bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Board Composition and Outreach Performance of Microfinance Institutions: Evidence from East Africa
Authors: Mori Neema , Golesorkhi Sougand , Randøy Trond , Hermes Niels
Published: January 2015

The attributes of microfinance's board members have an impact on attainment of their social objectives.
Salinity thresholds and genotypic variability of cabbage (Brassica oleracea L.) grown under saline stress
Authors: Sanoubar Rabab , Cellini Antonio , Veroni Anna Maria , Spinelli Francesco , Masia Andrea , Vittori Antisari Livia , Orsini Francesco , Gianquinto Giorgio
Published: January 2015

BACKGROUND

Two botanical varieties of cabbage, namely Savoy (Brassica oleracea var. Sabauda L.) and White (Brassica oleracea var. Capitata L.) were used in order to understand the morphological, physiological and biochemical elements of functional salt stress response. Thirteen salt concentrations (range, 0 to 300 mmol L−1 NaCl) were considered in Experiment 1 and, of these 13, three (0, 100 and 200 mmol L−1 NaCl) were used in Experiment 2.

RESULTS

Experiment 1 enabled the definition of two salinity thresholds (100 and 200 mmol L−1 NaCl), associated with morphological and physiological adaptations. In Experiment 2, moderate salinity (100 mmol L−1 NaCl) had lower effects on Savoy than in White cabbage yield (respectively, −16% and −62% from control). Concurrently, 100 mmol L−1 NaCl resulted in a significant increase of antioxidant enzymes from control conditions, that was greater in Savoy (+289, +423 and +88%, respectively) as compared to White (+114, +356 and +28%, respectively) cabbage. Ion accumulation was found to be a key determinant in tissue osmotic adjustment (mainly in Savoy) whereas the contribution of organic osmolites was negligible.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher antioxidative enzymatic activities in Savoy versus White cabbage after treatment with 100 mmol L−1 NaCl were associated with improved water relations, thus suggesting a possible physiological pathway for alleviating perceived salt stress. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Enzymatic Synthesis of High‐Molecular‐Weight Poly(butylene succinate) and its Copolymers
Authors: Ren Liwei , Wang Yushen , Ge Jun , Lu Diannan , Liu Zheng
Published: January 2015

A two‐step synthesis of high‐molecular‐weight and bio‐based poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) from succinic anhydride and butane‐1,4‐diol is established, in which the first step is a 12 h atmospheric polycondensation at 95 °C in the presence of succinic acid. The subsequent polymerization, catalyzed by Novozym 435 suspended in toluene, yields PBS with a mole­cular weight above 73 000 g mol−1. The recovered lipase catalyst appears to give similar performance after six cycles. The versatility of this atmospheric synthetic route to PBS copolymers is validated through the syntheses of poly(butylene succinate‐co‐butylene malate) (PBSM), poly(butylene succinate‐co‐butylene fumarate) (PBSF), and poly(butylene succinate‐co‐butylene terephthalate) (PBST), in which succinic acid is replaced by corresponding di‐acids as monomers.

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Accelerated Stereocomplex Crystallization of Poly(L‐lactide)/Poly(D‐lactide) Blends by Long Terminal Linear Alkyl Groups
Authors: Tsuji Hideto , Sugimoto Shinya
Published: January 2015

The accelerating effect of terminal n‐alkyl groups (TAGs) on the non‐isothermal crystallization of poly(L‐lactide)/poly(D‐lactide) blends increased with TAG length in the low temperature range below 100 °C and that on isothermal stereocomplex crystallization of poly(L‐lactide)/poly(D‐lactide) blends became maximal at terminal n‐hexyl group in the high temperature range above 165 °C. However, the decelerating effect on isothermal stereocomplex crystallization was observed for terminal n‐docosyl group in the high temperature range above 165 °C. The TAG length did not alter the crystallite growth morphology during non‐isothermal crystallization, the formed crystalline species (only stereocomplex crystallites) and the crystallite growth mechanism during isothermal crystallization.
Remodeling of host phosphatidylcholine by Chlamydia acyltransferase is regulated by acyl‐CoA binding protein ACBD6 associated with lipid droplets
Authors: Soupene Eric , Wang Derek , Kuypers Frans A.
Published: January 2015

The bacterial human pathogen Chlamydia trachomatis invades cells as an infectious elementary body (EB). The EB is internalized into a vacuole that is hidden from the host defense mechanism, and is modified to sustain the development of the replicative reticulate body (RB). Inside this parasitophorous compartment, called the inclusion, the pathogen survives supported by an active exchange of nutrients and proteins with the host cell. We show that host lipids are scavenged and modified into bacterial‐specific lipids by the action of a shared human‐bacterial acylation mechanism. The bacterial acylating enzymes for the essential lipids 1‐acyl‐sn‐glycerol 3‐phosphate and 1‐acyl‐sn‐phosphatidylcholine were identified as CT453 and CT775, respectively. Bacterial CT775 was found to be associated with lipid droplets (LDs). During the development of C. trachomatis, the human acyl‐CoA carrier hACBD6 was recruited to cytosolic LDs and translocated into the inclusion. hACBD6 protein modulated the activity of CT775 in an acyl‐CoA dependent fashion and sustained the activity of the bacterial acyltransferase by buffering the concentration of acyl‐CoAs. We propose that disruption of the binding activity of the acyl‐CoA carrier might represent a new drug‐target to prevent growth of C. trachomatis.
A multicomponent T2 relaxometry algorithm for myelin water imaging of the brain
Authors: Björk Marcus , Zachariah Dave , Kullberg Joel , Stoica Petre
Published: January 2015

Purpose

Models based on a sum of damped exponentials occur in many applications, particularly in multicomponent T2 relaxometry. The problem of estimating the relaxation parameters and the corresponding amplitudes is known to be difficult, especially as the number of components increases. In this article, the commonly used non‐negative least squares spectrum approach is compared to a recently published estimation algorithm abbreviated as Exponential Analysis via System Identification using Steiglitz–McBride.

