bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors influencing the development and implementation of advanced radiographer practice in Australia – a qualitative study using an interpretative phenomenological approach
Authors: Page Barbara A. , Bernoth Maree , Davidson Rob
Published: July 2014

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to explore the factors influencing the implementation or the lack of implementation of advanced practitioner role in Australia.

Methods

This study uses an interpretative phenomenological approach to explore the in‐depth real life issues, which surround the advanced practitioner as a solution to radiologist workforce shortages in Australia. Research participants are radiographers, radiation therapists and health managers registered with the Australian Institute of Radiography (AIR) and holding senior professional and AIR Board positions with knowledge of current advanced practice.

Results

In total, seven interviews were conducted revealing education, governance, technical, people issues, change management, government, costs and timing as critical factors influencing advanced practice in Australia.

Conclusions

Seven participants in this study perceived an advanced practice role might have major benefits and a positive impact on the immediate and long‐term management of patients. Another finding is the greater respect and appreciation of each other's roles and expertise within the multidisciplinary healthcare team. Engagement is required of the critical stakeholders that have been identified as ‘blockers’ (radiologists, health departments) as well as identified allies (e.g. emergency clinicians, supportive radiologists, patient advocacy groups). The research supports that the AIR has a role to play for the professional identity of radiographers and shaping the advanced practice role in Australia.
Flt3 ligand does not differentiate between Parkinsonian disorders
Authors: Silajdžić Edina , Constantinescu Radu , Holmberg Björn , Björkqvist Maria , Hansson Oskar
Published: July 2014

Background

Differential diagnosis of parkinsonian disorders is challenging because of overlapping symptoms, especially during early stages of disease. No validated biomarkers are available for early and accurate diagnosis of multiple system atrophy and other parkinsonian disorders. It has been reported that flt3 ligand levels in cerebrospinal fluid could clearly differentiate patients with Parkinson's disease from patients with multiple system atrophy, with 99% sensitivity and 95% specificity.

Methods

We measured flt3 ligand levels in cerebrospinal fluid of subjects with Parkinson's disease (n = 37), multiple system atrophy (n = 30), and progressive supranuclear palsy (n = 19).

Results

In our cohort, no significant difference was found in flt3 ligand levels between Parkinson's disease, multiple system atrophy, and progressive supranuclear palsy.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that cerebrospinal fluid flt3 ligand levels do not differentiate between parkinsonian disorders.
Ethics, Trust, and Governance in Temporary Organizations
Authors: Müller Ralf , Turner Rodney , Andersen Erling S. , Shao Jingting , Kvalnes Øyvind
Published: July 2014

We investigate the influence of governance structures of temporary organizations on the ethical issues faced by its managers, how they respond to these issues, and how that influences trust among stakeholders. A global, web-based survey confirmed earlier research that project managers encounter transparency, optimization, and relationship issues, and identified four additional ethical issue types. Managers' behavior in responding to ethical issues varies by governance structure, their willingness to resolve ethical issues themselves, and the trust between stakeholders. Higher levels of trust are found in stakeholder-oriented governance, which can reduce transaction costs. Implications for practitioners and academics are discussed.
What's next for market research?
Authors: Macer Tim
Published: July 2014

Top experts on the radical changes ahead
On the Solvent‐free Structure of a Jäger‐type Cobalt(II) N2O2‐Chelate Complex
Authors: Seidel Rüdiger W. , Goddard Richard , Breidung Jürgen , Jäger Ernst‐G.
Published: July 2014

A combined synchrotron X‐ray and density functional theory (DFT) study on the structure of a Jäger‐type N2O2 chelate complex was carried out. The ethoxy‐substituted bis(3‐oxo‐enaminato)cobalt(II) complex (1) was an original sample from the laboratory of the late Professor Ernst‐G. Jäger (University of Jena, Germany). Single‐crystal X‐ray analysis revealed essentially flat molecules of 1, which are unsolvated and coordinatively unsaturated. The DFT calculations on the isolated molecule predict a planar structure for the non‐hydrogen atoms, which is a local minimum on the energy surface. The crystal packing is achieved through off‐set stacking (staircase arrangement), resulting in a herringbone pattern in the space group P212121. The structure of 1 is compared to known structures of related bis(3‐oxo‐enaminato)cobalt(II) complexes (2–4). Original bulk material of 1 was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD), melting point determination, and infrared (IR) spectroscopy.
Legally Armenian: Tolerance, Conversion, and Name Change in Turkish Courts
Authors: Özgül Ceren
Published: July 2014

Over the last fifteen years, hundreds of Muslim citizens claiming Armenian descent have submitted petitions to Turkey's secular legal authorities asking for changes to both their name and religion in the public record. In this article, I discuss the name-change cases of Armenian return converts to further the debates on Turkish secularism and to critique the body of scholarship that welcomes the governing Justice and Development Party's legal reforms as a measure of growing religious tolerance. In the article's first part I analyze the historical foundations of the regulation of religion and name changes in Turkey by fully and explicitly engaging with law as a site where minority difference is constructed, authorized, and challenged. The article's second half offers an alternative reading of how tolerance functions as an aspect of the Justice and Development Party's reforms. Based on my investigation of specific legal forms of argument that converted Armenians and their lawyers put forward in today's secular courts, and how legal officers of the state respond to them, I demonstrate that legal reform has shifted the definition of religion as a marker of minority difference in legal space. I argue that the historical context of name change and religious conversion forces the limits of existing understandings of freedom of religion in Turkey, and that this renders visible historical injustices that cannot be resolved simply through the notion of “religious tolerance” in the courts.
Childhood obesity: the impact on long-term risk of metabolic and CVD is not necessarily inevitable
Authors: McMullen Sarah
Published: July 2014

