bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fascial Disorders: Implications for Treatment
Authors: Stecco Antonio , Stern Robert , Fantoni Ilaria , De Caro Raffaele , Stecco Carla
Published: June 2015

In the past 15 years, multiple articles have appeared that target fascia as an important component of treatment in the field of physical medicine and rehabilitation. To better understand the possible actions of fascial treatments, there is a need to clarify the definition of fascia and how it interacts with various other structures: muscles, nerves, vessels, organs. Fascia is a tissue that occurs throughout the body. However, different kinds of fascia exist. In this narrative review, we demonstrate that symptoms related to dysfunction of the lymphatic system, superficial vein system, and thermoregulation are closely related to dysfunction involving superficial fascia. Dysfunction involving alterations in mechanical coordination, proprioception, balance, myofascial pain, and cramps are more related to deep fascia and the epimysium. Superficial fascia is obviously more superficial than the other types and contains more elastic tissue. Consequently, effective treatment can probably be achieved with light massage or with treatment modalities that use large surfaces that spread the friction in the first layers of the subcutis. The deep fasciae and the epymisium require treatment that generates enough pressure to reach the surface of muscles. For this reason, the use of small surface tools and manual deep friction with the knuckles or elbows are indicated. Due to different anatomical locations and to the qualities of the fascial tissue, it is important to recognize that different modalities of approach have to be taken into consideration when considering treatment options.
Forces driving late Pleistocene (ca. 77–12 ka) landscape evolution in the Cimarron River valley, southwestern Kansas
Authors: Layzell Anthony L. , Mandel Rolfe D. , Ludvigson Greg A. , Rittenour Tammy M. , Smith Jon J.
Published: June 2015

This study presents stratigraphic, geomorphic, and paleoenvironmental (δ13C) data that provide insight into the late Pleistocene landscape evolution of the Cimarron River valley in the High Plains of southwestern Kansas. Two distinct valley fills (T-1 and T-2) were investigated. Three soils occur in the T-2 fill and five in the T-1 fill, all indicating periods of landscape stability or slow sedimentation. Of particular interest are two cumulic soils dating to ca. 48–28 and 13–12.5 ka. δ13C values are consistent with regional paleoenvironmental proxy data that indicate the prevalence of warm, dry conditions at these times. The Cimarron River is interpreted to have responded to these climatic changes and to local base level control. Specifically, aggradation occurred during cool, wet periods and slow sedimentation with cumulic soil formation occurred under warmer, drier climates. Significant valley incision (~ 25 m) by ca. 28 ka likely resulted from a lowering of local base level caused by deep-seated dissolution of Permian evaporite deposits.
THE MOONSHINE MODULE FOR CONWAY’S GROUP
Authors: DUNCAN JOHN F. R. , MACK-CRANE SANDER
Published: June 2015

We exhibit an action of Conway’s group – the automorphism group of the Leech lattice – on a distinguished super vertex operator algebra, and we prove that the associated graded trace functions are normalized principal moduli, all having vanishing constant terms in their Fourier expansion. Thus we construct the natural analogue of the Frenkel–Lepowsky–Meurman moonshine module for Conway’s group. The super vertex operator algebra we consider admits a natural characterization, in direct analogy with that conjectured to hold for the moonshine module vertex operator algebra. It also admits a unique canonically twisted module, and the action of the Conway group naturally extends. We prove a special case of generalized moonshine for the Conway group, by showing that the graded trace functions arising from its action on the canonically twisted module are constant in the case of Leech lattice automorphisms with fixed points, and are principal moduli for genus-zero groups otherwise.
Attitudes Towards Older Australian Workers
Authors: Helmes Edward
Published: June 2015

Many employers in Australia are experiencing ageing workforces. Yet ageist attitudes and discrimination can impede effective management of older workers. Here we explore the attitudes of a mixed sample of university undergraduates and community members towards older workers. A total of 64 males and 89 females completed questionnaires assessing attitudes towards older workers and general knowledge of older adults. The association between these factors and respondents’ age, gender, education, employment status and hours worked per week was examined. As predicted, the sample's attitudes towards older workers were generally positive among those who were working, but hypotheses relating to associations between knowledge of ageing, age, education and hours worked per week were largely not supported. The failure of variables hypothesised to be related to attitudes is discussed.
The influence of birth order and number of siblings on adolescent body composition: evidence from a Brazilian birth cohort study
Authors: de Oliveira Meller Fernanda , Assunção M. C. F. , Schäfer A. A. , de Mola C. L. , Barros A. J. D. , Dahly D. L. , Barros F. C.
Published: June 2015

