bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mapping translation 'hot-spots' in live cells by tracking single molecules of mRNA and ribosomes
Authors: Katz Zachary B , English Brian P , Lionnet Timothée , Yoon Young J , Monnier Nilah , Ovryn Ben , Bathe Mark , Singer Robert H
Published: January 2016

Messenger RNA localization is important for cell motility by local protein translation. However, while single mRNAs can be imaged and their movements tracked in single cells, it has not yet been possible to determine whether these mRNAs are actively translating. Therefore, we imaged single β-actin mRNAs tagged with MS2 stem loops colocalizing with labeled ribosomes to determine when polysomes formed. A dataset of tracking information consisting of thousands of trajectories per cell demonstrated that mRNAs co-moving with ribosomes have significantly different diffusion properties from non-translating mRNAs that were exposed to translation inhibitors. These data indicate that ribosome load changes mRNA movement and therefore highly translating mRNAs move slower. Importantly, β-actin mRNA near focal adhesions exhibited sub-diffusive corralled movement characteristic of increased translation. This method can identify where ribosomes become engaged for local protein production and how spatial regulation of mRNA-protein interactions mediates cell directionality.
Surface potential barrier in m-plane GaN studied by contactless electroreflectance
Authors: Janicki Lukasz , Misiewicz Jan , Cywiński Grzegorz , Sawicka Marta , Skierbiszewski Czeslaw , Kudrawiec Robert
Published: January 2016

Contactless electroreflectance (CER) is used to study the surface potential barrier in m-plane GaN UN+ [GaN (

nm)/GaN:Si] structures grown by using molecular beam epitaxy. Clear bandgap-related transitions followed by Franz–Keldysh oscillations (FKO) have been observed in the CER spectra of all samples at room temperature. The built-in electric fields in the undoped cap layers have been determined from the FKO period. From the built-in electric field and the undoped GaN layer thickness, the Fermi level location at the air-exposed m-plane GaN surface has been estimated as 0.42 ± 0.05 eV below the conduction band.
CDAntigens
Authors: Delves Peter J
Published: January 2016

CD (clusters of differentiation) antigens are molecules originally defined as being present on the cell surface of leucocytes and recognised by specific antibody molecules, but now including some intracellular molecules and molecules present on cells other than leucocytes. Such molecules are assigned a CD number following a consensus reached at regularly held international workshops. CD antigens include a large number of cell surface receptors, signalling molecules and adhesion molecules. Their identification is helpful in defining different populations and subpopulations of cells, particularly those of the immune system, in health and disease. Analysis of the surface phenotype of cells can be carried out on cell suspensions or using tissue sections. Methods are available for thein vitroenrichment or depletion of cells bearing a particular CD antigen, for example, from a mixed population of peripheral blood cells. CD antigens can be targetedin vivoby monoclonal antibodies for the treatment of tumours and autoimmune disease and to help limit graft rejection following transplantation.

Key Concepts

CD antigens are molecules that are mostly, but not exclusively, present on cell surfaces.

They are defined using panels of monoclonal antibodies.

CD designations are assigned at international workshops held every few years.

There are over 300 different CD antigens characterised.

They are mostly detected for the identification of populations and subpopulations of immune system cells.

In some cases, they also have utility in the identification of tumours.

Antibodies targeting CD antigens are used clinically in the treatment of tumours and autoimmune diseases and to limit the rejection of transplanted organs.
Immunological Danger Signals
Authors: de Jong Hanna K , Wiersinga W Joost
Published: January 2016

The conventional role of the immune system has been viewed as the first line of defence discriminating self from nonself. However, in the past decade, the innate immune response has proven to be more advanced sensing signals of danger, such as pathogen‐specific molecules (
PAMPs
, pathogen‐associated molecular patterns) or endogenous host‐derived signals released during cellular damage, while remaining unresponsive to normal host molecules, dietary antigens or commensal bacteria. The host response to invading microbial pathogens relies on both the innate and adaptive immune response. The danger theory of Matzinger (1994) proposed a similar model for the adaptive immune response in discriminating self from nonself. This theory proposed that the immune system does not react to foreign substances but instead responds to situations that are potentially harmful. These danger signals, or damage‐associated molecular patterns (
DAMPs
), released by damaged cells, can provide for a second signal which is necessary to activate the immune response while avoiding collateral damage in situations in which harmless nonself is present.

Key Concepts

According to the danger theory of Matzinger, the immune system does not merely distinguish whether an entity is foreign or not, it mainly determines whether it will cause damage to the body.

Damage‐associated molecular patterns (DAMP) are danger signals released during inflammatory stress such as burns, trauma and infection.

Each pathogen is recognised by its specific molecular signature or pathogen‐associated molecular pattern (PAMP).

Activation of the innate immune system relies on both pathogen‐specific molecules and endogenous danger signals.

DAMPs can be recognised by pattern‐recognition receptors on antigen‐presenting cells or by distinct receptors such as the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE).

