bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental evidence for beneficial effects of projected climate change on hibernating amphibians
Authors: Üveges Bálint , Mahr Katharina , Szederkényi Márk , Bókony Veronika , Hoi Herbert , Hettyey Attila
Published: May 2016

Amphibians are the most threatened vertebrates today, experiencing worldwide declines. In recent years considerable effort was invested in exposing the causes of these declines. Climate change has been identified as such a cause; however, the expectable effects of predicted milder, shorter winters on hibernation success of temperate-zone Amphibians have remained controversial, mainly due to a lack of controlled experimental studies. Here we present a laboratory experiment, testing the effects of simulated climate change on hibernating juvenile common toads (Bufo bufo). We simulated hibernation conditions by exposing toadlets to current (1.5 °C) or elevated (4.5 °C) hibernation temperatures in combination with current (91 days) or shortened (61 days) hibernation length. We found that a shorter winter and milder hibernation temperature increased survival of toads during hibernation. Furthermore, the increase in temperature and shortening of the cold period had a synergistic positive effect on body mass change during hibernation. Consequently, while climate change may pose severe challenges for amphibians of the temperate zone during their activity period, the negative effects may be dampened by shorter and milder winters experienced during hibernation.
Prolonged mitotic arrest induces a caspase-dependent DNA damage response at telomeres that determines cell survival
Authors: Hain Karolina O. , Colin Didier J. , Rastogi Shubhra , Allan Lindsey A. , Clarke Paul R.
Published: May 2016

A delay in the completion of metaphase induces a stress response that inhibits further cell proliferation or induces apoptosis. This response is thought to protect against genomic instability and is important for the effects of anti-mitotic cancer drugs. Here, we show that mitotic arrest induces a caspase-dependent DNA damage response (DDR) at telomeres in non-apoptotic cells. This pathway is under the control of Mcl-1 and other Bcl-2 family proteins and requires caspase-9, caspase-3/7 and the endonuclease CAD/DFF40. The gradual caspase-dependent loss of the shelterin complex protein TRF2 from telomeres promotes a DDR that involves DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK). Suppression of mitotic telomere damage by enhanced expression of TRF2, or the inhibition of either caspase-3/7 or DNA-PK during mitotic arrest, promotes subsequent cell survival. Thus, we demonstrate that mitotic stress is characterised by the sub-apoptotic activation of a classical caspase pathway, which promotes telomere deprotection, activates DNA damage signalling and determines cell fate in response to a prolonged delay in mitosis.
Interconnection of post-transcriptional regulation: The RNA-binding protein Hfq is a novel target of the Lon protease in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Fernández Lucía , Breidenstein Elena B. M. , Taylor Patrick K. , Bains Manjeet , de la Fuente-Núñez César , Fang Yuan , Foster Leonard J. , Hancock Robert E. W.
Published: May 2016

Besides being a major opportunistic human pathogen, Pseudomonas aeruginosa can be found in a wide range of environments. This versatility is linked to complex regulation, which is achieved through the action of transcriptional regulators, and post-transcriptional regulation by intracellular proteases including Lon. Indeed, lon mutants in this species show defects in motility, biofilm formation, pathogenicity and fluoroquinolone resistance. Here, the proteomic approach stable isotope labeling by amino acids in cell culture (SILAC) was used to search for novel proteolytic targets. One of the proteins that accumulated in the lon mutant was the RNA-binding protein Hfq. Further experiments demonstrated the ability of Lon to degrade Hfq in vitro. Also, overexpression of the hfq gene in the wild-type strain led to partial inhibition of swarming, swimming and twitching motilities, indicating that Hfq accumulation could contribute to the phenotypes displayed by Lon mutants. Hfq overexpression also led to the upregulation of the small regulatory RNA PhrS. Analysis of the phenotypes of strains lacking or overexpressing this sRNA indicated that the Lon protease might be indirectly regulating the levels and activity of sRNAs via Hfq. Overall, this study revealed new links in the complex regulatory chain that controls multicellular behaviours in P. aeruginosa.
Determinants of the N content of Quercus wutaishanica leaves in the Loess Plateau: a structural equation modeling approach
Authors: Xing Kaixiong , Kang Muyi , Chen Han Y. H. , Zhao Mingfei , Wang Yuhang , Wang Guoyi , Chen Chen , Liu Yang , Dong Xiaobin
Published: May 2016

Most terrestrial ecosystems are nitrogen (N)-limited. The elucidation of the multivariate relationships among environmental drivers, leaf morphological traits, and foliar N of dominant species which are critical to the functioning of forests remains a critical challenge for ecologists. We sampled leaves of Quercus wutaishanica across a broad natural gradient in the Loess Plateau, China, and employed structural equation modelling to evaluate the causal pathways and the relative importance of drivers of the foliar N per unit area (Narea) and per unit mass (Nmass). We found that (1) Nmass and Narea were primarily affected by leaf morphological traits instead of environmental variables and that leaf morphological traits accounted for most of their variations; (2) the total soil potassium and phosphorus and mean annual precipitation had different effects on Nmass and Narea via different pathways and path coefficients, whereas the mean annual temperature and total soil N had non-significant effects on Nmass and Narea. Our results demonstrated that variations in Nmass and Narea within Quercus wutaishanica were strongly linked to their leaf morphological traits and that the leaf N was also influenced by mean annual precipitation and soil phosphorus and potassium instead of soil N in the Loess Plateau, China.
Exploring the Inhibitory Mechanism of Approved Selective Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors and Reboxetine Enantiomers by Molecular Dynamics Study
Authors: Zheng Guoxun , Xue Weiwei , Wang Panpan , Yang Fengyuan , Li Bo , Li Xiaofeng , Li Yinghong , Yao Xiaojun , Zhu Feng
Published: May 2016

Selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (sNRIs) provide an effective class of approved antipsychotics, whose inhibitory mechanism could facilitate the discovery of privileged scaffolds with enhanced drug efficacy. However, the crystal structure of human norepinephrine transporter (hNET) has not been determined yet and the inhibitory mechanism of sNRIs remains elusive. In this work, multiple computational methods were integrated to explore the inhibitory mechanism of approved sNRIs (atomoxetine, maprotiline, reboxetine and viloxazine), and 3 lines of evidences were provided to verify the calculation results. Consequently, a binding mode defined by interactions between three chemical moieties in sNRIs and eleven residues in hNET was identified as shared by approved sNRIs. In the meantime, binding modes of reboxetine’s enantiomers with hNET were compared. 6 key residues favoring the binding of (S, S)-reboxetine over that of (R, R)-reboxetine were discovered. This is the first study reporting that those 11 residues are the common determinants for the binding of approved sNRIs. The identified binding mode shed light on the inhibitory mechanism of approved sNRIs, which could help identify novel scaffolds with improved drug efficacy.
Enhanced Flexible Tubular Microelectrode with Conducting Polymer for Multi-Functional Implantable Tissue-Machine Interface
Authors: Tian Hong-Chang , Liu Jing-Quan , Kang Xiao-Yang , Tang Long-Jun , Wang Ming-Hao , Ji Bo-Wen , Yang Bin , Wang Xiao-Lin , Chen Xiang , Yang Chun-Sheng
Published: May 2016

Implantable biomedical microdevices enable the restoration of body function and improvement of health condition. As the interface between artificial machines and natural tissue, various kinds of microelectrodes with high density and tiny size were developed to undertake precise and complex medical tasks through electrical stimulation and electrophysiological recording. However, if only the electrical interaction existed between electrodes and muscle or nerve tissue without nutrition factor delivery, it would eventually lead to a significant symptom of denervation-induced skeletal muscle atrophy. In this paper, we developed a novel flexible tubular microelectrode integrated with fluidic drug delivery channel for dynamic tissue implant. First, the whole microelectrode was made of biocompatible polymers, which could avoid the drawbacks of the stiff microelectrodes that are easy to be broken and damage tissue. Moreover, the microelectrode sites were circumferentially distributed on the surface of polymer microtube in three dimensions, which would be beneficial to the spatial selectivity. Finally, the in vivo results confirmed that our implantable tubular microelectrodes were suitable for dynamic electrophysiological recording and simultaneous fluidic drug delivery, and the electrode performance was further enhanced by the conducting polymer modification.
The novel compound Sul-121 inhibits airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness in experimental models of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Han Bing , Poppinga Wilfred J. , Zuo Haoxiao , Zuidhof Annet B. , Bos I. Sophie T. , Smit Marieke , Vogelaar Pieter , Krenning Guido , Henning Robert H. , Maarsingh Harm , Halayko Andrew J. , van Vliet Bernard , Stienstra Stef , Graaf Adrianus Cornelis van der , Meurs Herman , Schmidt Martina
Published: May 2016

COPD is characterized by persistent airflow limitation, neutrophilia and oxidative stress from endogenous and exogenous insults. Current COPD therapy involving anticholinergics, β2-adrenoceptor agonists and/or corticosteroids, do not specifically target oxidative stress, nor do they reduce chronic pulmonary inflammation and disease progression in all patients. Here, we explore the effects of Sul-121, a novel compound with anti-oxidative capacity, on hyperresponsiveness (AHR) and inflammation in experimental models of COPD. Using a guinea pig model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced neutrophilia, we demonstrated that Sul-121 inhalation dose-dependently prevented LPS-induced airway neutrophilia (up to ~60%) and AHR (up to ~90%). Non-cartilaginous airways neutrophilia was inversely correlated with blood H2S and LPS-induced attenuation of blood H2S (~60%) was prevented by Sul-121. Concomitantly, Sul-121 prevented LPS-induced production of the oxidative stress marker, malondialdehyde by ~80%. In immortalized human airway smooth muscle (ASM) cells, Sul-121 dose-dependently prevented cigarette smoke extract-induced IL-8 release parallel with inhibition of nuclear translocation of the NF-κB subunit, p65 (each ~90%). Sul-121 also diminished cellular reactive oxygen species production in ASM cells and inhibited nuclear translocation of the anti-oxidative response regulator, Nrf2. Our data show that Sul-121 effectively inhibits airway inflammation and AHR in experimental COPD models, prospectively through inhibition of oxidative stress.
Binding of Human Fibrinogen to MRP Enhances Streptococcus suis Survival in Host Blood in a αXβ2 Integrin-dependent Manner
Authors: Pian Yaya , Li Xueqin , Zheng Yuling , Wu Xiaohong , Yuan Yuan , Jiang Yongqiang
Published: May 2016

