bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Collaborating for Social Justice Through Service Learning
Authors: DePaola Tom
Published: March 2014

This chapter explores elements that should be included in a service learning style internship program in urban community colleges. It provides theoretical background and descriptions of best practices for forming community partnerships, collaboratively developing learning outcomes, and aligning program design with institutional general education proficiencies, with a focus on civic learning. Additionally, it illustrates two examples of these measures being implemented and producing their intended effect.
Student Affairs and Information Technology: Collaborating in the Cloud
Authors: Barbatis Peter Reyes
Published: March 2014

Student affairs and information technology have opportunities to partner in order to increase student satisfaction and retention rates and to assist institutions to comply with federal educational regulations. This chapter contains four examples of emerging best practices and future initiatives including: (a) the admissions pipeline, (b) smart‐device application, (c) customized educational planning, and (d) the compliance of financial aid programs.
Collaborations Between the State and Local Colleges: Sleeping With the Enemy?
Authors: Brand Elizabeth Cox
Published: March 2014

This chapter describes the characteristics of successful partnerships between a state‐level department and local community colleges. Particular focus is paid to the lack of mandated collaboration between the entities and the elements necessary for motivation and sustainability.
Hysteretic Spin Crossover above Room Temperature and Magnetic Coupling in Trinuclear Transition‐Metal Complexes with Anionic 1,2,4‐Triazole Ligands
Authors: Gómez Verónica , Benet‐Buchholz Jordi , Martin Eddy , Galán‐Mascarós J. R.
Published: March 2014

The reaction of 4‐(1,2,4‐triazol‐4‐yl)ethanesulfonate (L) with Zn2+, Cu2+, Ni2+, Co2+, and Fe2+ gave a series of analogous neutral trinuclear complexes with the formula [M3(μ‐L)6(H2O)6] (1–5). These compounds were characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, thermogravimetry, and elemental analysis. The magnetic properties of compounds 2–5 were studied. Complexes 2–4 show weak antiferromagnetic superexchange, with J values of −0.33 (2), −9.56 (3), and −4.50 cm−1 (4) (exchange Hamiltonian H=−2 J (S1S2+S2S3)). Compound 5 shows two additional crystallographic phases (5 b and 5 c) that can be obtained by dehydration and/or thermal treatment. These three phases exhibit distinct magnetic behavior. The Fe2+ centers in 5 are in high‐spin (HS) configuration at room temperature, with the central one exhibiting a non‐cooperative gradual spin transition below 250 K with T1/2=150 K. In 5 b, the central Fe2+ stays in its low‐spin (LS) state at room temperature, and cooperative spin transition occurs at higher temperatures and with the appearance of memory effect (T1/2↑=357 K and T1/2↓=343 K). In the case of 5 c, all iron centers remain in their HS configuration down to very low temperatures, with weak antiferromagnetic coupling (J=−1.16 cm−1). Compound 5 b exhibits spin transition with memory effect at the highest temperature reported, which matches the remarkable features of coordination polymers.
Cooperative Effect of Two Metals: CoPd(OAc)4‐Catalyzed CH Amination and Aziridination
Authors: Huang Guan‐Hao , Li Jian‐Min , Huang Jing‐Jyun , Lin Jyun‐Dai , Chuang Gary Jing
Published: March 2014

The first Co/Pd‐cocatalyzed intramolecular CH amination and aziridination reactions were developed. Sulfamate esters were converted to oxathiazinanes by using CoPd(OAc)4 as catalyst and PhI(OAc)2 as oxidant. The mutual presence of both Co and Pd is crucial for the catalytic activity. This combination of two metals with simple acetate ligands provides an economical alternative to the Rh‐catalyzed insertion of nitrenoids into CH bonds.
Magnetic Coupling and Optical Properties of the S6‐Dodecakis(trifluoromethyl)fullerene Radical Anions in the Layered Salt (PPN+)[C60(CF3)12.−]
Authors: Konarev Dmitri V. , Romanova Natalia A. , Panin Roman A. , Goryunkov Alexey A. , Troyanov Sergey I. , Lyubovskaya Rimma N.
Published: March 2014

Poly(trifluoromethyl)fullerene S6‐C60(CF3)12 was reduced by sodium fluorenone ketyl in the presence of (PPN)Cl (PPN=bis(triphenylphosphine)iminium) to afford the salt (PPN)[C60(CF3)12] (1), which contains C60(CF3)12.− radical anions. In the crystal structure of 1, C60(CF3)12.− layers alternate with the PPN+ cations. There are short F⋅⋅⋅F contacts between C60(CF3)12.− radical anions within the layers but no C⋅⋅⋅C contacts. DFT calculations revealed that the negative charge on C60(CF3)12.− is distributed mainly between sp2 carbon and fluorine atoms, whereas spin density is localized mainly on the fullerene‐cage sp2 carbon atoms. IR and UV/Vis/NIR spectra in the solid state and solution showed characteristic changes relative to those of neutral S6‐C60(CF3)12 due to the formation of radical anions. The solid‐state electronic spectrum of 1 exhibits a single broad band at 738 nm attributed to C60(CF3)12.−. Crystals of 1 show a narrow EPR signal with g=2.0025 (ΔH=0.45 mT) at 300 K. The temperature dependence of the integral intensity follows the Curie–Weiss law with a negative Weiss temperature of −11.8 K (30–300 K) indicating antiferromagnetic interaction of spins. This dependence was approximated by the Heisenberg model for one‐dimensional chains of antiferromagnetically interacting spins with exchange interaction J/kB=−9.1 K. It was assumed that magnetic interaction between the C60(CF3)12.− spins in the layers is mediated by short F⋅⋅⋅F contacts.
Structural Diversity in Multinuclear PdII Assemblies that Show Low‐Humidity Proton Conduction
Authors: Samanta Dipak , Mukherjee Partha Sarathi
Published: March 2014

