bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Moderate Prenatal Alcohol Exposure on Problem Behaviors in Preschool and School Children
Authors: Pfinder Manuela , Liebig Stefan , Feldmann Reinhold
Published: April 2014

Data on the relation between moderate prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) and behavioral disorders are inconsistent, and this raises new questions. We examined (1) the association between moderate PAE and problem behaviors and (2) whether these associations differed by levels of socioeconomic status (SES), fetal smoke exposure, or exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS). Data were taken from the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Children and Adolescents (KiGGS) study. Parents evaluated children’s behaviors using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Results showed a slight, but insignificant, increase of problem behaviors in children with moderate PAE. In 3- to 6-year-olds, PAE had a stronger effect on hyperactivity/inattention in combination with fetal smoke exposure (odds ratio = 2.82), than did PAE alone. Effects were not stronger in low-SES children, but they were stronger in children with ETS. We conclude that moderate PAE might have adverse effects on neurodevelopment, with stronger effects in disadvantaged populations. To confirm our preliminary findings, further research should be conducted.
D-Glucosamine supplementation extends life span of nematodes and of ageing mice
Authors: Weimer Sandra , Priebs Josephine , Kuhlow Doreen , Groth Marco , Priebe Steffen , Mansfeld Johannes , Merry Troy L. , Dubuis Sébastien , Laube Beate , Pfeiffer Andreas F. , Schulz Tim J. , Guthke Reinhard , Platzer Matthias , Zamboni Nicola , Zarse Kim , Ristow Michael
Published: April 2014

D-Glucosamine (GlcN) is a freely available and commonly used dietary supplement potentially promoting cartilage health in humans, which also acts as an inhibitor of glycolysis. Here we show that GlcN, independent of the hexosamine pathway, extendsCaenorhabditis eleganslife span by impairing glucose metabolism that activates AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK/AAK-2) and increases mitochondrial biogenesis. Consistent with the concept of mitohormesis, GlcN promotes increased formation of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) culminating in increased expression of the nematodalamino acid-transporter 1(aat-1) gene. Ameliorating mitochondrial ROS formation or impairment ofaat-1-expression abolishes GlcN-mediated life span extension in an NRF2/SKN-1-dependent fashion. Unlike other calorie restriction mimetics, such as 2-deoxyglucose, GlcN extends life span of ageing C57BL/6 mice, which show an induction of mitochondrial biogenesis, lowered blood glucose levels, enhanced expression of several murine amino-acid transporters, as well as increased amino-acid catabolism. Taken together, we provide evidence that GlcN extends life span in evolutionary distinct species by mimicking a low-carbohydrate diet.
Precursor film: a key driver to determine wetting behavior in the vicinity of surface heterogeneity
Authors: Sah Amit
Published: April 2014

Multiple water meniscus curvatures in the vicinity of a heterogeneous boundary.
The detection of thrombin using a mixture of a fluorescent conjugated polyelectrolyte and fibrinogen and implementation of a logic gate
Authors: Kim Daigeun , Lee Taek Seung
Published: April 2014

A highly sensitive and selective detection of thrombin is accomplished using an emission color-tunable conjugated polyelectrolyte. An implementation of a combined logic gate was realized upon emission modulation of the system including the polymer, fibrinogen, thrombin, and heparin.
Charge carrier mobility in organic molecular materials probed by electromagnetic waves
Authors: Seki Shu , Saeki Akinori , Sakurai Tsuneaki , Sakamaki Daisuke
Published: April 2014

This perspective highlights evaluation techniques of charge carrier mobility in organic molecular materials, including the recent progress of noncontact microwave-based methods.
Thermochemical CO2 splitting via redox cycling of ceria reticulated foam structures with dual-scale porosities
Authors: Furler Philipp , Scheffe Jonathan , Marxer Daniel , Gorbar Michal , Bonk Alexander , Vogt Ulrich , Steinfeld Aldo
Published: April 2014

Efficient radiation heat transfer and rapid chemical kinetics for solar thermochemical CO2 splitting utilizing dual-scale ceria foam structures.
Charge transfer processes: the role of optimized molecular orbitals
Authors: Meyer Benjamin , Domingo Alex , Krah Tim , Robert Vincent
Published: April 2014

The influence of the molecular orbitals on charge transfer (CT) reactions is analyzed through wave function-based calculations.
Ligand influences on homoleptic Group 12 m-terphenyl complexes
Authors: Blundell Toby J. , Hastings Fiona R. , Gridley Benjamin M. , Moxey Graeme J. , Lewis William , Blake Alexander J. , Kays Deborah L.
Published: April 2014

The analysis of three series of two-coordinate Group 12 bis-terphenyl complexes highlights how subtle changes to ligand properties, particularly sterics, and, to a smaller extent, electronics have a large effect on the solid state structures adopted.
Reduction of C,N-chelated chloroborane: straightforward formation of the unprecedented 1H-2,1-benzazaborolyl potassium salt
Authors: Hejda Martin , Jambor Roman , Růžička Aleš , Lyčka Antonín , Dostál Libor
Published: April 2014

The BN analogue of the indenyl anion has been prepared by unusual two step reduction of C,N-chelated chloroborane.
Diagnostic morphology: biophysical indicators for iron-driven inflammatory diseases
Authors: Pretorius Etheresia , Kell Douglas B.
Published: April 2014

