bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Merging grid maps of different resolutions by scaling registration
Authors: Ma Liang , Zhu Jihua , Zhu Li , Du Shaoyi , Cui Jingru
Published: March 2015

This paper considers the problem of merging grid maps that have different resolutions. Because the goal of map merging is to find the optimal transformation between two partially overlapping grid maps, it can be viewed as a special image registration issue. To address this special issue, the solution considers the non-common areas and designs an objective function based on the trimmed mean-square error (MSE). The trimmed and scaling iterative closest point (TsICP) algorithm is then proposed to solve this well-designed objective function. As the TsICP algorithm can be proven to be locally convergent in theory, a good initial transformation should be provided. Accordingly, scale-invariant feature transform (SIFT) features are extracted for the maps to be potentially merged, and the random sample consensus (RANSAC) algorithm is employed to find the geometrically consistent feature matches that are used to estimate the initial transformation for the TsICP algorithm. In addition, this paper presents the rules for the fusion of the grid maps based on the estimated transformation. Experimental results carried out with publicly available datasets illustrate the superior performance of this approach at merging grid maps with respect to robustness and accuracy.
Epidemiology ofMycoplasmaacquisition in male HIV-1 infected patients: a multistage cross-sectional survey in Jiangsu, China
Authors: CHEN L.-S. , WU J.-R. , WANG B. , YANG T. , YUAN R. , ZHAO Y.-Y. , XU J.-S , GUO H.-X. , HUAN X.-P.
Published: March 2015

Mycoplasmainfections are most frequently associated with disease in the urogenital or respiratory tracts and, in most cases, mycoplasmas infect the host persistently. In HIV-infected individuals the prevalence and role of genital mycoplasmas has not been well studied. To investigate the six species ofMycoplasmaand the risk factors for infection in Jiangsu province, first-void urine and venous blood samples were collected and epidemiological questionnaires were administered after informed consent. A total of 1541 HIV/AIDS patients were recruited in this study. The overall infection rates of sixMycoplasmaspecies were:Ureaplasma urealyticum(26·7%),Mycoplasma hominis(25·3%),M. fermentans(5·1%),M. genitalium(20·1%),M. penetrans(1·6%) andM. pirum(15·4%). TheMycoplasmainfection rate in the unmarried group was lower than that of the married, divorced and widowed groups [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1·432, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1·077–1·904,P< 0·05]. The patients who refused highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) had a much higher risk ofMucoplasmainfection (aOR 1·357, 95% CI 1·097–1·679,P< 0·05). Otherwise, a high CD4+T cell count was a protective factor againstMycoplasmainfection (aOR 0·576, 95% CI 0·460–0·719,P< 0·05). Further research will be required to confirm a causal relationship and to identify risk factors forMycoplasmainfection in HIV/AIDS populations.
Sexual impropriety, petitioning and the dynamics of ill will in daily urban life
Authors: O’BRIEN KAREN
Published: March 2015

This study offers an investigation into the prevalence of interpersonal verbal hostility and litigation in Nantwich, a town that was undergoing radical change during a period of crisis in the seventeenth century. It surveys the vicissitudes of midwife and moneylender, Anne Knutsford, whose outrageous language was met with a petition by opposing factions of Nantwich society. Through an intensive case-study, it identifies a complex interplay of dispute, transaction and reputation during one turbulent decade from 1660 to 1670. Such a close telling of the intimate details and dynamics of relationships gives rare insights into the goings on of daily urban life. Pieced together from a complicated labyrinth of suit and counter-suit, it establishes Anne Knutsford as a formidable creditor and highlights the fragility of social relationships under pressure from material hardship.
The Dark Side of EDX Tomography: Modeling Detector Shadowing to Aid 3D Elemental Signal Analysis
Authors: Yeoh Catriona S.M. , Rossouw David , Saghi Zineb , Burdet Pierre , Leary Rowan K. , Midgley Paul A.
Published: March 2015

A simple model is proposed to account for the loss of collected X-ray signal by the shadowing of X-ray detectors in the scanning transmission electron microscope. The model is intended to aid the analysis of three-dimensional elemental data sets acquired using energy-dispersive X-ray tomography methods where shadow-free specimen holders are unsuitable or unavailable. The model also provides a useful measure of the detection system geometry.
Die Urteilsfähigkeit aus rechtlicher Sicht – insbesondere ihre Prüfung durch den Notar
Authors: Wolf Stephan , Nuspliger Isabelle
Published: March 2015

Das Problem der Urteilsfähigkeit bzw. Urteilsunfähigkeit und der in diesem Zustand abgeschlossenen Rechtsgeschäfte nimmt angesichts der erhöhten Lebenserwartung und der steigenden Zahl von Demenzerkrankungen zu. Im vorliegenden Beitrag wird die Urteilsfähigkeit aus rechtlicher Sicht erläutert. Gemäß Art. 16 ZGB ist urteilsfähig jede Person, der nicht wegen ihres Kindesalters, infolge geistiger Behinderung, psychischer Störung, Rausch oder ähnlicher Zustände die Fähigkeit mangelt, vernunftgemäß zu handeln. Urteilsunfähigkeit setzt demnach objektiv das Vorliegen eines der umschriebenen Zustände voraus, der in subjektiver Hinsicht zur Folge hat, dass die Fähigkeit zu vernunftgemäßem Handeln nicht gegeben ist. Die Urteilsfähigkeit ist dabei immer relativ zu verstehen, d. h. sie ist rechtlich mit Blick auf ein konkretes Geschäft und für einen konkreten Zeitpunkt zu beurteilen. Beweismäßig wird grundsätzlich die Urteilsfähigkeit vermutet. Im Rahmen eines Beurkundungsverfahrens hat der Notar die Urteilsfähigkeit der Parteien zu prüfen, wobei es sich indessen um eine bloß summarische, beschränkte Prüfung handelt. Ist die Urteilsfähigkeit umstritten, so ist zur abschließenden, autoritativen Beurteilung allein der Zivilrichter zuständig.
Klassenmanagement und Persönlichkeitsentwicklung
Authors: Astleitner Hermann
Published: March 2015

