bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the chemical diversity of the prebiotic ocean of early Earth
Authors: Canepa Carlo
Published: December 2014

This work investigates the consequences on the diverse number of chemical species in a pre-biotic terrestrial aqueous environment endowed with an amino acid source induced by the spontaneous build-up of catalytically active polypeptides from amino acid monomers. The assumed probability that a randomly formed polypeptide exhibits catalytic properties is dependent on constraining both the chemical identity and the position of a fraction of the amino acid residues. Within this hypothesis, and using values of the average length n of the catalytic polypeptides about one half of the present-day enzymes, the stationary-state concentration of the catalytically active polypeptides is ≈10−30 −10−19 M, and the ratio of the concentration of a product of a catalytic process to the initial concentration of the corresponding substrate is predicted to be ≈10−6−105. Matching the mean life of each catalytic polypeptide to the mean life of its substrate (λ ≈ ω) is only possible by significantly raising the intensity of the source of the amino acid monomers. Under these hypothetical optimal conditions, the mean lives of the catalytic polypeptides and their substrates have values ω−1 ≈ λ−1 ≈10 yr and the asymptotic concentration of each product is of the same order of magnitude as the concentration of the substrate. In all cases the catalytic efficiency necessary to form the active peptides takes the typical values of present-day enzymes.
Publishing Quality Improvement Work in Clinical Practice in Pediatric Psychology: The “Why” and “How To”
Authors: Schurman Jennifer Verrill , Gayes Laurie A. , Slosky Laura , Hunter Mary E. , Pino Felicity A.
Published: December 2014

Quality improvement (QI) is an iterative process designed to make controlled changes within the health care delivery system to provide patients with high-quality care that meets both their expectations and needs. Clinical Practice in Pediatric Psychology ( CPPP) is actively soliciting QI studies to further its mission to promote and support the evidence-based clinical work of pediatric psychologists. This article (a) provides a basic introduction to what QI is and how it fits within ethical health care practice, (b) briefly describes the historical context of QI in health care, (c) discusses how QI serves as a complement to routine evidence-based care, and (d) gives guidance for writing up and publishing QI work. The overarching aim of this article is to promote the submission and acceptance of high-quality QI studies to Clinical Practice in Pediatric Psychology.
Synthesis of a carbon-dot-based photoluminescent probe for selective and ultrasensitive detection of Hg2+ in water and living cells
Authors: Mohapatra Sasmita , Sahu Swagatika , Sinha Niharika , Bhutia Sujit K.
Published: December 2014

Nitrogen and sulphur co-doped carbon dots with high PL quantum yield and photostability have been synthesized by a simple hydrothermal synthesis and successfully used for bioimaging of Hg2+ in living cells.
Composition dependent activity of Cu–Pt nanocrystals for electrochemical reduction of CO2
Authors: Guo Xin , Zhang Yuxia , Deng Chen , Li Xinyuan , Xue Yifei , Yan Yi-Ming , Sun Kening
Published: December 2014

The Cu–Pt nanocrystal (NC) samples with different atomic ratios (Cu : Pt) show composition dependent activities toward electrocatalytic CO2 reduction.
Total synthesis of largamide B
Authors: Qu Shiwei , Chen Ying , Wang Xiaoji , Chen Shipeng , Xu Zhengshuang , Ye Tao
Published: December 2014

Total synthesis of the cyanobacterial metabolite largamide B and the disproval of its originally assigned stereochemistry as well as confirmation of the revised stereochemistry are reported.
A femtosecond study of the anomaly in electron injection for dye-sensitized solar cells: the influence of isomerization employing Ru(ii) sensitizers with anthracene and phenanthrene ancillary ligands
Authors: Cheema Hammad , Younts Robert , Ogbose Louis , Gautam Bhoj , Gundogdu Kenan , El-Shafei Ahmed
Published: December 2014

HD-7 is prone to ISC and shows a continuous increase in the triplet TA signal, whereas HD-8 shows enhanced singlet injection, followed by decay in the TA signal.
Structural features and catalytic performance in CO preferential oxidation of CuO–CeO2 supported on multi-walled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Gao Yuxian , Xie Kangmin , Wang Wendong , Mi Shiyang , Liu Ning , Pan Guoqiang , Huang Weixin
Published: December 2014

MWCNT supported CuO–CeO2 catalysts show enhanced performance in CO-PROX due to unusual structure features induced by interactions between metal oxides and MWCNT.
Black and yellow anatase titania formed by (H,N)-doping: strong visible-light absorption and enhanced visible-light photocatalysis
Authors: Wei Shunhang , Wu Rong , Jian Jikang , Chen Fengjuan , Sun Yanfei
Published: December 2014

Black and yellow anatase TiO2 doped with hydrogen and nitrogen elements annealed under a N2/Ar/air atmosphere are produced.
New heteroleptic magnesium complexes for MgO thin film application
Authors: Kim Hyo-Suk , George Sheby Mary , Park Bo Keun , Son Seung Uk , Kim Chang Gyoun , Chung Taek-Mo
Published: December 2014

Novel magnesium precursors for the ALD/CVD process of MgO thin films were synthesized as heteroleptic complexes. These complexes show high volatility and good thermal properties which proved to be superior to homoleptic parent complexes.
Anaerobic membrane bioreactor treatment of domestic wastewater at psychrophilic temperatures ranging from 15 °C to 3 °C
Authors: Smith A. L. , Skerlos S. J. , Raskin L.
Published: December 2014

