bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cognitively Based Assessment of Research and Inquiry Skills: Defining a Key Practice in the English Language Arts
Authors: Sparks Jesse R. , Deane Paul
Published: September 2015

Current educational standards call for students to engage in the skills of research and inquiry, with a focus on gathering evidence from multiple information sources, evaluating the credibility of those sources, and writing an integrated synthesis that cites evidence from those sources. Opportunities to build strong research skills are critical, yet empirical research demonstrates that students from Grades K–16 struggle with inquiry tasks, particularly in online environments. There is a need to create models that will support teachers in developing students' research skills and can be used to develop reliable and valid assessments of such skills while aligning with standards. Under theCBAL™ research initiative, we have developed a model of conducting research and inquiry as a key literacy practice in the English language arts (ELA). In this paper, we draw on literature from the cognitive and learning sciences—including work in discourse processing, science education, educational technology, and information literacy—to provide the theoretical background for this key practice. We identify a set of activities and skills that are critical for participating in research; each skill is accompanied by a set of provisional learning progressions, which outlines tentative predictions about the qualitative changes in a skill that develop over time with appropriate instruction. These learning progressions and their relation to the key practice can be leveraged in the design of cognitively based assessments of research and inquiry that are sensitive to students' developmental level. We conclude, with an example design for such an assessment to illustrate how key practices and learning progressions can be integrated to support measurement of research and inquiry skills.
Natural Convection Heat Transfer of Liquid Metal Gallium Nanofluids in a Rectangular Enclosure
Authors: Qi Cong , Cui Xin , Liu Yibo , Yang Zhongbo , Huang Chao
Published: September 2015

A new mixed nanofluid (Cu/diamond–gallium [Cu/diamond–Ga] nanofluid) is proposed, and the mass ratio of Cu nanoparticles and diamond nanoparticles in the new mixed nanofluid is 10:1. The natural convection heat transfer of Cu/diamond–Ga nanofluid, Cu–gallium (Cu–Ga) nanofluid, and liquid metal gallium with different volume fractions in a rectangular enclosure is investigated by a single‐phase model in this paper. The effects of temperature difference, nanoparticle volume fraction and the kinds of nanofluid on the natural convection heat transfer are discussed. The natural convection heat transfer of the three kinds of fluids is compared. It is found that Nusselt numbers of the Cu/diamond–Ga nanofluid along with X direction increases with the nanoparticle volume fraction and temperature difference. Cu/diamond–Ga nanofluid can enhance the heat transfer by 73.0% and 9.7% at low‐temperature difference (ΔT = 1 K) compared with liquid metal gallium and Cu–Ga nanofluid, respectively. It also can enhance the heat transfer by 85.9% and 5.2% at high‐temperature difference (ΔT = 11 K) compared with liquid metal gallium and Cu–Ga nanofluid, respectively.
Solid‐state reaction as a mechanism of 1T ↔ 2H transformation in MoS2 monolayers
Authors: Ryzhikov Maxim R. , Slepkov Vladimir A. , Kozlova Svetlana G. , Gabuda Svyatoslav P. , Fedorov Vladimir E.
Published: September 2015

Monolayers of molybdenum disulfide MoS2 are considered to be prospective materials for nanoelectronics and various catalytic processes. Since in certain conditions they undergo 1T ↔ 2H phase transitions, studying these phase changes is an urgent task. We present a DFT research of these transitions to show that they can proceed as a solid‐state reaction. Two transition states were discovered with energy barriers 1.03 and 1.40 eV. Sulfur atoms in the transition states are shown to be displaced relative to molybdenum atoms so that a tendency of one structural modification to transform into the other modification is seen. This kind of displacements agrees with electron microscopy data reported earlier. The energy parameters indicate that 1T → 2H reactions are exothermic for both transition states and can possibly proceed in a self‐sustained manner when initially activated by some external energy impact. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Lack of Potential Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Interactions Between Piragliatin, a Glucokinase Activator, and Simvastatin in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Georgy Angela , Zhai Suoping , Liang Zhenming , Boldrin Mark , Zhi Jianguo
Published: September 2015

To evaluate the potential pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD, glucose‐lowering effect) interaction between simvastatin and piragliatin, both CYP3A substrates, 30 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus participated in this open‐label, randomized, 6‐sequence, 3‐way crossover (William's design) study. During 3 periods, patients were randomized to receive a single dose of 80 mg simvastatin alone, a single dose of 100 mg piragliatin alone, as well as single doses of 80 mg simvastatin and 100 mg piragliatin together. Primary PK and PD parameters were AUCs on dosing days. The ratio of geometric means (90% confidence intervals) of the AUCinf of piragliatin coadministered with simvastatin compared with piragliatin alone was 0.98 (0.92–1.05), whereas that of the AUCinf of simvastatin acid (active metabolite) coadministered with piragliatin compared with simvastatin alone, was 1.02 (0.90–1.16), suggesting lack of pharmacokinetic interaction between piragliatin and simvastatin. Piragliatin's glucose‐lowering effect was not affected by coadministration of simvastatin. Overall, administration of piragliatin with simvastatin was without additional clinically relevant adverse effects as well as abnormality in laboratory tests, vital signs, and electrocardiogram parameters. Concomitant administration of simvastatin and piragliatin, both CYP3A substrates, has no clinically relevant effect on the pharmacokinetics of either piragliatin or simvastatin or on the pharmacodynamics for piragliatin.
The Synthesis, X‐ray Structure Analysis, and Photophysical Characterization of 4‐[(E)‐2‐(4‐Carboxyphenyl)diazenyl]‐morpholine
Authors: Johnson Mathew , Galbreath Michael , Fronczek Frank R. , Isovitsch Ralph
Published: September 2015

