bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimization of ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) of phenolic compounds from Crataegus pinnatifida leaves and evaluation of antioxidant activities of extracts
Authors: Luo Meng , Hu Jiao-Yang , Song Zhuo-Yue , Jiao Jiao , Mu Fan-Song , Ruan Xin , Gai Qing-Yan , Qiao Qi , Zu Yuan-Gang , Fu Yu-Jie
Published: July 2015

In this study, a highly efficient BBD–RSM optimized ultrasound-assisted extraction combined with HPLC method has been established for the simultaneous extraction and determination of CA, VG, VR, ORT, RT, VIT and HYP from Crataegus pinnatifida leaves.
Self-assembly of monolayered lipid membranes for surface-coating of a nanoconfined Bombyx mori silk fibroin film
Authors: Xu Fan , Bao Meimei , Rui Longfei , Liu Jiaojiao , Li Jingliang , Dou Yujiang , Yang Kai , Yuan Bing , Ma Yuqiang
Published: July 2015

A self-assembled lipid membrane provides a smooth, hydrophilic and biocompatible surface coating film for materials.
A ‘signal on-off’ electrochemical peptide biosensor for matrix metalloproteinase 2 based on target induced cleavage of a peptide
Authors: Jing Pei , Yi Huayu , Xue Shuyan , Yuan Ruo , Xu Wenju
Published: July 2015

A sensitive ‘signal on–off’ electrochemical peptide biosensor for MMP-2 assay was fabricated based on target induced cleavage of a specific peptide.
Chemisorbed oxygen atom on the activation of C–H bond in methane: a Rh model study
Authors: Wang Ying-Qi , Lv Cun-Qin , Wang Gui-Chang
Published: July 2015

The pre-adsorbed oxygen has little effect on the catalytic activity of methane dehydrogenation on Rh-ad-atom catalysts.
NIR luminescence of a series of benzoyltrifluoroacetone erbium complexes
Authors: Sun Qingyan , Yan Pengfei , Niu Wanying , Chu Wenyi , Yao Xu , An Guanghui , Li Guangming
Published: July 2015

A series of five benzoyltrifluoroacetone Er(iii) complexes with various azacyclo-auxiliary ligands exhibit unique NIR luminescence and may be potential materials in optical amplifiers.
Facile synthesis of rutile TiO2 mesocrystals with enhanced sodium storage properties
Authors: Hong Zhensheng , Zhou Kaiqiang , Zhang Junwen , Huang Zhigao , Wei Mingdeng
Published: July 2015

Nanoporous rutile TiO2 mesocrystals exhibited a high reversible capacity and superior rate capability for sodium storage.
Durable superhydrophobic/highly oleophobic coatings from multi-dome SiO2 nanoparticles and fluoroacrylate block copolymers on flat substrates
Authors: Junyan Liang , Li Wang , Jingxian Bao , Ling He
Published: July 2015

The preparation of (a) multi-dome hydrophobic SiO2 NPs, (b) fluoroalkylsilane-modified SiO2 NPs and (c) superhydrophobic/highly oleophobic coating.
Photo-induced magnetic properties of the [CuII(bapa)]2[MoIV(CN)8]·7H2O molecular ribbon
Authors: Stefańczyk Olaf , Majcher Anna M. , Rams Michał , Nitek Wojciech , Mathonière Corine , Sieklucka Barbara
Published: July 2015

A novel 1-D photomagnetic L-CuII–[MoIV(CN)8]4− complex was obtained, in which the photomagnetic effect is fully reversible by heating above 253 K, and partially reversible by irradiation with red and infrared light.
Patterns of Intracranial Hemorrhage in Pediatric Patients with Facial Fractures
Authors: Marano Andrew A. , Hoppe Ian C. , Halsey Jordan N. , Kordahi Anthony M. , Granick Mark S. , Lee Edward S.
Published: July 2015

Intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) is a potentially fatal injury accompanying fractures of the cranium and facial skeleton. When occurring at a young age, ICH can lead to developmental delay, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and death. It is therefore important for clinicians to recognize the presence of ICH early, and understand the factors that affect its prognosis. In this study, we aim to identify diagnostic and prognostic signs for ICH in pediatric facial fracture patients by examining aspects of patient presentation, concomitant injuries, and fracture patterns. Data were collected for all radiologically diagnosed facial fractures between January 2000 and December 2012 at a level I trauma center in Newark, NJ. This was then further refined to include only patients 18 years of age or younger who had a documented ICH. Patient age, Glasgow coma scale (GCS) on presentation, fracture location, type of hemorrhage, and certain aspects of management were collected from these records. Data were then analyzed by either Pearson chi-square test or a t-test to determine significant relationships. A total of 285 pediatric patients were found to have sustained a facial fracture during this time period, 67 of which had concomitant ICH; 46 of these patients were male and 21 were female, with average ages of 14.26 and 9.52 ( p < 0.01), respectively. Causes of injury included motor vehicle accidents, pedestrians struck, assault, falls, gunshot injuries, and sports-related injuries. All patients who suffered injuries as a result of violent crimes (assault and gunshot injuries) were male. Although nearly all fracture patterns were significantly associated with the presence of ICH, mandibular fractures showed a significant negative association with the presence of ICH. In addition, patients who received surgical intervention were significantly younger than those who did not (7.7 vs. 13.7, p < 0.05). The GCS was significantly lower in patients who underwent ICP (intracranial pressure) monitoring or EVD (external ventricular drain) placement, suffered intraventricular hemorrhage, experienced worsening of hemorrhage on repeat imaging, and suffered fatal injuries. Our data also showed a significant association between the need for intubation in the emergency department and fatality. Because the consequence of ICH can be life threatening, proper diagnosis and management are imperative. The purpose of this study is to describe patterns associated with ICH in pediatric facial fracture patients to promote early recognition of the injury and understanding of poor prognostic signs.
Structures of substrate- and nucleotide-bound propionate kinase fromSalmonella typhimurium: substrate specificity and phosphate-transfer mechanism
Authors: Murthy Ambika Mosale Venkatesh , Mathivanan Subashini , Chittori Sagar , Savithri Handanahal Subbarao , Murthy Mathur Ramabhadrashastry Narasimha
Published: July 2015

