bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How Can Public Policy Improve Quality of Early Care and Education?
Authors: Huston Aletha C.
Published: February 2015

The major purpose of this paper is to suggest ways that public policy can improve the quality of child care and early education for children from infancy to school age. Quality can be defined by such structural features as group composition, caregiver qualifications, and health and safety practices, and by such process indicators as sensitive, responsive, stimulating activities and interactions. Both predict children’s development. Among the structural indicators, specific training in early education is the most consistent predictor of children’s development, but small ratios and group sizes may also be important, especially for infants and toddlers. Early care and education policies in the U.S. have two means of affecting quality: providing funds and regulation or setting standards. When government agencies fund programs directly, they can hold the programs to structural and process quality standards. Regulations and standards can affect quality largely by dictating such structural features as teacher qualifications, child-to-adult ratios, and group sizes. Quality in all programs for young children can be enhanced by integrating child care and early education into a single system of early education and care.
Dynamic and Uncertain Pathways between Early Childhood Inclusion Policy and Practice
Authors: Onaga Esther E. , Martoccio Tiffany L.
Published: February 2015

In the United States, early childhood inclusion dates back to the civil rights movement with the 1954 case of Brown v. The Board of Education, an issue of segregation by race in schools and followed by the Americans for Disability Act (ADA). A Free Appropriate Education (FAPE) in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE), from Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) has influenced inclusive practices. Both the IDEA and the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) provide language supporting early childhood inclusion, but the implementation of inclusion has been uneven. Many factors influence practice, including changes overtime in the interpretation of existing laws, definitions of what is inclusion and research outcomes of inclusive practices. Local infrastructure for serving young children, funding, qualified personnel, motivated leadership and teachers, and informed parents are also factors impeding or facilitating early childhood inclusion. The complexity involved suggests a dynamic process with uncertain pathways from policy to practice.
Preschool Quality and Young Children’s Learning in Sweden
Authors: Samuelsson Ingrid Pramling , Sheridan Sonja
Published: February 2015

With a background in key factors supplied by European stakeholders within early childhood education and care (ECEC), Swedish policy is described. Sweden has a longstanding policy of equity and equality in which ECEC is the hub of the family, society and the life of the children themselves. While Swedish ECEC is ranked as one of the ‘best’ in the world, an empirical study shows a significant variation in preschool quality as regards the environment created for young children’s (1 to 3 years) learning. The qualities of a country’s ECEC is much more diverse and complex than it would appear from the national comparisons carried out by various agencies
Early Childhood Care and Education in Cambodia
Authors: Rao Nirmala , Pearson Veronica
Published: February 2015

This paper analyses child care and education policy in Cambodia, a country where there is currently a strong commitment to Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE). This is done by (i) providing an overview of national statistics related to the health and development of young Cambodian children and information about their access to ECCE programs; (ii) considering government policy, administrative structures, and funding for ECCE; and (iii) discussing the different models of preschool provision (state preschools, community preschools, home-based programs and private preschools) that are available. Recent initiatives and research findings are discussed and the implications of the analysis for policy development and young children’s well-being are considered.
The Integration of Early Childhood Systems within Education
Authors: Bennett John , Kaga Yoshie
Published: February 2015

The rationale for this study sprang from the dissatisfaction expressed in many countries during the OECD reviews about the split in services. Because of the split, ministries had ceased to talk with each other: early education had tended to become a junior school and care a question of baby-sitting while mothers worked. In particular, the low qualifications of staff in child care and the suppression of children’s natural learning strategies in kindergarten had become matters of concern. Examples of integrated systems were already available in the Nordic countries to show that such oppositions were not necessary. The integration of early education and childcare is often considered a question of auspices or administration. To the contrary, our analysis shows that to be successful, integrations must go deeper than this. As examples, integration is examined in some countries, in particular, in the forerunners, such as New Zealand and Sweden, and then in some of the newcomers, such as Brazil and Slovenia. Finally, conclusions and recommendations are provided.
Early Childhood Care and Education: Building the Foundation for Lifelong Learning and the Future of the Nations of Asia and the Pacific
Authors: Kim Gwang-Jo , Umayahara Mami
Published: February 2015

The progress of the Asia-Pacific region towards the first goal of Education for All, ‘expanding and improving comprehensive early childhood care and education (ECCE), especially for the most vulnerable and disadvantaged children’, is reviewed in this article. Comprehensive ECCE aims to foster holistic growth, development and learning of children from birth to eight years of age and as such, it involves diverse and interlinked care and education areas, such as health, hygiene and nutrition; early stimulation, guidance and development activities; and support to parents and families. Although the pre-primary enrolment has increased in the past decade at the regional level, huge disparities continue to exist among and within countries, and the countries in the Asia-Pacific region are far from providing equal opportunities for all children from birth. While highlighting country examples that aimed at expanding and improving the quality of ECCE, the paper points out the remaining challenges in the region, such as inter-sectoral co-ordination, reaching the most marginalised groups as well as the under-threes, increasing public investment in ECCE and setting quality standards to ensure quality ECCE for all children.
Both/And: Reflections on Recent Anglo/Western Early Childhood Curriculum Statements
Authors: Pence Alan , Pacini-Ketchabaw Veronica
Published: February 2015

