bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strange Birds: Ornithology and the Advent of the Collared Dove in Post-World War II Germany
Authors: Lachmund Jens
Published: May 2015

Argument

In this paper I study the engagement of German ornithologists with the Collared Dove, a bird species of Asian origin that spread massively throughout Central Europe in the 1940s and 1950s. Never before had the spread of a single species attracted so much attention from European ornithologists. Ornithologists were not only fascinated by the exotic origin of the bird, but even more so by the unprecedented rapidity of its expansion. As it is argued in the paper, the advent of the bird created an outstanding opportunity for ornithologists to study the process of biogeographic range expansion. The paper traces how knowledge on the dove's expansion took shape in the social, discursive, and material practices of a large-scale observation campaign of German ornithologists (both amateurs and academics). The paper also argues that ornithologists’ observation practices have contributed to the construction of a benevolent cultural image of the Collared Dove. This sets the case of the Collared Dove apart from many recent debates in which newly arriving species have been framed as a threat to biodiversity. The paper contributes both to a historical understanding of scientific fieldwork as well as of the role of scientific knowledge in the shaping of cultural meanings of animals.
Modernizing Science: Between a Liberal, Social, and Socialistic University – The Case of Poland and the University of Łódź (1945–1953)
Authors: Zysiak Agata
Published: May 2015

Argument

This paper examines the postwar reconstruction of the Polish academic system. It analyzes a debate that took place in the newly established university in the proletarian city of Łódź. The vision of the shape of the university was a bone of contention between the professors. This resulted in two contentious models of a university: “liberal” and “socialized.” Soon, universities were transformed into crucial institutions of the emerging communist state, where national history, ideology, and the future elite were produced and shaped. The social university was transformed into a socialistic university. Analysis of this process of transformation enables me to scrutinize the difficult clashes between the leftist intellectuals and the rising system of power that was not entirely hostile to them. The case of Poland also shows that sovietization did not mean solely a ruthless convergence of Central and Eastern Europe with a universal model most completely implemented in the USSR. Power hitting the ground was redeployed along various local interests, institutional conjunctures, and personal intransigencies. On a more universal level, I present this case in the context of the challenge of modernization and its many respective accommodations.
Short-term mass changes and retreat of the Ecology and Sphinx glacier system, King George Island, Antarctic Peninsula
Authors: Sobota Ireneusz , Kejna Marek , Araźny Andrzej
Published: May 2015

This study investigated the mass balance, melting, near-surface ice thermal structure and meteorological conditions of the Ecology and Sphinx glacier system (ESGS), located on King George Island, Antarctic Peninsula. The study also analysed the role of climate change in glacial retreat of the ESGS in the long (1979–2012) and short term, with a particular focus on the impact on the 2012–13 mass balance of the ESGS. In 2012–13, the glaciers had a mean annual net mass balance of +17.8 cm w.e., but over the long term the glaciers have been receding in this region. The area loss of the ESGS between 1979 and 2012 amounted to 41%. This investigation of mass balance is especially important as it offers one of only a few records available on King George Island. The mean near-surface ice temperature (February to June 2012) for the Ecology and Sphinx glaciers was -0.3°C and -1.0°C at 10 m depth, respectively. From 1948–2012, the air temperature on King George Island increased by 1.2°C (0.19°C per decade).
Landscapes of Mimesis and Convergence in the Southern Jequetepeque Valley, Peru
Authors: Swenson Edward , Warner John
Published: May 2015

Recent archaeological research in the Southern Jequetepeque Valley, Peru, has revealed that the coastal massif of Cerro Cañoncillo was venerated as a powerful huaca (sacred entity) from the Late Formative into the Late Horizon Period. The main objective of the article is to argue that some of the major religious structures of the Late Formative site of Jatanca (500–100 bc) and the Moche ceremonial center of Huaca Colorada (ad 650–850) were built as direct simulators of the distinctive cerro in question. However, a comparison of the larger archaeological landscape of these two neighbouring centres permits a reconstruction of the changing political context and religious significance of the Cerro Cañoncillo cult, allowing us to move beyond generic generalizations of Andean religious architecture as mimetic mountains. An important goal of the article is to demonstrate that attention to the vagaries of ecology and place are essential for the interpretation of historical differences in past religious ideologies. Ultimately, an exploration of the changing mimetic faculty of monumental architecture at Cerro Cañoncillo will permit a critical reappraisal of the storied concept of the ‘ceremonial centre’ that should be of comparative value to archaeologists working in other regions of the world.
CONTRIBUTION TO THE FLORA AND BIOGEOGRAPHY OF THE KIKLADES: FOLEGANDROS ISLAND (KIKLADES, GREECE)
Authors: Kougioumoutzis K. , Tiniakou A. , Georgiou O. , Georgiadis T.
Published: May 2015

