bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hippocampal volume change relates to clinical outcome in childhood-onset schizophrenia
Authors: Anvari A. A. , Friedman L. A. , Greenstein D. , Gochman P. , Gogtay N. , Rapoport J. L.
Published: July 2015

Background

Fixed hippocampal volume reductions and shape abnormalities are established findings in schizophrenia, but the relationship between hippocampal volume change and clinical outcome has been relatively unexplored in schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. In light of recent findings correlating hippocampal volume change and clinical outcome in first-episode psychotic adults, we hypothesized that fewer decreases in hippocampal volume would be associated with better functional outcome and fewer psychotic symptoms in our rare and chronically ill population of childhood-onset schizophrenia (COS) patients.

Method

We prospectively obtained 114 structural brain magnetic resonance images (MRIs) from 27 COS subjects, each with three or more scans between the ages of 10 and 30 years. Change in hippocampal volume, measured by fit slope and percentage change, was regressed against clinical ratings (Children's Global Assessment Scale, Scale for the Assessment of Positive Symptoms, Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms) at last scan (controlling for sex, time between scans and total intracranial volume).

Results

Fewer negative symptoms were associated with less hippocampal volume decrease (fit slope: p = 0.0003, and percentage change: p = 0.005) while positive symptoms were not related to hippocampal change. There was also a relationship between improved clinical global functioning and maintained hippocampal volumes (fit slope: p = 0.025, and percentage change: p = 0.043).

Conclusions

These results suggest that abnormal hippocampal development in schizophrenia can be linked to global functioning and negative symptoms. The hippocampus can be considered a potential treatment target for future therapies.
Severity of depressive symptoms as a predictor of mortality: the English longitudinal study of ageing
Authors: White J. , Zaninotto P. , Walters K. , Kivimäki M. , Demakakos P. , Shankar A. , Kumari M. , Gallacher J. , Batty G. D.
Published: July 2015

Background

Major depressive disorder and subthreshold depression have been associated with premature mortality. We investigated the association between depressive symptoms and mortality across the full continuum of severity.

Method

We used Cox proportional hazards models to examine the association between depressive symptom severity, assessed using the eight-item Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D; range 0–8), and the risk of all-cause mortality over a 9-year follow-up, in 11 104 members of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing.

Results

During follow-up, one fifth of study members died (N = 2267). Depressive symptoms were associated with increased mortality across the full range of severity (ptrend < 0.001). Relative to study members with no symptoms, an increased risk of mortality was found in people with depressive symptoms of a low [hazard ratio (HR) for a score of 2 was 1.59, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.40–1.82], moderate (score of 4: HR 1.80, 95% CI 1.52–2.13) and high (score of 8: HR 2.27, 95% CI 1.69–3.04) severity, suggesting risk emerges at low levels but plateaus thereafter. A third of participants (36.4%, 95% CI 35.5–37.3) reported depressive symptoms associated with an increased mortality risk. Adjustment for physical activity, physical illnesses, and impairments in physical and cognitive functioning attenuated this association (ptrend = 0.25).

Conclusions

Depressive symptoms are associated with an increased mortality risk even at low levels of symptom severity. This association is explained by physical activity, physical illnesses, and impairments in physical and cognitive functioning.
The algebra of parallel endomorphisms of a pseudo-Riemannian metric: semi-simple part
Authors: BOUBEL CHARLES
Published: July 2015

On a (pseudo-)Riemannian manifold (${\mathcal M}$, g), some fields of endomorphisms i.e. sections of End(T${\mathcal M}$) may be parallel for g. They form an associative algebra $\mathfrak e$, which is also the commutant of the holonomy group of g. As any associative algebra, $\mathfrak e$ is the sum of its radical and of a semi-simple algebra $\mathfrak s$. Here we study $\mathfrak s$: it may be of eight different types, including the generic type $\mathfrak s$ = ${\mathbb R}$ Id, and the Kähler and hyperkähler types $\mathfrak s$ ≃ ${\mathbb C}$ and $\mathfrak s$ ≃ ${\mathbb H}$. This is a result on real, semi-simple algebras with involution. For each type, the corresponding set of germs of metrics is non-empty; we parametrize it. We give the constraints imposed to the Ricci curvature by parallel endomorphism fields.
Primitive submodules for Drinfeld modules
Authors: KUO WENTANG , TWEEDLE DAVID
Published: July 2015

The ring A = $\mathbb{F}$r[T] and its fraction field k, where r is a power of a prime p, are considered as analogues of the integers and rational numbers respectively. Let K/k be a finite extension and let φ be a Drinfeld A-module over K of rank d and Γ ⊂ K be a finitely generated free A-submodule of K, the A-module structure coming from the action of φ. We consider the problem of determining the number of primes ℘ of K for which the reduction of Γ modulo ℘ is equal to $\mathbb{F}$℘ (the residue field of the prime ℘). We can show that there is a natural density of primes ℘ for which Γ mod ℘ is equal to $\mathbb{F}$℘. In certain cases, this density can be seen to be positive.
PLK1 regulates spindle formation kinetics and APC/C activation in mouse zygote
Authors: Baran Vladimir , Brzakova Adela , Rehak Pavol , Kovarikova Veronika , Solc Petr
Published: July 2015

Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) is involved in essential events of cell cycle including mitosis in which it participates in centrosomal microtubule nucleation, spindle bipolarity establishment and cytokinesis. Although PLK1 function has been studied in cycling cancer cells, only limited data are known about its role in the first mitosis of mammalian zygotes. During the 1-cell stage of mouse embryo development, the acentriolar spindle is formed and the shift from acentriolar to centrosomal spindle formation progresses gradually throughout the preimplantation stage, thus providing a unique possibility to study acentriolar spindle formation. We have shown previously that PLK1 activity is not essential for entry into first mitosis, but is required for correct spindle formation and anaphase onset in 1-cell mouse embryos. In the present study, we extend this knowledge by employing quantitative confocal live cell imaging to determine spindle formation kinetics in the absence of PLK1 activity and answer the question whether metaphase arrest at PLK1-inhibited embryos is associated with low anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C) activity and consequently high securin level. We have shown that inhibition of PLK1 activity induces a delay in onset of acentriolar spindle formation during first mitosis. Although these PLK1-inhibited 1-cell embryos were finally able to form a bipolar spindle, not all chromosomes were aligned at the metaphase equator. PLK1-inhibited embryos were arrested in metaphase without any sign of APC/C activation with high securin levels. Our results document that PLK1 controls the onset of spindle assembly and spindle formation, and is essential for APC/C activation before anaphase onset in mouse zygotes.
Cryostat Slice Irregularities May Introduce Bias in Tissue Thickness Estimation: Relevance for Cell Counting Methods
Authors: Puigdellívol-Sánchez Anna , Giralt Albert , Casanovas Anna , Alberch Jordi , Prats-Galino Alberto
Published: July 2015

Stereological techniques using the optical disectors require estimation of final section thickness, but frozen tissue irregularities may interfere with this estimation. Cryostat slices from rodent nerve tissues (dorsal root ganglia, spinal cord, and brain), cut at 16, 40, and 50 μm, were digitized with a confocal microscope and visualized through 3D software. Geometric section thickness of tissue (Tgeom) was defined as tissue volume/area. Maximal section thicknesses (Tmax), from the top to the bottom of the section, were measured in a random sample of vertical ZX planes. Irregularities were mostly related to blood vessels traversing the tissue and neuronal somas protruding over the cut surfaces, with other neuron profiles showing a fragmented appearance. Irregularities contributed to increasing the distance between the tops and bottoms of slices sectioned in different laboratories. Significant differences were found between Tmax and Tgeom for all thickness studies and counting frames (p<0.01). The Tgeom/Tmax average rate was 68.4–85.7% in volumes around cell profiles (∼600–1,200 μm2) and 83.3–91.8% in subcellular samples (∼25–160 μm2). Confocal microscopy may help to assess tissue irregularities, which might lead to an overestimation of tissue volume if section thickness is estimated by focusing on the top and bottom of the sections.
Sequence-related amplified polymorphism and inter-simple sequence repeat marker-based genetic diversity and nuclear DNA content variation in common vetch (Vicia sativaL.)
Authors: Cil Abdullah , Tiryaki Iskender
Published: July 2015

Genetic diversity of 30 common vetch (Vicia sativaL.) lines and cultivars obtained from various resources or collected from natural flora of Turkey was evaluated by using 55 sequence-related amplified polymorphism (SRAP) and five inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) primer sets, and their nuclear DNA contents were determined by flow cytometer. A total of 188 polymorphic loci were detected, with an average of 3.62 loci per primer. The percentage of polymorphic loci was 82.1%. The polymorphism information content values ranged from 0.12 to 0.96, with an average of 0.63. The genetic distance coefficients were in the range of 0.112–0.627. Cluster analysis revealed that the 27 lines and three cultivars could be divided into two main groups. No polyploidy was detected within any vetch lines tested while significant (P< 0.0001) nuclear DNA content differences were determined. The present study revealed that fast and accurate fingerprinting analysis could be done using SRAP and ISSR markers, which indicated existing significant variation among common vetch lines and cultivars.
The programming of cardiovascular disease
Authors: Thornburg K. L.
Published: July 2015

In spite of improving life expectancy over the course of the previous century, the health of the U.S. population is now worsening. Recent increasing rates of type 2 diabetes, obesity and uncontrolled high blood pressure predict a growing incidence of cardiovascular disease and shortened average lifespan. The daily >$1billion current price tag for cardiovascular disease in the United States is expected to double within the next decade or two. Other countries are seeing similar trends. Current popular explanations for these trends are inadequate. Rather, increasingly poor diets in young people and in women during pregnancy are a likely cause of declining health in the U.S. population through a process known as programming. The fetal cardiovascular system is sensitive to poor maternal nutritional conditions during the periconceptional period, in the womb and in early postnatal life. Developmental plasticity accommodates changes in organ systems that lead to endothelial dysfunction, small coronary arteries, stiffer vascular tree, fewer nephrons, fewer cardiomyocytes, coagulopathies and atherogenic blood lipid profiles in fetuses born at the extremes of birthweight. Of equal importance are epigenetic modifications to genes driving important growth regulatory processes. Changes in microRNA, DNA methylation patterns and histone structure have all been implicated in the cardiovascular disease vulnerabilities that cross-generations. Recent experiments offer hope that detrimental epigenetic changes can be prevented or reversed. The large number of studies that provide the foundational concepts for the developmental origins of disease can be traced to the brilliant discoveries of David J.P. Barker.
Global Research Push Urged on Environmental Disruption, Extremes
Authors: Showstack Randy
Published: July 2015

Seven resolutions by the International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics call for increased scientific contributions in areas ranging from environmental threats to energy resources to satellite systems.
Simultaneous PET/Mri in Stroke: A Case Series
Authors: Werner Peter , Saur Dorothee , Zeisig Vilia , Ettrich Barbara , Patt Marianne , Sattler Bernhard , Jochimsen Thies , Lobsien Donald , Meyer Philipp M , Bergh Florian Then , Dreyer Antje , Boltze Johannes , Classen Joseph , Fritzsch Dominik , Hoffmann Karl-Titus , Sabri Osama , Barthel Henryk
Published: July 2015

