bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cell competition in vertebrate organ size regulation
Authors: Penzo‐Méndez Alfredo I. , Stanger Ben Z.
Published: August 2014

The study of animal organ size determination has provided evidence of the existence of organ‐intrinsic mechanisms that ‘sense’ and adjust organ growth. Cell competition, a form of cell interaction that equalizes cell population growth, has been proposed to play a role in organ size regulation. Cell competition involves a cell‐context dependent response triggered by perceived differences in cell growth and/or proliferation rates, resulting in apoptosis in growth‐disadvantaged cells and compensatory expansion of the more ‘fit’ cells. The mechanisms that allow cells to compare growth are not yet understood, but a number of genes and pathways have been implicated in cell competition. These include Myc, the members of the Hippo, JAK/STAT and WNT signaling pathways, and the Dlg/Lgl/Scrib and the Crb/Std/PatJ membrane protein complexes. Cell competition was initially characterized in the Drosophila imaginal disc, but several recent studies have shown that cell competition occurs in mouse embryonic stem cells and in the embryonic epiblast, where it plays a role in the regulation of early embryo size. In addition, competition‐like behavior has been described in the adult mouse liver and the hematopoietic stem cell compartment. These data indicate that cell competition plays a more universal role in organ size regulation. In addition, as some authors have suggested that similar types of competitive behavior may operate in during tumorigenesis, there may be additional practical reasons for understanding this fundamental process of intercellular communication. WIREs Dev Biol 2014, 3:419–427. doi: 10.1002/wdev.148

This article is categorized under:

Early Embryonic Development > Development to the Basic Body Plan

Plant Development > Cell Growth and Differentiation

Comparative Development and Evolution > Organ System Comparisons Between Species
Quantitative Analysis of Aortic Valve Stenosis and Aortic Root Dimensions by Three-Dimensional Echocardiography in Patients Scheduled for Transcutaneous Aortic Valve Implantation
Authors: Jánosi Rolf Alexander , Plicht Björn , Kahlert Philipp , Eißmann Mareike , Wendt Daniel , Jakob Heinz , Erbel Raimund , Buck Thomas
Published: August 2014

Accurate assessment of the aortic valve area (AVA) and evaluation of the aortic root are important for clinical decision-making in patients being considered for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Real-time three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (RT3D-TEE) provides accurate and reliable quantitative assessment of aortic valve stenosis and the aortic root. We performed two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography (2D-TTE), real-time 2D transesophageal echocardiography (RT2D-TEE) and RT3D-TEE in 71 consecutive patients referred for TAVI. RT3D-TEE multiplanar reconstruction was used to measure aortic root parameters, including left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) diameter and area, aortic annulus diameter, aortic annulus area, and AVA. RT3D-TEE methods for planimetry and the LVOT-derived continuity equation for the estimation of AVA showed a good correlation. As iatrogenic coronary ostium occlusion is a potentially life-threatening complication, we evaluated the distances from the aortic annulus to the coronary ostia using RT3D-TEE. Based on our findings, we conclude that the geometry of the aortic root and aortic valve can be reliably and feasibly evaluated using RT3D-TEE, which is important for protecting against potential complications of TAVI, such as underestimation of the size of the aortic annulus that can result in aortic regurgitation and dislocation of the valve, or overestimation can lead to annulus rupture.
Acts of emptying promote self‐focus: A perceived resource deficiency perspective
Authors: Levontin Liat , Ein‐Gar Danit , Lee Angela Y.
Published: August 2014

No one likes feeling empty. When people feel empty they seek replenishment, which usually takes the form of increased self‐focused behaviors that provide value to the self and decreased other‐focused behaviors that provide value to others. This research demonstrates how exposure to the concept of emptiness by simply performing or observing acts of emptying (vs. filling or control) of a glass vase, coat pockets, a glass jar, or a duffle bag triggers the cognitive metaphor of resource deficiency. The resource deficiency metaphor in turn leads people to engage in self‐focused behaviors such as eating candy or planning a dream vacation and to disengage from other‐focused behaviors such as donating to charities or helping others.
Nonlinear wake amplification by an active medium in a cylindrical waveguide using a modulated trigger bunch
Authors: Toroker Zeev , Voin Miron , Schächter Levi
Published: August 2014

Cerenkov wake amplification can be used as an accelerating scheme, in which a trigger bunch of electrons propagating inside a cylindrical waveguide filled with an active medium generates an initial wake field. Due to the multiple reflections inside the waveguide, the wake may be amplified significantly more strongly than when propagating in a boundless medium. Sufficiently far away from the trigger bunch the wake, which travels with the same phase velocity as the bunch, reaches saturation and it can accelerate a second bunch of electrons trailing behind.

For a

$\def \xmlpi #1{}\def \mathsfbi #1{\boldsymbol {\mathsf {#1}}}\let \le =\leqslant \let \leq =\leqslant \let \ge =\geqslant \let \geq =\geqslant \def \Pr {\mathit {Pr}}\def \Fr {\mathit {Fr}}\def \Rey {\mathit {Re}}\mathrm{CO}_{2}$

gas mixture our numerical and analytical calculations indicate that a short saturation length and a high gradient can be achieved with a large waveguide radius filled with a high density of excited atoms and a trigger bunch that travels at a velocity slightly above the Cerenkov velocity. To obtain a stable level of saturated wake that will be suitable for particle acceleration, it is crucial to satisfy the single-mode resonance condition, which requires high accuracy in the waveguide radius and the ratio between the electron phase velocity and the Cerenkov velocity. For single-mode propagation our model indicates that it is feasible to obtain gradients as high as

