bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Viticulture microzoning: a functional approach aiming to grape and wine qualities
Authors: Bonfante A. , Agrillo A. , Albrizio R. , Basile A. , Buonomo R. , De Mascellis R. , Gambuti A. , Giorio P. , Guida G. , Langella G. , Manna P. , Minieri L. , Moio L. , Siani T. , Terribile F.
Published: December 2014

Abstract. This paper aims to test a new physically oriented approach to viticulture zoning at the farm scale, strongly rooted on hydropedology and aiming to achieve a better use of environmental features with respect to plant requirement and wine production. The physics of our approach is defined by the use of soil-plant-atmosphere simulation models which applies physically-based equations to describe the soil hydrological processes and solves soil-plant water status. This study (ZOVISA project) was conducted in a farm devoted to high quality wines production (Aglianico DOC), located in South Italy (Campania region, Mirabella Eclano-AV). The soil spatial distribution was obtained after standard soil survey informed by geophysical survey. Two Homogenous Zones (HZs) were identified; in each one of those a physically based model was applied to solve the soil water balance and estimate the soil functional behaviour (crop water stress index, CWSI) defining the functional Homogeneous Zones (fHzs). In these last, experimental plots were established and monitored for investigating soil-plant water status, crop development (biometric and physiological parameters) and daily climate variables (temperature, solar radiation, rainfall, wind). The effects of crop water status on crop response over must and wine quality were then evaluated in the fHZs. This was performed by comparing crop water stress with (i) crop physiological measurement (leaf gas exchange, chlorophyll a fluorescence, leaf water potential, chlorophyll content, LAI measurement), (ii) grape bunches measurements (berry weight, sugar content, titratable acidity, etc.) and (iii) wine quality (aromatic response). Eventually this experiment has proved the usefulness of the physical based approach also in the case of mapping viticulture microzoning.
Violence and Healing: Exploring the Power of Collective Occupations
Authors: Motimele M.R. , Ramugondo E.L.
Published: December 2014

The effects of violence on the person are extensive, more so, for persons disabled through violence. Research in occupational therapy has shown the effectiveness of occupations in helping displaced refugees to construct new identities and navigate new ways of belonging within asylum countries. No research thus far has focussed on the role of occupation for healing in contexts of sustained violence. Aim: To explore the role of occupations in the healing journeys of people physically impaired by violence. Study Design: Qualitative; Narrative Inquiry. Methodology: Photovoice and Narrative Interviews. Data Analysis: Narrative-analytic methods were used to produce explanatory stories. Findings: These are presented with a specific focus on the impact/influence of violence on personal and societal occupational engagement and the restorative role of collective occupations within the participants’ healing journeys. The findings suggest a need to reframe violence as a collective occupation that dehumanizes, and healing as a collective process that (re)humanizes within a broader framework of Ubuntu as an interactive ethic. These findings call for a shift in focus for rehabilitation practices involving individuals disabled through violence, in contexts of sustained direct and structural violence such as South Africa.
Solvatochromic Parameters of the Binary Mixtures of Imidazolium Chloride Ionic Liquid Plus Molecular Solvent
Authors: Hu Jingyi , Zhu Wei , Yang Qiwei , Qian Guoping , Xing Huabin
Published: December 2014

Imidazolium-based chloride ionic liquids (ILs) have exhibited remarkable performance in several important applications such as biomass dissolution and extraction, but their large viscosity is a non-negligible problem. Adding molecular co-solvents into chloride ILs is effective in reducing viscosity; nevertheless, understanding of the accompanied change of thermodynamic polarity is quite few. Therefore, in this work we reported three Kamlet-Taft solvatochromic parameters, including dipolarity/polarizability π*), hydrogen-bond acidity (α) and hydrogen-bond basicity (β), for the binary mixtures of several imidazolium-based chloride ILs plus either dipolar protic solvents (water and methanol) or dipolar aprotic solvents (dimethyl sulfoxide, N,N-dimethylformamide and acetonitrile). The results demonstrated that those parameters could be altered by the structure of IL and type of co-solvent owing to the solute-solvent and solvent-solvent interactions. The structure of alkyl chain of cation had considerable impact on the π* variation of IL aqueous solution against IL concentration but hardly affected other mixtures. Moreover, remarkable preferential solvation of probes was observed for β and α in the mixtures of IL and dipolar aprotic co-solvents, whereas the hydrogen-bond interactions between IL and dipolar protic co-solvent enabled the preferential solvation to be alleviated and resulted in more linear variation of β and α against the molar fraction of IL. The results not only contribute to a better understanding of the effect of co-solvent on imidazolium-based chloride ILs, but also are instructive for improving the thermodynamic performance of IL-based applications via providing IL+co-solvent mixtures with desirable physicochemical properties.
Oceanic influence on the Baiu frontal zone in the East China Sea
Authors: Kunoki Shiori , Manda Atsuyoshi , Kodama Yasu‐Masa , Iizuka Satoshi , Sato Kazutoshi , Fathrio Ibnu , Mitsui Taku , Seko Hiromu , Moteki Qoosaku , Minobe Shoshiro , Tachibana Yoshihiro
Published: December 2014