4‐[(E)‐2‐(4‐Carboxyphenyl)diazenyl]‐morpholine (1) was prepared in 33% yield from a coupling reaction between morpholine and the diazonium ion formed from 4‐aminobenzoic acid. X‐ray structural analysis of 1 yielded two important insights into its structure: the geometry of the N―N double bond and the partial delocalization across the linear triazene moiety. The absorption spectra of 1 in dilute acetonitrile and 2‐methyltetrahydrofuran solutions both featured an intense (ε ≈ 20,000 M−1cm−1) band centered at 320–324 nm that was assigned as a mixture of π → π* and n → π* transitions. Emission was observed at 383 and 379 nm from dilute acetonitrile and 2‐methyltetrahydrofuran solutions of 1, respectively, with the latter being red‐shifted to 439 nm at 77 K. Emission lifetime data for compound 1 provided evidence that the emission was a mixture of two excited state transitions.
A Facile Three‐Component One‐Pot Synthesis of Some Novel Tricyclic Hetero‐Ring Systems
Authors: Gomha Sobhi M. , Abdelrazek Fathy M.
Published: September 2015

A novel, facile, one‐pot, multicomponent reaction for the synthesis of a series of pyrano[2,3‐d][1,2,4]triazolo[4,3‐a]pyrimidine and pyrano[2′,3′:4,5]pyrimido[2,1‐b][1,3,5]thiadiazine derivatives has been developed from reaction of 2,4‐dichlorobezaldehyde, malononitrile, and the appropriate active methylene compounds in refluxing dioxane in the presence of chitosan. A plausible mechanism has been proposed for this reaction, and the structure of the newly synthesized compounds was all established on the basis of spectral data (mass, IR, and 1H‐NMR) and elemental analyses.
Performance of processes of care and outcomes in patients with Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia
Authors: Rosa Rossana , Wawrzyniak Andrew , Sfeir Maroun , Smith Laura , Abbo Lilian M.
Published: September 2015

BACKGROUND

Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (SAB) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality in hospitalized adults.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to identify current practice patterns in the management of SAB, and to evaluate their association with clinical outcomes.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

A 1558‐bed tertiary care teaching hospital.

PATIENTS

Adult patients hospitalized between January 1, 2012 through April 30, 2013, who had at least 1 positive blood culture with S aureus.

INTERVENTION

None

MEASUREMENTS

Electronic medical records were reviewed and the processes of care in the management of SAB were identified. The main outcome was clinical failure, defined as a composite endpoint of in‐hospital mortality and persistent bacteremia.

RESULTS

Two hundred fifty episodes of SAB occurred in 241 patients, and 78 (32.4%) had clinical failure. Processes of care that impacted the risk of clinical failure included: timing of follow‐up blood cultures (delays of >4 days had a relative risk [RR] of 6.6; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.1–20.5; P = 0.001), consultation with infectious diseases specialist within 6 days from diagnosis of SAB (RR: 0.3; 95% CI: 0.1−0.9; P = 0.03), and use of β‐lactams in patients with methicillin‐susceptible S aureus bacteremia (RR: 0.1; 95% CI: 0.04−0.5; P = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

The processes of care identified in our study could serve as quality and patient safety indicators for the management of SAB. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2016;11:27–32. © 2015 Society of Hospital Medicine
Updating threshold‐based identification of hospitalists in 2012 Medicare pay data
Authors: Lapps Joshua , Flansbaum Bradley , Leykum Luci , Boswell Josh , Haines Luigi
Published: September 2015

In the absence of a unique identifier, it is difficult to assess the number of practicing hospitalists. We use a variety of thresholds of billing activity to identify hospitalists in a dataset of publicly released 2012 Medicare physician pay data. Our study updates previous estimates of the number of hospitalists practicing nationwide in 2012 and suggests the field continues to grow. This research also highlights a need for a more precise system of identifying hospitalists. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2016;11:45–47. © 2015 Society of Hospital Medicine
HIV‐1 Thai B strain has spread out of former plasma donors into general population through sexual contact in Henan, China
Authors: Li Lin , Sun Guoqing , Zhong Ping , Han Jingwan , Li Tianyi , Jia Dijing , Liu Yongjian , Sun Changrong , Wang Zhe , Li Hanping , Wang Xiaolin , Li Jingyun
Published: September 2015

Henan, China is characterized by the outbreak of HIV epidemic of Thai B strain in former plasma donors in 1990s. After the forbidden of paid blood donation, whether Thai B strain will spread out of former plasma donors into sexual transmitted population is unknown. To answer the question, phylogenetic analysis was used to explore relationships of HIV strains circulating in those two populations in the study. HIV‐1 sero‐positive drug‐naïve patients infected through sexual contact were enrolled into the study. Full length gag and pol genes were amplified with nested RT‐PCR followed by sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. The genotypes of anti‐HIV drug resistance were also analyzed with available pol genes. HIV subtypes were determined in 249 individuals from 288 participants. Subtype B was dominant (202/249, 81.1%), followed by CRF01_AE (25/249, 10.0%), CRF07_BC (14/249, 5.6%), C (4/249, 1.6%), URF (3/249, 1.2%), and CRF08_BC (1/249, 0.4%). Most of subtype B strains belong to Thailand B lineage. All of Thai B strains identified in sexual transmitted population intermixed with those from former blood donors in phylogenetic tree, suggesting close phylogenetic relationship between strains epidemic in those two populations. TDR was identified in 9.9% individuals. Thai B strain has spread out of former blood donors in Henan province. The finding will contribute to understanding the distribution and evolution of HIV‐1 in Henan province and also provide clue to behavior change intervention. J. Med. Virol. 88:614–621, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A process model of employee engagement: The learning climate and its relationship with extra‐role performance behaviors
Authors: Eldor Liat , Harpaz Itzhak
Published: September 2015

