bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Micro-pixel light emitting diodes: Impact of the chip process on microscopic electro- and photoluminescence
Authors: Otto I. , Mounir C. , Nirschl A. , Pfeuffer A. , Schäpers Th. , Schwarz U. T. , von Malm N.
Published: April 2015

We investigated the influence of a μ-pixelated chip process on the photoluminescence (PL) and electroluminescence (EL) of a monolithic InGaN/GaN based blue light emitting diode with a continuous n-GaN layer. Particularly, we observed the impact of the metallic p-contact on the PL emission wavelength. A PL wavelength shift in the order of 10 nm between contacted and isolated areas was assigned to screening of internal piezoelectric fields due to charge carrier accumulation. μPL and μEL mappings revealed correlated emission wavelength and intensity inhomogeneities, caused by the epitaxial growth process. The edges of single pixels were investigated in detail via resonant confocal bias-dependent μPL. No influence on the intensity was observed beyond 300 nm away from the edge, which indicated a good working edge passivation. Due to the low lateral p-GaN conductivity, the μPL intensity was enhanced at isolated areas.
Quantitative x-ray magnetic circular dichroism mapping with high spatial resolution full-field magnetic transmission soft x-ray spectro-microscopy
Authors: Robertson MacCallum J. , Agostino Christopher J. , N'Diaye Alpha T. , Chen Gong , Im Mi-Young , Fischer Peter
Published: April 2015

The spectroscopic analysis of X-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD), which serves as strong and element-specific magnetic contrast in full-field magnetic transmission soft x-ray microscopy, is shown to provide information on the local distribution of spin (S) and orbital (L) magnetic moments down to a spatial resolution of 25 nm limited by the x-ray optics used in the x-ray microscope. The spatially resolved L/S ratio observed in a multilayered (Co 0.3 nm/Pt 0.5 nm) × 30 thin film exhibiting a strong perpendicular magnetic anisotropy decreases significantly in the vicinity of domain walls, indicating a non-uniform spin configuration in the vertical profile of a domain wall across the thin film. Quantitative XMCD mapping with x-ray spectro-microscopy will become an important characterization tool for systems with topological or engineered magnetization inhomogeneities.
Acoustic emission during the ferroelectric transition Pm3¯m to P4mm in BaTiO3 and the ferroelastic transition R3¯m-C2/c in Pb3(PO4)2
Authors: Salje E. K. H. , Dul'kin E. , Roth M.
Published: April 2015

Acoustic emission (AE) spectroscopy without frequency filtering (∼broadband AE) and moderate time integration is shown to be sensitive enough to allow the investigation of subtle nano-structural changes in ferroelectric BaTiO3 and ferroelastic Pb3(PO4)2. AE signals during weak phase transitions are compatible with avalanche statistics as observed previously in large-strain systems. While the data are too sparse to determine avalanche exponents, they are well suited to determine other thermodynamic parameters such as transition temperatures and critical stresses.
Metal accumulation by Arabidopsis halleri subsp. gemmifera at a limestone mining site
Authors: Kosugi Aki , Tamaru Jun , Gotou Kazumi , Furihata Hazuka Y. , Shimizu Akifumi , Kawabe Akira , Harada Emiko
Published: April 2015

Arabidopsis halleri subsp. gemmifera, a close wild relative of A. thaliana in eastern Asia, is an important model species of Brassicaceae used to study cadmium (Cd) and zinc (Zn) tolerance and hyperaccumulation in plants. To investigate the effects of soil factors on metal accumulation in this plant, we collected plants and rhizosphere soil samples from a limestone mining site on Mount Ibuki, and compared them with those collected from non-calcareous soil in Japan. Irrespective of the sampling site, all the plants efficiently accumulated Cd in shoot tissues. The plants growing on non-calcareous soil also accumulated Zn in shoot tissues, but shoot Zn concentration in plants growing on calcareous soils was below the level required for hyperaccumulators. The pH of calcareous soil samples was between 7.68 and 8.21. Total Zn contents were similar in calcareous and non-calcareous soils, but the amounts of Zn extractable by 0.1 M HCl were lower in calcareous than in non-calcareous soil. These results indicate that the properties of calcareous soil affect metal accumulation in plants.
Targeted disruption of PDE3B, but not PDE3A, protects murine heart from ischemia/reperfusion injury
Authors: Chung Youn Wook , Lagranha Claudia , Chen Yong , Sun Junhui , Tong Guang , Hockman Steven C. , Ahmad Faiyaz , Esfahani Shervin G. , Bae Dahae H. , Polidovitch Nazari , Wu Jian , Rhee Dong Keun , Lee Beom Seob , Gucek Marjan , Daniels Mathew P. , Brantner Christine A. , Backx Peter H. , Murphy Elizabeth , Manganiello Vincent C.
Published: April 2015

