bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of bacterial diversity in full scale anammox bioreactors operated under different conditions
Authors: Gonzalez‐Martinez Alejandro , Osorio Francisco , Morillo Jose A. , Rodriguez‐Sanchez Alejandro , Gonzalez‐Lopez Jesus , Abbas Ben A. , van Loosdrecht Mark C. M.
Published: August 2015

Bacterial community structure of full‐scale anammox bioreactor is still mainly unknown. It has never been analyzed whether different anammox bioreactor configurations might result in the development of different bacterial community structures among these systems. In this work, the bacterial community structure of six full‐scale autotrophic nitrogen removal bioreactors located in The Netherlands and China operating under three different technologies and with different influent wastewater characteristics was studied by the means of pyrotag sequencing evaluation of the bacterial assemblage yielded a great diversity in all systems. The most represented phyla were the Bacteroidetes and the Proteobacteria, followed by the Planctomycetes. 14 OTUs were shared by all bioreactors, but none of them belonged to the Brocadiales order. Statistical analysis at OTU level showed that differences in the microbial communities were high, and that the main driver of the bacterial assemblage composition was different for the distinct phyla identified in the six bioreactors, depending on bioreactor technology or influent wastewater characteristics. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 31:1464–1472, 2015
Changing Biosynthetic Profiles by Expressing bldA in Streptomyces Strains
Authors: Gessner Arne , Heitzler Tanja , Zhang Songya , Klaus Christine , Murillo Renato , Zhao Hanna , Vanner Stephanie , Zechel David L. , Bechthold Andreas
Published: August 2015

Recently we described an unusual way of activating a cryptic gene cluster when we explored the origin of the bald phenotype of Streptomyces calvus. Complementation of S. calvus with a correct copy of bldA restored sporulation and additionally promoted production of a new natural products. In this study we report on the expression of bldA in several Streptomyces strains that have been described as “poorly sporulating” strains. In seven out of 15 cases, HPLC profiling revealed the production of new compounds, and in two cases the overproduction of known compounds. Two compounds were isolated and their structures were determined.
Effect of Wastewater Nitrification/Denitrification Treatment on Biofilm Expansion and Ammonia‐Oxidizing/Denitrifying Community
Authors: Rajeb Asma Ben , Mehri Inès , Nasr Houda , Hassen Abdennaceur
Published: August 2015

By considering its importance in biological wastewater treatment systems, biofilm formation over time and under activated sludge inoculation in a fixed biomass reactor was investigated. Experiments were conducted on a reactor composed of two successive PVC columns; a first gravel column and a second sandy one. The physico–chemical and bacteriological quality of treated water at the outlet of the biological reactor was tracked. Furthermore, a quantitative and qualitative study was made on the biofilm before and after addition of a carbon source. Thus, the attached volatile solid (AVS), exopolysaccharides (EPS), proteins (PN), and microbial DNA were quantified. The results showed that in the first column and at 80 and 168 cm depth, AVS and DNA were greater than those registered at 5 cm. A similar result was observed in the second column. Nevertheless, at the second sandy column and after sludge addition, the amounts of EPS and PN recorded at depth of 83 and 165 cm were smaller than those obtained at 5 and 10 cm of depth. On the other hand, the polymerase chain reaction‐denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis method coupled with sequence analysis was used to survey the diversity of ammonia‐oxidizing and denitrifying communities. The amoA gene sequencing showed that the majority of the ammonia‐oxidizing communities was affiliated to Nitrosomonas. With the second column sludge addition, the denitrifying community seems to be affected. A great diversity of denitrifying bacteria in 168 cm of depth was observed.
A Robust Matching Method for Low‐Textured Images Based on Co‐Occurrence Probability of Geometry‐Optimized Pixel Patterns
Authors: AKIZUKI SHUICHI , HASHIMOTO MANABU
Published: August 2015

In this paper, we propose a template matching algorithm that is applicable to low‐texture images, such as range images. Among high‐speed template matching methods, the co‐occurrence probability‐based template matching (CPTM) method is useful and effective. This method uses some sets of selected pixel patterns that have relatively low occurrence probability in a template image. By using such a small number of distinctive data, reliable matching has been achieved, in addition to high‐speed processing. However, this method is problematic insofar as the extraction of distinctive pixels is difficult when the distribution of the occurrence probability is uniform. For example, this is frequently found in range images. We improve the CPTM method in order to address this problem. A key idea is to optimize geometric pixel relations in the pixel patterns when the proposed method calculates the occurrence probability of pixel patterns. Experimental results have confirmed that the proposed method increases the detection rate from 73% to 90% without sacrificing its capacity for high speed. This shows that the performance of our method is better than that of conventional methods.
Access Log Analysis with PageRank
Authors: KOKETSU TOMOHIRO , YANAGIMOTO HIDEKAZU , YOSHIOKA MICHIFUMI
Published: August 2015

In recent years there has been an increasing demand for access log analysis for use in marketing, because log data contains information about user behavior. If a user's behavior can be acquired, information about the efficient optimization of Web sites can be provided. The main objective in this paper is to discover knowledge about customers' behaviors in the purchase process based on access log data on an electronic commerce site. We construct a network from the access log data and measure the importance of Web pages by analyzing the network using the PageRank algorithm. Since the network represents customers' transition information, we can evaluate the Web pages according to the customers' behavior. We confirm that the proposed method found rival products and differences in customers' behavior among product categories. We also confirmed that the ranks generated with the proposed method were different from those generated by comparable approaches, specifically the PV and sojourn time.
Numerical Analysis of Substrate‐Incident Carbon Flux in Low‐Pressure Radio‐Frequency CH4 Plasmas for Deposition of Diamond‐Like Carbon Films
Authors: ODA AKINORI , KOUSAKA HIROYUKI
Published: August 2015

