bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Haemogregarines of freshwater turtles from Southeast Asia with a description ofHaemogregarina sacaliaesp. n. and a redescription ofHaemogregarina pellegriniLaveran and Pettit, 1910
Authors: DVOŘÁKOVÁ NELA , KVIČEROVÁ JANA , HOSTOVSKÝ MARTIN , ŠIROKÝ PAVEL
Published: March 2015

The uniform morphology of the developmental stages ofHaemogregarinaspecies and the insufficient information supplied by the simplistic descriptions of previous authors complicates their differential diagnosis and proper species identification. In this study, we detectedHaemogregarinaspp. in 6 out of 22 (27·2%) examined turtles originating from Southeast Asia,Malayemys subtrijuga(n= 4),Sacalia quadriocellata(n= 1) andPlatysternon megacephalum(n= 1), and compared them with the available literature data. Microscopic analysis of our isolates distinguished 2 morphological species,Haemogregarina pellegriniand one new species, being described in this paper asHaemogregarina sacaliaesp. n. Phylogenetic analyses based on 1210 bp long fragment of 18S rDNA sequences placed both haemogregarines firmly within the monophyleticHaemogregarinaclade. Isolates ofH. pellegrinifrom 2 distantly related turtle hosts,M. subtrijugaandP. megacephalum, were genetically identical. Despite the fact that numerousHaemogregarinaspecies of turtles have been described, the incompleteness of the morphological data and relatively low host specificity provides the space for large synonymy within this taxon. Therefore, a complex approach combining microscopic analyses together with molecular-genetic methods should represent the basic standard for all taxonomic studies.
RechtsstaatandRechtin West Germany's Nuclear Power Debate, 1975–1983
Authors: Hughes Michael L.
Published: March 2015

Germans have long prided themselves on their commitment to theRechtsstaat, the state based on the rule of law. However, they have not agreed on what would constitute aRechtsstaat. Rechtcan mean “law,” or “right,” or “justice,” leaving open what aRechtsstaatought to establish. Moreover, aRechtsstaatcould be merely formal, an independently adjudicated process of applying statutes equally binding for all, or substantive, a process providing “justice.” Formal processes should minimize capricious decisions but could, in particular cases, produce outcomes that citizens perceived as unjust, and people are generally most committed to outcomes they believe to be just or appropriate. Not surprisingly, a complex debate developed among jurists, across a century and multiple regimes, over what theRechtsstaatandRechtmight mean.
On accurately estimating stability thresholds for periodic spot patterns of reaction-diffusion systems in2
Authors: IRON D. , RUMSEY J. , WARD M. J. , WEI J.
Published: March 2015

In the limit of an asymptotically large diffusivity ratio of order$\mathcal{O}$(ϵ−2) ≫ 1, steady-state spatially periodic patterns of localized spots, where the spots are centred at lattice points of a Bravais lattice, are well-known to exist for certain two-component reaction–diffusion systems (RD) in$\mathbb{R}$2. For the Schnakenberg RD model, such a localized periodic spot pattern is linearly unstable when the diffusivity ratio exceeds a certain critical threshold. However, since this critical threshold has an infinite-order logarithmic series in powers of the logarithmic gauge ν ≡ −1/log ϵ, a low-order truncation of this series is expected to be in rather poor agreement with the true stability threshold unless ϵ is very small. To overcome this difficulty, a hybrid asymptotic-numerical method is formulated and implemented that has the effect of summing this infinite-order logarithmic expansion for the stability threshold. The numerical implementation of this hybrid method relies critically on obtaining a rapidly converging infinite series representation of the regular part of the Bloch Green's function for the reduced-wave operator. Numerical results from the hybrid method for the stability threshold associated with a periodic spot pattern on a regular hexagonal lattice are compared with the two-term asymptotic results of [10] (Iron et al.J. Nonlinear Science, 2014). As expected, the difference between the two-term and hybrid results is rather large when ϵ is only moderately small. A related hybrid method is devised for accurately approximating the stability threshold associated with a periodic pattern of localized spots for the Gray-Scott RD system in$\mathbb{R}$2.
An internet survey of psychiatrists who have a particular interest in cognitive behavioural therapy: what is the place for the cognitive behavioural model in their role as a psychiatrist?
Authors: Alfaraj Ali Isa , Whitfield Graeme , Townend Michael
Published: March 2015

A survey of psychiatrists with a special interest in CBT was conducted by email correspondence to answer two main questions: ‘What are the uses and the usefulness of the cognitive behavioural model within the day-to-day practice of psychiatrists?’ and ‘What are the most important roles of the consultant medical psychotherapist who has specialized in CBT?’ Despite the constraints of a low response rate the results still reflected the views of 46 psychiatrists who were particularly experienced in the area of CBT. They reported that the cognitive behavioural model was useful in general psychiatric settings, in particular in the engagement of patients, improving client's insight, adherence to medications, and for trainee supervision. The responders reaffirmed previously held views about the role of the consultant medical psychotherapist (CBT), in particular the roles of the assessment and management of complex cases, of taking responsibility for patients with a combination of medical and psychological issues and of teaching CBT to psychiatrists and other mental health professionals. The challenges of translating CBT competencies into generic non-CBT psychiatric settings are discussed, with the important potential role of the medical psychotherapist in this respect. The key skill of formulating cases in secondary care is emphasized.
Wideband MIMO antenna system with dual polarization for WiFi and LTE applications
Authors: Moradikordalivand Alishir , Leow Chee Yen , Rahman Tharek Abd , Ebrahimi Sepideh , Chua Tien Han
Published: March 2015

