bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Artificial and Hybrid Fuzzy Linear Neural Network‐Based Estimation of Seed Oil Content of Safflower
Authors: Sabzalian Mohammad R. , Khashei Mehdi , Ghaderian Mostafa
Published: October 2014

Inexpensive and rapid methods for measurement of seed oil content by near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) are useful for developing new oil seed cultivars. Adopting default multiple linear regression (MLR), the predictions of safflower oil content were made by 20–140 samples using a Perten Inframatic 8620 NIR spectrometer. Although the obtained interpolation results of MLR had desired accuracy, the extrapolation was extremely poor. The extrapolation determination coefficient (R2) and standard error (SE) of cross validation for MLR models were 0.63–0.78 and 3.71–4.44, respectively. In order to overcome the accuracy limitation of linear MLR models, a common suggestion is to use a nonlinear artificial neural network (ANN); however, it needs a large number of data to yield significant accurate results. We developed a novel robust hybrid fuzzy linear neural (HFLN) network to capture simultaneously linear and nonlinear patterns of data with a limited number of safflower samples. Empirical extrapolation results showed that the HFLN had higher R2 (=0.85) and lower SE (=1.83) compared to those obtained by MLR and ANN models. It is concluded that hybrid methodologies could be used to construct efficient and appropriate models for estimation of seed oil content set up on NIR system.
Klimawandelgerechte Stadtentwicklung durch grüne Infrastruktur
Authors: Rößler Rößler
Published: October 2014

Urban vegetation and green spaces play a crucial role in dealing with the impacts of climate change: urban green spaces regulate the micro-climate in densely built-up and overheated settlement areas, and support the percolation of rain water and the retention of flood events. According to these findings, manifold measures of green space development are discussed, supporting an urban development which is appropriate to the challenges of climate change. Thus, retaining and enhancing the provision of settlement areas with green spaces in terms of green infrastructure is a central element of urban and regional climate adaptation strategies. In this paper the question is raised, how green infrastructure and its different potentials to adapt to climate change can be considered in the urban fabric and measures to enhance the green infrastructure can be implemented. As a part of the “Integrated Regional Climate Adaptation Programme for the Region of Dresden” a number of measures for the development and planning of green infrastructure have been developed. Based on these experiences, basic planning approaches to implement and realise green infrastructure, addressing climate adaptation both on city and site scale, are presented.
Alternative kulturelle Einrichtungen in deutschen Städten und Gemeinden. Ein Beitrag zur Kritik ökonomischer Perspektiven auf Kreativräume
Authors: Mager Christoph
Published: October 2014

In 2007 the German Bundestag issued an extensive parliamentary report on “Culture in Germany” that spurred broad debates about the role of cultural institutions in urban and regional planning. Subsequently, these infrastructures gained particular importance in discussions on the cultural and creative industries as nodes for professional activities and marketplaces for cultural goods. By analyzing the material and discursive trajectories of alternative cultural and community centres in Germany the paper argues that economic perspectives on spaces of creativity obscure important dimensions of creative practices. Firstly, conceptions of creativity as a defining feature of occupations and economic sectors imply that creative pursuits are ultimately determined by patterns of supply and demand. Mundane activities on a day-to-day basis however show that alternative creativities are frequently driven by voluntary engagements, personal desires and affection towards people and ideas. Secondly, as studies on the creative industries offer rather current diagnoses of cultural infrastructures the historical dimension of political discussions is often missing from theses analyses. Established since the 1960s, alternative cultural institutions are conceptualized as sustainable meeting places that offer spaces for communication, self-determination and free play. Finally, creative industry thinking emphasizes specific geographical contexts for creative production. The overriding observation is one of urban agglomeration and spatial clustering. The mapping of alternative cultural infrastructures reveals a more complex and nuanced geography of non-profit creativity that encompasses material spaces in suburban and more rural areas. Cultural and community centres offer an important and sometimes occasional anchor point for creativity in these peripheries lacking publicly funded and privately financed cultural infrastructures.
Adolescent risk behaviours and protective factors against peer influence
Authors: Cattelino Elena , Glowacz Fabienne , Born Michel , Testa Silvia , Bina Manuela , Calandri Emanuela
Published: October 2014

This study examined the relationships between protective factors and involvement in risk behaviour of Italian adolescents with friends involved in risk. Protective factors were drawn from models of peers and from individual skills (perceived regulatory self‐efficacy, intolerant attitudes about deviance) and orientation (to health, school, religion). The data are from two waves, 1 year apart, of a questionnaire survey of adolescents in northwestern Italy. Participants were 908 adolescents (42% boys) ages 14–16 years. Results of a hierarchical regression revealed that religiosity is a protective factor and that friends' models for conventional behaviours and positive attitude about health can mitigate the influence of deviant friends on adolescent risk behaviour 1 year later, even after controlling for prior levels of risk behaviour. Possible implications of this study suggest the importance of implementing preventive interventions by involving the peer group, especially at about 16 years, and working with heterogeneous (deviant and nondeviant) groups.
A switch‐like dynamic mechanism for the initiation of replicative senescence
Authors: Zhang Qing-He , Tian Xiao-Jun , Liu Feng , Wang Wei
Published: October 2014

