bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wavelength Dependence of the Quantum Yield of Charge Separation in Photosynthesis: Photoacoustic Study of Light Energy Distribution among Various Pigment Complexes
Authors: Delosme René
Published: November 2013

The quantum yield spectra of photochemical charge separation have been measured in different photosynthetic materials [whole cells of wild type and mutant strains of green algae, photosystem I (PSI) and photosystem II (PSII) purified complexes, isolated photosynthetic membranes from plants (thylakoids), plant leaves] in the whole range of visible light, using a photoacoustic spectrometer previously described and slightly improved. The photochemical activity was sampled in dark‐adapted material by a monochromatic laser flash of very low energy, i.e., under conditions where the concentration of open reaction centers was maximal. The efficiency of energy conversion by the different pigment‐protein complexes is discussed on the basis of the quantum yield spectra. The respective contributions of PSI and PSII were measured in two distinct states (known as states 1 and 2) of energy distribution to the photosystems. In both states, light absorbed by the PSI antenna as a whole was found to be more efficient than that absorbed by the PSII antenna. Although in state 1 light energy is almost equally distributed amongst the two photosystems at 680 nm, about one‐third of the light absorbed by PSII at this wavelength is not used for photochemistry under the conditions of our study. Under state 2 conditions in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, the antenna size of PSI is considerably increased at the expense of PSII, and the quantum yield difference spectrum corresponding to the “mobile” antenna clearly identifies light‐harvesting complex II (LHCII).

The quantum yield spectra measured in the region of light absorption by carotenoids favor the view that the xanthophylls of the peripheral antenna (especially lutein in LHCII) have an efficient light‐harvesting function, in contrast to β‐carotene which acts probably as a protective energy trap in the core complexes.
Probing Electron Transport through and around Photosystem II in vivo by the Combined Use of Photoacoustic Spectroscopy and Chlorophyll Fluorometry
Authors: Havaux Michel
Published: November 2013

Photoacoustic spectroscopy and chlorophyll fluorometry were used in combination to monitor in vivo several aspects of the photosystem II (PSII) function (O2 evolution, electron transport, and energy storage) in leaves of various plant genotypes. Exposure of barley leaves to 45°C in low light induced a rapid and complete disruption of the O2‐evolving complex of PSII, as shown by the suppression of the photobaric component of the photoacoustic signal. The photoacoustically measured loss of O2 evolution during heat stress (i) was confirmed by polarographic measurements of O2 exchange by the leaf samples, (ii) was shown to be independent of the activity of the carbonic anhydrase, and (iii) was not correlated with a concomitant suppression of the photochemical energy storage and the electron transport activity of PSII. The maintenance of a significant PSII photochemical activity in the absence of O2 evolution is indicative of cyclic electron transport around PSII which bypasses the O2‐evolving complex. The modulation‐frequency dependence of the energy stored during cyclic PSII activity, its inhibition by the herbicide diuron, and its insensitivity to the plastoquinol antagonist DBMIB (2,5‐dibromo‐3‐methyl‐6‐isopropyl‐p‐benzoquinone) indicated that QB, the secondary electron acceptor of PSII, is involved in the electron cycle and that the rate‐limiting step of the cycle is a reaction with a half‐time of ca. 1.5 ms. In the absence of heat stress, overreduction of the plastoquinone pool by strong illumination or by leaf infiltration with DBMIB was not sufficient to induce appreciable cyclic electron transport around PSII. The electron cycle was insensitive to preferential excitation of carotenoids with a blue‐green light and was not significantly affected by the operation of the xanthophyll cycle. Interruption of the electron cycle by diuron during prolonged heat treatment in moderate light was accompanied by a marked peroxidation of the chloroplast thylakoid membranes, as revealed by the appearance of chlorophyll thermoluminescence bands in the temperature range 70–120°C, demonstrating the photoprotective function of electron cycling around PSII.
Structure–Activity Correlations for Au Nanoclusters Supported on TiO2
Authors: Valden Mika , Goodman D. Wayne
Published: November 2013

The catalytic performance of reducible metal‐oxide‐supported Au nanoclusters displays striking dependencies on several factors such as dispersion, support, pretreatment, and preparation methods. Planar model Au/TiO2 catalysts have been prepared in ultrahigh vacuum in order to investigate the strong size dependence of low‐temperature CO oxidation. It is demonstrated that the experimentally observed structure sensitivity of CO oxidation on Au/TiO2 may be rationalized by a quantum size effect. Via scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy (STM/STS) and elevated pressure reaction kinetics measurements, we show that a clear correlation exists between the structural, electronic, and reactivity properties of supported Au nanoclusters.
Effect of Mixing on Natural Gas Reburning
Authors: Zamansky Vladimir M. , Lissianski Vitali V.
Published: November 2013

The purpose of this work is to understand the influence of the mixing process on reburning performance. Modeling is done in a one‐dimensional approximation by utilizing a detailed chemical mechanism, staged addition of reactants, and mixture stratification. Natural gas is used as both the main fuel and the reburning fuel. The most important parameters that affect the efficiency of the reburning process are: the amount of the reburning fuel, the initial NO level, the initial temperatures of the injected reburning fuel and overfire air (OFA), temperature of flue gas at the points where reburning fuel and OFA are injected, and intensity of mixing of the reburning fuel and OFA with the stream of flue gases. It is shown that fuel stratification in the mixing zone improves reburning efficiency for small heat inputs of the reburning fuel and degrades reburning efficiency for large heat inputs. Initial temperatures of the reburning fuel and OFA affect NO reduction and can be optimized for deeper NO control. Reactions of N‐containing species in the burnout zone play an important role in NO reduction for large heat inputs of the reburning fuel.
Unusual Reaction of N‐Arylimines of Hexafluoroacetone with m‐Chloroperoxybenzoic Acid. New Route to 2,2‐Bis(trifluoromethyl)benzoxazolidines
Authors: Petrov Viacheslav A. , Khasnis Dipti D.
Published: November 2013

