bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What Is a High School Literacy Specialist?
Authors: Dean Tami R.
Published: April 2016

This column features essays written by current middle school and high school teachers, media specialists, librarians, literacy coaches, curriculum specialists, administrators, preservice teachers, teacher educators, and adolescent and adult learners. They highlight diverse perspectives on teaching and/or learning with literacies to inspire reader reflection.
Synthesis of Cytotoxic Isodeoxypodophyllotoxin Analogs
Authors: Alizadeh Babak Heidary , Emami Saeed , Dehghan Gholamreza , Foroumadi Alireza , Shafiee Abbas
Published: April 2016

A series of aryltetralin lignans 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, 7e, 7f, 7g, 7h, 7i, 7j, 7k, 7l were synthesized as cytotoxic isodeoxypodophyllotoxin analogs. The title compounds 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, 7e, 7f, 7g, 7h, 7i, 7j, 7k, 7l were synthesized from the reaction of (+)‐(R)‐4‐[benzo(d)(1,3)dioxol‐5‐ylmethyl]‐dihydrofuran‐2‐(3H)‐one with different arylaldehydes to afford benzyl alcohol analogs and subsequent cyclization with trifluoroacetic acid in dichromethane. The preliminary screening of the compounds against viability of blood cancer human cell line K562 revealed that compounds 7d, 7e, and 7f had higher inhibitory activity at 10 µg/mL concentration compared with etoposide as reference drug.
Reaction of Amidrazones with Phthaloyl Chloride—Synthesis of 1,2,4‐Triazolium Salts (Part I)
Authors: Aly Ashraf A. , Hassan Alaa A. , Gomaa Mohsen A.‐M. , Bräse Stefan , Nemr Fatma M.
Published: April 2016

Phthaloyl chloride reacts with N‐arylbenzamidrazones to give 1,2,4‐triazolium salts in very good yields. The mechanism described the products formation was discussed. The structure of the obtained products was proved by IR, mass, NMR spectra, and elemental analyses.
Nitric oxide synthase and changes in oxidative stress levels in embryonic kidney observed in a rabbit model of intrauterine growth restriction
Authors: Figueroa Horacio , Cifuentes Jorge , Lozano Mauricio , Alvarado Cristobal , Cabezas Claudia , Eixarch Elisenda , Fernández Ellio , Contreras Luis , Illanes Sebastian E. , Hernández‐Andrade Edgar , Gratacós Eduard , Irarrazabal Carlos E.
Published: April 2016

Objective

This work aimed to study the effect of uteroplacental circulation restriction on endothelial kidney damage in a fetal rabbit model.

Methods

New Zealand rabbits were subjected to 40% to 50% of uteroplacental artery ligation at day 25 of pregnancy. After 5 days, surviving fetuses were harvested by cesarean section. The gene and protein expressions of selected enzymes associated with nitric oxide production and oxidative stress were analyzed in fetal kidney homogenates.

Results

The placenta weight (6.06 ± 0.27, p < 0.0319) and fetal body (19.90 ± 1.03, p < 0.0001) were significantly reduced in the uteroplacental circulation restriction group. The kidneys from restricted fetuses presented a mild vascular congestion and glomerular capillary congestion, without inflammation or hypertrophy. We found endothelial nitric oxide synthase phosphorylation inhibition (0.23 ± 0.13, p < 0.012) and arginase‐2 (0.29 ± 0.14, p < 0.023) protein induction in fetal kidneys of the circulation restriction group. Finally, the kidneys from circulation‐restricted fetuses showed increased inducible nitric oxide synthase messenger RNA (mRNA) (2.68 ± 0.24, p < 0.01) and reduced heme oxygenase‐1 mRNA (23 ± 1.3, p < 0.003), with increased reactive oxygen species (1.69 ± 0.09, p < 0.001) and nitrotyrosine protein (1.74 ± 0.28, p < 0.003) levels, without changes in Nox mRNA.

Conclusion

We describe significant deregulation of vascular activity and oxidative damage in kidneys of fetal rabbits that have been exposed to restriction of the uterine circulation. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An Efficient and Facile Synthesis of CL‐20 from TADNO Using HNO3/N2O5 and Optimization of Reaction Parameters by Taguchi Method
Authors: Bayat Yadollah , Hajighasemali Fatemeh
Published: April 2016

Hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane (CL‐20) is an outstanding member of a promising new class of energetic compounds, which is applicable in both propellants and explosives. Herein, CL‐20 was synthesized in an efficient method from tetraacetyldinitrosohexaazaisowurtzitane (TADNO) using N2O5/HNO3. The optimization reaction parameters were performed according to the Taguchi OA method. The yield of reaction at the optimized conditions was 97 % with 98.75 % purity.
Dust drift reduction effect of an air conveyor kit (dual‐pipe deflector) mounted on different maize pneumatic drills
Authors: Manzone Marco , Balsari Paolo , Marucco Paolo , Tamagnone Mario
Published: April 2016

BACKGROUND

All maize drills produce a fine dust due to the seed coating abrasions that occur inside the seeding element. The air stream generated by the fan of pneumatic drills – necessary to create a depression in the sowing element of the machine and to guarantee correct seed deposition – can blow away the solid particles detached from the seeds. In order to reduce this phenomenon, a coated maize seeds company (Syngenta®) has set up an ad hoc dual‐pipe deflector kit that easily fits different pneumatic drills (also old drills). In this study, the efficiency of this kit and the influence of different drill types on the kit's performance in reducing environmental pollution were evaluated using three different pneumatic seed drill models.

