bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Arabidopsis MSH1 mutation alters the epigenome and produces heritable changes in plant growth
Authors: Virdi Kamaldeep S. , Laurie John D. , Xu Ying-Zhi , Yu Jiantao , Shao Mon-Ray , Sanchez Robersy , Kundariya Hardik , Wang Dong , Riethoven Jean-Jack M. , Wamboldt Yashitola , Arrieta-Montiel Maria P. , Shedge Vikas , Mackenzie Sally A.
Published: February 2015

Plant phenotypes respond to environmental change, an adaptive capacity that is at least partly transgenerational. However, epigenetic components of this interplay are difficult to measure. Depletion of the nuclear-encoded protein MSH1 causes dramatic and heritable changes in plant development, and here we show that crossing these altered plants with isogenic wild type produces epi-lines with heritable, enhanced growth vigour. Pericentromeric DNA hypermethylation occurs in a subset of msh1 mutants, indicative of heightened transposon repression, while enhanced growth epi-lines show large chromosomal segments of differential CG methylation, reflecting genome-wide reprogramming. When seedlings are treated with 5-azacytidine, root growth of epi-lines is restored to wild-type levels, implicating hypermethylation in enhanced growth. Grafts of wild-type floral stems to mutant rosettes produce progeny with enhanced growth and altered CG methylation strikingly similar to epi-lines, indicating a mobile signal when MSH1 is downregulated, and confirming the programmed nature of methylome and phenotype changes.
An efficient process for wastewater treatment to mitigate free nitrous acid generation and its inhibition on biological phosphorus removal
Authors: Zhao Jianwei , Wang Dongbo , Li Xiaoming , Yang Qi , Chen Hongbo , Zhong Yu , An Hongxue , Zeng Guangming
Published: February 2015

Free nitrous acid (FNA), which is the protonated form of nitrite and inevitably produced during biological nitrogen removal, has been demonstrated to strongly inhibit the activity of polyphosphate accumulating organisms (PAOs). Herein we reported an efficient process for wastewater treatment, i.e., the oxic/anoxic/oxic/extended-idle process to mitigate the generation of FNA and its inhibition on PAOs. The results showed that this new process enriched more PAOs which thereby achieved higher phosphorus removal efficiency than the conventional four-step (i.e., anaerobic/oxic/anoxic/oxic) biological nutrient removal process (41 ± 7% versus 30 ± 5% in abundance of PAOs and 97 ± 0.73% versus 82 ± 1.2% in efficiency of phosphorus removal). It was found that this new process increased pH value but decreased nitrite accumulation, resulting in the decreased FNA generation. Further experiments showed that the new process could alleviate the inhibition of FNA on the metabolisms of PAOs even under the same FNA concentration.
A Graphene-Based Resistive Pressure Sensor with Record-High Sensitivity in a Wide Pressure Range
Authors: Tian He , Shu Yi , Wang Xue-Feng , Mohammad Mohammad Ali , Bie Zhi , Xie Qian-Yi , Li Cheng , Mi Wen-Tian , Yang Yi , Ren Tian-Ling
Published: February 2015

Pressure sensors are a key component in electronic skin (e-skin) sensing systems. Most reported resistive pressure sensors have a high sensitivity at low pressures (<5 kPa) to enable ultra-sensitive detection. However, the sensitivity drops significantly at high pressures (>5 kPa), which is inadequate for practical applications. For example, actions like a gentle touch and object manipulation have pressures below 10 kPa and 10–100 kPa, respectively. Maintaining a high sensitivity in a wide pressure range is in great demand. Here, a flexible, wide range and ultra-sensitive resistive pressure sensor with a foam-like structure based on laser-scribed graphene (LSG) is demonstrated. Benefitting from the large spacing between graphene layers and the unique v-shaped microstructure of the LSG, the sensitivity of the pressure sensor is as high as 0.96 kPa−1 in a wide pressure range (0 ~ 50 kPa). Considering both sensitivity and pressure sensing range, the pressure sensor developed in this work is the best among all reported pressure sensors to date. A model of the LSG pressure sensor is also established, which agrees well with the experimental results. This work indicates that laser scribed flexible graphene pressure sensors could be widely used for artificial e-skin, medical-sensing, bio-sensing and many other areas.
Multiple mechanisms sustain a plant-animal facilitation on a coastal ecotone
Authors: He Qiang , Cui Baoshan
Published: February 2015

Theory suggests that species distributions are expanded by positive species interactions, but the importance of facilitation in expanding species distributions at physiological range limits has not been widely recognized. We investigated the effects of the nurse shrub Tamarix chinensis on the crab Helice tientsinensis on the terrestrial borders of salt marshes, a typical coastal ecotone, where Tamarix and Helice were on their lower and upper elevational distribution edges, respectively. Crab burrows were abundant under Tamarix, but were absent in open areas between Tamarix. Removing Tamarix decreased associated crab burrows with time, while simulating Tamarix in open areas by shading, excluding predators and adding Tamarix branches as crab food, increased crab burrows. Measurements of soil and microclimate factors showed that removing Tamarix increased abiotic stress, while simulating Tamarix by shading decreased abiotic stress. Survival of tethered crabs was high only when protected from desiccation and predation. Thus, by alleviating abiotic and biotic stresses, as well as by food provision, Tamarix expanded the upper intertidal distribution of Helice. Our study provides clear evidence for the importance of facilitation in expanding species distributions at their range limits and suggests that facilitation is a crucial biological force maintaining the ecotones between ecosystems.
Seismological evidence for a non-monotonic velocity gradient in the topmost outer core
Authors: Tang Vivian , Zhao Li , Hung Shu-Huei
Published: February 2015

