bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Group Therapy for Adolescents Living With an Eating Disorder
Authors: Downey Jessica
Published: September 2014

Group models are commonly used to treat eating disorders; however, research in this area remains largely underdeveloped. Interest in group work is likely to increase due to the demands on the public health system and the cost-effectiveness of group modalities. This scoping review sought to explore the evidence underpinning group therapy for adolescents living with an eating disorder. A literature search of 10 academic databases and four gray literature databases was undertaken in 2013. Selected Internet resources were searched and the author consulted professionals from Eating Disorders Victoria, the Butterfly Foundation, and the University of Melbourne. A total of 11 peer-reviewed articles published between 2003 and 2013 were included for review. There was an overall lack of research with no randomized-controlled trials available. Six program evaluations and five program descriptions were found, and they reported on a range of eating disorders and group modalities. The program evaluations suggested the utility of group therapy for promoting weight restoration in underweight individuals living with an eating disorder. Cognitive behavioral therapy groups were found to be more effective for bulimia nervosa and multifamily group therapy showed promise for anorexia nervosa. More rigorous research is needed to establish the effectiveness of group therapy for adolescents living with an eating disorder.
Applying Research in Motivation and Learning to Music Education
Authors: Cogdill Susan H.
Published: September 2014

Current research on motivation and learning may assist teachers in identifying strategies to help students be successful and persevere in the music classroom. Students’ beliefs about their ability to learn, and the impact these beliefs have on their motivation to learn music, is a large focus of the research presented here. Aspects of music make it unique from other academic disciplines on student motivation. There are different motivational patterns exhibited at different age levels. Being aware of these various aspects may help teachers foster positive beliefs among students about their own music potential. This article presents a review of motivation and learning research literature and provides implications for today’s music classrooms and teaching profession. Suggestions are provided to change perception of talent, widen the scope of musical activities in schools, include authentic assessments, and have teachers learn how to increase student motivation and learning in the music classroom.
The History of Multicultural Music Education and Its Prospects
Authors: Kang Sangmi
Published: September 2014

This article examines how American perspectives about world music have evolved based on the controversial discussion of “music is the universal language.” At earlier periods, scholars showed their interest in musics of other cultures from the ethnocentric standpoint. Gradually, scholars came to value the music differences of cultures, which generated the antithetical discussion of “music is not the universal language.” These past discussions contributed to the awareness of cultural differences of musics. However, we should go beyond mere awareness, until we reach the degree to which world music is actually learned and taught maintaining the sound balance of the two extreme aspects of music. Technology can promote the quality of both music class and music teacher education by offering real opportunities for engaging and exploring world musics.
Duplex Ultrasound Findings of Popliteal Artery Aneurysms With Acute Limb Ischemia
Authors: Bearse Jill R.
Published: September 2014

Popliteal artery aneurysms are rare, but they have the potential to be limb threatening as a result of thrombosis and distal embolization. Duplex sonography may be used to effectively detect popliteal artery aneurysms and determine patency of the runoff arteries. Findings may include dilatation of the popliteal artery during gray-scale imaging with intraluminal heterogeneous echoes indicating the presence of mural thrombus. Abnormal or absent Doppler signals in the more distal arteries with intraluminal heterogeneous echoes may indicate the presence of thrombus, likely from embolization. This case presents the duplex sonography findings of bilateral popliteal artery aneurysms in conjunction with lower extremity acute arterial thrombosis and an abdominal aortic aneurysm.
Evaluation of properties of industrial waste filled polymer composites for automobile applications
Authors: Bonda S. , Mohanty S. , Kumar Nayak S.
Published: September 2014

ABS/fly ash composites are prepared using melt compounding technique and the standard samples are subjected to various characterisation studies. Mechanical, dynamic mechanical, thermal, morphological and rheological properties of the composites have been conducted and the results are corroborated. The thermal properties of the ABS composites have improved with the addition of fly ash filler. Hence, the increased performance characteristics of the developed composites suggesting its use in automobile industries to attain the end use applications.
Titanium oxide films with vacuum thermal treatment for enhanced hemocompatibility
Authors: Zhao A. , Wang Z. , Zhou S. , Xue G. , Wang Y. , Ye C. , Huang N.
Published: September 2014

Blood compatibility is a key property of biomaterials contacting blood. Titanium oxide film has been deposited on Si wafers (110) by unbalanced reactive magnetron sputtering and successive vacuum annealing. The structure, chemical composition, hydrophilicity and surface energy of the films have been investigated by X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and contact angle measurement respectively. The results revealed that high vacuum annealing increased the surface energy, hydrophilicity and the rate of of Lewis base in the film. In vitro evaluation of hemocompatibility, including platelet adhesion, fibrinogen denaturation, activated partial thromboplastin time and thrombin time test, proved that the hydrophilic titanium oxide films have excellent blood compatibility.
Spatial distribution of lepidocrocite in a soil hydrosequence
Authors: Smeck N. E. , Bigham J . M. , Guertal W. F. , Hall G. F.
Published: September 2014