This paper demonstrates the viability of anaerobic membrane bioreactors (AnMBRs) for domestic wastewater treatment at temperatures as low as 6 °C.
Nitrosyl iron complexes with enhanced NO donating ability: synthesis, structure and properties of a new type of salt with the DNIC cations [Fe(SC(NH2)2)2(NO)2]+
Authors: Sanina Nataliya A. , Aldoshin Sergey M. , Shmatko Natal'ya Yu. , Korchagin Denis V. , Shilov Gennadii V. , Knyazkina Ekaterine V. , Ovanesyan Nikolay S. , Kulikov Alexander V.
Published: November 2014

A new structural type of water-soluble iron nitrosyl complexes with thiocarbamide has been obtained.
Conformational preferences in the β-peptide oligomers of cis-2-amino-1-fluorocyclobutane-1-carboxylic acid
Authors: Hassoun Ammar , Grison Claire M. , Guillot Régis , Boddaert Thomas , Aitken David J.
Published: December 2014

These oligomers adopt a regular zig-zag strand-like secondary structure which does not rely on intra-residue 6-ring hydrogen bonds for stability.
Multifunctional NaYF4:Yb, Er@mSiO2@Fe3O4-PEG nanoparticles for UCL/MR bioimaging and magnetically targeted drug delivery
Authors: Liu Bei , Li Chunxia , Ma Ping'an , Chen Yinyin , Zhang Yuanxin , Hou Zhiyao , Huang Shanshan , Lin Jun
Published: December 2014

The NaYF4:Yb, Er@mSiO2@Fe3O4-PEG nanoparticles combining dual-modal diagnostic methods and magnetically targeted anti-tumor therapy were investigated.
Investigations on dendrimer space reveal solid and liquid tumor growth-inhibition by original phosphorus-based dendrimers and the corresponding monomers and dendrons with ethacrynic acid motifs
Authors: El Brahmi Nabil , Mignani Serge M. , Caron Joachim , El Kazzouli Saïd , Bousmina Mosto M. , Caminade Anne-Marie , Cresteil Thierry , Majoral Jean-Pierre
Published: December 2014

Potent anticancer agents.
Dynamic observation on the growth behaviors in manganese silicide/silicon nanowire heterostructures
Authors: Hsieh Yu-Hsun , Chiu Chung-Hua , Huang Chun-Wei , Chen Jui-Yuan , Lin Wan-Jhen , Wu Wen-Wei
Published: December 2014

Dynamic growth of manganese silicide and manganese silicide/silicon nanowire heterostructures through solid state reactions.
Anion binding and transport properties of cyclic 2,6-bis(1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)pyridines
Authors: Merckx Tamara , Haynes Cally J. E. , Karagiannidis Louise E. , Clarke Harriet J. , Holder Katie , Kelly Alexandra , Tizzard Graham J. , Coles Simon J. , Verwilst Peter , Gale Philip A. , Dehaen Wim
Published: December 2014

The anion binding and membrane transport properties of a series of cyclic 2,6-bis-(1,2,3-triazolyl)-pyridine receptors with thiourea functionalities are reported.
Acid-promoted transformations of 1-(diphenylphosphoryl)allenes: synthesis of novel 1,4-dihydrophosphinoline 1-oxides
Authors: Bogachenkov Alexander S. , Dogadina Albina V. , Boyarskiy Vadim P. , Vasilyev Aleksander V.
Published: December 2014

1-(Diphenylphosphoryl)alka-1,2-dienes in acids (TfOH, FSO3H, H2SO4) give (3-hydroxyalk-1-en-1-yl)diphenylphosphine oxides, that are further converted into 1-phenyl-1,4-dihydrophosphinoline 1-oxides. The latter compounds are directly formed from these 1,2-dienes under the action of AlCl3.
A highly efficient copper and ligand free protocol for the room temperature Sonogashira reaction
Authors: Gogoi Ankur , Dewan Anindita , Bora Utpal
Published: December 2014

A mild and efficient catalytic system based on PdCl2 and Na2SO4 has been developed for the Sonogashira reaction of aryl iodides at room temperature.
Salen ligand complexes as electrocatalysts for direct electrochemical reduction of gaseous carbon dioxide to value added products
Authors: Singh Surya , Phukan Bedika , Mukherjee Chandan , Verma Anil
Published: November 2014

CO2, being a linear and centrosymmetric molecule, is very stable, and the electrochemical reduction of CO2 requires energy. However, the salen complexes are found to be very efficient to minimize overpotential as compared to their metal counterparts.
Graphene oxide-based fluorescence molecularly imprinted composite for recognition and separation of 2,4,6-trichlorophenol
Authors: Han Shuang , Li Xin , Wang Yuan , Chen Shaona
Published: December 2014

2,4,6-Trichlorophenol molecularly imprinted composite based on GO and CdTe QDs were fabricated for both fluorescence detection and MISPE method.
Ultrathin mesoporous NiCo2O4 nanosheets as an efficient and reusable catalyst for benzylic oxidation
Authors: Wang Jingjing , Fan Shuang , Luan Yi , Tang Jia , Jin Zhaokui , Yang Mu , Lu Yunfeng
Published: December 2014

Ultrathin mesoporous NiCo2O4 nanosheets have been developed for highly efficient benzylic oxidation.
Effect of alkyl substituents in BODIPYs: a comparative DFT computational investigation
Authors: Mukherjee Sanjoy , Thilagar Pakkirisamy
Published: December 2014