Effizientes Klassenmanagement stellt Lehrende vor bedeutsame Probleme, was noch erschwert wird, wenn neben dem fachlichen Lernen die Persönlichkeitsentwicklung der Schüler und Schülerinnen zu berücksichtigen ist. In dieser Arbeit werden Voraussetzungen (Handlungsprinzipien), curriculare Maßnahmen (affektive Taxonomien), Kriterien (Verhältnis von positivem/negativem Denken) und fachübergreifende Methoden (Arbeit an der eigenen Sprache, komplementäre Aufgaben) zu einer nachhaltigen Verankerung vorgeschlagen.
Ancient Roman Aqueducts Could Spill Climate Secrets
Authors: Wendel JoAnna
Published: March 2015

Thick layers of mineral deposits that coat the aqueducts could provide a vast pool of information about climate during the Roman Empire.
Improvement in renal function and its impact on survival in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma
Authors: Gonsalves W I , Leung N , Rajkumar S V , Dispenzieri A , Lacy M Q , Hayman S R , Buadi F K , Dingli D , Kapoor P , Go R S , Lin Y , Russell S J , Lust J A , Zeldenrust S , Kyle R A , Gertz M A , Kumar S K
Published: March 2015

Renal impairment (RI) is seen in over a quarter of patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM). It is not clear if reversal of RI improves the outcome to that expected for NDMM patients without RI. We evaluated 1135 consecutive patients with NDMM seen at the Mayo Clinic between January 2003 and December 2012. RI was defined as having a creatinine clearance (CrCl) <40ml/min. The median overall survival (OS) for patients with RI at diagnosis receiving and not receiving novel agent induction therapy was not reached vs 46 months (P<0.001). The median OS for patients with CrCl ⩾40 ml/min at diagnosis, CrCl <40 ml/min at diagnosis but improved to ⩾40 ml/min and CrCl <40 ml/min at diagnosis and remained <40 ml/min, were 112, 56 and 33 months, respectively (P<0.001). The complete renal response rate for patients with RI at diagnosis receiving novel agent induction therapy compared to the rest was 40 vs 16% (P<0.001). In conclusion, patients with reversal of RI have improved outcomes, but it remains inferior to patients with normal renal function at diagnosis. These results have implications for identifying early treatment strategies for patients at risk of developing renal insufficiency.
BRAF V600E mutation in early-stage multiple myeloma: good response to broad acting drugs and no relation to prognosis
Authors: Rustad E H , Dai H Y , Hov H , Coward E , Beisvag V , Myklebost O , Hovig E , Nakken S , Vodák D , Meza-Zepeda L A , Sandvik A K , Wader K F , Misund K , Sundan A , Aarset H , Waage A
Published: March 2015

In this study, we analyzed the prevalence and clone size of BRAF V600E mutation in 209 patients with multiple myeloma and related the results to clinical phenotype, response and survival. Biopsies were screened for BRAF V600E by allele-specific real-time PCR (AS-PCR). Positive results were confirmed by immunohistochemistry, Sanger sequencing and, in three patients from whom we had stored purified myeloma cells, whole-exome sequencing. Eleven patients (5.3%) were BRAF V600E mutation positive by AS-PCR and at least one other method. The fraction of mutated cells varied from 4 to 100%. BRAF V600E-positive patients had no characteristic clinical phenotype except for significantly higher levels of serum creatinine (125 versus 86 μmol/l) Seven of eleven patients responded with at least very good partial response to alkylators, immunomodulatory agents or proteasome inhibitors. Progression-free and overall survival were similar in patients with and without the mutation. By this integrated approach, we found that patients with BRAF V600E mutation responded very well to broad acting drugs and there was no relation to prognosis in early-stage myeloma. In particular, a large mutated cell fraction did not correlate with aggressive disease.
The HIF-1/glial TIM-3 axis controls inflammation-associated brain damage under hypoxia
Authors: Koh Han Seok , Chang Chi Young , Jeon Sae-Bom , Yoon Hee Jung , Ahn Ye-Hyeon , Kim Hyung-Seok , Kim In-Hoo , Jeon Sung Ho , Johnson Randall S. , Park Eun Jung
Published: March 2015

Inflammation is closely related to the extent of damage following cerebral ischaemia, and the targeting of this inflammation has emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy. Here, we present that hypoxia-induced glial T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain protein (TIM)-3 can function as a modulator that links inflammation and subsequent brain damage after ischaemia. We find that TIM-3 is highly expressed in hypoxic brain regions of a mouse cerebral hypoxia-ischaemia (H/I) model. TIM-3 is distinctively upregulated in activated microglia and astrocytes, brain resident immune cells, in a hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1-dependent manner. Notably, blockade of TIM-3 markedly reduces infarct size, neuronal cell death, oedema formation and neutrophil infiltration in H/I mice. Hypoxia-triggered neutrophil migration and infarction are also decreased in HIF-1α-deficient mice. Moreover, functional neurological deficits after H/I are significantly improved in both anti-TIM-3-treated mice and myeloid-specific HIF-1α-deficient mice. Further understanding of these insights could serve as the basis for broadening the therapeutic scope against hypoxia-associated brain diseases.
Asymmetrically dividing Drosophila neuroblasts utilize two spatially and temporally independent cytokinesis pathways
Authors: Roth Michaela , Roubinet Chantal , Iffländer Niklas , Ferrand Alexia , Cabernard Clemens
Published: March 2015