RESULTS

The research showed that a dual‐pipe deflector installed on a drill in standard configuration did not change the seeder performance, and by using this kit on pneumatic drills, irrespective of their design, it is possible to reduce by up to 69% the amount of dust drift in comparison with the conventional machine set‐up.

CONCLUSION

The dual‐pipe deflector, under the conditions employed in the present experiments, showed good performance with all types of maize pneumatic drill used. Irrespective of the seeder model on which it is mounted, it is able to obtain similar results, indicating its high operational versatility. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
“Do Some Wondering”: Children and their Self‐Understanding Selves in Early Elementary Classrooms
Authors: Aronson Matt , Bialostok Steve
Published: April 2016

Self‐knowledge has been a central theme in many diagnoses of late modernity, and it has cued scholars to investigate everyday situations in which people express reflexive selves. Using participant observation and interview data, we examined two American elementary classrooms where children learn to express a type of “self‐understanding self” called the enterprising child. We suggest that this form of self emerges through classroom talk characterized by the popular pedagogical concept of metacognition, which encourages the learner to be aware of her thinking and learning and, crucially, to express an awareness of herself as a thinker and learner. We emphasize an interactionist view toward the situational self, and argue that how teachers manage classroom discourse socializes children into venerating the dispositional tendencies that correspond with new capitalist workplaces. We conclude by discussing the implications this may have for modern personhood, symbolic inequality in classrooms, and the political economy of linguistic forms.
How to Be a Good Alcoholic
Authors: Skjælaaen Øystein
Published: April 2016

Alcoholism is not one singular thing. It takes many forms, some more dignified and less destructive than others. This article explores how people drinking in the early hours of the day in bars present themselves and their relationship with alcohol and alcoholism. By means of ethnographic data, I analyze their strategies in dealing with the deviant use of alcohol. I find that the early morning drinkers use distinctions along three dimensions: managing drunkenness, taking breaks from drinking, and claiming certain motives for drinking. These distinctions are used in order to position oneself on a normative scale of different types of alcoholics.
Delivering Flexible Education and Training to Health Professionals: Caring for Older Adults in Disasters
Authors: Altman Brian A. , Gulley Kelly H. , Rossi Carlo , Strauss-Riggs Kandra , Schor Kenneth
Published: April 2016

The National Center for Disaster Medicine and Public Health (NCDMPH), in collaboration with over 20 subject matter experts, created a competency-based curriculum titled Caring for Older Adults in Disasters: A Curriculum for Health Professionals. Educators and trainers of health professionals are the target audience for this curriculum. The curriculum was designed to provide breadth of content yet flexibility for trainers to tailor lessons, or select particular lessons, for the needs of their learners and organizations. The curriculum covers conditions present in the older adult population that may affect their disaster preparedness, response, and recovery; issues related to specific types of disasters; considerations for the care of older adults throughout the disaster cycle; topics related to specific settings in which older adults receive care; and ethical and legal considerations. An excerpt of the final capstone lesson is included. These capstone activities can be used in conjunction with the curriculum or as part of stand-alone preparedness training. This article describes the development process, elements of each lesson, the content covered, and options for use of the curriculum in education and training for health professionals. The curriculum is freely available online at the NCDMPH website at http://ncdmph.usuhs.edu (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2016;10:633–637).
Beyond the World of Commerce: Rethinking Hausa Diaspora History through Marriage, Distance, and Legal Testimony
Authors: O’Rourke Harmony
Published: April 2016

Beginning in the mid-nineteenth century, Hausa migrants traveled to the Cameroon Grassfields where they established multiple settlements known asabakwa, a term referring to descendants of mixed marriages between Hausa men and local, mainly non-Muslim women. Previous historical studies on Hausa diaspora communities in West Africa have largely concentrated on the spread of commerce and Islam. By contrast, this article asks how gendered power asymmetries, together with the essential diaspora factors of distance and travel, influenced the marital relationships that made the diaspora possible. This approach to Hausa diaspora history emerges from Islamic court records dating from the late 1940s to the early 1960s in British mandated territory. The founding of the court resulted in the institutionalization of Islamic household patriarchy as well as debates over Hausa values, especially marriage as a primary site of belonging and patriarchal control. This article demonstrates that marital negotiations and distance interacted with colonial legal structures and community patriarchy in a manner that both intensified women’s vulnerability and provided opportunities to strategically forge new identities and relationships.
Breaking the cartel: the geography of the electoral support of new parties in Italy and Spain
Authors: Riera Pedro , Russo Luana
Published: April 2016

The factors explaining the emergence and electoral success of new parties have been investigated extensively on a cross-national basis, but little is known about why their vote shares differ within a specific country at any given time. This article is an attempt to fill this gap by examining the determinants of electoral support of Podemos and Movimento 5 Stelle across Spanish and Italian municipalities. Using empirical evidence from the 2014 European Parliament elections, we show that a bad economic situation at the local level increases the vote shares of these parties. We also demonstrate that these parties perform better in towns where abstention rates have previously increased, and the population is comparatively younger, and the possible existence of interaction effects between all these factors.
The State of Knowledge about an Open Secret: Indonesia's Mass Disappearances of 1965–66
Authors: Roosa John
Published: April 2016

