bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on the dispersion of carbon black/silica in SBR/BR composites and its properties by adding epoxidized natural rubber as a compatilizer
Authors: Xu Tiwen , Jia Zhixin , Li Jianlin , Luo Yuanfang , Jia Demin , Peng Zheng
Published: March 2016

This paper studied the influence on the properties of SBR/BR composites filled with carbon black (CB) and silica via adding epoxidized natural rubber (ENR‐25) as a compatilizer. Payne effect, morphology, crosslink density, mechanical, and dynamic properties were studied. The results showed Payne effect receded by adding ENR‐25 to SBR/BR/CB/silica composites and the aggregation of CB and silica both weakened as well. Thus, tear strength and modulus were improved significantly, also the crosslink density and bond rubber content Dynamic Mechanical Analyzer (DMA) data indicated the tanδ value at 0°C and 60°C increased when CB was replaced by silica. Meanwhile, the value at 0°C exhibited a greater improvement than that at 60°C when adding ENR‐25, which means an excellent wet traction performance. The abrasion loss and aging resistance presented well with ENR‐25 as a compatilizer, but no improvement on the heat build‐up performance. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:377–385, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
Composite scaffolds for cartilage tissue engineering based on natural polymers of bacterial origin, thermoplastic poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate) and micro‐fibrillated bacterial cellulose
Authors: Akaraonye Everest , Filip Jan , Safarikova Mirka , Salih Vehid , Keshavarz Tajalli , Knowles Jonathan C , Roy Ipsita
Published: March 2016

Cartilage tissue engineering is an emerging therapeutic strategy that aims to regenerate damaged cartilage caused by disease, trauma, ageing or developmental disorder. Since cartilage lacks regenerative capabilities, it is essential to develop approaches that deliver the appropriate cells, biomaterials and signalling factors to the defect site. Materials and fabrication technologies are therefore critically important for cartilage tissue engineering in designing temporary, artificial extracellular matrices (scaffolds), which support 3D cartilage formation. Hence, this work aimed to investigate the use of poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate)/microfibrillated bacterial cellulose (P(3HB)/MFC) composites as 3D‐scaffolds for potential application in cartilage tissue engineering. The compression moulding/particulate leaching technique employed in the study resulted in good dispersion and a strong adhesion between the MFC and the P(3HB) matrix. Furthermore, the composite scaffold produced displayed better mechanical properties than the neat P(3HB) scaffold. On addition of 10, 20, 30 and 40 wt% MFC to the P(3HB) matrix, the compressive modulus was found to have increased by 35%, 37%, 64% and 124%, while the compression yield strength increased by 95%, 97%, 98% and 102% respectively with respect to neat P(3HB). Both cell attachment and proliferation were found to be optimal on the polymer‐based 3D composite scaffolds produced, indicating a non‐toxic and highly compatible surface for the adhesion and proliferation of mouse chondrogenic ATDC5 cells. The large pores sizes (60 ‐ 83 µm) in the 3D scaffold allowed infiltration and migration of ATDC5 cells deep into the porous network of the scaffold material. Overall this work confirmed the potential of P(3HB)/MFC composites as novel materials in cartilage tissue engineering. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Differential proteome and cellular adhesion analyses of the probiotic bacterium Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM grown on raffinose – an emerging prebiotic
Authors: Celebioglu Hasan Ufuk , Ejby Morten , Majumder Avishek , Købler Carsten , Goh Yong Jun , Thorsen Kristian , Schmidt Bjarne , O'Flaherty Sarah , Abou Hachem Maher , Lahtinen Sampo J. , Jacobsen Susanne , Klaenhammer Todd R. , Brix Susanne , Mølhave Kristian , Svensson Birte
Published: March 2016

Whole cell and surface proteomes were analyzed together with adhesive properties of the probiotic bacterium Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM (NCFM) grown on the emerging prebiotic raffinose, exemplifying a synbiotic. Adhesion of NCFM to mucin and intestinal HT‐29 cells increased three‐fold after culture with raffinose versus glucose, as also visualized by scanning electron microscopy. Comparative proteomics using 2D‐DIGE showed 43 unique proteins to change in relative abundance in whole cell lysates from NCFM grown on raffinose compared to glucose. Furthermore, 14 unique proteins in 18 spots of the surface subproteome underwent changes identified by differential 2DE, including elongation factor G, thermostable pullulanase, and phosphate starvation inducible stress‐related protein increasing in a range of +2.1 − +4.7 fold. By contrast five known moonlighting proteins decreased in relative abundance by up to −2.4 fold. Enzymes involved in raffinose catabolism were elevated in the whole cell proteome; α‐galactosidase (+13.9 fold); sucrose phosphorylase (+5.4 fold) together with metabolic enzymes from the Leloir pathway for galactose utilization and the glycolysis; β‐galactosidase (+5.7 fold); galactose (+2.9/+3.1 fold) and fructose (+2.8 fold) kinases. The insights at the molecular and cellular levels contributed to the understanding of the interplay of a synbiotic composed of NCFM and raffinose with the host.
Cryo‐sectioning of mice for whole‐body imaging of drugs and metabolites with desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry imaging ‐ a simplified approach
Authors: Okutan Seda , Hansen Harald S. , Janfelt Christian
Published: March 2016