Systematic investigation on synergetic effects of geometry, length, denticity, and asymmetry of donors was performed through the formation of a series of uncommon PdII aggregates by employing the donor in a multicomponent self‐assembly of a cis‐blocked 90° PdII acceptor and a tetratopic donor. Some of these assemblies represent the first examples of these types of structures, and their formation is not anticipated by only taking the geometry of the donor and the acceptor building units into account. Analysis of the crystal packing of the X‐ray structure revealed several H bonds between the counteranions (NO3−) and water molecules (OH⋅⋅⋅ON). Moreover, H‐bonded 3D‐networks of water are present in the molecular pockets, which show water‐adsorption properties with some variation in water affinity. Interestingly, these complexes exhibit proton conductivity (1.87×10−5–6.52×10−4 Scm−1) at 296 K and low relative humidity (ca. 46 %) with activation energies of 0.29–0.46 eV. Moreover, the conductivities further increase with the enhancement of humidity. The ability of these assemblies to exhibit proton‐conducting properties under low‐humidity conditions makes these materials highly appealing as electrolytes in batteries and in fuel‐cell applications.
Freezing Capture of Polymorphic Aggregates of Bolaamphiphilic L‐Valine‐Based Molecular Hydrogelators
Authors: Nebot Vicent J. , Díaz‐Oltra Santiago , Smets Johan , Fernández Prieto Susana , Miravet Juan F. , Escuder Beatriu
Published: March 2014

Nanostructured xerogels have been prepared by the freeze‐drying of hydrogels and aggregates formed by bolaamphiphilic L‐valine derivatives after aging under different environmental conditions. A wide variety of shapes and sizes has been achieved by a simple methodology. These nanostructures have been studied by SEM and WAXD and a dramatic influence of structural flexibility on the kinetics of aggregation has been observed. Such flexibility and a modulation of the hydrophobic effect have shown a profound influence in the packing of these compounds and revealed a high degree of polymorphism.
Ultrastructure of the sperm axoneme and molecular analysis of axonemal dynein in ephemeroptera (Insecta)
Authors: Mencarelli Caterina , Mercati David , Dallai Romano , Lupetti Pietro
Published: March 2014

The Ephemeroptera sperm axoneme is devoid of outer dynein arms (ODA) and exhibits a pronounced modification of the central pair complex (CPC), which is substituted by the central sheath (CS): a tubular element of unknown molecular composition. We performed a detailed ultrastructural analysis of sperm axonemes in the genera Cloeon and Ecdyonurus using quick‐freeze, deep‐etch electron microscopy, showing that the loss of the conventional CPC is not only concomitant with the loss of ODA, but also with a substantial modification in the longitudinal distribution of both radial spokes (RS) and inner dynein arms (IDA). Such structures are no longer distributed following the alternation of different repeats as in the 9 + 2 axoneme, but instead share a 32 nm longitudinal repeat: a multiple of the 8 nm repeat observed along the CS wall. Differently from the conventional CPC, the CS and the surrounding RS possess a ninefold symmetry, coherently with the three‐dimensional pattern of motility observed in Cloeon free spermatozoa. Biochemical analyses revealed that ultrastructural modifications are concomitant with a reduced complexity of the IDA heavy chain complement. We propose that these structural and molecular modifications might be related to the relief from the evolutionary constraints imposed by the CPC on the basal 9 + 9 + 2 axoneme and could also represent the minimal set compatible with flagellar beating and progressive motility mechanically regulated as suggested by the geometric clutch hypothesis. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Design, Synthesis and Bioevaluation of an EphA2 Receptor‐Based Targeted Delivery System
Authors: Barile Elisa , Wang Si , Das Swadesh K. , Noberini Roberta , Dahl Russell , Stebbins John L. , Pasquale Elena B. , Fisher Paul B. , Pellecchia Maurizio
Published: March 2014

Because of its overexpression in a range of solid tumors, the EphA2 receptor is a validated target for cancer therapeutics. We recently described a new targeted delivery system based on specific EphA2‐targeting peptides conjugated with the chemotherapeutic agent paclitaxel. Here, we investigate the chemical determinants responsible for the stability and degradation of these agents in plasma. Introducing modifications in both the peptide and the linker between the peptide and paclitaxel resulted in drug conjugates that are both long‐lived in rat plasma and that markedly decrease tumor size in a prostate cancer xenograft model compared with paclitaxel alone treatment. These studies identify critical rate‐limiting degradation sites on the peptide–drug conjugates, enabling the design of agents with increased stability and efficacy. These results provide support for our central hypothesis that peptide–drug conjugates targeting EphA2 represent an innovative and potentially effective strategy to selectively deliver cytotoxic drugs to cancer cells.
Influence of different iodinated contrast media on the induction of DNA double‐strand breaks after in vitro X‐ray irradiation
Authors: Deinzer Christoph K. W. , Danova Daniela , Kleb Beate , Klose Klaus J. , Heverhagen Johannes T.
Published: March 2014

