bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Generational reproductive outcomes in Wistar rats maternally exposed to Ricinus communis oil at different stages of gestation
Authors: Salami S. A. , Raji Y.
Published: June 2015

Fetal programming hypothesis presupposes that stimulus or insult acting during critical periods of uterine growth and development may permanently alter tissue structure and function. Ricinus communis oil (RCO) has been reported to possess/used as laxative, labor-inducing and estrogenic properties. Generational reproductive effects of maternal exposure to RCO was investigated in rats. A total of 25 pregnant rats randomly assigned to five equal groups were treated with distilled water (control, group 1), RCO (950 mg/kg p.o.) during gestation days (GD) 1–7, 7–14, 14–21 and 1–21, respectively. Birth weight, morphometric data, anogenital distance (AGD), pubertal age, sperm parameters, hormonal profile, organ weight and histopathology were determined in the first (F1) and second (F2) filial generations. Results showed a significant decrease (P<0.05) in birth weight/morphometric data in male pups from the GD 1–7 and 7–14 groups. AGD decreased significantly in RCO-treated F1 males. Pubertal age of F1 females decreased significantly (P<0.05) compared with controls. At postnatal day 90, F1 males from the RCO-treated group showed significant decrease in testis weight, body weight, sperm count, motility and normal morphology. Testosterone levels were significantly decreased in RCO-treated F1 males, which also showed testicular interstitial edema and epididymal hypospermia. Only pubertal indexes were altered in F2 rats. Maternal exposure to RCO at early gestation periods impaired androgen-mediated reproductive end points in the first generation of rats. RCO exhibits endocrine disrupting capabilities.
Sociodemographic Effects on the Test-Retest Reliability of the Big	Five Inventory
Authors: Gnambs Timo
Published: June 2015

Abstract. Psychometric properties of self-report scales can be affected by sociodemographic differences among respondents. For example, factor structures of established personality scales tend to be distorted in samples with less formal education. Whether test-retest reliabilities are comparably affected is of yet not well known. Therefore, this study examined the measurement precision of a short Big Five instrument in a diverse sample of the German population. A sample of 1,696 (50% women) participants reported on their personality twice within an interval of 10 weeks. The median test-retest reliability for the five traits, rtt = .66, was notably smaller than previously reported coefficients from college students, median rtt = .78. Moderator analyses identified modest effects of age and educational attainment on these reliability estimates, whereas sex showed no differential impact. These results highlight that test-retest reliabilities derived from student samples should not be generalized to sociodemographically diverse groups of respondents.
PML is required for telomere stability in non-neoplastic human cells
Authors: Marchesini M , Matocci R , Tasselli L , Cambiaghi V , Orleth A , Furia L , Marinelli C , Lombardi S , Sammarelli G , Aversa F , Minucci S , Faretta M , Pelicci P G , Grignani F
Published: June 2015

Telomeres interact with numerous proteins, including components of the shelterin complex, whose alteration, similarly to proliferation-induced telomere shortening, initiates cellular senescence. In tumors, telomere length is maintained by Telomerase activity or by the Alternative Lengthening of Telomeres mechanism, whose hallmark is the telomeric localization of the promyelocytic leukemia (PML) protein. Whether PML contributes to telomeres maintenance in normal cells is unknown. We show that in normal human fibroblasts the PML protein associates with few telomeres, preferentially when they are damaged. Proliferation-induced telomere attrition or their damage due to alteration of the shelterin complex enhances the telomeric localization of PML, which is increased in human T-lymphocytes derived from patients genetically deficient in telomerase. In normal fibroblasts, PML depletion induces telomere damage, nuclear and chromosomal abnormalities, and senescence. Expression of the leukemia protein PML/RARα in hematopoietic progenitors displaces PML from telomeres and induces telomere shortening in the bone marrow of pre-leukemic mice. Our work provides a novel view of the physiologic function of PML, which participates in telomeres surveillance in normal cells. Our data further imply that a diminished PML function may contribute to cell senescence, genomic instability, and tumorigenesis.
Microbial population dynamics in response to Pectobacterium atrosepticum infection in potato tubers
Authors: Kõiv Viia , Roosaare Märt , Vedler Eve , Ann Kivistik Paula , Toppi Kristel , Schryer David W. , Remm Maido , Tenson Tanel , Mäe Andres
Published: June 2015

Endophytes are microbes and fungi that live inside plant tissues without damaging the host. Herein we examine the dynamic changes in the endophytic bacterial community in potato (Solanum tuberosum) tuber in response to pathogenic infection by Pectobacterium atrosepticum, which causes soft rot in numerous economically important crops. We quantified community changes using both cultivation and next-generation sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene and found that, despite observing significant variability in both the mass of macerated tissue and structure of the endophytic community between individual potato tubers, P. atrosepticum is always taken over by the endophytes during maceration. 16S rDNA sequencing revealed bacteria from the phyla Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Fusobacteria, Verrucomicrobia, Acidobacteria, TM7 and Deinococcus-Thermus. Prior to infection, Propionibacterium acnes is frequently among the dominant taxa, yet is out competed by relatively few dominant taxa as the infection proceeds. Two days post-infection, the most abundant sequences in macerated potato tissue are Gammaproteobacteria. The most dominant genera are Enterobacter and Pseudomonas. Eight days post-infection, the number of anaerobic pectolytic Clostridia increases, probably due to oxygen depletion. These results demonstrate that the pathogenesis is strictly initiated by the pathogen (sensu stricto) and proceeds with a major contribution from the endophytic community.
Prognostic role of copeptin after stroke: A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies
Authors: Choi Kyu-Sun , Kim Hyun Jung , Chun Hyoung-Joon , Kim Jae Min , Yi Hyeong-Joong , Cheong Jin-Hwan , Kim Choong-Hyun , Oh Suck-Jun , Ko Yong , Kim Young-Soo , Bak Koang-Hum , Ryu Je-Il , Kim Wonhee , Lim Taeho , Ahn Hyeong sik , Ahn Il Min , Lee Seon-Heui
Published: June 2015

