bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Direct and Indirect Costs of Ultrasound-Guided Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter Repositioning at a Large Academic Medical Center
Authors: Keller Eric J. , Semaan Edouard , Lee Jung , Aragona Emily , Molina Heather , Salem Riad , Resnick Scott A. , Chrisman Howard , Collins Jeremy D.
Published: November 2016

Background: To assess the technical success of ultrasound (US)-guided peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) placement at a large academic medical center and evaluate the direct and indirect costs associated with malpositioned catheters.

Methods: This retrospective chart review consisted of 250 consecutive inpatients and 150 consecutive outpatients (N = 400, aged 58 ± 17 years, 225 men and 175women) who underwent US-guided PICC placement at a single center. Repositioning rates were compared between high-complexity (inpatient) and low-complexity (outpatient) groups using a χ2 test and phi coefficient. Initial and final catheter tip position was assessed by radiography. Direct costs of repositioning were estimated using Medicare reimbursement rates. Indirect costs, including additional staff time, imaging, and delays in treatment, were assessed via a survey of PICC nurses and chart reviews.

Results: Initial PICC placement resulted in an optimal tip position in 34% of patients and an optimal or acceptable position in 84% of patients. Repositioning rates were significantly higher for inpatients with a low to moderate association between inpatient PICC placement and the need for repositioning (χ2 = 9.603, P = .002; σ = 0.155, P = .002). In total, 77 catheters required repositioning, costing on average an additional $186.03 and 50 minutes of staff time per catheter as well as delaying catheter use in 23 patients for at least 24 hours.

Conclusions: PICC malpositioning is a significant source of inefficiency, especially for inpatient services, that should be addressed to reduce expenditures and maximize patients' perceptions of quality health care.
Co‐creating value using customer training and education in a healthcare service design
Authors: Damali Uzay , Miller Janis L. , Fredendall Lawrence D. , Moore DeWayne , Dye Cheryl J.
Published: November 2016

In services, which require significant customer participation to create value, customers who lack the knowledge, skills and motivation necessary to participate effectively can negatively impact service quality and cost outcomes. This paper develops a conceptual model to investigate the effectiveness of utilizing customer training and education (CTE) to improve customer readiness to provide effective behaviors in a professional service. The model was tested using survey data from patients diagnosed with diabetes who received CTE as part of their healthcare service. We found that customers who are taught why they have to perform the tasks, have higher levels of motivation to perform these tasks effectively. Further, as proposed by the customer readiness model, when their task performance is higher, they have improved health and lower healthcare costs.
Effects of Pulsed Ultrasound Therapy on Sensory Nerve Conduction Parameters and the Pain Threshold Perceptions in Humans
Authors: Schuhfried Othmar , Vukanovic Damir , Kollmann Christian , Pieber Karin , Paternostro‐Sluga Tatjana
Published: November 2016

Background

Therapeutic ultrasound is an often‐used clinical modality in the nonsurgical treatment of entrapment neuropathies. To date, the possible mechanism of action of pulsed ultrasound therapy on the peripheral nerve in the treatment of entrapment neuropathies is unclear.

Objective

To examine the effects of pulsed ultrasound therapy on peripheral nerve conduction parameters.

Design

A prospective, randomized, single blind, crossover study.

Setting

Outpatient clinic of a university department of physical medicine and rehabilitation.

Participants

Twelve healthy volunteers between 22 and 38 years of age (8 male, 4 female).

Methods

Each patient (blinded) received ultrasound therapy (1W/cm2, pulsed: 1:5; over the course of the superficial branch of the radial nerve of the nondominant arm) and placebo (intensity: zero). The interval between the individual interventions was 1 week.

Main Outcome Measurement

The sensory nerve conduction velocity, sensory nerve action potential, supramaximal stimulation intensity of the sensory fibers of the radial nerve, and the pressure pain threshold in the sensory area of the radial nerve before and after an ultrasound‐therapy and placebo intervention. To compare the results of the intervention with placebo, a paired‐samples t test was applied.

Results

Compared with placebo, a significant increase after pulsed ultrasound therapy was found for the supramaximal stimulation intensity (P = .02). For the other primary outcome parameters, a significant difference was not found.

Conclusions

The immediate effect of pulsed ultrasound therapy on a sensory nerve is minimal. Therefore, the previously reported benefit of pulsed ultrasound therapy in entrapment neuropathies might be not due to its effect on the sensory nerve.

Level of Evidence

I
Multiple neuropathologies and dementia in the aging brain: A key role for cerebrovascular disease?
Authors: Charidimou Andreas , Viswanathan Anand
Published: November 2016

This short perspective discusses the conclusions of a Research Roundtable meeting held in October in 2014 within the overall theme of understanding the role of additional/comorbid pathologies in the aging brain and their potential interaction with clinical Alzheimer's disease and other dementia phenotypes. We specifically examine the key role of for cerebrovascular small vessel disease in this context and highlight future directions.
Diffusion or Confusion? Clustered Shocks and the Conditional Diffusion of Democracy
Authors: Houle Christian , Kayser Mark A. , Xiang Jun
Published: November 2016

