bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Internationale Wasserbauprojekte: Entwicklung von Häfen und Transportwegen
Authors: Unger Jens , Galipp Karsten , Krebs Hauke
Published: December 2014

Die Hafenwirtschaft steht in einem weltweiten Wettbewerb. Immer größere Schiffe müssen in immer kürzeren Zeiten weltweit abgefertigt werden. Fachingenieure planen die Hafenanlagen und alle zugehörigen Infra‐ und Suprastruktureinrichtungen und bieten Beratungsleistungen für die Umstrukturierung vorhandener Anlagen zur Anpassung an sich ändernde Anforderungen an. Beispielhaft wird ein Einblick in aktuelle internationale Projekte gegeben. Der erste Beitrag befasst sich mit der Entwicklung eines Masterplanes für den rumänischen Schwarzmeerhafen Constanta, der größte Seehafen Rumäniens und ein bedeutendes Drehkreuz für den Warenumschlag zwischen dem Schwarzmeer‐Raum, der Europäischen Union und Zentralasien. Die Modernisierung des Hafens Freetown, der als größter Naturhafen Afrikas eine wichtige wirtschaftliche Rolle einnimmt, steht im Fokus des zweiten Beitrages und es wird über neue Anlagen und Reparaturflächen für die größte Schiffswerft in Indien berichtet.

International projects of water engineering: Development of harbours and transport ways

The port industry is subject to global competition. All over the world, increasingly large ships have to be served in ever shorter time frames. Specialist engineers are not only planning port facilities and their related infrastructure and suprastructure, but are also offering consulting services for the restructuring of existing facilities in order to have them adapted to changing requirements. An insight into our current international projects is being provided. The first contribution deals with the development of a master plan for the port of Constanta on the Black Sea, Romania's largest sea port and an important hub for cargo handling between the Black Sea area, the European Union and Central Asia. The focus of the second contribution is on the modernisation of the port of Freetown which, as the largest natural port in Africa, plays an essential economic role. Furthermore, new facilities and repair surfaces for the largest shipyard in India are being presented.
Assessing children's writing products: the role of curriculum based measures
Authors: Dockrell Julie E. , Connelly Vincent , Walter Kirsty , Critten Sarah
Published: December 2014

The assessment of children's writing raises technical and practical challenges. In this paper we examine the potential use of a curriculum based measure for writing (CBM‐W) to assess the written texts of pupils in Key Stage 2 (M age 107 months, range 88 to 125). Two hundred and thirty six Year three, five and six pupils completed a standardized assessment of writing quality. Pupils also responded to two writing probes, one expository and one narrative, at baseline and five months later. In response to the probe pupils wrote for five minutes. Transcribed texts were scored for productivity (total words produced, correct word sequences, number of punctuation marks and sentences produced) and accuracy (proportion of words spelled correctly, correct word sequences and punctuation marks). The CBM –W measures were differentially sensitive to development and showed construct validity as evidenced by their association with the norm‐ referenced test measuring writing quality. Change over time was also evident and significant differences between narrative and expository texts were found. Pupils with special educational needs scored significantly more poorly on the CBM‐W. Potential implications for research and practice are considered.
Effects of Child Interview Tactics on Prospective Jurors' Decisions
Authors: Johnson Jonni L. , Shelley Alexandra E.
Published: December 2014

Although decisions in child sexual abuse (CSA) cases are influenced by many factors (e.g., child age, juror gender), case and trial characteristics (e.g., interview quality) can strongly influence legal outcomes. In the present study, 319 prospective jurors read about a CSA investigation in which the alleged victim was interviewed at a child advocacy center (CAC) or traditional police setting. The prospective jurors then provided legally relevant ratings (e.g., child credibility, interview quality, defendant guilt). Structural equation modeling techniques revealed that child credibility predicted greater confidence in guilt decisions and also mediated all associations with such decisions. Having fewer negative prior opinions and rating the interview as of better quality were associated with higher child credibility ratings. Mitigating factors (e.g., interview quality), as opposed to proxy indicators (e.g., participant gender), better predicted CSA case outcomes. Similar associations across groups (e.g., CAC interviews did not make child victims more or less credible) permit a tentative conclusion that CACs do not positively or negatively affect decisions made in hypothetical CSA cases. Ideas for future studies examining factors influencing decisions in CSA cases are discussed. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reconstructing the Discontinuous and Conformational β1/β3‐Loop Binding Site on hFSH/hCG by Using Highly Constrained Multicyclic Peptides
Authors: Smeenk Linde E. J. , Timmers‐Parohi Drohpatie , Benschop Joris J. , Puijk Wouter C. , Hiemstra Henk , van Maarseveen Jan H. , Timmerman Peter
Published: December 2014

Making peptide‐based molecules that mimic functional interaction sites on proteins remains a challenge in biomedical sciences. Here, we present a robust technology for the covalent assembly of highly constrained and discontinuous binding site mimics, the potential of which is exemplified for structurally complex binding sites on the “Cys‐knot” proteins hFSH and hCG. Peptidic structures were assembled by Ar(CH2Br)2‐promoted peptide cyclizations, combined with oxime ligation and disulfide formation. The technology allows unprotected side chain groups and is applicable to peptides of different lengths and nature. A tetracyclic FSH mimic was constructed, showing >600‐fold improved binding compared to linear or monocyclic controls. Binding of a tricyclic hCG mimic to anti‐hCG mAb 8G5 was identical to hCG itself (IC50=260 vs. 470 pM), whereas this mimic displayed an IC50 value of 149 nM for mAb 3468, an hCG‐neutralizing antibody with undetectable binding to either linear or monocyclic controls.
Conformation of Inhibitor‐Free HIV‐1 Protease Derived from NMR Spectroscopy in a Weakly Oriented Solution
Authors: Roche Julien , Louis John M. , Bax Ad
Published: December 2014

