bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Al doping in the Ag layer of MgZnO/Ag/MgZnO dielectric/metal/dielectric UV–visible transparent conductive films
Authors: Sugimoto Yukiko , Igarashi Kanae , Shirasaki Shinya , Kikuchi Akihiko
Published: March 2016

Transparent conductive films (TCFs) with dielectric/metal/dielectric (DMD) structure covering the UVA (λ = 315–380 nm) and visible wavelength region (380–780 nm) were fabricated using Al‐doped Mg0.4Zn0.6O (AMZO) dielectric and 1.7 at% Al‐doped Ag (Ag(Al)) metal layers. The AMZO/Ag(Al)/AMZO‐DMD film with a 7 nm thick Ag(Al) layer after annealing in vacuum at 400 °C showed superior performance as a TCF, i.e., average transmittance from UVA to visible region (315–780 nm) of 88.2% and sheet resistance of 7.6 Ω/sq. The effect of Al doping on optical transmission, sheet resistance, surface morphology, and thermal durability of the AMZO/Ag(Al)/AMZO‐DMD films were also investigated. The 1.7 at% Al doping suppressed the initial island growth of the thin Ag layer and the plasmon resonance absorption dipped in the optical transmission spectra. Al doping in the Ag layer also improved the thermal durability of AMZO/Ag/AMZO‐DMD films. The threshold temperature for Ag void formation caused by metal segregation increased from 300 °C (DMD with a pure Ag layer) to 400 °C (DMD with an Al‐doped Ag layer). (© 2016 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Large‐area, polarisation‐sensitive plasmonic materials from colloidal lithography
Authors: Morfa Anthony John , Oddone Valerio , Giersig Michael
Published: March 2016

The development of simple to prepare, polarization‐sensitive plasmonic apertures with two plasmonic modes, is described. To achieve these results, monocrystalline nanosphere lithography masks of 438 nm polystyrene spheres are modified with reactive ion etching before silver is subsequently evaporated through the mask at varied angles. As the angle of evaporation increases, round apertures, elliptical apertures or lines with bow‐tie like features between two lines are produced. A primary plasmon mode is shown at 570 nm, while a tunable plasmon mode is demonstrated between 700 nm and 900 nm. Finite‐difference time‐domain calculations agree with the observed results and predict that this method of fabrication can produce tunable plasmonic features throughout the NIR optical telecommunication wavelength range. Lastly, the excitation polarization angle is compared with that of plasmonic nanorods and asymmetric nano‐apertures systems to describe why the excitation polarization of the low energy mode is orthogonal to the long axis of the apertures. (© 2016 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH &Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A Review and Evaluation of Prediction Models of Gas Permeation for a Blended Flexible Packaging Film
Authors: Ge Changfeng , Popham Jake
Published: March 2016

Barrier properties of blended film, such as oxygen permeability, are a collective behaviour contributed by different resins. This study reviews 10 most widely used prediction models of gas permeation for two‐phase blended film along with their assumptions and the interconnection and similarities between these models. Two blended blown films, LDPE/EVOH and PET/PEN, were produced representing two different permeability ratios of matrix‐to‐disperse phase. Effective oxygen permeability of the blended films was predicted by the models and compared with measured values. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs of both films were obtained to understand the morphology in relation to gas permeation. The Fricke model and the effective medium theory model are recommended in this study to predict effective permeability of a blended flexible packaging film. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Recruitment Sources of Channel and Blue Catfishes Inhabiting the Middle Mississippi River
Authors: Laughlin T. W. , Whitledge G. W. , Oliver D. C. , Rude N. P.
Published: March 2016

Insight into environments that contribute recruits to adult fish stocks in riverine systems is vital for effective population management and conservation. Catfishes are an important recreational species in the Mississippi River and are commercially harvested. However, contributions of main channel and tributary habitats to catfish recruitment in large rivers are unknown. Stable isotope and trace elemental signatures in otoliths are useful for determining environmental history of fishes in a variety of aquatic systems, including the Mississippi River. The objectives of this study were to identify the principal natal environments of channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus and blue catfish Ictalurus furcatus in the Middle Mississippi River (MMR) using otolith stable oxygen isotopic composition (δ18O) and strontium : calcium ratios (Sr : Ca). Catfishes were sampled during July–October 2013–2014, and lapilli otoliths were analysed for δ18O and Sr : Ca. Water samples from the MMR and tributaries were collected seasonally from 2006 to 2014 to characterize site‐specific signatures. Persistent differences in water δ18O and Sr : Ca among the MMR and tributaries (including the upper Mississippi, Illinois, and Missouri rivers as well as smaller tributaries) were evident, enabling identification of natal environment for individual fish. Blue and channel catfish stocks in the MMR were primarily recruited from the large rivers (Missouri and Mississippi) in our study area, with minimal contributions from smaller tributaries. Recruitment and year class strength investigations and efforts to enhance spawning and nursery habitats should be focused on in large rivers with less emphasis on smaller tributaries. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Production of RS4 from rice by acetylation: Physico‐chemical, thermal, and structural characterization
Authors: Ashwar Bilal Ahmad , Gani Adil , Shah Asima , Masoodi Farooq Ahmad
Published: March 2016