Key DAMPs that are recognised by Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) include heat shock proteins (HSPs), high‐mobility group box 1 (HMGB)‐1 and the S100 proteins.
Whole‐Plant Physiological Responses to Water‐Deficit Stress
Authors: Dodd Ian C , Ryan Annette C
Published: January 2016

Plants that receive insufficient water experience a stress called water deficit. Plant water deficits disrupt many cellular and whole‐plant functions, negatively affecting plant growth and reproduction. Plants respond to soil water deficits by avoiding the occurrence of leaf water deficits (drought avoidance) or tolerating low cellular water contents (drought tolerance). Plants avoid drought by closing the stomatal pores that regulate water loss from the leaves, restricting the transpiring area (by decreasing growth or shedding leaves) and/or maintaining root water uptake as the soil dries. Plants have evolved many different mechanisms to tolerate low tissue water contents including upregulation of antioxidant systems to decrease the impact of damaging reactive oxygen species. Availability of water is the most important environmental factor that reduces crop production, thus there have been considerable efforts by biotechnologists to enhance drought tolerance and irrigation managers to enhance crop water use efficiency.

Key Concepts

Low cellular water contents can constrain plant growth and decrease crop yield.

Plants can tolerate low cellular water contents or avoid them.

Sufficient water in plant cells allows them to exert a pressure (turgor) on the cell wall to allow growth.

Restricting the rate of water loss (by closing the stomata or growing more slowly) or acquiring more water via root proliferation allows plants to avoid drought.

Increasing antioxidant status allows plants to tolerate water deficits.

Lack of turgor impairs cellular metabolism and restricts growth, but stomata can close and growth can slow in the absence of changes in turgor.

Plant roots can sense drying soil and transmit chemical signals (such as the plant hormone ABA) to the shoot to regulate stomatal function and growth.

Sufficient ABA in the plant is essential for normal growth and stomatal function.

Increasing plant sensitivity to, or accumulation of, the plant hormone ABA can increase yield of water‐limited crops.

Changes in irrigation management can provide ‘more crop per drop’.
Plant Cuticle
Authors: Kerstiens Gerhard
Published: January 2016

Plant cuticles are protective lipophilic membranes that cover leaves and many stems and fruits. They consist of a polymer matrix that is covered with epicuticular waxes and incorporates intracuticular waxes. Together, these constituents provide a good but imperfect barrier against the loss of water and solutes and ingression by pests and pathogens. The thickness, structure and chemical composition of cuticular matrices and epicuticular and intracuticular waxes vary very widely, and the potential functional consequences of such differences are poorly understood. Transport across the cuticle can occur by random diffusion within the lipophilic network (relevant for lipophilic and moderately polar substances) or along clusters of water molecules that form a continuous hydrophilic phase reaching across the membrane (relevant for polar and ionic substances).

Key Concepts

All leaves and nonwoody stems are covered by a protective and resilient membrane called the cuticle.

Its permeability is low but it can accumulate lipophilic xenobiotics. It should not be assumed that thicker or waxier cuticles are less permeable than thinner or less wax‐rich ones.

The trans‐cuticular diffusion paths for ions and lipophilic compounds are different.

Traditional methods to determine cuticular water permeability in the presence of stomata are inherently unreliable.

Cuticular waxes are involved in a wide range of physiologically and ecologically important processes.
Planetary Protection
Authors: Rummel John D , Billings Linda , Stabekis Pericles
Published: January 2016

Planetary protection is the practice of protecting solar system bodies (planets, moons, asteroids and comets) from Earth life and protecting the Earth from life that may be brought back from other solar system bodies. Planetary protection requirements for solar system exploration missions are established in consideration of the nature, goals and destination of a mission. For some worlds, where conditions are severe, there are no particular planetary protection requirements. When a world (whether a planet, comet, etc.) has material relevant to the study of life, there are requirements to limit contamination and to record where a spacecraft may have impacted. If such a world might support Earth life, then the spacecraft must be very clean – nearly sterile. And of course, material returned to Earth from bodies that are capable of supporting life must be reliably contained and tested before being released for further study.

Key Concepts

One of the primary motivations for space exploration is to understand the origin and distribution of life in the solar system.

The study, by spacecraft, of life and organic chemistry in the solar system can be confounded by the presence of organic or microbial contamination carried by that same spacecraft.

Because space systems are quite complex and in some ways fragile, sophisticated designs and methods must be used to remove organic and biological contamination or the spacecraft may fail during a mission.

Some places in the solar system (Europa's subsurface ocean, certain places on Mars referred to as ‘Special Regions, the source of plumes from Saturn's moon, Enceladus’) appear to be capable of supporting Earth life.

Samples returned from places with the potential for endemic lifeforms will be contained and returned in a highly reliable manner and tested for biohazards before being released for further scientific study.

Human exploration of the Moon and Mars is compatible with planetary protection objectives within our current understanding of the habitats available on those bodies.
Plant Peptide Signals
Authors: Dutton Chris , Pridgeon Ashley , Gray Julie E
Published: January 2016

Over the past 25 years, knowledge of plant peptide signalling has expanded and recent discoveries have allowed us to understand several mechanisms underpinning their action. It is becoming clear that cell–cell communication mediated by peptide signalling is integral to many plant processes. This article focusses on the best‐studied areas of plant peptide signalling. We discuss two major families of plant peptides that function during plant development; the CLAVATA3/endosperm surrounding region (CLE) peptide family, which regulate cell differentiation and division at the shoot apical meristem (SAM), root apical meristem (RAM) and in the vasculature and the epidermal patterning factor‐like (EPFL) family of signalling peptides that regulate stomatal development and patterning. We also discuss peptides that regulate self‐incompatibility, and the role of the peptide phytosulfokine during plant growth, pollen tube growth and guidance and pathogen infection.

