bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Bobath Concept in Walking Activity in Chronic Stroke Measured Through the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health
Authors: Benito García Miguel , Atín Arratibel María Ángeles , Terradillos Azpiroz Maria Estíbaliz
Published: December 2014

Purpose

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a rehabilitation programme based on the Bobath concept in order to improve walking activity in patients with chronic stroke and to show the usefulness of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) as a tool for gathering functioning information.

Methods

This study is a repeated measures study. The setting of this study is an outpatient neurological rehabilitation centre based on a multidisciplinary approach. Twenty‐four participants suffering from chronic stroke (>1 year and a half and <5 years post‐stroke) and mean age of 65.58 (standard deviation 10.73) were the participants of the study. Multidisciplinary approach based on the Bobath concept principles with three weekly individual physiotherapy sessions of 45 min each over a 6‐month period was the intervention for this study. The measures used were Modified Emory Functional Ambulation Profile, 10‐m walk test, 6‐min walk test, muscle strength testing and subsequent codification of these results into ICF qualifiers.

Results

The results of the study showed significant improvement in activities of walking long distances, on different surfaces and around obstacles. There was no significant improvement in the activity of walking short distances or for muscle power functions.

Conclusion

A rehabilitation programme based on the Bobath Concept improved walking activities in people with chronic stroke. For this intervention, the use of the ICF qualifiers was sensitive in perceiving post‐treatment changes. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantum electrodynamics effects in atoms and molecules
Authors: Salam A.
Published: December 2014

Quantum electrodynamics (QED) is the fundamental theory describing the interaction of electrons and photons. Its characteristic feature is that both radiation and matter are treated quantum mechanically. For almost all atomic and molecular systems, which contain bound electrons moving at velocities considerably less than that of light, a non‐relativistic formulation ofQEDis appropriate. Termed molecularQED, its Hamiltonian operator can be constructed by starting from the classical Lagrangian function for the interaction of a charged particle with a radiation field on applying the variational calculus and carrying out the canonical quantization procedure. It is shown how the minimal‐coupling Lagrangian can be transformed to the chemically advantageous multipolar Hamiltonian in which matter couples to radiation directly through molecular multipole moments, with the ensuing interaction strictly causal. Applications include evaluation of transition rates for one‐ and two‐photon absorption, spontaneous and stimulated emission, and signal intensities for second‐ and third‐harmonic generation. Fundamental intermolecular interactions examined include resonance energy transfer, the van der Waals dispersion potential, and the change in energy shift of the pair induced by intense external radiation. The non‐relativistic contribution to the Lamb shift is also extracted. It is shown how a number of the above mentioned processes may be attributed to fluctuations of the vacuum electromagnetic field, which possesses zero‐point energy, a signatureQEDeffect that has widespread implications for the structural and dynamical properties of atoms and molecules.WIREs Comput Mol Sci2015, 5:178–201. doi: 10.1002/wcms.1211

This article is categorized under:

Electronic Structure Theory > Ab Initio Electronic Structure Methods

Theoretical and Physical Chemistry > Spectroscopy
Lipidomic analysis of cerebrospinal fluid by mass spectrometry–based methods
Authors: Colsch Benoit , Seyer Alexandre , Boudah Samia , Junot Christophe
Published: December 2014

Lipids are natural substances found in all living organisms. Essential to the integrity of cell membranes, they also have many biological functions linked to energy storage and cell signaling, and are involved in a large number of heterogeneous diseases such as cancer, diabetes, neurological disorders, and inherited metabolic diseases. Lipids are challenging to analyze because of their huge structural diversity and numerous species. Up to now, lipid analysis has been achieved by targeted approaches focusing on selected families and relying on extraction protocols and chromatographic methods coupled to various detectors including mass spectrometry. Thanks to the technological improvements achieved in the fields of chromatography, high‐resolution mass spectrometry and bioinformatics, it is possible to perform global lipidomic analyses enabling the concomitant detection, identification and relative quantification of many lipid species belonging to different families. The aim of this review is to focus on mass spectrometry–based methods to perform lipid and lipidomic analyses and on their application to the analysis of cerebrospinal fluid.
The impact of selective logging and clearcutting on forest structure, tree diversity and above‐ground biomass of African tropical forests
Authors: Cazzolla Gatti Roberto , Castaldi Simona , Lindsell Jeremy A. , Coomes David A. , Marchetti Marco , Maesano Mauro , Di Paola Arianna , Paparella Francesco , Valentini Riccardo
Published: December 2014

Tropical deforestation is well known to have serious negative consequences for biodiversity, terrestrial carbon sinks and the balance of atmospheric greenhouse gases. By contrast, selective logging of tropical forests is often regarded as having a lesser impact on the ecosystem particularly in long terms, even though there have been few critical evaluations of the practice, particularly in Africa. We compared field data from 511 plots in the tropical forest of Sierra Leone, Ghana, Cameroon and Gabon. These plots were subject to different forest management practices: no recent logging (primary forests), selective logging (up to 30 years old) and re‐grown secondary forests post clear‐cutting (at least 20 years ago). Our findings suggest that the vertical structure and plant richness of the selectively logged and secondary forests change in different amplitude from those of primary forests, but stem density and the prevalence of vine and weed species differ greatly. We show that the effects of selective logging are greater than those expected simply from the removal of commercial species, and can persist for decades. Selective logging, unless it is practiced at very low harvest intensities, can significantly reduce the biomass of a tropical forest for many decades, seriously diminishing aboveground carbon storage capacity, and create opportunities for weeds and vines to spread and slow down the ecological succession.
National Trends in Ambulatory Surgery for Upper Extremity Fractures: A 10-Year Analysis of the US National Survey of Ambulatory Surgery
Authors: Patel Amar A. , Buller Leonard T. , Fleming Megan E. , Chen David L. , Owens Patrick W. , Askari Morad
Published: December 2014

Background

Upper extremity fractures are increasing in frequency and have profound socioeconomic implications. The purpose of this study was to assess trends in ambulatory upper extremity fracture fixation in the USA from 1996 to 2006 using data from the National Survey of Ambulatory Surgery (NSAS).

