bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Water conflict and cooperation in Southern Africa
Authors: Swatuk Larry A.
Published: January 2015

The water resources of southern Africa have featured centrally in the global literature on water conflict and cooperation. This scholarship has appeared in two waves: (1) the post‐Cold War focus on resource scarcities and the possibility of ‘water wars’ and (2) the mid‐2000s rise of fears surrounding the impact of a changing climate on water resource regimes. The first wave, in the region, ironically resulted in a significant body of scholarship demonstrating the predominance of cooperation rather than conflict. The second wave has served primarily as a spur to better governance and management, and to better integration across the policy making landscape. Running as something of a countercurrent to these dominant trends, is critical scholarship that focuses primarily on water rights and regards conflict as a necessary means to more equitable resource access ends. A key challenge for scholars of water conflict and cooperation across the region is, therefore, to reconcile both theoretically and practically the macro studies of largely transboundary water politics with the micro studies of social struggles for water in urban and rural settings. The article concludes that for a third wave of studies to add value to questions of regional water security, scholars must (1) recognize the simultaneous presence of conflict and cooperation, (2) acknowledge that not all conflict is bad, neither is all cooperation good, (3) approach the analysis more systematically through hard data gathering, and (4) read beyond their disciplines in order to more fully understand the social dynamics of the region. WIREs Water 2015, 2:215–230. doi: 10.1002/wat2.1070

This article is categorized under:

Engineering Water > Planning Water

Human Water > Water as Imagined and Represented
Age and sex identification from wings of sage‐grouse
Authors: Braun Clait E. , Schroeder Michael A.
Published: January 2015

We redefine and clarify procedures to classify sex and age (juveniles, yearlings, adults, and breeding‐age) of greater (Centrocercus urophasianus) and Gunnison sage‐grouse (C. minimus) from wings. Existing keys for greater sage‐grouse age and sex classification do not incorporate more recent information on timing and sequence of molt or regional variation. We evaluated keys with the aid of gonadally inspected, hunter‐harvested sage‐grouse in Colorado (1973–1990) and with birds captured and measured in Washington (1992–1997) and Oregon (2008–2012). The technique is accurate and transferable among biologists who have basic training in reading a key and examining wings (primaries, secondaries, tertials, and coverts). Accurate information on sex and age of grouse, particularly during harvest, is a fundamental component of our understanding of population dynamics, which ultimately enables improved management. © 2014 The Wildlife Society.
Synthesis, Spectroscopic and Molecular Studies of Half‐Sandwich η6‐Arene Ruthenium, Cp* Rhodium and Cp* Iridium Metal Complexes with Bidentate Ligands
Authors: Kalidasan Mahesh , Nagarajaprakash R. , Forbes Scott , Mozharivskyj Yurij , Rao Kollipara Mohan
Published: January 2015

The bidentate ligand benzoyl(2‐pyridyl)thiourea (L1) was prepared by reaction of benzoyl isothiocyanate with primary amine (2‐aminopyridine) but the reaction with secondary amine bis(2‐pyridyl)amine, yielded the unexpected product bis(2‐pyridyl)benzoylamine (L2). Mononuclear complexes of the general formula [(η6‐arene)Ru(L)Cl]+ {where, L = L1, arene = benzene (1); p‐cymene (2); L = L2, arene = benzene (5); p‐cymene (6)} and [Cp*M(L)Cl]+ {where, L = L1, M = Rh (3), Ir (4); L = L2, M = Rh (7), Ir (8)}, respectively, were formed by reaction of the ligands L1 and L2 with precursor complexes [(η6‐arene)Ru(μ‐Cl)Cl]2 and [Cp*M(μ‐Cl)Cl]2 (M = Rh, Ir). The cationic complexes were characterized by FT‐IR, UV/Vis, and 1H‐NMR spectroscopy as well as mass spectrometry. X‐ray crystallographic studies of these complexes reveal piano‐stool‐like arrangements around the metal atoms with six‐membered metallacycles in which L1 and L2 act as a N, S‐ and N, N' chelating ligands, respectively.
The 2a0 × 2a0 × 2a0 Superstructure in the Clathrate‐I K8LixGe44–x/4□2–3x/4
Authors: Liang Ying , Carrillo‐Cabrera Wilder , Ormeci Alim , Böhme Bodo , Baitinger Michael , Grin Yuri
Published: January 2015

Abstract. In the crystal structure of the clathrate‐I K8LixGe44–x/4□2–3x/4, the K atoms fill the polyhedral cages of a host framework formed by Li and Ge atoms. The phase has been obtained in two forms, at elevated temperatures with space group Pm$\bar{3}$n, and at low temperatures with a 2a0 × 2a0 × 2a0 superstructure. In this work, we report on the direct preparation of the low‐temperature form by thermal decomposition of the precursor phase K7LiGe8 at 400 °C. The obtained product K8Li2.48(7)Ge43.37(9)□0.15(6) [a = 21.5489(2) Å, Z = 8] was found to be virtually identical with the one prepared by annealing of the high‐temperature form at this temperature. The superstructure was investigated by X‐ray powder diffraction and transmission electron microscopy, revealing the space group Ia$\bar{3}$d. The low‐temperature form of K8LixGe44–x/4□2–3x/4 represents one of the rare examples for a clathrate‐I superstructure primarily caused by an ordered arrangement of heteroatoms. Two similar, yet inequivalent models for the description of the ordering of lithium atoms in the framework are discussed.
Nonmarital Fertility, Union History, and Women’s Wealth
Authors: Painter Matthew , Frech Adrianne , Williams Kristi
Published: January 2015

