bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Age-Related Effects on ERP and Oscillatory EEG-Dynamics in a 2-Back Task
Authors: Gajewski Patrick D. , Falkenstein Michael
Published: September 2014

It is well known that working memory is one of the most vulnerable cognitive functions in elderly. However, little is known about the neuronal underpinnings and temporal dynamics of working memory mechanisms in healthy aging which are necessary to understand the age-related changes. To this end, 36 young and 36 old healthy individuals performed a 2-back task and a 0-back control task, while the electroencephalogram (EEG) was recorded. Participants were instructed to press a response key whenever a target appeared and not to respond in case of nontargets. Expectedly, older participants showed considerably slower RTs and significantly higher rates of omitted targets and false alarms than young participants in the 2-back task, whereas no age-group difference in detection rate was found in the 0-back task. From the EEG event-related potentials as well as time-frequency plots were computed. The ERPs showed a general delay of the frontocentral N2, and an attenuation and delay of both the P3a and P3b in older versus younger adults. Importantly, the frontal P3a was reduced in older adults in the 2-back task. Time-frequency decomposition revealed consistently lower power in frontal theta (6 Hz) and parietal alpha (9–11 Hz) frequency range in older versus younger adults whereas no age-related differences were found in the delta frequency range. Task unspecific reduction of posterior alpha in elderly was paralleled by a reduction of the P3b. In contrast, the older adults had a strongly reduced frontal theta power in the 2-back task, which parallels the P3a reduction in the ERPs. The widespread reduction of alpha may indicate that older adults needed to recruit more attentional resources for successful task performance, whereas reduced frontal theta may indicate that older adults are less able to recruit frontal resources related to top-down control with increasing task demands. This suggests a less efficient fronto-parietal network synchronicity in older individuals that leads to deficits in identification and maintenance of task relevant stimuli.
Neuro-Behavioral Correlates of Post-Deviance Distraction in Middle-Aged and Old Adults
Authors: Getzmann Stephan , Falkenstein Michael , Gajewski Patrick D.
Published: September 2014

The presentation of a task-irrelevant deviant (novel) stimulus among otherwise repeated standard stimuli usually reduces performance not only for the deviant stimulus, but also for the standard following that deviant. Here, the so-called post-deviance distraction was investigated in 58 middle-aged and 52 old adults, using an auditory duration discrimination task and event-related potential (ERP) measures. After a deviant stimulus, the participants showed a decrease in performance in the subsequent standard stimulus. This effect was more pronounced in the old, than middle-aged, group. Relative to the standard stimuli preceding the deviant, post-deviant standards triggered a chain of mismatch negativity (MMN), P3a, and reorienting negativity (RON). While MMN and P3a did not differ in old and middle-aged adults, older participants showed a delayed RON. Assuming the RON to reflect processes of general task or feature reconfiguration and updating, these results suggest a delay in orienting-reorienting mechanisms as possible source of increased post-deviance distraction in elderly.
Age Differences in Memory-Based Task Switching With and Without Cues
Authors: Schapkin Sergei A. , Gajewski Patrick D. , Freude Gabriele
Published: September 2014

The study investigated the neuronal mechanisms of age-related changes in mixing costs during memory-based task switching with two levels of working memory (WM) load. Forty-eight healthy younger and 45 healthy older participants performed a memory based (high WM load) and a memory plus cue based (low WM load) switching task while event-related brain potentials (ERPs) were registered. Older adults revealed larger mixing costs in both reaction time (RT) and accuracy at higher WM loads than younger adults. The presence of explicit cues substantially reduced age differences in mixing costs for accuracy but not for RT. Similarly, no age differences regarding local switch costs were found at lower WM load. Surprisingly, larger RT local costs in younger adults than in older adults were found in the memory-based block. The CNV was reduced under high WM load and positively correlated with accuracy mixing costs in older adults. The target-locked occipital N1 and fronto-central P2 were larger in older adults relative to younger adults irrespective of WM load. The P2 latency reflected the pattern of switch costs observed in behavioral data. Moreover, P2 latency positively correlated with RT mixing costs in older adults. Elderly also showed a delayed N2 and a delayed and reduced P3b. The results suggest that age-related differences in mixing costs may be partially due to a less efficient task preparation and task set maintenance (CNV) in elderly. However, elderly attempted to compensate for these deficits by permanent activation of mechanisms relating to stimulus encoding (N1) and task-set retrieval (P2). Finally, the delayed fronto-central N2 as well as the delayed and reduced parietal P3b strongly suggest delays of response selection and working memory updating in elderly due to an increase in selection threshold or in response selection variability constituting the performance decline.
Highly selective and sensitive CdS thin film sensors for detection of NO2 gas
Authors: Navale S. T. , Mane A. T. , Chougule M. A. , Shinde N. M. , Kim JunHo , Patil V. B.
Published: September 2014

We demonstrate the preparation of cadmium sulfide (CdS) thin films via a facile chemical bath deposition method.
Adapting SAFT-γ perturbation theory to site-based molecular dynamics simulation. III. Molecules with partial charges at bulk phases, confined geometries and interfaces
Authors: Ghobadi Ahmadreza F. , Elliott J. Richard
Published: September 2014

