bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High pressure structures and superconductivity of AlH3(H2) predicted by first principles
Authors: Hou Pugeng , Zhao Xiusong , Tian Fubo , Li Da , Duan Defang , Zhao Zhonglong , Chu Binhua , Liu Bingbing , Cui Tian
Published: December 2014

An intriguing sandwich-like metallic phase of P21/m-Z AlH3(H2) with superconducting temperatures of 132–146 K at 250 GPa.
Self-assembly of tetrareduced corannulene with mixed Li–Rb clusters: dynamic transformations, unique structures and record7Li NMR shifts
Authors: Filatov Alexander S. , Spisak Sarah N. , Zabula Alexander V. , McNeely James , Rogachev Andrey Yu. , Petrukhina Marina A.
Published: December 2014

The record NMR shifts for the centrally encapsulated lithium ions are correlated with molecular and electronic structures of novel mixed alkali metal sandwiches.
The effects of globotriaosylceramide tail saturation level on bilayer phases
Authors: Pezeshkian Weria , Chaban Vitaly V. , Johannes Ludger , Shillcock Julian , Ipsen John H. , Khandelia Himanshu
Published: December 2014

The globotriaosylceramide acyl chains from one leaflet interdigitate into the opposing leaflet and lead to significant bilayer rigidification and immobilisation of the lipid tails. Globotriaosylceramide with saturated acyl chains can form a highly ordered, relatively immobile phase which is resistant to bending.
Emerging trends in superhydrophobic surface based magnetic materials: fabrications and their potential applications
Authors: Nagappan Saravanan , Ha Chang-Sik
Published: December 2014

This review covers the fabrications of superhydrophobic surface based magnetic materials (SSBMMs) and their applications.
Design of vanadium oxide core–shell nanoplatelets for lithium ion storage
Authors: Cheng Wei , Zeng Guobo , Niederberger Markus
Published: December 2014

We designed and synthesized V2O3 nanoplatelets@carbon and V2O5 nanoplateletes@TiO2 core–shell structures with superior electrochemical performance compared to their non-coated counterparts.
Mo-doped LiV3O8 nanorod-assembled nanosheets as a high performance cathode material for lithium ion batteries
Authors: Song Huanqiao , Liu Yaguang , Zhang Cuiping , Liu Chaofeng , Cao Guozhong
Published: December 2014

A new Mo-doped LiV3O8 nanorod-assembled nanosheet was prepared by a simple hydrothermal method and subsequent calcination. Its unique structure demonstrates a maximum discharge capacity of 269 mAh g−1 at 300 mA g−1 within 4.0-2.0 V, and excellent rate and cycle performance for Li-ion batteries.
An electron acceptor based on indacenodithiophene and 1,1-dicyanomethylene-3-indanone for fullerene-free organic solar cells
Authors: Bai Huitao , Wang Yifan , Cheng Pei , Wang Jiayu , Wu Yao , Hou Jianhui , Zhan Xiaowei
Published: December 2014

A novel small molecule based on indacenodithiophene and 1,1-dicyanomethylene-3-indanone was synthesized and used as an electron acceptor in solution processed organic solar cells, which exhibited a power conversion efficiency as high as 3.93%.
High-performance reverse osmosis nanocomposite membranes containing the mixture of carbon nanotubes and graphene oxides
Authors: Kim Hee Joong , Lim Min-Young , Jung Kyung Hwa , Kim Dong-Gyun , Lee Jong-Chan
Published: December 2014

Nanocomposite membrane containing CNTs and GO exhibits considerably improved performances by the synergistic combinations of CNTs and GO, which can increase the dispersity in a polymeric matrix.
Postsynthesis of mesoporous ZSM-5 zeolite by piperidine-assisted desilication and its superior catalytic properties in hydrocarbon cracking
Authors: Wang Darui , Zhang Lin , Chen Li , Wu Haihong , Wu Peng
Published: December 2014

Mesoporous ZSM-5 zeolites with unique hydrocarbon cracking properties have been postsynthesized from conventional ZSM-5 samples using small molecular organic amine-assisted desilication technique.
Sb porous hollow microspheres as advanced anode materials for sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Hou Hongshuai , Jing Mingjun , Yang Yingchang , Zhang Yan , Zhu Yirong , Song Weixin , Yang Xuming , Ji Xiaobo
Published: December 2014

Sb porous hollow microspheres (PHMSs) were prepared by a replacement reaction employing Zn microspheres (MSs) as templates.
Bioinspired passive anti-biofouling surfaces preventing biofilm formation
Authors: Pechook Sasha , Sudakov Kobi , Polishchuk Iryna , Ostrov Ievgeniia , Zakin Varda , Pokroy Boaz , Shemesh Moshe
Published: December 2014

Our bioinspired, superhydrophobic surfaces show exceptional ability to passively inhibit the biofilm formation of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria over a 7 day period.
Overexpression of ankyrin repeat domain 1 enhances cardiomyocyte apoptosis by promoting p53 activation and mitochondrial dysfunction in rodents
Authors: Shen Liang , Chen Ci , Wei Xuan , Li Xixian , Luo Guangjin , Zhang Jingwen , Bin Jianping , Huang Xiaobo , Cao Shiping , Li Guofeng , Liao Yulin
Published: December 2014