A method is presented for whole‐body imaging of drugs and metabolites in mice with desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry imaging (DESI‐MSI). Unlike most previous approaches to whole‐body imaging which are based on cryo‐sectioning using a cryo‐macrotome, the presented approach is based on use of the cryo‐microtome which is found in any histology lab. The tissue sections are collected on tape which is analyzed directly by DESI‐MSI. The method is demonstrated on mice which have been dosed intraperitoneally with the antidepressive drug amitriptyline. By combining full‐scan detection with the more selective and sensitive MS/MS detection, a number of endogenous compounds (lipids) were imaged simultaneously with the drug and one of its metabolites. The sensitivity of this approach allowed for imaging of drug and the metabolite in a mouse dosed with 2.7 mg amitriptyline per kg bodyweight which is comparable to the normal prescribed human dose. The simultaneous imaging of endogenous and exogenous compounds facilitates registration of the drug images to certain organs in the body by colored‐overlay of the two types of images. The method represents a relatively low‐cost approach to simple, sensitive and highly selective whole‐body imaging in drug distribution and metabolism studies.
Multistimuli responsive ternary polyampholytes: Formation and crosslinking of coacervates
Authors: Abdilla Allison , Shi Shanna , Burke Nicholas A. D. , Stöver Harald D. H.
Published: March 2016

A series of multiresponsive ternary polyampholytes were prepared by free‐radical copolymerization of N‐(3‐aminopropyl) methacrylamide hydrochloride (APM), methacrylic acid (MAA), and N‐(2‐hydroxyethyl) acrylamide (HEA). APM and MAA were held at 1:1 molar ratio, while the HEA monomer feed was varied between 14 and 33 mol %. Compositional drift during polymerization was monitored by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance, and minimized by adjusting the reactivity of MAA through its degree of ionization. The resulting polyampholytes phase‐separate from aqueous solution to form coacervate droplets, depending on HEA content, pH, ionic strength, and temperature. These coacervate droplets could be covalently crosslinked and the resulting hydrogel particles were found to swell with increasing ionic strength. Such soluble and microgel polyampholytes open opportunities for new multistimuli responsive biomaterials. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2016, 54, 2109–2118
The general de Sitter supergravity component action
Authors: Schillo Marjorie , van der Woerd Ellen , Wrase Timm
Published: March 2016

In this paper we review the appearance and utility of a nilpotent chiral multiplet in the context of supergravity, string theory and cosmology. Coupling a nilpotent chiral superfield to supergravity, one obtains what is called pure dS supergravity, a supergravity theory without scalar degrees of freedom that naturally has de Sitter (dS) solutions, and in which supersymmetry is non‐linearly realized. We extend previous results that couple this dS supergravity to chiral and vector multiplets and derive the most general supergravity action for a single nilpotent chiral multiplet coupled to supergravity and an arbitrary number of chiral and vector multiplets. Based in part on the plenary talk given by T. W. at “The String Theory Universe”, 21st European String Workshop, Leuven, September 7‐11, 2015.
Generalized geometry and non‐symmetric metric gravity
Authors: Jurčo Branislav , Khoo Fech Scen , Schupp Peter , Vysoký Jan
Published: March 2016

Generalized geometry provides the framework for a systematic approach to non‐symmetric metric gravity theory and naturally leads to an Einstein‐Kalb‐Ramond gravity theory with totally anti‐symmetric contortion.
Generalised geometry and flux vacua
Authors: Larfors Magdalena
Published: March 2016

This note discusses the connection between generalised geometry and flux compactifications of string theory. Firstly, we explain in a pedestrian manner how the supersymmetry constraints of type II flux compactifications can be restated as integrability constraints on certain generalised complex structures. This reformulation uses generalised complex geometry, a mathematical framework that geometrizes the B‐field. Secondly, we discuss how exceptional generalised geometry may provide a similar geometrization of the RR fields. Thirdly, we examine the connection between generalised geometry and non‐geometry, and finally we present recent developments where generalised geometry is used to construct explicit examples of flux compactifications to flat space.
Fabrication and characteristics of high‐power multijunction LEDs using GaN‐on‐Si technologies
Authors: Tajima Jumpei , Ono Hiroshi , Ito Toshihide , Uesugi Kenjiro , Nunoue Shinya
Published: March 2016

GaN‐based multijunction light‐emitting diodes (MJ‐LEDs) capable of operating at high voltage and high power were fabricated. The device structure of the MJ‐LEDs was based on a thin‐film flip‐chip LED and consisted of several junctions connected in series. High‐voltage operation and uniform electroluminescence were achieved in the MJ‐LEDs whose chip size was from 1.5 to 2.5‐mm‐square. Under a driving power of 5.8 W, the light output power of a 12‐junction LED was over 3.1 W with encapsulation. A white lamp based on the MJ‐LED and a YAG:Ce phosphor exhibited a luminous efficacy of 111 lm W−1 in 6.1 W operations when the stage temperature was 85 °C.
The Effect of Reflexology Applied to Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease on Dyspnea and Fatigue
Authors: Polat Hatice , Ergüney Seher
Published: March 2016

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of reflexology on reducing dyspnea and fatigue in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Design/Methods:

The study was conducted as a pretest–posttest experimental design. The population of the study consisted of 60 patients (30 in experimental group and 30 in control group). Patient Description Form, Baseline Dyspnea Index (BDI) and Visual Analogue Scale–Fatigue (VAS-F) were used to collect the data.

