bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrated strategy of pH-shift and glucose feeding for enhanced production of bioactive Antrodin C in submerged fermentation of Antrodia camphorata
Authors: Zhang Huan , Hu Yong-Dan , Lu Rui-Qiu , Xia Yong-Jun , Zhang Bo-Bo , Xu Gan-Rong
Published: May 2014

Antrodin C is one of the most potent bioactive components produced by the medicinal mushroom Antrodia camphorata. However, almost all studies in this field have focused on the biological activity of Antrodin C and relatively rare information has been reported regarding the biosynthetic process of Antrodin C. In this study, the strategies of pH-shift and glucose feeding for enhanced production of Antrodin C in submerged fermentation of A. camphorata were successfully applied in stirred bioreactors. The critical parameters for pH-shift and glucose feeding were systematically investigated. On one hand, the optimal culture pH for cell growth was distinct with Antrodin C biosynthesis and the maximum Antrodin C production was obtained by maintaining the first-stage culture at initial pH 4.5 and adjusted to 6.0 at day 8. On the other hand, it was beneficial for the Antrodin C accumulation with the initial glucose concentration of 40 g/L and feeding glucose to keep the residual sugar above 10 g/L. The maximum Antrodin C production (1,549.06 mg/L) was about 2.1-fold higher than that of control in 15-L stirred bioreactors by taking advantage of the integrated strategy of pH-shift and glucose feeding. These results would be helpful for the design of a highly efficient Antrodin C biosynthesis process.
The power of energy politics
Authors: Hannibal Marek
Published: May 2014

This article provides an overview of Russia's energy policy in the past decade. The Russian administration, through the state-owned Gazprom, is using the country's vast energy resources as a foreign-policy tool. The exportation of energy does not necessarily follow the economic interests of the country. The EU is dependent on imports of natural gas from Russia and Russia is dependent on its exportation to European markets. The way out of this mutual dependency lies in the EU's willingness to diversify its energy sources, focus on increasing energy efficiency and develop renewables.
Globalisation and the threats it poses in the twenty-first century
Authors: Kovalčíková Nad'a
Published: May 2014

This article examines and assesses globalisation and its role in the context of the emerging global threats in the twenty-first century. It also provides policy suggestions and leads to a deeper understanding of the emerging opportunities and their related threats. It focuses in particular on the economic instability in the period of economic hardship, income inequality between and within nations, and the benefits and risks of Internet use. The author suggests that we should benefit from globalisation's positives even during the times of uncertainty caused by the impact of emerging threats, yet be aware of the threats and take courage and individual responsibility to tackle them. Globalisation is a product of the people and an informed and pragmatic approach towards the threats is crucial. If prevention and self-responsibility prevail, people might start looking to the future more positively, with broader hope and enthusiasm, through a shared lens of cooperation to improve living standards globally.
Dapper‐1 is essential for Wnt5a induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy by regulating the Wnt/PCP pathway
Authors: Hagenmueller Marco , Riffel Johannes H. , Bernhold Elmar , Fan Jingjing , Katus Hugo A. , Hardt Stefan E.
Published: May 2014

The Wnt signaling pathway was identified as crucial mediator of cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. In this study we found that activation of non‐canonical Wnt signaling by Wnt5a stimulates protein synthesis and enlargement of cardiomyocyte surface area. These hypertrophic features were inhibited in Dapper‐1 (Dpr1) depleted cells. On the molecular level, we observed inhibition of the non‐canonical Wnt/planar‐cell‐polarity (PCP) pathway denoted by reduction of c‐jun‐n‐terminal‐kinase (JNK) phosphorylation. Upstream of JNK, increased protein levels of the Wnt/PCP trans‐membrane receptor van‐Gogh‐like‐2 (Vangl2) were observed along with an enrichment of Vangl2 in perinuclear located vesicles. The findings suggest that Dpr1 is essential for execution of the Wnt/PCP pathway and regulation of the Vangl2/JNK axis. Depletion of Dpr1 inhibits non‐canonical Wnt signaling induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy by blocking Wnt/PCP signaling.
Determinants of Objectively Measured Physical Functional Performance in Early to Mid‐stage Parkinson Disease
Authors: Kluger Benzi M. , Brown R. Preston , Aerts Shanae , Schenkman Margaret
Published: May 2014

Background

Parkinson disease (PD) may lead to functional limitations through both motor and nonmotor symptoms. Although patients with advanced disease have well‐documented and profound functional limitations, less is known about the determinants of function in early to mid‐stage disease where interventions may be more likely to benefit and preserve function.

Objective

The objective of the current study was to identify motor, cognitive, and gait determinants of physical functional performance in patients with early to mid‐stage PD.

Design

This was a secondary analysis of cross‐sectional baseline data from a randomized clinical trial of exercise.

Setting

The study was performed at a tertiary academic medical center.

Participants

The study included 121 patients with early to mid‐stage PD.

Methods

Our functional performance outcomes included the following: the Continuous Scale Physical Functional Performance Test (CS‐PFP; primary outcome); the Timed Up and Go test (TUG); and Section 2 (Activities of Daily Living) of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS). Explanatory variables included measures of disease severity, motor function, cognitive function, balance, and gait. Stepwise linear regression models were used to determine correlations between explanatory variables and outcome measures.

