bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metal–insulator crossover in multilayered MoS2
Authors: Park Min Ji , Yi Sum-Gyun , Kim Joo Hyung , Yoo Kyung-Hwa
Published: August 2015

Some multilayered MoS2 devices exhibited metal–insulator crossover at finite temperatures.
Influence of alkenyl structures on the epoxidation of unsaturated fatty acid methyl esters and vegetable oils
Authors: Huang Yao-Bing , Yao Meng-Yue , Xin Ping-Ping , Zhou Meng-Chao , Yang Tao , Pan Hui
Published: August 2015

Epoxidation of three fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) were carried out with peroxyacid catalysts to investigate the influences of the alkenyl structure on the epoxidation efficiency and selectivity.
Strain and structure order variation of pure aluminum due to helium irradiation
Authors: Wan Hao , Si Naichao , Chen Kangmin , Wang Quan
Published: August 2015

Mechanisms were proposed to interpret strain changes and phase transformation caused by the ordered crystal structure being broken under He+ irradiation of 1060 pure aluminum.
Preparation and long-term antibacterial activity of TiO2 nanotubes loaded with Ag nanoparticles and Ag ions
Authors: Wei Luyao , Wang Hongfen , Wang Zhiqi , Yu Meiyan , Chen Shougang
Published: August 2015

In this work anatase TiO2 nanotubes were prepared by hydrothermally treating a suspension of anatase TiO2 particles in alkaline solutions without the following calcination process.
Studies of intermolecular interactions in solid dispersions using advanced surface chemical analysis
Authors: Maniruzzaman M. , Snowden Martin J. , Bradely Mike S. , Douroumis D.
Published: August 2015

The aim of this study is to utilise an advanced surface chemical analysis based on X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) to determine and characterise drug/polymer interactions in solid dispersions manufactured via hot melt extrusion (HME).
A family of rare earth complexes with chelating furan biradicals: syntheses, structures and magnetic properties
Authors: Li Xin , Li Ting , Tian Li , Liu Zhong Yi , Wang Xiu Guang
Published: August 2015

Six LnIII–furan-biradical tri-spin complexes have been synthesized, they exhibit interesting magnetic properties. DyIIIcomplex shows frequency-dependent ac magnetic susceptibilities, which suggests the presence of slow magnetic relaxation.
Lamellar Ni/Al-SBA-15 fibers: preparation, characterization, and applications as highly efficient catalysts for amine and imine syntheses
Authors: Ren Ren , Ma Jiantai
Published: August 2015

A novel lamellar Ni/Al-SBA-15 fiber catalyst was prepared and successfully utilized in one-pot syntheses of amines and imines.
A self-assembled nanoparticle platform based on poly(ethylene glycol)–diosgenin conjugates for co-delivery of anticancer drugs
Authors: Li Chunxiao , Dai Lin , Liu Kefeng , Deng Lihong , Pei Tingting , Lei Jiandu
Published: August 2015

We developed a nanoparticle platform based on poly(ethylene glycol)–diosgenin (mPEG–DGN) conjugates for co-delivery of anticancer drug HCPT.
Oxidative and membrane stress-mediated antibacterial activity of WS2and rGO-WS2nanosheets
Authors: Navale Govinda R. , Rout Chandra Sekhar , Gohil Kushal N. , Dharne Mahesh S. , Late Dattatray J. , Shinde Sandip S.
Published: August 2015

We examined the antibacterial activities of nanosheets of the graphene analogue tungsten disulphide (WS2) and a composite of reduced graphene oxide-tungsten disulphide (rGO-WS2).
Efficient inorganic solar cells from aqueous nanocrystals: the impact of composition on carrier dynamics
Authors: Chen Zhaolai , Zeng Qingsen , Liu Fangyuan , Jin Gan , Du Xiaohang , Du Jianglin , Zhang Hao , Yang Bai
Published: August 2015

Efficient inorganic thin-film solar cells are fabricated from aqueous CdTe nanocrystals and a power conversion efficiency of 5.73% is achieved. Annealing-induced variation of material composition and charge dynamics are investigated in detail.
Heterogeneous conversion of CO2 into cyclic carbonates at ambient pressure catalyzed by ionothermal-derived meso-macroporous hierarchical poly(ionic liquid)s
Authors: Wang Xiaochen , Zhou Yu , Guo Zengjing , Chen Guojian , Li Jing , Shi Yuming , Liu Yangqing , Wang Jun
Published: August 2015

Meso-macroporous hierarchical poly(ionic liquid)s are ionothermally synthesized through self-polymerization of the new divinylimidazole IL, exhibiting enhanced CO2 capture and excellent activity in the cycloaddition of CO2 to epoxides.
Endogenous signalling control of cell adhesion by using aptamer functionalized biocompatible hydrogel
Authors: Li Wen , Wang Jiasi , Ren Jinsong , Qu Xiaogang
Published: August 2015

A dynamic hydrogel was fabricated in which the cell adhesion state could be programmed with signaling molecules in a cellular microenvironment.
Why does high pressure destroy co-non-solvency of PNIPAm in aqueous methanol?
Authors: de Oliveira Tiago E. , Netz Paulo A. , Mukherji Debashish , Kremer Kurt
Published: August 2015

