bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Use of Hand Gestures to Communicate About Nonpresent Objects in Mind Among Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: So Wing-Chee , Lui Ming , Wong Tze-Kiu , Sit Long-Tin
Published: March 2015

Purpose

The current study examined whether children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), in comparison with typically developing children, perceive and produce gestures to identify nonpresent objects (i.e., referent-identifying gestures), which is crucial for communicating ideas in a discourse.

Method

An experimenter described the uses of daily-life objects to 6- to 12-year-old children both orally and with gestures. The children were then asked to describe how they performed daily activities using those objects.

Results

All children gestured. A gesture identified a nonpresent referent if it was produced in the same location that had previously been established by the experimenter. Children with ASD gestured at the specific locations less often than typically developing children. Verbal and spatial memory were positively correlated with the ability to produce referent-identifying gestures for all children. However, the positive correlation between Raven's Children Progressive Matrices score and the production of referent-identifying gestures was found only in children with ASD.

Conclusions

Children with ASD might be less able to perceive and produce referent-identifying gestures and may rely more heavily on visual–spatial skills in producing referent-identifying gestures. The results have clinical implications for designing an intervention program to enhance the ability of children with ASD to communicate about nonpresent objects with gestures.
Ruthenium-Catalyzed Direct N-Formylation of Lactams with Paraformaldehyde
Authors: Hong Soon , Lee Hoseong , Kang Byungjun , Lee Sang-Ick
Published: March 2015

Catalytic N-formylation of lactams was conducted with paraformaldehyde using Shvo’s catalyst. Various lactams were smoothly converted into N-formylimides without the use of a stoichiometric activating reagent.
The Reaction of 2-(Acylamino)benzonitriles with Primary Aromatic Amines: A Convenient Synthesis of 2-Substituted 4-(Arylamino)quinazolines
Authors: Marinho Elina , Proença M.
Published: March 2015

2-Substituted 4-(arylamino)quinazolines were prepared from 2-(acylamino)benzonitriles and primary arylamines by refluxing in either ethanol using trifluoroacetic acid as a catalyst or acetic acid. The 2-aminobenzonitrile was acylated by reaction with anhydrides, isocyanates, or ethyl chloroformate at room temperature.
Intramolecular Radical Cyclization of Vinyl, Aryl and Alkyl Halides Using Catalytic Amount of Bis-tri-n-butyltin Oxide/Sodium Borohydride: A Novel Entry to Functionalized Carbocycles
Authors: Palani Namasivayam , Balasubramanian Sengottuvelan , Dinesh Tarur
Published: March 2015

We wish to report a facile method in which a catalytic amount of bis-tri-n-butyltinoxide (TBTO) in the presence of sodium borohydride efficiently brings about the intramolecular radical cyclization of a variety of vinyl, aryl and alkyl halides to their corresponding functionalized bicyclic and tricyclic carbocycle frameworks. The methodology obviates the need for stoichiometric amounts of tin reagent normally required for radical cyclization reactions.
A Tetrahydroxycalix[4]arene Derivative with All Bridges Monosubstituted with Methoxy Groups
Authors: Itzhak Norbert , Biali Silvio
Published: March 2015

Reduction of the carbonyl groups of tetrahydroxyketocalix[4]arene with NaBH4 in propan-2-ol, followed by heating the product to reflux in MeOH–H2SO4, yields a mixture of stereoisomers of the tetrahydroxycalix[4]arene derivative with all bridges monosubstituted by a methoxy group. To structurally characterize the compound, the mixture of isomers was derivatized by reaction with di-tert-butyl dicarbonate–DMAP. X-ray crystal structure analysis of the all-cis isomer of the product (obtained by fractional crystallization), corroborates the presence of Boc protecting groups at the lower rim (and thus underivatized OH groups in the starting material), and four methoxy groups at the bridges.
Synthesis of 4-Alkylidene-Substituted 1,2,3,4-Tetrahydroisoquinolines via Palladium-Catalyzed Carbopalladation/C–H Activation of 2-Bromobenzyl-N-propargylamines
Authors: Naveen Kanagaraj , Nandakumar Avanashiappan , Perumal Paramasivan
Published: March 2015

Tetrasubstituted alkene-based 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolines are synthesized via the formation of a cyclic carbopalladation complex followed by C–H bond activation of the sp2 carbon in arenes. This domino reaction proceeds with good selectivity and provides good yields of the products. The requisite starting materials are synthesized by copper(I) iodide catalyzed A3-coupling reactions.
Molecular response properties from a Hermitian eigenvalue equation for a time-periodic Hamiltonian
Authors: Pawłowski Filip , Olsen Jeppe , Jørgensen Poul
Published: March 2015