The Ankrd1 (ankyrin repeat domain 1) gene is known to be up-regulated in heart failure and acts as a co-activator of p53, modulating its transcriptional activity, but it remains inconclusive whether this gene promotes or inhibits cell apoptosis. In the present study, we attempted to investigate the role of Ankrd1 on AngII (angiotensin II)- or pressure-overload-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis. In the failing hearts of mice with pressure overload, the protein expression of Ankrd1-encoded CARP (cardiac ankyrin repeat protein) was significantly increased. In NRCs (neonatal rat cardiomyocytes), AngII increased the expression of Ankrd1 and CARP. In the presence of AngII in NRCs, infection with a recombinant adenovirus containing rat Ankrd1 cDNA (Ad-Ankrd1) enhanced the mitochondrial translocation of Bax and phosphorylated p53, increased mitochondrial permeability and cardiomyocyte apoptosis, and reduced cell viability, whereas these effects were antagonized by silencing of Ankrd1. Intra-myocardial injection of Ad-Ankrd1 in mice with TAC (transverse aortic constriction) markedly exacerbated cardiac dysfunction with an increase in the lung weight/body weight ratio and a decrease in left ventricular fractional shortening. Cardiomyocyte apoptosis and the expression of phosphorylated p53 were also significantly increased in Ad-Ankrd1-infected TAC mice, whereas knockdown of Ankrd1 significantly inhibited the apoptotic signal pathway as well as cardiomyocyte apoptosis in pressure-overload mice. These findings indicate that overexpression of Ankrd1 exacerbates pathological cardiac dysfunction through enhancement of cardiomyocyte apoptosis mediated by the up-regulation of p53.
Transfer of the Brachialis to the Anterior Interosseous Nerve as a Treatment Strategy for Cervical Spinal Cord Injury: Technical Note
Authors: Hawasli Ammar H. , Chang Jodie , Reynolds Matthew R. , Ray Wilson Z.
Published: December 2014

Study Design

Technical report.

Objective

To provide a technical description of the transfer of the brachialis to the anterior interosseous nerve (AIN) for the treatment of tetraplegia after a cervical spinal cord injury (SCI).

Methods

In this technical report, the authors present a case illustration of an ideal surgical candidate for a brachialis-to-AIN transfer: a 21-year-old patient with a complete C7 spinal cord injury and failure of any hand motor recovery. The authors provide detailed description including images and video showing how to perform the brachialis-to-AIN transfer.

Results

The brachialis nerve and AIN fascicles can be successfully isolated using visual inspection and motor mapping. Then, careful dissection and microsurgical coaptation can be used for a successful anterior interosseous reinnervation.

Conclusion

The nerve transfer techniques for reinnervation have been described predominantly for the treatment of brachial plexus injuries. The majority of the nerve transfer techniques have focused on the upper brachial plexus or distal nerves of the lower brachial plexus. More recently, nerve transfers have reemerged as a potential reinnervation strategy for select patients with cervical SCI. The brachialis-to-AIN transfer technique offers a potential means for restoration of intrinsic hand function in patients with SCI.
Response to “Comment on ‘Anomalous capacitance response induced by the superconducting gap in an Au/BiFeO3/La1.84Sr0.16CuO4/LaSrAlO4 heterostructure’” [Appl. Phys. Lett. 105, 246103 (2014)]
Authors: Liu F. G. , Xie L. , Liu W.
Published: December 2014

At the request of the authors this Response is being retracted. This action is taken because the values of data points in Fig. 2 of the Response do not appear to match the values in the original article from which they were taken, the parameter B in the Arrhenius law can be defined arbitrarily making the resulting activation energy arbitrary, and because the middle author, Dr. Xie, was not given the opportunity to review the response before submission. The authors recognize that these errors are serious, and sincerely apologize and regret any inconvenience they may have caused. The article is retracted from the scientific record with effect from 1 June 2016.
A fractional Fokker-Planck model for anomalous diffusion
Authors: Anderson Johan , Kim Eun-jin , Moradi Sara
Published: December 2014

In this paper, we present a study of anomalous diffusion using a Fokker-Planck description with fractional velocity derivatives. The distribution functions are found using numerical means for varying degree of fractionality of the stable Lévy distribution. The statistical properties of the distribution functions are assessed by a generalized normalized expectation measure and entropy in terms of Tsallis statistical mechanics. We find that the ratio of the generalized entropy and expectation is increasing with decreasing fractionality towards the well known so-called sub-diffusive domain, indicating a self-organising behavior.
Magnetic antenna excitation of whistler modes. II. Antenna arrays
Authors: Stenzel R. L. , Urrutia J. M.
Published: December 2014

The excitation of whistler modes from magnetic loop antennas has been investigated experimentally. The field topology of the excited wave driven by a single loop antenna has been measured for different loop orientations with respect to the uniform background field. The fields from two or more antennas at different locations are then created by superposition of the single-loop data. It is shown that an antenna array can produce nearly plane waves which cannot be achieved with single antennas. By applying a phase shift along the array, oblique wave propagation is obtained. This allows a meaningful comparison with plane wave theory. The Gendrin mode and oblique cyclotron resonance are demonstrated. Wave helicity and polarization in space and time are demonstrated and distinguished from the magnetic helicity of the wave field. The superposition of two oblique plane whistler modes produces in a “whistler waveguide” mode whose polarization and helicity properties are explained. The results show that single point measurements cannot properly establish the wave character of wave packets. The laboratory observations are relevant for excitation and detection of whistler modes in space plasmas.
Band structures of surface acoustic waves in nanostructured phononic crystals with defects
Authors: Hou C. G. , Zhang V. L. , Lim H. S. , Ng S. C. , Kuok M. H. , Deng J. , Wang S. J.
Published: December 2014