A high‐resolution transect of atmospheric soundings across the Kuroshio Current in the East China Sea was conducted onboard a ship in June 2012 with the objective of analyzing the influence of the complex sea surface temperature (SST) distribution on the Baiu frontal zone (BFZ). Expendable bathythermograph castings and continuous surface meteorological observations were also examined. Two distinct mesoscale atmospheric fronts, characterized by changes of wind direction in the lower troposphere and surface air temperature, were found in the BFZ. One (northern) atmospheric front was observed around the SST front in relation to a warm water tongue extending from the Kuroshio. A high SST region around the northern atmospheric front enhances unstable near surface stratification and intensifies turbulent heat flux. They help modify the marine atmospheric boundary layer in the BFZ. The other (southern) atmospheric front was at the southern end of the BFZ. Intense evaporation over the Kuroshio and moisture transport by southerly winds were important in forming the conditionally unstable air masses in the lower troposphere of the BFZ.
Telemedicine‐guided remote enrollment of patients into an acute stroke trial
Authors: Wu Tzu‐Ching , Sarraj Amrou , Jacobs Amber , Shen Loren , Indupuru Hari , Biscamp Donna , Ho Victor , Ankrom Christy , Grotta James C. , Savitz Sean I. , Barreto Andrew D.
Published: December 2014

Background and Purpose

Enrollment into acute stroke clinical trials is limited to experienced tertiary centers with emergency research infrastructure. Feasibility of remote enrollment via telemedicine into an acute thrombolytic clinical trial has never been demonstrated.

Methods

Using telemedicine, our hub stroke research center partnered with two spoke community hospitals to jointly participate in a randomized, phase III adjunctive thrombolysis clinical trial in the first 3 h after symptom onset to expand recruitment of the trial. Eligible patients were successfully identified, consented, randomized, and received therapy/placebo at the spoke hospitals under real‐time direction by hub trialists via telemedicine.

Results

Ten patients were identified from May 2013 to July 2014, and six were enrolled via telemedicine. No study procedure delays, safety events, or major protocol violations occurred.

Conclusions

It is feasible to randomize and enroll stroke patients via remote telemedicine into an acute thrombolytic clinical trial. This novel approach could expand access and accelerate completion of clinical trials if widely implemented.
Catalyst‐Free Chemoselective Reduction of Nitroarenes Using Thiourea as a Hydrogen Source
Authors: Lv Mei‐fang , Lu Guo‐ping , Cai Chun
Published: December 2014

A newly developed protocol for the reduction of nitroarenes using thiourea as the hydrogen source is described. The method is simple, inexpensive and easily applicable to the preparation of a variety of substituted anilines with high yields and selectivity. In contrast to traditional hydrogenation methods, this chemistry does not require a catalyst, elaborated work‐up procedures, or the use of high‐pressure equipment.
Enhanced electrosorption capacity for lead ion removal with polypyrrole and air‐plasma activated carbon nanotube composite electrode
Authors: Yang Lingfang , Shi Zhou
Published: December 2014

Polypyrrole (PPy) and air‐plasma activated carbon nanotube (CNT) composites (P‐CNT‐PPy) prepared via in situ chemical oxidative polymerization are studied to improve the electrosorption capacity of CNT‐based electrodes for the removal of lead ions. For comparison, the PPy prepared on the CNTs without plasma activation is labeled as CNT/PPy. The morphology of the composite was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and pore structures were studied by N2 adsorption‐desorption isotherms. The electrochemical capacitance properties of the composite were measured by cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and galvanostatic charge‐discharge in lead solutions. With plasma‐activation, the specific surface area of the P‐CNT‐PPy composite is larger than that of CNT/PPy. Additionally, the P‐CNT‐PPy composites exhibit excellent electrochemical performance in lead solution, with a higher specific capacitance and smaller charge transfer resistance than that of CNT/PPy. XPS elemental analysis and electrosorption and regeneration results show that the electrosorption and desorption process is reversible under a voltage of 450 mV. The electrosorption kinetics of P‐CNT‐PPy electrodes abide by pseudo‐second‐order model reaction. The lead ion electrosorption experiments agree with the Langmuir model, and the equilibrium electrosorption capacity of the P‐CNT‐PPy electrodes is 3.6 and 1.3 times higher than that of the CNT and CNT/PPy, respectively. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41793.
Conserved expression of the GPR151 receptor in habenular axonal projections of vertebrates
Authors: Broms Jonas , Antolin‐Fontes Beatriz , Tingström Anders , Ibañez‐Tallon Ines
Published: December 2014