The island of Folegandros, located between the Milos and Santorini archipelagos in the southern Kiklades (Greece), constitutes together with Ios and Sikinos the south-central part of the phytogeographical region of the Kiklades. Its flora consists of 474 taxa, 47 of which are under statutory protection, 40 are Greek endemics and 145 are reported here for the first time. We show that Folegandros has the highest percentage of Greek endemics in the phytogeographical area of the Kiklades. The known distribution of the endemic Muscari cycladicum subsp. cycladicum is expanded, being reported for the first time outside the South Aegean Volcanic Arc. The floristic cross-correlation between Folegandros and other parts of the phytogeographical region of the Kiklades by means of Sørensen’s index revealed that its phytogeographical affinities are stronger to Anafi Island than to any other part of the Kiklades.
Does the Implementation of an Advanced Life Support Quick Response Vehicle (QRV) in an Integrated Fire/EMS System Improve Patient Contact Response Time?
Authors: Anderson Dustin W. , Dhindsa Harinder S. , Wan Wen , Salot David
Published: May 2015

Background

The current Fire/Emergency Medical Services (EMS) model throughout the United States involves emergency vehicles which respond from a primary location (ie, firehouse or municipal facility) to emergency calls. Quick response vehicles (QRVs) have been used in various Fire/EMS systems; however, their effectiveness has never been studied.

Objectives

The goal of this study was to determine if patient response times would decrease by placing an Advanced Life Support (ALS) QRV in an integrated Fire/EMS system.

Methods

Response times from an integrated Fire/EMS system with an annual EMS call volume of 3,261 were evaluated over the three years prior to the implementation of this study. For a 2-month period, an ALS QRV staffed by a firefighter/paramedic responded to emergency calls during peak call volume hours of 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. The staging of this vehicle was based on historical call volume percentages using respective geocodes as well as system requirements during multiple emergency dispatches.

Results

Prior to the study, the citywide average response time for the twelve months preceding was 5.44 minutes. During the study, the citywide average response time decreased to 4.09 minutes, resulting in a 27.62% reduction in patient response time.

Conclusion

The implementation of an ALS QRV in an integrated Fire/EMS system reduces patient response time. Having a QRV that is not staged continuously in a traditional fire station or municipal location reduces the time needed to reach patients. Also, using predictive models of historic call volume can aid Fire and EMS administrators in reduction of call response times.

AndersonDW, DhindsaHS, WanW, SalotD. Does the implementation of an Advanced Life Support quick response vehicle (QRV) in an integrated Fire/EMS system improve patient contact response time?Prehosp Disaster Med. 2015;30(4):1 – 3.
0.8–8 GHz 4-bit MMIC phase shifter for T/R modules
Authors: Ferrari Mauro , Piattella Luca
Published: May 2015

This paper presents the design approach and test results of a full passive, decade bandwidth GaAs MMIC, composed by a phase shifter (PS) with a cascaded absorptive single pole double throwswitch, suitable for transmitter/receiver modules in active electronically scanned array. The proposed PS – fabricated using a UMS GaAs 0.25 PHEMT process – combines all-pass filters with high-pass filters, in order to provide less than 13 dB insertion loss, less than ±20° phase error and less than ±2.5 dB amplitude error in the 0.8–8 GHz bandwidth.
Effekte der Gymnasialprofilzugehörigkeit auf Leistungsentwicklungen im Fach Englisch
Authors: Leucht Michael , Retelsdorf Jan , Pant Hans Anand , Möller Jens , Köller Olaf
Published: May 2015

