bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hour-glass magnetic excitations induced by nanoscopic phase separation in cobalt oxides
Authors: Drees Y. , Li Z. W. , Ricci A. , Rotter M. , Schmidt W. , Lamago D. , Sobolev O. , Rütt U. , Gutowski O. , Sprung M. , Piovano A. , Castellan J. P. , Komarek A. C.
Published: December 2014

The magnetic excitations in the cuprate superconductors might be essential for an understanding of high-temperature superconductivity. In these cuprate superconductors the magnetic excitation spectrum resembles an hour-glass and certain resonant magnetic excitations within are believed to be connected to the pairing mechanism, which is corroborated by the observation of a universal linear scaling of superconducting gap and magnetic resonance energy. So far, charge stripes are widely believed to be involved in the physics of hour-glass spectra. Here we study an isostructural cobaltate that also exhibits an hour-glass magnetic spectrum. Instead of the expected charge stripe order we observe nano phase separation and unravel a microscopically split origin of hour-glass spectra on the nano scale pointing to a connection between the magnetic resonance peak and the spin gap originating in islands of the antiferromagnetic parent insulator. Our findings open new ways to theories of magnetic excitations and superconductivity in cuprate superconductors.
Magnetic structure and Magnetic transport Properties of Graphene Nanoribbons With Sawtooth Zigzag Edges
Authors: Wang D. , Zhang Z. , Zhu Z. , Liang B.
Published: December 2014

The magnetic structure and magnetic transport properties of hydrogen-passivated sawtooth zigzag-edge graphene nanoribbons (STGNRs) are investigated theoretically. It is found that all-sized ground-state STGNRs are ferromagnetic and always feature magnetic semiconductor properties, whose spin splitting energy gap Eg changes periodically with the width of STGNRs. More importantly, for the STGNR based device, the dual spin-filtering effect with the perfect (100%) spin polarization and high-performance dual spin diode effect with a rectification ratio about 1010 can be predicted. Particularly, a highly effective spin-valve device is likely to be realized, which displays a giant magnetoresistace (MR) approaching 1010%, which is three orders magnitude higher than the value predicted based on the zigzag graphene nanoribbons and six orders magnitude higher than previously reported experimental values for the MgO tunnel junction. Our findings suggest that STGNRs might hold a significant promise for developing spintronic devices.
Determination of formaldehyde residue in cosmetics by short-column high performance liquid chromatography with mass spectrometric confirmation
Authors: Lv Chunhua , Sun Jiannan , Cheng Heyong
Published: December 2014

This work presents an ultra-fast method for the determination of formaldehyde by high performance liquid chromatographyviaa guard column with mass spectrometric confirmation.
Copper–palladium core–shell as an anode in a multi-fuel membraneless nanofluidic fuel cell: toward a new era of small energy conversion devices
Authors: Maya-Cornejo J. , Ortiz-Ortega E. , Álvarez-Contreras L. , Arjona N. , Guerra-Balcázar M. , Ledesma-García J. , Arriaga L. G.
Published: December 2014

A novel Cu@Pd core–shell electrocatalyst was used in a multi-fuel nanofluidic fuel cell with flow-through electrodes that operates with several fuels (individually and mixed) in alkaline media, providing electric power regardless fuel.
A self-assembled, π-stacked complex as a finely-tunable magnetic aligner for biomolecular NMR applications
Authors: Sato Sota , Takeuchi Ryosuke , Yagi-Utsumi Maho , Yamaguchi Takumi , Yamaguchi Yoshiki , Kato Koichi , Fujita Makoto
Published: December 2014

The 1D aggregates of π-stacked self-assembled complexes worked as magnetic aligners upon an analyte protein to observe RDC in NMR.
Semi-transparent perovskite solar cells for tandems with silicon and CIGS
Authors: Bailie Colin D. , Christoforo M. Greyson , Mailoa Jonathan P. , Bowring Andrea R. , Unger Eva L. , Nguyen William H. , Burschka Julian , Pellet Norman , Lee Jungwoo Z. , Grätzel Michael , Noufi Rommel , Buonassisi Tonio , Salleo Alberto , McGehee Michael D.
Published: December 2014

Semi-transparent perovskite solar cells with silver nanowires are stacked on CIGS and Si to achieve solid-state polycrystalline tandems with efficiency improvement.
Phase composition mapping of a 17th century Japanese helmet
Authors: Fedrigo A. , Grazzi F. , Williams A. , Kabra S. , Zoppi M.
Published: December 2014

Neutron Diffraction represents the ideal technique for the characterisation of the micro-structural properties of ancient metals, allowing retrieval of information on the smelting process, and the mechanical and thermal treatments applied during the manufacture of the sample.
Inhibition of influenza H5N1 invasion by modified heparin derivatives
Authors: Skidmore Mark A. , Kajaste-Rudnitski Anna , Wells Nicola M. , Guimond Scott E. , Rudd Timothy R. , Yates Edwin A. , Vicenzi Elisa
Published: December 2014

Chemically modified heparin derivatives offer a potential source of effective inhibitors of viral attachment, which are suitable for further optimisation.
A ternary Rh complex catalyst highly active and stable in the hydrogenation of acrylonitrile–butadiene rubber
Authors: Cao Peng , Wu Meng , Zou Rui , Zhang Liqun , Yue Dongmei
Published: December 2014

A ternary Rh-base catalyst, T-Rh-PPh3, shows better resistance to oxidation than RhCl(PPh3)3, ascribed to the phenolic hydroxyl structures in tannin.
Synthesis of Fe2(MoO4)3 microspheres by self-assembly and photocatalytic performances
Authors: Li Di , Xue Juanqin , Liu Manbo
Published: December 2014