Scholars, observing clustering in transitions to democracy, argue that democratization diffuses across borders as citizens in autocracies demand the same reforms they witness in neighboring states. We disagree. This article demonstrates that diffusion plays only a highly conditional role in democratization. We advance and test an alternative two-step theory of clustered democratization: (1) economic and international political shocks, which are clustered spatially and temporally, induce the breakdown of authoritarian regimes; then (2) democratic diffusion, in turn, influences whether a fallen dictatorship will be replaced by a democracy or a new autocracy. Diffusion, despite playing an important role, is insufficient to explain the clustering of transitions. Using data on 125 autocracies from 1875 to 2004, we show that economic crises trigger authoritarian breakdowns, while diffusion influences whether the new regime is democratic or authoritarian.
Gründe und Einflussfaktoren für den Eintritt in die berufliche Rehabilitation von Pflegefachpersonen in Deutschland – Ergebnisse der Pilotstudie Reha-Biograf
Authors: Weidner Frank , Brünett Matthias , Müller Mareike , Cissarz Iwona
Published: November 2016

Zusammenfassung. Hintergrund: Professionell Pflegende sind im Beruf hohen Belastungen ausgesetzt und werden häufiger vorzeitig berentet als Angehörige anderer Berufe. In Deutschland sollen Maßnahmen der beruflichen Rehabilitation dem entgegenwirken. Bislang fehlen aber Daten zu der Frage, wie professionell Pflegende in die berufliche Rehabilitation kommen und welche Faktoren dies beeinflussen. Ziel: Erkenntnisse über rückblickende Schilderungen langzeiterkrankter Pflegefachpersonen aus der stationären Akutpflege zu ihren Wegen in die berufliche Rehabilitation. Methode: Problemzentrierte Interviews mit episodischen Interviewpassagen mit 21 langzeiterkrankten Pflegefachpersonen, die an einer Maßnahme der beruflichen Rehabilitation teilnehmen. Auswertung mittels qualitativer Inhaltsanalyse. Ergebnisse: In allen Interviews waren Umstrukturierungen (Personalabbau, Arbeitsverdichtung, hohe körperliche Anforderungen) wesentliches Thema. Folge davon sind fehlende Erholungsphasen und Arbeiten unter zunehmendem Zeitdruck. Verstärkt werden die schwierigen Arbeitsbedingungen durch habituelle Aspekte (Pflege als selbstloses Dienen). In einem Verlaufsmodell wurden die Phasen Exposition, Krise und Konversion identifiziert und drei Verlaufstypen beschrieben. Schlussfolgerungen: Weitere Forschung kann auf einem ersten Kategoriensystem, dem EKK-Phasenmodell sowie den Verlaufstypen aufbauen, die den Weg von Pflegefachpersonen in die berufliche Rehabilitation beschreibbar machen.
Toxische Hautreaktionen und Unterstützungsbedarf von KrebspatientInnen im Zuge einer EGFR-Antikörpertherapie
Authors: Matzka Martin , Stöhr Doreen , Colditz Alexandra , Köck-Hódi Sabine , Koller Martina , Mayer Hanna
Published: November 2016

Zusammenfassung. Hintergrund: Personalisierte Krebstherapien in Form einer Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor-Antikörpertherapie (EGFR-Antikörpertherapie) haben sich bei bestimmten soliden und metastasierten Tumoren als Therapieoption etabliert. Toxische Hautreaktionen zählen zum charakteristischen Nebenwirkungsspektrum dieser Therapien. Ziel: Erfassung des Ausmaßes, in welchem therapieinduzierte Hautreaktionen auf die Lebensqualität von onkologischen PatientInnen im Rahmen einer EGFR-Antikörpertherapie Einfluss nehmen, sowie die Erhebung des individuell wahrgenommenen Unterstützungsbedarfs der PatientInnen. Methode: Embedded Design mit quantitativem Schwerpunkt (Fragebogenerhebung, n = 32) und Auswertung ergänzender qualitativer Daten (Interviews, n = 5). Ergebnisse: Physische Manifestationen der Hautreaktionen (etwa Hautirritationen und Juckreiz) schränken die Lebensqualität der PatientInnen am stärksten ein, während damit verbundene emotionale und funktionelle Beeinträchtigungen deutlich seltener angegeben werden. Hautreaktionen werden von den PatientInnen nicht als prioritäre und stark belastende Problematik angesehen, sondern vielmehr als ein Teilaspekt der Gesamtsymptombelastung. Dennoch zeigen sich deutliche Zusammenhänge zwischen den Auswirkungen der Hautreaktionen auf die Lebensqualität und insbesondere dem allgemeinen physischen und psychologischen Unterstützungsbedarf. Schlussfolgerungen: Die Auswirkungen von toxischen Hautreaktionen auf die Lebensqualität der PatientInnen sind begrenzt, sie bedürfen dennoch gezielter, unterstützender, in das allgemeine Symptommanagement integrierter Interventionen.
Transplanted photoreceptor precursors transfer proteins to host photoreceptors by a mechanism of cytoplasmic fusion
Authors: Singh Mandeep S. , Balmer Jasmin , Barnard Alun R. , Aslam Sher A. , Moralli Daniela , Green Catherine M. , Barnea-Cramer Alona , Duncan Isabel , MacLaren Robert E.
Published: November 2016

