bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
PSF: nuclear busy‐body or nuclear facilitator?
Authors: Yarosh Christopher A. , Iacona Joseph R. , Lutz Carol S. , Lynch Kristen W. 
Published: April 2015

PTB‐associated splicing factor (PSF) is an abundant and essential nucleic acid‐binding protein that participates in a wide range of gene regulatory processes and cellular response pathways. At the protein level, PSF consists of multiple domains, many of which remain poorly characterized. Although grouped in a family with the proteins p54nrb/NONO and PSPC1 based on sequence homology, PSF contains additional protein sequence not included in other family members. Consistently, PSF has also been implicated in functions not ascribed to p54nrb/NONO or PSPC1. Here, we provide a review of the cellular activities in which PSF has been implicated and what is known regarding the mechanisms by which PSF functions in each case. We propose that the complex domain arrangement of PSF allows for its diversity of function and integration of activities. Finally, we discuss recent evidence that individual activities of PSF can be regulated independently from one another through the activity of domain‐specific co‐factors. WIREs RNA 2015, 6:351–367. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1280This article is categorized under:

RNA Processing > Splicing Regulation/Alternative Splicing
RNA Processing > 3' End Processing
Early adolescent temperament, parental monitoring, and substance use in Mexican‐origin adolescents
Authors: Clark D. Angus , Donnellan M. Brent , Robins Richard W. , Conger Rand D. 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACTPrevious studies suggest that temperamental dispositions are associated with substance use. However, most research supporting this association has relied on European American samples (Stautz & Cooper, 2013). We addressed this gap by evaluating the prospective relations between 5th grade temperament and 9th grade substance use in a longitudinal sample of Mexican‐origin youth (N = 674). Effortful control and trait aggressiveness predicted 9th grade substance use, intentions, and expectations, even after controlling for 5th grade substance use. Additionally, we found an interaction between temperament and parental monitoring such that monitoring is a protective factor for early substance use primarily for youth with temperamental tendencies associated with risk for substance use (e.g., low effortful control and aggression). Results add to the growing literature demonstrating that early manifestations of self‐control are related to consequential life outcomes.
Police Misconduct and Political Legitimacy in Central America
Authors: CRUZ JOSÉ MIGUEL 
Published: April 2015

AbstractWhat is the political impact of police corruption and abuse? From the literature, we know that police misconduct destroys people's confidence in police forces and hampers public collaboration with the criminal-justice system; but, what about the political regime, especially in countries striving for democratic governance? Does police wrongdoing affect the legitimacy of the overall regime? Focusing on Central America, this article provides empirical evidence showing that corruption and abuse perpetrated by police officers erode public support for the political order. Results indicate that, under some circumstances, police transgressions can have a greater impact on the legitimacy of the political system than crime or insecurity. They also show that police misconduct not only affects democratising regimes, such as El Salvador and Guatemala, but also consolidated democracies, such as Costa Rica.
Existence and uniqueness of positive solutions of nonlinear Schrödinger systems
Authors: Liu Haidong , Liu Zhaoli , Chang Jinyong 
Published: April 2015

We prove that the Schrödinger systemwhere n = 1, 2, 3, N ≥ 2, λ1 = λ2 = … = λN = 1, βij = βji > 0 for i, j = 1, …, N, has a unique positive solution up to translation if the βij (i ≠ j) are comparatively large with respect to the βjj. The same conclusion holds if n = 1 and if the βij (i ≠ j) are comparatively small with respect to the βjj. Moreover, this solution is a ground state in the sense that it has the least energy among all non-zero solutions provided that the βij (i ≠ j) are comparatively large with respect to the βjj, and it has the least energy among all non-trivial solutions provided that n = 1 and the βij (i ≠ j) are comparatively small with respect to the βjj. In particular, these conclusions hold if βij = (i ≠ j) for some β and either β > max{β11, β22, …, βNN} or n = 1 and 0 < β < min{β11, β22, …, βNN}.
Positive solutions for a class of quasilinear problems with critical growth in ℝN
Authors: Wang Jun , An Tianqing , Zhang Fubao 
Published: April 2015