Results:

The difference between pretest–posttest dyspnea and fatigue mean scores of patients in the experimental group was statistically significant (p < .01). The difference between pretest–posttest dyspnea and fatigue mean scores of patients in the control group was statistically insignificant (p > .05).

Conclusion:

It was determined that the reflexology reduced dyspnea and fatigue in patients with COPD.

Clinical Relevance:

Complementary methods such as reflexology should be used with pharmacological methods to reduce dyspnea and fatigue of COPD patients.
On the Origin of Room–temperature, Au+‐mediated Coupling of a Methylene Ligand with H2. Implications for the Mechanism of Methane Dehydrogenation.
Authors: Li Jilai , Zhou Shaodong , Schlangen Maria , Weiske Thomas , Schwarz Helmut
Published: March 2016

According to state‐of‐the‐art computations, in conjunction with mass‐spectrometric experiments, both the Au+‐mediated, thermal coupling of a methylene ligand with molecular hydrogen as well as the activation of methane by atomic Au+ proceed through well‐defined intermediates. The crucial transition state in the [Au(CH2)]+/H2 ⇌ [Au(CH4)]+ conversion is, in many ways, reminiscent of the isolobal, thoroughly studied [CH3]+/H2 ⇌ [CH5]+ system. The previously suggested direct mechanism, according to which the Lewis acidity of Au+ alone accounts for the unusual behavior of the Au+/CH4 couple, has been modified.
Carbon Nanotube‐Based Chemical Sensors
Authors: Meyyappan M.
Published: March 2016

The need to sense gases and vapors arises in numerous scenarios in industrial, environmental, security and medical applications. Traditionally, this activity has utilized bulky instruments to obtain both qualitative and quantitative information on the constituents of the gas mixture. It is ideal to use sensors for this purpose since they are smaller in size and less expensive; however, their performance in the field must match that of established analytical instruments in order to gain acceptance. In this regard, nanomaterials as sensing media offer advantages in sensitivity, preparation of chip‐based sensors and construction of electronic nose for selective detection of analytes of interest. This article provides a review of the use of carbon nanotubes in gas and vapor sensing.
Polysaccharide nanomaterial reinforced starch nanocomposites: A review
Authors: Dufresne Alain , Castaño Johanna
Published: March 2016

Non‐biodegradable materials have caused serious environmental problems due to their inappropriate discard. Biodegradable and renewable polymers (e.g., polysaccharides), when reinforced with nanostructures, have been used to produce novel, efficient and eco‐friendly materials with adequate thermo‐mechanical properties as alternatives to replace conventional materials. The main advantages of fillers extracted from renewable sources in comparison with inorganic fillers are their reinforcing capability, low energy consumption, high specific mechanical performance, abundance, low density, and biodegradability. Reinforcing starch with polysaccharide nanoparticles is an appealing approach since both components are polar by nature and no compatibilization is required. These characteristics make them ideal candidates for the processing of polymer nanocomposites and their use in different applications such as food packaging, medical and pharmaceutical. Acid hydrolysis is the main strategy for preparing polysaccharide nanoparticles. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the preparation, characterization and properties of starch reinforced with polysaccharide nanomaterials. Future research needs in the area of polysaccharide nanomaterials are outlined.
Acute Interstitial Nephritis Following Snake Envenomation: A Single-Center Experience
Authors: Priyamvada P.S. , Shankar Vijay , Srinivas B.H. , Rajesh N.G. , Parameswaran Sreejith
Published: March 2016

Objectives

To identify the clinical and histopathological characteristics of patients who develop acute interstitial nephritis (AIN) following snake envenomation.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of patients diagnosed with snake envenomation-induced AIN from October 2013 to November 2014.

Results

After snake envenomation, 88 patients developed acute kidney injury (AKI). Biopsies were performed on 7 patients due to nonrecovery of kidney function. Among these, 5 patients had AIN. Thus, AIN accounted for 5.7% of snakebite-related acute kidney injury. All patients had severe envenomation at presentation and had prolonged renal failure. Kidney biopsy found a mixed infiltrate composed of predominantly lymphocytes, with variable proportions of other cells including eosinophils neutrophils and plasma cells. The response rate to corticosteroids was 80%.

Conclusions

AIN after snake bite is not uncommon. AIN needs to be considered in patients with persistent renal failure after snake envenomation. Identifying this complication is of utmost importance because of the potentially reversible nature.
LEBESGUE DENSITY AND CLASSES
Authors: KHAN MUSHFEQ
Published: March 2016

Analyzing the effective content of the Lebesgue density theorem played a crucial role in some recent developments in algorithmic randomness, namely, the solutions of the ML-covering and ML-cupping problems. Two new classes of reals emerged from this inquiry: thepositive density pointswith respect toeffectively closed(or$\prod _1^0$) sets of reals, and a proper subclass, thedensity-one points. Bienvenu, Hölzl, Miller, and Nies have shown that the Martin-Löf random positive density points are exactly the ones that do not compute the halting problem. Treating this theorem as our starting point, we present several new results that shed light on how density, randomness, and computational strength interact.
Promoting Academic Freedom: Risks and Responsibilities (1995 MESA Presidential Address)
Authors: Lesch Ann Mosely
Published: March 2016

