bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Radiation from Brunel-induced Langmuir waves in ultra-relativistic laser–plasma interactions
Authors: Ondarza-Rovira R. , Boyd T.J.M.
Published: March 2015

Intense laser light incident on solid targets has been shown to be a prolific source of harmonics. High harmonic intensities are characterized by a power-law spectrum Pm~m−p, where p denotes a spectral decay index and m is the harmonic number. Across a wide range of light intensity and target plasma density, particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations have shown p = 8/3, a value supported by the observation. However, the claim that this decay is universal has been contested and shown to break down in simulations when the incident light is P-polarized. Here weaker decays with p = 5/3 and at higher intensities p = 4/3 were observed. The distinction between the two regimes was attributed to the contribution to the spectrum from emission at the plasma frequency and its harmonics from Langmuir waves excited by the Brunel electrons generated when the incident light is P-polarized. In the present work, a single-particle model has been devised to lend support to a wide range of PIC data. The model incorporates a Langmuir electric field and is hybrid in the sense that we have made use of PIC output to guide our choice of field amplitudes in the Langmuir source. We find that the spectrum computed in this way shows generally satisfactory agreement with the corresponding PIC spectra, both in decay coefficient and spectral cut-off. At the highest intensities considered the emission from the convective bunching of electrons in high-amplitude Langmuir waves is itself superseded by Brunel electron bremsstrahlung and we have identified the regions of parameter space over which each of these sources is dominant. Interestingly, the same distinction has been drawn in a very different plasma regime where comparably complex spectra have been predicted in gamma-ray burst spectra from Langmuir turbulence produced in astrophysical jets.
Map-matching Algorithm for Large Databases
Authors: Romon Sébastien , Bressaud Xavier , Lassarre Sylvain , Saint Pierre Guillaume , Khoudour Louahdi
Published: March 2015

This article proposes a batch-mode algorithm to handle the large databases generated from experimentations using probe vehicles. This algorithm can locate raw Global Positioning System (GPS) positions on a map, but can also be used to correct map-matching errors introduced by real time map-matching algorithms. For each journey, the algorithm globally searches for the closest path to the GPS positions, and so is inspired from the “path to path” algorithm's family. It uses the Multiple Hypothesis Technique (MHT) and relies on an innovative weighting system based on the area between the GPS points and the arcs making up the path. For high performance, the algorithm uses an iterative program and the data is stored in tree form.
Lipid dynamics and trophic patterns inPleuragramma antarcticalife stages
Authors: Giraldo Carolina , Mayzaud Patrick , Tavernier Eric , Boutoute Marc , Penot Florian , Koubbi Philippe
Published: March 2015

The aim of this study was to clarify the trophic patterns of the key speciesPleuragramma antarcticain the Dumont d’Urville Sea, through its development and possible changes according to sampling locations. Variability in diet composition of larvae, juvenile and adultP. antarcticawas analysed using fatty acid markers. Analysis of lipid class inP. antarcticareflected lipid accumulation with increasing size at all sampling stations. The fatty acid composition of triacylglycerol highlighted ontogenetic changes in the diet. Phytoplankton markers, such as C16PUFA:C16 and EPA:DHA ratios >1, and carnivorous markers in larvae suggested an omnivorous diet. Comparison between the fatty acid signature ofP. antarcticaolder stages (juveniles and adults) and zooplankton species using OPLS-discriminant analysis indicated that juveniles fed mainly on euphausiid larvae and to a minor extent on copepods, and confirmed that non-herbivorous copepods were the main prey for adults. Our results suggest that different feeding patterns and a generalist strategy inP. antarcticawith juveniles feeding on bigger prey than adults, probably as a result of prey availability according to their vertical segregation pattern.
Emergency Medical Services in the Reconstruction Phase following a Major Earthquake: A Case Study of the 1988 Armenia Earthquake
Authors: Handrigan Michael T. , Becker Bruce M. , Jagminas Liudvikas , Becker Tanya J.
Published: March 2015

Study Objective:

To use the clinical activities of an ambulance service as a tool to assess the residual and unmet medical needs of a city in the aftermath of a major earthquake and to apply that assessment to the development of a training curriculum for the prehospital personnel.

Methods:

The researchers conducted structured interviews with health care workers at all levels of the emergency health care delivery system in Gyumrii, Armenia, and carried out a retrospective frequency analysis of 29,010 ambulance runs for an 11-month period from February through December 1992. Runs first were assigned into the broad categories of: 1) Adult Medical; 2) Pediatric Medical; or 3) Trauma, and then, according to diagnosis. The runs then were classified further as: 1) Primary Care; 2) Basic Life Support (BLS); or 3) Advanced Life Support (ALS).
Evacuate or Shelter-in-place? The Role of Corporate Memory and Political Environment in Hospital-evacuation Decision Making
Authors: Ricci Karen A. , Griffin Anne R. , Heslin Kevin C. , Kranke Derrick , Dobalian Aram
Published: March 2015

Problem

Hospital-evacuation decisions are rarely straightforward in protracted advance-warning events. Previous work provides little insight into the decision-making process around evacuation. This study was conducted to identify factors that most heavily influenced the decisions to evacuate the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) New York Harbor Healthcare System’s (NYHHS; New York USA) Manhattan Campus before Hurricane Irene in 2011 and before Superstorm Sandy in 2012.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews with 11 senior leaders were conducted on the processes and factors that influenced the evacuation decisions prior to each event.