When a polymer collapses in a mixture of two competing good solvents, the phenomenon is termed as co-non-solvency that is driven by preferential adsorption of the better cosolvent with the polymer. High pressures, however, significantly reduce this preferential binding and thus destroy co-non-solvency of PNIPAm.
Solution-processed inorganic copper(i) thiocyanate (CuSCN) hole transporting layers for efficient p–i–n perovskite solar cells
Authors: Zhao K. , Munir R. , Yan B. , Yang Y. , Kim T. , Amassian A.
Published: August 2015

CuSCN is a highly transparent, highly stable, low cost and easy to solution process HTL which outperforms PEDOT : PSS in planar heterojunction p–i–n perovskite solar cells by substantially increasing the open circuit voltage.
Metal based gels as versatile precursors to synthesize stiff and integrated MOF/polymer composite membranes
Authors: Su Pengcheng , Li Wanbin , Zhang Congyang , Meng Qin , Shen Chong , Zhang Guoliang
Published: August 2015

Metal based gels used as versatile precursors to synthesize stiff and integrated MOF/polymer composite membranes with a H2/N2 separation factor of 22.7.
Evaluation of AgHAP-containing polyurethane foam dressing for wound healing: synthesis, characterization, in vitro and in vivo studies
Authors: Pyun Do Gi , Yoon Hyoung Soon , Chung Ho Yun , Choi Hyun Jun , Thambi Thavasyappan , Kim Bong Sup , Lee Doo Sung
Published: August 2015

Silver-substituted hydroxyapatite containing polyurethane foams were developed to control wound infection.
N-Heteroheptacenequinone and N-heterononacenequinone: synthesis, physical properties, crystal structures and photoelectrochemical behaviors
Authors: Li Junbo , Miao Jianwei , Long Guankui , Zhang Jing , Li Yongxin , Ganguly Rakesh , Zhao Yang , Liu Yi , Liu Bin , Zhang Qichun
Published: August 2015

The length of linear N-heteroquinones has large effects on their physical properties, crystal packing and photoelectrochemical behaviors.
Heating-up synthesis of cadimum-free and color-tunable quaternary and five-component Cu–In–Zn–S-based semiconductor nanocrystals
Authors: Liu Zhenyang , Tang Aiwei , Wang Miao , Yang Chunhe , Teng Feng
Published: August 2015

A series of Cu–In–Zn–S-based nanocrystals have been synthesized by using a heating-up approach and they exhibit bright luminescence with different colors.
Conformational heterogeneity of the Roc domains in C. tepidum Roc–COR and implications for human LRRK2 Parkinson mutations
Authors: Rudi Katharina , Ho Franz Y. , Gilsbach Bernd K. , Pots Henderikus , Wittinghofer Alfred , Kortholt Arjan , Klare Johann P.
Published: August 2015

Ras of complex proteins (Roc) is a Ras-like GTP-binding domain that always occurs in tandem with the C-terminal of Roc (COR) domain and is found in bacteria, plants and animals. Recently, it has been shown that Roco proteins belong to the family of G-proteins activated by nucleotide (nt)-dependent dimerization (GADs). We investigated the RocCOR tandem from the bacteria Chlorobium tepidum with site-directed spin labelling and pulse EPR distance measurements to follow conformational changes during the Roco G-protein cycle. Our results confirm that the COR domains are a stable dimerization device serving as a scaffold for the Roc domains that, in contrast, are structurally heterogeneous and dynamic entities. Contrary to other GAD proteins, we observed only minor structural alterations upon binding and hydrolysis of GTP, indicating significant mechanistic variations within this protein class. Mutations in the most prominent member of the Roco family of proteins, leucine-rich repeat (LRR) kinase 2 (LRRK2), are the most frequent cause of late-onset Parkinson's disease (PD). Using a stable recombinant LRRK2 Roc-COR-kinase fragment we obtained detailed kinetic data for the G-protein cycle. Our data confirmed that dimerization is essential for efficient GTP hydrolysis and PD mutations in the Roc domain result in decreased GTPase activity. Previous data have shown that these LRRK2 PD-mutations are located in the interface between Roc and COR. Importantly, analogous mutations in the conserved C. tepidum Roc/COR interface significantly influence the structure and nt-induced conformational changes of the Roc domains.
Robust control of an islanded multi‐bus microgrid based on input–output feedback linearisation and sliding mode control
Authors: Rezaei Mohammad Mahdi , Soltani Jafar
Published: August 2015

This study presents a robust control scheme for a multi‐bus islanded microgrid (MG) consisting of a medium‐voltage distribution system and several inverter‐based distributed generation (DG) units. Adopting the master/slave structure in islanded MGs, a robust voltage controller is proposed based on adaptive sliding mode control to force the voltage magnitude and frequency of the master DG unit to track predefined trajectories. In addition, to regulate the output active and reactive powers of slave units, a direct power controller is proposed based on adaptive input–output feedback linearisation. The presented control scheme is performed based on local measurements and is designed independent from topology, parameters, and dynamics of the MG loads. Moreover, to overcome the computational burden associated with the tracking of MG voltage phase and frame transformations, the proposed control scheme is performed in stationary reference frame. The control methods proposed in this study are shown to be very well robust and stable against various disturbances and MG parameters uncertainties. The validity and effectiveness of the proposed control strategy is demonstrated based on time‐domain simulation studies in the MATLAB/SIMULINK environment.
Performance analysis for a chaos‐based code‐division multiple access system in wide‐band channel
Authors: Giurcăneanu Ciprian Doru , Abeywickrama Raneetha Vasundara , Berber Stevan
Published: August 2015