Copeptin, the C-terminal part of provasopressin, has emerged as a novel prognostic marker after hemorrhagic or ischemic stroke. The aim of this study was to quantitatively assess the prognostic significance of plasma copeptin level on functional outcome and mortality in patients with acute stroke using a meta-analysis of the available evidence. Thirteen relevant studies from 2,746 patients were finally included in our study. An elevated plasma copeptin level was associated with an increased risk of unfavorable outcome and mortality after stroke (OR 1.77; 95% CI, 1.44–2.19 and OR 3.90; 95% CI 3.07–4.95, respectively). The result of the pooled measure on standardized mean difference (SMD) was that plasma copeptin levels were found to be significantly higher in patients who died compared to survivors (SMD 1.70; 95% CI, 1.36–2.03). A stratified analysis by study region showed significant differences in SMD of copeptin and the heterogeneity among studies was significantly decreased. However, the positive association of copeptin with poor prognosis after stroke was consistent in each stratified analysis. The present meta-analysis suggests that early measurement of plasma copeptin could provide better prognostic information about functional outcome and mortality in patients with acute stroke.
Dimensional crossover in the quantum transport behaviour of the natural topological insulator Aleksite
Authors: Gehring Pascal , Vaklinova Kristina , Hoyer Alexander , Benia Hadj M. , Skakalova Viera , Argentero Giacomo , Eder Franz , Meyer Jannik C. , Burghard Marko , Kern Klaus
Published: June 2015

Three-dimensional topological insulators comprise topologically protected surface states displaying massless, Dirac-like linear dispersion with spin-momentum locking. Electrical conduction through such surface states has been documented to manifest itself in a two-dimensional character of the angle-dependent magnetotransport behavior. Here, we explore the size-dependent electronic properties of nanostructures made of the lead-containing mineral Aleksite, a naturally occurring topological insulator. Compared to its sister compound Kawazulite, a member of the well-studied Tetradymite crystal class, the crystal structure of Aleksite is distinguished by its lack of any counterpart within the group of synthetic topological insulators. Low temperature Hall measurements on thin Aleksite nanosheets reveal a significant carrier mobility on the order of 1000 cm2/(Vs) and a high carrier density of n = 3.9 × 1025 m−3. Importantly, for Aleksite nanoribbons with a width below 150 nm, a 1D weak antilocalization effect along with 1D universal conductance fluctuations emerges, which transforms into 2D behavior for larger ribbon widths
Homology modeling of DFG-in FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) and structure-based virtual screening for inhibitor identification
Authors: Ke Yi-Yu , Singh Vivek Kumar , Coumar Mohane Selvaraj , Hsu Yung Chang , Wang Wen-Chieh , Song Jen-Shin , Chen Chun-Hwa , Lin Wen-Hsing , Wu Szu-Huei , Hsu John T. A. , Shih Chuan , Hsieh Hsing-Pang
Published: June 2015

The inhibition of FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) activity using small-molecule inhibitors has emerged as a target-based alternative to traditional chemotherapy for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). In this study, we report the use of structure-based virtual screening (SBVS), a computer-aided drug design technique for the identification of new chemotypes for FLT3 inhibition. For this purpose, homology modeling (HM) of the DFG-in FLT3 structure was carried using two template structures, including PDB ID: 1RJB (DFG-out FLT3 kinase domain) and PDB ID: 3LCD (DFG-in CSF-1 kinase domain). The modeled structure was able to correctly identify known DFG-in (SU11248, CEP-701 and PKC-412) and DFG-out (sorafenib, ABT-869 and AC220) FLT3 inhibitors, in docking studies. The modeled structure was then used to carry out SBVS of an HTS library of 125,000 compounds. The top scoring 97 compounds were tested for FLT3 kinase inhibition and two hits (BPR056, IC50 = 2.3 and BPR080, IC50 = 10.7 μM) were identified. Molecular dynamics simulation and density functional theory calculation suggest that BPR056 (MW: 325.32; cLogP: 2.48) interacted with FLT3 in a stable manner and could be chemically optimized to realize a drug-like lead in the future.
Highly sensitive chemiluminescent detection of lead ion based on its displacement of potassium in G-Quadruplex DNAzyme
Authors: Wang Hong , Wang Dong Mei , Huang Cheng Zhi
Published: June 2015

A simple and highly sensitive chemiluminescence (CL) detection method for Pb2+ in biosamples, such as human hairs, based on its displacement of potassium in G-Quadruplex DNAzyme, was successfully developed.
A simple electrochemical platform based on pectin stabilized gold nanoparticles for picomolar detection of biologically toxic amitrole
Authors: Mani Veerappan , Devasenathipathy Rajkumar , Chen Shen-Ming , Vasantha V. S. , Ajmal Ali M. , Huang Sheng-Tung , Al-Hemaid Fahad M. A.
Published: June 2015

