bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Father Involvement and Young, Rural African American Men’s Engagement in Substance Misuse and Multiple Sexual Partnerships
Authors: Barton Allen W. , Kogan Steven M. , Cho Junhan , Brown Geoffrey L.
Published: September 2015

This study was designed to examine the associations of biological father and social father involvement during childhood with African American young men’s development and engagement in risk behaviors. With a sample of 505 young men living in the rural South of the United States, a dual mediation model was tested in which retrospective reports of involvement from biological fathers and social fathers were linked to young men’s substance misuse and multiple sexual partnerships through men’s relational schemas and future expectations. Results from structural equation modeling indicated that levels of involvement from biological fathers and social fathers predicted young men’s relational schemas; only biological fathers’ involvement predicted future expectations. In turn, future expectations predicted levels of substance misuse, and negative relational schemas predicted multiple sexual partnerships. Biological fathers’ involvement evinced significant indirect associations with young men’s substance misuse and multiple sexual partnerships through both schemas and expectations; social fathers’ involvement exhibited an indirect association with multiple sexual partnerships through relational schemas. Findings highlight the unique influences of biological fathers and social fathers on multiple domains of African American young men’s psychosocial development that subsequently render young men more or less likely to engage in risk behaviors.
Treatment of Pediatric Diabetic Ketoacidosis in Canada: A Review of Treatment Protocols from Canadian Pediatric Emergency Departments
Authors: Skitch Steven A , Valani Rahim
Published: September 2015

Objective

Diabetes is the most common pediatric endocrine disorder, and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is the leading cause of diabetes-related morbidity and mortality. This article reviews pediatric DKA treatment protocols from across Canada and identifies similarities and differences.

Methods

Pediatric tertiary centres in Canada were asked for a copy of their DKA treatment protocol. For each protocol, we collected information on the amount of initial fluid bolus, maintenance fluid rate, insulin infusion rate, potassium replacement, monitoring and adjustment for serum glucose, administration of bicarbonate, and treatment for cerebral edema.

Results

Responses were obtained from 13 sites. Treatment guidelines were consistent in their recommendations on timing and dosage of intravenous insulin, potassium replacement, monitoring and adjusting for serum glucose, and management of cerebral edema. Variability in treatment protocols was found chiefly in volume of initial fluid bolus (range: 5–20 mL/kg) and length of time boluses should be administered (20–120 min), maintenance fluid rates (based on weight or a 48-hr deficit), and the role of bicarbonate administration.

Conclusions

This is the first review of treatment protocols for pediatric DKA in Canada. It identified many common approaches but noted specific differences in fluid boluses, maintenance fluid rates, and bicarbonate administration. The extent of variation indicates the need for further study, as well as national guidelines that are evidence-based and consistent with best practices.
Human-mobility networks, country income, and labor productivity
Authors: FAGIOLO GIORGIO , SANTONI GIANLUCA
Published: September 2015

This paper asks whether the level of integration of world countries in the international network of temporary human mobility can explain differences in their per-capita income and labor productivity. We disentangle the role played by global country centrality in the network from traditional openness measures, which only account for local, nearest-neighbor linkages through which ideas and knowledge can flow. Using 1995-2010 data, we show that global country centrality in the international temporary human-mobility network enhances both per-capita income and labor productivity. Our results hold cross-sectionally, as well as in a dynamic-panel estimation, and take into account potential endogeneity issues. Our findings imply that how close a country is to the theoretical technological frontier, depends not only on how much she is open to temporary human mobility, but mostly on whether she is embedded in a web of relationships connecting her with other influential partners in the network. Our exercises also suggest that most of the gain in income and productivity can be attained if country centrality in the network comes mostly from influential partners that lie not too far away from, but neither too close to them in the network.
Diet-induced changes in iron and n-3 fatty acid status and associations with cognitive performance in 8–11-year-old Danish children: secondary analyses of the Optimal Well-Being, Development and Health for Danish Children through a Healthy New Nordic Diet School Meal Study
Authors: Sørensen Louise Bergmann , Damsgaard Camilla Trab , Dalskov Stine-Mathilde , Petersen Rikke Agnete , Egelund Niels , Dyssegaard Camilla Brørup , Stark Ken D. , Andersen Rikke , Tetens Inge , Astrup Arne , Michaelsen Kim Fleisher , Lauritzen Lotte
Published: September 2015

Fe and n-3 long-chain PUFA (n-3 LCPUFA) have both been associated with cognition, but evidence remains inconclusive in well-nourished school-aged children. In the Optimal Well-Being, Development and Health for Danish Children through a Healthy New Nordic Diet (OPUS) School Meal Study, the 3-month intervention increased reading performance, inattention, impulsivity and dietary intake of fish and Fe. This study investigated whether the intervention influenced n-3 LCPUFA and Fe status and, if so, explored how these changes correlated with the changes in cognitive performance. The study was a cluster-randomised cross-over trial comparing school meals with packed lunch (control). At baseline and after each treatment, we measured serum ferritin, whole-blood n-3 LCPUFA and Hb, and performance in reading, mathematics and d2-test of attention. Data were analysed using mixed models (n 726) and principal component analysis of test performances (n 644), which showed two main patterns: ‘school performance’ and ‘reading comprehension’. The latter indicated that children with good reading comprehension were also more inattentive and impulsive (i.e. higher d2-test error%). The intervention improved ‘school performance’ (P=0·015), ‘reading comprehension’ (P=0·043) and EPA+DHA status 0·21 (95 % CI 0·15, 0·27) w/w % (P<0·001), but it did not affect serum ferritin or Hb. At baseline, having small Fe stores was associated with poorer ‘school performance’ in girls, but with better ‘reading comprehension’ in both boys and girls. Both baseline EPA+DHA status and the intervention-induced increase in EPA+DHA status was positively associated with ‘school performance’, suggesting that n-3 LCPUFA could potentially explain approximately 20 % of the intervention effect. These exploratory associations indicate that increased fish intake might explain some of the increase in reading performance and inattention in the study.
How important are state transfers for reducing poverty rates in later life?
Authors: PRICE DEBORA , GLASER KAREN , GINN JAY , NICHOLLS MALCOLM
Published: September 2015