The objective of this work was to examine differences in DNA double‐strand break induction in peripheral blood lymphocytes after in vitro X‐ray irradiation between iodinated contrast agents. Four different iodinated X‐ray contrast agents – three of them with two different iodine concentrations – and mannitol (negative control; concentration of 150 mg mannitol per ml blood) were pipetted into blood samples so that there was a concentration of 0, 7.5 or 15 mg of iodine per ml blood in the samples. Negative controls without contrast medium (0 mg of iodine per ml blood) were also processed for every irradiation dose. The tubes were exposed to 0, 20 or 500 mGy in vitro X‐ray irradiation. After that, the lymphocytes were separated by using density‐gradient centrifugation. Fluorescence microscopy was applied to determine the average number of γH2AX‐foci per lymphocyte in the presence or absence of different contrast media or mannitol. Differences in the number of γH2AX‐foci were statistically analysed by one‐way ANOVA and post‐hoc Tukey's honestly significant difference test. Iodinated contrast agents led to a statistically significant increase in DNA double‐strand breaks after in vitro irradiation. This effect increased statistically significant with rising radiation dose and appeared independent of the contrast agent used (iopromid, iodixanol, iomeprol, iopamidol). A statistically significant difference in DNA damage between the different tested contrast agents was not found. Therefore, the increase in DNA double‐strand breaks depends solely on the amount of iodine applied. For evaluation of clinical consequences, our findings could be tested in further animal studies. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Direct coupling of annexin A5 to VSOP yields small, protein‐covered nanoprobes for MR imaging of apoptosis
Authors: Figge Lena , Appler Franziska , Chen Howard H. , Sosnovik David E. , Schnorr Jörg , Seitz Oliver , Taupitz Matthias , Hamm Bernd , Schellenberger Eyk
Published: March 2014

Annexin A5 (Anx) has been extensively used for imaging apoptosis by single‐photon emission computed tomography, positron emission tomography, optical imaging and MRI. Recently we introduced ultrasmall Anx–VSOP (very small iron oxide particles) – the smallest high‐relaxivity probe for MRI of apoptosis. Here we present a simplified method for the direct coupling of Anx to VSOP, which resulted in nanoparticles that are nearly completely covered with human Anx. These superparamagnetic nanoparticles are only 14.4 ± 2.3 nm in diameter and have higher T2* relaxivity. Compared with existing probes, the small size and the Anx shielding provide prerequisites for good biocompatibility and bioavailability in target tissues. In vitro characterization showed specific binding of Anx–VSOP to apoptotic cells, which led to a signal loss in T2*‐weighted MR measurements, while control probe M1324‐VSOP produced no such change. Exploratory MRI was done in vivo in a cardiac model of ischemia–reperfusion damage illustrating the potential of the probe for future studies. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and characterization of a porphyrazine–Gd(III) MRI contrast agent and in vivo imaging of a breast cancer xenograft model
Authors: Trivedi Evan R. , Ma Zhidong , Waters Emily A. , Macrenaris Keith W. , Subramanian Rohit , Barrett Anthony G. M. , Meade Thomas J. , Hoffman Brian M.
Published: March 2014

Porphyrazines (Pz), or tetraazaporphyrins, are being studied for their potential use in detection and treatment of cancer. Here, an amphiphilic Cu–Pz–Gd(III) conjugate has been prepared via azide–alkyne Huisgen cycloaddition or ‘click’ chemistry between an azide functionalized Pz and alkyne functionalized DOTA–Gd(III) analog for use as an MRI contrast agent. This agent, Cu–Pz–Gd(III), is synthesized in good yield and exhibits solution‐phase ionic relaxivity (r1 = 11.5 mm−1 s−1) that is approximately four times higher than that of a clinically used monomeric Gd(III) contrast agent, DOTA–Gd(III). Breast tumor cells (MDA‐MB‐231) associate with Cu–Pz–Gd(III) in vitro, where significant contrast enhancement (9.336 ± 0.335 contrast‐to‐noise ratio) is observed in phantom cell pellet MR images. This novel contrast agent was administered in vivo to an orthotopic breast tumor model in athymic nude mice and MR images were collected. The average T1 of tumor regions in mice treated with 50 mg kg−1 Cu–Pz–Gd(III) decreased relative to saline‐treated controls. Furthermore, the decrease in T1 was persistent relative to mice treated with the monomeric Gd(III) contrast agent. An ex vivo biodistribution study confirmed that Cu–Pz–Gd(III) accumulates in the tumors and is rapidly cleared, primarily through the kidneys. Differential accumulation and T1 enhancement by Cu–Pz–Gd(III) in the tumor's core relative to the periphery offer preliminary evidence that this agent would find application in the imaging of necrotic tissue. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Feasibility, efficacy, and adverse effects of outpatient antibacterial prophylaxis in children with acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Inaba Hiroto , Gaur Aditya H. , Cao Xueyuan , Flynn Patricia M. , Pounds Stanley B. , Avutu Viswatej , Marszal Lindsay N. , Howard Scott C. , Pui Ching‐Hon , Ribeiro Raul C. , Hayden Randall T. , Rubnitz Jeffrey E.
Published: March 2014

BACKGROUND

Intensive chemotherapy for pediatric acute myeloid leukemia incurs the risk of infectious complications, but the benefits of antibiotic prophylaxis remain unclear.

