bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A new fluorescent chemosensor for highly selective and sensitive detection of inorganic phosphate (Pi) in aqueous solution and living cells
Authors: Meng Qingtao , Wang Yue , Yang Ming , Zhang Run , Wang Renjie , Zhang Zhiqiang
Published: June 2015

A new fluorescein-based chemosensor, FP-Fe3+, was developed for the detection of inorganic phosphate (Pi) in aqueous solution and living cells.
Base catalyzed sustainable synthesis of phenyl esters from carboxylic acids using diphenyl carbonate
Authors: Kreye Oliver , Meier Michael A. R.
Published: June 2015

Phenyl esters were obtained in moderate to high yields by reaction of aliphatic and aromatic carboxylic acids with one equivalent of diphenyl carbonate in the presence of catalytic amounts of tertiary amine bases, under neat conditions at elevated temperatures (>100 °C).
Water splitting with polyoxometalate-treated photoanodes: enhancing performance through sensitizer design
Authors: Fielden John , Sumliner Jordan M. , Han Nannan , Geletii Yurii V. , Xiang Xu , Musaev Djamaladdin G. , Lian Tianquan , Hill Craig L.
Published: June 2015

Improved sensitizer design dramatically enhances visible light-driven water oxidation from dye-sensitized TiO2 photoanodes treated with polyoxometalate water oxidation catalyst [{Ru4O4(OH)2(H2O)4}(γ-SiW10O36)2]10−.
Electrospun nanofibers with dual plasmonic-enhanced luminescent solar concentrator effects for high-performance organic photovoltaic cells
Authors: Chen Jung-Yao , Chiu Yu-Cheng , Shih Chien-Chung , Wu Wen-Chung , Chen Wen-Chang
Published: June 2015

Dual functional electrospun nanofibers were successfully fabricated. When the plasmonic-enhanced LSC electrospun nanofibers with a crossed pattern were employed into P3HT : PC61BM and PTB7 : PC71BM, the power conversion efficiencies showed a remarkable 18% enhancement.
Revised Variable Soft Sphere and Lennard-Jones Model Parameters for Eight Common Gases up to 2200 K
Authors: Weaver Andrew B. , Alexeenko Alina A.
Published: June 2015

Revised parameters for variable soft sphere (VSS) and Lennard-Jones (L-J) (6-12) models are presented for eight common gases in the temperature range 20–2200 K. The new parameters are based on a critical review of experimental measurements and ab-initio calculations of shear viscosity and self-diffusion coefficients. The optimized parameters are assessed relative to experimental measurements and ab-initio calculations of thermal conductivity. Results indicate most significant improvements for the VSS model occur when considering lighter gases where repulsive forces are more important. The agreement with transport property measurements for He gas extends to much higher temperatures using the revised parameters. The accuracy of the L-J model is more significantly improved when considering the heavier gases for which attractive forces are important over a wider temperature range.
Model and particle-in-cell simulation of ion energy distribution in collisionless sheath
Authors: Zhou Zhuwen , Kong Bo , Chen Deliang , Luo Yuee , Wang Yuansheng
Published: June 2015

In this paper, we propose a self-consistent theoretical model, which is described by the ion energy distributions (IEDs) in collisionless sheaths, and the analytical results for different combined dc/radio frequency (rf) capacitive coupled plasma discharge cases, including sheath voltage errors analysis, are compared with the results of numerical simulations using a one-dimensional plane-parallel particle-in-cell (PIC) simulation. The IEDs in collisionless sheaths are performed on combination of dc/rf voltage sources electrodes discharge using argon as the process gas. The incident ions on the grounded electrode are separated, according to their different radio frequencies, and dc voltages on a separated electrode, the IEDs, and widths of energy in sheath and the plasma sheath thickness are discussed. The IEDs, the IED widths, and sheath voltages by the theoretical model are investigated and show good agreement with PIC simulations.
Electrochemical cell for in situ electrodeposition of magnetic thin films in a superconducting quantum interference device magnetometer
Authors: Topolovec Stefan , Krenn Heinz , Würschum Roland
Published: June 2015

An electrochemical cell is designed and applied for in situ electrodeposition of magnetic thin films in a commercial SQUID magnetometer system. The cell is constructed in such a way that any parasitic contribution of the cell and of the substrate for electrodeposition to the magnetic moment of the deposited film is reduced to a minimum. A remanent minor contribution is readily taken into account by a proper analysis of the detected signal. Thus, a precise determination of the absolute magnetic moment of the electrodeposited magnetic film during its growth and dissolution is achieved. The feasibility of the cell design is demonstrated by performing Co electrodeposition using cyclic voltammetry. For an average Co film thickness of (35.6 ± 3.0) atomic layers, a magnetic moment per Co atom of (1.75 ± 0.11) μB was estimated, in good agreement with the literature bulk value.
Note: Real time optical sensing of alpha-radiation emitting radioactive aerosols based on solid state nuclear track detector
Authors: Kulkarni A. , Ha S. , Joshirao P. , Manchanda V. , Bak M. S. , Kim T.
Published: June 2015

