bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Environmental safety level of lead (Pb) pertaining to toxic effects on grey mullet (Mugil cephalus) and Tiger perch (Terapon jarbua)
Authors: Hariharan G. , Purvaja R. , Ramesh R.
Published: July 2014

Acute and chronic bioassay toxicity test of Lead (Pb) in Grey Mullet (Mugil cephalus), and Tiger perch (Terapon jarbua) was conducted. LC50 values (Lethal Concentration) from acute tests and chronic values were calculated by the geometric mean of the No‐Observed‐Effect Concentration (NOEC) and the Lowest‐Observed‐Effect Concentration (LOEC) in a study period of 30 days. This research was conducted to evaluate the quantitative relationship between toxicity test statistics and correlation between toxicant and the organisms exposed. Three test average LC50 was analyzed for 24, 48, 72, and 96 h and the 96 h average LC50 of M. cephalus and T. jarbua is 2.57 ± 0.47 and 2.99 ± 0.23 mg/L of Pb, respectively. Significant correlation is observed with the increased time duration and exposure concentration. The NOEC and LOEC values were calculated based on survival of test organisms for M. cephalus and T. jarbua and the values are 0.014 and 0.029 and 0.011 and 0.022 mg/L, respectively. The chronic value is found to be 0.011 mg/L for M. cephalus and 0.021 mg/L for T. jarbua. The intensity of biochemical and histological alterations increased gradually with increased Pb concentration and the exposure time. Toxicity testing is the primary step to determine the water quality safe limit on marine organisms. The outcome of the study indicates that the sensitivity of juvenile organisms to Pb, persistence of toxic effects and biomarkers as a tool capable of revealing the toxic effects of heavy metals on the environment and aquatic biota. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 31: 24–43, 2016.
Soil burial, tensile properties, morphology, and biodegradability of (rice husk powder)‐filled natural rubber latex foam
Authors: Ramasamy Shamala , Ismail Hanafi , Munusamy Yamuna
Published: July 2014

The focus of this research work was to study the possibilities of enhancing the biodegradation process of natural rubber latex foam (NRLF) by incorporating rice husk powder (RHP). Different loadings of RHP (2.5, 5.0, 7.5, and 10 phr) were used in this study. Controlled and RHP‐incorporated NRLF samples were subjected to natural soil environment for 90 days. Properties of unexposed and those exposed to soil burial condition samples were compared and studied. Tensile properties, such as tensile strength and elongation at break, dropped significantly with increasing RHP loading on natural soil exposure for 90 days. Exposed RHP‐incorporated NRLF weight loss also showed increased biodegradability with increasing RHP loading. The changes in morphological properties were evident by tabletop microscopy (TM1000). J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 21:128–133, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
The regulatory potential of upstream open reading frames in eukaryotic gene expression
Authors: Wethmar Klaus
Published: July 2014

Upstream open reading frames (uORFs) are prevalent cis‐regulatory sequence elements in the transcript leader sequences (TLSs) of eukaryotic mRNAs. The majority of uORFs is considered to repress downstream translation by the consumption of functional pre‐initiation complexes or by inhibiting unrestrained progression of the ribosome. Under distinct conditions, specific uORF properties or sequential arrangements of uORFs can oppositely confer enhanced translation of the main coding sequence, designating uORFs as versatile modifiers of gene expression. Ribosome profiling and proteomic studies demonstrated widespread translational activity at AUG‐ and non‐AUG‐initiated uORFs in eukaryotic transcriptomes from yeast to human and several reports linked defective uORF‐mediated translational control to the development of human diseases. This review summarizes the structural features affecting uORF‐mediated translational control in eukaryotes and describes the highly divergent mechanisms of uORF regulation that result in repression or induction of downstream protein translation. WIREs RNA 2014, 5:765–768. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1245

This article is categorized under:

RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Small Molecule–RNA Interactions

Translation > Translation Regulation
Chylothorax Complicating Video‐Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery for Non‐small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Liu Chao‐Yu , Hsu Po‐Kuei , Huang Chien‐Sheng , Sun Yung‐Han , Wu Yu‐Chung , Hsu Wen‐Hu
Published: July 2014

Background

Chylothorax is an infrequent but well‐known complication in lung cancer surgery. Previous published studies on this topic are limited, and thoracotomy has been the main surgical approach for treatment. However, chylothorax after lung cancer surgery performed solely by video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) has rarely been investigated. The purpose of this study is to evaluate chylothorax after VATS for lung cancer.

Methods

The records of 776 patients with primary non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who underwent VATS for pulmonary resection and mediastinal lymph node dissection (MLND) at our hospital from January 2010 to August 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. Twenty patients with chylothorax (2.58 %) were included in the analysis.

Results

The 20 patients with chylothorax were all treated conservatively, but five patients (25 %) subsequently required reoperation for chylothorax. In patients with pleural drainage of less than 400 ml the first postoperative day, the chylothorax resolved with conservative treatment. Chylothorax also resolved in patients with pleural drainage of more than 400 ml the first or second postoperative day if drainage was less than 400 ml on postoperative day 4 and thereafter. Reoperations were required in cases with an increasing amount of pleural drainage on postoperative day 4 and thereafter.

