bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Built-in potential shift and Schottky-barrier narrowing in organic solar cells with UV-sensitive electron transport layers
Authors: Li Cheng , Credgington Dan , Ko Doo-Hyun , Rong Zhuxia , Wang Jianpu , Greenham Neil C.
Published: April 2014

The mechanism by which UV exposure enhances the performance of organic solar cells incorporating TiOxlayers is investigated by current–voltage and electroabsorption measurements.
Predicting paramagnetic1H NMR chemical shifts and state-energy separations in spin-crossover host–guest systems
Authors: Isley III William C. , Zarra Salvatore , Carlson Rebecca K. , Bilbeisi Rana A. , Ronson Tanya K. , Nitschke Jonathan R. , Gagliardi Laura , Cramer Christopher J.
Published: April 2014

The behaviour of metal–organic cages upon guest encapsulation can be difficult to elucidate in solution.
Applications of Bartoli indole synthesis
Authors: Bartoli Giuseppe , Dalpozzo Renato , Nardi Monica
Published: April 2014

Bartoli indole synthesis is the reaction of choice for the synthesis of many biologically interesting 7-substituted indoles.
Anti-cancer palladium complexes: a focus on PdX2L2, palladacycles and related complexes
Authors: Kapdi Anant R. , Fairlamb Ian J. S.
Published: April 2014

Much success has been achieved with platinum-based chemotherapeutic agents,i.e.through interactions with DNA. The long-term application of Pt complexes is thwarted by issues, leading scientists to examine other metals such as palladium which could exhibit complementary modes of action.
Solvent extraction of lanthanides and yttrium from aqueous solution with methylimidazole in an ionic liquid
Authors: Shen Yinglin , Li Wenkui , Wu Jianrong , Li Shun , Luo Huimin , Dai Sheng , Wu Wangsuo
Published: April 2014

Methylimidazoles combined with ILs transfer lanthanides and yttrium from aqueous solution to ILs via a cation-exchange mechanism and a neutral solvation mechanism.
New insights into the electrochemical hydrogen oxidation and evolution reaction mechanism
Authors: Durst J. , Siebel A. , Simon C. , Hasché F. , Herranz J. , Gasteiger H. A.
Published: April 2014

The effect of pH on the hydrogen oxidation and evolution reaction (HOR/HER) rates is addressed for the first time for the three most active monometallic surfaces: Pt, Ir, and Pd carbon-supported catalysts.
A theoretical study of grating structured triboelectric nanogenerators
Authors: Niu Simiao , Wang Sihong , Liu Ying , Zhou Yu Sheng , Lin Long , Hu Youfan , Pradel Ken C. , Wang Zhong Lin
Published: April 2014

A theoretical model for grating structured triboelectric nanogenerators is provided, which outlines its structural and material optimization strategies.
Sustainable solar hydrogen production: from photoelectrochemical cells to PV-electrolyzers and back again
Authors: Jacobsson T. Jesper , Fjällström Viktor , Edoff Marika , Edvinsson Tomas
Published: April 2014

A theoretical analysis of different device concepts for solar hydrogen production, demonstrating the close similarities between photoelectrochemical cells and PV-electrolyzers.
Multiplexed actuation using ultra dielectrophoresis for proteomics applications: a comprehensive electrical and electrothermal design methodology
Authors: Emaminejad Sam , Dutton Robert W. , Davis Ronald W. , Javanmard Mehdi
Published: April 2014

With the aid of ultra-dielectrophoresis we demonstrated a robust electronic actuation system to perform a multiplexed bead-based protein assay.
Detailed analysis of pro-apoptotic signaling and metabolic adaptation triggered by a N-heterocyclic carbene–gold(i) complex
Authors: Holenya Pavlo , Can Suzan , Rubbiani Riccardo , Alborzinia Hamed , Jünger Anja , Cheng Xinlai , Ott Ingo , Wölfl Stefan
Published: April 2014

This work presents a signaling model explaining the strong cytotoxic effects of gold(i)–N-heterocyclic carbene complexes on cancer cells.
Large-scale, solution-phase growth of semiconductor nanocrystals into ultralong one-dimensional arrays and study of their electrical properties
Authors: Ma Yuchao , Xue Mengmeng , Shi Jiahua , Tan Yiwei
Published: April 2014

A series of one-dimensional assemblies of semiconductor nanocrystals with enhanced field effect transistor performance has been studied.
Nanostructured carbon materials based electrothermal air pump actuators
Authors: Liu Qing , Liu Luqi , Kuang Jun , Dai Zhaohe , Han Jinhua , Zhang Zhong
Published: April 2014

We fabricated electrothermal air pump-type actuators by utilization of SWCNT, r-GO, and GO/SWCNT as heating elements and mechanical force generators.
Covalently capped seed-mediated growth: a unique approach toward hierarchical growth of gold nanocrystals
Authors: Huang Youju , Dandapat Anirban , Kim Dong-Hwan
Published: April 2014

A new 600 dpi in TIF format)??>method is proposed for synthesizing hierarchical gold nanostructures in different shapes using the covalently capped seed-mediated growth approach.
High-yield synthesis of triangular gold nanoplates with improved shape uniformity, tunable edge length and thickness
Authors: Huang Youju , Ferhan Abdul Rahim , Gao Yi , Dandapat Anirban , Kim Dong-Hwan
Published: April 2014

We demonstrate that, by fine control over experimental parameters, triangular Au nanoplates with simultaneously improved purity and edge length can be synthesized by reducing the concentration of CTAB.
A powerful combination: recent achievements on using TBAI and TBHP as oxidation system
Authors: Wu Xiao-Feng , Gong Jin-Long , Qi Xinxin
Published: April 2014

