bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Crisis Counselors’ Perceptions and Assessment of Suicidal Behavior Among Hurricane Survivors Receiving Crisis Counseling Services
Authors: Brown Lisa M. , Framingham Julie L. , Frahm Kathryn A. , Wolf Laurie D.
Published: July 2015

Objective

The aims of this study were to assess the awareness of risk for suicidal behaviors and perspectives of Project Recovery counselors who provided crisis counseling services to hurricane survivors.

Methods

The Short Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Rating Interview–Extended, a quantitative disaster mental health measure, was used to assess distress and dysfunction to the recent hurricanes. Project Recovery counselor data were collected through a 22-item qualitative interview.

Results

Seven out of 207 clients (3.4%) endorsed the quantitative item measuring suicidal ideation. Clients who reported suicidal ideation had significantly higher scores on items indicating a loss of enjoyment, feelings of depression, feeling less able to handle stress, and other mental health items. Counselor responses fell into 5 major themes: Assessment and Action, Client Characteristics, Services, Counselor Training and Preparedness, and Future Directions.

Conclusions

Suicidal behavior is a serious mental health emergency, yet it remains a challenging issue as suicidal behaviors are complex and disaster survivors with suicidal ideation may experience intense psychological reactions to the event. In order to provide competent care to survivors experiencing suicidal thoughts or behaviors, the need for counselors to receive adequate training in suicide assessment and management is essential. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2015;9:291–300)
Vulnerability of Urban Homebound Older Adults in Disasters: A Survey of Evacuation Preparedness
Authors: Dostal Patrick J.
Published: July 2015

Objective

Recent disasters within the United States, such as Hurricanes Katrina and Sandy, have highlighted the vulnerability of older adults, and recent litigation has upheld the responsibility of government in assisting the public during mandatory evacuations. Older adults designated as homebound due to their disabilities are at greatest risk of poor outcomes in disasters. This study aimed at assessing the willingness and ability of homebound older adults to evacuate, as well as categorizing their medical needs in the event they are relocated to an emergency shelter.

Methods

Fifty-six homebound older adults and medical decision surrogates from 1 homebound primary care practice in Philadelphia were assessed with a novel structured interview.

Results

Respondents reported limitations in both their ability and their willingness to evacuate their neighborhoods. Medical needs of homebound older adults were on par with those of nursing home residents.

Conclusions

Many homebound older adults are unable or unwilling to evacuate in a mandatory evacuation situation, highlighting a need for public assistance. Their complex medical needs will require significant preparation by special needs shelters. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2015;9:301-306)
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder symptom self-report in adults in Kenya and its associated risk factors, an analysis from a household survey in a demographic surveillance site
Authors: Jenkins R. , Othieno C. , Ongeri L. , Ogutu B. , Sifuna P. , Mboroki J. , Omollo R.
Published: July 2015

Background.

There have been no household surveys of adult attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in Kenya, and only one in sub-Saharan Africa.

Methods.

Data on ADHD was used from a household survey of mental disorders and their associated risk factors conducted in Maseno area (population 70 805), near Lake Victoria in Kenya, using a demographic surveillance site as the sample frame, as part of a wider survey of mental health, malaria and immunity A total of 1190 households were selected, and 1158 adult participants consented to the study while 32 refused to participate in the study interviews, giving a response rate of 97.3%. ADHD symptoms were assessed with the WHO Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) Screener.

Results.

This survey found that the overall prevalence of ADHD using the ASRS was 13.1%. This suggests a high level of ADHD in the Kenyan population which needs to be further investigated for its impact on adult mental health. In the adjusted analysis, increased odds ratios (ORs) were found in those with higher assets (OR 1.7, p = 0.023), those with life events (OR 2.4, p = 0.001 for those with 2–3 life events and OR 2.6, p < 0.001 for those with 4 or more life events), and those with common mental disorders (OR 2.3, p = 0.001).

Conclusion.

The study demonstrates the magnitude of ADHD symptoms as a public health issue, relevant for health worker training, and the importance of further research into its prevalence in adults and associated risk factors.
WILLIAM CAMDEN, PHILEMON HOLLAND AND THE 1610 TRANSLATION OFBRITANNIA
Authors: Harris Oliver D
Published: July 2015

This paper explores the background to the publication in 1610 of the first English-language edition of William Camden’sBritannia, translated from the Latin by Philemon Holland. The translation itself is shown to be free, but largely reliable. Camden is found to have played little part in the detailed work of translation, but to have contributed most of the volume’s new content. The translation’s place within the formation of an English and a British national identity is considered.
Comprehensive biometric, biochemical and histopathological assessment of nutrient deficiencies in gilthead sea bream fed semi-purified diets
Authors: Ballester-Lozano Gabriel F. , Benedito-Palos Laura , Estensoro Itziar , Sitjà-Bobadilla Ariadna , Kaushik Sadasivam , Pérez-Sánchez Jaume
Published: July 2015

