bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Retrait de consentement et chirurgie éveillée : illustration et enjeux éthiques
Authors: Wager Michel , Du Boisgueheneuc Foucaud , Bouyer Coline , Pluchon Claudette , Stal Véronique , Gil Roger
Published: October 2014

Contexte

Le développement au cours des deniers années des interventions neurochirurgicales sous anesthésie locale, en particulier dans le champ neuro-oncologique, rend possible la question d’une éventuelle révocation per opératoire du consentement du patient à la procédure chirurgicale.

Observation

Les auteurs décrivent la révocation de son consentement par un patient au cours de l’exérèse chirurgicale d’un gliome de bas grade fronto-temporo-insulaire droit.

Discussion

Les aspects spécifiques aux conditions de révocation du consentement dans le contexte particulier de la chirurgie sous anesthésie locale sont discutés. La possibilité d’un pacte d’Ulysse est proposée et discutée.

Conclusions

Les interventions chirurgicales en condition éveillée créent un contexte particulier en ce qu’une révocation du consentement per opératoire devient possible. Dans ces conditions, l’information préopératoire pourrait aussi aborder avec le malade la question de la conduite à tenir au cas où il serait amené à solliciter un retrait de consentement lors de son réveil per opératoire.
Nonmotor Symptoms and Cognitive Decline in de novo Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Kwon Kyum-Yil , Kang Sung Hoon , Kim Minjik , Lee Hye Mi , Jang Ji Wan , Kim Ju Yeon , Lee Seon-Min , Koh Seong-Beom
Published: October 2014

Background

Cognitive impairments are common in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Despite its clinical importance, the development of dementia is still difficult to predict. In this study, we investigated the possible associations between non-motor symptoms and the risk of developing dementia within a 2-year observation period in PD.

Methods

A total of 80 patients with PD participated in this study. Nonmotor symptoms (the Nonmotor Symptoms Questionnaire), PD status (Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale), depression (Geriatric d Depression Scale or Montgomery-Asberg Depression Scale), stereopsis and severity of nonmotor symptoms (Non-motor symptoms scale) were assessed. Global cognitive function (Mini-Mental State Examination) were evaluated at baseline and 2 years later.

Results

Presence of depression, vivid dreaming, REM sleep behavior disorders, hyposmia, abnormal stereopsis, non-smoking and postural instability/ gait disturbance phenotype were associated with a significantly more rapid decline of Mini-Mental State Examination. Logistic regression analyses demonstrated that depression (odds ratio=13.895), abnormal stereopsis (odds ratio=10.729), vivid dreaming (odds ratio=4.16), REM sleep behavior disorders (odds ratio=5.353) and hyposmia (odds ratio=4.911) were significant independent predictors of dementia risk within 2 years. Postural instability/ gait disturbance phenotype and age >62 years were also independent predictors of dementia risk (odd ratio=38.333, odds ratio=10.625).

Conclusion

We suggest that depression, vivid dreaming, REM sleep behavior disorders, hyposmia and abnormal stereopsis are closely associated with cognitive decline, and that presence of these nonmotor symptoms predict the subsequent development of Parkinson’s disease dementia.
Shaping Globalization: London's Merchant Bankers in the Early Nineteenth Century
Authors: Llorca-Jaña Manuel
Published: October 2014

This article argues that entrepreneurs, not governments or markets, shaped globalization during the early nineteenth century. The article concentrates on the trading and financial activities of London merchant bankers, and in particular on the different diversification strategies they followed. Although most London merchant bankers remained cautious and did not diversify their operations either geographically or in the products they traded during this period, Huth & Co. established an impressive global network of trade and lending, dealing with over six thousand correspondents worldwide in a wide range of products. This firm shaped globalization well before the transport and communication revolution of the last quarter of the nineteenth century.
A Failure of Regulation? Reinterpreting the Panic of 1907
Authors: Hansen Bradley A.
Published: October 2014

Lax regulation enabled trust companies to take excessive risks, according to previous studies of the Panic of 1907, leading to a loss of confidence and massive runs. These studies have, however, given relatively little attention to the historical development of trust companies. This article argues that a more historical perspective can lead to a better understanding of the institutional framework and the actions of trust companies. Depositors did not lose confidence because of inadequate regulation; depositors lost confidence in specific trust companies because of false rumors, and diversity among trust companies hindered cooperation to halt the Panic.
Carbon and nitrogen reserves in marandu palisade grass subjected to intensities of continuous stocking management
Authors: DA SILVA S. C. , PEREIRA L. E. T. , SBRISSIA A. F. , HERNANDEZ-GARAY A.
Published: October 2014

Plant organic reserves and sward leaf area index (LAI) influence plant growth, persistency and herbage accumulation in grazed swards. The present study was conducted to describe patterns of variation in herbage accumulation and carbohydrate and nitrogen (N) reserves in shoot and root of marandu palisade grass subjected to intensities of continuous stocking management throughout the year. Treatments corresponded to four levels of grazing intensity – severe (S), severe/moderate (S/M), moderate (M) and lenient (L) – and were implemented in the field using bands of sward surface height (SSH – 10, 20, 30 and 40 cm ± 10%, respectively) maintained through continuous stocking and variable stocking rate. Total N concentration was higher in the shoot relative to the root compartment during autumn, early and late spring. On the other hand, the concentration of non-structural carbohydrates (NSC) and soluble N was higher in the root compartment, regardless of grazing intensity and season of the year. When taking into account the pool of C and N reserves, the shoot compartment represented the main storage organ, since it corresponded to the largest pool of NSC (averages of 0·102 ± 0·0038 and 0·201 ± 0·0088 kg/m2 for root and shoot, respectively) and soluble N (averages of 2·7 ± 0·26 and 5·3 ± 0·59 kg/m2 for root and shoot, respectively). During late spring, the time of active plant growth, there was a clear contrast in herbage accumulation and sward LAI among grazing intensities, particularly between the severe and lenient grazing treatments. The results show that even with larger pools of soluble N and NSC in the shoot compartment, herbage accumulation was limited by the reduced leaf area of swards subjected to the severe grazing treatment, indicating that under continuous stocking growth seems to be sustained by current assimilates instead of organic reserves. Therefore, targets of grazing management for maximizing herbage accumulation throughout the year should provide adequate combinations between quantity and quality of sward leaf area. This condition was obtained in the severe/moderate and moderate grazing intensities, and corresponded to sward heights between 20 and 30 cm for marandu palisade grass.
The Start of American Accommodation of the Chinese: Afong Moy's Experience from 1834 to 1850
Authors: ZHANG TAO
Published: October 2014

