bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prophylactic catheter ablation of ventricular tachycardia before cardioverter‐defibrillator implantation in patients with non‐ischemic cardiomyopathy: Clinical outcomes after a single endocardial ablation
Authors: Suzuki Atsushi , Yoshida Akihiro , Takei Asumi , Fukuzawa Koji , Kiuchi Kunihiko , Takami Kaoru , Itoh Mitsuaki , Imamura Kimitake , Fujiwara Ryudo , Nakanishi Tomoyuki , Yamashita Soichiro , Matsumoto Akinori , Shimane Akira , Okajima Katsunori , Hirata Ken‐ichi
Published: February 2015

Background

Outcomes related to prophylactic catheter ablation (PCA) for ventricular tachycardia (VT) before implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) implantation in non‐ischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM) are not well characterized. We assessed the efficacy of single endocardial PCA in NICM patients.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 101 consecutive NICM patients with sustained VT. We compared clinical outcomes of patients who underwent PCA (ABL group) with those who did not (No ABL group). Successful PCA was defined as no inducible clinical VT. We also compared the clinical outcomes of patients with successful PCA (PCA success group) with those of the No ABL group. Endpoints were appropriate ICD therapy (shock and anti‐tachycardia pacing) and the occurrence of electrical storm (ES).

Results

PCA was performed in 42 patients, and it succeeded in 20. The time to ES occurrence was significantly longer in the ABL group than in the No ABL group (p=0.04). The time to first appropriate ICD therapy and ES occurrence were significantly longer in the PCA success group than in the No ABL group (p=0.02 and p<0.01, respectively).

Conclusion

Single endocardial PCA can decrease ES occurrence in NICM patients. However, high rates of VT recurrence and low success rates are issues to be resolved; therefore, the efficacy of single endocardial PCA is currently limited.
Cognitive and Physical Demands of Activities of Daily Living in Older Adults: Validation of Expert Panel Ratings
Authors:   The Successful Aging after Elective Surgery Functional Measures Working Group, Fong Tamara G. , Gleason Lauren J. , Wong Bonnie , Habtemariam Daniel , Jones Richard N. , Schmitt Eva M. , de Rooij Sophia E. , Saczynski Jane S. , Gross Alden L. , Bean Jonathan F. , Brown Cynthia J. , Fick Donna M. , Gruber‐Baldini Ann L. , O'Connor Margaret , Tabloski Patrica A. , Marcantonio Edward R. , Inouye Sharon K.
Published: February 2015

Background

Difficulties with performance of functional activities may result from cognitive and/or physical impairments. To date, there has not been a clear delineation of the physical and cognitive demands of activities of daily living.

Objectives

To quantify the relative physical and cognitive demands required to complete typical functional activities in older adults.

Design

Expert panel survey.

Setting

Web‐based platform.

Participants

Eleven experts from 8 academic medical centers and 300 community‐dwelling elderly adults age 70 and older scheduled for elective noncardiac surgery from 2 academic medical centers.

Methods

Sum scores of expert ratings were calculated and then validated against objective data collected from a prospective longitudinal study.

Main Outcome Measurements

Correlation between expert ratings and objective neuropsychologic tests (memory, language, complex attention) and physical measures (gait speed and grip strength) for performance‐based tasks.

Results

Managing money, self‐administering medications, using the telephone, and preparing meals were rated as requiring significantly more cognitive demand, whereas walking and transferring, moderately strenuous activities, and climbing stairs were assessed as more physically demanding. Largely cognitive activities correlated with objective neuropsychologic performance (r = 0.13‐0.23, P < .05) and largely physical activities correlated with physical performance (r = 0.15‐0.46, P < .05).

Conclusions

Quantifying the degree of cognitive and/or physical demand for completing a specific task adds an additional dimension to standard measures of functional assessment. This additional information may significantly influence decisions about rehabilitation, postacute care needs, treatment plans, and caregiver education.
Determinants of Tuberculosis Infection Control–Related Behaviors Among Healthcare Workers in the Country of Georgia
Authors: Mirtskhulava Veriko , Whitaker Jennifer A. , Kipiani Maia , Harris Drew A. , Tabagari Nino , Owen-Smith Ashli A. , Kempker Russell R. , Blumberg Henry M.
Published: February 2015

OBJECTIVE

To better understand tuberculosis (TB) infection control (IC) in healthcare facilities (HCFs) in Georgia.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional evaluation of healthcare worker (HCW) knowledge, beliefs and behaviors toward TB IC measures including latent TB infection (LTBI) screening and treatment of HCWs.

SETTING

Georgia, a high-burden multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) country.

PARTICIPANTS

HCWs from the National TB Program and affiliated HCFs.

METHODS

An anonymous self-administered 55-question survey developed based on the Health Belief Model (HBM) conceptual framework.

RESULTS

In total, 240 HCWs (48% physicians; 39% nurses) completed the survey. The overall average TB knowledge score was 61%. Only 60% of HCWs reported frequent use of respirators when in contact with TB patients. Only 52% of HCWs were willing to undergo annual LTBI screening; 48% were willing to undergo LTBI treatment. In multivariate analysis, HCWs who worried about acquiring MDR-TB infection (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.28–2.25), who thought screening contacts of TB cases is important (aOR, 3.4; 95% CI, 1.35–8.65), and who were physicians (aOR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.08–2.60) were more likely to accept annual LTBI screening. With regard to LTBI treatment, HCWs who worked in an outpatient TB facility (aOR, 0.3; 95% CI, 0.11–0.58) or perceived a high personal risk of TB reinfection (aOR, 0.5; 95% CI, 0.37–0.64) were less likely to accept LTBI treatment.