In Paper I [A. F. Ghobadi and J. R. Elliott, J. Chem. Phys. 139(23), 234104 (2013)], we showed that how a third-order Weeks–Chandler–Anderson (WCA) Thermodynamic Perturbation Theory and molecular simulation can be integrated to characterize the repulsive and dispersive contributions to the Helmholtz free energy for realistic molecular conformations. To this end, we focused on n-alkanes to develop a theory for fused and soft chains. In Paper II [A. F. Ghobadi and J. R. Elliott, J. Chem. Phys. 141(2), 024708 (2014)], we adapted the classical Density Functional Theory and studied the microstructure of the realistic molecular fluids in confined geometries and vapor-liquid interfaces. We demonstrated that a detailed consistency between molecular simulation and theory can be achieved for both bulk and inhomogeneous phases. In this paper, we extend the methodology to molecules with partial charges such as carbon dioxide, water, 1-alkanols, nitriles, and ethers. We show that the electrostatic interactions can be captured via an effective association potential in the framework of Statistical Associating Fluid Theory (SAFT). Implementation of the resulting association contribution in assessing the properties of these molecules at confined geometries and interfaces presents satisfactory agreement with molecular simulation and experimental data. For example, the predicted surface tension deviates less than 4% comparing to full potential simulations. Also, the theory, referred to as SAFT-γ WCA, is able to reproduce the specific orientation of hydrophilic head and hydrophobic tail of 1-alkanols at the vapor-liquid interface of water.
Oscillatory matrix model in Chern-Simons theory and Jacobi-theta determinantal point process
Authors: Takahashi Yuta , Katori Makoto
Published: September 2014

The partition function of the Chern-Simons theory on the three-sphere with the unitary group U(N) provides a one-matrix model. The corresponding N-particle system can be mapped to the determinantal point process whose correlation kernel is expressed by using the Stieltjes-Wigert orthogonal polynomials. The matrix model and the point process are regarded as q-extensions of the random matrix model in the Gaussian unitary ensemble and its eigenvalue point process, respectively. We prove the convergence of the N-particle system to an infinite-dimensional determinantal point process in N → ∞, in which the correlation kernel is expressed by Jacobi's theta functions. We show that the matrix model obtained by this limit realizes the oscillatory matrix model in Chern-Simons theory discussed by de Haro and Tierz.
Magnetophoretic manipulation in microsystem using carbonyl iron-polydimethylsiloxane microstructures
Authors: Faivre Magalie , Gelszinnis Renaud , Degouttes Jérôme , Terrier Nicolas , Rivière Charlotte , Ferrigno Rosaria , Deman Anne-Laure
Published: September 2014

This paper reports the use of a recent composite material, noted hereafter i-PDMS, made of carbonyl iron microparticles mixed in a PolyDiMethylSiloxane (PDMS) matrix, for magnetophoretic functions such as capture and separation of magnetic species. We demonstrated that this composite which combine the advantages of both components, can locally generate high gradients of magnetic field when placed between two permanent magnets. After evaluating the magnetic susceptibility of the material as a function of the doping ratio, we investigated the molding resolution offered by i-PDMS to obtain microstructures of various sizes and shapes. Then, we implemented 500 μm i-PDMS microstructures in a microfluidic channel and studied the influence of flow rate on the deviation and trapping of superparamagnetic beads flowing at the neighborhood of the composite material. We characterized the attraction of the magnetic composite by measuring the distance from the i-PDMS microstructure, at which the beads are either deviated or captured. Finally, we demonstrated the interest of i-PDMS to perform magnetophoretic functions in microsystems for biological applications by performing capture of magnetically labeled cells.
Physical mechanisms of terahertz pulse emission from photoexcited surfaces of tellurium crystals
Authors: Bičiūnas A. , Arlauskas A. , Adamonis J. , Cicėnas P. , Krotkus A.
Published: September 2014

We report on terahertz (THz) emission from tellurium crystal surfaces excited by femtosecond optical pulses. Measurements were performed on three differently cut Te samples and with different wavelength optical excitation pulses. THz pulse amplitude dependences on the azimuthal angle measured at various excitation wavelengths have evidenced that three different mechanisms are responsible for THz generation in tellurium: second order nonlinear optical rectification effect, dominating at lower excitation photon energies, as well as transverse and ordinary photo-Dember effects, which emerge at energies larger than 0.9 eV. The shapes of the azimuthal angle dependences were also explained by theoretical model.
Understanding time-resolved processes in atomic-layer etching of ultra-thin Al2O3 film using BCl3 and Ar neutral beam
Authors: Jhon Young I. , Min Kyung S. , Yeom G. Y. , Jhon Young Min
Published: September 2014

We scrutinize time-resolved processes occurring in atomic-layer etching (ALET) of ultra-thin Al2O3 film using BCl3 gas and Ar neutral beam by employing density functional theory calculations and experimental measurements. BCl3 gas is found to be preferentially chemisorbed on Al2O3(100) in trans form with the surface atoms creating O-B and Al-Cl contacts. We disclose that the most likely sequence of etching events involves dominant detachment of Al-associated moieties at early etching stages in good agreement with our concurrent experiments on tracking Al2O3 surface compositional variations during Ar bombardment. In this etching regime, we find that ALET requires half the maximum reaction energy of conventional plasma etching, which greatly increases if the etching sequence changes.
Enhanced four-wave mixing in graphene-silicon slow-light photonic crystal waveguides
Authors: Zhou Hao , Gu Tingyi , McMillan James F. , Petrone Nicholas , van der Zande Arend , Hone James C. , Yu Mingbin , Lo Guoqiang , Kwong Dim-Lee , Feng Guoying , Zhou Shouhuan , Wong Chee Wei
Published: September 2014