Most non-communicable diseases involve inflammatory changes in one or more vascular systems, and there is considerable evidence that unliganded iron plays major roles in this.
Precise measurement of chromium isotopes by MC-ICPMS
Authors: Schiller Martin , Van Kooten Elishevah , Holst Jesper C. , Olsen Mia B. , Bizzarro Martin
Published: April 2014

We report novel analytical procedures allowing for the concurrent determination of the stable and mass-independent Cr isotopic composition of silicate materials by multiple collector inductively coupled mass spectrometry (MC-ICPMS).
Magnetic microreactors for efficient and reliable magnetic nanoparticle surface functionalization
Authors: Digigow R. G. , Dechézelles J.-F. , Kaufmann J. , Vanhecke D. , Knapp H. , Lattuada M. , Rothen-Rutishauser B. , Petri-Fink A.
Published: April 2014

We report the development of a magnetic microreactor for reliable, fast and efficient surface functionalization of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles.
Enhancement of whole cell dioxygenase biotransformations of haloarenes by toxic ionic liquids
Authors: Allen C. C. R. , Boudet C. J. , Hardacre C. , Migaud M. E.
Published: April 2014

Enhancement of whole-cell dioxygenase biotransformations using hydrophobic ILs as substrate reservoirs and hydrophilic ILs as inhibitors of cellular respiration processes.
Interaction of single-stranded DNA with graphene oxide: fluorescence study and its application for S1 nuclease detection
Authors: He Yue , Jiao Bining , Tang Hongwu
Published: April 2014

The mechanism for short ssDNA having weaker affinity to graphene oxide than long ssDNA was systematically investigated.
β-Cyclodextrin polyrotaxane monoaldehyde: a novel bio-crosslinker with high biocompatibility
Authors: Liu Sa , Cai Jie , Ren Li , Wang Lin , Wang Yingjun
Published: April 2014

We synthesized CD-capped polyrotaxanes monoaldehydes with appropriate weights which was used as bio-crosslinker with better crosslinking efficiency and lower cytotoxicity.
Tuning the electronic environment of cations and anions using ionic liquid mixtures
Authors: Villar-Garcia Ignacio J. , Lovelock Kevin R. J. , Men Shuang , Licence Peter
Published: April 2014

Ionic liquid mixtures can be used to tune the electronic environment of the ions and hence, their interactions with catalysts.
Enhanced visible light photocatalytic activity of bismuth oxybromide lamellas with decreasing lamella thicknesses
Authors: Li Haiping , Liu Jingyi , Liang Xuefeng , Hou Wanguo , Tao Xutang
Published: April 2014

Photocatalytic activity of BiOBr samples is enhanced by more than four times by adjusting the reaction pH.
Layered transition metal dichalcogenides for electrochemical energy generation and storage
Authors: Pumera Martin , Sofer Zdeněk , Ambrosi Adriano
Published: April 2014

Layered transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) (MoS2, MoSe2, WS2, WSe2, etc.) are a chemically diverse class of compounds having remarkable electrochemical properties.
Direct observation of structural changes near and at the charge-ordering temperature of ilvaite using high-flux neutron powder diffraction
Authors: Williams E. R. , Weller M. T.
Published: April 2014

Neutron powder diffraction allows the rapid determination of the charge redistribution and structural rearrangements as, and after, a material undergoes long range charge-ordering.
A composite of a graphene oxide derivative as a novel sensing layer in an organic field-effect transistor
Authors: Kim Yebyeol , An Tae Kyu , Kim Jiye , Hwang Jihun , Park Seonuk , Nam Sooji , Cha Hyojung , Park Won Jeong , Baik Jeong Min , Park Chan Eon
Published: April 2014

The receptor material (OA-GO)/polymeric semiconductor (F8T2) structure is newly introduced to active layer of OFET gas sensors and demonstrated to have better sensing ability than a comparable device with a polymer-only active layer.
A deletion in chromosome 6q is associated with human abdominal aortic aneurysm
Authors: Biros Erik , Moran Corey S. , Walker Philip J. , Cardinal John , Golledge Jonathan
Published: April 2014

Current efforts to identify the genetic contribution to abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) have mainly focused on the assessment of germ-line variants such as single-nucleotide polymorphisms. The aim of the present study was to assess the presence of acquired chromosomal aberrations in human AAA. Microarray data of ten biopsies obtained from the site of main AAA dilatation (AAA body) and three control biopsies obtained from the macroscopically non-dilated neck of the AAA (AAA neck) were initially compared with identified chromosomal aneuploidies using the Chromosomal Aberration Region Miner (ChARM) software. A commonly deleted segment of chromosome bands 6 (q22.1-23.2) was predicted within AAA biopsies. This finding was confirmed by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR)-based DNA copy number assessments of an independent set of six AAA body and neck biopsies which identified a fold copy number change (∆KCt) of −1±0.35, suggesting the loss of one copy of the long interspersed nucleotide element type 1 (LINE-1) mapped to chromosome 6 (q22.1-23.2). The median relative genomic content of LINE-1 DNA was also reduced in AAA body compared with AAA neck biopsies (1.540 compared with 3.159; P=0.031). A gene important for vascular homoeostasis mapped to 6q23.1, connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), was assessed and found to be significantly down-regulated within AAA bodies compared with AAA necks (0.261 compared with 0.627; P=0.031), as determined by reverse transcription qPCR using total RNA as a template. Histology demonstrated marked staining for macrophages within AAA body biopsies. We found in vitro that the median relative genomic content of LINE-1 DNA in aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (AoSMCs) exposed to pro-inflammatory medium was ~1.5 times greater than that measured in control AoSMCs exposed to non-conditioned medium (3.044 compared with 2.040; P=0.015). Our findings suggest that acquired chromosomal aberrations associated with retrotransposon propagation may predispose to sporadic AAA.
Fault‐tolerant output synchronisation control of multi‐vehicle systems
Authors: Chen Gang , Song Yongduan
Published: April 2014