A detailed computational investigation encompassing the effects of alkyl groups on the structural and electronic properties of BODIPY dyes is presented.
Protein conjugated carboxylated gold@reduced graphene oxide for aflatoxin B1 detection
Authors: Srivastava Saurabh , Abraham Shiju , Singh Chandan , Ali Md. Azahar , Srivastava Anchal , Sumana Gajjala , Malhotra Bansi D.
Published: December 2014

The proposed immunosensor based on in situ grown gold decorated reduced graphene oxide exhibits superior sensing performance towards food toxin detection.
Ultra-sensitive humidity sensors based on ZnSb2O4 nanoparticles
Authors: Zhong Mianzeng , Wei Zhongming , Meng Xiuqing , Wu Fengmin , Li Jingbo
Published: December 2014

The humidity sensors based on ZnSb2O4 nanoparticles show excellent performance with high sensitivity, stability and reversibility.
Deep-blue electroluminescence from nondoped and doped organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) based on a new monoaza[6]helicene
Authors: Hua Wanming , Liu Zhi , Duan Lian , Dong Guifang , Qiu Yong , Zhang Baojie , Cui Deliang , Tao Xutang , Cheng Na , Liu Yongjun
Published: December 2014

Electroluminescent properties of a new monoaza[6]helicene as deep-blue light emitters in nondoped and doped OLEDs were investigated.
Paper-based analytical device with colorimetric assay application to the determination of phenolic acids and recognition of Fe3+
Authors: Xiang Xia , Zhang Zhen , Shi Jianbin , Huang Fenghong
Published: December 2014

A paper-based analytical device is described for colorimetric detection of phenolic acids and recognition of Fe3+.
Paper imbibition for timing of multi-step liquid handling protocols on event-triggered centrifugal microfluidic lab-on-a-disc platforms
Authors: Kinahan David J. , Kearney Sinéad M. , Faneuil Olivier P. , Glynn Macdara T. , Dimov Nikolay , Ducrée Jens
Published: December 2014

Imbibition of liquid along a paper strip offers enhanced flow control of dissolvable film valve on the centrifugal platform.
Positional assembly of hemin and gold nanoparticles in graphene–mesoporous silica nanohybrids for tandem catalysis
Authors: Lin Youhui , Wu Li , Huang Yanyan , Ren Jinsong , Qu Xiaogang
Published: November 2014

A hybrid catalyst in which two different types of enzyme mimics are positioned in spatially separate domains within a graphene–mesoporous silica support is presented.
Spiny-porous platinum nanotubes with enhanced electrocatalytic activity for methanol oxidation
Authors: Zuo Yunpeng , Cai Kai , Wu Long , Li Tingting , Lv Zhicheng , Liu Jiawei , Shao Kang , Han Heyou
Published: November 2014

A approach is developed to synthesize self-supported spiny-porous Pt nanotubes with enhanced activity and stability to methanol electro-oxidation.
Ni-doped Mo2C nanowires supported on Ni foam as a binder-free electrode for enhancing the hydrogen evolution performance
Authors: Xiong Kun , Li Li , Zhang Li , Ding Wei , Peng Lishan , Wang Yao , Chen Siguo , Tan Shiyu , Wei Zidong
Published: December 2014

One-dimensional NiMo2C nanowires with a weaker hydrogen binding energy were directly grown onto Ni foam for enhancing the HER.
Angiogenic effects of ionic dissolution products released from a boron-doped 45S5 bioactive glass
Authors: Haro Durand Luis A. , Vargas Gabriela E. , Romero Nélida M. , Vera-Mesones Rosa , Porto-López José M. , Boccaccini Aldo R. , Zago María P. , Baldi Alberto , Gorustovich Alejandro
Published: December 2014

In vivo angiogenic effects of the ionic dissolution products released from microparticles of a boron-modified 45S5 bioactive glass (BG) prepared by partially replacing the SiO2 content of 45S5 BG with 2 wt% of B2O3.
Andrographolide activates the canonical Wnt signalling pathway by a mechanism that implicates the non-ATP competitive inhibition of GSK-3β: autoregulation of GSK-3βin vivo
Authors: Tapia-Rojas Cheril , Schüller Andreas , Lindsay Carolina B. , Ureta Roxana C. , Mejías-Reyes Cristóbal , Hancke Juan , Melo Francisco , Inestrosa Nibaldo C.
Published: December 2014

Wnt/β-catenin signalling is an important pathway that regulates multiple biological processes, including cell adhesion and determination of cell fate during animal development; in the adult nervous system it regulates the structure and function of synapses. Wnt-signalling dysfunction is associated with several neurodegenerative diseases such as schizophrenia and Alzheimer's disease. The use of natural compounds is an interesting strategy in the search for drugs with the therapeutic potential to activate this signalling pathway. In the present study, we report that andrographolide (ANDRO), a component of Andrographis paniculata, is a potent activator of Wnt signalling. Our results indicate that ANDRO activates this pathway, inducing the transcription of Wnt target genes by a mechanism that bypasses Wnt ligand binding to its receptor. In vitro kinase assays demonstrate that ANDRO inhibits glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3β by a non-ATP-competitive, substrate-competitive mode of action. In silico analyses suggest that ANDRO interacts with the substrate-binding site of GSK-3β. Finally, we demonstrated that the increase seen in the levels of GSK-3β phosphorylated at Ser9 is the result of an autoregulatory mechanism of the kinase in vivo, although not through activation of protein phosphatase type 1. Our results suggest that ANDRO could be used as a potential therapeutic drug for disorders caused by Wnt-signalling dysfunction such as neurodegenerative diseases.
A directed-overflow and damage-control N-glycosidase in riboflavin biosynthesis
Authors: Frelin Océane , Huang Lili , Hasnain Ghulam , Jeffryes James G. , Ziemak Michael J. , Rocca James R. , Wang Bing , Rice Jennifer , Roje Sanja , Yurgel Svetlana N. , Gregory Jesse F. , Edison Arthur S. , Henry Christopher S. , de Crécy-Lagard Valérie , Hanson Andrew D.
Published: December 2014

