bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The accumbofrontal tract: Diffusion tensor imaging characterization and developmental change from childhood to adulthood
Authors: Karlsgodt Katherine H. , John Majnu , Ikuta Toshikazu , Rigoard Philippe , Peters Bart D. , Derosse Pamela , Malhotra Anil K. , Szeszko Philip R.
Published: September 2015

The presence of an anatomical connection between the orbitofrontal cortex and ventral striatum, forming a so‐called reward network, is well established across species. This connection has important implications for reward processing and is relevant to a number of neuropsychiatric disorders. Moreover, white matter (WM) is known to continue to mature across adolescence and into early adulthood, and developmental change in the reward network is an important component of models of decision making and risk taking. Despite the importance of this connection, the underlying WM has only recently been characterized in humans histologically, and not yet in‐vivo using brain imaging. Here, we implemented diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in a large cross‐sectional sample of 295 healthy individuals ages 8–68 to further characterize the WM of this connection and its development from childhood into adulthood. We demonstrate that the accumbofrontal tract, connecting the orbitofrontal cortex and nucleus accumbens, can be identified using standard DTI sequences. Using Poisson modeling, we show that the accumbofrontal tract undergoes significant change across the lifespan, with males showing a higher and earlier peak compared to females. Moreover, the change occurs in a pattern consistent with developmental models of decision‐making. These findings support the hypothesis that developmental differences in WM integrity may be a contributing factor to the observed risk taking that occurs in adolescence. The accumbofrontal tract is not yet included in standard WM atlases, but may be important for inclusion in studies investigating fronto‐striatal networks, as well as in investigations of substance abuse and decision making. Hum Brain Mapp 36:4954–4963, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Neural correlates of temporal summation of second pain in the human brainstem and spinal cord
Authors: Bosma Rachael L. , Ameli Mojarad Elham , Leung Lawrence , Pukall Caroline , Staud Roland , Stroman Patrick W.
Published: September 2015

Temporal summation of second pain (TSSP) occurs when painful stimuli are presented repetitively (≥0.33 Hz) and results from a C‐fibre evoked enhancement (or “wind‐up”) of the dorsal horn neurons. Based on electrophysiological studies in intact animals, windup is considered a purely central phenomenon. With advancements in functional MRI (fMRI), we can now probe the central mechanisms of this pain response in humans. The aim of this study is to characterize the fMRI responses in the healthy human brainstem and spinal cord that correspond to TSSP. Functional MRI of healthy female adults (N = 15) was conducted while brief, repetitive heat pain stimuli were applied to the right thenar eminence (C6 dermatome), and TSSP (0.33 Hz) and control (0.17 Hz) heat pain paradigms were employed. The stimulus intensity was adjusted to each participant's heat pain sensitivity. Data were analyzed by means of a general linear model, and region‐of‐interest analyses. As predicted, participants demonstrated significant behavioural summation of pain in the TSSP condition. FMRI results identified enhanced activity in the spinal cord dorsal horn at C6 in response to the TSSP condition. Additionally, multiple areas of the brainstem (RVM and PAG) showed greater responses with the TSSP condition. These results suggest that, in humans, increased pain perception in the TSSP condition is reflected by greater responses in the dorsal horn and in regions known to play a role in the descending modulation of pain, which may modulate the spinal cord response. Hum Brain Mapp 36:5038–5050, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Precipitation and temperature of the southwest Caspian Sea region during the last 55 years: their trends and teleconnections with large‐scale atmospheric phenomena
Authors: Molavi‐Arabshahi M. , Arpe K. , Leroy S. A. G.
Published: September 2015

Climate data from the southwest coast of the Caspian Sea (CS) were statistically analysed to find connections with large‐scale atmospheric variabilities and regional impacts. The study area is characterized by a subtropical humid climate. This enclave of high precipitation is extremely important for Iranian food production and is recognized for its high biodiversity.

The data sets were investigated for inconsistencies before carrying out the main investigations, and several problems have been identified. The results show three distinct climatic periods in the temperature time series since 1956: 1956 to 1975 with values near to the overall mean, 1977 to 1995 with values lower by 0.5 °C and from 1996 to 2010 with values higher by 0.5 °C. These periods can be positively correlated with rapid sea level changes of the CS. Moreover, an agreement exists between the three climatic periods and the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) variability. The sea surface temperature of the southern CS is shown to be the driving force of the 2 m temperatures in the study area. While temperature changes are in accordance with NAO variability, the precipitation variations show connections with ENSO and less with NAO. The trends of precipitation during the period are diverse but display mostly a weak decrease, while the trends of temperature display a clear increase, larger than that for global mean temperatures, overlaid with inter‐decadal variations.
Structural Models for the Design of PKMzeta Inhibitors with Neurobiological Indications
Authors: Purkayastha Priyanka , Alokam Reshma , Malapati Aruna , Sriram Dharmarajan , Yogeeswari Perumal
Published: September 2015

