bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Meeting Initial Needs In Literacy (MINILIT): Why we Need it, How it Works, and the Results of Pilot Studies
Authors: Reynolds Meree , Wheldall Kevin , Madelaine Alison
Published: February 2016

As students who have difficulty in acquiring the basic processes in reading are significantly disadvantaged in later schooling, there is a need for effective interventions for young at-risk students. Reading Recovery is the most widely known and extensively promoted intervention for young struggling readers. However, serious reservations have been expressed about both its efficacy and its cost-effectiveness. An alternative intervention (MINILIT), that incorporates findings and recommendations of recent reviews of research about effective instruction in early literacy, has been developed. This intervention features small-group instruction by tutors. The results of three pilot studies of MINILIT are presented. These studies were carried out with Year 1 and Year 2 students in a variety of settings. The students, who were identified as struggling readers by teachers in their schools, attended tutoring sessions for one hour a day, four days a week, for 15 weeks. Pre-testing of individual students on standardised and curriculum-based tests was carried out prior to the intervention and testing was repeated after 15 weeks. Data indicate that students who completed the intervention made significant and substantial gains in both reading and spelling. Results suggest that MINILIT may be a viable intervention that may achieve results similar to, or better than, existing programs with greater cost-effectiveness.
Coping Strategies in Mothers of School-Aged Children with Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Strnadová Iva , Evans David
Published: February 2016

The role of the family in providing a quality education program is important for all students. For students with special educational needs, however, the role of the family is particularly critical. In such families, there can be an increased amount of stress and, at the same time, a range of coping strategies evolving. Research into the ways that families cope with stress uses various life quality indicators (e.g., emotional, physical and material well-being, interpersonal relations, personal development, self-determination or social inclusion) to evaluate the effectiveness of these coping mechanisms. The role of the family (with specific focus on its links with schools) is often overlooked, yet is crucial to attaining long-term benefits for the student.
Supporting Students in the Middle School Years with Learning Difficulties in Mathematics: Research into Classroom Practice
Authors: Graham Lorraine , Bellert Anne , Pegg John
Published: February 2016

The aim of this article is to promote discussion and professional development around the topic of learning difficulties in mathematics, particularly as these pertain to teaching and learning in the middle school years. The article has three sections. In the first section, a review of literature about learning difficulties (LD) in mathematics is presented. Definitional issues are discussed, key underlying causes of LD in mathematics are highlighted and common ‘learner characteristics’ of middle-years students with LD in mathematics are identified. The second part of the article is an overview of a responsive intervention currently being developed to support middle-years students with LD in mathematics. This section describes the implementation of the QuickSmart mathematics intervention with 42 participating students and 12 comparison students enrolled in five schools from a rural area of New South Wales. The results of pre-intervention and post-intervention assessments, using both standardised and achievement-based measures are reported. The findings indicate that the QuickSmart intervention approach improved students’ mathematical knowledge, skills and understandings. In the third section of the article research-validated, curriculum-relevant strategies from the QuickSmart mathematics program are described.
Lesen macht stark. Ein Diagnose- und Förderinstrument für die Grundschule
Authors: Hippmann Kathrin , Jambor-Fahlen Simone , Becker-Mrotzek Michael
Published: February 2016

Zusammenfassung. In der Studie wird ein Diagnose- und Fördermaterial untersucht, welches die zentralen Bereiche des Schriftspracherwerbs erfasst und für die Klassen 1 und 2 entwickelt wurde. Das Material testet in einem längsschnittlichen Design während der ersten beiden Schuljahre die phonologische Bewusstheit, das frühe Schriftwissen, die Lese- und Schreibfähigkeiten sowie die Textkompetenz. Das Ziel des Instruments ist die ökonomische, praktikable und valide Identifikation von Kindern die besonderer Förderung im Schriftspracherwerb bedürfen. Die vorliegende Untersuchung zielt darauf ab zu überprüfen, inwieweit das Instrument diese Anforderung konsistent über vier Messzeitpunkte innerhalb des ersten Schuljahres in den Bereichen Vorläuferfähigkeiten und Leseleistung erfüllen kann. Zunächst wurde eine erste Einschätzung der Vorhersagegüte anhand eines Vergleichs mit der in der Literatur berichteten Prävalenzrate vorgenommen. In einem nächsten Schritt wurden anhand der Kennwerte der klassifikatorischen Vorhersage und des Ratz-Index analysiert, inwiefern die anhand ihrer Leistung in den Vorläuferfähigkeiten zu Beginn des Schriftspracherwerbs als Risikokinder eingestuften Kinder korrekt identifiziert wurden. Die Ergebnisse weisen die vorschulische Diagnostik als problematisch aus. Daraufhin erfolgte eine genauere Betrachtung der Leseentwicklung der Kinder und darauf basierend die Erstellung unterschiedlicher Lesergruppen. Hier zeigt sich, dass die Leseentwicklung als dynamischer Prozess anzusehen ist, in dessen Verlauf die Kinder nicht unbedingt ein Leseniveau beibehalten. Die Schnittmenge der zum jeweiligen Messzeitpunkt festgestellten Risikokinder ist relativ gering, da auch die schwachen Leser keine stabile Gruppe darstellen. Die Dynamik der Leseentwicklung besonders zu Beginn des Schriftspracherwerbs kann zur Erklärung der schlechten Vorhersagewerte beitragen.
Increased generation of Foxp3+ regulatory T cells by manipulating antigen presentation in the thymus
Authors: Lin Jiqiang , Yang Lu , Silva Hernandez Moura , Trzeciak Alissa , Choi Yongwon , Schwab Susan R. , Dustin Michael L. , Lafaille Juan J.
Published: February 2016