Results

In our regression models, the CS‐PFP significantly correlated with walking endurance (Six‐Minute Walk Test; r2 = 0.12, P < .0001), turning ability (360° Turn Test; r2 = 0.03, P = .002), attention (Brief Test of Attention; r2 = 0.01, P = .03), overall cognitive status (Mini–Mental State Examination; r2 = 0.01, P = .04), and bradykinesia (timed tapping; r2 = 0.02, P = .02). The TUG significantly correlated with walking speed (5‐Meter Walk Test; r2 = 0.33, P < .0001), stride length (r2 = 0.25, P < .0001), turning ability (360° turn, r2 = 0.05, P = .0003), and attention (r2 = 0.016, P = .03). Section 2 of the UPDRS was significantly correlated with endurance (r2 = 0.09, P < .0001), turning ability (r2 = 0.03, P = .001), and attention (r2 = 0.01, P = .03).

Conclusions

Gait, motor, and cognitive function all contribute to objectively measured global functional ability in mild to moderate PD. Subjectively measured functional activity outcomes may underestimate the impact of both motor and nonmotor symptoms.
Associations between abdominal pain symptom dimensions and depression among adolescents
Authors: Stabell Niklas , Flægstad Trond , Stubhaug Audun , Nielsen Christopher Sivert
Published: May 2014

Background and aims

The prevalence of depression is increased among patients with abdominal pain (AP) and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), but little is known about this association among adolescents in the general population. Furthermore, there is considerable uncertainty about exactly which dimensions of AP and IBS are associated with depression.

The aims of this study were therefore: (a) to describe the prevalence of AP, IBS and depression in a representative sample of adolescents, (b) to analyze the association of AP and IBS with depression and lastly, (c) to analyze the relationship between depression and specific AP and IBS symptom dimensions, i.e. pain intensity, frequency, duration, and distribution, the presence of co-morbid non-abdominal pain, and the specific bowel systems distinguishing IBS from AP in general.

Materials and methods

Self-reported symptoms of AP (monthly or more frequent), IBS (Rome III 2006 criteria), co-morbid chronic pain and depression (The Short Mood and Feeling Questionnaire sum-score ≥11) were recorded among 961 adolescents (mean age 16.1 y and 48.8% girls), participating in a population based study in 2010–2011. Multiple logistic regression carried out to analyze the association of AP and IBS with depression, adjusting for sex, parental level of education (<college or ≥college) and co-morbid chronic pain. Among the AP cases, the association of different AP dimensions and of the specific bowel symptoms in IBS with depression were analyzed in a stepwise multiple logistic regression model.

Results

Monthly or more frequent AP was reported by 27% of the participants (n = 259) and 8.2% (n = 77) met the Rome III IBS criteria. The prevalence of depression was 11.5% (girls 15.9% and boys 7.3%). The prevalence of depression was higher among both AP and IBS cases compared to in controls (20.5%, 24.7% and 8.1% respectively), but there was no evidence that depression rates differed between the two case groups (IBS: OR = 2.5, 95% CI = 1.6–3.9; AP: OR = 2.4 with 95% CI = 1.3–4.4, after adjusting for sex, parental level of education and co-morbid chronic pain).

In the regression analyses within the AP group, the following symptom dimensions were independently associated with depression: severe abdominal pain intensity (OR = 4.0; CI = 1.5–10.7), widespread abdominal pain (OR = 5.5; CI = 2.6–11.8) and presence of co-morbid chronic pain (OR = 3.3; CI = 1.6–6.8). Sex, parental education, and other abdominal pain symptom dimensions, including bowel symptoms that distinguish IBS from AP, were not independently associated with depression.

Conclusions and implications

The prevalence of depression is considerably increased among adolescents with AP and IBS in the general population, in particular among those reporting severe, widespread abdominal pain, and co-morbid chronic pain. Evaluating these symptom dimensions may be of value for identifying subgroups adolescents with AP and IBS that have greater risk of depression.
COUNTING -FIELDS WITH A POWER SAVING ERROR TERM
Authors: SHANKAR ARUL , TSIMERMAN JACOB
Published: May 2014

We show how the Selberg $\Lambda ^2$-sieve can be used to obtain power saving error terms in a wide class of counting problems which are tackled using the geometry of numbers. Specifically, we give such an error term for the counting function of $S_5$-quintic fields.
VORTEX LIQUIDS AND THE GINZBURG–LANDAU EQUATION
Authors: KURZKE MATTHIAS , SPIRN DANIEL
Published: May 2014

We establish vortex dynamics for the time-dependent Ginzburg–Landau equation for asymptotically large numbers of vortices for the problem without a gauge field and either Dirichlet or Neumann boundary conditions. As our main tool, we establish quantitative bounds on several fundamental quantities, including the kinetic energy, that lead to explicit convergence rates. For dilute vortex liquids, we prove that sequences of solutions converge to the hydrodynamic limit.
Does Economic Globalization Influence the US Policy Mood?: A Study of US Public Sentiment, 1956–2011
Authors: Owen Erica , Quinn Dennis P.
Published: May 2014

Does increasing economic globalization influence aggregate policy mood toward the role and size of government in the United States? Drawing on insights from international political economy scholarship, this article suggests that the impact of trade on aggregate preferences will depend on citizens’ exposure to trade. It hypothesizes that employees of import-competing, export-oriented and multinational firms will adopt a ‘compensatory’ model in which higher levels of imports (exports) lead to a liberal (conservative) shift in policy preferences for more (less) government. It distinguishes between intrafirm and non-intrafirm trade flows. It measures policy mood using Stimson's ‘Mood’, and estimates Error Correction and Instrumental Variable models. Trade flows strongly influence Mood in a manner consistent with hypotheses drawn from international political economy and heterogeneous firms (or ‘new new’) trade theory.
Differences in peripartal plasma parameters related to calcium homeostasis of dairy sheep and goats in comparison with cows
Authors: Wilkens Mirja R , Liesegang Annette , Richter Julia , Fraser David R , Breves Gerhard , Schröder Bernd
Published: May 2014

