bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social dimensions of local fisheries co-management in the Coral Triangle
Authors: COHEN PHILIPPA JANE , STEENBERGEN DIRK JOHAN
Published: January 2015

The challenge to manage coastal resources within Asia-Pacific's Coral Triangle has gained global attention. Co-management is promoted as a key strategy to address this challenge. Contemporary community-based co-management often leads to ‘hybridization’ between local (customary) practices, and science-based management and conservation. However, the form of this hybrid has rarely been critically analysed. This paper presents examples of co-management practices in eastern Indonesia and Solomon Islands, focusing in particular on area closures. In contrast to the temporary closures used before the influx of sustainability discourses, contemporary closures are periodically-harvested but predominantly closed, reflecting attempts to reduce fishing effort and enhance ecological sustainability. When areas are opened, harvests are relatively short and largely triggered by the social and economic needs of particular individuals or whole communities. In all cases, engagement with environmental management interventions has led to more formalized access and use arrangements. The harvesting and management practices observed are influenced by these relatively recent interventions designed to promote sustainability, but also by religious institutions, increasing resource demand, and modernization. This study unpacks some of the contemporary influences, particularly environmental sustainability initiatives, on local management practices, and provides insights for co-management in practice.
Epidemiological analysis of a large enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli O111 outbreak in Japan associated with haemolytic uraemic syndrome and acute encephalopathy
Authors: YAHATA Y. , MISAKI T. , ISHIDA Y. , NAGIRA M. , WATAHIKI M. , ISOBE J. , TERAJIMA J. , IYODA S. , MITOBE J. , OHNISHI M. , SATA T. , TANIGUCHI K. , TADA Y. , OKABE N. ,   the E. coli O111 Outbreak Investigation Team
Published: January 2015

A large outbreak of enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) O111 and O157 occurred in Japan in April 2011. We conducted an unmatched case-control study and trace-back investigation to determine the source of EHEC O111 infection and risk factors for severe complications. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis was performed to help define cases. A total of 86 individuals met the case definition. Of these, 40% experienced haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS), 24% acute encephalopathy, and 6% died. Illness was significantly associated with eating the raw beef dish yukhoe (odds ratio 19·64, 95% confidence interval 7·03–54·83), the likely food vehicle. EHEC O111 and its closely related stx-negative variants were found in the beef. HUS occurred most frequently in individuals aged 5–9 years, and this age group was significantly associated with acute encephalopathy. The prevalence of HUS and acute encephalopathy was higher than in previous non-O157-related outbreaks, indicating a high risk of severe complications.
Number of embryos biopsied as a predictive indicator for the outcome of preimplantation genetic diagnosis by fluorescence in situ hybridisation in translocation cases
Authors: Tulay P. , Gultomruk M. , Findikli N. , Bahceci M.
Published: January 2015

This study aimed to investigate the optimum number of embryos to be biopsied in order to increase the likelihood of obtaining a balanced/normal embryo following preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) by fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) for translocation carriers. Patients with low number of fertilised oocytes (≤5) or low number of embryos available for PGD (<7) underwent multiple hormonal stimulation cycles and their embryos from each cycle were vitrified and accumulated to obtain at least three embryos for PGD. Fifty-seven PGD cycles were performed for translocation carriers by FISH on day 3 of embryo development. PGD and pregnancy outcomes were examined according to the number of embryos biopsied. The cancellation rates of embryo transfer for the reciprocal translocation carriers were 40% when more than eight embryos were biopsied and it was as high as 78% when low number of embryos (less than nine) were biopsied. For Robertsonian translocation carriers, when more than eight embryos were biopsied, there were no embryo transfer cancellations. This study showed that when there are more than nine embryos biopsied for PGD, the likelihood of obtaining a balanced embryo and positive pregnancy outcome is significantly higher (P < 0.05) in such the overall pregnancy rate was 63% for reciprocal and 86% for Robertsonian carriers. This was reduced to only 7% for reciprocal and 14% for Robertsonian translocation carriers when less than nine embryos were biopsied. One of the limitations of this study was that the analysis was performed by FISH and more studies should investigate the outcomes of embryo accumulation following comprehensive chromosome analysis.
BNP in children with congenital cardiac disease: is there now sufficient evidence for its routine use?
Authors: Cantinotti Massimiliano , Walters Henry L. , Crocetti Maura , Marotta Marco , Murzi Bruno , Clerico Aldo
Published: January 2015

Interest in brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in the management of children with CHD has increased. There are, however, no current guidelines for their routine use. The aim of this review article is to provide an update on the data regarding the use of BNP/NT-proBNP in the evaluation and surgical treatment of children with CHD. BNP/NT-proBNP levels in children with CHD vary substantially according to age, laboratory assay methods, and the specific haemodynamics associated with the individual congenital heart lesion. The accuracy of BNP/NT-proBNP as supplemental markers in the integrated screening, diagnosis, management, and follow-up of CHD has been established. In particular, the use of BNP/NT-proBNP as a prognostic indicator in paediatric cardiac surgery has been widely demonstrated, as well as its role in the subsequent follow-up of surgical patients. Most of the data, however, are derived from single-centre retrospective studies using multivariable analysis; prospective, randomised clinical trials designed to evaluate the clinical utility and cost-effectiveness of routine BNP/NT-proBNP use in CHD are lacking. The results of well-designed, prospective clinical trials should assist in formulating guidelines and expert consensus recommendations for its use in patients with CHD. Finally, the use of new point-of-care testing methods that use less invasive sampling techniques – capillary blood specimens – may contribute to a more widespread use of the BNP assay, especially in neonates and infants, as well as contribute to the development of screening programmes for CHD using this biomarker.
QT prolongation and torsades de pointes in a patient with heart block and a pacemaker
Authors: Bernstein Brett S. , Silver Eric S. , Liberman Leonardo
Published: January 2015