Methods

The two algorithms are evaluated via simulation, and their performance is compared to a statistical benchmark on precision given by the Cramér–Rao bound. By applying the algorithms to an in vivo brain multi‐echo spin‐echo dataset, containing 32 images, estimates of the myelin water fraction are computed.

Results

Exponential Analysis via System Identification using Steiglitz–McBride is shown to have superior performance when applied to simulated T2 relaxation data. For the in vivo brain, Exponential Analysis via System Identification using Steiglitz–McBride gives an myelin water fraction map with a more concentrated distribution of myelin water and less noise, compared to non‐negative least squares.

Conclusion

The Exponential Analysis via System Identification using Steiglitz–McBride algorithm provides an efficient and user‐parameter‐free alternative to non‐negative least squares for estimating the parameters of multiple relaxation components and gives a new way of estimating the spatial variations of myelin in the brain. Magn Reson Med 75:390–402, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Correlation of the loss in photovoltaic module performance with the ageing behaviour of the backsheets used
Authors: Voronko Yuliya , Eder Gabriele C. , Knausz Marlene , Oreski Gernot , Koch Thomas , Berger Karl A.
Published: January 2015

The influence of the type of backsheet on the electrical performance of test modules was evaluated before and after increasing time of accelerated ageing (damp heat [DH] exposure). Besides the measurement of the electrical power of the modules and the performance of the cells by electroluminescence, the ageing‐induced changes within the polymeric encapsulate and backsheets were investigated by means of vibrational spectroscopy and by thermo analytical methods. In addition, the permeability of the backsheets in the original and aged state was determined. This wide set of test parameters and methods allowed for the detection of correlations between (i) physical and chemical properties as well as their ageing‐induced changes of the materials and (ii) the module performance. A clear dependence of the relative loss in power output upon exposure under DH conditions for 2000 h could be observed for a set of identical test modules varied in composition only in the type of back cover used. While the modules containing gas‐tight backsheets and glass experienced only little loss in the relative power output, some modules with permeable backsheets showed a significant relative decrease in the power output and fill factor in dependence of the backsheet type used. Cell degradation could be visualised by recording electroluminescence images before and after the accelerated ageing test. The permeation properties of the backsheet used and their ageing‐induced changes seem to have an influence on the module performance. However, the absolute values neither of the water vapour transmission rate (WVTR) nor of the oxygen transmission rate (OTR) are directly linked to the loss in power output upon accelerated ageing under DH conditions. It could be shown that the ageing‐induced changes (relative transmission rates) between WVTR and OTR can be correlated with the module performance. These ageing‐induced changes in the permeation behaviour of the backsheets can be explained by (i) physical changes (e.g. post‐crystallisation, changes in the crystal structure or the crystalline microstructure) and (ii) chemical ageing effects such as a decrease in the molecular mass of the polyester (PET) polymer chains because of hydrolytic polymer degradation leading to a change in the crystallisation behaviour of PET. Hydrolytic degradation (= chemical ageing) of the PET core layer was observed (with varying extent) for all PET‐based backsheets and can, thus, not be directly correlated with the loss in performance of the corresponding test modules. The physical ageing effects, however, were detected only for those backsheets showing (i) strong deviating changes in the relative permeation rates for oxygen and water vapour upon accelerated ageing and (ii) a clear loss in electrical performance. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hydrogen exchange of disordered proteins in Escherichia coli
Authors: Smith Austin E. , Zhou Larry Z. , Pielak Gary J.
Published: January 2015

A truly disordered protein lacks a stable fold and its backbone amide protons exchange with solvent at rates predicted from studies of unstructured peptides. We have measured the exchange rates of two model disordered proteins, FlgM and α‐synuclein, in buffer and in Escherichia coli using the NMR experiment, SOLEXSY. The rates are similar in buffer and cells and are close to the rates predicted from data on small, unstructured peptides. This result indicates that true disorder can persist inside the crowded cellular interior and that weak interactions between proteins and macromolecules in cells do not necessarily affect intrinsic rates of exchange.
Impedance spectroscopy study of the unipolar and bipolar resistive switching states of atomic layer deposited polycrystalline ZrO2 thin films
Authors: Kärkkänen Irina , Shkabko Andrey , Heikkilä Mikko , Vehkamäki Marko , Niinistö Jaakko , Aslam Nabeel , Meuffels Paul , Ritala Mikko , Leskelä Markku , Waser Rainer , Hoffmann‐Eifert Susanne
Published: January 2015

The polarity of the resistive switching (RS) characteristic of metal‐oxide‐metal devices from atomic layer deposited polycrystalline ZrO2 films was studied by means of impedance spectroscopy. Pt/ZrO2/Ti/Pt cells made with 10 nm Ti and 30 nm Pt capping top electrodes, served as unipolar switching (US) devices. Bipolar switching (BS) devices were represented by Pt/ZrO2/30 nm TiN cells. Temperature measurements of the ON‐state resistances clearly show metallic and semiconducting behavior for the US and BS cells, respectively. The pristine and the ON and OFF states of the devices were analyzed by means of impedance spectroscopy. All ZrO2 based RS devices exhibited similar impedance characteristics in the pristine states. In contrast, after electroforming clear differences in the Nyquist‐plots of the US and BS devices were observed. The effect of the device structure on the RS polarity is discussed under consideration of the pillar‐shaped grainy microstructure of the ZrO2 thin films. An empirical model based on redox reactions between ZrO2 and the non‐noble metal electrode is proposed emphasizing defect formation prior at the ZrO2 grain boundaries.
Self‐aligned normally‐off metal–oxide–semiconductor n++GaN/InAlN/GaN high electron mobility transistors
Authors: Blaho M. , Gregušová D. , Haščík Š. , Jurkovič M. , Ťapajna M. , Fröhlich K. , Dérer J. , Carlin J. ‐F. , Grandjean N. , Kuzmík J.
Published: January 2015