Significance

By catalyzing the destruction of cAMP and cGMP, cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases (PDEs) regulate their intracellular concentrations and biological actions. Eleven distinct gene families (PDE1–PDE11) define the PDE superfamily. Most families contain several PDE genes. Two separate but related genes generate PDE3 subfamilies PDE3A and PDE3B. Although inhibition of PDE3 protects rodent heart against ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, the specific PDE3 isoform involved is undetermined. Using PDE3A- and PDE3B-KO mice, we report that deletion of PDE3B, but not PDE3A, protected mouse heart from I/R injury in vivo and in vitro, via cAMP-induced preconditioning. To our knowledge, our study is the first to define a role for PDE3B in cardioprotection against I/R injury and suggests PDE3B as a target for cardiovascular therapies.
Electric field measurement in gas discharges using stark shifts of He I lines and their forbidden counterparts
Authors: Cvetanović N , Martinović M M , Obradović B M , Kuraica M M
Published: April 2015

A spectroscopic method for the measurement of macroscopic electric field strength in discharges, based on Stark shifts of several helium emission lines with their forbidden counterparts, is presented. The shifts of forbidden and allowed π components are calculated for eight line groups of helium. For practical use, polynomial functions are provided for the shifts of line groups applicable in the visible range. The method is an extension and improvement of a previously established method for two line groups. Line fitting procedures are presented that take into account components of a given helium line group, provide higher accuracy compared to simple evaluation, and enable measurements of lower field values. The method and fitting procedure were experimentally tested and verified by measuring the field distribution in the cathode fall of a low pressure glow discharge. Due to its ab initio basis the presented method can be used for measuring electric field distributions in various types of discharges, independently of other plasma parameters and fulfillment of special conditions.
Onset, intensification, and decline of phytoplankton blooms in the Southern Ocean
Authors: Llort Joan , Lévy Marina , Sallée Jean-Baptiste , Tagliabue Alessandro
Published: April 2015

The seasonal cycle of phytoplankton biomass in the Southern Ocean (SO) is characterized by a period of rapid accumulation, known as bloom, that is typical of high-latitude regions. Recent studies have illustrated how spatial and temporal dynamics of blooms in the SO are more complex than in other oceans. This complexity is likely related to differences in vertical mixing and the iron availability. In this work, we examine the sensitivity of bloom dynamics to changes in vertical mixing and iron availability using a biogeochemical model. Under idealized physical forcing, we produce seasonal cycles of phytoplankton for an ensemble of SO scenarios and we describe the bloom dynamics in terms of the net biomass accumulation rate. Based on this metric, we define three crucial bloom phases: the onset, the climax, and the apex. For the ensemble of modelled blooms, onsets always occur in winter and can be either bottom-up (increase in productivity) or top-down (decrease in grazing) controlled. Climaxes are mostly found in spring and their magnitudes are bottom-up controlled. Apexes are always found in late spring and strongly top-down controlled. Our results show that while a “strict” onset definition is consistent with a winter onset, the surface spring bloom is associated with the climax of the integrated bloom. Furthermore, we demonstrate that onset phase can be distinguished from climax phase using appropriate bloom detection methods based on surface satellite-based products. The ensemble of these results suggests that Sverdrup's blooming conditions are not indicative of the bloom onset but of the climax. We conclude that the recent bloom onset debate may partly be due to a confusion between what is defined here as the bloom onset and the climax, and that the SO observed complexity is due to the factors that control the climax.
Magnetic resonance imaging-based computational modelling of blood flow and nanomedicine deposition in patients with peripheral arterial disease
Authors: Hossain Shaolie S. , Zhang Yongjie , Fu Xiaoyi , Brunner Gerd , Singh Jaykrishna , Hughes Thomas J. R. , Shah Dipan , Decuzzi Paolo
Published: April 2015

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is generally attributed to the progressive vascular accumulation of lipoproteins and circulating monocytes in the vessel walls leading to the formation of atherosclerotic plaques. This is known to be regulated by the local vascular geometry, haemodynamics and biophysical conditions. Here, an isogeometric analysis framework is proposed to analyse the blood flow and vascular deposition of circulating nanoparticles (NPs) into the superficial femoral artery (SFA) of a PAD patient. The local geometry of the blood vessel and the haemodynamic conditions are derived from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), performed at baseline and at 24 months post intervention. A dramatic improvement in blood flow dynamics is observed post intervention. A 500% increase in peak flow rate is measuredin vivoas a consequence of luminal enlargement. Furthermore, blood flow simulations reveal a 32% drop in the mean oscillatory shear index, indicating reduced disturbed flow post intervention. The same patient information (vascular geometry and blood flow) is used to predictin silicoin a simulation of the vascular deposition of systemically injected nanomedicines. NPs, targeted to inflammatory vascular molecules including VCAM-1, E-selectin and ICAM-1, are predicted to preferentially accumulate near the stenosis in the baseline configuration, with VCAM-1 providing the highest accumulation (approx. 1.33 and 1.50 times higher concentration than that of ICAM-1 and E-selectin, respectively). Such selective deposition of NPs within the stenosis could be effectively used for the detection and treatment of plaques forming in the SFA. The presented MRI-based computational protocol can be used to analyse data from clinical trials to explore possible correlations between haemodynamics and disease progression in PAD patients, and potentially predict disease occurrence as well as the outcome of an intervention.
Enumeration of coliform bacteria and characterization of Escherichia coli isolated from Staff Club swimming pool in Ile-Ife, Nigeria
Authors: Akeju Tolutope Oluseyi
Published: April 2015