Results

The most influential factor in the decision to evacuate the Manhattan Campus before Hurricane Irene was New York City’s (NYC’s) hospital-evacuation mandate. As a federal facility, the Manhattan VA medical center (VAMC) was exempt from the city’s order, but decision makers felt compelled to comply. In the case of Superstorm Sandy, corporate memory of a similar 1992 storm that crippled the Manhattan facility drove the decision to evacuate before the storm hit.

Conclusions

Results suggest that hospital-evacuation decisions are confounded by political considerations and are influenced by past disaster experience. Greater shared situational awareness among at-risk hospitals, along with a more coordinated approach to evacuation decision making, could reduce pressure on hospitals to make these high-stakes decisions. Systematic mechanisms for collecting, documenting, and sharing lessons learned from past disasters are sorely needed at the institutional, local, and national levels.

RicciKA, GriffinAR, HeslinKC, KrankeD, DobalianA. Evacuate or shelter-in-place? The role of corporate memory and political environment in hospital-evacuation decision making. Prehosp Disaster Med2015;30(3):1-6
The Value of Bayes’ Theorem for Interpreting Abnormal Test Scores in Cognitively Healthy and Clinical Samples
Authors: Gavett Brandon E.
Published: March 2015

The base rates of abnormal test scores in cognitively normal samples have been a focus of recent research. The goal of the current study is to illustrate how Bayes’ theorem uses these base rates—along with the same base rates in cognitively impaired samples and prevalence rates of cognitive impairment—to yield probability values that are more useful for making judgments about the absence or presence of cognitive impairment. Correlation matrices, means, and standard deviations were obtained from the Wechsler Memory Scale –4th Edition (WMS-IV) Technical and Interpretive Manual and used in Monte Carlo simulations to estimate the base rates of abnormal test scores in the standardization and special groups (mixed clinical) samples. Bayes’ theorem was applied to these estimates to identify probabilities of normal cognition based on the number of abnormal test scores observed. Abnormal scores were common in the standardization sample (65.4% scoring below a scaled score of 7 on at least one subtest) and more common in the mixed clinical sample (85.6% scoring below a scaled score of 7 on at least one subtest). Probabilities varied according to the number of abnormal test scores, base rates of normal cognition, and cutoff scores. The results suggest that interpretation of base rates obtained from cognitively healthy samples must also account for data from cognitively impaired samples. Bayes’ theorem can help neuropsychologists answer questions about the probability that an individual examinee is cognitively healthy based on the number of abnormal test scores observed. (JINS, 2015,21, 1–9)
Determinants of trends in breast-feeding indicators in Nigeria, 1999–2013
Authors: Ogbo Felix Akpojene , Page Andrew , Agho Kingsley E , Claudio Fernanda
Published: March 2015

Objective

The present study aimed to examine the trends and differentials in key breast-feeding indicators in Nigeria for the period 1999–2013.

Design

Longitudinal study of trends (1999–2013) in optimal feeding practices using a series of population-based Nigerian Demographic and Health Surveys. Trends in socio-economic, health service and individual characteristics associated with key breast-feeding indicators were examined using multilevel regression analyses.

Setting

Nigeria.

Subjects

Children (n88 152) aged under 24 months (n8199 in 1999;n7620 in 2003;n33 385 in 2008;n38 948 in 2013).

Results

Among educated mothers, there was an increase in prevalence of exclusive breast-feeding (26 % in 1999 to 30 % in 2013) and predominant breast-feeding (27 % in 1999 to 39 % in 2013) compared with mothers with no schooling. A similar increasing trend was evident for mothers from wealthier households and mothers who had a higher frequency of health service access compared with mothers from poorer households and women who reported no health service access, respectively. Mothers with no schooling predominantly breast-fed, but the odds for bottle-feeding were higher among educated mothers and women from wealthier households. The odds for early initiation of breast-feeding were lower for mothers who reported no health service contacts and mothers of lower socio-economic status.

Conclusions

Significant increasing trends in key breast-feeding indicators were evident among mothers with higher socio-economic status and mothers who had more health service access in Nigeria. Broader national and sub-national policies that underpin nursing mothers in work environments and a comprehensive community-based approach are proposed to improve feeding practices in Nigeria.
Unknown caller: can we effectively manage the announcement of discovery of extraterrestrial life?
Authors: Gartrelle Gordon M.
Published: March 2015

The definitive discovery of another form of life from beyond Earth will answer one of our most fundamental questions: Are we alone in the Universe? This announcement will be the most significant in history. It will have impact on every facet of our lives and affect everyone on Earth. Ensuring the announcement is handled properly represents an opportunity to unify government, industrial, and scientific resources to work together on a global scale issue. The purpose of the present paper is to understand whether we have the overall strategy, management structures and process disciplines in place on a global scale to handle an announcement of this magnitude. The research methodology included review and analysis of peer-reviewed work on the topic, publications from appropriate scientific and policy organizations, and public statements from several acknowledged experts in the field of astrobiology and extraterrestrial communications. The 1996 case of the announcement of possible life from Martian meteorite ALH84001 was also analysed. The findings of the paper are multiple deficiencies exist in the ability to manage this problem globally in an integrated fashion across borders, institutional boundaries, and through the media. High-level recommendations are offered to address major identified gaps.
Effects of domestication bottleneck and selection on fatty acid desaturases in Indian sesame germplasm
Authors: Mondal Nupur , Bhat K. V. , Srivastava P. S. , Sen S. K.
Published: March 2015