Self‐aligned normally‐off n++GaN/InAlN/AlN/GaN MOS HEMTs with a recessed gate show scalable threshold voltage between 1.3 to 3.7 V, which increases with the gate oxide thickness. Al2O3 or HfO2 gate insulators were grown by ALD at 100 °C so that one photoresist mask could be used for the gate recessing, ALD and metal lift‐off. A low density of the barrier surface donors ∼1 × 1013 cm−2 stems from the low thermal budged during the HEMT processing and explains the threshold voltage behaviour. Maximal IDS reaches ∼0.4 A/mm despite 2‐μm gate length and 8‐μm source‐to‐gate distance invariant to the threshold voltage. It is shown that for the present device Al2O3 provides better gate insulation than HfO2, however, the latter may be more appropriate for highly scaled short gate‐length HEMTs. Schematic picture of the self‐aligned InAlN/GaN MOS HEMT.
Molecular characterization of acid‐thinned wheat, potato and pea starches and correlation to gel properties
Authors: Ulbrich Marco , Wiesner Ilka , Flöter Eckhard
Published: January 2015

Molecular parameters and gel properties of systematically prepared acid‐thinned starch products (wheat, potato, and pea) were investigated. The impacts of acid type (HCl, H2SO4), acid concentration (0.36 and 0.72 N), and hydrolysis time (4 and 24 h) were found to be statistically significant on weight‐average molar mass (Mw) of the starch as revealed by analysis of variance (ANOVA). Especially for potato starch samples, the blue value (BV) was found to increase after short‐time hydrolysis and decrease after longer modification, indicating a reduced amount of polysaccharide chains able to complex with iodine, which was found for all products. Simultaneously, the wavelength of the absorption maximum (λmax) decreased systematically with an increasing degree of modification, giving evidence for decreasing length of linear polymer chains. Enzymatic debranching of amylopectin and dextrins and molecular characterization by means of size exclusion chromatography‐multi angle laser light scattering (SEC‐MALS) enabled the detection of Mw and the amount of amylose fraction. Generally, declining Mw of amylose was accompanied by a mass‐specific loss. Starch pastes with very good solution states were prepared in general. Pastes of the acid‐thinned starches showed dominant viscous behavior, whereat storage and loss modulus decreased with increasing degradation. Additionally, a significant reduction of the sol‐to‐gel‐transition temperature was found applying oscillation measurements. Increasing gel strength of the starch samples was detected due to acid‐thinning up to a certain degree of modification and optimal molecular parameters of the starch as well as the amylose fraction were determined resulting best strength properties. The gel clarity was reduced due to acid modification in general.
Strength in numbers: quantitative single‐molecule RNA detection assays
Authors: Gaspar Imre , Ephrussi Anne
Published: January 2015

Gene expression is a fundamental process that underlies development, homeostasis, and behavior of organisms. The fact that it relies on nucleic acid intermediates, which can specifically interact with complementary probes, provides an excellent opportunity for studying the multiple steps—transcription, RNA processing, transport, translation, degradation, and so forth—through which gene function manifests. Over the past three decades, the toolbox of nucleic acid science has expanded tremendously, making high‐precision in situ detection of DNA and RNA possible. This has revealed that many—probably the vast majority of—transcripts are distributed within the cytoplasm or the nucleus in a nonrandom fashion. With the development of microscopy techniques we have learned not only about the qualitative localization of these molecules but also about their absolute numbers with great precision. Single‐molecule techniques for nucleic acid detection have been transforming our views of biology with elementary power: cells are not average members of their population but are highly distinct individuals with greatly and suddenly changing gene expression, and this behavior of theirs can be measured, modeled, and thus predicted and, finally, comprehended. WIREs Dev Biol 2015, 4:135–150. doi: 10.1002/wdev.170

This article is categorized under:

Establishment of Spatial and Temporal Patterns > Cytoplasmic Localization

Gene Expression and Transcriptional Hierarchies > Quantitative Methods and Models

Technologies > Analysis of the Transcriptome
Duck species co‐occurrence in hunter daily bags
Authors: Haugen Matthew T. , Vrtiska Mark P. , Powell Larkin A.
Published: January 2015

As multi‐species harvest management gains support among waterfowl managers, increased understanding of duck species relationships during harvest is needed. We used U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Parts Collection Survey data from 2002 to 2011 to develop a matrix defining relationships among duck species harvested in the Central Flyway. We calculated conditional probabilities of co‐occurrence in a hunter's daily bag (i.e., P(B|A), the probability that species B was in a hunter bag, given that species A was in the same bag). We then performed 12 scenarios of hypothetical changes to species‐specific regulations. We used Central Flyway harvest estimates from 2011 and probabilities of co‐occurrence to predict the effects of regulatory changes on harvest. Hunters were more likely to harvest 2 species of diving ducks (P(Diving|Diving) = 0.37) than to harvest a diving duck given that a dabbling duck was also harvested the daily bag (P(Diving|Dabbling) = 0.12). Hunters also were more likely to harvest 2 ducks of the same species (and sex in the case of mallards [Anas platyrhynchos]) within a daily bag (mean P(A|A) = 0.31) than 2 ducks of different species (mean P(B|A) = 0.13). Traditionally, managers have focused on single‐species assessments when considering regulatory changes, but harvest regulation changes may affect multiple duck species if harvest is redistributed to other species. Our data show a range of co‐occurrence patterns of species commonly or rarely harvested together. Examination of the relationships among duck species during harvest provides critical insight for the development of appropriate regulations for multi‐species management. © 2015 The Wildlife Society.
Wood products and green chemistry
Authors: Pizzi Antonio
Published: January 2015

Key message

Green chemistry for and from wood has developed numerous industrial products, namely biosourced, green wood adhesives and preservatives, foams, composite matrices, laminates, hard and flexible plastics, flexible films, and abrasive grinding discs, and their number is still growing.