In a scene in the genre-bending documentary filmThe Act of Killing(2012), a journalist, Soaduon Siregar, claims to have a sudden insight while standing in a film studio. Having just watched two executioners reenact their deeds of 1965–66 before a camera, he realizes why he had never known that they had garroted hundreds of detainees when he was working with them in the same building. His old friends had been so “smooth” (he used the English word) that he had not noticed them running a human abattoir upstairs. One of the executioners standing in the studio with crude makeup plastered on his face, Adi Zulkardy, is incredulous and insists Siregar must have known since even the neighbors heard the screams of the victims: “It was an open secret (rahasia umum).” When the director of the film, Joshua Oppenheimer, interjects, noting that Siregar's longtime boss at the local newspaper had already admitted to being an interrogator who decided which detainees were to die, Siregar becomes only more adamant in denying any knowledge of the killing.
Applicability of the 1D Child–Langmuir relation for ion diode current calculation
Authors: Pushkarev A.I. , Isakova Y.I.
Published: April 2016

The paper presents the results of the analysis of the influence of curvature of the electrons trajectory in the anode–cathode gap of an ion diode on the diode impedance and evaluation of applicability of the one-dimensional (1D) Child–Langmuir (CL) ratio for calculation of the electron current. Investigations of an ion diode with a graphite anode in self-magnetic insulation mode were carried out. Experiments were performed on the TEMP-4M ion accelerator set in a double pulse mode, with the first negative pulse (150–200 kV, 400–600 ns) followed by the second positive pulse (250–300 kV, 150 ns). The result of this study is that we have determined the boundary conditions for the applicability of 1D CL ratio for calculation of the electron current in the ion diode. It was found that the deviation of the diode current–voltage characteristics from CL ratio will be observed only with a significant change in the acceleration voltage during electron drift or when the electron drift time exceeds the transit time of ions.
Bioavailability of milk protein-derived bioactive peptides: a glycaemic management perspective
Authors: Horner Katy , Drummond Elaine , Brennan Lorraine
Published: April 2016

Milk protein-derived peptides have been reported to have potential benefits for reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes. However, what the active components are and whether intact peptides exert this bioactivity has received little investigation in human subjects. Furthermore, potentially useful bioactive peptides can be limited by low bioavailability. Various peptides have been identified in the gastrointestinal tract and bloodstream after milk-protein ingestion, providing valuable insights into their potential bioavailability. However, these studies are currently limited and the structure and sequence of milk peptides exerting bioactivity for glycaemic management has received little investigation in human subjects. The present article reviews the bioavailability of milk protein-derived peptides in human studies to date, and examines the evidence on milk proteins and glycaemic management, including potential mechanisms of action. Areas in need of advancement are identified. Only by establishing the bioavailability of milk protein-derived peptides, the active components and the mechanistic pathways involved can the benefits of milk proteins for the prevention or management of type 2 diabetes be fully realised in future.
Bernoulli, Darwin, and Sagan: the probability of life on other planets
Authors: Rossmo D. Kim
Published: April 2016

The recent discovery that billions of planets in the Milky Way Galaxy may be in circumstellar habitable zones has renewed speculation over the possibility of extraterrestrial life. The Drake equation is a probabilistic framework for estimating the number of technological advanced civilizations in our Galaxy; however, many of the equation's component probabilities are either unknown or have large error intervals. In this paper, a different method of examining this question is explored, one that replaces the various Drake factors with the single estimate for the probability of life existing on Earth. This relationship can be described by the binomial distribution if the presence of life on a given number of planets is equated to successes in a Bernoulli trial. The question of exoplanet life may then be reformulated as follows – given the probability of one or more independent successes for a given number of trials, what is the probability of two or more successes? Some of the implications of this approach for finding life on exoplanets are discussed.
Islamic theology and the principles of palliative care
Authors: Al-Shahri Mohammad Zafir
Published: April 2016

It is well established that provision of palliative care is a human right for the patients and their families going through the suffering associated with a life-threatening illness. The holistic nature of palliative care, dictated by the multifaceted suffering experienced by patients, calls for giving due consideration to the cultural and spiritual background of the target population. Similarly, the paramount impact of Islamic wholeness on Muslims' perceptions, beliefs, and way of living makes it necessary for non-Muslim palliative care professionals who are caring for Muslim patients to increase their awareness about the parts of Islamic theology pertinent to the principles of palliative care. This would include a basic knowledge of the Islamic faith and how Muslims view and cope with the calamity of a life-threatening condition along with the suffering associated with it. Equally important are issues related to the management of symptoms using agents that are normally strictly prohibited by Islamic teachings, including opioids, brain stimulants, and cannabinoids. The current review briefly discusses the Islamic perspectives pertinent to a Muslim patient's journey throughout the palliative care experience, onward to a safe passing, and beyond.
Closed-form solutions and scaling laws for Kerr frequency combs
Authors: Renninger William H. , Rakich Peter T.
Published: April 2016