Reaction of readily available N‐arylimines of hexafluoroacetone with anhydrous m‐chloroperoxybenzoic acid leads to the formation of substituted 2,2‐bis(trifluoromethyl)oxazolidines in 30–70% yield as a result of an oxidative cyclization reaction. This process is general and can be used as a synthetic route to the corresponding polyfluorinated oxazolidines.
Study of the Effect of Fluorine Atom(s) on Fluoromethylated Imines in the Tandem Mannich–Michael‐type Reaction
Authors: Murata Kouichi , Kitazume Tomoya
Published: November 2013

Differences in chemical behavior between non‐fluorinated and fluorinated methylimines in the tandem Mannich–Michael‐type reaction are described based on NMR and computational studies.
CuCN and Trimethylsilyl Chloride‐Catalyzed Regiospecific Grignard Reactions to CF3‐Containing Allylic Derivatives
Authors: Yamazaki Takashi , Umetani Hideki , Kitazume Tomoya
Published: November 2013

CF3‐containing allylic alcohol derivatives were treated with an appropriate Grignard reagent in the presence of catalytic amounts of CuCN and trimethylsilyl chloride (TMSCl) to furnish products via the cleananti‐SN2′ mechanism. Experimental results as well as ab initio computational analyses unambiguously demonstrated the important roles of TMSCl as a Lewis basic additive for smooth promotion of reductive elimination and inhibition of the “Cu···F” elimination leading to undesired byproduct formation.
Proton Transfer Processes in Water Clusters
Authors: Bondybey Vladimir E. , Beyer Martin , Achatz Uwe , Joos Stefan , Niedner‐Schatteburg Gereon
Published: November 2013

Elucidation of some of the basic mechanisms and principles of proton transfer in clusters is achieved by systematic evaluation of experimental and theoretical results that were obtained throughout the last decade from the authors' studies on ionic water clusters and, more recently, on protonated rare gas clusters. Among the processes studied are: Blackbody radiation‐induced, stepwise desolvation of clusters when stored in an ion trap; ionic dissociation and recombination of HCl in water clusters; metal oxidation in aqueous clusters; formation of nascent hydrogen in reactions of solvated metal cations with acids; and the behavior of ionic water clusters as acidic or basic micro‐solutions. Infrared spectroscopic studies of size‐selected water clusters are expected to advance our knowledge of structure and dynamics of water clusters and of excess protons therein.
Diffraction Studies on Concentrated Aqueous Hydrochloric Acid Solutions
Authors: Kameda Yasuo , Usuki Takeshi , Uemura Osamu
Published: November 2013

X‐ray diffraction and neutron diffraction experiments with H/D isotopically substituted aqueous 21 mol% hydrochloric acid solutions were carried out in order to obtain detailed features concerning the intermolecular hydrogen‐bonded structure in highly concentrated aqueous acidic solutions. Structure parameters, namely, intermolecular distance, root‐mean‐square amplitude, and coordination number, for the nearest neighbor H3O+···H2O interaction were determined from the least‐squares‐fitting analysis of the observed X‐ray interference term. These were, respectively, r(H3O+···H2O) = 2.45(1) Å; l(H3O+···H2O) = 0.11(1) Å; and n(H3O+···H2O) = 1.8(1). The intermolecular nearest neighbor distances, r(H···H) = 2.02(5) Å and r(O···H) = 1.69(2) Å, were determined from the least‐squares fit to partial structure factors, aij (Q), derived from the observed neutron intermolecular interference terms for sample solutions with different H/D isotopic ratios. The present values of intermolecular distances are significantly shorter than those for pure liquid water, implying that extremely strong hydrogen bonds exist in concentrated aqueous acidic solutions.
Flying Protons in Linked Gramicidin A Channels
Authors: Cukierman Samuel
Published: November 2013

Different lines of evidence indicate that the mobility of protons in gramicidin A (gA) channels as well as in its SS dioxolane linked dimer (SS dimer) is comparable to the proton mobility in aqueous HCl solutions. Single‐channel proton conductances in the SS dimer were measured under different experimental conditions. Bulk conductivities of HCl solutions were also measured. Ratios between calculated proton mobilities in the SS dimer and in aqueous solutions varied between 0.75 and 0.10 in the HCl concentration range of 10–6000 mM. Proton mobility in the SS dimer is profoundly affected by the lipid composition of the membrane. Attenuation of proton conduction in the SS dimer and in solution by methanol have similar characteristics. It is proposed that methanol partitions inside the pore of the SS dimer and attenuates proton conductance.
Proton Binding Is Part of Protein Relaxation of Flash‐Excited Reaction Center from Photosynthetic Bacteria Rhodobacter sphaeroides
Authors: Turzó Kinga , Laczkó Gábor , Maróti Péter
Published: November 2013