Three terrace soils comprising a hydrosequence were examined to determine how the spatial distribution of lepidocrocite was related to depth and duration of saturation. Vertical relief was 1.0 m with well drained, moderately well drained, and somewhat poorly drained pedons spaced ∼60 m apart. All soils contained brittle, slowly-permeable subsoil horizons and were acidic with <35% base saturation throughout the upper sola. The well drained soil (Fragic Hapludult) had no morphological indicators of wetness within a depth of 180 cm, and water was perched above a brittle horizon at 82 cm for a total of only 41 days during the 3.4 year observation period. Nevertheless, trace amounts of lepidocrocite were detected in the subsoil. The moderately well drained soil (Typic Fragiudult) was saturated at a depth of 180 cm for 6% of the time, and water was perched on top of a fragipan at 74 cm for 13% of the time. Lepidocrocite was most abundant in this pedon and reached maximum concentrations below the fragipan in the capillary fringe of the regional water table (150–183 cm). The somewhat poorly drained member of the hydrosequence (Aeric Fragiaquult) was saturated at a depth of 180 cm for 96% of the observation period and also contained perched water above a fragipan for >90% of the time. Lepidocrocite occurred throughout this pedon but was most concentrated in fragipan horizons (86–135 cm) between the perched and regional zones of saturation. These horizons were saturated from 22 to 48% of the observation period. The results of this study suggest that lepidocrocite formation was favoured in horizons that were saturated for 5–50% of the time when soil temperatures exceeded 5°C.
Epigenetic control of dendritic cell development and fate determination of common myeloid progenitor by Mysm1
Authors: Won Haejung , Nandakumar Vijayalakshmi , Yates Peter , Sanchez Suzi , Jones Lindsey , Huang Xue F. , Chen Si-Yi
Published: September 2014

Key Points

Deletion of Mysm1 impairs development of steady-state DC, but no other myeloid lineages; monocyte, macrophage, and granulocyte. Mysm1 governs DC differentiation from CMP by regulating Flt3 expression via modulating histone modifications and mediating Pu.1 recruitment.
Pyk2 promotes tumor progression in multiple myeloma
Authors: Zhang Yu , Moschetta Michele , Huynh Daisy , Tai Yu-Tzu , Zhang Yong , Zhang Wenjing , Mishima Yuji , Ring Jennifer E. , Tam Winnie F. , Xu Qunli , Maiso Patricia , Reagan Michaela , Sahin Ilyas , Sacco Antonio , Manier Salomon , Aljawai Yosra , Glavey Siobhan , Munshi Nikhil C. , Anderson Kenneth C. , Pachter Jonathan , Roccaro Aldo M. , Ghobrial Irene M.
Published: September 2014

Key Points

Pyk2 plays a tumor-promoting role in MM progression via modulation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Pyk2 inhibitors represent a new therapeutic option against MM.
JAK2V617F+ myeloproliferative neoplasm clones evoke paracrine DNA damage to adjacent normal cells through secretion of lipocalin-2
Authors: Kagoya Yuki , Yoshimi Akihide , Tsuruta-Kishino Takako , Arai Shunya , Satoh Takashi , Akira Shizuo , Kurokawa Mineo
Published: September 2014

Key Points

JAK2V617F+ MPN clones induce paracrine DNA damage into coexisting normal clones through secretion of lipocalin-2. Lipocalin-2 suppresses normal hematopoiesis via p53 pathway activation and gives relative growth advantage to MPN clones.
Hemicrania continua: major shortcomings in the new classification
Authors: Fredriksen Torbjørn A , Antonaci Fabio , Sjaastad Ottar
Published: September 2014

Hemicrania continua ( HC) was described and coined by Sjaastad and Spierings in 1984. Later cases, carrying this appellation should, grossly, conform to this original description. The proposed classification criteria (ICHD, 3rd edition beta version) for HC has major shortcomings, and ordinary HC cases do not fulfill the proposed criteria. Relatively rare symptoms and signs are e.g. made obligatory (point C 1). And the recommended dosage of indomethacin- both test and long-term dosages-is unallowably high. In this way, bogus HC cases are systematically created. This irrational diagnostic system is in urgent need of a major revision.
High-performance binder-free supercapacitor electrode by direct growth of cobalt-manganese composite oxide nansostructures on nickel foam
Authors: Jiang Shulan , Shi Tielin , Long Hu , Sun Yongming , Zhou Wei , Tang Zirong
Published: September 2014

A facile approach composed of hydrothermal process and annealing treatment is proposed to directly grow cobalt-manganese composite oxide ((Co,Mn)3O4) nanostructures on three-dimensional (3D) conductive nickel (Ni) foam for a supercapacitor electrode. The as-fabricated porous electrode exhibits excellent rate capability and high specific capacitance of 840.2 F g-1at the current density of 10 A g-1, and the electrode also shows excellent cycling performance, which retains 102% of its initial discharge capacitance after 7,000 cycles. The fabricated binder-free hierarchical composite electrode with superior electrochemical performance is a promising candidate for high-performance supercapacitors.
A dynamic adjustable contention period mechanism and adaptive backoff process to improve the performance for multichannel mesh deterministic access in wireless mesh LAN
Authors: Chien Hung-Chi , Lee Bih-Hwang , Wu Huai-Kuei , Hsu Wen-Pin , Hsieh Hsin-Hung
Published: September 2014

