bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Titania‐based photocatalytic coatings on stainless steel hospital fixtures
Authors: Krumdieck S. , Miya S. S. , Lee D. , Davies‐Talwar S. , Bishop C. M.
Published: May 2015

A scaled‐up pulsed‐pressure MOCVD system was used to deposit TiO2 coatings from tetra‐isopropoxide precursor solution on stainless steel substrates and on 3‐D objects. The objective of the work is the production of antimicrobial coatings for handles in health care facilities. Antimicrobial coatings are sought to manage the transmission of hospital acquired infections (HAI's), which are reported to cost around one million pounds per annum in the UK alone. Titania is a promising material for this application due to the photocatalytic production of reactive oxygen species that are crucial for the destruction of organic pathogens.

TiO2 coatings of 0.2 to 13 µm thickness were deposited at temperatures between 375 °C and 475 °C. The crystallite size and photocatalytic activity are influenced by deposition temperature. No dependence of stoichiometry on the deposition temperature has been observed. The films on stainless steel exhibit reasonably good photocatalytic performance. The photocatalytic performance and the stoichiometry improve with the film thickness. A three dimensional object (door handle) was coated with good conformity. The reactor scale‐up for coating production on door handles is proposed for future wear and hygiene performance testing. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Mass spectrometric studies of 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium and 1‐propyl‐2,3‐dimethylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethyl)‐sulfonylimides
Authors: Chilingarov Norbert S. , Medvedev Artem A. , Deyko Grigoriy S. , Kustov Leonid M. , Chernikova Elena A. , Glukhov Lev M. , Markov Vitaliy Yu. , Ioffe Il'ya N. , Senyavin Vladimir M. , Polyakova Marina V. , Sidorov Lev N.
Published: May 2015

Rationale

Ionic liquids ([Cat+][An−]) were believed to decompose before reaching vaporization temperatures, but recently some of them have been shown to vaporize congruently. Low‐temperature vaporization of ionic substances is an intriguing phenomenon, so the vapor‐phase composition and reactions of ionic liquids deserve more extensive study.

Methods

Evaporation of two ionic liquids, [C2MIM+][Tf2N−] and [C3MMIM+][Tf2N−], was studied by means of Knudsen effusion mass spectrometry. These liquids were also characterized using matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry, UV/Vis, IR, NMR spectroscopy, and elemental analysis.

Results

The vaporization enthalpies of (118 ± 3) and (124 ± 2) kJ·mol−1 were determined for [C2MIM+][Tf2N−] and [C3MMIM+][Tf2N−], respectively. The corresponding equations for their saturated vapor pressures are:
urn:x-wiley:09514198:media:rcm7214:rcm7214-math-0001

The MALDI studies (positive and negative ion modes) enabled detection of monomeric [Cat+] and [An−] ions, the cluster ions {[Cat+]2[An−]}+ and {[Cat+][An−]2}−, and some complex anions {2[An−]+Na+}−, {2[An−]+K+}−, {2[An−]+Cu+}− and {3[An−]+Ca2+}−.

Conclusions

Knudsen effusion mass spectrometry proved to be a valuable method to study the thermodynamics of ionic liquids. The saturated vapor pressure and vaporization enthalpy of [C3MMIM+][Tf2N−] were accurately determined for the first time. MALDI is also capable of providing indirect information on hydrogen bonding. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Penalization, bias reduction, and default priors in logistic and related categorical and survival regressions
Authors: Greenland Sander , Mansournia Mohammad Ali
Published: May 2015

Penalization is a very general method of stabilizing or regularizing estimates, which has both frequentist and Bayesian rationales. We consider some questions that arise when considering alternative penalties for logistic regression and related models. The most widely programmed penalty appears to be the Firth small‐sample bias‐reduction method (albeit with small differences among implementations and the results they provide), which corresponds to using the log density of the Jeffreys invariant prior distribution as a penalty function. The latter representation raises some serious contextual objections to the Firth reduction, which also apply to alternative penalties based on t‐distributions (including Cauchy priors). Taking simplicity of implementation and interpretation as our chief criteria, we propose that the log‐F(1,1) prior provides a better default penalty than other proposals. Penalization based on more general log‐F priors is trivial to implement and facilitates mean‐squared error reduction and sensitivity analyses of penalty strength by varying the number of prior degrees of freedom. We caution however against penalization of intercepts, which are unduly sensitive to covariate coding and design idiosyncrasies. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Learning to let go: Social influence, learning, and the abandonment of corporate venture capital practices
Authors: Gaba Vibha , Dokko Gina
Published: May 2015

Research summary: This study examines the abandonment of organizational practices. We argue that firm choices in implementing practices affect how firms experience a practice and their subsequent likelihood of abandonment. We focus on utilization of the practice and staffing (i.e. career backgrounds of managers), as two important implementation choices that firms make. The findings demonstrate that practice utilization and staffing choices not only affect abandonment likelihood directly but also condition firms' susceptibility to pressures to abandon when social referents do. Our study contributes to diffusion research by examining practice abandonment—a relatively unexplored area in diffusion research—and by incorporating specific aspects of firms' post‐adoption choices into diffusion theory.

