bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Amplified electrochemical genotyping of single-nucleotide polymorphisms using a graphene–gold nanoparticles modified glassy carbon platform
Authors: Khoshfetrat Seyyed Mehdi , Mehrgardi Masoud A.
Published: March 2015

A triple signal amplification strategy for the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) genotyping is reported using the graphene–gold nanoparticles (GR–AuNPs) as a sensitive platform and monobase-modified silver and gold nanoparticles (M-NPs).
Correction: Biogenic synthesis of ZnO–Ag nano custard apples for efficient photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue by sunlight irradiation
Authors: Kaviya S. , Prasad Edamana
Published: March 2015

Correction for ‘Biogenic synthesis of ZnO–Ag nano custard apples for efficient photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue by sunlight irradiation’ by S. Kaviya et al., RSC Adv., 2015, 5, 17179–17185.
A polyoxometalate coupled graphene oxide–Nafion composite membrane for fuel cells operating at low relative humidity
Authors: Kim Yong , Ketpang Kriangsak , Jaritphun Shayapat , Park Jun Seo , Shanmugam Sangaraju
Published: March 2015

A phosphotungstic acid coupled GO–Nafion membrane showed an enhanced fuel cell power density at 80 °C under 20% RH, compared with Nafion-212.
A review on mechanical exfoliation for the scalable production of graphene
Authors: Yi Min , Shen Zhigang
Published: March 2015

This review discusses the available routes for the large-scale production of graphene in terms of the exfoliation of graphite.
Degradation observations of encapsulated planar CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite solar cells at high temperatures and humidity
Authors: Han Yu , Meyer Steffen , Dkhissi Yasmina , Weber Karl , Pringle Jennifer M. , Bach Udo , Spiccia Leone , Cheng Yi-Bing
Published: March 2015

The stability of encapsulated planar-structured CH3NH3PbI3 (MAPbI3) perovskite solar cells (PSCs) was investigated under various simulated environmental conditions.
MOF-directed templating synthesis of a porous multicomponent dodecahedron with hollow interiors for enhanced lithium-ion battery anodes
Authors: Sun Chencheng , Yang Jun , Rui Xianhong , Zhang Weina , Yan Qingyu , Chen Peng , Huo Fengwei , Huang Wei , Dong Xiaochen
Published: March 2015

A NiCo2O4/NiO-HD nanocage is synthesized using MOF as a precursor and self-sacrificing template. A lithium-ion battery anode based this novel nanomaterial exhibits outstanding capacity, cycling stability and rate performance.
A push–pull thienoquinoidal chromophore for highly efficient p-type dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Zhang Qian-Qian , Jiang Ke-Jian , Huang Jin-Hua , Zhao Chuan-Wu , Zhang Li-Peng , Cui Xue-Ping , Su Mei-Ju , Yang Lian-Ming , Song Yan-Lin , Zhou Xue-Qin
Published: March 2015

A push–pull thienoquinoidal dye (QT-1), was synthesized as a sensitizer in a p-DSC, giving a high short-circuit photocurrent density of 8.2 mA cm−2. The result would pave new organic semiconductor sensitizers for use in p-DSCs and other organic optoelectronic devices.
Multiphoton microfabrication of conducting polymer-based biomaterials
Authors: Hardy John. G. , Hernandez Derek S. , Cummings Damian M. , Edwards Frances A. , Shear Jason B. , Schmidt Christine E.
Published: March 2015

Multiphoton microfabrication was used to prepare CP-based materials for drug delivery and stimulating tissues.
Arc is a flexible modular protein capable of reversible self-oligomerization
Authors: Myrum Craig , Baumann Anne , Bustad Helene J. , Flydal Marte Innselset , Mariaule Vincent , Alvira Sara , Cuéllar Jorge , Haavik Jan , Soulé Jonathan , Valpuesta José Maria , Márquez José Antonio , Martinez Aurora , Bramham Clive R.
Published: March 2015

The immediate early gene product Arc (activity-regulated cytoskeleton-associated protein) is posited as a master regulator of long-term synaptic plasticity and memory. However, the physicochemical and structural properties of Arc have not been elucidated. In the present study, we expressed and purified recombinant human Arc (hArc) and performed the first biochemical and biophysical analysis of hArc's structure and stability. Limited proteolysis assays and MS analysis indicate that hArc has two major domains on either side of a central more disordered linker region, consistent with in silico structure predictions. hArc's secondary structure was estimated using CD, and stability was analysed by CD-monitored thermal denaturation and differential scanning fluorimetry (DSF). Oligomerization states under different conditions were studied by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and visualized by AFM and EM. Biophysical analyses show that hArc is a modular protein with defined secondary structure and loose tertiary structure. hArc appears to be pyramid-shaped as a monomer and is capable of reversible self-association, forming large soluble oligomers. The N-terminal domain of hArc is highly basic, which may promote interaction with cytoskeletal structures or other polyanionic surfaces, whereas the C-terminal domain is acidic and stabilized by ionic conditions that promote oligomerization. Upon binding of presenilin-1 (PS1) peptide, hArc undergoes a large structural change. A non-synonymous genetic variant of hArc (V231G) showed properties similar to the wild-type (WT) protein. We conclude that hArc is a flexible multi-domain protein that exists in monomeric and oligomeric forms, compatible with a diverse, hub-like role in plasticity-related processes.
Gestures Occur With Spatial and Motoric Knowledge: It's More Than Just Coincidence
Authors: Hostetter Autumn , Mainela-Arnold Elina
Published: March 2015