Prospective studies on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-guided systemic thrombolysis 44.5 hours after stroke onset did not reach their primary end points. It was discussed and observed in post hoc data re-assessment that this was partly because of limited MRI accuracy to measure critical hypoperfusion. We report the first cases of simultaneous [15O]H2O-positron emission tomography (PET)/MRI in stroke patients and an ovine model. Discrepancies between simultaneously obtained PET and MRI readouts were observed that might explain the above current limitations of stroke MRI. By offering highly complementary information, [15O]H2O-PET/MRI might help to identify critically hypoperfused tissue resulting in an improved patient stratification in thrombolysis trials.
STAT-Dependent Upregulation of 12/15-Lipoxygenase Contributes to Neuronal Injury after Stroke
Authors: Jung Joo Eun , Karatas Hulya , Liu Yu , Yalcin Ayfer , Montaner Joan , Lo Eng H , van Leyen Klaus
Published: July 2015

Oxidative stress is a major brain injury mechanism after ischemic stroke. 12/15-lipoxygenase (12/15-LOX) is a key mediator of oxidative stress, contributing to neuronal cell death and vascular leakage. Nonetheless, the mechanism leading to its upregulation is currently unknown. We show here that Signal Transducers and Activators of Transcription (STATs), specifically STAT6 and possibly STAT1, increase transcription of 12/15-LOX in neuronal cells. Both p-STAT6 and −1 bound to specific STAT binding sites in the mouse 12/15-LOX promoter. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) knockdown showed STAT6 to be the dominant regulator, reducing 12/15-LOX promoter activation and cell death in oxidatively stressed HT22 cells. STAT6 siRNA efficiently prevented the increase of 12/15-LOX in murine primary neurons, both after induction of oxidative stress and after oxygen-glucose deprivation. Early activation of STAT6 and STAT1 in mice was consistent with a role in regulating 12/15-LOX in focal ischemia. Brains of human stroke patients showed increased p-STAT6 and p-STAT1 in the peri-infarct region, along with 12/15-LOX and markers of apoptosis. These results link STAT6 and STAT1 to the 12/15-LOX damage pathway and suggest disregulation of STAT-dependent transcription as injury mechanism in stroke. Selectively targeting STATs may thus be a novel therapeutic approach to reducing brain injury after a stroke.
Restoration of rhythmicity in diffusively coupled dynamical networks
Authors: Zou Wei , Senthilkumar D. V. , Nagao Raphael , Kiss István Z. , Tang Yang , Koseska Aneta , Duan Jinqiao , Kurths Jürgen
Published: July 2015

Oscillatory behaviour is essential for proper functioning of various physical and biological processes. However, diffusive coupling is capable of suppressing intrinsic oscillations due to the manifestation of the phenomena of amplitude and oscillation deaths. Here we present a scheme to revoke these quenching states in diffusively coupled dynamical networks, and demonstrate the approach in experiments with an oscillatory chemical reaction. By introducing a simple feedback factor in the diffusive coupling, we show that the stable (in)homogeneous steady states can be effectively destabilized to restore dynamic behaviours of coupled systems. Even a feeble deviation from the normal diffusive coupling drastically shrinks the death regions in the parameter space. The generality of our method is corroborated in diverse non-linear systems of diffusively coupled paradigmatic models with various death scenarios. Our study provides a general framework to strengthen the robustness of dynamic activity in diffusively coupled dynamical networks.
Plant species’ origin predicts dominance and response to nutrient enrichment and herbivores in global grasslands
Authors: Seabloom Eric W. , Borer Elizabeth T. , Buckley Yvonne M. , Cleland Elsa E. , Davies Kendi F. , Firn Jennifer , Harpole W. Stanley , Hautier Yann , Lind Eric M. , MacDougall Andrew S. , Orrock John L. , Prober Suzanne M. , Adler Peter B. , Anderson T. Michael , Bakker Jonathan D. , Biederman Lori A. , Blumenthal Dana M. , Brown Cynthia S. , Brudvig Lars A. , Cadotte Marc , Chu Chengjin , Cottingham Kathryn L. , Crawley Michael J. , Damschen Ellen I. , Dantonio Carla M. , DeCrappeo Nicole M. , Du Guozhen , Fay Philip A. , Frater Paul , Gruner Daniel S. , Hagenah Nicole , Hector Andy , Hillebrand Helmut , Hofmockel Kirsten S. , Humphries Hope C. , Jin Virginia L. , Kay Adam , Kirkman Kevin P. , Klein Julia A. , Knops Johannes M. H. , La Pierre Kimberly J. , Ladwig Laura , Lambrinos John G. , Li Qi , Li Wei , Marushia Robin , McCulley Rebecca L. , Melbourne Brett A. , Mitchell Charles E. , Moore Joslin L. , Morgan John , Mortensen Brent , O'Halloran Lydia R. , Pyke David A. , Risch Anita C. , Sankaran Mahesh , Schuetz Martin , Simonsen Anna , Smith Melinda D. , Stevens Carly J. , Sullivan Lauren , Wolkovich Elizabeth , Wragg Peter D. , Wright Justin , Yang Louie
Published: July 2015

