bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Definitive Structural Assessment of Enterococcal Diheteroglycan
Authors: Krylov Vadim B. , Gerbst Alexey G. , Argunov Dmitry A. , Dmitrenok Andrey S. , Shashkov Alexander S. , Kaczynski Zbigniew , Huebner Johannes , Holst Otto , Nifantiev Nikolay E.
Published: November 2014

Enterococcus faecalis is one of most important nosocomial and often multi‐antibiotic resistant pathogens responsible for infections that are difficult to treat. Previously, a cell‐wall polysaccharide termed diheteroglycan (DHG) was isolated and characterized as a promising vaccine candidate. However, the configuration of its lactic acid (LA) residue attached to the galactofuranoside unit was not assessed, although it influences conformation of DHG chain in terms of biological recognition and immune evasion. This study proves the R configuration of the LA residue by means of chemical analysis, investigation of intramolecular NMR nuclear Overhauser effects and molecular dynamics simulations of native DHG and corresponding R and S models, which were obtained by using pyranoside‐into‐furanoside rearrangement. As alternative treatment and prevention strategies for E. faecalis are desperately needed, this discovery may offer the prospect of a synthetic vaccine to actively immunize patients at risk.
Carborane‐Derived Local Anesthetics are Isomer Dependent
Authors: Kracke George R. , VanGordon Monika R. , Sevryugina Yulia V. , Kueffer Peter J. , Kabytaev Kuanysh , Jalisatgi Satish S. , Hawthorne M. Frederick
Published: November 2014

Clinically there is a need for local anesthetics with a greater specificity of action on target cells and longer duration. We have synthesized a series of local anesthetic derivatives we call boronicaines in which the aromatic phenyl ring of lidocaine was replaced with ortho‐, meta‐, C,C’‐dimethyl meta‐ and para‐carborane clusters. The boronicaine derivatives were tested for their analgesic activity and compared with lidocaine using standard procedures in mice following a plantar injection. The compounds differed in their analgesic activity in the following order: ortho‐carborane = C,C’‐dimethyl meta‐carborane > para‐carborane > lidocaine > meta‐carborane derivative. Both ortho‐boronicaine and C,C’‐dimethyl meta‐boronicaine had longer durations of analgesia than lidocaine. Differences in analgesic efficacies are rationalized by variations in chemical structure and protein binding characteristics.
Assessing Online Consultation in Participatory Governance: Conceptual framework and a case study of a national sustainability‐related consultation platform in Germany
Authors: Schulz Daniel , Newig Jens
Published: November 2014

Experimenting with different forms of public participation in environmental governance, online consultation has become a widely used instrument. While these new forms of participatory mechanisms have attracted considerable scientific interest, research still remains fragmented and largely disconnected from mainstream literature on participatory governance. This article seeks to close this gap by developing an analytical framework that utilizes this literature to bring together formerly isolated findings in the new field of online participation. This framework is subsequently applied to the empirical case of an online consultation called ‘Mitreden‐U’ conducted by the German Federal Ministry of the Environment in 2010. By relating key categories of established concepts (e.g. empowerment, participant selection, information flow), the framework allows us to examine the specific opportunities and challenges of online participation. Findings show that while online participation mechanisms have potential to open up governance structures and provide a venue for meaningful interaction, they also require careful design considerations as well as a cultural change on behalf of public administrators. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Guide students in choosing majors with ACT Profile
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: November 2014

Students who know what they want to study and whose major choice aligns with their interests have an easier time choosing a college that is a good fit. The ACT Profile is designed to help students decide what they want to study. “Can we help students find their passion and follow it?” asked Steve Kappler, assistant vice president at ACT. He spoke at the National Association for College Admission Counseling national conference.
Follow these steps to have a good meeting every time
Authors: Spalding Dan
Published: November 2014

The following tips will help you make every meeting you go to be more productive. These tips work best for smaller meetings of folks working together on an ongoing basis, perhaps five to 15 people on a committee.
Facile Catalyzed Preparation of 14‐Aryl‐ or Alkyl‐14‐H‐dibenzo[a,j]xanthenes by Dodecylphosphonic Acid and Dodecylsulfamic Acid: Environmentally Benign Methods
Authors: Ghassamipour Soheila , Sardarian Ali Reza
Published: November 2014

Under mild‐ and solvent‐free conditions, one‐pot preparation of 14‐alkyl‐ or 14‐aryl‐14‐H‐dibenzo[a,j]xanthenes could proceed in the presence of catalytic amounts of dodecylphosphonic acid (DPA) and dodecylsulfamic acid (DSA) in good to excellent yields. In these reactions, DPA and DSA are recovered by straightforward work‐ups.
Cost‐effectiveness analysis of staging strategies in patients with regionally metastatic melanoma
Authors: Look Hong Nicole J. , Petrella Teresa , Chan Kelvin
Published: November 2014

Purpose

Variability exists regarding optimal staging for node‐positive melanoma. Options include combinations of physical examination (PE), radiography, computed tomography (CT), and positron emission tomography (PET). Cost‐effectiveness of regimens has never been investigated.

Methods

A modeled cost‐effectiveness analysis was performed to examine the cost per surgery performed and per accurate diagnosis achieved with three staging regimens (PE/chest radiography, CT, PET/CT) for node‐positive melanoma. Incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios were used to compare regimens. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were undertaken to address variation in parameters. Costs are direct from the perspective of the Canadian single‐payer system and 2012 valuations.

