bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tandem‐Organokatalyse und ‐Photokatalyse: eine Anthrachinon‐ katalysierte sequenzielle Indol‐C3‐Alkylierung/Photooxidation/ 1,2‐Umlagerung
Authors: Lerch Stephanie , Unkel Lisa‐Natascha , Brasholz Malte
Published: May 2014

Wegen ihrer orthogonalen Reaktivitäten im Grund‐ und angeregten Zustand sind Chinone interessante Organokatalysatoren für die Entwicklung sequenzieller katalytischer Verfahren. Die Entdeckung einer thermischen Chinon‐katalysierten C3‐Alkylierung von Indolen mit Benzylaminen wird beschrieben, die sequenziell mit einer neuen, durch sichtbares Licht induzierten Photooxidation/1,2‐Umlagerung kombiniert wurde. Das Eintopf‐Tandemverfahren setzt Indole zu 3‐Benzylindolen um, die darauf zu neuen fluoreszierenden 2,2‐disubstituierten Indolin‐3‐onen transformiert werden.
Covalent Surface Modification of Oxide Surfaces
Authors: Pujari Sidharam P. , Scheres Luc , Marcelis Antonius T. M. , Zuilhof Han
Published: May 2014

The modification of surfaces by the deposition of a robust overlayer provides an excellent handle with which to tune the properties of a bulk substrate to those of interest. Such control over the surface properties becomes increasingly important with the continuing efforts at down‐sizing the active components in optoelectronic devices, and the corresponding increase in the surface area/volume ratio. Relevant properties to tune include the degree to which a surface is wetted by water or oil. Analogously, for biosensing applications there is an increasing interest in so‐called “romantic surfaces”: surfaces that repel all biological entities, apart from one, to which it binds strongly. Such systems require both long lasting and highly specific tuning of the surface properties. This Review presents one approach to obtain robust surface modifications of the surface of oxides, namely the covalent attachment of monolayers.
Dative Bonds in Main‐Group Compounds: A Case for More Arrows!
Authors: Frenking Gernot
Published: May 2014

Semantics, definitions? The description of the electronic structure of main‐group compounds with dative bonds significantly enriched the chemistry of sp block elements. The new viewpoint has proved to be a useful guideline for the synthesis of unusual donor–acceptor complexes and for explaining novel molecular structures. New compound classes such as carbones CL2 and borylene complexes (BH)L2 have been found.
Oxidation Monitoring by Fluorescence Spectroscopy Reveals the Age of Fingermarks
Authors: van Dam Annemieke , Schwarz Janina C. V. , de Vos Judith , Siebes Maria , Sijen Titia , van Leeuwen Ton G. , Aalders Maurice C. G. , Lambrechts Saskia A. G.
Published: May 2014

No forensic method exists that can reliably estimate the age of fingermarks found at a crime scene. Information on time passed since fingermark deposition is desired as it can be used to distinguish between crime related and unrelated fingermarks and to support or refute statements made by the fingermark donors. We introduce a non‐contact method that can estimate the age of fingermarks. Fingermarks were approached as protein–lipid mixtures and an age‐estimation model was build based on the expected protein and lipid oxidation reactions. Two measures of oxidation are required from the fingermark to estimate its age: 1) the relative amount of fluorescent oxidation products 2) the rate at which these products are formed. Fluorescence spectroscopy was used to obtain these measures. We tested the method on 44 fingermarks and were able to estimate the age of 55 % of the male fingermarks, up to three weeks old with an uncertainty of 1.9 days.
Superoxide Formation on Isolated Cationic Gold Clusters
Authors: Woodham Alex P. , Fielicke André
Published: May 2014

Gold nanoparticles are known to be highly versatile oxidation catalysts utilizing molecular oxygen as a feedstock, but the mechanism and species responsible for activating oxygen remain unclear. The reaction between unsupported cationic gold clusters and molecular oxygen has been investigated. The resulting complexes were characterized in the gas phase using IR spectroscopy. A strong red‐shift in the observed ν(O‐O) stretching frequency indicates the formation of superoxo (O2−) moieties. These moieties are seen to form spontaneously in systems, which upon electron transfer attain a closed shell within the spherical jellium model (Au10+ and Au22+), whereas an oxygen induced self‐promotion in the activation is observed for other systems (Au4+, Au12+, Au21+).
Tandem Organocatalysis and Photocatalysis: An Anthraquinone‐Catalyzed Indole‐C3‐Alkylation/Photooxidation/1,2‐Shift Sequence
Authors: Lerch Stephanie , Unkel Lisa‐Natascha , Brasholz Malte
Published: May 2014

Quinones exhibit orthogonal ground‐ and excited‐state reactivities and are therefore highly suitable organocatalysts for the development of sequential catalytic processes. Herein, the discovery of an anthraquinone‐catalyzed thermal indole‐C3‐alkylation with benzylamines is described, which can be combined sequentially with a new visible‐light‐driven catalytic photooxidation/1,2‐shift reaction. The one‐flask tandem process converts indoles into 3‐benzylindole intermediates, which are further transformed into new fluorescent 2,2‐disubstituted indoline‐3‐one derivatives.
Organocatalytic Oxidative Annulation of Benzamide Derivatives with Alkynes
Authors: Manna Srimanta , Antonchick Andrey P.
Published: May 2014