Afong Moy came to the United States in 1834 as a popular attraction, and remained in the public spotlight until 1850. Her very presence as the first recorded Chinese woman on American soil prompted a heated national discussion regarding how to accommodate the Chinese living among Americans. A two-tiered paradigm that emerged from this dialogue disparaged Chinese culture while extending paternalistic care to Moy, pushing her toward acculturation, which was to be realized in a symbolic way after her disappearance from the exhibition stage. The pattern was not exclusive to Moy; rather, it was a general strategy that Americans had adopted to deal with the small but growing number of Chinese present in the United States prior to the widespread and virulent anti-Chinese sentiment that later engulfed American society. This study therefore sheds light on the oft-neglected early stage of Sino-American relations occurring within American borders.
Vitamin D and obesity: current perspectives and future directions
Authors: Pourshahidi L. Kirsty
Published: October 2014

In recent years, new functional roles of vitamin D beyond its traditional role in calcium homoeostasis and bone metabolism have emerged linking the fat-soluble vitamin to various non-communicable diseases. Vitamin D deficiency (25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) < 25–30 nmol/l) and sub-optimal status (25(OH)D < 50–100 nmol/l) are increasingly associated with unfavourable metabolic phenotypes, including insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes and CVD; conditions also commonly linked with overweight and obesity. Early studies reported poor vitamin D status in the morbidly obese. More recently, it has been observed that a graded relationship between vitamin D status and BMI, or specifically adiposity, exists in the general population. A number of hypotheses have been proposed to explain the potential mechanisms whereby alterations in the vitamin D endocrine system occur in the obese state. Plausible explanations include sequestration in adipose tissue, volumetric dilution or negative feedback mechanisms from increased circulating 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3. Others hypothesise that heavier individuals may partake in less outdoor activity, may also cover-up and wear more clothing than leaner individuals, thus decreasing sun exposure and limiting endogenous production of cholecalciferol in the skin. Moreover, in some but not all studies, BMI and adiposity have been negatively associated with the change in vitamin D status following vitamin D supplementation. It therefore remains unclear if body size and/or adiposity should be taken into account when determining the dietary requirements for vitamin D. This review will evaluate the current evidence linking vitamin D status and supplementation to overweight and obesity, and discuss the implications for setting dietary requirements.
China's Economic Engagement in North Korea
Authors: Reilly James
Published: October 2014

Since 2005, central Chinese leaders have successfully encouraged local governments and commercial actors to expand their economic interactions with North Korea. However, the resulting expansion in commercial actors and economic interactions has intensified a principal-agent dilemma for Chinese leaders, exacerbating diplomatic tensions, eroding border security, and undermining popular support for Beijing's engagement strategy. In comparison with China's other neighbours, North Korea presents both a difficult case for stimulating economic engagement and a relatively easy case for enforcement. These dynamics are even more likely to emerge across China's 13 other land neighbours.
Syphilis: antibiotic treatment and resistance
Authors: STAMM L. V.
Published: October 2014

Syphilis is a chronic, multi-stage infectious disease that is usually transmitted sexually by contact with an active lesion of a partner or congenitally from an infected pregnant woman to her fetus. Although syphilis is still endemic in many developing countries, it has re-emerged in several developed countries. The resurgence of syphilis is a major concern to global public health, particularly since the lesions of early syphilis increase the risk of acquisition and transmission of infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Because there is no vaccine to prevent syphilis, control is mainly dependent on the identification and treatment of infected individuals and their contacts with penicillin G, the first-line drug for all stages of syphilis. The emergence of clinically significant azithromycin resistance inTreponema pallidumsubsp.pallidum, the syphilis agent, has resulted in treatment failures, thus precluding the routine use of this second-line drug. Information is presented here on the diagnosis and recommended antibiotic treatment of syphilis and the challenge of macrolide-resistantT. pallidum.
Prognosis and survival of 128 patients with severe avian influenza A(H7N9) infection in Zhejiang province, China
Authors: XIAO Y. Y. , CAI J. , WANG X. Y. , LI F. D. , SHANG X. P. , WANG X. X. , LIN J. F. , HE F.
Published: October 2014