Water recreation, though increasing globally, is strongly associated with infectious diseases. Unexpectedly, artificial water recreation systems e.g. swimming pools account for 90% of these outbreaks. It is therefore essential that pool waters be regularly monitored for deviations from microbial water quality guidelines. To assess the sanitary quality of a club swimming pool in Ile-Ife, Nigeria, I used the multiple-tube fermentation technique to determine the most probable number (MPN) of coliform bacteria in 100 ml of pool water. MPN estimates ranged from 9 to 93 with geometric mean of 38. Escherichia coli was isolated from positive presumptive tubes, indicating recent faecal contamination. The isolate elicited similar biochemical reactions as reference E. coli (ATCC-25922), except that it utilized sucrose and liquefied gelatin, which probably indicates potential pathogenicity. Also, the E. coli isolate was resistant to 13 antibiotics from 9 different classes. Finally, coliform counts and detection of E. coli clearly violates international guidelines. I recommend that pool operators increase water disinfection efficiency and educate the public on the need for improved swimmer hygiene to reduce the risk of recreational water illness transmission.
Diverse application platform for hard X-ray diffraction in SACLA (DAPHNIS): application to serial protein crystallography using an X-ray free-electron laser
Authors: Tono Kensuke , Nango Eriko , Sugahara Michihiro , Song Changyong , Park Jaehyun , Tanaka Tomoyuki , Tanaka Rie , Joti Yasumasa , Kameshima Takashi , Ono Shun , Hatsui Takaki , Mizohata Eiichi , Suzuki Mamoru , Shimamura Tatsuro , Tanaka Yoshiki , Iwata So , Yabashi Makina
Published: April 2015

An experimental system for serial femtosecond crystallography using an X-ray free-electron laser (XFEL) has been developed. It basically consists of a sample chamber, fluid injectors and a two-dimensional detector. The chamber and the injectors are operated under helium atmosphere at 1 atm. The ambient pressure operation facilitates applications to fluid samples. Three kinds of injectors are employed to feed randomly oriented crystals in aqueous solution or highly viscous fluid. Experiments on lysozyme crystals were performed by using the 10 keV XFEL of the SPring-8 Angstrom Compact free-electron LAser (SACLA). The structure of model protein lysozyme from 1 µm crystals at a resolution of 2.4 Å was obtained.
Multipurpose end-station for coherent diffraction imaging and scattering at FERMI@Elettra free-electron laser facility
Authors: Capotondi Flavio , Pedersoli Emanuele , Bencivenga Filippo , Manfredda Michele , Mahne Nicola , Raimondi Lorenzo , Svetina Cristian , Zangrando Marco , Demidovich Alexander , Nikolov Ivaylo , Danailov Miltcho , Masciovecchio Claudio , Kiskinova Maya
Published: April 2015

The Diffraction and Projection Imaging (DiProI) beamline at FERMI, the Elettra free-electron laser (FEL), hosts a multi-purpose station that has been opened to users since the end of 2012. This paper describes the core capabilities of the station, designed to make use of the unique features of the FERMI-FEL for performing a wide range of static and dynamic scattering experiments. The various schemes for time-resolved experiments, employing both soft X-ray FEL and seed laser IR radiation are presented by using selected recent results. The ongoing upgrade is adding a reflection geometry setup for scattering experiments, expanding the application fields by providing both high lateral and depth resolution.
Towards a molecular understanding of the apicomplexan actin motor: on a road to novel targets for malaria remedies?
Authors: Kumpula Esa-Pekka , Kursula Inari
Published: April 2015

Apicomplexan parasites are the causative agents of notorious human and animal diseases that give rise to considerable human suffering and economic losses worldwide. The most prominent parasites of this phylum are the malaria-causingPlasmodiumspecies, which are widespread in tropical and subtropical regions, andToxoplasma gondii, which infects one third of the world's population. These parasites share a common form of gliding motility which relies on an actin–myosin motor. The components of this motor and the actin-regulatory proteins in Apicomplexa have unique features compared with all other eukaryotes. This, together with the crucial roles of these proteins, makes them attractive targets for structure-based drug design. In recent years, several structures of glideosome components, in particular of actins and actin regulators from apicomplexan parasites, have been determined, which will hopefully soon allow the creation of a complete molecular picture of the parasite actin–myosin motor and its regulatory machinery. Here, current knowledge of the function of this motor is reviewed from a structural perspective.
Three-dimensional structures in the design of therapeutics targeting parasitic protozoa: reflections on the past, present and future
Authors: Hol Wim G. J.
Published: April 2015

