bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is the risk of cardiovascular disease altered with anti‐inflammatory therapies? Insights from rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Kraakman Michael J , Dragoljevic Dragana , Kammoun Helene L , Murphy Andrew J
Published: May 2016

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Atherosclerosis is the most common form of CVD, which is complex and multifactorial with an elevated risk observed in people with either metabolic or inflammatory diseases. Accumulating evidence now links obesity with a state of chronic low‐grade inflammation and has renewed our understanding of this condition and its associated comorbidities. An emerging theme linking disease states with atherosclerosis is the increased production of myeloid cells, which can initiate and exacerbate atherogenesis. Although anti‐inflammatory drug treatments exist and have been successfully used to treat inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a commonly observed side effect is dyslipidemia, inadvertently, a major risk factor for the development of atherosclerosis. The mechanisms leading to dyslipidemia associated with anti‐inflammatory drug use and whether CVD risk is actually increased by this dyslipidemia are of great therapeutic importance and currently remain poorly understood. Here we review recent data providing links between inflammation, hematopoiesis, dyslipidemia and CVD risk in the context of anti‐inflammatory drug use.
Determinants of visual acuity outcomes in eyes with neovascular AMD treated with anti-VEGF agents: an instrumental variable analysis of the AURA study
Authors: Holz F G , Tadayoni R , Beatty S , Berger A R , Cereda M G , Hykin P , Staurenghi G , Wittrup-Jensen K , Nilsson J , Kim K , Sivaprasad S
Published: May 2016

Purpose

To identify the strongest variable(s) linked with the number of ranibizumab injections and outcomes in AURA, and to identify ways to improve outcomes using this association.

Methods

AURA was a large observational study that monitored visual acuity over a 2-year period in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) who received ranibizumab injections. Baseline characteristics, resource use, and outcomes were analyzed using an instrumental variable approach and regression analysis.

Results

Data were analyzed from 2227 patients enrolled in AURA. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) and ophthalmoscopy were the most common diagnostic tests used, and this combination was the strongest instrumental variable. Use of OCT and ophthalmoscopy affected the number of injections given and resulted in an increase in visual acuity gains from baseline of 17.6 letters in year 1 and 2.5 letters in year 2. Regression models using the instrumental variable (OCT and ophthalmoscopy combined) showed that ≥5.1 (95% CI: 3.3–11.4) ranibizumab injections were needed to maintain visual acuity from baseline to year 1 and ≥8.3 (95% CI: 5.3–18.8) injections were needed to maintain visual acuity from year 1 to year 2. To gain ≥15 letters, ≥7.9 (95% CI: 5.1–17.5) ranibizumab injections would be needed in year 1 and ≥16.1 (95% CI: 10.3–36.4) injections would be needed over 2 years.

Conclusions

These findings highlight the role that regular monitoring plays in guiding neovascular AMD therapy and they showed that the number of ranibizumab injections needed to maintain visual acuity is higher than that administered in AURA.
Myoscape controls cardiac calcium cycling and contractility via regulation of L-type calcium channel surface expression
Authors: Eden Matthias , Meder Benjamin , Völkers Mirko , Poomvanicha Montatip , Domes Katrin , Branchereau M. , Marck P. , Will Rainer , Bernt Alexander , Rangrez Ashraf , Busch Matthias ,   German Mouse Clinic Consortium, Adler Thure , Busch Dirk H. , Antonio Aguilar-Pimentel Juan , Ollert Markus , Götz Alexander , Schulz Holger , Prehn Cornelia , Adamski Jerzy , Becker Lore , Klopstock Thomas , Horsch Marion , Beckers Johannes , Schrewe Anja , Bekeredjian Raffi , Katus Hugo , Garrett Lillian , Hölter Sabine M. , Wurst Wolfgang , Puk Oliver , Graw Jochen , Hans Wolfgang , Rozman Jan , Klingenspor Martin , Neff Frauke , Tost Monica , Calzada-Wack Julia , Klein-Rodewald Tanja , Rácz Ildikó , Zimmer Andreas , Rathkolb Birgit , Wolf Eckhard , Lengger Christoph , Maier Holger , Stoeger Claudia , Leuchtenberger Stefanie , Gailus-Durner Valéri , Fuchs Helmut , Hrabě de Angelis Martin , Heymes Christophe , Rottbauer Wolfgang , Most Patrick , Hofmann Franz , Frey Norbert
Published: May 2016

Calcium signalling plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of heart failure. Here we describe a cardiac protein named Myoscape/FAM40B/STRIP2, which directly interacts with the L-type calcium channel. Knockdown of Myoscape in cardiomyocytes decreases calcium transients associated with smaller Ca2+ amplitudes and a lower diastolic Ca2+ content. Likewise, L-type calcium channel currents are significantly diminished on Myoscape ablation, and downregulation of Myoscape significantly reduces contractility of cardiomyocytes. Conversely, overexpression of Myoscape increases global Ca2+ transients and enhances L-type Ca2+ channel currents, and is sufficient to restore decreased currents in failing cardiomyocytes. In vivo, both Myoscape-depleted morphant zebrafish and Myoscape knockout (KO) mice display impairment of cardiac function progressing to advanced heart failure. Mechanistically, Myoscape-deficient mice show reduced L-type Ca2+currents, cell capacity and calcium current densities as a result of diminished LTCC surface expression. Finally, Myoscape expression is reduced in hearts from patients suffering of terminal heart failure, implying a role in human disease.
Live single-cell laser tag
Authors: Binan Loïc , Mazzaferri Javier , Choquet Karine , Lorenzo Louis-Etienne , Wang Yu Chang , Affar El Bachir , De Koninck Yves , Ragoussis Jiannis , Kleinman Claudia L. , Costantino Santiago
Published: May 2016