The worldwide prevalence of overweight and obesity in the adult population is estimated to be 35 %. These trends are reflected in childhood obesity prevalence, and the potential impact of early-onset obesity is of great concern. The aim of this review was to investigate the long-term implications of childhood obesity for metabolic and cardiovascular health, focusing on the independent contribution of childhood obesity to adult disease risk, as distinct from associations mediated by tracking of obesity across the lifespan. The data systematically reviewed provide little evidence to suggest that childhood overweight and obesity are independent risk factors for metabolic and cardiovascular risk during adulthood. Instead, the data demonstrate that the relationships observed are dependent on tracking of BMI between childhood and adulthood, alongside persistence of dietary patterns and physical activity. Adjustment for adult BMI uncovers unexpected negative associations between childhood BMI and adult disease, suggesting a protective effect of childhood obesity at any given level of adult BMI. Further work is required to explain these findings, both in terms of pathways and statistical artefacts. To conclude, it must be stressed that it is not suggested that childhood obesity is without negative consequence. Childhood obesity is clearly associated with a range of adverse physical and psychological outcomes. However, the data are important in supporting a positive message that the long-term consequences of childhood obesity are avoidable; and that there remains opportunity for intervention across the lifespan. This nuance in understanding long-term risk is important when considering the effectiveness of interventions at different stages of the lifespan.
Interspecific jatropha hybrid as a new promising source of woody biomass
Authors: Muakrong Narathid , One Khin Thida , Tanya Patcharin , Srinives Peerasak
Published: July 2014

An interspecific hybrid Jatropha curcas (Jc) × Jatropha integerrima (Ji) was developed between jatropha (Jc) from Mexico and Ji from Thailand. Jc is a large canopy plant with soft wood, while Ji is a tall plant with semi-hard wood. The F1 hybrid and their parents were grown under field conditions at a spacing of 1 m × 1.5 m. One-year-old plants were harvested and determined for biomass yield, calorific value and chemical composition of wood, as well as for heterosis (hybrid vigour) of these characters. The F1 plants gave an average fresh wood weight of 18.07 kg/plant, a moisture content of 46.56%, a dry wood weight of 9.56 kg/plant and a wood density of 0.62 g/cm3. The F1 hybrid had less ash (2.60%) than Jc (6.93%), but a higher heat value of wood (18.73 MJ/kg) than Jc (17.77 MJ/kg). Heterosis over mid-parent was very high and positive in dry wood weight, fresh wood weight and number of secondary branches at 542, 310 and 450%, respectively, while negative heterosis was found in moisture content ( − 24.86%). The desirable traits found in the F1 hybrid can be fixed by cutting propagation of the selected plants.
Multiple genes confer resistance to soybean mosaic virus in the soybean cultivar Hwangkeum
Authors: Jeong Namhee , Jeong Soon-Chun
Published: July 2014

Recombinant inbred lines (RILs) generated from a cross between a cultivated species and its wild progenitor species serve as important germplasm for introgressing valuable genes from a wild species to a cultivated species. During this breeding process, it is equally important to prevent the loss of agronomically important genes in the cultivated species. In an effort to establish an efficient selection system for the single Rsv1 gene conferring durable resistance to soybean mosaic virus (SMV) in the soybean cultivar Hwangkeum (also known as Suweon 97), which is a parent of a RIL population from Hwangkeum (cultivated soybean) × IT182932 (wild soybean), in the present study, we unexpectedly identified an additional necrosis-conditioning gene unmasked by a recombination in the middle of the Rsv1-containing nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat gene cluster region and the Rsv3 gene in Hwangkeum. Thus, Hwangkeum contains at least three SMV resistance genes consisting of two tightly linked genes at the Rsv1 locus and the Rsv3 locus. The results of this study provide additional important information for use of the Hwangkeum genome in soybean breeding programmes.
Newly developed SNP markers related to genes for leaf morphological traits and disease resistance in Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa L. ssp. pekinensis)
Authors: Ahn Yul-Kyun , Cho Young-Il , Tripathi Swati , Kim Do-Sun , Kim Jeong-Ho , Lee Hye-Eun
Published: July 2014

Based on the sequences of Brassica rapa ssp. pekinensis, we carried out a single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) study for genes controlling disease resistance (clubroot, turnip mosaic virus and soft rot) and leaf traits in B. rapa leafy genotypes ‘VC40’ and ‘SR5’. In total, 7645 SNP markers were obtained based on the annotation of a B. rapa database for disease resistance. Among these 7645 SNP markers, 141 were related to 125 genes linked to leaf traits. From these 141 SNP markers, 63 were screened and High Resolution Melt (HRM) primers were designed for genomic studies. A total of 20 polymorphic SNP primers were finally obtained. Eventually, these markers will be further used for the detection of quantitative trait loci and mapping studies.
Identification of QTL/segments related to seed-quality traits in G. soja using chromosome segment substitution lines
Authors: Wang Wubin , He Qingyuan , Yang Hongyan , Xiang Shihua , Xing Guangnan , Zhao Tuanjie , Gai Junyi
Published: July 2014