METHODS

In the current study, among 103 children treated on the AML02 protocol between October 2002 and October 2008 at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, the authors retrospectively assessed the effect of antibiotic prophylaxis on the frequency of febrile neutropenia, clinically or microbiologically confirmed infections (including bacteremia), and antibiotic resistance, as well as on the results of nasal and rectal surveillance cultures. Initially, patients received no prophylaxis or oral cephalosporin (group A). The protocol was then amended to administer intravenous cefepime alone or intravenous vancomycin plus either oral cephalosporin, oral ciprofloxacin, or intravenous cefepime (group B).

RESULTS

There were 334 infectious episodes. Patients in group A had a significantly greater frequency of documented infections and bacteremia (both P < .0001) (including gram‐positive and gram‐negative bacteremia; P = .0003 and .001, respectively) compared with patients in group B, especially viridans streptococcal bacteremia (P = .001). The incidence of febrile neutropenia without documented infection was not found to be different between the 2 groups. Five cases of bacteremia with vancomycin‐resistant enterococci (VRE) occurred in group B (vs none in group A), without related mortality. Two of these cases were preceded by positive VRE rectal surveillance cultures.

CONCLUSIONS

Outpatient intravenous antibiotic prophylaxis is feasible in children with acute myeloid leukemia and reduces the frequency of documented infection but not of febrile neutropenia. Despite the emergence of VRE bacteremia, the benefits favor antibiotic prophylaxis. Creative approaches to shorten the duration of prophylaxis and thereby minimize resistance should be explored. Cancer 2014;120:1985–1992. © 2014 American Cancer Society.
BAMS2 workspace: A comprehensive and versatile neuroinformatic platform for collating and processing neuroanatomical connections
Authors: Bota Mihail , Talpalaru Ştefan , Hintiryan Houri , Dong Hong‐Wei , Swanson Larry W.
Published: March 2014

We describe a novel neuroinformatic platform, the BAMS2 Workspace (http://brancusi1.usc.edu), designed for storing and processing information on gray matter region axonal connections. This de novo constructed module allows registered users to collate their data directly by using a simple and versatile visual interface. It also allows construction and analysis of sets of connections associated with gray matter region nomenclatures from any designated species. The Workspace includes a set of tools allowing the display of data in matrix and networks formats and the uploading of processed information in visual, PDF, CSV, and Excel formats. Finally, the Workspace can be accessed anonymously by third‐party systems to create individualized connectivity networks. All features of the BAMS2 Workspace are described in detail and are demonstrated with connectivity reports collated in BAMS and associated with the rat sensory‐motor cortex, medial frontal cortex, and amygdalar regions. J. Comp. Neurol. 522:3160–3176, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
ZnGa2O4 Nanorod Arrays Decorated with Ag Nanoparticles as Surface‐Enhanced Raman‐Scattering Substrates for Melamine Detection
Authors: Chen Limiao , Jiang Dan , Liu Xiaohe , Qiu Guanzhou
Published: March 2014

The availability of sensitive, reproducible, and stable substrates is critically important for surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS)‐based applications, but it presently remains a challenge. In this work, well‐aligned zinc gallate (ZnGa2O4) nanorod arrays grown on a Si substrate by chemical vapor deposition were used as templates to fabricate SERS substrates by deposition of Ag nanoparticles onto the ZnGa2O4 nanorod surfaces. The coverage of the Ag nanoparticles on the ZnGa2O4 nanorod surfaces was easily controlled by varying the amount of AgNO3. SERS measurements showed that the number density of Ag nanoparticles on the ZnGa2O4 nanorod surfaces had a great effect on SERS activity. The SERS signals collected by point‐to‐point and SERS mapping images showed that as‐prepared SERS substrates exhibited good spatial uniformity and reproducibility. Detection of melamine molecules at low concentrations (1.0×10−7 M) was used as an example to show the possible application of such a substrate. In addition, the effect of benzoic acid on the detection of melamine was also investigated. It was found that the SERS signal intensity of melamine decreased greatly as the concentration of benzoic acid was increased.
Effect of Aluminum Doping on the Growth and Optical and Electrical Properties of ZnO Nanorods
Authors: Chen Ruiqiang , Zhu Pengli , Deng Libo , Zhao Tao , Sun Rong , Wong Chingping
Published: March 2014

Aluminum‐doped zinc oxide (AZO) nanorods were successfully prepared by a convenient solvothermal route. The crystal structure and morphology of AZO were characterized by XRD, SEM, and high‐resolution TEM. The length and diameter of AZO nanorods decreased with increasing Al content. The optical and electrical properties of AZO were studied by UV/Vis spectroscopy and a four‐point probe. The optical band gap of AZO increased initially because of the Burstein–Moss effect and then decreased as the Al content increased owing to the defects of AZO. The electrical resistivity of AZO nanorods varied conversely because of the change of electron and defect concentration (native and impurity defects). The native defect types, which were singly charged zinc and oxygen vacancies, were confirmed by photoluminescence spectroscopy. Moreover, not only the properties but also the growth mechanisms of AZO nanorods were affected by the defect concentrations of singly charged zinc vacancies and substituted Al, which were caused by increasing Al content. Finally, the AZO exhibited the smallest electrical resistivity with 1.5 at. % Al doping content, which was four orders of magnitude smaller than that of ZnO.
From PCP to MXE: a comprehensive review of the non‐medical use of dissociative drugs
Authors: Morris Hamilton , Wallach Jason
Published: March 2014

