bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non‐classical polarization of cations increases the stability of clay aggregates: specific ion effects on the stability of aggregates
Authors: Xu C.‐Y. , Li H. , Hu F.‐N. , Li S. , Liu X.‐M. , Li Y.
Published: April 2015

The stability
of soil aggregates is closely connected with particle interaction determined by the combination of the van der Waals attractive force and electric repulsive force according to Derjaguin–Landau–Verwey–Overbeek (DVLO) theory. Recently, hydration force and dispersion force were put forward to explain the different behaviours of cations or anions of the same valence at the ion–surface interface, namely the specific ion effect, where the application of classical DLVO theory had failed. Here, we employed two cation species, potassium and sodium (K+ and Na+), to discover how the specific ion effect would influence clay aggregate stability. The stability of K+– and Na+–montmorillonite aggregates was determined under different electrolyte concentrations, indicated by the mass percentages of particles with diameters of < 10, < 5 and < 2 µm released after aggregate breakdown. There were large differences in the stability of the K+‐ and Na+‐ aggregates, and strong specific ion effects were shown. These effects could not be explained by the differences in ionic size, hydration and ion–surface dispersion forces between K+ and Na+. We have proved that the difference in polarization between the K+ and Na+ at the charged clay surface was responsible for the specific ion effects. The difference in polarization observed between the adsorbed K+ and Na+ was hundreds to thousands of times larger than classical values; these results were also verified independently with different methods. The strong non‐classical polarization of the adsorbed cation decreased the electric field and the electrostatic repulsion between adjacent particles in the aggregates, and thus strongly increased the aggregate stability.
“A journey around the world”: Parent narratives of the journey to pediatric resective epilepsy surgery and beyond
Authors: Baca Christine B. , Pieters Huibrie C. , Iwaki Tomoko J. , Mathern Gary W. , Vickrey Barbara G.
Published: April 2015

Objective

Although shorter time to pediatric resective epilepsy surgery is strongly associated with greater disease severity, other nonclinical diagnostic and sociodemographic factors also play a role. We aimed to examine parent‐reported barriers to timely receipt of pediatric epilepsy surgery.

Methods

We conducted 37 interviews of parents of children who previously had resective epilepsy surgery at University of California Los Angeles (UCLA; 2006–2011). Interviews were audio‐recorded, transcribed, and systematically coded using thematic analysis by two independent coders, and subsequently checked for agreement. Clinical data, including “time to surgery” (age of epilepsy onset to surgery) were abstracted from medical records.

Results

The mean time to surgery was 5.3 years (standard deviation [SD] 3.8); surgery types included 32% hemispherectomy, 43% lobar/focal, and 24% multilobar. At surgery, parents were on average 38.4 years (SD 6.6) and children were on average 8.2 years (SD 4.7). The more arduous and longer aspect of the journey to surgery was perceived by parents to be experienced prior to presurgical referral. The time from second antiepileptic drug failure to presurgical referral was ≥1 year in 64% of children. Thematic analysis revealed four themes (with subthemes) along the journey to surgery and beyond: (1) recognition—“something is wrong” (unfamiliarity with epilepsy, identification of medical emergency); (2) searching and finding—“a circuitous journey” (information seeking, finding the right doctors, multiple medications, insurance obstacles, parental stress); (3) surgery is a viable option—“the right spot” (surgery as last resort, surgery as best option, hoping for candidacy); and (4) life now—“we took the steps we needed to” (a new life, giving back).

Significance

Multipronged interventions targeting parent‐, provider‐, and system‐based barriers should focus on the critical presurgical referral period; such interventions are needed to remediate delays and improve access to subspecialty care for children with medically refractory epilepsy and potentially eligible for surgery.
Human brain proteins showing neuron‐specific interactions with γ‐secretase
Authors: Inoue Mitsuhiro , Hur Ji‐Yeun , Kihara Takahiro , Teranishi Yasuhiro , Yamamoto Natsuko G. , Ishikawa Taizo , Wiehager Birgitta , Winblad Bengt , Tjernberg Lars O. , Schedin‐Weiss Sophia
Published: April 2015

The transmembrane protease complex γ‐secretase is a key enzyme in Alzheimer disease pathogenesis as it liberates the neurotoxic amyloid β‐peptide (Aβ); however, the mechanism of regulation of its activity in various cell types and subcellular compartments is largely unknown. Several γ‐secretase inhibitors have been developed, but none have been released due to side‐effects that appear to arise from reduced processing of Notch, one of many γ‐secretase substrates. Hence, it is desirable to specifically inhibit Aβ production. In our previous studies, we have identified several γ‐secretase‐associated proteins (GSAPs) from brain, which affect Aβ production without having any major effects on Notch processing. In the present study using detergent‐resistant membranes prepared from brain, we have identified four GSAPs that affect Aβ production to a greater extent than Notch processing. We evaluated the interaction between GSAPs and γ‐secretase in various cell types and their mRNA expression in various human organs. Using an in situ proximity ligation assay, we demonstrated that many GSAPs showed considerably greater interaction with γ‐secretase in neurons than in human embryonic kidney cells stably over‐expressing APP, and showed that several GSAPs are highly expressed in human brain. This study underscores the importance of studying protein‐protein interactions in relevant cell types, and suggests that reducing Aβ production by interfering with brain‐ or neuron‐specific γ‐secretase/GSAP interactions may reduce the risk of unwanted side‐effects associated with treatment of Alzheimer disease.
Regional Inequality and Internal Conflict
Authors: Lessmann Christian
Published: April 2015

