bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Normative beliefs, discursive claims, and implementation of reform‐based science standards
Authors: Veal William R. , Riley Lloyd Mary E. , Howell Malia R. , Peters John
Published: June 2015

Reform‐based science instruction is guided by teachers' normative beliefs. Discursive claims are how teachers say they teach science. Previous research has studied the change in teachers' beliefs and how beliefs influence intended practice and action in the classroom. Few studies have connected what teachers believe, how they say they teach, and how they actually teach in the classroom. The purpose of this study was to investigate how a teacher's normative beliefs, discursive claims, and classroom practices were related to the implementation of reform‐based standards. This research study analyzed 78 secondary science teachers' beliefs and claims about teaching in a reform‐based, innovative manner. A subset of teachers was observed in the classroom to determine the relationship among beliefs, claims, and implementation in the classroom. The study revealed that there is a disconnect between what science teachers believe and what they say about science teaching. A teacher with traditional normative beliefs and innovative discursive claims implemented reform‐based pedagogy. Beliefs alone were not a good predictor of innovative teaching, whereas discursive claims were determined to be a better predictor for implementation of reform‐based science teaching. Innovative discursive claims, regardless of the type of beliefs, resulted in innovative teaching. A Normative‐Discursive‐Practice Model is proposed to guide research about beliefs and claims leading to classroom implementation. The conclusions indicate that determining teachers' discursive claims is more informative for planning professional development than determining or monitoring their beliefs. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 53: 1419–1443, 2016
Synthesis, Spectroscopy, and Structures of Mono‐ and Dinuclear Copper(I) Halide Complexes with 1,3‐Imidazolidine‐2‐thiones
Authors: Walia Simran , Kaur Supreet , Kaur Jaspreet , Sandhu Amanpreet K. , Lobana Tarlok S. , Hundal Geeta , Jasinski Jerry P.
Published: June 2015

Copper(I) halides with triphenyl phosphine and imidaozlidine‐2‐thiones (L‐NMe, L‐NEt, and L‐NPh) in acetonitrile/methanol (or dichloromethane) yielded copper(I) mixed‐ligand complexes: mononuclear, namely, [CuCl(κ1‐S‐L‐NMe)(PPh3)2] (1), [CuBr(κ1‐S‐L‐NMe)(PPh3)2] (2), [CuBr(κ1‐S‐L‐NEt)(PPh3)2] (5), [CuI(κ1‐S‐L‐NEt)(PPh3)2] (6), [CuCl(κ1‐S‐L‐NPh)(PPh3)2] (7), and [CuBr(κ1‐S‐L‐NPh)(PPh3)2] (8), and dinuclear, [Cu2(κ1‐I)2(μ‐S‐L‐NMe)2(PPh3)2] (3) and [Cu2(μ‐Cl)2(κ1‐S‐L‐NEt)2(PPh3)2] (4). All complexes were characterized with analytical data, IR and NMR spectroscopy, and X‐ray crystallography. Complexes 2–4, 7, and 8 each formed crystals in the triclinic system with P$\bar{1}$ space group, whereas complexes 1, 5, and 6 crystallized in the monoclinic crystal system with space groups P21/c, C2/c, and P21/n, respectively. Complex 2 has shown two independent molecules, [(CuBr(κ1‐S‐L‐NMe)(PPh3)2] and [CuBr(PPh3)2] in the unit cell. For X = Cl, the thio‐ligand bonded to metal as terminal in complex 4, whereas for X = I it is sulfur‐bridged in complex 3.
How Neighborhood Poverty Structures Types and Levels of Social Integration
Authors: Marcus Andrea Fleisch , Echeverria Sandra E. , Holland Bart K. , Abraido-Lanza Ana F. , Passannante Marian R.
Published: June 2015

Social integration is fundamental to health and well‐being. However, few studies have explored how neighborhood contexts pattern types and levels of social integration that individuals experience. We examined how neighborhood poverty structures two dimensions of social integration: integration with neighbors and social integration more generally. Using data from the United States Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, we linked study participants to percent poverty in their neighborhood of residence (N = 16,040). Social integration was assessed using a modified Social Network Index and neighborhood integration based on yearly visits with neighbors. We fit multivariate logistic regression models that accounted for the complex survey design. Living in high poverty neighborhoods was associated with lower social integration but higher visits with neighbors. Neighborhood poverty distinctly patterns social integration, demonstrating that contexts shape the extent and quality of social relationships.
Synthesis and Properties of N‐Alkyl–N,N‐Dimethyl‐N‐(o‐Hydroxymethyl)Benzylammonium Chlorides
Authors: Guo Xiangfeng , Zhang Yingying , Jia Lihua , Liu Yanyan , Zhu Zhanbo , Zhang Yu , Yang Rui
Published: June 2015

A series of N‐alkyl–N,N‐dimethyl‐N‐(o‐hydroxymethyl)benzylammonium chlorides surfactants (DHBA‐m) were synthesized using o‐chloromethylbenzyl alcohol and N‐alkyl–N,N‐dimethyl tertiary amine as raw materials. The structure of the products was confirmed by FT‐IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and MS. DHBA‐m surfactants exhibit low Krafft points and high surface activities. The process of micellization of DHBA‐m is spontaneous, exothermic, and entropy‐driven. The hydroxymethyl substitution increases hydrophobicity of DHBA‐m, thus making micellization more favorable compared with that of N‐dodecyl–N,N‐dimethyl‐N‐benzylammonium chlorides (DDBAC‐m). The bactericidal activity of DHBA‐m is stronger on E. coli than that of DDBAC‐12, and DHBA‐16 shows strong bactericidal activity on Salmonella, S. aureus, and Streptococcus.
A systematic review of doctors’ experiences and needs to support the care of women with female genital mutilation
Authors: Dawson Angela , Homer Caroline S.E. , Turkmani Sabera , Black Kirsten , Varol Nesrin
Published: June 2015

Background

Female genital mutilation (FGM) involves partial or complete removal of the external female genitalia or other injury for non‐therapeutic reasons. Little is known about the knowledge and skills of doctors who care for affected women and their practice in relation to FGM.