Annual wild soybean characterized by low 100-seed weight (100SW), high protein content (PRC) and low oil content (OIC) may have favourable exotic genes/alleles for broadening the genetic base of the cultivated soybean. To evaluate the wild alleles/segments, a chromosome segment substitution line population comprising 151 lines with N24852 (wild) as the donor and NN1138-2 (cultivated) as the recurrent parent was analysed using single-marker analysis, interval mapping, inclusive composite interval mapping and mixed linear composite interval mapping. On 14 segments of ten chromosomes, 17 quantitative trait loci (QTL) were identified, with two segments each containing two QTL for 100SW and OIC and one segment containing two QTL for PRC and OIC, respectively. All the seven wild alleles/segments for 100SW were associated with negative effects and three were associated with positive effects, but one was associated with a negative effect for PRC, and five were associated with negative effects, but one was associated with a positive effect for OIC. Except Satt216 and Sat_224 for 100SW, the identified QTL/segments have been reported from cultivated soybean mapping populations. The detected wild segments may provide materials for further characterization, cloning and pyramiding of the alleles conferring the seed-quality traits.
A SSR kit to study genetic diversity in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)
Authors: Varshney Rajeev , Thudi Mahendar , Upadhyaya Hari , Dwivedi Sangam , Udupa Sripada , Furman Bonnie , Baum Michael , Hoisington David
Published: July 2014

A chickpea simple sequence repeat (SSR) marker reference kit has been developed based on the genotyping of the global chickpea composite collection (3,000 accessions) with 35 SSR markers. The kit consists of three pools of chickpea accessions along with supporting documentation on the SSR markers, polymerase chain reaction and detection conditions, and the expected allele sizes for each of the 35 SSR loci. These markers were selected based on quality criteria, genome coverage and locus-specific information content. Other important SSR selection criteria were quality of amplification products, locus complexity, polymorphism information content and well-dispersed location on a chickpea genetic map. The developed SSR kit has a wide range of applications, especially for genetic diversity studies in chickpea. Using the markers and reference accessions in the kit, scientists in other laboratories will be able to compare the genotypic data that they obtain for their germplasm with that obtained using the global composite collection.
Potential of thermal image analysis for screening salt stress-tolerant soybean (Glycine max)
Authors: Kim Jin-Won , Lee Tae-Young , Nah Gyoungju , Kim Do-Soon
Published: July 2014

Non-destructive high-throughput phenotyping based on phenomics is an emerging technology for assessing the genetic diversity of various traits and screening in breeding programmes. In this study, non-destructive measurements of leaf temperature and chlorophyll fluorescence were conducted to investigate the physiological responses of soybean (Glycine max) to salt stress so as to set up a non-destructive screening method. Two-week-old seedlings of soybean in the V2 stage were treated with 0, 12.5, 25, 50 and 100 mM NaCl to induce salt stress. Three parameters, photosynthesis rate, stomatal conductance and chlorophyll fluorescence, decreased significantly, while soybean leaf temperature increased by exhibiting a positive correlation with NaCl concentration (P< 0.001). Soybean leaf temperature increased significantly at 50 mM NaCl when compared with the untreated control, although no visual symptom was observed. We selected leaf temperature as a major physiological parameter of salt stress as its measurement is much easier, faster and cheaper than that of other physiological parameters. Therefore, leaf temperature can be used for evaluating the responses to salt stress in soybean as a non-destructive and phenomic parameter. The results of this study suggest that non-destructive parameters such as chlorophyll fluorescence and leaf temperature are useful tools for assessing the genetic diversity of soybean with regard to salt stress tolerance and to screen salt stress-tolerant soybean for breeding.
Phenotypic variants among ethyl methanesulfonate M2 mutant lines in Capsicum annuum
Authors: Hwang Doyeon , Jeong Hee-Jin , Kwon Jin-Kyung , Kim Hohyun , Kang Si-Yong , Kang Byoung-Cheorl
Published: July 2014

Induction of mutations using chemical mutagens has proved to be a useful tool in crop improvement and has advantages over transgenic approaches in view of legislative restrictions and intellectual property. Among the chemical mutagens, ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) has been widely used to generate novel traits. In this study, we constructed an EMS mutant population consisting of 3945 M2 mutant lines using a Korean landrace of Capsicum annuum ‘Yuwol-cho’. In total, 1480 M2 mutant lines were evaluated for novel traits. The mutant lines showed phenotypic variations such as plant growth (small size and dwarfism), development of leaves (variegation, colour and morphological changes), flowers (inflorescence, morphological and organ colour changes), and fruits (morphological and colour changes). Most of these mutant phenotypes were inherited recessively. Many of the mutant phenotypes were unique in pepper, while some were similar to those of known mutants in other plant species. These mutant lines will be useful for the study of gene function in C. annuum.
QTL mapping for the number of branches and pods using wild chromosome segment substitution lines in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]
Authors: He Qingyuan , Yang Hongyan , Xiang Shihua , Wang Wubing , Xing Guangnan , Zhao Tuanjie , Gai Junyi
Published: July 2014