An atypical protein kinase C, PKMzeta has become an attractive target for various neurological disorders including long term potentiation, cognition, neuropathic pain and cancer. Drug discovery efforts have been hindered due to the non‐availability of the protein structure and hence in the present study we attempted to build the open and closed models of the protein PKMzeta using homology modeling. The models were then used to identify PKMzeta inhibitors utilizing a high‐throughput virtual screening protocol from a large commercial chemical database. Compounds were selected based on the binding interactions and Glide score. Compounds were then subjected to in vitro luminescent based kinase assay for their inhibitory activity on targeted protein. Seven compounds exhibitedIC50s less than or equal to 10 µM. Cell based assays revealed that Lead C3 and Lead C6 exhibited selectivity towards methylmercury treated neuroblastoma growth inhibition and suppressed reactive oxygen species withIC50s of 0.89 and 0.17 µM, respectively. Furthermore, Lead C3 exhibited attenuation of proinflammatory response with least energy in dynamic simulation studies and thus emerged as a prototypical lead for further development as novel inhibitor of PKMzeta for neurological implications.
Proteomics studies on stress responses in diatoms
Authors: Muhseen Ziyad Tariq , Xiong Qian , Chen Zhuo , Ge Feng
Published: September 2015

Diatoms are a highly diverse group of eukaryotic phytoplankton that are distributed throughout marine and freshwater environments and are believed to be responsible for approximately 40% of the total marine primary productivity. The ecological success of diatoms suggests that they have developed a range of strategies to cope with various biotic and abiotic stress factors. It is of great interest to understand the adaptive responses of diatoms to different stresses in the marine environment. Proteomic technologies have been applied to the adaptive responses of marine diatoms under different growth conditions in recent years such as nitrogen starvation, iron limitation and phosphorus deficiency. These studies have provided clues to elucidate the sophisticated sensing mechanisms that control their adaptive responses. Although only a very limited number of proteomic studies were conducted in diatoms, the obtained data have led to a better understanding of the biochemical processes that contribute to their ecological success. This review presents the current status of proteomic studies of diatom stress responses and discusses the novel developments and applications for the analysis of protein post‐translational modification in diatoms. The potential future application of proteomics could contribute to a better understanding of the physiological mechanisms underlying diatom acclimation to a given stress and the acquisition of an enhanced diatom stress tolerance. Future challenges and research opportunities in the proteomics studies of diatoms are also discussed.
Does screening for physical and psychosocial symptoms vary between medical oncology treatment centres?
Authors: Zucca Alison , Sanson‐Fisher Rob , Waller Amy , Carey Mariko , Boyes Allison W. , Proietto Anthony
Published: September 2015

Objective

Our aim is to examine whether provider screening for physical and emotional symptoms, as reported by medical oncology outpatients, varies across medical oncology treatment centres.

Methods

A cross‐sectional sample of 716 patients attending the outpatient medical oncology department of six public cancer treatment centres across five Australian states participated. Four patient‐report survey items explored how often patients were specifically asked by clinical staff at the treatment centre about their (i) emotional distress (anxiety, distress and depression), (ii) pain, (iii) fatigue and (iv) other physical symptoms (e.g. nausea and constipation). Asking at less than half of all appointments was classified as infrequent screening.

Results

No significant associations were found between treatment centre and symptom screening for emotional distress (p = 0.65), pain (p = 0.21), fatigue (p = 0.95) and other physical symptoms (p = 0.40). The proportion of patients who were regularly screened versus infrequently screened was significantly higher for physical symptoms than emotional symptoms (p < 0.001): 36% infrequently screened for emotional distress (range: 33–45%), 15% infrequently screened for pain (range: 9–21%), 16% infrequently screened for fatigue (range: 15–19%) and 11% infrequently screened for other physical symptoms (range: 5–17%).

Conclusions

No significant variation in symptom screening was found across treatment centres. While the majority of patients received recommended care, treatment centres must continue to improve symptom screening rates, particularly for emotional distress. However, screening is only the first step and must be accompanied by the offer of help and provision of help to relieve patient suffering. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Complete nutrient content of four species of commercially available feeder insects fed enhanced diets during growth
Authors: Finke Mark D.
Published: September 2015

Commercially raised feeder insects used to feed captive insectivores are a good source of many nutrients but are deficient in several key nutrients. Current methods used to supplement insects include dusting and gut‐loading. Here, we report on the nutrient composition of four species of commercially raised feeder insects fed a special diet to enhance their nutrient content. Crickets, mealworms, superworms, and waxworms were analyzed for moisture, crude protein, fat, ash, acid detergent fiber, total dietary fiber, minerals, amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, taurine, carotenoids, inositol, and cholesterol. All four species contained enhanced levels of vitamin E and omega 3 fatty acids when compared to previously published data for these species. Crickets, superworms, and mealworms contained β‐carotene although using standard conversion factors only crickets and superworms would likely contain sufficient vitamin A activity for most species of insectivores. Waxworms did not contain any detectable β‐carotene but did contain zeaxanthin which they likely converted from dietary β‐carotene. All four species contained significant amounts of both inositol and cholesterol. Like previous reports all insects were a poor source of calcium and only superworms contained vitamin D above the limit of detection. When compared to the nutrient requirements as established by the NRC for growing rats or poultry, these species were good sources of most other nutrients although the high fat and low moisture content of both waxworms and superworms means when corrected for energy density these two species were deficient in more nutrients than crickets or mealworms. These data show the value of modifying the diet of commercially available insects as they are growing to enhance their nutrient content. They also suggest that for most insectivores properly supplemented lower fat insects such as crickets, or smaller mealworms should form the bulk of the diet. Zoo Biol. 34:554–564, 2015. © 2015 The Authors. Zoo Biology published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The relationship between iodine nutrition and thyroid disease in lactating women with different iodine intakes
Authors: Liu Lixiang , Wang Dandan , Liu Peng , Meng Fangang , Wen Da , Jia Qingzhen , Liu Jun , Zhang Xiaoye , Jiang Peng , Shen Hongmei
Published: September 2015