Kinases are ubiquitous enzymes that are pivotal to many biochemical processes. There are contrasting views on the phosphoryl-transfer mechanism in propionate kinase, an enzyme that reversibly transfers a phosphoryl group from propionyl phosphate to ADP in the final step of non-oxidative catabolism of L-threonine to propionate. Here, X-ray crystal structures of propionate- and nucleotide-boundSalmonella typhimuriumpropionate kinase are reported at 1.8–2.0 Å resolution. Although the mode of nucleotide binding is comparable to those of other members of the ASKHA superfamily, propionate is bound at a distinct site deeper in the hydrophobic pocket defining the active site. The propionate carboxyl is at a distance of ∼5 Å from the γ-phosphate of the nucleotide, supporting a direct in-line transfer mechanism. The phosphoryl-transfer reaction is likely to occurviaan associative SN2-like transition state that involves a pentagonal bipyramidal structure with the axial positions occupied by the nucleophile of the substrate and the O atom between the β- and the γ-phosphates, respectively. The proximity of the strictly conserved His175 and Arg236 to the carboxyl group of the propionate and the γ-phosphate of ATP suggests their involvement in catalysis. Moreover, ligand binding does not induce global domain movement as reported in some other members of the ASKHA superfamily. Instead, residues Arg86, Asp143 and Pro116-Leu117-His118 that define the active-site pocket move towards the substrate and expel water molecules from the active site. The role of Ala88, previously proposed to be the residue determining substrate specificity, was examined by determining the crystal structures of the propionate-bound Ala88 mutants A88V and A88G. Kinetic analysis and structural data are consistent with a significant role of Ala88 in substrate-specificity determination. The active-site pocket-defining residues Arg86, Asp143 and the Pro116-Leu117-His118 segment are also likely to contribute to substrate specificity.
From deep TLS validation to ensembles of atomic models built from elemental motions
Authors: Urzhumtsev Alexandre , Afonine Pavel V. , Van Benschoten Andrew H. , Fraser James S. , Adams Paul D.
Published: July 2015

The translation–libration–screw model first introduced by Cruickshank, Schomaker and Trueblood describes the concerted motions of atomic groups. Using TLS models can improve the agreement between calculated and experimental diffraction data. Because theT,LandSmatrices describe a combination of atomic vibrations and librations, TLS models can also potentially shed light on molecular mechanisms involving correlated motions. However, this use of TLS models in mechanistic studies is hampered by the difficulties in translating the results of refinement into molecular movement or a structural ensemble. To convert the matrices into a constituent molecular movement, the matrix elements must satisfy several conditions. Refining theT,LandSmatrix elements as independent parameters without taking these conditions into account may result in matrices that do not represent concerted molecular movements. Here, a mathematical framework and the computational tools to analyze TLS matrices, resulting in either explicit decomposition into descriptions of the underlying motions or a report of broken conditions, are described. The description of valid underlying motions can then be output as a structural ensemble. All methods are implemented as part of thePHENIXproject.
Structure of the response regulator ChrA in the haem-sensing two-component system ofCorynebacterium diphtheriae
Authors: Doi Akihiro , Nakamura Hiro , Shiro Yoshitsugu , Sugimoto Hiroshi
Published: July 2015

ChrA is a response regulator (RR) in the two-component system involved in regulating the degradation and transport of haem (Fe–porphyrin) in the pathogenCorynebacterium diphtheriae. Here, the crystal structure of full-length ChrA is described at a resolution of 1.8 Å. ChrA consists of an N-terminal regulatory domain, a long linker region and a C-terminal DNA-binding domain. A structural comparison of ChrA with other RRs revealed substantial differences in the relative orientation of the two domains and the conformation of the linker region. The structural flexibility of the linker could be an important feature in rearrangement of the domain orientation to create a dimerization interface to bind DNA during haem-sensing signal transduction.
Cloning, expression, purification and crystallographic studies of galectin-11 from domestic sheep (Ovis aries)
Authors: Sakthivel Dhanasekaran , Littler Dene , Shahine Adam , Troy Sally , Johnson Matthew , Rossjohn Jamie , Piedrafita David , Beddoe Travis
Published: July 2015