$\mathrm{GV\ m}^{-1}$

in a waveguide length of cm.
Did the National Industrial Recovery Act Foster Collusion? Evidence from the Macaroni Industry
Authors: Vickers Chris , Ziebarth Nicolas L.
Published: August 2014

We use plant-level data from the Census of Manufactures to study collusion in the United States macaroni industry during the Great Depression. The National Industrial Recovery Act was passed in 1933 to promote recovery through industry coordination of economic activity. While there is no change in the price-cost margin after the law is passed, a variety of markers of anti-competitive conduct suggest that collusion indeed increased. Prices became less responsive to changes in cost, the dispersion of prices decreased, and the persistence in prices increased.
Risky Institutions: Political Regimes and the Cost of Public Borrowing in Early Modern Italy
Authors: Chilosi David
Published: August 2014

By analyzing a newly compiled data set of interest rates on public annuities in early modern Italy, this article finds that the cost of borrowing fell in spite of growing debts and stagnating fiscal revenues. Feudalism and clerical interference increased the cost of borrowing, while parliaments, wars, and centralized fiscal institutions mattered little. The constitutional representation of creditors may have meant significant markups for republican oligarchs. These results cast doubts on the claim that the growth of absolutism was at the root of Italy's economic decline.
The heritability of alcohol use disorders: a meta-analysis of twin and adoption studies
Authors: Verhulst B. , Neale M. C. , Kendler K. S.
Published: August 2014

Background.

To clarify the role of genetic and environmental risk factors in alcohol use disorders (AUDs), we performed a meta-analysis of twin and adoption studies and explored the impact of sex, assessment method (interview v. hospital/population records), and study design (twin v. adoption study) on heritability estimates.

Method.

The literature was searched for all unique twin and adoption studies of AUD and identified 12 twin and five adoption studies. The data were then reconstructed and analyzed using ordinal data full information maximum likelihood in the OpenMx program. Heterogeneity was tested with likelihood ratio tests by equating the parameters across studies.

Results.

There was no evidence for heterogeneity by study design, sex or assessment method. The best-fit estimate of the heritability of AUD was 0.49 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.43–0.53], and the proportion of shared environmental variance was 0.10 (95% CI 0.03–0.16). Estimates of unique environmental proportions of variance differed significantly across studies.

Conclusions.

AUD is approximately 50% heritable. The multiple genetically informative studies of this syndrome have produced consistent results that support the validity of this heritability estimate, especially given the different potential methodological weaknesses of twin and adoption designs, and of assessments of AUD based on personal interviews v. official records. We also found evidence for modest shared environmental effects suggesting that environmental factors also contribute to the familial aggregation of AUDs.
Time as a structuring condition behind new intimate relationships in later life
Authors: BILDTGÅRD TORBJÖRN , ÖBERG PETER
Published: August 2014

Although mobility in and out of intimate relationships has become more common in later life, it has been a neglected issue in social gerontology. In this article, we ask what characterises the formation of new intimate relationships in later life, and whether there are any specific conditions that separate these from relationships in earlier stages of the lifecourse. On the basis of qualitative interviews with 28 persons aged 63–91 who have established a new intimate heterosexual relationship after the age of 60 or who are dating singles, we argue that time constitutes such a central structuring condition. We discuss and theorise two aspects of time – post-(re)productive free time and remaining time – which have an important formative power on new late-in-life relationships. We argue that together these aspects form a central existential structure of ageing in many Western societies – the paradoxical condition of having lots of available free time but little time left in life – which, besides influencing new late-in-life relationships, might also be relevant to other aspects of and choices in later life.
‘FLOWER OF THE LILY’: LATE-MEDIEVAL RELIGIOUS AND HERALDIC SYMBOLISM IN PARIS, BIBLIOTHÈQUE NATIONALE DE FRANCE, MS FRANÇAIS 146
Authors: Caldwell Mary Channen
Published: August 2014

Paris, Bibliothèque nationale de France, MS français 146 (fr. 146), a manuscript well known for its inclusion of theRoman de Fauvel, also provides an important, albeit understudied, contribution to the history surrounding the allegorical ‘flower of the lily’, or fleur-de-lis – a floral symbol central to fourteenth-century theology and French royal heraldry. In medieval France, the fleur-de-lis emerges through text and music as a symbol capable of invoking, and being invoked by, the Holy Trinity, the Virgin Mary and the Virtues, all in the interest of supporting the religious and monarchical well-being of France. This study argues that the persistent return to the fleur-de-lis throughout thedits, theChronique metriqueand most especially the music and text ofFauvelin fr. 146 offers a necessary link between sacred and heraldic symbology both within the manuscript as well as within the larger historical development of this allegorical flower.
THE ANONYMOUS MUSICA IN LEIPZIG, UNIVERSITÄTSBIBLIOTHEK, MS 1492: A NEW EDITION AND TRANSLATION
Authors: Nowacki Edward
Published: August 2014

The article presents a new edition and English translation of the Latin music-theory treatise transmitted anonymously in Leipzig, Universitätsbibliothek, MS 1492, sometimes known as De musica et de transformatione specialiter, or simply the Sowa Anonymous (a reference to Heinrich Sowa's edition published in 1935). An introductory essay justifies the treatise's importance and gives reasons why a new edition is necessary. It also presents a complex case for dating the treatise to the eleventh century based on verbal and conceptual affinities with five other treatises of the era. The edition of the text is done to higher standards of orthographic accuracy than were observed in 1935 and corrects about twenty outright errors in Sowa's edition. It also includes the two embedded tonaries that Sowa omitted. The treatise is a crucial complementary witness to the state of music theory in the eleventh century.
Proton activation history on the Vulcan high-intensity petawatt laser facility
Authors: Clarke R.J. , Dorkings S. , Heathcote R. , Markey K. , Neely D.
Published: August 2014