Employee engagement has recently been introduced as a concept advantageous to organizations. However, little is known about the value of employee engagement in explaining work performance behaviors compared with similar concepts. The learning climate, defined as the organization's beneficial activities in helping employees create, acquire, and transfer knowledge, has also been proposed as an antecedent of employee engagement. Using data from a sample of 625 employees and their supervisors in various occupations and organizations throughout Israel, we investigated employee engagement as a key mechanism for explaining the relationship between perceptions of the organization's learning climate and employees' proactivity, knowledge sharing, creativity, and adaptivity. We also tested whether employee engagement explained the relationship more thoroughly than similar concepts such as job satisfaction and job involvement. Multilevel regression analyses supported our hypotheses that employee engagement mediates the relationship between the perceived learning climate and these extra‐role behaviors. Moreover, engagement provides a more thorough explanation than job satisfaction or job involvement for these relationships. The implications for organizational theory, research, and practice are discussed. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Acid‐sensing ion channel 3 or P2X2/3 is involved in the pain‐like behavior under a high bone turnover state in ovariectomized mice
Authors: Kanaya Kumiko , Iba Kousuke , Abe Yasuhisa , Dohke Takayuki , Okazaki Shunichiro , Matsumura Tadaki , Yamashita Toshihiko
Published: September 2015

We have recently demonstrated that pathological changes leading to increased bone resorption by osteoclast activation are related to the induction of pain‐like behavior in ovariectomized (OVX) mice. In addition, bisphosphonate and the antagonist of transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1), an acid‐sensing nociceptor, improved the threshold value of pain‐like behaviors accompanying an improvement in the acidic environment in the bone tissue based on osteoclast inactivation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of (i) an inhibitor of vacuolar H+‐ATPase, known as an proton pump, (ii) an antagonist of acid‐sensing ion channel (ASIC) 3, as another acid‐sensing nociceptor, and (iii) the P2X2/3 receptor, as an ATP‐ligand nociceptor, on pain‐like behavior in OVX mice. This inhibitor and antagonists were found to improve the threshold value of pain‐like behavior in OVX mice. These results indicated that the skeletal pain accompanying osteoporosis is possibly associated with the acidic microenvironment and increased ATP level caused by osteoclast activation under a high bone turnover state. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 34:566–573, 2016.
Synoptic operative reports enhance documentation of best practices for rectal cancer
Authors: Maniar Reagan L. , Sytnik Peter , Wirtzfeld Debrah A. , Hochman David J. , McKay Andrew M. , Yip Benson , Hebbard Pamela C. , Park Jason
Published: September 2015

Background

Implementation of best practices surgical checklists improves patient safety and outcomes. However, documenting performance of these practices can be challenging. The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons developed a Best Practices for Rectal Cancer Checklist (RCC) to standardize and improve the quality of rectal cancer surgery. This study compared the degree to which synoptic (SR) and narrative (NR) operative reports document RCC items.

Methods

Two reviewers independently reviewed a cohort of prospectively collected SR for rectal cancer surgery and a case‐matched historical cohort of NR. Reports were reviewed for documentation of performance of operative items on the RCC. Abstraction time and inter‐rater agreement were also measured.

Results

SR scored significantly higher than NR on the overall checklist score (mean adjusted score ± standard deviation 12.4 ± 0.9 vs. 5.7 ± 1.9, maximum possible score 18, P < 0.001). Reviewers abstracted data significantly faster from SR. Inter‐rater agreement between reviewers was high for both types of reports.

Conclusions

SR were associated with reliable and more complete and reliable documentation of items on the RCC. Use of an SR system standardizes operative reporting, providing the opportunity to enhance checklist compliance, and enable timely feedback to improve surgical outcomes for rectal cancer patients. J. Surg. Oncol. 2015; 112:555–560. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Correlated spectroscopic imaging of calf muscle in three spatial dimensions using group sparse reconstruction of undersampled single and multichannel data
Authors: Wilson Neil E. , Burns Brian L. , Iqbal Zohaib , Thomas M. Albert
Published: September 2015

Purpose

To implement a 5D (three spatial + two spectral) correlated spectroscopic imaging sequence for application to human calf.

Theory and Methods

Nonuniform sampling was applied across the two phase encoded dimensions and the indirect spectral dimension of an echo planar‐correlated spectroscopic imaging sequence. Reconstruction was applied that minimized the group sparse mixed
‐norm of the data. Multichannel data were compressed using a sensitivity map‐based approach with a spatially dependent transform matrix and utilized the self‐sparsity of the individual coil images to simplify the reconstruction.