This paper identifies innovative work on curriculum undertaken in New Zealand in the 1990s as inspirational for recently developed frameworks in Australia and parts of Canada. The paper argues that the form this incorporation has taken in Canada and Australia is, almost literally, an opening of ‘some space’ — as the more established modernist and technical understandings have not been entirely transformed or removed, but rather joined by perspectives that emphasize the need for a more complex, reflective and contextually situated practitioner — creating a contemporary policy landscape of ‘both/and’. The paper describes and analyzes in detail the processes and dynamics of the ‘both/and’ landscape achieved in British Columbia, Canada.
Early Child Development: A Framework for Collaboration
Authors: Young Mary Eming
Published: February 2015

The convergence of knowledge from neuroscience, social science and economics on the importance of early life or experiences on brain development has tremendous implication on the future of societies. Regardless of their level of development or income, countries must provide ECD programs for all the children and involve parents and caregivers in these efforts. Each country along the continuum of development has a responsibility to (i) identify factors within its society and culture that inhibit healthy child development and (ii) create building blocks for a national ECD system. Moreover, it is important to recognize that the new knowledge has implications for all sectors, including tertiary education.
Departures from Tradition: The Early Years Learning Framework for Australia
Authors: Grieshaber Susan
Published: February 2015

In 2009, the Commonwealth Government of Australia published the first national learning framework for use with children aged birth to five years. The framework marks a departure from tradition in that it emphasizes intentional teaching, learning as well as child development, a particular type of play-based learning, outcomes, and equity. This article analyzes aspects of the document that depart from well established approaches to early childhood education in Australia and identifies challenges for educators who are required to use the document. It concludes that ongoing and supportive professional learning opportunities must accompany the introduction and enactment of the document.
Policy Rationales for Early Childhood Services
Authors: Penn Helen
Published: February 2015

This article explores the rationales and the research paradigms that countries have used to underpin policies on early childhood education and care (ECEC) services and to justify expenditure on them. Globalization — here narrowly defined as the global spread of theories and practices about early childhood mainly emanating from Euro-American sources — has led to some convergence of rationales, especially economic rationales. But within countries rationales almost always have deep historical roots, and reflect cultural ideas of motherhood, family, childhood, work and the role of the state. Perspectives may be incompatible yet sit alongside one another without the contradictions being addressed. Policy development and implementation are rarely straightforward or coherent, particularly when early education and care spans several policy areas. The article summarizes the differences between rationales and indicates in which country or groups of countries they are most likely to be found.
The Early Childhood Education Workforce in Europe Between Divergencies and Emergencies
Authors: Oberhuemer Pamela
Published: February 2015

Across and beyond Europe, demographic, social and economic pressures both at the macro and the micro level are impacting on the work contexts of early childhood educators. Alongside heightened drives towards expansion and increasing regulation of the field, expectations are intensifying. Additionally, goals and targets for higher education and vocational education at the European policy level are generating restructurings of the national qualification systems for work in the early childhood field. In this dynamic context of change the SEEPRO (Early Education/care and Professionalisation in Europe) study, based at the State Institute of Early Childhood Research in Munich and funded by the German Federal Ministry of Family and Youth Affairs, set out to map the qualification requirements and workplace settings of early years practitioners in their country-specific context. Similarities and differences across the 27 countries of the European Union were documented and analysed. The findings of the study show considerable divergencies across Europe in terms of formal education and training requirements and the desired professional profiles for working with young children. Against this background of diversity, similarities in terms of workforce emergencies and challenges have also emerged: one is a common lack of truly flexible and inclusive pathways linked to formal professional recognition and status forallpractitioners in the field; another is the continuing need to seek more effective ways of including men in the early childhood workforce.
Dynamics of No Child Left Behind Policy Impacting Reading Education Practices in Kindergarten in the United States of America
Authors: Lee Guang-Lea , Sullivan Joanne K. , Gupta Abha
Published: February 2015

The Commonwealth of Virginia is used as a representative case to illustrate the implication of federal policy on reading education practices in kindergarten in the United States of America. While Virginia follows the federal No Child Left Behind (NCLB) policy, it allows local school districts to create innovative instructional and assessment practices that can match the needs of each child. Teachers in Virginia experience a wide range of emergent reading skills in kindergarten inclusive classrooms filled with children of diverse backgrounds and abilities. However, highly qualified teachers try to meet the state Standards of Learning through working side-by-side with children. These kindergarten teachers use student-supportive practices to help them successfully progress from emergent to conventional reading, often with the support of parents and reading specialists. Topics addressed are the implication of the NCLB on reading education policy in Virginia, the Virginia Standards of Learning, practices of teaching reading, and assessment of kindergarten students’ reading ability.
Building Communities for Change: An Experience in Mumbai
Authors: Sri Raman Varna , Nagar Anuragini , Joshi Ira
Published: February 2015

This paper documents Sesame Workshop India Trust’s work in impoverished communities in Mumbai with regard to the provision of Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) services. The model works with children aged birth to six who are served by the Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS), sponsored by the ministry of Women and Child Development (WCD), India. The model focuses on augmenting the capacities of the anganwadi (child care center) worker vis-à-vis pedagogy and access to material, and also works with caregivers advocating for a better ECCE environment. Integrating innovative technology as well as traditional Teaching Learning Materials (TLM) and operating at a scale of five thousand plus centers, the model demonstrates how programmes can be designed from ground-up, to be inclusive, scalable and successful in improving children’s learning outcomes.
Early Childhood Policies in Sub-Saharan Africa: Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Neuman Michelle J. , Devercelli Amanda E.
Published: February 2015