Plants and bacteria synthesize the essential human micronutrient riboflavin (vitamin B2) via the same multi-step pathway. The early intermediates of this pathway are notoriously reactive and may be overproduced in vivo because riboflavin biosynthesis enzymes lack feedback controls. In the present paper, we demonstrate disposal of riboflavin intermediates by COG3236 (DUF1768), a protein of previously unknown function that is fused to two different riboflavin pathway enzymes in plants and bacteria (RIBR and RibA respectively). We present cheminformatic, biochemical, genetic and genomic evidence to show that: (i) plant and bacterial COG3236 proteins cleave the N-glycosidic bond of the first two intermediates of riboflavin biosynthesis, yielding relatively innocuous products; (ii) certain COG3236 proteins are in a multi-enzyme riboflavin biosynthesis complex that gives them privileged access to riboflavin intermediates; and (iii) COG3236 action in Arabidopsis thaliana and Escherichia coli helps maintain flavin levels. COG3236 proteins thus illustrate two emerging principles in chemical biology: directed overflow metabolism, in which excess flux is diverted out of a pathway, and the pre-emption of damage from reactive metabolites.
Fructose-1,6-bisphosphate aldolase (FBA)–a conserved glycolytic enzyme with virulence functions in bacteria: ‘ill met by moonlight’
Authors: Shams Fariza , Oldfield Neil J. , Wooldridge Karl G. , Turner David P.J.
Published: November 2014

Moonlighting proteins constitute an intriguing class of multifunctional proteins. Metabolic enzymes and chaperones, which are often highly conserved proteins in bacteria, archaea and eukaryotic organisms, are among the most commonly recognized examples of moonlighting proteins. Fructose-1,6-bisphosphate aldolase (FBA) is an enzyme involved in the Embden–Meyerhof–Parnas (EMP) glycolytic pathway and in gluconeogenesis. Increasingly, it is also recognized that FBA has additional functions beyond its housekeeping role in central metabolism. In the present review, we summarize the current knowledge of the moonlighting functions of FBA in bacteria.
The activation of mTOR is required for monocyte pro-inflammatory response in patients with coronary artery disease
Authors: Gao Shanshan , Liu Weimin , Zhuo Xiaozhen , Wang Lijun , Wang Gang , Sun Tao , Zhao Zhao , Liu Junhui , Tian Yuling , Zhou Juan , Yuan Zuyi , Wu Yue
Published: December 2014

Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) is a key regulator of systematic inflammation in atherosclerosis (AS). The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), a serine/threonine protein kinase, has emerged as an important regulator of chronic inflammation. However, the relationship between mTOR and NF-κB remains poorly defined. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of mTOR in the pro-inflammatory pathway of human monocytes (HMCs) in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and to determine the interaction between mTOR and NF-κB signalling in the inflammatory state. HMCs were isolated from fasting blood samples of 68 patients with CAD and 59 subjects without CAD (non-CAD) to test the activity of NF-κB, p65 nuclear translocation and mTOR phosphorylation, which were all significantly elevated in the CAD group compared with those in the non-CAD group. The concentrations of serum interleukin (IL)-6 and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α were higher in the CAD group than in the non-CAD group. In an in vitro experiment, HMCs isolated from non-CAD subjects were used as culture model and were treated with sera extracted from CAD patients (CAD sera) or non-CAD subjects (con sera). CAD sera induced time-dependent phosphorylation of mTOR, aberrant NF-κB activation, as well as up-regulation of inflammatory factors. Moreover, inhibition of mTOR by pharmacological or genetic means abolished the CAD sera-triggered NF-κB activation and pro-inflammatory response. Furthermore, lipid-lowering drug statins partly blocked the CAD sera-activated mTOR and pro-inflammatory response. Our results show that CAD patients are in the pro-inflammatory state with increased NF-κB binding activity and enhanced mTOR phosphorylation. We also found that the activation of mTOR is required for the pro-inflammatory response via NF-κB-dependent pathway in HMCs, which unveils the underlying mechanism of AS and potential strategies to attenuate AS in clinical practice.
2‐tap pre‐emphasis SST transmitter with skin effect loss equalisation in 65 nm CMOS technology
Authors: Huang Ke , Wang Ziqiang , Zheng Xuqiang , Zhang Chun , Wang Zhihua
Published: December 2014

A 2‐tap pre‐emphasis SST transmitter with skin effect loss equalisation is presented. The transmitter features the ability of compensating the low frequency loss caused by the channel skin effect. The transmitter equalisation coefficient setting and driver impedance adjustment are mutually decoupled. Fabricated in 65 nm CMOS technology, the transmitter can operate up to 20 Gbit/s while consuming 39 mW of power under a 1 V power supply. The skin effect loss equalisation is verified with a 24‐inch FR4 channel under an 8 and 9 Gbit/s data rate.
1 ppm/°C bandgap with multipoint curvature‐compensation technique for HVIC
Authors: Zhang Yunwu , Zhu Jing , Sun Weifeng , Yang Bang , Huang Zexiang
Published: December 2014