No published studies have discussed details of the prognosis and survival of patients with severe avian influenza A(H7N9) infection. In this study we analysed 128 laboratory-confirmed cases of severe H7N9 infection in Zhejiang province, the most affected region during the H7N9 epidemic in mainland China. We found that an increase in patient age by 5 years was associated with a 1·41 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1·19–1·67] times odds ratio for fatality. In addition, the time interval between the first clinical visit after symptom onset and hospital admission was inversely associated with survival time since admission. Of the 47 patients who died of the disease, when the time interval between the first clinical visit and hospital admission increased by 1 day, the duration of survival was 0·78 times (95% CI 0·62–0·98) as long. Our results suggest that patients with severe influenza H7N9 infection at older ages were at a higher risk of fatality, and that a delay in hospital admission was associated with more rapid death. More studies are required to corroborate our major findings.
High prevalence of West Nile virus in equines from the two provinces of Pakistan
Authors: ZOHAIB A. , SAQIB M. , BECK C. , HUSSAIN M. H. , LOWENSKI S. , LECOLLINET S. , SIAL A. , ASI M. N. , MANSOOR M. K. , SAQALEIN M. , SAJID M. S. , ASHFAQ K. , MUHAMMAD G. , CAO S.
Published: October 2014

This study describes the first large-scale serosurvey on West Nile virus (WNV) conducted in the equine population in Pakistan. Sera were collected from 449 equids from two provinces of Pakistan during 2012–2013. Equine serum samples were screened using a commercial ELISA kit detecting antibodies against WNV and related flaviviruses. ELISA-positive samples were further investigated using virus-specific microneutralization tests (MNTs) to identify infections with Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), WNV and tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV). Anti-WNV antibodies were detected in 292 samples by ELISA (seroprevalence 65·0%) and WNV infections were confirmed in 249 animals by MNT. However, there was no animal found infected by JEV or TBEV. The detection of WNV-seropositive equines in Pakistan strongly suggests a widespread circulation of WNV in Pakistan.
Evaluating Cold, Wind, and Moisture Protection of Different Coverings for Prehospital Maritime Transportation–A Thermal Manikin and Human Study
Authors: Jussila Kirsi , Rissanen Sirkka , Parkkola Kai , Anttonen Hannu
Published: October 2014

Introduction

Prehospital maritime transportation in northern areas sets high demands on hypothermia prevention. To prevent body cooling and hypothermia of seriously-ill or injured casualties during transportation, casualty coverings must provide adequate thermal insulation and protection against cold, wind, moisture, and water splashes.

Objective

The aim of this study was to determine the thermal protective properties of different types of casualty coverings and to evaluate which would be adequate for use under difficult maritime conditions (cold, high wind speed, and water splashes). In addition, the study evaluated the need for thermal protection of a casualty and verified the optimum system for maritime casualty transportation.

Methods

The study consisted of two parts: (1) the definition and comparison of the thermal protective properties of different casualty coverings in a laboratory; and (2) the evaluation of the chosen optimum protective covering for maritime prehospital transportation. The thermal insulations of ten different casualty coverings were measured according to the European standard for sleeping bags (EN 13537) using a thermal manikin in a climate chamber (-5°C) with wind speeds of 0.3 m/s and 4.0 m/s, and during moisture simulations. The second phase consisted of measurements of skin and core temperatures, air temperature, and relative humidity inside the clothing of four male test subjects during authentic maritime prehospital transportation in a partially-covered motor boat.

Results

Wind (4 m/s) decreased the total thermal insulation of coverings by 11%-45%. The decrement of thermal insulation due to the added moisture inside the coverings was the lowest (approximately 22%-29%) when a waterproof reflective sheet inside blankets or bubble wrap was used, whereas vapor-tight rescue bags and bubble wrap provide the most protection against external water splashes. During authentic maritime transportation lasting 30 minutes, mean skin temperature decreased on average by 0.5°C when a windproof and water-resistant rescue bag was used over layered winter clothing.

Conclusion

The selected optimum rescue bag consisted of insulating and water-resistant layers providing sufficient protection against cold, wind, and water splashes during prehospital transportation lasting 30 minutes in the uncovered portion of a motor boat. The minimum thermal insulation for safe maritime transportation (30 minutes) is 0.46 m2K/W at a temperature of -5°C and a wind speed of 10 m/s.

JussilaK, RissanenS, ParkkolaK, AnttonenH. Evaluating cold, wind, and moisture protection of different coverings for prehospital maritime transportation–a thermal manikin and human study. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2014;29(6):1-9.
THE TIME-VARYING EFFECTS OF PERMANENT AND TRANSITORY SHOCKS TO REAL OUTPUT
Authors: Keating John W. , Valcarcel Victor J.
Published: October 2014

A time-varying-parameter VAR for real output growth and inflation is estimated with annual U.S. series dating back to 1870. Volatility for both variables rises quickly with World War I and its aftermath, stays high until the end of World War II, and drops rapidly until the 1960s. This Postwar Moderation yields the largest decline in volatilities, surpassing the Great Moderation. Conditional on temporary shocks, inflation and output growth are positively correlated. Our model implies that aggregate demand played a key role in inflation volatility fluctuations. Conversely, the two variables are negatively correlated conditional on permanent shocks. Our model suggests that aggregate supply played an important role in output volatility fluctuations. Most impulse responses support an aggregate supply interpretation for permanent shocks. However, before World War I, a permanent increase in output raised the price level at longer horizons, and these responses are frequently statistically significant. This evidence supports the hypothesis that aggregate demand had a long-run positive effect on output during the pre–World War I period.
The relationship between anthropometric indices and type 2 diabetes mellitus among adults in north-east China
Authors: Wei Wen , Xin Xie , Shao Bing , Zeng Fang-Fang , Love Edgar J , Wang Bin-You
Published: October 2014

Objective

The present study was performed to test the predictive value of different cut-off points of anthropometric parameters for the presence of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) or glucose tolerance abnormalities in north-east Chinese adults.

Design

Multistage random cluster sampling method in a cross-sectional study.