Recent achievements in the use of TBAI and TBHP as an oxidation system have been summarized and discussed.
Selective synthesis of 4-(sulfonyl)-methyl-1H-pyrazoles and (E)-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazoles from N-allenic sulfonylhydrazones
Authors: Zhu Yu , Hong Jun-Jie , Zhou Yun-Bin , Xiao Yu-Wei , Lin Min , Zhan Zhuang-Ping
Published: April 2014

Selective synthesis of 4-(sulfonyl)-methyl-1H-pyrazoles and (E)-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazoles fromN-allenic sulfonylhydrazones with sulfonyl group migrations has been developed.
Rh(iii)-catalyzed regioselective hydroarylation of alkynes via directed C–H functionalization of pyridines
Authors: Qian Zhen-Chao , Zhou Jun , Li Bo , Hu Fang , Shi Bing-Feng
Published: April 2014

Rh(iii)-catalyzed C-3 selective alkenylation of pyridines via hydroarylation of alkynes has been developed. The reaction shows high regioselectivity, high yield and good functional group tolerance, providing a convenient strategy for the synthesis of trisubstituted alkenes.
Pentacyclic aromatic bislactam-based conjugated polymers: constructed by Beckmann rearrangement and application in organic field-effect transistor
Authors: Cao Yue , Guo Zi-Hao , Chen Zi-Ying , Yuan Jing-Song , Dou Jin-Hu , Zheng Yu-Qing , Wang Jie-Yu , Pei Jian
Published: April 2014

Based on the pentacyclic aromatic bislactam constructed through the Beckmann rearrangement, two conjugated polymers were developed, showing high field-effect transistor performance.
Fast and accurate partial hydrolysis of poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) into tailored linear polyethylenimine copolymers
Authors: de la Rosa Victor R. , Bauwens Eva , Monnery Bryn D. , De Geest Bruno G. , Hoogenboom Richard
Published: April 2014

This work reports on defining optimal conditions to achieve tailored P(EtOx-co-EI) copolymers in a fast and reproducible way, utilizing high temperatures and controlled acidic conditions.
Bimetallic Pt–Ni composites on ceria-doped alumina supports as catalysts in the aqueous-phase reforming of glycerol
Authors: Rahman M. M. , Church Tamara L. , Variava Meherzad F. , Harris Andrew T. , Minett Andrew I.
Published: April 2014

Adding Ni to a supported Pt catalyst for aqueous phase reforming allowed the Pt content to be reduced to one third, with a slight increase in H2 yield.
Simultaneous determination of a broad range of cardiovascular drugs in plasma with a simple and efficient extraction/clean up procedure and chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis
Authors: Liu Lei , Wen Yabin , Liu Kangning , Sun Liang , Lu Yaxin , Yin Zheng
Published: April 2014

A simple, easy to use and efficient method was described for simultaneous determination of ten cardiovascular drugs with a broad range of physicochemical properties in rat plasma via online SPE and HPLC-MS/MS.
Theoretical investigation of the adsorption, IR, and electron injection of hydroxamate anchor at the TiO2 anatase (1 0 1) surface
Authors: Li Wei , Rego Luis G. C. , Bai Fu-Quan , Kong Chui-Peng , Zhang Hong-Xing
Published: April 2014

The optimal adsorption pattern of hydroxamate on a TiO2 anatase surface has been theoretically determined.
High-temperature steam reforming of bio-oil derived light organics and methane to hydrogen-rich gas with trace CO via rational temperature control
Authors: Hu Xun , Zhang Lijun , Dong Dehua , Lu Gongxuan
Published: April 2014

A reactor with constant-temperature and stepwise decreasing-temperature zones is developed, which can catalyze steam reforming of bio-oil derived organics and methane to produce hydrogen-rich gas with only trace CO in a wide temperature region.
Phosphate-containing metabolites switch on phosphorescence of ferric ion engineered carbon dots in aqueous solution
Authors: Yan Xiao , Chen Jin-Long , Su Meng-Xiang , Yan Fang , Li Bo , Di Bin
Published: April 2014

Room temperature phosphorescence of carbon dots readily engineered by ferric ions in aqueous solution was developed for a novel “off-to-on” approach for cost-effective estimation of ATP level in human blood plasma.
Single particle tracking reveals biphasic transport during nanorod magnetophoresis through extracellular matrix
Authors: Mair L. O. , Superfine R.
Published: April 2014

We quantify nanorod magnetophoresis through the extracellular matrix (ECM) via single particle observations in vitro. We show that smaller nanorods experience bimodal stick-slip motion through ECM, as well as larger deviations in their orientation angle with respect to the magnetic field, as compared to larger nanorods.
Wrapping/unwrapping transition of double-stranded DNA in DNA–nanosphere complexes induced by multivalent anions
Authors: Chai Aihua , Jiang Yangwei , Zhang Yaoyang , He Linli , Zhang Dong , Zhang Linxi
Published: April 2014

Wrapping/unwrapping transition of double-stranded DNA is observed in the DNA–nanosphere complex solution with tetravalent anions because of the local charge inversion near the nanosphere. This investigation can help us understand how to control the release of DNA in DNA–nanosphere complex.
Synthesis of amphiphilic reduced graphene oxide with an enhanced charge injection capacity for electrical stimulation of neural cells
Authors: Zhang Qi , Xu Jun , Song Qin , Li Ning , Zhang Zhaolei , Li Kunyang , Du Yuyang , Wu Liqiong , Tang Mingliang , Liu Liwei , Cheng Guosheng , Liu Jian
Published: April 2014