The Earth's core is mostly an Fe-Ni alloy with a fraction of light elements (~10 wt%, mainly O, S and Si). Accumulation of these light elements under the core-mantle boundary (CMB) may lead to chemical stratification. Seismic observations have been presented both for and against the stratification in the topmost region of the outer core. Here we investigate the structure under the CMB using differential travel times between SKKS and S3KS waves. We obtain 606 high-quality S3KS-SKKS differential travel times with global path coverage. Result from a Bayesian inversion of these differential times indicates that the seismic velocity in the top 800 km of the outer core is ~0.07% on average lower than that in model PREM. The depth-dependent velocity profile, in particular a low-velocity zone of up to ~0.25% lower than PREM at ~80 km below the CMB, strongly favors the existence of stratification at the top of the outer core.
Structurally Governed Cell Mechanotransduction through Multiscale Modeling
Authors: Kang John , Puskar Kathleen M. , Ehrlicher Allen J. , LeDuc Philip R. , Schwartz Russell S.
Published: February 2015

Mechanotransduction has been divided into mechanotransmission, mechanosensing and mechanoresponse, although how a cell performs all three functions using the same set of structural components is still highly debated. Here, we bridge the gap between emerging molecular and systems-level understandings of mechanotransduction through a multiscale model linking these three phases. Our model incorporates a discrete network of actin filaments and associated proteins that responds to stretching through geometric relaxation. We assess three potential activating mechanisms at mechanosensitive crosslinks as inputs to a mixture model of molecular release and benchmark each using experimental data of mechanically-induced Rho GTPase FilGAP release from actin-filamin crosslinks. Our results suggest that filamin-FilGAP mechanotransduction response is best explained by a bandpass mechanism favoring release when crosslinking angles fall outside of a specific range. Our model further investigates the difference between ordered versus disordered networks and finds that a more disordered actin network may allow a cell to more finely tune control of molecular release enabling a more robust response.
Intravitreal Combination of Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate and Bevacizumab in The Treatment of Exudative AMD
Authors: Vakalis N. , Echiadis G. , Pervena A. , Deligiannis I. , Kavalarakis E. , Giannikakis S. , Papaefthymiou I.
Published: February 2015

The purpose of this study is to investigate the efficacy and safety of intravitreal dexamethasone sodium phosphate (DSP) combined with bevacizumab for the treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD). In this non comparative case study, 30 eyes of 27 patients with CNV due to AMD received intravitreal DSP (0.2 mg) and bevacizumab (1.25 mg) during a 6-month PRN (pro re nata) dosing regimen. Visual acuity, macular thickness and intraocular pressure (IOP) were monitored and recorded. After 6 months, mean retinal thickness decreased from 423.5 ± 75.3 to 228.2 ± 34.5 and mean visual acuity improved from 0.9 ± 0.39 logMAR to 0.53 ± 0.34 (p = 0.001) logMAR. During the trial period, 81 intravitreal injections were performed in 30 eyes, thus the mean number of injections per eye was 2.7 ± 1.1. 86.7% of the eyes required 3 or less injections while only 13.3% needed 4 or more injections. None of the patients, phakic or pseudophakic, manifested an elevation of IOP during the treatment, ranging between 12 and 22 mmHg. Combined DSP and bevacizumab offers encouraging results in the challenge of AMD treatment, providing immediate response of macular edema, reduced number of intravitreal injections and stabilization or improvement of visual acuity.
Modulated fluorescence detection with microelectromagnetic traps
Authors: Zakeri Rashid , Basore Joseph R. , Baker Lane A.
Published: February 2015

Modulation of magnetic fields in microelectromagnetic traps (METs) is used to enhance signal to noise gains for quantification of magnetic particles captured from a microfluidic analyte stream.
Fine tuning of copper(ii)–chlorophyll interactions in organic media. Metalation versus oxidation of the macrocycle
Authors: Orzeł Łukasz , Szmyd Bartłomiej , Rutkowska-Żbik Dorota , Fiedor Leszek , van Eldik Rudi , Stochel Grażyna
Published: February 2015

The reactivity of Cu(ii) towards chlorophylls can be tuned by slight changes in the composition of the medium, leading to different reaction pathways and products in organic solvents.
Polyimide/graphene composite foam sheets with ultrahigh thermostability for electromagnetic interference shielding
Authors: Li Yang , Pei Xueliang , Shen Bin , Zhai Wentao , Zhang Lihua , Zheng Wenge
Published: February 2015

Flexible PI/rGO composite foam sheets were fabricated via nonsolvent induced phase separation and exhibited effective EMI SE at low sample thickness.
UV-assisted size sampling and antibacterial screening of Lantana camara leaf extract synthesized silver nanoparticles
Authors: Singh Pradeep Kumar , Bhardwaj Kirti , Dubey Parul , Prabhune Asmita
Published: February 2015

Ag0nanoparticles were synthesized byLantana camaraplant (weed) leave extract. Antibacterial activity of the as synthesized Ag0nanoparticles was excellent against both Gram −ve and Gram +ve bacterial culture.
Aza-boron-diquinomethene complexes bearing N-aryl chromophores: synthesis, crystal structures, tunable photophysics, the protonation effect and their application as pH sensors
Authors: Zhu Xiaolin , Huang Hai , Liu Rui , Jin Xiaodong , Li Yuhao , Wang Danfeng , Wang Qiang , Zhu Hongjun
Published: February 2015

A series of new aza-boron-diquinomethene complexes (1a–1e) with tunable photophysical properties has been designed and synthesized.
Bis-pyrene based reversibly multi-responsive fluorescence switches
Authors: Li Wei , Yang Pei-Pei , Wang Lei , Wang Hao
Published: February 2015