Managerial summary: When do firms shut down practices? Prior research has shown that firms learn from the actions of other firms, both adopting and abandoning practices when their peers do. But unlike adoption decisions, abandonment decisions need to account for firms' own experiences with the practice. We study the abandonment of corporate venture capital (CVC) practices in the U.S. IT industry, which has experienced waves of adoption and abandonment. We find that firms that make more CVC investments are less likely to abandon the practice, and are less likely to learn vicariously from other firms' abandonment decisions, such that they are less likely to exit CVC when other firms do. Staffing choices also matter: hiring former venture capitalists makes firms less likely to abandon CVC practices, while hiring internally makes abandonment more likely. Plus, staffing choices affect how firms learn from the environment, as CVC managers pay attention to and learn more from the actions of firms that match their work backgrounds; i.e., firms that staff CVC units with former venture capitalists are more likely to follow exit decisions of VC firms, while those that staff with internal hires are more likely to follow their industry peers. Our results suggest that firms wanting to retain CVC practices should think carefully about the implementation choices they make, as they may be inadvertently sowing seeds of abandonment. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Poly(butylene succinate) (PBS)/ionic liquid plasticized starch blends: Preparation, characterization, and properties
Authors: Liu Dan , Qi Zhiguo , Zhang Yang , Xu Jun , Guo Baohua
Published: May 2015

An ionic liquid (IL) (1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium chloride, [BMIM]Cl) was used as a plasticizer of starch for the preparation of PBS/starch blends and compared to those using glycerol, a classical plasticizer of starch. IL showed a stronger plasticization effect on starch than glycerol and prevented the recrystallization of starch. IL was also found to increase the degree of crystallinity of PBS/starch blends and lead to better dispersion of starches in the PBS matrix, and consequently enhanced the mechanical properties of the blends. With the IL/starch ratio 0.3, the obtained PBS/TPS blend had the elongation at break 89% of that of neat PBS.
Platelet-Derived Growth Factor BB Enhances Osteogenesis of Adipose-Derived But Not Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal/Stem Cells
Authors: Hung Ben P. , Hutton Daphne L. , Kozielski Kristen L. , Bishop Corey J. , Naved Bilal , Green Jordan J. , Caplan Arnold I. , Gimble Jeffrey M. , Dorafshar Amir H. , Grayson Warren L.
Published: May 2015

Tissue engineering using mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) holds great promise for regenerating critically sized bone defects. While the bone marrow-derived MSC is the most widely studied stromal/stem cell type for this application, its rarity within bone marrow and painful isolation procedure have motivated investigation of alternative cell sources. Adipose-derived stromal/stem cells (ASCs) are more abundant and more easily procured; furthermore, they also possess robust osteogenic potency. While these two cell types are widely considered very similar, there is a growing appreciation of possible innate differences in their biology and response to growth factors. In particular, reports indicate that their osteogenic response to platelet-derived growth factor BB (PDGF-BB) is markedly different: MSCs responded negatively or not at all to PDGF-BB while ASCs exhibited enhanced mineralization in response to physiological concentrations of PDGF-BB. In this study, we directly tested whether a fundamental difference existed between the osteogenic responses of MSCs and ASCs to PDGF-BB. MSCs and ASCs cultured under identical osteogenic conditions responded disparately to 20 ng/ml of PDGF-BB: MSCs exhibited no difference in mineralization while ASCs produced more calcium per cell. siRNA-mediated knockdown of PDGFRβ within ASCs abolished their ability to respond to PDGF-BB. Gene expression was also different; MSCs generally downregulated and ASCs generally upregulated osteogenic genes in response to PDGF-BB. ASCs transduced to produce PDGF-BB resulted in more regenerated bone within a critically sized murine calvarial defect compared to control ASCs, indicating PDGF-BB used specifically in conjunction with ASCs might enhance tissue engineering approaches for bone regeneration. Stem Cells  2015;33:2773–2784
Pedagogical content knowledge of argumentation: Using classroom contexts to assess high‐quality PCK rather than pseudoargumentation
Authors: McNeill Katherine L. , González‐Howard María , Katsh‐Singer Rebecca , Loper Suzanna
Published: May 2015

Despite the recent emphasis on science practices, little work has focused on teachers' knowledge of these key learning goals. The development of high quality assessments for teachers' pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) of science practices, such as argumentation, is important to better assess the needs of teachers and to develop supportive teacher education experiences. In this paper, we present lessons learned from a development process to conceptualize, design, and pilot a measure of teachers' PCK of argumentation. We use the results from our pilot test with 103 middle school science teachers, cognitive interviews with 24 middle school science teachers, and feedback from 10 advisors to present these lessons learned. Specifically, this work resulted in the refinement of our conceptualization of PCK of argumentation in two areas: (1) Moving beyond pseudoargumentation of surface level features to target the quality of structural components and students' dialogic interactions as well as the use of instructional strategies that align with student needs and (2) Focusing on dialogic argumentation in terms of the quality of student interactions in which they build off of and critique each others' claims, rather than goals such as persuasion that are difficult to observe. In addition, the iterative design process suggested that PCK of argumentation assessments should use classroom contexts (such as vignettes, student writing, and video) to activate teachers' knowledge in use by connecting to their prior experiences; however, the student argumentation examples need to highlight one specific strength or challenge and provide sufficient detail around the example to focus the assessment item. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 53: 261–290, 2016.
Learning from one's own teaching: New science teachers analyzing their practice through classroom observation cycles
Authors: Ceven McNally Jennifer
Published: May 2015