A facile method was developed to synthesize amphiphilic reduced graphene oxide for electrical stimulation of neural cells with high charge injection capacity.
The ins and outs of fibroblast growth factor receptor signalling
Authors: Coleman Stacey J. , Bruce Charo , Chioni Athina-Myrto , Kocher Hemant M. , Grose Richard P.
Published: April 2014

FGFR (fibroblast growth factor receptor) signalling plays critical roles in embryogensis, adult physiology, tissue repair and many pathologies. Of particular interest over recent years, it has been implicated in a wide range of cancers, and concerted efforts are underway to target different aspects of FGFR signalling networks. A major focus has been identifying the canonical downstream signalling pathways in cancer cells, and these are now relatively well understood. In the present review, we focus on two distinct but emerging hot topics in FGF biology: its role in stromal cross-talk during cancer progression and the potential roles of FGFR signalling in the nucleus. These neglected areas are proving to be of great interest clinically and are intimately linked, at least in pancreatic cancer. The importance of the stroma in cancer is well accepted, both as a conduit/barrier for treatment and as a target in its own right. Nuclear receptors are less acknowledged as targets, largely due to historical scepticism as to their existence or importance. However, increasing evidence from across the receptor tyrosine kinase field is now strong enough to make the study of nuclear growth factor receptors a major area of interest.
Micro-Raman study on the softening and stiffening of phonons in rutile titanium dioxide film: Competing effects of structural defects, crystallite size, and lattice strain
Authors: Gautam Subodh K. , Singh Fouran , Sulania I. , Singh R. G. , Kulriya P. K. , Pippel E.
Published: April 2014

Softening and stiffening of phonons in rutile titanium dioxide films are investigated by in situ micro-Raman studies during energetic ion irradiation. The in situ study minimized other possible mechanisms of phonon dynamics. Initial softening and broadening of Raman shift are attributed to the phonon confinement by structural defects and loss of stoichiometry. The stiffening of A1g mode is ascribed to large distortion of TiO6 octahedra under the influence of lattice strain in the (110) plane, which gives rise to lengthening of equatorial Ti-O bond and shortening of apical Ti-O bond. The shortening of apical Ti-O bond induces stiffening of A1g mode in the framework of the bond-order-length-strength correlation mechanism.
Domain wall motion and electromechanical strain in lead-free piezoelectrics: Insight from the model system (1 − x)Ba(Zr0.2Ti0.8)O3–x(Ba0.7Ca0.3)TiO3 using in situ high-energy X-ray diffraction during application of electric fields
Authors: Tutuncu Goknur , Li Binzhi , Bowman Keith , Jones Jacob L.
Published: April 2014

The piezoelectric compositions (1 − x)Ba(Zr0.2Ti0.8)O3–x(Ba0.7Ca0.3)TiO3 (BZT-xBCT) span a model lead-free morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) between room temperature rhombohedral and tetragonal phases at approximately x = 0.5. In the present work, in situ X-ray diffraction measurements during electric field application are used to elucidate the origin of electromechanical strain in several compositions spanning the tetragonal compositional range 0.6 ≤ x ≤ 0.9. As BCT concentration decreases towards the MPB, the tetragonal distortion (given by c/a-1) decreases concomitantly with an increase in 90° domain wall motion. The increase in observed macroscopic strain is predominantly attributed to the increased contribution from 90° domain wall motion. The results demonstrate that domain wall motion is a significant factor in achieving high strain and piezoelectric coefficients in lead-free polycrystalline piezoelectrics.
Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy study of TiO2 based solar cells
Authors: Saehana Sahrul , Muslimin  , Abdullah Mikrajuddin
Published: April 2014

We herein report an electrochemical impedance spectroscopy study on TiO2 based solar cells in which a copper bridge was found to significantly reduce the resistance of the TiO2 solar cells. The effects of different ions in the polymer electrolyte on the resistance of the solar cells were also observed. In addition, the use of a natural polymer from the resin of Coromendelica saccharata sturt improved the performance of the solar cells, significantly increasing their efficiency and fill factor to 5.015% and 0.90, respectively.
Spin and orbital moments of nanoscale Fe3O4 epitaxial thin film on MgO/GaAs(100)
Authors: Liu W. Q. , Xu Y. B. , Wong P. K. J. , Maltby N. J. , Li S. P. , Wang X. F. , Du J. , You B. , Wu J. , Bencok P. , Zhang R.
Published: April 2014

Nanoscale Fe3O4 epitaxial thin film has been synthesized on MgO/GaAs(100) spintronic heterostructure, and studied with X-ray magnetic circular dichroism. We have observed a total magnetic moment (ml+s) of (3.32 ± 0.1)μB/f.u., retaining 83% of the bulk value. Unquenched orbital moment (ml) of (0.47 ± 0.05)μB/f.u. has been confirmed by carefully applying the sum rule. The results offer direct experimental evidence of the bulk-like total magnetic moment and a large orbital moment in the nanoscale fully epitaxial Fe3O4/MgO/GaAs(100) heterostructure, which is significant for spintronics applications.
Physical mechanisms of megahertz vibrations and nonlinear detection in ultrasonic force and related microscopies
Authors: Bosse J. L. , Tovee P. D. , Huey B. D. , Kolosov O. V.
Published: April 2014