The ability to conduct image-based, non-invasive cell tagging, independent of genetic engineering, is key to cell biology applications. Here we introduce cell labelling via photobleaching (CLaP), a method that enables instant, specific tagging of individual cells based on a wide array of criteria such as shape, behaviour or positional information. CLaP uses laser illumination to crosslink biotin onto the plasma membrane, coupled with streptavidin conjugates to label individual cells for genomic, cell-tracking, flow cytometry or ultra-microscopy applications. We show that the incorporated mark is stable, non-toxic, retained for several days, and transferred by cell division but not to adjacent cells in culture. To demonstrate the potential of CLaP for genomic applications, we combine CLaP with microfluidics-based single-cell capture followed by transcriptome-wide next-generation sequencing. Finally, we show that CLaP can also be exploited for inducing transient cell adhesion to substrates for microengineering cultures with spatially patterned cell types.
Gut environment-induced intraepithelial autoreactive CD4+ T cells suppress central nervous system autoimmunity via LAG-3
Authors: Kadowaki Atsushi , Miyake Sachiko , Saga Ryoko , Chiba Asako , Mochizuki Hideki , Yamamura Takashi
Published: May 2016

The gut environment has been found to significantly influence autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis; however, immune cell mechanisms are unclear. Here we show that the gut epithelium of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein(35-55)-specific T-cell receptor transgenic mice contains environmental stimuli-induced intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs) that inhibit experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis on transfer. These cells express surface markers phenotypical of ‘induced’ IELs, have a TH17-like profile and infiltrate the central nervous system (CNS). They constitutively express Ctla4 and Tgfb1 and markedly upregulate Lag3 expression in the CNS, thereby inhibiting inflammation. We also demonstrate the suppressive capability of CD4+ IELs with alternative antigen specificities, their proliferation in response to gut-derived antigens and contribution of the microbiota and dietary aryl hydrocarbon receptor ligands to their induction. Thus, the gut environment favours the generation of autoreactive CD4+ T cells with unique regulatory functions, potentially important for preventing CNS autoimmunity.
Correction: Corrigendum: Spinal cord injury affects the interplay between visual and sensorimotor representations of the body
Authors: Ionta Silvio , Villiger Michael , Jutzeler Catherine R. , Freund Patrick , Curt Armin , Gassert Roger
Published: May 2016

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 20144; published online: 04 February 2016; updated: 20 May 2016. In this Article, Figure 3 is incorrect. The correct Figure 3 appears below as Fig. 1.
Erratum: A genome-wide association study identifies a genomic region for the polycerate phenotype in sheep (Ovis aries)
Authors: Ren Xue , Yang Guang-Li , Peng Wei-Feng , Zhao Yong-Xin , Zhang Min , Chen Ze-Hui , Wu Fu-An , Kantanen Juha , Shen Min , Li Meng-Hua
Published: May 2016

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 21111; published online: 17 February 2016; updated: 20 May 2016. In this Article, there is an error in the Introduction section. “Globally, there are only a small number of polycerate native sheep breeds, including Jacob, Manx Loaghtan, Hebridean, Navajo-Churro,Icelandic sheep, Because nowadays there are no four-horned Finnish Landrace sheep.
Graphene Oxide promotes embryonic stem cell differentiation to haematopoietic lineage
Authors: Garcia-Alegria Eva , Iliut Maria , Stefanska Monika , Silva Claudio , Heeg Sebastian , Kimber Susan J. , Kouskoff Valerie , Lacaud Georges , Vijayaraghavan Aravind , Batta Kiran
Published: May 2016

Pluripotent stem cells represent a promising source of differentiated tissue-specific stem and multipotent progenitor cells for regenerative medicine and drug testing. The realisation of this potential relies on the establishment of robust and reproducible protocols of differentiation. Several reports have highlighted the importance of biomaterials in assisting directed differentiation. Graphene oxide (GO) is a novel material that has attracted increasing interest in the field of biomedicine. In this study, we demonstrate that GO coated substrates significantly enhance the differentiation of mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells to both primitive and definitive haematopoietic cells. GO does not affect cell proliferation or survival of differentiated cells but rather enhances the transition of haemangioblasts to haemogenic endothelial cells, a key step during haematopoietic specification. Importantly, GO also improves, in addition to murine, human ES cell differentiation to blood cells. Taken together, our study reveals a positive role for GO in haematopoietic differentiation and suggests that further functionalization of GO could represent a valid strategy for the generation of large numbers of functional blood cells. Producing these cells would accelerate haematopoietic drug toxicity testing and treatment of patients with blood disorders or malignancies.
Monitoring live human mesenchymal stromal cell differentiation and subsequent selection using fluorescent RNA-based probes
Authors: Li Bojun , Menzel Ursula , Loebel Claudia , Schmal Hagen , Alini Mauro , Stoddart Martin J.
Published: May 2016