As we gather for our annual conference that is held this year on the eve of International Human Rights Day, it is appropriate for us to reflect on our need to protect academic freedom. As members of MESA, we are part of a global community of scholars. We have a special responsibility to uphold the principle of academic freedom both at home and abroad. The freedoms to conduct research, to teach and to communicate are fundamental to our professional lives. Moreover, we—as academicians—have a special “obligation to promote conditions of free inquiry and to further public understanding of academic freedom,” as the American Association of University Professors (1966) emphasizes.
Civil Society, Liberalism and the Corporatist Alternative in the Middle East
Authors: Cantori Louis J.
Published: March 2016

Democracy has returned to the center stage of American political science. Before World War I, political science assumed the universality of democracy in America. Its educational mission was to inform American citizens of this, its research mission to identify the imperfections of this democracy in order to reform it and to provide academic expertise to strengthen the American state administratively in its democratic mission.’ Post-behavioral political scientists in the 1990s also assume the universality of democracy, now on an international and cross-cultural basis. They also wish to inform the American public of this, and when they uncover it they also wish to reform it through their writings and through the support of indigenous intellectuals and scholars. The incentives, coercion and pressure of the US government assist them in their efforts. They are also engaged in the strengthening of the capabilities of the American state in spreading the democratic message abroad. This collaboration of government and scholar from the 1986 announcement of the Reagan Doctrine and the founding of the National Endowment for Democracy until today has been termed “Operation Democracy.”
Islamic Religion (Part 1)
Authors: Adams Charles J.
Published: March 2016

The task confronting the person who seeks to survey the current state of the literature dealing with Islam as a religion is both enormous and complex. Since Muslims have traditionally considered themselves to be a religious commonwealth whose very identity is fixed by a shared religious commitment, it follows that virtually every writing on any subject whatsoever having to do with Muslims might be considered to fall within the field of religion. Even if one restricts his attention, as we propose to do here, to a more narrow view of religion, the task is still formidable. Muslims have been no less prolific than other major religious communities in producing dissident opinions from within their own fold. The history of Islamic sects, each with its own peculiar thought system and religious practice, is a field of study in itself and one that might well challenge the most energetic scholar. Far from being monolithic, as many of the scholarly cliches about Islam presuppose (e.g. Islam is a religion of Law, Islam is a religion of the Book, etc.), the religious experience of Muslims is diverse and multiform, defying the most sophisticated attempts to reduce it to order and system. No informed approach to the religiousness of Muslims can deal solely with a narrowly marked out “normative Islam”. The deviations from the norm are also part of the reality of historic Islamic experience and cannot be set aside in favor of what one may prefer as religiously or conceptually pure. It quickly becomes clear to the perceptive inquirer that the meaning of Islam is an historical phenomenon cannot be stated in terms of a unified doctrinal system, a universally accepted set of rites, or common institutions.
Being lonely later in life: a qualitative study among Albanians and Moroccans in Italy
Authors: CELA ERALBA , FOKKEMA TINEKE
Published: March 2016

This study focuses on the social wellbeing of older migrants in Italy, an important yet neglected topic in the Italian political and scholarly debate. Knowledge about the lived experience of loneliness and its perceived causes was gathered by means of 34 in-depth interviews with Albanian and Moroccan migrants aged 50 and above living in the Marche region. Our findings show that the participants are surrounded by family and are largely satisfied with the contact they have with relatives; this protects them from social isolation but not from loneliness. Although they rarely express this to their spouse and friends (men) or their children (men and women), feelings of loneliness are widely experienced among the participants. The root of their loneliness largely relates to a lack of meaningful relationships with non-related age peers – having a chat, remembering old times, socialising with others when family members are busy, talking about intimate matters they cannot or will not share with relatives – which supports the argument of loneliness scholars that different types of relationships serve different functions and fulfil different needs. Having more contact with people outside the family circle, especially with co-ethnic peers, could reduce these feelings of loneliness substantially, but factors such as discrimination and lack of Italian language proficiency, free time, financial resources and nearby contact facilities are hindrances. These factors offer clues for public loneliness interventions.
LOOKING BACK ON 5 YEARS OF HORIZON SCANNING IN ONCOLOGY
Authors: Nachtnebel Anna , Breuer Johanna , Willenbacher Wolfgang , Bucsics Anna , Krippl Peter , Wild Claudia
Published: March 2016

Objectives: The regularly structured adaptation of health technology assessment (HTA) programs is of utmost importance to sustain the relevance of the products for stakeholders and to justify investment of scarce financial resources. This study describes internal adjustments and external measures taken to ensure the Horizon Scanning Programme in Oncology (HSO) is current.

Methods: Formal evaluation methods comprising a survey, a download, an environmental analysis, and a Web site questionnaire were used to evaluate user satisfaction.