Precise cleavage furrow positioning is required for faithful chromosome segregation and cell fate determinant distribution. In most metazoan cells, contractile ring placement is regulated by the mitotic spindle through the centralspindlin complex, and potentially also the chromosomal passenger complex (CPC). Drosophila neuroblasts, asymmetrically dividing neural stem cells, but also other cells utilize both spindle-dependent and spindle-independent cleavage furrow positioning pathways. However, the relative contribution of each pathway towards cytokinesis is currently unclear. Here we report that in Drosophila neuroblasts, the mitotic spindle, but not polarity cues, controls the localization of the CPC component Survivin. We also show that Survivin and the mitotic spindle are required to stabilize the position of the cleavage furrow in late anaphase and to complete furrow constriction. These results support the model that two spatially and temporally separate pathways control different key aspects during asymmetric cell division, ensuring correct cell fate determinant segregation and neuroblast self-renewal.
Gene Expression Mapping of Histone Deacetylases and Co-factors and Correlation with Survival Time and 1H-HRMAS Metabolomic Profile in Human Gliomas
Authors: Dali-Youcef Nassim , Froelich Sébastien , Moussallieh François-Marie , Chibbaro Salvatore , Noël Georges , Namer Izzie J. , Heikkinen Sami , Auwerx Johan
Published: March 2015

Primary brain tumors are presently classified based on imaging and histopathological techniques, which remains unsatisfaying. We profiled here by quantitative real time PCR (qRT-PCR) the transcripts of eighteen histone deacetylases (HDACs) and a subset of transcriptional co-factors in non-tumoral brain samples from 15 patients operated for epilepsia and in brain tumor samples from 50 patients diagnosed with grade II oligodendrogliomas (ODII, n = 9), grade III oligodendrogliomas (ODIII, n = 22) and glioblastomas (GL, n = 19). Co-factor transcripts were significantly different in tumors as compared to non-tumoral samples and distinguished different molecular subgroups of brain tumors, regardless of tumor grade. Among all patients studied, the expression of HDAC1 and HDAC3 was inversely correlated with survival, whereas the expression of HDAC4, HDAC5, HDAC6, HDAC11 and SIRT1 was significantly and positively correlated with survival time of patients with gliomas. 1H-HRMAS technology revealed metabolomically distinct groups according to the expression of HDAC1, HDAC4 and SIRT1, suggesting that these genes may play an important role in regulating brain tumorigenesis and cancer progression. Our study hence identified different molecular fingerprints for subgroups of histopathologically similar brain tumors that may enable the prediction of outcome based on the expression level of co-factor genes and could allow customization of treatment.
Ptychographic X-ray nanotomography quantifies mineral distributions in human dentine
Authors: Zanette I. , Enders B. , Dierolf M. , Thibault P. , Gradl R. , Diaz A. , Guizar-Sicairos M. , Menzel A. , Pfeiffer F. , Zaslansky P.
Published: March 2015

Bones are bio-composites with biologically tunable mechanical properties, where a polymer matrix of nanofibrillar collagen is reinforced by apatite mineral crystals. Some bones, such as antler, form and change rapidly, while other bone tissues, such as human tooth dentine, develop slowly and maintain constant composition and architecture for entire lifetimes. When studying apatite mineral microarchitecture, mineral distributions or mineralization activity of bone-forming cells, representative samples of tissue are best studied at submicrometre resolution while minimizing sample-preparation damage. Here, we demonstrate the power of ptychographic X-ray tomography to map variations in the mineral content distribution in three dimensions and at the nanometre scale. Using this non-destructive method, we observe nanostructures surrounding hollow tracts that exist in human dentine forming dentinal tubules. We reveal unprecedented quantitative details of the ultrastructure clearly revealing the spatially varying mineralization density. Such information is essential for understanding a variety of natural and therapeutic effects for example in bone tissue healing and ageing.
Molecular origins of synaptotagmin 1 activities on vesicle docking and fusion pore opening
Authors: Lai Ying , Lou Xiaochu , Diao Jiajie , Shin Yeon-Kyun
Published: March 2015

Synaptotagmin 1 (Syt1), a major Ca2+ sensor in neuroexocytosis, utilizes SNARE- and membrane-binding to regulate vesicle fusion, a required process for neurotransmitter release at the synapse. However, the mechanism by which Syt1 orchestrates SNARE- and membrane- binding to control individual vesicle fusion steps is still unclear. In this study, we used a number of single vesicle assays that can differentiate intermediates of neuroexocytosis, to focus on Syt1 mutants that might impair Syt1-SNARE/PIP2 interaction, Ca2+-binding, or membrane penetration. Our results show that, although putative Syt1-SNARE/PIP2 coupling through the polybasic region of the C2B domain is critical for vesicle docking, its disruption does not affect content release. In contrast, Ca2+-binding and membrane-penetration mutants significantly reduce content release. Our results thus delineate multiple functions of Syt1 along the pathway of Ca2+-triggered exocytosis in unprecedented detail.
C6-ceramide nanoliposome suppresses tumor metastasis by eliciting PI3K and PKCζ tumor-suppressive activities and regulating integrin affinity modulation
Authors: Zhang Pu , Fu Changliang , Hu Yijuan , Dong Cheng , Song Yang , Song Erqun
Published: March 2015

Nanoliposomal formulation of C6-ceramide, a proapoptotic sphingolipid metabolite, presents an effective way to treat malignant tumor. Here, we provide evidence that acute treatment (30 min) of melanoma and breast cancer cells with nanoliposomal C6-ceramide (NaL-C6) may suppress cell migration without inducing cell death. By employing a novel flow migration assay, we demonstrated that NaL-C6 decreased tumor extravasation under shear conditions. Compared with ghost nanoliposome, NaL-C6 triggered phosphorylation of PI3K and PKCζ and dephosphorylation of PKCα. Concomitantly, activated PKCζ translocated into cell membrane. siRNA knockdown or pharmacological inhibition of PKCζ or PI3K rescued NaL-C6-mediated suppression of tumor migration. By inducing dephosphorylation of paxillin, PKCζ was responsible for NaL-C6-mediated stress fiber depolymerization and focal adhesion disassembly in the metastatic tumor cells. PKCζ and PI3K regulated cell shear-resistant adhesion in a way that required integrin αvβ3 affinity modulation. In conclusion, we identified a novel role of acute nanoliposomal ceramide treatment in reducing integrin affinity and inhibiting melanoma metastasis by conferring PI3K and PKCζ tumor-suppressive activities.
Association Between Patatin-Like Phospholipase Domain Containing 3 Gene (PNPLA3) Polymorphisms and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A HuGE Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Xu Renfan , Tao Anyu , Zhang Shasha , Deng Youbin , Chen Guangzhi
Published: March 2015