Key Concepts

Plant peptides regulate development and stress response.

The CLE family of peptides regulate cell differentiation and division at the shoot apical meristem (SAM), root apical meristem (RAM) and in the vasculature.

The epidermal patterning factor‐like (EPFL) family of signalling peptides that regulate stomatal development and patterning.
Interleukin 17‐ProducingTLymphocytes
Authors: Larkin Joseph
Published: January 2016

IL‐17‐producing T lymphocytes (T17s) play important roles in the clearance of extracellular bacterial and fungal infections. T17s consist of several subsets of lymphocytes possessing both innate and adaptive immune phenotypes. The production of IL‐17 by innate and adaptive immune cells allows the presence of this important cytokine at distinct parts of the immune response. Notably, T lymphocytes can acquire the IL‐17 effector function in either the thymus or the periphery. Although CD4+IL17+ T lymphocytes are generally considered to be reciprocal in effector functions compared to Foxp3+ regulatory T cells, the presence of IL‐17+Foxp3+ cells requires additional characterisation. Notably, strong evidence also implicates IL‐17‐producing T lymphocytes in several autoimmune disorders including multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, systemic lupus erythematosus and asthma. It has been suggested that T lymphocytes such as IL17+Foxp3+ T lymphocytes, bearing aberrant effector functions, may be contributors to autoimmunity.

Key Concepts

Transcription factors are critical in the skewing of T lymphocyte effector functions.

Interleukin 17 (IL‐17) is a cytokine which is critical in the regulation of bacterial communities and fungi within mammalian host organisms; however, it is also associated with autoimmunity.

Interleukin 17 can be produced by several T cell populations including αβ CD4+ cells, αβ CD8+ and γδ T lymphocytes.

IL‐17‐producing T lymphocytes are a heterogeneous population that elicits a spectrum of effector functions.

The IL‐17 effector function can be acquired in the thymus or periphery.

Although evidence suggests that IL‐17 production can drive immune events associated with autoimmunity, it is possible IL‐17 production may serve as a biomarker for T lymphocytes possessing varied autoimmune disease‐promoting effector functions.

Regulation of T lymphocyte stability may have efficacy in the prevention of autoimmune disease.
Noninvasive Prenatal Testing for Chromosomal and Genetic Conditions
Authors: Hui Lisa
Published: January 2016

Recent advances in molecular genetics and next‐generation DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) sequencing have generated a new approach to identifying foetuses at increased risk of chromosomal and genetic conditions by measuring cell‐free DNA in maternal plasma. This so‐called noninvasive method utilises cell‐free DNA of placental origin in maternal blood to achieve unprecedented accuracy as a prenatal screening test for Down syndrome. The technology has also created new opportunities for noninvasive testing for single gene disorders, microdeletion syndromes and genome‐wide chromosomal abnormalities.

Key Concepts

Cell‐free DNA derived from the placenta is detectable in the plasma of pregnant women from early gestation.

Noninvasive prenatal diagnosis (NIPD) of foetal conditions caused by paternally inherited genes can be performed by PCR‐based assays on cell‐free DNA in maternal plasma.

NIPD for foetal sex and foetal Rhesus blood group is clinically available in many countries.

Next‐generation DNA sequencing technology has facilitated the development of noninvasive prenatal screening tests for chromosomal disorders such as trisomy 21 (Down syndrome).

Noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) using cell‐free DNA is the most accurate screening test for trisomy 21 to date but still does not have diagnostic accuracy.

Invasive testing with amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling remains the gold standard for prenatal diagnosis of chromosomal disorders.

The scope of chromosomal and genetic disorders detectable using cell‐free DNA is expanding rapidly, creating new ethical and medical issues.
Mechanisms of
RNA
‐Induced Toxicity in Diseases Characterised by
CAG
Repeat Expansions
Authors: Schilling Judith , Griesche Nadine , Krauß Sybille
Published: January 2016

Expansion disorders involving the trinucleotide CAG (cytosine–adenine–guanine) cause diverse progressive neurodegenerative phenotypes. The expanded CAG repeat can be located in the coding region, where it is translated into extended polyglutamine stretches or in the untranslated region (UTR) of the respective gene. The polyglutamine diseases are characterised by aggregate formation of polyglutamine protein, a process that is widely believed to play a role in disease development. In addition, there is emerging evidence showing that RNA (ribonucleic acid)‐mediated mechanisms also contribute to neurotoxicity in both polyglutamine diseases and diseases caused by elongated CAG repeat motifs in the UTR. Structurally, RNA with an expanded CAG repeat differs from normal RNA with a physiological CAG repeat stretch: expanded CAG repeat RNAs (CAG
ex
RNAs) fold into hairpin structures that increase in size and stability with increasing CAG repeat numbers. This article discusses how RNA molecules with expanded CAG repeats can execute abnormal functions that contribute to disease development.

Key Concepts

Several neurodegenerative diseases are caused by CAG trinucleotide repeat expansions.

Pathologically expanded CAG repeat mRNAs fold into hairpin structures, which bind to and sequester diverse proteins.

RNA‐mediated mechanisms contribute to neurotoxicity.

