bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical significance of granulation tissue after transoral laser microsurgery for glottic cancer
Authors: Rioja E , Blanch J-L , Borés A , Bernal-Sprekelsen M , Vilaseca I
Published: March 2015

Background:

Granulation tissue after transoral laser microsurgery can make it difficult to distinguish between normal healing and tumour recurrence.

Materials and methods:

We carried out a retrospective analysis of 316 consecutive glottic carcinomas (Tis–T3). Presence of granulation tissue at one and six months was correlated with demographic and clinical data, tumour and surgical characteristics, and tumour relapse.

Results:

Granulation tissue appeared in 53.8 per cent of patients at month 1, resolving spontaneously in 41.8 per cent. Revision surgery was performed in 60.1 per cent and was effective in 41.1 per cent. At month 6, 14.9 per cent of patients presented with granulation tissue. In 74.5 per cent the tissue was surgically removed and was positive for malignancy in 62.9 per cent. Tumour relapse presented in 29.4 per cent with granulation tissue at month 1 and in 61.7 per cent at month 6 (p= 0.000). Granulation tissue at month 1 correlated with thyroid cartilage exposure and continued smoking. At month 6, granulation tissue correlated with thyroid cartilage exposure, the affected surgical margins and diabetes.

Conclusion:

Granulation tissue after transoral laser microsurgery is frequent. When it persists at six months, revision surgery is formally recommended.
Langmuir waves across the heliosphere
Authors: Briand C.
Published: March 2015

All the bodies of the solar system are embedded in the supersonic flux of energetic particles emitted by the Sun. Since the advent of the space age, the models to describe the interaction of this plasma flow with the planets, asteroids, comets etc. have drastically progressed. The possibilities of in situ measurements of the particle distributions and electromagnetic fields have enabled the plasma theories to be tested under astrophysical conditions. Energy transfer from the Sun to the outermost regions of the heliosphere as well as the processes leading to the dissipation of this energy are central questions for heliophysicists. Understanding the dynamics of the particles is thus critical. It is a particularly complicated subject since the medium is (almost) non-collisional. Thus, next to the description of the particles, the development of waves must be considered. Indeed, they participate to the exchange of energy between different species that would not interact otherwise. In other words, waves may play the role of collisions. This paper concentrates on Langmuir waves for their strong links with the electron dynamics. The basic processes of growth and saturation of the Langmuir waves are reviewed to stress their diagnostic capabilities. Then, the characteristics of the waves are described in the several heliophysical contexts: the planetary environments (in particular the ionosphere, the magnetotail and the foreshock) and in the interplanetary medium (in quiescent conditions of the solar wind or during transient events). A particular emphasis is given to results obtained in the last 15 years.
Malaria and immunity during pregnancy and postpartum: a tale of two species
Authors: McLEAN A. R. D. , ATAIDE R. , SIMPSON J. A. , BEESON J. G. , FOWKES F. J. I.
Published: March 2015

It is well established that pregnant women are at an increased risk ofPlasmodium falciparuminfection when compared to non-pregnant individuals and limited epidemiological data suggestPlasmodium vivaxrisk also increases with pregnancy. The risk ofP. falciparumdeclines with successive pregnancies due to the acquisition of immunity to pregnancy-specificP. falciparumvariants. However, despite similar declines inP. vivaxrisk with successive pregnancies, there is a paucity of evidenceP. vivax-specific immunity. Cross-species immunity, as well as immunological and physiological changes that occur during pregnancy may influence the susceptibility to bothP. vivaxandP. falciparum. The period following delivery, the postpartum period, is relatively understudied and available epidemiological data suggests that it may also be a period of increased risk of infection toPlasmodiumspp. Here we review the literature and directly compare and contrast the epidemiology, clinical pathogenesis and immunological features ofP. vivaxandP. falciparumin pregnancy, with a particular focus on studies performed in areas co-endemic for both species. Furthermore, we review the intriguing epidemiology literature of bothP. falciparumandP. vivaxpostpartum and relate observations to the growing literature pertaining to malaria immunology in the postpartum period.
Pick and place trajectory planning of planar 3-RRR parallel manipulator in the presence of joint clearance
Authors: Farajtabar M. , Daniali H. M. , Varedi S. M.
Published: March 2015

In this paper, the pick and place trajectory planning of a planar 3-RRR parallel manipulator is studied in the presence of joint clearance, which is one of the main sources of error in the positioning accuracy. Joint clearance can be modeled as a massless virtual link, with its direction determined from dynamic analysis. A 3–4–5 interpolating polynomial is used to plan the trajectories for the manipulator in the vertical and horizontal planes, in the presence of clearances. We compare the trajectories with those in the ideal cases, i.e., without clearances at the joints, and demonstrate that one can easily compensate for the errors in the trajectories by appropriate changes of the inputs. A similar method works for the compensation of the errors due to clearances at the joints, in trajectory planning of any parallel manipulator with any running speeds and payloads.
Women and Self-employment in Post-socialist Rural China: Side Job, Individual Career or Family Venture
Authors: Song Jing
Published: March 2015

The rise of private sector business in urban China has led to more women engaging in low-end self-employment. This study, however, reveals a more complicated story in the countryside. Drawing on in-depth interviews conducted in a Chinese village, this study finds that the women took the lead in developing sideline self-employment and were then attracted to rural wage employment in the 1980s. With the privatization of rural industries and the rise of capital-intensive self-employment in the 1990s, some women were forced into low-end self-employment, but others were attracted to high-end self-employment, forging individual careers and family ventures. In more recent times, younger women have been more inclined to work on-and-off, balancing self-employment pursuits with the desire to be a good mother. This pattern marks a shift from the continuous multitasking practised by the older generation.
Iodine deficiency during pregnancy: a national cross-sectional survey in Latvia
Authors: Konrade Ilze , Kalere Ieva , Strele Ieva , Makrecka-Kuka Marina , Jekabsone Anna , Tetere Elina , Veisa Vija , Gavars Didzis , Rezeberga Dace , Pīrāgs Valdis , Lejnieks Aivars , Dambrova Maija
Published: March 2015

Objective

Low iodine intake during pregnancy may cause thyroid dysfunction, which results in inadequate fetal brain development. In the absence of a universal salt iodization programme, we conducted a nationwide survey of iodine deficiency in pregnant women in Latvia.