We demonstrate the enhanced four-wave mixing of monolayer graphene on slow-light silicon photonic crystal waveguides. 200-μm interaction length, a four-wave mixing conversion efficiency of −23 dB is achieved in the graphene-silicon slow-light hybrid, with an enhanced 3-dB conversion bandwidth of about 17 nm. Our measurements match well with nonlinear coupled-mode theory simulations based on the measured waveguide dispersion, and provide an effective way for all-optical signal processing in chip-scale integrated optics.
Electrical, optical, and material characterizations of blue InGaN light emitting diodes submitted to reverse-bias stress in water vapor condition
Authors: Chen Hsiang , Chu Yu-Cheng , Shei Shih-Chang , Chen Yun-Ti , Chen Chian-You
Published: September 2014

In this paper, we investigate degradation of InGaN/GaN light emitting diodes (LEDs) under reverse-bias operations in water vapor and dry air. To examine failure origins, electrical characterizations including current-voltage, breakdown current profiles, optical measurement, and multiple material analyses were performed. Our findings indicate that the diffusion of indium atoms in water vapor can expedite degradation. Investigation of reverse-bias stress can help provide insight into the effects of water vapor on LEDs.
Delayed shear banding and evolution of local plastic flow in a metallic glass
Authors: Sun B. A. , Liu Z. Y. , Yang Y. , Liu C. T.
Published: September 2014

Metallic glasses (MGs) or other amorphous materials often yield macroscopically with the instantaneous formation of shear bands under the applied stresses. Here, through microcompression tests, we showed that, below the conventional yield stress, shear banding can still be activated but requires an incubation time. The incubation or delay time is found to be closely related to the level of the applied stress. From a dynamic evolution model entailing the plastic deformation units in MGs, the delayed shear banding behavior is modeled as a result of the spatial evolution of the local internal plastic flow.
Scaling behavior of hysteresis in multilayer MoS2 field effect transistors
Authors: Li Tao , Du Gang , Zhang Baoshun , Zeng Zhongming
Published: September 2014

Extrinsic hysteresis effects are often observed in MoS2 field effect devices due to adsorption of gas molecules on the surface of MoS2 channel. Scaling is a common method used in ferroics to quantitatively study the hysteresis. Here, the scaling behavior of hysteresis in multilayer MoS2 field effect transistors with a back-gated configuration was investigated. The power-law scaling relations were obtained for hysteresis area (⟨A⟩) and memory window (ΔV) with varying the region of back-gate voltage (Vbg,max). It is interesting to find that the transition voltage in the forward sweep (VFW) and in the backward sweep (VBW) shifted to the opposite directions of back-gate voltage (Vbg) with increasing Vbg,max. However, when decreasing Vbg,max, VFW shifted to positive and reversibly recovered, but VBW almost kept unchanged. The evolution of ⟨A⟩, ΔV, VFW, and VBW with Vbg,max were discussed by the electrons transferring process between the adsorbate and MoS2 channel.
Facile synthesis of MoS2 and MoxW1-xS2 triangular monolayers
Authors: Lin Zhong , Thee Michael T. , Elías Ana Laura , Feng Simin , Zhou Chanjing , Fujisawa Kazunori , Perea-López Néstor , Carozo Victor , Terrones Humberto , Terrones Mauricio
Published: September 2014

Single- and few-layered transition metal dichalcogenides, such as MoS2 and WS2, are emerging two-dimensional materials exhibiting numerous and unusual physico-chemical properties that could be advantageous in the fabrication of unprecedented optoelectronic devices. Here we report a novel and alternative route to synthesize triangular monocrystals of MoS2 and MoxW1-xS2 by annealing MoS2 and MoS2/WO3 precursors, respectively, in the presence of sulfur vapor. In particular, the MoxW1-xS2 triangular monolayers show gradual concentration profiles of W and Mo whereby Mo concentrates in the islands’ center and W is more abundant on the outskirts of the triangular monocrystals. These observations were confirmed by atomic force microscopy, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, as well as Raman and photoluminescence spectroscopy. The presence of tunable PL signals depending on the MoxW1-xS2 stoichiometries in 2D monocrystals opens up a wide range of applications in electronics and optoelectronics.
Hysteresis and anisotropy in ultrathin Fe/Si(001) films
Authors: Ye Jun , He Wei , Wu Qiong , Hu Bo , Tang Jin , Zhang Xiang-Qun , Chen Zi-Yu , Cheng Zhao-Hua
Published: September 2014