Flexibility of the glycine‐rich flaps is known to be essential for catalytic activity of the HIV‐1 protease, but their exact conformations at the different stages of the enzymatic pathway remain subject to much debate. Although hundreds of crystal structures of protease–inhibitor complexes have been solved, only about a dozen inhibitor‐free protease structures have been reported. These latter structures reveal a large diversity of flap conformations, ranging from closed to semi‐open to wide open. To evaluate the average structure in solution, we measured residual dipolar couplings (RDCs) and compared these to values calculated for crystal structures representative of the closed, semi‐open, and wide‐open states. The RDC data clearly indicate that the inhibitor‐free protease, on average, adopts a closed conformation in solution that is very similar to the inhibitor‐bound state. By contrast, a highly drug‐resistant protease mutant, PR20, adopts the wide‐open flap conformation.
The Synthesis and STM/AFM Imaging of ‘Olympicene’ Benzo[cd]pyrenes
Authors: Mistry Anish , Moreton Ben , Schuler Bruno , Mohn Fabian , Meyer Gerhard , Gross Leo , Williams Antony , Scott Peter , Costantini Giovanni , Fox David J.
Published: December 2014

H‐Benzo[cd]pyrene (‘Olympicene′) is a polyaromatic hydrocarbon and non‐Kekulé fragment of graphene. A new synthetic method has been developed for the formation of 6H‐benzo[cd]pyrene and related ketones including the first time isolation of the unstable alcohol 6H‐benzo[cd]pyren‐6‐ol. Molecular imaging of the reaction products with scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM) and non‐contact atomic force microscopy (NC‐AFM) characterised the 6H‐benzo[cd]pyrene as well as the previously intangible and significantly less stable 5H‐benzo[cd]pyrene, the fully conjugated benzo[cd]pyrenyl radical and the ketones as oxidation products.
Active‐Site‐Matched Fluorescent Probes for Rapid and Direct Detection of Vicinal‐Sulfydryl‐Containing Peptides/Proteins in Living Cells
Authors: Pan Xiaohong , Liang Ziye , Li Jing , Wang Shanshan , Kong Fanpeng , Xu Kehua , Tang Bo
Published: December 2014

Vicinal‐sulfydryl‐containing peptides/proteins (VSPPs) play a crucial role in human pathologies. Fluorescent probes that are capable of detecting intracellular VSPPs in vivo would be useful tools to explore the mechanisms of some diseases. In this study, by regulating the spatial separation of two maleimide groups in a fluorescent dye to match that of two active cysteine residues contained in the conserved amino acid sequence (–CGPC–) of human thioredoxin, two active‐site‐matched fluorescent probes, o‐Dm‐Ac and m‐Dm‐Ac, were developed for real‐time imaging of VSPPs in living cells. As a result, the two probes can rapidly respond to small peptide models and reduced proteins, such as WCGPCK (W‐6), WCGGPCK (W‐7), and WCGGGPCK (W‐8), reduced bovine serum albumin (rBSA), and reduced thioredoxin (rTrx). Moreover, o‐Dm‐Ac displays a higher binding sensitivity with the above‐mentioned peptides and proteins, especially with W‐7 and rTrx. Furthermore, o‐Dm‐Ac was successfully used to rapidly and directly detect VSPPs both in vitro and in living cells. Thus, a novel probe‐design strategy was proposed and the synthesized probe applied successfully in imaging of target proteins in situ.
Mechanism of Redox‐Active Ligand‐Assisted Nitrene‐Group Transfer in a ZrIV Complex: Direct Ligand‐to‐Ligand Charge Transfer Preferred
Authors: Ghosh Soumya , Baik Mu‐Hyun
Published: December 2014

The mechanism of the nitrene‐group transfer reaction from an organic azide to isonitrile catalyzed by a ZrIV d0 complex carrying a redox‐active ligand was studied by using quantum chemical molecular‐modeling methods. The key step of the reaction involves the two‐electron reduction of the azide moiety to release dinitrogen and provide the nitrene fragment, which is subsequently transferred to the isonitrile substrate. The reducing equivalents are supplied by the redox‐active bis(2‐iso‐propylamido‐4‐methoxyphenyl)‐amide ligand. The main focus of this work is on the mechanism of this redox reaction, in particular, two plausible mechanistic scenarios are considered: 1) the metal center may actively participate in the electron‐transfer process by first recruiting the electrons from the redox‐active ligand and becoming formally reduced in the process, followed by a classical metal‐based reduction of the azide reactant. 2) Alternatively, a non‐classical, direct ligand‐to‐ligand charge‐transfer process can be envisioned, in which no appreciable amount of electron density is accumulated at the metal center during the course of the reaction. Our calculations indicate that the non‐classical ligand‐to‐ligand charge‐transfer mechanism is much more favorable energetically. Utilizing a series of carefully constructed putative intermediates, both mechanistic scenarios were compared and contrasted to rationalize the preference for ligand‐to‐ligand charge‐transfer mechanism.
Iodine(III)‐Catalyzed Rearrangements of Imides: A Versatile Route to α,α‐Dialkylated α‐Hydroxy Carboxylamides
Authors: Ulmer Anna , Stodulski Maciej , Kohlhepp Stefanie V. , Patzelt Christoph , Pöthig Alexander , Bettray Wolfgang , Gulder Tanja
Published: December 2014