This paper studies the influence of regional inequality within countries on internal conflicts. Regional inequalities are measured by the population-weighted coefficient of variation of regional GDP per capita. As the main innovation, I use a panel dataset of country-level regional inequalities, which covers 56 countries (835 subnational regions) between 1980 and 2009. I also consider a broader cross section dataset for the year 2005, which covers 110 countries (1569 subnational regions). Conflict is measured by the incidence of civil war (UCDP/PRIO data) and a risk measure of internal conflict (war, terrorism and riots) provided by the PRS Group’s International Country Risk Guide. Logit estimations are employed as well as OLS fixed effects panel regressions. I find that regional inequalities increase the risk of internal conflict.
Evaluation of red bean protein [Vigna angularis] isolate on rheological properties of pork myofibrillar protein gels induced by microbial transglutaminase
Authors: Jang Ho S. , Lee Hong C. , Chin Koo B.
Published: April 2015

The effects of 1% red bean protein isolate (RBPI) on the gel properties of myofibrillar protein (MP) in various levels of microbial transglutaminase (MTG: 0%, 0.1%, 0.5%, & 1%) were evaluated. The cooking yield (CY) of the MP gels decreased with increasing MTG level, while the addition of RBPI improved the CY of the MP gels. Gel strength (GS) was also improved when RBPI was incorporated into the MP gels containing higher than 0.5% of MTG. The addition of MTG and RBPI was slightly changed the endothermic peak temperatures. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that the three‐dimensional structure of MP with RBPI alone or in combined with MTG was compacted as compared to the control. Based on the results, RBPI could be functioned as a substrate for MTG (0.5–1.0%) and a water binder of meat protein gel mediated by MTG.
Classification of physical activity intensities using a wrist‐worn accelerometer in 8–12‐year‐old children
Authors: Chandler J. L. , Brazendale K. , Beets M. W. , Mealing B. A.
Published: April 2015

Background

Population‐specific accelerometer cut‐points are required to accurately determine the accumulation of physical activity of various intensities.

Objectives

A calibration study was conducted (i) to determine the cut‐points for theActiGraph GT3X+, non‐dominant, wrist‐mounted accelerometer in children aged 8–12 years and (ii) to compare classification accuracies among the accelerometer's three axes and vector magnitude (VM) values.

Methods

Forty‐five children aged 8–12 years performed up to seven activities while wearing accelerometers on their non‐dominant wrist. Activities were performed in a summer day camp setting, represented free‐living activities, and lasted for 10 min with minutes 5–8.5 used for analysis. Direct observation and percentage of heart rate reserve were used to determine activity intensity.

Results

Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) analyses resulted in area under the curve values of all three axes andVMranging 0.82–0.89, 0.80–0.83, 0.62–0.67 and 0.86–0.89 for light, moderate, vigorous and moderate‐to‐vigorous activity intensities. Additionally, regression analyses resulted in prediction equations withR2values ranging from 0.70 to 0.77.

Conclusion

Results found comparable activity intensity classification accuracies from theActiGraph GT3X+wrist‐worn accelerometer to previously published studies. Based onROCand regression analyses, activity intensities can be distilled from this accelerometer using axis 1, axis 2 orVMvalues with similar classification accuracy.
Highly Porous Geopolymers Through Templating and Surface Interactions
Authors: Glad Brayden E. , Kriven Waltraud M.
Published: April 2015

The natural porosity of geopolymers and the simplicity of geopolymer synthesis make them a potential candidate for the formation of highly porous ceramics. Here, the synthesis of highly porous (≈70 vol% or more) metakaolin geopolymer is demonstrated using a novel emulsion preparation with one‐pot curing and hydrophobization of the interior pores with alkylalkoxysilanes. Using mercury intrusion porosimetry, tailoring of the characteristic percolation pore size is demonstrated over a range of ≈200 nm to 10 μm. Using powder X‐ray diffraction, reactivity was shown to be decreased versus typical geopolymers, but substantial geopolymerization still occurred and the samples formed cohesive monoliths. Optional calcination under inert conditions allowed for formation of a glassy ceramic with a notable SiC phase, as well as further increasing the porosity by removing the hydrophobic pore coatings.
Porous YbB6 Ceramics Prepared by In Situ Reaction between Yb2O3 and B4C Combined with Partial Sintering
Authors: Wang Xiao‐Fei , Xiang Hui‐Min , Sun Xin , Liu Jia‐Chen , Hou Feng , Zhou Yan‐Chun
Published: April 2015