Representational gestures are hand and arm movements that are related to the semantic content of co-occurring speech. In this review, we present evidence that such movements not only provide insight into the knowledge possessed by a speaker, but also provide insight into how that knowledge is represented. Specifically, gestures often occur with the communication of information that is understood spatially or motorically but that has not yet been verbally or linguistically encoded. Using gesture to convey such information can have a number of benefits for speakers, including facilitation of speech production processes and reduction of cognitive load. We focus our review on evidence from individual differences in gesture production among both typical and clinical populations, and conclude with a few recommendations for language therapists who are interested in using gesture as a tool in their practice.
Gesture as a Window onto Communicative Abilities: Implications for Diagnosis and Intervention
Authors: Goldin-Meadow Susan
Published: March 2015

Speakers around the globe gesture when they talk, and young children are no exception. In fact, children's first foray into communication tends to be through their hands rather than their mouths. There is now good evidence that children typically express ideas in gesture before they express the same ideas in speech. Moreover, the age at which these ideas are expressed in gesture predicts the age at which the same ideas are first expressed in speech. Gesture thus not only precedes, but also predicts, the onset of linguistic milestones. These facts set the stage for using gesture in two ways in children who are at risk for language delay. First, gesture can be used to identify individuals who are not producing gesture in a timely fashion, and can thus serve as a diagnostic tool for pinpointing subsequent difficulties with spoken language. Second, gesture can facilitate learning, including word learning, and can thus serve as a tool for intervention, one that can be implemented even before a delay in spoken language is detected.
Co-Speech Gesture Input as a Support for Language Learning in Children With and Without Early Language Delay
Authors: Singleton Nina Capone , Saks Jessica
Published: March 2015

The current paper provides empirical support for adults using co-speech gesturing with children with and without early language delay. The discussion starts broad by showing that co-speech gestures are already in the child's language environment. We then show that encouraging co-speech gesturing by adults promotes language development and use in children. The discussion is then narrowed to the review of the finer aspects of word learning which sets the stage for how iconic gestures can be utilized in language therapy. Finally, we show that pairing iconic gestures with word models promotes word learning.
Points to Ponder: Gesture and Language in Math Talk
Authors: Foran Lori , Beverly Brenda
Published: March 2015

With the introduction of Common Core State Standards, mathematical learning and problem solving in the academic environment is more linguistically demanding. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) can support students with language impairment and teachers charged with new curricular demands. The role of gestural communication as a support for children's math learning and as an instructional strategy during math education is reviewed. Findings are presented from a recent pilot study on the gesture and language production of 3-, 4- and 5-year- old children as they solve early arithmetic and fraction problems. Children spontaneously produced deictic and representational gestures that most often matched their spoken solutions. A few children exhibited gesture-speech mismatches in which the gesture contained semantic content not contained in the speech alone. This can suggest some underlying knowledge that would not be apparent without the gesture. Furthermore, the investigator introduced gestured prompts with some preschool participants using spontaneous gestures previously observed by successful peers. Gesture's role in early mathematic areas preceding kindergarten and specific gesturing strategies effective in the academic environment continue to be explored.
Robust adaptive control scheme for uncertain non‐linear model reference adaptive control systems with time‐varying delays
Authors: Wu Hansheng , Deng Mingcong
Published: March 2015

The problem of model reference adaptive control is considered for a class of uncertain dynamical systems with non‐linear delayed state perturbations. It is assumed that the time‐varying delays are any non‐negative continuous and bounded functions. In particular, it is only assumed that the non‐linear delayed state perturbations are bounded in any non‐negative non‐linear functions which are not required to be known for the system designer. A new method is presented whereby a class of continuous memoryless robust adaptive controllers with a rather simple structure can be constructed. It is also shown that the proposed robust adaptive control schemes can guarantee that the current state of uncertain non‐linear time‐delay dynamical systems can track the state of a given delay‐free reference model as far as possible. Finally, the simulations of a numerical example are provided to demonstrate the validity of the theoretical results.
Data and event‐driven control of a class of networked non‐linear control systems
Authors: Wang Zhuo , Chen Tongwen
Published: March 2015

In this study, the authors develop a data and event‐driven control scheme that combines data and event‐driven control methods, for a class of networked non‐linear control systems, which consist of a remote controller and a local non‐linear control system. The plant in the local non‐linear control system has an unknown dynamic model. They apply a data‐based method to design and adjust the feedback gain matrix for the plant, whose desired outputs are given by the remote controller. This method has advantages of both data and event‐driven control methods. Moreover, the proposed scheme provides an alternative option to realise remote control, when the dynamic model of the plant is unknown. They then present theoretical analysis on the convergence condition and a computer simulation example to demonstrate the feasibility of the developed control scheme.
Direct power control of doubly fed induction generator without phase‐locked loop in synchronous reference frame during frequency variations
Authors: Nian Heng , Cheng Peng , Zhu Ziqiang
Published: March 2015