Results

Single channel data with 8× and 16× undersampling are shown in the calf of a diabetic patient. A 15‐channel scan with 12× undersampling of a healthy volunteer was reconstructed using 5 virtual channels and compared to a fully sampled single slice scan. Group sparse reconstruction faithfully reconstructs the lipid cross peaks much better than
minimization.

Conclusion

COSY spectra can be acquired over a 3D spatial volume with scan time under 15 min using echo planar readout with highly undersampled data and group sparse reconstruction. Magn Reson Med 74:1199–1208, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Metaproteomic analysis adds a functional glimpse into host–microbe succession in an infant's GI
Authors: Elias Joshua E.
Published: September 2015

Succession is a fundamental concept in ecology, describing the process by which pioneering species colonize a new environmental niche, paving the way for increasingly complex, yet stable ecosystems. The human gut—among the most complex ecosystems known—develops from a nearly sterile state as newborns to a thriving functional network of trillions of organisms living in concert with the host. Recent microbiome analyses have begun to characterize the identities of the microbes during this period of colonization. However, the biochemical processes that govern the stages of interorganism succession remains a poorly understood, yet exciting frontier. Toward the goal of learning how host–microbe symbiosis arises and is maintained, Young et al. (Proteomics 2015, 15, 3463–3473) present a longitudinal metaproteomic case study of an infant during her second and third weeks of life. In the first such analysis of its kind, Young et al. portray overlapping stages of protein production by both the microbiota and the host consistent with their increasing complexity, and deepening interactions.
A multi‐instrument and multi‐model assessment of atmospheric moisture variability over the western Mediterranean during HyMeX
Authors: Chazette Patrick , Flamant Cyrille , Shang Xiaoxia , Totems Julien , Raut Jean‐Christophe , Doerenbecher Alexis , Ducrocq Véronique , Fourrié Nadia , Bock Olivier , Cloché Sophie
Published: September 2015

The Hydrological cycle in the Mediterranean eXperiment (HyMeX) was held in autumn 2012 during which part of the observational effort was established on Menorca Island to characterize the upwind marine low‐level flow. The ground‐based Water‐vapour Raman Lidar (WALI), the airborne water‐vapour lidar LEANDRE 2 and boundary‐layer pressurized balloons were implemented during the first Special Observing Period and contributed to characterize water vapour variability in the vicinity of the Balearic Islands, together with the existing network of Global Positioning System receivers. Furthermore, analyses from regional and global numerical weather prediction (NWP) models (AROME‐WMED, the ECMWF/IFS NWP system and the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model) were also available over large domains encompassing part of or the entire western Mediterranean basin. We assess the consistency of water vapour mixing ratio (WVMR) profiles and integrated water vapour contents (IWVC) derived from the different datasets by comparing them to a common reference, the ground‐based lidar WALI. We use consistency indicators such as root‐mean‐square errors, biases and correlations. Comparison between WVMR profiles from ground‐based and airborne lidars (ground‐based lidar and boundary‐layer pressurized balloons) leads to a root‐mean‐square error lower than 1.6 g kg−1 (1.3 g kg−1) when the closest possible air masses are sampled. We observed a good agreement between the vertical WVMR profiles derived from WALI and the numerical models with correlations higher than 0.7 and root‐mean‐square errors lower than 2 g kg−1. Regarding IWVCs, the models exhibit biases less than 2 kg m−2, root‐mean‐square errors lower than 2.3 g kg−1 and correlations higher than 0.86 when compared to WALI. Finally, AROME‐WMED 48 h forecasts were compared with WALI data composited over eleven 48 h periods. The quality of the forecast does not visibly degrade within the 48 h period from the initial analyses.
The influence of voltage applied between the electrodes on optical and morphological properties of the InGaN thin films grown by thermionic vacuum arc
Authors: Özen Soner , Şenay Volkan , Pat Suat , Korkmaz Şadan
Published: September 2015

The aim of this research is to investigate the optical and morphological properties of the InGaN thin films deposited onto amorphous glass substrates in two separate experiments with two different voltages applied between the electrodes, i.e. 500 and 600 V by means of the thermionic vacuum arc technique. This technique is original for thin film deposition and it enables thin film production in a very short period of time. The optical and morphological properties of the films were investigated by using field emission scanning electron microscope, atomic force microscope, spectroscopic ellipsometer, reflectometer, spectrophotometer, and optical tensiometer. Optical properties were also supported by empirical relations. The deposition rates were calculated as 3 and 3.3 nm/sec for 500 and 600 V, respectively. The increase in the voltage also increased the refractive index, grain size, root mean square roughness and surface free energy. According to the results of the wetting experiments, InGaN samples were low‐wettable, also known as hydrophobic. SCANNING 38:14–20, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Performance of principal scores to estimate the marginal compliers causal effect of an intervention
Authors: Porcher Raphaël , Leyrat Clémence , Baron Gabriel , Giraudeau Bruno , Boutron Isabelle
Published: September 2015