Financial welfare in later life is of prime concern as the funding of pensions and care rises up policy agendas. In this context, work and family histories are well known to impact on late-life income, generally reducing state and private pensions for women. In a political context where benefits are under threat as part of the retrenchment of the welfare state, we consider two key questions. First, how do state pension and benefit transfers interact with work and family histories to reduce poverty risks in later life? Second, who is kept out of poverty by state benefits and transfers? Using data from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing, we examine how work, family and health histories are associated with poverty in later life and estimate how far and in what ways state pensions, income support and disability benefits play a mediating role. We conclude that state support is key to maintaining incomes above official poverty lines for substantial numbers whose work, family and health histories would otherwise have led to their incomes falling below these lines. While disability benefits are designed to compensate for the additional costs of disability, it is likely that many in receipt experience poverty (even though they are not captured in official poverty statistics); even more so for those incurring the costs of disability but not in receipt of these benefits.
Contested enslavement: the Portuguese in Angola and the problem of debt, c. 1600–1800
Authors: Spicksley Judith
Published: September 2015

The Portuguese were keen slave traders on the west central coast of Africa in the early modern period, but governors in Angola appear to have been increasingly unhappy about certain aspects of enslavement in relation to debt, and in particular that of children. Slavery for debt was uncommon in early modern Europe, where three arguments, drawn from Roman law, were usually cited by way of justification: birth; war; and self-sale. Cavazzi, an Italian Capuchin missionary travelling around Angola between 1654 and 1665, suggested several similarities between the legal justifications for slavery in Africa and Europe, but also pointed up a major difference: while in Angola in the early modern period enslavement could result from a number of instances of default, in Portugal at the same time - and in Europe more widely – debtors tended to find themselves imprisoned if they defaulted on a payment, rather than enslaved. This paper will consider the nature of debt enslavement in Angola in the early modern period, and how it impacted on the transatlantic slave trade.
The Royal Slave: Nobility, Diplomacy and the “African Prince” in Britain, 1748–1752
Authors: Hanley Ryan
Published: September 2015

William Ansah Sessarakoo, the son of a powerful Fante slave trader on the Gold Coast, was tricked and sold into slavery in Barbados by a British ship’s captain during the 1740s. He was emancipated and brought to Britain in 1748, where he enjoyed a brief period of national celebrity before returning to the Gold Coast in 1750. This paper examines the specific political and cultural circumstances surrounding his remarkable journey, through the lens of the media generated about him during his time in Britain. It demonstrates that the most extensive contemporaneous account of Sessarakoo’s story,The Royal African, was in reality an attempt to generate popular support for a moribund Royal African Company and incorporate slave trading into narratives of national identity, based on notions of economic responsibility and honour. Adhering to conventions typified in Thomas Southerne’s stage adaptation ofOroonoko, further popular representations of Sessarakoo emphasised his aristocratic status and putatively inherited ‘noble’ characteristics. In doing so, they emphasised perceived differences between him and the majority of African peoples, who were deemed suitable for enslavement. The paper closes with an examination of some of the effects of Sessarakoo’s visit on Euro-African trade and diplomacy on the Gold Coast.
Data integrity of the Pediatric Cardiac Critical Care Consortium (PC4) clinical registry
Authors: Gaies Michael , Donohue Janet E. , Willis Gina M. , Kennedy Andrea T. , Butcher John , Scheurer Mark A. , Alten Jeffrey A. , William Gaynor J. , Schuette Jennifer J. , Cooper David S. , Jacobs Jeffrey P. , Pasquali Sara K. , Tabbutt Sarah
Published: September 2015

Background

Clinical databases in congenital and paediatric cardiac care provide a foundation for quality improvement, research, policy evaluations and public reporting. Structured audits verifying data integrity allow database users to be confident in these endeavours. We report on the initial audit of the Pediatric Cardiac Critical Care Consortium (PC4) clinical registry.

Materials and methods

Participants reviewed the entire registry to determine key fields for audit, and defined major and minor discrepancies for the audited variables. In-person audits at the eight initial participating centres were conducted during a 12-month period. The data coordinating centre randomly selected intensive care encounters for review at each site. The audit consisted of source data verification and blinded chart abstraction, comparing findings by the auditors with those entered in the database. We also assessed completeness and timeliness of case submission. Quantitative evaluation of completeness, accuracy, and timeliness of case submission is reported.

Results

We audited 434 encounters and 29,476 data fields. The aggregate overall accuracy was 99.1%, and the major discrepancy rate was 0.62%. Across hospitals, the overall accuracy ranged from 96.3 to 99.5%, and the major discrepancy rate ranged from 0.3 to 0.9%; seven of the eight hospitals submitted >90% of cases within 1 month of hospital discharge. There was no evidence for selective case omission.