We conducted a meta-analysis to assess the association between patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing 3 (PNPLA3) rs738409 polymorphism and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its subtypes simple steatosis(SS) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The study-specific odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using fixed-effects or random-effects models, with assessment for heterogeneity and publication bias. Twenty-three case-control studies involving 6071 NAFLD patients and 10366 controls were identified. The combined results showed a significant association between NAFLD risk and the rs738409 polymorphism in all genetic models (additive model: OR = 3.41, 95% CI = 2.57–4.52; P < 0.00001). In addition, evidence indicated that the rs738409 polymorphism was significantly associated with NASH in all genetic models (additive model: OR = 4.44, 95% CI = 3.39–5.82; P < 0.00001). The subgroup and sensitivity analyses showed that these changes were not influenced by the ethnicities and ages of subjects or by the source of controls. The rs738409 polymorphism was only significantly associated with risk of simple steatosis in the allele contrast and had no effect in the other genetic models. These findings suggest that the rs738409 polymorphism in PNPLA3 gene confers high cross-ethnicity risk for NAFLD and NASH development.
Down-regulation of miR-206 is associated with Hirschsprung disease and suppresses cell migration and proliferation in cell models
Authors: Sharan Ankur , Zhu Hairong , Xie Hua , Li Hongxing , Tang Junwei , Tang Weibing , Zhang Hongwei , Xia Yankai
Published: March 2015

Hirschsprung disease (HSCR) is a well-known congenital digestive disease that originates due to the developmental disorder of neural crest cells. MiR-206 is kown to have a relationship with digestive malfunctions. Therefore, we investigated whether or not miR-206 was involved in the pathogenesis of HSCR. qRT-PCR and Western blot assays were used to detect the expression levels of miRNA and mRNAs and proteins in case and control tissue samples and two cell lines (293T and SH-SY5Y). The functions of miR-206 in vitro were measured by transwell assay, CCK8 assay and flow cytometry. Finally, we conducted dual-luciferase reporter assay to verify the connections between miR-206 and the target mRNA SDPR. Down-regulation of miR-206 was found in HSCR case tissue samples compared with controls, which was validated to be connected with the increased level of mRNA and protein of SDPR by qRT-PCR and dual-luciferase reporter assay. Moreover, miR-206 suppressed the cell migration and proliferation and silencing of SDPR could rescue the extent of the suppressing effects by miR-206 inhibitor. The findings suggest that miR-206 may play a significant role in the pathogenesis of HSCR, as well as inhibiting the cell migration and proliferation by targeting SDPR in disease models.
Transgenerational effects from early developmental exposures to bisphenol A or 17α-ethinylestradiol in medaka, Oryzias latipes
Authors: Bhandari Ramji K. , vom Saal Frederick S. , Tillitt Donald E.
Published: March 2015

The transgenerational consequences of environmental contaminant exposures of aquatic vertebrates have the potential for broad ecological impacts, yet are largely uninvestigated. Bisphenol A (BPA) and 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2) are two ubiquitous estrogenic chemicals present in aquatic environments throughout the United States and many other countries. Aquatic organisms, including fish, are exposed to varying concentrations of these chemicals at various stages of their life history. Here, we tested the ability of embryonic exposure to BPA or EE2 to cause adverse health outcomes at later life stages and transgenerational abnormalities in medaka fish. Exposures of F0 medaka to either BPA (100 μg/L) or EE2 (0.05 μg/L) during the first 7 days of embryonic development, when germ cells are differentiating, did not cause any apparent phenotypic abnormalities in F0 or F1 generations, but led to a significant reduction in the fertilization rate in offspring two generations later (F2) as well as a reduction of embryo survival in offspring three generations later (F3). Our present observations suggest that BPA or EE2 exposure during development induces transgenerational phenotypes of reproductive impairment and compromised embryonic survival in fish of subsequent generations. These adverse outcomes may have negative impacts on populations of fish inhabiting contaminated aquatic environments.
Urinary candidate biomarker discovery in a rat unilateral ureteral obstruction model
Authors: Yuan Yuan , Zhang Fanshuang , Wu Jianqiang , Shao Chen , Gao Youhe
Published: March 2015

Urine has the potential to become a better source of biomarkers. Urinary proteins are affected by many factors; therefore, differentiating between the variables associated with any particular pathophysiological condition in clinical samples is challenging. To circumvent these problems, simpler systems, such as animal models, should be used to establish a direct relationship between disease progression and urine changes. In this study, a unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) model was used to observe tubular injury and the eventual development of renal fibrosis, as well as to identify differential urinary proteins in this process. Urine samples were collected from the residuary ureter linked to the kidney at 1 and 3 weeks after UUO. Five hundred proteins were identified and quantified by LC-MS/MS, out of which 7 and 19 significantly changed in the UUO 1- and 3-week groups, respectively, compared with the sham-operation group. Validation by western blot showed increased levels of Alpha-actinin-1 and Moesin in the UUO 1-week group, indicating that they may serve as candidate biomarkers of renal tubular injury and significantly increased levels of Vimentin, Annexin A1 and Clusterin in the UUO 3-week group, indicating that they may serve as candidate biomarkers of interstitial fibrosis.
Calcium, ARMS2 Genotype and Chlamydia Pneumoniae Infection in Early Age-Related Macular Degeneration: a Multivariate Analysis from the Nagahama Study
Authors: Nakata Isao , Yamashiro Kenji , Kawaguchi Takahisa , Nakanishi Hideo , Akagi-Kurashige Yumiko , Miyake Masahiro , Tsujikawa Akitaka , Yamada Ryo , Matsuda Fumihiko , Yoshimura Nagahisa ,   Nagahama Study Group
Published: March 2015