Recently it has been demonstrated that there are differences between sheep and goats in respect to adaptation to a calcium-restricted diet. It was the aim of the present study to evaluate whether species-specific peculiarities also occur when calcium homoeostasis is challenged by lactation. Therefore, we investigated the time courses of plasma parameters related to calcium homoeostasis (calcium, phosphate, calcitriol, the bone resorption marker CrossLaps® and the bone formation marker osteocalcin) during the transition period in multiparous animals of both species and compared the results to data from a former study carried out with dairy cows. As in cows, plasma calcium and the ratio of bone formation to bone resorption decreased at parturition in goats while plasma calcitriol increased. On day 10 post partum the bone parameters of goats reached prepartum values again, which was not the case in cows. Sheep were found to experience a challenge of calcium homoeostasis already 10 d before parturition, reflected by a very low ratio of bone formation to bone resorption, which was not accompanied by an increase in plasma calcitriol. Additionally, sheep and goats which had been in milk for 3 months were sampled, dried-off and sampled again 6 weeks later. In dried-off animals there were no detectable differences in parameters of bone metabolism. In conclusion we could show that the contribution of bone mobilisation to the compensation for the enhanced calcium demand due to lactation differs between the three ruminant species.
A Bayesian formulation of thekalamcosmological argument
Authors: MILLER CALUM
Published: May 2014

There has been a trend within natural theology to present arguments for theism deductively, such that at least one of the premises is likely to be extremely controversial. For those arguments with less controversial premises, the conclusion is usually something short of theism. On these grounds, some have employed probabilistic reasoning to revive classical arguments – to use less controversial premises in achieving a conclusion directly relevant to whether theism is true or not. Here, I formulate thekalamcosmological argument in Bayesian terms, and argue that doing so renders many objections levelled against it obsolete.
Tangent bundle RRT: A randomized algorithm for constrained motion planning
Authors: Kim Beobkyoon , Um Terry Taewoong , Suh Chansu , Park F. C.
Published: May 2014

The Tangent Bundle Rapidly Exploring Random Tree (TB-RRT) is an algorithm for planning robot motions on curved configuration space manifolds, in which the key idea is to construct random trees not on the manifold itself, but on tangent bundle approximations to the manifold. Curvature-based methods are developed for constructing tangent bundle approximations, and procedures for random node generation and bidirectional tree extension are developed that significantly reduce the number of projections to the manifold. Extensive numerical experiments for a wide range of planning problems demonstrate the computational advantages of the TB-RRT algorithm over existing constrained path planning algorithms.
PLACING PROBABILITIES OF CONDITIONALS IN CONTEXT
Authors: HERMENS RONNIE
Published: May 2014

In this paper I defend the tenability of the Thesis that the probability of a conditional equals the conditional probability of the consequent given the antecedent. This is done by adopting the view that the interpretation of a conditional may differ from context to context. Several triviality results are (re-)evaluated in this view as providing natural constraints on probabilities for conditionals and admissible changes in the interpretation. The context-sensitive approach is also used to re-interpret some of the intuitive rules for conditionals and probabilities such as Bayes’ rule,Import-Export, and Modus Ponens. I will show that, contrary to consensus, the Thesis is in fact compatible with these re-interpreted rules.
The fauna and flora of the Insect Limestone (late Eocene), Isle of Wight, UK: introduction, history and geology
Authors: Ross Andrew J. , Self Angela
Published: May 2014

The Insect Limestone has long been known as a source of exquisitely preserved insects and other arthropods. It occurs on the north side of the Isle of Wight and is latest Eocene in age. A summary of the history of the study of the Insect Limestone is given, along with detailed stratigraphical and sedimentological information. This paper is the first in a thematic set of papers.
Medication Reconciliation – Theorie und Praxis
Authors: Franzen Katharina , Lenssen Rebekka , Jaehde Ulrich , Eisert Albrecht
Published: May 2014

Im Rahmen des WHO Projektes „High5s Action on Patient Safety“ wird „Medication Reconciliation“ an derzeit elf deutschen Kliniken implementiert. Ziel des High5s-Projektes ist es, innerhalb von fünf Jahren in fünf Ländern, fünf schwerwiegende Patientensicherheitsprobleme messbar, signifikant und anhaltend zu senken. Hierzu zählt unter anderem die Sicherstellung der richtigen Medikation bei Übergängen im Behandlungsprozess (Medication Reconciliation). Medication Reconciliation ist der systematische Abgleich der bestehenden Medikation eines Patienten mit der stationären Verordnung. Durch die nationale Koordinierungsstelle wurde hierfür eine standardisierte Handlungsempfehlung übersetzt und adaptiert. Hier wird sowohl die Implementierung als auch das Vorgehen im Medication Reconciliation Prozess strukturiert dargestellt. Der Medication Reconciliation Prozess gliedert sich in drei Teile. Zunächst wird eine bestmögliche Arzneimittelanamnese erfasst, anschließend erstellt der Arzt anhand dieser seine Aufnahmeverordnung und es erfolgt im letzten Schritt ein Abgleich der bestmöglichen Arzneimittelanamnese mit der Aufnahmeverordnung. Hierbei aufgetretene Diskrepanzen werden mit dem behandelten Arzt besprochen und geklärt. Der Erfassung der bestmöglichen Arzneimittelanamnese kommt hierbei eine besondere Rolle zu, da diese den Patienten während des gesamten Krankenhausaufenthaltes begleitet und an jeder Schnittstelle erneut zu Rate gezogen wird. Die praktische Umsetzung von Medication Reconciliation bedarf meist einer umfangreichen Umstellung der aktuellen Verordnungsbögen bzw. Verordnungssoftware und stellt somit für viele Kliniken eine große Herausforderung dar. Dennoch war es in den Niederlanden möglich, die Zahl an unbeabsichtigten Diskrepanzen um bis zu 90 % zu senken. Auch eine deutsche Klinik erzielt mit einer Reduktion der Diskrepanzen um ca. 77 % erste positive Ergebnisse. Des Weiteren wird der Nutzen von Medication Reconciliation für die Sicherheit des Patienten derzeit anhand klinisch-relevanter Endpunkte in einer weiteren Studie evaluiert.
Formale Kriterien für eine gute Verordnung im stationären Bereich
Authors: Langebrake Claudia , Melzer Simone , Baehr Michael
Published: May 2014