Organocatalytic annulation by functionalization of benzamide derivatives with alkynes has been developed. We report a new approach of cycloaddition under mild reaction conditions using simple catalysts, such as iodobenzene and peracetic acid, as oxidant. Those novel, mild reaction conditions provided a straightforward synthesis of isoquinolones with fast reaction rate. Notable selectivity in annulation of unsymmetrically disubstituted alkynes was demonstrated.
Efficient asymmetric addition of diethylzinc to aldehydes using C2‐novel chiral pyridine β‐amino alcohols as chiral ligands
Authors: Zhang Weijie , Tang Ruiren , Yu Huirong , Gao Shu
Published: May 2014

A series of novel C2‐symmetric chiral pyridine β‐amino alcohol ligands have been synthesized from 2,6‐pyridine dicarboxaldehyde, m‐phthalaldehyde and chiral β‐amino alcohols through a two‐step reaction. All their structures were characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR and IR. Their enantioselective induction behaviors were examined under different conditions such as the structure of the ligands, reaction temperature, solvent, reaction time and catalytic amount. The results show that the corresponding chiral secondary alcohols can be obtained with high yields and moderate to good enantiomeric excess. The best result, up to 89% ee, was obtained when the ligand 3c (2S,2′R)‐2,2′‐((pyridine‐2,6‐diylbis(methylene))bisazanediyl))bis(4‐methyl‐1,1‐diphenylpentan‐1‐ol) was used in toluene at room temperature. The ligand 3g (2S,2′R)‐2,2′‐((1,3‐phenylenebis(methylene))bis(azanediyl))bis(4‐methyl‐1,1‐diphenylpentan‐1‐ol) was prepared in which the pyridine ring was replaced by the benzene ring compared to 3c in order to illustrate the unique role of the N atom in the pyridine ring in the inductive reaction. The results indicate that the coordination of the N atom of the pyridine ring is essential in the asymmetric induction reaction. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Information seeking, use, and decision making
Authors: Mishra Jyoti , Allen David , Pearman Alan
Published: May 2014

In this paper we explored three areas: decision making and information seeking, the relationship between information seeking and uncertainty, and the role of expertise in influencing information use. This was undertaken in the context of a qualitative study into decision making in the initial stages of emergency response to major incidents. The research took an interpretive approach in which activity theory is used as an analytical framework. The research provides further evidence that the context of the activity and individual differences influence the choice of decision mode and associated information behavior. We also established that information is often not used to resolve uncertainty in decision making and indeed information is often sought and used after the decision is made to justify the decision. Finally, we point to the significance of both expertise and confidence in understanding information behavior. The contribution of the research to existing theoretical frameworks is discussed and a modified version ofWilson's problem‐solving model is proposed.
A patento‐scientometric approach to venture capital investment prioritization
Authors: Motta Gustavo da Silva , Garcia Pauli Adriano de Almada , Quintella Rogério Hermida
Published: May 2014

This paper proposes an approach to analyzing and prioritizing venture capital investments with the use of scientometric and patentometric indicators. The article highlights the importance of such investments in the development of technology‐based companies and their positive impacts on the economic development of regions and countries. It also notes that the managers of venture capital funds struggle to objectify the evaluation of investment proposals. This paper analyzes the selection process of 10 companies, five of which received investments by the largest venture capital fund in Brazil and the other five of which were rejected by this same fund. We formulated scientometric and patentometric indicators related to each company and conducted a comparative analysis of each by considering the indicators grouped by the nonfinancial criteria (technology, market, and divestiture team) from analysis of the investment proposals. The proposed approach clarifies aspects of the criteria evaluated and contributes to the construction of a method for prioritizing venture capital investments.
Factors affecting citation rates of research articles
Authors: Onodera Natsuo , Yoshikane Fuyuki
Published: May 2014

This study examines whether there are some general trends across subject fields regarding the factors affecting the number of citations of articles, focusing especially on those factors that are not directly related to the quality or content of articles (extrinsic factors). For this purpose, from 6 selected subject fields (condensed matter physics, inorganic and nuclear chemistry, electric and electronic engineering, biochemistry and molecular biology, physiology, and gastroenterology), original articles published in the same year were sampled (n = 230–240 for each field). Then, the citation counts received by the articles in relatively long citation windows (6 and 11 years after publication) were predicted by negative binomial multiple regression (NBMR) analysis for each field. Various article features about author collaboration, cited references, visibility, authors' achievements (measured by past publications and citedness), and publishing journals were considered as the explanatory variables of NBMR. Some generality across the fields was found with regard to the selected predicting factors and the degree of significance of these predictors. The Price index was the strongest predictor of citations, and number of references was the next. The effects of number of authors and authors' achievement measures were rather weak.
School expenditure and school performance: evidence from New South Wales schools using a dynamic panel analysis
Authors: Pugh G. , Mangan J. , Blackburn V. , Radicic D.
Published: May 2014