We use more than 20 years of data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979 to examine wealth trajectories among mothers following a nonmarital first birth. We compare wealth according to union type and union stability, and we distinguish partners by biological parentage of the firstborn child. Net of controls for education, race/ethnicity, and family background, single mothers who enter into stable marriages with either a biological father or stepfather experience significant wealth advantages over time (more than $2,500 per year) relative to those who marry and divorce, cohabit, or remain unpartnered. Sensitivity analyses adjusting for unequal selection into marriage support these findings and demonstrate that race (but not ethnicity) and age at first birth structure mothers’ access to later marriage. We conclude that not all single mothers have equal access to marriage; however, marriage, union stability, and paternity have distinct roles for wealth accumulation following a nonmarital birth.
Electrochemistry suggests proton access from the exit site to the binuclear center in Paracoccus denitrificans cytochrome c oxidase pathway variants
Authors: Meyer Thomas , Melin Frédéric , Richter Oliver-M.H. , Ludwig Bernd , Kannt Aimo , Müller Hanne , Michel Hartmut , Hellwig Petra
Published: January 2015

Two different pathways through which protons access cytochrome c oxidase operate during oxygen reduction from the mitochondrial matrix, or the bacterial cytoplasm. Here, we use electrocatalytic current measurements to follow oxygen reduction coupled to proton uptake in cytochrome c oxidase isolated from Paracoccus denitrificans. Wild type enzyme and site‐specific variants with defects in both proton uptake pathways (K354M, D124N and K354M/D124N) were immobilized on gold nanoparticles, and oxygen reduction was probed electrochemically in the presence of varying concentrations of Zn2+ ions, which are known to inhibit both the entry and the exit proton pathways in the enzyme. Our data suggest that under these conditions substrate protons gain access to the oxygen reduction site via the exit pathway.
The mitochondrial dicarboxylate and 2‐oxoglutarate carriers do not transport glutathione
Authors: Booty Lee M. , King Martin S. , Thangaratnarajah Chancievan , Majd Homa , James Andrew M. , Kunji Edmund R.S. , Murphy Michael P.
Published: January 2015

Glutathione carries out vital protective roles within mitochondria, but is synthesised in the cytosol. Previous studies have suggested that the mitochondrial dicarboxylate and 2‐oxoglutarate carriers were responsible for glutathione uptake. We set out to characterise the putative glutathione transport by using fused membrane vesicles of Lactococcus lactis overexpressing the dicarboxylate and 2‐oxoglutarate carriers. Although transport of the canonical substrates could be measured readily, an excess of glutathione did not compete for substrate uptake nor could transport of glutathione be measured directly. Thus these mitochondrial carriers do not transport glutathione and the identity of the mitochondrial glutathione transporter remains unknown.
Paired image‐ and FACS‐based toxicity assays for high content screening of spheroid‐type tumor cell cultures
Authors: Trumpi Kari , Egan David A. , Vellinga Thomas T. , Borel Rinkes Inne H.M. , Kranenburg Onno
Published: January 2015

Novel spheroid‐type tumor cell cultures directly isolated from patients’ tumors preserve tumor characteristics better than traditionally grown cell lines. However, such cultures are not generally used for high‐throughput toxicity drug screens. In addition, the assays that are commonly used to assess drug‐induced toxicity in such screens usually measure a proxy for cell viability such as mitochondrial activity or ATP‐content per culture well, rather than actual cell death. This generates considerable assay‐dependent differences in the measured toxicity values. To address this problem we developed a robust method that documents drug‐induced toxicity on a per‐cell, rather than on a per‐well basis. The method involves automated drug dispensing followed by paired image‐ and FACS‐based analysis of cell death and cell cycle changes. We show that the two methods generate toxicity data in 96‐well format which are highly concordant. By contrast, the concordance of these methods with frequently used well‐based assays was generally poor. The reported method can be implemented on standard automated microscopes and provides a low‐cost approach for accurate and reproducible high‐throughput toxicity screens in spheroid type cell cultures. Furthermore, the high versatility of both the imaging and FACS platforms allows straightforward adaptation of the high‐throughput experimental setup to include fluorescence‐based measurement of additional cell biological parameters.
Risk Factors for Recurrent Clostridium difficile Infection: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Deshpande Abhishek , Pasupuleti Vinay , Thota Priyaleela , Pant Chaitanya , Rolston David D.K. , Hernandez Adrian V. , Donskey Curtis J. , Fraser Thomas G.
Published: January 2015

OBJECTIVE

An estimated 20–30% of patients with primary Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) develop recurrent CDI (rCDI) within 2 weeks of completion of therapy. While the actual mechanism of recurrence remains unknown, a variety of risk factors have been suggested and studied. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate current evidence on the risk factors for rCDI.

DESIGN

We searched MEDLINE and 5 other databases for subject headings and text related to rCDI. All studies investigating risk factors of rCDI in a multivariate model were eligible. Information on study design, patient population, and assessed risk factors were collected. Data were combined using a random-effects model and pooled relative risk ratios (RRs) were calculated.

RESULTS

A total of 33 studies (n=18,530) met the inclusion criteria. The most frequent independent risk factors associated with rCDI were age≥65 years (risk ratio [RR], 1.63; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.24–2.14; P=.0005), additional antibiotics during follow-up (RR, 1.76; 95% CI, 1.52–2.05; P<.00001), use of proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) (RR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.13–2.21; P=.008), and renal insufficiency (RR, 1.59; 95% CI, 1.14–2.23; P=.007). The risk was also greater in patients previously on fluoroquinolones (RR, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.28–1.57; P<.00001).