It is challenging to investigate the magnetic anisotropy of Fe/Si(001) film in the case a limited magnetic field strength, when both coherent rotation and domain wall displacement coexist in the magnetization reversal process. Owing to the domain wall displacement, the magnetization reversal switching field is far lower than the magnetic anisotropy field, and, consequently, only the magnetization reversal process near easy axis can be treated as coherent rotation. Here, we record the slope of the magnetic torque curve of an iron film grown on a Si(001) substrate measured near the easy axis by anisotropic magnetoresistance (AMR) to separate the coherent rotation of magnetization reversal process from domain wall displacement. Furthermore, the magnitudes of various magnetic anisotropy constants were derived from the magnetic torque curves. Our work suggests that the AMR at low fields can clearly separate the detailed contributions of various magnetic anisotropies when domain wall displacement existed in Fe(001) ultrathin film. We also report on the hysteresis behavior of such films as measured by magneto-optic Kerr effect.
Height stabilization of GaSb/GaAs quantum dots by Al-rich capping
Authors: Smakman E. P. , DeJarld M. , Luengo-Kovac M. , Martin A. J. , Sih V. , Koenraad P. M. , Millunchick J.
Published: September 2014

GaSb quantum dots (QDs) in a GaAs matrix are investigated with cross-sectional scanning tunneling microscopy (X-STM) and photoluminescence (PL). We observe that Al-rich capping materials prevent destabilization of the nanostructures during the capping stage of the molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) growth process and thus preserves the QD height. However, the strain induced by the absence of destabilization causes many structural defects to appear around the preserved QDs. These defects originate from misfit dislocations near the GaSb/GaAs interface and extend into the capping layer as stacking faults. The lack of a red shift in the QD PL suggests that the preserved dots do not contribute to the emission spectra. We suggest that a better control over the emission wavelength and an increase of the PL intensity is attainable by growing smaller QDs with an Al-rich overgrowth.
Vortical ciliary flows actively enhance mass transport in reef corals
Authors: Shapiro Orr H. , Fernandez Vicente I. , Garren Melissa , Guasto Jeffrey S. , Debaillon-Vesque François P. , Kramarsky-Winter Esti , Vardi Assaf , Stocker Roman
Published: September 2014

Significance

The fitness of corals and their ability to form large reefs hinge on their capacity to exchange oxygen and nutrients with their environment. Lacking gills or other ventilating organs, corals have been commonly assumed to depend entirely on ambient flow to overcome the mass transport limitations associated with molecular diffusion. Here, we show that corals are not enslaved to ambient flow but instead, can actively enhance mass transport by producing intense vortical flows with their epidermal cilia. By vigorously stirring the water immediately adjacent to their surface, this active process allows corals to increase mass transport and thus, can be a fundamental survival mechanism in regions or at times of weak ambient flow.
Equilibrium simulations of proteins using molecular fragment replacement and NMR chemical shifts
Authors: Boomsma Wouter , Tian Pengfei , Frellsen Jes , Ferkinghoff-Borg Jesper , Hamelryck Thomas , Lindorff-Larsen Kresten , Vendruscolo Michele
Published: September 2014

Significance

Chemical shifts are the most fundamental parameters measured in nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Since these parameters are exquisitely sensitive to the local atomic environment, they can provide detailed information about the three-dimensional structures of proteins. It has recently been shown that using such information directly as input in molecular simulations based on the molecular fragment replacement strategy can help the process of protein structure determination. Here, we show how to implement this strategy to determine not only the structures of proteins but also their thermal fluctuations, thereby broadening the scope of chemical shifts in structural biology.
Progressive increase in mtDNA 3243A>G heteroplasmy causes abrupt transcriptional reprogramming
Authors: Picard Martin , Zhang Jiangwen , Hancock Saege , Derbeneva Olga , Golhar Ryan , Golik Pawel , O’Hearn Sean , Levy Shawn , Potluri Prasanth , Lvova Maria , Davila Antonio , Lin Chun Shi , Perin Juan Carlos , Rappaport Eric F. , Hakonarson Hakon , Trounce Ian A. , Procaccio Vincent , Wallace Douglas C.
Published: September 2014

Significance

Mitochondria generate signals that regulate nuclear gene expression via retrograde signaling, but this phenomenon is rendered more complex by the quantitative differences in the percentage of mutant and normal mtDNAs that can exist within patient cells. This study demonstrates that depending upon its relative cytoplasmic levels, a single mtDNA point mutation can cause a discrete set of cellular transcriptional responses within cells of the same nuclear background. This qualitative regulation of nuclear gene expression by quantitative changes in mtDNA mutant levels challenges the traditional “single mutation–single disease” concept and provides an alternative perspective on the molecular basis of complex metabolic and degenerative diseases, cancer, and aging.
Population-based screening for breast and ovarian cancer risk due to
BRCA1
and
BRCA2
Authors: Gabai-Kapara Efrat , Lahad Amnon , Kaufman Bella , Friedman Eitan , Segev Shlomo , Renbaum Paul , Beeri Rachel , Gal Moran , Grinshpun-Cohen Julia , Djemal Karen , Mandell Jessica B. , Lee Ming K. , Beller Uziel , Catane Raphael , King Mary-Claire , Levy-Lahad Ephrat
Published: September 2014

Significance

Inherited mutations in the tumor suppressor genes
BRCA1
and
BRCA2
predispose to very high risks of breast and ovarian cancer. For carriers of these mutations, risk-reducing surgery significantly reduces morbidity and mortality. General population screening for
BRCA1
and
BRCA2
mutations in young adult women could be feasible if accurate estimates of cancer risk for mutation carriers could be obtained. We determined that risks of breast and ovarian cancer for
BRCA1
and
BRCA2
mutation carriers ascertained from the general population are as high as for mutation carriers ascertained through personal or family history of cancer. General screening of
BRCA1
and
BRCA2
would identify many carriers who are currently not evaluated and could serve as a model for population screening for genetic predisposition to cancer.
Research perspectives on immersion pedagogy
Authors: Lyster Roy , Tedick Diane J.
Published: September 2014