The Gram-positive bacterium Streptococcus suis serotype 2 (S. suis 2), an important zoonotic pathogen, induces strong systemic infections in humans; sepsis and meningitis are the most common clinical manifestations and are often accompanied by bacteremia. However, the mechanisms of S. suis 2 survival in human blood are not well understood. In our previous study, we identified muramidase-released protein (MRP), a novel human fibrinogen (hFg)-binding protein (FBP) in S. suis 2 that is an important epidemic infection marker with an unknown mechanism in pathogenesis. The present study demonstrates that the N-terminus of MRP (a.a. 283–721) binds to both the Aα and Bβ chains of the D fragment of hFg. Strikingly, the hFg-MRP interaction improved the survival of S. suis 2 in human blood and led to the aggregation and exhaustion of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) via an αXβ2 integrin-dependent mechanism. Other Fg-binding proteins, such as M1 (GAS) and FOG (GGS), also induced PMNs aggregation; however, the mechanisms of these FBP-hFg complexes in the evasion of PMN-mediated innate immunity remain unclear. MRP is conserved across highly virulent strains in Europe and Asia and these data shed new light on the function of MRP in S. suis pathogenesis.
The NKD1/Rac1 feedback loop regulates the invasion and migration ability of hepatocarcinoma cells
Authors: Li Jie , Zhang Sheng , Hu Qing , Zhang Kang , Jin Jianbin , Zheng Xuqing , Yin Zhenyu , Wang Xiaomin
Published: May 2016

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is complicated by aggressive migration and invasion, which contribute to the increased mortality of HCC patients. The NKD1 protein is abnormally expressed in many neoplasms and plays an important role in tumor progression. However, the regulation and underlying molecular mechanisms of NKD1 in HCC cell invasion and migration remain poorly understood. In the present study, ectopic expression of NKD1 in HCC cells attenuated migration and invasionin vitroandin vivoby down-regulating Rac1 expression level and activity, which affected the HCC cell cytoskeleton and E-cadherin expression. Mechanistic studies showed that NKD1 interacted with Rac1 in the cytoplasm and promoted its degradation by the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. Over-expression of Rac1 enhanced the transcription of theNKD1gene and protein expression conversely owing to its negative regulation of EZH2. Analysis of clinical samples showed that abnormal expression of NKD1 and Rac1 was associated with the poor prognosis of HCC patients. In summary, our data indicate a new role for NKD1 as a regulator of HCC cell invasion and migration via a feedback loop involving Rac1.
Target geometry and rigidity determines laser-induced cavitation bubble transport and nanoparticle productivity – a high-speed videography study
Authors: Kohsakowski Sebastian , Gökce Bilal , Tanabe Rie , Wagener Philipp , Plech Anton , Ito Yoshiro , Barcikowski Stephan
Published: May 2016

Productivity of laser ablation in liquids we found that the productivity is enhanced for a wire tip laser ablation due to a springboard-like effect of the flexible target releasing the cavitation bubble.
Rare single-molecule magnets with six-coordinate LnIIIions exhibiting a trigonal antiprism configuration
Authors: Yao Min-Xia , Zhu Zhao-Xia , Lu Xing-Yun , Deng Xiao-Wei , Jing Su
Published: May 2016

Four Ni–Ln–Ni heterometallic complexes containing seven- and six-coordinate LnIIIions have been obtained and structurally characterized. Magnetic studies show that Dy derivatives are rare single-molecule magnets containing six-coordinate LnIIIions.
Voltammetry and molecular assembly of G-quadruplex DNAzyme on single-crystal Au(111)-electrode surfaces – hemin as an electrochemical intercalator
Authors: Zhang Ling , Ulstrup Jens , Zhang Jingdong
Published: May 2016

DNA quadruplexes (qs) are a class of “non-canonical” oligonucleotides (OGNs) composed of stacked guanine (G) quartets stabilized by specific cations. Metal porphyrins selectively bind to G-qs complexes to form what is known as DNAzyme, which can exhibit peroxidase and other catalytic activity similar to heme group metalloenzymes. In the present study we investigate the electrochemical properties and the structure of DNAzyme monolayers on single-crystal Au(111)-electrode surfaces using cyclic voltammetry and scanning tunnelling microscopy under electrochemical potential control (in situ STM). The target DNAzyme is formed from a single-strand OGN with 12 guanines and iron(iii) porphyrin IX (hemin), and assembles on Au(111) through a mercapto alkyl linker. The DNAzyme monolayers exhibit a strong pair of redox peaks at 0.0 V (NHE) at pH 7 in acetate buffer, shifted positively by about 50 mV compared to free hemin weakly physisorbed on the Au(111)-electrode surface. The voltammetric hemin signal of DNAzyme is enhanced 15 times compared with that of hemin adsorbed directly on the Au(111)-electrode surface. This is indicative of both the formation of a close to dense DNAzyme monolayer and that hemin is strongly bound to the immobilized 12G-qs in well-defined orientation favorable for interfacial ET with a rate constant of 6.0 ± 0.4 s−1. This is supported by in situ STM which discloses single-molecule G-quartet structures with a size of 1.6 ± 0.2 nm.
An integrated electrochemical process to convert lignin to value-added products under mild conditions
Authors: Stiefel Serafin , Schmitz Annika , Peters Jens , Di Marino Davide , Wessling Matthias
Published: May 2016