This study presents a fault‐tolerant output synchronisation control approach for a class of non‐linear multi‐vehicle systems. Firstly, adaptive fault diagnosis observers are designed for vehicle systems by utilising local measurements. Adaptive thresholds for distributed fault‐detection of each vehicle system are derived. Then an adaptive fault estimation algorithm is proposed. Using the online obtained fault information, an adaptive fault‐tolerant control protocol is designed to ensure the output synchronisation of the networked vehicle systems. It is proved that the proposed active fault‐tolerant control protocol is capable of maintaining the output synchronisation performance of the multi‐vehicle systems, at an acceptable level, in the presence of faults. Finally, simulation results are presented to show the effectiveness of the proposed algorithms.
Changes in peat chemistry associated with permafrost thaw increase greenhouse gas production
Authors: Hodgkins Suzanne B. , Tfaily Malak M. , McCalley Carmody K. , Logan Tyler A. , Crill Patrick M. , Saleska Scott R. , Rich Virginia I. , Chanton Jeffrey P.
Published: April 2014

Significance

We address the effect of thawing permafrost, and attendant subsidence-induced shifts in hydrology and plant community structure, on CH4and CO2production potentials and mechanisms driven by changes in organic matter chemical composition in a thawing peatland complex. Advanced analytical characterization of peat and dissolved organic matter along the thaw progression indicated increasingly reduced organic matter experiencing greater humification rates, which were associated with higher relative CH4and CO2production potentials, increasing relative CH4/CO2production ratios, and shifts from hydrogenotrophic to acetoclastic methanogenesis. The effects of this increase in organic matter reactivity with permafrost thaw could intensify the increases in CH4and CO2release already predicted due to increasing temperatures, permafrost carbon mobilization, and waterlogging-induced changes in redox conditions.
Simultaneous selection by object-based attention in visual and frontal cortex
Authors: Pooresmaeili Arezoo , Poort Jasper , Roelfsema Pieter R.
Published: April 2014

Significance

Visual attention allows us to focus on information that is relevant to our goals and to discard irrelevant information. The brain mechanisms that steer attention are only partially understood, but previous research suggested that the frontal cortex controls activity in the visual cortex. We here demonstrate that attentional signals in visual and frontal cortex of the macaque monkey emerge at the same time in a curve-tracing task, suggesting a more active participation of visual cortex. If attentional signals in visual cortex were weak, frontal cortex took the lead, but errors were likely. In these error trials, frontal cortex imposed its decision on visual cortex. Our results reveal how visual and frontal cortex interact to control attention.
Evidence for a causal inverse model in an avian cortico-basal ganglia circuit
Authors: Giret Nicolas , Kornfeld Joergen , Ganguli Surya , Hahnloser Richard H. R.
Published: April 2014

Significance

Auditory neural responses mirror motor activity in a songbird cortical area. The average temporal offset of mirrored responses is roughly equal to short sensorimotor loop delays. This correspondence between mirroring offsets and loop delays constitutes evidence for a causal inverse model. Causal inverse models can map a desired sensation into the required action.
Genetic variation associated with euphorigenic effects of
d
-amphetamine is associated with diminished risk for schizophrenia and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Hart Amy B. , Gamazon Eric R. , Engelhardt Barbara E. , Sklar Pamela , Kähler Anna K. , Hultman Christina M. , Sullivan Patrick F. , Neale Benjamin M. , Faraone Stephen V. ,   Psychiatric Genomics Consortium: ADHD Subgroup, de Wit Harriet , Cox Nancy J. , Palmer Abraham A. , Anney Richard , Asherson Philip , Banaschewski Tobias , Bayés Mònica , Biederman Joseph , Buitelaar Jan K. , Casas Miquel , Cormand Bru , Crosbie Jennifer , Doyle Alysa E. , Elia Josephine , Faraone Stephen V. , Franke Barbara , Kent Lindsey , Kuntsi Jonna , Lesch Klaus-Peter , Loo Sandra K. , McGough James J. , Medland Sarah E. , Neale Benjamin , Nelson Stan F. , Oades Robert D. , Ramos-Quiroga Josep Antoni , Reif Andreas , Ribasés Marta , Rothenberger Aribert , Schachar Russell , Smalley Susan L. , Sonuga-Barke Edmund , Steinhausen Hans-Christoph , Thapar Anita , Williams Nigel
Published: April 2014

Significance

We show that the genetic susceptibility to the euphoric effects of
d
-amphetamine also influences the genetic predisposition to schizophrenia and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). These results reinforce the idea that dopamine plays a role in schizophrenia and ADHD; this so-called dopamine hypothesis has been debated for several decades. Specifically, we found that the alleles associated with increased euphoric response to
d
-amphetamine were associated with decreased risk for schizophrenia and ADHD. These results illustrate how an acute challenge with a pharmacological agent can reveal a genetic predisposition that will manifest itself as psychiatric illness over the lifetime of an individual. Finally, our study offers a relatively novel paradigm for the analysis of endophenotypes for which large sample sizes are not typically available.
Superwetting of TiO
2
by light-induced water-layer growth via delocalized surface electrons
Authors: Lee Kunyoung , Kim QHwan , An Sangmin , An JeongHoon , Kim Jongwoo , Kim Bongsu , Jhe Wonho
Published: April 2014