The habenula is a phylogenetically conserved brain structure in the epithalamus. It is a major node in the information flow between fronto‐limbic brain regions and monoaminergic brainstem nuclei, and is thus anatomically and functionally ideally positioned to regulate emotional, motivational, and cognitive behaviors. Consequently, the habenula may be critically important in the pathophysiology of psychiatric disorders such as addiction and depression. Here we investigated the expression pattern of GPR151, a G protein–coupled receptor (GPCR), whose mRNA has been identified as highly and specifically enriched in habenular neurons by in situ hybridization and translating ribosome affinity purification (TRAP). In the present immunohistochemical study we demonstrate a pronounced and highly specific expression of the GPR151 protein in the medial and lateral habenula of rodent brain. Specific expression was also seen in efferent habenular fibers projecting to the interpeduncular nucleus, the rostromedial tegmental area, the rhabdoid nucleus, the mesencephalic raphe nuclei, and the dorsal tegmental nucleus. Using confocal microscopy and quantitative colocalization analysis, we found that GPR151‐expressing axons and terminals overlap with cholinergic, substance P‐ergic, and glutamatergic markers. Virtually identical expression patterns were observed in rat, mouse, and zebrafish brains. Our data demonstrate that GPR151 is highly conserved, specific for a subdivision of the habenular neurocircuitry, and constitutes a promising novel target for psychiatric drug development. J. Comp. Neurol. 523:359–380, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Reading Speed and Phonological Awareness Deficits Among Arabic‐Speaking Children with Dyslexia
Authors: Layes Smail , Lalonde Robert , Rebaï Mohamed
Published: December 2014

Although reading accuracy of isolated words and phonological awareness represent the main criteria of subtyping developmental dyslexia, there is increasing evidence that reduced reading speed also represents a defining characteristic. In the present study, reading speed and accuracy were measured in Arabic‐speaking phonological and mixed dyslexic children matched with controls of the same age. Participants in third and fourth grades, aged from 9–10 to 9–8 years, were given single frequent and infrequent word and pseudo‐word reading and phonological awareness tasks. Results showed that the group with dyslexia scored significantly lower than controls in accuracy and speed in reading tasks. Phonological and mixed dyslexic subgroups differed in infrequent and frequent word reading accuracy, the latter being worse. In contrast, the subgroups were comparable in pseudo‐word identification and phonological awareness. Delayed phonological and recognition processes of infrequent and frequent words, respectively, were placed in the context of the dual route model of reading and the specific orthographic features of the Arabic language. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reversed‐phase vortex‐assisted liquid–liquid microextraction: A new sample preparation method for the determination of amygdalin in oil and kernel samples
Authors: Hosseini Mohammad , Heydari Rouhollah , Alimoradi Mohammad
Published: December 2014

A novel, simple, and rapid reversed‐phase vortex‐assisted liquid–liquid microextraction coupled with high‐performance liquid chromatography has been introduced for the extraction, clean‐up, and preconcentration of amygdalin in oil and kernel samples. In this technique, deionized water was used as the extracting solvent. Unlike the reversed‐phase dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction, dispersive solvent was eliminated in the proposed method. Various parameters that affected the extraction efficiency, such as extracting solvent volume and its pH, vortex, and centrifuging times were evaluated and optimized. The calibration curve shows good linearity (r2 = 0.9955) and precision (RSD < 5.2%) in the range of 0.07–20 μg/mL. The limit of detection and limit of quantitation were 0.02 and 0.07 μg/mL, respectively. The recoveries were in the range of 96.0–102.0% with relative standard deviation values ranging from 4.0 to 5.1%. Unlike the conventional extraction methods for plant extracts, no evaporative and re‐solubilizing operations were needed in the proposed technique.
The evolution of Jen3 proteins and their role in dicarboxylic acid transport in Yarrowia
Authors: Dulermo Rémi , Gamboa‐Meléndez Heber , Michely Stéphanie , Thevenieau France , Neuvéglise Cécile , Nicaud Jean‐Marc
Published: December 2014

Jen proteins in yeast are involved in the uptake of mono/dicarboxylic acids. The Jen1 subfamily transports lactate and pyruvate, while the Jen2 subfamily transports fumarate, malate, and succinate. Yarrowia lipolytica has six JEN genes: YALI0B19470g, YALI0C15488g, YALI0C21406g, YALI0D20108g, YALI0D24607g, and YALI0E32901g. Through phylogenetic analyses, we found that these genes represent a new subfamily, Jen3 and that these three Jen subfamilies derivate from three putative ancestral genes. Reverse transcription‐PCR. revealed that only four YLJEN genes are expressed and they are upregulated in the presence of lactate, pyruvate, fumarate, malate, and/or succinate, suggesting that they are able to transport these substrates. Analysis of deletion mutant strains revealed that Jen3 subfamily proteins transport fumarate, malate, and succinate. We found evidence that YALI0C15488 encodes the main transporter because its deletion was sufficient to strongly reduce or suppress growth in media containing fumarate, malate, or succinate. It appears that the other YLJEN genes play a minor role, with the exception of YALI0E32901g, which is important for malate uptake. However, the overexpression of each YLJEN gene in the sextuple‐deletion mutant strain ΔYLjen1‐6 revealed that all six genes are functional and have evolved to transport different substrates with varying degrees of efficacy. In addition, we found that YALI0E32901p transported succinate more efficiently in the presence of lactate or fumarate.
Measuring the Effect of Probation and Parole Officers on Labor Market Outcomes and Recidivism
Authors: Andersen Lars H. , Wildeman Christopher
Published: December 2014

Objectives

Use a unique dataset to pair probation and parole officers and their clients in Denmark in 2002–2009 to identify causal effects of these officers on labor market outcomes and recidivism.

Methods

To identify these effects, we rely on data from all probationers and parolees in Copenhagen, where a rotational assignment process randomizes clients to officers. We apply OLS models to test whether the inclusion of probation and parole officer fixed effects improves model fit, and we show the impact of officer fixed effects by generating predicted values for one individual, varying only the officer.