Code‐division multiple access technology is widely used in telecommunications and its performance has been extensively investigated in the past. Theoretical results for the case of wide‐band transmission channel were not available until recently. The novel formulae which have been published in 2014 can have an important impact on the future of wireless multiuser communications, but limitations come from the Gaussian approximations used in their derivation. In this Letter, the authors obtain more accurate expressions of the bit error rate (BER) for the case when the model of the wide‐band channel is two‐ray, with Rayleigh fading. In the authors’ approach, the spreading sequences are assumed to be generated by logistic map given by Chebyshev polynomial function of order two. Their theoretical and experimental results show clearly that the previous results on BER, which rely on the crude Gaussian approximation, are over‐pessimistic.
Iridium-Catalyzed Triborylation of 3-Substituted Indoles
Authors: Eastabrook Andrew S. , Sperry Jonathan
Published: August 2015

Readily available 3-substituted indoles undergo a one-pot iridium-catalyzed triborylation at the C2, C5, and C7 sites. 1H NMR analysis indicates borylation at C2 and C7 occurs first (no monoborylated product is observed), with the third borylation occurring as a separate, distinct step that is sterically directed to C5 by a combination of the substituent at C3 and the boronate at C7. The resulting tetrasubstituted indoles possess a substitution pattern that is cumbersome to prepare using existing methods.
Dimethylsulfoniopropionate in corals and its interrelations with bacterial assemblages in coral surface mucus
Authors: Frade P. R. , Schwaninger V. , Glasl B. , Sintes E. , Hill R. W. , Simó R. , Herndl G. J.
Published: August 2015

Environmental context Corals produce copious amounts of dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP), a sulfur compound implicated in climate regulation. We studied DMSP concentrations inside corals and unveiled the linkage between DMSP availability and the abundance of DMSP-degrading bacterial groups inhabiting the corals’ surface. Our findings suggest that DMSP mediates the interplay between corals and microbes, highlighting the importance of sulfur compounds for microbial processes in corals and for the resilience of coral reef ecosystems. Abstract Corals produce copious amounts of dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP), a sulfur compound thought to play a role in structuring coral-associated bacterial communities. We tested the hypothesis that a linkage exists between DMSP availability in coral tissues and the community dynamics of bacteria in coral surface mucus. We determined DMSP concentrations in three coral species (Meandrina meandrites, Porites astreoides and Siderastrea siderea) at two sampling depths (5 and 25m) and times of day (dawn and noon) at Curaçao, Southern Caribbean. DMSP concentration (4–409nmolcm–2 coral surface) varied with host species-specific traits such as Symbiodinium cell abundance, but not with depth or time of sampling. Exposure of corals to air caused a doubling of their DMSP concentration. The phylogenetic affiliation of mucus-associated bacteria was examined by clone libraries targeting three main subclades of the bacterial DMSP demethylase gene (dmdA). dmdA gene abundance was determined by quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) against a reference housekeeping gene (recA). Overall, a higher availability of DMSP corresponded to a lower relative abundance of the dmdA gene, but this pattern was not uniform across all host species or bacterial dmdA subclades, suggesting the existence of distinct DMSP microbial niches or varying dmdA DMSP affinities. This is the first study quantifying dmdA gene abundance in corals and linking related changes in the community dynamics of DMSP-degrading bacteria to DMSP availability. Our study suggests that DMSP mediates the regulation of microbes by the coral host and highlights the significance of sulfur compounds for microbial processes in coral reefs.
Reproductive pattern and sexual system of the nocturnal seagrass shrimp Ambidexter symmetricus (Decapoda: Caridea: Processidae) in a Florida bay
Authors: Rasch Jennifer A. , Bauer Raymond T.
Published: August 2015

The purpose of the current study was to analyse the reproductive ecology and sexual system in Ambidexter symmetricus (Processidae), a nocturnal seagrass shrimp. This work was conducted in St Joseph Bay, Florida, in May–August 2010 and April–October 2011. The sex ratio in A. symmetricus and the presence of juvenile females supported the hypothesis of a gonochoric sexual system. Breeding in the population occurred seasonally from April until September. Successive spawning of individual females was shown by the presence of late-stage (prespawning) ovaries in females that were brooding late-stage (near hatching) embryos. Female A. symmetricus were generally larger and more abundant than males. Male A. symmetricus with parasites exhibited gigantism. Because of seasonal differences in recruitment and growth, body size varied with time of year, with larger (overwintered) individuals collected in April and May, and smaller more recently recruited individuals more abundant in September and October. The population biology of this species is similar to many other warm-temperate, shallow-water carideans, thus supporting hypotheses about latitudinal variation in breeding and recruitment in marine benthic invertebrates.
A comparison of the physiological responses, behaviour and biotransformation of paralytic shellfish poisoning toxins in a surf-clam (Paphies donacina) and the green-lipped mussel (Perna canaliculus)
Authors: Marsden Islay D. , Contreras Andrea M. , MacKenzie Lincoln , Munro Murray H.G.
Published: August 2015

