bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reproducibility of Her2/neu scoring in gastric cancer and assessment of the 10% cut‐off rule
Authors: Behrens Hans‐Michael , Warneke Viktoria S. , Böger Christine , Garbrecht Nele , Jüttner Eva , Klapper Wolfram , Mathiak Micaela , Oschlies Ilske , Rudolph Ursula , Stuhlmann‐Laeisz Christiane , Trick David , Röcken Christoph , Hufnagl Peter
Published: December 2014

The application of Trastuzumab on gastric cancer patients is based on Her2/neu immunostaining. The testing method relies on visual estimation of both membranous staining intensity, and positive tumor ratio with respect to a 10% cutoff. We evaluated the effect of inter‐ and intraobserver variations of both factors on therapeutic decision, especially if the positive tumor ratio hovers around the 10% cutoff. Ten pathologists scored 12 Her2/neu immunohistologically stained whole sections of gastric cancer. Applying the common rules for Her2/neu testing for gastric cancer, they separately noted the strongest identifiable staining intensity and the corresponding positive tumor ratio. Scoring was done repeatedly using the microscope, plain virtual microscopy, and virtual microscopy with a manual outline drawing function. Agreements on the strongest identified staining intensities were moderate. Overall concordance correlation coefficients of positive tumor ratios ranged from 0.55 to 0.81. Reproducibility was not improved by virtual microscopy. Pathologists have a good ability to estimate ratios of clearly demarcated areas, but gradients in staining intensities hinder reproducible visual demarcation of positive tumor areas. When hovering around the 10% positive tumor ratio cutoff there is a risk of misinterpretation of the staining results. This could lead to a denial of Trastuzumab therapy. Assessment of Her2/neu expression should be carried out by experienced pathologists because they can more reproducibly rate membranous staining intensities. The low reproducibility of positive tumor ratio is inherent in the testing method and cannot be improved by virtual microscopy. Therefore, we propose to reconsider the 10% cut‐off limit.
A Brief Discussion About Measuring Child Molester Cognition With the Sex With Children Scale
Authors: Walton Jamie , Duff Simon , Chou Shihning
Published: December 2014

This article reviews the Sex with Children (SWCH) scale and compares its psychometric properties to alternative measures in the field. Examination of the scale indicates that it is one of several instruments which do not proportionally tap into all implicit theory schemas that have been proposed in the literature. This does not help clinicians who aim to target pro‐offending schema since the scale appears to neglect certain types of beliefs that are considered to be important in the investigation of child molester cognition. Similar to many other instruments in the field, the SWCH scale is unlikely to identify offenders who outwardly endorse child abuse items, and its discriminant validity may be better viewed as a capacity to differentiate those who disagree less from those who disagree more. The scale possesses excellent reliability properties compared to other instruments. However, recently reported area under the curve calculations indicate that the scale's predictive power for sexual and violent reconviction is no better than chance. It would be useful to develop the SWCH scale so that it does not under‐represent important types of pro‐offending schema. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

‘One of several instruments which do not proportionally tap into all implicit theory schemas’

Key Practitioner Messages

The SWCH scale has demonstrated excellent reliability properties.

The SWCH subscales represent two sexual schemas indicating that the SWCH scale is one of several measures in which nonsexual schemas are under‐represented.

Mean scores are low for child molesters indicating that respondents do not often endorse child abuse items outright.

It is difficult for clinicians to determine if low endorsement indicates little or no pro‐offending beliefs, post hoc neutralisations or dishonest responding.

‘The SWCH scale has demonstrated excellent reliability properties’
Germacyclobutenes: Generation by 1,1‐Carbalumination or 1,1‐Carbagallation and Their Photophysical Properties
Authors: Uhl Werner , Pelties Stefan , Tannert Jens , Ravoo Bart Jan , Würthwein Ernst‐Ulrich
Published: December 2014

Aluminium‐ and gallium‐functionalised alkenylalkynylgermanes, R12Ge(CCR2)[C{E(CMe3)2}C(H)R2] (E=Al, Ga), exhibit a close contact between the coordinatively unsaturated Al or Ga atoms and the α‐C atoms of the intact ethynyl groups. These interactions activate the GeC(alkynyl) bonds and favour the thermally induced insertion of these C atoms into the EC(vinyl) bonds by means of 1,1‐carbalumination or 1,1‐carbagallation reactions. For the first time the latter method was shown to be a powerful alternative to known metallation processes. Germacyclobutenes with an unsaturated GeC3 heterocycle and endo‐ and exocyclic CC bonds resulted from concomitant GeC bond formation to the β‐C atoms of the alkynyl groups. These heterocyclic compounds show an interesting photoluminescence behaviour with Stokes shifts of >110 nm. The fascinating properties are based on extended π‐delocalisation including σ*‐orbitals localised at Ge and Al. High‐level quantum chemical DFT and TD‐DFT calculations for an Al compound were applied to elucidate their absorption and emission properties. They revealed a biradical excited state with the transfer of a π‐electron into the empty p‐orbital at Al and a pyramidalisation of the metal atom.
Concise Total Syntheses of Amphidinolides C and F
Authors: Valot Gaëlle , Mailhol Damien , Regens Christopher S. , O'Malley Daniel P. , Godineau Edouard , Takikawa Hiroshi , Philipps Petra , Fürstner Alois
Published: December 2014