We examine the properties of principal scores methods to estimate the causal marginal odds ratio of an intervention for compliers in the context of a randomized controlled trial with non‐compliers. The two‐stage estimation approach has been proposed for a linear model by Jo and Stuart (Statistics in Medicine 2009; 28:2857–2875) under a principal ignorability (PI) assumption. Using a Monte Carlo simulation study, we compared the performance of several strategies to build and use principal score models and the robustness of the method to violations of underlying assumptions, in particular PI. Results showed that the principal score approach yielded unbiased estimates of the causal marginal log odds ratio under PI but that the method was sensitive to violations of PI, which occurs in particular when confounders are omitted from the analysis. For principal score analysis, probability weighting performed slightly better than full matching or 1:1 matching. Concerning the variables to be included in principal score models, the lowest mean squared error was generally obtained when using the true confounders. Using variables associated with the outcome only but not compliance however yielded very similar performance. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Human and environmental health risks and benefits associated with use of urban stormwater
Authors: Jiang Sunny C. , Lim Keah‐Ying , Huang Xiao , McCarthy David , Hamilton Andrew J.
Published: September 2015

For stormwater harvesting to achieve its full potential in mitigating water scarcity problems and restoring stream health, it is necessary to evaluate the human and environmental health risks and benefits associated with it. Stormwater harbors large amounts of pollutants and has traditionally been viewed as a leading cause of water‐quality degradation of receiving waters. Harvesting stormwater for household use raises questions of human exposure to pollutants, especially human pathogens, which have the potential to cause large‐scale disease outbreaks. These issues are compounded by uncertainties relating to the performance of stormwater treatment technologies in pathogen removal. Quantitative microbial risk assessment provides an objective risk estimate based on scientific data and the best assumptions, which can be used to educate and instil confidence in stakeholders of the practice. Although limited, human health risk studies have positively supported the use of minimally treated rainwater and stormwater for some non‐potable applications. In addition to the well‐known benefit of preserving the stream hydrology and ecology, wetlands used for harvesting stormwater can also provide new habitats for wildlife that benefit environmental health. A fundamental change from viewing stormwater as waste to resource requires the coordinated efforts in research, education, and effective communication. WIREs Water 2015, 2:683–699. doi: 10.1002/wat2.1107

This article is categorized under:

Engineering Water > Water, Health, and Sanitation
Promoting Positive Future Expectations During Adolescence: The Role of Assets
Authors: Stoddard Sarah A. , Pierce Jennifer
Published: September 2015

Positive future expectations can facilitate optimal development and contribute to healthier outcomes for youth. Researchers suggest that internal resources and community‐level factors may influence adolescent future expectations, yet little is known about the processes through which these benefits are conferred. The present study examined the relationship between contribution to community, neighborhood collective efficacy, purpose, hope and future expectations, and tested a mediation model that linked contribution to community and collective efficacy with future expectations through purpose and hope in a sample of 7th grade youth (N = 196; Mage = 12.39; 60 % female; 40 % African American; 71 % economically disadvantaged). Greater collective efficacy and contribution to community predicted higher levels of hope and purpose. Higher levels of hope and purpose predicted more positive future expectations. Contribution to community and neighborhood collective efficacy indirectly predicted future expectations via hope. Implications of the findings and suggestions for future research are discussed.
Growth responses of five desert plants as influenced by biological soil crusts from a temperate desert, China
Authors: Zhang Yuanming , Belnap Jayne
Published: September 2015

In almost all dryland systems, biological soil crusts (biocrusts) coexist alongside herbaceous and woody vegetation, creating landscape mosaics of vegetated and biocrusted patches. Results from past studies on the interaction between biocrusts and vascular plants have been contradictory. In the Gurbantunggut desert, a large temperate desert in northwestern China, well‐developed lichen‐dominated crusts dominate the areas at the base and between the sand dunes. We examined the influence of these lichen‐dominated biocrusts on the germination, growth, biomass accumulation, and elemental content of five common plants in this desert: two shrubs (Haloxylon persicum, Ephedra distachya) and three herbaceous plants (Ceratocarpus arenarius, Malcolmia africana and Lappula semiglabra) under greenhouse conditions. The influence of biocrusts on seed germination was species‐specific. Biocrusts did not affect percent germination in plants with smooth seeds, but inhibited germination of seeds with appendages that reduced or eliminated contact with the soil surface or prevented seeds from slipping into soil cracks. Once seeds had germinated, biocrusts had different influences on growth of shrub and herbaceous plants. The presence of biocrusts increased concentrations of nitrogen but did not affect phosphorus or potassium in tissue of all tested species, while the uptake of the other tested nutrients was species‐specific. Our study showed that biocrusts can serve as a biological filter during seed germination and also can influence growth and elemental uptake. Therefore, they may be an important trigger for determining desert plant diversity and community composition in deserts.
The Effect of Type of Oil and Degree of Degradation on Glycidyl Esters Content During the Frying of French Fries
Authors: Aniołowska Magda , Kita Agnieszka
Published: September 2015

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of oil degradation on the content of glycidyl esters (GEs) in oils used for the frying of French fries. As frying media, refined oils such as rapeseed, palm, palm olein and blend were used. French fries were fried for 40 h in oils heated to 180 °C in 30‐min cycles. After every 8 h of frying, fresh oil and samples were analyzed for acid and anisidine values, color, refractive index, fatty acid composition, and content and composition of the polar fraction. GEs were determined by LC–MS. Hydrolysis and polymerization occurred most intensively in palm olein, while oxidation was reported for rapeseed oil. The degradation of oil caused increased changes in the RI of frying oils. Losses of mono‐ and polyunsaturated fatty acids were observed in all samples, with the largest share in blend. The highest content of GE found in fresh oil was in palm olein (25 mg kg−1) and the lowest content of GE was found in rapeseed oil (0.8 mg kg−1). The palm oil, palm olein and blend were dominated by GEs of palmitic and oleic acids, while rapeseed oil was dominated by GE of oleic acid. With increasing frying time, the content of GEs decreased with losses from 47 % in rapeseed oil to 78 % in palm oil after finishing frying.
Vaginal Progesterone in Asymptomatic Women with Short Cervical Length on Ultrasound: is it Beneficial?
Authors: Gupta Anjali , Sharan Suman , Sen Jyotsna
Published: September 2015