Significance

TiO
2
, which is chemically stable, harmless, and inexpensive, has been widely used for industrial applications. Recently, TiO
2
-coated materials, exhibiting superwetting under sunlight, have been developed for environmental solutions. However, the mechanism responsible for superwetting of TiO
2
is still in controversy despite many studies. We clarified its origin by performing tip-based in situ measurements of the growth dynamics of the photo-adsorbed water layers, as associated with delocalized surface electrons. Combined with molecular dynamics simulations, we provided conclusive clues that the “water wets water” process promotes water adsorption on the water layers, producing superwetting.
Nitrogen isotopes in ice core nitrate linked to anthropogenic atmospheric acidity change
Authors: Geng Lei , Alexander Becky , Cole-Dai Jihong , Steig Eric J. , Savarino Joël , Sofen Eric D. , Schauer Andrew J.
Published: April 2014

Significance

The specific cause of the long-term decrease in stable nitrogen isotope ratio (
15
N/
14
N) of ice core nitrate beginning ∼1850 is a subject of debate, hindering the efforts to understand changes in the global nitrogen cycle. Our high-resolution record of ice core
15
N/
14
N combined with model calculations suggests that the decrease is mainly caused by equilibrium shift in gas−particle partitioning of atmospheric nitrate due to increasing atmospheric acidity resulting from anthropogenic emissions of nitrogen and sulfur oxides. Our high-resolution record also reveals a leveling off of
15
N/
14
N ∼1970, synchronous with changes in acidity and sulfate and nitrate concentrations. This leveling off suggests a measurable reduction in air pollution following the implementation of the US Clean Air Act of 1970.
Far transfer to language and math of a short software-based gaming intervention
Authors: Goldin Andrea Paula , Hermida María Julia , Shalom Diego E. , Elias Costa Martín , Lopez-Rosenfeld Matías , Segretin María Soledad , Fernández-Slezak Diego , Lipina Sebastián J. , Sigman Mariano
Published: April 2014

Significance

Executive functions (EF) imply processes critical for purposeful, goal-directed behavior. In children, evidence derived from laboratory measures indicates that training can improve EF. However, this hypothesis has never been explicitly examined based on real-world measures, especially of educational achievement. Here, we investigate whether a set of computerized games might yield transfer on low-socioeconomic status otherwise typically developing 6-y-olds in an intervention deployed at their own school. The games elicit transfer of some EF, which cascades to real-world measures of school performance. More importantly, the intervention equalizes academic outcomes across children who regularly attend school and those who do not because of social and familiar circumstances.
Drinking alcohol has sex-dependent effects on pair bond formation in prairie voles
Authors: Anacker Allison M. J. , Ahern Todd H. , Hostetler Caroline M. , Dufour Brett D. , Smith Monique L. , Cocking Davelle L. , Li Ju , Young Larry J. , Loftis Jennifer M. , Ryabinin Andrey E.
Published: April 2014

Significance

This study provides the first evidence to our knowledge that the effects of alcohol on social bonding can be mediated by biological mechanisms. The observed effects differed between males and females, such that alcohol inhibited social bonding in males and facilitated the partner preference in females. In addition to affecting behavior, alcohol affected neuropeptide systems known to be involved in social and stress/anxiety-like behaviors. These findings allow us to understand the factors involved in regulation of social behaviors, and effects of alcohol on them, better. Identification of these factors can help develop ways to prevent or treat the devastating effects of alcohol abuse on social relationships.
CG hypomethylation in
Lsh

−/−

mouse embryonic fibroblasts is associated with de novo H3K4me1 formation and altered cellular plasticity
Authors: Yu Weishi , Briones Victorino , Lister Ryan , McIntosh Carl , Han Yixing , Lee Eunice Y. , Ren Jianke , Terashima Minoru , Leighty Robert M. , Ecker Joseph R. , Muegge Kathrin
Published: April 2014

Significance

Cytosine methylation is an epigenetic mark dynamically regulated during embryogenesis and associated with the establishment of tissue specific enhancers. Despite the close relationship, whether CG hypomethylation can influence enhancer formation and cellular identity remains unclear. Using a DNA methylation mutant mouse model, the Lsh
−/−
mice with approximately 50% site-specific reduction of CG methylation, we provide evidence for a link between CG hypomethylation and poised enhancers that can acquire functional activity and regulate lineage commitment. Our data suggests a pathway of how alterations in the methylome can influence cellular differentiation.
Sugar demand, not auxin, is the initial regulator of apical dominance
Authors: Mason Michael G. , Ross John J. , Babst Benjamin A. , Wienclaw Brittany N. , Beveridge Christine A.
Published: April 2014

Significance

It is commonly accepted that the plant hormone auxin mediates apical dominance. However, we have discovered that apical dominance strongly correlates with sugar availability and not apically supplied auxin. We have revealed that apical dominance is predominantly controlled by the shoot tip’s intense demand for sugars, which limits sugar availability to the axillary buds. These findings overturn a long-standing hypothesis on apical dominance and encourage us to reevaluate the relationship between hormones and sugars in this and other aspects of plant development.
Massive programmed translational jumping in mitochondria
Authors: Lang B. Franz , Jakubkova Michaela , Hegedusova Eva , Daoud Rachid , Forget Lise , Brejova Brona , Vinar Tomas , Kosa Peter , Fricova Dominika , Nebohacova Martina , Griac Peter , Tomaska Lubomir , Burger Gertraud , Nosek Jozef
Published: April 2014