Use of high frequency (HF) vibrations at MHz frequencies in Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) advanced nanoscale property mapping to video rates, allowed use of cantilever dynamics for mapping nanomechanical properties of stiff materials, sensing μs time scale phenomena in nanostructures, and enabled detection of subsurface features with nanoscale resolution. All of these methods critically depend on the generally poor characterized HF behaviour of AFM cantilevers in contact with a studied sample, spatial and frequency response of piezotransducers, and transfer of ultrasonic vibrations between the probe and a specimen. Focusing particularly on Ultrasonic Force Microscopy (UFM), this work is also applicable to waveguide UFM, heterodyne force microscopy, and near-field holographic microscopy, all methods that exploit nonlinear tip-surface force interactions at high frequencies. Leveraging automated multidimensional measurements, spectroscopic UFM (sUFM) is introduced to investigate a range of common experimental parameters, including piezotransducer excitation frequency, probed position, ultrasonic amplitude, cantilever geometry, spring constant, and normal force. Consistent with studies of influence of each of these factors, the data-rich sUFM signatures allow efficient optimization of ultrasonic-AFM based measurements, leading to best practices recommendations of using longer cantilevers with lower fundamental resonance, while at the same time increasing the central frequency of HF piezo-actuators, and only comparing results within areas on the order of few μm2 unless calibrated directly or compared with in-the-imaged area standards. Diverse materials such as Si, Cr, and photoresist are specifically investigated. This work thereby provides essential insight into the reliable use of MHz vibrations with AFM and provides direct evidence substantiating phenomena such as sensitivity to adhesion, diminished friction for certain ultrasonic conditions, and the particular benefit of UFM and related methods for nanoscale mapping of stiff materials.
Probing material nonlinearity at various depths by time reversal mirrors
Authors: Payan C. , Ulrich T. J. , Le Bas P. Y. , Griffa M. , Schuetz P. , Remillieux M. C. , Saleh T. A.
Published: April 2014

In this Letter, the time reversal mirror is used to focus elastic energy at a prescribed location and to analyze the amplitude dependence of the focus signal, thus providing the nonlinearity of the medium. By varying the frequency content of the focused waveforms, the technique can be used to probe the surface, by penetrating to a depth defined by the wavelength of the focused waves. The validity of this concept is shown in the presence of gradual and distributed damage in concrete by comparing actual results with a reference nonlinear measurement and X ray tomography images.
Rapid sintering of TiO2 photoelectrodes using intense pulsed white light for flexible dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Jin Hwa-Young , Kim Jae-Yup , Ah Lee Jin , Lee Kwangsoo , Yoo Kicheon , Lee Doh-Kwon , Kim BongSoo , Young Kim Jin , Kim Honggon , Jung Son Hae , Kim Jihyun , Ah Lim Jung , Jae Ko Min
Published: April 2014

Intense pulsed white light (IPWL) sintering was carried out at room temperature, which is suitable dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) fabrication process on plastic substrates for the mass production. Five seconds irradiation of IPWL on TiO2 electrode significantly improves the photocurrent density and power conversion efficiency of DSSCs by more than 110% and 115%, respectively, compared to the DSSCs without IPWL treatment. These improvements were mainly attributed to the enhanced interconnection between the TiO2 nanoparticles induced by IPWL illumination, which is confirmed by the impedance spectra analysis.
Embedding the Concept of Ecosystem Services? The Utilisation of Ecological Knowledge in Different Policy Venues
Authors: Jordan Andrew , Russel Duncan
Published: April 2014

The concept of ecosystem services is increasingly being promoted by academics and policy makers as a means to protect ecological systems through more informed decision making. A basic premise of this approach is that strengthening the ecological knowledge base will significantly enhance ecosystem health through more sensitive decision making. However, the existing literature on knowledge utilisation, and many previous attempts to improve decision making through better knowledge integration, suggest that producing ‘more knowledge’ is only ever a necessary but insufficient condition for greater policy success. We begin this paper by reviewing what is already known about the relationship between ecological knowledge development and utilisation, before introducing a set of theme issue papers that examine—for the very first time—how this politically and scientifically salient relationship plays out across a number of vital policy venues such as land-use planning, policy-level impact assessment, and cost–benefit analysis. Following a detailed synthesis of the key findings of all the papers, this paper identifies and explores new research and policy challenges in this important and dynamic area of environmental governance.
Action-Specific Effects in Aviation: What Determines Judged Runway Size?
Authors: Gray Rob , Navia José Antonio , Allsop Jonathan
Published: April 2014

Several recent studies have shown that the performance of a skill that involves acting on a goal object can influence one's judgment of the size of that object. The present study investigated this effect in an aviation context. Novice pilots were asked to perform a series of visual approach and landing manoeuvres in a flight simulator. After each landing, participants next performed a task in which runway size was judged for different simulated altitudes. Gaze behaviour and control stick kinematics were also analyzed. There were significant relationships between judged runway size and multiple action-related variables including touchdown velocity, time fixating the runway, and the magnitude and frequency of control inputs. These findings suggest that relationship between the perception of a target object and action is not solely determined by performance success or failure but rather involves a relationship between multiple variables that reflect the actor's ability.
Antioxidant treatment during manipulation procedures prevents mitochondrial and DNA damage and enhances nuclear reprogramming of bovine somatic cell nuclear transfer embryos
Authors: Bae Hyo-Kyung , Hwang In-Sun , Kim Ji-Ye , Lee Sung-Young , Park Choon-Keun , Yang Boo-Keun , Cheong Hee-Tae
Published: April 2014