Im Kontext der zunehmenden Aufgabe des Kurssystems zugunsten neigungsbezogener Profile in den Oberstufen allgemeinbildender Gymnasien prüfen wir, ob die Wahl eines sprachlichen Profils zu günstigeren Leistungsentwicklungen im Fach Englisch führt als die Wahl eines nicht-sprachlichen Profils. Insbesondere aufgrund der profilbezogen unterschiedlichen Belegungen von zweiter, dritter und ggf. vierter Fremdsprache wäre eine günstigere Entwicklung des sprachlichen Profils durch positiven Transfer zwischen schulisch erlernten Fremdsprachen zu rechtfertigen. Wir nutzen längsschnittliche Daten von N = 1.171 Schülerinnen und Schülern in 11. bzw. 13. Jahrgangsstufen aus Schleswig-Holstein. Wir beschreiben zunächst die an den fünf Profilen in der Qualifikationsphase belegten Fremdsprachen. Bezugnehmend auf den zurückliegenden Ländervergleich im Fach Englisch zeichnen wir Leistungsentwicklungen in zwei Teildomänen, dem Lese- und Hörverstehen, von der 9. über die 11. bis hin zur 13. Jahrgangsstufe nach. Mehrebenenanalysen sprechen sodann für eine schwache Bestätigung profilbezogener Transfereffekte, die sich gegenüber Effekten der leistungsbezogenen Komposition auf Klassenebene abgrenzen lassen.
Berufliche Interessen und der Übergang in die gymnasiale Profiloberstufe: Ihre Struktur und Vorhersagekraft für das individuelle Wahlverhalten
Authors: Volodina Anna , Nagy Gabriel , Retelsdorf Jan
Published: May 2015

Diese Arbeit untersucht die Rolle beruflicher Interessen sensu Holland (1997) beim Übergang von der Sekundarstufe I in die Profiloberstufe allgemeinbildender Gymnasien in Schleswig-Holstein. Ausgehend vom Circumplexmodell beruflicher Interessen wurde die Vorhersageleistung der daraus abgeleiteten Parameter individueller Interessenprofile für die in Klassenstufe 11 gewählten Oberstufenprofile untersucht. Die Ergebnisse unterstützen die Validität der Profilmodellierung. Insbesondere zeigt sich, dass (1) die Interessenstruktur am Ende der Sekundarstufe I den von Holland postulierten Vorgaben entspricht, (2) die Interessenprofile mit der Wahl des Profils der Oberstufe assoziiert sind und (3) den betrachteten Parametern individueller Interessenprofile auch nach Kontrolle von Noten und des Geschlechts ein eigenständiger Beitrag zur Vorhersage späterer Wahlentscheidungen zukommt. In ihrer Gesamtheit liefern die Befunde robuste Hinweise dafür, dass berufliche Interessen bereits in der 9. Klasse eine wichtige handlungsleitende Funktion beim Treffen innerschulischer Wahlentscheidungen übernehmen.
Thanks to AGU Reviewers
Authors: Hanson Brooks , van der Hilst Rob
Published: May 2015

AGU recognizes a number of outstanding reviewers for their work in 2014.
Better Utilization of Marine Seismic Data
Authors: Austin Jr. James A. , Bangs Nathan , Sawyer Dale S.
Published: May 2015

Increasing the Access to and the Relevance of Marine Seismic Data; San Francisco, California, 11–13 December 2014
New peptide architectures through C–H activation stapling between tryptophan–phenylalanine/tyrosine residues
Authors: Mendive-Tapia Lorena , Preciado Sara , García Jesús , Ramón Rosario , Kielland Nicola , Albericio Fernando , Lavilla Rodolfo
Published: May 2015

Natural peptides show high degrees of specificity in their biological action. However, their therapeutical profile is severely limited by their conformational freedom and metabolic instability. Stapled peptides constitute a solution to these problems and access to these structures lies on a limited number of reactions involving the use of non-natural amino acids. Here, we describe a synthetic strategy for the preparation of unique constrained peptides featuring a covalent bond between tryptophan and phenylalanine or tyrosine residues. The preparation of such peptides is achieved in solution and on solid phase directly from the corresponding sequences having an iodo-aryl amino acid through an intramolecular palladium-catalysed C–H activation process. Moreover, complex topologies arise from the internal stapling of cyclopeptides and double intramolecular arylations within a linear peptide. Finally, as a proof of principle, we report the application to this new stapling method to relevant biologically active compounds.
Comparative Transcriptomic Analysis of Multiple Cardiovascular Fates from Embryonic Stem Cells Predicts Novel Regulators in Human Cardiogenesis
Authors: Li Yang , Lin Bo , Yang Lei
Published: May 2015