PCP or phencyclidine was discovered in 1956 and soon became a popular street drug. Dissociatives including PCP, ketamine, and dextromethorphan have been used non‐medically for their mind‐altering effects for over 60 years. Many of these compounds have also been used clinically and in legitimate research. At least 14 derivatives of PCP were sold for non‐medical and illict use from the late 1960s until the 1990s. With the advent of the Internet, the drug market underwent a dramatic evolution. While initially gray‐market chemical vendors offering dextromethorphan and ketamine thrived, most recently the market has shifted to legal high and online‐based research chemical vendors. Starting with the first dissociative research chemical, 4‐MeO‐PCP in 2008, the dissociative research chemical market has rapidly evolved and currently comprises at least 12 dissociatives, almost half of which were unknown in the scientific literature prior to their introduction. Several of these, including methoxetamine, have reached widespread use internationally. A historical account of non‐medical use of over 30 dissociative compounds was compiled from a diverse collection of sources. The first complete portrait of this underground market is presented along with the relevant legal, technological, and scientific developments which have driven its evolution. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mechanisms and models of endoplasmic reticulum stress in chondrodysplasia
Authors: Patterson Sara E. , Dealy Caroline N.
Published: March 2014

Chondrodysplasias are a group of genetic disorders that affect the development and growth of cartilage. These disorders can result in extreme short stature, craniofacial defects, joint malformation, and early osteoarthritis; severely impacting quality of life for affected individuals. Many chondrodysplasias are caused by mutations in genes encoding cartilage extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. These mutations typically result in synthesis of abnormal proteins that are improperly folded, and hence inappropriately retained within the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) of the cell, activating ER stress and the unfolded protein response (UPR), an adaptive cellular response to minimize production of the mutant protein and/or to enhance protein folding, degradation or export. If prolonged, activation of the UPR causes apoptotic cell death. Many human disorders have an underlying mechanism in UPR activation, and targeting ER stress pathways is showing promise for development of therapeutics for these conditions. Understanding and modeling the UPR in chondrodysplasia will be essential to advance such targeted approaches for the benefit of chondrodysplasia patients. The focus of this review is to compare the mechanistic sequelae of ECM protein mutations in chondrodysplasia that may cause chondrocyte ER stress and UPR activation, and to present current and future directions in chondrodysplasia disease modeling and therapeutic intervention.Developmental Dynamics 243:875–893, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Functional traits composition predict macrophytes community productivity along a water depth gradient in a freshwater lake
Authors: Fu Hui , Zhong Jiayou , Yuan Guixiang , Ni Leyi , Xie Ping , Cao Te
Published: March 2014

Functional trait composition of plant communities has been proposed as a helpful key for understanding the mechanisms of biodiversity effects on ecosystem functioning. In this study, we applied a step‐wise modeling procedure to test the relative effects of taxonomic diversity, functional identity, and functional diversity on macrophytes community productivity along water depth gradient. We sampled 42 plots and 1513 individual plants and measured 16 functional traits and abundance of 17 macrophyte species. Results showed that there was a significant decrease in taxonomic diversity, functional identity (i.e., stem dry mass content, leaf [C] and leaf [N]), and functional diversity (i.e., floating leaf, mean Julian flowering date and rooting depth) with increasing water depth. For the multiple‐trait functional diversity (FD) indices, functional richness decreased, while functional divergence increased with water depth gradient. Macrophyte community productivity was strongly determined by functional trait composition within community, but not significantly affected by taxonomic diversity. Community‐weighted means (CWM) showed a two times higher explanatory power relative to FD indices in determining variations in community productivity. For nine of sixteen traits, CWM and FD showed significant correlations with community productivity, although the strength and direction of those relations depended on selected trait. Furthermore, functional composition in a community affected productivity through either additive or opposite effects of CWM and FD, depending on the particular traits being considered. Our results suggested both mechanisms of mass ratio and niche complementarity can operate simultaneously on variations in community productivity, and considering both CWM and FD would lead to a more profound understanding of traits–productivity relationships.
Intraspecific variability modulates interspecific variability in animal organismal stoichiometry
Authors: El‐Sabaawi Rana W. , Travis Joseph , Zandonà Eugenia , McIntyre Peter B. , Reznick David N. , Flecker Alexander
Published: March 2014