Although various risk factors have been identified for the development of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), risk factors of early AMD have been relatively under studied. We aimed to investigate AMD risk factors by evaluating multiple factors in association with large drusen, an important component of AMD, simultaneously. In a community-based cross-sectional survey in Japan, 971 large drusen cases and 3,209 controls were compared for 65 variables, including systemic, environmental and genetic factors. The association and the effect size of each factor were evaluated with logistic regression analysis using a backward-elimination approach. Multivariate analyses identified a significant association in serum calcium level (odds ratio [OR] = 0.932, P = 1.05 × 10−3), ARMS2 A69S (rs10490924) genotype (OR = 1.046, P < 0.001), Chlamydia pneumoniae IgG (OR = 1.020, P = 0.0440) and age (OR = 1.013, P < 0.001) for large drusen. Hypocalcemia was observed in 7.2% of large drusen cases and in 5.5% of controls (P = 0.0490). C. pneumoniae infections was more frequent in large drusen cases (56.4%) than in conrols (51.7%, P = 0.00956). These results suggest that calcium, ARMS2 genotype, C. pneumonia infection and age are significant factors in the development of the early stages of AMD.
Contest experience enhances aggressive behaviour in a fly: when losers learn to win
Authors: Benelli Giovanni , Desneux Nicolas , Romano Donato , Conte Giuseppe , Messing Russell H. , Canale Angelo
Published: March 2015

In several animal species, aggressive experience influences the characteristics and outcomes of subsequent conflicts, such that winners are more likely to win again (the winner effect) and losers more likely to lose again (the loser effect). We tested the olive fruit fly, Bactrocera oleae (Diptera: Tephritidae), as a model system to evaluate the role of the winner and loser effects in male-male territorial contests. Further, we conducted experiments to test if winning and losing probabilities are affected only by the outcome of the previous contests, or whether the fighting experience itself is sufficient to induce an effect. Both winners and losers of two consecutive encounters displayed higher intensity of aggression and fought longer in subsequent contests. In both cases, they achieved higher fighting success than naïve males. The enhanced fighting performance of both winners and losers was stimulated by merely experiencing a contest, not necessarily by the relative outcome of previous fights. Overall, this study highlights the fact that previous victories and defeats both enhance aggressive behaviour in olive fruit flies, allowing them to achieve higher fighting success in subsequent contests against inexperienced males.
NHE8 Is Essential for RPE Cell Polarity and Photoreceptor Survival
Authors: Xia Chun-hong , Liu Haiquan , Cheung Debra , Tang Felicia , Chang Bo , Li Mei , Gong Xiaohua
Published: March 2015

A new N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU)-induced mouse recessive mutation, identified by fundus examination of the eye, develops depigmented patches, indicating retinal disorder. Histology data show aberrant retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and late-onset photoreceptor cell loss in the mutant retina. Chromosomal mapping and DNA sequencing reveal a point mutation (T to A) of the Slc9a8 gene, resulting in mutant sodium/proton exchanger 8 (NHE8)-M120K protein. The lysine substitution decreases the probability of forming the 3rd transmembrane helix, which impairs the pore structure of the Na+/H+ exchanger. Various RPE defects, including mislocalization of the apical marker ezrin and disrupted apical microvilli and basal infoldings are observed in mutant mice. We have further generated NHE8 knockout mice and confirmed similar phenotypes, including abnormal RPE cells and late-onset photoreceptor cell loss. Both in vivo and in vitro data indicate that NHE8 co-localizes with ER, Golgi and intracellular vesicles in RPE cells. Thus, NHE8 function is necessary for the survival of photoreceptor cells and NHE8 is important for RPE cell polarity and function. Dysfunctional RPE may ultimately lead to photoreceptor cell death in the NHE8 mutants. Further studies will be needed to elucidate whether or not NHE8 regulates pH homeostasis in the protein secretory pathways of RPE.
VAV3 Oncogene Expression in Colorectal Cancer: Clinical Aspects and Functional Characterization
Authors: Uen Yih-Huei , Fang Chia-Lang , Hseu You-Cheng , Shen Pei-Chun , Yang Hsin-Ling , Wen Kuo-Shan , Hung Shih-Ting , Wang Lu-Hai , Lin Kai-Yuan
Published: March 2015

Although colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignancies worldwide, the current therapeutic approaches for advanced CRC are ineffective. In this study, we investigated the involvement of the VAV3 oncogene in tumor progression and in the prognosis of human CRC. The two patient cohorts in this study comprised 354 CRC cases from 1998 to 2005 with documented pathologic and clinical factors and clinical outcomes. VAV3 protein levels were significantly correlated with the depth of invasion (P = 0.0259), the nodal status (P < 0.0001), distant metastasis (P = 0.0354), the stage (P < 0.0001) and poor disease-free survival (P = 0.003). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that VAV3 overexpression is an independent prognostic marker for CRC (P = 0.041). In vitro experiments indicated that VAV3 knockdown inhibited CRC cell growth, spread and xenograft proliferation. Mechanistic studies further revealed that VAV3 overexpression could dysregulate the expression of cell cycle control- and metastasis-related molecules by activating the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway in both CRC cells and xenografts. This study suggests that VAV3 overexpression could be a useful marker for predicting the outcomes of CRC patients and that VAV3 targeting represents a potential modality for treating CRC.
Heterovalent Substitution to Enrich Electrical Conductivity in Cu2CdSn1-xGaxSe4 Series for High Thermoelectric Performances
Authors: Wang Bo , Li Yu , Zheng Jiaxin , Xu Ming , Liu Fusheng , Ao Weiqing , Li Junqing , Pan Feng
Published: March 2015