The time-dependent Schrödinger equation for a time-periodic perturbation is recasted into a Hermitian eigenvalue equation, where the quasi-energy is an eigenvalue and the time-periodic regular wave function an eigenstate. From this Hermitian eigenvalue equation, a rigorous and transparent formulation of response function theory is developed where (i) molecular properties are defined as derivatives of the quasi-energy with respect to perturbation strengths, (ii) the quasi-energy can be determined from the time-periodic regular wave function using a variational principle or via projection, and (iii) the parametrization of the unperturbed state can differ from the parametrization of the time evolution of this state. This development brings the definition of molecular properties and their determination on par for static and time-periodic perturbations and removes inaccuracies and inconsistencies of previous response function theory formulations. The development where the parametrization of the unperturbed state and its time evolution may differ also extends the range of the wave function models for which response functions can be determined. The simplicity and universality of the presented formulation is illustrated by applying it to the configuration interaction (CI) and the coupled cluster (CC) wave function models and by introducing a new model—the coupled cluster configuration interaction (CC-CI) model—where a coupled cluster exponential parametrization is used for the unperturbed state and a linear parametrization for its time evolution. For static perturbations, the CC-CI response functions are shown to be the analytical analogues of the static molecular properties obtained from finite field equation-of-motion coupled cluster (EOMCC) energy calculations. The structural similarities and differences between the CI, CC, and CC-CI response functions are also discussed with emphasis on linear versus non-linear parametrizations and the size-extensivity of the obtained molecular properties.
Interpreting the nonlinear dielectric response of glass-formers in terms of the coupling model
Authors: Ngai K. L.
Published: March 2015

Nonlinear dielectric measurements at high electric fields of glass-forming glycerol and propylene carbonate initially were carried out to elucidate the dynamic heterogeneous nature of the structural α-relaxation. Recently, the measurements were extended to sufficiently high frequencies to investigate the nonlinear dielectric response of faster processes including the so-called excess wing (EW), appearing as a second power law at high frequencies in the loss spectra of many glass formers without a resolved secondary relaxation. While a strong increase of dielectric constant and loss is found in the nonlinear dielectric response of the α-relaxation, there is a lack of significant change in the EW. A surprise to the experimentalists finding it, this difference in the nonlinear dielectric properties between the EW and the α-relaxation is explained in the framework of the coupling model by identifying the EW investigated with the nearly constant loss (NCL) of caged molecules, originating from the anharmonicity of the intermolecular potential. The NCL is terminated at longer times (lower frequencies) by the onset of the primitive relaxation, which is followed sequentially by relaxation processes involving increasing number of molecules until the terminal Kohlrausch α-relaxation is reached. These intermediate faster relaxations, combined to form the so-called Johari-Goldstein (JG) β-relaxation, are spatially and dynamically heterogeneous, and hence exhibit nonlinear dielectric effects, as found in glycerol and propylene carbonate, where the JG β-relaxation is not resolved and in D-sorbitol where it is resolved. Like the linear susceptibility, χ1(f), the frequency dispersion of the third-order dielectric susceptibility, χ3(f), was found to depend primarily on the α-relaxation time, and independent of temperature T and pressure P. I show this property of the frequency dispersions of χ1(f) and χ3(f) is the characteristic of the many-body relaxation dynamics of interacting systems which are governed solely by the intermolecular potential, and thermodynamic condition plays no role in this respect. Although linked to χ3(f), dynamic heterogeneity is one of the parallel consequences of the many-body dynamics, and it should not be considered as the principal control parameter for the other dynamic properties of glassforming systems. Results same as χ3(f) at elevated pressures had been obtained before by molecular dynamics simulations from the four-points correlation function and the intermediate scattering function. Naturally all properties obtained from the computer experiment, including dynamics heterogeneity, frequency dispersion, the relation between the α- and JG β-relaxation, and the breakdown of the Stokes-Einstein relation, are parallel consequences of the many-body relaxation dynamics governed by the intermolecular potential.
Plasmonics in strained monolayer black phosphorus
Authors: Lam Kai-Tak , Guo Jing
Published: March 2015

Monolayer black phosphorus (BP) has high band anisotropy which can be modulated with strain. We show that the plasmonic dispersions in monolayer BPs not only strongly depend on the crystalline direction but also strain. Application of strain can alter the optimum direction for plasmon transport and engineer the anisotropic plasmonic dispersion relations. Furthermore, we evaluate the plasmon losses and wave localization via the random-phase approximation framework. It is found that although the BP monolayer is inferior to graphene in terms of loss at the same wave localization, it outperforms monolayer MoS2. The dependence of plasmon properties on the applied strain in BP makes it an interesting nanophotonic material, as well as a potential medium for piezo-optic applications.
Co-non-solvency: Mean-field polymer theory does not describe polymer collapse transition in a mixture of two competing good solvents
Authors: Mukherji Debashish , Marques Carlos M. , Stuehn Torsten , Kremer Kurt
Published: March 2015

Smart polymers are a modern class of polymeric materials that often exhibit unpredictable behavior in mixtures of solvents. One such phenomenon is co-non-solvency. Co-non-solvency occurs when two (perfectly) miscible and competing good solvents, for a given polymer, are mixed together. As a result, the same polymer collapses into a compact globule within intermediate mixing ratios. More interestingly, polymer collapses when the solvent quality remains good and even gets increasingly better by the addition of the better cosolvent. This is a puzzling phenomenon that is driven by strong local concentration fluctuations. Because of the discrete particle based nature of the interactions, Flory-Huggins type mean field arguments become unsuitable. In this work, we extend the analysis of the co-non-solvency effect presented earlier [D. Mukherji et al., Nat. Commun. 5, 4882 (2014)]. We explain why co-non-solvency is a generic phenomenon, which can only be understood by the thermodynamic treatment of the competitive displacement of (co)solvent components. This competition can result in a polymer collapse upon improvement of the solvent quality. Specific chemical details are not required to understand these complex conformational transitions. Therefore, a broad range of polymers are expected to exhibit similar reentrant coil-globule-coil transitions in competing good solvents.
Influence of the laser light absorption by the colloid on the properties of silver nanoparticles produced by laser ablation in stirred and stationary liquid
Authors: Resano-Garcia A. , Battie Y. , Koch A. , En Naciri A. , Chaoui N.
Published: March 2015