RNA‐mediated neurotoxic functions depend on the subcellular localisation of the RNA, including cytosolic, nuclear and nucleolar mechanisms.

Targeting pathologically expanded CAG repeat mRNAs represents a promising therapeutic approach for treating CAG trinucleotide repeat expansion disorders.
Anatomical Relationship Between the Kidney Collecting System and the Intrarenal Arteries in the Sheep: Contribution for a New Urological Model
Authors: Buys‐Gonçalves Gabriela Faria , De Souza Diogo Benchimol , Sampaio Francisco José Barcellos , Pereira‐Sampaio Marco Aurélio
Published: January 2016

Previous studies have demonstrated that the pig collecting system heals after partial nephrectomy without closure. Recently, a study in sheep showed that partial nephrectomy without closure of the collecting system resulted in urinary leakage and urinoma. The aim of this study was to present detailed anatomical findings on the intrarenal anatomy of the sheep. Forty two kidneys were used to produce tridimensional endocasts of the collecting system together with the intrarenal arteries. A renal pelvis which displayed 11–19 (mean of 16) renal recesses was present. There were no calices present. The renal artery was singular in each kidney and gave two primary branches one to the dorsal surface and one to ventral surface. Dorsal and ventral branches of the renal artery were classified based on the relationship between their branching pattern and the collecting system as: type I (cranial and caudal segmental arteries), type II (cranial, middle and caudal segmental arteries) or type III (cranial, cranial middle, caudal middle, and caudal segmental arteries). Type I was the most common branching pattern for the dorsal and ventral branches of the renal artery. The arterial supply of the caudal pole of the sheep kidney supports its use as an experimental model due to the similarity to the human kidney. However, the lack of a retropelvic artery discourages the use of the cranial pole in experiments in which the arteries are an important aspect to be considered. Anat Rec, 299:405–411, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Remedy for the Overzealous Bonferroni Technique for Multiple Statistical Tests
Authors: Drezner Zvi , Drezner Taly Dawn
Published: January 2016

Ecological research often involves multiple statistical tests. It is common practice to employ the Bonferroni technique or its more advanced sequential variant for such multiple tests. Indeed, Moran (Oikos, 100, 2003, 403) found that 13% of ecological papers apply this technique. The seminal paper by Rice (Evolution, 43, 1989, 223) that introduced this technique to the ecological community, is cited to date over 12 000 times. However, these techniques are conservative and some null hypotheses that should be rejected are not. Using order statistics we find that significant results are correlated even when the data consist of independent events. The Bonferroni methods assume independent significant results which results in Type II error with their application. We propose a simple approach, which we term the correlated Bonferroni technique, to rectify this shortcoming, which reduces rejection of significant results. Ecologists may be able to confirm the significance of their results while they are unable to confirm it using the original Bonferroni technique. Researchers may revisit their projects and find that significant results were mistakenly ignored. We provide an Excel file (see supplement) that researchers can easily use. We illustrate the correlated Bonferroni technique with an example.
A Convenient Method to Prepare Novel Rare Earth Metal Ce‐Doped Carbon Nitride with Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity Under Visible Light
Authors: Jin Ruirui , Hu Shaozheng , Gui Jianzhou , Liu Dan
Published: January 2016

Graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4
) doped with the rare earth metal Ce was prepared by a simple method using melamine and Ce(SO4
)2·4H2O as precursors. X‐ray diffraction (XRD), UV‐vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were used to characterize the prepared catalysts. The results indicate that the introduction of Ce inhibits the crystal growth of g‐C3N4
, decreases the bandgap energy, and increases the separation efficiency of photogenerated electrons and holes. The activities of Ce‐doped g‐C3N4
catalysts were tested in the photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B (RhB) under visible light. The rate constant of Ce‐doped g‐C3N4
is 2.1× that of neat g‐C3N4
. A possible mechanism is proposed.
Synthesis and Structure–Activity Relationship of Novel Indole Acrylamide Derivatives as HCV Replication Inhibitors
Authors: Son Seohyun , Kim Dahee , Lee Sungjin , Jin Guanghai , Park Jin‐Ah , Han Hyo‐Kyung , Lee Kyeong , Lee Choongho
Published: January 2016

A series of indole acrylamide derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for their inhibitory effects on hepatitis C virus (HCV) replication. Previously, we have identified (E)‐N‐(4‐tert‐butylphenyl)‐3‐(5‐cyano‐1H‐indol‐3‐yl)‐2‐methylacrylamide (6c) as one of the promising leads for anti‐HCV chemotherapy. Based on the structural features of indole acrylamide, we have explored extended structure–activity relationship study using analogs with substituted indoles, various amides, and N‐substitution at the indole ring. Among the newly synthesized series, 5‐cyanoindole acrylamide analog with N‐acetyl substitution (13c) (EC50 = 0.98 μM, CC50 = 40.74 μM, and SI = 41.6) exhibited the most potent antiviral activity with reasonable cytotoxicity in a cell‐based J6/JFH1 reporter assay using Huh7.5 cells. In addition, improved water solubility of 13c compared to 6c further merits consideration of 13c as a valuable candidate for anti‐HCV therapeutics development.
Influence of Adiponitrile Additive on Ethylene Carbonate‐based Electrolyte for Capacitors
Authors: Kim Kyung‐Min , Kim Seok
Published: January 2016