The band structures of surface acoustic waves in nanostructured phononic crystals with defects have been studied by Brillouin light scattering and finite-element simulations. The crystals are one-dimensional periodic arrays of alternating gold stripes and air gaps on SiO2/Si substrates, where the periodic defects are gold stripes with non-regular widths. The general features of the band structures are similar to those of the perfect crystal, with the main difference being the appearance of nearly dispersionless defect branches within the bandgap. The defect modes exhibit localization features and are frequency-tunable by varying the defect stripe size.
Note: Sample chamber for in situ x-ray absorption spectroscopy studies of battery materials
Authors: Pelliccione C. J. , Timofeeva E. V. , Katsoudas J. P. , Segre C. U.
Published: December 2014

In situ x-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) provides element-specific characterization of both crystalline and amorphous phases and enables direct correlations between electrochemical performance and structural characteristics of cathode and anode materials. In situ XAS measurements are very demanding to the design of the experimental setup. We have developed a sample chamber that provides electrical connectivity and inert atmosphere for operating electrochemical cells and also accounts for x-ray interactions with the chamber and cell materials. The design of the sample chamber for in situ measurements is presented along with example XAS spectra from anode materials in operating pouch cells at the Zn and Sn K-edges measured in fluorescence and transmission modes, respectively.
Impact of the Medicare Chronic Disease Management program on the conduct of Australian dietitians’ private practices
Authors: Jansen Sarah , Ball Lauren , Lowe Catherine
Published: December 2014

Objective
This study explored private practice dietitians’ perceptions of the impact of the Australian Chronic Disease Management (CDM) program on the conduct of their private practice, and the care provided to patients.

Methods
Twenty-five accredited practising dietitians working in primary care participated in an individual semistructured telephone interview. Interview questions focussed on dietitians’ perceptions of the proportion of patients receiving care through the CDM program, fee structures, adhering to reporting requirements and auditing. Transcript data were thematically analysed using a process of open coding.

Results
Half of the dietitians (12/25) reported that most of their patients (>75%) received care through the CDM program. Many dietitians (19/25) reported providing identical care to patients using the CDM program and private patients, but most (17/25) described spending substantially longer on administrative tasks for CDM patients. Dietitians experienced pressure from doctors and patients to keep their fees low or to bulk-bill patients using the CDM program. One-third of interviewed dietitians (8/25) expressed concern about the potential to be audited by Medicare. Recommendations to improve the CDM program included increasing the consultation length and subsequent rebate available for dietetic consultations, and increasing the number of consultations to align with dietetic best-practice guidelines.

Conclusions
The CDM program creates challenges for dietitians working in primary care, including how to sustain the quality of patient-centred care and yet maintain equitable business practices. To ensure the CDM program appropriately assists patients to receive optimal care, further review of the CDM program within the scope of dietetics is required.

What is known about the topic?
The Australian CDM program is designed to facilitate patients to receive subsidised multidisciplinary care for CDM. Dietetics is the third most utilised allied health profession within the CDM program.

What does this paper add?
This paper demonstrates that dietitians experience challenges in providing services to patients using the CDM program, including pressure to keep fees down, high administrative load, difficulties accessing clear information on compliance requirements, and face barriers to providing best-practice care to patients with chronic disease.

What are the implications for practitioners?
Changes to the Australian CDM program are required to help dietitians provide health care in line with best-practice guidelines for CDM, and sustainable business practices.
Dying in Australian hospitals: will a separate national clinical standard improve the delivery of quality care?
Authors: Clark Katherine , Collier Aileen , Currow David C.
Published: December 2014

While it is commonly stated that for most people the preferred place of death is their own homes, the actual reality is that most people will die in hospitals. This is both by choice and necessity. However, for many, the care that they receive would not necessarily align with their expectations. The need to improve the quality of health care at the end of life has been acknowledged by the Australian Commission for Safety and Quality in Healthcare with the release of a recent discussion paper. It is presumed this is a prelude to the release of another quality standard specifically for end of life care. The aim of this paper is to question whether such a standard is likely to result in the hoped for improvements in care. What is known about the topic? Numerous reports highlight that the care received by people dying predictably in hospital would not always be considered of sufficient quality to reliably and safely address their needs. As the numbers of people dying in Australian hospitals is likely to exponentially rise over the next decade there is a real need to address this care gap. What does this paper add? The need to address this care gaps has been highlighted by the Australian Commission for Safety and Quality in Healthcare. While this focus is welcomed, this paper questions whether any changes can be made without considering the fundamental issues precluding the delivery of quality health care as would be expected by any other patient cohort. What are the implications for practitioners? As with care at any point, patients and their families expect care to be delivered in a quality paradigm: patient-centred, evidence-based and safe. Care at the end of life is no different.
Quantification of individual polysulfides in lab-scale and full-scale desulfurisation bioreactors
Authors: Roman Pawel , Bijmans Martijn F. M. , Janssen Albert J. H.
Published: December 2014

