bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Regulates Sequential Fate Decisions of Murine Cortical Precursor Cells
Authors: Draganova Kalina , Zemke Martina , Zurkirchen Luis , Valenta Tomas , Cantù Claudio , Okoniewski Michal , Schmid Marie-Theres , Hoffmans Raymond , Götz Magdalena , Basler Konrad , Sommer Lukas
Published: September 2014

The fate of neural progenitor cells (NPCs) is determined by a complex interplay of intrinsic programs and extrinsic signals, very few of which are known. β-Catenin transduces extracellular Wnt signals, but also maintains adherens junctions integrity. Here, we identify for the first time the contribution of β-catenin transcriptional activity as opposed to its adhesion role in the development of the cerebral cortex by combining a novel β-catenin mutant allele with conditional inactivation approaches. Wnt/β-catenin signaling ablation leads to premature NPC differentiation, but, in addition, to a change in progenitor cell cycle kinetics and an increase in basally dividing progenitors. Interestingly, Wnt/β-catenin signaling affects the sequential fate switch of progenitors, leading to a shortened neurogenic period with decreased number of both deep and upper-layer neurons and later, to precocious astrogenesis. Indeed, a genome-wide analysis highlighted the premature activation of a corticogenesis differentiation program in the Wnt/β-catenin signaling-ablated cortex. Thus, β-catenin signaling controls the expression of a set of genes that appear to act downstream of canonical Wnt signaling to regulate the stage-specific production of appropriate progenitor numbers, neuronal subpopulations, and astroglia in the forebrain. Stem Cells  2015;33:170–182
Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Express GARP/LRRC32 on Their Surface: Effects on Their Biology and Immunomodulatory Capacity
Authors: Carrillo-Galvez Ana Belén , Cobo Marién , Cuevas-Ocaña Sara , Gutiérrez-Guerrero Alejandra , Sánchez-Gilabert Almudena , Bongarzone Pierpaolo , García-Pérez Angélica , Muñoz Pilar , Benabdellah Karim , Toscano Miguel G. , Martín Francisco , Anderson Per
Published: September 2014

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) represent a promising tool for therapy in regenerative medicine, transplantation, and autoimmune disease due to their trophic and immunomodulatory activities. However, we are still far from understanding the mechanisms of action of MSCs in these processes. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 is a pleiotropic cytokine involved in MSC migration, differentiation, and immunomodulation. Recently, glycoprotein A repetitions predominant (GARP) was shown to bind latency-associated peptide (LAP)/TGF-β1 to the cell surface of activated Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) and megakaryocytes/platelets. In this manuscript, we show that human and mouse MSCs express GARP which presents LAP/TGF-β1 on their cell surface. Silencing GARP expression in MSCs increased their secretion and activation of TGF-β1 and reduced their proliferative capacity in a TGF-β1-independent manner. Importantly, we showed that GARP expression on MSCs contributed to their ability to inhibit T-cell responses in vitro. In summary, we have found that GARP is an essential molecule for MSC biology, regulating their immunomodulatory and proliferative activities. We envision GARP as a new target for improving the therapeutic efficacy of MSCs and also as a novel MSC marker. Stem Cells  2015;33:183–195
Daylight Vision Repair by Cell Transplantation
Authors: Santos-Ferreira Tiago , Postel Kai , Stutzki Henrike , Kurth Thomas , Zeck Günther , Ader Marius
Published: September 2014

Human daylight vision depends on cone photoreceptors and their degeneration results in visual impairment and blindness as observed in several eye diseases including age-related macular degeneration, cone-rod dystrophies, or late stage retinitis pigmentosa, with no cure available. Preclinical cell replacement approaches in mouse retina have been focusing on rod dystrophies, due to the availability of sufficient donor material from the rod-dominated mouse retina, leaving the development of treatment options for cone degenerations not well studied. Thus, an abundant and traceable source for donor cone-like photoreceptors was generated by crossing neural retina leucine zipper-deficient (Nrl−/−) mice with an ubiquitous green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporter line resulting in double transgenic tg(Nrl−/−; aGFP) mice. In Nrl−/− retinas, all rods are converted into cone-like photoreceptors that express CD73 allowing their enrichment by CD73-based magnetic activated cell sorting prior transplantation into the subretinal space of adult wild-type, cone-only (Nrl−/−), or cone photoreceptor function loss 1 (Cpfl1) mice. Donor cells correctly integrated into host retinas, acquired mature photoreceptor morphology, expressed cone-specific markers, and survived for up to 6 months, with significantly increased integration rates in the cone-only Nrl−/− retina. Individual retinal ganglion cell recordings demonstrated the restoration of photopic responses in cone degeneration mice following transplantation suggesting, for the first time, the feasibility of daylight vision repair by cell replacement in the adult mammalian retina. Stem Cells  2015;33:79–90
Concise Reviews: A Stem Cell Apostasy: A Tale of Four H Words
Authors: Quesenberry Peter J. , Goldberg Laura R. , Dooner Mark S.
Published: September 2014