Design

A countrywide twenty-cluster survey, with at least twenty women per cluster. Participants completed a questionnaire on dietary habits concerning iodine intake (n 739). Thyroid function (thyroid-stimulating hormone, free thyroxine and thyroperoxidase antibodies) was measured (n 550). Urinary iodine was measured using the ammonium persulfate method (n 696).

Setting

The survey was performed in all regions of Latvia during the spring and autumn seasons in 2013.

Subjects

Pregnant women (n 829).

Results

The median creatinine (Cr)-standardized urinary iodine concentration (UIC) was 80·8 (interquartile range (IQR) 46·1–130·6) µg/g Cr or 69·4 (IQR 53·9–92·6) µg/l during pregnancy, and 81 % of pregnant women had UIC levels below the WHO recommended range of 150–250 µg/g Cr. The UIC was lowest during the first trimester of pregnancy, 56·0 (IQR 36·4–100·6) µg/g Cr, reaching higher concentrations of 87·5 (IQR 46·4–141·7) µg/g Cr and 86·9 (IQR 53·8–140·6) µg/g Cr in the second and third trimesters, respectively. Women taking supplements containing ≥150 µg iodine (6·8 % of respondents) had non-significantly higher UIC than did women without supplementation (96·2 v. 80·3 µg/g Cr, respectively, P=NS). Thyroperoxidase antibody concentration did not correlate significantly with UIC: Spearman’s ρ=−0·012, P=0·78.

Conclusions

The median UIC indicates iodine deficiency in pregnant women in Latvia. Iodine supplementation (150 µg daily) and regular UIC monitoring should be suggested to overcome iodine deficiency and to reach the recommended levels without inducing autoimmune processes.
Embedding electronic decision-support tools for suspected cancer in primary care: a qualitative study of GPs’ experiences
Authors: Dikomitis Lisa , Green Trish , Macleod Una
Published: March 2015

Aim

The purpose of this evaluation was to obtain views from general practitioners (GPs) who piloted the electronic risk assessment tools (eRATs) for suspected lung or colorectal cancer. We wanted to find out whether GPs were able to integrate these tools into their everyday practice. We were also keen to identify facilitators and barriers to their more widespread use.

Background

Cancer remains one of UK’s biggest health problems, in terms of morbidity and mortality. Comparative European data show that five-year survival figures for many cancers are lower in the United Kingdom than in comparable European countries. eRATs are intended to aid recognition of symptoms of lung and colorectal cancers in patients aged 40 years and over.

Methods

This was a qualitative study; telephone interviews were conducted with 23 GPs who piloted the eRATs. A systematic qualitative analysis was applied to the data. The normalisation process model was used after data collection. This theory-driven conceptual framework was used to examine the operationalisation of this intervention in Primary Care.

Findings

Electronic decision-support tools appear to be useful additions to the resources available to GPs in order to assist them with recognizing potential cancer symptoms. However, the tools need to be refined in order to integrate them into GP practice. The tools raised GPs’ awareness about cancer because of the prompt facility of the software, although this also raised the potential of ‘prompt fatigue’. GPs constantly receive alerts via their clinical system, particularly related to the Quality and Outcomes Framework. The integration of eRATs into routine practice could be engendered by improvement to the training packages that accompany them, and by its delivery via a platform compatible with all GP clinical systems.
A high-precision long-range cooperative radar system for gantry rail crane distance measurement
Authors: Scheiblhofer Werner , Scheiblhofer Stefan , Schrattenecker Jochen O. , Vogl Simon , Stelzer Andreas
Published: March 2015

We present the implementation of a cooperative radar system on a gantry rail crane for distance measurements in an industrial environment. The measurement approach is based on the dual-ramp frequency-modulated continuous-wave principle, using identical sensor-nodes at the endpoints of the range of interest. Pseudo-range information is exchanged via a dedicated data-link between these stations. At the sensor-node a flexible high-performance signal processing and remote management engine is implemented. The system setup is controlled by a single host-PC, which is used as a man–machine interface for configuration of the remotely controlled measurement stations, system surveillance, and visualization of the measurement data. Indoor characterization of the developed hardware is sufficient for an efficient calibration of the system, minimizing distance offsets. On-site measurements at distances up to 1000 m with an accuracy better than 2 cm confirm the performance of the ranging system. Furthermore, the results are verified by simulation.
Attention and Response Control in ADHD. Evaluation through Integrated Visual and Auditory Continuous Performance Test.
Authors: Moreno-García Inmaculada , Delgado-Pardo Gracia , Roldán-Blasco Carmen
Published: March 2015