This article estimates the effects of school expenditure on school performance in government secondary schools in New South Wales, Australia over the period 2006–2010. It uses dynamic panel analysis to exploit time series data on individual schools that only recently has become available. We find a significant but small effect of expenditure on relative school performance and significant dynamics in the school improvement process. In addition, our estimates support previous studies in suggesting that the size of schools is an important factor in their performance. Regarding methods for analysing school expenditure effects, this article argues the relevance of a dynamic specification for the investigation of school performance and recommends a continuing research agenda using panel data and dynamic models.
How the mitochondrion was shaped by radical differences in substrates
Authors: Speijer Dave
Published: May 2014

As free‐living organisms, alpha‐proteobacteria produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) that diffuse into the surroundings; once constrained inside the archaeal ancestor of eukaryotes, however, ROS production presented evolutionary pressures – especially because the alpha‐proteobacterial symbiont made more ROS, from a variety of substrates. I previously proposed that ratios of electrons coming from FADH2 and NADH (F/N ratios) correlate with ROS production levels during respiration, glucose breakdown having a much lower F/N ratio than longer fatty acid (FA) breakdown. Evidently, higher endogenous ROS formation did not hinder eukaryotic evolution, so how were its disadvantages mitigated? I propose that the resulting selection pressures favoured the evolution of a variety of eukaryotic ‘innovations’: peroxisomes for FA breakdown, carnitine shuttles, the linkage of beta‐oxidation to antioxidant properties, uncoupling proteins (UCPs) and using mitochondrial uncoupling during beta‐oxidation to reduce ROS. Recently observed relationships between peroxisomes and mitochondria further support the model.
FGFR3 expression in primary and metastatic urothelial carcinoma of the bladder
Authors: Guancial Elizabeth A. , Werner Lillian , Bellmunt Joaquim , Bamias Aristotle , Choueiri Toni K. , Ross Robert , Schutz Fabio A. , Park Rachel S. , O'Brien Robert J. , Hirsch Michelle S. , Barletta Justine A. , Berman David M. , Lis Rosina , Loda Massimo , Stack Edward C. , Garraway Levi A. , Riester Markus , Michor Franziska , Kantoff Philip W. , Rosenberg Jonathan E.
Published: May 2014

While fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3) is frequently mutated or overexpressed in nonmuscle‐invasive urothelial carcinoma (UC), the prevalence of FGFR3 protein expression and mutation remains unknown in muscle‐invasive disease. FGFR3 protein and mRNA expression, mutational status, and copy number variation were retrospectively analyzed in 231 patients with formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded primary UCs, 33 metastases, and 14 paired primary and metastatic tumors using the following methods: immunohistochemistry, NanoString nCounterTM, OncoMap or Affymetrix OncoScanTM array, and Gain and Loss of Analysis of DNA and Genomic Identification of Significant Targets in Cancer software. FGFR3 immunohistochemistry staining was present in 29% of primary UCs and 49% of metastases and did not impact overall survival (P = 0.89, primary tumors; P = 0.78, metastases). FGFR3 mutations were observed in 2% of primary tumors and 9% of metastases. Mutant tumors expressed higher levels of FGFR3 mRNA than wild‐type tumors (P < 0.001). FGFR3 copy number gain and loss were rare events in primary and metastatic tumors (0.8% each; 3.0% and 12.3%, respectively). FGFR3 immunohistochemistry staining is present in one third of primary muscle‐invasive UCs and half of metastases, while FGFR3 mutations and copy number changes are relatively uncommon.
A personality model for animating heterogeneous traffic behaviors
Authors: Lu Xuequan , Wang Zonghui , Xu Mingliang , Chen Wenzhi , Deng Zhigang
Published: May 2014

How to automatically generate realistic and heterogeneous traffic behaviors has been a much needed yet challenging problem for numerous traffic simulation and urban planning applications. In this paper, we propose a novel approach to model heterogeneous traffic behaviors by adapting a well‐established personality trait model (i.e., Eysenck's PEN (psychoticism, extraversion and neuroticism) model) into widely used traffic simulation approaches. First, we collected a large amount of user feedback while users watch a variety of computer‐generated traffic simulation video clips. Then, we trained regression models to bridge low‐level traffic simulation parameters and high‐level perceived traffic behaviors (i.e., adjectives according to the PEN model and the three PEN traits). We also conducted an additional user study to validate the effectiveness and usefulness of our approach, in particular, high correlation coefficients and the Pearson values between users’ feedback and our model predictions prove the effectiveness of our approach. Furthermore, our approach can also produce interesting emergent traffic patterns including faster‐is‐slower effect and sticking‐in‐a‐pin‐wherever‐there‐is‐room effect. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Magnetic Properties and Electronic Structure of Neptunyl(VI) Complexes: Wavefunctions, Orbitals, and Crystal‐Field Models
Authors: Gendron Frédéric , Páez‐Hernández Dayán , Notter François‐Paul , Pritchard Ben , Bolvin Hélène , Autschbach Jochen
Published: May 2014