A bis-pyrene derivativem-Py-BPdisplays multi-responsive fluorescence switching behaviors upon applying vapor, mechano, thermo and acid/base stimuli.
Tackling poison and leach: catalysis by dangling thiol–palladium functions within a porous metal–organic solid
Authors: Gui Bo , Yee Ka-Kit , Wong Yan-Lung , Yiu Shek-Man , Zeller Matthias , Wang Cheng , Xu Zhengta
Published: February 2015

Dangling thiol groups effectively anchor Pd(ii) atoms in a Zr(iv)-based MOF for multiple cycles of non-leaching heterogeneous catalysis.
Engineering of pyranose dehydrogenase for application to enzymatic anodes in biofuel cells
Authors: Yakovleva Maria E. , Gonaus Christoph , Schropp Katharina , ÓConghaile Peter , Leech Dónal , Peterbauer Clemens K. , Gorton Lo
Published: February 2015

In this article we describe production and characterisation of mutant pyranose dehydrogenase – an excellent enzyme for fabrication of enzyme-based biosensors and bioanodes.
Correction: Black titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanomaterials
Authors: Chen Xiaobo , Liu Lei , Huang Fuqiang
Published: February 2015

Correction for ‘Black titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanomaterials’ by Xiaobo Chen et al., Chem. Soc. Rev., 2015, DOI: 10.1039/c4cs00330f
Theoretical studies on the mechanism of oxygen reduction reaction on clean and O-substituted Ta3N5(100) surfaces
Authors: Watanabe Eriko , Ushiyama Hiroshi , Yamashita Koichi
Published: February 2015

The reaction mechanism of oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) on Ta3N5(100) surfaces was examined theoretically.
Waterborne UV-curable polyurethane acrylate/silica nanocomposites for thermochromic coatings
Authors: Lv Caihong , Hu Ling , Yang Yao , Li Houbin , Huang Chi , Liu Xinghai
Published: February 2015

SiO2 was modified by KH-570 and then introduced to the ends of the PUA main chains through radical polymerization, which might be the reason for the high rigidity, hardness, abrasion resistance and good weather resistance of the PUA/SiO2.
Exceptional proton affinities of push–pull nitriles substituted by the guanidino and phosphazeno groups
Authors: Raczyńska Ewa D. , Gal Jean-François , Maria Pierre-Charles
Published: February 2015

The G2(MP2)-calculated PA(N-cyano) for (H2N)2CN–CN and (H2N)3PN–CN are larger than that of HCN by 186 and 250 kJ mol−1, respectively.
Yeast Hmt1 catalyses asymmetric dimethylation of histone H3 arginine 2 in vitro
Authors: Li Hong-Tao , Gong Ting , Zhou Zhen , Liu Yu-Ting , Cao Xiongwen , He Yongning , Chen Charlie Degui , Zhou Jin-Qiu
Published: February 2015

The yeast protein methyltransferase Hmt1 can methylate histone H3 arginine 2. The intermolecular trans interaction of Hmt1 is essential for its activity. Our data suggest an intermolecular trans-complementary model for protein arginine methyltransferases.
Invariant foreground occupation ratio for scale adaptive mean shift tracking
Authors: Song Yi , Li Shuxiao , Zhu Chengfei , Jiang Sheng , Chang Hongxing
Published: February 2015

The mean shift algorithm has been introduced successfully into the field of computer vision to be an efficient approach for visual tracking but the tracker has been awkward in handling the scale change of the object. This study addresses the scale estimation problem of the mean shift tracker, and proposes a novel method which is based on invariant foreground occupation ratio to solve this problem. The foreground occupation ratio is defined as the proportion of the foreground pixels in an image region. By taking an analysis of the foreground occupation ratio, the authors obtain its three simple properties. With its property of scale invariance, an iterative approximation approach is employed to estimate the scale of the foreground in the current image. The scale value is modified by a weighting function, and it is adjusted along the two axes with respect to the width and the height of the target. The scale estimation algorithm is then employed in the mean shift tracker to obtain the ability of scale adaptation for tracking. Experimental results show that, using the authors method for object scale estimation, the mean shift tracker performs well in tracking the target efficiently when its scale continuously changes.
Future stability challenges for the UK network with high wind penetration levels
Authors: Xia Jun , Dyśko Adam , O'Reilly John
Published: February 2015

Offshore wind plant will play an increasingly important role in future decades if ever‐stringent requirements of energy security and low carbon emissions are to be met. Although some analyses of the DFIG impact on system stability have previously been reported, none are based on a large network representing a real system, or the large network is simply not publicly available. This paper describes one such suitable equivalent dynamic model for stability studies based on the UK transmission system. The methodology for appropriate control system design and adjustment of the parameters under different dispatch conditions is presented. Two important aspects contributing to future system stability are studied in detail, namely maximum value of the rate of change of frequency and transient stability. Following National Grid future energy scenarios, a number of detailed case studies are presented to quantify the impact of key influencing factors including the size of the largest generating unit for n−1 contingency, amount of primary system response, and frequency dependency of load. The study concludes that none of the individual factors can provide a complete solution and that careful cost benefit analysis is needed to determine the proper mix of services and reinforcements needed in the future.
Against the Odds: Massive Lumbar Intradural Disk Herniation in the Elderly
Authors: Orakcioglu Berk , Dao Trong Huy Philip , Jungk Christine , Unterberg Andreas
Published: February 2015

Study Design

Case report.

Objective

Presentation of an unusual case of an elderly patient with massive intradural disk herniation at the L2–L3 level.