The SR‐1, SR‐2, Jhelum, and Pusa rice starches were extracted by the alkaline method and acetylated by using acetic anhydride to make modified food starches with high contents of type 4 resistant starch (RS4). The results revealed 6–10‐fold increase in the RS4 content of rice starches via acetylation. The acetyl % and degree of substitution values (DS) of rice starches ranged from 1.83 to 2.31, and 0.05 to 0.10, respectively. The introduction of acetyl groups in starch chains was confirmed via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Acetylation was found to increase water absorption capacity, oil absorption capacity, bile‐acid binding, swelling power, solubility index, light transmittance (%), and freeze–thaw stability, whereas amylose content, syneresis, pasting parameters, and thermal properties decreased with acetylation. The SEM micrographs of the acetylated rice starch revealed the presence of polyhedral granules with rough surfaces. Also fissures and deformed depressed zones were observed in some granules.
Nicotine regulates cocaine‐amphetamine‐Regulated Transcript (Cart) in the mesocorticolimbic system
Authors: Kaya Egemen , Gozen Oguz , Ugur Muzeyyen , Koylu Ersin O. , Kanit Lutfiye , Balkan Burcu
Published: March 2016

Cocaine‐and‐Amphetamine Regulated Transcript (CART) mRNA and peptides are intensely expressed in the brain regions comprising mesocorticolimbic system. Studies suggest that CART peptides may have a role in the regulation of reward circuitry. The present study aimed to examine the effect of nicotine on CART expression in the mesocorticolimbic system. Three different doses of nicotine (0.2, 0.4, 0.6 mg/kg free base) were injected subcutaneously for 5 days, and on day 6, rats were decapitated following a challenge dose. CART mRNA and peptide levels in medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), nucleus accumbens (NAc), dorsal striatum (DST), amygdala (AMG), lateral hypothalamic area (LHA), and ventral tegmental area (VTA) were measured by quantitative real‐time PCR (qPCR) and Western Blot analysis, respectively. In the mPFC, 0.4 and 0.6 mg/kg nicotine, decreased CART peptide levels whereas there was no effect on CART mRNA levels. In the VTA, a down‐regulation of CART peptide expression was observed with 0.2 and 0.6 mg/kg nicotine. Conversely, 0.4 and 0.6 mg/kg nicotine increased CART mRNA levels in the AMG without affecting the CART peptide expression. Nicotine did not regulate CART mRNA or CART peptide expression in the NAc, DST, and LHA. We conclude that nicotine regulates CART expression in the mesocorticolimbic system and this regulation may play an important role in nicotine reward.Synapse 70:283–292, 2016.© 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hydrogen sulfide alleviates uranium‐induced acute hepatotoxicity in rats: Role of antioxidant and antiapoptotic signaling
Authors: Yuan Yan , Zheng Jifang , Zhao Tingting , Tang Xiaoqing , Hu Nan
Published: March 2016

As an endogenous gaseous mediator, H2S exerts antioxidative, antiapoptotic, and cytoprotective effects in livers. This study was designed to investigate the protective role of H2S against uranium‐induced hepatotoxicity in adult SD male rats after in vivo effect of uranium on endogenous H2S production was determined in livers. The levels of endogenous H2S and H2S‐producing enzymes (CBS and CSE) were measured in liver homogenates from uranium ‐intoxicated rats. In rats injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) with uranyl acetate or NaHS (an H2S donor) alone or in combination, we examined biochemical parameters to assess liver function, revealed hepatic histopathological alteration, investigated oxidative stress markers, and explored apoptotic signaling in liver homogenates. The results suggest that uranium‐intoxication in rats decreased CBS and CSE protein expression, H2S synthesis capacity, and endogenous H2S generation. NaHS administration in uranium‐intoxicated rats produced amelioration in liver biochemical indices and histopathological effects, decreased MDA content, and increased GSH level and antioxidative enzymes activities like SOD, CAT, GPx, and GST. NaHS administration in uranium‐intoxicated rats attenuated uranium‐activated phosphorylation state of JNK. NaHS treatment in uranium‐intoxicated rats increased antiapoptotic Bcl‐2 but decreased pro‐apoptotic Bax, resulting in the rise of Bcl‐2/Bax ratio. NaHS treatment in uranium‐intoxicated rats reduced the apoptosis mediator caspase‐3 and cytochrome c release and elevated ATP contents. Taken together, these data implicate that H2S can afford protection to rat livers against uranium‐induced adverse effects mediated by up‐regulation of antioxidant and antiapoptotic signaling. The anti‐apoptotic property of H2S may be involved, at least in part, in inhibiting JNK signaling. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 32: 581–593, 2017.
Differential performance of first‐trimester screening in predicting small‐for‐gestational‐age neonate or fetal growth restriction
Authors: Crovetto F. , Triunfo S. , Crispi F. , Rodriguez‐Sureda V. , Dominguez C. , Figueras F. , Gratacos E.
Published: March 2016

Objective

To assess the ability of integrated first‐trimester screening, combining maternal characteristics and biophysical and biochemical markers, to predict delivery of a small‐for‐gestational‐age (SGA) neonate, and compare this with its ability to predict fetal growth restriction (FGR).

Methods

This was a prospective cohort study of singleton pregnancies undergoing routine first‐trimester screening. SGA was defined as birth weight (BW) < 10th percentile and FGR was defined as an ultrasound estimated fetal weight < 10th percentile plus Doppler abnormalities, or BW < 3rd percentile. Logistic regression‐based predictive models were developed for predicting SGA and FGR. Models incorporated the a‐priori risk from maternal characteristics, and mean arterial pressure, uterine artery Doppler, placental growth factor and soluble fms‐like tyrosine kinase‐1.