Objectives

To examine the FGM experiences and educational needs of doctors.

Search strategy

A structured search of five bibliographic databases was undertaken to identify peer‐reviewed research literature published in English between 2004 and 2014 using the keywords “female genital mutilation,” “medical,” “doctors,” “education,” and “training.”

Selection criteria

Observational, quasi‐experimental, and non‐experimental descriptive studies were suitable for inclusion.

Data collection and analysis

A narrative synthesis of the study findings was undertaken and themes were identified.

Main results

Ten papers were included in the review, three of which were from low‐income countries. The analysis identified three themes: knowledge and attitudes, FGM‐related medical practices, and education and training.

Conclusions

There is a need for improved education and training to build knowledge and skills, and to change attitudes concerning the medicalization of FGM and reinfibulation.
Reliable Detection and Smart Deletion of Malassez Counting Chamber Grid in Microscopic White Light Images for Microbiological Applications
Authors: Denimal Emmanuel , Marin Ambroise , Guyot Stéphane , Journaux Ludovic , Molin Paul
Published: June 2015

In biology, hemocytometers such as Malassez slides are widely used and are effective tools for counting cells manually. In a previous work, a robust algorithm was developed for grid extraction in Malassez slide images. This algorithm was evaluated on a set of 135 images and grids were accurately detected in most cases, but there remained failures for the most difficult images. In this work, we present an optimization of this algorithm that allows for 100% grid detection and a 25% improvement in grid positioning accuracy. These improvements make the algorithm fully reliable for grid detection. This optimization also allows complete erasing of the grid without altering the cells, which eases their segmentation.
A discussion of Paul M. Sniderman, Michael Bang Petersen, Rune Slothuus, and Rune Stubager's Paradoxes of Liberal Democracy: Islam, Western Europe, and the Danish Cartoon Crisis
Authors: Tromble Rebekah
Published: June 2015

The 2005 Danish cartoon crisis has been the topic of much discussion among political science scholars. In September 2011 we ran a symposium on Jytte Klausen’s The Cartoons That Shook the World that centered on the tensions between multiculturalism, civility, and freedom of expression disclosed by the controversy. Paul M. Sniderman, Michael Bang Petersen, Rune Slothuus, and Rune Stubager’s Paradoxes of Liberal Democracy: Islam, Western Europe, and the Danish Cartoon Crisis (Princeton 2014) revisits the Danish crisis. Drawing on randomized experiments linked to broader survey research, the authors offer a nuanced account of Danish public opinion, and argue that the sensitivity of Danes to civil liberties concerns explains why the cartoon controversy did not result in an anti-Muslim backlash. The topic, the argument, and the methodology are important, and so we have invited a range of political science scholars to review the book. — Jeffrey C. Isaac
Animations of Ancient Vase Scenes in the Classics Classroom
Authors: Nevin Sonya
Published: June 2015

‘That's amazing! I can see what he's doing.’ These words, from a thirteen-year old boy in London, were extremely encouraging. Moments earlier he had been complaining that our imminent ancient history session would stop him playing pool. At his words, his friends looked up from online gaming, and they too began taking an interest in images of ancient vases and learning about ancient warfare. An hour later they hit the pool tables, but for the duration of our after-school session, these reluctant learners had engaged well and taken real pleasure in finding out about the ancient world.
An Immersion Class In Ancient Education
Authors: Dickey Eleanor
Published: June 2015

In November 2014 the Reading University Classics Department held an unusual event as part of the national ‘Being Human’ humanities festival. We re-created an ancient schoolroom and invited more than a hundred local school-age students to experience antiquity at first hand (specifically, Greek-speaking Egypt in the fourth century AD, as that is the time and place for which we have the most information). Before entering the schoolroom participants donned a complete Roman school costume, removing watches, glasses, and any other visibly modern accoutrements, and learned how to play the part which they would assume once inside. Students learned how to act like an ancient child (a relatively simple process), while the classroom slaves (headed by a distinguished Oxford papyrologist) and the teachers (a superb team of three lecturers and seven undergraduate and MA students from Reading) underwent a longer training to enable them to teach in the ancient fashion.
Implementation von in der Forschung untersuchten Präventionsprogrammen in die Praxis
Authors: Frantz Inga , Heinrichs Nina
Published: June 2015

Theoretischer Hintergrund: Evidenzbasierte Präventionsprogramme (EBP) werden nur von einem Teil der Praktiker routinemäßig eingesetzt. Fragestellung: Ziel der Studie war, Einstellungen von Praktikern zu EBP sowie Einflussfaktoren für ihre Anwendung in der Praxis zu identifizieren. Methode: Hundertzweiundachtzig Fachkräfte wurden in einem von drei Präventionsprogrammen fortgebildet, die in der Forschung mit mindestens einer randomisiert-kontrollierten Studie untersucht wurden. Etwa drei Jahre später fand ein strukturiertes Telefoninterview statt. Ergebnisse: Die deutschen Fachkräfte wiesen positivere Einstellungen zu EBP auf als Fachkräfte einer amerikanischen Normstichprobe, ein Drittel machte auch forschungskritische Angaben. Die Akzeptanz wurde vorhergesagt durch erschwerende und erleichternde Programmeigenschaften sowie die wahrgenommene Unterstützung am Arbeitsplatz. Schlussfolgerungen: Viele Fachkräfte bewerteten die EBP positiv und konnten diese gut in die Routineversorgung integrieren. Handlungsempfehlungen für die Praxis werden diskutiert.
APR-246 overcomes resistance to cisplatin and doxorubicin in ovarian cancer cells
Authors: Mohell N , Alfredsson J , Fransson Å , Uustalu M , Byström S , Gullbo J , Hallberg A , Bykov V J N , Björklund U , Wiman K G
Published: June 2015

