bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Balancing water scarcity and quality for sustainable irrigated agriculture
Authors: Assouline Shmuel , Russo David , Silber Avner , Or Dani
Published: April 2015

The challenge of meeting the projected doubling of global demand for food by 2050 is monumental. It is further exacerbated by the limited prospects for land expansion and rapidly dwindling water resources. A promising strategy for increasing crop yields per unit land requires the expansion of irrigated agriculture and the harnessing of water sources previously considered “marginal” (saline, treated effluent, and desalinated water). Such an expansion, however, must carefully consider potential long‐term risks on soil hydroecological functioning. The study provides critical analyses of use of marginal water and management approaches to map out potential risks. Long‐term application of treated effluent (TE) for irrigation has shown adverse impacts on soil transport properties, and introduces certain health risks due to the persistent exposure of soil biota to anthropogenic compounds (e.g., promoting antibiotic resistance). The availability of desalinated water (DS) for irrigation expands management options and improves yields while reducing irrigation amounts and salt loading into the soil. Quantitative models are used to delineate trends associated with long‐term use of TE and DS considering agricultural, hydrological, and environmental aspects. The primary challenges to the sustainability of agroecosystems lies with the hazards of saline and sodic conditions, and the unintended consequences on soil hydroecological functioning. Multidisciplinary approaches that combine new scientific knowhow with legislative, economic, and societal tools are required to ensure safe and sustainable use of water resources of different qualities. The new scientific knowhow should provide quantitative models for integrating key biophysical processes with ecological interactions at appropriate spatial and temporal scales.
E‐mail Fraud
Authors: Chiluwa Innocent
Published: April 2015

E‐mail fraud as is used in this context refers to different forms of deceptive e‐mail, particularly those motivated by the intention to defraud the addressee. This article examines the common textual features of e‐mail fraud as well as their forms and discursive structures with reference to some specific samples. It also gives a detailed description of the approaches that have been adopted in the study of e‐mail fraud.
Interpreting in Institutions
Authors: Hsieh Elaine
Published: April 2015

Liaison interpreting generally is carried out in face‐to‐face encounters between officials and laypeople who are meeting for a particular purpose at a public institution. Traditionally, interpreters are expected to assume a passive neutral role in relaying information. However, researchers have argued that due to the imbalance of power and differences in sociocultural norms, interpreters need to actively monitor and intervene in the communicative process to ensure effective and appropriate interactions. Context (e.g., institutional, sociocultural, interpersonal, and communicative contexts) not only shapes interpreters' interpreting strategies but also other participants' communicative behaviors and their expectations for interpreters' appropriate performances.
Extreme‐Case Formulations
Authors: Whitehead Kevin A.
Published: April 2015

Extreme‐case formulations (
ECFs
) are semantically extreme formulations that invoke the maximal or minimal properties of events or objects, such as “everyone,” “nobody,” “always,” “never,” “completely,” “nothing,” and so on. This article reviews seminal work on
ECFs
, identifying their key features and interactional uses. These include their uses in defending against, or countering challenges to, the legitimacy of complaints, accusations, justifications and defenses; in proposing the objective (rather than circumstantial) nature of a phenomenon; in proposing that some behavior is right or wrong by virtue of being widespread; and in producing designedly nonliteral (and thus not accountably accurate) descriptions that display various kinds of investment on the part of speaker. In addition, the article describes some of the applied interactional research in which
ECFs
have been shown to be an important resource for participants, and thus for analysts.
Cultural Discourse Studies
Authors: Shi‐xu
Published: April 2015

Cultural discourse studies is an emerging paradigm of discourse and communication studies that is characterized by a profound concern with human cultural diversity, division and development. This cultural science movement manifests itself in the form of (a) participation of culturally diverse scholars, especially from the Developing World, (b) general orientation toward decolonizing human discourses, and, in particular, (c) development of culturally conscious and critical, locally grounded and globally minded, approaches to human communication. Concerned with globalism in society and ethnocentrism in scholarship on the one hand, inspired by nonwestern realities and knowledge on the other hand, this multicultural paradigm proceeds from the basic assumption that contemporary human communication is a site of cultural contestation, co‐operation, and transformation and accordingly strives (a) to deconstruct ethnocentrism in discourse and communication research, (b) to develop and practice culturally sensitive frameworks for the study of human discourses, especially those of the developing world, and (c) to foster intercultural‐intellectual dialogue and debate, all with a view to enhancing human cultural coexistence, harmony and prosperity. Significant achievements have already been made at the philosophical, theoretical, methodological and topical levels of discourse and communication studies.
Discourse, Small d, Big D
Authors: Gee James Paul
Published: April 2015

The notion of “Big ‘D’ Discourse” (“Discourse” spelled with a capital “D”) is meant to capture the ways in which people enact and recognize socially and historically significant identities or “kinds of people” through well‐integrated combinations of language, actions, interactions, objects, tools, technologies, beliefs, and values. The notion stresses how “discourse” (language in use among people) is always also a “conversation” among different historically formed Discourses (that is, a “conversation” among different socially and historically significant kinds of people or social groups). The notion of “Big ‘D’ Discourse” sets a larger context for the analysis of “discourse” (with a little “d”), that is, the analysis of language in use.
Evasive or Untruthful Discourse
Authors: Bull Peter
Published: April 2015