Sesame (Sesamum indicumL.) is one of the oldest and most nutritional oilseed crops, of which domestication history has been poorly understood. This study suggested that sesame has undergone domestication bottleneck during its use for a long time. In this investigation, the molecular analysis included 4.4 Mbp of the genomic DNA of sesame comprising stearoyl acyl desaturase (sad), fatty acid desaturase 2 (fad2) and omega 3 fatty acid desaturase (o3fad) genes in 99 accessions of four populations of sesame germplasm namely: wild species, landraces, improved cultivars and introgressed lines. Results indicated that the improved cultivars and landraces lost 46.6 and 36.7% of nucleotide diversity, respectively, which indicate that the genetic diversity of the crop had been eroded due to selection after domestication. However, there was no significant reduction in genetic diversity of improved cultivars compared with landraces, indicating that unique improved cultivars generated through crosses were of less frequency in this population. Moreover, introgressed lines retained only 17.77% (π) and 4.57% (θ) of landrace diversity. To evaluate the impact of selection across fatty acid biosynthetic pathway, individual nucleotide diversity at three major genes involved in the pathway was surveyed. The analysis between wild and improved cultivars supported positive selection infad2ando3fadloci. Though locus-to-locus sequence variation was observed, positive results with two most important loci supported selection after domestication. Reduced diversity in these critical quality governing genes in improved cultivars suggested that future sesame cultivation would benefit from the incorporation of alleles from sesame's wild relatives.
Design and parametric analysis of a planar array antenna for circular polarization
Authors: Rahman Muhammad Asad , Hossain Quazi Delwar , Hossain Md. Azad , Nishiyama Eisuke , Toyoda Ichihiko
Published: March 2015

A new circularly polarized planar array antenna using linearly polarized microstrip patches is designed and optimized for X-band wireless communication applications. Four square patch elements with feed network are used to design the circularly polarized array antenna. The feed network consists of microstrip lines on the obverse side of the dielectric substrate and slot line on the reverse side of the substrate. Both-sided MIC technology is successfully employed to apply its inherent advantages in the design process of the array structure. The unequal feed line is used to create 90° phase difference between the linearly polarized patches. Therefore, the circular polarization is realized by the combination of linearly polarized patches and unequal feed line. Characteristics of the proposed array are investigated by using two electromagnetic (EM) simulators: advanced design system and EMPro. The −10 dB impedance bandwidth of the antenna is around 5%. The 3 dB axial ratio bandwidth of 1.48% is obtained. The design of the proposed antenna along with parametric study is presented and discussed.
Development and Validation of the Escala de Actitudes Emprendedoras para Estudiantes (EAEE)
Authors: Oliver Amparo , Galiana Laura
Published: March 2015

During the last few years, entrepreneurship has gained an important role in many economic and social policies, with the consequent growth of entrepreneurial research in many social areas. However, in the Spanish psychometric context, there is not an updated scale including recent contributions to entrepreneurship attitudes literature. The aim of this study is to present and validate a new scale named Escala de Actitudes Emprendedoras para Estudiantes-EAEE, (Entrepreneurial Attitudes Scale for Students, EASS), in two samples of high school and university Spanish students. Data comes from a cross-sectional survey of 524 high school and undergraduate students, from Valencia (Spain). Two confirmatory factor analyses (CFAs) were estimated, together with reliability and validity evidence of the scale. Results offered evidence of the adequate psychometric properties of the EASS. The CFAs showed overall and analytical adequate fit indexes (χ2(120) = 163.19 (p < .01), GFI = .906, CFI = .959, SRMR = .044, RMSEA = .040 [CI .022-.054]); reliability indices of the entrepreneurial attitudes were appropriate for most of the entrepreneurial attitudes (α were between .63 and .87 for the different dimensions); and external evidence relating entrepreneurial dimensions to personality traits was similar to in previous studies. The scale could be a useful instrument both for previous diagnosis and effectiveness assessment of programs on entrepreneurship promotion.
Rapid Adaptation of Rat Brain and Liver Metabolism to a Ketogenic Diet: An Integrated Study Using 1H- and 13C-NMR Spectroscopy
Authors: Roy Maggie , Beauvieux Marie-Christine , Naulin Jérôme , Hamrani Dounia El , Gallis Jean-Louis , Cunnane Stephen C , Bouzier-Sore Anne-Karine
Published: March 2015

The ketogenic diet (KD) is an effective alternative treatment for refractory epilepsy in children, but the mechanisms by which it reduces seizures are poorly understood. To investigate how the KD modifies brain metabolism, we infused control (CT) and 7-day KD rats with either [1-13C]glucose (Glc) or [2,4-13C2]β-hydroxybutyrate (β-HB). Specific enrichments of amino acids (AAs) measured by 1H- and 13C-NMR in total brain perchloric acid extracts were similar between CT and KD rats after [1-13C]Glc infusion whereas they were higher in KD rats after [2,4-13C2]β-HB infusion. This suggests better metabolic efficiency of ketone body utilization on the KD. The relative rapid metabolic adaptation to the KD included (1) 11%-higher brain γ-amino butyric acid (GABA)/glutamate (Glu) ratio versus CT, (2) liver accumulation of the ketogenic branched-chain AAs (BCAAs) leucine (Leu) and isoleucine (ILeu), which were never detected in CT, and (3) higher brain Leu and ILeu contents. Since Glu and GABA are excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters, respectively, higher brain GABA/Glu ratio could contribute to the mechanism by which the KD reduces seizures in epilepsy. Increased BCAA on the KD may also contribute to better seizure control.
Perfusion Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography in a Mouse Model of Neurofibromatosis Type 1: Towards a Biomarker of Neurologic Deficits
Authors: Apostolova Ivayla , Niedzielska Dagmara , Derlin Thorsten , Koziolek Eva J , Amthauer Holger , Salmen Benedikt , Pahnke Jens , Brenner Winfried , Mautner Victor F , Buchert Ralph
Published: March 2015