Results

The first stage of the analysis shows that the assignment of a probation or parole officer is indeed random in Copenhagen—at least in regards to the vast majority of background characteristics—suggesting that we are able to identify causal effects of probationer and parolee assignment on labor market outcomes and recidivism. The second stage of our analysis shows that although to a lower degree than common sense might suggest, probation and parole officers do matter for their clients’ dependency on public benefit transfers (around 10 percentage points) and criminal recidivism (around 30 percentage points), whereas earnings are unaffected.

Conclusion

As no study has yet to identify causal effects of probation and parole officer assignment, this study makes a novel contribution to the literature on the effects of criminal justice contact on subsequent life-course outcomes. Although generalizability to the US context is uncertain because we rely on Danish data, our findings nonetheless point in interesting directions for future research.
Fertility Decline and Child Schooling in Urban Settings of Burkina Faso
Authors: Bougma Moussa , LeGrand Thomas K. , Kobiané Jean-François
Published: December 2014

As evidenced in Western rich countries, Asia, and Latin America, lower fertility allows couples to invest more in each of their children’s schooling. This postulate is the key rationale of family planning policies in sub-Saharan Africa. Yet, most studies on Africa have found no correlation or even a positive relationship between the number of children in a family and their educational attainment. These mixed results are usually explained by African family solidarity and resource transfers that might reduce pressures on household resources occasioned by many births as well as methodological problems that have afflicted much research on the region. Our study aims to assess the impact of family size on children’s schooling in Ouagadougou (capital of Burkina Faso), using a better measure of household budget constraints and taking into account the simultaneity of fertility and schooling decisions. In contrast to most prior studies on sub-Saharan Africa, we find a net negative effect of sibship size on the level of schooling achieved by children—one that grows stronger as they progress through the educational system.
Food sources of common dolphinfish (Coryphaena hippurus) based on stomach content and stable isotopes analyses
Authors: Tripp-Valdez A. , Galván-Magaña F. , Ortega-García S.
Published: December 2014

Dolphinfish (Mahimahi) are a high-demand resource for sport and coastal fisheries, mainly in the Pacific Ocean. Due to their economic and ecological importance, studies of their biology are very important to understand their function in ecosystems. We used stable isotope and stomach content analyses to determine the most important prey of the common dolphinfish, as well as the trophic level of this species in two areas of the southern Gulf of California. Stomach contents of 445 specimens were analysed. Using both techniques, we found that the most important prey for dolphinfish in the southern Gulf of California were three invertebrate species followed by fish. This contrasts with results from other authors who found that this species was mainly piscivorous in other locations. Stomach content analysis indicated differences in prey biomass by area, season and size class. The isotopic analysis did not show significant differences between seasons or sexes. Both stomach contents and stable isotope analyses showed that although this predator consumed a wide prey spectrum, only a few prey items made up the bulk of the diet, which resulted in a low SD in δ15N values and low Levin's index values. We conclude that this fish is an opportunistic predator that may consume a wide prey spectrum, but that it mainly consumes prey that are abundant in the area, such as crustaceans and cephalopods in the Gulf of California.
Entwicklungsaufgaben jugendlicher Elite- Handballerinnen und -Handballer
Authors: Ohlert Jeannine , Kleinert Jens
Published: December 2014

Nach dem Konzept der Entwicklungsaufgaben (EA) muss jeder Mensch in verschiedenen Phasen seines Lebens bestimmte EA lösen, um sich erfolgreich als Persönlichkeit entwickeln zu können. Da jugendliche Leistungssportlerinnen und -sportler zusätzlich zu den normativen Entwicklungsaufgaben (nEA) auch sportbezogene Entwicklungsaufgaben (sEA) zu lösen haben, war die Zielstellung der vorliegenden Studie, die Relevanz von sEA und nEA bei jungen Elite-Handballerinnen und -Handballern verschiedener Jahrgänge zu vergleichen. Hierzu wurde eine Online-Befragung mit 113 Spielerinnen und Spielern der DHB-Nationalkader (Jg. 1997 und älter) durchgeführt. Es zeigte sich, dass die jungen Athletinnen und Athleten durchaus verschiedene sEA wahrnehmen und diesen eine gewisse Relevanz zuordnen. Jedoch konnten zwischen den verschiedenen Altersstufen kaum Unterschiede in der Relevanz der einzelnen nEA und sEA gefunden werden. Auch männliche und weibliche Spieler unterschieden sich nur in wenigen Aspekten. Die Ergebnisse geben somit einen ersten Hinweis darauf, dass die jugendlichen Leistungssportlerinnen und -sportler vom Sportsystem zusätzliche EA bekommen, und sich in manchen nEA nur wenig weiterentwickeln können. Die Konsequenz dieser Erkenntnis für die Forschung sowie die Sportpraxis werden diskutiert.
Intracranial Pressure Elevation after Ischemic Stroke in Rats: Cerebral Edema is Not the Only Cause, and Short-Duration Mild Hypothermia is a Highly Effective Preventive Therapy
Authors: Murtha Lucy A , McLeod Damian D , Pepperall Debbie , McCann Sarah K , Beard Daniel J , Tomkins Amelia J , Holmes William M , McCabe Christopher , Macrae I Mhairi , Spratt Neil J
Published: December 2014