Silver nanoparticles were produced by nanosecond pulsed-laser ablation at 1064 nm of Ag in pure water. These experiments were performed using an alternative ablation cell design where a cylindrical shaped Ag target was horizontally irradiated, while the liquid was stirred by a stir rod coaxially arranged to the target. The repeatability of the generated colloids properties (extinction and size distribution) is assessed by statistical tools. The colloids properties prepared under stationary liquid are found to be unpredictable, while they are highly repeatable at high stirring speed. At the same time, electronic microscopy examinations of the irradiated Ag targets revealed that the width of the laser-machined grooves exponentially decays in stationary liquid and almost linearly under high stirring speed as the ablation proceeds. In the latter case, the decay rate was found to be constant from one experiment to the other, while it was not repeatable stationary liquid. We show that the decay of the groove width is due to an attenuation of the laser energy reaching the target surface due to the formation of a more or less dense NPs layer in front of the target as the ablation proceeds. Using the ablation time-dependence of the groove width, we can quantify the attenuation factor of the laser energy with exposure time. Finally, the relationship between the laser energy attenuation, stirring speed, and repeatability of the colloids properties is interpreted and discussed in terms of mass transfer.
Wind potential evaluation around isolated pitched roof buildings
Authors: Bourabaa Nachida , Delacourt Eric , Menet Jean-Luc
Published: March 2015

The knowledge of wind field characteristics around buildings is very useful in a variety of applications such as energy supply by means of a domestic wind turbine. In this paper, results of a wind study around a conventional pitched roof building are given in order to choose the best location and therefore to maximize a micro-wind turbine production. Numerical results on a bluff body (cube) have been performed by means of computational fluid dynamics techniques and the Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes approach has been used to model the flow. Several turbulence models coupled to different near-wall treatments have been tested and have thus allowed one to determine the optimal configuration. Numerical model validation through the experimental data available in literature has made it possible to extend the study to a cube equipped with a pitched roof. Both sets of results thus obtained have allowed one to discriminate the effects from this particular element. Some of the computed data will be given in this paper in order to highlight the most significant regions relative to wind potential for a range of wind incidence angles. Some over speed areas have been found in the vicinity of the pitched cube for low altitudes. Finally, a simple method to map wind potential around buildings is proposed and a case study is presented. It deals with wind potential estimation for an isolated pitched roof building in Valenciennes (North of France). It is shown that some areas are beneficial for a micro wind turbine installation, even close to the building.
High-power blue laser diodes with indium tin oxide cladding on semipolar (202¯1¯) GaN substrates
Authors: Pourhashemi A. , Farrell R. M. , Cohen D. A. , Speck J. S. , DenBaars S. P. , Nakamura S.
Published: March 2015

We demonstrate a high power blue laser diode (LD) using indium tin oxide as a cladding layer on semipolar oriented GaN. These devices show peak output powers and external quantum efficiencies comparable to state-of-the-art commercial c-plane devices. Ridge waveguide LDs were fabricated on (202¯1¯) oriented GaN substrates using InGaN waveguiding layers and GaN cladding layers. At a lasing wavelength of 451 nm at room temperature, an output power of 2.52 W and an external quantum efficiency of 39% were measured from a single facet under a pulsed injection current of 2.34 A. The measured differential quantum efficiency was 50%.
Memory effect in silicon time-gated single-photon avalanche diodes
Authors: Dalla Mora A. , Tosi A. , Contini D. , Di Sieno L. , Boso G. , Villa F. , Pifferi A.
Published: March 2015

We present a comprehensive characterization of the memory effect arising in thin-junction silicon Single-Photon Avalanche Diodes (SPADs) when exposed to strong illumination. This partially unknown afterpulsing-like noise represents the main limiting factor when time-gated acquisitions are exploited to increase the measurement dynamic range of very fast (picosecond scale) and faint (single-photon) optical signals following a strong stray one. We report the dependences of this unwelcome signal-related noise on photon wavelength, detector temperature, and biasing conditions. Our results suggest that this so-called “memory effect” is generated in the deep regions of the detector, well below the depleted region, and its contribution on detector response is visible only when time-gated SPADs are exploited to reject a strong burst of photons.
Contribution of oxygen vacancies to the ferroelectric behavior of Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 thin films
Authors: Shimizu Takao , Yokouchi Tatsuhiko , Oikawa Takahiro , Shiraishi Takahisa , Kiguchi Takanori , Akama Akihiro , Konno Toyohiko J. , Gruverman Alexei , Funakubo Hiroshi
Published: March 2015

