bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Participatory forest carbon assessment in south-eastern Tanzania: experiences, costs and implications for REDD+ initiatives
Authors: Katani Josiah Z. , Mustalahti Irmeli , Mukama Kusaga , Zahabu Eliakimu
Published: June 2015

The aim of this study was to determine the changes in forest carbon in three village forests in Tanzania during 2009–2012 using participatory forest carbon assessment, and to evaluate the capability of the local communities to undertake the assessment, and the costs involved. The results show that forest degradation is caused not only by disturbance as a result of anthropogenic activities; other causes include natural mortality of small trees as a result of canopy closure, and the attraction of wild animals to closed-canopy forests. Thus, mechanisms are required to compensate communities for carbon loss that is beyond their control. However, an increase in the abundance of elephantsLoxodonta africanaand other fauna should not be considered negatively by local communities and other stakeholders, and the importance of improved biodiversity in the context of carbon stocks should be emphasized by those promoting REDD+ (Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation). This case study also shows that the cost per ha of USD < 1 for participatory forest carbon assessment is less than that reported for Tanzania and elsewhere (USD 3–5); this is attributed to the large area of forest studied. However, the cost of data analysis and reporting in 2012 (USD 4,519) was significantly higher than the baseline cost (USD 1,793) established in 2009 because of the involvement of external experts.
Children mix direct and indirect speech: evidence from pronoun comprehension
Authors: KÖDER FRANZISKA , MAIER EMAR
Published: June 2015

This study investigates children's acquisition of the distinction between direct speech (Elephant said, “I get the football”) and indirect speech (Elephant said that he gets the football), by measuring children's interpretation of first, second, and third person pronouns. Based on evidence from various linguistic sources, we hypothesize that the direct–indirect distinction is acquired relatively late. We also predict more mistakes for third person pronouns compared to first and second person pronouns. We tested 136 Dutch-speaking children between four and twelve in a referent selection task and found that children interpret pronouns in direct speech predominantly as in indirect speech, supporting our hypothesis about a late acquisition of the direct–indirect distinction. In addition, we found differences betweenI, you, andhethat deviate from a simple first and second vs. third person split. We discuss our results in the light of cross-linguistic findings of direct–indirect mixing.
Evolving epidemiology of Nipah virus infection in Bangladesh: evidence from outbreaks during 2010–2011
Authors: CHAKRABORTY A. , SAZZAD H. M. S. , HOSSAIN M. J. , ISLAM M. S. , PARVEEN S. , HUSAIN M. , BANU S. S. , PODDER G. , AFROJ S. , ROLLIN P. E. , DASZAK P. , LUBY S. P. , RAHMAN M. , GURLEY E. S.
Published: June 2015

Drinking raw date palm sap is the primary route of Nipah virus (NiV) transmission from bats to people in Bangladesh; subsequent person-to-person transmission is common. During December 2010 to March 2011, we investigated NiV epidemiology by interviewing cases using structured questionnaires, in-depth interviews, and group discussions to collect clinical and exposure histories. We conducted a case-control study to identify risk factors for transmission. We identified 43 cases; 23 were laboratory-confirmed and 20 probable. Thirty-eight (88%) cases died. Drinking raw date palm sap and contact with an infected person were major risk factors; one healthcare worker was infected and for another case transmission apparently occurred through contact with a corpse. In absence of these risk factors, apparent routes of transmission included drinking fermented date palm sap. For the first time, a case was detected in eastern Bangladesh. Identification of new epidemiological characteristics emphasizes the importance of continued NiV surveillance and case investigation.
The convective viscous Cahn–Hilliard equation: Exact solutions
Authors: MCHEDLOV-PETROSYAN P. O.
Published: June 2015

In this paper, we give exact solutions for the convective viscous Cahn--Hilliard equation. This equation with a general symmetric double-well potential and Burgers-type convective term was introduced by T. P. Witelski (1996 Studies in Applied Mathematics96, 277–300) to study the joint effects of nonlinear convection and viscosity. We consider this equation with a polynomial, generally asymmetric potential. We also consider both Burgers-type and cubic convective terms. We obtained exact travelling-wave solutions for both cases. For the former case, with an additional constraint on nonlinearity and viscosity, we also obtained an exact two-wave solution.
The same or different: An investigation of cognitive and metalinguistic correlates of Chinese word reading for native and non-native Chinese speaking children
Authors: ZHOU YANLING , MCBRIDE CATHERINE
Published: June 2015

We investigated cognitive and metalinguistic correlates of Chinese word reading in children with L2 Chinese learning experience and compared these to those in L1 Chinese speaking children. In total, 102 third and fourth grade children were recruited for the study. We examined a range of Chinese and English word reading related cognitive and metalinguistic skills. Compared to the native Chinese speaking group (NCSS), the non-native Chinese speaking group (NNCS) only performed better in English vocabulary knowledge and English working memory. On Chinese word reading related skills the NNCS group performed significantly worse than the NCS group. Hierarchical regression analyses revealed that the unique correlates of Chinese word reading for both groups were Chinese vocabulary, working memory, lexical tone awareness, and orthographic skills. For the NNCS group only, visual skills were also unique correlates of word reading skills. The results suggest cognitive similarities and differences in reading among native and non-native Chinese speakers.
Trauer bei Kindern
Authors: Unterhitzenberger Johanna , Rosner Rita
Published: June 2015