In recent years, increasing priority has been placed on the development of national intersectoral early childhood development (ECD) policies in Sub-Saharan Africa. This paper reviews the role of national ECD policies to promote young children’s access to key early childhood services. We discuss the proliferation of national ECD policies in Sub-Saharan Africa in the last decade and argue that for most countries, these documents can be useful, but are not sufficient without proper implementation and enforcement. We look specifically at the different ECD policies and institutional arrangements in four countries in East Africa: Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda and draw out some cross-country lessons for moving from policy development to implementation.
Technology Initiatives Derailed in U.S Early Education Schools: Should Leadership Redesign the Organizational Blueprint?
Authors: Manganaro Michelle Lee
Published: February 2015

Where and when innovation occurs in the United States (U.S.) early education schools depends greatly on the congruency of long-standing workplace norms, access to resources, and the actual oversight of school leadership. Norms include many factors not the least of which is a work groups’ desire to improve. Resource access is controlled in large part by the government, both local and national. And finally, oversight of work methods and organizational communications is difficult for early education school leadership due to the high educator turnover rate, educator qualifications and traits, such as the emotional-intelligence of the work group, and the low rate of pay for the industry. Although government initiatives and individual school initiatives alike frequently focus on ‘quality service’, the workforce is simultaneously challenged with emotional intelligence factors. Leadership education of school leaders must collaborate a wide set of divergent perceptions of what constitutes quality service and which organizational communication will be enhanced by technology. The examination of data in a November 2012 survey focuses on what the educators perceive, what technology educators have access to, how educators are using technologies they have access to, and what educators view as connected among technologies and school quality.
Differential Susceptibility to Environmental Influences
Authors: Belsky Jay
Published: February 2015

Evidence that adverse rearing environments exert negative effects particularly on children and adults presumed “vulnerable” for temperamental or genetic reasons may actually reflect something else: heightened susceptibility to the negative effects of risky environments and to the beneficial effects of supportive environments. Building on Belsky’s (1997, 2005; Belsky & Pluess, 2009) evolutionary-inspired differential susceptibility hypothesis stipulating that some individuals, including children, are more affected—both for better and for worse—by their environmental exposures and developmental experiences, recent research consistent with this claim is reviewed. It reveals that in many cases, including both observational field studies and experimental intervention ones, putatively vulnerable children and adults are especially susceptible to both positive and negative environmental effects. In addition to reviewing relevant evidence, unknowns in the differential-susceptibility equation are highlighted.
Church Sponsored Child Care: Association of Regulatory Level with Quality
Authors: Lewsader Joellen , Elicker James
Published: February 2015

Multiple types of child care are exempt from government licensure or regulation in the United States, yet previous research has shown that stricter adherence to regulatory standards predicts higher quality programs. This study compares global child care quality and teacher-child interaction quality in church-sponsored child care centers that are legally-exempt from licensure and operate at three regulatory levels. Observations were completed in 59 church-sponsored, center-based child care programs. Centers that voluntarily followed stricter levels of regulation had higher quality. The findings have implications for policymakers and legislators who create and implement child care standards and subsidy policies.
Web Resources for Pharmacogenomics
Authors: Zhang Guoqing , Zhang Yunsheng , Ling Yunchao , Jia Jia
Published: February 2015

Pharmacogenomics is the study of the impact of genetic variations or genotypes of individuals on their drug response or drug metabolism. Compared to traditional genomics research, pharmacogenomic research is more closely related to clinical practice. Pharmacogenomic discoveries may effectively assist clinicians and healthcare providers in determining the right drugs and proper dose for each patient, which can help avoid side effects or adverse reactions, and improve the drug therapy. Currently, pharmacogenomic approaches have proven their utility when it comes to the use of cardiovascular drugs, antineoplastic drugs, aromatase inhibitors, and agents used for infectious diseases. The rapid innovation in sequencing technology and genome-wide association studies has led to the development of numerous data resources and dramatically changed the landscape of pharmacogenomic research. Here we describe some of these web resources along with their names, web links, main contents, and our ratings.
Cerebral blood volume measurement using near‐infrared time‐resolved spectroscopy and histopathological evaluation after hypoxic‐ischemic insult in newborn piglets
Authors: Nakamura Makoto , Jinnai Wataru , Hamano Satoshi , Nakamura Shinji , Koyano Kosuke , Chiba Yoichi , Kanenishi Kenji , Yasuda Saneyuki , Ueno Masaki , Miki Takanori , Hata Toshiyuki , Kusaka Takashi
Published: February 2015

The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between the cerebral blood volume (CBV) measured by near‐infrared time‐resolved spectroscopy (TRS) and pathological change of the brain in a hypoxic‐ischemic (HI) piglet model.

Twenty‐one anesthetized newborn piglets, including three sham controls, were studied. An HI event was induced by low inspired oxygen. CBV was measured using TRS (Hamamatsu TRS‐10). Data were collected before, during, and 6 h after the insult. CBV was calculated as the change from the end of the insult. The piglets were allowed to recover from anesthesia for 6 h after the insult. At the age of 5 days, the brains of the piglets were perfusion‐fixed, and histologic evaluations of brain tissue were performed. The extent of histopathological damage was graded in 0.5‐unit intervals on a 9‐step scale.