A high‐order curvature‐compensated current mode bandgap reference (BGR) over a very wide temperature range is presented. High‐order curvature correction for this reference is accomplished by the proposed multipoint corrected technique, which realises exponential curvature‐compensation terms in lower and higher temperature ranges separately through simple structures. The compact multipoint curvature‐compensation circuit cancels out the nonlinear terms of the BGR using sub‐threshold operated metal–oxide semiconductor field effect transistors, which subtract those currents that are proportional to the nonlinearity out of the reference voltage. As a result, a flattened and better effect of curvature compensation in a wide temperature range is realised. The circuit performance was verified experimentally. The measurements indicate that the proposed BGR can achieve a temperature coefficient as low as 1.01 ppm/°C over the temperature range of 160°C (−40 to 120°C).
Modulation recognition of MAPSK signals using template matching
Authors: Deng Yuan‐ce , Wang Zhu‐gang
Published: December 2014

A feature‐based modulation recognition algorithm is proposed, to identify practical multilevel amplitude phase shift keying (MAPSK) signals using template matching, which suffers from various unknown effects, including carrier frequency, time delay and phase shift. The probability distribution functions (PDFs) of the amplitudes for each modulation constellation are estimated from the corresponding analytic signal of a received intermediate frequency signal. Then, a template matching algorithm based on Kullback‐Leibler divergence is used to evaluate the similarity between the PDF of the amplitude for a received signal and the PDF templates, which has been stored in advance. The simulation results show that the proposed modulation recognition algorithm performs robustly and precisely even in an extremely low signal‐to‐noise ratio. The performance of the proposed algorithm is not very sensitive to the number of used symbols or timing error, which means that the performance will not be seriously degraded with a less number of symbols or with a larger timing error for symbol synchronisation.
Real‐time lossless ECG compression for low‐power wearable medical devices based on adaptive region prediction
Authors: Li Ke , Pan Yun , Chen Fangjian , Cheng Kwang‐Ting , Huan Ruohong
Published: December 2014

A real‐time lossless compression technique for ECG signals, which benefits wearable medical devices with stringent low‐power requirements, is presented. The real‐time ECG waveform is automatically classified into four regions according to its fluctuation features and the most suitable prediction method is adaptively selected from several linear prediction methods for different regions. Further proposed is the use of a modified variable length code to encode the prediction difference for a simpler transmit format. Experimental results based on three publically available test databases show that the proposed method achieves a better compression ratio with a lower prediction difference than existing state‐of‐the‐art approaches. A very large‐scale integration implementation is also demonstrated which can be used as an intellectual property core with a core area of 25 809 μm2 and which achieves a power consumption of 127 μW at 100 MHz in a 0.18 μm CMOS technology.
All‐resonator‐based waveguide diplexer with cross‐couplings
Authors: Xia Wenlin , Shang Xiaobang , Lancaster Michael J.
Published: December 2014

An investigation into new diplexer topologies, based on all‐resonator structures with cross‐couplings between common resonators (shared by both channels) and branch resonators is reported. This all‐resonator structure eliminates the need for separate frequency distribution networks and uses resonators to achieve this functionality. For diplexers based on such all‐resonator structures, cross‐couplings can be added between the common resonators and branch resonators to achieve some desired specification (e.g. improved isolation). Two diplexer topologies with such cross‐couplings are presented. The first topology is implemented at the X‐band using waveguide technology. Excellent measurement results verified the proposed topology as well as the design procedure.
Variants of seeded region growing
Authors: Fan Minjie , Lee Thomas C.M.
Published: December 2014

Seeded region growing (SRG) is a fast, effective and robust method for image segmentation. It begins with placing a set of seeds in the image to be segmented, where each seed could be a single pixel or a set of connected pixels. Then SRG grows these seeds into regions by successively adding neighbouring pixels to them. It finishes when all pixels in the image are assigned to one (and only one) region. The growing strategy of SRG implicitly assumes that pixels from the same region share the same greyvalue. As a first contribution, this study develops new modifications to SRG so that this constant greyvalue assumption is relaxed. Since the growing strategy of SRG does not impose any constraints or restrictions on the shapes of the growing regions, quite often SRG would produce very rough segmentation boundaries even the true boundaries were smooth. The second contribution of this study is the proposal of a stabilised SRG that encourages smoother boundaries and prevents the so‐called leakage problem. All these new variants are conceptually simple and easy to implement. They are tested with simulated and real images, and are shown to have better performances than the original SRG.
Transmission network loading in Europe with high shares of renewables
Authors: Brown Tom
Published: December 2014

The need for long‐distance power transfers in the electricity system is being driven by both deeper market integration and the increasing share of renewables in generation. The best renewables resources are often located far from load centres, while variable renewables, such as wind and solar, benefit from smoothing effects when aggregated over large areas. However, the increased usage of transmission infrastructure raises the question of how the associated costs should be distributed. The authors present here the application of an existing algorithm called marginal participation (MP) which can be used to allocate the power flowing through each network asset (lines and transformers) to particular network users. They consider two new methods to extend the MP algorithm to high voltage direct current lines that operate parallel to alternating current networks. They then apply the allocation algorithm to a future scenario with high renewables penetration in Europe in 2050, developed as part of the Smooth PV project. They see a significant increase in network usage, including a rise in the proportion of cross‐border flows. The increase in network usage is driven disproportionately by offshore wind, because of its geographical concentration away from load centres.
Effect of reference electrode in the nanoFET (field‐effect transistor)‐based biosensor experiment
Authors: Seo Yeong‐Tai , Jang Kuk Jin , Lee Min‐Ho , Seong Woo‐Kyeong , Lee Kook‐Nyung , Kim Yong‐Kweon
Published: December 2014