CONCLUSIONS

Multiple risk factors are associated with the development of rCDI. Identification of modifiable risk factors and judicious use of antibiotics and PPI can play an important role in the prevention of rCDI.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2015;00(0): 1–9
Packaging optimisation to prolong the shelf life of fiordilatte cheese
Authors: Mastromatteo Marianna , Lucera Annalisa , Esposto Daniela , Conte Amalia , Faccia Michele , Zambrini Angelo Vittorio , Del Nobile Matteo Alessandro
Published: January 2015

In this work, an active coating and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) were investigated to prolong the shelf life of Fiordilatte packaged in traditional brine. First, the screening of MAP was performed in order to select the best gas composition. Then, the combined effect of MAP and coating was investigated. Finally, the coating was loaded with potassium sorbate and its effects under MAP conditions were also assessed. Results highlighted that MAP was able to control growth of the main spoilage microbial group (Pseudomonasspp.); however, the solubilisation of carbon dioxide into the brine compromised Fiordilatte texture. Therefore, the presence of the active coating avoided the damage of gas solubilisation and promoted a shelf life prolongation by about 157%.
Evidence-based management of otitis media: a 5S model approach
Authors: Wasson J D , Yung M W
Published: January 2015

Objective:

The 5S model proposes five hierarchical levels (systems, summaries, synopses, syntheses and studies) of pre-appraised evidence to guide evidence-based practice. This review aimed to identify and summarise pre-appraised evidence at the highest available 5S level for the management of different subsets of otitis media: acute otitis media, otitis media with effusion, chronic suppurative otitis media and cholesteatoma in both adults and children.

Method:

Data sources were pre-appraised evidence resources. Evidence freely available from sources at the highest available level of the 5S model were summarised for this review.

Results:

System level evidence exists for acute otitis media and otitis media with effusion. Summary level evidence exists for recurrent acute otitis media and medical management of chronic suppurative otitis media. There is an absence of randomised controlled trials to prove the efficacy of surgical management of chronic suppurative otitis media and cholesteatoma.

Conclusion:

Until randomised controlled trial data are generated, consensus publications on the surgical management of chronic suppurative otitis media and cholesteatoma should be used to guide best practice.
Refugee Integration Policy: The Effects of UK Policy-Making on Refugees in Scotland
Authors: MULVEY GARETH
Published: January 2015

While the concept of migrant integration is a contested one, national, sub-national and local governments over the past forty to fifty years have professed support for integration in various forms. However, practical measures have been rare, with broad race-relations policies from the 1960s being the primary means of ‘inclusion’. Under New Labour, refugees were identified as a migrant population with particular challenges and they have been the only migrant group subject to specific integration programmes. Nevertheless, policy and rhetoric about asylum seekers and refugees more generally have tended to operate against integration and have made it increasingly difficult for refugees to rebuild their lives. This paper examines refugee integration from the perspectives of the refugees themselves, using both qualitative and quantitative methods. It also looks at the governance of integration in Scotland and highlights Scottish distinctivenessvis-à-visthe UK. The article suggests that the consequences of broader UK Government policy around asylum and refugee issues negates any positive support in the form of refugee integration programmes and actively inhibits integration.
What's so improper about fractions? Prescriptivism and language socialization at Math Corps
Authors: CHRISOMALIS STEPHEN
Published: January 2015

Mathematical prescriptivism is a language ideology found in school mathematics that uses a discourse of rationality to proscribe language forms perceived as illogical or inefficient. The present study is based on a three-year ethnographic investigation of Math Corps, a community of practice in Detroit, Michigan, in which prescriptive language in the classroom is used both to highlight beneficial algorithms and to build social solidarity. Although motivated by the analogy with English orthographic reform, prescriptivism at Math Corps avoids potentially harmful criticism of community members of the sort often experienced by African American students. A playful linguistic frame, the prescriptive melodrama, highlights valued prescriptions, thereby enculturating students into the locally preferred register, the ‘Math Corps way’, which encompasses social, moral, linguistic, and mathematical practices and norms. A sociolinguistic and anthropological perspective on prescriptivism within communities of practice highlights positive alternatives to the universalizing prescriptions found in other English contexts. (Prescriptivism, language ideology, mathematics education, community of practice, Math Corps, linguistic anthropology, language socialization)*
Not so fast, and not so easy: Essentialism doesn't emerge from a simple heuristic
Authors: Braisby Nick
Published: January 2015

Cimpian & Salomon's (C&S's) proposal comes unstuck on precisely the claim that inherence is an heuristic, able to deliver simple, shallow outputs that are right most of the time. Instead, the inherence heuristic delivers outputs that imply it is not an heuristic after all, and is simply too fast and too easy a mechanism to do the job of explaining categorisations.
Systematic revisions to inherent notions may shape improvements in cognitive infrastructure
Authors: Meleady Rose , Crisp Richard J.
Published: January 2015

The proposed inherence heuristic centers on perceivers' failure to systematically consider external, historical factors when explaining observed patterns. We stress that this does not preclude the potential of subsequently encountered information to challenge intuitions. Drawing on models of diversity-defined social cognition, we discuss how an updating mechanism may reciprocally shape the cognitive infrastructure that underlies reliance on heuristic systems.
Owning up to the role of historical information
Authors: Noles Nicholaus S. , Danovitch Judith H.
Published: January 2015

Although the inherence heuristic is a versatile cognitive process that addresses a wide range of psychological phenomena, we propose that ownership information represents an important test case for evaluating both the boundaries of Cimpian & Salomon's (C&S's) model (e.g., is the inherence heuristic meaningfully limited to only inherent factors?) and its effectiveness as a mechanism for explaining psychological essentialism.
A Simple Observer for Gyro and Accelerometer Biases in Land Navigation Systems
Authors: Tereshkov Vasiliy M.
Published: January 2015

