bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Descriptors for on-farm conservation and use ofButia odoratanatural populations
Authors: Mistura Claudete Clarice , Barbieri Rosa Lía , Castro Caroline Marques , Padulosi Stefano , Alercia Adriana
Published: March 2015

This paper aims to propose an international list of descriptors forButia odorata(jelly palm), using scientific documentation methods and farmers' knowledge to allow the germplasm characterization for conservation and sustainable use. It is an attempt to promote the development of new approaches to documenting crop genetic resources using a blend of these two sources of knowledge, frequently perceived as conflicting. This long-lived and useful palm is a neglected and subutilized species, and its genetic diversity and associated knowledge are under severe erosion. A list of 11 morphological descriptors is proposed based on observations, literature review and discussions with farmers who know and use the plant. These descriptors were used to characterize 303 adult jelly palms conservedin situ. Descriptive results are presented. Only five morphological characteristics were reported by farmers as important to discriminate individual plants, indicating that farmers have simpler and more rapid ways to differentiate diversity than do the scientists based on their uses. Standard list of descriptors developed byex situconservationists are widely used by breeders, but they rarely reach out to farmers and other user groups, a fact that limits the full use of germplasm collections around the world. Conversely, farmer-based descriptors, which are the expression of deep knowledge of diversity and its deployment by traditional communities, are rarely considered by breeders, mainly because they are not available. In this paper, we support the idea that a blend of these two methods – in a standard format – is highly strategic to promote an effectivein situconservation-through-use approach.
Beobachtungsbogen, Sprachscreening und informelle Beurteilung
Authors: Wolf Katrin M. , Roick Thorsten , Wendt Wolfgang , Stanat Petra
Published: March 2015

Entscheidungen über einen besonderen Sprachförderbedarf von Kindern zählen zu den anspruchsvolleren Aufgaben im Kita-Alltag. Anhand von Daten einer Querschnittsstudie mit 545 Kita-Kindern wurde die Qualität der Bestimmung sprachlichen Förderbedarfs durch einen standardisierten Beobachtungsbogen, ein standardisiertes Screening und ein informelles Urteil von Erzieherinnen untersucht. Die Validität der Einschätzungen wurde mittels Übereinstimmungen zu Klassifikationen durch Sprachentwicklungstests geprüft. Zudem wurde die Bedeutung möglicher Determinanten von Fehlklassifikationen der Instrumente untersucht. Die Klassifikationsgüte des Screenings war der Beobachtung und dem informellen Urteil bedeutsam überlegen. Fehlklassifikationen lassen sich v. a. durch die von den Erzieherinnen eingeschätzte Sprechfreude der Kinder erklären. Ein Zusammenhang mit dem Geschlecht, der ethnischen und sozialen Herkunft der Kinder ließ sich dagegen nicht aufzeigen.
Personalstruktur und Beschäftigungsbedingungen in Kindertageseinrichtungen
Authors: Fuchs-Rechlin Kirsten , Smidt Wilfried
Published: March 2015

Der Beitrag beschäftigt sich mit der Frage, inwiefern ein Zusammenhang zwischen Besonderheiten der Personalstruktur im Arbeitsfeld der Kindertagesbetreuung und den dortigen Beschäftigungsbedingungen sowie der pädagogischen Prozessqualität besteht. Hierzu werden Befunde aus den beiden Forschungssträngen zur Arbeitsmarktsituation von Beschäftigen in Kindertageseinrichtungen sowie zur pädagogischen Qualität von Kindertagesbetreuung zusammengeführt und im Hinblick auf vorliegende Forschungsdesiderate analysiert. Ein wesentliches Ergebnis ist, dass die Besonderheiten des Arbeitsfeldes der Kindertageseinrichtungen zukünftig stärker bei der Planung und Umsetzung von Forschungsdesigns zur Untersuchung von Prädiktoren pädagogischer Prozessqualität berücksichtigt werden sollten.
Qualitätsansprüche an und von Fachberatung
Authors: Remsperger Regina , Weidmann Stefan
Published: March 2015

Im System der Entwicklung von Qualität in der frühen Bildung kommt Fachberatung eine bedeutsame Rolle zu. In einem Forschungsprojekt 1 „Die Rolle von Fachberatung im System der Entwicklung von Qualität in der frühen Bildung“: gefördert vom Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung; Förderkennzeichen 01NV1118. Die Verantwortung für den Inhalt dieser Veröffentlichung liegt bei der Autorin und dem Autor. an der Hochschule RheinMain wurden das Selbstverständnis und die Beratungspraxis von Fachberatung für Kindertageseinrichtungen sowie die unterschiedlichen Erwartungen und Qualitätsansprüche an diese untersucht. Ausgehend von einem „relationalen“ Begriff von Qualität wurden die Vorstellungen von FachberaterInnen und Beratenen über die Qualität und die Wirkung der Fachberatung mittels der Analyse von Beratungssequenzen und Telefoninterviews empirisch rekonstruiert. Dabei zeigten sich nicht nur inkongruente Erwartungen von FachberaterInnen und Beratenen an die Rolle von Fachberatung, den Umgang mit Beratenen und besonders deren Stärkung. Es ließen sich auch Korrespondenzen feststellen zwischen Qualitätsansprüchen und den von uns zuvor rekonstruierten Habitusformationen von Fachberatung. Diese Korrespondenzen bestätigen die Bedeutung einer ko-produktiven Beratungspraxis (und ihrer Reflexion) in Arbeitsbündnissen von Beratenden und Beratenen.
Hewitt Receives 2014 Cryosphere Early Career Award
Authors:   AGU
Published: March 2015