Porous YbB6 ceramic, a member of the ultrahigh‐temperature (UHT) family, is successfully prepared from Yb2O3 and B4C powders by in situ synthesis combined with partial sintering method. Due to the fact that pores can be produced using the gases such as B2O3 and CO generated in reaction between Yb2O3 and B4C, phase‐pure porous YbB6 ceramics are obtained after sintering the Yb2O3/B4C green bodies at 1750°C for 2 h in a flowing argon atmosphere under ambient pressure without addition of pore‐forming agent. Using this new and simple method, the porosity and volume shrinkage of porous YbB6 ceramics are controllable by changing the green density. The prepared porous YbB6 ceramic has homogeneous pore structure with very narrow pore diameter distribution. Furthermore, the porous YbB6 possesses high compressive strength of ~21.34 MPa when the porosity is ~58.7% and the density is ~2.27 g/cm3. The combination of these favorable properties renders porous YbB6 ceramic being a light‐weight structural and functional component for UHT applications.
Does the quality of life construct as illustrated in quantitative measurement tools reflect the perspective of people with dementia?
Authors: O'Rourke Hannah M. , Fraser Kimberly D. , Duggleby Wendy
Published: April 2015

Aims

A discussion of the extent to which people with dementia's perspectives on quality of life have been included in quantitative research.

Background

Capturing the perspective of people with dementia may improve understanding of their quality of life. Quantitative tools to assess quality of life exist, but the extent to which these reflect the perspective of people with dementia has not been evaluated.

Design

A discussion paper.

Data sources

Ten tools (designed between 1992–2012) to measure quality of life from the perspective of people with dementia were located from existing reviews.

Discussion

Each tool was rated according to the extent to which the developers included the perspectives of people with dementia at three different points of quality of life conceptualization: during quality of life assessment, to identify quality of life domains and to define an overall conceptual framework. This analysis demonstrates that tool developers were inconsistent in their approach to including the perspectives of people with dementia to understand quality of life. The perspective of people with dementia was included primarily to assess, but not to select domains or define overall quality of life.

Implications for nursing

Nurses should consider not only who assesses quality of life, but also whose understanding of quality of life is being assessed.

Conclusion

It is unclear whether the quantitative quality of life literature reflects the perspective of people with dementia. Debate is needed regarding the impact of this issue on the lives of people with dementia.
A case study exploring the experience of graduate entry nursing students when learning in practice
Authors: Stacey Gemma , Pollock Kristian , Crawford Paul
Published: April 2015

Aim

To explore how Graduate Entry Nursing students present and position themselves in practice in response to anti‐intellectualist stereotypes and assessment structures.

Background

A complex background turbulence exists in nurse education which incorporates both pro‐ and anti‐intellectualist positions. This represents a potentially challenging learning environment for students who are recruited onto pre‐registration programmes designed to attract graduates into the nursing profession on the basis of the specific attributes they bring known as ‘graduateness’.

Design

A longitudinal qualitative case study conducted over 2 years.

Methods

Data were collected from eight Graduate Entry Nursing students at 6 monthly points between 2009–2011 via diaries, clinical assessment documentation and interviews. Forty interviews took place over 2 years. Additionally, three focus groups involving 12 practice assessors were conducted at the end of the study period. Data were analysed through a social constructivist lens and compared with a set of suppositions informed by existing empirical and theoretical debates.

Findings

Demonstrated the interplay of performance strategies adopted by Graduate Entry Nursing students to challenge or pre‐empt actual or perceived negative stereotypes held by established practitioners to gain acceptance, reduce threat and be judged as appropriately competent.

Conclusion

Students interpreted and responded to, perceived stereotypes of nursing practice they encountered in ways which facilitated the most advantageous outcome for themselves as individuals. The data present the creative and self‐affirming strategies which students adopted in response to the expectations generated by these stereotypes. They also depict how such strategies commonly involved suppression of the attributes associated with ‘graduateness’.
Living Alone with Alzheimer's Disease and the Risk of Adverse Outcomes: Results from the Plan de Soin et d'Aide dans la maladie d'Alzheimer Study
Authors: Soto Maria , Andrieu Sandrine , Gares Valérie , Cesari Matteo , Gillette‐Guyonnet Sophie , Cantet Christelle , Vellas Bruno , Nourhashémi Fati
Published: April 2015

Objectives

To examine whether living alone predicted hospitalizations, nursing home admission, weight loss, and death in individuals with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease (AD) over 2 years of follow‐up.

Design

Data are from the Plan de Soin et d'Aide dans la maladie d'Alzheimer study, a 24‐month trial with a cluster randomization of memory clinics in two arms: a multidomain intervention and usual care.

Setting

Memory clinics in France (N = 50).

Participants

Community‐dwelling individuals with AD with a Mini‐Mental State Examination score between 12 and 26 and an identified caregiver.

Measurements

A neurogeriatric evaluation was conducted twice a year in the intervention group and annually in the control group. Hospitalizations, nursing home admission, weight loss, and death occurring during the past year were recorded. Information on sociodemographic characteristics, clinical conditions, therapy, and physical and cognitive status was recorded.

Results

At inclusion, 348 (30.8%) of the 1,131 participants lived alone. Living alone did not increase the risk of mortality or weight loss in individuals with mild to moderate AD, but significant associations with risk of hospitalization (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.33, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.01–1.74) and institutionalization (HR = 2.53, 95% CI = 1.84–3.47) were reported. A protective effect of physical function on institutionalization and mortality was found.