The aim of the present study was to determine the efficacy of vaginal progesterone in asymptomatic women with a sonographic short cervix (≤25 mm) at 18–24 weeks of gestation in reducing the risk of preterm birth. It was a prospective observational study carried out on 60 pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic in tertiary health institute between 18 and 24 weeks of gestation with ultrasonographically-measured short cervix. The women with cervical length ≤25 mm were alternately divided into two groups of 30 each. Group I was given 200 mg vaginal micronized progesterone capsules and Group II was managed expectantly. Primary outcome was measured as spontaneous birth before 34 weeks of gestation. Secondary outcome was birth at <32 weeks, <37 weeks and the neonatal outcome. The demographic profile of women in both the groups was similar. The rate of spontaneous delivery before 34 and 37 weeks of gestation was significantly less in the progesterone group (3 vs 20 %; p = 0.044, 6.6 vs 26.7 %; p = 0.038). There was no difference in birth weight <2500 g and Apgar score <7 at 5 min in neonates of both the groups. Progesterone was associated with a significant reduction in composite neonatal morbidity (6.7 vs 33.3 %; p = 0.020). There were no serious adverse events associated with the use of progesterone. Thus, in a woman with short cervical length, vaginal progesterone significantly lowers the preterm birth rate and composite neonatal morbidity.
SATURATED FREE ALGEBRAS REVISITED
Authors: PILLAY ANAND , SKLINOS RIZOS
Published: September 2015

We give an exposition of results of Baldwin–Shelah [2] on saturated free algebras, at the level of generality of complete first order theoriesTwith a saturated modelMwhich is in the algebraic closure of an indiscernible set. We then make some new observations whenM isa saturated free algebra, analogous to (more difficult) results for the free group, such as a description of forking.
Latent class analysis of diagnostic tests for adenovirus,Bordetella pertussisand influenza virus infections in German adults with longer lasting coughs
Authors: SOBOTZKI C. , RIFFELMANN M. , KENNERKNECHT N. , HÜLSSE C. , LITTMANN M. , WHITE A. , VON KRIES R. , WIRSING VON KÖNIG C. H.
Published: September 2015

Laboratory tests in adult outpatients with longer lasting coughs to identify a potential causal pathogen are rarely performed, and there is no gold standard for these diagnostic tests. While the diagnostic validity of serological tests for pertussis is well established their potential contribution for diagnosing adenovirus and influenza virus A and B infections is unclear. A sentinel study into the population-based incidence of longer lasting coughs in adults was done in Rostock (former East Germany) and Krefeld (former West Germany). A total of 971 outpatients who consulted general practitioners or internists were included. Inclusion criteria were coughing for ⩾1 week and no chronic respiratory diseases. We evaluated the performance of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) as well as IgG and IgA serology, applying a latent class model for diagnosing infections with adenovirus,B. pertussis, and influenza virus A and B. The adult outpatients first sought medical attention when they had been coughing for a median of 3 weeks. In this situation, direct detection of infectious agents by PCR had a low sensitivity. Modelling showed that additional serological tests equally improved sensitivity and specificity for diagnosis for adenovirus,B. pertussisand influenza virus A and B infections. The combination of serology and PCR may improve the overall performance of diagnostic tests forB. pertussisand also foradenovirus, and influenza virus A and B infections.
Metatranscriptomic insights into polyphosphate metabolism in marine sediments
Authors: Jones Daniel S , Flood Beverly E , Bailey Jake V
Published: September 2015

Microorganisms can influence inorganic phosphate (Pi) in pore waters, and thus the saturation state of phosphatic minerals, by accumulating and hydrolyzing intracellular polyphosphate (poly-P). Here we used comparative metatranscriptomics to explore microbial poly-P utilization in marine sediments. Sulfidic marine sediments from methane seeps near Barbados and from the Santa Barbara Basin (SBB) oxygen minimum zone were incubated under oxic and anoxic sulfidic conditions. Pi was sequestered under oxic conditions and liberated under anoxic conditions. Transcripts homologous to poly-P kinase type 2 (ppk2) were 6–22 × more abundant in metatranscriptomes from the anoxic incubations, suggesting that reversible poly-P degradation by Ppk2 may be an important metabolic response to anoxia by marine microorganisms. Overall, diverse taxa differentially expressed homologues of genes for poly-P degradation (ppk2 and exopolyphosphatase) under different incubation conditions. Sulfur-oxidizing microorganisms appeared to preferentially express genes for poly-P degradation under anoxic conditions, which may impact phosphorus cycling in a wide range of oxygen-depleted marine settings.
Atomic-like spin noise in solid-state demonstrated with manganese in cadmium telluride
Authors: Cronenberger S. , Scalbert D. , Ferrand D. , Boukari H. , Cibert J.
Published: September 2015