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a single-gene disorder affecting neurologic function in humans. The NF1+/– mouse model with germline mutation of the NF1 gene presents with deficits in learning, attention, and motor coordination, very similar to NF1 patients. The present study performed brain perfusion single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) in NF1+/– mice to identify possible perfusion differences as surrogate marker for altered cerebral activity in NF1. Cerebral perfusion was measured with hexamethyl-propyleneamine oxime (HMPAO) SPECT in NF1+/– mice and their wild-type littermates longitudinally at juvenile age and at young adulthood. Histology and immunohistochemistry were performed to test for structural changes. There was increased HMPAO uptake in NF1 mice in the amygdala at juvenile age, which reduced to normal levels at young adulthood. There was no genotype effect on thalamic HMPAO uptake, which was confirmed by ex vivo measurements of F-18-fluorodeoxyglucose uptake in the thalamus. Morphologic analyses showed no major structural abnormalities. However, there was some evidence of increased density of microglial somata in the amygdala of NF1-deficient mice. In conclusion, there is evidence of increased perfusion and increased density of microglia in juvenile NF1 mice specifically in the amygdala, both of which might be associated with altered synaptic plasticity and, therefore, with cognitive deficits in NF1.
A PAX1 enhancer locus is associated with susceptibility to idiopathic scoliosis in females
Authors: Sharma Swarkar , Londono Douglas , Eckalbar Walter L. , Gao Xiaochong , Zhang Dongping , Mauldin Kristen , Kou Ikuyo , Takahashi Atsushi , Matsumoto Morio , Kamiya Nobuhiro , Murphy Karl K. , Cornelia Reuel ,   TSRHC Scoliosis Clinical Group, Karol L. , Rathjen K. , Sucato D. , Birch J. , Johnston C. , Richards B. S. , Milbrandt T. , Talwakar V. , Iwinski H. , Muchow R. , Tassone J. C. , Liu X. -C. , Shindell R. , Schrader W. , Eberson C. , Lapinsky A. , Loder R. , Davey J. ,   Japan Scoliosis Clinical Research Group, Hosogane Naobumi , Ogura Yoji , Takahashi Yohei , Miyake Atushi , Watanabe Kota , Chiba Kazuhiro , Toyama Yoshiaki , Kono Katsuki , Kawakami Noriaki , Tsuji Taichi , Uno Koki , Suzuki Teppei , Ito Manabu , Sudo Hideki , Minami Shohei , Kotani Toshiaki , Yanagida Haruhisa , Taneichi Hiroshi , Yonezawa Ikuho , Kaneko Kazuo , Herring John A. , Burns Dennis , Ahituv Nadav , Ikegawa Shiro , Gordon Derek , Wise Carol A.
Published: March 2015

Idiopathic scoliosis (IS) is a common paediatric musculoskeletal disease that displays a strong female bias. By performing a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of 3,102 individuals, we identify significant associations with 20p11.22 SNPs for females (P=6.89 × 10−9) but not males (P=0.71). This association with IS is also found in independent female cohorts from the United States of America and Japan (overallP=2.15 × 10−10, OR=1.30 (rs6137473)). Unexpectedly, the 20p11.22 IS risk alleles were previously associated with protection from early-onset alopecia, another sexually dimorphic condition. The 174-kb associated locus is distal toPAX1, which encodes paired box 1, a transcription factor involved in spine development. We identify a sequence in the associated locus with enhancer activity in zebrafish somitic muscle and spinal cord, an activity that is abolished by IS-associated SNPs. We thus identify a sexually dimorphic IS susceptibility locus, and propose the first functionally defined candidate mutations in an enhancer that may regulate expression in specific spinal cells.
The intellectual disability protein RAB39B selectively regulates GluA2 trafficking to determine synaptic AMPAR composition
Authors: Mignogna Maria Lidia , Giannandrea Maila , Gurgone Antonia , Fanelli Francesca , Raimondi Francesco , Mapelli Lisa , Bassani Silvia , Fang Huaqiang , Van Anken Eelco , Alessio Massimo , Passafaro Maria , Gatti Silvia , Esteban José A. , Huganir Richard , D’Adamo Patrizia
Published: March 2015

