas A. , Ozcelik Damla , Parks Joshua W. , Hawkins Aaron R. , Schmidt Holger
Published: December 2014

Single λ-DNA molecules are detected on a nanopore-gated optofluidic chip electrically and optically. Statistical variations in the single particle trajectories are used to correctly predict the intensity distribution of the fluorescence signals.
Stable carboxylic acid derivatized alkoxy silanes
Authors: Feinle A. , Flaig S. , Puchberger M. , Schubert U. , Hüsing N.
Published: December 2014

A convenient and straightforward one-pot hydrosilylation reaction of different unsaturated carboxylic acids with trialkoxysilanes in the presence of catalytic amounts of platinum(iv) dioxide resulted in excellent yields in organofunctional silanes combining carboxy- and alkoxy groups within one molecule.
cis-Semihydrogenation of alkynes with amine borane complexes catalyzed by gold nanoparticles under mild conditions
Authors: Vasilikogiannaki Eleni , Titilas Ioannis , Vassilikogiannakis Georgios , Stratakis Manolis
Published: December 2014

Supported gold nanoparticles catalyze the semihydrogenation of alkynes to alkenes with ammonia borane or amine borane complexes in excellent yields and under mild conditions.
Self-propelled chemotactic ionic liquid droplets
Authors: Francis Wayne , Fay Cormac , Florea Larisa , Diamond Dermot
Published: December 2014

[P6,6,6,14][Cl] droplets show self-propelled movement within open fluidic channels along the liquid–air interface in directions determined by external chemical gradients.
Excellent catalytic effects of multi-walled carbon nanotube supported titania on hydrogen storage of a Mg–Ni alloy
Authors: Tan Yajun , Zhu Yunfeng , Li Liquan
Published: December 2014

TiO2/MWCNTs contribute to the excellent properties of a Mg–Ni alloy: absorbed 5.60 wt% H2within 60 s at 373 K and released 6.08 wt% H2within 600 s at 553 K.
Hierarchical mesoporous yolk–shell structured carbonaceous nanospheres for high performance electrochemical capacitive energy storage
Authors: Yang Tianyu , Zhou Ruifeng , Wang Da-Wei , Jiang San Ping , Yamauchi Yusuke , Qiao Shi Zhang , Monteiro Michael J. , Liu Jian
Published: December 2014

Hierarchical mesoporous yolk–shell structured carbon nanospheres show significantly enhanced electrochemical performance.
Stress effects on the initial lithiation of crystalline silicon nanowires: reactive molecular dynamics simulations using ReaxFF
Authors: Ostadhossein Alireza , Cubuk Ekin D. , Tritsaris Georgios A. , Kaxiras Efthimios , Zhang Sulin , van Duin Adri C. T.
Published: December 2014

Silicon (Si) has been recognized as a promising anode material for the next-generation high-capacity lithium (Li)-ion batteries because of its high theoretical energy density.
Structural instabilities and mechanical properties of U2Mo from first principles calculations
Authors: Liu Ben-Qiong , Duan Xiao-Xi , Sun Guang-Ai , Yang Jin-Wen , Gao Tao
Published: December 2014

Using VASP-PAW method, mechanical and dynamical instabilities of U2Mo are observed. U2Mo would fail by shear rather than by tension.
Molecules with a sense of logic: a progress report
Authors: Andréasson Joakim , Pischel Uwe
Published: December 2014

Ones and zeros can be handled by molecules through the input-control of their signaling features. The progress in this exciting field during the last five years is covered in this tutorial review.
Quercetin and its metabolites inhibit the membrane NADPH oxidase activity in vascular smooth muscle cells from normotensive and spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: Jimenez R. , Lopez-Sepulveda R. , Romero M. , Toral M. , Cogolludo A. , Perez-Vizcaino F. , Duarte J.
Published: December 2014

Quercetin, the most abundant dietary flavonol, exerts antioxidant effects reducing vascular superoxide (O2−) and improving endothelial function in animal models of cardiovascular disease.
Ultrasound enhanced laccase applications
Authors: Gonçalves Idalina , Silva Carla , Cavaco-Paulo Artur
Published: December 2014

Combined laccase–ultrasound systems allow the reduction of both the environmental impact and the operational costs of conventional industrial processing.
Geometry sensing through POR1 regulates Rac1 activity controlling early osteoblast differentiation in response to nanofiber diameter
Authors: Higgins A. M. , Banik B. L. , Brown J. L.
Published: December 2014

A proposed curvature sensing mechanism that results in inhibition of bone formation connects the vesicle trafficking protein POR1 to Rac1.
Surface enhanced Raman scattering investigation of two novel piperazine carbodithioic acids adsorbed on Ag and ZnO nanoparticles
Authors: Prakash Om , Gautam Priyanka , Kumar Shiv , Singh Pushkar , Dani R. K. , Bharty M. K. , Singh N. K. , Ghosh A. K. , Deckert V. , Singh Ranjan K.
Published: December 2014