Conclusions

Based on a rigorous audit process, data submitted to the PC4clinical registry appear complete, accurate, and timely. The collaborative will maintain ongoing efforts to verify the integrity of the data to promote science that advances quality improvement efforts.
Structural Insight into Cell Wall Architecture ofMicanthus sinensiscv. using Correlative Microscopy Approaches
Authors: Ma Jianfeng , Lv Xunli , Yang Shumin , Tian Genlin , Liu Xing’e
Published: September 2015

Structural organization of the plant cell wall is a key parameter for understanding anisotropic plant growth and mechanical behavior. Four imaging platforms were used to investigate the cell wall architecture ofMiscanthus sinensiscv. internode tissue. Using transmission electron microscopy with potassium permanganate, we found a great degree of inhomogeneity in the layering structure (4–9 layers) of the sclerenchymatic fiber (Sf). However, the xylem vessel showed a single layer. Atomic force microscopy images revealed that the cellulose microfibrils (Mfs) deposited in the primary wall of the protoxylem vessel (Pxv) were disordered, while the secondary wall was composed of Mfs oriented in parallel in the cross and longitudinal section. Furthermore, Raman spectroscopy images indicated no variation in the Mf orientation of Pxv and the Mfs in Pxv were oriented more perpendicular to the cell axis than that of Sfs. Based on the integrated results, we have proposed an architectural model of Pxv composed of two layers: an outermost primary wall composed of a meshwork of Mfs and inner secondary wall containing parallel Mfs. This proposed model will support future ultrastructural analysis of plant cell walls in heterogeneous tissues, an area of increasing scientific interest particularly for liquid biofuel processing.
Introduction: Parenting Support in European Countries: A Complex Development in Social Policy
Authors: Daly Mary
Published: September 2015

This themed section focuses on parenting support as a social policy phenomenon within and across five European countries. The provisions involved include: information to parents about parenting and child-rearing (through helplines and websites as well as face-to-face services), organised parenting classes or programmes, one-to-one counselling and intensive work around parenting behaviours in ‘troubled families’, professional and non-professional networks and service provision oriented to reduce social isolation and increase social integration (especially among ‘minority’ sections of the population). Why are these developments interesting and why do they merit a themed section? There are numerous answers to this question. In the first instance, these measures are an interesting instance of social policy's increasing interest in what happens between parents and their children. Secondly, studying parenting support helps to reveal fundamental contestations between state and society with regard to the management of personal life and the governance of family. Thirdly, analysing developments helps to explore emerging specialist areas of social policy and how these tie in with public and political constructions of ‘social problems’.
Nano-socketed nickel particles with enhanced coking resistance grown in situ by redox exsolution
Authors: Neagu Dragos , Oh Tae-Sik , Miller David N. , Ménard Hervé , Bukhari Syed M. , Gamble Stephen R. , Gorte Raymond J. , Vohs John M. , Irvine John T.S.
Published: September 2015

Metal particles supported on oxide surfaces are used as catalysts for a wide variety of processes in the chemical and energy conversion industries. For catalytic applications, metal particles are generally formed on an oxide support by physical or chemical deposition, or less commonly by exsolution from it. Although fundamentally different, both methods might be assumed to produce morphologically and functionally similar particles. Here we show that unlike nickel particles deposited on perovskite oxides, exsolved analogues are socketed into the parent perovskite, leading to enhanced stability and a significant decrease in the propensity for hydrocarbon coking, indicative of a stronger metal–oxide interface. In addition, we reveal key surface effects and defect interactions critical for future design of exsolution-based perovskite materials for catalytic and other functionalities. This study provides a new dimension for tailoring particle–substrate interactions in the context of increasing interest for emergent interfacial phenomena.
Magnetic fingerprint of individual Fe4 molecular magnets under compression by a scanning tunnelling microscope
Authors: Burgess Jacob A.J. , Malavolti Luigi , Lanzilotto Valeria , Mannini Matteo , Yan Shichao , Ninova Silviya , Totti Federico , Rolf-Pissarczyk Steffen , Cornia Andrea , Sessoli Roberta , Loth Sebastian
Published: September 2015

Single-molecule magnets (SMMs) present a promising avenue to develop spintronic technologies. Addressing individual molecules with electrical leads in SMM-based spintronic devices remains a ubiquitous challenge: interactions with metallic electrodes can drastically modify the SMM’s properties by charge transfer or through changes in the molecular structure. Here, we probe electrical transport through individual Fe4 SMMs using a scanning tunnelling microscope at 0.5 K. Correlation of topographic and spectroscopic information permits identification of the spin excitation fingerprint of intact Fe4 molecules. Building from this, we find that the exchange coupling strength within the molecule’s magnetic core is significantly enhanced. First-principles calculations support the conclusion that this is the result of confinement of the molecule in the two-contact junction formed by the microscope tip and the sample surface.
Strong correlations elucidate the electronic structure and phase diagram of LaAlO3/SrTiO3 interface
Authors: Maniv E. , Shalom M. Ben , Ron A. , Mograbi M. , Palevski A. , Goldstein M. , Dagan Y.
Published: September 2015

