bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reducing charge trapping in PbS colloidal quantum dot solids
Authors: Balazs D. M. , Nugraha M. I. , Bisri S. Z. , Sytnyk M. , Heiss W. , Loi M. A.
Published: March 2014

Understanding and improving charge transport in colloidal quantum dot solids is crucial for the development of efficient solar cells based on these materials. In this paper, we report high performance field-effect transistors based on lead-sulfide colloidal quantum dots (PbS CQDs) crosslinked with 3-mercaptopropionic acid (MPA). Electron mobility up to 0.03 cm2/Vs and on/off ratio above 105 was measured; the later value is the highest in the literature for CQD Field effect transistors with silicon-oxide gating. This was achieved by using high quality material and preventing trap generation during fabrication and measurement. We show that air exposure has a reversible p-type doping effect on the devices, and that intrinsically MPA is an n-type dopant for PbS CQDs.
Lateral photovoltaic effect observed in nano Au film covered two-dimensional colloidal crystals
Authors: Liu Shuai , Wang Hui , Yao Yanjie , Chen Ling , Wang Zhenlin
Published: March 2014

Periodic nanostructure, especially for nano-spheres' structure, is one of the key issues in the current research, due to its anomalous transmission of light and obvious surface plasmon resonance. In this work, a type of anisotropic lateral photovoltaic effect is observed in the Au films covered two-dimensional colloidal crystals (CCs). This finding of lateral photovoltaic effect adds the functionality to the CCs system and will be useful in development of CCs-based devices.
A photo-driven dual-frequency addressable optical device of banana-shaped molecules
Authors: Krishna Prasad S. , Lakshmi Madhuri P. , Hiremath Uma S. , Yelamaggad C. V.
Published: March 2014

We propose a photonic switch employing a blend of host banana-shaped liquid crystalline molecules and guest photoisomerizable calamitic molecules. The material exhibits a change in the sign of the dielectric anisotropy switching from positive to negative, at a certain crossover frequency of the probing field. The consequent change in electric torque can be used to alter the orientation of the molecules between surface-determined and field-driven optical states resulting in a large change in the optical transmission characteristics. Here, we demonstrate the realization of this feature by an unpolarized UV beam, the first of its kind for banana-shaped molecules. The underlying principle of photoisomerization eliminates the need for a second driving frequency. The device also acts as a reversible conductance switch with an order of magnitude increase of conductivity brought about by light. Possible usage of this for optically driven display devices and image storage applications is suggested.
Understanding Li-K edge structure and interband transitions in LixCoO2 by electron energy-loss spectroscopy
Authors: Kikkawa Jun , Terada Shohei , Gunji Akira , Haruta Mitsutaka , Nagai Takuro , Kurashima Keiji , Kimoto Koji
Published: March 2014

The authors clarified fine structures of Li-K edge of LiCoO2 reflecting core–hole effects, using monochromated transmission electron microscopy—electron energy-loss spectroscopy (TEM–EELS) and first-principles calculations. Variation of interband transitions into empty Co 3d states hybridized with O 2p states with decrease in x of LixCoO2 was also presented. A reduced peak of interband transitions at 3.2 eV in low-loss EELS spectrum with decrease in x was related to reduction in the original empty Co eg states for LiCoO2 and appearance of empty bands just below the eg band.
Controllable 0 − π transition in iron pnictide superconductor junctions with a spacer of strong ferromagnet
Authors: Liu S. Y. , Tao Y. C. , Ji T. T. , Hu J. G. , Di Y. S.
Published: March 2014

We investigate the control of 0−π transition in Josephson junctions consisting of a highly spin-polarized ferromagnet coupled to two iron pnictide superconductors (SCs). It is shown that, a 0−π transition as a function of interband coupling strength is always exhibited, which can be experimentally used to discriminate the s±-wave pairing symmetry in the iron pnictide SCs from the s++-wave one in MgB2. By tuning the doping level in the s±-wave SCs, one can vary the interband coupling strength so as to obtain the controllable 0−π transition. This device may be realized with current technologies and has practical use in Cooper pair spintronics and quantum information.
Phase-operation for conduction electron by atomic-scale scattering via single point-defect
Authors: Nagaoka Katsumi , Yaginuma Shin , Nakayama Tomonobu
Published: March 2014

In order to propose a phase-operation technique for conduction electrons in solid, we have investigated, using scanning tunneling microscopy, an atomic-scale electron-scattering phenomenon on a 2D subband state formed in Si. Particularly, we have noticed a single surface point-defect around which a standing-wave pattern created, and a dispersion of scattering phase-shifts by the defect-potential against electron-energy has been measured. The behavior is well-explained with appropriate scattering parameters: the potential height and radius. This result experimentally proves that the atomic-scale potential scattering via the point defect enables phase-operation for conduction electrons.
Seed ecology of Lepidosperma scabrum (Cyperaceae), a dryland sedge from Western Australia with physiological seed dormancy
Authors: Turner S. R.
Published: March 2014

