bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ADVANCES AND CHALLENGES WITH MICRO‐IRRIGATION
Authors: Madramootoo Chandra A. , Morrison Jane
Published: January 2013

As global concerns surrounding water scarcity and food security escalate, there will be more demand for micro‐irrigation to meet growing food demands. Micro‐irrigation offers many advantages over conventional irrigation methods, including the ability to apply limited amounts of water directly to the crop root zone, incorporation of fertigation, reduced weed and pest infestation, and lower capital and operating costs. In recent decades, there has been considerable growth in the acreage under micro‐irrigation, mainly as a result of lower costs, improvements in filtration and emitter technology, and increased grower confidence in the technology. Research advances and technological improvements have made micro‐irrigation applicable to a more diverse set of applications, cropping systems, and water quality conditions. Cost and availability of water are also major drivers. Research in nano‐ and biofiltration techniques, soil moisture sensors, and precision irrigation shows great promise for the advancement of micro‐irrigation. Nevertheless, several technological challenges remain, especially for non‐row or non‐orchard crops, and in regions where water quality is severely impaired. Innovations in these areas are required, as well as a transfer of the technology to small farmers in water‐scarce regions who traditionally surface irrigate. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
NONLINEAR GROWTH EFFECTS OF TAXATION: A SEMI‐PARAMETRIC APPROACH USING AVERAGE MARGINAL TAX RATES
Authors: Arin K. Peren , Berlemann Michael , Koray Faik , Kuhlenkasper Torben
Published: January 2013

One of the major challenges of empirical tax research is the identification and calculation of appropriate tax data. While there is consensus that average marginal tax rates are most suitable for studying the effects of tax policy on economic growth, because of data limitations the calculation of marginal tax rates has been limited to the USA and the UK. This paper provides calculations of average marginal tax rates for the four Scandinavian countries using the methodologies of Seater (1982, 1985) and Barro and Sahasakul (1983, 1986). Then, by pooling the newly calculated tax rates for the Scandinavian countries with the data for the USA and the UK, we investigate the effects of tax policy shocks on the per capita GDP growth rate. Our results suggest that an increase in average marginal tax rates has a negative impact on economic growth. Employing additive mixed panel models with penalized splines as estimation approach, we show that changes in tax rates have nonlinear effects. Increasing average marginal tax rates turn out to be the most distorting at relatively moderate tax rates. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
THE DEMAND FOR GASOLINE: EVIDENCE FROM HOUSEHOLD SURVEY DATA
Authors: Chang Dongfeng , Serletis Apostolos
Published: January 2013

In this paper we investigate the demand for gasoline in Canada using recent annual expenditure data from the Canadian Survey of Household Spending, over a 13‐year period from 1997 to 2009, on three expenditure categories in the transportation sector: gasoline, local transportation, and intercity transportation. In doing so, we use three of the most widely used locally flexible functional forms, the Almost Ideal Demand System (AIDS) of Deaton and Muellbauer (1980), the quadratic AIDS (QUAIDS) of Banks et al. (1997)—an extension of the simple AIDS model that can generate quadratic Engel curves—and the Minflex Laurent model of Barnett (1983), which can also generate quadratic Engel curves. We pay explicit attention to economic regularity, argue that unless regularity is attained by luck, flexible functional forms should always be estimated subject to regularity as suggested by Barnett (2002), and impose local curvature to produce inference consistent with neoclassical microeconomic theory. Our findings indicate that the curvature‐constrained Minflex Laurent model is the only model that is able to provide theoretically consistent estimates of the Canadian demand for gasoline. Our estimates show that the own‐price elasticity for gasoline demand in Canada is between − 0.738 and − 0.570 —less elastic than previously reported in the literature. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Charge Transfer Complexes of Some Heterocyclic Aromatic Amines with π‐Organic Acceptors in Polar Solvents
Authors: Abdalla N. A. , El‐Haty M. T. , Adam F. A. , Hassan F. W.
Published: January 2013

A conductometric titration technique has been used to investigate the electron transfer activity of CT molecular complexes formed by arylazopyrimidine and naphthylazopyrimidine derivatives as donors and the organic π‐acceptors p‐nitroaniline, p‐chloroaniline, p‐bromoaniline, anthraquinone, picric acid, α‐nitroso‐β‐naphthol, p‐hydroxybenzaldehyde and maleic anhydride. The study was performed at different degree of temperature and in three different polar solvents namely N,N‐dimethylformamide (DMF), acetonitrile (ACN) and dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO). The stoichiometric ratios of these complexes were found to be 1:1. The dissociation constant (ασM) values of the formed complexes have been calculated, and the effects of solvents as well as types of electron donors on their conductance σp‐values have been examined.
DFT Study of the Geometrical and Electronic Structures of Geminal Dicationic Ionic Liquids 1,3‐Bis[3‐methylimidazolium‐1‐yl]hexane Halides
Authors: Farmanzadeh Davood , Soltanabadi Azim , Yeganegi Saied
Published: January 2013