Parasitic protozoa cause a range of diseases which threaten billions of human beings. They are responsible for tremendous mortality and morbidity in the least-developed areas of the world. Presented here is an overview of the evolution over the last three to four decades of structure-guided design of inhibitors, leads and drug candidates aiming at targets from parasitic protozoa. Target selection is a crucial and multi-faceted aspect of structure-guided drug design. The major impact of advances in molecular biology, genome sequencing and high-throughput screening is touched upon. The most advanced crystallographic techniques, including XFEL, have already been applied to structure determinations of drug targets from parasitic protozoa. Even cryo-electron microscopy is contributing to our understanding of the mode of binding of inhibitors to parasite ribosomes. A number of projects have been selected to illustrate how structural information has assisted in arriving at promising compounds that are currently being evaluated by pharmacological, pharmacodynamic and safety tests to assess their suitability as pharmaceutical agents. Structure-guided approaches are also applied to incorporate properties into compounds such that they are less likely to become the victim of resistance mechanisms. A great increase in the number of novel antiparasitic compounds will be needed in the future. These should then be combined into various multi-compound therapeutics to circumvent the diverse resistance mechanisms that render single-compound, or even multi-compound, drugs ineffective. The future should also see (i) an increase in the number of projects with a tight integration of structural biology, medicinal chemistry, parasitology and pharmaceutical sciences; (ii) the education of more `medicinal structural biologists' who are familiar with the properties that compounds need to have for a high probability of success in the later steps of the drug-development process; and (iii) the expansion of drug-development capabilities in middle- and low-income countries.
Experimental research and numerical analysis in thin film lubrication of point contact
Authors: Liu Deliang , Cao Shuhua , Xu Jiujun
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to establish a rapid and effective numerical model of thin film lubrication with clear physical conception, in which viscosity variation along the direction of film thickness was used instead of average viscosity, and continuous Reynolds equation was used in the calculation of thin film lubrication.

Design/methodology/approach

– Based on rheology and thin film lubrication with point contact and considering features of shear thinning and like-solidification of lubricant oil in the thin film lubrication state, a modified formula with overall average equivalent viscosity was proposed by combining numerical calculation and experiment data.

Findings

– It is a fast and efficient method for film lubrication state simulation.

Research limitations/implications

– Thin film lubrication research on a nanoscale is very popular, and a variety of thin film lubrication models are proposed. Due to the complexity of thin film lubrication, it is still in the stage of revealing law and establishing calculation model.

Originality/value

– The key issue is how to obtain the viscosity correction formula derived from engineering practice, also considered the lubricating oil class solidification and shear-thinning properties on thin film lubrication, while based on the system experiment, the viscosity modified formula for the gap, speed changes are proposed to obtain the overall average equivalent viscosity which makes the thin film lubrication micro to macro, so that a clear physical meaning for thin-film lubrication numerical calculation model is established.
Experimental study on load capacity of nanoparticles-laden gas film in thrust bearing
Authors: Yang Zhiru , Diao Dongfeng , Fan Hongyan , Fan Xue , Wang Chao
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to study the load capacity of nanoparticles-laden gas film (NLGF) in thrust bearing.

Design/methodology/approach

– SiO2 nanoparticles were added into gas to form an NLGF. The nanoparticles volume fraction in the film was controlled by a vibrator. The film thickness and the film pressure were measured by a micro cantilever displacement sensor and a membrane pressure sensor, respectively. The total load that makes the film thickness keeping constant was quantified, and then, the film load capacity was obtained.

Findings

– The investigation shows that nanoparticles can enlarge the film load capacity remarkably; even a little amount of nanoparticles (0.01 per cent) could lead to a sharp rise. With the increase of nanoparticles volume fraction, load capacity increases. However, the increment of load capacity decreases gradually. In addition, the film pressure variation proves the enhancement effect of nanoparticles on the film load capacity.

Research limitations/implications

– The paper is restricted to the findings based on NLGF, which is formed by dispersing SiO2 nanoparticles in gas film as an additive. The experimental results are applicable within the range of nanoparticles volume fraction of 0.01-0.33 per cent.

Originality/value

– The fact that nanoparticles could enlarge the gas film load capacity is verified by experiment for the first time. This study reveals the corresponding relation between nanoparticles volume fraction and the film load capacity.
Characterization of lubrication of asymmetric rollers including thermal effects
Authors: Sajja Venkata Subrahmanyam , Prasad Dhaneshwar
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to deal with the qualitative analysis of hydrodynamic lubrication of asymmetric rollers with non-Newtonian incompressible power law lubricants including Newtonian.

Design/methodology/approach

– The fluid flow governing equations such as equation of motion along with continuity and thermal equations are solved first analytically and investigated numerically by the Runge-Kutta Fehlberg method.

Findings

– As a result of this work, it is found that there is a significant change in temperature, pressure, load and traction with Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids.

Research limitations/implications

– The authors considered incompressible hydrodynamic lubrication of two rigid asymmetric rollers, one of them is assumed to be adiabatic. The convection term of the heat flow equation is taken in its average form.

Originality/value

– It is a theoretical problem of two heavily loaded rigid cylindrical rollers with cavitations, where the consistency of the power law lubricant is assumed to vary with pressure and the mean film temperature. It has not appeared in the literature.
Observing versus Predicting: Initial Patterns of Filling Predict Long‐Term Adherence More Accurately Than High‐Dimensional Modeling Techniques
Authors: Franklin Jessica M. , Shrank William H. , Lii Joyce , Krumme Alexis K. , Matlin Olga S. , Brennan Troyen A. , Choudhry Niteesh K.
Published: April 2015

Objective

Despite the proliferation of databases with increasingly rich patient data, prediction of medication adherence remains poor. We proposed and evaluated approaches for improved adherence prediction.

