bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fli‐1 regulates the DN2 to DN3 thymocyte transition and promotes γδ T‐cell commitment by enhancing TCR signal strength
Authors: Smeets Monique F. M. A. , Wiest David L. , Izon David J.
Published: June 2014

Friend leukemia integration 1 (Fli‐1) is a member of the Ets transcription factor family and is expressed during T‐cell development; however, the role Fli‐1 plays in early T‐cell differentiation has not been elucidated. In this report, we demonstrate that in mouse, Fli‐1 overexpression retards the CD4−CD8− double‐negative (DN) to CD4+CD8+ double‐positive (DP) transition by deregulating normal DN thymocyte development. Specifically, Fli‐1 expression moderates the DN2 and DN3 developmental transitions. We further show that Fli‐1 overexpression partially mimics strong TCR signals in developing DN thymocytes and thereby enhances γδ T‐cell development. Conversely, Fli‐1 knockdown by small hairpin RNA reverses the lineage bias from γδ T cells and directs DN cells to the αβ lineage by attenuating TCR signaling. Therefore, Fli‐1 plays a critical role in both the DN2 to DN3 transition and αβ/γδ lineage commitment.
The Impact of Anion‐Modulated Structural Variations on the Magnetic Coupling in Trinuclear Heterometallic CuII–CoII Complexes Derived from a Salen‐Type Schiff Base Ligand
Authors: Ghosh Soumavo , Aromí Guillem , Gamez Patrick , Ghosh Ashutosh
Published: June 2014

Three new trinuclear heterometallic [(CuIIL)2CoIIX2] complexes [H2L = N,N′‐bis(salicylidene)‐1,3‐propanediamine and X = thiocyanate (1), benzoate (2), or azide (3)] have been synthesized by reacting the metalloligand [CuL] with Co(ClO4)2·6H2O and the NH4+ or Na+ salt of the corresponding anion in methanol. Structural characterization reveals that the central CoII ion is connected to two terminal metalloligands through μ1,1‐diphenoxido bridges in all three complexes. However, two monodentate thiocyanato ions, which are mutually cis coordinated to the Co atom in 1, generate a “bent” structure, whereas the trans‐coordinated syn–syn bridging benzoato (1κO:2κO′) and the end‐on bridging azido (μ1,1) coligands in 2 and 3, respectively, produce linear structures. The changes in the number and nature of the bridges with a shortening of the distances between the metal centers leads to a concomitant decrease of the average CuII–O–CoII bridging angle from 99.3(2) to 97.1(4) and 91.5(1)° for 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Variable‐temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements show the presence of a dominant antiferromagnetic coupling between the Cu–Co pairs in all three complexes. However, a steady decrease of the magnitude of the exchange coupling constant (JCu‐Co) is observed from –33.4 (for 1) to –11.4 (for 2) and –2.15 cm–1 (for 3). This trend suggests that larger Cu–O–Co angles are associated with stronger antiferromagnetic coupling.
Compactly Fused o‐Quinone‐Extended Tetrathiafulvalene‐o‐Quinone Triad – a Redox‐Amphoteric Ligand
Authors: Chalkov Nikolay O. , Cherkasov Vladimir K. , Abakumov Gleb A. , Romanenko Galina V. , Ketkov Sergey Yu. , Smolyaninov Ivan V. , Starikov Andrey G. , Kuropatov Viacheslav A.
Published: June 2014

A new redox‐amphoteric ligand comprising a p‐phenylene‐extended tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) core and two o‐quinone termini has been synthesized. This work was performed in an attempt to synthesize a bridging ligand by combining one of the most powerful organic donors with strong acceptor units in a single molecule. The product was isolated in the doubly reduced diprotonated form. An X‐ray diffraction study revealed a rigid and planar structure for this molecule. This is the first example of an air‐stable p‐phenylene‐extended TTF with an unprotected central ring. The diquinone form itself has been prepared by oxidation of the doubly reduced diprotonated species and then characterized in solution. The electronic spectrum of this compound contains an intense peak that corresponds to intramolecular charge transfer. The spectroscopic and structural studies of both compounds were accompanied by DFT calculations. A singlet biradical ground state was predicted for the doubly reduced diprotonated form.
Total Synthesis and Configurational Validation of (+)‐Violapyrone C
Authors: Lee Jong Seok , Shin Junho , Shin Hee Jae , Lee Hwa‐Sun , Lee Yeon‐Ju , Lee Hyi‐Seung , Won Hoshik
Published: June 2014

Gold(I)‐catalyzed intramolecular 6‐endo‐dig cyclization of tert‐butyl ynoates afforded α‐pyrone cores of violapyrones. Moreover, this reaction was successfully applied to the stereospecific syntheses of (+)‐ and (–)‐violapyrone C, which allowed the absolute configuration of natural (+)‐violapyrone C to be assigned by comparison of the optical rotations. This first total synthesis, which proceeded in 22 % yield over 10 steps from (S)‐(–)‐2‐methylbutanol, features silver(I) oxide promoted monobenzylation of 1,4‐butanediol, Wittig olefination, Claisen condensation, Corey–Fuchs reaction, and gold(I)‐catalyzed α‐pyrone synthesis.
High dynamic range proteome imaging with the structured illumination gel imager
Authors: Van Phu T. , Bass Victor , Shiwarski Dan , Lanni Frederick , Minden Jonathan
Published: June 2014