Exotic species dominate many communities; however the functional significance of species’ biogeographic origin remains highly contentious. This debate is fuelled in part by the lack of globally replicated, systematic data assessing the relationship between species provenance, function and response to perturbations. We examined the abundance of native and exotic plant species at 64 grasslands in 13 countries, and at a subset of the sites we experimentally tested native and exotic species responses to two fundamental drivers of invasion, mineral nutrient supplies and vertebrate herbivory. Exotic species are six times more likely to dominate communities than native species. Furthermore, while experimental nutrient addition increases the cover and richness of exotic species, nutrients decrease native diversity and cover. Native and exotic species also differ in their response to vertebrate consumer exclusion. These results suggest that species origin has functional significance, and that eutrophication will lead to increased exotic dominance in grasslands.
Food-web stability signals critical transitions in temperate shallow lakes
Authors: Kuiper Jan J. , van Altena Cassandra , de Ruiter Peter C. , van Gerven Luuk P. A. , Janse Jan H. , Mooij Wolf M.
Published: July 2015

A principal aim of ecologists is to identify critical levels of environmental change beyond which ecosystems undergo radical shifts in their functioning. Both food-web theory and alternative stable states theory provide fundamental clues to mechanisms conferring stability to natural systems. Yet, it is unclear how the concept of food-web stability is associated with the resilience of ecosystems susceptible to regime change. Here, we use a combination of food web and ecosystem modelling to show that impending catastrophic shifts in shallow lakes are preceded by a destabilizing reorganization of interaction strengths in the aquatic food web. Analysis of the intricate web of trophic interactions reveals that only few key interactions, involving zooplankton, diatoms and detritus, dictate the deterioration of food-web stability. Our study exposes a tight link between food-web dynamics and the dynamics of the whole ecosystem, implying that trophic organization may serve as an empirical indicator of ecosystem resilience.
Three missense variants of metabolic syndrome-related genes are associated with alpha-1 antitrypsin levels
Authors: Setoh Kazuya , Terao Chikashi , Muro Shigeo , Kawaguchi Takahisa , Tabara Yasuharu , Takahashi Meiko , Nakayama Takeo , Kosugi Shinji , Sekine Akihiro , Yamada Ryo , Mishima Michiaki , Matsuda Fumihiko
Published: July 2015

Alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) encoded bySERPINA1is an acute-phase inflammation marker, and AAT deficiency (AATD) is known as one of the common genetic disorders in European populations. However, no genetic determinants to AAT levels apart from theSERPINAgene clusters have been identified to date. Here we perform a genome-wide association study of serum AAT levels followed by a two-staged replication study recruiting a total of 9,359 Japanese community-dwelling population. Three missense variants of metabolic syndrome-related genes, namely, rs671 inALDH2, rs1169288 inHNF1Aand rs1260326 inGCKR, significantly associate with AAT levels (P≤1.5 × 10−12). Previous reports have shown the functional relevance ofALDH2andHNF1Ato AAT. We observe a significant interaction of rs671 and alcohol consumption on AAT levels. We confirm the association between AAT and rs2896268 inSERPINA1, which is independent of known causative variants of AATD. These findings would support various AAT functions including metabolic processes.
Genome-wide characterisation and analysis of bHLH transcription factors related to tanshinone biosynthesis in Salvia miltiorrhiza
Authors: Zhang Xin , Luo Hongmei , Xu Zhichao , Zhu Yingjie , Ji Aijia , Song Jingyuan , Chen Shilin
Published: July 2015

Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (Labiatae) is an emerging model plant for traditional medicine and tanshinones are among the pharmacologically active constituents of this plant. Although extensive chemical and pharmaceutical studies of these compounds have been performed, studies on the basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factors that regulate tanshinone biosynthesis are limited. In our study, 127 bHLH transcription factor genes were identified in the genome of S. miltiorrhiza, and phylogenetic analysis indicated that these SmbHLHs could be classified into 25 subfamilies. A total of 19 sequencing libraries were constructed for expression pattern analyses using RNA-Seq. Based on gene-specific expression patterns and up-regulated expression patterns in response to MeJA treatment, 7 bHLH genes were revealed as potentially involved in the regulation of tanshinone biosynthesis. Among them, the gene expression of SmbHLH37, SmbHLH74 and SmbHLH92 perfectly matches the accumulation pattern of tanshinone biosynthesis in S. miltiorrhiza. Our results provide a foundation for understanding the molecular basis and regulatory mechanisms of bHLH transcription factors in S. miltiorrhiza.
Biomarkers of delayed graft function as a form of acute kidney injury in kidney transplantation
Authors: Malyszko Jolanta , Lukaszyk Ewelina , Glowinska Irena , Durlik Magdalena
Published: July 2015

Renal transplantation ensures distinct advantages for patients with end-stage kidney disease. However, in some cases early complications can lead to allograft dysfunction and consequently graft loss. One of the most common early complications after kidney transplantation is delayed graft function (DGF). Unfortunately there is no effective treatment for DGF, however early diagnosis of DGF and therapeutic intervention (eg modification of immunosuppression) may improve outcome. Therefore, markers of acute kidney injury are required. Creatinine is a poor biomarker for kidney injury due principally to its inability to help diagnose early acute renal failure and complete inability to help differentiate among its various causes. Different urinary and serum proteins have been intensively investigated as possible biomarkers in this setting. There are promising candidate biomarkers with the ability to detect DGF. We focused on emerging biomarkers of DGF with NGAL is being the most studied followed by KIM-1, L-FABP, IL-18 and others. However, large randomized studies are needed to establish the value of new, promising biomarkers, in DGF diagnosis, prognosis and its cost-effectiveness.
13.2% efficiency Si nanowire/PEDOT:PSS hybrid solar cell using a transfer-imprinted Au mesh electrode
Authors: Park Kwang-Tae , Kim Han-Jung , Park Min-Joon , Jeong Jun-Ho , Lee Jihye , Choi Dae-Geun , Lee Jung-Ho , Choi Jun-Hyuk
Published: July 2015