High-intensity lasers are an effective source for the acceleration of high-energy particles. Using different interaction configurations, such facilities can be optimized for the acceleration of electrons, protons, heavy ions, high-energy photons, or neutrons. The shielding of these facilities to ensure the safety of personnel has always been a critical requirement and is a fundamental step within the design phase. The knowledge of radiation source terms through both experiments and modelling is now well understood and for the most part can be dealt with through the use of shielding and specialized beam dumps. Unlike most other particle accelerators most high-power laser facilities are still accessed by personnel post shot with little or no remote handling capabilities. As a result, the secondary activation and control of components that lie around the interaction is of great importance to safety. In this paper, we present a 10 year history of activation data on the Vulcan petawatt facility and discuss the primary sources of activation and the potential impact on future laser facilities.
Electron-positron pair production observed from laser-induced processes in ultra-dense deuterium D(-1)
Authors: Olofson Frans , Holmlid Leif
Published: August 2014

Laser-induced fusion in ultra-dense deuterium D(-1) is reported in several studies from our group, using ns- and ps-pulsed lasers. The ejection of ultra-dense hydrogen particles with thermal distributions and energy up to 20 MeV u−1was studied previously by time-of-flight measurements. The investigations of the new processes continue now by studying the interaction of these particles with metal surfaces. In the present experiments, such particles penetrate in two steps through 1 mm of metal and reach three levels of collectors at distances up to 1 m. Only the fastest particles penetrate and move to the next level. The thermal time-of-flight distributions together with tests with strong magnetic fields exclude electrons as the particles observed. The sign of the signals to the metal collectors depends on the bias (negative bias gives positive signal and conversely) while the time variations of the signals for positive and negative bias are similar. The rapid variation of the signals indicates electrons and positrons ejectedfromthe collectors, thus lepton-pair production. An increase in bias up to ± 400 V increases the peak signal up to 1 A with no observed limiting. A thick metal plate removes slow particles and most gamma photons. The number of lepton-pairs produced is > 4 × 1012sr−1in the forward direction per laser shot.
Evaluation of tools used to measure calcium and/or dairy consumption in adults
Authors: Magarey Anthea , Baulderstone Lauren , Yaxley Alison , Markow Kylie , Miller Michelle
Published: August 2014

Objective

To identify and critique tools for the assessment of Ca and/or dairy intake in adults, in order to ascertain the most accurate and reliable tools available.

Design

A systematic review of the literature was conducted using defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Articles reporting on originally developed tools or testing the reliability or validity of existing tools that measure Ca and/or dairy intake in adults were included. Author-defined criteria for reporting reliability and validity properties were applied.

Setting

Studies conducted in Western countries.

Subjects

Adults.

Results

Thirty papers, utilising thirty-six tools assessing intake of dairy, Ca or both, were identified. Reliability testing was conducted on only two dairy and five Ca tools, with results indicating that only one dairy and two Ca tools were reliable. Validity testing was conducted for all but four Ca-only tools. There was high reliance in validity testing on lower-order tests such as correlation and failure to differentiate between statistical and clinically meaningful differences. Results of the validity testing suggest one dairy and five Ca tools are valid. Thus one tool was considered both reliable and valid for the assessment of dairy intake and only two tools proved reliable and valid for the assessment of Ca intake.

Conclusions

While several tools are reliable and valid, their application across adult populations is limited by the populations in which they were tested. These results indicate a need for tools that assess Ca and/or dairy intake in adults to be rigorously tested for reliability and validity.
Prediction of gestational weight gain – a biopsychosocial model
Authors: Heery Emily , Kelleher Cecily C , Wall Patrick G , McAuliffe Fionnuala M
Published: August 2014

Objective

To examine the influence of health behaviours and psychological well-being on gestational weight gain using a biopsychosocial model.

Design

A prospective cohort study of pregnant women consecutively recruited at their first antenatal care visit. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data on health behaviours and psychological well-being in early pregnancy. Linear regression and logistic regression were used to identify predictors of total weight gain in kilograms and weight gain outside the current Institute of Medicine recommendations, respectively.

Setting

A maternity hospital in the Republic of Ireland.

Subjects

Data on 799 women were analysed.

Results

Pre-pregnant BMI ≥30·0 kg/m2, short stature, parity >0, decreased food intake and absence of health insurance predicted lower absolute gestational weight gain, while foreign nationality, consumption of takeaway meals more than once weekly and increased food intake predicted higher absolute gestational weight gain. Overweight and obesity, foreign nationality, increased food intake and height >170 cm were risk factors for excessive weight gain, while antenatal depression was protective against excessive weight gain. Notably, physical activity measures were not related to the gestational weight gain outcomes. Pre-pregnancy overweight and increased food intake were the strongest predictors of excessive gestational weight gain.