The aim of this study was to estimate the association between birth order and number of siblings with body composition in adolescents. Data are from a birth cohort study conducted in Pelotas, Brazil. At the age of 18 years, 4563 adolescents were located, of whom 4106 were interviewed (follow-up rate 81·3 %). Of these, 3974 had complete data and were thus included in our analysis. The variables used in the analysis were measured during the perinatal period, or at 11, 15 and/or 18 years of age. Body composition at 18 years was collected by air displacement plethysmography (BOD POD®). Crude and adjusted analyses of the association between birth order and number of siblings with body composition were performed using linear regression. All analyses were stratified by the adolescent sex. The means of BMI, fat mass index and fat-free mass index among adolescents were 23·4 (sd 4·5) kg/m2, 6·1 (sd 3·9) kg/m2 and 17·3 (sd 2·5) kg/m2, respectively. In adjusted models, the total siblings remained inversely associated with fat mass index (β = − 0·37 z-scores, 95 % CI − 0·52, − 0·23) and BMI in boys (β = − 0·39 z-scores, 95 % CI − 0·55, − 0·22). Fat-free mass index was related to the total siblings in girls (β = 0·06 z-scores, 95 % CI − 0·04, 0·17). This research has found that number of total siblings, and not birth order, is related to the fat mass index, fat-free mass index and BMI in adolescents. It suggests the need for early prevention of obesity or fat mass accumulation in only children.
Occurrence of otitis media in children and assessment of treatment options
Authors: Nwokoye N N , Egwari L O , Olubi O O
Published: June 2015

Background:

Otitis media is a more frequent occurrence in children, and the disease may progress from an acute to chronic state if appropriate and timely intervention is not initiated.

Methods:

A total of 212 children aged 6 months to 10 years were examined and treated for otitis media, in a 13-month hospital-based study.

Results:

Acute otitis media was diagnosed in 130 (61.3 per cent) of the patients. There were 82 (38.7 per cent) chronic suppurative otitis media cases. The incidence of acute otitis media and chronic suppurative otitis media in the first year of life was 54.6 per cent and 45.1 per cent respectively. Chronic suppurative otitis media patients were assigned to one of three treatment groups. Recovery occurred in 70.4 per cent of amoxicillin-treated patients, in 88.9 per cent of amoxicillin-clavulanic acid treated patients and in 96.4 per cent of culture and antibiotic sensitivity test patients. Relapses were seen only in the amoxicillin (five cases) and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (two cases) groups.

Conclusion:

The success rate in patients treated with antibiotics makes this option mandatory for an established diagnosis.
Face and content validation of a novel three-dimensional printed temporal bone for surgical skills development
Authors: Da Cruz M J , Francis H W
Published: June 2015

Objective:

To assess the face and content validity of a novel synthetic, three-dimensional printed temporal bone for surgical skills development and training.

Methods:

A synthetic temporal bone was printed using composite materials and three-dimensional printing technology. Surgical trainees were asked to complete three structured temporal bone dissection exercises. Attitudes and impressions were then assessed using a semi-structured questionnaire. Previous cadaver and real operating experiences were used as a reference.

Results:

Trainees’ experiences of the synthetic temporal bone were analysed in terms of four domains: anatomical realism, usefulness as a training tool, task-based usefulness and overall reactions. Responses across all domains indicated a high degree of acceptance, suggesting that the three-dimensional printed temporal bone was a useful tool in skills development.

Conclusion:

A sophisticated three-dimensional printed temporal bone that demonstrates face and content validity was developed. The efficiency in cost savings coupled with low associated biohazards make it likely that the printed temporal bone will be incorporated into traditional temporal bone skills development programmes in the near future.
A Rule of Proprietary Right for British India: From revenue settlement to tenant right in the age of classical legal thought
Authors: CHAUDHRY FAISAL
Published: June 2015

Scholars have long debated the impact of the British ‘rule of property’ on India. In our own day it has become common for historians to hold that the Raj's would-be regime of free capitalist property was frustrated by a pervasive divide between rhetoric and reality which derived from a fundamental lack of fit between English ideas and Indian land control practices. While seemingly novel, the contemporary emphasis on the theory-practice divide is rooted in an earlier ‘revisionist’ perspective among late-nineteenth-century colonial thinkers who argued that land control in the subcontinent derived from a uniquely Indian species of ‘proprietary’ (rather than genuinely propertied) right-holding. In this article, I critically examine the revisionist discourse of ‘proprietary right’ by situating it in a broader comparative perspective, both relative to earlier ideas about rendering property ‘absolute’ during the East India Company's rule and relative to the changing conception of the property right among legal thinkers in the central domains of the Anglo-common law world. In so doing, the article significantly revises our understanding of the relationship between property, law, and political economy in the subcontinent from the late eighteenth to the late nineteenth century.
Processes of identity development and behaviour change in later life: exploring self-talk during physical activity uptake
Authors: OLIVER E. J. , HUDSON J. , THOMAS L.
Published: June 2015

The benefits of exercise are well documented, nevertheless, physical activity decreases progressively with age, a trend exacerbated in those who have fallen. An important predictor of exercise behaviour is the extent to which motivation for exercise has been internalised into one's identity, however, we know little about changing health behaviours in older people, with calls for longitudinal studies to aid understanding. Grounded in self-determination theory, the present study explored the role of self-talk in the process of identity change during the initial ten weeks of an exercise referral falls prevention programme. Six participants identified at risk of falling completed weekly measures of their physical activity-related cognition and identity; in-depth interviews were completed at course commencement and ten weeks later. During this initial phase of the behaviour change programme, participants developed stronger physical activity identities, with themes reflecting a transition from a physically impaired and negative self to a more future-orientated, capable and integrated self-identity. Concurrently, autonomy-supportive and competence-reinforcing self-talk significantly increased, with non-significant increases and decreases in controlling and amotivational self-talk, respectively. The data suggest that self-talk may be usefully conceptualised as a process through which social messages are interpreted and internalised to integrate a new behaviour into one's existing self-concept.
Linkages between informal and formal care-givers in home-care networks of frail older adults
Authors: JACOBS MARIANNE , VAN TILBURG THEO , GROENEWEGEN PETER , BROESE VAN GROENOU MARJOLEIN
Published: June 2015