Telomeres are specialized structures protecting chromosomes against genome instability. Telomeres shorten with cell division, and replicative senescence is induced when telomeres are badly eroded. Whereas TRF2 (telomeric‐repeat binding factor 2), ATM (ataxia telangiectasia mutated) and p53 have been identified involved in senescence induction, how it is triggered remains unclear. Here, we propose an integrated model associating telomere loss with senescence trigger. We characterize the dynamics of telomere shorting and the p53‐centered regulatory network. We show that senescence is initiated in a switch‐like manner when both the shortest telomere becomes uncapped and the TRF2‐ATM‐p53‐Siah1 positive feedback loop is switched on. This work provides a coherent picture of senescence induction in terms of telomere shortening and p53 activation.
Exploring the evolutionary diversity and assembly modes of multi‐aminoacyl‐tRNA synthetase complexes: Lessons from unicellular organisms
Authors: Laporte Daphné , Huot Jonathan L. , Bader Gaétan , Enkler Ludovic , Senger Bruno , Becker Hubert Dominique
Published: October 2014

Aminoacyl‐tRNA synthetases (aaRSs) are ubiquitous and ancient enzymes, mostly known for their essential role in generating aminoacylated tRNAs. During the last two decades, many aaRSs have been found to perform additional and equally crucial tasks outside translation. In metazoans, aaRSs have been shown to assemble, together with non‐enzymatic assembly proteins called aaRSs‐interacting multifunctional proteins (AIMPs), into so‐called multi‐synthetase complexes (MSCs). Metazoan MSCs are dynamic particles able to specifically release some of their constituents in response to a given stimulus. Upon their release from MSCs, aaRSs can reach other subcellular compartments, where they often participate to cellular processes that do not exploit their primary function of synthesizing aminoacyl‐tRNAs. The dynamics of MSCs and the expansion of the aaRSs functional repertoire are features that are so far thought to be restricted to higher and multicellular eukaryotes. However, much can be learnt about how MSCs are assembled and function from apparently ‘simple’ organisms. Here we provide an overview on the diversity of these MSCs, their composition, mode of assembly and the functions that their constituents, namely aaRSs and AIMPs, exert in unicellular organisms.
Contribution of protein phosphorylation to binding‐induced folding of the SLBP–histone mRNA complex probed by phosphorus‐31 NMR
Authors: Thapar Roopa
Published: October 2014

Phosphorus‐31 (31P) NMR can be used to characterize the structure and dynamics of phosphorylated proteins. Here, I use 31P NMR to report on the chemical nature of a phosphothreonine that lies in the RNA binding domain of SLBP (stem‐loop binding protein). SLBP is an intrinsically disordered protein and phosphorylation at this threonine promotes the assembly of the SLBP–RNA complex. The data show that the 31P chemical shift can be a good spectroscopic probe for phosphate‐coupled folding and binding processes in intrinsically disordered proteins, particularly where the phosphate exhibits torsional strain and is involved in a network of hydrogen‐bonding interactions.
Postnatal alterations in GABAB receptor tone produce sensorimotor gating deficits and protein level differences in adulthood
Authors: Bolton Monica M. , Heaney Chelcie F. , Murtishaw Andrew S. , Sabbagh Jonathan J. , Magcalas Christy M. , Kinney Jefferson W.
Published: October 2014

The GABA transmitter system plays a vital role in modulating synaptic formation and activity during development. The GABAB receptor subtype in particular has been implicated in cell migration, promotion of neuronal differentiation, neurite outgrowth, and synapse formation but it's role in development is not well characterized. In order to investigate the effects of brief alterations in GABAB signaling in development, we administered to rats the GABAB agonist baclofen (2.0 mg/kg) or antagonist phaclofen (0.3 mg/kg) on postnatal days 7, 9, and 12, and evaluated sensorimotor gating in adulthood. We also examined tissue for changes in multiple proteins associated with GABAB receptor function and proteins associated with synapse formation. Our data indicate that early postnatal alterations to GABAB receptor‐mediated signaling produced sex differences in sensorimotor gating in adulthood. Additionally, we found differences in GABAB receptor subunits and kalirin protein levels in the brain versus saline treated controls. Our data demonstrate that a subtle alteration in GABAB receptor function in early postnatal life induces changes that persist into adulthood.
Unintended pregnancy and associated risk factors among young pregnant women
Authors: Sriprasert Intira , Chaovisitsaree Somsak , Sribanditmongkhol Narisa , Sunthornlimsiri Nuchanart , Kietpeerakool Chumnan
Published: October 2014

Objective

To assess pregnancy intention and the associated risks among young pregnant women.

Methods

In a descriptive study, pregnant women aged 15–24 years were recruited at a prenatal clinic in Chiang Mai University Hospital, Thailand, between March 1, 2012, and February 28, 2013. Participants were interviewed by trained interviewers using a standardized questionnaire to elicit information about baseline characteristics, pregnancy intention, and contraception practice.

Results

Overall, 250 participants were recruited (mean age 20.7 ± 2.4 years), and 163 (65.2%) declared that the pregnancy was unintended. The odds of the pregnancy being unintended were increased in students (P = 0.006), women aged 20 years or younger (P = 0.024), and women whose partner was a similar age (P = 0.026). A higher percentage of women with unintended pregnancy than with intended pregnancy reported having no time to use contraception, a perceived difficulty of regular contraceptive use, fear of parents finding out about sexual activity, and embarrassment about using contraception.