Conclusions

None of the psychological well-being measures examined, with the exception of antenatal depression, was associated with any of the weight gain outcomes. The behavioural predictors of gestational weight gain were increased food intake and takeaway consumption. Public health promotions should target pre-pregnancy BMI and pregnancy-associated change in food intake.
TEM and HRTEM Characterization of TiAl Diffusion Bonds Using Ni/Al Nanolayers
Authors: Simões Sónia , Viana Filomena , Ramos Ana S. , Vieira Maria T. , Vieira Manuel F.
Published: August 2014

Diffusion bonding of TiAl alloys can be enhanced by the use of reactive nanolayer thin films as interlayers. Using these interlayers, it is possible to reduce the conventional bonding conditions (temperature, time, and pressure) and obtain sound and reliable joints. The microstructural characterization of the diffusion bond interfaces is a fundamental step toward understanding and identifying the bonding mechanisms and relating them to the strength of the joints. The interface of TiAl samples joined using Ni/Al nanolayers was characterized by transmission electron microscopy and scanning transmission electron microscopy. Microstructural characterization of the bond revealed that the interfaces consist of several thin layers of different composition and grain size (nanometric and micrometric). The bonding temperature (800, 900, or 1,000°C) determines the grain size and thickness of the layers present at the interface. Phase identification by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy combined with fast Fourier transform and electron energy-loss spectroscopy analyses reveals the presence of several intermetallic compounds: AlTiNi, NiAl, and Al2TiNi. For bonds produced at 800 and 900°C, nanometric grains of Ti were detected at the center of the interface.
What is the public appetite for healthy eating policies? Evidence from a cross-European survey
Authors: Mazzocchi Mario , Cagnone Silvia , Bech-Larsen Tino , Niedźwiedzka Barbara , Saba Anna , Shankar Bhavani , Verbeke Wim , Traill W Bruce
Published: August 2014

World Health Organization estimates that obesity accounts for 2–8% of health care costs in different parts of Europe, and highlights a key role for national policymaking in curbing the epidemic. A variety of healthy-eating policy instruments are available, ranging from more paternalistic policies to those less intrusive. Our aim is to measure and explain the level of public support for different types of healthy eating policy in Europe, based on data from a probabilistic sample of 3003 respondents in five European countries. We find that the main drivers of policy support are attitudinal factors, especially attribution of obesity to excessive availability of unhealthy foods, while socio-demographic characteristics and political preferences have little explanatory power. A high level of support for healthy eating policy does not translate into acceptance of higher taxes to fund them, however.
Alternatives to vitamin B1 uptake revealed with discovery of riboswitches in multiple marine eukaryotic lineages
Authors: McRose Darcy , Guo Jian , Monier Adam , Sudek Sebastian , Wilken Susanne , Yan Shuangchun , Mock Thomas , Archibald John M , Begley Tadhg P , Reyes-Prieto Adrian , Worden Alexandra Z
Published: August 2014

Vitamin B1 (thiamine pyrophosphate, TPP) is essential to all life but scarce in ocean surface waters. In many bacteria and a few eukaryotic groups thiamine biosynthesis genes are controlled by metabolite-sensing mRNA-based gene regulators known as riboswitches. Using available genome sequences and transcriptomes generated from ecologically important marine phytoplankton, we identified 31 new eukaryotic riboswitches. These were found in alveolate, cryptophyte, haptophyte and rhizarian phytoplankton as well as taxa from two lineages previously known to have riboswitches (green algae and stramenopiles). The predicted secondary structures bear hallmarks of TPP-sensing riboswitches. Surprisingly, most of the identified riboswitches are affiliated with genes of unknown function, rather than characterized thiamine biosynthesis genes. Using qPCR and growth experiments involving two prasinophyte algae, we show that expression of these genes increases significantly under vitamin B1-deplete conditions relative to controls. Pathway analyses show that several algae harboring the uncharacterized genes lack one or more enzymes in the known TPP biosynthesis pathway. We demonstrate that one such alga, the major primary producer Emiliania huxleyi, grows on 4-amino-5-hydroxymethyl-2-methylpyrimidine (a thiamine precursor moiety) alone, although long thought dependent on exogenous sources of thiamine. Thus, overall, we have identified riboswitches in major eukaryotic lineages not known to undergo this form of gene regulation. In these phytoplankton groups, riboswitches are often affiliated with widespread thiamine-responsive genes with as yet uncertain roles in TPP pathways. Further, taxa with ‘incomplete’ TPP biosynthesis pathways do not necessarily require exogenous vitamin B1, making vitamin control of phytoplankton blooms more complex than the current paradigm suggests.
Species specificity of symbiosis and secondary metabolism in ascidians
Authors: Tianero Ma Diarey B , Kwan Jason C , Wyche Thomas P , Presson Angela P , Koch Michael , Barrows Louis R , Bugni Tim S , Schmidt Eric W
Published: August 2014

Ascidians contain abundant, diverse secondary metabolites, which are thought to serve a defensive role and which have been applied to drug discovery. It is known that bacteria in symbiosis with ascidians produce several of these metabolites, but very little is known about factors governing these ‘chemical symbioses’. To examine this phenomenon across a wide geographical and species scale, we performed bacterial and chemical analyses of 32 different ascidians, mostly from the didemnid family from Florida, Southern California and a broad expanse of the tropical Pacific Ocean. Bacterial diversity analysis showed that ascidian microbiomes are highly diverse, and this diversity does not correlate with geographical location or latitude. Within a subset of species, ascidian microbiomes are also stable over time (R=−0.037, P-value=0.499). Ascidian microbiomes and metabolomes contain species-specific and location-specific components. Location-specific bacteria are found in low abundance in the ascidians and mostly represent strains that are widespread. Location-specific metabolites consist largely of lipids, which may reflect differences in water temperature. By contrast, species-specific bacteria are mostly abundant sequenced components of the microbiomes and include secondary metabolite producers as major components. Species-specific chemicals are dominated by secondary metabolites. Together with previous analyses that focused on single ascidian species or symbiont type, these results reveal fundamental properties of secondary metabolic symbiosis. Different ascidian species have established associations with many different bacterial symbionts, including those known to produce toxic chemicals. This implies a strong selection for this property and the independent origin of secondary metabolite-based associations in different ascidian species. The analysis here streamlines the connection of secondary metabolite to producing bacterium, enabling further biological and biotechnological studies.
Comparative genome analysis and identification of competitive and cooperative interactions in a polymicrobial disease
Authors: Endo Akiko , Watanabe Takayasu , Ogata Nachiko , Nozawa Takashi , Aikawa Chihiro , Arakawa Shinichi , Maruyama Fumito , Izumi Yuichi , Nakagawa Ichiro
Published: August 2014