Areas with low, adequate and excessive I content in water co-exist in China. Limited data are currently available on I nutrition and thyroid disease in lactating women and their breast-fed infants with different I intakes. This study aimed to evaluate I nutrition in both lactating women and their infants and the prevalence of thyroid disease in areas with different levels of I in water. From January to June 2014, a total of 343 healthy lactating women (excluding those taking anti-thyroid drugs or I supplements within a year of the study, consuming seafood at the time of the study or those diagnosed with congenital thyroid disease) from Beihai in Guangxi province and Jiajiazhuang, Yangcheng, Jicun and Pingyao townships in Shanxi province were selected. Compared with the I-sufficient group, median urinary I concentrations in both lactating women and infants as well as breast milk I levels were significantly lower in the I-deficient group (P<0·001). The prevalence of thyroid disease in lactating women, particularly subclinical hypothyroidism, was higher in the I-excess group than in the I-sufficient group (P<0·05). In areas with excessive water I content, high thyroid peroxidase antibody and high thyroglobulin levels were risk factors for abnormal thyroid-stimulating hormone levels. Our data collectively suggest that excessive I intake potentially causes subclinical hypothyroidism in lactating women. Moreover, enhanced monitoring of I status is important to avoid adverse effects of I deficiency or excess, particularly in susceptible populations such as pregnant or lactating women and infants.
Dietary carbohydrate and lipid sources affect differently the oxidative status of European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) juveniles
Authors: Castro Carolina , Peréz-Jiménez Amalia , Coutinho Filipe , Díaz-Rosales Patricia , Serra Cláudia Alexandra dos Reis , Panserat Stéphane , Corraze Geneviève , Peres Helena , Oliva-Teles Aires
Published: September 2015

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary lipid source and carbohydrate content on the oxidative status of European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) juveniles. For that purpose, four diets were formulated with fish oil (FO) and vegetable oils (VO) as the lipid source and with 20 or 0 % gelatinised starch as the carbohydrate source, in a 2×2 factorial design. Liver and intestine antioxidant enzyme activities (catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), glutathione reductase (GR), glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD)), hepatic and intestinal lipid peroxidation (LPO), as well as hepatic oxidative stress index (OSI), were measured in fish fed the experimental diets for 73 d (n9 fish/diet). Carbohydrate-rich diets promoted a decrease in hepatic LPO and OSI, whereas the lipid source induced no changes. Inversely, dietary lipid source, but not dietary carbohydrate concentration, affected LPO in the intestine. Lower intestinal LPO was observed in VO groups. Enzymes responsive to dietary treatments were GR, G6PD and CAT in the liver and GR and GPX in the intestine. Dietary carbohydrate induced GR and G6PD activities and depressed CAT activity in the liver. GPX and GR activities were increased in the intestine of fish fed VO diets. Overall, effects of diet composition on oxidative status were tissue-related: the liver and intestine were strongly responsive to dietary carbohydrates and lipid sources, respectively. Furthermore, different metabolic routes were more active to deal with the oxidative stress in the two organs studied.
Determination of obesity associated gene variants related to TMEM18 through ultra-deep targeted re-sequencing in a case-control cohort for pediatric obesity
Authors: RASK-ANDERSEN MATHIAS , SÄLLMAN ALMÉN MARKUS , JACOBSSON JOSEFIN A. , AMEUR ADAM , MOSCHONIS GEORGE , DEDOUSSIS GEORGE , MARCUS CLAUDE , GYLLENSTEN ULF , FREDRIKSSON ROBERT , SCHIÖTH HELGI B.
Published: September 2015

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have revealed association of a locus approximately 25b downstream of the TMEM18 gene with body mass and obesity. We utilized targeted re-sequencing of the body mass associated locus in proximity of TMEM18 in a case-control population of severely obese children and adolescents from the Stockholm area. We expanded our study to include the TMEM18 gene itself, with the aim of identifying body mass associated genetic variants. Sequencing was performed on the SOLiD platform, on long-range PCR fragments generated through targeted amplification of the regions of interest. Candidate single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were validated by TaqMan genotyping. We were able to observe 131 SNPs across the re-sequenced regions. Chi squared tests comparing the allele frequencies between cases and controls revealed 57 SNPs as candidates for association with obesity. Validation and replication genotyping revealed robust associations for SNPs within the haplotype block region located downstream from the TMEM18 gene. This study provides a high resolution map of the genetic variation pattern in the TMEM18 gene, as well as the associated haplotype block, and further strengthens the association of variants within the proximal haplotype block with obesity and body mass.
MEASURING COGNITIVE TASK DEMANDS USING DUAL-TASK METHODOLOGY, SUBJECTIVE SELF-RATINGS, AND EXPERT JUDGMENTS
Authors: Révész Andrea , Michel Marije , Gilabert Roger
Published: September 2015