The field of hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) biology has become increasingly dominated by the pursuit and study of highly purified populations of HSCs. Such HSCs are typically isolated based on their cell surface marker expression patterns and ultimately defined by their multipotency and capacity for self-generation. However, even with progressively more stringent stem cell separation techniques, the resultant HSC population remains heterogeneous with respect to both self-renewal and differentiation capacity. Critical studies on unseparated whole bone marrow have definitively shown that long-term engraftable HSCs are in active cell cycle and thus continually changing phenotype. Therefore, they cannot be purified by current approaches dependent on stable surface epitope expression because the surface markers are continually changing as well. These critical cycling cells are discarded with current stem cell purifications. Despite this, research defining such characteristics as self-renewal capacity, lineage-commitment, bone marrow niches, and proliferative state of HSCs continues to focus predominantly on this small subpopulation of purified marrow cells. This review discusses the research leading to the hierarchical model of hematopoiesis and questions the dogmas pertaining to HSC quiescence and purification. Stem Cells  2015;33:15–20
Survey of reservoir grounding system defects considering the performance of lightning protection and improved design based on soil drilling data and the particle swarm optimization technique
Authors: Chou Chih‐Ju , Lee Chun‐Yao , Chen Chun‐Chi
Published: September 2014

At first, this paper proceeds with a survey of a dam to help understand the defects of existing lightning protection within the reservoir, using an actual drilling method for geological exploration and research at the base. The soil samples acquired by the drilling, testing, analysis, and computation indicate the distribution of geological soil layers and earth resistivity. The average earth resistivity values, measured by the Wenner four‐pin method, are used as auxiliary data. The design values of the earth resistivity are decided by the comparison and analysis of both data given above. In this paper, the optimal objective function is based on the minimum total costs of the grounding system and may satisfy all constraints, including the safety evaluation of the grounding system as well as the planning of ground material. The particle swarm optimization (PSO) method is used in searching for the optimal solution for a grounding system. Finally, through a practical case of grounding system planning, we show that the PSO method is indeed better than the conventional planning and design (CPD) method. © 2014 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
A hybrid approach to keyframe extraction from motion capture data using curve simplification and principal component analysis
Authors: Miura Takeshi , Kaiga Takaaki , Shibata Takeshi , Katsura Hiroaki , Tajima Katsubumi , Tamamoto Hideo
Published: September 2014

In this paper, we propose a novel method to extract keyframes from motion capture data. A hybrid approach, which combines a curve‐simplification algorithm with an initialization procedure including principal component analysis, is adopted. The developed method automatically extracts an appropriate number of keyframes at high speed without performance degradation. Experimental results prove the effectiveness of the present method. © 2014 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
A modified LDMOS device with improved ESD protection performance
Authors: Liang Hailian , Gu Xiaofeng , Xiao Shaoqing , Dong Shurong , Wu Jian , Zhong Lei
Published: September 2014

A modified lateral‐diffusion metal–oxide–semiconductor (MLDMOS) device with improved electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection performance is proposed for high‐voltage ESD protection. In comparison with the traditional LDMOS and the LDMOS with an embedded silicon‐controlled rectifier (LDMOS‐SCR), the proposed device has better ESD robustness and higher holding voltage. By optimizing key parameters, such as the spacing between the drain and the poly gate, the effective channel length, and the number of fingers, the MLDMOS can achieve a maximum failure current over 80 mA/µm, which is larger than that of LDMOS‐SCR. © 2014 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Activity patterns and fine‐scale resource partitioning in the gregarious Kihansi spray toad Nectophrynoides asperginis in captivity
Authors: Rija Alfan A. , Goboro Ezekiel M. , Mwamende Kuruthumu A. , Said Abubakari , Kohi Edward M. , Hassan Shombe N.
Published: September 2014

Understanding the behavior of species threatened with extinction is important for conservation planning and for solving problems facing species in captivity and the wild. We examined diurnal activity budgets and habitat use of the extinct in the wild Kihansi spray toad to provide insights into ongoing conservation initiatives for this species. Observations on eight target behaviors were made each morning and evening for 14 days, in two subpopulations at Kihansi and University of Dar es Salaam captive breeding centers. There were significantly more bouts of resting than calling, amplexing, hunting, walking, climbing, or feeding. There was no difference in mean time spent in each activity between the two subpopulations. The use of habitat was variable between age classes, subpopulations and sampling time. Young toads spent significantly more time resting at the top of vegetation and on walls while adults rested more on logs. Further, adults foraged more on the walls and vegetation in the morning and on the ground in the evening. Contrastingly, young toads foraged more on the ground in the morning and switched to elevated patches during evening. The similarity of the toads' behavior suggests that important biological traits are still maintained in captivity and retained across toad generations. Furthermore, temporal and spatial variations in the use of habitat structures between age groups suggest fine‐scale resource partitioning to reduce competition in this gregarious species. These results highlight the importance of maintaining diverse habitat structures in captivity and are useful for planning species reintroduction and future restocking programs. Zoo Biol. 33:411–418, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals Inc.
Sexual Assault Training in the Military: Evaluating Efforts to End the “Invisible War”
Authors: Holland Kathryn J. , Rabelo Verónica Caridad , Cortina Lilia M.
Published: September 2014

Sexual assault is an insidious problem in the United States military. In 2005 the Department of Defense (DoD) created the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office, which centralizes responsibility for sexual assault training. However, this training initiative has undergone little evaluation by outside researchers. Addressing this need, we analyzed responses from over 24,000 active duty personnel who completed the 2010 DoD Workplace and Gender Relations Survey. We assessed whether sexual assault training exposure (None, Minimal, Partial, or Comprehensive) predicted accurate knowledge of sexual assault resources and protocols. Using a social‐ecological framework, we investigated whether institutional and individual factors influenced Service members’ training exposure and judgment of training effectiveness. According to our results, exposure to comprehensive training predicted lower sexual assault incidence and superior knowledge. However, comprehensive training differed as a function of military branch, rank, gender, and sexual assault history. Judgments of training effectiveness also varied across these dimensions. Our results highlight the importance of considering context, gender, and victimization history when evaluating institutional efforts to end sexual violence. The DoD's 2010 annual report on military sexual assault concluded that “most Active Duty members receive effective training on sexual assault” (p. 104). Our results cast doubt on that assertion.
“How Should I Tell my Child?” Disclosing the Diagnosis of Sex Chromosome Aneuploidies
Authors: Dennis Anna , Howell Susan , Cordeiro Lisa , Tartaglia Nicole
Published: September 2014