Lepidosperma scabrum is a common understorey species currently required for urban bushland restoration, although its propagation has been highly problematic. In this context, the overall aims of the present study were to (1) document key characteristics for seed-dormancy classification; (2) assess the effectiveness of different germination-promoting treatments; and (3) quantify changes in nutlet fill, dormancy and germination following soil storage under natural and nursery conditions. Initial investigations found that naturally shed nutlets (the natural germination unit) have high seed fill and viability (>90.0%) and a small (~468 µm) capitate embryo that readily grew (>95.0%) when extracted and cultured in vitro. Intact nutlets also imbibed moisture to a similar percentage (15.0 ± 1.4%) as nicked nutlets (18.0 ± 1.8%). Fresh nutlets germinated only in response to heat shock (100°C for 10 min), which was enhanced with additional treatment with 2.89 mM gibberellic acid (13.3%), 10% v/v smoke water (16. 6%) or a combination of both (23.3%). Nutlets placed into a burial trial maintained viability for 3 years and started to germinate (19.9 ± 9.5%) in response to smoke water by the third winter season. Heat shock was also found to significantly improve germination (81.1 ± 4.2%) for soil-aged nutlets. The present study is the first report of high germination from intact nutlets of any Lepidosperma spp. and provides practical techniques for the large-scale production of plants for horticulture and restoration.
Investigating the Bivalve Tree of Life – an exemplar-based approach combining molecular and novel morphological characters
Authors: Bieler Rüdiger , Mikkelsen Paula M. , Collins Timothy M. , Glover Emily A. , González Vanessa L. , Graf Daniel L. , Harper Elizabeth M. , Healy John , Kawauchi Gisele Y. , Sharma Prashant P. , Staubach Sid , Strong Ellen E. , Taylor John D. , Tëmkin Ilya , Zardus John D. , Clark Stephanie , Guzmán Alejandra , McIntyre Erin , Sharp Paul , Giribet Gonzalo
Published: March 2014

To re-evaluate the relationships of the major bivalve lineages, we amassed detailed morpho-anatomical, ultrastructural and molecular sequence data for a targeted selection of exemplar bivalves spanning the phylogenetic diversity of the class. We included molecular data for 103 bivalve species (up to five markers) and also analysed a subset of taxa with four additional nuclear protein-encoding genes. Novel as well as historically employed morphological characters were explored, and we systematically disassembled widely used descriptors such as gill and stomach ‘types’. Phylogenetic analyses, conducted using parsimony direct optimisation and probabilistic methods on static alignments (maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference) of the molecular data, both alone and in combination with morphological characters, offer a robust test of bivalve relationships. A calibrated phylogeny also provided insights into the tempo of bivalve evolution. Finally, an analysis of the informativeness of morphological characters showed that sperm ultrastructure characters are among the best morphological features to diagnose bivalve clades, followed by characters of the shell, including its microstructure. Our study found support for monophyly of most broadly recognised higher bivalve taxa, although support was not uniform for Protobranchia. However, monophyly of the bivalves with protobranchiate gills was the best-supported hypothesis with incremental morphological and/or molecular sequence data. Autobranchia, Pteriomorphia, Heteroconchia, Palaeoheterodonta, Archiheterodonta, Euheterodonta, Anomalodesmata and Imparidentia new clade ( = Euheterodonta excluding Anomalodesmata) were recovered across analyses, irrespective of data treatment or analytical framework. Another clade supported by our analyses but not formally recognised in the literature includes Palaeoheterodonta and Archiheterodonta, which emerged under multiple analytical conditions. The origin and diversification of each of these major clades is Cambrian or Ordovician, except for Archiheterodonta, which diverged from Palaeoheterodonta during the Cambrian, but diversified during the Mesozoic. Although the radiation of some lineages was shifted towards the Palaeozoic (Pteriomorphia, Anomalodesmata), or presented a gap between origin and diversification (Archiheterodonta, Unionida), Imparidentia showed steady diversification through the Palaeozoic and Mesozoic. Finally, a classification system with six major monophyletic lineages is proposed to comprise modern Bivalvia: Protobranchia, Pteriomorphia, Palaeoheterodonta, Archiheterodonta, Anomalodesmata and Imparidentia.
Systematics and biology of the aberrant intertidal parasitoid wasp Echthrodesis lamorali Masner (Hymenoptera : Platygastridae s.l.): a parasitoid of spider eggs
Authors: van Noort Simon , Masner Lubomir , Popovici Ovidiu , Valerio Alejandro A. , Taekul Charuwat , Johnson Norman F. , Murphy Nicholas P. , Austin Andrew D.
Published: March 2014

The platygastroid wasp Echthrodesis lamorali has been of considerable interest since its description in 1968, primarily because of its highly modified, densely pilose, wingless body, its distribution and unusual biology. The species is endemic to the Cape Peninsula, South Africa, where it is an endoparasitoid of eggs of the marine spiders Desis formidabilis (Desidae) and Amaurobioides africanus (Anyphaenidae) in the intertidal region. Although a highly aberrant monospecific genus, the phylogenetic relationships of Echthrodesis are confused, in part due to convergence in body form across numerous unrelated platygastroid genera. We used sequence data from the nuclear 28S rRNA and 18S rDNA genes, and the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase 1 (CO1) gene, to determine the phylogenetic affinities of E. lamorali. We present a revised taxonomic description for the genus and species, as well as new morphological information on the structure of its mouthparts and ovipositor system. Phylogenetic analyses of molecular data place E. lamorali within one of two independent clades of platygastroid wasps that use spider eggs as hosts. Echthrodesis is sister to a group of three genera: Neobaeus (New Zealand; host unconfirmed); Mirobaeoides (Australia; spider eggs); and Embidobia (near cosmopolitan; embiid eggs). Details on the biology, behaviour and morphological adaptations of E. lamorali are provided.
Utility of owl pellets for monitoring threatened mammal communities: an Australian case study
Authors: McDonald Kye , Burnett Scott , Robinson Wayne
Published: March 2014