The ferroelectric properties of the (Hf0.5Zr0.5)O2 films on Pt/Ti/SiO2/Si substrate are investigated. It is found that the films crystallized by annealing in O2 and N2 atmospheres have similar crystal structures as well as remanent polarization and coercive fields. Weak temperature and frequency dependences of the ferroelectric properties indicate that the hysteretic behavior in HfO2-based films originates not from the mobile defects but rather from the lattice ionic displacement, as is the case of the typical ferroelectric materials.
Acoustic metamaterial absorbers based on multilayered sonic crystals
Authors: Guild Matthew D. , García-Chocano Victor M. , Kan Weiwei , Sánchez-Dehesa José
Published: March 2015

Through the use of a layered arrangement, it is shown that lossy sonic crystals can be arranged to create a structure with extreme acoustic properties, namely, an acoustic metamaterial. This artificial structure shows different effective fluids and absorptive properties in different orientations. Theoretical, numerical, and experimental results examining thermoviscous losses in sonic crystals are presented, enabling the fabrication and characterization of an acoustic metamaterial absorber with complex-valued anisotropic inertia. To accurately describe and fabricate such an acoustic metamaterial in a realizable experimental configuration, confining structures are needed which modify the effective properties, due to the thermal and viscous boundary layer effects within the sonic crystal lattice. Theoretical formulations are presented which describe the effects of these confined sonic crystals, both individually and as part of an acoustic metamaterial structure. Experimental demonstrations are also reported using an acoustic impedance tube. The formulations developed can be written with no unknown or empirical coefficients, due to the structured lattice of the sonic crystals and organized layering scheme; and it is shown that higher filling fraction arrangements can be used to provide a large enhancement in the loss factor.
Doping effect of nano-Ho2O3 and naphthalene in MgB2 superconductor prepared by powder-in-sealed-tube method
Authors: Hansdah J. S. , Sarun P. M.
Published: March 2015

The effect on crystal structure, critical temperature (TC), and critical current density (JC) of bulk MgB2 doped with nano-Ho2O3 and naphthalene was studied. Among all the samples studied, the sample doped with 2.5 wt. % nano-Ho2O3 have shown the best field dependent critical current density [JC(H)], i.e., 0.77 × 105 A/cm2 at 2 T and 10 K. While naphthalene doped MgB2 sample has shown the least JC(H) characteristics. The improved JC(H) characteristics in the nano-Ho2O3 doped MgB2 samples are attributed to improved flux pinning properties due to the formation of HoB4 and in naphthalene doped MgB2 samples. The slight lower TC value (37.01 K) in naphthalene doped samples is attributed to the occurrence of lattice defect by the substitution of carbon at boron site of MgB2 superconductor. Lower ΔTC value implies the lesser anisotropy in all the synthesized samples. The flux pinning force density (FP/FPmax) curves are theoretically analyzed using Dew-Hughes model. The result revealed that point pinning is the dominant pinning mechanism for nano-Ho2O3 doped MgB2 samples, while, surface and grain boundary pinning become dominant with increasing naphthalene addition in nano-Ho2O3 doped MgB2 samples.
Bias-enhanced post-treatment process for enhancing the electron field emission properties of ultrananocrystalline diamond films
Authors: Saravanan A. , Huang B. R. , Sankaran K. J. , Dong C. L. , Tai N. H. , Lin I. N.
Published: March 2015

The electron field emission (EFE) properties of ultrananocrystalline diamond films were markedly improved via the bias-enhanced plasma post-treatment (bep) process. The bep-process induced the formation of hybrid-granular structure of the diamond (bep-HiD) films with abundant nano-graphitic phase along the grain boundaries that increased the conductivity of the films. Moreover, the utilization of Au-interlayer can effectively suppress the formation of resistive amorphous-carbon (a-C) layer, thereby enhancing the transport of electrons crossing the diamond-to-Si interface. Therefore, bep-HiD/Au/Si films exhibit superior EFE properties with low turn-on field of E0 = 2.6 V/μm and large EFE current density of Je = 3.2 mA/cm2 (at 5.3 V/μm).
Sulphonate anchored hemicyanine dyes for dye solar cell: A study on dipole moment and polarity
Authors: Fadadu Kishan B. , Vaghasiya Jayraj V. , Choudhury Sudip , Soni Saurabh S.
Published: March 2015

The effect of the molecular architecture of dye on the performance of a hemicyanine based dye sensitized solar cell (DSSC) has been studied using theoretical and experimental tools. These dyes were utilized as sensitizers in DSSC and then later were characterized using various techniques like I-V, impedance, electron transfer kinetics, dielectrics, and Tafel polarization in order to study the photovoltaic performance. The dye having a p-OH group (INS 1) exhibited very good photon to electricity conversion efficiency (3%) along with good fill factor while the dye having a p-OMe group (INS 2) lagged behind in performance. The substituent effect was studied theoretically as well as experimentally emphasizing the dipole moment of the dye in various directions. Theoretical investigation reveals that the presence of a p–OH group in the donor unit enhances the dipole moment of the molecule in comparison to a p-OMe group, thereby imparting longer lifetime of excited state leading to better charge transfer at the TiO2/dye interface.
Dual-cavity mode converter for a fundamental mode output in an over-moded relativistic backward-wave oscillator
Authors: Li Jiawei , Xiao Renzhen , Bai Xianchen , Zhang Yuchuan , Zhang Xiaowei , Zhu Qi , Shao Hao , Chen Changhua , Huang Wenhua
Published: March 2015