Methods

The NSAS was used to identify cases of closed forearm, carpal, metacarpal, and phalanx fractures treated with open or closed reduction with internal fixation in 1996 and 2006. Data were analyzed for trends in fracture location, age, gender, facility type, payor status, and anesthesia type. US census data were used to obtain national population estimates.

Results

Over the 10-year study period, there was a 54.4 % increase in the population-adjusted rate of upper extremity fractures treated with internal fixation (34.6 to 53.4 per 100,000 capita). There was a 173 % increase in the age-adjusted rate of patients over 55 years treated with internal fixation. There was a 505 % increase in the number of cases performed at freestanding surgical centers compared to hospital-based facilities. Though the majority of cases involved general anesthesia, regional anesthesia (16.6 versus 20.6 %) and monitored anesthesia care (7.1 versus 11.8 %) increased in frequency. Private insurance groups funded the majority of surgeries in both study years.

Conclusion

The volume of ambulatory surgery for upper extremity fractures has increased dramatically from 1996 to 2006. Operative treatment of upper extremity fractures has increased markedly. Our analysis provides valuable information for providers and policy-makers for allocating the appropriate resources to help sustain this volume.
Seats for the 51 %: Beyond the Business Case for Corporate Board Quotas in Jamaica
Authors: Wyss Brenda A.
Published: December 2014

There is no shortage of Jamaican women with relatively high educational levels, extensive workforce experience, and strong records of community service. In spite of this, few Jamaican women are found among top government and business leaders. In response, Jamaica's 51 % Coalition has proposed using gender quotas to increase the number of Jamaican women in Parliament and on public and private sector boards of directors. My focus in this article is the private sector. I evaluate both the desirability of Jamaican corporate gender quotas and the merits of using “Business Case” arguments to promote Jamaican quotas. Advocates of political gender quotas justify them on grounds of women's rights and representative democracy. Proponents of corporate gender quotas, on the other hand, tend to promulgate Business Case arguments, which promote gender equity as a way to boost corporate efficiency and profitability. I conclude that Jamaican gender quotas deserve recognition as one potential strategy among many required to build a gender-just and prosperous economy. The Business Case is a powerful strategic resource for the 51 % Coalition but the Coalition should not exaggerate potential efficiency gains from gender-diverse boards. Furthermore, quota advocates must deploy the Business Case carefully to avoid the pitfalls of instrumentalism, essentialism, and depoliticization that are often associated with these arguments.
The North–South Dialogue in an Age of Exaggerated Development Ambitions
Authors: Talburt Tony
Published: December 2014

The decades of the 1960s and 70s can be characterised as a period of great excitement and euphoria with regard to expectations for wide-scale economic growth and development in the African Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) group of countries. Despite the vast array of literature on the reasons for the failure of most of these ACP states to achieve development, very little has been written regarding the way initial exaggerated development expectations and ambitions among ACP states contributed to their eventual disappointment. This paper, therefore, discusses the two main sets of factors which contributed to some of these initial development expectations and the general mood of optimism which helped to fuel the mood for radical demands from the developing countries for political and economic change. The discussion takes places with particular reference to the first ACP-EEC Agreement signed in 1975, known as the Lomé Convention, which at the time, was regarded the ‘litmus test’ of North–South relations.
Bridging the gap between CBME in theory and practice: the role of a teacher community
Authors: Gercama Ale , Van Lankveld Thea , Kleinveld Johanna , Croiset Gerda , Kusurkar Rashmi
Published: December 2014

The success of curricular reforms is dependent on the teachers who put the reforms into practice. In medical education, clinicians as teachers are important in this endeavour and the educational organization can learn from their efforts. The ‘Vygotsky space’ construct may help to analyze the learning process between teachers and organization. A case study is presented that shows how a teaching community acted as an enabler in this learning process.
Post-Soviet Power
Authors: Wengle Susanne A.
Published: December 2014

Post-Soviet Power tells the story of the Russian electricity system and examines the politics of its transformation from a ministry to a market. Susanne A. Wengle shifts our focus away from what has been at the center of post-Soviet political economy - corruption and the lack of structural reforms - to draw attention to political struggles to establish a state with the ability to govern the economy. She highlights the importance of hands-on economic planning by authorities - post-Soviet developmentalism - and details the market mechanisms that have been created. This book argues that these observations urge us to think of economies and political authority as mutually constitutive, in Russia and beyond. Whereas political science often thinks of market arrangements resulting from political institutions, Russia's marketization demonstrates that political status is also produced by the market arrangements that actors create. Taking this reflexivity seriously suggests a view of economies and markets as constructed and contingent entities.
A three-dimensional thermal study of a mercury discharge lamp with double envelope for different orientations
Authors: Ben Hamida Mohamed Bechir , Charrada Kamel
Published: December 2014