The marine natural products amphidinolide C (1) and F (4) differ in their side chains but share a common macrolide core with a signature 1,4‐diketone substructure. This particular motif inspired a synthesis plan predicating a late‐stage formation of this non‐consonant (“umpoled”) pattern by a platinum‐catalyzed transannular hydroalkoxylation of a cycloalkyne precursor. This key intermediate was assembled from three building blocks (29, 41 and 47 (or 65)) by Yamaguchi esterification, Stille cross‐coupling and a macrocyclization by ring‐closing alkyne metathesis (RCAM). This approach illustrates the exquisite alkynophilicity of the catalysts chosen for the RCAM and alkyne hydroalkoxylation steps, which activate triple bonds with remarkable ease but left up to five other π‐systems in the respective substrates intact. Interestingly, the inverse chemoselectivity pattern was exploited for the preparation of the tetrahydrofuran building blocks 47 and 65 carrying the different side chains of the two target macrolides. These fragments derive from a common aldehyde precursor 46 formed by an exquisitely alkene‐selective cobalt‐catalyzed oxidative cyclization of the diunsaturated alcohol 44, which left an adjacent acetylene group untouched. The northern sector 29 was prepared by a two‐directional Marshall propargylation strategy, whereas the highly adorned acid subunit 41 derives from D‐glutamic acid by an intramolecular oxa‐Michael addition and a proline‐mediated hydroxyacetone aldol reaction as the key steps; the necessary Me3Sn‐group on the terminus of 41 for use in the Stille coupling was installed via enol triflate 39, which was obtained by selective deprotonation/triflation of the ketone site of the precursor 38 without competing enolization of the ester also present in this particular substrate.
Selective Oxidation of n‐Butanol Using Gold‐Palladium Supported Nanoparticles Under Base‐Free Conditions
Authors: Gandarias Inaki , Miedziak Peter J. , Nowicka Ewa , Douthwaite Mark , Morgan David J. , Hutchings Graham J. , Taylor Stuart H.
Published: December 2014

The base‐free selective catalytic oxidation of n‐butanol by O2 in an aqueous phase has been studied using Au‐Pd bimetallic nanoparticles supported on titania. Au‐Pd/TiO2 catalysts were prepared by different methods: wet impregnation, physical mixing, deposition–precipitation and sol immobilisation. The sol immobilisation technique, which used polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as the stabilizing agent, gave the catalyst with the smallest average particle size and the highest stable activity and selectivity towards butyric acid. Increasing the amount of PVA resulted in a decrease in the size of the nanoparticles. However, it also reduced activity by limiting the accessibility of reactants to the active sites. Heating the catalyst to reflux with water at 90 °C for 1 h was the best method to enhance the surface exposure of the nanoparticles without affecting their size, as determined by TEM, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and CO chemisorption analysis. This catalyst was not only active and selective towards butyric acid but was also stable under the operating conditions.
An increasing citation black hole in ecology and evolution
Authors: Rafferty Anthony R. , Wong Bob B. M. , Chapple David G.
Published: December 2014

Citations published in online supplementary material (OSM) are invisible to search engines used to calculate citation counts, potentially negatively impacting popular performance indices and journal rankings that rely on citation counts for quantification. To quantify the number of citations that are “lost” in OSM, we conducted a systematic survey of supplementary citation practices in four high‐ranking, society‐run journals from two geographical locations (Europe and North America). In 2012, 6% of all citations were only included in the OSM and were therefore not included in citation counts. We found a significant increase in the number of references invisible to citation counting services over the last two decades. A solution to this problem is urgently required and could include journal indexing of citations in OSM or the inclusion of all references in the main text.
Determination of ζ‐potential, charge, and number of organic ligands on the surface of water soluble quantum dots by capillary electrophoresis
Authors: Voráčová Ivona , Klepárník Karel , Lišková Marcela , Foret František
Published: December 2014

The number of charges and/or organic ligands covalently attached to the surface of CdTe quantum dot nanoparticles has been determined from their electrophoretic mobilities measured in capillaries filled with free electrolyte buffers. Three sizes of water soluble CdTe quantum dots with 3‐mercaptopropionic and thioglycolic acids as surface ligands were prepared. Their electrophoretic mobilities in different pH and ionic strength values of separation buffers were measured by capillary electrophoresis with laser induced fluorescence detection. The ζ‐potentials determined from electrophoretic mobilities using analytical solution of Henry function proposed by Ohshima were in the range from −30 to −100 mV. Charges of QDs were calculated from ζ‐potentials. As a result, numbers of organic ligands bonded to QDs surface were determined to be 13, 14, and 15 for the sizes of 3.1, 3.5, and 3.9 nm, respectively. The dissociation constants of organic ligands bonded on QDs surfaces estimated from the dependence of QDs charge on pH of the separation buffer were 7.8 and 7.9 for 3‐mercaptopropionic acid and 6.9 for thioglycolic acid.
Understanding of the annealing temperature impact on ion implanted bifacial n‐type solar cells to reach 20.3% efficiency
Authors: Lanterne Adeline , Le Perchec Jérôme , Gall Samuel , Manuel Sylvain , Coig Marianne , Tauzin Aurélie , Veschetti Yannick
Published: December 2014