Significance

During translation, ribosomes decode mRNAs in a sequential fashion. In this paper, we report the discovery of more than 80 translational bypassing elements (byps) 27–55 nt long in mitochondrial protein-coding regions of the yeast
Magnusiomyces capitatus.
We demonstrate experimentally that byps are retained in mRNA but not translated into protein. Byps somewhat resemble the single bypass element in bacteriophage T4 but also display unique features. We further discovered byp-like sequences in other yeast species, indicating that these inserts are mobile genetic elements. In contrast to byps, byp-like sequences are not bypassed during translation. When inserted in variable protein regions, they have the potential to drive the evolutionary diversification of protein structure and function.
Continuity of mammalian fauna over the last 200,000 y in the Indian subcontinent
Authors: Roberts Patrick , Delson Eric , Miracle Preston , Ditchfield Peter , Roberts Richard G. , Jacobs Zenobia , Blinkhorn James , Ciochon Russell L. , Fleagle John G. , Frost Stephen R. , Gilbert Christopher C. , Gunnell Gregg F. , Harrison Terry , Korisettar Ravi , Petraglia Michael D.
Published: April 2014

Significance

Mammalian extinction during the past several hundred thousand years has been a major focus for evolutionary biologists, geologists, and archaeologists, often being linked to climate change and human overhunting. Until relatively recently, study has been largely restricted to the Americas, Europe, and Australasia. We present the oldest well-dated sequence of mammalian faunas for the Indian subcontinent, demonstrating continuity of 20 of 21 identified mammals from at least 100,000 y ago to the present. We suggest that, although local extirpations occurred, the majority of taxa survived or adapted to substantial ecological pressures in fragmented habitats. These results complement data from Africa and elsewhere that demonstrate the necessity of a nuanced ecological understanding of such extinctions in different areas of the world.
Candida albicans
SOD5 represents the prototype of an unprecedented class of Cu-only superoxide dismutases required for pathogen defense
Authors: Gleason Julie E. , Galaleldeen Ahmad , Peterson Ryan L. , Taylor Alexander B. , Holloway Stephen P. , Waninger-Saroni Jessica , Cormack Brendan P. , Cabelli Diane E. , Hart P. John , Culotta Valeria Cizewski
Published: April 2014

Significance

Candida albicans
is the most prevalent human fungal pathogen. To combat the host immune response,
C. albicans
expresses superoxide dismutase 5 (SOD5), a cell wall protein related to Cu/Zn SODs. We find that SOD5 structure markedly deviates from Cu/Zn SOD molecules. It is a monomeric copper-only SOD that lacks a zinc site and electrostatic loop. In spite of these anomalies, SOD5 disproportionates superoxide at remarkably rapid rates. When expressed in
C. albicans
, SOD5 can accumulate outside the cell in an inactive form that can subsequently be charged for activity by extracellular copper. SOD5-like molecules are present in many fungal pathogens and appear to be specialized for the metal and oxidative challenges presented by the host immune system.
Host adaptation to viruses relies on few genes with different cross-resistance properties
Authors: Martins Nelson E. , Faria Vítor G. , Nolte Viola , Schlötterer Christian , Teixeira Luis , Sucena Élio , Magalhães Sara
Published: April 2014

Significance

Despite ample knowledge of the genetics and physiology of host responses to parasites, little is known about the genetic basis of host adaptation to parasites. Moreover, adaptation to one parasite is likely to impact the outcome of different infections. Yet these correlated responses, seminal to the understanding of host evolution in multiparasite environments, remain poorly studied. We determined the genetic and phenotypic changes underlying adaptation upon experimental evolution of a
Drosophila melanogaster
population under viral infection [
Drosophila
C virus (DCV)]. After 20 generations, selected flies showed increased survival upon infection with DCV and two other viruses. Using whole-genome sequencing and through RNAi, we identified and functionally validated three genes underlying the adaptive process and revealed their differential roles in the correlated responses observed.
SUMOylation regulates telomere length by targeting the shelterin subunit Tpz1
Tpp1
to modulate shelterin–Stn1 interaction in fission yeast
Authors: Miyagawa Keisuke , Low Ross S. , Santosa Venny , Tsuji Hiroki , Moser Bettina A. , Fujisawa Shiho , Harland Jennifer L. , Raguimova Olga N. , Go Andrew , Ueno Masaru , Matsuyama Akihisa , Yoshida Minoru , Nakamura Toru M. , Tanaka Katsunori
Published: April 2014

Significance

Telomeres protect DNA ends of linear eukaryotic chromosomes from degradation and fusion through the recruitment of telomerase. We previously found that SUMOylation negatively regulates telomere extension; however, how SUMOylation limits telomere extension has remained unknown until now. Here we provide major mechanistic insights into how the SUMOylation pathway collaborates with shelterin and Stn1-Ten1 complexes to regulate telomere length. We establish that SUMOylation of the shelterin subunit TPP1 homolog in
Schizosaccharomyces pombe
(Tpz1) prevents telomerase accumulation at telomeres by promoting recruitment of Stn1-Ten1 to telomeres in S-phase. Thus, our findings establish that Tpz1 not only contributes to telomerase recruitment via its interaction with Ccq1-Est1, but also contributes to the negative regulation of telomerase via its SUMOylation-mediated interaction with Stn1-Ten1.
Cholinergic neurotransmission links solitary chemosensory cells to nasal inflammation
Authors: Saunders Cecil J. , Christensen Michael , Finger Thomas E. , Tizzano Marco
Published: April 2014

