bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel measures of continental‐scale avian migration phenology related to proximate environmental cues
Authors: Kelly Jeffrey F. , Horton Kyle G. , Stepanian Phillip M. , de Beurs Kirsten M. , Fagin Todd , Bridge Eli S. , Chilson Phillip B.
Published: September 2016

Rapid changes in seasonal avian migrations provide compelling examples of biotic response to climate change. Seasonal waves of land surface phenology and temperature are thought to be primary exogenous cues that migrants use to fine tune migration timing. Exploration of the role that these cues play in regulating migration timing requires better spatial, temporal, and taxonomic sampling than is typically available. We analyze weather surveillance radar (WSR) and eBird citizen science data in an effort to understand the macroscale relationships among migration phenology, seasonal waves of land surface phenology and seasonality of temperature. We demonstrate that both WSR and eBird data provide similar estimates of migration timing at local (within 100 km) and macro scales (>20° of latitude). These measures of avian phenology were positively correlated with spring temperatures and land surface phenology (extended spring index of first leaf date), which followed a south to north wave. Start‐of‐spring, estimated from a remotely sensed index of vegetation greenness, did not show the expected pattern from south to north and appears unlikely to be a useful exogenous migration cue within the study region. Future analyses of WSR and eBird data have the potential to provide high‐resolution phenology data that may be useful in understanding spatiotemporal dynamics of migration systems and the response of these systems to climate change.
Adversity Training for Chinese University Students
Authors: Wong H. C. J.
Published: September 2016

Helping students who were born under China's 1979 One Child Policy learn to face adversity was the target of multiple programs during first‐ and second‐year study. Carefully planned and embraced by academic colleagues, students receive academic credit for “whole person education.”
Promoting Student Learning and Development
Authors: Broido Ellen M. , Schreiber Birgit
Published: September 2016

This chapter reviews models, theories, and cross‐national data on student learning and development and explores these within their context.
Student and Community Characteristics
Authors: Komives Susan R. , Tan Teck Koon
Published: September 2016

This chapter explores students interacting in their environments, specifically the influence of culture in student learning and development. Cultural applications in Singapore are featured.
Phenylazide Hybrid‐Silica – Polarization Platform for Dynamic Nuclear Polarization at Cryogenic Temperatures
Authors: Grüning Wolfram R. , Bieringer Harald , Schwarzwälder Martin , Gajan David , Bornet Aurélien , Vuichoud Basile , Milani Jonas , Baudouin David , Veyre Laurent , Lesage Anne , Jannin Sami , Bodenhausen Geoffrey , Thieuleux Chloé , Copéret Christophe
Published: September 2016

Hyperpolarization of NMR‐active nuclei is key to gather high quality spectra of rare species and insensitive isotopes. We have recently established that silica‐based materials containing regularly distributed nitroxyl radicals connected to the silica matrix by flexible linkers can serve as promising polarization matrices for dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP). Here we investigate the influence of the linker on the efficiency of the polarization. The materials were fully characterized and exhibit high surface areas and narrow pore size distributions with a tunable amount of phenyl azide groups over a broad range of concentrations. The phenyl azide groups can be easily functionalized via a two‐step procedure with 4‐carboxy‐2,2,6,6‐tetramethyl‐1‐oxylpiperidine (TEMPO) to give polarizing matrices with controllable radical content. The DNP efficiency was found to be similar as in materials with flexible linkers, both for magic angle spinning at 105 K and dissolution DNP at 4 K.
Batch and Continuous Flow Hydrogenation of Liquid and Gaseous Alkenes Catalyzed by a Silica‐grafted Iridium(III) Hydride
Authors: Rimoldi Martino , Mezzetti Antonio
Published: September 2016

The silica‐grafted hydride complex [IrH(SBA‐15)(PCP)] (2a; PCP = 1,3‐bis((di‐tert‐butylphosphino)methyl)benzene) hydrogenates alkenes under ambient condition without prior activation. Compared to its POCOP analogue (POCOP = 1,3‐bis((di‐tert‐butylphosphino)oxy)benzene), the activity of catalyst 2a is significantly improved with liquid substrates and exceptionally boosted with ethene and propene. Under gas flow conditions, catalyst 2a hydrogenates ethene with a remarkable turnover frequency of 0.95 s−1. A stability test indicates that the conversion is constant for at least 1 week.
Innovative Soil Fertility Management by Stakeholder Engagement in the Chókwè Irrigation Scheme (Mozambique)†
Authors: Sánchez‐Reparaz Maite , De Vente Joris , Famba Sebastião , Rollin Dominique , Dolinska Aleksandra , Rougier Jean‐Emmanuel , Tamele Higino Fabião , Barberá Gonzalo G.
Published: September 2016

Appropriate soil fertility management plays an important role in irrigated systems and can contribute to reducing the yield gap. To that end, abiotic, biotic, management and socio‐economic factors need to be considered and participatory approaches need to be implemented to ensure the sustainability of the interventions.

Our objective is to analyse a participatory process conducted in the Chókwè Irrigation Scheme (Mozambique) to trigger agronomic innovation in soil fertility management.