To date, the disclosure of a sex chromosome aneuploidy (SCA) diagnosis to an affected individual has not been explored. This study aimed to assess the timing and content revealed to an affected child by his or her parent(s), resources accessed in preparation, parental feelings of preparedness, common parental concerns, and recommendations for disclosure approaches. Two online surveys were created: 1) for parents of a child with a diagnosis and 2) for individuals with a diagnosis. One‐hundred thirty‐nine parent surveys (XXY n = 68, XXX n = 21, XYY n = 9, other SCAs n = 41) and 67 individual surveys (XXY n = 58, XXX n = 9) were analyzed. Parents most frequently discussed the topics of learning disabilities (47 %) and genetics (45 %) with their child during the initial disclosure. A significantly greater proportion of parent respondents reported feeling prepared vs. unprepared for disclosure, regardless of their child's diagnosis (z‐test of proportions, all p's < 0.001). Both prepared and unprepared parents most frequently accessed resources such as websites, support groups, and discussion with the child's physician prior to disclosure, with unprepared parents accessing fewer resources (M = 2.0 ± 1.41) than prepared parents [M = 2. ± 1.56; t(101) =−2.02, p < 0.05]. Common parental concerns included making the conversation age‐appropriate, discussing infertility, and possible impact on the child's self‐esteem. Both parent and individual respondents endorsed being honest with the child, disclosing the diagnosis early and before puberty, and discussing the diagnosis gradually over time. These results provide recommendations for parents, and suggest benefits from additional resources and supports to alleviate concerns when approaching diagnosis disclosure.
Attention, locomotor activity and developmental milestones in rats prenatally exposed to ethanol
Authors: Brys Ivani , Pupe Stéfano , Bizarro Lisiane
Published: September 2014

Rationale

Decline of attentional performance as a function of time engaged on a task and hyperactivity are features shared by children and adults with fetal alcohol syndrome or attentional deficit and hyperactivity disorders.

Objective

To investigate the effects of prenatal exposure to two doses of ethanol on developmental milestones, locomotor activity and attention.

Methods

Wistar rats born from dams exposed to one of four maternal treatments during pregnancy were used: A35 – liquid diet with 35% ethanol‐derived calories; A10 – liquid diet with 10% ethanol‐derived calories; control – ethanol‐free liquid diet; chow – laboratory chow and water.

Results

A35 performed worse in grip strength than control and chow (postnatal day – 14, p < 0.05) but not in negative geotaxis (postnatal days 7–10); A35 also showed more locomotor activity than control and A10 (p < 0.05). Regarding attention, acquisition of the five choice reaction time task was similar between groups, but, the percentage of omission errors from A35 group was greater than other groups at baseline parameters, at shorter (2 s) and longer (7 s) inter‐trial intervals and at a shorter stimulus duration (0.5 s) (p < 0.05). The percentage of omissions was larger in A35 as the blocks progressed in sessions with either longer or shorter inter‐trial intervals (group × block p < 0.05). Animals from A10 group did not show any impairment in the tasks performed.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates that as well as developmental impairments, prenatal ethanol can produce deficits associated with an increase in attentional demand in rodents, analogous to those observed in fetal alcohol syndrome and attentional deficit and hyperactivity disorders.
HIV, other sexually transmitted infections, and risk behaviors among female sex workers in Liuzhou, China
Authors: Fan Yin‐Guang , Liu Jin‐Ji , Zhang Yu‐Jing , Dai Se‐Ying , Li Ming‐Qiang , Ye Dong‐Qing
Published: September 2014

Objective

To determine the prevalence of infections with HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV), and of syphilis among female sex workers (FSWs) in Liuzhou, China, along with levels of HIV‐related knowledge and frequencies of risk behaviors.

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey was conducted between July 2012 and January 2013. FSWs (aged ≥ 16 years; reported receiving payment for sex in previous 6 months) working at 58 selected commercial sex establishments (level 1 [>¥300 per transaction], level 2 [¥100–300], or level 3 [<¥100]) completed a questionnaire and provided blood samples for testing.

Results

Of 622 participating FSWs, 7 (1.1%) had HIV infection, 67 (10.8%) syphilis, and 44 (7.1%) HCV infection. Consistent condom use during commercial sex encounters in the past month was reported by 412 (66.2%) FSWs. Inconsistent condom use was most likely in FSWs working in level 3 establishments (odds ratio [OR] 1.85; 95% CI 1.02–3.39), with a regular partner (OR 1.65; 95% CI 1.12–2.45), and who used illicit drugs (OR 2.10; 95% CI 1.24–3.54). Inconsistent condom use was least likely in FSWs with high HIV awareness (OR 0.29; 95% CI 0.18–0.48) and who had had a previous HIV test (OR 0.51; 95% CI 0.34–0.76).