In this paper a wideband multi-input multi-output (MIMO) antenna system for WiFi-LTE wireless access point (WAP) application is proposed. The MIMO antenna system consists of two common element microstrip-fed monopole antennas with dual polarization. Physically closed integration of MIMO antenna elements requires a special technique to increase the isolation between the antennas. A novel structure of parasitic element is introduced to improve the isolation between the antennas. The proposed MIMO antenna system is simulated and optimized using CST Microwave Studio. The designed antenna system is fabricated and measured to verify the simulation results. Reflection coefficient of less than −10 dB and isolation more than 15 dB are achieved in the operating frequency range of 2.3–2.9 GHz which covers WiFi 2.4 GHz and LTE 2.6 GHz bands. The proposed system also provides dual polarization with 10 dB polarization diversity gain and envelope correlation coefficient less than 0.15. Each individual antenna has a gain of 5.1 dB and 68% efficiency.
How Search for Meaning Interacts with Complex Categories of Meaning in Life and Subjective Well-Being?
Authors: Damásio Bruno Figueiredo , Koller Sílvia Helena
Published: March 2015

This study sought to assess how the search for meaning interacts with crisis of meaning and with different categories of meaning in life (meaningfulness, crisis of meaning, existential indifference, and existential conflict). Furthermore, the moderation role of search for meaning between the relation of categories of meaning and subjective well-being (SWB) was also evaluated. Participants included 3,034 subjects (63.9% women) ranging in age from 18 to 91 (M = 33.90; SD = 15.01) years old from 22 Brazilian states. Zero-order correlations and a factorial MANOVA were implemented. Positive low correlations were found for search for meaning and crisis of meaning (r = .258; p < .001). Search for meaning presented a small-effect size moderation effect on the relation of the different categories of meaning with subjective happiness, F(6, 3008) = 2.698, p < .05; η2 = .004, but not for satisfaction with life, F(6, 3008) = .935, p = .47; η2 = .002. The differences on the levels of subjective happiness of those inserted in existential indifferent and conflicting categories differ depending on the levels of search for meaning. Further directions for future studies are proposed.
Differences between Alcoholics and Cocaine Addicts Seeking Treatment
Authors: López-Goñi José J. , Fernández-Montalvo Javier , Arteaga Alfonso
Published: March 2015

This study explored the characteristics of a representative sample of patients who were addicted to either alcohol or cocaine, comparing the profiles of both types of drug users. A sample of 234 addicted patients (109 alcoholics and 125 cocaine addicts) who sought outpatient treatment in a Spanish clinical centre was assessed. Data on socio-demographic, consumption, psychopathological and maladjustment characteristics were collected using the European Addiction Severity Index (EuropASI), the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R) and the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory (MCMI-II). Demographically, differences were observed with regard to age (alcoholics were older than cocaine addicts; t = 12.2, p = .001), employment (the alcoholic group had more labor problems; χ2= 6.2, p = .045) and family consequences (worse in alcoholics; t = 2.3, p = .025). The EuropASI results showed statistically significant differences in addiction severity, with alcoholics showing a greater severity than cocaine addicts. In terms of psychopathology, alcoholics presented more associated symptomatology than cocaine addicts. According to these results, patients with alcohol dependence have a different profile from patients with cocaine dependence, resulting in different repercussions for important areas of their lives. These differences should be taken into account when standard treatments for addiction are implemented.
Development of Listening Comprehension Tests with Narrative and Expository Texts for Portuguese Students
Authors: Santos Sandra , Viana Fernanda Leopoldina , Ribeiro Iolanda , Prieto Gerardo , Brandão Sara , Cadime Irene
Published: March 2015

This investigation aimed to develop and collect psychometric data for two tests assessing listening comprehension of Portuguese students in primary school: the Test of Listening Comprehension of Narrative Texts (TLC-n) and the Test of Listening Comprehension of Expository Texts (TLC-e). Two studies were conducted. The purpose of study 1 was to construct four test forms for each of the two tests to assess first, second, third and fourth grade students of the primary school. The TLC-n was administered to 1042 students, and the TLC-e was administered to 848 students. The purpose of study 2 was to test the psychometric properties of new items for the TLC-n form for fourth graders, given that the results in study 1 indicated a severe lack of difficult items. The participants were 260 fourth graders. The data were analysed using the Rasch model. Thirty items were selected for each test form. The results provided support for the model assumptions: Unidimensionality and local independence of the items. The reliability coefficients were higher than .70 for all test forms. The TLC-n and the TLC-e present good psychometric properties and represent an important contribution to the learning disabilities assessment field.
Teacher Support Resources, Need Satisfaction and Well-Being
Authors: Doménech-Betoret Fernando , Lloret-Segura Susana , Gómez-Artiga Amparo
Published: March 2015

Based on Job Demands-Resources Model (JD-R), this study examines the relationships among teacher support resources, psychological need satisfaction, engagement and burnout in a sample of 282 Spanish secondary school teachers. Nine teacher psychological needs were identified based on the study of Bess and on the Self-Determination Theory (SDT). Self-report questionnaires were used to measure the constructs selected for this study and their interrelationships were examined by structural equation modeling. The results reveal a good model fit to the data (NNFI = .88; CFI = .90; GFI = .90; RMSEA = .061). The analyses indicate a positive and significant effect of latent variable Psychological Need Satisfaction on engagement (β = .74, p < .05), and a negative and significant effect on burnout (β = -.78, p ≤ .05). Furthermore, the results show the mediator role played by Psychological Need Satisfaction in the relationship between teacher support resources and both engagement and burnout (additional paths did not improve the model fit: Δχ2(2) = 2.428, p = .29). Finally, practical implications of these findings are discussed.
Erkennen Eltern Entwicklungsdefizite im Vorschulalter?
Authors: Frischknecht Marie-Claire , Reimann Giselle , Grob Alexander
Published: March 2015