A sensitive radioactive aerosols sensor has been designed and developed. Its design guidance is based on the need for a low operational cost and reliable measurements to provide daily aerosol monitoring. The exposure of diethylene-glycol bis (allylcarbonate) to radiation causes modification of its physico-chemical properties like surface roughness and reflectance. In the present study, optical sensor based on the reflectance measurement has been developed with an aim to monitor real time presence of alpha radioactive aerosols emitted from thorium nitrate hydrate. The results shows that the fabricated sensor can detect 0.0157 kBq to 0.1572 kBq of radio activity by radioactive aerosols generated from (Th(NO3)4 ⋅ 5H2O) at 0.1 ml/min flow rate. The proposed instrument will be helpful to monitor radioactive aerosols in/around a nuclear facility, building construction sites, mines, and granite polishing factories.
Investigation of compression of puffing neon by deuterium current and plasma sheath in plasma focus discharge
Authors: Kubes P. , Paduch M. , Cikhardt J. , Cikhardtova B. , Rezac K. , Klir D. , Kravarik J. , Kortanek J. , Zielinska E.
Published: June 2015

This paper presents the results of the research of the influence of compressed neon, injected by the gas-puff nozzle in front of the anode axis by the deuterium current and plasma sheath on the evolution of the pinch, and neutron production at the current of 2 MA. The intense soft X-ray emission shows the presence of neon in the central region of the pinch. During the implosion and stopping of the plasma sheath, the deuterium plasma penetrates into the internal neon layer. The total neutron yield of 1010–1011 has a similar level as in the pure deuterium shots. The neutron and hard X-ray pulses from fusion D-D reaction are as well emitted both in the phase of the stopping implosion and during the evolution of instabilities at the transformation of plasmoidal structures and constrictions composed in this configuration from both gases. The fast deuterons can be accelerated at the decay of magnetic field of the current filaments in these structures.
Thin-layer black phosphorus/GaAs heterojunction p-n diodes
Authors: Gehring Pascal , Urcuyo Roberto , Duong Dinh Loc , Burghard Marko , Kern Klaus
Published: June 2015

Owing to its high carrier mobility and thickness-tunable direct band gap, black phosphorus emerges as a promising component of optoelectronic devices. Here, we evaluate the device characteristics of p-n heterojunction diodes wherein thin black phosphorus layers are interfaced with an underlying, highly n-doped GaAs substrate. The p-n heterojunctions exhibit close-to-ideal diode behavior at low bias, while under illumination they display a photoresponse that is evenly distributed over the entire junction area, with an external quantum efficiency of up to 10% at zero bias. Moreover, the observed maximum open circuit voltage of 0.6 V is consistent with the band gap estimated for a black phosphorus sheet with a thickness on the order of 10 nm. Further analysis reveals that the device performance is limited by the structural quality of the black phosphorus surface.
C-Terminal Modifications Broaden Activity of the Proline-Rich Antimicrobial Peptide, Chex1-Arg20
Authors: Li Wenyi , Tailhades Julien , Hossain M. Akhter , O'Brien-Simpson Neil M. , Reynolds Eric C. , Otvos Laszlo , Separovic Frances , Wade John D.
Published: June 2015

A series of N- and C-terminal modifications of the monomeric proline-rich antimicrobial peptide, Chex1-Arg20, was obtained via different chemical strategies using Fmoc/tBu solid-phase peptide synthesis in order to study their effects on a panel of Gram-negative bacteria. In particular, C-terminal modifications with hydrazide or alcohol functions extended their antibacterial activity from E. coli and K. pneumoniae to other Gram-negative species, A. baumannii and P. aeruginosa. Furthermore, these analogues did not show cytotoxicity towards mammalian cells. Hence, such modifications may aid in the development of more potent proline-rich antimicrobial peptides with a greater spectrum of activity against Gram-negative bacteria than the parent peptide.
Seasonal and Spatial Patterns of Fish Sound Production in the May River, South Carolina
Authors: Montie Eric W. , Vega Steven , Powell Michael
Published: June 2015

Many fish species produce sounds that are associated with reproductive behavior, and hydrophone recordings can be used to document this behavior in soniferous fishes. We recorded the sounds produced by a fish community and determined general seasonal and spatial patterns of fish sound production in the May River, South Carolina, as a means to assess general temporal and spatial patterns of reproduction. Two‐minute sound files, temperature, salinity, and depth were recorded at 27 stations at monthly intervals along the May River in Bluffton, South Carolina, from January 2012 to December 2012. We identified species‐specific calls from Spotted Seatrout Cynoscion nebulosus, Oyster Toadfish Opsanus tau, Silver Perch Bairdiella chrysoura, Black Drum Pogonias cromis, and Red Drum Sciaenops ocellatus. General species‐specific seasonal patterns were noted; some species produced sounds within a specific time period and temperature range. Seasonally, Silver Perch, Oyster Toadfish, and Black Drum began calling in early spring and ended in May. Sound production of Spotted Seatrout began in early spring (i.e., February) and ended in early fall (i.e., end of September). The majority of Red Drum sound production occurred in August and September. Individual species had temperature‐specific ranges in which they produced sound: Silver Perch, Oyster Toadfish, and Black Drum between 21°C and 26°C; Spotted Seatrout between 22°C and 30°C; and Red Drum between 28°C and 26°C. Species‐specific spatial patterns of sound production were also observed. Fish calling rarely occurred near the source of the May River. Spotted Seatrout calls were predominately recorded at stations that displayed deep‐hole characteristics with fallen trees. Red Drum preferred deeper habitat (i.e., water depths greater than 2.7 m) at the mouth of the May River. Seasonal and spatial patterns of courtship sounds suggest that each species has specific environmental criteria that are preferred for reproduction.
Persons With (dis)Abilities
Authors: Baldridge David , Beatty Joy , Böhm Stephan A. , Kulkarni Mukta , Moore Mark E.
Published: June 2015