Polymicrobial diseases are caused by combinations of multiple bacteria, which can lead to not only mild but also life-threatening illnesses. Periodontitis represents a polymicrobial disease; Porphyromonas gingivalis, Treponema denticola and Tannerella forsythia, called ‘the red complex’, have been recognized as the causative agents of periodontitis. Although molecular interactions among the three species could be responsible for progression of periodontitis, the relevant genetic mechanisms are unknown. In this study, we uncovered novel interactions in comparative genome analysis among the red complex species. Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPRs) of T. forsythia might attack the restriction modification system of P. gingivalis, and possibly work as a defense system against DNA invasion from P. gingivalis. On the other hand, gene deficiencies were mutually compensated in metabolic pathways when the genes of all the three species were taken into account, suggesting that there are cooperative relationships among the three species. This notion was supported by the observation that each of the three species had its own virulence factors, which might facilitate persistence and manifestations of virulence of the three species. Here, we propose new mechanisms of bacterial symbiosis in periodontitis; these mechanisms consist of competitive and cooperative interactions. Our results might shed light on the pathogenesis of periodontitis and of other polymicrobial diseases.
Long-term nitrogen fertilization of paddy soil shifts iron-reducing microbial community revealed by RNA-13C-acetate probing coupled with pyrosequencing
Authors: Ding Long-Jun , Su Jian-Qiang , Xu Hui-Juan , Jia Zhong-Jun , Zhu Yong-Guan
Published: August 2014

Iron reduction is an important biogeochemical process in paddy soils, yet little is known about the microbial coupling between nitrogen and iron reduction. Here, we investigated the shift of acetate-metabolizing iron-reducers under long-term nitrogen fertilization using 13C-acetate-based ribosomal RNA (rRNA)-stable isotope probing (SIP) and pyrosequencing in an incubation experiment, and the shift of putative iron-reducers in original field samples were investigated by 16S rRNA gene-based pyrosequencing. During SIP incubations, in the presence of iron(III) oxyhydroxides, more iron(II) formation and less methane production were detected in nitrogen-fertilized (N) compared with non-fertilized (NF) soil. In 13C-rRNA from microcosms amended with ferrihydrite (FER), Geobacter spp. were the important active iron-reducers in both soils, and labeled to a greater extent in N (31% of the bacterial classified sequences) than NF soils (11%). Pyrosequencing of the total 16S rRNA transcripts from microcosms at the whole community level further revealed hitherto unknown metabolisms of potential FER reduction by microorganisms including Pseudomonas and Solibacillus spp. in N soil, Dechloromonas, Clostridium, Bacillus and Solibacillus spp. in NF soil. Goethite (GOE) amendment stimulated Geobacter spp. to a lesser extent in both soils compared with FER treatment. Pseudomonas spp. in the N soil and Clostridium spp. in the NF soil may also be involved in GOE reduction. Pyrosequencing results from field samples showed that Geobacter spp. were the most abundant putative iron-reducers in both soils, and significantly stimulated by long-term nitrogen fertilization. Overall, for the first time, we demonstrate that long-term nitrogen fertilization promotes iron(III) reduction and modulates iron-reducing bacterial community in paddy soils.
Anthocyanin-rich fractions from red raspberries attenuate inflammation in both RAW264.7 macrophages and a mouse model of colitis
Authors: Li Li , Wang Liyan , Wu Zhiqin , Yao Lijun , Wu Yonghou , Huang Lian , Liu Kan , Zhou Xiang , Gou Deming
Published: August 2014

Edible berries have a broad spectrum of biomedical functions, including improving immune responses and reducing risk for chronic diseases. In this study, the anti-inflammatory activities of crude extracts (CEs), anthocyanin-rich fractions (ARFs) and des-anthocyanin fractions (DAFs) from seven berries were evaluated based on their inhibitory effects on nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)/IFN-γ-activated RAW264.7 macrophages. ARFs from red raspberries (RR-ARFs) exhibited the highest efficiency in suppressing NO synthesis. The anti-inflammatory properties were also demonstrated by reducing the expression levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and IL-6 in RAW264.7 cells. The luciferase reporter assay demonstrated that the activities of NF-κB and AP-1 signaling pathways were significantly suppressed by RR-ARFs. Further studies showed that RR-ARFs decreased the phosphorylation of IKK, IκBα, p65 and JNK and the nuclear translocation of p65 in LPS/IFN-γ-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. In a mouse colitis model, dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced weight loss and histological damage were significantly ameliorated by RR-ARFs treatment. Taken together, our results indicate that RR-ARFs attenuate inflammation both in vitro and in vivo primarily by inhibiting the activation of NF-κB and MAPKs. The anti-inflammatory of RR-ARFs could be harnessed and applied in animal agriculture, drug and food industries.
Quantitative determination of the Ru(bpy)32+ cation in photochemical reactions by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Bergman Nina , Thapper Anders , Styring Stenbjörn , Bergquist Jonas , Shevchenko Denys
Published: August 2014