Conclusion

Pregnancy among young pregnant women in Thailand was often unintended. Educational status, age, and age difference between the couple were independently associated with unintended pregnancy.
Service triads: A research agenda for buyer–supplier–customer triads in business services
Authors: Wynstra Finn , Spring Martin , Schoenherr Tobias
Published: October 2014

Service triads, in which a buyer contracts with a supplier to deliver services directly to the buyer's customer, represent an emerging business model. This special issue is dedicated to this theme. To set the context, in this lead article, we first define service triads, both as a phenomenon and a research topic. We then provide a review of different strands of existing research and various theoretical frameworks that can inform our study of service triads. This culminates in an outline of a research agenda that can guide future study. As such, this paper not only introduces the articles in the special issue, but is also intended as a point of reference and motivation for further work on service triads, and on triads in general.
Status conflicts between Russia and the West: Perceptions and emotional biases
Authors: Forsberg Tuomas
Published: October 2014

This article looks at the status conflicts between Russia and theWest and asks: why do these conflicts exist despite attempts to avoid them? If status conflicts refer to merely a symbolic recognition, then they should arguably be easier to solve than conflicts stemming from competition for power and resources. Yet, status conflicts can be difficult to solve evenwhen they were not conceived as zero-sum games. The article argues that status conflicts cannot be understood without the interplay of perceptions and emotions. First, what really matters is not objective status but perceptions thereof and there seems to be a gap how Russia and the West perceive status in general. Secondly, the perceptions of when status is gained or lost seem to be emotionally loaded. Russia is more willing to understand its relative status when military or economic issues are at stake, but if the dispute deals with international norms and questions of justice Russia is more likely to interpretWestern action as violating its status and conversely, it is more likely to interpret its own action as enhancing its status when it is defending such values differently from the West.
Large-sporedAlternariapathogens in sectionPorridisentangled
Authors: Woudenberg J.H.C. , Truter M. , Groenewald J.Z. , Crous P.W.
Published: October 2014

The omnipresent fungal genusAlternariawas recently divided into 24 sections based on molecular and morphological data.Alternariasect.Porriis the largest section, containing almost allAlternariaspecies with medium to large conidia and long beaks, some of which are important plant pathogens (e.g.Alternaria porri, A. solaniandA. tomatophila). We constructed a multi-gene phylogeny on parts of the ITS, GAPDH, RPB2, TEF1 and Alt a 1 gene regions, which, supplemented with morphological and cultural studies, forms the basis for species recognition in sect.Porri. Our data reveal 63 species, of which 10 are newly described in sect.Porri, and 27 species names are synonymised. The three knownAlternariapathogens causing early blight on tomato all cluster in one clade, and are synonymised under the older name,A. linariae.Alternaria protenta, a species formerly only known as pathogen onHelianthus annuus, is also reported to cause early blight of potato, together withA. solaniandA. grandis. Two clades with isolates causing purple blotch of onion are confirmed asA. alliiandA. porri, but the two species cannot adequately be distinguished based on the number of beaks and branches as suggested previously. This is also found among the pathogens ofPassifloraceae, which are reduced from four to three species. In addition to the known pathogen of sweet potato,A. bataticola, three more species are delineated of which two are newly described. A newAlternariasection is also described, comprising two large-sporedAlternariaspecies with concatenate conidia.
A 51-Year-Old Woman Crushed by an Elephant Trunk
Authors: Tsung Ann H. , Allen Brandon R.
Published: October 2014

Wild and exotic animal attacks are not common in the United States. Animal-related injuries in the United States are usually caused by dog bites, followed by cattle and horse injuries. Exotic animal attacks can occur when the animals are provoked, depressed, or housed improperly by owners. We report the case of a 51-year-old woman who sustained multiple systemic traumatic injuries after she was pinned to a fence by an elephant’s trunk. Upon arrival in the emergency department, she was hypothermic with a temperature of 35.1°C (95.1°F), hypotensive to 94/60 mm Hg after 5 L crystalloid, tachycardic at 108 beats/min, and intubated with oxygen saturation of 100%. Tranexamic acid was administered in addition to starting a massive transfusion protocol. Injuries included bilateral multiple rib fractures, left abdominal wall degloving injury, right pneumothorax, right hemothorax, left chest wall puncture wound, grade IV splenic laceration, 3 grade III liver lacerations, retroperitoneal hematoma, and degloving injuries to bilateral posterior thighs requiring more than 30 operations. Why should an emergency physician be aware of this? Several factors need to be considered when evaluating animal-related injuries, including type, age, and sex of the animal. Multisystem traumatic injuries should be assumed when a large animal is involved. Prehospital care and transport time are vital to a patient’s survival in both urban and rural settings. During the initial resuscitation, administering antibiotics tailored to the specific animal can greatly decrease risk of infection and morbidity. Additionally, tetanus immunoglobulin, tetanus toxoid, and rabies immunoglobulin and vaccine may be needed, unless the victim has been previously vaccinated.
Complementary distribution of two sympatric serranids in a NATURA 2000 site in the Northern Aegean Sea (Eastern Mediterranean)
Authors: Giovos Ioannis , Ganias Konstantinos , Skoufas Georgios
Published: October 2014

