bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oxygen‐responsive genetic circuits constructed in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803
Authors: Immethun Cheryl M. , Ng Kenneth M. , DeLorenzo Drew M. , Waldron‐Feinstein Ben , Lee Ying‐Chiang , Moon Tae Seok
Published: August 2015

As photoautotrophic prokaryotes, cyanobacteria are promising platforms for producing value‐added bioproducts. However, few regulatory genetic parts and devices (e.g., inducible promoters and regulatory circuits) have been developed for these potential hosts. Furthermore, the devices that have been created respond only to a single input. To address these issues, we developed an inducible genetic circuit that generates heterologous proteins in response to oxygen, an environmental signal. To test its performance and utility in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803, a model cyanobacterial strain, we connected this circuit to either heterologous nifHDK genes, which encode oxygen‐sensitive nitrogenase's structural proteins, or a fluorescent protein gene. The circuit was transcriptionally activated to generate nifHDK transcripts or fluorescent output only in low oxygen conditions. We expanded the oxygen‐responsive circuit into a more complex circuit by building a two‐input AND gate, which allows Synechocystis to specifically control expression of the fluorescent reporter in response to two signals, low oxygen and high anhydrotetracycline. To our knowledge, the AND gate is the first complex logic circuit built in a cyanobacterial strain. This work expands the synthetic biology tools available for complex gene expression in cyanobacteria, increasing their potential as biotechnology platforms. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2016;113: 433–442. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Molecular Recognition and Visual Detection of G‐Quadruplexes by a Dicarbocyanine Dye
Authors: Karg Beatrice , Funke Andrea , Ficht Anna , Sievers‐Engler Adrian , Lämmerhofer Michael , Weisz Klaus
Published: August 2015

The interactions of a dicarbocyanine dye 3,3′‐diethylthiadicarbocyanine, DiSC2(5), with DNA G‐quadruplexes were studied by means of a combination of various spectroscopic techniques. Aggregation of excess dye as a result of its positive charge is promoted by the presence of the polyanionic quadruplex structure. Specific high‐affinity binding to the parallel quadruplex of the MYC promoter sequence involves stacking of DiSC2(5) on the external G‐tetrads; the 5′‐terminal tetrad is the favored binding site. Significant energy transfer between DNA and the dye in the UV spectral region is observed upon DiSC2(5) binding. The transfer efficiency strongly depends on the DNA secondary structure as well as on the G‐quadruplex topology. These photophysical features enable the selective detection of DNA quadruplexes through sensitized DiSC2(5) fluorescence in the visible region.
Ethyl‐Zinc(II)‐Cation Equivalents: Synthesis and Hydroamination Catalysis
Authors: Petersen T. O. , Tausch E. , Schaefer J. , Scherer H. , Roesky P. W. , Krossing I.
Published: August 2015

Ion‐like ethylzinc(II) compounds with weakly coordinating aluminates [Al(ORF)4]− and [(RFO)3Al‐F‐Al(ORF)3]− (RF=C(CF3)3) were synthesized in a one‐pot reaction and fully characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, NMR and vibrational spectroscopy, and by quantum chemical calculations. The catalytic activity of ion‐like Et‐Zn[Al(ORF)4] in intermolecular hydroamination and in the unusual double hydroamination of anilines and alkynes was investigated. Favorable performance was also found in comparison to the Et2Zn/ [PhNMe2H]+[B(C6F5)4]− system generated in situ at lower catalyst loadings of 2.5 mol %.
Disparities in early death and survival in children, adolescents, and young adults with acute promyelocytic leukemia in California
Authors: Abrahão Renata , Ribeiro Raul C. , Medeiros Bruno C. , Keogh Ruth H. , Keegan Theresa H.M.
Published: August 2015

BACKGROUND

Findings from clinical trials and population‐based studies have differed with regard to whether mortality within 30 days of diagnosis (early death) of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) has decreased in the era of all‐trans retinoic acid and anthracycline‐based chemotherapy.

METHODS

Using data from the California Cancer Registry, the authors investigated 7‐day and 30‐day mortality and survival in 772 patients who were aged birth to 39 years when they were diagnosed with APL during 1988 to 2011. Logistic regression and Cox proportional models were used to examine the association of early death and survival, respectively, with sociodemographic and clinical factors.

RESULTS

The overall 30‐day mortality decreased significantly over time, from 26% (1988‐1995) to 14% (2004‐2011) (P =.004). On multivariable analysis, the odds of 30‐day mortality were 3 times as high during 1988 through 1995 than 2004 through 2011 (P =.001). However, 7‐day mortality did not improve over time (P =.229). When patients who died within 7 days of diagnosis were excluded, the 30‐day mortality during 1996 to 2011 was 3% to 8%, which is similar to levels reported in clinical trials. Higher early death and lower survival were associated with a lack of health insurance (1996‐2011) (early death odds ratio, 2.67; P =.031) and Hispanic race/ethnicity (early death odds ratio, 2.13; P =.014). Early death was not found to be associated with age, sex, socioeconomic status, or hospital type. Black patients also experienced worse survival.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of the current study revealed a decreased 30‐day mortality during the all‐trans retinoic acid era, but 7‐day mortality remained high. Efforts to achieve equal outcomes in young patients with APL should focus on improving access to effective treatment, mainly among uninsured patients and those of Hispanic and black race/ethnicity. Cancer 2015;121:3990–3997. © 2015 American Cancer Society.
Late sodium current block for drug‐induced long QT syndrome: Results from a prospective clinical trial
Authors: Johannesen L , Vicente J , Mason JW , Erato C , Sanabria C , Waite‐Labott K , Hong M , Lin J , Guo P , Mutlib A , Wang J , Crumb WJ , Blinova K , Chan D , Stohlman J , Florian J , Ugander M , Stockbridge N , Strauss DG
Published: August 2015