Conclusion

Further prioritized and combined programs aimed at FSWs are needed to prevent HIV transmission in China.
Pressure fluctuations produced by forward steps immersed in a turbulent boundary layer
Authors: Awasthi Manuj , Devenport William J. , Glegg Stewart A. L. , Forest Jonathan B.
Published: September 2014

Experiments have been performed on the disturbance of a high-Reynolds-number turbulent boundary layer by three forward steps with sizes close to 3.8, 15 and 60 % of the boundary layer thickness. Particular attention is focused on the impact of the steps on the fluctuating surface pressure field. Measurements were made from 5 boundary layer thicknesses upstream to 22 boundary layer thicknesses downstream of the step, a distance equivalent to over 600 step heights for the smallest step size. Flow speeds of 30 and $\def \xmlpi #1{}\def \mathsfbi #1{\boldsymbol {\mathsf {#1}}}\let \le =\leqslant \let \leq =\leqslant \let \ge =\geqslant \let \geq =\geqslant \def \Pr {\mathit {Pr}}\def \Fr {\mathit {Fr}}\def \Rey {\mathit {Re}}60\ \mathrm{m}\ {\mathrm{s}}^{-1}$ were studied, corresponding to boundary layer momentum thickness Reynolds numbers of 15 500 and 26 600 and step size Reynolds numbers from 6640 to 213 000. The steps produce a disturbance to the boundary layer pressure spectrum that scales on step size and decays remarkably slowly with distance downstream. When normalized on step height and free-stream velocity, the disturbance is self-similar and appears to develop almost independently of the enveloping boundary layer. The disturbance is still clearly visible at 150 step heights downstream of the mid-size step. Pressure correlations show the disturbance to be characterized by organized quasiperiodic motions that become visible well downstream of reattachment. The coherence and scale of these motions, as seen in the wall pressure correlations, scales on the step height and thus their visibility relative to the boundary layer grows rapidly as the step size is increased.
Intermittency route to thermoacoustic instability in turbulent combustors
Authors: Nair Vineeth , Thampi Gireeshkumaran , Sujith R. I.
Published: September 2014

The dynamic transition from combustion noise to combustion instability was investigated experimentally in two laboratory-scale turbulent combustors (namely, swirl-stabilized and bluff-body-stabilized backward-facing-step combustors) by systematically varying the flow Reynolds number. We observe that the onset of combustion-driven oscillations is always presaged by intermittent bursts of high-amplitude periodic oscillations that appear in a near-random fashion amidst regions of aperiodic low-amplitude fluctuations. These excursions to periodic oscillations last longer in time as operating conditions approach instability and finally the system transitions completely into periodic oscillations. A continuous measure to quantify this bifurcation in dynamics can be obtained by defining an order parameter as the probability of the signal amplitude exceeding a predefined threshold. A hysteresis zone was observed in the bluff-body-stabilized configuration that was absent in the swirl-stabilized configuration. The recurrence properties of the dynamics of intermittent burst oscillations were quantified using recurrence plots and the distribution of the aperiodic phases was examined. From the statistics of these aperiodic phases, robust early-warning signals of an impending combustion instability may be obtained.
Three-dimensional boundary layers with short spanwise scales
Authors: Hewitt Richard E. , Duck Peter W.
Published: September 2014

We investigate three-dimensional (laminar) boundary layers that include a spanwise scale comparable to the boundary-layer thickness. A forcing of short spanwise scales requires viscous dissipation to be retained in the two-dimensional cross-section, perpendicular to the external flow direction, and in this respect the flows are related to previous work on corner boundary layers. We use two examples to highlight the main features of this category of boundary layer: (i) a flat plate of narrow (spanwise) width, and (ii) a narrow (spanwise) gap cut into an otherwise infinite flat plate; in both cases the plate is aligned with a uniform oncoming stream. We find that a novel feature arises in connection with the external flow; the presence of a narrow gap/plate (or indeed any comparable short-scale feature of long streamwise extent) necessarily modifies the streamwise mass flux in that vicinity, which in turn induces an associated boundary-layer transpiration on the same short spanwise length scale. This (short-scale) transpiration region leads to a half-line-source/sink correction to the outer inviscid, irrotational flow. Crucially, the volumetric flux associated with this line-source/sink must be explicitly included as part of the computational procedure for the leading-order boundary layer, and as such there is a weak interaction between the outer (inviscid) flow and the boundary layer. This is a generic feature of boundary layers that are forced through the presence of short-scale spanwise variations.
Describing the values of Filipino adolescents: a comparison with pan-cultural norms
Authors: Bernardo Allan B. I. , Clemente Jose Antonio R. , Liem Gregory Arief D.
Published: September 2014

An etic approach was used to describe the values of Filipino adolescents and to show how pan-cultural comparisons using a values survey can complement emic approaches to studying values. Participants were 752 adolescents who answered the Portrait Values Questionnaire (PVQ). The results indicate that PVQ has structural validity and adequate internal consistency. Ranks of the value types were compared with pan-cultural student norms; the results indicate that (a) Filipino adolescents’ value type hierarchies are substantially similar (same top, same middle, same bottom ranked values), and (b) Filipino adolescents gave higher rankings for hedonism and stimulation and lower ranking for achievement.
The probiotic mixture VSL#3 mediates both pro- and anti-inflammatory responses in bone marrow-derived dendritic cells from C57BL/6 and BALB/c mice
Authors: Mariman Rob , Kremer Bas , Koning Frits , Nagelkerken Lex
Published: September 2014