Die Arzneimittelversorgung von Patienten im Krankenhaus ist ein komplexer Prozess, an dem verschiedene Berufsgruppen beteiligt sind. Unter den dabei auftretenden Medikationsfehlern stellen die Verordnungsfehler den größten Anteil. Nach dem Reason-Modell können diese Fehler unterteilt werden in aktive Fehler, fehlerprovozierende Umstände oder latente Bedingungen. Ursächlich für Verordnungsfehler ist häufig das komplexe Zusammenspiel von mangelndem Wissen/Information, Unachtsamkeit, unzureichenden Arbeitsbedingungen (Zeitmangel, nicht klar geregelte Zuständigkeiten) sowie mangelhafter Kommunikation und Fehlerkultur. Für eine gute Verordnung sollten folgende Punkte beachtet werden: Einhaltung formaler Kriterien (z. B. das Vermeiden von Abkürzungen), Durchführung von Medication Reconciliation, Einführung von computergestützten Verordnungssystemen (CPOE) – möglichst mit Entscheidungshilfen (CDSS), Schulungen sowie die Etablierung einer guten Fehlerkultur. Die praktische Umsetzung von Empfehlungen zur Reduktion von Verordnungsfehlern wird anhand bereits etablierter Systeme in Krankenhäusern beschrieben.
Inhaltliche Kriterien für eine gute Verordnung bei Kindern
Authors: Neubert Antje , Wimmer Stefan
Published: May 2014

Die ärztliche Verordnung für Kinder und Jugendliche ist ein komplexer Prozess. Eine Vielzahl an Aspekten ist zu beachten, um die Arzneimitteltherapie für die kleinen Patienten wirksam und sicher zu gestalten. Die gesetzlichen Mindestanforderungen für eine Verordnung verschreibungspflichtiger Medikamente sind hier nicht ausreichend. Kinder sind unreife Individuen, die kontinuierlichen Wachstums- und Anpassungsprozessen unterliegen. Dementsprechend muss auch die Auswahl und Dosierung eines Arzneimittels an das Alter des Patienten und dessen kognitive Fähigkeiten angepasst werden. Häufiger off-label Einsatz und fehlende kindgerechte Arzneiformen kommen erschwerend hinzu. Auch sind nicht alle Arzneiformen für Kinder in jedem Alter gleichermaßen geeignet. Ebenso hat der Geschmack einen bedeutenden Einfluss auf die Adhärenz. Körpergewichtsbasierte Dosisberechnungen sind prädestiniert für Rechenfehler; falsch gesetzte Kommas oder Maßeinheiten führen schnell zu Fehldosierungen. Computergestützte Tools zur Überprüfung der Verordnungsqualität sind vielversprechend, in der Pädiatrie aber aufgrund einer fehlenden evidenzbasierten Datenbasis und der sehr hohen Prozesskomplexizität noch wenig verbreitet. Wichtig ist und bleibt eine gute Kommunikation zwischen Arzt und Apotheker, aber auch mit den Eltern und Patienten.
CO2 Has no Therapeutic Effect on Early Micro Vasospasm after Experimental Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Friedrich Benjamin , Michalik Radoslaw , Oniszczuk Anna , Abubaker Khalid , Kozniewska Ewa , Plesnila Nikolaus
Published: May 2014

In addition to delayed vasospasm also early brain injury, which occurs during the first few days after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) when large cerebral arteries are still fully functional, plays an important role for the outcome after SAH. In the current study, we investigated the hypothesis that carbon dioxide (CO2), a strong cerebral vasodilator, has a therapeutic potential against early posthemorrhagic microvasospasm. C57BL/6 mice ( n = 36) and Sprague-Dawley rats ( n = 23) were subjected to sham surgery or SAH by filament perforation. The pial microcirculation in the mice was visualized 3 and 24 hours after SAH using intravital fluorescence microscopy. Partial pressure of CO2 (PaCO2) was modulated by hyper- or hypoventilation or by inhalation of 10% CO2. In rats, CO2-mediated changes in cerebral blood flow (CBF) were measured at the same time points using laser Doppler fluxmetry. Increased PaCO2 caused vasodilatation in sham-operated animals. Following SAH, however, cerebral arterioles were nonreactive to CO2. This lack of microvascular CO2 reactivity was accompanied by a complete loss of CO2-induced hyperemia. Our data show that CO2 is not able to dilate spastic microvessels and to increase CBF early after SAH. Future therapeutic approaches will therefore need to address mechanisms beyond CO2.
Enantio-Relay Catalysis Constructs Chiral Biaryl Alcohols over Cascade Suzuki Cross-Coupling-Asymmetric Transfer Hydrogenation
Authors: Zhang Dacheng , Gao Xiaoshuang , Cheng Tanyu , Liu Guohua
Published: May 2014