The controlled depolymerization of lignin is a promising approach for the generation of value-added compounds from biomass.
Enhancement of conductivity in nano carbon balls by the addition of carbon tetrachloride via room temperature solution plasma process
Authors: Li Oi Lun , Hayashi Hiroki , Ishizaki Takahiro , Saito Nagahiro
Published: May 2016

(a) Reaction field in solution plasma zone and dehydrogenation by Cl radicals, (b) enhancement of conductivity of nanocarbon sphere by the addition of CCl4within benzene.
Purification, characterization and synthesis of antioxidant peptides from enzymatic hydrolysates of coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) cake protein isolates
Authors: Zheng Yajun , Li Yan , Zhang Youlin , Zhao Songlin
Published: May 2016

Two antioxidant peptides were isolated, characterized, identified and synthesized from enzymatic hydrolysates of coconut cake protein isolates in this paper.
Atomistic modelling insight into the structure of lignite-based activated carbon and benzene sorption behavior
Authors: Huang Yang , Cannon Fred S. , Guo Jinsong , Watson Justin K. , Mathews Jonathan P.
Published: May 2016

Improved structure–property relationships for activated carbon were obtained by devising realistic, large-scale, structural models.
Three-dimensional polymer-derived ceramic/graphene paper as a Li-ion battery and supercapacitor electrode
Authors: David L. , Shareef K. M. , Abass M. A. , Singh G.
Published: May 2016

We report synthesis and electrochemical performance of silicon-based molecular precursor-derived ceramic (PDC)/carbon nanotube-embedded graphene self-supporting composite papers as Li-ion battery and supercapacitor electrodes.
CuI nanoparticles mediated expeditious synthesis of 2-substituted benzimidazoles using molecular oxygen as the oxidant
Authors: Reddy P. Linga , Arundhathi R. , Tripathi Mohit , Rawat Diwan S.
Published: May 2016

2-Substituted benzimidazoles fromo-diaminobenzenes and aldehydes using CuI nanoparticles as a heterogeneous nano-catalyst and O2as an oxidant were synthesised in excellent yields.
Bidirectional circularly‐polarised loop linear array fed by slotted SIW
Authors: Lu Liang , Jiao Yong‐Chang , Weng Zi‐Bin , Ni Tao , Zhang Chi
Published: May 2016

A novel multilayer bidirectional linear array with the same sense circularly polarised (CP) radiation patterns are proposed. The CP resonant unit consists of a pair of loops and two square patches added on their opposite corners. With a feeding slotted substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) sandwiched between two back‐to‐back mirror rotated resonant units, a radiating element is designed, and same sense bidirectional CP waves are generated. Along the longitude direction, the radiating elements are arranged alternately from the centre line of the slotted SIW. Then, an 8‐element linear array with uniform distribution is designed. Identical right‐hand CP waves are achieved in both front and back directions. The array is fabricated, and measured results are in good agreement with simulated ones.
Robust secure switching transmission in multi‐antenna relaying systems: cooperative jamming or decode‐and‐forward beamforming
Authors: Lin Zhi , Cai Yueming , Yang Weiwei , Wang Lei
Published: May 2016

In this study, the authors investigate the physical layer security for safeguarding secure transmission in multi‐antenna relaying networks with imperfect channel state information (CSI). Different from traditional strategies in multi‐antenna relaying systems, which would terminate the communication if the relay could not decode the signals successfully, the authors propose robust secure transmission strategy which switches between cooperative jamming (CJ) and decode‐and‐forward (DF) beamforming. Specifically, if the received signal‐to‐noise ratio at the relay is lower than a predefined threshold, it will impose CJ signals on potential eavesdropper, otherwise the relay would operate DF beamforming. The authors’ objective is to maximise secrecy rate and minimise secrecy outage probability in different practical communication scenarios with relaxed or strict time‐delay constraint. Thus, given the unavailability of the perfect eavesdropping CSI, the authors propose a worst‐case robust design and a statistical‐approach robust design based on secrecy rate and secrecy outage criterion, respectively. In addition, a traditional DF robust scheme and a non‐robust scheme are also considered as benchmarks. Simulation results verify that the proposed scheme significantly outperforms the traditional DF robust scheme and the non‐robust scheme.
Integer codes correcting double asymmetric errors
Authors: Radonjic Aleksandar , Bala Karlo , Vujicic Vladimir
Published: May 2016

In this study, the authors present a class of integer codes capable to correct single and double asymmetric errors within a codeword. The encoding/decoding procedures for these codes are extremely simple, whereas the error control algorithm resembles the routing process. Thanks to these features, the presented codes have a potential to be practically applied, especially in optical networks covering small areas.
Interpolation based pilot‐aided channel estimation for STBC spatial modulation and performance analysis under imperfect CSI
Authors: Acar Yusuf , Doğan Hakan , Başar Ertuğrul , Panayirci Erdal
Published: May 2016