A single closed-form analytical solution of the driven nonlinear Schrödinger equation is developed, reproducing a large class of the behaviors in Kerr-comb systems, including bright-solitons, dark-solitons, and a large class of periodic wavetrains. From this analytical framework, a Kerr-comb area theorem and a pump-detuning relation are developed, providing new insights into soliton- and wavetrain-based combs along with concrete design guidelines for both. This new area theorem reveals significant deviation from the conventional soliton area theorem, which is crucial to understanding cavity solitons in certain limits. Moreover, these closed-form solutions represent the first step towards an analytical framework for wavetrain formation, and reveal new parameter regimes for enhanced Kerr-comb performance.
Glucose becomes one of the worst carbon sources for E.coli on poor nitrogen sources due to suboptimal levels of cAMP
Authors: Bren Anat , Park Junyoung O. , Towbin Benjamin D. , Dekel Erez , Rabinowitz Joshua D. , Alon Uri
Published: April 2016

In most conditions, glucose is the best carbon source for E. coli: it provides faster growth than other sugars and is consumed first in sugar mixtures. Here we identify conditions in which E. coli strains grow slower on glucose than on other sugars, namely when a single amino acid (arginine, glutamate, or proline) is the sole nitrogen source. In sugar mixtures with these nitrogen sources, E. coli still consumes glucose first, but grows faster rather than slower after exhausting glucose, generating a reversed diauxic shift. We trace this counterintuitive behavior to a metabolic imbalance: levels of TCA-cycle metabolites including α-ketoglutarate are high and levels of the key regulatory molecule cAMP are low. Growth rates were increased by experimentally increasing cAMP levels, either by adding external cAMP, by genetically perturbing the cAMP circuit or by inhibition of glucose uptake. Thus, the cAMP control circuitry seems to have a ‘bug’ that leads to slow growth under what may be an environmentally rare condition.
Seminal plasma induces inflammation in the uterus through the γδ T/IL-17 pathway
Authors: Song Zhi-Hui , Li Zhong-Yin , Li Dan-Dan , Fang Wen-Ning , Liu Hai-Yan , Yang Dan-Dan , Meng Chao-Yang , Yang Ying , Peng Jing-Pian
Published: April 2016

After insemination, a large number of leukocytes migrate into the uterus, which is accompanied by intense inflammation. However, the details of how seminal plasma interacts with the uterus are still not very clear. Here, we present that neutrophils migrate and accumulate around the uterine epithelium following insemination, which is accompanied by an increase in interleukin (IL) 17A levels. Additionally, we find that γδ T cells are the major source of IL-17A, and the seminal plasma could induce the γδ T cells to secret IL-17A. Blocking IL-17A could reduce the number of neutrophils in the uterus and prevent them from migrating to the epithelium by decreasing the chemokines CXCL1, CXCL2 and CXCL5. Blocking IL-17A did not affect the Th1/Th2 balance but actually diminished the inflammation in the uterus by reducing the expression of IL-1β and TNF-α. In summary, we found a new mechanism by which seminal plasma could influence the inflammation in the uterus through the γδ T/IL-17 pathway to regulate the expression of various chemokines and cytokines.
Nitric oxide-generatingl-cysteine-grafted graphene film as a blood-contacting biomaterial
Authors: Du Zhen , Dou Ruixia , Zu Mian , Liu Xueying , Yin Wenyan , Zhao Yuliang , Chen Jingbo , Yan Liang , Gu Zhanjun
Published: April 2016

With polyethylenimine molecules as the linker,l-cysteine was grafted on the surface of graphene nanosheets, endowing the functionalized graphene film with the ability to catalytically decompose nitric oxide donors to reduce platelet adhesion.
The role of plasma chemistry on functional silicon nitride film properties deposited at low-temperature by mixing two frequency powers using PECVD
Authors: Sahu B. B. , Yin Y. Y. , Tsutsumi T. , Hori M. , Han Jeon G.
Published: April 2016

A correlation study of plasma parameters and film properties and the implication of dual frequency PECVD for industry are proposed.
Hydration of aromatic alkynes catalyzed by a self-assembled hexameric organic capsule
Authors: La Sorella Giorgio , Sperni Laura , Ballester Pablo , Strukul Giorgio , Scarso Alessandro
Published: April 2016

The combination of a Brønsted acid catalyst and a supramolecular organic capsule formed by the self-assembly of six resorcin[4]arene units efficiently promotes the mild hydration of aromatic alkynes to their corresponding ketones.
Ligands with an NPNPN-framework and their application in chromium catalysed ethene tri-/tetramerization
Authors: Peulecke N. , Müller B. H. , Spannenberg A. , Höhne M. , Rosenthal U. , Wöhl A. , Müller W. , Alqahtani A. , Al Hazmi M.
Published: April 2016

Synthesis and characterization of tunable ligands for chromium based selective oligomerization of ethene.
The contrasting catalytic efficiency and cancer cell antiproliferative activity of stereoselective organoruthenium transfer hydrogenation catalysts
Authors: Fu Ying , Sanchez-Cano Carlos , Soni Rina , Romero-Canelon Isolda , Hearn Jessica M. , Liu Zhe , Wills Martin , Sadler Peter J.
Published: April 2016