In recent years, inorganic/organic hybrid solar cell concept has received growing attention for alternative energy solution because of the potential for facile and low-cost fabrication and high efficiency. Here, we report highly efficient hybrid solar cells based on silicon nanowires (SiNWs) and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) using transfer-imprinted metal mesh front electrodes. Such a structure increases the optical absorption and shortens the carrier transport distance, thus, it greatly increases the charge carrier collection efficiency. Compared with hybrid cells formed using indium tin oxide (ITO) electrodes, we find an increase in power conversion efficiency from 5.95% to 13.2%, which is attributed to improvements in both the electrical and optical properties of the Au mesh electrode. Our fabrication strategy for metal mesh electrode is suitable for the large-scale fabrication of flexible transparent electrodes, paving the way towards low-cost, high-efficiency, flexible solar cells.
Time-dependent deacclimation after cold acclimation in Arabidopsis thaliana accessions
Authors: Zuther Ellen , Juszczak Ilona , Ping Lee Yang , Baier Margarete , Hincha Dirk K.
Published: July 2015

During low temperature exposure,Arabidopsis thalianaand many other plants from temperate climates increase in freezing tolerance in a process termed cold acclimation. However, the correct timing and rate of deacclimation, resulting in loss of freezing tolerance and initiation of growth is equally important for plant fitness and survival. While the molecular basis of cold acclimation has been investigated in detail, much less information is available about deacclimation. We have characterized the responses of 10 natural accessions ofArabidopsis thalianathat vary widely in their freezing tolerance, to deacclimation conditions. Sugar, proline and transcript levels declined sharply over three days in all accessions after transfer of cold acclimated plants to ambient temperatures, while freezing tolerance only declined in tolerant accessions. Correlations between freezing tolerance and the expression levels ofCORgenes and the content of glucose, fructose and sucrose, as well as many correlations among transcript and solute levels, that were highly significant in cold acclimated plants, were lost during deacclimation. Other correlations persisted, indicating that after three days of deacclimation, plant metabolism had not completely reverted back to the non-acclimated state. These data provide the basis for further molecular and genetic studies to unravel the regulation of deacclimation.
Experimental Studies on the Uptake of Technetium-99 to Terrestrial Crops
Authors: Ewers L. W. , Brown J.
Published: July 2015

Technetium-99 is dispersed in the environment from a number of sources, the main ones being nuclear weapons testing, nuclear power plants, nuclear fuel processing facilities and facilities that treat or store radioactive waste. A small scale experimental study has been carried out to provide further evidence that the generic assumption made on the difference between soil to crop transfer factor (TF) values for non-reduced and reduced forms of technetium is valid. Additional soil to crop TFs have also been measured for a range of crops which can be used where more site specific data for UK based radiological assessments are required
An Improved Method for the Determination of Iodine-129 in Environmental and Nuclear Decommissioning Samples
Authors: Townsend L. , Chimes M. , Gregory J. , Talbot-Eeckelaers C. , Wharton M.
Published: July 2015

There is a commercial demand for a robust, simple and efficient method for accurately determining the activity concentration of 129I in various environmental and nuclear decommissioning samples. A need for a method that could analyse for 129I by liquid scintillation counting was identified and the development and improvement of a current method for the determination of 129I are described
Characterisation of Highly Tritiated Waste Streams Resultant from the Operation of the Chapelcross Power Station Process Plant (CXPP) for the Purification of Tritium
Authors: Bridgewater D.
Published: July 2015

This paper describes a project whose purpose is to characterise the specific and total activity of highly tritiated oil based waste streams including various desiccant materials used to clean up spillages to support the waste management decision and onward waste disposal routing decision(s).
Oxalohydroxamic Acid as a Reductometric Titrant for the Determination of Oxygen to Metal Ratio in Nuclear Fuel
Authors: Khan F. , Agrawal S.
Published: July 2015

The oxygen to metal ratio (O/M) is an important parameter governing many properties of the uranium oxide fuels. The (O/M) also affects fuel properties such as thermal conductivity and melting point. Diffusion coefficients and vapour pressures have also been reported to change by 3 or more orders of magnitude for a minor change of 0.02 in the (O/M) near the value of 2.00. Therefore, knowledge of O/M of the mixed oxide fuel is very essential. Various O/M measurement techniques have been employed and used over the past several years with varying degree of success. The method for O/M fuel pellets at the fabrication plant should be simple, rapid and accurate. A numbers of wet chemical methods for determining oxygen to metal ratio in uranium oxide have been reported in literature. All methods require specific temperature condition, sample pretreatment steps and also sophisticated instruments.
Automated System for Neutron Activation Analysis
Authors: Ismail S. S.
Published: July 2015

Analysis of a large number of samples for an environmental and geological survey by neutron activation analysis requires automated facilities with dynamic operations. Several systems were developed and modified at the institute during the last 15 years with focus on systems with very fast transfer times (less than 300 ms) so as to optimise the analytical procedures of very short nuclides. Most of the available systems are designed to the requirements and specifications of working groups at nuclear research reactors. This work is designed to standardize a system consisting of several modules which can be reduced or extended according to the requirements and budget. The aim to develop a system for transferring the samples from the chemistry laboratory (distance: 30 meters) while keeping the transfer time as short as possible (less than 3 seconds). Additionally, the system must provide dynamic irradiation-counting procedures to enable accurate analysis, regardless of sample size, matrices or irradiation, and measuring techniques. One of the main modifications in this system is to combine the facilities for short-time activation analysis with those used for analysing pre-irradiated samples, thus generally optimising the optimal use of the laboratory for neutron activation analysis.
Algal Biosorption – is it a Viable Alternative in Treatment of Radioactively Contaminated Effluents?
Authors: Kutner A. , Nesbitt V.
Published: July 2015