Annual wild soybean characterized with more number of branches and pods may contain favourable exotic genes/alleles for improving the yield potential of cultivated soybeans. To evaluate the wild alleles/segments, the chromosome segment substitution line population SojaCSSLP3 comprising 158 lines with N24852 (wild) as the donor and NN1138-2 (cultivated) as the recurrent parent was tested under three environments. The phenotypic data along with 198 simple sequence repeat markers were analysed for qualitative trait loci (QTL)/segments associated with the number of branches on the main stem (BN) and number of pods per plant (PN) using the inclusive composite interval mapping procedure (RSTEP-LRT-ADD model) of ICIM version 3.0. The analysis was carried out for individual environments due to a significant G × E interaction. A total of eight QTL/segments associated with BN and eight QTL/segments associated with PN were detected under the three environments, with all the wild segments having positive effects. Among these, two QTL/segments for each of the two traits could be detected under two or three environments and three QTL/segments could be detected for both traits. Four QTL/segments associated with BN and one QTL/segment associated with PN were identified only in SojaCSSLP3, not reported for cultivated crosses in the literature. The detected wild segments may provide materials for further characterization, cloning and pyramiding of the alleles conferring the two traits.
The atypical chemokine receptor CCX‐CKR regulates metastasis of mammary carcinoma via an effect on EMT
Authors: Harata‐Lee Yuka , Turvey Michelle E , Brazzatti Julie A , Gregor Carly E , Brown Michael P , Smyth Mark J , Comerford Iain , McColl Shaun R
Published: July 2014

Over the last decade, the significance of the homeostatic CC chemokine receptor‐7 and its ligands CC chemokine ligand‐19 (CCL19) and CCL21, in various types of cancer, particularly mammary carcinoma, has been highlighted. The chemokine receptor CCX‐CKR is a high‐affinity receptor for these chemokine ligands but rather than inducing classical downstream signalling events promoting migration, it instead sequesters and targets its ligands for degradation, and appears to function as a regulator of the bioavailability of these chemokines in vivo. Therefore, in this study, we tested the hypothesis that local regulation of chemokine levels by CCX‐CKR expressed on tumours alters tumour growth and metastasis in vivo. Expression of CCX‐CKR on 4T1.2 mouse mammary carcinoma cells inhibited orthotopic tumour growth. However, this effect could not be correlated with chemokine scavenging in vivo and was not mediated by host adaptive immunity. Conversely, expression of CCX‐CKR on 4T1.2 cells resulted in enhanced spontaneous metastasis and haematogenous metastasis in vivo. In vitro characterisation of the tumourigenicity of CCX‐CKR‐expressing 4T1.2 cells suggested accelerated epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) revealed by their more invasive and motile character, lower adherence to the extracellular matrix and to each other, and greater resistance to anoikis. Further analysis of CCX‐CKR‐expressing 4T1.2 cells also revealed that transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1 expression was increased both at mRNA and protein levels leading to enhanced autocrine phosphorylation of Smad 2/3 in these cells. Together, our data show a novel function for the chemokine receptor CCX‐CKR as a regulator of TGF‐β1 expression and the EMT in breast cancer cells.
Moderately Elevated Intracranial Pressure after Diffuse Traumatic Brain Injury is Associated with Exacerbated Neuronal Pathology and Behavioral Morbidity in the Rat
Authors: Lafrenaye Audrey D , Krahe Thomas E , Povlishock John T
Published: July 2014

Traumatic brain injury (TBI)-induced elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) is correlated with ensuing morbidity/mortality in humans. This relationship is assumed to rely mostly on the recognition that extremely elevated ICP either indicates hematoma/contusions capable of precipitating herniation or alters cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP), which precipitates global ischemia. However, whether subischemic levels of elevated ICP without hematoma/contusion contribute to increased morbidity/mortality remains unknown. To address this knowledge gap, we utilized a model of moderate diffuse TBI in rats followed by either intraventricular ICP monitoring or manual ICP elevation to 20 mm Hg, in which CPP was above ischemic levels. The effects of ICP elevation after TBI on acute and chronic histopathology, as well as on behavioral morbidity, were evaluated. ICP elevation after TBI resulted in increased acute neuronal membrane perturbation and was also associated with reduced neuronal density at 4 weeks after injury. Somatosensory hypersensitivity was exacerbated by ICP elevation and was correlated to the observed neuronal loss. In conclusion, this study indicates that morbidity and increased neuronal damage/death associated with elevated ICP can occur without concurrent global ischemia. Therefore, understanding the pathologies associated with subischemic levels of elevated ICP could lead to the development of better therapeutic strategies for the treatment and management of TBI patients.
Engineering light-inducible nuclear localization signals for precise spatiotemporal control of protein dynamics in living cells
Authors: Niopek Dominik , Benzinger Dirk , Roensch Julia , Draebing Thomas , Wehler Pierre , Eils Roland , Di Ventura Barbara
Published: July 2014

The function of many eukaryotic proteins is regulated by highly dynamic changes in their nucleocytoplasmic distribution. The ability to precisely and reversibly control nuclear translocation would, therefore, allow dissecting and engineering cellular networks. Here we develop a genetically encoded, light-inducible nuclear localization signal (LINuS) based on the LOV2 domain of Avena sativa phototropin 1. LINuS is a small, versatile tag, customizable for different proteins and cell types. LINuS-mediated nuclear import is fast and reversible, and can be tuned at different levels, for instance, by introducing mutations that alter AsLOV2 domain photo-caging properties or by selecting nuclear localization signals (NLSs) of various strengths. We demonstrate the utility of LINuS in mammalian cells by controlling gene expression and entry into mitosis with blue light.
Rewiring neural circuits by the insertion of ectopic electrical synapses in transgenic C. elegans
Authors: Rabinowitch Ithai , Chatzigeorgiou Marios , Zhao Buyun , Treinin Millet , Schafer William R.
Published: July 2014