Evasive discourse is often referred to as equivocation. According to one theory, equivocation is an understandable reaction to an awkward communicative situation, and may be used as an alternative to deception. However, equivocation may also be used as a form of deception, as illustrated here through the concept of doublespeak. Doublespeak may be regarded as deceptive, given a deliberate intent to disguise, distort, or reverse the meaning of words, but also as equivocal, given that it is vague and ambiguous. Thus, people may equivocate to avoid deception, but may also equivocate as a form of deception, as a deliberate and calculated communicative strategy.
High Strength and Electrical Conductivity of Al‐Fe Alloys Produced by Synergistic Combination of High‐Pressure Torsion and Aging
Authors: Cubero‐Sesin Jorge M. , Arita Makoto , Horita Zenji
Published: April 2015

A synergistic combination of high‐pressure torsion (HPT) and artificial aging was attempted in Al‐Fe alloys to achieve high strength and high electrical conductivity. HPT produced an ultrafine‐grained structure and supersaturation of Fe in the matrix, resulting in high strength above 500 MPa. Aging after the HPT processing increased the electrical conductivity well over 50 IACS% while simultaneously increasing the yield strength above 600 MPa via precipitation of dissolved Fe. The results demonstrate that Al containing a low fraction of Fe (2 wt%) should be a good candidate for a high strength, light weight, and high‐electrical‐conductive material.
Antibioadhesive Superhydrophobic Syringe Needles Inspired by Mussels and Lotus Leafs
Authors: Fan Ling , Li Bucheng , Zhang Junping
Published: April 2015

Fouling of surfaces due to bioadhesion is one of the hurdles in terms of their practical applications. Inspired by mussel and lotus leaf, antibioadhesive superhydrophobic syringe needles are fabricated by sequential bonding of polydopamine, Ag nanoparticles, and 1H,1H,2H,2H‐perfluorodecanethiol (PFDT). The morphology and surface chemical composition of the needles are characterized. The wetting properties and antibioadhesive properties of the needles are evaluated by contact angle (CA) and sliding angle (SA) of water and various aqueous solutions, and their residues on the needles after repeatedly used for liquid handling. The superhydrophobic needles show a rough surface with a layer of PFDT, which endow them with very high CA and low SA for water and various aqueous solutions. In addition, the aqueous solutions are in the Cassie–Baxter state on the surface of the superhydrophobic needles. Thus, the adhesion force between the superhydrophobic needles and aqueous solutions is very low. This endues the needles with excellent antibioadhesive properties and can be repeatedly used for withdrawing and dispensing various aqueous solutions. Moreover, the superhydrophobic needles can be used for the transport of aqueous solutions at high accuracy. The antibioadhesive superhydrophobic needles may find applications in various fields such as liquids transport and inkjet printing devices.
Refractory anemia with ring sideroblasts and RARS with thrombocytosis
Authors: Patnaik Mrinal M. , Tefferi Ayalew
Published: April 2015

Disease Overview: Ring sideroblasts (RS) are erythroid precursors with abnormal perinuclear mitochondrial iron accumulation. Two myeloid neoplasms defined by the presence of RS, include refractory anemia with ring sideroblasts (RARS) and RARS with thrombocytosis (RARS‐T).

Diagnosis: RARS is a lower risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) with dysplasia limited to the erythroid lineage, <5% bone marrow (BM) blasts and ≥15% BM RS. RARS‐T is a provisional entity in the MDS/MPN (myeloproliferative neoplasm) overlap syndromes, with diagnostic features of RARS, along with a platelet count ≥450 × 10(9)/L and large atypical megakaryocytes similar to those observed in BCR‐ABL1 negative MPN.

Mutations and Karyotype: Mutations in the SF3B1 gene are seen in ≥80% of patients with RARS and RARS‐T, and strongly correlate with the presence of BM RS; RARS‐T patients have additional mutations such as, JAK2V617F (∼60%), MPL (<5%), and CALR (<5%). Cytogenetic abnormalities are uncommon in both RARS and RARS‐T.

Risk stratification: Most patients with RARS are stratified into lower risk groups by the International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS) for MDS and the revised IPSS. Disease outcome in RARS‐T is better than that of RARS, but worse than that of essential thrombocytosis. Both RARS and RARS‐T have a low risk of leukemic transformation.

Treatment: Anemia and iron overload are complications in both diseases and are managed similar to lower risk MDS. Aspirin therapy is reasonable in RARS‐T, especially in the presence of JAK2V617F, but the value of platelet‐lowering drugs is uncertain. Case reports of RARS‐T therapy with lenalidomide warrant additional studies. Am. J. Hematol. 90:550–559, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
On the use of ball milling to develop poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyvalerate)‐graphene nanocomposites (II)—Mechanical, barrier, and electrical properties
Authors: Ambrosio‐Martín Jesús , Gorrasi Giuliana , Lopez‐Rubio Amparo , Fabra María José , Mas Luís Cabedo , López‐Manchado Miguel Angel , Lagaron Jose María
Published: April 2015