Results

Staging with PE/radiography is the least cost‐effective option, resulting in greater costs than CT alone, and fewer accurate diagnoses. Compared to CT alone, PET/CT incurs greater incremental cost ($902.81CAD), but results in 4% fewer lymphadenectomies and 4% more accurate diagnoses. PET/CT costs $22,570.25CAD for each additional accurate diagnosis achieved compared to CT alone. Sensitivity analyses demonstrate that the optimal staging strategy is influenced by diagnostic test characteristics and the willingness‐to‐pay threshold, but robust to other varied parameters.

Conclusions

PE/radiography appears to be the least cost‐effective staging regimen. The benefit of PET/CT over CT alone depends on a health system's priorities and willingness‐to‐pay. J. Surg. Oncol. 2015 111:423–430. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
In‐office drainage of sinus Mucoceles: An alternative to operating‐room drainage
Authors: Barrow Emily M. , DelGaudio John M.
Published: November 2014

Objectives/Hypothesis

Endoscopic drainage has become the standard of care for the treatment of mucoceles. In many patients this can be performed in the office. This study reviews our experience with in‐office endoscopic mucocele drainage.

Study Design

Retrospective chart review.

Methods

A retrospective review of one surgeon's experience with in‐office endoscopic drainage of sinus mucoceles between 2006 and 2014 was performed. Charts were reviewed for patient demographics, previous surgery, mucocele location, bone erosion, and outcomes.

Results

Thirty‐two patients underwent 36 in‐office drainage procedures. All procedures were performed under topical/local anesthesia. The mean age was 55 years (range, 17–92 years). The mean follow‐up time was 444 days. Fifty‐five percent had previous sinus surgery. The primary sinus involved was the frontal (12), anterior (11), posterior ethmoid (six), maxillary (four), and sphenoid (two). Bone erosion was noted to be present on computed tomography in 18 mucoceles (51%) (16 orbital, seven skull‐base). All mucoceles were successfully accessed in the office with the exception of one, which was aborted due to neo‐osteogenesis. Five patients (14% of mucoceles) required additional surgery, two for mucocele recurrence and three for septated mucoceles not completely drained in the office. No treatment complications occurred. All but one patient preferred in‐office to operating‐room drainage.

Conclusions

In‐office drainage of sinus mucoceles is well tolerated by patients, with high success and low complication rates, even in large mucoceles with bone erosion. The presence of septations and neo‐osteogenesis reduce the likelihood of complete drainage and are relative contraindications. Orbital and skull base erosion are not contraindications.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 125:1043–1047, 2015
Anatomical comparison among the anterolateral thigh, the parascapular, and the lateral arm flaps
Authors: Busnardo Fábio F. , Coltro Pedro S. , Olivan Marcelo V. , Faes Jose C. , Lavor Elizeu , Ferreira Marcus C. , Rodrigues Aldo J. , Gemperli Rolf
Published: November 2014

Objective

This study aims to compare the major anatomical aspects among anterolateral thigh, parascapular and lateral arm flaps.

Methods

Sixty flaps were dissected in 20 human cadavers, comparing their vascular pedicle length, flap thickness and arterial/venous pedicle diameters.

Results

The vascular pedicle length (from the origin of the vascular pedicle to its entry into the skin flap) of anterolateral thigh flap (13.43 ± 3.92 cm, lateral circumflex femoral artery) was longer than parascapular (9.07 ± 1.20 cm, circumflex scapular artery) and lateral arm flap (8.90 ± 1.65 cm, posterior collateral radial artery) (P < 0.001). The thickness of lateral arm flap (6.32 ± 2.33 mm) was lesser than parascapular (8.59 ± 2.93 mm) and anterolateral thigh flap (9.30 ± 3.54 mm) (P < 0.001). The arterial/venous pedicle diameters of lateral arm flap (2.37 ± 0.69 mm / 2.61 ± 0.74 mm) were lesser than parascapular (3.46 ± 0.80 mm / 4.07 ± 0.87 mm) and anterolateral thigh flap (3.26 ± 0.74 mm / 3.87 ± 0.70 mm) (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The vascular pedicle length of anterolateral thigh flap was the longest and that lateral arm flap presented a pedicle with the smallest arterial and venous diameters, in addition to being the thinnest flap. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 35:387–392, 2015.
Training improves oxidative capacity, but not function, in spinal muscular atrophy type III
Authors: Madsen Karen Lindhardt , Hansen Regitze Sølling , Preisler Nicolai , Thøgersen Frank , Berthelsen Martin Peter , Vissing John
Published: November 2014

Introduction

In this study we investigated the effect of 12 weeks of cycle ergometer training in patients with spinal muscular atrophy type III (SMA III), a hereditary motor neuron disease with progressive muscle weakness and atrophy.

Methods

Six SMA III patients and 9 healthy subjects completed a 12‐week training program, performing 42 30‐minute sessions exercising at 65–70% of maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max). VO2max, muscle strength, functional tests, and self‐reported activities of daily living were assessed before and after the training.

Results

Training induced a 27 ± 3% increase in VO2max (17 ± 2 to 21 ± 2 ml/kg/min, P < 0.001) in patients. However, fatigue was a major complaint and caused 1 patient to drop out, increased the need for sleep in 3 patients, and led to training modifications in 2 patients.