Capacitively coupled hydrocarbon (CH4) plasmas used in the deposition of diamond‐like carbon films have been simulated using a self‐consistent one‐dimensional fluid model, incorporating the mass balance equations for electrons, ions, radicals, and nonradicals, as well as the electron energy balance equation, coupled with the Poisson equation. Despite the conditions in the low‐pressure CH4 gas, many positive‐ion species, such as C2H, CH, C2H, and CH have been found in the plasmas. Nonradical neutrals such as C2H4, C3H8, C2H2, and C2H6, have also been found at higher densities comparable to the source gas density. This result indicates that this complexity in the background gas of CH4 plasmas has a substantial effect on the electron energy distribution function, which is important when making determinations about the plasmas properties.
A novel liposomal drug delivery system for PMMA bone cements
Authors: Ayre Wayne Nishio , Birchall James C. , Evans Samuel L. , Denyer Stephen P.
Published: August 2015

The population in developed countries is ageing and the number of people experiencing joint‐related conditions, such as osteoarthritis, is expected to increase. Joint replacements are currently the most effective treatment for severe joint conditions and although many of these procedures are successful, infection developing after the procedure is still an issue, requiring complex and expensive revisions. Whilst incorporating a powdered antibiotic within the bone cement can reduce infection rates, the powder frequently agglomerates, resulting in poor antibiotic release characteristics and compromised mechanical performance of the cement. To overcome these issues, a novel delivery system consisting of antibiotic‐loaded nano‐sized liposomes was developed for inclusion into polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) bone cement. This system was tested in a commercial cement (Palacos R) and consistently delivered a higher percentage (22%) of the incorporated antibiotic when compared to the powdered antibiotic cement (9%), meaning less antibiotic needs to be incorporated than with conventional cement. The novel system resulted in a controlled and gradual release of antibiotic over a longer, 30‐day period and enhanced the toughness, bending strength and Vickers hardness of the cement, without altering its polymerization or molecular structure. This new material has the potential to significantly reduce infections in cemented joint replacements leading to enhanced patient quality of life and reduced healthcare costs. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 104B: 1510–1524, 2016.
Earthworm calcite granules: a new tracker of millennial‐timescale environmental changes in Last Glacial loess deposits
Authors: PRUD'HOMME CHARLOTTE , ANTOINE PIERRE , MOINE OLIVIER , TURPIN ELODIE , HUGUENARD LAURE , ROBERT VINCENT , DEGEAI JEAN‐PHILIPPE
Published: August 2015

Earthworm calcite granules (ECG) are secreted by several earthworm species, mostly Lumbricus terrestris and Lumbricus rubellus, which release them at the surface and in the upper part of soil horizons. For a long time, they have been found in various calcareous Quaternary deposits, but more recently in Western European loess sequences where they can be abundant in specific layers. In this study, we present the first continuous record of ECG abundance variations from two loess sequences in northern France dating from the last glacial period. The aim of this research is to evaluate the reliability of ECG as a new palaeoenvironmental proxy for the study of loess environments. ECG counts reveal a link between their abundance and the nature of stratigraphic units, i.e. very high abundances in tundra gley and boreal brown soil horizons and almost none in typical calcareous loess. These abundance variations are similar to those of terrestrial molluscs. The ECG signal thus suggests, along with sedimentological parameters (grain size index, calcium carbonate, total organic carbon), that milder climatic conditions occurred during the development of tundra gleys during the Upper Pleniglacial (∼20–35 ka), and of boreal brown soils during the Middle Pleniglacial (∼35–40 ka).
Identification of Discrete Prognostic Groups in Ewing Sarcoma
Authors: Karski Erin E. , McIlvaine Elizabeth , Segal Mark R. , Krailo Mark , Grier Holcombe E. , Granowetter Linda , Womer Richard B. , Meyers Paul A. , Felgenhauer Judy , Marina Neyssa , DuBois Steven G.
Published: August 2015

Background

Although multiple prognostic variables have been proposed for Ewing sarcoma (EWS), little work has been done to further categorize these variables into prognostic groups for risk classification.

Procedure

We derived initial prognostic groups from 2,124 patients with EWS in the SEER database. We constructed a multivariable recursive partitioning model of overall survival using the following covariates: age; stage; race/ethnicity; sex; axial primary; pelvic primary; and bone or soft tissue primary. Based on this model, we identified risk groups and estimated 5‐year overall survival for each group using Kaplan–Meier methods. We then applied these groups to 1,680 patients enrolled on COG clinical trials.

Results

A multivariable model identified five prognostic groups with significantly different overall survival: (i) localized, age <18 years, non‐pelvic primary; (ii) localized, age <18, pelvic primary or localized, age ≥18, white, non‐Hispanic; (iii) localized, age ≥18, all races/ethnicities other than white, non‐Hispanic; (iv) metastatic, age <18; and (v) metastatic, age ≥18. These five groups were applied to the COG dataset and showed significantly different overall and event‐free survival based upon this classification system (P < 0.0001). A sub‐analysis of COG patients treated with ifosfamide and etoposide as a component of therapy evaluated these findings in patients receiving contemporary therapy.