Through a method combining interviews with 31 farmers, soil sampling and the organization of communities of practice we studied actual agrarian practices and farmers' knowledge about soil fertility management as well as the social and physical context. This information was the basis for selecting an association in order to promote the innovation process. A participatory planning of the innovation test was conducted. The whole process was evaluated by farmers. Adoption of the majority of the practices is limited mainly by factors related to the socio‐economic status of farmers and not to the lack of knowledge. Farmers did not highly value the participatory process itself, but valued the learning‐by‐doing process and the collaboration with researchers. We consider that the approach increased collective learning and this process triggered the innovation dynamics. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dual functionalized poly(vinylidene fluoride) membrane with acryloylmorpholine and argatroban to improve antifouling and hemocompatibility
Authors: Xu Rui , Feng Qianqian , He Yang , Yan Fanyong , Chen Li , Zhao Yiping
Published: September 2016

The present work aims to improve the antifouling properties and anticoagulation of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) membrane by dual modification. An amphiphilic copolymer of PVDF‐g‐(polyacryloylmorpholine‐(polyacrylic acid)) [PVDF‐g‐(PACMO‐PAA)] was first prepared by the free radical copolymerization. Then argatroban, a commonly used anticoagulant, was successfully grafted to PVDF‐g‐(PACMO‐PAA). Finally the obtained copolymer was casted into a flat membrane via immersion phase inversion. The as‐prepared copolymer membranes show improved hydrophilicity, higher water flux and lower protein adsorption. Moreover, the hemolysis and coagulation tests for the dual functionalized PVDF membrane exhibit decreased hemolysis ratio, with prolonged plasma recalcification time, activated partial thromboplastin time and thrombin time. PVDF membrane incorporating PACMO and AG reveals an improved hemocompatibility, which has a good potential to be used in blood purification. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 178–188, 2017.
Perceived Interpersonal Dimensions and Its Effect on Rating Bias: How Neuroticism as a Trait Matters in Rating Creative Works
Authors: Cheng Kevin H. C.
Published: September 2016

Understanding any inter‐ and intra‐personal dynamic that affects bias in the judgment of creative output is among numerous areas of focus for researchers in Psychology (or subset field). Notably, as a result of changes in interpersonal dynamics, conditions of subjective construal can induce bias either leniently or severely without any due awareness by the evaluator. Based on 153 Cantonese‐English bilinguals, the present study explored two potentially relevant conditions in each of two separate experiments. The first condition (N = 90) examined whether the perceived dominance of the creator differentially affected individuals high in neuroticism in rating involving creativity performance. A generic and robust measure of creativity performance was operationalized and transformed to a score representing the extent the bias was embedded in the rating. In the second condition (N = 63), the perceived friendliness of the evaluation target was manipulated and neuroticism was also assessed. The results indicated raters low in neuroticism exhibited lenient rating bias irrespective of the perceived friendliness or dominance of the rating target. Raters high in neuroticism reported severe rating bias when their targets were perceived as non‐dominant. The study demonstrates the application of the meta‐theoretical framework of the cognitive‐affective personality system. The discussion also emphasizes how the results contribute to development in creativity research—namely the perception and evaluation of creativity. Practical implications of using the findings in managing public expectations from art works to human resource management are posited.
Lipid peroxidation and tyrosine nitration in traumatic brain injury: Insights into secondary injury from redox proteomics
Authors: Butterfield D. Allan , Reed Tanea T.
Published: September 2016

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a spontaneous event in which sudden trauma and secondary injury cause brain damage. Symptoms of TBI can range from mild to severe depending on extent of injury. The outcome can span from complete patient recovery to permanent memory loss and neurological decline. Currently, there is no known cure for TBI; however, immediate medical attention after injury is most beneficial for patient recovery. It is a well‐established concept that imbalances in the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), reactive nitrogen species (RNS), and native antioxidant mechanisms have been shown to increase oxidative stress. Over the years, proteomics has been used to identify specific biomarkers in diseases such as cancers and neurological disorders such as Alzheimer disease and Parkinson disease. As TBI is a risk factor for a multitude of neurological diseases, biomarkers for this phenomenon are a likely field of study in order to confirm diagnosis. This review highlights the current proteomics studies that investigated excessively nitrated proteins and those altered by lipid peroxidation in TBI. This review also highlights possible diagnostic measures and provides insights for future treatment strategies.
A Relational Approach to Mentoring Women Doctoral Students
Authors: Gammel Jo Ann , Rutstein‐Riley Amy
Published: September 2016

Our study examines the relationships of six dyads of women advisors and advisees in one doctoral program to understand power, context, and personal transformation. We found that mentoring is context specific and power dynamics range from equitable to hierarchical. This article explores the connection between relational cultural theory and transformative learning.
Examining Transformation on the Road to the Professoriate
Authors: Benoit Anne C.
Published: September 2016

This chapter presents the findings of a narrative study of two diverse faculty members on the path to their current faculty positions and examines their negotiation of a critical event in light of adult transformative learning.
Making Voices Visible: Using Visual Data in Teacher Education and Research
Authors: Murphy Debra
Published: September 2016

This chapter describes changes in the thinking and practice of eight early‐childhood teachers after they used visual data to complete a teacher research assignment in a community college teacher‐education course.
Characterization of multiple pathways modulating aggression in the male clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa)
Authors: DeCaluwe Heather B. , Wielebnowski Nadja C. , Howard JoGayle , Pelican Katharine M. , Ottinger Mary Ann
Published: September 2016