In ageing societies, policy makers aim for more contact between informal and formal care-givers as it may enhance the quality of care. So far, the linkage between formal and informal care-givers is generally studied from a one-sided or a single dyadic perspective, without taking into account that care networks of community-dwelling older adults often exist of multiple informal and formal care-givers. The current study examines discussion of care between all potential informal–formal care-giver dyads in a care network, and relates this to characteristics of the older care recipient, the care network and the care-givers. Seventy-four Dutch older care recipients provided information on all care-givers who helped with five different types of tasks; 410 care-givers reported on the contact between all care-givers identified. Multi-level logistic regression was conducted in 2,150 informal–formal care-giver dyads and revealed that in 26 per cent of all these dyads discussion on care occurred. This was more likely when both care-givers performed multiple types of tasks, the informal care-giver was residing with the care recipient, and contact within the formal and the informal sub-network was higher. To enhance discussion of care between informal and formal care-givers in care networks where no discussion occurs at all, home-care organisations may need to allocate formal care-givers who form a bridge with an extra-residential care-giver of care recipients living alone.
Two conceptions of international practice: Aristotelianpraxisor Wittgensteinianlanguage-games?
Authors: FROST MERVYN , LECHNER SILVIYA
Published: June 2015

Scholars from the recent ‘practice turn’ in International Relations have urged us to rethink the international realm in terms of practices. The principal exponents of the turn, Emanuel Adler and Vincent Pouliot, have refurbished Pierre Bourdieu’s theory of practice to produce their own account of international practices. In a review of the practice turn, Chris Brown has argued that Bourdieu’s notion of practice shares basic affinities with Aristotle’s concept of praxis. While practice turn scholars may not adhere to a rigid canon of thought, they seem to share an Aristotelian conception of praxis. This reading of the turn to practice, though plausible, captures one part of the story. The central thesis of the present article is that instead of one there are two, distinctive conceptions of practice – Aristotelian and Wittgensteinian – and therefore two distinctive ways in which the character of international practices might be understood. More concretely, the aim is to show that the conception of international practices, rooted in Wittgenstein’s view of practices as language-games, can be particularly illuminating to all those who seek to understand international relations.
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth in older people
Authors: Amer Syed , Manzar Huma S
Published: June 2015

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is a condition in which non-native bacteria and/or native bacteria are present in increased numbers in the small bowel, resulting in excessive fermentation, inflammation or malabsorption. Patients with SIBO vary in presentation, from being only mildly symptomatic to suffering from chronic diarrhoea, weight loss and malabsorption. A number of diagnostic tests are currently available, with aspiration of the small intestinal fluid being the gold standard. Treatment encompasses a multimodal approach including treatment of the underlying disease, nutritional support and antibiotic therapy. In this review, we discuss the risk factors, clinical manifestations, diagnosis and treatment of SIBO in older people.
Travails with an agonism aunt: ‘How Is Architecture Political?’ with Chantal Mouffe, Pier Vittorio Aureli, Reinhold Martin, Ines Wiezman and Sarah Whiting
Authors: Hatton Brian
Published: June 2015

An event organised by the Architecture Exchange in London brought together four architectural practitioners and academics, Pier Vittorio Aureli, Reinhold Martin, Ines Weizman, and Sarah Whiting to discuss political theorist Chantal Mouffe’s conceptions of the space of politics and agonism. The discussions were followed by a response from Mouffe herself. Convened by Joseph Bedford and Jessica Reynolds, the event was held at the Architectural Association in London on 6 December 2014. It followed previous events in 2013 – dubbed Architecture Exchange #1 – at which the philosopher of ‘Object Oriented Ontology’, Graham Harman, participated in a debate about his work.
Individual meaning in life assessed with the Schedule for Meaning in Life Evaluation: toward a circumplex meaning model
Authors: Fegg Martin , Kudla Dorothea , Brandstätter Monika , Deffner Veronika , Küchenhoff Helmut
Published: June 2015

Objective:

The experience of “meaning in life” (MiL) is a major aspect of life satisfaction and psychological well-being. To assess this highly individual construct, idiographic measures with open-response formats have been developed. However, it can be challenging to categorize these individual experiences for interindividual comparisons. Our study aimed to derive MiL categories from individual listings and develop an integrative MiL model.

Method:

University students were asked to rate 58 MiL providing aspects recently found in a nationwide study using the Schedule for Meaning in Life Evaluation (SMiLE), an MiL instrument allowing for open responses. Pearson's correlations and factor analyses were used to test the unidimensionality of subsequently derived higher-order MiL categories. Multidimensional scaling, cluster analysis, and factor analysis were performed to further analyze a latent MiL structure.

Results:

A total of 340 students participated in the study. Some 11 unidimensional categories consisting of 34 meaning-providing aspects were summarized into a circumplex model with four MiL domains: leisure/health, work/finances, culture/spirituality, and relationships (family, partnership, social relations).