Seven isoproteic and isolipidic semi-purified diets were formulated to assess specific nutrient deficiencies in sulphur amino acids (SAA),n-3 long-chain PUFA (n-3 LC-PUFA), phospholipids (PL), P, minerals (Min) and vitamins (Vit). The control diet (CTRL) contained these essential nutrients in adequate amounts. Each diet was allocated to triplicate groups of juvenile gilthead sea bream fed to satiety over an 11-week feeding trial period. Weight gain ofn-3 LC-PUFA, P–Vit and PL–Min–SAA groups was 50, 60–75 and 80–85 % of the CTRL group, respectively. Fat retention was decreased by all nutrient deficiencies except by the Min diet. Strong effects on N retention were found inn-3 LC-PUFA and P fish. Combined anaemia and increased blood respiratory burst were observed inn-3 LC-PUFA fish. Hypoproteinaemia was found in SAA,n-3 LC-PUFA, PL and Vit fish. Derangements of lipid metabolism were also a common disorder, but the lipodystrophic phenotype of P fish was different from that of other groups. Changes in plasma levels of electrolytes (Ca, phosphate), metabolites (creatinine, choline) and enzyme activities (alkaline phosphatase) were related to specific nutrient deficiencies in PL, P, Min or Vit fish, whereas changes in circulating levels of growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor I primarily reflected the intensity of the nutritional stressor. Histopathological scoring of the liver and intestine segments showed specific nutrient-mediated changes in lipid cell vacuolisation, inflammation of intestinal submucosa, as well as the distribution and number of intestinal goblet and rodlet cells. These results contribute to define the normal range of variation for selected biometric, biochemical, haematological and histochemical markers.
Nesting ecology and reproductive biology of the hawksbill turtle, Eretmochelys imbricata, at Kish Island, Persian Gulf
Authors: Askari Hesni M. , Tabib M. , Hadi Ramaki A.
Published: July 2015

The ecology and reproductive biology of the hawksbill turtle, Eretmochelys imbricata were studied in Kish Island, Persian Gulf. The studied parameters include: environmental factors such as air temperature and humidity, soil types in different habitats during the breeding season; parameters related to the females' body and hatchlings biometrics i.e. weight, curved carapace length (CCL), straight carapace length (SCL), curved carapace width (CCW) and straight carapace width (SCW); and parameters related to reproductive biology, i.e. breeding time during diurnal, total eggs laid, the numbers of normal and abnormal eggs, weight and diameter of the eggs, incubation period and hatching success (HS). The temperature, humidity and soil size in different nest sites were 18.5–31°C, 70 to 88% and 0.063 to 4 mm, respectively. Means of weight, CCL, SCL, CCW and SCW of the females were 39.8 kg, 71.6, 65.1, 65.2 and 51.8 cm, respectively. The average of total egg numbers, normal and abnormal eggs by each individual female were 92.9, 75.2 and 17.7 respectively. Diameter and weight of every egg measured 38.4 mm and 33.6 g. Average of incubation period and HS were 60.9 days and 75.8%. According to the positive and significant correlation between CCL and CCW with weight took exponential regression models.
Low-level antimicrobial resistance of Enterobacteriaceae isolated from the nares of pig-exposed persons
Authors: FISCHER J. , HILLE K. , MELLMANN A. , SCHAUMBURG F. , KREIENBROCK L. , KÖCK R.
Published: July 2015

Extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-E) have recently emerged in livestock and humans. Therefore, this study assessed the carriage of Enterobacteriaceae in the anterior nares and associated antimicrobial resistance in pig-exposed persons. Nasal swabs were enriched in non-selective broth and then plated on MacConkey and ESBL-selective agars. Species was confirmed by matrix-assisted laser-desorption ionization–time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-ToF MS). Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed according to European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST) guidelines. Of 114 pig-exposed persons tested, Enterobacteriaceae were detected in the nares of 76 (66·7%) participants. The predominant species were Proteus mirabilis (n = 17, 14·9%), Pantoea agglomerans (n = 13, 11·4%), Morganella morganii (n = 9, 7·9%), Citrobacter koseri (n = 9, 7·9%), Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli and Proteus vulgaris (each n = 8, 7·0%). ESBL-E were not detected. Of all isolates tested, 3·4% were resistant against ciprofloxacin, 2·3% against gentamicin, 23·9% against trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and 44·3% against tigecycline. Despite the high prevalence of ESBL-E in livestock, pig-exposed persons did not carry ESBL-E in their nares. This finding is important, because colonization of the nasal reservoir might cause endogenous infections or facilitate transmission of ESBL-E in the general population.
Aiming higher: the consequences of progressive ambition among MPs in European parliaments
Authors: Sieberer Ulrich , Müller Wolfgang C.
Published: July 2015

How ambitious are MPs in European parliaments and how does progressive ambition affect their strategies? We argue that progressively ambitious members of parliament try to generate individual visibility and seek the support of party leaders who decide on promotion while at the same time ensuring reelection by adjusting to electoral system incentives. Using novel data from a 15-country MP survey we show that progressive ambition is widespread in Europe and Israel. As hypothesized, progressively ambitious MPs are more likely to favor personal rather than party-centered electoral campaigns and to address the national or regional party leadership instead of their local party. Electoral system features and party ideology also have the theoretically expected effects.
A super-resolution polarimetric wavefront extraction algorithm for UWB-radar under massive interference conditions
Authors: Damyanov Dilyan , Salman Rahmi , Schultze Thorsten , Willms Ingolf
Published: July 2015