Galectins are an evolutionarily conserved family of proteins that translate glycan recognition into cellular effects. Galectin-11 is a unique member of the galectin family that is only expressed in ruminants such as sheep, goat and cattle and that plays a critical role in several important biological processes, such as reproduction and parasite-mediated innate immune responses. Currently, these two areas are of major importance for the sustainability of ruminant livestock production. Despite the emerging biological significance of galectin-11, no structural information is available. It is expected that structural studies will unravel the functional mechanisms of galectin-11 activity. Here, the expression, purification and crystallization of the ruminant-specific galectin-11 from domestic sheep and the collection of X-ray data to 2.0 Å resolution are reported.
Structure of α-carbonic anhydrase from the human pathogenHelicobacter pylori
Authors: Compostella Maria Elena , Berto Paola , Vallese Francesca , Zanotti Giuseppe
Published: July 2015

The crystal structure of α-carbonic anhydrase, an enzyme present in the periplasm ofHelicobacter pylori, a bacterium that affects humans and that is responsible for several gastric pathologies, is described. Two enzyme monomers are present in the asymmetric unit of the monoclinic space groupP21, forming a dimer in the crystal. Despite the similarity of the enzyme structure to those of orthologues from other species, theH. pyloriprotein has adopted peculiar features in order to allow the bacterium to survive in the difficult environment of the human stomach. In particular, the crystal structure shows how the bacterium has corrected for the mutation of an essential amino acid important for catalysis using a negative ion from the medium and how it localizes close to the inner membrane in the periplasm. Since carbonic anhydrase is essential for the bacterial colonization of the host, it is a potential target for antibiotic drugs. The definition of the shape of the active-site entrance and cavity constitutes a basis for the design of specific inhibitors.
Crystallographic studies of aspartate racemase fromLactobacillus sakeiNBRC 15893
Authors: Fujii Tomomi , Yamauchi Takae , Ishiyama Makoto , Gogami Yoshitaka , Oikawa Tadao , Hata Yasuo
Published: July 2015

Aspartate racemase catalyzes the interconversion between L-aspartate and D-aspartate and belongs to the PLP-independent racemases. The enzyme from the lactic acid bacteriumLactobacillus sakeiNBRC 15893, isolated fromkimoto, is considered to be involved in D-aspartate synthesis during the brewing process of Japanese sake at low temperatures. The enzyme was crystallized at 293 K by the sitting-drop vapour-diffusion method using 25%(v/v) PEG MME 550, 5%(v/v) 2-propanol. The crystal belonged to space groupP3121, with unit-cell parametersa=b= 104.68,c= 97.29 Å, and diffracted to 2.6 Å resolution. Structure determination is under way.
Crystallographic analysis of NosA, which catalyzes terminal amide formation in the biosynthesis of nosiheptide
Authors: Wang Yanting , Liu Shanshan , Yao Pengfei , Yu Yi , Zhang Yan , Lan Wenxian , Wang Chunxi , Ding Jiuping , Liu Wen , Cao Chunyang
Published: July 2015

Nosiheptide is a member of the thiopeptide family of antibiotics which demonstrates potent activities against various bacterial pathogens. The formation of its C-terminal amide is catalysed by NosA in an unusual strategy for maturating certain thiopeptides by processing precursor peptides featuring a serine extension. Here, a recombinant C-terminally truncated selenomethionine-derivatized NosA1–111variant fromStreptomyces actuosusconsisting of residues 1–111, named SeMet NosA1–111, was crystallized using the sitting-drop vapour-diffusion method. Diffraction data were collected to 2.40 Å resolution using synchrotron radiation. The crystals belonged to the primitive cubic space groupP4132, with unit-cell parametersa=b=c= 143.3 Å. Assuming the presence of three molecules in the asymmetric unit, the calculated Matthews coefficient was 3.94 Å3 Da−1and the corresponding solvent content was 40.3%.
Overproduction, crystallization and X-ray diffraction data analysis of ectoine synthase from the cold-adapted marine bacteriumSphingopyxis alaskensis
Authors: Kobus Stefanie , Widderich Nils , Hoeppner Astrid , Bremer Erhard , Smits Sander H. J.
Published: July 2015

Ectoine biosynthetic genes (ectABC) are widely distributed in bacteria. Microorganisms that carry them make copious amounts of ectoine as a cell protectant in response to high-osmolarity challenges. Ectoine synthase (EctC; EC 4.2.1.108) is the key enzyme for the production of this compatible solute and mediates the last step of ectoine biosynthesis. It catalyzes the ring closure of the cyclic ectoine molecule. A codon-optimized version ofectCfromSphingopyxis alaskensis(Sa) was used for overproduction ofSaEctC protein carrying aStrep-tag II peptide at its carboxy-terminus. The recombinantSaEctC-Strep-tag II protein was purified to near-homogeneity fromEscherichia colicell extracts by affinity chromatography. Size-exclusion chromatography revealed that it is a dimer in solution. TheSaEctC-Strep-tag II protein was crystallized using the sitting-drop vapour-diffusion method and crystals that diffracted to 1.0 Å resolution were obtained.
Green lean and the need for Six Sigma
Authors: Garza-Reyes Jose Arturo
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to critically review the green lean approach and highlight its limitations; examine the compatibility of the green, lean and Six Sigma concepts; and propose Six Sigma, and specially its problem-solving methodology DMAIC, as an approach to help enhancing the effectiveness of green lean initiatives. Historically, profitability and efficiency, and more recently customer satisfaction, quality and responsiveness objectives have been the prevailing interest for organisations. However, the move towards greener operations and products has forced companies to seek alternatives to combine these with green objectives and initiatives. Green lean is the result of this combination. Thus, the paper conceptually proposes Green Lean Six Sigma.

