bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Nb addition on the corrosion behavior of a Ti60Zr10Si15Ta15 alloy in PBS solution
Authors: Wu X. Q. , Lin J. G.
Published: February 2015

The Ti60 Zr10Si15Ta15‐xNbx (x = 0, 3, 7, 11 at.%) alloys were casted by an arc melting method, and the Ti60Zr10Si15Ta15 ribbon was prepared by the single roll melt‐spinning method. The identifications of the microstructure of the Ti alloys were carried out by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) instruments. The effects of the Nb addition on the corrosion behavior of the Ti60 Zr10Si15Ta15‐xNbx (x = 0, 3, 7, 11 at.%) alloys in phosphate buffer solution (PBS) were investigated using electrochemical polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) tests. It was found that the microstructure of the as‐cast Ti60 Zr10Si15Ta15‐xNbx (x = 0, 3, 7, 11 at.%) alloys mainly contained β phase, and the as‐spun Ti60 Zr10Si15Ta15 ribbon shows amorphous structure. The crystalline Ti60 Zr10Si15Ta15‐xNbx (x = 0, 3, 7, 11 at.%) alloys and amorphous ribbon all exhibited the passivation characterization with the formation of a stable passive film on their surfaces during the immersion in PBS solution. For the Ti60Zr10Si15Ta15‐xNbx (x = 0, 3, 7, 11 at.%) alloys, the addition of Nb decreased the passive current density, thus the corrosion resistance increased with the Nb content increasing from 0 to 11 at.%. But the as‐spun amorphous Ti60Zr10Si15Ta15 ribbon exhibited the lowest passive current density, which indicated the better corrosion resistance in comparison with the as‐cast Ti60Zr10Si15Ta15‐xNbx (x = 0, 3, 7, 11 at.%) alloys.
Effect of inorganic anions on the corrosion behavior of UNS S32750 duplex stainless steel in chloride solution
Authors: Jin S. , Liu C.‐M. , Lin X. , Li M.‐J. , Cao H.‐B. , Wang H.‐Z.
Published: February 2015

The present study explored the electrochemical behavior of UNS S32750, a super duplex stainless steel which was not commonly researched in previous studies. The effect of bicarbonate () and sulfate () on the electrochemical behavior of UNS S32750 duplex stainless steel in the chloride (Cl−) solution was investigated using potentiodynamic polarization, scanning electron microscope (SEM), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and Mott‐Schottky analysis. The electrochemistry behavior shows that with the addition of and , pitting potential increased and passive current density decreased, indicating that bicarbonate or sulfate can reduce sensitivity to pitting corrosion of UNS S32750 duplex stainless steel in Cl− solution, and film resistance (R1) and lower charge transfer resistances (R2) increased, and the carriers density (NA and ND) values are about 1020 cm3, and the carriers density decreases. The results may provide theoretical guidance for material‐choosing in the wastewater treatment industries containing high chloride concentration such as non‐ferrous metallurgical wastewater.
Choroid plexus carcinoma in children: The Head Start experience
Authors: Zaky Wafik , Dhall Girish , Khatua Soumen , Brown Robert J. , Ginn Kevin F. , Gardner Sharon L. , Yildiz Vedat O. , Yankelevich Maxim , Finlay Jonathan L.
Published: February 2015

Background

Choroid plexus carcinoma (CPC) is a rare aggressive intracranial neoplasm with a predilection for young children and a historically poor outcome. Currently, no defined optimal therapeutic strategy exists. The Head Start (HS) regimens have included irradiation‐avoiding strategies in young children with malignant brain tumors using high dose chemotherapy to improve survival and minimize neurocognitive sequelae.

Procedure

Three sequential HS studies have been conducted from 1991 to 2009. HS treatment strategy has consisted of maximal surgical resection followed by five cycles of intensive induction followed by consolidation myeloablative chemotherapy with autologous hematopoietic stem cell rescue (AuHCR). Irradiation was given following recovery from consolidation based on the patient's age and evidence of residual disease.

Results

Twelve children with CPC (median age of 19.5 months) have been treated with HS regimens. Ten patients had >95% resection. Three patients had disseminated disease at diagnosis. Ten patients completed consolidation of whom five are alive, irradiation and disease free at 29, 43, 61, 66 and 89 months from diagnosis. Seven patients experienced tumor recurrence/progression at a median time of 13 months (range 2–43 months). Five patients received irradiation, one for residual disease and four upon progression or recurrence, of whom one is alive at 61 months. The 3‐ and 5‐year progression‐free survivals are 58% and 38% and overall survivals 83% and 62% respectively. Late deaths from disease beyond 5 years were also noted.