Regulatory T-cell (Treg) selection in the thymus is essential to prevent autoimmune diseases. Although important rules for Treg selection have been established, there is controversy regarding the degree of self-reactivity displayed by T-cell receptors expressed by Treg cells. In this study we have developed a model of autoimmune skin inflammation, to determine key parameters in the generation of skin-reactive Treg cells in the thymus (tTreg). tTreg development is predominantly AIRE dependent, with an AIRE-independent component. Without the knowledge of antigen recognized by skin-reactive Treg cells, we are able to enhance skin-specific tTreg cell generation using three approaches. First, we increase medullary thymic epithelial cells by using mice lacking osteoprotegerin or by adding TRANCE (RANKL, Tnfsf11). Second, we inject intrathymically peripheral dendritic cells from skin-draining sites. Finally, we inject skin tissue lysates intrathymically. These findings have implications for enhancing the generation of organ-specific Treg cells in autoimmune diseases.
Polycomb dysregulation in gliomagenesis targets a Zfp423-dependent differentiation network
Authors: Signaroldi Elena , Laise Pasquale , Cristofanon Silvia , Brancaccio Arianna , Reisoli Elisa , Atashpaz Sina , Terreni Maria Rosa , Doglioni Claudio , Pruneri Giancarlo , Malatesta Paolo , Testa Giuseppe
Published: February 2016

Malignant gliomas constitute one of the most significant areas of unmet medical need, owing to the invariable failure of surgical eradication and their marked molecular heterogeneity. Accumulating evidence has revealed a critical contribution by the Polycomb axis of epigenetic repression. However, a coherent understanding of the regulatory networks affected by Polycomb during gliomagenesis is still lacking. Here we integrate transcriptomic and epigenomic analyses to define Polycomb-dependent networks that promote gliomagenesis, validating them both in two independent mouse models and in a large cohort of human samples. We find that Polycomb dysregulation in gliomagenesis affects transcriptional networks associated with invasiveness and de-differentiation. The dissection of these networks uncovers Zfp423 as a critical Polycomb-dependent transcription factor whose silencing negatively impacts survival. The anti-gliomagenic activity of Zfp423 requires interaction with the SMAD proteins within the BMP signalling pathway, pointing to a novel synergic circuit through which Polycomb inhibits BMP signalling.
Hypothalamic leptin action is mediated by histone deacetylase 5
Authors: Kabra Dhiraj G. , Pfuhlmann Katrin , García-Cáceres Cristina , Schriever Sonja C. , Casquero García Veronica , Kebede Adam Fiseha , Fuente-Martin Esther , Trivedi Chitrang , Heppner Kristy , Uhlenhaut N. Henriette , Legutko Beata , Kabra Uma D. , Gao Yuanqing , Yi Chun-Xia , Quarta Carmelo , Clemmensen Christoffer , Finan Brian , Müller Timo D. , Meyer Carola W. , Paez-Pereda Marcelo , Stemmer Kerstin , Woods Stephen C. , Perez-Tilve Diego , Schneider Robert , Olson Eric N. , Tschöp Matthias H. , Pfluger Paul T.
Published: February 2016

Hypothalamic leptin signalling has a key role in food intake and energy-balance control and is often impaired in obese individuals. Here we identify histone deacetylase 5 (HDAC5) as a regulator of leptin signalling and organismal energy balance. Global HDAC5 KO mice have increased food intake and greater diet-induced obesity when fed high-fat diet. Pharmacological and genetic inhibition of HDAC5 activity in the mediobasal hypothalamus increases food intake and modulates pathways implicated in leptin signalling. We show HDAC5 directly regulates STAT3 localization and transcriptional activity via reciprocal STAT3 deacetylation at Lys685 and phosphorylation at Tyr705. In vivo, leptin sensitivity is substantially impaired in HDAC5 loss-of-function mice. Hypothalamic HDAC5 overexpression improves leptin action and partially protects against HFD-induced leptin resistance and obesity. Overall, our data suggest that hypothalamic HDAC5 activity is a regulator of leptin signalling that adapts food intake and body weight to our dietary environment.
Global pulses of organic carbon burial in deep-sea sediments during glacial maxima
Authors: Cartapanis Olivier , Bianchi Daniele , Jaccard Samuel L. , Galbraith Eric D.
Published: February 2016

The burial of organic carbon in marine sediments removes carbon dioxide from the ocean–atmosphere pool, provides energy to the deep biosphere, and on geological timescales drives the oxygenation of the atmosphere. Here we quantify natural variations in the burial of organic carbon in deep-sea sediments over the last glacial cycle. Using a new data compilation of hundreds of sediment cores, we show that the accumulation rate of organic carbon in the deep sea was consistently higher (50%) during glacial maxima than during interglacials. The spatial pattern and temporal progression of the changes suggest that enhanced nutrient supply to parts of the surface ocean contributed to the glacial burial pulses, with likely additional contributions from more efficient transfer of organic matter to the deep sea and better preservation of organic matter due to reduced oxygen exposure. These results demonstrate a pronounced climate sensitivity for this global carbon cycle sink.
Stem cell and neurogenic gene-expression profiles link prostate basal cells to aggressive prostate cancer
Authors: Zhang Dingxiao , Park Daechan , Zhong Yi , Lu Yue , Rycaj Kiera , Gong Shuai , Chen Xin , Liu Xin , Chao Hsueh-Ping , Whitney Pamela , Calhoun-Davis Tammy , Takata Yoko , Shen Jianjun , Iyer Vishwanath R. , Tang Dean G.
Published: February 2016