This study explored the usefulness of dual-task methodology, self-ratings, and expert judgments in assessing task-generated cognitive demands as a way to provide validity evidence for manipulations of task complexity. The participants were 96 students and 61 English as a second language (ESL) teachers. The students, 48 English native speakers and 48 ESL speakers, carried out simple and complex versions of three oral tasks—a picture narrative, a map task, and a decision-making task. Half of the students completed the tasks under a dual-task condition. The remaining half performed the tasks under a single-task condition without a secondary task. Participants in the single condition were asked to rate their perceived mental effort and task difficulty. The ESL teachers provided expert judgments of anticipated mental effort and task difficulty along with explanations for their ratings via an online questionnaire. As predicted, the more complex task versions were found and judged to pose greater cognitive effort on most measures.
Incidence and risk factors for community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in New York City, 2006–2012
Authors: BAKER P. , COHEN B. , LIU J. , LARSON E.
Published: September 2015

This study aims to describe changes in incidence and risk factors for community-associated methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) infections upon admission to two New York City hospitals from 2006 to 2012. We examined the first hospitalization for adult patients using electronic health record and administrative data and determined the annual incidence/1000 admissions of total S. aureus, total MRSA, and CA-MRSA (within 48 h of admission) in clinical specimens over the study period. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with CA-MRSA in 2006 and 2012. In 137 350 admissions, the incidence of S. aureus, MRSA, and CA-MRSA/1000 admissions were 15·6, 7·0, and 3·5, respectively. The total S. aureus and MRSA isolations decreased significantly over the study period (27% and 25%, respectively) while CA-MRSA incidence was unchanged. CA-MRSA increased as a proportion of all MRSA between 2006 (46%) and 2012 (62%), and was most frequently isolated from respiratory (1·5/1000) and blood (0·7/1000) cultures. Logistic regression analysis of factors associated with isolation of CA-MRSA showed that age ⩾65 years [odds ratio (OR) 2·3, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1·2–4·5], male gender (OR 1·8, 95% CI 1·2–2·8) and history of renal failure (OR 2·6, 95% CI 1·6–4·2) were significant predictors of infection in 2006. No predictors were identified in 2012.
The Upper Limits of Pain and Suffering in Animal Research
Authors: BEAUCHAMP TOM L. , MORTON DAVID B.
Published: September 2015

The control of risk and harm in human research often calls for the establishment of upper limits of risk of pain, suffering, and distress that investigators must not exceed. Such upper limits are uncommon in animal research, in which limits of acceptability are usually left to the discretion of individual investigators, institutions, national inspectors, or ethics review committees. We here assess the merits of the European Directive 2010/63/EU on the Protection of Animals Used for Scientific Purposes and its accompanying instruments, such as guides and examples. These documents present a body of legislation governing animal research in the European Union. We argue that the directive supplies a promising approach, but one in need of revision. We interpret the directive’s general conception of upper limits and show its promise for the establishment of high-quality policies. We provide a moral rationale for such policies, address the problem of justified exceptions to established upper limits, and show when causing harm is and is not wrongful. We conclude that if the standards we propose for improving the directive are not realized in the review of research protocols, loose and prejudicial risk-benefit assessments may continue to be deemed sufficient to justify morally questionable research. However, a revised EU directive and accompanying instruments could have a substantial influence on the ethics of animal research worldwide, especially in the development of morally sound legal frameworks.
The goddess Maia on denarii of Domitian
Authors: Buttrey T. V.
Published: September 2015

This is one of the rarest types of Domitian's coinage, struck somewhere between September 95 and September 96, as shown by the dating of the tribunician power. The issue of TR P XV was known to Cohen only from a piece in trade (Rollin), and to Mattingly in BMCRE only from Cohen. Since the publication of BMCRE vol. 2, an example has been acquired by the British Museum and a few others have appeared on the market. To this day there is no example of it in the extensive collection of the Bibliothèque Nationale, Paris. As to TR P XVI, no-one knew that the type had been struck up to that date until an example surfaced in the Mazzini collection, the only one ever to have been seen.

The type was obviously struck in very small quantities, given the few examples that survive. The issues of TR P XV and TR P XVI were struck from the same reverse die, which suggests that the first was probably produced late in the tribunician year, say late August to mid-September of 96. The TR P XVI issue was probably struck for less than a week, Domitian's dies imperii falling on 14 September and his assassination on the 18th. It is reasonable to suppose, too, that the rarity of the latest coinage reflects the murder: any stocks of Domitian's coin still held at the mint or in the Aerarium would have been reduced to raw metal and re-used for Nerva.
Houses of cards
Authors: Bergmann Bettina
Published: September 2015

We have reached an important moment in the study of the Roman house. The past 20 years have been extremely active, with scholars approaching domestic space down different disciplinary and methodological avenues. Since the important essay on Campanian houses by A. Wallace-Hadrill in 1988, new excavations and scores of books and articles have changed the picture of Pompeii and, with it, that of the Roman house. Theoretical archaeologists have taken the lead, approaching Pompeii as an "archaeological laboratory" in which, armed with the interpretative tools of spatial and statistical analysis, they attempt to recover ancient behavioral patterns. The interdisciplinary picture that emerges is complex and inevitably contradictory. There is so much new information and such a tangle of perspectives that it is time to consider what we have learned and what kinds of interpretative tools we might best employ. Without doubt this is an exciting time in
Roman studies. But two overviews of recent scholarship to appear this year, the present one by R. Tybout and another by P. Allison (AJA 105.2 [2001]), express considerable frustration and resort to ad hominem recriminations that signal a heated backlash, at least among some.
Electrocardiac effects associated with lithium toxicity in children: an illustrative case and review of the pathophysiology
Authors: Singh Dhiraj , Akingbola Akinbolaji , Ross-Ascuitto Nancy , Ascuitto Robert
Published: September 2015