Conclusions

Cycle exercise improves VO2max in SMA III without causing muscle damage, but it also induces significant fatigue. This warrants study into alternative training methods to improve exercise capacity in SMA III patients. Muscle Nerve 52: 240–244, 2015
Self‐gated cardiac Cine MRI of the rat on a clinical 3 T MRI system
Authors: Krämer Martin , Herrmann Karl‐Heinz , Biermann Judith , Freiburger Sebastian , Schwarzer Michael , Reichenbach Jürgen R.
Published: November 2014

The ability to perform small animal functional cardiac imaging on clinical MRI scanners may be of particular value in cases in which the availability of a dedicated high field animal MRI scanner is limited. Here, we propose radial MR cardiac imaging in the rat on a whole‐body clinical 3 T scanner in combination with interspersed projection navigators for self‐gating without any additional external triggering requirements for electrocardiogram (ECG) and respiration. Single navigator readouts were interspersed using the same TR and a high navigator frequency of 54 Hz into a radial golden‐angle acquisition. The extracted navigator function was thresholded to exclude data for reconstruction from inhalation phases during the breathing cycle, enabling free breathing acquisition. To minimize flow artifacts in the dynamic cine images a center‐out half echo radial acquisition scheme with ramp sampling was used. Navigator functions were derived from the corresponding projection navigator data from which both respiration and cardiac cycles were extracted. Self‐gated cine acquisition resulted in high‐quality cardiac images which were free of major artifacts with spatial resolution of up to 0.21 × 0.21 × 1.00 mm3 and a contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR) of 21 ± 3 between the myocardium and left ventricle. Self‐gated golden ratio based radial acquisition successfully acquired cine images of the rat heart on a clinical MRI system without the need for dedicated animal ECG equipment. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nanoclay modified silica phenolic composites: mechanical properties and thermal response under simulated atmospheric re‐entry conditions
Authors: Robert Temina Mary , Chandran M. Satheesh , Jishnu S. , Sunitha K. , Rajeev R. S. , Mathew Dona , Sreenivas N. , Aravindakshan Pillai L. , Nair C. P. Reghunadhan
Published: November 2014

Ablative nanocomposites based on nanoclay‐dispersed addition curable propargylated phenolic novolac (ACPR) resin, reinforced with chopped silica fiber, were investigated for their thermal response behavior under simulated heat flux conditions corresponding to typical atmospheric re‐entry conditions. Organically modified nanoclay (Cloisite 30B) was incorporated to different extents (1–10%) in the ACPR resin matrix containing silica fiber to form the composite. The composites displayed optimum mechanical properties at around 3 wt% of nanoclay loading. The resultant composites were evaluated for their ablative characteristics as well as mechanical, thermal and thermo‐physical properties. The reinforcing effect of nanoclay was established and correlated to the composition. The mechanical properties of the composites and its pyrolysed product improved at moderate nanoclay incorporation. Plasma arc jet studies revealed that front wall temperature is lowered by 20°C and that at backwall by 10–13°C for the 3 wt% nanoclay‐incorporated composites due to impedance by nanoclay for the heat conduction. Nanoclay diminished the coefficient of thermal expansion by almost 50% and also reduced the flammability of the composites. The trend in mechanical properties was correlated to the microstructural morphology of the composites. The nanomodification conferred better strength to the pyrolysed composites. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantitative proteomics analysis by iTRAQ in human nuclear cataracts of different ages and normal lens nuclei
Authors: Zhou Hai Yan , Yan Hong , Wang Li Li , Yan Wei Jia , Shui Ying Bo , Beebe David C.
Published: November 2014

Purpose

The goal of this study was to quantitatively identify the differentially expressed proteins in nuclear cataracts of different ages and normal lens nuclei in humans.

Experimental design

Forty‐eight human lens nucleus samples with hardness grades III, IV were obtained during cataract surgery by extracapsular cataract extraction. Seven normal transparent human lens nuclei were obtained from fresh normal cadaver eyes during corneal transplantation surgery. Lens nuclei were divided into seven groups according to age and optic axis: Group A (average age 80.8 ± 1.2 years), Group B (average age 57.0 ± 4.0 years), Group C average age 80.3 ± 4.5 years), Group D (average age 56.9 ± 4.2 years), Group E (average age 78.1 ± 2.5 years), Group F (average age 57.6 ± 3.3 years) and Group G (seven normal transparent human lenses from normal cadaver eyes, average age 34.7 ± 4.2 years). Water‐soluble, water‐insoluble, and water‐insoluble‐urea‐soluble protein fractions were extracted from samples. The three‐part protein fractions from the individual lenses were combined to form the total proteins of each sample. The proteomic profiles of each group were further analyzed using 8‐plex iTRAQ labeling combined with 2D‐LC‐MS/MS. The data were analyzed with the ProteinPilot software for peptide matching, protein identification, and quantification. Differentially expressed proteins were validated by Western blotting.

Results

We employed biological and technical replicates and selected the intersection of the two results, which included 80 proteins. Nine proteins were differentially expressed among the 80 proteins identified using proteomic techniques. In age‐related nuclear cataracts (ARNC), the expression levels of fatty acid‐binding protein and pterin‐4‐alpha‐carbinolamine dehydratase were upregulated, whereas the levels of alpha‐crystallin B chain (CRYAB), GSH synthetase, phakinin, gamma‐crystallin C, phosphoglycerate kinase 1, betaine‐homocysteine S‐methyltransferase 1 (BHMT1), and spectrin beta chain were downregulated. These proteins may be associated with abnormal protein aggregation and oxidative stress. GSH synthetase and CRYAB expression levels in the nuclear cataract decreased with age. The mass spectrometric analysis results were consistent with the Western blot validation.