We tried to prevent the mitochondrial and DNA damage caused by mechanical stress-associated reactive oxygen species (ROS), and to improve the reprogramming of bovine somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) embryos by antioxidant treatment during the manipulation procedures of SCNT. Bovine recipient oocytes and reconstituted oocytes were treated with antioxidants during manipulation procedures. The H2O2 level, mitochondrial morphology, membrane potential and apoptosis at the one-cell stage, and in vitro development and DNA methylation status of blastocysts were evaluated. Antioxidant treatment during manipulation procedures reduced the H2O2 level of SCNT embryos. Antioxidant-treated SCNT embryos normally formed mitochondrial clumps, similar to IVF embryos, and showed higher mitochondrial membrane potential versus the SCNT control (P < 0.05). Apoptosis and DNA fragmentation were reduced by antioxidant treatment. The development rate to the blastocyst stage was higher (P < 0.05) in the antioxidant treatment groups (30.5 ± 2.5 to 30.6 ± 1.6%) versus the control (23.0 ± 1.9%). The DNA methylation status of blastocysts in the antioxidant treatment groups was lower (P < 0.05) than that of the control and similar to that of IVF embryos. These results indicate that antioxidant treatment during manipulation procedures can prevent cellular damage that may be caused by mechanical stress-associated ROS, and improve nuclear reprogramming.
Sp8 regulates inner ear development
Authors: Chung Hyeyoung A. , Medina-Ruiz Sofia , Harland Richard M.
Published: April 2014

Significance

Deficits in hearing or balance are common and result from both developmental and environmental causes. Model organisms have contributed many fundamental insights into embryonic development and we have added
Xenopus tropicalis
as a new genetically tractable organism in the field of inner ear development. As a result of a forward genetic screen in
X. tropicalis
, we have identified
specificity protein 8
, a new initiator of ear development, and analyzed mutant phenotypes and molecular interactions with genes that are involved in inner ear development. Given morphological and genetic similarities between inner ears of frog and mammals, the establishment of a new in vivo model system amenable to genetic manipulation will provide an important new tool to study vertebrate ear development.
Introduction
Authors: Cao Qing
Published: April 2014

‘Without legitimacy, words are invalid; invalid words lead man to nowhere’.(名不正则言不顺，言不顺则事不成。Mingbuzheng zhe yanbushun; yanbushun zhe shibucheng) Confucius (The Analects)‘Truth’ is to be understood as a system of ordered procedures for the production, regulation, distribution, circulation and operation of statement.‘Truth’ is linked in a circular relation with systems of power which produce and sustain it, and to effects of power which it induces and which extend it. A ‘regime’ of truth.Foucault (in Rabinow 1984: 74)
How do previously acquired languages affect acquisition of English as a foreign language
Authors: Kahn-Horwitz Janina , Kuash Sara , Ibrahim Raphiq , Schwartz Mila
Published: April 2014

The present study aims to examine the linguistic and orthographic proximity hypothesis in new script acquisitionby comparing the performance of Circassian L1 speaking children who are emerging quadri-literates with Hebrew L1 speaking children who are emerging biliterates. Tests in decoding and spelling various English target conventions were conducted. Thirty 10 year old Circassian L1 speaking children were compared to 46 Hebrew L1 speaking children. Results show that the group of Circassian L1 speaking children outperformed the group of Hebrew L1 speaking children and showed a significant advantage in decoding and spelling target orthographic conventions. There were no significant differences between the two groups on decoding and spelling the silent 〈e〉, which provided a challenge for both groups. The results provide support for the linguistic and orthographic proximity hypothesiswhereby phonemes and orthographic characteristics that exist in a child’s first or additional language system and writing system facilitate acquisition of orthographic conventions in a new language and writing system. Keywords: linguistic and orthographic proximity; decoding; spelling; Circassian; Hebrew; EFL
The effects of bilingual education on the English language and literacy outcomes of Chinese-speaking children
Authors: Hipfner-Boucher Kathleen , Lam Katie , Chen Becky Xi
Published: April 2014

To evaluate the effects of bilingual education on minority-language children’s English language and literacy outcomes, we compared grade 1 Chinese-speaking Canadian children enrolled in three different instructional programs (French Immersion, Chinese-English Paired Bilingual, English-only). ANCOVA results revealed that the French immersion children outperformed the other two groups on measures of English phonological awareness and word reading and that the bilingual groups were comparable to monolingual English norms on a test of receptive vocabulary. Multiple regression analyses were conducted to examine cross-language transfer of skills. French morphological awareness explained unique variance in English word reading and vocabulary for the French immersion group. For the other two groups, Chinese phonological awareness was significantly related to English word reading. Our results suggest that instruction in French or Chinese does not delay the development of early English language and literacy skills for Chinese-speaking children, as the children may be able to leverage skills from their other language to facilitate their English learning. Keywords: Bilingual education; French immersion; cross-language transfer
Some positivities in certain triangular arrays
Authors: Zhu Bao-Xuan
Published: April 2014

Let

{

T

n
,
k

}

n
,
k
≥
0

\{T_{n,k}\}_{n,k\ge 0}

be an array of nonnegative numbers satisfying the recurrence relation
<mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" alttext="upper T Subscript n comma k Baseline equals left-parenthesis a 1 k squared plus a 2 k plus a 3 right-parenthesis upper T Subscript n minus 1 comma k Baseline plus left-parenthesis b 1 k squared plus b 2 k plus b 3 right-parenthesis upper T Subscript n minus 1 comma k minus 1">

T

n
,
k

=
(

a
1

k
2

+

a
2

k
+

a
3

)