In this paper, we report on the use of adiponitrile (ADN) as an additive in ethylene carbonate (EC) electrolyte for capacitors. To confirm the effect of the ADN additive, the thermal and electrochemical stabilities of the electrolyte were examined by differential scanning calorimetry and linear sweep voltammetry. The electrochemical analysis of the electrolyte–electrode was carried out by cyclic voltammetry. The morphology of electrode surface was examined by scanning electron microscopy. The optimal composition of co‐solvent was EC/ADN 7:3 mixture, which showed good electrochemical performance with high ionic conductivity (11.69 mS/cm), capacitance (44.6 F/g), cycle retention (98% after 2000 cycles), and low resistance of between the electrolyte and the electrode surface. It means that the ADN additive in EC electrolyte can produce a better interfacial film and be considered as a suitable electrolyte for capacitors.
Allele‐specific, Hybridization‐based, Washing‐free Fluorescence Signal Production Platforms for Quantitation of Single‐Base Change (C → U) in RNA
Authors: Park Seong Min , Hah Sang Soo
Published: January 2016

A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) is a single base‐pair substitution that commonly constitutes the genetic variation in individuals. Because of its association with disease susceptibility and drug resistance, SNP detection is of great value in studying the variation in drug responses. Here we report four types of washing‐free (i.e., separation‐free or sequential addition of reagents) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐free fluorescence signal production platforms for quantitative detection of a single‐base mismatch in RNA and compare their analytical efficiency. The RNA‐templated SNP detection methods in this study are based on the allele‐specific hybridization approach and/or on the allele‐specific oligonucleotide ligation approach, and have been successfully applied to the quantitation of single‐base mutation (C → U) in RNA of the BCR–ABL fusion gene, by endpoint measurements of fluorescence intensity. These methods have several advantages for practical applications, such as direct discrimination of single‐base mismatch of the RNA extracted from cells, no requirement of PCR amplification, performance of homogeneous detection, easy design of detection probes, and suitability for large‐scale genotyping.
Raman Spectroscopy of Di‐(2‐picolyl)amine on Gold Nanoparticles for Hg(II) Detection
Authors: Ly Nguyen Hoang , Joo Sang‐Woo
Published: January 2016

In an effort to develop a spectroscopic mercury ion sensor, the Raman spectral features of di‐(2‐picolyl)amine (DPA) on gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were examined in the presence of various ions. The two bands at 1020 and 1060 cm−1 showed different intensities in the presence of Hg2+
, whereas the other ions, Pb2+
, Ni2+
, NH4

+, Na+
, Mn2+
, Mg2+
, K+
, Zn2+
, Fe2+
, Cd2+
, Cu2+
, Cr3+
, Co2+
, Fe3+
, and Ca2+
at the same concentrations of 100 μM did not produce such spectral changes. The band at 1060 cm−1 became stronger than that at 1020 cm−1, only for Hg2+
. These two bands may correspond to the ring‐breathing and trigonal ring‐breathing vibration of the two pyridine rings of DPA. The Hg(II) concentration‐dependent surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectra indicated that the relative intensities of the two bands reversed above 10 μM. In addition to this noteworthy feature, the bands at 270 cm−1, which may be ascribed to the Au—N stretching, show much higher intensities in the presence of Hg2+
. Our Raman spectral analysis of DPA may be useful to discriminate the Hg2+
ion above 10 μM using AuNPs on the basis of molecular vibrational spectroscopy.
Preparation of Carbon‐Nanotube‐supported TiO2 for Enhanced Dye‐degrading Photocatalytic Activity
Authors: Kim Sung Phil , Choi Hyun Chul
Published: January 2016

Titanium dioxide–carbon nanotube (TiO2‐CNT) nanocomposites were successfully synthesized by a sol–gel method. The prepared TiO2‐CNT samples were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). The photocatalytic activity of the samples was tested by photodegradation of methylene blue (MB) and methyl orange (MO) in aqueous solution under UV‐light irradiation. In the photocatalytic results, the TiO2‐CNTs, as compared to the pristine TiO2
and commercial P25 TiO2
photocatalysts, exhibited the fastest degradation performance in both dye solutions. The TiO2‐CNTs’ apparent rate constants were 0.0232 and 0.0214 min–1 in the MB and MO solutions, respectively, both of which are approximately 5 times greater than that for the commercial P25 TiO2
(MB: 0.0046 min–1, MO: 0.0043 min–1). And as for the estimated electron‐transfer resistance (Rct) results from the ac impedance spectra, the values increased in the following order: TiO2‐CNT < P25 TiO2
 < pristine TiO2
, indicating that CNTs can serve as electron‐transmitting paths, thus suppressing the recombination rate of photogenerated electron/hole pairs. Moreover, the degree of photodegradation inhibition was insignificant in the presence of interfering anion species (1000‐fold).
Optimization of Bipyridinyl Pyrazole Scaffolds via Design, Synthesis and Screening of a New Series of ROS1 Kinase‐modulating Compounds
Authors: Al‐Sanea Mohammad M. , Park Byung Sun , Abdelazem Ahmed Z. , Selim Khalid B. , Yoo Kyung Ho , Sim Taebo , Tae Jin Sung , Lee So Ha
Published: January 2016