Introduction

This review addresses (1) the elimination of toxic aldehydes from the most common wood panel adhesive, the one based on urea, itself a natural product, (2) biosourced adhesives derived from wood or other vegetable matter and used for wood products, and (3) wood and bark tannin-based foams, natural fiber composites using tannin matrices, paper surface laminates and continuous high-pressure paper laminates using tannin-furanics, hard plastics based on tannin-furanic materials and some of their applications, flexible biosourced tannin-furanic films, and biosourced wood preservatives.
RIP140 triggers foam‐cell formation by repressing ABCA1/G1 expression and cholesterol efflux via liver X receptor
Authors: He Yanhong , Zhang Luankun , Li Zhuoming , Gao Hui , Yue Zhongbao , Liu Zhiping , Liu Xueping , Feng Xiaojun , Liu Peiqing
Published: January 2015

Receptor‐interacting protein 140 (RIP140) is a multifunctional coregulator of lipid metabolism and inflammation. However, the potential role of RIP140 in atherosclerosis remains unknown. The present study investigated the impact of RIP140 on foam cell formation, a critical step in pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. The expression of RIP140 was increased in foam cells. RIP140 overexpression resulted in decreased cholesterol efflux in macrophages and their concomitant differentiation into foam cells. Moreover, RIP140 negatively regulated the macrophage expression of ATP‐binding cassette transporters A1 and G1 (ABCA1/G1), by suppressing the expression and activity of liver X receptor (LXR). These findings shed light onto the contribution of RIP140 to the development and progression of atherosclerosis, and suggest a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of atherosclerosis.
Risk Factors for Development of New or Worsened Pressure Ulcers Among Patients in Inpatient Rehabilitation Facilities in the United States: Data From the Uniform Data System for Medical Rehabilitation
Authors: DiVita Margaret A. , Granger Carl V. , Goldstein Richard , Niewczyk Paulette , Freudenheim Jo L.
Published: January 2015

Background

Documentation of a new or worsened pressure ulcer is a new, required quality indicator for all inpatient rehabilitation facilities (IRFs) in the United States; however, there is little research regarding risk factors for pressure ulcers among patients seen in IRFs.

Objective

To examine the risk factors for development of a new or worsened pressure ulcer among patients seen in IRFs.

Design

A retrospective cohort study.

Setting

IRFs in the United States.

Participants

IRF patients more than 18 years of age, with documented new or worsened pressure ulcer during their rehabilitation stay (n = 2766) and IRF patients with no new or worsened pressure ulcer documented from admission to discharge (n = 190,996) discharged October 2008 to September 2011, included in the Uniform Data System for Medical Rehabilitation database.

Methods

Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to estimate risk factors for the development of a new or worsened pressure ulcer utilizing data captured in the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) payment document. Examined were demographic variables, including age and gender, medical variables, including impairment type and presence of comorbidities, and functional status, as measured through the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) instrument.

Main Outcome Measures

Development of a new or worsened pressure ulcer in patients during the rehabilitation stay compared to patients with no documented pressure ulcer or no worsened ulcer.

Results

Admission FIM total was strongly associated with development of a new or worsened pressure ulcer, P <.001 in analyses of all patients and for each of the 3 impairment‐specific groups with the highest rate of ulcer development among spinal cord injury, orthopedic, and amputation cases. CMS comorbidity tier was also significantly associated with ulcers in all models. Other variables that entered one or more models included increased age, male gender, and use of a wheelchair.

Conclusions

Admission FIM total and CMS comorbidity tier may be useful in the identification of patients at risk for development of new or worsened pressure ulcers in IRFs. Identification of pressure ulcer risk factors has important implications for individual plan‐of‐care decisions as well as for resource provisions during the rehabilitation stay.
Induced lung inflammation and dietary protein supply affect nitrogen retention and amino acid metabolism in growing pigs
Authors: Kampman-van de Hoek Esther , Sakkas Panagiotis , Gerrits Walter J. J. , van den Borne Joost J. G. C. , van der Peet-Schwering Carola M. C. , Jansman Alfons J. M.
Published: January 2015

It is hypothesised that during immune system activation, there is a competition for amino acids (AA) between body protein deposition and immune system functioning. The aim of the present study was to quantify the effect of immune system activation on N retention and AA metabolism in growing pigs, depending on dietary protein supply. A total of sixteen barrows received an adequate (Ad) or restricted (Res) amount of dietary protein, and were challenged at day 0 with intravenous complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA). At days − 5, 3 and 8, an irreversible loss rate (ILR) of eight AA was determined. CFA successfully activated the immune system, as indicated by a 2- to 4-fold increase in serum concentrations of acute-phase proteins (APP). Pre-challenge C-reactive protein concentrations were lower (P< 0·05) and pre- and post-challenge albumin tended to be lower in Res-pigs. These findings indicate that a restricted protein supply can limit the acute-phase response. CFA increased urinary N losses (P= 0·04) and tended to reduce N retention in Ad-pigs, but not in Res-pigs (P= 0·07). The ILR for Val was lower (P= 0·05) at day 8 than at day 3 in the post-challenge period. The ILR of most AA, except for Trp, were strongly affected by dietary protein supply and positively correlated with N retention. The correlations between the ILR and APP indices were absent or negative, indicating that changes in AA utilisation for APP synthesis were either not substantial or more likely outweighed by a decrease in muscle protein synthesis during immune system activation in growing pigs.
Validating modeling assumptions of alpha particles in electrostatic turbulence
Authors: Wilkie G. J. , Abel I. G. , Highcock E. G. , Dorland W.
Published: January 2015