Design/methodology/approach

– To do this, a systematic literature review (SLR) of the subjects under investigation was conducted.

Findings

– The SLR indicated that the green lean integration may have inherited the same limitations as the individual green and lean approaches, but these may be overcome through the integration of Six Sigma. It also identified the similarities of some of the main attributes of green, lean and Six Sigma, which suggest their compatibility to be unified as an integrated approach.

Practical implications

– The paper allows scholars to develop a deeper and richer knowledge on the simultaneous deployment of green and operational improvement initiatives and help practitioners in formulating more effective strategies for their deployment.

Originality/value

– The paper is one of the very first researches that investigate the potential benefits of integrating green lean and Six Sigma.
Integrating social sustainability in engineering education at the KTH Royal Institute of Technology
Authors: Edvardsson Björnberg Karin , Skogh Inga-Britt , Strömberg Emma
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate what are perceived to be the main challenges associated with the integration of social sustainability into engineering education at the KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm.

Design/methodology/approach

– Semi-structured interviews were conducted with programme leaders and teachers from four engineering programmes. The paper focuses on how the concept of social sustainability is defined and operationalised in the selected engineering programmes, how social sustainability is integrated and taught, and what resources are required to support teachers and programme leaders as social sustainability educators.

Findings

– The findings show that programme leaders and teachers at KTH struggle to understand the concept of social sustainability. The vague and value-laden nature of the concept is considered a challenge when operationalising educational policy goals on social sustainability into effective learning outcomes and activities. A consequence is that the responsibility for lesson content ultimately falls on the individual teacher. Study visits and role-play are seen as the most effective tools when integrating social sustainability into the engineering curriculum. Allocation of specific resources including supplementary sustainability training for teachers and economic incentives are considered crucial to successful integration of social sustainability. The findings indicate that social sustainability education needs to be built on a theoretical foundation. It is therefore suggested that a literature canon be established that clarifies the contours of social sustainability.

Practical implications

– The findings of the paper can be used as a basis for discussion regarding measures for improving social sustainability training in engineering education, a subject which has attracted relatively little attention, to date.

Originality/value

– There is a noticeable lack of empirical research on how technical universities integrate social sustainability into engineering education. The paper provides an account of how actors directly involved in this work – programme leaders and teachers – define and operationalise the social dimension of sustainable development in their engineering curricula, the pedagogical tools they consider effective when teaching social sustainability issues to engineering students, and the resources they believe are needed to strengthen those efforts.
Do we know what they know? Comparing US and French undergraduate students’ knowledge of core business concepts
Authors: Naatus Mary Kate , Passerini Katia , Pon Kevin , Somers Mark
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to compare knowledge of business concepts acquired at the end of undergraduate studies of management in France and the USA.

Design/methodology/approach

– Mind maps were used to examine what knowledge students retained toward the end of their undergraduate studies in business and management. Data were collected from two groups of students, one in France and one in the USA and they analyzed on computer software.

Findings

– The results indicate that the learning process may be influenced not only by the structure and content of the program but also by the environment in which such content is assimilated. This study provides examples of how culture can influence the way we learn and represent core business knowledge.

Research limitations/implications

– The research was based on a number of undergraduate students and cannot therefore be generalized to other subjects or other levels of studies at the present time.

Originality/value

– The paper moves away from traditional manners of collecting data through questionnaires and surveys in order to study the impact of management education and what students learn at undergraduate level.
Enablers of team effectiveness in higher education
Authors: Zarraga-Rodriguez Marta , Jaca Carmen , Viles Elisabeth
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The aim of this paper is to confirm whether the factors that act as enablers of team effectiveness in professional context are also relevant for team effectiveness in higher education.

Design/methodology/approach

– From a review of the factors that act as enablers of team effectiveness in professional contexts, this paper explores whether they are also relevant in learning environments, in particular, in higher education. After conducting a literature analysis, a Delphi study was conducted to obtain a consensus proposal of a set of input factors that can act as enablers of team effectiveness; next this paper explored, via questionnaire, in a specific context the perceptions of lecturers and students involved in teamwork.

Findings

– A set of factors reached by consensus that seem to be enablers of team effectiveness in the specific context analyzed is presented. These factors can be the basis of future studies to generalize their validity.

Originality/value

– There are many studies that identify the factors that act as enablers of team effectiveness in professional environments. The set of input factors that emerged in this study would be a useful starting point for making higher education institutions and lecturers aware of the importance of taking these factors into account when using teamwork as an educational methodology. Fostering these factors will help higher education institutions to generate shared team mental models (TMMs); these TMMs, in turn, influence team effectiveness.
Anti‐inflammatory and anti‐arthritic activity of aqueous extract of Rosa centifolia in experimental rat models
Authors: Kumar Rohit , Nair Vinod , Gupta Yogendra Kumar , Singh Surender
Published: July 2015

Aim

The present study was carried out to evaluate the anti‐inflammatory and antiarthritic activity of Rosa centifolia aqueous extract (RC) in a carrageenan‐induced paw edema model and complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)‐induced arthritis.