Drug‐induced long QT syndrome has resulted in many drugs being withdrawn from the market. At the same time, the current regulatory paradigm for screening new drugs causing long QT syndrome is preventing drugs from reaching the market, sometimes inappropriately. In this study, we report the results of a first‐of‐a‐kind clinical trial studying late sodium (mexiletine and lidocaine) and calcium (diltiazem) current blocking drugs to counteract the effects of hERG potassium channel blocking drugs (dofetilide and moxifloxacin). We demonstrate that both mexiletine and lidocaine substantially reduce heart‐rate corrected QT (QTc) prolongation from dofetilide by 20 ms. Furthermore, all QTc shortening occurs in the heart‐rate corrected J‐Tpeak (J‐Tpeakc) interval, the biomarker we identified as a sign of late sodium current block. This clinical trial demonstrates that late sodium blocking drugs can substantially reduce QTc prolongation from hERG potassium channel block and assessment of J‐Tpeakc may add value beyond only assessing QTc.
Neural crest specification by Prohibitin1 depends on transcriptional regulation of prl3 and vangl1
Authors: Deichmann Christina , Link Martina , Seyfang Melanie , Knotz Viktoria , Gradl Dietmar , Wedlich Doris
Published: August 2015

A complex network of transcription factors regulates specification of neural crest cells at early neurula stage by stabilizing neural crest identity and activating neural crest effector genes so that distinct subpopulations evolve. In this network, c‐myc acts on top of the gene hierarchy controlling snail2, AP2 and prohibitin1 (phb1) expression. While snail2 and AP2 are well studied neural crest specifier genes little is known about the role of phb1 in this process. To identify phb1 regulated genes we analyzed the transcriptome of neural crest explants of phb1 morphant Xenopus embryos. Among 147 phb1 regulated genes we identified the membrane‐associated protein‐tyrosine phosphatase PRP4A3 (prl3) and the atypical cadherin and Wnt‐PCP component van gogh like1 (vangl1). Gain of function, loss of function and epistasis experiments allowed us to allocate both genes in the neural crest specification network between phb1 and twist. Interestingly, both, vangl1 and prl3 regulate only a small subset of neural crest marker genes. The identification of two membrane‐associated proteins as novel neural crest specifiers indicates that in addition to gene regulation by combinatory effects of transcription factors also post‐translational modifications (prl3) and cell–cell adhesion and/or regulation of cell‐polarity (vangl1) specify the identity of neural crest cell populations. genesis 53:627–639, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Convenient Synthesis of Some New 1,3,4‐Thiadiazoles, Thiazoles, Pyrazolo[1,5‐a]pyrimidines, Pyrazolo[5,1‐c]triazine, and Thieno[3,2‐d]pyrimidines Containing 5‐Bromobenzofuran Moiety
Authors: Abdelhamid Abdou O. , Fahmi Abdelgawad A. , Baaiu Basma S.
Published: August 2015

1,3,4‐Thiadiazoles, pyrazolo[1,5‐a]pyrimidines, pyrazolo[5,1‐c]triazine, and thieno[3,2‐d]pyrimidines were synthesized from 1‐(5‐bromobenzofuran‐2‐yl)ethanone. The structures of the newly synthesized compounds were elucidated by elemental analysis, spectral data, chemical transformation, and alternative synthesis route whenever possible.
What to Get and What to Give Up: How Different Decision Tasks and Product Types Affect the Persuasiveness of Promotion‐ versus Prevention‐Focused Messages
Authors: Ghosh Chowdhury Tilottama , Micu Camelia , Ratneshwar S. , Kim Eunjin (Anna)
Published: August 2015

Prior research has distinguished between ad message frames that are promotion‐focused (i.e., eager‐sounding and achievement‐oriented) and those that are prevention‐focused (i.e., vigilance‐hued and safety‐themed). In three studies, the authors investigate the relative persuasiveness of promotion‐ versus prevention‐focused messages in the context of different decision tasks (i.e., acquisition vs. forfeiture) and different types of featured products/attributes (i.e., hedonic vs. utilitarian). Studies 1 and 2 focus on message structures conducive to imagery‐based processing. The results show that promotion‐focused messages are relatively more persuasive than prevention‐focused messages in acquisition tasks than in forfeiture tasks in the case of hedonic products (and products with salient hedonic attributes). Relative persuasiveness of the two message frames is not affected by decision task in the case of utilitarian products (or products with salient utilitarian attributes). Study 3 uses message structures suited for analytical processing. In this study, interestingly, the relative persuasiveness of prevention‐focused (vs. promotion‐focused) messages is greater in forfeiture tasks than in acquisition tasks in the case of utilitarian products. Relative persuasiveness of the two message frames is not affected by decision task in the case of hedonic products. Theoretical and managerial implications of the findings are discussed.
Broadband excitation pulses with variable RF amplitude‐dependent flip angle (RADFA)
Authors: Koos Martin R. M. , Feyrer Hannes , Luy Burkhard
Published: August 2015