Two main causes of platinum resistance are mutation in the tumor suppressor gene TP53 and drug-induced increase in intracellular glutathione concentration. Mutations in TP53 occur in about 50% of human tumors. APR-246 (PRIMA-1MET) is the first clinical-stage compound that reactivates mutant p53 and induces apoptosis. APR-246 is a prodrug that is converted to the active compound methylene quinuclidinone (MQ), a Michael acceptor that binds to cysteine residues in mutant p53 and restores its wild-type conformation. Here, we show that MQ also binds to cysteine in glutathione, thus decreasing intracellular free glutathione concentration. We also show that treatment with APR-246 completely restores the cisplatin and doxorubicin sensitivity to p53-mutant drug-resistant ovarian cancer cells. We propose that this unique ability of APR-246/MQ to bind to cysteines in both mutant p53 and glutathione has a key role in the resensitization as well as in the outstanding synergistic effects observed with APR-246 in combination with platinum compounds in ovarian cancer cell lines and primary cancer cells. However, MQ binding to cysteines in other targets, for example, thioredoxin reductase, may contribute as well. Strong synergy was also observed with the DNA-damaging drugs doxorubicin and gemcitabine, while additive effects were found with the taxane docetaxel. Our results provide a strong rationale for the ongoing clinical study with APR-246 in combination with platinum-based therapy in patients with p53-mutant recurrent high-grade serous (HGS) ovarian cancer. More than 96% of these patients carry TP53 mutations. Combined treatment with APR-246 and platinum or other DNA-damaging drugs could allow dramatically improved therapy of a wide range of therapy refractory p53 mutant tumors.
Tet3 mediates stable glucocorticoid-induced alterations in DNA methylation and Dnmt3a/Dkk1 expression in neural progenitors
Authors: Bose R , Spulber S , Kilian P , Heldring N , Lönnerberg P , Johnsson A , Conti M , Hermanson O , Ceccatelli S
Published: June 2015

Developmental exposure to excess glucocorticoids (GCs) has harmful neurodevelopmental effects, which include persistent alterations in the differentiation potential of embryonic neural stem cells (NSCs). The mechanisms, however, are largely unknown. Here, we investigated the effects of dexamethasone (Dex, a synthetic GC analog) by MeDIP-like genome-wide analysis of differentially methylated DNA regions (DMRs) in NSCs isolated from embryonic rat cortices. We found that Dex-induced genome-wide DNA hypomethylation in the NSCs in vitro. Similarly, in utero exposure to Dex resulted in global DNA hypomethylation in the cerebral cortex of 3-day-old mouse pups. Dex-exposed NSCs displayed stable changes in the expression of the DNA methyltransferase Dnmt3a, and Dkk1, an essential factor for neuronal differentiation. These alterations were dependent on Tet3 upregulation. In conclusion, we propose that GCs elicit strong and persistent effects on DNA methylation in NSCs with Tet3 playing an essential role in the regulation of Dnmt3a and Dkk1. Noteworthy is the occurrence of similar changes in Dnmt3a and Dkk1 gene expression after exposure to excess GC in vivo.
Impact of loss of NF‐κB1, NF‐κB2 or c‐REL on SLE‐like autoimmune disease and lymphadenopathy in Faslpr/lpr mutant mice
Authors: Low J T , Hughes P , Lin A , Siebenlist U , Jain R , Yaprianto K , Gray D H D , Gerondakis S , Strasser A , O'Reilly L A
Published: June 2015

Defects in apoptosis can cause autoimmune disease. Loss‐of‐function mutations in the ‘death receptor’ FAS impair the deletion of autoreactive lymphocytes in the periphery, leading to progressive lymphadenopathy and systemic lupus erythematosus‐like autoimmune disease in mice (Faslpr/lpr (mice homozygous for the lymphoproliferation inducing spontaneous mutation)) and humans. The REL/nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) transcription factors regulate a broad range of immune effector functions and are also implicated in various autoimmune diseases. We generated compound mutant mice to investigate the individual functions of the NF‐κB family members NF‐κB1, NF‐κB2 and c‐REL in the various autoimmune pathologies of Faslpr/lpr mutant mice. We show that loss of each of these transcription factors resulted in amelioration of many classical features of autoimmune disease, including hypergammaglobulinaemia, anti‐nuclear autoantibodies and autoantibodies against tissue‐specific antigens. Remarkably, only c‐REL deficiency substantially reduced immune complex‐mediated glomerulonephritis and extended the lifespan of Faslpr/lpr mice. Interestingly, compared with the Faslpr/lpr animals, Faslpr/lprnfkb2−/− mice presented with a dramatic acceleration and augmentation of lymphadenopathy that was accompanied by severe lung pathology due to extensive lymphocytic infiltration. The Faslpr/lprnfkb1−/− mice exhibited the combined pathologies caused by defects in FAS‐mediated apoptosis and premature ageing due to loss of NF‐κB1. These findings demonstrate that different NF‐κB family members exert distinct roles in the development of the diverse autoimmune and lymphoproliferative pathologies that arise in Faslpr/lpr mice, and suggest that pharmacological targeting of c‐REL should be considered as a strategy for therapeutic intervention in autoimmune diseases.
Multivalency governs HP1α association dynamics with the silent chromatin state
Authors: Kilic Sinan , Bachmann Andreas L. , Bryan Louise C. , Fierz Beat
Published: June 2015