Ion implantation has the advantage of being a unidirectional doping technique. Unlike gaseous diffusion, this characteristic highlights strong possibilities to simplify solar cell process flows. The use of ion implantation doping for n‐type PERT bifacial solar cells is a promising process, but mainly if it goes with a unique co‐annealing step to activate both dopants and to grow a SiO2 passivation layer. To develop this process and our SONIA cells, we studied the impact of the annealing temperature and that of the passivation layers on the electrical quality of the implanted B‐emitter and P‐BSF. A high annealing temperature (above 1000 °C) was necessary to fully activate the boron atoms and to anneal the implantation damages. Low J0BSF (BSF contribution to the saturation current density) of 180 fA/cm2 was reached at this high temperature with the best SiO2 passivation layer. An average efficiency of 19.7% was reached using this simplified process flow (“co‐anneal process”) on large area (239 cm2) Cz solar cells. The efficiency was limited by a low FF, probably due to contaminations by metallization pastes. Improved performances were achieved in the case of a “separated anneals” process where the P‐BSF is activated at a lower temperature range. An average efficiency of 20.2% was obtained in this case, with a 20.3% certified cell. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Simple gamete preservation and artificial reproduction of mammals using micro‐insemination techniques
Authors: Kaneko Takehito
Published: December 2014

Assisted reproductive technology (ART) has been applied in various procedures as an effective breeding method in experimental, domestic, and wild animals, and for the treatment of human infertility. Micro‐insemination techniques such as intracytoplasmic injection of spermatozoa and spermatids are now routinely used ART tools. With these techniques, even immotile and immature sperm cells can be employed as donors for producing the next generation. Gamete preservation, another ART tool, has contributed to reproductive regulation, worldwide transportation, and disease protection of animal strains, and the preserved gametes have been effectively used for the production of offspring. ART is now an indispensable tool in mammalian reproduction. This review covers the latest ART tools, with a particular emphasis on micro‐insemination and gamete preservation, and discusses the future direction of mammalian artificial reproductive technology.
Benomyl-resistant Beauveria bassiana (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae) mutants induced by ion beams
Authors: Fitriana Yuyun , Shinohara Shinobu , Satoh Katsuya , Narumi Issay , Saito Tsutomu
Published: December 2014

Fungicides targeted at phytopathogens can be harmful to entomopathogenic fungi. The purpose of this study was to use ion-beam irradiation technology to produce benomyl-resistant mutants of the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana (Bals.-Criv.) Vuill. After irradiation of conidia at 150 Gy, two mutant isolates, BB22 and BB24, were selected on media containing the fungicide. In an assay of vegetative growth, BB22 and BB24 were over 500 and 800 times more tolerant to benomyl, respectively, compared with the wild isolate. However, in an assay of conidial germination, neither mutant had increased tolerance compared with the wild isolate. Both mutant isolates also had increased tolerance to thiophanate-methyl during vegetative growth, but reduced tolerance to diethofencarb. A mutation was found at position 198 of the β-tubulin gene in the mutant isolates, with a substitution of glutamate for alanine (E198A). Ion beams have great potential as a tool to improve the traits of entomopathogenic fungi such as increasing tolerance to fungicides. Fungicide-resistant mutants produced in this way could be useful agents for biological control within IPM programmes where fungicides are also used.
Spatial augmented reality for product appearance design evaluation
Authors: Park Min Ki , Lim Kyu Je , Seo Myoung Kook , Jung Soon Jong , Lee Kwan H.
Published: December 2014

Augmented reality based on projection, called “Spatial Augmented Reality (SAR)”, is a new technology that can produce immersive contents by overlapping virtuality and real-world environment. It has been paid attention as the next generation digital contents in media art and human–computer interaction (HCI). In this paper, we present a new methodology to evaluate the product appearance design more intuitively by means of SAR technique. The proposed method first projects the high-quality rendered image considering the optical property of materials onto the mock-up of a product. We also conduct a projector-camera calibration to compensate a color distortion according to a projector, a projection surface and environment lighting. The design evaluation methodology we propose offers more flexible and intuitive evaluation environment to a designer and user (evaluator) than previous methods that are performed via a digital display. At the end of this research, we have conducted a case study for designing and evaluating appearance design of an automobile.
Phase diagram for the onset of circulating waves and flow reversal in inclined falling films
Authors: Rohlfs Wilko , Scheid Benoit
Published: December 2014

The onset of circulating waves, i.e. waves with a circulating eddy in the main wave hump, and the onset of flow reversal, i.e. a vortex in the first capillary minimum, in inclined falling films is investigated as a function of the Reynolds number and inclination number using the weighted integral boundary layer (WIBL) model and direct numerical simulations (DNS). Analytical criteria for the onset of circulating waves and flow reversal based on the wave celerity, the average film thickness and the maximum and minimum film thickness have been approximated using self-similar parabolic velocity profiles. This approximation has been validated by second-order WIBL and DNS simulations. It is shown that the onset of circulating waves in the phase diagram for homoclinic solutions (waves of infinite wavelength) is strongly dependent on the inclination, but independent of the streamwise viscous dissipation effect. On the contrary, the onset of flow reversal shows a clear dependence on the viscous dissipation. Furthermore, simulation results for limit cycles (finite wavelength) reveal a strong increase of the corresponding critical Reynolds number with the excitation frequency. Additionally, a critical ratio between the maximum and substrate film thickness (value of approximately 2.5) was found for the onset of circulating waves, which is independent of wavelength, inclination, viscous dissipation and Reynolds number.
CHARACTER TABLES OF METACYCLIC GROUPS
Authors: HUMPHRIES STEPHEN P. , SKABELUND DANE C.
Published: December 2014

We show that two metacyclic groups of the following types are isomorphic if they have the same character tables: (i) split metacyclic groups, (ii) the metacyclic p-groups and (iii) the metacyclic {p, q}-groups, where p, q are odd primes.
Minor physical anomalies and craniofacial measures in patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia
Authors: Lin A.-S. , Chang S.-S. , Lin S.-H. , Peng Y.-C. , Hwu H.-G. , Chen W. J.
Published: December 2014

Background

Schizophrenia patients have higher rates of minor physical anomalies (MPAs) than controls, particularly in the craniofacial region; this difference lends support to the neurodevelopmental model of schizophrenia. Whether MPAs are associated with treatment response in schizophrenia remains unknown. The aim of this case–control study was to investigate whether more MPAs and specific quantitative craniofacial features in patients with schizophrenia are associated with operationally defined treatment resistance.