The accumulation of paralytic shellfish toxins (PSTs) in bivalves is species specific. We compared the physiological responses and the toxin profiles in tissues of the burrowing surf clam, Paphies donacina, and the green-lipped mussel, Perna canaliculus, exposed to the toxic dinoflagellate Alexandrium tamarense. Bivalves were supplied with the toxic algae for 10 days, then allowed a detoxification period of 8 days. Clearance rates of mussels and clams were similar when fed either with toxic A. tamarense or non-toxic A. margalefi. Byssus production in the mussel was inhibited and exhalent siphon activity in clams was erratic following exposure to A. tamarense. There were considerable differences in the toxic profile between the dinoflagellate A. tamarense, and tissues of the mussel and the surf clam, indicating that bioconversion of the PSTs had taken place. Toxin profiles of the tissues were both species and tissue specific. Following an 8-day detoxification period, total PSTs in mussels had fallen to safe concentrations below 50µg per 100g, whereas concentrations in clams remained high, with an average value greater than 600µg STX di-HCL equivalents per 100g. The results confirmed that mussels and clams are important monitoring organisms for toxic algal blooms and can be used to minimise the health risk of PSTs to humans.
Determining optimal sampling strategies for monitoring threatened endemic macro-invertebrates in Australia
Authors: Rossini R. A. , Fensham R. J. , Walter G. H.
Published: August 2015

Conservation concern for imperilled invertebrates grows but action is stalled by data deficiency. Great Artesian Basin springs present a textbook case; they are hotspots for endemic invertebrate diversity, but a persistent struggle to conserve them remains because of a lack of data. Spring research outside Australia suggests that biases created by sampling regimes make compiling and comparing disparate data sources problematic. We compared existing methods and their efficacy for sampling diversity and abundance of spring macro-invertebrates (>1mm) associated with sediment and vegetation within limnocrenic wetlands characteristic of Australian arid-zone artesian springs, with the aim of presenting an optimum sampling strategy. The three methods tested gave similar estimates of richness, but measures of abundance for each taxon were sensitive to method choice. Both richness and abundance were significantly different among springs and areas within each spring. Direct method comparisons such as this ensure consistency and comparability between past and future studies and provide a framework for future monitoring. Species richness can be assessed rapidly and disparate data sources can be combined. However, assessments requiring abundance will need to be sensitive to the biases created by species identity, method and area.
The 'Great Southern Reef': social, ecological and economic value of Australia's neglected kelp forests
Authors: Bennett Scott , Wernberg Thomas , Connell Sean D. , Hobday Alistair J. , Johnson Craig R. , Poloczanska Elvira S.
Published: August 2015

Kelp forests define >8000km of temperate coastline across southern Australia, where ~70% of Australians live, work and recreate. Despite this, public and political awareness of the scale and significance of this marine ecosystem is low, and research investment miniscule (<10%), relative to comparable ecosystems. The absence of an identity for Australia’s temperate reefs as an entity has probably contributed to the current lack of appreciation of this system, which is at odds with its profound ecological, social and economic importance. We define the ‘Great Southern Reef’ (GSR) as Australia’s spatially connected temperate reef system. The GSR covers ~71000km2 and represents a global biodiversity hotspot across at least nine phyla. GSR-related fishing and tourism generates at least AU$10 billion year–1, and in this context the GSR is a significant natural asset for Australia and globally. Maintaining the health and ecological functioning of the GSR is critical to the continued sustainability of human livelihoods and wellbeing derived from it. By recognising the GSR as an entity we seek to boost awareness, and take steps towards negotiating the difficult challenges the GSR faces in a future of unprecedented coastal population growth and global change.
Rice α-fucosidase active against plant complex type N-glycans containing Lewis a epitope: purification and characterization
Authors: Rahman Md Ziaur , Fujishige Makoto , Maeda Megumi , Kimura Yoshinobu
Published: August 2015

Rice α-fucosidase (α-fucosidase Os, 58 kDa) that is active for α1-4 fucosyl linkage in Lewis a unit of plant N-glycans was purified to homogeneity. α-fucosidase Os showed activity against α1-3 fucosyl linkage in Lacto-N-fucopentaose III but not α1-3 fucosyl linkage in the core of plant N-glycans. The N-terminal sequence of α-fucosidase Os was identified as A-A-P-T-P-P-P-L-, and this sequence was found in the amino acid sequence of the putative rice α-fucosidase 1 (Os04g0560400).
Creatine co‐ingestion with carbohydrate or cinnamon extract provides no added benefit to anaerobic performance
Authors: Islam Hashim , Yorgason Nick J. , Hazell Tom J.
Published: August 2015