Methods

Anti‐inflammatory activity of RC was evaluated using the carrageenan‐induced paw edema model in rats. Arthritis was induced in rats by sub‐plantar administration of CFA. Joint size was measured at regular intervals by using a micrometer screw gauge. Serum and ankle joints of rats immunized with CFA were collected and subjected to enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay for estimation of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α level and dot blot for secretory cytokines interleukin (IL)‐1β and IL‐6. An acute and 28‐day oral toxicity study was carried out to evaluate the safety of the test drug.

Results

Pre‐treatment with RC produced a dose‐dependent reduction in carrageenan‐induced paw edema and CFA‐induced arthritis models and was effective as indomethacin. RC also inhibited the delayed increase in joint diameter as seen in control and indomethacin‐treated animals in CFA‐induced arthritis. The expression of proinflammatory mediators TNF‐α, IL‐6 and IL‐1β was also found to be less in the RC‐treated group as compared to controls.

Conclusion

Based on these results, it was suggested that Rosa centifolia could be considered as a potential anti‐inflammatory and anti‐arthritic agent.
Autologous haematopoietic cell transplantation in elderly patients with multiple myeloma
Authors: Auner Holger W. , Garderet Laurent , Kröger Nicolaus
Published: July 2015

High‐dose chemotherapy with melphalan followed by autologous haematopoietic cell transplantation (AHCT) is a standard of care in young patients (<65 years) with multiple myeloma. Most myeloma patients, however, are older than 65 years at the time of diagnosis, and the findings of numerous single‐centre and registry studies provide evidence that AHCT can be a feasible and effective treatment option in these patients. Nevertheless, AHCT is not generally recommended as standard treatment in the elderly, due to the fact that a benefit of AHCT over conventional‐dose therapy has not been demonstrated by prospective randomized trials. Yet, the use of AHCT has increased substantially in older patients in recent years, and an increasing number of reports suggest comparable outcomes for older and younger patients after AHCT. In this review we summarize the results of AHCT for elderly patients with multiple myeloma.
Path‐space Motion Estimation and Decomposition for Robust Animation Filtering
Authors: Zimmer Henning , Rousselle Fabrice , Jakob Wenzel , Wang Oliver , Adler David , Jarosz Wojciech , Sorkine‐Hornung Olga , Sorkine‐Hornung Alexander
Published: July 2015

Renderings of animation sequences with physics‐based Monte Carlo light transport simulations are exceedingly costly to generate frame‐by‐frame, yet much of this computation is highly redundant due to the strong coherence in space, time and among samples. A promising approach pursued in prior work entails subsampling the sequence in space, time, and number of samples, followed by image‐based spatio‐temporal upsampling and denoising. These methods can provide significant performance gains, though major issues remain: firstly, in a multiple scattering simulation, the final pixel color is the composite of many different light transport phenomena, and this conflicting information causes artifacts in image‐based methods. Secondly, motion vectors are needed to establish correspondence between the pixels in different frames, but it is unclear how to obtain them for most kinds of light paths (e.g. an object seen through a curved glass panel).

To reduce these ambiguities, we propose a general decomposition framework, where the final pixel color is separated into components corresponding to disjoint subsets of the space of light paths. Each component is accompanied by motion vectors and other auxiliary features such as reflectance and surface normals. The motion vectors of specular paths are computed using a temporal extension of manifold exploration and the remaining components use a specialized variant of optical flow. Our experiments show that this decomposition leads to significant improvements in three image‐based applications: denoising, spatial upsampling, and temporal interpolation.
Incidence trends of nonmelanoma skin cancer in Germany from 1998 to 2010
Authors: Rudolph Christiane , Schnoor Maike , Eisemann Nora , Katalinic Alexander
Published: July 2015

Background and objectives

Nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is the most common malignant neoplasm in Germany. However, little is known about incidence trends of NMSC and its main subtypes basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in Germany.

Material and methods

Cancer registry data from fourteen German federal states was used to estimate age‐standardized incidence rates by histologic subtype. Annual percentage changes (APC) were estimated in joinpoint regression models, in order to assess trend shifts in the years from 1998 to 2010.

Results

In Germany, incidence rates of NMSC showed a significant increase from 43.1 cases/100 000 in 1998 to 105.2 cases/100 000 in 2010. Incidence rates and incidence increases revealed large regional variations. Basal cell carcinoma was the most common tumor followed by SCC. Men were more frequently affected than women, but incidence increases were steeper in women.

Conclusions

Results are consistent with national and international observations. The heterogeneity of incidence rates and their changes among federal states indicate that incidence changes are most likely related to improved case registration practices in German cancer registries.
Quantification of Yttria in Stabilized Zirconia by Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Hemberger Yannick , Wichtner Nadja , Berthold Christoph , Nickel Klaus G.
Published: July 2015

The relationship between Y2O3 content in tetragonal and cubic ZrO2 phases and the shift of the Raman band at ∼645/cm was investigated. With increasing Y2O3 content, the 645/cm Raman band position decreases to lower Raman shift values. A fit of x = Y2O3 content in wt% and y = Raman band position in per cm, was found to be valid for low Y2O3‐stabilized t‐ZrO2, t′′‐ZrO2 transition, and fully stabilized c‐ZrO2. Modeling the change in lattice parameters due to the incorporation of Y2O3 in ZrO2 as obtained from Rietveld‐refined XRD data confirms that the peculiar sigmoidal form of the band shift with Y2O3 content is mainly due to a variation of the amount of oxygen vacancies. The resultant method is highly attractive in fields of Y2O3 determination in ZrO2 materials where a fast, spatially resolved, and nondestructive analysis is required.
Information Sharing in Contests
Authors: Kovenock Dan , Morath Florian , Münster Johannes
Published: July 2015