Method

A comprehensive scale, consisting of both qualitatively measured MPAs and quantitative measurements of the head and face, was applied in 108 patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS) and in 104 non-TRS patients. Treatment resistance was determined according to the criteria proposed by Conley & Kelly (2001; Biological Psychiatry 50, 898–911).

Results

Our results revealed that patients with TRS had higher MPA scores in the mouth region than non-TRS patients, and the two groups also differed in four quantitative measurements (facial width, lower facial height, facial height, and length of the philtrum), after controlling for multiple comparisons using the false discovery rate. Among these dysmorphological measurements, three MPA item types (mouth MPA score, facial width, and lower facial height) and earlier disease onset were further demonstrated to have good discriminant validity in distinguishing TRS from non-TRS patients in a multivariable logistic regression analysis, with an area under the curve of 0.84 and a generalizedR2of 0.32.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that certain MPAs and craniofacial features may serve as useful markers for identifying TRS at early stages of the illness.
TEMPERED SPECTRAL TRANSFER IN THE TWISTED ENDOSCOPY OF REAL GROUPS
Authors: Mezo Paul
Published: December 2014

Suppose that$G$is a connected reductive algebraic group defined over$\mathbf{R}$,$G(\mathbf{R})$is its group of real points,${\it\theta}$is an automorphism of$G$, and${\it\omega}$is a quasicharacter of$G(\mathbf{R})$. Kottwitz and Shelstad defined endoscopic data associated to$(G,{\it\theta},{\it\omega})$, and conjectured a matching of orbital integrals between functions on$G(\mathbf{R})$and its endoscopic groups. This matching has been proved by Shelstad, and it yields a dual map on stable distributions. We express the values of this dual map on stable tempered characters as a linear combination of twisted characters, under some additional hypotheses on$G$and${\it\theta}$.
Premyelinated Central Axons Express Neurotoxic NMDA Receptors: Relevance to Early Developing White-Matter Injury
Authors: Huria Tahani , Beeraka Narasimha Murthy , Al-Ghamdi Badrah , Fern Robert
Published: December 2014

Ischemic-type injury to developing white matter is associated with the significant clinical condition cerebral palsy and with the cognitive deficits associated with premature birth. Premyelinated axons are the major cellular component of fetal white matter and loss of axon function underlies the disability, but the cellular mechanisms producing ischemic injury to premyelinated axons have not previously been described. Injury was found to require longer periods of modelled ischemia than at latter developmental points. Ischemia produced initial hyperexcitability in axons followed by loss of function after Na+ and Ca2+ influx. N-methyl-D-aspartate- (NMDA) type glutamate receptor (GluR) agonists potentiated axon injury while antagonists were protective. The NMDA GluR obligatory Nr1 subunit colocalized with markers of small premyelinated axons and expression was found at focal regions of axon injury. Ischemic injury of glial cells present in early developing white matter was NMDA GluR independent. Axons in human postconception week 18 to 23 white matter had a uniform prediameter expansion phenotype and postembedded immuno-gold labelling showed Nr1 subunit expression on the membrane of these axons, demonstrating a shared key neuropathologic feature with the rodent model. Premyelinated central axons therefore express high levels of functional NMDA GluRs that confer sensitivity to ischemic injury.
A molecular toggle after exocytosis sequesters the presynaptic syntaxin1a molecules involved in prior vesicle fusion
Authors: Kavanagh Deirdre M. , Smyth Annya M. , Martin Kirsty J. , Dun Alison , Brown Euan R. , Gordon Sarah , Smillie Karen J. , Chamberlain Luke H. , Wilson Rhodri S. , Yang Lei , Lu Weiping , Cousin Michael A. , Rickman Colin , Duncan Rory R.
Published: December 2014

Neuronal synapses are among the most scrutinized of cellular systems, serving as a model for all membrane trafficking studies. Despite this, synaptic biology has proven difficult to interrogate directly in situ due to the small size and dynamic nature of central synapses and the molecules within them. Here we determine the spatial and temporal interaction status of presynaptic proteins, imaging large cohorts of single molecules inside active synapses. Measuring rapid interaction dynamics during synaptic depolarization identified the small number of syntaxin1a and munc18-1 protein molecules required to support synaptic vesicle exocytosis. After vesicle fusion and subsequent SNARE complex disassembly, a prompt switch in syntaxin1a and munc18-1-binding mode, regulated by charge alteration on the syntaxin1a N-terminal, sequesters monomeric syntaxin1a from other disassembled fusion complex components, preventing ectopic SNARE complex formation, readying the synapse for subsequent rounds of neurotransmission.
A facile fabrication of copper particle-decorated novel graphene flower composites for enhanced detecting of nitrite
Authors: Wang Huiwen , Wang Caiqin , Yang Beibei , Zhai Chunyang , Bin Duan , Zhang Ke , Yang Ping , Du Yukou
Published: December 2014

A novel 3D porous flower-like reduced graphene oxide (f-RGO) was explored as the support material for the Cu particles on glassy carbon electrode (Cu/f-RGO/GCE) for detecting nitrite.
Cathodic electrochemiluminescence of a CdSe/ZnS QDs-modified glassy carbon electrode and its application in sensing of Pb2+
Authors: Wang Li , Luo Di , Qin Dongdong , Shan Duoliang , Lu Xiaoquan
Published: December 2014