This article presents an overview of immersion pedagogy and how it has developed over the years in conjunction with classroom research and evolving classroom practices. We first consider initial conceptualization of immersion pedagogy as being primarily content-based and input-driven with only an incidental focus on the immersion language. We consider the strengths and weaknesses of this approach as a means to explain subsequent recommendations for a more systematic focus on language in immersion pedagogy. We then review classroom research investigating various pedagogical means of enhancing immersion students’ metalinguistic awareness through form-focused instruction, corrective feedback, and cross-lingual pedagogy. We conclude with questions and issues for future research and development in the realm of immersion pedagogy.
Genomon ITDetector: a tool for somatic internal tandem duplication detection from cancer genome sequencing data
Authors: Chiba Kenichi , Shiraishi Yuichi , Nagata Yasunobu , Yoshida Kenichi , Imoto Seiya , Ogawa Seishi , Miyano Satoru
Published: September 2014

Summary: Somatic internal tandem duplications (ITDs) are known to play important roles in cancer pathogenesis. Although recent advances in high-throughput sequencing technologies have enabled genome-wide detection of various types of genomic mutations, including single nucleotide variants, indels and structural variations, only a few studies have focused on ITDs. We have developed an analytical tool called ‘Genomon ITDetector’ for genome-wide detection of somatic ITDs. After evaluating the sensitivity and precision of the proposed approach using synthetic data, we have demonstrated that it can successfully detect not only common ITDs involving FLT3, but also a number of ITDs affecting other putative driver genes in acute myeloid leukemia exome sequencing data.

Availability and implementaion: Genomon ITDetector is freely available at https://github.com/ken0-1n/Genomon-ITDetector

Contact:  kchiba@hgc.jp or yshira@hgc.jp

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Investigating the recent decline in gadoid stocks in the west of
Scotland shelf ecosystem using a foodweb model
Authors: Alexander Karen A. , Heymans Johanna J. , Magill Shona , Tomczak Maciej T. , Holmes Steven J. , Wilding Thomas A.
Published: September 2014

Abundance and biomass of cod, haddock, and whiting in the waters off of the west coast of Scotland (wcoS) have undergone large changes in recent years, most notably a recent decline. These three species contribute a considerable part of Scottish demersal landings from this area and as such it is important to understand why these stocks are behaving the way they are. A number of explanations for the decline have been proposed, including: seal predation, pressure from Nephrops trawls, and fishing pressure more generally. We used an ecosystem model of the wcoS continental shelf (<200 m depth) to investigate whether these proposed explanations for declining gadoid stocks are feasible. Results suggest that the rise in the grey seal population over recent years has not led to the decline in gadoid stocks; there is insufficient bycatch by the Nephrops fleet to have a large impact on gadoid stocks; however, fishing, as a key driver of the west of Scotland shelf ecosystem, has impacted stocks and by decreasing fishing levels to maximum sustainable yield cod biomass may increase slightly though not returning to previous levels. Although this means we are little further forward in understanding the cause of recent gadoid declines in the area, the development of this model has enabled us to further our knowledge and understanding of aspects of trophic structure and the impacts of fishing on the wcoS.
The Jehol Biota, an Early Cretaceous terrestrial Lagerstätte: new discoveries and implications
Authors: Zhou Zhonghe
Published: September 2014

The study of the Early Cretaceous terrestrial Jehol Biota, which provides a rare window for reconstruction of a Lower Cretaceous terrestrial ecosystem, is reviewed with a focus on some of the latest progress. A newly proposed definition of the biota based on paleoecology and taphonomy is accepted. Although the Jehol fossils are mainly preserved in two types of sedimentary rocks, there are various types of preservation with a complex mechanism that remains to be understood. New discoveries of significant taxa from the Jehol Biota, with an updated introduction of its diversity, confirm that the Jehol Biota represents one of the most diversified biotas of the Mesozoic. The evolutionary significance of major biological groups (e.g. dinosaurs, birds, mammals, pterosaurs, insects, and plants) is discussed mainly in the light of recent discoveries, and some of the most remarkable aspects of the biota are highlighted. The global and local geological, paleogeographic, and paleoenvironmental background of the Jehol Biota have contributed to the unique composition, evolution, and preservation of the biota, demonstrating widespread faunal exchanges between Asia and other continents caused by the presence of the Eurasia–North American continental mass and its link to South America, and confirming northeastern China as the origin and diversification center for a variety of Cretaceous biological groups. Although some progress has been made on the reconstruction of the paleotemperature at the time of the Jehol Biota, much more work is needed to confirm a possible link between the remarkable diversity of the biota and the cold intervals during the Early Cretaceous. Finally, future directions for the study of the Jehol Biota are proposed that highlight the great potential of more comprehensive and multidisciplinary studies to further our understanding of the biological and geological implications of the Jehol Lagerstätte.
T-Cell Large Granular Lymphocyte Leukemia in the Lower Eyelid
Authors: Sia Paul Ikgan , Figueira Edwin , Kuss Bryone , Craig James , Selva Dinesh
Published: September 2014