In the first part of this work, a brief review is presented of the recent knowledge of charge stabilization processes in flash‐excited reaction center protein from photosynthetic bacteria Rhodobacter sphaeroides. The adaptation of the protein to charge separation is comprised of different manifestations of protein relaxation including proton binding at the late phase. In the second part, a unique method, comparative measurement of prompt and millisecond‐delayed fluorescence of the bacteriochlorophyll dimer of the reaction center protein is used to determine the free energy levels of the charge‐separated states with respect to that of the excited singlet state of the dimer: −910 ± 20 meV and −970 ± 20 meV were measured at pH 8.0 for reaction centers in the absence and presence of secondary quinone, respectively. The pH‐dependence of the energetics of charge stabilization due to light‐induced proton binding is described in reaction centers with and without secondary quinone activity. The range of free‐energy change between pH 11 and pH 5 was −65 meV with a single (alkaline) inflection point (no active secondary quinone) and −175 meV with an additional (acidic) inflection point (active secondary quinone). The conclusions from fluorescence data agreed well with pH‐dependence of integrated proton uptake (a model‐independent method) and with calculations based on interaction of quinones with four key amino acid residues. The enthalpy and entropy parts of the free‐energy changes were determined from van't Hoff analysis of the delayed fluorescence and compared with data of other methods. It is concluded that the charge stabilization including proton binding is a highly enthalpy‐driven process.
The effect of sterilization methods on electronspun poly(lactide‐co‐glycolide) and subsequent adhesion efficiency of mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Braghirolli Daikelly Iglesias , Steffens Daniela , Quintiliano Kerlin , Acasigua Gerson Arisoly Xavier , Gamba Douglas , Fleck Roland A. , Petzhold Cesar L. , Pranke Patricia
Published: November 2013

The sterilization of scaffolds is an essential step for tissue engineering in vitro and, mainly, clinical biomaterial use. However, this process can cause changes in the structure and surface of the scaffolds. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the effect of sterilization by ethanol, ultraviolet radiation (UVR) or antimicrobial solution (AMS) on poly(lactide‐co‐glycolide) (PLGA) scaffolds produced by the electrospinning technique. The properties of nanofibers and the cellular adhesion of mesenchymal stem cells to the scaffolds were analyzed after the treatments. All methods generated sterile scaffolds but showed some kind of damage to the scaffolds. Ethanol and AMS caused changes in the morphology and scaffold dimensions, which were not observed when using the UVR method. However, UVR caused a greater reduction in polymeric molecular weight, which increased proportionally with exposure time of treatment. Nanofibers sterilized with AMS for 1 h and 2 h showed greater cellular adhesion than the other methods, demonstrating their potential as a method for sterilizing PLGA nanofibers. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 102B: 700–708, 2014.
A polycaprolactone/cuttlefish bone‐derived hydroxyapatite composite porous scaffold for bone tissue engineering
Authors: Kim Beom‐Su , Yang Sun‐Sik , Lee Jun
Published: November 2013

Cuttlefish bone (CB) is an attractive natural biomaterial source to obtain hydroxyapatite (HAp). In this study, a porous polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffold incorporating CB‐derived HAp (CB‐HAp) powder was fabricated using the solvent casting and particulate leaching method. The presence of CB‐HAp in PCL/CB‐HAp scaffold was confirmed by X‐ray diffraction (XRD). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and porosity analysis showed that the average pore dimension of the fabricated scaffold was approximately 200–300 μm, with ∼85% porosity, and that the compressive modulus increased after addition of CB‐HAp powders. In vitro tests such as cell proliferation assay, cytotoxicity analysis, cell attachment observations, and alkaline phosphatase activity assays showed that the PCL/CB‐HAp scaffold could improve the proliferation, viability, adherence, and osteoblast differentiation rate of MG‐63 cells. When surgically implanted into rabbit calvarial bone defects, consistent with the in vitro results, PCL/CB‐HAp scaffold implantation resulted in significantly higher new bone formation than did implantation of PCL alone. These findings suggest that addition of CB‐HAp powder to the PCL scaffold can improve cellular response and that the PCL/CB‐HAp composite scaffold has great potential for use in bone tissue engineering. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 102B: 943–951, 2014.
Retrospective evaluation of exposure index (EI) values from plain radiographs reveals important considerations for quality improvement
Authors: Mothiram Ursula , Brennan Patrick C. , Robinson John , Lewis Sarah J. , Moran Bernadette
Published: November 2013

Introduction

Following X‐ray exposure, radiographers receive immediate feedback on detector exposure in the form of the exposure index (EI).

Purpose

To identify whether radiographers are meeting manufacturer‐recommended EI (MREI) ranges for routine chest, abdomen and pelvis X‐ray examinations under a variety of conditions and to examine factors affecting the EI.

Methods

Data on 5000 adult X‐ray examinations including the following variables were collected: examination parameters, EI values, patient gender, date of birth, date and time of examination, grid usage and the presence of implant or prosthesis. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize each data set and the Mann–Whitney U test was used to determine significant differences, with P < 0.05 indicating significance for all tests.

Results

Most examinations demonstrated EI values that were outside the MREI ranges, with significantly higher median EI values recorded for female patient radiographs than those for male patients for all manufacturers, indicating higher detector exposures for all units except for Philips digital radiography (DR), where increased EI values indicate lower exposure (P = 0.01). Median EI values for out of hours radiography were also significantly higher compared with normal working hours for all technologies (P ≤ 0.02). Significantly higher median EI values were demonstrated for Philips DR chest X‐rays without as compared to those with the employment of a grid (P = 0.03), while significantly lower median EI values were recorded for Carestream Health computed radiography (CR) chest X‐rays when an implant or prosthesis was present (P = 0.02).