The rapidly growing area of catalytic ruthenium chemistry has provided new complexes with potential as organometallic anticancer agents with novel mechanisms of action.
Exploring the divalent effect in fucosidase inhibition with stereoisomeric pyrrolidine dimers
Authors: Hottin Audrey , Wright Daniel W. , Moreno-Clavijo Elena , Moreno-Vargas Antonio J. , Davies Gideon J. , Behr Jean-Bernard
Published: April 2016

The possible mechanisms of action of a dimeric fucosidase inhibitor are discussed through enzymatic assays of a series of analogues and crystallographic analysis of the enzyme-inhibitor complex.
Sensitive NO sensor based CdS microparticles assembled by nanoparticles
Authors: Zhang Lilan , Wang Hao , Guo Wei , Ma Jianmin
Published: April 2016

In this work, cadmium sulfide (CdS) microparticles are prepared via an ionothermal route.
Nanogel containing electrospun nanofibers as a platform for stable loading of proteins
Authors: Shimoda Asako , Chen Yong , Akiyoshi Kazunari
Published: April 2016

We designed polysaccharide nanogel-containing nanofibers by electrospinning. This system have a great potential for protein delivery systems.
Improving the NOx decomposition and storage activity through co-incorporating ammonium and copper ions into Mg/Al hydrotalcites
Authors: Zhang Shuhua , Liu Weijun , Wang Cheng , Zhu Chenhui , Yang Siyuan , Guo Minghua , Qiao Ruimin , Stewart Polite , Zhang Hongmei , Gu Xiaodan , Hexemer Alexander , Wang Yayu , Yang Wanli
Published: April 2016

We report a 40% and 70% improvement of NOx decomposition and storage rate based on synthetic Mg/Al/Cu/NH4+ hydrotalcites (HT), compared with Mg/Al/NH3 and Mg/Al/Cu HTs. TGA and DTG show that ammonium has been released from HT below 160 °C.
Fabrication of hierarchically mesoporous CuO nanostructures and their role as heterogenous catalysts and sensors
Authors: Din Sheikh Mehraj Ud , Naikoo Gowhar Ahmad , Thomas Molly , Bano Mustri , Ahirwar Devendra , Pandit Umar Jan , Khan Farid
Published: April 2016

Tween-80 templated mesoporous CuO (mpCuO) nanostructures were exploredviaa facile, environmentally friendly and scalable sol–gel route for heterogeneous catalysis and sensor technology.
Site-preferential occupancy induced photoluminescence tuning in (Ca,Ba)5(PO4)3Cl:Eu2+ phosphors
Authors: Wei Yi , Qi Xiaohuan , Xiao Hui , Luo Wenzhe , Yao Huan , Lv Lingfei , Li Guogang , Lin Jun
Published: April 2016

A schematic presentation of the mechanisms of red-shifted and blue-shifted luminescence in (Ca1−xBax)5(PO4)3Cl:Eu2+ (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) solid-solution phosphors.
Continuous flow synthesis of the iodination agent 1,3-diiodo-5,5-dimethyl-imidazolidine-2,4-dione telescoped with semi-continuous product isolation
Authors: Ferreri Marta , Drageset Audun , Gambarotti Cristian , Bjørsvik Hans-René
Published: April 2016

A synthesis for the iodination agent DIH was devised, developed, and optimized for both batch and flow mode. A concatenated semi-continuous product work-up by means of vacuum filtration was used for the isolation of a target product that precipitated during the course of the reaction.
An efficient method to achieve a balanced open circuit voltage and short circuit current density in polymer solar cells
Authors: Dang Dongfeng , Zhou Pei , Duan Linrui , Bao Xichang , Yang Renqiang , Zhu Weiguo
Published: April 2016

Good light harvesting properties and matched energy levels as well as enhanced Jsc value and high Voc value in solar cells were achieved simultaneously by construction of the D–A–π–A type regular terpolymers of PIDT-DTQ-TT, finally leading to the maximum PCE value of 6.63% in PSCs.
Correction: Design of CO2 sorbents using functionalized fibrous nanosilica (KCC-1): insights into the effect of the silica morphology (KCC-1 vs. MCM-41)
Authors: Singh Baljeet , Polshettiwar Vivek
Published: April 2016

Correction for ‘Design of CO2 sorbents using functionalized fibrous nanosilica (KCC-1): insights into the effect of the silica morphology (KCC-1 vs. MCM-41)’ by Baljeet Singh et al., J. Mater. Chem. A, 2016, DOI: 10.1039/c6ta01348a.
The “click-on-tube” approach for the production of efficient drug carriers based on oxidized multi-walled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Fedeli Stefano , Brandi Alberto , Venturini Lorenzo , Chiarugi Paola , Giannoni Elisa , Paoli Paolo , Corti Denise , Giambastiani Giuliano , Tuci Giulia , Cicchi Stefano
Published: April 2016

An efficient drug delivery system through a straightforward approach to multi-walled carbon nanotube decoration.
Solution-processable bipolar host materials composed of fluorenyl, carbazolyl and 1,3,4-oxadiazolyl derivatives: synthesis and application in phosphorescent organic light-emitting diodes
Authors: Fan Tso-Hsing , Chen Yun
Published: April 2016

Two new bipolar compounds were synthesized and applied as hosts for phosphorescent organic light-emitting diodes, using a spin-coating process to cast a homogeneous emission layer. Their device performances outperform conventional host poly(9-vinylcarbazole).
Critical inclination for absolute/convective instability transition in inverted falling films
Authors: Scheid Benoit , Kofman Nicolas , Rohlfs Wilko
Published: April 2016

