bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dual analysis for recommending developers to resolve bugs
Authors: Xia Xin , Lo David , Wang Xinyu , Zhou Bo
Published: March 2015

Bug resolution refers to the activity that developers perform to diagnose, fix, test, and document bugs during software development and maintenance. Given a bug report, we would like to recommend the set of bug resolvers that could potentially contribute their knowledge to fix it. We refer to this problem as developer recommendation for bug resolution. In this paper, we propose a new and accurate method named DevRec for the developer recommendation problem. DevRec is a composite method that performs two kinds of analysis: bug reports based analysis (BR‐Based analysis) and developer based analysis (D‐Based analysis). We evaluate our solution on five large bug report datasets including GNU Compiler Collection, OpenOffice, Mozilla, Netbeans, and Eclipse containing a total of 107,875 bug reports. We show that DevRec could achieve recall@5 and recall@10 scores of 0.4826–0.7989, and 0.6063–0.8924, respectively. The results show that DevRec on average improves recall@5 and recall@10 scores of Bugzie by 57.55% and 39.39%, outperforms DREX by 165.38% and 89.36%, and outperforms NonTraining by 212.39% and 168.01%, respectively. Moreover, we evaluate the stableness of DevRec with different parameters, and the results show that the performance of DevRec is stable for a wide range of parameters. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Low complexity estimation of carrier and sampling frequency offsets in burst‐mode OFDM systems
Authors: Murin Yonathan , Dabora Ron
Published: March 2015

We study communications under slowly varying channels, and consider three cases of knowledge of the channel impulse response (CIR): full knowledge, no knowledge, and partial knowledge of the CIR. By partial knowledge, we refer to knowing only either the CIR magnitudes or the CIR phases. It is known that obtaining the exact joint maximum‐likelihood estimate (MLE) of the CFO and the SFO requires a two‐dimensional search. Here, we present a new estimation method which uses the Taylor expansion of the MLE cost function, combined with the best linear unbiased estimator, to obtain a method which does not require such a search. The computational complexity of the new method is evaluated. Numerical simulations demonstrate that the new method approaches the corresponding Cramér‐Rao bound for a wide range of signal‐to‐noise ratios, and has superior performance compared to all other existing methods for approximating the solution for the joint MLE, while maintaining a low computational complexity. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Utility led rural electrification in Morocco: combining grid extension, mini‐grids, and solar home systems
Authors: Nygaard Ivan , Dafrallah Touria
Published: March 2015

Morocco has become known for being an example of a well‐performing utility‐led rural electrification program, but so far little independent research has scrutinized this extraordinary case. Based on a critical review of the available literature, this study attempts to draw a picture of the evolution of rural electrification in Morocco, the policies and programs that have been implemented, and their institutional, technical, and financial dimensions. The review reveals that information available about the success of the programme has almost entirely been provided by the utility ONE, which has strategic and commercial interests in showing its achievements in a favorable light. With this in mind, three main principles are identified as having contributed to the rapid evolution of levels of electrification: (1) a clear vision and a continuing political commitment to follow the plan; (2) an institutional framework that brings into action the strength of the utility and of both national and international actors; and (3) a finance model that includes all stakeholders and international financial institutions. However, three factors may have been equally important in achieving these results: (1) a level of rural electrification in Morocco that from the outset was far below that in comparable neighboring countries; (2) a high GDP compared to sub‐Saharan African (SSA) countries; and (3) a high level of urban electrification that allowed cross‐subsidization from urban consumers. So while the Moroccan case is inspiring for SSA countries, we need to be prudent before we relate the rapid increase in electrification to the implementation model alone. WIREs Energy Environ 2016, 5:155–168. doi: 10.1002/wene.165

This article is categorized under:

Energy Policy and Planning > Economics and Policy

Energy and Development > Economics and Policy

Energy and Development > Systems and Infrastructure
Intrayear Household Income Dynamics and Adolescent School Behavior
Authors: Gennetian Lisa A. , Wolf Sharon , Hill Heather D. , Morris Pamela A.
Published: March 2015

Economic life for most American households is quite dynamic. Such income instability is an understudied aspect of households’ economic contexts that may have distinct consequences for children. We examine the empirical relationship between household income instability, as measured by intrayear income change, and adolescent school behavior outcomes using a nationally representative sample of households with adolescents from the Survey of Income and Program Participation 2004 panel. We find an unfavorable relationship between income instability and adolescent school behaviors after controlling for income level and a large set of child and family characteristics. Income instability is associated with a lower likelihood of adolescents being highly engaged in school across the income spectrum and predicts adolescent expulsions and suspensions, particularly among low-income, older, and racial minority adolescents.
Medical, legal, and ethical challenges associated with pregnancy and catastrophic brain injury
Authors: Burkle Christopher M. , Tessmer‐Tuck Jennifer , Wijdicks Eelco F.
Published: March 2015

In late 2013, two women from North America gained attention after sustaining catastrophic brain injuries while pregnant. After Marlise Muñoz—who was at 14 weeks of pregnancy when she developed a pulmonary embolism—was pronounced brain dead, hospital officials initially refused to withdraw support, citing a Texas state law requiring them to maintain life‐sustaining treatment for a pregnant patient to help to save the fetus. By contrast, when Robyn Benson was pronounced brain dead after a brain hemorrhage at 22 weeks of pregnancy, both her husband and the physicians agreed to continue support until a viable child could be delivered. The Muñoz and Benson cases offer an opportunity to explore the medical, legal, and ethical issues surrounding catastrophic brain injury in pregnant women. It is hoped that the present article will enable clinicians to better appreciate the history and present state of issues involving advance directives for pregnant women, maternal versus fetal interests, and the impact of fetal viability on medical decision making, as well as offer a practical assessment of the various US state laws concerning the rare, yet catastrophic event of brain injury in a pregnant woman.
Does location matter? A proposed methodology to evaluate neighbourhood effects on cardiac arrest survival and bystander CPR
Authors: Buick Jason E. , Allan Katherine S. , Ray Joel G. , Kiss Alexander , Dorian Paul , Gozdyra Peter , Morrison Laurie J.
Published: March 2015