CBV increments were well correlated with histopathological scores, especially at 1 and 3 h after resuscitation. Spearman's rank‐correlation coefficients at 1, 3, and 6 h after resuscitation in the gray matter were 0.9016, 0.9127, and 0.6907, respectively.

We conclude that an increased CBV after HI insult indicates more marked histological brain damage. CBV measurement immediately after resuscitation provides a more precise prediction of the histological outcome.
NFAT1 promotes intratumoral neutrophil infiltration by regulating IL8 expression in breast cancer
Authors: Kaunisto Aura , Henry Whitney S. , Montaser-Kouhsari Laleh , Jaminet Shou-Ching , Oh Eun-Yeong , Zhao Li , Luo Hongbo R. , Beck Andrew H. , Toker Alex
Published: February 2015

NFAT transcription factors are key regulators of gene expression in immune cells. In addition, NFAT1‐induced genes play diverse roles in mediating the progression of various solid tumors. Here we show that NFAT1 induces the expression of the IL8 gene by binding to its promoter and leading to IL8 secretion. Thapsigargin stimulation of breast cancer cells induces IL8 expression in an NFAT‐dependent manner. Moreover, we show that NFAT1‐mediated IL8 production promotes the migration of primary human neutrophils in vitro and also promotes neutrophil infiltration in tumor xenografts. Furthermore, expression of active NFAT1 effectively suppresses the growth of nascent and established tumors by a non cell‐autonomous mechanism. Evaluation of breast tumor tissue reveals that while the levels of NFAT1 are similar in tumor cells and normal breast epithelium, cells in the tumor stroma express higher levels of NFAT1 compared to normal stroma. Elevated levels of NFAT1 also correlate with increased neutrophil infiltrate in breast tumors. These data point to a mechanism by which NFAT1 orchestrates the communication between breast cancer cells and host neutrophils during breast cancer progression.
EFFECTS OF RECENT CORN AND ENERGY PRICES ON IRRIGATION INVESTMENT IN THE HUMID CLIMATE OF TENNESSEE
Authors: BOYER CHRISTOPHER N. , LARSON JAMES A. , ROBERTS ROLAND K. , McCLURE M. ANGELA , TYLER DONALD D. , SMITH S. AARON
Published: February 2015

Little is known about the impact of corn and energy prices on the profitability of irrigating corn in Tennessee. We evaluated the probability of a positive net present value (NPV) for center-pivot irrigation in Tennessee corn production. Three corn price series were employed to evaluate the effects of the shift in corn prices on the feasibility of irrigation. The recent rise in corn prices increased the probability of NPV being positive for irrigation investment. Future corn prices will need to remain high for investment in center-pivot irrigation to remain profitable under Tennessee growing conditions.
BIGHORNS - Broadband Instrument for Global HydrOgen ReioNisation Signal
Authors: Sokolowski Marcin , Tremblay Steven E. , Wayth Randall B. , Tingay Steven J. , Clarke Nathan , Roberts Paul , Waterson Mark , Ekers Ronald D. , Hall Peter , Lewis Morgan , Mossammaparast Mehran , Padhi Shantanu , Schlagenhaufer Franz , Sutinjo Adrian , Tickner Jonathan
Published: February 2015

The redshifted 21cm line of neutral hydrogen (Hi), potentially observable at low radio frequencies (~50–200 MHz), should be a powerful probe of the physical conditions of the inter-galactic medium during Cosmic Dawn and the Epoch of Reionisation (EoR). The sky-averaged Hi signal is expected to be extremely weak (~100 mK) in comparison to the foreground of up to 104 K at the lowest frequencies of interest. The detection of such a weak signal requires an extremely stable, well characterised system and a good understanding of the foregrounds. Development of a nearly perfectly (~mK accuracy) calibrated total power radiometer system is essential for this type of experiment. We present the BIGHORNS (Broadband Instrument for Global HydrOgen ReioNisation Signal) experiment which was designed and built to detect the sky-averaged Hi signal from the EoR at low radio frequencies. The BIGHORNS system is a mobile total power radiometer, which can be deployed in any remote location in order to collect radio frequency interference (RFI) free data. The system was deployed in remote, radio quiet locations in Western Australia and low RFI sky data have been collected. We present a description of the system, its characteristics, details of data analysis, and calibration. We have identified multiple challenges to achieving the required measurement precision, which triggered two major improvements for the future system.
Primary otological manifestations of granulomatosis with polyangiitis: a case series
Authors: Amiraraghi N , Robertson S , Iyer A
Published: February 2015

Objectives:

A primary otological presentation of granulomatosis with polyangiitis is rare. We present four cases of granulomatosis with polyangiitis with different otological manifestations.

Case report:

A literature review of granulomatosis with polyangiitis cases presenting to otolaryngologists was undertaken. A case series review of four patients presenting within a 12-month period was also performed. One patient had serous otitis media which worsened after myringotomy. Two patients presented with acute ear infection and facial palsy and one with acute mastoiditis. All were positive for antineutrophilic cytoplasmic antibody, and three had positive findings upon histological analysis.