The reference electrode in an electrolyte solution affects the surface potential of the nanoFET (field‐effect transistor) channel which can result in a false signal to be measured in the FET channel during bio‐ and chemical sensing experiments. In this reported work, it was demonstrated that different sensing results that were obtained were affected by the choice of the reference electrode through a pH and ion concentration sensing experiment. Three types of reference electrodes were compared: the SCE (saturated calomel reference electrode), the Ag/AgCl tube and the integrated Ag/AgCl electrode. The pH sensitivity equivalent to the surface potential was evaluated: 32.3, 34.6 and 16.3 mV/pH in the case of the SCE, the refillable tube type Ag/AgCl and the integrated Ag/AgCl, respectively.
Income inequality and Neisseria gonorrhoeae notifications in females: a country-level analysis
Authors: Bingham Amie L. , Kavanagh Anne M. , Fairley Christopher Kit , Keogh Louise A. , Bentley Rebecca J. , Hocking Jane S.
Published: December 2014

Background Patterns of population susceptibility to sexually transmissible infections may be influenced by various social determinants of health, however these receive relatively little attention. Income inequality is one such determinant that has been linked to a number of poor health outcomes. The objective of this analysis was to determine whether there is an association between income inequality and Neisseria gonorrhoeae notification rates when measured at the country level. Methods: Gini coefficients, gonorrhoea notification rates among women, per capita gross domestic product and approximate size of female population were obtained for 11 countries of the OECD. Linear regression was used to measure the association between income inequality and gonorrhoea notification rates, using generalised estimation equations (GEE) to control for the non-independence of repeat measures from particular countries. Results: A total of 36 observations from 11 countries were included. Gini coefficients ranged from 0.21 to 0.38 and gonorrhoea notifications from 0.7 to 153 per 100000 females. Significant associations were found between country-level income inequality and gonorrhoea notification rates among women (b = 17.79 (95% CI: 10.64, 24.94, P < 0.01). Conclusions: Significant associations were found, highlighting the importance of acknowledging and accounting for social determinants of sexual health and suggesting that further research in this arena may be fruitful.
Body mass index, self-esteem and weight contentment from adolescence to young adulthood and women’s risk for sexually transmitted disease
Authors: Merten Michael J. , Williams Amanda L.
Published: December 2014

Background Women’s risk for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) were examined in terms of adolescent and young adult weight status, self-esteem trajectories and weight contentment using two waves of a nationally representative dataset. Methods: Using Waves 1 and 3 of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, body mass index (BMI), self-esteem and weight contentment were examined during adolescence and young adulthood to assess the likelihood of STDs among 4000 young adult single women. Results: Change in BMI, specifically weight loss between adolescence and young adulthood, significantly increased women’s risk for STDs. Continuously low self-esteem during adolescence and young adulthood significantly increased women’s risk for STDs. When women’s contentment with their weight decreased from adolescence to young adulthood, women’s risk for STDs was greater. Regardless of other variables, Black women were more likely to have an STD. Conclusions: Results suggest that women’s self-perception is important in reducing sexual risk; specifically, patterns of self-esteem, BMI and weight contentment across developmental periods should be a critical focus of research and practice related to adolescent and young adult sexual health. There are many known benefits to fostering self-esteem during adolescence and findings from this study add STD prevention among young women to this list. Results emphasise the needed prevention during adolescence to address self-perspective and self-esteem for the long-term sexual well-being of young women.
Lower sexually transmissible infection prevalence among lifetime exclusive women who have sex with women compared with women who have sex with women and men
Authors: Muzny Christina A. , Kapil Richa , Austin Erika L. , Hook Edward W. , Geisler William M.
Published: December 2014

Background Sexually transmissible infection (STI) history, prevalence and seroprevalence among lifetime exclusive women who have sex with women (WSW) and an age-matched group of women who have sex with women and men (WSWM) was evaluated. Methods: Participants completed a study questionnaire and had genital specimens and sera collected for STI testing. Results: Twenty-one lifetime exclusive WSW and 42 WSWM were included. WSWM were more likely to report a history of prior STIs and be seropositive for chlamydia and HSV-2. Prevalent STIs were less common among WSW. Conclusions: While lifetime exclusive WSW are at risk of contracting STIs, WSWM are disproportionally affected. Healthcare providers should consider routine STI screening among WSW.
A Simulation-Based Evaluation of In-Season Management Tactics for Anadromous Fisheries: Accounting for Risk in the Yukon River Fall Chum Salmon Fishery
Authors: Catalano Matthew J. , Jones Michael L.
Published: December 2014