Prolongation of the QT interval and development of torsades de pointes are known in patients with complete heart block and profound bradycardia. We report the case of a patient with complete heart block and torsades, with long QT seen during a period of junctional tachycardia at a rate faster than the minimum pacemaker rate.
Electrocardiographic intervals in foetuses with CHD
Authors: Yilmaz Betul , Narayan Hari K. , Wilpers Abigail , Wiess Christina , Fifer William P. , Williams Ismée A.
Published: January 2015

Objectives

To assess foetal electrocardiographic intervals across gestational age among foetuses with and without congenital heart disease, and to investigate differences between groups.

Design

A prospective observational cohort study.

Setting

Center for Prenatal Pediatrics, Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital of NewYork-Presbyterian.

Population or sample

A total of 92 participants with singleton pregnancies, 41 with normal anatomy and 51 with congenital heart disease were included in this study.

Methods

Using a maternal abdominal monitor, foetal electrocardiogram was obtained serially from foetuses with and without congenital heart disease at 20–24 weeks (F1), 28–32 weeks (F2), and 34–38 weeks (F3) of gestation. A signal-averaged waveform was calculated, and PR, QRS, and QT intervals were measured. Intervals from controls were compared with gestational age norms. Using Pearson’s correlation coefficient, we analysed the relationship between gestational age and foetal electrocardiographic intervals. Intervals from control and congenital heart disease foetuses were compared by Student’s t-test.

Results

PR (r=0.333, p=0.02) and QRS (r=0.248, p=0.05) intervals correlated with gestational age only among controls. QRS intervals in foetuses with congenital heart disease were significantly longer than controls at F1 (63±6 versus 52±5 ms, p<0.001), F2 (61±8 versus 56±7 ms, p=0.02), and F3 (64±10 versus 56±9 ms, p=0.007).

Conclusions

PR and QRS intervals lengthen across gestational age among foetuses with normal cardiac anatomy but not in foetuses with congenital heart diseases. As early as 20 weeks of gestation, differences between foetuses with and without congenital heart disease are discernible, with congenital heart disease foetuses demonstrating longer QRS intervals compared with controls.
Helping Aged Victims of Crime (the HAVoC Study): Common Crime, Older People and Mental Illness
Authors: Serfaty Marc , Ridgewell Anna , Drennan Vari , Kessel Anthony , Brewin Chris R. , Wright Anwen , Laycock Gloria , Blanchard Martin
Published: January 2015

Backgound:Limited data suggest that crime may have a devastating impact on older people. Although identification and treatment may be beneficial, no well-designed studies have investigated the prevalence of mental disorder and the potential benefits of individual manualized CBT in older victims of crime.Aims:To identify mental health problems in older victims of common crime, provide preliminary data on its prevalence, and conduct a feasibility randomized controlled trial (RCT) using mixed methods.Method:Older victims, identified through police teams, were screened for symptoms of anxiety, depression or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) one (n= 581) and 3 months (n= 486) after experiencing a crime. Screen positive participants were offered diagnostic interviews. Of these, 26 participants with DSM-IV diagnoses agreed to be randomized to Treatment As Usual (TAU) or TAU plus our manualized CBT informed Victim Improvement Package (VIP). The latter provided feedback on the VIP.Results:Recruitment, assessment and intervention are feasible and acceptable. At 3 months 120/486 screened as cases, 33 had DSM-IV criteria for a psychiatric disorder; 26 agreed to be randomized to a pilot trial. There were trends in favour of the VIP in all measures except PTSD at 6 months post crime.Conclusions:This feasibility RCT is the first step towards improving the lives of older victims of common crime. Without intervention, distress at 3 and 6 months after a crime remains high. However, the well-received VIP appeared promising for depressive and anxiety symptoms, but possibly not posttraumatic stress disorder.
Therapist Characteristics and their Effect on Training Outcomes: What Counts?
Authors: Branson Amanda , Shafran Roz
Published: January 2015

Background:Evidence exists for a relationship between individual characteristics and both job and training performance; however relationships may not be generalizable. Little is known about the impact of therapist characteristics on performance in postgraduate therapist training programmes.Aims:The aim of this study was to investigate associations between the grades of trainee Low-Intensity and High-Intensity cognitive behavioural therapists and individual characteristics.Method:Trainee Low-Intensity (n= 81) and High-Intensity (n= 59) therapists completed measures of personality and cognitive ability; demographic and course grade data for participants were collected.Results:Degree classification emerged as the only variable to be significantly associated with performance across assessments and courses. Higher undergraduate degree classifications were associated with superior academic and clinical performance. Agreeableness was the only dimension of personality to be associated (positively) with clinical skill. Age was weakly and negatively associated with performance.Conclusions:Relationships between individual characteristics and training outcomes are complex and may be context specific. These results could have important implications for the selection and development of therapists for Low or High-Intensity cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) training.
A comparison of heuristic and model-based clustering methods for dietary pattern analysis
Authors: Greve Benjamin , Pigeot Iris , Huybrechts Inge , Pala Valeria , Börnhorst Claudia
Published: January 2015

Objective

Cluster analysis is widely applied to identify dietary patterns. A new method based on Gaussian mixture models (GMM) seems to be more flexible compared with the commonly appliedk-means and Ward’s method. In the present paper, these clustering approaches are compared to find the most appropriate one for clustering dietary data.