Conclusion:

When acute supposed ear infections fail to respond to treatment (antibiotics or surgery), rarer causes of the symptoms should be considered. By reporting this case series, we aim to improve the early diagnosis of granulomatosis with polyangiitis to enable timely treatment and prevent systemic involvement.
Expression and mutational analysis of Cip/Kip family in early glottic cancer
Authors: Kim D-K , Lee J H , Lee O J , Park C H
Published: February 2015

Background:

Genetic alteration of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors has been associated with carcinogenesis mechanisms in various organs.

Objective:

This study aimed to evaluate the expression and mutational analysis of Cip/Kip family cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors (p21CIP1/WAF1, p27KIP1 and p57KIP2) in early glottic cancer.

Methods:

Expressions of Cip/Kip family and p53 were determined by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and densitometry. For the analysis of p21 inactivation, sequence alteration was assessed using single-strand conformational polymorphism polymerase chain reaction. Additionally, the inactivation mechanism of p27 and p57 were investigated using DNA methylation analysis.

Results:

Reduced expression of p27 and p57 were detected in all samples, whereas the expression of p21 was incompletely down-regulated in 6 of 11 samples. Additionally, single-strand conformational polymorphism polymerase chain reaction analysis showed the p53 mutation at exon 6. Methylation of p27 and p57 was detected by DNA methylation assay.

Conclusion:

Our results suggest that the Cip/Kip family may have a role as a molecular mechanism of carcinogenesis in early glottic cancer.
Replication research in L2 listening comprehension: A conceptual replication of Graham & Macaro (2008) and an approximate replication of Vandergrift & Tafaghodtari (2010) and Brett (1997)
Authors: Vandergrift Larry , Cross Jeremy
Published: February 2015

Most recent publications related to listening comprehension research deal with listening strategy instruction, metacognitive instruction or multimedia applications. This paper discusses one study from each of these three domains – Graham & Macaro (2008), Vandergrift & Tafaghodtari (2010) and Brett (1997) – and presents the need and possibilities for replication, along with a few minor, but interesting, variations that could help test the robustness of the original study. After providing some background to each of the three domains, we overview the respective studies and propose approaches to replication (both approximate and conceptual) along with the accompanying benefits.
MODELLING INDIVIDUAL EXPERTISE IN GROUP JUDGEMENTS
Authors: Klein Dominik , Sprenger Jan
Published: February 2015

Group judgements are often – implicitly or explicitly – influenced by their members’ individual expertise. However, given that expertise is seldom recognized fully and that some distortions may occur (bias, correlation, etc.), it is not clear that differential weighting is an epistemically advantageous strategy with respect to straight averaging. Our paper characterizes a wide set of conditions under which differential weighting outperforms straight averaging and embeds the results into the multidisciplinary group decision-making literature.
A MODEL OF DELIBERATIVE AND AGGREGATIVE DEMOCRACY
Authors: Perote-Peña Juan , Piggins Ashley
Published: February 2015

We present a model of collective decision making in which aggregation and deliberation are treated simultaneously. Individuals debate in a public forum and potentially revise their judgements in light of deliberation. Once this process is exhausted, a rule is applied to aggregate post-deliberation judgements in order to make a social choice. Restricting attention to three alternatives, we identify conditions under which a democracy is ‘truth-revealing’. This condition says that the deliberation path and the aggregation rule always lead to the correct social choice being made, irrespective of both the original profile of judgements and the size of the electorate.
Role of ion channels in regulating Ca2+ homeostasis during the interplay between immune and cancer cells
Authors: Bose T , Cieślar-Pobuda A , Wiechec E
Published: February 2015

Ion channels are abundantly expressed in both excitable and non-excitable cells, thereby regulating the Ca2+ influx and downstream signaling pathways of physiological processes. The immune system is specialized in the process of cancer cell recognition and elimination, and is regulated by different ion channels. In comparison with the immune cells, ion channels behave differently in cancer cells by making the tumor cells more hyperpolarized and influence cancer cell proliferation and metastasis. Therefore, ion channels comprise an important therapeutic target in anti-cancer treatment. In this review, we discuss the implication of ion channels in regulation of Ca2+ homeostasis during the crosstalk between immune and cancer cell as well as their role in cancer progression.
JNK pathway activation is able to synchronize neuronal death and glial phagocytosis in Drosophila
Authors: Shklover J , Mishnaevski K , Levy-Adam F , Kurant E
Published: February 2015

Glial phagocytosis of superfluous neurons and damaged or aberrant neuronal material is crucial for normal development and maintenance of the CNS. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the relationship between neuronal death and glial phagocytosis are poorly understood. We describe a novel mechanism that is able to synchronize neuronal cell death and glial phagocytosis of dying neurons in the Drosophila embryonic CNS. This mechanism involves c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling, which is required for developmental apoptosis of specific neurons during embryogenesis. We demonstrate that the dJNK pathway gain-of-function in neurons leads to dJNK signaling in glia, which results in upregulation of glial phagocytosis. Importantly, this promotion of phagocytosis is not mediated by upregulation of the glial phagocytic receptors SIMU and DRPR, but by increasing glial capacity to degrade apoptotic particles inside phagosomes. The proposed mechanism may be important for removal of damaged neurons in the developing and mature CNS.
Sonic hedgehog through Gli2 and Gli3 is required for the proper development of placental labyrinth
Authors: Pan Y B , Gong Y , Ruan H F , Pan L Y , Wu X K , Tang C , Wang C J , Zhu H B , Zhang Z M , Tang L F , Zou C C , Wang H B , Wu X M
Published: February 2015