Dissecting the gene expression programs which control the early stage cardiovascular development is essential for understanding the molecular mechanisms of human heart development and heart disease. Here, we performed transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq) of highly purified human Embryonic Stem Cells (hESCs), hESC-derived Multipotential Cardiovascular Progenitors (MCPs) and MCP-specified three cardiovascular lineages. A novel algorithm, named as Gene Expression Pattern Analyzer (GEPA), was developed to obtain a refined lineage-specificity map of all sequenced genes, which reveals dynamic changes of transcriptional factor networks underlying early human cardiovascular development. Moreover, our GEPA predictions captured ~90% of top-ranked regulatory cardiac genes that were previously predicted based on chromatin signature changes in hESCs and further defined their cardiovascular lineage-specificities, indicating that our multi-fate comparison analysis could predict novel regulatory genes. Furthermore, GEPA analysis revealed the MCP-specific expressions of genes in ephrin signaling pathway, positive role of which in cardiomyocyte differentiation was further validated experimentally. By using RNA-seq plus GEPA workflow, we also identified stage-specific RNA splicing switch and lineage-enriched long non-coding RNAs during human cardiovascular differentiation. Overall, our study utilized multi-cell-fate transcriptomic comparison analysis to establish a lineage-specific gene expression map for predicting and validating novel regulatory mechanisms underlying early human cardiovascular development.
Roles of small RNAs in the effects of nutrition on apoptosis and spermatogenesis in the adult testis
Authors: Guan Yongjuan , Liang Guanxiang , Hawken Penelope A. R. , Malecki Irek A. , Cozens Greg , Vercoe Philip E. , Martin Graeme B. , Guan Le Luo
Published: May 2015

We tested whether reductions in spermatozoal quality induced by under-nutrition are associated with increased germ cell apoptosis and disrupted spermatogenesis and whether these effects are mediated by small RNAs. Groups of 8 male sheep were fed for a 10% increase or 10% decrease in body mass over 65 days. Underfeeding increased the number of apoptotic germ cells (P < 0.05) and increased the expression of apoptosis-related genes (P < 0.05) in testicular tissue. We identified 44 miRNAs and 35 putative piRNAs that were differentially expressed in well-fed and underfed males (FDR < 0.05). Some were related to reproductive system development, apoptosis (miRNAs) and sperm production and quality (piRNAs). Novel-miR-144 (miR-98), was found to target three apoptotic genes (TP53,CASP3,FASL). The proportion of miRNAs as a total of small RNAs was greater in well-fed males than in underfed males (P < 0.05) and was correlated (r = 0.8, P < 0.05) with the proportion of piRNAs in well-fed and underfed males. In conclusion, the reductions in spermatozoal quality induced by under-nutrition are caused, at least partly, by disruptions to Sertoli cell function and increased germ cell apoptosis, mediated by changes in the expression of miRNAs and piRNAs.
Synergetic antibacterial activity of reduced graphene oxide and boron doped diamond anode in three dimensional electrochemical oxidation system
Authors: Qi Xiujuan , Wang Ting , Long Yujiao , Ni Jinren
Published: May 2015

A 100% increment of antibacterial ability has been achieved due to significant synergic effects of boron-doped diamond (BDD) anode and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) coupled in a three dimensional electrochemical oxidation system. The rGO, greatly enhanced by BDD driven electric field, demonstrated strong antibacterial ability and even sustained its excellent performance during a reasonable period after complete power cut in the BDD-rGO system. Cell damage experiments and TEM observation confirmed much stronger membrane stress in the BDD-rGO system, due to the faster bacterial migration and charge transfer by the expanded electro field and current-carrying efficiency by quantum tunnel. Reciprocally the hydroxyl-radical production was eminently promoted with expanded area of electrodes and delayed recombination of the electron–hole pairs in presence of the rGO in the system. This implied a huge potential for practical disinfection with integration of the promising rGO and the advanced electrochemical oxidation systems.
Silver Nanoscale Hexagonal Column Chips for Detecting Cell-free DNA and Circulating Nucleosomes in Cancer Patients
Authors: Ito Hiroaki , Hasegawa Katsuyuki , Hasegawa Yuuki , Nishimaki Tadashi , Hosomichi Kazuyoshi , Kimura Satoshi , Ohba Motoi , Yao Hiroshi , Onimaru Manabu , Inoue Ituro , Inoue Haruhiro
Published: May 2015

Blood tests, which are commonly used for cancer screening, generally have low sensitivity. Here, we developed a novel rapid and simple method to generate silver nanoscale hexagonal columns (NHCs) for use in surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). We reported that the intensity of SERS spectra of clinical serum samples obtained from gastrointestinal cancer patients is was significantly higher than that of SERS spectra of clinical serum samples obtained from non-cancer patients. We estimated the combined constituents on silver NHCs by using a field emission-type scanning electron microscope, Raman microscopes and a 3D laser scanning confocal microscope. We obtained the Raman scattering spectra of samples of physically fractured cells and clinical serum. No spectra were obtained for chemically lysed cultured cells and DNA, RNA and protein extracted from cultured cells. We believe that our method, which uses SERS with silver NHCs to detect circulating nucleosomes bound by methylated cell-free DNA, may be successfully implemented in blood tests for cancer screening.
Magnetization Reversal by Out-of-plane Voltage in BiFeO3-based Multiferroic Heterostructures
Authors: Wang J. J. , Hu J.M. , Peng Ren-Ci , Gao Y. , Shen Y. , Chen L. Q. , Nan C. W.
Published: May 2015