The difference in photocatalytic activities for Fe2(MoO4)3 microspheres is mainly attributed to defects.
Monodisperse Sr–La2O3hybrid nanofibers for oxidative coupling of methane to synthesize C2hydrocarbons
Authors: Song Jianjun , Sun Yongnan , Ba Rongbin , Huang Shuangshuang , Zhao Yonghui , Zhang Jun , Sun Yuhan , Zhu Yan
Published: December 2014

The synergistic effects of hybrid Sr–La2O3nanofibers brought about an improved catalytic behaviour for oxidative coupling of methane.
Structure and catalytic activities of ferrous centers confined on the interface between carbon nanotubes and humic acid
Authors: Wang Bing , Zhou Xiaoyan , Wang Dongqi , Yin Jun-Jie , Chen Hanqing , Gao Xingfa , Zhang Jing , Ibrahim Kurash , Chai Zhifang , Feng Weiyue , Zhao Yuliang
Published: December 2014

The discretization of the atomic charges on aromatic rings of CNTs and strong hybridization between CNT C π* and Fe 3d orbitals in sandwich-type CNT-based catalysts enhanced O2 activation.
Synthesis of novel azole-fused quinazolines via one-pot, sequential Ullmann-type coupling and intramolecular dehydrogenative C–N bonding
Authors: Nandwana Nitesh Kumar , Pericherla Kasiviswanadharaju , Kaswan Pinku , Kumar Anil
Published: December 2014

An efficient one-pot sequential procedure is described for the synthesis of novel azole-fused quinazolines through Ullmann-type coupling followed by cross dehydrogenative coupling of various azoles with 2-(2-bromophenyl)-1H-imidazole/benzimidazoles.
Ligand orientation in a membrane-embedded receptor site revealed by solid-state NMR with paramagnetic relaxation enhancement
Authors: Whittaker Christopher A. P. , Patching Simon G. , Esmann Mikael , Middleton David A.
Published: December 2014

Paramagnetic relaxation-enhanced solid-state NMR reveals a ouabain analogue with an inverted orientation in the Na,K-ATPase inhibitory site.
Preparation of sodium trimetaphosphate and its application as an additive agent in a novel polyvinylidene fluoride based gel polymer electrolyte in lithium sulfur batteries
Authors: Li Longyan , Chen Yanxiao , Guo Xiaodong , Zhong Benhe
Published: December 2014

Six-membered cyclic sodium trimetaphosphate was prepared and used as an additive agent in a novel PVDF-based gel polymer electrolyte for Li/S batteries.
Biophysical investigation of thymoquinone binding to ‘N’ and ‘B’ isoforms of human serum albumin: exploring the interaction mechanism and radical scavenging activity
Authors: Ishtikhar Mohd , Rabbani Gulam , Khan Shawez , Khan Rizwan Hasan
Published: December 2014

Thymoquinone more strongly interacts with the ‘N’ isoform in comparison to the ‘B’ isoform of HSA and also increases its thermal stability but the antioxidant activity is significantly higher at the ‘B’ isoform of HSA.
Synthesis, characterization and application of MCM-22 zeolites via a conventional HMI route and temperature-controlled phase transfer hydrothermal synthesis
Authors: Xing Enhui , Shi Yanchun , Xie Wenhua , Zhang Fengmei , Mu Xuhong , Shu Xingtian
Published: December 2014

With less environmental and economical impact, temperature-controlled phase transfer hydrothermal synthesis of MWW zeolites was realized in HMI/AN system.
Acid-responsive nanospheres from an asparagine-derived amphiphile
Authors: Mfuh Adelphe M. , Mahindaratne Mathew P. D. , Yñigez-Gutierrez Audrey E. , Ramos Dominguez Juan R. , Bedell II Jefferson T. , Garcia Carlos D. , Negrete George R.
Published: December 2014

A nanoparticle system comprised of a pH sensitive lipid and cholesterol encapsulates hydrophobic agents and release is triggered in mild acidic conditions.
Facile fabrication of sandwich-structured Co3O4/N-rGO/AB hybrid with enhanced ORR electrocatalytic performances for metal–air batteries
Authors: Zhang Yaqian , Wang Qunfeng , Li Jun , Wang Xipeng , Liu Kun , Feng Haibo , Jiang Jianbo , Li Junhua , Qian Dong
Published: December 2014

We have rationally designed and facilely synthesized Co3O4/N-rGO/acetylene black with remarkable electrocatalytic activity and durability for ORR.
A self-assembled albumin based multiple drug delivery nanosystem to overcome multidrug resistance
Authors: Chen Bin , Wu Cong , Zhuo Ren-Xi , Cheng Si-Xue
Published: December 2014

A self-assembled nano-sized albumin based drug delivery system co-loaded with an anti-tumor drug and a drug resistance inhibitor has promising applications in overcoming multidrug resistance (MDR).
Theoretical and experimental investigations on the photoconductivity and nonlinear optical properties of donor–acceptor π conjugated copolymer, poly(2,5-(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-alt-2,7-(9,9-dioctylfluorene))
Authors: Narayanan Sona , Abbas Anshad , Raghunathan Sreejesh Poikavila , Sreekumar Krishnapillai , Kartha Cheranellore Sudha , Joseph Rani
Published: December 2014

A new donor–acceptor copolymer, poly(2,5-(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-alt-2,7-(9,9-dioctylfluorene) copolymer with high optical limiting efficiency (0.47 GW cm−2) and photoconductivity (at 75 V μm−1, the photosensitivity was 289 742).
Facile and low-cost approach towards a PVDF ultrafiltration membrane with enhanced hydrophilicity and antifouling performance via graphene oxide/water-bath coagulation
Authors: Wu Tengfei , Zhou Baoming , Zhu Ting , Shi Jie , Xu Zhiwei , Hu Chuansheng , Wang Jiajun
Published: December 2014