Investigating mesenchymal stromal cell differentiation requires time and multiple samples due to destructive endpoint assays. Osteogenesis of human bone marrow derived mesenchymal stromal cells (hBMSCs) has been widely studied for bone tissue engineering. Recent studies show that the osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs can be assessed by quantifying the ratio of two important transcription factors (Runx2/Sox9). We demonstrate a method to observe mRNA expression of two genes in individual live cells using fluorescent probes specific for Runx2 and Sox9 mRNA. The changes of mRNA expression in cells can be observed in a non-destructive manner. In addition, the osteogenic hBMSCs can be prospectively identified and obtained based on the relative intracellular fluorescence of Sox9 in relation to Runx2 using fluorescence activated cell sorting. Relatively homogeneous cell populations with high osteogenic potential can be isolated from the original heterogeneous osteogenically induced hBMSCs within the first week of induction. This offers a more detailed analysis of the effectiveness of new therapeutics both at the individual cell level and the response of the population as a whole. By identifying and isolating differentiating cells at early time points, prospective analysis of differentiation is also possible, which will lead to a greater understanding of MSC differentiation.
Correction: Corrigendum: Super-resolution mapping of glutamate receptors in C. elegans by confocal correlated PALM
Authors: Vangindertael Jeroen , Beets Isabel , Rocha Susana , Dedecker Peter , Schoofs Liliane , Vanhoorelbeke Karen , Hofkens Johan , Mizuno Hideaki
Published: May 2016

Scientific Reports 5: Article number: 13532; published online: 01 September 2015; updated: 20 May 2016. The original version of this Article contained a typographical error in the spelling of the author Karen Vanhoorelbeke, which was incorrectly given as Karen Vanhoorelbeeke. This has now been corrected in the PDF and HTML versions of the Article.
Functional assessment of glioma pathogenesis by in vivo multi-parametric magnetic resonance imaging and in vitro analyses
Authors: Yao Nai-Wei , Chang Chen , Lin Hsiu-Ting , Yen Chen-Tung , Chen Jeou-Yuan
Published: May 2016

Gliomas are aggressive brain tumors with poor prognosis. In this study, we report a novel approach combining bothin vivomulti-parametric MRI andin vitrocell culture assessments to evaluate the pathogenic development of gliomas. Osteopontin (OPN), a pleiotropic factor, has been implicated in the formation and progression of various human cancers, including gliomas, through its functions in regulating cell proliferation, survival, angiogenesis and migration. Using rat C6 glioma model, the combined approach successfully monitors the acquisition and decrease of cancer hallmarks. We show that knockdown of the expression ofOPNreduces C6 cell proliferation, survival, viability and clonogenicityin vitroand reduces tumor burden and prolongs animal survival in syngeneic rats.OPNdepletion is associated with reduced tumor growth, decreased angiogenesis and an increase of tumor-associated metabolites, as revealed by T2-weighted images, diffusion-weighted images, Ktransmaps and 1H-MRS, respectively. These strategies allow us to define an important role of OPN in conferring cancer hallmarks, which can be further applied to assess the functional roles of other candidate genes in glioma. In particular, the non-invasive multi-parametric MRI measurement of cancer hallmarks related to proliferation, angiogenesis and altered metabolism may serve as a useful tool for diagnosis and for patient management.
The DEAD-box RNA helicase 51 controls non-small cell lung cancer proliferation by regulating cell cycle progression via multiple pathways
Authors: Wang Xiaojing , Liu Hongli , Zhao Chengling , Li Wei , Xu Huanbai , Chen Yuqing
Published: May 2016

The genetic regulation of cell cycle progression and cell proliferation plays a role in the growth of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), one of the most common causes of cancer-related mortality. Although DEAD-box RNA helicases are known to play a role in cancer development, including lung cancer, the potential involvement of the novel family member DDX51 has not yet been investigated. In the current study we assessed the role of DDX51 in NSCLC using a siRNA-based approach. DDX51 siRNA-expressing cells exhibited a slower cell proliferation rate and underwent arrest in S-phase of the cell cycle compared with control cells. Microarray analyses revealed that DDX51siRNA expression resulted in the dysregulation of a number of cell signalling pathways. Moreover, injection of DDX51 siRNA into an animal model resulted in the formation of smaller tumours compared with the control group. We also assessed the expression of DDX51 in patients with NSCLC, and the data revealed that the expression was correlated with patient age but no other risk factors. Overall, our data suggest for the first time that DDX51 aids cell cancer proliferation by regulating multiple signalling pathways, and that this protein might be a therapeutic target for NSCLC.
Correction: Corrigendum: Unlocking the genetic diversity of Creole wheats
Authors: Vikram Prashant , Franco Jorge , Burgueño-Ferreira Juan , Li Huihui , Sehgal Deepmala , Pierre Carolina Saint , Ortiz Cynthia , Sneller Clay , Tattaris Maria , Guzman Carlos , Sansaloni Carolina Paola , Ellis Marc , Fuentes-Davila Guillermo , Reynolds Matthew , Sonder Kai , Singh Pawan , Payne Thomas , Wenzl Peter , Sharma Achla , Bains Navtej Singh , Singh Gyanendra Pratap , Crossa José , Singh Sukhwinder
Published: May 2016