This paper is devoted to study the dynamics of a discharge lamp in different position. As an example of application, we chose the mercury lamp. For this, we realized a three-dimensional model, steady state. After the validation of this model, we used it to reproduce the influence of some parameters that have appeared on major transport phenomena of mass and energy in studying the lamp operating in different positions. Indeed, the pressure and the orientation of the lamp are modified. The effect of convective transport and the accumulation of mercury behind the electrodes are studied.
FINDS OF THE GEOMETRIC PERIOD IN THE MYCENAEAN CEMETERY AT AGIOS VASILEIOS, CHALANDRITSA, ACHAEA
Authors: Aktypi Konstantina
Published: December 2014

This paper presents evidence for the later (mostly Geometric) use of the Μycenaean cemetery at Agios Vasileios, Chalandritsa, at the eastern side of the Pharai plain, 20 km south-east of Patras. This evidence comprises surface material and a burial in the dromos of Tomb 17 (with a preliminary analysis of the human skeletal remains), plus finds from the tomb chamber, and finds from the chamber of Tomb 24.
Analytical modeling and analysis of the clearance induced orientation error of the RAF translational parallel manipulator
Authors: Chouaibi Y. , Chebbi A. H. , Affi Z. , Romdhane L.
Published: December 2014

This paper deals with the analytical modeling and the analysis of the orientation error of the RAF translator due to the clearances in the joints. This model presents the orientation error as a function of the nominal pose, the external load applied to the platform, the manipulator structural parameters, and the joints clearances. Based on this model, an algorithm is developed in order to map the pose error within a desired workspace of the manipulator. It is shown that the orientation error variation depends essentially on the parallelogram configuration of the passive legs out of its plane. The orientation error magnitude is mainly caused by the parallelogram revolute joints radial clearances. Moreover, the orientation error around the z-axis presents some discontinuities due to the contact mode change of the parallelogram revolute joints.
Afromontane small mammals do not follow the hump-shaped rule: altitudinal variation in the Soutpansberg Mountains, South Africa
Authors: Taylor Peter John , Munyai Aubrey , Gaigher Ian , Baxter Rod
Published: December 2014

Altitudinal transects of biodiversity are important to understanding macro-ecological patterns. Hump-shaped altitudinal profiles in species richness are a common pattern in terrestrial small-mammal communities studied previously mostly in New World mountain ranges. Based on capture–mark–recapture live-trapping conducted over four seasons (four nights per session) along an altitudinal transect from 1000 to 1747 m asl on the southern slopes of the Soutpansberg Mountains of northern South Africa, we recorded 12 species of small mammal, including nine rodents, two shrews and one elephant shrew (sengi). Three species of rodent and the sengi dominated the communities whilst six species were recorded with three or fewer captures. Although we found no effect of season, we found a significant linear increase in terrestrial small-mammal richness (but not Simpson's diversity, D) with altitude in the Soutpansberg Mountains located just north of the Tropic of Capricorn in South Africa. This trend could best be explained by an increase in the proportion of rocky cover and a change in vegetation from savanna to grassland. Peak densities of three common rodent species and one common insectivore varied from 10 ha−1 (Elephantulus myurus) to 54 ha−1 (Micaelamys namaquensis) and density showed no significant variation with season. However, density either declined (Aethomys ineptus) or increased (Rhabdomys dilectus and Elephantulus myurus) significantly with altitude; this variation was best explained by the proportion of rocky cover. Seasonal variation had a significant effect on body mass of two rodent species. A review of small-mammal studies from major mountain ranges in Africa and Madagascar found that the hump-shaped pattern is not common. Declines in richness with increasing altitude as well as cases of no significant altitudinal change were the most common patterns noted. Tropical African mountains (including the Soutpansberg with 27 species) have far higher small-mammal diversity than temperate African mountains.
A short proof of the multilinear Kakeya inequality
Authors: GUTH LARRY
Published: December 2014

We give a short proof of a slightly weaker version of the multilinear Kakeya inequality proven by Bennett, Carbery and Tao.
On the basis-conjugating automorphism groups of free groups and free metabelian groups
Authors: SATOH TAKAO
Published: December 2014

In this paper we study the images of the Johnson homomorphisms of the basis-conjugating automorphism groups of free groups and free metabelian groups. In particular, we show that the Johnson image is contained in a certain proper Lie subalgebra$\mathfrak{p}$Mnof the derivation algebra of the Chen Lie algebra. Furthermore, we completely determine the Johnson images, and give the abelianisation of$\mathfrak{p}$Mnas a Lie algebra by using Morita's trace maps.
Macedonia and Thrace: Iron Age to post-Roman urban centres
Authors: Archibald Zosia
Published: December 2014