Breeding clouded leopards (Neofelis nebulosa) ex situ has been a challenge, primarily due to extreme and often fatal male aggression toward females. This study's aim was to determine the degree to which two possible mechanisms—serotonergic pathways and circulating testosterone levels—affect aggressive behavior. Male clouded leopard behavioral and hormonal data were collected during a series of behavior tests administered before and after treatment with either an anxiety‐reducing tricyclic antidepressant (clomipramine) or a GnRH agonist (deslorelin). Results showed that clomipramine treatment decreased “overall activity” (P = 0.054) and increased “lying down” (P = 0.0043) and hiding in a “nest box” (P = 0.0023). Clomipramine treatment also decreased the incidence of “growling” during a mirror image stimulation test, relative to non‐test periods (P < 0.0001 pre‐drug treatment;P = 0.242 peri‐drug treatment), indicating reduced aggression. Suppression of the reproductive axis via deslorelin treatment resulted in significant decreases in circulating androgen (P < 0.0001) and glucocorticoid (P < 0.0001), accompanied by decreased aggressive behaviors, including “swatting” (P = 0.0476), “tail flicking” (P = 0.0409), and “growling” during the behavior reaction tests: mirror image stimulation (P < 0.0001 pre‐drug treatment:P = 0.7098 peri‐drug treatment) and unfamiliar people test (P < 0.0001 pre‐drug treatment:P = 0.2666 peri‐drug treatment) relative to non‐test periods. Both drug treatments provide evidence that multiple mechanisms modulate aggressive behavior in the male clouded leopard, suggesting that serotonergic modulation coupled with circulating androgens may aid in the formation of successful breeding pairs. Zoo Biol. 35:474–486, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Yeast factories for the production of aromatic compounds: from building blocks to plant secondary metabolites
Authors: Suástegui Miguel , Shao Zengyi
Published: September 2016

The aromatic amino acid biosynthesis pathway is a source to a plethora of commercially relevant chemicals with very diverse industrial applications. Tremendous efforts in microbial engineering have led to the production of compounds ranging from small aromatic molecular building blocks all the way to intricate plant secondary metabolites. Particularly, the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been a great model organism given its superior capability to heterologously express long metabolic pathways, especially the ones containing cytochrome P450 enzymes. This review contains a collection of state-of-the-art metabolic engineering work devoted towards unraveling the mechanisms for enhancing the flux of carbon into the aromatic pathway. Some of the molecules discussed include the polymer precursor muconic acid, as well as important nutraceuticals (flavonoids and stilbenoids), and opium-derived drugs (benzylisoquinoline alkaloids).
Treatment with pentosan polysulphate in patients with MPS I: results from an open label, randomized, monocentric phase II study
Authors: Hennermann Julia B. , Gökce Seyfullah , Solyom Alexander , Mengel Eugen , Schuchman Edward H. , Simonaro Calogera M.
Published: September 2016

Current treatment options for MPS I have limited effects on some organs, including the skeletal system. In MPS animal models pentosan polysulphate (PPS) reduces the concentrations of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in tissues and body fluids and improves cartilaginous and osseous pathologies. The goals of this study were to investigate primarily the safety and secondary the clinical effects, concerning mobility and pain, of PPS treatment in MPS I patients. Four MPS I‐Hurler‐Scheie/‐Scheie patients aged 35.6 ± 6.4 years with one male were included in the study. All patients were on enzyme replacement therapy since 9.45 ± 3.75 years. PPS was applied subcutaneously in two patients with 1 mg/kg and in two patients with 2 mg/kg, weekly for 12 weeks and then biweekly for 12 weeks. The 24‐week treatment with PPS was well tolerated by all patients. Urinary GAG concentrations were reduced from 4.13 ± 1.17 at baseline to 2.69 ± 0.36 mg/mmol creatinine after 24‐week treatment with 1 mg/kg PPS, and from 6.71 ± 0.62 to 2.65 ± 0.09 mg/mmol creatinine with 2 mg/kg PPS. An improvement in range of motion was noted in three out of four patients. The pain intensity score was reduced from 4.5 ± 1.77 at baseline to 1.8 ± 0.47 after 24‐week treatment with 1 mg/kg PPS; patients with 2 mg/kg PPS already had minimal pain at the start of the study. In conclusion, PPS treatment in a small number of adult MPS I patients was well tolerated and resulted in a significant reduction of urinary GAG excretion and in an improvement of joint mobility and pain.
Forest–farm edge effects on communities of ground beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) under different landscape structures
Authors: Jung Jong‐Kook , Lee Joon‐Ho
Published: September 2016