A current challenge for proteomics is detecting proteins over the large concentration ranges found in complex biological samples such as whole‐cell extracts. Currently, no unbiased, whole‐proteome analysis scheme is capable of detecting the full range of cellular proteins. This is due in part to the limited dynamic range of the detectors used to sense proteins or peptides. We present a new technology, structured illumination (SI) gel imager, which detects fluorescently labeled proteins in electrophoretic gels over a 1 000 000‐fold concentration range. SI uses computer‐generated masks to attenuate the illumination of highly abundant proteins, allowing for long exposures of low‐abundance proteins, thus avoiding detector saturation. A series of progressively masked gel images are assembled into a single, very high dynamic range image. We demonstrate that the SI imager can detect proteins over a concentration range of approximately 1 000 000‐fold, making it a useful tool for comprehensive, unbiased proteome‐wide surveys.
1,3‐Dipolar Cycloadditions of Ethyl 2‐Diazo‐3,3,3‐trifluoropropanoate to Alkynes and [1,5] Sigmatropic Rearrangements of the Resulting 3H‐Pyrazoles: Synthesis of Mono‐, Bis‐ and Tris(trifluoromethyl)‐Substituted Pyrazoles
Authors: Gladow Daniel , Doniz‐Kettenmann Sebastian , Reissig Hans‐Ulrich
Published: June 2014

The 1,3‐dipolar cycloadditions of ethyl 2‐diazo‐3,3,3‐trifluoropropanoate with electron‐rich and electron‐deficient alkynes, as well as the van AlphenHüttel rearrangements of the resulting 3H‐pyrazoles were investigated. These reactions led to a series of CF3‐substituted pyrazoles in good overall yields. Phenyl‐ and diphenylacetylene proved to be unreactive, but, at high temperature, the diazoalkane and phenylacetylene furnished a cyclopropene derivative. As expected, the 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition to the ynamine occurred much faster than those to electron‐deficient alkynes. With one exception, all cycloadditions proceeded with excellent regioselectivities. The [1,5] sigmatropic rearrangement of the primary 3H‐pyrazoles provided products with shifted acyl groups; products resulting from the migration of a CF3 group were not detected. In agreement with literature reports, this rearrangement occurs faster with 3H‐pyrazoles bearing electron‐withdrawing substituents.
Understanding Interpretive Research Through the Lens of a Cultural Verfremdungseffekt
Authors: Walther Joachim
Published: June 2014

Background

Cross‐cultural studies contribute to engineering education as a globally interconnected field. The methodological challenges posed by research across cultural boundaries must be explored to ensure the quality of such studies.

Purpose

This article explores challenges and opportunities for insight by examining the effects of researchers' and respondents' cultural norms and values on interpretive research.

Method

During a prior study of engineering students' competence formation in the United States, Australia, and Thailand, reflections on the project's progression were collected in the primary researcher's log trail. This article analyzes these records through the lens of a Verfremdungseffekt, whereby assumptions underlying the methodology became apparent in its transfer to a different cultural setting.

Results

Research challenges related to characteristics of Thai culture revealed three methodological insights. The pronounced power‐distance in Thai culture and its effects on the prior study's focus groups highlighted the non‐dualistic nature of interpretive data gathering. The culture's collectivism necessitated significant changes to the data‐gathering tools, thus illustrating the need for an emergent research design in interpretive inquiries. The high‐context communication characteristic of Thai society presented challenges in eliciting and collaboratively analyzing student accounts, and exposed the processes of social construction that characterize both data gathering and interpretation.

Conclusion

These methodological insights illustrate the importance of an understanding of and engagement with the local context that span the entire research process from making to handling data.
An Expedient Approach for the Synthesis of Bioactive Pyrazole, Isoxazole and Benzodiazepine‐Substituted Quinolin‐2(1H)‐one Derivatives
Authors: Sankaran Mathan , Uvarani Chokkalingam , Chandraprakash Kumarasamy , Umamaheswari Mani , Mohan Palathurai Subramaniam
Published: June 2014

A sequence of functionalized pyrazole, isoxazole and benzodiazepine‐substituted quinolone derivatives were synthesized in good yield starting from readily available starting precursors. These approaches lead to the synthesis of hitherto unknown compounds with a varied substitution pattern by both conventional and microwave‐assisted method. A good number of analogues were evaluated for their in vitro cytotoxicity against human cervical and colon cancer cell lines by MTT protocol. Almost all the selected compounds showed remarkable cytotoxic activities. Among them, compound 4g and 4i emerged as the most promising scaffolds. These scaffolds will be used for further molecular level studies.
Enzyme replacement therapy attenuates disease progression in a canine model of late‐infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (CLN2 disease)
Authors: Katz Martin L. , Coates Joan R. , Sibigtroth Christine M. , Taylor Jacob D. , Carpentier Melissa , Young Whitney M. , Wininger Fred A. , Kennedy Derek , Vuillemenot Brian R. , O'Neill Charles A.
Published: June 2014