Results

In total, 9150 births were included. Of these, 979 (10.7%) qualified for a postnatal diagnosis of SGA and 462 (5.0%) for a prenatal diagnosis of FGR. For predicting SGA, the model achieved a detection rate of 35% for a false‐positive rate (FPR) of 5% and 42% for a 10% FPR. The model's performance was significantly higher for predicting FGR (P < 0.001), with detection rates of 59% and 67%, for a FPR of 5% and 10%, respectively.

Conclusion

The predictive performance of first‐trimester screening for cases with growth impairment by a combination of maternal characteristics and biophysical and biochemical markers is improved significantly when a prenatal and strict definition of FGR is used rather than a postnatal definition based on BW. Copyright © 2016 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
The effects of glutamine palmitic acid content on properties of high density polyethylene/silica composites
Authors: Samsudin Dalina , Ismail Hanafi , Othman Nadras , Hamid Zuratul Ain Abdul
Published: March 2016

In this study, Glut Palmitate (GP) as the compatibilizer in silica filled high density polyethylene (HDPE) composites was synthesized from Glutamine and Palmitic acid. GP with varied content (0.5, 1, 2, and 3 phr) were then added in the composites to evaluate its effect on the mechanical properties, water absorption, chemical bonding, and surface morphology. The findings of this study showed that GP achieved its function as a compatibilizer by enhancing the adhesion between HDPE and silica through the formation of hydrogen bonding as investigated by Fourier transform infra‐red as well as good interaction on interface morphology observed in scanning electron microscopy micrograph. The mechanical properties showed that the tensile strength, elongation at break, flexural strength, and impact properties of composites had optimum value at 1 phr and the modulus of the composite increased with the addition of GP. Meanwhile, the addition of 2 phr of GP in composites reduced water absorption by 33% in the composite compared to the control composites. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 24:217–223, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
Emerging functions of the Quaking RNA‐binding proteins and link to human diseases
Authors: Darbelli Lama , Richard Stéphane
Published: March 2016

RNA‐binding proteins (RBPs) are essential players in RNA metabolism including key cellular processes from pre‐mRNA splicing to mRNA translation. The K homology‐type QUAKING RBP is emerging as a vital factor for oligodendrocytes, monocytes/macrophages, endothelial cell, and myocyte function. Interestingly, the qkI gene has now been identified as the culprit gene for a patient with intellectual disabilities and is translocated in a pediatric ganglioglioma as a fusion protein with MYB. In this review, we will focus on the emerging discoveries of the QKI proteins as well as highlight the recent advances in understanding the role of QKI in human disease pathology including myelin disorders, schizophrenia and cancer. WIREs RNA 2016, 7:399–412. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1344

This article is categorized under:

RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein–RNA Interactions: Functional Implications

RNA Processing > Splicing Regulation/Alternative Splicing

RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease
The Cost of Intramedullary Nailing for Femoral Shaft Fractures in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Authors: Kramer Erik J. , Shearer David W. , Marseille Elliot , Haonga Billy , Ngahyoma Joshua , Eliezer Edmund , Morshed Saam
Published: March 2016

Background

Femoral shaft fractures are one of the most common injuries seen by surgeons in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs). Surgical repair in LMICs is often dismissed as not being cost‐effective or unsafe, though little evidence exists to support this notion. Therefore, the goal of this study is to determine the cost of intramedullary nailing of femoral shaft fractures in Tanzania.

Methods

We used micro‐costing methods to estimate the fixed and variable costs of intramedullary nailing of femoral shaft fractures. Variable costs assessed included medical personnel costs, ward personnel costs, implants, medications, and single‐use supplies. Fixed costs included costs for surgical instruments and administrative and ancillary staff.

Results

46 adult femoral shaft fracture patients admitted to Muhimbili Orthopaedic Institute between June and September 2014 were enrolled and treated with intramedullary fixation. The total cost per patient was $530.87 (SD $129.99). The mean variable cost per patient was $419.87 (SD $129.99), the largest portion coming from ward personnel $144.47 (SD $123.30), followed by implant $134.10 (SD $15.00) medical personnel $106.86 (SD $28.18), and medications/supplies $30.05 (SD $12.28). The mean fixed cost per patient was $111.00, consisting of support staff, $103.50, and surgical instruments, $7.50.

Conclusions

Our study provides empirical information on the variable and fixed costs of intramedullary nailing of femoral shaft fractures in LMICs. Importantly, the lack of surgical capacity was the primary driver of the largest cost for this procedure, preoperative ward personnel time. Our results provide the cost data for a formal cost‐effectiveness analysis on this intervention.
Coarse-grained model of the native cellulose $$\hbox {I}\alpha$$ and the transformation pathways to the $$\hbox {I}\beta$$ allomorph
Authors: Poma Adolfo B. , Chwastyk Mateusz , Cieplak Marek
Published: March 2016

