bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rock Hopping, Yoga and Student Empowerment: A Case Study of a Sustainable School
Authors: Potter Suzanne
Published: May 2016

Despite increasing recognition that whole-school approaches to sustainability have an important contribution to make in moving society towards a more sustainable existence, progress in this area remains slow. By examining the practices of the Ananda Marga River School, a small independent school in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland of Queensland, this paper aims to provide ideas and encouragement for teachers and school managers who wish to maximise the influence that schools can have on creating a more sustainable future. The following case study highlights the School's success at implementing practices that focus not only on resource management and greening the school grounds, but also on areas such as governance, partnerships, pedagogical approaches and curriculum development.
Coarse landscape features predict occurrence, but habitat selection is driven by specific habitat traits: implications for the conservation of the threatened Woodchat Shrike Lanius senator
Authors: BRAMBILLA MATTIA , GUSTIN MARCO , FULCO EGIDIO , SORACE ALBERTO , CELADA CLAUDIO
Published: May 2016

Habitat selection has fundamental implications for species conservation, and in birds is often regarded as a multi-scale process. We investigated (under an information-theoretic approach) habitat selection by Woodchat Shrike Lanius senator in Italy (one of the most severely declining species in central and western Europe), considering five main types of potential determinants of shrike occurrence at the territory scale (1 ha): general structure (coarse landscape), woody vegetation, grassland habitats/bare ground, herbaceous crops, and management variables. The best supported models for species occurrence were those including general structure and woody vegetation traits. Variation partitioning suggested that overall, landscape general structure and woody vegetation explained the highest variation in shrike occurrence, and management the lowest. However, considering variation explained by only a single level, all levels performed nearly equally, but general structure did not explain an exclusive proportion of variation. A multi-level analysis suggested that shrike occurrence was eventually associated with specific habitat traits: isolated trees, shrubland and (secondarily) olive groves (all with positive effects), and dirt roads (negative effect). The most parsimonious multi-level models included only variables from woody vegetation and management traits, suggesting that the likely true determinants of species occurrence are highly specific and fine-scale habitat traits, consistent with variation partitioning. Woodchat Shrikes inhabit semi-open landscapes, within which they are attracted to shrubland and isolated trees (secondarily to olive groves) and avoid dirt roads. Suitable habitat conditions for the species depend on a trade-off between abandonment and intensive farming, and rural development programmes may be crucial for the conservation (or loss) of such conditions.
Alzheimer's Disease Research: Progress and Promises
Authors: Christensen Daniel D.
Published: May 2016

The diagnosis of dementia has always represented both a challenging and hastened end to life. William, born in 1924, grew up on a farm, served in World War II, and became a successful restaurateur. His dementia began at 57 years of age and lasted 9 years. By year 3 he could no longer be managed at home and was placed in a nursing home. By year 5, he no longer knew his children, and at year 6, he could no longer speak. William's family described his eventual passing as a blessing, saying that he had been released from a terrible prison. Although the painful reality of this disorder continues, there has been significant progress in Alzheimer's disease treatment and now, optimism about the future of Alzheimer's disease management.
A NOTE ON NOMINAL GDP TARGETING AND THE ZERO LOWER BOUND
Authors: Billi Roberto M.
Published: May 2016

I compare nominal gross domestic product (GDP) level targeting with strict price level targeting in a small New Keynesian model, with the central bank operating under optimal discretion and facing a zero lower bound on nominal interest rates. I show that, if the economy is only buffeted by purely temporary shocks to inflation, nominal GDP level targeting may be preferable because it requires the burden of the shocks to be shared by prices and output. However, in the presence of persistent supply and demand shocks, strict price level targeting may be superior because it induces greater policy inertia and improves the tradeoffs faced by the central bank. During lower bound episodes, somewhat paradoxically, nominal GDP level targeting leads to larger falls in nominal GDP.
Band Structure and Spectroscopy of Graphene-Pd Hybrids
Authors: Eastman M. , Qian W. , Hedinger D. , Jacobson A. , Jiang B. , Jiao J.
Published: May 2016

Extended abstract of a paper presented at Microscopy and Microanalysis 2013 in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, August 4 – August 8, 2013.
Patient and caregiver characteristics related to completion of advance directives in terminally ill patients
Authors: Ho Grace W.K. , Skaggs Lauren , Yenokyan Gayane , Kellogg Anela , Johnson Julie A. , Lee Mei Ching , Heinze Katherine , Hughes Mark T. , Sulmasy Daniel P. , Kub Joan , Terry Peter B. , Astrow Alan B. , Zheng Jing , Lehmann Lisa Soleymani , Nolan Marie T.
Published: May 2016

Objective:

There is a growing body of literature describing the characteristics of patients who plan for the end of life, but little research has examined how caregivers influence patients' advance care planning (ACP). The purpose of this study was to examine how patient and caregiver characteristics are associated with advance directive (AD) completion among patients diagnosed with a terminal illness. We defined AD completion as having completed a living will and/or identified a healthcare power of attorney.

Method:

A convenience sample of 206 caregiver–patient dyads was included in the study. All patients were diagnosed with an advanced life-limiting illness. Trained research nurses administered surveys to collect information on patient and caregiver demographics (i.e., age, sex, race, education, marital status, and individual annual income) and patients' diagnoses and completion of AD. Multivariate logistic regression was employed to model predictors for patients' AD completion.

Results:

Over half of our patient sample (59%) completed an AD. Patients who were older, diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and with a caregiver who was Caucasian or declined to report an income level were more likely to have an AD in place.