This study presents a direct power control strategy for a grid‐connected doubly fed induction generator (DFIG) without phase‐locked loop (PLL) in a synchronous reference frame. In the proposed control system, a virtual phase angle, produced by a fixed angular speed, is used to replace the actual one of the network voltage for synchronous coordinate transformations, thus, PLL can be eliminated. The steady‐state and dynamic behaviours of DFIG active and reactive powers are analysed with the potential grid frequency variations. It is found that the natural components of the flux linkages are the root cause of power and torque pulsations during the transient frequency variations. Thus, an auxiliary demagnetising current control scheme is proposed and designed to damp the natural flux linkages caused by the transient frequency variations. Then, based on the mathematic model, the control system performance is theoretically analysed. Finally, the simulation and experimental results are provided to demonstrate that the developed control system is adaptive to frequency deviations and achieve a decoupling control of both active and reactive powers.
Big Data Revisited: A Rejoinder
Authors: Kallinikos Jannis , Constantiou Ioanna D
Published: March 2015

We elaborate on key issues of our paper New games, new rules: big data and the changing context of strategy as a means of addressing some of the concerns raised by the paper's commentators. We initially deal with the issue of social data and the role it plays in the current data revolution. The massive involvement of lay publics as instrumented by social media breaks with the strong expert cultures that have underlain the production and use of data in modern organizations. It also sets apart the interactive and communicative processes by which social data is produced from sensor data and the technological recording of facts. We further discuss the significance of the very mechanisms by which big data is produced as distinct from the very attributes of big data, often discussed in the literature. In the final section of the paper, we qualify the alleged importance of algorithms and claim that the structures of data capture and the architectures in which data generation is embedded are fundamental to the phenomenon of big data.
Epitaxial crystals of Bi2Pt2O7 pyrochlore through the transformation of δ–Bi2O3 fluorite
Authors: Gutiérrez–Llorente Araceli , Joress Howie , Woll Arthur , Holtz Megan E. , Ward Matthew J. , Sullivan Matthew C. , Muller David A. , Brock Joel D.
Published: March 2015

Bi2Pt2O7 pyrochlore is thought to be one of the most promising oxide catalysts for application in fuel cell technology. Unfortunately, direct film growth of Bi2Pt2O7 has not yet been achieved, owing to the difficulty of oxidizing platinum metal in the precursor material to Pt4+. In this work, in order to induce oxidation of the platinum, we annealed pulsed laser deposited films consisting of epitaxial δ–Bi2O3 and co-deposited, comparatively disordered platinum. We present synchrotron x-ray diffraction results that show the nonuniform annealed films contain the first epitaxial crystals of Bi2Pt2O7. We also visualized the pyrochlore structure by scanning transmission electron microscopy, and observed ordered cation vacancies in the epitaxial crystals formed in a bismuth-rich film but not in those formed in a platinum-rich film. The similarity between the δ–Bi2O3 and Bi2Pt2O7 structures appears to facilitate the pyrochlore formation. These results provide the only route to date for the formation of epitaxial Bi2Pt2O7.
Response to “Comment on ‘A model for phosphate glass topology considering the modifying ion sub-network”’ [J. Chem. Phys. 142, 107103 (2015)]
Authors: Hermansen Christian , Mauro John C. , Yue Yuanzheng
Published: March 2015

In our recent paper [C. Hermansen, J. C. Mauro, and Y.-Z. Yue, J. Chem. Phys. 140, 154501 (2014)], we applied temperature-dependent constraint theory to model the glass transition temperature (Tg) and liquid fragility index (m) of alkali phosphate glasses. Sidebottom commented on this paper concerning the m values obtained by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) [D. L. Sidebottom, J. Chem. Phys. 142, ⬛ (2015)]. We have considered Sidebottom’s comments carefully and conclude that the m values of phosphate liquids obtained by DSC are reliable, except for the NaPO3 and possibly P2O5 compositions. Based on his dynamic light scattering measurements, Sidebottom has found that P2O5 is a strong liquid with m ≈ 20. However, based on the heat capacity jump at Tg and the stretching exponent of the relaxation function, P2O5 should be classified as an intermediate fragile liquid with m ≈ 40. We also argue that m cannot be universally related to the average connectivity of the network and point out several inconsistencies with this view.
PHARAO laser source flight model: Design and performances
Authors: Lévèque T. , Faure B. , Esnault F. X. , Delaroche C. , Massonnet D. , Grosjean O. , Buffe F. , Torresi P. , Bomer T. , Pichon A. , Béraud P. , Lelay J. P. , Thomin S. , Laurent Ph.
Published: March 2015

In this paper, we describe the design and the main performances of the PHARAO laser source flight model. PHARAO is a laser cooled cesium clock specially designed for operation in space and the laser source is one of the main sub-systems. The flight model presented in this work is the first remote-controlled laser system designed for spaceborne cold atom manipulation. The main challenges arise from mechanical compatibility with space constraints, which impose a high level of compactness, a low electric power consumption, a wide range of operating temperature, and a vacuum environment. We describe the main functions of the laser source and give an overview of the main technologies developed for this instrument. We present some results of the qualification process. The characteristics of the laser source flight model, and their impact on the clock performances, have been verified in operational conditions.
Ultrafast 2DIR spectroscopy of ferric azide precursors for high-valent iron. Vibrational relaxation, spectral diffusion, and dynamic symmetry breaking
Authors: Czurlok Denis , Torres-Alacan Joel , Vöhringer Peter
Published: March 2015