Conclusions

Non‐adherence to MREIs has been demonstrated with EI value discrepancies being dependent on patient gender, time/day of exposure, grid usage and the presence of an implant or prosthesis. Retrospective evaluation of EI databases is a valuable tool to assess the need of quality improvement in routine DR.
Microstructured polymer‐based substrates with broadband absorption for surface‐enhanced Raman scattering
Authors: Yang Ming , Wu Qiang , Qi Jiwei , Drevensek‐Olenik Irena , Chen Zhandong , Pan Yusong , Xu Jingjun
Published: November 2013

Large area (3 × 3 cm2) substrates for surface‐enhanced Raman scattering were fabricated by combining femtosecond laser microstructuring and soft lithography techniques. The fabrication procedure is as follows: (i) femtosecond laser machining is used to create a silicon master copy, (ii) replicates from polydimethylsiloxane are made, and (iii) a 50‐nm‐thick gold film is deposited on the surface of the replicates. The resulting substrates exhibit strongly enhanced absorption in the spectral region of 350 ∼ 1000 nm and generate enhanced Raman signal with enhancement factor of the order of 107 for 10‐ 6 M rhodamine 6G. The main advantages of our substrates are low cost, large active area, and possibility for mass replication. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Graphene sensing an inhomogeneous strain due to the surface relief in FeNiCoTi shape memory alloy
Authors: Zhang Liqiang , Shao Yang , Tu Zhiqiang , Liu Rui , Yang Fan , Jiang Daqiang , Guo Yunpeng , Ye Zhizhen , Liu Ting , Zhang Junsong , Gao Zhenfei , Li Yongfeng , Cui Lishan
Published: November 2013

In this paper, we present a novel method of using graphene for sensing the inhomogeneous strain due to the surface relief in FeNiCoTi shape memory alloy. In the experiment, a large sheet of graphene fabricated by chemical vapor deposition was transferred onto the FeNiCoTi substrate. The flat surface of the substrate would become wrinkled due to the surface relief formed during the FeNiCoTi substrate phase transformation, meanwhile loading a tensile strain on the surface graphene. It is found that the 2D Raman peak of graphene demonstrates a significant red shift due to the tensile strain. The different colors exhibited in the Raman mapping image of the graphene directly displayed the strain distribution information across the surface. In the future, we may alter to quantitatively analyze the surface relief by using Raman spectroscopy instead of the atomic force microscopy. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cognitive Function Is Preserved in Older Adults With a Reported History of Childhood Sexual Abuse
Authors: Feeney Joanne , Kamiya Yumiko , Robertson Ian H. , Kenny Rose Anne
Published: November 2013

Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) is associated with mood and cognitive deficits in children and young adults. Evidence suggests that the effects of early‐life adversity persist throughout adulthood; however, the impact of CSA on cognition in older adults is largely unknown. This study investigated cognitive function in older adults with a reported history of CSA. Data are from a population‐based study (The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing) of 6,912 adults aged 50 years and older. Participants answered questions about CSA as part of a stressful life events questionnaire. Global cognition, executive function, memory (both objective and self‐rated), attention, and processing speed were measured via a comprehensive battery of tests. Anxiety and depression, other childhood adversity, health behaviours, chronic disease, and medication use were also assessed. Of the total sample, 6.5% reported CSA. These individuals were more likely to have experienced other forms of childhood adversity and to exhibit poor mental health compared to those who reported no history of CSA. Multivariate regression analyses revealed, however, that CSA was associated with better global cognition, memory, executive function, and processing speed, despite poorer psychological health in this group. Future studies should aim to investigate possible reasons for this finding.
Head Injury and Loss of Consciousness Raise the Likelihood of Developing and Maintaining PTSD Symptoms
Authors: Roitman Pablo , Gilad Moran , Ankri Yahel L. E. , Shalev Arieh Y.
Published: November 2013

Mild traumatic brain injury has been associated with higher prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The extent to which head injury or loss of consciousness predicts PTSD is unknown. To evaluate the contribution of head injury and loss of consciousness to the occurrence of PTSD, we made a longitudinal evaluation of 1,260 road accident survivors admitted to the emergency department with head injury (n = 287), head injury and loss of consciousness (n = 115), or neither (n = 858). A telephone‐administered posttraumatic symptoms scale inferred PTSD and quantified PTSD symptoms at 10 days and 8 months after admission. The study groups had similar heart rate, blood pressure, and pain levels in the emergency department. Survivors with loss of consciousness and head injury had higher prevalence of PTSD and higher levels of PTSD symptoms, suggesting that patients with head injury and loss of consciousness reported in the emergency department are at higher risk for PTSD.
The Use of Radio Frequency Identification Technology in Packaging Systems: Experimental Research on Traceability
Authors: Regattieri Alberto , Santarelli Giulia , Gamberi Mauro , Gamberini Rita
Published: November 2013

This paper focuses on the analysis of the internal flow traceability of goods (products and/or packages) along the supply chain by Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID) technology.