The prostate gland mainly contains basal and luminal cells constructed as a pseudostratified epithelium. Annotation of prostate epithelial transcriptomes provides a foundation for discoveries that can impact disease understanding and treatment. Here we describe a genome-wide transcriptome analysis of human benign prostatic basal and luminal epithelial populations using deep RNA sequencing. Through molecular and biological characterizations, we show that the differential gene-expression profiles account for their distinct functional properties. Strikingly, basal cells preferentially express gene categories associated with stem cells, neurogenesis and ribosomal RNA (rRNA) biogenesis. Consistent with this profile, basal cells functionally exhibit intrinsic stem-like and neurogenic properties with enhanced rRNA transcription activity. Of clinical relevance, the basal cell gene-expression profile is enriched in advanced, anaplastic, castration-resistant and metastatic prostate cancers. Therefore, we link the cell-type-specific gene signatures to aggressive subtypes of prostate cancer and identify gene signatures associated with adverse clinical features.
Upper- and mid-mantle interaction between the Samoan plume and the Tonga–Kermadec slabs
Authors: Chang Sung-Joon , Ferreira Ana M. G. , Faccenda Manuele
Published: February 2016

Mantle plumes are thought to play a key role in transferring heat from the core–mantle boundary to the lithosphere, where it can significantly influence plate tectonics. On impinging on the lithosphere at spreading ridges or in intra-plate settings, mantle plumes may generate hotspots, large igneous provinces and hence considerable dynamic topography. However, the active role of mantle plumes on subducting slabs remains poorly understood. Here we show that the stagnation at 660 km and fastest trench retreat of the Tonga slab in Southwestern Pacific are consistent with an interaction with the Samoan plume and the Hikurangi plateau. Our findings are based on comparisons between 3D anisotropic tomography images and 3D petrological-thermo-mechanical models, which self-consistently explain several unique features of the Fiji–Tonga region. We identify four possible slip systems of bridgmanite in the lower mantle that reconcile the observed seismic anisotropy beneath the Tonga slab (VSH>VSV) with thermo-mechanical calculations.
Heparanase-induced shedding of syndecan-1/CD138 in myeloma and endothelial cells activates VEGFR2 and an invasive phenotype: prevention by novel synstatins
Authors: Jung O , Trapp-Stamborski V , Purushothaman A , Jin H , Wang H , Sanderson R D , Rapraeger A C
Published: February 2016

Multiple myeloma arises when malignant plasma cells invade and form multiple tumors in the bone marrow. High levels of heparanase (HPSE) correlate with poor prognosis in myeloma patients. A likely target of the enzyme is the heparan sulfate (HS) proteoglycan syndecan-1 (Sdc1, CD138), which is highly expressed on myeloma cells and contributes to poor prognosis in this disease. We find that HPSE promotes an invasive phenotype mediated by the very late antigen-4 (VLA-4, or α4β1 integrin) in myeloma cells plated on either fibronectin (FN) or vascular endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), ligands that are prevalent in the bone marrow. The phenotype depends on vascular endothelial cell growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR2), which is aberrantly expressed in myeloma, and is characterized by a highly protrusive lamellipodium and cell invasion. HPSE-mediated trimming of the HS on Sdc1 and subsequent matrix metalloproteinase-9-mediated shedding of the syndecan exposes a juxtamembrane site in Sdc1 that binds VEGFR2 and VLA-4, thereby coupling VEGFR2 to the integrin. Shed Sdc1 can be mimicked by recombinant Sdc1 ectodomain or by a peptide based on its binding motif, which causes VLA-4 to re-orient from the lagging edge (uropod) to the leading edge of migrating cells, couple with and activate VEGFR2. Peptides (called 'synstatins') containing only the VLA-4 or VEGFR2 binding sites competitively inhibit invasion, as they block coupling of the receptors. This mechanism is also utilized by vascular endothelial cells, in which it is also activated by HPSE, during endothelial cell tube formation. Collectively, our findings reveal for the first time the mechanism through which HPSE modulates Sdc1 function to promote both tumor cell invasion and angiogenesis, thereby driving multiple myeloma progression. The inhibitory synstatins, or inhibitors of HPSE enzyme activity, are likely to show promise as therapeutics against myeloma extravasation and spread.
Investigation of the Hydrolysis of Perovskite Organometallic Halide CH3NH3PbI3 in Humidity Environment
Authors: Zhao Jiangtao , Cai Bing , Luo Zhenlin , Dong Yongqi , Zhang Yi , Xu Han , Hong Bin , Yang Yuanjun , Li Liangbin , Zhang Wenhua , Gao Chen
Published: February 2016

Instability of emerging perovskite organometallic halide in humidity environment is the biggest obstacle for its potential applications in solar energy harvest and electroluminescent display. Understanding the detailed decay mechanism of these materials in moisture is a critical step towards the final appropriate solutions. As a model study presented in this work, in situ synchrotron radiation x-ray diffraction was combined with microscopy and gravimetric analysis to study the degradation process of CH3NH3PbI3 in moisture and the results reveal that: 1) intermediate monohydrated CH3NH3PbI3·H2O is detected in the degradation process of CH3NH3PbI3 and the final decomposition products are PbI2 and aqueous CH3NH3I; 2) the aqueous CH3NH3I could hardly further decompose into volatile CH3NH2, HI or I2; 3) the moisture disintegrate CH3NH3PbI3 and then alter the distribution of the decomposition products, which leads to an incompletely-reversible reaction of CH3NH3PbI3 hydrolysis and degrades the photoelectric properties. These findings further elucidate the picture of hydrolysis process of perovskite organometallic halide in humidity environment.
Prognostic Impact of Plasma Epstein-Barr Virus DNA in Patients with Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Treated using Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy
Authors: Peng Hao , Guo Rui , Chen Lei , Zhang Yuan , Li Wen-Fei , Mao Yan-Ping , Sun Ying , Zhang Fan , Liu Li-Zhi , Lin Ai-Hua , Ma Jun
Published: February 2016