This study assesses attention and response control through visual and auditory stimuli in a primary care pediatric sample. The sample consisted of 191 participants aged between 7 and 13 years old. It was divided into 2 groups: (a) 90 children with ADHD, according to diagnostic (DSM-IV-TR) (APA, 2002) and clinical (ADHD Rating Scale-IV) (DuPaul, Power, Anastopoulos, & Reid, 1998) criteria, and (b) 101 children without a history of ADHD. The aims were: (a) to determine and compare the performance of both groups in attention and response control, (b) to identify attention and response control deficits in the ADHD group. Assessments were carried out using the Integrated Visual and Auditory Continuous Performance Test (IVA/CPT, Sandford & Turner, 2002). Results showed that the ADHD group had visual and auditory attention deficits, F(3, 170) = 14.38; p < .01, deficits in fine motor regulation (Welch´s t-test = 44.768; p < .001) and sensory/motor activity (Welch’st-test = 95.683, p < .001; Welch’s t-test = 79.537, p < .001). Both groups exhibited a similar performance in response control, F(3, 170) = .93, p = .43.Children with ADHD showed inattention, mental processing speed deficits, and loss of concentration with visual stimuli. Both groups yielded a better performance in attention with auditory stimuli.
Donald J. DePaolo Receives 2014 Harry H. Hess Medal
Authors:   AGU
Published: March 2015

Donald J. DePaolo was awarded the 2014 Harry H. Hess Medal at the AGU Fall Meeting Honors Ceremony, held on 17 December 2014 in San Francisco, Calif. The medal is for “outstanding achievements in research on the constitution and evolution of Earth and other planets.”
Modeling Sand Grains in Water
Authors: Palus Shannon
Published: March 2015

Scientist creates a numerical model that explores sediment transport.
Clouds Visible at Twilight Reveal Mysteries of Gravity Waves
Authors: Palus Shannon
Published: March 2015

What can thin, wispy, twilight clouds tell scientists about the dynamics of the atmosphere?
Request Would Boost U.S. Geological Survey Budget by 14.3%
Authors: Showstack Randy
Published: March 2015

The White House's proposed budget for the U.S. Geological Survey calls for robust funding in many key areas.
Keeping Watch Over Colombia's Slumbering Volcanoes
Authors: Ordoñez Milton , López Cristian , Alpala Jorge , Narváez Lourdes , Arcos Dario , Battaglia Maurizio
Published: March 2015

Technology used in your car's navigation system can help save the lives of those living in the shadows of volcanoes.
The impact of national cancer awareness campaigns for bowel and lung cancer symptoms on sociodemographic inequalities in immediate key symptom awareness and GP attendances
Authors: Moffat J , Bentley A , Ironmonger L , Boughey A , Radford G , Duffy S
Published: March 2015

Background:

National campaigns focusing on key symptoms of bowel and lung cancer ran in England in 2012, targeting men and women over the age of 50 years, from lower socioeconomic groups.

Methods:

Data from awareness surveys undertaken with samples of the target audience (n=1245/1140 pre-/post-bowel campaign and n=1412/1246 pre-/post-lung campaign) and Read-code data extracted from a selection general practitioner (GP) practices (n=355 for bowel and n=486 for lung) were analysed by population subgroups.

Results:

Unprompted symptom awareness: There were no significant differences in the magnitude of shift in ABC1 vs C2DE groups for either campaign. For the bowel campaign, there was a significantly greater increase in awareness of blood in stools in the age group 75+ years compared with the 55–74 age group, and of looser stools in men compared with women. Prompted symptom awareness: Endorsement of ‘blood in poo’ remained stable, overall and across different population subgroups. Men showed a significantly greater increase in endorsement of ‘looser poo’ as a definite warning sign of bowel cancer than women. There were no significant differences across subgroups in endorsement of a 3-week cough as a definite warning sign of lung cancer. GP attendances: Overall, there were significant increases in attendances for symptoms directly linked to the campaigns, with the largest percentage increase seen in the 50–59 age group. For the bowel campaign, the increase was significantly greater for men and for practices in the most-deprived quintile, whereas for lung the increase was significantly greater for practices in the least-deprived quintile.

Conclusions:

The national bowel and lung campaigns reached their target audience and have also influenced younger and more affluent groups. Differences in impact within the target audience were also seen. There would seem to be no unduly concerning widening in inequalities, but further analyses of the equality of impact across population subgroups is warranted.
Supramolecular protein assembly supports immobilization of a cytochrome P450 monooxygenase system as water-insoluble gel
Authors: Tan Cheau Yuaan , Hirakawa Hidehiko , Nagamune Teruyuki
Published: March 2015

Diverse applications of the versatile bacterial cytochrome P450 enzymes (P450s) are hampered by their requirement for the auxiliary proteins, ferredoxin reductases and ferredoxins, that transfer electrons to P450s. Notably, this limits the use of P450s as immobilized enzymes for industrial purposes. Herein, we demonstrate the immobilization of a bacterial P450 and its redox protein partners by supramolecular complex formation using a self-assembled heterotrimeric protein. Employment of homodimeric phosphite dehydrogenase (PTDH) for cross-linking “proliferating cell nuclear antigen-utilized protein complex of P450 and its two electron transfer-related proteins” (PUPPET) yielded a gelling PUPPET-PTDH system capable of regenerating NADH for electron supply owing to its phosphite oxidation activity. The protein gel catalyzed monooxygenation in the presence of phosphite and NAD+. The gel was completely water-insoluble and could be reused. This concept of oligomeric protein-insolubilized enzymes can be widely applied to various multienzymatic reactions such as cascade reactions and coupling reactions.
A microfluidic live cell assay to study anthrax toxin induced cell lethality assisted by conditioned medium
Authors: Shen Jie , Cai Changzu , Yu Zhilong , Pang Yuhong , Zhou Ying , Qian Lili , Wei Wensheng , Huang Yanyi
Published: March 2015