Conclusions

Recursive partitioning analysis yields discrete prognostic groups in EWS that provide valuable information for patients and clinicians in determining an individual patient's risk of death. These groups may enable future clinical trials to adjust EWS treatment according to individualized risk. Pediatr Blood Cancer © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Colonic metaproteomic signatures of active bacteria and the host in obesity
Authors: Kolmeder Carolin A. , Ritari Jarmo , Verdam Froukje J. , Muth Thilo , Keskitalo Salla , Varjosalo Markku , Fuentes Susana , Greve Jan Willem , Buurman Wim A. , Reichl Udo , Rapp Erdmann , Martens Lennart , Palva Airi , Salonen Anne , Rensen Sander S. , de Vos Willem M.
Published: August 2015

Obesity is associated with the intestinal microbiota in humans but the underlying mechanisms are yet to be fully understood. Our previous phylogenetic study showed that the faecal microbiota profiles of nonobese versus obese and morbidly obese individuals differed. Here, we have extended this analysis with a characterization of the faecal metaproteome, in order to detect differences at a functional level. Proteins were extracted from crude faecal samples of 29 subjects, separated by 1D gel electrophoresis and characterized using RP LC–MS/MS. The peptide data were analyzed in database searches with two complementary algorithms, OMSSA and X!Tandem, to increase the number of identifications. Evolutionary genealogy of genes: nonsupervised orthologous groups (EggNOG) database searches resulted in the functional annotation of over 90% of the identified microbial and human proteins. Based on both bacterial and human proteins, a clear clustering of obese and nonobese samples was obtained that exceeded the phylogenetic separation in dimension. Moreover, integration of the metaproteomics and phylogenetic datasets revealed notably that the phylum Bacteroidetes was metabolically more active in the obese than nonobese subjects. Finally, significant correlations between clinical measurements and bacterial gene functions were identified. This study emphasizes the importance of integrating data of the host and microbiota to understand their interactions.
Pathoproteomic profiling of the skeletal muscle matrisome in dystrophinopathy associated myofibrosis
Authors: Holland Ashling , Murphy Sandra , Dowling Paul , Ohlendieck Kay
Published: August 2015

The gradual accumulation of collagen and associated proteins of the extracellular matrix is a crucial myopathological parameter of many neuromuscular disorders. Progressive tissue damage and fibrosis play a key pathobiochemical role in the dysregulation of contractile functions and often correlates with poor motor outcome in muscular dystrophies. Following a brief introduction into the role of the extracellular matrix in skeletal muscles, we review here the proteomic profiling of myofibrosis and its intrinsic role in X‐linked muscular dystrophy. Although Duchenne muscular dystrophy is primarily a disease of the membrane cytoskeleton, one of its most striking histopathological features is a hyperactive connective tissue and tissue scarring. We outline the identification of novel factors involved in the modulation of the extracellular matrix in muscular dystrophy, such as matricellular proteins. The establishment of novel proteomic markers will be helpful in improving the diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy monitoring in relation to fibrotic substitution of contractile tissue. In the future, the prevention of fibrosis will be crucial for providing optimum conditions to apply novel pharmacological treatments, as well as establish cell‐based approaches or gene therapeutic interventions. The elimination of secondary abnormalities in the matrisome promises to reduce tissue scarring and the loss of skeletal muscle elasticity.
The importance of emotional intelligence and meaning in life in psycho‐oncology
Authors: Teques Andreia Pereira , Carrera Glória Bueno , Ribeiro José Pais , Teques Pedro , Ramón Ginés Llorca
Published: August 2015

Objective

Cancer was considered the disease of the 20th century, and the management, treatment, and adaptation of patients to general wellbeing were worldwide concerns. Emotional intelligence has frequently been associated with wellbeing and considered one important factor to optimal human functioning. The purpose of the present study was to test the differences regarding the relationship between emotional intelligence, purpose in life, and satisfaction with life between cancer and healthy people.

Methods

This model was tested using structural path analysis in two independent samples. First, in a general Portuguese population without chronic disease, 214 participants (nmale = 41, nfemale = 173; Mage = 53). Second, in 202 patients with cancer (nmale = 40, nfemale = 162; Mage = 58.65). A two‐step methodology was used to test the research hypothesis.

Results

First, a confirmatory factor analysis supported the measurement model. All factors also show reliability, convergent, and discriminate validity. Second, the path coefficients for each model indicate that the proposed relationships differ significantly according to the groups. The perception capacities of emotional intelligence were more related to satisfaction with life and purpose in life in oncologic patients than in the general population without chronic disease, specifically emotional understanding and regulation. Likewise, the relationship between purpose in life and satisfaction with life in oncologic patients was significantly higher than for the general population.