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 23092; published online: 15 March 2016; updated: 20 May 2016. Mark Ellis was omitted from the author list in the original version of this Article. In addition, there was a typographical error in the spelling of the author Kai Sonder which was incorrectly given as Kai Sonders.
Distinctive proteomic profiles among different regions of human carotid plaques in men and women
Authors: Liang Wenzhao , Ward Liam J. , Karlsson Helen , Ljunggren Stefan A. , Li Wei , Lindahl Mats , Yuan Xi-Ming
Published: May 2016

The heterogeneity of atherosclerotic tissue has limited comprehension in proteomic and metabolomic analyses. To elucidate the functional implications and differences between genders, of atherosclerotic lesion formation we investigated protein profiles from different regions of human carotid atherosclerotic arteries; internal control, fatty streak, plaque shoulder, plaque centre and fibrous cap. Proteomic analysis was performed using 2-DE with MALDI-TOF, with validation using nLC-MS/MS. Protein mapping of 2-DE identified 52 unique proteins, including 15 previously unmapped proteins, of which 41 proteins were confirmed by nLC-MS/MS analysis. Expression levels of 18 proteins were significantly altered in plaque regions compared to the internal control region. Nine proteins showed site-specific alterations, irrespective of gender, with clear associations to extracellular matrix remodelling. Five proteins display gender-specific alterations with 2-DE, with two alterations validated by nLC-MS/MS. Gender differences in ferritin light chain and transthyretin were validated using both techniques. Validation of immunohistochemistry confirmed significantly higher levels of ferritin in plaques from male patients. Proteomic analysis of different plaque regions has reduced the effects of plaque heterogeneity and significant differences in protein expression are determined in specific regions and between genders. These proteomes have functional implications in plaque progression and are of importance in understanding gender differences in atherosclerosis.
A bulk sub-femtoliter in vitro compartmentalization system using super-fine electrosprays
Authors: Sharma Bineet , Takamura Yuzuru , Shimoda Tatsuya , Biyani Manish
Published: May 2016

The extreme miniaturization of biological and chemical assays in aqueous-droplet compartments enables spatiotemporal control for large-scale parallel experimentation and can thus permit new capabilities for “digitizing” directed molecular evolution methodologies. We report a remarkably facile bulk method to generate mega-scale monodisperse sub-femtoliter aqueous droplets by electrospray, using a prototype head with super-fine inkjet technology. Moreover, the electrostatic inkjet nozzle that injects the aqueous phase when immersed within an immiscible phase (an optimized oil/surfactant mixture) has the advantage of generating cell-like sub-femtoliter compartments for biomolecule encapsulation and successive biological and chemical reactions. Sub-femtoliter droplets of both liquid (water-in-oil, volumes ranging from 0.2 to 6.4 fL) and gel bead (agarose-in-oil, volume ranging from 0.3 to 15.6 fL) compartments with average sizes of 1.3 μm and 1.5 μm, respectively, were successfully generated using an inkjet nozzle at a speed of more than 105 droplets per second. We demonstrated the applicability of this system by synthesizing fluorescent proteins using a cell-free expression system inside electrosprayed sub-femtoliter droplets at an accelerated rate, thereby extending the utility of in vitro compartmentalization with improved analytical performance for a top-down artificial cellular system.
Erratum: Predictive analytics of environmental adaptability in multi-omic network models
Authors: Angione Claudio , Lió Pietro
Published: May 2016

Scientific Reports 5: Article number: 15147; published online: 20 October 2015; updated: 20 May 2016. This Article contains typographical errors. In the Results section under subheading ‘METRADE: a novel method to integrate and optimize gene expression and codon usage in FBA’, “Through the function h(.
Fly DPP10 acts as a channel ancillary subunit and possesses peptidase activity
Authors: Shiina Yohei , Muto Tomohiro , Zhang Zhili , Baihaqie Ahmad , Yoshizawa Takamasa , Lee Hye-in J. , Park Eulsoon , Tsukiji Shinya , Takimoto Koichi
Published: May 2016

Mammalian DPP6 (DPPX) and DPP10 (DPPY) belong to a family of dipeptidyl peptidases, but lack enzyme activity. Instead, these proteins form complexes with voltage-gated K+ channels in Kv4 family to control their gating and other properties. Here, we find that the fly DPP10 ortholog acts as an ancillary subunit of Kv4 channels and digests peptides. Similarly to mammalian DPP10, the fly ortholog tightly binds to rat Kv4.3 protein. The association causes negative shifts in voltage dependence of channel activation and steady state inactivation. It also results in faster inactivation and recovery from inactivation. In addition to its channel regulatory role, fly DPP10 exhibits significant dipeptidyl peptidase activity with Gly-Pro-MCA (glycyl-L-proline 4-methylcoumaryl-7-amide) as a substrate. Heterologously expressed Flag-tagged fly DPP10 and human DPP4 show similar Km values towards this substrate. However, fly DPP10 exhibits approximately a 6-times-lower relative kcat value normalized with anti-Flag immunoreactivity than human DPP4. These results demonstrate that fly DPP10 is a dual functional protein, controlling Kv4 channel gating and removing bioactive peptides.
RIG-like Helicase Regulation of Chitinase 3-like 1 Axis and Pulmonary Metastasis
Authors: Ma Bing , Herzog Erica L. , Moore Meagan , Lee Chang-Min , Na Sung Hun , Lee Chun Geun , Elias Jack A.
Published: May 2016