A dual-cavity TM02–TM01 mode converter is designed for a dual-mode operation over-moded relativistic backward-wave oscillator. With the converter, the fundamental mode output is achieved. Particle-in-cell simulation shows that the efficiency of beam-wave conversion was over 46% and a pureTM01 mode output was obtained. Effects of end reflection provided by the mode converter were studied. Adequate TM01 mode feedback provided by the converter enhances conversion efficiency. The distance between the mode converter and extraction cavity critically affect the generation of microwaves depending on the reflection phase of TM01 mode feedback.
Magnetic and magnetodielectric coupling anomalies in the Haldane spin-chain system Nd2BaNiO5
Authors: Basu Tathamay , Mohapatra Niharika , Singh Kiran , Sampathkumaran E. V.
Published: March 2015

We report the magnetic, heat-capacity, dielectric and magnetodielectric (MDE) behaviour of a Haldane spin-chain compound containing light rare-earth ion, Nd2BaNiO5, in detail, as a function of temperature (T) and magnetic field (H) down to 2 K. In addition to the well-known long range antiferromagnetic order setting in at (TN = ) 48 K as indicated in dc magnetization (M), we have observed another magnetic transition near 10 K; this transition appears to be of a glassy-type which vanishes with a marginal application of external magnetic field (even H = 100 Oe). There are corresponding anomalies in dielectric constant (ε′) as well with variation of T. The isothermal M(H) curves at 2 and 5 K reveal the existence of a magnetic-field induced transition around 90 kOe; the isothermal ε′(H) also tracks such a metamagnetic transition. These results illustrate the MDE coupling in this compound. Additionally, we observe a strong frequency dependence of a step in ε′(T) with this feature appearing around 25-30 K for the lowest frequency of 1 kHz, far below TN. This is attributed to interplay between crystal-field effect and exchange interaction between Nd and Ni, which establishes the sensitivity of dielectric measurements to detect such effects. Interestingly enough, the observed dispersions of the ε′(T) curves is essentially H-independent in the entire T-range of measurement, despite the existence of MDE coupling, which is in sharp contrast with other heavy rare-earth members in this series.
Optical-phonon-mediated photocurrent in terahertz quantum-well photodetectors
Authors: Gu L. L. , Guo X. G. , Fu Z. L. , Wan W. J. , Zhang R. , Tan Z. Y. , Cao J. C.
Published: March 2015

Strong and sharp photocurrent peak at longitudinal optical (LO) phonon frequency (8.87 THz) is found in GaAs/(Al,Ga)As terahertz quantum-well photodetectors (QWPs). Two mesa-structure terahertz QWPs with and without one-dimensional metal grating are fabricated to investigate the behavior of such photoresponse peak. The experimental and simulation results indicate that the photocurrent peak originates from a two-step process. First, at the LO phonon frequency, a large number of non-equilibrium LO phonons are excited by the incident electromagnetic field, and the electromagnetic energy is localized and enhanced in the thin multi-quantum-well layer. Second, through the Frohlich interaction, the localized electrons are excited to continuum states by absorbing the non-equilibrium LO phonons, which leads to the strong photoresponse peak. This finding is useful for exploring strong light-matter interaction and realizing high sensitive terahertz photodetectors.
Spatial variation in life-history traits of Oithona spp. in a shallow temperate estuarine system (Río de la Plata, south-west Atlantic) during spring
Authors: Cepeda G. D. , Di Mauro R. P. , Hozbor M. C. , Colleoni D. Cucchi , Hernández D. , Viñas M. D.
Published: March 2015

Oithonid species are key components of estuarine zooplankton communities. The spatial distribution of Oithona nana and O. helgolandica (syn. O. similis) and their population dynamics were studied for the first time in a shallow temperate estuarine system in the south-west Atlantic Ocean. Here we estimated the influence of physical (salinity and temperature) and trophic (chlorophyll-a and bacterioplankton concentrations) factors on the life-history traits of O. nana and O. helgolandica. The abundance and biomass of O. nana were higher at the surface salinity front but were not correlated with higher egg production rates, which suggests the presence of some retention mechanism that favours population aggregation. In a spatial context, the high reproductive activity near the La Plata River runoff in comparison with the coastal system nearby, suggests that this system might favour the proliferation of O. nana populations. However, smaller females with fairly few and smaller eggs per sac occurred under estuarine influence, which implies that there is a potential ecological advantage. The extremely low abundance and reproductive activity of O. helgolandica at the Río de la Plata system indicates that this system might not constitute the best habitat for this cyclopoid.
Effects of aging on gene expression and mitochondrial DNA in the equine oocyte and follicle cells
Authors: Campos-Chillon Fernando , Farmerie Todd A. , Bouma Gerrit J. , Clay Colin M. , Carnevale Elaine M.
Published: March 2015