Pulse sequences in NMR spectroscopy sometimes require the adjustment of effective flip angles with respect to experiment‐specific or sample‐specific parameters. Here, we present a quality factor for efficient optimization of offset‐compensated broadband excitation pulses with RF amplitude‐dependent effective flip angles (RADFA). After proof of principle, physical limits of RF amplitude‐restricted and RF power‐restricted broadband RADFA pulses are explored and corresponding pulse shapes and performances characterized in detail. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Using a Novel CFD Model to Assess the Effect of Mixing Parameters on Emulsion Polymerization
Authors: Fathi Roudsari Shideh , Dhib Ramdhane , Ein‐Mozaffari Farhad
Published: August 2015

A novel computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model was developed and validated with the experimental data to explore the effect of the agitator type, rotational speed, and the installation of baffles on the methyl methacrylate conversion, particle size and number of particles of poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA) produced in an emulsion polymerization reactor. The originality of this study was to include the reaction kinetics to the population balance through nucleation and growth rates while taking into account the velocity gradients generated by the impeller rotation inside the reactor. The number density achieved by the Rushton impeller was higher than that for the pitched blade impeller. The distribution of polymer volume fraction was more uniform with the pitched blade impeller than that for the Rushton impeller.
Study on liquid oxygen compatibility of bromine‐containing epoxy resins for the application in liquid oxygen tank
Authors: Wu Zhanjun , Li Shichao , Liu Minjing , Wang Hongyu , Wang Zhi , Liu Xin
Published: August 2015

The liquid oxygen compatible epoxy resin was obtained by the polycondensation between tetrabromobisphenol A and neat epoxy resins. The results of liquid oxygen impact test indicated that the synthetic epoxy resins were compatible with liquid oxygen. The relationship between impact reaction sensitivity (IRS) and flame retardancy were studied by liquid oxygen impact test and limiting oxygen index test. The results showed that the flame‐retardant modification of epoxy resin was valuable to reduce the IRS. The thermal gravimetric analysis results indicated that the Br · radical was quickly released in relatively low temperature (approximately 370°C) for compatible epoxy resin. The Br · radical was a key factor to promote the epoxy resin compatible with the liquid oxygen. The X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy was used to survey the distribution of functional groups on the surface of samples before and after impact. The results showed that the oxidation reaction and carbonization process may occur on the surface of samples after impact. The liquid oxygen compatibility mechanism is proposed in this paper. The bromine‐containing epoxy resin has the potential to be the material used in liquid oxygen tank. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fabrication of highly expanded thermoplastic polyurethane foams using microcellular injection molding and gas‐laden pellets
Authors: Sun Xiaofei , Kharbas Hrishikesh , Turng Lih‐Sheng
Published: August 2015

Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) is one of the most widely used and versatile thermoplastic materials. TPU foams have been extensively applied in various industries including the furniture, automotive, sportswear, and packaging industries. In this study, two methods of producing highly expanded TPU injection molded foam were investigated: (1) microcellular injection molding (MIM) with N2 as a blowing agent, and (2) a novel gas‐laden pellet/MIM combined process with N2 and CO2 as co‐blowing agents. Two designs of experiments (DOEs) were performed to learn the influences of key processing parameters and to optimize foam quality. By using N2 and CO2 as co‐blowing agents, a bulk density as low as 0.20 g/cm3 was successfully achieved with a hysteresis compression loss of 24.4%. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 55:2643–2652, 2015. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
Accurate quantification of impurities in pure peptide material – angiotensin I: Comparison of calibration requirements and method performance characteristics of liquid chromatography coupled to hybrid tandem mass spectrometry and linear ion trap high‐resolution mass spectrometry
Authors: Stoppacher N. , Josephs R. D. , Daireaux A. , Choteau T. , Westwood S. , Wielgosz R. I.
Published: August 2015

Rationale

The prohormone angiotensin I (ANG I) [amino acid sequence: DRVYIHPFHL] and other structurally related peptide hormones play an essential role in the regulation of the water and electrolyte balance in the human body as well as blood pressure. ANG I is a biomarker for hypertension and diabetes. Therefore, well‐characterized pure reference materials and comparable and SI‐traceable analytical characterization methods are required to establish reference measurement systems (RMS) for laboratory medicine.

Methods

Two analytical characterization methods based on liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) systems with electrospray ionization have been developed and validated in‐house. Both high‐resolution MS (hrMS) and hybrid‐tandem MS/MS were used for the identification and quantification of the major structurally related peptide impurities of ANG I. The impurities were quantified by use of external calibrations with original impurity standards. Mass fraction impurity values and corresponding expanded measurement uncertainties were calculated.

Results

Five structurally related degradation products were detected as major impurities in a 'pure' ANG I material. The peptides ANG (2‐10) [RVYIHPFHL], ANG II [DRVYIHPF] and three ANG I isomers [DRVYLHPFHL, DRVYIHPFHI and DRVYLHPFHI] were identified and corresponding mass fraction values calculated that range from 0.66 to 4.86 mg/g.

Conclusions

The mass fraction values for the major related peptide impurities in the ANG I material obtained with both LC/hrMS and LC/MS/MS systems are in excellent agreement. This study emphasizes the importance of mass spectrometric techniques for application to mass balance approaches for mass fraction value and uncertainty assignment of impurities in 'pure' substance reference materials for peptides. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Peptide fragmentation caused by Ar cluster ions depending on primary ion energy
Authors: Aoyagi Satoka , Kawashima Tomoko , Yokoyama Yuta
Published: August 2015

Rationale

Time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF‐SIMS) with an Ar cluster ion beam as a primary ion source provides useful information in terms of peptide analysis. It is, however, difficult to interpret the spectra. The ToF‐SIMS peptide spectra obtained with Ar clusters having different energies have been investigated in order to classify the secondary ions into the peptide fragment ions and those related to contaminants or the substrate.