Conclusion

Head Start strategies may produce long‐term remission in young children with newly diagnosed CPC with avoidance of cranial irradiation. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2015;62:784–789. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Surface Plasmon‐Based Techniques for the Analysis of Plasma Deposited Functional Films and Surfaces
Authors: Chu Li‐Qiang , Zhang Qian , Förch Renate
Published: February 2015

Herein we demonstrate that two surface plasmon‐based techniques (i.e., SPR and OWS) allow for sensitive and real‐time monitoring of plasma polymers of different thicknesses ranging from several nanometers to micrometers. Firstly, the fundamentals and the implementation of SPR/OWS are given. Examples about the use of SPR and OWS for the characterization of plasma deposited thin films are then presented, with emphasis on the stability and the swelling of those films in humid atmospheres and in aqueous media. The binding behavior of biological species (e.g., nucleic acid, protein, etc.) onto plasma polymer surfaces as seen by SPR and OWS are also discussed. The results clearly show that surface plasmon optics will play an essential part in the understanding and the future development of plasma deposited polymers.
Bone marrow‐derived cells contribute to regeneration of injured prostate epithelium and stroma
Authors: Nakata Wataru , Nakai Yasutomo , Yoshida Takahiro , Sato Mototaka , Hatano Koji , Nagahara Akira , Fujita Kazutoshi , Uemura Motohide , Nonomura Norio
Published: February 2015

BACKGROUND

Recent studies have reported that bone marrow‐derived cells (BMDCs), which are recruited to sites of tissue injury and inflammation, can differentiate into epithelial cells, such as liver, lung, gastrointestinal tract, and skin cells. We investigated the role of BMDCs in contributing to regeneration of injured prostate epithelium.

METHODS

Using chimera rats that received allogenic bone marrow grafts from green fluorescent protein (GFP) transgenic rats after lethal whole‐body irradiation, we investigated the existence of epithelial marker‐positive BMDCs in injured prostate tissue caused by transurethral injection of lipopolysaccharide.

RESULTS

Prostate tissues were harvested 2 weeks after transurethral lipopolysaccharide injection. Immunofluorescence staining showed that some cells in the stroma co‐expressed GFP and pan‐cytokeratin, which suggested the existence of epithelial marker‐positive BMDCs. To confirm the existence of such cells, we collected bone marrow‐derived non‐hematopoietic cells (GFP+/CD45− cells) from the prostate by fluorescence‐activated cell sorter analysis and analyzed the characteristics of the GFP+/CD45− cells. The number of cells in this population significantly increased from 0.042% to 0.492% compared with normal prostate tissue. We found by immunofluorescent analysis and RT‐PCR that GFP+/CD45− cells expressed cytokeratin, which suggested that these cells have some features of epithelial cells. In the prostate obtained from the chimera rats 34 weeks after lipopolysaccharide injection, GFP‐ and cytokeratin‐positive cells were observed in the prostate gland, which suggested that some of the cells in the prostate gland regenerated after prostate inflammation derived from bone marrow.

CONCLUSIONS

BMDCs might be able to differentiate into prostate epithelial cells after prostatic injury. Prostate 75:806–814, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Liposomal delivery of dexamethasone attenuates prostate cancer bone metastatic tumor growth In Vivo
Authors: Kroon Jan , Buijs Jeroen T. , van der Horst Geertje , Cheung Henry , van der Mark Maaike , van Bloois Louis , Rizzo Larissa Y. , Lammers Twan , Pelger Rob C. , Storm Gert , van der Pluijm Gabri , Metselaar Josbert M.
Published: February 2015

Background

The inflammatory tumor microenvironment, and more specifically the tumor‐associated macrophages, plays an essential role in the development and progression of prostate cancer towards metastatic bone disease. Tumors are often characterized by a leaky vasculature, which ‐ combined with the prolonged circulation kinetics of liposomes ‐ leads to efficient tumor localization of these drug carriers, via the so‐called enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) ‐effect. In this study, we evaluated the utility of targeted, liposomal drug delivery of the glucocorticoid dexamethasone in a model of prostate cancer bone metastases.

Methods

Tumor‐bearing Balb‐c nu/nu mice were treated intravenously with 0.2–1.0–5.0 mg/kg/week free‐ and liposomal DEX for 3–4 weeks and tumor growth was monitored by bioluminescent imaging.

Results

Intravenously administered liposomes localize efficiently to bone metastases in vivo and treatment of established bone metastases with (liposomal) dexamethasone resulted in a significant inhibition of tumor growth up to 26 days after initiation of treatment. Furthermore, 1.0 mg/kg liposomal dexamethasone significantly outperformed 1.0 mg/kg free dexamethasone, and was found to be well‐tolerated at clinically‐relevant dosages that display potent anti‐tumor efficacy.

Conclusions

Liposomal delivery of the glucocorticoid dexamethasone inhibits the growth of malignant bone lesions. We believe that liposomal encapsulation of dexamethasone offers a promising new treatment option for advanced, metastatic prostate cancer which supports further clinical evaluation. Prostate 75: 815–824, 2015. © 2015 The Authors. The Prostate, published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A novel technique using three‐dimensionally documented biopsy mapping allows precise re‐visiting of prostate cancer foci with serial surveillance of cell cycle progression gene panel
Authors: Ukimura Osamu , Gross Mitchell E , de Castro Abreu Andre Luis , Azhar Raed A. , Matsugasumi Toru , Ushijima So , Kanazawa Motohiro , Aron Manju , Gill Inderbir S.
Published: February 2015

Background

Conventional systematic biopsy has the shortcoming of sampling error and reveals “no evidence of cancer” with a rate of >50% on active surveillance (AS). The objective of this study is to report our initial experience of applying a 3D‐documented biopsy‐mapping technology to precisely re‐visit geographically documented low‐risk prostate cancer and to perform serial analysis of cell‐cycle‐progression (CCP) gene‐panel.