Significance of results:

Our results suggest that both patient and caregiver characteristics may influence patients' decisions to complete an AD at the end of life. When possible, caregivers should be included in advance care planning for patients who are terminally ill.
Psychometrische Erfassung von Kompetenzen am Beispiel von Studierenden und Auszubildenden der Pflege
Authors: Reichardt Christoph , Wernecke Frances , Giesler Marianne , Petersen-Ewert Corinna
Published: May 2016

Zusammenfassung. Hintergrund: Der Kompetenzbegriff wird in unterschiedlichen Wissenschaftsdisziplinen verschieden definiert und international existiert keine disziplinübergreifend anerkannte Definition dieses Begriffs. Fragestellung: Bisher gibt es wenige Messinstrumente, um pflegebezogene Kompetenzen praktikabel, reliabel und valide zu erfassen. Der vorliegende Artikel beschreibt, wie ein Fragebogen zur Erfassung von Kompetenzen in der Humanmedizin für die Pflege adaptiert wurde. Methodik: Der Fragebogen wurde anhand einer Stichprobe, bestehend aus Studierenden zweier Pflegestudiengänge sowie Auszubildenden der Gesundheits- und Krankenpflege, auf seine Messgüte hin überprüft. Eine weitere Fragestellung befasste sich damit, ob der Fragebogen in der Lage ist, Veränderungen der pflegebezogenen Kompetenzen zu erfassen. Zur Überprüfung der Reliabilität und Validität wurden die Daten des ersten Messzeitpunkts (n = 240) herangezogen. Zwei Jahre später wurde der zweite Messzeitpunkt (n = 163) genutzt, um zu prüfen, inwiefern sich Veränderungen aufzeigen lassen. Ergebnisse/Schlussfolgerungen: Die adaptierte Version des Fragebogens erwies sich als reliabel und valide. Es ließen sich zudem teilweise starke Veränderungen in den pflegebezogenen Kompetenzen nachweisen (d = 0,17 – 1,04). Es konnte gezeigt werden, dass der Fragebogen für die Verwendung in der Pflege adaptiert werden konnte.
Interne Konsistenz und Konstrukt­validität des Quality of Life in Alzheimer's Disease (QoL-AD) proxy Instruments
Authors: Hylla Jonas , Schwab Christian G. G. , Isfort Michael , Halek Margareta , Dichter Martin N.
Published: May 2016

Zusammenfassung. Hintergrund: Der Erhalt und die Verbesserung der Lebensqualität (LQ) von Menschen mit Demenz ist ein entscheidender Endpunkt in Interventionsstudien und der Gesundheitsversorgung. Mit dem Quality of Life Alzheimer's Disease (QoL-AD) steht ein international empfohlenes LQ-Instrument in deutscher Sprache zur Verfügung. Zu den testtheoretischen Eigenschaften des deutschsprachigen QoL-AD liegen nur wenige Ergebnisse vor. Ziel: Evaluation der internen Konsistenz und Konstruktvalidität des deutschsprachigen QoL-AD proxy. Methode: Anhand einer Sekundärdatenanalyse von 234 Menschen mit Demenz aus neun stationären Altenpflegeeinrichtungen in Deutschland erfolgte eine explorative Hauptkomponentenanalyse der 13 Items des QoL-AD proxy. Anschließend wurde die interne Konsistenz der ermittelten Faktoren mittels Cronbachs Alpha überprüft. Ergebnisse: Es konnten die beiden Faktoren physische und psychische Gesundheit sowie soziales Netzwerk ermittelt werden. Zusammen erklären beide Faktoren 53 % der Gesamtvarianz. Die Stabilität beider Faktoren zeigte sich auch in zwei Sensitivitätsanalysen. Für beide Faktoren konnte mit einem Cronbachs Alpha von 0,88 (physische und psychische Gesundheit) bzw. 0,75 (soziales Netzwerk) eine gute interne Konsistenz ermittelt werden. Schlussfolgerungen: Anhand des QoL-AD proxy können zwei relevante Dimensionen der gesundheitsbezogenen LQ von Menschen mit Demenz erfasst werden. In zukünftigen Studien sollte die deutschsprachige Version des QoL-AD proxy jedoch vor allem in Bezug auf seine Interrater-Reliabilität weiter untersucht werden.
Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) als kompetenz­orientiertes Prüfungsinstrument in der pflegerischen Erstausbildung
Authors: Beyer Angelika , Dreier Adina , Kirschner Stefanie , Hoffmann Wolfgang
Published: May 2016

Zusammenfassung. Hintergrund: Aufgrund der demografischen und epidemiologischen Entwicklung wird die Vermittlung adäquater pflegerischer Kompetenzen in der pflegerischen Ausbildung zunehmend diskutiert. Kompetenzen sind in den Examina angemessen zu überprüfen. Hierfür haben sich international OSCEs bewährt. Ziel: Ziel der vorliegenden Analyse war die Ermittlung von Kompetenzen, die in pflegerischen Erstausbildungen mit OSCEs überprüft werden. Methodik: In internationalen Datenbanken wurden einschlägige Publikationen recherchiert. Analyse-Einschlusskriterium war die Nennung mindestens einer überprüften Kompetenz. Die Kompetenzen wurden – in Anlehnung an den «Fachqualifikationsrahmen Pflege für die hochschulische Bildung» – nach Wissen, Fertigkeiten und Haltung kategorisiert. Ergebnisse: 36 Artikel erfüllten das Einschlusskriterium. Relevante Studien stammen mehrheitlich aus Großbritannien (UK), Kanada und Australien. Es wurden insgesamt n = 166 Kompetenzen in allen Kategorien identifiziert, die anhand verschiedener Methoden gemessen wurden. Am häufigsten wurden Fertigkeiten überprüft. Dabei wurde der sichere Umgang mit Medikamenten am häufigsten thematisiert. Weitere wichtige Themen waren die Kommunikationskompetenz in Bezug auf PatientInnen und die Fähigkeit zur Selbsteinschätzung. Diskussion: Es werden sehr unterschiedliche Kompetenzen mit differenten Formaten per OSCE gemessen. OSCE ermöglichen eine Überprüfung sowohl auf individueller als auch institutioneller Ebene, also sowohl für die Lehre als auch das Gelernte. Weiterer Forschungsbedarf wird festgestellt.
Hinter dem Mantel der Professionalität
Authors: von Taysen Caroline
Published: May 2016