Ian Hewitt received the 2014 Cryosphere Early Career Award at the 2014 American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting, held 15–19 December in San Francisco, Calif. The award is for "a significant contribution to cryospheric science and technology."
Activation of TGF‐β‐induced non‐Smad signaling pathways during Th17 differentiation
Authors: Hasan Maruf , Neumann Bernhard , Haupeltshofer Steffen , Stahlke Sarah , Claudio Fantini Massimo , Angstwurm Klemens , Bogdahn Ulrich , Kleiter Ingo
Published: March 2015

Although transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) has been shown to positively regulate the development of murine T helper type 17 (Th17) cells, which of the intracellular signaling pathways are involved is controversial. We examined Smad‐dependent and ‐independent signaling molecules downstream of the TGF‐β receptor (TGFβR) involved in Th17 differentiation of naive murine CD4+CD62L+ T cells. During Th17 differentiation of wild‐type T cells, Smad2/3 was phosphorylated, indicating activation of the canonical Smad pathway. T cells lacking TGFβRII did not differentiate into Th17, whereas T cells treated with a TGFβRI kinase inhibitor (SB‐431542) or overexpression of inhibitory Smad7 retained a low amount of Th17 polarization despite absent Smad2/3 phosphorylation. Using protein antibody arrays we found an increase of expression and phosphorylation of the following Smad‐independent signaling molecules in Th17‐polarized wild‐type T cells: AKT1(Tyr474), AKT2 (Ser474), ERK1‐p44/42 MAPK(Tyr204), mTOR(Thr2446), p38 MAPK(Thr180), Rac1/cdc42(Ser71), SAPK/JNK(Tyr185) and SP1(Thr739). Pharmacological inhibition of AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling with rapamycin or LY294002 decreased Th17 differentiation of wild‐type T cells, and completely abolished interleukin‐17 production in T cells with overexpression of Smad7. Rapamycin and LY294002 also decreased induced regulatory T cell differentiation, but only had minor additive effects to Smad7 overexpression. Finally, inhibitors of mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) blocked in vitro polarization of Th17 cells. Our data show that Smad‐dependent and ‐independent intracellular pathways contribute to murine Th17 differentiation.
The functional contribution of calcium ion flux heterogeneity in T cells
Authors: Christo Susan N , Diener Kerrilyn R , Hayball John D
Published: March 2015

The role of intracellular calcium ion oscillations in T‐cell physiology is being increasingly appreciated by studies that describe how unique temporal and spatial calcium ion signatures can control different signalling pathways. Within this review, we provide detailed mechanisms of calcium ion oscillations, and emphasise the pivotal role that calcium signalling plays in directing crucial events pertaining to T‐cell functionality. We also describe methods of calcium ion quantification, and take the opportunity to discuss how a deeper understanding of calcium signalling combined with new detection and quantification methodologies can be used to better design immunotherapies targeting T‐cell responses.
Structural basis for full-spectrum inhibition of translational functions on a tRNA synthetase
Authors: Fang Pengfei , Yu Xue , Jeong Seung Jae , Mirando Adam , Chen Kaige , Chen Xin , Kim Sunghoon , Francklyn Christopher S. , Guo Min
Published: March 2015

The polyketide natural product borrelidin displays antibacterial, antifungal, antimalarial, anticancer, insecticidal and herbicidal activities through the selective inhibition of threonyl-tRNA synthetase (ThrRS). How borrelidin simultaneously attenuates bacterial growth and suppresses a variety of infections in plants and animals is not known. Here we show, using X-ray crystal structures and functional analyses, that a single molecule of borrelidin simultaneously occupies four distinct subsites within the catalytic domain of bacterial and human ThrRSs. These include the three substrate-binding sites for amino acid, ATP and tRNA associated with aminoacylation, and a fourth ‘orthogonal’ subsite created as a consequence of binding. Thus, borrelidin competes with all three aminoacylation substrates, providing a potent and redundant mechanism to inhibit ThrRS during protein synthesis. These results highlight a surprising natural design to achieve the quadrivalent inhibition of translation through a highly conserved family of enzymes.
Local cooling and warming effects of forests based on satellite observations
Authors: Li Yan , Zhao Maosheng , Motesharrei Safa , Mu Qiaozhen , Kalnay Eugenia , Li Shuangcheng
Published: March 2015

The biophysical effects of forests on climate have been extensively studied with climate models. However, models cannot accurately reproduce local climate effects due to their coarse spatial resolution and uncertainties, and field observations are valuable but often insufficient due to their limited coverage. Here we present new evidence acquired from global satellite data to analyse the biophysical effects of forests on local climate. Results show that tropical forests have a strong cooling effect throughout the year; temperate forests show moderate cooling in summer and moderate warming in winter with net cooling annually; and boreal forests have strong warming in winter and moderate cooling in summer with net warming annually. The spatiotemporal cooling or warming effects are mainly driven by the two competing biophysical effects, evapotranspiration and albedo, which in turn are strongly influenced by rainfall and snow. Implications of our satellite-based study could be useful for informing local forestry policies.
Triaminopyrimidine is a fast-killing and long-acting antimalarial clinical candidate
Authors: Hameed P. Shahul , Solapure Suresh , Patil Vikas , Henrich Philipp P. , Magistrado Pamela A. , Bharath Sowmya , Murugan Kannan , Viswanath Pavithra , Puttur Jayashree , Srivastava Abhishek , Bellale Eknath , Panduga Vijender , Shanbag Gajanan , Awasthy Disha , Landge Sudhir , Morayya Sapna , Koushik Krishna , Saralaya Ramanatha , Raichurkar Anandkumar , Rautela Nikhil , Roy Choudhury Nilanjana , Ambady Anisha , Nandishaiah Radha , Reddy Jitendar , Prabhakar K. R. , Menasinakai Sreenivasaiah , Rudrapatna Suresh , Chatterji Monalisa , Jiménez-Díaz María Belén , Martínez María Santos , Sanz Laura María , Coburn-Flynn Olivia , Fidock David A. , Lukens Amanda K. , Wirth Dyann F. , Bandodkar Balachandra , Mukherjee Kakoli , McLaughlin Robert E. , Waterson David , Rosenbrier-Ribeiro Lyn , Hickling Kevin , Balasubramanian V. , Warner Peter , Hosagrahara Vinayak , Dudley Adam , Iyer Pravin S. , Narayanan Shridhar , Kavanagh Stefan , Sambandamurthy Vasan K.
Published: March 2015