In this work, the geometrical and electronic properties of the mono cationic ionic liquid 1‐hexyl‐3‐methylimidazolium halides ([C6(mim)]+_X−, X=Cl, Br and I) and dicationic ionic liquid 1,3‐bis[3‐methylimidazolium‐1‐yl]hexane halides ([C6(mim)2X2], X=Cl, Br and I) were studied using the density functional theory (DFT). The most stable conformer of these two types ionic liquids (IL) are determined and compared with each other. Results show that in the most stable conformers, in both monocationic ILs and dicationic ILs, the Cl− and Br− anions prefer to locate almost in the plane of the imidazolium ring whereas the I− anion prefers nearly vertical location respect to the imidazolium ring plan. Comparison of hydrogen bonding and ionic interactions in these two types of ionic liquids reveals that these ionic liquids can be formed hydrogen bond by Cl− and Br− anion. The calculated thermodynamic functions show that the interaction of cation — anion pair in the dicationic ionic liquids are more than monocationic ionic liquids and these interactions decrease with increasing the halide anion atomic weight.
Simultaneous Electroluminescence
Authors: Ibanez Jorge G. , Zavala‐Araiza Daniel , Sotomayor‐MartínezBarranco Biaani
Published: January 2013

A proof‐of‐concept for the production of simultaneous electroluminescence in a single electrochemical cell in a basic medium and using H2O2 as a co reactant is obtained: at the anode by means of the direct oxidation of luminol to yield an excited emitting species, and in the catholyte by an indirect mediated process involving the initial reduction of ClO2− to produce ClO−, which then reacts with luminol (also to produce an excited emitting species). Emission spectra and possible mechanistic pathways are discussed.
Chiral Auxiliary Based Reductive Alkylation of α,α‐Diallkyl β‐Phosphonyl Esters
Authors: Bau Jr‐Sheng , Chen I‐Chia , Yanga Zhen‐Xing , Zhu Jia‐Liang
Published: January 2013

Acyclic α,α‐disubstituted β‐phosphonyl esters containing chiral alcoholic auxiliaries were efficiently prepared and evaluated for the lithium naphthalenide‐mediated asymmetric reductive alkylation. Among which, the best diastereoselectivity was received from the substrates bearing a (−)‐phenylmenthyl group in leading to alkylated esters with up to 83:17 dr. The diastereoselectivity is proven to be controlled by the π‐facial differentiation created by the chiral ester as well as the geometry of tetrasubstituted enolates generated by the reductive cleavage of C‐P bond.
Effect of chlorine substitution on triplet state structure of thioxanthone: A time‐resolved resonance Raman study
Authors: Pandey Rishikesh , Rajkumar Nagappan , Umapathy Siva
Published: January 2013

Substitution plays an important role in determining the triplet state reactivity. In this paper, we have studied the effect of chlorine substitution on the triplet state structure and the reactivity of thioxanthone (TX). We have employed time‐resolved resonance Raman technique to understand the structure of the lowest triplet excited state of 2‐chlorothioxanthone (CTX). The experimental findings have been corroborated with the computational results using density functional theory. Akin to the parent compound (TX), coexistence of two lowest triplet states has been observed in case of CTX, which has been substantiated using resonant probe wavelength dependence study. The relative contribution of 3n–π* to 3π–π* to the equilibrated triplet state has been found to be more for CTX compared to TX suggesting increase in the triplet state reactivity after the substitution. The above observation has been further supported by the flash photolysis experiments. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fracture Toughness Enhancement of UV‐Cured Epoxy Coatings Containing Al2O3 Nanoparticles
Authors: Sangermano Marco , Naguib Mohamed , Messori Massimo
Published: January 2013

Commercially available alumina powder (α‐Al2O3 nanoparticles with 150 nm diameter) is added up to 4 vol% into cycloaliphatic epoxy resins and cured using UV light. Chemical and physical investigations of these UV‐cured, reinforced epoxy resin are carried out. The FTIR analysis indicates decreasing effect of these nanoparticles on the curing rate. The FESEM study for the fracture surface of reinforced epoxy resins revealed increase in the surface roughness that might be a sign of toughness enhancement. Also, an improvement in the scratch resistance was noticed for samples containing alumina filler.

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Morphology and Core Continuity of Liquid‐Crystal‐Functionalized, Coaxially Electrospun Fiber Mats Tuned via the Polymer Sheath Solution
Authors: Scalia Giusy , Enz Eva , Calò Oronzo , Kim Dae Kyom , Hwang Minsik , Lee Jong Hwan , Lagerwall Jan P. F.
Published: January 2013

By electrospinning liquid crystals coaxially inside a polymer sheath, responsive fibers with application potential, e.g., in wearable sensors can be produced. We conduct a combined scanning electron/polarizing microscopy study of such fibers, concluding that a match between the properties of the sheath solution and that of the core fluid is vital for achieving well‐formed and well‐filled fibers. Problems that may otherwise arise are fibers that are continuously filled, but partially collapsed; or fibers in which the core breaks up into droplets due to a mismatch in elongational viscosity between inner and outer fluids.

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Influence of Alkylaluminum Co‐catalysts on TiCl4 Transalkylation and Formation of Active Centers C* in Ziegler–Natta Catalysts
Authors: Trischler Heinrich , Schöfberger Wolfgang , Paulik Christian
Published: January 2013

Active center C* formation on Ziegler–Natta catalysts trough reaction with trialkylaluminum co‐catalysts is one prerequisite for the production of polymer. Charge‐transfer complexes of triethylaluminum with chlorocyclohexane can promote transalkylation reaction of dimeric Ti2Cl8 potential active centers. The different transalkylation and hydride transfers are studied by measurement of gaseous products with head space GC‐MS. Four‐ and six‐center transition states for transalkylation reactions on Corradini site are calculated with density functional theory (DFT) and compared in energy. The fast six‐center TS at higher Al/Ti ratios is proposed to be the reason for the over‐reduction of the active center and for the formation of inactive Ti+II species during propene polymerization.