Femtosecond mid-infrared pump-probe and two-dimensional mid-infrared spectroscopy have been used to investigate the dynamics of vibrational relaxation and vibrational spectral diffusion of the asymmetric N3-stretching vibration of pseudo-octahedral azidoiron(iii) complexes, [L6−nFe(N3)n]+ with n = 1 or 2 and L being an auxiliary ligand of denticity 6–n, in acetonitrile at room temperature. Compared to the free azide anion in acetonitrile solution, the vibrational relaxation dynamics are considerably accelerated. Vibrational energy transfer to the solvent is accelerated by virtue of a resonance with an overtone transition of the solvent. Intramolecular vibrational redistribution is found to be accelerated by virtue of a coupling between the initial azide stretching vibration and the torsional modes involving the axial ligands. Vibrational spectral diffusion within the asymmetric N3-stretching resonance was found to be insensitive to solvent fluctuations because the axial azide ligands are only partially accessible to the solvent. The particular role of intramolecular structural relaxations of the complex for shaping the linear and nonlinear two-dimensional infrared spectra is discussed in terms of ultrafast symmetry-breaking torsional fluctuations and on the basis of density functional theory calculations.
On the theoretical description of weakly charged surfaces
Authors: Wang Rui , Wang Zhen-Gang
Published: March 2015

It is widely accepted that the Poisson-Boltzmann (PB) theory provides a valid description for charged surfaces in the so-called weak coupling limit. Here, we show that the image charge repulsion creates a depletion boundary layer that cannot be captured by a regular perturbation approach. The correct weak-coupling theory must include the self-energy of the ion due to the image charge interaction. The image force qualitatively alters the double layer structure and properties, and gives rise to many non-PB effects, such as nonmonotonic dependence of the surface energy on concentration and charge inversion. In the presence of dielectric discontinuity, there is no limiting condition for which the PB theory is valid.
On the uncertainty of the Auger recombination coefficient extracted from InGaN/GaN light-emitting diode efficiency droop measurements
Authors: Piprek Joachim , Römer Friedhard , Witzigmann Bernd
Published: March 2015

III-nitride light-emitting diodes (LEDs) suffer from a severe efficiency reduction with increasing injection current (droop). Auger recombination is often seen as primary cause of this droop phenomenon. The corresponding Auger recombination coefficient C is typically obtained from efficiency measurements using mathematical models. However, C coefficients reported for InGaN active layers vary over two orders of magnitude. We here investigate this uncertainty and apply successively more accurate models to the same efficiency measurement, thereby revealing the strong sensitivity of the Auger coefficient to quantum well properties such as electron-hole ratio, electric field, and hot carrier escape.
Resistance switching of epitaxial VO2/Al2O3 heterostructure at room temperature induced by organic liquids
Authors: Yang Mengmeng , Yang Yuanjun , Hong Bin , Huang Haoliang , Hu Sixia , Dong Yongqi , Wang Haibo , He Hao , Zhao Jiyin , Liu Xuguang , Luo Zhenlin , Li Xiaoguang , Zhang Haibin , Gao Chen
Published: March 2015

We studied using organic liquids (cyclohexane, n-butanol, and ethylene glycol) to modulate the transport properties at room temperature of an epitaxial VO2 film on a VO2/Al2O3 heterostructure. The resistance of the VO2 film increased when coated with cyclohexane or n-butanol, with maximum changes of 31% and 3.8%, respectively. In contrast, it decreased when coated with ethylene glycol, with a maximum change of −7.7%. In all cases, the resistance recovered to its original value after removing the organic liquid. This organic-liquid-induced reversible resistance switching suggests that VO2 films can be used as organic molecular sensors.
Nucleation and growth of damage in polycrystalline aluminum under dynamic tensile loading
Authors: Qi M. L. , Yao Y. , Bie B. X. , Ran X. X. , Ye W. , Fan D. , Li P.
Published: March 2015

Plate-impact experiments were conducted to study the features and mechanisms of void nucleation and growth in the polycrystalline of pure aluminum under dynamic loading. Soft-recovered samples have been analyzed by metallographic microscopy, electron back scattering diffraction (EBSD), and synchrotron radiation x-ray tomography technology. It was found that most of the void nucleation in grains neared the boundaries of “weak-orientation” grains and grew toward the grain boundaries with fractured small grains around the boundaries. This was mainly caused by the accumulation and interaction of slip systems in the “weak-orientation” grains. In addition, the micro voids were nearly octahedron because the octahedral slip systems were formed by 8 slip planes in the polycrystalline of pure aluminum. The EBSD results are consistent with the three-dimensional structure observed by synchrotron radiation x-ray.
Flicker-Defined Forms in the Ternus Display
Authors: Silva Molly R , Petersik J Timothy
Published: March 2015