In fragmented landscapes, ecological processes may be significantly influenced by edge effects, but few data are available for edge effects across forest–farmland edges. We investigated patterns of species richness, abundance, and species composition in ground beetles across forest–farm edges in two different agro‐forest landscapes in Korea. Nine and five sites were selected from Hwaseong, a fragmented landscape, in 2011 and 2012, respectively, while eight sites were selected from Hoengseong, a relatively well‐protected landscape, in 2012. Ground beetles were collected by pitfall trapping. Species richness was higher in the surrounding habitat than in the forest interior or edge in both Hwaseong and Hoengseong. However, in Hwaseong, species richness of the forest edge was similar to that of the forest interior, while in Hoengseong forest edge species richness was intermediate between that of the forest interior and surrounding areas. In addition, non‐metric multidimensional scaling based on the combined data of both locations showed that the species composition of ground beetles in the forest edge was more similar to that of the forest interior than the surrounding areas, although some open‐habitat species occurred at the forest edges. Three characteristic groups (forest specialists, edge‐associated species, and open‐habitat species) of ground beetle species were detected by indicator value analysis. In our study, ground beetle assemblages differed in the forest edges of two agro‐forest landscapes, suggesting that the edge effect on biota can be influenced by landscape structure.
Experimental Study of In‐Situ CO2Foam Technique and Application in Yangsanmu Oilfield
Authors: Jin Fayang , Liu Zhezhi , Pu Wanfen , Zhong Dong , Yuan ChengDong , Wei Bing
Published: September 2016

The Yangsanmu oilfield of Dagang is a typical heavy oil reservoir. After the maximum primary production (waterflooding), more than half of the original oil is still retained in the formation. Therefore, the implementation of an enhanced oil recovery (EOR) process to further raise the production scheme is inevitable. In this work, a novel in‐situ CO2foam technique which can be used as a potential EOR technique in this oilfield was studied. A screening of gas producers, foam stabilizers and foaming agents was followed by the study of the properties of the in‐situ CO2foam systems through static experiments. Core‐flooding experiments and field application were also conducted to evaluate the feasibility of this technique. The results indicated that the in‐situ CO2foam system can improve both the sweep and displacement efficiencies, due to the capacity of this system in reducing oil viscosity and interfacial tension, respectively. The EOR performance of the in‐situ CO2foam system is better than the single‐agent and even binary system (surfactant‐polymer) flooding. The filed data demonstrated that the in‐situ CO2technique can significantly promote oil production and control water cuts. These results are believed to be beneficial in making EOR strategies for similar reservoirs.
Eco‐friendly Pretreatment of Oil with High Free Fatty Acid Content Using a Sulfamic Acid/Ethanol System
Authors: de Oliveira Patrick Martins , Farias Luana Machado , Morón‐Villarreyes Joaquín A. , Montes D'Oca Marcelo G.
Published: September 2016

In recent years, sulfamic acid (SA, NH2SO3H) has emerged as a novel green catalyst for organic synthesis because of several advantages, including its non‐volatility, non‐hygroscopicity, non‐corrosivity, and low cost. This work reports the use of sulfamic acid as a catalyst in the pretreatment of oil with a high content of free fatty acids (10 and 20 % FFA) in ethanol or methanol. The process (esterification reaction) used in the pretreatment of the oil was carried out under a variety of conditions, initial fatty acid content, temperature, type of alcohol, and % catalyst. The experiments using an NH2SO3H/ethanol system resulted in a high fatty acid ethyl ester conversion, 88.53 % (±0.95) from an initial acidity of 40 mg KOH/g (20 % FFA), using 8 % NH2SO3H as the catalyst. According to the results, the methodology using sulfamic acid and ethanol demonstrated elevated potential for a environmentally‐friendly means of biodiesel production.
Characterizing a lubricant additive for 1,3,4-tri-(2-octyldodecyl) cyclopentane: Computational study and experimental verification
Authors: Nian Jingyan , Si Yifan , Guo Zhiguang , Gao Ping , Liu Weimin
Published: September 2016

In order to increase the life of spacecraft, it is important to improve the comprehensive lubrication performance. Multiple alkylated cyclopentane (MAC) lubricants are presently gaining wide acceptance for actual space applications; adding extreme pressure additive is a strategy to improve lubrication performance. In this study, taking 1,3,4-tri-(2-octyldodecyl) cyclopentane as base oil, tricresol phosphate (traditional additive) and tri-(2-octyldodecyl) phosphate (developmental additive) have been screened computationally for compatibility, shear film forming and energy dissipation. Theoretical results indicate that (a) tricresol phosphate additive is not suited for addition to 1,3,4-tri-(2-octyldodecyl) cyclopentane lubricant due to limited compatibility; (b) tri-(2-octyldodecyl) phosphate is an excellent lubricant additive due to its perfect compatibility, ease of forming a shear film on the surface of friction pairs, higher strength, and low energy dissipation; and (c) lubrication occurs through the solid-liquid composite lubrication mechanism. These theoretical results were confirmed experimentally.
Exposure to and Attitudes Regarding Transgender Education Among Urology Residents
Authors: Dy Geolani W. , Osbun Nathan C. , Morrison Shane D. , Grant David W. , Merguerian Paul A. ,   Transgender Education Study Group
Published: September 2016

Introduction

Transgender individuals are underserved within the health care system but might increasingly seek urologic care as insurers expand coverage for medical and surgical gender transition.

Aim

To evaluate urology residents' exposure to transgender patient care and their perceived importance of transgender surgical education.

Methods

Urology residents from a representative sample of U.S. training programs were asked to complete a cross-sectional survey from January through March 2016.

Main Outcome Measures

Respondents were queried regarding demographics, transgender curricular exposure (didactic vs clinical), and perceived importance of training opportunities in transgender patient care.