Setting

Height, body weight, maximal body weight in the past, waist and hip circumferences, blood pressure, 2 h post-load glucose and other lifestyle factors were measured.

Subjects

We used data from 1058 adults aged 20 years or over, selected in the city of Mudanjiang, in 2005.

Results

BMI, maximal BMI in the past (MAXBMI), waist:hip ratio (WHR), waist:height ratio (WHtR) and waist circumference (WC) were significantly correlated with each other. Partial correlation coefficients between WHtR and WC, and between MAXBMI and BMI, were higher than those between the other indices. The association of anthropometric indices with T2DM or glucose tolerance abnormalities was significantly highest for the collaboration cut-off points of MAXBMI (≥23·0 kg/m2 for T2DM, ≥22·0 kg/m2 for glucose tolerance abnormalities) with WHtR (≥0·52). Areas under the receiver-operating characteristic curves also showed that WHtR was a better anthropometric index that discriminated between the presence and absence of T2DM and an excellent indicator with high Youden’s index.

Conclusions

MAXBMI combined with WHtR was a better anthropometric index associated with T2DM or glucose tolerance abnormalities. The combined use of these two measures is a good choice for T2DM prevention and screening.
The home food environment of overweight gatekeepers in the Netherlands
Authors: Poelman Maartje P , de Vet Emely , Velema Elizabeth , Seidell Jacob C , Steenhuis Ingrid HM
Published: October 2014

Objective

The aim of the present study was to gain insight into (i) processed snack-food availability, (ii) processed snack-food salience and (iii) the size of dinnerware among households with overweight gatekeepers. Moreover, associations between gatekeepers’ characteristics and in-home observations were determined.

Design

A cross-sectional observation of home food environments was conducted as part of a baseline measurement of a larger study.

Setting

Home food environments of overweight and obese gatekeepers in the Netherlands.

Subjects

Household gatekeepers (n278). Mean household size of the gatekeepers was 3·0 (sd1·3) persons. Mean age of the gatekeepers was 45·7 (sd9·2) years, 34·9 % were overweight and 65·1 % were obese. Of the gatekeepers, 20·9 % had a low level of education and 42·7 % had a high level of education.

Results

In 70 % of the households, eight or more packages of processed snack foods were present. In 54 % of the households, processed snack foods were stored close to non-processed food items and in 78 % of households close to non-food items. In 33 % of the households, processed snack foods were visible in the kitchen and in 15 % of the households processed snack foods were visible in the living room. Of the dinnerware items, 14 % (plates), 57 % (glasses), 78 % (dessert bowls), 67 % (soup bowls) and 58 % (mugs) were larger than the reference norms of the Netherlands Nutrition Centre Foundation. Older gatekeepers used significantly smaller dinnerware than younger gatekeepers.

Conclusions

Environmental factors endorsing overconsumption are commonly present in the home environments of overweight people and could lead to unplanned eating or passive overconsumption.
Is the number of fast-food outlets in the neighbourhood related to screen-detected type 2 diabetes mellitus and associated risk factors?
Authors: Bodicoat Danielle H , Carter Patrice , Comber Alexis , Edwardson Charlotte , Gray Laura J , Hill Sian , Webb David , Yates Thomas , Davies Melanie J , Khunti Kamlesh
Published: October 2014

Objective

We investigated whether a higher number of fast-food outlets in an individual’s home neighbourhood is associated with increased prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus and related risk factors, including obesity.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

Three UK-based diabetes screening studies (one general population, two high-risk populations) conducted between 2004 and 2011. The primary outcome was screen-detected type 2 diabetes. Secondary outcomes were risk factors for type 2 diabetes.

Subjects

In total 10 461 participants (mean age 59 years; 53 % male; 21 % non-White ethnicity).

Results

There was a higher number of neighbourhood (500 m radius from home postcode) fast-food outlets among non-White ethnic groups (P<0·001) and in socially deprived areas (P<0·001). After adjustment (social deprivation, urban/rural, ethnicity, age, sex), more fast-food outlets was associated with significantly increased odds for diabetes (OR=1·02; 95 % CI 1·00, 1·04) and obesity (OR=1·02; 95 % CI 1·00, 1·03). This suggests that for every additional two outlets per neighbourhood, we would expect one additional diabetes case, assuming a causal relationship between the fast-food outlets and diabetes.

Conclusions

These results suggest that increased exposure to fast-food outlets is associated with increased risk of type 2 diabetes and obesity, which has implications for diabetes prevention at a public health level and for those granting planning permission to new fast-food outlets.
Characterizing Microbial Diversity and Damage in Mural Paintings
Authors: Rosado Tânia , Mirão José , Candeias António , Caldeira Ana Teresa
Published: October 2014

Mural paintings are some of the oldest and most important cultural expressions of mankind and play an important role for the understanding of societies and civilizations. These cultural assets have high economic and cultural value and therefore their degradation has social and economic impact. The present work presents a novel microanalytical approach to understand the damages caused by microbial communities in mural paintings. This comprises the characterization and identification of microbial diversity and evaluation of damage promoted by their biological activity. Culture-dependent methods and DNA-based approaches like denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) and pyrosequencing are important tools in the isolation and identification of the microbial communities allowing characterization of the biota involved in the biodeterioration phenomena. Raman microspectrometry, infrared spectrometry, and variable pressure scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry are also useful tools for evaluation of the presence of microbial contamination and detection of the alteration products resulting from metabolic activity of the microorganisms. This study shows that the degradation status of mural paintings can be correlated to the presence of metabolically active microorganisms.
BRD in 2014: where have we been, where are we now, and where do we want to go?
Authors: Hilton W. Mark
Published: October 2014

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is a worldwide health concern and is the number one disease of stocker, backgrounder, and feedlot cattle in North America. In feedlots in the USA, BRD accounts for 70–80% of all feedlot morbidity and 40–50% of all mortality. In 2011, the US Department of Agriculture's National Animal Health Monitoring System conducted a feedlot study that showed 16.2% of all feedlot cattle were treated for BRD. It is universally accepted that this number is distressingly high and that our industry has the tools available to reduce the incidence of BRD.
Examining family meetings at end of life: The model of practice in a hospice inpatient unit
Authors: Meeker Mary Ann , Waldrop Deborah P. , Seo Jin Young
Published: October 2014

Objective:

Our purpose was to rigorously examine the nature of family meetings as conducted in an inpatient hospice care unit in order to generate an inductive theoretical model.