CONCLUSION

The concern about TB reinfection is a major barrier to HCW acceptance of LTBI treatment. TB IC measures must be strengthened in parallel with or prior to the introduction of LTBI screening and treatment of HCWs.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2015;00(0): 1–7
A thermodynamically consistent phase-field model for two-phase flows with thermocapillary effects
Authors: Guo Z. , Lin P.
Published: February 2015

In this paper, we develop a phase-field model for binary incompressible (quasi-incompressible) fluid with thermocapillary effects, which allows for the different properties (densities, viscosities and heat conductivities) of each component while maintaining thermodynamic consistency. The governing equations of the model including the Navier–Stokes equations with additional stress term, Cahn–Hilliard equations and energy balance equation are derived within a thermodynamic framework based on entropy generation, which guarantees thermodynamic consistency. A sharp-interface limit analysis is carried out to show that the interfacial conditions of the classical sharp-interface models can be recovered from our phase-field model. Moreover, some numerical examples including thermocapillary convections in a two-layer fluid system and thermocapillary migration of a drop are computed using a continuous finite element method. The results are compared with the corresponding analytical solutions and the existing numerical results as validations for our model.
Thermocapillary migration and interaction of drops: two non-merging drops in an aligned arrangement
Authors: Yin Zhaohua , Li Qiaohong
Published: February 2015

A numerical study on the interaction of two spherical drops in thermocapillary migration in microgravity is presented. Unequal drop sizes in the axisymmetric model lead to strong drop interaction if the leading drop is smaller. The effect of the ratio of the two drop radii, their initial distance apart, and non-dimensional numbers on the interaction is studied in the case of non-merging drops in detail. The Marangoni number adopted in this paper is fairly large (around 100) so as to reveal the phenomena of real flows. As a result, the heat wake behind the leading drop plays an important role in drop interaction, and obviously different final drop distances and transient migration processes are observed for various sets of non-dimensional numbers. The influence of drop deformation on drop interaction is also investigated for relatively large capillary number (up to 0.2). Finally, some simulations are performed to explain the phenomena of drop interaction in previous experiments, and some suggestions for future experiments are also provided.
Optimal nonlinear eddy viscosity in Galerkin models of turbulent flows
Authors: Protas Bartosz , Noack Bernd R. , Östh Jan
Published: February 2015

We propose a variational approach to the identification of an optimal nonlinear eddy viscosity as a subscale turbulence representation for proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) models. The ansatz for the eddy viscosity is given in terms of an arbitrary function of the resolved fluctuation energy. This function is found as a minimizer of a cost functional measuring the difference between the target data coming from a resolved direct or large-eddy simulation of the flow and its reconstruction based on the POD model. The optimization is performed with a data-assimilation approach generalizing the 4D-VAR method. POD models with optimal eddy viscosities are presented for a 2D incompressible mixing layer at $\mathit{Re}=500$ (based on the initial vorticity thickness and the velocity of the high-speed stream) and a 3D Ahmed body wake at $\mathit{Re}=300\,000$ (based on the body height and the free-stream velocity). The variational optimization formulation elucidates a number of interesting physical insights concerning the eddy-viscosity ansatz used. The 20-dimensional model of the mixing-layer reveals a negative eddy-viscosity regime at low fluctuation levels which improves the transient times towards the attractor. The 100-dimensional wake model yields more accurate energy distributions as compared to the nonlinear modal eddy-viscosity benchmark proposed recently by Östh et al. (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 747, 2014, pp. 518–544). Our methodology can be applied to construct quite arbitrary closure relations and, more generally, constitutive relations optimizing statistical properties of a broad class of reduced-order models.
How Much of the Incumbency Advantage is Due to Scare-Off?
Authors: Hall Andrew B. , Snyder James M.
Published: February 2015

This paper uses a regression discontinuity design to estimate the degree to which incumbents scare off challengers with previous officeholder experience. The estimates indicate a surprisingly small amount of scare-off, at least in cases where the previous election was nearly tied. As Lee and others have shown (and as we confirm for our samples) the estimated party incumbency advantage in these same cases is quite large—in fact, it is about as large as the average incumbency advantage for all races found using other approaches. Drawing from previous estimates of the electoral value of officeholder experience, we thus calculate that scare-off in these cases accounts for only about 5–7 percent of the party incumbency advantage. We show that these patterns are similar in elections for US House seats, statewide offices and US senate seats, and state legislative seats.
Radiation-induced sarcoma masquerading as osteoradionecrosis: case report and literature review
Authors: Wood J , Ver Halen J , Samant S , Florendo N
Published: February 2015

Background:

Radiation therapy is a commonly used treatment in head and neck oncology, whether used alone or as an adjunct to other treatments. Osteoradionecrosis and radiation-induced malignancy are both rare, late complications of radiation therapy.

Methods:

This paper describes a case of radiation-induced sarcoma of the mandible initially presenting as osteoradionecrosis. In addition, the literature on the identification and treatment of these entities is reviewed.

Results:

The patient underwent excision and reconstruction of the presumed osteoradionecrosis. Final pathology demonstrated radiation-induced sarcoma. The patient suffered tumour recurrence at seven months post-operatively.