It is technically challenging to investigate the function of secreted protein in real time by supply of conditioned medium that contains secreted protein of interest. The internalization of anthrax toxin is facilitated by a secreted protein Dickkopf-1 (DKK1) and its receptor and eventually leads to cell lethality. To monitor the dynamic interplay between these components in live cells, we use an integrated microfluidic device to perform the cell viability assays with real-time controlled culture microenvironment in parallel. Conditioned medium, which contains the secreted proteins from specific cell lines, can be continuously pumped towards the cells that exposed to toxin. The exogenous DKK1 secreted from distant cells is able to rescue the sensitivity to toxin for those DKK1-knocked-down cells. This high-throughput assay allows us to precisely quantify the dynamic interaction between key components that cause cell death and provide independent evidence of the function of DKK1 in the complex process of anthrax toxin internalization.
Inspections of radiocesium concentration levels in rice from Fukushima Prefecture after the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant accident
Authors: Nihei Naoto , Tanoi Keitaro , Nakanishi Tomoko M.
Published: March 2015

We summarize the inspections of radiocesium concentration levels in rice produced in Fukushima Prefecture, Japan, for 3 years from the nuclear accident in 2011. In 2011, three types of verifications, preliminary survey, main inspection and emergency survey, revealed that rice with radiocesium concentration levels over 500 Bq/kg (the provisional regulation level until March 2012 in Japan) was identified in the areas north and west of the Fukushima nuclear power plant. The internal exposure of an average adult eating rice grown in the area north of the nuclear plant was estimated as 0.05 mSv/year. In 2012, Fukushima Prefecture authorities decided to investigate the radiocesium concentration levels in all rice using custom-made belt conveyor testers. Notably, rice with radiocesium concentration levels over 100 Bq/kg (the new standard since April 2012 in Japan) were detected in only 71 and 28 bags out of the total 10,338,000 in 2012 and 11,001,000 in 2013, respectively. We considered that there were almost no rice exceeding 100 Bq/kg produced in Fukushima Prefecture after 3 years from the nuclear accident and the safety of Fukushima's rice were ensured because of the investigation of all rice.
An effective biphase system accelerates hesperidinase-catalyzed conversion of rutin to isoquercitrin
Authors: Wang Jun , Gong An , Yang Cai-Feng , Bao Qi , Shi Xin-Yi , Han Bei-Bei , Wu Xiang-Yang , Wu Fu-An
Published: March 2015

Isoquercitrin is a rare, natural ingredient with several biological activities that is a key precursor for the synthesis of enzymatically modified isoquercitrin (EMIQ). The enzymatic production of isoquercitrin from rutin catalyzed by hesperidinase is feasible; however, the bioprocess is hindered by low substrate concentration and a long reaction time. Thus, a novel biphase system consisting of [Bmim][BF4]:glycine-sodium hydroxide (pH 9) (10:90, v/v) and glyceryl triacetate (1:1, v/v) was initially established for isoquercitrin production. The biotransformation product was identified using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and the bonding mechanism of the enzyme and substrate was inferred using circular dichroism spectra and kinetic parameters. The highest rutin conversion of 99.5% and isoquercitrin yield of 93.9% were obtained after 3 h. The reaction route is environmentally benign and mild and the biphase system could be reused. The substrate concentration was increased 2.6-fold, the reaction time was reduced to three tenths the original time. The three-dimensional structure of hesperidinase was changed in the biphase system, which α-helix and random content were reduced and β-sheet content was increased. Thus, the developed biphase system can effectively strengthen the hesperidinase-catalyzed synthesis of isoquercitrin with high yield.
Protein phosphorylation detection using dual-mode field-effect devices and nanoplasmonic sensors
Authors: Bhalla Nikhil , Di Lorenzo Mirella , Pula Giordano , Estrela Pedro
Published: March 2015

Phosphorylation by kinases is an important post-translational modification of proteins. It is a critical control for the regulation of vital cellular activities and its dysregulation is implicated in several diseases. A common drug discovery approach involves, therefore, time-consuming screenings of large libraries of candidate compounds to identify novel inhibitors of protein kinases. In this work, we propose a novel method that combines localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) and electrolyte insulator semiconductor (EIS)-based proton detection for the rapid identification of novel protein kinase inhibitors. In particular, the selective detection of thiophosphorylated proteins by LSPR is achieved by changing their resonance properties via a pre-binding with gold nanoparticles. In parallel, the EIS field-effect structure allows the real-time electrochemical monitoring of the protein phosphorylation by detecting the release of protons associated with the kinases activity. This innovative combination of both field-effect and nanoplasmonic sensing makes the detection of protein phosphorylation more reliable and effective. As a result, the screening of protein kinase inhibitors becomes more rapid, sensitive, robust and cost-effective.
Stable semiconductor black phosphorus (BP)@titanium dioxide (TiO2) hybrid photocatalysts
Authors: Uk Lee Hyun , Lee Soon Chang , Won Jonghan , Son Byung-Chul , Choi Saehae , Kim Yooseok , Park So Young , Kim Hee-Sik , Lee Young-Chul , Lee Jouhahn
Published: March 2015