Interspecific differences in organismal stoichiometry (OS) have been documented in a wide range of animal taxa and are of significant interest for understanding evolutionary patterns inOS. In contrast, intraspecific variation in animalOShas generally been treated as analytical noise or random variation, even though available data suggest intraspecific variability inOSis widespread. Here, we assess how intraspecific variation inOSaffects inferences about interspecificOSdifferences using two co‐occurring Neotropical fishes:Poecilia reticulataandRivulus hartii. A wide range ofOShas been observed within both species and has been attributed to environmental differences among stream systems. We assess the contributions of species identity, stream system, and the interactions between stream and species to variability in N:P, C:P, and C:N. Because predation pressure can impact the foraging ecology and life‐history traits of fishes, we compare predictors ofOSbetween communities that include predators, and communities where predators are absent. We find that species identity is the strongest predictor of N:P, while stream or the interaction of stream and species contribute more to the overall variation in C:P and C:N. Interspecific differences in N:P, C:P, and C:N are therefore not consistent among streams. The relative contribution of stream or species toOSqualitatively changes between the two predation communities, but these differences do not have appreciable effects in interspecific patterns. We conclude that although species identity is a significant predictor ofOS, intraspecificOSis sometimes sufficient to overwhelm or obfuscate interspecific differences inOS.
Calixarene‐Mediated Liquid‐Membrane Transport of Choline Conjugates
Authors: Adhikari Birendra Babu , Fujii Ayu , Schramm Michael P.
Published: March 2014

A series of supramolecular calixarenes efficiently transport distinct molecular species through a liquid membrane when attached to a receptor‐complementary choline handle. Calix[6]arene hexacarboxylic acid was highly effective at transporting different target molecules against a pH gradient. Both carboxylic‐ and phosphonic‐acid‐functionalized calix[4]arenes effect transport without requiring a pH or ion gradient. NMR binding studies, two‐phase solvent extraction, and three‐phase transport experiments reveal the necessary and subtle parameters to effect the transport of molecules attached to a choline “handle”. On the other hand, rescorin[4]arene cavitands, which have similar guest recognition profiles, did not transport guest molecules. These developments reveal new approaches towards attempting synthetic‐receptor‐mediated selective small‐molecule transport in vesicular and cellular systems.
Native protein mapping and visualization of protein interactions in the area of human plasma high‐density lipoprotein by combining nondenaturing micro 2DE and quantitative LC‐MS/MS
Authors: Jin Ya , Bu Shujie , Zhang Jun , Yuan Qi , Manabe Takashi , Tan Wen
Published: March 2014

A human plasma sample was subjected to nondenaturing micro 2DE and a gel area (5 mm × 18 mm) that includes high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) was cut into 1 mm × 1 mm squares, then the proteins in the 90 gel pieces were analyzed by quantitative LC‐MS/MS. Grid‐cutting of the gel was employed to; (i) ensure the total analysis of the proteins in the area, (ii) standardize the conditions of analysis by LC‐MS/MS, (iii) reconstruct the protein distribution patterns from the quantity data. Totally 154 proteins were assigned in the 90 gel pieces and the quantity distribution of each was reconstructed as a color density pattern (a native protein map). The map of apolipoprotein (Apo) A‐I showed a wide apparent mass distribution characteristic to HDL and was compared with the maps of the other 153 proteins. Eleven proteins showed maps of wide distribution that overlapped with the map of Apo A‐I, and all have been reported to be the components of HDL. Further, seven minor proteins associated with HDL were detected at the gel positions of high Apo A‐I quantity. These results for the first time visualized the localization of HDL apolipoproteins on a nondenaturing 2DE gel and strongly suggested their interactions.
The impact of beaver dams on the morphology of a river in the eastern United States with implications for river restoration
Authors: Curran Joanna Crowe , Cannatelli Kristen M.
Published: March 2014

Restoration projects in the United States typically have among the stated goals those of increasing channel stability and sediment storage within the reach. Increased interest in ecologically based restoration techniques has led to the consideration of introducing beavers to degraded channels with the hope that the construction of beaver dams will aggrade the channel. Most research on beaver dam modification to channels has focused on the long‐term effects of beavers on the landscape with data primarily from rivers in the western United States. This study illustrated that a role exists for beavers in the restoration of fine‐grained, low gradient channels.

A channel on the Atlantic Coastal Plain was analyzed before, during, and after beaver dams were constructed to evaluate the lasting impact of the beaver on channel morphology. The channel was actively evolving in a former reservoir area upstream of a dam break. Colonization by the beaver focused the flow into the channel, allowed for deposition along the channel banks, and reduced the channel width such that when the beaver dams were destroyed in a flood, there was no channel migration and net sediment storage in the reach had increased. However, the majority of the deposition occurred at the channel banks, narrowing the channel width, while the channel incised between sequential beaver dams. The study indicated that where channels are unstable laterally and bank erosion is a concern, the introduction of beavers can be a useful restoration tool. However, because of the likelihood of increased channel bed erosion in a reach with multiple beaver dams, they may not be the best solution where aggradation of an incised channel bed is the desired result. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modeling the functional influence of vegetation type on streambank cohesion
Authors: Polvi Lina E. , Wohl Ellen , Merritt David M.
Published: March 2014