Significance

Millions of people worldwide suffer from chronic nasal inflammation involving obstructed airflow and nasal discharge. Although nasal inflammation is often considered to be a reaction to allergens, approximately one-quarter of all cases are nonallergic rhinitis. The causes of this disease are unknown, but symptoms may be triggered or exacerbated by a variety of inhaled irritants or even seemingly innocuous odors. We report here that specialized chemosensory cells of the nasal epithelium of mice detect potential irritants and transmit this information to pain-sensing nerve terminals, which then release bioactive peptides to trigger an inflammatory response—all without the necessity for activity of the adaptive immune system. This previously unidentified pathway may offer therapeutic targets for intervention in nonallergic rhinitis.
Social disadvantage, genetic sensitivity, and children’s telomere length
Authors: Mitchell Colter , Hobcraft John , McLanahan Sara S. , Siegel Susan Rutherford , Berg Arthur , Brooks-Gunn Jeanne , Garfinkel Irwin , Notterman Daniel
Published: April 2014

Significance

This paper makes two contributions to research on the link between the social environment and health. Using data from a birth cohort study, we show that, among African American boys, those who grow up in highly disadvantaged environments have shorter telomeres (at age 9) than boys who grow up in highly advantaged environments. We also find that the association between the social environment and telomere length (TL) is moderated by genetic variation within the serotonin and dopamine pathways. Boys with the highest genetic sensitivity scores had the shortest TL when exposed to disadvantaged environments and the longest TL when exposed to advantaged environments. To our knowledge, this report is the first to document a gene–social environment interaction for TL, a biomarker of stress exposure.
Mpl expression on megakaryocytes and platelets is dispensable for thrombopoiesis but essential to prevent myeloproliferation
Authors: Ng Ashley P. , Kauppi Maria , Metcalf Donald , Hyland Craig D. , Josefsson Emma C. , Lebois Marion , Zhang Jian-Guo , Baldwin Tracey M. , Di Rago Ladina , Hilton Douglas J. , Alexander Warren S.
Published: April 2014

Significance

Blood platelets, the small circulating cells that coordinate hemostasis, are produced by specialized bone marrow cells called megakaryocytes. The cytokine thrombopoietin (TPO) is a key regulator of platelet production acting via its specific cell receptor, Mpl. Via genetic modification of the
Mpl
allele in mice, we precisely define the bone marrow cells that express Mpl and, by genetically removing Mpl from megakaryocytes and platelets, we show TPO signaling via Mpl is not required in megakaryocytes for their expansion, maturation, or platelet production. Rather, Mpl expression on megakaryocytes is essential for regulating TPO availability in the bone marrow microenvironment to prevent myeloproliferation, a model we suggest is important for human disease.
Current issues in LPP research and their impact on society
Authors: Darquennes Jeroen
Published: April 2014

After a very broad description of what language policy and planning is about this paper presents an overview of some of the current preoccupations of researchers focusing on language policy and planning as one of the blooming fields of applied linguistics. The current issues in language policy and planning research that are dealt with include ‘the history of the field’, ‘language practices in different domains of society’, ‘ideas and beliefs about language’, and ‘the practical side of language policy and planning’. The brief sketch of current issues in language policy and planning research is meant to serve as the background for a preliminary discussion of the impact of language policy and planning research on society. That discussion takes the different ‘roles’ of academics working at university departments and doing research on language policy and planning as a starting point.
Many roads lead to Rome – Developmental paths to Olympic gold in men's field hockey
Authors: Güllich Arne
Published: April 2014

This study examined the developmental sporting activities of the Olympic Champions 2012 in men's field hockey. The volume of organised practice/training and non‐organised sporting leisure play in both field hockey and other sports through childhood, adolescence and adulthood was examined and compared between the Olympic Champions and (1) current national class players and (2) international medallists of one decade earlier. Analyses revealed that the Olympic Champions performed moderate volumes of organised field hockey practice/training throughout their career and attained their first international senior medal after accumulating 4393 ± 1389 practice/training hours, but they engaged in extensive other sporting activities during childhood and youth. It took them 18 ± 3 years of involvement to attain an international medal and they had engaged for 22 ± 3 years when winning the Olympic gold medal. The Olympic Champions did not differ from national class players in the amount of hockey‐specific practice/training, but in greater amounts of organised involvement in other sports and later specialisation. They differed from the international medallists of one decade earlier in less increase of organised hockey‐specific practice/training during adulthood and a longer period of involvement until attaining their first international medal. The sporting activities were characterised by sizeable interindividual variation within each subsample. The findings are reflected against the deliberate practice and Developmental Model of Sports Participation (DMSP) frameworks and are discussed with reference to the concept of long‐term sustainability.
The effects of maximal and submaximal arm crank ergometry and cycle ergometry on postural sway
Authors: Hill Mathew W. , Goss‐Sampson Mark , Duncan Michael J. , Price Michael J.
Published: April 2014