This chapter examines workplace discrimination faced by persons with (dis)abilities. It begins by discussing usage, meaning, and effects of the word “disability” and the related term “persons with disabilities.” It then considers the diversity of conditions and experiences among persons with (dis)abilities by reviewing extant research on people with five common disabling conditions (i.e., mobility, seeing, hearing, chronic illness, and psychiatric conditions). It also examines the importance of national context by taking a closer look at research on the experiences of people with (dis)abilities in five nations (i.e., United States, Canada, Germany, India, and China). By separately highlighting extant research on a few common conditions and nations, the chapter’s intent is to show the need for more research on specific conditions in specific work and national contexts, as well as the need for research integrating and summarizing these focused studies.
Researching Music Therapy in Medical Settings
Authors: Colwell Cynthia M.
Published: June 2015

Research has indicated that music therapy is effective in hospital contexts for managing pain, reducing anxiety, ameliorating social isolation, slowing the impact of cognitive or developmental regression or delays, expressing emotions, and altering physiological responses as medically needed. Music can impact physiological responses including heart rate, blood pressure, pulse oxygenation, pain indicators, respiration, muscle tension, cardiac output, and immunologic function. Participation in music therapy interventions can improve treatment adherence, reduce deleterious symptoms of diseases and effects of medical procedures, and generally enhance quality of life in an unfamiliar and potentially unappealing environment. This chapter will describe a sample of how music therapists have conducted research in medical contexts and will present ways in which such research can be planned and undertaken.
Prospect for future MeV gamma-ray active galactic nuclei population studies
Authors: Inoue Yoshiyuki , Tanaka Yasuyuki T. , Odaka Hirokazu , Takada Atsushi , Ichinohe Yuto , Saito Shinya , Takeda Shin'ichiro , Takahashi Tadayuki
Published: June 2015

While the X-ray, GeV gamma-ray, and TeV gamma-ray skies have been extensively studied, the MeV gamma-ray sky has not yet been well investigated since the Imaging Compton Telescope (COMPTEL) scanned the sky about two decades ago. In this paper, we investigate the prospects for active galactic nuclei population studies with future MeV gamma-ray missions using recent spectral models and luminosity functions of Seyferts and flat-spectrum radio quasars (FSRQs). Both of them are plausible candidates for the origins of the cosmic MeV gamma-ray background. If the cosmic MeV gamma-ray background radiation is dominated by non-thermal emission from Seyferts, a sensitivity of 10−12 erg cm−2 s−1 is required to detect several hundred Seyferts in the entire sky. If FSRQs make up the cosmic MeV gamma-ray background, a sensitivity of ∼ 4 × 10−12 erg cm−2 s−1 is required to detect several hundred FSRQs following the recent FSRQ X-ray luminosity function. However, based on the latest FSRQ gamma-ray luminosity function, with which FSRQs can explain up to ∼ 30% of the MeV background, we can expect several hundred FSRQs even with a sensitivity of 10−11 erg cm−2 s−1, which is almost the same as the sensitivity goal of the next-generation MeV telescopes.
Evaluation of a New Software Version of the RTVue Optical Coherence Tomograph for Image Segmentation and Detection of Glaucoma in High Myopia
Authors: Holló Gábor , Shu-wei Hsu , Naghizadeh Farzaneh
Published: June 2015

Purpose:

To compare the current (6.3) and a novel software version (6.12) of the RTVue-100 optical coherence tomograph (RTVue-OCT) for ganglion cell complex (GCC) and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFLT) image segmentation and detection of glaucoma in high myopia.

Materials and Methods:

RNFLT and GCC scans were acquired with software version 6.3 of the RTVue-OCT on 51 highly myopic eyes (spherical refractive error ≤−6.0 D) of 51 patients, and were analyzed with both the software versions. Twenty-two eyes were nonglaucomatous, 13 were ocular hypertensive and 16 eyes had glaucoma.

Results:

No difference was seen for any RNFLT, and average GCC parameter between the software versions (paired t test, P≥0.084). Global loss volume was significantly lower (more normal) with version 6.12 than with version 6.3 (Wilcoxon signed-rank test, P<0.001). The percentage agreement (κ) between the clinical (normal and ocular hypertensive vs. glaucoma) and the software-provided classifications (normal and borderline vs. outside normal limits) were 0.3219 and 0.4442 for average RNFLT, and 0.2926 and 0.4977 for average GCC with versions 1 and 2, respectively (McNemar symmetry test, P≥0.289). No difference in average RNFLT and GCC classification (McNemar symmetry test, P≥0.727) and the number of eyes with at least 1 segmentation error (P≥0.109) was found between the software versions, respectively.