Conclusions

Most of the chylothorax following VATS for lung cancer can be treated conservatively. However, the timing of surgical intervention for chylothorax following VATS for lung cancer can be earlier if pleural drainage does not show a trend toward decreasing with conservative treatment.
Magic Moment? Maternal Marriage for Children Born Out of Wedlock
Authors: Gibson-Davis Christina
Published: July 2014

To test the existence of the “magic moment” for parental marriage immediately post-birth and to inform policies that preferentially encourage biological over stepparent marriage, this study estimates the incidence and stability of maternal marriage for children born out of wedlock. Data came from the National Survey of Family Growth on 5,255 children born nonmaritally. By age 15, 29 % of children born nonmaritally experienced a biological-father marriage, and 36 % experienced a stepfather marriage. Stepfather marriages occurred much later in a child’s life—one-half occurred after the child turned age 7—and had one-third higher odds of dissolution. Children born to black mothers had qualitatively different maternal marriage experiences than children born to white or Hispanic mothers, with less biological-parent marriage and higher incidences of divorce. Findings support the existence of the magic moment and demonstrate that biological marriages were more enduring than stepfather marriages. Yet relatively few children born out of wedlock experienced stable, biological-parent marriages as envisioned by marriage promotion programs.
Gilles-Maurice de Schryver (ed.) 'A way with words: recent advances in lexical theory and analysis—a Festschrift for Patrick Hanks'
Authors: Ishikawa Shin’ichiro
Published: July 2014

Gilles-Maurice de Schryver (ed.) 'A way with words: recent advances in lexical theory and analysis—a Festschrift for Patrick Hanks' Menha Publishers, Uganda, 2010, 384 pages. ISBN 978-9970-101-01-6
Downregulation of PPP2R5E expression by miR‐23a suppresses apoptosis to facilitate the growth of gastric cancer cells
Authors: Liu Xue , Liu Qian , Fan Yajie , Wang Shaohua , Liu Xinrui , Zhu Lihua , Liu Min , Tang Hua
Published: July 2014

PPP2R5E belongs to the phosphatase 2A regulatory subunit B family and acts as a tumor suppressor in human cancer. However, the role of PPP2R5E in the tumorigenesis of gastric cancer is unclear. Here, we declare that PPP2R5E is downregulated by miR‐23a and induces cell growth inhibition and apoptosis in gastric cancer cells. Furthermore, ASO‐miR‐23a suppresses tumor growth derived from MGC803 cells in vivo. PPP2R5E is identified as a new target of miR‐23a. Moreover, overexpression of PPP2R5E reversed the negative effects of miR‐23a. We highlight the significance of miR‐23a and PPP2R5E in the proliferation and apoptosis of gastric cancer cells.
T cells and intestinal commensal bacteria‐ignorance, rejection, and acceptance
Authors: Chai Jiani N. , Zhou You W. , Hsieh Chyi-Song
Published: July 2014

Trillions of commensal bacteria cohabit our bodies to mutual benefit. In the past several years, it has become clear that the adaptive immune system is not ignorant of intestinal commensal bacteria, but is constantly interacting with them. For T cells, the response to commensal bacteria does not appear uniform, as certain commensal bacterial species appear to trigger effector T cells to reject and control them, whereas other species elicit Foxp3+ regulatory T (Treg) cells to accept and be tolerant of them. Here, we review our current knowledge of T cell differentiation in response to commensal bacteria, and how this process leads to immune homeostasis in the intestine.
The tumor promoting activity of the EP4 receptor for prostaglandin E2 in murine skin
Authors: Simper Melissa S. , Rundhaug Joyce E. , Mikulec Carol , Bowen Rebecca , Shen Jianjun , Lu Yue , Lin Kevin , Surh Inok , Fischer Susan M.
Published: July 2014

To determine whether the EP4 receptor for prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) contributes to the tumor promoting activity of PGs in murine skin, EP4 over‐expressing mice (BK5.EP4) were generated and subjected carcinogenesis protocols. An initiation/promotion protocol resulted in 25‐fold more squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) in the BK5.EP4 mice than wild type (WT) mice. An increase in SCCs also occurred following treatment with initiator alone or UV irradiation. The initiator dimethylbenz[a]anthracene caused cytotoxicity in BK5.EP4, but not WT mice, characterized by sloughing of the interfollicular epidermis, regeneration and subsequent SCC development. A comparison of transcriptomes between BK5.EP4 and WT mice treated with PGE2 showed a significant upregulation of a number of genes known to be associated with tumor development, supporting a pro‐tumorigenic role for the EP4 receptor.
Entropy and variational principle for one-dimensional lattice systems with a generala prioriprobability: positive and zero temperature
Authors: LOPES A. O. , MENGUE J. K. , MOHR J. , SOUZA R. R.
Published: July 2014