A tertiary hydroxy group α to a carboxyl moiety comprises a key structural motif in many bioactive substances. With the herein presented metal‐free rearrangement of imides triggered by hypervalent λ3‐iodane, an easy and selective way to gain access to such a compound class, namely α,α‐disubstituted‐α‐hydroxy carboxylamides, was established. Their additional methylene bromide side chain constitutes a useful handle for rapid diversification, as demonstrated by a series of further functionalizations. Moreover, the in situ formation of an iodine(III) species under the reaction conditions was proven. Our findings clearly corroborate that hypervalent λ3‐benziodoxolones are involved in these organocatalytic reactions.
Zirconium‐Mediated Multicomponent Reactions of 1,3‐Butadiynes with Ylidenemalononitriles to Form Functionalized 1,8‐Naphthyridine and Cyclopenta[b]pyridine Derivatives
Authors: Yu Shasha , Sun Renhong , Chen Haoyi , Xie Xin , Liu Yuanhong
Published: December 2014

Zirconocene‐mediated multicomponent reactions of 1,3‐butadiynes with ylidenemalononitriles in the absence or presence of CuCl have been developed. In the absence of CuCl, 1,3‐butadiyne couples with three molecules of ylidenemalononitriles to yield azazirconacycles bearing a hexahydro‐1,8‐naphthyridine skeleton with high stereoselectivity. In the presence of CuCl, cyclopenta[b]pyridine or cyclopenta[b]quinolin‐1‐one derivatives are obtained via transmetalation of ZrC bond to CuC bond as the key reaction step. These domino‐type reactions proceed with high chemo‐, regio‐ and/or stereoselectivities, and allowing the formation of multiple CN and CC bonds in a single operation.
Gold(I)‐Catalyzed 1,2‐Acyloxy Migration/[3+2] Cycloaddition of 1,6‐Diynes with an Ynamide Propargyl Ester Moiety: Highly Efficient Synthesis of Functionalized Cyclopenta[b]indoles
Authors: Liu Jun , Chen Ming , Zhang Liangwei , Liu Yuanhong
Published: December 2014

A gold‐catalyzed cycloisomerization of 1,6‐diynes containing an ynamide propargyl ester or carbonate moiety has been developed that provides an attractive route to a diverse‐substituted 3‐acyloxy‐1,4‐dihydrocyclopenta[b]indoles. Mechanistic studies indicate that the reaction likely proceeds through a competitive 1,2‐OAc migration followed by [3+2] cycloaddition of the vinyl gold–carbenoid intermediate with the pendant triple bond. The synthetic utility of the obtained cyclopenta[b]indole products was demonstrated by their efficient transformations by deprotection or double‐bond isomerization reactions.
Solvent Choice and Kinetic Isotope Effects (KIEs) Dramatically Alter Regioselectivity in the Directed ortho Metalation (DoM) of 1,5‐Dichloro‐2,4‐dimethoxybenzene
Authors: Farmer Jennifer L. , Froese Robert D. J. , Lee‐Ruff Edward , Organ Michael G.
Published: December 2014

The regioselective formation of the 6‐lithio derivative of 1,5‐dichloro‐2,4‐dimethoxybenzene (i.e., 12) by directed ortho metalation (DoM) with nBuLi in THF is described. Although literature reports suggest direct deprotonation at C6, a series of time‐course and labelling studies has revealed that deprotonation rather occurs exclusively at C3 followed by isomerization of the anion to C6. By contrast, when DoM was performed in Et2O, deprotonation again occurred selectively at C3, but now no isomerization occurs, and electrophilic capture produces the regioisomer of that produced in THF. In these labeling studies, it has been found that deuterium has an enormous kinetic isotope effect (KIE) that suppresses not only the original DoM reaction at C3 when deuterium is present there, but also suppresses isomerization to C6 when the label is at that site. Remarkably, this “protecting‐group” role of the deuterium is unique to THF; in ether, full deprotonation of the deuterium at C3 was observed.
Lyapunov‐based offset‐free model predictive control of nonlinear process systems
Authors: Das Buddhadeva , Mhaskar Prashant
Published: December 2014

This work considers the problem of control of nonlinear systems subject to uncertainty. To this end, a Lyapunov‐based robust model predictive controller (MPC) design is integrated with a moving horizon based offset‐free mechanism to enable improved closed–loop performance. Simulation results are presented to illustrate the key ideas of the proposed design.
SIS.NET: A randomized controlled trial evaluating a web‐based system for symptom management after treatment of breast cancer
Authors: Wheelock Alyse E. , Bock Meredith A. , Martin Eva L. , Hwang Jimmy , Ernest Mary Lou , Rugo Hope S. , Esserman Laura J. , Melisko Michelle E.
Published: December 2014

BACKGROUND

As cancer survivorship increases, health care systems will be challenged to meet patient needs. With the limited availability of clinician time and resources, novel methods of using patient‐reported outcomes may improve the quality and efficiency of follow‐up care in patients with breast cancer.