We hypothesised that advanced mare age is associated with follicle and oocyte gene alterations. The aims of the study were to examine quantitative and temporal differences in mRNA for LH receptor (LHR), amphiregulin (AREG) and epiregulin (EREG) in granulosa cells, phosphodiesterase (PDE) 4D in cumulus cells and PDE3A, G-protein-coupled receptor 3 (GPR3), growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9), bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15) and mitochondrial (mt) DNA in oocytes. Samples were collected from dominant follicles of Young (3–12 years) and Old (≥20 years) mares at 0, 6, 9 and 12 h after administration of equine recombinant LH. LHR mRNA declined after 0 h in Young mares, with no time effect in Old mares. For both ages, gene expression of AREG was elevated at 6 and 9 h and EREG was expression was elevated at 9 h, with higher expression in Old than Young mares. Cumulus cell PDE4D expression increased by 6 h (Old) and 12 h (Young). Oocyte GPR3 expression peaked at 9 and 12 h in Young and Old mares, respectively. Expression of PDE3A increased at 6 h, with the increase greater in oocytes from Old than Young mares at 6 and 9 h. Mean GDF9 and BMP15 transcripts were higher in Young than Old, with a peak at 6 h. Copy numbers of mtDNA did not vary over time in oocytes from Young mares, but a temporal decrease was observed in oocytes from Old mares. The results support an age-associated asynchrony in the expression of genes that are essential for follicular and oocyte maturation before ovulation.
T-bet– and STAT4–dependent IL-33 receptor expression directly promotes antiviral Th1 cell responses
Authors: Baumann Claudia , Bonilla Weldy V. , Fröhlich Anja , Helmstetter Caroline , Peine Michael , Hegazy Ahmed N. , Pinschewer Daniel D. , Löhning Max
Published: March 2015

Significance

The alarmin IL-33 amplifies immune responses of Th2 and CD8
+
cytotoxic T cells against invading pathogens; however, little is known about a potential role of IL-33 in Th1 cell responses. This study demonstrates that activated Th1 effector cells transiently express the IL-33 receptor ST2 upon differentiation in vitro and in vivo during viral infection. ST2 expression on virus-specific Th1 cells depended on the Th1-associated transcription factors T-bet and STAT4. ST2-deficient virus-specific CD4
+
T cells showed impaired expansion and Th1 effector function upon viral infection, indicating a direct impact of IL-33 on antiviral Th1 cell responses. These observations redefine the role of ST2 in Th cell activation, with implications for the design of adjuvants and therapies targeting the IL-33–ST2 pathway.
A categorification of the positive half of quantum 𝑔𝑙(𝑚|1)
Authors: Khovanov Mikhail , Sussan Joshua
Published: March 2015

We describe a collection of differential graded rings that categorify weight spaces of the positive half of the quantized universal enveloping algebra of the Lie superalgebra

g
l
(
m

|

1
)

gl(m|1)

.
Geographic and environmental drivers of fecundity in the European lobster (Homarus gammarus)
Authors: Ellis Charlie D. , Knott Hannah , Daniels Carly L. , Witt Matthew J. , Hodgson David J.
Published: March 2015

Fecundity in the European lobster (Homarus gammarus) has been shown to exhibit extensive spatial variation across northern Europe. Previously, this has been attributed to a lack of methodological standardization among samples. Instead, we show significant correlations between fecundity and both geographical and environmental drivers. We use linear mixed-effect models to assess the contribution of latitude, longitude, and measures of sea surface temperatures on the size–fecundity relationships of 1058 ovigerous females from 11 locations in the UK, Ireland, and Norway. We include new data for 52 lobsters from Falmouth, UK, the southwest limit of existing samples. Fecundity at mean female size correlated positively with eastings and greater annual ranges in sea surface temperature, but not with mean temperature or latitude. This contradicts the established latitudinal and mean temperature dependence reported for the closely related H. americanus. We postulate that proximity to stable Atlantic currents is the most likely driver of the relationship between fecundity and longitude. Mechanisms are discussed by which egg production or retention may be influenced by temperature range rather than by mean temperature. With further validation, we propose that temperature-correlated fecundity predictions will provide a valuable tool in ensuring that management thresholds are appropriate for the reproductive characteristics of lobster populations.
Norepinephrine Decreases Fluid Requirements and Blood Loss While Preserving Intestinal Villi Microcirculation during Fluid Resuscitation of Uncontrolled Hemorrhagic Shock in Mice
Authors: Harrois Anatole , Baudry Nathalie , Huet Olivier , Kato Hiromi , Dupic Laurent , Lohez Manuel , Ziol Marianne , Vicaut Eric , Duranteau Jacques
Published: March 2015

AbstractAbstract

The administration of both norepinephrine with crystalloid (normal saline [NS]) led to less fluid requirements than when animals only received NS to reach a target blood pressure. There was also no significant difference in the intestinal villi microcirculatory perfusion in the animals resuscitated with NS alone compared to animals given NS and norepinephrine.

Background:

Norepinephrine administration is controversial during hemorrhagic shock resuscitation to stabilize mean arterial pressure (MAP) level because it could have deleterious effects on local circulations. The authors investigated the effect of norepinephrine on intestinal microcirculation during fluid resuscitation in uncontrolled hemorrhagic shock.

Methods:

Mice (n = 6 per group) submitted to an uncontrolled hemorrhagic shock by tail section were randomly assigned to a resuscitation with fluid but without norepinephrine to target a MAP level of 50 mmHg (FR50) or 60 mmHg (FR60) or a resuscitation with fluid and norepinephrine to target a MAP level of 50 mmHg (FRNE50) or 60 mmHg (FRNE60). Intestinal microcirculation was observed by intravital microscopy.