In this work piperazine-1-carbodithioic acid (PZCDT) and piperazine-1,4-dicarbodithioic acid (PZbCDT) were synthesized and SERS investigation with Ag & ZnO nanoparticles has been done.
A halogen- and hydrogen-bonding [2]catenane for anion recognition and sensing
Authors: Mercurio James M. , Caballero Antonio , Cookson James , Beer Paul D.
Published: December 2014

A mixed halogen- and hydrogen-bonding hetero-[2]catenane has been synthesised via anion templation and demonstrated to bind and sense oxoanions.
Correction: Synthesis of MoS2/SrZrO3 heterostructures and their photocatalytic H2 evolution under UV irradiation
Authors: Tian Qingwen , Zhang Li , Liu Jiahui , Li Naixu , Ma Quanhong , Zhou Jiancheng , Sun Yueming
Published: December 2014

Correction for ‘Synthesis of MoS2/SrZrO3 heterostructures and their photocatalytic H2 evolution under UV irradiation’ by Qingwen Tian et al., RSC Adv., 2015, 5, 734–739.
Potassium–sodium niobate lead-free ceramics: modified strain as well as piezoelectricity
Authors: Zheng Ting , Wu Jiagang , Xiao Dingquan , Zhu Jianguo , Wang Xiangjian , Lou Xiaojie
Published: December 2014

The obvious conflicts between large piezoelectricity and high strain could be solved by developing new phase boundaries in potassium–sodium niobate materials.
Topography-dependent antibacterial, osteogenic and anti-aging properties of pure titanium
Authors: Luo Qiaojie , Huang Ying , Zha Guangyu , Chen Yadong , Deng Xuliang , Zhang Kai , Zhu Weipu , Zhao Shifang , Li Xiaodong
Published: December 2014

Topography-dependent antibacterial, osteogenic properties of pure titanium and its biological aging mechanism.
A lipopolysaccharide binding heteromultivalent dendrimer nanoplatform for Gram negative cell targeting
Authors: Wong Pamela T. , Tang Shengzhuang , Tang Kenny , Coulter Alexa , Mukherjee Jhindan , Gam Kristina , Baker James R. , Choi Seok Ki
Published: December 2014

Heteromultivalent design of PAMAM dendrimer by conjugation with polymyxin B (PMB) ligand and excess auxiliary ethanolamine (EA) branches led to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) avidity two orders of magnitude greater than free PMB.
The reported anomalous emission intensity of the 5D0 → 7F4 transition of Eu3+ in a molybdate double perovskite
Authors: Chan Wai-Lun , Liu Zhenyu , Lu Shengbo , Tanner Peter A. , Wong Ka-Leung
Published: December 2014

The assigned anomalous upconversion emission intensity of the 5D0 → 7F4 transition of Eu3+ in the double perovskite Sr2Ca(W1−xMox)O6 co-doped with Yb3+ is shown to be due to a transition metal impurity present in the MoO3 starting material.
A new strategy for achieving white-light emission of lanthanide complexes: effective control of energy transfer from blue-emissive fluorophore to Eu(iii) centres
Authors: Zhang Junqing , Li Hongfeng , Chen Peng , Sun Wenbin , Gao Ting , Yan Pengfei
Published: December 2014

A white-light-emitting Eu(iii) coordination polymer based on a 1,8-naphthalimide-derivative was synthesized, and three primary colours are well balanced by controlling energy transfer efficiency from fluorophore to Eu(iii) ions.
Electrophoretic fabrication of silver nanostructure/zinc oxide nanorod heterogeneous arrays with excellent SERS performance
Authors: He Hui , Li Huoquan , Xia Weiwei , Shen Xiaoshuang , Zhou Min , Han Jiurong , Zeng Xianghua , Cai Weiping
Published: December 2014

Electrophoretic deposition (EPD) is used to fabricate Ag-decorated ZnO nanorod arrays with excellent SERS performance.
Unilateral Hearing Loss in Young Children: Developing Best Practices with Limited Evidence
Authors: McKay Sarah
Published: December 2014

Substantial evidence exists to highlight the difficulties that children with UHL can experience. Unfortunately, the research regarding effective intervention for this population of children remains limited, particularly for young children. Professional perspectives vary widely regarding best choices and timing of interventions. As a result, clinicians are currently in a position of integrating the available scientific evidence with their clinical expertise to develop “best practice” recommendations for the management of their patients.
Zero Marking of Past Tense in Child African American English
Authors: Lee Ryan , Oetting Janna B.
Published: December 2014