The prognostic value of plasma Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA remains unknown in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) treated with intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). We retrospectively reviewed medical records of 584 newly diagnosed patients with nonmetastatic and biopsy-proven NPC treated using IMRT. Plasma EBV DNA concentration was measured before therapy (pre-DNA) and within 1 month of completing therapy (post-DNA) using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated to identify pre-DNA and post-DNA cut-off values. Prognostic value was assessed using a multivariate Cox proportional hazards model .Three-year disease-free survival (DFS), overall survival (OS), loco-regional relapse-free survival (LRRFS) and distant metastasis-free (DMFS) for pre-DNA >2010 vs.≤2010 were 78.1% vs. 93.6% (P < 0.001), 92.3% vs. 98.9% (P < 0.001), 90.9% vs. 96.6% (P = 0.004) and 85.5% vs. 96.6% (P < 0.001), respectively. Three-year DFS, OS, LRRFS and DMFS for post-DNA >0 vs. = 0 were 49.9% vs. 88.5% (P < 0.001), 72.1% vs. 97.5% (P < 0.001), 86.6% vs. 94.3% (P = 0.019) and 60.5% vs. 93.3% (P < 0.001), respectively. Plasma EBV DNA remains a prognostic factor in IMRT era and should be incorporated into TNM staging to guide individualized treatment strategies in NPC.
A Novel Approach Toward Fabrication of High Performance Thin Film Composite Polyamide Membranes
Authors: Khorshidi Behnam , Thundat Thomas , Fleck Brian A. , Sadrzadeh Mohtada
Published: February 2016

A practical method is reported to enhance water permeability of thin film composite (TFC) polyamide (PA) membranes by decreasing the thickness of the selective PA layer. The composite membranes were prepared by interfacial polymerization (IP) reaction between meta-phenylene diamine (MPD)-aqueous and trimesoyl chloride (TMC)-organic solvents at the surface of polyethersulfone (PES) microporous support. Several PA TFC membranes were prepared at different temperatures of the organic solution ranging from −20 °C to 50 °C. The physico-chemical and morphological properties of the synthesized membranes were carefully characterized using serval analytical techniques. The results confirmed that the TFC membranes, synthesized at sub-zero temperatures of organic solution, had thinner and smoother PA layer with a greater degree of cross-linking and wettability compared to the PA films prepared at 50 °C. We demonstrated that reducing the temperature of organic solution effectively decreased the thickness of the PA active layer and thus enhanced water permeation through the membranes. The most water permeable membrane was prepared at −20 °C and exhibited nine times higher water flux compared to the membrane synthesized at room temperature. The method proposed in this report can be effectively applied for energy- and cost-efficient development of high performance nanofiltration and reverse osmosis membranes.
Selection and Use of Manganese Dioxide by Neanderthals
Authors: Heyes Peter J. , Anastasakis Konstantinos , de Jong Wiebren , van Hoesel Annelies , Roebroeks Wil , Soressi Marie
Published: February 2016

Several Mousterian sites in France have yielded large numbers of small black blocs. The usual interpretation is that these ‘manganese oxides’ were collected for their colouring properties and used in body decoration, potentially for symbolic expression. Neanderthals habitually used fire and if they needed black material for decoration, soot and charcoal were readily available, whereas obtaining manganese oxides would have incurred considerably higher costs. Compositional analyses lead us to infer that late Neanderthals at Pech-de-l’Azé I were deliberately selecting manganese dioxide. Combustion experiments and thermo-gravimetric measurements demonstrate that manganese dioxide reduces wood’s auto-ignition temperature and substantially increases the rate of char combustion, leading us to conclude that the most beneficial use for manganese dioxide was in fire-making. With archaeological evidence for fire places and the conversion of the manganese dioxide to powder, we argue that Neanderthals at Pech-de-l’Azé I used manganese dioxide in fire-making and produced fire on demand.
Primary Open Angle Glaucoma is Associated with MR Biomarkers of Cerebral Small Vessel Disease
Authors: Mercieca Karl , Cain John , Hansen Thomas , Steeples Laura , Watkins Amy , Spencer Fiona , Jackson Alan
Published: February 2016

This prospective study tests the hypotheses that: 1) glaucoma is associated with evidence of cerebral small vessel disease; 2) that imaging biomarkers of cerebral small vessel disease in POAG and NTG will show different characteristics. 12 normal controls, 7 patients with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) and 9 patients with normal tension glaucoma (NTG) were recruited. Ophthalmological clinical assessment and MR imaging of the brain were performed. MR imaging was used to quantify white matter lesion load, frequency of dilated perivascular spaces (PVS) and abnormalities in cerebral hydrodynamics. Patients with POAG had significantly greater white matter lesion load (p < 0.05), more PVS in the centrum semiovale (p < 0.05) and had higher overall PVS scores than controls (p < 0.05). In the POAG group, optic cup-to-disc ratio (CDR) was positively correlated with deep white matter hyperintensities (R2 = 0.928, p < 0.01). Mean deviation on the Humphrey visual field assessment was negatively correlated with deep white matter lesion load (R2 = −0.840, p < 0.01), total white matter lesion load (R2 = −0.928, p < 0.01) and total PVS (R2 = −0.820, p < 0.01). MR evidence of cerebral small vessel disease is strongly associated with a diagnosis of POAG and with the severity of abnormalities in CDR and visual field.
Morphological evolution of self-deposition Bi2Se3 nanosheets by oxygen plasma treatment
Authors: Jia Guozhi , Wu Zengna , Wang Peng , Yao Jianghong , Chang Kai
Published: February 2016