In various applications of land vehicle navigation and automatic guidance systems, Global Navigation Satellite System/Inertial Measurement Unit (GNSS/IMU) positioning performance crucially depends on the attitude determination accuracy affected by gyro and accelerometer bias instabilities. Traditional bias estimation approaches based on the Kalman filter suffer from implementation complexity and require non-intuitive tuning procedures. In this paper we propose, as an alternative, a simple observer that estimates inertial sensor biases exclusively in terms of quantities with obvious geometrical meaning. By this, any multidimensional vector-matrix operations are avoided and observer tuning is substantially simplified. The observer has been successfully tested in a farming vehicle navigation system.
J.S. MILL'SPRINCIPLES OF POLITICAL ECONOMYIN IMPERIAL RUSSIA: PUBLICATION AND RECEPTION
Authors: BEREST JULIA
Published: January 2015

This essay explores the publication and reception of John Stuart Mill'sPrinciples of Political Economyin late imperial Russia. First published during the era of the Great Reform, Mill'sPrincipleswas discussed within the context of the Russian debate on capitalism and land reform. It became popular not only among economists and university students but also the intelligentsia who dominated the debate on capitalism in Russia until the last decade of the century. In reading thePrinciples, they focused primarily on Mill's discussion of social questions and the ethics of capitalism rather than on the theoretical subjects of economics. In Russia, as in England, the reception of Mill's ideas was not uniform, reflecting the readers’ diverging political views and assumptions. In Russia, however, the tendency towards selective reading was more pronounced and the labels attached to Mill were more extreme.
THE POLICING OF A SOUTH CHINESE COUNTY, 1929–1949
Authors: Viana Venus
Published: January 2015

In 1927, when the Nationalist Party under Chiang Kai-shek established a republic, they also established a list of urgent duties. One was to reform the government structure from top to bottom so as to show the rest of the world its capability to govern the country in a modern way. While big cities were the showplaces for modernization and state-building, down at the county level, Chiang Kai-shek proclaimed Zhongshan in Guangdong the “model county.” To maintain this honor and its benefits, the local authorities made special efforts to restructure the government; reforming and retraining the police force was one important aspect of this attempt. While it is commonly held today that in the 1930s and 1940s county governments in the Pearl River Delta had disintegrated and were dominated by “local bosses,” this article uses previously inaccessible local records to examine Zhongshan County government and reform to answer one particular question: whether Zhongshan was successful in forming a modern police force. It examines a number of problems related to inefficiency and ineffectiveness in government administration, but at the same time also discusses why many civilians were welcoming, rather than suspicious, of the police. The answers to these issues suggest that the overall structure and management of the Zhongshan government (and even social integration) was to some extent consolidated in this period.
Computation of intermodulation distortion in RF MEMS variable capacitor circuits using moments
Authors: Tannir Dani A.
Published: January 2015

This paper introduces a new technique for the efficient computation of intermodulation distortion in radio frequency circuits that contain microelectromechanical system (MEMS) variable capacitors using moments analysis. This method is applied to an extended harmonic balance formulation, which contains the nonlinear equations that describe the dynamic mechanical behavior of MEMS variable capacitors, in addition to the nonlinear electric circuit equations. As a result, the moments method becomes a general multi-domain simulation method for quantifying nonlinear intermodulation distortion, while presenting significant computational cost reduction over harmonic balance-based methods.
A new simple compact ultra-wideband dielectric resonator antenna with enhanced bandwidth and improved radiation pattern
Authors: Seyyedhatami Seyyed Hadi , Sadeghzadeh Ramazan Ali
Published: January 2015

A new simple compact ultra-wideband (UWB) dielectric resonator antenna is presented. The antenna consists of a modified stepped microstrip-fed monopole printed antenna loaded with a rectangular dielectric resonator, truncated ground plane, and a parasitic strip underneath the dielectric resonator (DR). Using an optimized truncated ground plane and a combination of stepped feed line with DR an ultra-wide impedance bandwidth of 153% for (∣S11∣ ≤ −10 dB), covering the frequency range of (3.7–28 GHz) is achieved. The added parasitic strip can improve the radiation pattern, especially at high frequencies. The proposed antenna covers almost the entire UWB (3.1–10.6 GHz), Ku (12.4–18 GHz), and K (18–26.6 GHz) frequency bands. Also this antenna has an omnidirectional and stable radiation pattern over the whole operating frequency range and a compact size of (15 × 20 × 5.8 mm3) that make it suitable for wideband wireless system applications. This structure is light weight and can be easily fabricated. A prototype is built and measured. The simulated and measured results are in good agreement.
Differential mechanisms of asparaginase resistance in B-type acute lymphoblastic leukemia and malignant natural killer cell lines
Authors: Chien Wei-Wen , Le Beux Céline , Rachinel Nicolas , Julien Michel , Lacroix Claire-Emmanuelle , Allas Soraya , Sahakian Pierre , Cornut-Thibaut Aurélie , Lionnard Loïc , Kucharczak Jérôme , Aouacheria Abdel , Abribat Thierry , Salles Gilles
Published: January 2015