Voltage controlled 180° magnetization reversal has been achieved in BiFeO3-based multiferroic heterostructures, which is promising for the future development of low-power spintronic devices. However, all existing reports involve the use of an in-plane voltage that is unfavorable for practical device applications. Here, we investigate, using phase-field simulations, the out-of-plane (i.e., perpendicular to heterostructures) voltage controlled magnetism in heterostructures consisting of CoFe nanodots and (110) BiFeO3 thin film or island. It is predicted that the in-plane component of the canted magnetic moment at the CoFe/BiFeO3 interface can be reversed repeatedly by applying a perpendicular voltage across the bottom (110) BiFeO3 thin film, which further leads to an in-plane magnetization reversal in the overlaying CoFe nanodot. The non-volatility of such perpendicular voltage controlled magnetization reversal can be achieved by etching the continuous BiFeO3 film into isolated nanoislands with the same in-plane sizes as the CoFe nanodot. The findings would provide general guidelines for future experimental and engineering efforts on developing the electric-field controlled spintronic devices with BiFeO3-based multiferroic heterostructures.
Sterilization of polydimethylsiloxane surface with Chinese herb extract: a new antibiotic mechanism of chlorogenic acid
Authors: Ren Song , Wu Ming , Guo Jiayu , Zhang Wang , Liu Xiaohan , Sun Lili , Holyst Robert , Hou Sen , Fang Yongchun , Feng Xizeng
Published: May 2015

Coating of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) surface with a traditional Chinese herb extract chlorogenic acid (CA) solves the contemporary problem of sterilization of PDMS surface. The E. coli grows slower and has a higher death rate on the CA-coated PDMS surfaces. A smoother morphology of these E. coli cell wall is observed by atomic force microscopy (AFM). Unlike the reported mechanism, where CA inhibits bacterial growth by damaging the cell membrane in the bulk solution, we find the CA-coated PDMS surface also decreases the stiffness of the cell wall. A decrease in the Young’s modulus of the cell wall from 3 to 0.8 MPa is reported. Unexpectedly, the CA effect on the swarming ability and the biofilm stability of the bacteria can be still observed, even after they have been removed from the CA environment, indicating a decrease in their resistance to antibiotics for a prolonged time. The CA-coated PDMS surface shows better antibiotic effect against three types of both Gram-positive and Gran-negative bacteria than the gentamicin-coated PDMS surface. Coating of CA on PDMS surface not only solves the problem of sterilization of PDMS surface, but also shines light on the application of Chinese traditional herbs in scientific research.
Cuticular protein with a low complexity sequence becomes cross-linked during insect cuticle sclerotization and is required for the adult molt
Authors: Mun Seulgi , Young Noh Mi , Dittmer Neal T. , Muthukrishnan Subbaratnam , Kramer Karl J. , Kanost Michael R. , Arakane Yasuyuki
Published: May 2015

In the insect cuticle, structural proteins (CPs) and the polysaccharide chitin are the major components. It has been hypothesized that CPs are cross-linked to other CPs and possibly to chitin by quinones or quinone methides produced by the laccase2-mediated oxidation of N-acylcatechols. In this study we investigated functions of TcCP30, the third most abundant CP in protein extracts of elytra (wing covers) from Tribolium castaneum adults. The mature TcCP30 protein has a low complexity and highly polar amino acid sequence. TcCP30 is localized with chitin in horizontal laminae and vertically oriented columnar structures in rigid cuticles, but not in soft and membranous cuticles. Immunoblot analysis revealed that TcCP30 undergoes laccase2-mediated cross-linking during cuticle maturation in vivo, a process confirmed in vitro using recombinant rTcCP30. We identified TcCPR27 and TcCPR18, the two most abundant proteins in the elytra, as putative cross-linking partners of TcCP30. RNAi for the TcCP30 gene had no effect on larval and pupal growth and development. However, during adult eclosion, ~70% of the adults were unable to shed their exuvium and died. These results support the hypothesis that TcCP30 plays an integral role as a cross-linked structural protein in the formation of lightweight rigid cuticle of the beetle.
Characterization of a xylanase-producing Cellvibrio mixtus strain J3-8 and its genome analysis
Authors: Wu Yi-Rui , He Jianzhong
Published: May 2015

Cellvibrio mixtus strain J3-8 is a gram-negative, xylanase-producing aerobic soil bacterium isolated from giant snails in Singapore. It is able to produce up to 10.1 U ml−1 of xylanase, which is comparable to xylanase production from known bacterial and fungal strains. Genome sequence analysis of strain J3-8 reveals that the assembled draft genome contains 5,171,890 bp with a G + C content of 46.66%, while open reading frame (ORF) annotations indicate a high density of genes encoding glycoside hydrolase (GH) families involved in (hemi)cellulose hydrolysis. On the basis of 15 identified putative xylanolytic genes, one metabolic pathway in strain J3-8 is constructed for utilization of xylan. In addition, a 1,083 bp xylanase gene from strain J3-8 represents a new member of GH11 family. This gene is verified to be novel via phylogenetic analysis. To utilize this novel gene for hydrolysis of xylan to xylose, it is expressed in recombinant E. coli and characterized for its hydrolytic activity. This study shows that strain J3-8 is a potential candidate for hydrolysis of lignocellulosic materials.
Field-Induced Crystalline-to-Amorphous Phase Transformation on the Si Nano-Apex and the Achieving of Highly Reliable Si Nano-Cathodes
Authors: Huang Yifeng , Deng Zexiang , Wang Weiliang , Liang Chaolun , She Juncong , Deng Shaozhi , Xu Ningsheng
Published: May 2015

Nano-scale vacuum channel transistors possess merits of higher cutoff frequency and greater gain power as compared with the conventional solid-state transistors. The improvement in cathode reliability is one of the major challenges to obtain high performance vacuum channel transistors. We report the experimental findings and the physical insight into the field induced crystalline-to-amorphous phase transformation on the surface of the Si nano-cathode. The crystalline Si tip apex deformed to amorphous structure at a low macroscopic field (0.6~1.65 V/nm) with an ultra-low emission current (1~10 pA). First-principle calculation suggests that the strong electrostatic force exerting on the electrons in the surface lattices would take the account for the field-induced atomic migration that result in an amorphization. The arsenic-dopant in the Si surface lattice would increase the inner stress as well as the electron density, leading to a lower amorphization field. Highly reliable Si nano-cathodes were obtained by employing diamond like carbon coating to enhance the electron emission and thus decrease the surface charge accumulation. The findings are crucial for developing highly reliable Si-based nano-scale vacuum channel transistors and have the significance for future Si nano-electronic devices with narrow separation.
Suspension plasma sprayed coatings using dilute hydrothermally produced titania feedstocks for photocatalytic applications
Authors: Robinson B. W. , Tighe C. J. , Gruar R. I. , Mills A. , Parkin I. P. , Tabecki A. K. , de Villiers Lovelock H. L. , Darr J. A.
Published: May 2015

SPS titania coatings, with applications in water purification, were formed using continuous hydrothermally produced feedstocks for the first time. Coating photoactivity was compared with CVD and P25 analogues.
Kinetics of intramolecular chemical exchange by initial growth rates of spin saturation transfer difference experiments (SSTD NMR)
Authors: Quirós M. Teresa , Angulo Jesús , Muñoz María Paz
Published: May 2015

Initial growth rates SSTD NMR method is a new powerful tool to obtain the kinetic parameters of intramolecular chemical exchange.
A novel azopyridine-based Ru(ii) complex with GSH-responsive DNA photobinding ability
Authors: Zhou Qian-Xiong , Zheng Yue , Wang Tian-Ji , Chen Yong-Jie , Li Ke , Zhang Yang-Yang , Li Chao , Hou Yuan-Jun , Wang Xue-Song
Published: May 2015

An azopyridine-based Ru(ii) complex was synthesized as a glutathione (GSH)-responsive photoactivated DNA covalent binding agent.
Effect of Sb2Se on phase change characteristics of Ge2Sb2Te5
Authors: Wang Miao , Lu Yegang , Shen Xiang , Wang Guoxiang , Li Jun , Dai Shixun , Song Sannian , Song Zhitang
Published: May 2015

In this paper, the effect of Sb2Se on the phase change characteristics of Ge2Sb2Te5(GST) is systemically studied for applications in phase-change random access memory (PRAM).
Dumbbell stanane: a large-gap quantum spin hall insulator
Authors: Chen Xin , Li Linyang , Zhao Mingwen
Published: May 2015

Hydrogenating DB stanene improves its stability and spin–orbit coupling effect, leading to a stable large-gap quantum spin Hall insulator.
Quantifying solvated electrons' delocalization
Authors: Janesko Benjamin G. , Scalmani Giovanni , Frisch Michael J.
Published: May 2015

The electron delocalization range EDR(r;uav) (left) captures the spin density (right) of an electron delocalized over uav = 5.77 Å on the surface of an (H2O)20− cluster.
Acid-modified clays as green catalysts for the hydrolysis of hemicellulosic oligosaccharides
Authors: Vilcocq Léa , Spinola Vitor , Moniz Patricia , Duarte Luís C. , Carvalheiro Florbela , Fernandes César , Castilho Paula
Published: May 2015

Hemicellulosic oligosaccharide hydrolysis over acid clay catalysts.
Nanoporous gold film: fabrication and role as a catalytic reactor
Authors: Xia Youyi , Deng Xiang , Yan Shuxin , Gao Chang , Ma Cong , Jin Ling
Published: May 2015

A thin NPG film with a thickness of 90 nm can be prepared on various substrates to form a catalytic reactor conveniently by using seed-mediated growth. Because of the nanoporous characterization, the film exhibits high catalytic activity both for oxidative and hydrogenation reactions.
Antibacterial effect of calcium oxide nano-plates fabricated from shrimp shells
Authors: Gedda Gangaraju , Pandey Sunil , Lin Yu-Chih , Wu Hui-Fen
Published: May 2015

The formation and characterization of shrimp shell-derived CaO nano-plates with antibacterial activity have been demonstrated in this communication.
Discovery of novel amino-pyrimidine inhibitors of the insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1R) and insulin receptor (INSR) kinases; parallel optimization of cell potency and hERG inhibition
Authors: Tye Heather , Guertler Ulrich , Hofmann Marco H. , Mayer Moriz , Pal Sandeep , Rast Georg , Sanderson Michael P. , Schaaf Otmar , Treu Matthias , Zahn Stephan K.
Published: May 2015

Modulating hERG activity of IGF1R/INSR inhibitors by tuning log D and use of homology modelling.
The design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of novel YC-1 derivatives as potent anti-hepatic fibrosis agents
Authors: Xiao Juan , Jin Chunmei , Liu Zhixue , Guo Shujing , Zhang Xiaochuan , Zhou Xin , Wu Xue
Published: May 2015

YC-1and its derivatives have been demonstrated for the first time with significant effects on inhibiting LX-2 cell activation and inducing apoptosis of LX-2 cells, making them potential agents for hepatic fibrosis therapy.
Synthesis of carbazoloquinone natural products ‘on-water’
Authors: Norcott P. , McErlean C. S. P.
Published: May 2015

The total synthesis of a number of carbazolo-1,4-quinone natural products using on-water chemistry is described.
A DFT/TDDFT mission to probe push–pull vinyl coupled thiophene oligomers for optoelectronic applications
Authors: Gajalakshmi Duraikannu , Solomon Rajadurai Vijay , Tamilmani Venkatachalam , Boobalan Mariasusai , Venuvanalingam Ponnambalam
Published: May 2015

VCTO encompassing pull–pull and push–pull categories has been appraised for fine tuning of band gaps and optoelectronic application through DFT/TDDFT calculations.
Synthesis and characterization of ZnO nanorods with a narrow size distribution
Authors: Chandraiahgari Chandrakanth Reddy , De Bellis Giovanni , Ballirano Paolo , Balijepalli Santosh Kiran , Kaciulis Saulius , Caneve Luisa , Sarto Francesca , Sarto Maria Sabrina
Published: May 2015

Production of ZnO nanorods with high crystallographic purity and PL emission properties.
Adsorption of Hg2+ by thiol functionalized hollow mesoporous silica microspheres with magnetic cores
Authors: Zhang Xian , Wu Tianxing , Zhang Yunxia , Ng Dickon H. L. , Zhao Huijun , Wang Guozhong
Published: May 2015

Thiol functionalized hollow mesoporous silica spheres with magnetic cores were synthesized and found to be highly selective adsorbents of Hg2+.
Facile synthesis of 3D flower-like porous NiO architectures with an excellent capacitance performance
Authors: Liu Xijian , Zhao Jiachang , Cao Yunjiu , Li Wenyao , Sun Yangang , Lu Jie , Men Yong , Hu Junqing
Published: May 2015

3D flower-like porous NiO architectures with outstanding electrochemical performance were synthesized via a facile and green synthetic method.
High grafting density of cyclodextrin polymer for fast removal of aromatic compounds from water
Authors: Ma Qian , Yuan Xiaoyan , Zhao Yunhui , Ren Lixia
Published: May 2015

