bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Carbon‐Free Cathodes: A Step Forward in the Development of Stable Lithium–Oxygen Batteries
Authors: Landa‐Medrano Imanol , Pinedo Ricardo , Ortiz‐Vitoriano Nagore , de Larramendi Idoia Ruiz , Rojo Teófilo
Published: October 2015

Lithium–oxygen (Li–O2) batteries are receiving considerable interest owing to their potential for higher energy densities than current Li–ion systems. However, the lack stability of carbon‐based oxygen electrodes is believed to promote carbonate formation leading to capacity fade and limiting the cycling performance of the battery. To improve the stability and cyclability of these systems, alternative electrode materials are required. Metal oxides are mainly utilized at low current densities, whereas noble metals show outstanding performance at high current densities. Carbides appear to provide a good compromise between electrochemical performance and cost, which makes them interesting materials for further investigations. Here, a critical review of current carbon‐free electrode research is provided with the goal of identifying routes to its successful optimization.
The hypothesis of sympatric speciation as the dominant generator of endemism in a global hotspot of biodiversity
Authors: Gastauer Markus , Saporetti‐Junior Amílcar Walter , Magnago Luiz Fernando Silva , Cavender‐Bares Jeannine , Meira‐Neto João Augusto Alves
Published: October 2015

Allopatric or sympatric speciation influence the degree to which closely related species coexist in different manners, altering the patterns of phylogenetic structure and turnover among and between communities. The objective of this study was to examine whether phylogenetic community structure and turnover in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest permit conclusions about the dominant process for the formation of extant angiosperm richness of tree species. Therefore, we analyzed phylogenetic community structure (MPD, MNTD) as well as taxonomic (Jaccard similarity) and phylogenetic turnover (betaMPD, betaMNTD) among and between 49 tree communities distributed among three different habitat types. Mean annual precipitation and mean annual temperature in each survey area were estimated. Phylogenetic community structure does not differ between habitat types, although MPD reduces with mean annual temperature. Jaccard similarity decreases and betaMNTD increases with spatial distance and environmental differences between study sites. Spatial distance explains the largest portions of variance in the data, indicating dispersal limitation and the spatial aggregation of recently formed taxa, as betaMNTD is related to more recent evolutionary events. betaMPD, that is related to deep evolutionary splits, shows no spatial or environmental pattern, indicating that older clades are equally distributed across the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. While similarity pattern indicates dispersal limitations, the spatial turnover of betaMNTD is consistent with a high degree of sympatric speciation generating extant diversity and endemism in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. More comprehensive approaches are necessary to reduce spatial sampling bias, uncertainties regarding angiosperm diversification patterns and confirm sympatric speciation as the dominant generator for the formation of extant species diversity in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest.
Nanocarbon Electrochemistry and Electroanalysis: Current Status and Future Perspectives
Authors: Yang Nianjun , Swain Greg M. , Jiang Xin
Published: October 2015

This review provides a brief historical perspective on the use of carbon electrode materials in electroanalysis, and highlights recent progress and applications of various nanostructured carbon materials. We hope that this mini‐review provides the reader with some general knowledge of how these modern carbon materials are being used in electroanalysis.
Methyl jasmonate effectively enhanced some defense enzymes activity and Total Antioxidant content in harvested “Sabrosa” strawberry fruit
Authors: Asghari Mohammadreza , Hasanlooe Ali Rashid
Published: October 2015

The use of chemicals in postharvest technology of horticultural crops is highly restricted and it is necessary to introduce safe food preserving methods. Strawberry is very susceptible to postharvest losses and more than 50% of harvested fruit is lost in Iran. Effect of postharvest treatment with methyl jasmonate (at 0, 8, and 16 μmol L−1) on some quality attributes of Sabrosa strawberry fruit during storage at 1 ± 0.5°C with 90–95% RH for 14 days followed by 24 h at 20°C was studied. Methyl jasmonate, at both concentrations, decreased weight loss and retained marketability of fruits. Catalase activity of treated fruits was decreased during the first days, but showed a substantial increase during the second week. Methyl jasmonate, in a concentration‐dependent manner, enhanced peroxidase activity. Fruit total antioxidant capacity was enhanced by methyl jasmonate treatment. The results indicated that methyl jasmonate plays a key role in establishing resistance against stresses, enhancing fruit defense systems, antioxidant capacity, and storage life leading to decreased postharvest losses. This phytochemical has a good potential to be used in postharvest technology of Sabrosa strawberry fruit and enhance the fruit postharvest life.
The inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA evokes long‐lasting Ca2+ oscillations in cortical astrocytes
Authors: Mariotti Letizia , Losi Gabriele , Sessolo Michele , Marcon Iacopo , Carmignoto Giorgio
Published: October 2015