Odic and Pratt (2008, Perception, 37, 1790–1804) proposed that the type of movement seen in the bistable Ternus display depends on the elements' temporal summation of contrast relative to the background. To test this theory, participants viewed a flicker-defined Ternus display where the elements had no temporal summation of contrast. Participants also viewed a luminance-defined control condition. Five interstimulus intervals (ISIs) (0, 20, 40, 60, and 80 ms) and two stimulus durations (SDs) (200 and 400 ms) were used in each condition. If temporal summation of contrast does not influence perceived group and end-to-end movement in flicker-defined forms, it was expected that the frequency of their reports would be equal to those in the luminance- defined control condition at the same ISIs and SDs. As predicted, the main effect of condition was not significant and participants reported both percepts at expected rates in both conditions, contrary to the predictions of Odic and Pratt (2008).
Birthweight has no influence on chemical body composition and muscle energy stores in suckling piglets
Authors: De Vos Maartje , Huygelen Veronique , Hesta Myriam , Willemen Sofie A. , Fransen Erik , Casteleyn Christophe , Van Cruchten Steven , Van Ginneken Chris
Published: March 2015

Economic losses in pig production are highly due to neonatal mortality and poor postnatal growth performances predominantly of low birthweight piglets. To explore underlying mechanisms, we describe in this paper the effects of age and birthweight on body composition and muscle energy stores. Different parameters were assessed in pairs of low birthweight (LBW, n = 32) and normal birthweight (NBW, n = 32) piglets, at Day 0 (n = 16), Day 3 (n = 16), Day 10 (n = 16) and Day 28 (n = 16) of age. In total six piglets (three LBW and three NBW) per age group were killed for chemical total body composition analysis. The M. semimembranosus of 10 additional piglets (five LBW and five NBW) per age group were sampled for the analysis of muscle lipid and glycogen contents. Fore none of the tested parameters differences related to birthweight were observed (P > 0.05). With increasing age, dry matter, fat and protein percentages increased in both LBW and NBW piglets (P < 0.01). Body ash content remained constant during growth (P > 0.05). Muscle glycogen contents decreased with increasing age for both types of piglets (P < 0.05), whereas no age effects could be observed for muscle lipid deposition (P > 0.05). In conclusion, the age of the suckling piglet has a major impact on its body composition and muscle energy stores but its birthweight unexpectedly has no influence.
Potential legume alternatives to fallow and wheat monoculture for Mediterranean environments
Authors: Christiansen Scott , Ryan John , Singh Murari , Ates Serkan , Bahhady Faik , Mohamed Khalil , Youssef Omran , Loss Stephen
Published: March 2015

Growing populations and intensification of land-use in West Asia and North Africa (WANA) are prompting a need for viable alternatives to fallow and cereal mono-cropping systems common in dry areas of this region. The sustainability and economic viability of such rotations can only be assessed accurately by using long-term trials. A two-course rotation experiment was established in 1986 in north-eastern Syria, comparing yields and profitability of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) when grown after wheat, fallow, a grazed mixture of medic species (Medicago spp.) and common vetch (Vicia sativa L.) cut for hay, over 10 growing seasons. Lentils (Lens culinaris Medik.) were introduced into the experiment in 1990. On average over the course of the experiment, the highest wheat grain yields were obtained following fallow (2.57 t ha–1), the lowest in continuous wheat (1.14 t ha–1), and intermediate following medic and vetch (1.90–2.01 t ha–1). Compared with wheat grown after fallow, wheat grain yields declined following vetch, medic and lentils in only three of the 10 seasons, which were drier than average. Yields of wheat after lentils were generally lower (2.22 t ha–1) than after vetch (mean 2.56 t ha–1) and after medic (2.40 t ha–1). Inclusion of grain legumes in the rotations boosted profits considerably because of their high grain prices and valuable straw. Replacing fallow with vetch for hay production increased the average gross margin by US$126 ha–1 year–1, and growing vetch for hay in rotation with wheat produced greater profit than continuous wheat, by $254 ha–1 year–1. The wheat–vetch-for-grain and wheat–lentil rotations were especially profitable, at least twice as profitable as wheat–fallow and three times continuous wheat. This experiment adds to the growing body of field data in Syria and in Australia showing that forage and grain legumes are excellent alternatives to wheat–fallow rotation and continuous wheat production in areas that experience a Mediterranean-type climate, and help support more efficient and sustainable cropping systems.
Comparative effects of gibberellic acid, kinetin and salicylic acid on emergence, seedling growth and the antioxidant defence system of sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) under salinity and temperature stresses
Authors: Nimir Nimir Eltyb Ahmed , Lu Shiyuan , Zhou Guisheng , Guo Wenshan , Ma Baoluo , Wang Yonghui
Published: March 2015

Salinity and high temperature are major abiotic stresses limiting sustainable crop production. Seed priming is a useful tool to enhance seedling growth and the antioxidant defence system of crops under salinity and temperature stress. This experiment was designed to determine the effects of gibberellic acid (GA3, 288.7 µm), kinetin (232.2 µm) and salicylic acid (362 µm) on some morphological and physiological parameters of sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) hybrid Yajin 13 under salinity (0, 100 and 200 mm NaCl) and temperature (25°C and 37°C) stress. Salinity and high temperature significantly reduced emergence percentage, shoot and root lengths, number of leaves, shoot fresh and dry weight, and chlorophyll a and b content. The activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) content were increased with an increase in both salinity and temperature stress. Hormone treatments positively affected all parameters except root fresh and dry weight, number of leaves, SOD activity and chlorophyll a. Under salinity stress at 200 mm NaCl, treatment with salicylic acid increased emergence percentage, emergence rate, chlorophyll b and protein content by 82.0%, 130%, 7.9% and 1.9%, respectively, relative to the control (no treatment). At 37°C, salicylic acid increased emergence percentage, emergence rate and number of roots by 72.5%, 108.5% and 63.8%, respectively, and decreased MDA content by 17.6% relative to the control. Our study indicated that seed priming with an appropriate concentration of exogenous hormones (salicylic acid, kinetin, GA3) is a useful, easy method for improving germination, seedling growth and the antioxidant defence system of sweet sorghum under conditions of high temperature and salinity.
Chlamydia and gonorrhoea point-of-care testing in Australia: where should it be used?
Authors: Natoli Lisa , Guy Rebecca J. , Shephard Mark , Donovan Basil , Fairley Christopher K. , Ward James , Regan David G. , Hengel Belinda , Maher Lisa
Published: March 2015