Macedonia continues to offer a great deal of new material evidence, including much systematic information, as well as major, occasionally sensational discoveries (see Catherine Morgan's “View from Greece”, above), whether in those areas that are considered to be the historical “heartlands” of the Argead kingdom, Pieria and Emathia, the mountain regions of the northern and western Pindus or in eastern Macedonia, which comprises areas with a rather different historical and cultural profile. The administrative area of Thrace has, by contrast, played a more modest role in recent field research, except for a limited number of key sites and occasional finds resulting from development work along the route of the new Egnatia Odos. The “remarkable decade” preceding and following the Athens Olympics of 2004 has played out differently in northern Greece, where the proliferation of archaeological investigations has been driven largely by development work in and around Thessaloniki (and, to a lesser extent, Edessa and Veroia), particularly along routes connected to the national highway and the network of underground shafts and tunnels associated with the construction of Thessaloniki's metro line and stations along its axis.
Microbial diversity and hydrocarbon depletion in low and high diesel-polluted soil samples from Keller Peninsula, South Shetland Islands
Authors: Cury Juliano C. , Jurelevicius Diogo A. , Villela Helena D.M. , Jesus Hugo E. , Peixoto Raquel S. , Schaefer Carlos E.G.R. , Bícego Marcia C. , Seldin Lucy , Rosado Alexandre S.
Published: December 2014

The bioremediation of Antarctic soils is a challenge due to the harsh conditions found in this environment. To characterize better the effect of total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) concentrations on bacterial, archaeal and microeukaryotic communities in low (LC) and high (HC) hydrocarbon-contaminated soil samples from the Maritime Antarctic clone libraries (small-subunit rRNA genes) were constructed. The results showed that a high concentration of hydrocarbons resulted in a decrease in bacterial and eukaryotic diversity; however, no effect of the TPH concentration was observed for the archaeal community. The HC soil samples demonstrated a high relative abundance of bacterial operational taxonomic units (OTUs) affiliated with unclassified group TM7 and eukaryotic OTUs affiliated with unclassified fungi from Pezizomycotina subphyla. Chemical analyses of the LC and HC soil samples revealed the presence of negligible amounts of nitrogen, thereby justifying the use of biostimulation to remediate these Antarctic soils. Microcosm experiments showed that the application of fertilizers led to an increase of up to 27.8% in the TPH degradation values. The data presented here constitute the first step towards developing the best method to deploy bioremediation in Antarctic soils and provide information to indicate an appropriate action plan for immediate use in the case of new accidents.
BMI and all-cause mortality among middle-aged and older adults in Taiwan: a population-based cohort study
Authors: Chung Wei-Sheng , Ho Feng-Ming , Cheng Nan-Cheng , Lee Meng-Chih , Yeh Chih-Jung
Published: December 2014

Objective

The present study investigates the relationship between BMI and all-cause mortality among middle-aged and older adults with or without pre-existing diseases.

Design

A population-based cohort study.

Setting

The Taiwan Longitudinal Study on Aging is a nationwide prospective cohort study comprising a representative random sample of middle-aged and older adults. The study period was 1996–2007.

Subjects

We followed 4145 middle-aged and older adults, totalling 42 353 person-years.

Results

Overweight and mildly obese participants showed a 16 % and 30 % decrease in the risk of death, respectively, compared with those of normal weight after adjusting for potential covariates (e.g. demographic characteristics, health behaviour, co-morbidities and physical function). Underweight adults showed a 1·36-fold increased adjusted hazard ratio of death compared with normal-weight adults. Adults with a BMI of 27·0–28·0 kg/m2 showed a significantly lower adjusted hazard ratio of all-cause mortality rate compared with adults who had normal BMI values when they had coexisting hypertension or diabetes (adjusted hazard ratio=0·50; 95 % CI 0·30, 0·81 for hypertension and adjusted hazard ratio=0·41; 95 % CI 0·18, 0·89 for diabetes).

Conclusions

The study demonstrates that underweight people have a higher risk of death, and overweight and mildly obese people have a lower risk of death, compared with people of normal weight among middle-aged and older adults. An optimal BMI may be based on the individual, who exhibits pre-existing diseases or not.
Validation of a patient-centered culturally sensitive health care office staff inventory
Authors: Tucker Carolyn M. , Wall Whitney , Marsiske Michael , Nghiem Khanh , Roncoroni Julia
Published: December 2014

Aim/Background

Research suggests that patient-perceived culturally sensitive health care encompasses multiple components of the health care delivery system including the cultural sensitivity of front desk office staff. Despite this, research on culturally sensitive health care focuses almost exclusively on provider behaviors, attitudes, and knowledge. This is due in part to the paucity of instruments available to assess the cultural sensitivity of front desk office staff. Thus, the objective of the present study is to determine the psychometric properties of the pilot Tucker-Culturally Sensitive Health Care Office Staff Inventory-Patient Form (T-CSHCOSI-PF), which is an instrument designed to enable patients to evaluate the patient-defined cultural sensitivity of their front desk office staff.

Methods

A sample of 1648 adult patients was recruited by staff at 67 health care sites across the United States. These patients anonymously completed the T-CSHCOSI-PF, a demographic data questionnaire, and a patient satisfaction questionnaire.

Findings

Confirmatory factor analyses of the TCSHCOSI-PF revealed that this inventory has two factors with high internal consistency reliability and validity (Cronbach’sαs=0.97 and 0.95).