Neural circuits are functional ensembles of neurons that are selectively interconnected by chemical or electrical synapses. Here we describe a synthetic biology approach to the study of neural circuits, whereby new electrical synapses can be introduced in novel sites in the neuronal circuitry to reprogram behaviour. We added electrical synapses composed of the vertebrate gap junction protein Cx36 between Caenorhabditis elegans chemosensory neurons with opposite intrinsic responses to salt. Connecting these neurons by an ectopic electrical synapse led to a loss of lateral asymmetry and altered chemotaxis behaviour. In a second example, introducing Cx36 into an inhibitory chemical synapse between an olfactory receptor neuron and an interneuron changed the sign of the connection from negative to positive, and abolished the animal’s behavioural response to benzaldehyde. These data demonstrate a synthetic strategy to rewire behavioural circuits by engineering synaptic connectivity in C. elegans.
Accumulation of humic-like fluorescent dissolved organic matter in the Japan Sea
Authors: Tanaka Kazuki , Kuma Kenshi , Hamasaki Koji , Yamashita Youhei
Published: July 2014

Major fraction of marine dissolved organic matter (DOM) is biologically recalcitrant, however, the accumulation mechanism of recalcitrant DOM has not been fully understood. Here, we examine the distributions of humic-like fluorescent DOM, factions of recalcitrant DOM and the level of apparent oxygen utilization in the Japan Sea. We find linear relationships between these parameters for the deep water (>200 m) of the Japan Sea, suggesting that fluorescent DOM is produced in situ in the Japan Sea. Furthermore, we find that the amount of fluorescent DOM at a given apparent oxygen utilization is greater in the deep water of the Japan Sea than it is in the North Pacific, where the highest level of fluorescent DOM in the open ocean was previously observed. We conclude that the repeated renewal of the deep water contributes to the accumulation of fluorescent DOM in the interior of the Japan Sea.
The role of endogenous and exogenous mechanisms in the formation of R&D networks
Authors: Tomasello Mario V. , Perra Nicola , Tessone Claudio J. , Karsai Márton , Schweitzer Frank
Published: July 2014

We develop an agent-based model of strategic link formation in Research and Development (R&D) networks. Empirical evidence has shown that the growth of these networks is driven by mechanisms which are both endogenous to the system (that is, depending on existing alliances patterns) and exogenous (that is, driven by an exploratory search for newcomer firms). Extant research to date has not investigated both mechanisms simultaneously in a comparative manner. To overcome this limitation, we develop a general modeling framework to shed light on the relative importance of these two mechanisms. We test our model against a comprehensive dataset, listing cross-country and cross-sectoral R&D alliances from 1984 to 2009. Our results show that by fitting only three macroscopic properties of the network topology, this framework is able to reproduce a number of micro-level measures, including the distributions of degree, local clustering, path length and component size and the emergence of network clusters. Furthermore, by estimating the link probabilities towards newcomers and established firms from the data, we find that endogenous mechanisms are predominant over the exogenous ones in the network formation, thus quantifying the importance of existing structures in selecting partner firms.
Hearing the Shape of the Ising Model with a Programmable Superconducting-Flux Annealer
Authors: Vinci Walter , Markström Klas , Boixo Sergio , Roy Aidan , Spedalieri Federico M. , Warburton Paul A. , Severini Simone
Published: July 2014

Two objects can be distinguished if they have different measurable properties. Thus, distinguishability depends on the Physics of the objects. In considering graphs, we revisit the Ising model as a framework to define physically meaningful spectral invariants. In this context, we introduce a family of refinements of the classical spectrum and consider the quantum partition function. We demonstrate that the energy spectrum of the quantum Ising Hamiltonian is a stronger invariant than the classical one without refinements. For the purpose of implementing the related physical systems, we perform experiments on a programmable annealer with superconducting flux technology. Departing from the paradigm of adiabatic computation, we take advantage of a noisy evolution of the device to generate statistics of low energy states. The graphs considered in the experiments have the same classical partition functions, but different quantum spectra. The data obtained from the annealer distinguish non-isomorphic graphs via information contained in the classical refinements of the functions but not via the differences in the quantum spectra.
Highly efficient targeted mutagenesis in one-cell mouse embryos mediated by the TALEN and CRISPR/Cas systems
Authors: Yasue Akihiro , Mitsui Silvia Naomi , Watanabe Takahito , Sakuma Tetsushi , Oyadomari Seiichi , Yamamoto Takashi , Noji Sumihare , Mito Taro , Tanaka Eiji
Published: July 2014

Since the establishment of embryonic stem (ES) cell lines, the combined use of gene targeting with homologous recombination has aided in elucidating the functions of various genes. However, the ES cell technique is inefficient and time-consuming. Recently, two new gene-targeting technologies have been developed: the transcription activator-like effector nuclease (TALEN) system and the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein (Cas) system. In addition to aiding researchers in solving conventional problems, these technologies can be used to induce site-specific mutations in various species for which ES cells have not been established. Here, by targeting the Fgf10 gene through RNA microinjection in one-cell mouse embryos with the TALEN and CRISPR/Cas systems, we produced the known limb-defect phenotypes of Fgf10-deficient embryos at the F0 generation. Compared to the TALEN system, the CRISPR/Cas system induced the limb-defect phenotypes with a strikingly higher efficiency. Our results demonstrate that although both gene-targeting technologies are useful, the CRISPR/Cas system more effectively elicits single-step biallelic mutations in mice.
Assessing the role of spatial correlations during collective cell spreading
Authors: Treloar Katrina K. , Simpson Matthew J. , Binder Benjamin J. , McElwain D. L. Sean , Baker Ruth E.
Published: July 2014