We generalize several results of the classical theory of thermodynamic formalism by considering a compact metric space$M$as the state space. We analyze the shift acting on$M^{\mathbb{N}}$and consider a generala prioriprobability for defining the transfer (Ruelle) operator. We study potentials$A$which can depend on the infinite set of coordinates in$M^{\mathbb{N}}$. We define entropy and by its very nature it is always a non-positive number. The concepts of entropy and transfer operator are linked. If$M$is not a finite set there exist Gibbs states with arbitrary negative value of entropy. Invariant probabilities with support in a fixed point will have entropy equal to minus infinity. In the case$M=S^{1}$, and thea priorimeasure is Lebesgue$dx$, the infinite product of$dx$on$(S^{1})^{\mathbb{N}}$will have zero entropy. We analyze the Pressure problem for a Hölder potential$A$and its relation with eigenfunctions and eigenprobabilities of the Ruelle operator. Among other things we analyze the case where temperature goes to zero and we show some selection results. Our general setting can be adapted in order to analyze the thermodynamic formalism for the Bernoulli space with countable infinite symbols. Moreover, the so-called$XY$model also fits under our setting. In this last case$M$is the unitary circle$S^{1}$. We explore the differentiable structure of$(S^{1})^{\mathbb{N}}$by considering a certain class of smooth potentials and we show some properties of the corresponding main eigenfunctions.
Global stability analysis of flow through a fusiform aneurysm: steady flows
Authors: Gopalakrishnan Shyam Sunder , Pier Benoît , Biesheuvel Arie
Published: July 2014

The global linear stability of steady axisymmetric flow through a model fusiform aneurysm is studied numerically. The aneurysm is modelled as a Gaussian-shaped inflation on a vessel of circular cross-section. The fluid is assumed to be Newtonian, and the flow far upstream and downstream of the inflation is a Hagen–Poiseuille flow. The model aneurysm is characterized by a maximum height $\def \xmlpi #1{}\def \mathsfbi #1{\boldsymbol {\mathsf {#1}}}\let \le =\leqslant \let \leq =\leqslant \let \ge =\geqslant \let \geq =\geqslant \def \Pr {\mathit {Pr}}\def \Fr {\mathit {Fr}}\def \Rey {\mathit {Re}}H$ and width $W$, non-dimensionalized by the upstream vessel diameter, and the steady flow is characterized by the Reynolds number of the upstream flow. The base flow through the model aneurysms is determined for non-dimensional heights and widths in the physiologically relevant ranges $0.1 \leq H \leq 1.0$ and $0.25 \leq W \leq 2.0$, and for Reynolds numbers up to 7000, corresponding to peak values recorded during pulsatile flows under physiological conditions. It is found that the base flow consists of a core of relatively fast-moving fluid, surrounded by a slowly recirculating fluid that fills the inflation; for larger values of the ratio $H/W$, a secondary recirculation region is observed. The wall shear stress (WSS) in the inflation is vanishingly small compared to the WSS in the straight vessels. The global linear stability of the base flows is analysed by determining the eigenfrequencies of a modal representation of small-amplitude perturbations and by looking at the energy transfer between the base flow and the perturbations. Relatively shallow aneurysms (of relatively large width) become unstable by the lift-up mechanism and have a perturbation flow which is characterized by stationary, growing modes. More localized aneurysms (with relatively small width) become unstable at larger Reynolds numbers, presumably by an elliptic instability mechanism; in this case the perturbation flow is characterized by oscillatory modes.
Dominance of the semi-wild honeybee as coffee pollinator across a gradient of shade-tree structure in Ethiopia
Authors: Samnegård Ulrika , Hambäck Peter A. , Nemomissa Sileshi , Hylander Kristoffer
Published: July 2014

Mass-flowering plant species are often pollinated by social bees that are able to use the abundant resource by recruiting workers from their colonies. In this study we surveyed pollinators on the mass-flowering perennial crop coffee (Coffea arabica) in its native range in Ethiopia. Previous studies in areas where coffee is introduced often find the social honeybee, Apis mellifera, to be the dominant pollinator. In those areas, the bee-species composition visiting coffee varies with a higher bee diversity closer to forest or in less modified habitats. We surveyed pollinators of coffee under different shade-tree structures, by collecting hoverflies and bees landing on coffee flowers in 19 sites in south-west Ethiopia. We found the native honeybee (A. mellifera) to be the dominant visitor of coffee flowers in all sites. Honeybee abundance was not affected by the local shade-tree structure, but was positively affected by the amount of coffee flower resources. Other pollinators were positively affected by complex shade-tree structures. To conclude, the honeybee is clearly the dominant pollinator of coffee in Ethiopia along the whole shade-tree structure gradient. Its high abundance could be a consequence of the provision of traditional bee hives in the landscape, which are colonized by wild swarming honeybees.
Hypnotische Kommunikation und Hypnose in der ärztlichen Praxis
Authors: Wehrli Hans
Published: July 2014

Nebst der Durchführung üblicher medizinischer Massnahmen ist auch die Beachtung der inneren Welt der Patienten von entscheidender Bedeutung, um sensibel zwischen schädlichen und hilfreichen suggestiven Elementen unterscheiden zu können. Entsprechende Fähigkeiten im Sinne einer hypnotischen Kommunikation sind gut lernbar. Wichtig sind dabei vor allem eine zuverlässige, empathische Begleitung und eine ruhige, sinnnahe, bildhafte Sprache, die den Fokus vermehrt auf gute Gefühle und positive Veränderungen richtet, was die Heilungschancen nachweislich verbessert. Die eigentliche medizinische Hypnose geht noch einen Schritt weiter. Hier werden Suggestionen, Trance, Trancephänomene explizit genutzt. Wichtige Indikationen sind: Psychosomatische Störungen, Ängste, Zwänge, Depressionen, Schmerzen, Begleitung bei Eingriffen.
Therapieresistente Polyarthritis
Authors: Gelsomino Marco , Tamborrini Giorgio
Published: July 2014

