bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Welfare State and Redistribution in Korea
Authors: Hwang Gyu-Jin
Published: August 2015

This article aims to account for why the redistributive effect of the Korean welfare state remains meagre. Given the fact that its small size is already a well-known factor, it directs its attention to the design and structural features of key social provisions and their distributional profile. Its findings suggest that the design features of social provisions are progressive but their distributional profiles are not. This is because there are other factors that undermine the seemingly progressive design of the welfare system in Korea. The article argues that in order to establish a fair and efficient welfare state, it is not only any increase in size that is important but also correction of the factors that diminish the progressivity of the welfare system.
Impact of mode of delivery on the milk microbiota composition of healthy women
Authors: Cabrera-Rubio R. , Mira-Pascual L. , Mira A. , Collado M. C.
Published: August 2015

Breast milk constitutes one of the most important sources of postnatal microbes. However, the influence of perinatal factors on the milk microbiome is still poorly understood. The aim of our study was to assess the impact of mode of delivery on the microbiome composition and diversity present in breast milk of healthy mothers. Mature milk samples (n=10) were taken from mothers after 1 month of exclusively breastfeeding. Microbiomes from milk samples were analyzed with 16S ribosomal RNA gene pyrosequencing and targeted quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Despite inter-individual variability in bacterial composition, The Principal Coordinates Analysis clearly separated milk microbiome from mothers with vaginal delivery (n=6) from those who undergo C-section (n=4). In addition, higher bacterial diversity and richness was found in milk samples from vaginal deliveries. Quantitative PCR data showed that higher levels of Bifidobacterium spp. were related significantly to lower levels of Staphylococcus spp. Despite the low sample size, our data suggest that mode of delivery has an important impact on milk microbiome composition. Further studies with larger sample sizes are needed to confirm these results and to understand the biological effects of C-section associated microbes on infant’s health.
Performance Measures in the Management of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Primary Care – A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Kaufmann Carla , Markun Stefan , Hasler Susann , Dalla Lana Kaba , Rosemann Thomas , Senn Oliver , Steurer-Stey Claudia
Published: August 2015

Leistungsmessgrössen in der Grundversorgung von Patienten mit COPD – eine Analyse

Zusammenfassung. Hintergrund: Das Befolgen der Empfehlungen für ein gutes Management der chronisch-obstruktiven Lungenkrankheit (COPD) verbessert wichtige Endpunkte. Leistungsmessgrössen (LM) reflektieren die Qualität der Betreuung, dennoch existieren über die Dokumentation dieser Messgrössen bei COPD für die Grundversorgung kaum Daten. Ziel: Überprüfen der Dokumentation von COPD spezifischen Messgrössen in Grundversorgerpraxen des Kanton Zürich. Methode: Retrospektive Auswertung der Krankengeschichten von Patienten mit ärztlich diagnostizierter COPD, über einen Zeitraum von zwölf Monaten. Die Dokumentation der LM wurde durch Berechnen des Prozentsatzes der dokumentierten Parameter bewertet. Zusätzlich erfolgte ein Vergleich der LM Dokumentation mit einer Praxis, die ein strukturiertes COPD-Programm implementiert hatte. Resultate: Es wurden Daten von 115 Patienten aus 14 Praxen, davon 57% männlich, mit einem Durchschnittsalter von 68 (44–93) Jahren, analysiert. 46% waren aktive Raucher mit 56 (22–150 py) Packyears. Komorbiditäten waren in 73% der Fälle dokumentiert, der Schweregrad mit GOLD-Klassifizierung in 70% (GOLD I 11%, GOLD II 64%, GOLD III 21%, GOLD IV 4%).Gemäss Dokumentation hatten die Patienten durchschnittlich 1,4 Exazerbationen pro Jahr. Die Dokumentation der LM lag zwischen 16% (schriftlicher Aktionsplan im Falle von Exazerbationen) und 95% (Raucherstatus). Eine Dokumentation für eine Rauchstopp-Empfehlung fand sich in 74% der Fälle, für die Grippeimpfung in 49%. Eine adäquate medikamentöse Therapie und Instruktion der Inhalation war für 65 bzw. 57%, für pulmonale Rehabilitation in 27% der Patienten dokumentiert. Angaben zu einer kollaborativen und proaktiven Betreuung fanden sich bei 60 resp. 51%. Die Praxis mit dem laufenden COPD-Programm zeigte eine signifikant bessere Dokumentation (p<0,01) für alle LM ausser für die Grippeimpfung. Schlussfolgerung: In der Schweizer Grundversorgung bestehen Lücken in der Dokumentation hinsichtlich der Empfehlungen für eine nutzbringende COPD-Versorgung. Die Identifikation und Überbrückung dieser Lücken ist zentral für mehr Qualität in der Gesundheitsversorgung.
Wenn die Blase brennt: interstitielle Zystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome (IC/BPS)
Authors: Scheiner David A. , Perucchini Daniele , Fink Daniel , Betschart Cornelia
Published: August 2015

Zusammenfassung. Die interstitielle Zystitis, heute als Bladder Pain Syndrome bezeichnet (BPS), ist ein ätiologisch unverstandenes chronisches Schmerzsyndrom. Die Diagnose fusst auf der Klinik. Die heutigen Therapiemodalitäten zielen auf die Symptomlinderung ab, da keine Heilung möglich ist. Analgetika sind vor allem punktuell einzusetzen. Das sechsstufige Therapieprogram der AUA beginnt mit der nicht-invasiven und nebenwirkungsarmen Verhaltenstherapie, Patientenaufklärung und psychosozialer Unterstützung. Bei Beckenbodenverspannungen kann in einer zweiten Stufe Physiotherapie verordnet werden. Als orale Medikamente helfen Amitriptylin, PPS oder Antihistaminika. Die interventionelle Zystoskopie mit Hydrodistension kommt als dritte Stufe zum Zug. Erst bei Persistenz der Beschwerden werden Neuromodulation (vierte Stufe), intravesikale Botoxinjektionen (fünfte Stufe) oder Cyclosporin A eingesetzt. Als Ultima Ratio gilt die sechste Stufe mit der Zystektomie als invasivste und definitive Lösung.
Auf die leichte Schulter genommen
Authors: Aeberhard Carla , Stanga Zeno , Perrig Martin , Birrenbach Tanja
Published: August 2015

