bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
POEAS: Automated Plant Phenomic Analysis Using Plant Ontology
Authors: Shameer Khader , Naika Mahantesha Bn , Mathew Oommen K. , Sowdhamini Ramanathan
Published: December 2014

Biological enrichment analysis using gene ontology (GO) provides a global overview of the functional role of genes or proteins identified from large-scale genomic or proteomic experiments. Phenomic enrichment analysis of gene lists can provide an important layer of information as well as cellular components, molecular functions, and biological processes associated with gene lists. Plant phenomic enrichment analysis will be useful for performing new experiments to better understand plant systems and for the interpretation of gene or proteins identified from high-throughput experiments. Plant ontology (PO) is a compendium of terms to define the diverse phenotypic characteristics of plant species, including plant anatomy, morphology, and development stages. Adoption of this highly useful ontology is limited, when compared to GO, because of the lack of user-friendly tools that enable the use of PO for statistical enrichment analysis. To address this challenge, we introduce Plant Ontology Enrichment Analysis Server (POEAS) in the public domain. POEAS uses a simple list of genes as input data and performs enrichment analysis using Ontologizer 2.0 to provide results in two levels, enrichment results and visualization utilities, to generate ontological graphs that are of publication quality. POEAS also offers interactive options to identify user-defined background population sets, various multiple-testing correction methods, different enrichment calculation methods, and resampling tests to improve statistical significance. The availability of such a tool to perform phenomic enrichment analyses using plant genes as a complementary resource will permit the adoption of PO-based phenomic analysis as part of analytical workflows. POEAS can be accessed using the URL http://caps.ncbs.res.in/poeas .
Activity of the Antioxidant Defense System in a Typical Bioinsecticide-and Synthetic Insecticide-treated Cowpea Storage Beetle Callosobrochus maculatus F. (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)
Authors: Kolawole Ayodele O. , Olajuyigbe Folasade M. , Ajele Joshua O. , Adedire Chris O.
Published: December 2014

The non-enzymatic and enzymatic antioxidant defense systems play a major role in detoxification of pro-oxidant endobiotics and xenobiotics. The possible involvement of beetle non-enzymatic [α-tocopherol, glutathione (GSH), and ascorbic acid] and enzymatic [catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POX), and polyphenol oxidase (PPO)] antioxidant defense system on the insecticidal activity of synthetic insecticides (cypermethrin, 2,2-dicholorovinyl dimethyl phosphate, and λ-cyhalothrin) and ethanolic plant extracts of Tithonia diversifolia, Cyperus rotundus, Hyptis suaveolens leaves, and Jatropha Curcas seeds was investigated. 2,2-Dicholorovinyl dimethyl phosphate (DDVP; 200 ppm, LC50 = 13.24 ppm) and T. diversifolia (20,000 ppm) resulted in 100% beetle mortality at 96-hour post-treatment. The post-treatments significantly increased the beetle α-tocopherol and GSH contents. Activities of CAT, SOD, POX, and PPO were modulated by the synthetic insecticides and bioinsecticides to diminish the adverse effect of the chemical stresses. Quantitative and qualitative allelochemical compositions of bioinsecticides and chemical structure of synthetic insecticides possibly account and for modulation of their respective enzyme activities. Altogether, oxidative stress was enormous enough to cause maladaptation in insects. This study established that oxidative imbalance created could be the molecular basis of the efficacy of both insecticides and bio-insecticides. Two, there was development of functional but inadequate antioxidant defense mechanism in the beetle.
Emergence of multiple ocean ecosystem drivers in a large ensemble suite with an earth system model
Authors: Rodgers K. B. , Lin J. , Frölicher T. L.
Published: December 2014

Abstract. Marine ecosystems are increasingly impacted by human-induced changes. Ocean ecosystem drivers – including warming, acidification, deoxygenation and perturbations to biological productivity – can co-occur in space and time, but detecting their trends is complicated by the presence of noise associated with natural variability in the climate system. Here we use Large Initial-Condition Ensemble Simulations with a comprehensive Earth System Model under a historical/RCP8.5 pathway over 1950–2100 to consider emergence characteristics for the four individual and combined drivers. Using a one-standard deviation (67% confidence) threshold of signal-to-noise to define emergence with a 30 yr trend window, we show that ocean acidification emerges much earlier than other drivers, namely during the 20th century over most of the global ocean. For biological productivity, the anthropogenic signal does not emerge from the noise over most of the global ocean before the end of the 21st century. The early emergence pattern for sea surface temperature in low latitudes is reversed from that of subsurface oxygen inventories, where emergence occurs earlier in the Southern Ocean. For the combined multiple-driver field, 41% of the global ocean exhibits emergence for the 2005–2014 period, and 63% for the 2075–2084 period. The combined multiple-driver field reveals emergence patterns by the end of this century that are relatively high over much of the Southern Ocean, North Pacific, and Atlantic, but relatively low over the tropics and the South Pacific. In regions with pronounced emergence characteristics, marine ecosystems can be expected to be pushed outside of their comfort zone determined by the degree of natural background variability to which they are adapted. The results here thus have implications not only for optimization of the ocean observing system, but also for risk assessment and mitigation strategies.
Improved singular spectrum analysis for time series with missing data
Authors: Shen Y. , Peng F. , Li B.
Published: December 2014