Zusammenfassung. Wie sieht unsere Rolle als Professionelle, also als ExpertInnen durch Beruf, in der trialogischen Arbeit des Netzwerk Stimmenhören e. V. aus? Was können wir von den stimmenhörenden und/oder psychiatrieerfahrenen ExpertInnen durch Erfahrung lernen? Was sind unsere eigenen Ängste und Verstrickungen bezüglich außergewöhnlicher Wahrnehmungen? Ein persönlicher Erfahrungsbericht.
Sabine Hahn im Kamingespräch mit Peter Wolfensberger
Authors: Hahn Sabine
Published: May 2016

Zusammenfassung. Peter Wolfensberger, MScN, PhD-Student, arbeitet als Pflegewissenschaftler und Pflegeexperte in der Integrierten Psychiatrie Winterthur – Zürcher Unterland, Schweiz. Er ist seit 1993 in der Psychiatrie tätig. Sein Herz brennt für Gleichberechtigung und Gerechtigkeit, was sich beruflich darin zeigt, dass er die Pflege als eigenverantwortliche Profession positioniert sehen möchte und die Patienten in erster Linie als selbstbestimmte Menschen wahrnimmt. Im Kaminfeuer soll der Anspruch verbrennen, besser zu wissen, was für die Patienten in der psychiatrischen Pflege gut ist, als sie selbst und am liebsten wäre ihm, wenn wir damit auch die Zwangsmaßnahmen im Feuer verbrennen würden.
Quintessenz
Authors: Maria Reichel Anja
Published: May 2016

Zusammenfassung. Delaney, K. R., Johnson, M. E. and Fogg, L. (2015): Development and Testing of the Combined Assessment of Psychiatric Environments: A Patient-Centered Quality Measure for Inpatient Psychiatric Treatment. Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association, 21 (2), 134–147.
Planning for a Subduction Zone Observatory
Authors: Gomberg Joan , Bodin Paul , Bourgeois Jody , Cashman Susan , Cowan Darrel , Creager Ken , Crowell Brendan , Duvall Alison , Frankel Arthur , Gonzalez Frank , Houston Heidi , Johnson Paul , Kelsey Harvey , Miller Una , Roland Emily , Schmidt David , Staisch Lydia , Vidale John , Wilcock William , Wirth Erin
Published: May 2016

An international, interdisciplinary effort to study and observe earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides, tsunamis, and continent building at subduction zones could advance science and protect communities.
Streamlining Rapid Tsunami Forecasting
Authors: Stanley Sarah
Published: May 2016

With enough sensors, traditional forecasting methods could be replaced by models continuously updated with real-time wave data.
Toward a Reassessment of Daily Temperature Range Trends
Authors: Cook Terri
Published: May 2016

To reduce the uncertainty associated with this important climate change index, recent studies have developed a new diurnal temperature range data set and compared the results to previous estimates.
Did Solar Flares Cook Up Life on Earth?
Authors: Wendel JoAnna
Published: May 2016

Scientists have found that "super" solar flares could have warmed the ancient planet and jump-started life.
Hypoxia and classical activation limits Mycobacterium tuberculosis survival by Akt-dependent glycolytic shift in macrophages
Authors: Matta S K , Kumar D
Published: May 2016

Cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) is a major antibacterial defense mechanism used by macrophages upon activation. Exposure of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb)-infected macrophages to hypoxia is known to compromise the survival of the pathogen. Here we report that the hypoxia-induced control of intracellular Mtb load in RAW 264.7 macrophages was mediated by regulating the cellular ROS levels. We show that similar to classical activation, hypoxia incubation of macrophages resulted in decreased mitochondrial outer membrane potential (MOMP) and a concomitant increase in the cellular ROS levels. Mitochondrial depolarization and consequently higher ROS could be blocked by knocking down Akt using siRNAs, which acted by inhibiting the switch to glycolytic mode of metabolism, an essential adaptive response upon classical activation or hypoxic incubation of macrophages. Moreover, in the classically activated macrophages or in the macrophages under hypoxia incubation, supplementation with additional glucose had similar effects as Akt knockdown. Interestingly, in both the cases, the reversal of phenotype was linked with the ability of the mitochondrial F0–F1 ATP synthase activity to maintain the MOMP in the absence of oxidative phosphorylation. Both Akt knockdown and glucose supplementation were also able to rescue Mtb survival in these macrophages upon classical activation or hypoxia incubation. These results provide a framework for better understanding of how the interplay between oxygen supply, which is limiting in the human tubercular granulomas, and nutrient availability could together direct the outcome of infections in vivo.
An ANCCA/PRO2000-miR-520a-E2F2 regulatory loop as a driving force for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Huang J , Yang J , Lei Y , Gao H , Wei T , Luo L , Zhang F , Chen H , Zeng Q , Guo L
Published: May 2016