Design

The clustering methods were applied to simulated data sets with different cluster structures to compare their performance knowing the true cluster membership of observations. Furthermore, the three methods were applied to FFQ data assessed in 1791 children participating in the IDEFICS (Identification and Prevention of Dietary- and Lifestyle-Induced Health Effects in Children and Infants) Study to explore their performance in practice.

Results

The GMM outperformed the other methods in the simulation study in 72 % up to 100 % of cases, depending on the simulated cluster structure. Comparing the computationally less complexk-means and Ward’s methods, the performance ofk-means was better in 64–100 % of cases. Applied to real data, all methods identified three similar dietary patterns which may be roughly characterized as a ‘non-processed’ cluster with a high consumption of fruits, vegetables and wholemeal bread, a ‘balanced’ cluster with only slight preferences of single foods and a ‘junk food’ cluster.

Conclusions

The simulation study suggests that clustering via GMM should be preferred due to its higher flexibility regarding cluster volume, shape and orientation. Thek-means seems to be a good alternative, being easier to use while giving similar results when applied to real data.
Asset management in public DB and non-DB Pension Plans
Authors: FARRELL JAMES , SHOAG DANIEL
Published: January 2015

State and local pension plans are increasingly moving from the traditional defined benefit (DB) model to non-DB models that generally allow for participant-directed investment. This shift has important implications for the management of the more than US$3 trillion in assets held to finance public employee retirement benefits. To investigate these implications, we introduce new data from a nationwide survey of public DB and non-DB plans and a unique data set on thousands of individual investors in the state of Florida's defined contribution (DC) plan. Using these sources, we explore how participant involvement in the public sector affects the distribution of asset class allocations, management fees, investment outcomes, and portfolio rebalancing at both the individual and aggregate levels. We found that there is little difference between the DB and non-DB plans in terms of asset mix, returns, and fees, except that DB plan have greater access and allocations to alternative investments. We also found that while the average individual DC plan participant allocated their asset similarly to the DB plan, black females and older white males, on average, invested on opposite tails of the risk spectrum.
A Zap70‐dependent feedback circuit is essential for efficient selection of CD4 lineage thymocytes
Authors: Sinclair Charles , Ono Masahiro , Seddon Benedict
Published: January 2015

During positive selection of CD4+, CD8+ double positive (DP) thymocytes, expression of the tyrosine kinase Zap70 is subject to developmental regulation. Signalling downstream of T‐cell receptor (TCR) induces Zap70 expression, forming a positive feedback circuit. Although previous studies show this circuit is required for generation of CD8 lineage cells, it is not known whether selection of CD4 T cells also depends on intact developmental regulation of Zap70. To address this, we analysed development of Class II‐restricted thymocytes in mice lacking the Zap70 transcriptional circuitry. Rescue of Zap70 expression in Zap70−/− mice using a tetracycline‐inducible Zap70 transgene, that is not subject to positive feedback by TCR signalling, restored positive selection of Class‐II‐restricted thymocytes. However, in conditions of static Zap70 expression, approximately half of selecting thymocytes failed to commit normally to the CD4 lineage. Instead, cells that failed to develop into CD4 T cells resembled CD8 lineage precursor DP thymocytes but failed to survive in vivo. Therefore, the Zap70 feedback circuit is essential to efficiently mediate the CD4 lineage differentiation programme in response to Class II selecting ligands.
Erratum: Viruses accumulate in aging infection centers of a fungal forest pathogen
Authors: Vainio Eeva J , Müller Michael M , Korhonen Kari , Piri Tuula , Hantula Jarkko
Published: January 2015

Correction to: The ISME Journal (2014) 9, 497–507; doi:10.1038/ismej.2014.145; published online 15 August 2014 Since the publication of this article, the authors have identified an error in the acknowledgements section of their paper, namely that the following decision numbers were omitted from the funding organization: Academy of Finland (decision numbers 251193 and 258520).
Erratum: Elevated nitrate enriches microbial functional genes for potential bioremediation of complexly contaminated sediments
Authors: Xu Meiying , Zhang Qin , Xia Chunyu , Zhong Yuming , Sun Guoping , Guo Jun , Yuan Tong , Zhou Jizhong , He Zhili
Published: January 2015

Correction to: The ISME Journal (2014) 8, 1932–1944; doi:10.1038/ismej.2014.42; published online 27 March 2014 Since the publication of this article, the authors have identified an error in the Acknowledgements section. The correct acknowledgements are as follows:
Dynamic properties of excitons in ZnO/AlGaN/GaN hybrid nanostructures
Authors: Forsberg Mathias , Hemmingsson Carl , Amano Hiroshi , Pozina Galia
Published: January 2015

Hybrid samples based on ZnO colloidal nanocrystals (NCs) deposited on AlGaN/GaN quantum well (QW) structures with different top barrier thickness d = 3, 6 and 9 nm are studied by time-resolved photoluminescence. Thermal behavior of the QW exciton lifetime in the hybrids and in the bare QW structures has been compared and it has been found that the QW exciton recombination rate increases in the hybrid having d = 3 nm and decreases in the hybrid with d = 6 nm, while no change has been observed for the structure with d = 9 nm. It is suggested that non-radiative resonance energy transfer from the QW excitons to the ZnO NCs and a variation of the surface potential can both influence the QW exciton lifetime in the hybrids.
A new strategy for surface modification of polysulfone membrane by in situ imprinted sol–gel method for the selective separation and screening ofl-Tyrosine as a lung cancer biomarker
Authors: Moein Mohammad Mahdi , Javanbakht Mehran , Karimi Mohammad , Akbari-adergani Behrouz , Abdel-Rehim Mohamed
Published: January 2015