To rigorously model fast ions in fusion plasmas, a non-Maxwellian equilibrium distribution must be used. In this work, the response of high-energy alpha particles to electrostatic turbulence has been analyzed for several different tokamak parameters. Our results are consistent with known scalings and experimental evidence that alpha particles are generally well confined: on the order of several seconds. It is also confirmed that the effect of alphas on the turbulence is negligible at realistically low concentrations, consistent with linear theory. It is demonstrated that the usual practice of using a high-temperature Maxwellian, while previously shown to give an adequate order-of-magnitude estimate of the diffusion coefficient, gives incorrect estimates for the radial alpha particle flux, and a method of correcting it in general is provided. Furthermore, we see that the timescales associated with collisions and transport compete at moderate energies, calling into question the assumption that alpha particles remain confined to a flux surface that is used in the derivation of the slowing-down distribution.
How Long is Too Long for Cerebral Cooling after Ischemia in Fetal Sheep?
Authors: Davidson Joanne O , Wassink Guido , Yuill Caroline A , Zhang Frank G , Bennet Laura , Gunn Alistair J
Published: January 2015

Therapeutic hypothermia can partially reduce long-term death and disability in neonates after hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. The aim of this study was to determine whether prolonging the duration of cooling from 3 days to 5 days could further improve outcomes of cerebral ischemia in near-term fetal sheep. Fetal sheep (0.85 gestation) received 30 minutes bilateral carotid artery occlusion followed by 3 days of normothermia ( n = 8), 3 days of hypothermia ( n = 8), or 5 days of hypothermia ( n = 8) started 3 hours after ischemia. Sham controls received sham ischemia followed by normothermia ( n = 8). Cerebral ischemia was associated with profound loss of electroencephalography power and spectral edge, with greater and more rapid recovery in both hypothermia groups ( P < 0.05). Ischemia was associated with severe loss of neurons in the cortex, hippocampus and thalamus ( P < 0.05), with a significant improvement in both hypothermia groups. However, the ischemia-3-day hypothermia group showed greater neuronal survival in the cortex and dentate gyrus compared with ischemia-5-day hypothermia ( P < 0.05). Ischemia was associated with induction of iba1-positive microglia, which was attenuated in both hypothermia groups ( P < 0.05). Extending the duration of delayed therapeutic hypothermia from 3 to 5 days did not improve outcomes after severe ischemia, and was associated with reduced neuronal survival in some regions.
A Novel Trigger for Cholesterol-Dependent Smooth Muscle Contraction Mediated by the Sphingosylphosphorylcholine-Rho-Kinase Pathway in the Rat Basilar Artery: A Mechanistic Role for Lipid Rafts
Authors: Shirao Satoshi , Yoneda Hiroshi , Shinoyama Mizuya , Sugimoto Kazutaka , Koizumi Hiroyasu , Ishihara Hideyuki , Oka Fumiaki , Sadahiro Hirokazu , Nomura Sadahiro , Fujii Masami , Tamechika Masakatsu , Kagawa Yoshiteru , Owada Yuji , Suzuki Michiyasu
Published: January 2015

Hyperlipidemia is a risk factor for abnormal cerebrovascular events. Rafts are cholesterol-enriched membrane microdomains that influence signal transduction. We previously showed that Rho-kinase-mediated Ca2+ sensitization of vascular smooth muscle (VSM) induced by sphingosylphosphorylcholine (SPC) has a pivotal role in cerebral vasospasm. The goals of the study were to show SPC-Rho-kinase-mediated VSM contraction in vivo and to link this effect to cholesterol and rafts. The SPC-induced VSM contraction measured using a cranial window model was reversed by Y-27632, a Rho-kinase inhibitor, in rats fed a control diet. The extent of SPC-induced contraction correlated with serum total cholesterol. Total cholesterol levels in the internal carotid artery (ICA) were significantly higher in rats fed a cholesterol diet compared with a control diet or a β-cyclodextrin diet, which depletes VSM cholesterol. Western blotting and real-time PCR revealed increases in flotillin-1, a raft marker, and flotillin-1 mRNA in the ICA in rats fed a cholesterol diet, but not in rats fed the β-cyclodextrin diet. Depletion of cholesterol decreased rafts in VSM cells, and prevention of an increase in cholesterol by β-cyclodextrin inhibited SPC-induced contraction in a cranial window model. These results indicate that cholesterol potentiates SPC-Rho-kinase-mediated contractions of importance in cerebral vasospasm and are compatible with a role for rafts in this process.
Interplay of weak interactions in the atom-by-atom condensation of xenon within quantum boxes
Authors: Nowakowska Sylwia , Wäckerlin Aneliia , Kawai Shigeki , Ivas Toni , Nowakowski Jan , Fatayer Shadi , Wäckerlin Christian , Nijs Thomas , Meyer Ernst , Björk Jonas , Stöhr Meike , Gade Lutz H. , Jung Thomas A.
Published: January 2015