Die Differenzialdiagnose einer unklaren Polyarthritis im Alter umfasst u. a. Autoimmunerkrankungen, Kristallablagerungserkrankungen oder infektassoziierte Polyarthritiden. Bei klinischem Verdacht auf eine Gicht sollte durch Harnsäurekristallnachweis in der Synovialflüssigkeit oder im Tophus idealerweise bestätigt werden. Wenn eine Arthrozentese nicht realisierbar ist, können nicht-invasive hochspezifische Untersuchungen, wie der hochauflösenden muskuloskelettale Ultraschall oder eine DECT-Untersuchung hilfreich sein.
Förderung früher mathematischer Kompetenzen
Authors: Hauser Bernhard , Vogt Franziska , Stebler Rita , Rechsteiner Karin
Published: July 2014

In dieser vergleichenden Interventionsstudie zu den frühen mathematischen Kompetenzen wurde eine spielintegrierte mit einer trainingsbasierten Frühförderung und einer Kontrollgruppe verglichen. Es nahmen 329 sechsjährige Kinder aus 35 zufällig den drei Gruppen zugeteilten Kindergartenklassen teil. Für die spielintegrierte Förderung wurden eigens entwickelte Spiele eingesetzt, für die trainingsbasierte Förderung das Programm „Mengen, zählen, Zahlen“ ( Krajewski, Nieding & Schneider, 2007 ). Die zwei Förderbedingungen unterschieden sich im Hinblick auf die Lehrmethode (spielbasiert versus direkte Instruktion) und die durchschnittliche Gruppengröße in der Fördersituation (kleinere Gruppen in der spielintegrierten Förderung). Die Variablen kognitive Fähigkeiten, Bildungsnähe, sozio-ökonomischer Status und elterliche Erwartungen wurden kontrolliert. Vor sowie nach der Intervention wurden die mathematischen Kompetenzen gemessen. Für die spielintegrierte Förderung zeigte sich im Vergleich zur Kontrollgruppe ein signifikant größerer Lernzuwachs, ein Förderunterschied zwischen den beiden Interventionsbedingungen war nicht nachweisbar.
Inhibition of apoptotic Bax translocation to the mitochondria is a central function of parkin
Authors: Charan R A , Johnson B N , Zaganelli S , Nardozzi J D , LaVoie M J
Published: July 2014

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder, affecting 1–3% of the population over 65. Mutations in the ubiquitin E3 ligase parkin are the most common cause of autosomal recessive PD. The parkin protein possesses potent cell-protective properties and has been mechanistically linked to both the regulation of apoptosis and the turnover of damaged mitochondria. Here, we explored these two functions of parkin and the relative scale of these processes in various cell types. While biochemical analyses and subcellular fractionation were sufficient to observe robust parkin-dependent mitophagy in immortalized cells, higher resolution techniques appear to be required for primary culture systems. These approaches, however, did affirm a critical role for parkin in the regulation of apoptosis in primary cultured neurons and all other cells studied. Our prior work demonstrated that parkin-dependent ubiquitination of endogenous Bax inhibits its mitochondrial translocation and can account for the anti-apoptotic effects of parkin. Having found a central role for parkin in the regulation of apoptosis, we further investigated the parkin-Bax interaction. We observed that the BH3 domain of Bax is critical for its recognition by parkin, and identified two lysines that are crucial for parkin-dependent regulation of Bax translocation. Last, a disease-linked mutation in parkin failed to influence Bax translocation to mitochondria after apoptotic stress. Taken together, our data suggest that regulation of apoptosis by the inhibition of Bax translocation is a prevalent physiological function of parkin regardless of the kind of cell stress, preventing overt cell death and supporting cell viability during mitochondrial injury and repair.
DNA-based nanocomposite as electrochemical chiral sensing platform for the enantioselective interaction with quinine and quinidine
Authors: Zhang Qing , Huang Yihan , Guo Liju , Chen Cui , Guo Dongmei , Chen Ya , Fu Yingzi
Published: July 2014

A DNA-based nanocomposite was prepared to develop a simple strategy for electrochemical chiral analysis.
Blue absorption and red emission of Bi2+ in solids: strongly spin–orbit coupled 6p levels in low symmetry fields
Authors: Seijo Luis , Barandiarán Zoila
Published: July 2014

Ab initio calculations on a (BiO8)14− cluster under the effects of a high symmetry Oh confinement potential are used to study the energies of the 2P1/2, 2P3/2(1), and 2P3/2(2) spin–orbit coupling levels of the 6s26p configuration of Bi2+ in Oh, D4h, D2h, D4, D2d, D2, S4, C4v, C4, C3v, C2v, C2, Cs, and C1 fields, together with the 2P1/2 → 2P3/2(1) and 2P1/2 → 2P3/2(2) absorption oscillator strengths and the 2P3/2(1) radiative lifetime.
Poly(vinylidene fluoride)–La0.5Sr0.5CoO3−δ composites: the influence of LSCO particle size on the structure and dielectric properties
Authors: Deepa K. S. , Shaiju P. , Sebastian M. T. , Gowd E. Bhoje , James J.
Published: July 2014

The inclusion of LSCO into PVDF readily favours the formation of polar crystals (β and γ-phases), which makes the composite suitable for embedded capacitor applications.
Synthesis and functionalization of SSZ-13 as an NH3-SCR catalyst
Authors: Shishkin Alexander , Kannisto Hannes , Carlsson Per-Anders , Härelind Hanna , Skoglundh Magnus
Published: July 2014