Schematic representation of surface modification of polysulfone membrane byin situMIP sol–gel process.
Integration of a bio-chip technique with technetium-99m labeling provides zeptomolar sensitivity in liver cancer biomarker detection
Authors: Ma L. , Tang B. C. , Yang W. J. , Liu Y. , Zhao Y. L. , Li M.
Published: January 2015

In the present work, we integrated a prepared bio-chip with99mTc labeling to improve the immunoassay for cancer biomarker protein detection.
PLA-poloxamer/poloxamine copolymers for ligament tissue engineering: sound macromolecular design for degradable scaffolds and MSC differentiation
Authors: Leroy Adrien , Nottelet Benjamin , Bony Claire , Pinese Coline , Charlot Benoît , Garric Xavier , Noël Danièle , Coudane Jean
Published: January 2015

Fibrous scaffolds prepared from original PLA multiblock copolymers designed to match ACL properties are associated with MSCs for ligament repair.
Porous graphene-based material as an efficient metal free catalyst for the oxidative dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene to styrene
Authors: Diao Jiangyong , Liu Hongyang , Wang Jia , Feng Zhenbao , Chen Tong , Miao Changxi , Yang Weimin , Su Dang Sheng
Published: January 2015

Reduced porous graphene oxide as a metal free catalyst was selected for the oxidative dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene to styrene and it exhibited high activity and stability.
Preparation of a silver nanoparticle-based dual-functional sensor using a complexation–reduction method
Authors: Mi Fwu-Long , Wu Shao-Jung , Zhong Wen-Qi , Huang Cheng-Yu
Published: January 2015

A dual-functional sensor based on silver nanoparticles was synthesized by a two-stage procedure consisting of a low-temperature chitosan–Ag+ complexation followed by a high-temperature reduction of the complex to form chitosan-capped silver nanoparticles (CS-capped Ag NPs).
Synthesis of size-tunable chitosan encapsulated gold–silver nanoflowers and their application in SERS imaging of living cells
Authors: Zhang Guannan , Li Junrong , Shen Aiguo , Hu Jiming
Published: January 2015

Monodispersed and biocompatible SERS tags are conveniently developed by one-pot synthesis and applied for cancer cell targeting and SERS imaging.
N,F-monodoping and N/F-codoping effects on the electronic structures and optical performances of Zn2GeO4
Authors: Li Yulu , Ding Kaining , Cheng Beisi , Zhang Yongfan , Lu Yunpeng
Published: January 2015

With N/F codoping, the optical absorption property of Zn2GeO4was improved under visible-light irradiation, which may promote the photocatalytic activity.
The role of the VZn–NO–H complex in the p-type conductivity in ZnO
Authors: Amini M. N. , Saniz R. , Lamoen D. , Partoens B.
Published: January 2015

With the help of first-principles calculations, we investigate the VZn–NO–H acceptor complex in ZnO. We find that H plays an important role, because it lowers the formation energy of the complex with respect to VZn–NO, a complex known to exhibit p-type behavior. However, this additional H atom also occupies the hole level of VZn–NO making the VZn–NO–H complex a deep acceptor.
Ozone catalytic oxidation for ammonia removal from simulated air at room temperature
Authors: Liu Yang , Li Xiao-Song , Liu Jing-Lin , Shi Chuan , Zhu Xiaobing , Zhu Ai-Min , Jang Ben W.-L.
Published: January 2015

A highly active AgMn/HZSM-5 catalyst was prepared for NH3 removal by ozone catalytic oxidation and the reaction pathways were proposed.
Synthesis and first use of pyridine-2,6-diylbis(pyrazine-2-ylmethanone) in metal cluster chemistry: a {MnIII3Na2} complex with an ideal trigonal bipyramidal geometry
Authors: Giannopoulos Dimosthenis P. , Wilson-Konderka Cody , Gagnon Kevin J. , Teat Simon J. , Escuer Albert , Metallinos Costa , Stamatatos Theocharis C.
Published: January 2015

A new {Mn3Na2} compound with trigonal bipyramidal topology was obtained from a metal-assisted transformation of the ligand (pz)CO(py)CO(pz).
Speciation of fluoride in workroom air during primary production of aluminium
Authors: Skaugset Nils Petter , Ellingsen Dag G. , Notø Hilde , Jordbekken Lars , Thomassen Yngvar
Published: January 2015

Exposure to fluorides (F−) and particulate matter (PM) was assessed by personal sampling with use of Respicon® sampler in Prebake and Søderberg pot rooms in seven aluminium smelters.
Environmental Science: Nano – the first year a successful launch
Authors: Grassian Vicki H.
Published: January 2015

Editor-in-Chief Vicki H. Grassian introduces the second volume of Environmental Science: Nano.
On a role of liquid intermediates in nucleation of gold sulfide nanoparticles in aqueous media
Authors: Likhatski Maxim , Karacharov Anton , Kondrasenko Alexander , Mikhlin Yuri
Published: January 2015