All-atom simulations are used to derive effective parameters for a coarse-grained description of the crystalline cellulose

$$\hbox {I}\alpha$$

I
α

. In this description, glucose monomers are represented by the C4 atoms and non-bonded interactions within the cellulose sheets and between the sheets by effective Lennard-Jones interactions. The parameters are determined by two methods: the Boltzmann inversion and through monitoring of the energies associated with changes of the coarse-grained degrees of freedom. We find that the stiffness-related parameters for cellulose

$$\hbox {I}\alpha$$

I
α

are nearly the same as for

$$\hbox {I}\beta$$

I
β

allomorph. However, the non-bonded terms are placed differently and are weaker leading to an overall lower energy, and free energy, of

$$\hbox {I}\beta$$

I
β

compared to

$$\hbox {I}\alpha$$

I
α

. We apply the coarse-grained description to determine amorphous transition states for the room-temperature conversion process between the

$$\hbox {I}\alpha$$

I
α

and

$$\hbox {I}\beta$$

I
β

allomorphs and to characterize the interface between the crystalline forms of the allomorphs.
The Gohberg Lemma, compactness, and essential spectrum of operators on compact Lie groups
Authors: Dasgupta Aparajita , Ruzhansky Michael
Published: March 2016

We prove a version of the Gohberg Lemma on compact Lie groups giving an estimate from below for the distance from a given operator to the set of compact operators. As a consequence, we obtain several results on bounds for the essential spectrum and a criterion for an operator to be compact. The conditions are given in terms of the matrix-valued symbols of operators.
A best practice position statement on pregnancy in chronic kidney disease: the Italian Study Group on Kidney and Pregnancy
Authors: Cabiddu Gianfranca , Castellino Santina , Gernone Giuseppe , Santoro Domenico , Moroni Gabriella , Giannattasio Michele , Gregorini Gina , Giacchino Franca , Attini Rossella , Loi Valentina , Limardo Monica , Gammaro Linda , Todros Tullia , Piccoli Giorgina Barbara
Published: March 2016

Pregnancy is increasingly undertaken in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and, conversely, CKD is increasingly diagnosed in pregnancy: up to 3 % of pregnancies are estimated to be complicated by CKD. The heterogeneity of CKD (accounting for stage, hypertension and proteinuria) and the rarity of several kidney diseases make risk assessment difficult and therapeutic strategies are often based upon scattered experiences and small series. In this setting, the aim of this position statement of the Kidney and Pregnancy Study Group of the Italian Society of Nephrology is to review the literature, and discuss the experience in the clinical management of CKD in pregnancy. CKD is associated with an increased risk for adverse pregnancy-related outcomes since its early stage, also in the absence of hypertension and proteinuria, thus supporting the need for a multidisciplinary follow-up in all CKD patients. CKD stage, hypertension and proteinuria are interrelated, but they are also independent risk factors for adverse pregnancy-related outcomes. Among the different kidney diseases, patients with glomerulonephritis and immunologic diseases are at higher risk of developing or increasing proteinuria and hypertension, a picture often difficult to differentiate from preeclampsia. The risk is higher in active immunologic diseases, and in those cases that are detected or flare up during pregnancy. Referral to tertiary care centres for multidisciplinary follow-up and tailored approaches are warranted. The risk of maternal death is, almost exclusively, reported in systemic lupus erythematosus and vasculitis, which share with diabetic nephropathy an increased risk for perinatal death of the babies. Conversely, patients with kidney malformation, autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease, stone disease, and previous upper urinary tract infections are at higher risk for urinary tract infections, in turn associated with prematurity. No risk for malformations other than those related to familiar urinary tract malformations is reported in CKD patients, with the possible exception of diabetic nephropathy. Risks of worsening of the renal function are differently reported, but are higher in advanced CKD. Strict follow-up is needed, also to identify the best balance between maternal and foetal risks. The need for further multicentre studies is underlined.
Ventricular Assist Device Implantation: Perioperative Nursing Considerations
Authors: Nowotny Barbara H. , Boner Dee H. , Maltais Simon
Published: March 2016

Treatment for patients in end‐stage heart failure has been revolutionized by the development of the ventricular assist device (VAD), an implantable heart pump used for long‐term mechanical circulatory support. These devices are now small, lightweight, and efficient continuous‐flow pumps that have replaced the larger, heavier, fill‐to‐empty predecessors. Management of the VAD case requires interdisciplinary effort across a diverse continuum of care and an understanding of new implantation techniques. This article describes current advances in VAD technology, indications for use, and perioperative nursing considerations related to patients who have undergone VAD implantation.
Erratum to ‘Inventory record inaccuracy: Causes and labor effects’
Authors: Chuang Howard Hao‐Chun , Oliva Rogelio
Published: March 2016

Inventory record inaccuracy (IRI) is a pervasive problem in retailing and causes non‐trivial profit loss. In response to retailers’ interest in identifying antecedents and consequences of IRI, we present a study that comprises multiple modeling initiatives. We first develop a dynamic simulation model to compare and contrast impacts of different operational errors in a continuous (Q,R) inventory system through a full‐factorial experimental design. While backroom and shelf shrinkage are found to be predominant drivers of IRI, the other three errors related to recording and shelving have negligible impacts on IRI. Next, we empirically assess the relationships between labor availability and IRI using longitudinal data from five stores in a global retail chain. After deriving a robust measure of IRI through Bayesian computation and estimating panel data models, we find strong evidence that full‐time labor reduces IRI whereas part‐time labor fails to alleviate it. Further, we articulate the reinforcing relationships between labor and IRI by formally assessing the gain of the feedback loop based on our empirical findings and analyzing immediate, intermediate, and long‐term impacts of IRI on labor availability. The feedback modeling effort not only integrates findings from simulation and econometric analysis but also structurally explores the impacts of current practices. We conclude by discussing implications of our findings for practitioners and researchers.
Conductas de engaño de alumnos de primero y tercer año de Medicina
Authors: Rancich Ana María , Méndez Diodati Nahuel , Merino Sabrina F. , Aruanno María Eugenia , Donato Martín , Gelpi Ricardo J.
Published: March 2016