Traditionally, the traceability system is performed through the asynchronous fulfilment of checkpoints (i.e. doorways) by materials. In such cases, the tracking is manual, executed by operators that manually trace the path. Often, companies are not aware of the inefficiencies because of these traceability systems such as low precision and accuracy in measurements (i.e. no information between doorways), more time spent by operators and costs (due to the full effort of operators who have to search for the good positions and movements). In order to overcome these limitations, automatic identification procedures have been introduced in many service industries, purchasing and distribution logistics, manufacturing companies and material flow systems. Automatic identification procedures can also be applied to the packaging of products, instead of to each item contained in the package. Sometimes, products are very expensive, and packages contain important and critical goods (e.g. dangerous or explosive materials); thus, the tracking of goods – and packages in particular – is a critical function.

In order to analyse the traceability of the packaging system, the authors have developed an innovative system based on Radio Frequency IDentification‐Ultra Wide Band (RFID‐UWB) technology. A prototype of this system has been realized and used for an experimental research that has consisted of several tests (static and dynamic), tracing the position (static) and movements (dynamic) of products and in particular packages in indoor environments, in continuous and in real time. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
B‐spline one‐center method for molecular Hartree–Fock calculations
Authors: Hu Shi‐Lin , Zhao Zeng‐Xiu , Shi Ting‐Yun
Published: November 2013

We introduce one‐center method in spherical coordinates to carry out Hartree–Fock calculations. Both the radial wave function and the angular wave function are expanded by B‐splines to deal with electron‐nucleus cusps, which results in the improved convergence for several typical closed‐shell diatomic molecules with moderate basis numbers. B‐splines could represent both the bound state and continuum state wave functions properly, and the present approach has been applied to investigate the ionization dynamics for H2 in the intense laser field adopting single‐active‐electron model. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparison of factors affecting the accuracy of high‐precision magnesium isotope analysis by multi‐collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry
Authors: Teng Fang‐Zhen , Yang Wei
Published: November 2013

RATIONALE

High accuracy is the prerequisite for high‐precision isotopic analysis.

METHODS

Here we evaluate how the presence of matrix elements, and mismatch between samples and standards in Mg concentration and acid molarity affect the accuracy of stable Mg isotopic analysis on Nu Plasma and IsoProbe multi‐collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC‐ICPMS) instruments.

RESULTS

Our results show that these factors can lead to large (>1‰) deviation in the high‐precision analysis of Mg isotopes. The degree and direction of these accuracy offsets can vary for different instruments, instrumental settings and different laboratories.

CONCLUSIONS

Detailed tests and tight controls on these effects are thus needed for high‐precision high‐accuracy stable Mg isotopic analysis. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Is energy pooling necessary in ultraviolet matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization?
Authors: Lin Hou‐Yu , Song Botao , Lu I‐Chung , Hsu Kuo‐Tung , Liao Chih‐Yu , Lee Yin‐Yu , Tseng Chien‐Ming , Lee Yuan‐Tseh , Ni Chi‐Kung
Published: November 2013

RATIONALE

Energy pooling has been suggested as the key process for generating the primary ions during ultraviolet matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization (UV‐MALDI). In previous studies, decreases in fluorescence quantum yields as laser fluence increased for 2‐aminobenzoic acid, 2,5‐dihydroxybenzoic acid (2,5‐DHB), and 3‐hydroxypicolinic acid were used as evidence of energy pooling. This work extends the research to other matrices and addresses whether energy pooling is a universal property in UV‐MALDI.

METHODS

Energy pooling was investigated in a time‐resolved fluorescence experiment by using a short laser pulse (355 nm, 20 ps pulse width) for excitation and a streak camera (1 ps time resolution) for fluorescence detection.

RESULTS

The excited‐state lifetime of 2,5‐DHB decreased with increases in laser fluence. This suggests that a reaction occurs between two excited molecules, and that energy pooling may be one of the possible reactions. However, the excited‐state lifetime of 2,4,6‐trihydroxyacetophenone (THAP) did not change with increases in laser fluence. The upper limit of the energy pooling rate constant for THAP is estimated to be approximately 100–500 times smaller than that of 2,5‐DHB.

CONCLUSIONS

The small energy pooling rate constant for THAP indicates that the potential contribution of the energy pooling mechanism to the generation of THAP matrix primary ions should be reconsidered. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Occupancy Patterns of Mammals and Lentic Amphibians in the Elwha River Riparian Zone Before Dam Removal
Authors: Jenkins K. J. , Chelgren N. D. , Sager‐Fradkin K. A. , Happe P. J. , Adams M. J.
Published: November 2013

The downstream transport of sediments and organics and upstream migration of anadromous fishes are key ecological processes in unregulated riverine ecosystems of the North Pacific coast, but their influence on wildlife habitats and populations is poorly documented. Removal of two large hydroelectric dams in Washington's Elwha Valley provides an unprecedented opportunity to study long‐term responses of wildlife populations to dam removal and restoration of these key ecological processes. We compared pre‐dam removal patterns in the relative abundance and occupancy of mesocarnivores, small mammals and lentic amphibians of the Elwha River riparian zone above, between and below the dams. Occupancy of riparian habitats by three mesocarnivore species diminished upriver but did not appear to be closely linked with the absence of salmon in the upper river. Although the importance of salmon in the lower river cannot be discounted, other gradients in food resources also likely contributed to observed distribution patterns of mesocarnivores. Abundance and occupancy patterns within congeneric pairs of new world mice (Peromyscus spp.) and shrews (Sorex spp.) indicated that closely related species were negatively associated with each other and responded to habitat gradients in the riparian zone. The availability of lentic habitats of amphibians was highly variable, and occupancy was low as a result of rapidly changing flows during the larval development period. We speculate that long‐term changes in habitat conditions and salmon availability following dam removal will elicit long‐term changes in distribution of mesocarnivores, small mammals and amphibians. Long‐term monitoring will enhance understanding of the role of fish and restored ecosystem processes on wildlife communities along salmon‐bearing rivers in the region. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quality Control—An Approach Applying Multivariate Control Charts during the Operation of Systems Involving Human Processes
Authors: Mihalcin Matthew J. , Mazzuchi Thomas A. , Sarkani Shahram , Dever Jason R.
Published: November 2013