Data Sources

We identified Medicare beneficiaries who received prescription drug coverage through CVS Caremark and initiated a statin.

Study Design

A total of 643 variables were identified at baseline from prior claims and linked Census data. In addition, we identified three postbaseline predictors, indicators of adherence to statins during each of the first 3 months of follow‐up. We estimated 10 models predicting subsequent adherence, using logistic regression and boosted logistic regression, a nonparametric data‐mining technique. Models were also estimated within strata defined by the index days supply.

Results

In 77,703 statin initiators, prediction using baseline variables only was poor with maximum cross‐validated C‐statistics of 0.606 and 0.577 among patients with index supply ≤30 days and >30 days, respectively. Using only indicators of initial statin adherence improved prediction accuracy substantially among patients with shorter initial dispensings (C = 0.827/0.518), and, when combined with investigator‐specified variables, prediction accuracy was further improved (C = 0.842/0.596).

Conclusions

Observed adherence immediately after initiation predicted future adherence for patients whose initial dispensings were relatively short.
Great ‘app‐eal’ but not there yet: A review of iPhone nutrition applications relevant to child weight management
Authors: Burrows Tracy L. , Khambalia Amina Z. , Perry Rebecca , Carty Danika , Hendrie Gilly A. , Allman‐Farinelli Margaret A. , Garnett Sarah P. , McNaughton Sarah A. , Rangan Anna M. , Truby Helen , Collins Clare E. , Golley Rebecca K.
Published: April 2015

Aims

There is increasing interest in the use of smartphone applications (apps) for delivering child obesity management interventions and supporting lifestyle behaviour change; however, there has been very little academic research on their development. Our aim is to review nutrition‐related apps designed for children currently available in Australia for their usefulness in education or support behavioural interventions for child obesity.

Methods

Apps available for download in iTunes Australia between 2 April and 3 June 2013 which were suitable for children >12 years were identified. Key words were chosen to identify apps applicable to children, focusing on nutrition.

Results

A total of 27 apps were included. Most apps (24/27) were not based on evidence‐informed recommendations. A third of apps were developed in the USA (n = 10; 37%) and were free (67%), nine apps required upfront payment, with a mean cost of $A2.80 (range $A0.99–$A7.49). The most common nutrition features were the promotion of energy balance (n = 12 apps) and guidance on appropriate portion size (n = 15). The most common behaviour change feature was goal setting (n = 15). The five apps that scored most highly against the characteristics reviewed were: Calorie Counter Pro by My Net Diary, Weight Watchers, Swap It Don't Stop It, Control My Weight by CalorieKing and Rate What I Ate—Photo Diet Tracker.

Conclusions

Very few apps were identified that could be used in education or support behavioural interventions for child obesity. There is a need to harness this technology and evaluate the applicability and use within childhood obesity research interventions.
Transaction costs in an illiquid order‐driven market
Authors: Marshall Ben R. , Nguyen Nhut H. , Visaltanachoti Nuttawat
Published: April 2015

Transaction costs in many international equity markets are much larger than those in the USA. This raises questions such as what trade size these reported trading costs relate to and whether investors can reduce trading costs by timing their trades. We show, using data from the order‐driven New Zealand market, that transaction costs are frequently lower for larger trades, particularly in small stocks, and investors are able to reduce costs by timing their transactions. While investors who require immediate execution incur transaction costs that are much higher than reported average costs, patient investors can trade at much better rates.
The assessment of the role of trophy hunting in wildlife conservation
Authors: Crosmary W.‐G. , Côté S. D. , Fritz H.
Published: April 2015

Read the Feature Paper: Does trophy hunting matter to long‐term population trends in African herbivores of different dietary guilds? and the Commentaries on this Feature Paper: Monitoring required for effective sustainable use of wildlife; Hunting tourism and animal conservation
Interleukin (IL)-22 receptor 1 is over-expressed in primary Sjogren's syndrome and Sjögren-associated non-Hodgkin lymphomas and is regulated by IL-18
Authors: Ciccia F , Guggino G , Rizzo A , Bombardieri M , Raimondo S , Carubbi F , Cannizzaro A , Sireci G , Dieli F , Campisi G , Giacomelli R , Cipriani Paola , De Leo G , Alessandro R , Triolo G
Published: April 2015