Photoreceptor transplantation is a potential future treatment for blindness caused by retinal degeneration. Photoreceptor transplantation restores visual responses in end-stage retinal degeneration, but has also been assessed in non-degenerate retinas. In the latter scenario, subretinal transplantation places donor cells beneath an intact host outer nuclear layer (ONL) containing host photoreceptors. Here we show that host cells are labelled with the donor marker through cytoplasmic transfer—94±4.1% of apparently well-integrated donor cells containing both donor and host markers. We detect the occurrence of Cre-Lox recombination between donor and host photoreceptors, and we confirm the findings through FISH analysis of X and Y chromosomes in sex-discordant transplants. We do not find evidence of nuclear fusion of donor and host cells. The artefactual appearance of integrated donor cells in host retinas following transplantation is most commonly due to material transfer from donor cells. Understanding this novel mechanism may provide alternate therapeutic strategies at earlier stages of retinal degeneration.
Fatty acid metabolic reprogramming via mTOR-mediated inductions of PPARγ directs early activation of T cells
Authors: Angela Mulki , Endo Yusuke , Asou Hikari K. , Yamamoto Takeshi , Tumes Damon J. , Tokuyama Hirotake , Yokote Koutaro , Nakayama Toshinori
Published: November 2016

To fulfil the bioenergetic requirements for increased cell size and clonal expansion, activated T cells reprogramme their metabolic signatures from energetically quiescent to activated. However, the molecular mechanisms and essential components controlling metabolic reprogramming in T cells are not well understood. Here, we show that the mTORC1–PPARγ pathway is crucial for the fatty acid uptake programme in activated CD4+ T cells. This pathway is required for full activation and rapid proliferation of naive and memory CD4+ T cells. PPARγ directly binds and induces genes associated with fatty acid uptake in CD4+ T cells in both mice and humans. The PPARγ-dependent fatty acid uptake programme is critical for metabolic reprogramming. Thus, we provide important mechanistic insights into the metabolic reprogramming mechanisms that govern the expression of key enzymes, fatty acid metabolism and the acquisition of an activated phenotype during CD4+ T cell activation.
Glucocorticoid receptor and Histone deacetylase 6 mediate the differential effect of dexamethasone during osteogenesis of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs)
Authors: Rimando Marilyn G. , Wu Hao-Hsiang , Liu Yu-An , Lee Chien-Wei , Kuo Shu-Wen , Lo Yin-Ping , Tseng Kuo-Fung , Liu Yi-Shiuan , Lee Oscar Kuang-Sheng
Published: November 2016

Lineage commitment and differentiation of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) into osteoblasts in vitro is enhanced by a potent synthetic form of glucocorticoid (GC), dexamethasone (Dex). Paradoxically, when used chronically in patients, GCs exert negative effects on bone, a phenomenon known as glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis in clinical practice. The mechanism on how GC differentially affects bone precursor cells to become mature osteoblasts during osteogenesis remains elusive. In this study, the dose and temporal regulation of Dex on MSC differentiation into osteoblasts were investigated. We found that continuous Dex treatment led to a net reduction of the maturation potential of differentiating osteoblasts. This phenomenon correlated with a decrease in glucocorticoid receptor (GR) expression, hastened degradation, and impaired sub cellular localization. Similarly, Histone Deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) expression was found to be regulated by Dex, co-localized with GR and this GR-HDAC6 complex occupied the promoter region of the osteoblast late marker osteocalcin (OCN). Combinatorial inhibition of HDAC6 and GR enhanced OCN expression. Together, the cross-talk between the Dex effector molecule GR and the inhibitory molecule HDAC6 provided mechanistic explanation of the bimodal effect of Dex during osteogenic differentiation of MSCs. These findings may provide new directions of research to combat glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis.
Perceptual training yields rapid improvements in visually impaired youth
Authors: Nyquist Jeffrey B. , Lappin Joseph S. , Zhang Ruyuan , Tadin Duje
Published: November 2016

Visual function demands coordinated responses to information over a wide field of view, involving both central and peripheral vision. Visually impaired individuals often seem to underutilize peripheral vision, even in absence of obvious peripheral deficits. Motivated by perceptual training studies with typically sighted adults, we examined the effectiveness of perceptual training in improving peripheral perception of visually impaired youth. Here, we evaluated the effectiveness of three training regimens: (1) an action video game, (2) a psychophysical task that combined attentional tracking with a spatially and temporally unpredictable motion discrimination task, and (3) a control video game. Training with both the action video game and modified attentional tracking yielded improvements in visual performance. Training effects were generally larger in the far periphery and appear to be stable 12 months after training. These results indicate that peripheral perception might be under-utilized by visually impaired youth and that this underutilization can be improved with only ~8 hours of perceptual training. Moreover, the similarity of improvements following attentional tracking and action video-game training suggest that well-documented effects of action video-game training might be due to the sustained deployment of attention to multiple dynamic targets while concurrently requiring rapid attending and perception of unpredictable events.
Determination of the electron-capture coefficients and the concentration of free electrons in GaN from time-resolved photoluminescence
Authors: Reshchikov M. A. , McNamara J. D. , Toporkov M. , Avrutin V. , Morkoç H. , Usikov A. , Helava H. , Makarov Yu.
Published: November 2016

Point defects in high-purity GaN layers grown by hydride vapor phase epitaxy are studied by steady-state and time-resolved photoluminescence (PL). The electron-capture coefficients for defects responsible for the dominant defect-related PL bands in this material are found. The capture coefficients for all the defects, except for the green luminescence (GL1) band, are independent of temperature. The electron-capture coefficient for the GL1 band significantly changes with temperature because the GL1 band is caused by an internal transition in the related defect, involving an excited state acting as a giant trap for electrons. By using the determined electron-capture coefficients, the concentration of free electrons can be found at different temperatures by a contactless method. A new classification system is suggested for defect-related PL bands in undoped GaN.
Functional defects in CD4+ CD25high FoxP3+ regulatory cells in ankylosing spondylitis
Authors: Guo Huifang , Zheng Ming , Zhang Kui , Yang Fengfan , Zhang Xin , Han Qing , Chen Zhi-Nan , Zhu Ping
Published: November 2016