Amitrole adsorption on calcium cross-linked pectin stabilized gold nanoparticles for ultrasensitive detection of amitrole.
Whole-cell based aptamer selection for selective capture of microorganisms using microfluidic devices
Authors: Zhang Congxiao , Lv Xuefei , Han Xu , Man Yan , Saeed Yasmeen , Qing Hong , Deng Yulin
Published: June 2015

Selective capture of microorganisms is an effective and rapid technique for microbe detection.
Microwave-assisted solution–liquid–solid growth of Ge1−xSnxnanowires with high tin content
Authors: Barth Sven , Seifner Michael S. , Bernardi Johannes
Published: June 2015

The first bottom-up synthesis of Ge1−xSnxnanowires with a high tin content of 12.4 ± 0.7 at% was developed.
On-surface photo-dissociation of C–Br bonds: towards room temperature Ullmann coupling
Authors: Basagni Andrea , Ferrighi Lara , Cattelan Mattia , Nicolas Louis , Handrup Karsten , Vaghi Luca , Papagni Antonio , Sedona Francesco , Valentin Cristiana Di , Agnoli Stefano , Sambi Mauro
Published: June 2015

The surface-assisted synthesis of gold-organometallic hybrids on the Au(111) surface both by thermo- and light-initiated dehalogenation of bromo-substituted tetracene is reported.
Boronyl as a terminal ligand in boron oxide clusters: hexagonal ring C2vB6O4and ethylene-like D2hB6O4−/2−
Authors: Wang Wei , Chen Qiang , Wang Ying-Jin , Bai Hui , Gao Ting-Ting , Li Hai-Ru , Zhai Hua-Jin , Li Si-Dian
Published: June 2015

Planar boron boronyl B6O40/−/2−clusters are predicted. B6O4is an inorganic analogue of benzene, whereas B6O4−/2−are ethylene-like with open structures.
The effect of electron correlation on the adsorption of hydrogen fluoride and water on magnesium fluoride surfaces
Authors: Kanaki Elisavet , Sansone Giuseppe , Maschio Lorenzo , Paulus Beate
Published: June 2015

Periodic DFT and local MP2 calculations elucidate the role of electron correlation in the adsorption of H2O and HF on MgF2surfaces.
Oximated ruthenium tris-bipyridyl complex: synthesis and luminescent response specifically for ClO− in water containing multiple ions
Authors: Li Minna , Wang Yuji , Yang Yutong , Gao Yeqing , Zhao Ming , Zheng Meiqing , Peng Shiqi
Published: June 2015

A novel Ru(bpy)32+ complex capable of a selective response to ClO− in pH 4–11 water in the presence of other anions and cations is reported.
A sequential one-pot approach to 1,2,4,5-tetrasubstituted-2H-imidazole synthesis from disubstituted alkynes
Authors: Boominathan Siva Senthil Kumar , Chen Chung-Yu , Huang Po-Jui , Hou Ruei-Jhih , Wang Jeh-Jeng
Published: June 2015

A sequential one-pot method was developed to prepare 2H-imidazole scaffolds from internal alkynes and various ketones with good substrate scope and high yields.
Synthesis, structure, and magnetic properties of dicopper and tricobalt complexes based on N-(2-pyridylmethyl)iminodiethanol
Authors: Shin Jong Won , Jeong Ah Rim , Hayami Shinya , Moon Dohyun , Min Kil Sik
Published: June 2015

A novel unsymmetrical dinuclear copper complex [Cu(H2pmide)(NO3)Cu(Hpmide)](NO3)2 (1) and a mixed-valence trinuclear cobalt compound [(pmide)2Co3(CH3CO2)2(NCS)2]·4CH3OH (2) have been prepared and characterized using structure and molecular magnetism.
Modified hierarchical TiO2 NTs for enhanced gas phase photocatalytic activity
Authors: Gu Di , Wu Hongjun , Zhu Yanji , Wang Baohui
Published: June 2015

Variation of the peak height of 2360 cm−1 corresponding to the normal vibration of CO2 molecules derived from the FTIR transmittance spectra with the irradiation time. Comparation performance of constant k on TiO2 NTs and NMNs/TiO2 NTs respectively.
Extending the limits of emulsifier-free emulsion polymerization to achieve small uniform particles
Authors: Sajjadi Shahriar
Published: June 2015

Conventional emulsifier-free emulsion polymerization of partially water-soluble monomers often produces large and polydisperse particles. In contrast, monomer-starved semicontinuous polymerization can produce finer monodisperse particles.
Biosynthesis and characterization of novel poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxy-2-methylbutyrate): thermal behavior associated with α-carbon methylation
Authors: Watanabe Yoriko , Ishizuka Koya , Furutate Sho , Abe Hideki , Tsuge Takeharu
Published: June 2015

3-Hydroxy-2-methylbutyrate (3H2MB) has been identified as a minor component of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) synthesized by bacteria living in activated sludge.
Electric-field induced layer-by-layer assembly technique with single component for construction of conjugated polymer films
Authors: Wang Shiwei , Chen Zhuo , Umar Ahmad , Wang Yao , Yin Peng-gang
Published: June 2015

Single component was used to construct conjugated polymer multilayer films by electric-field induced layer-by-layer assembly technique, which provides a universal approach for CPs and broadens the applicable scope of LBL assembly technique.
Enhanced electrocatalytic activity of nitrogen-doped multi-walled carbon nanotubes towards the oxygen reduction reaction in alkaline media
Authors: Vikkisk Merilin , Kruusenberg Ivar , Ratso Sander , Joost Urmas , Shulga Eugene , Kink Ilmar , Rauwel Protima , Tammeveski Kaido
Published: June 2015