Chi3l1 is induced by a variety of cancers where it portends a poor prognosis and plays a key role in the generation of metastasis. However, the mechanisms that Chi3l1 uses to mediate these responses and the pathways that control Chi3l1-induced tumor responses are poorly understood. We characterized the mechanisms that Chi3l1 uses to foster tumor progression and the ability of the RIG-like helicase (RLH) innate immune response to control Chi3l1 elaboration and pulmonary metastasis. Here we demonstrate that RLH activation inhibits tumor induction of Chi3l1 and the expression of receptor IL-13Rα2 and pulmonary metastasis while restoring NK cell accumulation and activation, augmenting the expression of IFN-α/β, chemerin and its receptor ChemR23, p-cofilin, LIMK2 and PTEN and inhibiting BRAF and NLRX1 in a MAVS-dependent manner. These studies demonstrate that Chi3l1 is a multifaceted immune stimulator of tumor progression and metastasis whose elaboration and tissue effects are abrogated by RLH innate immune responses.
Predicting global invasion risks: a management tool to prevent future introductions
Authors: Fletcher D. H. , Gillingham P. K. , Britton J. R. , Blanchet S. , Gozlan R. E.
Published: May 2016

Predicting regions at risk from introductions of non-native species and the subsequent invasions is a fundamental aspect of horizon scanning activities that enable the development of more effective preventative actions and planning of management measures. The Asian cyprinid fish topmouth gudgeonPseudorasbora parvahas proved highly invasive across Europe since its introduction in the 1960s. In addition to direct negative impacts on native fish populations,P. parvahas potential for further damage through transmission of an emergent infectious disease, known to cause mortality in other species. To quantify its invasion risk, in regions where it has yet to be introduced, we trained 900 ecological niche models and constructed an Ensemble Model predicting suitability, then integrated a proxy for introduction likelihood. This revealed high potential forP. parvato invade regions well beyond its current invasive range. These included areas in all modelled continents, with several hotspots of climatic suitability and risk of introduction. We believe that these methods are easily adapted for a variety of other invasive species and that such risk maps could be used by policy-makers and managers in hotspots to formulate increased surveillance and early-warning systems that aim to prevent introductions and subsequent invasions.
Imaging Tumor Vascularity and Response to Anti-Angiogenic Therapy Using Gaussia Luciferase
Authors: Kantar Rami S. , Lashgari Ghazal , Tabet Elie I. , Lewandrowski Grant K. , Carvalho Litia A. , Tannous Bakhos A.
Published: May 2016

We developed a novel approach to assess tumor vascularity using recombinant Gaussia luciferase (rGluc) protein and bioluminescence imaging. Upon intravenous injection of rGluc followed by its substrate coelenterazine, non-invasive visualization of tumor vascularity by bioluminescence imaging was possible. We applied this method for longitudinal monitoring of tumor vascularity in response to the anti-angiogenic drug tivozanib. This simple and sensitive method could be extended to image blood vessels/vasculature in many different fields.
Points, skyrmions and torons in chiral nematic droplets
Authors: Posnjak Gregor , Čopar Simon , Muševič Igor
Published: May 2016

Chiral nematic droplets with perpendicular surface alignment of liquid crystalline molecules frustrate the helical structure into convoluted 3D textures with complex topology. We observe the droplets with fluorescent confocal polarising microscopy (FCPM) and reconstruct and analyse for the first time the topology of the 3D director field using a novel method of director reconstruction from raw data. We always find an odd number of topological defects, which preserve the total topological charge of the droplet of +1 regardless of chirality. At higher chirality, we observe up to 5 point hedgehog defects, which are elastically stabilized with convoluted twisted structures, reminiscent of 2D skyrmions and toron-like structure, nested into a sphere.
Embryonic development and inviability phenotype of chicken-Japanese quail F1 hybrids
Authors: Ishishita Satoshi , Kinoshita Keiji , Nakano Mikiharu , Matsuda Yoichi
Published: May 2016

Interspecific hybrid incompatibility, including inviability and sterility, is important in speciation; however, its genetic basis remains largely unknown in vertebrates. Crosses between male chickens and female Japanese quails using artificial insemination can generate intergeneric hybrids; however, the hatching rate is low and hatched hybrids are only sterile males. Hybrid development is arrested frequently during the early embryonic stages and the sex ratio of living embryos is male-biased. However, the development and sex ratio of hybrid embryos have not been comprehensively analyzed. In the present study, we observed delayed embryonic development of chicken-quail hybrids during the early stage, compared with that of chickens and quails. The survival rate of hybrids decreased markedly during the blastoderm-to-pre-circulation stage and then decreased gradually through the subsequent stages. Hybrid females were observed at more than 10 d of incubation; however, the sex ratio of hybrids became male-biased from 10 d of incubation. Severely malformed embryos were observed frequently in hybrids. These results suggest that developmental arrest occurs at various stages in hybrid embryos, including a sexually non-biased arrest during the early stage and a female-biased arrest during the late stage. We discuss the genetic basis for hybrid inviability and its sex bias.
Removal of polychlorinated naphthalenes by desulfurization and emissions of polychlorinated naphthalenes from sintering plant
Authors: Wang Mengjing , Liu Wenbin , Hou Meifang , Li Qianqian , Han Ying , Liu Guorui , Li Haifeng , Liao Xiao , Chen Xuebin , Zheng Minghui
Published: May 2016