Context
Predictive modelling of the impacts of climate change has highlighted a need for on-ground monitoring of mammal communities within the Wet Tropics bioregion of Queensland to inform wildlife conservation management. Standard mammal-survey techniques are labour intensive and often incapable of detecting rare, trap-shy or otherwise elusive species, effectively rendering them invisible to researchers even when substantial resources are applied.

Aims
To assess the utility of feeding remains (regurgitated pellets) from lesser sooty owls, Tyto tenebricosa multipunctata, for monitoring populations of small to medium-sized mammals within the Wet Tropics.

Methods
Three female lesser sooty owls were radio-tracked to determine home-range areas. Radio-tracking and targeted systematic searches were used to locate diurnal roosts containing owl pellets from which prey species were identified. Owl-pellet data were directly compared with live-trap data within three putative owl home ranges. Additionally, analyses of a dataset spanning more than 15 years demonstrated the utility of owl-pellet data for monitoring mammal communities.

Key results
Owl-pellet surveys yielded 14 mammal species (840 individuals) from 152 man-hours, compared with six mammal species (361 individuals) from 194 man-hours of live trapping. Both survey methods identified Rattus fuscipes, Melomys spp. and Antechinus spp. as the most abundant species but live-trap data were found to under-represent relative abundance of Melomys spp. and over-represent relative abundance of R. fuscipes in comparison to owl-pellet data.

Conclusions
Analysis of lesser sooty owl pellets is a particularly useful method for compilation of species inventories of small to medium-sized mammals, being more effective than standard live-trapping surveys within the rainforests of the Wet Tropics.

Implications
Owl-pellet analysis is well suited for monitoring mammal communities, as long as periodic data are collected from the same roost(s) and the pellets have been deposited by the same individual bird(s). Additional research relating to variability in behavioural traits between individual lesser sooty owls that have potential to confound results via sampling bias must be undertaken before owl-pellet data can be used for comparison of mammal community structure among sites, or for monitoring a site over a period spanning a change in the individual owls that are depositing pellets at that site.
Exploiting polypharmacology for drug target deconvolution
Authors: Gujral Taranjit Singh , Peshkin Leonid , Kirschner Marc W.
Published: March 2014

Significance

Protein kinase inhibitors represent a major class of anticancer drugs, which are notoriously unspecific. Efforts to exploit the polypharmacology of inhibitors for target deconvolution have met with little success. Our significant contribution is to apply regularized regression to kinase expression and kinase profiling on a large set of inhibitors. By selecting a set of optimally designed kinase inhibitors that span a broad range of kinase specificities, we identified relevant kinases from our model in six cell lines; we then empirically validated a set of specific kinases that regulate cancer cell migration. Using this model, we predict a cell type-specific response to previously untested inhibitors. Broadly, these approaches should prove useful in identifying novel targets and in rational cancer therapy.
Grammatical metaphors and there-insertion in Danish
Authors: Bjerre Anne , Bjerre Tavs
Published: March 2014

Transitive verbs are in general not allowed in there-constructions in Danish, but a small subset is, and this paper gives an explanation. We suggest two constraints on there-insertion, a subject with the semantic role of themeand an empty object position, and show how the subset of verbs meets these constraints while other transitives do not. The analysis is formalized within the framework of Linearization-based HPSG.
Abstract objects of verbs
Authors: Robering Klaus
Published: March 2014

Verbs do often take arguments of quite different types. In an orthodox type-theoretic framework this results in an extreme polysemy of many verbs. In this article, it is shown that this unwanted consequence can be avoided when a theory of “abstract objects” is adopted according to which these objects represent non-objectual entities in contexts from which they are excluded by type restrictions. Thus these objects are “abstract” in a functional rather than in an ontological sense: they function as representatives of other entities but they are otherwise quite normal objects. Three examples of such a representation are considered: the denotations of that-phrases are objects representing propositions, generic noun phrases denote objects standing for sorts, and infinitivals are viewed as denoting objects representing attributes, i.e., the “ordinary” meanings of verb phrases.
Dedication and Labelling Practices in Seventeenth-Century Instrumental Music: the Case of Marco Uccellini
Authors: Harrán Don
Published: March 2014

Marco Uccellini (1610–80) published seven instrumental collections, four in the 1630s–40s and three in the 1660s. About one third of the works, 92 to be exact, carry titles or labels of various kinds. After preliminary information on the composer and his instrumental works (section 1), the author considers his dedication practices as an exercise in morphology and typology (section 2). He then turn to opus 4 (1645). Beyond having Uccellini's first examples of solo sonatas, six in all, the opus warrants attention for the inscriptions, in the six, to various women, e.g. a triumphant Victoria, a satisfied Luciminia and a shining Laura; Uccellini may have drawn some of them from literary and historical sources (section 3). Assuming that the information gleaned from the titles to Uccellini's works can serve as a measuring rod for those in others' works, the author summarizes the questions that apply methodologically to the study of dedications in the seventeenth-century instrumental literature at large (section 4).
Does Colonization with Methicillin-Susceptible Staphylococcus aureus Protect against Nosocomial Acquisition of Methicillin-Resistant S. aureus?
Authors: Landelle Caroline , Iten Anne , Uçkay Ilker , Sax Hugo , Camus Véronique , Cohen Gilles , Renzi Gesuele , Schrenzel Jacques , Pittet Didier , Perrier Arnaud , Harbarth Stephan
Published: March 2014

Objective.