The insulin response following carbohydrate ingestion enhances creatine transport into muscle. Cinnamon extract is promoted to have insulin‐like effects, therefore this study examined if creatine co‐ingestion with carbohydrates or cinnamon extract improved anaerobic capacity, muscular strength, and muscular endurance. Active young males (n = 25; 23.7 ± 2.5 y) were stratified into 3 groups: (1) creatine only (CRE); (2) creatine+ 70 g carbohydrate (CHO); or (3) creatine+ 500 mg cinnamon extract (CIN), based on anaerobic capacity (peak power·kg−1) and muscular strength at baseline. Three weeks of supplementation consisted of a 5 d loading phase (20 g/d) and a 16 d maintenance phase (5 g/d). Pre‐ and post‐supplementation measures included a 30‐s Wingate and a 30‐s maximal running test (on a self‐propelled treadmill) for anaerobic capacity. Muscular strength was measured as the one‐repetition maximum 1‐RM for chest, back, quadriceps, hamstrings, and leg press. Additional sets of the number of repetitions performed at 60% 1‐RM until fatigue measured muscular endurance. All three groups significantly improved Wingate relative peak power (CRE: 15.4% P = .004; CHO: 14.6% P = .004; CIN: 15.7%, P = .003), and muscular strength for chest (CRE: 6.6% P < .001; CHO: 6.7% P < .001; CIN: 6.4% P < .001), back (CRE: 5.8% P < .001; CHO: 6.4% P < .001; CIN: 8.1% P < .001), and leg press (CRE: 11.7% P = .013; CHO: 10.0% P = .007; CIN: 17.3% P < .001). Only the CRE (10.4%, P = .021) and CIN (15.5%, P < .001) group improved total muscular endurance. No differences existed between groups post‐supplementation. These findings demonstrate that three different methods of creatine ingestion lead to similar changes in anaerobic power, strength, and endurance.
Boundary rigidity with partial data
Authors: Stefanov Plamen , Uhlmann Gunther , Vasy Andras
Published: August 2015

We study the boundary rigidity problem with partial data consisting of determining locally the Riemannian metric of a Riemannian manifold with boundary from the distance function measured at pairs of points near a fixed point on the boundary. We show that one can recover uniquely and in a stable way a conformal factor near a strictly convex point where we have the information. In particular, this implies that we can determine locally the isotropic sound speed of a medium by measuring the travel times of waves joining points close to a convex point on the boundary.

The local results lead to a global lens rigidity uniqueness and stability result assuming that the manifold is foliated by strictly convex hypersurfaces.
Sums of squares and varieties of minimal degree
Authors: Blekherman Grigoriy , Smith Gregory , Velasco Mauricio
Published: August 2015

Let

X
⊆

P

n

X \subseteq \mathbb {P}^n

be a real nondegenerate subvariety such that the set

X
(

R

)

X(\mathbb {R})

of real points is Zariski dense. We prove that every real quadratic form that is nonnegative on

X
(

R

)

X(\mathbb {R})

is a sum of squares of linear forms if and only if

X
X

is a variety of minimal degree. This substantially extends Hilbert’s celebrated characterization of equality between nonnegative forms and sums of squares. We obtain a complete list for the cases of equality and also a classification of the lattice polytopes

Q
Q

for which every nonnegative Laurent polynomial with support contained in

2
Q

2Q

is a sum of squares.
Executive Summary: 2015 Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Native Vertebral Osteomyelitis in Adultsa
Authors: Berbari Elie F. , Kanj Souha S. , Kowalski Todd J. , Darouiche Rabih O. , Widmer Andreas F. , Schmitt Steven K. , Hendershot Edward F. , Holtom Paul D. , Huddleston Paul M. , Petermann Gregory W. , Osmon Douglas R.
Published: August 2015

These guidelines are intended for use by infectious disease specialists, orthopedic surgeons, neurosurgeons, radiologists, and other healthcare professionals who care for patients with native vertebral osteomyelitis (NVO). They include evidence and opinion-based recommendations for the diagnosis and management of patients with NVO treated with antimicrobial therapy, with or without surgical intervention.
The Problem of Income Inequality: Lord Wedderburn on Fat Cats, Corporate Governance and Workers
Authors: Njoya Wanjiru
Published: August 2015

This article evaluates Lord Wedderburn’s scholarship on the role of workers in company law and corporate governance, focusing on Wedderburn’s proposal that worker representatives should be included in the remuneration committees of large corporations as a starting point in tackling the growing disparity between the highest and lowest paid workers in the firm. The article addresses the efficiency implications of worker participation in setting executive pay, highlighting the complementarity between the normative framework of efficiency and Wedderburn’s commitment to social justice. On that premise the article formulates a critique of growing wage disparity by reference to the firm’s decision-making processes: who makes the decisions about pay, what are the key factors taken into account by the decision-makers and what role can be played by worker participation in making pay awards more acceptable?
Toroidal vortices and the conglomeration of dust into rings in protoplanetary discs
Authors: Lorén-Aguilar Pablo , Bate Matthew R.
Published: August 2015

We identify a new hydrodynamical instability in protoplanetary discs that may arise due to variations in the dust-to-gas ratio and may lead to concentration of dust grains within a disc. The instability can arise due to dust settling, which produces a vertical compositional entropy gradient. The entropy gradient drives a baroclinic instability that is capable of creating toroidal gas vortices that gather dust into rings. Such dust rings are potentially observable via continuum emission of the dust or scattered light. Indeed, this instability may offer an explanation for the rings recently observed in the discs around the young stars HL Tau and TW Hya that does not rely on clearing by protoplanets. The instability may also have wider ramifications, potentially aiding dust agglomeration, altering the radial migration of larger planetesimals, and modifying angular momentum transport within a disc.
Compliance with reporting guidelines by Australian pathologists: an audit of the quality of histopathology reporting in high-grade glioma
Authors: White Alison , Fabian Vicki , McDonald Kerrie , Nowak Anna K.
Published: August 2015

Background

Diagnostic pathology reports inform management plans for patients with glioma, and there is an increasing clinical need for molecular testing. We assessed the quality of histopathology reports of grade III/IV gliomas.