The aim of this study was to elucidate more clearly the role of interleukin (IL)-18 in modulating the IL-22 pathway in primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) patients and in pSS-associated lymphomas. Minor salivary glands (MSGs) from patients with pSS and non-specific chronic sialoadenitis (nSCS), parotid glands biopsies from non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL) developed in pSS patients, were evaluated for IL-18, IL-22, IL-22 receptor 1 (IL-22R1), IL-22 binding protein (IL-22BP) and signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (STAT-3) expression. MSGs IL-22R1-expressing cells were characterized by confocal microscopy and flow cytometry in pSS, nSCS and healthy controls. The effect of recombinant IL-18 and IL-22 on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from pSS and nSCS was studied by flow cytometry and reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). MSGs of pSS and NHL were characterized by an imbalance between IL-22 and IL-22BP protein expression, with IL-18 and IL-22BP being expressed in a mutually exclusive manner and IL-18 and IL-22R1 being correlated directly. Aberrant expression of IL-22R1, induced by IL-18, was observed only among tissue and circulating myeloid cells of pSS patients and macrophages of NHL tissues of pSS patients, but not nSCS. IL-22R1 expression on PBMC of pSS was functional, as its stimulation with recombinant IL-22 significantly up-regulated the expression of STAT-3, IL-17 and IL-22. An IL-18-dependent aberrant expression of IL-22R1 on cells of haematopoietic origin seems to be a specific immunological signature of patients with pSS and pSS-associated lymphomas.
Systematic review and meta‐analysis of the accuracy of MRI and endorectal ultrasound in the restaging and response assessment of rectal cancer following neoadjuvant therapy
Authors: Memon S. , Lynch A. C. , Bressel M. , Wise A. G. , Heriot A. G.
Published: April 2015

Aim

Restaging imaging by MRI or endorectal ultrasound (ERUS) following neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy is not routinely performed, but the assessment of response is becoming increasingly important to facilitate individualization of management.

Method

A search of the MEDLINE and Scopus databases was performed for studies that evaluated the accuracy of restaging of rectal cancer following neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy with MRI or ERUS against the histopathological outcome. A systematic review of selected studies was performed. The methodological quality of studies that qualified for meta‐analysis was critically assessed to identify studies suitable for inclusion in the meta‐analysis.

Results

Sixty‐three articles were included in the systematic review. Twelve restaging MRI studies and 18 restaging ERUS studies were eligible for meta‐analysis of T‐stage restaging accuracy. Overall, ERUS T‐stage restaging accuracy (mean [95% CI]: 65% [56–72%]) was nonsignificantly higher than MRI T‐stage accuracy (52% [44–59%]). Restaging MRI is accurate at excluding circumferential resection margin involvement. Restaging MRI and ERUS were equivalent for prediction of nodal status: the accuracy of both investigations was 72% with over‐staging and under‐staging occurring in 10–15%.

Conclusion

The heterogeneity amongst restaging studies is high, limiting conclusive findings regarding their accuracies. The accuracy of restaging imaging is different for different pathological T stages and highest for T3 tumours. Morphological assessment of T‐ or N‐stage by MRI or ERUS is currently not accurate or consistent enough for clinical application. Restaging MRI appears to have a role in excluding circumferential resection margin involvement.
Impact on glycated haemoglobin of a biological response‐based measure of medication adherence
Authors: Nichols G. A. , Rosales A. G. , Kimes T. M. , Tunceli K. , Kurtyka K. , Mavros P. , Steiner J. F.
Published: April 2015

Aims

The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between a specific glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) measurement and a pharmaceutical dispensings‐based measure of adherence calculated over the 90 days before each HbA1c measure among patients who have newly initiated metformin therapy.

Methods

We identified 3109 people with type 2 diabetes who initiated metformin as their first‐ever antihyperglycaemic drug, analysing all 9918 HbA1c measurements that were taken over the next 2 years. We used an adaptation of the ‘proportion of days covered’ method for assessing medication adherence that corresponded to an ∼90‐day interval preceding an HbA1c measurement, terming the adaptation the ‘biological response‐based proportion of days covered’ (BRB‐PDC). To account for multiple observations per patient, we analysed the association between HbA1c and BRB‐PDC within the generalized estimating equation framework. Analyses were stratified by HbA1c level before metformin initiation using a threshold of 8% (64 mmol/mol).

Results

After multivariable adjustment using 0% adherence as the reference category, BRB‐PDC in the range 50–79% was associated with HbA1c values lower by −0.113 [95% confidence interval (CI) −0.202, −0.025] among patients with pre‐metformin HbA1c <8%, and by −0.247 (95% CI −0.390, −0.104) among those with HbA1c ≥8% at metformin initiation. Full adherence (≥80%) was associated with HbA1c values lower by −0.175% (95% CI −0.257, −0.093) and by −0.453% (95% CI −0.586, −0.320).

Conclusions

Using this novel short‐interval approach that more closely associates adherence with the expected biological response, the association between better adherence and HbA1c levels was considerably stronger than has been previously reported; however, the strength of the impact was dependent upon the HbA1c level before initiating metformin.
Decreased invasive fungal disease but no impact on overall survival by posaconazole compared to fluconazole prophylaxis: a retrospective cohort study in patients receiving induction therapy for acute myeloid leukaemia/myelodysplastic syndromes
Authors: Dahlén Torsten , Kalin Mats , Cederlund Kerstin , Nordlander Anna , Björkholm Magnus , Ljungman Per , Blennow Ola
Published: April 2015

Objective

Posaconazole prophylaxis during induction chemotherapy for acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) has been shown to significantly decrease the incidence of invasive fungal disease (IFD) and increase overall survival in a trial setting, but only small real‐life studies have been published.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study including consecutive patients with AML/MDS treated with intensive induction chemotherapy; 176 patients received fluconazole prophylaxis 2008–2011 and 107 patients received posaconazole prophylaxis 2011–2013. Only proven and probable IFD according to the revised EORTC/MSG criteria were included in the analysis.