Significance of results:

This model seems to incorporate a major portion of individual respondent-generated MiL listings. It may be useful for future idiographic MiL studies to help organize individual experiences of MiL and allow for higher-level interindividual comparisons. Further studies including different samples are necessary to confirm this model or derive other MiL domains, for example, in palliative care patients or patients who are confronted with a loss of meaning.
End-of-life care research in Hong Kong: A systematic review of peer-reviewed publications
Authors: Wang Chong-Wen , Chan Cecilia L.W.
Published: June 2015

Objective:

This systematic review aimed to examine end-of-life (EoL) care research undertaken in an Eastern cultural context—Hong Kong—with the hope of better informing EoL care professionals and policy makers and providing lessons for other countries or areas that share similar EoL care challenges.

Method:

Eight databases were searched from their respective inception through to August of 2014. All of the resulting studies conducted in Hong Kong and relevant to EoL care or palliative care were examined. The included studies were assessed with respect to study design, care settings, participants, research themes, and major findings.

Results:

Some 107 publications published between 1991 and 2014 were identified. These studies were undertaken at a range of places by different professionals. Of the total, 44 were led by physicians, 36 by nurses, 17 by social workers, and 10 by other professionals. Participants included both inpatients and outpatients with different illnesses, nursing home residents, older community-dwelling adults, deceased individuals, care staff, and informal caregivers. A total of 13 research themes were identified: (1) attitudes to or perceptions of death and dying; (2) utilization of healthcare services, (3) physical symptoms or medical problems; (4) death anxiety or mental health issues; (5) quality of life; (6) advance directives or advance care planning; (7) supportive care needs, (8) decision making; (9) spirituality; (10) cost-effectiveness or utility studies; (11) care professionals' education and training; (12) informal caregivers' perceptions and experience; and (13) scale development or validation.

Significance of results:

While there has been a wide and diverse range of research activities in Hong Kong, EoL care services at primary care settings should be strengthened. Some priority areas for further research are recommended.
“It's not about treatment, it's how to improve your life”: The lived experience of occupational therapy in palliative care
Authors: Badger Sarah , Macleod Rod , Honey Anne
Published: June 2015

Objectives:

A key aim of palliative care is to improve the quality-of-life of people with a life-threatening illness. Occupational therapists are well positioned to contribute to this aim due to their broad range of interventions, client-centeredness and focus on occupation. However, there is a limited understanding of how occupational therapy contributes to the end-of-life experience, which is crucial to providing optimal care. The aim of this study is to investigate the lived experience of occupational therapy in palliative care for people with a life-threatening illness.

Method:

A hermeneutic interpretive phenomenological approach was adopted. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight participants recruited from inpatient and outpatient sectors of a specialist palliative care hospital in Sydney, Australia.

Results:

The two themes developed from participant responses were: (1) occupational therapy provides comfort and safety and (2) trusting the occupational therapist to know what is needed.

Significance of results:

This study gives insight into the ways in which people with a life-threatening illness experience occupational therapy in palliative care. In addition, it provides a starting point to guide practice that is attentive to the needs of people with a life-threatening illness at end-of-life, thus enhancing client-centered care.
Agent-based computational models– a formal heuristic for institutionalist pattern modelling?
Authors: GRÄBNER CLAUDIUS
Published: June 2015

I investigate the consistency of agent-based computational models with the institutionalist research program as outlined by Myrdal, Wilber and Harrison, Hodgson and others. In particular, I discuss whether such models can be a useful heuristic for ‘pattern modelling’: Can they provide a holistic, systemic and evolutionary perspective on the economy? How can agency be conceptualised within ABMs? Building on these issues, I discuss potentials and challenges of the application of ABM in institutionalist research. This discussion also relates to recent methodological advances in neo-Schumpeterian economics. I explain how institutionalists can benefit from these and suggest areas for joint research under the methodological umbrella of ABM.
New records of the non-native amphipod Ampithoe valida in Europe
Authors: Faasse M.A.
Published: June 2015

The amphipod,Ampithoe valida, presumably native to the Atlantic coast of North America, has been recorded from several other parts of the world. Hitherto, the only published records from Europe originate from Portugal. Evidence is presented that this species has been introduced to northern Europe and the Mediterranean Sea as well.
Predictors of Beliefs in Intergroup Forgiveness in a Chilean General Population Sample
Authors: Cárdenas Manuel , Arnoso Maitane , Páez Darío
Published: June 2015

Original survey data from a Chilean sample (N= 1267) are used to study the socio-demographic and psychosocial determinants of belief in forgiveness attitudes in the context of measuring the impact of truth and reconciliation reports (NTRC, 1991) and Political Imprisonment and Torture (NPIC, 2004) commissions. A linear multiple regression analysis (R2= .15;F(8, 1269)=14.65;p< .001; effect sizef2= .18) revealed the positive effect of perceived apology sincerity (β = 0.22;p< .001), emotions of anger (β = –0.08;p< .05), and positive social climate (β = 0.08;p< .05). People who believe in the victims’ forgiveness feel less anger, have more positive perceptions of the sincerity and efficacy of the apologies, agree to a greater extent that the commission helped to find out the truth about what happened to the victims, and have a greater perception of the social climate as positive. The results show the importance of psychosocial and institutional variables in beliefs about forgiveness, and they suggest differences between interpersonal and intergroup forgiveness processes.
Psychotherapeutic Treatment of Psychotic Disorders in Later Life
Authors: Yang Janet A. , Garis Jamie , Lowe Phillip
Published: June 2015