Abstract. Singular spectrum analysis (SSA) is a powerful technique for time series analysis. Based on the property that the original time series can be reproduced from its principal components, this contribution will develop an improved SSA (ISSA) for processing the incomplete time series and the modified SSA (SSAM) of Schoellhamer (2001) is its special case. The approach was evaluated with the synthetic and real incomplete time series data of suspended-sediment concentration from San Francisco Bay. The result from the synthetic time series with missing data shows that the relative errors of the principal components reconstructed by ISSA are much smaller than those reconstructed by SSAM. Moreover, when the percentage of the missing data over the whole time series reaches 60%, the improvements of relative errors are up to 19.64, 41.34, 23.27 and 50.30% for the first four principal components, respectively. Besides, both the mean absolute errors and mean root mean squared errors of the reconstructed time series by ISSA are also much smaller than those by SSAM. The respective improvements are 34.45 and 33.91% when the missing data accounts for 60%. The results from real incomplete time series also show that the SD derived by ISSA is 12.27 mg L−1, smaller than 13.48 mg L−1 derived by SSAM.
Nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium release from two compressed fertilizers: column experiments
Authors: Fernández-Sanjurjo M. J. , Alvarez-Rodríguez E. , Núñez-Delgado A. , Fernández-Marcos M. L. , Romar-Gasalla A.
Published: December 2014

Abstract. The objective of this work was to study nutrients release from two compressed nitrogen–potassium–phosphorous (NPK) fertilizers. In the Lourizán Forest Center, tablet-type controlled-release fertilizers (CRF) were prepared by compressing various mixtures of fertilizers without covers or binders. We used soil columns (50 cm long and 7.3 cm inner diameter) that were filled with soil from the surface layer (0–20 cm) of an A horizon corresponding to a Cambic Umbrisol. Tablets of two slow-release NPK fertilizers (11–18–11 or 8–8–16) were placed into the soil (within the first 3 cm), and then water was percolated through the columns in a saturated regime for 80 days. Percolates were analyzed for N, P, K+, Ca2+ and Mg2+. These elements were also determined in soil and fertilizer tablets at the end of the trials. Nutrient concentrations were high in the first leachates and reached a steady state when 1426 mm of water had been percolated, which is equivalent to approximately 1.5 years of rainfall in this geographic area. In the whole trial, both tablets lost more than 80% of their initial N, P and K contents. However, K+, Ca2+ and Mg2+ were the most leached, whereas N and P were lost in leachates to a lesser extent. Nutrient release was slower from the tablet with a composition of 8–8–16 than from the 11–18–11 fertilizer. In view of that, the 8–8–16 tablet can be considered more adequate for crops with a nutrient demand sustained over time. At the end of the trial, the effects of these fertilizers on soil chemical parameters were still evident, with a significant increase of pH, available Ca2+, Mg2+, K+, P and effective cation exchange capacity (eCEC) in the fertilized columns, as well as a significant decrease in exchangeable Al3+, reaching values < 0.08 cmol (+) kg−1.
How robust and (un)certain are regional climate models over the Himalayas?
Authors: Dimri A. P.
Published: December 2014

Abstract. Regional Climate Model(s) (RCMs) are sensitive towards presentation of regional climate of Indian winter monsoon (IWM) over the western Himalayas (WH). They illustrate robust nature in representing regional climate at mountain scale and even at event scale. While downscaling outputs, from these models, at basin level for hydrological and glaciological studies, it is found that RCMs fail to provide realistic figures. And hence, in the present paper, using the Siachen glacier basin as a reference, debate and deliberation on RCMs' uncertainly and high order of deviation from real observations is presented. Results from RCMs thus need "further tuning" if they are used for hydrological and glacier studies. Reasons for such uncertainties could be due to the improper representation of topography, missing subgrid scale processes, surface flux characteristics, various physical processes etc. at such finer model resolution and scale. At present, this paper only deliberates and brings out issues pertaining to such complexities to provide an insight for future course of studies, if understood correctly.
Productos estrella en Centroamérica entre imaginarios, exportaciones y mitos. Un análisis cuantitativo y comparativo del banano y el café en Honduras y Costa Rica: 1970-1976
Authors: Vallejo Cerna Antonio Ramón
Published: December 2014

Durante gran parte del siglo XX, el banano y el café se constituyeron como los principales productos de exportación de los países del área centroamericana, el primero para el caso hondureño y el segundo para el caso costarricense respectivamente. El cultivo, la producción y exportación de estos productos generó en dichas economías espacios de poder y control social que llevó como consecuencia a la promoción de diversos escenarios históricos a nivel económico, político, social y cultural en la región durante esa época. Esto generó y reforzó en el imaginario social la creencia de que Honduras es aún un país eminentemente exportador de banano y Costa Rica de café en los mercados internacionales. Al hacer un análisis comparativo de estos productos podremos observar ciertas tendencias que revelan que debido a las coyunturas políticas y ambientales durante el período de estudio (1970-1976) se produjo una transición en dichas economías a convertirse el café en el producto de exportación más importante de Honduras y el banano en Costa Rica. DOI: http://doi.dx.org/10.5377/paradigma.v21i34.1693  - Revista de Investigación Educativa. Año 21. No. 34: 71-80
Guías de laboratorio de ciencias naturales con diagrama tradicional vrs. guías con diagrama innovador V de Gowin para el tercer ciclo de educación básica
Authors: Oyuela Sánchez Lilian Yolibeth , López Pavón Sofía Carlota
Published: December 2014

El proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje en el aula, es fundamental y requiere de prácticas educativas apropiadas y eficaces, convirtiéndose en un reto difícil para el docente de hoy, porque exige un conjunto de requerimientos específicos como el dominio científico, actitudes, estrategias y acciones que deben conjugarse en un marco de interacción entre los actores. Con el propósito de buscar alternativas en la construcción del conocimiento y aprendizaje de las ciencias naturales, especialmente en el papel que juegan los laboratorios, al innovar, construir conocimientos, procedimientos y adquirir competencias que nos lleven a un aprendizaje significativo, la investigación incursiona a partir de la observación, descripción y de la experimentación que se realiza en el laboratorio de Ciencias Naturales del tercer ciclo del nivel básico, desde una perspectiva tradicional y una innovadora con la presentación del diagrama UVE de Gowin; explorando cuál de las dos trae consigo mayor aprendizaje significativo, funcionalidad, creatividad e innovación. DOI: http://doi.dx.org/10.5377/paradigma.v21i34.1696  - Revista de Investigación Educativa. Año 21. No. 34: 133-159
El acervo escolar: manual de organización y cuidados básicos
Authors: Zaia Iomar Barbosa , Castro García Enoc Jessé
Published: December 2014

Con el objetivo de ofrecer orientaciones técnicas de higienización, acondicionamiento (conservación preventiva) y pequeños restauros para la preservación de la documentación representativa de la historia de la escuela, fue lanzado en el 2004 el Manual El Acervo Escolar: organización y cuidados básicos, como resultado del trabajo desarrollado por la archivista. Iomar Zaia junto al Centro de Memoria de la Educación de la Facultad de Educación de la USP. Debido al interés cada vez mayor mostrado por investigadores y por equipos escolares en relación a los Archivos Escolares – tanto entorno de la búsqueda de técnicas más actualizadas de conservación documental como de discusiones teóricas colocadas por el campo de la Historia de la Educación–, se ofrece una guía para que las escuelas y su equipo encuentren soporte para el trabajo de conservación documental de los Archivos Escolares, fundamental para ampliar las posibilidades de comprender la historia de la escuela de ayer y hoy. DOI: http://doi.dx.org/10.5377/paradigma.v21i34.1697  - Revista de Investigación Educativa. Año 21. No. 34: 161-187
Análisis de los apoyos que reciben los jóvenes con discapacidad intelectual en su transición a la vida adulta en España: una investigación a partir de experiencias de profesionales y personas con discapacidad
Authors: Pallisera María , Fullana Judit , Vilà Montserrat , Jiménez Paco , Castro Montse , Puyalto Carolina , Montero Mario , Martin Raquel
Published: December 2014

El objetivo de este trabajo es obtener información acerca de la adecuación de la red de dispositivos o servicios donde estos jóvenes son objeto de acciones socioeducativas en su proceso de tránsito a la edad adulta en España. Se han aplicado entrevistas en profundidad a 45 profesionales y a 20 personas con discapacidad intelectual y el método Delphi a dos paneles integrados por 20 expertos cada uno. Los resultados muestran la escasa continuidad de los apoyos que reciben los jóvenes con discapacidad a lo largo de su proceso de tránsito y cuestionan la formación marcadamente académica que reciben los jóvenes como preparación su vida adulta. También se analiza la participación de los jóvenes y sus familias en el proceso. La investigación nos permite disponer de una visión contrastada y amplia del proceso de tránsito a la vida adulta de los jóvenes con discapacidad y plantear estrategias de mejora de este proceso.
Los adultos con discapacidad motriz y sus familiares: la organización del hogar, los afectos y el trabajo
Authors: Venturiello María Pía
Published: December 2014

El objetivo de este artículo es analizar las percepciones de los adultos con discapacidad motriz mayores de 50 años y sus familiares acerca de las principales dificultades que encuentran en su desempeño laboral, familiar y en la organización del hogar, según aspectos económicos y sociales en el Gran Buenos Aires. Para cumplir con este objetivo se desarrolló un abordaje metodológico de tipo cualitativo. Se entrevistó a 39 personas con discapacidad motriz y a 17 familiares. Los resultados indicaron que la edad en que acontece la discapacidad, el nivel socioeconómico y la situación de dependencia de las personas son determinantes para poder sortear, en mayor o menor medida, la marginación económica y el descrédito simbólico que las perjudica. Las familias brindan intercambios afectivos y apoyos materiales para la resolución de la vida diaria, mientras que la salud emocional de sus integrantes, su reproducción material y proyectos se ven modificados por las dificultades que la sociedad impone a las personas que relega al lugar de la anormalidad.
Involucración de personas con discapacidad en proyectos tecnológicos de I+D+i: el caso de APSIS4all
Authors: Sainz de Salces Fausto J. , Turrero Martín Mercedes , González-Perea Lourdes , Madrid R. Ignacio
Published: December 2014

Este artículo presenta una descripción práctica de las cuestiones y procedimientos necesarios para la involucración de personas con discapacidad en proyectos tecnológicos de I+D+i. Se parte de la justificación de esta necesidad, fundamentada en nuevos paradigmas como la investigación inclusiva o emancipatoria. Se realiza un repaso de aspectos prácticos que afectan a las fases y actividades en las que la participación de personas con discapacidad es pertinente (ideación y planificación, recogida de requisitos, diseño y desarrollo y experiencia piloto y validación). Asimismo, se utilizan datos y resultados de un proyecto concreto de I+D+i (APSIS4all) para ilustrar los procedimientos a realizar en cada una de las fases. En conjunto, el artículo sugiere que la participación de personas con discapacidad en un proyecto de estas características no es solo posible sino también deseable.
Del padecimiento a la diversidad: un camino hermenéutico
Authors: Jiménez Pérez Gabriel , Serrato Calero María de las Mercedes
Published: December 2014