Results

In total, 289 urology residents completed the survey (72% response rate). Fifty-four percent of residents reported exposure to transgender patient care, with more residents from Western (74%) and North Central (72%) sections reporting exposure (P ≤ .01). Exposure occurred more frequently through direct patient interaction rather than through didactic education (psychiatric, 23% vs 7%, P < .001; medical, 17% vs 6%, P < .001; surgical, 33% vs 11%, P < .001). Female residents placed greater importance on gender-confirming surgical training than did their male colleagues (91% vs 70%, P < .001). Compared with Western section residents (88%), those from South Central (60%, P = .002), Southeastern (63%, P = .002), and Mid-Atlantic (63%, P = .003) sections less frequently viewed transgender-related surgical training as important. Most residents (77%) stated transgender-related surgical training should be offered in fellowships.

Conclusion

Urology resident exposure to transgender patient care is regionally dependent. Perceived importance of gender-confirming surgical training varies by sex and geography. A gap exists between the direct transgender patient care urology residencies provide and the didactic transgender education they receive.
Use of a biodegradable, oversized stent in a child with tracheomalacia secondary to vascular external compression
Authors: Di Dedda Giovanni , Mirabile Cristian
Published: September 2016

We describe the implantation of an absorbable, custom-made stent of polydioxanone to treat tracheomalacia in a 5-month-old patient with extrinsic compression by a double aortic arch. The use of an absorbable, oversized stent treated the tracheal collapse caused by vascular compression, avoided removal procedures, and allowed the infant’s growth. The use of an oversized stent prevented stent migration and gave minimal problems of granulation.
Comparison of self-expandable and balloon-expanding stents for hybrid ductal stenting in hypoplastic left heart complex
Authors: Goreczny Sebastian , Qureshi Shakeel A. , Rosenthal Eric , Krasemann Thomas , Nassar Mohamed S. , Anderson David R. , Morgan Gareth J.
Published: September 2016

Objectives

We aimed to compare the procedural and mid-term performance of a specifically designed self-expanding stent with balloon-expandable stents in patients undergoing hybrid palliation for hypoplastic left heart syndrome and its variants.

Background

The lack of specifically designed stents has led to off-label use of coronary, biliary, or peripheral stents in the neonatal ductus arteriosus. Recently, a self-expanding stent, specifically designed for use in hypoplastic left heart syndrome, has become available.

Methods

We carried out a retrospective cohort comparison of 69 neonates who underwent hybrid ductal stenting with balloon-expandable and self-expanding stents from December, 2005 to July, 2014.

Results

In total, 43 balloon-expandable stents were implanted in 41 neonates and more recently 47 self-expanding stents in 28 neonates. In the balloon-expandable stents group, stent-related complications occurred in nine patients (22%), compared with one patient in the self-expanding stent group (4%). During follow-up, percutaneous re-intervention related to the ductal stent was performed in five patients (17%) in the balloon-expandable stent group and seven patients (28%) in self-expanding stents group.

Conclusions

Hybrid ductal stenting with self-expanding stents produced favourable results when compared with the results obtained with balloon-expandable stents. Immediate additional interventions and follow-up re-interventions were similar in both groups with complications more common in those with balloon-expandable stents.
Outcome with lenalidomide plus dexamethasone followed by early autologous stem cell transplantation in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma on the ECOG-ACRIN E4A03 randomized clinical trial: long-term follow-up
Authors: Biran N , Jacobus S , Vesole D H , Callander N S , Fonseca R , Williams M E , Abonour R , Katz M S , Rajkumar S V , Greipp P R , Siegel D S
Published: September 2016

In Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group-ACRIN E4A03, on completion of four cycles of therapy, newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients had the option of proceeding to autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplant (ASCT) or continuing on their assigned therapy lenalidomide plus low-dose dexamethasone (Ld) or lenalidomide plus high-dose dexamethasone (LD). This landmark analysis compared the outcome of 431 patients surviving their first four cycles of therapy pursuing early ASCT to those continuing on their assigned therapy. Survival distributions were estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method and compared with log-rank test. Ninety patients (21%) opted for early ASCT. The 1-, 2-, 3-, 4- and 5-year survival probability estimates were higher for early ASCT versus no early ASCT at 99, 93, 91, 85 and 80% versus 94, 84, 75, 65 and 57%, respectively. The median overall survival (OS) in the early versus no early ASCT group was not reached (NR) versus 5.78 years. In patients <65 years of age, median OS in the early versus no early ASCT groups was NR in both, hazard ratio 0.79, 95% confidence interval: (0.50, 0.25). In patients ⩾65 years of age, median OS in the early versus no early ASCT was NR versus 5.11 years. ASCT dropped out of statistical significance (P=0.080). Patients opting for ASCT after induction Ld/LD had a higher survival probability and improvement in OS regardless of dexamethasone dose density.
A DNA target-enrichment approach to detect mutations, copy number changes and immunoglobulin translocations in multiple myeloma
Authors: Bolli N , Li Y , Sathiaseelan V , Raine K , Jones D , Ganly P , Cocito F , Bignell G , Chapman M A , Sperling A S , Anderson K C , Avet-Loiseau H , Minvielle S , Campbell P J , Munshi N C
Published: September 2016