The construction of chiral biaryl alcohols using enantio-relay catalysis is a particularly attractive synthetic method in organic synthesis. However, overcoming the intrinsic incompatibility of distinct organometallic complexes and the reaction conditions used are significant challenges in asymmetric catalysis. To overcome these barriers, we have taken advantage of an enantio-relay catalysis strategy and a combined dual-immobilization approach. We report the use of an imidazolium-based organopalladium-functionalized organic–inorganic hybrid silica and ethylene-coated chiral organoruthenium-functionalized magnetic nanoparticles to catalyze a cascade Suzuki cross-coupling–asymmetric transfer hydrogenation reaction to prepare chiral biaryl alcohols in a two-step, one-pot process. As expected, the site-isolated active species, salient imidazolium phase-transfer character and high ethylene-coated hydrophobicity can synergistically boost the catalytic performance. Furthermore, enantio-relay catalysis has the potential to efficiently prepare a variety of chiral biaryl alcohols. Our synthetic strategy is a general method that shows the potential of developing enantio-relay catalysis towards environmentally benign and sustainable organic synthesis.
Losing the left side of the world: Rightward shift in human spatial attention with sleep onset
Authors: Bareham Corinne A. , Manly Tom , Pustovaya Olga V. , Scott Sophie K. , Bekinschtein Tristan A.
Published: May 2014

Unilateral brain damage can lead to a striking deficit in awareness of stimuli on one side of space called Spatial Neglect. Patient studies show that neglect of the left is markedly more persistent than of the right and that its severity increases under states of low alertness. There have been suggestions that this alertness-spatial awareness link may be detectable in the general population. Here, healthy human volunteers performed an auditory spatial localisation task whilst transitioning in and out of sleep. We show, using independent electroencephalographic measures, that normal drowsiness is linked with a remarkable unidirectional tendency to mislocate left-sided stimuli to the right. The effect may form a useful healthy model of neglect and help in understanding why leftward inattention is disproportionately persistent after brain injury. The results also cast light on marked changes in conscious experience before full sleep onset.
Investigating the Impact of Asp181 Point Mutations on Interactions between PTP1B and Phosphotyrosine Substrate
Authors: Liu Mengyuan , Wang Lushan , Sun Xun , Zhao Xian
Published: May 2014

Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) is a key negative regulator of insulin and leptin signaling, which suggests that it is an attractive therapeutic target in type II diabetes and obesity. The aim of this research is to explore residues which interact with phosphotyrosine substrate can be affected by D181 point mutations and lead to increased substrate binding. To achieve this goal, molecular dynamics simulations were performed on wild type (WT) and two mutated PTP1B/substrate complexes. The cross-correlation and principal component analyses show that point mutations can affect the motions of some residues in the active site of PTP1B. Moreover, the hydrogen bond and energy decomposition analyses indicate that apart from residue 181, point mutations have influence on the interactions of substrate with several residues in the active site of PTP1B.
The chemistry of planet-forming regions is not interstellar
Authors: Pontoppidan Klaus M. , Blevins Sandra M.
Published: May 2014

Advances in infrared and submillimeter technology have allowed for detailed observations of the molecular content of the planet-forming regions of protoplanetary disks. In particular, disks around solar-type stars now have growing molecular inventories that can be directly compared with both prestellar chemistry and that inferred for the early solar nebula. The data directly address the old question of whether the chemistry of planet-forming matter is similar or different and unique relative to the chemistry of dense clouds and protostellar envelopes. The answer to this question may have profound consequences for the structure and composition of planetary systems. The practical challenge is that observations of emission lines from disks do not easily translate into chemical concentrations. Here, we present a two-dimensional radiative transfer model of RNO 90, a classical protoplanetary disk around a solar-mass star, and retrieve the concentrations of dominant molecular carriers of carbon, oxygen and nitrogen in the terrestrial region around 1 AU. We compare our results to the chemical inventory of dense clouds and protostellar envelopes, and argue that inner disk chemistry is, as expected, fundamentally different from prestellar chemistry. We find that the clearest discriminant may be the concentration of CO2, which is extremely low in disks, but one of the most abundant constituents of dense clouds and protostellar envelopes.
Low-energy electron-induced chemistry of condensed methanol: implications for the interstellar synthesis of prebiotic molecules
Authors: Boamah Mavis D. , Sullivan Kristal K. , Shulenberger Katie E. , Soe ChanMyae M. , Jacob Lisa M. , Yhee Farrah C. , Atkinson Karen E. , Boyer Michael C. , Haines David R. , Arumainayagam Christopher R.
Published: May 2014

In the interstellar medium, UV photolysis of condensed methanol (CH3OH), contained in ice mantles surrounding dust grains, is thought to be the mechanism that drives the formation of “complex” molecules, such as methyl formate (HCOOCH3), dimethyl ether (CH3OCH3), acetic acid (CH3COOH), and glycolaldehyde (HOCH2CHO). The source of this reaction-initiating UV light is assumed to be local because externally sourced UV radiation cannot penetrate the ice-containing dark, dense molecular clouds. Specifically, exceedingly penetrative high-energy cosmic rays generate secondary electrons within the clouds through molecular ionizations. Hydrogen molecules, present within these dense molecular clouds, are excited in collisions with these secondary electrons. It is the UV light, emitted by these electronically excited hydrogen molecules, that is generally thought to photoprocess interstellar icy grain mantles to generate “complex” molecules. In addition to producing UV light, the large numbers of low-energy (<20 eV) secondary electrons, produced by cosmic rays, can also directly initiate radiolysis reactions in the condensed phase. The goal of our studies is to understand the low-energy, electron-induced processes that occur when high-energy cosmic rays interact with interstellar ices, in which methanol, a precursor of several prebiotic species, is the most abundant organic species. Using post-irradiation temperature-programmed desorption, we have investigated the radiolysis initiated by low-energy (7 eV and 20 eV) electrons in condensed methanol at ∼ 85 K under ultrahigh vacuum (5 × 10−10 Torr) conditions. We have identified eleven electron-induced methanol radiolysis products, which include many that have been previously identified as being formed by methanol UV photolysis in the interstellar medium. These experimental results suggest that low-energy, electron-induced condensed phase reactions may contribute to the interstellar synthesis of “complex” molecules previously thought to form exclusively via UV photons.
Molecular dynamics study of the effect of alkyl chain length on melting points of [CnMIM][PF6] ionic liquids
Authors: Zhang Yong , Maginn Edward J.
Published: May 2014

Experimental trends in melting points correctly captured by simulation and the opposite trends were found to be the results of the balance between fusion enthalpy and fusion entropy.
Nanoparticle impacts reveal magnetic field induced agglomeration and reduced dissolution rates
Authors: Tschulik Kristina , Compton Richard G.
Published: May 2014

Cathodic particle coulometry reveals magnetic field-induced agglomeration and hindered dissolution of superparamagnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles in the presence of a magnetic field.
The effects of the Pd chemical state on the activity of Pd/Al2O3 catalysts in CO oxidation
Authors: Zhang Yanhui , Cai Yafeng , Guo Yun , Wang Haifeng , Wang Li , Lou Yang , Guo Yanglong , Lu Guanzhong , Wang Yanqing
Published: May 2014

CO adsorption and O2 activation played important roles in CO oxidation on a supported Pd catalyst, which was dependent on the chemical state of Pd.
Oxidative esterification of ethylene glycol in methanol to form methyl glycolate over supported Au catalysts
Authors: Ke Yi-Hu , Qin Xiao-Xia , Liu Chun-Ling , Yang Rong-Zhen , Dong Wen-Sheng
Published: May 2014

Au/ZnO showed the best activity in the oxidative esterification of ethylene glycol to methyl glycolate.
Using in situ voltammetry as a tool to identify and characterize habitats of iron-oxidizing bacteria: from fresh water wetlands to hydrothermal vent sites
Authors: MacDonald Daniel J. , Findlay Alyssa J. , McAllister Sean M. , Barnett Josh M. , Hredzak-Showalter Patricia , Krepski Sean T. , Cone Shane G. , Scott Jarrod , Bennett Sarah K. , Chan Clara S. , Emerson David , Luther III George W.
Published: May 2014

In situvoltammetry used for chemical analysis of a variety of freshwater and marine habitats for Fe(ii) oxidizing bacteria.
CD19-antigen specific nanoscale liposomal formulation of a SYK P-site inhibitor causes apoptotic destruction of human B-precursor leukemia cells
Authors: Myers Dorothea E. , Yiv Seang , Qazi Sanjive , Ma Hong , Cely Ingrid , Shahidzadeh Anoush , Arellano Martha , Finestone Erin , Gaynon Paul S. , Termuhlen Amanda , Cheng Jianjun , Uckun Fatih M.
Published: May 2014

We report the anti-leukemic potency of a unique nanoformulation of a SYK inhibitor.
Tools for chemical synthesis in microsystems
Authors: Jensen Klavs F. , Reizman Brandon J. , Newman Stephen G.
Published: May 2014

Major developments in systems for flow chemistry are reviewed and limitations underlying the development of chip-scale integrated systems are discussed.
NH⋯O and OH⋯O interactions of glycine derivatives with squaric acid
Authors: Anioła Michalina , Dega-Szafran Zofia , Katrusiak Andrzej , Szafran Mirosław
Published: May 2014

Hydrogen-bonded complexes of glycine, sarcosine, dimethylgycine and betaine with squaric acid have been synthesized and characterized by X-ray diffraction, FTIR, NMR and DFT methods.
Facile hydrothermal synthesis of SnO2/C microspheres and double layered core–shell SnO2 microspheres as anode materials for Li-ion secondary batteries
Authors: Wu Mingbo , Liu Jun , Tan Minghui , Li Zhongtao , Wu Wenting , Li Yanpeng , Wang Huaiping , Zheng Jingtang , Qiu Jieshan
Published: May 2014

SnO2/C microspheres and double layered core–shell SnO2 microspheres can be synthesized in large scale by a facile hydrothermal method followed by heat-treatment.
Physicochemical investigations of the metal complexes ofl-valine with doubly charged ions of nickel, copper and zinc: a combined experimental and computational approach
Authors: Mandal Shilpi , Das Gunajyoti , Askari Hassan
Published: May 2014

Molecular electrostatic potentials inl-Val and its metal complexes.
Study of the hydrogen-induced amorphization in the LaNi2.28 alloy
Authors: Li Ping , Zhai Fuqiang , Wan Qi , Zhao Kuifei , Li Ziliang , Volinsky Alex A. , Qu Xuanhui
Published: May 2014

To understand the fundamental reason leading to the poor stability of LaNi2.28 hydrogen storage alloy, the cycling behavior of LaNi2.28 alloy under hydrogen has been investigated.
Metal organic framework-laden composite polymer electrolytes for efficient and durable all-solid-state-lithium batteries
Authors: Senthil Kumar R. , Raja M. , Anbu Kulandainathan M. , Manuel Stephan A.
Published: May 2014

A copper benzene dicarboxylate metal organic framework (Cu-BDC MOF) was synthesized and successfully incorporated in a poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) and lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonylimide) (LiTFSI) complex.
Successful aqueous processing of a lead free 0.5Ba(Zr0.2Ti0.8)O3–0.5(Ba0.7Ca0.3)TiO3 piezoelectric material composition
Authors: Kaushal Ajay , Olhero S. M. , Singh Budhendra , Zamiri Reza , Saravanan V. , Ferreira J. M. F.
Published: May 2014