To provide short-range super-resolution ultra-wideband (UWB) radar under multi-scattering conditions, a superior wavefront extraction algorithm is proposed in this paper. Conventional correlation-based pulse separation methods based on SAGE, CLEAN or the previously introduced superior dynamic correlation method (DCM) are revised, validated, and compared. In this paper, the DCM is improved significantly by applying the Pauli scattering matrix decomposition onto the radar data. This novel wavefront extraction algorithm is called polarimetric dynamic correlation method (PDCM) and is suitable to resolve several overlapping pulses, which consist of both strong echoes and weak echoes which are masked by the strong ones. The performance of the PDCM and the comparison with alternative algorithms is carried out by a subsequent feature extraction algorithm for visual verification. Experimental validations are performed with two complex test objects, a maximum length sequence radar device (4.5–13.5 GHz) and compact dual-polarized UWB antennas.
Dissolved Organic Matter in the Ocean Carbon Cycle
Authors: Hansell D. , Carlson C.
Published: July 2015

Controversy leads to a better understanding of carbon cycling through a massive pool of organic matter dissolved in the Earth's oceans.
The temporary and accumulated effects of transcranial direct current stimulation for the treatment of advanced Parkinson’s disease monkeys
Authors: Li Hao , Lei Xiaoguang , Yan Ting , Li Hongwei , Huang Baihui , Li Ling , Xu Liqi , Liu Li , Chen Nanhui , Lü Longbao , Ma Yuanye , Xu Lin , Li Jiali , Wang Zhengbo , Zhang Baorong , Hu Xintian
Published: July 2015

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a useful noninvasive technique of cortical brain stimulation for the treatment of neurological disorders. Clinical research has demonstrated tDCS with anodal stimulation of primary motor cortex (M1) in Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients significantly improved their motor function. However, few studies have been focused on the optimization of parameters which contributed significantly to the treatment effects of tDCS and exploration of the underline neuronal mechanisms. Here, we used different stimulation parameters of anodal tDCS on M1 for the treatment of aged advanced PD monkeys induced with 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1, 2, 3, 6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) administration and then analyzed the temporary and accumulated effects of tDCS treatment. The results indicated anodal tDCS on M1 very significantly improved motor ability temporarily; importantly, the treatment effects of anodal tDCS on M1 were quantitatively correlated to the accumulated stimulation instead of the stimuli intensity or duration respectively. In addition, c-fos staining showed tDCS treatment effects activated the neurons both in M1 and substantia nigra (SN). Therefore, we propose that long time and continue anodal tDCS on M1 is a better strategy to improve the motor symptoms of PD than individual manipulation of stimuli intensity or duration.
Theme and variations: evolutionary diversification of the HET-s functional amyloid motif
Authors: Daskalov Asen , Dyrka Witold , Saupe Sven J.
Published: July 2015

In mammals and fungi, Nod-like receptors (NLR) activate downstream cell death execution proteins by a prion-like mechanism. In Podospora anserina, the NWD2 NLR activates the HET-S Helo-domain pore-forming protein by converting its prion-forming domain into a characteristic β-solenoid amyloid fold. The amyloid forming region of HET-S/s comprises two repetitions of a 21 amino acid motif. Herein, we systematically analyze the sequences of C-terminal regions of fungal HeLo and HeLo-like domain proteins to identify HET-s-related amyloid motifs (HRAM). We now identify four novel HRAM subfamilies in addition to the canonical HET-S/s subfamily. These novel motifs share the pseudo-repeat structure of HET-S/s and a specific pattern of distribution of hydrophobic and polar residues. Sequence co-variance analyses predict parallel in-register β-stacking of the two repeats and residue-residue interactions compatible with the β-solenoid fold. As described for HET-S, most genes encoding the HeLo proteins are adjacent to genes encoding NLRs also displaying HRAMs. The motifs of the NLRs are similar to those of their cognate HeLo-domain protein, indicating concerted evolution between repeats. This study shows that HET-s-related amyloid motifs are more common than anticipated and that they have diversified into discrete subfamilies that apparently share a common overall fold.
The Plasmodium berghei translocon of exported proteins reveals spatiotemporal dynamics of tubular extensions
Authors: Matz Joachim M. , Goosmann Christian , Brinkmann Volker , Grützke Josephine , Ingmundson Alyssa , Matuschewski Kai , Kooij Taco W. A.
Published: July 2015

The erythrocyte is an extraordinary host cell for intracellular pathogens and requires extensive remodelling to become permissive for infection. Malaria parasites modify their host red blood cells through protein export to acquire nutrients and evade immune responses. Endogenous fluorescent tagging of three signature proteins of the Plasmodium berghei translocon of exported proteins (PTEX), heat shock protein 101, exported protein 2 (EXP2) and PTEX88, revealed motile, tubular extensions of the parasitophorous vacuole that protrude from the parasite far into the red blood cell. EXP2 displays a more prominent presence at the periphery of the parasite, consistent with its proposed role in pore formation. The tubular compartment is most prominent during trophozoite growth. Distinct spatiotemporal expression of individual PTEX components during sporogony and liver-stage development indicates additional functions and tight regulation of the PTEX translocon during parasite life cycle progression. Together, live cell imaging and correlative light and electron microscopy permitted previously unrecognized spatiotemporal and subcellular resolution of PTEX-containing tubules in murine malaria parasites. These findings further refine current models for Plasmodium-induced erythrocyte makeover.
A Comparison of Intravenous plus Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy with Intravenous Chemotherapy Alone for the Treatment of Gastric Cancer: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Yang Sheng , Feng Rui , Pan Zhang-Chi , Jiang Tao , Xu Qian , Chen Qiang
Published: July 2015