Spin noise spectroscopy is an optical technique which can probe spin resonances non-perturbatively. First applied to atomic vapours, it revealed detailed information about nuclear magnetism and the hyperfine interaction. In solids, this approach has been limited to carriers in semiconductor heterostructures. Here we show that atomic-like spin fluctuations of Mn ions diluted in CdTe (bulk and quantum wells) can be detected through the Kerr rotation associated to excitonic transitions. Zeeman transitions within and between hyperfine multiplets are clearly observed in zero and small magnetic fields and reveal the local symmetry because of crystal field and strain. The linewidths of these resonances are close to the dipolar limit. The sensitivity is high enough to open the way towards the detection of a few spins in systems where the decoherence due to nuclear spins can be suppressed by isotopic enrichment, and towards spin resonance microscopy with important applications in biology and materials science.
The seasonal sea-ice zone in the glacial Southern Ocean as a carbon sink
Authors: Abelmann Andrea , Gersonde Rainer , Knorr Gregor , Zhang Xu , Chapligin Bernhard , Maier Edith , Esper Oliver , Friedrichsen Hans , Lohmann Gerrit , Meyer Hanno , Tiedemann Ralf
Published: September 2015

Reduced surface–deep ocean exchange and enhanced nutrient consumption by phytoplankton in the Southern Ocean have been linked to lower glacial atmospheric CO2. However, identification of the biological and physical conditions involved and the related processes remains incomplete. Here we specify Southern Ocean surface–subsurface contrasts using a new tool, the combined oxygen and silicon isotope measurement of diatom and radiolarian opal, in combination with numerical simulations. Our data do not indicate a permanent glacial halocline related to melt water from icebergs. Corroborated by numerical simulations, we find that glacial surface stratification was variable and linked to seasonal sea-ice changes. During glacial spring–summer, the mixed layer was relatively shallow, while deeper mixing occurred during fall–winter, allowing for surface-ocean refueling with nutrients from the deep reservoir, which was potentially richer in nutrients than today. This generated specific carbon and opal export regimes turning the glacial seasonal sea-ice zone into a carbon sink.
Spatial mapping of juxtacrine axo-glial interactions identifies novel molecules in peripheral myelination
Authors: Poitelon Y. , Bogni S. , Matafora V. , Della-Flora Nunes G. , Hurley E. , Ghidinelli M. , Katzenellenbogen B. S. , Taveggia C. , Silvestri N. , Bachi A. , Sannino A. , Wrabetz L. , Feltri M. L.
Published: September 2015

Cell–cell interactions promote juxtacrine signals in specific subcellular domains, which are difficult to capture in the complexity of the nervous system. For example, contact between axons and Schwann cells triggers signals required for radial sorting and myelination. Failure in this interaction causes dysmyelination and axonal degeneration. Despite its importance, few molecules at the axo-glial surface are known. To identify novel molecules in axo-glial interactions, we modified the ‘pseudopodia’ sub-fractionation system and isolated the projections that glia extend when they receive juxtacrine signals from axons. By proteomics we identified the signalling networks present at the glial-leading edge, and novel proteins, including members of the Prohibitin family. Glial-specific deletion of Prohibitin-2 in mice impairs axo-glial interactions and myelination. We thus validate a novel method to model morphogenesis and juxtacrine signalling, provide insights into the molecular organization of the axo-glial contact, and identify a novel class of molecules in myelination.
Structural basis for the inhibition of voltage-dependent K+ channel by gating modifier toxin
Authors: Ozawa Shin-ichiro , Kimura Tomomi , Nozaki Tomohiro , Harada Hitomi , Shimada Ichio , Osawa Masanori
Published: September 2015

Voltage-dependent K+ (Kv) channels play crucial roles in nerve and muscle action potentials. Voltage-sensing domains (VSDs) of Kv channels sense changes in the transmembrane potential, regulating the K+-permeability across the membrane. Gating modifier toxins, which have been used for the functional analyses of Kv channels, inhibit Kv channels by binding to VSD. However, the structural basis for the inhibition remains elusive. Here, fluorescence and NMR analyses of the interaction between VSD derived from KvAP channel and its gating modifier toxin, VSTx1, indicate that VSTx1 recognizes VSD under depolarized condition. We identified the VSD-binding residues of VSTx1 and their proximal residues of VSD by the cross-saturation (CS) and amino acid selective CS experiments, which enabled to build a docking model of the complex. These results provide structural basis for the specific binding and inhibition of Kv channels by gating modifier toxins.
LINGO-1 antibody ameliorates myelin impairment and spatial memory deficits in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis mice
Authors: Sun Jun-Jun , Ren Qing-Guo , Xu Lin , Zhang Zhi-Jun
Published: September 2015

More than 50% of multiple sclerosis patients develop cognitive impairment. However, the underlying mechanisms are still unclear and there is no effective treatment. LINGO-1 (LRR and Ig domain containing NOGO receptor interacting protein 1) has been identified as an inhibitor of oligodendrocyte differentiation and myelination. Using the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mouse model, we assessed cognitive function at early and late stages of EAE, determined brain expression of myelin basic protein (MBP) and investigated whether the LINGO-1 antibody could restore deficits in learning and memory and ameliorate any loss of MBP. We found that deficits in learning and memory occurred in late EAE and identified decreased expression of MBP in the parahippocampal cortex (PHC) and fimbria-fornix. Moreover, the LINGO-1 antibody significantly improved learning and memory in EAE and partially restored MBP in PHC. Furthermore, the LINGO-1 antibody activated the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway regulating myelin growth. Our results suggest that demyelination in the PHC and fimbria-fornix might contribute to cognitive deficits and the LINGO-1 antibody could ameliorate these deficits by promoting myelin growth in the PHC. Our research demonstrates that LINGO-1 antagonism may be an effective approach to the treatment of the cognitive impairment of multiple sclerosis patients.
Envelope solitary waves exist and collide head-on without phase shift in a dusty plasma
Authors: Zhang Heng , Qi Xin , Duan Wen-Shan , Yang Lei
Published: September 2015