In both the human and animal literature, it has largely been assumed that edema is the primary cause of intracranial pressure (ICP) elevation after stroke and that more edema equates to higher ICP. We recently demonstrated a dramatic ICP elevation 24 hours after small ischemic strokes in rats, with minimal edema. This ICP elevation was completely prevented by short-duration moderate hypothermia soon after stroke. Here, our aims were to determine the importance of edema in ICP elevation after stroke and whether mild hypothermia could prevent the ICP rise. Experimental stroke was performed in rats. ICP was monitored and short-duration mild (35 °C) or moderate (32.5 °C) hypothermia, or normothermia (37 °C) was induced after stroke onset. Edema was measured in three studies, using wet—dry weight calculations, T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging, or histology. ICP increased 24 hours after stroke onset in all normothermic animals. Short-duration mild or moderate hypothermia prevented this rise. No correlation was seen between ΔICP and edema or infarct volumes. Calculated rates of edema growth were orders of magnitude less than normal cerebrospinal fluid production rates. These data challenge current concepts and suggest that factors other than cerebral edema are the primary cause of the ICP elevation 24 hours after stroke onset.
Perturbation Theory and Ultrasound Resonances
Authors: Bruus Henrik
Published: December 2014

Perturbation theory of the acoustic field in fluids is developed, including the first-order theory of acoustic waves and the time-averaged second-order theory of acoustic streaming. The theory is then applied in a study of acoustic resonance modes in microfluidic channels. Finally, geometrical effects and finite-element method simulations are discussed.
Theory of Surface Acoustic Wave Devices for Particle Manipulation
Authors: Gedge Michael , Hill Martyn
Published: December 2014

In this chapter, we present the theory of surface acoustic waves (SAWs). The equations describing SAWs are derived for a solid–vacuum interface. Generalisations are made about wave behaviour at solid–solid and solid–fluid interfaces and techniques for SAW generation are discussed. This background provides a basis for the discussion of microfluidic applications of SAW technology in Chapter 15.
Ultrasound-Enhanced Immunoassays and Particle Sensors
Authors: Wiklund Martin , Radel Stefan , Hawkes Jeremy
Published: December 2014

In this chapter, we review applications of ultrasonic standing waves used for enhancing immunoassays and particle sensors. The chapter covers ultrasonic enhancement of bead-based immuno-agglutination assays, bead-based immuno-fluorescence assays, cell deposition on sensor surfaces and vibrational spectroscopy sensors.
Multi-Wavelength Resonators, Applications and Considerations
Authors: Hawkes Jeremy J. , Radel Stefan
Published: December 2014

One important niche for multi-wavelength resonators is the filtration of suspensions containing very high particle concentration. For some applications, multi-wavelength ultrasound enhanced sedimentation filters are second only to the centrifuge in efficiency but, unlike the centrifuge, they are easily adapted for continuous flow. Multi-wavelength resonators are also an obvious consideration when half-wavelength chambers are too small for a specific application. Unfortunately, the formula bigger = higher-throughput does not scale linearly. Here we describe the relationships between chamber size and throughput for acoustic, electrical, flow and thermal convection actions, allowing the user to define initial parameters for their specific applications with some confidence. We start with a review of some of the many forms of multi-wavelength particle manipulation systems.
Regioselective Csp2–H dual functionalization of indoles using hypervalent iodine(iii): bromo-amination via 1,3-migration of imides on indolyl(phenyl)iodonium imides
Authors: Moriyama Katsuhiko , Ishida Kazuma , Togo Hideo
Published: December 2014

A regioselective Csp2–H dual functionalization of indoles, which underlies bromo-amination via the 1,3-migration of imide groups on indolyl(phenyl)iodonium imides, has been developed to provide 2-bis(sulfonyl)amino-3-bromo-indoles under the metal-free conditions.
A novel VS2nanosheet-based biosensor for rapid fluorescence detection of cytochrome c
Authors: Yin Xuehua , Cai Jin , Feng Hongyan , Wu Zeming , Zou Jianmei , Cai Qingyun
Published: December 2014

A VS2/aptamer-based cytochromecsensor was successfully constructed by first applying the DNA-adsorbing ability/fluorescence-quenching properties of VS2in bioanalysis.
Synthesis of end-functionalized poly(methyl methacrylate) by organocatalyzed group transfer polymerization using functional silyl ketene acetals and α-phenylacrylates
Authors: Chen Yougen , Takada Kenji , Kubota Naoya , Eric Ofosu-Twum , Ito Takahiro , Isono Takuya , Satoh Toshifumi , Kakuchi Toyoji
Published: December 2014

The α and ω-end-functionalization of PMMA by organocatalyzed GTP was achieved using functional silyl ketene acetals and α-phenylacrylates.
Cyclodextrin facilitated electrospun chitosan nanofibers
Authors: Burns Nancy A. , Burroughs Michael C. , Gracz Hanna , Pritchard Cailean Q. , Brozena Alexandra H. , Willoughby Julie , Khan Saad A.
Published: December 2014