METHODS

The authors conducted a randomized trial in patients with TNM stage I to III breast cancer comparing standard care with SIS.NET (System for Individualized Survivorship Care, based on patient self‐reported data, with review by Nurse practitioners, targeted Education, and Triage), a follow‐up protocol including integration of online health questionnaires at 3‐month intervals and the evaluation of self‐reported symptoms monitored and addressed remotely by a nurse practitioner (NP). The primary endpoint was to quantify the time between symptom reporting and remote evaluation of symptoms. The secondary endpoint was to compare use of health care resources (breast cancer‐related visits, total medical appointments, and laboratory and imaging studies) over an 18‐month period.

RESULTS

A total of 102 participants were enrolled; 2 patients were excluded due to cancer recurrence. In the SIS.NET arm, 74% of new or changed self‐reported symptoms were reviewed by a NP in <3 days. SIS.NET patients reported more new or changed symptoms compared with standard care patients (7.36 vs 3.2; P = .0045). During the 18‐month trial, there were no statistically significant differences noted between the SIS.NET and standard care arms with regard to oncology‐related appointments (mean, 4.2 vs 4.1 appointments), number of physician visits (mean, 10.8 vs 9.6 visits), or medical tests (mean, 5.5 vs 5 tests).

CONCLUSIONS

Integration of online health questionnaires with remote review by a NP facilitated symptom reporting and may provide a means of convenient symptom assessment, but it did not appear to reduce health care resource use. Cancer 2015;121:893–899. © 2014 American Cancer Society.
The Influence of Cu Lattices on the Structure and Electrical Properties of Graphene Domains during Low‐Pressure Chemical Vapor Deposition
Authors: Kim Dae Woo , Kim Seon Joon , Kim Jae Sung , Shin Minju , Kim Gyu‐Tae , Jung Hee‐Tae
Published: December 2014

The influence of various Cu lattices on the texturing of graphene domains during low‐pressure chemical vapor deposition was investigated in a large area. The results show that the sizes and shapes of graphene domains grown on Cu(111) substrates match well with those of the underlying Cu(111) domains, which seem to be quasi‐single‐crystalline. In contrast, on other Cu substrates such as (100) and more intermediate domains, graphene islands with poly‐domains (ca. 85 %) are significantly nucleated, eventually merging into polycrystalline graphene. Within the overall channel‐length range, graphene from a Cu foil shows a higher resistance compared to graphene from a Cu(111) domain, with the extracted average channel resistances being 34.51 Ω μm−1 for Cu(111) and 66.17 Ω μm−1 for the Cu foil.
Enhanced Performance of Bioelectrochemical Hydrogen Production using a pH Control Strategy
Authors: Ruiz Yolanda , Baeza Juan A. , Guisasola Albert
Published: December 2014

The use of membranes in microbial electrolysis cells (MEC) is required to obtain high‐purity hydrogen and to avoid the consumption of hydrogen by undesired microorganisms. However, its utilization results in pH gradients across the membrane that contribute to potential losses and reduce the efficiency of MEC. Several pH‐controlled and noncontrolled scenarios were evaluated in this work, which evidenced that pH control is beneficial for the MEC performance. The best results were obtained if the anodic and cathodic pH were controlled at 7.5 and 2.0, respectively, to produce 0.58 m3 m−3 d−1 of hydrogen at an applied voltage of only 0.2 V. The energy efficiency with respect to the electrical input was increased up to 883 %. Anodic pH control allowed us to maintain a stable exoelectrogenic activity with practically constant current intensity, whereas cathodic pH control at 2.0 allowed a fivefold decrease of the required electrical input, which opens new opportunities for the economy of its full‐scale application.
Different health behaviours and clinical factors associated with bone mineral density and bone turnover in premenopausal women with and without type 1 diabetes
Authors: Kujath Amber S. , Quinn Lauretta , Elliott Mary E. , LeCaire Tamara J. , Binkley Neil , Molino Andrea R. , Danielson Kirstie K.
Published: December 2014

Background

Women with type 1 diabetes (T1DM) have an elevated fracture risk. We therefore compared the associations of health behaviours and clinical factors with bone mineral density (BMD) and bone remodelling between premenopausal women with and without T1DM to inform potential interventions.

Methods

Participants included women with T1DM (n = 89) from the Wisconsin Diabetes Registry Study and age‐matched and race‐matched controls without diabetes (n = 76). Peripheral (heel and forearm) and central (hip and spine) BMD, markers of bone resorption and formation, bone cell signalling, glycaemic control, and kidney function were assessed. Health behaviours and medical history were self‐reported.

Results

In controls, but not in women with T1DM, older age was associated with lower bone resorption (p ≤ 0.006) and formation (p = 0.0007). Body mass index was positively associated with heel and forearm BMD in both controls and T1DM women (all p < 0.0001), but with hip and spine BMD only in controls (p ≤ 0.005). Worse glycaemic control during the previous 10 years, greater alcohol intake, history of smoking, and lack of physical activity were associated with poorer bone outcomes only in women with T1DM (all p ≤ 0.002), whereas use of hormonal contraceptives was related to low bone formation in both women with and without T1DM (all p ≤ 0.006). Diabetes duration, insulin dose, residual C‐peptide, and kidney function were not associated with bone in T1DM.