Quality assurance during the operation of a system is critical for maintaining performance within desired specifications. Without proper monitoring and control, a system is capable of erratic behavior resulting in degraded performance, unplanned downtime for maintenance, or system failure. Statistical analysis has proven useful when appropriately applied for quality control activities, as is evidenced within the manufacturing industry. The collection of statistical techniques commonly applied to evaluate the performance of systems and/or processes is known as statistical process control. This paper presents an approach concerning the statistical process control technique of control charting, demonstrating its applicability to controlling and monitoring operational systems involving human processes with multiple quality characteristics. Typical control chart application assumes a normal distribution for analyzed data and sufficient data points necessary to collect an appropriately sized sample. The novelty of the proposed approach is in the intent of monitoring the overall operation of a process, focusing on initial inputs and final outputs, while utilizing 100% of process‐generated data from systems where the operational pace does not lend to the collection of large amounts of data points. In this paper, the applicability of the proposed approach is demonstrated on a corporate information technology help desk. An approach designed for systems within the scope of this paper would be beneficial to multiple industries and organizations for evaluation of systems consisting of human‐involved processes.
Investigation of false triggering mechanism
Authors: Umegami Hirokatsu , Nishigaki Akihiro , Hattori Fumiya , Yamamoto Masayoshi
Published: November 2013

This paper discusses a problem that a half‐bridge circuit can generate, namely a false trigger by high‐speed switching transition. In general, a false trigger occurs by charging a gate–source capacitance because of high‐speed voltage transition and influx of current via a reverse transfer capacitance. Therefore, it is thought that the ratio of the input capacitance and the reverse transfer capacitance is important to check whether a false trigger occurs. However, we find another reason and propose a novel assumption. A novel false triggering mechanism appears by considering the source‐side parasitic inductance. © 2013 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Predictive value of hemoperitoneum for outcome of methotrexate treatment in ectopic pregnancy: an observational comparative study
Authors: Gnisci A. , Stefani L. , Bottin P. , Ohannessian A. , Gamerre M. , Agostini A.
Published: November 2013

Objective

To assess the predictive value of hemoperitoneum for the outcome of methotrexate (MTX) treatment of ectopic pregnancy (EP).

Methods

This observational prospective single‐center study included women presenting with EP treated with MTX from November 2007 to November 2009. The percentage of women with hemoperitoneum at the beginning of MTX treatment was compared between two groups: those whose treatment was successful and those whose treatment failed. The rate of hemoperitoneum in each group and its value in predicting the outcome of MTX treatment of EP were assessed.

Results

MTX treatment was successful in 69 of 93 (74%) cases. The percentage of women with hemoperitoneum at the beginning of treatment was significantly higher in women in whom MTX treatment failed as compared to those in whom it was successful (15/24 (62.5%) vs 17/69 (24.6%); P = 0.001). The likelihood of requiring surgery following treatment with MTX was higher in women with hemoperitoneum (odds ratio, 5.1; 95% CI, 1.74–15.14). Study of the diagnostic performance of hemoperitoneum in predicting the need for surgical treatment after MTX treatment revealed a sensitivity of 0.63, a specificity of 0.76, a positive predictive value of 0.47 and a negative predictive value of 0.85.

Conclusions

The presence of hemoperitoneum appears to be a risk factor for MTX treatment failure. It is important to inform women as fully as possible about the risk of such failure. Nonetheless, the predictive value of this sign is insufficient for either routinely excluding women with hemoperitoneum from MTX treatment or omitting post‐treatment monitoring. Copyright © 2013 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Three‐Dimensional Porous NbO‐Type Anionic Framework: Synthesis, Structure, Magnetic and Adsorption Properties
Authors: Bai Zheng‐Shuai , Ni Pei‐Zhong , Zheng Hui‐Dong , Zhao Su‐Ying
Published: November 2013

Abstract. Three‐dimensional porous framework {[Ni3(BPTCA)2(H2O)2][Ni(H2O)6]·10H2O}n (1) was synthesized by using the 4, 4′‐bipyridine‐2, 2′6, 6′‐tetracarboxylic acid anion (BPTCA–4) as building block under hydrothermal conditions. The structural analysis revealed this complex has a NbO topology. Unexpectedly, 1 has an anionic framework with 10.9 × 8.7 Å rectangle channels, and the cationic [Ni(H2O)6]2+ species serve as guest. In addition, thermogravimetric analyses proved 1 can keep its crystalline nature even at 300 °C. The nitrogen adsorption and magnetic properties of 1 were also investigated.
Fatal Surgical or Procedure‐Related Complications: A Finnish Registry‐Based Study
Authors: Hakala Tapio , Vironen Jaana , Karlsson Sari , Pajarinen Jarkko , Hirvensalo Eero , Paajanen Hannu
Published: November 2013

Introduction

In Finland, all healthcare personnel must be insured against causing patient injury. The Patient Insurance Centre (PIC) pays compensation in all cases of malpractice and in some cases of infection or other surgical complications. This study aimed to analyze all complaints relating to fatal surgical or other procedure‐related errors in Finland during 2006–2010.