Methods

Three peptides having different molecular weights from 600 to 1300 u were measured with Ar cluster beams having different energies per atom from 4 to 40 eV/atom.

Results

In the spectra normalized to a geometric average of all the spectra, the amino acid fragment ions are distinguished from other secondary ions. In the mass range above 600 u, the peptide fragment ions increase with mass while those not related to the peptide decrease with mass.

Conclusions

Energy‐dependence fragmentation helps in understanding the peptide spectra. Specific peptide fragment ions of the larger peptides are likely to be detected under lower energy than energy higher than 10 eV/atom. Although it is difficult to interpret the TOF‐SIMS spectra of a peptide obtained with an Ar cluster ion beam, the secondary ions can be classified by comparing those obtained with different energy Ar cluster ion beams. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The spiritual significance of glaciers in an age of climate change
Authors: Allison Elizabeth A.
Published: August 2015

Climate change has largely been understood as a biophysical, economic, and political phenomenon. This approach has obscured the ways in which climate change also poses a challenge to human subjective understandings of self and society in relation to place, and in relation to perceptions of the sacred. Glaciers, as dominant features of high mountain landscapes, are sites of easily observable consequences of climate change, grounding the consequences of distant carbon emissions in material surroundings. They are also sites of powerful sacred and symbolic meanings for local communities. This review examines three instances of glacial decline in sacred mountain landscapes, in the Peruvian Andes, the Nepalese Himalaya, and the Meili Snow Mountains of Yunnan, China. These examples show that glacial decline is not simply a material process, but also has important implications for the ways that local people understand themselves and make meaning in relation to their surroundings. Locally grounded values arising from particular experiences of the landscape, especially from those most at risk from effects of climate change, may offer new avenues of ethical reflection around climate change that can and should influence larger climate discourses.WIREs Clim Change2015, 6:493–508. doi: 10.1002/wcc.354

This article is categorized under:

Social Status of Climate Change Knowledge > Sociology/Anthropology of Climate Knowledge

Trans‐Disciplinary Perspectives > Humanities and the Creative Arts
Bioprocess for efficient production of recombinant Pichia anomala phytase and its applicability in dephytinizing chick feed and whole wheat flat Indian breads
Authors: Joshi Swati , Satyanarayana T
Published: August 2015

The phytase of the yeast Pichia anomala (PPHY) is a suitable biocatalyst as a food and feed additive because of its adequate thermostability, acid stability, protease insensitivity and broad substrate spectrum. The cell-bound nature and low phytase titres are the main bottlenecks for its utility in food and feed industries. In this investigation, we have overcome the problems by constitutive secretory expression of PPHY under glyceraldehyde phosphate dehydrogenase (GAP) promoter. A ~44-fold increase in rPPHY titre has been achieved after optimization of cultural variables by one-variable-at-a-time approach and two factorial statistical design. The use of GAP promoter makes the cultivation of the recombinant P. pastoris straight forward and eliminates the requirement of methanol for induction and hazards associated with its storage. Among metal-phytate complexes, Ca2+ phytate is hydrolyzed more efficiently by rPPHY than Co2+, Mn2+, Mg2+, Fe3+ and Zn2+ phytates. The enzyme is effective in dephytinizing whole wheat unleavened flat Indian breads (naan and tandoori) and different broiler feeds, thus mitigating anti-nutritional effects of phytates.
Health complaints among adolescents: Associations with more screen‐based behaviours and less physical activity
Authors: Marques Adilson , Calmeiro Luís , Loureiro Nuno , Frasquilho Diana , de Matos Margarida Gaspar
Published: August 2015

In this study, we investigated the relationship between screen‐based behaviours, physical activity, and health complaints (headaches, feeling low, irritability, and nervousness). Screen‐based behaviour included TV viewing, computer use, and time spent playing video games. Data were collected from 4462 Portuguese adolescents (2394 girls) aged 11–16 years. Girls who reported engaging in more screen‐based behaviour (hours/day) also reported having more headaches, feeling lower, being more irritable, and feeling more nervous. Boys who reported more screen time were more irritable. Physical activity (times/week) was negatively associated with reports of feeling nervous among girls, and with headaches, feeling low, irritability, and feeling nervous among boys. Considering that time spent using the computer is related with more health complaints, and physical activity was related with fewer health complaints among boys, it is important to develop strategies to reduce adolescents' computer screen time, and to promote physical activity.
Ectopic sebaceous gland in the esophagus—Case reports and review of the literature
Authors: Jhang Lin‐Suei , Hung Chien‐Yuan , Shieh Tze‐Yu , Chang Chen‐Wang , Wang Horng‐Yuan , Shih Shou‐Chuan , Chen Ming‐Jen
Published: August 2015