The electronic structure and magnetic properties of neptunyl(VI), NpO22+, and two neptunyl complexes, [NpO2(NO3)3]− and [NpO2Cl4]2−, were studied with a combination of theoretical methods: ab initio relativistic wavefunction methods and density functional theory (DFT), as well as crystal‐field (CF) models with parameters extracted from the ab initio calculations. Natural orbitals for electron density and spin magnetization from wavefunctions including spin–orbit coupling were employed to analyze the connection between the electronic structure and magnetic properties, and to link the results from CF models to the ab initio data. Free complex ions and systems embedded in a crystal environment were studied. Of prime interest were the electron paramagnetic resonance g‐factors and their relation to the complex geometry, ligand coordination, and nature of the nonbonding 5f orbitals. The g‐factors were calculated for the ground and excited states. For [NpO2Cl4]2−, a strong influence of the environment of the complex on its magnetic behavior was demonstrated. Kohn–Sham DFT with standard functionals can produce reasonable g‐factors as long as the calculation converges to a solution resembling the electronic state of interest. However, this is not always straightforward.
Density‐Dependent Interactions Between Hydrilla verticillata (L.F.) Royle and Phytoplankton: A Mesocosm Experiment
Authors: Jiang Hao , Zhao Dehua , Zhao Hui , Cai Ying , Xu Delin , Zhou Changfang , Leng Xin , Xie Dong
Published: May 2014

The management of submerged macrophytes is regarded as a potential method to control algal blooms. However, cell densities in algal blooms often have a wide range. Understanding interactions between varying phytoplankton cell densities and submerged macrophytes may help to develop conservation strategies. In this study, we investigated the density‐dependent interactions between the submerged macrophyte Hydrilla verticillata (L.F.) Royle and the varying concentrations of phytoplankton in an enclosed environment. Our results showed that H. verticillata controlled the density of phytoplankton in the system that maintained it at approximately 30% of the initial level, promoted high phytoplankton diversity, and attained greater biomass and plant length in the low initial phytoplankton density treatment (7.5 × 106 cells/L). In the systems without H. verticillata, phytoplankton multiplied to a density by approximately ninefolds of the initial level during the experiment period, and a number of Bacillariophyta and Chlorophyta species disappeared, which indicated decreased phytoplankton diversity. When the initial phytoplankton density was high (1.9 × 108 cells/L), H. verticillata did not effectively control phytoplankton cell density and the presence of H. verticillata did not significantly influence the final phytoplankton cell density or species composition, while the proportion of Microcystis spp. was increased. High cell density phytoplankton conditions had a negative effect on the biomass and length of H. verticillata. Initial phytoplankton cell density is an important factor that needs to be considered for predicting whether submerged macrophyte planting could inhibit the algal bloom.
Fabrication of Surface‐Patterned Membranes by Means of a ZnO Nanorod Templating Method for Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel‐Cell Applications
Authors: Chi Won Seok , Jeon Yukwon , Park Se Jun , Kim Jong Hak , Shul Yong‐Gun
Published: May 2014

Surface‐patterned Nafion films were prepared by using different types of ZnO nanorods as templates for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel‐cell (PEMFC) applications. Varying the concentrations of the Zn precursor produced ZnO nanorods with different diameters and pore sizes in the Nafion films. The surface‐tuned structure of the films improved fuel‐cell performance owing to effective Pt loading on the membranes through an enhancement in surface area. Also, the interconnected morphology resulted in a reduction in charge‐transfer resistance at the interface between the electrode and membrane. The optimum surface‐patterned Nafion film recorded a current density of 1.19 A cm−2 at 0.6 V and a maximum power density of 0.95 W cm−2. These values are much higher than those of non‐patterned Nafion (0.85 A cm−2 and 0.59 W cm−2, respectively). We expect that the patterning process using ZnO nanorod templates will improve the performance of any electrochemical device by allowing for the tuning of the interfacial resistance.
Spatial sampling on streams: principles for inference on aquatic networks
Authors: Som Nicholas A. , Monestiez Pascal , Ver Hoef Jay M. , Zimmerman Dale L. , Peterson Erin E.
Published: May 2014

For ecological and environmental data, prior inquiries into spatial sampling designs have considered two‐dimensional domains and have shown that design optimality depends on the characteristics of the target spatial domain and intended inference. The structure and water‐driven continuity of streams prompted the development of spatial autocovariance models for stream networks. The unique properties of stream networks, and their spatial processes, warrant evaluation of sampling design characteristics in comparison with their two‐dimensional counterparts. Common inference scenarios in stream networks include spatial prediction, estimation of fixed effects parameters, and estimation of autocovariance parameters, with prediction and fixed effects estimation most commonly coupled with autocovariance parameter estimation. We consider these inference scenarios under a suite of network characteristics and stream‐network spatial processes. Our results demonstrate, for parameter estimation and prediction, the importance of collecting samples from specific network locations. Additionally, our results mirror aspects from the prior two‐dimensional sampling design inquiries, namely, the importance of collecting some samples within clusters when autocovariance parameter estimation is required. These results can be applied to help refine sample site selection for future studies and further showcase that understanding the characteristics of the targeted spatial domain is essential for sampling design planning. Published 2014. This article has been contributed to by US Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.
Clinical significance of integrin β6 as a tumor recurrence factor in follicular thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Zhuang Zhuo‐nan , Xu Zhen‐jie , Zhou Qian , Xu Xiao‐zhou , Tian Jessie , Liu Yan‐feng , Guo Sen , Wang Jia‐yong , Xu Ke‐sen
Published: May 2014

Background

Overexpression of integrin β6 plays an important role in a variety of malignant tumor invasion and metastasis.