Zusammenfassung. Ein 78-jähriger Patient mit bekanntem Typ-2-Diabetes mellitus wurde aufgrund einer Allgemeinzustands-Verschlechterung und einem sehr schlechtem Ernährungszustand hospitalisiert. Anamnestisch liessen sich seit einigen Jahren ein ungewollter Gewichtsverlust und chronische, breiige Durchfälle eruieren. Klinisch zeigte sich ein schwerer Muskel- und Fettgewebsverlust mit Schluckschwäche. Eine adäquate Ernährungstherapie mit kombinierter parenteraler und enteraler Ernährung wurde unter regelmässigem Monitoring der Elektrolyte und des Volumenstatus’ implementiert, worunter sich sein Gesundheitszustand zusehends verbesserte. Zugleich verbesserte sich die Steatorrhö unter adäquater Substitution der Pankreasenzyme.
Quantitative fragment analysis of FLT3-ITD efficiently identifying poor prognostic group with high mutant allele burden or long ITD length
Authors: Kim Y , Lee G D , Park J , Yoon J-H , Kim H-J , Min W-S , Kim M
Published: August 2015

Mutation of the fms-like tyrosine kinase 3-internal tandem duplication (FLT3-ITD), which is one of the most frequent genetic alterations, strongly contributes to an increased risk of treatment failure and to poor prognosis. In this study, we established quantitative fragment analysis of FLT3-ITD simultaneously measuring mutant allele burden and length, verified the analytical performance and evaluated the clinical significance in adult acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients. FLT3-ITD was detected in 73 of 363 adult AML patients (20.1%) and high mutant allelic burden (⩾50%, n=13) and long ITD length (⩾70 base pairs, n=15) were significantly associated with inferior overall survival (OS; P=0.002 and 0.005, respectively) and event-free survival (EFS; P=0.004 and 0.007, respectively). FLT3-ITD poor prognostic group was identified as patients with high allele burden or long ITD length (n=24), which revealed significant adverse clinical outcome for both OS (P<0.001) and EFS (P<0.001). In cytogenetically normal AML, even FLT3-ITD low allele burden and short length was associated with poorer OS (P=0.037) and EFS (P=0.044) than wild type, whose influence was overcome when hematopoietic stem cell transplantation was performed. In minimal residual disease monitoring, FLT3-ITD negativity after consolidation therapy was a valuable predictor of better OS (P<0.001) and EFS (P<0.001). FLT3-ITD poor prognostic group with high mutant allele burden or long ITD length is efficiently identified by quantitative fragment analysis.
Rationale for revision and proposed changes of the WHO diagnostic criteria for polycythemia vera, essential thrombocythemia and primary myelofibrosis
Authors: Barbui T , Thiele J , Vannucchi A M , Tefferi A
Published: August 2015

The 2001/2008 World Health Organization (WHO)-based diagnostic criteria for polycythemia vera (PV), essential thrombocythemia (ET) and primary myelofibrosis (PMF) were recently revised to accomodate new information on disease-specific mutations and underscore distinguishing morphologic features. In this context, it seems to be reasonable to compare first major diagnostic criteria of the former WHO classifications for myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) and then to focus on details that have been discussed and will be proposed for the upcoming revision of diagnostic guidelines. In PV, a characteristic bone marrow (BM) morphology was added as one of three major diagnostic criteria, which allowed lowering of the hemoglobin/hematocrit threshold for diagnosis, which is another major criterion, to 16.5 g/dl/49% in men and 16 g/dl/48% in women. The presence of aJAK2mutation remains the third major diagnostic criterion in PV. Subnormal serum erythropoietin level is now the only minor criterion in PV and is used to captureJAK2-unmutated cases. In ET and PMF, mutations that are considered to confirm clonality and specific diagnosis now includeCALR, in addition toJAK2andMPL. Also in the 2015 discussed revision, overtly fibrotic PMF is clearly distinguished from early/prefibrotic PMF and each PMF variant now includes a separate list of diagnostic criteria. The main rationale for these changes was to enhance the distinction between so-called masked PV andJAK2-mutated ET and between ET and prefibrotic early PMF. The proposed changes also underscore the complementary role, as well as limitations of mutation analysis in morphologic diagnosis. On the other hand, discovery of new biological markers may probably be expected in the future to enhance discrimination of the different MPN subtypes in accordance with the histological BM patterns and corresponding clinical features.
Rapid sequestration of rock avalanche deposits within glaciers
Authors: Dunning Stuart A. , Rosser Nicholas J. , McColl Samuel T. , Reznichenko Natalya V.
Published: August 2015

Topographic development in mountainous landscapes is a complex interplay between tectonics, climate and denudation. Glaciers erode valleys to generate headwall relief, and hillslope processes control the height and retreat of the peaks. The magnitude–frequency of these landslides and their long-term ability to lower mountains above glaciers is poorly understood; however, small, frequent rockfalls are currently thought to dominate. The preservation of rarer, larger, landslide deposits is exceptionally short-lived, as they are rapidly reworked. The 2013 Mount Haast rock avalanche that failed from the slopes of Aoraki/Mount Cook, New Zealand, onto the glacier accumulation zone below was invisible to conventional remote sensing after just 3 months. Here we use sub-surface data to reveal the now-buried landslide deposit, and suggest that large landslides are the primary hillslope erosion mechanism here. These data show how past large landslides can be identified in accumulation zones, providing an untapped archive of erosive events in mountainous landscapes.
Liquid demixing of intrinsically disordered proteins is seeded by poly(ADP-ribose)
Authors: Altmeyer Matthias , Neelsen Kai J. , Teloni Federico , Pozdnyakova Irina , Pellegrino Stefania , Grøfte Merete , Rask Maj-Britt Druedahl , Streicher Werner , Jungmichel Stephanie , Nielsen Michael Lund , Lukas Jiri
Published: August 2015