Methods

Reports were obtained as part of a tumor biobank. From 720 pathology reports, 594 eligible reports were assessed for 28 elements derived from published checklists. A summary quality score incorporated 9 critical parameters for clinical decision making: diagnosis using World Health Organization 2007 criteria; cell type; grade; narrative supporting cell type and grade; absence of equivocal language; conclusion reporting cell type and grade; and conclusion aligned with report narrative.

Results

Of 594 eligible reports, the final conclusion was not supported by the report narrative in 122 (21%). Tumor classification and grade were not supported by the narrative in 105 (18%) and 36 (6%) reports, respectively. Only 145 (24%) reports fulfilled all 9 quality criteria, while 25% contained 6 or fewer key quality indices. Report quality was higher when pathologists had neuropathology subspecialization, when a grade IV tumor was reported, and when the specimen was from an initial resection or grade-progressed tumor rather than recurrent high-grade glioma. Use of molecular testing increased over time, from 29% to 48% over four quartiles of the study. Molecular testing was more frequently done where oligodendroglial elements were reported.

Conclusion

A significant proportion of reports failed to meet key indicators of report quality. Pathology reporting is critical in communicating between pathologists and treating clinicians. Clinicians should be aware of reporting quality and seek clarification when required.
Genetic Resistance to Malaria Is Associated With Greater Enhancement of Immunoglobulin (Ig)M Than IgG Responses to a Broad Array of Plasmodium falciparum Antigens
Authors: Arama Charles , Skinner Jeff , Doumtabe Didier , Portugal Silvia , Tran Tuan M. , Jain Aarti , Traore Boubacar , Doumbo Ogobara K. , Davies David Huw , Troye-Blomberg Marita , Dolo Amagana , Felgner Philip L. , Crompton Peter D.
Published: August 2015

Background.  People of the Fulani ethnic group are more resistant to malaria compared with genetically distinct ethnic groups, such as the Dogon people, in West Africa, and studies suggest that this resistance is mediated by enhanced antibody responses to Plasmodium falciparum antigens. However, prior studies measured antibody responses to <0.1% of P falciparum proteins, so whether the Fulani mount an enhanced and broadly reactive immunoglobulin (Ig)M and IgG response to P falciparum remains unknown. In general, little is known about the extent to which host genetics influence the overall antigen specificity of IgM and IgG responses to natural infections.

Methods.  In a cross-sectional study in Mali, we collected plasma from asymptomatic, age-matched Fulani (n = 24) and Dogon (n = 22) adults with or without concurrent P falciparum infection. We probed plasma against a protein microarray containing 1087 P falciparum antigens and compared IgM and IgG profiles by ethnicity.

Results.  We found that the breadth and magnitude of P falciparum-specific IgM and IgG responses were significantly higher in the malaria-resistant Fulani versus the malaria-susceptible Dogon, and, unexpectedly, P falciparum-specific IgM responses more strongly distinguished the 2 ethnic groups.

Conclusions.  These findings point to an underappreciated role for IgM in protection from malaria, and they suggest that host genetics may influence the antigen specificity of IgM and IgG responses to infection.
A Prospective Controlled Trial of an Electronic Hand Hygiene Reminder System
Authors: Ellison Richard T. , Barysauskas Constance M. , Rundensteiner Elke A. , Wang Di , Barton Bruce
Published: August 2015

Background.  The use of electronic hand hygiene reminder systems has been proposed as an approach to improve hand hygiene compliance among healthcare workers, although information on efficacy is limited. We prospectively assessed whether hand hygiene activities among healthcare workers could be increased using an electronic hand hygiene monitoring and reminder system.

Methods.  A prospective controlled clinical trial was conducted in 2 medical intensive care units (ICUs) at an academic medical center with comparable patient populations, healthcare staff, and physical layout. Hand hygiene activity was monitored concurrently in both ICUs, and the reminder system was installed in the test ICU. The reminder system was tested during 3 administered phases including: room entry/exit chimes, display of real-time hand hygiene activity, and a combination of the 2.

Results.  In the test ICU, the mean number of hand hygiene events increased from 1538 per day at baseline to 1911 per day (24% increase) with the use of a combination of room entry/exit chimes, real-time displays of hand hygiene activity, and manager reports (P < .001); in addition, the ratio of hand hygiene to room entry/exit events also increased from 26.1% to 36.6% (40% increase, P < .001). The performance returned to baseline (1473 hand hygiene events per day) during the follow-up phase. There was no significant change in hand hygiene activity in the control ICU during the course of the trial.