Using a canine model of classical late‐infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (CLN2 disease), a study was conducted to evaluate the potential pharmacological activity of recombinant human tripeptidyl peptidase‐1 (rhTPP1) enzyme replacement therapy administered directly to the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). CLN2 disease is a hereditary neurodegenerative disorder resulting from mutations in CLN2, which encodes the soluble lysosomal enzyme tripeptidyl peptidase‐1 (TPP1). Infants with mutations in both CLN2 alleles develop normally but in the late‐infantile/early‐childhood period undergo progressive neurological decline accompanied by pronounced brain atrophy. The disorder, a form of Batten disease, is uniformly fatal, with clinical signs starting between 2 and 4 years of age and death usually occurring by the early teenage years. Dachshunds homozygous for a null mutation in the canine ortholog of CLN2 (TPP1) exhibit a similar disorder that progresses to end stage at 10.5–11 months of age. Administration of rhTPP1 via infusion into the CSF every other week, starting at approximately 2.5 months of age, resulted in dose‐dependent significant delays in disease progression, as measured by delayed onset of neurologic deficits, improved performance on a cognitive function test, reduced brain atrophy, and increased life span. Based on these findings, a clinical study evaluating the potential therapeutic value of rhTPP1 administration into the CSF of children with CLN2 disease has been initiated. © 2014 The Authors. Journal of Neuroscience Research Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
GluN2B N‐methyl‐D‐aspartic acid receptor subunit mediates atorvastatin‐Induced neuroprotection after focal cerebral ischemia
Authors: Gutierrez‐Vargas Johanna Andrea , Muñoz‐Manco Juan Ignacio , Garcia‐Segura Luis Miguel , Cardona‐Gómez Gloria Patricia
Published: June 2014

Statins are potent cholesterol biosynthesis inhibitors that exert protective effects in humans and in experimental models of stroke. The mechanisms involved in these protective actions are not completely understood. This study evaluates whether atorvastatin (ATV) treatment affects the GluN1 and GluN2B subunits of the N‐methyl‐D‐aspartic acid receptor in the somatosensory cerebral cortex at short and long periods following ischemia. Sham and ischemic male Wistar rats received 10 mg/kg of ATV or placebo by gavage every 24 hr for 3 consecutive days. The first dose was administered 6 hr after ischemia–reperfusion or the sham operation. ATV treatment resulted in faster recovery of neurological scores than placebo, prevented the appearance of pyknotic neurons, and restored microtubule‐associated protein 2 and neuronal nuclei staining to control values in the somatosensory cerebral cortex and the hippocampus at 72 hr and 15 days postischemia. Furthermore, ATV prevented spatial learning and memory deficits caused by cerebral ischemia. Cerebral ischemia reduced the number of GluN1/PSD‐95 and GluN2B/PSD‐95 colocalization clusters in cortical pyramidal neurons and reduced the levels of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the cerebral cortex. These effects of the ischemic insult were prevented by ATV, which also induced GluN2B/PSD‐95 colocalization in neuronal processes and an association of GluN2B with TrkB. The GluN2B pharmacological inhibitor ifenprodil prevented the increase in BDNF levels and the motor and cognitive function recovery caused by ATV in ischemic rats. These findings indicate that GluN2B is involved in the neuroprotective mechanism elicited by ATV to promote motor and cognitive recovery after focal cerebral ischemia. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Counterflow isotachophoresis in a monolithic column
Authors: Liu Bingwen , Cong Yongzheng , Ivory Cornelius F.
Published: June 2014

This study describes stationary counterflow isotachophoresis (ITP) in a poly(acrylamide‐co‐N,N′‐methylenebisacrylamide) monolithic column as a means for improving ITP processing capacity and reducing dispersion. The flow profile in the monolith was predicted using COMSOL's Brinkman Equation application mode, which revealed that the flow profile was mainly determined by monolith permeability. As monolith permeability decreases, the flow profile changes from a parabolic shape to a plug shape. An experimental monolithic column was prepared in a fused‐silica capillary using an ultraviolet‐initiated polymerization method. A monolithic column made from 8% (wt.) monomer was chosen for the stationary counterflow ITP experiments. Counterflow ITP in the monolithic column showed undistorted analyte zones with significantly reduced dispersion compared to the severe dispersion observed in an open capillary. Particularly, for r‐phycoerythrin focused by counterflow ITP, its zone width in the monolithic column was only one‐third that observed in an open capillary. These experiments demonstrate that stationary counterflow ITP in monoliths can be a robust and practical electrofocusing method.
Moonlighting Adenosine Deaminase: A Target Protein for Drug Development
Authors: Cortés Antoni , Gracia Eduard , Moreno Estefania , Mallol Josefa , Lluís Carme , Canela Enric I. , Casadó Vicent
Published: June 2014

Interest in adenosine deaminase (ADA) in the context of medicine has mainly focused on its enzymatic activity. This is justified by the importance of the reaction catalyzed by ADA not only for the intracellular purine metabolism, but also for the extracellular purine metabolism as well, because of its capacity as a regulator of the concentration of extracellular adenosine that is able to activate adenosine receptors (ARs). In recent years, other important roles have been described for ADA. One of these, with special relevance in immunology, is the capacity of ADA to act as a costimulator, promoting T‐cell proliferation and differentiation mainly by interacting with the differentiation cluster CD26. Another role is the ability of ADA to act as an allosteric modulator of ARs. These receptors have very general physiological implications, particularly in the neurological system where they play an important role. Thus, ADA, being a single chain protein, performs more than one function, consistent with the definition of a moonlighting protein. Although ADA has never been associated with moonlighting proteins, here we consider ADA as an example of this family of multifunctional proteins. In this review, we discuss the different roles of ADA and their pathological implications. We propose a mechanism by which some of their moonlighting functions can be coordinated. We also suggest that drugs modulating ADA properties may act as modulators of the moonlighting functions of ADA, giving them additional potential medical interest.
Properly calculate vessel and piping wall temperatures during depressuring and relief
Authors: Melhem Georges A. , Gaydos David
Published: June 2014

Determining if and when a vessel and/or piping component is going to fail under fire exposure and/or from cold temperature embrittlement is an important factor in consequence analysis and risk assessment. This article describes detailed methods for establishing the conditions for vessel/piping failure and whether the material of construction for vessels and piping is properly selected for fire exposure and/or cold depressuring/relief.