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignancies in Asia especially in China. We previously identified that ANCCA/PRO2000 as an important proliferation-associated protein predicted poor prognosis of patients with HCC. However, the molecular mechanisms of ANCCA/PRO2000 leading to hepatocarcinogenesis and progression are still obscure. In the present study, we found that ANCCA/PRO2000 overexpression in HCC specimens correlated with aggressive tumor behavior and poor survival. Furthermore, ANCCA/PRO2000 exerts strong oncogenic function in HCC and promotes cell proliferation by regulating E2F2 expression, a critical cell cycle regulator. Notably, miR-520a is an intermediate regulator between ANCCA/PRO2000 and E2F2. Mechanistically, ANCCA/PRO2000 not only interacts with E2F2 but also negatively regulates miR-520a that inhibits E2F2 to cooperatively promote in vitro and in vivo growth of HCC cells. Moreover, we demonstrated that ANCCA/PRO2000 enhances the migratory capacity of HCC cells partially by suppressing ERO1L and G3BP2 expression. Additional research identified that miR-372, as a prognostic factor for HCC, could directly target ANCCA/PRO2000. Our results suggest the ANCCA/PRO2000-miR-520a-E2F2 regulatory loop as a driving force for HCC development and ANCCA/PRO2000 as a potential therapeutic target for HCC.
Regulation of H-Ras-driven MAPK signaling, transformation and tumorigenesis, but not PI3K signaling and tumor progression, by plasma membrane microdomains
Authors: Michael J V , Wurtzel J G T , Goldfinger L E
Published: May 2016

In this study, we assessed the contributions of plasma membrane (PM) microdomain targeting to the functions of H-Ras and R-Ras. These paralogs have identical effector-binding regions, but variant C-terminal targeting domains (tDs) which are responsible for lateral microdomain distribution: activated H-Ras targets to lipid ordered/disordered (Lo/Ld) domain borders, and R-Ras to Lo domains (rafts). We hypothesized that PM distribution regulates Ras-effector interactions and downstream signaling. We used tD swap mutants, and assessed effects on signal transduction, cell proliferation, transformation and tumorigenesis. R-Ras harboring the H-Ras tD (R-Ras-tH) interacted with Raf, and induced Raf and ERK phosphorylation similar to H-Ras. R-Ras-tH stimulated proliferation and transformation in vitro, and these effects were blocked by both MEK and PI3K inhibition. Conversely, the R-Ras tD suppressed H-Ras-mediated Raf activation and ERK phosphorylation, proliferation and transformation. Thus, Ras access to Raf at the PM is sufficient for MAPK activation and is a principal component of Ras mitogenesis and transformation. Fusion of the R-Ras extended N-terminal domain to H-Ras had no effect on proliferation, but inhibited transformation and tumor progression, indicating that the R-Ras N-terminus also contributes negative regulation to these Ras functions. PI3K activation was tD independent; however, H-Ras was a stronger activator of PI3K than R-Ras, with either tD. PI3K inhibition nearly ablated transformation by R-Ras-tH, H-Ras and H-Ras-tR, whereas MEK inhibition had a modest effect on Ras-tH-driven transformation but no effect on H-Ras-tR transformation. R-Ras-tH supported tumor initiation, but not tumor progression. While H-Ras-tR-induced transformation was reduced relative to H-Ras, tumor progression was robust and similar to H-Ras. H-Ras tumor growth was moderately suppressed by MEK inhibition, which had no effect on H-Ras-tR tumor growth. In contrast, PI3K inhibition markedly suppressed tumor growth by H-Ras and H-Ras-tR, indicating that sustained PI3K signaling is a critical pathway for H-Ras-driven tumor progression, independent of microdomains.
Ultrafast dynamics of uracil and thymine studied using a sub-10 fs deep ultraviolet laser
Authors: Xue Bing , Yabushita Atsushi , Kobayashi Takayoshi
Published: May 2016

Single 9.6 fs deep ultraviolet pulses with a spectral range of 255–290 nm are generated by a chirped-pulse four-wave mixing technique for use as pump and probe pulses.
ZnO nanoparticle–β-cyclodextrin: a recyclable heterogeneous catalyst for the synthesis of 3-aryl-4H-benzo[1,4]thiazin-2-amine in water
Authors: Sagir Hozeyfa , Rahila Rahila , Rai Pragati , Singh Prashant Kumar , Siddiqui I. R.
Published: May 2016

ZnO nanoparticles and β-cyclodextrin was used as a green catalytic system for the synthesis of benzo[1,4]thiazin-2-amine via a one-pot, three-component reaction of an o-amino thiophenol, aldehydes and isocyanides in excellent yields at 60 °C in water.
Four Pb(ii) metal–organic frameworks with increasing dimensions: structural diversities by varying the ligands
Authors: Dai Fangna , Fan Weidong , Bi Jiahui , Zhang Qian , Zhang XiRui , Liang Tuo , Wang Xingyi , Dong Bin , Gao Jing
Published: May 2016

Four complexes with 1D, 2D and 3D frameworks were synthesized by three rigid, linear ligands. The ligands' effects and luminescence properties were studied.
Anion hydrogen bonding from a ‘revealed’ urea ligand
Authors: Qureshi Naseem , Yufit Dmitri S. , Steed Kirsty M. , Howard Judith A. K. , Steed Jonathan W.
Published: May 2016

Hydrogen bonding from a urea group to hydrogen bond acceptor anions can adopt either R12(6) or R22(8) motifs depending on the proximity of hydrogen bond acceptor atoms.
Molecular dynamics investigations of regioselectivity of anionic/aromatic substrates by a family of enzymes: a case study of diclofenac binding in CYP2C isoforms
Authors: Cui Ying-Lu , Xu Fang , Wu Rongling
Published: May 2016

The present study provides the underlying molecular mechanism for the substrate regioselectivity of CYP2C subfamily enzymes, and demonstrates how a sequence divergence causes heterogeneous variations in the secondary structures and in major tunnel selections.
Catalysts, kinetics and process optimization for the synthesis of methyl acrylate over Cs–P/γ-Al2O3
Authors: Zhang Guoliang , Zhang Honghua , Yang Dan , Li Chunshan , Peng Zhijian , Zhang Suojiang
Published: May 2016

Bifunctional catalysts Cs–P/γ-Al2O3 were developed and firstly applied in a one-step synthesis of methyl acrylate using methyl acetate (Ma) and formaldehyde (FA).
Probing the interaction of U(vi) with phosphonate-functionalized mesoporous silica using solid-state NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Uribe Eva C. , Mason Harris E. , Shusterman Jennifer A. , Bruchet Anthony , Nitsche Heino
Published: May 2016

Solid-state NMR techniques combined with batch contact experiments elucidate how U(vi) binds to phosphonate-functionalized mesoporous silica.
Recent developments in the new inorganic solid-state LED phosphors
Authors: Xia Zhiguo , Xu Zihan , Chen Mingyue , Liu Quanlin
Published: May 2016

The emerging new solid-state LED phosphors and the methodologies for their development have been reviewed in this perspective.
Divergent reactivity of platinum(ii) and palladium(ii) methylperoxo complexes and the formation of an unusual hemi-aminal complex
Authors: Petersen Allan R. , White Andrew J. P. , Britovsek George J. P.
Published: May 2016

The 6,6′′-diaminoterpyridine palladium(ii) methylperoxo complex eliminates methyl hydroperoxide and reacts with acetone to form a novel hemi-aminal palladium complex, whereas the analogous platinum(ii) complex generates formaldehyde and a platinum(ii) hydroxo complex.
Metal-free catalytic synthesis of diaryl thioethers under mild conditions
Authors: Cao Xian-Ting , Zhang Peng-Fei , Zheng Hui
Published: May 2016

A green method for preparing diaryl thioethers in which [DBUH][OAc] plays the catalyst and solvent roles simultaneously.
The stereoselective formation of β-lactams with acyl ketenes generated from 5-acyl-Meldrum's acids
Authors: Zakaszewska Anna , Najda Ewelina , Makowiec Sławomir
Published: May 2016

Acyl ketenes formed during thermal decomposition of 5-acyl-2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxa-4,6-diones undergo stereoselective [2+2] cycloaddition to chiral aldimines.
One-pot synthesis and postpolymerization functionalization of cyclic carbonate/epoxide-difunctional polycarbonates prepared by regioselective diepoxide/CO2 copolymerization
Authors: Han Bing , Zhang Li , Zhang Hongye , Ding Huining , Liu Binyuan , Wang Xianhong
Published: May 2016

Polycarbonate with cyclic carbonate and epoxide-difunctional groups is synthesized via a copolymerization of 4-VCHO and CO2 in one-step, which possess high Tg and afford a versatile platform for the post-functionalziation.
Modular synthesis of glycopolymers with well-defined sugar units in the side chain via Ugi reaction and click chemistry: hetero vs. homo
Authors: Xue Lulu , Xiong Xinhong , Chen Kui , Luan Yafei , Chen Gaojian , Chen Hong
Published: May 2016

Modularized glycopolymers were prepared via Ugi and click reactions, and used as models to investigate their binding abilities.
A synthesized butyrolactone derivative in combination with chloroquine can inhibit cancer cell growth and lysosome vacuolation induced by chloroquine in A549 lung cancer cells
Authors: Chen Xin-Peng , Fan Chuan-Dong , Su Le , Zhao Bao-Xiang , Miao Jun-Ying
Published: May 2016

3BDO in combination with chloroquine could elevate the Na+,K+-ATPase activity and decrease the expression of competing endogenous non-coding RNA TGFB2-OT1. Therefore, ​ the combination inhibited the cells growth and lysosomal vacuolation induced by CQ.
One-step synthesis of poly(ethyleneglycol dimethacrylate)-microspheres-supported nano-Au catalyst in methanol–water solution under γ-ray radiation
Authors: Chen Jinxing , Chen Feng , Wang Yiyao , Wang Mozhen , Wu Qichao , Zhou Xiao , Ge Xuewu
Published: May 2016

Highly-crosslinked poly(ethyleneglycol dimethacrylate) (PEGDMA) microspheres supported nano-Au catalyst (PEGDMA@AuNP) was first prepared through a one-step synthesis method, taking advantage of the γ-ray radiation effect on a simple one-pot system.
Conformations of cyclopentasilane stereoisomers control molecular junction conductance
Authors: Li Haixing , Garner Marc H. , Shangguan Zhichun , Zheng Qianwen , Su Timothy A. , Neupane Madhav , Li Panpan , Velian Alexandra , Steigerwald Michael L. , Xiao Shengxiong , Nuckolls Colin , Solomon Gemma C. , Venkataraman Latha
Published: May 2016

Here we examine the impact of ring conformation on the charge transport characteristics of cyclic pentasilane structures bound to gold electrodes in single molecule junctions.
Parental Expectation from Children with Cochlear Implants in Indian Context: a Questionnaire Based Study
Authors: Kumar Prawin , Sanju Himanshu , Mishra Rajkishor , Singh Varun , Mohan Priyanka
Published: May 2016

Introduction Parental support is important in the habilitation/rehabilitation of children using cochlear implant devices. Hence, it is important for families to know the realistic expectations regarding outcomes from CIs.

Objective The objective of the present study is to know the parents' expectation from children using CIs.

Methods For this study, we recruited 23 parents of children using CIs. We administered 15 questions translated in to Hindi related to communication abilities, social skills, academic achievement, change in future life, rehabilitation demand, and stress due to hearing impairment.

Results The response of the questions (5-point rating scale) related to communication abilities showed that parents were expecting children using CIs to use the telephone (95%), to be able to detect soft sounds (99%), to listen in crowds (86%), to be able to easily understand others (76%), and to show improvement in communication skills (78%). Similarly, for questions related to social skills showed 90% of the parents expecting that their children with CIs should be able to easily make friends with normal hearing peers, and 80% of the parents were expecting the children to achieve high standards in their reading and writing skills. Questions related to change in future life showed 86% of the parents expecting their children with CIs to act like normal hearing children. Further, 78% parents showed positive response regarding importance of intensive training. However, 70% of the parents reported stress in the family due to the existence of the hearing impaired child.

Conclusion Overall, the existing questionnaire-based study showed that parents have high expectations from their children with cochlear implant.
Use of an Osteoplastic Flap for the Prevention of Mastoidectomy Retroauricular Defects
Authors: Bento Ricardo , Tsuji Robinson , Fonseca Anna , Alves Ricardo
Published: May 2016

Introduction After mastoidectomy, patients usually complain of bone depressions in the retroauricular region in the surgical site, especially in procedures that require extensive cortical resections. This causes inconveniences such as difficulty wearing glasses, cleaning, and aesthetics complaints.

Objective This study aims to describe a vascularized flap surgical technique that uses the mastoid cortical bone adhered to the periosteum, which is pedicled on the anterior portion and repositioned at the end of the surgery. This ensures the coverage of the mastoid cavity generated by surgery and prevents ear retraction into the cavity. This preliminary report describes the technique and intraoperative and immediate postoperative complications.

Methods After retroauricular incision, periosteal exposure is performed. A U-shaped incision is required for the procedure and delimits a periosteum area appropriate to the size of the mastoidectomy. The cortical bone is opened using a 2.5 mm drill around the perimeter of the “U,” at a 3 mm depth. A chisel is introduced through the surface cells of the mastoid, and a hammer evolves into the anterior direction. The flap is lifted, leaving the periosteum adhered to it and forming a cap. The flap is anteriorly fixed to not hinder the surgery, and repositioned at the end. The periosteum is then sutured to the adjacent periosteum.

Results The first 14 cases had no intraoperative complications and were firm and stable when digital pressure was applied during the intraoperative and immediate postoperative periods.

Conclusion The osteoplastic flap pedicle is a safe and simple procedure, with good results in the immediate postoperative period.
Feed Safe: a multidisciplinary partnership approach results in a successful mobile application for breastfeeding mothers
Authors: White Becky , White James , Giglia Roslyn , Tawia Susan
Published: May 2016

Issue addressed

Mobile applications are increasingly being used in health promotion initiatives. Although there is evidence that developing these mobile health applications in multidisciplinary teams is good practice, there is a gap in the literature with respect to evaluation of the process of this partnership model and how best to disseminate the application into the community. The aim of this paper is twofold, to describe the partnership model in which the Feed Safe application was developed and to investigate what worked in terms of dissemination.

Methods

The process of working in partnership was measured using the VicHealth partnership analysis tool for health promotion. The dissemination strategy and reach of the application was measured using both automated analytics data and estimates of community‐initiated promotion.

Results

The combined average score from the partnership analysis tool was 138 out of a possible 175. A multipronged dissemination strategy led to good uptake of the application among Australian women.

Conclusions

Multidisciplinary partnership models are important in the development of health promotion mobile applications. Recognising and utilising the skills of each partner organisation can help expand the reach of mobile health applications into the Australian population and aid in good uptake of health promotion resources.

So what?

Developing mobile applications in multidisciplinary partnerships is good practice and can lead to wide community uptake of the health promotion resource.
Maternal food restriction in rats of the F0 generation increases retroperitoneal fat, the number and size of adipocytes and induces periventricular astrogliosis in female F1 and male F2 generations
Authors: Joaquim A. O. , Coelho C. P. , Motta P. Dias , Felício L. F. , Bondan E. F. , Teodorov E. , Martins M. F. M. , Kirsten T. B. , Bonamin L. V. , Bernardi M. M.
Published: May 2016

The present study investigated whether male offspring (F2 generation) from female rats (F1 generation) whose mothers (F0 generation) were food restricted during gestation inherit a phenotypic transgenerational tendency towards being overweight and obese in the juvenile period, in the absence of food restriction in the F1/F2 generations. Dams of the F0 generation were 40% food restricted during pregnancy. Bodyweight, the number and size of larger and small hypodermal adipocytes (HAs), total retroperitoneal fat (RPF) weight and the expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in periventricular hypothalamic astrocytes (PHAs), as determined by immunohistochemistry, were evaluated in both generations. In the female F1 generation, there was low bodyweight gain only during the juvenile period (30–65 days of age), a decrease in the size of small adipocytes, an increase in the number of small adipocytes, an increase in RPF weight and an increase in GFAP expression in PHAs at 90–95 days of age. In males of the F2 generation at 50 days of age, there was increased bodyweight and RPF weight, and a small number of adipocytes and GFAP expression in PHAs. These data indicate that the phenotypic transgenerational tendency towards being overweight and obese was observed in females (F1) from mothers (F0) that were prenatally food restricted was transmitted to their male offspring.
Cryptic male choice: experimental evidence of sperm sex ratio and seminal fluid adjustment in relation to coital rate
Authors: Edwards A. M. , Cameron E. Z.
Published: May 2016

The differential allocation hypothesis suggests that a mother should adjust the sex of offspring in relation to her mate’s attractiveness, thereby increasing future reproductive fitness when her sons inherit the attractive traits. More attractive males have been shown to sire more sons, but it is possible that the sex ratio skew could be a result of paternal rather than maternal manipulation, which would be a more parsimonious explanation. We manipulated coital rate (an indicator of attractiveness) in laboratory mice and showed that males that mate more often have higher levels of glucose in their semen despite lower blood glucose levels. Since peri-conceptual glucose levels in utero increase male conceptus survival, this could result in male-biased sex ratios. The males that mated most also had more remaining X-chromosome-bearing-spermatozoa, suggesting depletion of Y-chromosome-bearing-spermatozoa during mating. We hypothesise that males may alter both seminal fluids and X : Y ratios in an ejaculate to influence subsequent sex ratios. Our results further support a paternal role in sex allocation.
Formation and effect of topologically close-packed phases in nickel-base superalloys
Authors: Wilson A. S.
Published: May 2016

The formation of topologically close-packed (TCP) phases in nickel-base superalloys is an issue of increasing importance as alloys are designed with higher refractory element contents to meet the requirements of next generation turbine engines. This review considers the factors that affect an alloy's susceptibility to TCP formation. In particular, the debate surrounding the effect of certain individual elements, such as Co and Re, in promoting or suppressing TCP formation is examined alongside the various mechanisms that have been proposed to account for this behaviour. In addition, the detrimental effects of these phases on the alloy's mechanical properties are discussed, including crack initiation at precipitates, depletion of solid solution strengthening refractory elements and the effect on γ/γ′ rafting behaviour.

This review was chosen as a runner up of the 2016 Materials Literature Review Prize of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining, run by the Editorial Board of MST. Sponsorship of the prize by TWI Ltd is gratefully acknowledged.
Acute effects of exercise and active video games on adults’ reaction time and perceived exertion
Authors: Guzmán José F. , López‐García Jesús
Published: May 2016

The purpose of the present study was to examine the acute effects of resting, aerobic exercise practised alone, and aerobic exercise with active video games (AVG), on complex reaction time (CRT) and the post‐exercise acute rate of perceived exertion (RPE) in young healthy adults. The experimental group was composed of 92 healthy young adults, 78 males and 13 females (age M = 21.9 ± 2.7 years) who completed two sessions, A and B. In session A, participants rode 30 min on an ergometer, while in session B they exercised for 30 min on an ergometer while playing an AVG on a Wii. The control group was composed of 30 young adults, 26 males and 4 females (age M = 21.4 ± 2.9 years) who rested for 30 min. In each session, a CRT task was performed before and after exercising or resting, and post‐exercise global RPE was noted. Repeated measures general linear model (GLM) and Wilcoxon tests were performed. (1) Both aerobic exercise alone and aerobic exercise combined with AVG improved CRT, while resting did not; (2) aerobic exercise combined with AVG did not improve CRT more than aerobic exercise only; and (3) RPE was lower after aerobic exercise combined with AVG compared with aerobic exercise only. In young adults, exercise produces acute benefits on CRT, and practising exercise with AVG helps to decrease RPE.
Perception of effort in Exercise Science: Definition, measurement and perspectives
Authors: Pageaux Benjamin
Published: May 2016

Perception of effort, also known as perceived exertion or sense of effort, can be described as a cognitive feeling of work associated with voluntary actions. The aim of the present review is to provide an overview of what is perception of effort in Exercise Science. Due to the addition of sensations other than effort in its definition, the neurophysiology of perceived exertion remains poorly understood. As humans have the ability to dissociate effort from other sensations related to physical exercise, the need to use a narrower definition is emphasised. Consequently, a definition and some brief guidelines for its measurement are provided. Finally, an overview of the models present in the literature aiming to explain its neurophysiology, and some perspectives for future research are offered.
Russian-speaking children and material needs in the reformist context: an ecological study of curriculum development
Authors: Berg Margaret A.
Published: May 2016

This study examines the process for gaining Russian instructional materials at a dual language immersion program for school children in the Western USA. The ethnographic approach to the bilingual and multilingual setting draws on Urie Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory to explore how the context impedes or supports the instructional need for appropriate language materials in the reformist period: a period marked by standardized testing and managed schools under a business model. This transdisciplinary approach crossing linguistic, anthropological, and psychological fields was selected to explore the cultural–historical implications in the USA where bilingual education was aggressively dismantled with the onset of the World Wars. The findings demonstrate organizational leadership that was resistant to the needs of the Russian teachers and families, and is lacking in knowledge of languages, translation, and pedagogy. Findings also show how a community worked together for the benefit of young learners. Implications include the need for the US Government to better support immigrant communities and schools to achieve the multilingual workforce initiative. A protocol for selecting instructional materials from abroad is provided to assist with curriculum development.
Language, literacy, education, and empowerment: a tribute to Ruqaiya Hasan
Authors: Mahboob Ahmar
Published: May 2016

This paper discusses some of Ruqaiya Hasan’s key ideas about language, literacy, and education with the goal of showing its relevance to Pakistan and of showing how a deep reading of her work can help in improving the educational culture of the country. This is done by surveying her research publications and drawing from the work that directly relates to issues of literacy and education in the Pakistani context. The paper is also highly relevant for those working in other “developing” countries or with people from underprivileged backgrounds.
Postnatal telomere dysfunction induces cardiomyocyte cell-cycle arrest through p21 activation
Authors: Aix Esther , Gutiérrez-Gutiérrez Óscar , Sánchez-Ferrer Carlota , Aguado Tania , Flores Ignacio
Published: May 2016