Es wurde untersucht, ob Elterneinschätzungen betreffend dem Entwicklungsstand ihrer 3- bis 5jährigen Kinder (N = 539; M = 53.4 Monate, SD = 10.0 Monate) die Kriterien für ein akkurates Screening erfüllen in Bezug auf hinreichende Sensitivität, Spezifität, RATZ-Index und AUC-Werte. Dazu wurden in einer nicht-klinischen Stichprobe die Elterneinschätzungen zum Entwicklungsstand der Kinder mit deren Testleistungen in den Intelligence and Development Scales–Preschool (IDS-P) verglichen. Es ergaben sich substantiell positive Korrelationen zwischen Elterneinschätzungen und Testleistungen. Allerdings waren die Elterneinschätzungen nicht genügend valide, um in einem spezifischen Bereich oder in der Gesamtentwicklung eine Verzögerung festzustellen. Damit werden die Kriterien eines akkuraten Screenings nicht erfüllt. Um Entwicklungsdefizite möglichst frühzeitig zu erkennen, ist eine standardisierte Entwicklungsdiagnostik unabdingbar.
F(r)ische fürs Gehirn
Authors: Leutgeb Verena , Köchel Angelika , Lang Lena , Koch Julius , Schienle Anne
Published: March 2015

Metaanalysen zeigen, dass die Verabreichung von Omega-3-Fettsäuren zu einer geringfügigen Reduktion der Aufmerksamkeitsdefizit-/Hyperaktivitätssymptomatik bei Kindern führt. Für eine positive Wirkung von Omega-3 auf emotionale und kognitive Funktionen bei gesunden Kindern gibt es bisher kaum Belege. Im Rahmen dieser Studie wurde die Wirksamkeit einer Nahrungsergänzung bei 70 Kindergartenkindern im Alter von drei bis sechs Jahren überprüft. Die kognitive Leistungsfähigkeit der Kinder (z. B. das Gedächtnis) wurde getestet und das Verhalten (z. B. Hyperaktivität, Ängstlichkeit) wurde durch Eltern sowie Kindergartenpädagoginnen eingestuft. Die Kinder wurden zufällig einer Therapie- oder Wartelistengruppe zugeteilt. Die Therapiegruppe erhielt acht Wochen lang täglich 800 mg Omega-3. Danach wurde die psychologische Testung wiederholt. Die Wartegruppe erhielt das Präparat nach der zweiten Testung. Aufgrund der Nahrungsergänzung mit Omega-3 zeigte sich eine Verbesserung kognitiver Funktionen (Gedächtnis, räumliches Denken), während das sozio-emotionale Verhalten unverändert blieb. In zukünftigen Studien sollten die Effekte an größeren Stichproben, sowie mittels neurobiologischer Parameter untermauert werden.
Aufmerksamkeitstherapie bei Grundschülern
Authors: Schlarb Angelika A. , Sommer Friederike , Hautzinger Martin , Grünwald Julia
Published: March 2015

Ziel vorliegender Arbeit war die Evaluation eines neuropsychologischen Gruppentrainings für aufmerksamkeitsgestörte Kinder von sechs bis neun Jahren. In Anlehnung an das etablierte Programm Attentioner ( Jacobs & Petermann, 2013 ) für Kinder mit Aufmerksamkeitsschwierigkeiten wurde der Mini-Attentioner konzipiert, der keine Lese-, Schreib- und Rechenfertigkeiten erfordert. Weitere Modifikationen waren weniger komplexe Trainingsaufgaben, stärkere Unterstützung durch die Eltern sowie ein unmittelbar verstärkendes Response-Cost-Token-System. 59 Familien nahmen am Training teil. Nach dem Training zeigte sich eine signifikante Reduktion der Aufmerksamkeits- und hyperkinetischen Symptomatik der Kinder im Elternurteil mittels FBB-ADHS. Im Vergleich zur Prämessung erhöhte sich die Aufmerksamkeitsleistung der Kinder in allen vier Untertests der KITAP signifikant. Der Mini-Attentioner kann daher als wirksames Verfahren in der Therapie von Aufmerksamkeitsstörungen eingesetzt werden.
Advancing Science: Nominate a Scientist for AGU’s Honors Program
Authors: Mukasa Samuel , Paredes Beth
Published: March 2015

AGU calls on members to nominate a deserving scientist for one of its prestigious awards.
Heather Macdonald Receives 2014 Excellence in Geophysical Education Award
Authors:   AGU
Published: March 2015

Heather Macdonald received the 2014 Excellence in Geophysical Education Award at the AGU Fall Meeting Honors Ceremony, held on 17 December 2014 in San Francisco, Calif. The award honors “a sustained commitment to excellence in geophysical education by a team, individual, or group.”
Seismic Wave Modeling Goes Local
Authors: Betz Eric
Published: March 2015

A new technique brings accurate models of traveling seismic waves to a regional scale.
Mapping Seismic Activity in the Pamir Mountains
Authors: Wendel JoAnna
Published: March 2015

Researchers plot deformation from 6000 seismic events across the central Asian mountain range to better understand its tectonic history.
Virtual Poster Showcase at 2014 AGU Fall Meeting
Authors: Asher Pranoti M. , Furukawa Harry
Published: March 2015

An exciting program enabled students to present their poster papers in an electronic format along with a videotaped explanation of their work.
Bank Materials Strongly Influence River Valley Evolution
Authors: Rosen Julia
Published: March 2015

Models suggest that the shape of river valleys depends strongly on how meandering rivers interact with the sediment and bedrock of the banks.
Salish Sea a Key Source of Regional Marine Nutrients
Authors: Betz Eric
Published: March 2015