Intrinsically disordered proteins can phase separate from the soluble intracellular space, and tend to aggregate under pathological conditions. The physiological functions and molecular triggers of liquid demixing by phase separation are not well understood. Here we show in vitro and in vivo that the nucleic acid-mimicking biopolymer poly(ADP-ribose) (PAR) nucleates intracellular liquid demixing. PAR levels are markedly induced at sites of DNA damage, and we provide evidence that PAR-seeded liquid demixing results in rapid, yet transient and fully reversible assembly of various intrinsically disordered proteins at DNA break sites. Demixing, which relies on electrostatic interactions between positively charged RGG repeats and negatively charged PAR, is amplified by aggregation-prone prion-like domains, and orchestrates the earliest cellular responses to DNA breakage. We propose that PAR-seeded liquid demixing is a general mechanism to dynamically reorganize the soluble nuclear space with implications for pathological protein aggregation caused by derailed phase separation.
Ten-year helium anomaly prior to the 2014 Mt Ontake eruption
Authors: Sano Yuji , Kagoshima Takanori , Takahata Naoto , Nishio Yoshiro , Roulleau Emilie , Pinti Daniele L. , Fischer Tobias P.
Published: August 2015

Mt Ontake in central Japan suddenly erupted on 27th September 2014, killing 57 people with 6 still missing. It was a hydro-volcanic eruption and new magmatic material was not detected. There were no precursor signals such as seismicity and edifice inflation. It is difficult to predict hydro-volcanic eruptions because they are local phenomena that only affect a limited area surrounding the explosive vent. Here we report a long-term helium anomaly measured in hot springs close to the central cone. Helium-3 is the most sensitive tracer of magmatic volatiles. We have conducted spatial surveys around the volcano at once per few years since November 1981. The 3He/4He ratios of the closest site to the cone stayed constant until June 2000 and increased significantly from June 2003 to November 2014, while those of distant sites showed no valuable change. These observations suggest a recent re-activation of Mt Ontake and that helium-3 enhancement may have been a precursor of the 2014 eruption. We show that the eruption was ultimately caused by the increased input of magmatic volatiles over a ten-year period which resulted in the slow pressurization of the volcanic conduit leading to the hydro-volcanic event in September 2014.
Synthesis and antitumor activity of novel N-substituted carbazole imidazolium salt derivatives
Authors: Liu Lan-Xiang , Wang Xue-Quan , Zhou Bei , Yang Li-Juan , Li Yan , Zhang Hong-Bin , Yang Xiao-Dong
Published: August 2015

A series of novel N-substituted carbazole imidazolium salt derivatives has been prepared and investigated for their cytotoxic activity against five human tumor cell lines by MTS assay. The results indicated that the existence of 5,6-dimethyl-benzimidazole ring, substitution of the imidazolyl-3-position with a 2-bromobenzyl or naphthylacyl group, as well as alkyl chain length between carbazole and imidazole ring were important for the antitumor activity. Compound 61, bearing a 2-bromobenzyl substituent at position-3 of the 5,6-dimethyl-benzimidazole, showed powerful inhibitory activities and was more selective to HL-60, SMMC-7721, MCF-7 and SW480 cell lines with IC50 values 0.51–2.48 μM. Mechanism of action studies revealed that this new compound could remarkably induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in SMMC-7721 cells. This work provides alternative novel way for future drug development based on carbazole and imidazolium salt scaffolds.
Age-related profiling of DNA methylation in CD8+ T cells reveals changes in immune response and transcriptional regulator genes
Authors: Tserel Liina , Kolde Raivo , Limbach Maia , Tretyakov Konstantin , Kasela Silva , Kisand Kai , Saare Mario , Vilo Jaak , Metspalu Andres , Milani Lili , Peterson Pärt
Published: August 2015

Human ageing affects the immune system resulting in an overall decline in immunocompetence. Although all immune cells are affected during aging, the functional capacity of T cells is most influenced and is linked to decreased responsiveness to infections and impaired differentiation. We studied age-related changes in DNA methylation and gene expression in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells from younger and older individuals. We observed marked difference between T cell subsets, with increased number of methylation changes and higher methylome variation in CD8+ T cells with age. The majority of age-related hypermethylated sites were located at CpG islands of silent genes and enriched for repressive histone marks. Specifically, in CD8+ T cell subset we identified strong inverse correlation between methylation and expression levels in genes associated with T cell mediated immune response (LGALS1, IFNG, CCL5, GZMH, CCR7, CD27 and CD248) and differentiation (SATB1, TCF7, BCL11B and RUNX3). Our results thus suggest the link between age-related epigenetic changes and impaired T cell function.
Probing the impact of temperature on molecular events in a developmental system
Authors: Cheung David , Ma Jun
Published: August 2015

A well-appreciated general feature of development is the ability to achieve a normal outcome despite the inevitable variability at molecular, genetic, or environmental levels. But it is not well understood how changes in a global factor such as temperature bring about specific challenges to a developmental system in molecular terms. Here we address this question using early Drosophila embryos where the maternal gradient Bicoid (Bcd) instructs anterior-patterning (AP) patterning. We show that temperature can impact the amplitude of the Bcd gradient in the embryo. To evaluate how molecular decisions are made at different temperatures, we quantify Bcd concentrations and the expression of its target gene hunchback (hb) in individual embryos. Our results suggest a relatively robust Bcd concentration threshold in inducing hb transcription within a temperature range. Our results also reveal a complex nature of the effects of temperature on the progressions of developmental and molecular events of the embryo. Our study thus advances the concept of developmental robustness by quantitatively elaborating specific features and challenges—imposed by changes in temperature—that an embryo must resolve.
Alpha-ring Independent Assembly of the 20S Proteasome
Authors: Panfair Dilrajkaur , Ramamurthy Aishwarya , Kusmierczyk Andrew R.
Published: August 2015