Bioremediation is an established remediation strategy used in numerous industries including sewage treatment, water course management and disused mine remediation. A literature review has indicated that there is sufficient evidence to support the use of organic materials, with biosorptive properties, as a viable bioremediation technique targeted towards the treatment of waste effluents and sludges. Previous studies have found that algae can sequester metals (heavy metals and radionuclides) from a dilute solution to high efficiency and in rapid intrinsic kinetics, thus potentially making biosorption an ideal candidate for high volume low concentration complex waste streams. Since algae-based biosorbents are inexpensive, and characterised by high sorption kinetics towards a variety of heavy metals and radionuclides, this particular group of microorganism has been selected for closer investigation of its remedial potential.
Long Term Trends in Far-Field Effects of Marine Radioactivity Measured Around Northern Ireland
Authors: Ly V. E. , Cogan S. M. , Camplin W. C. , Peake L. , Leonard K. S.
Published: July 2015

The objective of this paper is to provide concentrations of certain radionuclides in environmental samples (seafood, seaweed, and sediment) over a long time period (over two decades) to assess the impact upon the surrounding environment of Northern Ireland, from selected sampling locations at Carlingford Lough (North–west Irish Sea), along the coastline at Kilkeel, Ardglass, Ballymacormick, Ballycastle and as far as Portrush (bordering the North Atlantic Ocean) in the north. The concentration activity data have been compiled (where available and appropriate) to assess the time trends from 1990 until the present time. These data give a clearer and broader picture of radionuclide trends in the environment which are not obvious from the annually published technical reports.
Spinach Powder is a Suitable Medium for Interlaboratory Comparisons (ILC) Of Environmentally Relevant Nuclides
Authors: Roos N. , Tait D.
Published: July 2015

One of the legal tasks of the Coordinating Laboratories for the Surveillance of Radioactivity in the Environment is to carry out quality assurance measures, including interlaboratory comparisons. The Coordinating Laboratory of the Max Rubner-Institut in Kiel, Germany, is responsible for the environmental media soil, vegetation, animal feed and foodstuffs of plant and animal origin. Spinach was selected for this interlaboratory comparison, because it is mentioned as an example of the “representative” medium “leafy vegetables” and thus for all food crops in the official German surveillance program in the event of a nuclear incident.1 However, with fresh spinach a homogeneous distribution of added nuclides is hardly achievable. Therefore finely milled spinach powder was chosen as a matrix in this interlaboratory comparison. The participants had to determine the specific activities of the naturally present K-40 and added nuclides I-131, Cs-134, Cs-137 and Sr-90. For the dry matter determination a fast method was stipulated.
Determination of Radioactivity Levels and 222Rn Exhalation Rates in Soil Around Ipen Facilities
Authors: Nisti M. B. , Saueia C. H. R. , Mazzilli B. P.
Published: July 2015

The aim of this study is to evaluate radionuclides content, 222Rn exhalation rates, radium equivalent activity and hazard indices in soil samples around Instituto de Pesquisas Energéticas e Nucleares (IPEN) facilities. The activity concentrations in soil were measured by gamma spectrometry, using an HPGe detector. The radon exhalation rate in soil was determined using a model proposed by UNSCEAR1, taking into account the 226Ra concentration, the decay constant of 222Rn, the emanation fraction, the soil density, total porosity and diffusion length. The radium equivalent activity, external and internal hazard indices were determined using theoretical models.
Determination of Polonium-210 and Lead-210 in Iron- and Steel-Making Materials
Authors: Dal-Molin F. , Anderson D. R. , Read D.
Published: July 2015

This paper presents details of the challenges encountered when measuring 210Po and 210Pb, originally present in trace amounts in raw materials and then concentrates in the form of dusts during iron ore sintering, and validating radioanalytical methods in the absence of suitable reference materials. In-house radioanalytical methods for the measurement of these two radionuclides in a wide range of iron and steel-making materials including raw materials, waste dusts and emission samples have been developed. The methods have been validated and accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) according to the International Standard Organisation (ISO) 17025.
Lichens around the world: a comprehensive study of lichen survival biostrategies detected by Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Miralles I. , Edwards H. G. M. , Domingo F. , Jorge-Villar S. E.
Published: July 2015

A list of lichen biomolecules detected by Raman spectroscopy has been compiled and their appearance has been correlated with the environmental conditions operating in lichen habitats around the world.
C–F bond substitution via aziridinium ion intermediates
Authors: Träff A. M. , Janjetovic M. , Hilmersson G.
Published: July 2015

A mild and distinct methodology for instantaneous β-amino fluoride substitution mediated by La[N(SiMe3)2]3 has been developed. The reaction proceeds via a reactive aziridinium ion intermediate, which readily reacts with various nucleophiles. This allows the use of fluorine as a modular functionality and further expands the role of aziridinium ions in organic synthesis.
Insights into relevant mechanistic aspects about the induction period of Cu0/Me6TREN-mediated reversible-deactivation radical polymerization
Authors: Gao Yongsheng , Zhao Tianyu , Zhou Dezhong , Greiser Udo , Wang Wenxin
Published: July 2015