The interface between the two band insulators SrTiO3 and LaAlO3 has the unexpected properties of a two-dimensional electron gas. It is even superconducting with a transition temperature, Tc, that can be tuned using gate bias Vg, which controls the number of electrons added or removed from the interface. The gate bias–temperature (Vg, T) phase diagram is characterized by a dome-shaped region where superconductivity occurs, that is, Tc has a non-monotonic dependence on Vg, similar to many unconventional superconductors. Here, we report, the frequency of the quantum resistance-oscillations versus inverse magnetic field for various Vg. This frequency follows the same non-monotonic behaviour as Tc; a similar trend is seen in the low field limit of the Hall coefficient. We theoretically show that electronic correlations result in a non-monotonic population of the mobile band, which can account for the experimental behaviour of the normal transport properties and the superconducting dome.
Development of a robust DNA damage model including persistent telomere-associated damage with application to secondary cancer risk assessment
Authors: Rastgou Talemi Soheil , Kollarovic Gabriel , Lapytsko Anastasiya , Schaber Jörg
Published: September 2015

Mathematical modelling has been instrumental to understand kinetics of radiation-induced DNA damage repair and associated secondary cancer risk. The widely accepted two-lesion kinetic (TLK) model assumes two kinds of double strand breaks, simple and complex ones, with different repair rates. Recently, persistent DNA damage associated with telomeres was reported as a new kind of DNA damage. We therefore extended existing versions of the TLK model by new categories of DNA damage and re-evaluated those models using extensive data. We subjected different versions of the TLK model to a rigorous model discrimination approach. This enabled us to robustly select a best approximating parsimonious model that can both recapitulate and predict transient and persistent DNA damage after ionizing radiation. Models and data argue for i) nonlinear dose-damage relationships and ii) negligible saturation of repair kinetics even for high doses. Additionally, we show that simulated radiation-induced persistent telomere-associated DNA damage foci (TAF) can be used to predict excess relative risk (ERR) of developing secondary leukemia after fractionated radiotherapy. We suggest that TAF may serve as an additional measure to predict cancer risk after radiotherapy using high dose rates. This may improve predicting risk-dose dependency of ionizing radiation especially for long-term therapies.
Different expression domains for two closely related amphibian TAARs generate a bimodal distribution similar to neuronal responses to amine odors
Authors: Syed Adnan S. , Sansone Alfredo , Röner Sebastian , Bozorg Nia Shahrzad , Manzini Ivan , Korsching Sigrun I.
Published: September 2015

Olfactory perception is mediated by a multitude of olfactory receptors, whose expression in the sensory surface, the olfactory epithelium, is spatially regulated. A common theme is the segregation of different olfactory receptors in different expression domains, which in turn leads to corresponding segregation in the neuronal responses to different odor groups. The amphibian olfactory receptor gene family of trace amine associated receptors, in short TAARs, is exceedingly small and allows a comprehensive analysis of spatial expression patterns, as well as a comparison with neuronal responses to the expected ligands for this receptor family, amines. Here we report that TAAR4b exhibits a spatial expression pattern characteristically different in two dimensions from that of TAAR4a, its close homolog. Together, these two genes result in a bimodal distribution resembling that of amine responses as visualized by calcium imaging. A stringent quantitative analysis suggests the involvement of additional olfactory receptors in amphibian responses to amine odors.
Continuously Adjustable, Molecular-Sieving “Gate” on 5A Zeolite for Distinguishing Small Organic Molecules by Size
Authors: Song Zhuonan , Huang Yi , Xu Weiwei L. , Wang Lei , Bao Yu , Li Shiguang , Yu Miao
Published: September 2015

Zeolites/molecular sieves with uniform, molecular-sized pores are important for many adsorption-based separation processes. Pore size gaps, however, exist in the current zeolite family. This leads to a great challenge of separating molecules with size differences at ~0.01 nm level. Here, we report a novel concept, pore misalignment, to form a continuously adjustable, molecular-sieving “gate” at the 5A zeolite pore entrance without sacrificing the internal capacity. Misalignment of the micropores of the alumina coating with the 5A zeolite pores was related with and facilely adjusted by the coating thickness. For the first time, organic molecules with sub-0.01 nm size differences were effectively distinguished via appropriate misalignment. This novel concept may have great potential to fill the pore size gaps of the zeolite family and realize size-selective adsorption separation.
Depth-resolved rhodopsin molecular contrast imaging for functional assessment of photoreceptors
Authors: Liu Tan , Wen Rong , Lam Byron L. , Puliafito Carmen A. , Jiao Shuliang
Published: September 2015

Rhodopsin, the light-sensing molecule in the outer segments of rod photoreceptors, is responsible for converting light into neuronal signals in a process known as phototransduction. Rhodopsin is thus a functional biomarker for rod photoreceptors. Here we report a novel technology based on visible-light optical coherence tomography (VIS-OCT) for in vivo molecular imaging of rhodopsin. The depth resolution of OCT allows the visualization of the location where the change of optical absorption occurs and provides a potentially accurate assessment of rhodopsin content by segmentation of the image at the location. Rhodopsin OCT can be used to quantitatively image rhodopsin distribution and thus assess the distribution of functional rod photoreceptors in the retina. Rhodopsin OCT can bring significant impact into ophthalmic clinics by providing a tool for the diagnosis and severity assessment of a variety of retinal conditions.
Pointing and pantomime in wild apes? Female bonobos use referential and iconic gestures to request genito-genital rubbing
Authors: Douglas Pamela Heidi , Moscovice Liza R.
Published: September 2015