Spreading cell fronts are essential features of development, repair and disease processes. Many mathematical models used to describe the motion of cell fronts, such as Fisher's equation, invoke a mean–field assumption which implies that there is no spatial structure, such as cell clustering, present. Here, we examine the presence of spatial structure using a combination ofin vitrocircular barrier assays, discrete random walk simulations and pair correlation functions. In particular, we analyse discrete simulation data using pair correlation functions to show that spatial structure can form in a spreading population of cells either through sufficiently strong cell–to–cell adhesion or sufficiently rapid cell proliferation. We analyse images from a circular barrier assay describing the spreading of a population of MM127 melanoma cells using the same pair correlation functions. Our results indicate that the spreading melanoma cell populations remain very close to spatially uniform, suggesting that the strength of cell–to–cell adhesion and the rate of cell proliferation are both sufficiently small so as not to induce any spatial patterning in the spreading populations.
Ultrasound-assisted extraction coupled with SPE-HPLC-DAD for the determination of three bioactive phenylpropanoids from Radix Isatidis
Authors: Xiao Ping , Chen Jianwei , Li Xiang , Chen Yayun
Published: July 2014

This study demonstrated a reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) with photo-diode array detection (DAD) method for simultaneous determination of three phenylpropanoids including syringin, clemastanin B and indigoticoside A in Radix Isatidis.
Characterization of selected oxidation inhibitors in transformer oils by multidimensional gas chromatography with capillary flow technology
Authors: Hayward Taylor , Gras Ronda , Luong Jim
Published: July 2014

Oxidation inhibitors such as 2,6-ditertiary-butyl-para-cresol (DBPC, also known as butylated hydroxytoluene) and 2,6-ditertiary-butyl phenol (DBP) are used in transformer oils to prevent radical auto-oxidation of hydrocarbon species in the oil, prolonging the transformer's life.
Order-to-disorder structural transformation of a coordination polymer and its influence on proton conduction
Authors: Horike Satoshi , Chen Wenqian , Itakura Tomoya , Inukai Munehiro , Umeyama Daiki , Asakura Hiroyuki , Kitagawa Susumu
Published: July 2014

A Cu2+ coordination framework shows order-to-disorder transformation and it is accompanied by insulator-to-protonic conductor transition.
Synthesis of homogeneous and high-quality GaN films on Cu(111) substrates by pulsed laser deposition
Authors: Wang Wenliang , Yang Weijia , Liu Zuolian , Lin Yunhao , Zhou Shizhong , Qian Huirong , Wang Haiyan , Lin Zhiting , Zhang Shuguang , Li Guoqiang
Published: July 2014

Homogeneous and high-quality GaN films with a RMS thickness inhomogeneity of less than 2.8% were grown on an AlN buffer layer using pulsed laser deposition and optimized laser rastering program.
A DFT study on the interaction between glycine molecules/radicals and the (8, 0) SiCNT
Authors: Gao Kefu , Chen Guanghui , Wu Di
Published: July 2014

The geometrical structures, energetics and electronic properties of glycine molecules as well as dehydrogenated radical interaction with silicon carbide nanotubes (SiCNTs) are investigated based on density functional theory (DFT) for the first time.
Vertically π-expanded coumarin – synthesis via the Scholl reaction and photophysical properties
Authors: Tasior Mariusz , Deperasińska Irena , Morawska Karolina , Banasiewicz Marzena , Vakuliuk Olena , Kozankiewicz Bolesław , Gryko Daniel T.
Published: July 2014

A short and efficient access to a unique type of π-expanded coumarin is achieved.
Diffusional transport to and through thin-layer nanoparticle film modified electrodes: capped CdSe nanoparticle modified electrodes
Authors: Hepburn William G. , Batchelor-McAuley Christopher , Tschulik Kristina , Barnes Edward O. , Kachoosangi Roohollah Torabi , Compton Richard G.
Published: July 2014

Non-electroactive layers on electrodes can significantly alter the apparent electron transfer kinetics leading to both enhanced and suppressed rates.
High-field liquid state NMR hyperpolarization: a combined DNP/NMRD approach
Authors: Neugebauer Petr , Krummenacker Jan G. , Denysenkov Vasyl P. , Helmling Christina , Luchinat Claudio , Parigi Giacomo , Prisner Thomas F.
Published: July 2014

Dynamic nuclear polarization and NMR relaxation dispersion measurements have been performed on liquid solutions of TEMPOL radicals in solvents with different viscosities at a high magnetic field of 9.2 T. The results indicate that fast dynamics significantly contribute to DNP enhancements at high fields.
Molecular containers in complex chemical systems
Authors: Zarra Salvatore , Wood Daniel M. , Roberts Derrick A. , Nitschke Jonathan R.
Published: July 2014

This review discusses recent advances in the use of molecular containers in complex chemical systems, focusing on three aspects: host–guest behaviour, structural transformations and reactivity modulation.
The origin of the n-type behavior in rare earth borocarbide Y1−xB28.5C4
Authors: Mori Takao , Nishimura Toshiyuki , Schnelle Walter , Burkhardt Ulrich , Grin Yuri
Published: July 2014