This study aimed to determine whether arm crank ergometry (ACE) disturbed postural sway to the same extent as cycle ergometry (CE). Nine healthy, none specifically trained adults undertook posturographic tests before and after five separate exercise trials consisting of: two incremental exercise tests to exhaustion for ACE and CE to examine postural sway responses to maximal exercise and to determine peak power output (Wmax); two subsequent tests of 30 min duration for ACE and CE at a relative workload corresponding to 50% of the ergometer‐specific Wmax (ACErel; 53 ± 8 W and CErel; 109 ± 16 W). A final CE trial was performed at the same absolute power output (CEabs) as the submaximal ACE trial to match absolute exercise intensity (i.e., 53 ± 8 W). The centre of pressure (COP) displacement was recorded using a force platform before, immediately after exercise and during a 30‐min recovery period. ACE had no effects on postural sway (P > 0.05). An increase in mediolateral COP displacement was observed following maximal CE only (P = 0.001), while anteroposterior COP displacement and COP path length increased following maximal and submaximal CE (P < 0.05). These differences in postural sway according to exercise mode likely stem from the activity of postural muscles when considering that CE recruits lower limb muscles involved in balance. This study provides evidence of an exercise mode which does not elicit post‐exercise balance impairments, therefore possesses applications to those at an increased risk of falling.
Pupillary Dynamics Reveal Computational Cost in Sentence Planning
Authors: Sevilla Yamila , Maldonado Mora , Shalóm Diego E.
Published: April 2014

This study investigated the computational cost associated with grammatical planning in sentence production. We measured people's pupillary responses as they produced spoken descriptions of depicted events. We manipulated the syntactic structure of the target by training subjects to use different types of sentences following a colour cue. The results showed higher increase in pupil size for the production of passive and object dislocated sentences than for active canonical subject–verb–object sentences, indicating that more cognitive effort is associated with more complex noncanonical thematic order. We also manipulated the time at which the cue that triggered structure-building processes was presented. Differential increase in pupil diameter for more complex sentences was shown to rise earlier as the colour cue was presented earlier, suggesting that the observed pupillary changes are due to differential demands in relatively independent structure-building processes during grammatical planning. Task-evoked pupillary responses provide a reliable measure to study the cognitive processes involved in sentence production.
Substrate-gated docking of pore subunit Tha4 in the TatC cavity initiates Tat translocase assembly
Authors: Aldridge Cassie , Ma Xianyue , Gerard Fabien , Cline Kenneth
Published: April 2014

The twin-arginine translocase (Tat) transports folded proteins across tightly sealed membranes. cpTatC is the core component of the thylakoid translocase and coordinates transport through interactions with the substrate signal peptide and other Tat components, notably the Tha4 pore-forming component. Here, Cys–Cys matching mapped Tha4 contact sites on cpTatC and assessed the role of signal peptide binding on Tha4 assembly with the cpTatC–Hcf106 receptor complex. Tha4 made contact with a peripheral cpTatC site in nonstimulated membranes. In the translocase, Tha4 made an additional contact within the cup-shaped cavity of cpTatC that likely seeds Tha4 polymerization to form the pore. Substrate binding triggers assembly of Tha4 onto the interior site. We provide evidence that the substrate signal peptide inserts between cpTatC subunits arranged in a manner that conceivably forms an enclosed chamber. The location of the inserted signal peptide and the Tha4–cpTatC contact data suggest a model for signal peptide–gated Tha4 entry into the chamber to form the translocase.
A novel probe for phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate reveals multiple pools beyond the Golgi
Authors: Hammond Gerald R.V. , Machner Matthias P. , Balla Tamas
Published: April 2014

Polyphosphoinositides are an important class of lipid that recruit specific effector proteins to organelle membranes. One member, phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate (PtdIns4P) has been localized to Golgi membranes based on the distribution of lipid binding modules from PtdIns4P effector proteins. However, these probes may be biased by additional interactions with other Golgi-specific determinants. In this paper, we derive a new PtdIns4P biosensor using the PtdIns4P binding of SidM (P4M) domain of the secreted effector protein SidM from the bacterial pathogen Legionella pneumophila. PtdIns4P was necessary and sufficient for localization of P4M, which revealed pools of the lipid associated not only with the Golgi but also with the plasma membrane and Rab7-positive late endosomes/lysosomes. PtdIns4P distribution was determined by the localization and activities of both its anabolic and catabolic enzymes. Therefore, P4M reports a wider cellular distribution of PtdIns4P than previous probes and therefore will be valuable for dissecting the biological functions of PtdIns4P in its assorted membrane compartments.
Distinct, strict requirements for Gfi-1b in adult bone marrow red cell and platelet generation
Authors: Foudi Adlen , Kramer Daniel J. , Qin Jinzhong , Ye Denise , Behlich Anna-Sophie , Mordecai Scott , Preffer Frederic I. , Amzallag Arnaud , Ramaswamy Sridhar , Hochedlinger Konrad , Orkin Stuart H. , Hock Hanno
Published: April 2014

The zinc finger transcriptional repressor Gfi-1b is essential for erythroid and megakaryocytic development in the embryo. Its roles in the maintenance of bone marrow erythropoiesis and thrombopoiesis have not been defined. We investigated Gfi-1b’s adult functions using a loxP-flanked Gfi-1b allele in combination with a novel doxycycline-inducible Cre transgene that efficiently mediates recombination in the bone marrow. We reveal strict, lineage-intrinsic requirements for continuous adult Gfi-1b expression at two distinct critical stages of erythropoiesis and megakaryopoiesis. Induced disruption of Gfi-1b was lethal within 3 wk with severely reduced hemoglobin levels and platelet counts. The erythroid lineage was arrested early in bipotential progenitors, which did not give rise to mature erythroid cells in vitro or in vivo. Yet Gfi-1b−/− progenitors had initiated the erythroid program as they expressed many lineage-restricted genes, including Klf1/Eklf and Erythropoietin receptor. In contrast, the megakaryocytic lineage developed beyond the progenitor stage in Gfi-1b’s absence and was arrested at the promegakaryocyte stage, after nuclear polyploidization, but before cytoplasmic maturation. Genome-wide analyses revealed that Gfi-1b directly regulates a wide spectrum of megakaryocytic and erythroid genes, predominantly repressing their expression. Together our study establishes Gfi-1b as a master transcriptional repressor of adult erythropoiesis and thrombopoiesis.
Estimating the counts of Carmichael and Williams numbers with small multiple seeds
Authors: Zhang Zhenxiang
Published: April 2014