Over the past few decades, two-dimensional (2D) and layered materials have emerged as new fields. Due to the zero-band-gap nature of graphene and the low photocatalytic performance of MoS2, more advanced semiconducting 2D materials have been prompted. As a result, semiconductor black phosphorus (BP) is a derived cutting-edge post-graphene contender for nanoelectrical application, because of its direct-band-gap nature. For the first time, we report on robust BP@TiO2 hybrid photocatalysts offering enhanced photocatalytic performance under light irradiation in environmental and biomedical fields, with negligible affected on temperature and pH conditions, as compared with MoS2@TiO2 prepared by the identical synthesis method. Remarkably, in contrast to pure few layered BP, which, due to its intrinsic sensitivity to oxygen and humidity was readily dissolved after just several uses, the BP@TiO2 hybrid photocatalysts showed a ~92% photocatalytic activity after 15 runs. Thus, metal-oxide-stabilized BP photocatalysts can be practically applied as a promising alternative to graphene and MoS2.
Disrupted-in-schizophrenia-1 (DISC1) Regulates Endoplasmic Reticulum Calcium Dynamics
Authors: Park Sung Jin , Jeong Jaehoon , Park Young-Un , Park Kyung-Sun , Lee Haeryun , Lee Namgyu , Kim Sung-Mo , Kuroda Keisuke , Nguyen Minh Dang , Kaibuchi Kozo , Park Sang Ki
Published: March 2015

Disrupted-in-schizophrenia-1 (DISC1) has emerged as a convincing susceptibility gene for multiple mental disorders, but its mechanistic link to the pathogenesis of schizophrenia related psychiatric conditions is yet to be further understood. Here, we showed that DISC1 localizes to the outer surface of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). EXOC1, a subunit of the exocyst complex, interacted with DISC1 and affected its recruitment to inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor 1 (IP3R1). Notably, knockdown of DISC1 and EXOC1 elicited an exaggerated ER calcium response upon stimulation of IP3R agonists. Similar abnormal ER calcium responses were observed in hippocampal neurons from DISC1-deficient mutant mice. Moreover, perturbation of ER calcium dynamics upon DISC1 knockdown was effectively reversed by treatment with antipsychotic drugs, such as clozapine and haloperidol. These results collectively indicate that DISC1 is a regulatory factor in ER calcium dynamics, linking a perturbed intracellular calcium signaling and schizophrenia pathogenesis.
A laboratory investigation of interactions between denitrifying anaerobic methane oxidation (DAMO) and anammox processes in anoxic environments
Authors: Hu Shihu , Zeng Raymond J. , Haroon Mohamed F. , Keller Jurg , Lant Paul A. , Tyson Gene W. , Yuan Zhiguo
Published: March 2015

This study investigates interactions between recently identified denitrifying anaerobic methane oxidation (DAMO) and anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) processes in controlled anoxic laboratory reactors. Two reactors were seeded with the same inocula containing DAMO organisms Candidatus Methanoperedens nitroreducens and Candidatus Methylomirabilis oxyfera and anammox organism Candidatus Kuenenia stuttgartiensis. Both were fed with ammonium and methane, but one was also fed with nitrate and the other with nitrite, providing anoxic environments with different electron acceptors. After steady state reached in several months, the DAMO process became solely/primarily responsible for nitrate reduction while the anammox process became solely responsible for nitrite reduction in both reactors. 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing showed that the nitrate-driven DAMO organism M. nitroreducens dominated both the nitrate-fed (~70%) and the nitrite-fed (~26%) reactors, while the nitrite-driven DAMO organism M. oxyfera disappeared in both communities. The elimination of M. oxyfera from both reactors was likely the results of this organism being outcompeted by anammox bacteria for nitrite. K.stuttgartiensis was detected at relatively low levels (1–3%) in both reactors.
Surface enhanced Raman scattering-active worm-like Ag clusters for sensitive and selective detection of dopamine
Authors: Palanisamy Sivakumar , Yan Lanqin , Zhang Xuehua , He Tao
Published: March 2015

SERS-active worm-like Ag clusters for the sensitive and selective detection of dopamine.
Organizational metrics of interchromatin speckle factor domains: integrative classifier for stem cell adhesion & lineage signaling
Authors: Vega Sebastián L. , Dhaliwal Anandika , Arvind Varun , Patel Parth J. , Beijer Nick R. M. , de Boer Jan , Murthy N. Sanjeeva , Kohn Joachim , Moghe Prabhas V.
Published: March 2015

Timely classification of stem cell lineage commitment in response to cell–microenvironment interactions using high content analysis of sub-nuclear protein organization.
Insight into the key interactions of bromodomain inhibitors based on molecular docking, interaction fingerprinting, molecular dynamics and binding free energy calculation
Authors: Ran Ting , Zhang Zhimin , Liu Kejun , Lu Yi , Li Huifang , Xu Jinxing , Xiong Xiao , Zhang Yanmin , Xu Anyang , Lu Shuai , Liu Haichun , Lu Tao , Chen Yadong
Published: March 2015

The interaction mechanism of bromodomain inhibitors was investigated using interaction fingerprinting and binding free energy based methods.
Multi-stimuli responsive Cu2S nanocrystals as trimodal imaging and synergistic chemo-photothermal therapy agents
Authors: Poulose Aby Cheruvathoor , Veeranarayanan Srivani , Mohamed M. Sheikh , Nagaoka Yutaka , Romero Aburto Rebeca , Mitcham Trevor , Ajayan Pulickel M. , Bouchard Richard R. , Sakamoto Yasushi , Yoshida Yasuhiko , Maekawa Toru , Sakthi Kumar D.
Published: March 2015

A biocompatible, targeted, multifunctional metal chalcogenide nanocrystal for cancer theranostics is reported.
Effect of hairpin loop structure on reactivity, sequence preference and adduct orientation of a DNA-interactive pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine (PBD) antitumour agent
Authors: Thurston David E. , Vassoler Higia , Jackson Paul J. M. , James Colin H. , Rahman Khondaker M.
Published: March 2015