Conclusions

It is concluded that the T-CSHCOSI-PF is a psychometrically strong and useful inventory for assessing the cultural sensitivity of front desk office staff. This inventory can be used to support culturally sensitive health care research, evaluate the job performance of front desk office staff, and aid in the development of trainings designed to improve the cultural sensitivity of these office staff.
Ultrastable cellulosome-adhesion complex tightens under load
Authors: Schoeler Constantin , Malinowska Klara H. , Bernardi Rafael C. , Milles Lukas F. , Jobst Markus A. , Durner Ellis , Ott Wolfgang , Fried Daniel B. , Bayer Edward A. , Schulten Klaus , Gaub Hermann E. , Nash Michael A.
Published: December 2014

Challenging environments have guided nature in the development of ultrastable protein complexes. Specialized bacteria produce discrete multi-component protein networks called cellulosomes to effectively digest lignocellulosic biomass. While network assembly is enabled by protein interactions with commonplace affinities, we show that certain cellulosomal ligand–receptor interactions exhibit extreme resistance to applied force. Here, we characterize the ligand–receptor complex responsible for substrate anchoring in the Ruminococcus flavefaciens cellulosome using single-molecule force spectroscopy and steered molecular dynamics simulations. The complex withstands forces of 600–750 pN, making it one of the strongest bimolecular interactions reported, equivalent to half the mechanical strength of a covalent bond. Our findings demonstrate force activation and inter-domain stabilization of the complex, and suggest that certain network components serve as mechanical effectors for maintaining network integrity. This detailed understanding of cellulosomal network components may help in the development of biocatalysts for production of fuels and chemicals from renewable plant-derived biomass.
Steroidal and non-steroidal third-generation aromatase inhibitors induce pain-like symptoms via TRPA1
Authors: Fusi Camilla , Materazzi Serena , Benemei Silvia , Coppi Elisabetta , Trevisan Gabriela , Marone Ilaria M. , Minocci Daiana , De Logu Francesco , Tuccinardi Tiziano , Di Tommaso Maria Rosaria , Susini Tommaso , Moneti Gloriano , Pieraccini Giuseppe , Geppetti Pierangelo , Nassini Romina
Published: December 2014

Use of aromatase inhibitors (AIs), exemestane, letrozole and anastrozole, for breast cancer therapy is associated with severe pain symptoms, the underlying mechanism of which is unknown. The electrophilic nature of AIs suggests that they may target the transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) channel, a major pathway in pain transmission and neurogenic inflammation. AIs evoke TRPA1-mediated calcium response and current in rodent nociceptors and human cells expressing the recombinant channel. In mice, AIs produce acute nociception, which is exaggerated by pre-exposure to proalgesic stimuli, and, by releasing sensory neuropeptides, neurogenic inflammation in peripheral tissues. AIs also evoke mechanical allodynia and decreased grip strength, which do not undergo desensitization on prolonged AI administration. These effects are markedly attenuated by TRPA1 pharmacological blockade or in TRPA1-deficient mice. TRPA1 is a major mediator of the proinflammatory/proalgesic actions of AIs, thus suggesting TRPA1 antagonists for the treatment of pain symptoms associated with AI use.
Early warning signals of Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation collapse in a fully coupled climate model
Authors: Boulton Chris A. , Allison Lesley C. , Lenton Timothy M.
Published: December 2014

The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) exhibits two stable states in models of varying complexity. Shifts between alternative AMOC states are thought to have played a role in past abrupt climate changes, but the proximity of the climate system to a threshold for future AMOC collapse is unknown. Generic early warning signals of critical slowing down before AMOC collapse have been found in climate models of low and intermediate complexity. Here we show that early warning signals of AMOC collapse are present in a fully coupled atmosphere-ocean general circulation model, subject to a freshwater hosing experiment. The statistical significance of signals of increasing lag-1 autocorrelation and variance vary with latitude. They give up to 250 years warning before AMOC collapse, after ~550 years of monitoring. Future work is needed to clarify suggested dynamical mechanisms driving critical slowing down as the AMOC collapse is approached.
Development of hybrid materials based on sponge supported reduced graphene oxide and transition metal hydroxides for hybrid energy storage devices
Authors: Dubal Deepak P. , Holze Rudolf , Gomez-Romero Pedro
Published: December 2014

Earnest efforts have been taken to design hybrid energy storage devices using hybrid electrodes based on capacitive (rGO) and pseudocapacitive (Ni(OH)2 and Co(OH)2) materials deposited on the skeleton of 3D macroporous (indicate sponge material) sponge support. Conducting framework was formed by coating rGO on macroporous sponge on which subsequent deposition of Ni(OH)2 and Co(OH)2 was carried out. The synergetic combination of rGO and Ni(OH)2 or Co(OH)2) provides dual charge-storing mechanisms whereas 3D framework of sponge allows excellent accessibility of electrolyte to hybrid electrodes. Moreover, to further increase the energy density, hybrid devices have been fabricated with SP@rGO@Ni or SP@rGO@Co and SP@rGO as positive and negative electrodes, respectively. These hybrid devices operate with extended operating voltage windows and achieve remarkable electrochemical supercapacitive properties which make them truly promising energy storage devices for commercial production.
Development of a general method for detection and quantification of the P35S promoter based on assessment of existing methods
Authors: Wu Yuhua , Wang Yulei , Li Jun , Li Wei , Zhang Li , Li Yunjing , Li Xiaofei , Li Jun , Zhu Li , Wu Gang
Published: December 2014

The Cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) 35S promoter (P35S) is a commonly used target for detection of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). There are currently 24 reported detection methods, targeting different regions of the P35S promoter. Initial assessment revealed that due to the absence of primer binding sites in the P35S sequence, 19 of the 24 reported methods failed to detect P35S in MON88913 cotton and the other two methods could only be applied to certain GMOs. The rest three reported methods were not suitable for measurement of P35S in some testing events, because SNPs in binding sites of the primer/probe would result in abnormal amplification plots and poor linear regression parameters. In this study, we discovered a conserved region in the P35S sequence through sequencing of P35S promoters from multiple transgenic events and developed new qualitative and quantitative detection systems targeting this conserved region. The qualitative PCR could detect the P35S promoter in 23 unique GMO events with high specificity and sensitivity. The quantitative method was suitable for measurement of P35S promoter, exhibiting good agreement between the amount of template and Ct values for each testing event. This study provides a general P35S screening method, with greater coverage than existing methods.
Spin transport properties of n-polyacene molecules (n = 1–15) connected to Ni surface electrodes: Theoretical analysis
Authors: Caliskan S. , Laref A.
Published: December 2014

Using non-equilibrium Green function formalism in conjunction with density functional theory, we explore the spin-polarized transport characteristics of several planar n-acene molecules suspended between two semi-infinite Ni electrodes via the thiol group. We examine the spin-dependence transport on Ni-n-acenes-Ni junctions, while the number of fused benzene rings varies between 1 and 15. Intriguingly, the induced magnetic moments of small acene molecules are higher than that of longer acene rings. The augmentation of fused benzene rings affects both the magnetic and transport features, such as the transmission function and conductance owing to their coupling to the Ni surface contacts via the anchoring group. The interplay between the spin-polarized transport properties, structural configuration and molecular electronic is a fortiori essential in these attractive molecular devices. Thus, this can conduct to the engineering of the electron spin transport in atomistic and molecular junctions. These prominent molecules convincingly infer that the molecular spin valves can conduct to thriving molecular devices.
Functional Studies with Human Isolated Tissues to Better Predict Clinical Safety and Efficacy
Authors: Bunton David C.
Published: December 2014

Research using human fresh functional tissue represents one of the fastest growing areas of drug discovery and development. There are two key drivers in the use of functional tissues: firstly, the need to reduce clinical attrition rates by understanding human pharmacology during preclinical testing, and secondly, the drive towards biomarkers for personalised medicine. The dominant approach to drug development, based on primary screening in high-throughput models and secondary screening in animals, has previously produced numerous ‘blockbuster’ drugs, but clinical attrition rates of 95% are no longer viewed as sustainable. Human disease-relevant tissue is increasingly viewed as a way to decrease clinical failures, particularly during phase II and III where poor efficacy has been partly attributed to an over-reliance on animal models. Fresh, intact, functional human tissue assays aim to bridge the gaps between in vitro cell-based studies, in vivo animal studies and clinical trials. Such tissues offer advantages over simpler cell-based models, avoid species differences and truly reflect the diverse patient population. This chapter reviews the challenges and benefits of using functional tissues in drug development, including procedures for sourcing tissue, common techniques and examples of how data from functional tissues is used to predict clinical effects.
Translational Research in Pharmacology and Toxicology Using Precision-Cut Tissue Slices
Authors: Groothuis G. M. M. , Casini A. , Meurs H. , Olinga P.
Published: December 2014

In this chapter we discuss the application of human liver, intestine, lung and tumour precision-cut tissue slices (PCTS) as a translational ex vivo model in studies on ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion) and toxicology of drugs, and for studies on diseases such as fibrosis in the liver and the intestine, obstructive lung diseases, viral infections and cancer. As the use of PCTS in research is steadily increasing it is impossible to give a fully comprehensive review of all applications of PCTS, but by highlighting some of the most important examples with a special emphasis on the application of human PCTS, we aim to show the extensive potential of this versatile technique in pathology and drug research.
‘Body-on-a-Chip’ Technology and Supporting Microfluidics
Authors: Smith A. S. T. , Long C. J. , McAleer C. , Guo X. , Esch M. , Prot J. M. , Shuler M. L. , Hickman J. J.
Published: December 2014

In order to effectively streamline current drug development protocols, there is a need to generate high information content preclinical screens capable of generating data with a predictive power in relation to the activity of novel therapeutics in humans. Given the poor predictive power of animal models, and the lack of complexity and interconnectivity of standard in vitro culture methodologies, many investigators are now moving toward the development of physiologically and functionally accurate culture platforms composed of human cells to investigate cellular responses to drug compounds in high-throughput preclinical studies. The generation of complex, multi-organ in vitro platforms, built to recapitulate physiological dimensions, flow rates and shear stresses, is being investigated as the logical extension of this drive. Production and application of a biologically accurate multi-organ platform, or ‘body-on-a-chip’, would facilitate the correct modelling of the dynamic and interconnected state of living systems for high-throughput drug studies as well as basic and applied biomolecular research. This chapter will discuss current technologies aimed at producing ‘body-on-a-chip’ models, as well as highlighting recent advances and important challenges still to be met in the development of biomimetic single-organ systems for drug development purposes.
A diarylethene as the SO2 gas generator upon UV irradiation
Authors: Kodama Ryuhei , Sumaru Kimio , Morishita Kana , Kanamori Toshiyuki , Hyodo Kengo , Kamitanaka Takashi , Morimoto Masakazu , Yokojima Satoshi , Nakamura Shinichiro , Uchida Kingo
Published: December 2014