Lithium is a potent psychotherapeutic agent that has gained wide acceptance in paediatrics, especially as adjunct treatment for severe behavioural, anxiety, and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorders, along with bipolar conditions. Its cardiac toxicity has been well-documented in adults; however, information is limited regarding lithium’s effects on the heart in children. Therefore, paediatric cardiologists following-up children on lithium therapy should be cognizant of the cardiac side-effects and pathophysiology associated with this drug. In this manuscript, we used an illustrative case of a child who presented with lithium poisoning, in order to highlight adverse clinical manifestations that can arise from this medication. The cardiac cell membrane is thought to be the primary site of lithium’s action. Thus, we reviewed lithium’s effects on membrane electrogenic pumps and channels involved in the distribution and passage of sodium, potassium, and calcium across the sarcolemma, as these ions, and their associated currents, are the primary determinates of the action potentials underlying auto-rhythmicity and contractile activity of the heart.
Sinonasal teratocarcinosarcoma (TCS): tackle aggressively
Authors: Palled Siddanna , Patil Shekar , Kumar Rekha , Poppa Reddy Shashidara
Published: September 2015

Background

Sinonasal teratocarcinosarcoma (TCS) are highly aggressive and rare malignant tumours arising from the heterogeneous admixture of components of all the three germ cell layers. There are <60 cases that have been reported in the literature. In spite of aggressive therapy, the average survival is <3 years with multimodality therapy. In total, 70% of the patients who survived >1 year received regimen of combined surgery and adjuvant therapies and this suggests that aggressive therapeutic approaches may improve the treatment outcome.

Materials and methods

We are reporting a case study of sinonasal TCS treated with initial surgery followed with concurrent chemoradiotherapy using intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) technique. The concurrent chemotherapy and adjuvant chemotherapy consisted of carboplatin and etoposide.

Results

This aggressive treatment protocol of concurrent chemoradiation along with adjuvant chemotherapy is well tolerated and produced 5-year locoregional control and survival without any long-term morbidities.

Conclusion

Our treatment protocol was well tolerated and the outcome in this individual patient has been encouraging. This could justify a combined modality approach with post-operative simultaneous-integrated boost-IMRT and chemotherapy (concurrent and adjuvant) for future patient with sinonasal TCS.
Perceived and Objective Attentional Deficits in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Pöttgen Jana , Stephan Julia , Gold Stefan M. , Heesen Christoph , Penner Iris-Katharina
Published: September 2015

Abstract. Initially we assessed self-rated cognitive deficits, depression and quality of life in MS patients and healthy controls (n = 299) by an online survey. Secondly, attention performance of MS outpatients (n = 33) was objectively assessed by the Test battery for Attention Performance and the Symbol Digit Modalities Test. Overall, MS patients rated themselves significantly worse than controls in attentional functioning. This was reflected by a weak performance in objective tests of phasic alertness and divided attention of the MS patients compared to normative data. Subscales of subjective cognitive functioning in the online survey showed significant associations with objective measures after statistical controlling for depression (r = .370 to r = .517). Results show the differences in perceived cognitive performance between MS patients and healthy controls, and self-reported instrument are able to provide relevant information on complex attention performance and hereby on everyday functioning.
Time Breath of Psychological Theories: A Meta-Theoretical Focus
Authors: Tateo Luca , Valsiner Jaan
Published: September 2015

Psychology as a self-aspiring, ambitious, developmental science faces the crucial limit of time—both theoretically and practically. The issue of time in constructing psychology's theories is a major unresolved metatheoretical task. This raises several questions about generalization of knowledge: which is the time length of breath of psychological theories? Which is the temporal dimension of psychological processes? In this article we discuss the role of different axiomatic assumptions about time in the construction of psychological theories. How could different theories include a concept of time—or fail to do that? How can they generalize with respect to time? The different conceptions of time often remain implicit, while shaping the concepts used in understanding psychological processes. Any preconception about time in human development will foster the generalizability of theory, as well as a different ontological status of its concepts. For instance, the assumption that the human being changes—or remains the same—over the life span, will lead to theory building of different length, or shortness, of breath. We advance a metatheoretical perspective that axiomatically requires the inclusion of time in all research designs. Psychology as science that is time-free is a science of dead, rather than living and moving, human experience.
Nanophotonic coherent light–matter interfaces based on rare-earth-doped crystals
Authors: Zhong Tian , Kindem Jonathan M. , Miyazono Evan , Faraon Andrei
Published: September 2015