Background

Traditional variables used to explain survival following out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) account for only 72% of survival, suggesting that other unknown factors may influence outcomes. Research on other diseases suggests that neighbourhood factors may partly determine health outcomes. Yet, this approach has rarely been used for OHCA. This work outlines a methodology to investigate multiple neighbourhood factors as determinants of OHCA outcomes.

Methods

A retrospective, observational cohort study design will be used. All adult non-emergency medical service witnessed OHCAs of cardiac etiology within the city of Toronto between 2006 and 2010 will be included. Event details will be extracted from the Toronto site of the Resuscitation Outcomes Consortium Epistry—Cardiac Arrest, an existing population-based dataset of consecutive OHCA patients. Geographic information systems technology will be used to assign patients to census tracts. Neighbourhood variables to be explored include the Ontario Marginalization Index (deprivation, dependency, ethnicity, and instability), crime rate, and density of family physicians. Hierarchical logistic regression analysis will be used to explore the association between neighbourhood characteristics and 1) survival-to-hospital discharge, 2) return-of-spontaneous circulation at hospital arrival, and 3) provision of bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Receiver operating characteristics curves will evaluate each model’s ability to discriminate between those with and without each outcome.

Discussion

This study will determine the role of neighbourhood characteristics in OHCA and their association with clinical outcomes. The results can be used as the basis to focus on specific neighbourhoods for facilitating educational interventions, CPR awareness programs, and higher utilization of automatic defibrillation devices.
Ingestion of coffee polyphenols increases postprandial release of the active glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1(7–36)) amide in C57BL/6J mice
Authors: Fujii Yoshie , Osaki Noriko , Hase Tadashi , Shimotoyodome Akira
Published: March 2015

The widespread prevalence of diabetes, caused by impaired insulin secretion and insulin resistance, is now a worldwide health problem. Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) is a major intestinal hormone that stimulates glucose-induced insulin secretion from β cells. Prolonged activation of the GLP-1 signal has been shown to attenuate diabetes in animals and human subjects. Therefore, GLP-1 secretagogues are attractive targets for the treatment of diabetes. Recent epidemiological studies have reported that an increase in daily coffee consumption lowers diabetes risk. The present study examined the hypothesis that the reduction in diabetes risk associated with coffee consumption may be mediated by the stimulation of GLP-1 release by coffee polyphenol extract (CPE). GLP-1 secretion by human enteroendocrine NCI-H716 cells was augmented in a dose-dependent manner by the addition of CPE, and was compatible with the increase in observed active GLP-1(7–36) amide levels in the portal blood after administration with CPE alone in mice. CPE increased intracellular cyclic AMP (cAMP) levels in a dose-dependent manner, but this was not mediated by G protein-coupled receptor 119 (GPR119). The oral administration of CPE increased diet (starch and glyceryl trioleate)-induced active GLP-1 secretion and decreased glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide release. Although CPE administration did not affect diet-induced insulin secretion, it decreased postprandial hyperglycaemia, which indicates that higher GLP-1 levels after the ingestion of CPE may improve insulin sensitivity. We conclude that dietary coffee polyphenols augment gut-derived active GLP-1 secretion via the cAMP-dependent pathway, which may contribute to the reduced risk of type 2 diabetes associated with daily coffee consumption.
Quantifying Social Media’s Political Space: Estimating Ideology from Publicly Revealed Preferences on Facebook
Authors: BOND ROBERT , MESSING SOLOMON
Published: March 2015

We demonstrate that social media data represent a useful resource for testing models of legislative and individual-level political behavior and attitudes. First, we develop a model to estimate the ideology of politicians and their supporters using social media data on individual citizens’ endorsements of political figures. Our measure allows us to place politicians and more than 6 million citizens who are active in social media on the same metric. We validate the ideological estimates that result from the scaling process by showing they correlate highly with existing measures of ideology from Congress, and with individual-level self-reported political views. Finally, we use these measures to study the relationship between ideology and age, social relationships and ideology, and the relationship between friend ideology and turnout.
The role of the partner and relationship satisfaction on treatment outcome in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome
Authors: Verspaandonk J. , Coenders M. , Bleijenberg G. , Lobbestael J. , Knoop H.
Published: March 2015

Background

Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) for chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) leads to a significant decrease in CFS-related symptoms and disability. The primary objective of this study was to explore whether partners’ solicitous responses and patients’ and partners’ perceived relationship satisfaction had an effect on treatment outcome.

Method

The treatment outcome of a cohort of 204 consecutively referred patients treated with CBT was analysed. At baseline, CFS patients completed the Maudsley Marital Questionnaire. The Checklist Individual Strength subscale Fatigue and the Sickness Impact Profile total scores completed by CFS patients post-treatment were used as measures of clinically significant improvement. Partners completed the Family Response Questionnaire, the Maudsley Marital Questionnaire, the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire, and the Causal Attribution List. Logistic regression analyses were performed with clinically significant improvement in fatigue and disability as dependent variables and scores on questionnaires at baseline as predictors.