We built a QDs-ECL sensor to detect Pb2+. This sensor could be used for determining Pb2+ in preserved eggs.
Non-destructive evaluation of total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) and K-values in fish using colorimetric sensor array
Authors: Huang Xingyi , Lv Riqin , Yao Liya , Guan Chao , Han Fangkai , Teye Ernest
Published: December 2014

For rapid evaluation of fish freshness, a colorimetric sensor array has been developed for the sensitive detection to measure simultaneously TVB-N and K value of fish during its storage period.
A fast and highly sensitive method for the detection of canine distemper virus by the naked eye
Authors: Basso Caroline R. , Tozato Claudia C. , Junior João Pessoa A. , Pedrosa Valber A.
Published: December 2014

An easy, low cost method for the detection of canine distemper virus (CDV) that requires no instrumentation and uses gold nanoparticle-labeled antibodies is presented.
Dynamic nuclear polarization of a glassy matrix prepared by solid state mechanochemical amorphization of crystalline substances
Authors: Elisei E. , Filibian M. , Carretta P. , Colombo Serra S. , Tedoldi F. , Willart J. F. , Descamps M. , Cesàro A.
Published: December 2014

“Solvent-free” co-milling effectively produces an intimate mixture of the solid substrate and the radical species for performing DNP.
Oxygen-participated electrochemistry of new lithium-rich layered oxides Li3MRuO5 (M = Mn, Fe)
Authors: Laha S. , Natarajan S. , Gopalakrishnan J. , Morán E. , Sáez-Puche R. , Alario-Franco M. Á. , Dos Santos-Garcia A. J. , Pérez-Flores J. C. , Kuhn A. , García-Alvarado F.
Published: December 2014

Synthesis, crystal structure and lithium electrochemistry of two new lithium-rich layered oxides, Li3MRuO5 (M = Mn, Fe), are described.
Selective, direct detection of acetylcholine in PBS solution, with self-assembled fluorescent nano-particles: experiment and modelling
Authors: Erieau-Peyrard Lisa , Coiffier Claire , Bordat Patrice , Bégué Didier , Chierici Sabine , Pinet Sandra , Gosse Isabelle , Baraille Isabelle , Brown Ross
Published: December 2014

Self-assembled nano-particles of a new cyclotriveratrylene discriminate acetylcholine from choline in physiological buffer solution.
A high-performance Fe and nitrogen doped catalyst derived from diazoniapentaphene salt and phenolic resin mixture for oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Muthukrishnan Azhagumuthu , Nabae Yuta , Chang Cha Wen , Okajima Takeyoshi , Ohsaka Takeo
Published: December 2014

A high-performance ORR catalyst has been synthesised by pyrolysis of quaternary nitrogen-containing 4a,8a-diazoniapentaphene dibromide (DAP), phenolic resin and FeBr2 mixture.
Trioctylphosphine as self-assembly inducer
Authors: Okram Gunadhor S. , Singh Jaiveer , Kaurav Netram , Lalla Niranjan P.
Published: December 2014

Nickel nanoparticles (NPs) of different shapes and sizes in polydispersed as well as monodispersed forms were synthesized using trioctylphosphine (TOP), triphenylphosphine (TPP), oleylamine (OA) and their combinations as surfactants to study their self-assembly inducing capabilities. Randomly agglomerated polydispersed NPs were found for TPP and OA, and TPP or OA separately. However, in consolidation with the earlier report of Singh et al., J. Mater. Chem. C, 2014, 2, 8918, NPs formed using TOP only and a combination of TOP with OA naturally exhibited monodispersed NPs associated with natural nanolattice formation without any other external force or surfactants, demonstrating clearly the self-inducing capacity of TOP into monodispersed NPs and their self-assembled nanolattices. Fourier-transformed infra-red (FTIR) data clearly indicated the capping of these surfactants along with acetylacetonate ligands from nickel acetylacetonate precursor on the surface of the NPs. Remarkably, the narrowest zeta potential (ζ) base-widths were observed for samples possessing a self-assembled nanolattice, compared to the broader ones for randomly agglomerated particles.
Rapid and scalable assembly of firefly luciferase substrates
Authors: McCutcheon David C. , Porterfield William B. , Prescher Jennifer A.
Published: December 2014

Improved access to luciferins will bolster bioluminescence imaging applications.
Glow discharge electrolysis plasma induced synthesis of cellulose-based ionic hydrogels and their multiple response behaviors
Authors: Zhang Wenming , Sha Zhu , Huang Ying , Bai Yunping , Xi Ning , Zhang Yucang
Published: December 2014

The cellulose-based hydrogel which was prepared through glow discharge electrolysis plasma showed excellent swelling performance and multiple response behaviors.
Heterotrophic nitrification and aerobic denitrification by a novel groundwater origin cold-adapted bacterium at low temperatures
Authors: Qu Dan , Wang Cong , Wang Yanfang , Zhou Rui , Ren Hejun
Published: December 2014

A novel cold-adapted aerobic denitrifyingP. migulaeAN-1 was isolated. Its nitrifying–denitrifying capability was determined. Nitrate removal of the strain was described by Monod kinetics with a non-competitive substrate inhibition and optimized.
Polymer melt flow through nanochannels: from theory and fabrication to application
Authors: Ali Sarmad , Tian Wei , Ali Nisar , Shi Lingxiao , Kong Jie , Ali Nazakat
Published: December 2014