Zero marking of the simple past is often listed as a common feature of child African American English (AAE). In the current paper, we review the literature and present new data to help clinicians better understand zero marking of the simple past in child AAE. Specifically, we provide information to support the following statements: (a) By six years of age, the simple past is infrequently zero marked by typically developing AAE-speaking children; (b) There are important differences between the simple past and participle morphemes that affect AAE-speaking children's marking options; and (c) In addition to a verb's grammatical function, its phonetic properties help determine whether an AAE-speaking child will produce a zero marked form.
Joining Clauses with Subordinate Conjunctions: One Type of Complex Syntax
Authors: Weiler Brian K. , Schuele C. Melanie
Published: December 2014

The purpose of this article is to enhance clinicians' knowledge and skills about one complex syntax type, subordinate conjunction clauses. Children's complex syntax skills are critical to the expression of increasingly elaborate ideas and to meeting the demands of academic tasks. Complex syntax development begins in the preschool years. It is essential for clinicians to support young children's complex syntax development. To this end, the present article offers a framework to support a clinician's consideration of the range of subordinate conjunction clauses that appear in the spoken language of young children.
Acquired and Developmental Executive Dysfunction: Common Intervention Principles
Authors: Drazinski Lynn
Published: December 2014

When school-based speech-language pathologists encounter executive dysfunction, it is typically related to a developmental issue and is often associated with other diagnoses. There are students, however, who present with acquired executive function that is neurogenic in basis. These may present as very different disorders, yet there are commonalities between the two etiologies of executive dysfunction. This article presents some common principles of intervention for consideration by the school-based speech-language pathologist.
Ein Register für Register und Kohorten: Empfehlungen zu Metadaten und Verfahrensregeln
Authors: Stausberg J. , Semler S. , Neugebauer E. A. M.
Published: December 2014

Register und Kohorten liefern eine wesentliche Grundlage für die patientenorientierte Forschung, insbesondere für die Versorgungsforschung. Das Registerportal soll Transparenz zu laufenden Registern und Kohorten in Deutschland schaffen, die Qualität der Vorhaben verbessern sowie Kommunikation und Kooperation von Registerbetreibern und Interessierten fördern. Metadaten sind diejenigen Merkmale, mit denen Register und Kohorten im Registerportal beschrieben werden. Mit einem überschaubaren Umfang an Informationen im Kerndatensatz soll eine möglichst zutreffende Beschreibung von Registern und Kohorten im Registerportal bei geringstmöglichem Aufwand bei der Erfassung der Informationen erreicht werden. Der Kerndatensatz basiert auf 26 Elementen, die in einem Konsensusverfahren (Delphi-Verfahren) unter Einbindung von Expertinnen und Experten der Arbeitsgruppe Register des Deutschen Netzwerks Versorgungsforschung (DNVF) e.V. sowie der Arbeitsgruppe IT-Infrastruktur und Qualitätsmanagement der TMF – Technologie- und Methodenplattform für die vernetzte medizinische Forschung e.V. herausgearbeitet wurden. Transparente Verfahrensregeln stellen Nachvollziehbarkeit und Verlässlichkeit der Dienstleitungen des Registerportals sicher. In einem Zwischenstand wurden sechs sogenannte Top-Level-Aufgaben und 37 Anwendungsszenarien definiert. Die Metadaten wurden bereits mit den Mitgliedsgesellschaften des DNVF abgestimmt. Metadaten und Verfahrensregeln bilden den Ausgangspunkt für weitere Schritte zur Umsetzung des Registerportals.
Quantization of interface currents
Authors: Kotani Motoko , Schulz-Baldes Hermann , Villegas-Blas Carlos
Published: December 2014

At the interface of two two-dimensional quantum systems, there may exist interface currents similar to edge currents in quantum Hall systems. It is proved that these interface currents are macroscopically quantized by an integer that is given by the difference of the Chern numbers of the two systems. It is also argued that at the interface between two time-reversal invariant systems with half-integer spin, one of which is trivial and the other non-trivial, there are dissipationless spin-polarized interface currents.
Implantable magnetic nanocomposites for the localized treatment of breast cancer
Authors: Kan-Dapaah Kwabena , Rahbar Nima , Soboyejo Wole
Published: December 2014

This paper explores the potential of implantable magnetic nanocomposites for the localized treatment of breast cancer via hyperthermia. Magnetite (Fe3O4)-reinforced polydimethylsiloxane composites were fabricated and characterized to determine their structural, magnetic, and thermal properties. The thermal properties and degree of optimization were shown to be strongly dependent on material properties of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs). The in-vivo temperature profiles and thermal doses were investigated by the use of a 3D finite element method (FEM) model to simulate the heating of breast tissue. Heat generation was calculated using the linear response theory model. The 3D FEM model was used to investigate the effects of MNP volume fraction, nanocomposite geometry, and treatment parameters on thermal profiles. The implications of the results were then discussed for the development of implantable devices for the localized treatment of breast cancer.