In this paper, we study the existence, multiplicity and concentration of positive solutions for a class of quasilinear problemswhere —Δp is the p-Laplacian operator for is a small parameter, f(u) is a superlinear and subcritical nonlinearity that is continuous in u. Using a variational method, we first prove that for sufficiently small ε > 0 the system has a positive ground state solution uε with some concentration phenomena as ε → 0. Then, by the minimax theorems and Ljusternik–Schnirelmann theory, we investigate the relation between the number of positive solutions and the topology of the set of the global minima of the potentials. Finally, we obtain some sufficient conditions for the non-existence of ground state solutions.
Teaching with SimCity: Using Sophisticated Gaming Simulations to Teach Concepts in Introductory American Government
Authors: Woessner Matthew 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACTOne of the key challenges of teaching a college survey course such as introductory American government is the lack of interest on the part of students, many of whom take the course to satisfy a general-education requirement. Recognizing that young people are fascinated by video games, the author devised a governance simulation built on the popular computer game SimCity. Although the video-game industry designed these sophisticated simulations to be played by a single participant rather than a large group, the author created a simple set of rules that allows students to run them collectively. This article examines five factors for which an instructor must account if games such as SimCity are to have educational value. The author argues that, if conducted properly, this type of in-class exercise provides a fun and interesting way to teach students about the inherent challenges of governing in a democracy.
Social Science Mechanics: A Graduate Training Module that “Looks under the Hood” at Innovative Research Designs
Authors: Cahill Katie A. , Brownstein Michael R. , Burke Amanda E. , Kulesza Christopher , McCann James A. 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACTScholars in the fields of instructional development and pedagogy note that learning outcomes can be improved when teachers use “narratives” to communicate how complex processes work or how problems are addressed. In this article, the authors describe a narrative-centered approach to graduate-level instruction in research methodology. This approach is intended to supplement, not replace, conventional graduate seminars in quantitative or qualitative methods. In a series of lectures, scholars reflected on how their published articles originally were framed, the trade-offs that were necessary to advance the investigation, the methodological challenges and non-findings that had to be addressed—but may not have been printed—and the evolution of a piece as it progressed through the peer-review stages. This approach to exposing graduate students to the entirety of the research process is termedSocial Science Mechanics: A Look under the Hood at Innovative Research Designs. Surveys used to evaluate the series confirmed that graduate students who attended the presentations found them to be highly engaging and beneficial. Many faculty members also attended and found the lectures to be equally instructive.
Turning Introductory Comparative Politics and Elections Courses into Social Science Research Communities Using Wikipedia: Improving Both Teaching and Research
Authors: Kennedy Ryan , Forbush Eric , Keegan Brian , Lazer David 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACTThis article advocates a lesson plan for introductory comparative politics and elections courses. The authors argue that Wikipedia (yes, Wikipedia) provides a unique platform for improving learning outcomes and a useful social good from traditional student papers on elections. The proposed lesson plan can achieve this in at least three ways: (1) by providing social incentives for learning and a method for students to contribute to social science knowledge from their earliest courses, the incorporation of Wikipedia editing can improve student learning and retention; (2) incorporating an online information component can help both future students and researchers by improving the quality and quantity of easily accessible and well-referenced information about historical and upcoming elections; and (3) the use of the Wiki format is becoming increasingly common in both business and government. Teaching the basics of editing is an increasingly useful skill for students to learn for future employment.
Negative feedback loop between p66Shc and ZEB1 regulates fibrotic EMT response in lung cancer cells
Authors: Li X , Gao D , Wang H , Li X , Yang J , Yan X , Liu Z , Ma Z 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThe epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) program is crucial for the epithelial cancer progression and fibrotic diseases. Our previous work has demonstrated that p66Shc, a focal adhesion-associated adaptor protein, is frequently downregulated in lung cancers and its depletion promotes metastasis behavior through anoikis resistance. However, mechanism underlying loss of p66Shc and EMT response is not fully understood. Here, we showed that p66Shc deficiency enhanced the expression of ZEB1, the known mesenchymal transcription factor and consequently increased Vimentin, and decreased epithelial markers of E-cadherin and β-catenin. p66Shc depletion also increased cell invasion and migration. In addition, ChIP and luciferase assays showed that these effects were directly mediated by ZEB1 repression of p66Shc promoter. Thus, our findings define a critical role of p66Shc in the suppression of fibrotic EMT response with a negative feedback loop between p66Shc and ZEB1 in lung epithelial cancer cells.
Reduced mtDNA copy number increases the sensitivity of tumor cells to chemotherapeutic drugs
Authors: Mei H , Sun S , Bai Y , Chen Y , Chai R , Li H 
Published: April 2015