Conclusion

These results might support clinicians in making decisions about institutionalization of individuals with AD living alone or improving home health care, such as increasing screening and managing functional impairment in this complex population.
Transition from milks to the introduction of solid foods across the first 2 years of life: findings from an Australian birth cohort study
Authors: Amezdroz E. , Carpenter L. , O'Callaghan E. , Johnson S. , Waters E.
Published: April 2015

Background

The current literature regarding the transition from milks to solid foods across the first 2 years of life is limited despite the important influence of early dietary intake on children's growth and development. The present study describes dietary intake from birth to 2 years across four developmental relevant time‐points within an Australian birth cohort.

Methods

Dietary data from 466 infants was collected at four time‐points in the first 2 years of life via parent‐reported questionnaire, including a 45‐item food and beverage frequency questionnaire. Subsample analyses of children who were aged 1–3, 6–8, 12–14 and 18–20 months at the time of data collection were conducted.

Results

Infant formula remained consistently consumed by over 75% of children from the 6–8‐ to 18–20 months old age groups. Mean (SD) age of introduction to solid foods was 5.2 (1.3) months. Almost 20% and 10% of children were introduced before 16 and after 32 weeks, respectively. The highest consumption of core foods, recommended for a healthy diet, daily was seen in the 12–14 months old age group with lower proportions in the 18–20 months old age group coinciding with an increased proportion of children eating discretionary choice foods, not recommended for a healthy diet. Discretionary choice foods/beverages presented in children's diets as early as in the 6–8 months old age group. By 18–20 months, at least 20% of children were consuming savoury biscuits, sweet biscuits, muesli bars and luncheon meats at least twice a week.

Conclusions

The present study identified a number of findings outside the recommendations of the Australian Dietary and Infant Feeding Guidelines. Further work is warranted to explore these outcomes.
How individuals with dementia in nursing homes maintain their dignity through life storytelling – a case study
Authors: Heggestad Anne Kari Tolo , Slettebø Åshild
Published: April 2015

Aims and objectives

The aim of this article was to present and discuss findings on what individuals with dementia do by themselves to maintain or promote their dignity of identity when they live in a nursing home.

Background

The majority of residents living in Norwegian nursing homes suffer from dementia. Individuals who suffer from dementia are particularly vulnerable, and their dignity of identity is at risk. It is therefore of great importance to explore how we can maintain their dignity of identity.

Design

The study builds on a phenomenological and hermeneutic design.

Methods

The article reports three cases or life stories based on participant observation in two different nursing homes and interviews with five residents with dementia living in these nursing homes. Fifteen residents with dementia from these nursing home wards were included in the overall study.

Results

Individuals with dementia living in nursing homes may use life storytelling or narratives to manage chaos and to find safety in their lives. Storytelling is also used as a way to present and maintain identity. We can see this as a way of maintaining dignity of identity or social dignity.

Conclusion

Life storytelling can be seen as an important way of preserving dignity for people with dementia. It is of great importance that health care professionals are open to and listen to the life stories people with dementia tell.

Relevance to clinical practice

As nurses we have an obligation to ensure that dignity is enhanced in care for people with dementia. Knowledge about how residents with dementia use life storytelling as a way to maintain dignity is therefore of great importance to health care workers in nursing homes.
Seafood inclusion in commercial main meal early years' food products
Authors: Carstairs Sharon A. , Marais Debbi , Craig Leone C. A. , Kiezebrink Kirsty
Published: April 2015

Seafood consumption is recommended as part of a healthy, balanced diet. Under‐exposure to seafood during early years feeding, when taste and food acceptance is developed, may impact on the future development of a varied diet. This study aimed to investigate the availability and nutritional content of seafood in commercial infant meals compared to the other food types. A survey was conducted of all commercial infant main meal products available for purchase in supermarkets, high street retailers and online stores within the United Kingdom. The primary food type (seafood, poultry, meat and vegetables) within each product, nutritional composition per 100 g, and ingredient contribution were assessed. Of the original 341 main meal products seafood (n = 13; 3.8%) was underrepresented compared to poultry (103; 30.2%), meat (121; 35.5%) and vegetables (104; 30.5%). The number of the seafood meals increased three years later (n = 20; 6.3%) vegetable meals remained the largest contributor to the market (115; 36.4%) with meat (99; 31.3%) and poultry (82; 26.0%) both contributing slightly less than previously. Seafood‐based meals provided significantly higher energy (83.0 kcal), protein (4.6 g), and total fat (3.2 g) than vegetable (68 kcal, 2.7 g, 1.9 g), meat (66 kcal, 3.0 g, 2.1 g) and poultry‐based meals (66 kcal, 3.0 g, 2.1 g) and higher saturated fat (1.3 g) than poultry (0.4 g) and vegetable‐based (0.6 g) meals (all per 100 g) which may be attributed to additional dairy ingredients. Parents who predominantly use commercial products to wean their infant may face challenges in sourcing a range of seafood products to enable the introduction of this food into the diet of their infant.
What childhood obesity prevention programmes work? A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Wang Y. , Cai L. , Wu Y. , Wilson R. F. , Weston C. , Fawole O. , Bleich S. N. , Cheskin L. J. , Showell N. N. , Lau B. D. , Chiu D. T. , Zhang A. , Segal J.
Published: April 2015