Results: The evaluation showed that users were satisfied with HSO outputs in terms of timeliness, topics selected, and depth of information provided. Discussion of these findings with an expert panel led to changes such as an improved dissemination strategy and the introduction of an additional output, that is, the publication of a league table of emerging oncology drugs. The rather high level of international usage and the environmental analysis highlighted a considerable overlap in topics assessed and, thus, the potential for international collaboration. As a consequence, thirteen reports were jointly published based on eleven “calls for collaboration.” To further facilitate collaboration and the usability of reports for other agencies, HSO reports will be adjusted according to tools developed at a European level.

Conclusions: Evaluation of the impact of HTA programs allows the tailoring of outputs to fit the needs of the target population. However, within a fast developing HTA community, estimates of impact will increasingly be determined by international collaborative efforts. Refined methods and a broader definition of impact are needed to ultimately capture the efficiency of national HTA programs.
Humanity and Social Responsibility, Solidarity, and Social Rights
Authors: AHOLA-LAUNONEN JOHANNA
Published: March 2016

This article discusses the suggestion of having the notion of solidarity as the foundational value for welfare scheme reforms. Solidarity is an emerging concept in bioethical deliberations emphasizing the need for value-oriented discussion in revising healthcare structures, and the notion has been contrasted with liberal justice and rights. I suggest that this contrast is unnecessary, flawed, and potentially counterproductive. As necessary as the sense of solidarity is in a society, it is an insufficient concept to secure the goals related to social responsibility. The discussion on solidarity is also based on a questionable sense of nostalgia. Furthermore, solidarity and liberal justice share essential objectives concerning welfare schemes; therefore, the question arises whether the proper comparison should in the first place be within justice and solidarity.
The Person in a State of Sickness
Authors: ÁRNASON VILHJÁLMUR , HJÖRLEIFSSON STEFÁN
Published: March 2016

In this article, we discuss the ideas of Eric J. Cassell about the patient-professional relationship. We argue that his approach combines in an interesting way features from the literature on patient autonomy and paternalistic practices. We suggest that these seemingly paternalistic features of practicing medicine, which are widely either ignored or condemned in bioethical discussion, are of vital significance in medical practice. In the first sections of the article, we describe the main features of Cassell’s understanding of the sick person and his version of personalized medicine. We pay particular attention to his notion of information control and compare his ideas about conversation with patients to Hans-Georg Gadamer’s analysis of patient-professional dialogue. In the latter part of the article, we explore through a couple of examples the implications these ideas have for medical practice.
Turning the Tables
Authors: WRIGHT KAREN , SCHROEDER DORIS
Published: March 2016

In bioethics, the concept of vulnerability is applied almost exclusively to research participants and patients. We turn the tables and apply the concept to nurses caring for anorexia nervosa (AN) sufferers. In doing so, and using results from a qualitative research study undertaken in the UK, we show that AN nurses face a significant probability of incurring identifiable harms (inauthentic relationships and nonreciprocal relationships). Some recommendations on how these harms can be avoided or mitigated are given, but further research is needed.
Discoursive Humanity as a Transcendental Basis for Cognitive (Dis)Ability Ethics and Policies
Authors: HÄYRY MATTI
Published: March 2016

This article explicates two approaches to the basis of moral worth and status: Eva Kittay’s relational view and Jeff McMahan’s psychological personhood view. It is argued that these theories alone do not provide adequate support for the conclusions Kittay and McMahan want to draw concerning individuals whose entitlement to fundamental protections can be challenged—infants with severe cognitive disabilities and infants without the support of their families and social environments. The real justification can in each case be found in deeply held convictions regarding entities that must and entities that must not be included in the core community of moral equals. Philosophical discussions about these convictions would be more useful for the advancement of our moral thinking than vain attempts to show that the absolute truth lies on either side of the ongoing debate.
Organ Transplantation for Individuals with Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Authors: OVERBY KIM J. , FINS JOSEPH J.
Published: March 2016

In 1996, Sandra Jensen became the first person with Down syndrome to receive a heart-lung transplant. Although it took place almost 20 years ago, her experience continues to shed light on contemporary challenges that individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders face in securing access to transplantation. While overt discrimination has decreased, barriers persist in physician referrals, center-specific decisionmaking regarding wait-listing, and the provision of accommodations for optimizing the assessment and medical management of these individuals. These issues arise from the persistent biases and assumptions of individuals as well as those of a healthcare system that is inadequately positioned to optimally serve the medical needs of the growing number of individuals with functional impairments. More data and greater transparency are needed to understand the nature and extent of ongoing access problems; however, long-term solutions will require changes at the healthcare professional, regional transplant center, and national levels.
The Case
Authors: MISHRA RUCHIKA
Published: March 2016

KS is a 76-year-old Burmese woman who presented to the hospital with right-sided weakness that had begun two days prior. Although KS had been diagnosed earlier with dementia and had a medical history of stroke, she was living at a nursing home and was able to walk on her own and use her right arm to feed herself. Since her last stroke three years ago, she had also developed aphasia, and her speech has been minimal. During her current hospitalization, KS was found to have a cerebral hemorrhage, but after consultation with neurosurgery, the team determined that no medical interventions were available, and a higher level of care was not required. She also presented with other medical conditions, including severe hypertension, chronic kidney disease, and depression. The patient’s blood pressure has remained high. She has now failed a swallow evaluation and is refusing the insertion of a nasogastric feeding tube. The patient has a younger sister who believes, from a cultural perspective, that only the patient should make her medical decisions. As a result, she feels helpless in assisting the team. The medical team has asked for an ethics consultation to direct the patient’s care and to guide decisionmaking.
Response to Enhanced Cognitive Behavioural Therapy in an Adolescent with Anorexia Nervosa
Authors: Cowdrey Felicity A. , Davis Jennifer
Published: March 2016