Conclusion and clinical relevance

The results indicate that CRYAB and GSH synthetase may be involved in ARNC pathogenesis. iTRAQ combined with 2D‐LC‐MS/MS provides new methods for future studies of pathological mechanisms and protective drug development for ARNC.
A Comparison of the Migration of ‘Spiked’ and ‘Intrinsic’ Substances from Paper and Board into Raisins and into Tenax as a Food Simulant
Authors: Bradley E. L. , Castle L. , Speck D. R.
Published: November 2014

Four samples of paper and board (P/B) of a type used for packaging dry foods were subjected to migration experiments using raisins and the polymeric powder Tenax as a food simulant. The P/B samples contained only low levels of diisopropylnaphthalene (DiPN) and diisobutyl phthalate (DiBP), and so, experiments were also conducted after spiking the P/B with added model substances. These were o‐xylene, acetophenone, dodecane, benzophenone, DiPN and DiBP. Migration experiments into raisins and Tenax were conducted for 10 days at 40°C. Migration levels depended strongly on the nature of the substance. Migration from spiked P/B samples was more extensive (as a percentage of that available) than migration of intrinsic migratable substances, and so, studying spiked samples tends to be conservative. It is considered likely that this is because of binding of substances, especially aromatics with pi‐electrons such as DiPN and DiBP, to active sites on the surface of P/B fibres, resulting in non‐linear absorption isotherms. However, further work would be needed to prove this conclusively. Considering the results overall and also that raisins packed in P/B can have a shelf life of up to 1 year at ambient temperatures, the test results using Tenax as a food simulant are considered to be appropriate without application of a correction factor. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bitcoin‐Based Decentralized Carbon Emissions Trading Infrastructure Model
Authors: Al Kawasmi Enas , Arnautovic Edin , Svetinovic Davor
Published: November 2014

This paper presents a system‐of‐systems architecture model for a Decentralized Carbon Emissions Trading Infrastructure (D‐CETI) with focus on privacy and system security goals. The structure and behavior are implemented as a solution to the problem of trading carbon emissions anonymously among the trading agents. Privacy and security of the trading agents and their carbon credits are the main requirements behind the architecture of D‐CETI. The decentralized structure of multiple systems and distributed behavior are the two main features of D‐CETI that distinguish it from the traditional carbon trading schemes and protocols. D‐CETI is based on Bitcoin, a peer‐to‐peer digital currency with no central authority, and Open Transactions, a system that simplifies the use of cryptography in financial transactions. The architecture of D‐CETI is evaluated and compared with the architecture of five other carbon emissions trading platforms.
Taking Digital Stories to Another Level: Making Documentaries
Authors: Martinez‐Alba Gilda
Published: November 2014

Using digital stories to have students tell about themselves, share their culture with the class, and learn from each other can help with establishing rapport, shows respect for different cultures, and can be motivating for students and their language teachers. However, what happens after that? After making their first video, students have some basic background knowledge about making a video; therefore, it would be advantageous to use this new knowledge and build on it by taking video making to the next step to make documentaries. Teachers and students could use the structure of a documentary to build language skills while improving their video editing skills to create interesting short documentaries, which can teach about the course content, history, science, health, citizenship, and so on. This article will cover the steps and structure involved in making a documentary, tips for making it look and sound good, and ideas for free editing software for the computer as well as the phone and iPad.
Use of ultrasound in predicting success of intrauterine contraceptive device insertion immediately after delivery
Authors: Dias T. , Abeykoon S. , Kumarasiri S. , Gunawardena C. , Padeniya T. , D'Antonio F.
Published: November 2014

Objectives

To assess by ultrasound examination the success of insertion of an intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD) immediately after delivery and to determine the optimal distance between the lower end of the IUD and the internal os in predicting successful retention of an IUD.

Methods

This was a prospective study carried out between December 2012 and April 2013. Two ultrasound examinations, transabdominal and transvaginal, were performed prior to hospital discharge following delivery and again at 6 weeks following delivery in women who received a postpartum IUD. Distance from the internal os to the lower end of the IUD was measured at each examination and compared in unsuccessful and successful cases of postvaginal delivery (PVD) and post‐Cesarean section (PCS) IUD insertion. Logistic regression and receiver–operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis were used to determine the difference in success between the two modes of delivery and to determine the optimal cut‐off of the internal os‐to‐IUD distance for successful retention, respectively.

Results

Ninety‐one women were included in the study, comprising 60 PVD and 31 PCS IUD insertions. Thirteen PVD (22.4%) and eight PCS (25.8%) IUDs were either expelled spontaneously or removed at the 6‐week scan because of improper placement. Mean distance from the internal os to the lower end of the IUD on ultrasound examination immediately after insertion was significantly greater in successful cases than in those in which IUDs were subsequently expelled/displaced (mean difference after PVD insertion, 20.1 mm (P = 0.006); mean difference after PCS insertion, 10.3 mm (P = 0.05)). Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that mode of delivery was not independently associated with successful retention of the IUD (P = 0.72; OR, 0.831 (95% CI, 0.301–2.189)). The distance from the lower end of the IUD to the internal os measured at ultrasound examination prior to hospital discharge provided reasonable predictive accuracy for determining retention of the IUD, with an area under the ROC curve of 0.74 (95% CI, 0.60–0.88) and an optimal cut‐off of ≥ 30 mm (sensitivity, 64.71% (95% CI, 52.17–75.92%) and specificity, 80.95% (95% CI, 58.09–94.55%)).