Quantum light–matter interfaces connecting stationary qubits to photons will enable optical networks for quantum communications, precise global time keeping, photon switching and studies of fundamental physics. Rare-earth-ion-doped crystals are state-of-the-art materials for optical quantum memories and quantum transducers between optical photons, microwave photons and spin waves. Here we demonstrate coupling of an ensemble of neodymium rare-earth-ions to photonic nanocavities fabricated in the yttrium orthosilicate host crystal. Cavity quantum electrodynamics effects including Purcell enhancement (F=42) and dipole-induced transparency are observed on the highly coherent 4I9/2–4F3/2 optical transition. Fluctuations in the cavity transmission due to statistical fine structure of the atomic density are measured, indicating operation at the quantum level. Coherent optical control of cavity-coupled rare-earth ions is performed via photon echoes. Long optical coherence times (T2∼100 μs) and small inhomogeneous broadening are measured for the cavity-coupled rare-earth ions, thus demonstrating their potential for on-chip scalable quantum light–matter interfaces.
Coordination tuning of cobalt phosphates towards efficient water oxidation catalyst
Authors: Kim Hyunah , Park Jimin , Park Inchul , Jin Kyoungsuk , Jerng Sung Eun , Kim Sun Hee , Nam Ki Tae , Kang Kisuk
Published: September 2015

The development of efficient and stable water oxidation catalysts is necessary for the realization of practically viable water-splitting systems. Although extensive studies have focused on the metal-oxide catalysts, the effect of metal coordination on the catalytic ability remains still elusive. Here we select four cobalt-based phosphate catalysts with various cobalt- and phosphate-group coordination as a platform to better understand the catalytic activity of cobalt-based materials. Although they exhibit various catalytic activities and stabilities during water oxidation, Na2CoP2O7 with distorted cobalt tetrahedral geometry shows high activity comparable to that of amorphous cobalt phosphate under neutral conditions, along with high structural stability. First-principles calculations suggest that the surface reorganization by the pyrophosphate ligand induces a highly distorted tetrahedral geometry, where water molecules can favourably bind, resulting in a low overpotential (∼0.42 eV). Our findings emphasize the importance of local cobalt coordination in the catalysis and suggest the possible effect of polyanions on the water oxidation chemistry.
Alteration in Nuclear Factor-KappaB Pathway and Functionality of Estrogen via Receptors Promote Neuroinflammation in Frontal Cortex after 1-Methyl-4-Phenyl-1,2,3,6-Tetrahydropyridine Treatment
Authors: Mitra Soham , Ghosh Nabanita , Sinha Priyobrata , Chakrabarti Nilkanta , Bhattacharyya Arindam
Published: September 2015

The MPTP mediated neurodegeneration in substantia nigra has been well studied, but not the status of frontal cortex. The novelty of the present study is to explore the sex difference of frontal cortex during MPTP intoxication and to investigate the role of estrogen and its receptors in presence of glial cells in a time chase experiment; to identify which pathway of NF-kappaB exist to proceed the neuroinflammation; to investigate the estrogen binding with its nuclear or cytosolic receptors and whether any direct relation exists between estrogen receptor (ER) -beta and NF-kappaB molecules p65 and RelB. The progression of neurodegeneration occurred with the association of glial cells and functional (via its nuclear and cytosolic receptors) estrogen level. Both the canonical and/or non canonical pathways of NF-kappaB exist in frontal cortex of both the sexes after MPTP treatment. The homodimeric or heterodimeric form of ER-beta binds with NF-kappaB molecules p65 and RelB differently, but the canonical or non canonical pathways of NF-kappaB molecules could not be stopped or may be promoted. The changes in the molecular and cellular pattern in frontal cortex of both sexes during MPTP intoxication depends on the estrogen function via its nuclear or cytosolic estrogen receptors.
A Tubing-Free Microfluidic Wound Healing Assay Enabling the Quantification of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Migration
Authors: Wei Yuanchen , Chen Feng , Zhang Tao , Chen Deyong , Jia Xin , Wang Junbo , Guo Wei , Chen Jian
Published: September 2015

This paper presents a tubing-free microfluidic wound healing assay to quantify the migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), where gravity was used to generate a laminar flow within microfluidic channels, enabling cell seeding, culture and wound generation. As the first systemic study to quantify the migration of VSMCs within microfluidic environments, the effects of channel geometries, surface modifications and chemokines on cellular migration were investigated, revealing that 1) height of the micro channels had a significant impact on cell migration; 2) the surface coating of collagen induced more migration of VSMCs than fibronectin coated surfaces and 3) platelet derived growth factor resulted in maximal cell migration compared to tumor necrosis factor alpha and fetal bovine serum. Furthermore, migrations of five types of VSMCs (e.g., the human vascular smooth muscle cell line, two types of primary vascular smooth cells and VSMCs isolated from two human samples) were quantified, finding that VSMCs from the cell line and human samples demonstrated comparable migration distances, which were significantly lower than the migration distances of two primary cell types. As a platform technology, this wound healing assay may function as a new model to study migration of VSMCs within microfluidic environments.
Evolution of periodicity in periodical cicadas
Authors: Ito Hiromu , Kakishima Satoshi , Uehara Takashi , Morita Satoru , Koyama Takuya , Sota Teiji , Cooley John R. , Yoshimura Jin
Published: September 2015