Introducción: La carrera de Medicina debería atraer a estudiantes con altos valores morales. Las nuevas tecnologías y el acceso a la información facilitarían conductas de engaño, asimismo la experiencia académica del alumno también influiría.
Objetivo: Comparar consideración, severidad, observación y realización de conductas de engaño y razones y consecuencias, manifestadas por alumnos de primero y tercer año de Medicina de la Universidad de Buenos Aires.
Método: Diseño retrospectivo, transversal y analítico, con base en encuesta voluntaria y anónima, con ocho conductas de engaño. El alumno debió contestar consideración, severidad, observación y realización y tres motivos y tres consecuencias de engaño. La diferencia entre respuestas se estableció con X2 (p≤ 0.05).
Resultados: Más del 70% de las conductas fueron consideradas engaño para la mayoría de los alumnos. «Copiarse en un examen», «presentar trabajos ajenos como propios» y «presentar un justificativo falso ante una ausencia» en  mayores porcentajes para los de tercero. El 44,4% de los de primero no consideraron engaño «usar datos de la web sin citarlos». «Copiarse en un examen» fue considerada la más grave. La mayoría observó estas conductas, pero las realizó menos. Las acciones consideradas engaño en menor proporción se observaron y se realizaron más. Los principales motivos para ambos grupos fueron falta de tiempo/sobreexigencia y falta de estudio o pereza. Las principales consecuencias, sentimientos negativos hacia su persona y falta de conocimiento.
Conclusiones: Estos resultados fueron similares a los encontrados en la literatura, aunque para cada conducta variaron levemente. Estas discrepancias podrían justificarse por el hecho de que la formación médica prioriza áreas biológicas más que éticas. La diferencia de respuestas entre los grupos podría deberse a que los alumnos de primero arrastraron actitudes de la escuela secundaria y los de tercer año por su mayor experiencia académica tendrían una actitud más reflexiva en estos aspectos.
On the convection velocity of source events related to supersonic jet crackle
Authors: Murray Nathan E. , Lyons Gregory W.
Published: March 2016

An image analysis method is developed and applied to shadowgraph images of supersonic jet flow to measure shock front propagation angles at numerous interrogation points distributed throughout the quiescent region outside of the jet shear layer. These shock fronts manifest in acoustic measurements of jet noise as steepened temporal waveforms that have been linked to the perception of crackle. The analysis method uses the Radon transform to quantitatively determine a local shock front propagation angle at each point. The dataset of angles is subsequently used to determine the locations and convection velocities of the sources inside the jet shear layer. The results indicate that the shock-like waves emerge immediately from the jet shear layer and are created by the supersonic convection of coherent structures. The statistical distribution of convection velocities follows an extreme value distribution, indicating that the shock front emitting sources are maxima of the underlying turbulence. A noise reduction method known to reduce the convection velocities in the jet shear layer is applied to the jet to investigate the effect on the shock front emission. The shock front angles change in concert with the reduction in convection velocity giving further evidence that the source of crackle is a flow field event.
Examining the Status of Supervision Education in Rehabilitation Counsellor Training
Authors: Pebdani Roxanna N. , Ferguson-Lucas Terri K. , Dong Shengli , Oire Spalatin N.
Published: March 2016

Supervision is a widely recognised component of counsellor training, yet little is known about the clinical supervision training of rehabilitation counsellor educators during their doctoral education. Using syllabi from doctoral rehabilitation counselling programmes, this article discusses the state of clinical supervision in doctoral-level training, and its teaching and clinical implications. 16 of the 25 Ph.D. programmes in rehabilitation responded to contact, and 11 programmes reported offering a course in supervision. Eight of these programmes shared the syllabus for their doctoral-level supervision course(s). The syllabi were analysed to find common themes related to content, learning objectives, assignments and readings. These themes are discussed, and are followed by five recommendations on the manner in which clinical supervision should be provided in rehabilitation doctoral programmes.
THE IMPACT OF SEED PRIMING AND ROW SPACING ON THE PRODUCTIVITY OF DIFFERENT CULTIVARS OF IRRIGATED WHEAT UNDER EARLY SEASON DROUGHT
Authors: HUSSAIN M. , WAQAS-UL-HAQ M. , FAROOQ S. , JABRAN K. , FARROQ M.
Published: March 2016

This study was conducted to improve wheat production under vegetative (early season) drought stress. Hydroprimed and osmoprimed (with CaCl2) seeds of wheat cultivars Lasani-2008 (LS-2008) and Triple Dwarf-1 (TD-1), were sown in 20 (narrow), 25 (medium), and 30 cm (wider) spaced rows. Crop was grown under well-watered conditions till physiological maturity or was subjected to drought stress (50% field capacity) during vegetative phase and then grown under well-watered conditions. Drought stress caused substantial reduction in grain and biological yields, related traits, harvest index (HI) and water use efficiency (WUE). Nonetheless, planting osmoprimed seeds in narrowly spaced rows significantly improved the grain yield, HI and WUE. However, wheat planted in wider rows had bold grains. Furthermore, wheat cultivar LS-2008 produced better yield, even under drought stress, than cultivar TD-1. Economic analysis indicated that planting osmoprimed seeds of wheat cultivar LS-2008 in narrowly spaced rows under early season drought yielded maximum economic benefits. In conclusion, planting osmoprimed seeds of cultivar LS-2008 in narrowly spaced rows is a good agronomic option to improve the wheat performance under early season drought stress.
Second language research
Authors: Ren Wei , Liu Jianda
Published: March 2016