AbstractMany cancer drugs are toxic to cells by activating apoptotic pathways. Previous studies have shown that mitochondria have key roles in apoptosis in mammalian cells, but the role of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number variation in the pathogenesis of tumor cell apoptosis remains largely unknown. We used the HEp-2, HNE2, and A549 tumor cell lines to explore the relationship between mtDNA copy number variation and cell apoptosis. We first induced apoptosis in three tumor cell lines and one normal adult human skin fibroblast cell line (HSF) with cisplatin (DDP) or doxorubicin (DOX) treatment and found that the mtDNA copy number significantly increased in apoptotic tumor cells, but not in HSF cells. We then downregulated the mtDNA copy number by transfection with shRNA-TFAM plasmids or treatment with ethidium bromide and found that the sensitivity of tumor cells to DDP or DOX was significantly increased. Furthermore, we observed that levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) increased significantly in tumor cells with lower mtDNA copy numbers, and this might be related to a low level of antioxidant gene expression. Finally, we rescued the increase of ROS in tumor cells with lipoic acid or N-acetyl-L-cysteine and found that the apoptosis rate decreased. Our studies suggest that the increase of mtDNA copy number is a self-protective mechanism of tumor cells to prevent apoptosis and that reduced mtDNA copy number increases ROS levels in tumor cells, increases the tumor cells’ sensitivity to chemotherapeutic drugs, and increases the rate of apoptosis. This research provides evidence that mtDNA copy number variation might be a promising new therapeutic target for the clinical treatment of tumors.
Pseudocapacitance of MXene nanosheets for high-power sodium-ion hybrid capacitors
Authors: Wang Xianfen , Kajiyama Satoshi , Iinuma Hiroki , Hosono Eiji , Oro Shinji , Moriguchi Isamu , Okubo Masashi , Yamada Atsuo 
Published: April 2015

AbstractHigh-power Na-ion batteries have tremendous potential in various large-scale applications. However, conventional charge storage through ion intercalation or double-layer formation cannot satisfy the requirements of such applications owing to the slow kinetics of ion intercalation and the small capacitance of the double layer. The present work demonstrates that the pseudocapacitance of the nanosheet compound MXene Ti2C achieves a higher specific capacity relative to double-layer capacitor electrodes and a higher rate capability relative to ion intercalation electrodes. By utilizing the pseudocapacitance as a negative electrode, the prototype Na-ion full cell consisting of an alluaudite Na2Fe2(SO4)3 positive electrode and an MXene Ti2C negative electrode operates at a relatively high voltage of 2.4 V and delivers 90 and 40 mAh g−1 at 1.0 and 5.0 A g−1 (based on the weight of the negative electrode), respectively, which are not attainable by conventional electrochemical energy storage systems.
Ptch1 and Gli regulate Shh signalling dynamics via multiple mechanisms
Authors: Cohen Michael , Kicheva Anna , Ribeiro Ana , Blassberg Robert , Page Karen M. , Barnes Chris P. , Briscoe James 
Published: April 2015