The present work aimed to investigate possible spatial and seasonal patterns in the distribution of two sympatric serranids, the painted comber, Serranus scriba and the comber, Serranus cabrilla. The research took place at a NATURA 2000 site located at Sithonia peninsula, N. Greece. Underwater visual census was used for data collection; specifically, individuals from each species were recorded along four isobathic transects of 200 m2 each, placed every 5 m and ranging from 5 to 20 m depth. A total of 27 samplings were conducted between September 2010 and August 2011. The results clearly demonstrated complementary bathymetric distributions for S. scriba and S. cabrilla, the former mostly occurring until 10 m depth, and the latter in deeper layers. This pattern was maintained during the whole season. In addition the two species exhibited differences in their preferred substrate type and their pattern of association to the sea bottom. Our results were viewed under the light of resource portioning between the two sympatric species.
Digital and social media opportunities for dietary behaviour change
Authors: McGloin Aileen F. , Eslami Sara
Published: October 2014

The way that people communicate, consume media and seek and receive information is changing. Forty per cent of the world's population now has an internet connection, the average global social media penetration is 39 % and 1·5 billion people have internet access via mobile phone. This large-scale move in population use of digital, social and mobile media presents an unprecedented opportunity to connect with individuals on issues concerning health. The present paper aims to investigate these opportunities in relation to dietary behaviour change. Several aspects of the digital environment could support behaviour change efforts, including reach, engagement, research, segmentation, accessibility and potential to build credibility, trust, collaboration and advocacy. There are opportunities to influence behaviour online using similar techniques to traditional health promotion programmes; to positively affect health-related knowledge, skills and self-efficacy. The abundance of data on citizens’ digital behaviours, whether through search behaviour, global positioning system tracking, or via demographics and interests captured through social media profiles, offer exciting opportunities for effectively targeting relevant health messages. The digital environment presents great possibilities but also great challenges. Digital communication is uncontrolled, multi-way and co-created and concerns remain in relation to inequalities, privacy, misinformation and lack of evaluation. Although web-based, social-media-based and mobile-based studies tend to show positive results for dietary behaviour change, methodologies have yet to be developed that go beyond basic evaluation criteria and move towards true measures of behaviour change. Novel approaches are necessary both in the digital promotion of behaviour change and in its measurement.
Advanced concepts and methods for very high intensity accelerators
Authors: Nghiem P.A.P. , Chauvin N. , Comunian M. , Oliver C. , Simeoni W. , Uriot D. , Valette M.
Published: October 2014

For very high intensity accelerators, not only beam power but also space charge is a concern. Both aspects should be taken into consideration for any analysis of accelerators aiming at comparing their performances and pointing out the challenging sections. As high beam power is an issue from the lowest energy, careful and exhaustive beam loss predictions have to be done. High space charge implies lattice compactness making the implementation of beam diagnostics very problematic, so a clear strategy for beam diagnostic has to be defined. Beam halo is no longer negligible. Its dynamics is different from that of the core and plays a significant role in the particle loss process. Therefore, beam optimization must take the halo into account and beam characterization must be able to describe the halo part in addition to the core one. This paper presents the advanced concepts and methods for beam analysis, beam loss prediction, beam optimization, beam diagnostic, and beam characterization especially dedicated to very high intensity accelerators. Examples of application of these concepts are given in the case of the IFMIF accelerators.
Heavy-ion radiography facility at the Institute of Modern Physics
Authors: Sheng Lina , Zhao Yongtao , Yang Guojun , Wei Tao , Jiang Xiaoguo , Zhou Xianming , Cheng Rui , Yan Yan , Li Peng , Yang Jiancheng , Yuan Youjin , Xia Jiawen , Xiao Guoqing
Published: October 2014

In order to identify the density and material type, high energy protons, electrons, and heavy ions are used to radiograph dense objects. The particles pass through the object, undergo multiple coulomb scattering, and are focused onto an image plane by a magnetic lens system. A modified beam line at the Institute of Modern Physics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences has been developed for heavy-ion radiography. It can radiograph a static object with a spatial resolution of about 65 µm (1 σ). This paper presents the heavy-ion radiography facility at the Institute of Modern Physics, including the beam optics, the simulation of radiography by Monte Carlo code and the experimental result with 600 MeV/u carbon ions. In addition, dedicated beam lines for proton radiography which are planned are also introduced.
Introduction: Corpus linguistics and the Nordic languages
Authors: Andersen Gisle , Hardt Daniel
Published: October 2014

Recent decades of research in linguistics have seen a shift towards empirical methods and an increased use of data from corpora as a basis for making claims about language (Sampson 2005). This trend has made its mark on research on the Nordic languages also, and the current special issue aims to show some of the breadth of research in this field. The issue is in its entirety devoted to contributions that use the methodology of corpus linguistics on Nordic language data. This includes research that investigates both historical and contemporary aspects of the languages of the Nordic region.
Soluble sperm extract specifically recapitulates the initial phase of the Ca2+response in the fertilized oocyte ofP. occelatafollowing a G-protein/ PLCβ signaling pathway
Authors: Nakano Takeshi , Kyozuka Keiichiro
Published: October 2014