This short review presents the theory, fabrication, and application of polymer melts through nanochannels.
Synergistic cascade catalysis by metal nanoparticles and Lewis acids in hydrogen autotransfer
Authors: Choo Gerald C. Y. , Miyamura Hiroyuki , Kobayashi Shū
Published: December 2014

Synergistic cascade catalysis of Au/Pd nanoparticles/Lewis acids achieved N-alkylation of primary amides to secondary amides with alcohols via hydrogen autotransfer.
Effects of LnF3 on reversible and cyclic hydrogen sorption behaviors in NaBH4: electronic nature of Ln versus crystallographic factors
Authors: Chong Lina , Zou Jianxin , Zeng Xiaoqin , Ding Wenjiang
Published: December 2014

The suitable electronegativity and stable electron configuration of Ln3+, with the unique crystal structure of Ln–B phases contribute to the improvement in reversible hydrogen storage properties of NaBH4–LnF3 composites. The 3NaBH4–GdF3 composite shows the best cycling performance.
Ferroelectric liquid-crystalline semiconductors based on a phenylterthiophene skeleton: effect of the introduction of oligosiloxane moieties and photovoltaic effect
Authors: Funatsu Yusuke , Sonoda Akinari , Funahashi Masahiro
Published: December 2014

Ferroelectric liquid-crystalline phenylterthiophene derivatives bearing a decenyl group, disiloxane chain, and cyclotetrasiloxane ring were synthesized.
Highly sensitive thin film phototransistors based on a copolymer of benzodithiophene and diketopyrrolopyrrole
Authors: Ma Lanchao , Yi Zhengran , Wang Shuai , Liu Yunqi , Zhan Xiaowei
Published: December 2014

Thin film phototransistors based on a D–A copolymer of P(DPP4T-co-BDT) exhibited a photoresponsivity of up to 4.0 × 103 A W−1 and a photocurrent/dark-current ratio of 6.8 × 105 under white light irradiation with a low light intensity (9.7 μW cm−2).
Spectroscopic studies of shell mix in directly driven implosion on SGIII prototype laser facility
Authors: Pu Yudong , Huang Tianxuan , Wei Minxi , Tang Qi , Song Zifeng , Yang Jiamin , Liu Shenye , Jiang Shaoen , Ding Yongkun
Published: December 2014

We study shell mix during implosion using a capsule with a Cl-doped gas-shell interface that is also filled with Ar-doped deuterium gas. The Ar and Cl K-shell emissions are recorded with a flat crystal spectrometer. The He-β complex is analyzed to infer the electron temperature and density in the hotspot. Two regions of different hydrodynamic states are observed: a region of Te ∼ 1.2 ± 0.2 keV and ne ∼ (4 ± 0.5) × 1023 cm−3 and another of Te ∼ 0.6 ± 0.2 keV and ne ∼ (4 ± 0.5) × 1022 cm−3 probed by Ar and Cl ions, respectively. The neutron yield was also recorded and found to have reduced by a factor of ten for the Cl-doped capsule. By attributing the degradation of the neutron yield to the enhanced radiation loss due to the presence of mixed Cl ions and using the conservation of hotspot internal energy, the amount of mixed Cl ions is estimated to be ∼1.4 × 1014, corresponding to a 0.1 μm thickness of the initial shell material and a mixing width of about 16 μm.
Nutrition affects Sertoli cell function but not Sertoli cell numbers in sexually mature male sheep
Authors: Guan Yongjuan , Liang Guanxiang , Hawken Penny A. R. , Meachem Sarah J. , Malecki Irek A. , Ham Seungmin , Stewart Tom , Guan Le Luo , Martin Graeme B.
Published: December 2014

We tested whether the reversible effects of nutrition on spermatogenesis in sexually mature sheep were mediated by Sertoli cells. Rams were fed with diets designed to achieve a 10% increase (High), no change (Maintenance) or a 10% decrease (Low) in body mass after 65 days. At the end of treatment, testes were lighter in the Low than the High group (P < 0.01). The Maintenance group had intermediate values that were not significantly different from those of the other two groups. Spermatogenesis (Johnsen score) was impaired in the Low group, but normal in both other groups. There was no effect of treatment on Sertoli cell numbers, although 1% of Sertoli cells appeared to retain their ability to proliferate. By contrast, Sertoli cell function was affected by dietary treatment, as evidenced by differences between the High and Low groups (P < 0.05) in the expression of seven Sertoli cell-specific genes. Under-nutrition appeared to reverse cellular differentiation leading to disruption of tight-junction morphology. In conclusion, in sexually mature sheep, reversible reductions in testis mass and spermatogenesis caused by under-nutrition were associated with impairment of basic aspects of Sertoli cell function but not with changes in the number of Sertoli cells.
The ring of polynomial functors of prime degree
Authors: Zimmermann Alexander
Published: December 2014

LetZ^p\hat {\mathbb {Z}}_pbe the ring ofpp-adic integers. We prove in the present paper that the category of polynomial functors from finitely generated free abelian groups toZ^p\hat {\mathbb {Z}}_p-modules of degree at mostppis equivalent to the category of modules over a particularly well understood ring, called Green order. This case was conjectured by Yuri Drozd.
Characterizing the Epidemiology of Perioperative Transfusion-associated Circulatory Overload
Authors: Clifford Leanne , Jia Qing , Yadav Hemang , Subramanian Arun , Wilson Gregory A. , Murphy Sean P. , Pathak Jyotishman , Schroeder Darrell R. , Ereth Mark H. , Kor Daryl J.
Published: December 2014

Background:

Transfusion-associated circulatory overload (TACO) is a leading cause of transfusion-related fatalities, but its incidence and associated patient and transfusion characteristics are poorly understood. To inform surgical transfusion practice and to begin mitigating perioperative TACO, the authors aimed to define its epidemiology.