Bacterial L-asparaginase (ASNase), hydrolyzing L-asparagine (Asn), is an important drug for treating patients with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) and natural killer (NK) cell lymphoma. Although different native or pegylated ASNase-based chemotherapy are efficient, disease relapse is frequently observed, especially in adult patients. The neo-synthesis of Asn by asparagine synthetase (AsnS) following ASNase treatment, which involves the amino acid response and mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathways, is believed to be the basis of ASNase-resistance mechanisms. However, AsnS expression has not emerged as an accurate predictive factor for ASNase susceptibility. The aim of this study was to identify possible ASNase sensitivity/resistance-related genes or pathways using a new asparaginase, namely a pegylated r-crisantaspase, with a focus on classic Asn-compensatory responses and cell death under conditions of Asn/L-glutamine limitation. We show that, for B-ALL cell lines, changes in the expression of apoptosis-regulatory genes (especially NFκB-related genes) are associated with ASNase susceptibility. The response of malignant NK cell lines to ASNase may depend on Asn-compensatory mechanisms and other cellular processes such as cleavage of BCL2A1, a prosurvival member of the Bcl-2 protein family. These results suggest that according to cellular context, factors other than AsnS can influence ASNase susceptibility.
The impact of resveratrol and hydrogen peroxide on muscle cell plasticity shows a dose-dependent interaction
Authors: Bosutti Alessandra , Degens Hans
Published: January 2015

While reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a role in muscle repair, excessive amounts of ROS for extended periods may lead to oxidative stress. Antioxidants, as resveratrol (RS), may reduce oxidative stress, restore mitochondrial function and promote myogenesis and hypertrophy. However, RS dose-effectiveness for muscle plasticity is unclear. Therefore, we investigated RS dose-response on C2C12 myoblast and myotube plasticity 1. in the presence and 2. absence of different degrees of oxidative stress. Low RS concentration (10 μM) stimulated myoblast cell cycle arrest, migration and sprouting, which were inhibited by higher doses (40–60 μM). RS did not increase oxidative capacity. In contrast, RS induced mitochondria loss, reduced cell viability and ROS production and activated stress response pathways [Hsp70 and pSer36-p66(ShcA) proteins]. However, the deleterious effects of H2O2(1000 µM) on cell migration were alleviated after preconditioning with 10 µM-RS. This dose also enhanced cell motility mediated by 100 µM-H2O2, while higher RS-doses augmented the H2O2-induced impaired myoblast regeneration and mitochondrial dehydrogenase activity. In conclusion, low resveratrol doses promotedin vitromuscle regeneration and attenuated the impact of ROS, while high doses augmented the reduced plasticity and metabolism induced by oxidative stress. Thus, the effects of resveratrol depend on its dose and degree of oxidative stress.
Optical analysis of biological hydrogen sulphide: an overview of recent advancements
Authors: Xiong Bin , Peng Lan , Cao Xuan , He Yan , Yeung Edward S.
Published: January 2015

In this review we provide an overview of recent advancements in optical analysis of biological hydrogen sulphide, with a focus on fluorescence and non-fluorescence optical strategies for sensing and imaging subcellular hydrogen sulphide in living biosystems.
Novel organic solvents for electrochemistry at the liquid/liquid interface
Authors: Toth Peter S. , Dryfe Robert A. W.
Published: January 2015

The 5-nonanone organic phase has been shown to be a stable solvent for use in electrochemistry, ion and electron transfer has been studied at the organic/water interface.
Preparation of molecularly imprinted polymers for the recognition of proteins via the generation of peptide-fragment binding sites by semi-covalent imprinting and enzymatic digestion
Authors: Taguchi Hironori , Sunayama Hirobumi , Takano Eri , Kitayama Yukiya , Takeuchi Toshifumi
Published: January 2015

An acryloyl protein was copolymerized with a crosslinker, followed by enzymatic digestion, yielding protein imprinted polymers bearing peptide-fragment binding sites.
Quantification and characterization of naphthenic acids in soils from oil exploration areas in China by GC/MS
Authors: Jie Wang , Cao Xiaofeng , Chai Liwei , Liao Jingqiu , Huang Yi , Tang Xiaoyan
Published: January 2015

Naphthenic acids (NAs) are a toxic complex mixture of carboxylic acids occurring naturally in petroleum.
A Dynabeads-labeled immunoassay based on a fluxgate biosensor for the detection of biomarkers
Authors: Yang Zhen , Lei Jian , Sun Xue-cheng , Lei Chong , Zhou Yong , Liu Yan
Published: January 2015

Magnetic bead-based biosensors are becoming a hot spot in biomedical fields. A Dynabeads-labeled immunoassay has been developed using a micro fluxgate biosensor for the detection of alpha fetoprotein (AFP) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA).
Mechanochromic luminescence and aggregation induced emission for a metal-free β-diketone
Authors: Butler Tristan , Morris William A. , Samonina-Kosicka Jelena , Fraser Cassandra L.
Published: January 2015

Solvatochromism and aggregation-induced emission were investigated for methoxy-substituted dinaphthyl diketone solutions and solid-state properties, including reversible mechanochromic luminescence, were explored for films.
The synthesis and electrochemical characterization of bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide-based protic ionic liquids
Authors: Menne S. , Vogl T. , Balducci A.
Published: January 2015

The use of PYRH4FSI represents a significant step towards the realization of high performance IL-based systems, which are able to fill the performance gap existing between these innovative electrolytes and the conventional ones.
Rapid crystal growth of type-II clathrates A8Na16Si136 (A = K, Rb, Cs) by spark plasma sintering
Authors: Dong Yongkwan , Nolas George S.
Published: January 2015

Single crystals of clathrate-II A8Na16Si136 (A = K, Rb, Cs) were synthesized by spark plasma sintering by simultaneous electrochemical redox and ion-exchange reactions.
Predicting and creating 7-connected Zn4O vertices for the construction of an exceptional metal–organic framework with nanoscale cages
Authors: Bai Shizhe , Zhang Weiquan , Ling Yun , Yang Feilong , Deng Mingli , Chen Zhenxia , Weng Linhong , Zhou Yaming
Published: January 2015