Sonic hedgehog (Shh) functions as a conserved morphogen in the development of various organs in metazoans ranging from Drosophila to humans. Here, we have investigated the potential roles and underlying mechanisms of Shh signaling in murine placentation. Immunostaining revealed the abundant expression of the main components of Shh pathway in both the trophectoderm of blastocysts and developing placentas. Disruption of Shh led to impaired vascularogenesis of yolk sac, less branching and malformation of placental labyrinth, thereby leading to a robust decrease in capacity of transplacental passages. Moreover, placenta-specific gene incorporation by lentiviral transduction of mouse blastocysts and blastocyst transplantation robustly knocked down the expression of Gli3 and Gli2 in placenta but not in embryos. Finally, Gli3 knockdown in Shh−/− placentas partially rescued the defects of both yolk sac and placental labyrinth, and robustly restored the capacity of transplacental passages. Gli2 knockdown in Shh+/− placentas affected neither the capacity of tranplacental passages nor the vascularogenesis of yolk sac, however, it partially phenocopied the labyrinthine defects of Shh−/− placentas. Taken together, these results uncover that both Shh/Gli2 and Shh/Gli3 signals are required for proper development of murine placentas and are possibly essential for pregnant maintenance.
Antagonistic interplay between hypocretin and leptin in the lateral hypothalamus regulates stress responses
Authors: Bonnavion Patricia , Jackson Alexander C. , Carter Matthew E. , de Lecea Luis
Published: February 2015

The hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis functions to coordinate behavioural and physiological responses to stress in a manner that depends on the behavioural state of the organism. However, the mechanisms through which arousal and metabolic states influence the HPA axis are poorly understood. Here using optogenetic approaches in mice, we show that neurons that produce hypocretin (Hcrt)/orexin in the lateral hypothalamic area (LHA) regulate corticosterone release and a variety of behaviours and physiological hallmarks of the stress response. Interestingly, we found that Hcrt neuronal activity and Hcrt-mediated stress responses were inhibited by the satiety hormone leptin, which acts, in part, through a network of leptin-sensitive neurons in the LHA. These data demonstrate how peripheral metabolic signals interact with hypothalamic neurons to coordinate stress and arousal and suggest one mechanism through which hyperarousal or altered metabolic states may be linked with abnormal stress responses.
Origin of band gaps in graphene on hexagonal boron nitride
Authors: Jung Jeil , DaSilva Ashley M. , MacDonald Allan H. , Adam Shaffique
Published: February 2015

Recent progress in preparing well-controlled two-dimensional van der Waals heterojunctions has opened up a new frontier in materials physics. Here we address the intriguing energy gaps that are sometimes observed when a graphene sheet is placed on a hexagonal boron nitride substrate, demonstrating that they are produced by an interesting interplay between structural and electronic properties, including electronic many-body exchange interactions. Our theory is able to explain the observed gap behaviour by accounting first for the structural relaxation of graphene’s carbon atoms when placed on a boron nitride substrate, and then for the influence of the substrate on low-energy π-electrons located at relaxed carbon atom sites. The methods we employ can be applied to many other van der Waals heterojunctions.
TGF-β3-expressing CD4+CD25−LAG3+ regulatory T cells control humoral immune responses
Authors: Okamura Tomohisa , Sumitomo Shuji , Morita Kaoru , Iwasaki Yukiko , Inoue Mariko , Nakachi Shinichiro , Komai Toshihiko , Shoda Hirofumi , Miyazaki Jun-ichi , Fujio Keishi , Yamamoto Kazuhiko
Published: February 2015

Autoantibodies induce various autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We previously described that CD4+CD25−LAG3+ regulatory T cells (LAG3+ Treg) are regulated by Egr2, a zinc-finger transcription factor required for the induction of T-cell anergy. We herein demonstrate that LAG3+ Treg produce high amounts of TGF-β3 in an Egr2- and Fas-dependent manner. LAG3+ Treg require TGF-β3 to suppress B-cell responses in a murine model of lupus. Moreover, TGF-β3- and LAG3+ Treg-mediated suppression requires PD-1 expression on B cells. We also show that TGF-β3-expressing human LAG3+ Treg suppress antibody production and that SLE patients exhibit decreased frequencies of LAG3+ Treg. These results clarify the mechanism of B-cell regulation and suggest therapeutic strategies.
Deltex1 antagonizes HIF-1α and sustains the stability of regulatory T cells in vivo
Authors: Hsiao Huey-Wen , Hsu Tzu-Sheng , Liu Wen-Hsien , Hsieh Wan-Chen , Chou Ting-Fang , Wu Yu-Jung , Jiang Si-Tse , Lai Ming-Zong
Published: February 2015