Conclusions

IUD insertion immediately postpartum is feasible but carries a substantial risk of unsuccessful IUD retention. Ultrasound examination after insertion of an IUD could be considered for predicting the success of IUD retention. Copyright © 2014 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Molybdenum Bis(Dinitrogen) Complexes Supported by NP3 Ligands containing Propylene Linkages: Symmetry Breaking and Geometrical Isomerism
Authors: Schnoor Ann‐Christin , Gradert Christian , Schleupner Mareike , Krahmer Jan , Tuczek Felix
Published: November 2014

The syntheses of two new NP3 ligands containing propylene linkages, prNP3 (1) = N(CH2CH2CH2PPh2)3 and prPNetP2 (2) = (Ph2PCH2CH2CH2)N(CH2CH2PPh2)2 are reported. Using these ligands, bis(dinitrogen) complexes of molybdenum are synthesized and characterized by IR and NMR spectroscopy. The new systems are compared with the literature‐known complex [Mo(N2)2(NP3)] (3) supported by the ligand NP3 [NP3 = N(CH2CH2PPh2)3], which only contains ethylene linkages. Application of the new ligand reduces the symmetry of the complex and leads to the occurrence of different isomers.
Erythrocyte phospholipid molecular species and fatty acids of Down syndrome children compared with non-affected siblings
Authors: Bueno Allain A. , Brand Annette , Neville Marita M. , Lehane Catherine , Brierley Nina , Crawford Michael A.
Published: November 2014

The majority of children with Down syndrome (DS) develop Alzheimer's disease (AD) at an early age. Although long-chainn-3 fatty acids (FA) are protective of neurodegeneration, little is known about the FA status in DS. In the present study, we aimed to investigate whether children with DS presented altered plasma and erythrocyte membrane phospholipids (PL) FA composition, when compared with their non-affected siblings. Venous blood samples were analysed for plasma and erythrocyte membrane FA composition by TLC followed by GC techniques. Lipid molecular species were determined by electrospray ionisation/tandem MS (ESI-MS/MS). FA analysis measured by standard GC showed an increased concentration of MUFA and a decreased concentration of plasmalogens in major PL fractions, but there were no differences in the concentrations of arachidonic acid or DHA. However, as identified by ESI-MS/MS, children with DS had increased levels of the following erythrocyte PL molecular species: 16 : 0–16 : 0, 16 : 0–18 : 1 and 16 : 0–18 : 2n-6, with reduced levels of 16 : 0–20 : 4n-6 species. Children with DS presented significantly higher levels of MUFA in both plasma and erythrocyte membrane, as well as higher levels of saturated and monounsaturated molecular species. Of interest was the almost double proportion of 16 : 0–18 : 2n-6 and nearly half the proportion of 16 : 0–20 : 4n-6 of choline phosphoacylglycerol species in children with DS compared with their non-affected siblings. These significant differences were only revealed by ESI-MS/MS and were not observed in the GC analysis. Further investigations are needed to explore molecular mechanisms and to test the association between the pathophysiology of DS and the risk of AD.
Transport equations for lower hybrid waves in a turbulent plasma
Authors: Mendonça J. T. , Horton W. , Galvão R. M. O. , Elskens Yves
Published: November 2014

We consider the limits of validity of ray tracing and ray diffusion equations, for short wavelength waves propagating in a turbulent plasma background. We derive an improved transport equation for the electric field autocorrelation function, where first order diffraction effects associated with these waves are included. We apply this description to the case of lower hybrid (LH) waves propagating in non-stationary plasma where density perturbations can occur due to drift wave turbulence, as well as magnetic field perturbations due to MHD turbulence. This is relevant to the problem of LH current drive.
Transnational Identities, Multiculturalism or Assimilation? China's ‘refugee-returnees’ and generational transitions
Authors: HO ELAINE LYNN-EE
Published: November 2014

This article investigates the tensions that emerge when transnational identities are juxtaposed against claims of multiculturalism and de facto assimilation processes. The article focuses on the resettlement of co-ethnics who arrived in China through forced migration between 1949 and 1979 and the generational transitions of their descendants. The Chinese state resettled these forced migrants from Southeast Asia on state-owned farms known as the ‘overseas Chinese farms’ and gave them preferential treatment as ‘returnees’ rather than ‘refugees’. They retained transnational cultural identities which set them apart from the China-born Chinese and suffered further stigmatization during the Cultural Revolution. This article highlights the limitations of using ethnicity as a lens for understanding how ‘difference’ is negotiated in China. In contemporary times the (multi)cultural identities of the refugee-returnees are promoted for the purposes of tourism to help reinvent the farms for economic sustainability. Yet the identity transitions experienced by the children and grandchildren of the refugee-returnees suggest that they are assimilating a national identity that subsumes their overseas Chinese cultures, serving to normalize a Chinese identity associated with the locally born Chinese instead. The article argues that the objectification of overseas Chinese heritage and assimilation ideology work together to selectively highlight China's historical connections to its co-ethnics abroad while simultaneously projecting a new national narrative of contemporary Chinese identity that is distinct from the overseas Chinese. This article on Chinese forced migration and resettlement provides useful insights concerning the negotiation of transnational identity with respect to multiculturalism and assimilation, and further suggests new directions for overseas Chinese studies today.
Functional metagenomics to decipher food–microbe–host crosstalk
Authors: Larraufie Pierre , de Wouters Tomas , Potocki-Veronese Gabrielle , Blottière Hervé M. , Doré Joël
Published: November 2014