Cyclodextrin complexation of chitosan presents a novel route to achieve nanofibers of chitosan and other difficult-to-electrospin biopolymers.
Design of efficient sergeant molecules for chiral induction in nano-porous supramolecular assemblies
Authors: Minoia Andrea , Destoop Iris , Ghijsens Elke , De Feyter Steven , Tahara Kazukuni , Tobe Yoshito , Lazzaroni Roberto
Published: December 2014

Molecular modelling assisted-design of efficient sergeant molecules for chiral induction in nano-porous supramolecular assemblies at the liquid/graphite interface.
Systematic theoretical investigation of geometries, stabilities and magnetic properties of iron oxide clusters (FeO)nμ(n = 1–8, μ = 0, ±1): insights and perspectives
Authors: Ju Meng , Lv Jian , Kuang Xiao-Yu , Ding Li-Ping , Lu Cheng , Wang Jing-Jing , Jin Yuan-Yuan , Maroulis George
Published: December 2014

The structural and magnetic properties of neutral and charged (FeO)nμ(n= 1–8,μ= 0, ±1) clusters have been studied using an unbiased CALYPSO structure searching method.
Synthesis and characterization of a chitosan/montmorillonite/ZrO2 nanocomposite and its application as an adsorbent for removal of fluoride
Authors: Teimouri Abbas , Ghanavati Nasab Shima , Habibollahi Saeed , Fazel-Najafabadi Mahmoud , Chermahini Alireza Najafi
Published: December 2014

Removal of fluoride by CTS/MMT/ZrO2 nanocomposite as adsorbent was investigated. Adsorbent was characterized by BET, FTIR, SEM and XRD. Effect of molar ratio, pH, temperature on adsorbent capacity and model of kinetics and isotherm was investigated.
Freestanding 3D graphene/cobalt sulfide composites for supercapacitors and hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Wang Yang , Tang Jing , Kong Biao , Jia Dingsi , Wang Yuhang , An Tiance , Zhang Lijuan , Zheng Gengfeng
Published: December 2014

The development of lightweight, flexible, electrochemically active materials with high efficiency is important for energy storage and conversion.
Critical analysis of the limitations of Bleaney's theory of magnetic anisotropy in paramagnetic lanthanide coordination complexes
Authors: Funk Alexander M. , Finney Katie-Louise N. A. , Harvey Peter , Kenwright Alan M. , Neil Emily R. , Rogers Nicola J. , Kanthi Senanayake P. , Parker David
Published: December 2014

The origins of the breakdown of Bleaney's theory of magnetic anisotropy are described, based on an analysis of eleven different complexes of the second half of the 4f elements that form isostructural series.
Morphology induced light scattering by zinc oxide polydisperse particles: Promising for dye sensitized solar cell application
Authors: Sengupta D. , Das P. , Kasinadhuni U. , Mondal B. , Mukherjee K.
Published: December 2014

In the present work, polydisperse zinc oxide composed of nano and submicron size particles is used to prepare photo-anode for dye sensitized solar cell. The particles are synthesized through auto-combustion route and characterized in terms of their phase formation behavior as well as morphological properties. UV-vis diffused reflectance spectra of the prepared photo-anode show its promising dye uptake and incident light scattering behavior. The prepared cells reveal ∼3.2% solar to electric conversion efficiency. The fairly acceptable efficiencies of the cells are attributed due to the efficient scattering of incident light and reasonable dye uptake within polydisperse particulate photo-anode.
Does fire limit tree biomass in Australian savannas?
Authors: Murphy Brett P. , Liedloff Adam C. , Cook Garry D.
Published: December 2014

Processes allowing coexistence of trees and grasses in tropical savannas have long intrigued ecologists. Early theories focused on climatic controls, but a conceptual model has emerged suggesting that savanna trees are subject to a fire-mediated recruitment bottleneck, with frequent fires preventing recruitment of saplings into the tree layer and maintaining biomass well below its climate-determined upper bound. We propose that this conceptual model has been overemphasised in northern Australia, where tree abundance is more strongly controlled by water availability. The dominant trees, eucalypts, have a remarkable capacity to grow through the ‘fire trap’ to reach fire-resistant sizes. This fire tolerance makes eucalypts relatively unresponsive to management-imposed reductions in fire frequency and intensity. Other trees in these savannas are typically more fire sensitive and respond positively to such management. There are suggestions that savanna fire management could lead to increases in woody biomass, but we contend that if tree biomass is strongly limited by water availability, then potential increases in tree biomass are relatively limited, at least in relation to the dominant eucalypt component. There is potential to increase the biomass of the more fire-sensitive non-eucalypts, but the upper bound of non-eucalypt tree biomass in these eucalypt-dominated systems remains poorly understood.
In vivo anticancer activity of rhomboidal Pt(II) metallacycles
Authors: Grishagin Ivan V. , Pollock J. Bryant , Kushal Swati , Cook Timothy R. , Stang Peter J. , Olenyuk Bogdan Z.
Published: December 2014