The first three years of science teachers’ careers is an especially formative period, yet there remains only a limited literature base to support teacher educators who work with this population. Teachers in the induction phase benefit from professional development experiences that support them as they continue to learn about teaching by analyzing their own teaching experiences. The context of this qualitative study is the implementation of video recorded classroom observations within an established distance mentoring program, e‐Mentoring for Student Success (eMSS; Jaffe et al. [2006] Online professional development for teachers, Cambridge, MA: Harvard Education Press). These observations were designed to include a cycle of three activities: a pre‐observation discussion in which the mentor–mentee pair set a focus for the observation, the sharing of a video recording of a short classroom episode, and a post‐observation discussion in which mentor and mentee analyzed evidence from the video in light of the observation focus and determined an action plan of next steps for the new teacher to implement. Studying the dynamic interactions between mentors and mentees as they inquired into specific aspects of teaching and analyzed evidence from the classroom episode helped to identify the conditions that supported such collaboration and the impacts it had on mentees’ professional growth. Findings from this study indicate that observation cycles conducted with a disciplined inquiry stance help mentors and mentees to focus on concrete evidence, analyze a hypothesis about the impacts of teacher actions on student learning, and collaboratively evaluate instruction and determine instructional next steps. For science teacher educators who work with teachers in their induction years, this study suggests that observation cycles are an important activity to support teachers as they learn from the act of teaching, and can be incorporated into a mentoring program, whether it occurs at a distance or face‐to‐face. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 53: 473–501, 2016
Fresh water fish, Channa punctatus, as a model for pendimethalin genotoxicity testing: A new approach toward aquatic environmental contaminants
Authors: Ahmad Irshad , Ahmad Masood
Published: May 2015

Pendimethalin (PND) is one of the common herbicides used worldwide. Fresh water fish, Channa punctatus, was exposed to PND in aquaria wherein its LC50 value was recorded to be 3.6 mg/L. Three sublethal (SL) concentrations, namely, 0.9, 1.8, and 2.7 mg/L were selected for the evaluation of genotoxicity and oxidative stress generated in the fish. In vivo comet assay was carried out in the blood, liver, and gill cells after exposing the fish to aforesaid SL concentrations of PND for 24, 48, 72, and 96 h. The results of the comet assay demonstrated the genotoxicity of PND in all the three tissues. Induction of oxidative stress in the gill cells was affirmed by the increased lipid peroxidation (LPO) and decreased levels of reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and catalase. Frequencies of erythrocytic nuclear abnormalities (ENA) and micronuclei (MN) were also used to assess the genotoxic potential of PND on C. punctatus. MN frequency did not show any enhancement after PND exposure, but the frequency of ENA such as kidney‐shaped nuclei, segmented nuclei and lobed nuclei, showed a significant increase after 24–96 h. Thus, ENA seems to be a better biomarker than MN for PND induced genotoxicity. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 31: 1520–1529, 2016.
Incidence and Risk Factors of Abdominal Complications After Lung Transplantation
Authors: Grass Fabian , Schäfer Markus , Cristaudi Alessandra , Berutto Carine , Aubert John‐David , Gonzalez Michel , Demartines Nicolas , Ris Hans‐Beat , Soccal Paola M. , Krueger Thorsten
Published: May 2015

Background

Due to the underlying diseases and the need for immunosuppression, patients after lung transplantation are particularly at risk for gastrointestinal (GI) complications that may negatively influence long‐term outcome. The present study assessed the incidences and impact of GI complications after lung transplantation and aimed to identify risk factors.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of all 227 consecutively performed single‐ and double‐lung transplantations at the University hospitals of Lausanne and Geneva was performed between January 1993 and December 2010. Logistic regressions were used to test the effect of potentially influencing variables on the binary outcomes overall, severe, and surgery‐requiring complications, followed by a multiple logistic regression model.

Results

Final analysis included 205 patients for the purpose of the present study, and 22 patients were excluded due to re‐transplantation, multiorgan transplantation, or incomplete datasets. GI complications were observed in 127 patients (62 %). Gastro‐esophageal reflux disease was the most commonly observed complication (22.9 %), followed by inflammatory or infectious colitis (20.5 %) and gastroparesis (10.7 %). Major GI complications (Dindo/Clavien III–V) were observed in 83 (40.5 %) patients and were fatal in 4 patients (2.0 %). Multivariate analysis identified double‐lung transplantation (p = 0.012) and early (1993–1998) transplantation period (p = 0.008) as independent risk factors for developing major GI complications. Forty‐three (21 %) patients required surgery such as colectomy, cholecystectomy, and fundoplication in 6.8, 6.3, and 3.9 % of the patients, respectively. Multivariate analysis identified Charlson comorbidity index of ≥3 as an independent risk factor for developing GI complications requiring surgery (p = 0.015).

Conclusion

GI complications after lung transplantation are common. Outcome was rather encouraging in the setting of our transplant center.
Game form misconceptions are not necessary for a willingness-to-pay vs. willingness-to-accept gap
Authors: Bartling Björn , Engl Florian , Weber Roberto A.
Published: May 2015

Cason and Plott (J Polit Econ, 122(6):1235–1270, 2014) show that subjects’ misconception about the incentive properties of the Becker-DeGroot-Marschak (BDM) value elicitation procedure can generate data patterns that look like—and might thus be misinterpreted as evidence for—preferences constructed from endowments or reference points. We test whether game form misconceptions are necessary to produce willingness-to-pay (WTP) vs. willingness-to-accept (WTA) gaps in a valuation experiment in which subjects are randomly assigned to the role of either buyer or seller. We employ a design that allows us to identify whether a subject understood the incentive properties of a price-list version of the BDM mechanism. We find a robust WTP-WTA gap, even among subjects whose elicited valuations for a good of induced and known monetary value and whose ability to identify the payoffs resulting from their choices indicate an understanding of the incentive properties of the BDM mechanism. We conclude that game form misconceptions are not a necessary condition for the emergence of WTP-WTA gaps.
The impact of economic well-being on perceptions of anti-corruption performance: Evidence from China
Authors: Li Hui , Xiao Hanyu , Gong Ting
Published: May 2015