A series of rationally designed ROS1 tyrosine kinase inhibitors 6a–9b with bipyridinyl pyrazole scaffold was synthesized and screened. The scaffold itself has showed an exclusive selectivity profile over ROS1 closely related kinases, ALK and c‐Met. The aim of this study was to further explore the structure–activity relationships (SAR) of the bipyridinyl pyrazole core structure, and to improve its ROS1 inhibitory potency. The rational of this study was to explore the nature of the proposed binding site for the pyrazole NH substituents. Careful selections of pyrazole NH substituent groups along with their regioisomers were considered. The compounds exhibited high degree of potency, IC50
values of 21–159 nM. A detailed SAR of bipyridinyl pyrazole scaffold has been finally well established and the virtual screening strategy, through molecular docking, has been performed for this type of ROS1 kinase inhibitors and the docked poses along with the activity data have gone in consistent with SAR specifications.
Bulk Polymerization of l‐Lactide with Dibenzoylmethane Sn(II) Compounds
Authors: Yoon Sung Cheol , Lee Kang Mun , Lee Min Hyung , Park Seung Young
Published: January 2016

The bulk polymerization behavior of l‐lactide monomer using dibenzoylmethane (DBM)‐based Sn(II) compounds (DBM)Sn(OBu) (2) and (DBM)
2Sn (3) is investigated. Compounds 2 and 3 were prepared from the reaction of Sn(OBu)2 (1) with 1 or 2 equiv of DBM, respectively. X‐ray diffraction studies revealed that, while 2 exists as a dimeric form linked by 1‐butoxide bridges, 3 is monomeric in the solid state. The Sn(II) centers in both compounds adopt distorted square‐pyramidal geometry. Ring‐opening polymerization of l‐lactide with 1–3 efficiently produced poly(l‐lactide)s with high molecular weight and narrow polydispersities (PDI < 2). The catalytic activity was found to be in the order 1 > 2 > 3, indicating that the DBM ligand causes a sluggish coordinative insertion of the lactide monomer into the Sn(II) center. In particular, the addition of dodecanol (DDO, 0.1 mol%) substantially improved the catalytic activity for all compounds. The comparative polymerization using Sn(Oct)2 (Oct = 2‐ethylhexanoate) in the absence and presence of DDO further showed that 1 is higher in activity than Sn(Oct)2 and that Sn(II) alkoxides are the actual active species in the polymerization of l‐lactide.
Effects of the Chain Length of Tris(carboxyalkylamino)triazine on Corrosion Inhibition Properties
Authors: Yoo Seung‐Hyun , Kim Young‐Wun , Shin Jihoon , Kim Nam‐Kyun , Kim Joon‐Seop
Published: January 2016

The corrosion behavior of mild steel was studied in 1 M HCl solution containing varying amounts of triazine derivatives having amine groups and alkyl carboxylic acid groups. The synthesized triazine derivatives were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy, NMR, mass spectroscopy, and elemental analysis (EA), and their corrosion inhibition properties were determined by potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) techniques. We found that the triazine derivatives acted as mixed‐type inhibitors by their adsorption on the metal surface. We also proposed that the Langmuir adsorption isotherm model could be used to explain the adsorption of triazine derivatives. In addition, when the alkyl chain length of the triazine derivative was relatively long, we also obtained a high‐adsorption equilibrium constant and low Gibbs free energy of adsorption. Thus, we conclude that the alkyl chain length plays an important role in the corrosion inhibition properties of triazine derivatives.
Young investigator challenge: Atypia of undetermined significance in thyroid FNA: Standardized terminology without standardized management—a closer look at repeat FNA and quality measures
Authors: Brandler Tamar C. , Aziz Mohamed S. , Coutsouvelis Constantinos , Rosen Lisa , Rafael Oana C. , Souza Fabiola , Jelloul Fatima‐Zahra , Klein Melissa A.
Published: January 2016

BACKGROUND

The Bethesda system (TBS) for the reporting of thyroid cytopathology established the category of atypia of undetermined significance (AUS) with a 7% target rate and a 5% to 15% implied malignancy risk. Recent literature has reported a broad range of AUS rates, subsequent malignancy rates, and discrepant results from repeat fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) versus surgical follow‐up. Therefore, this study examined AUS data from the Hofstra North Shore–LIJ School of Medicine to determine the best clinical follow‐up.

METHODS

Thyroid aspirates interpreted as AUS in 2012‐2014 at the Hofstra North Shore–LIJ School of Medicine were collected. Repeat FNA and surgical follow‐up data were tabulated to establish AUS, secondary AUS (diagnosed upon repeat FNA follow‐up of a primary FNA AUS diagnosis), atypia of undetermined significance/malignancy (AUS:M) ratios (according to the TBS categories), and malignancy rates for AUS.