A combination of space‐time block coding and spatial modulation (STBC‐SM) has been recently proposed for multiple input‐multiple output systems to obtain both spatial diversity gain and more capacity simultaneously while assuming the perfect channel state information (P‐CSI) was available at the receiver. However, in practical scenarios the CSI is unknown to the receiver and should be estimated in order to detect the transmitted data in a reliable way. Therefore, channel estimation (CE) is a major challenge in designing the STBC‐SM systems. In this study, the problem of CE is investigated and a new pilot‐aided channel estimation (PA‐CE) technique, coupled with an interpolation, is proposed for the STBC‐SM systems operating in the presence of rapidly time‐varying mobile channels. Several interpolation schemes such as the linear, nearest neighbour, piecewise cubic Hermite and the low‐pass interpolations are applied and their performances are compared to determine the best suitable interpolation technique to be employed in STBC‐SM systems. Bit error rate (BER) performance of the proposed CE technique is then investigated in time‐varying channels with different modulation. Moreover, the pairwise error probability of the STBC‐SM scheme is derived and its average bit error probability is evaluated analytically in the presence of CE errors.
Lutetium(iii) aqua ion: On the dynamical structure of the heaviest lanthanoid hydration complex
Authors: Sessa Francesco , Spezia Riccardo , D’Angelo Paola
Published: May 2016

The structure and dynamics of the lutetium(iii) ion in aqueous solution have been investigated by means of a polarizable force field molecular dynamics (MD). An 8-fold square antiprism (SAP) geometry has been found to be the dominant configuration of the lutetium(iii) aqua ion. Nevertheless, a low percentage of 9-fold complexes arranged in a tricapped trigonal prism (TTP) geometry has been also detected. Dynamic properties have been explored by carrying out six independent MD simulations for each of four different temperatures: 277 K, 298 K, 423 K, 632 K. The mean residence time of water molecules in the first hydration shell at room temperature has been found to increase as compared to the central elements of the lanthanoid series in agreement with previous experimental findings. Water exchange kinetic rate constants at each temperature and activation parameters of the process have been determined from the MD simulations. The obtained structural and dynamical results suggest that the water exchange process for the lutetium(iii) aqua ion proceeds with an associative mechanism, in which the SAP hydration complex undergoes temporary structural changes passing through a 9-fold TTP intermediate. Such results are consistent with the water exchange mechanism proposed for heavy lanthanoid atoms.
G4CEP: A G4 theory modification by including pseudopotential for molecules containing first-, second- and third-row representative elements
Authors: Silva Cleuton de Souza , Pereira Douglas Henrique , Custodio Rogério
Published: May 2016

The G4CEP composite method was developed from the respective G4 all-electron version by considering the implementation of compact effective pseudopotential (CEP). The G3/05 test set was used as reference to benchmark the adaptation by treating in this work atoms and compounds from the first and second periods of the periodic table, as well as representative elements of the third period, comprising 440 thermochemical data. G4CEP has not reached a so high level of accuracy as the G4 all-electron theory. G4CEP presented a mean absolute error around 1.09 kcal mol−1, while the original method presents a deviation corresponding to 0.83 kcal mol−1. The similarity of the optimized molecular geometries between G4 and G4CEP indicates that the core-electron effects and basis set adjustments may be pointed out as a significant factor responsible for the large discrepancies between the pseudopotential results and the experimental data, or even that the all-electron calculations are more efficient either in its formulation or in the cancellation of errors. When the G4CEP mean absolute error (1.09 kcal mol−1) is compared to 1.29 kcal mol−1 from G3CEP, it does not seem so efficient. However, while the G3CEP uncertainty is ±4.06 kcal mol−1, the G4CEP deviation is ±2.72 kcal mol−1. Therefore, the G4CEP theory is considerably more reliable than any previous combination of composite theory and pseudopotential, particularly for enthalpies of formation and electron affinities.
S-matrix decomposition, natural reaction channels, and the quantum transition state approach to reactive scattering
Authors: Manthe Uwe , Ellerbrock Roman
Published: May 2016

A new approach for the quantum-state resolved analysis of polyatomic reactions is introduced. Based on the singular value decomposition of the S-matrix, energy-dependent natural reaction channels and natural reaction probabilities are defined. It is shown that the natural reaction probabilities are equal to the eigenvalues of the reaction probability operator [U. Manthe and W. H. Miller, J. Chem. Phys. 99, 3411 (1993)]. Consequently, the natural reaction channels can be interpreted as uniquely defined pathways through the transition state of the reaction. The analysis can efficiently be combined with reactive scattering calculations based on the propagation of thermal flux eigenstates. In contrast to a decomposition based straightforwardly on thermal flux eigenstates, it does not depend on the choice of the dividing surface separating reactants from products. The new approach is illustrated studying a prototypical example, the H + CH4 → H2 + CH3 reaction. The natural reaction probabilities and the contributions of the different vibrational states of the methyl product to the natural reaction channels are calculated and discussed. The relation between the thermal flux eigenstates and the natural reaction channels is studied in detail.
Studies of deep level centers determining the diffusion length in epitaxial layers and crystals of undoped n-GaN
Authors: Lee In-Hwan , Polyakov A. Y. , Smirnov N. B. , Yakimov E. B. , Tarelkin S. A. , Turutin A. V. , Shemerov I. V. , Pearton S. J.
Published: May 2016

A wide variety of parameters were measured for undoped n-GaN grown by hydride vapor phase epitaxy and compared to n-GaN films grown by conventional and lateral overgrowth metalorganic chemical vapor deposition. The parameters included deep level electron and hole trap spectra, microcathodoluminescence, electron beam induced current, diffusion length, and electron capture cross section from the dependence of the low temperature persistent photocapacitance on forward bias injection pulse duration. The results show a prominent role of electron traps with levels near Ec-0.56 eV in limiting the lifetime and diffusion length values in all these materials.
The future of yak farming in Bhutan: policy measures government should adopt
Authors: Wangdi Jigme
Published: May 2016