Conclusions

Age and body mass index may not predict bone health in T1DM women. However, modifiable behaviours such as optimizing glycaemic control, limiting substance and hormonal contraceptive use, and increasing physical activity may improve bone health in T1DM women. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Correlation of structural characterization and viscosity measurements with total unsaturation: An effective method for controlling ozonation in the preparation of ozonated grape seed and sunflower oils
Authors: Guerra‐Blanco Pamela , Poznyak Tatyana , Chairez Isaac , Brito‐Arias Marco
Published: December 2014

Ozonated oils have demonstrated promising results for clinical applications. The reaction of ozone with the unsaturated compounds of oils produces by‐products such as ozonides and poly peroxides. A deeper knowledge of the dynamics of by‐product formation is helpful in determining the required ozonation degree to obtain therapeutic effects. The aim of this paper is to show the relationship between ozonation degree and structural and viscosity changes during the ozonation of grape seed (GS) and sunflower (SF) oils. Structural characterization was done by Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) and hydrogen‐1 nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy, with iso‐ozonides being identified. Viscosity showed a significant increase during ozonation, a fact associated with poly peroxide formation. We have made use of the total unsaturation (TU) method to measure the ozonation degree. The TU of non‐ozonated GS oil was found to be higher than for SF oil (5.94 and 4.49 mmol per g of oil, respectively), and their by‐product distributions were also found to differ. In GS oil, three reaction steps were observed for double‐bond conversion into iso‐ozonides and poly peroxides, while the ozonides and poly peroxides were formed in parallel in SF oil. The studies we implemented characterized the differences in the reactivities of these oils with ozone.

Practical applications: In this work, we propose using the TU method to measure the ozonation degree of ozonated oils. TU experimental determination is based on the ozonation of the sample, and the ozone‐oxidizable substrate is quantified. Despite GS and SF oils having similar fatty acid compositions, they contain other unsaturated compounds specific to their vegetal sources. These compounds are also reactive with ozone, and are also quantified by the TU method. The differences in distributions of by‐products among ozonated oils from different sources could explain why the ozonation degree need not be the same for different oils. Studies like this represent a feasibility foundation for controlling the therapeutic application of ozonated oils and correctly interpreting their well‐known clinical effects.

Ozonated vegetable oils have many interesting applications in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries, as well as in medicine. A deeper knowledge of the dynamics of by‐product formation is helpful in determining the required ozonation degree to obtain therapeutic effects. In this work, we propose using the total unsaturation method to measure the ozonation degree of ozonated oils. We showed the relationship between ozonation degree and structural and viscosity changes during the ozonation of grape seed and sunflower oils. The differences in distributions of by‐products among ozonated oils from different sources could explain why the ozonation degree need not be the same for different oils.
Just One More Bite: A Qualitative Analysis of the Family Meal in Family‐based Treatment for Anorexia Nervosa
Authors: Godfrey Kate , Rhodes Paul , Miskovic‐Wheatley Jane , Wallis Andrew , Clarke Simon , Kohn Michael , Touyz Stephen , Madden Sloane
Published: December 2014

Objective

The family meal is an integral component of Maudsley family‐based treatment for anorexia nervosa. The aim of this study was to determine whether there are different types of family meal, as suggested in the treatment manual, and whether within session processes differ according to meal type.

Method

Thirty video‐recorded family meal sessions from a randomised controlled trial were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

Analyses revealed two types of family meal. In the first, the patient ate one mouthful more than they were willing to eat. This meal type was characterised by processes that were consistent with the Maudsley model. In the second, the patient ate what was asked of them with little to no difficulty. Therapist and family avoidance differentiated this meal type from the first.

Discussion

The current findings, along with the existing theory, suggest that avoidance may have reduced the therapeutic impact of the meal for many families. Strategies to challenge therapist and family avoidance are suggested. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Vegetation succession in deglaciated landscapes: implications for sediment and landscape stability
Authors: Klaar Megan J. , Kidd Chris , Malone Edward , Bartlett Rebecca , Pinay Gilles , Chapin F. Stuart , Milner Alexander
Published: December 2014

Landscapes exposed by glacial retreat provide an ideal natural laboratory to study the processes involved in transforming a highly disturbed, glacially influenced landscape to a stable, diverse ecosystem which supports numerous species and communities. Large‐scale vegetation development and changes in sediment availability, used as a proxy for paraglacial adjustment following rapid deglaciation, were assessed using information from remote sensing. Delineation of broad successional vegetation cover types was undertaken using Landsat satellite imagery (covering a 22 year period) to document the rate and trajectory of terrestrial vegetation development. Use of a space‐for‐time substitution in Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska, allowed ‘back‐calculation’ of the age and stage of development of six catchments over 206 years. The high accuracy (89.2%) of the remotely sensed information used in monitoring successional change allowed detection of a high rate of change in vegetation classes in early successional stages (bare sediment and alder). In contrast, later successional stages (spruce and spruce–hemlock dominated forest) had high vegetation class retention, and low turnover. Modelled rates of vegetation change generally confirmed the estimated rates of successional turnover previously reported. These data, when combined with the known influence of terrestrial succession on soil development and sediment availability, suggest how physical and biological processes interact over time to influence paraglacial adjustment following deglaciation. This study highlights the application of remote sensing of successional chronosequence landscapes to assess the temporal dynamics of paraglacial adjustment following rapid deglaciation and shows the importance of incorporating bio‐physical interactions within landscape evolution models. © 2014 The Authors. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Increased sulfatase 1 gene expression in degenerative intervertebral disc cells
Authors: Tsai Tsung‐Ting , Ho Natalie Yi‐Ju , Fang Hung‐Chen , Lai Po‐Liang , Niu Chi‐Chien , Chen Lih‐Huei , Chen Wen‐Jer , Pang Jong‐Hwei S.
Published: December 2014