Results

The two cohorts were well matched without significant differences in patient characteristics. At day 100, patients receiving posaconazole had a significantly lower incidence of total IFD (0.9% vs. 10.8%, P < 0.01), invasive aspergillosis (0% vs. 5.7%, P = 0.02) and invasive candidiasis (0% vs. 4.0%, P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in overall survival, neither at day 100 (87% in the posaconazole group vs. 85% in the fluconazole group) nor at end of follow‐up (78% vs. 77%).

Conclusions

Posaconazole prophylaxis decreased the incidence of IFD but did not improve short‐term overall survival. Improved treatment efficacy of manifest IFD is likely to explain the lack of survival benefit.
Entrepreneurs’ Assessments of Early International Entry: The Role of Foreign Social Ties, Venture Absorptive Capacity, and Generalized Trust in Others
Authors: Domurath Anne , Patzelt Holger
Published: April 2015

Drawing on the literature on social ties, we develop a model toward entrepreneurs’ assessments of early international entry. We argue that social ties in foreign markets trigger entrepreneurs’ assessed attractiveness of exploiting potentially valuable opportunities contingent on their perceptions of the venture's absorptive capacity and their generalized trust in others. We test these hypotheses using a metric conjoint experiment, and data on 4,352 international entry assessments nested within 136 entrepreneurs. Our findings reveal significant cross–level interactions between the characteristics of entrepreneurs’ social ties, venture absorptive capacity, and entrepreneurs’ trust in others in explaining how they assess international entry.
Photoinduced formation of flavin radicals in BLUF domains lacking the central glutamine
Authors: Fudim Roman , Mehlhorn Jennifer , Berthold Thomas , Weber Stefan , Schleicher Erik , Kennis John T. M. , Mathes Tilo
Published: April 2015

Blue light receptors using FAD (BLUFs) facilitate blue light‐induced signal transduction via light‐induced rearrangement of hydrogen bonds between the flavin chromophore and a conserved glutamine side chain. Here, we investigated the photochemistry of the BLUF domain Slr1694 from Synechocystis sp. in which the glutamine side chain was removed. Without the glutamine, no red‐shifted signaling state is formed, but light‐induced proton‐coupled electron transfer between protein and flavin takes place similarly as for the wild‐type protein. However, the lifetime of the neutral flavin semiquinone–tyrosyl radical pair is greatly prolonged from < 100 ps to several nanoseconds, which indicates that the formation of radical intermediates drives the hydrogen bond rearrangement in BLUF photoactivation. Moreover, glutamine plays a central role in the molecular organization of the hydrogen bond network in the flavin‐binding pocket, as its removal enhances electron transfer from tyrosine to the excited flavin, and enables competing electron transfer from a nearby tryptophan.
Effects of climate change on the delivery of soil‐mediated ecosystem services within the primary sector in temperate ecosystems: a review and New Zealand case study
Authors: Orwin Kate H. , Stevenson Bryan A. , Smaill Simeon J. , Kirschbaum Miko U. F. , Dickie Ian A. , Clothier Brent E. , Garrett Loretta G. , van der Weerden Tony J. , Beare Michael H. , Curtin Denis , de Klein Cecile A. M. , Dodd Michael B. , Gentile Roberta , Hedley Carolyn , Mullan Brett , Shepherd Mark , Wakelin Steven A. , Bell Nigel , Bowatte Saman , Davis Murray R. , Dominati Estelle , O'Callaghan Maureen , Parfitt Roger L. , Thomas Steve M.
Published: April 2015

Future human well‐being under climate change depends on the ongoing delivery of food, fibre and wood from the land‐based primary sector. The ability to deliver these provisioning services depends on soil‐based ecosystem services (e.g. carbon, nutrient and water cycling and storage), yet we lack an in‐depth understanding of the likely response of soil‐based ecosystem services to climate change. We review the current knowledge on this topic for temperate ecosystems, focusing on mechanisms that are likely to underpin differences in climate change responses between four primary sector systems: cropping, intensive grazing, extensive grazing and plantation forestry. We then illustrate how our findings can be applied to assess service delivery under climate change in a specific region, using New Zealand as an example system. Differences in the climate change responses of carbon and nutrient‐related services between systems will largely be driven by whether they are reliant on externally added or internally cycled nutrients, the extent to which plant communities could influence responses, and variation in vulnerability to erosion. The ability of soils to regulate water under climate change will mostly be driven by changes in rainfall, but can be influenced by different primary sector systems' vulnerability to soil water repellency and differences in evapotranspiration rates. These changes in regulating services resulted in different potentials for increased biomass production across systems, with intensively managed systems being the most likely to benefit from climate change. Quantitative prediction of net effects of climate change on soil ecosystem services remains a challenge, in part due to knowledge gaps, but also due to the complex interactions between different aspects of climate change. Despite this challenge, it is critical to gain the information required to make such predictions as robust as possible given the fundamental role of soils in supporting human well‐being.
Effect of nano‐TiO2‐LDPE packaging on microbiological and physicochemical quality of Pacific white shrimp during chilled storage
Authors: Luo Zisheng , Qin Yu , Ye Qingyang
Published: April 2015