For a positive even integerLL, letP(L)\mathcal {P}(L)denote the set of primesppfor whichp−1p-1dividesLLbutppdoes not divideLL, letC(L)\mathcal {C}(L)denote the set of Carmichael numbersnnwherennis composed entirely of primes inP(L)\mathcal {P}(L)and whereLLdividesn−1n-1, and letW(L)⊆C(L)\mathcal {W}(L)\subseteq \mathcal {C}(L)denote the subset of Williams numbers, which have the additional property thatp+1∣n+1p+1 \mid n+1for each primep∣np\mid n. We study|C(L)||\mathcal {C}(L)|and|W(L)||\mathcal {W}(L)|for certain integersLL. We describe procedures for generating integersLLthat have more even divisors than any smaller positive integer, and we obtain certain numerical evidence to support the conjectures thatlog2⁡|C(L)|=2s(1+o(1))\log _2|\mathcal {C}(L)|=2^{s(1+o(1))}andlog2⁡|W(L)|=2s1/2−o(1)\log _2|\mathcal {W}(L)|=2^{s^{1/2-o(1)}}when such an “even-divisor optimal” integerLLhasssdifferent prime factors. For example, we determine that|C(735134400)|>2⋅10111|\mathcal {C}(735134400)| > 2\cdot 10^{111}. Last, using a heuristic argument, we estimate that more than2242^{24}Williams numbers may be manufactured from a particular set of10291029primes, although we do not construct any explicit examples, and we describe the difficulties involved in doing so.
Scattering properties of Atlantic mackerel over a wide frequency range
Authors: Forland Tonje Nesse , Hobæk Halvor , Korneliussen Rolf J.
Published: April 2014

Atlantic mackerel do not have a swimbladder, which is the dominating scatterer in most fish. Schools of Atlantic mackerel can be identified by the level of backscatter at 38, 70, 120 and 200 kHz, but these are too few points to describe the continuous (broadband) frequency spectrum of the school or to identify which components of the fish are responsible for the different characteristics of the spectrum. In this study, backscatter from different mackerel body parts was investigated in a laboratory tank in the frequency range 68–450 kHz, and tilt angles ±30° (defined as the angle between the sound axis and the normal to the fish axis). Measurements were averaged over tilt angles to simulate the results from a fish school. Our results show that scatter from the backbone is significant around 0° tilt angle, but less important when the fish is tilted. The head, including gills, appears to be an important scatterer when the fish is tilted. Segments of the mackerel body, including both flesh and backbone, give strong backscatter with wide directivity, and show an increase in the backscatter with frequency.
Reversal of Dabigatran-induced Bleeding by Coagulation Factor Concentrates in a Rat-tail Bleeding Model and Lack of Effect on Assays of Coagulation
Authors: van Ryn Joanne , Schurer Johanna , Kink-Eiband Monika , Clemens Andreas
Published: April 2014

Background:

Dabigatran is a potent oral anticoagulant. Like any anticoagulant, there is an increased risk of bleeding associated with its use, and reversal may be needed in cases of severe bleeding.

Methods:

In this study, six coagulation factor concentrates (CFCs) were tested for their ability to reduce bleeding induced by oral dabigatran etexilate (30 mg/kg) in a rat-tail bleeding model (n = 5 to 8 per group): three-factor (Profilnine [Grifols Biologicals Inc., Los Angeles, CA] and Bebulin [Baxter BioScience, Westlake Village, CA]) and four-factor prothrombin complex concentrates (Beriplex [CSL Behring, Marburg, Germany] and Octaplex [Octapharma AG, Lachen, Switzerland]), activated prothrombin complex concentrate (Factor Eight Inhibitor Bypassing Activity; Baxter AG, Vienna, Austria), and recombinant factor VIIa (NovoSeven; NovoNordisk, Bagsværd, Denmark). The effect of CFCs on prolongation of coagulation assays was measured. Thrombin generation after administration of each CFC was compared in vitro using human plasma (n = 5) spiked with dabigatran in concentrations corresponding to median peak (200 ng/ml) and supratherapeutic values (600 and 1,000 ng/ml).

Results:

Dabigatran resulted in an approximately three-fold increase in bleeding time, consistent with supratherapeutic dabigatran plasma levels. Beriplex (35 and 50 IU/kg), Octaplex (40 IU/kg), Profilnine (50 IU/kg), Bebulin (60 IU/kg), Factor Eight Inhibitor Bypassing Activity (100 U/kg), and NovoSeven (500 μg/kg) significantly decreased this prolonged bleeding time over 30 min (P < 0.001). The coagulation assays were prolonged three- to eight-fold over baseline (P = 0.01). None of the CFCs produced a consistent change in these assays that was predictive of reduced bleeding. Thrombin generation reversal was dependent on the concentration of dabigatran and each CFC; normalization occurred at the lower concentration of dabigatran with most CFCs, but not at higher concentrations.

Conclusions:

In this animal model, bleeding induced by high doses of dabigatran can be reduced by CFCs. However, routine coagulation assays do not predict this effect.