Background Diagnoses of chlamydia and gonorrhoea have increased steadily in Australia over the past decade. Testing and treatment is central to prevention and control but in some settings treatment may be delayed. Testing at the point of care has the potential to reduce these delays. We explored the potential utility of newly available accurate point-of-care tests in various clinical settings in Australia. Methods: In-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with a purposively selected group of 18 key informants with sexual health, primary care, remote Aboriginal health and laboratory expertise. Results: Participants reported that point-of-care testing would have greatest benefit in remote Aboriginal communities where prevalence of sexually transmissible infections is high and treatment delays are common. Some suggested that point-of-care testing could be useful in juvenile justice services where young Aboriginal people are over-represented and detention periods may be brief. Other suggested settings included outreach (where populations may be homeless, mobile or hard to access, such as sex workers in the unregulated sex industry and services that see gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men). Point-of-care testing could also improve the consumer experience and facilitate increased testing for sexually transmissible infections among people with HIV infection between routine HIV-management visits. Some participants disagreed with the idea of introducing point-of-care testing to urban services with easy access to pathology facilities. Conclusions: Participants felt that point-of-care testing may enhance pathology service delivery in priority populations and in particular service settings. Further research is needed to assess test performance, cost, acceptability and impact.
The grammar and pragmatics ofN hin, N her(‘N thither, N hither’) in German
Authors: Finkbeiner Rita
Published: March 2015

In this paper, I investigate the German N hin, N her (‘N thither, N hither’) construction. I first provide a close description of its syntactic and semantic properties, arguing that N hin, N her is a grammatical construction. I then show that this construction is not entirely idiosyncratic, as there are specific pragmatic aspects contributing to its meaning and functional potential. These are the deictic adverbs hin and her, restrictions on the choice of nouns, and effects of syntactic disintegration. I argue that a purely semantic analysis of the construction as concessive or concessive conditional is insufficient, as it neglects pragmatic processes of contextual enrichment and implicature. Based on these assumptions, I provide a detailed analysis of the discursive and interactional functions of the construction, showing that it is a prime candidate for construing textual coherence and for subjectification and stance taking. Evidence comes from a corpus of newspaper examples
‘It is a truth universally acknowledged’…, you know?
Authors: Romero-Trillo Jesús
Published: March 2015

This article describes the prosodic features of the most frequent pragmatic markers in English conversations that contribute to the management of context in interaction. Often, turn-taking has been analyzed either from a structural perspective, in which the participants are treated as subjects that pursue rules, accommodating to pre-established patterns, or (more recently) from a pragmatic perspective with a focus on the intentionality of the speaker in the use of pragmatic markers. It is my contention in this article that pragmatic markers are ancillary to context within the Dynamic Model of Meaning theory, and that prosody plays an essential role in adaptive management as the fourth element of context.
DNA binding activity of Anabaena sensory rhodopsin transducer probed by fluorescence correlation spectroscopy
Authors: Kim Sung Hyun , Kim So Young , Jung Kwang-Hwan , Kim Doseok
Published: March 2015

Anabaena sensory rhodopsin transducer (ASRT) is believed to be a major player in the photo-signal transduction cascade, which is triggered by Anabaena sensory rhodopsin. Here, we characterized DNA binding activity of ASRT probed by using fluorescence correlation spectroscopy. We observed clear decrease of diffusion coefficient of DNA upon binding of ASRT. The dissociation constant, KD, of ASRT to 20 bp-long DNA fragments lied in micro-molar range and varied moderately with DNA sequence. Our results suggest that ASRT may interact with several different regions of DNA with different binding affinity for global regulation of several genes that need to be activated depending on the light illumination.
Cloning and characterization of a novel O-methyltransferase from Flammulina velutipes that catalyzes methylation of pyrocatechol and pyrogallol structures in polyphenols
Authors: Kirita Masanobu , Tanaka Yoshihisa , Tagashira Motoyuki , Kanda Tomomasa , Maeda-Yamamoto Mari
Published: March 2015

A novel O-methyltransferase gene was isolated from Flammulina velutipes. The isolated full-length cDNA was composed of a 690-nucleotide open reading frame encoding 230 amino acids. A database search revealed that the deduced amino acid sequence was similar to those of other O-methyltransferases; the highest identity was only 61.8% with Laccaria bicolor. The recombinant enzyme was expressed by Escherichia coli. BL21 (DE3) was assessed for its ability to methylate (−)-epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate (EGCG). LC–TOF–MS and NMR revealed that the enzyme produced five kinds of O-methylated EGCGs: (−)-epigallocatechin-3-O-(3-O-methyl)gallate, (−)-epigallocatechin-3-O-(4-O-methyl)gallate, (−)-epigallocatechin-3-O-(3,4-O-dimethyl)gallate, (−)-epigallocatechin-3-O-(3,5-O-dimethyl)gallate, and (−)-4′-O-methylepigallocatechin-3-O-(3,5-O-dimethyl)gallate. The substrate specificity of the enzyme for 20 kinds of polyphenols was assessed using the crude recombinant enzyme of O-methyltransferase. This enzyme introduced methyl group(s) into polyphenols with pyrocatechol and pyrogallol structures.
Activation of Nrf2/Keap1 signaling and autophagy induction against oxidative stress in heart in iron deficiency
Authors: Inoue Hirofumi , Kobayashi Ken-Ichi , Ndong Moussa , Yamamoto Yuji , Katsumata Shin-Ichi , Suzuki Kazuharu , Uehara Mariko
Published: March 2015

We investigated the effects of dietary iron deficiency on the redox system in the heart. Dietary iron deficiency increased heart weight and accumulation of carbonylated proteins. However, expression levels of heme oxygenase-1 and LC3-II, an antioxidant enzyme and an autophagic marker, respectively, in iron-deficient mice were upregulated compared to the control group, resulting in a surrogate phenomenon against oxidative stress.
A comparative study of China English and Singapore English: the case of grammatical metaphor in academic discourse
Authors: Hu Jian
Published: March 2015

Only a few attempts have been made on comparisons between the indigenized varieties and foreign-speaker varieties of English. Surprisingly, for instance, there has been scarcely any comparative study on Singapore English and China English. This study aims to develop a framework allowing for the investigation of the indigenized varieties and learner varieties of English. Considering the situatedness of linguistic behavior, I propose that data from the same genre may be suitable for contrastive analyses of both varieties. The genre of academic discourse is selected for investigation, with the focus on grammatical metaphor (GM). The notion GM is brought in where the variation is essentially in the grammatical forms. My investigation involves qualitative analysis of GM identified in academic texts, their corresponding distribution between Singapore English and China English corpora, as well as discussion of their stylistic effects and the underlying generic and sociocultural conventions. The study finds relatively less GM in Singapore English texts than their Chinese counterparts within the academic genre. Chinese academic texts tend to exhibit a higher degree of technicality and compactness than the Singaporean counterpart, which could be explained in terms of the interaction between generic and sociocultural conventions.
ZO-1 controls endothelial adherens junctions, cell–cell tension, angiogenesis, and barrier formation
Authors: Tornavaca Olga , Chia Minghao , Dufton Neil , Almagro Lourdes Osuna , Conway Daniel E. , Randi Anna M. , Schwartz Martin A. , Matter Karl , Balda Maria S.
Published: March 2015

Intercellular junctions are crucial for mechanotransduction, but whether tight junctions contribute to the regulation of cell–cell tension and adherens junctions is unknown. Here, we demonstrate that the tight junction protein ZO-1 regulates tension acting on VE-cadherin–based adherens junctions, cell migration, and barrier formation of primary endothelial cells, as well as angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. ZO-1 depletion led to tight junction disruption, redistribution of active myosin II from junctions to stress fibers, reduced tension on VE-cadherin and loss of junctional mechanotransducers such as vinculin and PAK2, and induced vinculin dissociation from the α-catenin–VE-cadherin complex. Claudin-5 depletion only mimicked ZO-1 effects on barrier formation, whereas the effects on mechanotransducers were rescued by inhibition of ROCK and phenocopied by JAM-A, JACOP, or p114RhoGEF down-regulation. ZO-1 was required for junctional recruitment of JACOP, which, in turn, recruited p114RhoGEF. ZO-1 is thus a central regulator of VE-cadherin–dependent endothelial junctions that orchestrates the spatial actomyosin organization, tuning cell–cell tension, migration, angiogenesis, and barrier formation.
LTP-triggered cholesterol redistribution activates Cdc42 and drives AMPA receptor synaptic delivery
Authors: Brachet Anna , Norwood Stephanie , Brouwers Jos F. , Palomer Ernest , Helms J. Bernd , Dotti Carlos G. , Esteban José A.
Published: March 2015

Neurotransmitter receptor trafficking during synaptic plasticity requires the concerted action of multiple signaling pathways and the protein transport machinery. However, little is known about the contribution of lipid metabolism during these processes. In this paper, we addressed the question of the role of cholesterol in synaptic changes during long-term potentiation (LTP). We found that N-methyl-d-aspartate–type glutamate receptor (NMDAR) activation during LTP induction leads to a rapid and sustained loss or redistribution of intracellular cholesterol in the neuron. A reduction in cholesterol, in turn, leads to the activation of Cdc42 and the mobilization of GluA1-containing α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid–type glutamate receptors (AMPARs) from Rab11-recycling endosomes into the synaptic membrane, leading to synaptic potentiation. This process is accompanied by an increase of NMDAR function and an enhancement of LTP. These results imply that cholesterol acts as a sensor of NMDAR activation and as a trigger of downstream signaling to engage small GTPase (guanosine triphosphatase) activation and AMPAR synaptic delivery during LTP.
Injury-stimulated Hedgehog signaling promotes regenerative proliferation of Drosophila intestinal stem cells
Authors: Tian Aiguo , Shi Qing , Jiang Alice , Li Shuangxi , Wang Bing , Jiang Jin
Published: March 2015