Studies over the last decade provided evidence that in a dynamic interaction with neurons glial cell astrocytes contribut to fundamental phenomena in the brain. Most of the knowledge on this derives, however, from studies monitoring the astrocyte Ca2+ response to glutamate. Whether astrocytes can similarly respond to other neurotransmitters, including the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA, is relatively unexplored. By using confocal and two photon laser‐scanning microscopy the astrocyte response to GABA in the mouse somatosensory and temporal cortex was studied. In slices from developing (P15‐20) and adult (P30‐60) mice, it was found that in a subpopulation of astrocytes GABA evoked somatic Ca2+ oscillations. This response was mediated by GABAB receptors and involved both Gi/o protein and inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate (IP3) signalling pathways. In vivo experiments from young adult mice, revealed that also cortical astrocytes in the living brain exibit GABAB receptor‐mediated Ca2+ elevations. At all astrocytic processes tested, local GABA or Baclofen brief applications induced long‐lasting Ca2+ oscillations, suggesting that all astrocytes have the potential to respond to GABA. Finally, in patch‐clamp recordings it was found that Ca2+ oscillations induced by Baclofen evoked astrocytic glutamate release and slow inward currents (SICs) in pyramidal cells from wild type but not IP3R2−/− mice, in which astrocytic GABAB receptor‐mediated Ca2+ elevations are impaired. These data suggest that cortical astrocytes in the mouse brain can sense the activity of GABAergic interneurons and through their specific recruitment contribut to the distinct role played on the cortical network by the different subsets of GABAergic interneurons. GLIA 2016;64:363–373
GLT1 overexpression reverses established neuropathic pain‐related behavior and attenuates chronic dorsal horn neuron activation following cervical spinal cord injury
Authors: Falnikar Aditi , Hala Tamara J. , Poulsen David J. , Lepore Angelo C.
Published: October 2015

Development of neuropathic pain occurs in a major portion of traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) patients, resulting in debilitating and often long‐term physical and psychological burdens. Following SCI, chronic dysregulation of extracellular glutamate homeostasis has been shown to play a key role in persistent central hyperexcitability of superficial dorsal horn neurons that mediate pain neurotransmission, leading to various forms of neuropathic pain. Astrocytes express the major CNS glutamate transporter, GLT1, which is responsible for the vast majority of functional glutamate uptake, particularly in the spinal cord. In our unilateral cervical contusion model of mouse SCI that is associated with ipsilateral forepaw heat hypersensititvity (a form of chronic at‐level neuropathic pain‐related behavior), we previously reported significant and long‐lasting reductions in GLT1 expression and functional GLT1‐mediated glutamate uptake in cervical spinal cord dorsal horn. To therapeutically address GLT1 dysfunction following cervical contusion SCI, we injected an adeno‐associated virus type 8 (AAV8)‐Gfa2 vector into the superficial dorsal horn to increase GLT1 expression selectively in astrocytes. Compared to both contusion‐only animals and injured mice that received AAV8‐eGFP control injection, AAV8‐GLT1 delivery increased GLT1 protein expression in astrocytes of the injured cervical spinal cord dorsal horn, resulting in a significant and persistent reversal of already‐established heat hypersensitivity. Furthermore, AAV8‐GLT1 injection significantly reduced expression of the transcription factor and marker of persistently increased neuronal activation, ΔFosB, in superficial dorsal horn neurons. These results demonstrate that focal restoration of GLT1 expression in the superficial dorsal horn is a promising target for treating chronic neuropathic pain following SCI. GLIA 2016;64:396–406
Estimating stream solute loads from fixed frequency sampling regimes: the importance of considering multiple solutes and seasonal fluxes in the design of long‐term stream monitoring networks
Authors: Kerr Jason G. , Eimers M. Catherine , Yao Huaxia
Published: October 2015

Reduced sampling frequency is known to increase the error associated with estimates of stream solute load. However, the extent to which the magnitude of error differs among commonly measured solutes and across seasons is unclear. In this study, a high sampling frequency data set from two forested streams (one upland‐draining and one wetland‐draining stream) in south‐central Ontario was systematically sub‐sampled to simulate weekly, fortnightly and monthly fixed frequency sampling regimes for 12 stream solutes. We found that solutes which had a higher degree of temporal variation in concentration (i.e. higher %RSD) had poorer precision (Cv) in estimates of annual load relative to solutes with a lower %RSD. In addition, the magnitude and direction of bias varied considerably among solutes and were related to differences in spring concentration‐discharge relationships (m[spring Q vs C]) among the 12 solutes. Solutes which decreased in concentration with increases in spring flow (i.e. m[spring Q vs C] <0) exhibited positive bias in annual load while solutes which increased in concentration with increases in spring flow (i.e. m[spring Q vs C] >0) were negatively biased. In terms of differences between seasonal and annual load errors, precision was generally lower for estimates of seasonal load relative to annual load while bias varied in both magnitude and direction among seasons. When the root mean square error (RMSE) of load estimates was compared to a threshold of acceptable error (<15%), the proportion of solutes attaining acceptable levels of uncertainty ranged from 11/12 for annual load estimates at a weekly sampling frequency to only 4/12 at a monthly frequency when both annual and seasonal loads were considered. Our results demonstrate that commonly measured solutes do not behave uniformly in response to changes in sampling frequency and that estimates of seasonal loads are often less accurate than estimates of annual load. These findings provide important insights into the design of stream monitoring programs and the evaluation of existing long‐term data sets. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Engineering Design Thinking: High School Students' Performance and Knowledge
Authors: Mentzer Nathan , Becker Kurt , Sutton Mathias
Published: October 2015

Background

Because design is recognized as a critical element of engineering thinking, it is crucial for educators to utilize the most effective methods to teach engineering problem solving. Results from this study of students' thinking process may shape future teaching methods.

Purpose

This article explores the differences in design processes between high school engineering students and expert engineers. It also examines the differences between high school freshmen who have taken one engineering course and seniors who have taken a series of engineering courses.