The developed MALDI MS method for the quantitative determination of Ru(bpy)32+ in photooxidation reactions provides more reliable results than the wide-used spectrophotometric method.
Determination of rhodamine B in lipsticks by high performance liquid chromatography after extraction with AOT reversed micelles
Authors: Shi Jinjiao , Chen Ligang
Published: August 2014

In this study, we investigated the possibility of reverse micelles which were used for the determination of rhodamine B in lipsticks followed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).
A sensitive and cost-effective LC-ESI-MS/MS method for quantitation of euscaphic acid in rat plasma using optimized formic acid concentration in the mobile phase
Authors: Chen Feng , Li Hai-Long , Tan Yin-Feng , Lai Wei-Yong , Qin Zhen-Miao , Cai Hong-Die , Li Yong-Hui , Zhang Jun-Qing , Zhang Xiao-Po
Published: August 2014

Formic acid (0.1–0.2‰) in the mobile phase overcame the matrix effects and increased the sensitivity of MS detection of euscaphic acid.
Sulfonyl azide-mediated norbornene aziridination for orthogonal peptide and protein labeling
Authors: Gattner Michael J. , Ehrlich Michael , Vrabel Milan
Published: August 2014

Here we show that electron-deficient sulfonyl azides can be used for selective functionalization of norbornene containing peptides and proteins.
Continuous synthesis of artemisinin-derived medicines
Authors: Gilmore Kerry , Kopetzki Daniel , Lee Ju Weon , Horváth Zoltán , McQuade D. Tyler , Seidel-Morgenstern Andreas , Seeberger Peter H.
Published: August 2014

Continuous, convergent/divergent synthesis of four anti-malarial APIs.
Coordination-Induced Spin-State-Switch (CISSS) in water
Authors: Dommaschk Marcel , Gutzeit Florian , Boretius Susann , Haag Rainer , Herges Rainer
Published: August 2014

A water-soluble Ni-porphyrin switches the spin state and proton relaxation time of the surrounding water upon addition of an axial ligand.
Facile construction of three contiguous stereogenic centers via dynamic kinetic resolution in asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of quinolines
Authors: Chen Mu-Wang , Cai Xian-Feng , Chen Zhang-Pei , Shi Lei , Zhou Yong-Gui
Published: August 2014

An efficient and facile route to chiral tetrahydroquinolines with three contiguous stereogenic centers via a dynamic kinetic resolution process has been successfully developed by using chiral phosphoric acid as catalyst and Hantzsch ester as the hydrogen source with up to 89% ee.
N,S-Dimethyldithiocarbamyl oxalates as precursors for determining kinetic parameters for oxyacyl radicals
Authors: Kyne Sara H. , Schiesser Carl H.
Published: August 2014

N,S-Dimethyldithiocarbamyl oxalates are novel, readily prepared precursors to oxyacyl radicals that are more suitable for kinetic studies than existing precursors.
Electrocatalytic activity of Pt subnano/nanoclusters stabilized by pristine graphene nanosheets
Authors: Shen Yi , Zhang Zhihui , Xiao Kaijun , Xi Jingyu
Published: August 2014

Outstanding electrocatalytic activity of Pt subnano/nanoclusters stabilized by pristine graphene nanosheets.
Protein diffusion through charged nanopores with different radii at low ionic strength
Authors: Stroeve Pieter , Rahman Masoud , Naidu Lekkala Dev , Chu Gilbert , Mahmoudi Morteza , Ramirez Patricio , Mafe Salvador
Published: August 2014

Pore permeability for two similar molecular weight proteins (BSA and BHb) through nanoporous charged membranes at low ionic strength (I= 0.001 M).
Activity of ZnO polar surfaces: an insight from surface energies
Authors: Tang Chunguang , Spencer Michelle J. S. , Barnard Amanda S.
Published: August 2014

We estimate the energies of intrinsically coupled (0001)-Zn/O faces of wurtzite ZnO using a heterojunction model.
Probing electron transfer dynamics of pyranine with reduced graphene oxide
Authors: Asha Jhonsi M. , Nithya C. , Kathiravan A.
Published: August 2014

Electron transfer dynamics of POH with rGO has been investigated by using steady state and time-resolved fluorescence quenching method.
Mesoporous carbon nitride grafted with n-bromobutane: a high-performance heterogeneous catalyst for the solvent-free cycloaddition of CO2 to propylene carbonate
Authors: Xu Jie , Wu Fei , Jiang Quan , Li Yong-Xin
Published: August 2014

Mesoporous carbon nitride grafted n-bromobutane shows high catalytic activity in the solvent-free cycloaddition of CO2 with propylene oxide to propylene carbonate, affording a maximum yield of 88% with a TOF up to 10.7 h−1.
Down-shifting and upconversion photoluminescence in Ho3+/Yb3+ codoped GdNbO4: effect of the Bi3+ ion and the magnetic field
Authors: Dwivedi A. , Singh A. K. , Rai S. B.
Published: August 2014

Energy transfer from host to activator ion, down-shifting, upconversion and effect of magnetic field and Bi3+ ions on photoluminescence of Ho3+ have been investigated.
Cyclopalladation of telluro ether ligands: synthesis, reactivity and structural characterization
Authors: Kolay Siddhartha , Kumar Mukesh , Wadawale Amey , Das Dasarathi , Jain Vimal K.
Published: August 2014