Many adult tissues are maintained by resident stem cells that elevate their proliferation in response to injury. The regulatory mechanisms underlying regenerative proliferation are still poorly understood. Here we show that injury induces Hedgehog (Hh) signaling in enteroblasts (EBs) to promote intestinal stem cell (ISC) proliferation in Drosophila melanogaster adult midgut. Elevated Hh signaling by patched (ptc) mutations drove ISC proliferation noncell autonomously. Inhibition of Hh signaling in the ISC lineage compromised injury-induced ISC proliferation but had little if any effect on homeostatic proliferation. Hh signaling acted in EBs to regulate the production of Upd2, which activated the JAK–STAT pathway to promote ISC proliferation. Furthermore, we show that Hh signaling is stimulated by DSS through the JNK pathway and that inhibition of Hh signaling in EBs prevented DSS-stimulated ISC proliferation. Hence, our study uncovers a JNK–Hh–JAK–STAT signaling axis in the regulation of regenerative stem cell proliferation.
Centrin2 regulates CP110 removal in primary cilium formation
Authors: Prosser Suzanna L. , Morrison Ciaran G.
Published: March 2015

Primary cilia are antenna-like sensory microtubule structures that extend from basal bodies, plasma membrane–docked mother centrioles. Cellular quiescence potentiates ciliogenesis, but the regulation of basal body formation is not fully understood. We used reverse genetics to test the role of the small calcium-binding protein, centrin2, in ciliogenesis. Primary cilia arise in most cell types but have not been described in lymphocytes. We show here that serum starvation of transformed, cultured B and T cells caused primary ciliogenesis. Efficient ciliogenesis in chicken DT40 B lymphocytes required centrin2. We disrupted CETN2 in human retinal pigmented epithelial cells, and despite having intact centrioles, they were unable to make cilia upon serum starvation, showing abnormal localization of distal appendage proteins and failing to remove the ciliation inhibitor CP110. Knockdown of CP110 rescued ciliation in CETN2-deficient cells. Thus, centrin2 regulates primary ciliogenesis through controlling CP110 levels.
The interaction of anticancer therapies with tumor-associated macrophages
Authors: Mantovani Alberto , Allavena Paola
Published: March 2015

Macrophages are essential components of the inflammatory microenvironment of tumors. Conventional treatment modalities (chemotherapy and radiotherapy), targeted drugs, antiangiogenic agents, and immunotherapy, including checkpoint blockade, all profoundly influence or depend on the function of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). Chemotherapy and radiotherapy can have dual influences on TAMs in that a misdirected macrophage-orchestrated tissue repair response can result in chemoresistance, but in other circumstances, TAMs are essential for effective therapy. A better understanding of the interaction of anticancer therapies with innate immunity, and TAMs in particular, may pave the way to better patient selection and innovative combinations of conventional approaches with immunotherapy.
Measuring antimicrobial prescribing quality in Australian hospitals: development and evaluation of a national antimicrobial prescribing survey tool
Authors: James Rodney , Upjohn Lydia , Cotta Menino , Luu Susan , Marshall Caroline , Buising Kirsty , Thursky Karin
Published: March 2015

Objectives

Antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programmes have been developed with the intention of reducing inappropriate and unnecessary use of antimicrobials, while improving the quality of patient care and locally helping prevent the development of antimicrobial resistance. An important aspect of AMS programmes is the qualitative assessment of prescribing through antimicrobial prescribing surveys (APS), which are able to provide information about the prescribing behaviour within institutions. Owing to lack of standardization of audit tools and the resources required, qualitative methods for the assessment of antimicrobial use are not often performed. The aim of this study was to design an audit tool that was appropriate for use in all Australian hospitals, suited to local user requirements and included an assessment of the overall appropriateness of the prescription.

Methods

In November 2011, a pilot APS was conducted across 32 hospitals to assess the usability and generalizability of a newly designed audit tool. Following participant feedback, this tool was revised to reflect the requirements of the respondents. A second pilot study was then performed in November 2012 across 85 hospitals.

Results

These surveys identified several areas that can be targets for quality improvement at a national level, including: documentation of indication; surgical prophylaxis prescribed for >24 h; compliance with prescribing guidelines; and the appropriateness of the prescription.

Conclusions

By involving the end users in the design and evaluation, we have been able to provide a practical and relevant APS tool for quantitative and qualitative data collection in a wide range of Australian hospital settings.
Effect of Intercurrent Infections and Vaccinations on Immune and Inflammatory Biomarkers Among Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Adults on Suppressive Antiretroviral Therapy
Authors: Tan Darrell H. S. , Szadkowski Leah , Raboud Janet , Yi Tae Joon , Shannon Brett , Kaul Rupert , Liles W. Conrad , Walmsley Sharon
Published: March 2015

We used generalized estimating equations to quantify the impact of recent vaccination or intercurrent infections on immune and inflammatory biomarkers among 144 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected adults with HIV RNA < 50 copies/mL on antiretroviral therapy. These events were associated with a 2.244 µg/mL increase in high sensitivity C-reactive protein and should be routinely assessed in future studies.