A new examination of nitrogen in the coastal waters off the Pacific Northwest shows that the Salish Sea delivers a large fraction of nutrients to shelf waters.
Adiponectin receptor 1 conserves docosahexaenoic acid and promotes photoreceptor cell survival
Authors: Rice Dennis S. , Calandria Jorgelina M. , Gordon William C. , Jun Bokkyoo , Zhou Yongdong , Gelfman Claire M. , Li Songhua , Jin Minghao , Knott Eric J. , Chang Bo , Abuin Alex , Issa Tawfik , Potter David , Platt Kenneth A. , Bazan Nicolas G.
Published: March 2015

The identification of pathways necessary for photoreceptor and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) function is critical to uncover therapies for blindness. Here we report the discovery of adiponectin receptor 1 (AdipoR1) as a regulator of these cells’ functions. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is avidly retained in photoreceptors, while mechanisms controlling DHA uptake and retention are unknown. Thus, we demonstrate that AdipoR1 ablation results in DHA reduction. In situ hybridization reveals photoreceptor and RPE cell AdipoR1 expression, blunted in AdipoR1−/− mice. We also find decreased photoreceptor-specific phosphatidylcholine containing very long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids and severely attenuated electroretinograms. These changes precede progressive photoreceptor degeneration in AdipoR1−/− mice. RPE-rich eyecup cultures from AdipoR1−/− reveal impaired DHA uptake. AdipoR1 overexpression in RPE cells enhances DHA uptake, whereas AdipoR1 silencing has the opposite effect. These results establish AdipoR1 as a regulatory switch of DHA uptake, retention, conservation and elongation in photoreceptors and RPE, thus preserving photoreceptor cell integrity.
Glycine decarboxylase deficiency causes neural tube defects and features of non-ketotic hyperglycinemia in mice
Authors: Pai Yun Jin , Leung Kit-Yi , Savery Dawn , Hutchin Tim , Prunty Helen , Heales Simon , Brosnan Margaret E. , Brosnan John T. , Copp Andrew J. , Greene Nicholas D.E.
Published: March 2015

Glycine decarboxylase (GLDC) acts in the glycine cleavage system to decarboxylate glycine and transfer a one-carbon unit into folate one-carbon metabolism. GLDC mutations cause a rare recessive disease non-ketotic hyperglycinemia (NKH). Mutations have also been identified in patients with neural tube defects (NTDs); however, the relationship between NKH and NTDs is unclear. We show that reduced expression of Gldc in mice suppresses glycine cleavage system activity and causes two distinct disease phenotypes. Mutant embryos develop partially penetrant NTDs while surviving mice exhibit post-natal features of NKH including glycine accumulation, early lethality and hydrocephalus. In addition to elevated glycine, Gldc disruption also results in abnormal tissue folate profiles, with depletion of one-carbon-carrying folates, as well as growth retardation and reduced cellular proliferation. Formate treatment normalizes the folate profile, restores embryonic growth and prevents NTDs, suggesting that Gldc deficiency causes NTDs through limiting supply of one-carbon units from mitochondrial folate metabolism.
Non-thermal plasma with 2-deoxy-D-glucose synergistically induces cell death by targeting glycolysis in blood cancer cells
Authors: Kaushik Neha , Lee Su Jae , Choi Tae Gyu , Baik Ku Youn , Uhm Han Sup , Kim Chung Hyeok , Kaushik Nagendra Kumar , Choi Eun Ha
Published: March 2015

In this study, we show the selective and efficient anti-cancer effects of plasma (at a low dose) when cell metabolic modifiers are also included. 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG), a glycolytic inhibitor, was used with effective doses of non-thermal plasma, synergistically attenuating cell metabolic viability and inducing caspase-dependent and independent cell death. The combination treatment decreased the intracellular ATP and lactate production in various types of blood cancer cells in vitro. Taken together, our findings suggest that 2-DG enhances the efficacy and selectivity of plasma and induces the synergistic inhibition of cancer cell growth by targeting glycolysis and apoptosis. Specifically, this treatment strategy demonstrated an enhanced growth inhibitory effect of plasma in the presence of a metabolic modifier that was selective against cancer cells, not non-malignant cells. This is the first study to report the advantage of combining plasma with 2-DG to eradicate blood cancer cells. Finally, we conclude that 2-DG with non-thermal plasma may be used as a combination treatment against blood cancer cells.
Negative differential conductance and super-Poissonian shot noise in single-molecule magnet junctions
Authors: Xue Hai-Bin , Liang Jiu-Qing , Liu Wu-Ming
Published: March 2015

Molecular spintroinic device based on a single-molecule magnet is one of the ultimate goals of semiconductor nanofabrication technologies. It is thus necessary to understand the electron transport properties of a single-molecule magnet junction. Here we study the negative differential conductance and super-Poissonian shot noise properties of electron transport through a single-molecule magnet weakly coupled to two electrodes with either one or both of them being ferromagnetic. We predict that the negative differential conductance and super-Poissonian shot noise, which can be tuned by a gate voltage, depend sensitively on the spin polarization of the source and drain electrodes. In particular, the shot noise in the negative differential conductance region can be enhanced or decreased originating from the different formation mechanisms of negative differential conductance. The effective competition between fast and slow transport channels is responsible for the observed negative differential conductance and super-Poissonian shot noise. In addition, we further discuss the skewness and kurtosis properties of transport current in the super-Poissonian shot noise regions. Our findings suggest a tunable negative differential conductance molecular device and the predicted properties of high-order current cumulants are very interesting for a better understanding of electron transport through single-molecule magnet junctions.
Helicobacter pylori infection can affect energy modulating hormones and body weight in germ free mice
Authors: Khosravi Yalda , Seow Shih Wee , Amoyo Arlaine Anne , Chiow Kher Hsin , Tan Tuan Lin , Wong Whye Yen , Poh Qian Hui , Sentosa Ignatius Mario Doli , Bunte Ralph M. , Pettersson Sven , Loke Mun Fai , Vadivelu Jamuna
Published: March 2015

