bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tal2 expression is induced by all-trans retinoic acid in P19 cells prior to acquisition of neural fate
Authors: Kobayashi Takanobu , Komori Rie , Ishida Kiyoshi , Kino Katsuhito , Tanuma Sei-ichi , Miyazawa Hiroshi
Published: May 2014

TAL2 is a member of the basic helix-loop-helix family and is essential for the normal development of the mouse brain. However, the function of TAL2 during brain development is unclear. P19 cells are pluripotent mouse embryonal carcinoma cells that adopt neural fates upon exposure to all-trans retinoic acid (atRA) and culture in suspension. We found that the expression of Tal2 gene was induced in P19 cells after addition of atRA in suspension culture. Tal2 expression was detected within 3 h after the induction and had nearly returned to basal levels by 24 h. When GFP-tagged TAL2 (GFP-TAL2) was expressed in P19 cells, we observed GFP-TAL2 in the nucleus. Moreover, we showed that atRA and retinoic acid receptor α regulated Tal2 expression. These results demonstrate for the first time that atRA induces Tal2 expression in P19 cells and suggest that TAL2 commits to the acquisition of neural fate in brain development.
Ammonium formate decomposition over Au/TiO2: a unique case of preferential selectivity against NH3 oxidation
Authors: Sridhar Manasa , Peitz Daniel , van Bokhoven Jeroen Anton , Kröcher Oliver
Published: May 2014

The unique selectivity of Au/TiO2 for converting ammonium formate to CO2 in the presence of excess O2 and H2O without oxidising NH3 up to 300 °C is reported.
Highly efficient and reversible iodine capture using a metalloporphyrin-based conjugated microporous polymer
Authors: A Sigen , Zhang Yuwei , Li Zhongping , Xia Hong , Xue Ming , Liu Xiaoming , Mu Ying
Published: May 2014

A robust metalloporphyrin-based conjugated microporous polymer has shown a high efficiency for iodine capture and reversible character.
Efficient delayed fluorescence via triplet–triplet annihilation for deep-blue electroluminescence
Authors: Chou P.-Y. , Chou H.-H. , Chen Y.-H. , Su T.-H. , Liao C.-Y. , Lin H.-W. , Lin W.-C. , Yen H.-Y. , Chen I.-C. , Cheng C.-H.
Published: May 2014

Four TS-doped devices using DMPPP as the host exhibited TTA-type delayed fluorescence, providing the highest device EQE of 10.2% without efficiency roll-off.
Well-defined “clickable” copolymers prepared via one-pot synthesis
Authors: Ghasdian Negar , Ward Mark A. , Georgiou Theoni K.
Published: May 2014

Novel propargyl-functional block copolymers were prepared via a fast and easy one-pot synthesis without the need to protect the propargyl functionality.
Investigation of composition dependent structural and optical properties of the Zn1−xCdxS, coaxial Zn0.99−xCdxCu0.01S/ZnS, Zn0.99−xCdxMn0.01S nanorods generated by a one-step hydrothermal process
Authors: Han Donglai , Cao Jian , Yang Shuo , Yang Jinghai , Wang Bingji , Fan Lin , Liu Qianyu , Wang Tingting , Niu Haifeng
Published: May 2014

Doping Cu2+and Mn2+ions into Zn1−xCdxS NRs makes the samples exhibit a strong emission at 509.6 and 583 nm.
Deciphering ‘water-soluble lignocellulose’ obtained by mechanocatalysis: new insights into the chemical processes leading to deep depolymerization
Authors: Käldström Mats , Meine Niklas , Farès Christophe , Schüth Ferdi , Rinaldi Roberto
Published: May 2014

Herein, the chemical nature of the ‘water-soluble beechwood’ is presented, lending in-depth insight into the nature of the chemical processes occurring in the mechanocatalytic depolymerization of lignocellulose.
Selective on site separation and detection of molecules in diluted solutions with super-hydrophobic clusters of plasmonic nanoparticles
Authors: Gentile Francesco , Coluccio Maria Laura , Zaccaria Remo Proietti , Francardi Marco , Cojoc Gheorghe , Perozziello Gerardo , Raimondo Raffaella , Candeloro Patrizio , Di Fabrizio Enzo
Published: May 2014

In this work we realized meso-porous silicon micro-pillars which incorporate networks of metal SERS nano-particles for the measurement of molecules in diluted solutions.
Predicting supramolecular self-assembly on reconstructed metal surfaces
Authors: Roussel Thomas J. , Barrena Esther , Ocal Carmen , Faraudo Jordi
Published: May 2014

Cooperative and competitive supramolecular self-assembly on different Au(111) reconstruction patterns: surface corrugation, defects and symmetry effects.
Synthesis of amphiphilic diblock copolymers derived from renewable dextran by nitroxide mediated polymerization: towards hierarchically structured honeycomb porous films
Authors: Chen Senbin , Alves Marie-Hélène , Save Maud , Billon Laurent
Published: May 2014

A novel dextran-SG1 macro-alkoxyamine was designed to afford amphiphilic linear block copolymers synthesized by nitroxide mediated polymerization toward the formation of hierarchically structured bio-resourced honeycomb films.
Reinforcement of phenylalanine-based supramolecular hydrogels by hybridizing poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) nanogels
Authors: Wang Qin , Xiao Xiao , Hu Yuandu , Wang Hong , Yang Yajiang
Published: May 2014