Corruption studies have suggested that corrupt politicians may win public support by providing substantial economic benefits to their citizens and that if a government works effectively to promote economic development, people may forgive its corruption problems. Thus, there is a positive relationship between citizens’ tolerance for political corruption and the economic benefits they receive from the government. Does economic well-being shape people's perceptions of corruption and the government's anti-corruption performance? If so, how and to what extent? To address the questions, this study draws on empirical data from a nationwide survey conducted in China in 2011. China makes an ideal case for the study because, although its unprecedented economic growth significantly improved people's living standards, the country has continued to suffer from rampant corruption. China's case illustrates the intricate relationships between the rise of economic status—perceived or actual—and attitudes toward the government's anti-corruption efforts among citizens.
Crafting accountability policy: Designing offices of inspector general
Authors: J. Kempf Robin
Published: May 2015

Offices of Inspectors General (OIGs) promise increased accountability from governmental actors. OIGs do so by monitoring governmental programs and operations and providing their findings to legislative or executive decision makers and/or the public. These offices have enjoyed a particular popularity in the United States in the last 40 years; however a close examination of these OIGs demonstrates that, particularly on the state and local levels, there is vast variation in their designs. Using both original qualitative and quantitative data this paper examines the extent to which OIGs on the state and local levels vary from an archetypal OIG. The paper demonstrates that while design variations occur as the new institution is adopted in new places, sometimes deviations from the archetype are attributable to an intentional effort, based on a recognition of and reaction to the potential power of an OIG structured according to a theoretically ideal model, to restrict the office in ways that have the potential to undercut effectiveness.
Low Yield of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Screening in Hemodialysis Patients: 10 Years’ Experience
Authors: Gebreselassie H. M. , Kaspar T. , Droz S. , Marschall J.
Published: May 2015

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) nasal colonization in hemodialysis patients and to analyze the cost-effectiveness of our screening approach compared with an alternative strategy.

DESIGN

Screening study and cost-effectiveness analysis.

METHODS

Analysis of twice-yearly MRSA prevalence studies conducted in the hemodialysis unit of a 950-bed tertiary care hospital from January 1, 2004, through December 31, 2013. For this purpose, nasal swab samples were cultured on MRSA screening agar (mannitol-oxacillin biplate).

RESULTS

There were 20 mass screenings during the 10-year study period. We identified 415 patients participating in at least 1 screening, with an average of 4.5 screenings per patient. Of 415 screened patients, 15 (3.6%) were found to be MRSA carriers. The first mass screening in 2004 yielded the highest percentage of MRSA (6/101 [6%]). Only 7 subsequent screenings revealed new MRSA carriers, whereas 4 screenings confirmed previously known carriers, and 8 remained negative. None of the carriers developed MRSA bacteremia during the study period. The total cost of our screening approach, that is, screening and isolation costs, was US $93,930. The total cost of an alternative strategy (ie, no mass screening administered) would be equivalent to costs of isolation of index cases and contact tracing was estimated to be US $5,382 (difference, US $88,548).

CONCLUSIONS

In an area of low MRSA endemicity (<5%), regular nasal screenings of a high-risk population yielded a low rate of MRSA carriers. Twice-yearly MRSA screening of dialysis patients is unlikely to be cost-effective if MRSA prevalence is low.

Infect. Control Hosp. Epidemiol. 2015;36(9):1046–1049
Seasonal Variation of Common Surgical Site Infections: Does Season Matter?
Authors: Durkin Michael J. , Dicks Kristen V. , Baker Arthur W. , Lewis Sarah S. , Moehring Rebekah W. , Chen Luke F. , Sexton Daniel J. , Anderson Deverick J.
Published: May 2015

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate seasonal variation in the rate of surgical site infections (SSI) following commonly performed surgical procedures.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

METHODS

We analyzed 6 years (January 1, 2007, through December 31, 2012) of data from the 15 most commonly performed procedures in 20 hospitals in the Duke Infection Control Outreach Network. We defined summer as July through September. First, we performed 3 separate Poisson regression analyses (unadjusted, multivariable, and polynomial) to estimate prevalence rates and prevalence rate ratios of SSI following procedures performed in summer versus nonsummer months. Then, we stratified our results to obtain estimates based on procedure type and organism type. Finally, we performed a sensitivity analysis to test the robustness of our findings.

RESULTS

We identified 4,543 SSI following 441,428 surgical procedures (overall prevalence rate, 1.03/100 procedures). The rate of SSI was significantly higher during the summer compared with the remainder of the year (1.11/100 procedures vs 1.00/100 procedures; prevalence rate ratio, 1.11 [95% CI, 1.04–1.19];P=.002). Stratum-specific SSI calculations revealed higher SSI rates during the summer for both spinal (P=.03) and nonspinal (P=.004) procedures and revealed higher rates during the summer for SSI due to either gram-positive cocci (P=.006) or gram-negative bacilli (P=.004). Multivariable regression analysis and sensitivity analyses confirmed our findings.