Helicobacter pylori, is an invariably commensal resident of the gut microbiome associated with gastric ulcer in adults. In addition, these patients also suffered from a low grade inflammation that activates the immune system and thus increased shunting of energy to host defense mechanisms. To assess whether aH. pyloriinfection could affect growth in early life, we determined the expression levels of selected metabolic gut hormones in germ free (GF) and specific pathogen-free (SPF) mice with and without the presence ofH. pylori. DespiteH. pylori-infected (SPFH) mice display alteration in host metabolism (elevated levels of leptin, insulin and peptide YY) compared to non-infected SPF mice, their growth curves remained the same. SPFH mice also displayed increased level of eotaxin-1. Interestingly, GF mice infected withH. pylori(GFH) also displayed increased levels of ghrelin and PYY. However, in contrast to SPFH mice, GFH showed reduced weight gain and malnutrition. These preliminary findings show that exposure toH. pylorialters host metabolism early in life; but the commensal microbiota in SPF mice can attenuate the growth retarding effect fromH. pyloriobserved in GF mice. Further investigations of possible additional side effects ofH. pyloriare highly warranted.
Mesenchymal stem cells alleviate airway inflammation and emphysema in COPD through down-regulation of cyclooxygenase-2 via p38 and ERK MAPK pathways
Authors: Gu Wen , Song Lin , Li Xiao-Ming , Wang Di , Guo Xue-Jun , Xu Wei-Guo
Published: March 2015

Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been identified as one possible strategy for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Our previous studies have demonstrated that MSC administration has therapeutic potential in airway inflammation and emphysema via a paracrine mechanism. We proposed that MSCs reverse the inflammatory process and restore impaired lung function through their interaction with macrophages. In our study, the rats were exposed to cigarette smoke (CS), followed by the administration of MSCs into the lungs for 5 weeks. Here we show that MSC administration alleviated airway inflammation and emphysema through the down-regulation of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and COX-2-mediated prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production, possibly through the effect on alveolar macrophages. In vitro co-culture experiments provided evidence that MSCs down-regulated COX-2/PGE2 in macrophages through inhibition of the activation-associated phosphorylation of p38 MAPK and ERK. Our data suggest that MSCs may relieve airway inflammation and emphysema in CS-exposed rat models, through the inhibition of COX-2/PGE2 in alveolar macrophages, mediated in part by the p38 MAPK and ERK pathways. This study provides a compelling mechanism for MSC treatment in COPD, in addition to its paracrine mechanism.
HDL surface lipids mediate CETP binding as revealed by electron microscopy and molecular dynamics simulation
Authors: Zhang Meng , Charles River , Tong Huimin , Zhang Lei , Patel Mili , Wang Francis , Rames Matthew J. , Ren Amy , Rye Kerry-Anne , Qiu Xiayang , Johns Douglas G. , Charles M. Arthur , Ren Gang
Published: March 2015

Cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) mediates the transfer of cholesterol esters (CE) from atheroprotective high-density lipoproteins (HDL) to atherogenic low-density lipoproteins (LDL). CETP inhibition has been regarded as a promising strategy for increasing HDL levels and subsequently reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Although the crystal structure of CETP is known, little is known regarding how CETP binds to HDL. Here, we investigated how various HDL-like particles interact with CETP by electron microscopy and molecular dynamics simulations. Results showed that CETP binds to HDL via hydrophobic interactions rather than protein-protein interactions. The HDL surface lipid curvature generates a hydrophobic environment, leading to CETP hydrophobic distal end interaction. This interaction is independent of other HDL components, such as apolipoproteins, cholesteryl esters and triglycerides. Thus, disrupting these hydrophobic interactions could be a new therapeutic strategy for attenuating the interaction of CETP with HDL.
Microscale Magnetic Field Modulation for Enhanced Capture and Distribution of Rare Circulating Tumor Cells
Authors: Chen Peng , Huang Yu-Yen , Hoshino Kazunori , Zhang John X.J.
Published: March 2015

Immunomagnetic assay combines the powers of the magnetic separation and biomarker recognition and has been an effective tool to perform rare Circulating Tumor Cells detection. Key factors associated with immunomagnetic assay include the capture rate, which indicates the sensitivity of the system and distributions of target cells after capture, which impact the cell integrity and other biological properties that are critical to downstream analyses. Here we present a theoretical framework and technical approach to implement a microscale magnetic immunoassay through modulating local magnetic field towards enhanced capture and distribution of rare cancer cells. Through the design of a two-dimensional micromagnet array, we characterize the magnetic field generation and quantify the impact of the micromagnets on rare cell separation. Good agreement is achieved between the theory and experiments using a human colon cancer cell line (COLO205) as the capture targets.
Transcriptome analysis of thermogenic Arum concinnatum reveals the molecular components of floral scent production
Authors: Onda Yoshihiko , Mochida Keiichi , Yoshida Takuhiro , Sakurai Tetsuya , Seymour Roger S. , Umekawa Yui , Pirintsos Stergios Arg , Shinozaki Kazuo , Ito Kikukatsu
Published: March 2015