A thermally stable closed-ring isomer of a diarylethene having a sulfone group works as the SO2 gas generator upon UV irradiation; photoisomerization followed by generation of SO2 gas to induce cell death.
A versatile efficient one-step approach for carbazole–pyridine hybrid molecules: highly efficient host materials for blue phosphorescent OLEDs
Authors: Tang Chao , Bi Ran , Tao Youtian , Wang Fangfang , Cao Xudong , Wang Shifan , Jiang Tao , Zhong Cheng , Zhang Hongmei , Huang Wei
Published: December 2014

A series of carbazole–pyridine hybrid hosts were prepared by a convenient catalyst free C–N coupling reaction for high-efficiency blue electrophosphorescence.
A crystallographically characterized salt of self-generated N-protonated tetraethylurea
Authors: Bortoluzzi Marco , Marchetti Fabio , Pampaloni Guido , Zacchini Stefano
Published: December 2014

The first crystallographically characterizedN-protonated urea (1,1,3,3-tetraethylurea, teu) was obtained by a WCl6-directed electron transfer/C–H activation process.
Substrate selective amide coupling driven by encapsulation of a coupling agent within a self-assembled hexameric capsule
Authors: Giust Sonia , La Sorella Giorgio , Sperni Laura , Strukul Giorgio , Scarso Alessandro
Published: December 2014

Encapsulation of a cationic carbodiimide condensing agent within a self-assembled hexameric capsule made of resorcin[4]arene units provides a nano-environment that efficiently steers the substrate selectivity in the amide synthesis reaction between carboxylic acids and primary amines.
Concise synthesis of cyclic carbonyl compounds from haloarenes using phenyl formate as the carbonyl source
Authors: Konishi Hideyuki , Nagase Hiroki , Manabe Kei
Published: December 2014

Carbonylative cyclization of haloarenes bearing nucleophilic moieties under Pd catalysis has been developed as a general, user-friendly method for access to various cyclic carbonyl compounds.
Gallium(III)- and calcium(II)-catalyzed Meyer–Schuster rearrangements followed by intramolecular aldol condensation or endo-Michael addition
Authors: Presset M. , Michelet B. , Guillot R. , Bour C. , Bezzenine-Lafollée S. , Gandon V.
Published: December 2014

The first gallium- and calcium-catalyzed Meyer–Schuster rearrangements are described. The incipient conjugated ketones can undergo calcium-catalyzed aldol condensation (a) or endo-Michael addition (b) with β-keto esters or amides.
Optimizing the packing density of TiO2 nanorod arrays for enhanced light harvesting by a light trapping effect and its photocatalytic decomposition of gaseous benzene
Authors: Wang Xiaoxia , Xiao Yadan , Zeng Dawen , Xie Changsheng
Published: December 2014

A single-crystalline TiO2 nanorod array with a preferred [002] axial orientation was grown on transparent conductive fluorine-doped tin oxide substrates by a hydrothermal process.
Heteroleptic cationic iridium(iii) complexes bearing naphthalimidyl substituents: synthesis, photophysics and reverse saturable absorption
Authors: Pei Chengkui , Cui Peng , McCleese Christopher , Kilina Svetlana , Burda Clemens , Sun Wenfang
Published: December 2014

Three cationic Ir(iii) complexes with cyclometalating 2-[3-(7-naphthalimidylfluoren-2′-yl)phenyl]pyridine ligands were synthesized and their photophysics and reverse saturable absorption were systematically investigated.
Iron(iii)-binding of the anticancer agents doxorubicin and vosaroxin
Authors: Mjos Katja Dralle , Cawthray Jacqueline F. , Jamieson Gene , Fox Judith A. , Orvig Chris
Published: December 2014

The two anticancer agents, doxorubicin and vosaroxin, bind Fe3+with comparable strength; however, at physiological pH tris(vosaroxacino)iron(iii) is the dominant species.
Insight into inhibition of the human amyloid beta protein precursor (APP: PDB ID 3UMI) using (E)-N-(pyridin-2-ylmethylene)arylamine (LR) models: structure elucidation of a family of ZnX2-LRcomplexes
Authors: Basu Baul Tushar S. , Kundu Sajal , Singh Palwinder , Shaveta Shaveta , Guedes da Silva M. Fátima C.
Published: December 2014

LRshows interactions with the human amyloid beta protein precursor (APP)viazinc atoms. Such interactions were confirmed from the X-ray diffraction studies.
Complexation of Cm(iii) with the recombinant N-lobe of human serum transferrin studied by time-resolved laser fluorescence spectroscopy (TRLFS)
Authors: Bauer N. , Smith V. C. , MacGillivray R. T. A. , Panak P. J.
Published: December 2014

The complexation of Cm(iii) with the recombinant N-lobe of human serum transferrin hTf/2N is investigated using TRLFS. The results reveal significant differences in the complexation properties of transferrin and the half molecule.
Distinct photoproducts of hydroxylated polybromodiphenyl ethers from different photodegradation pathways: a case study of 2′-HO-BDE-68
Authors: Xie Qing , Chen Jingwen , Zhao Hongxia , Wang Xingbao , Xie Hong-Bin
Published: December 2014

Photoproducts of 2′-HO-BDE-68 from different pathways are distinct. 1,3,8-Tribromodibenzo-p-dioxin was produced from direct photolysis. Formation of di-HO-PBDEs was confirmed experimentally.
Biofuels from liquid phase pyrolysis oil: a two-step hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) process
Authors: Pucher Hannes , Schwaiger Nikolaus , Feiner Roland , Ellmaier Lisa , Pucher Peter , Chernev Boril. S. , Siebenhofer Matthäus
Published: December 2014