Background: Few studies have examined the acceptability and usefulness of enhanced cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT-E) for adolescents with eating disorders (EDs). Aim: To investigate whether CBT-E was an acceptable and efficacious treatment for an adolescent presenting to a routine clinical service with an ED. Method: Daily self-monitoring records were completed during a baseline (A) and intervention (B) phase in addition to routine outcome measures. Results: There were reductions in both ED behaviours and “feeling fat”, and increases in weight after 11 CBT-E sessions. Progress was only partially maintained at 8-month follow-up. Conclusion: CBT-E may be an acceptable and useful intervention for adolescents with EDs.
Associations between frequency of food shopping at different store types and diet and weight outcomes: findings from the NEWPATH study
Authors: Minaker Leia M , Olstad Dana L , Thompson Mary E , Raine Kim D , Fisher Pat , Frank Lawrence D
Published: March 2016

Objective

The present study aimed to: (i) examine associations between food store patronage and diet and weight-related outcomes; and (ii) explore consumer motivations for visiting different types of food store.

Design

A stratified probability sample of residents completed household and individual-level surveys in 2009/2010 on food purchasing patterns and motivations, dietary intake, waist circumference (WC), weight and height. Diet quality was calculated using the Healthy Eating Index for Canada from a subset of participants (n 1362). Generalized estimating equations were created in 2015 to examine how frequency of patronizing different types of food store was associated with diet quality, intake of fruits and vegetable, mean intake of energy (kcal) sodium and saturated fat, WC and BMI.

Setting

Three mid-sized urban municipalities in Ontario, Canada.

Subjects

A representative sample of residents (n 4574).

Results

Participants who shopped frequently at food co-ops had significantly better diet quality (β=5·3; 99 % CI 0·3, 10·2) than those who did not. BMI and WC were significantly lower among those who frequently shopped at specialty shops (BMI, β=−2·1; 99 % CI −3·0, −1·1; WC, β=−4·8; 99 % CI −7·0, −2·5) and farmers’ markets (BMI, β=−1·4; 99 % CI −2·3, −0·5; WC, β=−3·8; 99 % CI −6·0, −1·6) compared with those who did not. Relative importance of reasons for food outlet selection differed by large (price, food quality) v. small (proximity, convenient hours) shopping trip and by outlet type.

Conclusions

Findings contribute to our understanding of food store selection and have implications for potentially relevant retail food intervention settings.
Gymnasts and Orienteers Display Better Mental Rotation Performance	Than Nonathletes
Authors: Schmidt Mirko , Egger Fabienne , Kieliger Mario , Rubeli Benjamin , Schüler Julia
Published: March 2016

Abstract. The aim of this study was to examine whether athletes differ from nonathletes regarding their mental rotation performance. Furthermore, it investigated whether athletes doing sports requiring distinguishable levels of mental rotation (orienteering, gymnastics, running), as well as varying with respect to having an egocentric (gymnastics) or an allocentric perspective (orienteering), differ from each other. Therefore, the Mental Rotations Test (MRT) was carried out with 20 orienteers, 20 gymnasts, 20 runners, and 20 nonathletes. The results indicate large differences in mental rotation performance, with those actively doing sports outperforming the nonathletes. Analyses for the specific groups showed that orienteers and gymnasts differed from the nonathletes, whereas endurance runners did not. Contrary to expectations, the mental rotation performance of gymnasts did not differ from that of orienteers. This study also revealed gender differences in favor of men. Implications regarding a differentiated view of the connection between specific sports and mental rotation performance are discussed.
Validation and Revision of a German Version of the Balanced Measure of Psychological Needs Scale
Authors: Neubauer Andreas B. , Voss Andreas
Published: March 2016

Abstract. In this study we tested the psychometric properties of a German version of the Balanced Measure of Psychological Needs scale (BMNP; Sheldon & Hilpert, 2012 ), a questionnaire to assess the degree of fulfillment of the three basic psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness. In Study 1, 251 participants completed this questionnaire, as well as measures of life satisfaction, self-esteem, depression, loneliness, and personality traits via online assessment. Results indicate that a six-dimensional structure fit the data adequately well. Furthermore, all three needs independently predicted life satisfaction and depression over and above personality traits. Self-esteem was only predicted by relatedness satisfaction and competence dissatisfaction, and loneliness was only predicted by relatedness. In Study 2, we revised the BMPN by replacing one item and largely replicated the results obtained in Study 1. Study 3 showed that the subscales of the BMPN are only moderately stable over 1 week supporting the assumption of the BMPN being a state measure. Together, these results suggest that the revised German version of the BMPN is a reliable and valid measure to assess satisfaction and dissatisfaction of the psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness.
Planetary Caves' Role in Astronaut Bases and the Search for Life
Authors: Wynne J. , Titus Timothy , Boston Penelope
Published: March 2016