Environmental context Emission into the atmosphere of gaseous streams containing sulfur compounds, such as H2S and SOx, will lead to the unwanted formation of acid rain. In order to prevent this, biological processes can be employed to treat sulfur-containing gas streams. In this study, we describe a way to investigate the speciation of polysulfide anions in biodesulfurisation systems, which might enable further understanding and development of these processes. Abstract Environmental pollution caused by the combustion of fuel sources containing inorganic and organic sulfur compounds such as hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and thiols, is a global issue as it leads to SO2 emissions. To remove H2S from gas streams such as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), biological processes can be applied. In these processes, polysulfide anions (Sx2–) play a significant role as they enhance the dissolution of H2S and act as intermediates in the biological oxidation of hydrogen sulfide ions to elemental sulfur. Despite their important role, the distribution of the various polysulfide species in full-scale biodesulfurisation systems has not yet been reported. With conventionally applied spectrophotometric analysis it is only possible to determine the total concentration of Sx2–. Moreover, this method is very sensitive to matrix effects. In this paper, we apply a method that relies on the derivatisation of Sx2– to dimethyl polysulfanes. Owing to the instability of higher dimethyl polysulfanes (Me2S4 to Me2S8), standards are not commercially available and had to be prepared by us. We present a simplified quantification method for higher dimethyl polysulfanes by calculating high performance liquid chromatogaphy (HPLC) UV response factors based on the addition of internal standards. The method was subsequently used to assess the distribution of polysulfide anions in both a laboratory-scale and a full-scale biodesulfurisation unit. We found that the average chain length of polysulfides strongly depends on the process conditions and a maximum of 5.33 sulfur atoms per polysulfide molecule was measured. Results of this study are required by mechanistic and kinetic models that attempt to describe product selectivity of sulfide oxidising bioreactors.
Herdsmen’s attitudes towards rangeland fencing, protection of Przewalski’s gazelle and control of wolf predation on livestock
Authors: Shi Jianbin , You Wenyuan , Lu Feiying , Zhang Zihui , Li Xiaowen
Published: December 2014

This study was conducted in the Hudong-Ketu area to the south-east of Qinghai Lake, China, one of the main habitats of Przewalski’s gazelle (Procapra przewalskii). The objective was to understand herdsmen’s perceptions and attitudes towards rangeland fencing, gazelle protection and control of wolf predation on livestock. A total of 251 families of herdsmen were randomly selected for face-to-face interviews in March 2011 (100 families), 2012 (65 families), and 2013 (86 families). The interview results showed that the herdsmen had a strong willingness to protect the gazelle and most of the interviewees were willing to reduce the height of their rangeland fences, but few herdsmen were willing to completely remove fencing without compensation. Although the responses from the herdsmen suggested that they would like to see some gazelle grazing on their rangeland, they considered the gazelle as a competitor with their livestock for grass herbage. The majority of herdsmen interviewed had suffered from some loss of livestock due to wolf predation, and most of them considered wolf predation a serious problem, particularly to their sheep. Most of them thus did not want to see an increase in the number and distribution of wolves, but none of the interviewees would kill wolves. The herdsmen’s belief in Tibetan Buddhism played an important role in influencing the attitudes of the herdsmen towards wolves and the gazelle. These interview results suggest that the herdsmen, as key stakeholders, need to be considered and involved in the development and implementation of any program to protect the gazelle, recovery of wolf populations and maintain rangeland ecosystems.
Impact of HIV-1 infection on the clinical presentation of syphilis in men who have sex with men
Authors: Tipple Craig
Published: December 2014

Men who have sex with men (MSM), especially those with HIV-1 infection, are disproportionately affected by syphilis in higher income countries. The course, and some of the clinical features of the disease, especially the development of neurosyphilis, can be affected by HIV-1 co-infection. This review documents potential differences in the clinical features of syphilis in HIV-1 infected and uninfected MSM and highlights the importance of a thorough examination and high index of suspicion when seeing and treating MSM at risk of sexually transmissible infections.
It’s not a ‘thing’ but a ‘place’: reconceptualising ‘assets’ in the context of fire risk landscapes
Authors: Beilin Ruth , Reid Karen
Published: December 2014

At a national policy level, Australian governments have embraced the notion of shared responsibility between agencies and communities for disaster resilience, including bushfire. Emergency management agencies take an asset-based approach to management based on an assumption that valued places can be quantified by cataloguing individual ‘things’ in the landscape. Implicit in shared responsibility, however, is incorporation of local knowledge of landscape and risk into planning. This already difficult task can be made more complex as local constructions of risk in the landscape sometimes appear at odds with management agency perspectives. This research examined local constructions of bushfire risk in two contrasting Australian landscapes – one semi-rural, one peri-urban. The results suggest that local ecological knowledge arises from interactions between people, the landscape and objects (e.g. flora and fauna) in the landscape. Place meanings transcend individual ‘things’, emerging instead from experience of the whole landscape, both social and ecological and at multiple scales. We argue therefore, that understanding bushfire cannot be segregated from wider social and ecological processes at a landscape level. Shared responsibility will involve respectful and meaningful engagement between agencies and landholders in collaborative planning to ensure local knowledge informs asset-based management.
Cost-effective targeting of conservation investments to reduce the northern Gulf of Mexico hypoxic zone
Authors: Rabotyagov Sergey S. , Campbell Todd D. , White Michael , Arnold Jeffrey G. , Atwood Jay , Norfleet M. Lee , Kling Catherine L. , Gassman Philip W. , Valcu Adriana , Richardson Jeffrey , Turner R. Eugene , Rabalais Nancy N.
Published: December 2014