Survey-based research was conducted to explore and record perceptions of mountain pastoralists concerning the future of yak farming in Bhutan. A semi-structured questionnaire was developed and used to gather qualitative data from 106 yak herders selected randomly from seven geogs (blocks) within five of the ten yak-rearing districts. The data gathered were descriptively analysed and Mann–Whitney U tests were conducted to test the effect of respondents’ age on their perceptions about the future of yak farming. The study revealed that there was a significant effect (P < 0.01) of the respondents’ age on their perception of the future continuation of yak farming with the majority of the older respondents being in favour of continuing with it as the main source of their livelihood. These older pastoralists preferred yak farming over other emerging economic activities such as collection and sale of cordyceps and catering for the tourism sector mainly due to their confidence in yak farming as the most reliable source of livelihood. However, the incoming generation rated these emerging economic activities much higher as they lead to easier and more comfortable lives. The government has a mammoth task ahead in sustaining yak farming and making it attractive to the younger pastoralists through the formulation and application of appropriate government policy to support yak research and development.
Using Delta-Generalized Additive Models to Predict Spatial Distributions and Population Abundance of Juvenile Pink Shrimp in Tampa Bay, Florida
Authors: Rubec Peter J. , Kiltie Richard , Leone Erin , Flamm Richard O. , McEachron Luke , Santi Christi
Published: May 2016

In this article, we present an approach based on generalized additive models (GAMs) to predict species’ distributions and abundance in Florida estuaries with habitat suitability modeling. Environmental data gathered by fisheries-independent monitoring in Tampa Bay from 1998 to 2008 were interpolated to create seasonal habitat maps for temperature, salinity, and dissolved oxygen and annual maps for depth and bottom type. We used delta-GAM models assuming either zero-adjusted gamma or beta-inflated-at-zero distributions to predict catch per unit effort (CPUE) from five habitat variables plus gear type for each estuarine species by life stage and season. Bottom type and gear type were treated as categorical predictors with reference parameterization. Three spline-fitting procedures (the penalized B-spline, cubic smoothing spline, and restricted cubic spline) were applied to the continuous predictors. Two additive, linear submodels on the log and logistic scales were used to predict CPUEs >0 and CPUEs = 0, respectively, across environmental gradients. The best overall model among those estimated was identified based on the lowest Akaike information criterion. A stepwise routine was used to omit continuous predictors that had little predictive power. The model developed was then applied to interpolated habitat data to predict CPUEs across the estuary using GIS. The statistical models, coupled with the use of GIS, provide a method for predicting spatial distributions and population numbers of estuarine species’ life stages. An example is presented for juvenile pink shrimp Farfantepenaeus duorarum during the summer in Tampa Bay, Florida.

Received February 10, 2015; accepted August 11, 2015
Do Elementary Students Substitute Ice Cream and Baked Goods for Healthier National School Lunch Program Meal Items?
Authors: Miller Gabrielle F. , Kropp Jaclyn D. , Gupta Sonam , Grogan Kelly A. , Mathews Anne
Published: May 2016

We use variation in à la carte dessert availability to determine its impact on elementary school students’ selection of reimbursable meals and healthful meal components. On days when desserts (ice cream and baked goods) were offered, students were less likely to select a reimbursable meal, and students who purchased a dessert selected fruit significantly less often. Data were collected in the Alachua County School District (Florida) for three weeks in May of 2013. These findings suggest that students substitute desserts for reimbursable meals and the healthier fruit component. Policies, such as Smart Snacks in Schools, that regulate the nutritional content of a la carte items, but do not remove a la carte items from school lunchrooms, may be less effective than intended if such substitution occurs.
An incidental diagnosis of multiple pacemaker lead fractures
Authors: Giri Smith , Hwang Inyong , Alsafwah Shadwan
Published: May 2016

Lead fractures are uncommon complications of pacemaker implantation. This article describes a patient with an incidental diagnosis of multiple atrial lead fractures many years after pacemaker implantation.
Better Visuospatial Working Memory in Adults Who Report Profound Deafness Compared to Those With Normal or Poor Hearing: Data From the UK Biobank Resource
Authors: Rudner Mary , Keidser Gitte , Hygge Staffan , Rönnberg Jerker
Published: May 2016

Experimental work has shown better visuospatial working memory (VSWM) in profoundly deaf individuals compared to those with normal hearing. Other data, including the UK Biobank resource shows poorer VSWM in individuals with poorer hearing. Using the same database, the authors investigated VSWM in individuals who reported profound deafness. Included in this study were 112 participants who were profoundly deaf, 1310 with poor hearing and 74,635 with normal hearing. All participants performed a card-pair matching task as a test of VSWM. Although variance in VSWM performance was large among profoundly deaf participants, at group level it was superior to that of participants with both normal and poor hearing. VSWM in adults is related to hearing status but the association is not linear. Future study should investigate the mechanism behind enhanced VSWM in profoundly deaf adults.
The Distribution of Human Stem Cell–like Memory T Cell in Lung Cancer
Authors: Hong Hai , Gu Yong , Sheng Si Yuan , Lu Chuan Gang , Zou Jian Yong , Wu Chang You
Published: May 2016