Reactions of telluro ethers with common cyclopalladation precursors gave a variety of palladium complexes ranging from mononuclear,trans-[PdCl2(TeR2)2] to binuclear [Pd2(μ-Cl)2Cl2(TeRR′)2], cyclopalladated [Pd2(μ-OAc)2{RTeCH2C6H2(4,6-Me2)}2] and products formed by Te–C bond cleavage.
New ‘aggregation induced emission (AIE)’ active cyclometalated iridium(iii) based phosphorescent sensors: high sensitivity for mercury(ii) ions
Authors: Alam Parvej , Kaur Gurpreet , Climent Clàudia , Pasha Saleem , Casanova David , Alemany Pere , Roy Choudhury Angshuman , Laskar Inamur Rahaman
Published: August 2014

Strategic design and syntheses of an AIE active bis-cyclometalatediridium(iii) complex were carried out for highly selective and sensitive detection of mercuric ions.
Quantitative LA-ICP-MS imaging of platinum in chemotherapy treated human malignant pleural mesothelioma samples using printed patterns as standard
Authors: Bonta Maximilian , Lohninger Hans , Laszlo Viktoria , Hegedus Balazs , Limbeck Andreas
Published: August 2014

Printed patterns on paper are presented as an alternative quantification method to matrix-matched tissue standards in LA-ICP-MS imaging experiments.
A magnetic nanocomposite for biomimetic flow sensing
Authors: Alfadhel A. , Li B. , Zaher A. , Yassine O. , Kosel J.
Published: August 2014

We present a permanent magnetic nanocomposite cilia sensor for flow detection with high sensitivity and low power consumption.
Fully-drawn carbon-based chemical sensors on organic and inorganic surfaces
Authors: Frazier Kelvin M. , Mirica Katherine A. , Walish Joseph J. , Swager Timothy M.
Published: August 2014

Mechanical abrasion is an extremely simple, rapid, and low-cost method for deposition of carbon-based materials onto a substrate.
Systems biosynthesis of secondary metabolic pathways within the oral human microbiome member Streptococcus mutans
Authors: Zvanych Rostyslav , Lukenda Nikola , Li Xiang , Kim Janice J. , Tharmarajah Satheeisha , Magarvey Nathan A.
Published: August 2014

Metabolomic profiling, systems exploration of the biosynthesis and immunomodulatory activities of hybrid human microbiome-derived nonribosomal peptide–polyketides, mutanobactins, fromStreptococcus mutans.
piRNA identification based on motif discovery
Authors: Liu Xiuqin , Ding Jun , Gong Fuzhou
Published: August 2014

Piwi-interacting RNA (piRNA) is a class of small non-coding RNAs about 24 to 32 nucleotides long, associated with PIWI proteins, which are involved in germline development, transposon silencing, and epigenetic regulation.
Traversing the fungal terpenome
Authors: Quin Maureen B. , Flynn Christopher M. , Schmidt-Dannert Claudia
Published: August 2014

Fungi are prolific producers of a vast array of structurally diverse terpenoid natural products. Classes of terpenoids identified from Ascomycota and Basidiomycota include the sesquiterpenoids, the diterpenoids and the triterpenoids. This review will provide an overview of their known diversity and biosynthesis with a special emphasis on genomic resources available for pathway discovery.
A new oligo(hexafluoropropylene oxide)-b-oligo(ethylene oxide) diblock surfactant obtained by radical reactions
Authors: Lapčík Jiří , Gimello Olinda , Ladmiral Vincent , Friesen Chadron Mark , Ameduri Bruno
Published: August 2014

The synthesis and characterization of a new oligo(hexafluoropropylene oxide)-b-oligo(ethylene oxide), oligo(HFPO)-b-oligo(PEG), diblock co-oligomer are presented.
A highly selective and reversible fluorescent Cu2+and S2−probe under physiological conditions and in live cells
Authors: Zhou Quan , Zhu Yong , Sheng Pengtao , Wu Zeming , Cai Qingyun
Published: August 2014

A new spiropyran functionalized rhodamine derivativeRB-SP2has been synthesized and applied to detect Cu2+and S2−.RB-SP2was then used as an imaging probe for detection of these ions in HeLa cells at the physiological pH.
Effects of morphology, surface area, and defect content on the photocatalytic dye degradation performance of ZnO nanostructures
Authors: Flores Natalia Morales , Pal Umapada , Galeazzi Reina , Sandoval Alberto
Published: August 2014

Contributions of morphology, surface area, and defect content, on the photocatalytic activity of ZnO nanostructures have been discussed.
Template-free, hollow and porous platinum nanotubes derived from tobamovirus and their three-dimensional structure at the nanoscale
Authors: Shah Sachin N. , Shah Shama S. , Ito Eisuke , Heddle Jonathan G.
Published: August 2014

A tobamovirus is used as a removable template for facile production of a porous platinum nanotube with a 13 nm central channel.
Organic molecule controlled synthesis of three-dimensional rhododendron-like cobalt sulfide hierarchitectures as counter electrodes for dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Sun Lijuan , Bai Yu , Sun Kening
Published: August 2014

Organic molecule controlled synthesis of three-dimensional rhododendra-like CoS and its application as counter electrode in DSSCs.
Adsorption of potentially toxic metals on negatively charged liposomes: equilibrium isotherms and quantitative modeling
Authors: Yu Yanjun , Liu Xinhui , Gong Wenwen , Liu Guannan , Cheng Dengmiao , Bao Huaying , Gao Ding
Published: August 2014

The adsorption data of ten metal ions on liposomes fit Freundlich equilibrium well. Covalent index of metal ions affect significantly the adsorption intensity (n). A quantitative model ofKFwith metal ionic properties were established by PLS.
Self-assembled structures of amphiphiles regulated via implanting external stimuli
Authors: Song Shasha , Song Aixin , Hao Jingcheng
Published: August 2014