In this work, poly (3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) nanocomposites containing functionalized graphene sheets (FGS) were prepared by means of high‐energy ball milling. The crystalline structure, oxygen barrier, mechanical and electrical properties, and biodegradability of the developed nanocomposites were analyzed and correlated with the amount of FGS incorporated and with their morphology, which was reported in a previous study. Addition of FGS into the PHBV matrix did not affect the crystal morphology of the material but led to somewhat enhanced crystallinity. The good dispersion and distribution of the nanofiller within the polymeric matrix, revealed in the first part of this study, was thought to be crucial for the mechanical reinforcing effect of FGS and also resulted in enhanced gas barrier properties at high relative humidity. Additionally, the conducting behavior of the nanocomposites, as interpreted by the percolation theory, displayed a very low percolation threshold set at ∼0.3 vol % of FGS, while the materials exhibited an overall significantly enhanced conductivity. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42217.
Biodegradation process of a blend of thermoplastic unripe banana flour—polyethylene under composting: Identification of the biodegrading agent
Authors: Vieyra Horacio , San Martín‐Martínez Eduardo , Juárez Esmeralda , Figueroa‐López Ulises , Aguilar‐Méndez Miguel A.
Published: April 2015

Starch‐based biodegradable polymers are obtained by incorporating plant‐derived polymers into plastics. This blending allows for a reduction in the polymer's resistance to microbial degradation. Assessing biodegradability is a key step in the characterization of newly designed polymers. Composting has been taken into consideration in waste management strategies as an alternative technology for plastic disposal. This study analyzed the biodegradability of an injection‐molded plastic material in which thermoplastic unripe banana flour (TPF) acts as a matrix (70%) and metallocene catalyzed polyethylene acts as a reinforcing filler (30%). This plastic was termed 70 TPF, and the structural, physical, and mechanical changes associated with its degradation were analyzed. The characterization of the microorganism that contributes to 70 TPF biodegradation was also performed. After composting, 70 TPF decreased in tensile strength and the TPF moiety in the blend was lost, greatly affecting the microstructure of the sample. Based on these indicators of degradation, this study identified the fungus Mortierella elongata as the microorganism responsible for the degradation of the plastic, a finding that supports the role of fungal communities in the biodegradation of designed materials. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42258.
Use of epoxidized natural rubber as a toughening agent in plastics
Authors: Tanjung Faisal Amri , Hassan Azman , Hasan Mahbub
Published: April 2015

At present, the rubber toughening of plastics has become an attractive field of study in polymer science and technology because brittleness is known to be a drawback in many engineering plastics; it can cause premature failure during application. Among existing rubber materials, epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) has been widely used as an impact modifier or toughening agent in a large number of engineering plastics; in particular, it enhances the impact strength, which deteriorates with the incorporation of other additives, such as fillers and flame retardants. ENR is a modification product from natural rubber produced via an epoxidation reaction. ENR also has good chemical resistance. In this review, we aim to provide a concise current status in the field of ENR toughening agents for plastics with a brief discussion of their associated problems and potential applications. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42270.
Preparation of Sn‐doped CdS/TiO2/conducting polymer fiber composites for efficient photocatalytic hydrogen production under visible light irradiation
Authors: Ren Fengmei , Ma Haihong , Hu Wei , Zhou Zhengfa , Xu Weibing
Published: April 2015

Sn‐doped CdS/TiO2 heterojunction was synthesized on the conducting polymer fiber mat by hydrothermal method. The conducting polymer fiber mat was made by electrospinning from polyvinylidene fluoride, styrene‐maleic anhydride copolymer, and nano‐graphites as conducting fillers. The Sn‐doped CdS/TiO2 heterojunction was characterized by XRD, XPS, SEM, TEM, TGA, and UV–Vis absorption spectra. Under simulated solar light irradiation, a combination of Sn‐doped CdS/TiO2/conducting polymer was found to be highly efficient for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution from splitting of water. The photocatalytic hydrogen production efficiency was up to 2885 μmol h−1 g−1cat. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42300.
Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of Thiazolidine‐2,4‐dione Conjugates as PPAR‐γ Agonists
Authors: Nazreen Syed , Alam Mohammad Sarwar , Hamid Hinna , Yar Mohammad Shahar , Dhulap Abhijeet , Alam Perwez , Pasha Mohammad Abdul Qadar , Bano Sameena , Alam Mohammad Mahboob , Haider Saqlain , Kharbanda Chetna , Ali Yakub , Pillai Kolakappi
Published: April 2015

A library of synthesized conjugates of phenoxy acetic acid and thiazolidinedione 5a–m showed potent peroxisome proliferator activated receptor‐γ (PPAR‐γ) transactivation as well as significant blood glucose lowering effect comparable to the standard drugs pioglitazone and rosiglitazone. Most of the compounds showed higher docking scores than the standard drug rosiglitazone in the molecular docking study. Compounds 5l and 5m exhibited PPAR‐γ transactivation of 54.21 and 55.41%, respectively, in comparison to the standard drugs pioglitazone and rosiglitazone, which showed 65.94 and 82.21% activation, respectively. Compounds 5l and 5m significantly lowered the blood glucose level of STZ‐induced diabetic rats. Compounds 5l and 5m lowered the AST, ALT, and ALP levels more than the standard drug pioglitazone. PPAR‐γ gene expression was significantly increased by compound 5m (2.00‐fold) in comparison to the standard drugs pioglitazone (1.5‐fold) and rosiglitazone (1.0‐fold). Compounds 5l and 5m did not cause any damage to the liver and could be considered as promising candidates for the development of new antidiabetic agents.
Synthesis of High‐Surface‐Area Nitrogen‐Doped Porous Carbon Microflowers and Their Efficient Carbon Dioxide Capture Performance
Authors: Li Yao , Cao Minhua
Published: April 2015