Sulfatase 1 (SULF1) plays a key role in cell signaling involving in cell growth, differentiation, proliferation, and migration. Abnormal SULF1 expression has been implicated in the development of various cancers and diseases of the skeletal and nervous systems. The present study aims to examine the difference in SULF1 expression between degenerative and non‐degenerative intervertebral discs (IVDs) to provide an enhanced understanding of disc degeneration. Degenerative and non‐degenerative disc tissues were surgically harvested from patients and experimental rats. Disc degeneration‐specific genes were identified by microarray analysis. The gene expression of SULF1 was measured by sulfatase assay, reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR), real‐time RT‐PCR, and western blotting. Also, the presence of SULF1 in human and rat discs was confirmed by immunohistochemistry. More specifically in human cells, an increase of SULF1 gene expression was observed in degenerative cells at both mRNA and protein levels, as well as in time‐ and dose‐dependent manner in response to TNF‐α treatment. Increased staining of SULF1 was detected in degenerative discs compared to non‐degenerative discs for humans and rats. These findings show an upregulation of SULF1 in degenerative discs for the first time, and suggest that there is a link between SULF1 and disc degeneration. © 2014 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 33:???–???, 2015.
Production and characterisation of whey protein hydrolysate having antioxidant activity from cheese whey
Authors: Athira Syamala , Mann Bimlesh , Saini Prerna , Sharma Rajan , Kumar Rajesh , Singh Ashish Kumar
Published: December 2014

BACKGROUND

Cheese whey is a rich by‐product in nutritional terms, possessing components with high biological value, excellent functional properties, and an inert flavour profile. In the present study, mozzarella cheese whey was ultra‐filtrated to remove lactose and mineral. The retentate was hydrolysed with food‐grade enzyme alcalase and the hydrolysis conditions (pH, temperature and time) were optimised for maximum antioxidant activity using response surface methodology.

RESULTS

Whey protein hydrolysed for 8 h at pH 9 and 55 °C showed a maximum antioxidant activity of 1.18 ± 0.015 µmol Trolox mg−1 protein. The antioxidant peptides were further enriched by ultra‐filtration through a 3 kDa membrane. Seven peptides – β‐Lg f(123–131), β‐Lg f(122–131), β‐Lg f(124–131), β‐Lg f(123–134) , β‐Lg f(122–131), β‐Lg f(96–100) and β‐Lg f(94–100) – were identified by LC‐MS/MS in the 3 kDa permeate of the hydrolysate. The incorporation of whey protein hydrolysate (WPH) in lemon whey drink (5–10 g L−1) increased the antioxidant activity from 76% to 90% as compared to control.

CONCLUSION

Hydrolysis of ultra‐filtrated retentate of whey can be an energy‐ and cost‐effective method for the direct production of WPH from whey compared to the industrial production of WPH from whey protein concentrate. This study suggests that WPH with good nutritional and biological properties can be effectively used in health‐promoting foods as a biofunctional ingredient. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Identification and characterization of the antigenic site (epitope) on bovine β‐lactoglobulin: common residues in linear and conformational epitopes
Authors: Li Xin , Yuan Shuilin , He Shengfa , Gao Jinyan , Chen Hongbing
Published: December 2014

BACKGROUND

β‐Lactoglobulin is recognised as one of major allergens in milk and its epitopes include linear and conformational epitopes contributed to milk allergy.

RESULTS

In our work, two types of epitopes have been identified. Linear epitopes identified by using SPOT™ peptide arrays approach and three common peptide sequences AA77–82 (KIPAVF), AA126–131 (PEVDNE) and AA142–147 (ALPMHI) were obtained by reacting with specific sera from two rabbits. At the same time, mimotopes were screened by the panning of a phage display peptide library and the corresponding conformational epitopes were calculated by the web tool of Peptiope server with Mapitope algorithm. Three conformational epitopes against two specific sera were identified, in which there were 15 common residues as well and located in the different position and appeared mainly as an α‐helix.

CONCLUSION

Common residues on the linear and conformational epitopes were identified in the first time, respectively, which could be regarded as informative epitopes for detection of allergen in dairy products. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Protection of Plant Varieties in Thailand
Authors: Lertdhamtewe Pawarit
Published: December 2014

Thailand's plant protection regime presents a unique sui generis plant protection system, which is used as a model by several developing nations in Asia. The current Thai Plant Variety Protection (PVP) law has attracted some criticism, and whether or not farmers and breeders actually benefit from the system is in doubt. The questions this situation raises are: has Thailand adopted clear, coherent, and workable rules for plant variety protection in response to the needs of the nation? By highlighting the salient features of the Thai plant protection regime, this article addresses major concerns of the rights of farmers, local communities, and plant breeders. It is suggested that the protection of plant varieties is vital to Thailand, considering the fact that agriculture represents a fundamental economic activity and the livelihood of a large section of the total population; therefore, introducing IPRs in agriculture via the PVP regime is critical to the development of agriculture in Thailand. Thus, a new approach to the IP protection of plant varieties is desirable to ensure the unique needs of the nation, the validity of national legislation, and the long‐term promotion of agricultural development and sustainability in Thailand.
Lignocellulose depolymerization occurs via an environmentally adapted metabolic cascades in the wood‐rotting basidiomycete Phanerochaete chrysosporium
Authors: Bak Jin Seop
Published: December 2014