T

n
−
1
,
k

+
(

b
1

k
2

+

b
2

k
+

b
3

)

T

n
−
1
,
k
−
1

\begin{equation*} T_{n,k}=(a_1k^2+a_2k+a_3)T_{n-1,k}+(b_1k^2+b_2k+b_3)T_{n-1,k-1} \end{equation*}

with

T

n
,
k

=
0

T_{n,k}=0

unless

0
≤
k
≤
n

0\le k\le n

. We obtain some results for the total positivity of the matrix

(

T

n
,
k

)

n
,
k
≥
0

\left (T_{n,k}\right )_{n,k\ge 0}

, Pólya frequency properties of the row and column generating functions, and

q
q

-log-convexity of the row generating functions. This allows a unified treatment of the properties above for some triangular arrays of the second kind, including the Stirling triangle, Jacobi-Stirling triangle, Legendre-Stirling triangle, and central factorial numbers triangle.
Recognition of an Avr3a Homologue Plays a Major Role in Mediating Nonhost Resistance to Phytophthora capsici in Nicotiana Species
Authors: Vega-Arreguín Julio C. , Jalloh Abubakar , Bos Jorunn I. , Moffett Peter
Published: April 2014

Nonhost resistance is a commonly occurring phenomenon wherein all accessions or cultivars of a plant species are resistant to all strains of a pathogen species and is likely the manifestation of multiple molecular mechanisms. Phytophthora capsici is a soil-borne oomycete that causes Phytophthora blight disease in many solanaceous and cucurbitaceous plants worldwide. Interest in P. capsici has increased considerably with the sequencing of its genome and its increasing occurrence in multiple crops. However, molecular interactions between P. capsici and both its hosts and its nonhosts are poorly defined. We show here that tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) acts like a nonhost for P. capsici and responds to P. capsici infection with a hypersensitive response (HR). Furthermore, we have found that a P. capsici Avr3a-like gene (PcAvr3a1) encoding a putative RXLR effector protein produces a HR upon transient expression in tobacco and several other Nicotiana species. This HR response correlated with resistance in 19 of 23 Nicotiana species and accessions tested, and knock-down of PcAvr3a1 expression by host-induced gene silencing allowed infection of resistant tobacco. Our results suggest that many Nicotiana species have the capacity to recognize PcAvr3a1 via the products of endogenous disease resistance (R) genes and that this R gene–mediated response is a major component of nonhost resistance to P. capsici.
Identification of Sources of Bacterial Wilt Resistance in Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris)
Authors: Urrea Carlos A. , Harveson Robert M.
Published: April 2014

Over the last decade, bacterial wilt, caused by Curtobacterium flaccumfaciens pv. flaccumfaciens, has reemerged in the Central High Plains (Nebraska, Colorado, and Wyoming) and has been identified in almost 500 fields. Affected fields were planted with bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) from multiple market classes and seed sources, including yellow, great northern, pinto, kidney, cranberry, black, navy, pink, and small red, and incidence varied from trace levels to >90%. One wilt-resistant bean, ‘Emerson’, is available today but it is grown on a limited basis as a specialized cultivar for targeted markets in Europe and cannot be grown in all fields where the disease has recently been identified. Thus, we are faced with an emerging problem that must be addressed by utilizing newly developed resistant cultivars. This study was initiated to evaluate the Phaseolus National Plant Germplasm System (NPGS) bean collection for resistance to C. flaccumfaciens pv. flaccumfaciens in the ongoing effort to develop a new wilt-resistant cultivar adapted to this region. In total, 467 entries, including accessions from the NPGS, several commercial great northern and pinto cultivars, and University of Nebraska experimental lines, were screened with a highly virulent orange strain of C. flaccumfaciens pv. flaccumfaciens previously recovered from an infected great northern bean plant in Nebraska. Bacterial wilt severity ratings were 1.0 to 9.0 (0 to 90% incidence). Of the 427 accessions from the NPGS, only 1 showed resistance (0.23%), 19 showed intermediate resistances (4.45%), and the remainder were susceptible (95.34%). PI 325691 was identified as a source of bacterial wilt resistance. It was screened against six additional C. flaccumfaciens pv. flaccumfaciens strains and still produced resistant reactions. PI 325691 is a wild common bean (P. vulgaris) collected 8 miles South of Tzitzio, Michoacán, Mexico; however, it has a small seed size (5.3 g 100−1 seeds) that is commercially unacceptable. It will take several backcrosses to transfer this resistance to bacterial wilt and recover the seed size into a cultivated bean.
Use of Quantitative Traits to Assess Aggressiveness of Phakopsora pachyrhizi Isolates from Nigeria and the United States
Authors: Twizeyimana M. , Ojiambo P. S. , Bandyopadhyay R. , Hartman G. L.
Published: April 2014