Pyrrolobenzodiazepine (PBD) monomer GWL-78 reacts faster with DNA hairpins containing a hexaethylene glycol (HEG) loop compared to hairpins containing a TTT loop due to the greater structural flexibility of the HEG.
Selective cell elimination in vitro and in vivo from tissues and tumors using antibodies conjugated with a near infrared phthalocyanine
Authors: Sato Kazuhide , Nakajima Takahito , Choyke Peter L. , Kobayashi Hisataka
Published: March 2015

Before and after eliminating EGFR+ cells.
Density functional theory study on the reaction of triazol-3-one with nitronium: direct nitration versus acidic group-induced nitration
Authors: Wang Kuan , Chen Jian-Gang , Wang Bozhou , Liu Fengyi , Liu Zhao-Tie , Liu Zhong-Wen , Wang Wenliang , Jiang Jinqiang , Hao Zhengping , Lu Jian
Published: March 2015

Herein, an unexpected induction effect derived from the coexisted acid group (NO3− and/or HSO4−) was proposed. The impact of the induction effect and the resulted enhanced catalytic effect on the nitration of TO was systematically demonstrated.
Density functional theory study on the electronic properties and stability of silicene/silicane nanoribbons
Authors: Jiang Q. G. , Zhang J. F. , Ao Z. M. , Wu Y. P.
Published: March 2015

The minimum energy barriers for the diffusion of hydrogen atoms at the zigzag and armchair interfaces of SSNRs are respectively 1.54 and 1.47 eV.
Experimental design for the determination of polyphenols by liquid chromatography: application to the chemometric characterization and classification of beers
Authors: Pérez-Ràfols Clara , Viñas David , Hernández-Cassou Santiago , Saurina Javier
Published: March 2015

This paper describes the development and application of a simple, rapid and inexpensive chromatographic method to determine polyphenols in beers.
A tailored biocatalyst achieved by the rational anchoring of imidazole groups on a natural polymer: furnishing a potential artificial nuclease by sustainable materials engineering
Authors: Ferreira José G. L. , Grein-Iankovski Aline , Oliveira Marco A. S. , Simas-Tosin Fernanda F. , Riegel-Vidotti Izabel C. , Orth Elisa S.
Published: March 2015

Biocatalysts were obtained by anchoring imidazole groups on the biocompatible gum arabic, with catalytic activity in dephosphorylation reactions and cleavage of plasmid DNA.
Inhomogeneity of the amorphous solid water dangling bonds
Authors: Coussan Stéphane , Roubin Pascale , Noble Jennifer Anna
Published: March 2015

In this work we have selectively irradiated the dangling bonds at the surface of amorphous solid water, revealing their inhomogeneity.
Synthesis and characterization of [(CH3)2NH2][Na0.5Cr0.5(HCOO)3]: a rare example of luminescent metal–organic frameworks based on Cr(iii) ions
Authors: Mączka Mirosław , Bondzior Bartosz , Dereń Przemysław , Sieradzki Adam , Trzmiel Justyna , Pietraszko Adam , Hanuza J.
Published: March 2015

A novel chromium(iii)-based luminescent metal–organic framework with perovskite architecture, [(CH3)2NH2][Na0.5Cr0.5(HCOO)3], was synthesized.
Tree branch-shaped cupric oxide for highly effective photoelectrochemical water reduction
Authors: Jang Youn Jeong , Jang Ji-Wook , Choi Sun Hee , Kim Jae Young , Kim Ju Hun , Youn Duck Hyun , Kim Won Yong , Han Suenghoon , Sung Lee Jae
Published: March 2015

The tree branch-shaped CuO, fabricated using the hybrid microwave annealing (HMA) process with a silicon susceptor shows excellent photoelectrochemical water reduction activity.
Near-infrared emission of dibenzoxanthenium and its application in the design of nitric oxide probes
Authors: Liu Wu , Fan Chen , Sun Ru , Xu Yu-Jie , Ge Jian-Feng
Published: March 2015

The application of a diaminodibenzoxanthenium skeleton in chemosensors was reported, and it can work with near-infrared excitation and near-infrared emission.
A concise synthetic approach to brazilin via Pd-catalyzed allylic arylation
Authors: Jung Youngeun , Kim Ikyon
Published: March 2015

A short synthetic route to the trimethyl ether of brazilin was developed in 6 steps from 7-methoxychromene with 78% overall yield.
Chirality extension of an oxazine building block en route to total syntheses of (+)-hyacinthacine A2 and sphingofungin B
Authors: Park Seok-Hwi , Jin Xiangdan , Kang Jong-Cheol , Jung Changyoung , Kim Seong-Soo , Kim Sung-Soo , Lee Kee-Young , Ham Won-Hun
Published: March 2015

Concise total syntheses of (+)-hyacinthacine A2 and sphingofungin B were achieved by palladium(0)-catalyzed intramolecular oxazine formation and diastereoselective nucleophilic additions.
Synthesis and biological evaluation of novel 1,2-naphthoquinones possessing tetrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine scaffolds as potent antitumor agents
Authors: Wu Liqiang
Published: March 2015

A series of novel 1,2-naphthoquinones possessing tetrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine scaffolds were synthesized and all the compounds exhibited excellent antitumor activities.
The ground-state structure and physical properties of ReB3and IrB3predicted from first principles
Authors: Yan Qian , Wang Yuan Xu , Wang Bing , Yang Jueming , Yang Gui
Published: March 2015

We predictedP6̄m2-ReB3andAmm2-IrB3as the ground-state phases of ReB3and IrB3, respectively.
The combined effect of heat-draw ratios and residence time on the morphology and property of aromatic copolysulfonamide fibers
Authors: Yang Xi , Yu Jinchao , Tian Feng , Chen Shenghui , Wang Fenhua , Zhang Yumei , Wang Huaping
Published: March 2015