CONCLUSIONS

The rate of SSI following commonly performed surgical procedures was higher during the summer compared with the remainder of the year. Summer SSI rates remained elevated after stratification by organism and spinal versus nonspinal surgery, and rates did not change after controlling for other known SSI risk factors.

Infect. Control Hosp. Epidemiol.2015;36(9):1011–1016
A fast direct numerical simulation method for characterising hydraulic roughness
Authors: Chung D. , Chan L. , MacDonald M. , Hutchins N. , Ooi A.
Published: May 2015

We describe a fast direct numerical simulation (DNS) method that promises to directly characterise the hydraulic roughness of any given rough surface, from the hydraulically smooth to the fully rough regime. The method circumvents the unfavourable computational cost associated with simulating high-Reynolds-number flows by employing minimal-span channels (Jiménez & Moin,J. Fluid Mech., vol. 225, 1991, pp. 213–240). Proof-of-concept simulations demonstrate that flows in minimal-span channels are sufficient for capturing the downward velocity shift, that is, the Hama roughness function, predicted by flows in full-span channels. We consider two sets of simulations, first with modelled roughness imposed by body forces, and second with explicit roughness described by roughness-conforming grids. Owing to the minimal cost, we are able to conduct direct numerical simulations with increasing roughness Reynolds numbers while maintaining a fixed blockage ratio, as is typical in full-scale applications. The present method promises a practical, fast and accurate tool for characterising hydraulic resistance directly from profilometry data of rough surfaces.
GAS EXCHANGE, GROWTH, FLOWERING AND FRUIT PRODUCTION IN SWEET PEPPER (CAPSICUM CHINENSE JACQ) ALONG A THERMAL GRADIENT DETERMINED BY ALTITUDINAL DIFFERENCES IN A TROPICAL REGION
Authors: JAIMEZ R. E. , RADA F.
Published: May 2015

A common practice in some South American countries consists in moving around Capsicum chinense cultivars between regions where edaphoclimatic conditions differ notably. The purpose of this research was to compare and relate gas exchange responses with assimilate allocation patterns and flower and fruit production dynamics in a cultivar of C. chinense in three locations with different mean temperatures (19, 24 and 28 °C) along a gradient from 140–1855 m. Leaf gas exchange (leaf conductance, CO2 assimilation and transpiration rates) was measured at 60–70, 110–120 and 140–150 days after transplanting (dat) from seed beds. Dry weight per plant of leaves, stems and roots were determined at 50, 73, 96, 114 and 196 dat. Flowering dynamics and fruit production were followed weekly. A marked reduction (50%) in mean Gs was found at the site with the lowest mean temperature in relation to plants grown at the highest temperature site. Mean daily CO2 assimilation rate was higher for plants in the intermediate site and a reduction of 18 and 42% was found for sites with highest and lowest mean temperature, respectively. We report an adverse effect of low temperatures on growth of C. chinense. Flowering initiation and fruit production was delayed at lower temperatures. An increase in temperature (between 26–30 °C) led to an increase in the number of flowers; below this temperature it remained unchanged. Fruit production is drastically reduced at the lower temperature site due to a large number of aborted flowers and small fruits.
Urban growth and police reform in Marseille (1855–1908)
Authors: REGNARD CÉLINE
Published: May 2015

This article deals with Marseille's social and political history between the 1850s and 1910s. During this period of extensive economic and demographic growth, the municipal government and police never seemed able to handle the consequences of these rapid changes. The case of Marseille thus allows us to test the connection between a growth situation interpreted as a ‘permanent crisis’ and police reform. The persistence of the crisis discourse invites us to examine the connection between the alarmist rhetoric and reforms in law enforcement. Is the first the cause of the second and, if not, how do we interpret the continuing complaints of a crisis for more than half a century, when they must have lost their effectiveness? This article examines the weakness and discontinuity of the relationship between claims of a crisis and police reforms and situates these reforms within the political context of tensions between the national and local levels.
Circularly polarized square slot microstrip antenna for RFID applications
Authors: Sharma Neha , Gautam Anil Kumar , Kanaujia Binod Kumar
Published: May 2015

In this paper, a novel circularly polarized square slot microstrip antenna is proposed for radio frequency identification (RFID) applications. The circular polarization is achieved by incorporating an arc-shaped strip in the square slot antenna. This antenna is fed by deformed bent feeding line to achieve a broad bandwidth (BW). The key parameters of the antenna are used for parametric study to understand the influence on the antenna performance. To validate simulation results of the design, a prototype is fabricated on the commercially available FR4 material. Measured results show a good agreement with the simulated results. It is found that the antenna shows an impedance BW of 170 MHz (844–1014 MHz) and axial-ratio BW of 170 MHz (834–1004 MHz), which shows that the proposed antenna is a good candidate to be used as a RFID antenna.
Autologous iPSC-derived dopamine neuron transplantation in a nonhuman primate Parkinson’s disease model
Authors: Wang Shuyan , Zou Chunlin , Fu Linlin , Wang Bin , An Jing , Song Gongru , Wu Jianyu , Tang Xihe , Li Mo , Zhang Jian , Yue Feng , Zheng Chengyun , Chan Piu , Zhang Y Alex , Chen Zhiguo
Published: May 2015