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Mathematical Model of Polyether Production From 1,3‐Propanediol
Authors: Cui Wei J. , McAuley Kimberley B. , Whitney Ralph A. , Spence Rupert E. , Xie Tuyu
Published: January 2013

A mathematical model is developed for condensation polymerization of 1,3‐propanediol to produce Cerenol polyether. The effect of the super‐acid catalyst is considered explicitly in the proposed reaction mechanism. The main reactions include protonation/deprotonation equilibrium, polycondensation, carbocation formation, end degradation, and transetherification. Formation of propanal and secondary hydroxyl ends is also considered. Mass transfer of water, propanal, and monomer from the liquid phase into nitrogen bubbles is included in the model. The proposed model predicts the time evolution of number average molecular weight and concentrations of water, propanal, monomer, and unsaturated end groups, along with evaporation rates of small molecules. Data from isothermal batch experiments are used to estimate model parameters. Steep upward trends in degree of polymerization and in concentration of unsaturated ends are not predicted well at long reaction times based on the current model.

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Ionic liquid/poly(ionic liquid)‐based electrolytes for energy devices
Authors: Qiu Bo , Lin Bencai , Yan Feng
Published: January 2013

Ionic liquids are organic salts with melting points generally below 100 °C. They are attracting wide attention and are used as electrolytes in electrochemical devices, such as fuel cells, lithium‐ion batteries, dye‐sensitized solar cells, supercapacitors and light‐emitting electrochemical cells, due to their negligible vapor pressure, high ionic conductivity and wide electrochemical window. This perspective article highlights the applications of ionic liquid‐ or poly(ionic liquid)‐based electrolytes in fuel cells, dye‐sensitized solar cells and supercapacitors. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Mapping O‐glycosylation of apolipoprotein C‐III in MALDI‐FT‐ICR protein profiles
Authors: Nicolardi Simone , van der Burgt Yuri E. M. , Wuhrer Manfred , Deelder André M.
Published: January 2013

Ultrahigh resolution MALDI‐FT‐ICR profiles were obtained from human serum samples that were processed using a fully automated RPC18‐based magnetic bead method. Proteins were profiled from m/z value 6630 with a resolving power of 73 000 up to m/z value 12 600 with a resolving power of 37 000. In this study, a detailed evaluation was performed of the isoforms of apolipoprotein C‐III, i.e. the different mucin‐type core 1 O‐glycans with the addition of one or two sialic acid residues. The MALDI‐FT‐ICR profiles are discussed with regard to reproducibility of the signal intensities as well as the accurate mass measurements. ESI‐FT‐ICR‐MS/MS analyses of the same serum samples were performed to confirm the identity of apolipoprotein C‐III glycoforms.
PTMeta: Increasing identification rates of modified peptides using modification prescanning and meta‐analysis
Authors: Nahnsen Sven , Sachsenberg Timo , Kohlbacher Oliver
Published: January 2013

The analysis of peptides and proteins in complex biological systems has greatly improved over the last decade. State‐of‐the‐art mass spectrometric instruments combined with adequate software tools allow for more and more comprehensive proteome analyses. Most proteome‐wide studies focus on the analysis of unmodified proteins or look at selected modifications only. However, spectral information of protein modifications, chemically induced through sample preparation or post‐translationally attached in biological pathways is acquired as a significant, yet disregarded, fraction of tandem spectra in most discovery studies. We present a new computational pipeline, PTMeta, to uncover information of modifications attached to peptides. We use modification prescanning to pinpoint the most abundant potential modifications, followed by extensive database search and a statistical framework to combine results from database search runs with different modification settings.
Protein carbamylation: In vivo modification or in vitro artefact?
Authors: Kollipara Laxmikanth , Zahedi René P.
Published: January 2013

Carbamylation (carbamoylation) of lysine residues and protein N‐termini is a nonenzymatic PTM that has been related to protein ageing. In contrast to other PTM, such as phosphorylation, carbamylation can be artificially introduced during sample preparation with urea, thus affecting studies directed toward in vivo carbamylation. In aqueous solution, urea—commonly used for denaturing proteins—is in equilibrium with ammonium and isocyanate. Under alkaline conditions, the latter can react with primary amines of free N‐termini and ε‐amine groups of lysines to form carbamyl derivatives. Despite being a relatively slow process, which is accelerated at elevated temperatures, prolonged incubation of protein/peptide samples in urea buffers can induce undesired carbamylation, hampering not only the proteolytic digestion with trypsin and peptide identification by MS, but also interfering with stable isotope‐labeling techniques such as iTRAQ, tandem mass tags, and isotope‐coded protein labeling. Here, we evaluated the extent of urea‐induced carbamylation under commonly used sample preparation conditions. From our results, we can deduce that carbamylation occurs in all cases involving urea, however with varying degree: e.g. carbamidomethylation in the presence of 8.0 M urea induced carbamylation of 17% of N‐termini and 4% of Lys residues. Additionally, researching a recently published large‐scale dataset revealed a high degree of urea‐induced carbamylation in current proteomic samples.
Improved protein extraction and protein identification from archival formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded human aortas
Authors: Fu Zongming , Yan Kun , Rosenberg Avraham , Jin Zhicheng , Crain Barbara , Athas Grace , Heide Richard S. Vander , Howard Timothy , Everett Allen D. , Herrington David , Van Eyk Jennifer E.
Published: January 2013

Purpose

Evaluate combination of heat and elevated pressure to enhance protein extraction and quality of formalin‐fixed (FF), and FF paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) aorta for proteomics.