Probiotic bacteria express a wide range of molecular structures that bind to receptors on innate immune cells and mediate health-promoting effects in the host. We have recently demonstrated in a colitis model that favourable effects of the probiotic mixture VSL#3 may in part be due to the suppression of intestinal chemokine expression. To obtain more insights into the underlying mechanisms, in the present study, we analysed the modulation of bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BM-DC) from BALB/c (T helper (Th)2 biased) v. C57BL/6 (Th1 biased) mice. Our findings showed that VSL#3 differed from pure Toll-like receptor (TLR) ligands by inducing the production of various cytokines, including IL-12 p70 subunit (IL-12p70), IL-23 and IL-10. Dedicated TLR arrays were employed to profile mRNA from BM-DC cultured with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), VSL#3, or a combination of both. This approach led to the identification of (1) a cluster of genes that were up- or down-regulated, irrespective of the stimulus, (2) a cluster of genes that were synergistically up-regulated by LPS and VSL#3 in BM-DC from C57BL/6 mice, but not in those from BALB/c mice, and (3) a cluster of LPS-induced genes that were suppressed by VSL#3, in particular chemokine genes. These data show that this probiotic mixture has both pro- and anti-inflammatory effects on BM-DC and suggest that their immune-modulating properties in vivo may depend on the genetic background of the host.
Quantitative characterization of five cover crop species
Authors: RAMIREZ-GARCIA J. , GABRIEL J. L. , ALONSO-AYUSO M. , QUEMADA M.
Published: September 2014

The introduction of cover crops in the intercrop period may provide a broad range of ecosystem services derived from the multiple functions they can perform, such as erosion control, recycling of nutrients or forage source. However, the achievement of these services in a particular agrosystem is not always required at the same time or to the same degree. Thus, species selection and definition of targeted objectives is critical when growing cover crops. The goal of the current work was to describe the traits that determine the suitability of five species (barley, rye, triticale, mustard and vetch) for cover cropping. A field trial was established during two seasons (October to April) in Madrid (central Spain). Ground cover and biomass were monitored at regular intervals during each growing season. A Gompertz model characterized ground cover until the decay observed after frosts, while biomass was fitted to Gompertz, logistic and linear-exponential equations. At the end of the experiment, carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and fibre (neutral detergent, acid and lignin) contents, and the N fixed by the legume were determined. The grasses reached the highest ground cover (83–99%) and biomass (1226–1928 g/m2) at the end of the experiment. With the highest C:N ratio (27–39) and dietary fibre (527–600 mg/g) and the lowest residue quality (~680 mg/g), grasses were suitable for erosion control, catch crop and fodder. The vetch presented the lowest N uptake (2·4 and 0·7 g N/m2) due to N fixation (9·8 and 1·6 g N/m2) and low biomass accumulation. The mustard presented high N uptake in the warm year and could act as a catch crop, but low fodder capability in both years. The thermal time before reaching 30% ground cover was a good indicator of early coverage species. Variable quantification allowed finding variability among the species and provided information for further decisions involving cover crop selection and management.
Management of spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid leaks of the sphenoid sinus: our experience
Authors: Fyrmpas G , Konstantinidis I , Selviaridis P , Constantinidis J
Published: September 2014

Background:

Closure of spontaneous sphenoid sinus cerebrospinal fluid leaks can be challenging because of the relative inaccessibility of the lateral recess and the presence of intracranial hypertension. We present our experience of such cases and highlight factors associated with a successful outcome.

Methods:

Eleven patients with spontaneous, laboratory confirmed, sphenoid sinus cerebrospinal fluid leaks were included. All patients underwent endoscopic closure by either a three-layer technique or fat obliteration.

Results:

In all but one patient, the leak was successfully sealed (success rate, 90.9 per cent; mean follow up, 37.1 months). Elevated intracranial pressure was measured in eight patients, two of whom did not exhibit relevant clinical or radiological characteristics. Five patients received diuretics and dietary advice for weight reduction. In one patient with recurrence two weeks after repair, successful revision was performed by additional placement of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt (follow up, 67 months).

Conclusion:

Long-lasting cerebrospinal fluid fistula sealing in the sphenoid sinus requires stable reconstruction of the defect in three layers or fat obliteration if the anatomy is unfavourable. All patients should be intra- and post-operatively screened for elevated intracranial pressure to identify those who need additional intracranial pressure reduction measures.
The AMP-Foot 2.1 : actuator design, control and experiments with an amputee
Authors: Cherelle Pierre , Junius Karen , Grosu Victor , Cuypers Heidi , Vanderborght Bram , Lefeber Dirk
Published: September 2014

The Ankle Mimicking Prosthetic (AMP-) Foot 2 is a new energy efficient, powered transtibial prosthesis mimicking intact ankle behavior. The author's research is focused on the use of a low power actuator which stores energy in springs during the complete stance phase. At push-off, this energy can be released hereby providing propulsion forces and torques to the amputee. With the use of the so-called catapult actuator, the size and weight of the drive can be decreased compared to state-of-the-art powered prostheses, while still providing the full power necessary for walking.