2nd International Planetary Caves Conference; Flagstaff, Arizona, 20–23 October 2015
Bcl-2 is a critical mediator of intestinal transformation
Authors: van der Heijden Maartje , Zimberlin Cheryl D. , Nicholson Anna M. , Colak Selcuk , Kemp Richard , Meijer Sybren L. , Medema Jan Paul , Greten Florian R. , Jansen Marnix , Winton Douglas J. , Vermeulen Louis
Published: March 2016

Intestinal tumour formation is generally thought to occur following mutational events in the stem cell pool. However, active NF-κB signalling additionally facilitates malignant transformation of differentiated cells. We hypothesized that genes shared between NF-κB and intestinal stem cell (ISCs) signatures might identify common pathways that are required for malignant growth. Here, we find that the NF-κB target Bcl-2, an anti-apoptotic gene, is specifically expressed in ISCs in both mice and humans. Bcl-2 is dispensable in homeostasis and, although involved in protecting ISCs from radiation-induced damage, it is non-essential in tissue regeneration. Bcl-2 is upregulated in adenomas, and its loss or inhibition impairs outgrowth of oncogenic clones, because Bcl-2 alleviates apoptotic priming in epithelial cells following Apc loss. Furthermore, Bcl-2 expression in differentiated epithelial cells renders these cells amenable to clonogenic outgrowth. Collectively, our results indicate that Bcl-2 is required for efficient intestinal transformation following Apc-loss and constitutes a potential chemoprevention target.
MICU1 regulation of mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake dictates survival and tissue regeneration
Authors: Antony Anil Noronha , Paillard Melanie , Moffat Cynthia , Juskeviciute Egle , Correnti Jason , Bolon Brad , Rubin Emanuel , Csordás György , Seifert Erin L. , Hoek Jan B. , Hajnóczky György
Published: March 2016

Mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake through the recently discovered Mitochondrial Calcium Uniporter (MCU) is controlled by its gatekeeper Mitochondrial Calcium Uptake 1 (MICU1). However, the physiological and pathological role of MICU1 remains unclear. Here we show that MICU1 is vital for adaptation to postnatal life and for tissue repair after injury. MICU1 knockout is perinatally lethal in mice without causing gross anatomical defects. We used liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy as a physiological stress response model. Upon MICU1 loss, early priming is unaffected, but the pro-inflammatory phase does not resolve and liver regeneration fails, with impaired cell cycle entry and extensive necrosis. Ca2+ overload-induced mitochondrial permeability transition pore (PTP) opening is accelerated in MICU1-deficient hepatocytes. PTP inhibition prevents necrosis and rescues regeneration. Thus, our study identifies an unanticipated dependence of liver regeneration on MICU1 and highlights the importance of regulating MCU under stress conditions when the risk of Ca2+ overload is elevated.
Erratum: Pure-quartic solitons
Authors: Blanco-Redondo Andrea , de Sterke C. Martijn , Sipe J. E. , Krauss Thomas F. , Eggleton Benjamin J. , Husko Chad
Published: March 2016

Nature Communications 7: Article number: 10427 (2016); Published: 29 January 2016; Updated: 9 March 2016 The original version of this article contained an error in the spelling of the author C. Martijn de Sterke, which was incorrectly given as de Sterke C. Martijn. This has now been corrected in both the PDF and HTML versions of the article.
Increased cortical expression of the zinc transporter SLC39A12 suggests a breakdown in zinc cellular homeostasis as part of the pathophysiology of schizophrenia
Authors: Scarr Elizabeth , Udawela Madhara , Greenough Mark A , Neo Jaclyn , Suk Seo Myoung , Money Tammie T , Upadhyay Aradhana , Bush Ashley I , Everall Ian P , Thomas Elizabeth A , Dean Brian
Published: March 2016

Our expression microarray studies showed messenger RNA (mRNA) for solute carrier family 39 (zinc transporter), member 12 (SLC39A12) was higher in dorsolateral prefrontal cortex from subjects with schizophrenia (Sz) in comparison with controls. To better understand the significance of these data we ascertained whether SLC39A12 mRNA was altered in a number of cortical regions (Brodmann’s area (BA) 8, 9, 44) from subjects with Sz, in BA 9 from subjects with mood disorders and in rats treated with antipsychotic drugs. In addition, we determined whether inducing the expression of SLC39A12 resulted in an increased cellular zinc uptake. SLC39A12 variant 1 and 2 mRNA was measured using quantitative PCR. Zinc uptake was measured in CHO cells transfected with human SLC39A12 variant 1 and 2. In Sz, compared with controls, SLC39A12 variant 1 and 2 mRNA was higher in all cortical regions studied. The were no differences in levels of mRNA for either variant of SLC39A12 in BA 9 from subjects with mood disorders and levels of mRNA for Slc39a12 was not different in the cortex of rats treated with antipsychotic drugs. Finally, expressing both variants in CHO-K1 cells was associated with an increase in radioactive zinc uptake. As increased levels of murine Slc39a12 mRNA has been shown to correlate with increasing cellular zinc uptake, our data would be consistent with the possibility of a dysregulated zinc homeostasis in the cortex of subjects with schizophrenia due to altered expression of SLC39A12.
Hydrophobic and Metallophobic Surfaces: Highly Stable Non-wetting Inorganic Surfaces Based on Lanthanum Phosphate Nanorods
Authors: Sankar Sasidharan , Nair Balagopal N. , Suzuki Takehiro , Anilkumar Gopinathan M. , Padmanabhan Moothetty , Hareesh Unnikrishnan Nair S. , Warrier Krishna G.
Published: March 2016