The authors describe a case of T-cell large granular lymphocytic leukemia nodular lesion of the eyelid. To their knowledge, this has not been reported previously to occur in the eyelids. They have also reviewed previous literature reports on similar skin lesions in areas elsewhere.
Broad 4-Hydroxyphenylpyruvate Dioxygenase Inhibitor Herbicide Tolerance in Soybean with an Optimized Enzyme and Expression Cassette
Authors: Siehl Daniel L. , Tao Yumin , Albert Henrik , Dong Yuxia , Heckert Matthew , Madrigal Alfredo , Lincoln-Cabatu Brishette , Lu Jian , Fenwick Tamara , Bermudez Ericka , Sandoval Marian , Horn Caroline , Green Jerry M. , Hale Theresa , Pagano Peggy , Clark Jenna , Udranszky Ingrid A. , Rizzo Nancy , Bourett Timothy , Howard Richard J. , Johnson David H. , Vogt Mark , Akinsola Goke , Castle Linda A.
Published: September 2014

With an optimized expression cassette consisting of the soybean (Glycine max) native promoter modified for enhanced expression driving a chimeric gene coding for the soybean native amino-terminal 86 amino acids fused to an insensitive shuffled variant of maize (Zea mays) 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD), we achieved field tolerance in transgenic soybean plants to the HPPD-inhibiting herbicides mesotrione, isoxaflutole, and tembotrione. Directed evolution of maize HPPD was accomplished by progressively incorporating amino acids from naturally occurring diversity and novel substitutions identified by saturation mutagenesis, combined at random through shuffling. Localization of heterologously expressed HPPD mimicked that of the native enzyme, which was shown to be dually targeted to chloroplasts and the cytosol. Analysis of the native soybean HPPD gene revealed two transcription start sites, leading to transcripts encoding two HPPD polypeptides. The N-terminal region of the longer encoded peptide directs proteins to the chloroplast, while the short form remains in the cytosol. In contrast, maize HPPD was found almost exclusively in chloroplasts. Evolved HPPD enzymes showed insensitivity to five inhibitor herbicides. In 2013 field trials, transgenic soybean events made with optimized promoter and HPPD variant expression cassettes were tested with three herbicides and showed tolerance to four times the labeled rates of mesotrione and isoxaflutole and two times the labeled rates of tembotrione.
Genome-Wide Study ofKNOXRegulatory Network Reveals Brassinosteroid Catabolic Genes Important for Shoot Meristem Function in Rice
Authors: Tsuda Katsutoshi , Kurata Nori , Ohyanagi Hajime , Hake Sarah
Published: September 2014

In flowering plants, knotted1-like homeobox (KNOX) transcription factors play crucial roles in establishment and maintenance of the shoot apical meristem (SAM), from which aerial organs such as leaves, stems, and flowers initiate. We report that a rice (Oryza sativa) KNOX gene Oryza sativa homeobox1 (OSH1) represses the brassinosteroid (BR) phytohormone pathway through activation of BR catabolism genes. Inducible overexpression of OSH1 caused BR insensitivity, whereas loss of function showed a BR-overproduction phenotype. Genome-wide identification of loci bound and regulated by OSH1 revealed hormonal and transcriptional regulation as the major function of OSH1. Among these targets, BR catabolism genes CYP734A2, CYP734A4, and CYP734A6 were rapidly upregulated by OSH1 induction. Furthermore, RNA interference knockdown plants of CYP734A genes arrested growth of the SAM and mimicked some osh1 phenotypes. Thus, we suggest that local control of BR levels by KNOX genes is a key regulatory step in SAM function.
Clinical and biochemical consequences of an intragenic growth hormone receptor (GHR) deletion in a large Chinese pedigree
Authors: Klammt Jürgen , Shen Shuixian , Kiess Wieland , Kratzsch Jürgen , Stobbe Heike , Vogel Mandy , Luo Feihong , Pfäffle Roland
Published: September 2014

Objective

Growth hormone insensitivity (GHI) may be caused by failure of GH receptor function. Some patients bearing specific GHR mutations differ from classical GHI individuals by extremely elevated GH‐binding protein (GHBP) serum concentrations. We investigated clinical, genetic and biochemical characteristics of a severely growth‐retarded Chinese boy with classical Laron syndrome manifestations.

Patients and measurements

DNA and mRNA from blood cells of the patient and 11 family members were investigated for GHR mutations. Basal GH, GHBP, IGF‐1 and IGFBP‐3 concentrations were determined in serum samples. The impact of the aberrant mRNA on GHR protein expression and secretion was analysed in vitro by transfection studies in HEK293 cells.

Results

The proband and seven relatives had excessively elevated GHBP serum concentration. Basal GH in these individuals was significantly greater compared with family members with normal GHBP. The GHBP increase originated from a novel GHR intragenic deletion comprising parts of exon and intron 8 that caused exon 8 skipping from the GHR mRNA transcript. Transfection studies revealed that the predicted loss of plasma membrane anchorage results in direct secretion of the mutant GHR.