It was revealed that boron carbide inclusions were the origin of the p-type behavior in the Seebeck coefficient α previously observed for Y1−xB28.5C4 in contrast to Y1−xB15.5CN and Y1−xB22C2N, the long awaited n-type counterparts to boron carbide. Calculations show a pseudo gap-like structure in density of states and importance of the borocarbonitride network.
Synthesis of a CO2-philic poly(vinyl acetate)-based cationic amphiphilic surfactant by RAFT/ATRP and its application in preparing monolithic materials
Authors: Zhang Shoucun , Luo Wei , Yan Wei , Tan Bien
Published: July 2014

The cationic amphiphilic surfactant PVAc-b-PDMAEMA has high emulsifying-capacity for the CO2–H2O system, which can be used to prepare highly porous emulsion-templated materials.
Neuron-like polyelectrolyte–carbon nanotube composites for ultra-high loading of metal nanoparticles
Authors: Islam Md. Shahinul , Choi Won San , Bae Tae Sung , Lee Young Boo , Lee Ha-Jin
Published: July 2014

We report a simple protocol for the fabrication of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with a neuron-like structure for loading ultra-high densities of metal nanoparticles (NPs).
Selectively self-assembling graphene nanoribbons with shaped iron oxide nanoparticles
Authors: Li Huayang , Melnyczuk John M. , Lewis Lauchon I. , Palchoudhury Soubantika , Wu Jie , Nagappan Peri , Harruna Issifu I. , Wang Xiao-Qian
Published: July 2014

Nanoflower-shaped iron oxide nanoparticles (FeNPs) were attached onto graphene nanoribbons (GNRs).
CUL4A-DDB1-Rbx1 E3 ligase controls the quality of the PTS2 receptor Pex7p
Authors: Miyauchi-Nanri Yasuhiro , Mukai Satoru , Kuroda Kosuke , Fujiki Yukio
Published: July 2014

Pex7p is the cytosolic receptor for peroxisomal matrix proteins harbouring PTS2 (peroxisome-targeting signal type-2). Mutations in the PEX7 gene cause RCDP (rhizomelic chondrodysplasia punctata) type 1, a distinct PTS2-import-defective phenotype of peroxisome biogenesis disorders. The mechanisms by which the protein level and quality of Pex7p are controlled remain largely unknown. In the present study we show that dysfunctional Pex7p, including mutants from RCDP patients, is degraded by a ubiquitin-dependent proteasomal pathway involving the CRL4A (Cullin4A-RING ubiquitin ligase) complex. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the degradation of dysfunctional Pex7p is essential for maintaining normal PTS2 import, thereby suggesting that CRL4A functions as an E3 ligase in the quality control of Pex7p. Our results define a mechanism underlying Pex7p homoeostasis and highlight its importance for regulating PTS2 import. These findings may lead to a new approach to Pex7p-based therapies for the treatment of peroxisome biogenesis disorders such as RCDP.
Influence of association state and DNA binding on the O2-reactivity of [4Fe-4S] fumarate and nitrate reduction (FNR) regulator
Authors: Crack Jason C. , Stapleton Melanie R. , Green Jeffrey , Thomson Andrew J. , Le Brun Nick E.
Published: July 2014

The fumarate and nitrate reduction (FNR) regulator is the master switch for the transition between anaerobic and aerobic respiration in Escherichia coli. Reaction of dimeric [4Fe-4S] FNR with O2 results in conversion of the cluster into a [2Fe-2S] form, via a [3Fe-4S] intermediate, leading to the loss of DNA binding through dissociation of the dimer into monomers. In the present paper, we report studies of two previously identified variants of FNR, D154A and I151A, in which the form of the cluster is decoupled from the association state. In vivo studies of permanently dimeric D154A FNR show that DNA binding does not affect the rate of cluster incorporation into the apoprotein or the rate of O2-mediated cluster loss. In vitro studies show that O2-mediated cluster conversion for D154A and the permanent monomer I151A FNR is the same as in wild-type FNR, but with altered kinetics. Decoupling leads to an increase in the rate of the [3Fe-4S]1+ into [2Fe-2S]2+ conversion step, consistent with the suggestion that this step drives association state changes in the wild-type protein. We have also shown that DNA-bound FNR reacts more rapidly with O2 than FNR free in solution, implying that transcriptionally active FNR is the preferred target for reaction with O2.
Salvage of the thiamin pyrimidine moiety by plant TenA proteins lacking an active-site cysteine
Authors: Zallot Rémi , Yazdani Mohammad , Goyer Aymeric , Ziemak Michael J. , Guan Jiahn-Chou , McCarty Donald R. , de Crécy-Lagard Valérie , Gerdes Svetlana , Garrett Timothy J. , Benach Jordi , Hunt John F. , Shintani David K. , Hanson Andrew D.
Published: July 2014