Conclusions.  In an ICU setting, an electronic hand hygiene reminder system that provided real-time feedback on overall unit-wide hand hygiene performance significantly increased hand hygiene activity.
Designing and Interpreting Limiting Dilution Assays: General Principles and Applications to the Latent Reservoir for Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1
Authors: Rosenbloom Daniel I. S. , Elliott Oliver , Hill Alison L. , Henrich Timothy J. , Siliciano Janet M. , Siliciano Robert F.
Published: August 2015

Limiting dilution assays are widely used in infectious disease research. These assays are crucial for current human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 cure research in particular. In this study, we offer new tools to help investigators design and analyze dilution assays based on their specific research needs. Limiting dilution assays are commonly used to measure the extent of infection, and in the context of HIV they represent an essential tool for studying latency and potential curative strategies. Yet standard assay designs may not discern whether an intervention reduces an already miniscule latent infection. This review addresses challenges arising in this setting and in the general use of dilution assays. We illustrate the major statistical method for estimating frequency of infectious units from assay results, and we offer an online tool for computing this estimate. We recommend a procedure for customizing assay design to achieve desired sensitivity and precision goals, subject to experimental constraints. We consider experiments in which no viral outgrowth is observed and explain how using alternatives to viral outgrowth may make measurement of HIV latency more efficient. Finally, we discuss how biological complications, such as probabilistic growth of small infections, alter interpretations of experimental results.
Integrating Antiretroviral Strategies for Human Immunodeficiency Virus Prevention: Post- and Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis and Early Treatment
Authors: Grant Robert M. , Smith Dawn K.
Published: August 2015

Best practices for integrating human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing and antiretroviral interventions for prevention and treatment are suggested based on research evidence and existing normative guidance. The goal is to provide high-impact prevention services during periods of substantial risk. Antiretroviral medications are recommended for postexposure prophylaxis (PEP), pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), and treatment of HIV infection. We reviewed research evidence and current normative guidelines to identify best practices for integrating these high-impact prevention strategies. More sensitive HIV tests used for screening enable earlier diagnosis and treatment of HIV infection, more appropriate counseling, and help limit drug resistance. A fully suppressive PEP regimen should be initiated based on exposure history or physical findings when sensitive diagnostic testing is delayed or not available and antibody tests are negative. Transitions from PEP to PrEP are often warranted because HIV exposure events may continue to occur. This algorithmic approach to integrating PEP, PrEP, and early treatment decisions may increase the uptake of these interventions by a greater number and diversity of knowledgeable healthcare providers.
Prophage-Encoded Peroxidase in ‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus’ Is a Secreted Effector That Suppresses Plant Defenses
Authors: Jain Mukesh , Fleites Laura A. , Gabriel Dean W.
Published: August 2015

‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus’ is transmitted by psyllids and causes huanglongbing (HLB), a lethal disease of citrus. Most pathogenic ‘Ca. L. asiaticus’ strains carry two nearly identical prophages similar to SC1 and SC2 in strain UF506. SC2 was observed to replicate as a moderately high-copy excision plasmid encoding a reactive oxygen species–scavenging peroxidase (SC2_gp095), a predicted lysogenic conversion factor. SC2_gp095 was expressed at significantly higher levels in periwinkle than in citrus and was suppressed in psyllids. SC2_gp095 was cloned in a shuttle vector and transformed into Escherichia coli and Liberibacter crescens, a culturable proxy for ‘Ca. L. asiaticus’. Transformed L. crescens cells showed 20 to 25% enhanced resistance to H2O2 on agar plates, 47% greater enzymatic activity, and enhanced growth in liquid cultures. A nonclassical secretion potential was predicted for SC2_gp095 and secretion from L. crescens was confirmed by enzymatic and Western blot analyses. Transient expression of SC2_gp095 in planta resulted in strong transcriptional downregulation of RbohB, the key gatekeeper of the H2O2-mediated defense signaling in plants, helping explain the surprisingly long incubation period (years) before HLB symptoms appear in ‘Ca. L. asiaticus’–infected citrus. ‘Ca. L. asiaticus’ peroxidase is likely a secreted, horizontally acquired effector that suppresses host symptom development, a tactic used by most biotrophic plant pathogens.
Identification and Enumeration of Small-Spored Alternaria Species Associated with Potato in the U.S. Northwest
Authors: Tymon Lydia S. , Peever Tobin L. , Johnson Dennis A.
Published: August 2015

A number of Alternaria spp. have been isolated from potato worldwide but only Alternaria solani and A. alternata have been described as pathogenic to this host in the United States. These taxa are easily differentiated based on conidial morphology but species delimitation among the small-spored Alternaria spp. associated with potato are much more challenging. Accurate identification methods for small-spored Alternaria spp. are necessary so that a more thorough understanding of Alternaria epidemiology can be obtained. Isolations of Alternaria fungi from lesions on potato leaves collected in the U.S. Northwest were made between 2008 and 2011. Large-spored taxa (putatively A. solani), were isolated less frequently than small-spored taxa (putatively A. alternata sensu lato), except in 2010. Colletotrichum coccodes was isolated from necrotic lesions in 2008 to 2010 but not in 2011. Frequency of isolation ranged from 0.05 (5%) to 0.11 (11%) during the 3 years the fungus was detected. Anonymous genomic region OPA1-3, previously used for Alternaria systematics, allowed for the discrimination of phylogenetic lineages among 210 small-spored isolates. When OPA1-3 was restricted using enzyme ApaI, 65 isolates (31%) displayed a restriction banding pattern consistent with previously characterized morphospecies A. alternata and A. tenuissima and 145 (69%) displayed a restriction banding pattern consistent with the previously characterized morphospecies A. arborescens. Morphological characterization of a subsample of 59 small-spored Alternaria isolates randomly selected with each restriction pattern was compared with phylogenetic lineage. In all, 54 (92%) isolates were consistently assigned to the same group by both methods. Three isolates exhibited conidial morphologies that were inconsistent with any described morphospecies. A small number of isolates were identified as A. arbusti (infectoria group) via sequencing of the glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate-dehydrogenase locus and BLAST searches.
Phase Ib placebo-controlled, tissue biomarker trial of diindolylmethane (BR-DIMNG) in patients with prostate cancer who are undergoing prostatectomy
Authors: Gee Jason R. , Saltzstein Daniel R. , Messing Edward , Kim KyungMann , Kolesar Jill , Huang Wei , Havighurst Thomas C. , Harris Linda , Wollmer Barbara W. , Jarrard David , House Margaret , Parnes Howard , Bailey Howard H.
Published: August 2015