Nitrogen-doped carbon nanotube materials derived from dicyandiamide and cyanamide are highly active electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction in alkaline media.
mCPBA-mediated metal-free intramolecular aminohydroxylation and dioxygenation of unfunctionalized olefins
Authors: Liu Gong-Qing , Li Lin , Duan Lili , Li Yue-Ming
Published: June 2015

We report a mild and metal-free process to prepare a variety of 2-hydroxymethylpyrrolidine and oxolanimine compounds.
An ultra-broadband polarization-independent perfect absorber for the solar spectrum
Authors: He Xunjun , Yan Shitao , Lu Guangjun , Zhang Qinfei , Wu Fengmin , Jiang Jiuxing
Published: June 2015

We numerically investigated an ultra-broadband, polarization-insensitive, and wide-angle metamaterial absorber for harvesting solar energy.
Synthesis of functionalized 1,2,3-triazoles using Bi2WO6 nanoparticles as efficient and reusable heterogeneous catalyst in aqueous medium
Authors: Paplal Banoth , Nagaraju Sakkani , Palakollu Veerabhadraiah , Kanvah Sriram , Kumar B. Vijaya , Kashinath Dhurke
Published: June 2015

The regioselective synthesis of functionalized triazoles is achieved using a combination of Bi2WO6 nanoparticles (10 mol%) and click conditions from β-nitrostyrenes, phenylacetylene and chalcones with azides.
A colorimetric Boolean INHIBIT logic gate for the determination of sulfide based on citrate-capped gold nanoparticles
Authors: Deng Hao-Hua , Wu Gang-Wei , Lin Xiao-Qing , Xu Xiong-Wei , Liu Ai-Lin , Xia Xing-Hua , Chen Wei
Published: June 2015

An INHIBIT logic gate is designed based on citrate-capped gold nanoparticles and successfully utilized to the determination of sulfide.
Distinguishing the serum metabolite profiles differences in breast cancer by gas chromatography mass spectrometry and random forest method
Authors: Huang Jian-Hua , Fu Liang , Li Bin , Xie Hua-Lin , Zhang Xiaojuan , Chen Yanjiao , Qin Yuhui , Wang Yuhong , Zhang Shuihan , Huang Huiyong , Liao Duanfang , Wang Wei
Published: June 2015

In this study, we proposed a metabolomics strategy to distinguish different metabolic characters of healthy controls, breast benign (BE) patients, and breast malignant (BC) patients by using the GC-MS and random forest method (RF).
Methanol formation by catalytic hydrogenation of CO2on a nitrogen doped zinc oxide surface: an evaluative study on the mechanistic pathway by density functional theory
Authors: Shanmugam Ramasamy , Thamaraichelvan Arunachalam , Viswanathan Balasubramanian
Published: June 2015

Computational evaluation of reaction pathway for simultaneous activation of CO2and water on N doped ZnO surface revealed carbamate mediated methanol formation.
Carbon nanotubes@metal–organic frameworks as Mn-based symmetrical supercapacitor electrodes for enhanced charge storage
Authors: Zhang Yidong , Lin Baoping , Sun Ying , Zhang Xueqin , Yang Hong , Wang Junchuan
Published: June 2015

A hybrid material of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and Mn-based metal organic frameworks (Mn-MOF) was synthesized and used as a Mn-based supercapacitor electrode material.
Curing kinetics and morphology of a nanovesicular epoxy/stearyl-block-poly(ethylene oxide) surfactant system
Authors: Bogaerts K. , Lavrenova A. , Spoelstra A. B. , Boyard N. , Goderis B.
Published: June 2015

Adding blockcopolymer slows down the epoxy curing kinetics and plasticizes the final product. The blockcopolymer vesicular wall structure alters during epoxy curing.
Exploring the Differences in Expectations Between Supervisors and Supervisees During the Initial Clinical Experience
Authors: Mandel Susan
Published: June 2015

The clinical experience is a major component of the curriculum for graduate degree programs in speech-language pathology. During this experience, the supervisor provides the student with the support needed to grow as a clinician. Both supervisors and students enter into the supervisory process with a variety of goals, skills, and expectations. In this article, the author presents the results of a survey in which the expectations of novice clinicians are compared to the expectations of their supervisors. Identification of the expectations of these groups assisted in determining the concerns of both supervisors and supervisees, and in assessing discrepancies, which affect the supervisor's ability to meet the student's needs. An analysis of the data revealed discrepancies in expectations of these groups. A review of expectations of novice clinicians in their first clinical experience revealed a limited understanding of the expectations of supervisors, while students entering their second clinical experience noted increased expectations for cooperative learning and supervisor feedback. Both first and second semester students expected supervisors to provide direct support throughout both clinical experiences. While supervisors expected to provide direct support to clinicians at the beginning of their first clinical experience, they anticipated moving to indirect support as the students progressed.
The multi-configurational time-dependent Hartree approach revisited
Authors: Manthe Uwe
Published: June 2015