RESULTS

The AUS rate was 8.5% (976/11,481), and there was follow‐up data for 545 cases. The AUS:M ratio was 2.0. Repeat FNA was performed for 281 cases; 57 proceeded to surgical intervention. Repeat FNA reclassified 71.17% of the cases. The malignancy rates for AUS cases proceeding directly to surgery and for those receiving a surgical intervention after a repeat AUS diagnosis were 33.33% and 43.75%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Repeat FNA resulted in definitive diagnostic reclassification for 67.61% of primary AUS cases and reduced the number of patients triaged to surgery, with 56.58% of the cases recategorized as benign. Cases undergoing surgery after repeat AUS had a higher malignancy rate than those going straight to surgery, and this emphasizes the value of repeat FNA in selecting surgical candidates. In addition, this study highlights the utility of AUS rate monitoring as a quality measure that has contributed to the ability of the Hofstra North Shore–LIJ School of Medicine to adhere closely to TBS recommendations. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2016;124:37‐43. © 2016 American Cancer Society.
LogP measurement of a highly hydrophobic properfume: evaluation of extrapolation of RP‐HPLC results and impact of chemical moieties on accuracy
Authors: Begnaud F. , Larcinese J.‐P. , Fankhauser P. , Maddalena U.
Published: January 2016

The n‐octanol/water partition coefficient (LogP) of a chemical substance is a key parameter for assessing its potential (eco)‐toxicological effects and environmental fate. To measure the LogP of properfume Haloscent®D (expected LogP > 9), no direct measurement technique can be applied and the reliability of in silico models is impaired by the absence of robust datasets in the high LogP range. Indirect method using reversed‐phase‐HPLC (RP‐HPLC) is promising but we demonstrate that the lack of suitable standards lead to significant discrepancy and poor accuracy.

Extrapolation of the correlation between the RP‐HPLC retention factor (logk) of low‐carbon chain homologues and their LogP measured by slow‐stir method has been studied. To select the most suitable standards, the impact of specific moiety representative of Haloscent®D (linear alkyl chain, delta‐damascone moiety, thioether function) on the logk vs. estimated LogP has been checked on different molecules and it was demonstrated that the alkyl chain had the most impact on this correlation. The stability in the molecular conformation of Haloscent®D homologue series was also verified to ensure that no folding occurred as from a certain alkyl chain length, and that consequently extrapolation is feasible up to Haloscent®D. Accuracy of the extrapolated LogP value was calculated from the prediction interval of the logk vs. LogP regression. The LogP of the Haloscent®D was concluded to be 9.7 ± 0.5. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Allocation of Congestion Rights: Implementation Not Completely Meeting Objectives
Authors: Fóti Verónica R. Bósquez
Published: January 2016

In the seven organized US wholesale electricity markets, locational pricing is used for day‐ahead and real‐time dispatch. Congestion pricing is an important part of this market construct. Congestion in the transmission system leads to differences in locational prices, giving a strong price signal to all users of the system. Many of the expected benefits of electricity markets spring from these price signals—they provide incentives for participants to use the transmission system in the most efficient manner and to maximize the value of their investment in infrastructure.
Root cause diagnosis in error‐propagating networks
Authors: Seo Eunsoo , Dogan Gulustan , Abdelzaher Tarek , Brown Theodore
Published: January 2016

Various types of errors can propagate in networks, and they are usually hard to diagnose. For example, social networks spread rumors as well as useful information. Computer networks can spread Internet worms or malicious packets. In many cases, it is very hard to find the root cause (a.k.a. initial rumor spreader) of such errors without complete knowledge of the error propagation. We aim to find the root cause node when there is limited information about error propagation. We assume that there are very small number of monitor nodes in the network reporting whether error reached them or not. With this assumption, we first propose an algorithm that finds the most probable root cause node. Second, to improve the accuracy of root cause analysis, we propose another algorithm that makes use of timestamp of error reception. Finally, we study how to select monitors effectively so that root cause analysis can be accurate. With real networks from various domains, our algorithms are shown to be very effective. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Eastern whip‐poor‐will breeding ecology in relation to habitat management in a pitch pine–scrub oak barren
Authors: Akresh Michael E. , King David I.
Published: January 2016

Numerous wildlife species are dependent on the creation and maintenance of early successional forests, yet little is known about the effects of habitat management on some threatened species. One such species is the eastern whip‐poor‐will (Antrostomus vociferous), a nocturnal bird of conservation concern. We examined the effects of heavy thinning, mowing, burning, and herbicide treatments on this species by conducting point counts and nest searches on a pitch pine–scrub oak (Pinus rigida–Quercus ilicifolia) barren in western Massachusetts, USA, between 2006 and 2013. Our point‐count data showed that the abundance of calling birds was greater in managed shrublands such as scrub oak barrens and heavily thinned pitch pine stands, compared to closed‐canopy pitch pine and deciduous forest. We found a high number of whip‐poor‐will nests (n = 26) and roosts (n = 59), which we located primarily within managed shrublands. We did not search for nests in closed‐canopy forests, and we were unable to determine the extent of their use of the forest edge for nesting. Nevertheless, birds selected nest sites under residual deciduous trees within the early successional forests; therefore, canopy cover appears to be important for nest placement at the nest‐patch spatial scale, but not necessarily at a broader scale. Nests were found in both dense and sparse understory vegetation; none were found in vegetation patches that were <2 years since treatment. Estimated nest survival was 63% through incubation (daily survival rate = 0.977, n = 21), consistent with other published studies of nightjars in the United States and Canada. Creating and maintaining open‐canopy early successional forests in pitch pine–scrub oak barrens, with the retention of some residual deciduous trees, should increase the amount of habitat suitable for courtship, roosting, and nesting by eastern whip‐poor‐wills. © 2016 The Wildlife Society.
Peer group impulsivity moderated the individual‐level relationship between depressive symptoms and adolescent nonsuicidal self‐injury
Authors: You Jianing , Zheng Chuhua , Lin Min‐Pei , Leung Freedom
Published: January 2016