Conclusion

The current findings thus suggest that emotional intelligence and purpose in life are potential components to promoting satisfaction in life in healthy people and more so in oncologic patients. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Utility‐based optimization of phase II/III programs
Authors: Kirchner Marietta , Kieser Meinhard , Götte Heiko , Schüler Armin
Published: August 2015

Phase II and phase III trials play a crucial role in drug development programs. They are costly and time consuming and, because of high failure rates in late development stages, at the same time risky investments. Commonly, sample size calculation of phase III is based on the treatment effect observed in phase II. Therefore, planning of phases II and III can be linked. The performance of the phase II/III program crucially depends on the allocation of the resources to phases II and III by appropriate choice of the sample size and the rule applied to decide whether to stop the program after phase II or to proceed. We present methods for a program‐wise phase II/III planning that aim at determining optimal phase II sample sizes and go/no‐go decisions in a time‐to‐event setting. Optimization is based on a utility function that takes into account (fixed and variable) costs of the drug development program and potential gains after successful launch. The proposed methods are illustrated by application to a variety of scenarios typically met in oncology drug development. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dexippus and the Gothic Invasions: Interpreting the New Vienna Fragment (Codex Vindobonensis Hist. gr.73, ff. 192v–193r)
Authors: Mallan Christopher , Davenport Caillan
Published: August 2015

This article presents an English translation and analysis of a new historical fragment, probably from Dexippus’Scythica, published by Gunther Martin and Jana Grusková in 2014. The fragment, preserved in a palimpsest in the Austrian National Library, describes a Gothic attack on Thessalonica and the subsequent preparations of the Greeks to repel the barbarian force as it moved south into Achaia. The new text provides several important details of historical, prosopographical and historiographical significance, which challenge both our existing understanding of the events in Greece during the reign of Gallienus and the reading of the main literary sources for this period. In this article we look to secure the Dexippan authorship of the fragment, identify the individuals named in the text, and date the events described in the text to the early 260sa.d.
FromTopostoOikos: The Standardization of Glass Containers as Epistemic Boundaries in Modern Laboratory Research (1850–1900)
Authors: Espahangizi Kijan
Published: August 2015

Argument

Glass vessels such as flasks and test tubes play an ambiguous role in the historiography of modern laboratory research. In spite of the strong focus on the role of materiality in the last decades, the scientific glass vessel – while being symbolically omnipresent – has remained curiously neglected in regard to its materiality. The popular image ortoposof the transparent, neutral, and quasi-immaterial glass container obstructs the view of the physico-chemical functionality of this constitutive inner boundary in modern laboratory environments and its material historicity. In order to understand how glass vessels were able to provide a stable epistemic containment of spatially enclosed experimental phenomena in the new laboratory ecologies emerging in the nineteenth and early twentieth century, I will focus on the history of thematerialstandardization of laboratory glassware. I will follow the rise of a new awareness for measurement errors due to the chemical agency of experimental glass vessels, then I will sketch the emergence of a whole techno-scientific infrastructure for the improvement of glass container quality in late nineteenth-century Germany. In the last part of my argument, I will return to the laboratory by looking at the implementation of this glass reform that created a newoikosfor the inner experimental milieus of modern laboratory research.
Relation of intelligence quotient and body mass index in preschool children: a community-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Tabriz A A , Sohrabi M-R , Parsay S , Abadi A , Kiapour N , Aliyari M , Ahmadi F , Roodaki A
Published: August 2015

Objective:

Overweight and obesity in children is a global problem. Besides physical effects, obesity has harmful psychological effects on children.

Methods:

We carried out cross-sectional community-based study to investigate the relation between body mass index (BMI) and cognitive functioning in preschool children. Thirteen socioeconomical elements of 1151 children were measured and analyzed based on their intelligence quotient (IQ) test results. Thirteen out of 33 provinces were selected randomly, and schools were selected as clusters in rural and urban areas. Descriptive statistics,t-test, analysis of variance and regression were used when appropriate.

Results:

Our analysis showed that IQ was associated with household income, place of residence, delivery type, type of infant feeding and father’s and mother’s education level (P<0.001 for all). Using penalized linear regression for eliminating the impact of confounding factor, our study shows that, living in metropolitan (β=2.411) and urban areas (β=2.761), the level of participants’ father's education (β=5.251) was positively and BMI (β=−0.594) was negatively related with IQ test results.

Conclusions

The findings of the present study showed that a lower IQ score is associated with higher BMI. However, this relation appears to be largely mediated when the socioeconomic status was considered.
DNA sequencing with MspA: Molecular Dynamics simulations reveal free-energy differences between sequencing and non-sequencing mutants
Authors: Manara Richard M.A. , Jayne Wallace E. , Khalid Syma
Published: August 2015

MspA has been identified as a promising candidate protein as a component of a nanopore-based DNA-sequencing device. However the wildtype protein must be engineered to incorporate all of the features desirable for an accurate and efficient device. In the present study we have utilized atomistic molecular dynamics to perform umbrella-sampling calculations to calculate the potential of mean force (PMF) profiles for translocation of the four DNA nucleotides through MspA. We show there is an energetic barrier to translocation of individual nucleotides through a mutant that closely resembles the wildtype protein, but not through a mutant engineered for the purpose of sequencing. Crucially we are able to quantify the change in free energy for mutating key residues. Thus providing a quantitative characterisation of the energetic impact of individual amino acid sidechains on nucleotide translocation through the pore of MspA.
Subalpine Pyrenees received higher nitrogen deposition than predicted by EMEP and CHIMERE chemistry-transport models
Authors: Boutin Marion , Lamaze Thierry , Couvidat Florian , Pornon André
Published: August 2015

Deposition of reactive nitrogen (N) from the atmosphere is expected to be the third greatest driver of biodiversity loss by the year 2100. Chemistry-transport models are essential tools to estimate spatially explicit N deposition but the reliability of their predictions remained to be validated in mountains. We measured N deposition and air concentration over the subalpine Pyrenees. N deposition was found to range from 797 to 1,463 mg N m−2 year−1. These values were higher than expected from model predictions, especially for nitrate, which exceeded the estimations of EMEP by a factor of 2.6 and CHIMERE by 3.6. Our observations also displayed a reversed reduced-to-oxidized ratio in N deposition compared with model predictions. The results highlight that the subalpine Pyrenees are exposed to higher levels of N deposition than expected according to standard predictions and that these levels exceed currently recognized critical loads for most high-elevation habitats. Our study reveals a need to improve the evaluation of N deposition in mountains which are home to a substantial and original part of the world’s biodiversity.
Heat-induced formation of one-dimensional coordination polymers on Au(111): an STM study
Authors: Pham Tuan Anh , Song Fei , Alberti Mariza N. , Nguyen Manh-Thuong , Trapp Nils , Thilgen Carlo , Diederich François , Stöhr Meike
Published: August 2015

Upon annealing, H-bonded nanoribbons are transformed into 1D coordination polymers on Au(111) governed by an unusual threefold coordination bonding motif.
Insights into N-doping in single-walled carbon nanotubes for enhanced activation of superoxides: a mechanistic study
Authors: Duan Xiaoguang , Ao Zhimin , Sun Hongqi , Zhou Li , Wang Guoxiu , Wang Shaobin
Published: August 2015

Nitrogen-doped SWCNTs with enhanced carbocatalysis were investigated in the activation of superoxides by advanced oxidation and theoretical calculations.
A SERS active bimetallic core–satellite nanostructure for the ultrasensitive detection of Mucin-1
Authors: Feng Jingjing , Wu Xiaoling , Ma Wei , Kuang Hua , Xu Liguang , Xu Chuanlai
Published: August 2015

In this study, we established gold nanorods (Au NRs) core–silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) satellite assemblies as an ultrasensitive aptamer-based SERS sensor for the detection of Mucin-1, a specific breast cancer marker protein.
Wide gamut white light emitting diodes using quantum dot-silicone film protected by an atomic layer deposited TiO2 barrier
Authors: Chen Guan-Hong , Yeh Chang-Wei , Yeh Ming-Hua , Ho Shih-Jung , Chen Hsueh-Shih
Published: August 2015

Wide gamut LEDs using QD-silicone film protected by ALD TiO2 film. The QDs with multimodal size distribution are synthesised by a one-pot method.
A catalytic hydroesterification process using HCO2Na, Ru3(CO)12 and alcohols for the preparation of ester modified polybutadienes
Authors: Park Woo-Jin , Lee Chang-Hee , Kim Dong-Su , Jun Chul-Ho
Published: August 2015

A chelation-assisted hydroesterification method for the preparation of modified polybutadiene was developed.
Synthesis of tetrahalide dianions directed by crystal engineering
Authors: Pan F. , Puttreddy R. , Rissanen K. , Englert U.
Published: August 2015

The analogy between hydrogen bonds and halogen bonds was used to synthesize the unstable [X⋯I–I⋯X]2− species by trapping I2 in the channels of macrocyclic compounds.
Multi odd–even effects on cell parameters, melting points, and optical properties of chiral crystal solids based on S-naproxen
Authors: Tang Gui-Mei , Wang Jin-Hua , Zhao Chao , Wang Yong-Tao , Cui Yue-Zhi , Cheng Fei-Yue , Ng Seik Weng
Published: August 2015

Chiral solids based onS-naproxen alternatively crystallize inP21andP212121, respectively, which show the odd–even effects on cell parameters, melting points, and luminescence.
Adsorbing a PVDF polymer via noncovalent interactions to effectively tune the electronic and magnetic properties of zigzag SiC nanoribbons
Authors: Li Hui , Chen Wei , Sun Yuanhui , Huang Xuri , Yu Guangtao
Published: August 2015

Noncovalent surface-modification by a polymer can be an effective strategy to modulate the electronic and magnetic behavior of zSiCNRs.
Nanometric distance measurements between Mn(ii)DOTA centers
Authors: Vincent Ching H. Y. , Demay-Drouhard Paul , Bertrand Hélène C. , Policar Clotilde , Tabares Leandro C. , Un Sun
Published: August 2015

The distance between two Mn(ii)DOTA complexes attached to the ends of polyproline helices of varying lengths was measured by 94 GHz PELDOR spectroscopy with good accuracy demonstrating their effectiveness as spin-labels.
Chirally-modified metal surfaces: energetics of interaction with chiral molecules
Authors: Dementyev Petr , Peter Matthias , Adamovsky Sergey , Schauermann Swetlana
Published: August 2015

Imparting chirality to non-chiral metal surfaces by adsorption of chiral modifiers is a highly promising route to create effective heterogeneously catalyzed processes for the production of enantiopure pharmaceuticals.
Structural, optical and photoelectrochemical characterizations of monoclinic Ta3N5 thin films
Authors: Khan Sherdil , Zapata Maximiliano J. M. , Pereira Marcelo B. , Gonçalves Renato V. , Strizik Lukas , Dupont Jairton , Santos Marcos J. L. , Teixeira Sérgio R.
Published: August 2015

Monoclinic Ta3N5 thin films were synthesized by thermal nitridation of directly sputtered Ta2O5 films. The dielectric constant of Ta3N5 film was found to be in between 7–9 and its band structure has shown a strong dependence on the pH of the electrolyte.
Sub-surface alloying largely influences graphene nucleation and growth over transition metal substrates
Authors: Zhang Liying , Zhao Xingju , Xue Xinlian , Shi Jinlei , Li Chong , Ren Xiaoyan , Niu Chunyao , Jia Yu , Guo Zhengxiao , Li Shunfang
Published: August 2015

Sub-surface alloying (SSA) can be an effective approach to tuning surface functionalities.
Selective binding and extraction of aqueous dihydrogen phosphate solutions via three-armed thiourea receptors
Authors: Beletskiy Evgeny V. , Kass Steven R.
Published: August 2015

A three-armed thiourea host that strongly and selectively binds H2PO4−and extracts HPO42−from water into chloroform.
The role of hydrazine in mixed fuels (H2O2/N2H4) for Au–Fe/Ni nanomotors
Authors: Xiao Qing , Li Ju , Han Jing , Xu Kai-Xuan , Huang Zong-Xiong , Hu Juan , Sun Jian-Jun
Published: August 2015

Hydrazine in mixed fuels facilitates the oxidation of H2O2 to oxygen bubbles that propel the Au–Fe/Ni nanomotors.
Fabrication of field-effect transistors and functional nanogenerators using hydrothermally grown ZnO nanowires
Authors: Opoku C. , Dahiya A. S. , Cayrel F. , Poulin-Vittrant G. , Alquier D. , Camara N.
Published: August 2015

We demonstrate single crystalline ZnO nanowire (NW) production using hydrothermal process. Single NW field-effect transistors (FETs) and functional piezoelectric nanogenerators (NGs) are demonstrated by thermal annealing of the NWs in air at ~450 °C.
Fracture toughness and failure mechanisms in un-vulcanized and dynamically vulcanized PP/EPDM/MWCNT blend-nanocomposites
Authors: Khodabandelou Mehrdad , Razavi Aghjeh Mir Karim , Mazidi Majid Mehrabi
Published: August 2015

Addition of MWCNTs into the PP/EPDM blend reduced theweand enhanced theβwp. In the blend-nanocomposites large MWCNT aggregates acted as favored sites for crack initiation, and the individual MWCNT impregnated fibrils arrested the crack propagation.
How to make a green product greener: use of ionic liquids as additives during essential oil hydrodistillation
Authors: Flamini Guido , Melai Bernardo , Pistelli Luisa , Chiappe Cinzia
Published: August 2015

This paper reports on the possibility to use simple ILs as additives during hydrodistillation to increase significantly essential oil yield without modification in composition.
Protein mediated textile dye filtration using graphene oxide–polysulfone composite membranes
Authors: Mokkapati V. R. S. S. , Koseoglu Imer Derya Yuksel , Yilmaz Nurmiray , Ozguz Volkan , Koyuncu Ismail
Published: August 2015

Protein mediated textile dye filtration using graphene oxide (2%)–polysulfone composite membranes is studied for which the maximum rejection was recorded at pH = 2.
Enhanced photocatalysis activity of ferroelectric KNbO3 nanofibers compared with antiferroelectric NaNbO3 nanofibers synthesized by electrospinning
Authors: Huan Yu , Wang Xiaohui , Hao Weichang , Li Longtu
Published: August 2015

Ferroelectric KNbO3 exhibits higher photocatalytic efficiency than antiferroelectric NaNbO3 because of the internal polar electric field in KNbO3.
A new CO2-resistant Ruddlesden–Popper oxide with superior oxygen transport: A-site deficient (Pr0.9La0.1)1.9(Ni0.74Cu0.21Ga0.05)O4+δ
Authors: Xue Jian , Liao Qing , Chen Wei , Bouwmeester Henny J. M. , Wang Haihui , Feldhoff Armin
Published: August 2015

A-site deficient (Pr0.9La0.1)1.9Ni0.74Cu0.21Ga0.05O4+δ((PL)1.9NCG), with the K2NiF4structure, is found to exhibit higher oxygen transport rates compared with its cation-stoichiometric parent phase.
Facile synthesis of nitrogen-doped carbon nanosheets with hierarchical porosity for high performance supercapacitors and lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Yu Xiaoliang , Zhao Jianfeng , Lv Ruitao , Liang Qinghua , Zhan Changzhen , Bai Yu , Huang Zheng-Hong , Shen Wanci , Kang Feiyu
Published: August 2015

Nitrogen-doped hierarchical porous carbon nanosheets were prepared through co-pyrolysis of magnesium citrate and potassium citrate and the following NH3treatment.
In situ cross-linked and highly carboxylated poly(vinyl alcohol) nanofibrous membranes for efficient adsorption of proteins
Authors: Wang Xiaoliang , Fu Qiuxia , Wang Xueqin , Si Yang , Yu Jianyong , Wang Xueli , Ding Bin
Published: August 2015

In situ cross-linked and highly carboxylated poly(vinyl alcohol) nanofibrous membranes for lysozyme adsorption were fabricated by a combination of electrospinning and graft polymerization of poly(vinyl alcohol) and maleic anhydride.
Post-mortem glycolysis in skeletal muscle. The extent of glycolysis in diluted preparation of mammalian muscle
Authors: Newbold RP , Lee CA
Published: August 2015

1. Sheep-, rabbit- and ox-muscle minces prepared soon after slaughter were diluted with 1 vol. of 0.16 m-potassium chloride in the absence (potassium chloride mince) and presence of added cofactor or glycolysable substrate, and the effects on the ultimate pH were examined. 2. Changes in the concentrations of glycogen and lactate and the concentrations of some phosphorus-containing fractions were determined in ox-muscle preparations. 3. Glycolysis ceased at appreciably higher pH in the potassium chloride mince than in undiluted mince. The inclusion of glycogen, ATP, ADP, NAD or magnesium chloride in the diluent had little effect on the ultimate pH of the diluted mince. 4. Lactic acid production continued at lower pH values in diluted mince containing added glucose 1-phosphate, fructose 1,6-diphosphate or glucose plus hexokinase than in potassium chloride mince. 5. The evidence points to failure of the phosphorylase step being responsible for the dilution effect.
Depletion of glycogen synthetase and increase of glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase in livers of ethionine-treated mice
Authors: Sie HG , Hablanian A
Published: August 2015

1. Ethionine-treated mice showed a marked depletion in liver glycogen, a decrease of glycogen-synthetase activity, an increase in activity of glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase and the solubilization of phosphorylase. 2. The administration of cortisol or glucose did not alleviate these changes but the effect of ethionine was completely prevented in animals given methionine as well as ethionine. 3. The activities of the following enzymes were unchanged: hexokinase, glucokinase, glucose 6-phosphatase, phosphoglucomutase, 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase, UDP-glucose pyrophosphorylase, UDP-glucose dehydrogenase and pyruvate kinase.
The effect of ultraviolet irradiation on soluble collagen
Authors: Cooper DR , Davidson RJ
Published: August 2015

1. The effect of ultraviolet irradiation on acid-soluble and neutral-salt-soluble calf-skin collagen was studied by chromatography, gel filtration, amino acid analysis and sedimentation of the sub-units, and the reaction kinetics of degradation were obtained from viscosity and optical rotation measurements. 2. It was demonstrated that, whereas the structure of neutral-salt-soluble calf-skin collagen may be represented by the formula (alpha(1))(2)alpha(2), the acid-soluble extract has the formula alpha(1).(alpha(2))(2). The acid-soluble collagen is also unusual in containing a large amount of a component that could be beta(22). 3. Ultraviolet irradiation causes the progressive degradation of the collagen molecule into smaller molecular fragments that subsequently lose their helical nature. The rate constants show that the denaturation of soluble collagens by ultraviolet irradiation is much slower, under the conditions used, than denaturation by heat or enzymes.
Isolation and structure of mycobactin T, a growth factor from Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Snow GA
Published: August 2015

1. A growth factor for Mycobacterium johnei has been isolated from Mycobacterium tuberculosis as an iron complex; it has been named ferric mycobactin T. 2. Ferric mycobactin T as isolated is a mixture of at least four closely related components differing only in their fatty acid side chains. 3. Mycobactin T resembles mycobactin P in structure but differs in the following respects: (a) the aromatic acid residue is salicylic acid in place of 2-hydroxy-6-methylbenzoic acid; (b) the hydroxy acid residue is (+)-beta-hydroxybutyric acid in place of (-)-3-hydroxy-2-methylpentanoic acid; (c) its components have fatty acid side chains that are mostly different from the side chains of the components in mycobactin P preparations. One minor component in mycobactin T has probably a cis-octadec-2-enoyl side chain. The major side-chain components correspond to acids of chain length C(18)-C(21) that are not n-saturated or n-Delta(2)-unsaturated acids. 4. The differences in biosynthesis between mycobactins T and P are discussed.
The flavonol glycosides in the fruit of Pyrus communis L. cultivar Bon Chrétien
Authors: Nortjé BK
Published: August 2015

1. Two new flavonol glycosides were isolated from the fruit of Pyrus communis L. cultivar Bon Chrétien. These were identified as isorhamnetin 3-rhamnogalactoside and a derivative of isorhamnetin 3-glucoside which was associated (possibly acylated) with an unknown aliphatic organic acid. 2. The melting point of isorhamnetin 3-glucoside isolated from Bon Chrétien pears is different from that of isorhamnetin 3-glucoside previously isolated from Argemone mexicana and Calendula officinalis. 3. Isorhamnetin 3-rhamnoglucoside was isolated from the fruit of Pyrus communis L. cultivar Bon Chrétien. This glycoside appears to be identical with narcissin, previously isolated from Narcissus tazetta and Lilium auratum. 4. Isoquercitrin, previously reported to be present in pear leaves, was isolated from the fruit of Bon Chrétien pears. 5. The isolated glycosides were present in the peels and flesh of the fruit, but were absent from the cores.
C-Glycosylflavonoids. The chemistry of orientin and iso-orientin
Authors: Koeppen BH , ROUX DG
Published: August 2015

1. The structures of orientin and iso-orientin have been investigated by periodic acid and ferric chloride oxidation of the tetra-O-methyl derivatives and by identification of the products of oxidation. 2. The preparation and properties of the 3‣,4‣,7-trimethyl ethers of orientin and iso-orientin are described, and the nuclear-magnetic-resonance spectra of orientin, iso-orientin and their tri- and tetra-O-methyl derivatives are discussed. 3. Orientin and iso-orientin are formulated as 8- and 6-C-beta-d-glucopyranosyl-luteolin respectively.
Lactate dehydrogenase isoenzymes of human semen
Authors: Clausen J , Ovlisen B
Published: August 2015

1. A lactate dehydrogenase isoenzyme present in human spermatozoa and semen was isolated and characterized biochemically in term of its pH for optimum activity and by means of K(m) values for lactate, NAD(+) and NAD analogues. The results were compared with those obtained with the human heart-type and the liver-type lactate dehydrogenase isoenzymes. 2. The enzyme was characterized by its resistance to digestion with different proteolytic enzymes. The time for 50% digestion in terms of residual dehydrogenase activity was compared with times obtained for the H(4)- and M(4)-types.
Further observations on the polynucleotide-induced stimulation of protein synthesis by cell-free preparations from rabbit reticulocytes
Authors: Nair KG , Arnstein HRV
Published: August 2015

1. The effect of high-molecular-weight RNA from reticulocyte polyribosomes (messenger RNA) on protein synthesis by subcellular fractions derived from reticulocytes, reported by Arnstein, Cox & Hunt (1964), has now been studied in detail. Optimum response of the cell-free system requires 30-50mm-K(+) and approx. 5mm-Mg(2+) in the pH range 7.4-7.6. 2. RNA stimulates the incorporation into protein of both free amino acids and of aminoacyl residues from s-RNA. Stimulation by either RNA or polyuridylic acid is dependent on a labile factor or enzyme, which is present in the; pH5 fraction' and may be concerned with the formation of new polysomes. Quantitatively the response of the cell-free system to RNA is similar to that of polyuridylic acid, and there appears to be competition between messenger RNA and polyuridylic acid or polyadenylic acid.
The regulation of activity of the enzymes involved in the assimilation of nitrate by higher plants
Authors: Ingle J , Joy K W , Hageman R H
Published: August 2015

1. Possible mechanisms regulating the activities of three enzymes involved in nitrate assimilation, nitrate reductase, nitrite reductase and glutamate dehydrogenase, were studied in radish cotyledons. 2. Nitrate-reductase and nitrite-reductase activities are low in nitrogen-deficient cotyledons, and are induced by their substrates. 3. Glutamate dehydrogenase is present regardless of the nitrogen status, and the enzyme can be increased only slightly by long-term growth on ammonia. 4. Although nitrate is the best inducer of nitrate reductase, lower levels of induction are also obtained with nitrite and ammonia. The experiments did not distinguish between direct or indirect induction by these two molecules. 5. Nitrite reductase is induced by nitrite and only indirectly by nitrate. 6. The induction of both nitrate reductase and nitrite reductase is prevented by the inhibitors actinomycin D, puromycin and cycloheximide, indicating a requirement for the synthesis of RNA and protein. 7. The decay of nitrate reductase, determined after inhibition of protein synthesis, is slower than the synthesis of the enzyme. Nitrite reductase is much more stable than nitrate reductase. 8. The synthesis of nitrate reductase is not repressed by ammonia, but is repressed by growth on a nitrite medium. 9. There is no inhibition of nitrate reductase, nitrite reductase or glutamate dehydrogenase by the normal end products of assimilation, but cyanate is a fairly specific inhibitor of nitrate reductase.
Temperature-dependence of activation and inhibition of rat-brain adenosine triphosphatase activated by sodium and potassium ions
Authors: Gruener N , Avi-Dor Y
Published: August 2015

1. The adenosine-triphosphatase activity of rat-brain microsomes was measured between 0 degrees and 37 degrees . The stimulatory effect of Na(+) plus K(+) on the Mg(2+)-dependent adenosine-triphosphatase activity decreased sharply with decreasing temperature and became negligible at 0 degrees . An Arrhenius plot drawn from the experimental data showed two discontinuities: one at about 6 degrees and the other at about 20 degrees . 2. The increment in activity induced by Na(+) plus K(+) was more sensitive to oligomycin at lower than at higher temperatures, but the opposite was observed for ouabain. The action of oligomycin showed a biphasic character, since below a certain concentration it caused slight activation of Na(+)-plus-K(+)-activated adenosine triphosphatase. 3. Where oligomycin increased the activity of the enzyme, it also enhanced the accumulation of an acid-precipitable phosphorylated compound formed through the transfer of the gamma-phosphate group of [(32)P]ATP to the enzyme system. Stimulatory concentrations of oligomycin did not interfere with K(+)-mediated dephosphorylation of the intermediate, though high concentrations of oligomycin counteracted the effect of K(+). 4. The temperature profile of K(+)-stimulated microsomal phosphatase qualitatively resembled that of microsomal adenosine triphosphatase.
Thermodynamics of the binding of biotin and some analogues by avidin
Authors: Green NM
Published: August 2015

1. The reaction between avidin and biotin was found to be exothermic, DeltaH being -20.3kcal./mole of biotin bound. The corresponding value of DeltaH for streptavidin was -23kcal./mole. 2. The heat evolved was independent of the pH (between 5 and 9), of the buffer (borate or ammonia) and of the fractional saturation of the avidin with biotin. 3. The entropy change for the reaction was zero, and it is suggested that the entropy increase to be expected from hydrophobic interactions was counterbalanced by a decrease in entropy accompanying the formation of buried hydrogen bonds. 4. Modification of the potential hydrogen-bonding sites of the imidazolidone ring led to a decreased heat output and a positive entropy of reaction.
Lipids produced by Epicoccum nigrum in submerged culture
Authors: Foppen F. H. , Gribanovski-Sassu Olga
Published: August 2015

1. The lipids of the red mycelium of the fungus Epicoccum nigrum Link were investigated. Four carotenoid pigments were isolated and identified as β-carotene, γ-carotene, rhodoxanthin and torularhodin. 2. For the first time rhodoxanthin was isolated as a fungal metabolite. 3. Linoleic acid was the major fatty acid in the total lipids. 4. Ergosterol was present in the lipids in the non-esterified form.