Sustainable carbon materials have received particular attention in CO2 capture and storage owing to their abundant pore structures and controllable pore parameters. Here, we report high‐surface‐area hierarchically porous N‐doped carbon microflowers, which were assembled from porous nanosheets by a three‐step route: soft‐template‐assisted self‐assembly, thermal decomposition, and KOH activation. The hydrazine hydrate used in our experiment serves as not only a nitrogen source, but also a structure‐directing agent. The activation process was carried out under low (KOH/carbon=2), mild (KOH/carbon=4) and severe (KOH/carbon=6) activation conditions. The mild activated N‐doped carbon microflowers (A‐NCF‐4) have a hierarchically porous structure, high specific surface area (2309 m2 g−1), desirable micropore size below 1 nm, and importantly large micropore volume (0.95 cm3 g−1). The remarkably high CO2 adsorption capacities of 6.52 and 19.32 mmol g−1 were achieved with this sample at 0 °C (273 K) and two pressures, 1 bar and 20 bar, respectively. Furthermore, this sample also exhibits excellent stability during cyclic operations and good separation selectivity for CO2 over N2.
Using arterial spin labeling to examine mood states in youth
Authors: Mikita Nina , Mehta Mitul A. , Zelaya Fernando O. , Stringaris Argyris
Published: April 2015

Introduction

Little is known about the neural correlates of mood states and the specific physiological changes associated with their valence and duration, especially in young people. Arterial spin labeling (ASL) imaging is particularly well‐suited to study sustained cerebral states in young people, due to its robustness to low‐frequency drift, excellent interscan reliability, and noninvasiveness. Yet, it has so far been underutilized for understanding the neural mechanisms underlying mood states in youth.

Methods

In this exploratory study, 21 healthy adolescents aged 16 to 18 took part in a mood induction experiment. Neutral, sad, and happy mood states were induced using film clips and explicit instructions. An ASL scan was obtained following presentation of each film clip.

Results

Mood induction led to robust changes in self‐reported mood ratings. Compared to neutral, sad mood was associated with increased regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) in the left middle frontal gyrus and anterior prefrontal cortex, and decreased rCBF in the right middle frontal gyrus and the inferior parietal lobule. A decrease in self‐reported mood from neutral to sad condition was associated with increased rCBF in the precuneus. Happy mood was associated with increased rCBF in medial frontal and cingulate gyri, the subgenual anterior cingulate cortex, and ventral striatum, and decreased rCBF in the inferior parietal lobule. The level of current self‐reported depressive symptoms was negatively associated with rCBF change in the cerebellum and lingual gyrus following both sad and happy mood inductions.

Conclusions

Arterial spin labeling is sensitive to experimentally induced mood changes in healthy young people. The effects of happy mood on rCBF patterns were generally stronger than the effects of sad mood.
Urge different campus departments to prepare staff members for crises
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: April 2015

Your campus safety unit probably maintains a comprehensive campus emergency plan. It's also a good idea to encourage officials of departments throughout campus to plan ahead so they aren't caught unprepared during emergencies. After all, your overall plan is unlikely to address all the little details that will impact every single campus department, such as the loss of departmental data and health or medical issues of individual employees.
Boost effectiveness of your threat assessment team
Authors: Gomez Cynthia
Published: April 2015

Threat assessment teams have become commonplace on college and university campuses. Unfortunately, such teams sometimes miss threats that are more serious than they seem, or overreact on threats that are never meant to be carried out.
Listen, find ways to collaborate to boost effectiveness, on and off campus
Authors: Gomez Cynthia
Published: April 2015

Jesse Cashman arrived at St. Cloud State University almost right out of college as a part‐time campus safety officer. He had been working as an investigator for the state's Department of Corrections and wanted a second gig to supplement his income, when he suddenly lost his job with the DOC due to cutbacks.
Don't be afraid to mentor a millennial
Authors: Williams Kate
Published: April 2015

As a college administrator, you may have thought about mentoring one of your junior millennial employees but are hesitant due to negative generational stereotypes. As a millennial who is currently in a mentor‐mentee relationship with a baby boomer, I want to plead our case and explain the top five reasons we need your help.
Ensure that campus institutional research officials understand the need to conduct campus climate studies
Authors: Gomez Cynthia
Published: April 2015

Following the creation of the White House Task Force to Protect Students from Sexual Assault, the Association for Institutional Research launched a survey to find out how much awareness of the task force and its recommendations existed among its members.
Two‐Step Protein Labeling by Using Lipoic Acid Ligase with Norbornene Substrates and Subsequent Inverse‐Electron Demand Diels–Alder Reaction
Authors: Best Marcel , Degen Anna , Baalmann Mathis , Schmidt Tobias T. , Wombacher Richard
Published: April 2015