Design/Method

Fifty‐nine high school students from four states were asked to think aloud in a three‐hour design task that was audio and video recorded. Verbal reports from the audio and video became source data for protocol analysis. Results from previous studies provided expert design performance data for comparisons.

Results

Students and experts alike spent a large portion of their time modeling. Students spent significantly less time in the process of information gathering than experts. Freshmen spent significantly less time in the idea generation process than seniors and experts. Freshmen and seniors spent significantly less time determining the feasibility of their ideas, evaluating alternative ideas, and decision making than experts.

Conclusions

High school students engage in design thinking with little understanding of the problem from the client's perspective. Students tend to become fixated on a single solution rather than comparing alternatives. By encouraging development of alternative solutions, K‐12 engineering education could foster opportunities to critically evaluate students' design solutions.
Impact of price display on provider ordering: A systematic review
Authors: Silvestri Mark T. , Bongiovanni Tasce R. , Glover Janis G. , Gross Cary P.
Published: October 2015

BACKGROUND

Displaying order prices to physicians is 1 potential strategy to reduce unnecessary health expenditures, but its impact on patterns of care is unclear.

OBJECTIVE

To review characteristics of previous price display interventions, impact on order costs and volume, effects on patient safety, acceptability to physicians, and the quality of this evidence.

DESIGN

Systematic review of studies that showed numeric prices of laboratory tests, imaging studies, or medications to providers in real time during the ordering process and evaluated the impact on provider ordering. Two investigators independently extracted data for each study and evaluated study quality using a modified Downs and Black checklist.

RESULTS

Of 1494 studies reviewed, 19 met inclusion criteria, including 5 randomized trials, 13 pre‐post intervention studies, and 1 time series analysis. Studies were published between 1983 and 2014. Of 15 studies reporting the quantitative impact of price display on aggregate order costs or volume, 10 demonstrated a statistically significant decrease in the intervention group. Price display was found to decrease aggregate order costs (9 of 13 studies) more frequently than order volume (3 of 8 studies). Patient safety was evaluated in 5 studies and was unaffected by price display. Provider acceptability tended to be positive, although evidence was limited. Study quality was mixed, with checklist scores ranging from 5/21 to 20/21.

CONCLUSIONS

Provider price display likely reduces order costs to a modest degree. Patient safety appeared unchanged, though evidence was limited. More high‐quality evidence is needed to confirm these findings within a modern context. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2016;11:65–76. © 2015 Society of Hospital Medicine
Synthesis and Characterization of Coumarin‐Containing Cyclic Polymer and Its Photoinduced Coupling/Dissociation
Authors: Li Min , Fan Wei , Hong Chunyan , Pan Caiyuan
Published: October 2015

Cyclic polystyrene (PS) with a pendant coumarin group is prepared by the combination of atom transfer radical polymerization and “click” chemistry. Fluorescence resonance energy transfer process is observed in the fluorescence measurement of coumarin‐containing PS, and cyclic PS exhibits stronger emission than that of its linear precursor. When cyclic PS is irradiated under UV light at λ = 365 nm, 8‐shaped PS is achieved due to the dimerization of pendant coumarin group. Subsequently, 8‐shaped PS can be divided into single macrocycle under UV irradiation at λ = 254 nm via the photocleavage of coumarin dimer. The photoinduced coupling and dissociation are monitored by UV/vis spectra and gel permeation chromatography (GPC).

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Homoclinic orbits for Hamiltonian systems induced by impulses
Authors: Xie Jingli , Luo Zhiguo
Published: October 2015

In this paper, we consider a class of impulsive Hamiltonian systems with a p‐Laplacian operator. Under certain conditions, we establish the existence of homoclinic orbits by means of the mountain pass theorem and an approximation technique. In some special cases, the homoclinic orbits are induced by the impulses in the sense that the associated non‐impulsive systems admit no non‐trivial homoclinic orbits. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quercetin suppresses immune cell accumulation and improves mitochondrial gene expression in adipose tissue of diet‐induced obese mice
Authors: Kobori Masuko , Takahashi Yumiko , Sakurai Mutsumi , Akimoto Yukari , Tsushida Tojiro , Oike Hideaki , Ippoushi Katsunari
Published: October 2015

Scope

To examine the effect of dietary quercetin on the function of epididymal adipose tissue (EAT) in Western diet‐induced obese mice.

Methods and results

C57BL/6J mice were fed a control diet; a Western diet high in fat, cholesterol, and sucrose; or the same Western diet containing 0.05% quercetin for 18 weeks. Supplementation with quercetin suppressed the increase in the number of macrophages, the decrease in the ratio of CD4+ to CD8+ T cells in EAT, and the elevation of plasma leptin and tumor necrosis factor α levels in mice fed the Western diet. Comprehensive gene expression analysis revealed that quercetin suppressed gene expression associated with the accumulation and activation of immune cells, including macrophages and lymphocytes in EAT. It also improved the expression of the oxidative stress‐sensitive transcription factor NFκB, NADPH oxidases, and antioxidant enzymes. Quercetin markedly increased gene expression associated with mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and mitochondrial DNA content.