Significance

Hypoxic (low-oxygen) zones threaten an increasing number of marine ecosystems. Hypoxia in the Gulf of Mexico is the second largest in the world. The United States has a policy goal of reducing the average zone to 5,000 km
2
. Reductions in nutrients from cropland in the Mississippi-Atchafalaya River Basin are needed to achieve this goal. We use an integrated assessment model coupled with optimization to identify the cost-effective locations to target cropland conservation investments across the Basin’s 550 agricultural subwatersheds and to identify the nature of tradeoffs between hypoxia and costs of conservation investments. Targeted conservation practice investments are estimated to achieve the hypoxia reduction goal at the cost of $2.7 billion annually.
Existence of isostatic, maximally random jammed monodisperse hard-disk packings
Authors: Atkinson Steven , Stillinger Frank H. , Torquato Salvatore
Published: December 2014

Significance

Disordered particle packings are ubiquitous in all areas of science. Although disordered jammed packings of hard spheres are readily observed in 3D, the story is quite different for disks. Most 2D packing protocols tend to produce highly ordered disk arrangements, suggesting that truly disordered jammed disk packings might not exist in 2D. The maximally random jammed (MRJ) configurations we observe have a complete lack of crystallinity and are distinct from the typical jammed configuration that is most probable upon rapid compression. A protocol-independent geometric-structure approach allows us to create, identify, and analyze these previously elusive packings. Our results shed new light on the nature of randomness, which is an issue that arises across the physical, mathematical, and biological sciences.
Conformational activation of ADAMTS13
Authors: South Kieron , Luken Brenda M. , Crawley James T. B. , Phillips Rebecca , Thomas Mari , Collins Richard F. , Deforche Louis , Vanhoorelbeke Karen , Lane David A.
Published: December 2014

Significance

We show that a CUB–spacer domain interaction impedes exposure of the ADAMTS13 spacer functional exosite, preventing ADAMTS13 from interacting effectively with its complementary binding site in the VWF A2 domain. This CUB–spacer interaction is disrupted by interaction with the C-terminal domains of VWF, leading to conformational activation of ADAMTS13. Our findings also suggest that activation of ADAMTS13 reveals a cryptic epitope in the spacer domain that constitutes the autoantigenic core in patients with acquired TTP. These antibodies inhibit ADAMTS13, causing deposition of VWF and platelet-rich microthrombi in small blood vessels, resulting in organ damage. Thus, this study provides insight into the complexity of both normal haemostatic control and the pathogenesis of autoimmunity.
Proteogenomic analysis and global discovery of posttranslational modifications in prokaryotes
Authors: Yang Ming-kun , Yang Yao-hua , Chen Zhuo , Zhang Jia , Lin Yan , Wang Yan , Xiong Qian , Li Tao , Ge Feng , Bryant Donald A. , Zhao Jin-dong
Published: December 2014

Significance

Proteogenomics is the application of mass spectrometry-derived proteomic data for testing and refining predicted genetic models. Cyanobacteria, the only prokaryotes capable of oxygenic photosynthesis, are the ancestor of chloroplasts in plants and play crucial roles in global carbon and nitrogen cycles. An integrated proteogenomic workflow was developed, and we tested this system on a model cyanobacterium,
Synechococcus
7002, grown under various conditions. We obtained a nearly complete genome translational profile of this model organism. In addition, a holistic view of posttranslational modification (PTM) events is provided using the same dataset, and the results provide insights into photosynthesis. The entire proteogenomics pipeline is applicable to any sequenced prokaryotes and could be applied as a standard part of genome annotation projects.
Allosteric activation of ADAMTS13 by von Willebrand factor
Authors: Muia Joshua , Zhu Jian , Gupta Garima , Haberichter Sandra L. , Friedman Kenneth D. , Feys Hendrik B. , Deforche Louis , Vanhoorelbeke Karen , Westfield Lisa A. , Roth Robyn , Tolia Niraj Harish , Heuser John E. , Sadler J. Evan
Published: December 2014

Significance

The blood protein von Willebrand factor (VWF) is required for platelets to stop bleeding at sites of injury, and the metalloprotease ADAMTS13 limits platelet adhesion by cleaving VWF only when flowing blood stretches it, especially within a growing thrombus. This feedback inhibition is essential because ADAMTS13 deficiency causes fatal microvascular thrombosis. How ADAMTS13 recognizes VWF so specifically is not understood. We now find that ADAMTS13 is folded roughly in half so that its distal domains inhibit the metalloprotease domain. VWF relieves this autoinhibition and promotes its own destruction by allosterically activating ADAMTS13. Thus, VWF is both a substrate and a cofactor in this critical regulatory process.
Effect of Feed Pellet Characteristics on Growth and Feed Conversion Efficiency of Largemouth Bass Raised in Ponds
Authors: Tidwell James , Coyle Shawn , Bright Leigh Anne
Published: December 2014