El presente artículo pretende analizar y cuestionar las últimas tendencias paradigmáticas en torno a la “discapacidad” mediante un enfoque hermenéutico. Se propone un repaso histórico que determine el devenir de los grandes pensamientos surgidos acerca de este concepto. Posteriormente se profundiza en las teorías coexistentes dominantes y transgresoras que posibilitan nuevos modelos y paradigmas. Por último, se reflexiona sobre el estado actual del debate. ¿Hemos cambiado tanto?
Efectividad de las políticas públicas y actitudes. Análisis a través de la predisposición a participar en programas inclusivos en el entorno laboral
Authors: Novo Corti Isabel , Becerra Amado Patricia , Dolores López María
Published: December 2014

Para lograr una plena inclusión y desarrollo de las personas con discapacidad es imprescindible que participen en un entorno laboral normalizado, lo que, además de contribuir a mejorar su calidad de vida, produce un incremento de la cohesión social y del bienestar colectivo. A pesar de que el marco legislativo es cada vez más favorable a la discriminación positiva, existen múltiples factores que tienen lugar en el ámbito laboral y que condicionan el alcance y la efectividad de las políticas públicas a través de las medidas adoptadas. Un condicionante que se ha mostrado como elemento clave son las actitudes del entorno inmediato, en concreto de los compañeros y compañeras de trabajo, que son un aspecto fundamental para conseguir los objetivos propuestos. En esta investigación se analiza la intención que muestra el personal administrativo de participar en programas de apoyo a personas con discapacidad. Los datos analizados se obtienen a partir de una encuesta al personal de administración y servicios (PAS) de la Universidad de A Coruña. Los resultados demuestran que los valores sociales, las actitudes y la autopercepción de la propia capacidad para apoyar a las personas con discapacidad explican en gran medida dicha intención, lo que condiciona la efectividad de las políticas aplicadas.
Promoviendo el sentido del humor en las personas adultas con discapacidad intelectual y del desarrollo
Authors: Paredes Gómez Daniel , Flores Nieto Antonio
Published: December 2014

Diferentes investigaciones demuestran la importancia del sentido del humor en el bienestar personal y la salud. En el presente trabajo se plantea examinar la utilidad e idoneidad para personas con discapacidad intelectual de la visualización y lectura de material humorístico en soporte impreso destinado a la población general, con un nivel de lectura característico de las edades comprendidas entre los 11 y 12 años; así como analizar si el modelo multidimensional del sentido del humor de García-Larrauri (2006) es aplicable a la población del presente estudio; y descubrir las preferencias de los participantes entre el material en soporte impreso: “sólo texto” o “texto con dibujos”. Los resultados indican que las personas con discapacidad intelectual desarrollan experiencias de humor que pueden aprovecharse para aumentar su calidad de vida. Una buena forma de promoverlo es utilizando la literatura de humor popular, adaptada en forma de textos sencillos y/o acompañados de dibujos.
Por Igual Más: una vidriera para exhibir la diversidad
Authors: Argento Nasser Ana
Published: December 2014

Argento Nasser, A. (2014): “Por Igual Más: una vidriera para exhibir la diversidad”, Revista Española de Discapacidad, 2 (2): 261-267.
A Foucauldian Reading of Mothers' Views on the Paternalism/Autonomy Debate in Relation to the Sexual Practices of Their Intellectually Disabled Adult Sons and Daughters
Authors: Foley Simon
Published: December 2014

The obstacles preventing intellectually disabled adults living in Ireland from enjoying a more optimal quality of life take multiple forms. This article focuses on the issues of sexual relations and autonomy in relation to a specific population subsumed under the intellectual disability umbrella term; namely adults with Down syndrome living in the parental home. The obstacle under examination is the contention that the paternalistic regime of care that many parents of adults with Down syndrome deploy is a principal factor in explaining why many of their sons and daughters have failed to find the boyfriends/girlfriends they seek. To explore this conjecture a series of semi-structured interviews were carried out with ten mothers of adults with Down syndrome. The main findings are that while all of the respondents acknowledged that they subjected their sons and daughters to a paternalistic regime of care, they denied any causal connection between this form of surveillance and the fact that, with one exception, none of their mainly thirty-something charges have yet embarked on a sexual relationship. To offer a sociological interpretation as to why this data takes the form it does, the Foucauldian framework is employed to theorise the accounts proffered by the respondents.
3D imaging of Sox2 enhancer clusters in embryonic stem cells
Authors: Liu Zhe , Legant Wesley R , Chen Bi-Chang , Li Li , Grimm Jonathan B , Lavis Luke D , Betzig Eric , Tjian Robert
Published: December 2014

Combinatorial cis-regulatory networks encoded in animal genomes represent the foundational gene expression mechanism for directing cell-fate commitment and maintenance of cell identity by transcription factors (TFs). However, the 3D spatial organization of cis-elements and how such sub-nuclear structures influence TF activity remain poorly understood. Here, we combine lattice light-sheet imaging, single-molecule tracking, numerical simulations, and ChIP-exo mapping to localize and functionally probe Sox2 enhancer-organization in living embryonic stem cells. Sox2 enhancers form 3D-clusters that are segregated from heterochromatin but overlap with a subset of Pol II enriched regions. Sox2 searches for specific binding targets via a 3D-diffusion dominant mode when shuttling long-distances between clusters while chromatin-bound states predominate within individual clusters. Thus, enhancer clustering may reduce global search efficiency but enables rapid local fine-tuning of TF search parameters. Our results suggest an integrated model linking cis-element 3D spatial distribution to local-versus-global target search modalities essential for regulating eukaryotic gene transcription.
Gap junctions composed of connexins 41.8 and 39.4 are essential for colour pattern formation in zebrafish
Authors: Irion Uwe , Frohnhöfer Hans Georg , Krauss Jana , Çolak Champollion Tuǧba , Maischein Hans-Martin , Geiger-Rudolph Silke , Weiler Christian , Nüsslein-Volhard Christiane
Published: December 2014