Matured oocytes of the annelidan wormPseudopotamilla occelataare fertilized at the first metaphase of the meiotic division. During the activation by fertilizing spermatozoa, the mature oocyte shows a two-step intracellular Ca2+increase. Whereas the first Ca2+increase is localized and appears to utilize the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3)-sensitive Ca2+stores, the second Ca2+increase is global and involves Ca2+influx via voltage-gated Ca2+channels on the entire surface of the oocyte. To study how sperm trigger the Ca2+increases during fertilization, we prepared soluble sperm extract (SE) and examined its ability to induce Ca2+increases in the oocyte. The SE could evoke a Ca2+increase in the oocyte when it was added to the medium, but not when it was delivered by microinjection. However, the second-step Ca2+increase leading to the resumption of meiosis did not follow in these eggs. Local application of SE induced a non-propagating Ca2+increase and formed a cytoplasmic protrusion that was similar to that created by the fertilizing sperm at the first stage of the Ca2+response, important for sperm incorporation into the oocyte. Our results suggest that the fertilizing spermatozoon may trigger the first-step Ca2+increase before it fuses with the oocyte in a pathway that involves the G-protein-coupled receptor and phospholipase C. Thus, the first phase of the Ca2+response in the fertilized egg of this species is independent of the second phase of the Ca2+increase for egg activation.
Forage potential of six leguminous green manures and effect of grazing on following grain crops
Authors: Cicek Harun , Martens Joanne R. Thiessen , Bamford Keith C. , Entz Martin H.
Published: October 2014

There is a need to design intensive cropping systems that can reap multiple benefits from annual forages including animal feed, soil fertility and weed control. Considering pea/oat (Pisum sativumcv. 40–10/Avena sativacv. Legget) as a standard green manure, this study investigated the productivity, weed competitiveness, utilization and nitrogen (N) benefit from grazed and ungrazed green manures to spring wheat (Triticum aestivumcv. Waskada) and fall rye (Secale cerealecv. Hazlet). A set of 3-year experiments was carried out in Carman, Manitoba, Canada in 2009, and was repeated in 2010 and 2011. Green manures were grazed by 2–3 ewes and 2–5 lambs for 24 h (1111–1667 sheep days per ha). Averaged over experiments pea/oat mix, hairy vetch (Vicia villosaL.) and sweetclover (Melilotus officinaliscv. Norgold) above-ground dry matter (DM) production were 5036, 5032 and 4064 kg ha−1, respectively. Lentil (Lens culinariscv. Indianhead), a mixture of seven species and soybean (Glycine maxcv. Prudence) produced the least amount of DM over 3 years; 3589, 3551, 3174 kg ha−1, respectively. Pea/oat and hairy vetch were the most weed-competitive species and, averaged over 3 years, contained less than 15% weed DM. Utilization of green manures by grazing animals varied little among species across years and ranged from 28 to 86% for individual species and years. When combined across experiments grazing increased N availability to the wheat crop. The grazing effect was significant for wheat DM production, N uptake and grain N, but not significant for yield across experiments. Averaged over 3 years, wheat took up 107 kg N ha−1from grazed plots versus 98 kg N ha−1from ungrazed plots. A significant species×management interaction for total (wheat+fall rye) N uptake in 2009 indicated that increasing the proportion of legumes in the green manure increased N benefit from grazing. Fall rye productivity was not affected by grazing. We recommend pea/oat and hairy vetch as two green manure species to enhance the overall system performance to achieve high level of DM production, good weed competition, utilization by sheep and provision of N benefit to the following wheat and fall rye crops.
Novel N-band tunable resonator based on N-order dual-behavior resonator and tunable capacitors
Authors: Fourn Erwan , Quendo Cedric , Rius Eric
Published: October 2014

An N-band resonator, particularly well-suited for reconfigurability, is presented in this paper together with its synthesis. The resonator is based on the association of an N-band dual-behavior resonator and tunable capacitors. Its topology consists of a parallel association of N + 1 different bandstop structures, each one composed of a stub terminated by a capacitor. N pass bands, separated from each other by a transmission zero, are then obtained. As each bandstop structure independently controls one transmission zero, the use of variable capacitors allows each of them to be tuned independently and then to reconfigure the resonator in terms of transmission zeros and resonant frequencies. After the presentation of the general synthesis, this principle is validated by the realization of a tri-band resonator in microstrip technology.
Assessment of a Self-regulated Learning Intervention
Authors: González-Pienda Julio A. , Fernández Estrella , Bernardo Ana , Núñez José C. , Rosário Pedro
Published: October 2014

Following a pretest-posttest design with no control group, this paper evaluates
the efficacy of an intervention program. Consisting of twelve sessions, the
program endeavored to increase knowledge and use of self-regulated learning
strategies, as well as study time, in 277 first-year students in the Spanish
secondary education system. The intervention’s efficacy was assessed
in terms of three variables: knowledge of self-regulated learning strategies,
use of self-regulated learning strategies, and study time. The results of
post-intervention data analysis indicate that statistically significant changes
occurred in students’ knowledge of self-regulated learning strategies
and weekly study time, but not in their use of self-regulated learning
strategies. When the sample was stratified into three groups (high, moderate,
and low) according to baseline scores on the dependent variables, our findings
show that students in the lower group profited most from the intervention on all
three variables. This suggests that participation in the program is especially
useful for at-risk students (i.e. those with little knowledge and use of
effective learning strategies).
Contribution of TIP30 to chemoresistance in laryngeal carcinoma
Authors: Zhu M , Yin F , Yang L , Chen S , Chen R , Zhou X , Jing W , Fan X , Jia R , Wang H , Zheng H , Zhao J , Guo Y
Published: October 2014

Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) is one of the most common carcinomas of the head and neck. Despite advances in diagnosis and treatment, the survival of patients with LSCC has not improved in the past two decades. TIP30, a newly identified tumour suppressor, appears to be involved in multiple processes during tumour development. Here, we investigated the involvement of TIP30 in chemoresistance of LSCC in vitro and in vivo. We showed that TIP30 expression decreased significantly in drug-selected cells (DSCs) of laryngeal carcinoma. Suppressing TIP30 enhanced resistance capability to multiple chemotherapy drugs, cell proliferation and self-renewal in Hep2 cells. Additionally, decreased self-renewal capacity and chemotherapeutic resistance were observed in DSCs overexpressing TIP30. Furthermore, TIP30 negatively regulated tumourigenesis and chemoresistance in LSCC cells subcutaneously transplanted into nude mice. Moreover, decreased TIP30 expression contributed to chemoresistance, self-renewal and proliferation of LSCC cells via nuclearlisation of β-catenin, a cell–cell adhesion and stem cell renewal regulator. Consistently, Kaplan–Meier and Cox proportional hazards regression modelling analyses showed that decreased TIP30 expression independently predicted poor survival in patients with LSCC. Taken together, our results reveal that TIP30 has a crucial role in chemoresistance of LSCC through the AKT/glycogen synthase kinase-3β/β-catenin signalling pathway and may be a promising candidate for improving LSCC chemotherapy.
Reprogramming the fate of human glioma cells to impede brain tumor development
Authors: Su Z , Zang T , Liu M-L , Wang L-L , Niu W , Zhang C-L
Published: October 2014

Malignant gliomas, the most common solid tumors in the central nervous system, are essentially incurable due to their rapid growth and very invasive nature. One potential approach to eradicating glioma cells is to force these cells to undergo terminal differentiation and, in the process, to irreversible postmitotic arrest. Here, we show that neurogenin 2 (NGN2, also known as NEUROG2) synergizes with sex-determining region Y-box 11 (SOX11) to very efficiently convert human glioma cells to terminally differentiated neuron-like cells in both cell culture and adult mouse brains. These cells exhibit neuronal morphology, marker expression, and electrophysiological properties. The conversion process is accompanied by cell cycle exit, which dramatically inhibits glioma cell proliferation and tumor development after orthotopic transplantation. Most importantly, intracranial injection of NGN2- and SOX11-expressing virus into the tumor mass also curtails glioma growth and significantly improves survival of tumor-bearing mice. Taken together, this study shows a simple and highly efficient strategy for reprogramming malignant glioma cells into postmitotic cells, which might be a promising therapeutic approach for brain tumors.
Deficiency of osteoblastic Arl6ip5 impaired osteoblast differentiation and enhanced osteoclastogenesis via disturbance of ER calcium homeostasis and induction of ER stress-mediated apoptosis
Authors: Wu Y , Yang M , Fan J , Peng Y , Deng L , Ding Y , Yang R , Zhou J , Miao D , Fu Q
Published: October 2014

ADP-ribosylation-like factor 6 interacting protein 5 (Arl6ip5), which belongs to the prenylated rab-acceptor-family, has an important role in exocytic protein trafficking, glutathione metabolism and involves in cancer progression. However, its expression pattern and functional role in bone are unknown. Here we demonstrate that Arl6ip5 knock-out mice (Arl6ip5 Δ2/Δ2) show marked decrease of bone mineral density, trabecular bone volume and trabecular thickness. Histomorphometric studies reveal that bone formation parameters are decreased but bone resorption parameters and mRNA level of osteoclast-specific markers are increased in Arl6ip5Δ2/Δ2 mice. In osteoblast, we demonstrate that Arl6ip5 abundantly expresses in osteoblastic cells and is regulated by bone metabolism-related hormones and growth factors. In vitro analysis reveals that osteoblast proliferation and differentiation are impaired in Arl6ip5 knocked-down and deficient primary osteoblast. Arl6ip5 is also found to function as an ER calcium regulator and control calmodulin signaling for osteoblast proliferation. Moreover, Arl6ip5 insufficiency in osteoblast induces ER stress and enhances ER stress-mediated apoptosis. CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein homologous protein (Chop) is involved in the regulation of apoptosis and differentiation in Arl6ip5 knocked-down osteoblasts. For osteoclastogenesis, Arl6ip5 insufficiency in osteoclast precursors has no effect on osteoclast formation. However, knocked-down osteoblastic Arl6ip5 induces receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) expression and enhances osteoclastogenesis. In addition, ER stress and Chop are involved in the RANKL expression in Arl6ip5 knocked-down osteoblasts. In conclusion, we demonstrate that Arl6ip5 is a novel regulator of bone formation in osteoblasts.
Medicarpin, a legume phytoalexin sensitizes myeloid leukemia cells to TRAIL-induced apoptosis through the induction of DR5 and activation of the ROS-JNK-CHOP pathway
Authors: Trivedi R , Maurya R , Mishra D P
Published: October 2014