IEEE802.11s draft proposes a new medium access control function-mesh deterministic access (MDA), which is mainly used for single-channel wireless mesh local area network (LAN). In single-channel environment, collisions between control packets and data packets may occur very often. To completely avoid the collision between control packets and data packets, the mesh delivery traffic indication message (DTIM) interval is first divided into contention period and data transmission period. To reduce the hardware requirements in design, we require a mesh point (MP) only equips a single transceiver to support multichannel environment. To provide higher performance and network capacity than the original MDA for wireless mesh LAN, we proposed a multichannel MDA (MMDA) algorithm. However, the MMDA algorithm may suffer from the resource waste problem when wireless mesh LAN is at heavy-loading situation, so this paper proposes a dynamic adjustable contention period (DACP) mechanism to solve this problem. In addition, we use an adaptive backoff process (ABP) to improve the fairness of the MMDA algorithm. The theoretical analysis gives the upper limit of the throughput for the DACP mechanism. The simulation experiments clearly show the results in multichannel wireless mesh LAN environment that the proposed scheme performs better than the MMDA algorithm and the enhanced distributed channel access (EDCA) in throughput, average waiting time, and packet drop ratio.
Using weighted dynamic range for histogram equalization to improve the image contrast
Authors: Huynh-The Thien , Le Ba-Vui , Lee Sungyoung , Le-Tien Thuong , Yoon Yongik
Published: September 2014

In this paper, an effective method, named the brightness preserving weighted dynamic range histogram equalization (BPWDRHE), is proposed for contrast enhancement. Although histogram equalization (HE) is a universal method, it is not suitable for consumer electronic products because this method cannot preserve the overall brightness. Therefore, the output images have an unnatural looking and more visual artifacts. An extension of the approach based on the brightness preserving bi-histogram equalization method, the BPWDRHE used the weighted within-class variance as the novel algorithm in separating an original histogram. Unlike others using the average or the median of gray levels, the proposed method determined gray-scale values as break points based on the within-class variance to minimize the total squared error of each sub-histogram corresponding to the brightness shift when equalizing them independently. As a result, the contrast of both overall image and local details was enhanced adequately. The experimental results are presented and compared to other brightness preserving methods.
Quantifying Blood-Spinal Cord Barrier Permeability after Peripheral Nerve Injury in the Living Mouse
Authors: Cahill Lindsay S , Laliberté Christine L , Liu Xue Jun , Bishop Jonathan , Nieman Brian J , Mogil Jeffrey S , Sorge Robert E , Jones Catherine D , Salter Michael W , Henkelman R Mark
Published: September 2014

Background:

Genetic polymorphisms, gender and age all influence the risk of developing chronic neuropathic pain following peripheral nerve injury (PNI). It is known that there are significant inter-strain differences in pain hypersensitivity in strains of mice after PNI. In response to PNI, one of the earliest events is thought to be the disruption of the blood-spinal cord barrier (BSCB). The study of BSCB integrity after PNI may lead to a better understanding of the mechanisms that contribute to chronic pain.

Results:

Here we used in vivo dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) to establish a timecourse for BSCB permeability following PNI, produced by performing a spared nerve injury (SNI). From this longitudinal study, we found that the SNI group had a significant increase in BSCB permeability over time throughout the entire spinal cord. The BSCB opening had a delayed onset and the increase in permeability was transient, returning to control levels just over one day after the surgery. We also examined inter-strain differences in BSCB permeability using five mouse strains (B10, C57BL/6J, CD-1, A/J and BALB/c) that spanned the range of pain hypersensitivity. We found a significant increase in BSCB permeability in the SNI group that was dependent on strain but that did not correlate with the reported strain differences in PNI-induced tactile hypersensitivity. These results were consistent with a previous experiment using Evans Blue dye to independently assess the status of the BSCB permeability.

Conclusions:

DCE-MRI provides a sensitive and non-invasive method to follow BSCB permeability in the same group of mice over time. Examining differences between mouse strains, we demonstrated that there is an important genetically-based control of the PNI-induced increase in BSCB permeability and that the critical genetic determinants of BSCB opening after PNI are distinct from those that determine genetic variability in PNI-induced pain hypersensitivity.
Cardiac taurine and principal amino acids in right and left ventricles of patients with either aortic valve stenosis or coronary artery disease: the importance of diabetes and gender
Authors: Lewis Martin , Littlejohns Ben , Lin Hua , Angelini Gianni D , Suleiman M-Saadeh
Published: September 2014

Free intracellular taurine and principal α-amino acids (glutamate, glutamine, aspartate, asparagine and alanine) are abundant in human heart. They are cellular regulators and their concentration can change in response to disease and cardiac insults and have been shown to differ between hypertrophic left ventricle (LV) and the relatively “normal” right ventricle (RV) in patients with aortic valve stenosis (AVS). This difference has not been shown for coronary artery disease (CAD) and there are no studies that have simultaneously compared amino acid content in LV and RV from different pathologies. In this study we investigated the effect of disease on taurine and principal amino acids in both LV and RV, measured in myocardial biopsies collected from patients with either AVS (n = 22) or CAD (n = 36). Amino acids were extracted and measured using HPLC. Intra- and inter-group analysis was performed as well as subgroup analysis focusing on gender in AVS and type 2 diabetes in CAD. LV of both groups has significantly higher levels of taurine compared to RV. This difference disappears in both diabetic CAD patients and in male AVS patients. Alanine was the only α-amino acid to be altered by diabetes. LV of female AVS patients had significantly more glutamate, aspartate and asparagine than corresponding RV, whilst no difference was seen between LV and RV in males. LV of females has higher glutamate and glutamine and less metabolic stress than LV of males. This work shows that in contrast to LV, RV responds differently to disease which can be modulated by gender and diabetes.
Herpes simplex encephalitis in Iceland 1987–2011
Authors: Dagsdóttir Heiður Mist , Sigurðardóttir Bryndís , Gottfreðsson Magnús , Kristjánsson Már , Löve Arthur , Baldvinsdóttir Guðrún Erna , Guðmundsson Sigurður
Published: September 2014

Herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE) is a serious disease with 10-20% mortality and high rate of neuropsychiatric sequelae. This study is a long-term, nationwide study in a single country, Iceland. Clinical data were obtained from patient records and from DNA PCR and antibody assays of CSF. Diagnosis of HSE was classified as definite, possible or rejected based on symptoms, as well as virological, laboratory and brain imaging criteria. A total of 30 definite cases of HSE were identified during the 25 year period 1987-2011 corresponding to incidence of 4.3 cases/106 inhabitants/year. Males were 57% of all patients, median age 50 years (range, 0-85). Fever (97%), cognitive deficits (79%), impaired consciousness (79% with GCS < 13), headache (55%) and seizures (55%) were the most common symptoms. Brain lesions were found in 24 patients (80%) by MRI or CT. All patients received intravenous acyclovir for a mean duration of 20 days. Three patients (10%) died within one year and 21/28 pts (75%) had a Karnofsky performance score of <70% with memory loss (59%), dysphasia (44%), frontal symptoms (44%) and seizures (30%) as the most frequent sequelae. Mean delay from onset of symptoms to treatment was 6 days; this was associated with adverse outcome. In conclusion, the incidence of `HSE is higher than recently reported in a national registry study from Sweden. Despite advances in rapid diagnosis and availability of treatment of HSE, approximately three of every four patients die or are left with serious neurological impairment.
Defining the genome structure of `Tongil' rice, an important cultivar in the Korean "Green Revolution"
Authors: Kim Backki , Kim Dong-Gwan , Lee Gileung , Seo Jeonghwan , Choi Ik-Young , Choi Beom-Soon , Yang Tae-Jin , Kim Kwang Soo , Lee Joohyun , Chin Joong Hyoun , Koh Hee-Jong
Published: September 2014

Background

Tongil (IR667-98-1-2) rice, developed in 1972, is a high-yield rice variety derived from a three-way cross between indica and japonica varieties. Tongil contributed to the self-sufficiency of staple food production in Korea during a period known as the `Korean Green Revolution'. We analyzed the nucleotide-level genome structure of Tongil rice and compared it to those of the parental varieties.

Results

A total of 17.3 billion Illumina Hiseq reads, 47× genome coverage, were generated for Tongil rice. Three parental accessions of Tongil rice, two indica types and one japonica type, were also sequenced at approximately 30x genome coverage. A total of 2,149,991 SNPs were detected between Tongil and Nipponbare varieties. The average SNP frequency of Tongil was 5.77 per kb. Genome composition was determined based on SNP data by comparing Tongil with three parental genome sequences using the sliding window approach. Analyses revealed that 91.8% of the Tongil genome originated from the indica parents and 7.9% from the japonica parent. Copy numbers of SSR motifs, ORF gene distribution throughout the whole genome, gene ontology (GO) annotation, and some yield-related QTLs or gene locations were also comparatively analyzed between Tongil and parental varieties using sequence-based tools. Each genetic factor was transferred from the parents into Tongil rice in amounts that were in proportion to the whole genome composition.

Conclusions

Tongil was derived from a three-way cross among two indica and one japonica varieties. Defining the genome structure of Tongil rice demonstrates that the Tongil genome is derived primarily from the indica genome with a small proportion of japonica genome introgression. Comparative gene distribution, SSR, GO, and yield-related gene analysis support the finding that the Tongil genome is primarily made up of the indica genome.
Genetic identification method for two subspecies of the Indonesian short-finned eel, Anguilla bicolor, using an allelic discrimination technique
Authors: Tanaka Chikaya , Shirotori Fumiaki , Sato Masaki , Ishikawa Mina , Shinoda Akira , Aoyama Jun , Yoshinaga Tatsuki
Published: September 2014

Background

There is an increasing pressure on tropical species of the freshwater eel genus Anguilla for use in aquaculture, so species identification methods are needed to monitor these activities and to facilitate conservation efforts. A method was developed to genetically distinguish two subspecies of the Indonesian short-finned eel, Anguilla bicolor, based on an allelic discrimination technique.

Results

A single DNA nucleotide substitution in the mitochondrial DNA 16S rRNA gene was employed to identify the two subspecies where Anguilla bicolor bicolor and Anguilla bicolor pacifica possessed adenine and guanine, respectively. This substitution was highly conserved at 100% in A. bicolor bicolor (108/108) and 99.9% in A. bicolor pacifica (181/182), and the misidentification rate was estimated to be 0.34%. Subsequently, fluorescent-labeled oligo probes and PCR primers were designed and succeeded to clearly distinguish the two subspecies. Further, the other ten anguillid species that may be sympatrically distributed with A. bicolor showed negative results.