Methods:

In this retrospective cohort study, the medical records of adult patients undergoing noncardiac surgery with general anesthesia during 2004 or 2011 and receiving intraoperative transfusions were screened using an electronic algorithm for identification of TACO. Those patients who were screened as high probability for TACO underwent rigorous manual review. Univariate and multivariate analyses evaluated associations between patient and transfusion characteristics with TACO rates in a before-and-after study design.

Results:

A total of 2,162 and 1,908 patients met study criteria for 2004 and 2011, respectively. The incidence of TACO was 5.5% (119 of 2,162) in 2004 versus 3.0% (57 of 1,908) in 2011 (P < 0.001), with comparable rates for men (4.8% [98 of 2,023]) and women (3.8% [78 of 2,047]) (P = 0.09). Overall, vascular (12.1% [60 of 497]), transplant (8.8% [17 of 193]), and thoracic surgeries (7.2% [10 of 138]) carried the highest TACO rates. Obstetric and gynecologic patients had the lowest rate (1.4% [4 of 295]). The incidence of TACO increased with volume transfused, advancing age, and total intraoperative fluid balance (all P < 0.001).

Conclusions:

The incidence of perioperative TACO is similar to previous estimates in nonsurgical populations. There was a reduction in TACO rate between 2004 and 2011, with incidence patterns remaining comparable in subgroup analyses. Future efforts exploring risk factors for TACO may guide preventive or therapeutic interventions, helping to further mitigate this transfusion complication.
Neocartilage integration in temporomandibular joint discs: physical and enzymatic methods
Authors: Murphy Meghan K. , Arzi Boaz , Prouty Shannon M. , Hu Jerry C. , Athanasiou Kyriacos A.
Published: December 2014

Integration of engineered musculoskeletal tissues with adjacent native tissues presents a significant challenge to the field. Specifically, the avascularity and low cellularity of cartilage elicit the need for additional efforts in improving integration of neocartilage within native cartilage. Self-assembled neocartilage holds significant potential in replacing degenerated cartilage, though its stabilization and integration in native cartilage require further efforts. Physical and enzymatic stabilization methods were investigated in an
in vitro
model for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disc degeneration. First, in phase 1, suture, glue and press-fit constructs were compared in TMJ disc intermediate zone defects. In phase 1, suturing enhanced interfacial shear stiffness and strength immediately; after four weeks, a 15-fold increase in stiffness and a ninefold increase in strength persisted over press-fit. Neither suture nor glue significantly altered neocartilage properties. In phase 2, the effects of the enzymatic stabilization regimen composed of lysyl oxidase, CuSO
4
and hydroxylysine were investigated. A full factorial design was employed, carrying forward the best physical method from phase 1, suturing. Enzymatic stabilization significantly increased interfacial shear stiffness after eight weeks. Combined enzymatic stabilization and suturing led to a fourfold increase in shear stiffness and threefold increase in strength over press-fit. Histological analysis confirmed the presence of a collagen-rich interface. Enzymatic treatment additionally enhanced neocartilage mechanical properties, yielding a tensile modulus over 6 MPa and compressive instantaneous modulus over 1200 kPa at eight weeks. Suturing enhances stabilization of neocartilage, and enzymatic treatment enhances functional properties and integration of neocartilage in the TMJ disc. Methods developed here are applicable to other orthopaedic soft tissues, including knee meniscus and hyaline articular cartilage.
Ablation of insulin-producing cells prevents obesity but not premature mortality caused by a high-sugar diet inDrosophila
Authors: Al Saud Sara Naif , Summerfield Adam C. , Alic Nazif
Published: December 2014

Ageing can be modulated by genetic as well as nutritional interventions. In femaleDrosophila melanogaster, lifespan is maximized at intermediate concentrations of sucrose as the carbohydrate source, and yeast as the protein source. Dampening the signal through the insulin/IGF signalling (IIS) pathway, by genetic ablation of median neurosecretory cells (mNSCs) that produce insulin-like peptides, extends lifespan and counteracts the detrimental effects of excess yeast. However, how IIS reduction impacts health on a high-sugar diet remains unclear. We find that, while the ablation of the mNSCs can extend lifespan and delay the age-related decline in the health of the neuromuscular system irrespective of the amount of dietary sugar, it cannot rescue the lifespan-shortening effects of excess sugar. On the other hand, ablation of mNSCs can prevent adult obesity resulting from excess sugar, and this effect appears independent from the canonical effector of IIS,dfoxo. Our study indicates that while treatments that reduce IIS have anti-ageing effects irrespective of dietary sugar, additional interventions may be required to achieve full benefits in humans, where excessive sugar consumption is a growing problem. At the same time, pathways regulated by IIS may be suitable targets for treatment of obesity.
Macronutrients mediate the functional relationship between
Drosophila
and
Wolbachia
Authors: Ponton Fleur , Wilson Kenneth , Holmes Andrew , Raubenheimer David , Robinson Katie L. , Simpson Stephen J.
Published: December 2014