The molecular mechanisms that drive mammalian cardiomyocytes out of the cell cycle soon after birth remain largely unknown. Here, we identify telomere dysfunction as a critical physiological signal for cardiomyocyte cell-cycle arrest. We show that telomerase activity and cardiomyocyte telomere length decrease sharply in wild-type mouse hearts after birth, resulting in cardiomyocytes with dysfunctional telomeres and anaphase bridges and positive for the cell-cycle arrest protein p21. We further show that premature telomere dysfunction pushes cardiomyocytes out of the cell cycle. Cardiomyocytes from telomerase-deficient mice with dysfunctional telomeres (G3 Terc−/−) show precocious development of anaphase-bridge formation, p21 up-regulation, and binucleation. In line with these findings, the cardiomyocyte proliferative response after cardiac injury was lost in G3 Terc−/− newborns but rescued in G3 Terc−/−/p21−/− mice. These results reveal telomere dysfunction as a crucial signal for cardiomyocyte cell-cycle arrest after birth and suggest interventions to augment the regeneration capacity of mammalian hearts.
T cell activation requires force generation
Authors: Hu Kenneth H. , Butte Manish J.
Published: May 2016

Triggering of the T cell receptor (TCR) integrates both binding kinetics and mechanical forces. To understand the contribution of the T cell cytoskeleton to these forces, we triggered T cells using a novel application of atomic force microscopy (AFM). We presented antigenic stimulation using the AFM cantilever while simultaneously imaging with optical microscopy and measuring forces on the cantilever. T cells respond forcefully to antigen after calcium flux. All forces and calcium responses were abrogated upon treatment with an F-actin inhibitor. When we emulated the forces of the T cell using the AFM cantilever, even these actin-inhibited T cells became activated. Purely mechanical stimulation was not sufficient; the exogenous forces had to couple through the TCR. These studies suggest a mechanical–chemical feedback loop in which TCR-triggered T cells generate forceful contacts with antigen-presenting cells to improve access to antigen.
In vivo confinement promotes collective migration of neural crest cells
Authors: Szabó András , Melchionda Manuela , Nastasi Giancarlo , Woods Mae L. , Campo Salvatore , Perris Roberto , Mayor Roberto
Published: May 2016

Collective cell migration is fundamental throughout development and in many diseases. Spatial confinement using micropatterns has been shown to promote collective cell migration in vitro, but its effect in vivo remains unclear. Combining computational and experimental approaches, we show that the in vivo collective migration of neural crest cells (NCCs) depends on such confinement. We demonstrate that confinement may be imposed by the spatiotemporal distribution of a nonpermissive substrate provided by versican, an extracellular matrix molecule previously proposed to have contrasting roles: barrier or promoter of NCC migration. We resolve the controversy by demonstrating that versican works as an inhibitor of NCC migration and also acts as a guiding cue by forming exclusionary boundaries. Our model predicts an optimal number of cells in a given confinement width to allow for directional migration. This optimum coincides with the width of neural crest migratory streams analyzed across different species, proposing an explanation for the highly conserved nature of NCC streams during development.
Telomeres come up short in heart regeneration
Authors: Short Ben
Published: May 2016

Cardiomyocyte telomeres erode after birth, inducing a cell-cycle arrest that limits the heart’s capacity for regeneration.
Early onset combined immunodeficiency and autoimmunity in patients with loss-of-function mutation in LAT
Authors: Keller Baerbel , Zaidman Irina , Yousefi O. Sascha , Hershkovitz Dov , Stein Jerry , Unger Susanne , Schachtrup Kristina , Sigvardsson Mikael , Kuperman Amir A. , Shaag Avraham , Schamel Wolfgang W. , Elpeleg Orly , Warnatz Klaus , Stepensky Polina
Published: May 2016

The adapter protein linker for activation of T cells (LAT) is a critical signaling hub connecting T cell antigen receptor triggering to downstream T cell responses. In this study, we describe the first kindred with defective LAT signaling caused by a homozygous mutation in exon 5, leading to a premature stop codon deleting most of the cytoplasmic tail of LAT, including the critical tyrosine residues for signal propagation. The three patients presented from early childhood with combined immunodeficiency and severe autoimmune disease. Unlike in the mouse counterpart, reduced numbers of T cells were present in the patients. Despite the reported nonredundant role of LAT in Ca2+ mobilization, residual T cells were able to induce Ca2+ influx and nuclear factor (NF) κB signaling, whereas extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling was completely abolished. This is the first report of a LAT-related disease in humans, manifesting by a progressive combined immune deficiency with severe autoimmune disease.
Ubiquitin E3 ligase FIEL1 regulates fibrotic lung injury through SUMO-E3 ligase PIAS4
Authors: Lear Travis , McKelvey Alison C. , Rajbhandari Shristi , Dunn Sarah R. , Coon Tiffany A. , Connelly William , Zhao Joe Y. , Kass Daniel J. , Zhang Yingze , Liu Yuan , Chen Bill B.
Published: May 2016

The E3 small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) protein ligase protein inhibitor of activated STAT 4 (PIAS4) is a pivotal protein in regulating the TGFβ pathway. In this study, we discovered a new protein isoform encoded by KIAA0317, termed fibrosis-inducing E3 ligase 1 (FIEL1), which potently stimulates the TGFβ signaling pathway through the site-specific ubiquitination of PIAS4. FIEL1 targets PIAS4 using a double locking mechanism that is facilitated by the kinases PKCζ and GSK3β. Specifically, PKCζ phosphorylation of PIAS4 and GSK3β phosphorylation of FIEL1 are both essential for the degradation of PIAS4. FIEL1 protein is highly expressed in lung tissues from patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), whereas PIAS4 protein levels are significantly reduced. FIEL1 overexpression significantly increases fibrosis in a bleomycin murine model, whereas FIEL1 knockdown attenuates fibrotic conditions. Further, we developed a first-in-class small molecule inhibitor toward FIEL1 that is highly effective in ameliorating fibrosis in mice. This study provides a basis for IPF therapeutic intervention by modulating PIAS4 protein abundance.