Older adults exhibit psychotic symptoms for various reasons. Treatment may require medical and psychiatric intervention, family support, community services, etc. The role of psychotherapy, however, has received little attention. This article describes a psychotherapeutic approach to treating older adults with psychotic symptoms based on the literature and the authors’ own experience. The approach includes reaching out to identify individuals in need of help; clinical engagement to develop a working relationship; linkage with needed services; and helping individuals reduce the link between triggers and psychotic symptoms. Differences between treating a person with delusional disorder versus schizophrenia are discussed.
Interleukin‐6 controls uterine Th9 cells and CD8+ T regulatory cells to accelerate parturition in mice
Authors: Gomez‐Lopez Nardhy , Olson David M , Robertson Sarah A
Published: June 2015

Interleukin‐6 (IL6) is a determinant of the timing of parturition and birth in mice. We previously demonstrated that genetic IL6 deficiency delays parturition by ~24 h, and this is restored by administration of exogenous IL6. In this study, we have investigated whether IL6 influences the number or phenotypes of T cells or other leukocytes in uterine decidual tissue at the maternal–fetal interface. In late gestation, decidual leukocytes in Il6 null mutant (Il6−/−) mice exhibit an altered profile, characterized by reduced numbers of cells expressing the monocyte/macrophage marker F4/80 or the T‐cell marker CD4, increased cells expressing the natural killer (NK) cell marker CD49b or the dendritic cell marker CD11c, but no change in cells expressing the neutrophil marker Ly6G. These changes are specific to late pregnancy, as similar differences in decidual leukocytes were not evident in mid‐gestation Il6−/− mice. The IL6‐regulated changes in decidual NK and dendritic cells appear secondary to local recruitment, as no comparable changes occurred in peripheral blood of Il6−/− mice. When exogenous IL6 was administered to restore normal timing of parturition, a partial reversal of the altered leukocyte profile was observed, with a 10% increase in the proportion of decidual CD4+ T cells, a notable 60% increase in CD8+ T cells including CD8+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells and a 60% reduction in CD4+IL9+ Th9 cells. Together these findings suggest that IL6‐controlled accumulation of decidual CD4+ T cells and CD8+ regulatory T cells, with an associated decline in decidual Th9 cells, is instrumental for progressing parturition in mice.
Facile synthesis of ultrahigh-surface-area hollow carbon nanospheres for enhanced adsorption and energy storage
Authors: Xu Fei , Tang Zhiwei , Huang Siqi , Chen Luyi , Liang Yeru , Mai Weicong , Zhong Hui , Fu Ruowen , Wu Dingcai
Published: June 2015

Exceptionally large surface area and well-defined nanostructure are both critical in the field of nanoporous carbons for challenging energy and environmental issues. The pursuit of ultrahigh surface area while maintaining definite nanostructure remains a formidable challenge because extensive creation of pores will undoubtedly give rise to the damage of nanostructures, especially below 100 nm. Here we report that high surface area of up to 3,022 m2 g−1 can be achieved for hollow carbon nanospheres with an outer diameter of 69 nm by a simple carbonization procedure with carefully selected carbon precursors and carbonization conditions. The tailor-made pore structure of hollow carbon nanospheres enables target-oriented applications, as exemplified by their enhanced adsorption capability towards organic vapours, and electrochemical performances as electrodes for supercapacitors and sulphur host materials for lithium–sulphur batteries. The facile approach may open the doors for preparation of highly porous carbons with desired nanostructure for numerous applications.
Superconfinement tailors fluid flow at microscales
Authors: Setu Siti Aminah , Dullens Roel P.A. , Hernández-Machado Aurora , Pagonabarraga Ignacio , Aarts Dirk G.A.L. , Ledesma-Aguilar Rodrigo
Published: June 2015

Understanding fluid dynamics under extreme confinement, where device and intrinsic fluid length scales become comparable, is essential to successfully develop the coming generations of fluidic devices. Here we report measurements of advancing fluid fronts in such a regime, which we dub superconfinement. We find that the strong coupling between contact-line friction and geometric confinement gives rise to a new stability regime where the maximum speed for a stable moving front exhibits a distinctive response to changes in the bounding geometry. Unstable fronts develop into drop-emitting jets controlled by thermal fluctuations. Numerical simulations reveal that the dynamics in superconfined systems is dominated by interfacial forces. Henceforth, we present a theory that quantifies our experiments in terms of the relevant interfacial length scale, which in our system is the intrinsic contact-line slip length. Our findings show that length-scale overlap can be used as a new fluid-control mechanism in strongly confined systems.
Fluctuations between multiple EF-G-induced chimeric tRNA states during translocation on the ribosome
Authors: Adio Sarah , Senyushkina Tamara , Peske Frank , Fischer Niels , Wintermeyer Wolfgang , Rodnina Marina V.
Published: June 2015