This study examined the influence of impulsive friendship group contexts on nonsuicidal self‐injury (NSSI) and how peer group impulsivity (i.e. negative urgency and premeditation) moderated the individual level relationship between depression and NSSI among 1701 Chinese secondary school students (1147 females). Participants were assessed twice over a 6‐month interval. After controlling for direct socialization effects for NSSI, multilevel analysis indicated that friendship group negative urgency exerted a significant influence on NSSI. Additionally, friendship group premeditation weakened the relation between individual depression and NSSI, while friendship group negative urgency strengthened the relation between depression and NSSI. The results suggest the contribution of indirect peer influence effects to NSSI.
SYMMETRIES IN MODAL LOGICS
Authors: ARECES CARLOS , ORBE EZEQUIEL
Published: January 2016

In this paper we develop the theoretical foundations to exploit symmetries in modal logics. We generalize the notion of symmetries of propositional formulas in conjunctive normal form to modal formulas using the framework provided by coinductive modal models introduced in [5]. Hence, the results apply to a wide class of modal logics including, for example, hybrid logics. We present two graph constructions that enable the reduction of symmetry detection in modal formulas to the graph automorphism detection problem, and we evaluate the graph constructions on modal benchmarks.
INTRODUCTION
Authors: Cooper-Knock Sarah-Jane , Karekwaivanane George H.
Published: January 2016

From the colonial period onwards, there has been a marked expansion in the range of formal and informal institutions enforcing regimes of law and social order across Africa. At the same time, practices and ideas about law, justice, policing and professionalism have proliferated, drawing on a diverse range of influences. This themed part issue explores the lived realities of law and social order in colonial and postcolonial Africa. Building on a rich and growing literature, the articles examine how diverse actors such as ‘ordinary’ citizens, the police and legal professionals understand, enact and contest ideas about law and social order. The articles that follow adopt different disciplinary perspectives and draw on fieldwork from Nigeria, South Africa and Zimbabwe. The papers also illustrate how thinking about law and social order can cast a light on important themes for Africanist scholars, such as processes of formal and informal institutionalization on the continent and the public's investment in such institutions.
Archaeological researches on the Ukok Plateau (Gorny-Altaï, Russia) in the summer of 1991
Authors: Molodin V. I.
Published: January 2016

Work last summer in the Ukok Plateau of western Siberia has made a significant contribution to the establishment of a chronology for this forbidding region. This note reports some of the more important discoveries.
Reply to ‘Megalithic transport and territorial markers: evidence from the Channel Islands’ by Mark Patton
Authors: Williams-Thorpe Olwen
Published: January 2016

The surviving author of ‘The myth of long-distance megalith transport’ (ANTIQUITY 65: 64–73) stresses the support given by megalithic sites in the Channel Islands to the exposure of this persistent myth.
Active tectonics and land-use strategies: a Palaeolithic example from northwest Greece
Authors: Bailey Geoff , King Geoff , Sturdy Derek
Published: January 2016

Tectonic movements – continuously re-moulding the surface of the earth over the inexorable activity of underlying plate motions – are rarely taken into account when assessing landscape change, except as an exotic hazard to human life or a temporary disruption in longer-term trends. Active tectonics also create and sustain landscapes that can be beneficial to human survival. The tectonic history of northwest Greece shows Palaeolithic sites located to take advantage of tectonically created features at both local and regional scales.
Wooden churches and their paintings in the Maramureş region of Romania: a preliminary study
Authors: Weatherhead Fran
Published: January 2016

In Europe the tradition of building in wood, which has roots reaching back into antiquity, is now mostly lost. Wooden architecture does, however, survive in parts of Eastern Europe, particularly in Romania. In addition to their architectural interest, the buildings contain a rich legacy of folk-art.
The European Convention on the Protection of the Archaeological Heritage
Authors: O'keefe Patrick J.
Published: January 2016

In January 1992, 20 States signed the European Convention on the Protection of the Archneological Heritage (Revised) which is intended to replace the original Convention of 1969. Signature indicates that States agree on the actual text that was before the meeting where the Convention was considered, in this case the Third European Conference of Ministers Responsible for the Cultural Heritage. It obliges States not to do anything actively contrary to the provisions of the Convention. However, States are not bound by the Convention until they ratify it. As at June 1992 no States had yet ratified the Revised Convention, but this is understandable as it usually takes at least six months for such a process to be completed even by the most enthusiastic of States.
Preservation and the academically viable sample
Authors: Startin Bill
Published: January 2016

This adaptation of Hamlet’s soliloquy describes a "dilemma’: to study and thus destroy or to preserve and thus severely restrict study. And, just as Hamlet was not expecting Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to choose for him the alternative of "not to be’, so we cannot expect a simple right or wrong solution.
A new Bactrian find from southeastern Arabia
Authors: Potts D. T.
Published: January 2016

A new and handsome find, a decorated bone comb from Tell Abraq in the United Arab Emirates dated about 2100–2000 BC, provides another link between eastern Arabia and the distant Bactrian lands.