The multi-configurational time-dependent Hartree (MCTDH) approach facilitates accurate high-dimensional quantum dynamics simulations. In the approach, the wavefunction is expanded in a direct product of self-adapting time-dependent single-particle functions (SPFs). The equations of motion for the expansion coefficients and the SPFs are obtained via the Dirac-Frenkel variational principle. While this derivation yields well-defined differential equations for the motion of occupied SPFs, singularities in the working equations resulting from unoccupied SPFs have to be removed by a regularization procedure. Here, an alternative derivation of the MCTDH equations of motion is presented. It employs an analysis of the time-dependence of the single-particle density matrices up to second order. While the analysis of the first order terms yields the known equations of motion for the occupied SPFs, the analysis of the second order terms provides new equations which allow one to identify optimal choices for the unoccupied SPFs. The effect of the optimal choice of the unoccupied SPFs on the structure of the MCTDH equations of motion and their regularization is discussed. Generalized equations applicable in the multi-layer MCTDH framework are presented. Finally, the effects resulting from the initial choice of the unoccupied SPFs are illustrated by a simple numerical example.
Neutron yield enhancement in laser-induced deuterium-deuterium fusion using a novel shaped target
Authors: Zhao J. R. , Zhang X. P. , Yuan D. W. , Chen L. M. , Li Y. T. , Fu C. B. , Rhee Y. J. , Li F. , Zhu B. J. , Li Yan. F. , Liao G. Q. , Zhang K. , Han B. , Liu C. , Huang K. , Ma Y. , Li Yi. F. , Xiong J. , Huang X. G. , Fu S. Z. , Zhu J. Q. , Zhao G. , Zhang J.
Published: June 2015

Neutron yields have direct correlation with the energy of incident deuterons in experiments of laser deuterated target interaction [Roth et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 110, 044802 (2013) and Higginson et al., Phys. Plasmas 18, 100703 (2011)], while deuterated plasma density is also an important parameter. Experiments at the Shenguang II laser facility have produced neutrons with energy of 2.45 MeV using d (d, n) He reaction. Deuterated foil target and K-shaped target were employed to study the influence of plasma density on neutron yields. Neutron yield generated by K-shaped target (nearly 106) was two times higher than by foil target because the K-shaped target results in higher density plasma. Interferometry and multi hydro-dynamics simulation confirmed the importance of plasma density for enhancement of neutron yields.
Dynamic heterogeneity in crossover spin facilitated model of supercooled liquid and fractional Stokes-Einstein relation
Authors: Choi Seo-Woo , Kim Soree , Jung YounJoon
Published: June 2015

Kinetically constrained models have gained much interest as models that assign the origins of interesting dynamic properties of supercooled liquids to dynamical facilitation mechanisms that have been revealed in many experiments and numerical simulations. In this work, we investigate the dynamic heterogeneity in the fragile-to-strong liquid via Monte Carlo method using the model that linearly interpolates between the strong liquid-like behavior and the fragile liquid-like behavior by an asymmetry parameter b. When the asymmetry parameter is sufficiently small, smooth fragile-to-strong transition is observed both in the relaxation time and the diffusion constant. Using these physical quantities, we investigate fractional Stokes-Einstein relations observed in this model. When b is fixed, the system shows constant power law exponent under the temperature change, and the exponent has the value between that of the Frederickson-Andersen model and the East model. Furthermore, we investigate the dynamic length scale of our systems and also find the crossover relation between the relaxation time. We ascribe the competition between energetically favored symmetric relaxation mechanism and entropically favored asymmetric relaxation mechanism to the fragile-to-strong crossover behavior.
Comparative study of donor-induced quantum dots in Si nano-channels by single-electron transport characterization and Kelvin probe force microscopy
Authors: Tyszka K. , Moraru D. , Samanta A. , Mizuno T. , Jabłoński R. , Tabe M.
Published: June 2015

We comparatively study donor-induced quantum dots in Si nanoscale-channel transistors for a wide range of doping concentration by analysis of single-electron tunneling transport and surface potential measured by Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM). By correlating KPFM observations of donor-induced potential landscapes with simulations based on Thomas-Fermi approximation, it is demonstrated that single-electron tunneling transport at lowest gate voltages (for smallest coverage of screening electrons) is governed most frequently by only one dominant quantum dot, regardless of doping concentration. Doping concentration, however, primarily affects the internal structure of the quantum dot. At low concentrations, individual donors form most of the quantum dots, i.e., “donor-atom” quantum dots. In contrast, at high concentrations above metal-insulator transition, closely placed donors instead of individual donors form more complex quantum dots, i.e., “donor-cluster” quantum dots. The potential depth of these “donor-cluster” quantum dots is significantly reduced by increasing gate voltage (increasing coverage of screening electrons), leading to the occurrence of multiple competing quantum dots.
Impact of band structure of Ohmic contact layers on the response feature of p-i-n very long wavelength type II InAs/GaSb superlattice photodetector
Authors: Huang Jianliang , Ma Wenquan , Zhang Yanhua , Cao Yulian , Liu Ke , Huang Wenjun , Lu Shulong
Published: June 2015

We show that the energy band structure of the Ohmic contact layers can have a big impact on the response feature of very long wavelength (VLW) detection using p-i-n type II superlattices (SLs). It is found that, if the p and n Ohmic contact layers are comprised of mid wavelength (MW) InAs/GaSb SLs, the photoresponse of the detector is dominated by a short wavelength band with the 50% cutoff wavelength at 2.67 μm, while the designed VLW response is very weak at 0 V. With increasing the bias voltage, the designed VLW response with the 50% cutoff wavelength at 17.8 μm becomes stronger and stronger. In contrast, if the p and n Ohmic contact layers are made up of the same SLs, as those of the VLW absorber region, only a broad VLW response shows up. The response difference between the two samples is attributed to blocking of the photogenerated carriers by the energy barriers at the interfaces between the absorber and the contact layers for the sample using MW SLs as the contact layers.
Homogeneous-heterogeneous reaction effects in peristalsis through curved geometry
Authors: Hayat Tasawar , Tanveer Anum , Alsaadi Fuad , Alotaibi Naif D.
Published: June 2015