To test the hypothesis that methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) carriage may protect against nosocomial methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) acquisition by competing for colonization of the anterior nares.

Design.

Prospective cohort and nested case-control study.

Setting.

Swiss university hospital.

Patients.

All adult patients admitted to 14 wards of the general medicine division between April 1 and October 31, 2007.

Methods.

Patients were screened for MRSA and MSSA carriage at admission to and discharge from the division. Associations between nosocomial MRSA acquisition and MSSA colonization at admission and other confounders were analyzed by univariable and multivariable analysis.

Results.

Of 898 patients included, 183 (20%) were treated with antibiotics. Nosocomial MRSA acquisition occurred in 70 (8%) of the patients (case patients); 828 (92%) of the patients (control subjects) were free of MRSA colonization at discharge. MSSA carriage at admission was 20% and 21% for case patients and control subjects, respectively. After adjustment by multivariate logistic regression, no association was observed between MSSA colonization at admission and nosocomial MRSA acquisition (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.2 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.6–2.3]). By contrast, 4 independent predictors of nosocomial MRSA acquisition were identified: older age (aOR per 1-year increment, 1.05 [95% CI, 1.02–1.08]); increased length of stay (aOR per 1-day increment, 1.05 [95% CI, 1.02–1.09]); increased nursing workload index (aOR per 1-point increment, 1.02 [95% CI, 1.01–1.04]); and previous treatment with macrolides (aOR, 5.6 [95% CI, 1.8–17.7]).

Conclusions.

Endogenous MSSA colonization does not appear to protect against nosocomial MRSA acquisition in a population of medical patients without frequent antibiotic exposure.
Impact of Adenosine Triphosphate Detection and Feedback on Hospital Room Cleaning
Authors: Smith Philip W. , Beam Elizabeth , Sayles Harlan , Rupp Mark E. , Cavalieri R. Jennifer , Gibbs Shawn , Hewlett Angela
Published: March 2014

Objective.

To assess the effect of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) device measurement of hospital room cleaning and feedback of pooled results to environmental service workers (EVS) to improve cleaning efficacy.

Design.

Nonrandomized controlled trial conducted over 20 months.

Setting.

Three hospitals of varying size.

Participants.

EVS workers, randomly selected on the basis of convenience sample of rooms.

Interventions.

Environmental cleanliness composite scores were combined with layered educational interventions and used to provide feedback to EVS workers on specific hospital units. Trends in cleaning efficacy were observed after the interventions.

Results.

Cleaning efficacy improved significantly with each intervention (P < .01) and decreased during the washout period.

Conclusions.

The ATP detection device combined with educational feedback for EVS workers resulted in significant improvement in cleaning efficacy of the hospital room environment.
Dab2 inhibits the cholesterol-dependent activation of JNK by TGF-β
Authors: Shapira Keren E. , Hirschhorn Tal , Barzilay Lior , Smorodinsky Nechama I. , Henis Yoav I. , Ehrlich Marcelo
Published: March 2014

Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) ligands activate Smad-mediated and noncanonical signaling pathways in a cell context–dependent manner. Localization of signaling receptors to distinct membrane domains is a potential source of signaling output diversity. The tumor suppressor/endocytic adaptor protein disabled-2 (Dab2) was proposed as a modulator of TGF-β signaling. However, the molecular mechanism(s) involved in the regulation of TGF-β signaling by Dab2 were not known. Here we investigate these issues by combining biophysical studies of the lateral mobility and endocytosis of the type I TGF-β receptor (TβRI) with TGF-β phosphoprotein signaling assays. Our findings demonstrate that Dab2 interacts with TβRI to restrict its lateral diffusion at the plasma membrane and enhance its clathrin-mediated endocytosis. Small interfering RNA–mediated knockdown of Dab2 or Dab2 overexpression shows that Dab2 negatively regulates TGF-β–induced c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) activation, whereas activation of the Smad pathway is unaffected. Moreover, activation of JNK by TGF-β in the absence of Dab2 is disrupted by cholesterol depletion. These data support a model in which Dab2 regulates the domain localization of TβRI in the membrane, balancing TGF-β signaling via the Smad and JNK pathways.
Causal dissipation and shock profiles in the relativistic fluid dynamics of pure radiation
Authors: Freistühler Heinrich , Temple Blake
Published: March 2014