Inverse‐electron‐demand Diels–Alder cycloaddition (DAinv) between strained alkenes and tetrazines is a highly bio‐orthogonal reaction that has been applied in the specific labeling of biomolecules. In this work we present a two‐step labeling protocol for the site‐specific labeling of proteins based on attachment of a highly stable norbornene derivative to a specific peptide sequence by using a mutant of the enzyme lipoic acid ligase A (LplAW37V), followed by the covalent attachment of tetrazine‐modified fluorophores to the norbornene moiety through the bio‐orthogonal DAinv . We investigated 15 different norbornene derivatives for their selective enzymatic attachment to a 13‐residue lipoic acid acceptor peptide (LAP) by using a standardized HPLC protocol. Finally, we used this two‐step labeling strategy to label proteins in cell lysates in a site‐specific manner and performed cell‐surface labeling on living cells.
A Synthetic Transcriptional Activator of Genes Associated with the Retina in Human Dermal Fibroblasts
Authors: Syed Junetha , Chandran Anandhakumar , Pandian Ganesh N. , Taniguchi Junichi , Sato Shinsuke , Hashiya Kaori , Kashiwazaki Gengo , Bando Toshikazu , Sugiyama Hiroshi
Published: April 2015

Small molecules capable of modulating epigenetic signatures can activate the transcription of tissue‐restricted genes in a totally unrelated cell type and have potential use in epigenetic therapy. To provide an example for an initial approach, we report here on one synthetic small‐molecule compound—termed “SAHA–PIP X”—from our library of conjugates. This compound triggered histone acetylation accompanied by the transcription of retinal‐tissue‐related genes in human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs).
Diagnosing covert hepatic encephalopathy
Authors: Munk Lauridsen Mette , Vilstrup Hendrik
Published: April 2015

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Management of hepatic encephalopathy as an inpatient
Authors: Riggio Oliviero , Nardelli Silvia , Gioia Stefania , Lucidi Cristina , Merli Manuela
Published: April 2015

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Visualizing the “heartbeat” of a city with tweets
Authors: França Urbano , Sayama Hiroki , Mcswiggen Colin , Daneshvar Roozbeh , Bar‐Yam Yaneer
Published: April 2015

Describing the dynamics of a city is a crucial step to both understanding the human activity in urban environments and to planning and designing cities accordingly. Here, we describe the collective dynamics of New York City (NYC) and surrounding areas as seen through the lens of Twitter usage. In particular, we observe and quantify the patterns that emerge naturally from the hourly activities in different areas of NYC, and discuss how they can be used to understand the urban areas. Using a dataset that includes more than 6 million geolocated Twitter messages we construct a movie of the geographic density of tweets. We observe the diurnal “heartbeat” of the NYC area. The largest scale dynamics are the waking and sleeping cycle and commuting from residential communities to office areas in Manhattan. Hourly dynamics reflect the interplay of commuting, work and leisure, including whether people are preoccupied with other activities or actively using Twitter. Differences between weekday and weekend dynamics point to changes in when people wake and sleep, and engage in social activities. We show that by measuring the average distances to a central location one can quantify the weekly differences and the shift in behavior during weekends. We also identify locations and times of high Twitter activity that occur because of specific activities. These include early morning high levels of traffic as people arrive and wait at air transportation hubs, and on Sunday at the Meadowlands Sports Complex and Statue of Liberty. We analyze the role of particular individuals where they have large impacts on overall Twitter activity. Our analysis points to the opportunity to develop insight into both geographic social dynamics and attention through social media analysis. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity 21: 280–287, 2016
Carbon‐Nanotubes‐Supported Pd Nanoparticles for Alcohol Oxidations in Fuel Cells: Effect of Number of Nanotube Walls on Activity
Authors: Zhang Jin , Lu Shanfu , Xiang Yan , Shen Pei Kang , Liu Jian , Jiang San Ping
Published: April 2015

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are well known electrocatalyst supports due to their high electrical conductivity, structural stability, and high surface area. Here, we demonstrate that the number of inner tubes or walls of CNTs also have a significant promotion effect on the activity of supported Pd nanoparticles (NPs) for alcohol oxidation reactions of direct alcohol fuel cells (DAFCs). Pd NPs with similar particle size (2.1–2.8 nm) were uniformly assembled on CNTs with different number of walls. The results indicate that Pd NPs supported on triple‐walled CNTs (TWNTs) have the highest mass activity and stability for methanol, ethanol, and ethylene glycol oxidation reactions, as compared to Pd NPs supported on single‐walled and multi‐walled CNTs. Such a specific promotion effect of TWNTs on the electrocatalytic activity of Pd NPs is not related to the contribution of metal impurities in CNTs, oxygen‐functional groups of CNTs or surface area of CNTs and Pd NPs. A facile charge transfer mechanism via electron tunneling between the outer wall and inner tubes of CNTs under electrochemical driving force is proposed for the significant promotion effect of TWNTs for the alcohol oxidation reactions in alkaline solutions.
Surmounting limited gene delivery into primary immune cell populations: Efficient cell type‐specific adenoviral transduction by CAR
Authors: Clausen Björn E. , Brand Anna , Karram Khalad
Published: April 2015