Conclusion

Quercetin most likely universally suppresses the accumulation and activation of immune cells, including antiinflammatory cells, whereas it specifically increased gene expression associated with mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. Suppression of oxidative stress and NFκB activity likely contributed to the prevention of the accumulation and activation of immune cells and resulting chronic inflammation.
UHRF1 regulation of the Keap1–Nrf2 pathway in pancreatic cancer contributes to oncogenesis
Authors: Abu‐Alainin Wafa , Gana Thompson , Liloglou Triantafillos , Olayanju Adedamola , Barrera Lawrence N , Ferguson Robert , Campbell Fiona , Andrews Timothy , Goldring Christopher , Kitteringham Neil , Park Brian K , Nedjadi Taoufik , Schmid Michael C , Slupsky Joseph R , Greenhalf William , Neoptolemos John P , Costello Eithne
Published: October 2015

The cellular defence protein Nrf2 is a mediator of oncogenesis in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and other cancers. However, the control of Nrf2 expression and activity in cancer is not fully understood. We previously reported the absence of Keap1, a pivotal regulator of Nrf2, in ∼70% of PDAC cases. Here we describe a novel mechanism whereby the epigenetic regulator UHRF1 suppresses Keap1 protein levels. UHRF1 expression was observed in 20% (5 of 25) of benign pancreatic ducts compared to 86% (114 of 132) of pancreatic tumours, and an inverse relationship between UHRF1 and Keap1 levels in PDAC tumours (n = 124) was apparent (p = 0.002). We also provide evidence that UHRF1‐mediated regulation of the Nrf2 pathway contributes to the aggressive behaviour of PDAC. Depletion of UHRF1 from PDAC cells decreased growth and enhanced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. UHRF1 depletion also led to reduced levels of Nrf2‐regulated downstream proteins and was accompanied by heightened oxidative stress, in the form of lower glutathione levels and increased reactive oxygen species. Concomitant depletion of Keap1 and UHRF1 restored Nrf2 levels and reversed cell cycle arrest and the increase in reactive oxygen species. Mechanistically, depletion of UHRF1 reduced global and tumour suppressor promoter methylation in pancreatic cancer cell lines, and KEAP1 gene promoter methylation was reduced in one of three cell lines examined. Thus, methylation of the KEAP1 gene promoter may contribute to the suppression of Keap1 protein levels by UHRF1, although our data suggest that additional mechanisms need to be explored. Finally, we demonstrate that K‐Ras drives UHRF1 expression, establishing a novel link between this oncogene and Nrf2‐mediated cellular protection. Since UHRF1 over‐expression occurs in other cancers, its ability to regulate the Keap1–Nrf2 pathway may be critically important to the malignant behaviour of these cancers. © 2015 The Authors. Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Anion conductive aromatic polymers containing fluorenyl groups: Effect of the position and number of ammonium groups
Authors: Shimada Manai , Shimada Shigefumi , Miyake Junpei , Uchida Makoto , Miyatake Kenji
Published: October 2015

Synthesis and properties of anion conductive aromatic block copolymers, QPE‐bl‐3, QPE‐bl‐3 M2, and M4, containing fluorenylidene biphenylene groups as scaffold for ammonium groups are described. These copolymers share the same main chain structure, but the position and the number of ammonium groups on a fluorenyl group differ. High molecular weight quaternized block copolymers were obtained via typical chloromethylation reaction or using preaminated monomers, and were well‐characterized by 1H NMR spectra. Self‐standing bendable membranes were obtained by solution casting. QPE‐bl‐3 M4 membranes containing four ammonium groups per hydrophilic repeat unit (highest ammonium density) in the hydrophilic block exhibited well developed phase‐separated morphology, while QPE‐bl‐3 membranes containing two ammonium groups per hydrophilic repeat unit exhibited high anion conductivity. The highest anion conductivity (104 mS/cm) was obtained with QPE‐bl‐3 membrane (IEC = 2.1 meq/g) at 80 °C in water. An H2/O2 alkaline fuel cell was operable with the membrane to achieve 62 mW/cm2 of the maximum power density at 161 mA/cm2 of the current density. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2016, 54, 935–944
Facts related to August 12, 2015 explosion accident in Tianjin, China
Authors: Huang Ping , Zhang Jingyuan
Published: October 2015

This article presents facts related to the explosion accident that occurred on August 12, 2015, in Tianjin, China. A summary, losses, analysis on explosion substances, and management deficiencies about the accident are described. The science and plausible reasoning about explosion substances is especially noted. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog 34: 313–314, 2015
Cross‐Talk Between Ionic and Nanoribbon Current Signals in Graphene Nanoribbon‐Nanopore Sensors for Single‐Molecule Detection
Authors: Puster Matthew , Balan Adrian , Rodríguez‐Manzo Julio A. , Danda Gopinath , Ahn Jae‐Hyuk , Parkin William , Drndić Marija
Published: October 2015

Nanopores are now being used not only as an ionic current sensor but also as a means to localize molecules near alternative sensors with higher sensitivity and/or selectivity. One example is a solid‐state nanopore embedded in a graphene nanoribbon (GNR) transistor. Such a device possesses the high conductivity needed for higher bandwidth measurements and, because of its single‐atomic‐layer thickness, can improve the spatial resolution of the measurement. Here measurements of ionic current through the nanopore are shown during double‐stranded DNA (dsDNA) translocation, along with the simultaneous response of the neighboring GNR due to changes in the surrounding electric potential. Cross‐talk originating from capacitive coupling between the two measurement channels is observed, resulting in a transient response in the GNR during DNA translocation; however, a modulation in device conductivity is not observed via an electric‐field‐effect response during DNA translocation. A field‐effect response would scale with GNR source–drain voltage (Vds), whereas the capacitive coupling does not scale with Vds. In order to take advantage of the high bandwidth potential of such sensors, the field‐effect response must be enhanced. Potential field calculations are presented to outline a phase diagram for detection within the device parameter space, charting a roadmap for future optimization of such devices.
Structural change induced in LaAlO3 by ion implantation
Authors: Harima Masayuki , Morimoto Takaaki , Ohki Yoshimichi
Published: October 2015