The widespread emergence of Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) strains resistant to frontline agents has fuelled the search for fast-acting agents with novel mechanism of action. Here, we report the discovery and optimization of novel antimalarial compounds, the triaminopyrimidines (TAPs), which emerged from a phenotypic screen against the blood stages of Pf. The clinical candidate (compound 12) is efficacious in a mouse model of Pf malaria with an ED99 <30 mg kg−1 and displays good in vivo safety margins in guinea pigs and rats. With a predicted half-life of 36 h in humans, a single dose of 260 mg might be sufficient to maintain therapeutic blood concentration for 4–5 days. Whole-genome sequencing of resistant mutants implicates the vacuolar ATP synthase as a genetic determinant of resistance to TAPs. Our studies highlight the potential of TAPs for single-dose treatment of Pf malaria in combination with other agents in clinical development.
Global analysis of fungal morphology exposes mechanisms of host cell escape
Authors: O’Meara Teresa R. , Veri Amanda O. , Ketela Troy , Jiang Bo , Roemer Terry , Cowen Leah E.
Published: March 2015

Developmental transitions between single-cell yeast and multicellular filaments underpin virulence of diverse fungal pathogens. For the leading human fungal pathogen Candida albicans, filamentation is thought to be required for immune cell escape via induction of an inflammatory programmed cell death. Here we perform a genome-scale analysis of C. albicans morphogenesis and identify 102 negative morphogenetic regulators and 872 positive regulators, highlighting key roles for ergosterol biosynthesis and N-linked glycosylation. We demonstrate that C. albicans filamentation is not required for escape from host immune cells; instead, macrophage pyroptosis is driven by fungal cell-wall remodelling and exposure of glycosylated proteins in response to the macrophage phagosome. The capacity of killed, previously phagocytized cells to drive macrophage lysis is also observed with the distantly related fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans. This study provides a global view of morphogenetic circuitry governing a key virulence trait, and illuminates a new mechanism by which fungi trigger host cell death.
A possible instance of sexual dimorphism in the tails of two oviraptorosaur dinosaurs
Authors: IV W. Scott Persons , Funston Gregory F. , Currie Philip J. , Norell Mark A.
Published: March 2015

The hypothesis that oviraptorosaurs used tail-feather displays in courtship behavior previously predicted that oviraptorosaurs would be found to display sexually dimorphic caudal osteology. MPC-D 100/1002 and MPC-D 100/1127 are two specimens of the oviraptorosaur Khaan mckennai. Although similar in absolute size and in virtually all other anatomical details, the anterior haemal spines of MPC-D 100/1002 exceed those of MPC-D 100/1127 in ventral depth and develop a hitherto unreported “spearhead” shape. This dissimilarity cannot be readily explained as pathologic and is too extreme to be reasonably attributed to the amount of individual variation expected among con-specifics. Instead, this discrepancy in haemal spine morphology may be attributable to sexual dimorphism. The haemal spine form of MPC-D 100/1002 offers greater surface area for caudal muscle insertions. On this basis, MPC-D 100/1002 is regarded as most probably male and MPC-D 100/1127 is regarded as most probably female.
Metabolic Profiling-based Data-mining for an Effective Chemical Combination to Induce Apoptosis of Cancer Cells
Authors: Kumazoe Motofumi , Fujimura Yoshinori , Hidaka Shiori , Kim Yoonhee , Murayama Kanako , Takai Mika , Huang Yuhui , Yamashita Shuya , Murata Motoki , Miura Daisuke , Wariishi Hiroyuki , Maeda-Yamamoto Mari , Tachibana Hirofumi
Published: March 2015

Green tea extract (GTE) induces apoptosis of cancer cells without adversely affecting normal cells. Several clinical trials reported that GTE was well tolerated and had potential anti-cancer efficacy. Epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate (EGCG) is the primary compound responsible for the anti-cancer effect of GTE; however, the effect of EGCG alone is limited. To identify GTE compounds capable of potentiating EGCG bioactivity, we performed metabolic profiling of 43 green tea cultivar panels by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS). Here, we revealed the polyphenol eriodictyol significantly potentiated apoptosis induction by EGCG in vitro and in a mouse tumour model by amplifying EGCG-induced activation of the 67-kDa laminin receptor (67LR)/protein kinase B/endothelial nitric oxide synthase/protein kinase C delta/acid sphingomyelinase signalling pathway. Our results show that metabolic profiling is an effective chemical-mining approach for identifying botanical drugs with therapeutic potential against multiple myeloma. Metabolic profiling-based data mining could be an efficient strategy for screening additional bioactive compounds and identifying effective chemical combinations.
A multi-responsive water-driven actuator with instant and powerful performance for versatile applications
Authors: Mu Jiuke , Hou Chengyi , Zhu Bingjie , Wang Hongzhi , Li Yaogang , Zhang Qinghong
Published: March 2015