Tumor necrosis factor α-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is a promising anticancer agent with cancer cell-selective cell death inducing effect. However, the major limitation in the usage of TRAIL as a chemotherapeutic agent is the development of TRAIL resistance in many cancer types including myeloid leukemia. In this study, we report for the first time that Medicarpin (Med), a naturally occurring phytoalexin sensitizes myeloid leukemia cells to TRAIL-induced apoptosis. Combination of Med and TRAIL induced significantly higher apoptosis compared with that of the individual treatments of either agent alone through activation of both the extrinsic and the intrinsic cell death pathways characterized by the activation of caspases 8, 9, 3, and 7. Med treatment downregulated antiapoptotic proteins (Survivin, Bcl2, Bcl-xL, XIAP, and c-FLIP), upregulated pro-apoptotic proteins (Bax, Cytochrome C, Smac/Diablo, Bid, truncated Bid (tBid), p-eIF2α, Bip, and CHOP (CCAAT-enhancer binding protein homologous protein)), induced G2/M cell-cycle arrest, and increased the expression of the functional TRAIL receptor DR5 through activation of the ROS-JNK-CHOP pathway. Gain and loss of function studies clearly indicated that DR5 expression was critical for Med-induced TRAIL sensitization. The Med-induced TRAIL sensitization did not involve the NFkB signaling pathway or redistribution of DR5 in lipid rafts. The concomitant treatment with Med and TRAIL showed robust apoptotic effects in primary myeloid leukemia cells but had no toxic effects in primary human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). In conclusion, our results suggest that Med sensitizes myeloid leukemia cells to TRAIL-induced apoptosis through the upregulation of DR5 through activation of the ROS-JNK-CHOP pathway.
Glucose transporter 1-mediated glucose uptake is limiting for B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia anabolic metabolism and resistance to apoptosis
Authors: Liu T , Kishton R J , Macintyre A N , Gerriets V A , Xiang H , Liu X , Abel E D , Rizzieri D , Locasale J W , Rathmell J C
Published: October 2014

The metabolic profiles of cancer cells have long been acknowledged to be altered and to provide new therapeutic opportunities. In particular, a wide range of both solid and liquid tumors use aerobic glycolysis to supply energy and support cell growth. This metabolic program leads to high rates of glucose consumption through glycolysis with secretion of lactate even in the presence of oxygen. Identifying the limiting events in aerobic glycolysis and the response of cancer cells to metabolic inhibition is now essential to exploit this potential metabolic dependency. Here, we examine the role of glucose uptake and the glucose transporter Glut1 in the metabolism and metabolic stress response of BCR-Abl+ B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells (B-ALL). B-ALL cells were highly glycolytic and primary human B-ALL samples were dependent on glycolysis. We show B-ALL cells express multiple glucose transporters and conditional genetic deletion of Glut1 led to a partial loss of glucose uptake. This reduced glucose transport capacity, however, was sufficient to metabolically reprogram B-ALL cells to decrease anabolic and increase catabolic flux. Cell proliferation decreased and a limited degree of apoptosis was also observed. Importantly, Glut1-deficient B-ALL cells failed to accumulate in vivo and leukemic progression was suppressed by Glut1 deletion. Similarly, pharmacologic inhibition of aerobic glycolysis with moderate doses of 2-deoxyglucose (2-DG) slowed B-ALL cell proliferation, but extensive apoptosis only occurred at high doses. Nevertheless, 2-DG induced the pro-apoptotic protein Bim and sensitized B-ALL cells to the tyrosine kinase inhibitor Dasatinib in vivo. Together, these data show that despite expression of multiple glucose transporters, B-ALL cells are reliant on Glut1 to maintain aerobic glycolysis and anabolic metabolism. Further, partial inhibition of glucose metabolism is sufficient to sensitize cancer cells to specifically targeted therapies, suggesting inhibition of aerobic glycolysis as a plausible adjuvant approach for B-ALL therapies.
Meiofauna increases bacterial denitrification in marine sediments
Authors: Bonaglia S. , Nascimento F. J. A , Bartoli M. , Klawonn I. , Brüchert V.
Published: October 2014

Denitrification is a critical process that can alleviate the effects of excessive nitrogen availability in aquatic ecosystems subject to eutrophication. An important part of denitrification occurs in benthic systems where bioturbation by meiofauna (invertebrates <1 mm) and its effect on element cycling are still not well understood. Here we study the quantitative impact of meiofauna populations of different abundance and diversity, in the presence and absence of macrofauna, on nitrate reduction, carbon mineralization and methane fluxes. In sediments with abundant and diverse meiofauna, denitrification is double that in sediments with low meiofauna, suggesting that meiofauna bioturbation has a stimulating effect on nitrifying and denitrifying bacteria. However, high meiofauna densities in the presence of bivalves do not stimulate denitrification, while dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium rate and methane efflux are significantly enhanced. We demonstrate that the ecological interactions between meio-, macrofauna and bacteria are important in regulating nitrogen cycling in soft-sediment ecosystems.
Interferon regulatory factor 9 is critical for neointima formation following vascular injury
Authors: Zhang Shu-Min , Zhu Li-Hua , Chen Hou-Zao , Zhang Ran , Zhang Peng , Jiang Ding-Sheng , Gao Lu , Tian Song , Wang Lang , Zhang Yan , Wang Pi-Xiao , Zhang Xiao-Fei , Zhang Xiao-Dong , Liu De-Pei , Li Hongliang
Published: October 2014