A novel two-step biomass liquefaction process for the production of a diesel-like fuel with 28% biogenous carbon content is described.
Recent advances in the catalytic production of glucose from lignocellulosic biomass
Authors: Wang Jianjian , Xi Jinxu , Wang Yanqin
Published: December 2014

This review presents highlights in the recent advances and strategies for the catalytic production of glucose from lignocellulosic biomass over various homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts.
Neodymium isotope ratio measurements by LC-MC-ICPMS for nuclear applications: investigation of isotopic fractionation and mass bias correction
Authors: Guéguen Florence , Isnard Hélène , Nonell Anthony , Vio Laurent , Vercouter Thomas , Chartier Frédéric
Published: December 2014

The causes of isotope ratio drifts observed in LC-MC-ICPMS experiments could be explained by both mass dependent isotopic fractionation on the chromatographic column and distinct time lags between amplifier responses of the Faraday cup configuration.
Lab-in-a-tube systems as ultra-compact devices
Authors: Sánchez S.
Published: December 2014

In this Focus article Samuel Sánchez gives a short overview on recent activities in lab-in-a-tube work.
Enhancement of exon skipping in mdx52 mice by 2′-O-methyl-2-thioribothymidine incorporation into phosphorothioate oligonucleotides
Authors: Masaki Yoshiaki , Inde Takeshi , Nagata Tetsuya , Tanihata Jun , Kanamori Takashi , Seio Kohji , Takeda Shin'ichi , Sekine Mitsuo
Published: December 2014

Incorporation of 2′-O-methyl-2-thioribothymidine (s2Tm) into antisense oligoribonucleotides significantly enhanced the exon skipping activity in Duchenne muscular dystrophy model mice.
Correction: Design and chemoproteomic functional characterization of a chemical probe targeted to bromodomains of BET family proteins
Authors: Wu Jiang , Shin Julia , Williams Cara M. M. , Geoghegan Kieran F. , Wright Stephen W. , Limburg David C. , Sahasrabudhe Parag , Bonin Paul D. , Lefker Bruce A. , Ramsey Simeon J.
Published: December 2014

Correction for ‘Design and chemoproteomic functional characterization of a chemical probe targeted to bromodomains of BET family proteins’ by Jiang Wu et al., Med. Chem. Commun., 2014, 5, 1871–1878.
Rapid adsorption and photocatalytic activity for Rhodamine B and Cr(vi) by ultrathin BiOI nanosheets with highly exposed {001} facets
Authors: Han Juanli , Zhu Gangqiang , Hojamberdiev Mirabbos , Peng Jianhong , Zhang Xi , Liu Yun , Ge Bao , Liu Peng
Published: December 2014

Porous BiOI microspheres composed of ultrathin nanosheets with highly exposed {001} facets were fabricated using a solvothermal method.
Dynamical insights into the differential characteristics of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis peptide binding to HLA-DRB1 proteins associated with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Kumar Amit , Sechi Leonardo A. , Caboni Pierluigi , Marrosu Maria Giovanna , Atzori Luigi , Pieroni Enrico
Published: December 2014

Differential properties of MAP binding to HLA proteins in Sardinian MS patients.
Copper-catalyzed three-component reactions of phenols, acyl chlorides and Wittig reagents for the synthesis of β-aryloxyl acrylates
Authors: Zhang Yi , Liu Yunyun , Wan Jie-Ping
Published: December 2014

A new protocol towards the diversity-oriented synthesis of β-aryloxyl acrylates has been developed using simple reactants and catalyst.
Biomimicry at the nanoscale: current research and perspectives of two-photon polymerization
Authors: Marino Attilio , Filippeschi Carlo , Mattoli Virgilio , Mazzolai Barbara , Ciofani Gianni
Published: December 2014

The most recent examples of the control of thein vitrobiophysical micro/nano-environment by exploiting two-photon polymerization (2pp).
Photon magic: chiroptical polarisation, depolarisation, inversion, retention and switching of non-photochromic light-emitting polymers in optofluidic medium
Authors: Fujiki Michiya , Donguri Yuri , Zhao Yin , Nakao Ayako , Suzuki Nozomu , Yoshida Kana , Zhang Wei
Published: December 2014

A circularly polarised photon hand, l- and r-, was not a deterministic factor for the induced chiroptical sign of π-conjugated polymer aggregates. This anomaly originates from circular dichroism inversion characteristics between shorter and longer π–π* bands.
Hollow tungsten carbide/carbon sphere promoted Pt electrocatalyst for efficient methanol oxidation
Authors: Yan Zaoxue , Li Fan , Xie Jimin , Miu Xuli
Published: December 2014

The surface carbon thickness and particle size of tungsten carbide (WC) are critical to its synergistic effect on noble metal based electrocatalysts.
A highly-ordered and uniform sunflower-like dendritic silver nanocomplex array as reproducible SERS substrate
Authors: Chu Jian , Zhao Yue , Li Shu-Hong , Li Wen-Wei , Chen Xiang-Yu , Huang Yu-Xi , Chen You-Peng , Qu Wen-Gang , Yu Han-Qing , Xu An-Wu , Liu Gang , Tian Yang-Chao , Xiong Ying
Published: December 2014

A highly reproducible SERS substrate of Ag nanocomplex array with highly-ordered sunflower-like structure has been fabricated by integrating lithography and electrodeposition.