Results:

Fluid requirements were lower in groups resuscitated with fluid and norepinephrine than in groups resuscitated with fluid without norepinephrine (74.6 ± 45.1 in FR50
vs. 28.1 ± 10.0 µl/g in FRNE50; P = 0.004 and 161.9 ± 90.4 in FR60
vs. 44.5 ± 24.0 µl/g in FRNE60; P = 0.041). Blood loss was not statistically different between FR50 and FRNE50 (14.8 ± 8.3 vs. 8.5 ± 2.9 µl/g; P = 0.180) but was significantly lower in FRNE60 than in FR60 (10.1 ± 4.2 vs. 22.6 ± 9.6 µl/g; P = 0.015). This beneficial effect was associated with the restoration of intestinal microcirculation to the same extent in fluid resuscitated groups without norepinephrine (FR50 and FR60) and fluid resuscitated groups with norepinephrine (FRNE50 and FRNE60).

Conclusions:

During MAP-directed resuscitation of uncontrolled hemorrhagic shock, the administration of norepinephrine decreased blood loss and fluid requirements while preserving intestinal villi microcirculation.
The Molecular Feature of HOX Gene Family in the Intramedullary Spinal Tumors
Authors: Gu Shixin , Gu Wentao , Shou Jiajun , Xiong Ji , Liu Xiaodong , Sun Bin , Yang Delin , Xie Rong
Published: March 2015

Study Design.

The expression of HOXB13 and HOXA9 proteins was detected.

Objective.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the molecular signature of spinal ependymoma (EPN) and astrocytoma, 2 most common types of intramedullary spinal tumor.

Summary of Background Data.

Intramedullary spinal tumor is unusual. It leads to high neurological morbidity and mortality without treatment. Till now, its molecular feature has been elucidated up to a little extent.

Methods.

A total of 37 cases of spinal EPN, including 12 myxopapillary EPNs (MEPNs), 18 classic EPNs, and 7 anaplastic EPNs, and another 12 cases of astrocytoma were selected for this study. Immunohistochemical analysis of a large cohort of patients providing clinical tumor samples was performed to compare the expression of HOXB13 and HOXA9 not only between spinal EPN and astrocytoma but also among all 3 World Health Organization grades of spinal EPN.

Results.

The results showed that HOXB13 and HOXA9 were selectively expressed in spinal EPN instead of astrocytoma. Furthermore, we found the strongest positive response of HOXB13 in MEPN whereas that of HOXA9 was ubiquitously detected in all subgroups of EPN.

Conclusion.

Both specificity and sensitivity of HOXB13 in MEPN indicated that HOXB13 might be a diagnostic marker to distinguish MEPN from other 2 types of EPN and a promising therapeutic target for MEPN. The strong immunoreactivity of HOXA9 in spinal EPN suggested an indispensable role in the progression of spinal EPN, and further research on its molecular function will provide new clues for the development of treatment options.

Level of Evidence: N /A
Methadone for Fun Sake… Kidneys Are at Stake!!!
Authors: Chaudhari Sameer , Wankhedkar Kashmira , Popis-Matejak Beata , Baumstein Donald
Published: March 2015

Acute renal failure from rhabdomyolysis is a well-established clinical entity; however, rhabdomyolysis exclusively caused by the ingestion of methadone requiring hemodialysis is very uncommon. With a similar mechanism to opiates, methadone can cause rhabdomyolysis and further consequences. Given the increasing use of methadone as a therapy for opiate dependence, clinicians prescribing this medication should be aware of this life-threatening complication.
Electroporation Parameters for Successful Transdermal Delivery of Insulin
Authors: Mohammad Ebtsam A. , Elshemey Wael M. , Elsayed Anwar A. , Abd-Elghany Amr A.
Published: March 2015

This work investigates the effects of electroporation parameters on the transdermal delivery of insulin. Electroporation (EP) is known to induce temporal pores in the membrane, which are expected to enhance the diffusion of insulin through rabbits' skin. For such purpose, 5 different formulations of insulin and enhancers are applied to rabbit groups (5 rabbits each) with induced hyperglycemia in the presence of electroporative pulses. The blood sugar level (BSL) is followed up to 5-hour duration starting from the administration of the hyperglycemia-inducing factor. The effect of different electroporation parameters on BSL of rabbits is examined and compared with control groups. Results show that the increase in the number of pulses (from 15 up to 60 successive pulses) at an insulin concentration of 50 IU/mL, the increase in insulin concentration (from 50 to 70 IU/mL), and the decrease in applied field strength (from 200 to 100 V/cm) result in a significant decrease in BSL compared with control. Among all of the investigated formulations, the best performance is recorded for the insulin solution + EP (without enhancers) in almost all of the studied experimental conditions.
Does Maternal Perinatal Probiotic Supplementation Alter the Intestinal Microbiota of Mother and Child?
Authors: Dotterud Christian K. , Avershina Ekaterina , Sekelja Monika , Simpson Melanie R. , Rudi Knut , Storrø Ola , Johnsen Roar , Øien Torbjørn
Published: March 2015

Objectives:

Maternal probiotic supplementation has been shown to prevent the development of atopic dermatitis in the offspring. We aimed to investigate whether probiotics in pregnant and breast‐feeding mothers altered the colonization pattern and the diversity of the mothers' and children's intestinal microbiota.