Application of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in transplantation, autoimmunity and allergy has been extensively explored, but how Foxp3 and Treg stability is regulated in vivo is incompletely understood. Here, we identify a requirement for Deltex1 (DTX1), a contributor to T-cell anergy and Foxp3 protein level maintenance in vivo. Dtx1−/− Tregs are as effective as WT Tregs in the inhibition of CD4+CD25− T-cell activation in vitro. However, the suppressive ability of Dtx1−/− Tregs is greatly impaired in vivo. We find that Foxp3 expression is diminished when Dtx1−/− Tregs are co-transferred with effector T cells in vivo. DTX1 promotes the degradation of HIF-1α. Knockout of HIF-1α restores the Foxp3 stability and rescues the defective suppressive activity in Dtx1−/− Treg cells in vivo. Our results suggest that DTX1 exerts another level of control on Treg stability in vivo by sustaining the expression of Foxp3 protein in Tregs.
“Plug and play” full-dimensional ab initio potential energy and dipole moment surfaces and anharmonic vibrational analysis for CH4–H2O
Authors: Qu Chen , Conte Riccardo , Houston Paul L. , Bowman Joel M.
Published: February 2015

The first full-dimensional potential energy surface of CH4–H2O dimer is presented, and vibrational analysis of this dimer is performed.
Gold–palladium core@shell nanoalloys: experiments and simulations
Authors: Spitale A. , Perez M. A. , Mejía-Rosales S. , Yacamán M. J. , Mariscal M. M.
Published: February 2015

In this work, we report a facile synthesis route, structural characterization, and full atomistic simulations of gold–palladium nanoalloys.
Current developments in fluorescent PET (photoinduced electron transfer) sensors and switches
Authors: Daly Brian , Ling Jue , de Silva A. Prasanna
Published: February 2015

A fluorophore can be combined with a receptor according to a molecular engineering design in order to yield fluorescent sensing and switching devices.
Homochiral coordination cages assembled from dinuclear paddlewheel nodes and enantiopure ditopic ligands: syntheses, structures and catalysis
Authors: Chen Lianfen , Kang Jian , Cui Hao , Wang Yingxia , Liu Lan , Zhang Li , Su Cheng-Yong
Published: February 2015

A series of homochiral (Cu2)2L4 lantern cages have been synthesized, which can promote cyclopropanation with up to 99 : 1 diastereoselectivity.
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to assess the bacterial anti-adhesion effects of cranberry extract beverages
Authors: Kaspar Kerrie L. , Howell Amy B. , Khoo Christina
Published: February 2015

Consumption of cranberry extract and/or juice beverages providesex vivobacterial anti-adhesion activity.
One-pot multicomponent synthesis of highly functionalized bio-active pyrano[2,3-c]pyrazole and benzylpyrazolyl coumarin derivatives using ZrO2 nanoparticles as a reusable catalyst
Authors: Saha Arijit , Payra Soumen , Banerjee Subhash
Published: February 2015

Herein, a facile one-pot multicomponent protocol for the synthesis of biologically important pyrano[2,3-c]pyrazole and benzylpyrazolyl coumarin derivatives has been demonstrated using ZrO2 nanoparticles as reusable catalyst at room temperature.
High Si/Al ratio HZSM-5 zeolite: an efficient catalyst for the synthesis of polyoxymethylene dimethyl ethers from dimethoxymethane and trioxymethylene
Authors: Wu Jianbing , Zhu Huaqing , Wu Zhiwei , Qin Zhangfeng , Yan Lai , Du Baoliang , Fan Weibin , Wang Jianguo
Published: February 2015

High Si/Al ratio HZSM-5 zeolite exhibits excellent catalytic performance in the synthesis of polyoxymethylene dimethyl ethers from dimethoxymethane and trioxymethylene.
Impact of data reduction on multivariate classification models built on spectral data from bio-samples
Authors: Larsson Anders , Andersson Henrik , Landström Lars
Published: February 2015

Multivariate classification models, both from 1D spectra and 2D image data (also with simulated shifts), were evaluated and compared.
Tetradentate Schiff base beryllium complexes
Authors: Reglinski John , Kennedy Alan R. , Steel Graham
Published: February 2015

The structure of (BeSalen)2 is reported. The incompatibility of the geometry of beryllium with the inflexibility of the Salen gives rise to a rare dimeric motif.
Multi-functional liposomes showing radiofrequency-triggered release and magnetic resonance imaging for tumor multi-mechanism therapy
Authors: Du Bin , Han Shuping , Li Hongyan , Zhao Feifei , Su Xiangjie , Cao Xiaohui , Zhang Zhenzhong
Published: February 2015

Schematic illustration of design of functional liposomes showing radiofrequency-triggered drug release (A) and RF targeted thermo-chemotherapy using the nanocomposite (B).
Quantitative assessment of the effect of purity on the properties of single wall carbon nanotubes
Authors: Matsumoto Naoyuki , Chen Guohai , Yumura Motoo , Futaba Don N. , Hata Kenji
Published: February 2015

We quantitatively demonstrate the importance of high purity for the application of single wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), materials solely composed of one surface, by examining the effects of carbon impurities on the electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties of both as-grown SWCNT forests and processed buckypaper.
Efficacious redox-responsive gene delivery in serum by ferrocenylated monomeric and dimeric cationic cholesterols
Authors: Vulugundam Gururaja , Kumar Krishan , Kondaiah Paturu , Bhattacharya Santanu
Published: February 2015