Conclusion:

Although GCC segmentation was improved with software version 6.12 compared with the current version in highly myopic eyes, this did not result in a significant change of the average RNFLT and GCC values, and did not significantly improve the software-provided classification for glaucoma.
The migration game in habitat network: the case of tuna
Authors: Mariani Patrizio , Křivan Vlastimil , MacKenzie Brian R , Mullon Christian
Published: June 2015

Long distance migration is a widespread process evolved independently in several animal groups in terrestrial and marine ecosystems. Many factors contribute to the migration process and of primary importance are intra-specific competition and seasonality in the resource distribution. Adaptive migration in direction of increasing fitness should leads to the ideal free distribution (IFD) which is the evolutionary stable strategy of the habitat selection game. We introduce a migration game which focuses on migrating dynamics that lead to the IFD for age-structured populations in time varying environments where dispersal is costly. The model assumes a network of habitats and predicts migration dynamics between these habitats and the corresponding population distribution. When applied to Atlantic bluefin tunas it predicts their migration routes and their seasonal distribution. The largest biomass is located in the spawning areas which have also the largest diversity in the age-structure. Distant feeding areas are occupied on a seasonal base and often by larger individuals, in agreement with empirical observation. Moreover we show that only a selected number of migratory routes emerge as those effectively used by tunas.
Application of synchrotron through-the-substrate microdiffraction to crystals in polished thin sections
Authors: Rius Jordi , Vallcorba Oriol , Frontera Carlos , Peral Inmaculada , Crespi Anna , Miravitlles Carles
Published: June 2015

The synchrotron through-the-substrate X-ray microdiffraction technique (tts-μXRD) is extended to the structural study of microvolumes of crystals embedded in polished thin sections of compact materials [Rius, Labrador, Crespi, Frontera, Vallcorba & Melgarejo (2011).J.Synchrotron Rad.18, 891–898]. The resulting tts-μXRD procedure includes some basic steps: (i) collection of a limited number of consecutive two-dimensional patterns (frames) for each randomly oriented crystal microvolume; (ii) refinement of the metric from the one-dimensional diffraction pattern which results from circularly averaging the sum of collected frames; (iii) determination of the reciprocal lattice orientation of each randomly oriented crystal microvolume which allows assigning thehklindices to the spots and, consequently, merging the intensities of the different frames into a single-crystal data set (frame merging); and (iv) merging of the individual crystal data sets (multicrystal merging) to produce an extended data set suitable for structure refinement/solution. Its viability for crystal structure solution by Patterson function direct methods (δ recycling) and for accurate single-crystal least-squares refinements is demonstrated with some representative examples from petrology in which different glass substrate thicknesses have been employed. The section of the crystal microvolume must be at least of the same order of magnitude as the focus of the beam (15 × 15 µm in the provided examples). Thanks to its versatility and experimental simplicity, this methodology should be useful for disciplines as disparate as petrology, materials science and cultural heritage.
Effect of organizational factors on employees’ generation of innovative ideas
Authors: Abdel Aziz Hadia Hamdy , Rizkallah Ashraf
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to measure the relationship between the organizational factors that affect innovation performance and the idea generation of employees. Factors examined include: appropriate use of rewards inside the organization, management support for developing new ideas, the tolerance in accepting failures and taking risks, allocation of resources and specially the free time, and finally the organizational structure and the related centralization of decision making.

Design/methodology/approach

– The purpose of the study is achieved through an empirical quantitative study on the software development industry of Egypt.

Findings

– Results indicate that, while all factors proved to be significantly correlated with employees’ innovative ideas generation; the availability of innovation based rewards, action based managerial support and decentralized decision making proved to be the most important factors contributing to the increase of innovation ideas generated and shared by employees. Results also indicate that managers and leaders generate more ideas than junior employees.

Originality/value

– Understanding the organizational factors that contribute to the employee’s generation of innovative ideas enables organizations to adapt their practices towards maximizing the contribution of their employees to more successful organizational innovation.
Numerical simulation of Nusselt-Rayleigh correlation in Bénard cells. A solution based on the network simulation method
Authors: Cánovas Manuel , Alhama Iván , Trigueros Emilio , Alhama Francisco
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– Natural convection with heat transfer in porous media has been subject of extensive study in engineering due to its numerous applications. A case of particular interest is the Bénard-type flow.The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

– Based on the network simulation method in order to solve this problem, a numerical model is proposed.

Findings

– Nusselt-Rayleigh correlation is determined for a broad range of Rayleigh, the dimensionless number that influences the solution, above and below the threshold which separates the conduction and convection pure mechanisms.

Originality/value

– Based on the network simulation method.
Morning in refugee health: an introduction for medical students
Authors: Duke Pauline S. , Brunger Fern , Ohle Elizabeth
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– Migration is increasing worldwide. health care practitioners must provide care to migrants in a culturally competent manner that is sensitive to cultural, political and economic contexts shaping health and illness. Many studies have provided strong evidence that health providers benefit from training in cross-cultural care. Cultural competence education of medical students during their early learning can begin to address attitudes and responsiveness toward refugees. At Memorial University in Canada, the authors designed “Morning in Refugee Health”, an innovative program in cultural competency training for first year medical students in the Clinical Skills and Ethics course. The purpose of this paper is to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– Here the authors introduce the curriculum and provide the rationale for the specific pedagogical techniques employed, emphasizing the consideration of culture in its relation to political and economic contexts. The authors describe the innovation of training standardized patients (SPs) who are themselves immigrants or refugees. The authors explain how and why the collaboration of community agencies and medical school administration is key to the successful implementation of such a curriculum.