Methods

Over a period of 40 months (1/2010–4/2013), the 3D‐biopsy‐mapping technique, in which the spatial location of biopsy‐trajectory was digitally recorded (Koelis), was carried out. A pair of diagnostic (1st‐look) and surveillance (2nd‐look) biopsy were performed per subject (n = 25), with median interval of 12 months. The documented biopsy‐trajectory was used as a target to guide the re‐visiting biopsy from the documented cancer focus, as well as the targeted field‐biopsy from the un‐sampled prostatic field adjacent to negative diagnostic biopsies. The accuracy of re‐visiting biopsy and biopsy‐derived CCP signatures were evaluated in the pair of the serial biopsy‐cores.

Results

The 1st‐look‐biopsy revealed a total of 43 cancer lesions (1.7 per patient). The accuracy of re‐visiting cancer was 86% (37/43) per lesion, 76% (65/86) per core, and 80% (20/25) per patient. This technology also provided an opportunity for 3D‐targeted field‐biopsy in order to potentially minimize sampling errors. The CCP gene‐panel of the 1st‐look (−0.59) versus 2nd‐look (−0.37) samples had no significant difference (P = 0.4); which suggested consistency in the molecular signature of the known cancer foci during the short‐time interval of median 12 months. Any change in CCP of the same cancer foci would be likely due to change in sampling location from the less to more significant portion in the cancer foci rather than true molecular progression. The study limitations include a small number of the patients.

Conclusion

The 3D‐documented biopsy‐mapping technology achieved an encouraging re‐sampling accuracy of 86% from the known prostate cancer foci, allowing the serial analysis of biopsy‐derived CCP signatures. Prostate 75:863–871, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Screening of tricyclic quinazoline alkaloids in the alkaloidal fraction of Adhatoda beddomei and Adhatoda vasica leaves by high‐performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization quadrupole time‐of‐flight tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Singh Awantika , Kumar Sunil , Reddy T. Jagadeshwar , Rameshkumar K. B. , Kumar Brijesh
Published: February 2015

RATIONALE

Adhatoda beddomei and Adhatoda vasica are popular Ayurvedic medicinal plants in India, belonging to the family Acanthaceae. Tricyclic quinazoline alkaloids are found to be the most abundant in these plants which are responsible for broad‐spectrum medicinal properties. This study aims to seek identification and characterization of those alkaloids based on their fragmentation patterns.

METHODS

A method was developed to elucidate the main fragmentation pathways of tricyclic quinazoline alkaloids in positive ion mode using high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization quadrupole time‐of‐flight tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC/ESI‐QTOF‐MS/MS). Chromatographic separation was carried on a Supelco Discovery HS C18 column (15 cm × 4.6 mm, 3 µm) with 0.1% formic acid aqueous solution and acetonitrile as a mobile phase.

RESULTS

In full scan mass spectra, protonated molecules were observed for all the quinazoline alkaloids. Ring cleavages of the tricyclic quinazoline moiety were observed in MS2 spectra and the characteristic ions provide valuable structural information of these alkaloids. Fragmentation pathways and fragment ion structures were proposed in two groups of quinazoline alkaloids.

CONCLUSIONS

The established fragmentation patterns have been successfully used to identify 23 tricyclic quinazoline alkaloids in the alkaloidal fraction of A. beddomei and A. vasica. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Integrative and Interdisciplinary Approaches to Leadership Development
Authors: Owen Julie E.
Published: February 2015

Integrating diverse conceptions of leadership across different disciplines, perspectives, and epistemologies is imperative if leaders are to operate in a global and networked world. Interdisciplinary and integrative leadership courses and digital learning communities are featured examples.
Total Superficial Vein Reflux Eradication in the Treatment of Venous Ulcer
Authors: Kanchanabat Burapa , Stapanavatr Waigoon , Kanchanasuttiruk Pong
Published: February 2015

Total superficial vein reflux eradication in the treatment of venous ulcer.

Background

Our initial experience with groin–knee vein stripping resulted in recurrent or unhealed venous ulcers prompting us to remove the entire reflux segment with emphasis on the calf superficial vein adjacent to, or underneath the ulcer. This study aims to assess the healing and recurrent rates after treatment with this technique combined with compression therapy.

Method

Pertinent data of the patients with healed or active venous ulcers (C5‐6) between October 2006 and October 2013 was prospectively collected and retrospectively reviewed.

Results

Forty‐three operations were performed on 39 C5‐6 legs (four reoperations for recurrent ulcer of the same legs) among 35 patients who had completed follow‐up. The median follow‐up time was 22 months. Of the 39 operations for active venous ulcers (C6), wound healing was achieved in 35 instances (90 %) with a median healing time of 21 days. The 30‐day healing rate was 64 % and the 14‐day healing rate was 38 %. Only four legs had ulcers which healed beyond 60 days. The post‐operative VCSS and VDS were significantly improved compared with the pre‐operative value (11.6, 3.7, p < 0.0001 and 1.0, 0.7, p = 0.035 for VCSS and VDS, respectively). Recurrent ulceration was found in four legs. The 2‐ and 6‐year recurrence rates were three percent and 22 percent, respectively.

Conclusions

Venous ulcer could be satisfactory treated by the total removal of the peri‐ulcer reflux.
Reducing Healthcare Costs Facilitated by Surgical Auditing: A Systematic Review
Authors: Govaert Johannes Arthuur , van Bommel Anne Charlotte Madeline , van Dijk Wouter Antonie , van Leersum Nicoline Johanneke , Tollenaar Robertus Alexandre Eduard Mattheus , Wouters Michael Wilhemus Jacobus Maria
Published: February 2015

Background

Surgical auditing has been developed in order to benchmark and to facilitate quality improvement. The aim of this review is to determine if auditing combined with systematic feedback of information on process and outcomes of care results in lower costs of surgical care.

Method

A systematic search of published literature before 21‐08‐2013 was conducted in Pubmed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library. Articles were selected if they met the inclusion criteria of describing a surgical audit with cost‐evaluation.

Results

The systematic search resulted in 3608 papers. Six studies were identified as relevant, all showing a positive effect of surgical auditing on quality of healthcare and therefore cost savings was reported. Cost reductions ranging from $16 to $356 per patient were seen in audits evaluating general or vascular procedures. The highest potential cost reduction was described in a colorectal surgical audit (up to $1,986 per patient).

Conclusions

All six identified articles in this review describe a reduction in complications and thereby a reduction in costs due to surgical auditing. Surgical auditing may be of greater value when high‐risk procedures are evaluated, since prevention of adverse events in these procedures might be of greater clinical and therefore of greater financial impact.

Implication of key findings

This systematic review shows that surgical auditing can function as a quality instrument and therefore as a tool to reduce costs. Since evidence is scarce so far, further studies should be performed to investigate if surgical auditing has positive effects to turn the rising healthcare costs around. In the future, incorporating (actual) cost analyses and patient‐related outcome measures would increase the audits’ value and provide a complete overview of the value of healthcare.
The Snow-Fink Technique as an Opposition Tendon Transfer for Children Born with a Hypoplastic or Absent Thumb
Authors: Yoon Alfred P. , Jones Neil F.
Published: February 2015

Background

A novel opposition tendon transfer, previously described by Snow and Fink in adults but not in children, can provide better functional results and cosmetic appearance than the currently preferred Huber transfer.

Methods

Thirty-one children were born either without a thumb (17) or with a hypoplastic thumb (14). Thirty-eight thumbs were classified according to the Blauth classification as stages II, IIIA, IIIB, IV, and V respectively. The opposition tendon transfer was performed between the ages of 4 and 10, using the expendable flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) tendon from the ring finger which was passed through a 3-mm-diameter window in the transverse carpal ligament, routed subcutaneously across the palm and attached to the insertion of the abductor pollicis brevis on the base of the proximal phalanx of the thumb. This creates a vector of pull from the ulnar side of the hand which both abducts and pronates the thumb. Twenty-one hands underwent additional procedures such as four-flap Z-plasty (11), ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction (6), joint transfer, full-thickness skin grafting, and distraction lengthening.

Results

The ability of each child to oppose their thumb to the index finger (score 2), middle finger (score 3), ring finger (score 4), or small finger (score 5) was assessed preoperatively and postoperatively by their Kapandji score. Thirty-one children (81.6 %) achieved a postoperative Kapandji score of 5, while 7 children (18.4 %) had a postoperative Kapandji score of 4. No deformities were observed, and the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint was stabilized with the other slip of the FDS when necessary.

Conclusions

An opposition transfer using the FDS tendon of the ring finger through a window in the transverse carpal ligament is a simple and reliable technique for improving thumb function in children born with an absent or hypoplastic thumb. This transfer does not produce a concave deformity in the hypothenar eminence like the Huber transfer, provides better pronation, and affords concurrent stabilization of the MCP joint.
Migrating for the Bank: Housing and Chinese Labour Migration to Ethiopia
Authors: Driessen Miriam
Published: February 2015

By shedding light on the concept of thefangnu(mortgage slave), this paper explains why young men from China migrate to Ethiopia. Young, educated, employed and ambitious, thefangnuis a modern type of slave who is said to have sold his freedom to the bank for the purpose of buying a house. For young men coming from a rural background, temporary migration offers a chance to earn the money so badly needed for a down payment or repayments on mortgage loans for their newly bought residential property. I argue that thefangnuis the child of a Chinese society characterized by high social mobility as well as a growing demographic imbalance owing to the one-child policy. In this context, a house – or in urban China, commonly an apartment in a high-rise building – is increasingly seen as a marker of status, especially in the marriage market. Although the Chinese do not demand a bride price, thehunfang(marriage house) has become the norm in urban Chinese society. Unable to rely on the financial support of their kin, young Chinese men from the countryside migrate to earn the starting capital needed to cope with the socio-economic pressures of settling in the city.
Nitrogen loss by anaerobic oxidation of ammonium in rice rhizosphere
Authors: Nie San’an , Li Hu , Yang Xiaoru , Zhang Zhaoji , Weng Bosen , Huang Fuyi , Zhu Gui-Bing , Zhu Yong-Guan
Published: February 2015

Anaerobic oxidation of ammonium (anammox) is recognized as an important process for nitrogen (N) cycling, yet its role in agricultural ecosystems, which are intensively fertilized, remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the presence, activity, functional gene abundance and role of anammox bacteria in rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere paddy soils using catalyzed reporter deposition–fluorescence in situ hybridization, isotope-tracing technique, quantitative PCR assay and 16S rRNA gene clone libraries. Results showed that rhizosphere anammox contributed to 31–41% N2 production with activities of 0.33–0.64 nmol N2 g−1 soil h−1, whereas the non-rhizosphere anammox bacteria contributed to only 2–3% N2 production with lower activities of 0.08–0.26 nmol N2 g−1 soil h−1. Higher anammox bacterial cells were observed (0.75–1.4 × 107 copies g−1 soil) in the rhizosphere, which were twofold higher compared with the non-rhizosphere soil (3.7–5.9 × 106 copies g−1 soil). Phylogenetic analysis of the anammox bacterial 16S rRNA genes indicated that two genera of ‘Candidatus Kuenenia’ and ‘Candidatus Brocadia’ and the family of Planctomycetaceae were identified. We suggest the rhizosphere provides a favorable niche for anammox bacteria, which are important to N cycling, but were previously largely overlooked.
Static stretch affects neural stem cell differentiation in an extracellular matrix-dependent manner
Authors: Arulmoli Janahan , Pathak Medha M. , McDonnell Lisa P. , Nourse Jamison L. , Tombola Francesco , Earthman James C. , Flanagan Lisa A.
Published: February 2015

Neural stem and progenitor cell (NSPC) fate is strongly influenced by mechanotransduction as modulation of substrate stiffness affects lineage choice. Other types of mechanical stimuli, such as stretch (tensile strain), occur during CNS development and trauma, but their consequences for NSPC differentiation have not been reported. We delivered a 10% static equibiaxial stretch to NSPCs and examined effects on differentiation. We found static stretch specifically impacts NSPC differentiation into oligodendrocytes, but not neurons or astrocytes and this effect is dependent on particular extracellular matrix (ECM)-integrin linkages. Generation of oligodendrocytes from NSPCs was reduced on laminin, an outcome likely mediated by the α6 laminin-binding integrin, whereas similar effects were not observed for NSPCs on fibronectin. Our data demonstrate a direct role for tensile strain in dictating the lineage choice of NSPCs and indicate the dependence of this phenomenon on specific substrate materials, which should be taken into account for the design of biomaterials for NSPC transplantation.
Micro-Raman spectroscopy study on the allosteric regulation of inositol hexakisphosphate on hemoglobin
Authors: Gao Xing , Zeng Chang-chun , Liu Han-ping , Lu Yao-yan
Published: February 2015

Peak ratios of Hb by IHP sodium salt of different molar ratios under different oxygen pressures by Raman spectroscopy.
Characterization of the interaction between resmethrin and calf thymus DNA in vitro
Authors: Tao Mo , Zhang Guowen , Xiong Chunhong , Pan Junhui
Published: February 2015

Resmethrin preferentially binds to the G–C rich region of the ctDNA groove, and the UV-vis spectral matrix is decomposed by MCR-ALS.
Study on the performance of an improved Ti/SnO2–Sb2O3/PbO2 based on porous titanium substrate compared with planar titanium substrate
Authors: Zhao Wei , Xing Juntao , Chen Donghui , Bai Zilong , Xia Yisheng
Published: February 2015

A systematic study was carried out to investigate the preparation and characterization of porous Ti/SnO2–Sb2O3/PbO2. Porous titanium substrates contribute to the improvement in the performance of electrodes.
Silica nanoparticles densely grafted with PEO for ionomer plasticization
Authors: O'Reilly Michael V. , Winey Karen I.
Published: February 2015

PEO-grafted nanoparticles and hydroxylated nanoparticles demonstrate different ionic conductivity–viscosity temperature dependence in nanocomposite ionomers.
Citrate modified β-cyclodextrin functionalized magnetite nanoparticles: a biocompatible platform for hydrophobic drug delivery
Authors: Jayaprabha Kunnoth N. , Joy Pattayil A.
Published: February 2015

Water dispersible, β-cyclodextrin functionalized, magnetite nanoparticles are shown to be suitable for the delivery of the hydrophobic drug curcumin, with possible multifunctional applications.
Tartaric acid modified Pleurotus ostreatus for enhanced removal of Cr(vi) ions from aqueous solution: characteristics and mechanisms
Authors: Xu Weihua , Wang Shufan , Liu Yunguo , Zeng Guangming , Zheng Bohong , Tan XiaoFei , Li Tingting , Wang Hui , Guo Fangying , Zhang Mingming
Published: February 2015

Pleurotus ostreatus was modified by tartaric acid and used as a biosorbent for the removal of Cr(vi) from aqueous solution.
Towards efficient photoinduced charge separation in carbon nanodots and TiO2 composites in the visible region
Authors: Sun Mingye , Qu Songnan , Ji Wenyu , Jing Pengtao , Li Di , Qin Li , Cao Junsheng , Zhang Hong , Zhao Jialong , Shen Dezhen
Published: February 2015

The visible photoinduced electrons and holes in CDs-V/TiO2 composites could be effectively separated, indicating that a well performing CD-based photovoltaic system could be realized.
Surface-initiated Cu(0) mediated controlled radical polymerization (SI-CuCRP) using a copper plate
Authors: Zhang Tao , Du Yunhao , Müller Felix , Amin Ihsan , Jordan Rainer
Published: February 2015

We report on a new, extremely fast, very simple and versatile method to produce polymer brushes by surface-initiated controlled/living radical polymerization.
Antiplasmodial activity of short peptide-based compounds
Authors: Mahindra Amit , Gangwal Rahul P. , Bansal Sunil , Goldfarb Nathan E. , Dunn Ben M. , Sangamwar Abhay T. , Jain Rahul
Published: February 2015

Three series of short peptide-based compounds were synthesized, which upon evaluation against chloroquine-sensitive (D6) and chloroquine-resistant (W2) strains ofPlasmodium falciparum in vitro, produced IC50values ranging between 1.4–4.7 μg mL−1.
Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) as a metal-free catalyst for thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate
Authors: Li Qi , He Yi , Peng Rufang
Published: February 2015

g-C3N4 possesses a band gap of approximately 2.7 eV. The conduction-band electrons (ecb−) and valence band holes (h+) could be generated when g-C3N4 was excited, which accelerate the thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate (AP).
Novel design for the odd-symmetric memristor from asymmetric switches
Authors: Cheng Peifu , Hu Yun Hang
Published: February 2015

A novel strategy, in which two same asymmetric A/B structure switch components can be combined as a symmetric A/B/A structured device, is developed to create an odd-symmetric memristor. Furthermore, the feasibility of this strategy is experimentally confirmed by a Ag2S/Ag/Ag2S memristor, which exhibits an odd-symmetric I–V curve with a pinched hysteresis loop.
One dimensional semiconductor nanostructures: An effective active-material for terahertz detection
Authors: Vitiello Miriam S. , Viti Leonardo , Coquillat Dominique , Knap Wojciech , Ercolani Daniele , Sorba Lucia
Published: February 2015

One-dimensional (1D) nanostructure devices are at the frontline of studies on future electronics, although issues like massive parallelization, doping control, surface effects, and compatibility with silicon industrial requirements are still open challenges. The recent progresses in atomic to nanometer scale control of materials morphology, size, and composition including the growth of axial, radial, and branched nanowire (NW)-based heterostructures make the NW an ideal building block for implementing rectifying diodes or detectors that could be well operated into the Terahertz (THz), thanks to their typical achievable attofarad-order capacitance. Here, we report on our recent progresses in the development of 1D InAs or InAs/InSb NW-based field effect transistors exploiting novel morphologies and/or material combinations effective for addressing the goal of a semiconductor plasma-wave THz detector array technology. Through a critical review of material-related parameters (NW doping concentration, geometry, and/or material choice) and antenna-related issues, here we underline the crucial aspects that can affect detection performance across the THz frequency region.
Increased testing for Neisseria gonorrhoeae with duplex nucleic acid amplification tests in Australia: implications for surveillance
Authors: Donovan Basil , Dimech Wayne , Ali Hammad , Guy Rebecca , Hellard Margaret
Published: February 2015

Background Gonorrhoea notifications have been increasing in Australia’s cities, in both men and women. We investigated if this could be, at least in part, a result of a testing artefact. Methods: We surveyed 28 laboratories that were known to test for both Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) and Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) to determine their testing and reporting practices, and when these practices were instituted. Results: By 2012, 23 (82%) of the laboratories were routinely performing duplex nucleic acid amplification tests for both CT and NG even if a test for only one organism was requested, up from 9 (32%) laboratories before 2007. Although written reports of negative NG tests were not provided if the test was not requested, positive NG tests were always communicated to the attending clinician. Conclusions: The move towards routine duplex testing for CT and NG has probably resulted in more Australians being tested for NG than ever before. While this change has advantages for case-finding and improved public health outcomes, it also brings an increasing potential for false-positive NG tests. Recent trends in NG notifications should be interpreted with caution.
Potential effect of variation in water temperature on development time of American lobster larvae
Authors: Quinn Brady K. , Rochette Rémy
Published: February 2015

Studies typically assess the effects of temperature on development time, larval drift, and fisheries recruitment in American lobster at a range of constant temperatures. However, in nature, lobster larvae are exposed to varying temperatures, which might result in different development times than would be predicted from mean temperatures alone. To investigate this hypothesis, we conducted a modelling exercise in which we simulated larval development from hatch through stages I–IV under different combinations of mean and variance in temperature. Two thermal scenarios were modelled, the first based on estimated (i.e. interpolated by a model from empirical data) recent historical mean and variability of sea surface temperatures (SSTs) experienced by developing larvae in specific parts of the species' range, and the second based on a broad range of simulated combinations of mean and variability in temperature, including conditions that may be experienced by larvae in the future. The model calculated development times using daily SSTs and temperature-dependent development equations from previous studies of warm- and cold-water origin larvae. For warm-origin larvae, higher variability in temperature resulted in shorter development times at very cold and very warm mean temperatures, and longer development at intermediate mean temperatures, than lower (or no) variability. For cold-origin larvae, the effect of variable temperature was overall much smaller, and opposite to that for warm-origin larvae at very cold and very warm mean temperatures. These results show that lobster larvae experience meaningful variability of water temperature in nature, and that this variability can markedly impact larval development. Thermal variability therefore should be considered when estimating development and drift of lobster larvae, including under scenarios of climate change.
Screening a Diverse Soybean Germplasm Collection for Reaction to Purple Seed Stain Caused byCercospora kikuchii
Authors: Alloatti Julieta , Li Shuxian , Chen Pengyin , Jaureguy Luciano , Smith S. Faye , Florez-Palacios Liliana , Orazaly Moldir , Rupe John
Published: February 2015