Previous reviews of childhood obesity prevention have focused largely on schools and findings have been inconsistent. Funded by the US Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) and the National Institutes of Health, we systematically evaluated the effectiveness of childhood obesity prevention programmes conducted in high‐income countries and implemented in various settings. We searched MEDLINE®, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL®, ClinicalTrials.gov and the Cochrane Library from inception through 22 April 2013 for relevant studies, including randomized controlled trials, quasi‐experimental studies and natural experiments, targeting diet, physical activity or both, and conducted in children aged 2–18 in high‐income countries. Two reviewers independently abstracted the data. The strength of evidence (SOE) supporting interventions was graded for each study setting (e.g. home, school). Meta‐analyses were performed on studies judged sufficiently similar and appropriate to pool using random effect models. This paper reported our findings on various adiposity‐related outcomes. We identified 147 articles (139 intervention studies) of which 115 studies were primarily school based, although other settings could have been involved. Most were conducted in the United States and within the past decade. SOE was high for physical activity‐only interventions delivered in schools with home involvement or combined diet–physical activity interventions delivered in schools with both home and community components. SOE was moderate for school‐based interventions targeting either diet or physical activity, combined interventions delivered in schools with home or community components or combined interventions delivered in the community with a school component. SOE was low for combined interventions in childcare or home settings. Evidence was insufficient for other interventions. In conclusion, at least moderately strong evidence supports the effectiveness of school‐based interventions for preventing childhood obesity. More research is needed to evaluate programmes in other settings or of other design types, especially environmental, policy and consumer health informatics‐oriented interventions.
Immunomodulatory pathways regulate expression of a spliced FKBP51 isoform in lymphocytes of melanoma patients
Authors: Romano Simona , D'Angelillo Anna , Staibano Stefania , Simeone Ester , D'Arrigo Paolo , Ascierto Paolo Antonio , Scalvenzi Massimiliano , Mascolo Massimo , Ilardi Gennaro , Merolla Francesco , Jovarauskaite Egle , Romano Maria Fiammetta
Published: April 2015

FKBP51 (gene FKBP5) is an immunophilin capable of immunosuppression expressed in melanoma and lymphocytes. We found increased levels of a spliced FKBP5 variant in the PBMCs of 124 patients with melanoma. This variant encodes for an unknown isoform (FKBP51s). We hypothesized that FKBP51s resulted from tumour interaction with immune cells, through PDL‐1/PD‐1. To address this issue, we performed melanoma/PBMC cocultures. Furthermore, the immunohistochemistry of 76 melanoma specimens served to investigate whether FKBP51s stained tumour infiltrating lymphocytes. Our results showed that PBMCs expressed FKBP51s when cocultured with melanoma. Tumour PDL‐1 knockdown or anti‐PD‐1 reduced FKBP51s expression in cocultured PBMCs. IHC showed a strong FKBP51s signal in tumour infiltrating lymphocytes, and lymphocytes of the invasion front of the tumour, along with melanoma PDL‐1 expression. When overexpressed in melanoma, FKBP51s facilitated PDL‐1 expression on the cell surface. In conclusion, our study shows that FKBP51s marks the PBMCs of patients with melanoma and is exploited by the tumour to immunomodulate through PDL‐1.
N‐β‐alanyldopamine metabolism, locomotor activity and sleep in Drosophila melanogaster ebony and tan mutants
Authors: Rossi Fabiana A. , Bochicchio Pablo A. , Quesada‐Allué Luis A. , Pérez Martín M.
Published: April 2015

Drosophila melanogaster Meigen mutants for N‐β‐alanyldopamine (NBAD) metabolism have altered levels of NBAD, dopamine and other neurotransmitters. The ebony1 mutant strain has very low levels of NBAD and higher levels of dopamine, whereas the opposite situation is observed in the tan1 mutant. Dopamine is implicated in the control of movement, memory and arousal, as well as in the regulation of sleep and wakefulness in D. melanogaster. N‐β‐alanyldopamine, which is best known as a cuticle cross‐linking agent, is also present in nervous tissue and has been proposed to promote locomotor activity in this fly. The daily locomotor activity and the sleep patterns of ebony1 and tan1 mutants are analyzed, and are compared with wild‐type flies. The tan1 mutant shows reduced locomotor activity, whereas ebony1 shows higher levels of activity than wild‐type flies, suggesting that NBAD does not promote locomotor activity. Both mutants spend less time asleep than wild‐type flies during night‐time; ebony shows more consolidated activity during night‐time and increased sleep latency, whereas tan is unable to consolidate locomotor activity and sleep in either phase of the day. The daily level of NBAD‐synthase activity is measured in vitro using wild‐type and tan1 protein extracts, and the lowest NBAD synthesis is observed at the time of higher locomotor activity. The abnormalities in several parameters of the waking/sleep cycle indicate some dysfunction in the processes that regulates these behaviours in both mutants.
Hybrid Membrane of Agarose and Lanthanide Coordination Polymer: a Selective and Sensitive Fe3+ Sensor
Authors: Zheng Kai , Lou Kai‐Li , Zeng Cheng‐Hui , Li Sha‐Sha , Nie Zhi‐Wen , Zhong Shengliang
Published: April 2015