Multivalent interactions between effector proteins and histone post-translational modifications are an elementary mechanism of dynamic chromatin signalling. Here we elucidate the mechanism how heterochromatin protein 1α (HP1α), a multivalent effector, is efficiently recruited to the silent chromatin state (marked by trimethylated H3 at Lys9, H3K9me3) while remaining highly dynamic. Employing chemically defined nucleosome arrays together with single-molecule total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy (smTIRFM), we demonstrate that the HP1α residence time on chromatin depends on the density of H3K9me3, as dissociated factors can rapidly rebind at neighbouring sites. Moreover, by chemically controlling HP1α dimerization we find that effector multivalency prolongs chromatin retention and, importantly, accelerates the association rate. This effect results from increased avidity together with strengthened nonspecific chromatin interactions of dimeric HP1α. We propose that accelerated chromatin binding is a key feature of effector multivalency, allowing for fast and efficient competition for binding sites in the crowded nuclear compartment.
Fermi-surface-free superconductivity in underdoped (Bi,Pb)(Sr,La)2CuO6+δ (Bi2201)
Authors: Mistark Peter , Hafiz Hasnain , Markiewicz Robert S. , Bansil Arun
Published: June 2015

Fermi-surface-free superconductivity arises when the superconducting order pulls down spectral weight from a band that is completely above the Fermi energy in the normal state. We show that this can arise in hole-doped cuprates when a competing order causes a reconstruction of the Fermi surface. The change in Fermi surface topology is accompanied by a characteristic rise in the spectral weight. Our results support the presence of a trisected superconducting dome and suggest that superconductivity is responsible for stabilizing the (π,π) magnetic order at higher doping.
Detection of trace metallic elements in oral lichenoid contact lesions using SR-XRF, PIXE and XAFS
Authors: Sugiyama Tomoko , Uo Motohiro , Wada Takahiro , Omagari Daisuke , Komiyama Kazuo , Miyazaki Serika , Numako Chiya , Noguchi Tadahide , Jinbu Yoshinori , Kusama Mikio , Mori Yoshiyuki
Published: June 2015

Oral lichen planus (OLP) and oral lichenoid contact lesions (OLCL) are chronic inflammatory mucocutaneous reactions with a risk of malignant transformation that alter the epithelium. OLP and OLCL have similar clinical and histopathological features and it is difficult to distinguish one from the other. Metallic restorations are suspected to generate OLCLs. Trace metal analysis of OLCL specimens may facilitate the discrimination of symptoms and identification of causative metallic restorations. The purpose of this study was to assess OLCL tissue samples for the prevalence of metallic elements derived from dental restorations and to discriminate OLCL from OLP by using synchrotron radiation-excited X-ray fluorescence analysis (SR-XRF), particle-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) and X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS). Typical elements of dental materials were detected in the OLCL, whereas no obvious element accumulation was detected in OLP and negative control specimens. The origin of the detected metallic elements was presumed to be dental alloys through erosion. Therefore, our findings support the feasibility of providing supporting information to distinguish OLCL from OLP by using elemental analysis.
Molecular organization and comparative analysis of chromosome 5B of the wild wheat ancestor Triticum dicoccoides
Authors: Ani Akpinar Bala , Yuce Meral , Lucas Stuart , Vrána Jan , Burešová Veronika , Doležel Jaroslav , Budak Hikmet
Published: June 2015

Wild emmer wheat, Triticum turgidum ssp. dicoccoides is the wild relative of Triticum turgidum, the progenitor of durum and bread wheat and maintains a rich allelic diversity among its wild populations. The lack of adequate genetic and genomic resources, however, restricts its exploitation in wheat improvement. Here, we report next-generation sequencing of the flow-sorted chromosome 5B of T. dicoccoides to shed light into its genome structure, function and organization by exploring the repetitive elements, protein-encoding genes and putative microRNA and tRNA coding sequences. Comparative analyses with its counterparts in modern and wild wheats suggest clues into the B-genome evolution. Syntenic relationships of chromosome 5B with the model grasses can facilitate further efforts for fine-mapping of traits of interest. Mapping of 5B sequences onto the root transcriptomes of two additional T. dicoccoides genotypes, with contrasting drought tolerances, revealed several thousands of single nucleotide polymorphisms, of which 584 shared polymorphisms on 228 transcripts were specific to the drought-tolerant genotype. To our knowledge, this study presents the largest genomics resource currently available for T. dicoccoides, which, we believe, will encourage the exploitation of its genetic and genomic potential for wheat improvement to meet the increasing demand to feed the world.
An organic jelly made fractal logic gate with an infinite truth table
Authors: Ghosh Subrata , Fujita Daisuke , Bandyopadhyay Anirban
Published: June 2015

Widely varying logic gates invented over a century are all finite. As data deluge problem looms large on the information processing and communication industry, the thrust to explore radical concepts is increasing rapidly. Here, we design and synthesis a molecule, wherein, the input energy transmits in a cycle inside the molecular system, just like an oscillator, then, we use the molecule to make a jelly that acts as chain of oscillators with a fractal like resonance band. Hence, with the increasing detection resolution, in the vacant space between two energy levels of a given resonance band, a new band appears, due to fractal nature, generation of newer energy levels never stops. This is natural property of a linear chain oscillator. As we correlate each energy level of the resonance band of organic jelly, as a function of pH and density of the jelly, we realize a logic gate, whose truth table is finite, but if we zoom any small part, a new truth table appears. In principle, zooming of truth table would continue forever. Thus, we invent a new class of infinite logic gate for the first time.
Overexpression of Tyrosine hydroxylase and Dopa decarboxylase associated with pupal melanization in Spodoptera exigua
Authors: Liu Sisi , Wang Mo , Li Xianchun
Published: June 2015