Previously, we found a series of fluid nanoscale intermediates preceding nucleation of gold sulfide in the reaction between aqueous HAuCl4 and sodium sulfide. Here, the effects of temperature, addition of an inert electrolyte and some other factors on characteristics of the “dense liquid” intermediates and the formation of solid nuclei were studied using UV-vis absorption spectroscopy, DLS, zeta-potential measurements, and SAXS. It was revealed, in particular, that the negatively-charged interfaces of the dense liquid species critically impede their fusion into large enough dense droplets in which nucleation can take place. The nucleation and following coagulation of poorly crystalline gold sulfide proceed not instantly but progressively as the dense liquid droplets arise, with the process being sharply accelerated by the injection of NaCl or temperature increase.
Perovskite/polymer monolithic hybrid tandem solar cells utilizing a low-temperature, full solution process
Authors: Chen Chun-Chao , Bae Sang-Hoon , Chang Wei-Hsuan , Hong Ziruo , Li Gang , Chen Qi , Zhou Huanping , Yang Yang
Published: January 2015

In the current study, a monolithic integration of perovskite and polymer subcells into a tandem structure is realized through a full solution process.
Synthesis and evaluation of hybrid molecules targeting the vinca domain of tubulin
Authors: Gherbovet O. , Sánchez-Murcia Pedro A. , García Alvarez M. C. , Bignon J. , Thoret S. , Gago F. , Roussi F.
Published: January 2015

Hybrids of vinca alkaloids and phomopsin A, linked by a glycine pattern, have been synthesized in one or two steps, by an insertion reaction.
Copper-catalyzed ring expansion of 2-aminobenzothiazoles with alkynyl carboxylic acids to 1,4-benzothiazines
Authors: Qiu Jing-Wen , Hu Bo-Lun , Zhang Xing-Guo , Tang Ri-Yuan , Zhong Ping , Li Jin-Heng
Published: January 2015

A novel copper-catalyzed ring expansion of 2-aminobenzothiazoles to 1,4-benzothiazines is described.
Bistren cryptands and cryptates: versatile receptors for anion inclusion and recognition in water
Authors: Alibrandi Giuseppe , Amendola Valeria , Bergamaschi Greta , Fabbrizzi Luigi , Licchelli Maurizio
Published: January 2015

Bistren cryptands can act as selective anion receptors in water in two distinct versions: as hexaprotonated cages and as dicopper(ii) cryptates. Both classes of receptors exert geometrical selectivity, but dimetallic cryptates establish the strongest interactions with the anion.
Aggregation-induced circularly polarized luminescence of an (R)-binaphthyl-based AIE-active chiral conjugated polymer with self-assembled helical nanofibers
Authors: Zhang Shuwei , Sheng Yuan , Wei Guo , Quan Yiwu , Cheng Yixiang , Zhu Chengjian
Published: January 2015

An AIE-active chiral conjugated polymer P-1 exhibited aggregation-induced circularly polarized luminescence. The TEM and AFM images show that P-1 self-assembled into helical nanofibers during aggregation.
A label-free hemin/G-quadruplex DNAzyme biosensor developed on electrochemically modified electrodes for detection of a HBV DNA segment
Authors: Shi Lijuan , Yu Yanyan , Chen Zuanguang , Zhang Lin , He Sijing , Shi Qiujia , Yang Hongzhi
Published: January 2015

A label-free biosensor based on Au/G–CMWCNTs-GCE was proposed for the detection of a HBV DNA segment with a low LOD.
H2CO3→ CO2+ H2O decomposition in the presence of H2O, HCOOH, CH3COOH, H2SO4and HO2radical: instability of the gas-phase H2CO3molecule in the troposphere and lower stratosphere
Authors: Ghoshal Sourav , Hazra Montu K.
Published: January 2015

Carbonic acid decomposition of potential atmospheric significance.
The influence of nanofillers migration on the mechanical property of PA6/chitosan nanocomposites
Authors: Zhou Qi , Zhang Jueyuan , Fang Jianghua , Li Wei
Published: January 2015

Blends of chitosan (CS) with polyamide 6 (PA6) were prepared via the solution casting technique using formic acid as the common solvent.
Nitro-substituted 3,3′-bis(indolyl)methane-modified silica gel as a sorbent for solid-phase extraction of flavonoids
Authors: Wang Na , Liang Xiaojing , Li Qian , Liao Yuan , Shao Shijun
Published: January 2015

An Nbim-modified silica sorbent was synthesized and characterized for extraction of flavonoids.
Probing local site environments and distribution of manganese in SrZrO3:Mn; PL and EPR spectroscopy complimented by DFT calculations
Authors: Pathak Nimai , Gupta Santosh K. , Ghosh P. S. , Arya A. , Natarajan V. , Kadam R. M.
Published: January 2015

In order to understand the local environment, valence state and distribution of manganese; a combined experimental and theoretical approach based on PL, EPR and DFT is reported for Sr(1−x)Zr(1−y)Mn(x+y)O3, also explaining the origin of various defect related emissions.
Metal ion-exchanged zeolites as highly active solid acid catalysts for the green synthesis of glycerol carbonate from glycerol
Authors: Marakatti Vijaykumar S. , Halgeri Anand B.
Published: January 2015

The application of metal ion-exchanged zeolites as highly efficient catalysts for the synthesis of glycerol carbonate from glycerol carbonylation is reported.
Gold nanocluster-enhanced peroxynitrous acid chemiluminescence for high selectivity sensing of nitrite
Authors: Sui Yanyan , Deng Mao , Xu Shuangjiao , Chen Funan
Published: January 2015