Plant biomass can be utilized by a lignocellulose‐degrading fungus, Phanerochaete chrysosporium, but the metabolic and regulatory mechanisms involved are not well understood. A polyomics‐based analysis (metabolomics, proteomics, and transcriptomics) of P. chrysosporium has been carried out using statistically optimized conditions for lignocellulolytic reaction. Thirty‐nine metabolites and 123 genes (14 encoded proteins) that consistently exhibited altered regulation patterns were identified. These factors were then integrated into a comprehensive map that fully depicts all signaling cascades involved in P. chrysosporium. Despite the diversity of these cascades, they showed complementary interconnection among themselves, ensuring the efficiency of passive biosystem and thereby yielding energy expenditure for the cells. Particularly, many factors related to intracellular regulatory networks showed compensating activity in homeostatic lignocellulolysis. In the main platform of proactive biosystem, although several deconstruction‐related targets (e.g., glycoside hydrolase, ureidoglycolate hydrolase, transporters, and peroxidases) were systematically utilized, well‐known supporters (e.g., cellobiose dehydrogenase and ferroxidase) were rarely generated.
Stromal matrix metalloproteinase 2 regulates collagen expression and promotes the outgrowth of experimental metastases
Authors: Bates Andreia L , Pickup Michael W , Hallett Miranda A , Dozier E Ashley , Thomas Stacy , Fingleton Barbara
Published: December 2014

Breast cancer survival rates decrease from 99% for patients with local disease to 25% for those with distant metastases. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), including MMP2, are associated with metastatic progression. We found that loss of host MMP2 reduces the proliferation of experimental metastases in the lungs and identified fibroblasts in tumour‐bearing lungs as the major source of MMP2. In vitro, spheroidal mammary tumour growth was increased by co‐culture with control fibroblasts isolated from tumour‐bearing lungs, but not when fibroblasts with stable Mmp2 knockdown were used. This result prompted us to assess whether MMP2 was responsible for a tumour‐proliferative, activated fibroblast phenotype. To test this, we evaluated: (a) fibroblasts from wild‐type tumour‐bearing lungs, with or without shRNA‐mediated MMP2 knockdown; and (b) normal, quiescent fibroblasts isolated from either WT or Mmp2–/– mice. Quantitative PCR revealed that Mmp2 knockdown attenuated expression of two markers of activation (α‐smooth muscle actin and vimentin), but there was minimal expression in quiescent WT or Mmp2–/– fibroblasts, as expected. Placing quiescent fibroblasts under activating conditions led to increases in activation‐associated transcripts in WT but not Mmp2–/– fibroblasts. Additionally, Mmp2 knockdown fibroblasts showed significantly decreased expression of the matrix transcripts collagen I, collagen IV and fibronectin. Addition of active TGFβ was sufficient to rescue the MMP2‐dependent collagen I and IV expression, while MMP2‐induced collagen expression was blocked by the addition of TGFβ1‐neutralizing antibody. Gene expression data in stromal cells of human breast cancers reveal that MMP2 expression is also positively correlated with activation and matrix transcripts. Thus, we present a model whereby MMP2 production in tumour fibroblasts is important for TGFβ1 activity and subsequent activation of fibroblasts to a matrix‐producing, proliferation‐supportive phenotype. Overall, our results reveal a previously undefined role for MMP2 in metastatic outgrowth mediated by fibroblasts, and extend the mechanisms by which MMPs contribute to tumour progression. Copyright © 2014 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Catenin‐δ1, negatively regulated by miR‐145, promotes tumour aggressiveness in gastric cancer
Authors: Xing Ai‐Yan , Wang Ya‐Wen , Su Zhong‐Xue , Shi Duan‐Bo , Wang Bin , Gao Peng
Published: December 2014

Increasing evidence supports the association of catenin‐δ1 (CTNND1, p120ctn) with tumour development and progression. However, the mechanism and clinical significance of CTNND1 deregulation in gastric cancer remain unknown. The expression level and cellular localization of CTNND1 were determined by immunohistochemistry in 126 human gastric cancer and 50 non‐tumourous tissues. The cellular localization of CTNND1 and epithelial cadherin (E‐cadherin) were detected by immunofluorescence. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion assays were performed to assess the effect of CTNND1 cDNA or CTNND1 siRNA transfection on gastric cancer cells. Luciferase assay, western blot analysis and in vivo assays were used to determine whether CTNND1 could be regulated by miR‐145. The results demonstrate that the cytoplasmic localization of CTNND1 protein, rather than expression level, was indicative of higher clinical stage, positive lymph node metastasis and poorer prognosis in gastric cancers. CTNND1 could promote gastric cancer cell migration and invasion with little effect on cellular proliferation and apoptosis. CTNND1 was proved to be a direct target gene for miR‐145. Besides suppressing cytoplasmic CTNND1 expression, miR‐145 could recover the membranous localization of CTNND1 and E‐cadherin. We conclude that cytoplasmic CTNND1 can serve as an independent prognostic factor for patients with gastric cancers. MiR‐145 inhibits invasion of gastric cancer cells not only by down‐regulating cytoplasmic CTNND1 expression but also by inducing the translocation of CTNND1 and E‐cadherin from the cytoplasm to the cell membrane through down‐regulating N‐cadherin. Copyright © 2014 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effects of resonance delocalization and the extent of π system on ionization energies of model fluorescent proteins chromophores
Authors: Lazzari‐Dean Julia , Krylov Anna I. , Bravaya Ksenia B.
Published: December 2014