Significance

The design of new antitumor agents and the search for delivery vehicles for existing drugs are two problems in cancer therapy that are often solved separately. Drug delivery vehicles are typically nontherapeutic, leaving antitumor effects exclusively to the encapsulated drug. However, the combination of an anticancer drug and a delivery vehicle with inherent antitumor properties could produce a synergistic effect, thus enhancing the therapy. We describe herein the synthesis and characterization of two supramolecular coordination complexes with well-defined geometries, along with their in vitro localization and in vivo assessment of antitumor effects. These complexes are stable in cell culture and nontoxic to cells, yet show substantial reduction of the tumor growth and tumor burden in mouse xenograft models.
In vitro and in vivo antimicrobial efficacy of natural plant-derived compounds against Vibrio cholerae of O1 El Tor Inaba serotype
Authors: Kim Hyung-Ip , Kim Ji-Ae , Choi Eun-Jin , Harris Jason B , Jeong Seong-Yeop , Son Seok-Jun , Kim Younghoon , Shin Ok Sarah
Published: December 2014

In this study, we investigated antibacterial activities of 20 plant-derived natural compounds against Gram-negative enteric pathogens. We found that both flavonoids and non-flavonoids, including honokiol and magnolol, possess specific antibacterial activities against V. cholerae, but not against other species of Gram-negative bacterium which we tested. Using various antibacterial assays, we determined that there was a dose-dependent bactericidal and biofilm inhibitory activity of honokiol and magnolol against Vibrio cholerae. In addition to antibacterial activities, these molecules also induced an attenuating effect on reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and pro-inflammatory responses generated by macrophages in response to lipopolysaccharides (LPS). Additionally, Caenorhabditis elegans lethality assay revealed that honokiol and magnolol have an ability to extend a lifespan of V. cholerae-infected worms, contributing to prolonged survival of worms after lethal infection. Altogether, our data show for the first time that honokiol and magnolol may be considered as attractive protective or preventive food adjuncts for cholera.
Graphical Modeling of Biological Pathways in Genome-wide Association Studies
Authors: Chen Min , Cho Judy , Zhao Hongyu
Published: December 2014

Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) are widely used to identify good candidates of disease-associated genes that are of interest for further follow-up studies. However, knowledge of biological pathways and interactions may improve the likelihood of making genuine discoveries in GWASs. A number of methods have been developed to incorporate prior biological knowledge when prioritizing genes. However, most methods treat genes in a specific pathway as an exchangeable set without considering the topological structure of the pathway. Based on results obtained from a standard association study on a Crohn’s disease cohort, it is first verified that neighboring genes in a pathway are more likely to share the same disease status. Then, a Markov Random Field (MRF) model is proposed, to incorporate pathway topology for association analysis. We show that the conditional distribution of our MRF model takes on a simple logistic regression form. Finally, we evaluate our model on real data.
Bayesian Networks in the Study of Genome-wide DNA Methylation
Authors: Singer Meromit , Pachter Lior
Published: December 2014

This chapter explores the use of Bayesian networks in the study of genome-scale deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) methylation. It begins by describing different experimental methods for the genome-scale annotation of DNA methylation. The Methyl-seq protocol is detailed and the biases induced by this technique are depicted, which constitute as many challenges for further analysis. These challenges are addressed introducing a Bayesian network framework for the analysis of Methyl-seq data. This previous model is extended to incorporate more information from the genomic sequence. Genomic structure is used as a prior on methylation status. A recurring theme is the interplay between the model used to glean information from the technology, and the view of methylation that drives the model specification. Finally, a study is described, in which such models were used, leading to both interesting biological conclusions and to insights about the nature of methylation.
Latent Variable Models for Analyzing DNA Methylation
Authors: Houseman E. Andrés
Published: December 2014

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) methylation is tightly linked with cellular differentiation. For instance, it has been observed that DNA methylation in tumor cells encodes phenotypic information about the tumor. Thus, understanding of tumor biology is fruitfully enhanced by the study of the multivariate structure of DNA methylation data. To the extent that such data possess discrete latent structure, it can be viewed as encoding different tumor subtypes (in cancer studies) or tissue types (more generally). However, in some cases there may be more evidence of continuous latent structure reflecting a continuous range of variation. This chapter discusses several specific latent variable models that have been used in the last decade to analyze DNA methylation data, including approaches for modeling DNA methylation data in low-dimensional settings such as in candidate gene studies and recursively partitioned mixture model approaches for modeling DNA methylation in high-dimensional settings.
Interrogation and negation with ši in North African and Levantine Arabic
Authors: Wilmsen David
Published: December 2014

Polar and copular interrogatives ending in -š like those of Andalusi Arabic have been documented since the late 18th century in the peripheral Arabic dialect Maltese, that variety also negating with -š. This is significant because Maltese retains features of the North African dialect spoken in the 8th and10th centuries in what is now Tunis, Arabic speakers populating the Maltese islands in that era. For their parts, the old urban Tunisian dialects retain a polar interrogative šī, including copular interrogative 3rd person pronouns, and they negate with -š. Remnants of copular interrogatives persist in Moroccan and Egyptian vernacular Arabic, copular negation with -š remaining productive in Arabic dialects from the Yemen, the southern and highland Levant, and across coastal North Africa.
Proto-Semitic and Proto-Arabic origins of grammatical ši
Authors: Wilmsen David
Published: December 2014