The weak CL emission of peroxynitrous acid (ONOOH) produced from the reaction of nitrite with hydrogen peroxide in acidic medium was greatly enhanced by Au NCs.
Tandem trimer pyrrole–imidazole polyamide probes targeting 18 base pairs in human telomere sequences
Authors: Kawamoto Yusuke , Sasaki Asuka , Hashiya Kaori , Ide Satoru , Bando Toshikazu , Maeshima Kazuhiro , Sugiyama Hiroshi
Published: January 2015

The novel tandem trimer pyrrole-imidazole polyamide probe targeting 18 bp in telomeric repeats visualized telomeres in human cells selectively.
Inorganic p-type contact materials for perovskite-based solar cells
Authors: Li Ming-Hsien , Shen Po-Shen , Wang Kuo-Chin , Guo Tzung-Fang , Chen Peter
Published: January 2015

Architectures of perovskite solar cells based on inorganic p-type semiconductor.
Demonstration of highly efficient lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Xu Rui , Li James C. M. , Lu Jun , Amine Khalil , Belharouak Ilias
Published: January 2015

This manuscript systematically studied impacting factors in Li–S cells and proposed a new explanation of the shuttle-inhibiting mechanism of LiNO3 additive.
Designed fabrication of super-stiff, anisotropic hybrid hydrogels via linear remodeling of polymer networks and subsequent crosslinking
Authors: Choi Suji , Kim Jaeyun
Published: January 2015

Simple linear remodeling of hybrid hydrogels by stretching and their subsequent crosslinking leads to super-stiff, anisotropic hydrogels.
Contact active antibacterial phosphonium coatings cured with UV light
Authors: Cuthbert Tyler J. , Guterman Ryan , Ragogna Paul J. , Gillies Elizabeth R.
Published: January 2015

Antibacterial phosphonium coatings were prepared by UV curing of phosphonium monomers. The simple approach and high stability of phosphoniums relative to ammoniums makes these coatings promising alternatives to ammonium surfaces.
Rapid assay of neopterin and biopterin in urine by wooden-tip electrospray ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Yang Bi-cheng , Liu Fa-ying , Guo Jiu-bai , Wan Lei , Wu Juan , Wang Feng , Liu Huai , Huang Ou-ping
Published: January 2015

Rapid detection and quantitation of neopterin and biopterin in clinical urine by wooden-tip electrospray ionization mass spectrometry.
Freely drawn single lipid nanotube patterns
Authors: Sugihara Kaori , Rustom Amin , Spatz Joachim P.
Published: January 2015

We have developed a simple well-controlled approach to free-draw single lipid nanotube (LNT) objects on surfaces.
Mobile payment anomaly detection mechanism based on information entropy
Authors: Zhang Zhenjiang , Wang Xiaoni , Sun Lin
Published: January 2015

With the rapid growth in the number of mobile phone users, mobile payments have become an important part of mobile e‐commerce applications. Secure payment systems directly affect the security of e‐commerce systems. This study proposes an anomaly detection mechanism supported by an information entropy method combined with neural network to improve mobile payments security. As the entropy value is sensitive and have much difference between normal and abnormal traffic flow in the mobile payment system, the abnormal traffic data will be detected. The simulation result shows that it can realise the effective monitoring of abnormal flow in the mobile payment system.
Investigation of multimodule buck–boost inverter‐based HVDC transmission system
Authors: Elserougi Ahmed A. , Massoud Ahmed Mohamed , Abdel‐khalik Ayman Samy , Ahmed Shehab
Published: January 2015

In high voltage direct current (HVDC) systems, the semiconductor devices have to be connected in series to obtain the required high‐voltage ratings. This study proposes a new HVDC configuration, namely, multimodule buck–boost inverter for HVDC transmission applications which avoids series connection of large number of semiconductor switches. In addition, it provides a blocking capability against DC side faults. The proposed configuration consists of several simple buck–boost converters which are assembled together to meet the requirements of high‐voltage high‐power applications. This paper studies the dynamic performance of the proposed system under different operating conditions, and the results were satisfactory. The main advantages of the proposed configuration are: (i) pure sinusoidal output which minimises/eliminates the requirements for supplementary AC filters and offers an inherent suppression to the common mode voltages, (ii) very low dv /dt stresses and (iii) complete blocking capability of AC side contributions during DC side faults. This study discusses the system architecture, passive components selections, voltage and current ratings of its semiconductor devices and the required controllers. A comparison between the proposed configuration and other existing HVDC technologies is also presented in this study.
Fabrication of nanochannels using underexposed nanoimprint method
Authors: Wang Zhiwen , Chu Jinkui , Wang Qianyi , Zhang Ran , Cui Yan
Published: January 2015

Uniform arrays of nanochannels were made using an underexposed nanoimprint method. The nanotrenches were bended uniformly, and the degree of the collapse was controlled by the exposure time. After deposition of the sealing material, nanochannels with a dimension of 100 nm were successfully fabricated. The blocking problem was solved by adjusting the parameters of the gratings. The proposed fabrication technique can be very helpful in micro‐/nanoanalysis systems.
Harmonic functions of Brownian motions on metric graphs
Authors: Fitzsimmons Patrick J. , Kuter Kristin E.
Published: January 2015

We consider diffusions on locally finite, connected graphs, specifically, a generalization of Walsh’s Brownian motion in ℝ2. In this generalized setting, we classify harmonic functions and introduce an embedded Markov chain associated to such processes. In exploring the relationship between the Brownian motion on a graph and its associated Markov chain, we examine conditions under which the process is reversible and derive the Dirichlet form for the reversible process. We end with a derivation of the Laplace transform of passage times for Brownian motion on a graph.
Surface plasma wave assisted second harmonic generation of laser over a metal film
Authors: Chauhan Santosh , Parashar J.
Published: January 2015