Forkhead box P3 (FoxP3)-positive regulatory T cells (Tregs) play a pivotal role in the preservation of self-tolerance, and Treg dysfunction has been implicated in many autoimmune diseases. Whether and how Tregs participate in the pathogenesis of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) has not been fully elucidated. Here, we investigated Treg function and found that Tregs in peripheral blood (PB) from patients with active AS had lower FoxP3 mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) than those from healthy controls and could not fully suppress naïve T cell (Tn) proliferation. We also studied the mechanisms underlying PB Treg dysfunction in this context and found that PB Tregs failed to effectively utilize IL-2 and had relatively little STAT5 phosphorylation in active AS. Moreover, PB Tregs from patients with active AS exhibited greater CpG island methylation in the CNS2 region of the FOXP3 gene. Therefore, our findings indicate that functional defects in Tregs are present in AS. Abnormal IL-2 signalling and aberrant CNS2 epigenetic control induced functional defects in PB Tregs and represents a potential new mechanism for AS pathogenesis. These findings may aid the design of new treatment approaches for AS.
How a life-like system emerges from a simplistic particle motion law
Authors: Schmickl Thomas , Stefanec Martin , Crailsheim Karl
Published: November 2016

Self-structuring patterns can be observed all over the universe, from galaxies to molecules to living matter, yet their emergence is waiting for full understanding. We discovered a simple motion law for moving and interacting self-propelled particles leading to a self-structuring, self-reproducing and self-sustaining life-like system. The patterns emerging within this system resemble patterns found in living organisms. The emergent cells we found show a distinct life cycle and even create their own ecosystem from scratch. These structures grow and reproduce on their own, show self-driven behavior and interact with each other. Here we analyze the macroscopic properties of the emerging ecology, as well as the microscopic properties of the mechanism that leads to it. Basic properties of the emerging structures (size distributions, longevity) are analyzed as well as their resilience against sensor or actuation noise. Finally, we explore parameter space for potential other candidates of life. The generality and simplicity of the motion law provokes the thought that one fundamental rule, described by one simple equation yields various structures in nature: it may work on different time- and size scales, ranging from the self-structuring universe, to emergence of living beings, down to the emergent subatomic formation of matter.
Late Oligocene–Early Miocene magnetochronology of the mammalian faunas in the Lanzhou Basin–environmental changes in the NE margin of the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Zhang Peng , Ao Hong , Dekkers Mark J. , Li Yongxiang , An Zhisheng
Published: November 2016

A large number of terrestrial mammalian fossils were reported in the well-exposed Paleogene and Neogene fluvio-lacustrine strata in Western China. Their accurate ages are crucial to understand the mammalian and environmental evolution associated with the step-wise uplift of the Tibetan Plateau. At present their ages are surprisingly poorly constrained. Here, we present a high-resolution magnetostratigraphic dating of the Late Oligocene–Early Miocene mammal assemblages from a 233-m thick fluvio-lacustrine section in the Lanzhou Basin located at the northeastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau, China. The results suggest that the section spans from the polarity subchron C6Cn.2r to C5En, i.e. ranging from ca 23 to 18 Ma. This magnetochronology provides considerably more robust ages for three associated land mammalian faunal assemblages. Updated ages end the debate on existing ambiguous and distinctly different magnetostratigraphic correlations for those Late Oligocene–Early Miocene assemblages. The new ages now enable precise correlation of these faunas to the European Land Mammal and North American Land Mammal Ages. The faunal assemblages further suggest a mixed setting of woodlands and grasslands associated with a humid environment in the Lanzhou Basin during the Late Oligocene–Early Miocene, in contrast to its modern poor vegetation cover and arid environment.
Greater efficacy of atorvastatin versus a non-statin lipid-lowering agent against renal injury: potential role as a histone deacetylase inhibitor
Authors: Singh Ravi Shankar , Chaudhary Dharmendra Kumar , Mohan Aradhana , Kumar Praveen , Chaturvedi Chandra Prakash , Ecelbarger Carolyn M. , Godbole Madan M. , Tiwari Swasti
Published: November 2016

Statins, 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibitors have been shown to improve diabetic nephropathy. However, whether they provide protection via Histone deacetylases (HDAC) inhibition is not clear. We conducted a comparative evaluation of Atorvastatin (AT) versus the non-statin cholesterol-lowering drug, Ezetimibe (EZT) on severity of diabetic nephropathy. Streptozotocin-treated male Wistar rats were fed a cholesterol-supplemented diet and gavaged daily with vehicle, AT or EZT. Control rats received normal diet and gavaged vehicle (n = 8–9/group). Diabetes increased blood glucose, urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR), kidney pathology and HDAC activity, and reduced renal E-cadherin levels. Both AT and EZT reduced circulating cholesterol, attenuated renal pathology, and did not lower blood glucose. However, AT was significantly more effective than EZT at reducing kidney pathology and HDAC activity. Chromatin immunoprecipitation revealed a significantly higher association of acetylated H3 and H4 with the E-cadherin promoter in kidneys from AT-, relative to EZT- or vehicle-treated rats. Moreover, we demonstrated a direct effect of AT, but not EZT, on HDAC-inhibition and, H3 and H4- acetylation in primary glomerular mesangial cells. Overall, both AT and EZT attenuated diabetic nephropathy; however, AT exhibited greater efficacy despite a similar reduction in circulating cholesterol. HDAC-inhibition may underlie greater efficacy of statins in attenuating kidney injury.
Staphylococcus aureus-dependent septic arthritis in murine knee joints: local immune response and beneficial effects of vaccination
Authors: Corrado Alessia , Donato Paolo , Maccari Silvia , Cecchi Raffaella , Spadafina Tiziana , Arcidiacono Letizia , Tavarini Simona , Sammicheli Chiara , Laera Donatello , Manetti Andrea Guido Oreste , Ruggiero Paolo , Galletti Bruno , Nuti Sandra , De Gregorio Ennio , Bertholet Sylvie , Seubert Anja , Bagnoli Fabio , Bensi Giuliano , Chiarot Emiliano
Published: November 2016