Current theories of dissipation in the relativistic regime suffer from one of two deficits: either their dissipation is not causal or no profiles for strong shock waves exist. This paper proposes a relativistic Navier–Stokes–Fourier-type viscosity and heat conduction tensor such that the resulting second-order system of partial differential equations for the fluid dynamics of pure radiation is symmetric hyperbolic. This system has causal dissipation as well as the property that all shock waves of arbitrary strength have smooth profiles. Entropy production is positive both on gradients near those of solutions to the dissipation-free equations and on gradients of shock profiles. This shows that the new dissipation stress tensor complies to leading order with the principles of thermodynamics. Whether higher order modifications of the ansatz are required to obtain full compatibility with the second law far from the zero-dissipation equilibrium is left to further investigations. The system has exactly three
a priori
free parameters
χ
,
η
,
ζ
, corresponding physically to heat conductivity, shear viscosity and bulk viscosity. If the bulk viscosity is zero (as is stated in the literature) and the total stress–energy tensor is trace free, the entire viscosity and heat conduction tensor is determined to within a constant factor.
Necessity of 16S rRNA gene sequencing for identifying Haemophilus parainfluenzae-like strains associated with opportunistic urinary tract infections
Authors: Chow Siu-Kei , Clarridge Jill E.
Published: March 2014

The identification of Haemophilus spp. from urogenital sites can be challenging due to the lack of appropriate media for culturing the organisms and the poor resolution of biochemical methods. By incorporating chocolate agar and 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis in our protocol to identify Haemophilus spp. from urinary specimens, we isolated and characterized 30 genetically homogeneous strains of a cryptic species that is phylogenetically close to, but distinct from, Haemophilus parainfluenzae. Commercial biochemical kits and VITEK 2 could not distinguish between the two species. Over 90 % of the strains were isolated from urine and the urogenital area, made possible with the inclusion of chocolate agar in our urine culture protocol. In contrast, no Haemophilus strains isolated from respiratory specimens were identified as the cryptic genospecies. The cryptic genospecies was associated with urinary tract infections (UTIs) in certain patient populations. Distinct from Haemophilus quentinii that also causes urogenital infection, the cryptic genospecies required V factor (NAD) but not X factor (haemin) to grow. The data indicated that 16S rRNA gene sequencing may be necessary in identifying Haemophilus species and that inaccurate categorization of Haemophilus strains isolated from urogenital specimens based on phenotypic characteristics may prevent accurate diagnosis of UTIs.
Analysis of an industrial production suspension ofBacillus lentussubtilisin crystals by powder diffraction: a powerful quality-control tool
Authors: Frankaer Christian G. , Moroz Olga V. , Turkenburg Johan P. , Aspmo Stein I. , Thymark Majbritt , Friis Esben P. , Stahl Kenny , Nielsen Jens E. , Wilson Keith S. , Harris Pernille
Published: March 2014

A microcrystalline suspension ofBacillus lentussubtilisin (Savinase) produced during industrial large-scale production was analysed by X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) and X-ray single-crystal diffraction (MX). XRPD established that the bulk microcrystal sample representative of the entire production suspension corresponded to space groupP212121, with unit-cell parametersa= 47.65,b= 62.43,c= 75.74 Å, equivalent to those for a known orthorhombic crystal form (PDB entry 1ndq). MX using synchrotron beamlines at the Diamond Light Source with beam dimensions of 20 × 20 µm was subsequently used to study the largest crystals present in the suspension, with diffraction data being collected from two single crystals (∼20 × 20 × 60 µm) to resolutions of 1.40 and 1.57 Å, respectively. Both structures also belonged to space groupP212121, but were quite distinct from the dominant form identified by XRPD, with unit-cell parametersa= 53.04,b = 57.55,c= 71.37 Å anda= 52.72,b= 57.13,c= 65.86 Å, respectively, and refined toR= 10.8% andRfree= 15.5% and toR= 14.1% andRfree= 18.0%, respectively. They are also different from any of the forms previously reported in the PDB. A controlled crystallization experiment with a highly purified Savinase sample allowed the growth of single crystals of the form identified by XRPD; their structure was solved and refined to a resolution of 1.17 Å with anRof 9.2% and anRfreeof 11.8%. Thus, there are at least three polymorphs present in the production suspension, albeit with the 1ndq-like microcrystals predominating. It is shown how the two techniques can provide invaluable and complementary information for such a production suspension and it is proposed that XRPD provides an excellent quality-control tool for such suspensions.
The active site of hen egg-white lysozyme: flexibility and chemical bonding
Authors: Held Jeanette , van Smaalen Sander
Published: March 2014