Melanism has been found in a wide range of species, but the molecular mechanisms involved remain largely elusive. In this study, we studied the molecular mechanisms of the pupal melanism inSpodoptera exigua. The full length cDNA sequences oftyrosine hydroxylase(TH) anddopa decarboxylase(DDC), two key enzymes in the biosynthesis pathway of melanin, were cloned and their temporal expression patterns in the integument were compared during the larval-pupal metamorphosis process of theS. exiguawild type (SEW) and melanic mutant (SEM) strains. No amino acid change in the protein sequence of TH and DDC was found between the two strains. BothDDCandTHwere significantly over-expressed in the integument of the SEM strain at late-prepupa and 0 h pupa, respectively, compared with those of the SEW strain. Feeding 5thinstar larvae of SEM with diets incorporated with 1 mg/g of the DDC inhibitor L-α-Methyl-DOPA and 0.75 mg/g of the TH inhibitor 3-iodo-tyrosine (3-IT) resulted in 20% pupae with partially-rescued phenotype and 68.2% of pupae with partially- or fully-rescued phenotype, respectively. These results indicate that overexpressions ofTHandDDCare involved in the pupal melanization ofS. exigua.
Mannan-modified adenovirus targeting TERT and VEGFR-2: A universal tumour vaccine
Authors: Wang Ying , Zhang Jie , Wu Yang , Ding Zhen-Yu , Luo Xin-Mei , Liu Jie , Zhong Wu-Ning , Deng Guo-Hua , Xia Xiang-Yu , Deng Yao-Tiao , Wei Yu-Quan , Jiang Yu
Published: June 2015

Antigen-presenting cells including dendritic cells (DCs) express mannan receptors (MR) on their surface, which can be exploited in cancer therapy by designing immune-stimulatory viruses coated with mannan-modified capsids that then bind to DCs and initiate a potent immune response. Although the combination of anti-angiogenesis and cancer immunotherapy agents has a synergistic antitumor effect, more effective strategies for delivering such combinations are still required. Here we report the design and application of mannan-modified adenovirus that expresses both telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2). Cytotoxic T lymphocytes that are reactive to TERT and VEGFR-2 are capable of mounting an anti-tumour response in murine breast and colon tumour models and in a lung metastatic model. Compared with mannan-modified TERT adenovirus vaccine or mannan-modified VEGFR-2 adenovirus vaccine alone, the combined vaccine showed remarkably synergistic anti-tumour immunity in these models. Both TERT- and VEGFR-2-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) were identified in an in vitro cytotoxicity assay and the CTL activity against tumour cells was significantly elevated in the combined vaccine group. Furthermore, CTL-mediated toxicity was blocked by anti-CD8 monoclonal antibodies. Thus, the combined mannan-modified TERT and VEGFR-2 adenovirus confers potent anti-tumour immunity by targeting both tumour cells and intratumoural angiogenesis.
CMOS compatible high-Q photonic crystal nanocavity fabricated with photolithography on silicon photonic platform
Authors: Ooka Yuta , Tetsumoto Tomohiro , Fushimi Akihiro , Yoshiki Wataru , Tanabe Takasumi
Published: June 2015

Progress on the fabrication of ultrahigh-Q photonic-crystal nanocavities (PhC-NCs) has revealed the prospect for new applications including silicon Raman lasers that require a strong confinement of light. Among various PhC-NCs, the highest Q has been recorded with silicon. On the other hand, microcavity is one of the basic building blocks in silicon photonics. However, the fusion between PhC-NCs and silicon photonics has yet to be exploited, since PhC-NCs are usually fabricated with electron-beam lithography and require an air-bridge structure. Here we show that a 2D-PhC-NC fabricated with deep-UV photolithography on a silica-clad silicon-on-insulator (SOI) structure will exhibit a high-Q of 2.2 × 105 with a mode-volume of ~1.7(λ/n)3. This is the highest Q demonstrated with photolithography. We also show that this device exhibits an efficient thermal diffusion and enables high-speed switching. The demonstration of the photolithographic fabrication of high-Q silica-clad PhC-NCs will open possibility for mass-manufacturing and boost the fusion between silicon photonics and CMOS devices.
Bacterial growth and form under mechanical compression
Authors: Si Fangwei , Li Bo , Margolin William , Sun Sean X.
Published: June 2015

A combination of physical and chemical processes is involved in determining the bacterial cell shape. In standard medium, Escherichia coli cells are rod-shaped and maintain a constant diameter during exponential growth. Here, we demonstrate that by applying compressive forces to growing E. coli, cells no longer retain their rod-like shapes but grow and divide with a flat pancake-like geometry. The deformation is reversible: deformed cells can recover back to rod-like shapes in several generations after compressive forces are removed. During compression, the cell elongation rate, proliferation rate, DNA replication rate and protein synthesis are not significantly altered from those of the normal rod-shaped cells. Quantifying the rate of cell wall growth under compression reveals that the cell wall growth rate depends on the local cell curvature. MreB not only influences the rate of cell wall growth, but also influences how the growth rate scales with cell geometry. The result is consistent with predictions of a mechanochemical model and suggests an active mechanical role for MreB during cell wall growth. The developed compressive device is also useful for studying a variety of cells in unique geometries.
Mesodermal origin of median fin mesenchyme and tail muscle in amphibian larvae
Authors: Taniguchi Yuka , Kurth Thomas , Medeiros Daniel Meulemans , Tazaki Akira , Ramm Robert , Epperlein Hans-Henning
Published: June 2015