Staphylococcus aureus is the major cause of human septic arthritis and osteomyelitis, which deserve special attention due to their rapid evolution and resistance to treatment. The progression of the disease depends on both bacterial presence in situ and uncontrolled disruptive immune response, which is responsible for chronic disease. Articular and bone infections are often the result of blood bacteremia, with the knees and hips being the most frequently infected joints showing the worst clinical outcome. We report the development of a hematogenous model of septic arthritis in murine knees, which progresses from an acute to a chronic phase, similarly to what occurs in humans. Characterization of the local and systemic inflammatory and immune responses following bacterial infection brought to light specific signatures of disease. Immunization of mice with the vaccine formulation we have recently described (4C-Staph), induced a strong antibody response and specific CD4+ effector memory T cells, and resulted in reduced bacterial load in the knee joints, a milder general inflammatory state and protection against bacterial-mediated cellular toxicity. Possible correlates of protection are finally proposed, which might contribute to the development of an effective vaccine for human use.
Genome-wide Diversity and Association Mapping for Capsaicinoids and Fruit Weight in Capsicum annuum L
Authors: Nimmakayala Padma , Abburi Venkata L. , Saminathan Thangasamy , Alaparthi Suresh B. , Almeida Aldo , Davenport Brittany , Nadimi Marjan , Davidson Joshua , Tonapi Krittika , Yadav Lav , Malkaram Sridhar , Vajja Gopinath , Hankins Gerald , Harris Robert , Park Minkyu , Choi Doil , Stommel John , Reddy Umesh K.
Published: November 2016

Accumulated capsaicinoid content and increased fruit size are traits resulting fromCapsicum annuumdomestication. In this study, we used a diverse collection ofC. annuumto generate 66,960 SNPs using genotyping by sequencing. The study identified 1189 haplotypes containing 3413 SNPs. Length of individual linkage disequilibrium (LD) blocks varied along chromosomes, with regions of high and low LD interspersed with an average LD of 139 kb. Principal component analysis (PCA), Bayesian model based population structure analysis and an Euclidean tree built based on identity by state (IBS) indices revealed that the clustering pattern of diverse accessions are in agreement with capsaicin content (CA) and fruit weight (FW) classifications indicating the importance of these traits in shaping modern pepper genome. PCA and IBS were used in a mixed linear model of capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin content and fruit weight to reduce spurious associations because of confounding effects of subpopulations in genome-wide association study (GWAS). Our GWAS results showed SNPs in Ankyrin-like protein, IKI3 family protein, ABC transporter G family and pentatricopeptide repeat protein are the major markers for capsaicinoids and of 16 SNPs strongly associated with FW in both years of the study, 7 are located in known fruit weight controlling genes.
Erratum: Origin of multiple band gap values in single width nanoribbons
Authors: Deepika  , Kumar Shailesh , Shukla Alok , Kumar Rakesh
Published: November 2016

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 36168; published online: 03 November 2016; updated: 30 November 2016
Correction: Corrigendum: Characterizing Si:P quantum dot qubits with spin resonance techniques
Authors: Wang Yu , Chen Chin-Yi , Klimeck Gerhard , Simmons Michelle Y. , Rahman Rajib
Published: November 2016

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 31830; published online: 23 August 2016; updated: 30 November 2016
Development of mouthparts in the cicada Meimuna mongolica (Distant): successive morphological patterning and sensilla differentiation from nymph to adult
Authors: Hao Yanan , Dietrich Christopher H. , Dai Wu
Published: November 2016

Development of the mouthparts in the cicadaMeimuna mongolica(Distant) is investigated here for the first time using scanning electron microscopy in order to document changes occurring in different nymphal instars and from nymph to adult, during which a shift from subterranean root-feeding to feeding on aboveground parts of the host plant occurs. The structure and component of mouthparts is similar to those found in other hemipteran insects. Fourteen types of sensilla and five types of cuticular processes were found on the mouthparts of nymphs and adults. Significant general transformations during development include changes in: (a) the size and shape of the labrum from square to long and shovel-shaped; (b) increases in type and quantity of sensilla with the stage of development; (c) the ridges at the tips of the mandiblar stylets become more prominent in later stages of nymphal development, while odontoid protrusions more prominent in the female than in the male of the adult; and (d) the cross section of the stylets is subcircular in nymphal stages but oblong elliptical in the adult. The implications of these mouthpart transformations on the feeding ability of nymphs and adults and their possible relationship to the feeding niche are discussed.
Input graph: the hidden geometry in controlling complex networks
Authors: Zhang Xizhe , Lv Tianyang , Pu Yuanyuan
Published: November 2016