The important role of vegetation in adding cohesion and stabilizing streambanks has been widely recognized in several aspects of fluvial geomorphology, including stream restoration and studies of long‐term channel change. Changes in planform between braided, meandering, and anabranching forms have been attributed to the impacts of vegetation on hydraulic roughness and bank stability. However, these studies focus either on flume studies where analog vegetation is used, or case studies featuring one species, which is commonly invasive. We present functional differences of bank‐stabilizing root characteristics and added cohesion, with vegetation categorized as woody and non‐woody and by the vegetation groups of trees, shrubs, graminoids, and forbs. We analyzed root morphology and tensile strength of 14 species common to riparian areas in the southern Rocky Mountains, in field sites along streambanks in the montane and subalpine zones of the Colorado Front Range. Using the vegetation root component (RipRoot) of a physically‐based bank stability model (BSTEM), we estimated the added cohesion for various sediment textures with the addition of each of the 14 species. Significant differences exist between woody and non‐woody vegetation and between the four vegetation categories with respect to the coefficient of the root tensile strength curve, lateral root extent, and maximum root diameter. Woody vegetation (trees and shrubs) have higher values of all three parameters than non‐woody species. Tree roots add significantly more cohesion to streambanks than forb roots. Additionally, rhizomes may play an important role in determining the reach‐scale effects of roots on bank stabilization. Differences in root characteristics and added cohesion among vegetation categories have several important implications, including determining the likelihood of planform change, developing guidelines for the use of bank‐stabilizing vegetation, and linking the effect of vegetation to geomorphic structure that can benefit ecosystem functioning. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimised optical wireless car‐to‐traffic‐light communication
Authors: Arnon Shlomi
Published: March 2014

Intelligent transport systems have become the major technology for increasing road safety and traffic efficiency, as well as for reducing the number of road casualties. Radio frequency and optical wireless communication technologies have been proposed as a means for establishing communication between vehicular and road infrastructure, such as traffic lights, billboards and road infrastructures and for providing inter‐vehicular communication. These technologies provide one‐way or two‐way short‐range to medium‐range wireless communication links that are specifically designed for the automotive sphere. The technology that is analysed in this paper is optical wireless communication. This technology modulates optical data on top of the illumination in the traffic lights and in the automotive lighting and detects the information using fast imaging sensors. Using knowledge of the amplitudes of the signal and the noise in each pixel, we tune adaptively and separately the gain of each individual pixel in the imaging sensor for communication signals. Tuning the gain is based on the mathematical model derived in this research. Comparison is made between the adaptive model and the standard model. From the mathematical analysis and the results of the comparison, it is clear that this model significantly improves communication system performance. In our numerical calculation for a given set of parameters, the signal‐to‐noise ratio of the standard system and the adaptive system changes from more than 7 × 10 − 4 to more than 7 and less than 2 × 10 − 3 to more than 30 for a change in transmitter power from 10 to 100 watts respectively. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mapping the state of the field of social psychology in Africa and patterns of collaboration between African and international social psychologists
Authors: Quayle Michael , Greer Megan
Published: March 2014

Patterns of collaboration in social psychology from 2000 to 2010 were mapped to analyse the position of African authors in the international co‐authorship network using bibliographic records from the Thomson Reuters Web of Knowledge. There are very few social psychologists working in Africa, with the majority of these located in South Africa. Indeed, some small European countries boast more social psychologists than the entire continent of Africa. African authors published less than their non‐African collaborators, but had comparable status on joint publications. Co‐authorship relationships between African researchers from different African countries were generally mediated by partners from other continents, and direct collaboration between non‐compatriot African authors was very rare. The small size, and extremely sparse connection of the African co‐authorship network, is likely to be an obstacle both in the development of social psychology as a universally relevant discipline and in the penetration of social psychological knowledge in Africa.
Redox control of enzymatic functions: The electronics of life's circuitry
Authors: Bonini Marcelo G. , Consolaro Marcia E. L. , Hart Peter C. , Mao Mao , de Abreu Andre Luelsdorf Pimenta , Master Alyssa M.
Published: March 2014

The field of redox biology has changed tremendously over the past 20 years. Formerly regarded as bi‐products of the aerobic metabolism exclusively involved in tissue damage, reactive oxygen species (ROS) are now recognized as active participants of cell signaling events in health and in disease. In this sense, ROS and the more recently defined reactive nitrogen species (RNS) are, just like hormones and second messengers, acting as fundamental orchestrators of cell signaling pathways. The chemical modification of enzymes by ROS and RNS (that result in functional enzymatic alterations) accounts for a considerable fraction of the transient and persistent perturbations imposed by variations in oxidant levels. Upregulation of ROS and RNS in response to stress is a common cellular response that foments adaptation to a variety of physiologic alterations (hypoxia, hyperoxia, starvation, and cytokine production). Frequently, these are beneficial and increase the organisms' resistance against subsequent acute stress (preconditioning). Differently, the sustained ROS/RNS‐dependent rerouting of signaling produces irreversible alterations in cellular functioning, often leading to pathogenic events. Thus, the duration and reversibility of protein oxidations define whether complex organisms remain “electronically” healthy. Among the 20 essential amino acids, four are particularly susceptible to oxidation: cysteine, methionine, tyrosine, and tryptophan. Here, we will critically review the mechanisms, implications, and repair systems involved in the redox modifications of these residues in proteins while analyzing well‐characterized prototypic examples. Occasionally, we will discuss potential consequences of amino acid oxidation and speculate on the biologic necessity for such events in the context of adaptative redox signaling. © 2014 IUBMB Life, 66(3):167–181, 2014
Properties and in vitro evaluation of high modulus biodegradable polyurethanes for applications in cardiovascular stents
Authors: Sgarioto Melissa , Adhikari Raju , Gunatillake Pathiraja A. , Moore Tim , Malherbe François , Nagel Marie‐Danielle , Patterson John
Published: March 2014