Introduction of GO into a coagulation bath indicates a candidate for a GO-mixed method in tailoring the performance of PVDF ultrafiltration membranes.
Methyl 4-methoxypentanoate: a novel and potential downstream chemical of biomass derived gamma-valerolactone
Authors: Li Zheng , Jiang Yetao , Tang Xing , Zuo Miao , Zeng Xianhai , Sun Yong , Lin Lu
Published: December 2014

A potential biofuel and solvent, methyl 4-methoxypentanoate, was effectively prepared from biomass derived GVL and methanol by the catalysis of HUSY and CaCO3.
A hybrid catalyst composed of reduced graphene oxide/Cu2S quantum dots as a transparent counter electrode for dye sensitized solar cells
Authors: Bi Enbing , Su Yanjie , Chen Han , Yang Xudong , Yin Maoshu , Ye Fei , Li Zhongli , Han Liyuan
Published: December 2014

A dye-sensitized solar cell fabricated with a hybrid of reduced graphene oxide/Cu2S quantum dots with highly transparency, conductivity and catalytic activity showed a power conversion efficiency of 7.12% comparable to that of Pt-based device.
Recent advances in the mechanical and tribological properties of fluorine-containing DLC films
Authors: Zhang Lifang , Wang Fuguo , Qiang Li , Gao Kaixiong , Zhang Bin , Zhang Junyan
Published: December 2014

This review article summarizes the recent advances of F-DLC films in deposition mechanisms, desirable mechanical and prominent tribological properties.
Theoretical study of deuterium isotope effects on acid–base equilibria under ambient and hydrothermal conditions
Authors: Mora-Diez Nelaine , Egorova Yulia , Plommer Hart , Tremaine Peter R.
Published: December 2014

The calculated difference between pKa values in H2O and D2O is in excellent agreement with experiment.
Ionisation of methyl iodide clusters using nanosecond laser pulses: detection of multiply charged positive ions, negative ions and energetic electrons
Authors: Das Soumitra , Sharma Pramod , Badani Purav M. , Vatsa Rajesh K.
Published: December 2014

Methyl iodide clusters have been ionised using laser pulses of intensity ∼109 W cm−2 at 266, 355, 532 and 1064 nm and the ions produced in the laser–cluster interaction were analysed with a time-of-flight mass spectrometer.
1H/2H and azide/tetrazole isomerizations and their effects on the aromaticity and stability of azido triazoles
Authors: Yang Junqing , Gong Xuedong , Wang Guixiang
Published: December 2014

DFT studies on NAzTA, AAzTA, and AzTA show –NH2 facilitates but –NO2 impedes 1H/2H tautomerization. AZ/TZ isomerization of molecules with –N3 only is the easiest. 1H/2H tautomerization decreases while AZ/TZ isomerization increases the stability.
Synthesis of Y-shaped amphiphilic copolymers by macromolecular azo coupling reaction
Authors: Wang Jilei , Zhou Yuqi , Wang Xiaogong , He Yaning
Published: December 2014

The synthesis of well-defined AB2 Y-shaped amphiphilic block copolymers by macromolecular azo coupling reaction is reported.
A composition-tunable ZnxCd1−xSe/ZnO core–shell nanowire array: mechanisms for the enhanced charge separation and its photovoltaic applications
Authors: Cheng Ke , Han Xiao , Meng Jian , Wang Shujie , Du Zuliang
Published: December 2014

The mechanism for enhanced charge separation was discussed and the charge transport model was established.
The impact of nursing students' prior chemistry experience on academic performance and perception of relevance in a health science course
Authors: Boddey Kerrie , de Berg Kevin
Published: December 2014

Nursing students have typically found the study of chemistry to be one of their major challenges in a nursing course. This mixed method study was designed to explore how prior experiences in chemistry might impact chemistry achievement during a health science unit. Nursing students (N= 101) studying chemistry as part of a health science unit were divided into three groups based on prior chemistry experience and into three groups based on their academic performance in the health science unit. Although there was no significant difference in the mean achievement scores for students who had completed a 3-day chemistry bridging course (BC) and students who had not studied chemistry since year 10 (PC), 52.3% of the PC group were low achievers compared to 33.3% of the BC group. The BC students were more evenly distributed across the academic performance categories than was the case for PC students. Students who had previously studied senior chemistry at high school level (SC) had a mean achievement score which was significantly greater than that obtained by BC and PC students. Students described their chemistry experiences in the context of academic performance using terms that related to: basic chemistry as a foundation for further study; the use of different representations in chemistry; and the language and logical structure of chemistry. There were differences and similarities in the way the different prior chemistry experience groups related to these issues. Low chemistry achievers became less optimistic about the relevance of chemistry to nursing as the course proceeded.
Novel hybrid Si film/carbon nanofibers as anode materials in lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Kim Haejune , Huang Xingkang , Wen Zhenhai , Cui Shumao , Guo Xiaoru , Chen Junhong
Published: December 2014

A hybrid Si film/carbon nanofiber was synthesized as an anode in lithium-ion batteries, exhibiting a capacity of 1000 mA h g−1 over 200 cycles.
Electronic and optical properties of mixed Sn–Pb organohalide perovskites: a first principles investigation
Authors: Mosconi Edoardo , Umari Paolo , De Angelis Filippo
Published: December 2014

We investigate MASnxPb(1−x)I3 perovskites by first-principles simulations, finding monotonic variation of energy levels and band-gaps, and demonstrating balanced electron/hole transport.
Harnessing single-active plasmonic nanostructures for enhanced photocatalysis under visible light
Authors: Cheng Hefeng , Fuku Kojirou , Kuwahara Yasutaka , Mori Kohsuke , Yamashita Hiromi
Published: December 2014

In this review, an overview of harnessing single-active plasmonic nanostructures for enhanced photocatalysis under visible light is demonstrated.
Novel core–shell dextran–hemin crosslinked micelles: synthesis, photo-controlled drug release and excellent (synergetic) antitumor effect
Authors: Yu Qingbo , Xie Anjian , Xiao Yazhong , Li Shikuo , Huang Fangzhi , Shen Yuhua
Published: December 2014

In this study, novel core–shell crosslinked dextran–hemin micelles were first successfully synthesized.
Energy consumption, international trade, and real income in the USA: An empirical investigation using conditional error correction models
Authors: Katircioğlu Salih , Fethi Sami , Kalmaz Demet Beton , Çağlar Dilber , Taşpinar Nigar
Published: December 2014

This study investigates the empirical relationship between energy consumption, international trade, and real income in the USA, which is the second largest energy consuming country following China. It employs bounds tests to level relationships and conditional error correction models through Auto-Regressive Distributed Lag specification. Using annual data from the 1960 to 2010 period, the results reveal a long-term relationship between energy consumption, international trade, and real income in the USA. It is also found that energy consumption is determinant of exports, imports, and real income. Conditional Granger causality tests suggest that there is a feedback relationship between energy consumption, international trade, and real income in the long-term for the USA economy.
Amplitude modulation for the Swift-Hohenberg and Kuramoto-Sivashinski equations
Authors: Kirkinis Eleftherios , O’Malley Robert E.
Published: December 2014

Employing a harmonic balance technique inspired from the methods of Renormalization Group and Multiple Scales [R. E. O’Malley, Jr. and E. Kirkinis. “A combined renormalization group-multiple scale method for singularly perturbed problems,” Stud. Appl. Math. 124(4), 383–410, (2010)], we derive the amplitude equations for the Swift-Hohenberg and Kuramoto-Sivashinski equations to arbitrary order in the context of roll patterns. This new and straightforward derivation improves previous attempts and can be carried-out with symbolic computation that minimizes effort and avoids error.
High temperature phase decomposition in TixZryAlzN
Authors: Lind Hans , Pilemalm Robert , Rogström Lina , Tasnadi Ferenc , Ghafoor Naureen , Forsén Rikard , S. Johnson Lars J. , Johansson-Jöesaar Mats P. , Odén Magnus , Abrikosov Igor A.
Published: December 2014

Through a combination of theoretical and experimental observations we study the high temperature decomposition behavior of c-(TixZryAlzN) alloys. We show that for most concentrations the high formation energy of (ZrAl)N causes a strong tendency for spinodal decomposition between ZrN and AlN while other decompositions tendencies are suppressed. In addition we observe that entropic effects due to configurational disorder favor a formation of a stable Zr-rich (TiZr)N phase with increasing temperature. Our calculations also predict that at high temperatures a Zr rich (TiZrAl)N disordered phase should become more resistant against the spinodal decomposition despite its high and positive formation energy due to the specific topology of the free energy surface at the relevant concentrations. Our experimental observations confirm this prediction by showing strong tendency towards decomposition in a Zr-poor sample while a Zr-rich alloy shows a greatly reduced decomposition rate, which is mostly attributable to binodal decomposition processes. This result highlights the importance of considering the second derivative of the free energy, in addition to its absolute value in predicting decomposition trends of thermodynamically unstable alloys.
A Bayesian framework for de novo mutation calling in parents-offspring trios
Authors: Wei Qiang , Zhan Xiaowei , Zhong Xue , Liu Yongzhuang , Han Yujun , Chen Wei , Li Bingshan
Published: December 2014

Motivation: Spontaneous (de novo) mutations play an important role in the disease etiology of a range of complex diseases. Identifying de novo mutations (DNMs) in sporadic cases provides an effective strategy to find genes or genomic regions implicated in the genetics of disease. High-throughput next-generation sequencing enables genome- or exome-wide detection of DNMs by sequencing parents-proband trios. It is challenging to sift true mutations through massive amount of noise due to sequencing error and alignment artifacts. One of the critical limitations of existing methods is that for all genomic regions the same pre-specified mutation rate is assumed, which has a significant impact on the DNM calling accuracy.

Results: In this study, we developed and implemented a novel Bayesian framework for DNM calling in trios (TrioDeNovo), which overcomes these limitations by disentangling prior mutation rates from evaluation of the likelihood of the data so that flexible priors can be adjusted post-hoc at different genomic sites. Through extensively simulations and application to real data we showed that this new method has improved sensitivity and specificity over existing methods, and provides a flexible framework to further improve the efficiency by incorporating proper priors. The accuracy is further improved using effective filtering based on sequence alignment characteristics.

Availability and implementation: The C++ source code implementing TrioDeNovo is freely available at https://medschool.vanderbilt.edu/cgg.

Contact:  bingshan.li@vanderbilt.edu

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Impact of Sodium Alginate and Xanthan Gum on the Quality of Steamed Bread Made from Frozen Dough
Authors: Kondakci Turkay , Ang Amanda Mei Yen , Zhou Weibiao
Published: December 2014

The impact of freezing on dough rheology, fermentation performance, and final steamed bread quality was investigated in this study. Also, the incorporation of sodium alginate and xanthan gum into the frozen dough formulation, in comparison with 0.1% salt, was studied to test their suitability as frozen dough improvers. Incorporating these hydrocolloids into steamed bread revealed their totally different characteristics from those in baked bread. Freezing of dough led to diminished specific volumes of proofed dough and steamed bread, and it also caused higher crumb firmness for steamed bread. The incorporation of sodium alginate and xanthan gum did not improve the quality of the steamed bread but led to further reduction in specific volume and increase in crumb firmness at the higher levels of 0.3, 0.5, and 1.0% and 0.07 and 0.1%, respectively. Xanthan gum and sodium alginate showed dough strengthening effects by increasing resistance to uniaxial deformation, bubble burst stress, and declining dough weakening coefficients at these levels, but decreased dough extensibility and bubble burst strain were revealed at these concentrations tested.
Comparing Small‐Scale Testing Methods for Predicting Wheat Gluten Strength Across Environments
Authors: Li Yun Fang , Wu Yu , Hernandez‐Espinosa Nayelli , Peña Roberto J.
Published: December 2014

Gluten strength is the main factor determining the rheological and processing properties of wheat. Rapid, small‐scale tests that can indirectly predict gluten strength are extremely important for wheat‐breeding selection, particularly when using pedigree methodology. The efficiency and reliability of three small‐scale tests (SDS sedimentation volume [SDSS], swelling index of glutenin [SIG], and lactic acid retention capacity [LARC]) across three environments (E1, no stress; E2, drought stress; and E3, heat stress) were evaluated by using 15 common wheat and nine durum wheat cultivars. In the case of common wheat, SIG highlighted its advantage for predicting gluten strength, even under stress environments, compared with LARC and SDSS, whereas SDSS showed the best relationship with bread loaf volume. For durum wheat, SIG showed the best predicting value in E1 and E3; however, under drought stress, SDSS, SIG, and LARC all lost their good ability for predicting gluten strength in durum wheat, which needs further investigation. Also, the comparison between two mixograph parameters (mixograph peak time and mixograph peak integral) for predicting gluten strength and the suitability of testing SIG and LARC with whole meal (or semolina) instead of refined flour were also investigated.
Force fluctuations in three-dimensional suspended fibroblasts
Authors: Schlosser Florian , Rehfeldt Florian , Schmidt Christoph F.
Published: December 2014

Cells are sensitive to mechanical cues from their environment and at the same time generate and transmit forces to their surroundings. To test quantitatively forces generated by cells not attached to a substrate, we used a dual optical trap to suspend 3T3 fibroblasts between two fibronectin-coated beads. In this simple geometry, we measured both the cells' elastic properties and the force fluctuations they generate with high bandwidth. Cell stiffness decreased substantially with both myosin inhibition by blebbistatin and serum-starvation, but not with microtubule depolymerization by nocodazole. We show that cortical forces generated by non-muscle myosin II deform the cell from its rounded shape in the frequency regime from 0.1 to 10 Hz. The amplitudes of these forces were strongly reduced by blebbistatin and serum starvation, but were unaffected by depolymerization of microtubules. Force fluctuations show a spectrum that is characteristic for an elastic network activated by random sustained stresses with abrupt transitions.
Zinc-substituted pseudoazurin solved by S/Zn-SAD phasing
Authors: Gessmann Renate , Papadovasilaki Maria , Drougkas Evangelos , Petratos Kyriacos
Published: December 2014

The copper(II) centre of the blue copper protein pseudoazurin fromAlcaligenes faecalishas been substituted by zinc(II)viadenaturing the protein, chelation and removal of copper and refolding the apoprotein, followed by the addition of an aqueous solution of ZnCl2. Vapour-diffusion experiments produced colourless hexagonal crystals (space groupP65), which when cryocooled had unit-cell parametersa=b= 49.01,c= 98.08 Å. Diffraction data collected at 100 K using a copper sealed tube were phased by the weak anomalous signal of five S atoms and one Zn atom. The structure was fitted manually and refined to 1.6 Å resolution. The zinc-substituted protein exhibits similar overall geometry to the native structure with copper. Zn2+binds more strongly to its four ligand atoms (His40 Nδ1, Cys78 Sγ, His81 Nδ1and Met86 Sδ) and retains the tetrahedral arrangement, although the structure is less distorted than the native copper protein.
Purification, crystallization and preliminary crystallographic analysis of DR0248, an MNT–HEPN fused protein fromDeinococcus radiodurans
Authors: Pesce Gaelle , Pellegrino Simone , McSweeney Sean , Goncalves AnaMaria , de Sanctis Daniele
Published: December 2014

DR0248 is a protein identified in theDeinococcus radiodurans(DR) genome that is predicted to encompass two domains: an N-terminal minimal nucleotidyl transferase domain (MNT) and a C-terminal higher eukaryotes and prokaryotes nucleotide-binding domain (HEPN). These two domains, usually encoded in two ORFs, have been suggested to play the role of a toxin–antitoxin (TA) system in prokaryotes. Recombinant DR0248 was overexpressed and purified fromEscherichia coliand diffraction-quality crystals were obtained in the presence of the detergent molecules dodecyldimethylamine oxide (DDAO) and octaethylene glycol monododecyl ether (C12E8), which were used as crystallization additives. Crystals grown with DDAO diffracted to a resolution of 2.24 Å and belonged to space groupC2221, with unit-cell parametersa= 98.4,b= 129.9,c= 59.2 Å. Crystals grown with C12E8 diffracted to a resolution of 1.83 Å and belonged to space groupP212121, with unit-cell parametersa= 51.6,b= 87.2,c= 108.2 Å. The structure was solved by multiwavelength anomalous dispersion from zinc bound to the protein using a single crystal obtained in the presence of DDAO.
Crystal structure of cyclohexylammonium thiocyanate
Authors: Bagabas Abdulaziz A. , Alhoshan Sultan B. , Ghabbour Hazem A. , Chidan Kumar C. S. , Fun Hoong-Kun
Published: December 2014

In the title salt, C6H11NH3+·SCN−, the cyclohexylammonium ring adopts a slightly distorted chair conformation. The ammonium group occupies an equatorial position to minimize 1,3 and 1,5 diaxial interactions. In the crystal, the components are linked by N—H...N and N—H...S hydrogen-bonding interactions, resulting in a three-dimensional network.
A cyclic carbo-isosteric penta-depsipeptide:cyclo(Phe1–D-Ala2–Gly3–Phe4–APO5)
Authors: Guéret Stéphanie M. , Wagner Trixie
Published: December 2014

The title compound,cyclo(Phe1–D-Ala2–Gly3–Phe4–APO5), C26H32N4O5, is the minor diastereoisomer of a cyclic penta-peptidomimetic analogue containing a novel 2-aminopropyl lactone (APO) motif, which displays the same number of atoms as the native amino acid glycine and has a methyl group in place of the carbonyl O atom. The crystal structure presented here allows the analysis of the secondary structure of this unprecedented cyclic carbo-isosteric depsipeptide. The conformation of the central ring is stabilized by an intramolecular N—H...O hydrogen bond between the carbonyl O atom of the first residue (Phe1) and the amide group H atom of the fourth residue (Phe4). Based on the previously reported hydrogen bond and on the values of the torsion angles ϕ and ψ, the loop formed by the first, second, third and fourth residues (Phe1, D-Ala2, Gly3and Phe4) can be classified as a type II′ β-turn. The loop around the new peptidomimetic motif, on the other hand, resembles an open γ-turn containing a weak N—H...O hydrogen bond between the carbonyl group O atom of the fourth residue (Phe4) and the amide unit H atom of the first residue (Phe1). In the crystal, the peptidomimetic molecules are arranged in chains along theb-axis direction. Within such a chain, the molecules of the structure are linkedviaN—H...O hydrogen bonds between the amide group H atom of the secondary residue (D-Ala2) and the carboxy unit O atom of the fourth residue (Phe4) in a neighboring molecule. The newly formed methyl stereocentre of the APO peptidomimetic motif (APO5) was obtained as the minor diastereoisomer in a ring-closing reductive amination reaction and adopts anRconfiguration.
Globalization, Financial Development and Income Inequality
Authors: Daisaka Hiroshi , Furusawa Taiji , Yanagawa Noriyuki
Published: December 2014

We analyse the effect of financial development and globalization (i.e. the reduction of trade costs) on income distribution when a financial institution is imperfect. Financial imperfection creates income inequality, by benefiting borrowers (entrepreneurs) and harming lenders through its effect of lowering the capital rental rate. We show that globalization changes income for both borrowers and lenders in the same direction. However, the poorer is the financial institution, the greater its effect for entrepreneurs and the smaller for lenders. We also examine the effect of financial development and globalization in an enriched model where individuals are different in their abilities as well as their capital endowments. We show that financial development mitigates capital misallocation while the reduction of trade costs will not improve efficiency.
A Novel Method for the Photographic Recovery of Fingermark Impressions from Ammunition Cases Using Digital Imaging
Authors: Porter Glenn , Ebeyan Robert , Crumlish Charles , Renshaw Adrian
Published: December 2014

The photographic preservation of fingermark impression evidence found on ammunition cases remains problematic due to the cylindrical shape of the deposition substrate preventing complete capture of the impression in a single image. A novel method was developed for the photographic recovery of fingermarks from curved surfaces using digital imaging. The process involves the digital construction of a complete impression image made from several different images captured from multiple camera perspectives. Fingermark impressions deposited onto 9‐mm and 0.22‐caliber brass cartridge cases and a plastic 12‐gauge shotgun shell were tested using various image parameters, including digital stitching method, number of images per 360° rotation of shell, image cropping, and overlap. The results suggest that this method may be successfully used to recover fingermark impression evidence from the surfaces of ammunition cases or other similar cylindrical surfaces.
Fat and fibre behaviour questionnaire: Reliability, relative validity and responsiveness to change in Australian adults with type 2 diabetes and/or hypertension
Authors: Reeves Marina M. , Winkler Elisabeth A.H. , Eakin Elizabeth G.
Published: December 2014

Aim

The aim of this study was to assess the test–retest reliability, relative validity and responsiveness to change of a 20‐item fat and fibre behaviour questionnaire (FFBQ) compared with a semi‐quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ).

Methods

Four hundred thirty‐four primary care patients with type 2 diabetes and/or hypertension were randomised to lifestyle intervention or usual care. Data (FFBQ and FFQ) were collected at baseline and 4 months follow‐up. A subset of usual care participants (n = 27) completed the FFBQ 2 weeks after baseline. FFQ‐measured nutrients included total and saturated fat (percentage of energy; energy‐adjusted grams) and fibre (crude grams; energy‐adjusted grams). The FFBQ was scored as a total, fat and fibre index. Test–retest reliability was assessed by intra‐class correlations (ICCs); relative validity by Pearson's correlations between the FFBQ and FFQ; and responsiveness (mean change in intervention group divided by SD of usual care group change).

Results

Test–retest ICCs (95% CI) were 0.87 (0.62, 0.95) for total index, 0.87 (0.69, 0.95) for fat index and 0.89 (0.69, 0.95) for fibre index. Pearson's correlations for fat index ranged from −0.50 to −0.54, and for fibre index from 0.42 to 0.56. Total index had correlations of 0.5–0.6 (or −0.5 to −0.6) with all FFQ‐measured nutrients except crude fibre. The fat index showed similar responsiveness compared with FFQ‐measured fat intake while the fibre index was significantly more responsive than FFQ‐measured fibre.

Conclusions

The FFBQ may provide a suitable alternative or adjunct to FFQs for use in intervention trials in adults with chronic diseases, because of its ability to detect changes in dietary behaviours.
Evaluation of Nutrition and Dietetic programs in Turkey as perceived by stakeholders
Authors: Aksoydan Emine , Mizikaci Fatma
Published: December 2014

Aim

Universities responsive to social changes can change rapidly and correctly and reflect these changes in the programs and institutions that are intertwined with society. Program development, in accordance with the requirements of the profession, is integrated with program evaluation studies. The objective of the present study is to evaluate expectations and needs of stakeholders of Nutrition and Dietetic programs in Turkey.

Methods

Thirty‐four Nutrition and Dietetics programs in Turkey were analysed qualitatively in terms of their historical background, present status, program structure, and knowledge and skills offered through courses. After identification of the stakeholders (participants) of the programs, they were given questionnaires and interviews to provide their opinions about the program. The total number of participants in the present study was 408; 34.3% are students, 22.1% are dietitians, 17.2% are patients and clients, 13% are instructors, 12.2% are cooks and waiters, and 1.2% are managers.

Results

There was a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05) among students, dietitians and instructors in evaluating the programs' competency providing basic qualifications aimed through theory, practice and extra field courses. The same difference occurred for the degree they find important skills and knowledge for the profession. Majority of the stakeholders agreed the programs should include more practice courses on work‐related knowledge and skills.

Conclusions

Programs should be reviewed in accordance with the needs and expectations of stakeholders. Segments of society affected by the program should actively participate in future program studies.
Quorum sensing restrains growth and is rapidly inactivated during domestication of Sinorhizobium meliloti
Authors: Charoenpanich Pornsri , Soto Maria J. , Becker Anke , McIntosh Matthew
Published: December 2014

Microbial cooperative behaviours, such as quorum sensing (QS), improve survival and this explains their prevalence throughout the microbial world. However, relatively little is known about the mechanisms by which cooperation promotes survival. Furthermore, cooperation typically requires costly contributions, e.g. exopolysaccharides, which are produced from limited resources. Inevitably, cooperation is vulnerable to damaging mutations which results in mutants that are relieved of the burden of contributing but nonetheless benefit from the contributions of their parent. Unless somehow prevented, such mutants may outcompete and replace the parent. The bacterium Sinorhizobium meliloti uses QS to activate the production of copious levels of exopolysaccharide (EPS). Domestication of this bacterium is typified by the appearance of spontaneous mutants incapable of EPS production, which take advantage of EPS production by the parent and outcompete the parent. We found that all of the mutants were defect in QS, implying that loss of QS is a typical consequence of the domestication of this bacterium. This instability was traced to several QS‐regulated processes, including a QS‐dependent restraint of growth, providing the mutant with a significant growth advantage. A model is proposed whereby QS restrains population growth to prevent overcrowding and prepares the population for the survival of severe conditions.
Pre‐operative baroreflex sensitivity and efferent cardiac parasympathetic activity are correlated with post‐operative pain
Authors: NIELSEN R. , NIKOLAJSEN L. , KRØNER K. , MØLGAARD H. , VASE L. , JENSEN T. S. , TERKELSEN A. J.
Published: December 2014

Background

A maladaptation of the autonomic nervous system may been seen in patients with chronic pain that includes persistent changes in the autonomic tone, increased heart rate, and reduced heart rate variability and baroreflex sensitivity. Baroreflex sensitivity and acute pain intensity have been reported to be inversely correlated. However, it is unknown whether the same correlation applies with regard to post‐operative pain. In the present study, autonomic function was measured in patients scheduled for minor hand surgery and correlated with early and persistent pain after the procedure. Thus, the cause (autonomic imbalance) was present before the effect (post‐operative pain). Our primary hypothesis was that a lower level of pre‐operative baroreflex sensitivity is correlated with increased early post‐operative pain.

Methods

There were 30 patients included and scheduled for open carpal tunnel surgery. Baroreflex sensitivity and heart rate variability were measured before surgery. Efferent cardiac parasympathetic activity was estimated by power spectral analysis of heart rate variability. Post‐operative pain was recorded daily for 6 weeks (early post‐operative pain) and for 1 week 1 year after surgery (persistent post‐operative pain).

Results

Pre‐operative baroreflex sensitivity correlated negatively with early (P = 0.05) and persistent (P = 0.04) post‐operative pain. Efferent cardiac parasympathetic activity correlated negatively with early (P = 0.03) but not persistent post‐operative pain (P = 0.12).

Conclusions

The findings suggest that a low pre‐operative level of baroreflex sensitivity is associated with higher post‐operative pain intensity. To our knowledge, this is the first study to show the correlation between baroreflex sensitivity and post‐operative pain.
Single‐Tooth Rehabilitations Supported by Dental Implants Used in an Immediate‐Provisionalization Protocol: Report on Long‐Term Outcome with Retrospective Follow‐Up
Authors: Maló Paulo , de Araújo Nobre Miguel , Lopes Armando , Ferro Ana , Gravito Inês
Published: December 2014

Background

There is a need for long‐term studies evaluating the outcome of single‐tooth rehabilitations supported by dental implants in immediate loading.

Purpose

To report the long‐term outcome (in excess of 5 years) of single‐tooth rehabilitations supported by dental implants in an immediate‐provisionalization protocol.