In this article, the authors present a detailed description of the catapult actuator followed by a comparison with existing actuator technology in powered prosthetic feet with regard to torque and power requirements. The implication on the actuator's design will then be outlined. Further, a description of the control strategy behind the AMP-Foot 2 and 2.1 will be given. In the last section of the article, the actuation principle and control are illustrated by experimental validation with a transfemoral amputee. Conclusions and future work complete the paper.
Analyticity for a class of non-linear evolutionary pseudo-differential equations
Authors: IOAKIM XENAKIS , SMYRLIS YIORGOS-SOKRATIS
Published: September 2014

We study the analyticity properties of solutions for a class of non-linear evolutionary pseudo-differential equations possessing global attractors. In order to do this we utilise an analyticity criterion for spatially periodic functions, which involves the rate of growth of a suitable norm of the nth derivative of the solution, with respect to the spatial variable, as n tends to infinity. This criterion can be used to a wide class of dissipative-dispersive partial differential equations, provided they possess global attractors. Using this criterion and the spectral method developed in Akrivis et al. [1] we have improved previous results.
Effect of anti-PMSG on distribution of estrogen receptor alpha and progesterone receptor in mouse ovary, oviduct and uterus
Authors: Lin Zi Li , Ni He Min , Liu Yun Hai , Sheng Xi Hui , Cui Xiang Shun , Kim Nam Hyung , Guo Yong
Published: September 2014

It is well established that estrogen and progesterone are critical endogenous hormones that are essential for implantation and pregnancy in females. However, the distribution of estrogen receptor α (ERα) and progesterone receptor (PR) in female reproductive tracts is elusive. Herein, we report that after serial treatments with pregnant mare's serum gonadotrophin (PMSG) with or without anti-PMSG (AP), mice could regulate the distribution of ERα and PR in the murine ovary, oviduct and uterus and the level of estradiol in serum. ERα and PR regulation by PMSG and anti-PMSG was estrous cycle-dependent and critical for promoting the embryo-implantation period. Furthermore, our results suggested that AP-42 h treatment is more effective than the other treatments. In contrast, other treatment groups also affected the distribution of ERα and PR in mouse reproductive tracts. Thus, we found that anti-PMSG has the potential to restore the distribution of ERα and PR, which could effectively reduce the negative impact of residual estrogen caused by the normal superovulation effect of PMSG in mice.
Oct4 overexpression facilitates proliferation of porcine fibroblasts and development of cloned embryos
Authors: Kim Su Jin , Koo Ok Jae , Park Hee Jung , Moon Joon Ho , da Torre Bego Roibas , Javaregowda Palaksha Kanive , Kang Jung Taek , Park Sol Ji , Saadeldin Islam M. , Choi Ji Yei , Lee Byeong-Chun , Jang Goo
Published: September 2014

Octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (Oct4) is a critical molecule for the self-renewal and pluripotency of embryonic stem cells. Recent reports have shown that Oct4 also controls cell-cycle progression and enhances the proliferation of various types of cells. As the high proliferation of donor fibroblasts is critical to the production of transgenic pigs, using the somatic cell nuclear transfer technique, we analysed the effect of Oct4 overexpression on the proliferation of porcine fibroblasts and embryos. Porcine endogenous Oct4 cDNA was cloned, sequenced and inserted into an expression vector. The vector was transfected into porcine fibroblasts, and a stable Oct4-overexpressed cell line was established by antibiotic selection. Oct4 expression was validated by the immunostaining of Oct4. Cell morphology was changed to sharp, and both proliferation and migration abilities were enhanced in Oct4-overexpressed cells. Real-time RT-PCR results showed that p16, Bcl2 and Myc were upregulated in Oct4-overexpressed cells. Somatic cell nuclear transfer was performed using Oct4-overexpressed cells, and the development of Oct4 embryos was compared with that of wild-type cloned embryos. The cleavage and blastocyst formation rates were improved in the Oct4 embryos. Interestingly, blastocyst formation of the Oct4 embryos was observed as early as day 5 in culture, while blastocysts were observed from day 6 in wild-type cloned embryos. In conclusion, the overexpression of Oct4 enhanced the proliferation of both porcine fibroblasts and embryos.
Paternal breed effects on expression ofIGF-II,BAK1andBCL2-L1in bovine preimplantation embryos
Authors: Valleh Mehdi Vafaye , Tahmoorespur Mojtaba , Joupari Morteza Daliri , Dehghani Hesam , Rasmussen Mikkel Aabech , Hyttel Poul , Strøbech Lotte
Published: September 2014

The effects of the paternal breed on early embryo and later pre- and postnatal development are well documented. Several recent studies have suggested that such paternal effects may be mediated by the paternally induced epigenetic modifications during early embryogenesis. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of the paternal breed on the early embryonic development and relative expression of the maternally imprinted gene,IGF-II, and the apoptosis-related genesBAK1andBCL2-L1inin vitroproduced (IVP) bovine embryos derived from two unrelated paternal breeds (Holstein and Brown Swiss). The degree of correlation ofIGF-IIexpression pattern with embryo developmental competence and apoptosis-related genes was also investigated. The relative abundance ofIGF-II,BCL2-L1andBAK1transcripts in day 8 embryos was measured by quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction using the comparative Cpmethod. Our data revealed that the paternal breed did not influence cleavage rate, blastocyst rate and relative abundance ofIGF-II,BAK1andBCL2-L1in day 8 blastocysts (P> 0.05). Nevertheless,IGF-IIexpression levels were highly correlated with embryonic developmental competence (r= 0.66,P< 0.1), relative expression ofBCL2-L1(r= 0.72,P< 0.05) and ratio ofBCL2-L1/BAK1(r= 0.78,P< 0.05). In conclusion, our data show thatIGF-II,BCL2-L1andBAK1expression is not related to the chosen combination of paternal breed, but thatIGF-IIexpression is correlated with embryonic viability and apoptosis-related gene expression.
Comparative and phylogenetic perspectives of the cleavage process in tailed amphibians
Authors: Desnitskiy Alexey G. , Litvinchuk Spartak N.
Published: September 2014