Durch aktuelle Entwicklungen in der Erforschung pathologischer Trauerformen bei Erwachsenen entsteht ein vermehrtes Interesse nach Übertragbarkeit der Ergebnisse auf das Kindes- und Jugendalter. Bislang werden Trauertherapien für Kinder nach dem Tod von Bezugspersonen weitgehend ohne empirische Grundlage empfohlen, eine Evaluation der Therapien steht für den Großteil aus. In dieser aktuellen Kontroverse werden neben Pro- und Contra-Argumenten einer Behandlung die Diagnosekriterien und der aktuelle Forschungsstand zur anhaltenden Trauerstörung vorgestellt. Vor diesem Hintergrund wird diskutiert, wann eine Psychotherapie für trauernde Kinder indiziert ist.
Psychische Belastung und Krankheitsverarbeitung krebskranker Väter von minderjährigen Kindern
Authors: Ernst Jochen , Schwarz Claudia , Romer Georg , Brähler Elmar , Hinz Andreas , Götze Heide
Published: June 2015

Fragestellung: Die Studie erfasst den Verlauf der psychischen Belastung (Ängstlichkeit und Depressivität) und Krankheitsverarbeitung krebskranker Väter mit minderjährigen Kindern. Methode: 37 konsekutiv rekrutierte Väter wurden nach Beendigung der Primärbehandlung (T1) und ein halbes Jahr später (T2) zu ihrer Belastung (HADS) und Krankheitsverarbeitung (FKV) schriftlich befragt. Ergebnisse: Im Vergleich zu Männern aus der Allgemeinbevölkerung (adjustiert) zeigte sich eine erhöhte Ängstlichkeit zu T1 (p < 0.01) und T2 (p < 0.05), erhöhte Depressivität nur zu T1 (p < 0.05). Risikofaktoren für eine erhöhte Belastung zu T1 und T2 waren z. B. Erwerbslosigkeit (p < 0.05) und depressive Symptomatik eines Kindes (p < 0.05). Zwischen der Belastung und den Krankheitsverarbeitungsstilen Depressive Verarbeitung (r = 0.67) sowie Bagatellisierung (r = 0.56) bestanden signifikante Korrelationen (beide p < 0.001) zu T1. Schlussfolgerungen: Es ergeben sich empirische Belege, in der psychoonkologischen Forschung und Versorgung eine familienorientierte Perspektive einzunehmen.
Effects of Chronotype and Synchrony/Asynchrony on Creativity
Authors: Roeser Karolin , Riepl Korbinian , Randler Christoph , Kübler Andrea
Published: June 2015

Individual differences in morningness/eveningness are associated with measures of personality and performance. Yet, little is known about the relationship between morningness/eveningness and creativity. We tested N = 163 participants in the morning or in the evening, using the Composite Scale of Morningness and subtests of the Berlin Model of Intelligence Structure (BIS) Test to measure creativity. Creativity composite scores were derived for fluidity, that is the number of responses, and flexibility, that is the diversity of responses. Morningness was significantly associated with higher fluidity scores. Flexibility scores were positively, but not significantly related to morningness. We observed no significant effects of testing time or synchrony/asynchrony. In a linear regression model, older age, female sex, and higher morningness preference significantly predicted fluidity, indicating that morning types produce more creative solutions than evening-orientated individuals, independent of time of testing. Future studies should aim at replicating this result in larger samples and across other measures of creativity.
More Unintended Injuries in Half Sibling Than Full Sibling Households in the UK
Authors: Tanskanen Antti O. , Danielsbacka Mirkka , Rotkirch Anna
Published: June 2015

Sibling relationships can be a source of both support and conflict. Due to more severe sibling competition, childhood injuries are predicted to increase as genetic relatedness decreases. Here we use the British Millennium Cohort Study (n = 7,143 children) to analyze the risk of accidents for small children in different types of households. Results show that, after controlling for several potential confounding factors, 3-year-old children who lived in same household with their full siblings had a significantly lower risk of injuries (predicted probability 25.3%) than did children who lived with both their full and half siblings (29.6%) or only with their half siblings (29.1%). We conclude that efforts to prevent child maltreatment should pay attention to sibling relations and family composition.
One- Through Six-Component Solutions from Ratings on Familiar English Personality-Descriptive Adjectives
Authors: Ashton Michael C. , Lee Kibeom , Boies Kathleen
Published: June 2015

We report solutions for one through six components for self-ratings (N = 559) on 449 familiar English personality-descriptive adjectives (see Lee & Ashton, 2008 ). The first unrotated component mainly contrasted desirable with undesirable characteristics. The varimax-rotated two-component solution contained dimensions closely resembling the Social Self-Regulation and Dynamism constructs of Saucier et al. (2014) . The three-component solution contained dimensions closely resembling the Affiliation, Dynamism, and Order constructs of De Raad et al. (2014) . In the four-component solution, an Emotional Stability dimension emerged, absorbing some variance from dimensions of the three-component solution. The five-component solution added an Intellect/Imagination/Unconventionality (Openness) component, and thus resembled the classic Big Five structure (e.g., Goldberg, 1990 ). In the six-component solution, the variance of the Big Five Agreeableness and Emotional Stability components was reorganized, producing components corresponding to HEXACO Agreeableness and to rotated variants of HEXACO Emotionality and Honesty-Humility. Solutions based on peer ratings (N = 303) were generally similar to those based on self-ratings, but showed a much larger first unrotated component.
Non-cyanobacterial diazotrophs mediate dinitrogen fixation in biological soil crusts during early crust formation
Authors: Pepe-Ranney Charles , Koechli Chantal , Potrafka Ruth , Andam Cheryl , Eggleston Erin , Garcia-Pichel Ferran , Buckley Daniel H
Published: June 2015