Several plant species can generate enough heat to increase their internal floral temperature above ambient temperature. Among thermogenic plants, Arum concinnatum shows the highest respiration activity during thermogenesis. However, an overall understanding of the genes related to plant thermogenesis has not yet been achieved. In this study, we performed de novo transcriptome analysis of flower organs in A. concinnatum. The de novo transcriptome assembly represented, in total, 158,490 non-redundant transcripts and 53,315 of those showed significant homology with known genes. To explore genes associated with thermogenesis, we filtered 1266 transcripts that showed a significant correlation between expression pattern and the temperature trend of each sample. We confirmed five putative alternative oxidase transcripts were included in filtered transcripts as expected. An enrichment analysis of the Gene Ontology terms for the filtered transcripts suggested over-representation of genes involved in 1-deoxy-d-xylulose-5-phosphate synthase (DXS) activity. The expression profiles of DXS transcripts in the methyl-d-erythritol 4-phosphate (MEP) pathway were significantly correlated with thermogenic levels. Our results suggest that the MEP pathway is the main biosynthesis route for producing scent monoterpenes. To our knowledge, this is the first report describing the candidate pathway and the key enzyme for floral scent production in thermogenic plants.
Analytical Solution for the Anisotropic Rabi Model: Effects of Counter-Rotating Terms
Authors: Zhang Guofeng , Zhu Hanjie
Published: March 2015

The anisotropic Rabi model, which was proposed recently, differs from the original Rabi model: the rotating and counter-rotating terms are governed by two different coupling constants. This feature allows us to vary the counter-rotating interaction independently and explore the effects of it on some quantum properties. In this paper, we eliminate the counter-rotating terms approximately and obtain the analytical energy spectrums and wavefunctions. These analytical results agree well with the numerical calculations in a wide range of the parameters including the ultrastrong coupling regime. In the weak counter-rotating coupling limit we find out that the counter-rotating terms can be considered as the shifts to the parameters of the Jaynes-Cummings model. This modification shows the validness of the rotating-wave approximation on the assumption of near-resonance and relatively weak coupling. Moreover, the analytical expressions of several physics quantities are also derived and the results show the break-down of the U(1)-symmetry and the deviation from the Jaynes-Cummings model.
The Role of Binding Site on the Mechanical Unfolding Mechanism of Ubiquitin
Authors: Cao Penghui , Yoon Gwonchan , Tao Weiwei , Eom Kilho , Park Harold S.
Published: March 2015

We apply novel atomistic simulations based on potential energy surface exploration to investigate the constant force-induced unfolding of ubiquitin. At the experimentally-studied force clamping level of 100 pN, we find a new unfolding mechanism starting with the detachment between β5 and β3 involving the binding site of ubiquitin, the Ile44 residue. This new unfolding pathway leads to the discovery of new intermediate configurations, which correspond to the end-to-end extensions previously seen experimentally. More importantly, it demonstrates the novel finding that the binding site of ubiquitin can be responsible not only for its biological functions, but also its unfolding dynamics. We also report in contrast to previous single molecule constant force experiments that when the clamping force becomes smaller than about 300 pN, the number of intermediate configurations increases dramatically, where almost all unfolding events at 100 pN involve an intermediate configuration. By directly calculating the life times of the intermediate configurations from the height of the barriers that were crossed on the potential energy surface, we demonstrate that these intermediate states were likely not observed experimentally due to their lifetimes typically being about two orders of magnitude smaller than the experimental temporal resolution.
Nanostructured individual nacre tablet: a subtle designed organic–inorganic composite
Authors: Wang Sheng-Nan , Zhu Xin-Qiao , Yan Xiao-Hui , Deng Jing-Fei , Wang Rizhi , Wang Xiao-Xiang
Published: March 2015

The individual nacre tablet from the shell of Pinctada maxima is an organic–inorganic single-crystal composite where the islet-like and sheet-like organics are trapped in the continuous crystalline scaffold.
Why ice-binding type I antifreeze protein acts as a gas hydrate crystal inhibitor
Authors: Alireza Bagherzadeh S. , Alavi Saman , Ripmeester John A. , Englezos Peter
Published: March 2015

The winter flounder antifreeze protein (wf-AFP) acts as a gas hydrate crystal inhibitor by binding to the empty-half cages at the hydrate surfaceviathe cooperative action between methyl groups of threonine and alanine residues.
Oxygenation mediating the valence density-of-states and work function of Ti(0001) skin
Authors: Li Lei , Meng Fanling , Tian Hongwei , Hu Xiaoying , Zheng Weitao , Sun Chang Q.
Published: March 2015

We report density functional theory observations that confirm the presence of predicted DOS features of holes and nonbonding lone pair DOS near the valence band edge of oxygen adsorption on the Ti(0001) surface.
A study of optical absorption of cysteine-capped CdSe nanoclusters using first-principles calculations
Authors: Cui Yingqi , Lou Zhaoyang , Wang Xinqin , Yu Shengping , Yang Mingli
Published: March 2015

Optical absorption of cysteine-capped CdSe nanoclusters varies with cluster size, ligands and solvents.
A comprehensive review of glycosylated bacterial natural products
Authors: Elshahawi Sherif I. , Shaaban Khaled A. , Kharel Madan K. , Thorson Jon S.
Published: March 2015

A compilation of the rich diversity of bacterial secondary metabolite glycosides.
Strategies to create hierarchical self-assembled structures via cooperative non-covalent interactions
Authors: Rest Christina , Kandanelli Ramesh , Fernández Gustavo
Published: March 2015

Cooperative phenomena exhibit the basis for the hierarchical self-assembly of multiple systems in nature. Motivated by the high degree of order in these structures, a large number of supramolecular polymers have been designed whose aggregation follows a cooperative pathway. Herein, we have classified the supramolecular systems depending on the cooperative non-covalent forces driving their formation.
Fluoride-free synthesis of a Sn-BEA catalyst by dry gel conversion
Authors: Chang Chun-Chih , Cho Hong Je , Wang Zhuopeng , Wang Xuanting , Fan Wei
Published: March 2015

A Sn-BEA catalyst was synthesized in a fluoride-free medium for the first time via a dry gel conversion method. The use of alkali ions, zeolite BEA seed crystals and ion-exchange before the removal of the organic template has been shown to be indispensable to obtain the desired material.
Optical and theoretical studies on Fe3O4–imidazole nanocomposite and clusters
Authors: Jayabharathi Jayaraman , Ramanathan Periyasamy , Thanikachalam Venugopal , Karunakaran Chockalingam
Published: March 2015