The Center for Linguistics and Applied Linguistics (CLAL) at Guangdong University of Foreign Studies is recognized as a ‘National Key Research Institute for the Humanities and Social Sciences’ by the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China. It is the only center recognized by the Chinese Ministry of Education to have a national key research institute devoted to linguistics and applied linguistics. CLAL has cultivated a core team of scholars whose work in linguistics and applied linguistics is both prolific and broad in scope, spanning three fields of research: second language (L2) learning, societal and public discourse analysis, and theoretical linguistics.
Arsenic record from a 3 m snow pit at Dome Argus, Antarctica
Authors: Rong Hua , Shugui Hou , Yuansheng Li , Hongxi Pang , Mayewski Paul , Sneed Sharon , Chunlei An , Handley Michael
Published: March 2016

This study presents an arsenic concentration time series from 1964–2009 at Dome Argus, Antarctica. The data show a very large increase in arsenic concentration from the mid-1980s to the late-1990s (by a factor of~22) compared with the values before the mid-1980s. This increase is likely to be related to the increased copper smelting in South America. Arsenic concentration then decreased in the late-1990s, most probably as a result of environmental regulations in South America. The sudden increase in arsenic concentration observed at Dome Argus coincides with similar increases observed at Dome Fuji and in Antarctica Ice Core-6 (IC-6) at the same time, suggesting that arsenic pollution during the period from the mid-1980s to the late-1990s was a regional phenomenon in Antarctica. Investigations of arsenic concentrations at these three Antarctic locations show that, during this time, regional arsenic distribution followed dust transport pathways associated with general climate models with South America as a major source region for the half of Antarctica facing the Atlantic and Indian oceans.
Declines in both redundant and trace species characterize the latitudinal diversity gradient in tintinnid ciliates
Authors: Dolan John R , Yang Eun Jin , Kang Sung-Ho , Rhee Tae Siek
Published: March 2016

The latitudinal diversity gradient is a well-known biogeographic pattern. However, rarely considered is how a cline in species richness may be reflected in the characteristics of species assemblages. Fewer species may equal fewer distinct ecological types, or declines in redundancy (species functionally similar to one another) or fewer trace species, those occurring in very low concentrations. We focused on tintinnid ciliates of the microzooplankton in which the ciliate cell is housed inside a species-specific lorica or shell. The size of lorica oral aperture, the lorica oral diameter (LOD), is correlated with a preferred prey size and maximum growth rate. Consequently, species of a distinct LOD are distinct in key ecologic characteristics, whereas those of a similar LOD are functionally similar or redundant species. We sampled from East Sea/Sea of Japan to the High Arctic Sea. We determined abundance distributions of biological species and also ecological types by grouping species in LOD size-classes, sets of ecologically similar species. In lower latitudes there are more trace species, more size-classes and the dominant species are accompanied by many apparently ecologically similar species, presumably able to replace the dominant species, at least with regard to the size of prey exploited. Such redundancy appears to decline markedly with latitude in assemblages of tintinnid ciliates. Furthermore, the relatively small species pools of the northern high latitude assemblages suggest a low capacity to adapt to changing conditions.
Actin nucleation at the centrosome controls lymphocyte polarity
Authors: Obino Dorian , Farina Francesca , Malbec Odile , Sáez Pablo J. , Maurin Mathieu , Gaillard Jérémie , Dingli Florent , Loew Damarys , Gautreau Alexis , Yuseff Maria-Isabel , Blanchoin Laurent , Théry Manuel , Lennon-Duménil Ana-Maria
Published: March 2016

Cell polarity is required for the functional specialization of many cell types including lymphocytes. A hallmark of cell polarity is the reorientation of the centrosome that allows repositioning of organelles and vesicles in an asymmetric fashion. The mechanisms underlying centrosome polarization are not fully understood. Here we found that in resting lymphocytes, centrosome-associated Arp2/3 locally nucleates F-actin, which is needed for centrosome tethering to the nucleus via the LINC complex. Upon lymphocyte activation, Arp2/3 is partially depleted from the centrosome as a result of its recruitment to the immune synapse. This leads to a reduction in F-actin nucleation at the centrosome and thereby allows its detachment from the nucleus and polarization to the synapse. Therefore, F-actin nucleation at the centrosome—regulated by the availability of the Arp2/3 complex—determines its capacity to polarize in response to external stimuli.
Differential TGFβ pathway targeting by miR-122 in humans and mice affects liver cancer metastasis
Authors: Yin Shenyi , Fan Yu , Zhang Hanshuo , Zhao Zhihua , Hao Yang , Li Juan , Sun Changhong , Yang Junyu , Yang Zhenjun , Yang Xiao , Lu Jian , Xi Jianzhong Jeff
Published: March 2016