The order Caudata includes about 660 species and displays a variety of important developmental traits such as cleavage pattern and egg size. However, the cleavage process of tailed amphibians has never been analyzed within a phylogenetic framework. We use published data on the embryos of 36 species concerning the character of the third cleavage furrow (latitudinal, longitudinal or variable) and the magnitude of synchronous cleavage period (up to 3–4 synchronous cell divisions in the animal hemisphere or a considerably longer series of synchronous divisions followed by midblastula transition). Several species from basal caudate families Cryptobranchidae (Andrias davidianusandCryptobranchus alleganiensis) and Hynobiidae (Onychodactylus japonicus) as well as several representatives from derived families Plethodontidae (Desmognathus fuscusandEnsatina eschscholtzii) and Proteidae (Necturus maculosus) are characterized by longitudinal furrows of the third cleavage and the loss of synchrony as early as the 8-cell stage. By contrast, many representatives of derived families Ambystomatidae and Salamandridae have latitudinal furrows of the third cleavage and extensive period of synchronous divisions. Our analysis of these ontogenetic characters mapped onto a phylogenetic tree shows that the cleavage pattern of large, yolky eggs with short series of synchronous divisions is an ancestral trait for the tailed amphibians, while the data on the orientation of third cleavage furrows seem to be ambiguous with respect to phylogeny. Nevertheless, the midblastula transition, which is characteristic of the model speciesAmbystoma mexicanum(Caudata) andXenopus laevis(Anura), might have evolved convergently in these two amphibian orders.
Analysis of atmospheric pressure and temperature effects on cosmic ray measurements
Authors: De Mendonça R. R. S. , Raulin J. ‐P. , Echer E. , Makhmutov V. S. , Fernandez G.
Published: September 2014

In this paper, we analyze atmospheric pressure and temperature effects on the records of the cosmic ray detector CARPET. This detector has monitored secondary cosmic ray intensity since 2006 at Complejo Astronómico El Leoncito (San Juan, Argentina, 31°S, 69°W, 2550 m over sea level) where the geomagnetic rigidity cutoff, Rc, is ~9.8 GV. From the correlation between atmospheric pressure deviations and relative cosmic ray variations, we obtain a barometric coefficient of –0.44 ± 0.01 %/hPa. Once the data are corrected for atmospheric pressure, they are used to analyze temperature effects using four methods. Three methods are based on the surface temperature and the temperature at the altitude of maximum production of secondary cosmic rays. The fourth method, the integral method, takes into account the temperature height profile between 14 and 111 km above Complejo Astronómico El Leoncito. The results obtained from these four methods are compared on different time scales from seasonal time variations to scales related to the solar activity cycle. Our conclusion is that the integral method leads to better results to remove the temperature effect of the cosmic ray intensity observed at ground level.
An engineered pathway for the biosynthesis of renewable propane
Authors: Kallio Pauli , Pásztor András , Thiel Kati , Akhtar M. Kalim , Jones Patrik R.
Published: September 2014

The deployment of next-generation renewable biofuels can be enhanced by improving their compatibility with the current infrastructure for transportation, storage and utilization. Propane, the bulk component of liquid petroleum gas, is an appealing target as it already has a global market. In addition, it is a gas under standard conditions, but can easily be liquefied. This allows the fuel to immediately separate from the biocatalytic process after synthesis, yet does not preclude energy-dense storage as a liquid. Here we report, for the first time, a synthetic metabolic pathway for producing renewable propane. The pathway is based on a thioesterase specific for butyryl-acyl carrier protein (ACP), which allows native fatty acid biosynthesis of the Escherichia coli host to be redirected towards a synthetic alkane pathway. Propane biosynthesis is markedly stimulated by the introduction of an electron-donating module, optimizing the balance of O2 supply and removal of native aldehyde reductases.
A new substrate for alkaline phosphatase based on quercetin pentaphosphate
Authors: Mwilu Samuel K. , Okello Veronica A. , Osonga Francis J. , Miller Seth , Sadik Omowunmi A.
Published: September 2014

We describe the characterization and application of quercetin pentaphosphate (QPP), a new fluorimetric substrate for the detection of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity.
Separation of asparagine, valine and tetraethylammonium ions overlapping in an ion mobility spectrum by clustering with methanol introduced as a modifier into the buffer gas
Authors: Fernandez-Maestre R. , Wu C. , Hill H. H.
Published: September 2014

We introduced methanol into the buffer gas of an ion mobility spectrometer-mass spectrometer and mobilities changed depending on ion structures; baseline separation of valine, asparagine, and tetraalkylammonium ions was achieved.
Facile assembly of light-driven molecular motors onto a solid surface
Authors: Chen Jiawen , Chen Kuang-Yen , Carroll Gregory T. , Feringa Ben L.
Published: September 2014

In contrast to an earlier bipodal molecular motor, the tetravalent motor showed no significant reduction in the rotation speed when attached to a surface.
The dual binding site of angiogenin and its inhibition mechanism: the crystal structure of the rat angiogenin–heparin complex
Authors: Yeo Kwon Joo , Hwang Eunha , Min Kyong-Mi , Jee Jun-Goo , Lee Chung-Kyung , Hwang Kwang Yeon , Jeon Young Ho , Chang Soo-Ik , Cheong Hae-Kap
Published: September 2014