This paper looks at the influence of homogeneous-heterogeneous reactions on the peristaltic transport of non-Newtonian fluid in a curved channel with wall properties. Constitutive relations for thermodynamic third grade material are utilized in the problem development. An electrically conducting fluid in the presence of radial applied magnetic field is considered. The governing flow equations are developed in the presence of viscous heating. Mathematical computations are simplified employing long wavelength and low Reynolds number considerations. The solutions for velocity, temperature, concentration and heat transfer coefficient are obtained and examined. The features of sundry parameters are analyzed by plotting graphs.
Comparative assessment of aquatic macroinvertebrate diversity in irrigated rice fields and wetlands through different spatial scales: an additive partitioning approach
Authors: Pires Mateus Marques , Kotzian Carla Bender , Spies Marcia Regina , Baptista Vanessa dos Anjos
Published: June 2015

The role of rice fields as refuges for wetland macroinvertebrates was assessed at multiple spatial scales, and macroinvertebrate diversity was compared between fields and natural wetlands. Because irrigated rice fields are highly disturbed environments, and have lower environmental complexity and heterogeneity in the irrigated phase than do wetlands, we hypothesised that the fields would sustain lower diversity than do wetlands, especially at broader spatial scales. Wetlands and rice fields from three regions in southern Brazil were simultaneously sampled. In wetlands, the broadest scale (hydrographic basin) contributed the most to macroinvertebrate diversity. In rice fields, besides hydrographic basin level, narrower scales (site level) also contributed to macroinvertebrate γ diversity. Different cultivation and management systems may be responsible for the contribution of narrower scales to γ diversity in rice fields. Differences in community structure in both environments were determined by wetland drainage practices, and they were affected by the ENSO climatic phenomenon, which influenced macrophyte diversity in wetlands. Wetland communities were characterised by macrophyte-associated, passive-dispersing taxa, whereas rice fields contained short-lived, active-dispersing macroinvertebrates. The present study demonstrated that rice fields do not represent suitable refugia for wetland-expelled macroinvertebrates because they do not support similar community structure, at least under some management practices and climatic conditions influenced by ENSO.
Loss of soil organic matter following cultivation of long-term pasture: effects on major exchangeable cations and cation exchange capacity
Authors: Curtin D. , Fraser P. M. , Beare M. H.
Published: June 2015

Cultivation of grassland is known to lead to the depletion of soil organic matter (SOM), but the effect on the size and composition of the exchangeable cation suite has not been documented. We measured cation exchange capacity (CEC) and exchangeable cations (calcium, Ca; magnesium, Mg; potassium, K; sodium, Na), as well as soil carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) (0–7.5, 7.5–15, and 15–25 cm), 8 years after conversion of long-term ryegrass–white clover pasture (grazed by sheep) to annual crop production. The trial was near Lincoln, Canterbury, New Zealand. The trial included three tillage treatments: crops established using intensive cultivation (mouldboard ploughing), minimum tillage (shallow cultivation, ~10 cm), or no-tillage. The 8-year rotation was barley, wheat, pea, barley, pea, barley, barley, barley. A sheep-grazed pasture was maintained as an experimental control. The experiment also included a permanent fallow treatment (maintained plant-free using herbicides; not cultivated). After 8 years under arable cropping, soil C stocks (0–25 cm) were 10 t ha–1 less, on average, than under pasture. The vertical distribution of soil organic matter (SOM) was affected by tillage type, but the total amount of organic matter in the top 25 cm did not differ (P > 0.05) among the tillage treatments. Under permanent fallow (C loss of 13 t ha–1 relative to pasture), total exchangeable cation (Ca + Mg + K +Na) equivalents declined by 47 kmolc ha–1, a 20% decrease compared with pasture. Loss of exchange capacity resulted in the selective release of cations with lower affinity for SOM (K, Na, Mg). Smaller losses of exchangeable cations were recorded under the arable cropping rotation (average 31 kmolc ha–1), with no differences among tillage treatments. Effective CEC (at field pH) decreased under permanent fallow and cultivated treatments because of: (1) depletion of SOM (direct effect); and (2) soil acidification, which eliminated some of the remaining exchange sites (indirect effect). Acidification in the permanent fallow can be attributed to the N mineralisation process, whereas in the cropped systems, excess cation removal in harvested straw and grain accounted for about half of the measured acidification. There was evidence that the organic matter lost under arable cropping and fallow had lower CEC than SOM as a whole.
What drives cat-owner behaviour? First steps towards limiting domestic-cat impacts on native wildlife
Authors: MacDonald Edith , Milfont Taciano , Gavin Michael
Published: June 2015