More perfect structure of the aromatic copolysulfonamide (co-PSA) fiber only could be formed with favourable draw ratio and residence time, which corresponds to the maximum strength of the heat-drawn fibers.
Cobalt(ii) and copper(ii) supramolecular networks with a 1-iminoisoindoline asymmetric pincer
Authors: Zabierowski Piotr , Matoga Dariusz , Nitek Wojciech
Published: March 2015

The first synthesis and characterization of cobalt(ii) and copper(ii) complexes with an in situ prepared novel asymmetric trinitrogen isoindoline-based pincer type ligand, N-(2-picolyl)isoindoline-1-(2-picolyl)imine (pap), are reported.
Remote functionalization of hydrocarbons with reversibility enhanced stereocontrol
Authors: Vasseur Alexandre , Perrin Lionel , Eisenstein Odile , Marek Ilan
Published: March 2015

Remote functionalization of hydrocarbons could be achieved through successive zirconocene-mediated allylic C–H bond activations followed by a selective C–C bond cleavage.
Gelatin-pyrolyzed mesoporous carbon as a high-performance sodium-storage material
Authors: Guan Zhaoruxin , Liu Huan , Xu Bin , Hao Xin , Wang Zhaoxiang , Chen Liquan
Published: March 2015

Nitrogen-containing mesoporous carbons obtained by co-pyrolyzing gelatin and magnesium citrate at different temperatures show high reversible sodium storage capacity (up to 360 mA h g−1) and excellent cycling stability.
Preparation of aggregation-induced emission dots for long-term two-photon cell imaging
Authors: Ye Qiang , Chen Shuangshuang , Zhu Dandan , Lu Xuemin , Lu Qinghua
Published: March 2015

A high-performance two-photon probe with long-term cellular imaging capability was synthesized from an amphiphilic aggregation-induced emission molecule derived from tetraphenylethylene fluorogen.
Dinuclear iridium(iii) complexes as phosphorescent trackers to monitor mitochondrial dynamics
Authors: Chen Yu , Xu Wenchao , Zuo Jiarui , Ji Liangnian , Chao Hui
Published: March 2015

Dinuclear iridium(iii) complexes [(ppy)2Ir(L1–7)Ir(ppy)2]2+ (Ir1–Ir7) serve as mitochondrial imaging dyes. Ir3 and Ir6 are further developed to track mitochondrial morphological changes during the early stages of apoptosis.
The electronic and transport properties of (VBz)n@CNT and (VBz)n@BNNT nanocables
Authors: Liang Xiu Yan , Zhang Guiling , Sun Peng , Shang Yan , Yang Zhao-Di , Zeng Xiao Cheng
Published: March 2015

The electronic structures and transport properties of prototype carbon nanotube (CNT) (10,10) and boron–nitride nanotube (BNNT) (10,10) nanocables, including (VBz)n@CNT and (VBz)n@BNNT (where Bz = C6H6), are investigated using the density functional theory (DFT) and the non-equilibrium Green's function (NEGF) methods.
Interdomain interface-mediated target recognition by the Scribble PDZ34 supramodule
Authors: Ren Jinqi , Feng Lei , Bai Yujie , Pei Haohong , Yuan Zengqiang , Feng Wei
Published: March 2015

Tandem-arranged PDZ [PSD-95 (postsynaptic density-95), Dlg (discs large homologue) and ZO-1 (zonula occludens-1)] domains often form structural and functional supramodules with distinct target-binding properties. In the present study, we found that the two PDZ domains within the PDZ34 tandem of Scribble, a cell polarity regulator, tightly pack in a ‘front-to-back’ mode to form a compact supramodule. Although PDZ4 contains a distorted αB/βB pocket, the attachment of PDZ4 to PDZ3 generates an unexpected interdomain pocket that is adjacent to and integrates with the canonical αB/βB pocket of PDZ3 to form an expanded target-binding groove. The structure of the PDZ34–target peptide complex further demonstrated that the peptide binds to this expanded target-binding groove with its upstream residues anchoring into the interdomain pocket directly. Mutations of the interdomain pocket and disruptions of the PDZ34 supramodule both interfere with its target-binding capacity. Therefore, the interdomain interface between the PDZ34 supramodule is intrinsically required for its target recognition and determines its target-binding specificity. This interdomain interface-mediated specific recognition may represent a novel mode of target recognition and would broaden the target-binding versatility for PDZ supramodules. The supramodular nature and target recognition mode of the PDZ34 tandem found in the present study would also help to identify the new binding partners of Scribble and thus may direct further research on the PDZ domain-mediated assembly of Scribble polarity complexes.
Effect of rapid thermal annealing on InAs/GaAs quantum dot solar cells
Authors: Lam Phu Minh , Wu Jiang , Hatch Sabina , Kim Dongyoung , Tang Mingchu , Liu Huiyun , Wilson James , Allison Rebecca
Published: March 2015

The effect of post‐growth annealing on InAs/GaAs quantum dot solar cells (QDSCs) is studied. A significant improvement in photoemission, photocurrent density and spectral response was observed with post‐growth annealing. The optimal anneal temperature was found to be 700°C, which lead to an 18% improvement in current density from 4.9 mA cm−2 for as‐grown sample to 5.8 mA cm−2. We assign this enhanced performance to the reduced density of inherent point defects that was formed at the quantum dot (QD) and GaAs barrier. Post‐growth thermal annealing of QDSCs is demonstrated as a simple route for achieving improved device performance.
Comparison of the kinetics of different Markov models for ligand binding under varying conditions
Authors: Martini Johannes W. R. , Habeck Michael
Published: March 2015