We report on successful aqueous processing of a lead free BZT–BCT composition with its dielectric properties unaffected by hydrolysis.
pH-dependent cross-linking of catechols through oxidation via Fe3+and potential implications for mussel adhesion
Authors: Fullenkamp Dominic E. , Barrett Devin G. , Miller Dusty R. , Kurutz Josh W. , Messersmith Phillip B.
Published: May 2014

The covalent cross-links induced by Fe3+-mediated oxidation of catechols were studied and their potential relevance to mussel adhesion was discussed.
Current research and future perspectives of phytase bioprocessing
Authors: Bhavsar K. , Khire J. M.
Published: May 2014

A focused platform for phytase bio-processing and application oriented research will help in developing an integrated technological solution to phytase production.
Synthesis and photophysical properties of novel phthalocyanine–perylenediimide–phthalocyanine triad and phthalocyanine–perylenediimide dyads
Authors: Sun Xiaobo , Qiu Wenfeng , Wei Donghui , Tang Mingsheng , Guo Lin
Published: May 2014

Three novel multi-component chromophores based on phthalocyanine and perylenediimide moieties were synthesized by one condensation reaction.
Modulation of slow magnetic relaxation by tuning magnetic exchange in {Cr2Dy2} single molecule magnets
Authors: Langley Stuart K. , Wielechowski Daniel P. , Vieru Veacheslav , Chilton Nicholas F. , Moubaraki Boujemaa , Chibotaru Liviu F. , Murray Keith S.
Published: May 2014

Newly synthesised {CrIII2DyIII2} single molecule magnets reveal that the size of the anisotropy barrier is related to the strength of the magnetic exchange interaction in the complex.
A microscopic view of the yielding transition in concentrated emulsions
Authors: Knowlton E. D. , Pine D. J. , Cipelletti L.
Published: May 2014

A microscopic investigation of the yielding transition of concentrated emulsions unveils a rich scenario as drop concentration and shear amplitude are varied.
AgBr quantum dots decorated mesoporous Bi2WO6architectures with enhanced photocatalytic activities for methylene blue
Authors: Wang Danjun , Guo Li , Zhen Yanzhong , Yue Linlin , Xue Ganglin , Fu Feng
Published: May 2014

AgBr quantum dots (QDs) were decorated on the surface of Bi2WO6to form a novel AgBr/Bi2WO6heterojunction. The enhancement of catalytic efficiency of AgBr/Bi2WO6heterojunctions relative to pure Bi2WO6could be associated to differences in their lifetime as holes and electrons, and to valence and conduction band positions.
Dual-mode waveguiding of Raman and luminescence signals in a crystalline organic microplate
Authors: Jo Seong Gi , Park Dong Hyuk , Kim Bong-Gi , Seo Sungbaek , Lee Suk Joong , Kim Jeongyong , Kim Jinsang , Joo Jinsoo
Published: May 2014

Dual-mode optical waveguiding of Raman and luminescence signals using a single crystalline organic CN-TSDB microplate was successfully demonstrated.
Investigations on PVP/Y3BO6:Eu3+, a red luminescent composite for lighting devices based on near UV-LEDs
Authors: Pradal Nathalie , Boyer Damien , Chadeyron Geneviève , Therias Sandrine , Chapel Anthony , Santilli Celso V. , Mahiou Rachid
Published: May 2014

The red luminescent composite, achieved by a film casting method, proved to be a promising candidate for applications in UV-LED based lighting devices.
Luminescent hydrogels based on di(4-propoxyphenyl)-dibenzofulvene exhibiting four emission colours and organic solvents/thermal dual-responsive properties
Authors: Zheng Heying , Li Chenyu , He Changcheng , Dong Yong Qiang , Liu Qisi , Qin Peifeng , Zeng Chen , Wang Huiliang
Published: May 2014

Luminescent hydrogels exhibit orange, yellow, green and blue emissions and reversible or irreversible organic solvents/thermal dual-responsive properties.
Late stage crystallization and healing during spin-coating enhance carrier transport in small-molecule organic semiconductors
Authors: Wei Chou Kang , Ullah Khan Hadayat , Niazi Muhammad R. , Yan Buyi , Li Ruipeng , Payne Marcia M. , Anthony John E. , Smilgies Detlef-M. , Amassian Aram
Published: May 2014

Spin-coating of TIPS-pentacene is examined in situ to reveal that residual solvent can heal structural defects and dramatically increase carrier mobility.
Recent development of core–shell SnO2nanostructures and their potential applications
Authors: Kar Arik , Patra Amitava
Published: May 2014

Core–shell structures of SnO2nanocrystals improve the performance of diverse applications.
Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) Stage of the Frontotemporal Dementias: Early Diagnosis and Management
Authors: Domoto-Reilly Kimiko , Sapolsky Daisy , Dickerson Bradford C.
Published: May 2014

The mild cognitive impairment (MCI) stage of neurodegenerative diseases refers to an early clinical phase of the disease in which a change has been observed in an individual's cognition or behavior but the person is generally able to maintain independent functioning in daily activities with minimal aids or assistance. At an early stage of most neurodegenerative diseases, including the Frontotemporal Dementias, it can be very difficult to determine whether a person has symptoms of a progressive illness or is suffering from a condition less likely to progress, or even exhibiting symptoms consistent with normal aging. It is critical to identify individuals with MCI, since people with this clinical syndrome are at elevated risk of progressive cognitive decline. In the case of Primary Progressive Aphasia, a neurodegenerative disease in which speech and/or language abilities are gradually lost, a speech-language pathologist (SLP) may be one of the initial clinical providers in the MCI stage. The SLP is therefore critical in helping to determine whether a change in language abilities is a result of normal aging, a neurodegenerative process, or other etiologies.
Coding for Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Kinder Renee
Published: May 2014

Appropriate coding when providing skilled therapy interventions for individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) begins by obtaining an adequate understanding of the diagnostic criteria for the disorder.