A new hybrid membrane was prepared by a facile method based on a highly luminescent lanthanide coordination polymer and agarose. The soft membrane was characterized by FT‐IR, PXRD, SEM and luminescence. It is found that the soft membrane is a highly selective and sensitive sensor, among 19 metal ion solutions of Fe3+, Mg2+, Li+, Ca2+, Zn2+, Cu2+, Ba2+, Mn2+, Ru3+, Cr3+, Ag+, Sr2+, Cd2+, Na+, Ni2+, Pb2+, Fe2+, Hg2+ and Ca2+, only Fe3+ quench the luminescence. The sensing results can be distinguished by the naked eye in daylight or by irradiation of a portable UV light at the scene. Mechanism studies reveal the sensing is due to the decomposition of the coordination polymer 1 which induced by slow permeation of Fe3+. Further studies found anions of , , , Br−, Cl−, , , I−, and will not quench the luminescence of the hybrid membrane, which imply that other anions in water would not disturb the detection result.
Sweating treatment enhances citrus fruit disease resistance by inducing the accumulation of amino acids and salicylic acid‐induced resistance pathway
Authors: Yun Ze , Zhu Feng , Liu Ping , Zeng Yunliu , Xu Juan , Cheng Yunjiang , Deng Xiuxin
Published: April 2015

To clarify the mechanism of fruit disease resistance activated by sweating treatment, ‘Guoqing NO.1’ Satsuma mandarin (Citrus unshiu Marc.) fruits were treated by sweating, which is a traditional prestorage treatment in China. Subsequently, we performed inoculation and physiological characterization, two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis (2‐DE) proteomics analysis and metabonomics analysis based on gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) and high‐performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization‐time of flight‐mass spectrometry (HPLC‐qTOF‐MS). The results showed that sweating treatment significantly inhibited pathogen infection without negatively affecting the fruit commercial quality. In addition, sweating treatment rapidly promoted the accumulation of amino acids (such as proline and serine). Meanwhile, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and salicylic acid (SA) were significantly accumulated in the sweating‐treated fruit. Thereafter, some stress‐response proteins and metabolites [such as ascorbate peroxidase (APX), β‐1,3‐glucanase, vanillic acid and rutin] which can be induced by SA were also significantly increased in the sweating‐treated fruit. Taken together, the disease resistance induced by sweating treatment might be attributed to: (1) the induction of the accumulation of amino acids; and (2) the accumulation of SA and subsequent activation of SA‐induced resistance pathway, which can induce the stress‐response proteins and metabolites that can directly inhibit pathogen development.
Productivity and Firms’ Sales Destination: Chinese Characteristics
Authors: Bao Qun , Huang Jiuli , Wang Yanling
Published: April 2015

In the trade literature, it is often assumed that there is little or no trade cost within a country's borders, but large trade costs across a country's borders. Thus, productive firms self‐select into exporters and the less productive firms can only serve domestic consumers. This paper presents a similar but different case in China, whose domestic markets are segmented by provincial borders mainly owing to the various (hidden) protective measures favoring local firms. These discriminative measures are de facto trade barriers. It applies the heterogeneous trade theory to examine the effects of firms’ productivity on their sales choices in both the international and domestic markets, in the presence of intra‐national and international trade costs. We find that productive firms not only self‐select into exporters, but also into sales in other provincial markets. This pattern is sensitive to firms’ locations and ownerships. For foreign direct investment (FDI)‐controlled firms, increases in productivity are associated with a higher probability of selling into other provincial markets, rather than into international ones. Productivity increases for firms operating in the inland area exhibit different patterns than those in the Eastern area.
TRANSPARENT TESTA 13 is a tonoplast P3A‐ATPase required for vacuolar deposition of proanthocyanidins in Arabidopsis thaliana seeds
Authors: Appelhagen Ingo , Nordholt Niclas , Seidel Thorsten , Spelt Kees , Koes Ronald , Quattrochio Francesca , Sagasser Martin , Weisshaar Bernd
Published: April 2015

Intracellular pH homeostasis is essential for all living cells. In plants, pH is usually maintained by three structurally distinct and differentially localized types of proton pump: P‐type H+‐ATPases in the plasma membrane, and multimeric vacuolar‐type H+‐ATPases (V‐ATPases) and vacuolar H+‐pyrophosphatases (H+‐PPases) in endomembranes. Here, we show that reduced accumulation of proanthocyanidins (PAs) and hence the diminished brown seed coloration found in the Arabidopsis thaliana mutant transparent testa 13 (tt13) is caused by disruption of the gene encoding the P3A‐ATPase AHA10. Identification of the gene encoded by the tt13 locus completes the molecular characterization of the classical set of transparent testa mutants. Cells of the tt13 seed coat endothelium do not contain PA‐filled central vacuoles as observed in the wild‐type. tt13 phenocopies tt12, a mutant that is defective in vacuolar import of the PA precursor epicatechin. Our data show that vacuolar loading with PA precursors depends on TT13. Consistent with the tt13 phenotype, but in contrast to other isoforms of P‐type H+‐ATPases, TT13 localizes to the tonoplast. PA accumulation in tt13 is partially restored by expression of the tonoplast localized H+‐PPase VHP1. Our findings indicate that the P3A‐ATPase TT13 functions as a proton pump in the tonoplast of seed coat endothelium cells, and generates the driving force for TT12‐mediated transport of PA precursors to the vacuole.
HSP33 in eukaryotes – an evolutionary tale of a chaperone adapted to photosynthetic organisms
Authors: Segal Na'ama , Shapira Michal
Published: April 2015

HSP33 was originally identified in bacteria as a redox‐sensitive chaperone that protects unfolded proteins from aggregation. Here, we describe a eukaryote ortholog of HSP33 from the green algae Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, which appears to play a protective role under light‐induced oxidizing conditions. The algal HSP33 exhibits chaperone activity, as shown by citrate synthase aggregation assays. Studies from the Jakob laboratory established that activation of the bacterial HSP33 upon its oxidation initiates by the release of pre‐bound Zn from the well conserved Zn‐binding motif Cys–X–Cys–Xn–Cys–X–X–Cys, and is followed by significant structural changes (Reichmann et al., ). Unlike the bacterial protein, the HSP33 from C. reinhardtii had lost the first cysteine residue of its center, diminishing Zn‐binding activity under all conditions. As a result, the algal protein can be easily activated by minor structural changes in response to oxidation and/or excess heat. An attempt to restore the missing first cysteine did not have a major effect on Zn‐binding and on the mode of activation. Replacement of all remaining cysteines abolished completely any residual Zn binding, although the chaperone activation was maintained. A phylogenetic analysis of the algal HSP33 showed that it clusters with the cyanobacterial protein, in line with its biochemical localization to the chloroplast. Indeed, expression of the algal HSP33 increases in response to light‐induced oxidative stress, which is experienced routinely by photosynthetic organisms. Despite the fact that no ortholog could be found in higher eukaryotes, its abundance in all algal species examined could have a biotechnological relevance.
Monthly blood transfusions decrease after four months of azacitidine
Authors: Tseng E. , Prica A. , Zhang L. , Mittmann N. , Seung S. J. , Callum J. , Kim T. , Wells R. A. , Buckstein R.
Published: April 2015

Background and Objectives

Azacitidine (AZA) improves overall survival and transfusion independence in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). We aimed to quantify the reduction in red blood cell (RBC) transfusions and to determine when this reduction occurs, in MDS patients treated with AZA.

Materials and Methods

We performed a retrospective audit of changes in RBC transfusion burden in 51 patients with predominantly higher risk MDS (26·5% high risk, 51·0% intermediate‐2) who received AZA. Transfusion requirements were audited 6 months prior to and up to 18 months after therapy initiation, and data were analysed using a generalized linear mixed model.

Results

At baseline, 30 patients (58·8%) were transfusion dependent (TD). Seventeen patients (56·7%) achieved transfusion independence (TI) by 18 months, and 8 of these patients (47·1%) achieved this response by 4 months on therapy. Achievement of TI was not consistently durable in these 17 patients, as 11 patients reverted to TD while on therapy. Meanwhile, 6 of 21 patients who were TI at baseline became TD on therapy. The monthly average of RBC units transfused decreased significantly beginning at 4 months, with a reduction from 2·50 units per month at baseline to 1·00 units per month at month 4. This 60% reduction was significant (P = 0·002) and sustained beyond 12 months.

Conclusion

These results bolster the notion that AZA significantly reduces transfusion burden and resource utilization and illustrate the limitations of the current WHO erythroid response criteria which do not account for differing durability and fluctuations of response.
A review of the history of the ISBT
Authors: Heier H. E.
Published: April 2015

The history of the ISBT since its foundation in 1937 may be divided into four phases: (i) Formation and development (1935–1985), (ii) Years of crisis (1985–2000), (iii) Reformation (2000–2010), (iv) A professional organization (2010–present). While the ISBT was initially founded to organize congresses, today it stands forth as a global, diversified and respected scientific organization in the field of transfusion, also having an educational branch and governing international reference functions. During the last 25 years, women have taken a more prominent role in the organization. The challenge for the future is for ISBT to be the Society of first choice for professionals in the field of transfusion medicine and cellular therapies.
Awareness and practice of blood donation by college students in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Elsafi S. H. , Al Zahrani M. J. , Al Zahrani E. M.
Published: April 2015

Background and Objectives

Studies on the awareness and misconceptions of and the motivation towards blood donation by college students will help in the recruitment and retention of young donors, who are the best blood source. Such studies on female college students are lacking, especially in Saudi Arabia. This study includes both male and female college students in an attempt to identify barriers to donation.

Methods

A stratified random sample of 444 college students from Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, was offered a questionnaire on the awareness and practice of blood donation, in February 2014. The results were analysed and statistically tested.

Results

Our respondents demonstrated good general knowledge about blood donation. Females had better knowledge than males. More than 80% of the students demonstrated a positive attitude which is also higher in females than males. Only 12·2% of the total had donated previously with males dominating. There was a poor rate of donor retention.

Conclusion

Awareness and motivation of the study group towards blood donation was good compared to many other studies worldwide. However, there is a failure to transfer this into actual blood donation. Lack of information and misconceptions, represented mainly by different fears, were the main donation barriers. The poor rate of female donation, compared to other countries, was due to the lack of accommodation facilities at the donation area, social factors and fears. Removal of donation barriers to improve donor recruitment and retention is discussed.
Reducing the risk of HIV transmission through blood transfusion in the National Blood Center, Myanmar
Authors: Aung T. , Nozaki I. , Nwe Oo N. , Kyu Swe K. , Wada K. , Yoshihara N.
Published: April 2015

Background and Objectives

Prevention of HIV transmission through blood transfusion is fundamental in both blood safety and HIV prevention. The aim of this study was to outline the measures taken by the National Blood Center, Myanmar to reduce the risk of HIV transmission.

Materials and Methods

We collected data from blood transfusion services at the National Blood Center during 2000‐2013 retrospectively, including data on the voluntary and replacement donor numbers and the HIV‐positivity rate identified in the blood screening.

Results

The HIV screening‐positive donor proportion was remarkably reduced from 1.02% in 2000 to 0.18% in 2013, accompanied by an increase of voluntary donors along with other interventions such as donor deferral, computerized registration, and component preparation.

Conclusions

Implementing the WHO‐recommended ordinary interventions could substantially reduce the risk of HIV transmission.
Cover crops and mulches influence weed management and weed flora composition in strip‐tilled tomato (Solanum lycopersicum)
Authors: Campiglia E , Radicetti E , Mancinelli R
Published: April 2015

This study was conducted in the Mediterranean environment of Central Italy from 2011 to 2013 with the aim of evaluating the effects of winter cover crops and their residues on weed composition in a cover crop‐tomato sequence. Treatments consisted of five soil managements (three cover crop species ‐ hairy vetch, phacelia, white mustard, winter fallow mulched with barley straw before tomato transplanting and conventionally tilled soil), two nitrogen fertilisation levels (0 and 100 kg N ha−1) and two weed management levels (weed free and weedy) on tomato. Cover crop residues were arranged in strips on the soil surface and then used as beds for transplanting the tomato seedlings in paired rows. Rotary hoeing was performed in the bare strips between paired tomato rows. At tomato harvesting, the weed aboveground biomass and density was higher in nitrogen‐fertilised tomato than unfertilised tomato, except in hairy vetch and barley straw that showed similar values. Hairy vetch used as a cover crop and dead mulch was the most suppressive species with the highest production of residues, while phacelia and mustard were not suitable for controlling weeds. The tomato yield was high in nitrogen fertilised and weed‐free treatments, except in barley straw mulch, which showed similar values among the weed management treatments. The mulch strips caused variations in weed species composition that was mainly composed of perennial ruderal weeds, while in tilled soil, the weed flora was dominated by annual photoblastic weeds.
Preview Horizon Analysis for Vehicle Rollover Prevention Using the Zero-Moment Point
Authors: Stankiewicz Paul G. , Brown Alexander A. , Brennan Sean N.
Published: April 2015

This research estimates the minimum preview time needed to prevent untripped wheel lift events by analyzing simple maneuvers that are idealizations of a human driver's response in collision avoidance situations. To predict a vehicle's future rollover propensity, the zero-moment point (ZMP) metric is applied to projected vehicle trajectories. Comparing different amounts of preview, the results show that short-range predictions, ranging from 0.1 s to 0.7 s, are sufficient to prevent nearly all dynamics-induced rollovers in typical highway curves. These results are useful to determine the minimum preview horizons, with respect to rollover, that may be necessary for more advanced vehicle control methods, such as model predictive control (MPC).
Technical Ceramic Fabrication Processes
Authors: Fisher E. A.
Published: April 2015

This paper reviews the fabrication of technical ceramic components. The basic functions of the various steps in the fabrication process are outlined, including materials preparation, forming, sintering, and final machining. The advantages and limitations of various forming methods are discussed, as is the application of quality control and non-destructive evaluation. Since the use of ceramic components for high temperature gas turbine engines is a promising development, this paper provides an overview of fabrication processes which may come into widespread use for manufacturing such components.
Some Principles of Brittle Material Design
Authors: Dukes W. H.
Published: April 2015

This paper presents the basic principles which must be followed in designing structures to utilize completely brittle materials to carry tensile loads or stresses in an efficient and reliable manner. Brittleness introduces a need for highly refined stress analysis methods. Brittleness also requires the statistical treatment of material strength because of sensitivity to microscopic flaws which are distributed statistically in size and shape. It proves, in fact, to be impractical to do this and still achieve the extremely low probabilities of failure expected of a primary structure. The use of statistical methods to describe the material strength properties should also be extended to the statistical treatment of loads applied to the component, because it is the overall probability of failure of the component which is significant. These methods must also be extended to cover such effects as nonuniform stress distributions, stress gradient and fatigue, and methods for doing this are suggested. Finally, the use of statistical methods raises problems in the verification of a design since the successful test of a small number of components is not likely to include material at the lower extremes of the strength distribution curve. The use of the proof test permits this problem to be circumvented by comparing component destruction test results with expected failure loads based on the actual material strength in each individual component.
Borescope Photographic Techniques Developed for Marine Gas Turbine Engines
Authors: Ridler W.
Published: April 2015

This paper discusses photographic techniques developed for marine gas turbine engines. Of primary importance in borescope analysis and photography of marine gas turbines is the selection of the best equipment for the job. It is important that the user know his equipment and its range and limitations. There is no precedent for sacrificing light intensity, limited field of vision, or optical clarity. Once a borescope system has been selected, there are many other variables which must be considered in order to obtain high quality, clear and representative photographs.