Second harmonic generation of laser mode converted surface plasma wave (SPW) over a corrugated metal film is studied. The laser, impinged on the metal film, under attenuated total reflection configuration, excites SPW over the metal–vacuum interface. The excited SPW extends over a much wider surface area than the laser spot cross-section. It exerts a second harmonic ponderomotive force on metal electrons, imparting them velocity that beats with the surface ripple to produce a nonlinear current, driving resonant second harmonic surface plasma wave.
Moesin and myosin phosphatase confine neutrophil orientation in a chemotactic gradient
Authors: Liu Xiaowen , Yang Tao , Suzuki Koya , Tsukita Sachiko , Ishii Masaru , Zhou Shuping , Wang Gang , Cao Luyang , Qian Feng , Taylor Shalina , Oh Myung-Jin , Levitan Irena , Ye Richard D. , Carnegie Graeme K. , Zhao Yong , Malik Asrar B. , Xu Jingsong
Published: January 2015

Neutrophils respond to invading bacteria by adopting a polarized morphology, migrating in the correct direction, and engulfing the bacteria. How neutrophils establish and precisely orient this polarity toward pathogens remains unclear. Here we report that in resting neutrophils, the ERM (ezrin, radixin, and moesin) protein moesin in its active form (phosphorylated and membrane bound) prevented cell polarization by inhibiting the small GTPases Rac, Rho, and Cdc42. Attractant-induced activation of myosin phosphatase deactivated moesin at the prospective leading edge to break symmetry and establish polarity. Subsequent translocation of moesin to the trailing edge confined the formation of a prominent pseudopod directed toward pathogens and prevented secondary pseudopod formation in other directions. Therefore, both moesin-mediated inhibition and its localized deactivation by myosin phosphatase are essential for neutrophil polarization and effective neutrophil tracking of pathogens.
The Right Ventricle in Scleroderma (2013 Grover Conference Series)
Authors: Hassoun Paul M.
Published: January 2015

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) results from severe remodeling of the distal lung vessels leading irremediably to death through right ventricular (RV) failure. PAH (Group 1 of the World Health Organization classification of pulmonary hypertension) can be idiopathic (IPAH) or associated with other disorders, such as connective tissue diseases. Prominent among the latter is systemic sclerosis (SSc), a heterogeneous disorder characterized by endothelium dysfunction, dysregulation of fibroblasts resulting in excessive collagen production, and immune abnormalities. For as‐yet‐unknown reasons, SSc‐associated PAH (SSc‐PAH) carries a significantly worse prognosis compared with any other form of PAH in Group 1, including IPAH. We have previously shown that patients with SSc‐PAH have a median survival of only 3 years, compared with 8 years for IPAH, despite modern PAH therapy. Because death is principally due to RV failure, we speculated that RV adaptation to PAH differed between the two entities due to disparate pulmonary artery loading, perhaps from vessel stiffening, or intrinsic RV myocardial disease that might limit function and adaptation to high afterload. In SSc, RV function may also be impaired by inflammatory processes, excess fibrosis of the myocardium, or altered angiogenesis, which may all contribute to impaired contractile reserve exacerbating cardiopulmonary impedance mismatch. This is now suggested by recent findings from our group that demonstrate that, although pulmonary vascular load may be similar between patients with IPAH and those with SSc‐PAH, the latter display reduced myocardial contractility as assessed by pressure‐volume loop measurements. This review focuses on fundamental hemodynamic, structural, and functional differences in RV from patients with SSc‐PAH compared with IPAH, which may account for survival discrepancies between the two populations. Possible underlying basic mechanisms are discussed.
Acute Hemodynamic Effects of Nebulized Iloprost via the I‐Neb Adaptive Aerosol Delivery System in Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Richter Manuel J. , Ghofrani Hossein A. , Voswinckel Robert , Seeger Werner , Schulz Richard , Reichenberger Frank , Gall Henning
Published: January 2015

Inhaled iloprost has proven to be an effective therapy in patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH). However, the acute hemodynamic effect of nebulized iloprost delivered via the I‐neb Adaptive Aerosol Delivery (AAD) system remains unclear and needs to be assessed. In this study, 126 patients with PH were classified according to current guidelines (59, 34, 29, and 4 patients in groups 1/1′, 3, 4, and 5, respectively; 20 patients had idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension [iPAH]), were randomly assigned to inhale iloprost 2.5 μg (n = 67) or 5.0 μg (n = 59) via the I‐neb AAD system, and were assessed by right heart catheterization. In seven patients with iPAH, iloprost plasma levels were measured. The two iloprost doses caused decreases from baseline in pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR; 2.5 μg: −14.7%; 5.0 μg: −15.6%) and mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP; 2.5 μg: −11.0%; 5.0 μg: −10.1%) while cardiac index (CI) increased (2.5 μg: +6.5%; 5.0 μg: +6.4%). The subset with iPAH also showed decreases from baseline in PVR and mPAP and an increase in CI. Peak iloprost plasma levels showed no significant difference after inhalation of 2.5 μg or 5.0 μg iloprost (95.5 pg/mL vs. 73.0 pg/mL; P = 0.06). In summary, nebulized iloprost delivered via the I‐neb AAD system reduced mPAP and PVR and increased CI from baseline in a heterogeneous group of patients with PH and in the subset with iPAH. In patients with iPAH, inhalation of 2.5 μg or 5.0 μg iloprost resulted in broadly similar peak iloprost plasma levels.
Association Between Serum 25-Hydroxy Vitamin D Levels and Blood Pressure Among Adolescents in Two Resource-Limited Settings in Peru
Authors: Tomaino Katherine , Romero Karina M. , Robinson Colin L. , Baumann Lauren M. , Hansel Nadia N. , Pollard Suzanne L. , Gilman Robert H. , Mougey Edward , Lima John J. , Checkley William ,   PURA study investigators
Published: January 2015