Methods

The expression levels of integrin β6, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐2 and MMP‐9 were analyzed by immunohistochemistry with human follicular thyroid carcinomas. Then we investigated their correlation with clinical outcomes parameters, relationship, and the survival time.

Results

The integrin β6 staining was expressed in cellular membrane and cytoplasm of follicular thyroid carcinoma cells. The MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 expressions were mainly found in cellular cytoplasm. In correlation with the clinical outcome parameters of 60 patients, there were significant statistical differences of integrin β6, MMP‐2, and MMP‐9 expression levels in different size of tumor. Integrin β6 and MMP‐9 expressions have significant statistical differences in T classifications. MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 expressions have significant statistical differences in different M classification. Other clinical outcome parameters had no significant statistical differences.

Conclusion

Integrin β6 expression correlated significantly with MMP‐9 expression, and may be a valuable recurrence indicator for follicular thyroid carcinomas. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 37: 1439–1447, 2015
Uncertainty analysis of flood inundation modelling using GLUE with surrogate models in stochastic sampling
Authors: Yu J. J. , Qin X. S. , Larsen O.
Published: May 2014

A generalized likelihood uncertainty estimation (GLUE) method incorporating moving least squares (MLS) with entropy for stochastic sampling (denoted as GLUE‐MLS‐E) was proposed for uncertainty analysis of flood inundation modelling. The MLS with entropy (MLS‐E) was established according to the pairs of parameters/likelihoods generated from a limited number of direct model executions. It was then applied to approximate the model evaluation to facilitate the target sample acceptance of GLUE during the Monte‐Carlo‐based stochastic simulation process. The results from a case study showed that the proposed GLUE‐MLS‐E method had a comparable performance as GLUE in terms of posterior parameter estimation and predicted confidence intervals; however, it could significantly reduce the computational cost. A comparison to other surrogate models, including MLS, quadratic response surface and artificial neural networks (ANN), revealed that the MLS‐E outperformed others in light of both the predicted confidence interval and the most likely value of water depths. ANN was shown to be a viable alternative, which performed slightly poorer than MLS‐E. The proposed surrogate method in stochastic sampling is of practical significance in computationally expensive problems like flood risk analysis, real‐time forecasting, and simulation‐based engineering design, and has a general applicability in many other numerical simulation fields that requires extensive efforts in uncertainty assessment. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of fixed‐time reinforcement schedules on resurgence of problem behavior
Authors: Marsteller Tonya M. , St. Peter Claire C.
Published: May 2014

Resurgence of problem behavior following the discontinuation of differential reinforcement of alternative behavior (DRA) may be prevented by response‐independent reinforcer delivery. In basic research, response‐independent reinforcer delivery following DRA prevented resurgence of the initially reinforced response and maintained alternative responding (Lieving & Lattal, 2003, Experiment 3). We evaluated the generality of these results by assessing if fixed‐time (FT) reinforcer delivery following DRA would prevent resurgence of problem behavior and maintain appropriate behavior with 4 children with disabilities. For all participants, extinction following DRA produced resurgence of previously reinforced problem behavior and reduced appropriate requests, but FT reinforcer delivery following DRA mitigated resurgence of problem behavior and maintained appropriate requests.
Synthesis of Novel 2‐Oxoquinoline Derivatives via Ugi‐Four‐Component‐Heck Reaction
Authors: Rasouli Mohammad Ali , Mahdavi Mohammad , Saeedi Mina , Ranjbar Parviz Rashidi , Shafiee Abbas , Foroumadi Alireza
Published: May 2014

The present study provides an efficient strategy for the preparation of novel N‐substituted‐4‐methyl‐quinolin‐1(2H)‐one derivatives via two‐step Ugi/Heck reaction. The procedure is based on the Ugi coupling between 2‐bromoanilines, various aromatic aldehydes, vinylacetic acid, and isocyanides, and then intramolecular Heck reaction, which leads to the formation of the title compounds in good yields.
Human aquaporin‐11 is a water and glycerol channel and localizes in the vicinity of lipid droplets in human adipocytes
Authors: Madeira Ana , Fernández‐Veledo Sonia , Camps Marta , Zorzano Antonio , Moura Teresa F. , Ceperuelo‐Mallafré Victoria , Vendrell Joan , Soveral Graça
Published: May 2014

Objective

For a long time Aquaporin‐7 has been the only aquaporin associated with the adipose tissue, and its dysregulation has been linked to the underlying mechanisms of obesity. However, the presence of alternative glycerol channels within the adipose tissue has been postulated, which has prompted us to the search of alternate glycerol transport routes in adipocytes. In view of this, it is hypothesized that Aquaporin‐11 (AQP11) would have a role in adipocyte cell biology.

Methods

The expression, the localization and the function of human AQP11 (hAQP11) in cultured differentiated adipocytes were investigated.

Results

Gene expression analysis revealed the presence of AQP11 in both subcutaneous and visceral human mature adipocytes. It is found that hAQP11 is primarily located intracellularly in human adipocytes and partially colocalizes with perilipin, pointing towards AQP11 preferential location in the vicinity of lipid droplets. Overexpression of hAQP11 in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes enabled to validate its function as a water channel and reveal its glycerol permeation activity.