Recent advances in the design and application of redox‐active fluorescent proteins (FPs) stimulated an interest in the electronic structure of the ionized/electron‐detached FP chromophores. Here, we report the results of a computational study of the electron‐detached and ionized states of model chromophores of green and red FPs. We focus on the analysis of the effects of the phenolate OH group position (ortho, meta, and para) on relative energies of the chromophores in the ground as well as in the ionized/detached electronic states. We found that, similarly to the green chromophore, the red chromophores with the OH group in meta position have lower vertical detachment energies (DE) and greater ionization energies relative to the ortho and para forms. Moreover, the effect is stronger for the red anionic chromophores. The differences in DE in meta species relative to their para counterparts are 0.47 and 0.25 eV for the red and green chromophores, respectively. The observed trends are due to a combined effect of resonance stabilization and the electronegativity of the acylimine group in the red chromophores. The analysis is supported by the computed charge and spin density delocalization patterns. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The role of simulations in econometrics pedagogy
Authors: Bekkerman Anton
Published: December 2014

This article assesses the role of simulation methods in econometrics pedagogy. Technological advances have increased researchers' abilities to use simulation methods and have contributed to a greater presence of simulation‐based analysis in econometrics research. Simulations can also have an important role as pedagogical tools in econometrics education by providing a data‐driven medium for difficult‐to‐grasp theoretical ideas to be empirically mimicked and the results to be visualized and interpreted accessibly. Three sample blueprints for implementing simulations to demonstrate foundational econometric principles provide a framework for gauging the effectiveness of simulation analysis as a pedagogical instrument. WIREs Comput Stat 2015, 7:160–165. doi: 10.1002/wics.1342

This article is categorized under:

Statistical and Graphical Methods of Data Analysis > Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC)

Statistical Models > Simulation Models
Modelling harvesting strategies for the lobster fishery in northern Europe: the importance of protecting egg‐bearing females
Authors: Sundelöf Andreas , Grimm Volker , Ulmestrand Mats , Fiksen Øyvind
Published: December 2014

European lobster populations in Norway and Sweden are severely reduced as a result of intense harvesting over a long time. Various alternative management options have been proposed or endorsed to both facilitate recovery and increase yield. Accordingly, Minimum Landing Size (MLS) regulations are widely used for the European lobster. We developed an individual‐based population model which integrates biological knowledge about lobsters’ population dynamics to explore how available harvesting strategies and management options influence abundance and yield. The model reproduced basic features of a real lobster population in Sweden. Even for a relatively large MLS high fishing effort may still be detrimental to the long term production of the stock, while increasing the MLS further prevents this recruitment overfishing. A moratorium on berried females, in combination with the MLS appears to stabilize population fluctuations and yield, leading to higher yield for all MLS's considered. The female moratorium harvesting strategy also performed better than a maximum size limit. Yield per recruit calculations gave similar quantitative results, and also shows that a larger MLS reduce the risk of growth overfishing. A smaller MLS enables the harvest of many individuals but is very sensitive to increase in effort which easily promotes overfishing.
Effect of Silicone Nano, Nano/Micro and Nano/Macro‐Emulsion Softeners on Color Yield and Physical Characteristics of Dyed Cotton Fabric
Authors: Jatoi Abdul Wahab , Khatri Zeeshan , Ahmed Farooq , Memon Muhammad Hanif
Published: December 2014

The study of silicone nano‐emulsions and softeners to alter physical properties of undyed cotton fabric has recently gained a substantial interest. However, systematic investigation of silicon nano‐emulsion softeners on dyed cotton fabric has not so far been conducted. This paper deals with the application of silicone nano‐, micro‐, and macro‐emulsion softeners, and combinations of nano/micro and nano/macro, on dyed cotton fabric. We report the effect of silicon nano/micro‐ and nano/macro‐emulsion softeners on color yield and physical characteristics of dyed cotton fabric. All bleached fabrics were dyed with CI Reactive Black 5 and then treated with known concentrations of silicone softeners by the pad‐dry method. The silicone nano‐emulsion was combined with micro‐ and macro‐emulsion softeners using blending ratios of nano/micro (1:1) and nano/macro (1:1). Treated fabrics were compared in terms of physical properties such as fabric handling, wrinkle recovery angle, bending length, abrasion resistance and tensile strength. The color changes were evaluated by color yield (K/S) values and total color difference (ΔEcmc). The results revealed that the silicon nano‐emulsion had better physical properties than micro‐, macro‐ and combination nano/micro‐ and nano/macro‐emulsion softeners. Among all treated samples, nano‐emulsion softeners showed better ΔEcmc values. Scanning electron microscopy analysis suggests that the fiber morphology of treated fabrics was very smooth and uniform.