We investigated the growth, survival, and feed conversion of Largemouth Bass Micropterus salmoides fed one of two sizes of floating pellets or a sinking pellet for 151 d in 0.04-ha ponds. The floating and sinking pellets were made from almost identical formulas. The fish were fed once daily to apparent satiation based on observed feeding activity. There was no significant difference in survival, growth, or feed conversion of fish fed the larger floating pellet versus those fed the standard-size floating pellet or sinking pellet. Fish fed the sinking pellet were significantly larger at harvest than fish fed either size of floating pellet. The efficiency of feed utilization was not decreased with the sinking pellet. These results indicate the Largemouth Bass accept and utilize sinking pellets well. However, their use on commercial scale farms would probably require some management modifications.
Changing faces of English: why English is not a foreign language in Nepal
Authors: Giri Ram A.
Published: December 2014

The use of English in Nepal was first recorded in the seventeenth century. Officially, however, it was adopted as a foreign language into the formal education system only in the first half of the twentieth century. Despite its “foreign” status until now, users of the language and related studies claim that it is anything but foreign. Its current use in all spheres of life makes the language indispensable and at par with Nepali, the only official language for wider communication. As such, its speakers advocate that English in Nepal deserves more veneration than the term offers. The article provides a socio-linguistic analysis of the English language situation in Nepal, and drawing from research and available literature, it assesses to what extent is such a claim justifiable. In the pretext of its growing popularity and dominance, the article examines its role, status and its position in the national language education policy and points out what implications its changing status has on the national curriculum and pedagogic resources.
Thyroid hormone regulates muscle fiber type conversion via miR-133a1
Authors: Zhang Duo , Wang Xiaoyun , Li Yuying , Zhao Lei , Lu Minghua , Yao Xuan , Xia Hongfeng , Wang Yu-cheng , Liu Mo-Fang , Jiang Jingjing , Li Xihua , Ying Hao
Published: December 2014

It is known that thyroid hormone (TH) is a major determinant of muscle fiber composition, but the molecular mechanism by which it does so remains unclear. Here, we demonstrated that miR-133a1 is a direct target gene of TH in muscle. Intriguingly, miR-133a, which is enriched in fast-twitch muscle, regulates slow-to-fast muscle fiber type conversion by targeting TEA domain family member 1 (TEAD1), a key regulator of slow muscle gene expression. Inhibition of miR-133a in vivo abrogated TH action on muscle fiber type conversion. Moreover, TEAD1 overexpression antagonized the effect of miR-133a as well as TH on muscle fiber type switch. Additionally, we demonstrate that TH negatively regulates the transcription of myosin heavy chain I indirectly via miR-133a/TEAD1. Collectively, we propose that TH inhibits the slow muscle phenotype through a novel epigenetic mechanism involving repression of TEAD1 expression via targeting by miR-133a1. This identification of a TH-regulated microRNA therefore sheds new light on how TH achieves its diverse biological activities.
KIF4A and PP2A–B56 form a spatially restricted feedback loop opposing Aurora B at the anaphase central spindle
Authors: Bastos Ricardo Nunes , Cundell Michael J. , Barr Francis A.
Published: December 2014

The mitotic kinase Aurora B is concentrated at the anaphase central spindle by the kinesin MKlp2 during mitotic exit and cytokinesis. This pool of Aurora B phosphorylates substrates including the kinesin KIF4A to regulate central spindle length. In this paper, we identify a counteracting system in which PP2A–B56γ and -ε, but not PP2A–B56α, -β, and -δ, are maintained at the central spindle by KIF4A. Biochemical assays show that PP2A–B56γ can dephosphorylate the T799 Aurora B site on KIF4A and thereby counteract the Aurora B– and microtubule-stimulated ATPase activity of KIF4A. In agreement with these observations, combined silencing of PP2A–B56γ and -ε resulted in increased phosphorylation of KIF4A T799 and decreased central spindle growth in anaphase B. Furthermore, reduced turnover of regulatory phosphorylation on another Aurora B substrate MKlp1 was observed, suggesting that PP2A–B56γ and -ε play a general role opposing Aurora B at the central spindle. KIF4A and PP2A–B56γ and -ε therefore create a spatially restricted negative feedback loop counteracting Aurora B in anaphase.
Some dynamical properties of pseudo-automorphisms in dimension 3
Authors: Truong Tuyen
Published: December 2014

Let

X
X

be a compact Kähler manifold of dimension

3
3

and let

f
:
X
→
X

f:X\rightarrow X

be a pseudo-automorphism. Under the mild condition that

λ
1

(
f

)
2

>

λ
2

(
f
)

\lambda _1(f)^2>\lambda _2(f)

, we prove the existence of invariant positive closed

(
1
,
1
)

(1,1)

and

(
2
,
2
)

(2,2)

currents, and we also discuss the (still open) problem of intersection of such currents. We prove a weak equi-distribution result for Green

(
1
,
1
)

(1,1)

currents of meromorphic selfmaps, not necessarily algebraic

1
1

-stable, of a compact Kähler manifold of arbitrary dimension and discuss how a stronger equidistribution result may be proved for pseudo-automorphisms in dimension

3
3

. As a byproduct, we show that the intersection of some dynamically related currents is well-defined with respect to our definition here, even though not obviously to be seen so using the usual criteria.
The Plant Microbiome at Work
Authors: Schlaeppi Klaus , Bulgarelli Davide
Published: December 2014