Ectopic gene expression studies in primary immune cells have been notoriously difficult to perform due to the limitations in conventional transfection and viral transduction methods. Although replication‐defective adenoviruses provide an attractive alternative for gene delivery, their use has been hampered by the limited susceptibility of murine leukocytes to adenoviral infection, due to insufficient expression of the human coxsackie/adenovirus receptor (CAR). In this issue of the European Journal of Immunology, Heger et al. [Eur. J. Immunol. 2015. 45: 1614–1620] report the generation of transgenic mice that enable conditional Cre/loxP‐mediated expression of human CAR. The authors demonstrate that this R26/CAG‐CAR∆1StopF mouse strain facilitates the faithful monitoring of Cre activity in situ as well as the specific and efficient adenoviral transduction of primary immune cell populations in vitro. Further tweaking of the system towards more efficient gene transfer in vivo remains a future challenge.
Mechanistic Links in the in‐situ Formation of Dinuclear Manganese Catalysts, H2O2 Disproportionation, and Alkene Oxidation
Authors: Angelone Davide , Abdolahzadeh Shaghayegh , de Boer Johannes W. , Browne Wesley R.
Published: April 2015

The oxidation of substrates, such as alkenes, with H2O2 and the catalyst [MnIV2(μ‐O)3(tmtacn)2]2+ (1; tmtacn = 1,4,7‐trimethyl‐1,4,7‐triazacyclononane) is promoted by the addition of carboxylic acids through the in situ formation of bis(carboxylato) complexes of the type [MnIII2(μ‐O)(μ‐RCO2)2(tmtacn)2]2+. The conversion of 1 to these complexes requires a complex series of redox reactions coupled with the overall exchange of μ‐oxido ligands for μ‐carboxylato ligands. Here, we show that the mechanism by which this conversion occurs holds implications with regard to the species that is directly engaged in the catalytic oxidation of alkenes. Through a combination of UV/Vis absorption, Raman, resonance Raman and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, it is shown that the conversion proceeds by an autocatalytic mechanism and that the species that engages in the oxidation of organic substrates also catalyses H2O2 decomposition, and the former process is faster.
Synthesis of Functionalized Organoselenium Materials: Selenides and Diselenides Containing Cholesterol
Authors: Frizon Tiago E. , Rafique Jamal , Saba Sumbal , Bechtold Ivan H. , Gallardo Hugo , Braga Antonio L.
Published: April 2015

A simple and efficient procedure for the synthesis of three new series of chalcogen liquid crystals, based on selenides and diselenides, containing cholesterol in their structure, is described. Thermal and liquid crystalline properties were investigated by POM, DSC, TGA and XRD scattering. Six of the nine molecules synthesized showed liquid crystal properties, with smectic mesomorphism. All the compounds presented good thermal stability. The smectic mesomorphism was confirmed through XRD analysis. The morphology of the surface of the films was investigated by using atomic force microscopy (AFM). All prepared diselenides showed good glutathione peroxidase like activity and one of the diselenides was 3.3 times more active than the standard Ebselen.
α‐Carbonylimine to α‐Carbonylamide: An Efficient Oxidative Amidation Approach
Authors: Padala Anil K. , Mupparapu Nagaraju , Singh Deepika , Vishwakarma Ram A. , Ahmed Qazi Naveed
Published: April 2015

Our interest in generating amide bonds by employing the activated C=N system has led to the development of an efficient oxidative amidation reaction between 2‐oxoaldehyde and weak nucleophilic amines (anilines, benzamides and sulfonamides). Mechanistic studies support the involvement of α‐carbonylimine (–CO–C=N–) based compounds or intermediates as a central feature of the reaction, in which an adjacent CO moiety enhances the electrophilicity of the C=N system, which favors attack of the oxidant (TBHP or SeO2), thereby resulting in the generation of the desired products in good yields. The direct oxidative coupling of 2‐oxoaldehydes and weak nucleophilic amines has been accomplished through either MgSO4–TBHP–pyridine/CuBr, or SeO2·pyridine promoted methods. In the current study, SeO2·pyridine emerged as a versatile reagent with which to promote initial α‐carbonylimine formation between 2‐oxoaldehyde and weak nucleophilic amine, and subsequent oxidation to the corresponding α‐carbonylamide. The reported methodology constitutes one of the few reports of the synthesis of α‐ketoamides from anilines, perhaps the second report for the generation of α‐ketoimides, and the first report of the generation of 2‐oxoamides with sulfonamides.
Synthesis, Post‐Modification and Fluorescence Properties of Boron Diketonate Complexes
Authors: Guieu Samuel , Pinto Joana , Silva Vera L. M. , Rocha João , Silva Artur M. S.
Published: April 2015

A family of fluorescent dyes based on a boron diketonate core with extended conjugation has been prepared by a three‐step strategy. The complexes are fluorescent both in solution and in the solid state, with a large Stokes' shift. A free phenol group can be used to further modify the compounds with no loss of emission efficiency.
Metal Oxide Nanoparticles in Electroanalysis
Authors: Lim Wan Qi , Gao Zhiqiang
Published: April 2015

Many important technological advances have been made in the use of nanotechnology in electroanalysis in recent years. Coupled with the development of electroanalytical techniques for the detection of a wide variety of analytes, a lot of effort has been put into realizing accurate, sensitive, selective, and robust electrochemical assays and sensing devices for both laboratory and point‐of‐care applications. The use of metal oxide nanoparticles, in particular, has led to improvements in sensitivity, selectivity, and multiplexing capacity for the analysis of proteins, nucleic acids, as well as small molecules such as glucose and hydrogen peroxide. This article reviews the progress in the research and development of metal oxide nanoparticle‐based electroanalytical methods with an emphasis on their mechanism, performance and applications together with some discussion on challenges and perspectives in this exciting field.
Biochar amendment to lead-contaminated soil: Effects on fluorescein diacetate hydrolytic activity and phytotoxicity to rice
Authors: Tan Xiaofei , Liu Yunguo , Gu Yanling , Zeng Guangming , Hu Xinjiang , Wang Xin , Hu Xi , Guo Yiming , Zeng Xiaoxia , Sun Zhichao
Published: April 2015