RAB39B is a member of the RAB family of small GTPases that controls intracellular vesicular trafficking in a compartment-specific manner. Mutations in the RAB39B gene cause intellectual disability comorbid with autism spectrum disorder and epilepsy, but the impact of RAB39B loss of function on synaptic activity is largely unexplained. Here we show that protein interacting with C-kinase 1 (PICK1) is a downstream effector of GTP-bound RAB39B and that RAB39B-PICK1 controls trafficking from the endoplasmic reticulum to the Golgi and, hence, surface expression of GluA2, a subunit of alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid receptors (AMPARs). The role of AMPARs in synaptic transmission varies depending on the combination of subunits (GluA1, GluA2 and GluA3) they incorporate. RAB39B downregulation in mouse hippocampal neurons skews AMPAR composition towards non GluA2-containing Ca2+-permeable forms and thereby alters synaptic activity, specifically in hippocampal neurons. We posit that the resulting alteration in synaptic function underlies cognitive dysfunction in RAB39B-related disorders.
RGS1 regulates myeloid cell accumulation in atherosclerosis and aortic aneurysm rupture through altered chemokine signalling
Authors: Patel Jyoti , McNeill Eileen , Douglas Gillian , Hale Ashley B. , de Bono Joseph , Lee Regent , Iqbal Asif J. , Regan-Komito Daniel , Stylianou Elena , Greaves David R. , Channon Keith M.
Published: March 2015

Chemokine signalling drives monocyte recruitment in atherosclerosis and aortic aneurysms. The mechanisms that lead to retention and accumulation of macrophages in the vascular wall remain unclear. Regulator of G-Protein Signalling-1 (RGS1) deactivates G-protein signalling, reducing the response to sustained chemokine stimulation. Here we show that Rgs1 is upregulated in atherosclerotic plaque and aortic aneurysms. Rgs1 reduces macrophage chemotaxis and desensitizes chemokine receptor signalling. In early atherosclerotic lesions, Rgs1 regulates macrophage accumulation and is required for the formation and rupture of Angiotensin II-induced aortic aneurysms, through effects on leukocyte retention. Collectively, these data reveal a role for Rgs1 in leukocyte trafficking and vascular inflammation and identify Rgs1, and inhibition of chemokine receptor signalling as potential therapeutic targets in vascular disease.
Allometry and growth of eight tree taxa in United Kingdom woodlands
Authors: Evans Matthew R , Moustakas Aristides , Carey Gregory , Malhi Yadvinder , Butt Nathalie , Benham Sue , Pallett Denise , Schäfer Stefanie
Published: March 2015

As part of a project to develop predictive ecosystem models of United Kingdom woodlands we have collated data from two United Kingdom woodlands - Wytham Woods and Alice Holt. Here we present data from 582 individual trees of eight taxa in the form of summary variables relating to the allometric relationships between trunk diameter, height, crown height, crown radius and trunk radial growth rate to the tree’s light environment and diameter at breast height. In addition the raw data files containing the variables from which the summary data were obtained. Large sample sizes with longitudinal data spanning 22 years make these datasets useful for future studies concerned with the way trees change in size and shape over their life-span.
Network-based proteomic approaches reveal the neurodegenerative, neuroprotective and pain-related mechanisms involved after retrograde axonal damage
Authors: Casas Caty , Isus Laura , Herrando-Grabulosa Mireia , Mancuso Francesco M. , Borrás Eva , Sabidó Eduardo , Forés Joaquim , Aloy Patrick
Published: March 2015

Neurodegenerative processes are preceded by neuronal dysfunction and synaptic disconnection. Disconnection between spinal motoneuron (MN) soma and synaptic target leads either to a retrograde degenerative process or to a regenerative reaction, depending injury proximity among other factors. Distinguished key events associated with one or other processes may give some clues towards new therapeutical approaches based on boosting endogenous neuroprotective mechanisms. Root mechanical traction leads to retrograde MN degeneration, but share common initial molecular mechanisms with a regenerative process triggered by distal axotomy and suture. By 7 days post-injury, key molecular events starts to diverge and sign apart each destiny. We used comparative unbiased proteomics to define these signatures, coupled to a novel network-based analysis to get biological meaning. The procedure implicated the previous generation of combined topological information from manual curated 19 associated biological processes to be contrasted with the proteomic list using gene enrichment analysis tools. The novel and unexpected results suggested that motoneurodegeneration is better explained mainly by the concomitant triggering of anoikis, anti-apoptotic and neuropathic-pain related programs. In contrast, the endogenous neuroprotective mechanisms engaged after distal axotomy included specifically rather anti-anoikis and selective autophagy. Validated protein-nodes and processes are highlighted across discussion.
Detection of BRAF mutation in Chinese tumor patients using a highly sensitive antibody immunohistochemistry assay
Authors: Qiu Tian , Lu Haizhen , Guo Lei , Huang Wenting , Ling Yun , Shan Ling , Li Wenbin , Ying Jianming , Lv Ning
Published: March 2015

BRAF mutations can be found in various solid tumors. But accurate and reliable screening for BRAF mutation that is compatible for clinical application is not yet available. In this study, we used an automated immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining coupled with mouse monoclonal anti-BRAF V600E (VE1) primary antibody to screen the BRAF V600E mutation in 779 tumor cases, including 611 colorectal carcinomas (CRC), 127 papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTC) and 41 malignant melanomas. Among the 779 cases, 150 cases were positive for BRAF (V600E) staining, including 38 (of 611, 6%) CRCs, 102 (of 127, 80%) PTCs and 10 (of 41, 24%) malignant melanomas. Sanger sequencing and real-time PCR confirmed the sensitivity and specificity of IHC staining for the V600E mutation are 100% and 99%, respectively. Therefore, our study demonstrates that the fully automated IHC is a reliable tool to determine BRAF mutation status in CRC, PTC and melanoma and can be used for routine clinical screen.
Increased plant productivity and decreased microbial respiratory C loss by plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria under elevated CO2
Authors: Nie Ming , Bell Colin , Wallenstein Matthew D. , Pendall Elise
Published: March 2015

Increased plant productivity and decreased microbial respiratory C loss can potentially mitigate increasing atmospheric CO2, but we currently lack effective means to achieve these goals. Soil microbes may play critical roles in mediating plant productivity and soil C/N dynamics under future climate scenarios of elevated CO2(eCO2) through optimizing functioning of the root-soil interface. By using a labeling technique with13C and15N, we examined the effects of plant growth-promotingPseudomonas fluorescenson C and N cycling in the rhizosphere of a common grass species under eCO2. These microbial inoculants were shown to increase plant productivity. Although strong competition for N between the plant and soil microbes was observed, the plant can increase its capacity to store more biomass C per unit of N underP. fluorescensaddition. Unlike eCO2effects,P. fluorescensinoculants did not change mass-specific microbial respiration and accelerate soil decomposition related to N cycling, suggesting these microbial inoculants mitigated positive feedbacks of soil microbial decomposition to eCO2. The potential to mitigate climate change by optimizing soil microbial functioning by plant growth-promotingPseudomonas fluorescensis a prospect for ecosystem management.
Isotopic Resonance Hypothesis: Experimental Verification by Escherichia coli Growth Measurements
Authors: Xie Xueshu , Zubarev Roman A.
Published: March 2015

Isotopic composition of reactants affects the rates of chemical and biochemical reactions. As a rule, enrichment of heavy stable isotopes leads to progressively slower reactions. But the recent isotopic resonance hypothesis suggests that the dependence of the reaction rate upon the enrichment degree is not monotonous. Instead, at some “resonance” isotopic compositions, the kinetics increases, while at “off-resonance” compositions the same reactions progress slower. To test the predictions of this hypothesis for the elements C, H, N and O, we designed a precise (standard error ±0.05%) experiment that measures the parameters of bacterial growth in minimal media with varying isotopic composition. A number of predicted resonance conditions were tested, with significant enhancements in kinetics discovered at these conditions. The combined statistics extremely strongly supports the validity of the isotopic resonance phenomenon (p ≪ 10−15). This phenomenon has numerous implications for the origin of life studies and astrobiology and possible applications in agriculture, biotechnology, medicine, chemistry and other areas.
Sensitization of Gram-negative bacteria to rifampin and OAK combinations
Authors: Jammal Joanna , Zaknoon Fadia , Kaneti Galoz , Goldberg Keren , Mor Amram
Published: March 2015

While individually inefficient against Gram-negative bacteria, in-vitro combinations of rifampin and OAK were mutually synergistic since sub-minimal inhibitory concentrations of one compound have potentiated the other by 2–4 orders of magnitude. Synergy persisted in-vivo as single-dose systemic treatment of Klebsiella infected mice resulted in 10–20% versus 60% survival, respectively accomplished by individual and combined compounds. This outcome was achieved without drug formulation, rather, pharmacokinetic considerations have inspired the therapeutic regimen.
Macaques Exhibit a Naturally-Occurring Depression Similar to Humans
Authors: Xu Fan , Wu Qingyuan , Xie Liang , Gong Wei , Zhang Jianguo , Zheng Peng , Zhou Qinmin , Ji Yongjia , Wang Tao , Li Xin , Fang Liang , Li Qi , Yang Deyu , Li Juan , Melgiri Narayan D. , Shively Carol , Xie Peng
Published: March 2015

Rodent models have dominated preclinical investigations into the mechanisms of depression. However, these models-which rely on subjecting individual rodents to physical stressors - do not realistically resemble the etiopathological development of depression, which occurs naturally in a social context. A non-human primate model that better reflects the social ethological aspects of depression would be more advantageous to investigating pathophysiological mechanisms and developing antidepressant therapeutics. Here, we describe and model a naturally-occurring depressive state in a non-human primate species, the cynomolgus monkey (Macaca fascicularis), in a realistic social ethological context and associate the depressed behavioral phenotype with significant serum metabolic perturbations. One to two subjects per stable social colony (17–22 subjects) manifested a depressive phenotype that may be attributed to psychosocial stress. In accordance with rodent and human studies, the serum metabolic phenotype of depressed and healthy subjects significantly differed, supporting the model's face validity. However, application of the fast-acting antidepressant ketamine failed to demonstrate predictive validity. This study proposes a non-human primate depression model in a realistic social ethological context that can better approximate the psychosocial stressors underlying depression.
IP-10 measured by Dry Plasma Spots as biomarker for therapy responses in Mycobacterium Tuberculosis infection
Authors: Tonby Kristian , Ruhwald Morten , Kvale Dag , Dyrhol-Riise Anne Ma
Published: March 2015

Tuberculosis (TB) has huge impact on human morbidity and mortality and biomarkers to support rapid TB diagnosis and ensure treatment initiation and cure are needed, especially in regions with high prevalence of multi-drug resistant TB. Soluble interferon gamma inducible protein 10 (IP-10) analyzed from dry plasma spots (DPS) has potential as an immunodiagnostic marker in TB infection. We analyzed IP-10 levels in plasma directly and extracted from DPS in parallel by ELISA from 34 clinically well characterized patients with TB disease before and throughout 24 weeks of effective anti-TB chemotherapy. We detected a significant decline of IP-10 levels in both plasma and DPS already after two weeks of therapy with good correlation between the tests. This was observed both in pulmonary and extrapulmonary TB. In conclusion, plasma IP-10 may serve as an early biomarker for anti-TB chemotherapy responses and the IP-10 DPS method has potential to be developed into a point-of care test for use in resource-limited settings. Further studies must be performed to validate the use of IP-10 DPS in TB high endemic countries.
Hydrogen-Bonding-Supported Self-Healing Antifogging Thin Films
Authors: Zhang Xiaojie , He Junhui
Published: March 2015

Inspired by the repair of DNA through efficient reformation of hydrogen bonds (H-bonds), herein we report a facile one-step approach to construction of self-healing antifogging thin films on the basis of partly cross-linked poly(vinyl alcohol)(PVA) and poly(acrylic acid)(PAA). By designing the molar ratio of hydroxyl groups to carboxyl groups, the cross-linked polymer thin films maintain abundant free hydroxyl groups to present excellent antifogging property, which is derived from the hydrophilicity and hygroscopicity of the thin films. The thin films showed smart intrinsic self-healing characteristics towards wounds caused by external forces, which is attributed to sufficient free hydroxyl groups at the scratched interfaces to reform H-bonds across the interfaces and a sufficient chain mobility that is indispensable for chain diffusion across the interfaces and hydroxyl groups association to form H-bonds. No synthetic surfaces reported so far possess all the unique characteristics of the polymer thin films: intrinsic self-healing, long-term antifogging, excellent mechanical property, high transmittance and large-scale feasibility.
Structure based aggregation studies reveal the presence of helix-rich intermediate during α-Synuclein aggregation
Authors: Ghosh Dhiman , Singh Pradeep K. , Sahay Shruti , Jha Narendra Nath , Jacob Reeba S. , Sen Shamik , Kumar Ashutosh , Riek Roland , Maji Samir K.
Published: March 2015

Mechanistic understanding of nucleation dependent polymerization by α-synuclein (α-Syn) into toxic oligomers and amyloids is important for the drug development against Parkinson's disease. However the structural and morphological characterization during nucleation and subsequent fibrillation process of α-Syn is not clearly understood. Using a variety of complementary biophysical techniques monitoring entire pathway of nine different synucleins, we found that transition of unstructured conformation into β-sheet rich fibril formation involves helix-rich intermediates. These intermediates are common for all aggregating synucleins, contain high solvent-exposed hydrophobic surfaces, are cytotoxic to SHSY-5Y cells and accelerate α-Syn aggregation efficiently. A multidimensional NMR study characterizing the intermediate accompanied with site-specific fluorescence study suggests that the N-terminal and central portions mainly participate in the helix-rich intermediate formation while the C-terminus remained in an extended conformation. However, significant conformational transitions occur at the middle and at the C-terminus during helix to β-sheet transition as evident from Trp fluorescence study. Since partial helix-rich intermediates were also observed for other amyloidogenic proteins such as Aβ and IAPP, we hypothesize that this class of intermediates may be one of the important intermediates for amyloid formation pathway by many natively unstructured protein/peptides and represent a potential target for drug development against amyloid diseases.
Vortex Chain in a Resonantly Pumped Polariton Superfluid
Authors: Boulier T. , Terças H. , Solnyshkov D. D. , Glorieux Q. , Giacobino E. , Malpuech G. , Bramati A.
Published: March 2015

Exciton-polaritons are light-matter mixed states interacting via their exciton fraction. They can be excited, manipulated and detected using all the versatile techniques of modern optics. An exciton-polariton gas is therefore a unique platform to study out-of-equilibrium interacting quantum fluids. In this work, we report the formation of a ring-shaped array of same sign vortices after injection of angular momentum in a polariton superfluid. The angular momentum is injected by a ℓ = 8 Laguerre-Gauss beam. In the linear regime, a spiral interference pattern containing phase defects is visible. In the nonlinear (superfluid) regime, the interference disappears and eight vortices appear, minimizing the energy while conserving the quantized angular momentum. The radial position of the vortices evolves in the region between the two pumps as a function of the density. Hydrodynamic instabilities resulting in the spontaneous nucleation of vortex-antivortex pairs when the system size is sufficiently large confirm that the vortices are not constrained by interference when nonlinearities dominate the system.
Differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells to mature functional Purkinje neurons
Authors: Wang Shuyan , Wang Bin , Pan Na , Fu Linlin , Wang Chaodong , Song Gongru , An Jing , Liu Zhongfeng , Zhu Wanwan , Guan Yunqian , Xu Zhi-Qing David , Chan Piu , Chen Zhiguo , Zhang Y. Alex
Published: March 2015