Liquid films flowing down the underside of inclined plates are subject to the interaction between the hydrodynamic and the Rayleigh-Taylor (R-T) instabilities causing a patterned and wavy topology at the free surface. The R-T instability results from the denser liquid film being located above a less dense ambient gas, and deforming into an array of droplets, which eventually drip if no saturation mechanism arises. Such saturation mechanism can actually be provided by a fluid motion along the inclined plate. Using a weighted integral boundary layer model, this study examines the critical inclination angle, measured from the vertical, that separates regimes of absolute and convective instability. If the instability is of absolute type, growing perturbations stay localized in space potentially leading to dripping. If the instability is of convective type, growing perturbations move downwards the inclined plate, forming waves and eventually, but not necessarily, droplets. Remarkably, there is a minimum value of the critical angle below which a regime of absolute instability cannot exist. This minimum angle decreases with viscosity: it is about 85° for water, about 70° for silicon oil 20 times more viscous than water, and reaches a limiting value for liquid with a viscosity larger than about 1000 times the one of water. It results that for any fluid, absolute dripping can only exist for inclination angle (taken from the vertical) larger than 57.4°.
Nucleation and droplet growth from supersaturated vapor at temperatures below the triple point temperature
Authors: Toxvaerd Søren
Published: April 2016

In 1897 Ostwald formulated his step rule for formation of the most stable crystal state for a system with crystal polymorphism. The rule describes the irreversible way a system converts to the crystal with lowest free energy. But in fact the irreversible way a supercooled gas below the triple point temperature Ttr.p. crystallizes via a liquid droplet is an example of Ostwald’s step rule. The homogeneous nucleation in the supersaturated gas is not to a crystal, but to a liquid-like critical nucleus. We have for the first time performed constant energy (NVE) Molecular Dynamics (MD) of homogeneous nucleation without the use of a thermostat. The simulations of homogeneous nucleation in a Lennard-Jones system from supersaturated vapor at temperatures below Ttr.p. reveal that the nucleation to a liquid-like critical nucleus is initiated by a small cold cluster [S. Toxvaerd, J. Chem. Phys. 143, 154705 (2015)]. The release of latent heat at the subsequent droplet growth increases the temperature in the liquid-like droplet, which for not deep supercooling and/or low supersaturation, can exceed Ttr.p.. The temperature of the liquid-like droplet increases less for a low supersaturation and remains below Ttr.p., but without a crystallization of the droplet for long times. The dissipation of the latent heat into the surrounding gas is affected by a traditional MD thermostat, with the consequence that droplet growth is different for (NVE) MD and constant temperature (NVT) MD.
Translating politeness cues in Philippine missionary linguistics: “Hail, Mister Mary!”and other stories
Authors: Sales Marlon James
Published: April 2016

The earliest and most extensive systematic descriptions of Philippine languages are found in the grammatical and lexicographical works of Spanish Catholic priests from the seventeenth to the nineteenth centuries. Tagalog was the most studied among these languages, and was generally portrayed as the most “refined” because of certain cues that overtly mark verbal politeness. As these politeness cues were taken as translation constraints in Latinate tongues, they are often explained through solutions that operated on arbitrary equivalences between Tagalog and Castilian. A closer reading of these equivalences reveals that aside from the reduction of language to the usual categories of grammar, the proposed translation solutions also inscribed verbal politeness within a hierarchized vision of colonial polity, and repurposed the pre-existing mechanisms of Tagalog so as to articulate a Christian(ized) discourse.
Exosomes surf on filopodia to enter cells at endocytic hot spots, traffic within endosomes, and are targeted to the ER
Authors: Heusermann Wolf , Hean Justin , Trojer Dominic , Steib Emmanuelle , von Bueren Stefan , Graff-Meyer Alexandra , Genoud Christel , Martin Katrin , Pizzato Nicolas , Voshol Johannes , Morrissey David V. , Andaloussi Samir E.L. , Wood Matthew J. , Meisner-Kober Nicole C.
Published: April 2016

Exosomes are nanovesicles released by virtually all cells, which act as intercellular messengers by transfer of protein, lipid, and RNA cargo. Their quantitative efficiency, routes of cell uptake, and subcellular fate within recipient cells remain elusive. We quantitatively characterize exosome cell uptake, which saturates with dose and time and reaches near 100% transduction efficiency at picomolar concentrations. Highly reminiscent of pathogenic bacteria and viruses, exosomes are recruited as single vesicles to the cell body by surfing on filopodia as well as filopodia grabbing and pulling motions to reach endocytic hot spots at the filopodial base. After internalization, exosomes shuttle within endocytic vesicles to scan the endoplasmic reticulum before being sorted into the lysosome as their final intracellular destination. Our data quantify and explain the efficiency of exosome internalization by recipient cells, establish a new parallel between exosome and virus host cell interaction, and suggest unanticipated routes of subcellular cargo delivery.
Remodeling the zonula adherens in response to tension and the role of afadin in this response
Authors: Choi Wangsun , Acharya Bipul R. , Peyret Grégoire , Fardin Marc-Antoine , Mège René-Marc , Ladoux Benoit , Yap Alpha S. , Fanning Alan S. , Peifer Mark
Published: April 2016