Human stem cell–like memory T (Tscm) cells are long-lived, self-renewing memory lymphocytes that can differentiate into effector cells and mediate strong antitumour response in murine model. The distribution and function of Tscm cells in human lung cancer remain unknown. In this study, we investigated the properties of human Tscm cells in the blood and lymph node of non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. There were more CD4+Tscm cells in blood from NSCLC patients than from healthy donors, fewer CD4+and CD8+TSCM cells in blood than in lymph node from NSCLC patients. To further analyze their properties, we stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells from NSCLC patients by mitogens to examine cytokine production. Our data suggest that both CD4 and CD8 Tscm cells in blood produced interferon-γ significantly increased in NSCLC patients compare with healthy subjects. In addition, fewer Tscm cells produced interferon-γ in lymph node than in blood from NSCLC patients. Our results strongly suggest that the distribution and function of CD4 Tscm cells in NSCLC patients is upregulated. Understanding of the properties of stem-like memory T cells will supply a good rationale for designing the new adoptive immunotherapy in cancer.
Modified Bilateral Neurovascular Cheek Flap: Functional Reconstruction of Extensive Lower Lip Defects
Authors: Chowchuen Bowornsilp
Published: May 2016

Background:

Reconstruction of extensive lower lip defects is challenging, and functional outcomes are difficult to achieve.

Methods:

A modified bilateral neurovascular cheek (MBNC) flap has been described. The data of patients with cancer of the lower lip treated with wide excision and reconstructed with the MBNC flap in the Plastic Surgery Unit, Srinagarind Hospital, Khon Kaen University, from 1966 to 2012 were reviewed.

Results:

Of the total of 143 patients included, 90.91% were women, and their age ranged from 32 to 100 years. All defects involved 70% or greater of the lower lip, which included oral commissure, buccal mucosa, or cheek skin and upper lip. All 20 patients who were followed up demonstrated good outcomes of intercommissural distance, interlabial distance, sulcus depth, and 2-point discrimination compared with normal lip parameters according to age group and satisfaction with treatment.

Conclusions:

Reconstruction of extensive lower lip defects with the MBNC flap provided good oral competence and functional outcomes. The flap provided adequate lip height and width, with proper position of oral commissure and vermilion reconstruction. The awareness about neurovascular anatomy of the lip and cheek and gentle dissection preserve the lip function. The flap overcomes the drawbacks of Karapandzic technique, which is microstomia, and of Bernard technique, which is a tight adynamic lower lip. It can be used in defects of more than two-thirds of the lip, extending to the cheek, commissural reconstruction, and secondary reconstruction.
Effect of Organizational Culture on Patient Access, Care Continuity, and Experience of Primary Care
Authors: Hung Dorothy , Chung Sukyung , Martinez Meghan , Tai-Seale Ming
Published: May 2016

This study examined relationships between organizational culture and patient-centered outcomes in primary care. Generalized least squares regression was used to analyze patient access, care continuity, and reported experiences of care among 357 physicians in 41 primary care departments. Compared with a “Group-oriented” culture, a “Rational” culture type was associated with longer appointment wait times, and both “Hierarchical” and “Developmental” culture types were associated with less care continuity, but better patient experiences with care. Understanding the unique effects of organizational culture can enhance the delivery of more patient-centered care.
Bowel Dysfunction and Self-management for Bowel Symptoms After Sphincter-Preserving Surgery
Authors: Hou Xiao-Ting , Pang Dong , Lu Qian , Yang Ping , Jin San-Li
Published: May 2016

Background:

After sphincter-preserving surgery (SPS), patients with rectal cancer present multiple bowel symptoms, which significantly affect their daily lives. However, to date, few studies have been conducted in China to identify bowel symptoms and self-management behaviors and to explore the relationship between these behaviors and bowel symptoms.

Objective:

To describe bowel symptoms among Chinese patients with rectal cancer after SPS, the self-management behaviors used, and the relationship between the symptoms and behaviors.

Methods:

A convenience sample of 175 rectal cancer patients who underwent SPS was recruited from 2 tertiary hospitals in Beijing, China, between July and December 2014. The participants completed a general information structural questionnaire, the Chinese version of the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center Bowel Function Instrument, and the Bowel Symptoms Self-Management Behaviors Questionnaire.

Results:

The frequencies of 18 bowel symptoms ranged between 16.0% and 96.0%. Diet self-management was the most common behavior and therapy self-management was the least frequent behavior. Although therapy self-management had best effects relatively, other effective behaviors included self-management of the perianal skin and self-management of social activities. The frequency of use of self-management behaviors was significantly positively associated with bowel symptoms (r=−0.232 to −0.580, P < .01).

Conclusions:

Several bowel symptoms after SPS are highly prevalent. Patients with severe bowel symptoms are more likely to use self-management behaviors regularly; however, there is no scientific evidence that these behaviors produce satisfactory results.