Autologous dopamine (DA) neurons are a new cell source for replacement therapy of Parkinson’s disease (PD). In this study, we tested the safety and efficacy of autologous induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived DA cells for treatment of a cynomolgus monkey PD model. Monkey bone marrow mesenchymal cells were isolated and induced to iPSCs, followed by differentiation into DA cells using a method with high efficiency. Autologous DA cells were introduced into the brain of a cynomolgus monkey PD model without immunosuppression; three PD monkeys that had received no grafts served as controls. The PD monkey that had received autologous grafts experienced behavioral improvement compared with that of controls. Histological analysis revealed no overgrowth of grafts and a significant number of surviving A9 region-specific graft-derived DA neurons. The study provided a proof-of-principle to employ iPSC-derived autologous DA cells for PD treatment using a nonhuman primate PD model.
Translational regulation shapes the molecular landscape of complex disease phenotypes
Authors: Schafer Sebastian , Adami Eleonora , Heinig Matthias , Rodrigues Katharina E. Costa , Kreuchwig Franziska , Silhavy Jan , van Heesch Sebastiaan , Simaite Deimante , Rajewsky Nikolaus , Cuppen Edwin , Pravenec Michal , Vingron Martin , Cook Stuart A. , Hubner Norbert
Published: May 2015

The extent of translational control of gene expression in mammalian tissues remains largely unknown. Here we perform genome-wide RNA sequencing and ribosome profiling in heart and liver tissues to investigate strain-specific translational regulation in the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR/Ola). For the most part, transcriptional variation is equally apparent at the translational level and there is limited evidence of translational buffering. Remarkably, we observe hundreds of strain-specific differences in translation, almost doubling the number of differentially expressed genes. The integration of genetic, transcriptional and translational data sets reveals distinct signatures in 3′UTR variation, RNA-binding protein motifs and miRNA expression associated with translational regulation of gene expression. We show that a large number of genes associated with heart and liver traits in human genome-wide association studies are primarily translationally regulated. Capturing interindividual differences in the translated genome will lead to new insights into the genes and regulatory pathways underlying disease phenotypes.
Membrane tension controls the assembly of curvature-generating proteins
Authors: Simunovic Mijo , Voth Gregory A.
Published: May 2015

Proteins containing a Bin/Amphiphysin/Rvs (BAR) domain regulate membrane curvature in the cell. Recent simulations have revealed that BAR proteins assemble into linear aggregates, strongly affecting membrane curvature and its in-plane stress profile. Here, we explore the opposite question: do mechanical properties of the membrane impact protein association? By using coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations, we show that increased surface tension significantly impacts the dynamics of protein assembly. While tensionless membranes promote a rapid formation of long-living linear aggregates of N-BAR proteins, increase in tension alters the geometry of protein association. At high tension, protein interactions are strongly inhibited. Increasing surface density of proteins leads to a wider range of protein association geometries, promoting the formation of meshes, which can be broken apart with membrane tension. Our work indicates that surface tension may play a key role in recruiting proteins to membrane-remodelling sites in the cell.
A review of epidemiological parameters from Ebola outbreaks to inform early public health decision-making
Authors: Van Kerkhove Maria D. , Bento Ana I. , Mills Harriet L. , Ferguson Neil M. , Donnelly Christl A.
Published: May 2015

The unprecedented scale of the Ebola outbreak in West Africa has, as of 29 April 2015, resulted in more than 10,884 deaths among 26,277 cases. Prior to the ongoing outbreak, Ebola virus disease (EVD) caused relatively small outbreaks (maximum outbreak size 425 in Gulu, Uganda) in isolated populations in central Africa. Here, we have compiled a comprehensive database of estimates of epidemiological parameters based on data from past outbreaks, including the incubation period distribution, case fatality rate, basic reproduction number (R0), effective reproduction number (Rt) and delay distributions. We have compared these to parameter estimates from the ongoing outbreak in West Africa. The ongoing outbreak, because of its size, provides a unique opportunity to better understand transmission patterns of EVD. We have not performed a meta-analysis of the data, but rather summarize the estimates by virus from comprehensive investigations of EVD and Marburg outbreaks over the past 40 years. These estimates can be used to parameterize transmission models to improve understanding of initial spread of EVD outbreaks and to inform surveillance and control guidelines.
Open science resources for the discovery and analysis of Tara Oceans data
Authors: Pesant Stéphane , Not Fabrice , Picheral Marc , Kandels-Lewis Stefanie , Le Bescot Noan , Gorsky Gabriel , Iudicone Daniele , Karsenti Eric , Speich Sabrina , Troublé Romain , Dimier Céline , Searson Sarah ,   Tara Oceans Consortium Coordinators, Acinas Silvia G. , Bork Peer , Boss Emmanuel , Bowler Chris , De Vargas Colomban , Follows Michael , Gorsky Gabriel , Grimsley Nigel , Hingamp Pascal , Iudicone Daniele , Jaillon Olivier , Kandels-Lewis Stefanie , Karp-Boss Lee , Karsenti Eric , Krzic Uros , Not Fabrice , Ogata Hiroyuki , Pesant Stéphane , Raes Jeroen , Reynaud Emmanuel G. , Sardet Christian , Sieracki Mike , Speich Sabrina , Stemmann Lars , Sullivan Matthew B. , Sunagawa Shinichi , Velayoudon Didier , Weissenbach Jean , Wincker Patrick
Published: May 2015