The sintering flue gas samples were collected at the inlets and outlets of the desulfurization systems to evaluate the influence of the systems on PCNs emission concentrations, profiles, and emission factors. The PCNs concentrations at the inlets and outlets were 27888–153672 pg m−3 and 11988–42245 pg m−3,respectively. Desulfurization systems showed excellent removal for PCNs, and the removal efficiencies of PCNs increase with increasing chlorination level. Lower chlorinated homologs are more sensitive to the desulfurization process than higher ones. High levels of PCNs were also detected in the gypsum (11600–29720 pg g−1) and fly ash samples (4946–64172 pg g−1). The annual total emissions of PCNs released to flue gas and gypsum from the sintering plants were about 394 kg, 48.5% of which was in gypsum. The surface area of the fly ash samples increased significantly from the first to the fourth stage of the series-connected electrostatic precipitator, accompanying obvious rising of concentration of PCNs in the fly ash samples.
Bulk development and stringent selection of microsatellite markers in the western flower thrips Frankliniella occidentalis
Authors: Cao Li-Jun , Li Ze-Min , Wang Ze-Hua , Zhu Liang , Gong Ya-Jun , Chen Min , Wei Shu-Jun
Published: May 2016

Recent improvements in next-generation sequencing technologies have enabled investigation of microsatellites on a genome-wide scale. Faced with a huge amount of candidates, the use of appropriate marker selection criteria is crucial. Here, we used the western flower thrips Frankliniella occidentalis for an empirical microsatellite survey and validation; 132,251 candidate microsatellites were identified, 92,102 of which were perfect. Dinucleotides were the most abundant category, while (AG)n was the most abundant motif. Sixty primer pairs were designed and validated in two natural populations, of which 30 loci were polymorphic, stable, and repeatable, but not all in Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) and linkage equilibrium. Four marker panels were constructed to understand effect of marker selection on population genetic analyses: (i) only accept loci with single nucleotide insertions (SNI); (ii) only accept the most polymorphic loci (MP); (iii) only accept loci that did not deviate from HWE, did not show SNIs, and had unambiguous peaks (SS) and (iv) all developed markers (ALL). Although the MP panel resulted in microsatellites of highest genetic diversity followed by the SNI, the SS performed best in individual assignment. Our study proposes stringent criteria for selection of microsatellites from a large-scale number of genomic candidates for population genetic studies.
The long noncoding RNA CASC2 functions as a competing endogenous RNA by sponging miR-18a in colorectal cancer
Authors: Huang Guanli , Wu Xiaoli , Li Shi , Xu Xiaoqun , Zhu Hua , Chen Xiangjian
Published: May 2016

Recent evidence highlights the crucial regulatory roles of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNA) in tumor biology. In colorectal cancer (CRC), the expression of several lncRNAs is dysregulated and play essential roles in CRC tumorigenesis. However, the potential biological roles and regulatory mechanisms of the novel human lncRNA, CASC2 (cancer susceptibility candidate 2), in tumor biology are poorly understood. In this study, CASC2 expression was significantly decreased in CRC tissues and CRC cell lines, and decreased expression was significantly more frequent in patients with advanced tumor-node-metastasis stage disease (TNM III and IV) (P = 0.028). Further functional experiments indicate that CASC2 could directly upregulate PIAS3 expression by functioning as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) for miR-18a. This interactions leads to the de-repression of genes downstream of STAT3 and consequentially inhibition of CRC cell proliferation and tumor growth in vitro and in vivo by extending the G0/G1-S phase transition. Taken together, these observations suggest CASC2 as a ceRNA plays an important role in CRC pathogenesis and may serve as a potential target for cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Cobalt oxyhydroxide nanoflake based fluorescence sensing platform for label-free detection of DNA
Authors: Chang Yaqing , Zhang Zhe , Liu Huiqing , Wang Nan , Tang Jilin
Published: May 2016

In this study, we investigated the interaction of cobalt oxyhydroxide (CoOOH) nanoflakes with DNA and their fluorescence quenching mechanism of a FAM-labeled single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) probe.
Microporous polyurethane material for size selective heterogeneous catalysis of the Knoevenagel reaction
Authors: Dey Sandeep Kumar , de Sousa Amadeu Nader , Janiak Christoph
Published: May 2016

For the first time, a microporous polyurethane (MPU) is prepared – it acts as an organocatalyst for aldol-type C–C bond forming reactions with high yields and under mild conditions.
The self-assembly of copolymers with one hydrophobic and one polyelectrolyte block in aqueous media: a dissipative particle dynamics study
Authors: Lísal Martin , Limpouchová Zuzana , Procházka Karel
Published: May 2016

The reversible self-assembly of copolymers with one hydrophobic and one polyelectrolyte block.
Mechanisms and energetics for N-glycosidic bond cleavage of protonated adenine nucleosides: N3 protonation induces base rotation and enhances N-glycosidic bond stability
Authors: Wu R. R. , Rodgers M. T.
Published: May 2016