Serials of Ga doping on Sn sites as heterovalent substitution in Cu2CdSnSe4 are prepared by the melting method and the spark plasma sintering (SPS) technique to form Cu2CdSn1-xGaxSe4 (x = 0, 0.025, 0.05, 0.075, 0.01 and 0.125). Massive atomic vacancies are found at x = 0.10 by the heterovalent substitution, which contributes significantly to the increase of electrical conductivity and the decrease of lattice thermal conductivity. The electrical conductivity is increased by about ten times at 300 K after Ga doping. Moreover, the seebeck coefficient only decreases slightly from 310 to 226 μV/K at 723 K and a significant increase of the power factor is obtained. As a result, a maxium value of 0.27 for the figure of merit (ZT) is obtained at x = 0.10 and at 723 K. Through an ab initio study of the Ga doping effect, we find that the Fermi level of Cu2CdSnSe4 is shifted downward to the valence band, thus improving the hole concentration and enhancing the electrical conductivity at low doping levels. Our experimental and theoretical studies show that a moderate Ga doping on Sn sites is an effective method to improve the thermoelectric performance of Cu2CdSnSe4.
Distinct type I and type II toxin-antitoxin modules control Salmonella lifestyle inside eukaryotic cells
Authors: Lobato-Márquez Damián , Moreno-Córdoba Inmaculada , Figueroa Virginia , Díaz-Orejas Ramón , García-del Portillo Francisco
Published: March 2015

Toxin-antitoxin (TA) modules contribute to the generation of non-growing cells in response to stress. These modules abound in bacterial pathogens although the bases for this profusion remain largely unknown. Using the intracellular bacterial pathogen Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium as a model, here we show that a selected group of TA modules impact bacterial fitness inside eukaryotic cells. We characterized in this pathogen twenty-seven TA modules, including type I and type II TA modules encoding antisense RNA and proteinaceous antitoxins, respectively. Proteomic and gene expression analyses revealed that the pathogen produces numerous toxins of TA modules inside eukaryotic cells. Among these, the toxins HokST, LdrAST and TisBST, encoded by type I TA modules and T4ST and VapC2ST, encoded by type II TA modules, promote bacterial survival inside fibroblasts. In contrast, only VapC2ST shows that positive effect in bacterial fitness when the pathogen infects epithelial cells. These results illustrate how S. Typhimurium uses distinct type I and type II TA modules to regulate its intracellular lifestyle in varied host cell types. This function specialization might explain why the number of TA modules increased in intracellular bacterial pathogens.
Five Cu(i) and Zn(ii) clusters and coordination polymers of 2-pyridyl-1,2,3-triazoles: synthesis, structures and luminescence properties
Authors: Bai Shi-Qiang , Jiang Lu , Sun Bin , Young David James , Hor T. S. Andy
Published: March 2015

2-Pyridyl-1,2,3-triazoles with flexible substituents demonstrate rare coordination modes and support new luminescent clusters and coordination polymers.
Effect of TiO2particles on normal and resonance Raman spectra of coumarin 343: a theoretical investigation
Authors: Yang Linzhi , Wu Wenpeng , Zhao Yi
Published: March 2015

Both the normal Raman spectra (NRS) and resonance Raman spectra (RRS) can be used to figure out the isomers and their interfacial structures. Furthermore, the differences in RRS between the locally excited state and the charge transfer state of C343–TiO2are helpful to understand and control the electron transfer at the interface.
Trace element landscape of resting and activated human neutrophils on the sub-micrometer level
Authors: Niemiec M. J. , De Samber B. , Garrevoet J. , Vergucht E. , Vekemans B. , De Rycke R. , Björn E. , Sandblad L. , Wellenreuther G. , Falkenberg G. , Cloetens P. , Vincze L. , Urban C. F.
Published: March 2015

Neutrophils and extracellular traps examined by synchrotron radiation X-ray fluorescence and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.
Kinetic and equilibrium modeling for removal of nitrate from aqueous solutions and drinking water by a potential adsorbent, hydrous bismuth oxide
Authors: Singh Prabhat Kumar , Banerjee Sushmita , Srivastava Arun Lal , Sharma Yogesh Chandra
Published: March 2015

The kinetic, equilibrium modeling and adsorption characteristics of hydrous bismuth oxides (HBOs) have been investigated for the removal of nitrate from aqueous solutions.
Sustainable synthesis of hollow Cu-loaded poly(m-phenylenediamine) particles and their application for arsenic removal
Authors: Dai Shuo , Peng Bing , Zhang Liyuan , Chai Liyuan , Wang Ting , Meng Yun , Li Xiaorui , Wang Haiying , Luo Jian
Published: March 2015

A new Cu-catalyzed air oxidation method was successfully developed to prepare Cu-loaded poly(m-phenylenediamine) (PmPD) with monomer conversion rates close to 100%.
Discovery of a novel ligand that modulates the protein–protein interactions of the AAA+ superfamily oncoprotein reptin
Authors: Healy Alan R. , Houston Douglas R. , Remnant Lucy , Huart Anne-Sophie , Brychtova Veronika , Maslon Magda M. , Meers Olivia , Muller Petr , Krejci Adam , Blackburn Elizabeth A. , Vojtesek Borek , Hernychova Lenka , Walkinshaw Malcolm D. , Westwood Nicholas J. , Hupp Ted R.
Published: March 2015

Discovery and use of a chemical tool.
Ionic strength assay via polyacrylate–ferriferrous oxide magnetic photonic crystals
Authors: Li Yan-Ran , Sun Ye , Wang He-Fang
Published: March 2015