Mechanical actuators driven by water that respond to multiple stimuli, exhibit fast responses and large deformations and generate high stress have potential in artificial muscles, motors and generators. Meeting all these requirements in a single device remains a challenge. We report a graphene monolayer paper that undergoes reversible deformation. Its graphene oxide cells wrinkle and extend in response to water desorption and absorption, respectively. Its fast (~0.3 s), powerful (>100 MPa output stress, 7.5 × 105 N kg−1 unit mass force) and controllable actuation can be triggered by moisture, heat and light. The graphene monolayer paper has potential in artificial muscles, robotic hands and electromagnetic-free generators.
Film bulk acoustic resonators integrated on arbitrary substrates using a polymer support layer
Authors: Chen Guohao , Zhao Xinru , Wang Xiaozhi , Jin Hao , Li Shijian , Dong Shurong , Flewitt A. J. , Milne W. I. , Luo J. K.
Published: March 2015

The film bulk acoustic resonator (FBAR) is a widely-used MEMS device which can be used as a filter, or as a gravimetric sensor for biochemical or physical sensing. Current device architectures require the use of an acoustic mirror or a freestanding membrane and are fabricated as discrete components. A new architecture is demonstrated which permits fabrication and integration of FBARs on arbitrary substrates. Wave confinement is achieved by fabricating the resonator on a polyimide support layer. Results show when the polymer thickness is greater than a critical value, d, the FBARs have similar performance to devices using alternative architectures. For ZnO FBARs operating at 1.3–2.2 GHz, d is ~9 μm and the devices have a Q-factor of 470, comparable to 493 for the membrane architecture devices. The polymer support makes the resonators insensitive to the underlying substrate. Yields over 95% have been achieved on roughened silicon, copper and glass.
Uncovering RNA binding proteins associated with age and gender during liver maturation
Authors: Chaturvedi Praneet , Neelamraju Yaseswini , Arif Waqar , Kalsotra Auinash , Janga Sarath Chandra
Published: March 2015

In the present study, we perform an association analysis focusing on the expression changes of 1344 RNA Binding proteins (RBPs) as a function of age and gender in human liver. We identify 88 and 45 RBPs to be significantly associated with age and gender respectively. Experimental verification of several of the predicted associations in mice confirmed our findings. Our results suggest that a small fraction of the gender-associated RBPs (~40%) are expressed higher in males than females. Altogether, these observations show that several of these RBPs are important and conserved regulators in maintaining liver function. Further analysis of the protein interaction network of RBPs associated with age and gender based on the centrality measures like degree, betweenness and closeness revealed that several of these RBPs might be prominent players in aging liver and impart gender specific alterations in gene expression via the formation of protein complexes. Indeed, both age and gender-associated RBPs in liver were found to show significantly higher clustering coefficients and network centrality measures compared to non-associated RBPs. The compendium of RBPs and this study will help us gain insight into the role of post-transcriptional regulatory molecules in aging and gender specific expression of genes.
A Three-Pool Model Dissecting Readily Releasable Pool Replenishment at the Calyx of Held
Authors: Guo Jun , Ge Jian-long , Hao Mei , Sun Zhi-cheng , Wu Xin-sheng , Zhu Jian-bing , Wang Wei , Yao Pan-tong , Lin Wei , Xue Lei
Published: March 2015

Although vesicle replenishment is critical in maintaining exo-endocytosis recycling, the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. Previous studies have shown that both rapid and slow endocytosis recycle into a very large recycling pool instead of within the readily releasable pool (RRP) and the time course of RRP replenishment is slowed down by more intense stimulation. This finding contradicts the calcium/calmodulin-dependence of RRP replenishment. Here we address this issue and report a three-pool model for RRP replenishment at a central synapse. Both rapid and slow endocytosis provide vesicles to a large reserve pool (RP) ~42.3 times the RRP size. When moving from the RP to the RRP, vesicles entered an intermediate pool (IP) ~2.7 times the RRP size with slow RP-IP kinetics and fast IP-RRP kinetics, which was responsible for the well-established slow and rapid components of RRP replenishment. Depletion of the IP caused the slower RRP replenishment observed after intense stimulation. These results establish, for the first time, a realistic cycling model with all parameters measured, revealing the contribution of each cycling step in synaptic transmission. The results call for modification of the current view of the vesicle recycling steps and their roles.
Genetic Risks to Nicotine Dependence Predict Negative Mood and Affect in Current Non-Smokers
Authors: Chen Xiangning , Aggen Steven H. , Chen Jingchun , Li Lingxi , Kendler Kenneth S. , Blank Melissa , Eissenberg Thomas
Published: March 2015

Nicotine is the psychoactive agent involved in nicotine dependence. However, nicotine as a drug and its effects on human psychology are largely under-investigated in genetic studies. In this study, we recruited 208 current non-smokers to evaluate the effect of nicotine and its relationship to genetic risks to nicotine dependence. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, as well as measurement invariance testing, were conducted to evaluate the latent factor structures of the POMS, PANAS and DEN questionnaires across 3 nicotine doses. Structural models were used to examine the effects of nicotine and their relationship to genetic risks of nicotine dependence. We found that nicotine administration led to the change of both measurement construct and factor means, indicating the causal effect of nicotine on the psychological responses. The genotypes of rs588765 predicted the scores of the DEN Confused and Dizzy factors (p = 0.0003 and 0.001 respectively) and rs16969968 and rs588765 were associated with the PANAS Nervous factor (p = 0.006 and 0.007 respectively). Our study suggested that genetic risk of nicotine dependence is associated with acute psychological responses. The integration of psychometric analyses and dose effects could be a powerful approach for genetic study of nicotine dependence.
Genetic variants in de novo lipogenic pathway genes predict the prognosis of surgically-treated hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Jiang Hequn , Dai Jingyao , huang Xiaojun , Chen Yibing , Qu Ping , Li Jibin , Yi Cheng , Yang Yefa , Zhang Kejing , Huang Qichao
Published: March 2015