Context Cats can have substantial negative impacts on native wildlife. To harness the collective conservation impact of owners keeping cats inside, advocacy campaigns need to be based on empirical evidence regarding potential drivers to change cat-owner behaviour. Aims We assessed the degree to which different socio-psychological factors (attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioural control), past cat owner behaviour, demographics and group membership explained intentions of zoo visitors to bring cats inside. Methods A self-report questionnaire was distributed to zoo visitors based on the theory of planned behaviour. Visitors rated 24 belief statements and four behavioural-intention questions on a scale of one to seven. We adopted an information-theoretic approach to make inferences about the drivers of intention to bring cats inside. Key results Attitude and normative beliefs were strong predictors of intention. Specifically, attitudinal beliefs focussed on the benefits to the cat of being inside or the positive impact on the owner were correlated with intention. Bringing cats inside for the benefit of native species was weakly correlated with intention. We found an interaction between normative beliefs (injunctive and descriptive) and past behaviour. For respondents who were intermittently bringing their cat inside, veterinarians were a key injunctive normative influence. In contrast, respondents who kept their cat outside exclusively rated descriptive norms as influential on their own behaviour. Conclusions Our results indicated a way forward for future advocacy campaigns. To increase the frequency of visitors bringing cats inside, future research should look at campaigns using veterinarians to advocate messages that emphasise the benefits to the cat of being inside or the positive impact on the owner. To target visitors who keep their cat outside exclusively, a normative campaign highlighting the actions of others bringing their cats inside at night may prove successful. Implications Given the impacts cats have on wildlife, conservation campaigns need to properly design communication campaigns to have the best chance at altering cat-owner behaviour. Our results can help guide this process.
Enhanced dipicolinic acid production during the stationary phase in Bacillus subtilis by blocking acetoin synthesis
Authors: Toya Yoshihiro , Hirasawa Takashi , Ishikawa Shu , Chumsakul Onuma , Morimoto Takuya , Liu Shenghao , Masuda Kenta , Kageyama Yasushi , Ozaki Katsuya , Ogasawara Naotake , Shimizu Hiroshi
Published: June 2015

Bacterial bio-production during the stationary phase is expected to lead to a high target yield because the cells do not consume the substrate for growth. Bacillus subtilis is widely used for bio-production, but little is known about the metabolism during the stationary phase. In this study, we focused on the dipicolinic acid (DPA) production by B. subtilis and investigated the metabolism. We found that DPA production competes with acetoin synthesis and that acetoin synthesis genes (alsSD) deletion increases DPA productivity by 1.4-fold. The mutant showed interesting features where the glucose uptake was inhibited, whereas the cell density increased by approximately 50%, resulting in similar volumetric glucose consumption to that of the parental strain. The metabolic profiles revealed accumulation of pyruvate, acetyl-CoA, and the TCA cycle intermediates in the alsSD mutant. Our results indicate that alsSD-deleted B. subtilis has potential as an effective host for stationary-phase production of compounds synthesized from these intermediates.
Regulation of the transient receptor potential channel TRPM3 by phosphoinositides
Authors: Tóth Balázs I. , Konrad Maik , Ghosh Debapriya , Mohr Florian , Halaszovich Christian R. , Leitner Michael G. , Vriens Joris , Oberwinkler Johannes , Voets Thomas
Published: June 2015

The transient receptor potential (TRP) channel TRPM3 is a calcium-permeable cation channel activated by heat and by the neurosteroid pregnenolone sulfate (PregS). TRPM3 is highly expressed in sensory neurons, where it plays a key role in heat sensing and inflammatory hyperalgesia, and in pancreatic β cells, where its activation enhances glucose-induced insulin release. However, despite its functional importance, little is known about the cellular mechanisms that regulate TRPM3 activity. Here, we provide evidence for a dynamic regulation of TRPM3 by membrane phosphatidylinositol phosphates (PIPs). Phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PI[4,5]P2) and ATP applied to the intracellular side of excised membrane patches promote recovery of TRPM3 from desensitization. The stimulatory effect of cytosolic ATP on TRPM3 reflects activation of phosphatidylinositol kinases (PI-Ks), leading to resynthesis of PIPs in the plasma membrane. Various PIPs directly enhance TRPM3 activity in cell-free inside-out patches, with a potency order PI(3,4,5)P3 > PI(3,5)P2 > PI(4,5)P2 ≈ PI(3,4)P2 >> PI(4)P. Conversely, TRPM3 activity is rapidly and reversibly inhibited by activation of phosphatases that remove the 5-phosphate from PIPs. Finally, we show that recombinant TRPM3, as well as the endogenous TRPM3 in insuloma cells, is rapidly and reversibly inhibited by activation of phospholipase C–coupled muscarinic acetylcholine receptors. Our results reveal basic cellular mechanisms whereby membrane receptors can regulate TRPM3 activity.
Imaging in cardiovascular prevention
Authors: Nixdorff Uwe , Achenbach Stephan , Bengel Frank , Faggiano Pompillio , Fernández Sara , Heiss Christian , Mengden Thomas , Mureddu Gian Francesco , Nagel Eike , Puntmann Valentina , Zamorano Jose
Published: June 2015

Imaging tools in preventive cardiology can be divided into imaging modalities to assess pre-clinical and clinical atherosclerosis and functional assessments of vascular function or vascular inflammation. To calculate the likelihood of pre-clinical atherosclerosis intima-media thickness as well as coronary calcium scoring are most frequently used. However, beyond these two there are other parameters derived by ultrasound and multi-detector computed tomography as well as magnetic resonance imaging and nuclear/molecular imaging which are discussed in the chapter. Functional tests include flow-mediated dilatation, pulse wave analysis, and the ankle-brachial index. In clinical research other invasive measurements such as intravascular ultrasound/virtual histology/elastography, optical coherence tomography as well as thermography are being used. However, their value in clinical prevention still needs to be established.
Secondary prevention and cardiac rehabilitation: principles and practice
Authors: Piepoli Massimo F. , Giannuzzi Pantaleo
Published: June 2015