Downregulation of a predominantly hepatocyte-specific miR-122 is associated with human liver cancer metastasis, whereas miR-122-deficient mice display normal liver function. Here we show a functional conservation of miR-122 in the TGFβ pathway: miR-122 target site is present in the mouse but not human TGFβR1, whereas a noncanonical target site is present in the TGFβ1 5′UTR in humans and other primates. Experimental switch of the miR-122 target between the receptor TGFβR1 and the ligand TGFβ1 changes the metastatic properties of mouse and human liver cancer cells. High expression of TGFβ1 in human primary liver tumours is associated with poor survival. We identify over 50 other miRNAs orthogonally targeting ligand/receptor pairs in humans and mice, suggesting that these are evolutionarily common events. These results reveal an evolutionary mechanism for miRNA-mediated gene regulation underlying species-specific physiological or pathological phenotype and provide a potentially valuable strategy for treating liver-associated diseases.
ARPES view on surface and bulk hybridization phenomena in the antiferromagnetic Kondo lattice CeRh2Si2
Authors: Patil S. , Generalov A. , Güttler M. , Kushwaha P. , Chikina A. , Kummer K. , Rödel T. C. , Santander-Syro A. F. , Caroca-Canales N. , Geibel C. , Danzenbächer S. , Kucherenko Yu. , Laubschat C. , Allen J. W. , Vyalikh D. V.
Published: March 2016

The hybridization between localized 4f electrons and itinerant electrons in rare-earth-based materials gives rise to their exotic properties like valence fluctuations, Kondo behaviour, heavy-fermions, or unconventional superconductivity. Here we present an angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) study of the Kondo lattice antiferromagnet CeRh2Si2, where the surface and bulk Ce-4f spectral responses were clearly resolved. The pronounced 4f 0 peak seen for the Ce terminated surface gets strongly suppressed in the bulk Ce-4f spectra taken from a Si-terminated crystal due to much larger f-d hybridization. Most interestingly, the bulk Ce-4f spectra reveal a fine structure near the Fermi edge reflecting the crystal electric field splitting of the bulk magnetic 4f 15/2 state. This structure presents a clear dispersion upon crossing valence states, providing direct evidence of f-d hybridization. Our findings give precise insight into f-d hybridization penomena and highlight their importance in the antiferromagnetic phases of Kondo lattices.
Erratum: Graphene oxide/metal nanocrystal multilaminates as the atomic limit for safe and selective hydrogen storage
Authors: Cho Eun Seon , Ruminski Anne M. , Aloni Shaul , Liu Yi-Sheng , Guo Jinghua , Urban Jeffrey J.
Published: March 2016

Nature Communications 7:10804 Article number 10804 (2016); Published 23 February 2016; Updated 18 March 2016 The financial support for this Article was not fully acknowledged. The Acknowledgements should have included the following: The authors gratefully acknowledge research support from the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Fuel Cell Technologies Office, under Contract No.
Erratum: Spectral variation of fluorescence lifetime near single metal nanoparticles
Authors: Li Jia , Krasavin Alexey V. , Webster Linden , Segovia Paulina , Zayats Anatoly V. , Richards David
Published: March 2016

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 21349; published online: 15 February 2016; updated: 18 March 2016 The original HTML version of this Article contained a typographical error in the volume number ‘6’ which was incorrectly given as ‘5’. This has now been corrected.
Expanded CURB-65: a new score system predicts severity of community-acquired pneumonia with superior efficiency
Authors: Liu Jin-liang , Xu Feng , Hui Zhou  , Wu Xue-jie , Shi Ling-xian , Lu Rui-qing , Farcomeni Alessio , Venditti Mario , Zhao Ying-li , Luo Shu-ya , Dong Xiao-jun , Falcone Marco
Published: March 2016

Aim of this study was to develop a new simpler and more effective severity score for community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) patients. A total of 1640 consecutive hospitalized CAP patients in Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University were included. The effectiveness of different pneumonia severity scores to predict mortality was compared, and the performance of the new score was validated on an external cohort of 1164 patients with pneumonia admitted to a teaching hospital in Italy. Using age ≥ 65 years, LDH > 230 u/L, albumin < 3.5 g/dL, platelet count < 100 × 109/L, confusion, urea > 7 mmol/L, respiratory rate ≥ 30/min, low blood pressure, we assembled a new severity score named as expanded-CURB-65. The 30-day mortality and length of stay were increased along with increased risk score. The AUCs in the prediction of 30-day mortality in the main cohort were 0.826 (95% CI, 0.807–0.844), 0.801 (95% CI, 0.781–0.820), 0.756 (95% CI, 0.735–0.777), 0.793 (95% CI, 0.773–0.813) and 0.759 (95% CI, 0.737–0.779) for the expanded-CURB-65, PSI, CURB-65, SMART-COP and A-DROP, respectively. The performance of this bedside score was confirmed in CAP patients of the validation cohort although calibration was not successful in patients with health care-associated pneumonia (HCAP). The expanded CURB-65 is objective, simpler and more accurate scoring system for evaluation of CAP severity, and the predictive efficiency was better than other score systems.
Identification of Potential Drug Targets in Cancer Signaling Pathways using Stochastic Logical Models
Authors: Zhu Peican , Aliabadi Hamidreza Montazeri , Uludağ Hasan , Han Jie
Published: March 2016

The investigation of vulnerable components in a signaling pathway can contribute to development of drug therapy addressing aberrations in that pathway. Here, an original signaling pathway is derived from the published literature on breast cancer models. New stochastic logical models are then developed to analyze the vulnerability of the components in multiple signalling sub-pathways involved in this signaling cascade. The computational results are consistent with the experimental results, where the selected proteins were silenced using specific siRNAs and the viability of the cells were analyzed 72 hours after silencing. The genes elF4E and NFkB are found to have nearly no effect on the relative cell viability and the genes JAK2, Stat3, S6K, JUN, FOS, Myc, and Mcl1 are effective candidates to influence the relative cell growth. The vulnerabilities of some targets such as Myc and S6K are found to vary significantly depending on the weights of the sub-pathways; this will be indicative of the chosen target to require customization for therapy. When these targets are utilized, the response of breast cancers from different patients will be highly variable because of the known heterogeneities in signaling pathways among the patients. The targets whose vulnerabilities are invariably high might be more universally acceptable targets.
Influenza A viruses escape from MxA restriction at the expense of efficient nuclear vRNP import
Authors: Götz Veronika , Magar Linda , Dornfeld Dominik , Giese Sebastian , Pohlmann Anne , Höper Dirk , Kong Byung-Whi , Jans David A. , Beer Martin , Haller Otto , Schwemmle Martin
Published: March 2016

To establish a new lineage in the human population, avian influenza A viruses (AIV) must overcome the intracellular restriction factor MxA. Partial escape from MxA restriction can be achieved when the viral nucleoprotein (NP) acquires the critical human-adaptive amino acid residues 100I/V, 283P, and 313Y. Here, we show that introduction of these three residues into the NP of an avian H5N1 virus renders it genetically unstable, resulting in viruses harboring additional single mutations, including G16D. These substitutions restored genetic stability yet again yielded viruses with varying degrees of attenuation in mammalian and avian cells. Additionally, most of the mutant viruses lost the capacity to escape MxA restriction, with the exception of the G16D virus. We show that MxA escape is linked to attenuation by demonstrating that the three substitutions promoting MxA escape disturbed intracellular trafficking of incoming viral ribonucleoprotein complexes (vRNPs), thereby resulting in impaired nuclear import, and that the additional acquired mutations only partially compensate for this import block. We conclude that for adaptation to the human host, AIV must not only overcome MxA restriction but also an associated block in nuclear vRNP import. This inherent difficulty may partially explain the frequent failure of AIV to become pandemic.
Chlamydia trachomatis growth and development requires the activity of host Long-chain Acyl-CoA Synthetases (ACSLs)
Authors: Recuero-Checa Maria A. , Sharma Manu , Lau Constance , Watkins Paul A. , Gaydos Charlotte A. , Dean Deborah
Published: March 2016

The obligate-intracellular pathogen Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct) has undergone considerable genome reduction with consequent dependence on host biosynthetic pathways, metabolites and enzymes. Long-chain acyl-CoA synthetases (ACSLs) are key host-cell enzymes that convert fatty acids (FA) into acyl-CoA for use in metabolic pathways. Here, we show that the complete host ACSL family [ACSL1 and ACSL3–6] translocates into the Ct membrane-bound vacuole, termed inclusion and remains associated with membranes of metabolically active forms of Ct throughout development. We discovered that three different pharmacologic inhibitors of ACSL activity independently impede Ct growth in a dose-dependent fashion. Using an FA competition assay, host ACSLs were found to activate Ct branched-chain FAs, suggesting that one function of the ACSLs is to activate Ct FAs and host FAs (recruited from the cytoplasm) within the inclusion. Because the ACSL inhibitors can deplete lipid droplets (LD), we used a cell line where LD synthesis was switched off to evaluate whether LD deficiency affects Ct growth. In these cells, we found no effect on growth or on translocation of ACSLs into the inclusion. Our findings support an essential role for ACSL activation of host-cell and bacterial FAs within the inclusion to promote Ct growth and development, independent of LDs.
Analysis of Epstein-Barr virus infection models in a series of pediatric carriers from a developing country
Authors: Vistarop Aldana G. , Cohen Melina , De Matteo Elena , Preciado María Victoria , Chabay Paola A.
Published: March 2016

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a B lymphotropic human herpesvirus. Two models, germinal center (GC) and direct infection, describe how EBV infects B-cells. Since in Argentina primary infection is mostly subclinical at young ages, children represent an interesting population where to analyze EBV infection, especially considering that most studies are usually performed in adults. Tonsil biopsies from pediatric carriers were studied to describe infection characteristics. EBV+ lymphocytes at the interfollicular region were mainly observed. Latency III pattern in subepithelial (SubEp) lymphocytes was observed at young ages, probably indicating a recent infection. In older patients EBV was mostly detected in epithelial cells, suggesting that they could have been infected some time ago. This finding was sustained by tonsillar viral load, which was higher in cases with LMP1+SubEp cells vs. LMP1+nonSubEp cells (p = 0.0237, Mann-Whiney test). Latency III was prevalent and related to the GC, while latency II was associated with non-GC (p = 0.0159, χ2 test). EBERs+/IgD+ cells were statistically prevalent over EBERs+/CD27+ cells (p = 0.0021, χ2 test). These findings indicated that both EBV infection models are not mutually exclusive and provide some basis for further understanding of EBV infection dynamics. Moreover, we provide a more accurate explanation of EBV infection in pediatric asymptomatic carriers from a developing country.