Ectopic sebaceous glands (ESGs) are benign esophageal lesions that have a lower detection rate than malignant lesions because most patients are asymptomatic. However, this rate can be increased by the widespread use of endoscopes and an increasing awareness of the disease. Through esophagogastroduodenoscopy, ESGs often appear in the middle and lower esophagus in numbers ranging from 1 to more than 100 yellowish plaques measuring 1–2 mm in diameter. Histopathological examination of ESGs would reveal small lobular cluster glands in the lamina propria. Diagnosis is usually confirmed through an endoscopic biopsy. ESGs are best distinguished from other yellowish lesions such as xanthoma via endoscopy. These lesions tend to appear singly scattered, whereas xanthomas tend to be clustered. We present three cases of ESGs in the esophagus. Although their etiologies are still unclear, we present related theories in our review.
Detection of circulating IgG antibodies to apolipoprotein B100in acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Zhang Xueying , Zhang Xiaohong , Lei Mingming , Lin Yingzi , Megson Ian L. , Wei Jun , Yu Bo , Jin Yuanzhe
Published: August 2015

A number of studies have reported an association between increased levels of antibodies against oxidized low‐density lipoprotein (oxLDL) and cardiovascular disease, but the anti‐oxLDL antibody has not been confirmed to serve as an effective biomarker for prediction of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Apolipoprotein B100(ApoB100)‐derived peptide fragments generated by proteolytic degradation and aldehyde modification are the major antigens in oxLDL, and so the present work was undertaken to detect circulating IgG for Apo‐B100‐derived peptide antigens. An in‐house enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed with eight ApoB100‐derived peptide antigens (Ag1–Ag8) to detect circulating anti‐ApoB100IgG levels in 267 patients with AMI and 201 control subjects. Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that circulating IgG for Ag1 was significantly higher in the patient group than the control group (P< 0.001) after adjustment for age, gender, smoking, hypertension, diabetes and circulating levels of cholesterol, HDL, LDL, ApoA and ApoB100. None of the other seven antigens detected an increase in IgG levels in AMI patients compared with control subjects. Spearman correlation analysis showed no correlation between IgG antibody for Ag1 and clinical characteristics. In conclusion, the linear peptide antigens derived from ApoB100may be suitable for the development of an ELISA antibody test for prediction of AMI, although further confirmation is still needed in large‐scale clinical studies.
The effect of pre-release captivity on post-release performance in reintroduced eastern bettongs Bettongia gaimardi
Authors: Batson William G. , Gordon Iain J. , Fletcher Donald B. , Manning Adrian D.
Published: August 2015

Reintroductions are used to re-establish populations of species within their indigenous range, but their outcomes are variable. A key decision when developing a reintroduction strategy is whether to include a temporary period of confinement prior to release. Pre-release confinement is primarily used for the purpose of quarantine or as a delayed-release tactic to influence the performance or behaviour of founders post-release. A common difference between these approaches is that quarantine tends to be conducted in ex situ captivity, whereas delayed releases tend to involve in situ confinement at the release site. Although these practices are commonly viewed independently, it may be possible for a single confinement period to be used for both purposes. We tested whether temporarily holding wild eastern bettongs Bettongia gaimardi in ex situ captivity for 95–345 days prior to release (delayed release) influenced their body mass, pouch occupancy or survival during the first 1.5 years post-release, compared to founders released without confinement (immediate release). Our results suggest that exposing founders to captivity did not alter their body mass or performance post-release, despite being heavier and having fewer pouch young when released. We conclude that, for this species, ex situ captivity does not represent a tactical opportunity to improve post-release performance but can be used for quarantine without affecting the probability of establishment.
THE ORIGIN OF THE SYLOS POSTULATE: MODIGLIANI’S AND SYLOS LABINI’S CONTRIBUTIONS TO OLIGOPOLY THEORY
Authors: Rancan Antonella
Published: August 2015

Paolo Sylos Labini’s Oligopoly Theory and Technical Progress (1957) is considered one of the major contributions to entry-prevention models, especially after Franco Modigliani’s formalization. Nonetheless, Modigliani neglected Sylos Labini’s aim when reviewing his work (1958), particularly his demonstration of the dynamic relation between industrial concentration and economic development. Modigliani addressed only Sylos Labini’s microeconomic analysis and the determination of the long-run equilibrium price and output, concentrating on the role played by firms’ anticipations. By doing so he shifted attention from Sylos Labini’s objective analysis to a subjective approach to the oligopoly problem. This paper discusses Sylos Labini’s and Modigliani’s differing approaches, derives the origin of the Sylos postulate, and sets Modigliani’s interpretation of Sylos Labini’s oligopoly theory in the context of his 1950s research into firms’ behavior under uncertainty.
ON THE CONCEPT OF ‘FELICITAS PUBLICA’ IN EIGHTEENTH-CENTURY POLITICAL ECONOMY
Authors: D’Onofrio Federico
Published: August 2015

This article presents some observations on “public happiness” in order to clarify the idea’s meaning in the eighteenth-century Italian context. It examines Lugino Bruni’s interpretation of this concept, and criticizes his understanding of public happiness as the continuation of Artistotle’seudaimonia. Bruni stresses the social and collective nature of happiness in the civil economy of the Italian eighteenth century. By examining the works of Ludovico Antonio Muratori and Antonio Genovesi, this article addresses instead the political meaning of public happiness for absolute monarchies, and underlines its origins in the German tradition of natural law.
New Riffs on the Old Mind-Body Blues: “Black Rhythm,” “White Logic,” and Music Theory in the Twenty-First Century
Authors: PERCHARD TOM
Published: August 2015