We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of intravenous (IV) plus intraperitoneal (IP) chemotherapy compared to intravenous (IV) chemotherapy alone for patients with gastric cancer. Electronic databases were searched up to June 2013. Two authors independently selected studies, extracted data and assessed the quality of included studies. The GRADE System was adopted to rate the level of evidence. Of 392 citations, five RCTs involving 1072 patients were included. Overall, a significant improvement in in one- and three- and five-year survival rate was observed in the IV plus IP chemotherapy group (3 RCTs, n = 360, RR = 1.10, 95% CI 1.04 to1.17), (5 RCTs, n = 953, RR = 1.22, 95% CI 1.11 to1.35) and (3 RCTs, n = 347, RR = 1.42, 95% CI 1.12 to 1.80), respectively. Results supported a significant decrease in the rate of metastases (1 RCT, n = 85, RR = 0.41 95% CI 0.19 to 0.89) and peritoneal recurrence (2 RCTs, n = 297, RR = 0.41, 95% CI 0.26 to 0.62) in the IV plus IP chemotherapy group, however, the incidence of adverse events was increased. For patients with gastric cancer, IV plus IP chemotherapy can improve the overall survival rate and prevent the distant or peritoneal metastases. An increased risk of neutropenia, peripheral edema and neuropathy was observed.
Induction of p53-independent apoptosis by ectopic expression of HOXA5 in human liposarcomas
Authors: Lee Dhong Hyun , Forscher Charles , Vizio Dolores Di , Koeffler H. Phillip
Published: July 2015

Dedifferentiated liposarcoma (DDLPS) is a highly malignant subtype of human liposarcoma (LPS), whose genomic profile is characterized by chromosomal amplification at 12q13-q22. miR-26a-2 is one of the most frequently amplified genes in the region and inhibition of its downstream target genes likely contributes to LPS tumorigenesis. Our previous study of LPS predicted homeobox protein A5 (HOXA5) as a target of miR-26a-2 and here we explored further the function of HOXA5 and its relationship with miR-26a-2 in DDLPS cells. Compared to normal human adipocytes, all LPS cell lines showed significant downregulation of HOXA5 (p = 0.046) and inhibition of miR-26a-2 using anti-miR-26a-2 substantially upregulated HOXA5 expression in these LPS cells. Interestingly, overexpression of HOXA5 alone induced very strong apoptotic response of LPS cells. HOXA5-induced apoptosis was p53-independent and caspase-dependent. Surprisingly, overexpression of HOXA5 induced nuclear translocation of RELA (p65), which was not associated with the transcriptional activity of RELA. Rather, nucleolar sequestration of RELA was observed. Overall, our study demonstrated for the first time that the downregulation of HOXA5 in LPS cells, partly by overexpression of miR-26a-2 in DDLPS, confers LPS cells resistance to apoptotic death. Further studies are required to understand the relationship of HOXA5 and the NFκB pathway in LPS cells.
β2-adrenergic signal transduction plays a detrimental role in subchondral bone loss of temporomandibular joint in osteoarthritis
Authors: Jiao Kai , Niu Li-Na , Li Qi-hong , Ren Gao-tong , Zhao Chang-ming , Liu Yun-dong , Tay Franklin R. , Wang Mei-qing
Published: July 2015

The present study tested whether activation of the sympathetic tone by aberrant joint loading elicits abnormal subchondral bone remodeling in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) osteoarthritis. Abnormal dental occlusion was created in experimental rats, which were then intraperitoneally injected by saline, propranolol or isoproterenol. The norepinephrine contents, distribution of sympathetic nerve fibers, expression of β-adrenergic receptors (β-ARs) and remodeling parameters in the condylar subchondral bone were investigated. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from condylar subchondral bones were harvested for comparison of their β-ARs, pro-osteoclastic gene expressions and pro-osteoclastic function. Increases in norepinephrine level, sympathetic nerve fiber distribution and β2-AR expression were observed in the condylar subchondral bone of experimental rats, together with subchondral bone loss and increased osteoclast activity. β-antagonist (propranolol) suppressed subchondral bone loss and osteoclast hyperfunction while β-agonist (isoproterenol) exacerbated those responses. MSCs from experimental condylar subchondral bone expressed higher levels of β2-AR and RANKL; norepinephrine stimulation further increased their RANKL expression and pro-osteoclastic function. These effects were blocked by inhibition of β2-AR or the PKA pathway. RANKL expression by MSCs decreased after propranolol administration and increased after isoproterenol administration. It is concluded that β2-AR signal-mediated subchondral bone loss in TMJ osteoarthritisis associated with increased RANKL secretion by MSCs.
Timing of diffusion tensor imaging in the acute spinal cord injury of rats
Authors: Li Xiao-Hui , Li Jian-Bin , He Xi-Jing , Wang Fang , Huang Sheng-Li , Bai Zhi-Lan
Published: July 2015

The aim of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of magnetic resonance diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in acute spinal cord following a thoracic spinal cord injury (SCI) and to determine the optimal time of examination. Sprague-Dawley rats were used as experimental animals and contusion injuries were made at the T10 vertebral level. The rats were divided into control, mild injury, moderate injury and severe injury groups. Spinal magnetic resonance DTI was scheduled at 6, 24 and 72 hours (h) post-SCI and the DTI parameters such as fractional anisotropy (FA) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) were calculated and the diffusion tensor tractography (DTT) of the spinal cord was also generated. We observed a significant decrease of FA in all the three injured groups and the FA at 24 h post-SCI exhibited the greatest decrease among different set times. For ADC, only the group of severely injured rats saw a significant decrease at 24 and 72 h compared with the control group. DTT showed interruption of nerve fiber tracking in the injured groups. This study demonstrates that FA can differentiate various grades of SCI in the early stage and 24 h after injury might be the optimal time for identifying injury severity.
Towards a tunable graphene-based Landau level laser in the terahertz regime
Authors: Wendler Florian , Malic Ermin
Published: July 2015