Conclusions

The partial GHR deletion causes excessively elevated GHBP serum concentrations regardless of the state of zygosity of the mutation. The increase in GHBP is associated with significantly elevated basal GH levels. Clinically, only homozygous carriers exhibit classical GHI manifestations. The truncated GHR protein resulting from exon 8 skipping is directly secreted out of the cell.
Alkali dissolution behaviour of sea–island‐type polyethylene terephthalate ultramicrofibre knitted fabrics
Authors: Kim Hyun Sung , Shin Eun Suk , Lee Jung Jin
Published: September 2014

Sea–island‐type polyethylene terephthalate ultramicrofibre (0.007 denier per filament) with a single fibre diameter of ca. 800 nm has been produced over the last 4 years. Three kinds of sea–island‐type polyethylene terephthalate knitted fabric manufactured from this ultramicrofibre were alkali treated, and their dissolution behaviour was investigated. It was found that the dissolution ratio was dependent upon temperature and sodium hydroxide concentration in the alkali treatment. Practical dissolution ratios mostly reached the theoretical values after alkali treatment with 1.0% (w/w) sodium hydroxide solution at 95 °C for 40 min in all samples. Alkali dissolution of the sea component and revealing of the island component were confirmed by differential scanning calorimetry and scanning electron microscopy. Alkali dissolution behaviour could also be monitored indirectly by the cationic dye staining method. While all untreated samples exhibited high colour yield values after cationic dyeing, alkali‐treated samples showed reduced colour yield values with increasing alkali treatment time and a final levelling‐off point.
Filtration of crushed tablet suspensions has potential to reduce infection incidence in people who inject drugs
Authors: Ng Huei , Patel Rahul P. , Bruno Raimondo , Latham Roger , Wanandy Troy , McLean Stuart
Published: September 2014

Introduction and Aims

The medical complications of injecting preparations from crushed tablets can be severe, and most can be attributed to the injection of insoluble particles and micro‐organisms. Previously we have shown that most of the particles can be removed by filtration, but it was not known whether bacteria could also be filtered in the presence of a high particle load. This study aims to determine the feasibility of filtration to remove bacteria from injections prepared from tablets.

Design and Methods

Injections were prepared from crushed slow‐release morphine tablets, in mixed bacterial suspensions of Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The injection suspensions were passed through syringe filters of porosity 0.45 or 0.20 μm, or combined 0.8 then 0.2 μm, and the bacterial load was counted.

Results

Bacterial concentrations in unfiltered injections were 2.5–4.3 × 106 colony forming units mL−1. Both the 0.20 and 0.45 μm filters blocked unless a prefilter (cigarette filter) was used first. The 0.2 μm filter and the combined 0.8/0.2 μm filter reduced the bacteria to the limit of detection (10 colony forming units mL−1) or below. Filtration through a 0.45 μm filter was slightly less effective.

Discussion and Conclusions

Use of a 0.2 μm filter, together with other injection hygiene measures, offers the prospect of greatly reducing the medical complications of injecting crushed tablets and should be considered as a highly effective harm reduction method. It is very likely that these benefits would also apply to other illicit drug injections, although validation studies are needed. [Ng H, Patel RP, Latham R, Bruno R, Wanandy R, McLean S. Filtration of crushed tablet suspensions has potential to reduce infection incidence in people who inject drugs. Drug Alcohol Rev 2015;34:67–73]
Aggression Levels Affect Social Interaction in the Non‐Breeding Territorial Aggression of the Weakly Electric Fish, Gymnotus omarorum
Authors: Zubizarreta Lucía , Stoddard Philip K. , Silva Ana
Published: September 2014

Animals typically decide whether to fight or retreat from conspecifics based on their individual estimates of the costs and benefits of fighting. Theoretical models predict how contenders solve a conflict, but the evaluation processes involved in these decisions depend on multiple factors that are difficult to explore experimentally. We addressed these questions using the non‐breeding territorial aggression of Gymnotus omarorum, in which subordinates make three distinctive decisions to signal their submission during a fight: (1) interruption of their electric discharges to hide from the dominant, (2) stop attacking and retreat, and (3) emission of ‘chirps’, transient submissive electric signals. We confirmed that subordinates take into account the aggressive performance of dominants to shape their own agonistic decisions and performance. The intensity of aggression is highly correlated with an agonistic dyad, and the decision of subordinates to retreat is influenced by the attack rates of dominants. When we lowered the aggression of expected dominants with a 5‐HT1A receptor agonist, the correlation between the two contenders' aggression levels was lost and subordinates completely stopped emitting electric chirp signals. The aforementioned results contribute to the understanding of the decision‐making strategies driven by social challenge inherent to agonistic encounters.
Gene mutations in hepatocellular adenomas
Authors: Raft Marie B , Jørgensen Ernö N , Vainer Ben
Published: September 2014

Hepatocellular adenomas (HCA) are rare, benign liver tumours that often occur in women of reproductive age. HCA has been associated with the use of oral contraceptives, but the increased incidence of the tumour in older women and in men has linked the tumour type to other diseases, including the metabolic syndrome. Genotypical classification of the adenomas has led to the identification of four subgroups that correlate genotype with phenotype: human hepatocyte nuclear factor‐1 alpha (HNF1α) inactivating HCA, β‐catenin activating HCA, inflammatory HCA and unclassified HCA. HNF1α inactivating HCA is associated with bi‐allelic mutations in the TCF1 gene and morphologically has marked steatosis. β‐catenin activating HCA has increased activity of the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway and is associated with possible malignant transformation. Inflammatory HCA is characterized by an oncogene‐induced inflammation due to alterations in the Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) pathway. In the diagnostic setting, sub classification of HCA is based primarily on immunohistochemical analyzes, and has had an increasing impact on choice of treatment and individual prognostic assessment. This review offers an overview of the reported gene mutations associated with hepatocellular adenomas together with a discussion of the diagnostic and prognostic value.
Coeliac‐like duodenal pathology in orthotopic liver transplant patients on mycophenolic acid therapy
Authors: Cotter Maura B , AbuShanab Ahmed , Merriman Raphael , McCormick Aiden , Sheahan Kieran
Published: September 2014