A 7-connected Zn4O unit has been theoretically predicted based on basic zinc acetate [Zn4O(CH3COO)6], which was then experimentally extended into a three-dimensional structure featuring three kinds of nanocage in a unit cell.
Critical assessment of enhancement factor measurements in surface-enhanced Raman scattering on different substrates
Authors: Rodrigues Daniel C. , de Souza Michele L. , Souza Klester S. , dos Santos Diego P. , Andrade Gustavo F. S. , Temperini Marcia L. A.
Published: January 2015

The SERS enhancement factor (SERS-EF) is one of the most important parameters that characterizes the ability of a given substrate to enhance the Raman signal for SERS applications. The comparison between dynamic and static substrates, however, should not be performed in sense of SERS-EF.
Isolating the spectral signature of H3O+ in the smallest droplet of dissociated HCl acid
Authors: Mancini John S. , Bowman Joel M.
Published: January 2015

The smallest droplet of HCl acid, H3O+(H2O)3Cl−, and its isolated H3O+ infrared signature.
Solution-processed n-type fullerene field-effect transistors prepared using CVD-grown graphene electrodes: improving performance with thermal annealing
Authors: Jeong Yong Jin , Yun Dong-Jin , Jang Jaeyoung , Park Seonuk , An Tae Kyu , Kim Lae Ho , Kim Se Hyun , Park Chan Eon
Published: January 2015

Solution-processed organic field effect transistors (OFETs) have generated significant interest as key elements for use in all-organic electronic applications aimed at realizing low-cost, lightweight, and flexible devices.
3-Methylpiperidinium ionic liquids
Authors: Belhocine Tayeb , Forsyth Stewart A. , Gunaratne H. Q. Nimal , Nieuwenhuyzen Mark , Nockemann Peter , Puga Alberto V. , Seddon Kenneth R. , Srinivasan Geetha , Whiston Keith
Published: January 2015

Ionic liquids based on the 3-methylpiperidinium cation core exhibit little or no tendency to crystallise upon cooling and high electrochemical stabilities.
Electrical percolation thresholds of semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotube networks in field-effect transistors
Authors: Jang Ho-Kyun , Jin Jun Eon , Choi Jun Hee , Kang Pil-Soo , Kim Do-Hyun , Kim Gyu Tae
Published: January 2015

We related the network density of semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotube networks at the percolation threshold to their electrical characteristics.
Synthesis of aluminium triflate-grafted MCM-41 as a water-tolerant acid catalyst for the ketalization of glycerol with acetone
Authors: Tayade Kamlesh N. , Mishra Manish , K. Munusamy , Somani Rajesh S.
Published: January 2015

An aluminium triflate species grafted over MCM-41 (Al(TF)–MS) was synthesized by a novel route as an inexpensive and water-tolerant solid acid catalyst for the ketalization of glycerol with acetone to solketal (solketal synthesis).
Palladium catalysts supported on carbon–nitrogen composites for aqueous-phase hydrogenation of phenol
Authors: Feng Gang , Chen Ping , Lou Hui
Published: January 2015

Supported palladium catalysts on carbon-nitrogen composites with high surface area are highly active for aqueous-phase hydrogenation of phenol.
Key multi(ferrocenyl) complexes in the interplay between electronic coupling and electrostatic interaction
Authors: Santi Saverio , Bisello Annalisa , Cardena Roberta , Donoli Alessandro
Published: January 2015

In this review, the properties of the most significant examples of multi(ferrocenyl) cations containing a number of ferrocenyl units from two to six are discussed and the results are compared with the outcomes of some of our recent studies on conjugated ferrocenyl complexes.
Nonmetal P-doped hematite photoanode with enhanced electron mobility and high water oxidation activity
Authors: Zhang Yuchao , Jiang Shiqi , Song Wenjing , Zhou Peng , Ji Hongwei , Ma Wanhong , Hao Weichang , Chen Chuncheng , Zhao Jincai
Published: January 2015

Nonmetal P-doped hematite photoanodes with remarkably improved photocurrent densities were synthesized. The high activity is attributed to the enhanced electron mobility.
A non-nitric acid method of adipic acid synthesis: organic solvent- and promoter-free oxidation of cyclohexanone with oxygen over hollow-structured Mn/TS-1 catalysts
Authors: Zou Guoqiang , Zhong Wenzhou , Mao Liqiu , Xu Qiong , Xiao Jiafu , Yin Dulin , Xiao Zisheng , Kirk Steven Robert , Shu Tao
Published: January 2015

A novel hollow-structured Mn/TS-1 catalyst has been reported as a non-nitric acid route for adipic acid production from oxidative cleavage of cyclohexanone.
Micropropulsion by an acoustic bubble for navigating microfluidic spaces
Authors: Feng Jian , Yuan Junqi , Cho Sung Kwon
Published: January 2015

This paper describes an underwater micropropulsion principle where a gaseous bubble trapped in a suspended microchannel and oscillated by external acoustic excitation generates a propelling force.
Protein footprinting by pyrite shrink-wrap laminate
Authors: Leser Micheal , Pegan Jonathan , El Makkaoui Mohammed , Schlatterer Joerg C. , Khine Michelle , Law Matt , Brenowitz Michael
Published: January 2015

Pyrite shrink-wrap laminate is fabricated by adhering pyrite nanocrystals to shrink-wrap plastic to catalyze hydroxyl radical generation for macromolecular ‘footprinting’.
Nanostructured and spiky gold in biomolecule detection: improving binding efficiencies and enhancing optical signals
Authors: Bedford E. E. , Boujday S. , Pradier C.-M. , Gu F. X.
Published: January 2015