Mesenchyme is an embryonic precursor tissue that generates a range of structures in vertebrates including cartilage, bone, muscle, kidney and the erythropoietic system. Mesenchyme originates from both mesoderm and the neural crest, an ectodermal cell population, via an epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). Because ectodermal and mesodermal mesenchyme can form in close proximity and give rise to similar derivatives, the embryonic origin of many mesenchyme-derived tissues is still unclear. Recent work using genetic lineage tracing methods have upended classical ideas about the contributions of mesodermal mesenchyme and neural crest to particular structures. Using similar strategies in the Mexican axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) and the South African clawed toad (Xenopus laevis), we traced the origins of fin mesenchyme and tail muscle in amphibians. Here we present evidence that fin mesenchyme and striated tail muscle in both animals are derived solely from mesoderm and not from neural crest. In the context of recent work in zebrafish, our experiments suggest that trunk neural crest cells in the last common ancestor of tetrapods and ray-finned fish lacked the ability to form ectomesenchyme and its derivatives.
The cuttlefish Sepia officinalis (Sepiidae, Cephalopoda) constructs cuttlebone from a liquid-crystal precursor
Authors: Checa Antonio G. , Cartwright Julyan H. E. , Sánchez-Almazo Isabel , Andrade José P. , Ruiz-Raya Francisco
Published: June 2015

Cuttlebone, the sophisticated buoyancy device of cuttlefish, is made of extensive superposed chambers that have a complex internal arrangement of calcified pillars and organic membranes. It has not been clear how this structure is assembled. We find that the membranes result from a myriad of minor membranes initially filling the whole chamber, made of nanofibres evenly oriented within each membrane and slightly rotated with respect to those of adjacent membranes, producing a helical arrangement. We propose that the organism secretes a chitin–protein complex, which self-organizes layer-by-layer as a cholesteric liquid crystal, whereas the pillars are made by viscous fingering. The liquid crystallization mechanism permits us to homologize the elements of the cuttlebone with those of other coleoids and with the nacreous septa and the shells of nautiloids. These results challenge our view of this ultra-light natural material possessing desirable mechanical, structural and biological properties, suggesting that two self-organizing physical principles suffice to understand its formation.
A novel and versatile nanomachine for ultrasensitive and specific detection of microRNAs based on molecular beacon initiated strand displacement amplification coupled with catalytic hairpin assembly with DNAzyme formation
Authors: Yan Yurong , Shen Bo , Wang Hong , Sun Xue , Cheng Wei , Zhao Hua , Ju Huangxian , Ding Shijia
Published: June 2015

A simple and versatile strategy for ultrasensitive and specific detection of microRNAs based on strand displacement amplification and catalytic hairpin assembly.
Determination of 18 phthalate metabolites in human urine using a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometer equipped with a core–shell column for rapid separation
Authors: Feng Yong-Lai , Liao Xiangjun , Grenier Genevieve , Nguyen Nathalie , Chan Peter
Published: June 2015

Phthalates are a group of chemicals used in a variety of products worldwide.
Solidification of floating organic drop microextraction combined with gas chromatography-flame photometric detection for the analysis of organophosphorus pesticides in water samples
Authors: Liu Ying , He Man , Chen Beibei , Hu Bin
Published: June 2015

Vortex-assisted solidification of floating organic drop microextraction combined with GC-FPD for organophosphorus pesticide analysis in water samples.
A hybrid organic–inorganic molecular daisy chain
Authors: Fernandez Antonio , Moreno Pineda Eufemio , Ferrando-Soria Jesùs , McInnes Eric J. L. , Timco Grigore A. , Winpenny Richard E. P.
Published: June 2015

A hybrid daisy-chain has been made, involving an organic thread for an inorganic ring, where the organic thread for the ring also acts as a ligand for a second ring. The ring contains six chromium(iii) and two zinc(ii) ions, and two isomers of the rings are found in the daisy-chain.
Chemical etching of manganese oxides for electrocatalytic oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Lei Kaixiang , Han Xiaopeng , Hu Yuxiang , Liu Xue , Cong Liang , Cheng Fangyi , Chen Jun
Published: June 2015

Mixed-valent MnOx obtained by chemically etching MnO/Mn2O3 with ceric ammonium nitrate exhibits enhanced electrocatalytic activity toward oxygen reduction.
Array-based detection of persistent organic pollutants via cyclodextrin promoted energy transfer
Authors: Serio Nicole , Moyano Daniel F. , Rotello Vincent M. , Levine Mindy
Published: June 2015

Reported herein is the selective detection of 30 different persistent organic pollutants using cyclodextrin-promoted non-covalent energy transfer for array-based detection.
H-phosphonate-mediated sulfonylation of heteroaromatic N-oxides: a mild and metal-free one-pot synthesis of 2-sulfonyl quinolines/pyridines
Authors: Sun Kai , Chen Xiao-Lan , Li Xu , Qu Ling-Bo , Bi Wen-Zhu , Chen Xi , Ma Hui-Li , Zhang Song-Tao , Han Bo-Wen , Zhao Yu-Fen , Li Chao-Jun
Published: June 2015

A smart H-phosphonate-mediated synthetic strategy for the sulfonylation of heteroaromatic N-oxides has been developed in one pot under metal-free conditions at room temperature.
A highly reducing metal-free photoredox catalyst: design and application in radical dehalogenations
Authors: Discekici Emre H. , Treat Nicolas J. , Poelma Saemi O. , Mattson Kaila M. , Hudson Zachary M. , Luo Yingdong , Hawker Craig J. , de Alaniz Javier Read
Published: June 2015

A highly reducing, metal-free photoredox catalyst is shown to give unprecedented access to a range of unactivated carbon halogen bonds, forming carbon centered radical intermediates that are subsequently trapped with a mild H-atom source for radical dehalogenations.
Determination of the linear coefficient of thermal expansion in polymer films at the nanoscale: influence of the composition of EVA copolymers and the molecular weight of PMMA
Authors: González-Benito J. , Castillo E. , Cruz-Caldito J. F.
Published: June 2015