Purple seed stain (PSS), caused by Cercospora kikuchii, is a prevalent soybean disease that causes latent seed infection, seed decay, purple seed discoloration, and overall quality deterioration. The objective of this research was to screen soybean accessions from the United States Department of Agriculture germplasm collection for resistance to PSS. In total, 123 plant introductions (PI) from 28 different countries, representing maturity groups (MG) III, IV, and V, were screened. Incidence of Cercospora leaf blight (% CLB), visual PSS (% PSS), and seed infected by C. kikuchii (% C. kikuchii) in harvested seed were determined. In 2007, % C. kikuchii was 2 to 51% for MG III, 2 to 35% for MG IV, and 0 to 33% for MG V. In 2008, % C. kikuchii was 0 to 45% for MG III, 1 to 71% for MG IV, and 0 to 15% for MG V. In total, four and ten PI from MG III and IV, respectively, were identified as resistant to PSS in both years. Highly positive correlations were found for inoculated versus noninoculated treatments and for % PSS versus % C. kikuchii infection. The PSS-resistant PI identified in this study will be valuable to breeders in developing resistant cultivars.
Climate change andIxodestick-borne diseases of humans
Authors: Ostfeld Richard S. , Brunner Jesse L.
Published: February 2015

The evidence that climate warming is changing the distribution ofIxodesticks and the pathogens they transmit is reviewed and evaluated. The primary approaches are either phenomenological, which typically assume that climate alone limits current and future distributions, or mechanistic, asking which tick-demographic parameters are affected by specific abiotic conditions. Both approaches have promise but are severely limited when applied separately. For instance, phenomenological approaches (e.g. climate envelope models) often select abiotic variables arbitrarily and produce results that can be hard to interpret biologically. On the other hand, although laboratory studies demonstrate strict temperature and humidity thresholds for tick survival, these limits rarely apply to field situations. Similarly, no studies address the influence of abiotic conditions on more than a few life stages, transitions or demographic processes, preventing comprehensive assessments. Nevertheless, despite their divergent approaches, both mechanistic and phenomenological models suggest dramatic range expansions ofIxodesticks and tick-borne disease as the climate warms. The predicted distributions, however, vary strongly with the models' assumptions, which are rarely tested against reasonable alternatives. These inconsistencies, limited data about key tick-demographic and climatic processes and only limited incorporation of non-climatic processes have weakened the application of this rich area of research to public health policy or actions. We urge further investigation of the influence of climate on vertebrate hosts and tick-borne pathogen dynamics. In addition, testing model assumptions and mechanisms in a range of natural contexts and comparing their relative importance as competing models in a rigorous statistical framework will significantly advance our understanding of how climate change will alter the distribution, dynamics and risk of tick-borne disease.
Impact of ownership structure on capital structure of New Zealand unlisted firms
Authors: Hewa Wellalage Nirosha , Locke Stuart
Published: February 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to use a panel of New Zealand unlisted firms from 1998 to 2009 to examine the relationship between ownership structure and firm leverage ratios. Although, the choice of the debt in capital structure is important for all firms, the scale effects may influence the degree of influence of particular financial theories upon capital structure.

Design/methodology/approach

– To control the endogeneity effect of insider ownership, this study uses the dynamic panel generalised method of moment estimation and uses the Granger causality test to check the causality effect of leverage and insider ownership.

Findings

– The findings suggest an inverse U-shape relationship of insider ownership and leverage, indicating higher insider ownership increases management entrenchment while lower insider ownership increases misalignment of the interests of management and owners. Moreover, this study finds bi-directional causation between insider ownership and firm leverage ratios.

Practical implications

– Finance policy needs to vary across firm type, industries and firm characteristics and should match the different borrowing requirements of small business.

Originality/value

– This paper contributes to literature by investigating whether the structure of equity ownership can impact cross-sectional variations in capital structure. Moreover, most of the capital structure research has been conducted in large markets like USA and publicly listed firms but this paper concentrates on the evidence from New Zealand unlisted businesses. Also, the econometric analysis is more robust due to controlling for the endogeneity effect of insider ownership.
Molecular cloning and characterization of a sigma‐class glutathione S‐Transferase from the freshwater mussel Hyriopsis cumingii
Authors: Li Haihua , Yang Ziyan , Huang Qiang , Li Yanxia
Published: February 2015

A full‐length cDNA of a sigma‐like glutathione S‐transferase (GST) was identified from Hyriopsis cumingii (HcGSTS). The deduced amino acid sequence of HcGSTS was found to comprise 203 amino acid residues and to contain the distinct highly conserved glutathione binding site of N‐terminal and the relatively diverse substrate binding site of C‐terminal. Alignment analysis and phylogenetic relationship suggested that the HcGSTS is a sigma‐class GST. The mRNA of HcGSTS was constitutively expressed in all tested tissues, the strongest expression being in the hepatopancreas. The mRNA expression of HcGSTS was significantly up‐regulated (P < 0.05) in all assessed tissues after stimulation of the mussels with peptidoglycan (PGN) and LPS, the only exception being when the gills were challenged with PGN. The expression of HcGSTS mRNA in kidney and foot was also significantly up‐regulated (P < 0.05) by microcystin‐LR. Recombinant HcGSTS exhibited high activity towards the substrate 1‐chloro‐2,4‐dinitrobenzene. The optimal pH was 8.0 and temperature 35 °C.
Specialist cancer care through Telehealth models
Authors: Sabesan Sabe
Published: February 2015

Objective

Disparities in outcomes are experienced between people who live in rural and remote areas and those who live in larger cities. This paper explores the ability to deliver specialist cancer care through the use of telehealth models.