Experiment design

Proteins were extracted from fresh frozen aorta at room temperature (RT). FF and FFPE aortas (3 months and 15 years) were extracted at RT, heat alone, or a combination of heat and high pressure. Protein yields were compared, and digested peptides from the extracts were analyzed with MS.

Results

Combined heat and elevated pressure increased protein yield from human FF or FFPE aorta compared to matched tissues with heat alone (1.5‐fold) or at RT (8.3‐fold), resulting in more proteins identified and with more sequence coverage. The length of storage did adversely affect the quality of proteins from FF tissue. For long‐term storage, aorta was preserved better with FFPE than FF alone. Periostin and MGF‐E8 were demonstrated suitable for MRM assays from FFPE aorta.

Conclusions and clinical relevance

Combination of heat and high pressure is an effective method to extract proteins from FFPE aorta for downstream proteomics. This method opens the possibility for use of archival and often rare FFPE aortas and possibly other tissues available to proteomics for biomarker discovery and quantification.
Precursor state of skyrmions in MnSi: a heat capacity study
Authors: Samatham S. Shanmukharao , Ganesan V.
Published: January 2013

The magnetic phase diagram of MnSi based on the detailed magneto‐heat capacity study is presented. It shows the A‐phase, a precursor to the formation of stable skyrmion lattice, along with the intermediate, helical, conical, ferromagnetic and paramagnetic phases. The field isotherms of specific heat in and around the transition temperature reveal the different magnetic modulations. The local minima represent the relatively low entropy state due to the formation of A‐phase as a precursor to the stable skyrmion lattice. The field‐induced second‐order phase transition is observed by melting the intermediate phase. The region of existence of first‐order phase transition is found to be, effectively, from helical to the intermediate phase. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
TGF‐β1 Conjugated to Gold Nanoparticles Results in Protein Conformational Changes and Attenuates the Biological Function
Authors: Tsai Yuh‐Shyan , Chen Yu‐Hung , Cheng Pai‐Chiao , Tsai Hsin‐Tzu , Shiau Ai‐Li , Tzai Tzong‐Shin , Wu Chao‐Liang
Published: January 2013

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are widely used as carriers or therapeutic agents due to their great biocompatibility and unique physical properties. Transforming growth factor‐beta 1 (TGF‐β1), a member of the cysteine‐knot structural superfamily, plays a pivotal role in many diseases and is known as an immunosuppressive agent that attenuates immune response resulting in tumor growth. The results reported herein reflect strong interactions between TGF‐β1 and the surface of AuNPs when incubated with serum‐containing medium, and demonstrate a time‐ and dose‐dependent pattern. Compared with other serum proteins that can also bind to the AuNP surface, AuNP–TGFβ1 conjugate is a thermodynamically favored compound. Epithelial cells undergo epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) upon treatment with TGF‐β1; however, treatment with AuNPs reverses this effect, as detected by cell morphology and expression levels of EMT markers. TGF‐β1 is found to bind to AuNPs through S–Au bonds by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy is employed to analyze the conformational changes of TGF‐β1 on the surface of AuNPs. The results indicate that TGF‐β1 undergoes significant conformational changes at both secondary and tertiary structural levels after conjugation to the AuNP surface, which results in the deactivation of TGF‐β1 protein. An in vivo experiment also shows that addition of AuNPs attenuates the growth of TGF‐β1‐secreting murine bladder tumor 2 cells in syngeneic C3H/HeN mice, but not in immunocompromised NOD‐SCID mice, and this is associated with an increase in the number of tumor‐infiltrating CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes and a decrease in the number of intrasplenic Foxp3(+) lymphocytes. The findings demonstrate that AuNPs may be a promising agent for modulating tumor immunity through inhibiting immunosuppressive TGF‐β1 signaling.
Evaluation of Sulfur Addition to the High Basicity Slag on the Sulfur, Aluminum, and Cleanliness of High Sulfur Al‐Killed Molten Steel
Authors: Jiang Fang , Cheng Guoguang , Qian Guoyu , Xie You , Rui Qixuan , Yang Liang
Published: January 2013

In the present work, the influence of sulfur addition to the high basicity slag on the Al‐killed molten steel with high sulfur content was investigated by using a vacuum induction furnace at 1873 K in MgO crucibles. CaO–SiO2–Al2O3–MgO–CaS slags were used to study the effect of high basicity slags with different CaS contents on sulfur loss, aluminum loss, and total oxygen content in the molten steel. It is shown that the sulfur content in the molten steel decreased with the time, and the addition of CaS into the slag can reduce the sulfur loss in the molten steel. Moreover, there was a decreasing tendency of the aluminum content in the molten steel with the time, and the addition of CaS into the slag can reduce the aluminum loss in the molten steel. Total oxygen content in the molten steel first increased and then decreased with the time when no CaS was added into the slag. However, it decreased monotonically with the time when the addition of CaS was made into the slag.
Equilibrium Modeling of (Nb, Ti, V)(C, N) Precipitation in Austenite of Microalloyed Steels
Authors: Xu Yaowen , Tang Di , Song Yong
Published: January 2013