A negative heparin strand is well fitted into the positive groove formed by the dual heparin-binding site of angiogenin.
Conductive porphyrin helix from ternary self-assembly systems
Authors: Zhao Qiang , Wang Yao , Qiao Yan , Wang Xiaolong , Guo Xuefeng , Yan Yun , Huang Jianbin
Published: September 2014

The helix with ternary components is easily obtained in aqueous solution. It possesses the characteristic porphyrin fluorescence and conductivity.
In situ monitoring and optimization of room temperature ultra-fast sensitization for dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Davies Matthew L. , Watson Trystan M. , Holliman Peter J. , Connell Arthur , Worsley David A.
Published: September 2014

We describe extremely fast dyeing of TiO2 photo-electrodes for DSCs (<2 min) at room temperature giving η = 7.5%.
An AIE-active boron-difluoride complex: multi-stimuli-responsive fluorescence and application in data security protection
Authors: Zhu Xiaolin , Liu Rui , Li Yuhao , Huang Hai , Wang Qiang , Wang Danfeng , Zhu Xuan , Liu Shishen , Zhu Hongjun
Published: September 2014

An AIE-active boron-difluoride complex (PTZ) with multi-stimuli-responsive fluorescence, which can be applied for data security protection.
Acidic microenvironment triggered release of a Cys probe from the cavity of a water-soluble pillar[5]arene
Authors: Wang Pi , Li Zhengtao , Ji Xiaofan
Published: September 2014

A Cys probe is prepared. It can be included into the cavity of a water-soluble pillar[5]arene. ThisWP5⊃probe complex shows no response toward Cys under neutral conditions in water, while the release of the Cys probe can be realized in an acidic microenvironment.
Controlled integration of oligo- and polythiophenes at the molecular scale
Authors: Colella Nicholas S. , Zhang Lei , McCarthy-Ward Thomas , Mannsfeld Stefan C. B. , Winter H. Henning , Heeney Martin , Watkins James J. , Briseno Alejandro L.
Published: September 2014

Hole mobilities greater than 0.1 cm2 V−1 s−1 are attained in films that contain over 80% oligomer.
Probing structural variation and multifunctionality in niobium doped bismuth vanadate materials
Authors: Saithathul Fathimah Sameera , Prabhakar Rao Padala , James Vineetha , Raj Athira K. V. , Chitradevi G. R. , Leela Sandhyakumari
Published: September 2014

Multifunctional materials in BiV1−xNbxO4 solid solutions display high NIR reflecting brilliant yellow hues with notable MB dye degradation under sunlight.
A luminescent molecular turnstile
Authors: Zigon Nicolas , Larpent Patrick , Jouaiti Abdelaziz , Kyritsakas Nathalie , Hosseini Mir Wais
Published: September 2014

Optical reading of the open and closed states of a molecular turnstile.
Hydroxyapatite, an exceptional catalyst for the gas-phase deoxygenation of bio-oil by aldol condensation
Authors: Rodrigues E. G. , Keller T. C. , Mitchell S. , Pérez-Ramírez J.
Published: September 2014

Hydroxyapatites displaying high surface concentrations of calcium exhibit exceptional performance in the gas-phase condensation of propanal, a model substrate for the intermediate deoxygenation of biocrude.
The potential of microfluidic lung epithelial wounding: towardsin vivo-like alveolar microinjuries
Authors: Felder M. , Stucki A. O. , Stucki J. D. , Geiser T. , Guenat O. T.
Published: September 2014

A lung epithelial wounding model based on flow focusing of acidic solutions similar to gastric esophageal reflux provides evidence of microaspiration-induced alveolar microinjuries, a typical hallmark of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
Structural mass spectrometry of tissue extracts to distinguish cancerous and non-cancerous breast diseases
Authors: Hines Kelly M. , Ballard Billy R. , Marshall Dana R. , McLean John A.
Published: September 2014

UPLC-IM-MS/MS analysis of human breast tissue extracts distinguished cancerous and non-cancerous breast diseases by characteristic molecular signatures.
The synergistic effect between WO3 and g-C3N4 towards efficient visible-light-driven photocatalytic performance
Authors: Aslam Imran , Cao Chuanbao , Tanveer Muhammad , Khan Waheed S. , Tahir Muhammad , Abid Muhammad , Idrees Faryal , Butt Faheem K. , Ali Zulfiqar , Mahmood Nasir
Published: September 2014

The photocatalyst showed efficient enhanced photocatalytic performance, which is about 3.65 and 3.72 times greater than pure WO3 and g-C3N4 respectively.
Biosynthesis of fungal indole alkaloids
Authors: Xu Wei , Gavia Diego J. , Tang Yi
Published: September 2014

This review provides a summary of recent research advances in elucidating the biosynthesis of fungal indole alkaloids.
300 mm Wafer-level, ultra-dense arrays of Au-capped nanopillars with sub-10 nm gaps as reliable SERS substrates
Authors: Li Jiaqi , Chen Chang , Jans Hilde , Xu Xiumei , Verellen Niels , Vos Ingrid , Okumura Yasuaki , Moshchalkov Victor V. , Lagae Liesbet , Van Dorpe Pol
Published: September 2014

The 193 nm deep UV immersion lithography is leveraged to fabricate highly dense and uniform arrays of Au-capped Si nanopillars on a 300 mm wafer level for reliable surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy applications.