Plants host distinct microbial communities on and inside their tissues designated the plant microbiota. Microbial community profiling enabled the description of the phylogenetic structure of the plant microbiota to an unprecedented depth, whereas functional insights are largely derived from experiments using individual microorganisms. The binary interplay between isolated members of the plant microbiota and host plants ranges from mutualistic to commensalistic and pathogenic relationships. However, how entire microbial communities capable of executing both growth-promoting and growth-compromising activities interfere with plant fitness remains largely unknown. Ultimately, unravelling the net result of microbial activities encoded in the extended plant genome—the plant microbiome—will be key to understanding and exploiting the full yield potential of a crop plant. In this perspective, we summarize first achievements of plant-microbiome research, we discuss future research directions, and we provide ideas for the translation of basic science to application to capitalize on the plant microbiome at work.
Development of PCR-Based Assays for Detecting and Differentiating Three Species ofBotrytisInfecting Broad Bean
Authors: Fan Xuan , Zhang Jing , Yang Long , Wu Mingde , Chen Weidong , Li Guoqing
Published: December 2014

Botrytis cinerea, B. fabae, and B. fabiopsis are known to cause chocolate spot on broad bean. This study was conducted to develop polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based assays to detect and differentiate these three species. Two sets of primers, Bc-f/Bc-r for B. cinerea and Bfab-f/Bfab-r for B. fabiopsis, were designed based on two sequence-characterized amplified region markers derived from two random amplified polymorphic DNA assays. The other primer set, Bfa-f/Bfa-r for B. fabae, was designed based on the necrosis and ethylene-inducing protein 1 gene sequence. The three primer sets were highly specific for the corresponding species of Botrytis in both single and multiplex PCR assays. The PCR detection limit was 40, 40, and 400 pg of DNA per 25-μl reaction mixture for B. fabae, B. fabiopsis, and B. cinerea, respectively. Presence of the broad bean DNA in the PCR reactions at 1:1000 (Botrytis DNA/broad bean DNA [wt/wt]) had negligible effects on detection of the targeted Botrytis spp. The multiplex PCR assay was able to detect three Botrytis spp. in artificially infected and naturally infected broad bean leaves. These results suggest that the multiplex PCR assay developed in this study could be used to monitor the epidemics of chocolate spot of broad bean in the field.
Comparison of Toxicity and Treatment Outcomes in HIV-positive Versus HIV-negative Patients With Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Anal Canal
Authors: White Evan C. , Khodayari Behnood , Erickson Kelly T. , Lien Winston W. , Hwang-Graziano Julie , Rao Aroor R.
Published: December 2014

Purpose:

To compare the toxicity and treatment outcomes in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive versus HIV-negative patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal who underwent definitive concurrent chemoradiation at a single institution.

Materials and Methods:

Fifty-three consecutive HIV-positive patients treated between 1987 and 2013 were compared with 205 consecutive HIV-negative patients treated between 2003 and 2013. All patients received radiotherapy at a single regional facility. The median radiation dose was 54 Gy (range, 28 to 60 Gy). Concurrent chemotherapy consisted of 2 cycles 5-FU with mitomycin-C given on day 1±day 29). After treatment, patients were closely followed with imaging studies, clinical examinations, and rigid proctoscopies. Outcomes assessed were toxicity rates, progression-free survival, colostomy-free survival, cancer-specific survival, and overall survival.

Results:

Median follow-up was 34 months. Compared with HIV-negative patients, HIV-positive patients were younger (median age, 48 vs. 62 y) and predominantly male sex (98% of HIV-positive patients were male vs. 22% of HIV-negative patients). Of the HIV-positive patients, 37 (70%) were on highly active antiretroviral therapy, 26 (65%) had an undetectable viral load at the time of treatment, and 36 (72%) had a CD4 count>200 (mean CD4 count, 455). There were no significant differences in acute or late nonhematologic or hematologic toxicity rates between the 2 groups. At 3 years, there was no significant difference between HIV-positive and HIV-negative patients in regards to progression-free survival (75% vs. 76%), colostomy-free survival (85% vs. 85%), or cancer-specific survival (79% vs. 88%, P=0.36), respectively. On univariate analysis, there was a trend toward worse overall survival in HIV-positive patients (72% vs. 84% at 3 y, P=0.06). For the entire cohort, on multivariate analysis only male sex and stage were predictive of worse survival outcomes. HIV status was not associated with worse outcomes in Cox models.

Conclusions:

In the highly active antiretroviral therapy era, HIV-positive patients with anal cancer treated with standard definitive chemoradiation have equivalent toxicity and cancer-specific survival compared with HIV-negative patients.
Safety and Efficacy of Parenteral Fish Oil–Containing Lipid Emulsions in Premature Neonates
Authors: Zhao Yiyang , Wu Yang , Pei Jiao , Chen Zude , Wang Qi , Xiang Bo
Published: December 2014

Objective:

The aim of the study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of fish oil–containing (FO) lipid emulsions that are rich in ω‐3 fatty acids for parenteral nutrition in preterm neonates by using data retrieved from randomized controlled trials.

Methods:

We performed a meta‐analysis of 8 randomized controlled trials representing 483 premature neonates to compare FO with control (CO) lipid emulsions.

Results:

This meta‐analysis revealed that the levels of ω‐3 fatty acids in the form of docosahexaenoic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, and arachidonic acid (% of total fatty acids) in plasma were statistically higher in FO groups (mean difference [MD] −0.7%, 95% confidence interval [CI] −1.05 to −0.36, P < 0.001; MD −1.31%, 95% CI −1.40 to −1.21, P < 0.001). The differences were found in red blood cell (RBC) membranes. The levels of arachidonic acid (% of total fatty acids) as ω‐6 fatty acid in plasma and red blood cell membranes were significantly lower in FO groups (MD 1.27%, 95% CI 1.12–1.42, P < 0.001) (MD 0.92%, 95% CI 0.12–1.72, P = 0.02). The mean body weight, serum level of bilirubin, triglycerides or C‐reactive protein, all‐cause mortality, and rate of lipid emulsion–associated complications were, however, not different between FO and CO groups.

Conclusions:

The level of docosahexaenoic acid is efficiently improved by FO lipid emulsions. The changes observed in eicosapentaenoic acid and arachidonic acid, and the associated safety issue, however, remain to be clarified. Any clinical benefit or detrimental effect of using FO in premature neonates cannot be demonstrated by the present study.
Hydroelastic behaviour of a structure exposed to an underwater explosion
Authors: Colicchio G. , Greco M. , Brocchini M. , Faltinsen O. M.
Published: December 2014

The hydroelastic interaction between an underwater explosion and an elastic plate is investigated num- erically through a domain-decomposition strategy. The three-dimensional features of the problem require a large computational effort, which is reduced through a weak coupling between a one-dimensional radial blast solver, which resolves the blast evolution far from the boundaries, and a three-dimensional compressible flow solver used where the interactions between the compression wave and the boundaries take place and the flow becomes three-dimensional. The three-dimensional flow solver at the boundaries is directly coupled with a modal structural solver that models the response of the solid boundaries like elastic plates. This enables one to simulate the fluid–structure interaction as a strong coupling, in order to capture hydroelastic effects. The method has been applied to the experimental case of Hung
et al.
(2005
Int. J. Impact Eng.
31
, 151–168 (
doi:10.1016/j.ijimpeng.2003.10.039
)) with explosion and structure sufficiently far from other boundaries and successfully validated in terms of the evolution of the acceleration induced on the plate. It was also used to investigate the interaction of an underwater explosion with the bottom of a close-by ship modelled as an orthotropic plate. In the application, the acoustic phase of the fluid–structure interaction is examined, highlighting the need of the fluid–structure coupling to capture correctly the possible inception of cavitation.
Numerical investigation of flow and scour around a vertical circular cylinder
Authors: Baykal C. , Sumer B. M. , Fuhrman D. R. , Jacobsen N. G. , Fredsøe J.
Published: December 2014

Flow and scour around a vertical cylinder exposed to current are investigated by using a three-dimensional numerical model based on incompressible Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations. The model incorporates (i)k-ωturbulence closure, (ii) vortex-shedding processes, (iii) sediment transport (both bed and suspended load), as well as (iv) bed morphology. The influence of vortex shedding and suspended load on the scour are specifically investigated. For the selected geometry and flow conditions, it is found that the equilibrium scour depth is decreased by 50% when the suspended sediment transport is not accounted for. Alternatively, the effects of vortex shedding are found to be limited to the very early stage of the scour process. Flow features such as the horseshoe vortex, as well as lee-wake vortices, including their vertical frequency variation, are discussed. Large-scale counter-rotating streamwise phase-averaged vortices in the lee wake are likewise demonstrated via numerical flow visualization. These features are linked to scour around a vertical pile in a steady current.
Insights on the design of free-spanning pipelines
Authors: Drago M. , Mattioli M. , Bruschi R. , Vitali L.
Published: December 2014

The design of free-spanning pipelines is performed with the aim of ensuring their integrity against permanent loads generated by seabed roughness, functional loads induced by internal pressure and temperature, and dynamic loads induced by marine currents and direct wave action. In particular, a load and resistance factored design is applied that focuses on extreme environmental loads, and a fatigue limit state approach is applied as a consequence of free-span dynamics due to vortex shedding-induced vibration and direct wave action. The pipeline free-span scenario can be permanent, when generated by seabed roughness, or characterized by short- to long-term evolution, when generated by seabed mobility and scouring in shallow waters. Free-span analysis is generally a task involving a number of disciplines and should be carried out using a multidisciplinary approach. The paper illustrates various themes related to free-span analysis: (i) free-span scenarios, (ii) characterization of the environment from deep to shallow water related to proper seabed properties, (iii) hydrodynamic load regimes, (iv) pipeline free-span design assessment aiming to reduce overstress and fatigue damage, (v) erodible seabed mobility and local scour, and (vi) some experiences of inspection surveys chosen as representative of a free-spanning pipeline in sandy soils.
Biological Organization, Biological Information, and Knowledge
Authors: Kritz Maurício Vieira
Published: December 2014

A concept of information designed to handle information conveyed by organizations is introduced. This concept of information may be used at all biological scales: from molecular and intracellular to multi-cellular organisms and human beings, and further on to collectivities, societies and culture. In this short account, two ground concepts necessary for developing the definition will also be introduced: whole-part graphs, a model for biological organization, and synexions, their immersion into space-time. This definition of information formalizes perception, observers and interpretation; allowing for considering information-exchange as a basic form of biological interaction. Some of its elements will be clarified by arguing and explaining why the immersion of whole-part graphs in (the physical) space-time is needed.