A novel method for the rapid and sensitive ionic strength assay based on the electrolyte-induced sensitive wavelength blueshifts of the reflection spectra of PA–Fe3O4-MPCs was presented.
iPRECON: an integrated preconcentrator for the enrichment of volatile organics in exhaled breath
Authors: Kokoric Vjekoslav , Wilk Andreas , Mizaikoff Boris
Published: March 2015

Automated substrate-integrated preconcentrator (iPRECON) for breath diagnostics.
Electrochemical driven water oxidation by molecular catalysts in situ polymerized on the surface of graphite carbon electrode
Authors: Wang Lei , Fan Ke , Daniel Quentin , Duan Lele , Li Fusheng , Philippe Bertrand , Rensmo Håkan , Chen Hong , Sun Junliang , Sun Licheng
Published: March 2015

A molecular water-oxidation catalyst polymerized on a graphite electrode has shown a high initial turnover frequency (TOF) of 10.47 s−1 at ∼700 mV overpotential, and a high turnover number (TON) of 31 600 in 1 h electrolysis.
Metal-driven self-assembly: the case of redox-active discrete architectures
Authors: Croué V. , Goeb S. , Sallé M.
Published: March 2015

The growing family of redox-active rings and cages prepared using the coordination-driven self-assembly strategy is reviewed.
The amphoteric properties of g-C3N4 nanosheets and fabrication of their relevant heterostructure photocatalysts by an electrostatic re-assembly route
Authors: Cheng Fuxing , Wang Hainan , Dong Xiaoping
Published: March 2015

A stable colloid of g-C3N4 nanosheets was prepared on a large scale via a H2SO4 exfoliation route.
Nitroarene reduction: a trusted model reaction to test nanoparticle catalysts
Authors: Aditya Teresa , Pal Anjali , Pal Tarasankar
Published: March 2015

Spectrophotometric monitoring of nitrophenol reduction to aminophenol in the presence of nanoparticle catalysts becomes a universal reaction to test a nanocatalyst.
A two-dimensional honeycomb coordination network based on fused triacontanuclear heterometallic {Co12Mn18} wheels
Authors: Liu Jiang , Qu Mei , Clérac Rodolphe , Zhang Xian Ming
Published: March 2015

An unprecedented two-dimensional honeycomb paramagnetic network based on fused triacontanuclear heterometallic wheels of 3.4 nm, {[Co2(Mn3O)(N3)2(pic)6(NO3)]−}6, has been assembled.
A polyamine-modified near-infrared fluorescent probe for selective staining of live cancer cells
Authors: König Sandra G. , Öz Simin , Krämer Roland
Published: March 2015

A novel polyamine-modified near-infrared fluorescent probe has been developed that allows for selective labeling of living cancer cells in presence of non-cancer cells.
Development of an aquacatalytic system based on the formation of vesicles of an amphiphilic palladium NNC-pincer complex
Authors: Sakurai Fumie , Hamasaka Go , Uozumi Yasuhiro
Published: March 2015

Two amphiphilic palladium NNC-pincer complexes bearing hydrophilic tri(ethylene glycol) chains and hydrophobic dodecyl chains were designed and prepared for the development of a new aquacatalytic system.
A one-dimensional coordination polymer based on Cu3-oximato metallacrowns bridged by benzene-1,4-dicarboxylato ligands: structure and magnetic properties
Authors: Croitor Lilia , Coropceanu Eduard B. , Petuhov Oleg , Krämer Karl W. , Baca Svetlana G. , Liu Shi-Xia , Decurtins Silvio , Fonari Marina S.
Published: March 2015

A one-dimensional linear coordination polymer {[Cu3(μ3-OH)(2-pyao)3(bdc)]·6(H2O)}n(1) composed of trinuclear metallacrown cores has been obtained.
From microcrystalline cellulose to hard- and softwood-based feedstocks: their hydrogenolysis to polyols over a highly efficient ruthenium–tungsten catalyst
Authors: Fabičovicová Katarína , Lucas Martin , Claus Peter
Published: March 2015

Polyols, a class of biomass-derived platform molecules, were obtained in high yields by hydrogenolysis of different cellulosic feedstocks using a bifunctional Ru–W catalyst, which exhibits a very high concentration of acid sites.
Si nanoparticles encapsulated in elastic hollow carbon fibres for Li-ion battery anodes with high structural stability
Authors: Fang Shan , Shen Laifa , Tong Zhenkun , Zheng Hao , Zhang Fang , Zhang Xiaogang
Published: March 2015

Here, a novel one-dimensional core-shell nanostructure in which the Si nanoparticles have been confined within hollow carbon nanofibres. The hierarchical nanostructures show superior rate capabilities and stable cycling performance in rechargeable batteries.
Low-cost and large-scale fabrication of a superhydrophobic 5052 aluminum alloy surface with enhanced corrosion resistance
Authors: Li Xue-Wu , Zhang Qiao-Xin , Guo Zheng , Yu Jin-Gui , Tang Ming-Kai , Huang Xing-Jiu
Published: March 2015

Through a simple and low-cost acid etching and passivation treatment, hierarchical micro/nano-scale structures with enhanced corrosion inhibition behaviors have been fabricated on the 5052 aluminum alloy surface.
An approach to asymmetric synthesis of β-aryl alanines by Pd(0)-catalyzed cross-coupling and cyanate-to-isocyanate rearrangement
Authors: Szcześniak Piotr , Stecko Sebastian
Published: March 2015

A new method for the asymmetric synthesis of β-aryl alanines is reported.
Highly selective flexible tactile strain and temperature sensors against substrate bending for an artificial skin
Authors: Kanao Kenichiro , Harada Shingo , Yamamoto Yuki , Honda Wataru , Arie Takayuki , Akita Seiji , Takei Kuniharu
Published: March 2015