Implications for Practice:

Healthcare providers should identify bowel symptoms after SPS and develop supportive interventions for the self-management of symptoms.
Shadowing in Early Baccalaureate Nursing Education and Its Influence on Professional Role Perspectives
Authors: Schuler Monika S.
Published: May 2016

Nursing students often experience a discrepancy between their ideal views of nursing obtained while in school and the realities of practice. Using a phenomenological research design, sophomore-level students reflected on their perceptions of the professional nursing role before and after shadowing a nurse. Students’ perceptions changed from a focus of the nurse as the primary caregiver in a hierarchy to a broader understanding of the complexity of nursing and what it means to care.
Transforming the Classroom With Tablet Technology
Authors: Sargent Lana , Miles Elizabeth
Published: May 2016

Identifying the most effective models for integrating new technology into the classroom and understanding its effects on educational outcomes are essential for nurse educators. This article describes an educational intervention with tablet technology (iPads) using an innovative case-based learning model in a nursing program. Students reported positive learning outcomes when using the tablet technology for learning course content.
Brief Report: HIV-1 Infection Results in Increased Frequency of Active and Inflammatory SlanDCs that Produce High Level of IL-1β
Authors: Tufa Dejene M. , Ahmad Fareed , Chatterjee Debanjana , Ahrenstorf Gerrit , Schmidt Reinhold E. , Jacobs Roland
Published: May 2016

HIV infection is marked by phenotypic and functional alterations of immune cells. Different studies have shown both numerical and functional deterioration of dendritic cells in HIV-1–infected patients. In this study, we report an increase of inflammatory 6-sulfo LacNAc dendritic cells (slanDCs) that are more activated and produce higher amounts of interleukin (IL)-1β during HIV-1 infection as compared with healthy controls. IL-1β plays a regulatory role in chronic inflammatory disorders. Therefore, our findings might reveal a compensatory regulatory function of slanDCs during HIV-1 infection.
Virtual cortical resection reveals push-pull network control preceding seizure evolution
Authors: Khambhati Ankit N. , Davis Kathryn A. , Lucas Timothy H. , Litt Brian , Bassett Danielle S.
Published: May 2016

For ≈ 20 million people with drug-resistant epilepsy, recurring, spontaneous seizures have a devastating impact on daily life. The efficacy of surgical treatment for controlling seizures is hindered by a poor understanding of how some seizures spread to and synchronize surrounding tissue while others remain focal. To pinpoint network regions that regulate seizure evolution, we present a novel method to assess changes in synchronizability in response to virtually lesioning cortical areas in a validated computational network model. In human patients implanted with electrocorticographic sensors, we apply our virtual cortical resection technique to time-varying functional networks and identify control regions that synchronize or desynchronize cortical areas using an antagonistic push-pull control scheme to raise or lower synchronizability. Our results suggest that synchronizability before seizures predicts seizure evolution: in focal seizures, the strongest controllers are located outside seizure-generating areas. These methods,while applied here to epilepsy, are generalizable to other brain networks, and have wide applicability in isolating and mapping functional drivers of brain dynamics in health and disease.
Nanoscale order in the frustrated mixed conductor La5.6WO12−δ
Authors: Scherb Tobias , Kimber Simon A. J. , Stephan Christiane , Henry Paul F. , Schumacher Gerhard , Escolástico Sonia , Serra José M. , Seeger Janka , Just Justus , Hill Adrian H. , Banhart John
Published: May 2016

This article reports a comprehensive investigation of the average and local structure of La5.6WO12−δ, which has excellent mixed proton, electron and oxide ion conduction suitable for device applications. Synchrotron X-ray and neutron powder diffraction show that a cubic fluorite supercell describes the average structure, with highly disordered lanthanum and oxide positions. On average, the tungsten sites are sixfold coordinated and a trace [3.7 (1.3)%] of anti-site disorder is detected. In addition to sharp Bragg reflections, strong diffuse neutron scattering is observed, which hints at short-range order. Plausible local configurations are considered and it is shown that the defect chemistry implies a simple `chemical exchange' interaction that favours ordered WO6octahedra. The local model is confirmed by synchrotron X-ray pair distribution function analysis and EXAFS experiments performed at the LaKand WL3edges. It is shown that ordered domains of ∼3.5 nm are found, implying that mixed conduction in La5.6WO12−δis associated with a defective glassy-like anion sublattice. The origins of this ground state are proposed to lie in the non-bipartite nature of the face-centred cubic lattice and the pairwise interactions which link the orientation of neighbouring octahedral WO6sites. This `function through frustration' could provide a means of designing new mixed conductors.
Martensite adaption through epitaxial nano transition layers in TiNiCu shape memory alloys
Authors: Dankwort Torben , Strobel Julian , Chluba Christoph , Ge Wenwei , Duppel Viola , Wuttig Manfred , Quandt Eckhard , Kienle Lorenz
Published: May 2016

Titanium-rich TiNiCu shape memory thin films with ultralow fatigue have been analysed for their structural features by transmission electron microscopy. The stabilization of austenite (B2) and orthorhombic martensite (B19) variants epitaxially connected to Ti2Cu-type precipitates has been observed and found responsible for the supreme mechanical cycling capability of these compounds. Comprehensiveex situandin situcooling/heating experiments have demonstrated the presence of an austenitic nanoscale region in between B19 and Ti2Cu, in which the structure shows a gradual transition from B19 to B2 which is then coupled to the Ti2Cu precipitate. It is proposed that this residual and epitaxial austenite acts as a template for the temperature-induced B2↔B19 phase transition and is also responsible for the high repeatability of the stress-induced transformation. This scenario poses an antithesis to residual martensite found in common high-fatigue shape memory alloys.