Salmon fisheries are managed under uncertainties in abundance, population dynamics, and fishery implementation. These uncertainties create risk, which can be accounted for using probabilistic harvest control rules. Probabilistic control rules ensure management actions are consistent with the level of acceptable risk. Within a fishing season, managers seek to meet escapement objectives by using preseason forecasts and in-season data to set fishery openings and catch targets. We used a stochastic simulation model of the Yukon River fall Chum Salmon Oncorhynchus keta fishery to evaluate the effects on fishery performance of (1) the degree of in-season risk tolerance and (2) two methods for estimating daily abundance projections. We defined risk in terms of the probability of failing to meet escapement objectives, which is consistent with the emphasis on meeting escapement objectives in Alaska's Sustainable Salmon Fisheries Policy. The analysis revealed expected trade-offs between harvest and escapement objectives. However, risk tolerance did not strongly influence fishery performance mainly because outcomes were highly uncertain due to process errors. Average subsistence harvest decreased from 97,000 to 88,000 Chum Salmon and the probability of failing to meet escapement goals in four of the five most recent years decreased from 0.04 to 0.01 when a risk-averse approach was implemented. However, when preseason forecasts were relatively low and close to thresholds where no fishing would be allowed, then a risk-averse approach increased the probability of meeting escapement objectives. A Bayesian approach to estimating the projected run abundance performed similarly to a simpler approach that relied entirely on the preseason forecast until the average first quarter point of the run. Our results suggest that assessment approaches and the degree of in-season risk tolerance are likely less important in determining fishery performance for Yukon River Fall Chum Salmon than are the escapement goals used to manage the fishery.

Received November 18, 2013; accepted July 28, 2014
Differential spatial and structural organization of the X chromosome underlies dosage compensation in C. elegans
Authors: Sharma Rahul , Jost Daniel , Kind Jop , Gómez-Saldivar Georgina , van Steensel Bas , Askjaer Peter , Vaillant Cédric , Meister Peter
Published: December 2014

The adjustment of X-linked gene expression to the X chromosome copy number (dosage compensation [DC]) has been widely studied as a model of chromosome-wide gene regulation. In Caenorhabditis elegans, DC is achieved by twofold down-regulation of gene expression from both Xs in hermaphrodites. We show that in males, the single X chromosome interacts with nuclear pore proteins, while in hermaphrodites, the DC complex (DCC) impairs this interaction and alters X localization. Our results put forward a structural model of DC in which X-specific sequences locate the X chromosome in transcriptionally active domains in males, while the DCC prevents this in hermaphrodites.
Pancreatic cell plasticity and cancer initiation induced by oncogenic Kras is completely dependent on wild-type PI 3-kinase p110α
Authors: Baer Romain , Cintas Célia , Dufresne Marlène , Cassant-Sourdy Stéphanie , Schönhuber Nina , Planque Laetitia , Lulka Hubert , Couderc Bettina , Bousquet Corinne , Garmy-Susini Barbara , Vanhaesebroeck Bart , Pyronnet Stéphane , Saur Dieter , Guillermet-Guibert Julie
Published: December 2014

Increased PI 3-kinase (PI3K) signaling in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) correlates with poor prognosis, but the role of class I PI3K isoforms during its induction remains unclear. Using genetically engineered mice and pharmacological isoform-selective inhibitors, we found that the p110α PI3K isoform is a major signaling enzyme for PDAC development induced by a combination of genetic and nongenetic factors. Inactivation of this single isoform blocked the irreversible transition of exocrine acinar cells into pancreatic preneoplastic ductal lesions by oncogenic Kras and/or pancreatic injury. Hitting the other ubiquitous isoform, p110β, did not prevent preneoplastic lesion initiation. p110α signaling through small GTPase Rho and actin cytoskeleton controls the reprogramming of acinar cells and regulates cell morphology in vivo and in vitro. Finally, p110α was necessary for pancreatic ductal cancers to arise from Kras-induced preneoplastic lesions by increasing epithelial cell proliferation in the context of mutated p53. Here we identify an in vivo context in which p110α cellular output differs depending on the epithelial transformation stage and demonstrate that the PI3K p110α is required for PDAC induced by oncogenic Kras, the key driver mutation of PDAC. These data are critical for a better understanding of the development of this lethal disease that is currently without efficient treatment.
Structural basis of X chromosome DNA recognition by the MSL2 CXC domain during Drosophila dosage compensation
Authors: Zheng Sanduo , Villa Raffaella , Wang Jia , Feng Yingang , Wang Jinfeng , Becker Peter B. , Ye Keqiong
Published: December 2014

The male-specific lethal dosage compensation complex (MSL-DCC) selectively assembles on the X chromosome in Drosophila males and activates gene transcription by twofold through histone acetylation. An MSL recognition element (MRE) sequence motif nucleates the initial MSL association, but how it is recognized remains unknown. Here, we identified the CXC domain of MSL2 specifically recognizing the MRE motif and determined its crystal structure bound to specific and nonspecific DNAs. The CXC domain primarily contacts one strand of DNA duplex and employs a single arginine to directly read out dinucleotide sequences from the minor groove. The arginine is flexible when bound to nonspecific sequences. The core region of the MRE motif harbors two binding sites on opposite strands that can cooperatively recruit a CXC dimer. Specific DNA-binding mutants of MSL2 are impaired in MRE binding and X chromosome localization in vivo. Our results reveal multiple dynamic DNA-binding modes of the CXC domain that target the MSL-DCC to X chromosomes.
Designing and Troubleshooting Immunopanning Protocols for Purifying Neural Cells
Authors: Barres Ben A.
Published: December 2014

Purifying and culturing cells from the central nervous system (CNS) has proved to be an incredibly powerful tool for dissecting fundamental neuron and glial properties, and especially powerful in understanding neuronal–glial interactions. In a series of detailed protocols, we have provided step-by-step instructions for purifying and culturing specific types of neurons, glia, and vascular cells from the CNS by immunopanning. This article discusses common pitfalls and errors as well as important design considerations for the immunopanning procedure.
Generation and Analysis of Lentivirus Expressing a 2A Peptide-Linked Bicistronic Fluorescent Construct
Authors: Huss David , Lansford Rusty
Published: December 2014