Biological soil crusts (BSCs) are key components of ecosystem productivity in arid lands and they cover a substantial fraction of the terrestrial surface. In particular, BSC N2-fixation contributes significantly to the nitrogen (N) budget of arid land ecosystems. In mature crusts, N2-fixation is largely attributed to heterocystous cyanobacteria; however, early successional crusts possess few N2-fixing cyanobacteria and this suggests that microorganisms other than cyanobacteria mediate N2-fixation during the critical early stages of BSC development. DNA stable isotope probing with 15N2 revealed that Clostridiaceae and Proteobacteria are the most common microorganisms that assimilate 15N2 in early successional crusts. The Clostridiaceae identified are divergent from previously characterized isolates, though N2-fixation has previously been observed in this family. The Proteobacteria identified share >98.5% small subunit rRNA gene sequence identity with isolates from genera known to possess diazotrophs (for example, Pseudomonas, Klebsiella, Shigella and Ideonella). The low abundance of these heterotrophic diazotrophs in BSCs may explain why they have not been characterized previously. Diazotrophs have a critical role in BSC formation and characterization of these organisms represents a crucial step towards understanding how anthropogenic change will affect the formation and ecological function of BSCs in arid ecosystems.
Making pathogens sociable: The emergence of high relatedness through limited host invasibility
Authors: van Leeuwen Edwin , O’Neill Sarah , Matthews Andrew , Raymond Ben
Published: June 2015

Cooperation depends upon high relatedness, the high genetic similarity of interacting partners relative to the wider population. For pathogenic bacteria, which show diverse cooperative traits, the population processes that determine relatedness are poorly understood. Here, we explore whether within-host dynamics can produce high relatedness in the insect pathogen Bacillus thuringiensis. We study the effects of host/pathogen interactions on relatedness via a model of host invasion and fit parameters to competition experiments with marked strains. We show that invasibility is a key parameter for determining relatedness and experimentally demonstrate the emergence of high relatedness from well-mixed inocula. We find that a single infection cycle results in a bottleneck with a similar level of relatedness to those previously reported in the field. The bottlenecks that are a product of widespread barriers to infection can therefore produce the population structure required for the evolution of cooperative virulence.
Glycan complexity dictates microbial resource allocation in the large intestine
Authors: Rogowski Artur , Briggs Jonathon A. , Mortimer Jennifer C. , Tryfona Theodora , Terrapon Nicolas , Lowe Elisabeth C. , Baslé Arnaud , Morland Carl , Day Alison M. , Zheng Hongjun , Rogers Theresa E. , Thompson Paul , Hawkins Alastair R. , Yadav Madhav P. , Henrissat Bernard , Martens Eric C. , Dupree Paul , Gilbert Harry J. , Bolam David N.
Published: June 2015

The structure of the human gut microbiota is controlled primarily through the degradation of complex dietary carbohydrates, but the extent to which carbohydrate breakdown products are shared between members of the microbiota is unclear. We show here, using xylan as a model, that sharing the breakdown products of complex carbohydrates by key members of the microbiota, such as Bacteroides ovatus, is dependent on the complexity of the target glycan. Characterization of the extensive xylan degrading apparatus expressed by B. ovatus reveals that the breakdown of the polysaccharide by the human gut microbiota is significantly more complex than previous models suggested, which were based on the deconstruction of xylans containing limited monosaccharide side chains. Our report presents a highly complex and dynamic xylan degrading apparatus that is fine-tuned to recognize the different forms of the polysaccharide presented to the human gut microbiota.
Early emergence of Yersinia pestis as a severe respiratory pathogen
Authors: Zimbler Daniel L. , Schroeder Jay A. , Eddy Justin L. , Lathem Wyndham W.
Published: June 2015

Yersinia pestis causes the fatal respiratory disease pneumonic plague. Y. pestis recently evolved from the gastrointestinal pathogen Y. pseudotuberculosis; however, it is not known at what point Y. pestis gained the ability to induce a fulminant pneumonia. Here we show that the acquisition of a single gene encoding the protease Pla was sufficient for the most ancestral, deeply rooted strains of Y. pestis to cause pneumonic plague, indicating that Y. pestis was primed to infect the lungs at a very early stage in its evolution. As Y. pestis further evolved, modern strains acquired a single amino-acid modification within Pla that optimizes protease activity. While this modification is unnecessary to cause pneumonic plague, the substitution is instead needed to efficiently induce the invasive infection associated with bubonic plague. These findings indicate that Y. pestis was capable of causing pneumonic plague before it evolved to optimally cause invasive infections in mammals.
Structural, mechanical and electronic properties of Rh2B and RhB2: first-principles calculations
Authors: Chu Binhua , Li Da , Tian Fubo , Duan Defang , Sha Xiaojing , Lv Yunzhou , Zhang Huadi , Liu Bingbing , Cui Tian
Published: June 2015

The crystal structures of Rh2B and RhB2 at ambient pressure were explored by using the evolutionary methodology. A monoclinic P21/m structure of Rh2B was predicted and donated as Rh2B-I, which is energetically much superior to the previously experimentally proposed Pnma structure. At the pressure of about 39 GPa, the P21/m phase of Rh2B transforms to the C2/m phases. For RhB2, a new monoclinic P21/m phase was predicted, named as RhB2-II, it has the same structure type with Rh2B. Rh2B-I and RhB2-II are both mechanically and dynamically stable. They are potential low compressible materials. The analysis of electronic density of states and chemical bonding indicates that the formation of strong and directional covalent B-B and Rh-B bonds in these compounds contribute greatly to their stabilities and high incompressibility.
Large transport Jc in Cu-sheathed Sr0.6K0.4Fe2As2 superconducting tape conductors
Authors: Lin He , Yao Chao , Zhang Haitao , Zhang Xianping , Zhang Qianjun , Dong Chiheng , Wang Dongliang , Ma Yanwei
Published: June 2015