Findings

– Medical students benefit from early pre-clinical education in refugee health. Specific attention to community context, SP training, small group format, linkages between clinical skills and medical ethics, medical school administrative and community agency support are essential to development and delivery of this curriculum. As a result of the Morning in Refugee Health, students initiated a community medical outreach project for newly arriving refugees.

Originality/value

– The approach is unique in three ways: integration of training in clinical skills and ethics; training of SPs who are themselves immigrants or refugees; and reflection on the political, economic and cultural contexts shaping health and health care.
A Fresh Look at the Dark Side of Contemporary Careers: Toward a Realistic Discourse
Authors: Baruch Yehuda , Vardi Yoav
Published: June 2015

In this paper we propose that careers be considered as both offering promise and the source of potential disillusionment. While the changing nature of careers and of career management requires a comprehensive perspective to highlight the characteristics and nature of careers in their entirety, most published work predominantly addresses the positive aspects of careers, leaving their darker dynamics almost untouched. We argue that while career scholars tend to clothe such concerns in euphemistic terms, contemporary career experiences may often be quite dark and include a number of undesired consequences. By linking selected career constructs and notions of organizational dark sides, we aim to advance a more balanced framework, offering a career perspective that consists of opportunities versus threats, truth versus untruth and positive versus negative aspects, all of which are inevitably embedded in careers. Thus, we call for career conceptualization and research to be less normatively biased and prescriptive and to be more grounded in reality.
High PEEP levels are associated with overdistension and tidal recruitment/derecruitment in ARDS patients
Authors: Retamal J. , Bugedo G. , Larsson A. , Bruhn A.
Published: June 2015

Background

Positive end‐expiratory pressure (PEEP) improves gas exchange and respiratory mechanics, and it may decrease tissue injury and inflammation. The mechanisms of this protective effect are not fully elucidated. Our aim was to determine the intrinsic effects of moderate and higher levels of PEEP on tidal recruitment/derecruitment, hyperinflation, and lung mechanics, in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

Methods

Nine patients with ARDS of mainly pulmonary origin were ventilated sequential and randomly using two levels of PEEP: 9 and 15 cmH2O, and studied with dynamic computed tomography at a fix transversal lung region. Tidal recruitment/derecruitment and hyperinflation were determined as non‐aerated tissue and hyperinflated tissue variation between inspiration and expiration, expressed as percentage of total weight. We also assessed the maximal amount of non‐aerated and hyperinflated tissue weight.

Results

PEEP 15 cmH2O was associated with decrease in non‐aerated tissue in all the patients (P < 0.01). However, PEEP 15 cmH2O did not decrease tidal recruitment/derecruitment compared to PEEP 9 cmH2O (P = 1). In addition, PEEP 15 cmH2O markedly increased maximal hyperinflation (P < 0.01) and tidal hyperinflation (P < 0.05). Lung compliance decreased with PEEP 15 cmH2O (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

In this series of patients with ARDS of mainly pulmonary origin, application of high levels of PEEP did not decrease tidal recruitment/derecruitment, but instead consistently increased tidal and maximal hyperinflation.
Stage‐specific reference genes significant for quantitative PCR during mouse retinal development
Authors: Adachi Hiroko , Tominaga Hiroyuki , Maruyama Yuko , Yoneda Kazuhito , Maruyama Kazuichi , Yoshii Kengo , Kinoshita Shigeru , Nakano Masakazu , Tashiro Kei
Published: June 2015

Developing mouse retina has been serving as an ideal model for investigating the molecular mechanism of neural development and angiogenesis, because several significant events associated with these physiological phenomena are drastically occurring in conjunction with retinal development. However, as many genes are influencing on each other to establish mature retina within 21 days from E10 to P12, we must carefully design the experiments, such as in the case of quantitating the amount of altered gene expression toward the establishment of retina by quantitative PCR. As we have seen considerable variations of quantitative results in different developmental stages of retina depending on the reference genes used for compensation, we here attempted to determine a reliable reference gene to accurately quantitate the target genes in each stage. According to the results of in silico prediction and comparison with a database of SAGE, we found that the most stable gene from early to late stages was Sdha, whereas one of the most popular housekeeping genes, Actb, was the one that could mislead the quantitative results even in the adult stage. Consequently, we pointed out the importance of selecting an appropriate reference gene, especially to quantitate the amount of gene expression in the developmental stages of a certain tissue.
Nuclear localization of ubiquitin‐activating enzyme Uba1 is characterized in its mammalian temperature‐sensitive mutant
Authors: Sugaya Kimihiko , Ishihara Yoshie , Inoue Sonoe
Published: June 2015

In our previous study, a point mutation in Uba1, the gene encoding ubiquitin‐activating enzyme, was identified in temperature‐sensitive (ts) CHO‐K1 mutant tsTM3 cells, which led to a Met‐to‐Ile substitution at amino acid 256 in Uba1 protein. Characterization of this mutant revealed a deficiency of nuclear Uba1 and impaired ubiquitination in the nucleus. The ts defects in tsTM3 were complemented by the expression of the wild‐type Uba1 tagged with green fluorescent protein (GFP). In this study, the expression and localization of Uba1 were investigated using the various forms of Uba1 tagged with GFP. Western blot analysis and confocal microscopy revealed that nuclear localization of Uba1, as well as even the modified and truncated forms of Uba1, appears to be essential to rescue tsTM3 cells. The localization of Uba1 in the nucleus, even if it was a small amount, was proportional to the efficiency of complementation of tsTM3 cells. Uba1 plays an important role in the nucleus, and a ts mutation found in tsTM3 cells appears to result in the loss of localization of Uba1 in the nucleus.
Gendering Pensions: Making Women Visible
Authors: Grady Jo
Published: June 2015

This paper argues that the UK pension system is gender blind and is structured around a heteropatriarchal experience. It does so by analysing two key pieces of UK pension policy: the New Flat Rate State Pension and Auto‐Enrolment. Since the 1980s the value of the British state pension has fallen, and it is now worth half what it was in 1979. This presents a particular disadvantage for women who not only tend to be lower paid, but because of a gendered occupational life course, also tend to work part‐time hours, and thus also fail to work the number of qualifying years for the full state pension. Traditionally, this results in a pension penalty for women. It is argued that the New Flat Rate State Pension and Auto‐Enrolment will counteract this disadvantage, and political discourses used by policymakers claim that they will also create a fairer society. The argument presented here seeks to demonstrate that this claim is problematic by exposing how (i) gender blindness prevents gender equality in pension provision delivery, and (ii) how the formulation of these policies are actually reinforced by a heteropatriarchal welfare system, which fundamentally undermines the contribution made by women to the economy.
Assessing effective population size, coancestry and inbreeding effects on litter size using the pedigree and SNP data in closed lines of the Iberian pig breed
Authors: Silió L. , Barragán C. , Fernández A.I. , García‐Casco J. , Rodríguez M.C.
Published: June 2015

The complete pedigree of two closed Iberian pig lines (Gamito and Torbiscal), with 798 and 4077 reproducers, has been used to measure the evolution of coancestry (f) and inbreeding (F) for autosomal and X‐linked genes along 16 and 28 respective equivalent discrete generations. At the last generation, the mean values of each line were f = 0.41 and 0.22, F = 0.35 and 0.18, fX = 0.46 and 0.22 and FX = 0.47 and 0.19, respectively. Other calculated parameters were the effective number of founders (final values, 6.8 and 35.2) and non‐founders (1.5 and 2.4), founder genome equivalents (1.2 and 2.3) and effective population size (16.0 and 57.7). Measures of Torbiscal effective size based on rates of coancestry (66.1), inbreeding (65.0) and linkage disequilibrium (71.0) were estimated from whole‐genome SNP genotyping data. Values of new and old inbreeding and their respective rates by generation were computed to detect purging effects of natural selection. The analysis of 6854 Torbiscal litters showed significant negative impacts of new and fast inbreeding on litter size, as expected from the purging hypothesis: −0.20 born piglets per litter by a 10% of new inbreeding, and −0.03 and −0.02 piglets by 1% of total and new inbreeding rates, respectively. The analysis performed on 1274 litters of the Gamito line failed to show purging effects. The only significant results were reductions in −0.91 and −0.17 piglets by a 10% of old and X‐linked genes inbreeding, respectively. These results may be useful for some practical issues in conservation programs of farm or captive wild animals.
Synergistic targeted therapy for acute promyelocytic leukaemia: a model of translational research in human cancer
Authors: Mi J.‐Q. , Chen S.‐J. , Zhou G.‐B. , Yan X.‐J. , Chen Z.
Published: June 2015

Acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APL), the M3 subtype of acute myeloid leukaemia, was once a lethal disease, yet nowadays the majority of patients with APL can be successfully cured by molecularly targeted therapy. This dramatic improvement in the survival rate is an example of the advantage of modern medicine. APL is characterized by a balanced reciprocal chromosomal translocation fusing the promyelocytic leukaemia (PML) gene on chromosome 15 with the retinoic acid receptor α (RARα) gene on chromosome 17. It has been found that all‐trans‐retinoic acid (ATRA) or arsenic trioxide (ATO) alone exerts therapeutic effect on APL patients with the PML‐RARα fusion gene, and the combination of both drugs can act synergistically to further enhance the cure rate of the patients. Here, we provide an insight into the pathogenesis of APL and the mechanisms underlying the respective roles of ATRA and ATO. In addition, treatments that lead to more effective differentiation and apoptosis of APL cells, including leukaemia‐initiating cells, and more thorough eradication of the disease will be discussed. Moreover, as a model of translational research, the development of a cure for APL has followed a bidirectional approach of ‘bench to bedside’ and ‘bedside to bench’, which can serve as a valuable example for the diagnosis and treatment of other malignancies.
Agreement between clinical and portable EMG/ECG diagnosis of sleep bruxism
Authors: Castroflorio T. , Bargellini A. , Rossini G. , Cugliari G. , Deregibus A. , Manfredini D.
Published: June 2015