Genomic lesions are not investigated during routine diagnostic workup for multiple myeloma (MM). Cytogenetic studies are performed to assess prognosis but with limited impact on therapeutic decisions. Recently, several recurrently mutated genes have been described, but their clinical value remains to be defined. Therefore, clinical-grade strategies to investigate the genomic landscape of myeloma samples are needed to integrate new and old prognostic markers. We developed a target-enrichment strategy followed by next-generation sequencing (NGS) to streamline simultaneous analysis of gene mutations, copy number changes and immunoglobulin heavy chain (IGH) translocations in MM in a high-throughput manner, and validated it in a panel of cell lines. We identified 548 likely oncogenic mutations in 182 genes. By integrating published data sets of NGS in MM, we retrieved a list of genes with significant relevance to myeloma and found that the mutational spectrum of primary samples and MM cell lines is partially overlapping. Gains and losses of chromosomes, chromosomal segments and gene loci were identified with accuracy comparable to conventional arrays, allowing identification of lesions with known prognostic significance. Furthermore, we identified IGH translocations with high positive and negative predictive value. Our approach could allow the identification of novel biomarkers with clinical relevance in myeloma.
Super-resolution microscopy reveals a preformed NEMO lattice structure that is collapsed in incontinentia pigmenti
Authors: Scholefield Janine , Henriques Ricardo , Savulescu Anca F. , Fontan Elisabeth , Boucharlat Alix , Laplantine Emmanuel , Smahi Asma , Israël Alain , Agou Fabrice , Mhlanga Musa M.
Published: September 2016

The NF-κB pathway has critical roles in cancer, immunity and inflammatory responses. Understanding the mechanism(s) by which mutations in genes involved in the pathway cause disease has provided valuable insight into its regulation, yet many aspects remain unexplained. Several lines of evidence have led to the hypothesis that the regulatory/sensor protein NEMO acts as a biological binary switch. This hypothesis depends on the formation of a higher-order structure, which has yet to be identified using traditional molecular techniques. Here we use super-resolution microscopy to reveal the existence of higher-order NEMO lattice structures dependent on the presence of polyubiquitin chains before NF-κB activation. Such structures may permit proximity-based trans-autophosphorylation, leading to cooperative activation of the signalling cascade. We further show that NF-κB activation results in modification of these structures. Finally, we demonstrate that these structures are abrogated in cells derived from incontinentia pigmenti patients.
Non-destructive imaging of buried electronic interfaces using a decelerated scanning electron beam
Authors: Hirohata Atsufumi , Yamamoto Yasuaki , Murphy Benedict A. , Vick Andrew J.
Published: September 2016

Recent progress in nanotechnology enables the production of atomically abrupt interfaces in multilayered junctions, allowing for an increase in the number of transistors in a processor. However, uniform electron transport has not yet been achieved across the entire interfacial area in junctions due to the existence of local defects, causing local heating and reduction in transport efficiency. To date, junction uniformity has been predominantly assessed by cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy, which requires slicing and milling processes that can potentially introduce additional damage and deformation. It is therefore essential to develop an alternative non-destructive method. Here we show a non-destructive technique using scanning electron microscopy to map buried junction properties. By controlling the electron-beam energy, we demonstrate the contrast imaging of local junction resistances at a controlled depth. This technique can be applied to any buried junctions, from conventional semiconductor and metal devices to organic devices.
Erratum: Three-dimensional spatiotemporal focusing of holographic patterns
Authors: Hernandez Oscar , Papagiakoumou Eirini , Tanese Dimitrii , Fidelin Kevin , Wyart Claire , Emiliani Valentina
Published: September 2016

Nature Communications 7: Article number: 11928 (2016); Published: 16 June 2016; Updated: 2 September 2016 An incorrect version of the Supplementary Information was inadvertently published with this Article that contained errors in Supplementary Equations 18 and 19. The HTML has now been updated to include the correct version of the Supplementary Information.
Morphological and molecular convergences in mammalian phylogenetics
Authors: Zou Zhengting , Zhang Jianzhi
Published: September 2016

Phylogenetic trees reconstructed from molecular sequences are often considered more reliable than those reconstructed from morphological characters, in part because convergent evolution, which confounds phylogenetic reconstruction, is believed to be rarer for molecular sequences than for morphologies. However, neither the validity of this belief nor its underlying cause is known. Here comparing thousands of characters of each type that have been used for inferring the phylogeny of mammals, we find that on average morphological characters indeed experience much more convergences than amino acid sites, but this disparity is explained by fewer states per character rather than an intrinsically higher susceptibility to convergence for morphologies than sequences. We show by computer simulation and actual data analysis that a simple method for identifying and removing convergence-prone characters improves phylogenetic accuracy, potentially enabling, when necessary, the inclusion of morphologies and hence fossils for reliable tree inference.
Transferrin protects against Parkinsonian neurotoxicity and is deficient in Parkinson’s substantia nigra
Authors: Ayton Scott , Lei Peng , Mclean Catriona , Bush Ashley I , Finkelstein David I
Published: September 2016