The rarefactive KdV solitary waves in a dusty plasma have been extensively studied analytically and found experimentally in the previous works. Though the envelope solitary wave described by a nonlinear Schrödinger equation (NLSE) has been proposed by using the reductive perturbation method, it is first verified by using the particle-in-cell (PIC) numerical method in this paper. Surprisingly, there is no phase shift after the head on collision between two envelope solitary waves, while it is sure that there are phase shifts of two colliding KdV solitary waves after head on collision.
RACK1 antagonizes TNF-α-induced cell death by promoting p38 activation
Authors: Wang Qingyang , Zhou Silei , Wang Jing-Yang , Cao Junxia , Zhang Xueying , Wang Jing , Han Kun , Cheng Qianqian , Qiu Guihua , Zhao Yawei , Li Xinying , Qiao Chunxia , Li Yan , Hou Chunmei , Zhang Jiyan
Published: September 2015

p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activity has been reported to either promote or suppress cell death, which depends on cell type and stimulus. Our previous report indicates that p38 exerts a protective role in tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α-induced cell death in L929 fibroblastoma cells. However, key molecules regulating p38 activation remain unclear. Here, we show that ectopic expression of scaffold protein receptor for activated C kinase 1 (RACK1) suppressed TNF-α-induced cell death in L929 cells, which was associated with enhanced p38 activation. Knockdown of endogenous RACK1 expression exhibited opposite effects. The protective role of RACK1 in TNF-α-induced cell death diminished upon blockade of p38 activation. Therefore, RACK1 antagonizes TNF-α-induced cell death through, at least partially, augmenting p38 activation. Further exploration revealed that RACK1 directly bound to MKK3/6 and enhanced the kinase activity of MKK3/6 without affecting MKK3/6 phosphorylation. Similar effects of RACK1 were also observed in primary murine hepatocytes, another cell type sensitive to TNF-α-induced cell death. Taken together, our data suggest that RACK1 is a key factor involved in p38 activation as well as TNF-α-induced cell death.
Selective conversion of glycerol to lactic acid with iron pincer precatalysts
Authors: Sharninghausen Liam S. , Mercado Brandon Q. , Crabtree Robert H. , Hazari Nilay
Published: September 2015

A family of iron complexes of PNP pincer ligands are active catalysts for the conversion of glycerol to lactic acid with high activity and selectivity.
The effect of lithium salt doping on the nanostructure of ionic liquids
Authors: Aguilera Luis , Völkner Johannes , Labrador Ana , Matic Aleksandar
Published: September 2015

In this work we report on the evolution of the structure of two model ionic liquid families, N-alkyl-N-methylpyrrolidinium (Pyr1n-TFSI) and 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium (CnMIm-TFSI) (n = 3, 4, 6 and 8) both containing the bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (TFSI) anion, upon the addition of LiTFSI using small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS).
Fluid catalytic cracking: recent developments on the grand old lady of zeolite catalysis
Authors: Vogt E. T. C. , Weckhuysen B. M.
Published: September 2015

Fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) is one of the major conversion technologies in the oil refinery industry, and the largest commercial catalytic process that uses zeolite materials.
Cobalt(ii) amido complexes derived from a monodentate arylamido ligand featuring a highly electron-withdrawing C6F5 substituent
Authors: Yao Shuang , Tam Dennis Yiu Sun , Cheung Pak Shing , Lam Chi-Keung , Guo Pei , Lam Sik Lok , Lee Hung Kay
Published: September 2015

A series of cobalt(ii) complexes derived from the C6F5-substituted amido ligand [N(C6F5)(C6H3Pri2-2,6)]− (L) have been prepared and structurally characterized.
Chiral cyclometalation of 6-(1-phenylbenzyl)-2,2′-bipyridine
Authors: Stoccoro Sergio , Maidich Luca , Ruiu Tiziana , Cinellu Maria Agostina , Clarkson Guy James , Zucca Antonio
Published: September 2015

Cyclometalation of a new bipyridine ligand gave Pt(ii) and Pd(ii) complexes containing a stereogenic carbon atom generated by C–H bond activation.
Multifunctional polyoxometalates encapsulated in MIL-100(Fe): highly efficient photocatalysts for selective transformation under visible light
Authors: Liang Ruowen , Chen Rui , Jing Fenfen , Qin Na , Wu Ling
Published: September 2015

Multifunctional H3PMo12O40 encapsulated in MIL-100(Fe) as dual functional visible-light-driven photocatalysts for selective transformation under visible light.
Ultrafast switching of an electrochromic device based on layered double hydroxide/Prussian blue multilayered films
Authors: Liu Xiaoxi , Zhou Awu , Dou Yibo , Pan Ting , Shao Mingfei , Han Jingbin , Wei Min
Published: September 2015

Multilayered films are fabricated via layer-by-layer assembly of layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanosheets and Prussian blue (PB) nanoparticles, which exhibit superior electrochromic performance, including ultrafast switching and excellent cycling stability.