The aim of this study was to compare clinical sleep bruxism (SB) diagnosis with an instrumental diagnosis obtained with a device providing electromyography/electrocardiography (EMG/ECG) recordings. Forty‐five (N = 45) subjects (19 males and 26 females, mean age 28 ± 11 years) were selected among patients referring to the Gnathology Unit of the Dental School of the University of Torino. An expert clinician assessed the presence of SB based on the presence of one or more signs/symptoms (i.e. transient jaw muscle pain in the morning, muscle fatigue at awakening, presence of tooth wear, masseter hypertrophy). Furthermore, all participants underwent an instrumental recording at home with a portable device (Bruxoff®; OT Bioelettronica, Torino, Italy) allowing a simultaneous recording of EMG signals from both the masseter muscles as well as heart frequency. Statistical procedures were performed with the software Statistical Package for the Social Science v. 20.0 (SPSS 20.0®; IBM, Milan, Italy). Based on the EMG/ECG analysis, 26 subjects (11 males, 15 females, mean age 28 ± 10 years) were diagnosed as sleep bruxers, whilst 19 subjects (7 males, 12 females, mean age 30 ± 10 years) were diagnosed as non‐bruxers. The correlation between the clinical and EMG/ECG SB diagnoses was low (ϕ value = 0·250), with a 62·2% agreement (28/45 subjects) between the two approaches (kappa = 0·248). Assuming instrumental EMG/ECG diagnosis as the standard of reference for definite SB diagnosis in this investigation, the false‐positive and false‐negative rates were unacceptable for all clinical signs/symptoms. In conclusion, findings from clinical assessment are not related with SB diagnosis performed with a portable EMG/ECG recorder.
Improved genetic counseling in Alport syndrome by new variants of COL4A5 gene
Authors: Fernandez‐Rosado Francisco , Campos Ana , Alvarez‐Cubero Maria Jesus , Ruiz Ana , Entrala‐Bernal Carmen
Published: June 2015

There are current requirements of using genetic databases for offering a better genetic assistance to patients of some syndromes, especially those with X‐linked heredity patterns (like Alport Syndrome) for the high probability of having descendants affected by the disease. We describe the first reported case of COL4A5 gene missense c.1499 G > T mutation in a 16‐year‐old girl confirmed to be affected by Alport Syndrome after genetic counseling. Next Generation Sequencing procedures let discover this mutation and offer an accurate clinical treatment to this patient. Current scientific understanding of genetic syndromes suggests the high importance of updated databases and the inclusion of Variant of Unknown Significance related to clinical cases. All of this updating could enable patients to have a better opportunity of diagnosis and having genetic and clinical counseling. This event is even more important in women planning to start a family to have correct genetic counseling regarding the risk posed to offspring, and allowing the decision to undergo prenatal testing.
Barley Ant1 is a homolog of maize C1 and its product is part of the regulatory machinery governing anthocyanin synthesis in the leaf sheath
Authors: Shoeva Olesya Y. , Kukoeva Tatyana V. , Börner Andreas , Khlestkina Elena K.
Published: June 2015

Anthocyanins contribute to plants’ defence against a number of abiotic and biotic stress agents. The anthocyanin pigmentation of the barley leaf sheath is genetically determined by Ant1, a gene which maps to a region of chromosome 7HS delimited by the microsatellite loci Xgbms0226 and Xgbms0240. The sequence of the maize gene C1 (encoding an R2R3 MYB factor regulating anthocyanin synthesis) was used for the PCR‐based cloning of Ant1. In ant1 genotypes, no transcript is generated in the leaf sheath, whereas the gene is active in the presence of the dominant allele. A comparison of the coding and promoter sequences of Ant1 (which induces purple pigmentation in the leaf sheath) and ant1 (which does not) showed that the key polymorphisms lay in the promoter sequence. The transcription of four anthocyanin synthesis structural genes (Chi, F3h, Dfr, Ans) was dependent on the allelic status of Ant1.
De novo development of antibodies to kidney‐associated self‐antigens angiotensin II receptor type I, collagen IV, and fibronectin occurs at early time points after kidney transplantation in children
Authors: Hesemann Laura E. , Subramanian Vijay , Mohanakumar Thalachallour , Dharnidharka Vikas R.
Published: June 2015

Chronic rejection is the leading cause of graft loss following pediatric kidney transplantation. Our group and others have demonstrated an association between the development of Abs to self‐antigens and chronic rejection following adult lung and heart transplantation. The goal of this study was to determine whether Abs to kidney‐associated self‐antigens develop following pediatric renal transplantation. We investigated post‐transplant development of Abs to kidney‐associated self‐antigens angiotensin II receptor type I, Fn, and collagen IV in a pediatric cohort. Using ELISA, we measured Abs to kidney‐associated self‐antigens in serum. Our cohort included 29 subjects with samples collected pretransplant and for 12 months post‐transplant. No samples had Abs to kidney‐associated self‐antigen pretransplant. In contrast, 50% (10/20) of subjects developed Abs to one or more kidney‐associated self‐antigen post‐transplantation. The median time to antibody appearance and duration of persistence were 103 and 61 days, respectively. Development of Abs did not correlate with graft function. Half of subjects developed Abs to kidney‐associated self‐antigens angiotensin II receptor type I, Fn, or collagen IV in the first year after kidney transplantation—a higher rate of early antibody development than expected. In this small study, Abs did not correlate with worse clinical outcomes.
Size does matter! Perceptual stimulus properties affect event‐related potentials during feedback processing
Authors: Pfabigan Daniela M. , Sailer Uta , Lamm Claus
Published: June 2015