Over-expression of de novo lipogenesis (DNL) pathway genes is associated with the prognosis of various types of cancers. However, effects of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in these genes on recurrence and death of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients after surgery are still unknown. A total of 492 primary HCC patients treated with surgery were included in this study. Nine SNPs in 3 genes (ACACA, FASN and ACLY) of DNL pathway were genotyped. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression model and Kaplan-Meier curve were used to analyze the association of SNPs with clinical outcomes. Two SNPs in ACACA gene were significantly associated with overall survival of HCC patients. Patients carrying homozygous variant genotype (VV) in rs7211875 had significantly increased risk of death, while patients carrying VV genotype in rs11871275 had significant decreased risk of death, when compared with those carrying homozygous wild-type or heterozygous genotypes. Moreover, patients carrying VV genotype in rs11871275 had decreased recurrence risk, while patients carrying variant genotype in rs4485435 of FASN gene had increased recurrence risk. Further cumulative effect analysis showed significant dose-dependent effects of unfavorable SNPs on both death and recurrence. SNPs in DNL genes may serve as independent prognostic markers for HCC patients after surgery.
Synthesis of high density aviation fuel with cyclopentanol derived from lignocellulose
Authors: Sheng Xueru , Li Ning , Li Guangyi , Wang Wentao , Yang Jinfan , Cong Yu , Wang Aiqin , Wang Xiaodong , Zhang Tao
Published: March 2015

For the first time, renewable high density aviation fuels were synthesized at high overall yield (95.6%) by the Guerbet reaction of cyclopentanol which can be derived from lignocellulose, followed by the hydrodeoxygenation (HDO). The solvent-free Guerbet reaction of cyclopentanol was carried out under the co-catalysis of solid bases and Raney metals. Among the investigated catalyst systems, the combinations of magnesium-aluminium hydrotalcite (MgAl-HT) and Raney Ni (or Raney Co) exhibited the best performances. Over them, high carbon yield (96.7%) of C10 and C15 oxygenates was achieved. The Guerbet reaction products were further hydrodeoxygenated to bi(cyclopentane) and tri(cyclopentane) over a series of Ni catalysts. These alkanes have high densities (0.86 g mL−1 and 0.91 g mL−1) and can be used as high density aviation fuels or additives to bio-jet fuel. Among the investigated HDO catalysts, the 35 wt.% Ni-SiO2-DP prepared by deposition-precipitation method exhibited the highest activity.
MicroRNA profiling of CD3+CD56+ cytokine-induced killer cells
Authors: Wang Wenju , Li Ruhong , Meng Mingyao , Wei Chuanyu , Xie Yanhua , Zhang Yayong , Jiang Lihong , Dong Ruiyi , Wang Chunhui , Zhong Yiming , Yang Fang , Tang Weiwei , Jin Xingfang , Liu Baohua , Hou Zongliu
Published: March 2015

Studies have proven that IL-2 and IL-15 showed contrasting roles during CIK cells preparation. By employing microarray, we analyzed miRNA expression profiles of PBMC, CIKIL-2 and CIKIL-15. Advanced bioinformatic analyses were performed to explore the key miRNAs which may regulate cell proliferation and anti-tumor activity of CIK. We identified 261 differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) between PBMC and CIKIL-2 and 249 DEMs between PBMC and CIKIL-15. MiR-143-3p/miR-145-5p was miRNA cluster which may positively regulate cell proliferation. In contrast, miR-340-5p/miR-340-3p cluster may negatively regulate cell proliferation via induction apoptosis, which may cause decreased cell proliferation capacity of CIKIL-2. MiRNA-target interaction analysis indicated that 10 co-downregulated miRNAs may synergistically turn on the expression of a pool of tumor cytotoxic genes in CIK cells. The DEMs between CIKIL-2 and CIKIL-15 may contribute to enhanced tumor cytotoxic capacity of CIKIL-2. Importantly, we found that repressed miR-193a-5p may regulate the expressions of inhibitory receptor KLRD1. The results of the validation assay have shown that KLRD1 were upregulated in CIK cells. Our findings have provided new insights into mechanisms of CIK cells production and tumor cytotoxic function and shed light on their safety for clinical trial.
Mutagenicity of drinking water sampled from the Yangtze River and Hanshui River (Wuhan section) and correlations with water quality parameters
Authors: Lv Xuemin , Lu Yi , Yang Xiaoming , Dong Xiaorong , Ma Kunpeng , Xiao Sanhua , Wang Yazhou , Tang Fei
Published: March 2015

A total of 54 water samples were collected during three different hydrologic periods (level period, wet period and dry period) from Plant A and Plant B (a source for Yangtze River and Hanshui River water, respectively) and several water parameters, such as chemical oxygen demand (COD), turbidity and total organic carbon (TOC), were simultaneously analyzed. The mutagenicity of the water samples was evaluated using the Ames test with Salmonella typhimurium strains TA98 and TA100. According to the results, the organic compounds in the water were largely frame-shift mutagens, as positive results were found for most of the tests using TA98. All of the finished water samples exhibited stronger mutagenicity than the relative raw and distribution water samples, with water samples collected from Plant B presenting stronger mutagenic strength than those from Plant A. The finished water samples from Plant A displayed a seasonal-dependent variation. Water parameters including COD (r = 0.599, P = 0.009), TOC (r = 0.681, P = 0.02), UV254 (r = 0.711, P = 0.001) and total nitrogen (r = 0.570, P = 0.014) exhibited good correlations with mutagenicity (TA98), at 2.0 L/plate, which bolsters the argument of the importance of using mutagenicity as a new parameter to assess the quality of drinking water.
Correlative in-resin super-resolution and electron microscopy using standard fluorescent proteins
Authors: Johnson Errin , Seiradake Elena , Jones E. Yvonne , Davis Ilan , Grünewald Kay , Kaufmann Rainer
Published: March 2015