Nanostructured gold can improve the ability to detect biomolecules.
One-pot, template-free synthesis of hydrophobic single-crystalline La(OH)3 nanowires with tunable size and their d0 ferromagnetic properties
Authors: Feng Juan , Li Xinghua , Wang Mingzi , Zheng Xinliang , Bai Jintao , Wang Li , Peng Yong
Published: January 2015

Hydrophobic single-crystalline La(OH)3 nanowires with tunable size have been fabricated by a facile one-pot liquid–solid-solution (LSS) assisted hydrothermal method without any template and their morphology, chemistry and crystal structure were characterized at nanoscale.
A simple cyanide sensing probe based on Ag/Fe3O4nanoparticles
Authors: Moosavi Razieh , Afkhami Abbas , Madrakian Tayyebeh
Published: January 2015

The first direct approach in ultra-trace cyanide determination through a simple, selective and rapid reaction by simply-synthesized recyclable Ag/Fe3O4nanostructures.
Hybrid materials based on azopolymer and sol–gel synthesized silver-containing titanium oxide nanoparticles with photoinduced birefringence
Authors: Fernández Raquel , Gutierrez Junkal , Eceiza Arantxa , Tercjak Agnieszka
Published: January 2015

A strategy for the development of novel nanocomposite films based on azopolymer and sol–gel synthesized silver-containing titanium oxide nanoparticles with different photoinduced birefringent properties is reported.
One-step growth of isoreticular luminescent metal–organic frameworks on cotton fibers
Authors: Ozer R. R. , Hinestroza J. P.
Published: January 2015

A series of isoreticular lanthanide metal–organic frameworks, Ln-MOFs (Ln = Eu, Gd, and Tb), were directly grown on cotton fibers using a room temperature water-based direct precipitation method.
Synergistic effect of humic and fulvic acids on Ni removal by the calcined Mg/Al layered double hydroxide
Authors: Fang Liping , Li Wentao , Chen Huimin , Xiao Feng , Huang Lizhi , Holm Peter E. , Hansen Hans Christian B. , Wang Dongsheng
Published: January 2015

The calcined Mg/Al LDH exhibits notable capacity to remove Ni(ii), especially in the presence of organic matters.
Photon conversion in lanthanide-doped powder phosphors: concepts and applications
Authors: Maciel Glauco S. , Rakov Nikifor
Published: January 2015

Structural and optical properties of a lanthanide-doped material (Er3+, Yb3+ co-doped Y2SiO5 powder) prepared by combustion synthesis.
Design of a portable nanosensor for easy breast tomography
Authors: Rostami Ali , SalmanOgli Ahmad , Farhadnia Farshad , Dolatyari Mahbobeh , Rostami Ghassem , Pişkin Erhan
Published: January 2015

In this study, a portable nanosensor for the early and easy detection of carcinoma tumors was designed and simulated.
Self-assembled serum albumin–poly(l-lactic acid) nanoparticles: a novel nanoparticle platform for drug delivery in cancer
Authors: Dai Lin , Li Chun-Xiao , Liu Ke-Feng , Su Hai-Jia , Chen Bi-Qiang , Zhang Gui-Feng , He Jing , Lei Jian-Du
Published: January 2015

A new protein–hydrophobic polymeric nanoparticle platform BSA–PLLA NPs has been prepared. A large amount of BA was well encapsulated into the BSA–PLLA NPs. Moreover, the BSA–PLLA/BA NPs shows excellent antitumor activity.
Remarkable visible light-triggered cytotoxicity of mitochondria targeting mixed-ligand cobalt(iii) complexes of curcumin and phenanthroline bases binding to human serum albumin
Authors: Sarkar Tukki , Banerjee Samya , Hussain Akhtar
Published: January 2015

Co(iii) complexes of curcumin and phenanthroline bases show remarkable visible-light induced cytotoxicity in HeLa cells but are much less toxic in dark and to normal cells. The complexes bind to HSA with significant affinity.
A family of N-heterocyclic carbene-stabilized borenium ions for metal-free imine hydrogenation catalysis
Authors: Farrell Jeffrey M. , Posaratnanathan Roy T. , Stephan Douglas W.
Published: January 2015

Room-temperature metal-free hydrogenation catalysis.
Retention and release of oil-in-water emulsions from filled hydrogel beads composed of calcium alginate: impact of emulsifier type and pH
Authors: Zeeb Benjamin , Saberi Amir Hossein , Weiss Jochen , McClements David Julian
Published: January 2015

Delivery systems based on filled hydrogel particles (microgels) can be fabricated from natural food-grade lipids and biopolymers.
Remarkable hydrogen desorption properties and mechanisms of the Mg2FeH6@MgH2 core–shell nanostructure
Authors: Xiao Xuezhang , Xu Chenchen , Shao Jie , Zhang Liuting , Qin Teng , Li Shouquan , Ge Hongwei , Wang Qidong , Chen Lixin
Published: January 2015

Mg2FeH6@MgH2 dual-metal hydride with core-shell nanostructure starts to release hydrogen at 220 ºC with fast hydrogen desorption kinetics.
An expandable donor-free supply of functional hepatocytes for toxicology
Authors: Probert Philip M. E. , Meyer Stephanie K. , Alsaeedi Fouzeyyah , Axon Andrew A. , Fairhall Emma A. , Wallace Karen , Charles Michelle , Oakley Fiona , Jowsey Paul A. , Blain Peter G. , Wright Matthew C.
Published: January 2015