N3 protonation induces base rotation and stabilizes the syn orientation of the adenine nucleobase of [dAdo+H]+ and [Ado+H]+via formation of a strong intramolecular N3H+⋯O5′ hydrogen-bonding interaction, which in turn influences the mechanisms and energetics for N-glycosidic bond cleavage.
Electronic structure and optical properties of graphene/stanene heterobilayer
Authors: Chen Xianping , Meng Ruishen , Jiang Junke , Liang Qiuhua , Yang Qun , Tan Chunjian , Sun Xiang , Zhang Shengli , Ren Tianling
Published: May 2016

Bnd gap opening and enhanced optical performance are observed in the graphene/stanene heterobilayer.
Complexes of carborane acids linked by strong hydrogen bonds: acidity scales
Authors: Grabowski Sławomir J.
Published: May 2016

Scales based on DFT results of calculations and on the topological QTAIM parameters are introduced and discussed to order the species analyzed here by acidity; in particular, carborane acids are analyzed and the theoretical results are compared with experimental results.
Palladium-catalyzed radical cascade difluoroalkylation/cyclization of acrylamide with ethyl difluorobromoacetate
Authors: Xia Xiao-Feng , Zhu Su-Li , Li Yuan , Wang Haijun
Published: May 2016

An efficient Pd(0)-catalyzed radical cascade difluoroalkylation/cyclization of acrylamide with ethyl difluorobromoacetate was described.
DNA stabilized Ag–Au alloy nanoclusters and their application as sensing probes for mercury ions
Authors: Zhang Tianxiang , Xu Hongwei , Xu Shihan , Dong Biao , Wu Zhongyang , Zhang Xinran , Zhang Lihang , Song Hongwei
Published: May 2016

Metal nanoclusters (NCs) have attracted plenty of attention because of their unique properties and great application potentials.
Correction: MoS2/reduced graphene oxide hybrid structure and its tribological properties
Authors: Zhang Mingsuo , Chen Beibei , Yang Jin , Zhang Hongmei , Zhang Qing , Tang Hua , Li Changsheng
Published: May 2016

Correction for ‘MoS2/reduced graphene oxide hybrid structure and its tribological properties’ by Mingsuo Zhang et al., RSC Adv., 2015, 5, 89682–89688.
Correction: BaTiO3–BiYbO3 perovskite materials for energy storage applications
Authors: Shen Zhengbo , Wang Xiaohui , Luo Bingcheng , Li Longtu
Published: May 2016

Correction for ‘BaTiO3–BiYbO3 perovskite materials for energy storage applications’ by Zhengbo Shen et al., J. Mater. Chem. A, 2015, 3, 18146–18153.
A future for the Coorong and Lower Lakes
Authors: C. Paton David , J. Rogers Daniel , Aldridge Kane , Deegan Brian , Brookes Justin
Published: May 2016

The Coorong and Lower Lakes are listed as a Wetland of International Significance under the Ramsar Convention. This wetland system was nominated because of the diversity of wetlands that were supported: fresh, estuarine and hypermarine; and because of the importance of the area to vast numbers of water birds: ducks, swans, pelicans, terns, grebes, and migratory sandpipers and endemic shorebirds (stilts, avocets).
Captive propagation of the endangered native Fijian frog Platymantis vitiana: Implications for ex-situ conservation and management
Authors: Narayan Edward , Christi Ketan , Morley Craig
Published: May 2016

We present research and management implications for captive propagation of the endangered Fijian Ground Frog Platymantis vitiana to develop methods for supplementing populations in the wild. In 2004, a captive propagation program was instituted at Kula Ecopark, Sigatoka, Fiji. However, there was little success with only a single froglet reared after three years. In 2006, a more intensive programme was undertaken between the University of the South Pacific (USP), Kula Ecopark and the community on Viwa Island. The aim of this programme was to create an outdoor enclosure to mimic natural habitat conditions so the frogs could exhibit natural breeding behaviour. A total of 39 froglets was reared after one year of this programme. We provide information on the methods of captive management, reproductive biology, captive diet varieties, and on problems of rearing froglets in captivity. This research is useful baseline information in guiding captive propagation techniques in zoological parks like the Kula Ecopark and for organizations such as the National Trust of Fiji.
Evaluation of plan quality assurance models for prostate cancer patients based on fully automatically generated Pareto-optimal treatment plans
Authors: Wang Yibing , Breedveld Sebastiaan , Heijmen Ben , Petit Steven F
Published: May 2016

IMRT planning with commercial Treatment Planning Systems (TPSs) is a trial-and-error process. Consequently, the quality of treatment plans may not be consistent among patients, planners and institutions. Recently, different plan quality assurance (QA) models have been proposed, that could flag and guide improvement of suboptimal treatment plans. However, the performance of these models was validated using plans that were created using the conventional trail-and-error treatment planning process. Consequently, it is challenging to assess and compare quantitatively the accuracy of different treatment planning QA models. Therefore, we created a golden standard dataset of consistently planned Pareto-optimal IMRT plans for 115 prostate patients. Next, the dataset was used to assess the performance of a treatment planning QA model that uses the overlap volume histogram (OVH).

115 prostate IMRT plans were fully automatically planned using our in-house developed TPS Erasmus-iCycle. An existing OVH model was trained on the plans of 58 of the patients. Next it was applied to predict DVHs of the rectum, bladder and anus of the remaining 57 patients. The predictions were compared with the achieved values of the golden standard plans for the rectum D
mean, V
65, and V
75, and D
mean of the anus and the bladder.