We introduce a method for correlative in-resin super-resolution fluorescence and electron microscopy (EM) of biological structures in mammalian culture cells. Cryo-fixed resin embedded samples offer superior structural preservation, performing in-resin super-resolution, however, remains a challenge. We identified key aspects of the sample preparation procedure of high pressure freezing, freeze substitution and resin embedding that are critical for preserving fluorescence and photo-switching of standard fluorescent proteins, such as mGFP, mVenus and mRuby2. This enabled us to combine single molecule localization microscopy with transmission electron microscopy imaging of standard fluorescent proteins in cryo-fixed resin embedded cells. We achieved a structural resolution of 40–50 nm (~17 nm average single molecule localization accuracy) in the fluorescence images without the use of chemical fixation or special fluorophores. Using this approach enabled the correlation of fluorescently labeled structures to the ultrastructure in the same cell at the nanometer level and superior structural preservation.
Behavioural and molecular endophenotypes in psychotic disorders reveal heritable abnormalities in glutamatergic neurotransmission
Authors: Scoriels L , Salek R M , Goodby E , Grainger D , Dean A M , West J A , Griffin J L , Suckling J , Nathan P J , Lennox B R , Murray G K , Bullmore E T , Jones P B
Published: March 2015

Psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia are biologically complex and carry huge population morbidity due to their prevalence, persistence and associated disability. Defined by features such as delusions and hallucinations, they involve cognitive dysfunction and neurotransmitter dysregulations that appear mostly to involve the dopaminergic and glutamatergic systems. A number of genetic and environmental factors are associated with these disorders but it has been difficult to identify the biological pathways underlying the principal symptoms. The endophenotype concept of stable, heritable traits that form a mechanistic link between genes and an overt expression of the disorder has potential to reduce the complexity of psychiatric phenotypes. In this study, we used a genetically sensitive design with individuals with a first episode of psychosis, their non-affected first-degree relatives and non-related healthy controls. Metabolomic analysis was combined with neurocognitive assessment to identify multilevel endophenotypic patterns: one concerned reaction times during the performance of cognitive and emotional tests that have previously been associated with the glutamate neurotransmission system, the other involved metabolites involved directly and indirectly in the co-activation of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor, a major receptor of the glutamate system. These cognitive and metabolic endophenotypes may comprise a single construct, such that genetically mediated dysfunction in the glutamate system may be responsible for delays in response to cognitive and emotional functions in psychotic disorders. This focus on glutamatergic neurotransmission should guide drug discovery and experimental medicine programmes in schizophrenia and related disorders.
The role of APOE-ɛ4 and beta amyloid in the differential rate of recovery from ECT: a review
Authors: Sutton T A , Sohrabi H R , Rainey-Smith S R , Bird S M , Weinborn M , Martins R N
Published: March 2015

Individual biological differences may contribute to the variability of outcomes, including cognitive effects, observed following electroconvulsive treatment (ECT). A narrative review of the research literature on carriage of the apolipoprotein E ɛ4 allele (APOE-ɛ4) and the protein biomarker beta amyloid (Aβ) with ECT cognitive outcome was undertaken. ECT induces repeated brain seizures and there is debate as to whether this causes brain injury and long-term cognitive disruption. The majority of ECT is administered to the elderly (over age 65 years) with drug-resistant depression. Depression in the elderly may be a symptom of the prodromal stage of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Carriage of theAPOE-ɛ4allele and raised cerebral Aβ are consistently implicated in AD, but inconsistently implicated in brain injury (and related syndromes) recovery rates. A paucity of brain-related recovery, genetic and biomarker research in ECT responses in the elderly was found: three studies have examined the effect ofAPOE-ɛ4allele carriage on cognition in the depressed elderly receiving ECT, and two have examined Aβ changes after ECT, with contradictory findings. Cognitive changes in all studies of ECT effects were measured by a variety of psychological tests, making comparisons of such changes between studies problematic. Further, psychological test data-validity measures were not routinely administered, counter to current testing recommendations. The methodological issues of the currently available literature as well as the need for well-designed, hypothesis driven, longitudinal studies are discussed.
Fabrication of a micellar heteropolyacid with Lewis–Brønsted acid sites and application for the production of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural from saccharides in water
Authors: Lu Ying , Sun Zhong , Huo Mingxin
Published: March 2015

Supramolecular complexes (CnH2n+1N(CH3)3)H4PW11TiO40 (n = 4, 8, 12, 14, 16, and 18) consisting of heteropolyacids (HPAs) and amphiphilic quaternary ammonium were fabricated through self-assembly.
Efficient stereocomplex crystallization in enantiomeric blends of high molecular weight polylactides
Authors: López-Rodríguez N. , Martínez de Arenaza I. , Meaurio E. , Sarasua J. R.
Published: March 2015

Stereocomplex crystallization at high temperatures in PLLA/PDLA blends can be improved selecting conditions that reduce the loss of optical purity arising from transesterification reactions.
An ultrasensitive electrochemical immunosensor for the detection of CD146 based on TiO2 colloidal sphere laden Au/Pd nanoparticles
Authors: Wang Yaoguang , Li Yueyun , Ma Hongmin , Guo Aiping , Du Bin , Yan Tao , Wei Qin
Published: March 2015