Terahertz (THz) technology has attracted enormous interest with conceivable applications ranging from basic science to advanced technology. One of the main challenges remains the realization of a well controlled and easily tunable THz source. Here, we predict the occurrence of a long-lived population inversion in Landau-quantized graphene (i.e. graphene in an external magnetic field) suggesting the design of tunable THz Landau level lasers. The unconventional non-equidistant quantization in graphene offers optimal conditions to overcome the counteracting Coulomb- and phonon-assisted scattering channels. In addition to the tunability of the laser frequency, we show that also the polarization of the emitted light can be controlled. Based on our microscopic insights into the underlying many-particle mechanisms, we propose two different experimentally realizable schemes to design tunable graphene-based THz Landau level lasers.
Bone morphogenetic protein 2 promotes primordial follicle formation in the ovary
Authors: Chakraborty Prabuddha , Roy Shyamal K.
Published: July 2015

Primordial follicles (PF) are formed when somatic cells differentiate into flattened pregranulosa cells, invaginate into the oocyte nests and encircle individual oocytes. We hypothesize that BMP2 regulates PF formation by promoting the transition of germ cells into oocytes and somatic cells into pregranulosa cells. E15 hamster ovaries were cultured for 8 days corresponding to postnatal day 8 (P8) in vivo, with or without BMP2 and the formation of PF was examined. BMP2 was expressed in the oocytes as well as ovarian somatic cells during development. BMP2 exposure for the first two days or the last two days or the entire 8 days of culture led to increase in PF formation suggesting that BMP2 affected both germ cell transition and somatic cell differentiation. Whereas an ALK2/3 inhibitor completely blocked BMP2-induced PF formation, an ALK2-specific inhibitor was partially effective, suggesting that BMP2 affected PF formation via both ALK2 and ALK3. BMP2 also reduced apoptosis in vitro. Further, more meiotic oocytes were present in BMP2 exposed ovaries. In summary, the results provide the first evidence that BMP2 regulates primordial follicle formation by promoting germ cell to oocyte transition and somatic cell to pre-granulosa cells formation and it acts via both ALK2 and ALK3.
RCF1-dependent respiratory supercomplexes are integral for lifespan-maintenance in a fungal ageing model
Authors: Fischer Fabian , Filippis Christodoulos , Osiewacz Heinz D.
Published: July 2015

Mitochondrial respiratory supercomplexes (mtRSCs) are stoichiometric assemblies of electron transport chain (ETC) complexes in the inner mitochondrial membrane. They are hypothesized to regulate electron flow, the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and to stabilize ETC complexes. Using the fungal ageing model Podospora anserina, we investigated the impact of homologues of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae respiratory supercomplex factors 1 and 2 (termed PaRCF1 and PaRCF2) on mtRSC formation, fitness and lifespan. Whereas PaRCF2’s role seems negligible, ablation of PaRCF1 alters size of monomeric complex IV, reduces the abundance of complex IV-containing supercomplexes, negatively affects vital functions and shortens lifespan. PaRcf1 overexpression slightly prolongs lifespan, though without appreciably influencing ETC organization. Overall, our results identify PaRCF1 as necessary yet not sufficient for mtRSC formation and demonstrate that PaRCF1-dependent stability of complex IV and associated supercomplexes is highly relevant for maintenance of the healthy lifespan in a eukaryotic model organism.
Safety Evaluation of Hemoglobin-Albumin Cluster “HemoAct” as a Red Blood Cell Substitute
Authors: Haruki Risa , Kimura Takuya , Iwasaki Hitomi , Yamada Kana , Kamiyama Ikuo , Kohno Mitsutomo , Taguchi Kazuaki , Nagao Saori , Maruyama Toru , Otagiri Masaki , Komatsu Teruyuki
Published: July 2015

A hemoglobin (Hb) wrapped covalently by human serum albumins (HSAs), a core–shell structured hemoglobin-albumin cluster designated as “HemoAct”, is an O2-carrier designed for use as a red blood cell (RBC) substitute. This report describes the blood compatibility, hemodynamic response and pharmacokinetic properties of HemoAct and then explains its preclinical safety. Viscosity and blood cell counting measurements revealed that HemoAct has good compatibility with whole blood. Intravenous administration of HemoAct into anesthetized rats elicited no unfavorable increase in systemic blood pressure by vasoconstriction. The half-life of 125I-labeled HemoAct in circulating blood is markedly longer than that of HSA. Serum biochemical tests conducted 7 days after HemoAct infusion yielded equivalent values to those observed in the control group with HSA. Histopathologic inspections of the vital organs revealed no marked abnormality in their tissues. All results indicate that HemoAct has sufficient preclinical safety as an alternative material for RBC transfusion.
Analysis of the lipid profiles in a section of bovine brain via non-catalytic rapid methylation
Authors: Jung Jong-Min , Kim Ki-Hyun , Kwon Eilhann E. , Kim Hyung-Wook
Published: July 2015