Ion implantation is used for various purposes in manufacturing semiconductor devices such as MOS‐FETs. In the present study, the effects of implantation of P+ or B+ ions on the structural change of single‐crystal LaAlO3 were examined. The optical absorption edge located at ∼5.6 eV, which seems to correspond to the bandgap energy of LaAlO3, is hardly affected by the ion implantation. The X‐ray diffraction peak intensity at 2θχ=23.5° is decreased by the ion implantation. The intensities of three sharp photoluminescence (PL) peaks detected at 1.62, 1.65, and 1.69 eV, which appear only when the samples are crystalline, become smaller by ion implantation. However, the intensity of a broad PL peak at ∼2.8 eV due to the oxygen vacancy, which is detectable in both amorphous and crystalline samples, hardly changes after the ion implantation. These results indicate that the ion implantation degrades the crystallinity of LaAlO3. © 2015 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Fishing, reproductive volume and regulation: population dynamics and exploitation of the eastern Baltic cod
Authors: Wikström Anders , Knape Jonas , Casini Michele , Gårdmark Anna , Cardinale Massimiliano , Hjelm Joakim , Jonzén Niclas
Published: October 2015

The relative importance of exploitation rate and environmental variability in generating fluctuations of harvested populations is a key issue in academic ecology as well as population management. We studied how the eastern Baltic cod (Gadus morhua) is affected by fishing and environmental variation by using a newly developed single species state‐space model. Survey data and auxiliary environmental data were used to estimate the model parameters. The model was then used to predict future development of the eastern Baltic cod under different fishing mortalities and abiotic conditions. Abiotic condition was represented by an index: reproductive volume which is the volume of water suitable (in terms of salinity and oxygen content) for the successful development of the early life stages of Baltic cod. The model included direct density dependence, fishing, and a lagged effect of reproductive volume. Our analysis showed that fishing rate is approximately three times more important than reproductive volume in explaining the population dynamics. Furthermore, our model suggests either under‐ or over‐compensatory dynamics depending on the reproductive volume and long term catch levels. It follows that fishing can either reduce or increase temporal oscillations of the cod stock depending on whether the dynamics is over‐ or undercompensatory, respectively. The sustainable level of fishing rate is however dependent on reproductive volume. Our model predicts a dual role of fishing rate, stabilizing when reproductive volume is high and destabilizing when it is low. Exploitation rate may therefore increase or decrease the risk of the population of cod dropping below a given biomass reference point depending on the environmental conditions, which has practical implications for fisheries management.
A retrospective cohort study of the association between midwifery experience and perinatal mortality
Authors: Lawton Beverley , Filoche Sara , Geller Stacie E. , Garrett Sue , Stanley James
Published: October 2015

Objective

To determine whether experience of midwife‐only and nurse‐midwife lead maternity carers (LMCs) is related to perinatal mortality.

Methods

In a retrospective analysis, routinely collected data were obtained for all pregnancies resulting in live births (or stillbirth at ≥ 20 weeks or weighing > 400 g) in New Zealand in 2005–2009. An anonymized dataset of date of midwife registration was used. The main outcome measure was perinatal mortality (fetal deaths and neonatal deaths ≤ 27 days).

Results

Among 233 215 eligible births, 84 043 were linked to a midwife‐only LMC and 150 172 to a nurse‐midwife LMC. Among pregnancies with midwife‐only LMCs, perinatal mortality was higher when the midwife had less than 1 year of experience than when the midwife had 5–9 years’ experience (rate ratio 1.33; 95% confidence interval 1.02–1.73), an absolute difference of two additional deaths per 1000 births. There was a decreasing rate of perinatal mortality with increasing experience (P = 0.031). Perinatal mortality rates did not differ by experience in the nurse‐midwife group.

Conclusion

Pregnancies cared for by early‐career (< 1 year) midwife‐only LMCs were associated with a 33% increase in perinatal mortality. No association between experience and perinatal mortality was found for nurse‐midwives. Midwife‐only trained LMCs could require additional training and/or supervision in their first year of practice.
WT1 expression is inversely correlated with MYCN amplification or expression and associated with poor survival in non‐MYCN‐amplified neuroblastoma
Authors: Masserot Caroline , Liu Qingyuan , Nguyen Eric , Gattolliat Charles-Henry , Valteau-Couanet Dominique , Bénard Jean , Huber Catherine , Ségal-Bendirdjian Evelyne
Published: October 2015