Iron deposition in Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a potential disease-modifying target. We previously showed that supplementation of the iron-exporter, ceruloplasmin, selectively corrected nigral iron elevation in the 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) model. Ceruloplasmin delivers iron to transferrin (Tf), the extracellular iron-transporting protein. We show that Tf protein levels are decreased in the nigra of post-mortem PD brains compared with controls (−35%; n=10 each). Because Tf traffics iron away from iron-replete tissues, we hypothesized that Tf supplementation could selectively facilitate iron export from the nigra in PD. In cultured neurons, Tf treatment corrected iron accumulation, and subcutaneous Tf to mice ameliorated iron accumulation and motor deficits in the MPTP model of PD. Although these data support a role for Tf in the disease mechanism for PD, and its potential use for correcting disorders of iron overload, Tf therapy also caused systemic iron depletion, which could limit its application for PD.
Theophylline controllable RNAi-based genetic switches regulate expression of lncRNA TINCR and malignant phenotypes in bladder cancer cells
Authors: Chen Zhicong , Liu Yuchen , He Anbang , Li Jianfa , Chen Mingwei , Zhan Yonghao , Lin Junhao , Zhuang Chengle , Liu Li , Zhao Guoping , Huang Weiren , Cai Zhiming
Published: September 2016

TINCR is a well-known lncRNA which acts as a master regulator in somatic differentiation development. However, it is still unclear whether TINCR is also involved in caner occurrence and progression. In this study, we observed that TINCR was up-regulated in bladder cancer tissues and cells and contributed to oncogenesis and cancer progression. Silencing TINCR expression inhibited cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis in vitro, indicating that TINCR may be the potential therapeutic target for treating bladder urothelial carcinoma. Thus we used the synthetic biology approach to create theophylline controllable RNAi-based genetic switches which silenced TINCR in a dosage-dependent manner. Both RNAi-OFF and ON switches can be used to quantitatively control the expression of TINCR in bladder cancer to suppress the progression of bladder cancer. These findings suggest that lncRNA-TINCR could promote bladder cancer development and progression and artificial control of its expression through inducible RNAi may represent a new kind of therapeutic strategy for treating human bladder cancer.
Inhibitory Effect of Bone Morphogenetic Protein 4 in Retinal Pigment Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition
Authors: Yao Haipei , Li Hui , Yang Shuai , Li Min , Zhao Chun , Zhang Jingfa , Xu Guotong , Wang Fang
Published: September 2016

Proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR), a serious vision-threatening complication of retinal detachment (RD), is characterized by the formation of contractile fibrotic membranes, in which epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is a major event. Recent studies suggest an important role of bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) in the suppression of fibrosis. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of BMP4 in the pathological process of PVR, particularly in the EMT of RPE cells. We found that BMP4 and its receptors were co-labelled with cytokeratin and α-SMA positive cells within the PVR membrane. Moreover, the mRNA and protein expression levels of BMP4 were decreased whereas BMP4 receptors ALK2, ALK3 and ALK6 were increased during TGF-β-induced EMT in primary RPE cells. Exogenous BMP4 inhibited TGF-β-induced epithelial marker down-regulation, as well as mesenchymal marker up-regulation at both the mRNA and protein levels in RPE cells. In addition, BMP4 treatment attenuated the TGF-β-induced gel contraction, cell migration and Smad2/3 phosphorylation. However, knockdown of endogenous BMP4 stimulated changes in EMT markers. Our results confirm the hypothesis that BMP4 might inhibit TGF-β-mediated EMT in RPE cells via the Smad2/3 pathway and suppress contraction. This might represent a potential treatment for PVR.
Correction: Corrigendum: Microtubule-associated protein 1B (MAP1B)-deficient neurons show structural presynaptic deficiencies in vitro and altered presynaptic physiology
Authors: Bodaleo Felipe J. , Montenegro-Venegas Carolina , Henríquez Daniel R. , Court Felipe A. , Gonzalez-Billault Christian
Published: September 2016

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 30069; published online: 18 July 2016; updated: 02 September 2016 In this Article, an additional affiliation for Felipe A. Court has been omitted. The correct affiliation is listed below: Center for Integrative Biology, Universidad Mayor, Chile.
Correction: Corrigendum: From Allergens to Battery Anodes: Nature-Inspired, Pollen Derived Carbon Architectures for Room- and Elevated- Temperature Li-ion Storage
Authors: Tang Jialiang , Etacheri Vinodkumar , Pol Vilas G.
Published: September 2016

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 20290; published online: 05 February 2016; updated: 02 September 2016 Vinodkumar Etacheri was omitted from the author list in the original version of this Article. This has now been corrected in the PDF and HTML versions of the Article, as well as the Supplementary Information file that now accompanies the Article.
Enhanced immune response of MAIT cells in tuberculous pleural effusions depends on cytokine signaling
Authors: Jiang Jing , Chen Xinchun , An Hongjuan , Yang Bingfen , Zhang Fuping , Cheng Xiaoxing
Published: September 2016