The amendment effects of biochar on total microbial activity was measured by fluorescein diacetate (FDA) hydrolytic activity, and phytotoxicity in Pb(II)-contaminated soils was examined by the application of 4 different biochars to soil, with rice as a test plant. The FDA hydrolytic activities of biochar-amended soils were much higher than that of the control. The survival rate of rice in lead-contaminated biochar-amended soils showed significant improvement over the control, especially for bamboo biochar-amended soil (93.3%). In addition, rice grown in lead-contaminated control sediment displayed lower biomass production than that in biochar-amended soil. The immobilization of Pb(II) and the positive effects of biochar amendment on soil microorganisms may account for these effects. The results suggest that biochar may have an excellent ability to mitigate the toxic effects of Pb(II) on soil microorganisms and rice. Environ Toxicol Chem 2015;34:1962–1968. © 2015 SETAC
Linking trace element variations with macronutrients and major cations in marine mussels Mytilus edulis and Perna viridis
Authors: Liu Fengjie , Wang Wen-Xiong
Published: April 2015

Marine mussels have long been used as biomonitors of contamination of trace elements, but little is known about whether variation in tissue trace elements is significantly associated with those of macronutrients and major cations. The authors examined the variability of macronutrients and major cations and their potential relationships with bioaccumulation of trace elements. The authors analyzed the concentrations of macronutrients (C, N, P, S), major cations (Na, Mg, K, Ca), and trace elements (Al, V, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Mo, Cd, Ba, Pb) in the whole soft tissues of marine mussels Mytilus edulis and Perna viridis collected globally from 21 sites. The results showed that 12% to 84% of the variances in the trace elements was associated with major cations, and the tissue concentration of major cations such as Na and Mg in mussels was a good proxy for ambient seawater concentrations of the major cations. Specifically, bioaccumulation of most of the trace elements was significantly associated with major cations, and the relationships of major cations with trace cations and trace oxyanions were totally opposite. Furthermore, 14% to 69% of the variances in the trace elements were significantly associated with macronutrients. Notably, more than half of the variance in the tissue concentrations of As, Cd, V, Ba, and Pb was explained by the variance in macronutrients in one or both species. Because the tissue macronutrient concentrations were strongly associated with animal growth and reproduction, the observed coupling relationships indicated that these biological processes strongly influenced the bioaccumulation of some trace elements. The present study indicated that simultaneous quantification of macronutrients and major cations with trace elements can improve the interpretation of biomonitoring data. Environ Toxicol Chem 2015;34:2041–2050. © 2015 SETAC
How Catalytic Order Drives the Complexification of Molecular Replication Networks
Authors: Wagner Nathaniel , Ashkenasy Gonen
Published: April 2015

Catalytic replication networks have frequently served to study emergent phenomena in complex mixtures. In a series of recent research papers, we have analyzed the effects of the autocatalytic reaction order on various behaviors of these networks, and in particular, on their possibility to evolve and mimic functions often observed in cell biochemistry. In this review, we first discuss and derive properties of minimal self‐replication, with an emphasis on catalytic order, reaction order, and properties directly affected by the order. We then expand our discussion to include catalytic networks, and review some of the implications of symmetry and order in these networks. Consequently, we look at open catalytic networks and their oscillations in replication product formation, again emphasizing the critical role played by the catalytic order. Finally, we describe an extension of the catalytic networks research using the quasispecies model, where we note the implications of the order on the phase transitions observed in these systems. Further implications of these results for emergence and evolution are discussed.
Cellular and molecular mechanisms of inflammation‐induced angiogenesis
Authors: Szade Agata , Grochot‐Przeczek Anna , Florczyk Urszula , Jozkowicz Alicja , Dulak Jozef
Published: April 2015

Blood vessel formation is a fundamental process for the development of organism and tissue regeneration. Of importance, angiogenesis occurring during postnatal development is usually connected with inflammation. Here, we review how molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying inflammatory reactions regulate angiogenesis. Inflamed tissues are characterized by hypoxic conditions and immune cell infiltration. In this review, we describe an interplay of hypoxia‐inducible factors (HIFs), HIF1 and HIF2, as well as NF‐κB and nitric oxide in the regulation of angiogenesis. The mobilization of macrophages and the differential role of M1 and M2 macrophage subsets in angiogenesis are also discussed. Next, we present the current knowledge about microRNA regulation of inflammation in the context of new blood vessel formation. Finally, we describe how the mechanisms involved in inflammation influence tumor angiogenesis. We underlay and discuss the role of NF‐E2‐related factor 2/heme oxygenase‐1 pathway as crucial in the regulation of inflammation‐induced angiogenesis. © 2015 IUBMB Life, 67(3):145–159, 2015
Establishment of a mouse model for amiodarone‐induced liver injury and analyses of its hepatotoxic mechanism
Authors: Takai Shohei , Oda Shingo , Tsuneyama Koichi , Fukami Tatsuki , Nakajima Miki , Yokoi Tsuyoshi
Published: April 2015