Methods:

In a randomized, double‐blind trial, women received probiotic milk or placebo from 36 weeks of gestation up to 3 months postnatally while breast‐feeding. The probiotic milk contained Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, L acidophilus La‐5, and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis Bb‐12. Stool samples were collected from the mothers at 30 to 36 weeks of gestation and 3 months after birth, and from the child at age 10 days, 3 months, 1 year, and 2 years, and bacteria were analyzed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Additionally, stool samples from 3‐month‐old and 2‐year‐old children were characterized using 16S ribosomal RNA gene deep sequencing to estimate the bacterial classes and genera, and the α‐ and β‐diversity.

Results:

Three months after birth, both the prevalence and the relative abundance of the administered probiotic bacteria were significantly increased among the mothers in the probiotic group compared with among those in the placebo group. Only the Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG bacteria colonized the children at 10 days and at 3 months of age. There were no significant differences in the abundance of the administered probiotic bacteria between the groups at 1 and 2 years of age. For the bacterial classes and genera, and α‐ and β‐diversity, there were no significant differences between the groups.

Conclusions:

Different probiotic bacteria seem to have different ability to transfer from the mother to the child. We found no evidence that the probiotics altered the microbial composition or α‐ and β‐diversity of the children.
Cupping (Hijama) Treatment: Benign or Sinister?
Authors: Nisar Muhammad K.
Published: March 2015

Cupping treatment is on the rise in the Western world as an alternative medicine modality.

We present a hitherto unreported complication of bilateral subdural hemorrhage associated with this therapy, highlighting the need for vigilance in patients presenting with headache because they may get misdiagnosed unless history for such therapies is explored.
Medications and Patient Characteristics Associated With Falling in the Hospital
Authors: O'Neil Caroline A. , Krauss Melissa J. , Bettale Jon , Kessels Anthony , Costantinou Eileen , Dunagan W. Claiborne , Fraser Victoria J.
Published: March 2015

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate specific medications and patient characteristics as risk factors of falling in the hospital.

Methods

This is a case-control study comparing demographic, health, mobility, and medication data for 228 patients who fell between June 29, 2007, and November 14, 2007, at a large tertiary care hospital and 690 randomly selected control patients. Logistic regression was used to identify fall risk factors.

Results

Independent risk factors of falling included history of falls (odds ratio [OR], 2.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.8–4.2); needing an assistive device (OR, 3.2; 95% CI, 1.5–6.8) or person assistance (OR, 2.1; 95% CI, 1.3–3.3) to ambulate; being underweight (OR, 2.4; 95% CI, 1.2–4.7) or obese (OR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.0–2.5); confusion (OR, 2.4; 95% CI, 1.5–4.0); dizziness (OR, 2.1; 95% CI, 1.1–4.3); incontinence (OR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.0–2.3); and an order for a hydantoin (OR, 3.3; 95% CI, 1.3–8.0) or benzodiazepine anticonvulsant (OR, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.5–3.3), haloperidol (OR, 2.8; 95% CI, 1.2–6.8), tricyclic antidepressant (OR, 2.4; 95% CI, 1.2–4.9), or insulin (OR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.0–2.1). Female sex (OR, 0.8; 95% CI, 0.6–1.0), proton pump inhibitors (OR, 0.6; 95% CI, 0.4–0.9), and muscle relaxants (OR, 0.4; 95% CI, 0.3–0.7) were associated with lower risk for falling.

Conclusions

This study identified medications and patient characteristics associated with increased risk for falling in the hospital. High-risk medications identified in this study may serve as targets for medication review or adjustment, which have been recommended as a component of multifaceted fall prevention programs.
Seamless Transitions: Achieving Patient Safety Through Communication and Collaboration
Authors: Radhakrishnan Kavita , Jones Terry L. , Weems Deborah , Knight Thomas W. , Rice William H.
Published: March 2015

Background

Although more than a decade has passed since the imperative to reduce fragmentation of care, high rehospitalization rates among Medicare patients with chronic diseases persist; at least 25% of these are considered preventable. Transitional care models that emphasize coordination among providers have demonstrated significant reductions in hospitalization rates. However, achieving effective collaboration among providers across disciplines and/or facilities through implementation of transitional care models can be challenging.

Objectives

The aims of this article are to (1) describe a collaborative transitional care program implemented by a 7-hospital health care system and a postacute senior care service provider organization to pilot a transitional care program (Transitions Across Care Settings [TRACS]) for improving coordination of care for their mutual patients and (2) share results and lessons learned from this quality initiative.

Methods

The goal of the TRACS program, which used the Coleman Care Transitions Intervention model, was to reduce 30-day readmissions to lower than the national averages for an initial target population of inpatients with pneumonia, congestive heart failure, and acute myocardial infarction diagnoses.

Results

The overall readmission rate for 104 patients in the pilot TRACS program was 4.8%. Readmission rates were 0% for acute myocardial infarction, 7.1% for congestive heart failure, and 4.4% for pneumonia.

Conclusions

A culture of patient safety was facilitated by a registered nurse transitions coach through consistent communication and flow of patient information during patient hand offs across the care continuum. More than 1000 patients are already admitted to the next iteration of the TRACS program, resulting in a sustainable enterprise.