We study the incentives to share private information ahead of contests, such as markets with promotional competition, procurement contests, or research and development (R&D). We consider the cases where firms have (i) independent values and (ii) common values of winning the contest. In both cases, when decisions to share information are made independently, sharing information is strictly dominated. With independent values, an industry‐wide agreement to share information can arise in equilibrium. Expected effort is lower with than without information sharing. With common values, an industry‐wide agreement to share information never arises in equilibrium. Expected effort is higher with than without information sharing.
APPROACHES TO INEQUALITY OF OPPORTUNITY: PRINCIPLES, MEASURES AND EVIDENCE
Authors: Ramos Xavier , Van de gaer Dirk
Published: July 2015

We put together the different conceptual issues involved in measuring inequality of opportunity, discuss how these concepts have been translated into computable measures, and point out the problems and choices researchers face when implementing these measures. Our analysis identifies and suggests several new possibilities to measure inequality of opportunity. The relevance of the conceptual issues and modelling choices are illustrated with findings from the empirical literature on income inequality of opportunity.
ADVERTISING'S ELUSIVE ECONOMIC RATIONALE: PUBLIC POLICY AND TAXATION
Authors: Driver Ciaran
Published: July 2015

Advertising and its effects have been debated for well over a century. In the last few decades a generally sceptical view of the benefits of advertising has been overturned by a series of academic advances in economics that detail a variety of ways in which advertising may affect the economy and society. This academic work has however been paralleled by a growing popular and political opposition to advertising and its social effects. In this paper, the positive economic case for advertising is challenged by an assessment of the main channels of its influence and by a review of the associated empirical findings on its economic and wider impact. A policy response of limiting the tax deductibility of business advertising is explored.
Posaconazole for primary antifungal prophylaxis in patients with acute myeloid leukaemia or myelodysplastic syndrome during remission induction chemotherapy: a single‐centre retrospective study in Korea and clinical considerations
Authors: Cho Sung‐Yeon , Lee Dong‐Gun , Choi Su‐Mi , Choi Jae‐Ki , Lee Hyo‐Jin , Kim Si‐Hyun , Park Sun Hee , Choi Jung‐Hyun , Yoo Jin‐Hong , Kim Yoo‐Jin , Kim Hee‐Je , Min Woo‐Sung
Published: July 2015

Posaconazole was introduced as the primary antifungal prophylaxis (PAP) in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) or myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) patients during remission induction chemotherapy. Data on breakthrough invasive fungal infections (IFIs) from various centres are essential, as there are several considerations in treating IFIs in the posaconazole era. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of posaconazole PAP and identify characteristics of IFIs at a single centre in Korea. We retrospectively reviewed consecutive patients with AML/MDS undergoing remission induction chemotherapy between December 2010 and November 2013. Of the 424 patients, 140 received posaconazole and 284 received fluconazole prophylaxis. The incidence of breakthrough proven/probable IFIs (15.5% vs. 2.9%, P < 0.001) and empirical antifungal treatment (EAFT) (45.8% vs. 12.9%, P < 0.001) decreased in the posaconazole group compared to the fluconazole group. In the posaconazole PAP group, two cases of breakthrough mucormycosis were noted among 13 proven/probable/possible IFI cases (15.4%). Overall and IFI‐related mortality was 12.1% and 1.9% respectively. Fungus‐free survival was significantly higher in the posaconazole group (74.7% vs. 87.1%, P = 0.028). Breakthrough IFIs and EAFT decreased significantly after posaconazole PAP. The benefit in fungus‐free survival was noted with posaconazole PAP. Clinicians should be vigilant to identify non‐Aspergillus IFIs with active diagnostic effort.
Effects of aromatherapy on sleep quality and anxiety of patients
Authors: Karadag Ezgi , Samancioglu Sevgin , Ozden Dilek , Bakir Ercan
Published: July 2015

Background

In intensive care units (ICUs), patients cannot sleep well. Aromatherapy is used for depression, anxiety, relaxation and disorders related with sleep and stress.

Aim

This study aimed to investigate the effect of lavender essential oil on the sleep quality and anxiety level of patients in coronary ICU.

Participants

A total of 60 patients in coronary ICU participated in this study.

Design

A randomized controlled study was conducted with 60 patients in a province located in the southeast of Turkey.

Methods

After informing the patients in both groups about the study, they were administered a questionnaire, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) scale. The patients in the intervention group were given 2% lavender essential oil via inhalation for 15 days after which they were administered the same scales again to evaluate the sleep quality and anxiety. As for the control group, they were administered the same scales again after 15 days without the inhalation of lavender essential oil.

Results

Comparison of the PSQI and BAI scores of the patients in the control and intervention groups before and after the intervention showed statistically significant differences in the change in favour of the intervention group (p < 0·05).

Conclusion

Lavender essential oil increased quality of sleep and reduced level of anxiety in patients with coronary artery disease.