Conclusions

The method developed in this study is useful to accurately identify the two subspecies of A. bicolor and can contribute to ecological studies, stock management, and conservation.
The Sanguine Science: The Historical Contexts of A. C. Pigou’s Welfare Economics
Authors: Takami Norikazu
Published: September 2014

This essay identifies A. C. Pigou’s welfare economics as an attempt to bring order to the political debate in the context of the emergence of a more inclusive democracy in the United Kingdom associated in particular with the success of the Labour Party in the 1906 general election. To establish this identification the essay discusses Pigou’s contacts, both direct and indirect, with contemporary political movements and argues that his academic work was intertwined with his participation in policy debates. First, as a prologue, his disagreement with the historical economists ran parallel with his involvement in the tariff controversy. Second, Pigou became embroiled in a quarrel with an MP who was a representative critic of liberal social legislation and cooperated with an antisocialist organization. Third, Pigou had indirect contact with a student socialist movement. I conclude that Pigou’s welfare economics should be situated as part of a widespread and simultaneous movement toward broader democracy.
Autocrine Activation of the Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway by CUX1 and GLIS1 in Breast Cancers
Authors: Vadnais Charles , Shooshtarizadeh Peiman , Rajadurai Charles V. , Lesurf Robert , Hulea Laura , Davoudi Sayeh , Cadieux Chantal , Hallett Michael , Park Morag , Nepveu Alain
Published: September 2014

Autocrine activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway occurs in several cancers, notably in breast tumors, and is associated with higher expression of various Wnt ligands. Using various inhibitors of the FZD/LRP receptor complex, we demonstrate that some adenosquamous carcinomas that develop in MMTV-CUX1 transgenic mice represent a model for autocrine activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. By comparing expression profiles of laser-capture microdissected mammary tumors, we identify Glis1 as a transcription factor that is highly expressed in the subset of tumors with elevated Wnt gene expression. Analysis of human cancer datasets confirms that elevated WNT gene expression is associated with high levels of CUX1 and GLIS1 and correlates with genes of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) signature: VIM, SNAI1 and TWIST1 are elevated whereas CDH1 and OCLN are decreased. Co-expression experiments demonstrate that CUX1 and GLIS1 cooperate to stimulate TCF/β-catenin transcriptional activity and to enhance cell migration and invasion. Altogether, these results provide additional evidence for the role of GLIS1 in reprogramming gene expression and suggest a hierarchical model for transcriptional regulation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition.
Serine integrase chimeras with activity in E. coli and HeLa cells
Authors: Farruggio Alfonso P. , Calos Michele P.
Published: September 2014

In recent years, application of serine integrases for genomic engineering has increased in popularity. The factor-independence and unidirectionality of these large serine recombinases makes them well suited for reactions such as site-directed vector integration and cassette exchange in a wide variety of organisms. In order to generate information that might be useful for altering the specificity of serine integrases and to improve their efficiency, we tested a hybridization strategy that has been successful with several small serine recombinases. We created chimeras derived from three characterized members of the serine integrase family, phiC31, phiBT1, and TG1 integrases, by joining their amino- and carboxy-terminal portions. We found that several phiBT1-phiC31 (BC) and phiC31-TG1 (CT) hybrid integrases are active in E. coli. BC chimeras function on native att-sites and on att-sites that are hybrids between those of the two donor enzymes, while CT chimeras only act on the latter att-sites. A BC hybrid, BC{−1}, was also active in human HeLa cells. Our work is the first to demonstrate chimeric serine integrase activity. This analysis sheds light on integrase structure and function, and establishes a potentially tractable means to probe the specificity of the thousands of putative large serine recombinases that have been revealed by bioinformatics studies.
Global analysis of protein aggregation in yeast during physiological conditions and arsenite stress
Authors: Ibstedt Sebastian , Sideri Theodora C. , Grant Chris M. , Tamás Markus J.
Published: September 2014

Protein aggregation is a widespread phenomenon in cells and associated with pathological conditions. Yet, little is known about the rules that govern protein aggregation in living cells. In this study, we biochemically isolated aggregation-prone proteins and used computational analyses to identify characteristics that are linked to physiological and arsenite-induced aggregation in living yeast cells. High protein abundance, extensive physical interactions, and certain structural properties are positively correlated with an increased aggregation propensity. The aggregated proteins have high translation rates and are substrates of ribosome-associated Hsp70 chaperones, indicating that they are susceptible for aggregation primarily during translation/folding. The aggregation-prone proteins are enriched for multiple chaperone interactions, thus high protein abundance is probably counterbalanced by molecular chaperones to allow soluble expression in vivo. Our data support the notion that arsenite interferes with chaperone activity and indicate that arsenite-aggregated proteins might engage in extensive aberrant protein–protein interactions. Expression of aggregation-prone proteins is down-regulated during arsenite stress, possibly to prevent their toxic accumulation. Several aggregation-prone yeast proteins have human homologues that are implicated in misfolding diseases, suggesting that similar mechanisms may apply in disease- and non-disease settings.
Co-activator independent differences in how the metaphase and anaphase APC/C recognise the same substrate
Authors: Matsusaka Takahiro , Enquist-Newman Maria , Morgan David O. , Pines Jonathon
Published: September 2014