Interactions between all three pigment cell types are required to form the stripe pattern of adult zebrafish (Danio rerio), but their molecular nature is poorly understood. Mutations in leopard (leo), encoding Connexin 41.8 (Cx41.8), a gap junction subunit, cause a phenotypic series of spotted patterns. A new dominant allele, leotK3, leads to a complete loss of the pattern, suggesting a dominant negative impact on another component of gap junctions. In a genetic screen, we identified this component as Cx39.4 (luchs). Loss-of-function alleles demonstrate that luchs is required for stripe formation in zebrafish; however, the fins are almost not affected. Double mutants and chimeras, which show that leo and luchs are only required in xanthophores and melanophores, but not in iridophores, suggest that both connexins form heteromeric gap junctions. The phenotypes indicate that these promote homotypic interactions between melanophores and xanthophores, respectively, and those cells instruct the patterning of the iridophores.
Transient inhibition of the ERK pathway prevents cerebellar developmental defects and improves long-term motor functions in murine models of neurofibromatosis type 1
Authors: Kim Edward , Wang Yuan , Kim Sun-Jung , Bornhorst Miriam , Jecrois Emmanuelle S , Anthony Todd E , Wang Chenran , Li Yi E , Guan Jun-Lin , Murphy Geoffrey G , Zhu Yuan
Published: December 2014

Individuals with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) frequently exhibit cognitive and motor impairments and characteristics of autism. The cerebellum plays a critical role in motor control, cognition, and social interaction, suggesting that cerebellar defects likely contribute to NF1-associated neurodevelopmental disorders. Here we show that Nf1 inactivation during early, but not late stages of cerebellar development, disrupts neuronal lamination, which is partially caused by overproduction of glia and subsequent disruption of the Bergmann glia (BG) scaffold. Specific Nf1 inactivation in glutamatergic neuronal precursors causes premature differentiation of granule cell (GC) precursors and ectopic production of unipolar brush cells (UBCs), indirectly disrupting neuronal migration. Transient MEK inhibition during a neonatal window prevents cerebellar developmental defects and improves long-term motor performance of Nf1-deficient mice. This study reveals essential roles of Nf1 in GC/UBC migration by generating correct numbers of glia and controlling GC/UBC fate-specification/differentiation, identifying a therapeutic prevention strategy for multiple NF1-associcated developmental abnormalities.
Synthesis of Dumbbell‐Like Gold–Metal Sulfide Core–Shell Nanorods with Largely Enhanced Transverse Plasmon Resonance in Visible Region and Efficiently Improved Photocatalytic Activity
Authors: Ma Liang , Liang Shan , Liu Xiao‐Li , Yang Da‐Jie , Zhou Li , Wang Qu‐Quan
Published: December 2014

The metallic nanostructures with unique properties of tunable plasmon resonance and large field enhancement have been cooperated with semiconductor to construct hetero‐nanostructures for various applications. Herein, a general and facile approach to synthesize uniform dumbbell‐like gold–sulfide core–shell hetero‐nanostructures is reported. The transformation from Au nanorods (NRs) to dumbbell‐like Au NRs and coating of metal sulfide shells (including Bi2S3, CdS, CuxS, and ZnS) are achieved in a one‐pot reaction. Due to the reshaping of Au core and the deposition of sulfide shell, the plasmon resonances of Au NRs are highly enhanced, especially the about 2 times enhancement for the visible transverse plasmon resonance compared with the initial Au NRs. Owing to the highly enhanced visible light absorption and strong local electric field, we find the photocatalytic activity of dumbbell‐like Au–Bi2S3 NRs is largely enhanced compared with pure Bi2S3 and normal Au–Bi2S3 NRs by testing the photodegradation rate of Rhodamine B (RhB). Moreover, the second‐layer sulfide can be coated and the double‐shell Au–Bi2S3–CdS hetero‐nanostructures show further improved photodegradation rate, especially about 2 times than that of Degussa P25 TiO2 (P25) ascribing to the optimum band arrangement and then the prolonged lifetime of photo‐generated carriers.
Facile Synthesis of Guanidine Functionalised Building Blocks
Authors: Hickey Shane M. , Ashton Trent D. , Pfeffer Frederick M.
Published: December 2014

Three useful developments in the preparation of guanidines are presented herein. A collection of bis(Boc)aminoalkylguanidines (n=2, 3, 4 and 6; Boc=tert‐butoxycarbonyl), known to be prone to cyclisation, have been synthesised and isolated without chromatography as shelf‐stable sulfonate salts in good yield (up to 94 %). Secondly, a selection of guanidines tethered to a range of other functional groups, including alkyne, alkene, alcohol, and azide, have been prepared in good yields with no requirement for a purification step, and thirdly an inexpensive, high‐yielding (93 %), and facile synthesis of N,N′‐bis(Boc)guanidine, a key precursor for N,N′‐bis(Boc)‐N′‐triflylguanidine, is described in which the need for chromatographic purification is again obviated.
π‐Helicene auf ein Minimum reduziert: Zugang mithilfe einer mehrfachen Domino‐Carbopalladierungs‐Stille‐Sequenz
Authors: Milde Bastian , Leibeling Markus , Pawliczek Martin , Grunenberg Jörg , Jones Peter G. , Werz Daniel B.
Published: December 2014