Soybean rust, caused by Phakopsora pachyrhizi, is one of the most important foliar diseases of soybean worldwide. The soybean–P. pachyrhizi interaction is often complex due to genetic variability in host and pathogen genotypes. In a compatible reaction, soybean genotypes produce tan-colored lesions, whereas in an incompatible reaction soybean genotypes produce an immune response (complete resistance) or reddish-brown lesions (incomplete resistance). In this study, in total, 116 and 72 isolates of P. pachyrhizi from Nigeria and the United States, respectively, were compared based on six quantitative traits to assess their aggressiveness on two soybean genotypes. All isolates produced reddish-brown lesions on plant introduction (PI) 462312 and tan lesions on TGx 1485-1D. The number of days after inoculation to first appearance of lesions, uredinia, and sporulation, along with the number of lesions and sporulating uredinia per square centimeter of leaf tissue, and the number of uredinia per lesion, were significantly (P < 0.001) different between the two soybean genotypes for all isolates from each country. The number of days to first appearance of lesions, uredinia, and sporulation were greater on PI 462312 than on TGx 1485-1D for all the test isolates. Similarly, the number of lesions and sporulating uredinia per square centimeter, and the number of uredinia per lesion were lower on PI 462312 than on TGx 1485-1D. For both soybean genotypes, the number of sporulating uredinia per square centimeter significantly (P = 0.0001) increased with an increase in the number of lesions per square centimeter. Although the slope of the regression of sporulating uredinia on number of lesions was greater (P < 0.0001) when TGx 1485-1D was inoculated with Nigerian isolates compared with U.S. isolates, slopes of the regression lines did not differ significantly (P > 0.0675) when PI 46312 was inoculated with Nigerian or U.S. isolates. This is the first study that used a large number of isolates from two continents to assess aggressiveness of P. pachyrhizi using multiple traits in soybean genotypes with contrasting types of disease reaction.
Differential Responses of Three Grapevine Cultivars to Botryosphaeria Dieback
Authors: Spagnolo Alessandro , Magnin-Robert Maryline , Alayi Tchilabalo Dilezitoko , Cilindre Clara , Schaeffer-Reiss Christine , Van Dorsselaer Alain , Clément Christophe , Larignon Philippe , Ramirez-Suero Montserrat , Chong Julie , Bertsch Christophe , Abou-Mansour Eliane , Fontaine Florence
Published: April 2014

Botryosphaeria dieback is a fungal grapevine trunk disease that represents a threat for viticulture worldwide due to the decreased production of affected plants and their premature death. This dieback is characterized by a typical wood discoloration called brown stripe. Herein, a proteome comparison of the brown striped wood from Botryosphaeria dieback-affected standing vines cultivars Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, and Mourvèdre was performed. The transcript analysis for 15 targeted genes and the quantification of both total phenolics and specific stilbenes were also performed. Several pathogenesis-related proteins and members of the antioxidant system were more abundant in the brown striped wood of the three cultivars, whereas other defense-related proteins were less abundant. Additionally, total phenolics and some specific stilbenes were more accumulated in the brown striped wood. Strongest differences among the cultivars concerned proteins of the primary metabolism, which looked to be particularly impaired in the brown striped wood of ‘Chardonnay’. Low abundance of some proteins involved in defense response probably contributes to make global response insufficient to avoid the symptom development. The differential susceptibility of the three grapevine cultivars could be linked to the diverse expression of various proteins involved in defense response, stress tolerance, and metabolism.
Intestinal Expression of the Anti‐Inflammatory Interleukin‐1 Homologue IL‐37 in Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Weidlich Simon , Bulau Ana‐Maria , Schwerd Tobias , Althans Johanna , Kappler Roland , Koletzko Sibylle , Mayr Doris , Bufler Philip
Published: April 2014

Objectives:

The function of interleukin (IL)‐37 has not been resolved. We recently showed that IL‐37 suppresses colonic inflammation in mice. To gain more insight into its relevance in human disease, we investigated the expression of IL‐37 in the intestine of pediatric patients with chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Methods:

Intestinal biopsies were obtained from children with IBD (18 Crohn disease [CD], 14 ulcerative colitis [UC] and 11 controls) during endoscopy and analyzed for IL‐37 expression by immunohistochemistry and real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Results were correlated with immunostaining for IL‐18 and IL‐17, messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory cytokines, and clinical parameters.

Results:

IL‐37 protein was detected in epithelial cells and submucosal lymphoid cells of patients with CD and UC as well as healthy controls. IL‐37 protein expression tended to be higher with submucosal lymphoid cell infiltration of patients with CD and UC and correlated with histological severity score of inflammation. IL‐18 showed a staining pattern similar to that of IL‐37, whereas staining for IL‐17 revealed distinct positive cells scattered in the submucosal layer. mRNA expression of IL‐8, IL‐17, and IL‐10 was upregulated in patients with CD and UC. mRNA levels of IL‐18 and IL‐37 were not significantly elevated compared with controls. Levels of IL‐37 and IL‐18 mRNA showed a positive correlation in the CD group.

Conclusions:

IL‐37 protein is expressed in healthy and diseased bowel tissue. IL‐37 and IL‐18 show a similar expression pattern and correlate at mRNA levels. Future studies are warranted to delineate the specific contribution of IL‐37 to modulate chronic bowel inflammation in humans.
Body Positioning and Medical Therapy for Infantile Gastroesophageal Reflux Symptoms
Authors: Loots Clara , Kritas Stamatiki , van Wijk Michiel , McCall Lisa , Peeters Laura , Lewindon Peter , Bijlmer Rob , Haslam Ross , Tobin Jacinta , Benninga Marc , Davidson Geoffrey , Omari Taher
Published: April 2014

Objective:

Proton‐pump inhibitors (PPIs) reduce acid gastroesophageal reflux (GER) and esophageal acid exposure in infants; however, they do not reduce total GER or symptoms attributed to GER. Reflux is reduced in the left lateral position (LLP). We hypothesize that the effect of LLP in combination with acid suppression is most effective in reducing GER symptoms in infants.