Method:

In this two-phase project, we first interviewed eight members of the interdisciplinary care team who participated in multiple family meetings each week. Interview questions explored why and how they conducted family meetings. Using an observation template created from these interview data, we subsequently conducted ethnographic observations during family meetings. Using the methods of grounded theory, our findings were synthesized into a theoretical model depicting the structure and process of formal family meetings within this setting.

Results:

The core of the family meeting was characterized by cognitive and affective elements aimed at supporting the family and facilitating quality care by clarifying the past, easing the present, and protecting the future. This inductive model was subsequently found to be highly aligned with a sense of coherence, an important influence on coping, and adaptation to the stress of a life-limiting illness.

Significance of Results:

Provider communication with family members is particularly critical during advanced illness and end-of-life care. The National Consensus Project clinical practice guidelines for quality palliative care list regular family meetings among the recommended practices for excellent communication during end-of-life care, but do not provide specific guidance on how and when to provide such meetings. Our findings provide a theoretical model that can inform the design of a family meeting to address family members' needs for meaningful and contextualized information, validation of their important contributions to care, and preparation for the patient's death.
Coordinated regulation of photosynthesis in rice increases yield and tolerance to environmental stress
Authors: Ambavaram Madana M. R. , Basu Supratim , Krishnan Arjun , Ramegowda Venkategowda , Batlang Utlwang , Rahman Lutfor , Baisakh Niranjan , Pereira Andy
Published: October 2014

Plants capture solar energy and atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) through photosynthesis, which is the primary component of crop yield, and needs to be increased considerably to meet the growing global demand for food. Environmental stresses, which are increasing with climate change, adversely affect photosynthetic carbon metabolism (PCM) and limit yield of cereals such as rice (Oryza sativa) that feeds half the world. To study the regulation of photosynthesis, we developed a rice gene regulatory network and identified a transcription factor HYR (HIGHER YIELD RICE) associated with PCM, which on expression in rice enhances photosynthesis under multiple environmental conditions, determining a morpho-physiological programme leading to higher grain yield under normal, drought and high-temperature stress conditions. We show HYR is a master regulator, directly activating photosynthesis genes, cascades of transcription factors and other downstream genes involved in PCM and yield stability under drought and high-temperature environmental stress conditions.
Logarithm conformal mapping brings the cloaking effect
Authors: Xu Lin , Chen Huanyang
Published: October 2014

Over the past years, invisibility cloaks have been extensively discussed since transformation optics emerges. Generally, the electromagnetic parameters of invisibility cloaks are complicated tensors, yet difficult to realize. As a special method of transformation optics, conformal mapping helps us design invisibility cloak with isotropic materials of a refractive index distribution. However, for all proposed isotropic cloaks, the refractive index range is at such a breadth that challenges current experimental fabrication. In this work, we propose two new kinds of logarithm conformal mappings for invisible device designs. For one of the mappings, the refractive index distribution of conformal cloak varies from 0 to 9.839, which is more feasible for future implementation. Numerical simulations by using finite element method are performed to confirm the theoretical analysis.
A high-throughput method for the determination of quinolones in different matrices by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection
Authors: Arroyo-Manzanares Natalia , Huertas-Pérez José F. , Lombardo-Agüí Manuel , Gámiz-Gracia Laura , García-Campaña Ana M.
Published: October 2014

An UPLC-FL method is used to simultaneously determine 13 quinolones of human and veterinary use.
Screening and analyzing the potential bioactive components from rhubarb, using a multivariate data processing approach and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with time-of-flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Yang De-zhu , Sun Ge , Zhang Aihua , Fu Shuang , Liu Jian-hua
Published: October 2014

The root ofRheum palmatumL., known as rhubarb, has been widely used in the treatment of obstipation, gastrointestinal indigestion and other diseases for thousands of years.
Determination of polyphenols in the pear pulp matrix by solvent extraction and liquid chromatography with UV-Vis detection
Authors: Raja Maria , Hernández-Revelles Joel , Hernández-Cassou Santiago , Saurina Javier
Published: October 2014

A new analytical method for the determination of polyphenolic compounds in pear pulp was developed here.
A 3D MOF showing unprecedented solvent-induced single-crystal-to-single-crystal transformation and excellent CO2 adsorption selectivity at room temperature
Authors: Qin Tao , Gong Jun , Ma Junhan , Wang Xin , Wang Yonghua , Xu Yan , Shen Xuan , Zhu Dunru
Published: October 2014

A multifunctional MOF material showing rare solvent-induced structural transformation with substitution of bridging-water and guest-exchange at 298 K is reported.
Multistimuli-responsive azobenzene nanofibers with aggregation-induced emission enhancement characteristics
Authors: Han Mina , Cho Sung June , Norikane Yasuo , Shimizu Masaki , Kimura Akinori , Tamagawa Tomokazu , Seki Takahiro
Published: October 2014