New redox-active monomeric and dimeric ferrocenylated cationic cholesterols for gene transfection.
Phase-induced porous composite microspheres sintered scaffold with protein–mineral interface for bone tissue engineering
Authors: Radhakrishnan Janani , Gandham Gnana Santi Phani Deepika , Sethuraman Swaminathan , Subramanian Anuradha
Published: February 2015

Phase induced porous composite microspheres were solvent/non-solvent sintered to construct 3D multi-scale porous biomimetic scaffolds with and without protein for bone tissue engineering.
Low-cost & low-temperature curable solution-processed silica-based nanostructured antireflective coatings on CuIn1−xGaxSe2thin film solar cells
Authors: Han Seung-Yeol , Pan Changqing , Kim Dae-Hwan , Chang Chih-hung
Published: February 2015

A simple, low-cost and low-temperature curable silica-based antireflective coating (ARC) deposited by a solution-based process has been investigated for Cu(In,Ga)Se2(CIGS) solar cells for the first time.
Efficient alignment of primary CNS neurites using structurally engineered surfaces and biochemical cues
Authors: Kamudzandu Munyaradzi , Yang Ying , Roach Paul , Fricker Rosemary A.
Published: February 2015

Micro- and nano-structured materials were used to investigate directional alignment of primary CNS neurons (red) co-cultured with astrocytes (green).
Enhanced photovoltaic performance of inverted polymer solar cells by incorporating graphene nanosheet/AgNPs nanohybrids
Authors: Su Yu-An , Lin Wei-Chen , Wang Hsing-Ju , Lee Wan-Hua , Lee Rong-Ho , Dai Shenghong A. , Hsieh Chi-Fa , Jeng Ru-Jong
Published: February 2015

A linear-dendritic block copolymer functionalized exfoliated graphene nanosheets/silver nanoparticles was prepared for using as the interfacial layer between the electron-selective layer and photoactive layer in an inverted polymer solar cell.
Fusion of raft-like lipid bilayers operated by a membranotropic domain of the HSV-type I glycoprotein gH occurs through a cholesterol-dependent mechanism
Authors: Vitiello Giuseppe , Falanga Annarita , Petruk Ariel Alcides , Merlino Antonello , Fragneto Giovanna , Paduano Luigi , Galdiero Stefania , D'Errico Gerardino
Published: February 2015

Specific interactions between cholesterol and the gH625 peptide are able to drive lipid re-arrangement resulting in lipid raft fusion.
Catalytic dimer nanomotors: continuum theory and microscopic dynamics
Authors: Reigh Shang Yik , Kapral Raymond
Published: February 2015

Synthetic chemically-powered motors with various geometries have potentially new applications involving dynamics on very small scales.
Preparation of metal halide perovskite solar cells through a liquid droplet assisted method
Authors: Boopathi Karunakara Moorthy , Ramesh Mohan , Perumal Packiyaraj , Huang Yu-Ching , Tsao Cheng-Si , Chen Yang-Fang , Lee Chih-Hao , Chu Chih-Wei
Published: February 2015

Preparation of continuous and crystalline metal halide perovskite films for efficient solar cells using a liquid droplet assisted method.
β-FeOOH decorated highly porous carbon aerogels composite as a cathode material for rechargeable Li–O2batteries
Authors: Chen Wei , Lai Yanqing , Zhang Zhian , Gan Yongqing , Jiang Shaofeng , Li Jie
Published: February 2015

A β-FeOOH–carbon aerogels composite was applied in Li–O2batteries as an O2electrode material. It exhibits an excellent electrochemical performance and electrocatalytic activity.
One-step freezing temperature crystallization of layered rare-earth hydroxide (Ln2(OH)5NO3·nH2O) nanosheets for a wide spectrum of Ln (Ln = Pr–Er, and Y), anion exchange with fluorine and sulfate, and microscopic coordination probed via photoluminescence
Authors: Wu Xiaoli , Li Ji-Guang , Zhu Qi , Liu Weigang , Li Jing , Li Xiaodong , Sun Xudong , Sakka Yoshio
Published: February 2015

Structure and PL are discussed for anion exchange.
Hemin-functionalized WS2 nanosheets as highly active peroxidase mimetics for label-free colorimetric detection of H2O2 and glucose
Authors: Chen Qiao , Chen Jia , Gao Cunji , Zhang Mingliang , Chen Junying , Qiu Hongdeng
Published: February 2015

Hemin-functionalized WS2 nanosheets as highly active peroxidase mimetics for label-free colorimetric detection of H2O2 and glucose were reported.
Corynomycolic acid-containing glycolipids signal through the pattern recognition receptor Mincle
Authors: van der Peet Phillip L. , Gunawan Christian , Torigoe Shota , Yamasaki Sho , Williams Spencer J.
Published: February 2015

Glucose monocorynomycolate is revealed to signal through both mouse and human Mincle. Glycerol monocorynomycolate is shown to selectively signal through human Mincle, with the activity residing predominantly in the 2′S-isomer.
High interfacial lithium storage capability of hollow porous Mn2O3 nanostructures obtained from carbonate precursors
Authors: Liu Rui , Zhao Shiqiang , Zhang Miaomiao , Feng Fan , Shen Qiang
Published: February 2015

Porous Mn2O3 boxes present an upward trend of reversible capacity assigned to the gradually emerging contribution of interfacial storage.