The Anaphase Promoting Complex or Cyclosome (APC/C) is critical to the control of mitosis. The APC/C is an ubiquitin ligase that targets specific mitotic regulators for proteolysis at distinct times in mitosis, but how this is achieved is not well understood. We have addressed this question by determining whether the same substrate, cyclin B1, is recognised in the same way by the APC/C at different times in mitosis. Unexpectedly, we find that distinct but overlapping motifs in cyclin B1 are recognised by the APC/C in metaphase compared with anaphase, and this does not depend on the exchange of Cdc20 for Cdh1. Thus, changes in APC/C substrate specificity in mitosis can potentially be conferred by altering interaction sites in addition to exchanging Cdc20 for Cdh1.
Enhanced glucose tolerance in pancreatic derived factor (PANDER) knockout C57BL/6 mice
Authors: Moak Shari L. , Dougan Grace C. , MarElia Catherine B. , Danse Whitney A. , Fernandez Amanda M. , Kuehl Melanie N. , Athanason Mark G. , Burkhardt Brant R.
Published: September 2014

PANcreatic-DERived Factor (PANDER, FAM3B) is a uniquely structured protein strongly expressed within and secreted from the endocrine pancreas. PANDER has been hypothesized to regulate fasting and fed glucose homeostasis, hepatic lipogenesis and insulin signaling, and serve a potential role in the onset or progression of type 2 diabetes. Despite having a potential pleiotropic pivotal role in glycemic regulation and T2D, there has been limited generation of stable animal models for PANDER investigation, with none on well-established genetic murine backgrounds for T2D. Our aim was to generate an enhanced murine model to further elucidate the biological function of PANDER. Therefore, a pure bred PANDER C57BL/6 knockout model (PANKO-C57) was created and phenotypically characterized with respect to glycemic regulation and hepatic insulin signaling. The PANKO-C57 exhibited an enhanced metabolic phenotype particularly with regard to enhanced glucose tolerance. Male PANKO-C57 mice displayed decreased fasting plasma insulin and c-peptide levels, whereas leptin levels were increased as compared to matched C57BL/6J WT mice. Despite similar peripheral insulin sensitivity between both groups, hepatic insulin signaling was significantly increased during fasting conditions as demonstrated by increased phosphorylation of hepatic Akt and AMPK along with mature SREBP-1 expression. Insulin stimulation of PANKO-C57 mice resulted in increased hepatic triglyceride and glycogen content as compared to C57BL/6 WT. In summary, the PANKO-C57 mouse represents a suitable model for the investigation of PANDER in multiple metabolic states and provides an additional tool to elucidate the biological function and potential role in T2D.
The bi-lobe-associated LRRP1 regulates Ran activity in Trypanosoma brucei
Authors: Bayat Shima , Brasseur Anaïs , Chua Xiu Ling , Zhang Yu , Zhou Qing , Low Boon Chuan , He Cynthia Y.
Published: September 2014

Cilia and flagella are conserved eukaryotic organelles important for motility and sensory. The RanGTPase, best known for nucleocytoplasmic transport functions, may also plays a role in protein trafficking into the specialized flagellar/ciliary compartments, although the regulatory mechanisms controlling Ran activity at the flagellum remain unclear. The unicellular parasite Trypanosoma brucei contains a single flagellum necessary for cell movement, division and morphogenesis. Proper flagellum functions require flagellar attachment to the cell body, which is mediated by a specialized flagellum attachment zone (FAZ) complex assembled together with the flagellum during the cell cycle. We have previously identified a leucine-rich repeats-containing protein, LRRP1, on a bi-lobe structure at the proximal base of flagellum and FAZ. LRRP1 is essential for bi-lobe and FAZ biogenesis, consequently affecting flagellum-driven cell motility and division. Here we show that LRRP1 forms a complex with Ran and a Ran-binding protein, and regulates Ran-GTP hydrolysis in T. brucei. In addition to mitotic inhibition, depletion of T. brucei Ran inhibits FAZ assembly, supporting the presence of a conserved mechanism involving Ran in the regulation of flagellum functions in an early divergent eukaryote.
Notch directly regulates cell morphogenesis genes, Reck, talin and trio, in adult muscle progenitors
Authors: Pézeron Guillaume , Millen Kat , Boukhatmi Hadi , Bray Sarah
Published: September 2014

There is growing evidence that Notch pathway activation can result in consequences on cell morphogenesis and behaviour, both during embryonic development and cancer progression. In general, Notch is proposed to co-ordinate these processes by regulating expression of key transcription factors. However, many Notch-regulated genes identified in genome-wide studies are involved in fundamental aspects of cell behaviour, suggesting a more direct influence on cellular properties. By testing the functions of 25 such genes we confirmed that 12 are required in developing adult muscles consistent with roles downstream of Notch. Focusing on three, Reck, rhea/talin and trio, we verify their expression in adult muscle progenitors and identify Notch-regulated enhancers in each. Full activity of these enhancers requires functional binding sites for Su(H), the DNA-binding transcription factor in the Notch pathway, validating their direct regulation. Thus, besides its well-known roles in regulating the expression of cell-fate determining transcription factors, Notch signalling also has the potential to directly affect cell morphology/behaviour by modulating expression of genes such as Reck, rhea/talin and trio. This sheds new light on functional outputs of Notch activation in morphogenetic processes.
Endocytic trafficking of laminin is controlled by dystroglycan and disrupted in cancers
Authors: Leonoudakis Dmitri , Huang Ge , Akhavan Armin , Fata Jimmie E. , Singh Manisha , Gray Joe W. , Muschler John L.
Published: September 2014