The B-13 cell is a readily expandable rat pancreatic acinar-like cell that differentiates on simple plastic culture substrata into replicatively-senescent hepatocyte-like (B-13/H) cells in response to glucocorticoid exposure. B-13/H cells express a variety of liver-enriched and liver-specific genes, many at levels similar to hepatocytes in vivo. Furthermore, the B-13/H phenotype is maintained for at least several weeks in vitro, in contrast to normal hepatocytes which rapidly de-differentiate under the same simple – or even under more complex – culture conditions. The origin of the B-13 cell line and the current state of knowledge regarding differentiation to B-13/H cells are presented, followed by a review of recent advances in the use of B-13/H cells in a variety of toxicity endpoints. B-13 cells therefore offer Toxicologists a cost-effective and easy to use system to study a range of toxicologically-related questions. Dissecting the mechanism(s) regulating the formation of B-13/H cell may also increase the likelihood of engineering a human equivalent, providing Toxicologists with an expandable donor-free supply of functional rat and human hepatocytes, invaluable additions to the tool kit of in vitro toxicity tests.
Self-association of organic solutes in solution: a NEXAFS study of aqueous imidazole
Authors: Thomason M. J. , Seabourne C. R. , Sattelle B. M. , Hembury G. A. , Stevens J. S. , Scott A. J. , Aziz E. F. , Schroeder S. L. M.
Published: January 2015

N K-edge near-edge X-ray absorption fine-structure (NEXAFS) spectra of imidazole in concentrated aqueous solutions have been acquired. The NEXAFS spectra of the solution species differ significantly from those of imidazole monomers in the gas phase and in the solid state of imidazole, demonstrating the strong sensitivity of NEXAFS to the local chemical and structural environment. In a concentration range from 0.5 to 8.2 mol L−1the NEXAFS spectrum of aqueous imidazole does not change strongly, confirming previous suggestions that imidazole self-associates are already present at concentrations more dilute than the range investigated here. We show that various types of electronic structure calculations (Gaussian, StoBe, CASTEP) provide a consistent and complete interpretation of all features in the gas phase and solid state spectra based on ground state electronic structure. This suggests that such computational modelling of experimental NEXAFS will permit an incisive analysis of the molecular interactions of organic solutes in solutions. It is confirmed that microhydrated clusters with a single imidazole molecule are poor models of imidazole in aqueous solution. Our analysis indicates that models including both a hydrogen-bonded network of hydrate molecules, and imidazole–imidazole interactions, are necessary to explain the electronic structure evident in the NEXAFS spectra.
The functional roles of the three copper sites associated with the methionine-rich insert in the multicopper oxidase CueO fromE. coli
Authors: Cortes Laura , Wedd Anthony G. , Xiao Zhiguang
Published: January 2015

The methionine-rich insert in the multicopper oxidase CueO fromE. coliaccommodates three copper sites that play distinct but related roles in Cu(i) extraction and oxidation and that induce robust cuprous oxidase activity under physiologically relevant conditions.
Zn2+and Cu2+induced nanosheets and nanotubes in six different lectins by TEM
Authors: Tabbasum Khatija , Rao Chebrolu Pulla
Published: January 2015

Zn2+and Cu2+induced supramolecular assemblies of lectins resulted in the formation of nanosheets in case of Zn2+and both nanosheets and nanotubes in case of Cu2+having different features characteristic of the lectin and the metal ion present. These nanostructures are unprecedented and would lead to major advances in nanobiomaterial science.
Non-destructive characterization using MCT reveals the composition and distribution of impurities in solar carnallite
Authors: Song Weijun , Yang Shizhong , Mbadinga Serge Maurice , Sun Xiaoyong , Mu Bozhong
Published: January 2015

The surface morphology, inner structure and density distribution of solar carnallite and its impurity composition were successfully evaluated using MCT.
Magnetic anisotropy of endohedral lanthanide ions: paramagnetic NMR study of MSc2N@C80-Ih with M running through the whole 4f row
Authors: Zhang Y. , Krylov D. , Rosenkranz M. , Schiemenz S. , Popov A. A.
Published: January 2015

Paramagnetic and variable temperature 13C and 45Sc nuclear magnetic resonance studies are performed for nitride clusterfullerenes MSc2N@C80 with icosahedral Ih(7) carbon cage, where M runs through all lanthanides forming nitride clusters.
Porous graphene wrapped CoO nanoparticles for highly efficient oxygen evolution
Authors: Zhao Yufei , Sun Bing , Huang Xiaodan , Liu Hao , Su Dawei , Sun Kening , Wang Guoxiu
Published: January 2015

We devised CoO nanoparticles wrapped by porous graphene (PGE–CoO) as a noble-metal free electrocatalytic material for efficient oxygen evolution. The highly porous structure and excellent chemical and electronic coupling within the composite material led to the superior OER activity and good stability.
Plant cytokinesis: a tale of membrane traffic and fusion
Authors: Jürgens Gerd , Park Misoon , Richter Sandra , Touihri Sonja , Krause Cornelia , El Kasmi Farid , Mayer Ulrike
Published: January 2015

Cytokinesis separates the forming daughter cells. Higher plants have lost the ability to constrict the plasma membrane (PM) in the division plane. Instead, trans-Golgi network (TGN)-derived membrane vesicles are targeted to the centre of the division plane and generate, by homotypic fusion, the partitioning membrane named cell plate (CP). The CP expands in a centrifugal fashion until its margin fuses with the PM at the cortical division site. Mutant screens in Arabidopsis have identified a cytokinesis-specific syntaxin named KNOLLE and an interacting Sec1/Munc18 (SM) protein named KEULE both of which are required for vesicle fusion during cytokinesis. KNOLLE is only made during M-phase, targeted to the division plane and degraded in the vacuole at the end of cytokinesis. Here we address mechanisms of KNOLLE trafficking and interaction of KNOLLE with different soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor (NSF) attachment protein (SNAP) receptor (SNARE) partners and with SM-protein KEULE, ensuring membrane fusion in cytokinesis.