Neuroblastoma (NB) is the most common extra cranial solid tumor in childhood and the most frequently diagnosed neoplasm during infancy. A striking feature of this tumor is its clinical heterogeneity. Several tumor progression markers have been delineated so far, among which MYCN amplification, which occurs in about 25% of total NB cases, with the percentage increasing to 30% in advanced stage NB. Although MYCN amplification is strongly correlated with NB of poor outcome, the MYCN status cannot alone predict all cases of poor survival in NB. Indeed NB without MYCN amplification (about 70–80% of NB) are not always favorable. WT1 was initially identified as a tumor suppressor gene involved in the development of a pediatric renal tumor (Wilms' tumor). Here, we describe an inverse correlation between WT1 expression and MYCN amplification and expression. However and most notably, our results show that WT1 gene expression is associated with a poor outcome for patients showing non‐MYCN‐amplified tumors. Thus WT1 expression is clinically significant in NB and may be a prognostic marker for better risk stratification and for an optimized therapeutic management of NB.
Athens Subepisode (Wisconsin Episode) non-glacial and older glacial sediments in the subsurface of southwestern Michigan, USA
Authors: Colgan Patrick M. , Vanderlip Christopher A. , Braunschneider Katelynn N.
Published: October 2015

We describe the first complete sediment core to bedrock in southwestern Michigan of a radiocarbon defined sequence of Michigan Subepisode (Marine Oxygen Isotope Stage [MIS] 2) glacial sediments, Athens Subepisode (MIS 3) non-glacial sediments, and two older tills using sedimentological, lithological, and radiocarbon analyses. Organics from Athens Subepisode lacustrine and palustrine sediments yield radiocarbon ages of 41,920–42,950 and 43,630–45,340, and > 43,500 14C yr BP. We propose the name Port Sheldon Formation for these organic-bearing sediments. We interpret the underlying diamictons as two basal tills separated by glaciolacustrine fines. The youngest till (Hemlock Crossing till) lying below the Port Sheldon Formation is a dark gray, gravel-poor clay loam to loam with a mean kaolinite–illite ratio of 0.98 ± 0.04. The oldest till (Glenn Shores till) is a dark grayish brown, gravel-rich, clay loam to sandy loam with mean kaolinite–illite ratio of 1.22 ± 0.08. About 130 water-well records demonstrate that organic sediments and underlying diamictons are common in the subsurface of Ottawa County. These tills are likely Illinois Episode (MIS 6) or older, but an Ontario Subepisode (MIS 4) age cannot be ruled out. Deep bedrock basins in Lower Michigan provide an untapped archive of pre-Michigan Subepisode history.
Curcumin induces crosstalk between autophagy and apoptosis mediated by calcium release from the endoplasmic reticulum, lysosomal destabilization and mitochondrial events
Authors: Moustapha A , Pérétout PA , Rainey NE , Sureau F , Geze M , Petit J-M , Dewailly E , Slomianny C , Petit PX
Published: October 2015

Curcumin, a major active component of turmeric (Curcuma longa, L.), has anticancer effects. In vitro studies suggest that curcumin inhibits cancer cell growth by activating apoptosis, but the mechanism underlying these effects is still unclear. Here, we investigated the mechanisms leading to apoptosis in curcumin-treated cells. Curcumin induced endoplasmic reticulum stress causing calcium release, with a destabilization of the mitochondrial compartment resulting in apoptosis. These events were also associated with lysosomal membrane permeabilization and of caspase-8 activation, mediated by cathepsins and calpains, leading to Bid cleavage. Truncated tBid disrupts mitochondrial homeostasis and enhance apoptosis. We followed the induction of autophagy, marked by the formation of autophagosomes, by staining with acridine orange in cells exposed curcumin. At this concentration, only the early events of apoptosis (initial mitochondrial destabilization with any other manifestations) were detectable. Western blotting demonstrated the conversion of LC3-I to LC3-II (light chain 3), a marker of active autophagosome formation. We also found that the production of reactive oxygen species and formation of autophagosomes following curcumin treatment was almost completely blocked by N-acetylcystein, the mitochondrial specific antioxidants MitoQ10 and SKQ1, the calcium chelators, EGTA-AM or BAPTA-AM, and the mitochondrial calcium uniporter inhibitor, ruthenium red. Curcumin-induced autophagy failed to rescue all cells and most cells underwent type II cell death following the initial autophagic processes. All together, these data imply a fail-secure mechanism regulated by autophagy in the action of curcumin, suggesting a therapeutic potential for curcumin. Offering a novel and effective strategy for the treatment of malignant cells.
Cigarette smoke-induced cell death of a spermatocyte cell line can be prevented by inactivating the Aryl hydrocarbon receptor
Authors: Esakky P , Hansen D A , Drury A M , Cusumano A , Moley K H
Published: October 2015

Cigarette smoke exposure causes germ cell death during spermatogenesis. Our earlier studies demonstrated that cigarette smoke condensate (CSC) causes spermatocyte cell deathin vivoand growth arrest of the mouse spermatocyte cell line (GC-2spd(ts))in vitrovia the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR). We hypothesize here that inactivation of AHR could prevent the CSC-induced cell death in spermatocytes. We demonstrate that CSC exposure generates oxidative stress, which differentially regulates mitochondrial apoptosis in GC-2spd(ts) and wild type (WT) and AHR knockout (AHR-KO) mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs). SiRNA-mediated silencing ofAhraugments the extent of CSC-mediated cellular damage while complementing the AHR-knockout condition. Pharmacological inhibition using the AHR-antagonist (CH223191) modulates the CSC-altered expression of apoptotic proteins and significantly abrogates DNA fragmentation though the cleavage of PARP appears AHR independent. Pretreatment with CH223191 at concentrations above 50 μM significantly prevents the CSC-induced activation of caspase-3/7 and externalization of phosphatidylserine in the plasma membrane. However, MAPK inhibitors alone or together with CH223191 could not prevent the membrane damage upon CSC addition and the caspase-3/7 activation and membrane damage in AHR-deficient MEF indicates the interplay of multiple cell signaling and cytoprotective ability of AHR. Thus the data obtained on one hand signifies the protective role of AHR in maintaining normal cellular homeostasis and the other, could be a potential prophylactic therapeutic target to promote cell survival and growth under cigarette smoke exposed environment by receptor antagonism via CH223191-like mechanism. Antagonist-mediated inactivation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor blocks downstream events leading to cigarette smoke-induced cell death of a spermatocyte cell line.
Majorana zero modes and topological quantum computation
Authors: Sarma Sankar Das , Freedman Michael , Nayak Chetan
Published: October 2015