The recent developments of metagenomics permit an extremely high-resolution molecular scan of the intestinal microbiota giving new insights and opening perspectives for clinical applications. Beyond the unprecedented vision of the intestinal microbiota given by large-scale quantitative metagenomics studies, such as the EU MetaHIT project, functional metagenomics tools allow the exploration of fine interactions between food constituents, microbiota and host, leading to the identification of signals and intimate mechanisms of crosstalk, especially between bacteria and human cells. Cloning of large genome fragments, either from complex intestinal communities or from selected bacteria, allows the screening of these biological resources for bioactivity towards complex plant polymers or functional food such as prebiotics. This permitted identification of novel carbohydrate-active enzyme families involved in dietary fibre and host glycan breakdown, and highlighted unsuspected bacterial players at the top of the intestinal microbial food chain. Similarly, exposure of fractions from genomic and metagenomic clones onto human cells engineered with reporter systems to track modulation of immune response, cell proliferation or cell metabolism has allowed the identification of bioactive clones modulating key cell signalling pathways or the induction of specific genes. This opens the possibility to decipher mechanisms by which commensal bacteria or candidate probiotics can modulate the activity of cells in the intestinal epithelium or even in distal organs such as the liver, adipose tissue or the brain. Hence, in spite of our inability to culture many of the dominant microbes of the human intestine, functional metagenomics open a new window for the exploration of food–microbe–host crosstalk.
Morphology and phylogeny of two new species of Sphaeromyxa Thélohan, 1892 (Cnidaria: Myxozoa) from marine fish (Clinidae and Trachichthyidae)
Authors: BARTOŠOVÁ-SOJKOVÁ PAVLA , KODÁDKOVÁ ALENA , PECKOVÁ HANA , KUCHTA ROMAN , REED CÉCILE C.
Published: November 2014

Our survey of marine fish from South Africa and Indonesia revealed the presence of two new myxosporean species of the genus Sphaeromyxa for which we provide morphological and sequence data. Sphaeromyxa clini n. sp. detected in three Clinus spp. and Muraenoclinus dorsalis from South Africa is morphologically similar to Sphaeromyxa noblei previously described from Heteroclinus whiteleggii from Australia and to several other sphaeromyxids with arcuate spores and rounded ends. This similarity is reflected by phylogenetic positioning of S. clini n. sp. which clusters within the ‘incurvata’ group of the Sphaeromyxa clade. It differs from morphologically similar species by spore and polar capsule dimensions, host specificity and geographic distribution. Sphaeromyxa limocapitis n. sp., described from Gephyroberyx darwinii from Java, is morphologically similar to sphaeromyxids with straight spores and to marine Myxidium species with spindle-shaped spores but differs from them by spore and polar capsule dimensions, host specificity and geographic distribution. S. limocapitis n. sp. represents a separate lineage of the Sphaeromyxa clade and appears to be a missing link in the evolution of sphaeromyxids.
“No two religions”: Non-Muslims in the early Islamic Ḥijāz
Authors: Munt Harry
Published: November 2014

Many classical Islamic sources argue that it is not permissible for non-Muslims to reside in the Ḥijāz, especially Mecca and Medina. Such arguments are usually based on a famous Prophetic saying, “Two religions should not join/remain in the peninsula/land of the Arabs”, and on the reported action taken by the second caliph ʿUmar b. al-Khaṭṭāb to remove non-Muslims from settlements in western Arabia. In this article, it is argued that the contradictory nature of the evidence for this expulsion casts serious doubt on whether such a widespread action actually took place, certainly not in the decades immediately following Muḥammad's death. It concludes that the widely attested classical prohibition on non-Muslims residing in the Ḥijāz rather had much more to do with the gradually evolving need to draw up firmer communal boundaries, which could help distinguish Muslims from others, and the role played by sacred spaces in doing so.
Interpretations and pitfalls in modelling vector-transmitted infections
Authors: AMAKU M. , AZEVEDO F. , BURATTINI M. N. , COUTINHO F. A. B. , LOPEZ L. F. , MASSAD E.
Published: November 2014

In this paper we propose a debate on the role of mathematical models in evaluating control strategies for vector-borne infections. Mathematical models must have their complexity adjusted to their goals, and we have basically two classes of models. At one extreme we have models that are intended to check if our intuition about why a certain phenomenon occurs is correct. At the other extreme, we have models whose goals are to predict future outcomes. These models are necessarily very complex. There are models in between these classes. Here we examine two models, one of each class and study the possible pitfalls that may be incurred. We begin by showing how to simplify the description of a complicated model for a vector-borne infection. Next, we examine one example found in a recent paper that illustrates the dangers of basing control strategies on models without considering their limitations. The model in this paper is of the second class. Following this, we review an interesting paper (a model of the first class) that contains some biological assumptions that are inappropriate for dengue but may apply to other vector-borne infections. In conclusion, we list some misgivings about modelling presented in this paper for debate.
ÉTALE MOTIVIC COHOMOLOGY AND ALGEBRAIC CYCLES
Authors: Rosenschon Andreas , Srinivas V.
Published: November 2014

We consider étale motivic or Lichtenbaum cohomology and its relation to algebraic cycles. We give an geometric interpretation of Lichtenbaum cohomology and use it to show that the usual integral cycle maps extend to maps on integral Lichtenbaum cohomology. We also show that Lichtenbaum cohomology, in contrast to the usual motivic cohomology, compares well with integral cohomology theories. For example, we formulate integral étale versions of the Hodge and the Tate conjecture, and show that these are equivalent to the usual rational conjectures.
Ablation of Tak1 in osteoclast progenitor leads to defects in skeletal growth and bone remodeling in mice
Authors: Qi Bing , Cong Qian , Li Ping , Ma Gang , Guo Xizhi , Yeh James , Xie Min , Schneider Michael D. , Liu Huijuan , Li Baojie
Published: November 2014