Several case studies are used to illustrate important concepts dealing with how wall temperatures should be calculated for single and multiphase systems in order to establish if a vessel and/or a piping component is going to fail. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog 34: 64–71, 2015
Quality assessment of material models for reinforced concrete flexural members
Authors: Jung Bastian , Morgenthal Guido , Xu Dong , Schröter Hendrik
Published: June 2014

Non‐linear constitutive models for concrete in compression are frequently defined in design codes. The engineer generally uses either the linear (in SLS) or non‐linear (in ULS) compression model. However, a large variety of different approaches exists for describing the behaviour of the cracked concrete tension zone, and the selection of a corresponding model is usually based on qualitative engineering judgement. The aim of this paper is to assess the prediction quality of several concrete material models in order to provide a quantitative model selection. Therefore, uncertainty analysis is applied in order to investigate the model and parameter uncertainty in the bending stiffness prognosis for flexural members. The total uncertainty is converted into a prognosis model quality that allows a quantitative comparison between the material models considered. The consideration of the reinforced concrete in tension is based on the characterization of the tension stiffening effect, which describes the cracking in an average sense. In the interest of the practical applicability of the models considered, even for large structures, no discrete crack simulations based on fracture mechanics are considered. Finally, the assessment identifies that the prediction quality depends on the loading level and, furthermore, the quality across the models can be quantitatively similar as well as diverse.
Neurocognitive profiles in help-seeking individuals: comparison of risk for psychosis and bipolar disorder criteria
Authors: Metzler S. , Dvorsky D. , Wyss C. , Müller M. , Traber-Walker N. , Walitza S. , Theodoridou A. , Rössler W. , Heekeren K.
Published: June 2014

Background.

Neurocognitive deficits are important aspects of the schizophrenic disorders because they have a strong impact on social and vocational outcomes. We expanded on previous research by focusing on the neurocognitive profiles of persons at high risk (HR) or ultra-high risk (UHR) for schizophrenic and affective psychoses. Our main aim was to determine whether neurocognitive measures are sufficiently sensitive to predict a group affiliation based on deficits in functional domains.

Method.

This study included 207 help-seeking individuals identified as HR (n = 75), UHR (n = 102) or at high risk for bipolar disorder (HRBip; n = 30), who were compared with persons comprising a matched, healthy control group (CG; n = 50). Neuropsychological variables were sorted according to their load in a factor analysis and were compared among groups. In addition, the likelihood of group membership was estimated using logistic regression analyses.

Results.

The performance of HR and HRBip participants was comparable, and intermediate between the controls and UHR. The domain of processing speed was most sensitive in discriminating HR and UHR [odds ratio (OR) 0.48, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.28–0.78, p = 0.004] whereas learning and memory deficits predicted a conversion to schizophrenic psychosis (OR 0.47, 95% CI 0.25–0.87, p = 0.01).

Conclusions.

Performances on neurocognitive tests differed among our three at-risk groups and may therefore be useful in predicting psychosis. Overall, cognition had a profound effect on the extent of general functioning and satisfaction with life for subjects at risk of psychosis. Thus, this factor should become a treatment target in itself.
Can ‘New Welfare’ Address Poverty through More and Better Jobs?
Authors: TAYLOR-GOOBY PETER , GUMY JULIA M. , OTTO ADELINE
Published: June 2014

New welfare has been prominent in recent European social policy debates. It involves mobilising more people into paid work, improving human capital and ensuring fairer access to opportunities. This programme is attractive to business (more workers, better human capital and reduced social conflict to enhance productivity and profitability) and to citizens (more widely accessible job-opportunities with better rewards): a relatively low-cost approach to the difficulties governments face in maintaining support and meeting social goals as inequalities widen.

The general move towards ‘new welfare’ gathered momentum during the past two decades, given extra impetus by the 2007–09 recession and subsequent stagnation. While employment rates rose during the prosperous years before the crisis, there was no commensurate reduction in poverty. Over the same period the share of economic growth returned to labour fell, labour markets were increasingly de-regulated and inequality increased. This raises the question of whether new welfare's economic goals (higher employment, improved human capital) and social goals (better job quality and incomes) may come into conflict.

This paper examines data for seventeen European countries over the period 2001 to 2007. It shows that new welfare is much more successful at achieving higher employment than at reducing poverty, even during prosperity, and that the approach pays insufficient attention to structural factors, such as the falling wage share, and to institutional issues, such as labour market deregulation.
A single genus in the gut microbiome reflects host preference and specificity
Authors: Eren A Murat , Sogin Mitchell L , Morrison Hilary G , Vineis Joseph H , Fisher Jenny C , Newton Ryan J , McLellan Sandra L
Published: June 2014

Delineating differences in gut microbiomes of human and animal hosts contributes towards understanding human health and enables new strategies for detecting reservoirs of waterborne human pathogens. We focused upon Blautia, a single microbial genus that is important for nutrient assimilation as preliminary work suggested host-related patterns within members of this genus. In our dataset of 57 M sequence reads of the V6 region of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene in samples collected from seven host species, we identified 200 high-resolution taxonomic units within Blautia using oligotyping. Our analysis revealed 13 host-specific oligotypes that occurred exclusively in fecal samples of humans (three oligotypes), swine (six oligotypes), cows (one oligotype), deer (one oligotype), or chickens (two oligotypes). We identified an additional 171 oligotypes that exhibited differential abundance patterns among all the host species. Blautia oligotypes in the human population obtained from sewage and fecal samples displayed remarkable continuity. Oligotypes from only 10 Brazilian human fecal samples collected from individuals in a rural village encompassed 97% of all Blautia oligotypes found in a Brazilian sewage sample from a city of three million people. Further, 75% of the oligotypes in Brazilian human fecal samples matched those in US sewage samples, implying that a universal set of Blautia strains may be shared among culturally and geographically distinct human populations. Such strains can serve as universal markers to assess human fecal contamination in environmental samples. Our results indicate that host-specificity and host-preference patterns of organisms within this genus are driven by host physiology more than dietary habits.
A new silver nanorod SPR probe for detection of trace benzoyl peroxide
Authors: Jiang Zhiliang , Wen Guiqing , Luo Yanghe , Zhang Xinghui , Liu Qingye , Liang Aihui
Published: June 2014