The functions of MAIT cells at the site of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in humans are still largely unknown. In this study, the phenotypes and immune response of MAIT cells from tuberculous pleural effusions and peripheral blood were investigated. MAIT cells in tuberculous pleural effusions had greatly enhanced IFN-γ, IL-17F and granzyme B response compared with those in peripheral blood. The level of IFN-γ response in MAIT cells from tuberculous pleural effusions was inversely correlated with the extent of tuberculosis infection (p = 0.0006). To determine whether cytokines drive the immune responses of MAIT cells at the site of tuberculosis infection, the role of IL-1β, IL-2, IL-7, IL-12, IL-15 and IL-18 was investigated. Blockade of IL-2, IL-12 or IL-18 led to significantly reduced production of IFN-γ and/or granzyme B in MAIT cells from tuberculous pleural effusions. Majority of IL-2-producing cells (94.50%) in tuberculous pleural effusions had phenotype of CD3+CD4+, and most IL-12p40-producing cells (91.39%) were CD14+ cells. MAIT cells had significantly elevated expression of γc receptor which correlated with enhanced immune responses of MAIT cells. It is concluded that MAIT cells from tuberculous pleural effusions exhibited highly elevated immune response to Mtb antigens, which are controlled by cytokines produced by innate/adaptive immune cells.
Bifunctional Luminomagnetic Rare-Earth Nanorods for High-Contrast Bioimaging Nanoprobes
Authors: Gupta Bipin Kumar , Singh Satbir , Kumar Pawan , Lee Yean , Kedawat Garima , Narayanan Tharangattu N. , Vithayathil Sajna Antony , Ge Liehui , Zhan Xiaobo , Gupta Sarika , Martí Angel A. , Vajtai Robert , Ajayan Pulickel M. , Kaipparettu Benny Abraham
Published: September 2016

Nanoparticles exhibiting both magnetic and luminescent properties are need of the hour for many biological applications. A single compound exhibiting this combination of properties is uncommon. Herein, we report a strategy to synthesize a bifunctional luminomagnetic Gd2−xEuxO3 (x = 0.05 to 0.5) nanorod, with a diameter of ~20 nm and length in ~0.6 μm, using hydrothermal method. Gd2O3:Eu3+ nanorods have been characterized by studying its structural, optical and magnetic properties. The advantage offered by photoluminescent imaging with Gd2O3:Eu3+ nanorods is that this ultrafine nanorod material exhibits hypersensitive intense red emission (610 nm) with good brightness (quantum yield more than 90%), which is an essential parameter for high-contrast bioimaging, especially for overcoming auto fluorescent background. The utility of luminomagnetic nanorods for biological applications in high-contrast cell imaging capability and cell toxicity to image two human breast cancer cell lines T47D and MDA-MB-231 are also evaluated. Additionally, to understand the significance of shape of the nanostructure, the photoluminescence and paramagnetic characteristic of Gd2O3:Eu3+ nanorods were compared with the spherical nanoparticles of Gd2O3:Eu3+.
Identification and functional characterization of the miRNA-gene regulatory network in chronic myeloid leukemia lineage negative cells
Authors: Agatheeswaran S. , Pattnayak N. C. , Chakraborty S.
Published: September 2016

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is maintained by leukemic stem cells (LSCs) which are resistant to the existing TKI therapy. Hence a better understanding of the CML LSCs is necessary to eradicate these cells and achieve complete cure. Using the miRNA-gene interaction networks from the CML lin(−) cells we identified a set of up/down-regulated miRNAs and corresponding target genes. Association studies (Pearson correlation) from the miRNA and gene expression data showed that miR-1469 and miR-1972 have significantly higher number of target genes, 75 and 50 respectively. We observed that miR-1972 induces G2-M cell cycle arrest and miR-1469 moderately arrested G1 cell cycle when overexpressed in KCL22 cells. We have earlier shown that a combination of imatinib and JAK inhibitor I can significantly bring down the proliferation of CML lineage negative cells. Here we observed that imatinib and JAK inhibitor I combination restored the expression pattern of the down-regulated miRNAs in primary CML lin(−) cells. Thus effective manipulation of the deregulated miRNAs can restore the miRNA-mRNA networks that can efficiently inhibit CML stem and progenitor cells and alleviate the disease.
A theoretical study on predicted protein targets of apple polyphenols and possible mechanisms of chemoprevention in colorectal cancer
Authors: Scafuri Bernardina , Marabotti Anna , Carbone Virginia , Minasi Paola , Dotolo Serena , Facchiano Angelo
Published: September 2016

We investigated the potential role of apple phenolic compounds in human pathologies by integrating chemical characterization of phenolic compounds in three apple varieties, computational approaches to identify potential protein targets of the compounds, bioinformatics analyses on data from public archive of gene expression data, and functional analyses to hypothesize the effects of the selected compounds in molecular pathways. Starting by the analytic characterization of phenolic compounds in three apple varieties, i.e. Annurca, Red Delicious, and Golden Delicious, we used computational approaches to verify by reverse docking the potential protein targets of the identified compounds. Direct docking validation of the potential protein-ligand interactions has generated a short list of human proteins potentially bound by the apple phenolic compounds. By considering the known chemo-preventive role of apple antioxidants’ extracts against some human pathologies, we performed a functional analysis by comparison with experimental gene expression data and interaction networks, obtained from public repositories. The results suggest the hypothesis that chemo-preventive effects of apple extracts in human pathologies, in particular for colorectal cancer, may be the interference with the activity of nucleotide metabolism and methylation enzymes, similarly to some classes of anticancer drugs.