This demonstrates high selective flexible tactile pressure sensor and temperature sensor against the bending for an e-skin application.
Crosslinked inter penetrating network of sulfonated styrene and sulfonated PVdF-co-HFP as electrolytic membrane in a single chamber microbial fuel cell
Authors: Kumar Vikash , Kumar Piyush , Nandy Arpita , Kundu Patit Paban
Published: March 2015

In the present study, semi-IPN membranes of sulfonated styrene (SS) and sulfonated PVdF-co-HFP membranes have been analyzed as a polymer electrolyte membrane in single chamber microbial fuel cells (MFCs).
Nitrogen-induced ferromagnetism in BaO
Authors: Rahman Gul
Published: March 2015

Density functional theory with local spin density approximation has been used to propose possible room temperature ferromagnetism in N-doped NaCl-type BaO.
Water-soluble conjugated polymers as active elements for organic nonvolatile memories
Authors: Hu Benlin , Wang Chengyuan , Zhang Jing , Qian Kai , Chen Wangqiao , Lee Pooi See , Zhang Qichun
Published: March 2015

Memory devices based on three water-soluble donor–acceptor conjugated polymers were fabricated from aqueous solution, and show excellent memory performance.
New bipolar host materials for high performance of phosphorescent green organic light-emitting diodes
Authors: Kim Gyeong Heon , Lampande Raju , Kong Ji Hoon , Lee Jung Min , Kwon Jang Hyuk , Lee Jae Kyun , Park Jung Hwan
Published: March 2015

New bipolar host materials with indenocarbazole and biphenyl pyrimidine moieties are successfully designed and synthesized. The host materials demonstrate excellent electro-optical properties and OLED device performances.
Integration of Si in a metal foam current collector for stable electrochemical cycling in Li-ion batteries
Authors: Zhao Chunsong , Li Shuwei , Luo Xi , Li Bo , Pan Wei , Wu Hui
Published: March 2015

We improve the electrochemical performance of Li-ion batteries by trapping micron-sized silicon particles inside a metal foam current collector in Li-ion batteries.
Porous carbon sphere anodes for enhanced lithium-ion storage
Authors: Etacheri Vinodkumar , Wang Chengwei , O'Connell Michael J. , Chan Candace K. , Pol Vilas G.
Published: March 2015

Porous carbon spheres with superior Li-ion storage performance to commercial graphite anodes are synthesized through a template-free spray pyrolysis method.
High-performance Hg2+ removal from ultra-low-concentration aqueous solution using both acylamide- and hydroxyl-functionalized metal–organic framework
Authors: Luo Feng , Chen Jing Li , Dang Li Long , Zhou Wei Na , Lin Hai Lu , Li Jian Qiang , Liu Shu Juan , Luo Ming Biao
Published: March 2015

A novel MOF material can act as a high-capacity and collectable adsorbent for the removal of Hg(ii) from water.
Control over Fe3+ speciation in colloidal ZnO nanocrystals
Authors: Zhou Dongming , Kittilstved Kevin R.
Published: March 2015

The ground state electronic structure of Fe3+ dopants in colloidal ZnO nanocrystals is studied by EPR spectroscopy and reveals multiple Fe3+ coordination environments during nanocrystal growth.
Garnet-based Li6CaLa2Sb2O12:Eu3+red phosphors: a potential color-converting material for warm white light-emitting diodes
Authors: Zhong Jiasong , Chen Daqin , Zhao Wenguang , Zhou Yang , Yu Hua , Chen Leifeng , Ji Zhenguo
Published: March 2015

Garnet-based Li6CaLa2−2xEu2xSb2O12(x= 0.1–1.0) red phosphors and the related inorganic glass ceramics were fabricated to find potential applications in WLEDs.
Characterization of the interactions between SIVrcm Vpx and red-capped mangabey SAMHD1
Authors: Li Jian , Xu Fengwen , Hu Siqi , Zhou Jinming , Mei Shan , Zhao Xiaoxiao , Cen Shan , Jin Qi , Liang Chen , Guo Fei
Published: March 2015

SAMHD1 (SAM domain- and HD domain-containing protein 1) inhibits HIV-1 infection of myeloid cells and resting CD4+ T-cells. Two lineages of primate lentiviruses, the sooty mangabey SIV (simian immunodeficiency virus) (SIVsm)/macaque SIV (SIVmac)/HIV-2 lineage and the red-capped mangabey SIV (SIVrcm) lineage, carry a SAMHD1 antagonist called Vpx. Vpx recognizes SAMHD1 and recruits a ubiquitin E3 ligase complex that is composed of CUL4 (Cullin4), DDB1 (damaged DNA-binding protein 1) and a member of the DCAF (DDB1/CUL4-associated factor) family called DCAF1. This E3 ligase complex polyubiquitinates SAMHD1, which leads to proteasomal degradation of SAMHD1. As opposed to the well-characterized interaction of SIVmac Vpx with human SAMHD1 and DCAF1, SIVrcm Vpx adopts a different mode of interaction with SAMHD1 of red-capped mangabeys. In the present study, we have characterized the interactions that are essential for SIVrcm Vpx-mediated degradation of rcmSAMHD1 (red-capped mangabey SAMHD1). Using mutagenesis and molecular modelling, we have determined the key role of the W23LHR26 peptide of SIVrcm Vpx in recognizing rcmSAMHD1. The amino acids Phe15, Leu36, Phe52, Arg55 and Arg56 at the N-terminal domain (NtD) of rcmSAMHD1 are involved in interaction with Vpxrcm (red-capped mangabey Vpx). The molecular model of rcmSAMHD1-NtD, Vpxrcm and C-terminal domain (CtD) of DCAF1 (DCAF1-CtD) complex reveals further that rcmSAMHD1-NtD and Vpxrcm utilize an interaction interface that is different from that used by human SAMHD1-CtD and Vpxsm. These findings provide further insights into the different modes of interaction between Vpx and SAMHD1 as the result of the ‘arms race’ of virus and host cell.