The stable silver nanorod (AgNR) sol in red was prepared by the two-step procedure of NaBH4-H2O2 and citrate heating reduction. The AgNR had a transverse and a longitudinal surface plasmon resonance (SPR) absorption peak at 338 nm and 480 nm. Meanwhile, two transverse and longitudinal SPR Rayleigh scattering (SPR-RS) peaks at 340 nm and 500 nm were observed firstly using common fluorescence spectrometer. The SPR absorption, RS, surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) and electron microscope technology were used to study the formation mechanism of red silver nanorods and the SERS enhancement mechanism of nano-aggregation. The AgNR-BPO SPR absorption and AgNR-NaCl-BPO SPR-RS analytical systems were studied to develop two new simple, rapid and low-cost SPR methods for the detection of trace BPO.
A dip-stick type biosensor using bioluminescent bacteria encapsulated in color-coded alginate microbeads for detection of water toxicity
Authors: Jung Insup , Seo Ho Bin , Lee Ji-eun , Chan Kim Byoung , Gu Man Bock
Published: June 2014

The use of genetically engineered bioluminescent bacteria, in which bioluminescence is induced by different modes of toxic action, represents an alternative to acute toxicity tests using living aquatic organisms (plants, vertebrates, or invertebrates) in an aqueous environment.
Reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography method for the determination of paraquat in whole blood
Authors: Zhang Wuxiang , Su Yicong , Shi Jiangu , Zhang Maosheng , Wu Bide , Chen Shanying , Hu Shirong , Rao Zhiming , Zheng Jianzhong
Published: June 2014

In this paper, a high performance liquid chromatography technique is established for quantification of paraquat in blood.
Kagome-like lattice of π–π stacked 3-hydroxyphenalenone on Cu(111)
Authors: Beniwal S. , Chen S. , Kunkel D. A. , Hooper J. , Simpson S. , Zurek E. , Zeng X. C. , Enders A.
Published: June 2014

Three-dimensional arrangement of 3-HPLN on a 2D surface, involving π–π stacking and perpendicular molecule attachment, results in a Kagome lattice.
Bent tritopic carboxylates for coordination networks: clues to the origin of self-penetration
Authors: Chen Jin-Xiang , Zhao Hai-Qing , Li Huan-Huan , Huang Sheng-Li , Ding Ni-Ni , Chen Wen-Hua , Young David J. , Zhang Wen-Hua , Andy Hor T. S.
Published: June 2014

We suggest in this paper that the combinative use of bent tritopic carboxylate, linear dipyridyl and adaptable Cu2+ ion leads to a higher probability of self-penetrated polymeric networks.
Effect of electron spin dynamics on solid-state dynamic nuclear polarization performance
Authors: Siaw Ting Ann , Fehr Matthias , Lund Alicia , Latimer Allegra , Walker Shamon A. , Edwards Devin T. , Han Song-I
Published: June 2014

Optimum integral EPR saturation, determined by electron T1e and electron spin flip-flop rate, maximizes solid-state DNP performance using nitroxide radicals.
Ammoxidation of 2-methylpyrazine to 2-cyanopyrazine over Nb–V oxides: marked effect of the Nb/V ratio on the catalytic performance
Authors: Dhachapally Naresh , Kalevaru V. Narayana , Martin Andreas
Published: June 2014

Among various Nb–V–O catalysts, the catalyst with a Nb/V ratio of 1 has shown the best activity and selectivity as well as extremely high space–time yields (X-MP ~100%, S-CP ~70% and STY = 440 gCP kgcat−1 h−1).
Synthesis of new heteroleptic strontium complexes
Authors: George Sheby Mary , Kim Hyo-Suk , Lah Myoung Soo , Park Bo Keun , Kim Chang Gyoun , Chung Taek-Mo
Published: June 2014

Synthesis of heteroleptic strontium complexes containing aminoalkoxide and β-diketonate ligands was demonstrated.
Surface modification of cellulose nanocrystals
Authors: Eyley Samuel , Thielemans Wim
Published: June 2014

This review takes an in-depth look at the chemical modifications that have been carried out on nanocrystalline cellulose.
Amino acid chirons: a tool for asymmetric synthesis of heterocycles
Authors: Singh Priyanka , Samanta Krishnananda , Das Sanjit Kumar , Panda Gautam
Published: June 2014

This review describes diverse asymmetric heterocycles with various membered rings (n = 3–9) for the period from 1996 to Dec. 2013.
Three-dimensional structured sponge with high oil wettability for the clean-up of oil contaminations and separation of oil–water mixtures
Authors: Wang Gang , Zeng Zhixiang , Wu Xuedong , Ren Tianhui , Han Jin , Xue Qunji
Published: June 2014