Tak1 is a MAPKKK that can be activated by growth factors and cytokines such as RANKL and BMPs and its downstream pathways include NF-κB and JNK/p38 MAPKs. Tak1 is essential for mouse embryonic development and plays critical roles in tissue homeostasis. Previous studies have shown that Tak1 is a positive regulator of osteoclast maturation, yet its roles in bone growth and remodeling have not been assessed, as mature osteoclast-specific Tak1 deletion with Cstk-Cre resulted in runtedness and postnatal lethality. Here we generated osteoclast progenitor (monocyte)-specific Tak1 knockout mice and found that these mice show normal body weight, limb size and fertility and osteopetrosis with severity similar to that of RANK or RANKL deficient mice. Mechanistically, Tak1 deficiency altered the signaling of NF-κB, p38MAPK and Smad1/5/8 and the expression of PU.1, MITF, c-Fos and NFATc1, suggesting that Tak1 regulates osteoclast differentiation at multiple stages via multiple signaling pathways. Moreover, the Tak1 mutant mice showed defects in skull, articular cartilage and mesenchymal stromal cells. Ex vivo Tak1−/− monocytes also showed enhanced ability in promoting osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stromal cells. These findings indicate that Tak1 functions in osteoclastogenesis in a cell-autonomous manner and in osteoblastogenesis and chondrogenesis in non-cell-autonomous manners.
Coordinating Expression of RNA Binding Proteins with Their mRNA Targets
Authors: Jiang Huifeng , Xu Lin , Wang Zhe , Keene Jack , Gu Zhenglong
Published: November 2014

Post-transcriptional regulation by RNA binding proteins (RBPs) plays prominent roles in a variety of biological processes. In this study, by analyzing the global regulatory relationship between RBPs and their target mRNAs in yeast, we discovered that most RBP genes are co-regulated with their target genes, but the RBPs tend to dampen expression variation among their target mRNAs. We further examined a well-studied RBP gene, PUF3 and found that the protein decreases the variation of its target mRNAs by differentially affecting their decay. We also constructed a mathematical model to explain the relationship between RBPs and the expression of their target genes. Our results provided new insights into the functional importance of RBPs in coordinating the expression of their target genes.
High finesse optical cavity coupled with a quartz-enhanced photoacoustic spectroscopic sensor
Authors: Patimisco Pietro , Borri Simone , Galli Iacopo , Mazzotti Davide , Giusfredi Giovanni , Akikusa Naota , Yamanishi Masamichi , Scamarcio Gaetano , De Natale Paolo , Spagnolo Vincenzo
Published: November 2014

An ultra-sensitive quartz-enhanced photoacoustic spectroscopy combined with a high-finesse cavity sensor platform is proposed as a novel gas sensing system.
Cu-catalyzed intramolecular aryl-etherification reactions of alkoxyl alkynes with diaryliodonium salts via cleavage of a stable C–O bond
Authors: Chen Jing , Chen Chao , Chen Junjie , Wang Guohua , Qu Hongmei
Published: November 2014

Cu-catalyzed aryl-etherification reactions of alkoxyl alkynes with diaryliodonium salts are realized to produce oxo-heterocyclesviacleavage of a stable C–O bond.
Observation of a reversible isomorphous phase transition and an interplay of “σ-holes” and “π-holes” in Fmoc-Leu-ψ[CH2-NCS]
Authors: Pal Rumpa , Nagendra Govindappa , Samarasimhareddy M. , Sureshbabu Vommina V. , Guru Row Tayur N.
Published: November 2014

Fmoc-Leu-ψ[CH2NCS] undergoes a reversible phase transition upon cooling and allows for the first experimental observation of σ-hole and π-hole simultaneously.
Efficient hydration of alkynes through acid-assisted Brønsted acid catalysis
Authors: Liang Shengzong , Hammond Gerald B. , Xu Bo
Published: November 2014

The combined acid catalyzed hydration of alkynes is an efficient one-step synthesis of carbonyl compounds.
Water driven adsorption of amino acids on the (101) anatase TiO2 surface: an ab initio study
Authors: Agosta Lorenzo , Zollo Giuseppe , Arcangeli Caterina , Buonocore Francesco , Gala Fabrizio , Celino Massimo
Published: November 2014

Arginine and lysine are stably adsorbed onto the (101) anatase TiO2 surface in water solution.
Vibrational energy transfer dynamics in ruthenium polypyridine transition metal complexes
Authors: Fedoseeva Marina , Delor Milan , Parker Simon C. , Sazanovich Igor V. , Towrie Michael , Parker Anthony W. , Weinstein Julia A.
Published: November 2014

Understanding vibrational energy propagation pathways during and following electron transfer in transition metal complexes, which are of interest for solar cell applications, can provide new insights on the interplay between electronic and vibrational movement within the molecule.
Nonidentical intracellular drug release rates in Raman and fluorescence spectroscopic determination
Authors: Ganbold Erdene-Ochir , Yoon Jinha , Kim Doseok , Joo Sang-Woo
Published: November 2014

Nonidentical intracellular drug release rates were observed in Raman and fluorescence spectroscopic determination in live cells.
Evidence of benzenoid domains in nanographenes
Authors: Baldoni Matteo , Mercuri Francesco
Published: November 2014

Calculations demonstrate the occurrence of local deformations of the perfect honeycomb lattice in nanographenes to form arrangements composed of six-membered ring patterns.
Thiohydrazide complexes of molybdenum and their relevance to reduction of dinitrogen to ammonia
Authors: Sengupta Dolan , Gangopadhyay Snigdha , Drew Michael G. B. , Gangopadhyay Pijush Kanti
Published: November 2014

Tris(2-hydroxy thiobenzhydrazido)molybdenum(vi) can catalyze reduction of dinitrogen to ammonia in the presence of NaBH4.
Synthesis, structure, magnetic properties and EPR spectroscopy of a copper(ii) coordination polymer with a ditopic hydrazone ligand and acetate bridges
Authors: Bikas Rahman , Aleshkevych Pavlo , Hosseini-Monfared Hassan , Sanchiz Joaquín , Szymczak Ritta , Lis Tadeusz
Published: November 2014