An ultrasensitive electrochemical immunosensor was developed for detecting CD146. rGO-TEPA enhanced the loading capacity of Ab1 and facilitated the electron transfer. Au and Pd nanoparticles on the TiO2 colloidal sphere facilitated the decomposition of H2O2. The immunosensor exhibited an extremely low detection limit of 1.6 pg mL−1 for CD146.
Raman micro spectroscopy for in vitro drug screening: subcellular localisation and interactions of doxorubicin
Authors: Farhane Z. , Bonnier F. , Casey A. , Byrne H. J.
Published: March 2015

Raman spectroscopy is used for the localization and tracking of chemotherapeutic drug, doxorubicin, in the intracellular environment of lung cancer cell line. Results show the potential of the technique to monitor the mechanisms of action and response on a molecular level, with subcellular resolution.
Determination of enantiomers by FESI-sweeping with an acid-labile sweeper in nonaqueous capillary electrophoresis
Authors: Wang Wei-feng , Zhang Hui-ge , Qi Sheng-da , Chen Hong-li , Chen Xing-guo
Published: March 2015

An acid-labile sweeper based on-line NACE concentration method was developed for analyzing trace enantiomers.
Colorimetric detection of bisphenol A using Au–Fe alloy nanoparticle aggregation
Authors: Liang Xiaosheng , Wang Haibo , Wang Haiying , Pei Guofeng
Published: March 2015

A colorimetric assay for bisphenol A (BPA) detection was developed based on Au–Fe alloy nanoparticles.
Simultaneous determination of multiple neurotransmitters and their metabolites in rat brain homogenates and microdialysates by LC-MS/MS
Authors: Zhang Li-Hong , Cai Hua-Lin , Jiang Pei , Li Huan-De , Cao Ling-Juan , Dang Rui-Li , Zhu Wen-Ye , Deng Yang
Published: March 2015

Determination of multiple neurotransmitters and their metabolites in rat brain homogenates and microdialysates.
Creating high quality Ca:TiO2-B (CaTi5O11) and TiO2-B epitaxial thin films by pulsed laser deposition
Authors: Zhang Kui , Du Xianfeng , Katz Michael B. , Li Baihai , Kim Sung Joo , Song Kaixin , Graham George W. , Pan Xiaoqing
Published: March 2015

Highly crystalline TiO2-B/Ca:TiO2-B dual layer fabricated by pulsed laser deposition.
A high saturation factor in Overhauser DNP with nitroxide derivatives: the role of 14N nuclear spin relaxation
Authors: Enkin Nikolay , Liu Guoquan , Gimenez-Lopez Maria del Carmen , Porfyrakis Kyriakos , Tkach Igor , Bennati Marina
Published: March 2015

Functionalization of nitroxide radicals leads to an increase of the saturation factor and of the Overhauser DNP enhancement.
Strongly correlated plexcitonics: evolution of the Fano resonance in the presence of Kondo correlations
Authors: Goker A.
Published: March 2015

We investigate the Fano resonance for a Coulomb blockaded excitonic diatomic molecule coupled to metallic nanoparticles possessing plasmon resonances.
Band energies of nanoparticle semiconductor electrodes determined by spectroelectrochemical measurements of free electrons
Authors: Mandal Dhritabrata , Hamann Thomas W.
Published: March 2015

The Burstein–Moss shift is utilized to determine the absolute band positions of nanostructured semiconductor materials and the extinction coefficient of free conduction band electrons.
PZT-like structural phase transitions in the BiFeO3–KNbO3 solid solution
Authors: Lennox Robert C. , Taylor Daniel D. , Vera Stimpson Laura J. , Stenning Gavin B. G. , Jura Marek , Price Mark C. , Rodriguez Efrain E. , Arnold Donna C.
Published: March 2015

The solid solution between bismuth ferrite and potassium niobate indicates a similar series of phase transitions to PZT.
Differentiation of neuroepithelial stem cells into functional dopaminergic neurons in 3D microfluidic cell culture
Authors: Moreno Edinson Lucumi , Hachi Siham , Hemmer Kathrin , Trietsch Sebastiaan J. , Baumuratov Aidos S. , Hankemeier Thomas , Vulto Paul , Schwamborn Jens C. , Fleming Ronan M. T.
Published: March 2015

Differentiation of hNESC into functional dopaminergic neurons in phase-guided 3D microfluidic cell culture.
Photo-crosslinking of a self-assembled coumarin-dipeptide hydrogel
Authors: Kim Se Hye , Sun Yuan , Kaplan Jonah A. , Grinstaff Mark W. , Parquette Jon R.
Published: March 2015

The photo-crosslinking of a coumarin-functionalized dipeptide hydrogel enhances the stability of the self-assembled nanofibers that comprise the hydrogel.
A narrow band gap isoindigo based molecular donor for solution processed organic solar cells
Authors: Areephong Jetsuda , San Juan Ronan R. , Payne Abby-Jo , Welch Gregory C.
Published: March 2015

Organic photovoltaics devices with 3.2% PCE were demonstrated using an isoindigo small molecule donor: fullerene acceptor active layer.
An efficient total synthesis of leukotriene B4
Authors: Primdahl Karoline Gangestad , Tungen Jørn Eivind , Aursnes Marius , Hansen Trond Vidar , Vik Anders
Published: March 2015

A convergent and stereoselective synthesis of leukotriene B4has been achived in 5% yield over 10 steps in the longest linear sequence.
Organic thin-film transistors with novel high-k polymers as dielectric layers
Authors: Li Yao , Wang He , Zhang Chunyu , Zhang Yingchao , Cui Zhanchen , Yan Donghang , Shi Zuosen
Published: March 2015