The ability to control a complex network towards a desired behavior relies on our understanding of the complex nature of these social and technological networks. The existence of numerous control schemes in a network promotes us to wonder: what is the underlying relationship of all possible input nodes? Here we introduce input graph, a simple geometry that reveals the complex relationship between all control schemes and input nodes. We prove that the node adjacent to an input node in the input graph will appear in another control scheme, and the connected nodes in input graph have the same type in control, which they are either all possible input nodes or not. Furthermore, we find that the giant components emerge in the input graphs of many real networks, which provides a clear topological explanation of bifurcation phenomenon emerging in dense networks and promotes us to design an efficient method to alter the node type in control. The findings provide an insight into control principles of complex networks and offer a general mechanism to design a suitable control scheme for different purposes.
Gap Shape Classification using Landscape Indices and Multivariate Statistics
Authors: Wu Chih-Da , Cheng Chi-Chuan , Chang Che-Chang , Lin Chinsu , Chang Kun-Cheng , Chuang Yung-Chung
Published: November 2016

This study proposed a novel methodology to classify the shape of gaps using landscape indices and multivariate statistics. Patch-level indices were used to collect the qualified shape and spatial configuration characteristics for canopy gaps in the Lienhuachih Experimental Forest in Taiwan in 1998 and 2002. Non-hierarchical cluster analysis was used to assess the optimal number of gap clusters and canonical discriminant analysis was used to generate the discriminant functions for canopy gap classification. The gaps for the two periods were optimally classified into three categories. In general, gap type 1 had a more complex shape, gap type 2 was more elongated and gap type 3 had the largest gaps that were more regular in shape. The results were evaluated using Wilks’ lambda as satisfactory (p < 0.001). The agreement rate of confusion matrices exceeded 96%. Differences in gap characteristics between the classified gap types that were determined using a one-way ANOVA showed a statistical significance in all patch indices (p = 0.00), except for the Euclidean nearest neighbor distance (ENN) in 2002. Taken together, these results demonstrated the feasibility and applicability of the proposed methodology to classify the shape of a gap.
Complete genome sequence and transcriptomic analysis of a novel marine strain Bacillus weihaiensis reveals the mechanism of brown algae degradation
Authors: Zhu Yueming , Chen Peng , Bao Yunjuan , Men Yan , Zeng Yan , Yang Jiangang , Sun Jibin , Sun Yuanxia
Published: November 2016

A novel marine strain representing efficient degradation ability toward brown algae was isolated, identified, and assigned to Bacillus weihaiensis Alg07. The alga-associated marine bacteria promote the nutrient cycle and perform important functions in the marine ecosystem. The de novo sequencing of the B. weihaiensis Alg07 genome was carried out. Results of gene annotation and carbohydrate-active enzyme analysis showed that the strain harbored enzymes that can completely degrade alginate and laminarin, which are the specific polysaccharides of brown algae. We also found genes for the utilization of mannitol, the major storage monosaccharide in the cell of brown algae. To understand the process of brown algae decomposition by B. weihaiensis Alg07, RNA-seq transcriptome analysis and qRT-PCR were performed. The genes involved in alginate metabolism were all up-regulated in the initial stage of kelp degradation, suggesting that the strain Alg07 first degrades alginate to destruct the cell wall so that the laminarin and mannitol are released and subsequently decomposed. The key genes involved in alginate and laminarin degradation were expressed in Escherichia coli and characterized. Overall, the model of brown algae degradation by the marine strain Alg07 was established, and novel alginate lyases and laminarinase were discovered.
A full dimensional potential for H2O2(X1A) covering all dissociation channels
Authors: Coelho Daniela V. , Brandão João
Published: November 2016

A full dimensional potential energy surface for the H2O2ground singlet state including all the dissociation channels.
Basis set convergence of the binding energies of strongly hydrogen-bonded atmospheric clusters
Authors: Elm Jonas , Kristensen Kasper
Published: November 2016

We present the first binding energy benchmark set at the CBS limit of strongly hydrogen bonded atmospheric molecular clusters.
A highly flexible inorganic framework with amphiphilic amine assemblies as templates
Authors: Huang Hui-Lin , Lin Hsin-Yau , Chen Pei-Shan , Lee Jey-Jau , Kung Hui-Chen , Wang Sue-Lein
Published: November 2016

An inorganic framework with 24-and-30-ring stacked channels showed extreme flexibility, with a volume change of up to 27.1% under pressure without undergoing a phase transformation.
Synthesis of formamides containing unsaturated groups by N-formylation of amines using CO2 with H2
Authors: Liu Hangyu , Mei Qingqing , Xu Qingling , Song Jinliang , Liu Huizhen , Han Buxing
Published: November 2016

Cu(OAc)2–DMAP a cheaper catalytic system can efficiently catalyze selective N-formylation of amines containing unsaturated groups using H2 and CO2 under milder conditions that the unsaturated groups were remained.
Efficient atom and step economic (EASE) synthesis of the “smart drug” Modafinil
Authors: Maurya Shivam , Yadav Dhiraj , Pratap Kemant , Kumar Atul
Published: November 2016

We developed a post-sulfoxidation protocol for the synthesis of Modafinil that exhibits improved sustainability credentials, utilizing the recyclable heterogeneous catalyst Nafion-H.
Smartphone based hand-held quantitative phase microscope using the transport of intensity equation method
Authors: Meng Xin , Huang Huachuan , Yan Keding , Tian Xiaolin , Yu Wei , Cui Haoyang , Kong Yan , Xue Liang , Liu Cheng , Wang Shouyu
Published: November 2016