Archaeal proteasomes share many features with their eukaryotic counterparts and serve as important models for assembly. Proteasomes are also found in certain bacterial lineages yet their assembly mechanism is thought to be fundamentally different. Here we investigate α-ring formation using recombinant proteasomes from the archaeon Methanococcus maripaludis. Through an engineered disulfide cross-linking strategy, we demonstrate that double α-rings are structurally analogous to half-proteasomes and can form independently of single α-rings. More importantly, via targeted mutagenesis, we show that single α-rings are not required for the efficient assembly of 20S proteasomes. Our data support updating the currently held “α-ring first” view of assembly, initially proposed in studies of archaeal proteasomes and present a way to reconcile the seemingly separate bacterial assembly mechanism with the rest of the proteasome realm. We suggest that a common assembly network underpins the absolutely conserved architecture of proteasomes across all domains of life.
Prognostic value of CD44 expression in renal cell carcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Li Xintao , Ma Xin , Chen Luyao , Gu Liangyou , Zhang Yu , Zhang Fan , Ouyang Yun , Gao Yu , Huang Qingbo , Zhang Xu
Published: August 2015

CD44 is a marker of cancer stem-like cells in renal cell carcinoma (RCC). However, the prognostic value of CD44 in RCC remains controversial. This study evaluated the correlation of CD44 expression with the clinicopathological features of RCC through a meta-analysis. We systematically searched PubMed, ISI Web of Science and Embase for relevant studies until February 2015. We collected and analysed data on clinical stage, Fuhrman grade, microvascular invasion, recurrence, five-year overall survival (OS), disease-specific survival (DSS) and disease-free survival (DFS). Twenty studies involving 1672 patients satisfied the inclusion criteria. Results showed that high CD44 expression in RCC was a poor prognostic marker for five-year OS (RR = 0.69, 95% CI 0.60–0.78) in a fixed-effects model and for five-year DSS (RR = 0.46, 95% CI 0.27–0.80) and five-year DFS (RR = 0.63, 95% CI 0.43–0.93) in a random-effects model. CD44 expression also correlated with Furhman grade (RR = 0.61, 95% CI 0.48–0.77), tumour recurrence (RR = 7.42, 95% CI 3.74–14.70) and MVI (Microvascular invasion) (RR = 3.63, 95% CI 1.97–6.71). This meta-analysis suggests that CD44 is a prognostic marker in RCC. High CD44 expression correlates with high Fuhrman grade, recurrence, MVI and poor prognosis.
Less is more: Avoiding the LIBS dimensionality curse through judicious feature selection for explosive detection
Authors: Kumar Myakalwar Ashwin , Spegazzini Nicolas , Zhang Chi , Kumar Anubham Siva , Dasari Ramachandra R. , Barman Ishan , Kumar Gundawar Manoj
Published: August 2015

Despite its intrinsic advantages, translation of laser induced breakdown spectroscopy for material identification has been often impeded by the lack of robustness of developed classification models, often due to the presence of spurious correlations. While a number of classifiers exhibiting high discriminatory power have been reported, efforts in establishing the subset of relevant spectral features that enable a fundamental interpretation of the segmentation capability and avoid the ‘curse of dimensionality’ have been lacking. Using LIBS data acquired from a set of secondary explosives, we investigate judicious feature selection approaches and architect two different chemometrics classifiers –based on feature selection through prerequisite knowledge of the sample composition and genetic algorithm, respectively. While the full spectral input results in classification rate of ca.92%, selection of only carbon to hydrogen spectral window results in near identical performance. Importantly, the genetic algorithm-derived classifier shows a statistically significant improvement to ca. 94% accuracy for prospective classification, even though the number of features used is an order of magnitude smaller. Our findings demonstrate the impact of rigorous feature selection in LIBS and also hint at the feasibility of using a discrete filter based detector thereby enabling a cheaper and compact system more amenable to field operations.
A Nucleus-Imaging Probe That Selectively Stabilizes a Minor Conformation of c-MYC G-quadruplex and Down-regulates c-MYC Transcription in Human Cancer Cells
Authors: Panda Deepanjan , Debnath Manish , Mandal Samir , Bessi Irene , Schwalbe Harald , Dash Jyotirmayee
Published: August 2015

The c-MYC proto-oncogene is a regulator of fundamental cellular processes such as cell cycle progression and apoptosis. The development of novel c-MYC inhibitors that can act by targeting the c-MYC DNA G-quadruplex at the level of transcription would provide potential insight into structure-based design of small molecules and lead to a promising arena for cancer therapy. Herein we report our finding that two simple bis-triazolylcarbazole derivatives can inhibit c-MYC transcription, possibly by stabilizing the c-MYC G-quadruplex. These compounds are prepared using a facile and modular approach based on Cu(I) catalysed azide and alkyne cycloaddition. A carbazole ligand with carboxamide side chains is found to be microenvironment-sensitive and highly selective for “turn-on” detection of c-MYC quadruplex over duplex DNA. This fluorescent probe is applicable to visualize the cellular nucleus in living cells. Interestingly, the ligand binds to c-MYC in an asymmetric fashion and selects the minor-populated conformer via conformational selection.
Comparison of individual component deletions in a glucose-specific phosphotransferase system revealed their different applications
Authors: Liang Quanfeng , Zhang Fengyu , Li Yikui , Zhang Xu , Li Jiaojiao , Yang Peng , Qi Qingsheng
Published: August 2015