The induction period and subsequent autoaccelerated polymerization of a Cu0/Me6TREN-catalyzed system originate from the accumulation of soluble copper species.
Molecular pillar supported graphene oxide framework: conformational heterogeneity and tunable d-spacing
Authors: Mungse Harshal P. , Singh Raghuvir , Sugimura Hiroyuki , Kumar N. , Khatri Om P.
Published: July 2015

n-Alkylamines were grafted on the basal plane oxygen functionalities of graphene oxide, yielding molecular pillar supported graphene oxide frameworks with tunable interlayer spacing.
Formic acid oxidation on platinum: a simple mechanistic study
Authors: Schwarz Kathleen A. , Sundararaman Ravishankar , Moffat Thomas P. , Allison Thomas C.
Published: July 2015

Formic acid oxidation on Pt(111) under electrocatalytic conditions occurs when a formate anion approaches the Pt(111) surface in the CH-down orientation, and barrierlessly releases carbon dioxide as the H binds to the surface.
Insights from the computational studies on the oxidized as-isolated state of [NiFeSe] hydrogenase from D. vulgaris Hildenborough
Authors: Vedha Swaminathan Angeline , Velmurugan Gunasekaran , Jagadeesan Rajangam , Venuvanalingam Ponnambalam
Published: July 2015

A density functional theory study of the active site structure and features of the oxygen tolerant [NiFeSe] Hase in the oxidized as-isolated state of the enzymeD. vulgarisHildenborough (DvH) is reported here.
Nuclear depolarization and absolute sensitivity in magic-angle spinning cross effect dynamic nuclear polarization
Authors: Mentink-Vigier Frédéric , Paul Subhradip , Lee Daniel , Feintuch Akiva , Hediger Sabine , Vega Shimon , De Paëpe Gaël
Published: July 2015

Biradicals' performance in MAS-DNP experiments should be revised to account for substantial field-dependent nuclear polarization losses that depend on experimental conditions and biradical properties.
Effect of annealing in oxygen on alloy structures of Pd–Au bimetallic model catalysts
Authors: Yu Wen-Yueh , Zhang Liang , Mullen Gregory M. , Evans Edward J. , Henkelman Graeme , Mullins C. Buddie
Published: July 2015

Annealing in an oxygen ambient stabilizes Pd atoms on Pd–Au surfaces, resulting in higher oxygen uptake and CO oxidation activity.
Synthesis and reactivity of α-cationic phosphines: the effect of imidazolinium and amidinium substituents
Authors: Haldón Estela , Kozma Ágnes , Tinnermann Hendrik , Gu Lianghu , Goddard Richard , Alcarazo Manuel
Published: July 2015

This study describes the synthesis, characterization and reactivity of a series of mono and dicationic phosphines bearing dihydroimidazolium and amidinium substituents. Their remarkable effect in Au(i) and Pt(ii) catalysis is also described.
Interface engineering of the photoelectrochemical performance of Ni-oxide-coated n-Si photoanodes by atomic-layer deposition of ultrathin films of cobalt oxide
Authors: Zhou Xinghao , Liu Rui , Sun Ke , Friedrich Dennis , McDowell Matthew T. , Yang Fan , Omelchenko Stefan T. , Saadi Fadl H. , Nielander Adam C. , Yalamanchili Sisir , Papadantonakis Kimberly M. , Brunschwig Bruce S. , Lewis Nathan S.
Published: July 2015

Interfacial CoOx layers provide a route to stable, high-performance Si photoanodes for water splitting, without requiring np+ homojunctions.
Hypolipidemic influence of dietary fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) seeds and garlic (Allium sativum) in experimental myocardial infarction
Authors: Mukthamba Puttaswamy , Srinivasan Krishnapura
Published: July 2015

The cardioprotective influence of dietary fibre-rich fenugreek seeds and the well-established hypolipidemic spice garlic was evaluated both individually and in combination in isoproterenol induced myocardial infarcted rats.
In vitro gastrointestinal digestibility of native, hydroxypropylated and cross-linked wheat starches
Authors: Yousefi A. R. , Razavi Seyed M. A. , Norouzy Abdolreza
Published: July 2015

The digestibility and estimated glycemic indices (GI) of native (NWS), cross-linked (CLWS) and hydroxypropylated wheat starches (HPWS) were obtained byin vitroenzymatic hydrolysis.
Energy-efficient production of 1-octanol from biomass-derived furfural-acetone in water
Authors: Xia Qineng , Xia Yinjiang , Xi Jinxu , Liu Xiaohui , Wang Yanqin
Published: July 2015

An energy-efficient catalytic system for the one-pot production of 1-octanol from biomass-derived furfural-acetone (FFA) was developed, using a hydrophilic Pd/NbOPO4catalyst together with an acidic additive in water, which creates an intentional “phase problem” to prevent the over-hydrogenolysis of 1-octanol inton-octane.
Centrifugal microfluidic platform for single-cell level cardiomyocyte-based drug profiling and screening
Authors: Espulgar W. , Aoki W. , Ikeuchi T. , Mita D. , Saito M. , Lee J.-K. , Tamiya E.
Published: July 2015

Single-cell level drug profiling application of isolated single and groups of neonatal rat cardiomyocytes trapped by centrifugal force.
The copper transporter 1 (CTR1) is required to maintain the stability of copper transporter 2 (CTR2)
Authors: Tsai Cheng-Yu , Liebig Janika K. , Tsigelny Igor F. , Howell Stephen B.
Published: July 2015