Secondary prevention through cardiac rehabilitation is the intervention that contributes most to decreasing morbidity and mortality in coronary artery disease, in particular after myocardial infarction but after incorporating cardiac interventions and in chronic stable heart disease. Cardiac patients deserve special attention to restore their quality of life and to maintain or restore their functional capacity and require counselling to avoid recurrence by adherence to a medication plan and adoption of a healthy lifestyle. These secondary prevention targets are included in the overall goal of cardiac rehabilitation (CR). Components of CR include patient assessment, physical activity counselling, exercise training, diet/nutritional counselling, weight control management, lipid management, blood pressure monitoring, smoking cessation and psychosocial management. This chapter reviews the key components of a CR programme and summarizes current evidence-based best practice for the wide range of patient presentations of interest to the general cardiology community.
Blood pressure
Authors: Fagard Robert , Mancia Giuseppe , Cifkova Renata
Published: June 2015

Prevention of hypertension can help prevent cardiovascular disease and renal complications. Obesity, a high sodium and low potassium intake, physical inactivity, and high alcohol consumption all contribute to the development of hypertension, and randomized controlled trials have shown that appropriate lifestyle modifications are able to reduce blood pressure and/or prevent the development of hypertension. The major complications of hypertension are stroke, coronary heart disease, heart failure, peripheral artery disease, and chronic kidney disease. Multiple randomized controlled trials and their meta-analyses have shown that treatment with antihypertensive drugs reduces the incidence of fatal and non-fatal cardiovascular events. In addition, meta-analyses have shown that there are no clinically relevant differences in the effects of the five major drug classes on outcome, so all of them are considered suitable for the initiation and maintenance of antihypertensive therapy. Nevertheless, the therapeutic approach in the elderly, women, and patients with diabetes, cerebrovascular, cardiac, or renal disease deserves special attention.
Psychosocial factors in the prevention of cardiovascular disease
Authors: Theorell Töres , Brisson Chantal , Vézina Michel , Milot Alain , Gilbert-Ouimet Mahée
Published: June 2015

The chapter starts with a theoretical sociological, psychological, and physiological framework for the relationships between psychosocial factors and coronary heart disease (CHD). This is followed by a review of the scientific evidence supporting such an association. Individual behaviours and coping mechanisms as well as environmental conditions of relevance for CHD are described. In particular, type A and D behaviour, depressive states, covert coping, social support and social network, socioeconomic conditions, as well as theoretical work environment models of relevance for CHD (job strain, effort-reward imbalance, organizational justice and leadership) are discussed. The remaining part of the chapter surveys the results from controlled studies of the effects of psychosocial interventions. There is accumulating evidence from such controlled studies that risk factors for CHD can be favourably influenced.
Community-based prevention centres
Authors: Connolly Susan , Cupples Margaret E.
Published: June 2015

The need for a new approach to cardiovascular disease prevention, both secondary and primary, that is different from traditional health service provision through hospital cardiac rehabilitation services and general practice is evident. The targets set in the cardiovascular prevention guidelines for modifiable cardiovascular risk factors-smoking, diet and physical activity, weight and its distribution, blood pressure, lipids, and diabetes-are not being adequately achieved for either coronary or other vascular patients or for those at high multifactorial risk of developing CVD. There is also evidence of an increasing disparity in levels of risk between different community groups, largely attributable to social determinants of health. Community-based prevention centres provide a novel approach to reducing cardiovascular risk, in which there is shared working between professionals and the public and a shared understanding of the barriers that individuals experience in their attempts to engage in effective measures for both secondary and primary prevention.
Emergence and Spread of New Races of Wheat Stem Rust Fungus: Continued Threat to Food Security and Prospects of Genetic Control
Authors: Singh Ravi P. , Hodson David P. , Jin Yue , Lagudah Evans S. , Ayliffe Michael A. , Bhavani Sridhar , Rouse Matthew N. , Pretorius Zacharias A. , Szabo Les J. , Huerta-Espino Julio , Basnet Bhoja R. , Lan Caixia , Hovmøller Mogens S.
Published: June 2015

Race Ug99 (TTKSK) of Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici, detected in Uganda in 1998, has been recognized as a serious threat to food security because it possesses combined virulence to a large number of resistance genes found in current widely grown wheat (Triticum aestivum) varieties and germplasm, leading to its potential for rapid spread and evolution. Since its initial detection, variants of the Ug99 lineage of stem rust have been discovered in Eastern and Southern African countries, Yemen, Iran, and Egypt. To date, eight races belonging to the Ug99 lineage are known. Increased pathogen monitoring activities have led to the identification of other races in Africa and Asia with additional virulence to commercially important resistance genes. This has led to localized but severe stem rust epidemics becoming common once again in East Africa due to the breakdown of race-specific resistance gene SrTmp, which was deployed recently in the ‘Digalu’ and ‘Robin’ varieties in Ethiopia and Kenya, respectively. Enhanced research in the last decade under the umbrella of the Borlaug Global Rust Initiative has identified various race-specific resistance genes that can be utilized, preferably in combinations, to develop resistant varieties. Research and development of improved wheat germplasm with complex adult plant resistance (APR) based on multiple slow-rusting genes has also progressed. Once only the Sr2 gene was known to confer slow rusting APR; now, four more genes—Sr55, Sr56, Sr57, and Sr58—have been characterized and additional quantitative trait loci identified. Cloning of some rust resistance genes opens new perspectives on rust control in the future through the development of multiple resistance gene cassettes. However, at present, disease-surveillance-based chemical control, large-scale deployment of new varieties with multiple race-specific genes or adequate levels of APR, and reducing the cultivation of susceptible varieties in rust hot-spot areas remains the best stem rust management strategy.