Results

Solicitous responses of the partner were associated with less clinically significant improvement in fatigue and disability. Partners more often reported solicitous responses when they perceived CFS as a severe condition. Patients’ relationship dissatisfaction was negatively associated with clinically significant improvement in fatigue.

Conclusions

Partners’ solicitous responses and illness perceptions at the start of the therapy can negatively affect the outcome of CBT for CFS. We emphasize the importance of addressing this in therapy.
Multiple aster formation is frequently observed in bovine oocytes retrieved from 1-day stored ovaries
Authors: Hara H. , Tagiri M. , Hirabayashi M. , Hochi S.
Published: March 2015

We have recently reported that multiple aster formation after in vitro fertilization (IVF) was one of the factors that negatively affected the developmental competence of vitrified-warmed bovine matured oocytes, and that short-term culture of the post-warm oocytes with an inhibitor of Rho-associated coiled-coil kinase (ROCK) suppressed the multiple aster formation and improved the blastocyst yield. The present study was conducted to investigate whether increased multiple aster formation following IVF was involved in impaired developmental competence of stored ovary-derived bovine oocytes. Oocytes retrieved from 1-day stored ovaries had lower developmental potential to day 8 blastocysts when compared with those from fresh ovaries (37 versus 63%). Immunostaining of α-tubulin 10 h post-IVF revealed that a higher incidence of multiple aster formation occurred in oocytes retrieved from stored ovaries than from fresh ovaries (31 versus 15%). Treatment of post-in vitro maturated (post-IVM) oocytes with ROCK inhibitor for 2 h significantly suppressed the incidence of multiple aster formation (10 versus 32% in the control group). However, the suppression effect of ROCK inhibitor on multiple aster formation in IVM/IVF oocytes did not improve blastocyst yield from stored ovary-derived oocytes (41 versus 37% in the control group). These results suggested that the higher incidence of multiple aster formation by bovine ovary storage was not responsible for the decreased developmental competence of IVF oocytes.
The morphology of the coronary sinus in patients with congenitally corrected transposition: implications for cardiac catheterisation and re-synchronisation therapy
Authors: Aiello Vera D. , Ferreira Flávia C. N. , Scanavacca Mauricio I. , Anderson Robert H. , D’Avila André
Published: March 2015

Patients with congenitally corrected transposition frequently benefit from re-synchronisation therapy or ablation procedures. This is likely to require catheterisation of the coronary sinus. Its anatomy, however, is not always appreciated, despite being well-described. With this caveat in mind, we have evaluated its location and structure in hearts with congenitally corrected transposition in order to reinforce the guidance needed by the cardiac interventionist. We dissected and inspected the coronary sinus, the oblique vein of the left atrium, and the left-sided-circumflex venous channel in eight heart specimens with corrected transposition and eight controls, measuring the orifice and length of the sinus and the atrioventricular valves. In two-thirds of the malformed hearts, the sinus deviated from its anticipated course in the atrioventricular groove, ascending obliquely on the left atrial inferior wall to meet the left oblique vein. The maximal deviation coincided in all hearts with the point where the left oblique vein joined the left-sided-circumflex vein to form the coronary sinus. We describe a circumflex vein, rather than the great cardiac vein, as the latter venous channel is right-sided in the setting of corrected transposition. The length of the sinus correlated positively with the diameter of the tricuspid valve (p=0.02). Compared with controls, the left oblique vein in the malformed hearts joined the circumflex venous channel significantly closer to the mouth of the sinus. The unexpected course of the coronary sinus in corrected transposition and the naming of the cardiac veins have important implications for venous cannulation and interpretation of images.
The Reliability and Validity of the Clinical Perfectionism Questionnaire in Eating Disorder and Community Samples
Authors: Egan Sarah J. , Shafran Roz , Lee Michelle , Fairburn Christopher G. , Cooper Zafra , Doll Helen A. , Palmer Robert L. , Watson Hunna J.
Published: March 2015

Background:Clinical perfectionism is a risk and maintaining factor for anxiety disorders, depression and eating disorders.Aims:The aim was to examine the psychometric properties of the 12-item Clinical Perfectionism Questionnaire (CPQ).Method:The research involved two samples. Study 1 comprised a nonclinical sample (n= 206) recruited via the internet. Study 2 comprised individuals in treatment for an eating disorder (n= 129) and a community sample (n= 80).Results:Study 1 factor analysis results indicated a two-factor structure. The CPQ had strong correlations with measures of perfectionism and psychopathology, acceptable internal consistency, and discriminative and incremental validity. The results of Study 2 suggested the same two-factor structure, acceptable internal consistency, and construct validity, with the CPQ discriminating between the eating disorder and control groups. Readability was assessed as a US grade 4 reading level (student age range 9–10 years).Conclusions:The findings provide evidence for the reliability and validity of the CPQ in a clinical eating disorder and two separate community samples. Although further research is required the CPQ has promising evidence as a reliable and valid measure of clinical perfectionism.
FtsZ1/FtsZ2 Turnover in Chloroplasts and the Role of ARC3
Authors: Johnson Carol B. , Shaik Rahamthulla , Abdallah Rehab , Vitha Stanislav , Holzenburg Andreas
Published: March 2015