Nano‐TiO2‐modified low‐density polyethylene (NTLDPE) packaging was prepared by blending LDPE with nano‐TiO2. The effects of NTLDPE packaging on quality of Pacific white shrimp during storage at 4 °C were investigated. Results showed that NTLDPE lowered the K value by 28.50%, while increased sensory score by 30.77% in comparison with the control. NTLDPE packaging retarded the decrease of whiteness and water holding capacity and the increase of melanosis score based on the signs of freshness and deterioration of shrimp. Furthermore, NTLDPE packaging reduced total viable counts (TVC) by 6.42% and total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB‐N) contents were 14.82% lower than that of control. TVB‐N content and TBARS value, as well as polyphenol oxidase activity and TVC, were maintained and shrimp remained a commercial acceptability for 8 days. The overall results indicated that NTLDPE packaging could preserve the quality and extend the shelf‐life of Pacific white shrimp.
Multifactor‐dimensionality reduction reveals interaction of important gene variants involved in allergy
Authors: de Guia R. M. , Echavez M. D. J. , Gaw E. L. C. , Gomez M. R. R. , Lopez K. A. J. , Mendoza R. C. M. , Rapsing J. M. C. , Retreta D. P. , Tubog C. M. B. , Ventolero M. H. , Yao C. L. , Ramos J. D. A.
Published: April 2015

Elevated IgE levels in the atopic triad of asthma, allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis is a multifactorial condition whose genetic component involves interaction of several gene loci. One hundred and two matched pairs of allergic and nonallergic individuals were phenotyped for total serum IgE level using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Atopic status was defined by serum IgE concentration ≥100 IU mL−1. SNPs genotyped include the IL4 ‐590C>T (rs2243250), FCER1B E237G (rs569108), CD14 ‐159C>T (rs2569190), IL4RA Q551R (rs1801275) and ADRB2 R16G (rs1042713). Gene–gene interaction was analysed using multifactor‐dimensionality reduction (MDR). Significant association between atopic allergy and the IL4 ‐590C>T polymorphism was confirmed in three genetic models. Interaction among the 5 gene variants was validated by MDR. The five‐locus model was chosen as the best to describe the interaction of the SNPs within the context of atopy. The strongest interaction was between IL4 ‐590C>T and IL4RA Q551R and between FCER1B E237G and ADRB2 R16G. The IL4 variant also interacts synergistically with the FCER1B and ADRB2 coding variants. CD14 ‐159C>T, in general, interacts antagonistically with the rest of the SNPs. In conclusion, a five‐locus interaction exists among IL4 ‐590C>T, FCER1B E237G, CD14 ‐159C>T, IL4RA Q551R and ADRB2 R16G in Filipino cases of atopic allergy.
Initiation and perpetuation of NLRP3 inflammasome activation and assembly
Authors: Elliott Eric I. , Sutterwala Fayyaz S.
Published: April 2015

The NLRP3 (NOD‐like receptor family, pyrin domain containing 3) inflammasome is a multiprotein complex that orchestrates innate immune responses to infection and cell stress through activation of caspase‐1 and maturation of inflammatory cytokines pro‐interleukin‐1β (pro‐IL‐1β) and pro‐IL‐18. Activation of the inflammasome during infection can be protective, but unregulated NLRP3 inflammasome activation in response to non‐pathogenic endogenous or exogenous stimuli can lead to unintended pathology. NLRP3 associates with mitochondria and mitochondrial molecules, and activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in response to diverse stimuli requires cation flux, mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake, and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species accumulation. It remains uncertain whether NLRP3 surveys mitochondrial integrity and senses mitochondrial damage, or whether mitochondria simply serve as a physical platform for inflammasome assembly. The structure of the active, caspase‐1‐processing NLRP3 inflammasome also requires further clarification, but recent studies describing the prion‐like properties of ASC have advanced the understanding of how inflammasome assembly and caspase‐1 activation occur while raising new questions regarding the propagation and resolution of NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Here, we review the mechanisms and pathways regulating NLRP3 inflammasome activation, discuss emerging concepts in NLRP3 complex organization, and expose the knowledge gaps hindering a comprehensive understanding of NLRP3 activation.
Baisse du taux de couverture de la négociation collective et creusement des inégalités de revenus: une comparaison entre cinq pays de l'Union européenne
Authors: BOSCH Gerhard
Published: April 2015

Les institutions chargées de fixer les salaires sont essentielles pour limiter l'aggravation des inégalités de revenu, facteur de déstabilisation socio‐économique. L'auteur distingue normes de protection et normes de participation, et examine leurs effets respectifs sur l'emploi à bas salaires et les inégalités de revenus en fonction des mécanismes de fixation des salaires existant en Allemagne, en Belgique, en France, au Royaume‐Uni et en Suède. Les négociations salariales collectives apparaissent plus efficaces que le salaire minimum légal pour réduire les inégalités, mais l'intervention de l'Etat s'impose dans les deux cas, surtout par les normes de participation afin de contrecarrer l'affaiblissement des institutions de relations professionnelles.