Contemporary music historians have shown how taxonomic divisions of humanity—constructed in earnest within European anthropologies and philosophies from the Enlightenment on—were reflected in eighteenth- and nineteenth-century theories of musical-cultural evolution, with complex and intellectualized art music forms always shown as transcending base and bodily rhythm, just as light skin supposedly transcended dark. The errors of old and now disreputable scholarly approaches have been given much attention. Yet scientifically oriented twenty-first-century studies of putatively Afro-diasporic and, especially, African American rhythmic practices seem often to stumble over similarly racialized fault lines, the relationship between “sensory” music, its “intelligent” comprehension, and its analysis still procedurally and politically fraught. Individual musical sympathies are undermined by methods and assumptions common to the field in which theorists operate. They operate, too, in North American and European university departments overwhelmingly populated by white scholars. And so this article draws upon and tests concepts from critical race and whiteness theory and asks whether, in taking “black rhythm” as its subject, some contemporary music studies reinscribe what the sociologists Tukufu Zuberi and Eduardo Bonilla-Silva have called “white logic”: a set of intellectual attitudes, prerogatives, and methods that, whatever the intentions of the musicologists concerned, might in some way restage those division practices now widely recognized as central to early musicology.
Geoscientists: Focus More on Societal Concerns
Authors: Showstack Randy
Published: August 2015

The unprecedented toll from a powerful tsunami shocked a theoretical geophysicist, now an international geoscience organization leader, into action and advocacy to use science to aid society.
N Doping to ZnO Nanorods for Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting under Visible Light: Engineered Impurity Distribution and Terraced Band Structure
Authors: Wang Meng , Ren Feng , Zhou Jigang , Cai Guangxu , Cai Li , Hu Yongfeng , Wang Dongniu , Liu Yichao , Guo Liejin , Shen Shaohua
Published: August 2015

Solution-based ZnO nanorod arrays (NRAs) were modified with controlled N doping by an advanced ion implantation method and were subsequently utilized as photoanodes for photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting under visible light irradiation. A gradient distribution of N dopants along the vertical direction of ZnO nanorods was realized. N doped ZnO NRAs displayed a markedly enhanced visible-light-driven PEC photocurrent density of ~160 μA/cm2 at 1.1 V vs. saturated calomel electrode (SCE), which was about 2 orders of magnitude higher than pristine ZnO NRAs. The gradiently distributed N dopants not only extended the optical absorption edges to visible light region, but also introduced terraced band structure. As a consequence, N gradient-doped ZnO NRAs can not only utilize the visible light irradiation but also efficiently drive photo-induced electron and hole transfer via the terraced band structure. The superior potential of ion implantation technique for creating gradient dopants distribution in host semiconductors will provide novel insights into doped photoelectrode materials for solar water splitting.
Purifying Cytokinetic Cells from an Asynchronous Population
Authors: Panet Einat , Ozer Efrat , Mashriki Tal , Lazar Itay , Itzkovich Devora , Tzur Amit
Published: August 2015

Cytokinesis is an intensively studied process by which the cell cytoplasm divides to produce two daughter cells. Like any other aspect of cell cycle research, the study of cytokinesis relies heavily on cell synchronization. However, the synchronization of cells during cytokinesis is challenging due to the rapid nature of this process and the shortage of cell cycle blocking agents specifically targeting this phase. Here, we demonstrate the use of standard flow cytometry for directly isolating cytokinetic cells from an asynchronous population of normally proliferating cells. This approach is based on a cell cycle marker whose temporal proteolysis, in combination with DNA quantification or cell size approximation, distinguishes cells undergoing cytokinesis. Furthermore, by avoiding doublet discrimination, typically used in flow cytometry analyses, we were able to further increase selectivity, specifically purifying cells at late cytokinesis. Our method circumvents checkpoint activation, cell cycle arrest and any other means of pre-synchronization. These qualities, as demonstrated for both unattached and adherent cells, enable high selectivity for cytokinetic cells despite their overall low abundance in an asynchronous population. The sorted cells can then be readily used for cell biological, biochemical and genomic applications to facilitate cytokinesis and cell cycle research.
A hexangular ring–core NiCo2O4 porous nanosheet/NiO nanoparticle composite as an advanced anode material for LIBs and catalyst for CO oxidation applications
Authors: He Yanyan , Xu Liqiang , Zhai Yanjun , Li Aihua , Chen Xiaoxia
Published: August 2015

A porous hexangular ring–core NiCo2O4 nanosheet/NiO nanoparticle composite has been synthesized, exhibiting enhanced performance as an anode material for LIBs and as a catalyst for CO oxidation.
Liquid interface evolution of polyhedral-like graphene
Authors: Chen Xianjue , Raston Colin L.
Published: August 2015

Graphene oxide assembled at water/toluene interfacesviaformation of Pickering emulsion can be readily transformed into unique three-dimensional polyhedral-like structures.
Theoretically exploring the key role of the Lys412 residue in the conversion of N2O to N2by nitrous oxide reductase from Achromobacter cycloclastes
Authors: Xie Hujun , Liu Chengcheng , Chen Xuelin , Lei Qunfang , Fang Wenjun , Zhou Tao
Published: August 2015

The active CuZcluster of NOR provides strong back-donation to coordinated N2O and activates the O atom of the N2O group facilitating H-bonding and protonationviathe Lys412 residue.
Study of the photocatalytic properties of bio-mimicked hollow SnO2microstructures synthesized with Ceiba pentandra (L.) Gaertn. (kapok) as a natural template
Authors: Kim Young Jin , Xing Xing , Choi Do-Young , Hwang Cheol-Ho , Choi Chulmin , Kim Gunwoo , Jin Sungho , Hwang Kyung-Jun , Park Ju-Young
Published: August 2015