Conclusions

hAQP11 permeates both water and glycerol, localizing in the vicinity of lipid droplets in human adipocytes.
Preparation and Properties of Submicrometer‐Sized LLM‐105 via Spray‐Crystallization Method
Authors: Zhang Juan , Wu Peng , Yang Zhijian , Gao Bin , Zhang Jianhu , Wang Ping , Nie Fude , Liao Longyu
Published: May 2014

Submicrometer‐sized 2,6‐diamino‐3,5‐dinitropyrazine‐1‐oxide (LLM‐105) crystals were prepared by spray‐crystallization method with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and ultra‐pure water with surfactant as the solvent and anti solvent, respectively. Submicrometer‐sized LLM‐105 particles were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and particle size analysis. The thermal stability and sensitivity properties of submicrometer‐sized LLM‐105 were also investigated. The results revealed that the submicrometer‐sized LLM‐105 particles are spherelike in morphology with a narrow particle size distribution at the range of 100–600 nm. The submicrometer‐sized LLM‐105 has a lower exothermic peak at about 343.7 °C compared with the synthesized material. Sensitivity tests showed that submicrometer‐sized LLM‐105 is more insensitive under impact stimulus with a drop height (H50) of 102 cm. The submicrometer‐sized LLM‐105‐based PBX is more sensitive for short impulse shock wave that can be initiated at lower initiation current.
Compositional Evolution of Oxide Inclusions in Austenitic Stainless Steel during Continuous Casting
Authors: Choi Ja‐Yong , Kim Sun‐Koo , Kang Youn‐Bae , Lee Hae‐Geon
Published: May 2014

Composition evolution and number density of oxide inclusions in austenitic stainless steel were investigated by analyzing inclusions in a commercial austenitic stainless steel slab. The composition of inclusions was observed to be strongly dependent on size of the inclusion and location in the slab, both, where the inclusions were found. The number density of inclusions increased as the inclusions were found at deeper location from the slab surface. The basicity (%CaO/%SiO2) of the inclusions decreased with decreasing the inclusion size, while the manganese oxide content (%MnO) increased with decreasing the inclusion size. As the inclusions were located deeper from the slab surface, the basicity (%CaO/%SiO2) was found decreased but (%MnO) increased. Such composition changes along with the position in the slab was attributed to the combination of pre‐existing inclusions which were entrapped from the argon oxygen decaburization slag and inclusions precipitated during solidification due to decrease in solubility limit of concerned elements. A theoretical model was developed in order to represent the inclusion composition in the austenitic stainless steel during continuous casting, as a function of the size and location of the inclusion. The model predictions for the composition of inclusion, such as (%CaO/%SiO2), (%MnO), and Al2O3 content, were in good agreement with the measured data.
EVA nanocomposites based on South African Koppies clay
Authors: Massinga Pedro H. , Focke Walter W. , del Fabbro Ollinto , Radusch Hans‐Joachim
Published: May 2014

South African Koppies bentonite was organomodified with single‐tail and double‐tail alkyl ammonium cationic surfactants with the latter intercalated both below and above the clay cationic exchange capacity. Corresponding poly(ethylene‐co‐vinylacetate) nanocomposites were prepared by twin‐screw melt compounding. Transmission electron microscopy indicated the presence of mixed nano‐sized and micron‐sized clay morphologies. X‐ray diffraction studies revealed that the crystallinity of the particles improved and that the d‐spacing values increased on incorporating the clays in the polymer matrix. It is postulated that, rather than indicating polymer co‐intercalation, this is caused by further intercalation of either excess surfactants or surfactant residues that were released by shear delamination of the clays during compounding. Improved mechanical properties were realized especially when using the clay containing the longer double‐tail surfactant intercalated at levels in excess of the cation exchange capacity of the clay. The nanocomposites showed improved tensile modulus and elongation‐at‐break values at the expense of a reduction in impact strength, whereas tensile strength was about the same as for the neat polymer. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 20:143–151, 2014. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Stimulating antitumor immunity with nanoparticles
Authors: Sheen Mee Rie , Lizotte Patrick H. , Toraya‐Brown Seiko , Fiering Steven
Published: May 2014

A variety of strategies, have been applied to cancer treatment and the most recent one to become prominent is immunotherapy. This interest has been fostered by the demonstration that the immune system does recognize and often eliminate small tumors but tumors that become clinical problems block antitumor immune responses with immunosuppression orchestrated by the tumor cells. Methods to reverse this tumor‐mediated immunosuppression will improve cancer immunotherapy outcomes. The immunostimulatory potential of nanoparticles (NPs), holds promise for cancer treatment. Phagocytes of various types are an important component of both immunosuppression and immunostimulation and phagocytes actively take up NPs of various sorts, so NPs are a natural system to manipulate these key immune regulatory cells. NPs can be engineered with multiple useful therapeutic features, such as various payloads such as antigens and/or immunomodulatory agents including cytokines, ligands for immunostimulatory receptors or antagonists for immunosuppressive receptors. As more is learned about how tumors suppress antitumor immune responses the payload options expand further. Here we review multiple approaches of NP‐based cancer therapies to modify the tumor microenvironment and stimulate innate and adaptive immune systems to obtain effective antitumor immune responses.