Methods

Clinical and imaging data are presented after obtaining informed consent from the patient.

Results

A 90-year-old man suffering from sudden-onset neurogenic bladder dysfunction and lower back pain but no further neurologic deficits initially presented with magnetic resonance imaging and laboratory values suggestive of an intraspinal infection. However, intraoperative inspection proved the unexpected finding of a large intradural lumbar disk herniation at the L2–L3 level.

Conclusions

Lumbar soft disk herniation to the intradural space is a rare event and has never been described in a patient over the age of 75. This case of a 90-year-old man with acute-onset bladder dysfunction underlines the necessity to consider this as a differential diagnosis in the case of a newly diagnosed intradural mass.
Comparison of trap characteristics between AlGaN/GaN and AlGaN/InGaN/GaN heterostructure by frequency dependent conductance measurement
Authors: Chakraborty Apurba , Biswas Dhrubes
Published: February 2015

Frequency dependent conductance measurement is carried out to observe the trapping effect in AlGaN/InGaN/GaN double heterostructure and compared that with conventional AlGaN/GaN single heterostructure. It is found that the AlGaN/InGaN/GaN diode structure does not show any trapping effect, whereas single heterostructure AlGaN/GaN diode suffers from two kinds of trap energy states in near depletion to higher negative voltage bias region. This conductance behaviour of AlGaN/InGaN/GaN heterostructure is owing to more Fermi energy level shift from trap energy states at AlGaN/InGaN junction compare to single AlGaN/GaN heterostructure and eliminates the trapping effects. Analysis yielded interface trap energy state in AlGaN/GaN is to be with time constant of (33.8–76.5) μs and trap density of (2.38–0.656) × 1012 eV−1 cm−2 in −3.2 to −4.8 V bias region, whereas for AlGaN/InGaN/GaN structure no interface energy states are found and the extracted surface trap energy concentrations and time constants are (5.87–4.39) ×1010 eV−1 cm−2 and (17.8–11.3) μs, respectively, in bias range of −0.8–0.0 V.
Enhanced hydrogen gas response of Pd nanoparticles-decorated single walled carbon nanotube film/SiO2/Si heterostructure
Authors: Du Yonggang , Xue Qingzhong , Zhang Zhongyang , Xia Fujun , Liu Zilong , Xing Wei
Published: February 2015

A new type carbon nanotube-based gas sensor: palladium nanoparticles decorated single walled carbon nanotube film/SiO2/Si (Pd-SWCNT film/SiO2/Si) heterostructures were fabricated by a simple and practical filtration method. When used for hydrogen (H2) sensing, the Pd-SWCNT film/SiO2/p-Si heterostructure shows very high H2 response, which is tens of times higher than that of Pd-SWCNT film resistance-type H2 sensor in this paper and is superior to those of carbon nanotube-based resistance-type H2 sensors reported previously. The mechanism of the enhanced H2 response can be explained by thermionic emission theory and interfacial effect.
Heat and particle transport in a one-dimensional hard-point gas model with on-site potential
Authors: Wang Lei
Published: February 2015

Heat and particle transport in a one-dimensional hard-point gas of elastically colliding particles are studied. In the nonequal mass case, due to the presence of on-site potential, the heat conduction of the model obeys the Fourier law and all the transport coefficients asymptotically approach constants in the thermodynamic limit. The thermoelectric figure of merit ZT increases slowly with the system length L and is proportional to the height of the potential barriers H in high H regime. These findings may serve as a guide for future theoretical and experimental studies.
Correlation between Pd metal thickness and thermally stable perpendicular magnetic anisotropy features in [Co/Pd]n multilayers at annealing temperatures up to 500 °C
Authors: An Gwang Guk , Lee Ja Bin , Yang Seung Mo , Kim Jae Hong , Chung Woo Seong , Yoon Kap Soo , Hong Jin Pyo
Published: February 2015

We examine highly stable perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) features of [Co/Pd]10 multilayers (MLs) versus Pd thickness at various ex-situ annealing temperatures. Thermally stable PMA characteristics were observed up to 500 °C, confirming the suitability of these systems for industrial applications at this temperature. Experimental observations suggest that the choice of equivalent Co and Pd layer thicknesses in a ML configuration ensures thermally stable PMA features, even at higher annealing temperatures. X-ray diffraction patterns and cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy images were obtained to determine thickness, post-annealing PMA behavior, and to explore the structural features that govern these findings.
Is there a role for pharmacists in multidisciplinary health-care teams at community outreach events for the homeless?
Authors: Chan Vincent , Patounas Marea , Dornbusch Debbie , Tran Hung , Watson Patricia
Published: February 2015

Homelessness is a significant public health problem. It is well-documented that people experiencing homelessness exhibit more serious illnesses and have poorer health than the general population. The provision of services and interventions by health-care professionals, including pharmacists, may make a simple yet important contribution to improved health outcomes in those experiencing homelessness, but evidence of roles and interventions is limited and variable. In Australia, the Queensland University of Technology Health Clinic connects with the homeless community by taking part in community outreach events. This paper provides details of one such event, as well as the roles, interventions and experiences of pharmacists. Participation and inclusion of pharmacists in a multidisciplinary health-care team approach at homeless outreach events should be supported and encouraged.
Rapid Communication: The Apple of the mind's eye: Everyday attention, metamemory, and reconstructive memory for the Apple logo
Authors: Blake Adam B. , Nazarian Meenely , Castel Alan D.
Published: February 2015