Materials and methods

In total, 126 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Details of patient care and decisions made by the PIC were reviewed, and the total national number of surgical procedures for the study period was obtained from the National Hospital Discharge Registry.

Results

Of the 94 patients who underwent surgery, most fatal surgical complications involved orthopedic or gastrointestinal surgery. Non‐surgical procedures with fatal complications included deliveries (N = 10), upper gastrointestinal endoscopy or nasogastric tube insertion (N = 8), suprapubic catheter insertion (N = 4), lower intestinal endoscopy (N = 5), coronary angiogram (N = 1), pacemaker fitting (N = 1), percutaneous drainage of a hepatic abscess (N = 1), and chest tube insertion (N = 2). In 42 (33.3 %) cases, patient injury resulted from errors made during the procedure, including 24 technical errors and 15 errors of judgment. There were 19 (15.2 %) cases of inappropriate pre‐operative assessment, 28 (22.4 %) errors made in postoperative follow‐up, 23 (18.4 %) cases of fatal infection, and 11 (8.8 %) fatal complications not linked to treatment errors.

Conclusion

Fatal surgical and procedure‐related complications are rare in Finland. Complications are usually the result of errors of judgment, technical errors, and infections.
The evolution of H-surfaces with a Plateau boundary condition
Authors: Duzaar Frank , Scheven Christoph
Published: November 2013

In this paper we consider the heat flow associated to the classical Plateau problem for surfaces of prescribed mean curvature. To be precise, for a given Jordan curve

\Gamma \subset \mathbb{R}^{3}

, a given prescribed mean curvature function

H:\mathbb{R}^{3}\rightarrow \mathbb{R}

and an initial datum

u_{o}:B\rightarrow \mathbb{R}^{3}

satisfying the Plateau boundary condition, i.e. that

u_{o}|_{\partial B}:\partial B\rightarrow \Gamma

is a homeomorphism, we consider the geometric flow

\partial _{t}u−\mathrm{\Delta }u = −2(H \circ u)D_{1}u \times D_{2}u\:\text{in }B \times (0,\infty ),

u( \cdot ,0) = u_{o}\:\text{on }B,\:u( \cdot ,t)|_{\partial B}:\partial B\rightarrow \Gamma \text{ is weakly monotone for all }t > 0.

We show that an isoperimetric condition on
H
ensures the existence of a global weak solution. Moreover, we establish that these global solutions sub-converge as

t\rightarrow \infty

to a conformal solution of the classical Plateau problem for surfaces of prescribed mean curvature.
Identification of a novel ATPase activity in 14‐3‐3 proteins – Evidence from enzyme kinetics, structure guided modeling and mutagenesis studies
Authors: Ramteke Manoj P. , Shelke Pradnya , Ramamoorthy Vidhya , Somavarapu Arun Kumar , Gautam Amit Kumar Singh , Nanaware Padma P. , Karanam Sudheer , Mukhopadhyay Sami , Venkatraman Prasanna
Published: November 2013

14‐3‐3 Proteins bind phosphorylated sequences in proteins and regulate multiple cellular functions. For the first time, we show that pure recombinant human 14‐3‐3 ζ, γ, ε and τ isofoms hydrolyze ATP with similar K
m and k
cat values. In sharp contrast the sigma isoform has no detectable activity. Docking studies identify two putative binding pockets in 14‐3‐3 zeta. Mutation of D124A in the amphipathic pocket enhances binding affinity and catalysis. Mutation of a critical Arg (R55A) at the dimer interface in zeta reduces binding and decreases catalysis. These experimental results coincide with a binding pose at the dimer interface. This newly identified function could be a moon lighting function in some of these isoforms.
A FoxO1‐dependent, but NRF2‐independent induction of heme oxygenase‐1 during muscle atrophy
Authors: Kang Jione , Jeong Mi Gyeong , Oh Sera , Jang Eun Jung , Kim Hyo Kyeong , Hwang Eun Sook
Published: November 2013

Skeletal muscle plays key roles in metabolic homeostasis. Loss of muscle mass, called muscle atrophy exacerbates disease‐associated metabolic perturbations. In this study, we characterized the molecular functions and mechanisms underlying regulation of skeletal muscle atrophy induced by denervation. Denervation significantly increased the expression of heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) and atrogenes in skeletal muscle. Forkhead box protein O1 (FoxO1) drastically increased in atrophied muscle and selectively stimulated HO‐1 gene transcription through direct DNA binding. Lack of HO‐1 substantially attenuated muscle atrophy, whereas HO‐1 overexpression caused muscle damage in vitro and in vivo. Collectively, HO‐1 induced by FoxO1 may cause skeletal muscle atrophy.
MicroRNA‐221 promotes colorectal cancer cell invasion and metastasis by targeting RECK
Authors: Qin Jun , Luo Meng
Published: November 2013