This study examined the suitability of a family of biodegradable polyurethanes (PUs) NovoSorbTM developed for the vascular stent application. These segmented PUs are formulated to be biodegradable using degradable polyester and PU blocks. A series of PUs comprising different hard segment weight percentage ranging from 60 to 100 were investigated. The mechanical properties of the PUs were evaluated before and after gamma sterilization to assess their suitability for vascular implants. The real‐time (PBS/37°C/pH 7.4) hydrolytic degradation studies were carried out under sterile conditions and PU glass transition temperature, molecular weight, and mass loss at 3, 6, and 9 months were determined. The viability and growth of Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVEC) on PU surfaces were determined to assess the effect of PU degradation. The effect of coating of extracellular matrix (ECM) components on cell viability was also investigated. The study showed that the PUs possess excellent mechanical properties exhibiting high tensile strength (41–56 MPa) and tensile modulus (897–1496 MPa). The PU films maintained mechanical strength during the early phase of the degradation but lost strength at latter stages. The unmodified polymer surface of each PU promotes endothelial cell growth and proliferation, with a HUVEC retention rate of >70%. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 102B: 1711–1719, 2014.
Assessment of the orbital‐optimized coupled‐electron pair theory for thermochemistry and kinetics: Improving on CCSD and CEPA(1)
Authors: Soydaş Emine , Bozkaya Uğur
Published: March 2014

An assessment of the orbital‐optimized coupled‐electron pair theory [or simply “optimized CEPA(0),” OCEPA(0)] [Bozkaya and Sherrill, J. Chem. Phys. 2013, 139, 054104] for thermochemistry and kinetics is presented. The OCEPA(0) method is applied to closed‐ and open‐shell reaction energies, barrier heights, and radical stabilization energies (RSEs). The performance of OCEPA(0) is compared with those of the MP2, CEPA(0), OCEPA(0), CEPA(1), coupled‐cluster singles and doubles (CCSD), and CCSD(T) methods [at complete basis set limits employing cc‐pVTZ and cc‐pVQZ basis sets]. For the most of the test sets, the OCEPA(0) method performs better than CEPA(0), CEPA(1), and CCSD, and provides accurate results. Especially, for open‐shell reaction energies and barrier heights, the OCEPA(0)–CEPA(1) and OCEPA(0)–CCSD differences become obvious. Similarly, for barrier heights and RSEs, the OCEPA(0) method improves on CEPA(0) by 1.6 and 2.3 kcal mol−1. Our results demonstrate that the CEPA(0) method dramatically fails when the reference wave function suffers from the spin‐contamination problem. Conversely, the OCEPA(0) method can annihilate spin‐contamination in the unrestricted‐Hartree–Fock initial guess orbitals and can yield stable solutions. For overall evaluation, we conclude that the OCEPA(0) method is quite helpful not only for problematic open‐shell systems and transition‐states but also for closed‐shell molecules. Hence, one may prefer OCEPA(0) over CEPA(0), CEPA(1), and CCSD as an
method, where N is the number of basis functions, for thermochemistry and kinetics. As discussed previously, the cost of the OCEPA(0) method is as much as of CCSD and CEPA(1) for energy computations. However, for analytic gradient computations, the OCEPA(0) method is two times less expensive than CCSD and CEPA(1). Further, the stationary properties of the OCEPA(0) method making it promising for excited state properties via linear response theory. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Simple, Selective and Sensitive Immunoassay for Determination of Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin Based on Chemiluminescence Resonance Energy Transfer
Authors: Lei Jiuqian , Mei Surong , Zhou Yikai , Jing Tao
Published: March 2014

A simple, selective and sensitive immunoassay was developed for the determination of human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) based on the chemiluminescence resonance energy transfer (CRET). Two kinds of antibodies were used to form a sandwich‐type immunocomplex to ensure the selectivity of immunoassay. Based on the simple magnetic separation, amplification feature of gold nanoparticles and CRET phenomenon, this method could be used for highly sensitive determination of HCG without tedious washing steps. Under the optimized conditions, a linear range was obtained when the concentrations of HCG were changed from 0.15 to 5 mIU mL−1 (R = 0.992). This immunoassay could be used for the determination of HCG in serum samples, which provided a promising potential in clinical diagnosis.
Development of a New Cr(VI)‐biosorbent from Agricultural Waste: Adsorption Characteristics and the Kinetics
Authors: Shanmugaprakash M. , Sivakumar V. , Babukannan K. , Biswarup Sen
Published: March 2014

Agricultural wastes are excellent carbon materials for adsorption of heavy metal ions from toxic industrial wastewaters. Here we report the biosorption potential of a low cost agricultural waste, Pongamia seed shell (PSS), in the removal of toxic hexavalent Cr, from aqueous synthetic solution. The effect of pH, adsorbent dosage and contact time on the removal of Cr(VI) was studied using batch system. The Cr(VI) removal efficiency was highest at pH 2.0 and adsorbent dosage of 10.0 g/L. A maximum monolayer adsorption capacity of 83.3 mg/g at 30 °C was obtained. Freundlich isotherm model (R2 ≥ 0.95) and pseudo‐second order kinetic model (R2 ≥ 0.99) fitted well with experimental data among the others. The morphology and surface functional groups of the raw PSS and Cr(VI)‐loaded PSS were observed by scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, respectively, which confirmed the adsorption and binding of Cr(VI) onto PSS. Experimental and kinetic results suggest PSS as a potential biosorbent of Cr(VI) in industrial wastewaters.