The Tara Oceans expedition (2009–2013) sampled contrasting ecosystems of the world oceans, collecting environmental data and plankton, from viruses to metazoans, for later analysis using modern sequencing and state-of-the-art imaging technologies. It surveyed 210 ecosystems in 20 biogeographic provinces, collecting over 35,000 samples of seawater and plankton. The interpretation of such an extensive collection of samples in their ecological context requires means to explore, assess and access raw and validated data sets. To address this challenge, the Tara Oceans Consortium offers open science resources, including the use of open access archives for nucleotides (ENA) and for environmental, biogeochemical, taxonomic and morphological data (PANGAEA), and the development of on line discovery tools and collaborative annotation tools for sequences and images. Here, we present an overview of Tara Oceans Data, and we provide detailed registries (data sets) of all campaigns (from port-to-port), stations and sampling events.
An overhang-based DNA block shuffling method for creating a customized random library
Authors: Fujishima Kosuke , Venter Chris , Wang Kendrick , Ferreira Raphael , Rothschild Lynn J.
Published: May 2015

We present an overhang-based DNA block shuffling method to create a customized random DNA library with flexible sequence design and length. Our method enables the efficient and seamless assembly of short DNA blocks with dinucleotide overhangs through a simple ligation process. Next generation sequencing analysis of the assembled DNA library revealed that ligation was accurate, directional and unbiased. This straightforward DNA assembly method should fulfill the versatile needs of both in vivo and in vitro functional screening of random peptides and RNA created with a desired amino acid and nucleotide composition, as well as making highly repetitive gene constructs that are difficult to synthesize de novo.
Incorporation of core–shell particles into methacrylate based composites for improvement of the mechanical properties
Authors: Sandmann Benedict , Happ Bobby , Perevyazko Igor , Rudolph Tobias , Schacher Felix H. , Hoeppener Stephanie , Mansfeld Ulrich , Hager Martin D. , Fischer Urs K. , Burtscher Peter , Moszner Norbert , Schubert Ulrich S.
Published: May 2015

Core–shell particles (soft PBA core and hard PMMA shell) were incorporated into methacrylate based composites. By the incorporation of the polymer lattices the fracture toughness and E-modulus values were improved.
Organoaqueous calcium chloride electrolytes for capacitive charge storage in carbon nanotubes at sub-zero-temperatures
Authors: Gao Yun , Qin Zhanbin , Guan Li , Wang Xiaomian , Chen George Z.
Published: May 2015

The road de-icing salt, calcium chloride, can decrease the freezing point of mixed water and formamide to below −60 °C, forming an excellent electrolyte that promises electricity storage in supercapacitors in ultra-cold winters and places.
Preparation of 3-aryl-2-aminoindoles, 3-allyl-3-amino-2-iminoindolines, and tetrahydro-[1,4]diazepino[2,3-b]indoles from 3-diazoindolin-2-imines
Authors: Sheng Guorong , Huang Kai , Ma Shicong , Qian Jing , Lu Ping , Wang Yanguang
Published: May 2015

3-Aryl-2-aminoindoles, 3-allyl-3-amino-2-iminoindolines, and tetrahydro-[1,4] diazepino[2,3-b]indoles were prepared from 3-diazoindolin-2-imines.
A comprehensive study on the mechanism behind formation and depletion of Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) phases
Authors: Ahmad Rameez , Brandl Marco , Distaso Monica , Herre Patrick , Spiecker Erdmann , Hock Rainer , Peukert Wolfgang
Published: May 2015

High efficiency kesterite based solar cells have vigorously raised the research interests in this material.
Diamond crystallization from an Mg–C system under high pressure, high temperature conditions
Authors: Palyanov Y. N. , Borzdov Y. M. , Kupriyanov I. N. , Khokhryakov A. F. , Nechaev D. V.
Published: May 2015

The effects of temperature and kinetics on diamond crystallization in the Mg–C system under high pressure, high temperature conditions are established.
Charge transfer, bonding conditioning and solvation effect in the activation of the oxygen reduction reaction on unclustered graphitic-nitrogen-doped graphene
Authors: Ferre-Vilaplana Adolfo , Herrero Enrique
Published: May 2015

Under certain conditions and on specific sites the monodentate associative chemisorption of molecular oxygen on graphitic-nitrogen-doped graphene would be favorable.
Impacts of retinal polyene (de)methylation on the photoisomerization mechanism and photon energy storage of rhodopsin
Authors: Walczak Elżbieta , Andruniów Tadeusz
Published: May 2015

Similar to native rhodopsin, a two-mode space-saving isomerization mechanism drives the photoreaction in (de)methylated rhodopsin analogues.
Combined friction force microscopy and quantum chemical investigation of the tribotronic response at the propylammonium nitrate–graphite interface
Authors: Li H. , Atkin R. , Page A. J.
Published: May 2015

The energetic origins of the variation in friction with potential at the propylammonium nitrate–graphite interface are revealed using friction force microscopy (FFM) in combination with quantum chemical simulations.
On the tunneling instability of a hypercoordinated carbocation
Authors: Kozuch Sebastian
Published: May 2015

C(CH3)5+ was predicted to be a “fleeting” molecule. But will it stand the tunneling test?
Loop nucleotides impact the stability of intrastrand i-motif structures at neutral pH
Authors: Fujii Taiga , Sugimoto Naoki
Published: May 2015

Interactions among the loop bases contribute to stable i-motif formation at neutral pH. Our data can be utilized to predict i-motif formation at neutral pH.
Highly efficient cerium dioxide nanocube-based catalysts for low temperature diesel soot oxidation: the cooperative effect of cerium- and cobalt-oxides
Authors: Sudarsanam Putla , Hillary Brendan , Deepa Dumbre K. , Amin Mohamad Hassan , Mallesham Baithy , Reddy Benjaram M. , Bhargava Suresh K.
Published: May 2015