Design

Review of telehealth models for cancer care.

Setting, participants and intervention

Cancer patients in rural, remote and Indigenous communities who receive their care through telehealth.

Outcome measures and results

Telehealth models seem to be applicable to all fields of oncology and all health professionals. These models not only facilitate the provision of specialist services closer to home in an acceptable, safe and cost‐effective manner, but also help expand the rural scope of practice and enhance service capabilities at rural centres.

Conclusion

New models of telehealth are another avenue to help further decrease the disparity of access and survival outcomes between rural and urban patients. Implementation of these models requires health system wide approach for development key performance indicators and allocation of resources.
Surrogate Motherhood and Abortion for Fetal Abnormality
Authors: Walker Ruth , van Zyl Liezl
Published: February 2015

A diagnosis of fetal abnormality presents parents with a difficult – even tragic – moral dilemma. Where this diagnosis is made in the context of surrogate motherhood there is an added difficulty, namely that it is not obvious who should be involved in making decisions about abortion, for the person who would normally have the right to decide – the pregnant woman – does not intend to raise the child. This raises the question: To what extent, if at all, should the intended parents be involved in decision‐making? In commercial surrogacy it is thought that as part of the contractual agreement the intended parents acquire the right to make this decision. By contrast, in altruistic surrogacy the pregnant woman retains the right to make these decisions, but the intended parents are free to decide not to adopt the child. We argue that both these strategies are morally unsound, and that the problems encountered serve to highlight more fundamental defects within the commercial and altruistic models, as well as in the legal and institutional frameworks that support them. We argue in favour of the professional model, which acknowledges the rights and responsibilities of both parties and provides a legal and institutional framework that supports good decision‐making. In particular, the professional model acknowledges the surrogate's right to decide whether to undergo an abortion, and the intended parents' obligation to accept legal custody of the child. While not solving all the problems that arise in surrogacy, the model provides a framework that supports good decision‐making.
Is Director Industry Experience Valuable?
Authors: von Meyerinck Felix , Oesch David , Schmid Markus
Published: February 2015

We investigate whether investor reactions to the announcement of a new outside director appointment significantly depend upon the director's experience in the appointing firm's industry. Our sample includes 688 outside director appointments to boards of S&P 500 companies from 2005 to 2010. We find significantly higher announcement returns upon appointments of experienced versus inexperienced directors. To alleviate endogeneity concerns, we use the deaths of 200 directors holding 280 outside directorships as an identification strategy and find significantly more negative announcement returns associated with the deaths of experienced versus inexperienced directors. However, while our results are robust to accounting for time‐fixed unobservable director and firm characteristics, we still cannot completely rule out endogenous firm‐director matching driving our results.
Clinical and Radiological Findings Suggesting Disorders Other Than Tolosa–Hunt Syndrome Among Ophthalmoplegic Patients: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Hung Chih‐Hsien , Chang Kuo‐Hsuan , Chen Yao‐Liang , Wu Yi‐Ming , Lai Chiou‐Lian , Chang Hong‐Shiu , Lyu Rong‐Kuo , Wu Yih‐Ru , Chen Chiung‐Mei , Huang Chin‐Chang , Chu Chun‐Che , Chen Chun‐Hung , Ro Long‐Sun
Published: February 2015

Objective

To investigate clinical and radiological features of Tolosa–Hunt syndrome (THS) and examine their diagnostic value, and to propose clinical and radiological features that indicate other symptomatic painful ophthalmoplegias (SPOs) in order to distinguish them from THS.

Background

Clinical presentations of THS are nonspecific and may overlap with many etiologies. Therefore, excluding other SPOs is essential for correct diagnosis. At the present time, the predictive value of the current International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD) criteria is not well established, and specific imaging markers that can discriminate SPOs from THS are lacking.

Methods

Patients referred with painful ophthalmoplegia over 12 years were recruited retrospectively and allocated into THS or SPO groups. Typical symptoms (episodic unilateral orbital pain preceding or developing with diplopia) and imaging of THS (inflammatory lesions in the cavernous sinus/orbit by magnetic resonance imaging) were proposed based on ICHD‐3 beta criteria and previous literature. Atypical clinical and radiological features suggesting alternative diagnoses were also proposed to predict SPO. Initial presentations and imaging findings were registered and correlated with diagnostic outcomes. The predictive value of clinical and imaging findings was then evaluated.

Results

Of the 61 referred cases, 25 were classified as THS and 36 as SPO. Of the SPO cases, 52.8% manifested typical THS symptoms at onset. Patients with SPOs were prone to have atypical symptoms (47.2%) and radiographical findings (82.1%) in comparison to those with THS (4.0% and 4.2%, respectively; both P < .001). Both typical symptoms and imaging findings predicted a diagnosis of THS with high sensitivity (95.8% and 100%, respectively) but low specificity (47.2% and 28.6%, respectively). High sensitivity (82.1%) and specificity (95.8%) were achieved using atypical imaging features to predict SPO.

Conclusion

A diagnosis of THS based strictly on clinical presentations or imaging results is not completely reliable. Identification of atypical imaging features may have a useful role in discriminating SPOs and thus avoid erroneous diagnoses of THS. Future studies with larger sample sizes are warranted to evaluate their validity in general population.