We describe for the first time that the copper transporter 1 (CTR1) is important to maintain the stability of copper transporter 2 (CTR2).
Thermal, mechanical and thermomechanical properties of tough electrospun poly(imide-co-benzoxazole) nanofiber belts
Authors: Jiang Shaohua , Duan Gaigai , Chen Linlin , Hu Xiaowu , Ding Yichun , Jiang Chengmin , Hou Haoqing
Published: July 2015

Electrospun PI-co-PBO nanofiber belts possessed superior thermomechanical properties.
Electrochemical reduction of CO2to HCOOH using zinc and cobalt oxide as electrocatalysts
Authors: Yadav Viyyapu Shyam Kumar , Purkait Mihir Kumar
Published: July 2015

HCOOH was produced electrochemically from CO2in the presence of Zn and Co3O4.
Insights into the chemical logic and enzymatic machinery of NRPS assembly lines
Authors: Walsh Christopher T.
Published: July 2015

Appreciation that some cyclic peptide antibiotics such as gramicidin S and tyrocidine were nonribosomally synthesized has been known for 50 years.
Ion–ion interactions in β-NaGdF4:Yb3+,Er3+ nanocrystals – the effect of ion concentration and their clustering
Authors: Noculak A. , Podhorodecki A. , Pawlik G. , Banski M. , Misiewicz J.
Published: July 2015

In this work we report the synthesis of hexagonal upconverting nanocrystals, NaGdF4:Yb3+,Er3+, in a wide range of sizes (20–120 nm) by changing Yb3+ and Er3+ concentration. Effect of ions concentration and their interaction was investigated.
Nazarov cyclization of dienylaziridines: synthesis of cyclopentadienyl/hydrinedienyl/indenyl glycines
Authors: Sudhakar Gangarajula , Reddy Karla Janardhan , Nanubolu Jagadesh Babu
Published: July 2015

Cyclopentadienyl, hydrinedienyl, and indenyl glycines were synthesized by the Nazarov cyclization of dienylaziridines for the first time. Several substrates were synthesized to demonstrate the compatibility of this reaction. Asymmetric synthesis of these amino acids was also developed to show the additional scope of this method.
Understanding the thermal dehydrochlorination reaction of 1-chlorohexane. Revealing the driving bonding pattern at the planar catalytic reaction center
Authors: López Lina , Ruiz Pablo , Castro Manuela , Quijano Jairo , Duque-Noreña Mario , Pérez Patricia , Chamorro Eduardo
Published: July 2015

The gas-phase thermal decomposition of 1-chlorohexane is rationalized in terms of a two stage one step reaction mechanism.
Perfluoroalkylation reactions of (hetero)arenes
Authors: Barata-Vallejo Sebastián , Bonesi Sergio M. , Postigo Al
Published: July 2015

Methods for the perfluoroalkylation of (hetero)arenes can be classified as thermal and photochemical, which in turn can be conducted in the presence or absence of metals.
Celebrating Soft Matter's 10th anniversary: Testing the foundations of classical entropy: colloid experiments
Authors: Cates Michael E. , Manoharan Vinothan N.
Published: July 2015

By performing experiments on colloids, one can establish that certain definitions of the classical entropy fit the data, while others in the literature do not.
Synthesis of mucoadhesive thiol-bearing microgels from 2-(acetylthio)ethylacrylate and 2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate: novel drug delivery systems for chemotherapeutic agents to the bladder
Authors: Cook M. T. , Schmidt S. A. , Lee E. , Samprasit W. , Opanasopit P. , Khutoryanskiy V. V.
Published: July 2015

Thiol-bearing microgels have been synthesised from copolymerisation of 2-(acetylthio)ethylacrylate and 2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate, and subsequent deprotection using sodium thiomethoxide.
Electrically responsive photonic crystals: a review
Authors: Nucara Luca , Greco Francesco , Mattoli Virgilio
Published: July 2015

Tunable photonic crystals (TPCs) represent an important class of intelligent materials, which can be used as optically active components and as functional technology to change an object's colour. Here, we review progresses in electrically responsive PCs: a subclass of these smart materials which employs electrical stimulation as direct or indirect trigger for tuning optical properties.
Nanoscale CuO solid-electrolyte-based conductive-bridging-random-access-memory cell operating multi-level-cell and 1selector1resistor
Authors: Kwon Kyoung-Cheol , Song Myung-Jin , Kwon Ki-Hyun , Jeoung Han-Vit , Kim Dong-Won , Lee Gon-Sub , Hong Jin-Pyo , Park Jea-Gun
Published: July 2015

Nanoscale non-volatile CBRAM-cells are developed by using a CuO solid-electrolyte, providing a ∼102memory margin, ∼3 × 106endurance cycles, ∼6.63-years retention time at 85 °C, ∼100 ns writing speed, and MLC operation.
Small molecule-based photocrosslinkable fluorescent materials toward multilayered and high-resolution emissive patterning
Authors: Olivier Simon , Derue Lionel , Geffroy Bernard , Maindron Tony , Ishow Eléna
Published: July 2015

Acrylate-containing fluorophores processed as neat thin films provide bright insoluble multi-stacked patterns upon simple UV illumination, requiring no curing step.
Palmitic acid induced lipotoxicity is associated with altered lipid metabolism, enhanced CYP450 2E1 and intracellular calcium mediated ER stress in human hepatoma cells
Authors: Nissar Ashraf U. , Sharma Love , Tasduq Sheikh A.
Published: July 2015

The aim of the present investigation was to study the events associated with palmitic acid induced metabolic and lipotoxic changes in human hepatoma cells (Hep3B, Huh7 and HepG2).