People are regularly bombarded with logos in an attempt to improve brand recognition, and logos are often designed with the central purpose of memorability. The ubiquitous Apple logo is a simple design and is often referred to as one of the most recognizable logos in the world. The present study examined recall and recognition for this simple and pervasive logo and to what degree metamemory (confidence judgements) match memory performance. Participants showed surprisingly poor memory for the details of the logo as measured through recall (drawings) and forced-choice recognition. Only 1 participant out of 85 correctly recalled the Apple logo, and fewer than half of all participants correctly identified the logo. Importantly, participants indicated higher levels of confidence for both recall and recognition, and this overconfidence was reduced if participants made the judgements after, rather than before, drawing the logo. The general findings did not differ between Apple and PC users. The results provide novel support for theories of attentional saturation, inattentional amnesia, and reconstructive memory; additionally they show how an availability heuristic can lead to overconfidence in memory for logos.
Nonexocytotic serotonin release tonically suppresses serotonergic neuron activity
Authors: Mlinar Boris , Montalbano Alberto , Baccini Gilda , Tatini Francesca , Palmini Rolando Berlinguer , Corradetti Renato
Published: February 2015

The firing activity of serotonergic neurons in raphe nuclei is regulated by negative feedback exerted by extracellular serotonin (5-HT)o acting through somatodendritic 5-HT1A autoreceptors. The steady-state [5-HT]o, sensed by 5-HT1A autoreceptors, is determined by the balance between the rates of 5-HT release and reuptake. Although it is well established that reuptake of 5-HTo is mediated by 5-HT transporters (SERT), the release mechanism has remained unclear. It is also unclear how selective 5-HT reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants increase the [5-HT]o in raphe nuclei and suppress serotonergic neuron activity, thereby potentially diminishing their own therapeutic effect. Using an electrophysiological approach in a slice preparation, we show that, in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN), continuous nonexocytotic 5-HT release is responsible for suppression of phenylephrine-facilitated serotonergic neuron firing under basal conditions as well as for autoinhibition induced by SSRI application. By using 5-HT1A autoreceptor-activated G protein–gated inwardly rectifying potassium channels of patched serotonergic neurons as 5-HTo sensors, we show substantial nonexocytotic 5-HT release under conditions of abolished firing activity, Ca2+ influx, vesicular monoamine transporter 2–mediated vesicular accumulation of 5-HT, and SERT-mediated 5-HT transport. Our results reveal a cytosolic origin of 5-HTo in the DRN and suggest that 5-HTo may be supplied by simple diffusion across the plasma membrane, primarily from the dense network of neurites of serotonergic neurons surrounding the cell bodies. These findings indicate that the serotonergic system does not function as a sum of independently acting neurons but as a highly interdependent neuronal network, characterized by a shared neurotransmitter pool and the regulation of firing activity by an interneuronal, yet activity-independent, nonexocytotic mechanism.
The Performance of Performance-Based Contracting in Human Services: A Quasi-Experiment
Authors: Lu Jiahuan
Published: February 2015

Performance-based contracting (PBC) is becoming increasingly attractive to public human service agencies. By linking contract compensation to contractors’ performance, PBC is expected to foster quality services, to improve outcomes, and to reduce government monitoring. However, empirical evidence on the effectiveness of PBC remains both limited and mixed. Based on a case study of the Indiana vocational rehabilitation program, this article employs a quasi-experimental design to evaluate the effectiveness of PBC for individual employment outcomes over the 2004–09 period, with the Michigan vocational rehabilitation program as a control. Using propensity score matching and difference-in-differences regressions to control for the imbalances between the two states, this article finds that PBC significantly improves employment results and reduces time to employment, two measured performance indicators. However, the impact of PBC on unmeasured employment quality, as indicated by working hours and wages, is trivial. This article further suggests relational contracting as a supplemental mechanism for PBC in human service provision.
SDSS J083253.18+064316.7: one strange object with double-peaked narrow Hα but single-peaked narrow Hβ
Authors: Zhang Xue-Guang
Published: February 2015

In this Letter, we first report one unique object SDSS J0832+0643 with particular features of narrow Balmer emission lines: double-peaked narrow Hα but single-peaked narrow Hβ. The particular features cannot be expected by currently proposed kinematic models for double-peaked narrow emission lines, because the proposed kinematic models lead to similar line profiles of narrow Balmer emission lines. However, due to radiative transfer effects, the non-kinematic model can be naturally applied to well explain the particular features of narrow Balmer emission lines: larger optical depth in Hα than 10 leads to observed double-peaked narrow Hα, but smaller optical depth in Hβ around 2 leads to observed single-peaked narrow Hβ. Therefore, SDSS J0832+0643 can be used as strong evidence to support the non-kinematic model for double-peaked narrow emission lines.
Comparative Effectiveness of Induction Therapy for Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Associated Cryptococcal Meningitis: A Network Meta-Analysis
Authors: Campbell Jeffrey I. , Kanters Steve , Bennett John E. , Thorlund Kristian , Tsai Alexander C. , Mills Edward J. , Siedner Mark J.
Published: February 2015

Background.  Multiple international treatment guidelines recommend amphotericin-based combination regimens for induction therapy of cryptococcal meningitis. Yet, only 1 trial has reported a mortality benefit for combination amphotericin-flucytosine, and none have reported a mortality benefit for combination amphotericin-fluconazole.

Methods.  We conducted a Bayesian network meta-analysis to estimate the comparative effectiveness of recommended induction therapies for HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis. We searched PubMed and Cochrane CENTRAL for clinical reports of induction therapy for HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis. We extracted or calculated early (two-week) and late (six to 12-week) mortality by treatment arm for the following induction regimens: amphotericin B alone, amphotericin B + flucytosine, amphotericin B + triazoles, amphotericin B + flucytosine +triazoles, triazoles alone, triazoles + flucytosine, liposomal amphotericin B, and amphotericin B + other medicines.