Bi2Se3 nanosheets were successfully synthesized by a microwave-assisted approach in the presence of polyvinylpyrroli done at a temperature of 180 °C for 2 h. The thin film was prepared on a silicon wafer via a self-deposition process in a Bi2Se3 nanosheet ink solution using the evaporation-induced self-assembly method. The structure and morphology of the obtained products were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy. The highly uniform Bi2Se3 particles could be formed by controlling the oxygen plasma treatment time. After the plasma pretreatment from 10 to 20 s, the surface of Bi2Se3 film evolved from the worm-like structure to particles. The highly uniform thin film was formed on further increasing the plasma treatment time, which is consistent with the observed SEM results. Several important processes can result in the morphological evolution of Bi2Se3 nanosheets: (1) formation of Bi2Se3 oxide layer; (2) self-assembly of oxide nanoparticles under the action of high-energy oxygen plasma; and (3) electrostatic interaction and etching mechanism.
Chimpanzee accumulative stone throwing
Authors: Kühl Hjalmar S. , Kalan Ammie K. , Arandjelovic Mimi , Aubert Floris , D’Auvergne Lucy , Goedmakers Annemarie , Jones Sorrel , Kehoe Laura , Regnaut Sebastien , Tickle Alexander , Ton Els , van Schijndel Joost , Abwe Ekwoge E. , Angedakin Samuel , Agbor Anthony , Ayimisin Emmanuel Ayuk , Bailey Emma , Bessone Mattia , Bonnet Matthieu , Brazolla Gregory , Buh Valentine Ebua , Chancellor Rebecca , Cipoletta Chloe , Cohen Heather , Corogenes Katherine , Coupland Charlotte , Curran Bryan , Deschner Tobias , Dierks Karsten , Dieguez Paula , Dilambaka Emmanuel , Diotoh Orume , Dowd Dervla , Dunn Andrew , Eshuis Henk , Fernandez Rumen , Ginath Yisa , Hart John , Hedwig Daniela , Ter Heegde Martijn , Hicks Thurston Cleveland , Imong Inaoyom , Jeffery Kathryn J. , Junker Jessica , Kadam Parag , Kambi Mohamed , Kienast Ivonne , Kujirakwinja Deo , Langergraber Kevin , Lapeyre Vincent , Lapuente Juan , Lee Kevin , Leinert Vera , Meier Amelia , Maretti Giovanna , Marrocoli Sergio , Mbi Tanyi Julius , Mihindou Vianet , Moebius Yasmin , Morgan David , Morgan Bethan , Mulindahabi Felix , Murai Mizuki , Niyigabae Protais , Normand Emma , Ntare Nicolas , Ormsby Lucy Jayne , Piel Alex , Pruetz Jill , Rundus Aaron , Sanz Crickette , Sommer Volker , Stewart Fiona , Tagg Nikki , Vanleeuwe Hilde , Vergnes Virginie , Willie Jacob , Wittig Roman M. , Zuberbuehler Klaus , Boesch Christophe
Published: February 2016

The study of the archaeological remains of fossil hominins must rely on reconstructions to elucidate the behaviour that may have resulted in particular stone tools and their accumulation. Comparatively, stone tool use among living primates has illuminated behaviours that are also amenable to archaeological examination, permitting direct observations of the behaviour leading to artefacts and their assemblages to be incorporated. Here, we describe newly discovered stone tool-use behaviour and stone accumulation sites in wild chimpanzees reminiscent of human cairns. In addition to data from 17 mid- to long-term chimpanzee research sites, we sampled a further 34 Pan troglodytes communities. We found four populations in West Africa where chimpanzees habitually bang and throw rocks against trees, or toss them into tree cavities, resulting in conspicuous stone accumulations at these sites. This represents the first record of repeated observations of individual chimpanzees exhibiting stone tool use for a purpose other than extractive foraging at what appear to be targeted trees. The ritualized behavioural display and collection of artefacts at particular locations observed in chimpanzee accumulative stone throwing may have implications for the inferences that can be drawn from archaeological stone assemblages and the origins of ritual sites.
Chitosan nanoparticles synthesis caught in action using microdroplet reactions
Authors: Kamat Vivek , Bodas Dhananjay , Paknikar Kishore
Published: February 2016

The ionic gelation process for the synthesis of chitosan nanoparticles was carried out in microdroplet reactions. The synthesis could be stopped instantaneously at different time points by fast dilution of the reaction mixture with DI water. Using this simple technique, the effect of temperature and reactant concentrations on the size and distribution of the nanoparticles formed, as a function of time, could be investigated by DLS and SEM. Results obtained indicated very early (1–5 s) nucleation of the particles followed by growth. The concentration of reactants, reaction temperature as well as time, were found to (severally and collectively) determine the size of nanoparticles and their distribution. Nanoparticles obtained at 4 °C were smaller (60–80 nm) with narrower size distribution. Simulation experiments using Comsol software showed that at 4 °C ‘droplet synthesis’ of nanoparticles gets miniaturised to ‘droplet-core synthesis’, which is being reported for the first time.
In vivo and in vitro infection dynamics of honey bee viruses
Authors: Carrillo-Tripp Jimena , Dolezal Adam G. , Goblirsch Michael J. , Miller W. Allen , Toth Amy L. , Bonning Bryony C.
Published: February 2016