This article is categorized under:

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease

Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology
Estimation of dispersal ability responding to environmental conditions: larval dispersal of the flightless firefly, Luciola parvula (Coleoptera: Lampyridae)
Authors: Kakehashi Kohei , Kuranishi Ryoichi B. , Kamata Naoto
Published: May 2014

We provided an extensional method for diffusion equation models so far presented to cover cases where diffusion coefficients temporally change. We applied this method to data sampled from mark recapture surveys to estimate the natural mean dispersal distance and diffusion coefficients of terrestrial firefly larvae, Luciola parvula Kiesenwetter (Coleoptera: Lampyridae: Luciolinae). The surveys were conducted twice (December 2009 and March–April 2010) on a Cryptomeria plantation where 100 traps were placed in a lattice pattern at 30 cm intervals (10 × 10). Marked larvae were released at the center of the lattice, and the number of recaptures was recorded. Larval dispersal became remarkably active on the first night with rainfall as well as on the following day. The estimated natural mean dispersal distances (±SE) were 100.7 (±18.4) cm (December) and 245.4 (±700.0) cm (March–April). The diffusion coefficients just after rainfall were estimated to increase by 14.2 (±6.1) times (December) and 106.0 (±55.9) times (March–April) (±SE). Larvae were expected to disperse no further from where their eggs were laid. Most of their dispersing activity took place just after rainfall. Our extensional method was able to effectively illustrate that larval dispersal was affected by rainfall. This method can be usefully applied to any other species that disperses according to environmental conditions.
Phosphorylation of multifunctional nucleolar protein nucleophosmin (NPM1) by aurora kinase B is critical for mitotic progression
Authors: Shandilya Jayasha , Senapati Parijat , Dhanasekaran Karthigeyan , Bangalore Suma S. , Kumar Manoj , Hari Kishore A. , Bhat Akshay , Kodaganur Gopinath S. , Kundu Tapas K.
Published: May 2014

The functional association of NPM1 with Aurora kinases is well documented. Surprisingly, although NPM1 is a well characterized phosphoprotein, it is unknown whether it is a substrate of Aurora kinases. We have found that Aurora kinases A and B can phosphorylate NPM1 at a single serine residue, Ser125, in vitro and in vivo. Phosphorylated‐S125‐NPM1 (pS125‐NPM1) localizes to the midbody region during late cytokinesis where it colocalizes with Aurora B. The overexpression of mutant (S125A) NPM1 resulted in the deregulation of centrosome duplication and mitotic defects possibly due to cytokinesis failure. These data suggest that Aurora kinase B‐mediated phosphorylation of NPM1 plays a critical role during mitosis, which could have wider implications in oncogenesis.
The dengue virus NS2B–NS3 protease retains the closed conformation in the complex with BPTI
Authors: Chen Wan-Na , Loscha Karin V. , Nitsche Christoph , Graham Bim , Otting Gottfried
Published: May 2014

The C‐terminal β‐hairpin of NS2B (NS2Bc) in the dengue virus NS2B–NS3 protease is required for full enzymatic activity. In crystal structures without inhibitor and in the complex with bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor (BPTI), NS2Bc is displaced from the active site. In contrast, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) studies in solution only ever showed NS2Bc in the enzymatically active closed conformation. Here we demonstrate by pseudocontact shifts from a lanthanide tag that NS2Bc remains in the closed conformation also in the complex with BPTI. Therefore, the closed conformation is the best template for drug discovery.
Resonance Raman and FTIR spectroscopic characterization of the closed and open states of channelrhodopsin‐1
Authors: Muders Vera , Kerruth Silke , Lórenz-Fonfría Víctor A. , Bamann Christian , Heberle Joachim , Schlesinger Ramona
Published: May 2014

Channelrhodopsin‐1 from Chlamydomonas augustae (CaChR1) is a light‐activated cation channel, which is a promising optogenetic tool. We show by resonance Raman spectroscopy and retinal extraction followed by high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) that the isomeric ratio of all‐trans to 13‐cis of solubilized channelrhodopsin‐1 is with 70:30 identical to channelrhodopsin‐2 from Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (CrChR2). Critical frequency shifts in the retinal vibrations are identified in the Raman spectrum upon transition to the open (conductive P2
380) state. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra indicate different structures of the open states in the two channelrhodopsins as reflected by the amide I bands and the protonation pattern of acidic amino acids.
Anticipatory and Post-Event Rumination in Social Anxiety Disorder: A Review of the Theoretical and Empirical Literature
Authors: Penney Erika S. , Abbott Maree J.
Published: May 2014

Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is a psychological disorder characterised by an excessive and persistent fear of social or performance situations, which interferes with daily functioning. Cognitive models of SAD (Clark & Wells, 1995; Hofmann, 2007; Rapee & Heimberg, 1997) emphasise the importance of negative pre- and post-event rumination as a maintaining factor in the cycle of SAD. While the link between negative rumination and SAD is well supported by empirical research, little is understood about this cognitively important process; thus, research investigating the predictors of negative rumination in SAD is important to consider. Within the current literature, performance appraisal appears to be the most likely unique cognitive predictor of post-event rumination. There is limited research into cognitive predictors of pre-event rumination. Treatments targeting this maintaining factor are important to consider. Suggestions for future research examining the cognitive models of SAD by experimentally manipulating perceived social standards in order to examine the impact of high and low perceived social standard on appraisal processes (i.e., threat appraisal and performance appraisal), state social anxiety, and negative pre-event and post-event rumination, are proposed. Implications for theoretical models and efficacious treatments for SAD are discussed.
Family Foster Care: Can it Survive the Evidence?
Authors: Ainsworth Frank , Hansen Patricia
Published: May 2014