It remains a challenge to differentiate human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) or embryonic stem (ES) cells to Purkinje cells. In this study, we derived iPSCs from human fibroblasts and directed the specification of iPSCs first to Purkinje progenitors, by adding Fgf2 and insulin to the embryoid bodies (EBs) in a time-sensitive manner, which activates the endogenous production of Wnt1 and Fgf8 from EBs that further patterned the cells towards a midbrain-hindbrain-boundary tissue identity. Neph3-positive human Purkinje progenitors were sorted out by using flow cytometry and cultured either alone or with granule cell precursors, in a 2-dimensional or 3-dimensional environment. However, Purkinje progenitors failed to mature further under above conditions. By co-culturing human Purkinje progenitors with rat cerebellar slices, we observed mature Purkinje-like cells with right morphology and marker expression patterns, which yet showed no appropriate membrane properties. Co-culture with human fetal cerebellar slices drove the progenitors to not only morphologically correct but also electrophysiologically functional Purkinje neurons. Neph3-posotive human cells could also survive transplantation into the cerebellum of newborn immunodeficient mice and differentiate to L7- and Calbindin-positive neurons. Obtaining mature human Purkinje cells in vitro has significant implications in studying the mechanisms of spinocerebellar ataxias and other cerebellar diseases.
Whole-exome sequencing identifies OR2W3 mutation as a cause of autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa
Authors: Ma Xiangyu , Guan Liping , Wu Wei , Zhang Yao , Zheng Wei , Gao Yu-Tang , Long Jirong , Wu Na , Wu Long , Xiang Ying , Xu Bin , Shen Miaozhong , Chen Yanhua , Wang Yuewen , Yin Ye , Li Yingrui , Xu Haiwei , Xu Xun , Li Yafei
Published: March 2015

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP), a heterogeneous group of inherited ocular diseases, is a genetic condition that causes retinal degeneration and eventual vision loss. Though some genes have been identified to be associated with RP, still a large part of the clinical cases could not be explained. Here we reported a four-generation Chinese family with RP, during which 6 from 9 members of the second generation affected the disease. To identify the genetic defect in this family, whole-exome sequencing together with validation analysis by Sanger sequencing were performed to find possible pathogenic mutations. After a pipeline of database filtering, including public databases and in-house databases, a novel missense mutation, c. 424 C > T transition (p.R142W) in OR2W3 gene, was identified as a potentially causative mutation for autosomal dominant RP. The mutation co-segregated with the disease phenotype over four generations. This mutation was validated in another independent three-generation family. RT-PCR analysis also identified that OR2W3 gene was expressed in HESC-RPE cell line. The results will not only enhance our current understanding of the genetic basis of RP, but also provide helpful clues for designing future studies to further investigate genetic factors for familial RP.
The Secretion Process of Liquid Silk with Nanopillar Structures from Stenopsyche marmorata (Trichoptera: Stenopsychidae)
Authors: Hatano Tomohiro , Nagashima Takayuki
Published: March 2015

Stenopsyche marmorata larvae spin underwater adhesive silk for constructing nests and capture nets. The silk can be divided into fiber and adhesive regions, according to their function. The silk fiber region has a two-layer structure: a core layer situated at the center of the fiber and S. marmorata fibroin, the major component of the silk. In the anterior part of the anterior silk gland, the morphological characteristics suggest that the silk insolubilization leading to fibrillation occurs by luminal pH neutralization. The adhesive region is composed of three layers: the outermost (OM), B and C layers. On the B layer, coated with the OM layer, numerous nano-order pillar structures (nanopillar structures) are located at regular intervals. A nanopillar structure is approximately 40 nm in diameter and 125 nm in length. The precursor materials of the nanopillar structure are electron-dense globules of approximately 25 nm in diameter that are located in the A layer of the lumen of the middle silk gland. The precursor globules autonomously connect to one another on the B layer when the liquid silk is transported to the lumen of the bulbous region. The nanopillar structures probably contribute to the strong underwater adhesion of S. marmorata silk.
Effect of Electric Field Gradient on Sub-nanometer Spatial Resolution of Tip-enhanced Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Meng Lingyan , Yang Zhilin , Chen Jianing , Sun Mengtao
Published: March 2015

Tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS) with sub-nanometer spatial resolution has been recently demonstrated experimentally. However, the physical mechanism underlying is still under discussion. Here we theoretically investigate the electric field gradient of a coupled tip-substrate system. Our calculations suggest that the ultra-high spatial resolution of TERS can be partially attributed to the electric field gradient effect owning to its tighter spatial confinement and sensitivity to the infrared (IR)-active of molecules. Particularly, in the case of TERS of flat-lying H2TBPP molecules,we find the electric field gradient enhancement is the dominating factor for the high spatial resolution, which qualitatively coincides with previous experimental report. Our theoretical study offers a new paradigm for understanding the mechanisms of the ultra-high spatial resolution demonstrated in tip-enhanced spectroscopy which is of importance but neglected.
Synergetic Action of Domain II and IV Underlies Persistent Current Generation in Nav1.3 as revealed by a tarantula toxin
Authors: Tang Cheng , Zhou Xi , Zhang Yunxiao , xiao Zhaohua , Hu Zhaotun , Zhang Changxin , Huang Ying , Chen Bo , Liu Zhonghua , Liang Songping
Published: March 2015

The persistent current (INaP) through voltage-gated sodium channels enhances neuronal excitability by causing prolonged depolarization of membranes. Nav1.3 intrinsically generates a small INaP, although the mechanism underlying its generation remains unclear. In this study, the involvement of the four domains of Nav1.3 in INaP generation was investigated using the tarantula toxin α-hexatoxin-MrVII (RTX-VII). RTX-VII activated Nav1.3 and induced a large INaP. A pre-activated state binding model was proposed to explain the kinetics of toxin-channel interaction. Of the four domains of Nav1.3, both domain II and IV might play important roles in the toxin-induced INaP. Domain IV constructed the binding site for RTX-VII, while domain II might not participate in interacting with RTX-VII but could determine the efficacy of RTX-VII. Our results based on the use of RTX-VII as a probe suggest that domain II and IV cooperatively contribute to the generation of INaP in Nav1.3.