Referential and iconic gesturing provide a means to flexibly and intentionally share information about specific entities, locations, or goals. The extent to which nonhuman primates use such gestures is therefore of special interest for understanding the evolution of human language. Here, we describe novel observations of wild female bonobos (Pan paniscus) using referential and potentially iconic gestures to initiate genito-genital (GG) rubbing, which serves important functions in reducing social tension and facilitating cooperation. We collected data from a habituated community of bonobos at Luikotale, DRC and analysed n = 138 independent gesture bouts made by n = 11 females. Gestures were coded in real time or from video. In addition to meeting the criteria for intentionality, in form and function these gestures resemble pointing and pantomime–two hallmarks of human communication–in the ways in which they indicated the relevant body part or action involved in the goal of GG rubbing. Moreover, the gestures led to GG rubbing in 83.3% of gesture bouts, which in turn increased tolerance in feeding contexts between the participants. We discuss how biologically relevant contexts in which individuals are motivated to cooperate may facilitate the emergence of language precursors to enhance communication in wild apes.
Interaction of HSP20 with a viral RdRp changes its sub-cellular localization and distribution pattern in plants
Authors: Li Jing , Xiang Cong-Ying , Yang Jian , Chen Jian-Ping , Zhang Heng-Mu
Published: September 2015

Small heat shock proteins (sHSPs) perform a fundamental role in protecting cells against a wide array of stresses but their biological function during viral infection remains unknown. Rice stripe virus (RSV) causes a severe disease of rice in Eastern Asia. OsHSP20 and its homologue (NbHSP20) were used as baits in yeast two-hybrid (YTH) assays to screen an RSV cDNA library and were found to interact with the viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) of RSV. Interactions were confirmed by pull-down and BiFC assays. Further analysis showed that the N-terminus (residues 1–296) of the RdRp was crucial for the interaction between the HSP20s and viral RdRp and responsible for the alteration of the sub-cellular localization and distribution pattern of HSP20s in protoplasts of rice and epidermal cells of Nicotiana benthamiana. This is the first report that a plant virus or a viral protein alters the expression pattern or sub-cellular distribution of sHSPs.
Accelerated one-step generation of full-color holographic videos using a color-tunable novel-look-up-table method for holographic three-dimensional television broadcasting
Authors: Kim Seung-Cheol , Dong Xiao-Bin , Kim Eun-Soo
Published: September 2015

A color-tunable novel-look-up-table (CT-NLUT) for fast one-step calculation of full-color computer-generated holograms is proposed. The proposed method is composed of four principal fringe patterns (PFPs) such as a baseline, a depth-compensating and two color-compensating PFPs. CGH patterns for one color are calculated by combined use of baseline-PFP and depth-compensating-PFP and from them, those for two other colors are generated by being multiplied by the corresponding color-compensating-PFPs. color-compensating-PFPs compensate for differences in the wavelength between two colors based on their unique achromatic thin-lens properties, enabling transformation of one-color CGH pattern into those for other colors. This color-conversion property of the proposed method enables simultaneous generation of full color-CGH patterns, resulting in a significant reduction of the full color-CGH calculation time. Experimental results with test scenario show that the full color-CGH calculation time of the proposed CT-NLUT has been reduced by 45.10%, compared to the conventional NLUT. It has been further reduced by 96.01% when a data compression algorithm, called temporal redundancy-based NLUT, was used together, which means 25-fold reduction of its full color-CGH calculation time. Successful computational and optical reconstructions of full color-CGH patterns confirm the feasibility of the proposed method.
EGFR gene methylation is not involved in Royalactin controlled phenotypic polymorphism in honey bees
Authors: Kucharski R. , Foret S. , Maleszka R.
Published: September 2015

The 2011 highly publicised Nature paper by Kamakura on honeybee phenotypic dimorphism, (also using Drosophila as an experimental surrogate), claims that a single protein in royal jelly, Royalactin, essentially acts as a master “on-off” switch in development via the epidermal growth factor receptor (AmEGFR), to seal the fate of queen or worker. One mechanism proposed in that study as important for the action of Royalactin is differential amegfr methylation in alternate organismal outcomes. According to the author differential methylation of amegfr was experimentally confirmed and shown in a supportive figure. Here we have conducted an extensive analysis of the honeybee egfr locus and show that this gene is never methylated. We discuss several lines of evidence casting serious doubts on the amegfr methylation result in the 2011 paper and consider possible origins of the author’s statement. In a broader context, we discuss the implication of our findings for contrasting context-dependent regulation of EGFR in three insect species, Apis mellifera, D. melanogaster and the carpenter ant, Camponotus floridanus and argue that more adequate methylation data scrutiny measures are needed to avoid unwarranted conclusions.
Particle dynamics and deposition in true-scale pulmonary acinar models
Authors: Fishler Rami , Hofemeier Philipp , Etzion Yael , Dubowski Yael , Sznitman Josué
Published: September 2015