Oil spills not only result in extensive economic losses but also damage marine ecological environments.
Rhodamine based pH-sensitive “intelligent” polymers as lysosome targeting probes and their imaging applications in vivo
Authors: Yu Kang-Kang , Li Kun , Hou Ji-Ting , Yang Jin , Xie Yong-Mei , Yu Xiao-Qi
Published: June 2014

Two rhodamine-based polymers were prepared via free radical polymerization and could serve as lysosome targeting probes with good pH sensitivity. Fluorescence imaging of nude mice displayed a chance for visualization of cancerous tissue in vivo by sensing its acidic microenvironments.
Fluorescent and antioxidant studies of effectively synthesized isochromenopyrrolone analogues
Authors: Reddy Hariyapureddy Raveendranatha , Subba Reddy Chitreddy V. , Subashini Radhakrishnan , Roopan Selvaraj Mohana
Published: June 2014

An efficient strategy for the synthesis of 3-acetyl-2-methyl-1-phenylisochromeno [4,3-b] pyrrol-5(1H)-ones 4a–f have been developed using montmorillonite K10 as a catalyst. The synthesized compounds have prominent antioxidant activity and fluorescence properties.
Performance and emission analysis of a multi cylinder gasoline engine operating at different alcohol–gasoline blends
Authors: Masum B. M. , Kalam M. A. , Masjuki H. H. , Palash S. M. , Fattah I. M. Rizwanul
Published: June 2014

Alcohols are potential renewable alternatives for gasoline because of their bio-based origin.
Anomalous long-range repulsion between silica surfaces induced by density inhomogeneities in supercritical ethanol
Authors: Mukai Sada-atsu , Koyama Takehito , Tsujii Kaoru , Deguchi Shigeru
Published: June 2014

Long-range repulsion, extending over several micrometres, emerged between silica surfaces around the ridge of the density fluctuations in supercritical ethanol.
Tailoring hierarchically structured SiO2 spheres for high pressure CO2 adsorption
Authors: Hahn Maximilian W. , Steib Matthias , Jentys Andreas , Lercher Johannes A.
Published: June 2014

Mesoscopic sorbents are synthesized with various solvents for CO2 capture at elevated pressure and modified with Zr4+ cations to increase the uptake performance.
A promising new nonlinear optical crystal with high laser damage threshold for application in the IR region: synthesis, crystal structure and properties of noncentrosymmetric CsHgBr3
Authors: Lv Songwei , Wu Qi , Meng Xianggao , Kang Lei , Zhong Cheng , Lin Zheshuai , Hu Zhanggui , Chen Xingguo , Qin Jingui
Published: June 2014

A new phase of CsHgBr3with a noncentrosymmetric crystalline structure is synthesised and shows high laser damage threshold and nonlinear optical properties.
Using real-time impedance-based assays to monitor the effects of fibroblast-derived media on the adhesion, proliferation, migration and invasion of colon cancer cells
Authors: Dowling Catríona M. , Herranz Ors Carmen , Kiely Patrick A.
Published: June 2014

Increasing our knowledge of the mechanisms regulating cell proliferation, migration and invasion are central to understanding tumour progression and metastasis. The local tumour microenvironment contributes to the transformed phenotype in cancer by providing specific environmental cues that alter the cells behaviour and promotes metastasis. Fibroblasts have a strong association with cancer and in recent times there has been some emphasis in designing novel therapeutic strategies that alter fibroblast behaviour in the tumour microenvironment. Fibroblasts produce growth factors, chemokines and many of the proteins laid down in the ECM (extracellular matrix) that promote angiogenesis, inflammation and tumour progression. In this study, we use a label-free RTCA (real-time cell analysis) platform (xCELLigence) to investigate how media derived from human fibroblasts alters cancer cell behaviour. We used a series of complimentary and novel experimental approaches to show HCT116 cells adhere, proliferate and migrate significantly faster in the presence of media from human fibroblasts. As well as this, we used the xCELLigence CIM-plates system to show that HCT116 cells invade matrigel layers aggressively when migrating towards media derived from human fibroblasts. These data strongly suggest that fibroblasts have the ability to increase the migratory and invasive properties of HCT116 cells. This is the first study that provides real-time data on fibroblast-mediated migration and invasion kinetics of colon cancer cells.
A molecular thermodynamic model for the stability of hepatitis B capsids
Authors: Kim Jehoon , Wu Jianzhong
Published: June 2014

Self-assembly of capsid proteins and genome encapsidation are two critical steps in the life cycle of most plant and animal viruses. A theoretical description of such processes from a physiochemical perspective may help better understand viral replication and morphogenesis thus provide fresh insights into the experimental studies of antiviral strategies. In this work, we propose a molecular thermodynamic model for predicting the stability of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) capsids either with or without loading nucleic materials. With the key components represented by coarse-grained thermodynamic models, the theoretical predictions are in excellent agreement with experimental data for the formation free energies of empty T4 capsids over a broad range of temperature and ion concentrations. The theoretical model predicts T3/T4 dimorphism also in good agreement with the capsid formation at in vivo and in vitro conditions. In addition, we have studied the stability of the viral particles in response to physiological cellular conditions with the explicit consideration of the hydrophobic association of capsid subunits, electrostatic interactions, molecular excluded volume effects, entropy of mixing, and conformational changes of the biomolecular species. The course-grained model captures the essential features of the HBV nucleocapsid stability revealed by recent experiments.
Integral equation theory for atactic polystyrene nanocomposite melts with a multi-site model
Authors: Xu Qinzhi , Chen Lan
Published: June 2014