A smartphone based hand-held quantitative phase microscope using the transport of intensity equation method.
ATM, ATR, CHK1, CHK2 and WEE1 inhibitors in cancer and cancer stem cells
Authors: Ronco Cyril , Martin Anthony R. , Demange Luc , Benhida Rachid
Published: November 2016

A review highlighting on cancer stem cells, with an exhaustive listing and comparison of biological efficacies and pharmacology of the inhibitors of 5 pivotal enzymes of the DNA-damage response.
Optical control of GIRK channels using visible light
Authors: Trads Julie B. , Burgstaller Jessica , Laprell Laura , Konrad David B. , de la Osa de la Rosa Luis , Weaver C. David , Baier Herwig , Trauner Dirk , Barber David M.
Published: November 2016

We have developed the photoswitchable GIRK channel agonistVLOGO, which permits the precise control of GIRK channels using visible light.
A molecular receptor selective for zwitterionic alanine
Authors: Rubio Omayra H. , Taouil Rachid , Muñiz Francisco M. , Monleón Laura M. , Simón Luis , Sanz Francisca , Morán Joaquín R.
Published: November 2016

A new chiral chromane receptor has been synthesized with a right-sized oxyanion hole to fix zwitterionic alanine. This associate allows the enantioselective extraction of this amino acid from water to chloroform.
Fully bio-based aromatic–aliphatic copolyesters: poly(butylene furandicarboxylate-co-succinate)s obtained by ring opening polymerization
Authors: Morales-Huerta Juan Carlos , Ciulik Claudio Batista , de Ilarduya Antxon Martínez , Muñoz-Guerra Sebastián
Published: November 2016

Fully bio-based poly(butylene furanoate-co-succinate) copolyesters were synthesized by ring opening polymerization using either organometallic or enzymatic catalysis.
Thermo- and oxidation-responsive supramolecular vesicles constructed from self-assembled pillar[6]arene-ferrocene based amphiphilic supramolecular diblock copolymers
Authors: Wang Sai , Yao Chenhao , Ni Mengfei , Xu Zuqiang , Cheng Ming , Hu Xiao-Yu , Shen Ying-Zhong , Lin Chen , Wang Leyong , Jia Dianzheng
Published: November 2016

Thermo- and oxidation-responsive pillar[6]arene-ferrocene based supramolecular vesicles were constructed for controlled drug release.
In situ formation of silk-gelatin hybrid hydrogels for affinity-based growth factor sequestration and release
Authors: Bragg John C. , Kweon Haeyong , Jo YouYoung , Lee Kwang Gill , Lin Chien-Chi
Published: November 2016

Facile formation of silk fibroin/gelatin-heparin hybrid hydrogels for affinity-based growth factor sequestration and release.
Electrochemical supercapacitor based on double perovskite Y2NiMnO6 nanowires
Authors: Alam Mahebub , Karmakar Keshab , Pal Monalisa , Mandal Kalyan
Published: November 2016

The present work unveils the electrochemical properties of a newly emerging multiferroic material, double perovskite Y2NiMnO6, as an active material for the positive electrode of electrochemical supercapacitors.
Temperature dependence of poly(lactic acid) mechanical properties
Authors: Zhou Chengbo , Guo Huilong , Li Jingqing , Huang Shaoyong , Li Hongfei , Meng Yanfeng , Yu Donghong , de Claville Christiansen Jesper , Jiang Shichun
Published: November 2016

The double yield of crystalline PLA upon stretching is ascribed to shear of the intermosaic region and crystal block sliding.
Synthesis, characterization of nitrogen-doped mesoporous carbon spheres and adsorption performance
Authors: Cheng Liang , Hou Cuihong , Zhang Baolin , Liu Guoji
Published: November 2016

Nitrogen-doped mesoporous carbon spheres (NMCS) were prepared by a nanocasting route using benzoxazine resins as the precursor of nitrogen and carbon, and ordered mesoporous silica spheres as the hard template to remove methyl orange (MO).
Ultrafine Sb nanoparticles embedded in an amorphous carbon matrix for high-performance sodium ion anode materials
Authors: Liao Shuang , Yang Gongzheng , Wang Chengxin
Published: November 2016

SbNPs@C nanocomposite display a uniform “sea-island” structure with Sb nanoparticles' sizes ranging from 5 to 20 nm and exhibit superior electrochemical performances for SIBs anode materials.
Chiral hemicucurbit[8]uril as an anion receptor: selectivity to size, shape and charge distribution
Authors: Kaabel Sandra , Adamson Jasper , Topić Filip , Kiesilä Anniina , Kalenius Elina , Öeren Mario , Reimund Mart , Prigorchenko Elena , Lõokene Aivar , Reich Hans J. , Rissanen Kari , Aav Riina
Published: November 2016

Chiral (all-R)-cyclohexanohemicucurbit[8]uril binds anions in a 1 : 1 ratio in pure methanol like a molecular Pac-Man™ with remarkable selectivity based on the size, shape and charge distribution of the anion.
A review of Ni-based layered oxides for rechargeable Li-ion batteries
Authors: Xu Jing , Lin Feng , Doeff Marca M. , Tong Wei
Published: November 2016

This article reviews Ni-based layered oxide cathodes for Li-ion batteries, primarily from a materials design perspective.
In vitro skin models and tissue engineering protocols for skin graft applications
Authors: Naves Lucas B. , Dhand Chetna , Almeida Luis , Rajamani Lakshminarayanan , Ramakrishna Seeram
Published: November 2016