Condensation processes are of key importance in nature and play a fundamental role in chemistry and physics. Owing to size effects at the nanoscale, it is conceptually desired to experimentally probe the dependence of condensate structure on the number of constituents one by one. Here we present an approach to study a condensation process atom-by-atom with the scanning tunnelling microscope, which provides a direct real-space access with atomic precision to the aggregates formed in atomically defined ‘quantum boxes’. Our analysis reveals the subtle interplay of competing directional and nondirectional interactions in the emergence of structure and provides unprecedented input for the structural comparison with quantum mechanical models. This approach focuses on—but is not limited to—the model case of xenon condensation and goes significantly beyond the well-established statistical size analysis of clusters in atomic or molecular beams by mass spectrometry.
Modification of perpendicular magnetic anisotropy and domain wall velocity in Pt/Co/Pt by voltage-induced strain
Authors: Shepley P. M. , Rushforth A. W. , Wang M. , Burnell G. , Moore T. A.
Published: January 2015

The perpendicular magnetic anisotropy Keff, magnetization reversal and field-driven domain wall velocity in the creep regime are modified in Pt/Co(0.85–1.0 nm)/Pt thin films by strain applied via piezoelectric transducers. Keff, measured by the extraordinary Hall effect, is reduced by 10 kJ/m3 by tensile strain out-of-plane εz = 9 × 10−4, independently of the film thickness, indicating a dominant volume contribution to the magnetostriction. The same strain reduces the coercive field by 2–4 Oe and increases the domain wall velocity measured by wide-field Kerr microscopy by 30-100%, with larger changes observed for thicker Co layers. We consider how strain-induced changes in the perpendicular magnetic anisotropy can modify the coercive field and domain wall velocity.
Fish oil supplements in New Zealand are highly oxidised and do not meet label content of n-3 PUFA
Authors: Albert Benjamin B. , Derraik José G. B. , Cameron-Smith David , Hofman Paul L. , Tumanov Sergey , Villas-Boas Silas G. , Garg Manohar L. , Cutfield Wayne S.
Published: January 2015

We evaluated the quality and content of fish oil supplements in New Zealand. All encapsulated fish oil supplements marketed in New Zealand were eligible for inclusion. Fatty acid content was measured by gas chromatography. Peroxide values (PV) and anisidine values (AV) were measured and total oxidation values (Totox) calculated. Only 3 of 32 fish oil supplements contained quantities of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) that were equal or higher than labelled content, with most products tested (69%) containing <67%. The vast majority of supplements exceeded recommended levels of oxidation markers. 83% products exceeded the recommended PV levels, 25% exceeded AV thresholds and 50% exceeded recommended Totox levels. Only 8% met the international recommendations, not exceeding any of these indices. Almost all fish oil supplements available in the New Zealand market contain concentrations of EPA and DHA considerably lower than claimed by labels. Importantly, the majority of supplements tested exceeded the recommended indices of oxidative markers. Surprisingly, best-before date, cost, country of origin and exclusivity were all poor markers of supplement quality.
Isothermal amplified detection of ATP using Au nanocages capped with a DNA molecular gate and its application in cell lysates
Authors: Wang Wei , Zhao Na , Li Xiaoxiao , Wan Jun , Luo Xiliang
Published: January 2015

A novel controlled-release biosensor for isothermal amplified detection of ATP using Au nanocages capped with a DNA molecular gate.
A paper based microfluidic device for easy detection of uric acid using positively charged gold nanoparticles
Authors: Kumar Anand , Hens Abhiram , Arun Ravi Kumar , Chatterjee Monosree , Mahato Kuldeep , Layek Keya , Chanda Nripen
Published: January 2015

A paper based microfluidic device is fabricated that can rapidly detect very low concentrations of uric acid (UA) on simple white filter paper.
The analysis of azocyclotin and cyhexatin residues in fruits using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Ma You-Ning , Gui Wen-Jun , Zhu Guo-Nian
Published: January 2015

Ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray positive ionization and tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-ESI(+)-MS/MS) was applied for the quantification and identification of azocyclotin and cyhexatin in fruit samples.
Staining using the lipid dye LD540 in fluorous media: application to sebaceous latent fingermarks
Authors: Qi Angelique , Miskelly Gordon M.
Published: January 2015

Sebaceous fingermarks can enhanced with the lipid-selective dye LD540 from fluorous solvents. This allows staining of lipids on water-sensitive substrates and at low temperature.
Selective arylthiolane deprotection by singlet oxygen: a promising tool for sensors and prodrugs
Authors: Lamb Brian M. , Barbas III Carlos F.
Published: January 2015

A routine thioketal protecting group reacts rapidly and selectively with singlet oxygen to reveal ketone products in good (aryl 1,3-dithiolane) to excellent (aryl 1,3-oxathiolane) yields. Arylthiolanes are stable to biologically relevant reactive oxygen species and can be used as a light-activated gating mechanism for activating fluorescent sensors or small molecule prodrugs.
Metal ion templated self-assembly of crown ether functionalized perylene bisimide dyes
Authors: Weißenstein Annike , Würthner Frank
Published: January 2015

Barium ion (Ba2+) templated self-assembly of perylene bisimide (PBI) functionalized with 15-crown-5 receptors leads selectively to dimer species.
The synthesis of 2- and 2,7-functionalized pyrene derivatives through Ru(ii)-catalyzed C–H activation
Authors: He Yan-Qin , Zhong Yu-Wu
Published: January 2015

Through Ru(ii)-catalyzed C–H activation, a methodology for the synthesis of 2- or 2,7-functionalized pyrene derivatives has been developed.
Palladium-catalyzed dehydrogenative coupling of terminal alkynes with secondary phosphine oxides
Authors: Yang Jia , Chen Tieqiao , Zhou Yongbo , Yin Shuangfeng , Han Li-Biao
Published: January 2015