A new azobenzene-based chromophore was synthesized to create one-dimensional (1D) nanofibers with aggregation-induced emission enhancement characteristics.
Titania photocatalysis through two-photon band-gap excitation with built-in rhodium redox mediator
Authors: Kuncewicz Joanna , Ohtani Bunsho
Published: October 2014

Titania particles modified with an extremely small amount (<0.01 mol%) of a rhodium species exhibited photocatalytic activity for the oxidative decomposition of acetaldehyde in air under visible-light irradiation. The reaction proceeded via a two-photon band-gap excitation mechanism with a built-in Rh(III)–Rh(IV) redox couple.
Dendrimeric calcium-responsive MRI contrast agents with slow in vivo diffusion
Authors: Gündüz Serhat , Nitta Nobuhiro , Vibhute Sandip , Shibata Sayaka , Mayer Martin E. , Logothetis Nikos K. , Aoki Ichio , Angelovski Goran
Published: October 2014

A smart dendrimeric MRI agent sensitive to calcium has been prepared exhibiting advantageous diffusion properties in vivo.
A new method for peptide synthesis in the N→C direction: amide assembly through silver-promoted reaction of thioamides
Authors: Pourvali Aysa , Cochrane James R. , Hutton Craig A.
Published: October 2014

The Ag(i)-promoted coupling of peptide-acids with thioamides generates peptide-imides, which was exploited in the synthesis of peptides in the N→C direction.
Highly efficient deep-blue phosphorescence from heptafluoropropyl-substituted iridium complexes
Authors: Kim Jung-Bum , Han Seung-Hoon , Yang Kiyull , Kwon Soon-Ki , Kim Jang-Joo , Kim Yun-Hi
Published: October 2014

(HFP)2Ir(pic), (HFP)2Ir(mpic), and (HFP)2Ir(fptz) with electron-withdrawing heptafluoropropyl groups exhibited wide band gaps with high PL QYs and the devices showed the EQEs of 19.7%, 21.4% and 14.2% and CIE coordinates of (0.147, 0.164), (0.146, 0.165) and (0.152, 0.148), respectively.
Supramolecular assembly-induced yellow emission of 9,10-distyrylanthracene bridged bis(pillar[5]arene)s
Authors: Song Nan , Chen Dai-Xiong , Xia Meng-Chan , Qiu Xi-Long , Ma Ke , Xu Bin , Tian Wenjing , Yang Ying-Wei
Published: October 2014

Newly synthesized DSA-bridged bis(pillar[5]arene)s with AIE properties form linear supramolecular polymers upon binding to a neutral guest linker, exhibiting supramolecular assembly-induced yellow fluorescence emission.
Spectroscopic and ab initio investigation of 2,6-difluorophenylacetylene–amine complexes: coexistence of C–H⋯N and lone-pair⋯π complexes and intermolecular coulombic decay
Authors: Mondal Sohidul Islam , Dey Arghya , Sen Saumik , Patwari G. Naresh , Ghosh Debashree
Published: October 2014

Hydrogen bond and lone-pair⋯π interactions can coexist.
Controlling the growth mode of para-sexiphenyl (6P) on ZnO by partial fluorination
Authors: Sparenberg M. , Zykov A. , Beyer P. , Pithan L. , Weber C. , Garmshausen Y. , Carlà F. , Hecht S. , Blumstengel S. , Henneberger F. , Kowarik S.
Published: October 2014

Partial fluorination of para-sexiphenyl significantly alters the growth process on ZnO(101̄0) avoiding the phase coexistence of unsubstituted para-sexiphenyl and leading to smooth layer-by-layer growth.
More stable and more efficient alternatives of Z-907: carbazole-based amphiphilic Ru(ii) sensitizers for dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Cheema Hammad , Islam Ashraful , Younts Robert , Gautam Bhoj , Bedja Idriss , Gupta Ravindra Kumar , Han Liyuan , Gundogdu Kenan , El-Shafei Ahmed
Published: October 2014

Here we report two novel amphiphilic Ru(ii) heteroleptic bipyridyl complexes, HD-14 and HD-15, compared to previously reported NCSU-10.
Fronts and patterns in a spatially forced CDIMA reaction
Authors: Haim Lev , Hagberg Aric , Nagao Raphael , Steinberg Asher Preska , Dolnik Milos , Epstein Irving R. , Meron Ehud
Published: October 2014

We use experiments on a chemical reaction and model analysis to study localized phase fronts in stripe patterns and their roles as building blocks of extended rectangular and oblique patterns.
Nanostructure of [Li(G4)] TFSI and [Li(G4)] NO3solvate ionic liquids at HOPG and Au(111) electrode interfaces as a function of potential
Authors: McLean Ben , Li Hua , Stefanovic Ryan , Wood Ross J. , Webber Grant B. , Ueno Kazuhide , Watanabe Masayoshi , Warr Gregory G. , Page Alister , Atkin Rob
Published: October 2014

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) force measurements have been used to study the solvate ionic liquid (IL) double layer nanostructure at highly ordered pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) and Au(111) electrode surfaces as a function of potential.
The induction of lysis in lysogenic strains of Escherichia coli by a new antitumor transplatin derivative and its DNA interactions
Authors: Brabec Viktor , Pracharova Jitka , Novakova Olga , Gibson Dan , Kasparkova Jana
Published: October 2014

DNA is the cellular target for antitumor derivatives of transplatin including those containing small aliphatic amino ligands.
Metal complex interactions with DNA
Authors: Pages Benjamin J. , Ang Dale L. , Wright Elisé P. , Aldrich-Wright Janice R.
Published: October 2014