Grammatical šī in Arabic shares more surface similarities and functional affinities with Proto-Semitic 3rd person pronouns and other Semitic function words than it does with the Arabic word for ‘thing’, itself probably deriving later from an indefinite determiner šī. Of the few genuine cases of degrammaticalization, the best-supported is the movement from indefinite determiners to content words. The other functionalities of the existential particle šī arose from a Proto-Semitic demonstrative or presentative, not along a unidirectional cline but through a potentially overlapping series of lateral shifts, changes, neither more nor less grammatical, representing movement on the cline but not up or down it. The development of negative -š in Arabic conforms to Croft’s negative-indefinite cycle, not Jespersen’s.
Differential Levels of Soluble Inflammatory Markers by Human Immunodeficiency Virus Controller Status and Demographics
Authors: Li Jonathan Z. , Arnold Kelly B. , Lo Janet , Dugast Anne-Sophie , Plants Jill , Ribaudo Heather J. , Cesa Kevin , Heisey Andrea , Kuritzkes Daniel R. , Lauffenburger Douglas A. , Alter Galit , Landay Alan , Grinspoon Steven , Pereyra Florencia
Published: December 2014

Background.  Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 elite controllers (ECs) represent an ideal population to study the effects of HIV persistence on chronic inflammation in the absence of antiretroviral therapy (ART).

Methods.  Twenty inflammatory markers measured in cohorts of ECs, HIV suppressed noncontrollers, and HIV-uninfected controls were compared using rank-based tests and partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLSDA). Spearman correlations were determined among the inflammatory markers, residual viremia by the single-copy assay, and CD4+ T cell slope.

Results.  Significant differences were seen between cohorts in 15 of the soluble inflammatory markers. Human immunodeficiency virus-1 ECs were found to have the highest levels for all of the markers with the exception of RANTES. In particular, median levels of 7 inflammatory markers (soluble CD14 [sCD14], interferon [IFN]-γ, IFN-γ-inducible protein [IP]-10, interleukin [IL]-4, IL-10, sCD40L, and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor) were twice as high in the HIV-1 ECs compared with either of the HIV-suppressed or uninfected groups. Multivariate PLSDA analysis of inflammatory markers improved differentiation between the patient cohorts, discerning gender differences in inflammatory profile amongst individuals on suppressive ART. Soluble markers of inflammation in ECs were not associated with either levels of residual HIV-1 viremia or CD4+ T cell decline.

Conclusions.  Despite maintaining relatively low levels of viremia, HIV-1 ECs had elevated levels of a set of key inflammatory markers. Additional studies are needed to determine whether ECs may benefit from ART and to further evaluate the observed gender differences.
How much does nasal cavity morphology matter? Patterns and rates of olfactory airflow in phyllostomid bats
Authors: Eiting Thomas P. , Perot J. Blair , Dumont Elizabeth R.
Published: December 2014

The morphology of the nasal cavity in mammals with a good sense of smell includes features that are thought to improve olfactory airflow, such as a dorsal conduit that delivers odours quickly to the olfactory mucosa, an enlarged olfactory recess at the back of the airway, and a clear separation of the olfactory and respiratory regions of the nose. The link between these features and having a good sense of smell has been established by functional examinations of a handful of distantly related mammalian species. In this paper, we provide the first detailed examination of olfactory airflow in a group of closely related species that nevertheless vary in their sense of smell. We study six species of phyllostomid bats that have different airway morphologies and foraging ecologies, which have been linked to differences in olfactory ability or reliance. We hypothesize that differences in morphology correlate with differences in the patterns and rates of airflow, which in turn are consistent with dietary differences. To compare species, we make qualitative and quantitative comparisons of the patterns and rates of airflow through the olfactory region during both inhalation and exhalation across the six species. Contrary to our expectations, we find no clear differences among species in either the patterns of airflow through the airway or in rates of flow through the olfactory region. By and large, olfactory airflow seems to be conserved across species, suggesting that morphological differences appear to be driven by other mechanical demands on the snout, such as breathing and feeding. Olfactory ability may depend on other aspects of the system, such as the neurobiological processing of odours that work within the existing morphology imposed by other functional demands on the nasal cavity.
The Effect of Tempering and Wall Thickness on the Fracture of Pint Glasses
Authors: Earp Richard W. , Hainsworth Sarah V. , Eustice David A. , Robinson Catherine , Glendenning Malcolm D.
Published: December 2014

This study presents a comprehensive analysis of the effect of tempering and wall thickness on the fracture of tempered drinking glasses typically used in bars and pubs in the United Kingdom. The fracture patterns are related to the manufacturing process, the glass geometry, and the level of residual stress. The bulk of experimentation was split into two categories: Firstly, an assessment of the residual stress was conducted, followed by an assessment of the fracture response of the glass in practical applications. Drinking glasses have a variable wall thickness as a consequence of their design and manufacture. This has a direct effect on the level of residual stress in the article, which in turn produces glasses that break to give fragments of variable sizes, with large sharp‐edged fragments nearer the glass rim. It is also shown that tempered glasses broken by impact have a characteristic fracture pattern. The results show that to control the fracture of glasses to produce small fragments similar to those in tempered flat glass, the wall thickness and resulting level of residual stress need to be optimized.