We recently derived a Markov model for macromolecular ligand binding dynamics from few physical assumptions and showed that its stationary distribution is the grand canonical ensemble [J. W. R. Martini, M. Habeck, and M. Schlather, J. Math. Chem. 52, 665 (2014)]. The transition probabilities of the proposed Markov process define a particular Glauber dynamics and have some similarity to the Metropolis-Hastings algorithm. Here, we illustrate that this model is the stochastic analog of (pseudo) rate equations and the corresponding system of differential equations. Moreover, it can be viewed as a limiting case of general stochastic simulations of chemical kinetics. Thus, the model links stochastic and deterministic approaches as well as kinetics and equilibrium described by the grand canonical ensemble. We demonstrate that the family of transition matrices of our model, parameterized by temperature and ligand activity, generates ligand binding kinetics that respond to changes in these parameters in a qualitatively similar way as experimentally observed kinetics. In contrast, neither the Metropolis-Hastings algorithm nor the Glauber heat bath reflects changes in the external conditions correctly. Both converge rapidly to the stationary distribution, which is advantageous when the major interest is in the equilibrium state, but fail to describe the kinetics of ligand binding realistically. To simulate cellular processes that involve the reversible stochastic binding of multiple factors, our pseudo rate equation model should therefore be preferred to the Metropolis-Hastings algorithm and the Glauber heat bath, if the stationary distribution is not of only interest.
Raman spectroscopy of ultrathin strained-silicon-on-insulator: Size effects in strain, elastic, and phonon properties
Authors: Poborchii Vladimir , Hara Mikiya , Morita Yukinori , Tada Tetsuya
Published: March 2015

Using linearized radial polarization of the incident 364 nm light, we obtained Raman spectra of strained-Si-on-insulator (SSOI) with a clear domination of the forbidden transverse (TO) phonon band over the allowed longitudinal (LO) phonon band. We observed an increase in the LO and TO phonon Raman band stress-induced downshifts and a decrease in their ratio with SSOI thinning down to ∼10 nm, in-plane strain remaining nearly unchanged while off-plane compression decreasing by ∼10% indicating a decrease in the Poisson's ratio. At SSOI thickness <10 nm, longitudinal optical phonon confinement and reduction of the confined phonon lifetime are observed.
Not ‘Dead Letters’, Just ‘Blind Eyes’: The Europeanisation of Drinking Water Risk Regulation in Estonia and Lithuania
Authors: Orru Kati , Rothstein Henry
Published: March 2015

This paper draws on a detailed empirical study of the implementation of the EU's Drinking Water Directive in Estonia and Lithuania in order to understand the factors shaping the Europeanisation of risk regulation regimes in Eastern accession states. Adopting a ‘whole-regime’ methodological approach, the paper explores the key drivers and constraints shaping the transposition as well as the practical implementation of the law. The study shows how ‘conditionality’ pressures to adopt the EU acquis in order to access European economic and financial support networks have reinforced, rather than overcome, historically entrenched regulatory cultures. Going beyond well-known typologies of Europeanisation, the paper identifies a distinctive ‘blind-eye’ style of Europeanisation in which conditionality pressures have favoured selective compliance with ill-suited EU rules at the expense of tackling significant drinking water risk problems. The paper shows how such symbolic policy practices have been shaped through a combination of the countries’ shared Soviet legacies of elite-centred and legalistic governance cultures, the active coping strategies of street-level inspectors, as well as wider sociopolitical contexts that have limited the impact of civil society actors such as scientists, NGOs, and the general public in strengthening risk regulation in the Baltic states. The paper also shows, however, that the different post-Soviet ideological orientations and administrative reform programmes of Eastern European accession states can override their common Soviet legacies and lead to significant national variation in risk regulation processes and outcomes.
Volitional Mechanisms Mediate the Cuing Effect of Pitch on Attention Orienting: The Influences of Perceptual Difficulty and Response Pressure
Authors: Chiou Rocco , Rich Anina N
Published: March 2015

Our cognitive system tends to link auditory pitch with spatial location in a specific manner (ie high-pitched sounds are usually associated with an upper location, and low sounds are associated with a lower location). Recent studies have demonstrated that this cross-modality association biases the allocation of visual attention and affects performance despite the auditory stimuli being irrelevant to the behavioural task. There is, however, a discrepancy between studies in their interpretation of the underlying mechanisms. Whereas we have previously claimed that the pitch-location mapping is mediated by volitional shifts of attention (Chiou & Rich, 2012, Perception, 41, 339–353), other researchers suggest that this cross-modal effect reflects automatic shifts of attention (Mossbridge, Grabowecky, & Suzuki, 2011, Cognition, 121, 133–139). Here we report a series of three experiments examining the effects of perceptual and response-related pressure on the ability of nonpredictive pitch to bias visual attention. We compare it with two control cues: a predictive pitch that triggers voluntary attention shifts and a salient peripheral flash that evokes involuntary shifts. The results show that the effect of nonpredictive pitch is abolished by pressure at either perceptual or response levels. By contrast, the effects of the two control cues remain significant, demonstrating the robustness of informative and perceptually salient stimuli in directing attention. This distinction suggests that, in contexts of high perceptual demand and response pressure, cognitive resources are primarily engaged by the task-relevant stimuli, which effectively prevents uninformative pitch from orienting attention to its cross-modally associated location. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that the link between pitch and location affects attentional deployment via volitional rather than automatic mechanisms.