AbstractIn the vertebrate neural tube, the morphogen Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) establishes a characteristic pattern of gene expression. Here we quantify the Shh gradient in the developing mouse neural tube and show that while the amplitude of the gradient increases over time, the activity of the pathway transcriptional effectors, Gli proteins, initially increases but later decreases. Computational analysis of the pathway suggests three mechanisms that could contribute to this adaptation: transcriptional upregulation of the inhibitory receptor Ptch1, transcriptional downregulation of Gli and the differential stability of active and inactive Gli isoforms. Consistent with this, Gli2 protein expression is downregulated during neural tube patterning and adaptation continues when the pathway is stimulated downstream of Ptch1. Moreover, the Shh-induced upregulation of Gli2 transcription prevents Gli activity levels from adapting in a different cell type, NIH3T3 fibroblasts, despite the upregulation of Ptch1. Multiple mechanisms therefore contribute to the intracellular dynamics of Shh signalling, resulting in different signalling dynamics in different cell types.
Selective enhancement of topologically induced interface states in a dielectric resonator chain
Authors: Poli Charles , Bellec Matthieu , Kuhl Ulrich , Mortessagne Fabrice , Schomerus Henning 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThe recent realization of topological phases in insulators and superconductors has advanced the search for robust quantum technologies. The prospect to implement the underlying topological features controllably has given incentive to explore optical platforms for analogous realizations. Here we realize a topologically induced defect state in a chain of dielectric microwave resonators and show that the functionality of the system can be enhanced by supplementing topological protection with non-hermitian symmetries that do not have an electronic counterpart. We draw on a characteristic topological feature of the defect state, namely, that it breaks a sublattice symmetry. This isolates the state from losses that respect parity-time symmetry, which enhances its visibility relative to all other states both in the frequency and in the time domain. This mode selection mechanism naturally carries over to a wide range of topological and parity-time symmetric optical platforms, including couplers, rectifiers and lasers.
Demonstration of entanglement-enhanced phase estimation in solid
Authors: Liu Gang-Qin , Zhang Yu-Ran , Chang Yan-Chun , Yue Jie-Dong , Fan Heng , Pan Xin-Yu 
Published: April 2015

AbstractPrecise parameter estimation plays a central role in science and technology. The statistical error in estimation can be decreased by repeating measurement, leading to that the resultant uncertainty of the estimated parameter is proportional to the square root of the number of repetitions in accordance with the central limit theorem. Quantum parameter estimation, an emerging field of quantum technology, aims to use quantum resources to yield higher statistical precision than classical approaches. Here we report the first room-temperature implementation of entanglement-enhanced phase estimation in a solid-state system: the nitrogen-vacancy centre in pure diamond. We demonstrate a super-resolving phase measurement with two entangled qubits of different physical realizations: an nitrogen-vacancy centre electron spin and a proximal 13C nuclear spin. The experimental data shows clearly the uncertainty reduction when entanglement resource is used, confirming the theoretical expectation. Our results represent an elemental demonstration of enhancement of quantum metrology against classical procedure.
Preference for concentric orientations in the mouse superior colliculus
Authors: Ahmadlou Mehran , Heimel J Alexander 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThe superior colliculus is a layered structure important for body- and gaze-orienting responses. Its superficial layer is, next to the lateral geniculate nucleus, the second major target of retinal ganglion axons and is retinotopically organized. Here we show that in the mouse there is also a precise organization of orientation preference. In columns perpendicular to the tectal surface, neurons respond to the same visual location and prefer gratings of the same orientation. Calcium imaging and extracellular recording revealed that the preferred grating varies with retinotopic location, and is oriented parallel to the concentric circle around the centre of vision through the receptive field. This implies that not all orientations are equally represented across the visual field. This makes the superior colliculus different from visual cortex and unsuitable for translation-invariant object recognition and suggests that visual stimuli might have different behavioural consequences depending on their retinotopic location.
Quantitating and Dating Recent Gene Flow between European and East Asian Populations
Authors: Qin Pengfei , Zhou Ying , Lou Haiyi , Lu Dongsheng , Yang Xiong , Wang Yuchen , Jin Li , Chung Yeun-Jun , Xu Shuhua 
Published: April 2015