Hydrothermal synthesis of Na-SSZ-13 using a low concentration of the structure-directing agent N,N,N-trimethyl-1-adamantanimonium hydroxide and functionalization of the SSZ-13 framework through the introduction of Cu and Fe via ion exchange have been carried out.
High-precision measurement of Eu/Eu* in geological glasses via LA-ICP-MS analysis
Authors: Tang Ming , McDonough William F. , Arevalo Ricardo
Published: July 2014

Elemental fractionation during laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) analysis has been historically documented between refractory and volatile elements.
Microfluidic cryofixation for correlative microscopy
Authors: Mejia Yara X. , Feindt Holger , Zhang Dongfeng , Steltenkamp Siegfried , Burg Thomas P.
Published: July 2014

Microfluidic approach that enables cryofixation to be performed directly in the light microscope with millisecond time resolution and at atmospheric pressure.
Features of S-nitrosylation based on statistical analysis and molecular dynamics simulation: cysteine acidity, surrounding basicity, steric hindrance and local flexibility
Authors: Cheng Shangli , Shi Ting , Wang Xiao-Lei , Liang Juan , Wu Hongyi , Xie Lu , Li Yixue , Zhao Yi-Lei
Published: July 2014

S-Nitrosylated cysteine, surrounding by basic residues, is of lower pKa, less steric hindrance, and relatively higher flexibility.
Graphene controlled H- and J-stacking of perylene dyes into highly stable supramolecular nanostructures for enhanced photocurrent generation
Authors: Gan Shiyu , Zhong Lijie , Engelbrekt Christian , Zhang Jingdong , Han Dongxue , Ulstrup Jens , Chi Qijin , Niu Li
Published: July 2014

Graphene nanosheets acting as structural inducers enable controlling the H- and J-stacking self-assembly of perylene into two distinct types of functional nanostructures.
Atomic layer deposition of a MoS2film
Authors: Tan Lee Kheng , Liu Bo , Teng Jing Hua , Guo Shifeng , Low Hong Yee , Loh Kian Ping
Published: July 2014

A mono- to multilayer thick MoS2film has been grown by using the atomic layer deposition (ALD) technique on a sapphire wafer.
Oxidative stability and reaction mechanism of lithium bis(oxalate)borate as a cathode film-forming additive for lithium ion batteries
Authors: Wang Yating , Xing Lidan , Tang Xianwen , Li Xiangfeng , Li Weishan , Li Bin , Huang Wenna , Zhou Hebing , Li Xiaoping
Published: July 2014

The most possible oxidative decomposition reaction path of EC–BOB−cluster.
“On water” hydroformylation of 1-hexene using Rh/PAA (PAA = polyacrylic acid) as catalyst
Authors: Alsalahi W. , Trzeciak A. M.
Published: July 2014

Efficient hydroformylation of 1-hexene was performed in water using rhodium catalyst and hydrophobic phosphine.
Linear bilateral extended 2,2′:6′,2′′-terpyridine ligands, their coordination complexes and heterometallic supramolecular networks
Authors: Veliks Janis , Tseng Jui-Chang , Arias Karla I. , Weisshar Florian , Linden Anthony , Siegel Jay S.
Published: July 2014

Combination of five- and six-membered rings allows creation of 2,2′:6′,2′′-terpyridine derivatives mimicking the topology of 5,5′-functionalized 2,2′-bipyridine. This molecular design led to the assembly of heterometallic supramolecular networks.
Ru-based Z-selective metathesis catalysts with modified cyclometalated carbene ligands
Authors: Bronner Sarah M. , Herbert Myles B. , Patel Paresma R. , Marx Vanessa M. , Grubbs Robert H.
Published: July 2014

A series of cyclometalated Z-selective ruthenium olefin metathesis catalysts with alterations to the N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligand were prepared.
Ultrafast and reversible thermochromism of a conjugated polymer material based on the assembly of peptide amphiphiles
Authors: Guo Hui , Zhang Jinming , Porter David , Peng Huisheng , Löwik Dennis W. P. M. , Wang Yu , Zhang Zhidong , Chen Xin , Shao Zhengzhong
Published: July 2014

A continuous polydiacetylene fibre based on a peptide amphiphile is developed to exhibit ultrafast, reversible thermochromism, and a general and effective model is discovered to quantitatively predict the critical temperature of the chromatic transition.
Analytical design of dual‐band impedance transformer with additional transmission zero
Authors: Chuang Ming‐Lin
Published: July 2014

This study presents a three‐stage dual‐band impedance transformer, capable of providing good match between two circuit modules and generating an additional and selectable transmission zero. The input impedances of the output circuit module are unequally complex at two uncorrelated frequencies. Among the three stages of the proposed transformer, the first stage transforms the complex impedance of the load to become equal resistance at the two frequencies. The second stage cancels out the susceptance produced by the first stage at the two frequencies concurrently and generates the desired transmission zero. The final stage transforms the equal and real impedance to the input circuit module. This study provides analytical formulation of each stage to obtain the required circuit parameters instead of numerical solution or optimisation. The proposed impedance transformer has up to four configurations, subsequently decreasing the possibility of using an extremely narrow or wide transmission line. Simulations and measurement demonstrate the reliability of the proposed structure and design formula. The simulation results agree measured results well, and comply with the specifications.
Equivalent matrix structure modelling and control of a three‐phase flying capacitor multilevel inverter
Authors: Bouhali Omar , Francois Bruno , Rizoug Nassim
Published: July 2014