The honey bee (Apis mellifera) is commonly infected by multiple viruses. We developed an experimental system for the study of such mixed viral infections in newly emerged honey bees and in the cell line AmE-711, derived from honey bee embryos. When inoculating a mixture of iflavirids [sacbrood bee virus (SBV), deformed wing virus (DWV)] and dicistrovirids [Israeli acute paralysis virus (IAPV), black queen cell virus (BQCV)] in both live bee and cell culture assays, IAPV replicated to higher levels than other viruses despite the fact that SBV was the major component of the inoculum mixture. When a different virus mix composed mainly of the dicistrovirid Kashmir bee virus (KBV) was tested in cell culture, the outcome was a rapid increase in KBV but not IAPV. We also sequenced the complete genome of an isolate of DWV that covertly infects the AmE-711 cell line and found that this virus does not prevent IAPV and KBV from accumulating to high levels and causing cytopathic effects. These results indicate that different mechanisms of virus-host interaction affect virus dynamics, including complex virus-virus interactions, superinfections, specific virus saturation limits in cells and virus specialization for different cell types.
Type 1 Diabetes at-risk children highly recognize Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis epitopes homologous to human Znt8 and Proinsulin
Authors: Niegowska Magdalena , Rapini Novella , Piccinini Simona , Mameli Giuseppe , Caggiu Elisa , Manca Bitti Maria Luisa , Sechi Leonardo A.
Published: February 2016

Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) has been previously associated to T1D as a putative environmental agent triggering or accelerating the disease in Sardinian and Italian populations. Our aim was to investigate the role of MAP in T1D development by evaluating levels of antibodies directed against MAP epitopes and their human homologs corresponding to ZnT8 and proinsulin (PI) in 54 T1D at-risk children from mainland Italy and 42 healthy controls (HCs). A higher prevalence was detected for MAP/ZnT8 pairs (62,96% T1D vs. 7,14% HCs; p < 0.0001) compared to MAP/PI epitopes (22,22% T1D vs. 9,52% HCs) and decreasing trends were observed upon time-point analyses for most peptides. Similarly, classical ZnT8 Abs and GADA decreased in a time-dependent manner, whereas IAA titers increased by 12%. Responses in 0–9 year-old children were stronger than in 10–18 age group (75% vs. 69,1%; p < 0.04). Younger age, female sex and concomitant autoimmune disorders contributed to a stronger seroreactivity suggesting a possible implication of MAP in multiple autoimmune syndrome. Cross-reactivity of the homologous epitopes was reflected by a high correlation coefficient (r2 > 0.8) and a pairwise overlap of positivity (>83% for MAP/ZnT8).
Tunable Ultra-high Aspect Ratio Nanorod Architectures grown on Porous Substrate via Electromigration
Authors: Mansourian Ali , Paknejad Seyed Amir , Wen Qiannan , Vizcay-Barrena Gema , Fleck Roland A. , Zayats Anatoly V. , Mannan Samjid H.
Published: February 2016

The interplay between porosity and electromigration can be used to manipulate atoms resulting in mass fabrication of nanoscale structures. Electromigration usually results in the accumulation of atoms accompanied by protrusions at the anode and atomic depletion causing voids at the cathode. Here we show that in porous media the pattern of atomic deposition and depletion is altered such that atomic accumulation occurs over the whole surface and not just at the anode. The effect is explained by the interaction between atomic drift due to electric current and local temperature gradients resulting from intense Joule heating at constrictions between grains. Utilizing this effect, a porous silver substrate is used to mass produce free-standing silver nanorods with very high aspect ratios of more than 200 using current densities of the order of 108 A/m2. This simple method results in reproducible formation of shaped nanorods, with independent control over their density and length. Consequently, complex patterns of high quality single crystal nanorods can be formed in-situ with significant advantages over competing methods of nanorod formation for plasmonics, energy storage and sensing applications.
Unilateral nephrectomy elongates primary cilia in the remaining kidney via reactive oxygen species
Authors: Han Sang Jun , Jang Hee-Seong , Kim Jee In , Lipschutz Joshua H. , Park Kwon Moo
Published: February 2016

The length of primary cilia is associated with normal cell and organ function. In the kidney, the change of functional cilia length/mass is associated with various diseases such as ischemia/reperfusion injury, polycystic kidney disease, and congenital solitary kidney. Here, we investigate whether renal mass reduction affects primary cilia length and function. To induce renal mass reduction, mice were subjected to unilateral nephrectomy (UNx). UNx increased kidney weight and superoxide formation in the remaining kidney. Primary cilia were elongated in proximal tubule cells, collecting duct cells and parietal cells of the remaining kidney. Mn(III) Tetrakis (1-methyl-4-pyridyl) porphyrin (MnTMPyP), an antioxidant, reduced superoxide formation in UNx-mice and prevented the elongation of primary cilia. UNx increased the expression of phosphorylated ERK, p21, and exocyst complex members Sec8 and Sec10, in the remaining kidney, and these increases were prevented by MnTMPyP. In MDCK, a kidney tubular epithelial cell line, cells, low concentrations of H2O2 treatment elongated primary cilia. This H2O2-induced elongation of primary cilia was also prevented by MnTMPyP treatment. Taken together, these data demonstrate that kidney compensation, induced by a reduction of renal mass, results in primary cilia elongation, and this elongation is associated with an increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS).
Laser Scanning Holographic Lithography for Flexible 3D Fabrication of Multi-Scale Integrated Nano-structures and Optical Biosensors
Authors: Yuan Liang , Herman Peter R.
Published: February 2016