Ein neuartiger Typ von π‐Helicenen, deren π‐System auf eine all‐s‐cis‐Z,Z,…︁‐Oligoenkette reduziert ist, wird vorgestellt. Eine Dominosequenz aus bis zu vier aufeinanderfolgenden Carbopalladierungen und einer abschließenden Stille‐Kreuzkupplung wurde entwickelt, um den einstufigen Aufbau dieser Einheiten ausgehend von den jeweiligen linearen Oligoinen zu ermöglichen. Trotz des minimalen π‐Systems wurden für die einzelnen Enantiomere sehr hohe Werte ihrer optischen Rotation festgestellt. Die schraubenförmigen Strukturen wurden durch Röntgenstrukturanalyse zweifelsfrei nachgewiesen.
Introduction of a Fluorescent Probe to Amyloid‐β to Reveal Kinetic Insights into Its Interactions with Copper(II)
Authors: Branch Thomas , Girvan Paul , Barahona Mauricio , Ying Liming
Published: December 2014

The kinetics of the interactions between amyloid‐β (Aβ) and metal ions are crucial to understanding the physiological and pathological roles of Aβ in the normal brain and in Alzheimer’s disease. Using the quenching of a fluorescent probe by Cu2+, the mechanism of Aβ/Cu2+ interactions in physiologically relevant conditions has been elucidated. Cu2+ binds to Aβ at a near diffusion‐limited rate, initially forming component I. The switching between component I and II occurs on the second timescale, with a significant energy barrier. Component I is much more reactive towards Cu2+ ligands and likely responsible for initial Aβ dimer formation. Clioquinol (CQ) is shown to sequester Cu2+ more effectively than other tested ligands. These findings have implications for the potential roles of Aβ in regulating neurotransmission, and for the screening of small molecules targeting Aβ–metal interactions.
B(C6F5)3‐katalysierte Transferhydrierung von Iminen und verwandten Heteroaromaten mit Cyclohexa‐1,4‐dienen als Wasserstoffquelle
Authors: Chatterjee Indranil , Oestreich Martin
Published: December 2014

Die Freisetzung von Wasserstoff aus entsprechend donorsubstituierten Cyclohexa‐1,4‐dienen nach Hydridabstraktion durch die starke Bor‐Lewis‐Säure Tris(pentafluorphenyl)boran, B(C6F5)3, wird vorgestellt. Dieses Verfahren ist dann an die FLP‐artige Hydrierung (FLP=frustiertes Lewis‐Paar) von Iminen und stickstoffenthaltenden Heteroaromaten, die durch dieselbe Lewis‐Säure katalysiert wird, gekoppelt. Die Nettoreaktion ist eine B(C6F5)3‐katalysierte, d. h. übergangsmetallfreie, Transferhydrierung mit leicht zugänglichen Cyclohexa‐1,4‐dienen als Reduktionsmitteln. Konkurrierende Reaktionspfade mit oder ohne Einbeziehung von freiem Wasserstoff werden diskutiert.
Adsorption‐Driven Self‐Sorting of Dynamic Imine Libraries
Authors: Hsu Chia‐Wei , Miljanić Ognjen Š.
Published: December 2014

Differences in adsorption among the components of complex mixtures play a role in separations, surface‐based sensing, and heterogeneous catalysis, and have been implicated in theories of the origin of life. Herein, we consider mixtures of imines and we show that if such complex mixtures are also dynamic—that is, if their components equilibrate among themselves—then they can dramatically simplify in composition during the course of column chromatography. As they travel down the column, imines continuously trade their aldehyde and amine constituents, favoring the formation of molecules with extremes of polarity at the expense of species with intermediate polarities. Iterative application of this principle leads to simplification of imine libraries containing up to 16 members into 4 major products.
Direct In Situ Investigation of Milling Reactions Using Combined X‐ray Diffraction and Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Batzdorf Lisa , Fischer Franziska , Wilke Manuel , Wenzel Klaus‐Jürgen , Emmerling Franziska
Published: December 2014

The combination of two analytical methods including time‐resolved in situ X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy provides a new opportunity for a detailed analysis of the key mechanisms of milling reactions. To prove the general applicability of our setup, we investigated the mechanochemical synthesis of four archetypical model compounds, ranging from 3D frameworks through layered structures to organic molecular compounds. The reaction mechanism for each model compound could be elucidated. The results clearly show the unique advantage of the combination of XRD and Raman spectroscopy because of the different information content and dynamic range of both individual methods. The specific combination allows to study milling processes comprehensively on the level of the molecular and crystalline structures and thus obtaining reliable data for mechanistic studies.
Bed Bug Aggregation Pheromone Finally Identified
Authors: Gries Regine , Britton Robert , Holmes Michael , Zhai Huimin , Draper Jason , Gries Gerhard
Published: December 2014

Bed bugs have become a global epidemic and current detection tools are poorly suited for routine surveillance. Despite intense research on bed bug aggregation behavior and the aggregation pheromone, which could be used as a chemical lure, the complete composition of this pheromone has thus far proven elusive. Here, we report that the bed bug aggregation pheromone comprises five volatile components (dimethyl disulfide, dimethyl trisulfide, (E)‐2‐hexenal, (E)‐2‐octenal, 2‐hexanone), which attract bed bugs to safe shelters, and one less‐volatile component (histamine), which causes their arrestment upon contact. In infested premises, a blend of all six components is highly effective at luring bed bugs into traps. The trapping of juvenile and adult bed bugs, with or without recent blood meals, provides strong evidence that this unique pheromone bait could become an effective and inexpensive tool for bed bug detection and potentially their control.
Oxatriphyrins(2.1.1) Incorporating an ortho‐Phenylene Motif
Authors: Pawlicki Miłosz , Garbicz Mateusz , Szterenberg Ludmiła , Latos‐Grażyński Lechosław
Published: December 2014