The palladium-catalyzed dehydrogenative coupling of alkynes with secondary phosphine oxides is developed. Thus, in the presence of a silver additive, palladium acetate could efficiently catalyze the dehydrocoupling of secondary phosphine oxides with a variety of alkynes to produce the corresponding alkynylphosphine oxides in high yields. A reaction mechanism is proposed.
Supramolecular chemical shift reagents inducing conformational transitions: NMR analysis of carbohydrate homooligomer mixtures
Authors: Beeren Sophie R. , Meier Sebastian
Published: January 2015

Supramolecular chemical shift reagents improve signal resolution for NMR analysis of homooligosaccharides by inducing conformational transitions upon binding.
Cytotoxic activity and protein binding through an unusual oxidative mechanism by an iridium(i)–NHC complex
Authors: Gothe Y. , Marzo T. , Messori L. , Metzler-Nolte N.
Published: January 2015

A new NHC iridium(i) complex (1) showing significant antiproliferative properties in vitro is described here.
Phase transformation of mesoporous calcium carbonate by mechanical stirring
Authors: Yamanaka Shinya , Sugawara Yuto , Oiso Takahiro , Fujimoto Toshiyuki , Ohira Yuichi , Kuga Yoshikazu
Published: January 2015

Mechanically stirring the precursor colloidal dispersion can control the polymorphs of mesoporous calcium carbonate.
Correlation of electron transport and photocatalysis of nanocrystalline clusters studied by Monte-Carlo continuity random walking
Authors: Liu Baoshun , Li Ziqiang , Zhao Xiujian
Published: January 2015

Monte-Carlo random walking model was used to discuss the relation between electron transport within nanocrystalline-TiO2 cluster and photocatalysis.
Metal–organic Kagome lattices M3(2,3,6,7,10,11-hexaiminotriphenylene)2 (M = Ni and Cu): from semiconducting to metallic by metal substitution
Authors: Chen Shuang , Dai Jun , Zeng Xiao Cheng
Published: January 2015

The metal coordination, geometry of the in-plane network, and electronic properties of 2D M3(HITP)2 Kagome lattices are modified by metal substitution.
The structures of hexadecylamine films adsorbed on iron-oxide surfaces in dodecane and hexadecane
Authors: Doig Michael , Camp Philip J.
Published: January 2015

The structure and friction of hexadecylamine surfactant films on iron oxide in alkanes are studied using large-scale molecular-dynamics simulations.
Photo-electroactive ternary chalcogenido-indate-stannates with a unique 2-D porous structure
Authors: Wu Jing , Pu Ya-Yang , Zhao Xiao-Wei , Qian Li-Wen , Bian Guo-Qing , Zhu Qin-Yu , Dai Jie
Published: January 2015

A series of photo-electroactive 2-D In–Sn–Q ternary compounds are prepared using metal–phenanthroline complex templates. The 2-D network joint of In–Sn–Q is a (In/Sn)3Q3 six-membered ring, which is different from the Sn3S4 pseudosemicube of most 2-D Sn–Q binary compounds.
Reactivity of vinylidene complexes of ruthenium with hydrazines and hydroxylamines
Authors: Albertin Gabriele , Antoniutti Stefano , Bortoluzzi Marco , Botter Alessandra , Castro Jesús
Published: January 2015

Reaction of vinylidene complexes of Ru with hydrazines and hydroxylamines affords nitrile derivatives and amine or water. A reaction path based on 15N NMR studies and DFT calculations is proposed.
Light management in thin film silicon solar cells
Authors: Haug F.-J. , Ballif C.
Published: January 2015

Thin film silicon is a mature and reliable technology that scales extraordinarily well from lab-cells to production modules.
Totally atom-economical synthesis of nano/micro structured nickel hydroxide realized by an Ni–O2 fuel cell
Authors: Pan Junqing , Yang Meng , Sun Yanzhi , Ma Ting , Yue Xihong , Li Wei , Sun Xueliang
Published: January 2015

A totally atom-economical route to synthesize nickel hydroxide with a desired nano/micro structure is realized by using a membrane-free Ni–O2 fuel cell.
A simple procedure to select a model for mass discrimination correction in isotope dilution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry
Authors: Terán-Baamonde J. , Andrade J. M. , Soto-Ferreiro R. M. , Carlosena A. , Prada D.
Published: January 2015

A fast, simple and straightforward procedure to decide on the best model to calculate the mass discrimination factor in Isotope Dilution Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ID-ICP-MS) is proposed.
Fabrication of a Fe3O4@SiO2@mSiO2-HPG-COOH-Pd(0) supported catalyst and its performance in catalyzing the Suzuki cross-coupling reaction
Authors: Li Wei , Tian Yi , Zhang Baoliang , Tian Lei , Li Xiangjie , Zhang Hepeng , Ali Nisar , Zhang Qiuyu
Published: January 2015

A novel Fe3O4@SiO2@mSiO2-HPG-COOH-Pd(0) catalyst with high catalytic activity and stability was successfully synthesized.
Integration of a nanostructured dielectrophoretic device and a surface-enhanced Raman probe for highly sensitive rapid bacteria detection
Authors: Madiyar Foram Ranjeet , Bhana Saheel , Swisher Luxi Z. , Culbertson Christopher T. , Huang Xiaohua , Li Jun
Published: January 2015

This work reports a synergistic approach to the concentration, detection and kinetic monitoring of pathogens through the integration of nanostructured dielectrophoresis (DEP) with nanotag-labelled Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS).
The first study about the relationship between the extractability of thiacalix[4]arene derivatives and the position of the coordination binding sites
Authors: Zhao Jiang-Lin , Tomiyasu Hirotsugu , Ni Xin-Long , Zeng Xi , Elsegood Mark R. J. , Redshaw Carl , Rahman Shofiur , Georghiou Paris E. , Teat Simon J. , Yamato Takehiko
Published: January 2015