Relevance to clinical practice

As a non‐invasive, cheap, easily applicable, cost‐effective, independent nursing intervention and appropriate for cardiac patients, lavender essential oil could be applied in ICUs.
Inundation duration and vertical vegetation zonation: a preliminary description of the vegetation and structuring factors in borokotóh (hummock igapó), an overlooked, high‐diversity, Amazonian vegetation association
Authors: Barnett Adrian A. , Silva Welma Sousa , Shaw Peter J. A. , Ramsay Paul M.
Published: July 2015

Here we present data on a study of the species composition and structure of borokotóh, a habitat associated with central Amazonian seasonally black‐water flooded forests. Borokotóh appears never to have been specifically studied before, being mentioned only once or twice in the literature (and then not under this name). This is the first report on the phytosociology of this vegetation association.

Borokotóh is, on average, only some 20 m wide, but very species rich (107 species in 60 genera from 34 families in one 0.25‐ha plot). It consists of a series of rounded hummocks of fine‐grained mud, each 6–12 m in length and 2–3 m in height, separated by narrow sloughs. Hummocks are seasonally inundated almost to their flat tops, which remained dry in the years of the survey. Species are strongly stratified within the borokotóh, with over 78% of identified species being recorded in just one of the three hummock sub‐divisions: top, side or in between‐hummock slough. This specificity, almost certainly linked to inundation duration and waterlogging tolerance, may explain the high species diversity recorded. The study is significant in demonstrating that undescribed habitats still exist in Amazonia, and that biodiversity there may be structured in ways that are highly localized and habitat‐specific. There is clearly a need for more detailed work on borokotóh and similar vegetation associations where high biodiversity may be associated with very specific local features.
Trade‐offs between seed output and life span – a quantitative comparison of traits between annual and perennial congeneric species
Authors: Vico Giulia , Manzoni Stefano , Nkurunziza Libère , Murphy Kevin , Weih Martin
Published: July 2015

Perennial plants allocate more resources belowground, thus sustaining important ecosystem services. Hence, shifting from annual to perennial crops has been advocated towards a more sustainable agriculture. Nevertheless, wild perennial species have lower seed production than selected annuals, raising the questions of whether there is a fundamental trade‐off between reproductive effort and life span, and whether such trade‐off can be overcome through selection.

In order to address these questions and to isolate life span from phylogenetic and environmental factors, we conducted a meta‐analysis encompassing c. 3000 congeneric annual/perennial pairs from 28 genera. This meta‐analysis is complemented with a minimalist model of long‐term productivity in perennial species.

Perennials allocate more resources belowground and less to seeds than congeneric annuals, independently of selection history. However, existing perennial wheat and rice could achieve yields similar to annuals if they survived three years and each year doubled their biomass, as other perennial grasses do.

Selected perennial crops maintain the large belowground allocation of wild perennials, and thus can provide desired regulatory ecosystem services. To match the seed yield of annuals, biomass production of perennial grains must be increased to amounts attained by some perennial grasses – if this goal can be met, perennial crops can provide a more sustainable alternative to annuals.
Manipulation of health span and function by dietary caloric restriction mimetics
Authors: Roth George S. , Ingram Donald K.
Published: July 2015

After nearly a century of rigorous investigation and testing, dietary caloric restriction (CR) remains the most robust and reproducible method for slowing aging and maintaining health, function, and vitality. This intervention has been applied to species across the evolutionary spectrum, but for a number of reasons, practical applicability to humans has been questioned. To overcome these issues, we initiated the field of CR mimetics in 1998 and have observed its development into a full‐fledged antiaging industry. Basically, strategies that enable individuals to obtain the biological benefits of CR without reducing actual food intake can be considered CR mimetics, whether functional, pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, or other. Some of the best known candidates include resveratrol and related agents, the antidiabetic drug metformin, and rapamycin and other mTOR regulators. While the mechanisms of action vary, these and essentially all CR mimetic candidates work through at least some of the same pathways as actual CR. While the entire field continues to evolve rapidly, the current status will be reviewed here, with particular focus on recent developments, the most practical relevance and applicability for potential consumers, and new strategies for the future.
Reframing the land‐sparing/land‐sharing debate for biodiversity conservation
Authors: Kremen Claire
Published: July 2015

Conservation biologists are devoting an increasing amount of energy to debating whether land sparing (high‐yielding agriculture on a small land footprint) or land sharing (low‐yielding, wildlife‐friendly agriculture on a larger land footprint) will promote better outcomes for local and global biodiversity. In turn, concerns are mounting about how to feed the world, given increasing demands for food. In this review, I evaluate the land‐sparing/land‐sharing framework—does the framework stimulate research and policy that can reconcile agricultural land use with biodiversity conservation, or is a revised framing needed? I review (1) the ecological evidence in favor of sparing versus sharing; (2) the evidence from land‐use change studies that assesses whether a relationship exists between agricultural intensification and land sparing; and (3) how that relationship may be affected by socioeconomic and political factors. To address the trade‐off between biodiversity conservation and food production, I then ask which forms of agricultural intensification can best feed the world now and in the future. On the basis of my review, I suggest that the dichotomy of the land‐sparing/land‐sharing framework limits the realm of future possibilities to two, largely undesirable, options for conservation. Both large, protected regions and favorable surrounding matrices are needed to promote biodiversity conservation; they work synergistically and are not mutually exclusive. A “both‐and” framing of large protected areas surrounded by a wildlife‐friendly matrix suggests different research priorities from the “either‐or” framing of sparing versus sharing. Furthermore, wildlife‐friendly farming methods such as agroecology may be best adapted to provide food for the world's hungry people.
Brief Isolation Changes Nociceptive Behaviors and Compromises Drug Tests in Mice
Authors: Han Rafael Taeho , Lee Hyunkyoung , Lee JaeHee , Lee Sat‐Byol , Kim Hee Jin , Back Seung Keun , Na Heung Sik
Published: July 2015