INTRODUCTION

Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) deficiency (<50 nmol/l or 20ng/ml) has been associated with increased blood pressure (BP) in observational studies. A paucity of data on this relationship is available in Latin American or child populations. This study investigates the association between 25OHD levels and BP in adolescents at risk for vitamin D deficiency in 2 Peruvian settings.

METHODS

In a population-based study of 1,441 Peruvian adolescents aged 13–15 years, 1,074 (75%) provided a serum blood sample for 25OHD analysis and BP measurements. Relationships between 25OHD and BP metrics were assessed using multiple linear regressions, adjusted for anthropometrics and sociodemographic factors.

RESULTS

25OHD deficiency was associated with an elevated diastolic BP (DBP) (1.09mm Hg increase, 95% confidence interval: 0.04 to 2.14; P = 0.04) compared to nondeficient adolescents. Systolic BP (SBP) trended to increase with vitamin D deficiency (1.30mm Hg increase, 95% confidence interval: −0.13 to 2.72; P = 0.08). Mean arterial pressure (MAP) was also greater in adolescents with 25OHD (1.16mm Hg increase, 95% confidence interval: 0.10 to 2.22; P = 0.03). SBP was found to demonstrate a U-shaped relationship with 25OHD, while DBP and MAP demonstrated inverse J-shaped relationships with serum 25OHD status. The association between 25OHD deficiency and BP was not different across study sites (all P ≥ 0.19).

DISCUSSION

Adolescents deficient in 25OHD demonstrated increased DBP and MAP and a trend toward increased SBP, when compared to nondeficient subjects. 25OHD deficiency early in life was associated with elevated BP metrics, which may predispose risk of hypertension later in adulthood.
Scottish lobster fisheries and environmental variability
Authors: Lizárraga-Cubedo H. A. , Tuck I. , Bailey N. , Pierce G. J. , Zuur A. F. , Bova D.
Published: January 2015

Variability in the fluctuations of two Scottish lobster populations, the Hebrides and Southeast, was investigated from available long dataseries of fishery and environmental variables. In a multivariate context, relationships between selected environmental variables and the fishery data were studied at different spatial and temporal (annual, spring, and autumn) scales and from individual and overall sampled fleet. Multivariate techniques such as cross-correlation function, principal components analysis, and redundancy analysis confirmed that the capture of lobsters was strongly influenced by sea surface temperature, windspeed, and sea level pressure throughout the year, and this dependence affected the duration of the fishery. There were evident differences in the patterns of environmental variables for both regions. In the Hebrides, the total variation (42%) of the interaction fishery-environmental variables for spring and autumn fisheries could be attributed to the environmental variables in an 89%. For the Southeast, spring fishery was more affected by changes in the environment, with a total variation of 34%, from which 85% could be explained by the environmental variables tested, than autumn fishery where catches and catch rates may be more affected by the way individual vessel and sampled fleet operate. Two elements were identified, Hebrides and Southeast spring and autumn fisheries. The Hebrides lobster population is strongly influenced by density-independence processes at all spatial scales. The Southeast fishery is also driven by environmental processes, with higher correlations for recruits with differences at small and large spatial scales.
Psychosocial Treatments for Conduct Disorder in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Kazdin Alan E.
Published: January 2015

Antisocial and aggressive behavior in children (conduct disorder) is extremely difficult to treat in light of the stability of the problem, untoward long-term prognosis, and the diverse domains of dysfunction in the child, parent, and family with which the problem is associated. Significant advances have been made in treatment. Seven treatments with strong evidence in their behalf with children and adolescents are reviewed and include parent management training, multisystemic therapy, multidimensional treatment foster care, cognitive problem-solving skills training, anger control training, functional family therapy, and brief strategic family therapy. Parent management training is directed at altering parent-child interactions in the home, particularly those interactions related to child-rearing practices and coercive interchanges. Multisystemic therapy focuses on the individual, family, and extrafamilial systems and their interrelations as a way to reduce symptoms and to promote prosocial behavior. The multidimensional treatment foster care model focuses on youth who are in placement and who are to return to their parents or more permanent foster care. Behavioral treatments in the placement and in the setting to which the child is returned are part of a comprehensive effort to integrate treatment and community life. Cognitive problem-solving skills training focuses on cognitive processes that underlie social behavior and response repertoires in interpersonal situations. Also cognitively based, anger control training includes problem-solving skills training in the context of groups in the schools. The program has an additional component that includes parent management training. Functional family therapy utilizes principles of systems theory and behavior modification for altering interaction, communication patterns, and problem solving among family members. Brief strategic family therapy focuses on the structure of the family and concrete strategies that can be used to promote improved patterns of interaction. This treatment has been developed with Hispanic children and adolescents and has integrated culturally pertinent issues to engage the families. Questions remain about the long-term impact of various treatments, the persons for whom one or more of these treatments is well suited, and how to optimize therapeutic change. Even so, the extensive evidence indicates that there are several viable treatments for conduct disorder. Disseminating these to professionals and children and families remains a key challenge.