Results.  In the overall sample (35 studies, n = 2483), we found no evidence of decreased mortality from addition of flucytosine or triazoles to amphotericin B, compared with amphotericin B alone. Although we did find a nonsignificant benefit for addition of flucytosine to amphotericin B in studies including participants with altered levels of consciousness, we did not ide.jpegy a benefit for combination therapy in restricted analyses in either resource-rich or resource-limited settings, studies conducted before or after 2004, and studies restricted to a high dose of amphotericin B and fluconazole.

Conclusions.  Given considerations of drug availability and toxicity, there is an important need for additional data to clarify which populations are most likely to benefit from combination therapies for human immunodeficiency virus-associated cryptococcal meningitis.
Pharmacokinetics of ε-Aminocaproic Acid in Neonates Undergoing Cardiac Surgery with Cardiopulmonary Bypass
Authors: Eaton Michael P. , Alfieris George M. , Sweeney Dawn M. , Angona Ronald E. , Cholette Jill M. , Venuto Charles , Anderson Brian
Published: February 2015

AbstractAbstract

ε-Aminocaproic acid clearance, expressed using allometry, is reduced in neonates undergoing elective cardiac surgery compared with older children and adults. Loading dose and infusion dose are approximately half those required in children and adults.

Background:

Antifibrinolytic medications such as ε-aminocaproic acid (EACA) are used in pediatric heart surgery to decrease surgical bleeding and transfusion. Dosing schemes for neonates are often based on adult regimens, or are simply empiric, in part due to the lack of neonatal pharmacokinetic information. The authors sought to determine the pharmacokinetics of EACA in neonates undergoing cardiac surgery and to devise a dosing regimen for this population.

Methods:

Ten neonates undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass were given EACA according to standard practice, and blood was drawn at 10 time points to determine drug concentrations. Time-concentration profiles were analyzed using nonlinear mixed effects models. Parameter estimates (standardized to a 70-kg person) were used to develop a dosing regimen intended to maintain a target concentration shown to inhibit fibrinolysis in neonatal plasma (50 mg/l).

Results:

Pharmacokinetics were described using a two-compartment model plus an additional compartment for the cardiopulmonary bypass pump. First-order elimination was described with a clearance of 5.07 l/h × (WT/70)0.75. Simulation showed a dosing regimen with a loading dose of 40 mg/kg and an infusion of 30 mg · kg−1 · h−1, with a pump prime concentration of 100 mg/l maintained plasma concentrations above 50 mg/l in 90% of neonates during cardiopulmonary bypass surgery.

Conclusions:

EACA clearance, expressed using allometry, is reduced in neonates compared with older children and adults. Loading dose and infusion dose are approximately half those required in children and adults.
Evolution of a Double Amino Acid Substitution in the 5-Enolpyruvylshikimate-3-Phosphate Synthase in Eleusine indica Conferring High-Level Glyphosate Resistance
Authors: Yu Qin , Jalaludin Adam , Han Heping , Chen Ming , Sammons R. Douglas , Powles Stephen B.
Published: February 2015

Glyphosate is the most important and widely used herbicide in world agriculture. Intensive glyphosate selection has resulted in the widespread evolution of glyphosate-resistant weed populations, threatening the sustainability of this valuable once-in-a-century agrochemical. Field-evolved glyphosate resistance due to known resistance mechanisms is generally low to modest. Here, working with a highly glyphosate-resistant Eleusine indica population, we identified a double amino acid substitution (T102I + P106S [TIPS]) in the 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase (EPSPS) gene in glyphosate-resistant individuals. This TIPS mutation recreates the biotechnology-engineered commercial first generation glyphosate-tolerant EPSPS in corn (Zea mays) and now in other crops. In E. indica, the naturally evolved TIPS mutants are highly (more than 180-fold) resistant to glyphosate compared with the wild type and more resistant (more than 32-fold) than the previously known P106S mutants. The E. indica  TIPS  EPSPS showed very high-level (2,647-fold) in vitro resistance to glyphosate relative to the wild type and is more resistant (600-fold) than the P106S variant. The evolution of the TIPS mutation in crop fields under glyphosate selection is likely a sequential event, with the P106S mutation being selected first and fixed, followed by the T102I mutation to create the highly resistant TIPS  EPSPS. The sequential evolution of the TIPS mutation endowing high-level glyphosate resistance is an important mechanism by which plants adapt to intense herbicide selection and a dramatic example of evolution in action.
Origin and use of crystallization phase diagrams
Authors: Rupp Bernhard
Published: February 2015

Crystallization phase diagrams are frequently used to conceptualize the phase relations and also the processes taking place during the crystallization of macromolecules. While a great deal of freedom is given in crystallization phase diagrams owing to a lack of specific knowledge about the actual phase boundaries and phase equilibria, crucial fundamental features of phase diagrams can be derived from thermodynamic first principles. Consequently, there are limits to what can be reasonably displayed in a phase diagram, and imagination may start to conflict with thermodynamic realities. Here, the commonly used `crystallization phase diagrams' are derived from thermodynamic excess properties and their limitations and appropriate use is discussed.
Crystal structure of bis(η5-cyclopentadienyl)(1,4-di-tert-butylbuta-1-en-3-yn-1-yl)zirconium(IV) μ2-hydroxido-bis[tris(pentafluorophenyl)borate]
Authors: Burlakov Vladimir V. , Spannenberg Anke , Arndt Perdita , Rosenthal Uwe
Published: February 2015