For the rectum, the prediction errors (predicted–achieved) were only  −0.2  ±  0.9 Gy (mean  ±  1 SD) for D
mean,−1.0  ±  1.6% for V
65, and  −0.4  ±  1.1% for V
75. For D
mean of the anus and the bladder, the prediction error was 0.1  ±  1.6 Gy and 4.8  ±  4.1 Gy, respectively. Increasing the training cohort to 114 patients only led to minor improvements.

A dataset of consistently planned Pareto-optimal prostate IMRT plans was generated. This dataset can be used to train new, and validate and compare existing treatment planning QA models, and has been made publicly available. The OVH model was highly accurate in predicting rectum and anus DVHs. For the bladder, larger prediction errors were observed.
Nonlinear stability analysis of Darcy’s flow with viscous heating
Authors: Celli Michele , Alves Leonardo S. de B. , Barletta Antonio
Published: May 2016

The nonlinear stability of a rectangular porous channel saturated by a fluid is here investigated. The aspect ratio of the channel is assumed to be variable. The channel walls are considered impermeable and adiabatic except for the horizontal top which is assumed to be isothermal. The viscous dissipation is acting inside the channel as internal heat generator. A basic throughflow is imposed, and the nonlinear convective stability is investigated by means of the generalized integral transform technique. The neutral stability curve is compared with the one obtained by the linear stability analysis already present in the literature. The growth rate analysis of different unstable modes is performed. The Nusselt number is investigated for several supercritical configurations in order to better understand how the system behaves when conditions far away from neutral stability are considered. The patterns of the neutrally stable convective cells are also reported. Nonlinear simulations support the results obtained by means of the linear stability analysis, confirming that viscous dissipation alone is indeed capable of inducing mixed convection. Low Gebhart or high Péclet numbers lead to a transient overheating of the originally motionless fluid before it settles in its convective steady state.
Identification and quantification of influent factors in perceived quality of the e-service provided by a university
Authors: Menezes Liziane Silva , Sellitto Miguel Afonso , Librelato Tatiane Pereira , Borchardt Miriam , Pereira Giancarlo Medeiros
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to develop a multiple item scale for measuring perceived quality in e-service provided by a university.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors used a two-step methodology: a qualitative part to identify relevant dimensions and indicators in e-service and a numerical survey to assess preferences and evaluations of 252 users, regarding indicators of e-service quality, as well as a global degree of satisfaction with the overall e-service. Multivariate and structural techniques helped extracting guidelines for improving perceived quality.

Findings

– The authors refined a scale by factor analysis, remaining five dimensions and 15 items. The five dimensions are: trust, convenience, responsivity, empathy and personalization. The authors found out that trust, responsivity and empathy, at a 0.01 level, are directly related with the overall satisfaction with e-service.

Research limitations/implications

– Specific results are not generalizable to others universities, but the method can be replicated in others e-service providers. For continuity, the authors recommend multicriterial methods for prioritizing indicators. For confirmatory analysis, the authors suggest a new survey with a larger sample, aggregating new indicators by more qualitative research.

Practical implications

– The method can help universities to evaluate and eventually reformulate their strategies in dealing with e-services users.

Originality/value

– The paper helps clarify how to structure and organize indicators related to e-service perceived quality and how to identify those activities that can help managers to improve it.
Business process management: a maturity assessment of Saudi Arabian organizations
Authors: AlShathry Omar
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– Business Process Management (BPM) has become increasingly common among organizations in different industries. There is very limited research on the application of BPM in the MENA region and particularly in Saudi Arabia. The purpose of this paper is to provide empirical maturity assessment for selected Saudi Arabian organizations from broad range of industries. Findings showed that there is notable variability of BPM perception within the functional groups of the sample organizations. Organizations with holistic business strategy and resilient change management procedures showed more adherence to BPM practices than those with functionally driven or ad-hoc BPM initiatives.

Design/methodology/approach

– In this empirical study, structured interviews were undertaken with selected business functions owners from ten Saudi organizations. All selected organizations resides in the city of Riyadh with most of them having local and regional branches. The selection of the organization followed non-probability sampling technique whereby the selected organizations were those seemed easy to access and showed willingness to participate in the research. The sample organizations included different types of businesses in different industries. Even though the purpose of the study is not applicable to a particular industry type or sector, variety of business domains and variability in organizations size were considered in the selection process. Table 1 shows an overview of the organization business sector.

Findings

– This research investigates the current status of BPM implementation among Saudi Arabian organizations. Although there is positive favour towards BPM concepts among Saudi organizations, it seems that the practical understanding of BPM is yet to be matured. One of the noticed findings from the survey is the apparent sharp disjoint between information technology (IT) and business strategy. This segregation, from a BPM perspective, created two variants of BPM understanding; a business variant related to designing and managing business operations, and the IT one which focusses on configuring and installing BPM systems. There is a lack of a holistic view of business processes and its associated activities within an organization. Most surveyed organizations have either no clear business strategy or it is too complicated the thing that make it difficult to integrate it with BPM initiatives. Some organizations have no defined process owners for their main core business processes neither there are measurable goals for their performance. Their main BPM endeavour is mainly focused on the process activities rather than the process output and performance.

Originality/value

– This is the first research paper that provides empirical research on the status of BPM in the MENA region and particularly in Saudi Arabia.