Epidemiologic, preclinical, and early phase I studies of the cruciferous vegetable bioactive metabolite, 3,3′-diindolylmethane (DIM), support its potential prostate cancer chemopreventive ability. We performed a multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of DIM in patients diagnosed with prostate cancer and scheduled for radical prostatectomy. A total of 45 patients with organ-confined prostate cancer were randomized to 21–28 days of an absorption-enhanced formulation of DIM (BR-DIMNG) at doses of 100 or 200 mg per os twice daily or to placebo twice daily. Prostate tissue levels of DIM were the primary endpoint, with selected secondary biomarker endpoints including blood levels of DIM, total prostate-specific antigen, testosterone, and the insulin-like growth factor-1: insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 ratio and the urinary 2-hydroxyestrone/16-hydroxyestrone ratio, obtained at baseline, at day 15, and before surgery, as well as tissue expression of androgen receptor, prostate-specific antigen, Ki67, caspase 3 with cytochrome p450 mRNA expression and genotyping (polymorphisms). DIM was well tolerated with excellent study compliance and relatively rapid accrual of all 45 patients within 1 year. DIM levels were detected in only seven of 28 prostate tissue specimens. There was a statistically significant difference in the change in the urinary 2-hydroxyestrone/16-hydroxyestrone ratio from baseline until before surgery between the placebo and 400 mg DIM groups, with otherwise statistically nonsignificant changes in plasma biomarker expression. The administration of BR-DIMNG to prostate cancer patients before prostatectomy yields detectable plasma levels but without consistent or significant tissue accumulation or biomarker modulation. This study demonstrates the feasibility of biologic evaluation of relatively nontoxic preventive agents in the preprostatectomy setting with the potential for rapid accrual.
Ganoderma: insights into anticancer effects
Authors: Kladar Nebojša V. , Gavarić Neda S. , Božin Biljana N.
Published: August 2015

The genus Ganoderma includes about 80 species growing on cut or rotten trees. The most commonly used species is Ganoderma ludicum. Biomolecules responsible for the health benefits of Ganoderma are polysaccharides with an immunostimulative effect and triterpenes with a cytotoxic action. For more than 2000 years, it has been used traditionally in the treatment of various pathological conditions and recently, its immunoregulatory, antiviral, antibacterial, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, and anticancer potential has been confirmed. A wide range of Ganoderma extracts and preparations arrest the cell cycle in different phases and consequently inhibit the growth of various types of cancer cells. Extracts containing polysaccharides stimulate immunological reactions through the production of various cytokines and mobilization of immune system cells. In-vivo studies have confirmed the anticancer potential and the antimetastatic effects of compounds originating from Ganoderma. There is also evidence for the chemopreventive action of Ganoderma extracts in bladder, prostate, liver, and breast cancer. The results of clinical studies suggest the combined use of G. lucidum with conventional chemotherapy/radiotherapy, but the methodology and the results of these studies are being questioned. Therefore, a constant need for new clinical trials exists.
The unique effects of general and specific support in health care technology
Authors: Perrigino Matthew B. , Dunford Benjamin B.
Published: August 2015

Background:

The principle of compatibility suggests that specific attitudes should target specific behaviors. The attitude–behavior relationship is contingent upon the consistency between the two.

Purpose:

This aim of this study was to examine the strength of relationships involving general versus specific support perceptions and attitudes regarding smart pump technology in hospitals. Specifically, we hypothesized that organizational support perceptions would be more strongly related to general positive work attitudes than it would to smart pump satisfaction. We also hypothesized that smart pump-specific support would be more strongly related to smart pump satisfaction than it would to general positive work attitudes.

Methodology:

Data were collected in a cross-sectional field study via online surveys at two large, public hospital systems in the Midwestern United States, one in Iowa (n = 311 nurses) and one in Wisconsin (n = 346 nurses). Because nurses in one system had more experience with smart pump technology than nurses in the other system, analyses were run separately to compare results across the two sites.

Findings:

Consistent with the principle of compatibility, hierarchical regression revealed across both sites that smart pump support had a stronger relationship with smart pump satisfaction whereas general organizational support perceptions had a stronger relationship with general positive work attitudes. In addition, moderation effects were present in one sample where high levels of the noncompatible support (e.g., smart pump-specific support on positive workplace attitudes) buffered low levels of compatible support.

Practice Implications:

Our findings highlight the contextual importance of support in regard to the growing technological transformations that health care systems currently experience. When specific forms of support are provided for specific technologies, end-users will generally respond more favorably compared to when general support is the only available resource.