We provide a current perspective on the rapidly developing field of Majorana zero modes (MZMs) in solid-state systems. We emphasise the theoretical prediction, experimental realisation and potential use of MZMs in future information processing devices through braiding-based topological quantum computation (TQC). Well-separated MZMs should manifest non-Abelian braiding statistics suitable for unitary gate operations for TQC. Recent experimental work, following earlier theoretical predictions, has shown specific signatures consistent with the existence of Majorana modes localised at the ends of semiconductor nanowires in the presence of superconducting proximity effect. We discuss the experimental findings and their theoretical analyses, and provide a perspective on the extent to which the observations indicate the existence of anyonic MZMs in solid-state systems. We also discuss fractional quantum Hall systems (the 5/2 state), which have been extensively studied in the context of non-Abelian anyons and TQC. We describe proposed schemes for carrying out braiding with MZMs as well as the necessary steps for implementing TQC.
TIFA, an inflammatory signaling adaptor, is tumor suppressive for liver cancer
Authors: Shen W , Chang A , Wang J , Zhou W , Gao R , Li J , Xu Y , Luo X , Xiang R , Luo N , Stupack D G
Published: October 2015

TIFA (TNF receptor associated factor (TRAF)-interacting protein with a Forkhead-associated (FHA) domain), also called T2BP, was first identified using a yeast two-hybrid screening. TIFA contains a FHA domain, which directly binds phosphothreonine and phosphoserine, and a consensus TRAF6-binding motif. TIFA-mediated oligomerization and poly-ubiquitinylation of TRAF6 mediates signaling downstream of the Tumor necrosis factor alpha receptor 1 (TNFaR-I) and interleukin-1/Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) pathways. Examining TIFA expression in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues microarrays, we noted marked decreases TIFA reactivity in tumor versus control samples. In agreement, we found that HCC cell lines show reduced TIFA expression levels versus normal liver controls. Reconstituting TIFA expression in HCC cell lines promoted two independent apoptosis signaling pathways: the induction of p53 and cell cycle arrest, and the activation of caspase-8 and caspase-3. In contrast, the expression of a non-oligomerizing mutant of TIFA impacted cells minimally, and suppression of TIFA expression protected cells from apoptosis. Mice bearing TIFA overexpression hepatocellular xenografts develop smaller tumors versus TIFA mutant tumors; terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling staining demonstrates increased cell apoptosis, and decreased proliferation, reflecting cell cycle arrest. Interestingly, p53 has a greater role in decreased proliferation than cell death, as it appeared dispensable for TIFA-induced cell killing. The findings demonstrate a novel suppressive role of TIFA in HCC progression via promotion of cell death independent of p53.
Australian sea-floor survey data, with images and expert annotations
Authors: Bewley Michael , Friedman Ariell , Ferrari Renata , Hill Nicole , Hovey Renae , Barrett Neville , Marzinelli Ezequiel M. , Pizarro Oscar , Figueira Will , Meyer Lisa , Babcock Russ , Bellchambers Lynda , Byrne Maria , Williams Stefan B.
Published: October 2015

This Australian benthic data set (BENTHOZ-2015) consists of an expert-annotated set of georeferenced benthic images and associated sensor data, captured by an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) around Australia. This type of data is of interest to marine scientists studying benthic habitats and organisms. AUVs collect georeferenced images over an area with consistent illumination and altitude, and make it possible to generate broad scale, photo-realistic 3D maps. Marine scientists then typically spend several minutes on each of thousands of images, labeling substratum type and biota at a subset of points. Labels from four Australian research groups were combined using the CATAMI classification scheme, a hierarchical classification scheme based on taxonomy and morphology for scoring marine imagery. This data set consists of 407,968 expert labeled points from around the Australian coast, with associated images, geolocation and other sensor data. The robotic surveys that collected this data form part of Australia's Integrated Marine Observing System (IMOS) ongoing benthic monitoring program. There is reuse potential in marine science, robotics, and computer vision research.
Elucidating temporal resource allocation and diurnal dynamics in phototrophic metabolism using conditional FBA
Authors: Rügen Marco , Bockmayr Alexander , Steuer Ralf
Published: October 2015