Increasing numbers of DNA structures are being revealed using a diverse range of transition metal complexes and biophysical spectroscopic techniques. Here we present a review of metal complex-DNA interactions in which several binding modes and DNA structural forms are explored.
Chemistry of group 9 dimetallaborane analogues of octaborane(12)
Authors: Barik Subrat Kumar , Roy Dipak Kumar , Ghosh Sundargopal
Published: October 2014

Reaction of octaborane(12) analogue with metal carbonyl compounds yielded condensed metallaborane (A) and boride cluster (B).
Lone pair–π interaction-induced generation of non-interpenetrated and photochromic cuboid 3-D naphthalene diimide coordination networks
Authors: Liu Jian-Jun , Hong Yu-Jian , Guan Ying-Fang , Lin Mei-Jin , Huang Chang-Cang , Dai Wen-Xin
Published: October 2014

By imposing the lone pair–π interactions through the addition of lone-pair-bearing molecules, the interpenetration in cuboid 3-D naphthalene diimide coordination networks was prevented and their photochromism was enhanced.
Tetragonal Cu2Se nanoflakes: synthesis using selenated propylamine as Se source and activation of Suzuki and Sonogashira cross coupling reactions
Authors: Singh Ved Vati , Singh Ajai Kumar
Published: October 2014

Cu2Se nanoflakes synthesized for the first time by treating CuCl2with H2N–(CH2)3–SePh are promising as catalyst for Suzuki and Sonogashira coupling.
Spatial uncertainty of joint health risk of multiple trace metals in rice grain in Jiaxing city, China
Authors: Qu Mingkai , Huang Biao , Li Weidong , Zhang Chuanrong , Zhao Yongcun
Published: October 2014

The spatial uncertainty of joint health risk of multiple trace metals in rice grain at a regional scale.
(−)-Epicatechin prevents alterations in the metabolism of superoxide anion and nitric oxide in the hearts ofl-NAME-treated rats
Authors: Piotrkowski Barbara , Calabró Valeria , Galleano Mónica , Fraga César G.
Published: October 2014

The aim of this work was to evaluate the effects of (−)-epicatechin administration in the heart of a rat model with reduced NO production that follows a short-term treatment withl-NAME.
Ionic liquids: not always innocent solvents for cellulose
Authors: Clough Matthew T. , Geyer Karolin , Hunt Patricia A. , Son Sunghee , Vagt Uwe , Welton Tom
Published: October 2014

A comprehensive investigation into the limitations, reactivity and chemical decomposition mechanisms of ionic liquid–carbohydrate mixtures.
Bridging homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis with CAN·SiO2as a solid catalyst for four-component reactions for the synthesis of tetrasubstituted pyrroles
Authors: Atar Amol B. , Kim Jong Su , Lim Kwon Taek , Jeong Yeon Tae
Published: October 2014

The attractive features of this methodology are newer and greener methods, simple procedures, reusability and high efficiency of the catalyst and easy workability.
Polarity-tunable and wavelength-tunable bacteriochlorins bearing a single carboxylic acid or NHS ester. Use in a protein bioconjugation model system
Authors: Jiang Jianbing , Chen Chih-Yuan , Zhang Nuonuo , Vairaprakash Pothiappan , Lindsey Jonathan S.
Published: October 2014

10 new near-infrared absorbing bacteriochlorins (soluble in aqueous or membranous media) are equipped for protein bioconjugation.
Peroxo- and oxovanadium(iv) complexes with tridentate N-heterocycle ligands: synthesis, structure, and catalytic performance
Authors: Ma Xi Tong , Xing Na , Yan Zhi Dan , Zhang Xiao Xi , Wu Qiong , Xing Yong Heng
Published: October 2014

Three new vanadium(iv) complexes were synthesized and applied in cyclohexane oxidation with TON values of 566, 273 and 479, respectively.
Ratiometric fluorescent pH probes based on aggregation-induced emission-active salicylaldehyde azines
Authors: Ma Xiaofeng , Cheng Jinghui , Liu Jiaoyan , Zhou Xiangge , Xiang Haifeng
Published: October 2014

AIE-active salicylaldehyde azines (SAs) display strong blue, green, and red fluorescence with large Stokes shifts in MeCN–water and solid medium and can be used as ratiometric fluorescent pH probes in water and test paper.
Oxidative activation of dihydropyridine amides to reactive acyl donors
Authors: Funder Erik Daa , Trads Julie B. , Gothelf Kurt V.
Published: October 2014

Amides of 1,4-dihydropyridine (DHP) are activated by oxidation for acyl transfer to amines, alcohols and thiols.
pH response and molecular recognition in a low molecular weight peptide hydrogel
Authors: Lange Stefanie C. , Unsleber Jan , Drücker Patrick , Galla Hans-Joachim , Waller Mark P. , Ravoo Bart Jan
Published: October 2014

The preparation and characterization of a tripeptide based hydrogel, which possesses characteristic rheological properties, is pH responsive and can be functionalized at its thiol function is reported.
Microfibres of conducting polythiophene and biodegradable poly(ester urea) for scaffolds
Authors: Planellas Marc , Pérez-Madrigal Maria M. , del Valle Luís J. , Kobauri Sophio , Katsarava Ramaz , Alemán Carlos , Puiggalí Jordi
Published: October 2014

Electroactive scaffolds with up to 90 wt% of polythiophene are prepared by electrospinning using a poly(ester urea) carrier.
Nitrogen-doped arch and hollow shaped nanocarbons for CO2adsorption
Authors: Ramakrishnan Prakash , Shanmugam Sangaraju
Published: October 2014