Hollow SnO2microstructures have been simply fabricatedviaa template impregnation technique usingCeiba pentandra(L.) Gaertn. as a natural template.
Broadband ultrafast photoprotection by oxybenzone across the UVB and UVC spectral regions
Authors: Baker Lewis A. , Horbury Michael D. , Greenough Simon E. , Ashfold Michael N. R. , Stavros Vasilios G.
Published: August 2015

Recent studies have shed light on the energy dissipation mechanism of oxybenzone, a common ingredient in commercial sunscreens. After UVA photoexcitation, the dissipation mechanism may be understood in terms of an initial ultrafast excited state enol → keto tautomerisation, followed by nonadiabatic transfer to the ground electronic state and subsequent collisional relaxation to the starting enol tautomer. We expand on these studies using femtosecond transient electronic absorption spectroscopy to understand the non-radiative relaxation pathways of oxybenzone in cyclohexane and in methanol after UVB and UVC excitation. We find that the relaxation pathway may be understood in the same way as when exciting in the UVA region, concluding that oxybenzone displays proficient broadband non-radiative photoprotection, and thus photophysically justifying its inclusion in sunscreen mixtures.
Grass-like CuCo2O4 nanowire arrays supported on nickel foam with high capacitances and desirable cycling performance
Authors: Chen Huaiyuan , Chen Xiaohua , Zeng Ying , Chen Shanliang , Wang Jiande
Published: August 2015

Grass-like CuCo2O4 nanowire arrays (CCO NWAs) supported on nickel foam, were prepared through a facile hydrothermal process. The stability of the morphology makes the CCO NWAs promising for electrochemical applications.
Synthesis and properties of novel diisopropyl-functionalized polyglycolide–PEG copolymers
Authors: Arıcan Mehmet Onur , Mert Olcay
Published: August 2015

Because of the importance of glycolide-based polymers in materials and medical applications, we have synthesized alternative novel thermosensitive biomaterials to be possible candidates instead of the well-known polymers.
Experimental and DFT studies for selective separation of Sb(iii) and Sb(v) from mixtures with Zr(iv)/Co(ii) using thiourea grafted polystyrene adsorbent
Authors: Arora Jyotsna S. , Joshi Uttamkumar , Gaikar Vilas G. , Ali Sk. Musharaf
Published: August 2015

The ‘S’ atom of thiourea functionalized polystyrene adsorbent exhibited very strong interaction with excellent separation of antimony(iiiandv) ions in presence of large concentration of cobalt and zirconium ions.
Synergistic removal of dyes by Myrothecium verrucaria immobilization on a chitosan–Fe membrane
Authors: Wen Yuezhong , Liang Ying , Shen Chensi , Wang Hongkai , Fu Dongmei , Wang Hongyu
Published: August 2015

A kind of novel, environmental friendly and efficient hybrid for the fungus and chitosan–Fe membrane has been fabricated by the alginate approach for efficient removal of aqueous dyes.
Development and cell imaging applications of a novel fluorescent probe for Cu2+
Authors: Yuan Yue-Hua , Tian Mao-Zhong , Wang Jun-Ling , Xie Hai , Qin Jun , Feng Feng
Published: August 2015

A reactivity-based fluorescent probe was utilized to selectively detecting Cu2+in aqueous solution and living cell.
Studies on the stability of a supported liquid membrane and its cleaning protocol
Authors: Manna Mriganka Sekhar , Saha Prabirkumar , Ghoshal Aloke Kumar
Published: August 2015

The stability of the LM in the micro-pores of a solid polymeric membrane support is improved by the optimization of influential parameters.
Solubility ofdl-serine anddl-phenylalanine in aqueous mixtures of dimethyl sulfoxide and solvation thermodynamics
Authors: Hossain Aslam , Roy Sanjay , Ghosh Srabani , Mondal Samiran , Dolui Bijoy Krishna
Published: August 2015

Solvation thermodynamic data ofdl-serine anddl-phenylalanine in aqueous mixtures of dimethylsulfoxide at 298.15 K were determined from solubility measurement.
Entrainment of circadian clocks in mammals by arousal and food
Authors: Mistlberger Ralph E , Antle Michael C
Published: August 2015

Circadian rhythms in mammals are regulated by a system of endogenous circadian oscillators (clock cells) in the brain and in most peripheral organs and tissues. One group of clock cells in the hypothalamic SCN (suprachiasmatic nuclei) functions as a pacemaker for co-ordinating the timing of oscillators elsewhere in the brain and body. This master clock can be reset and entrained by daily LD (light–dark) cycles and thereby also serves to interface internal with external time, ensuring an appropriate alignment of behavioural and physiological rhythms with the solar day. Two features of the mammalian circadian system provide flexibility in circadian programming to exploit temporal regularities of social stimuli or food availability. One feature is the sensitivity of the SCN pacemaker to behavioural arousal stimulated during the usual sleep period, which can reset its phase and modulate its response to LD stimuli. Neural pathways from the brainstem and thalamus mediate these effects by releasing neurochemicals that inhibit retinal inputs to the SCN clock or that alter clock-gene expression in SCN clock cells. A second feature is the sensitivity of circadian oscillators outside of the SCN to stimuli associated with food intake, which enables animals to uncouple rhythms of behaviour and physiology from LD cycles and align these with predictable daily mealtimes. The location of oscillators necessary for food-entrained behavioural rhythms is not yet certain. Persistence of these rhythms in mice with clock-gene mutations that disable the SCN pacemaker suggests diversity in the molecular basis of light- and food-entrainable clocks.
Metamorphoses of malaria: the role of autophagy in parasite differentiation
Authors: Coppens Isabelle
Published: August 2015