Interferon regulatory factor 9 (IRF9) has various biological functions and regulates cell survival; however, its role in vascular biology has not been explored. Here we demonstrate a critical role for IRF9 in mediating neointima formation following vascular injury. Notably, in mice, IRF9 ablation inhibits the proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and attenuates intimal thickening in response to injury, whereas IRF9 gain-of-function promotes VSMC proliferation and migration, which aggravates arterial narrowing. Mechanistically, we show that the transcription of the neointima formation modulator SIRT1 is directly inhibited by IRF9. Importantly, genetic manipulation of SIRT1 in smooth muscle cells or pharmacological modulation of SIRT1 activity largely reverses the neointima-forming effect of IRF9. Together, our findings suggest that IRF9 is a vascular injury-response molecule that promotes VSMC proliferation and implicate a hitherto unrecognized ‘IRF9–SIRT1 axis’ in vasculoproliferative pathology modulation.
Noiseless intensity amplification of repetitive signals by coherent addition using the temporal Talbot effect
Authors: Maram Reza , Van Howe James , Li Ming , Azaña José
Published: October 2014

Amplification of signal intensity is essential for initiating physical processes, diagnostics, sensing, communications and measurement. During traditional amplification, the signal is amplified by multiplying the signal carriers through an active gain process, requiring the use of an external power source. In addition, the signal is degraded by noise and distortions that typically accompany active gain processes. We show noiseless intensity amplification of repetitive optical pulse waveforms with gain from 2 to ~20 without using active gain. The proposed method uses a dispersion-induced temporal self-imaging (Talbot) effect to redistribute and coherently accumulate energy of the original repetitive waveforms into fewer replica waveforms. In addition, we show how our passive amplifier performs a real-time average of the wave-train to reduce its original noise fluctuation, as well as enhances the extinction ratio of pulses to stand above the noise floor. Our technique is applicable to repetitive waveforms in any spectral region or wave system.
On-line monitoring of methane in sewer air
Authors: Liu Yiwen , Sharma Keshab R. , Murthy Sudhir , Johnson Ian , Evans Ted , Yuan Zhiguo
Published: October 2014

Methane is a highly potent greenhouse gas and contributes significantly to climate change. Recent studies have shown significant methane production in sewers. The studies conducted so far have relied on manual sampling followed by off-line laboratory-based chromatography analysis. These methods are labor-intensive when measuring methane emissions from a large number of sewers and do not capture the dynamic variations in methane production. In this study, we investigated the suitability of infrared spectroscopy-based on-line methane sensors for measuring methane in humid and condensing sewer air. Two such sensors were comprehensively tested in the laboratory. Both sensors displayed high linearity (R2 > 0.999), with a detection limit of 0.023% and 0.110% by volume, respectively. Both sensors were robust against ambient temperature variations in the range of 5 to 35°C. While one sensor was robust against humidity variations, the other was found to be significantly affected by humidity. However, the problem was solved by equipping the sensor with a heating unit to increase the sensor surface temperature to 35°C. Field studies at three sites confirmed the performance and accuracy of the sensors when applied to actual sewer conditions and revealed substantial and highly dynamic methane concentrations in sewer air.
Screening and structural characterization of potential α-glucosidase inhibitors from Radix Astragali flavonoids extract by ultrafiltration LC-DAD-ESI-MSn
Authors: Jiang Wenyue , Kan Hong , Li Pengdong , Liu Shu , Liu Zhongying
Published: October 2014

Inhibition of intestinal α-glucosidase activity is one important mechanism for the management of diabetes mellitus (DM).
A rhodamine hydrazide-based fluorescent probe for sensitive and selective detection of hypochlorous acid and its application in living cells
Authors: Zhang Zhen , Deng Chengquan , Meng Liesu , Zheng Yan , Yan Xiaomei
Published: October 2014

A rhodamine hydrazide-based fluorescent probe was developed for sensitive and selective detection of HOCl in aqueous media and living cells.
IL-12 involvement in myogenic differentiation of C2C12 in vitro
Authors: Romanazzo Sara , Forte Giancarlo , Morishima Keisuke , Taniguchi Akiyoshi
Published: October 2014

The discovery of IL-12 acting as a positive regulator of myogenic differentiation is expected to prove to be important for the development of functional biomaterials.
A quartz crystal microbalance method to study the terminal functionalization of glycosaminoglycans
Authors: Thakar Dhruv , Migliorini Elisa , Coche-Guerente Liliane , Sadir Rabia , Lortat-Jacob Hugues , Boturyn Didier , Renaudet Olivier , Labbe Pierre , Richter Ralf P.
Published: October 2014

QCM-D is demonstrated as a novel method to quantify the reaction yields and stability of the reducing-end conjugation of glycosaminoglycans.
Redox-responsive organometallic hydrogels for in situ metal nanoparticle synthesis
Authors: Zoetebier B. , Hempenius M. A. , Vancso G. J.
Published: October 2014

A hydrogel composed of poly(ferrocenylsilane) polyanion and poly(ethylene glycol) chains was used to form relatively well-defined, unaggregated Pd(0) nanoparticles (8.2 ± 2.2 nm) from K2PdCl4 salts.
Effective separation of Am(iii) and Eu(iii) from HNO3 solutions using CyMe4-BTPhen-functionalized silica-coated magnetic nanoparticles
Authors: Afsar Ashfaq , Harwood Laurence M. , Hudson Michael J. , Distler Petr , John Jan
Published: October 2014

It has been shown that CyMe4-BTPhen-functionalized silica-coated maghemite (γ-Fe2O3) magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) are capable of quantitative separation of Am(iii) from Eu(iii) from HNO3 solutions.