Current diagnostic criteria for MCI include:

a. reported change in cognition, which is preferably corroborated by an informant in comparison with previous level with concern of patient, family, or clinician with one or more impaired cognitive domains for age and education.

b. decline which is evident over time and greater than expected for age and education in a variety of domains including memory, executive function, attention, language, visuospatial skills, and episodic memory.

c. not normal, not demented.

d. intact activities of daily living (Albert et al., 2011). Individual may present with mild problems with complex tasks such as paying bills, preparing a meal, and shopping and may require more time and be less efficient, with more errors during tasks.
Pareto optimal primary–secondary user dynamic spectrum leasing game
Authors: Azimi S.M.
Published: May 2014

Dynamic spectrum leasing provides a room for better spectrum utilisation. Primary user (PU) temporary leases its unused spectrum in exchange for monetary profits and secondary users (SUs) opportunistically use the available spectrum. Recent works proposed a non‐cooperative game to model PU–SU interaction, but the outcome is not Pareto efficient. The SUs’ utility is modified to indicate their opportunistic behaviour. In addition, the outcome of the non‐cooperative game would be Pareto efficient. Simulation results verify that the proposed method outperforms the conventional one.
Speech enhancement based on soft‐masking exploiting both output SNR and selectivity of spatial filtering
Authors: Kim Biho , Hwang Yunil , Park Hyung‐Min
Published: May 2014

A speech enhancement method is presented, which applies a soft mask to a target speech output of spatial filtering, such as conventional beamforming or independent component analysis (ICA). In contrast to conventional methods using either outputs or filters estimated by spatial filtering, the mask is constructed by exploiting both local output signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) and spatial selectivity obtained from the directivity pattern of the estimated filters. Experiments were conducted for both ICA and minimum power distortionless response beamforming as spatial filtering in order to demonstrate that the described mask estimation is not a tuned method for particular preprocessing. The results in terms of both SNR with a retained speech ratio and word accuracy in speech recognition show that the described method can effectively suppress residual noise in the target speech output of spatial filtering.
Improved brushless DC motor speed controller with digital signal processor
Authors: Kahveci H. , Okumuş H.I. , Ekici M.
Published: May 2014

Brushless motors are used in many applications owing to their advantages. In most of the applications, conventional control methods with a hysteresis band (HB) controller are used. An improved speed and current control scheme for brushless DC motors with a trapezoidal shape back EMF is presented. Instead of the conventional HB and proportional‐integral (PI) controllers, a fuzzy logic controller that is independent of motor equations and based on expert knowledge has been employed for current and also for speed regulation; thereby, the disadvantages of the HB are eliminated and the overall performance of the controller is enhanced. Experimental studies have been carried out with a TMS320F2812 digital signal processor. The presented control scheme has been validated through comparative experiments with the fuzzy logic speed and HB current controller. The results show that the proposed control scheme operates satisfactorily and provides a constant switching frequency.
Simplified maximum‐likelihood detectors for full‐rate alternate‐relaying cooperative systems
Authors: Mostafa Hala , Marey Mohamed , Ahmed Mohamed H. , Dobre Octavia A.
Published: May 2014

A key issue in the full‐rate alternate‐relaying cooperative communication systems is the interference which is caused by the simultaneous transmission of the source and one of the relays. In this study, the authors propose maximum‐likelihood (ML) detectors to mitigate the interference in such systems. Unlike previous work in which interference cancellation is required at the destination, the authors exploit the interference signal as a beneficial resource to develop an optimal detector. It is shown that the optimal detector can be implemented by parallel Viterbi algorithms. The major drawback of the proposed optimal detector is the delay because the destination has to receive and store the entire frame before performing data detection. Owing to the inevitable delay restriction, a sub‐optimal detector is developed. In contrast with the optimal detector, the sub‐optimal detector exploits two consecutive received packets to decode one packet. It turns out that the sub‐optimal detector significantly reduces the required delay, memory size and bandwidth loss, with a slight increase of the bit‐error‐rate and the computational complexity. Extensive simulation results have been presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed detectors.
Saturated distributed coordination function Markov model for noisy soft‐real‐time industrial wireless networks
Authors: Maadani Mohsen , Motamedi Seyed Ahmad , Safdarkhani Hadi , Parsa Mahshad
Published: May 2014

The use of wireless technology in industrial networks is becoming more popular due to its numerous advantages. Providing an accurate model to study its performance parameters, is an essential step in designing a reliable and real‐time industrial wireless network protocol. Most of the existing models are accurate only for data networks which have large packet payloads and high signal to noise ratio (SNR) characteristics, and cannot be applied to study the performance of industrial networks which have short packet lengths and are used in harsh and noisy environments. In this paper a novel three‐dimensional discrete‐time Markov chain (DTMC) model has been proposed for the IEEE 802.11‐based industrial wireless networks using the distributed coordination function (DCF) as the medium access control (MAC) mechanism. It considers both causes of the backoff freezing: busy channel and the successive inter‐frame space (IFS) waiting phase. In this way, it provides a much more accurate estimation of the channel access and collision probabilities, resulting in more accurate network metric calculations. Also, based on the proposed model, a simple and accurate packet delay analysis is provided in the worst‐case saturated traffic and error‐prone channel condition which in comparison with similar works provides more accurate results.