A theoretical model was proposed to predict complex equilibrium precipitation in Nb–Ti–V bearing microalloyed steel. It is assumed that the complex precipitate with B1 type consists of six kinds of binary compound, namely, NbC, NbN, TiC, TiN, VC, and VN. The composition of multicomponent precipitates and solute concentration in the matrix can be computed by the developed model which is based on the solubility product. The equilibrium volume fraction of the second phase particles at a given temperature can also be predicted easily. Comparison with other approaches in previous research was made. Good match demonstrated the model's validation and reliability.
Thinking Matters: Inferencing in ESL Reading Lessons
Authors: Lee Ho Cheung
Published: January 2013

This article discusses the significance of inferencing in reading comprehension and addresses theoretical and practical issues related to teaching inferencing in English classrooms. The author explains the nature of inferencing in reading and, drawing on previous research findings and his own reflections on teaching reading to English as a second language (ESL) students, proposes a framework in which inferencing is taught via an explicit instruction approach. A sample lesson is included. Although the focus is on inferencing in an ESL context, the discussion has implications for the general English learning domain.
Negative control of cell size in the cyanobacterium Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942 by the essential response regulator RpaB
Authors: Moronta-Barrios Félix , Espinosa Javier , Contreras Asunción
Published: January 2013

The essential NblS–RpaB pathway for photosynthesis regulation and acclimatization to a variety of environmental conditions is the most conserved two‐component system in cyanobacteria. To get insights into the RpaB implication in cell homeostasis we investigated the phenotypic impact of altering expression of the essential rpaB gene of Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942 and determined the in vivo levels of the RpaB and RpaB∼P polypeptides. Our results implicate non‐phosphorylated RpaB in controlling cell length and shape and suggest that intrinsic regulation may be important to prevent drastic variations in RpaB levels and activity.
Effect of amino acid distribution of amphipathic helical peptide derived from human apolipoprotein A‐I on membrane curvature sensing
Authors: Tanaka Masafumi , Takamura Yuki , Kawakami Toru , Aimoto Saburo , Saito Hiroyuki , Mukai Takahiro
Published: January 2013

Amphipathic helix, which senses membrane curvature, is of growing interest. Here we explore the effect of amino acid distribution of amphipathic helical peptide derived from the C‐terminal region (residues 220–241) of human apolipoprotein (apo) A‐I on membrane curvature sensing. This peptide preferred a curved membrane in a manner similar to full‐length apoA‐I, although its model peptide did not sense membrane curvature. Substitution of several residues both on the polar and non‐polar faces of the amphipathic helix had no significant effect on sensing, suggestive of the elaborate molecular architecture in the C‐terminal helical region of apoA‐I to exert lipid efflux function.
Ephexin4‐mediated promotion of cell migration and anoikis resistance is regulated by serine 897 phosphorylation of EphA2
Authors: Kawai Hiromu , Kobayashi Masakazu , Hiramoto-Yamaki Nao , Harada Kohei , Negishi Manabu , Katoh Hironori
Published: January 2013

EphA2 is activated through phosphorylation on serine 897 (S897) by Akt to promote cancer cell motility and invasion, independently of stimulation by ephrin, its ligand. Here we show that S897 phosphorylation of EphA2 strengthens the interaction between EphA2 and Ephexin4, a guanine nucleotide exchange factor for the small GTPase RhoG. S897A mutation of EphA2 abolished the EphA2/Ephexin4‐mediated RhoG activation, promotion of cell migration, and resistance to anoikis. Our results suggest that S897‐phosphorylated EphA2 recruits Ephexin4 to promote cell migration and anoikis resistance, providing a molecular link between S897 phosphorylation of EphA2 and tumor progression.
Does the Genetic Code Have A Eukaryotic Origin?
Authors: Zhang Zhang , Yu Jun
Published: January 2013

In the RNA world, RNA is assumed to be the dominant macromolecule performing most, if not all, core “house-keeping” functions. The ribo-cell hypothesis suggests that the genetic code and the translation machinery may both be born of the RNA world, and the introduction of DNA to ribo-cells may take over the informational role of RNA gradually, such as a mature set of genetic code and mechanism enabling stable inheritance of sequence and its variation. In this context, we modeled the genetic code in two content variables—GC and purine contents—of protein-coding sequences and measured the purine content sensitivities for each codon when the sensitivity (% usage) is plotted as a function of GC content variation. The analysis leads to a new pattern—the symmetric pattern—where the sensitivity of purine content variation shows diagonally symmetry in the codon table more significantly in the two GC content invariable quarters in addition to the two existing patterns where the table is divided into either four GC content sensitivity quarters or two amino acid diversity halves. The most insensitive codon sets are GUN (valine) and CAN (CAR for asparagine and CAY for aspartic acid) and the most biased amino acid is valine (always over-estimated) followed by alanine (always under-estimated). The unique position of valine and its codons suggests its key roles in the final recruitment of the complete codon set of the canonical table. The distinct choice may only be attributable to sequence signatures or signals of splice sites for spliceosomal introns shared by all extant eukaryotes.
MeRIP-PF: An Easy-to-Use Pipeline for High-Resolution Peak-Finding in MeRIP-Seq Data
Authors: Li Yuli , Song Shuhui , Li Cuiping , Yu Jun
Published: January 2013

RNA modifications, especially methylation of the N6 position of adenosine (A)—m6A, represent an emerging research frontier in RNA biology. With the rapid development of high-throughput sequencing technology, in-depth study of m6A distribution and function relevance becomes feasible. However, a robust method to effectively identify m6A-modified regions has not been available yet. Here, we present a novel high-efficiency and user-friendly analysis pipeline called MeRIP-PF for the signal identification of MeRIP-Seq data in reference to controls. MeRIP-PF provides a statistical P-value for each identified m6A region based on the difference of read distribution when compared to the controls and also calculates false discovery rate (FDR) as a cut off to differentiate reliable m6A regions from the background. Furthermore, MeRIP-PF also achieves gene annotation of m6A signals or peaks and produce outputs in both XLS and graphical format, which are useful for further study. MeRIP-PF is implemented in Perl and is freely available at http://software.big.ac.cn/MeRIP-PF.html.
Levonorgestrel‐releasing intrauterine system versus conventional medical therapy for heavy menstrual bleeding in the Asia‐Pacific region
Authors: Lee Byung S. , Ling Xu , Asif Shaheena , Kraemer Peter , Hanisch Jens U. , Inki Pirjo
Published: January 2013

Objective

To compare clinical outcomes, including cumulative continuation rate (CCR), in the treatment of idiopathic heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) with the levonorgestrel‐releasing intrauterine system (LNG‐IUS) and with conventional medical therapies (CMTs), including combined oral contraceptives, oral progestins, and antifibrinolytics, either alone or in combination, in the Asia‐Pacific region.

Methods

In a prospective observational cohort study conducted between September 2008 and December 2010, 647 women (LNG‐IUS, n = 483; CMTs, n = 164), aged 18–45 years and diagnosed with HMB, were recruited from 8 countries and followed for up to 1 year. The primary outcome was the CCR at 12 months. Secondary outcomes included bleeding pattern, an assessment of treatment efficacy by the treating physician, and safety.

Results

The CCR at 12 months was significantly higher for LNG‐IUS than for CMTs (87.6% vs 56.3% P < 0.05). Compared with CMTs, LNG‐IUS offered a better reduction in both subjectively assessed menstrual blood loss and the number of bleeding days, and had better efficacy for HMB, as determined by the physician's final evaluation.

Conclusion

The present study provides information on the real‐life patterns of treatment of HMB in the Asia‐Pacific region. The efficacy of CMTs was inferior compared with LNG‐IUS in the clinical outcomes measured.

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00864136.
Time between skin incision and delivery during cesarean
Authors: Rossouw Jana N. , Hall David , Harvey Justin
Published: January 2013

Objective

To investigate factors influencing skin incision‐to‐delivery time (including sub‐divisions thereof) and the effect of these surgical intervals on immediate neonatal outcome.

Methods

A prospective cohort analysis was conducted of all women undergoing cesarean delivery at Tygerberg Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa, from May 24 to November 2, 2010. Three surgical intervals were evaluated: skin incision to myometrium, myometrium to delivery, and skin incision to delivery. Neonatal outcome was assessed by the 5‐minute Apgar score.

Results

Of 1120 cesarean deliveries recorded during the study period, 77.2% were emergency procedures, which were performed more quickly at all surgical planes (P < 0.01). Adhesions in the surgical field were present in 7.4% of all primary procedures versus 67.7% of all third procedures (P < 0.001). The skin incision‐to‐delivery time was significantly extended among repeat procedures (P < 0.001) and increased progressively with degree of obesity (P < 0.001). Although the 3 surgical intervals were calculated individually, none of the median values correlated with a 5‐minute Apgar score below 7 for emergency deliveries.

Conclusion

Repeat procedures, adhesions, and obesity prolonged the time taken for cesarean delivery. Nevertheless, the effect of these factors on the 5‐minute Apgar score was minimal.
Detection of regional low myocardial perfusion helps predict a response to cardiac resynchronization therapy in patients with non‐ischemic cardiomyopathy: Results of the Find Index by Nuclear Imaging for Dyssynchrony (FIND) study
Authors: Keida Takehiko , Morishima Itsuro , Tsuchiya Taketsugu , Sagara Kouichi , Okishige Kaoru , Kumagai Kenta , Mibiki Yoshiaki , Nakamura Kentaro , Yamanaka Tamon , Yoshida Yukihiko , Yamamoto Akira , Takami Mitsuaki
Published: January 2013

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate the use of imaging techniques to predict the response to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) in patients with non‐ischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM) by simultaneous assessment of left ventricular (LV) dyssynchrony and myocardial perfusion in a single nuclear scan of the heart.

Methods

Patients indicated for CRT device implantation underwent a resting myocardial perfusion assessment with single photon emission computed tomography (MP‐SPECT) examination using technetium‐99 m methoxyisobutylisonitrile prior to device implantation. CardioGRAF and cardioBull software (FUJIFILM RI Pharma, Tokyo, Japan) were used to analyze the LV mechanical dyssynchrony and myocardial viability, respectively. Patient follow‐ups were performed at 6 months after device implantation. CRT response was defined as a ≥10% decrease in the LV end systolic volume.

Results

A total of 43 patients with NICM were analyzed. Using the cutoff points of 6.2 for the dyssynchrony index and 66% for LV myocardial perfusion, the combined indices predicted CRT response with a sensitivity of 77.8% and specificity of 91.2%.

Conclusion

Combined assessment of MP‐SPECT and a measure of LV mechanical dyssynchrony showed good predictive ability in patients with non‐ischemic heart failure.
Summability implies Collet–Eckmann almost surely
Authors: GAO BING , SHEN WEIXIAO
Published: January 2013

We provide a strengthened version of the famous Jakobson's theorem. Consider an interval map $f$ satisfying a summability condition. For a generic one-parameter family ${f}_{t} $ of maps with ${f}_{0} = f$, we prove that $t= 0$ is a Lebesgue density point of the set of parameters for which ${f}_{t} $ satisfies both the Collet–Eckmann condition and a strong polynomial recurrence condition.
Jacob Bronowski: a humanist intellectual for an atomic age, 1946–1956
Authors: DESMARAIS RALPH
Published: January 2013

Jacob (‘Bruno’) Bronowski (1908–1974), on the basis of having examined the effects of the atomic bombing of Japan in late 1945, became one of Britain's most vocal and best-known scientific intellectuals engaged in the cultural politics of the early atomic era. Witnessing Hiroshima helped transform him from pure mathematician–poet to scientific administrator; from obscurity to fame on the BBC airwaves and in print; and, crucially, from literary intellectual who promoted the superior truthfulness of poetry and poets to scientific humanist insisting that science and scientists were the standard-bearers of truth. A cornerstone of Bronowski's humanist ideology was that Hiroshima and the bomb had become symbols of the public's distrust of science, whereas, in reality, science was merely a scapegoat for society's loss of moral compass; more correctly, he stressed, science and scientists epitomized positive moral values. When discussing atomic energy, especially after 1949, Bronowski not only downplayed the bomb's significance but was deliberately vague regarding Britain's atomic weapon development programme; this lack of candour was compounded by Bronowski's evasiveness regarding his own prior involvement with wartime bombing. The net effect was a substantial contribution to British scientific intellectuals' influential yet frequently misleading accounts of the relations between science and war in the early atomic era.
Protective effect of ascorbic acid against ethanol-induced reproductive toxicity in male guinea pigs
Authors: Harikrishnan R. , Abhilash P. A. , Syam Das S. , Prathibha P. , Rejitha S. , John Febi , Kavitha S. , Indira M.
Published: January 2013

The present study was undertaken to elucidate the effect of ascorbic acid on alcohol-induced reproductive toxicity and also to compare it with that of abstention. A total of thirty-six male guinea pigs were divided into two groups and were maintained for 90 d as control and ethanol-treated groups (4 g/kg body weight (b.wt.)). After 90 d, ethanol administration was stopped and animals in the control group were divided into two groups and then maintained for 30 d as the control and control+ascorbic acid groups and those in the ethanol-treated group as ethanol abstention and ethanol+ascorbic acid (25 mg/100 g b. wt.) groups. Animals treated with ethanol showed a significant decline in sperm quality (P< 0·001), decreased activity of steroidogenic enzymes (P< 0·05) and reduced serum testosterone (P< 0·05), luteinising hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone levels, decrease in the activity of testicular succinate dehydrogenase, adenosine triphosphatase, sorbitol dehydrogenase and reduction in fructose content (P< 0·05). It also caused an increase in testicular malondialdehyde levels (P< 0·05) and decrease in the levels of glutathione content (P< 0·001) of testes. Ascorbic acid levels in testes and plasma were also reduced (P< 0·001) in ethanol-fed animals. Ascorbic acid supplementation altered all these parameters and produced a better and faster recovery from alcohol-induced reproductive toxicity than abstention. The mechanism of action of ascorbic acid may be by reducing the oxidative stress and improving antioxidant status, which eventually changed the microenvironment of testes and enhanced the energy needed for motility of sperms, improved the sperm morphology and elevated the testosterone and gonadotropin levels.
New technology in dietary assessment: a review of digital methods in improving food record accuracy
Authors: Stumbo Phyllis J.
Published: January 2013

Methods for conducting dietary assessment in the United States date back to the early twentieth century. Methods of assessment encompassed dietary records, written and spoken dietary recalls, FFQ using pencil and paper and more recently computer and internet applications. Emerging innovations involve camera and mobile telephone technology to capture food and meal images. This paper describes six projects sponsored by the United States National Institutes of Health that use digital methods to improve food records and two mobile phone applications using crowdsourcing. The techniques under development show promise for improving accuracy of food records.
State of play in direct-to-consumer genetic testing for lifestyle-related diseases: market, marketing content, user experiences and regulation
Authors: Saukko Paula
Published: January 2013

Direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic tests have aroused controversy. Critics have argued many of the tests are not backed by scientific evidence, misguide their customers and should be regulated more stringently. Proponents suggest that finding out genetic susceptibilities for diseases could encourage healthier behaviours and makes the results of genetics research available to the public. This paper reviews the state of play in DTC genetic testing, focusing on tests identifying susceptibilities for lifestyle-related diseases. It will start with mapping the market for the tests. The paper will review (1) research on the content of the online marketing of DTC tests, (2) studies on the effects of DTC genetic tests on customers and (3) academic and policy proposals on how to regulate the tests. Current studies suggest that the marketing of DTC genetic tests often exaggerates their predictive powers, which could misguide consumers. However, research indicates that the tests do not seem to have major negative effects (worry and confusion) but neither do they engender positive effects (lifestyle change) on current users. Research on regulation of the tests has most commonly suggested regulating the marketing claims of the companies. In conclusion, the risks and benefits of DTC genetic tests are less significant than what has been predicted by critics and proponents, which will be argued reflects broader historical trends transforming health and medicine.
The Effects of Early Years’ Childcare on Child Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties in Lone and Co-Parent Family Situations
Authors: ZAGEL HANNAH , KADAR-SATAT GITIT , JACOBS MYRTHE , GLENDINNING ANTHONY
Published: January 2013

With targeted childcare initiatives and welfare-to-work programmes policy-makers have sought to address employment activation of lone mothers and negative outcomes for children in lone parent households. The present study examines non-parental childcare use and maternal employment among children living in lone and co-parent family situations at ages three and four and emotional and behavioural difficulties at ages four and five. The results demonstrate that negative outcomes associated with lone motherhood are explained largely by mother's age, education, material circumstances and area deprivation; and that maternal employment does not relieve lone mothers’ disadvantages in a way that alleviates the risks of difficulties to their children. However, in any family constellation, mainly group-based formal pre-school childcare does have a positive impact on child difficulties compared to drawing on informal childcare arrangements as main provider. In addition, and specifically for the difficulties of children in lone mother family situations, any non-parental childcare – formal or informal − for at least twenty-five hours per week is beneficial. Study findings support policy agendas which tackle families’ material hardship beyond promoting mothers’ employment, and through investment in formal childcare provision, and also through arrangements allowing lone mothers to divide their weekly load of childcare with another main provider.
Organic-walled microfossils from the north-west Weddell Sea, Antarctica: records from surface sediments after the collapse of the Larsen-A and Prince Gustav Channel ice shelves
Authors: Pieńkowski Anna J. , Marret Fabienne , Scourse James D. , Thomas David N.
Published: January 2013

Surface sediments from six box cores along the north-eastern Antarctic Peninsula document the dinoflagellate cyst (= dinocyst) and other non-pollen palynomorph (NPP) content soon after overlying ice shelves collapsed. Prince Gustav Channel (PGC) and Larsen-A (LA) areas exhibited markedly different dinocyst abundances, concentrations being low in LA (0–20 cysts g-1) and high in PGC (2600–9100 cysts g-1, average: c. 3800 cysts g-1). Since similar water masses impact both areas, differences may be due to low biological productivity, limited sediment accumulation, and/or restricted fine-grain deposition at Larsen-A. Islandinium minutum (Harland & Reid in Harland et al.) Head et al. dominated dinocyst assemblages, occurring as both excysted and encysted forms (lesser abundance). Other taxa (Echinidinium cf. transparantum Zonneveld, Impagidinium pallidum Bujak, Bitectatodinium tepikiense Wilson, Operculodinium centrocarpum Wall & Dale, Brigantedinium spp., Selenopemphix antarctica Marret & de Vernal, Polykrikos? sp. A, and Polykrikos schwartzii Bütschli) were rare. Such assemblage composition is unusual compared to previously published Southern Ocean data, but may be specific to ice shelf and/or recently ice-free environments. Alternatively, it may be attributable to excessive production facilitated by environmental factors and/or abundant food, or similar cyst morphologies produced by different dinoflagellates. Accompanying NPPs included zooplankton remains, acritarchs, and freshwater algae. Tintinnid loricae were most abundant (max. 800 g-1), followed by foraminiferal linings (max. 320 g-1), and the acritarch Palaeostomocystis fritilla (Bujak) Roncaglia (max. 150 g-1). Collectively, NPPs were more abundant in PGC compared to LA samples.
FOXgene cluster defects in alveolar capillary dysplasia associated with congenital heart disease
Authors: Laux Daniela , Malan Valérie , Bajolle Fanny , Boudjemline Younes , Amiel Jeanne , Bonnet Damien
Published: January 2013

Objective

The objective was to report two new patients with the diagnosis of alveolar capillary dysplasia and congenital heart disease, to describe the associated cardiac defects seen in these cases and in the literature, and to consider recent genetic advances concerning theFOXtranscription factor gene cluster in chromosome 16q24.1q24.2.

Methods

We retrospectively analysed the records of all patients with congenital heart disease and alveolar capillary dysplasia seen in the Pediatric Cardiology Department between 2005 and 2010. We reviewed all literature published in the English language relating to cases of alveolar capillary dysplasia and congenital heart disease.

Results

Two infants with alveolar capillary dysplasia and cardiac malformation were identified: one had an atrioventricular septal defect and a de novo balanced reciprocal translocation t(1;16)(q32;q24), the second infant had a ventricular septal defect. Analysis of 31 cases of the literature including these new cases showed a predominant association of alveolar capillary dysplasia with obstructive left heart disease (35%), as well as an atrioventricular septal defect (29%).FOXgene cluster defects were identified in eight of these patients.

Discussion

Genetic background of alveolar capillary dysplasia is discussed in the light of the balanced reciprocal translocation t(1;16)(q32;q24) identified in the first child of this report. Alveolar capillary dysplasia should be suspected in neonates with congenital heart disease and unexpectedly elevated pulmonary vascular resistances, especially in cases of obstructive left heart disease or atrioventricular septal defect. DetectingFOXgene cluster defects should be considered in infants with alveolar capillary dysplasia with or without congenital heart disease.