Chemical bonding at the active site of hen egg-white lysozyme (HEWL) is analyzed on the basis of Bader's quantum theory of atoms in molecules [QTAIM; Bader (1994),Atoms in Molecules: A Quantum Theory.Oxford University Press] applied to electron-density maps derived from a multipole model. The observation is made that the atomic displacement parameters (ADPs) of HEWL at a temperature of 100 K are larger than ADPs in crystals of small biological molecules at 298 K. This feature shows that the ADPs in the cold crystals of HEWL reflect frozen-in disorder rather than thermal vibrations of the atoms. Directly generalizing the results of multipole studies on small-molecule crystals, the important consequence for electron-density analysis of protein crystals is that multipole parameters cannot be independently varied in a meaningful way in structure refinements. Instead, a multipole model for HEWL has been developed by refinement of atomic coordinates and ADPs against the X-ray diffraction data of Wang and coworkers [Wanget al.(2007),Acta Cryst.D63, 1254–1268], while multipole parameters were fixed to the values for transferable multipole parameters from the ELMAM2 database [Domagalaet al.(2012),Acta Cryst.A68, 337–351] . Static and dynamic electron densities based on this multipole model are presented. Analysis of their topological properties according to the QTAIM shows that the covalent bonds possess similar properties to the covalent bonds of small molecules. Hydrogen bonds of intermediate strength are identified for the Glu35 and Asp52 residues, which are considered to be essential parts of the active site of HEWL. Furthermore, a series of weak C—H...O hydrogen bonds are identified by means of the existence of bond critical points (BCPs) in the multipole electron density. It is proposed that these weak interactions might be important for defining the tertiary structure and activity of HEWL. The deprotonated state of Glu35 prevents a distinction between the Phillips and Koshland mechanisms.
Pyrosequencing reveals regional differences in fruit‐associated fungal communities
Authors: Taylor Michael W. , Tsai Peter , Anfang Nicole , Ross Howard A. , Goddard Matthew R.
Published: March 2014

We know relatively little of the distribution of microbial communities generally. Significant work has examined a range of bacterial communities, but the distribution of microbial eukaryotes is less well characterized. Humans have an ancient association with grape vines (Vitis vinifera) and have been making wine since the dawn of civilization, and fungi drive this natural process. While the molecular biology of certain fungi naturally associated with vines and wines is well characterized, complementary investigations into the ecology of fungi associated with fruiting plants is largely lacking. DNA sequencing technologies allow the direct estimation of microbial diversity from a given sample, avoiding culture‐based biases. Here, we use deep community pyrosequencing approaches, targeted at the 26S rRNA gene, to examine the richness and composition of fungal communities associated with grapevines and test for geographical community structure among four major regions in New Zealand (NZ). We find over 200 taxa using this approach, which is 10‐fold more than previously recovered using culture‐based methods. Our analyses allow us to reject the null hypothesis of homogeneity in fungal species richness and community composition across NZ and reveal significant differences between major areas.
Rhizosphere ecology and phytoprotection in soils naturally suppressive to Thielaviopsis black root rot of tobacco
Authors: Almario Juliana , Muller Daniel , Défago Geneviève , Moënne‐Loccoz Yvan
Published: March 2014

Soil suppressiveness to disease is an intriguing emerging property in agroecosystems, with important implications because it enables significant protection of susceptible plants from soil‐borne pathogens. Unlike many soils where disease suppressiveness requires crop monoculture to establish, certain soils are naturally suppressive to disease, and this type of specific disease suppressiveness is maintained despite crop rotation. Soils naturally suppressive to Thielaviopsis basicola‐mediated black root rot of tobacco and other crops occur in Morens region (Switzerland) and have been studied for over 30 years. In Morens, vermiculite‐rich suppressive soils formed on morainic deposits while illite‐rich conducive soils developed on sandstone, but suppressiveness is of microbial origin. Antagonistic pseudomonads play a role in black root rot suppressiveness, including Pseudomonas protegens (formerly P. fluorescens) CHA0, a major model strain for research. However, other types of rhizobacterial taxa may differ in prevalence between suppressive and conducive soils, suggesting that the microbial basis of black root rot suppressiveness could be far more complex than solely a Pseudomonas property. This first review on black root rot suppressive soils covers early findings on these soils, the significance of recent results, and compares them with other types of suppressive soils in terms of rhizosphere ecology and plant protection mechanisms.
Foreign Accounts Tax Compliance Act and American Leadership in the Campaign against International Tax Evasion: Revolution or False Dawn?
Authors: Eccleston Richard , Gray Felicity
Published: March 2014

Promoting tax transparency to address international tax evasion is a central issue on the global policy agenda with G8 leaders recently declaring that ‘tax authorities across the world should automatically share information to fight the scourge of tax evasion’. This growing commitment to addressing international tax evasion has a long provenance. Recently, the little‐known US Foreign Accounts Tax Compliance Act (FATCA), enacted in 2010, has played a key role in this effort/the international effort. The rapid evolution and diffusion of FATCA has the potential to make significant inroads into international tax evasion and has been lauded by proponents of improved offshore tax compliance. Yet FATCA is based on a ‘unilateral’ model, imposed by Washington on financial institutions operating in the US, which critics argue undermines its prospects of providing an effective basis for international tax cooperation and governance. This article provides an empirical account of the origins and evolution of FATCA, arguing that while FATCA is likely to increase the capacity of the US government to tax offshore holdings of its citizens, its ‘unilateral’ origins and design may limit reciprocity within the international tax regime. The article concludes with an assessment of the likely consequences of FATCA in terms of its impact on both international tax evasion and on global governance more broadly.
Tor‐Sch9 deficiency activates catabolism of the ketone body‐like acetic acid to promote trehalose accumulation and longevity
Authors: Hu Jia , Wei Min , Mirzaei Hamed , Madia Federica , Mirisola Mario , Amparo Camille , Chagoury Shawna , Kennedy Brian , Longo Valter D.
Published: March 2014