The media coverage of foster care in Australia is replete with adoration for foster carers who look after disadvantaged and difficult children and youth. As this article is being written, New South Wales is holding a ‘foster care week’ with enhanced media coverage and praise for foster carers, the recruitment of new foster carers and acclaim for the ‘foster carer of the year’. Yet, there is another side to foster care that offers less than ideal circumstances for children in care. There is the worrying issue of multiple placements, the problem with children and young people running away from foster care before they reach the legal age for discharge, and evidence of increased incidence of poor educational attainment and involvement in juvenile offending for young people in foster care. In addition, there are cases of foster children being abused by foster carers. As adults, former foster-care children and youth are over-represented among the homeless, in adult correction centres, the unemployed and the users of mental health services. This article documents these negative outcomes of entering the foster-care system, and asks whether family (or non-relative) foster care can survive this evidence. For too many children and young people, family foster care may not provide better outcomes than less-than-optimal parental care from which the children were removed. An alternative is to reduce the use of family foster care and increase intensive support and parenting education services for birth parents who have limited parenting capacity. The aim should be to limit the number of children being taken into care.
Children with disabilities in child and family welfare services
Authors: Mitchell Gaye
Published: May 2014

There is a lack of research data about children with disabilities across the range of child and family welfare services. The study reported in this paper explored the extent and nature of disabilities in children in a variety of programmes within OzChild, an Australian welfare agency. Caseworkers and teachers working with children at the beginning of 2012 considered all children receiving services from their programmes. Of these 475 children, 200 were identified as having a disability. This article presents data on these 200 children and recommendations for improving outcomes for them. A major finding was that disability added further layers of complexity to already complex child–carer/family situations presenting to under-resourced practitioners and programmes. There was an extensive variety of disabilities across all programme areas, and varying proportions across programmes ranging from 29 per cent in kinship care and family services to 44 per cent of children in foster care. Data were suggestive of problems with some diagnoses, and the need for further research in these areas. The need to address questions of causation of environmentally based disability through preventative programmes, and a more targeted approach to families with multiple and complex needs were indicated. Lack of respite care was jeopardising some placements of children with severe disability. Lack of educational achievement and participation in social, cultural and recreational activities were identified, as were inequities in funding across different programme areas – all of which resulted in some children with disabilities continuing to be substantially disadvantaged. These data led to the generation of recommendations for changes to practice, programme and policy to improve outcomes for children.
Population and habitat assessment of the Critically Endangered hirola Beatragus hunteri in Tsavo East National Park, Kenya
Authors: Probert James , Evans Ben , Andanje Sam , Kock Richard , Amin Rajan
Published: May 2014

The Critically Endangered hirola Beatragus hunteri exists in two populations, a natural population on the Kenyan–Somali border and a translocated population in Tsavo East National Park, Kenya. The Tsavo population is becoming increasingly important for the survival of the hirola yet its status is unknown and little is understood about the factors that limit its growth. Here we report the size, distribution and demographic parameters of the Tsavo population of hirola and consider whether insufficient suitable habitat could be limiting its growth. The Tsavo population has not increased since 2000, when the last census was carried out, but neither has it significantly decreased. The importance of habitat as a limiting factor is dependent on the hirola's ability to utilize marginal habitat.
Pushdown flow analysis with abstract garbage collection
Authors: JOHNSON J. IAN , SERGEY ILYA , EARL CHRISTOPHER , MIGHT MATTHEW , VAN HORN DAVID
Published: May 2014

In the static analysis of functional programs, pushdown flow analysis and abstract garbage collection push the boundaries of what we can learn about programs statically. This work illuminates and poses solutions to theoretical and practical challenges that stand in the way of combining the power of these techniques. Pushdown flow analysis grants unbounded yet computable polyvariance to the analysis of return-flow in higher-order programs. Abstract garbage collection grants unbounded polyvariance to abstract addresses which become unreachable between invocations of the abstract contexts in which they were created. Pushdown analysis solves the problem of precisely analyzing recursion in higher-order languages; abstract garbage collection is essential in solving the “stickiness” problem. Alone, our benchmarks demonstrate that each method can reduce analysis times and boost precision by orders of magnitude. We combine these methods. The challenge in marrying these techniques is not subtle: computing the reachable control states of a pushdown system relies on limiting access during transition to the top of the stack; abstract garbage collection, on the other hand, needs full access to the entire stack to compute a root set, just as concrete collection does. Conditional pushdown systems were developed for just such a conundrum, but existing methods are ill-suited for the dynamic nature of garbage collection. We show fully precise and approximate solutions to the feasible paths problem for pushdown garbage-collecting control-flow analysis. Experiments reveal synergistic interplay between garbage collection and pushdown techniques, and the fusion demonstrates “better-than-both-worlds” precision.