Wolbachia
are maternally inherited bacterial endosymbionts that naturally infect a diverse array of arthropods. They are primarily known for their manipulation of host reproductive biology, and recently, infections with
Wolbachia
have been proposed as a new strategy for controlling insect vectors and subsequent human-transmissible diseases. Yet,
Wolbachia
abundance has been shown to vary greatly between individuals and the magnitude of the effects of infection on host life-history traits and protection against infection is correlated to within-host
Wolbachia
abundance. It is therefore essential to better understand the factors that modulate
Wolbachia
abundance and effects on host fitness. Nutrition is known to be one of the most important mediators of host–symbiont interactions. Here, we used nutritional geometry to quantify the role of macronutrients on insect–
Wolbachia
relationships in
Drosophila melanogaster
. Our results show fundamental interactions between diet composition, host diet selection,
Wolbachia
abundance and effects on host lifespan and fecundity. The results and methods described here open a new avenue in the study of insect–
Wolbachia
relationships and are of general interest to numerous research disciplines, ranging from nutrition and life-history theory to public health.
Variation inDrosophila melanogastercentral metabolic genes appears driven by natural selection both within and between populations
Authors: Cogni Rodrigo , Kuczynski Kate , Lavington Erik , Koury Spencer , Behrman Emily L. , O'Brien Katherine R. , Schmidt Paul S. , Eanes Walter F.
Published: December 2014

In this report, we examine the hypothesis that the drivers of latitudinal selection observed in the eastern USDrosophila melanogasterpopulations are reiterated within seasons in a temperate orchard population in Pennsylvania, USA. Specifically, we ask whether alleles that are apparently favoured in northern populations are also favoured early in the spring, and decrease in frequency from the spring to autumn with the population expansion. We use SNP data collected for 46 metabolic genes and 128 SNPs representing the central metabolic pathway and examine for the aggregate SNP allele frequencies whether the association of allele change with latitude and that with increasing days of spring–autumn season are reversed. Testing by random permutation, we observe a highly significant negative correlation between these associations that is consistent with this expectation. This correlation is stronger when we confine our analysis to only those alleles that show significant latitudinal changes. This pattern is not caused by association with chromosomal inversions. When data are resampled using SNPs for amino acid change the relationship is not significant but is supported when SNPs associated withcis-expression are only considered. Our results suggest that climate factors driving latitudinal molecular variation in a metabolic pathway are related to those operating on a seasonal level within populations.
The Benefits of Photorespiratory Bypasses: How Can They Work?
Authors: Xin Chang-Peng , Tholen Danny , Devloo Vincent , Zhu Xin-Guang
Published: December 2014

Bypassing the photorespiratory pathway is regarded as a way to increase carbon assimilation and, correspondingly, biomass production in C3 crops. Here, the benefits of three published photorespiratory bypass strategies are systemically explored using a systems-modeling approach. Our analysis shows that full decarboxylation of glycolate during photorespiration would decrease photosynthesis, because a large amount of the released CO2 escapes back to the atmosphere. Furthermore, we show that photosynthesis can be enhanced by lowering the energy demands of photorespiration and by relocating photorespiratory CO2 release into the chloroplasts. The conductance of the chloroplast membranes to CO2 is a key feature determining the benefit of the relocation of photorespiratory CO2 release. Although our results indicate that the benefit of photorespiratory bypasses can be improved by increasing sedoheptulose bisphosphatase activity and/or increasing the flux through the bypass, the effectiveness of such approaches depends on the complex regulation between photorespiration and other metabolic pathways.
The Speed and Efficiency of the Tudor South‐West's Royal Post‐Stage Service
Authors: Cooper Ian
Published: December 2014

This article examines the roads upon which the Tudor government's postal arrangements rested, the methods deployed by central government for sending and receiving official mail nationwide, and the network of exchequer‐funded post‐stages that connected London with the south‐western periphery of the realm during periods of war, rebellion and political turmoil. The article also uses a large number of postal endorsements to measure objectively the speed and efficiency of the Tudor south‐west's royal post‐stage service. In doing so, the study's primary goal is to demonstrate that this mode of government dispatch was more rapid and reliable than the majority of historians, who have relied on anecdotal subjective evidence, recognize.
Urinary Excretion of C5b‐9 is Associated With the Anti‐Angiogenic State in Severe Preeclampsia
Authors: Guseh Stephanie H. , Feinberg Bruce B. , Dawood Hassan Y. , Yamamoto Hidemi S. , Fichorova Raina N. , Burwick Richard M.
Published: December 2014

Problem

Severe preeclampsia has been independently linked to complement dysregulation and angiogenic imbalance; however, the relationship between complement and angiogenic factors in human pregnancy is unclear.

Method of study

Utilizing existing biomarkers, our study sought to better understand this relationship in active disease. We performed a case–control study, enrolling 25 cases with severe preeclampsia, 25 controls with chronic hypertension, and 25 healthy controls without hypertension. Levels of complement components (C3a, C5a, and C5b‐9) and angiogenic markers [basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), placental growth factor (PlGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and soluble fms‐like tyrosine kinase‐1 (sFlt‐1)] were measured simultaneously.

Results

Compared to both hypertensive and non‐hypertensive controls, severe preeclampsia was associated with increased plasma sFlt‐1, decreased plasma VEGF and PlGF, decreased urinary PlGF, and increased urinary C5b‐9. Urinary marker C5b‐9 correlated strongly with the anti‐angiogenic condition. In subjects with detectable urinary excretion of C5b‐9, median plasma levels of sFlt‐1 were significantly greater (32,029 versus 4556 pg/mL, P < 0.0001) and levels of PlGF (15.6 versus 226 pg/mL, P < 0.0001) and VEGF (119 versus 153 pg/mL, P = 0.001) were significantly lower.

Conclusion

More so than plasma complement markers, urinary C5b‐9 may a useful measure to link complement dysregulation with angiogenic imbalance in severe preeclampsia.