In this work, a multi-site chain model was incorporated into the polymer reference interaction site model to investigate the structure and properties of atactic polystyrene (aPS) melt and the structural correlations of dilute spherical nanoparticles dissolved in aPS melt. The theoretically calculated X-ray scattering intensities, solubility parameters and intermolecular correlation functions of aPS and its nanocomposites are found to be in agreement with the corresponding molecular simulation and experimental data. The theory was further employed to investigate the distribution functions of different size effects of aPS-nanoparticle system with consideration of the potential of mean force and depletion force. The aggregation of large nanoparticles increases with the increase of the nanoparticle-site size ratio in the infinitely dilute limit. The results show that the present theory can be used to investigate the structure of aPS melt and its nanocomposite, and give a further understanding of the filler dispersion and aggregation. All the observations indicate molecular-level details of the underlying mechanisms, providing useful information for the future design control of new aPS-nanocomposite materials with tailored properties.
Dynamics of the reaction between the free end of a tethered self-avoiding polymer and a flat penetrable surface: A renormalization group study
Authors: Cherayil Binny J. , Bhattacharyya Pinaki
Published: June 2014

The average time τr for one end of a long, self-avoiding polymer to interact for the first time with a flat penetrable surface to which it is attached at the other end is shown here to scale essentially as the square of the chain's contour length N. This result is obtained within the framework of the Wilemski-Fixman approximation to diffusion-limited reactions, in which the reaction time is expressed as a time correlation function of a “sink” term. In the present work, this sink-sink correlation function is calculated using perturbation expansions in the excluded volume and the polymer-surface interactions, with renormalization group methods being used to resum the expansion into a power law form. The quadratic dependence of τr on N mirrors the behavior of the average time τc of a free random walk to cyclize, but contrasts with the cyclization time of a free self-avoiding walk (SAW), for which τr ∼ N2.2. A simulation study by Cheng and Makarov [J. Phys. Chem. B 114, 3321 (2010)] of the chain-end reaction time of an SAW on a flat impenetrable surface leads to the same N2.2 behavior, which is surprising given the reduced conformational space a tethered polymer has to explore in order to react.
Mechanical behavior of mesoporous titania thin films
Authors: Rahman Tamanna , Liu Ran , Ortel Erik , Kraehnert Ralph , Antoniou Antonia
Published: June 2014

Nanoindentation is used to assess mechanical properties of ordered mesoporous titania thin films with pore sizes in the range of 8–16 nm. Estimates of strut properties are obtained under the standard scaling assumptions widely used in porous media. The inferred hardness and fracture toughness of individual struts are found to correspond to anatase titania, indicating the absence of obvious size effects in the nanostructured ceramic. This is in marked contrast to nanoporous metals, where size effects often play a crucial role in determining material properties at similar length scales.
The deterministic chaos and random noise in turbulent jet
Authors: Yao Tian-Liang , Liu Hai-Feng , Xu Jian-Liang , Li Wei-Feng
Published: June 2014

A turbulent flow is usually treated as a superposition of coherent structure and incoherent turbulence. In this paper, the largest Lyapunov exponent and the random noise in the near field of round jet and plane jet are estimated with our previously proposed method of chaotic time series analysis [T. L. Yao, et al., Chaos 22, 033102 (2012)]. The results show that the largest Lyapunov exponents of the round jet and plane jet are in direct proportion to the reciprocal of the integral time scale of turbulence, which is in accordance with the results of the dimensional analysis, and the proportionality coefficients are equal. In addition, the random noise of the round jet and plane jet has the same linear relation with the Kolmogorov velocity scale of turbulence. As a result, the random noise may well be from the incoherent disturbance in turbulence, and the coherent structure in turbulence may well follow the rule of chaotic motion.
Anisotropy in magnetoelectric composites
Authors: Jones Jacob L. , Starr Justin D. , Andrew Jennifer S.
Published: June 2014

Anisotropy of piezoelectric and magnetostrictive materials is considered in order to determine the ideal directions and orientation relationships for which the maximum magnetoelectric response may be observed in a composite or heterostructure of these constituent materials. A formalism for the magnetoelectric effect is introduced that takes into account the independent anisotropy of the piezoelectric and magnetostrictive phases and their relative orientation. A maximum magnetoelectric effect is achieved in orientations that have not yet been achieved experimentally, suggesting a need for the development of new routes to synthesize and fabricate designed composite materials with enhanced magnetoelectric response.
Efficient indium-tin-oxide free inverted organic solar cells based on aluminum-doped zinc oxide cathode and low-temperature aqueous solution processed zinc oxide electron extraction layer
Authors: Chen Dazheng , Zhang Chunfu , Wang Zhizhe , Zhang Jincheng , Tang Shi , Wei Wei , Sun Li , Hao Yue
Published: June 2014

Indium-tin-oxide (ITO) free inverted organic solar cells (IOSCs) based on aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO) cathode, low-temperature aqueous solution processed zinc oxide (ZnO) electron extraction layer, and poly(3-hexylthiophene-2, 5-diyl):[6, 6]-phenyl C61 butyric acid methyl ester blend were realized in this work. The resulted IOSC with ZnO annealed at 150 °C shows the superior power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 3.01%, if decreasing the ZnO annealing temperature to 100 °C, the obtained IOSC also shows a PCE of 2.76%, and no light soaking issue is observed. It is found that this ZnO film not only acts as an effective buffer layer but also slightly improves the optical transmittance of AZO substrates. Further, despite the relatively inferior air-stability, these un-encapsulated AZO/ZnO IOSCs show comparable PCEs to the referenced ITO/ZnO IOSCs, which demonstrates that the AZO cathode is a potential alternative to ITO in IOSCs. Meanwhile, this simple ZnO process is compatible with large area deposition and plastic substrates, and is promising to be widely used in IOSCs and other relative fields.
Enzymatic Synthesis of p-Cresol Oligomers and Evaluation of their Free Radical Scavenging Activity
Authors: Zhang Lei , Jiang Ling-Yan , Zheng Ke , Duan Hua , Li Min , Cui Yuan-Chen
Published: June 2014