Three-dimensional (3D) periodic nanostructures underpin a promising research direction on the frontiers of nanoscience and technology to generate advanced materials for exploiting novel photonic crystal (PC) and nanofluidic functionalities. However, formation of uniform and defect-free 3D periodic structures over large areas that can further integrate into multifunctional devices has remained a major challenge. Here, we introduce a laser scanning holographic method for 3D exposure in thick photoresist that combines the unique advantages of large area 3D holographic interference lithography (HIL) with the flexible patterning of laser direct writing to form both micro- and nano-structures in a single exposure step. Phase mask interference patterns accumulated over multiple overlapping scans are shown to stitch seamlessly and form uniform 3D nanostructure with beam size scaled to small 200 μm diameter. In this way, laser scanning is presented as a facile means to embed 3D PC structure within microfluidic channels for integration into an optofluidic lab-on-chip, demonstrating a new laser HIL writing approach for creating multi-scale integrated microsystems.
Effect of one-step recrystallization on the grain boundary evolution of CoCrFeMnNi high entropy alloy and its subsystems
Authors: Chen Bo-Ru , Yeh An-Chou , Yeh Jien-Wei
Published: February 2016

In this study, the grain boundary evolution of equiatomic CoCrFeMnNi, CoCrFeNi, and FeCoNi alloys after one-step recrystallization were investigated. The special boundary fraction and twin density of these alloys were evaluated by electron backscatter diffraction analysis. Among the three alloys tested, FeCoNi exhibited the highest special boundary fraction and twin density after one-step recrystallization. The special boundary increment after one-step recrystallization was mainly affected by grain boundary velocity, while twin density was mainly affected by average grain boundary energy and twin boundary energy.
Unexpected Reaction Pathway for butyrylcholinesterase-catalyzed inactivation of “hunger hormone” ghrelin
Authors: Yao Jianzhuang , Yuan Yaxia , Zheng Fang , Zhan Chang-Guo
Published: February 2016

Extensive computational modeling and simulations have been carried out, in the present study, to uncover the fundamental reaction pathway for butyrylcholinesterase (BChE)-catalyzed hydrolysis of ghrelin, demonstrating that the acylation process of BChE-catalyzed hydrolysis of ghrelin follows an unprecedented single-step reaction pathway and the single-step acylation process is rate-determining. The free energy barrier (18.8 kcal/mol) calculated for the rate-determining step is reasonably close to the experimentally-derived free energy barrier (~19.4 kcal/mol), suggesting that the obtained mechanistic insights are reasonable. The single-step reaction pathway for the acylation is remarkably different from the well-known two-step acylation reaction pathway for numerous ester hydrolysis reactions catalyzed by a serine esterase. This is the first time demonstrating that a single-step reaction pathway is possible for an ester hydrolysis reaction catalyzed by a serine esterase and, therefore, one no longer can simply assume that the acylation process must follow the well-known two-step reaction pathway.
A Fe-C-Ca big cycle in modern carbon-intensive industries: toward emission reduction and resource utilization
Authors: Sun Yongqi , Sridhar Seetharaman , Seetharaman Seshadri , Wang Hao , Liu Lili , Wang Xidong , Zhang Zuotai
Published: February 2016

Herein a big Fe-C-Ca cycle, clarifying the basic element flows and energy flows in modern carbon-intensive industries including the metallurgical industry and the cement industry, was proposed for the first time in the contexts of emission reduction and iron ore degradation nowadays. This big cycle was focused on three industrial elements of Fe, C and Ca and thus it mainly comprised three interdependent loops, i.e., a C-cycle, a Fe-cycle and a Ca-path. As exemplified, we started from the integrated disposal of hot steel slags, a man-made iron resource via char gasification and the employment of hematite, a natural iron resource greatly extended the application area of this idea. Accordingly, based on this concept, the theoretical potentials for energy saving, emission reduction and Fe resource recovery achieved in modern industry are estimated up to 7.66 Mt of standard coal, 63.9 Mt of CO2 and 25.2 Mt of pig iron, respectively.
Discovery of Superconductivity in Hard Hexagonal ε-NbN
Authors: Zou Yongtao , Qi Xintong , Zhang Cheng , Ma Shuailing , Zhang Wei , Li Ying , Chen Ting , Wang Xuebing , Chen Zhiqiang , Welch David , Zhu Pinwen , Liu Bingbing , Li Qiang , Cui Tian , Li Baosheng
Published: February 2016

Since the discovery of superconductivity in boron-doped diamond with a critical temperature (TC) near 4 K, great interest has been attracted in hard superconductors such as transition-metal nitrides and carbides. Here we report the new discovery of superconductivity in polycrystalline hexagonal ε-NbN synthesized at high pressure and high temperature. Direct magnetization and electrical resistivity measurements demonstrate that the superconductivity in bulk polycrystalline hexagonal ε-NbN is below ∼11.6 K, which is significantly higher than that for boron-doped diamond. The nature of superconductivity in hexagonal ε-NbN and the physical mechanism for the relatively lower TC have been addressed by the weaker bonding in the Nb-N network, the co-planarity of Nb-N layer as well as its relatively weaker electron-phonon coupling, as compared with the cubic δ-NbN counterpart. Moreover, the newly discovered ε-NbN superconductor remains stable at pressures up to ∼20 GPa and is significantly harder than cubic δ-NbN; it is as hard as sapphire, ultra-incompressible and has a high shear rigidity of 201 GPa to rival hard/superhard material γ-B (∼227 GPa). This exploration opens a new class of highly desirable materials combining the outstanding mechanical/elastic properties with superconductivity, which may be particularly attractive for its technological and engineering applications in extreme environments.
Starving honey bee (Apis mellifera) larvae signal pheromonally to worker bees
Authors: He Xu Jiang , Zhang Xue Chuan , Jiang Wu Jun , Barron Andrew B. , Zhang Jian Hui , Zeng Zhi Jiang
Published: February 2016