Metal oxides, in general, are known to exhibit significant wettability towards water molecules because of the high feasibility of synergetic hydrogen-bonding interactions possible at the solid-water interface. Here we show that the nano sized phosphates of rare earth materials (Rare Earth Phosphates, REPs), LaPO4 in particular, exhibit without any chemical modification, unique combination of intrinsic properties including remarkable hydrophobicity that could be retained even after exposure to extreme temperatures and harsh hydrothermal conditions. Transparent nanocoatings of LaPO4 as well as mixture of other REPs on glass surfaces are shown to display notable hydrophobicity with water contact angle (WCA) value of 120° while sintered and polished monoliths manifested WCA greater than 105°. Significantly, these materials in the form of coatings and monoliths also exhibit complete non-wettability and inertness towards molten metals like Ag, Zn, and Al well above their melting points. These properties, coupled with their excellent chemical and thermal stability, ease of processing, machinability and their versatile photo-physical and emission properties, render LaPO4 and other REP ceramics utility in diverse applications.
Variations in SXT elements in epidemic Vibrio cholerae O1 El Tor strains in China
Authors: Wang Ruibai , Yu Dong , Yue Junjie , Kan Biao
Published: March 2016

Vibrio cholerae O1 El Tor biotype strains are responsible for three multiyear epidemics of cholera in China during the seventh ongoing pandemic. The presence of the integrative conjugative element SXT is strongly correlated with resistance to nalidixic acid, tetracycline, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole in these strains. Here, we sequenced the conserved genes of the SXT element, including eex, setR, and int, from 59 V. cholerae O1 El Tor strains and extracted and assembled the intact SXT sequences from the 11 genome sequenced strains. These elements had characteristics distinct from those of previously reported integrative conjugative elements (ICEs). They could be clearly divided into two types based on the clustering of conserved genes and gene structures of the elements, showing their possibly independent derivation and evolution. These two types were present before and after 2005, respectively, demonstrating the type substitution that occurred in 2005. Four to six antibiotic-resistant genes were found on the SXT elements, including genes resistant to tetracycline, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, and multiple drugs. In summary, our findings demonstrated the roles of the SXT element in the emergence of multidrug resistance in epidemic O1 El Tor V. cholerae strains in China.
A Targeted DNAzyme-Nanocomposite Probe Equipped with Built-in Zn2+ Arsenal for Combined Treatment of Gene Regulation and Drug Delivery
Authors: He Zhi-Mei , Zhang Peng-Hui , Li Xin , Zhang Jian-Rong , Zhu Jun-Jie
Published: March 2016

As catalytic nucleic acids, DNAzymes have been extensively used in the design of sensing platforms. However, their potentials as intelligent drug carriers for responsive drug release in gene therapy and chemotherapy were rarely explored. Herein, we report a dual-functional probe composed of gold nanoparticles (GNPs), catalytic Zn2+-dependent DNAzyme, anticancer drug doxorubicin (Dox), targeted AS1411 aptamer and acid-decomposable ZnO quantum dots (ZnO QDs) to achieve intracellular gene regulation and drug delivery in a controlled manner. By means of aptamer-guided targeting and receptor-mediated endocytosis, the probes were specifically internalized into the HeLa cells and trapped in the acidic endo-/lysosomes, where the ZnO QDs as the built-in Zn2+ arsenal were promptly dissolved to offer Zn2+, leading to the activation of DNAzyme to cleave the substrate strands, and subsequent drug release. Meanwhile, as designed, one part of the cleaved substrate, hybridized with the overexpressed miR-21 in the target cells, thereby declining its intracellular level. Taken together, the down-regulation of miR-21 has a synergistic effect with Dox to efficiently eradicate the cancer cells. Thus, the favorable biocompatibility, cancer cell specificity and combined treatment make the probe promising for therapy of multidrug-resistant cancer and in vivo application.
Full Polarization Conical Dispersion and Zero-Refractive-Index in Two-Dimensional Photonic Hypercrystals
Authors: Wang Jia-Rong , Chen Xiao-Dong , Zhao Fu-Li , Dong Jian-Wen
Published: March 2016

Photonic conical dispersion has been found in either transverse magnetic or transverse electric polarization and the predominant zero-refractive-index behavior in a two-dimensional photonic crystal is polarization-dependent. Here, we show that two-dimensional photonic hypercrystals can be designed that exhibit polarization independent conical dispersion at the Brillouin zone center, as two sets of triply-degenerate point for each polarization are accidentally at the same Dirac frequency. Such photonic hypercrystals consist of periodic dielectric cylinders embedded in elliptic metamaterials and can be viewed as full-polarized near zero-refractive-index materials around Dirac frequency by using average eigen-field evaluation. Numerical simulations including directional emissions and invisibility cloak are employed to further demonstrate the double-zero-index characteristics for both polarizations in the photonic hypercrystals.