The larger surface curvature of nanocrystals reduces steric hindrance between surface binding molecules and provides a larger number of unsaturated dangling bonds on the nanocrystal surface.
Single molecular analysis of the interaction between DNA and chitosan
Authors: Wang Yanwei , Zhang Xu , Yang Guangcan
Published: March 2015

DNA condenses into toroids and further to globules when the concentration of chitosan increases, and the corresponding condensing force goes up simultaneously.
Electricity generation by biocathode coupled photoelectrochemical cells
Authors: Du Yue , Qu Youpeng , Zhou Xiangtong , Feng Yujie
Published: March 2015

Biocathode coupled photoelectrochemical cells (Bio-PEC) have the potential for electricity generation and pollutant removal, with the simultaneous utilization of both solar energy and bioenergy.
Scalable, template-free synthesis of conducting polymer microtubes
Authors: Díaz-Orellana Kryssia P. , Roberts Mark E.
Published: March 2015

A template-free synthesis method is used to create polypyrrole microtubes on stainless steel mesh substrates. The physical and electrochemical properties of the microtubes can be tailored by changing substrate dimensions and growth conditions.
Theoretical investigations of novel zinc oxide polytypes and in-depth study of their electronic properties
Authors: Zagorac D. , Schön J. C. , Zagorac J. , Jansen M.
Published: March 2015

Is it still possible to observe or synthesize new modifications of ZnO, improve the properties of this material, find out the connection between zincite, ZnS and ZnO, and finally explain the controversial mineral matraite? The answer to these questions is polytypism.
Synthesis, dispersion and lubrication potential of basal plane functionalized alkylated graphene nanosheets
Authors: Mungse Harshal P. , Kumar Niranjan , Khatri Om P.
Published: March 2015

Basal plane functionalized alkylated graphene nanosheets, dispersed in lube oil, exhibit remarkably improved friction and wear properties of steel tribo-pairs.
Novel and processable polyimides with a N-benzonitrile side chain: thermal, mechanical and gas separation properties
Authors: Dinari Mohammad , Ahmadizadegan Hashem
Published: March 2015

A series of organo-soluble and thermally stable polyimides with N-benzonitrile side group were synthesized from a new diamine monomer, 3-(bis(4-aminophenyl)amino)benzonitrile with different aromatic dianhydrides via thermal or chemical imidization.
Synthesis and biological evaluation of a fatty acyl di-cytarabine prodrug
Authors: Li Feifei , Liu Jing , Shi Jiaxing , Luan Yuxia
Published: March 2015

A fatty acyl di-cytarabine prodrug is synthesized for overcoming the disadvantage of cytarabine in biomedical applications.
A powerful tool for acid catalyzed organic addition and substitution reactions
Authors: Turhanen Petri A. , Vepsäläinen Jouko J.
Published: March 2015

A novel approach to perform organic reactions using a dried Dowex® H+/NaI system has been reported.
Transcription rates in DNA brushes
Authors: Yamamoto Tetsuya , Safran S. A.
Published: March 2015

We theoretically predict the rate of transcription (TX) in DNA brushes by introducing the concept of TX dipoles that takes into account the unidirectional motion of enzymes (RNAP) along DNA during transcription as correlated pairs of sources and sinks in the relevant diffusion equation.
KFeSbTe3: a quaternary chalcogenide aerogel for preferential adsorption of polarizable hydrocarbons and gases
Authors: Ahmed Ejaz , Rothenberger Alexander
Published: March 2015

A first quaternary telluride aerogel KFeSbTe3 is described which comprises high surface area for selective uptake of toluene and CO2.
Insight into structural, elastic, phonon, and thermodynamic properties of α-sulfur and energy-related sulfides: a comprehensive first-principles study
Authors: Shang ShunLi , Wang Yi , Guan Pinwen , Wang William Y. , Fang Huazhi , Anderson Tim , Liu Zi-Kui
Published: March 2015

Current advances in first-principles methodology, comprehensive properties, quantitative bonding and non-polar nature were revealed for α-sulfur and validated by sulfides.
Nanocomposited silicone hydrogels with a laser-assisted surface modification for inhibiting the growth of bacterial biofilm
Authors: Yin P. , Huang G. B. , Tse W. H. , Bao Y. G. , Denstedt J. , Zhang J.
Published: March 2015

Compared to the commercial silicone catheters, the nanocomposited silicone hydrogel with a laser-assisted surface modification can reduce the growth of bacteria from 1.20 × 106 CFU cm−2 to 3.69 × 105 CFU cm−2, almost an order of magnitude.
A ratiometric lysosomal pH probe based on the naphthalimide–rhodamine system
Authors: Zhang Xiao-Fan , Zhang Tao , Shen Shi-Li , Miao Jun-Ying , Zhao Bao-Xiang
Published: March 2015

The ratiometric pH probe RNL was constructed by integrating the naphthalimide moiety as an FRET donor into the rhodamine moiety as an FRET acceptor. The probe with a pKa of 4.82 could detect pH in the range of 4.50–5.50, selectively stain lysosome and detect lysosomal pH changes.
Design and synthesis of fluorenone-based dyes: two-photon excited fluorescent probes for imaging of lysosomes and mitochondria in living cells
Authors: Capodilupo A. L. , Vergaro V. , Fabiano E. , De Giorgi Milena , Baldassarre F. , Cardone Antonio , Maggiore A. , Maiorano V. , Sanvitto D. , Gigli G. , Ciccarella G.
Published: March 2015