An environmentally benign aqueous micelle system was successfully used as reaction medium to perform enzymatic polymerization of p-cresol using horseradish peroxidase as catalyst. The polymerization maintains high yield over a wide pH range from 5 to 10. The resulting polymer is completely soluble in common solvent such as acetone, THF, DMF, and DMSO. Infrared spectroscopy analysis shows that polymer chains are composed of phenylene and oxyphenylene units. The formation of p-cresol polymer is according to a mechanism of free radical step polymerization. Because quinone structures are formed at the end of the molecular chain, p-cresol oligomers with an average degree of polymerization of less than 10 are obtained. p-Cresol oligomers possess several advantages such as simple synthetic route, good stability in air, and no significant smell. Importantly, the structure of p-cresol oligomers is similar to that of polyphenolic compounds in natural plants. As a result, p-cresol oligomers show good free radical scavenging activity and good prospects as novel antioxidant.
Heart- and muscle-derived signaling system dependent on MED13 and Wingless controls obesity in
Drosophila
Authors: Lee Ji-Hoon , Bassel-Duby Rhonda , Olson Eric N.
Published: June 2014

Significance

Obesity is a major health epidemic and develops as a result of imbalanced energy homeostasis. Previously, we reported that cardiac expression of MED13, a subunit of the Mediator complex, controlled systemic energy homeostasis in mice such that increased or decreased expression of MED13 caused leanness or obesity, respectively. Here, we report that MED13 also acts within muscle of
Drosophila
to control obesity. The secreted peptide Wingless acts as a downstream effector of MED13 to mediate cross-talk with adipose tissue and suppress obesity. Our work reveals a conserved signaling system in muscle in which MED13 and Wingless act as key controllers of obesity.
Hide and Seek: Interplay of Fish and Anglers Influences Spatial Fisheries Management
Authors: Matthias Bryan G , Allen Micheal S , Ahrens Robert N M , Beard T Douglas , Kerns Janice A
Published: June 2014

Sustainable management of fisheries resources requires an understanding of spatial and temporal interplay between targeted fish populations and anglers. We conducted a field study comparing spatial patterns in recreational angler effort to fish distribution in a Florida lake. Over one year, spatial locations of Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides) anglers and Largemouth Bass were surveyed. Over 90% of anglers were fishing within 50 m from shore and one-third of fish were located offshore at any given time. This spatial patterning suggested that fish located in areas not targeted by anglers were less vulnerable to angling and, thus, anglers were not distributed according to the ideal free distribution. However, tag return data of telemetered fish showed similar catch trends in both onshore and offshore habitats, indicating that all fish were equally vulnerable to angling and anglers were ideally distributed. Informed use of spatial and/or temporal fishery regulations should consider fish and angler behavior.

RESUMEN

el manejo sustentable de recursos pesqueros requiere entender la interacción en tiempo y espacio entre las poblaciones de peces y los pescadores. Se llevó a cabo un trabajo de campo para comparar los patrones espaciales del esfuerzo de pesca recreativa con la distribución de los peces en un lago de Florida. A lo largo de un año, se estudió la ubicación espacial tanto de los pescadores de lobina negra (Micropterus salmoides) como de la propia lobina. Más del 90% de los pescadores operaron dentro de los primeros 50m de costa y un tercio de los peces se ubicaron fuera de la costa en cualquier momento dado. Los patrones espaciales sugirieron que los peces que se encuentran en áreas que no son frecuentadas por los pescadores fueron menos vulnerables a la pesca y, por consiguiente, los pescadores no se distribuyen de acuerdo a una distribución ideal libre. En contraste, datos de recaptura de peces mediante telemetría mostraron tendencias similares en la captura tanto en la zona costera como fuera de ésta, lo que indica que todos los peces fueron igualmente vulnerables a la pesca y que los pescadores se distribuyen de acuerdo a una distribución ideal. El uso informado de las regulaciones pesqueras espaciales y temporales deben tomar en cuenta el comportamiento tanto de los peces como de los pescadores.
cDNA cloning and characterization of vanadium-dependent bromoperoxidases from the red alga Laurencia nipponica
Authors: Kaneko Kensuke , Washio Kenji , Umezawa Taiki , Matsuda Fuyuhiko , Morikawa Masaaki , Okino Tatsufumi
Published: June 2014

The marine red alga genus Laurencia is one of the richest producers of unique brominated compounds in the marine environment. The cDNAs for two Laurencia nipponica vanadium-dependent bromoperoxidases (LnVBPO1 and LnVBPO2) were cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. Enzyme assays of recombinant LnVBPO1 and LnVBPO2 using monochlorodimedone revealed that they were thermolabile but their Km values for Br− were significantly lower than other red algal VBPOs. The bromination reaction was also assessed using laurediol, the predicted natural precursor of the brominated ether laurencin. Laurediol, protected by trimethylsilyl at the enyne, was converted to deacetyllaurencin by the LnVBPOs, which was confirmed by tandem mass spectrometry. Native LnVBPO partially purified from algal bodies was active, suggesting that LnVBPO is functional in vivo. These results contributed to our knowledge of the biosynthesis of Laurencia brominated metabolites.