Chloroplast division requires filamentation temperature-sensitive Z (FtsZ), a tubulin-like GTPase of cyanobacterial endosymbiotic origin. Plants and algae possess two distinct FtsZ protein families, FtsZ1 and FtsZ2 that co-assemble into a ring (Z-ring) at the division site. Z-ring assembly and disassembly and division site positioning is controlled by both positive and negative factors via their specific interactions with FtsZ1 and FtsZ2. Here we present thein plantaanalysis ofArabidopsisFtsZ1 and FtsZ2 turnover in the context of a native chloroplast division machinery. Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching analysis was conducted using fluorescently tagged FtsZ at wild-type (WT)-like levels. Rapid photobleaching, low signal-to-noise ratio, and phototropic movements of chloroplasts were overcome by (i) using progressive intervals in time-lapse imaging, (ii) analyzing epidermal rather than stromal chloroplasts, and (iii) employing image stack alignment during postprocessing. In plants of WT background, fluorescence recovery half-times averaged 117 and 325 s for FtsZ1 and FtsZ2, respectively. In plants lacking ARC3, the key negative regulator of FtsZ assembly, the turnover was threefold slower. The findings are discussed in the context of previous results conducted in a heterologous system.
Satellite Salinity Data Improves Gulf Stream Eddy Detection
Authors: Schultz Colin
Published: March 2015

A pronounced contrast in salinity between the Gulf Stream and current rings makes satellite salinity measurements valuable.
Climate Change Predicted to Worsen Spread of Cholera
Authors: Wendel JoAnna
Published: March 2015

Coupling satellite data with climate models, scientists are beginning to understand how warming temperatures and increased precipitation will affect cholera outbreaks.
In Memoriam
Authors:   AGU
Published: March 2015

Remembering AGU members who have passed away.
Gary A. Glatzmaier Receives 2014 John Adam Fleming Medal
Authors:   AGU
Published: March 2015

Gary A. Glatzmaier was awarded the 2014 John Adam Fleming Medal at the AGU Fall Meeting Honors Ceremony, held on 17 December 2014 in San Francisco, Calif. The medal is for “original research and technical leadership in geomagnetism, atmospheric electricity, aeronomy, space physics, and related sciences.”
Bryan L. Isacks Receives 2014 Walter H. Bucher Medal
Authors:   AGU
Published: March 2015

Bryan L. Isacks was awarded the 2014 Walter H. Bucher Medal at the AGU Fall Meeting Honors Ceremony, held on 17 December 2014 in San Francisco, Calif. The medal is for “original contributions to the basic knowledge of the crust and lithosphere.”
How Do Aquatic Plants Direct Where Other Stalks Grow?
Authors: Schultz Colin
Published: March 2015

By changing the flow of the river, aquatic plants affect the distribution of nutrients on the riverbed.
Wave Energy Affects the Surf Zone Heat Budget
Authors: Minnehan Catherine
Published: March 2015

A study of water temperature in nearshore environments shows that wave energy was the second-largest driver of temperature changes in the surf zone.
Fall Meeting’s First Student and Early Career Conference
Authors: van Emmerik Tim
Published: March 2015

In a tradition that harks back to the ancient Greeks, students and early career scientists organized a symposium to help network, improve academic skills, and collaborate with peers.
Disruption of STAT3 signalling promotes KRAS-induced lung tumorigenesis
Authors: Grabner Beatrice , Schramek Daniel , Mueller Kristina M. , Moll Herwig P. , Svinka Jasmin , Hoffmann Thomas , Bauer Eva , Blaas Leander , Hruschka Natascha , Zboray Katalin , Stiedl Patricia , Nivarthi Harini , Bogner Edith , Gruber Wolfgang , Mohr Thomas , Zwick Ralf Harun , Kenner Lukas , Poli Valeria , Aberger Fritz , Stoiber Dagmar , Egger Gerda , Esterbauer Harald , Zuber Johannes , Moriggl Richard , Eferl Robert , Győrffy Balázs , Penninger Josef M. , Popper Helmut , Casanova Emilio
Published: March 2015

STAT3 is considered to play an oncogenic role in several malignancies including lung cancer; consequently, targeting STAT3 is currently proposed as therapeutic intervention. Here we demonstrate that STAT3 plays an unexpected tumour-suppressive role in KRAS mutant lung adenocarcinoma (AC). Indeed, lung tissue-specific inactivation of Stat3 in mice results in increased KrasG12D-driven AC initiation and malignant progression leading to markedly reduced survival. Knockdown of STAT3 in xenografted human AC cells increases tumour growth. Clinically, low STAT3 expression levels correlate with poor survival and advanced malignancy in human lung AC patients with smoking history, which are prone to KRAS mutations. Consistently, KRAS mutant lung tumours exhibit reduced STAT3 levels. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that STAT3 controls NF-κB-induced IL-8 expression by sequestering NF-κB within the cytoplasm, thereby inhibiting IL-8-mediated myeloid tumour infiltration and tumour vascularization and hence tumour progression. These results elucidate a novel STAT3–NF-κB–IL-8 axis in KRAS mutant AC with therapeutic and prognostic relevance.
Snake trajectories in ultraclean graphene p–n junctions
Authors: Rickhaus Peter , Makk Péter , Liu Ming-Hao , Tóvári Endre , Weiss Markus , Maurand Romain , Richter Klaus , Schönenberger Christian
Published: March 2015

Snake states are trajectories of charge carriers curving back and forth along an interface. There are two types of snake states, formed by either inverting the magnetic field direction or the charge carrier type at an interface. The former has been demonstrated in GaAs–AlGaAs heterostructures, whereas the latter has become conceivable only with the advance of ballistic graphene where a gap-less p–n interface governed by Klein tunnelling can be formed. Such snake states were hidden in previous experiments due to limited sample quality. Here we report on magneto-conductance oscillations due to snake states in a ballistic suspended graphene p–n junction, which occur already at a very small magnetic field of 20 mT. The visibility of 30% is enabled by Klein collimation. Our finding is firmly supported by quantum transport simulations. We demonstrate the high tunability of the device and operate it in different magnetic field regimes.
Evaluation of 68Ga-Labeled MG7 Antibody: A Targeted Probe for PET/CT Imaging of Gastric Cancer
Authors: Xu Bing , Li Xiaowei , Yin Jipeng , Liang Cong , Liu Lijuan , Qiu Zhaoyan , Yao Liping , Nie Yongzhan , Wang Jing , Wu Kaichun
Published: March 2015

MG7-Ag, a specific gastric cancer-associated antigen, can be used to non-invasively monitor gastric cancer by molecular imaging with positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT). In this study, we prepared and evaluated a68Ga-labeled MG7 antibody as a molecular probe for nanoPET/CT imaging of gastric cancer in a BGC-823 tumor xenografted mouse model. Macrocyclic chelator 1,4,7-triazacyclononane-N,N0,N00-triacetic acid (NOTA)-conjugated MG7 antibody was synthesized and radiolabeled with68Ga (t1/2= 67.71 min). Then,68Ga-NOTA-MG7 was tested using in vitro cytological studies, in vivo nanoPET/CT and Cerenkov imaging studies as well as ex vivo biodistribution and histology studies. The in vitro experiments demonstrated that68Ga-NOTA-MG7 has an excellent radiolabeling efficiency of approximately 99% without purification and it is stable in serum after 120 min of incubation. Cell uptake and retention studies confirmed that68Ga-NOTA-MG7 has good binding affinity and tumor cell retention. For the nanoPET imaging study, the predominant uptake of68Ga-NOTA-MG7 was visualized in tumor, liver and kidneys. The tumor uptake reached at its peak (2.53 ± 0.28%ID/g) at 60 min pi. Cherenkov imaging also confirmed the specificity of tumor uptake. Moreover, the biodistribution results were consistent with the quantification data of nanoPET/CT imaging. Histologic analysis also demonstrated specific staining of BGC-823 tumor cell lines.
Goos-Hänchen effect in epsilon-near-zero metamaterials
Authors: Xu Yadong , Chan C. T. , Chen Huanyang
Published: March 2015

Light reflection and refraction at an interface between two homogeneous media is analytically described by Snell's law. For a beam with a finite waist, it turns out that the reflected wave experiences a lateral displacement from its position predicted by geometric optics. Such Goos-Hänchen (G-H) effect has been extensively investigated among all kinds of optical media, such as dielectrics, metals, photonic crystals and metamaterials. As a fundamental physics phenomenon, the G-H effect has been extended to acoustics and quantum mechanics. Here we report the unusual G-H effect in zero index metamaterials. We show that when linearly polarized light is obliquely incident from air to epsilon-near-zero metamaterials, no G-H effect could be observed for p polarized light. While for s polarization, the G-H shift is a constant value for any incident angle.
Cumulus cells accelerate oocyte aging by releasing soluble Fas Ligand in mice
Authors: Zhu Jiang , Zhang Jie , Li Hong , Wang Tian-Yang , Zhang Chuan-Xin , Luo Ming-Jiu , Tan Jing-He
Published: March 2015

Although previous studies have suggested that cumulus cells (CCs) accelerate oocyte aging by secreting soluble and heat-sensitive paracrine factors, the factors involved are not well characterized. Because Fas-mediated apoptosis represents a major pathway in induction of apoptosis in various cells, we proposed that CCs facilitate oocyte aging by releasing soluble Fas ligand (sFasL). In this study, we reported that when the aging of freshly ovulated mouse oocytes were studied in vitro, both the apoptotic rates of CCs and the amount of CCs produced sFasL increased significantly with the culture time. We found that oocytes expressed stable levels of Fas receptors up to 24 h of in vitro aging. Moreover, culture of cumulus-denuded oocytes in CCs-conditioned CZB medium (CM), in CZB supplemented with recombinant sFasL, or in CM containing sFasL neutralizing antibodies all showed that sFasL impaired the developmental potential of the oocytes whereas facilitating activation and fragmentation of aging oocytes. Furthermore, CCs from the FasL-defective gld mice did not accelerate oocyte aging due to the lack of functional FasL. In conclusion, we propose that CCs surrounding aging oocytes released sFasL in an apoptosis-related manner and the released sFasL accelerated oocyte aging by binding to Fas receptors.
Massive expansion and functional divergence of innate immune genes in a protostome
Authors: Zhang Linlin , Li Li , Guo Ximing , Litman Gary W. , Dishaw Larry J. , Zhang Guofan
Published: March 2015

The molecules that mediate innate immunity are encoded by relatively few genes and exhibit broad specificity. Detailed annotation of the Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas) genome, a protostome invertebrate, reveals large-scale duplication and divergence of multigene families encoding molecules that effect innate immunity. Transcriptome analyses indicate dynamic and orchestrated specific expression of numerous innate immune genes in response to experimental challenge with pathogens, including bacteria and a pathogenic virus. Variable expression of individual members of the multigene families encoding these genes also occurs during different types of abiotic stress (environmentally-equivalent conditions of temperature, salinity and desiccation). Multiple families of immune genes are responsive in concert to certain biotic and abiotic challenges. Individual members of expanded families of immune genes are differentially expressed under both biotic challenge and abiotic stress conditions. Members of the same families of innate immune molecules also are transcribed in developmental stage- and tissue-specific manners. An integrated, highly complex innate immune system that exhibits remarkable discriminatory properties and responses to different pathogens as well as environmental stress has arisen through the adaptive recruitment of tandem duplicated genes. The co-adaptive evolution of stress and innate immune responses appears to have an ancient origin in phylogeny.
Borna disease virus possesses an NF-ĸB inhibitory sequence in the nucleoprotein gene
Authors: Makino Akiko , Fujino Kan , Parrish Nicholas F. , Honda Tomoyuki , Tomonaga Keizo
Published: March 2015

Borna disease virus (BDV) has a non-segmented, negative-stranded RNA genome and causes persistent infection in many animal species. Previous study has shown that the activation of the IκB kinase (IKK)/NF-κB pathway is reduced by BDV infection even in cells expressing constitutively active mutant IKK. This result suggests that BDV directly interferes with the IKK/NF-κB pathway. To elucidate the mechanism for the inhibition of NF-κB activation by BDV infection, we evaluated the cross-talk between BDV infection and the NF-κB pathway. Using Multiple EM for Motif Elicitation analysis, we found that the nucleoproteins of BDV (BDV-N) and NF-κB1 share a common ankyrin-like motif. When THP1-CD14 cells were pre-treated with the identified peptide, NF-κB activation by Toll-like receptor ligands was suppressed. The 20S proteasome assay showed that BDV-N and BDV-N-derived peptide inhibited the processing of NF-κB1 p105 into p50. Furthermore, immunoprecipitation assays showed that BDV-N interacted with NF-κB1 but not with NF-κB2, which shares no common motif with BDV-N. These results suggest BDV-N inhibits NF-κB1 processing by the 20S proteasome through its ankyrin-like peptide sequence, resulting in the suppression of IKK/NF-κB pathway activation. This inhibitory effect of BDV on the induction of the host innate immunity might provide benefits against persistent BDV infection.
Mechanically durable, superoleophobic coatings prepared by layer-by-layer technique for anti-smudge and oil-water separation
Authors: Brown Philip S. , Bhushan Bharat
Published: March 2015

Superoleophobic surfaces are of interest for anti-fouling, self-cleaning, anti-smudge, low-drag, anti-fog and oil-water separation applications. Current bioinspired surfaces are of limited use due to a lack of mechanical durability. A so-called layer-by-layer approach, involving charged species with electrostatic interactions between layers, can provide the flexibility needed to improve adhesion to the substrate while providing a low surface tension coating at the air interface. In this work, a polyelectrolyte binder, SiO2 nanoparticles and a fluorosurfactant are spray deposited separately to create a durable, superoleophobic coating. Polydiallyldimethylammonium chloride (PDDA) polyelectrolyte was complexed with a fluorosurfactant layer (FL), which provides oil repellency while being hydrophilic. This oleophobic/superhydrophilic behavior was enhanced through the use of roughening with SiO2 particles resulting in a superoleophobic coating with hexadecane contact angles exceeding 155° and tilt angles of less than 4°. The coating is also superhydrophilic, which is desirable for oil-water separation applications. The durability of these coatings was examined through the use of micro- and macrowear experiments. These coatings currently display characteristics of transparency. Fabrication of these coatings via the layer-by-layer technique results in superoleophobic surfaces displaying improved durability compared to existing work where either the durability or the oil-repellency is compromised.
Trans-splicing repair of mutant p53 suppresses the growth of hepatocellular carcinoma cells in vitro and in vivo
Authors: He Xingxing , Liu Fang , Yan Jingjun , Zhang Yunan , Yan Junwei , Shang Haitao , Dou Qian , Zhao Qiu , Song Yuhu
Published: March 2015

Reactivation of wild-type p53 (wt-p53) function is an attractive therapeutic approach to p53-defective cancers. An ideal p53-based gene therapy should restore wt-p53 production and reduces mutant p53 transcripts simultaneously. In this study, we described an alternative strategy named as trans-splicing that repaired mutant p53 transcripts in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. The plasmids which encoded a pre-trans-splicing molecule (PTM) targeting intron 6 of p53 were constructed and then transfected into HCC cells carrying p53 mutation. Phenotypic changes of HCC cells induced by p53-PTM were analyzed through cell cycle, cell apoptosis and the expression of p53 downstream target genes. Spliceosome mediated RNA trans-splicing (SMaRT) reduced mutant p53 transcripts and produced functional wt-p53 protein after the delivery of p53-PTM plasmids, which resulted in phenotype correction of HCC cells. In tumor xenografts established by p53-mutated HCC cells, adenovirus encoding p53-PTM induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis and then blocked the growth of tumors in mice. Collectively, our results demonstrated for the first time that mutant p53 transcripts were functionally corrected in p53-defective HCC cells and xenografts using trans-splicing, which indicated the feasibility of using trans-splicing to repair p53 mutation in p53-defective cancers.
Enzymatic production of defined chitosan oligomers with a specific pattern of acetylation using a combination of chitin oligosaccharide deacetylases
Authors: Hamer Stefanie Nicole , Cord-Landwehr Stefan , Biarnés Xevi , Planas Antoni , Waegeman Hendrik , Moerschbacher Bruno Maria , Kolkenbrock Stephan
Published: March 2015

Chitin and chitosan oligomers have diverse biological activities with potentially valuable applications in fields like medicine, cosmetics, or agriculture. These properties may depend not only on the degrees of polymerization and acetylation, but also on a specific pattern of acetylation (PA) that cannot be controlled when the oligomers are produced by chemical hydrolysis. To determine the influence of the PA on the biological activities, defined chitosan oligomers in sufficient amounts are needed. Chitosan oligomers with specific PA can be produced by enzymatic deacetylation of chitin oligomers, but the diversity is limited by the low number of chitin deacetylases available. We have produced specific chitosan oligomers which are deacetylated at the first two units starting from the non-reducing end by the combined use of two different chitin deacetylases, namely NodB fromRhizobiumsp. GRH2 that deacetylates the first unit and COD fromVibrio choleraethat deacetylates the second unit starting from the non-reducing end. Both chitin deacetylases accept the product of each other resulting in production of chitosan oligomers with a novel and defined PA. When extended to further chitin deacetylases, this approach has the potential to yield a large range of novel chitosan oligomers with a fully defined architecture.
Identification of genes and gene pathways associated with major depressive disorder by integrative brain analysis of rat and human prefrontal cortex transcriptomes
Authors: Malki K , Pain O , Tosto M G , Du Rietz E , Carboni L , Schalkwyk L C
Published: March 2015

Despite moderate heritability estimates, progress in uncovering the molecular substrate underpinning major depressive disorder (MDD) has been slow. In this study, we used prefrontal cortex (PFC) gene expression from a genetic rat model of MDD to inform probe set prioritization in PFC in a human post-mortem study to uncover genes and gene pathways associated with MDD. Gene expression differences between Flinders sensitive (FSL) and Flinders resistant (FRL) rat lines were statistically evaluated using the RankProd, non-parametric algorithm. Top ranking probe sets in the rat study were subsequently used to prioritize orthologous selection in a human PFC in a case–control post-mortem study on MDD from the Stanley Brain Consortium. Candidate genes in the human post-mortem study were then tested against a matched control sample using the RankProd method. A total of 1767 probe sets were differentially expressed in the PFC between FSL and FRL rat lines at (q⩽0.001). A total of 898 orthologous probe sets was found on Affymetrix’s HG-U95A chip used in the human study. Correcting for the number of multiple, non-independent tests, 20 probe sets were found to be significantly dysregulated between human cases and controls at q⩽0.05. These probe sets tagged the expression profile of 18 human genes (11 upregulated and seven downregulated). Using an integrative rat–human study, a number of convergent genes that may have a role in pathogenesis of MDD were uncovered. Eighty percent of these genes were functionally associated with a key stress response signalling cascade, involving NF-κB (nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells), AP-1 (activator protein 1) and ERK/MAPK, which has been systematically associated with MDD, neuroplasticity and neurogenesis.
Fluorescence turn-on detection of glucose via the Ag nanoparticle mediated release of a perylene probe
Authors: Li Juanmin , Li Yongxin , Shahzad Sohail Anjum , Chen Jian , Chen Yang , Wang Yan , Yang Meiding , Yu Cong
Published: March 2015

A novel fluorescence turn-on strategy based on the perylene probe and the silver nanoparticles for glucose sensing has been developed.
The n → π* interaction: a rapidly emerging non-covalent interaction
Authors: Singh Santosh K. , Das Aloke
Published: March 2015

This perspective describes the current status of a recently discovered non-covalent interaction named as the n → π* interaction, which is very weak and counterintuitive in nature.
Catalytic conversion of Jatropha oil to alkanes under mild conditions with a Ru/La(OH)3 catalyst
Authors: Guo Jian-hua , Xu Guang-yue , Shen Fei , Fu Yao , Zhang Ying , Guo Qing-xiang
Published: March 2015

Ruthenium supported on La(OH)3 displays a good performance for the hydrodeoxygenation of fatty acids and Jatropha oil at 200 °C.
Structure based investigation on the binding interaction of transport proteins in leishmaniasis: insights from molecular simulation
Authors: Singh Shailza , Mandlik Vineetha
Published: March 2015

Computational structural biology and simulations help to understand the functional mechanism of transport proteins in Leishmaniasis.
Synthesis and magnetic properties of samarium hydroxide nanocrystals
Authors: Zheng Xusheng , Song Li , Liu Shoujie , Hu Tiandou , Chen Jiafu , Chen Xing , Marcelli Augusto , Saleem Muhammad Farooq , Chu Wangsheng , Wu Ziyu
Published: March 2015

The prepared disc-like Sm(OH)3 nanocrystals exhibit weak ferromagnetism due to the surfactant-induced surface modification characterized by HRTEM and XAS.
A plasmonic nanosensor for lipase activity based on enzyme-controlled gold nanoparticles growth in situ
Authors: Tang Yan , Zhang Wei , Liu Jia , Zhang Lei , Huang Wei , Huo Fengwei , Tian Danbi
Published: March 2015

A novel one-pot plasmonic sensing strategy for heterogeneous-catalyzed lipase activity based on enzyme-controlled gold nanoparticle growthin situis reported.
Use of isomeric, aromatic dialdehydes in the synthesis of photoactive, positional isomers of higher analogs of o-bromo(hetero)acenaldehydes
Authors: Bałczewski Piotr , Skalik Joanna , Uznański Paweł , Guziejewski Dariusz , Ciesielski Witold
Published: March 2015

A series of photoresistant, positional isomers of o-bromo(hetero)acenaldehydes containing RO-Ar and bifunctional ortho-CHO/Br structural motifs, is available in the peculiar Friedel–Crafts modification, using isomeric aromatic o,o-dibromodialdehydes.
The chemistry and biological activities of natural products from Northern African plant families: from Ebenaceae to Solanaceae
Authors: Yong Joseph N. , Ntie-Kang Fidele
Published: March 2015

Traditional medicinal practices significantly affect the livelihoods of populations in countries with developing economies.
Efficient V2O5/TiO2 composite catalysts for dimethoxymethane synthesis from methanol selective oxidation
Authors: Fan Zhihong , Guo Heqin , Fang Kegong , Sun Yuhan
Published: March 2015