A series of novel polymers are promising candidates for the exploration of low-voltage organic thin-film transistors (OTFTs).
Targeted imaging of brain gliomas using multifunctional Fe3O4/MnO nanoparticles
Authors: Li Shuai , Shao Chen , Gu Wei , Wang Rui , Zhang Juan , Lai Junxin , Li Hansheng , Ye Ling
Published: March 2015

The CTX-conjugated Fe3O4/MnO hybrid nanoparticles were synthesized and their feasibility for targeted dual-modality T1–T2 MR imaging of brain gliomas was demonstrated.
A novel sp3Al-based porous single-ion polymer electrolyte for lithium ion batteries
Authors: Xu Guodong , Rohan Rupesh , Li Jing , Cheng Hansong
Published: March 2015

We report synthesis of an Al-based porous gel single-ion polymer electrolyte, lithium poly (glutaric acid aluminate) (LiPGAA), using glutaric acid and lithium tetramethanolatoaluminate as the precursors.
A convergent total synthesis of ouabagenin
Authors: Mukai Ken , Kasuya Satoshi , Nakagawa Yuki , Urabe Daisuke , Inoue Masayuki
Published: March 2015

A convergent total synthesis of ouabagenin, an aglycon of cardenolide glycoside ouabain, was achieved by assembly of the AB-ring, D-ring and butenolide moieties.
van der Waals dispersion interactions in molecular materials: beyond pairwise additivity
Authors: Reilly Anthony M. , Tkatchenko Alexandre
Published: March 2015

In this perspective we discuss recent advances in the understanding of collective and many-body van der Waals interactions and their role and impact for molecular materials.
Nanostructures in superhydrophobic Ti6Al4V hierarchical surfaces control wetting state transitions
Authors: Shen Yizhou , Tao Jie , Tao Haijun , Chen Shanlong , Pan Lei , Wang Tao
Published: March 2015

This paper mainly reports the wetting state of liquid droplets on a Ti6Al4V micro–nanoscale hierarchical structured hydrophobic surface.
Alternating precursor layer deposition for highly stable perovskite films towards efficient solar cells using vacuum deposition
Authors: Yang Dong , Yang Zhou , Qin Wei , Zhang Yuliang , Liu Shengzhong (Frank) , Li Can
Published: March 2015

The high efficiency of planar perovskite solar cells by alternating layer-by-layer vacuum deposition of PbCl2 and CH3NH3I precursor layers is up to 16.03%.
Study of lift enhancing mechanisms via comparison of two distinct flapping patterns in the dragonfly Sympetrum flaveolum
Authors: Chen Y. H. , Skote M.
Published: March 2015

The computational fluid dynamic model of a live-sized dragonfly (Sympetrum flaveolum) hindwing is simulated according to the in-flight flapping motions measured in kinematic experiments. The flapping motion of the simulated wing is accomplished by dynamically re-gridding the wing-fluid mesh according to the established kinematic model for each flapping pattern. Comparisons between two distinct flapping patterns (double figure-eight and simple figure-eight) are studied via analysis of the aerodynamic forces and flow field structures. The result shows that additional lift is generated during supination and upstroke for the double figure-eight pattern, while maximum thrust is generated during pronation for the simple figure-eight pattern. In addition, through our comparisons of the different kinematics, we are able to reveal the mechanism behind the leading edge vortex stabilization prior to supination and the kinematic movement responsible for additional lift generation during supination. By increasing the translational deceleration during stroke-end rotations in the double figure-eight flapping pattern, a trailing edge vortex is formed which is stronger as compared to the single figure-eight flapping pattern, thus enhancing the lift.
Mechanics of water collection in plants via morphology change of conical hairs
Authors: Ito Fuyu , Komatsubara Satoshi , Shigezawa Naoki , Morikawa Hideaki , Murakami Yasushi , Yoshino Katsumi , Yamanaka Shigeru
Published: March 2015

In an arid area like the Namib Desert, plants and animals obtain moisture needed for life from mist in the air. There, some plants have hairs or fibrous structures on their leaf surface that reportedly collect fresh water from the air. We examined the morphology and function of leaf hairs of plants during water collection under different circumstances. We studied the water collecting mechanics of several plants having fibrous hairs on their leaves: tomato, balsam pear, Berkheya purpurea, and Lychnis sieboldii. This plant was selected for detailed investigation as a model because this plant originated from dry grassland near Mount Aso in Kyusyu, Japan. We found a unique feature of water collection and release in this plant. The cone-shaped hairs having inner microfibers were reversibly converted to crushed plates that were twisted perpendicularly in dry conditions. Microfibers found in the hairs seem to be responsible for water storage and release. Their unique reciprocal morphological changes, cone-shaped hairs transformed into perpendicularly twisted shapes, depend on the moisture level in the air, and water stored during wet external conditions was released onto the leaf in drier conditions. These morphological changes were recorded as a movie. Simulations explained the formation of the twisted structure. In theoretical analyses, twisted structures were found to give higher mechanical strength. Similar phenomena were found in the other plants described above. These findings pave the way to new bioinspired technology for alleviating global water shortages.
Panbiogeography, its critics, and the case of the ratite birds
Authors: Heads Michael
Published: March 2015

Panbiogeographic analysis is now used by many authors, but it has been criticised in recent reviews, with some critics even suggesting that studies using the method should not be accepted for publication. The critics have argued that panbiogeography is creationist, that it rejects dispersal, that its analyses are disingenuous, and that it deliberately ignores or misrepresents key evidence. These claims are examined here, and are all shown to be without foundation. The distributions of the molecular clades of ratites have not been mapped before, and they are considered here in some more detail as a case study illustrating panbiogeographic methodology.