The phosphoenolpyruvate-dependent glucose-specific phosphotransferase system (PTSGlc) is the main glucose uptake pathway in Escherichia coli that affects both substrate assimilation and metabolism leading to the product formation. In this study, the effect of single PTSGlc mutation on cell growth and substrate consumption was investigated by knocking out the genes involved in the phosphotransfer cascade of the PTSGlc. In addition, the distribution of the metabolites of mutants was analyzed. Each mutant was confirmed to have different adaptability in the presence of both glucose and xylose with different ratios and a substrate mixture with high xylose content can be completely consumed in short time when the ptsI mutant is employed. Finally, ptsH deletion was for the first time applied for succinate production due to its well performance under anaerobic condition. Strain YL104H, in which ptsH was deleted, exhibited considerably increased succinate yield under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions. The succinate titer and overall productivity reached 511.11 mM and 1.01 g/L/h after 60 h during the whole-phase fermentation in a mineral salt medium. The present results demonstrated the glucose and xylose co-utilization efficiency and the product yield and productivity can be significantly improved if a suitable PTSGlc deletion mutant was selected.
Vervets revisited: A quantitative analysis of alarm call structure and context specificity
Authors: Price Tabitha , Wadewitz Philip , Cheney Dorothy , Seyfarth Robert , Hammerschmidt Kurt , Fischer Julia
Published: August 2015

The alarm calls of vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus pygerythrus) constitute the classic textbook example of semantic communication in nonhuman animals, as vervet monkeys give acoustically distinct calls to different predators and these calls elicit appropriate responses in conspecifics. They also give similar sounding calls in aggressive contexts, however. Despite the central role the vervet alarm calls have played for understanding the evolution of communication, a comprehensive, quantitative analysis of the acoustic structure of these calls was lacking. We used 2-step cluster analysis to identify objective call types and discriminant function analysis to assess context specificity. Alarm calls given in response to leopards, eagles and snakes could be well distinguished, while the inclusion of calls given in aggressive contexts yielded some overlap, specifically between female calls given to snakes, eagles and during aggression, as well as between male vervet barks (additionally recorded in South Africa) in leopard and aggressive contexts. We suggest that both cognitive appraisal of the situation and internal state contribute to the variation in call usage and structure. While the semantic properties of vervet alarm calls bear little resemblance to human words, the existing acoustic variation, possibly together with additional contextual information, allows listeners to select appropriate responses.
A new basal sauropod from the pre-Toarcian Jurassic of South Africa: evidence of niche-partitioning at the sauropodomorph–sauropod boundary?
Authors: McPhee Blair W. , Bonnan Matthew F. , Yates Adam M. , Neveling Johann , Choiniere Jonah N.
Published: August 2015

The early evolution of sauropod dinosaurs remains poorly understood, with a paucity of unequivocal sauropod taxa known from the first twenty million years of the Jurassic. Recently, the Early Jurassic of South Africa has yielded an assemblage of dental and post-cranial remains displaying a more apomorphic character suite than any other similarly aged sauropodomorph. These remains are interpreted as a new species of basal sauropod and recovered cladistically as the sister taxon to Vulcanodon +more derived Sauropoda, underscoring its importance for our understanding of this pivotal period of sauropod evolution. Key changes in the dentition, axial skeleton and forelimb of this new species suggest a genuine functional distinction occurring at the sauropodiform-sauropod boundary. With reference to these changes, we propose a scenario in which interdependent refinements of the locomotory and feeding apparatus occurred in tandem with, or were effected by, restrictions in the amount of vertical forage initially available to the earliest sauropods. The hypothesized instance of niche-partitioning between basal sauropodan taxa and higher-browsing non-sauropodan sauropodomorphs may partially explain the rarity of true sauropods in the basal rocks of the Jurassic, while having the added corollary of couching the origins of Sauropoda in terms of an ecologically delimited ‘event’.
Nitrogen Backbone Oligomers
Authors: Wang Hongbo , Eremets Mikhail I. , Troyan Ivan , Liu Hanyu , Ma Yanming , Vereecken Luc
Published: August 2015

We found that nitrogen and hydrogen directly react at room temperature and pressures of ~35 GPa forming chains of single-bonded nitrogen atom with the rest of the bonds terminated with hydrogen atoms - as identified by IR absorption, Raman, X-ray diffraction experiments and theoretical calculations. At releasing pressures below ~10 GPa, the product transforms into hydrazine. Our findings might open a way for the practical synthesis of these extremely high energetic materials as the formation of nitrogen-hydrogen compounds is favorable already at pressures above 2 GPa according to the calculations.
Fluorescence resonance energy transfer-based ratiometric fluorescent assay for highly sensitive and selective determination of sulfide anions
Authors: Liang Meijuan , Chen Yonglei , Zhang Haijuan , Niu Xiaoying , Xu Laifang , Ren Cuiling , Chen Xingguo
Published: August 2015

A novel and effective ratiometric fluorescence strategy was developed for rapidly, sensitively and selectively probing sulfide anions (S2−).
Highly efficient electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution from neutral aqueous solution by a water-soluble anionic cobalt(ii) porphyrin
Authors: Beyene Belete B. , Mane Sandeep B. , Hung Chen-Hsiung
Published: August 2015

CoTPPS is an efficient electrocatalyst for H2 generation from neutral phosphate buffer solution. It features quantitative Faradaic efficiency with a TOF of ∼1.83 s−1 and a TON of 1.9 × 104 mol of H2 per mole of catalyst at an applied potential of −1.29 V (vs. SHE).
Ultrathin HNbWO6 nanosheets: facile synthesis and enhanced hydrogen evolution performance from photocatalytic water splitting
Authors: Liu Yuhao , Xiong Jinhua , Luo Shuiguang , Liang Ruowen , Qin Na , Liang Shijing , Wu Ling
Published: August 2015

Ultrathin monolayer HNbWO6 nanosheets were rapidly synthesised with triethanolamine as a stripping agent in just a few minutes. These obtained highly dispersed nanosheets suspensions exhibit an efficient photocatalytic H2 evolution performance under simulated sunlight irradiation.
Novel mode of 2-fold interpenetration observed in a primitive cubic network of formula [Ni(1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)acetylene)2(Cr2O7)]n
Authors: Scott Hayley S. , Bajpai Alankriti , Chen Kai-Jie , Pham Tony , Space Brian , Perry John J. , Zaworotko Michael J.
Published: August 2015