Three fluorenone-based two-photon fluorescent probes for specific targeting of lysosomes and mitochondria in cancer cells.
Cu-catalyzed selective cascade sp3 C–H bond oxidative functionalization towards isoxazoline derivatives
Authors: Wang Gang-Wei , Cheng Ming-Xing , Ma Ran-Song , Yang Shang-Dong
Published: March 2015

A Cu-catalyzed cascade sp3 C–H bond oxidative functionalization of the alkylazaarenes to produce a series of new kinds of isoxazoline derivatives has been performed.
Energetic and topological insights into the supramolecular structure of dicationic ionic liquids
Authors: Frizzo C. P. , Bender C. R. , Tier A. Z. , Gindri I. M. , Salbego P. R. S. , Meyer A. R. , Martins M. A. P.
Published: March 2015

The energetic and topological properties of the cation–anion interaction in the crystal of dicationic ionic liquids and the relationship between morphology, crystallinity and application are described.
Understand, elucidate and rationalize the coordination mode of pyrimidylmethylamines: an intertwined study combining NMR and DFT methods
Authors: Herbert Pucheta J. E. , Candy M. , Colin O. , Requet A. , Bourdreux F. , Galmiche-Loire E. , Gaucher A. , Thomassigny C. , Prim D. , Mahfoudh M. , Leclerc E. , Campagne J.-M. , Farjon J.
Published: March 2015

Elucidation of the coordination modes in the pyrimidylmethylamines by NMR and DFT methods.
Dynamics and stability of icosahedral Fe–Pt nanoparticles
Authors: Jochym Paweł T. , Łażewski Jan , Sternik Małgorzata , Piekarz Przemysław
Published: March 2015

An ab initio theoretical study on icosahedral Fe–Pt clusters – one of the most interesting nanoalloys with high application potential.
The role of the ionic liquid C6C1ImTFSI in the sol–gel synthesis of silica studied using in situ SAXS and Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Nayeri Moheb , Nygård Kim , Karlsson Maths , Maréchal Manuel , Burghammer Manfred , Reynolds Michael , Martinelli Anna
Published: March 2015

Structural and chemical changes during the sol–gel synthesis of silica using an ionic liquid are investigatedin situand simultaneously by X-ray scattering and μ-Raman spectroscopy.
Reply to the ‘Comment on “How to interpret Onsager cross terms in mixed ionic electronic conductors”’ by H.-I. Yoo, M. Martin, and J. Janek, Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2015,7, DOI: 10.1039/C4CP05737F
Authors: Riess I.
Published: March 2015

The Onsager cross terms are re-examined. Two experiments are suggested to test which of two alternative explanations for these terms is valid.
Extraction of 5-HMF from the conversion of glucose in ionic liquid [Bmim]Cl by compressed carbon dioxide
Authors: Sun Xiaofu , Liu Zhenghui , Xue Zhimin , Zhang Yuwei , Mu Tiancheng
Published: March 2015

The efficient separation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural from the conversion of glucose in [Bmim]Cl has been achieved by using compressed CO2.
Self-organization in water of well-defined amphiphilic poly(vinyl acetate)-b-poly(vinyl alcohol) diblock copolymers
Authors: Muller Julien , Marchandeau Franck , Prelot Bénédicte , Zajac Jerzy , Robin Jean-Jacques , Monge Sophie
Published: March 2015

Self-organization of well-defined poly(vinyl acetate)-b-poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVAc-b-PVA) amphiphilic diblock copolymers with different hydrophilic block sizes was reported.
Photoinduced topological transformation of cyclized polylactides for switching the properties of homocrystals and stereocomplexes
Authors: Sugai Naoto , Asai Shigeo , Tezuka Yasuyuki , Yamamoto Takuya
Published: March 2015

A new methodology for a stimuli-responsive polymer was proposed on the basis of cyclization and photocleavage. This requires only a single reaction per polymer molecule.
Scaffold-hopping and hybridization based design and building block strategic synthesis of pyridine-annulated purines: discovery of novel apoptotic anticancer agents
Authors: Chaudhary Vikas , Das Sarita , Nayak Anmada , Guchhait Sankar K. , Kundu Chanakya N.
Published: March 2015

A set of novel pyridine annulated purines are considered as potential anticancer agents based on scaffold-hopping and hybridization of known drugs and bioactive agents.
Rational design of 5-HT6R ligands using a bioisosteric strategy: synthesis, biological evaluation and molecular modelling
Authors: Staroń Jakub , Warszycki Dawid , Kalinowska-Tłuścik Justyna , Satała Grzegorz , Bojarski Andrzej J.
Published: March 2015

A bioisosteric strategy was successfully implemented with a screening protocol for new, potent 5-HT6R ligands.
Non-invasive imaging of breast cancer using RGDyK functionalized fluorescent carbonaceous nanospheres
Authors: Ruan Shaobo , Qian Jun , Shen Shun , Chen Jiantao , Cun Xingli , Zhu Jianhua , Jiang Xinguo , He Qin , Gao Huile
Published: March 2015

RGD functionalized carbonaceous dots were prepared and utilized for non-invasive breast cancer imaging.
Mixed-solvothermal synthesis, structures, surface photovoltage, luminescence and molecular recognition properties of three new transition metal phosphonates with 3D framework and supramolecular structures
Authors: Sun Tong , Jiao Cheng-Qi , Li Wen-Zhu , Sun Zhen-Gang , Ma Chao , Zhu Yan-Yu , Ma Ming-Xue , Luo Hui , Zhang Xiao-Wen , Wang Mei-Ling
Published: March 2015

Three new transition metal(ii) phosphonates have been synthesized under mixed-solvothermal conditions. Surface photovoltage and field-induced surface photovoltage spectroscopy of compounds 1 and 2 have been studied. Compound 3 could be used for the sensitive sensing of DMF.