Nanothermal-expansion of poly(ethylene-co-vinylacetate), EVA, and poly(methyl methacrylate), PMMA, in the form of films was measured to finally obtain linear coefficients of thermal expansion, CTEs.
Photovoltaic properties of multilayered quantum dot/quantum rod-sensitized TiO2 solar cells fabricated by SILAR and electrophoresis
Authors: Cerdán-Pasarán Andrea , López-Luke Tzarara , Esparza Diego , Zarazúa Isaac , De la Rosa Elder , Fuentes-Ramírez Rosalba , Alatorre-Ordaz Alejandro , Sánchez-Solís Ana , Torres-Castro Alejandro , Zhang Jin Z.
Published: June 2015

A multilayered semiconductor sensitizer structure composed of three differently sized CdSe quantum rods and CdS quantum dots.
Prediction of nanoparticle transport behavior from physicochemical properties: machine learning provides insights to guide the next generation of transport models
Authors: Goldberg Eli , Scheringer Martin , Bucheli Thomas D. , Hungerbühler Konrad
Published: June 2015

Machine-learning methods are used to identify factors that govern transport of nanoparticles in column experiments.
The pore surface diffusion model as a tool for rapid screening of novel nanomaterial-enhanced hybrid ion-exchange media
Authors: Athanasaki Grigoria , Sherrill Laurie , Hristovski Kiril D.
Published: June 2015

The primary goal of this study was to examine the feasibility of using Pore Surface Diffusion Model (PSDM) as a rapid screening tool to predict breakthrough curves of short bed columns packed with nanomaterial enhanced hybrid-ion exchange media.
Theobromine inhibits differentiation of 3T3-L1 cells during the early stage of adipogenesis via AMPK and MAPK signaling pathways
Authors: Jang Yeon Jeong , Koo Hyun Jung , Sohn Eun-Hwa , Kang Se Chan , Rhee Dong-Kwon , Pyo Suhkneung
Published: June 2015

Theobromine decreased the accumulation of lipid droplets in a concentration-dependent manner.
Mg/Ca ratios measured by laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS): a new approach to decipher environmental conditions
Authors: García-Escárzaga A. , Moncayo S. , Gutiérrez-Zugasti I. , González-Morales M. R. , Martín-Chivelet J. , Cáceres J. O.
Published: June 2015

Mg/Ca ratios in shells of the mollusc species Phorcus lineatus obtained using the LIBS technique has been evaluated as an environmental proxy to reconstruct paleotemperatures and season of capture of molluscs for the first time.
Determination of mercury in mosses by novel cold vapor generation atmospheric pressure glow microdischarge optical emission spectrometry after multivariate optimization
Authors: Greda Krzysztof , Kurcbach Konrad , Ochromowicz Katarzyna , Lesniewicz Tomasz , Jamroz Piotr , Pohl Pawel
Published: June 2015

A novel μAPGD system coupled with CVG was applied to the OES determination of Hg in samples of mosses from parks and surrounding forests of Wroclaw (Poland).
Patterning microfluidic device wettability with spatially-controlled plasma oxidation
Authors: Kim Samuel C. , Sukovich David J. , Abate Adam R.
Published: June 2015

Spatially-controlled plasma treatment enables easy, accurate, reliable and scalable wettability patterning of microfluidic devices.
Towards a potential 4,4′-(1,2,4,5-tetrazine-3,6-diyl) dibenzoic spacer to construct metal–organic frameworks
Authors: Calahorro Antonio J. , Fernández Belén , García-Gallarín Celeste , Melguizo Manuel , Fairen-Jimenez David , Zaragoza Guillermo , Salinas-Castillo Alfonso , Gómez-Ruiz Santiago , Rodríguez-Diéguez Antonio
Published: June 2015

A new ligand has been designed and explored with the aim of using it as a linker to construct three-dimensional metal–organic frameworks (MOFs).
Pd-grafted functionalized mesoporous MCM-41: a novel, green and heterogeneous nanocatalyst for the selective synthesis of phenols and anilines from aryl halides in water
Authors: Havasi Forugh , Ghorbani-Choghamarani Arash , Nikpour Farzad
Published: June 2015

The preparation of phenols and anilines from aryl halides in the presence of MCM-41-dtz-Pd as a heterogeneous nanocatalyst has been introduced.
The gating effect by thousands of bubble-propelled micromotors in macroscale channels
Authors: Teo Wei Zhe , Wang Hong , Pumera Martin
Published: June 2015

The presence of active bubble-propelled micromotors in large numbers (>10 000) was found to slow down the dissolution and dispersion of chemicals.
Probing heterobivalent binding to the endocytic AP-2 adaptor complex by DNA-based spatial screening
Authors: Diezmann F. , von Kleist L. , Haucke V. , Seitz O.
Published: June 2015

The DNA-programmed peptide display in brain extract revealed a co-operation between the binding sites on the AP-2 alpha-appendage domain.
Preparation of naphthyl functionalized magnetic nanoparticles for extraction of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from river waters
Authors: Cai Ying , Yan Zhi-Hong , Wang Ni-Ya , Cai Qing-Yun , Yao Shou-Zhuo
Published: June 2015

Naphthyl functionalized magnetic nanoparticles (Fe3O4@SiO2@Nap) was prepared and successfully applied for the magnetic solid-phase extraction (MSPE) of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from river water samples.
Unusual crystallization behavior of biodegradable poly(ethylene adipate) based nanocomposites induced by graphene oxide
Authors: Jiang Zinan , Qiu Zhaobin
Published: June 2015

GO increases both the nucleation density and the growth rate of PEA spherulites in nanocomposites.
Correction: Poly(acrylonitrile-co-styrene sodium sulfonate-co-n-butyl acrylate) terpolymer based cation exchange membrane for water desalination via electrodialysis
Authors: Bhadja Vaibhavee , Chatterjee Uma , Jewrajka Suresh K.
Published: June 2015

Correction for ‘Poly(acrylonitrile-co-styrene sodium sulfonate-co-n-butyl acrylate) terpolymer based cation exchange membrane for water desalination via electrodialysis’ by Vaibhavee Bhadja et al., RSC Adv., 2015, 5, 40026–40035.
Correction: Rhodium-catalyzed synthesis of quinolines and imines under mild conditions
Authors: Yadav Dilip Kumar T. , Bhanage Bhalchandra M.
Published: June 2015

Correction for ‘Rhodium-catalyzed synthesis of quinolines and imines under mild conditions’ by Dilip Kumar T. Yadav et al., RSC Adv., 2015, DOI: 10.1039/c5ra08887a.
Capsular polypyrrole hollow nanofibers: an efficient recyclable adsorbent for hexavalent chromium removal
Authors: Zhao Jian , Li Zhenyu , Wang Jinfeng , Li Quanxiang , Wang Xungai
Published: June 2015

Capsular PPy-HNFs fabricated via in situ polymerization on organic templates showed an exceptional Cr(vi) adsorption capacity, up to 839.3 mg g−1.
A vertical lamellae arrangement of sub-16 nm pitch (domain spacing) in a microphase separated PS-b-PEO thin film by salt addition
Authors: Ghoshal Tandra , Ntaras Christos , Shaw Matthew T. , Holmes Justin D. , Avgeropoulos Apostolos , Morris Michael A.
Published: June 2015

8 nm feature size nanopatterns have been fabricated from a symmetric polystyrene-b-polyethylene oxide BCP of low molecular weight using lithium ion addition.
Review of microgrid architectures – a system of systems perspective
Authors: Mahmoud Magdi S. , Saif Ur Rahman Mohamed , A.L.‐Sunni Fouad M.
Published: June 2015

To better cope with the challenges posed by the world today, the transition of systems engineering principles to complex, large scale, integrated and evolutionary system of systems (SoSs) has occurred. On the other hand, distributed generation has made its mark in the power distribution system, as a consequence of economic and environmental considerations. With the exponential advancement of technology, unconventional sources of generation, storage and microturbines have been enhanced. The microgrid has paved its way into distributed generation and looks promising for future prospects. A review of microgrid architectures and models is presented in this study. Various control schemes devised for microgrids are also reviewed. The concept of SoSs is introduced and its applications are discussed. A framework is proposed for microgrids from an SoS perspective and control paradigms based on SoS are explained in terms of microgrid control.
Quality and Quantity of Published Studies Evaluating Lumbar Fusion during the past 10 Years: A Systematic Review
Authors: Hart Robert , Hermsmeyer Jeffrey T. , Sethi Rajiv K. , Norvell Daniel C.
Published: June 2015

Study Design

Systematic review.

Clinical Questions

(1) Has the proportion and number of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) as an indicator of quality of evidence regarding lumbar fusion increased over the past 10 years? (2) Is there a difference in the proportion of RCTs among the four primary fusion diagnoses (degenerative disk disease, spondylolisthesis, deformity, and adjacent segment disease) over the past 10 years? (3) Is there a difference in the type and quality of clinical outcomes measures reported among RCTs over time? (4) Is there a difference in the type and quality of adverse events measures reported among RCTs over time? (5) Are there changes in fusion surgical approach and techniques over time by diagnosis over the past 10 years?

Methods

Electronic databases and reference lists of key articles were searched from January 1, 2004, through December 31, 2013, to identify lumbar fusion RCTs. Fusion studies designed specifically to evaluate recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 or other bone substitutes, revision surgery studies, nonrandomized comparison studies, case reports, case series, and cost-effectiveness studies were excluded.

Results

Forty-two RCTs between January 1, 2004, and December 31, 2013, met the inclusion criteria and form the basis for this report. There were 35 RCTs identified evaluating patients diagnosed with degenerative disk disease, 4 RCTs evaluating patients diagnosed with degenerative spondylolisthesis, and 3 RCTs evaluating patients with a combination of degenerative disk disease and degenerative spondylolisthesis. No RCTs were identified evaluating patients with deformity or adjacent segment disease.

Conclusions

This structured review demonstrates that there has been an increase in the available clinical database of RCTs using patient-reported outcomes evaluating the benefit of lumbar spinal fusion for the diagnoses of degenerative disk disease and degenerative spondylolisthesis. Gaps remain in the standardization of reportage of adverse events in such trials, as well as uniformity of surgical approaches used. Finally, continued efforts to develop higher-quality data for other surgical indications for lumbar fusion, most notably in the presence of adult spinal deformity and revision of prior surgical fusions, appear warranted.
Introducing improved structural properties and salt dependence into a coarse-grained model of DNA
Authors: Snodin Benedict E. K. , Randisi Ferdinando , Mosayebi Majid , Šulc Petr , Schreck John S. , Romano Flavio , Ouldridge Thomas E. , Tsukanov Roman , Nir Eyal , Louis Ard A. , Doye Jonathan P. K.
Published: June 2015

We introduce an extended version of oxDNA, a coarse-grained model of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) designed to capture the thermodynamic, structural, and mechanical properties of single- and double-stranded DNA. By including explicit major and minor grooves and by slightly modifying the coaxial stacking and backbone-backbone interactions, we improve the ability of the model to treat large (kilobase-pair) structures, such as DNA origami, which are sensitive to these geometric features. Further, we extend the model, which was previously parameterised to just one salt concentration ([Na+] = 0.5M), so that it can be used for a range of salt concentrations including those corresponding to physiological conditions. Finally, we use new experimental data to parameterise the oxDNA potential so that consecutive adenine bases stack with a different strength to consecutive thymine bases, a feature which allows a more accurate treatment of systems where the flexibility of single-stranded regions is important. We illustrate the new possibilities opened up by the updated model, oxDNA2, by presenting results from simulations of the structure of large DNA objects and by using the model to investigate some salt-dependent properties of DNA.