Conclusion:

When evaluating a patient with osteoradionecrosis, clinicians should be cognisant of the risk of malignancy. This paper describes the first case of radiation-induced sarcoma presenting as osteoradionecrosis. Primary treatment of radiation-induced sarcoma is wide surgical extirpation, with a very limited role for chemotherapy. Overall survival for this entity is poor.
Lessons for regulating informal markets and implications for quality assurance – the case of migrant care workers in Austria
Authors: SCHMIDT ANDREA E. , WINKELMANN JULIANE , RODRIGUES RICARDO , LEICHSENRING KAI
Published: February 2015

The rising number of private care arrangements in which live-in migrant care workers are engaged as a functional equivalent to family care calls for special attention by policy makers and formal long-term care providers on their implications for quality assurance and professional standards in the long-term care sector. Austria is one of the first countries in Europe where tangible legal measures have been taken to regulate this area under the heading of ‘24-hour care’, typically provided by middle-aged women. Reform measures went beyond policing and control mechanisms, including also incentives and tangible subsidies for all stakeholders. This paper contributes to a better understanding of their impact on the transition from informal to formal economy, focusing on quality assurance and working conditions. Based on empirical data and findings from semi-structured interviews with relevant stakeholders, a framework for the analysis of ‘illegal markets', based on Beckert and Wehinger's theory, is used to discuss potential implications in terms of valuation, competition and co-operation for policy in Austria, and to draw lessons for other countries. Results indicate that even after efforts to ‘legalise’ migrant care, the sector remains a ‘grey’ area within modern labour market legislation and quality management. This is due to the very nature of personal care, low professional status associated with care work and the reluctance of political stakeholders to regulate private household activities.
Age-specific differences in influenza virus type and subtype distribution in the 2012/2013 season in 12 European countries
Authors: BEAUTÉ J. , ZUCS P. , KORSUN N. , BRAGSTAD K. , ENOUF V. , KOSSYVAKIS A. , GRIŠKEVIČIUS A. , OLINGER C. M. , MEIJER A. , GUIOMAR R. , PROSENC K. , STAROŇOVÁ E. , DELGADO C. , BRYTTING M. , BROBERG E.
Published: February 2015

The epidemiology of seasonal influenza is influenced by age. During the influenza season, the European Influenza Surveillance Network (EISN) reports weekly virological and syndromic surveillance data [mostly influenza-like illness (ILI)] based on national networks of sentinel primary-care providers. Aggregated numbers by age group are available for ILI, but not linked to the virological data. At the end of the influenza season 2012/2013, all EISN laboratories were invited to submit a subset of their virological data for this season, including information on age. The analysis by age group suggests that the overall distribution of circulating (sub)types may mask substantial differences between age groups. Thus, in cases aged 5–14 years, 75% tested positive for influenza B virus whereas all other age groups had an even distribution of influenza A and B viruses. This means that the intepretation of syndromic surveillance data without age group-specific virological data may be misleading. Surveillance at the European level would benefit from the reporting of age-specific influenza data.
Large proportions of overweight and obese children, as well as their parents, underestimate children’s weight status across Europe. The ENERGY (EuropeaN Energy balance Research to prevent excessive weight Gain among Youth) project
Authors: Manios Yannis , Moschonis George , Karatzi Kalliopi , Androutsos Odysseas , Chinapaw Mai , Moreno Luis A , Bere Elling , Molnar Denes , Jan Natasha , Dössegger Alain , De Bourdeaudhuij Ilse , Singh Amika , Brug Johannes
Published: February 2015

Objective

To investigate the magnitude and country-specific differences in underestimation of children’s weight status by children and their parents in Europe and to further explore its associations with family characteristics and sociodemographic factors.

Design

Children’s weight and height were objectively measured. Parental anthropometric and sociodemographic data were self-reported. Children and their parents were asked to comment on children’s weight status based on five-point Likert-type scales, ranging from ‘I am much too thin’ to ‘I am much too fat’ (children) and ‘My child’s weight is way too little’ to ‘My child’s weight is way too much’ (parents). These data were combined with children’s actual weight status, in order to assess underestimation of children’s weight status by children themselves and by their parents, respectively. Chi-square tests and multilevel logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine the aims of the current study.

Setting

Eight European countries participating in the ENERGY (EuropeaN Energy balance Research to prevent excessive weight Gain among Youth) project.

Subjects

A school-based survey among 6113 children aged 10–12 years and their parents.

Results

In the total sample, 42·9 % of overweight/obese children and 27·6 % of parents of overweight/obese children underestimated their and their children’s weight status, respectively. A higher likelihood for this underestimation of weight status by children and their parents was observed in Eastern and Southern compared with Central/Northern countries. Overweight or obese parents (OR=1·81; 95 % CI 1·39, 2·35 and OR=1·78, 95 % CI 1·22, 2·60), parents of boys (OR=1·32; 95 % CI 1·05, 1·67) and children from overweight/obese (OR=1·60; 95 % CI 1·29, 1·98 and OR=1·76; 95 % CI 1·29, 2·41) or unemployed parents (OR=1·53; 95 % CI 1·22, 1·92) were more likely to underestimate children’s weight status.

Conclusions

Children of overweight or obese parents, those from Eastern and Southern Europe, boys, younger children and children with unemployed parents were more likely to underestimate their actual weight status. Overweight or obese parents and parents of boys were more likely to underestimate the actual weight status of their children. In obesity prevention such underestimation may be a barrier for behavioural change.
Increasing access to fresh produce by pairing urban farms with corner stores: a case study in a low-income urban setting
Authors: Gudzune Kimberly A , Welsh Claire , Lane Elisa , Chissell Zach , Anderson Steeves Elizabeth , Gittelsohn Joel
Published: February 2015

Objective

Our objective was to pilot collaborations between two urban farms with two corner stores to increase access to fresh produce in low-income neighbourhoods.

Design

We conducted a pre–post evaluation of two farm–store collaborations using quantitative distribution and sales data. Using semi-structured interviews, we qualitatively assessed feasibility of implementation and collaboration acceptability to farmers and storeowners.

Setting

Low-income urban neighbourhoods in Baltimore, MD, USA in 2012.