Herding with a litter is known to comfort rodents, whereas isolation and grouping with noncagemates provoke stress. The effects of stress induced by isolation and grouping with noncagemates on pain responses, and their underlying mechanisms remain elusive. We assessed the effect of isolation, a common condition during behavioral tests, and of grouping on defecation and pain behaviors of mice. Fecal pellets were counted 2 hours after exposure to the test chamber. It is significantly more in the isolated mice than in the grouped mice. Hindpaw withdrawal threshold and withdrawal latency were adopted as the indicatives of mechanical and thermal pain sensitivities, respectively. Interestingly, isolated mice showed higher pain thresholds than mice grouping with cagemates, and even those with noncagemates, indicating analgesic effects. Such effects were reduced by intrathecal injection of 0.01 mg/kg of naloxone (opioid receptor antagonist), atosiban (oxytocin and vasopressin receptor antagonist), and ketanserin (5‐HT receptor antagonist). Intraperitoneal delivery of 1 mg/kg of naloxone and atosiban, but not ketanserin, also alleviated the isolation‐induced analgesic effects. In contrast, these drugs at the same dose had no significant effect on the mice grouping with cagemates. In addition, the effect of morphine on thermal pain was more robust in the mice grouping with cagemates than in the isolated mice.

These data demonstrated that brief isolation caused analgesia, mediated by endogenous opioidergic, oxytocinergic, and serotonergic pathways.

These results indicate that isolation during pain behavioral tests can affect pain responses and the efficacy of drugs; thus, nociception tests should be conducted in grouping.
Distinct 18S rRNA precursors are targets of the exosome complex, the exoribonuclease RRP6L2 and the terminal nucleotidyltransferase TRL in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Sikorski Pawel J. , Zuber Hélène , Philippe Lucas , Sement François M. , Canaday Jean , Kufel Joanna , Gagliardi Dominique , Lange Heike
Published: July 2015

The biosynthesis of ribosomal RNA and its incorporation into functional ribosomes is an essential and intricate process that includes production of mature ribosomal RNA from large precursors. Here, we analyse the contribution of the plant exosome and its co‐factors to processing and degradation of 18S pre‐RNAs in Arabidopsis thaliana. Our data show that, unlike in yeast and humans, an RRP6 homologue, the nucleolar exoribonuclease RRP6L2, and the exosome complex, together with RRP44, function in two distinct steps of pre‐18S rRNA processing or degradation in Arabidopsis. In addition, we identify TRL (TRF4/5‐like) as the terminal nucleotidyltransferase that is mainly responsible for oligoadenylation of rRNA precursors in Arabidopsis. We show that TRL is required for efficient elimination of the excised 5′ external transcribed spacer and of 18S maturation intermediates that escaped 5′ processing. Our data also suggest involvement of additional nucleotidyltransferases, including terminal uridylyltransferase(s), in modifying rRNA processing intermediates in plants.
Effects of 6 Weeks Resistance Training Combined With Plyometric and Speed Exercises on Physical Performance of Pre-Peak-Height-Velocity Soccer Players
Authors: Rodríguez-Rosell David , Franco-Márquez Felipe , Pareja-Blanco Fernando , Mora-Custodio Ricardo , Yáñez-García Juan M. , González-Suárez José M. , González-Badillo Juan J.
Published: July 2015

Purpose:

To analyze the effects of low-load, high-velocity resistance training (RT) combined with plyometrics on physical performance in pre-peak-height-velocity (PHV) soccer players.

Methods:

Thirty young soccer players from the same academy were randomly assigned to either a strength training (STG, n = 15) or a control group (CG, n = 15). Strength training consisted of full squat exercise with low load (45–58% 1RM) and low volume (4–8 repetitions/set) combined with jumps and sprints twice a week over 6 wk of preseason. The effect of the training protocol was assessed using sprint performance over 10 and 20 m, countermovement jump, estimated 1-repetition maximum, and average velocity attained against all loads common to pre- and posttests in full squat.

Results:

STG showed significant improvements (P = .004–.001) and moderate to very large standardized effects (ES = 0.71–2.10) in all variables measured, whereas no significant gains were found in CG (ES = –0.29 to 0.06). Moreover, significant test × group interactions (P < .003–.001) and greater between-groups ESs (0.90–1.97) were found for all variables in favor of STG compared with CG.

Conclusion:

Only 6 wk of preseason low-volume and low-load RT combined with plyometrics can lead to relevant improvements in strength, jump, and sprint performance. Thus, the combination of field soccer training and lightweight strength training could be used for a greater development of the tasks critical to soccer performance in pre-PHV soccer players.