Aims

Diarrhoea following orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is a significant clinical problem associated with mycophenolic acid (MPA). The histological injury pattern associated with MPA in the large bowel is well documented in the literature; however, that in the duodenum is less extensively documented. The aim of this study was to investigate the histological spectrum of duodenal injury specifically in symptomatic OLT patients on MPA, and to compare this with the spectrum in patients with coeliac disease and in normal controls.

Methods and results

We reviewed our pathology database for all duodenal biopsies from patients on the OLT list over a period of 19 years. Medical records, anti‐tissue transglutaminase IgA serology and histology were reviewed. Of the 667 patients who underwent endoscopy, 127 had duodenal biopsies (152 biopsies). Of these, 87.5% were normal. Sixteen showed abnormal histology, and seven (43.8%) of these were on MPA at the time of biopsy. Significant features included coeliac‐like changes (shortened villi and increased intraepithelial lymphocyte counts), and novel findings included increased endocrine cell counts, apoptotic counts and lamina propria eosinophil counts in comparison with normal duodenal biopsies.

Conclusions

Pathologists should be aware of the features of MPA‐associated duodenal injury, including coeliac‐like changes and increased apoptotic counts. In those with abnormal histology, discontinuation or a reduction in the dose of MPA should be discussed.
Differentiation reprogramming in gastric intestinal metaplasia and dysplasia: role of SOX2 and CDX2
Authors: Camilo Vânia , Garrido Mónica , Valente Pedro , Ricardo Sara , Amaral Ana Luísa , Barros Rita , Chaves Paula , Carneiro Fátima , David Leonor , Almeida Raquel
Published: September 2014

Aims

Intestinal metaplasia (IM), which results from de‐novo expression of CDX2, and dysplasia are precursor lesions of gastric cancer that are associated with an increased risk for cancer development. There is much evidence suggesting a role for the transcription factor SOX2 in gastric differentiation. The aim of this study was to attempt to establish the relationship of SOX2 with CDX2 and with the differentiation reprogramming that characterizes gastric carcinogenesis, to assess their involvement in IM and dysplasia.

Methods and results

Characterization of gastric (SOX2, MUC5AC, and MUC6) and intestinal (CDX2 and MUC2) markers in normal gastric mucosa, in 55 foci of IM and in 26 foci of dysplasia, was performed by immunohistochemistry. SOX2 was expressed in the normal gastric mucosa, in the presumptive stem cell compartment, and was maintained in 7% of the complete (MUC5AC‐negative) and 85% of the incomplete (MUC5AC‐positive) IM subtypes. Twelve per cent of the dysplastic lesions expressed SOX2, and the association with MUC5AC was lost. CDX2 was present in all IMs and dysplastic lesions.

Conclusions

SOX2 is associated with gastric differentiation in incomplete IM and is lost in the progression to dysplasia, whereas CDX2 is acquired de novo in IM and maintained in dysplasia. This suggests that the balance between gastric and intestinal differentiation programmes impacts on the gastric carcinogenesis cascade progression.
Use and interpretation of routine outcome measures in forensic mental health
Authors: Shinkfield Gregg , Ogloff James
Published: September 2014

The present study aimed to both pilot a method of monitoring mental health nurses' use of routine outcome measures (ROM) and to examine the precision of ratings made with these tools within a forensic mental health environment. The audit protocol used in the present study was found to be effective in evaluating both the accuracy with which nurses were able to interpret ROM items and their degree of adherence with local procedures for completing such instruments. Moreover, the results suggest that despite these ROM having been developed for use in general mental health settings, they could be interpreted and rated with an adequate degree of reliability by nurses in a forensic mental health context. However, difficulties were observed in the applicability of several components of these tools within a forensic environment. Recommendations for future research and implications for practice are discussed.
MOBILE SENSE
Authors: Colao Vittorio , Gratton Lynda
Published: September 2014

Vittorio Colao, CEO of Vodafone, talks with Lynda Gratton about technology, moving into content, the role of corporations, military leadership, the continuing role of hierarchies and more in this interview recorded in front of an audience at City Hall, London
TWINS AND OUTS
Authors: Bikard Michaël , Peters Georgina
Published: September 2014

Michaël Bikard has conducted the first twin studies of new knowledge, looking at how and why some ideas succeed and others fail. Georgina Peters asks the questions
THE POWER OF CHOICE
Authors: Chynoweth Carly
Published: September 2014

Women in business now have the ultimate power: choice. Carly Chynoweth reports.
MAKING CHOICES: DARLA MOORE
Authors: Chynoweth Carly
Published: September 2014

Darla Moore Financier turned philanthropist, Chair, Palmetto Institute
POLES ATTRACT
Authors: Crainer Stuart
Published: September 2014

Growth markets provide a wealth of entrepreneurial stories. Few yet can match Przemek Gacek and Grupa Pracuj