Particle transport phenomena in the deep alveolated airways of the lungs (i.e. pulmonary acinus) govern deposition outcomes following inhalation of hazardous or pharmaceutical aerosols. Yet, there is still a dearth of experimental tools for resolving acinar particle dynamics and validating numerical simulations. Here, we present a true-scale experimental model of acinar structures consisting of bifurcating alveolated ducts that capture breathing-like wall motion and ensuing respiratory acinar flows. We study experimentally captured trajectories of inhaled polydispersed smoke particles (0.2 to 1 μm in diameter), demonstrating how intrinsic particle motion, i.e. gravity and diffusion, is crucial in determining dispersion and deposition of aerosols through a streamline crossing mechanism, a phenomenon paramount during flow reversal and locally within alveolar cavities. A simple conceptual framework is constructed for predicting the fate of inhaled particles near an alveolus by identifying capture and escape zones and considering how streamline crossing may shift particles between them. In addition, we examine the effect of particle size on detailed deposition patterns of monodispersed microspheres between 0.1–2 μm. Our experiments underline local modifications in the deposition patterns due to gravity for particles ≥0.5 μm compared to smaller particles and show good agreement with corresponding numerical simulations.
Supersensitive detection and discrimination of enantiomers by dorsal olfactory receptors: evidence for hierarchical odour coding
Authors: Sato Takaaki , Kobayakawa Reiko , Kobayakawa Ko , Emura Makoto , Itohara Shigeyoshi , Kizumi Miwako , Hamana Hiroshi , Tsuboi Akio , Hirono Junzo
Published: September 2015

Enantiomeric pairs of mirror-image molecular structures are difficult to resolve by instrumental analyses. The human olfactory system, however, discriminates (−)-wine lactone from its (+)-form rapidly within seconds. To gain insight into receptor coding of enantiomers, we compared behavioural detection and discrimination thresholds of wild-type mice with those of ΔD mice in which all dorsal olfactory receptors are genetically ablated. Surprisingly, wild-type mice displayed an exquisite “supersensitivity” to enantiomeric pairs of wine lactones and carvones. They were capable of supersensitive discrimination of enantiomers, consistent with their high detection sensitivity. In contrast, ΔD mice showed selective major loss of sensitivity to the (+)-enantiomers. The resulting 108-fold differential sensitivity of ΔD mice to (−)- vs. (+)-wine lactone matched that observed in humans. This suggests that humans lack highly sensitive orthologous dorsal receptors for the (+)-enantiomer, similarly to ΔD mice. Moreover, ΔD mice showed >1010-fold reductions in enantiomer discrimination sensitivity compared to wild-type mice. ΔD mice detected one or both of the (−)- and (+)-enantiomers over a wide concentration range, but were unable to discriminate them. This “enantiomer odour discrimination paradox” indicates that the most sensitive dorsal receptors play a critical role in hierarchical odour coding for enantiomer identification.
Hydrogen sulfide modulates cadmium-induced physiological and biochemical responses to alleviate cadmium toxicity in rice
Authors: Mostofa Mohammad Golam , Rahman Anisur , Ansary Md. Mesbah Uddin , Watanabe Ayaka , Fujita Masayuki , Tran Lam-Son Phan
Published: September 2015

We investigated the physiological and biochemical mechanisms by which H2S mitigates the cadmium stress in rice. Results revealed that cadmium exposure resulted in growth inhibition and biomass reduction, which is correlated with the increased uptake of cadmium and depletion of the photosynthetic pigments, leaf water contents, essential minerals, water-soluble proteins and enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants. Excessive cadmium also potentiated its toxicity by inducing oxidative stress, as evidenced by increased levels of superoxide, hydrogen peroxide, methylglyoxal and malondialdehyde. However, elevating endogenous H2S level improved physiological and biochemical attributes, which was clearly observed in the growth and phenotypes of H2S-treated rice plants under cadmium stress. H2S reduced cadmium-induced oxidative stress, particularly by enhancing redox status and the activities of reactive oxygen species and methylglyoxal detoxifying enzymes. Notably, H2S maintained cadmium and mineral homeostases in roots and leaves of cadmium-stressed plants. By contrast, adding H2S-scavenger hypotaurine abolished the beneficial effect of H2S, further strengthening the clear role of H2S in alleviating cadmium toxicity in rice. Collectively, our findings provide an insight into H2S-induced protective mechanisms of rice exposed to cadmium stress, thus proposing H2S as a potential candidate for managing toxicity of cadmium and perhaps other heavy metals, in rice and other crops.
Chemical Visualization of a GaN p-n junction by XPS
Authors: Caliskan Deniz , Sezen Hikmet , Ozbay Ekmel , Suzer Sefik
Published: September 2015

We report on an operando XPS investigation of a GaN diode, by recording the Ga2p3/2 peak position under both forward and reverse bias. Areal maps of the peak positions under reverse bias are completely decoupled with respect to doped regions and allow a novel chemical visualization of the p-n junction in a 2-D fashion. Other electrical properties of the device, such as leakage current, resistivity of the domains are also tapped via recording line-scan spectra. Application of a triangular voltage excitation enables probing photoresponse of the device.
A protocol for the quality assessment of illegally distributed human growth hormones with respect to identity, purity, endotoxin level and microorganism content
Authors: Amini Ahmad , Rundlöf Torgny , Rönnquist Kerstin , Tydén Monica , Turunen Taina , Korhola Paula , Perolari Anette
Published: September 2015

Different methods based on MALDI-TOF-MS and double injection capillary zone electrophoresis (DICZE) were used for the identification and purity determination of somatropin in illegally distributed products.
A molecularly imprinted electrochemical sensor based on a gold nanoparticle/carbon nanotube hybrid material for the sensitive detection of isoniazid
Authors: Wu Bowan , Hou Lijie , Zhang Tiantian , Han Yanxia , Kong Chao
Published: September 2015