In this study, an equivalent matrix structure of three‐phase flying capacitor multilevel inverters (FCMIs) is developed. This structure is obtained by using a switching function for each voltage level. For one switching function, there is more than one combination of gate signal to produce each output voltages. Hence (3n) switching functions are defined for all switch combinations of the output voltage and their corresponding switch states. Therefore the modulation strategy of a three‐phase FCMI is obtained in two steps. Firstly, the direct space‐vector modulation of the matrix converter is used to compute the switching functions. The gates signals of the three‐phase FCMI can be calculated by inversing the modelling part. In this work, the direct space‐vector multilevel modulation based on the use of 2n different three level functions called modulation functions is presented. Using this approach, the modulation strategy of a three‐phase FCMI is designed without using a Park transform. To validate the effectiveness of the equivalent matrix structure modelling and control, simulation results are given for nine‐level FCMI. Moreover, experimental results are given for a three‐level neutral point clamped (NPC) converter prototype laboratory.
Medium‐voltage level dynamic voltage restorer compensation strategy by positive and negative sequence extractions in multiple reference frames
Authors: Chen Guodong , Zhu Miao , Cai Xu
Published: July 2014

This paper presents a new compensation strategy based on the instantaneous reactive power theory which can be used in the dynamic voltage restorer (DVR). This strategy uses a multiple DQ transformation with separation modules to extract the positive and the negative sequence components from the fundamental and the harmonic waves so as to analyse and adjust each component separately. As a result of this new strategy, the dynamic response and the tracking accuracy are improved and the fluctuations of the DQ components are decayed. To verify its effectiveness, a cascade DVR simulation model has been built in MATLAB/SINMULINK and a series of simulations have been performed. The results show that the DVR is competent to make a better compensation with this new strategy in the case of the complex conditions such as sags, harmonics and unbalances. The compensation strategy is tested by a 10 kV/500 kVA voltage drop generator test rig and the experimental results validate that the strategy can improve the dynamic response and obtain a high accuracy in both the dynamic and the steady states. Therefore the strategy has potential engineering application values.
Translation of tobacco control programs in schools: findings from a rapid review of systematic reviews of implementation and dissemination interventions
Authors: Wolfenden L. , Carruthers J. , Wyse R. , Yoong S.
Published: July 2014

Issue addressed

School‐based programs targeting the prevention of tobacco use are a key strategy for reducing the overall tobacco‐related mortality and morbidity in the community. While substantial research investment has resulted in the identification of various effective tobacco prevention interventions in schools, this research investment will not result in public health benefits, unless effectively disseminated and implemented. This rapid review aimed to identify effective implementation or dissemination interventions, targeting the adoption of school‐based tobacco prevention programs.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted to identify published systematic reviews that examined the effectiveness of implementation and dissemination strategies for facilitating the adoption of tobacco policies or programs in schools from 1992 to 2012.

Results

The search yielded 1028 results, with one relevant systematic review being identified. The review included two controlled studies examining the implementation and dissemination of tobacco prevention programs and guidelines. The two randomised trials examined the delivery of active face‐to‐face training to implement a school‐based curriculum compared with video‐delivered or mail‐based training. Improvements in the implementation of the programs were reported for the faceto‐face training arm in both trials.

Conclusions

Little rigorous evidence exists to guide the implementation and dissemination of tobacco prevention programs in schools.

So what?

Few systematic reviews exist to inform the implementation of evidence‐based tobacco prevention programs in schools. In the absence of a strong evidence base, health care policymakers and practitioners may need to draw on setting‐based frameworks or parallel evidence from other settings to design strategies to facilitate the adoption of tobacco prevention initiatives.
Natural numerosities of sets of tuples
Authors: Forti Marco , Morana Roccasalvo Giuseppe
Published: July 2014

We consider a notion of “numerosity” for sets of tuples of natural numbers that satisfies the five common notions of Euclid’s Elements, so it can agree with cardinality only for finite sets. By suitably axiomatizing such a notion, we show that, contrasting to cardinal arithmetic, the natural “Cantorian” definitions of order relation and arithmetical operations provide a very good algebraic structure. In fact, numerosities can be taken as the non-negative part of a discretely ordered ring, namely the quotient of a formal power series ring modulo a suitable (“gauge”) ideal. In particular, special numerosities, called “natural”, can be identified with the semiring of hypernatural numbers of appropriate ultrapowers of

N

\mathbb {N}

.
Ionome Changes in Xylella fastidiosa–Infected Nicotiana tabacum Correlate With Virulence and Discriminate Between Subspecies of Bacterial Isolates
Authors: Oliver J. E. , Sefick S. A. , Parker J. K. , Arnold T. , Cobine P. A. , De La Fuente L.
Published: July 2014

Characterization of ionomes has been used to uncover the basis of nutrient utilization and environmental adaptation of plants. Here, ionomic profiles were used to understand the phenotypic response of a plant to infection by genetically diverse isolates of Xylella fastidiosa, a gram-negative, xylem-limited bacterial plant pathogen. In this study, X. fastidiosa isolates were used to infect a common model host (Nicotiana tabacum ‘SR1’), and leaf and sap concentrations of eleven elements together with plant colonization and symptoms were assessed. Multivariate statistical analysis revealed that changes in the ionome were significantly correlated with symptom severity and bacterial populations in host petioles. Moreover, plant ionome modification by infection could be used to differentiate the X. fastidiosa subspecies with which the plant was infected. This report establishes host ionome modification as a phenotypic response to infection.
Screening Eucalyptus cloeziana and E. argophloia Populations for Resistance to Puccinia psidii
Authors: Lee D. J. , Brawner J. T. , Pegg G. S.
Published: July 2014