N-doped arch and hollow nanocarbons exhibit 4.23 mmol g−1CO2adsorption, ∼13% CO2/N2selectivity, and 98% regenerative capability under ambient conditions.
A Raman spectroscopic study of uranyl minerals from Cornwall, UK
Authors: Driscoll R. J. P. , Wolverson D. , Mitchels J. M. , Skelton J. M. , Parker S. C. , Molinari M. , Khan I. , Geeson D. , Allen G. C.
Published: October 2014

Raman spectra have been collected using three excitation wavelengths for thirteen uranyl mineral samples, including novác̆ekite, and analysed.
A highly hydrophilic water-insoluble nanofiber composite as an efficient and easily-handleable adsorbent for the rapid adsorption of cesium from radioactive wastewater
Authors: Bang Hyunsik , Watanabe Kei , Nakashima Ryu , Kai Wei , Song Kyung-Hun , Lee Jung Soon , Gopiraman Mayakrishnan , Kim Ick-Soo
Published: October 2014

Prussian blue nanoparticles-based PVA nanofiber composite is highly efficient and easily-handleable adsorbent for a rapid adsorption of cesium from wastewater.
Capture and culturing of single microalgae cells, and retrieval of colonies using a perforated hemispherical microwell structure
Authors: Choi Jong Seob , Bae Sunwoong , Kim Kyung Hoon , Kim Jaoon Y. H. , Sim Sang Jun , Seo Tae Seok
Published: October 2014

We fabricated perforated hemispherical microwells and used them to capture and culture single microalgal cells, and to retrieve the resulting colonies with high speed and simplicity.
Systematic investigation of the benchtop surface wrinkling process by corona discharge
Authors: Wei Kang , Rudy Matthew Stevens , Zhao Yi
Published: October 2014

Corona discharge creates single-layered and hierarchical wrinked topographies on elastomeric surfaces without the need of special facilities or cleanroom environment.
Synthesis of ZnAl2O4:(Er3+,Yb3+) spinel-type nanocrystalline upconverting luminescent marker in HeLa carcinoma cells, using a combustion aerosol method route
Authors: Kamińska Izabela , Fronc Krzysztof , Sikora Bożena , Koper Kamil , Minikayev Roman , Paszkowicz Wojciech , Sobczak Kamil , Wojciechowski Tomasz , Chwastyk Mateusz , Reszka Anna , Kowalski Bogdan J. , Stępień Piotr , Elbaum Danek
Published: October 2014

Efficiently upconverting, spherical ZnAl2O4 nanoparticles (NPs), doped with erbium and ytterbium, were synthesized by a combustion aerosol method (CAM) and transported to cytosol of carcinoma cell line (HeLa) for the first time.
The role of the ethynylene bond on the optical and electronic properties of diketopyrrolopyrrole copolymers
Authors: Pattanasattayavong Pichaya , Sygletou Maria , Kymakis Emmanuel , Stratakis Emmanuel , Yan Feng , Gregoriou Vasilis G. , Anthopoulos Thomas D. , Chochos Christos L.
Published: October 2014

Adjusting the optoelectronic properties of conjugated copolymers by the introduction of ethynylene linkage.
A crystalline molecular gyrotop with germanium junctions between a phenylene rotor and alkyl spokes
Authors: Inagaki Yusuke , Yamaguchi Kentaro , Setaka Wataru
Published: October 2014

A molecular gyrotop with germanium junctions was synthesized, and the dynamics of the phenylene and the optical properties were discussed.
A paper based microfluidic device for the detection of arsenic using a gold nanosensor
Authors: Nath Peuli , Arun Ravi Kumar , Chanda Nripen
Published: October 2014

A paper based microfluidic device is fabricated that can rapidly detect very low concentrations of As3+ ions using a gold nanosensor, Au–TA–TG.
Graphene below the percolation threshold in TiO2for dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Dembele Kadiatou Therese , Selopal Gurpreet Singh , Milan Riccardo , Trudeau Charles , Benetti Daniele , Soudi Afsoon , Natile Marta Maria , Sberveglieri Giorgio , Cloutier Sylvain , Concina Isabella , Rosei Federico , Vomiero Alberto
Published: October 2014

We demonstrate a fast and large area-scalable methodology for the fabrication of efficient dye sensitized solar cells by simple addition of graphene micro-platelets to TiO2nanoparticulate paste. Photoconversion efficiency as high as 8.8% is obtained in the optimized system.
Ag3O4grafted NiO nanosheets for high performance supercapacitors
Authors: Babu Inbamani Manohara , Purushothaman Kamatchi Kamaraj , Muralidharan Gopalan
Published: October 2014

Ag3O4grafting on NiO flowers enhances the electrochemical performance with good cyclic stability.
Efficient photochemical production of hydrogen in aqueous solution by simply incorporating a water-insoluble hydrogenase mimic into a hydrogel
Authors: Yu Tianjun , Zeng Yi , Chen Jinping , Zhang Xiaohui , Yang Guoqiang , Li Yi
Published: October 2014

A water-insoluble hydrogenase mimic has been successively applied to the photochemical production of hydrogen in aqueous solution with high efficiency and activity by simply incorporating the mimic into the PVP hydrogel.
Optical properties of organometal halide perovskite thin films and general device structure design rules for perovskite single and tandem solar cells
Authors: Chen Chang-Wen , Hsiao Sheng-Yi , Chen Chien-Yu , Kang Hao-Wei , Huang Zheng-Yu , Lin Hao-Wu
Published: October 2014

The optical constants of a CH3NH3PbI3−xClxperovskite thin film were acquired for the first time.