Several protozoan parasites undergo a complex life cycle that alternates between an invertebrate vector and a vertebrate host. Adaptations to these different environments by the parasites are achieved by drastic changes in their morphology and metabolism. The malaria parasites must be transmitted to a mammal from a mosquito as part of their life cycle. Upon entering the mammalian host, extracellular malaria sporozoites reach the liver and invade hepatocytes, wherein they meet the challenge of becoming replication-competent schizonts. During the process of conversion, the sporozoite selectively discards organelles that are unnecessary for the parasite growth in liver cells. Among the organelles that are cleared from the sporozoite are the micronemes, abundant secretory vesicles that facilitate the adhesion of the parasite to hepatocytes. Organelles specialized in sporozoite motility and structure, such as the inner membrane complex (a major component of the motile parasite's cytoskeleton), are also eliminated from converting parasites. The high degree of sophistication of the metamorphosis that occurs at the onset of the liver-form development cascade suggests that the observed changes must be multifactorial. Among the mechanisms implicated in the elimination of sporozoite organelles, the degradative process called autophagy contributes to the remodelling of the parasite interior and the production of replicative liver forms. In a broader context, the importance of the role played by autophagy during the differentiation of protozoan parasites that cycle between insects and vertebrates is nowadays clearly emerging. An exciting prospect derived from these observations is that the parasite proteins involved in the autophagic process may represent new targets for drug development.
The three-dimensional structure of interleukin-1β
Authors: PRIESTLE JOHN P. , SCHÄR HANS-PETER , GRÜTTER MARKUS G.
Published: August 2015

Summary

The three-dimensional structure of human recombinant interleukin-1β has been determined at 0.24 nm resolution by X-ray crystallographic techniques. The partially refined model has a crystallographic R-factor of just under 19%. The structure is composed of 12 β-strands forming a complex network of hydrogen bonds. The core of the structure can best be described as a tetrahedron whose edges are each formed by two antiparallel β-strands. The interior of this structure is filled with hydrophobic side-chains. There is a 3-fold repeat in the folding of the polypeptide chain. Although this folding pattern suggests gene triplication, no significant internal sequence homology between topologically corresponding residues exists. The folding topology of interleukin-1β is very similar to that described by A. D. McLachlan [(1979) J. Mol. Biol. 133, 557–563] for soybean trypsin inhibitor.
Polyamines in intestinal growth
Authors: LUK GORDON D.
Published: August 2015

The total cellular mass of the small intestine is well controlled and can adapt, with hypo- or hyperplasia, to a wide variety of stimuli. Luminal nutrients, hormonal factors and pancreatic and biliary secretions have all been implicated in the regulation of intestinal mucosal growth. The polyamines (putrescine, spermidine and spermine) and the key enzyme controlling their synthesis (ornithine decarboxylase, ODC) are critical for many cell growth processes and appear to play important roles in intestinal growth. During intestinal adaptation in response to jejunectomy, lactation, pancreaticbiliary diversion, starvation-refeeding and feeding with kidney bean lectin, intestinal contents of ODC and polyamines are increased, paralleling increases in mucosal proliferative indices and DNA synthesis. With administration of the specific inhibitor of ODC (difluoromethylornithine, DFMO) the increase in ODC and polyamines is inhibited and intestinal growth is suppressed. In addition, the oral administration of exogenous polyamines results in precocious maturation of the neonatal rat intestine. These results suggest that the polyamines are important for intestinal growth.
Free radical scavenging: a potentially beneficial action of thiol-containing angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors
Authors: CHOPRA MRIDULA , McMURRAY JOHN , STEWART JENNIFER , DARGIE HENRY J. , SMITH W. EWEN
Published: August 2015

Summary

Free radical (FR) scavenging may be a therapeutically useful adjunctive property of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. In this study we have shown that SH-containing ACE inhibitors (captopril, epicaptopril, zofenopril) are potent FR scavengers at a concentration of 4 × 10-5m whereas non-SH ACE inhibitors (enalaprilat, quinaprilat and perindoprilat) have no FR-scavenging activity at this concentration. Furthermore, the SH-containing agents preferentially scavenged general radicals rather than superoxide radicals, i.e. suggesting that these drugs would be effective in quenching the culprit FR in ischaemia/reperfusion injury.
Proteinase genes of cheese starter cultures
Authors: Kok Jan
Published: August 2015

Summary

The proteolytic enzymes of lactococci are of eminent importance for milk fermentations. By the combined action of proteinases and peptidases milk protein is degraded to peptides and amino acids which are required for cell growth and contribute to the organoleptic properties of the foods. The importance of the proteolytic system for dairy product quality has resulted in an increased fundamental research of the enzymes and genes involved. Proteinase plasmids have been identified and plasmid stability problems offered an explanation for the apparent instability of proteolysis in certain strains of lactococci. Chromosomal integration has recently been used to stably anchor the proteinase genes in the chromosome of Lactococcus lactis. The structural proteinase genes of a number of strains have been cloned and sequenced, and some of the properties of the enzymes they specify will be discussed. The product of a second gene is necessary for the activation of the proteinase, a proteinase maturation process that is unique in the bacterial world.