Morphogenesis requires dynamic coordination between cell–cell adhesion and the cytoskeleton to allow cells to change shape and move without losing tissue integrity. We used genetic tools and superresolution microscopy in a simple model epithelial cell line to define how the molecular architecture of cell–cell zonula adherens (ZA) is modified in response to elevated contractility, and how these cells maintain tissue integrity. We previously found that depleting zonula occludens 1 (ZO-1) family proteins in MDCK cells induces a highly organized contractile actomyosin array at the ZA. We find that ZO knockdown elevates contractility via a Shroom3/Rho-associated, coiled-coil containing protein kinase (ROCK) pathway. Our data suggest that each bicellular border is an independent contractile unit, with actin cables anchored end-on to cadherin complexes at tricellular junctions. Cells respond to elevated contractility by increasing junctional afadin. Although ZO/afadin knockdown did not prevent contractile array assembly, it dramatically altered cell shape and barrier function in response to elevated contractility. We propose that afadin acts as a robust protein scaffold that maintains ZA architecture at tricellular junctions.
Protein misfolding specifies recruitment to cytoplasmic inclusion bodies
Authors: Bersuker Kirill , Brandeis Michael , Kopito Ron R.
Published: April 2016

Inclusion bodies (IBs) containing aggregated disease-associated proteins and polyubiquitin (poly-Ub) conjugates are universal histopathological features of neurodegenerative diseases. Ub has been proposed to target proteins to IBs for degradation via autophagy, but the mechanisms that govern recruitment of ubiquitylated proteins to IBs are not well understood. In this paper, we use conditionally destabilized reporters that undergo misfolding and ubiquitylation upon removal of a stabilizing ligand to examine the role of Ub conjugation in targeting proteins to IBs that are composed of an N-terminal fragment of mutant huntingtin, the causative protein of Huntington’s disease. We show that reporters are excluded from IBs in the presence of the stabilizing ligand but are recruited to IBs after ligand washout. However, we find that Ub conjugation is not necessary to target reporters to IBs. We also report that forced Ub conjugation by the Ub fusion degradation pathway is not sufficient for recruitment to IBs. Finally, we find that reporters and Ub conjugates are stable at IBs. These data indicate that compromised folding states, rather than conjugation to Ub, can specify recruitment to IBs.
Ubiquitin versus misfolding: The minimal requirements for inclusion body formation
Authors: Dantuma Nico P. , Salomons Florian A.
Published: April 2016

Ubiquitin-containing inclusion bodies are characteristic features of numerous neurodegenerative diseases, but whether ubiquitin plays a functional role in the formation of these protein deposits is unclear. In this issue, Bersuker et al. (2016. J. Cell Biol. http://dx.doi.org/10.1083/jcb.201511024) report that protein misfolding without ubiquitylation is sufficient for translocation into inclusion bodies.
Structure–function relationships of peptides forming the calcin family of ryanodine receptor ligands
Authors: Xiao Liang , Gurrola Georgina B. , Zhang Jing , Valdivia Carmen R. , SanMartin Mario , Zamudio Fernando Z. , Zhang Liming , Possani Lourival D. , Valdivia Héctor H.
Published: April 2016

Calcins are a novel family of scorpion peptides that bind with high affinity to ryanodine receptors (RyRs) and increase their activity by inducing subconductance states. Here, we provide a comprehensive analysis of the structure–function relationships of the eight calcins known to date, based on their primary sequence, three-dimensional modeling, and functional effects on skeletal RyRs (RyR1). Primary sequence alignment and evolutionary analysis show high similarity among all calcins (≥78.8% identity). Other common characteristics include an inhibitor cysteine knot (ICK) motif stabilized by three pairs of disulfide bridges and a dipole moment (DM) formed by positively charged residues clustering on one side of the molecule and neutral and negatively charged residues segregating on the opposite side. [3H]Ryanodine binding assays, used as an index of the open probability of RyRs, reveal that all eight calcins activate RyR1 dose-dependently with Kd values spanning approximately three orders of magnitude and in the following rank order: opicalcin1 > opicalcin2 > vejocalcin > hemicalcin > imperacalcin > hadrucalcin > maurocalcin >> urocalcin. All calcins significantly augment the bell-shaped [Ca2+]-[3H]ryanodine binding curve with variable effects on the affinity constants for Ca2+ activation and inactivation. In single channel recordings, calcins induce the appearance of a subconductance state in RyR1 that has a unique fractional value (∼20% to ∼60% of the full conductance state) but bears no relationship to binding affinity, DM, or capacity to stimulate Ca2+ release. Except for urocalcin, all calcins at 100 nM concentration stimulate Ca2+ release and deplete Ca2+ load from skeletal sarcoplasmic reticulum. The natural variation within the calcin family of peptides offers a diversified set of high-affinity ligands with the capacity to modulate RyRs with high dynamic range and potency.
Comparison of Nutritional and Physicochemical Quality of Rice Under Organic and Standard Production Systems
Authors: Bagchi Torit Baran , Ghosh Amal , Kumar Upendra , Chattopadhyay Krishnendu , Sanghamitra Priyadarsini , Ray Soham , Adak Totan , Sharma Srigopal
Published: April 2016