Alkyl zirconocene cations have been of considerable interest as reactive species in many polymerization processes. In the crystal structure of the title compound, [Zr(C12H19)(C5H5)2](C36HB2F30O), the [Zr(C5H5)2((t-Bu)C=C(H)—C2(t-Bu))]+cation displays a buta-1-en-3-yne ligand side-on coordinated to a typical bent zirconocene [centroid(cp)—Zr—centroid(cp) = 131.4 (3)°, Zr—C(buta-1-en-3-yne) = 2.255 (3), 2.597 (3) and 2.452 (2) Å]. In the [HO(B(C6F5)3)2]−anion, intramolecular O—H...F hydrogen bonds are observed. Onetert-butyl group in the complex cation is disordered over two sets of sites with occupancies 0.701(4):0.299(4).
Crystal structure of tetraaquabis(1,3-dimethyl-2,6-dioxo-3,7-dihydro-1H-purin-9-ido)magnesium
Authors: Shi Yabin , Lou Benyong
Published: February 2015

The title complex, [Mg(C7H7N4O2)2(H2O)4], lies across an inversion centre and the MgIIatom is coordinated in a slightly distorted octahedral environment by four aqua ligands in the equatorial sites and two 1,3-dimethyl-2,6-dioxo-3,7-dihydro-1H-purin-9-ide ligands, through imidazole ring N atoms, in the axial sites. An intramolecular O—H...O hydrogen bond forms anS(7) graph-set motif. In the crystal, O—H...O and O—H...N hydrogen bonds link complex molecules forming a three-dimensional network incorporatingR42(8) andR22(18) graph-set motifs.
Prognosis and segment‐specific nodal spread of primary lung cancer in the right lower lobe
Authors: Tomizawa Kenji , Suda Kenichi , Takemoto Toshiki , Mizuno Tetsuya , Kuroda Hiroaki , Sakakura Noriaki , Iwasaki Takuya , Sakaguchi Masahiro , Kuwano Hiroyuki , Mitsudomi Tetsuya , Sakao Yukinori
Published: February 2015

Background

Although lobe‐specific nodal spread of primary lung cancer has been recently described, segment‐specific nodal spread remains unclear. We investigated the frequency of hailer and mediastinal lymph node involvement and survival in patients with tumors located in the superior segment (SS) and basal segment (BS) in the right lower lobe.

Methods

Two hundred and sixty‐three patients with primary lung cancer originating in the right lower lobe underwent lobectomy with systematic mediastinal lymph node dissection. Patients were categorized into two groups: SS (n = 114) or BS (n = 149).

Results

Frequencies of metastasis to station 11s and 11i were significantly higher in the SS (P < 0.0001) and BS groups (P = 0.022), respectively. Both the SS and BS groups showed a high frequency of subcarinal mediastinal zone (station 7) metastasis (96.9% and 90.6%, respectively; P = 0.271). The frequencies of superior mediastinal zone (station 2R and 4R) metastasis were 37.5% in the SS and 35.8% in the BS group (P = 0.878). In patients with pN2 disease, three‐year disease‐free survival was significantly shorter in the SS (22.6%) than the BS group (42.1%; P = 0.020). In the BS group, the independent predictive factors of a poor or good prognosis were metastasis to station 11i or skip metastasis, respectively; however, we did not detect an independent prognostic factor in the SS group. In the right lower lung lobe, there was no segment‐specific nodal spread.

Conclusion

When segmentectomy is undertaken, mediastinal lymph node dissection should be performed in proportion to lobectomy.
Micro ribonucleic acid‐93 promotes proliferation and migration of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma by targeting disabled 2
Authors: Li Chang , Ding Cheng , Chen Tengfei , Chen Jun , Xu Zhenlei , Lei Zhe , Xu Chun , Zhao Jun
Published: February 2015

Background

Accumulated evidence has revealed that the dysregulation of micro ribonucleic acids (miRNAs) may contribute to esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). MiR‐93, which is a member of the miRNA cluster miR‐106b∼25, has been widely studied for its tumor promoting effect on different types of cancers. However, our knowledge of miR‐93 function in ESCC remains unclear.

Methods

The expression levels of miR‐93 in ESCC and the adjacent non‐tumor tissues were measured by real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Cell counting kit‐8, flow cytometry, and 5‐ethynyl‐2′‐deoxyuridine incorporation and transwell migration assays were employed to explore the effects of miR‐93 on proliferation and migration capabilities in EC109 cells. To determine the possible target gene of miR‐93, cell transfection, Western blot analysis and luciferase reporter gene assays were performed.

Results

A significant upregulation of miR‐93 expression in ESCC tissues was determined, combined with a downregulation of the predicted target gene, disabled 2 (DAB2). The introduction of miR‐93 significantly promotes cell proliferation, cell cycle progression, and the metastatic capability of EC109 cells. By cell transfection and luciferase reporter assay, DAB2 was confirmed as a direct target of miR‐93. In addition, the knockdown of DAB2 by small interfering RNA displayed a consentaneous phenocopy with miR‐93 overexpression in EC109 cells.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that miR‐93 acts as a tumor promoter in ESCC, and its promotion effects on ESCC cell proliferation and migration depend largely upon DAB2 suppression.
Overlapping Dopaminergic Pathway Genetic Susceptibility to Heroin and Cocaine Addictions in African Americans
Authors: Levran Orna , Randesi Matthew , da Rosa Joel Correa , Ott Jurg , Rotrosen John , Adelson Miriam , Kreek Mary Jeanne
Published: February 2015