An understanding of fundamental aspects of archetypal organic structural motifs remains a key issue faced by the experimental and theoretical chemists. Two possible bonding modes for a disubstituted benzene ring, that is a meta and para, determines the π delocalization for oligomeric structures. When the less abundant ortho‐substituted variant is introduced into a triphyrin(2.1.1) skeleton an aromatic molecule is obtained and the carbocyclic ring participates in the conjugation of the macrocycle. The two‐electron reduction and introduction of boron(III) changes the aromatic character and results in an anti‐aromatic structure which has been confirmed by single‐crystal analysis and supported by theoretical calculations.
π‐Helicenes Truncated to a Minimum: Access Through a Domino Approach Involving Multiple Carbopalladations and a Stille Coupling
Authors: Milde Bastian , Leibeling Markus , Pawliczek Martin , Grunenberg Jörg , Jones Peter G. , Werz Daniel B.
Published: December 2014

A novel type of π‐helicenes is reported, in which the π‐system is truncated to an all‐s‐cis all‐Z oligoene chain. A domino sequence was developed, consisting of up to four consecutive carbopalladation reactions and a terminal Stille cross‐coupling, to generate these entities in one step from the respective linear oligoynes. Despite the minimal π‐system, very high optical rotation values were encountered for the single enantiomers. X‐ray crystallography confirmed their screw‐shaped structure.
B(C6F5)3‐Catalyzed Transfer Hydrogenation of Imines and Related Heteroarenes Using Cyclohexa‐1,4‐dienes as a Dihydrogen Source
Authors: Chatterjee Indranil , Oestreich Martin
Published: December 2014

The strong boron Lewis acid tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane, B(C6F5)3, is shown to abstract a hydride from suitably donor‐substituted cyclohexa‐1,4‐dienes, eventually releasing dihydrogen. This process is coupled with the FLP‐type (FLP=frustrated Lewis pair) hydrogenation of imines and nitrogen‐containing heteroarenes that are catalyzed by the same Lewis acid. The net reaction is a B(C6F5)3‐catalyzed, i.e., transition‐metal‐free, transfer hydrogenation using easy‐to‐access cyclohexa‐1,4‐dienes as reducing agents. Competing reaction pathways with or without the involvement of free dihydrogen are discussed.
Synthesis and Systematic Evaluation of Dark Resonance Energy Transfer (DRET)‐Based Library and Its Application in Cell Imaging
Authors: Su Dongdong , Teoh Chai Lean , Kang Nam‐Young , Yu Xiaotong , Sahu Srikanta , Chang Young‐Tae
Published: December 2014

In this paper, we report a new strategy for constructing a dye library with large Stokes shifts. By coupling a dark donor with BODIPY acceptors of tunable high quantum yield, a novel dark resonance energy transfer (DRET)‐based library, named BNM, has been synthesized. Upon excitation of the dark donor (BDN) at 490 nm, the absorbed energy is transferred to the acceptor (BDM) with high efficiency, which was tunable in a broad range from 557 nm to 716 nm, with a high quantum yield of up to 0.8. It is noteworthy to mention that the majority of the non‐radiative energy loss of the donor was converted into the acceptor’s fluorescence output with a minimum leak of donor emission. Fluorescence imaging tested in live cells showed that the BNM compounds are cell‐permeable and can also be employed for live‐cell imaging. This is a new library which can be excited through a dark donor allowing for strong fluorescence emission in a wide range of wavelengths. Thus, the BNM library is well suited for high‐throughput screening or multiplex experiments in biological applications by using a single laser excitation source.
Was rowing club suspension a violation of members' rights?
Authors: Tee Virginia
Published: December 2014

When its men's rowing club violated California State University, Sacramento's rules by permitting nonmembers to row in “Holiday Row,” the university's interim assistant director of sports clubs suspended it for failing to comply with Tier 1 club requirements.
Design of Hyperthermophilic Lipase Chimeras by Key Motif‐Directed Recombination
Authors: Zhou Xiaoli , Gao Le , Yang Guangyu , Liu Donglai , Bai Aixi , Li Binchun , Deng Zixin , Feng Yan
Published: December 2014

Recombination of diverse natural evolved domains within a superfamily offers greater opportunity for enzyme function leaps. How to recombine protein modules from distant parents with less disruption in cross‐interfaces is a challenging issue. Here, we identified the existence of a key motif, the sequence VVSVN(D)YR, within a structural motif ψ loop in the α/β‐hydrolase fold superfamily, by using a MEME server and the PROMOTIF program. To obtain thermostable lipase‐like enzymes, two chimeras were engineered at the key motif regions through recombination of domains from a mesophilic lipase and a hyperthermophilic esterase/peptidase with amino acid identity less than 21 %. The chimeras retained the desirable substrate preference of their mesophilic parent and exhibited more than 100‐fold increased thermostability at 50 °C. Through site‐directed mutation, we further improved activity of the chimera by 4.6‐fold. The recombination strategy presented here enables the creation of novel catalysts.
Structure, Genetics and Function of an Exopolysaccharide Produced by a Bacterium Living within Fungal Hyphae
Authors: Uzum Zerrin , Silipo Alba , Lackner Gerald , De Felice Antonia , Molinaro Antonio , Hertweck Christian
Published: December 2014