Materials and Methods

This retrospective cohort study included 332 consecutive patients (189 females and 143 males) with an average age of 47 years (range: 16 to 82 years) who were rehabilitated between 1996 and 2006 with 594 single crowns supported by dental implants in immediate loading. Implant success rates were calculated based on implant function and using life tables. Marginal bone levels were measured at 5 and 10 years. Mechanical and biological complications were calculated for the follow‐up period between implant insertion and 5 years and every 6 months thereafter.

Results

Fifty‐four patients dropped out of the study (16.5%). Nineteen patients lost a total of 25 implants (n = 23 in the maxilla; n = 2 in the mandible), rendering a cumulative survival rate of 95.7% at both 5 and 10 years of follow‐up. The mean marginal bone levels were 1.56 mm (standard deviation 0.78 mm) and 1.75 mm (standard deviation 0.29 mm) at 5 and 10 years of follow‐up. Mechanical complications occurred in 83 patients and 116 implants (19.5%) up to the 10‐year follow‐up, namely prosthetic screw loosening (2.4%), abutment complications (4.4%), fracture of provisional crowns (9.6%), and fracture of definitive ceramic crowns (3.5%). Biological complications occurred in 58 patients and 79 implants (13.3%) up to the 10‐year follow‐up, with the majority consisting in peri‐implant pathology.

Conclusions

Considering the high survival rates and stable marginal bone levels after 10 years, it can be concluded within the limitations of the present study that replacement of single teeth with dental implants in an immediate‐provisionalization protocol is a viable and safe treatment option for both maxilla and mandible.
The subjective experience of power mobility
Authors: Wiart Lesley
Published: December 2014

This commentary is on the review by Livingstone and Field on pages 317–327 of this issue.
Global phylogeography of the avian malaria pathogen Plasmodium relictum based on MSP1 allelic diversity
Authors: Hellgren Olof , Atkinson Carter T. , Bensch Staffan , Albayrak Tamer , Dimitrov Dimitar , Ewen John G. , Kim Kyeong Soon , Lima Marcos R. , Martin Lynn , Palinauskas Vaidas , Ricklefs Robert , Sehgal Ravinder N. M. , Valkiūnas Gediminas , Tsuda Yoshio , Marzal Alfonso
Published: December 2014

Knowing the genetic variation that occurs in pathogen populations and how it is distributed across geographical areas is essential to understand parasite epidemiology, local patterns of virulence, and evolution of host‐resistance. In addition, it is important to identify populations of pathogens that are evolutionarily independent and thus ‘free’ to adapt to hosts and environments. Here, we investigated genetic variation in the globally distributed, highly invasive avian malaria parasite Plasmodium relictum, which has several distinctive mitochondrial haplotyps (cyt b lineages, SGS1, GRW11 and GRW4). The phylogeography of P. relictum was accessed using the highly variable nuclear gene merozoite surface protein 1 (MSP1), a gene linked to the invasion biology of the parasite. We show that the lineage GRW4 is evolutionarily independent of GRW11 and SGS1 whereas GRW11 and SGS1 share MSP1 alleles and thus suggesting the presence of two distinct species (GRW4 versus SGS1 and GRW11). Further, there were significant differences in the global distribution of MSP1 alleles with differences between GRW4 alleles in the New and the Old World. For SGS1, a lineage formerly believed to have both tropical and temperate transmission, there were clear differences in MSP1 alleles transmitted in tropical Africa compared to the temperate regions of Europe and Asia. Further, we highlight the occurrence of multiple MSP1 alleles in GRW4 isolates from the Hawaiian Islands, where the parasite has contributed to declines and extinctions of endemic forest birds since it was introduced. This study stresses the importance of multiple independent loci for understanding patterns of transmission and evolutionary independence across avian malaria parasites.
MBSJ MCC Young Scientist Award 2012 Liver regeneration: a unique and flexible reaction depending on the type of injury
Authors: Suzuki Atsushi
Published: December 2014

The liver can be thought of as a mysterious organ, because it has an elegant regenerative capability. This phenomenon has been well known since ancient times and is already applied to medical treatments for severe hepatic disorders by transplanting portions of liver received from living donors. However, it was not until quite recently that the mechanism underlying the principle of liver regeneration was investigated more deeply. Recent advances in the technologies for characterizing cell properties and examining the molecular nature of cells are enabling us to understand what occurs in the regenerating liver. After acute liver damage, hepatocytes actively proliferate in response to external stimulation by humoral factors. However, in the chronically injured liver, hepatocytes cannot proliferate well, but biliary cells appearing after chronic liver damage form primitive ductules around portal veins of the liver. These biliary cells may have a multiple origin, including hepatocytes, and contain progenitor cells giving rise to both hepatocytes and biliary cells, or represent cells that can be directly converted into hepatocytes. Although liver regeneration is more complicated than we had thought, unremitting efforts by researchers will certainly connect the numerous findings obtained in basic research with the development of new therapeutic strategies for liver diseases.
Butalbital and Pediatric Headache: Stay off the Downward Path
Authors: Caruso Alessandra , Lazdowsky Lori , Rabner Jonathan , Haberman Jason , LeBel Alyssa
Published: December 2014

Despite limited evidence from the literature surrounding safety or efficacy, butalbital‐containing medicines (BCMs) have maintained their rank as “go‐to” prescribed migraine and headache relief drugs in the United States, despite bans on these barbiturates in Germany and other European countries. Providers at the Pediatric Headache Program at Boston Children's Hospital recommend that clinicians prescribe triptan‐based medications instead of BCMs, given the known negative side effects of BCMs on the general population, and the uncertain longitudinal trajectory of BCMs on developing brains.