AbstractHistorical records indicate that extensive cultural, commercial and technological interaction occurred between European and Asian populations. What have been the biological consequences of these contacts in terms of gene flow? We systematically estimated gene flow between Eurasian groups using genome-wide polymorphisms from 34 populations representing Europeans, East Asians and Central/South Asians. We identified recent gene flow between Europeans and Asians in most populations we studied, including East Asians and Northwestern Europeans, which are normally considered to be non-admixed populations. In addition we quantitatively estimated the extent of this gene flow using two statistical approaches and dated admixture events based on admixture linkage disequilibrium. Our results indicate that most genetic admixtures occurred between 2,400 and 310 years ago and show the admixture proportions to be highly correlated with geographic locations, with the highest admixture proportions observed in Central Asia and the lowest in East Asia and Northwestern Europe. Interestingly, we observed a North-to-South decline of European gene flow in East Asians, suggesting a northern path of European gene flow diffusing into East Asian populations. Our findings contribute to an improved understanding of the history of human migration and the evolutionary mechanisms that have shaped the genetic structure of populations in Eurasia.
Estimating influenza attack rates in the United States using a participatory cohort
Authors: Chunara Rumi , Goldstein Edward , Patterson-Lomba Oscar , Brownstein John S. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractWe considered how participatory syndromic surveillance data can be used to estimate influenza attack rates during the 2012–2013 and 2013–2014 seasons in the United States. Our inference is based on assessing the difference in the rates of self-reported influenza-like illness (ILI, defined as presence of fever and cough/sore throat) among the survey participants during periods of active vs. low influenza circulation as well as estimating the probability of self-reported ILI for influenza cases. Here, we combined Flu Near You data with additional sources (Hong Kong household studies of symptoms of influenza cases and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates of vaccine coverage and effectiveness) to estimate influenza attack rates. The estimated influenza attack rate for the early vaccinated Flu Near You members (vaccination reported by week 45) aged 20–64 between calendar weeks 47–12 was 14.7%(95% CI(5.9%,24.1%)) for the 2012–2013 season and 3.6%(−3.3%,10.3%) for the 2013–2014 season. The corresponding rates for the US population aged 20–64 were 30.5% (4.4%, 49.3%) in 2012–2013 and 7.1%(−5.1%, 32.5%) in 2013–2014. The attack rates in women and men were similar each season. Our findings demonstrate that participatory syndromic surveillance data can be used to gauge influenza attack rates during future influenza seasons.
Racial embodiment and the affectivity of racism in young people’s film
Authors: Vitus Kathrine 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThis article uses a bodily and affective perspective to explore racial minority young people’s experiences of racism, as enacted (on film) through disgust and enjoyment. Applying Žižek’s ideology critical psychoanalytical perspective and Kristeva’s concept of “abjection”, the article considers race embodied, that is the racial body both partly Real (in the Lacanian sense) and a mean for the projection of ideological meanings and discursive structures, which are sustained by specific fantasies. From this perspective, the film’s affective racism is “symptomatic” of the discrepancies between, on the one hand, Danish social democratic welfare state ideology and a dominating race discourse of “equality-as-sameness”, on the other, the Real of racial embodiment, which makes the encounter with the Other traumatic and obscene. The analysis exposes the bodily and affective underside of race relations (which lead attempts to discursively undo racism to fail) and instead seeks to undermine the fantasies that sustain racial power relations.