A novel mode of inclined interpenetration in a primitive cubic network affords 1D ultramicropores that provide insight into gas sorption of CO2.
A solution-processed high performance organic solar cell using a small molecule with the thieno[3,2-b]thiophene central unit
Authors: Zhang Qian , Wang Yunchuang , Kan Bin , Wan Xiangjian , Liu Feng , Ni Wang , Feng Huanran , Russell Thomas P. , Chen Yongsheng
Published: August 2015

Replacing the double thiophene unit of DRCN8T with thieno[3,2-b]thiophene, DRCN8TT a high efficiency of 8.11% was achieved, benefiting from the more preferred morphology.
Chrysaorenes: assembling coronoid hydrocarbons via the fold-in synthesis
Authors: Majewski Marcin A. , Lis Tadeusz , Cybińska Joanna , Stępień Marcin
Published: August 2015

Two coronoid hydrocarbons, [3]- and [4]chrysaorene, were synthesized from fluorenophane precursors using the fold-in strategy.
An anthracene-appended 2:3 copillar[5]arene: synthesis, computational studies, and application in highly selective fluorescence sensing for Fe(iii) ions
Authors: Wei Peifa , Li Debing , Shi Bingbing , Wang Qi , Huang Feihe
Published: August 2015

A novel anthracene-appended 2:3 copillar[5]arene was prepared and it was further used as a Fe3+-selective fluorescent chemosensor over a wide range of metal ions. The binding mode was modeled by DFT and molecular dynamics computational calculations.
Self-healing metal-coordinated hydrogels using nucleotide ligands
Authors: Liang Hao , Zhang Zijie , Yuan Qipeng , Liu Juewen
Published: August 2015

AMP is coordinated with Zn2+ forming supramolecular gels that can be mechanically healed and trap guest molecules.
A molecular theory for optimal blue energy extraction by electrical double layer expansion
Authors: Kong Xian , Gallegos Alejandro , Lu Diannan , Liu Zheng , Wu Jianzhong
Published: August 2015

Tuning the electrode pore size (H) and the charging potential (Ψ0) may lead to significant increases of the thermodynamic efficiency and the work output for capacitive double layer expansion processes.
A first-principles study on the hydrogen evolution reaction of VS2 nanoribbons
Authors: Qu Yuanju , Pan Hui , Tat Kwok Chi , Wang Zisheng
Published: August 2015

Nanostructures have attracted increasing interest for applications in electrolysis of water as electrocatalysts.
Effect of graphene with nanopores on metal clusters
Authors: Zhou Hu , Chen Xianlang , Wang Lei , Zhong Xing , Zhuang Guilin , Li Xiaonian , Mei Donghai , Wang Jianguo
Published: August 2015

Graphene with nanopores can enhance the stability of metal clusters and decrease the CO adsorption. Pd supported on graphene with nanopores will act as a superior CO tolerance catalyst.
Even–odd product variation of the Cn+ + D2 (n = 4–9) reaction: complexity of the linear carbon cation electronic states
Authors: Koyasu K. , Ohtaki T. , Bing J. , Takahashi K. , Misaizu F.
Published: August 2015

We have studied reactions between linear Cn+ (n = 4–9) and D2, using ion mobility mass spectrometry techniques and quantum chemical calculations in order to understand the complex reactivity of the linear cluster cations.
Core–shell nanoparticles: synthesis and applications in catalysis and electrocatalysis
Authors: Gawande Manoj B. , Goswami Anandarup , Asefa Tewodros , Guo Huizhang , Biradar Ankush V. , Peng Dong-Liang , Zboril Radek , Varma Rajender S.
Published: August 2015

Core–shell nanomaterials with a broad range of catalytic and electrocatalytic applications are summarized for an array of organic transformations namely oxidation, reduction, oxygen storage, and coupling reactions.
Theoretical insights into the separation of Am(iii) over Eu(iii) with PhenBHPPA
Authors: Wu Han , Wu Qun-Yan , Wang Cong-Zhi , Lan Jian-Hui , Liu Zhi-Rong , Chai Zhi-Fang , Shi Wei-Qun
Published: August 2015

Due to the similar chemical properties of actinides An(iii) and lanthanides Ln(iii), their separation in spent nuclear fuel reprocessing is extremely challenging.
Synthesis, structure, and spectral, electrochemical and fluoride sensing properties of meso-pyrrolyl boron dipyrromethene
Authors: Umasekhar Booruga , Ganapathi Emandi , Chatterjee Tamal , Ravikanth Mangalampalli
Published: August 2015

Straightforward synthesis of meso-pyrrolyl BODIPY, and its functionalization and specific F− ion sensing behaviour are described.
Synthesis of GO supported Fe2O3–TiO2 nanocomposites for enhanced visible-light photocatalytic applications
Authors: Jo Wan-Kuen , Selvam N. Clament Sagaya
Published: August 2015

This article reports novel ternary composites consisting of Fe2O3 nanorods, TiO2 nanoparticles, and graphene oxide (GO) flakes that provide enhanced photocatalytic performance and stability.
Biomass oxidation to formic acid in aqueous media using polyoxometalate catalysts – boosting FA selectivity by in-situ extraction
Authors: Reichert Jenny , Brunner Birgit , Jess Andreas , Wasserscheid Peter , Albert Jakob
Published: August 2015

1-Hexanol and 1-heptanol were applied asin-situextracting agents in the oxidation reaction of biomass to formic acid (FA) using a Keggin-type polyoxometalate (H8PV5Mo7O40) as a homogeneous catalyst, oxygen as the oxidant and water as the solvent.
Nano-plastics in the aquatic environment
Authors: Mattsson K. , Hansson L.-A. , Cedervall T.
Published: August 2015