Subjects

Pair #1 included a 0·25 acre (0·1 ha) urban farm with a store serving local residents and was promoted by the neighbourhood association. Pair #2 included a 2 acre (0·8 ha) urban farm with a store serving bus commuters.

Results

Produce was delivered all nine intervention weeks in both pairs. Pair #1 produced a significant increase in the mean number of produce varieties carried in the store by 11·3 (P<0·01) and sold 86 % of all items delivered. Pair #2 resulted in a non-significant increase in the number of produce varieties carried by 2·2 (P=0·44) and sold 63 % of all items delivered.

Conclusions

Our case study suggests that pairing urban farms with corner stores for produce distribution may be feasible and could be a new model to increase access to fruits and vegetables among low-income urban neighbourhoods. For future programmes to be successful, strong community backing may be vital to support produce sales.
Inter-fraction variation in interstitial high-dose-rate brachytherapy
Authors: Kandasamy Saravanan , Reddy K. S. , Nagarajan Vivekanandan , Vedasoundaram Parthasarathy , Karunanidhi Gunaseelan
Published: February 2015

Aim

To evaluate the inter-fraction variation in interstitial high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy. To assess the positional displacement of catheters during the fractions and the resultant impact on dosimetry.

Background

Although brachytherapy continues to be a key cornerstone of cancer care, it is clear that treatment innovations are needed to build on this success and ensure that brachytherapy continues to provide quality care for patients. The dosimetric advantages offered by HDR brachytherapy to the tumour volume rely on catheter positions being accurately reproduced for all fractions of treatment.

Materials and methods

A total of 66 patients treated over a period of 22 months were considered for this study. All the patients underwent computer tomography (CT) scan and three-dimensional treatment planning was carried out. Brachytherapy treatment was delivered by the HDR afterloading system. On completing the last fraction, CT scan was repeated and treatment re-planning was done. The variation in position of the implanted applicators and their impact on dosimetric parameters were analysed using both the plans.

Results

For all breast-implant patients, the catheter displacement and D90dose to clinical target volume were <3 mm and 3%, respectively. The displacement for carcinoma of the tongue, carcinoma of the buccal mucosa, carcinoma of the floor of mouth, carcinoma of the cervix, soft-tissue sarcoma and carcinoma of the lip were comparatively high.

Conclusion

Inter-fraction errors occur frequently in interstitial HDR brachytherapy. If no action is taken, it will result in a significant risk of geometrical miss and overdose to the organs at risk. It is not recommended to use a single plan to deliver all the fractions. Imaging is recommended before each fraction and decision on re-planning must be taken.
Edward MacDowell's Original Program for theSonata Eroica
Authors: BERTAGNOLLI PAUL
Published: February 2015

Manuscript sources for Edward MacDowell'sSonata Eroica(1895) divulge a radically different, notably more sinister program than the commentary that the composer imparted to Lawrence Gilman, his first biographer. Gilman's widely promulgated account, merely comprising four character sketches based on Tennyson's Arthurian epic,Idylls of the King, maintains that the score's movements respectively depict the coming of Arthur, Doré's engraving of a knight surrounded by elves, MacDowell's idea of Guinevere, and the passing of Arthur.

Inscriptions in a continuity draft preserved at the Library of Congress, however, reveal that the first movement was initially conceived as an independent ballade (an intrinsically programmatic genre) and was originally inspired by Tennyson's portrayal of Vivien seducing Merlin. Another inscription discloses that MacDowell envisioned the third movement as Lancelot's adulterous serenade to Guinevere. Additional manuscript variants and close correlations between the score's vibrant musical topics and Tennyson's literary contexts demonstrate that the entire sonata, including the elfin scherzo and war-like finale, embodies a tale of seduction and its dire consequences.

Although theEroica's vivid, newly discovered program remains compatible with MacDowell's professed aesthetics, he suppressed the inscriptions. Speculative reasons for his doing so include formal considerations, critical opinions on programmaticism, and his attitudes toward sex.
LRS-Elterngruppenprogramm: Teilnehmerzufriedenheit und subjektive Effektivität
Authors: Buschmann Anke , Multhauf Bettina
Published: February 2015

Zusammenfassung. Das Ziel vorliegender Studie bestand in einer Überprüfung der Akzeptanz und Teilnehmerzufriedenheit eines Gruppentrainings für Eltern von Kindern mit Lese- und/oder Rechtschreibschwierigkeiten. Zudem sollten erste Indikatoren bezüglich der Wirksamkeit des Programmes untersucht werden. Dazu wurden Daten von 25 Müttern zu 2 Messzeitpunkten (Post-Test, 3-Monats-Follow-up) analysiert. Die Probandinnen nahmen über einen Zeitraum von 3 Monaten an 5 Sitzungen des Programms «Mein Kind mit Lese- und Rechtschreibschwierigkeiten verstehen, stärken und unterstützen: Heidelberger Elterntraining zum Umgang mit LRS» teil. Ein Paper-Pencil-Fragebogen diente zum Post-Test der Erhebung von Teilnahmeparametern, der Zufriedenheit mit dem Training, der Relevanz einzelner Themen und der wahrgenommenen Veränderungen in wichtigen Zielbereichen. Zusätzlich kam eine für das Gruppensetting adaptierte Form des Goal Attainment Scaling zum Einsatz, um das Erreichen persönlich relevanter Ziele unmittelbar nach dem Training sowie 3 Monate später zu erfassen. Die Analyse des Fragebogens zeigte eine hohe Partizipationsbereitschaft der Mütter. Die Rahmenbedingungen des Trainings (Gruppengröße, Dauer des Trainings und der Sitzungen) sowie die didaktischen Methoden wurden als ideal und die Themen als relevant eingeschätzt. Die Mütter sahen sich in der Lage, die Inhalte im Alltag anzuwenden und nahmen positive Veränderungen hinsichtlich Einfühlungsvermögen, Unterstützung des Kindes, Hausaufgabensituation und Beziehung zum Kind wahr. Das Ausmaß des Erreichens individueller Ziele zum Post-Test variierte je nach Zielbereich: Einfühlen und Verstehen (75 %), Optimierung der Hausaufgabensituation (76 %), Unterstützung psychosozialer Entwicklung (86 %), Lese-Rechtschreibförderung (60 %) und war auch 3 Monate später noch vergleichbar hoch. Die Überprüfung der Wirksamkeit hinsichtlich einer Belastungsreduktion und Kompetenzstärkung seitens der Eltern erfolgt aktuell im Vergleich zu einer unbehandelten Kontrollgruppe.
Modeling the Competencies of Prospective Business and Economics Teachers
Authors: Schnick-Vollmer Kathleen , Berger Stefanie , Bouley Franziska , Fritsch Sabine , Schmitz Bernhard , Seifried Jürgen , Wuttke Eveline
Published: February 2015

Despite the important role that teachers’ professional competencies play, domain-specific models of competence as well as established instruments to measure such competencies are lacking (e.g., Blömeke, Zlatkin-Troitschanskaia, Kuhn, & Fege, 2013 ). For this reason, a domain-specific model of competence and an instrument to measure prospective business and economics teachers’ professional competence in the domain of accounting was developed. This article focuses on the measurement of professional knowledge, which is a key facet of teachers’ professional competence. A corresponding test instrument is introduced and its measurement quality is reported. The test instrument used at 24 German universities (N = 1.158) comprises 49 items, distributed among different booklets following a multi-matrix design. All items have well functioning parameter values. In accordance with our hypothesis, a two-dimensional model fits the data best. The reliabilities of .64 (content knowledge) and .64 (pedagogical content knowledge) are satisfying. Thus, the developed instrument allows to gain a detailed understanding of prospective teachers’ professional knowledge in accounting.
The jasmonate-responsive GTR1 transporter is required for gibberellin-mediated stamen development in Arabidopsis
Authors: Saito Hikaru , Oikawa Takaya , Hamamoto Shin , Ishimaru Yasuhiro , Kanamori-Sato Miyu , Sasaki-Sekimoto Yuko , Utsumi Tomoya , Chen Jing , Kanno Yuri , Masuda Shinji , Kamiya Yuji , Seo Mitsunori , Uozumi Nobuyuki , Ueda Minoru , Ohta Hiroyuki
Published: February 2015

Plant hormones are transported across cell membranes during various physiological events. Recent identification of abscisic acid and strigolactone transporters suggests that transport of various plant hormones across membranes does not occur by simple diffusion but requires transporter proteins that are strictly regulated during development. Here, we report that a major glucosinolate transporter, GTR1/NPF2.10, is multifunctional and may be involved in hormone transport inArabidopsis thaliana. When heterologously expressed in oocytes, GTR1 transports jasmonoyl-isoleucine and gibberellin in addition to glucosinolates.gtr1mutants are severely impaired in filament elongation and anther dehiscence resulting in reduced fertility, but these phenotypes can be rescued by gibberellin treatment. These results suggest that GTR1 may be a multifunctional transporter for the structurally distinct compounds glucosinolates, jasmonoyl-isoleucine and gibberellin, and may positively regulate stamen development by mediating gibberellin supply.
Collaborative rewiring of the pluripotency network by chromatin and signalling modulating pathways
Authors: Tran Khoa A. , Jackson Steven A. , Olufs Zachariah P.G. , Zaidan Nur Zafirah , Leng Ning , Kendziorski Christina , Roy Sushmita , Sridharan Rupa
Published: February 2015

Reprogramming of somatic cells to induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) represents a profound change in cell fate. Here, we show that combining ascorbic acid (AA) and 2i (MAP kinase and GSK inhibitors) increases the efficiency of reprogramming from fibroblasts and synergistically enhances conversion of partially reprogrammed intermediates to the iPSC state. AA and 2i induce differential transcriptional responses, each leading to the activation of specific pluripotency loci. A unique cohort of pluripotency genes including Esrrb require both stimuli for activation. Temporally, AA-dependent histone demethylase effects are important early, whereas Tet enzyme effects are required throughout the conversion. 2i function could partially be replaced by depletion of components of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) and insulin growth factor pathways, indicating that they act as barriers to reprogramming. Accordingly, reduction in the levels of the EGF receptor gene contributes to the activation of Esrrb. These results provide insight into the rewiring of the pluripotency network at the late stage of reprogramming.
Experimental Measurement-Device-Independent Entanglement Detection
Authors: Nawareg Mohamed , Muhammad Sadiq , Amselem Elias , Bourennane Mohamed
Published: February 2015

Entanglement is one of the most puzzling features of quantum theory and of great importance for the new field of quantum information. The determination whether a given state is entangled or not is one of the most challenging open problems of the field. Here we report on the experimental demonstration of measurement-device-independent (MDI) entanglement detection using witness method for general two qubits photon polarization systems. In the MDI settings, there is no requirement to assume perfect implementations or neither to trust the measurement devices. This experimental demonstration can be generalized for the investigation of properties of quantum systems and for the realization of cryptography and communication protocols.
Ezh2 mediated H3K27me3 activity facilitates somatic transition during human pluripotent reprogramming
Authors: Rao Radhika Arasala , Dhele Narendra , Cheemadan Sabna , Ketkar Alhad , Jayandharan Giridhara R. , Palakodeti Dasaradhi , Rampalli Shravanti
Published: February 2015

Factor induced reprogramming of fibroblasts is an orchestrated but inefficient process. At the epigenetic level, it results in drastic chromatin changes to erase the existing somatic “memory” and to establish the pluripotent state. Accordingly, alterations of chromatin regulators including Ezh2 influence iPSC generation. While the role of individual transcription factors in resetting the chromatin landscape during iPSC generation is increasingly evident, their engagement with chromatin modulators remains to be elucidated. In the current study, we demonstrate that histone methyl transferase activity of Ezh2 is required for mesenchymal to epithelial transition (MET) during human iPSC generation. We show that the H3K27me3 activity favors induction of pluripotency by transcriptionally targeting the TGF-β signaling pathway. We also demonstrate that the Ezh2 negatively regulates the expression of pro-EMT miRNA's such as miR-23a locus during MET. Unique association of Ezh2 with c-Myc was required to silence the aforementioned circuitry. Collectively, our findings provide a mechanistic understanding by which Ezh2 restricts the somatic programme during early phase of cellular reprogramming and establish the importance of Ezh2 dependent H3K27me3 activity in transcriptional and miRNA modulation during human iPSC generation.
Whole-genome sequencing reveals that mutations in myosin-5 confer resistance to the fungicide phenamacril in Fusarium graminearum
Authors: Zheng Zhitian , Hou Yiping , Cai Yiqiang , Zhang Yu , Li Yanjun , Zhou Mingguo
Published: February 2015

To determine the mechanism of resistance to the fungicide phenamacril (JS399-19) in Fusarium graminearum, the causal agent of Fusarium head blight, we sequenced and annotated the genome of the resistant strain YP-1 (generated by treating the F. graminearum reference strain PH-1 with phenamacril). Of 1.4 million total reads from an Illumina-based paired-end sequencing assay, 92.80% were aligned to the F. graminearum reference genome. Compared with strain PH-1, strain YP-1 contained 1,989 single-nucleotide polymorphisms that led to amino acid mutations in 132 genes. We sequenced 22 functional annotated genes of another F. graminearum sensitive strain (strain 2021) and corresponding resistant strains. The only mutation common to all of the resistant mutants occurred in the gene encoding myosin-5 (point mutations at codon 216, 217, 418, 420, or 786). To confirm whether the mutations in myosin-5 confer resistance to phenamacril, we exchanged the myosin-5 locus between the sensitive strain 2021 and the resistant strain Y2021A by homologous double exchange. The transformed mutants with a copy of the resistant fragment exhibited resistance to phenamacril and the transformed mutant with a copy of the sensitive fragment exhibited sensitivity to phenamacril. These results indicate that mutations in myosin-5 confers resistance to phenamacril in F. graminearum.
An analytical method for precise determination of the cadmium isotopic composition in plant samples using multiple collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry
Authors: Wei Rongfei , Guo Qingjun , Wen Hanjie , Yang Junxing , Peters Marc , Zhu Chuanwei , Ma Jie , Zhu Guangxu , Zhang Hanzhi , Tian Liyan , Wang Chunyu , Wan Yingxin
Published: February 2015

Three-isotope plots of Cd isotope ratios in plant samples and Cd standard materials are presented in this study.
Selective and general exhaustive cross-coupling of di-chloroarenes with a deficit of nucleophiles mediated by a Pd–NHC complex
Authors: Groombridge Benjamin J. , Goldup Stephen M. , Larrosa Igor
Published: February 2015

We report the first example of a general, exhaustive Pd-mediated cross-coupling of polychloroarenes in the presence of a deficit of nucleophiles, mediated by the highly active PEPPSI-IPent catalyst.
Intramolecular 1,1-carboboration versus intermolecular FLP addition in reactions of boranes and bis(phenylethynyl)telluroether
Authors: Tsao Fu An , Lough Alan. J. , Stephan Douglas W.
Published: February 2015

Reactions of boranes with Te(CCPh)2 proceed via initial intermolecular 1,1-carboboration followed by either an intramolecular carboboration or an FLP addition to a second molecule, yielding 1-bora-4-tellurocyclohexa-2,5-diene heterocycles or tricylic derivatives of 1,4-ditellurocyclohexa-2,5-diene, respectively.
The development of a disposable gas chromatography microcolumn
Authors: Rankin Jacqueline M. , Suslick Kenneth S.
Published: February 2015

The first molded-polymer gas chromatography (GC) microcolumn (made of a phase-separated, microtextured thermoset polymer) is described and characterized.
Methylene blue phosphoramidite for DNA labelling
Authors: De Crozals Gabriel , Farre Carole , Sigaud Monique , Fortgang Philippe , Sanglar Corinne , Chaix Carole
Published: February 2015

We report the first synthesis of a methylene blue (MB) phosphoramidite derivative suitable for DNA solid-phase synthesis.
DFT calculation of the potential energy landscape topology and Raman spectra of type I CH4and CO2hydrates
Authors: Vidal-Vidal Ángel , Pérez-Rodríguez Martín , Torré Jean-Philippe , Piñeiro Manuel M.
Published: February 2015

Type I methane and carbon dioxide hydrates analyzed using DFT calculations: Raman spectra and potential energy landscape.
Pulsed electron–electron double resonance spectroscopy between a high-spin Mn2+ ion and a nitroxide spin label
Authors: Akhmetzyanov D. , Plackmeyer J. , Endeward B. , Denysenkov V. , Prisner T. F.
Published: February 2015

PELDOR experiments on a Mn2+–nitroxide complex were performed. At 1.2 T the Mn2+–nitroxide distance was determined by probing both spins. PELDOR obtained at 6.4 T provided as well the orientation of the nitroxide with respect to the dipolar vector connecting the spins.
New meso-substituted corroles possessing pentafluorophenyl groups – synthesis and spectroscopic characterization
Authors: Bursa Bartosz , Barszcz Bolesław , Bednarski Waldemar , Lewtak Jan Paweł , Koszelewski Dominik , Vakuliuk Olena , Gryko Daniel T. , Wróbel Danuta
Published: February 2015

In this paper, the synthesis and spectroscopic characterization of new free-base corroles substituted with different peripheral groups are reported.
The chemistry and engineering of polymeric hydrogel adhesives for wound closure: a tutorial
Authors: Ghobril C. , Grinstaff M. W.
Published: February 2015

Thistutorial reviewhighlights the key features and design requirements for the use of polymeric hydrogel adhesives in the clinic.
Asymmetric 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reactions between enals and nitrones catalysed by half-sandwich rhodium or iridium diphosphane complexes
Authors: Asenjo Ainara , Viguri Fernando , Pilar Lamata M. , Rodríguez Ricardo , Carmona María , Oro Luis A. , Carmona Daniel
Published: February 2015

The aqua complexes [(η5-C5Me5)M(PP*)(H2O)][SbF6]2(M = Rh, Ir; PP* = chiral diphosphane) catalyse the asymmetric 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of nitrones to α,β-unsaturated aldehydes. Enantioselectivity up to 99% ee was achieved.
Discrete and polymeric cobalt organophosphates: isolation of a 3-D cobalt phosphate framework exhibiting selective CO2capture
Authors: Gupta Sandeep K. , Kuppuswamy Subramaniam , Walsh James P. S. , McInnes Eric J. L. , Murugavel Ramaswamy
Published: February 2015

Auxiliary ligand assisted control over the structural diversity has been achieved in the case of cobalt(ii) organophosphates.
Photocatalytic property of a Bi2O3 nanoparticle modified BiOCl composite with a nanolayered hierarchical structure synthesized by in situ reactions
Authors: Hu Jiajia , Xu Guangqing , Wang Jinwen , Lv Jun , Zhang Xinyi , Xie Ting , Zheng Zhixiang , Wu Yucheng
Published: February 2015

Bi2O3 nanoparticle modified BiOCl nanosheets with a nanolayered hierarchical structure synthesized by in situ reactions exhibit high photocatalytic performance.
Organic photovoltaic greenhouses: a unique application for semi-transparent PV?
Authors: Emmott Christopher J. M. , Röhr Jason A. , Campoy-Quiles Mariano , Kirchartz Thomas , Urbina Antonio , Ekins-Daukes Nicholas J. , Nelson Jenny
Published: February 2015

Organic photovoltaics are analysed for use within a photovoltaic greenhouse for combined crop growth and electricity production.
Initiation and propagation of a single pit on stainless steel using a local probe technique
Authors: Heurtault Stéphane , Robin Raphaël , Rouillard Fabien , Vivier Vincent
Published: February 2015

Experiments about single pit initiation and propagation were performed on 316L stainless steel with the aim to determine the pitting corrosion behaviour for nuclear waste containers. The experimental setup permits to control the pit development at will and to create reproducible single pits in three dimensions. Radial and deep evolutions of a disc shaped pit were studied for propagation times of up to 10 hours. These evolutions were used to determine what limiting mechanism takes place during long-term pit propagation. Special attention has been paid to the chloride ion action on pitting. A minimum chloride concentration was found to be necessary in the bulk electrolyte to support pit propagation. The existence of a critical pit depth of 230 μm was also underlined.
Pulsed radiofrequency glow discharge time of flight mass spectrometry for coated glass analysis
Authors: Bouza Marcos , Pereiro Rosario , Bordel Nerea , Sanz-Medel Alfredo , Fernández Beatriz
Published: February 2015

The potential of rf-PGD-ToFMS for quantitative depth profiling analysis of thin layers on glasses has been investigated.
Quantification of plant chlorophyll content using Google Glass
Authors: Cortazar Bingen , Koydemir Hatice Ceylan , Tseng Derek , Feng Steve , Ozcan Aydogan
Published: February 2015

We demonstrate accurate measurement of chlorophyll concentration in plant leaves using Google Glass and a custom-developed software application together with a cost-effective multi-spectral leaf illuminator unit.
Buffer catalyzed cleavage of uridylyl-3′,5′-uridine in aqueous DMSO: comparison to its activated analog, 2-hydroxypropyl 4-nitrophenyl phosphate
Authors: Lain L. , Lönnberg H. , Lönnberg T. A.
Published: February 2015

In 80% aq. DMSO, buffer catalysis of the cleavage of UpU is significant but weaker than with HPNP.
Copper-catalyzed allylic C–H phosphonation
Authors: Yang Bin , Zhang Hong-Yu , Yang Shang-Dong
Published: February 2015

A novel copper-catalyzed allylic C–H phosphonation reaction has been developed under mild reaction conditions.
Effect of molecular weight on the properties and organic solar cell device performance of a donor–acceptor conjugated polymer
Authors: Xiao Zeyun , Sun Kuan , Subbiah Jegadesan , Qin Tianshi , Lu Shirong , Purushothaman Balaji , Jones David J. , Holmes Andrew B. , Wong Wallace W. H.
Published: February 2015

The effect of molecular weight of a conjugated polymer on its photophysical properties and solar cell device performance was investigated.
Composite mesoporous silica nanoparticle/chitosan nanofibers for bone tissue engineering
Authors: Li Kai , Sun Hailang , Sui Haitao , Zhang Yongxing , Liang He , Wu Xiaofeng , Zhao Qinghua
Published: February 2015

A novel MSN/CTS composite nanofibrous scaffold shows improved mechanical properties and enhances the attachment, proliferation and biomineralization of osteoblasts.
Carbonaceous microspheres prepared by hydrothermal carbonization of glucose for direct use in catalytic dehydration of fructose
Authors: Qi Xinhua , Liu Nian , Lian Youfen
Published: February 2015

Carbonaceous material prepared from the hydrothermal carbonization of glucose was used directly without anyin situfunctionalization or post-modification, and exhibited good catalytic activity for fructose dehydration to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural.
Engineering poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)/hydroxyapatite microspheres with diverse macropores patterns and the cellular responses
Authors: Cheng D. , Cao X. , Gao H. , Hou J. , Li W. , Hao L. , Wang Y.
Published: February 2015

Design macroporous topography on spherical substrates via a straightforward approach and investigate the corresponding cell responses.
Removal of basic dye Auramine-O by ZnS:Cu nanoparticles loaded on activated carbon: optimization of parameters using response surface methodology with central composite design
Authors: Asfaram Arash , Ghaedi Mehrorang , Agarwal Shilpi , Tyagi Inderjeet , Kumar Gupta Vinod
Published: February 2015

FESEM images of the prepared ZnS:Cu-NPs-AC.
Innovative human-specific investigational approaches to autoimmune disease
Authors: van de Stolpe Anja , Kauffmann Robert H.
Published: February 2015

An organ-on-chip disease model approach, including “pre-clinical trial-on-chip” is introduced for understanding of human autoimmune disease pathophysiology and drug development.
Efficiency enhancement of organic solar cells using peroxo-polytitanic acid coated silver nanowires as transparent electrodes
Authors: Xu Wei-Feng , Tsai Ming-Chih , Fu Po-Han , Huang Tzu-Yen , Yang Shang-Jung , Tian Wei-Cheng , Chu Chih-Wei , Huang Ding-Wei , Wei Pei-Kuen
Published: February 2015

Silver nanowires and peroxo-polytitanic acid gel combined with TiOx used as conducting electrodes for organic solar cell application.
Determination of arsenic(iii) based on the fluorescence resonance energy transfer between CdTe QDs and Rhodamine 6G
Authors: Tang Guangchao , Wang Jilin , Li Yang , Su Xingguang
Published: February 2015

The schematic illustration for the As(iii) detection based on fret between CdTe QDs and Rhodamine 6G.
What are we going to do about a problem like polymer chemistry? Develop new methods of delivery to improve understanding of a demanding interdisciplinary topic
Authors: Cavalli G. , Hamerton I. , Lygo-Baker S.
Published: February 2015

Following collaboration between two chemistry lecturers and an academic developer an attempt was made to enhance the learning of students within a chemistry module through the adaptation of the delivery of content material. This paper reports a piece of practitioner led research which considered how effective the approach developed was upon the level of student understanding and the process through which this occurred. The module delivery was altered from an emphasis on the transmission of knowledge through a traditional lecture format, to rotating small group problem based sessions and the use of concept maps. Student feedback and higher grades achieved appear to demonstrate it was effective.
5V-class high-voltage batteries with over-lithiated oxide and a multi-functional additive
Authors: Yim Taeeun , Woo Sang-Gil , Lim Sang Hoo , Cho Woosuk , Song Jun Ho , Han Young-Kyu , Kim Young-Jun
Published: February 2015

We propose a tris(trimethylsilyl)phosphite as a multi-functional over-lithiated oxide-specific additive on the basis of various scientific perspectives including organic/inorganic chemistry, analytical chemistry, computational chemistry and electrochemistry.
Composite membrane with ultra-thin ion exchangeable functional layer: a new separator choice for manganese-based cathode material in lithium ion batteries
Authors: Shi Junli , Xia Yonggao , Yuan Zhizhang , Hu Huasheng , Li Xianfeng , Jiang Hui , Zhang Huamin , Liu Zhaoping
Published: February 2015

A composite separator with an ultra-thin ion exchangeable layer was developed to alleviate severe capacity decay of lithium ion batteries.
Biofunctionalized pectin hydrogels as 3D cellular microenvironments
Authors: Neves Sara C. , Gomes David B. , Sousa Aureliana , Bidarra Sílvia J. , Petrini Paola , Moroni Lorenzo , Barrias Cristina C. , Granja Pedro L.
Published: February 2015

Pectin hydrogels were prepared by internal ionotropic gelation and explored as MSC delivery vehicles.
Sensitive and fast detection of tetracycline using an aptasensor
Authors: Jalalian Seyed Hamid , Taghdisi Seyed Mohammad , Danesh Noor Mohammad , Bakhtiari Hadi , Lavaee Parirokh , Ramezani Mohammad , Abnous Khalil
Published: February 2015

Tetracycline (TET) is one of the most extensively used antibiotics in humans and animals.
Molecular packing and n-channel thin film transistors of chlorinated cyclobuta[1,2-b:3,4-b′]diquinoxalines
Authors: Yang Shuaijun , Liu Danqing , Xu Xiaomin , Miao Qian
Published: February 2015

Introduction of chlorine substituents into cyclobuta[1,2-b:3,4-b′]diquinoxaline leads to tunable molecular packing motifs and n-type organic semiconductors with a field effect mobility of up to 0.42 cm2 V−1 s−1 in thin film transistors.
X-ray studies of conformation: observation of conformational polymorphism of a glycoluril clip
Authors: Wang Jungang , Gao Yang , Xiang Jiachen , Wang Miao , Wu Anxin
Published: February 2015

In this report, molecular modeling, X-ray crystallography and NMR spectroscopy were used to study the conformational behavior of a novel glycoluril based clip.