We introduce a novel MIP electrochemical sensor to determine isoniazid (INH) based on MIP functionalization of nanocomposites and electrochemical technology. The effective method has a potential application to monitor INH in body fluid and pharmaceutical samples selectively.
Determination of ultra-trace cobalt in water samples by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry after cloud point extraction using 2-(5-bromo-2-pyridylazo)-5-dimethylaminoaniline as the chelating agent
Authors: Han Quan , Huo Yanyan , Yang Longhu , Hao Tiantian , Yang Xiaohui , Zhai Yunhui
Published: September 2015

A new method for the determination of ultra-trace cobalt in water samples by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry after cloud point extraction was established.
H2-driven biotransformation of n-octane to 1-octanol by a recombinant Pseudomonas putida strain co-synthesizing an O2-tolerant hydrogenase and a P450 monooxygenase
Authors: Lonsdale Thomas H. , Lauterbach Lars , Honda Malca Sumire , Nestl Bettina M. , Hauer Bernhard , Lenz Oliver
Published: September 2015

A bacterial whole-cell system was designed for hydroxylation of n-octane to 1-octanol at the expense of molecular hydrogen and oxygen.
Real-time electrochemical monitoring of covalent bond formation in solution via nanoparticle–electrode collisions
Authors: Li Da , Kong Na , Liu Jingquan , Wang Hongbin , Barrow Colin J. , Zhang Shusheng , Yang Wenrong
Published: September 2015

We describe an alternative electrochemical technique to monitor covalent bond formation in real-time using nanoparticle–electrode collisions.
Selective catalytic deuteration of phosphorus ligands using ruthenium nanoparticles: a new approach to gain information on ligand coordination
Authors: Bresó-Femenia Emma , Godard Cyril , Claver Carmen , Chaudret Bruno , Castillón Sergio
Published: September 2015

Selective deuteration of phenyl rings in phenyl-alkyl phosphines, including diphosphines, was achieved using Ru/PVP nanoparticles and D2, which enables the comprehension of how different phosphorus ligands coordinate to the nanoparticle surface.
Extremely enhanced contaminant decomposition catalyzed by hemin via the coupling of persistent free radicals and ascorbic acid
Authors: Yao Yuyuan , Jiang Bin , Mao Yajun , Chen Juan , Huang Zhenfu , Huang Sanqing , Zhang Li
Published: September 2015

A positive role of PFRs in enhancing reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation for an extreme rate enhancement in environmental pollutant decomposition is reported.
Bulk heterojunction organic solar cells based on carbazole–BODIPY conjugate small molecules as donors with high open circuit voltage
Authors: Jadhav Thaksen , Misra Rajneesh , Biswas S. , Sharma Ganesh D.
Published: September 2015

The power conversion efficiency of an optimized3a:PC71BM active layer based device is 5.05%.
Highly selective oxidation of cyclohexene to 2-cyclohexene-1-one in water using molecular oxygen over Fe–Co–g-C3N4
Authors: Yang Dexin , Jiang Tao , Wu Tianbin , Zhang Peng , Han Hongling , Han Buxing
Published: September 2015

The Fe–Co–g-C3N4 catalyst is highly effective for the selective oxidation of cyclohexene to 2-cyclohexene-1-one using oxygen in water.
Highly dispersed nanodiamonds supported on few-layer graphene as robust metal-free catalysts for ethylbenzene dehydrogenation reaction
Authors: Diao Jiangyong , Liu Hongyang , Feng Zhenbao , Zhang Yajie , Chen Tong , Miao Changxi , Yang Weimin , Su Dang Sheng
Published: September 2015

Highly dispersed nanodiamonds (HD-NDs) supported on few-layer graphene (HD-ND/graphene) are successfully prepared and presents robust catalytic performance for ethylbenzene dehydrogenation to styrene.
The synergy between Ti species and g-C3N4 by doping and hybridization for the enhancement of photocatalytic H2 evolution
Authors: Wang Xiao-jing , Tian Xiao , Li Fa-tang , Zhao Jun , Li Yu-pei , Liu Rui-hong , Hao Ying-juan
Published: September 2015

A Ti species modified g-C3N4 photocatalyst was synthesized via an in situ hydrothermal route and the subsequent low-temperature calcination.
Linear polyester synthesized from furfural-based monomer by photoreaction in sunlight
Authors: Wang Zhihan , Kastern Brent , Randazzo Katelyn , Ugrinov Angel , Butz Jonathan , Seals David W. , Sibi Mukund P. , Chu Qianli R.
Published: September 2015

A linear polyester was synthesized from furfural-based monomer through solvent-free polymerization using sunlight and the polymer structure was confirmed by a single crystal X-ray structure of a partially polymerized intermediate.
A remarkable ratiometric fluorescent chemodosimeter for very rapid detection of hydrogen sulfide in the vapour phase and living cells
Authors: Paul Sima , Goswami Shyamaprosad , Das Mukhopadhyay Chitrangada
Published: September 2015

A ratiometric fluorescent probe having a fast response and a large Stokes shift detects SH−both in solid and vapour phases and this probe is used for fluorescence imaging of SH−in living cells.
Improved electrochemical properties of (1 − x)LiFePO4·xLi3V2(PO4)3/C composites prepared by a novel sol–gel method
Authors: Si Yuanchang , Su Zhi , Wang Yingbo , Ma Ting , Ding Juan
Published: September 2015