The dynamic interactions between cells and basement membranes (BMs) serve as essential regulators of tissue architecture and function in metazoans, and perturbation of these interactions contributes to the progression of a wide range of human diseases, including cancers. Here we reveal the pathway and mechanism for endocytic trafficking of a prominent BM protein, laminin-111 (laminin), and their disruption in disease. Live cell imaging of epithelial cells revealed pronounced internalization of laminin into endocytic vesicles. Laminin internalization was receptor-mediated and dynamin-dependent, and proceeded to the lysosome via the late endosome. Manipulation of laminin receptor expression revealed that the dominant regulator of laminin internalization is dystroglycan (DG), a laminin receptor that is functionally perturbed in muscular dystrophies and many cancers. Correspondingly, laminin internalization was found to be deficient in aggressive cancer cells displaying non-functional DG, and restoration of DG function strongly enhanced the endocytosis of laminin in both breast cancer and glioblastoma cells. These results establish previously unrecognized mechanisms for the modulation of cell-BM communication in normal cells, and identify a profound disruption of endocytic laminin trafficking in aggressive cancer subtypes.
Novel roles for actin in mitochondrial fission
Authors: Hatch Anna L. , Gurel Pinar S. , Higgs Henry N.
Published: September 2014

Mitochondrial dynamics, including fusion, fission and translocation, are crucial to cellular homeostasis, with roles in cellular polarity, stress response and apoptosis. Mitochondrial fission has received particular attention, owing to links with several neurodegenerative diseases. A central player in fission is the cytoplasmic dynamin-related GTPase Drp1, which oligomerizes at the fission site and hydrolyzes GTP to drive membrane ingression. Drp1 recruitment to the outer mitochondrial membrane (OMM) is a key regulatory event, which appears to require a pre-constriction step in which the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and mitochondrion interact extensively, a process termed ERMD (ER-associated mitochondrial division). It is unclear how ER–mitochondrial contact generates the force required for pre-constriction or why pre-constriction leads to Drp1 recruitment. Recent results, however, show that ERMD might be an actin-based process in mammals that requires the ER-associated formin INF2 upstream of Drp1, and that myosin II and other actin-binding proteins might be involved. In this Commentary, we present a mechanistic model for mitochondrial fission in which actin and myosin contribute in two ways; firstly, by supplying the force for pre-constriction and secondly, by serving as a coincidence detector for Drp1 binding. In addition, we discuss the possibility that multiple fission mechanisms exist in mammals.
The role of nNOS and PGC-1α in skeletal muscle cells
Authors: Baldelli Sara , Lettieri Barbato Daniele , Tatulli Giuseppe , Aquilano Katia , Ciriolo Maria Rosa
Published: September 2014

Neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) and peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ co-activator 1α (PGC-1α) are two fundamental factors involved in the regulation of skeletal muscle cell metabolism. nNOS exists as several alternatively spliced variants, each having a specific pattern of subcellular localisation. Nitric oxide (NO) functions as a second messenger in signal transduction pathways that lead to the expression of metabolic genes involved in oxidative metabolism, vasodilatation and skeletal muscle contraction. PGC-1α is a transcriptional coactivator and represents a master regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis by promoting the transcription of mitochondrial genes. PGC-1α can be induced during physical exercise, and it plays a key role in coordinating the oxidation of intracellular fatty acids with mitochondrial remodelling. Several lines of evidence demonstrate that NO could act as a key regulator of PGC-1α expression; however, the link between nNOS and PGC-1α in skeletal muscle remains only poorly understood. In this Commentary, we review important metabolic pathways that are governed by nNOS and PGC-1α, and aim to highlight how they might intersect and cooperatively regulate skeletal muscle mitochondrial and lipid energetic metabolism and contraction.
A novel myomegalin isoform functions in Golgi microtubule organization and ER-Golgi transport
Authors: Wang Zhe , Zhang Chao , Qi Robert Z.
Published: September 2014

The Golgi apparatus of mammalian cells is known to be a major microtubule-organizing site that requires microtubules for its organization and protein trafficking. However, the mechanisms underlying the microtubule organization of the Golgi apparatus remain obscure. We used immunoprecipitation coupled with mass spectrometry to identify a widely expressed isoform of the poorly characterized muscle protein myomegalin. This novel isoform, myomegalin variant 8 (MMG8), localized predominantly to cis-Golgi networks by interacting with AKAP450, and this interaction with AKAP450 was required for the stability of both proteins. Disrupting MMG8 expression affected ER-to-Golgi trafficking and caused Golgi fragmentation. Furthermore, MMG8 associated with γ-tubulin complexes and with the microtubule plus-end tracking protein EB1, and MMG8 was required for the Golgi localization of these 2 molecules. On the Golgi, γ-tubulin complexes mediated microtubule nucleation, whereas EB1 functioned in ER-to-Golgi trafficking. These results indicate that MMG8 participates in Golgi microtubule organization and thereby plays a crucial role in the organization and function of the Golgi apparatus.
A novel interaction between Rab7b and actomyosin reveals a dual role in intracellular transport and cell migration
Authors: Borg Marita , Bakke Oddmund , Progida Cinzia
Published: September 2014