In this review, we present a brief introduction of the skin structure, a concise compilation of skin-related disorders, and a thorough discussion of different in vitro skin models, artificial skin substitutes, skin grafts, and dermal tissue engineering protocols. The advantages of the development of in vitro skin disorder models, such as UV radiation and the prototype model, melanoma model, wound healing model, psoriasis model, and full-thickness model are also discussed. Different types of skin grafts including allografts, autografts, allogeneic, and xenogeneic are described in detail with their associated applications. We also discuss different tissue engineering protocols for the design of various types of skin substitutes and their commercial outcomes. Brief highlights are given of the new generation three-dimensional printed scaffolds for tissue regeneration applications.
An edge-based scheme on polyhedral meshes for vector advection-reaction equations
Authors: Cantin Pierre , Ern Alexandre
Published: November 2016

We devise and analyze an edge-based scheme on polyhedral meshes to approximate a vector advection-reaction problem. The well-posedness of the discrete problem is analyzed first under the classical positivity hypothesis of Friedrichs’ systems that requires a lower bound on the lowest eigenvalue of some tensor depending on the model parameters. We also prove stability when the lowest eigenvalue is null or even slightly negative if the mesh size is small enough.A priorierror estimates are established for solutions inW1,q(Ω) withq ∈ ((3/2),2]. Numerical results are presented on three-dimensional polyhedral meshes.
Predicting Tissue Breaking Strengths in the Epileptic Brain with T2 Relaxometry: Application of Pulsed Water Jet Dissection System for Epilepsy Surgery
Authors: Takahashi Yoko , Nakagawa Atsuhiro , Sato Shiho , Nakasato Nobukazu , Tominaga Teiji , Iwasaki Masaki
Published: November 2016

Background The piezo actuator-driven pulsed water jet (ADPJ) system is a novel surgical instrument that enables dissection of tissue without thermal damage. Using the ADPJ system in epilepsy surgery requires prediction of the tissue breaking strength of the epileptic brain. The aim of this study was to elucidate whether magnetic resonance imaging T2 relaxometry could predict the breaking strength.

Methods A total of 12 patients with drug-resistant temporal lobe epilepsy who received surgical treatment were included in the study. All the patients qualified for surgery after a comprehensive preoperative evaluation for the treatment of epilepsy. T2 relaxation time, breaking strength of the hippocampus, and an anterior temporal lobe specimen obtained from surgery with dissection depth determined by the ADPJ system were examined.

Results Preoperative T2 relaxation times of the anterior temporal lobe and hippocampus showed mild positive correlation with breaking strength (R2 = 0.60). The hippocampus showed higher T2 relaxation time than the temporal lobe. Hippocampal sclerosis seemed to have higher breaking strength than other pathologies, suggesting the correlation depends on the anatomical location and histopathology. The dissection depth of the extirpated lesion was negatively correlated with the breaking strength at input voltages of 10 V (R2 = − 0.34) and 20 V (R2 = − 0.20).

Conclusions T2 relaxometry may be useful to predict tissue breaking strength in the epileptic brain that allows safe application of the ADPJ system in epilepsy surgery.
Molecular dynamics investigation of desorption and ion separation following picosecond infrared laser (PIRL) ablation of an ionic aqueous protein solution
Authors: Zou J. , Wu C. , Robertson W. D. , Zhigilei L. V. , Miller R. J. D.
Published: November 2016

Molecular dynamics simulations were performed to characterize the ablation process induced by a picosecond infrared laser (PIRL) operating in the regime of desorption by impulsive vibrational excitation (DIVE) of a model peptide (lysozyme)/counter-ion system in aqueous solution. The simulations were performed for ablation under typical experimental conditions found within a time-of-flight mass spectrometer (TOF-MS), that is in vacuum with an applied electric field (E = ± 107 V/m), for up to 2 ns post-ablation and compared to the standard PIRL-DIVE ablation condition (E = 0 V/m). Further, a simulation of ablation under an extreme field condition (E = 1010 V/m) was performed for comparison to extend the effective dynamic range of the effect of the field on charge separation. The results show that the plume dynamics were retained under a typical TOF-MS condition within the first 1 ns of ablation. Efficient desorption was observed with more than 90% of water molecules interacting with lysozyme stripped off within 1 ns post-ablation. The processes of ablation and desolvation of analytes were shown to be independent of the applied electric field and thus decoupled from the ion separation process. Unlike under the extreme field conditions, the electric field inside a typical TOF-MS was shown to modify the ions’ motion over a longer time and in a soft manner with no enhancement to fragmentation observed as compared to the standard PIRL-DIVE. The study indicates that the PIRL-DIVE ablation mechanism could be used as a new, intrinsically versatile, and highly sensitive ion source for quantitative mass spectrometry.
Small optic suspensions for Advanced LIGO input optics and other precision optical experiments
Authors: Ciani G. , Arain M. A. , Aston S. M. , Feldbaum D. , Fulda P. , Gleason J. , Heintze M. , Martin R. M. , Mueller C. L. , Nanda Kumar D. M. , Pele A. , Reitze D. H. , Sainathan P. , Tanner D. B. , Williams L. F. , Mueller G.
Published: November 2016

We report on the design and performance of small optic suspensions developed to suppress seismic motion of out-of-cavity optics in the input optics subsystem of the Advanced Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory. These compact single stage suspensions provide isolation in all six degrees of freedom of the optic, local sensing and actuation in three of them, and passive damping for the other three.