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have recently emerged as regulators of metastasis. We provide insight into the behavior of miR‐221 in colorectal cancer (CRC) metastasis by showing that miR‐221 is significantly upregulated in metastatic CRC cell lines and tissues. miR‐221 overexpression enhances, whereas miR‐221 depletion reduces CRC cell migration and invasion in vitro and metastasis in vivo. We identify RECK as a direct target of miR‐221, reveal its expression to be inversely correlated with miR‐221 in CRC samples and show that its re‐introduction reverses miR‐221‐induced CRC invasiveness. Collectively, miR‐221 is an oncogenic miRNA which may regulate CRC migration and invasion through targeting RECK.
An anti‐interferon activity shared by paramyxovirus C proteins: Inhibition of Toll‐like receptor 7/9‐dependent alpha interferon induction
Authors: Yamaguchi Mayu , Kitagawa Yoshinori , Zhou Min , Itoh Masae , Gotoh Bin
Published: November 2013

Paramyxovirus C protein targets the host interferon (IFN) system for virus immune evasion. To identify its unknown anti‐IFN activity, we examined the effect of Sendai virus C protein on activation of the IFN‐α promoter via various signaling pathways. This study uncovers a novel ability of C protein to block Toll‐like receptor (TLR) 7‐ and TLR9‐dependent IFN‐α induction, which is specific to plasmacytoid dendritic cells. C protein interacts with a serine/threonine kinase IKKα and inhibits phosphorylation of IRF7. This anti‐IFN activity of C protein is shared across genera of the Paramyxovirinae, and thus appears to play an important role in paramyxovirus immune evasion.
Structure of the quinoline N‐hydroxylating cytochrome P450 RauA, an essential enzyme that confers antibiotic activity on aurachin alkaloids
Authors: Yasutake Yoshiaki , Kitagawa Wataru , Hata Miyako , Nishioka Taiki , Ozaki Taro , Nishiyama Makoto , Kuzuyama Tomohisa , Tamura Tomohiro
Published: November 2013

The cytochrome P450 RauA from Rhodococcus erythropolis JCM 6824 catalyzes the hydroxylation of a nitrogen atom in the quinolone ring of aurachin, thereby conferring strong antibiotic activity on the aurachin alkaloid. Here, we report the crystal structure of RauA in complex with its substrate, a biosynthetic intermediate of aurachin RE. Clear electron density showed that the quinolone ring is oriented parallel to the porphyrin plane of the heme cofactor, while the farnesyl chain curls into a U‐shape topology and is buried inside the solvent‐inaccessible hydrophobic interior of RauA. The nearest atom from the heme iron is the quinolone nitrogen (4.3 Å), which is consistent with RauA catalyzing the N‐hydroxylation of the quinolone ring to produce mature aurachin RE.
Triggers and patterns of integration initiatives in successful buyer–supplier relationships
Authors: Vanpoucke Evelyne , Vereecke Ann , Boyer Kenneth K.
Published: November 2013

While previous studies have focused on the benefits, risks and outcomes of buy–sell relationships, little is known about the dynamics of these relationships. Our study takes an initial step in this direction by examining how firms develop successful relationships. We review the literature and analyze multiple buyer–supplier relationships to explore developments over time, identify triggers for change, and identify effective management practices for long‐term inter‐organizational relationships. We employ retrospective data to compare six long‐standing buyer–supplier relationships. Our data suggest a recurring pattern of integration initiatives in the evolution towards a successful buy–sell relationship. Specifically, our field data indicate that this pattern starts with initiatives for logistics responsiveness, followed by knowledge exchange initiatives and finally initiatives to increase the use of common resources. Each of these initiatives are triggered by specific opportunities and are emergent in nature. By examining the triggers in the development and maintenance of buy–sell relationships, our study adds to the integration of existing life‐cycle frameworks, which increases our understanding of a life‐cycle theory for inter‐organizational relationships.
Pharmacologic inhibition of vacuolar H+ ATPase reduces physiologic and oncogenic Notch signaling
Authors: Kobia Francis , Duchi Serena , Deflorian Gianluca , Vaccari Thomas
Published: November 2013

Notch signaling in prominently involved in growth regulation in metazoan tissues. Because of this, Notch is often upregulated in cancer and current efforts point to developing drugs that block its activation. Notch receptor endocytosis towards acidic compartments is a recently appreciated determinant of signaling activation. Vacuolar H+ ATPase (V‐ATPase) is responsible for acidification of endocytic organelles and mutants in V‐ATPase subunit encoding genes in model organisms have been recently shown to display loss of Notch signaling. Here, we show that administration of BafilomycinA1 (BafA1), a highly specific V‐ATPase inhibitor decreases Notch signaling during Drosophila and Zebrafish development, and in human cells in culture. In normal breast cells, we find that BafA1 treatment leads to accumulation of Notch in the endo‐lysosomal system, and reduces its processing and signaling activity. In Notch‐addicted breast cancer cells, BafA1 treatment reduces growth in cells expressing membrane tethered forms of Notch, while sparing cells expressing cytoplasmic forms. In contrast, we find that V‐ATPase inhibition reduces growth of leukemia cells, without affecting Notch activatory cleavage. However, consistent with the emerging roles of V‐ATPase in controlling multiple signaling pathways, in these cells Akt activation is reduced, as it is also the case in BafA1‐treated breast cancer cells. Our data support V‐ATPase inhibition as a novel therapeutic approach to counteract tumor growth via signaling pathways regulated at the endo‐lysosomal level.