Periodical cicadas (Magicicada spp.) in the USA are famous for their unique prime-numbered life cycles of 13 and 17 years and their nearly perfectly synchronized mass emergences. Because almost all known species of cicada are non-periodical, periodicity is assumed to be a derived state. A leading hypothesis for the evolution of periodicity in Magicicada implicates the decline in average temperature during glacial periods. During the evolution of periodicity, the determinant of maturation in ancestral cicadas is hypothesized to have switched from size dependence to time (period) dependence. The selection for the prime-numbered cycles should have taken place only after the fixation of periodicity. Here, we build an individual-based model of cicadas under conditions of climatic cooling to explore the fixation of periodicity. In our model, under cold environments, extremely long juvenile stages lead to extremely low adult densities, limiting mating opportunities and favouring the evolution of synchronized emergence. Our results indicate that these changes, which were triggered by glacial cooling, could have led to the fixation of periodicity in the non-periodical ancestors.
Dual metal and Lewis base catalysis approach for asymmetric synthesis of dihydroquinolines and the α-arylation of aldehydes via N-acyliminium ions
Authors: Volla Chandra M. R. , Fava Eleonora , Atodiresei Iuliana , Rueping Magnus
Published: September 2015

A dual catalytic system consisting of indium triflate and a chiral imidazolidinone catalyzes the asymmetric addition of aldehydes to N-acyl quinoliniums furnishing optically active dihydroquinolines in good yields and excellent selectivities.
Rose Bengal-photosensitized oxidation of 4-thiothymidine in aqueous medium: evidence for the reaction of the nucleoside with singlet state oxygen
Authors: Rizzi Vito , Losito Ilario , Ventrella Andrea , Fini Paola , Fraix Aurore , Sortino Salvatore , Agostiano Angela , Longobardi Francesco , Cosma Pinalysa
Published: September 2015

Thymidine and a thiothymidine dimer are the products from the reaction of 4-thiothymidine with 1O2 generated through Rose Bengal-mediated photosensitization.
A new chiral uranyl phosphonate framework consisting of achiral building units generated from ionothermal reaction: structure and spectroscopy characterizations
Authors: Zheng Tao , Gao Yang , Chen Lanhua , Liu Zhiyong , Diwu Juan , Chai Zhifang , Albrecht-Schmitt Thomas E. , Wang Shuao
Published: September 2015

Three new uranyl phosphonate compounds were synthesized via ionothermal method and characterised spectroscopically.
Four-coordinate nickel(ii) and copper(ii) complex based ONO tridentate Schiff base ligands: synthesis, molecular structure, electrochemical, linear and nonlinear properties, and computational study
Authors: Novoa Néstor , Roisnel Thierry , Hamon Paul , Kahlal Samia , Manzur Carolina , Ngo Hoang Minh , Ledoux-Rak Isabelle , Saillard Jean-Yves , Carrillo David , Hamon Jean-René
Published: September 2015

The properties of NLO active ternary Ni(ii)- and Cu(ii)-unsymmetrical Schiff base complexes were explored in concert with DFT calculations.
Multichromophoric di-anchoring sensitizers incorporating a ruthenium complex and an organic triphenyl amine dye for efficient dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Su Pei-Yang , Liu Jun-Min , Lin Xue-Lian , Chen Yi-Fan , Shen Yong- , Xiao Li-Min , Kuang Dai-Bin , Su Cheng-Yong
Published: September 2015

A metal–organic combinatorial dye comprised of a ruthenium complex and an organic triphenyl amine dyad has been constructed.
The quenching effect of chitosan crosslinking on ZnO nanoparticles photocatalytic activity
Authors: Regiel-Futyra Anna , Kus-Liśkiewicz Małgorzata , Wojtyła Szymon , Stochel Grażyna , Macyk Wojciech
Published: September 2015

We report the synthesis of a non-toxic and antibacterial chitosan–ZnO composite with UV-blocking properties and efficiently quenched photocatalytic activity towards radical generation.
Poly(glycerol sebacate)-modified polylactic acid scaffolds with improved hydrophilicity, mechanical strength and bioactivity for bone tissue regeneration
Authors: Shi Hengsong , Gan Qi , Liu Xiaowei , Ma Yifan , Hu Jun , Yuan Yuan , Liu Changsheng
Published: September 2015

Polylactic acid (PLA) has been extensively researched in biomedical engineering applications due to its superior mechanical strength and biocompatibility in vivo.
One step synthesis of ethyl levulinate biofuel by ethanolysis of renewable furfuryl alcohol over hierarchical zeolite catalyst
Authors: Nandiwale Kakasaheb Y. , Pande Ashwini M. , Bokade Vijay V.
Published: September 2015

Response surface methodology (RSM) with Box–Behnken experimental design (BBD) demonstrated Hierarchical-HZ-5 as potential catalyst for ethanolysis of renewable furfuryl alcohol to ethyl levulinate biofuel with 99% FAL conversion and 73% EL yield.
Metal oxide nanostructures incorporated/immobilized paper matrices and their applications: a review
Authors: Chauhan Indu , Aggrawal Sudiksha , Chandravati Chandravati , Mohanty Paritosh
Published: September 2015

A comprehensive review on the metal oxide nanostructures incorporated/immobilized paper matrices byex situandin situmethods for various applications.
Lithium–oxygen batteries with ester-functionalized ionic liquid-based electrolytes
Authors: Kim Jae-Hong , Woo Hyun-Sik , Jin So-Jeong , Lee Je Seung , Kim Wonkeun , Ryu Kyounghan , Kim Dong-Won
Published: September 2015