This review article has summarized recent achievements of manipulating amphiphilic molecules and their self-assembled structuresviadifferent external stimuli.
Copper nanowire synthesis by directed electrochemical nanowire assembly
Authors: Schmädicke C. , Poetschke M. , Renner L. D. , Baraban L. , Bobeth M. , Cuniberti G.
Published: August 2014

The growth of high aspect ratio copper nanowires with lengths of up to several micrometers and diameters of about 100 nm via directed electrochemical nanowire assembly (DENA) is presented.
A novel route towards high yield 5-hydroxymethylfurfural from fructose catalyzed by a mixture of Lewis and Brönsted acids
Authors: Liu Yingxin , Li Zhenbin , Yang Yao , Hou Yaxin , Wei Zuojun
Published: August 2014

The formed fructose-phosphate-AlCl3complex dehydrates along the pathway to 5-HMF in the presence of a high proton concentration provided by H2SO4, leading to a high yield of 5-HMF.
Formation of the amorphous phase in the carbothermal reduction and nitridation route to SrSi2O2N2 : Eu2+: a new understanding of the catalytic effect of carbon in the synthesis of Sr2Si5N8 : Eu2+ for white LEDs
Authors: Chen Lei , Xue Shaochan , Chen Xiuling , Zhao Erlong , Deng Jie , Deng Xiaorong , Chen Shifu , Liu Yanfang , Jiang Yang , Li Heqin
Published: August 2014

This study provides an explanation for the mechanism of carbothermal reduction contributing to the synthesis of a Sr2Si5N8 : Eu2+ nitride phosphor.
Transition of electrostatic potential from the inside of an open channel to the reservoir
Authors: Kung Chun-Fei , Wang Chang-Yi , Chang Chien-Cheng
Published: August 2014

Analytical work for electric double layer (EDL) is often pursued for an infinite channel.
Mussel-inspired polydopamine modification of supports for the facile synthesis of zeolite LTA molecular sieve membranes
Authors: Yuan Chenfang , Liu Qian , Chen Huifeng , Huang Aisheng
Published: August 2014

Inspired by bio-adhesive ability of marine mussel, a versatile and effective synthesis strategy was developed to prepare dense zeolite LTA membranes.
“Unrolling” multi-walled carbon nanotubes with ionic liquids: application as fillers in epoxy-based nanocomposites
Authors: Kleinschmidt A. C. , Donato R. K. , Perchacz M. , Beneš H. , Štengl V. , Amico S. C. , Schrekker H. S.
Published: August 2014

Ionic liquid enables a straightforward procedure for the preparation of high quality graphene by opening multi-walled carbon nanotubes.
Ab initio simulation of pyrene spectra in water matrices
Authors: Freidzon A. Ya. , Valiev R. R. , Berezhnoy A. A.
Published: August 2014

The absorption and emission spectra of free pyrene and pyrene in a water ice matrix were simulated ab initio with their vibronic profiles. Water ice was mimicked by a large cluster of explicit water molecules.
Modification of Mg/Al-layered double hydroxide withl-aspartic acid containing dicarboxylic acid and its application in the enhancement of the thermal stability of chiral poly(amide-imide)
Authors: Mallakpour Shadpour , Dinari Mohammad , Hatami Masoud
Published: August 2014

In this study, Mg/Al-layered double hydroxide (LDH) was intercalated with diacid containingl-aspartic acid in one step using an ultrasonic method under green conditions.
Highly concentrated MoS2 nanosheets in water achieved by thioglycolic acid as stabilizer and used as biomarkers
Authors: Anbazhagan Rajeshkumar , Wang Hsing-Ju , Tsai Hsieh-Chih , Jeng Ru-Jong
Published: August 2014

Synthesis of water soluble MoS2 quantum dots from the monolayer nanosheets of MoS2, using thioglycolic acid (TGA) was reported in this study. TGA molecules not only exfoliated the bulk of MoS2, but also modified the hydrophobic surface of MoS2 with hydrophilic carboxylic acid groups.
Structural characterization of nanofiber silk produced by embiopterans (webspinners)
Authors: Addison J. Bennett , Osborn Popp Thomas M. , Weber Warner S. , Edgerly Janice S. , Holland Gregory P. , Yarger Jeffery L.
Published: August 2014

Embiopterans produce silken galleries and sheets using exceptionally fine silk fibers in which they live and breed.
Facile synthesis, characterization and application of highly active palladium nano-network structures supported on electrospun carbon nanofibers
Authors: Peng Xinwen , Ye Wan , Ding Yichun , Jiang Shaohua , Hanif Muddasir , Liao Xiaojian , Hou Haoqing
Published: August 2014

Pd-NNSs-ECNFs were successfully prepared and applied in Suzuki coupling reactions in environmental friendly solvent systems.
Paper-based molecular diagnostic for Chlamydia trachomatis
Authors: Linnes Jacqueline C. , Fan Andy , Rodriguez Natalia M. , Lemieux Bertrand , Kong Huimin , Klapperich Catherine M.
Published: August 2014

The paper-based molecular assay can be performed at the point of care and is 100× more sensitive than current rapid diagnostics forchlamydiadetection.
Preparation of novel pigskin-derived carbon sheets and their low-temperature activation-induced high capacitive performance
Authors: Wang Yong , Yang Ru , Wei Yuan , Zhao Zijian , Li Min
Published: August 2014

A sustainable nitrogen- and oxygen-doped carbon sheet was prepared from pigskin for supercapacitors with high capacitance and excellent rate capability.