Disease screening to determine the threat Puccinia psidii poses to plantation and native eucalypts in Australia was undertaken in half-sib families of two contrasting eucalypt species, Eucalyptus cloeziana and E. argophloia. Artificial inoculation with a single-lesion isolate of P. psidii was used to screen these species for resistance to the biotype of P. psidii established in Australia. The objective was to characterize resistance to P. psidii within these two distinct species: E. argophloia, a vulnerable species with a narrow distribution, and E. cloeziana, a species with a broad and extensive distribution in Queensland. Results for E. cloeziana indicate that inland provenances are more resistant to P. psidii infection than provenances from coastal regions. Heritability estimates for the two assessment systems used (resistance on a 1-to-5 ordinal scale verses resistance on a 0-to-1 binomial scale) were low to high (0.24 to 0.63) for E. argophloia and moderate to high (0.4 to 0.91) for E. cloeziana, indicating a significant level of additive genetic variance for rust resistance within the populations. This study demonstrates the potential to select resistant families within the tested populations and indicates that P. psidii could detrimentally affect these species in native forests, nurseries, and plantations.
Plasma Volume Expansion with 5% Albumin Compared to Ringer’s Acetate during Normal and Increased Microvascular Permeability in the Rat
Authors: Bansch Peter , Statkevicius Svajunas , Bentzer Peter
Published: July 2014

Background:

It is believed that the effectiveness of colloids as plasma volume expanders is dependent on the endothelial permeability for macromolecules. The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that the plasma volume expanding effect of 5% albumin relative to that of a crystalloid solution is reduced if microvascular permeability is increased.

Methods:

A control group was resuscitated with either 5% albumin (8 ml/kg) or Ringer’s acetate (36 ml/kg) immediately after a hemorrhage of 8 ml/kg (n = 29). In a second group, permeability was increased by inducing sepsis through cecal ligation and incision (n = 28). Three hours after cecal ligation and incision, the animals were resuscitated with either 5% albumin in a ratio of 1:1 relative to the volume of lost plasma, or Ringer’s acetate in a ratio of 4.5:1.

Results:

In the hemorrhage group, plasma volumes at 15 min after resuscitation with albumin or Ringer’s acetate had increased by 9.8 ± 2.6 ml/kg (mean ± SD) and 7.4 ± 2.9 ml/kg and were similar at 2 and 4 h. Plasma volume 3 h after cecal ligation and incision had decreased by approximately 7 ml/kg, and at 15 min after resuscitation with albumin or Ringer’s acetate it had increased by 5.7 ± 2.9 and 2.4 ± 3.0 ml/kg, respectively (P < 0.05). At 2 and 4 h after resuscitation, plasma volumes did not differ between the groups.

Conclusion:

This study does not support the hypothesis that the plasma-volume-expanding effect of albumin relative to that of crystalloids is decreased under conditions characterized by increased permeability.
Comparison of Bioactivities of Talactoferrin and Lactoferrins From Human and Bovine Milk
Authors: Jiang Rulan , Du Xiaogu , Lönnerdal Bo
Published: July 2014

Objectives:

Lactoferrin (Lf) is an iron‐binding glycoprotein present in high concentration in human milk. It is a pleiotropic protein and is involved in diverse bioactivities, such as stimulation of cell proliferation and differentiation, immune competence, antimicrobial activities, anti‐infection, and anticancer activities. Lf has been shown to be partly resistant to proteolysis in the gastrointestinal tract and may thus play important roles in the intestine and liver during infancy. Talactoferrin alfa (TLf) is a recombinant human Lf shown to protect against sepsis and necrotizing enterocolitis as well as cancer. Because bovine Lf (bLf) and human Lf have different amino acid composition and all 3 Lfs differ in glycosylation, they may have different functions/potency. The objective of the present study was to investigate and compare bioactivities of TLf and Lfs from human and bovine milk and thus to provide a better understanding of the bioactivities of different forms of Lf and their potential applications.

Methods:

In the present study, Caco‐2 and C3A cells were used as intestine and liver models to evaluate internalization of Lfs by intestine and liver cells, effects of Lfs on cell proliferation and differentiation, growth of enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC), chemokine (C‐C motif) ligand 20 (CCL20) secretion, and transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1 expression. In addition, HT‐29 cells were used as a colon cancer cell model to examine the effects of Lfs on apoptosis.

Results:

All Lfs significantly enhanced cell proliferation and differentiation, apoptosis, CCL20 secretion, and TGF‐β1 expression. They also markedly suppressed growth of EPEC. Compared with bLf, TLf showed stronger effects on suppression of EPEC growth and enhancement of TGF‐β1 secretion, whereas bLf exhibited more potent effects on cell differentiation, apoptosis, and CCL20 secretion.