Rab proteins are small GTPases that regulate the transport between the different compartments of the endomembrane system in eukaryotic cells. Here, we show that Rab7b, a Rab that controls the transport between late endosomes and the TGN, interacts directly with myosin II. We illustrate the functional significance of this interaction, demonstrating that myosin II mediates the transport of Rab7b endosomes, as Rab7b dynamics are strongly affected after myosin II depletion or inhibition. We also demonstrate that a member of the Rab family regulates actin remodeling and, consequently, influences cell adhesion, polarization and migration. We find the molecular mechanism by which Rab7b influences stress fiber formation, through controlling the activation status of the small GTPase RhoA, and therefore by influencing myosin light chain phosphorylation.

Our findings reveal a novel role for Rab proteins outside their canonical role in intracellular trafficking, identifying Rab7b as a coordinator of cytoskeletal organization.
Human and Financial Capital for Microenterprise Development: Evidence from a Field and Lab Experiment
Authors: Berge Lars Ivar Oppedal , Bjorvatn Kjetil , Tungodden Bertil
Published: September 2014

Microenterprises constitute an important source of employment, and developing such enterprises is a key policy concern in most countries. But what is the most efficient tool for microenterprise development? We study this question in a developing country context (Tanzania), where microenterprises are the source of employment for more than half of the labor force, and we report from a field experiment that jointly investigated the importance of a human capital intervention (business training) and a financial capital intervention (business grant). Using data from three survey rounds, a lab experiment, and administrative records of the microfinance institution, we present evidence on business performance, management practices, happiness, business knowledge, and noncognitive abilities. Our study demonstrates strong effects of the combination of the two interventions on male entrepreneurs, while the effects on female entrepreneurs are much more muted. The results suggest that long-term finance is an important constraint for microfinance entrepreneurs, but that business training is essential to transform financial capital into productive investments. Our study also points to the need for more comprehensive measures to promote the businesses of female entrepreneurs.

Data, as supplemental material, are available at http://dx.doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2014.1933 .

This paper was accepted by John List, behavioral economics.
Exploring the planets and stars
Authors: Neville Sarah
Published: September 2014

Young children are often fascinated with the things they see above their heads, fostered by films, cartoons and picture books of rocket ships, aliens and astronaut adventurers.
Fruit & Veg: H is for herbs…
Authors: Hammond Paula , Lillie Stephen
Published: September 2014

This month, we continue our extended adventure around the alphabetical fruits and vegetables of the world, by taking a look at some plants! More specifically, edible herbs.
SEN code of practice
Authors: Martland Rebecca
Published: September 2014

We are now working under a new Code of Practice for children with special needs and disabilities, but what does this mean and how will it affect your childminding provision?
Paying for special care
Authors: Jones Julia
Published: September 2014

Following on from our lead feature this month, we look at the provision of care for children with special educational needs and disabilities from a different perspective, that of funding.
The power of the elements – water
Authors: Garner Lynne
Published: September 2014

In the second of our elements series, Lynne Garner uses practical activities to examine the forces of nature that shape our lives and the very places we live. This month, water.
Hard to heal or just too hard to manage?
Authors: Hollis Georgie
Published: September 2014

Georgie Hollis explores Professor Derek Knottenbelt's 12 factors of healing delay and explains why she believes there will never be a single ‘fix all’ wound healing product
Nutrition myths…busted
Authors: Hale Catherine , MacLeod Clare ,   Research and Development Manager, Warren Helen
Published: September 2014

Four of the UK's top nutritionists collaborate to dispel some of the inaccuracies which abound with regard to the rules and management of feeding horses
Aetiology, diagnosis and treatment of oral lichen planus
Authors: Ryan Kevin , Hegarty Anne M , Hodgson Tim
Published: September 2014

Oral lichen planus is a common condition which can have negative effects on a patient's quality of life. This article reviews the aetiopathogenesis, management and malignant potential of oral lichen planus.
Orofacial manifestations of gastrointestinal disorders
Authors: Jurge Sabine , Hegarty Anne M , Hodgson Tim
Published: September 2014

Gastrointestinal disorders are common and occasionally extraintestinal manifestations can involve both the oral and facial tissues. This article describes the orofacial manifestations of selected gastrointestinal diseases and outlines their management.
Aetiology and management of xerostomia and salivary gland hypofunction
Authors: Montgomery-Cranny Jodie , Hodgson Tim , Hegarty Anne M
Published: September 2014

Dry mouth can be disabling for the patient and challenging for the clinician to manage. Xerostomia is the subjective perception of oral dryness whereas salivary hypofunction is an objectively measured decrease in whole saliva production. Management includes saliva substitutes and stimulants which may only give partial symptom relief.
Ebola and other viral haemorrhagic fevers: a local operational approach
Authors: Moore Luke SP , Moore Misha , Sriskandan Shiranee
Published: September 2014

With the current Ebola outbreak in west Africa and continued intermittent outbreaks of other viral haemorrhagic fevers, there are concerns about identifying and managing cases imported to the UK. This article summarizes new guidance for acute care units, and describes a local approach to patients with suspected viral haemorrhagic fever.