The current study investigated whether or not the physical aspect of stimulus size has an effect on neuronal correlates of feedback processing. A time estimation task was administered applying three different feedback stimulus categories: small, middle, and large size stimuli. Apart from early visual ERPs such as P1 and N1 components, later feedback processing stages were also affected by the size of feedback stimuli. In particular, small size stimuli compared to middle and large size ones led to diminished amplitudes in both FRN and P300 components, despite intact discrimination between negative and positive outcomes in these two ERPs. In contrast, time estimation performance was not influenced by feedback size. The current results indicate that small size feedback stimuli were perceived as less salient and hence were processed less deeply than the others. This suggests that future feedback studies could manipulate feedback salience simply by presenting differently sized feedback stimuli, at least when the focus lies on FRN and P300 amplitude variation.
Ecological index of maturity to evaluate the vegetation disturbance of areas affected by restoration work: a practical example of its application in an area of the Southern Alps
Authors: Giupponi Luca , Bischetti Gian Battista , Giorgi Annamaria
Published: June 2015

This paper presents the ecological index of maturity (EIM), a new index for evaluating the vegetation disturbance of an area affected by environmental restoration measures based on the study of plant communities. The EIM is the result of the unification and development of some floristic‐vegetational indices devised by Taffetani and Rismondo (2009) and Rismondo et al. (2011) to assess the ecological functionality of agro‐ecosystems. The EIM provides a value between 0 (high vegetation disturbance) and 9 (undisturbed vegetation), obtained by considering three distinct variables of the species of a plant community: phytosociological class, chorotype, and coverage. Starting from the measure of the degree of maturity of the vegetation (dynamic stage of succession), EIM values tend to decrease the greater the coverage of exotic species and the lower the coverage of endemic species present in the plant community. A practical example, in which the EIM is applied to a mountainous area in the Southern Alps (Northern Italy) that, following a landslide, was subject to soil bioengineering work aimed at slope stabilization and environmental restoration, is provided in order to understand the importance and features of the EIM.
Unclassifiable interstitial lung disease: A review
Authors: Skolnik Kate , Ryerson Christopher J.
Published: June 2015

Accurate classification of interstitial lung disease (ILD) requires a multidisciplinary approach that incorporates input from an experienced respirologist, chest radiologist and lung pathologist. Despite a thorough multidisciplinary evaluation, up to 15% of ILD patients have unclassifiable ILD and cannot be given a specific diagnosis. The objectives of this review are to discuss the definition and features of unclassifiable ILD, identify the barriers to ILD classification and outline an approach to management of unclassifiable ILD. Several recent studies have described the characteristics of these patients; however, there are inconsistencies in the definition and terminology of unclassifiable ILD due to limited research in this population. Additional studies are required to determine the appropriate evaluation and management of patients with unclassifiable ILD.
After Moral Error Theory, After Moral Realism
Authors: Ingram Stephen
Published: June 2015

Moral abolitionists recommend that we get rid of moral discourse and moral judgement. At first glance this seems repugnant, but abolitionists think that we have overestimated the practical value of our moral framework and that eliminating it would be in our interests. I argue that abolitionism has a surprising amount going for it. Traditionally, abolitionism has been treated as an option available to moral error theorists. Error theorists say that moral discourse and judgement are committed to the existence of moral properties, and that no such properties exist. After error theory is established, abolitionism is one potential way to proceed. However, many error theorists suggest that we retain moral discourse as a sort of fiction. I evaluate some attractions of both fictionalism and abolitionism, arguing that abolitionism is a plausible position. No one doubts that error theorists can be abolitionists. However, what has gone largely undiscussed is that it is open to others to be abolitionists as well. I argue that moral realists of a metaphysically robust sort can and perhaps should be abolitionists. ‘Realist abolitionism’ makes for a surprisingly neat theoretical package, and I conclude that it represents an interesting new option in the theoretical landscape.
Caffeine and 3‐km cycling performance: Effects of mouth rinsing, genotype, and time of day
Authors: Pataky M. W. , Womack C. J. , Saunders M. J. , Goffe J. L. , D'Lugos A. C. , El‐Sohemy A. , Luden N. D.
Published: June 2015

We assessed the efficacy of caffeine mouth rinsing on 3‐km cycling performance and determined whether caffeine mouth rinsing affects performance gains influenced by the CYP1A2 polymorphism. Thirty‐eight recreational cyclists completed four simulated 3‐km time trials (TT). Subjects ingested either 6 mg/kg BW of caffeine or placebo 1 h prior to each TT. Additionally, 25 mL of 1.14% caffeine or placebo solution were mouth rinsed before each TT. The treatments were Placebo, caffeine Ingestion, caffeine Rinse and Ingestion+Rinse. Subjects were genotyped and classified as AA homozygotes or AC heterozygotes for the rs762551 polymorphism of the CYP1A2 gene involved in caffeine metabolism. Magnitude‐based inferences were used to evaluate treatment differences in mean power output based on a predetermined meaningful treatment effect of 1.0%. AC heterozygotes (4.1%) and AA homozygotes (3.4%) benefited from Ingestion+Rinse, but only AC performed better with Ingestion (6.0%). Additionally, Rinse and Ingestion+Rinse elicited better performance relative to Placebo among subjects that performed prior to 10:00 h (Early) compared with after 10:00 h (Late). The present study provides additional evidence of genotype and time of day factors that affect the ergogenic value of caffeine intake that may allow for more personalized caffeine intake strategies to maximize performance.