The TenA protein family occurs in prokaryotes, plants and fungi; it has two subfamilies, one (TenA_C) having an active-site cysteine, the other (TenA_E) not. TenA_C proteins participate in thiamin salvage by hydrolysing the thiamin breakdown product amino-HMP (4-amino-5-aminomethyl-2-methylpyrimidine) to HMP (4-amino-5-hydroxymethyl-2-methylpyrimidine); the function of TenA_E proteins is unknown. Comparative analysis of prokaryote and plant genomes predicted that (i) TenA_E has a salvage role similar to, but not identical with, that of TenA_C and (ii) that TenA_E and TenA_C also have non-salvage roles since they occur in organisms that cannot make thiamin. Recombinant Arabidopsis and maize TenA_E proteins (At3g16990, GRMZM2G080501) hydrolysed amino-HMP to HMP and, far more actively, hydrolysed the N-formyl derivative of amino-HMP to amino-HMP. Ablating the At3g16990 gene in a line with a null mutation in the HMP biosynthesis gene ThiC prevented its rescue by amino-HMP. Ablating At3g16990 in the wild-type increased sensitivity to paraquat-induced oxidative stress; HMP overcame this increased sensitivity. Furthermore, the expression of TenA_E and ThiC genes in Arabidopsis and maize was inversely correlated. These results indicate that TenA_E proteins mediate amidohydrolase and aminohydrolase steps in the salvage of thiamin breakdown products. As such products can be toxic, TenA_E proteins may also pre-empt toxicity.
Cognitive dysfunction in postural tachycardia syndrome
Authors: Arnold Amy C. , Haman Kirsten , Garland Emily M. , Raj Vidya , Dupont William D. , Biaggioni Italo , Robertson David , Raj Satish R.
Published: July 2014

Mental clouding is an almost universal complaint among patients with postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS) but remains poorly understood. Thus, we have determined whether POTS patients exhibit deficits during neuropsychological testing relative to healthy subjects. A comprehensive battery of validated neuropsychological tests was administered to 28 female POTS patients and 24 healthy subjects in a semi-recumbent position. Healthy subjects were matched to POTS patients on age and gender. Selective attention, a primary outcome measure, and cognitive processing speed were reduced in POTS patients compared with healthy subjects (Ruff 2&7 Speed t-score: 40±9 compared with 49±8; P=0.009; Symbol Digit Modalities Test t-score: 45±12 compared with 51±8; P=0.011). Measures of executive function were also lower in POTS patients (Trails B t-score: 46±8 compared with 52±8; P=0.007; Stroop Word Color t-score: 45±10 compared with 56±8; P=0.001), suggesting difficulties in tracking and mental flexibility. Measures of sustained attention, psychomotor speed, memory function or verbal fluency were not significantly different between groups. The present study provides evidence for deficits in selective attention and cognitive processing in patients with POTS, in the seated position when orthostatic stress is minimized. In contrast, other measures of cognitive function, including memory assessments, were not impaired in these patients, suggesting selectivity in these deficits. These findings provide new insight into the profile of cognitive dysfunction in POTS and provide the basis for further studies to identify clinical strategies to better manage the mental clouding associated with this condition.
The Receptive–Expressive Gap in Bilingual Children With and Without Primary Language Impairment
Authors: Gibson Todd A. , Peña Elizabeth D. , Bedore Lisa M.
Published: July 2014

Purpose

In this study, the authors examined the magnitude of the discrepancy between standardized measures of receptive and expressive semantic knowledge, known as areceptive–expressive gap,for bilingual children with and without primary language impairment (PLI).

Method

Spanish and English measures of semantic knowledge were administered to 37 Spanish–English bilingual 7- to 10-year old children with PLI and to 37 Spanish–English bilingual peers with typical development (TD). Parents and teachers completed questionnaires that yielded day-by-day and hour-by-hour information regarding children's exposure to and use of Spanish and English.

Results

Children with PLI had significantly larger discrepancies between receptive and expressive semantics standard scores than their bilingual peers with TD. The receptive–expressive gap for children with PLI was predicted by current English experience, whereas the best predictor for children with TD was cumulative English experience.

Conclusions

As a preliminary explanation, underspecified phonological representations due to bilingual children's divided language input as well as differences in their languages' phonological systems may result in a discrepancy between standardized measures of receptive and expressive semantic knowledge. This discrepancy is greater for bilingual children with PLI because of the additional difficulty these children have in processing phonetic information. Future research is required to understand these underlying processes.
Deaf Children With Cochlear Implants Do Not Appear to Use Sentence Context to Help Recognize Spoken Words
Authors: Conway Christopher M. , Deocampo Joanne A. , Walk Anne M. , Anaya Esperanza M. , Pisoni David B.
Published: July 2014

Purpose

The authors investigated the ability of deaf children with cochlear implants (CIs) to use sentence context to facilitate the perception of spoken words.

Method

Deaf children with CIs (
n
= 24) and an age-matched group of children with normal hearing (
n
= 31) were presented with lexically controlled sentences and were asked to repeat each sentence in its entirety. Performance was analyzed at each of 3 word positions of each sentence (first, second, and third key word).

Results

Whereas the children with normal hearing showed robust effects of contextual facilitation—improved speech perception for the final words in a sentence—the deaf children with CIs on average showed no such facilitation. Regression analyses indicated that for the deaf children with CIs, Forward Digit Span scores significantly predicted accuracy scores for all 3 positions, whereas performance on the Stroop Color and Word Test, Children's Version (Golden, Freshwater, & Golden, 2003) predicted how much contextual facilitation was observed at the final word.

Conclusions

The pattern of results suggests that some deaf children with CIs do not use sentence context to improve spoken word recognition. The inability to use sentence context may be due to possible interactions between language experience and cognitive factors that affect the ability to successfully integrate temporal–sequential information in spoken language.