In mammals, extended periods of fasting leads to the accumulation of blood ketone bodies including acetoacetate. Here we show that similar to the conversion of leucine to acetoacetate in fasting mammals, starvation conditions induced ketone body‐like acetic acid generation from leucine in S. cerevisiae. Whereas wild‐type and ras2Δ cells accumulated acetic acid, long‐lived tor1Δ and sch9Δ mutants rapidly depleted it through a mitochondrial acetate CoA transferase‐dependent mechanism, which was essential for lifespan extension. The sch9Δ‐dependent utilization of acetic acid also required coenzyme Q biosynthetic genes and promoted the accumulation of intracellular trehalose. These results indicate that Tor‐Sch9 deficiency extends longevity by switching cells to an alternative metabolic mode, in which acetic acid can be utilized for the storage of stress resistance carbon sources. These effects are reminiscent of those described for ketone bodies in fasting mammals and raise the possibility that the lifespan extension caused by Tor‐S6K inhibition may also involve analogous metabolic changes in higher eukaryotes.
The face, the future, and dental practice: how research in craniofacial biology will influence patient care
Authors: Townsend GC , Brook AH
Published: March 2014

It has been a privilege to assemble a group of Australian and international researchers to produce a special issue of the Australian Dental Journal that reflects the cutting edge of research in different aspects of craniofacial biology, and also considers how these advances will influence future education and practice within dentistry.

The aim of this special issue is to provide a collection of concept papers and critical reviews on key topics that cover both fundamental and applied research in craniofacial biology and to consider the clinical implications.

To do this, four questions have been addressed that lead to the four sections of this issue. These are:

How have we come to the present exciting position in craniofacial biology with breakthroughs over the past 50 years?

What are current fundamental research topics that are helping us to understand more about craniofacial and general development, possibly leading to future clinical developments?

What are the current applied research topics that will influence future clinical practice?

Looking forward, what new developments in craniofacial biology may come about that will change the face of dental education and practice?

The refereed papers in this special issue are grouped into the four sections that seek to respond to these demanding questions.
Global classification and coding of hypersensitivity diseases – An EAACI – WAO survey, strategic paper and review
Authors: Demoly P. , Tanno L. K. , Akdis C. A. , Lau S. , Calderon M. A. , Santos A. F. , Sanchez‐Borges M. , Rosenwasser L. J. , Pawankar R. , Papadopoulos N. G.
Published: March 2014

Hypersensitivity diseases are not adequately coded in the International Coding of Diseases (ICD)‐10 resulting in misclassification, leading to low visibility of these conditions and general accuracy of official statistics. To call attention to the inadequacy of the ICD‐10 in relation to allergic and hypersensitivity diseases and to contribute to improvements to be made in the forthcoming revision of ICD, a web‐based global survey of healthcare professionals' attitudes toward allergic disorders classification was proposed to the members of European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) (individuals) and World Allergy Organization (WAO) (representative responding on behalf of the national society), launched via internet and circulated for 6 week. As a result, we had 612 members of 144 countries from all six World Health Organization (WHO) global regions who answered the survey. ICD‐10 is the most used classification worldwide, but it was not considered appropriate in clinical practice by the majority of participants. The majority indicated the EAACI–WAO classification as being easier and more accurate in the daily practice. They saw the need for a diagnostic system useful for nonallergists and endorsed the possibility of a global, cross‐culturally applicable classification system of allergic disorders. This first and most broadly international survey ever conducted of health professionals' attitudes toward allergic disorders classification supports the need to update the current classifications of allergic diseases and can be useful to the WHO in improving the clinical utility of the classification and its global acceptability for the revised ICD‐11.
“Why Does Rain Fall?”: Children Prefer to Learn From an Informant Who Uses Noncircular Explanations
Authors: Corriveau Kathleen H. , Kurkul Katelyn E.
Published: March 2014

These two studies explored 3‐ and 5‐year‐olds' evaluation of noncircular and circular explanations, and their use of such explanations to determine informant credibility. Although 5‐year‐olds demonstrated a selective preference for noncircular over circular explanations (Experiment 1: Long Explanations; Experiment 2: Short Explanations), 3‐year‐olds only demonstrated a preference for the noncircular when the explanations were shortened (Experiment 2). Children's evaluation of the explanations extended to their inferences about the informants' future credibility. Both age groups demonstrated a selective preference for learning novel explanations from an informant who had previously provided noncircular explanations—although only 5‐year‐olds also preferred to learn novel labels from her. The implications and scope of children's ability to monitor the quality of an informant's explanation are discussed.
Structuring Corporate Boards for Wealth Protection and/or Wealth Creation: The Effects of National Institutional Characteristics
Authors: Kim Young Un , Ozdemir Salih Zeki
Published: March 2014

Manuscript Type

Empirical

Research Questions/Issue

This study examines variation among firms in different countries in terms of how corporate boards are structured for effective governance. We discuss the fiduciary role of boards along two dimensions: (1) boards as wealth protectors and (2) boards as wealth creators. We explore how external governance mechanisms affect the emphasis placed on these two board role dimensions.

Research Findings/Insights

Using data from 23 countries and 19 industries, we show that board structure choices depend upon national institutional characteristics. Specifically,InvestorProtection,Rule ofLaw, andOpenMarkets institution act as complements or substitutes to how a board is structured to emphasize two different aspects of corporate governance. The results hold while controlling for firm, industry, and other country level effects.