Nano-sized plastics originate from direct release of nanoparticles or from degradation of discarded plastic and mainly enter the aquatic food chain through uptake by algae or herbivorous invertebrates, and then continue up the food web.
Preparation of waterborne polyurethanes based on the organic solvent-free process
Authors: Xiao Yao , Fu Xiaowei , Zhang Yanyan , Liu Zhimeng , Jiang Liang , Lei Jingxin
Published: August 2015

Green WPU was prepared based on the organic solvent-free process, where water was only used to dissolve the solid reactants and reduce the viscosity.
Prussian blue as a single precursor for synthesis of Fe/Fe3C encapsulated N-doped graphitic nanostructures as bi-functional catalysts
Authors: Barman Barun Kumar , Nanda Karuna Kar
Published: August 2015

Prussian blue (FeIII4[FeII(CN)6]3) is shown to be a unique, single source precursor for the synthesis of Fe/Fe3C encapsulated N-doped graphitic structures and hollow N-doped graphitic nanostructures as bi-functional electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction/oxygen evolution reactions.
Correction: Chemical fixation of CO2 into cyclic carbonates by azo-containing Schiff base metal complexes
Authors: İkiz Mesut , İspir Esin , Aytar Emine , Ulusoy Mahmut , Karabuğa Şemistan , Aslantaş Mehmet , Çelik Ömer
Published: August 2015

Correction for ‘Chemical fixation of CO2 into cyclic carbonates by azo-containing Schiff base metal complexes’ by Mesut İkiz et al., New J. Chem., 2015, DOI: 10.1039/c5nj00571j.
Suspended single-walled carbon nanotube fluidic sensors
Authors: Son B. H. , Park Ji-Yong , Lee Soonil , Ahn Y. H.
Published: August 2015

The sensitivity of suspended SWNT fluidic devices is more than 10 times greater than that of supported SWNT devices.
A scanning tunneling microscope break junction method with continuous bias modulation
Authors: Beall Edward , Yin Xing , Waldeck David H. , Wierzbinski Emil
Published: August 2015

A simple STM Break Junction procedure that allows AC current–voltage characterization of molecules with high statistics is presented.
Palladium-catalyzed one-pot synthesis of diazoles via tert-butyl isocyanide insertion
Authors: Fan Xiang-Yuan , Jiang Xiao , Zhang Ying , Chen Zhen-Bang , Zhu Yong-Ming
Published: August 2015

An efficient one-pot palladium-catalyzed reaction for the synthesis of diazoles from readily available hydrazides and aryl halide via isocyanide insertion/cyclization sequence has been developed.
Design, characterization and cellular uptake studies of fluorescence-labeled prototypic cathepsin inhibitors
Authors: Kohl Franziska , Schmitz Janina , Furtmann Norbert , Schulz-Fincke Anna-Christina , Mertens Matthias D. , Küppers Jim , Benkhoff Marcel , Tobiasch Edda , Bartz Ulrike , Bajorath Jürgen , Stirnberg Marit , Gütschow Michael
Published: August 2015

Cysteine cathepsin inhibition and cellular uptake of a coumarin 343-containing dipeptide nitrile was analyzed.
Efficient Rh-catalyzed C–H borylation of arene derivatives under photochemical conditions
Authors: Bheeter Charles Beromeo , Chowdhury Abhishek Dutta , Adam Rosa , Jackstell Ralf , Beller Matthias
Published: August 2015

A new catalyst for efficient C–H borylation reactions of (hetero)arenes in the presence of light is described. Various borylated arenes and heteroarenes are obtained in good yield using trans-[Rh(PMe3)2(CO)Cl] as an active photocatalyst and HBPin as an economic boron source under mild conditions.
Synthesis, characterization, thermal properties of silicon(iv) compounds containing guanidinato ligands and their potential as CVD precursors
Authors: Du Liyong , Chu Wenxiang , Miao Hongyan , Xu Chongying , Ding Yuqiang
Published: August 2015

The title compounds of the type (Me3Si)2N–C(N′R)(–N′′RSiMe3) (with R = iPr or Cy) as potential CVD precursors have been synthesized and characterized by X-ray diffraction, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, 29Si NMR and elemental analysis where necessary.
Physiochemical characterization of synthetic bio-oils produced from bio-mass: a sustainable source for construction bio-adhesives
Authors: Hosseinnezhad Shahrzad , Fini Ellie H. , Sharma Brajendra K. , Basti Mufeed , Kunwar Bidhya
Published: August 2015

This paper conducts a comparative physiochemical characterization of four bio-oils while evaluating their applicability for use in construction adhesives.
Metallic copper wire: a simple, clear and reusable catalyst for the CuAAC reaction in supercritical carbon dioxide
Authors: Jiang Yuqin , He Xing , Zhang Weiwei , Li Xingfeng , Guo Niu , Zhao Yaru , Xu Guiqing , Li Wei
Published: August 2015

Relatively mild conditions, easy work-up and a simple purification; the stable and easily obtained catalyst presented here could be reused for more than 200 cycles for a 10 cm length of copper wire.
Review: unraveling the less explored flocking technology for tissue engineering scaffolds
Authors: Vellayappan M. V. , Jaganathan S. K. , Supriyanto E.
Published: August 2015

The flocking technology is may be further exploited for fabrication of scaffolds for biomedical applications like artificial skin, extra-corporeal organs, articular cartilage etc.
Highly luminescent lanthanide CPs based on dinuclear cluster: crystal structure and sensitive Trp sensor
Authors: Li Sha-Sha , Ye Zhen-Ni , Xu Song-Song , Zhang Yu-Jiao , Tao An-Ran , Liu Min , Zeng Cheng-Hui , Zhong Shengliang
Published: August 2015

A lanthanide coordination polymer is explored as Trp sensor. The possible sensing mechanism is the combination between Trp and Tb3+, which improves the antenna effect.
Temperature-dependent selectivity of bead-like TeO2 nanostructured gas sensors
Authors: Choi Sun-Woo , Jin Changhyun
Published: August 2015