Drug‐induced liver injury (DILI) is the most frequent cause of post‐marketing warnings and withdrawals. Amiodarone (AMD), an antiarrhythmic, presents a risk of liver injury in humans, and its metabolites, formed by cytochrome P450 3A4, are likely more toxic to hepatocytes than AMD is. However, it remains to be clarified whether the metabolic activation of AMD is involved in liver injury in vivo. In this study, to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of AMD‐induced liver injury, mice were administered AMD [1000 mg kg–1, per os (p.o.)] after pretreatment with dexamethasone [DEX, 60 mg kg–1, intraperitoneal (i.p.)], which induces P450 expression, once daily for 3 days. The plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were significantly increased by AMD administration in the DEX‐pretreated mice, and the liver concentrations of desethylamiodarone (DEA), a major metabolite of AMD, were correlated with the changes in the plasma ALT levels. Cytochrome c release into the hepatic cytosol and triglyceride levels in the plasma were increased in DEX plus AMD‐administered mice. Furthermore, the ratio of reduced glutathione to oxidized glutathione disulfide in the liver significantly decreased in the DEX plus AMD‐administered mice. The increase of ALT levels was suppressed by treatment with gadolinium chloride (GdCl3), which is an inhibitor of Kupffer cell function. From these results, it is suggested that AMD and/or DEA contribute to the pathogenesis of AMD‐induced liver injury by producing mitochondrial and oxidative stress and Kupffer cell activation. This study proposes the mechanisms of AMD‐induced liver injury using an in vivo mouse model. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Are the High Hip Fracture Rates Among Norwegian Women Explained by Impaired Bone Material Properties?
Authors: Duarte Sosa Daysi , Vilaplana Laila , Güerri Roberto , Nogués Xavier , Wang-Fagerland Morten , Diez-Perez Adolfo , F Eriksen Erik
Published: April 2015

Hip fracture rates in Norway rank among the highest in the world, more than double that of Spanish women. Previous studies were unable to demonstrate significant differences between the two populations with respect to bone mass or calcium metabolism. In order to test whether the difference in fracture propensity between both populations could be explained by differences in bone material quality we assessed bone material strength using microindentation in 42 Norwegian and 46 Spanish women with normal BMD values, without clinical or morphometric vertebral fractures, no clinical or laboratory signs of secondary osteoporosis, and without use of drugs with known influence on bone metabolism. Bone material properties were assessed by microindentation of the thick cortex of the mid tibia following local anesthesia of the area using the Osteoprobe device (Active Life Scientific, Santa Barbara, CA, USA). Indentation distance was standardized against a calibration phantom of methylmethacrylate and results, as percentage of this reference value, expressed as bone material strength index units (BMSi). We found that the bone material properties reflected in the BMSi value of Norwegian women was significantly inferior when compared to Spanish women (77 ± 7.1 versus 80.7 ± 7.8, p < 0.001). Total hip BMD was significantly higher in Norwegian women (1.218 g/cm2 versus 0.938 g/cm2, p < 0.001) but regression analysis revealed that indentation values did not vary with BMD r2 = 0.03 or age r2 = 0.04. In conclusion Norwegian women show impaired bone material properties, higher bone mass, and were taller than Spanish women. The increased height will increase the impact on bone after falls, and impaired bone material properties may further enhance the risk fracture after such falls. These ethnic differences in bone material properties may partly explain the higher propensity for fracture in Norwegian women. © 2015 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Giberella fujikuroi species complex isolated from maize and wheat in Iran: distribution, molecular identification and fumonisin B1in vitro biosynthesis
Authors: Mohammadi Abdelnasser , Shams‐Ghahfarokhi Masoomeh , Nazarian‐Firouzabadi Farhad , Kachuei Reza , Gholami‐Shabani Mohammadhassan , Razzaghi‐Abyaneh Mehdi
Published: April 2015

BACKGROUND

Contamination of food and agricultural crops by Fusarium species is a major concern of food spoilage and a potential public health hazard. In the present study, natural contamination of maize and wheat samples from main cultivation areas of Iran by Fusarium species belonging to the Giberella fujikuroi species complex was evaluated, with special attention to the ability of the isolates to produce fumonisin B1 (FB1).

RESULTS

A total of 55 Fusarium isolates were obtained from 27/32 maize samples (84.4%) and 11/15 wheat samples (73.3%). They were identified as F. verticillioides (47.3%), F. proliferatum (47.3%), F. fujikuroi (1.8%), F. nygamai (1.8%) and F. redolens (1.8%) by sequence analysis of translation elongation factor 1‐α (TEF1‐α). Twenty‐two of 55 Fusarium isolates belonging to F. proliferatum (23.6%), F. verticillioides (14.5%) and F. fujikuroi (1.8%) produced FB1 in the concentration range 230.4–9565.0 µg mL−1. The dendrogram resulting from the TEF1‐α profile showed that the genotypes were divided into clusters I, II and III, of which cluster III contained only F. redolens, its first report from Iran.

CONCLUSION

On the basis of in vitro FB1 biosynthesis of the analyzed strains, the high degree of contamination of maize and wheat with Fusarium strains reported here should be considered as a potential public health threat, because a meaningful number of the isolates were found to produce hazardous levels of carcinogenic FB1. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry