bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prebiotic potential of Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus L.) in Wistar rats: effects of levels of supplementation on hindgut fermentation, intestinal morphology, blood metabolites and immune response
Authors: Samal Lipismita , Chaturvedi Vishwa Bandhu , Saikumar Guttula , Somvanshi Ramesh , Pattanaik Ashok Kumar
Published: August 2014

BACKGROUND

Many studies have been conducted using purified prebiotics such as inulin or fructooligosaccharides (FOS) as nutraceuticals, but there is very little information available on the prebiotic potential of raw products rich in inulin and FOS, such as Jerusalem artichoke (JA; Helianthus tuberosus L.). The present experiment aimed to evaluate the prebiotic effects of JA tubers in rats.

RESULTS

Seventy‐two Wistar weanling rats divided into four groups were fed for 12 weeks on a basal diet fortified with pulverized JA tubers at 0 (control), 20, 40 and 60 g kg−1 levels. Enhanced cell‐mediated immunity in terms of skin indurations (P = 0.082) and CD4+ T‐lymphocyte population (P = 0.002) was observed in the JA‐supplemented groups compared with the control group. Blood haemoglobin (P = 0.017), glucose (P = 0.001), urea (P = 0.004) and calcium (P = 0.048) varied favourably upon inclusion of JA. An increasing trend (P = 0.059) in the length of large intestine was apparent in the JA‐fed groups. The tissue mass of caecum (P = 0.069) and colon (P = 0.003) was increased in the JA‐supplemented groups, accompanied by higher (P = 0.007) caecal crypt depth. The pH and ammonia concentrations of intestinal digesta decreased and those of lactate and total volatile fatty acids increased in the JA‐fed groups.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that JA had beneficial effects on immunity, blood metabolites, intestinal morphometry and hindgut fermentation of rats. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
An Analysis of the Organizational Core Values of the World's Most Admired Companies
Authors: Barchiesi Maria Assunta , La Bella Agostino
Published: August 2014

Despite the importance of the ethics and values for the design and implementation of managerial practices, there has been little effort to analyze the core values of the companies that act in the international arena from the point of view of their impact on the business performance. To that end, we examined the value statements of the companies that have kept their place within the top 50 of the world's most admired companies rankings, made by the authoritative business magazine Fortune, from 2009 to 2013. We have identified five independent core value orientations: to customer/user, to employees, to economic and financial growth, to excellence, and to social responsibility. Our analysis highlights the strict relation between high revenues, global admiration, and social‐responsibility‐oriented core values. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Towards a Method for Measuring the Quality of Environmental Improvement Communications on SME Websites
Authors: Parker Craig M. , Bellucci Emilia , Torlina Luba , Zutshi Ambika , Fraunholz Bardo
Published: August 2014

A common method for measuring the quality of large firms' communication of environmental improvement (changes in business processes or practices to reduce ecological impact) in their reports and websites involves: looking for many environmental indicators; scoring the description of each indicator on the basis of the level of quality (e.g. vague or detailed); and totalling the scores. However, this method is too impractical and cumbersome for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). This paper proposes a modification of this method, which makes it more suitable for SMEs by condensing the various indicators used for large firms down to three broad indicators (land, air and water). It then offers a practical example of how the method can be used to measure the quality of environmental improvement communication by providing extracts from SME websites and illustrating each level of quality against each indicator. The paper then outlines how the method could be used to help SMEs produce higher‐quality environmental improvement communication and address their legal obligations when it comes to preparing environmental improvement content for their websites. The paper also summarises how the method can be used by other stakeholders such as industry associations, legal practitioners and local governments. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
EFFECTS OF CRUSHED MAIZE STRAW RESIDUES ON SOIL BIOLOGICAL PROPERTIES AND SOIL RESTORATION
Authors: Tejada M. , Benítez C.
Published: August 2014

Agriculture soils in the Mediterranean need restoration and rehabilitation after 10 millenia of use and abuse. Maize straw residues crushed at three sizes [<1 (C1), 1–10 (C2) and >10 cm (C3)] at 5 Mg ha−1 y−1 and with and without urea (150 kg N ha−1) were applied during a period of 3 years for the purpose of restoration of a Typic Xerofluvent located near Córdoba (Spain). The effect on the vegetal cover and biological properties (microbial biomass, soil respiration and enzymatic activities) were determined. The size of the crushed maize residues (particle size <1 cm) and N supply influenced in the evolution of soil biological properties and vegetal cover. The stimulation of microbial biomass, soil respiration, dehydrogenase, urease, β‐glucosidase, phosphatase and arylsulphatase activities was higher in C1 + N‐amended soils for 14·9%, 16·3%, 8·8%, 24·3%, 13·5%, 7·1% and 10·3%, respectively, compared with C2 + N and for 25·8%, 26·9%, 18·3%, 38·5%, 28·2%, 19·1% and 18·3%, respectively, compared with C3 + N. Vegetal cover from the C1 + N treatment was 11·4%, 17·8%, 29·4%, 37·6%, 44·9% and 75·1% greater than that in C2 + N, C3 + N, C1, C2, C3 and control soil. These results suggested that under dry climatic conditions, the application of crushed maize straw finely crushed + N fertilizers improved the soil biological properties and also favour the appearance of spontaneous vegetation, which will protect the soil and will contribute to its restoration. Consequently, the addition of the crushed maize straw finely crushed + N fertilizers may be considered a good environmental strategy for recovery of degraded soils. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Why do fish strand? An analysis of ten years of flow reduction monitoring data from the Columbia and Kootenay rivers, Canada
Authors: Irvine R. L. , Thorley J. L. , Westcott R. , Schmidt D. , DeRosa D.
Published: August 2014

Stranding of fish due to flow reductions has been documented in the near shore of the Columbia and Kootenay Rivers, Canada, and can result in sub‐lethal or lethal effects on fish. Ten years (1999–2009) of monitoring data have been collected at sites below two hydro‐electric dams (Hugh‐L‐Keenleyside and Brilliant Dam) following flow reductions. A generalized linear mixed effects model analysed the probability of a stranding event in relation to environmental and operational variables including the rate of change in the water levels, the duration of shoreline inundation prior to a reduction (wetted history), the river stage, the magnitude of the reduction, distance downstream from the dam, time of day, day of year (season) and whether a site had been physically altered to mitigate stranding. The results demonstrated statistically significant effects on stranding risk from minimum river stage, day of the year and whether a site had been physically re‐contoured. The combination of investigated factors giving the highest probability of stranding was a large magnitude reduction completed in the afternoon in midsummer, at low water levels when the near shore had been inundated for a long period. This research is significant in its approach to assessing years of ecosystem scale monitoring data and using the modelling results to determine ways for these findings to be applied in regulated river management to minimize fish stranding. It also highlighted data gaps that require addressing and provides ecosystem scale results to compare with stranding studies carried out in mesocosms. © 2014 The Authors. River Research and Applications published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Psychosexual Symptoms and Treatment of Peyronie's Disease Within a Collaborative Care Model
Authors: Hartzell Rose
Published: August 2014

Introduction

Peyronie's disease (PD) can be emotionally and sexually debilitating for patients and may negatively impact partner relationships.

Aims

This study aims to present an ongoing collaborative care model for patients with PD and to discuss the critical need for integration of patient care among sexual medicine physicians and mental health practitioners or sex therapists.

Methods

PubMed searches using the terms “Peyronie's disease” and “natural history,” “treatment,” “psychosexual,” “depression,” “relationship,” and “partner” were conducted. Expert opinion based on review of the relevant published literature and clinical experience was used to identify meaningful treatment targets for patients with PD within a collaborative care model.

Main Outcome Measure

Characteristics of PD, medical treatment, and important assessment and treatment targets, including physical, emotional, psychosexual, and relationship concerns, from peer-reviewed published literature and clinical experience.

Results

PD can result in significant patient and partner distress and relationship disruption. Sex therapy interventions may be directed at acute emotional, psychosexual, and relationship problems that occur during the initial diagnosis of PD, the period following minimally invasive or surgical treatment for PD, or recurring problems over the lifelong course of the disease. Sex therapy to improve self-acceptance, learn new forms of sexual intimacy, and improve communication with partners provides comprehensive treatment targeting emotional, psychosexual, and relationship distress. Ongoing communication between the mental health practitioner and physician working with the patient with PD about key assessments, treatment targets, and treatment responses is necessary for coordinated treatment planning and patient care.

Conclusions

Men with PD are more likely now than in the past to see both a sexual medicine physician and a mental health practitioner or sex therapist, and the integration of assessments and treatment planning is essential for optimal patient outcomes.
Does human predation risk affect harvest susceptibility of white‐tailed deer during hunting season?
Authors: Little Andrew R. , Demarais Stephen , Gee Kenneth L. , Webb Stephen L. , Riffell Samuel K. , Gaskamp Joshua A. , Belant Jerrold L.
Published: August 2014

Large carnivores are considered a primary source of mortality for many ungulate populations, but harvest by hunters is the primary means of population management. However, research is needed to evaluate how human predation risk influences observability (a surrogate to harvest susceptibility) of ungulates. We determined how hunting intensity and duration influence observation rates of white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and how deer behavior (i.e., movement rate and resource selection) affects observation rates. We sampled 37 adult (≥2 yr) male deer at 2 levels of risk (i.e., low‐risk = 1 hunter/101 ha; and high‐risk = 1 hunter/30 ha) during 3 exposure periods (i.e., first, second, and third weekend of hunting) on a 1,861‐ha property in Oklahoma, USA, during the 2008 and 2009 rifle deer‐seasons. Observation rates (collared deer/hunter‐hr/day) were greatest during the first weekend in both the low‐ and high‐risk treatments, but declined each weekend thereafter in both treatments. Immediately prior to hunter observation, movement rate of observed collared deer was greater than that of unobserved collared deer, but only when hunting risk was high. Greater movement rates of deer in the high‐risk treatment also led to a greater probability of observation. Hunters also had a greater probability of observing collared deer at higher elevations. Overall, deer modified their behavior to avoid detection by hunters. These results can be used to explain decreased observation rates to hunters and to modify harvest rates by altering timing and intensity of human predation risk during the recreational hunting season to help achieve population management goals through harvest. © 2014 The Wildlife Society.
I want to quit education: A longitudinal study of stress and optimism as predictors of school dropout intention
Authors: Eicher Véronique , Staerklé Christian , Clémence Alain
Published: August 2014

Prior research on school dropout has often focused on stable person‐ and institution‐level variables. In this research, we investigate longitudinally perceived stress and optimism as predictors of dropout intentions over a period of four years, and distinguish between stable and temporary predictors of dropout intentions. Findings based on a nationally representative sample of 16–20 year‐olds in Switzerland (N = 4312) show that both average levels of stress and optimism as well as annually varying levels of stress and optimism affect dropout intentions. Additionally, results show that optimism buffers the negative impact of annually varying stress (i.e., years with more stress than usual), but not of stable levels of stress (i.e., stress over four years). The implications of the results are discussed according to a dynamic and preventive approach of school dropout.
Advocacy: The role of health professional associations
Authors: Shaw Dorothy
Published: August 2014

The FIGO Leadership in Obstetrics and Gynecology for Impact and Change (LOGIC) Initiative in Maternal and Newborn Health was developed on the premise that organizational capacity strengthening in eight low‐ and middle‐income countries would result in improved ability of member associations to take a leadership role in engaging a range of stakeholders in the health sector to discuss evidence and facilitate policy change and clinical practice in maternal and newborn health. Definitions of relevant terms, principles, and a framework for an advocacy plan are presented. The term advocacy is typically not well understood by health professionals, nor generally thought to be part of their role as a clinician, researcher, or educator. “Influence” based on expertise is often more consonant with a clinician's reality, especially where advocacy is perceived as a more political process that may present a barrier in some countries. The organizational capacity development of the FIGO member associations was integral to their ability to exert influence based on evidence, both internally in their associations and with other stakeholders, including the Ministry of Health. Examples of advocacy from each of the eight LOGIC countries are provided, noting that evaluation of impact can be challenging.
Key Strategies for Improving Outcomes of Patients With Peripheral Venous Catheters: Report of an International Panel Discussion
Authors: Goossens Godelieve Alice , Hadaway Lynn
Published: August 2014

We report the opinions of a panel of infection prevention experts convened during the 2012 World Congress on Vascular Access. The panel reviewed topics related to the use of peripheral venous catheters (PVCs), with a specific focus on infection prevention. The international panel members agreed that lack of clinical evidence and scientific research regarding PVC management is a major cause of significant variances in practice. The panel members outlined a number of strategies that promote infection prevention during PVC use. However, overall agreement on all issues was not reached. Reasons for nonresolution were differences in the organization of health care systems among countries, differences in availability of materials among countries, and difference in national or supranational regulations.
Up for the Challenge: Eliminating Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter Infections in a Complex Patient Population
Authors: Tavianini Holly D. , Deacon Vera , Negrete Judylee , Salapka Sharon
Published: August 2014

Background: In response to Medicare reimbursement changes related to central line-associated blood stream infection (CLABSI) effective January 2011, a long-term acute care hospital implemented quality improvement measures to reduce these health care-associated infections. Improvements included alcohol-impregnated port protectors, chlorhexidine gluconate barrier dressings, and didactic/hands on training for care and maintenance. During 2010 the peripherally inserted central line (PICC) team at a neighboring Magnet hospital was asked to partner and develop strategies to further decrease CLABSI.

Methods: The PICC team evaluated the effects of an antimicrobial PICC device in an effort to further reduce the incidence of CLABSI. Upon initiation of the evaluation phase, a database was created to track infection/thrombus rate, insertion-related complications, dwell time, diagnosis, tip location, infusate, vein used, and catheter size. Data collection and reporting was managed by the PICC team.

Results: Across a 2-year period (July 2011–July 2013), 100 devices were inserted with a total of 1,705 line days without any reported CLABSI. The majority of patients received a 4.5F single lumen device (59%). Dwell time ranged from 1 to 57 days with an average of 17 days. To date, no CLABSIs related to this device have been reported at the long-term acute care hospital.

Conclusions: Based on 100 insertions yielding no infections this new product appears to improve patient safety and quality of care. Relative to these results sole use of this product has become their institutional standard for long-term intravenous needs.
The Influence of an Antimicrobial Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter on Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections in a Hospital Environment
Authors: Rutkoff Glenell S.
Published: August 2014

Background: Federal agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have mandated reduction of hospital-acquired infections and recommended the use of antimicrobial catheters in clinical settings where central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) rates have remained high. The Infusion Nurses Society also recommends antimicrobial catheters for specific patient populations. At a California hospital, evidence-based infection prevention strategies for CLABSI prevention had been in effect for several years, but the CLABSI rate remained at an unacceptable level. For this reason, the effect of an antimicrobial peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) on the incidence of CLABSI was studied.

Methods: A quasiexperimental design was used with concurrent data collection on patients in an intervention group who received an antimicrobial PICC. Retrospective data were collected for patients in a nonintervention group who received nonantimicrobial PICCs the previous year.

Results: The 257 patients in the nonintervention group experienced 8 CLABSIs with an infection rate of 4.18/1,000 line days. The 260 subjects in the intervention group experienced 1 CLABSI with an infection rate of 0.47/1,000 line days. The decrease in the number of infections per 1,000 line days for the intervention group was statistically significant.

Conclusions: The use of an antimicrobial PICC in conjunction with current infection prevention practices resulted in a statistically significant decrease in infection rate, which supports the recommendation for continued use of antimicrobial catheters. Treatment cost savings, which overcame the higher initial cost for the devices, were found to be an additional benefit of using antimicrobial catheters.
Four Scholars Speak to Navigating the Complexities of Naming in Indigenous Studies
Authors: Carlson Bronwyn , Berglund Jeff , Harris Michelle , Poata-Smith Evan Te Ahu
Published: August 2014

Universities in Australia are expanding their Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies programs to include Indigenous populations from around the globe. This is also the case for the Indigenous Studies Unit at the University of Wollongong (UOW). Although systems of nomenclature in Indigenous Studies seek to be respectful of difference, the politics of naming in the global context raises some complexities worthy of discussion. In this article, four scholars discuss the politics of naming in relation to teaching a joint Indigenous Studies subject at the UOW and Northern Arizona University.
Modeling large-scale dynamic processes in the cell: polarization, waves, and division
Authors: Sept David , Carlsson Anders E.
Published: August 2014

The past decade has witnessed significant developments in molecular biology techniques, fluorescent labeling, and super-resolution microscopy, and together these advances have vastly increased our quantitative understanding of the cell. This detailed knowledge has concomitantly opened the door for biophysical modeling on a cellular scale. There have been comprehensive models produced describing many processes such as motility, transport, gene regulation, and chemotaxis. However, in this review we focus on a specific set of phenomena, namely cell polarization, F-actin waves, and cytokinesis. In each case, we compare and contrast various published models, highlight the relevant aspects of the biology, and provide a sense of the direction in which the field is moving.
Mineral-scale Sr isotope variation in plutonic rocks — a tool for unravelling the evolution of magma systems
Authors: Davidson Jon P. , Font Laura , Charlier Bruce L. A. , Frank J. Tepley
Published: August 2014

Isotope ratios of elements such as Sr, Nd, Pb and Hf can be used as tracers of magmatic sources and processes. Analytical capabilities have evolved so that isotope ratios can now be analysed in situ, and isotopic tracers can therefore be used within single minerals to track the changing magmatic environment in which a given mineral grew. This contribution shows that Sr isotope ratios in feldspars that make up plutonic rocks will typically preserve initial isotopic variations, provided precise and accurate age corrections can be applied. Variations in initial isotope ratio can give a core-to-rim record of magmatic evolution and can be used to diagnose open system events such as contamination and magma recharge and mixing.

New single grain Sr isotope data are presented from the Dais Intrusion, Antarctica, which reflect an open system origin for the crystals. The crystal cargo appears to be aggregated and assembled during transport and emplacement. This model, as opposed to a magma body crystallising post emplacement, may be more applicable to plutonic rocks in general, and is testable using the in situ isotopic determination methods described here.
Eleven million years of arc volcanism at the Aucanquilcha Volcanic Cluster, northern Chilean Andes: implications for the life span and emplacement of plutons
Authors: Grunder Anita L. , Klemetti Erik W. , Feeley Todd C. , McKee Claire M.
Published: August 2014

The arid climate of the Altiplano has preserved a volcanic history of ∼11 million years at the Aucanquilcha Volcanic Cluster (AVC), northern Chile, which is built on thick continental crust. The AVC has a systematic temporal, spatial, compositional and mineralogical development shared by other long-lived volcanic complexes, indicating a common pattern in continental magmatism with implications for the development of underlying plutonic complexes, that in turn create batholiths.

The AVC is a ∼700-km2, Tertiary to Recent cluster of at least 19 volcanoes that have erupted andesite and dacite lavas (∼55 to 68 wt.% SiO2) and a small ash-flow tuff, totalling 327 ± 20 km3. Forty 40Ar/39Ar ages for the AVC range from 10·97 ± 0·35 to 0·24 ± 0·05 Ma and define three major 1·5 to 3 million-year pulses of volcanism followed by the present pulse expressed as Volcán Aucanquilcha. The first stage of activity (∼11–8 Ma, Alconcha Group) produced seven volcanoes and the 2-km3 Ujina ignimbrite and is a crudely bimodal suite of pyroxene andesite and dacite. After a possible two million year hiatus, the second stage of volcanism (∼6–4 Ma, Gordo Group) produced at least five volcanoes ranging from pyroxene andesite to dacite. The third stage (∼4–2 Ma, Polan Group) represents a voluminous pulse of activity, with eruption of at least another five volcanoes, broadly distributed in the centre of the AVC, and composed dominantly of biotite amphibole dacite; andesites at this stage occur as magmatic inclusions. The most recent activity (1 Ma to recent) is in the centre of the AVC at Volcán Aucanquilcha, a potentially active composite volcano made of biotite-amphibole dacite with andesite and dacite magmatic inclusions.

These successive eruptive groups describe (1) a spatial pattern of volcanism from peripheral to central, (2) a corresponding change from compositionally diverse andesite-dacite volcanism to compositionally increasingly restricted and increasingly silicic dacite, (3) a change from early anhydrous mafic silicate assemblages (pyroxene dominant) to later biotite amphibole dacite, (4) an abrupt increase in eruption rate; and (5) the onset of pervasive hydrothermal alteration.

The evolutionary succession of the 327-km3 AVC is similar to other long-lived intermediate volcanic complexes of very different volumes, e.g., eastern Nevada (thousands of km3, Gans et al. 1989; Grunder 1995), Yanacocha, Perú (tens of km3, Longo 2005), and the San Juan Volcanic System (tens of thousands of km3, Lipman 2007) and finds an analogue in the 10-m. y. history and incremental growth of the Cretaceous Tuolumne Intrusive Suite (Coleman et al. 2004; Glazner et al. 2004). The present authors interpret the AVC to reflect episodic sampling of the protracted and fitful development of an integrated and silicic middle to upper crustal magma reservoir over a period of at least 11 million years.
The Trawenagh Bay Granite and a new model for the emplacement of the Donegal Batholith
Authors: Stevenson Carl T. E. , Hutton Donald H. W. , Price Alun R.
Published: August 2014

The Trawenagh Bay Granite (TBG) is shown to be a tabular pluton with gently inclined contacts that, from anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) studies, was emplaced as a series of flow lobes whose geometries indicate that it flowed horizontally towards the W out of late stage adjacent steeply inclined monzogranite sheets of the Main Donegal Granite (MDG). We thus confirm in detail the central broad idea of the Pitcher & Read (1959) model that the Main Donegal Granite fed the Trawenagh Bay Granite. Early TBG flow lobes cut and are cut by deformation associated with the sinistral shear zone in which the MDG lies, thus demonstrating synchronicity of shearing and magmatism. The TBG magma leaked out of the shear zone and emplaced into undeformed country rocks and was probably guided by shear zone splays that die out along its northern and southern margins. At a late stage in the development of MDG, the splays developed from the NNE-trending SW boundary of the shear zone and caused a gap in this structure through which TBG magma was channelled out of the MDG. A review is presented of the last twenty-five years of published and unpublished work on the batholith, showing that the MDG shear zone was a long-lived structure almost certainly in existence before the emplacement of that body, and that four of the contiguous granitiods (Thorr, Ardara, and Rosses, as well as Trawenagh Bay) were all sourced within the shear zone. A new model is presented for the development of the batholith. The pre-existing crustal structure was a deep-seated N12°E fault in the basement to the Dalradian wall rocks of the granites, that was coupled to up to six other more minor WNW–ESE basement faults in the W. A NE–SW-trending sinistral shear zone was initiated at the end of the Caledonian orogeny, as calc-alkaline and deep-seated appinites were generated in the area. This shearing activated the pre-existing structures at the current crustal level, and the N12°E structure acted as a continental transform fault which allowed the dilation needed to facilitate the wedging space requirements of the MDG and the other units in the shear zone, as well as transferring regional sinistral shear through the system. The Thorr and Ardara plutons were emplaced first into the shear zone and then those magmas leaked out into the adjacent wall rocks: one to form a large laccolith, the other to form a balloon. Steep early MDG complex sheets (granodiorites and tonalities) were emplaced in the shear zone between the Thorr and Ardara emplacement sites. Dilation continued until late stage extensive monzogranite sheets were intruded in the NW and SE of the pluton. One of these probably leaked material westward to form the Rosses laccolith and southwestwards to form the TBG in the final stages of shear zone movement.
Comprehension asymmetries in language acquisition: a test for Relativized Minimality
Authors: VARLOKOSTA SPYRIDOULA , NERANTZINI MICHAELA , PAPADOPOULOU DESPINA
Published: August 2014

Cross-linguistic studies have shown that typically developing children have difficulties comprehending non-canonical structures. These findings have been interpreted within the Relativized Minimality (RM) approach, according to which local relations cannot be established between two terms of a dependency if an intervening element possesses similar morphosyntactic features. In an extension of RM, Friedmann, Belletti, and Rizzi (2009) suggested that lexical NP restriction is the source of minimality effects in non-canonical sentences. The present study aimed at investigating whether the predictions of their account can be confirmed in Greek. Our results indicate that although lexical NP restriction is a crucial factor in generating minimality effects, it is not always sufficient to account for the comprehension difficulties that young children face with non-canonical sentences, since the internal structure (i.e. the feature specification) of the moved element and of the intervener affects their performance, as well.
Supportive care needs of cancer patients: A literature review
Authors: Smith Ayana , Hyde Yolanda M. , Stanford Deb
Published: August 2014

Objective:

This review of the research literature explored the supportive care needs of cancer patients of varying ages and genders at varying stages of cancer treatment.

Method:

We conducted a search of online databases of peer-reviewed studies published in the English language between 2009 and 2014.

Results:

This paper reviews research studies that explored the supportive care needs of cancer patients through focus groups, surveys, and interviews. The samples addressed varied in age, ethnicity, and gender.

Significance of Results:

One major need identified was the requirement of informational support. Other essential needs included emotional, spiritual, and financial support. Supportive care can be administered in various ways—for example, by religious communities or caregivers as well as providers. However, healthcare providers must recognize the supportive care needs of their patients and incorporate effective resources and interventions into treatment plans.
The dictator effect: how long years in office affect economic development
Authors: PAPAIOANNOU KOSTADIS J. , VAN ZANDEN JAN LUITEN
Published: August 2014

This paper contributes to the growing literature on the links between political regimes and economic development by studying the effects of years in office on economic development. The hypothesis is that dictators who stay in office for a long time period will find it increasingly difficult to carry out sound economic policies. We argue that such economic policies are the result of information asymmetries inherent to dictatorships (known as the ‘dictator dilemma’) and of changes in the personality of dictators (known as the ‘winner effect’). We call the combination of these two terms the ‘dictator effect’. We present evidence to suggest that long years in office impacts on economic growth (which is reduced), inflation (which increases) and the quality of institutions (which deteriorates). The negative effect of long years of tenure (i.e. the ‘dictator effect’) is particularly strong in young states and in Africa and the Near East.
Disturbance and temporal partitioning of the activated sludge metacommunity
Authors: Vuono David C , Benecke Jan , Henkel Jochen , Navidi William C , Cath Tzahi Y , Munakata-Marr Junko , Spear John R , Drewes Jörg E
Published: August 2014

The resilience of microbial communities to press disturbances and whether ecosystem function is governed by microbial composition or by the environment have not been empirically tested. To address these issues, a whole-ecosystem manipulation was performed in a full-scale activated sludge wastewater treatment plant. The parameter solids retention time (SRT) was used to manipulate microbial composition, which started at 30 days, then decreased to 12 and 3 days, before operation was restored to starting conditions (30-day SRT). Activated sludge samples were collected throughout the 313-day time series in parallel with bioreactor performance (‘ecosystem function’). Bacterial small subunit (SSU) rRNA genes were surveyed from sludge samples resulting in a sequence library of >417 000 SSU rRNA genes. A shift in community composition was observed for 12- and 3-day SRTs. The composition was altered such that r-strategists were enriched in the system during the 3-day SRT, whereas K-strategists were only present at SRTs⩾12 days. This shift corresponded to loss of ecosystem functions (nitrification, denitrification and biological phosphorus removal) for SRTs⩽12 days. Upon return to a 30-day SRT, complete recovery of the bioreactor performance was observed after 54 days despite an incomplete recovery of bacterial diversity. In addition, a different, yet phylogenetically related, community with fewer of its original rare members displaced the pre-disturbance community. Our results support the hypothesis that microbial ecosystems harbor functionally redundant phylotypes with regard to general ecosystem functions (carbon oxidation, nitrification, denitrification and phosphorus accumulation). However, the impacts of decreased rare phylotype membership on ecosystem stability and micropollutant removal remain unknown.
Aquatic metagenomes implicate Thaumarchaeota in global cobalamin production
Authors: Doxey Andrew C , Kurtz Daniel A , Lynch Michael D J , Sauder Laura A , Neufeld Josh D
Published: August 2014

Cobalamin (vitamin B12) is a complex metabolite and essential cofactor required by many branches of life, including most eukaryotic phytoplankton. Algae and other cobalamin auxotrophs rely on environmental cobalamin supplied from a relatively small set of cobalamin-producing prokaryotic taxa. Although several Bacteria have been implicated in cobalamin biosynthesis and associated with algal symbiosis, the involvement of Archaea in cobalamin production is poorly understood, especially with respect to the Thaumarchaeota. Based on the detection of cobalamin synthesis genes in available thaumarchaeotal genomes, we hypothesized that Thaumarchaeota, which are ubiquitous and abundant in aquatic environments, have an important role in cobalamin biosynthesis within global aquatic ecosystems. To test this hypothesis, we examined cobalamin synthesis genes across sequenced thaumarchaeotal genomes and 430 metagenomes from a diverse range of marine, freshwater and hypersaline environments. Our analysis demonstrates that all available thaumarchaeotal genomes possess cobalamin synthesis genes, predominantly from the anaerobic pathway, suggesting widespread genetic capacity for cobalamin synthesis. Furthermore, although bacterial cobalamin genes dominated most surface marine metagenomes, thaumarchaeotal cobalamin genes dominated metagenomes from polar marine environments, increased with depth in marine water columns, and displayed seasonality, with increased winter abundance observed in time-series datasets (e.g., L4 surface water in the English Channel). Our results also suggest niche partitioning between thaumarchaeotal and cyanobacterial ribosomal and cobalamin synthesis genes across all metagenomic datasets analyzed. These results provide strong evidence for specific biogeographical distributions of thaumarchaeotal cobalamin genes, expanding our understanding of the global biogeochemical roles played by Thaumarchaeota in aquatic environments.
Implications of the Wnt5a/CaMKII Pathway in Retinoic Acid-Induced Myogenic Tongue Abnormalities of Developing Mice
Authors: Cong Wei , Liu Bo , Liu Shuqing , Sun Mingzhong , Liu Han , Yang Yue , Wang Ru , Xiao Jing
Published: August 2014

Although proper tongue development is relevant to other structures in the craniofacial region, the molecular details of muscle development in tongue remain poorly understood. Here, we report that pregnant mice treated with retinoic acid (+RA) produce embryos with tongue malformation and a cleft palate. Histological analyses revealed that at E14.5, the tongues of +RA fetuses failed to descend and flatten. Ultrastructural analysis showed that at perinatal stage E18.5, the myofilaments failed to form normal structures of sarcomeres and arranged disorderly in the genioglossus. The proliferation and levels of myogenic determination markers (Myf5 and MyoD) and myosin in the genioglossus were profoundly reduced. Wnt5a and Camk2d expressions were down-regulated, while levels of Tbx1, Ror2 and PKCδ were up-regulated in the tongues of +RA fetuses. In mock- and Wnt5a-transfected C2C12 (Wnt5a-C2C12) cells, Wnt5a overexpression impaired proliferation and maintained Myf5 at a relative high level after RA treatment. Furthermore, Wnt5a overexpression positively correlated with levels of Camk2d and Ror2 in C2C12 cells after RA exposure. These data support the hypothesis that the Wnt5a/CaMKII pathway is directly involved in RA-induced hypoplasia and disorder of tongue muscles.
Vertically-aligned BCN Nanotube Arrays with Superior Performance in Electrochemical capacitors
Authors: Zhou Junshuang , Li Na , Gao Faming , Zhao Yufeng , Hou Li , Xu Ziming
Published: August 2014

Electrochemical capacitors (EC) have received tremendous interest due to their high potential to satisfy the urgent demand in many advanced applications. The development of new electrode materials is considered to be the most promising approach to enhance the EC performance substantially. Herein, we present a high-capacity capacitor material based on vertically-aligned BC2N nanotube arrays (VA-BC2NNTAs) synthesized by low temperature solvothermal route. The obtained VA-BC2NNTAs display the good aligned nonbuckled tubular structure, which could indeed advantageously enhance capacitor performance. VA-BC2NNTAs exhibit an extremely high specific capacitance, 547 Fg−1, which is about 2–6 times larger than that of the presently available carbon-based materials. Meanwhile, VA-BC2NNTAs maintain an excellent rate capability and high durability. All these characteristics endow VA-BC2NNTAs an alternative promising candidate for an efficient electrode material for electrochemical capacitors (EC).
Oncologic photodynamic diagnosis and therapy: confocal Raman/fluorescence imaging of metal phthalocyanines in human breast cancer tissue in vitro
Authors: Abramczyk Halina , Brozek-Pluska Beata , Surmacki Jakub , Musial Jacek , Kordek Radzislaw
Published: August 2014

Raman microspectroscopy and confocal Raman imaging combined with confocal fluorescence were used to study the distribution and aggregation of aluminum tetrasulfonated phthalocyanine (AlPcS4) in breast tissues.
Low voltage electrically stimulated lab-on-a-chip device followed by red-green-blue analysis: a simple and efficient design for complicated matrices
Authors: Seidi Shahram , Rezazadeh Maryam , Yamini Yadollah , Zamani Niki , Esmaili Sara
Published: August 2014

An electrical field-induced lab-on-a-chip design followed by RGB analysis is introduced to develop a portable device for analysis of Pb2+.
A novel graphene oxide based fluorescent nanosensing strategy with hybridization chain reaction signal amplification for highly sensitive biothiol detection
Authors: Ge Jia , Huang Zhi-Mei , Xi Qiang , Yu Ru-Qin , Jiang Jian-Hui , Chu Xia
Published: August 2014

A novel fluorescent nanosensor was developed for detecting biothiols via coupling graphene based fluorescence quenching with T–Hg(ii)–T controlled hybridization chain reaction.
SmI2–H2O-mediated 5-exo/6-exo lactone radical cyclisation cascades
Authors: Yalavac Irem , Lyons Sarah E. , Webb Michael R. , Procter David J.
Published: August 2014

5-exo/6-exo lactone radical cyclisation cascades deliver carbo[5.4.0]bicycles in a diastereoselective, one-pot process using SmI2 in the presence of H2O.
A model for determination of the interfacial energy from the induction time or metastable zone width data based on turbidity measurements
Authors: Shiau Lie-Ding , Lu Tsan-Sheng
Published: August 2014

A model is developed to recover the interfacial energy from the induction time and the metastable zone width data.
Exploring the mechanism of Grignard metathesis polymerization of 3-alkylthiophenes
Authors: Bahri-Laleh Naeimeh , Poater Albert , Cavallo Luigi , Mirmohammadi Seyed Amin
Published: August 2014

In this study we have investigated computationally the mechanism of polymerization of 2,5-dibromo 3-butylthiophene via the GRIM method, with the focus on the origin of the head to tail (HT) selectivity.
Blood coagulation screening using a paper-based microfluidic lateral flow device
Authors: Li H. , Han D. , Pauletti G. M. , Steckl A. J.
Published: August 2014

A simple paper fluidic device provides a visual indication of blood coagulation status.
Synthesis of imidazo[2,1-b][1,3,4]thiadiazole–chalcones as apoptosis inducing anticancer agents
Authors: Kamal Ahmed , Reddy Vangala Santhosh , Santosh Karnewar , Bharath Kumar G. , Shaik Anver Basha , Mahesh Rasala , Chourasiya Sumit. S. , Sayeed Ibrahim Bin , Kotamraju Srigiridhar
Published: August 2014

A library of imidazothiadiazole–chalcone conjugates were synthesised and investigated for their cytotoxic activity against various human cancer cell lines. Some of the tested compounds like7a,7b,11aand11bexhibited promising anticancer activity.
Study of binding interactions between MPT63 protein and Au nanocluster
Authors: Paramanik Bipattaran , Kundu Amrita , Chattopadhyay Krishnananda , Patra Amitava
Published: August 2014

Binding between AuNC andMycobacterium tuberculosisderived protein.
CuO nanorods: a potential and efficient adsorbent in water purification
Authors: Raul Prasanta Kumar , Senapati Samarpita , Sahoo Ashish K. , Umlong Iohborlang M. , Devi Rashmi R. , Thakur Ashim Jyoti , Veer Vijay
Published: August 2014

CuO nanorods can remove Pb(ii) from aqueous solution with a maximum sorption capacity of 3.31 mg g−1at 298 K.
Differentially cross-linkable core–shell nanofibers for tunable delivery of anticancer drugs: synthesis, characterization and their anticancer efficacy
Authors: Uday Kumar S. , Matai I. , Dubey P. , Bhushan B. , Sachdev A. , Gopinath P.
Published: August 2014

This work introduces a new dimension for controlled drug delivery by nanofiber based scaffolds for anticancer therapy.
A highly efficient, ligand-free and recyclable SBA-15 supported Cu2O catalyzed cyanation of aryl iodides with potassium hexacyanoferrate(ii)
Authors: Yin Wenzhu , Liu Rui , He Guangke , Lv Wangjie , Zhu Hongjun
Published: August 2014

SBA-15 supported Cu2O nanoparticles (Cu2O/SBA-15) have been fabricated and characterized. The Cu2O/SBA-15 nanoparticles can effectively catalyze cyanation of aryl iodides using non-toxic K4[Fe(CN)6] as a cyanide source.
Polymer supported Pd catalyzed carbonylation of aryl bromides for the synthesis of aryl esters and amides
Authors: Islam Sk Manirul , Ghosh Kajari , Roy Anupam Singha , Molla Rostam Ali
Published: August 2014

A new polymer anchored Pd(ii) Schiff base catalyst has been synthesized for the evaluation of alkoxycarbonylation and aminocarbonylation reactions of various substituted aryl bromides with alcohols and amines.
Electronic structure of tetraaza[1.1.1.1]o,p,o,p-cyclophane and its oxidized states
Authors: Sakamaki Daisuke , Ito Akihiro , Matsumoto Takashi , Tanaka Kazuyoshi
Published: August 2014

The smallest macrocyclic oligoarylamine bearing the alternantortho–para-linkage exhibits the unique structural and electronic features.
Rational synthesis of bis(hexyloxy)-tetra(hydroxy)-triphenylenes and their derivatives
Authors: Smith Merry K. , Powers-Riggs Natalia E. , Northrop Brian H.
Published: August 2014

The synthesis of three new tetra(hydroxy)-triphenylene derivatives and their use as platforms for rationally designed, mixed-substituent triphenylene derivatives is described.
Colloidal lenses as universal Raman scattering enhancers
Authors: Alessandri I. , Bontempi N. , Depero L. E.
Published: August 2014

Colloidal lenses can be easily implemented into conventional microspectroscopy experiments as universal, disposable Raman scattering enhancers.
The influence of nanoparticles on enzymatic bioelectrocatalysis
Authors: Pankratov Dmitry , Sundberg Richard , Suyatin Dmitry B. , Sotres Javier , Barrantes Alejandro , Ruzgas Tautgirdas , Maximov Ivan , Montelius Lars , Shleev Sergey
Published: August 2014

Detailed experimental evidences that neither an overpotential of bioelectrocatalysis, nor direct electron transfer and bioelectrocatalytic reaction rates for an adsorbed enzyme depend on the size of gold nanoparticles, are presented.
Self-assembled insect muscle bioactuators with long term function under a range of environmental conditions
Authors: Baryshyan A. L. , Domigan L. J. , Hunt B. , Trimmer B. A. , Kaplan D. L.
Published: August 2014

Insect muscle stem cells were used to generate organized 3D muscle bioactuators with significant enhancements in environmental tolerance and long term function over their mammalian counterparts.
The effect of nanoparticle location and shape on thermal transitions observed in hydrated layer-by-layer assemblies
Authors: Puhr Joseph T. , Swerdlow Benjamin E. , Reid Dariya K. , Lutkenhaus Jodie L.
Published: August 2014

When nanoparticles are inserted at different locations within a layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly, a second higher temperature thermal transition appears under select conditions.
Thermal phase transition behaviours of the blue phase of bent-core nematogen and chiral dopant mixtures under different boundary conditions
Authors: Gim Min-Jun , Han Gohyun , Choi Suk-Won , Yoon Dong Ki
Published: August 2014

We have investigated dramatic changes in the thermal phase transition of a liquid-crystalline (LC) blue phase (BP) consisting of bent-core nematogen and chiral dopants under various boundary conditions during cooling from the isotropic phase.
Regeneration of sodium alanate studied by powder in situ neutron and synchrotron X-ray diffraction
Authors: Humphries Terry D. , Makepeace Joshua W. , Hino Satoshi , David William I. F. , Hauback Bjørn C.
Published: August 2014

The regeneration pathway of sodium alanate has been studied by in situ synchrotron powder X-ray diffraction and powder neutron diffraction.
ZnO nanorods/ZnSe heteronanostructure arrays with a tunable microstructure of ZnSe shell for visible light photocatalysis
Authors: Wu Zhengcui , Wang Huan , Xue Yejing , Li Baoer , Geng Baoyou
Published: August 2014

ZnO nanorods/ZnSe heteronanostructure arrays with a tunable microstructure of the ZnSe shell, produced by liquid chemical conversion using ZnO nanorods arrays on a zinc foil, exhibit a high visible light photocatalytic activity.
Nitrogen-doped hierarchically porous carbon as efficient oxygen reduction electrocatalysts in acid electrolyte
Authors: Zhong Hexiang , Deng Chengwei , Qiu Yanling , Yao Lan , Zhang Huamin
Published: August 2014

Nitrogen-doped carbon electrocatalyst with hierarchically porous structure displays excellent catalytic activity. More prominently, the catalyst presents superior stability as well as tolerance of methanol and SO2 to the Pt/C catalysts in 0.5 M H2SO4.