Methods:

In this prospective sham‐controlled trial, infants (0–6 months) with symptoms suggestive of gastroesophageal reflux disease were studied using 8‐hour pH‐impedance, cardiorespiratory and video monitoring, direct nurse observation, and a validated questionnaire. Infants demonstrating a positive GER symptom association were randomized to 1 of 4 groups; PPI + LLP, PPI + head of cot elevation (HE), antacid (AA) + LLP, or AA + HE. HE and AA were considered “sham” therapies. After 2 weeks the 8‐hour studies were repeated on‐therapy.

Results:

Fifty‐one patients were included (aged 13.6 [2–26] weeks). PPI + LLP was most effective in reducing GER episodes (69 [13] to 46 [10], P < 0.001) and esophageal acid exposure (median [interquartile range] 8.9% [3.1%–18.1%] to 1.1% [0%–4.4%], P = 0.02). No treatment group showed improvement in crying/irritability, although vomiting was reduced in AA + LLP (from 7 [2] to 2 [0] episodes P = 0.042). LLP compared with HE produced greater reduction in total GER (−21 [4] vs −10 [4], P = 0.056), regardless of acid‐suppressive therapy. Acid exposure was reduced on PPI compared with AA (−6.8 [2.1] vs −0.9 [1.4]%, pH < 4, P = 0.043) regardless of positional intervention. A post‐hoc analysis using automated analysis software revealed a significant reduction in crying symptoms in the PPI + LLP group (99 [65–103] to 62 [32–96] episodes, P = 0.018).

Conclusions:

“Symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux disease” implies disease causation for distressing infant symptoms. In infants with symptoms attributed to GER, LLP produced a significant reduction in total GER, but did not result in a significant improvement in symptoms other than vomiting; however, automated analysis appeared to identify infants with GER‐associated crying symptoms who responded to positioning therapy. This is an important new insight for future research.
Screening Electronic Health Record–Related Patient Safety Reports Using Machine Learning
Authors: Marella William M. , Sparnon Erin , Finley Edward
Published: April 2014

Introduction

The objective of this study was to develop a semiautomated approach to screening cases that describe hazards associated with the electronic health record (EHR) from a mandatory, population-based patient safety reporting system.

Methods

Potentially relevant cases were identified through a query of the Pennsylvania Patient Safety Reporting System. A random sample of cases were manually screened for relevance and divided into training, testing, and validation data sets to develop a machine learning model. This model was used to automate screening of remaining potentially relevant cases.

Results

Of the 4 algorithms tested, a naive Bayes kernel performed best, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.927 ± 0.023, accuracy of 0.855 ± 0.033, and F score of 0.877 ± 0.027.

Discussion

The machine learning model and text mining approach described here are useful tools for identifying and analyzing adverse event and near-miss reports. Although reporting systems are beginning to incorporate structured fields on health information technology and the EHR, these methods can identify related events that reporters classify in other ways. These methods can facilitate analysis of legacy safety reports by retrieving health information technology–related and EHR-related events from databases without fields and controlled values focused on this subject and distinguishing them from reports in which the EHR is mentioned only in passing.

Conclusions

Machine learning and text mining are useful additions to the patient safety toolkit and can be used to semiautomate screening and analysis of unstructured text in safety reports from frontline staff.
Dickeya aquatica sp. nov., isolated from waterways
Authors: Parkinson Neil , DeVos Paul , Pirhonen Minna , Elphinstone John
Published: April 2014

Pectinolytic Gram-negative bacteria were isolated from different waterways in the UK and Finland. Three strains (174/2T, 181/2 and Dw054) had the same 16S rRNA gene sequences which shared 99 % sequence similarity to species of the genus

Dickeya

, and a phylogeny of related genera confirmed attribution to this genus. Fatty acid profile analysis of all three strains found a high proportion of C16 : 1ω7c/C16 : 1ω7c and C16 : 0 fatty acids, and library profile searches found closest matches to

Dickeya chrysanthemi

. Production of a concatenated phylogeny using six loci, recA, gapA, atpD, gyrB, infB and rpoB, provided a high-resolution phylogeny which placed strains 174/2T and 181/2 as a distinct clade, separated from the other species of the genus

Dickeya

by a relatively long branch-length. DNA–DNA hybridization analysis with a limited number of reference species also supported the distinctiveness of strains 174/2T and 181/2 within the genus

Dickeya

. All three strains could be phenotypically distinguished from other species of the genus by fermentation of melibiose and raffinose but not d-arabinose or mannitol. The name Dickeya aquatica sp. nov. is proposed for the new taxon; the type strain is 174/2T ( = NCPPB 4580T = LMG 27354T).
MgtE is a dual-function protein in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Coffey Barbara M. , Akhand Saeed S. , Anderson Gregory G.
Published: April 2014

The opportunistic pathogenPseudomonas aeruginosacauses a wide range of infections, including chronic biofilm infections in the lungs of individuals with cystic fibrosis. We previously found that the inner-membrane protein MgtE can function both as a magnesium transporter and a virulence modulator, although the exact mechanism governing these activities is unclear. To address this issue, we carried out an experimental characterization ofP. aeruginosaMgtE and generated a computer-rendered model. Ourin silicoanalysis demonstrated the structural similarity ofP. aeruginosaMgtE to that of the crystal structure of MgtE inThermus thermophilus. Experimentally, we verified that MgtE is not essential for growth and found that it may not be involved directly in biofilm formation, even under low-magnesium conditions. We demonstrated both magnesium transport and cytotoxicity-regulating functions, and showed that magnesium-binding sites in the connecting helix region of MgtE are vital in coupling these two functions. Furthermore, limiting magnesium environments stimulatedmgtEtranscriptional responses. Our results suggested that MgtE might play an important role in linking magnesium availability toP. aeruginosapathogenesis.