0.8LiFePO4·0.2Li3V2(PO4)3/C composites were synthesized by a new sol–gel method, which delivered an initial discharge capacity of 158.7 mA h g−1 at 0.1C.
Selective sensing of citrate by a supramolecular ensemble formed by a phenazine copper(i) complex and a perylene diimide derivative
Authors: Gao Yunyan , Huang Gan , Ou Zhize , Wang Zichao , Ju Baolong , Li Yi , Wang Xuesong , Yin Shiwei
Published: September 2015

A PET based “off–on” fluorescent sensor for citrate has been developed, displaying low interference by other α-hydroxycarboxylates, dicarboxylates and monosaccharides.
Organocatalytic asymmetric desymmetrization of 4,4-disubstituted cyclohexadienones via an intermolecular Diels–Alder reaction
Authors: Takagi Ryukichi , Nishi Takehiko
Published: September 2015

Asymmetric desymmetrization of 4,4-disubstituted cyclohexadienones via a chiral phosphoric acid-catalyzed enantioselective intermolecular Diels–Alder reaction is developed.
Total synthesis of calothrixin B via sequential Sonogashira coupling/copper-catalyzed oxidative cyclization
Authors: Ramkumar Nagarajan , Nagarajan Rajagopal
Published: September 2015

A total synthesis of the antimalarial indolo[3,2-j]phenanthridine alkaloid calothrixin B is reported.
A few key residues determine the high redox potential shift in azurin mutants
Authors: Zanetti-Polzi Laura , Bortolotti Carlo A. , Daidone Isabella , Aschi Massimiliano , Amadei Andrea , Corni Stefano
Published: September 2015

The changes in the redox potential of Azurin upon mutation stem from the effects of a few key residues, including non-mutated ones, rather than being the result of a generalized rearrangement.
Multifaceted glycodendrimers with programmable bioactivity through convergent, divergent, and accelerated approaches using polyfunctional cyclotriphosphazenes
Authors: Abbassi Leïla , Chabre Yoann M. , Kottari Naresh , Arnold Alexandre A. , André Sabine , Josserand Johan , Gabius Hans-Joachim , Roy René
Published: September 2015

The cyclotriphosphazene-based platform facilitates versatile synthesis of glycodendrimers active as inhibitors of two biomedically relevant lectins.
A stereoregular macrocyclic oligomeric silsesquioxane bearing epoxide groups: synthesis and its nanocomposites with polybenzoxazine
Authors: Wei Kun , Liu Ning , Li Lei , Zheng Sixun
Published: September 2015

cis-Hexa(phenyl glycidyl) MOSS, a novel macrocyclic oligomeric silsesquioxane (MOSS) was synthesized and incorporated into polybenzoxazine to obtain the organic–inorganic nanocomposites.
Different acidity and additive effects of zirconium metal–organic frameworks as catalysts for cyanosilylation
Authors: Xi Fu-Gui , Yang Yang , Liu Hui , Yao Hong-Fei , Gao En-Qing
Published: September 2015

Both hydrous and anhydrous UiO-66 MOFs are heterogeneous and recyclable catalysts for aldehyde cyanosilylation owing to Brønsted and Lewis acidity, respectively, and pyridine can enhance the activity, instead of poisoning the catalysts.
Three Zn(ii)/Cd(ii)/Mn(ii) coordination polymers based on a 2-hydroxy-N-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl) benzamide ligand: structures, and magnetic and photoluminescence properties
Authors: Zou Yang , Chen Jing , Li Yuan-Yuan , Li Li , Liu Jian-Lan , Ren Xiao-Ming
Published: September 2015

Three transition metal complexes of the amide decorated tetrazolate are reported that include an interdigitated 3-D structure with 1-D channels.
A {110} facet predominated Bi6O6(OH)3(NO3)3·1.5H2O photocatalyst: selective hydrothermal synthesis and its superior photocatalytic activity for degradation of phenol
Authors: Yang Li-Min , Zhang Guo-Ying , Liu Yue , Xu Yan-Yan , Liu Chun-Mei , Liu Jing-Wang
Published: September 2015

A Bi6O6(OH)3(NO3)3·1.5H2O photocatalyst with predominant {110} facets but a low BET surface area was selectively prepared. It exhibits high photocatalytic activities for degradation of phenol.
Self-propelled screen-printable catalytic swimmers
Authors: Kumar Rajan , Kiristi Melek , Soto Fernando , Li Jinxing , Singh Virendra V. , Wang Joseph
Published: September 2015

A highly versatile 2D screen-printing fabrication of nature-inspired fish swimmers is described.
Acetic acid promoted tandem cyclization of in situ generated 1,3-dipoles: stereoselective synthesis of dispiroimidazolidinyl and dispiropyrrolidinyl oxindoles with multiple chiral stereocenters
Authors: Suman Koorathota , Thennarasu Sathiah
Published: September 2015

Acetic acid catalyzedin situgeneration of ketimine based 1,3-dipoles, and single-step construction of imidazolidine ring with three chiral centers and pyrrolidine ring with four chiral centersviaformation of new C–N and C–C bonds is reported.
Highly crystalline and ordered nanoporous SnO2 thin films with enhanced acetone sensing property at room temperature
Authors: Shao Shaofeng , Wu Hongyan , Wang Shimin , Hong Qiling , Koehn Ralf , Wu Tao , Rao Wei-Feng
Published: September 2015

A crystalline and ordered nanoporous SnO2 thin film, with high surface area, was designed, synthesized, and evaluated as gas sensor detecting VOCs. Notably, sensing film presented enhanced acetone-sensing performances at room temperature.