The computational analysis of phototrophic growth using constraint-based optimization requires to go beyond current time-invariant implementations of flux-balance analysis (FBA). Phototrophic organisms, such as cyanobacteria, rely on harvesting the sun’s energy for the conversion of atmospheric CO2 into organic carbon, hence their metabolism follows a strongly diurnal lifestyle. We describe the growth of cyanobacteria in a periodic environment using a new method called conditional FBA. Our approach enables us to incorporate the temporal organization and conditional dependencies into a constraint-based description of phototrophic metabolism. Specifically, we take into account that cellular processes require resources that are themselves products of metabolism. Phototrophic growth can therefore be formulated as a time-dependent linear optimization problem, such that optimal growth requires a differential allocation of resources during different times of the day. Conditional FBA then allows us to simulate phototrophic growth of an average cell in an environment with varying light intensity, resulting in dynamic time-courses for all involved reaction fluxes, as well as changes in biomass composition over a diurnal cycle. Our results are in good agreement with several known facts about the temporal organization of phototrophic growth and have implications for further analysis of resource allocation problems in phototrophic metabolism.
Aluminum plasmonic photocatalysis
Authors: Hao Qi , Wang Chenxi , Huang Hao , Li Wan , Du Deyang , Han Di , Qiu Teng , Chu Paul K.
Published: October 2015

The effectiveness of photocatalytic processes is dictated largely by plasmonic materials with the capability to enhance light absorption as well as the energy conversion efficiency. Herein, we demonstrate how to improve the plasmonic photocatalytic properties of TiO2/Al nano-void arrays by overlapping the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) modes with the TiO2 band gap. The plasmonic TiO2/Al arrays exhibit superior photocatalytic activity boasting an enhancement of 7.2 folds. The underlying mechanisms concerning the radiative energy transfer and interface energy transfer processes are discussed. Both processes occur at the TiO2/Al interface and their contributions to photocatalysis are evaluated. The results are important to the optimization of aluminum plasmonic materials in photocatalytic applications.
Mechanical origin of aftershocks
Authors: Lippiello E. , Giacco F. , Marzocchi W. , Godano C. , de Arcangelis L.
Published: October 2015

Aftershocks are the most striking evidence of earthquake interactions and the physical mechanisms at the origin of their occurrence are still intensively debated. Novel insights stem from recent results on the influence of the faulting style on the aftershock organisation in magnitude and time. Our study shows that the size of the aftershock zone depends on the fault geometry. We find that positive correlations among parameters controlling aftershock occurrence in time, energy and space are a stable feature of seismicity independently of magnitude range and geographic areas. We explain the ensemble of experimental findings by means of a description of the Earth Crust as an heterogeneous elastic medium coupled with a Maxwell viscoelastic asthenosphere. Our results show that heterogeneous stress distribution in an elastic layer combined with a coupling to a viscous flow are sufficient ingredients to describe the physics of aftershock triggering.
High-throughput genotyping of CRISPR/Cas9-mediated mutants using fluorescent PCR-capillary gel electrophoresis
Authors: Ramlee Muhammad Khairul , Yan Tingdong , Cheung Alice M. S. , Chuah Charles T. H. , Li Shang
Published: October 2015

Recent advances in the engineering of sequence-specific synthetic nucleases provide enormous opportunities for genetic manipulation of gene expression in order to study their cellular function in vivo. However, current genotyping methods to detect these programmable nuclease-induced insertion/deletion (indel) mutations in targeted human cells are not compatible for high-throughput screening of knockout clones due to inherent limitations and high cost. Here, we describe an efficient method of genotyping clonal CRISPR/Cas9-mediated mutants in a high-throughput manner involving the use of a direct lysis buffer to extract crude genomic DNA straight from cells in culture and fluorescent PCR coupled with capillary gel electrophoresis. This technique also allows for genotyping of multiplexed gene targeting in a single clone. Overall, this time- and cost-saving technique is able to circumvent the limitations of current genotyping methods and support high-throughput screening of nuclease-induced mutants.
The synthesis of imprinted polymers based on Fe3O4 nanomaterials and the recognition of proteins
Authors: Guo Junxia , Wang Yuzhi , Liu Yanjin , Zhou Yigang
Published: October 2015

A surface molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP-Fe3O4@AA) was prepared on a magnetic material (Fe3O4@AA) surface for the selective recognition and adsorption of bovine hemoglobin (BHb).
Enhanced photovoltaic performance and time varied controllable growth of a CuS nanoplatelet structured thin film and its application as an efficient counter electrode for quantum dot-sensitized solar cells via a cost-effective chemical bath deposition
Authors: Venkata Thulasi-Varma Chebrolu , Rao S. Srinivasa , Kumar Challa Shesha Sai Pavan , Gopi Chandu V. V. M. , Durga I. Kanaka , Kim Soo-Kyoung , Punnoose Dinah , Kim Hee-Je
Published: October 2015

CuS counter electrodes on FTO substrates are synthesised.
Stability assessment of alternative platinum free counter electrodes for dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Yun Sining , Lund Peter D. , Hinsch Andreas
Published: October 2015

A comprehensive experimental evaluation using different techniques can provide a systematical assessment for CE stability of DSSCs from different angles.
Interface formation of two- and three-dimensionally bonded materials in the case of GeTe–Sb2Te3 superlattices
Authors: Momand Jamo , Wang Ruining , Boschker Jos E. , Verheijen Marcel A. , Calarco Raffaella , Kooi Bart J.
Published: October 2015

The ground state crystal structure of GeTe–Sb2Te3 superlattices is actually a van der Waals heterostructure of Sb2Te3 and rhombohedral GeSbTe.