The extractability of thiacalix[4]arene derivatives 2–4 are largely dependent on the position of the binding sites.
The cooperative effect of Lewis pairs in the Friedel–Crafts hydroxyalkylation reaction: a simple and effective route for the synthesis of (±)-carbinoxamine
Authors: Harikrishnan Adhikesavan , Sanjeevi Jayakumar , Ramaraj Ramanathan Chinnasamy
Published: January 2015

Lewis acid (with or without a Lewis base) enhances the electrophilicity of aldehydes to react with aromatic π-nucleophiles and generate carbinols.
Synthesis and characterization of poly(γ-glutamic acid)-based alumina nanoparticles with their protein adsorption efficiency and cytotoxicity towards human prostate cancer cells
Authors: Rajan Yesudoss Christu , Inbaraj Baskaran Stephen , Chen Bing Huei
Published: January 2015

Protein adsorption and cytotoxicity of poly(γ-glutamic acid) functionalized nanoalumina.
Microwave-assisted synthesis of new fluorinated coumarin–pyrimidine hybrids as potent anticancer agents, their DNA cleavage and X-ray crystal studies
Authors: Hosamani Kallappa. M. , Reddy Dinesh S. , Devarajegowda Hirihalli. C.
Published: January 2015

Rapid and high yielding synthesis of new fluorinated coumarin–pyrimidine hybrids and their application as potent anticancer agents is described.
Silica aerogel-supported cobalt nanocomposites as efficient catalysts toward hydrogen generation from aqueous ammonia borane
Authors: Yu Pin-Ju , Lee Mu-Hsin , Hsu Hung-Ming , Tsai Huei-Mei , Chen-Yang Yui Whei
Published: January 2015

For the Co/SAG catalyst, the Co nanoparticles (<5 nm in diameter) were well distributed in the SAG matrix, and as the M/AB ratio was increased to 0.2, the hydrogen release from aqueous NH3BH3 was complete within 3 min.
Cu/MoS2/ITO based hybrid structure for catalysis of hydrazine oxidation
Authors: Hussain Sajjad , Akbar Kamran , Vikraman Dhanasekaran , Shehzad Muhmmad Arslan , Jung Seunho , Seo Yongho , Jung Jongwan
Published: January 2015

We have successfully demonstrated large-area and continuous MoS2 films grown on indium tin oxide (ITO) substrates by RF sputtering followed by a post-annealing process.
Controlled fabrication of hierarchical WO3·H2O hollow microspheres for enhanced visible light photocatalysis
Authors: Guo Sheng-Qi , Zhen Meng-Meng , Sun Mei-Qing , Zhang Xiao , Zhao Ya-Ping , Liu Lu
Published: January 2015

A new type of hierarchical WO3·H2O hollow microsphere, whose formation was successfully controlled based on the reaction system for preparing simple nanoplates, showed excellent photocatalytic activity for the degradation of dye under visible light.
The effect of ionic liquids on the decomposition behavior of epoxy resin in subcritical water
Authors: Liu Yuyan , Kang Hongjun , Gong Xianyun , Mao Lifei , Wu Sonquan
Published: January 2015

The [Bmim]BF4 and [Bmim]Cl/xZnCl2 (x = 0.67) ionic liquids could improve the decomposition ratio, which was attributed to the ionized H+ from [Bmim]+. Meanwhile, the decomposition kinetics of resin system in subcritical water was also studied.
Contamination of soil with heavy metals from industrial effluent and their translocation in green vegetables of Peshawar, Pakistan
Authors: Amin Noor-ul , Ahmad Tauseef
Published: January 2015

Heavy metal pollution is a serious problem in countries like Pakistan, claiming soil, water and food resources due to negligence and no treatment.
Synthesis and structures of 5-nitro-salicylaldehyde thiosemicarb-azonates of copper(ii): molecular spectroscopy, ESI-mass studies, antimicrobial activity and cytotoxicity
Authors: Lobana Tarlok S. , Indoria Shikha , Kaur Harpreet , Arora Daljit S. , Jassal Amanpreet K. , Jasinski Jerry P.
Published: January 2015

Salicylaldehyde thiosemicarbazonates of copper(ii) have shown significant growth inhibitory activity againstS. aureus, MRSA,K. pneumonia,S. flexneri,P. aeruginosaandC. albicansand are bactericidal in nature with low cytotoxicity.
Synthesis, characterization and DFT study of oxorhenium(v) complexes incorporating quinoline based tridentate ligands
Authors: Sarkar Rupa , Hens Amar , Rajak Kajal Krishna
Published: January 2015

Two mononuclear Re(v) complexes were synthesized using two different O, N, N coordinating Schiff base ligands. The X-ray structure and catalytic properties of the complexes are investigated and the electronic structure and absorption spectra were also calculated.
Elucidating the mechanism of peptide interaction with membranes using the intrinsic fluorescence of tryptophan: perpendicular penetration of cecropin B-like peptides into Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Abou-Zied Osama K. , Barbour Abdelahhad , Al-Sharji Nada A. , Philip Koshy
Published: January 2015

The mechanism of peptide interaction with bacterial membranes can be studied effectively by using the intrinsic fluorescence of tryptophan.
Highly precise plasmonic and colorimetric sensor based on enzymatic etching of nanospheres for the detection of blood and urinary glucose
Authors: Jang Hongje , Min Dal-Hee
Published: January 2015

A highly precise glucose sensor was developed based on plasmon peak shift induced by the glucose oxidase mediated etching of Au–Ag nanoparticles. The platform enabled quantitative glucose detection in human blood and urine samples.