Growing interest in sustainable agriculture has prompted this study aiming to evaluate nutritional content of rice grain produced from an organic production system. Here, we grew nine quality rice cultivars under organic methods in the wet and dry seasons, and the nutritional values, grain quality, and physiological parameters were compared with respective cultivars grown under the standard cultivation method (SCM). Obtained results revealed that the yield and plant height were lower, but tillering capacity was higher, in the organic field compared with the standard one. The organic crop showed significantly lower contents of protein and phytate compared with reference values under the SCM. Antioxidative capacity and its responsible phytochemicals such as phenolics, flavonoids, and γ‐oryzanol were also significantly higher under organic cultivation than under the SCM. Among physicochemical characteristics, apparent amylose content, gel consistency, and area and perimeter of grain were also higher in the organic crops, but hulling quality, milling quality, head rice recovery, and all other cooking qualities were at par. Higher crude oil and lower total protein content of rice bran were observed in the organic crop, but ash, fiber, and moisture contents did not vary significantly in these two cultivation systems.
Integrating sustainability concepts and value planning for sustainable construction
Authors: Karunasena Gayani , Rathnayake R.M.N.U. , Senarathne Dushan
Published: April 2016

Purpose

– Sustainable construction (SC) is a vital requirement to safeguard the world for future generations. However, there are several potential barriers such as initial costs of implementation of sustainability concepts (approaches used to safeguard three dimensions of sustainability, namely environmental, social and economical). The purpose of this paper is to integrate sustainability concepts to value planning (VP) which attracts clients as it is used to reduce unnecessary costs.

Design/methodology/approach

– A comprehensive literature survey was carried out to develop a conceptual linkage between SC and VP disciplines. This was followed by a questionnaire survey with 40 respondents and 16 semi-structured expert interviews to ascertain prevailing status of these concepts in the Sri Lankan construction industry. Data were analyzed using statistical and content analysis, respectively.

Findings

– Findings revealed even though knowledge is fairly good, application and experience of experts are not satisfactory regarding these concepts. However, it is established that there is a huge requirement to apply these concepts in local construction projects. In order to overcome barriers identified, a framework has been developed to integrate sustainability concepts and VP disciplines in construction projects.

Originality/value

– The framework can be used as a guide by construction industry practitioners for betterment of construction projects, ultimately steering the industry toward sustainability.
TBPE scoring framework for tropical buildings
Authors: Nazeer Sabrina Fathima , De Silva Nayanthara
Published: April 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to determine how well the facilities are performing in order to support the organizational goals and user requirement it is very vital to conduct regular building evaluations which necessitates the important usage of building performance evaluation (BPE) where it provides the current status quo of building. Presently, there are various BPE approaches developed around the world, and as evidenced there are no in-depth studies on BPE in tropical countries to evaluate the building performance (BP). However, adapting these approaches might not necessarily be applicable in the context of tropical countries due to geographical, climatic, cultural and other differences. This has been identified as the gap in this research and aimed to formulate a holistic total building performance evaluation (TBPE) scoring framework, for the assessment of performance of buildings.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study was quantitative in nature. First, a comprehensive literature survey was carried out. This was followed by an expert survey to sieve out the most significant BP factors identified in the literature survey. With that detailed questioner survey was carried out proposing a TBPE scoring framework

Findings

– A TBPE scoring framework was proposed with a total of 265 points to evaluate buildings compromising of seven criteria and 57 dimensions in which energy management, reachability, occupational hygiene, thermal, etc. had higher contribution in evaluating building.

Research limitations/implications

– Identification of measurement units and parameters for BP dimensions are expected to be conducted in order to distribute the scoring evenly. Continuous studies are also necessary since the expectations of building performance dimensions changing all the time.

Originality/value

– This paper readdresses the need of evaluating the buildings and suggesting the paradigm to evaluate the buildings in an objective manner.
Sharīʿah appraisal on the issue of imposing burden of proof to the entrepreneur in trust based contracts
Authors: Mohamed Naim Asmadi , Habibi Hj Long Mohd Noor , Abu Bakar Mahyuddin , Md Hussain Muhammad Nasri
Published: April 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the Shariah view on the legitimacy of requiring the entrepreneur to prove that he/she has complied with all business requirements in case the actual profit was below the expected profit in trust-based contracts such as mudarabah and musharakah.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is part of the research which applies qualitative research approaches, including among others, content analysis, interviews, observations and descriptive analysis using fiqh muqaran (comparative analysis of jurists’ arguments) in few phases.

Findings

The study found that shifting the burden of proof to the fiduciary is the weightier view and necessary to ensure that both sides are protected. The considerations of protecting people’s wealth (ḥifẓ amwāl al-nās) and mitigating widespread greed (ṭamaʿ) are among the reasons for allowing elements such as ʿurf, tuhmah and dalālat al-ḥāl to be treated as bayyinah in trust-based contracts when the fiduciary is obliged to defend himself from litigation.

Research limitations/implications

The study is meant to strengthen the practices of Islamic banks world wide.

Practical implications

Few protections can be applied for capital provider.

Social implications

This study is meant to give solution in dealing with moral hazard of both parties, and to provide solution to the regulator for policy drafting and to increase confidence to the industry.

Originality/value

The finding is important in assisting the regulators in drafting the policy to protect both parties without neglecting the essence of trust-based contracts.