TEAB self-assembled into a 3D network structure and nanogels were hybridized within the system, resulting in reinforced hybridized hydrogels.
Does dynamic vulcanization induce phase separation?
Authors: Abolhasani Mohammad Mahdi , Zarejousheghani Fatemeh , Naebe Minoo , Guo Qipeng
Published: May 2014

Immiscible and miscible blends of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) and acrylic rubber (ACM) were subjected to dynamic vulcanization to investigate the effect of crosslink density on phase separation.
Nitrogen-doped activated carbons derived from a co-polymer for high supercapacitor performance
Authors: Alabadi Akram , Yang Xinjia , Dong Zehua , Li Zhen , Tan Bien
Published: May 2014

Nitrogen-doped activated carbons (N-ACs) with controlled nitrogen doping and analogous microporous structures were prepared by pyrolysis of poly[(pyrrole-2,5-diyl)-co-(benzylidene)] (PPCB).
New self‐adaptive bat‐inspired algorithm for unit commitment problem
Authors: Niknam Taher , Bavafa Farhad , Azizipanah‐Abarghooee Rasoul
Published: May 2014

Bat‐inspired algorithm (BA) is a new evolutionary meta‐heuristics algorithm inspired by a known technique of bats for finding prey. This study presents a self‐adaptive BA to solve the unit commitment (UC) problem. The applied self‐adaptive technique increases the population diversity and improves the exploration power of BA which results in better solutions and higher speed of convergence in solving the UC problem. This study, also, applies simple methods to handle the minimum on‐/off‐time constraint and spinning reserve requirement in generation of all solutions directly and without using any penalty function. The performance of the proposed method is verified by applying 10 up to 100‐unit systems as well as a Taiwan power (Taipower) 38‐unit system in a 24 h scheduling horizon.
Using capacity alert calls to reduce overcrowding in a major public hospital
Authors: Khanna Sankalp , Boyle Justin , Zeitz Kathryn
Published: May 2014

Objective To investigate the efficacy of capacity alert calls in reducing acute hospital overcrowding through addressing rising occupancy, high patient throughput and increased access block. Methods Retrospective analysis of 24 months of in-patient, emergency department, and capacity alert call log data from a large metropolitan public hospital in Australia. The analysis explored statistical differences in patient flow parameters between capacity alert call days and other days including a control case set of days with statistically similar levels of occupancy. Results The study identified a significant (P < 0.05) reduction in occupancy, patient throughput and access block on capacity alert call days. Capacity alert call days reversed rising occupancy trends, with 6 out of 7 flow parameters reporting significant improvement (P < 0.05) over the 48 h following the call. Only 3 of these 7 flow parameters were significantly improved 48 h after control case days, confirming value in the alert mechanism and that the results are not a regression toward the mean phenomenon. Conclusions Escalation processes that alert and engage the whole hospital in tackling overcrowding can successfully deliver sustained improvements in occupancy, patient throughput and access block. The findings support and validate the use of capacity alert escalation calls to manage overcrowding, but suggest the need to improve the consistency of trigger mechanisms and the efficiency of the processes initiated by the capacity alert call. What is known about the topic? Hospitals use various capacity management protocols to combat rising occupancy and the resulting poor patient care outcomes. However, there is little or no empirical evidence based on real hospital data to validate the efficacy of these approaches. What does this paper add? This study suggests that capacity alert call days result in a significant reduction in occupancy, throughput and access block, thereby arresting and reversing rising occupancy trends and returning a greater improvement in patient flow parameters over the following 48 h than is observed on a set of control case days with statistically similar levels of occupancy. The study also identifies aspects of the protocol in need of improvement. What are the implications for practitioners? The study provides valuable insight into the ability of capacity alert calls to tackle rising occupancy and reduce overcrowding in hospitals. It makes a good case for hospitals to conduct similar reviews of their capacity management protocols to help identify and address suboptimal aspects of the protocols to support delivery of improved patient flow and better patient outcomes.
Electronic patient journey boards a vital piece of the puzzle in patient flow
Authors: Clark Kevin W. , Moller Susan , O'Brien Lauri
Published: May 2014

Objective Internationally, there is growing interest in the applicability of visual management in healthcare, although little is known about the extent of its effectiveness. In the past 5 years technical advances have permitted the integration of all relevant data into a singular display that can improve staff efficiency, accelerate decisions, streamline workflow processes and reduce oversights and errors in clinical practice. The aim of the case study is to describe the features and application of electronic patient journey boards (EPJBs) as an enabler to accelerate patient flow that has been demonstrated and evaluated in Queensland Health hospitals. Methods In 2012 and 2013 we collected ward-specific data that was sourced from the Queensland Hospital Admitted Patient Data Collection, determining the top 10 overnight diagnostic-related groups (DRGs) for each ward participating in the pilots. The Statistical Output Unit within Queensland Health then provided data and analysis on the ALOS for each of these DRGs for the period following an EPJB installation, along with the ALOS for the same DRGs for the corresponding period in the previous year. Results Patient length of stay reduced and display of estimated discharge dates improved with the introduction of EPJBs along with improved communication and information management resulting in time savings from 20 min per staff member per shift to 2.5 h per ward a day. Conclusion Queensland and South Australian Health systems have succeeded in ‘making the hospital patient journey visible’ through an innovative combination of information management and prominent display of key information related to patient care portrayed on large liquid crystal display (LCD) screens in hospital wards. What is known about the topic? No published studies have explored health services developing, piloting and evaluating Electronic Patient Journey Boards in a variety of clinical settings. What does this paper add? Until recently, paper-based health records and scheduled meetings were the only way for healthcare staff to communicate information to one another. In practice, this means that information vital to patient care is infrequently communicated between team members, is recorded in different places and in different ways, and is heavily reliant on care providers seeking out the information they need to perform effectively in their role. What are the implications for practitioners? This paper can be beneficial for managers and decision-makers of all healthcare organisations when considering streamlining a patients’ journey through a hospital with the assistance of visual management tools.
Development of the Claisen Rearrangement/Organocatalytic Diels-Alder Approach for the Synthesis of Eunicellins
Authors: Hooper Joel F. , White Jonathan M. , Holmes Andrew B.
Published: May 2014

The intramolecular Diels-Alder approach to synthesizing eunicellins has proved to be a powerful method for the synthesis of this class of natural products. The key to the success of this strategy is control over the endo/exo selectivity of the cycloaddition reaction, which we have addressed through an organocatalytic reaction employing the MacMillan imidazolidinone catalyst. This approach has been further developed to address the issue of functionality at the C8 position, and a novel scalable method for the extension of the medium-ring lactone has been developed.
Large variation for salinity tolerance in the core collection of foxtail millet (Setaria italica (L.) P. Beauv.) germplasm
Authors: Krishnamurthy L. , Upadhyaya H. D. , Gowda C. L. L. , Kashiwagi J. , Purushothaman R. , Singh Sube , Vadez V.
Published: May 2014

Foxtail millet (Setaria italica (L.) P. Beauv.) is an ideal crop for changing climates and stressed environments due to its short duration, high photosynthetic efficiency and good level of resistance to pest and diseases. Soil salinisation is an increasing problem, with 23% of the global cultivated land already affected. Foxtail millet has potential as a crop for salt-affected soils, with its high tolerance to salinity. The foxtail millet core collection (n = 155) was screened in a soil saturated once with 100 mm NaCl and in a non-saline control in 2008 and a subset (n = 84) in 2009 in a partly controlled environment using Alfisol to identify the best salt-tolerant germplasm. Plants were grown in pots and protected from rain. The salinity response was measured as grain yield per pot. Genotype and salinity × genotype interaction effects were significant for most traits, and there was a large range of yield and biomass variation across accessions. Salinity delayed panicle emergence and maturity, and reduced shoot biomass by 24–41% and grain yield by 7–30%. Salinity did not reduce the harvest index. Among the plant components, stem biomass was reduced most by salinity. There was a large variation in grain yield and other traits among the genotypes in the saline pots. The yield loss by salinity was associated with duration of crop growth, and grain yield loss was highest in the early-maturing accessions. All accessions were grouped into five sets based on grain yield under saline conditions, and the most highly tolerant group had 13 accessions. The salinity-tolerant accessions can be useful parents once their performance is confirmed under saline field conditions.
Phosphate responses of some Trifolium repens×T. uniflorum interspecific hybrids grown in soil
Authors: Nichols S. N. , Crush J. R. , Ouyang L.
Published: May 2014

Previous studies in sand culture suggested that some white clover (Trifolium repens) × T. uniflorum interspecific hybrids were more tolerant than white clover of low external phosphate (P) supply. Here, P acquisition and growth responses were determined in soil for two T. repens × T. uniflorum backcross hybrids and their parental white clover cultivar, grown in a glasshouse pot experiment at Olsen P of 6, 7, 9, 14, or 20 mg P kg–1 soil. Growth of all of the clover entries responded strongly to increasing soil P levels, and one hybrid clover grew, on average, 17% better than the white clover control cultivar at Olsen soil P 9–20 mg kg–1. Internal P concentrations and shoot growth per unit P absorbed did not differ among the clovers. Instead, improved growth of the hybrid resulted from a greater ability to acquire soil P. This hybrid had the longest, most frequently branched roots. Frequent branching and growth of root tips into fresh soil would reduce the limitations to P uptake imposed by slow diffusion of P to the root surface. The results confirm previous observations that interspecific hybridisation is a useful strategy for increasing the range of P responsiveness in breeding populations for white clover.
Lexical variation and bilingual education in the Basque country
Authors: Etxebarria Maitena
Published: May 2014

The present research aims at describing and gaining knowledge about the lexical availability in Spanish in a sample of students of the Basque Country, categorized according to the model of bilingual education they have attended. The Basque Autonomous Community (henceforth BAC) establishes a frame of two official languages: Basque and Spanish. In order to fulfill this legal precept, one of the tasks of the public authorities of the Basque Country is well-defined: to assure the general knowledge of both languages, adopting the appropriate measures for such a purpose. The fact of both languages being co-official makes it necessary to analyze the situation of bilingual education from the moment it was established. This will permit us to know whether the bilingual school model our young population has attended influences the lexical variety in their speech production in Spanish; specifically, their production in social contexts. The measuring method used here is based on the common model for measuring lexical availability, that is, the words that first come to mind are the ones that are most available.
Pericentromere tension is self-regulated by spindle structure in metaphase
Authors: Chacón Jeremy M. , Mukherjee Soumya , Schuster Breanna M. , Clarke Duncan J. , Gardner Melissa K.
Published: May 2014

During cell division, a mitotic spindle is built by the cell and acts to align and stretch duplicated sister chromosomes before their ultimate segregation into daughter cells. Stretching of the pericentromeric chromatin during metaphase is thought to generate a tension-based signal that promotes proper chromosome segregation. However, it is not known whether the mitotic spindle actively maintains a set point tension magnitude for properly attached sister chromosomes to facilitate robust mechanochemical checkpoint signaling. By imaging and tracking the thermal movements of pericentromeric fluorescent markers in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, we measured pericentromere stiffness and then used the stiffness measurements to quantitatively evaluate the tension generated by pericentromere stretch during metaphase in wild-type cells and in mutants with disrupted chromosome structure. We found that pericentromere tension in yeast is substantial (4–6 pN) and is tightly self-regulated by the mitotic spindle: through adjustments in spindle structure, the cell maintains wild-type tension magnitudes even when pericentromere stiffness is disrupted.
On the procongruence completion of the Teichmüller modular group
Authors: Boggi Marco
Published: May 2014

For

2
g
−
2
+
n
>
0

2g-2+n>0

, the Teichmüller modular group

Γ

g
,
n

\Gamma _{g,n}

of a compact Riemann surface of genus

g
g

with

n
n

points removed,

S

g
,
n

S_{g,n}

is the group of homotopy classes of diffeomorphisms of

S

g
,
n

S_{g,n}

which preserve the orientation of

S

g
,
n

S_{g,n}

and a given order of its punctures. Let

Π

g
,
n

\Pi _{g,n}

be the fundamental group of

S

g
,
n

S_{g,n}

, with a given base point, and

Π
^

g
,
n

\hat {\Pi }_{g,n}

its profinite completion. There is then a natural faithful representation

Γ

g
,
n

↪

O
u
t

(

Π
^

g
,
n

)

\Gamma _{g,n}\hookrightarrow \mathrm {Out}(\hat {\Pi }_{g,n})

. The procongruence Teichmüller group

Γ
ˇ

g
,
n

\check {\Gamma }_{g,n}

is defined to be the closure of the Teichmüller group

Γ

g
,
n

\Gamma _{g,n}

inside the profinite group

O
u
t

(

Π
^

g
,
n

)

\mathrm {Out}(\hat {\Pi }_{g,n})

.

In this paper, we begin a systematic study of the procongruence completion

Γ
ˇ

g
,
n

\check {\Gamma }_{g,n}

. The set of profinite Dehn twists of

Γ
ˇ

g
,
n

\check {\Gamma }_{g,n}

is the closure, inside this group, of the set of Dehn twists of

Γ

g
,
n

\Gamma _{g,n}

. The main technical result of the paper is a parametrization of the set of profinite Dehn twists of

Γ
ˇ

g
,
n

\check {\Gamma }_{g,n}

and the subsequent description of their centralizers (Sections 5 and 6). This is the basis for the Grothendieck-Teichmüller Lego with procongruence Teichmüller groups as building blocks.

As an application, in Section 7, we prove that some Galois representations associated to hyperbolic curves over number fields and their moduli spaces are faithful.
The Untold History of Transparency: Mercantile Agencies, the Law, and the Lawyers (1851–1916)
Authors: Flandreau Marc , Geisler Mesevage Gabriel
Published: May 2014

This paper discusses the origins of rating in the second half of the nineteenth century. We review and criticize existing narratives, which—echoing a story told by lawyers favorable to (or employed by) the agencies—have alleged that a cultural shift in normative views, evidenced in an evolution of court decisions, provided legal protection (against libel) to agencies, and permitted the development of printed credit reports. Such a view is inconsistent with evidence from actual judicial decisions and from our exploration of archival material. Looking at both litigated and settled cases, we show that the rise of mercantile agencies in the late nineteenth century was the product of a farsighted corporate strategy applied ruthlessly to a legal system that was still very reluctant to permit the agencies to “commoditize” credit.
Down-regulation of Stargazin Inhibits the Enhanced Surface Delivery of α-Amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole Propionate Receptor GluR1 Subunit in Rat Dorsal Horn and Ameliorates Postoperative Pain
Authors: Guo Ruijuan , Zhao Yujie , Zhang Meijuan , Wang Yue , Shi Rong , Liu Yang , Xu Jie , Wu Anshi , Yue Yun , Wu Jing , Guan Yun , Wang Yun
Published: May 2014

Background:

Stargazin is the first transmembrane protein known to regulate synaptic targeting of α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionate (AMPA) receptors. However, it is unclear whether regulation of the surface delivery of spinal AMPA receptor subunits by stargazin contributes to postoperative pain development.

Methods:

Western blot analysis was used to examine changes in the surface delivery of AMPA receptor subunits, GluR1 and GluR2, in rat dorsal horn. The interaction between stargazin and GluR1 and GluR2 was examined by coimmunoprecipitation. Expression of stargazin was suppressed by intrathecal administration of small interfering RNA311.

Results:

Membrane-bound GluR1, but not GluR2, in ipsilateral dorsal horn was increased at 3 h (1.49 ± 0.15-fold of β-tubulin, mean ± SEM) and 1 day (1.03 ± 0.25) after incision, as compared with that in control rats (naive, 0.63 ± 0.23, P < 0.05, n = 6 per group). The amount of GluR1 coimmunoprecipitated with stargazin was greater at 3 h after incision (1.48 ± 0.31-fold of input) than that in control animals (0.45 ± 0.24, P < 0.05, n = 6 per group). Importantly, the increase in membrane GluR1 at 3 h after incision was normalized to near control level (0.72 ± 0.20-fold of β-tubulin) by pretreatment with intrathecal stargazin small interfering RNA311 (0.87 ± 0.09), but not scrambled small interfering RNA (1.48 ± 0.24) or vehicle (1.25 ± 0.13, P < 0.05, n = 6 per group). Stargazin small interfering RNA311 pretreatment prevented the increase in stargazin–GluR1 interaction and decreased postoperative pain after incision.

Conclusions:

This study suggests a critical role of stargazin-mediated surface delivery of GluR1 subunit in the development of postoperative pain. A better therapeutic strategy for postoperative pain may involve selectively down-regulating spinal stargazin to inhibit synaptic targeting of GluR1 subunit.
Hand bacterial communities vary across two different human populations
Authors: Hospodsky Denina , Pickering Amy J. , Julian Timothy R. , Miller Dana , Gorthala Sisira , Boehm Alexandria B. , Peccia Jordan
Published: May 2014

This study utilized pyrosequencing-based phylogenetic library results to assess bacterial communities on the hands of women in Tanzania and compared these communities with bacteria assemblages on the hands of US women. Bacterial population profiles and phylogenetically based ordinate analysis demonstrated that the bacterial communities on hands were more similar for selected populations within a country than between the two countries considered. Organisms that have commonly been identified in prior human skin microbiome studies, including members of the Propionibacteriaceae, Staphylococcaceae and Streptococceacea families, were highly abundant on US hands and drove the clustering of US hand microbial communities into a distinct group. The most abundant bacterial taxa on Tanzanian hands were the soil-associated Rhodobacteraceae and Nocardioidaceae. These results help to expand human microbiome results beyond US and European populations, and the identification and abundance of soil-associated bacteria on Tanzanian hands demonstrated the important role of the environment in shaping the microbial communities on human hands.
Detection and identification of oral anaerobes in intraoperative bronchial fluids of patients with pulmonary carcinoma
Authors: Hasegawa Ayako , Sato Takuichi , Hoshikawa Yasushi , Ishida Naoko , Tanda Naoko , Kawamura Yoshiaki , Kondo Takashi , Takahashi Nobuhiro
Published: May 2014

Postoperative pneumonia may occur when upper respiratory tract protective reflexes such as cough and/or swallowing reflexes are impaired; thus, silent aspiration of oral bacteria may be a causative factor in postoperative pneumonia. This study aimed to quantify and identify bacteria in intraoperative bronchial fluids and to evaluate the relationship between impairment of cough/swallowing reflexes and silent aspiration of oral bacteria in elderly patients. After obtaining informed consent, cough and swallowing reflexes were assessed using an ultrasonic nebulizer and a nasal catheter, respectively. Using a micro‐sampling probe, intraoperative bronchial fluids were collected from nine subjects with pulmonary carcinoma and cultured anaerobically on blood agar plates. After 7 days, CFUs were counted and isolated bacteria were identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Four subjects (aged 71.0 ± 8.4 years) had impaired swallowing reflexes with normal cough reflexes, whereas five subjects (73.6 ± 6.5 years) had normal cough and swallowing reflexes. The bacterial counts (mean CFU ± SD) tended to be higher in intraoperative bronchial fluids of subjects with impaired swallowing reflexes ([5.1 ± 7.7] × 105) than in those of subjects with normal reflexes ([1.2 ± 1.9] × 105); however, this difference was not statistically significant. Predominant isolates from intraoperative bronchial fluids were Streptococcus (41.8%), Veillonella (11.4%), Gemella (8.9%), Porphyromonas (7.6%), Olsenella (6.3%) and Eikenella (6.3%). These findings indicate that intraoperative bronchial fluids contain bacteria, probably derived from the oral microbiota, and suggest that silent aspiration of oral bacteria occurs in elderly patients irrespective of impairment of swallowing reflex.
Intraguild predation may facilitate coexistence of native and non‐native fish
Authors: Henkanaththegedara Sujan M. , Stockwell Craig A.
Published: May 2014

Although largely ignored, coexistence of native species with non‐native species is the rule rather than the exception in the contemporary world. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms that facilitate coexistence of native species with non‐native invasive species is critical in implementing effective management strategies to conserve native biodiversity.

We conducted field mesocosm experiments to study reciprocal predation between an invasive fish species (Western mosquitofishGambusia affinis) and an endangered fish species (Mohave tui chubSiphateles bicolor mohavensis). Additional predation vulnerability modelling was conducted to assess the vulnerability of a given prey population to predation by a gape‐size limited predator population.

Adult mosquitofish reduced Mohave tui chub recruitment through predation on tui chub larvae. Reciprocally, adult tui chubs limited the population growth of mosquitofish through predation on adult mosquitofish, providing evidence for intraguild predation (IGP). Mohave tui chub predation on adult mosquitofish was apparently gape‐size limited and larger female mosquitofish avoided tui chub predation.

Vulnerability modelling provided additional information on gape‐size limited reciprocal predation between these two fish species and insights on the effects of such IGP on persistence of Mohave tui chub in the presence of invasive mosquitofish.

Synthesis and applications. Our results collectively show size‐structured intraguild predation (IGP) between a native endangered fish and an invasive fish species, which may facilitate coexistence of these species. Invasive species often prey on native species, thus IGP may be a common but neglected phenomenon for invaded systems. Therefore, understanding the complex interactions among native and non‐native species in the whole‐ecosystem context may help conservation practitioners identify novel management strategies. This may be especially necessary when natural, uninvaded habitats for native species become increasingly scarce due to alterations resulting from multiple forms of human impact.
Production of trichodiene by Trichoderma harzianum alters the perception of this biocontrol strain by plants and antagonized fungi
Authors: Malmierca Mónica G. , McCormick Susan P. , Cardoza Rosa E. , Alexander Nancy J. , Monte Enrique , Gutiérrez Santiago
Published: May 2014

Trichothecenes are phytotoxic sesquiterpenic mycotoxins that can act as virulence factors in plant diseases. Harzianum A (HA) is a non‐phytotoxic trichothecene produced by Trichoderma arundinaceum. The first step in HA biosynthesis is the conversion of farnesyl diphosphate to trichodiene (TD), a volatile organic compound (VOC), catalysed by a sesquiterpene synthase encoded by the tri5 gene. Expression of tri5 in the biocontrol strain Trichoderma harzianum CECT 2413 resulted in production of TD in parallel with a reduction of ergosterol biosynthesis and an unexpected increase in the level of squalene. Transformants expressing tri5 displayed low chitinase activity and induced expression of Botrytis cinerea BOT genes, although their total antagonistic potential against phytopathogenic fungi was not reduced. VOCs released by the tri5‐transformant induced expression of tomato defence genes related to salicylic acid (SA), and TD itself strongly induced the expression of SA‐responsive genes and reduced the development of lateral roots. Together, these results suggest that TD acts as a signalling VOC in the interactions of Trichoderma with plants and other microorganisms by modulating the perception of this fungus to a given environment. Moreover, the TD ability to induce systemic defences indicates that complex trichothecene structures may not be necessary for inducing such responses.
Detailed characterisation of circulatory nitric oxide and free radical indices—is there evidence for abnormal cardiovascular homeostasis in young women with polycystic ovary syndrome?
Authors: Willis GR , Udiawar M , Evans WD , Blundell HL , James PE , Rees DA
Published: May 2014

Objective

To assess circulating biochemical indices of endothelial function and nitro‐oxidative stress in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Design

Case–control study.

Population

Seventeen women with PCOS and eighteen age‐ and body mass index‐matched healthy volunteers.

Methods

Nitric oxide (NO) metabolite levels were assessed by chemiluminescence. Electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy with spin trapping was used to assess oxidative stress ex vivo and in vitro. Antioxidant capacity was measured using oxygen radical absorbance.

Main outcome measures

Biochemical indices of endothelial function, including NO metabolites, lipid‐derived radicals and antioxidant capacity.

Results

Plasma NO metabolites were similar in the two groups (nitrite: 257 ± 116 nmol/l [PCOS], 261 ± 135 nmol/l [controls] P = 0.93; nitrate: 27 ± 7 μmol/l [PCOS], 26 ± 6 μmol/l [controls] P = 0.89). Alkoxyl free radicals (lipid‐derived) were detected as the dominant species, but levels were not different between women with PCOS and controls whether measured directly ex vivo (median 7.2 [range 0.17–16.73]e6 arbitrary units [a.u.] and 7.2 [1.7–11.9]e6 a.u., respectively, P = 0.57) or when stimulated in vitro to test radical generation capacity (1.23 [0.3–5.62]e7 a.u. and 1.1 [0.48–15.7]e7 a.u. respectively, P = 0.71). In regression analysis, visceral fat area was independently associated with in vitro oxidative potential (β = 0.6, P = 0.002). Total plasma antioxidant capacity (94 ± 30% [PCOS], 79 ± 24% [controls], P = 0.09) and plasma hydroperoxides (7.5 ± 4 μmol/l [PCOS], 6.7 ± 5 μmol/l [controls], P = 0.21) were not different between groups. However, lipophilic antioxidant capacity was lower in women with PCOS compared with controls (92 ± 32 and 125 ± 48%, respectively, P = 0.02).

Conclusions

Young overweight women with PCOS display a reduced lipophilic antioxidant capacity compared with healthy volunteers, but no change in circulating free radicals or nitro‐oxidative stress.
Diversity of wing patterns and abdomen‐generated substrate sounds in 3 European scorpionfly species
Authors: Hartbauer Manfred , Gepp Johannes , Hinteregger Karin , Koblmüller Stephan
Published: May 2014

In the genus Panorpa (Insecta: Mecoptera), also known as scorpionflies, premating behavior includes repeated sequences of slow wing movements (waving, fanning, flagging) which are accompanied by rapid abdomen vibrations that generate substantial substrate‐borne sound. It is still unknown whether wing patterns or vibratory signals contain information about species identity, sex and/or the quality of potential mating partners. Besides species‐specific pheromones, these multimodal signals may be of particular importance for the maintenance of reproductive isolation in sympatrically occurring scorpionfly species. Here, we analyzed phyologenetic relationships among, and the pattern of forewings as well as substrate‐borne sound in 3 different sympatric Central‐European scorpionfly species (P. communis, P. germanica, and P. alpina). Divergence time estimates, based on 879 bp of the mitochondrial COI gene, indicate longstanding separate evolutionary histories for the studied Panorpa species. Morphological analysis revealed that wing length as an indicator of body size increased in the following order: P. alpina < P. germanica < P. communis. Individuals can be assigned to the correct species and sex with high accuracy just by evaluation of the number of dark spots and the proportion of wing pigmentation. Despite high variability of interpulse period at an individual level, across species analysis revealed a positive correlation of average interpulse period as well as mean signal amplitude with forewing length. These results suggest wing patterns, but less likely vibratory signals, to contain information about species identity. Furthermore, receivers may be able to estimate the body size of a signaler solely on the basis of substrate‐borne sound.
Measuring and Comparing Immigration, Asylum and Naturalization Policies Across Countries: Challenges and Solutions
Authors: Gest Justin , Boucher Anna , Challen Suzanna , Burgoon Brian , Thielemann Eiko , Beine Michel , McGovern Patrick , Crock Mary , Rapoport Hillel , Hiscox Michael
Published: May 2014

Academics and policy makers require a better understanding of the variation of policies that regulate global migration, asylum and immigrant naturalization. At present, however, there is no comprehensive cross‐national, time‐series database of such policies, rendering the analysis of policy trends across and within these areas difficult at best. Several new immigration databases and indices have been developed in recent years. However, there is no consensus on how best to conceptualize, measure and aggregate migration policy indicators to allow for meaningful comparisons through time and across space. This article discusses these methodological challenges and introduces practical solutions that involve historical, multi‐dimensional, disaggregated and transparent conceptualizing, measuring and compiling of cross‐national immigration policies. Such an approach informs the International Migration Policy and Law Analysis (IMPALA) database.
Herding Cats and Taming Tax Havens: The US Strategy of ‘Not In My Backyard’
Authors: Palan Ronen , Wigan Duncan
Published: May 2014

Recent G8 and G20 statements, combined with a number of OECD campaigns have given an impression that the world has entered a phase of re‐invigorated multilateral efforts to combat tax abuse. We argue that this impression is not entirely mistaken, but the centre of gravity in the battle against tax abuse generally, and tax havens specifically, is shifting decidedly towards unilateral approaches. The US is, in particular, in flexing its muscles attempting to ensure that the various mechanisms used to evade taxation and perpetrated through tax havens have little impact on its ‘back yard’. We call this the ‘Not In My Back Yard’ (NIMBY) principle of regulation, which underpins the new Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA). The NIMBY principle, we argue, is likely to be adopted by other large political entities.
Is chronic rhinosinusitis related to allergic rhinitis in adults and children? Applying epidemiological guidelines for causation
Authors: Georgalas C. , Vlastos I. , Picavet V. , van Drunen C. , Garas G. , Prokopakis E.
Published: May 2014

The relationship between allergic rhinitis and chronic rhinosinusitis has been assessed in a number of observational and experimental studies. In this review, we attempt their synthesis and evaluation using the modified Bradford Hill guidelines for causation. Although there is no proof of causation, especially in the pediatric literature, an evaluation of underlying allergies is recommended at least as an initial measure of symptoms relief.
The effect of a multicomponent multidisciplinary bundle of interventions on sleep and delirium in medical and surgical intensive care patients
Authors: Patel J. , Baldwin J. , Bunting P. , Laha S.
Published: May 2014

Sleep deprivation is common among intensive care patients and may be associated with delirium. We investigated whether the implementation of a bundle of non‐pharmacological interventions, consisting of environmental noise and light reduction designed to reduce disturbing patients during the night, was associated with improved sleep and a reduced incidence of delirium. The study was divided into two parts, before and after changing our practice. One hundred and sixty‐seven and 171 patients were screened for delirium pre‐ and post‐intervention, respectively. Compliance with the interventions was > 90%. The bundle of interventions led to an increased mean (SD) sleep efficiency index (60.8 (3.5) before vs 75.9 (2.2) after, p = 0.031); reduced mean sound (68.8 (4.2) dB before vs 61.8 (9.1) dB after, p = 0.002) and light levels (594 (88.2) lux before vs 301 (53.5) lux after, p = 0.003); and reduced number of awakenings caused by care activities overnight (11.0 (1.1) before vs 9.0 (1.2) after, p = 0.003). In addition, the introduction of the care bundle led to a reduced incidence of delirium (55/167 (33%) before vs 24/171 (14%) after, p < 0.001), and less time spent in delirium (3.4 (1.4) days before vs 1.2 (0.9) days after, p = 0.021). Increases in sleep efficiency index were associated with a lower odds ratio of developing delirium (OR 0.90, 95% CI 0.84–0.97). The introduction of an environmental noise and light reduction programme as a bundle of non‐pharmacological interventions in the intensive care unit was effective in reducing sleep deprivation and delirium, and we propose a similar programme should be implemented more widely.
Oocyte and sperm donors' opinions on the acceptable number of offspring
Authors: Sydsjö Gunilla , Lampic Claudia , Bladh Marie , Svanberg Agneta Skoog
Published: May 2014

Objective

To investigate opinions on the acceptable number of donation offspring in a national cohort of oocyte and sperm donors.

Design

A prospective follow‐up study on a national cohort of gamete donors.

Setting

Sweden.

Methods

Study‐specific questionnaire.

Main outcome measures

Opinion on the acceptable number of offspring from one donor.

Results

About half of both oocyte and sperm donors expressed an opinion that the number of offspring from one donor should be limited to between one and 10, and many donors reported having no firm opinion. When controlling for age, educational level, marital status and biological children, oocyte donors were four times more likely than sperm donors to support an upper limit of five offspring. For many sperm and oocyte donors the number of offspring resulting from their donations was unknown (43.2% oocyte, 47.1% sperm).

Conclusion

Oocyte donors have more restrictive opinions compared with sperm donors on the acceptable number of offspring from one donor. Donors perform a very humanitarian and societal act when donating their gametes. In the ambition to have safe and trustworthy clinics we need to have well known regulations to be able to recruit donors in the future.
Follicular helper T‐cells: expanding roles in T‐cell lymphoma and targets for treatment
Authors: Ahearne Matthew J. , Allchin Rebecca L. , Fox Christopher P. , Wagner Simon D.
Published: May 2014

Follicular helper T‐cells (Tfh cells) are a subset of CD4+ T‐cells that are essential for normal production of high affinity antibodies. Tfh cells characteristically produce IL21 and IL4 and show high expression of surface markers CXCR5, ICOS, PDCD1 (PD‐1) and the chemokine CXCL13. In this review we will focus on the emerging links between Tfh cells and subtypes of T‐cell non‐Hodgkin lymphoma: angioimmunoblastic T‐cell lymphoma (AITL) and ~20% of peripheral T‐cell lymphoma not otherwise specified (PTCL‐NOS) have surface marker features of Tfh cells and share a spectrum of genetic abnormalities. The recurrent genetic abnormalities associated with AITL include mutations in epigenetic modifiers such as TET2 and DNMT3A and the motility and adhesion gene, RHOA, is mutated in up to 70% of cases. ~20% of PTCL‐NOS demonstrate RHOA mutations and have other characteristics suggesting an origin in Tfh cells. The recognition that specific genetic and surface markers are associated with malignant Tfh cells suggests that the next few years will bring major changes in diagnostic and treatment possibilities. For example, antibodies against IL21, PDCD1 and ICOS are already in clinical trials for autoimmune disease or other malignancies and antibodies against CXCL13 are in pre‐clinical development.
The Role of Intuition and Deliberation for Exploration and Exploitation Success
Authors: Matzler Kurt , Uzelac Borislav , Bauer Florian
Published: May 2014

Advances in social and cognitive psychology and related fields have drawn attention to the role of intuition in organizational decision making. In this study we link intuitive and deliberate decision‐making styles to the success of exploration and exploitation activities, which are understood as two qualitatively opposing strategies that organizations can adopt. We provide empirical evidence that the two opposing strategies are linked to two opposing styles of decision making – intuitive and deliberate. In doing so, we draw on data which we received from 140 entrepreneurs and managing partners of Austrian companies and show that exploration is strongly related to intuitive decision making whereas exploitation draws on both intuitive and deliberate decision making. Based on our findings, we stress the complementarity of the two decision‐making styles, and point out that particularly in the light of the fast‐changing premises in which organizations have to manoeuvre today, decision makers are well advised to use both decision‐making styles to their best benefit.
Beyond the Generation of Ideas: Virtual Idea Campaigns to Spur Creativity and Innovation
Authors: Elerud‐Tryde Anne , Hooge Sophie
Published: May 2014

Firms striving to maintain high rates of innovation need a continuous flow of new ideas. This is resulting in the establishment by large firms of IT platforms to generate ideas for innovation, and to encourage employees and customers to participate in innovation contests. However, there has been little published research on the use of IT platforms for idea generation by employees, and it is unclear whether they facilitate in‐house innovation. The purpose is to investigate how firms use IT platforms internally to generate ideas, and how their use contributes to the innovation process in large firms. We rely on data from two collaborative research projects in the automotive industry: Volvo Cars and Renault. We found that both firms used IT platforms as campaigns to promote innovation and to involve employees in the innovation process. The findings suggest that these virtual idea campaigns support innovation in large firms mainly by (1) encouraging employee creativity in idea generation and (2) involving employees and top managers simultaneously in the innovation process. This paper contributes to idea management systems theory by highlighting the importance of virtual idea campaigns for the firm's innovation process, and their dual role.
Dengue virus-infected human dendritic cells reveal hierarchies of naturally expressed novel NS3 CD8 T cell epitopes
Authors: Piazza P , Campbell D , Marques E , Hildebrand W H , Buchli R , Mailliard R , Rinaldo C R
Published: May 2014

Detailed knowledge of dengue virus (DENV) cell-mediated immunity is limited. In this study we characterize CD8+T lymphocytes recognizing three novel and two known non-structural protein 3 peptide epitopes in DENV-infected dendritic cells. Three epitopes displayed high conservation (75–100%), compared to the others (0–50%). A hierarchy ranking based on magnitude and polyfunctionality of the antigen-specific response showed that dominant epitopes were both highly conserved and cross-reactive against multiple DENV serotypes. These results are relevant to DENV pathogenesis and vaccine design.
Patch testing with a textile dye mix – a multicentre study
Authors: Ryberg Kristina , Agner Tove , Andersen Klaus E. , Bircher Andreas , Diepgen Thomas , Foti Caterina , Giménez‐Arnau Ana , Gonçalo Margarida , Goossens An , Johansen Jeanne D. , Le Coz Christophe , Maibach Howard I. , Bruze Magnus
Published: May 2014

Background

Disperse dyes are well‐known contact sensitizers. However, they are not included in the majority of commercially available baseline patch test series.

Objectives

To investigate the outcome of patch testing with a textile dye mix (TDM) consisting of eight disperse dyes at dermatology clinics in various countries.

Patients/materials/methods

Two thousand nine hundred and seven consecutive dermatitis patients at 12 dermatology clinics representing nine countries were tested with a TDM at 6.6%, consisting of Disperse Blue 35, Disperse Yellow 3, Disperse Orange 1 and 3, and Disperse Red 1 and 17, all at 1.0%, and Disperse Blue 106 and Disperse Blue 124, each at 0.3%, provisionally included in the baseline series. Eighty‐seven per cent of the patients allergic to the TDM were also tested with the eight separate dyes.

Results

Contact allergy to TDM was found in 108 patients (3.7%). The frequency of contact allergy varied from 2.1% to 6.9% in different centres. Simultaneous reactivity to p‐phenylenediamine was found in 57 of the TDM‐positive patients (53%). The most frequent dye allergen among the TDM‐positive patients was Disperse Orange 3. The contact allergy could have explained or contributed to the dermatitis in approximately one‐third of the patients for whom clinical relevance of the TDM contact allergy was recorded.

Conclusions

The TDM should be considered for inclusion in the European baseline series.