Co3O4 promoted CeO2 nanocubes exhibit a remarkable catalytic activity for soot oxidation, attributed to the superior reducible nature of CeO2 and the preferential exposure of CeO2 (100) and Co3O4 (110) facets.
Cost-effective and morphology controllable PVP based highly efficient CuS counter electrodes for high-efficiency quantum dot-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Kim Hee-Je , Myung-Sik Lee , Gopi Chandu V. V. M. , Venkata-Haritha M. , Rao S. Srinivasa , Kim Soo-Kyoung
Published: May 2015

A maximum efficiency of 5.22% was achieved with the optimized 0.25 mM PVP based Mn–CuS counter electrode.
Near-field Raman spectroscopy of nanocarbon materials
Authors: Lapin Zachary J. , Beams Ryan , Cançado Luiz Gustavo , Novotny Lukas
Published: May 2015

Nanocarbon materials, including sp2 hybridized two-dimensional graphene and one-dimensional carbon nanotubes, and sp1 hybridized one-dimensional carbyne, are being considered for the next generation of integrated optoelectronic devices. The strong electron–phonon coupling present in these nanocarbon materials makes Raman spectroscopy an ideal tool to study and characterize the material and device properties. Near-field Raman spectroscopy combines non-destructive chemical, electrical, and structural specificity with nanoscale spatial resolution, making it an ideal tool for studying nanocarbon systems. Here we use near-field Raman spectroscopy to study strain, defects, and doping in different nanocarbon systems.
Targeted anti-colon cancer activities of a millet bran-derived peroxidase were mediated by elevated ROS generation
Authors: Shan Shuhua , Shi Jiangying , Li Zhen , Gao Huixian , Shi Tonglin , Li Zongwei , Li Zhuoyu
Published: May 2015

Foxtail millet (Setaria italica) is the sixth most important cereal in the world.
A highly photoactive, visible-light-driven graphene/2D mesoporous TiO2 photocatalyst
Authors: Cho Kyeong Min , Kim Kyoung Hwan , Choi Hyung Ouk , Jung Hee-Tae
Published: May 2015

In this paper, we have reported a new, visible-light-driven photocatalyst composed of 2D mesoporous TiO2 on reduced graphene oxide, which enables enhanced absorption of visible light, showing outstanding charge separation ability, and a large surface area.
Measurement of arsenic species in environmental, biological fluids and food samples by HPLC-ICPMS and HPLC-HG-AFS
Authors: Maher W. A. , Ellwood M. J. , Krikowa F. , Raber G. , Foster S.
Published: May 2015

The importance of measuring arsenic (As) species has been appreciated for a long time mainly because of the wide spread knowledge of arsenic's toxicity and its use as a poison.
Identification of an indole–triazole–amino acid conjugate as a highly effective antifungal agent
Authors: Pawar Kalpana , Yadav Anshuman , Prasher Parteek , Mishra Sahil , Singh Balwinder , Singh Palwinder , Komath Sneha Sudha
Published: May 2015

Compounds constructed by the grafting of amino acid and triazole with an indole moiety were synthesized and investigated for antifungal activities wherein one of the compounds gave highly promising results.
Raman spectroscopy study of new thia- and oxazinoquinolinium triodides
Authors: Yushina Irina D. , Kolesov Boris A. , Bartashevich Ekaterina V.
Published: May 2015

New polyiodides of thia- and oxa-zinoquinolinium derivatives were characterized using Raman spectroscopy and periodic 3D calculations of the Raman intensities. Polarized Raman spectra of the oriented crystals revealed the features of spatial organization in the polyiodide-anion chains.
Structural variation in cerium aryloxide complexes templated by hemilabile K+–amine interactions
Authors: Kim Jee Eon , Carroll Patrick J. , Schelter Eric J.
Published: May 2015

Variation of aryloxide substituents using the cerium bdmmp framework provided a structural diversity for study by NMR, crystallography and electrochemistry.
Highly phosphorescent iridium(iii) complexes based on 2-(biphenyl-4-yl)benzo[d]oxazole derivatives: synthesis, structures, properties and DFT calculations
Authors: Niu Zhi-Gang , Zheng Tao , Su You-Hui , Wang Peng-Jiang , Li Xiao-Yan , Cui Feng , Liang Jiao , Li Gao-Nan
Published: May 2015

A series of new 2-(biphenyl-4-yl)benzo[d]oxazole based bis-cyclometalated iridium(iii) complexes have been synthesized, and their high quantum efficiency are presented.
Half-sandwich rare-earth metal tris(alkyl) ate complexes catalyzed phosphaguanylation reaction of phosphines with carbodiimides: an efficient synthesis of phosphaguanidines
Authors: Ma Wangyang , Xu Ling , Zhang Wen-Xiong , Xi Zhenfeng
Published: May 2015

Half-sandwich Y/Li ate complex displays better catalytic activity for phosphaguanylation reaction of phosphines with carbodiimides than the neutral yttrium complexes.
Solvent-like ligand-coated ultrasmall cadmium selenide nanocrystals: strong electronic coupling in a self-organized assembly
Authors: Lawrence Katie N. , Johnson Merrell A. , Dolai Sukanta , Kumbhar Amar , Sardar Rajesh
Published: May 2015

Strong inter-nanocrystal electronic coupling is demonstrated between short chain poly(ethylene glycol) thiolate-coated ultrasmall (<2.5 nm in diameter) CdSe semiconductor nanocrystals both in the colloidal state and as dry films on solid surfaces.