The synthesis, structure, EPR spectroscopy and magnetic properties of a 1D coordination polymer of Cu(ii) containing two kinds of acetate bridged dimers is reported.
Behaviour of titanium dioxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles in the presence of wastewater-derived organic matter and implications for algal toxicity
Authors: Neale Peta A. , Jämting Åsa K. , O'Malley Elissa , Herrmann Jan , Escher Beate I.
Published: November 2014

This study compared the behaviour and effect of TiO2 and ZnO nanomaterials in wastewater effluent, humic acid and test media.
Peculiar terminals in light at the extreme
Authors: Mahmoud A. M. , Engheta N.
Published: November 2014

Materials with both relative permeability and permittivity near zero offer unprecedented features in light-matter interactions. Here, we explore how terminal endings involving bound regions of such materials may exhibit unusual electromagnetic behaviour. Physical intuitions and potential implications of such peculiar effects are also discussed.
Crosslinked copolyazoles with a zwitterionic structure for organic solvent resistant membranes
Authors: Chisca S. , Duong P. H. H. , Emwas A.-H. , Sougrat R. , Nunes S. P.
Published: November 2014

Cross-linking of hydroxyl modified polytriazoles.
A facile electrochemical approach for the deposition of iron–manganese phosphate composite coatings on aluminium
Authors: Shanmugam S. , Ravichandran K. , Sankara Narayanan T. S. N. , Lee Min Ho
Published: November 2014

Cathodic electrochemical treatment is a facile approach for the deposition of iron–manganese phosphate composite coatings on Al.
Structure, dynamics and thermodynamics of single-file water under confinement: effects of polarizability of water molecules
Authors: Kumar Hemant , Dasgupta Chandan , Maiti Prabal K.
Published: November 2014

Various structural, dynamic and thermodynamic properties of water molecules confined in single-wall carbon nanotubes are investigated using both polarizable and non-polarizable water models.
Electric field effect dominated bipolar resistive switching through interface control in a Pt/TiO2/TiN structure
Authors: Lim Dong-Hyeok , Kim Ga-Yeon , Song Jin-Ho , Jeong Kwang-Sik , Kim Dong-Chan , Nam Seok-Woo , Cho Mann-Ho , Lee Tae-Geol
Published: November 2014

The field-enhanced effect due to the oxygen vacancy distribution improves the memory performance in the TiO2-based RRAM device.
Studies on the physico-chemical characteristics of collagen–pectin composites
Authors: Jayakumar Gladstone Christopher , Usharani Nagarajan , Kawakami Kohsaku , Rao Jonnalagadda Raghava , Nair Balachandran Unni
Published: November 2014

Collagen is a well-known soft tissue utilized as a scaffold material for wound healing, however it is mechanically feeble and prone to rapid degradation in its native state.
Intramolecular Diels Alder reactions in highly organized imidazolium salt-based ionic liquid crystals
Authors: Do Tien Dat , Schmitzer Andreea R.
Published: November 2014

This paper describes the development of a new family of ionic liquid crystals based on imidazolium salts and their applications as media for intramolecular Diels Alder reactions.
Construction of hydrated tungsten trioxide nanosheet films for efficient electrochromic performance
Authors: Li Haizeng , Wang Jinmin , Shi Guoying , Wang Hongzhi , Zhang Qinghong , Li Yaogang
Published: November 2014

Two-dimensional WO3 (hydrate) nanosheets, with high surface ratio and permeable channels, could be a promising building block for constructing EC electrode.
Supercapacitor devices for energy storage and capacitive dye removal from aqueous solutions
Authors: Shi Kaiyuan , Zhitomirsky Igor
Published: November 2014

Capacitive behavior of electrodes and devices in solutions of organic dyes was investigated for capacitive dye removal.
High N-content holey few-layered graphene electrocatalysts: scalable solvent-less production
Authors: Liu Dan , Lei Weiwei , Portehault David , Qin Si , Chen Ying
Published: November 2014

High N-content (4.9 to 17.8 at.%) holey few-layered graphene was synthesized by a facile, solvent-less, low cost and high yield process.
High-performance lithium iron phosphate with phosphorus-doped carbon layers for lithium ion batteries
Authors: Jinli Zhang , Jiao Wang , Yuanyuan Liu , Ning Nie , Junjie Gu , Feng Yu , Wei Li
Published: November 2014

A novel composite of LiFePO4 with phosphorus-doped carbon layers has been prepared via a simple hydrothermal method using glucose as the carbon source to generate a carbon coating and triphenylphosphine as the phosphorus source.
Low cost and environmentally benign crack-blocking structures for long life and high power Si electrodes in lithium ion batteries
Authors: Ling Min , Zhao Hui , Xiaoc Xingcheng , Shi Feifei , Wu Mingyan , Qiu Jingxia , Li Sheng , Song Xiangyun , Liu Gao , Zhang Shanqing
Published: November 2014

A graphical illustration of the gum arabic (GA) and polyacrylic acid (PAA) composite binder.
Poly(3-butylthiophene) nanowires inducing crystallization of poly(3-hexylthiophene) for enhanced photovoltaic performance
Authors: Zhang Lin , Zhou Weihua , Shi Jiangman , Hu Ting , Hu Xiaotian , Zhang Yong , Chen Yiwang
Published: November 2014

P3BT nanowires induce the crystallization of P3HT and the aggregation of PC61BM molecules, facilitating charge transportation.