Drugs of abuse activate the mesolimbic dopaminergic pathway. Genetic variations in the dopaminergic system may contribute to drug addiction. Several processes are shared between cocaine and heroin addictions but some neurobiological mechanisms may be specific. This study examined the association of 98 single nucleotide polymorphisms in 13 dopamine‐related genes with heroin addiction (OD) and/or cocaine addiction (CD) in a sample of 801 African Americans (315 subjects with OD ± CD, 279 subjects with CD, and 207 controls). Single‐marker analyses provided nominally significant evidence for associations of 24 SNPs) in DRD1, ANKK1/DRD2, DRD3, DRD5, DBH, DDC, COMT and CSNK1E. A DRD2 7‐SNPs haplotype that includes SNPs rs1075650 and rs2283265, which were shown to alter D2S/D2L splicing, was indicated in both addictions. The Met allele of the functional COMT Val158Met was associated with protection from OD. None of the signals remained significant after correction for multiple testing. The study results are in accordance with the results of previous studies, including our report of association of DRD1 SNP rs5326 with OD. The findings suggest the presence of an overlap in genetic susceptibility for OD and CD, as well as shared and distinct susceptibility for OD in subjects of African and European descent.
Simulation‐based certification for cataract surgery
Authors: Thomsen Ann Sofia Skou , Kiilgaard Jens Folke , Kjærbo Hadi , la Cour Morten , Konge Lars
Published: February 2015

Purpose

To evaluate the EyeSi™ simulator in regard to assessing competence in cataract surgery. The primary objective was to explore all simulator metrics to establish a proficiency‐based test with solid evidence. The secondary objective was to evaluate whether the skill assessment was specific to cataract surgery.

Methods

We included 26 ophthalmic trainees (no cataract surgery experience), 11 experienced cataract surgeons (>4000 cataract procedures) and five vitreoretinal surgeons. All subjects completed 13 different modules twice. Simulator metrics were used for the assessments.

Results

Total module score on seven of 13 modules showed significant discriminative ability between the novices and experienced cataract surgeons. The intermodule reliability coefficient was 0.76 (p < 0.001). A pass/fail level was defined from the total score on these seven modules using the contrasting‐groups method. The test had an overall ability to discriminate between novices and experienced cataract surgeons, as 21 of 26 novices (81%) versus one of 11 experienced surgeons (9%) did not pass the test. The vitreoretinal surgeons scored significantly higher than the novices (p = 0.006), but not significantly lower than the experienced cataract surgeons (p = 0.32).

Conclusion

We have established a performance test, consisting of seven modules on the EyeSi™ simulator, which possess evidence of validity. The test is a useful and reliable tool for assessment of both cataract surgical and general microsurgical skills in vitro.
Fundamental movement skills in preschoolers: a randomized controlled trial targeting object control proficiency
Authors: Donath L. , Faude O. , Hagmann S. , Roth R. , Zahner L.
Published: February 2015

Background

Adequately developed fundamental movement skills, particularly object control dimensions, are considered essential to learn more complex movement patterns and to increase the likelihood to successfully participate in organized and non‐organized sports during later years. Thus, the present randomized controlled trial aimed at improving object control dimensions at an early state in a kindergarten setting.

Methods

Catching, throwing, kicking, rolling and stationary dribbling were assessed via gross motor development 2 (TGMD‐2) testing in 41 normally developed preschoolers. On a cluster‐randomized basis [strata: age, sex and body mass index (BMI)], three kindergartens were randomly assigned to an intervention group (n = 22, INT, age: 4.6 ± 1.0 years; BMI: 16.2 ± 1.1 kg/m2) and three to a control group (n = 19, CON: age: 4.5 ± 1.2 years; BMI: 16.8 ± 1.2 kg/m2). Twelve structured training sessions were given within 6 weeks (12 sessions). The total training volume was 330 min.

Results

Moderate time × group interaction were observed for the total sum score (Δ+22%, P = 0.05) and dribbling (Δ+41%, P = 0.002). Adjusting for baseline differences analyses of covariance did not affect these results. Interestingly, likely to most likely practically worthwhile effects were detected for the total sum score, catching and dribbling.

Conclusion

Object control dimensions such as dribbling and catching that apparently rely on rhythmical movement patterns and anticipatory eye‐hand coordination seem to benefit from short‐term object control training. These skills are considered important for successful team‐sport participation and appropriate sportive motor development.
Prognostic value of circulating CD133+ cells in patients with gastric cancer
Authors: Xia Pu , Song Chang‐Liang , Liu Jin‐Fang , Wang Dan , Xu Xiao‐Yan
Published: February 2015

Objectives

Gastric cancer is an important cause of cancer‐related mortality worldwide (1). There is increasing evidence that the existence of cancer stem cells (CSC) is responsible for tumour formation and maintenance.

Materials and methods

The present study was designed to recognise circulating CSCs from blood samples of patients with gastric cancer, using CD133 and ABCG2 as potential markers. CD133−, CD133+ ABCG2− and CD133+ ABCG2+ cells lines were analysed by flow cytometry, immunofluorescence staining, western blotting and real‐time PCR. Furthermore, functional assays (clonogenic assay in vitro and tumourigenic assay in vivo) were also performed using these cell lines.

Results

Higher percentages of CD133+ cells were identified in blood samples from gastric cancer patients compared to normal controls. In addition, we found by using Kaplan–Meier analysis, that numbers of CD133+ cells correlated with poor prognosis gastric cancer patients. Finally, tumourigenic properties of CD133+ ABCG2+ cells were determined in vitro and in vivo.

Conclusions

Our in vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that CD133+ ABCG2+ cells exhibited well‐known CSC characteristics; thus when circulating they could be used as a prognostic marker for gastric cancer.