The figure presented the catalytic performances of composite supported V2O5–TiO2–SiO2 catalyst prepared by improved sol–gel method. V2O5–TiO2–SiO2 catalyst showed efficient activity of 51% methanol conversion and 99% DMM selectivity at 413 K.
Solution-based fabrication of VO2 (M) nanoparticles via lyophilisation
Authors: Cao Xun , Thet Myat Noe , Zhang Yu , Joachim Loo Say Chye , Magdassi Shlomo , Yan Qingyu , Long Yi
Published: March 2015

Freeze drying was employed to produce highly pure and crystalline thermochromic VO2 nanoparticles. By changing the precursor concentration and annealing temperature, particle size and crystallinity can be controlled.
Dynamic hydrophobic hindrance effect of zeolite@zeolitic imidazolate framework composites for CO2 capture in the presence of water
Authors: Gao Fei , Li Yankai , Bian Zijun , Hu Jun , Liu Honglai
Published: March 2015

Core–shell 5A@ZIF-8 composites were fabricated and exhibited a dynamic hydrophobic hindrance effect for the separation of CO2 from the simulated humid flue gas.
Photofuel cell comprising titanium oxide and bismuth oxychloride (BiO1−xCl1−y) photocatalysts that uses acidic water as a fuel
Authors: Fujishima Yukiko , Okamoto Seiji , Yoshiba Mao , Itoi Takaomi , Kawamura Shogo , Yoshida Yusuke , Ogura Yuta , Izumi Yasuo
Published: March 2015

The combination of n-type TiO2 and p-type BiOCl photooxidizing water and photoreducing the formed O2 back to water, respectively, in acidic solution enabled a sustainable photofuel cell utilizing natural light.
Detection of human immunoglobulin G by label-free electrochemical immunoassay modified with ultralong CuS nanowires
Authors: Wang Ning , Gao Caizhen , Han Yu , Huang Xiaomin , Xu Ying , Cao Xia
Published: March 2015

A novel label-free electrochemical immunoassay modified with ultralong CuS nanowires was developed for the detection of human immunoglobulin G.
Nanocomposites with BaTiO3–SrTiO3 hybrid fillers exhibiting enhanced dielectric behaviours and energy-storage densities
Authors: Yu Dan , Xu Nuo-xin , Hu Liang , Zhang Qi-long , Yang Hui
Published: March 2015

SrTiO3 nanowires were hydrothermally grafted onto BaTiO3 nanoparticles and BaTiO3–SrTiO3-P(VDF-HFP) composites exhibited enhanced dielectric properties.
Partial filling affinity capillary electrophoresis including adsorption energy distribution calculations – towards reliable and feasible biomolecular interaction studies
Authors: Witos Joanna , Samuelsson Jörgen , Cilpa-Karhu Geraldine , Metso Jari , Jauhiainen Matti , Riekkola Marja-Liisa
Published: March 2015

The combined PF-ACE-AED approach demonstrates the great potential for the evaluation of the heterogeneity of the challenging binding processes.
Selective oxidation of veratryl alcohol with composites of Au nanoparticles and graphene quantum dots as catalysts
Authors: Wu Xiaochen , Guo Shouwu , Zhang Jingyan
Published: March 2015

Veratryl alcohol can be oxidized to veratryl aldehyde or veratric acid with excellent selectivity and efficient conversion using Au and graphene quantum dot composites (Au/GQDs) as catalysts.
An efficient polymeric micromotor doped with Pt nanoparticle@carbon nanotubes for complex bio-media
Authors: Li Yana , Wu Jie , Xie Yuzhe , Ju Huangxian
Published: March 2015

A highly efficient polymeric tubular micromotor doped with Pt nanoparticle@carbon nanotubes is fabricated by template-assisted electrochemical growth.
Supramolecular scaffolds on glass slides as sugar based rewritable sensors for bacteria
Authors: Gade Madhuri , Paul Ajay , Alex Catherine , Choudhury Devika , Thulasiram Hirekodathakallu V. , Kikkeri Raghavendra
Published: March 2015

We describe here the sugar functionalized β-cyclodextrin–ferrocene glass slides as fully reversible bacterial biosensors under the influence of external adamantane carboxylic acid.
CO2 separation, capture and reuse: a web themed issue
Authors: Eddaoudi Mohamed , Barbour Leonard J.
Published: March 2015

Guest editors Mohamed Eddaoudi and Len Barbour introduce this web collection celebrating current achievements and future perspectives in CO2 separation, capture and reuse.
Thermodynamic and spectroscopic properties of oxygen on silver under an oxygen atmosphere
Authors: Jones Travis E. , Rocha Tulio C. R. , Knop-Gericke Axel , Stampfl Catherine , Schlögl Robert , Piccinin Simone
Published: March 2015

Comparing experimental and theoretical XPS and XANES suggest that unreconstructed atomic oxygen is not present on the silver surface at oxygen chemical potentials relevant for epoxidation.
Hot off the press
Authors: Hill Robert A. , Sutherland Andrew
Published: March 2015

A personal selection of 33 recent papers is presented covering various aspects of current developments in bioorganic chemistry and novel natural products such as artesin A from Artemisia sieversiana.
Acid-free and oxone oxidant-assisted solvothermal synthesis of graphene quantum dots using various natural carbon materials as resources
Authors: Shin Yonghun , Park Jintaek , Hyun Daesun , Yang Junghee , Lee Jae-Hyeok , Kim Jae-Ho , Lee Hyoyoung
Published: March 2015

Acid-free one-pot direct synthesis of GQDs from different carbon-based materials was successfully achieved using solvothermal redox reaction with oxone.