Cooperative brood care is diagnostic of animal societies. This is particularly true for the advanced social insects and the honey bee is the best understood of the insect societies. A brood pheromone signaling the presence of larvae in a bee colony has been characterised and well studied, but here we explored whether honey bee larvae actively signal their food needs pheromonally to workers. We show that starving honey bee larvae signal to workers via increased production of the volatile pheromone E-β-ocimene. Analysis of volatile pheromones produced by food-deprived and fed larvae with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry showed that starving larvae produced more E-β-ocimene. Behavioural analyses showed that adding E-β-ocimene to empty cells increased the number of worker visits to those cells and similarly adding E-β-ocimene to larvae increased worker visitation rate to the larvae. RNA-seq and qRT-PCR analysis identified 3 genes in the E-β-ocimene biosynthetic pathway that were upregulated in larvae following 30 minutes of starvation and these genes also upregulated in 2-day old larvae compared to 4-day old larvae (2-day old larvae produce the most E-β-ocimene). This identifies a pheromonal mechanism by which brood can beg for food from workers to influence the allocation of resources within the colony.
Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) contributes to the proliferation of hematopoietic progenitor cells in murine bone marrow via PACAP-specific receptor
Authors: Xu Zhifang , Ohtaki Hirokazu , Watanabe Jun , Miyamoto Kazuyuki , Murai Norimitsu , Sasaki Shun , Matsumoto Minako , Hashimoto Hitoshi , Hiraizumi Yutaka , Numazawa Satoshi , Shioda Seiji
Published: February 2016

Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP, encoded by adcyap1) plays an important role in ectodermal development. However, the involvement of PACAP in the development of other germ layers is still unclear. This study assessed the expression of a PACAP-specific receptor (PAC1) gene and protein in mouse bone marrow (BM). Cells strongly expressing PAC1+ were large in size, had oval nuclei and merged with CD34+ cells, suggesting that the former were hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs). Compared with wild-type mice, adcyap1−/− mice exhibited lower multiple potential progenitor cell populations and cell frequency in the S-phase of the cell cycle. Exogenous PACAP38 significantly increased the numbers of colony forming unit-granulocyte/macrophage progenitor cells (CFU-GM) with two peaks in semi-solid culture. PACAP also increased the expression of cyclinD1 and Ki67 mRNAs. These increases were completely and partially inhibited by the PACAP receptor antagonists, PACAP6-38 and VIP6-28, respectively. Little or no adcyap1 was expressed in BM and the number of CFU-GM colonies was similar in adcyap1−/− and wild-type mice. However, PACAP mRNA and protein were expressed in paravertebral sympathetic ganglia, which innervate tibial BM and in the sympathetic fibers of BM cavity. These results suggested that sympathetic nerve innervation may be responsible for PACAP-regulated hematopoiesis in BM, mainly via PAC1.
Algorithmic modeling of spectroscopic data to quantify binary mixtures of vinegars of different botanical origins
Authors: Torrecilla José S. , Aroca-Santos Regina , Cancilla John C. , Matute Gemma
Published: February 2016

Multiple binary mixtures of different kinds of vinegars have been analyzed through UV-Vis absorption.
Pair correlations that link the hydrophobic and Hofmeister effects
Authors: Besford Quinn Alexander , Liu Maoyuan , Gray-Weale Angus
Published: February 2016

A mechanistic link between the Hofmeister and hydrophobic effects is revealed from simulations of monatomic ions in water.
Hindered rotor tunneling splittings: an application of the two-dimensional non-separable method to benzyl alcohol and two of its fluorine derivatives
Authors: Alves Tiago Vinicius , Simón-Carballido Luis , Ornellas Fernando Rei , Fernández-Ramos Antonio
Published: February 2016

In this work we present a novel application of the two-dimensional non-separable (2D-NS) method to the calculation of torsional tunneling splittings in systems with two hindered internal rotors.
Kinetic studies of fluorinated aryl molybdenum(ii) tricarbonyl precursors in epoxidation catalysis
Authors: Reich Robert M. , Kaposi Marlene , Pöthig Alexander , Kühn Fritz E.
Published: February 2016

Benzyl substituted molybdenum tricarbonyl complexes displaying CF3 groups are synthesized and applied as catalyst precursors in olefin epoxidation reactions.
Insight into the oxygen reduction reaction on the LSM|GDC interface of solid oxide fuel cells through impedance spectroscopy analysis
Authors: Zhang Xiaomin , Wu Weiming , Zhao Zhe , Tu Baofeng , Ou Dingrong , Cui Daan , Cheng Mojie
Published: February 2016

Impedance spectroscopy analysis demonstrates that the LSM|GDC interface exhibits poorer catalytic ability for oxygen reduction reaction than the LSM|YSZ interface due to its less active sites rather than the larger activation energy.
Atomic layer deposited TiO2on a nitrogen-doped graphene/sulfur electrode for high performance lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Yu Mingpeng , Ma Junsheng , Song Hongquan , Wang Aiji , Tian Fuyang , Wang Yinshu , Qiu Hong , Wang Rongming
Published: February 2016

A nitrogen-doped graphene/sulfur composite was further modified with atomic layers of TiO2and used as the cathode of lithium–sulfur batteries, exhibiting superior cycling stability, good rate capability and high coulombic efficiency.
Antioxidant activity and nutrient release from polyphenol-enriched cheese in a simulated gastrointestinal environment
Authors: Lamothe Sophie , Langlois Ariane , Bazinet Laurent , Couillard Charles , Britten Michel
Published: February 2016

Polyphenol recovery during thein vitrointestinal digestion of cheese with tea extract.
Chemistry of bone remodelling preserved in extant and fossil Sirenia
Authors: Anné Jennifer , Wogelius Roy A. , Edwards Nicholas P. , van Veelen Arjen , Ignatyev Konstantin , Manning Phillip L.
Published: February 2016

Bone remodelling is a crucial biological process needed to maintain elemental homeostasis.