Copper sheath is the first choice for manufacturing high-Tc superconducting wires and tapes because of its high electrical and thermal conductivities, low-cost and good mechanical properties. However, Cu can easily react with superconducting cores, such as BSCCO, MgB2 and pnictides and therefore drastically decrease the transport Jc. Here, we report the fabrication of Cu-sheathed Sr1−xKxFe2As2 tapes with superior Jc performance using a simple hot pressing method that is capable of eliminating the lengthy high-temperature sintering. We obtained high-quality Sr1−xKxFe2As2 tapes with processing at 800 oC for 30 minutes and measured high Tc and sharp transition. By this rapid fabrication, Cu sheath does not give rise to apparent reaction layer and only slightly diffuses into Sr-122 core. As a consequence, we achieved high transport Jc of 3.1 × 104 A/cm2 in 10 T and 2.7 × 104 A/cm2 in 14 T at 4.2 K. The in-field Jc performance is by far the highest reported for Cu-sheathed high-Tc conductors. More importantly, Cu-sheathed Sr-122 tapes also showed a high Je value of 1.0 × 104 A/cm2 in 10 T at 4.2 K, which has reached the widely accepted practical level for applications. These results demonstrate that Cu is a very promising sheath for the practical application of pnictide conductors.
Temperature-independent polymer optical fiber evanescent wave sensor
Authors: Zhong Nianbing , Liao Qiang , Zhu Xun , Zhao Mingfu , Huang Yun , Chen Rong
Published: June 2015

Although the numerous advantages of polymer optical fibers have been exploited in the fields of sensors and telecommunications, such fibers still experience a critical problem: the temperature dependency. Therefore, we explored the temperature-independent operation of a polymer fiber-optic evanescent wave sensor immersed in distilled water. We investigated variations in the surface morphology, deformation trajectory, refractive index and weight of the fiber-sensing region with varying water temperature. We also examined the spectral transmission and transmitted light intensity of fibers subjected to a heating-cooling treatment. We observed that the light-transmission modes and sensitivity of the sensor were affected by changes in the surface morphology, diameter and refractive index of the sensing region caused by changes in temperature. The transmitted light intensity of the sensor was maintained at a constant level after five cycles of the heating-cooling treatment, after which the fibers exhibited a smooth surface, low refractive index and large fiber diameter. Consequently, we utilized the heating-cooling-treated fiber to realize a temperature-independent, U-shaped polymer fiber-optic evanescent wave sensor. The temperature independence was evaluated using glucose solutions in the range of 10 to 70 °C. The fabricated sensor showed significant temperature independence and high degree of consistency in measuring solutions.
From warm to cold: migration of Adélie penguins within Cape Bird, Ross Island
Authors: Nie Yaguang , Sun Liguang , Liu Xiaodong , Emslie Steven D.
Published: June 2015

Due to their sensitivity to environmental change, penguins in Antarctica are widely used as bio-indicators in paleoclimatic research. On the basis of bio-element assemblages identified in four ornithogenic sediment profiles, we reconstructed the historical penguin population change at Cape Bird, Ross Island, for the past 1600 years. Clear succession of penguin population peaks were observed in different profiles at about 1400 AD, which suggested a high probability of migration within this region. The succession was most obviously marked by a sand layer lasting from 1400 to 1900 AD in one of the analyzed profiles. Multiple physical/chemical parameters indicated this sand layer was not formed in a lacustrine environment, but was marine-derived. Both isostatic subsidence and frequent storms under the colder climatic condition of the Little Ice Age were presumed to have caused the abandonment of the colonies and we believe the penguins migrated from the coastal area of mid Cape Bird northward and to higher ground as recorded in the other sediment profiles. This migration was an ecological response to global climate change and possible subsequent geological effects in Antarctica.
Structural, energetic and dynamic insights into the abnormal xylene separation behavior of hierarchical porous crystal
Authors: Lin Jiao-Min , He Chun-Ting , Liao Pei-Qin , Lin Rui-Biao , Zhang Jie-Peng
Published: June 2015

Separation of highly similar molecules and understanding the underlying mechanism are of paramount theoretical and practical importance, but visualization of the host-guest structure, energy, or dynamism is very difficult and many details have been overlooked. Here, we report a new porous coordination polymer featuring hierarchical porosity and delicate flexibility, in which the three structural isomers of xylene (also similar disubstituted benzene derivatives) can be efficiently separated with an elution sequence inversed with those for conventional mechanisms. More importantly, the separation mechanism is comprehensively and quantitatively visualized by single-crystal X-ray crystallography coupled with multiple computational simulation methods, in which the small apertures not only fit best the smallest para-isomer like molecular sieves, but also show seemingly trivial yet crucial structural alterations to distinguish the meta- and ortho-isomers via a gating mechanism, while the large channels allow fast guest diffusion and enable the structural/energetic effects to be accumulated in the macroscopic level.
Quantitative analysis of the human T cell palmitome
Authors: Morrison Eliot , Kuropka Benno , Kliche Stefanie , Brügger Britta , Krause Eberhard , Freund Christian
Published: June 2015

Palmitoylation is a reversible post-translational modification used to inducibly compartmentalize proteins in cellular membranes, affecting the function of receptors and intracellular signaling proteins. The identification of protein “palmitomes” in several cell lines raises the question to what extent this modification is conserved in primary cells. Here we use primary T cells with acyl-biotin exchange and quantitative mass spectrometry to identify a pool of proteins previously unreported as palmitoylated in vivo.
Using white noise to gate organic transistors for dynamic monitoring of cultured cell layers
Authors: Rivnay Jonathan , Leleux Pierre , Hama Adel , Ramuz Marc , Huerta Miriam , Malliaras George G. , Owens Roisin M.
Published: June 2015

Impedance sensing of biological systems allows for monitoring of cell and tissue properties, including cell-substrate attachment, layer confluence and the “tightness” of an epithelial tissue. These properties are critical for electrical detection of tissue health and viability in applications such as toxicological screening. Organic transistors based on conducting polymers offer a promising route to efficiently transduce ionic currents to attain high quality impedance spectra, but collection of complete impedance spectra can be time consuming (minutes). By applying uniform white noise at the gate of an organic electrochemical transistor (OECT) and measuring the resulting current noise, we are able to dynamically monitor the impedance and thus integrity of cultured epithelial monolayers. We show that noise sourcing can be used to track rapid monolayer disruption due to compounds which interfere with dynamic polymerization events crucial for maintaining cytoskeletal integrity and to resolve sub-second alterations to the monolayer integrity.
Effect of Variation in hemorheology between human and animal blood on the binding efficacy of vascular-targeted carriers
Authors: Namdee K. , Carrasco-Teja M. , Fish M. B. , Charoenphol P. , Eniola-Adefeso O.
Published: June 2015

Animal models are extensively used to evaluate the in vivo functionality of novel drug delivery systems (DDS). However, many variations likely exist in vivo between the animals and human physiological environment that significantly alter results obtained with animal models relative to human system. To date, it is not clear if the variation in hemorheology and hemodynamics between common animal and human models affect the functionality of DDS. This study investigates the role of hemorheology of humans and various animal models in dictating the binding efficiency of model vascular-targeted carriers (VTCs) to the wall in physiological blood flows. Specifically, the adhesion of sLeA-coated nano- and micro-spheres to inflamed endothelial cells monolayers were conducted via a parallel plate flow chamber assay with steady and disturbed red blood cells (RBCs)-in-buffer and whole blood flows of common animal models. Our results suggest that the ratio of carrier size to RBC size dictate particle binding in blood flow. Additionally, the presence of white blood cells affects the trend of particle adhesion depending on the animal species. Overall, this work sheds light on some deviation in VTC vascular wall interaction results obtained with in vivo animal experimentation from expected outcome and efficiency in vivo in human.
A novel recombinant lineage’s contribution to the outbreak of coxsackievirus A6-associated hand, foot and mouth disease in Shanghai, China, 2012-2013
Authors: Feng Xiaobo , Guan Wencai , Guo Yifeng , Yu Huiju , Zhang Xiaoling , Cheng Ruhong , Wang Zhen , Zhang Zhen , Zhang Jia , Li Huaguo , Zhuang Yin , Zhang Hui , Lu Zhiyong , Li Ming , Yu Hong , Bao Yixiao , Hu Yunwen , Yao Zhirong
Published: June 2015

Since late 2012, coxsackievirus A6 (CVA6) has gradually become the predominant pathogen responsible for hand-foot-mouth disease (HFMD) in several provinces of China. A total of 626 patients diagnosed with HFMD in Shanghai, China from January 2012 to September 2013 were enrolled in this study. Of these, 292 CVA6 infected cases were subjected to clinical analyses. Whole-genome sequencing, recombination and phylogenetic analyses were also performed. A recombinant CVA6 monophyletic lineage was found during an outbreak of CVA6-associated HFMDs in Shanghai, China in November 2012 and accounted for 21.9% (64/292) of the CVA6 strains during the study period. Recombination analyses showed that the 2C gene of the novel CVA6 virus was probably derived from a coxsackievirus A4 (CVA4) strain circulating in the population. Clinical observation showed that this recombinant CVA6 virus led to a more generalized rash than did the non-recombinant CVA6 virus. This newly emerged CVA6 lineage was associated with a considerable proportion of HFMD cases from 2012 to 2013 in Shanghai and poses a potential threat to public health.
Gap formation following climatic events in spatially structured plant communities
Authors: Liao Jinbao , De Boeck Hans J. , Li Zhenqing , Nijs Ivan
Published: June 2015

Gaps play a crucial role in maintaining species diversity, yet how community structure and composition influence gap formation is still poorly understood. We apply a spatially structured community model to predict how species diversity and intraspecific aggregation shape gap patterns emerging after climatic events, based on species-specific mortality responses. In multispecies communities, average gap size and gap-size diversity increased rapidly with increasing mean mortality once a mortality threshold was exceeded, greatly promoting gap recolonization opportunity. This result was observed at all levels of species richness. Increasing interspecific difference likewise enhanced these metrics, which may promote not only diversity maintenance but also community invasibility, since more diverse niches for both local and exotic species are provided. The richness effects on gap size and gap-size diversity were positive, but only expressed when species were sufficiently different. Surprisingly, while intraspecific clumping strongly promoted gap-size diversity, it hardly influenced average gap size. Species evenness generally reduced gap metrics induced by climatic events, so the typical assumption of maximum evenness in many experiments and models may underestimate community diversity and invasibility. Overall, understanding the factors driving gap formation in spatially structured assemblages can help predict community secondary succession after climatic events.
Spinal muscular atrophy phenotype is ameliorated in human motor neurons by SMN increase via different novel RNA therapeutic approaches
Authors: Nizzardo Monica , Simone Chiara , Dametti Sara , Salani Sabrina , Ulzi Gianna , Pagliarani Serena , Rizzo Federica , Frattini Emanuele , Pagani Franco , Bresolin Nereo , Comi Giacomo , Corti Stefania
Published: June 2015

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a primary genetic cause of infant mortality due to mutations in the Survival Motor Neuron (SMN) 1 gene. No cure is available. Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) aimed at increasing SMN levels from the paralogous SMN2 gene represent a possible therapeutic strategy. Here, we tested in SMA human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and iPSC-differentiated motor neurons, three different RNA approaches based on morpholino antisense targeting of the ISSN-1, exon-specific U1 small nuclear RNA (ExSpeU1) and Transcription Activator-Like Effector-Transcription Factor (TALE-TF). All strategies act modulating SMN2 RNA: ASO affects exon 7 splicing, TALE-TF increase SMN2 RNA acting on the promoter, while ExSpeU1 improves pre-mRNA processing. These approaches induced up-regulation of full-length SMN mRNA and differentially affected the Delta-7 isoform: ASO reduced this isoform, while ExSpeU1 and TALE-TF increased it. All approaches upregulate the SMN protein and significantly improve the in vitro SMA motor neurons survival. Thus, these findings demonstrate that therapeutic tools that act on SMN2 RNA are able to rescue the SMA disease phenotype. Our data confirm the feasibility of SMA iPSCs as in vitro disease models and we propose novel RNA approaches as potential therapeutic strategies for treating SMA and other genetic neurological disorders.
Early versus delayed laparoscopic common bile duct exploration for common bile duct stone-related nonsevere acute cholangitis
Authors: Zhu Bin , Li Dan , Ren Yu , Li Ying , Wang Yan , Li Kai , Amin Buhe , Gong Ke , Lu Yiping , Song Ming , Zhang Nengwei
Published: June 2015

It is undetermined when and how laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) should be used in patients with common bile duct (CBD) stone-related nonsevere acute cholangitis. We aimed to evaluate the effect of LCBDE on the clinical outcome of those patients within (early) or beyond (delayed) 72 hours of emergent admission. Surgery-related complications, length of hospital stay (LOS) and total cost, as well as demographic and clinical parameters were compared between the two groups. Finally, 3 and 5 patients in early and delayed LCBDE group, respectively, had retained stones, which were removed by choledochoscopy before T-tube was removed. Each group had 3 patients who developed biliary leak, which was conservatively cured by the drainage. Shorter LOS and less total cost were observed in early group compared to the late one (13.34 ± 4.48 vs. 18.32 ± 9.13, p < 0.05; 17712 ± 5446.63 vs. 21776 ± 7230.41 ¥RMB, p < 0.05). Improvement of cholangitis was achieved in all patients with LCBDE. None of the patients developed stricture of the CBD after LCBDE. To conclude, both early and delayed LCBDE are safe and effective for the treatment of CBD stone-related nonsevere acute cholangitis during emergent admissions. Early LCBDE may be superior to delayed procedure due to the shorter LOS and less cost.
Plasmonic Toroidal Dipolar Response under Radially Polarized Excitation
Authors: Bao Yanjun , Zhu Xing , Fang Zheyu
Published: June 2015

Plasmonic toroidal resonance has attracted growing interests because of its low loss electromagnetic properties and potential high sensitive nanophotonic applications. However, the realization in a metamaterial requires three-dimensional complicated structural design so far. In this paper, we design a simple metal-dielectric-metal (MIM) sandwich nanostructure, which exhibits a strong toroidal dipolar resonance under radially polarized excitation. The toroidal dipole moment as the dominant contribution for the scattering is demonstrated by the mirror-image method and further analyzed by Lagrangian hybridization model. The proposed toroidal configuration also shows a highly tolerant for misalignment between the structure center and the incident light focus. Our study proves the way for the toroidal plasmonic application with the cylindrical vector beams.
A combined micro-solid phase-single drop microextraction approach for trace enrichment of volatile organic compounds
Authors: Bagheri Habib , Zare Maryam , Piri-Moghadam Hamed , Es-haghi Ali
Published: June 2015

The hyphenation of μ-solid phase extraction with headspace single drop microextraction is implemented for trace determination of some organic compounds in paddy and surface waters.
Facile synthesis of 1-trifluoromethylalkenes via the decarboxylation of α-trifluoromethyl-β-lactones
Authors: Veeraraghavan Ramachandran P. , Otoo Barnabas
Published: June 2015

DCC-mediated cyclodehydration of α-trifluoromethyl-β-hydroxy acids provides α-trifluoromethylated β-lactone intermediates, without loss of stereoselectivity. These lactones undergo facile decarboxylation providing a simple route to obtain both alkyl and aryl 1-trifluoromethyl alkenes in excellent yields and stereoselectivity.
[Cp*RhCl2]2: mechanosynthesis and applications in C–H bond functionalisations under ball-milling conditions
Authors: Hernández José G. , Bolm Carsten
Published: June 2015

Under LAG conditions, [Cp*RhCl2]2was prepared by mechanochemical synthesis and applied in directed C–H bond funtionalisations.
Recent strategies to develop self-healable crosslinked polymeric networks
Authors: An So Young , Arunbabu Dhamodaran , Noh Seung Man , Song Young Kyu , Oh Jung Kwon
Published: June 2015

Autonomous self-healable crosslinked materials designed with built-in ability to repair physical damage and cracks can prevent catastrophic failure and thus extend the lifetime of materials.
A straightforward entry to chiral carbocyclic nucleoside analogues via the enantioselective [3+2] cycloaddition of α-nucleobase substituted acrylates
Authors: Xie Ming-Sheng , Wang Yong , Li Jian-Ping , Du Cong , Zhang Yan-Yan , Hao Er-Jun , Zhang Yi-Ming , Qu Gui-Rong , Guo Hai-Ming
Published: June 2015

A straightforward entry to chiral carbocyclic nucleoside analogues is achievedviathe enantioselective [3+2] cycloaddition of α-nucleobase substituted acrylates to vinyl cyclopropanes.
Controlling the flexibility and single-crystal to single-crystal interpenetration reconstitution of metal–organic frameworks
Authors: Zhou Dong-Dong , Liu Zhi-Juan , He Chun-Ting , Liao Pei-Qin , Zhou Hao-Long , Zhong Zhen-Song , Lin Rui-Biao , Zhang Wei-Xiong , Zhang Jie-Peng , Chen Xiao-Ming
Published: June 2015

By controlling the guest accessibility to open metal sites, MOFs can select interpenetration reconstitution or not.
The effects of molecular flexibility and substituents on conformational polymorphism in a series of 2,5-diamino-3,6-dicyanopyrazine dyes with highly flexible groups
Authors: Akune Yoko , Gontani Haruyuki , Hirosawa Risa , Koseki Atsushi , Matsumoto Shinya
Published: June 2015

The flexibility of the dibenzylamino groups and the terminal substituents played an important role in the conformational polymorphism of diaminodicyanopyrazine dyes.
An insight into defect relaxation in metastable ZnO reflected by a unique luminescence and Raman evolutions
Authors: Zeng Haibo , Ning Xue , Li Xiaoming
Published: June 2015

Defects play a crucial role in semiconductors, but a facile method to observe defect variation inside semiconductors is still absent.
Rate constants for the slow Mu + propane abstraction reaction at 300 K by diamagnetic RF resonance
Authors: Fleming Donald G. , Cottrell Stephen P. , McKenzie Iain , Ghandi Khashayar
Published: June 2015

The rate constant for the slow Mu + propane abstraction reaction has been determined by diamagnetic RF resonance. The curves show simulations of the μSR resonance signal. This study provides an important new test of reaction rate theory for the alkanes.
A CO32−-containing, dimanganese-substituted silicotungstate trimer, K9[H14{SiW10MnIIMnIIIO38}3(CO3)]·39H2O
Authors: Yang Ling , Liu Qisen , Ma Pengtao , Niu Jingyang , Wang Jingping
Published: June 2015

An unprecedented dimanganese-substituted silicotungstate trimer K9[H14{SiW10MnIIMnIIIO38}3(CO3)]·39H2O was synthesized, in which the CO32− resides inside the three Keggin {SiW10MnIIMnIIIO38} units.
Carbene insertion into a P–H bond: parent phosphinidene–carbene adducts from PH3 and bis(phosphinidene)mercury complexes
Authors: Bispinghoff Mark , Tondreau Aaron M. , Grützmacher Hansjörg , Faradji Charly A. , Pringle Paul G.
Published: June 2015

The insertion of an N-heterocyclic carbene into a P–H bond is the first step in a new synthesis of parent phosphinidene–carbene adducts from PH3. These adducts are used to generate bis(phosphinidene)mercury(ii) complexes.
One-step synthesis of nickel and cobalt phosphide nanomaterials via decomposition of hexamethylenetetramine-containing precursors
Authors: Yao Zhiwei , Wang Guanzhang , Shi Yan , Zhao Yu , Jiang Jun , Zhang Yichi , Wang Haiyan
Published: June 2015

New hexamethylenetetramine (HMT)-containing precursors were used to prepare well dispersed Ni2P and Co2P nanoparticles.
Highly luminescent gold nanoparticles: effect of ruthenium distance for nanoprobes with enhanced lifetimes
Authors: Osborne Shani A. M. , Pikramenou Zoe
Published: June 2015

The photophysical properties of gold nanoparticles, AuNPs, with sizes of 13, 50 and 100 nm in diameter, coated with surface-active ruthenium complexes have been studied to investigate the effect of the distance of the ruthenium luminescent centre from the gold surface. Luminescence lifetimes of the three ruthenium probes, RuS1, RuS6 and RuS12, with different length spacer units between the surface active groups and the ruthenium centre were taken. The metal complexes were attached to AuNP13, AuNP50 and AuNP100via thiol groups using a method of precoating the nanoparticles with a fluorinated surfactant. The luminescence lifetime of the longer spacer unit complex, RuS12, was enhanced by 70% upon attachment to the AuNP when compared to the increase of the short and medium linker unit complexes, RuS1 (20%) and RuS6 (40%) respectively. The effect of the surfactant in the lifetime increase of the ruthenium coated AuNPs was shown to be larger for the medium spacer probe, RuS6. There was no effect of the change of the size of the AuNPs from 13 to 50 or 100 nm.
A microfluidic platform with digital readout and ultra-low detection limit for quantitative point-of-care diagnostics
Authors: Li Ying , Xuan Jie , Song Yujun , Wang Ping , Qin Lidong
Published: June 2015

The DV-chip presents a digital bar chart for the biomarker detection based on direct competition between O2generated by the experimental and control samples. The digital readout clearly and accurately defines target concentration and further indicates the disease status.
Synthesis and anti-cancer screening of novel heterocyclic-(2H)-1,2,3-triazoles as potential anti-cancer agents
Authors: Penthala Narsimha Reddy , Madhukuri Leena , Thakkar Shraddha , Madadi Nikhil Reddy , Lamture Gauri , Eoff Robert L. , Crooks Peter A.
Published: June 2015

Novel, stable combretastatin-A4 heterocyclic (2H)-1,2,3-triazole analogues displayed potent cytotoxic activity against both hematological and solid tumor cell lines with GI50 values in the low nanomolar range.
Concise diastereoselective synthesis of calcaripeptide C via asymmetric transfer hydrogenation/Pd-induced chiral allenylzinc as a key reaction
Authors: Kumaraswamy Gullapalli , Narayanarao Vykunthapu , Raju Ragam
Published: June 2015

The synthesis of the cyclodepsipeptide calcaripeptide C was accomplished with an overall yield of 10.7% by a catalytic asymmetric transfer hydrogenation (ATH) together with Marshall's allenylation as pivotal reactions.
CD4 D3-binding probe: a novel fluorescence tool for detection and enumeration of CD4+ cells
Authors: Ehsani M. , Emamzadeh R. , Zarkesh-Esfahani S. H. , Nazari M.
Published: June 2015

A new and advanced CD4-binding reporter has been designed, produced and functionally assayed for the detection of T-helper cells.
Synthesis of polyoxymethylene dimethyl ethers from methylal and trioxane catalyzed by Brønsted acid ionic liquids with different alkyl groups
Authors: Wu Qin , Li Weijiao , Wang Min , Hao Yu , Chu Tonghua , Shang Jiqing , Li Hansheng , Zhao Yun , Jiao Qingze
Published: June 2015

The carbon chain length of ILs has effect on its catalytic activity and [C6ImBS][HSO4]shows the best catalytic performance.
Graphene oxide nanosheets: a highly efficient and reusable carbocatalyst catalyzes the Michael-cyclization reactions of 4-hydroxycoumarins, 4-hydroxypyrone and 4-hydroxy-1-methylquinolinone with chalcone derivatives in aqueous media
Authors: Kausar Nazia , Ghosh Partha Pratim , Pal Gargi , Das Asish R.
Published: June 2015

Graphene oxide nanosheets: a highly efficient and reusable carbocatalyst catalyzes the Michael-cyclization reactions of 4-hydroxycoumarins, 4-hydroxypyrone and 4-hydroxy-1-methylquinolinone with chalcone derivatives in aqueous media.
Controllable synthesis of graphene nanoscroll-wrapped Fe3O4 nanoparticles and their lithium-ion battery performance
Authors: Yang Bingjun , Zhao Jinping , Chen Jiangtao , He Mu , Xu Shan
Published: June 2015

The mass ratio of Fe3O4/GO plays an important role in determining the structure and the electrochemical performance of Fe3O4@GNS.
Synergistic effect of donors on tetracyanobutadine (TCBD) substituted ferrocenyl pyrenes
Authors: Dhokale Bhausaheb , Jadhav Thaksen , Mobin Shaikh M. , Misra Rajneesh
Published: June 2015

The ferrocenyl substituted pyrenes 2, 3a–3c, 4a and 4b were designed and synthesized using Suzuki and Sonogashira cross-coupling, and [2+2] cycloaddition–retroelectrocyclization reactions.
Synthesis, electron transfer and photocatalytic activity of TiO2 nanotubes sensitized by meso-tetra(4-carboxyphenyl)porphyrin under visible-light irradiation
Authors: Wei Meng , Wan Junmin , Hu Zhiwen , Wang Bing , Peng Zhiqin
Published: June 2015

Porphyrin plays a crucial role in the process of photocatalysis, porphyrin compounds are naturally suitable antennas for solar energy collection and promising direct solar energy-to-chemical conversion equipment.
C/Si/core–shell structured TiO2@TiO2−x nanocomposites with excellent visible-light photocatalytic performance
Authors: Wei Shunhang , Wu Rong , Jian Jikang , Sun Yanfei
Published: June 2015

C/Si/core–shell structured TiO2@TiO2−x nanocomposites were obtained by combining C, Si and black TiO2.
Use of extension-deformation-based crystallisation of silk fibres to differentiate their functions in nature
Authors: Numata Keiji , Masunaga Hiroyasu , Hikima Takaaki , Sasaki Sono , Sekiyama Kazuhide , Takata Masaki
Published: June 2015

β-Sheet crystals play an important role in determining the stiffness, strength, and optical properties of silk and in the exhibition of silk-type-specific functions.
Highly active and selective Ti-incorporated porous silica catalysts derived from grafting of titanium(iv)acetylacetonate
Authors: Fukuda Miki , Tsunoji Nao , Yagenji Yuya , Ide Yusuke , Hayakawa Shinjiro , Sadakane Masahiro , Sano Tsuneji
Published: June 2015

Ti(iv)acetylacetonate-grafted porous silicas showed high catalytic activities for the epoxidations of cyclohexene and limonene with tert-butyl hydroperoxide as an oxidant.
Highly active ruthenium oxide coating via ALD and electrochemical activation in supercapacitor applications
Authors: Warren Roseanne , Sammoura Firas , Tounsi Fares , Sanghadasa Mohan , Lin Liwei
Published: June 2015

Vertically aligned CNTs exhibit 100× and 170× higher capacitance when coated with ALD RuOx and after further electrochemical oxidation, respectively.
Non-toxic, non-biocide-release antifouling coatings based on molecular structure design for marine applications
Authors: Nurioglu Ayda G. , Esteves A. Catarina C. , de With Gijsbertus
Published: June 2015

Antifouling (AF) coatings bring economic benefits but raise environmental and health concerns. Non-toxic, non-biocide-release AF strategies are reviewed according to “detachment of biofoulants” and “prevention of attachment” approaches. Chemical and physical aspects of AF mechanisms and new amphiphilic, superhydrophilic and topographic AF strategies are discussed.
Near-infrared-triggered in situ hybrid hydrogel system for synergistic cancer therapy
Authors: Zhang Huijuan , Zhu Xiali , Ji Yandan , Jiao Xiaojing , Chen Qianqian , Hou Lin , Zhang Hongling , Zhang Zhenzhong
Published: June 2015

The photo-polymerization of PEGDA hydrogel and its synergetic anti-tumor effect triggered by a single NIR laser.