The rice seedling blight fungus Rhizopus microsporus has an unusual symbiosis with a bacterium, Burkholderia rhizoxinica, which lives within the fungal cytosol and produces a potent phytotoxin that causes severe losses in agriculture. To gain insight into symbiosis factors we investigated the endosymbiont's exopolysaccharide (EPS), a secreted matrix that plays pivotal roles in mediating cell–environment interactions. By a combination of homo‐ and heteronuclear 2D NMR experiments, we elucidated a previously unknown EPS structure: a repeating tetrasaccharide unit bearing a nonstoichiometric acetyl group on a mannose residue. We also analyzed the EPS biosynthesis gene cluster and generated a targeted mutant to compare the phenotypes. Scanning electron microscope images revealed a reduced ability of the mutant to form extracellular polymers around cell aggregates. Phylogenetic analyses suggest that the symbiont's EPS genes are retained through evolutionary processes.
Elucidating pH‐Dependent Collagen Triple Helix Formation through Interstrand Hydroxyproline‐Glutamic Acid Interactions
Authors: Chen Liwei , Cai Shuting , Lim Jaehong , Lee Su Seong , Lee Song‐Gil
Published: December 2014

Here, we describe systematic explorations into the molecular basis underlying hydroxyproline‐mediated interstrand interactions on the triple‐helical stability of collagen‐mimetic peptides containing glutamic acid residues. Our studies reveal that the triple‐helical stability of these peptides relies on the existence of interstrand interactions between hydroxyprolines and glutamic acid residues that are pH dependent. These unique interactions have been used to engineer collagen peptides that form triple helices on demand through pH control.
Light Control of Cellular Processes by Using Photocaged Abscisic Acid
Authors: Wright Catherine W. , Guo Zhi‐Fo , Liang Fu‐Sen
Published: December 2014

Abscisic acid (ABA) was chemically modified with a photocaging group to promote photo‐induced protein dimerization. This photocontrolled chemically induced dimerization (CID) method based on caged ABA enables dose‐dependent light regulation of cellular processes, including transcription, protein translocation, signal transduction, and cytoskeletal remodeling, without the need to perform extensive protein engineering. Caged ABA can be easily modified to respond to different wavelengths of light. Consequently, this strategy should be applicable to the design of light‐regulated protein dimerization systems and potentially be used orthogonally with other light‐controlled CID systems.
Rational Design of Alpha‐Helical Antimicrobial Peptides: Do's and Don'ts
Authors: Uggerhøj Lars Erik , Poulsen Tanja Juul , Munk Jens Kristian , Fredborg Marlene , Sondergaard Teis Esben , Frimodt‐Moller Niels , Hansen Paul Robert , Wimmer Reinhard
Published: December 2014

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are promising candidates for battling multiresistant bacteria. Despite extensive research, structure–activity relationships of AMPs are not fully understood, and there is a lack of structural data relating to AMPs in lipids. Here we present the NMR structure of anoplin (GLLKRIKTLL‐NH2) in a micellar environment. A vast library of substitutions was designed and tested for antimicrobial and hemolytic activity, as well as for changes in structure and lipid interactions. This showed that improvement of antimicrobial activity without concomitant introduction of strong hemolytic activity can be achieved through subtle increases in the hydrophobicity of the hydrophobic face or through subtle increases in the polarity of the hydrophilic face of the helix, or—most efficiently—a combination of both. A set of guidelines based on the results is given, for assistance in how to modify cationic α‐helical AMPs in order to control activity and selectivity. The guidelines are finally tested on a different peptide.
Optimal DAPT duration: Each in their own time
Authors: Hillegass William B. , Brott Brigitta C.
Published: December 2014

Key Points

Meta‐analysis of randomized trials shows no significant difference in major adverse cardiovascular events between shorter (3–6 months) and longer (12–24 months) durations of clopidogrel‐based dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) after drug eluting stent (DES) implantation.

Shorter durations (6 months) of DAPT should be considered in lower risk patients undergoing DES implantation in current practice.

Further research should define the optimal agents and duration of DAPT after percutaneous coronary intervention based on patient specific factors.
Bridging antiplatelet therapy prior to surgery in DES patients: Is less more?
Authors: Safian Robert D.
Published: December 2014

Key Points

A weighted meta‐analysis of 280 patients showed that preoperative bridging therapy with glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors did not eliminate the risk of postoperative stent thrombosis.

Despite preoperative bridging therapy, pooled estimated rates of postoperative complications included stent thrombosis in 1.3%, major bleeding in 7.4%, myocardial infarction in 1.6%, and death in 3.5%.

Optical coherence tomography may be useful to assess the degree of stent endothelialization and improve preoperative risk stratification.
Complex PCI: When the going gets tough the tough gets going
Authors: Giustino Gennaro , Mehran Roxana
Published: December 2014

Key Points

In NSTE‐ACS patients, SYNTAX score predicts early and late definite/probable ST.

In NSTE‐ACS patients, risk stratification by SYNTAX score may help the therapeutic decision‐making for ST and MACE prevention.

To improve outcomes in NSTE‐ACS with complex coronary artery anatomy, new‐generation DES in combination with high‐potency antiplatelet drugs and improved adherence to medical therapy may be employed.
Fluoroscopy and CT fusion overlay—greater than the sum of their parts
Authors: Eng Marvin H. , Kim Michael S.
Published: December 2014

Key Points

Krishnaswamy et al.'s study implements fusion of patient computed tomography (CT) three dimensional (3D)‐ imaging dataset with fluoroscopy to create a superimposed phantom roadmap as an aid to structural interventions.

The study is primarily a feasibility and methods manuscript describing how to perform noninvasive CT registration and fusion with the on‐table X‐ray images.

Although innovative, the study does not add insight to how CT‐fusion improves the safety or efficacy of structural interventions.