An ester-functionalized ionic liquid-based solution was successfully employed as a promising electrolyte for lithium–oxygen batteries.
New physical insights into the electromagnetic shielding efficiency in PVDF nanocomposites containing multiwall carbon nanotubes and magnetic nanoparticles
Authors: Bhingardive Viraj , Suwas Satyam , Bose Suryasarathi
Published: September 2015

This work attempts to bring critical insights into the electromagnetic shielding efficiency in polymeric nanocomposites with respect to the particle size of magnetic nanoparticles added along with or without a conductive inclusion.
A facile approach to synthesizing S–Co–O tridoped g-C3N4 with enhanced oxygen-free photocatalytic performance via a hydrothermal post-treatment
Authors: Ma Huiqiang , Zhao Shuang , Li Shuang , Liu Na
Published: September 2015

S–Co–O tridoped g-C3N4 nanorods, which have outstanding visible light activity under anoxic conditions, are synthesized via hydrothermal post-treatment.
Synthesis of ketones via organolithium addition to acid chlorides using continuous flow chemistry
Authors: Moon Soo-Yeon , Jung Seo-Hee , Bin Kim U. , Kim Won-Suk
Published: September 2015

An efficient method for the synthesis of ketones using organolithium and acid chlorides under continuous flow conditions has been developed.
Mechanical behaviour and formation process of silkworm silk gut
Authors: Cenis José L. , Madurga Rodrigo , Aznar-Cervantes Salvador D. , Lozano-Pérez A. Abel , Marí-Buyé Núria , Meseguer-Olmo Luis , Plaza Gustavo R. , Guinea Gustavo V. , Elices Manuel , Del Pozo Francisco , Pérez-Rigueiro José
Published: September 2015

Silkworm silk gut shows intrinsic properties comparable to those of natural silkworm silk, but obtained with an alternative spinning procedure.
Recent advances and progress in the development of graphene-based adsorbents for CO2 capture
Authors: Balasubramanian Rajasekhar , Chowdhury Shamik
Published: September 2015

A review of recent advances in graphene-mediated CO2 adsorption from flue gases, a rapidly evolving cross-disciplinary field of current global interest.
MoS2 quantum dot decorated RGO: a designed electrocatalyst with high active site density for the hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Li Feng , Li Jing , Cao Zhuo , Lin Xiaoqing , Li Xinzhe , Fang Yiyun , An Xincai , Fu Yan , Jin Jun , Li Rong
Published: September 2015

In the present work, MoS2 quantum dots (MoS2 QDs) decorated on reduced graphene oxide (RGO) as highly effective electrocatalysts were synthesized by a facile sonication method for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER).
Design and understanding of a high-performance gas sensing material based on copper oxide nanowires exfoliated from a copper mesh substrate
Authors: Yang Fuchao , Guo Jie , Liu Mingming , Yu Shen , Yan Ningbo , Li Jing , Guo Zhiguang
Published: September 2015

A high-performance gas sensing material based on copper oxide nanowires exfoliated from a Copper Mesh Substrate (CMS).
Zwitterionic amphiphile coated magnetofluorescent nanoparticles – synthesis, characterization and tumor cell targeting
Authors: Demillo Violeta G. , Zhu Xiaoshan
Published: September 2015

Zwitterionic magnetofluorescent nanoparticles (ZW-MFNPs) were prepared, characterized, and applied for specific tumor cell targeting.
Tumor targeted gold nanoparticles for FRET-based tumor imaging and light responsive on-demand drug release
Authors: Han Kai , Zhu Jing-Yi , Wang Shi-Bo , Li Zi-Hao , Cheng Si-Xue , Zhang Xian-Zheng
Published: September 2015

Multifunctional AuNPs for MMP-2 responsive tumor imaging and on-demand drug release were designed. A good chemotherapy and photodynamic therapy combination with minimized side effects was realized.
Oxygen diffusion dynamics in organic semiconductor films
Authors: Shoaee Safa , Durrant James R.
Published: September 2015

Transient absorption spectroscopy is commonly used to probe the yield and kinetics of excited states of materials.
Multistage time‐variant electric vehicle load modelling for capturing accurate electric vehicle behaviour and electric vehicle impact on electricity distribution grids
Authors: Haidar Ahmed M.A. , Muttaqi Kashem M. , Haque Mohammed H.
Published: September 2015

Accurate electric vehicle (EV) load modelling is a daunting task because the proportion and characteristics of these extra electrical loads in the grids are continuously changing. In many recent EV studies, EV load is assumed to be a constant power load to analyse the effect of EV charging on electric network. However, such an assumption would not be effective in real‐time application and can give misleading results. This study proposes a multistage time‐variant EV load modelling technique based on the characteristics of EV load demand due to EV battery charging. To capture the transitions between different stages of battery charging, the EV loads are modelled with a multistage scheme and implemented ZIP model. A comparative study of energy losses and voltage profile is carried out on the IEEE 69‐bus test system for the use of a traditional constant load model, conventional ZIP load model and the proposed multistage time‐variant EV load model. Results show that the load models can significantly affect the energy losses and terminal voltages, and provide misrepresentation if EV load is not accurately modelled. Therefore, for proper analysis of EV loads during unidirectional charging, it is essential to have accurate models for predicting true EV behaviour.