Theoretical/Academic Implications

We offer a more nuanced understanding of the linkages between internal/firm and external/institution level governance mechanisms by studying them in tandem. Our results imply that external governance mechanisms within a nation alter the costs and benefits of designing boards for a certain fiduciary role. This finding contributes to the governance bundles literature by articulating how governance mechanisms from both firm and nation levels configure together to form national governance bundles.

Practitioner/Policy Implication

As opportunities and constraints differ by country due to distinct institutional characteristics, firms varyingly structure their boards in accordance with the environment. They emphasize stronger wealth protection and/or wealth creation, or neither. This paper contributes to public policy by presenting how corporate laws and de/regulating markets may affect board structure choices.
Heavy drinking occasions in Australia: Do context and beverage choice differ from low‐risk drinking occasions?
Authors: Callinan Sarah , Livingston Michael , Dietze Paul , Room Robin
Published: March 2014

Introduction and Aims

The aim of the current study is to look for differences in drink choice and drinking location between a recent heavy drinking occasion (RHDO) and usual low‐risk occasions among those that recently had both types of drinking occasion.

Design and Methods

Seven hundred and seventy‐four respondents to a population‐based survey reported having a RHDO [8 + Australian standard drinks (ASD) for females, 11 + ASD for males] in the past six months also reported that their usual drinking occasion in at least one location involved less than five ASD. Drink choice and drinking locations for the RHDO and usual low‐risk occasions were compared using confidence intervals.

Results

The RHDO was more likely than usual low‐risk occasions to occur away from licensed premises (59%), despite a higher percentage of respondents reporting drinking at a pub, bar or nightclub on a RHDO (28%) than on a usual low‐risk night (12%). A higher percentage of respondents nominated bottled spirits (33%) as their main drink for their RHDO, with 11% primarily drinking bottled spirits on a usual low‐risk occasion; the converse was true for bottled wine (20% and 33%, respectively).

Discussion and Conclusions

While the high proportion of RHDOs that occurred at least in part at pubs or nightclubs was not surprising, a high proportion also occur in private homes. Previously found links between heavy drinking and beer may be a reflection of the usual drink choice of heavier drinkers, rather a choice specific to a particularly heavy occasion. [Callinan S, Livingston M, Dietze P, Room R. Heavy drinking occasions in Australia: Do context and beverage choice differ from low‐risk drinking occasions? Drug Alcohol Rev 2014;33:354–357]
Use of specific immunotherapy – a survey of 15 164 employed persons in Germany
Authors: Weberschock Tobias , Schaefer Ines , Heigel Hagen , Valesky Eva , Augustin Matthias , Schmitt Jochen
Published: March 2014

Background

The high prevalence of allergic rhinitis (AR) leads to high morbidity and costs. Specific immunotherapy (SIT) is a potentially curative therapy for AR. The ­decision whether or not to employ SIT is often not totally clear.

Patients and methods

In 2012/13, as part of company skin cancer screening ­programs, employed persons between the ages of 16–70 were asked about use of allergy‐related medications and atopic conditions, as well as the use of SIT or possible reasons preventing its use.

Results

Of the 15,164 persons surveyed, 26.2% (n = 3,966) reported they had allergies that might benefit from SIT therapy. Of these, only 31.7% (n = 1,470) had undergone SIT therapy, with 63.3% (n = 931) describing the treatment as successful. The main reasons given for not undergoing SIT were relatively minor symptoms (51.2%; n = 1,278), little confidence in the success of therapy, and lack of time (12%; n = 300). Only 5.2%, n = 129) stated that avoiding allergens was sufficient or that they could not undergo SIT because of other health problems. Another 5.2% (n = 130) said they had either not heard of SIT, or had not found a place to undergo treatment.

Conclusions

Although about one‐quarter of respondents reported allergies that might benefit from SIT, less than one‐third had undergone treatment. The main ­reason was having mild symptoms; guideline or healthcare‐related issues were ­responsible only to a limited extent.
Evaluation of Right Ventricular Function in Adults with Congenital Heart Defects
Authors: Bussadori Claudio , Salvo Giovanni Di , Pluchinotta Francesca R. , Piazza Luciane , Gaio Giampiero , Russo Maria Giovanna , Carminati Mario
Published: March 2014

The right ventricle (RV) is of lesser importance in acquired heart disease, but its role is of increasing importance in congenital heart disease (CHD). Despite major progress being made, precise measurements of the RV are challenging because of its peculiar anatomical structure that is not adaptable to any planar geometrical assumption. This is particularly true in adult patients with CHD where the RV shape eludes any standardization, it may assume various morphologies, and its modality of contraction depends on previous surgical treatment and/or pathophysiological conditions. However, reliable and repeatable quantification of RV dimensions and function for these patients are essential to provide appropriate timing for intervention to optimize outcomes. In this population, echocardiographic evaluation should not be limited to an observational and subjective functional assessment of the RV but must provide quantitative values repeatable and clinically reliable to help the decision‐making process. The aim of this review was to discuss the echocardiographic approach to the RV in adult patients with CHD in general and in specific cases of pressure or volume overload.