This weeklong protocol for making and testing lentivirus has been used in the Advanced Topics in Molecular Neuroscience (ATMN) lecture and laboratory course at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) for nearly a decade. Lentiviruses are derived from HIV-1 and are ideal vehicles for the delivery of multiple genes of interest into target cells. In this protocol, 2A peptide-linked sequences are used to create a bicistronic lentiviral construct containing a ubiquitous promoter (chick β actin with a cytomegalovirus [CMV] early enhancer) driving dual expression of two fluorescent proteins (FP): H2B-Cerulean (a nuclear-localized blue FP) and Dendra2 (a photoactivatable green FP that converts to red after exposure to UV light). Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of the bicistronic insert is followed by subcloning into a lentiviral vector and transfection into a packaging cell line. The resulting viral supernatants can be used to prepare concentrated stocks and infect cells for imaging via epifluorescent and confocal microscopy.
Purification of Schwann Cells
Authors: Lutz Amanda Brosius
Published: December 2014

This article introduces methods for the acute purification and primary culture of Schwann cells from the mouse sciatic nerve. Immunopanning can be used to isolate Schwann cells from intact nerves during early postnatal development as well as to purify Schwann cells from adult nerves following sciatic nerve injury. These methods facilitate the exploration of mouse Schwann cell biology in the healthy and injured peripheral nerve.
Structure, hydrogen bonding and thermal expansion of ammonium carbonate monohydrate
Authors: Fortes A. Dominic , Wood Ian G. , Alfè Dario , Hernández Eduardo R. , Gutmann Matthias J. , Sparkes Hazel A.
Published: December 2014

We have determined the crystal structure of ammonium carbonate monohydrate, (NH4)2CO3·H2O, using Laue single-crystal diffraction methods with pulsed neutron radiation. The crystal is orthorhombic, space groupPnma(Z= 4), with unit-cell dimensionsa= 12.047 (3),b= 4.453 (1),c= 11.023 (3) Å andV= 591.3 (3) Å3[ρcalc= 1281.8 (7) kg m−3] at 10 K. The single-crystal data collected at 10 and 100 K are complemented by X-ray powder diffraction data measured from 245 to 273 K, Raman spectra measured from 80 to 263 K and an athermal zero-pressure calculation of the electronic structure and phonon spectrum carried out using density functional theory (DFT). We find no evidence of a phase transition between 10 and 273 K; above 273 K, however, the title compound transforms first to ammonium sesquicarbonate monohydrate and subsequently to ammonium bicarbonate. The crystallographic and spectroscopic data and the calculations reveal a quite strongly hydrogen-bonded structure (EHB≃ 30–40 kJ mol−1), on the basis of H...O bond lengths and the topology of the electron density at the bond critical points, in which there is no free rotation of the ammonium cation at any temperature. The barrier to free rotation of the ammonium ions is estimated from the observed librational frequency to be ∼ 36 kJ mol−1. Thec-axis exhibits negative thermal expansion, but the thermal expansion behaviour of theaandbaxes is ormal.
Social intrapreneurship at Natura
Authors: Alt Elisa de Resende , Spitzeck Heiko
Published: November 2014

Subject area

Innovation and Intrapreneurship.

Study level/applicability

MSc, MBA and Executive Education Programmes.

Case overview

The case on Priscila Matta focuses on the role of social intrapreneurship and social inclusion at Natura, the largest cosmetics company in Brazil and a corporate responsibility leader. Centred in the complexity stemming from dealing with a local community which supplies key ingredients to the Ekos product line, the company's most prominent and innovative brand, it illustrates the difficulties of establishing inclusive forms of business with a traditional community in the northeast of Brazil. Ekos builds on the rich Brazilian biodiversity and traditional knowledge. Brazilian law requires Natura to share the benefits obtained from the access to genetic heritage and associated traditional knowledge with those communities who supply such resources. Implicitly, the case focuses on the role of the social intrapreneur – Priscila Matta – and how she navigated corporate politics to structure the company's community relations. The case demonstrates the difficulties of social intrapreneurs who aim to create sustainable innovations to execute shared value strategies.

Expected learning outcomes

The case has the following four learning objectives: to illustrate best practices in intrapreneurial activities that aim to create shared value – in this case, value for Natura and for the community; to define the role and characteristics of social intrapreneurs – people inside big corporations who drive sustainable innovation; to discuss obstacles the corporate environment presents in the process of social innovation; and to illustrate how individuals within companies can implement a shared value strategy.

Supplementary materials

Teaching Notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.
Calling European Union Treaty Referendums: Electoral and Institutional Politics
Authors: Prosser Christopher
Published: December 2014

Many European integration treaties – most notably the failed Constitutional Treaty – have faced ratification by referendum in various member states. Although the literature on voting behaviour in these referendums in now well established, the reasons why these referendums were held in the first place is under-scrutinised. This article examines the reasons EU member states decide to call referendums in order to ratify EU treaties and argues that they do so primarily as a result of domestic political pressure arising from three sources: electoral pressure when the EU is unpopular and elections are close, rules governing the use of referendums, and domestic institutional veto players. This theory is tested using a combination of single and multi-level logistic regression analysis, which finds support for the hypotheses developed here.