The coupled translocation of transfer RNA and messenger RNA through the ribosome entails large-scale structural rearrangements, including step-wise movements of the tRNAs. Recent structural work has visualized intermediates of translocation induced by elongation factor G (EF-G) with tRNAs trapped in chimeric states with respect to 30S and 50S ribosomal subunits. The functional role of the chimeric states is not known. Here we follow the formation of translocation intermediates by single-molecule fluorescence resonance energy transfer. Using EF-G mutants, a non-hydrolysable GTP analogue, and fusidic acid, we interfere with either translocation or EF-G release from the ribosome and identify several rapidly interconverting chimeric tRNA states on the reaction pathway. EF-G engagement prevents backward transitions early in translocation and increases the fraction of ribosomes that rapidly fluctuate between hybrid, chimeric and posttranslocation states. Thus, the engagement of EF-G alters the energetics of translocation towards a flat energy landscape, thereby promoting forward tRNA movement.
Diet-induced obesity impairs hypothalamic glucose sensing but not glucose hypothalamic extracellular levels, as measured by microdialysis
Authors: de Andrade I S , Zemdegs J C S , de Souza A P , Watanabe R L H , Telles M M , Nascimento C M O , Oyama L M , Ribeiro E B
Published: June 2015

Background/Objectives:

Glucose from the diet may signal metabolic status to hypothalamic sites controlling energy homeostasis. Disruption of this mechanism may contribute to obesity but its relevance has not been established. The present experiments aimed at evaluating whether obesity induced by chronic high-fat intake affects the ability of hypothalamic glucose to control feeding. We hypothesized that glucose transport to the hypothalamus as well as glucose sensing and signaling could be impaired by high-fat feeding.

Subjects/methods:

Female Wistar rats were studied after 8 weeks on either control or high-lard diet. Daily food intake was measured after intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) glucose. Glycemia and glucose content of medial hypothalamus microdialysates were measured in response to interperitoneal (i.p.) glucose or meal intake after an overnight fast. The effect of refeeding on whole hypothalamus levels of glucose transporter proteins (GLUT) 1, 2 and 4, AMPK and phosphorylated AMPK levels was determined by immunoblotting.

Results:

High-fat rats had higher body weight and fat content and serum leptin than control rats, but normal insulin levels and glucose tolerance. I.c.v. glucose inhibited food intake in control but failed to do so in high-fat rats. Either i.p. glucose or refeeding significantly increased glucose hypothalamic microdialysate levels in the control rats. These levels showed exacerbated increases in the high-fat rats. GLUT1 and 4 levels were not affected by refeeding. GLUT2 levels decreased and phosphor-AMPK levels increased in the high-fat rats but not in the controls.

Conclusions:

The findings suggest that, in the high-fat rats, a defective glucose sensing by decreased GLUT2 levels contributed to an inappropriate activation of AMPK after refeeding, despite increased extracellular glucose levels. These derangements were probably involved in the abolition of hypophagia in response to i.c.v. glucose. It is proposed that ‘glucose resistance’ in central sites of feeding control may be relevant in the disturbances of energy homeostasis induced by high-fat feeding.
Three-dimensional Nanowire Structures for Ultra-Fast Separation of DNA, Protein and RNA Molecules
Authors: Rahong Sakon , Yasui Takao , Yanagida Takeshi , Nagashima Kazuki , Kanai Masaki , Meng Gang , He Yong , Zhuge Fuwei , Kaji Noritada , Kawai Tomoji , Baba Yoshinobu
Published: June 2015

Separation and analysis of biomolecules represent crucial processes for biological and biomedical engineering development; however, separation resolution and speed for biomolecules analysis still require improvements. To achieve separation and analysis of biomolecules in a short time, the use of highly-ordered nanostructures fabricated by top-down or bottom-up approaches have been proposed. Here, we reported on the use of three-dimensional (3D) nanowire structures embedded in microchannels fabricated by a bottom-up approach for ultrafast separation of small biomolecules, such as DNA, protein and RNA molecules. The 3D nanowire structures could analyze a mixture of DNA molecules (50–1000 bp) within 50 s, a mixture of protein molecules (20–340 kDa) within 5 s and a mixture of RNA molecules (100–1000 bases) within 25 s. And, we could observe the electrophoretic mobility difference of biomolecules as a function of molecular size in the 3D nanowire structures. Since the present methodology allows users to control the pore size of sieving materials by varying the number of cycles for nanowire growth, the 3D nanowire structures have a good potential for use as alternatives for other sieving materials.
Homoepitaxial SrTiO3(111) Film with High Dielectric Performance and Atomically Well-Defined Surface
Authors: Liang Yan , Li Wentao , Zhang Shuyuan , Lin Chaojing , Li Chao , Yao Yuan , Li Yongqing , Yang Hao , Guo Jiandong
Published: June 2015

The six-fold symmetry possessed by the (111) surfaces of perovskite oxides allows the epitaxial growth of novel quantum materials such as topological insulators. The dielectric SrTiO3(111) thin film is an ideal buffer layer, providing the readily tunability of charge density in gate-controlled structures. But the high-quality film growth is challenging due to its strong surface polarity as well as the difficulty of obtaining the chemical stoichiometry. Here we show that the layer-by-layer growth of homoepitaxial SrTiO3(111) thin films can be achieved in molecular beam epitaxy method by keeping the growing surface reconstructed. And the cation stoichiometry is optimized precisely with the reflective high energy electron diffraction as the feedback signal that changes sensitively to the variation of metal concentration during growth. With atomically well-defined surfaces, the SrTiO3(111) films show high dielectric performance with the charge density modulated in the range of 2 × 1013/cm2 with the back gate voltage lower than 0.2 V. Methods of further broadening the range are also discussed.
Anderson localization and Mott insulator phase in the time domain
Authors: Sacha Krzysztof
Published: June 2015

Particles in space periodic potentials constitute standard models for investigation of crystalline phenomena in solid state physics. Time periodicity of periodically driven systems is a close analogue of space periodicity of solid state crystals. There is an intriguing question if solid state phenomena can be observed in the time domain. Here we show that wave-packets localized on resonant classical trajectories of periodically driven systems are ideal elements to realize Anderson localization or Mott insulator phase in the time domain. Uniform superpositions of the wave-packets form stationary states of a periodically driven particle. However, an additional perturbation that fluctuates in time results in disorder in time and Anderson localization effects emerge. Switching to many-particle systems we observe that depending on how strong particle interactions are, stationary states can be Bose-Einstein condensates or single Fock states where definite numbers of particles occupy the periodically evolving wave-packets. Our study shows that non-trivial crystal-like phenomena can be observed in the time domain.
Physiological and biochemical mechanisms associated with trehalose-induced copper-stress tolerance in rice
Authors: Mostofa Mohammad Golam , Hossain Mohammad Anwar , Fujita Masayuki , Tran Lam-Son Phan
Published: June 2015

In this study, we examined the possible mechanisms of trehalose (Tre) in improving copper-stress (Cu-stress) tolerance in rice seedlings. Our findings indicated that pretreatment of rice seedlings with Tre enhanced the endogenous Tre level and significantly mitigated the toxic effects of excessive Cu on photosynthesis- and plant growth-related parameters. The improved tolerance induced by Tre could be attributed to its ability to reduce Cu uptake and decrease Cu-induced oxidative damage by lowering the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde in Cu-stressed plants. Tre counteracted the Cu-induced increase in proline and glutathione content, but significantly improved ascorbic acid content and redox status. The activities of major antioxidant enzymes were largely stimulated by Tre pretreatment in rice plants exposed to excessive Cu. Additionally, increased activities of glyoxalases I and II correlated with reduced levels of methylglyoxal in Tre-pretreated Cu-stressed rice plants. These results indicate that modifying the endogenous Tre content by Tre pretreatment improved Cu tolerance in rice plants by inhibiting Cu uptake and regulating the antioxidant and glyoxalase systems and thereby demonstrated the important role of Tre in mitigating heavy metal toxicity. Our findings provide a solid foundation for developing metal toxicity-tolerant crops by genetic engineering of Tre biosynthesis.
Physical Limits to Auditory Transduction of Hair-Cell Bundles probed by a Biomimetic System
Authors: Song Taegeun , Lee Woo Seok , Ahn Kang-Hun
Published: June 2015

Inspired by auditory hair cells of lower vertebrates, we design and fabricate an opto-electro-mechanical sensor at the border of its spontaneous activity, called Hopf bifurcation critical point. As proposed for biological hair cells, we observe that, as the system approaches the critical point, the frequency selectivity and the force sensitivity are enhanced. However, we find that the enhancement has limits because of its intrinsic nonlinearity, even at the critical point. We also find that the minimally detectable force is not influenced by the active feedback force despite its enhanced sensitivity. This is due to the inevitable heating of the hair bundle, which implies that the active amplification of the hair cell bundle might not lower the threshold level of detectable sound.
A G-quadruplex-based colorimetric assay of S1 nuclease activity and inhibition
Authors: Shi Bingfang , Qin Yingfeng , Huang Mengjiao , Zhao Jingjin , Su Yubin , Zhao Shulin
Published: June 2015

A label-free colorimetric assay based on the catalysis of G-quadruplex/hemin DNAzyme was developed for highly sensitive and specific detection of S1 nuclease activity and inhibition.
Highly nitrogen doped carbon nanosheets as an efficient electrocatalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Wang Lei , Dou Shuo , Xu Jiantie , Liu Hua Kun , Wang Shuangyin , Ma Jianmin , Dou Shi Xue
Published: June 2015

In this work, highly nitrogen doped carbon nanosheets (HNCNSs) have been successfully prepared by annealing EDTA calcium disodium salt. They exhibited a direct four-electron reaction pathway and high stability as an efficient metal-free catalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction.
The nanoscale structure and unoccupied valence electronic states in FeSe1−xTex chalcogenides probed by X-ray absorption measurements
Authors: Hacisalihoglu M. Y. , Paris E. , Joseph B. , Yanmaz E. , Saini N. L.
Published: June 2015

The Z-plot of random alloying in FeSe1−xTex characterized by coexisting interatomic distances at the nanoscale.
Conformational preferences of monohydrated clusters of imidazole derivatives revisited
Authors: Bhattacherjee Aditi , Wategaonkar Sanjay
Published: June 2015

IR-UV double resonance spectroscopy was used to identify the conformers of monohydrated benzimidazole and N-methylbenzimidazole in a supersonic jet. A new OH–N bound conformer relevant to histidine containing proteins was discovered. The long standing differences in the literature about the relative energies and abundance of the monohydrated imidazole derivatives have also been resolved.
Temperature dependent structural variations of OH−(H2O)n, n = 4–7: effects on vibrational and photoelectron spectra
Authors: Lin Ren-Jie , Nguyen Quoc Chinh , Ong Yew-Soon , Takahashi Kaito , Kuo Jer-Lai
Published: June 2015

In this work, we identified a large number of structurally distinct isomers of midsized deprotonated water clusters using first-principles methods.
Fluorescent mixed ligand copper(ii) complexes of anthracene-appended Schiff bases: studies on DNA binding, nuclease activity and cytotoxicity
Authors: Jaividhya Paramasivam , Ganeshpandian Mani , Dhivya Rajkumar , Akbarsha Mohammad Abdulkadher , Palaniandavar Mallayan
Published: June 2015

While the phen of [Cu(L1–L5)(phen)(ACN)]2+ partially inserts into DNA base pairs the anthracenyl moiety of L1–L5 interacts with DNA hydrophobically.
Gallium fluoroarsenates
Authors: Marshall Kayleigh L. , Armstrong Jennifer A. , Weller Mark T.
Published: June 2015

Gallium fluoroarsenates, templated with simple metal or complex organic cations, form structures derived from octahedrally coordinated gallium and AsO4 tetrahedra, and displaying various polyhedra-linking dimensionalities.
The distinct role of the flexible polymer matrix in catalytic conversions over immobilised nanoparticles
Authors: Martinuzzi Stefano , Cozzula Daniela , Centomo Paulo , Zecca Marco , Müller Thomas E.
Published: June 2015

Polymer resins with immobilized metal nanoparticles represent highly promising materials for attaining intelligent and ecologically friendly catalysts.
Zero-valent iron nanoparticles with sustained high reductive activity for carbon tetrachloride dechlorination
Authors: Huo Ying-Chao , Li Wen-Wei , Min Di , Wang Dan-Dan , Liu Hou-Qi , Kong Qin , Lau Tai-Chu , Zeng Raymond J.
Published: June 2015

Fe oxide shell breakdown and new oxyhydroxide formation during CT dechlorination contribute to pH self-buffering and sustained nZVI reactivity.
Antitumor potential of anethole singly and in combination with cyclophosphamide in murine Sarcoma-180 transplantable tumor model
Authors: Jana Samarjit , Patra Kartick , Mukherjee Gopeswar , Bhattacharjee Shamee , Mandal Deba Prasad
Published: June 2015

Coupling anethole with cyclophosphamide reduces side effect of the latter and enhances apoptosis–necrosis ratio in murine s-180 tumor model.
Reactivation of lipases by the unfolding and refolding of covalently immobilized biocatalysts
Authors: Rueda Nazzoly , dos Santos Jose C. S. , Torres Rodrigo , Barbosa Oveimar , Ortiz Claudia , Fernandez-Lafuente Roberto
Published: June 2015

Lipases immobilized on octyl–glyoxyl agarose may be partially reactivated by unfolding/refolding strategies.
Crystalline arrays of molecular rotors with TIPS-trityl and phenolic-trityl stators using phenylene, 1,2-difluorophenylene and pyridine rotators
Authors: Arcos-Ramos Rafael , Rodriguez-Molina Braulio , Gonzalez-Rodriguez E. , Ramirez-Montes Pedro I. , Ochoa Maria Eugenia , Santillan Rosa , Farfán Norberto , Garcia-Garibay Miguel A.
Published: June 2015

Molecular rotors based on substituted-trityl stators provide crystalline arrays capable of supporting different rotators through non-covalent interactions.
Liposome-based gene delivery systems containing a steroid derivative: computational and small angle X-ray diffraction study
Authors: Galeazzi R. , Bruni P. , Crucianelli E. , Laudadio E. , Marini M. , Massaccesi L. , Mobbili G. , Pisani M.
Published: June 2015

The structural properties and the phase behaviour of mixed composition liposomes containing a functionalized lipid are investigated with the aim to design neutral liposomes able to coordinate metals and to complex DNA.
One-pot template-free synthesis of heterophase BiVO4microspheres with enhanced photocatalytic activity
Authors: Hu Yin , Li Danzhen , Sun Fuqian , Wang Huibin , Weng Yaqing , Xiong Wei , Shao Yu
Published: June 2015

BiVO4microsphere with tetragonal-zircon/monoclinic-scheelite heterophase was synthesized by a one-pot template-free hydrothermal method. The heterophase BiVO4sample exhibited the highest photocatalytic activity with 97.7% of RhB degraded.
Influence of temperature, added electrolyte, and polymer molecular weight on the counterion-condensation phenomenon in aqueous solution of sodium polystyrenesulfonate: a scaling theory approach
Authors: De Ranjit , Ray Dhiman , Das Bijan
Published: June 2015

Interactions in aqueous sodium polystyrenesulfonate (NaPSS) – NaCl solutions were studied conductometrically using a recent model based on scaling theory of polyions.
Microdynamics and arrest of coarsening during spinodal decomposition in thermoreversible colloidal gels
Authors: Gao Yongxiang , Kim Juntae , Helgeson Matthew E.
Published: June 2015

Imaging large-scale structure of a thermoreversible colloidal fluid undergoing spinodal decomposition is used to understand and control the coarsening and arrest of colloidal gels.
Time-resolved microwave conductivity study of charge carrier dynamics in commercially available TiO2 photocatalysts
Authors: Nakajima Shohei , Katoh Ryuzi
Published: June 2015

Charge carrier dynamics in various commercially available TiO2 photocatalysts was studied by means of the time-resolved microwave conductivity (TRMC) technique.