Conclusions:

Our results demonstrate that TLf has several bioactivities similar to human Lf and bLf from milk and may play critical roles in immune and intestinal development in infants as well as having anti‐cancer activities in adults. TLf and bLf may be used for different applications owing to their various potencies. TLf may preferentially be used for anti‐bacterial applications, whereas bLf may be used for cancer therapy because it exhibits stronger effects on CCL20 secretion, cell differentiation, and apoptosis.
Long-term and trans-generational effects of neonatal experience on sheep behaviour
Authors: Clark Corinna , Murrell Joanna , Fernyhough Mia , O'Rourke Treasa , Mendl Michael
Published: July 2014

Early life experiences can have profound long-term, and sometimes trans-generational, effects on individual phenotypes. However, there is a relative paucity of knowledge about effects on pain sensitivity, even though these may impact on an individual's health and welfare, particularly in farm animals exposed to painful husbandry procedures. Here, we tested in sheep whether neonatal painful and non-painful challenges can alter pain sensitivity in adult life, and also in the next generation. Ewes exposed to tail-docking or a simulated mild infection (lipopolysaccharide (LPS)) on days 3–4 of life showed higher levels of pain-related behaviour when giving birth as adults compared with control animals. LPS-treated ewes also gave birth to lambs who showed decreased pain sensitivity in standardized tests during days 2–3 of life. Our results demonstrate long-term and trans-generational effects of neonatal experience on pain responses in a commercially important species and suggest that variations in early life management can have important implications for animal health and welfare.
Neonatal representation of odour objects: distinct memories of the whole and its parts
Authors: Coureaud Gérard , Thomas-Danguin Thierry , Wilson Donald A. , Ferreira Guillaume
Published: July 2014

Extraction of relevant information from highly complex environments is a prerequisite to survival. Within odour mixtures, such information is contained in the odours of specific elements or in the mixture configuration perceived as a whole unique odour. For instance, an AB mixture of the element A (ethyl isobutyrate) and the element B (ethyl maltol) generates a configural AB percept in humans and apparently in another species, the rabbit. Here, we examined whether the memory of such a configuration is distinct from the memory of the individual odorants. Taking advantage of the newborn rabbit's ability to learn odour mixtures, we combined behavioural and pharmacological tools to specifically eliminate elemental memory of A and B after conditioning to the AB mixture and evaluate consequences on configural memory of AB. The amnesic treatment suppressed responsiveness to A and B but not to AB. Two other experiments confirmed the specific perception and particular memory of the AB mixture. These data demonstrate the existence of configurations in certain odour mixtures and their representation as unique objects: after learning, animals form a configural memory of these mixtures, which coexists with, but is relatively dissociated from, memory of their elements. This capability emerges very early in life.
Urbanization, land tenure security and vector-borne Chagas disease
Authors: Levy Michael Z. , Barbu Corentin M. , Castillo-Neyra Ricardo , Quispe-Machaca Victor R. , Ancca-Juarez Jenny , Escalante-Mejia Patricia , Borrini-Mayori Katty , Niemierko Malwina , Mabud Tarub S. , Behrman Jere R. , Naquira-Velarde Cesar ,   the Chagas Disease Working Group in Arequipa, Peru
Published: July 2014

Modern cities represent one of the fastest growing ecosystems on the planet. Urbanization occurs in stages; each stage characterized by a distinct habitat that may be more or less susceptible to the establishment of disease vector populations and the transmission of vector-borne pathogens. We performed longitudinal entomological and epidemiological surveys in households along a 1900 × 125 m transect of Arequipa, Peru, a major city of nearly one million inhabitants, in which the transmission ofTrypanosoma cruzi, the aetiological agent of Chagas disease, by the insect vectorTriatoma infestans, is an ongoing problem. The transect spans a cline of urban development from established communities to land invasions. We find that the vector is tracking the development of the city, and the parasite, in turn, is tracking the dispersal of the vector. New urbanizations are free of vector infestation for decades.T. cruzitransmission is very recent and concentrated in more established communities. The increase in land tenure security during the course of urbanization, if not accompanied by reasonable and enforceable zoning codes, initiates an influx of construction materials, people and animals that creates fertile conditions for epidemics of some vector-borne diseases.
Trait decoupling promotes evolutionary diversification of the trophic and acoustic system of damselfishes
Authors: Frédérich Bruno , Olivier Damien , Litsios Glenn , Alfaro Michael E. , Parmentier Eric
Published: July 2014

Trait decoupling, wherein evolutionary release of constraints permits specialization of formerly integrated structures, represents a major conceptual framework for interpreting patterns of organismal diversity. However, few empirical tests of this hypothesis exist. A central prediction, that the tempo of morphological evolution and ecological diversification should increase following decoupling events, remains inadequately tested. In damselfishes (Pomacentridae), a ceratomandibular ligament links the hyoid bar and lower jaws, coupling two main morphofunctional units directly involved in both feeding and sound production. Here, we test the decoupling hypothesis by examining the evolutionary consequences of the loss of the ceratomandibular ligament in multiple damselfish lineages. As predicted, we find that rates of morphological evolution of trophic structures increased following the loss of the ligament. However, this increase in evolutionary rate is not associated with an increase in trophic breadth, but rather with morphofunctional specialization for the capture of zooplanktonic prey. Lineages lacking the ceratomandibular ligament also shows different acoustic signals (i.e. higher variation of pulse periods) from others, resulting in an increase of the acoustic diversity across the family. Our results support the idea that trait decoupling can increase morphological and behavioural diversity through increased specialization rather than the generation of novel ecotypes.