The bead-like p-type TeO2 NWs are promising for the selective detection of C2H5OH, NO2, and H2S gases.
Biosynthesis of poly(ethylene glycol)-supported palladium nanoparticles using Colocasia esculenta leaf extract and their catalytic activity for Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling reactions
Authors: Borah Raju Kumar , Saikia Hirak Jyoti , Mahanta Abhijit , Das Vijay Kumar , Bora Utpal , Thakur Ashim Jyoti
Published: August 2015

A green and efficient method for the synthesis of PEG supported Pd-NPs has been developed using aqueous extract of C. esculanta leaf. The prepared NPs show excellent catalytic activity for Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling reaction at room temperature.
Synthesis of a visibly emissive 9-nitro-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrimido[1,2-a]quinoxalin-5-amine scaffold with large stokes shift and live cell imaging
Authors: Kanungo Ajay , Patra Dipendu , Mukherjee Sanghamitra , Mahata Tridib , Maulik Prakas R. , Dutta Sanjay
Published: August 2015

Synthesis and live cell imaging of a novel fluorescent scaffold which is emissive in the visible range with large stokes shifts.
Effect of the graphene oxide reduction method on the photocatalytic and electrocatalytic activities of reduced graphene oxide/TiO2 composite
Authors: Al-Kandari H. , Abdullah A. M. , Al-Kandari S. , Mohamed A. M.
Published: August 2015

LSVs (50 mV s−1) for hydrogen-reduced graphene oxide/TiO2 composite in (i & ii) oxygen and (iii & iv) argon-saturated 0.5 M H2SO4 at 25 °C in the presence (ii & iv) and absence (i & iii) of 300 watt UV radiation.
Experimental evidence for the potential of lycopene in the management of scopolamine induced amnesia
Authors: Bala Rajni , Khanna Deepa , Mehan Sidharth , Kalra Sanjeev
Published: August 2015

Lycopene successfully reversed the scopolamine induced amnesia.
Synthesis of strong red emitting Y2O3:Eu3+phosphor by potential chemical routes: comparative investigations on the structural evolutions, photometric properties and Judd–Ofelt analysis
Authors: Som S. , Das Subrata , Dutta S. , Visser Hendrik G. , Pandey Mukesh Kumar , Kumar Pushpendra , Dubey Ritesh Kumar , Sharma S. K.
Published: August 2015

A comparative investigation on the structural and photoluminescence properties of Y2O3:Eu3+phosphor prepared by different routes such as sol-lyophilisation, combustion, hydrothermal and microwave assisted hydrothermal combustion, has been reported for the first time.
Selective and sensitive turn-on chemosensor for Al(iii) ions applicable in living organisms: nanomolar detection in aqueous medium
Authors: Pal Siddhartha , Sen Buddhadeb , Mukherjee Manjira , Patra Mousumi , Lahiri (Ganguly) Susmita , Chattopadhyay Pabitra
Published: August 2015

A new crystallographically characterized non-cytotoxic CHEF based highly sensitive Al(iii) ion selective chemosensor (L) is useful to detect the Al(iii) ions' distribution in A549 cell lines and also able to sense Al(iii) ions in tea extract.
SO3H and NH2+ functional carbon-based solid acid catalyzed transesterification and biodiesel production
Authors: Cai Liangzhen , Meng Decai , Zhan Shaoqi , Yang Xiaoxia , Liu Taoping , Pu Huiming , Tao Xiaochun
Published: August 2015

A SO3H and NH2+ functional carbon-based solid acid was used as a highly active heterogeneous catalyst for the transesterification of various carboxylic methyl esters with alcohols under mild conditions.
Synthesis of 1,5-dioxocanes via the two-fold C–O bond forming nucleophilic 4 + 4-cyclodimerization of cycloprop-2-en-1-ylmethanols
Authors: Edwards Andrew , Bennin Trevor , Rubina Marina , Rubin Michael
Published: August 2015

An efficient chemo- and diastereoselective 4 + 4 cyclodimerization of cyclopropenemethanols provided previously unknown 2,7-dioxatricyclo[7.1.0.04,6]decane scaffolds.
Remarkable enhancement of photovoltaic performance of ZnO/CdTe core–shell nanorod array solar cells through interface passivation with a TiO2 layer
Authors: Zhang Guanghui , Wu Yukun , Ding Huaiyi , Zhu Yunsong , Li Junwen , Lin Yue , Jiang Shenlong , Zhang Qun , Pan Nan , Luo Yi , Wang Xiaoping
Published: August 2015

The power conversion efficiency of the ZnO/CdTe core–shell nanorod array solar cell can be dramatically improved with a thin passivation TiO2 layer on the interface.
A new form of equivalent stress for combined axial–torsional loading considering the tension–compression asymmetry of polymeric materials
Authors: Zhang Jianwei , Jiang Han , Kang Guozheng , Jiang Chengkai , Lu Fucong
Published: August 2015

A concise form of equivalent stress which considers the tension–compression asymmetry of polymeric materials is proposed. It is more suitable for combined axial–torsional loading.
The multiple bonding in heavier group 14 element alkene analogues is stabilized mainly by dispersion force effects
Authors: Guo Jing-Dong , Liptrot David J. , Nagase Shigeru , Power Philip P.
Published: August 2015

Computations on the heavier group 14 dimetallenes [E{CH(SiMe3)2}2]2 and [E{N(SiMe3)2}2]2 (E = Ge, Sn, or Pb) and their respective monomers indicated that empirically observed dimerization is principally driven by attractive dispersion forces.
Dimensional reduction of duplex DNA under confinement to nanofluidic slits
Authors: Vargas-Lara Fernando , Stavis Samuel M. , Strychalski Elizabeth A. , Nablo Brian J. , Geist Jon , Starr Francis W. , Douglas Jack F.
Published: August 2015

We compare molecular dynamics simulations and experimental measurements of duplex DNA under confinement to nanofluidic slits. Our analysis indicates that dimensional reduction strongly amplifies the excluded volume interaction.