The main focus of this study is to mechanistically introduce a new qualitative and quantitative technique for mapping the lipid profile of a sectional brainvianon-catalytic transesterification reaction (i.e., pseudo catalytic reaction in the presence of porous materials).
Triply cyclometalated trinuclear iridium(iii) and trinuclear palladium(ii) complexes with a tri-mesoionic carbene ligand
Authors: Maity Ramananda , Mekic Amel , van der Meer Margarethe , Verma Amit , Sarkar Biprajit
Published: July 2015

A tri-cyclometalated IrIIIMIC complex and a tri-PdIIMIC complex are presented. These complexes show potential cooperative catalytic behavior.
Multifunctional MWCNTs–NaGdF4:Yb3+,Er3+,Eu3+ hybrid nanocomposites with potential dual-mode luminescence, magnetism and photothermal properties
Authors: Liu Wenjia , Liu Guixia , Dong Xiangting , Wang Jinxian , Yu Wensheng
Published: July 2015

Novel multifunctional MWCNTs–NaGdF4:Yb3+,Er3+,Eu3+ hybrid nanocomposites can simultaneously take advantage of up- and down-conversion luminescence, magnetism and photothermal properties.
A comprehensive classification of solvent systems used for natural product purifications in countercurrent and centrifugal partition chromatography
Authors: Skalicka-Woźniak Krystyna , Garrard Ian
Published: July 2015

This review is a comprehensive classification of solvent systems used for natural product purifications in countercurrent and centrifugal partition chromatography.
Effects of length dispersity and film fabrication on the sheet resistance of copper nanowire transparent conductors
Authors: Borchert James W. , Stewart Ian E. , Ye Shengrong , Rathmell Aaron R. , Wiley Benjamin J. , Winey Karen I.
Published: July 2015

A combination of Rutherford Backscattering Spectrometry and Monte Carlo simulations were used to characterize the effect of post-treatment methods, area coverage and length distribution on the performance of copper nanowire-based transparent conductors.
Facile synthesis of well-defined hydrophilic polyesters as degradable poly(ethylene glycol)-like biomaterials
Authors: Li Xiwen , Li Hua , Zhao Yongye , Tang Xiaoying , Ma Sufang , Gong Bing , Li Minfeng
Published: July 2015

Highly stable and polymerizable δ-valerolactones bearing oligo(ethylene glycol) methyl ether functionalities are facilely prepared by alkylphosphine catalyzed thiol–ene addition with an exocyclic α,β-unsaturated δ-valerolactone.
The integration of an “X” type dendron into polymers to further improve the comprehensive NLO performance
Authors: Tang Runli , Chen Hong , Zhou Shengmin , Liu Binwen , Gao Dong , Zeng Huiyi , Li Zhen
Published: July 2015

Three polymers were designed and synthesized, by utilizing an “X” type dendrimer containing five nitro-based azo chromophore moieties, which exhibit good processability and good nonlinear optical performance, especially for NLO thermostability.
Organoselenium-catalyzed synthesis of indoles through intramolecular C–H amination
Authors: Zhang Xuelin , Guo Ruizhi , Zhao Xiaodan
Published: July 2015

An efficient approach for organoselenium-catalyzed synthesis of indoles via intramolecular C–H amination has been developed.
Shape transformation of self-assembled Au nanoparticles by the systematic control of deposition amount on sapphire (0001)
Authors: Pandey Puran , Sui Mao , Li Ming-Yu , Zhang Quanzhen , Kim Eun-Soo , Lee Jihoon
Published: July 2015

The shape and size dependent optical, physical and chemical properties of isotropic and anisotropic gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) have attracted significant research interest for their application in various optoelectronic devices.
Enhanced room temperature sulfur dioxide sensing behaviour of in situ polymerized polyaniline–tungsten oxide nanocomposite possessing honeycomb morphology
Authors: Chaudhary Vishal , Kaur Amarjeet
Published: July 2015

A polyaniline–tungsten oxide hybrid nanocomposite with honeycomb type morphology was synthesized by in situ one pot chemical oxidative method and used for sulfur dioxide (SO2) monitoring application for the first time.
Properties of multi-phase foam and its flow behavior in porous media
Authors: Sun Qian , Li Zhaomin , Wang Jiqian , Li Songyan , Jiang Lei , Zhang Chao
Published: July 2015

Aqueous foams were produced with partially hydrophobic SiO2 nanoparticles and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) dispersions.
Efficient catalyst for tandem solvent free enantioselective Knoevenagel-formal [3+3] cycloaddition and Knoevenagel-hetero-Diels–Alder reactions
Authors: Fernandes Sylvia , Rajakannu P. , Bhat Sujata V.
Published: July 2015

Tandem Knoevenagel-cycloaddition reactions forming bicyclic tetrahydro-2H-chromen-5(6H)-ones and tricyclic octahydro-2H-benzo[c]-chromen-1(6H)-ones are achieved with up to 98.8% ee in the presence of chiral LBA and titanium-isopropoxy-(S)-BINOLate.
One-pot synthesis of gadolinium(iii) doped carbon dots for fluorescence/magnetic resonance bimodal imaging
Authors: Liao Han , Wang Ziyi , Chen Song , Wu Hao , Ma Xiaojun , Tan Mingqian
Published: July 2015

One-pot synthesis of gadolinium(iii) doped carbon dots using a facile hydrothermal approach was conducted for fluorescence/magnetic resonance bimodal imaging.
Fast co-pyrolysis of cellulose and polypropylene using Py-GC/MS and Py-FT-IR
Authors: Ojha Deepak Kumar , Vinu R.
Published: July 2015

This work features the production of C8–C20 long chain alcohols and hydrocarbons via fast co-pyrolysis of cellulose and polypropylene. Decrease in pyrolysis time and increase in H/O ratio and HHV of bio-oil are demonstrated.
Electroreduction-based Tb extraction from Tb4O7 on different substrates: understanding Al–Tb alloy formation mechanism in LiCl–KCl melt
Authors: Luo Li-Xia , Liu Ya-Lan , Liu Ning , Liu Kui , Yuan Li-Yong , Chai Zhi-Fang , Shi Wei-Qun
Published: July 2015

This work presents the electroreduction of Tb(iii) ions, and formation mechanisms of Al–Tb alloys in molten chlorides by applying different types of cathodes: Mo, Al and Al-coated Mo.
A novel apatite-based warm white emitting phosphor Ba3GdK(PO4)3F:Tb3+, Eu3+ with efficient energy transfer for w-LEDs
Authors: Zeng Chao , Hu Yingmo , Xia Zhiguo , Huang Hongwei
Published: July 2015

In Ba3GdK(PO4)3F:Tb3+, Eu3+ phosphors, energy transfer occurs between Tb3+ and Eu3+. The color hue can be modulated from blue-greenish to orange, and a warm-white-light is realized.
Synthesis of novel biobased polyimides derived from isomannide with good optical transparency, solubility and thermal stability
Authors: Yang Gaili , Zhang Rui , Huang Huahua , Liu Lixin , Wang Lei , Chen Yongming
Published: July 2015

Novel biobased polyimides with good optical transparency and combined properties were synthesized from biomass isomannide-derived diamines and/or dianhydrides, thus providing a new approach to develop sustainable materials of high performance.
Sulfur loaded in curved graphene and coated with conductive polyaniline: preparation and performance as a cathode for lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Li Xiaogang , Rao Mumin , Lin Haibin , Chen Dongrui , Liu Yanlin , Liu Shizhu , Liao Youhao , Xing Lidan , Xu Mengqing , Li Weishan
Published: July 2015

CG-S@PANI exhibits good cyclic stability and rate capability due to the co-contribution of CG and PANI.
Synchronous synthesis of a Si/Cu/C ternary nano-composite as an anode for Li ion batteries
Authors: Lin Ning , Zhou Jie , Zhou Jianbin , Han Ying , Zhu Yongchun , Qian Yitai
Published: July 2015

Commercial micron-sized bulk Si is chemically converted into a nano-sized Si/Cu/C ternary composite as an anode material. The Si particles, Cu crystals, and amorphous carbon are generated synchronously and mixed uniformly.
Electrochemical reduction of Ag2VP2O8composite electrodes visualized via in situ energy dispersive X-ray diffraction (EDXRD): unexpected conductive additive effects
Authors: Kirshenbaum Kevin C. , Bock David C. , Zhong Zhong , Marschilok Amy C. , Takeuchi Kenneth J. , Takeuchi Esther S.
Published: July 2015

EDXRD of Li/C-Ag2VP2O8revealed that higher-rate initial discharge (B) generated a more effective conductive matrixvia in situreduction-displacement-deposition of Ag0.
Preparation of optimized lipid-coated calcium phosphate nanoparticles for enhanced in vitro gene delivery to breast cancer cells
Authors: Tang Jie , Li Li , Howard Christopher B. , Mahler Stephen M. , Huang Leaf , Xu Zhi Ping
Published: July 2015

The optimized lipid coated calcium phosphate nanoparticles more efficiently deliver functional siRNA and inhibit the cancer cell growth, in comparison with the commercial transfection agent OligofactamineTM.
Phthalimide-based π-conjugated small molecules with tailored electronic energy levels for use as acceptors in organic solar cells
Authors: Hendsbee Arthur D. , McAfee Seth M. , Sun Jon-Paul , McCormick Theresa M. , Hill Ian G. , Welch Gregory C.
Published: July 2015

The design, synthesis, and characterization of seven phthalimide-based organic π-conjugated small molecules are reported.
Role of tryptophan residues of Erv1: Trp95 and Trp183 are important for its folding and oxidase function
Authors: Wang Qi , Ang Swee Kim , Ceh-Pavia Efrain , Pang Jiayun , Lu Hui
Published: July 2015

Erv1 is an FAD-dependent thiol oxidase of the ERV (essential for respiration and viability)/ALR (augmenter of liver regeneration) sub-family and an essential component of the mitochondrial import and assembly pathway. Erv1 contains six tryptophan residues, which are all located in the highly conserved C-terminal FAD-binding domain. Though important structural roles were predicted for the invariable Trp95, no experimental study has been reported. In the present study, we investigated the structural and functional roles of individual tryptophan residues of Erv1. Six single tryptophan-to-phenylalanine yeast mutant strains were generated and their effects on cell viability were tested at various temperatures. Then, the mutants were purified from Escherichia coli. Their effects on folding, FAD-binding and Erv1 activity were characterized. Our results showed that Erv1W95F has the strongest effect on the stability and function of Erv1 and followed by Erv1W183F. Erv1W95F results in a decrease in the Tm of Erv1 by 23°C, a significant loss of the oxidase activity and thus causing cell growth defects at both 30°C and 37°C. Erv1W183F induces changes in the oligomerization state of Erv1, along with a pronounced effect on the stability of Erv1 and its function at 37°C, whereas the other mutants had no clear effect on the function of Erv1 including the highly conserved Trp157 mutant. Finally, computational analysis indicates that Trp95 plays a key role in stabilizing the isoalloxazine ring to interact with Cys133. Taken together, the present study provided important insights into the molecular mechanism of how thiol oxidases use FAD in catalysing disulfide bond formation.
Selectivity in subunit composition of Ena/VASP tetramers
Authors: Riquelme Daisy N. , Meyer Aaron S. , Barzik Melanie , Keating Amy , Gertler Frank B.
Published: July 2015

The members of the actin regulatory family of Ena/VASP proteins form stable tetramers. The vertebrate members of the Ena/VASP family, VASP, Mena and EVL, have many overlapping properties and expression patterns, but functional and regulatory differences between paralogues have been observed. The formation of mixed oligomers may serve a regulatory role to refine Ena/VASP activity. While it has been assumed that family members can form mixed oligomers, this possibility has not been investigated systematically. Using cells expressing controlled combinations of VASP, Mena and EVL, we evaluated the composition of Ena/VASP oligomers and found that VASP forms oligomers without apparent bias with itself, Mena or EVL. However, Mena and EVL showed only weak hetero-oligomerization, suggesting specificity in the association of Ena/VASP family members. Co-expression of VASP increased the ability of Mena and EVL to form mixed oligomers. Additionally, we found that the tetramerization domain (TD) at the C-termini of Ena/VASP proteins conferred the observed selectivity. Finally, we demonstrate that replacement of the TD with a synthetic tetramerizing coiled coil sequence supports homo-oligomerization and normal VASP subcellular localization.
High fT and fMAX for 100 nm unpassivated rectangular gate AlGaN/GaN HEMT on high resistive silicon (111) substrate
Authors: Christy P.D. , Katayama Y. , Wakejima A. , Egawa T.
Published: July 2015

A high current gain cutoff frequency (fT) of 90 GHz and a peak maximum oscillation frequency (fMAX) as high as 150 GHz are reported for a rectangular‐shaped gate AlGaN/GaN high‐electron mobility transistor (HEMT) on a high resistive silicon (HR‐Si) substrate. The combined high fT/fMAX values for 100 nm unpassivated gate device demonstrate the high‐quality heterostructure on silicon substrate. The reported high‐performance RF device characteristics are comparable and even superior to the existing passivated AlGaN/GaN HEMTs of similar gate length. In addition, good DC characteristics have been recorded with the drain current density and an extrinsic transconductance of 0.6 A/mm and 157 mS/mm, respectively.
Frequency diverse array OFDM transmitter for secure wireless communication
Authors: Ding Y. , Zhang J. , Fusco V.
Published: July 2015

In this reported work, the frequency diverse array concept is employed to construct an orthogonal frequency‐division multiplexing (OFDM) transmitter that has the capability of securing wireless communication in free space directly in the physical‐layer without the need for mathematical encryption. The characteristics of the proposed scheme in terms of its secrecy performance are validated via bit error rate simulation under both high and low signal to noise ratio scenarios using the IEEE 802.11 OFDM physical‐layer specification.
Fuzzy match index for scale‐invariant feature transform (SIFT) features with application to face recognition with weak supervision
Authors: Susan Seba , Jain Abhishek , Sharma Aakash , Verma Shikhar , Jain Siddhant
Published: July 2015

A fuzzy match index for scale‐invariant feature transform (SIFT) features is proposed in this study that cumulatively involves all the test SIFT keypoints in the decision‐making process. The new fuzzy SIFT classifier is adapted successfully for robust face recognition from complex backgrounds without using any face cropping tools and using only a single training template. The further incorporation of entropy weights ensures that the facial features have a greater role in the soft decision‐making as compared with the background features. The highlights of the authors’ work are: (i) The development of a novel highly efficient fuzzy SIFT descriptor matching tool; (ii) incorporation of feature entropy weights to highlight the contribution of facial features; (iii) application to robust face recognition from uncropped images having diverse backgrounds with a single template for each subject. The authors thus allow for weak supervision of the face recognition experiment and obtain high accuracy for 20 subjects of the CALTECH‐256 face database, 133 subjects of the labelled faces for the wild dataset and 994 subjects of the FERET database, with state‐of‐the‐art comparisons indicating the supremacy of the authors’ approach.
Predictive Crack Growth Technique for Laser Peening Process Development
Authors: Spradlin Thomas J. , Hodges Joshua L.
Published: July 2015

Laser peening (LP) has shown excellent fatigue life extension in numerous tests with typical treatments garnering 2‐4 times the fatigue performance of an untreated component. Initially, large test programs were implemented to determine the best LP parameters for a given scenario, eventually being augmented by physics‐based modeling due to the large design space available to the LP process. Approval for these processes continues to be on a case‐by‐case basis, contingent on multiple factors: cost, applicability, time, % fatigue life extension, and ability to track crack growth. Because LP induces compressive residual stresses in the near surface region, the compensatory tensile residual stresses are shifted sub‐surface. While an axial tensile load would be mitigated by surface compressive stresses, sub‐surface a crack can propagate rapidly via tensile stresses. Current predictive methods lack the ability to track this sub‐surface behavior, limiting the accuracy of fatigue crack growth predictions throughout the various design stages of an LP treatment. This work demonstrates a framework that incorporates user‐defined geometry, material data, crack growth data, mechanical loading, and residual stresses to predict the crack front shape evolution in 3D solids. A baseline case with no residual stresses is simulated and compared with a closed form solution.