The synthesized β-cyclodextrin grafted poly(glycidyl methacrylate) shows great potential in water treatment as it can complex with organic compounds such as 1-naphthylamine and 4′-aminoazobenzene-4-sulfonic acid in dilute aqueous solution.
Calibration on force upon the surface of single ZnO nanowire applied by AFM tip with different scanning angles
Authors: Li Peifeng , Liao Qingliang , Wang Zengze , Lin Pei , Zhang Zheng , Yan Xiaoqin , Zhang Yue
Published: May 2015

The scanning angles strengthen the actual forces applied on ZnO NWs, but have no influence on the actual threshold forces.
TiO2-coated magnetite nanoparticle-supported sulfonic acid as a new, efficient, magnetically separable and reusable heterogeneous solid acid catalyst for multicomponent reactions
Authors: Amoozadeh Ali , Golian Sanaz , Rahmani Salman
Published: May 2015

TiO2-coated magnetite nanoparticles-supported sulfonic acid (nano-Fe3O4–TiO2–SO3H (n-FTSA)) is synthesized by the immobilization of –SO3H groups on the surface of nano-Fe3O4–TiO2.
Synergistic toughening effects of dispersed components in PP/PA6/EPDM ternary blends; quantitative analysis of the fracture toughness via the essential work of fracture (EWF) methodology
Authors: Mehrabi Mazidi Majid , Razavi Aghjeh Mir Karim
Published: May 2015

A synergistic toughening effect of soft EPDM particles and rigid PA6 domains for PP/PA/EPDM ternary blends was observed and the related micromechanisms were proposed.
Cation ordering induced semiconductor to half metal transition in La2NiCrO6
Authors: Wang Jing , Hao Xiangfeng , Xu Yuanhui , Li Zhiping , Zu Ningning , Wu Zhijian , Gao Faming
Published: May 2015

La2NiCrO6, previously proposed to be a candidate of half metallic antiferromagnetism, is revisited using the first-principles calculation.
Dual-emitting quantum dot nanohybrid for imaging of latent fingerprints: simultaneous identification of individuals and traffic light-type visualization of TNT
Authors: Wu Peng , Xu Chaoying , Hou Xiandeng , Xu Jing-Juan , Chen Hong-Yuan
Published: May 2015

A nanohybrid was employed for fingerprint imaging that was capable of simultaneous identification of individuals and TNT visualization in a “traffic-light” manner.
Stereoselective synthesis of macrocyclic peptides via a dual olefin metathesis and ethenolysis approach
Authors: Mangold Shane L. , Grubbs Robert H.
Published: May 2015

A metathesis strategy for controlling olefin geometry within macrocyclic peptides has been achieved using catalyst-directed RCM and ethenolysis.
An unusual bifunctional Tb-MOF for highly sensitive sensing of Ba2+ ions and with remarkable selectivities for CO2–N2 and CO2–CH4
Authors: Yang Yan , Jiang Feilong , Chen Lian , Pang Jiandong , Wu Mingyan , Wan Xiuyan , Pan Jie , Qian Jinjie , Hong Maochun
Published: May 2015

A bifunctional terbium metal–organic framework synthesized by a solvothermal method exhibits excellent sensitivity of Ba2+ ions and unusual selectivities of CO2–N2 and CO2–CH4.
Green preparation of tuneable carbon–silica composite materials from wastes
Authors: Jiang Tengyao , Budarin Vitaliy L. , Shuttleworth Peter S. , Ellis Gary , Parlett Christopher M. A. , Wilson Karen , Macquarrie Duncan J. , Hunt Andrew J.
Published: May 2015

Carbon–silica composites have been successfully synthesized through the carbonization of mesoporous silica with microwave pyrolysis bio-oils. The resultant CSC exhibits not only similar pore structural ordering, but also unique advantages including temperature-dependent surface functionality, cost-effective carbon source from waste.
Phase transformation and cycling characteristics of a Ce2Ni7-type single-phase La0.78Mg0.22Ni3.45 metal hydride alloy
Authors: Zhang Lu , Li Yuan , Zhao Xin , Liu Jingjing , Ke Dandan , Du Wenkai , Yang Shuqin , Han Shumin
Published: May 2015

A Ce2Ni7-type single-phase La0.78Mg0.22Ni3.45 alloy has been prepared by zoning annealing of the as-cast sample.
New Cr2Mo3O12-based anodes: morphology tuning and Li-storage properties
Authors: Guo Lei , Wang Yong
Published: May 2015

New rod-like and sheet-like Cr2Mo3O12 anodes with and without graphene support are prepared with good Li-storage properties.
Highly luminescent and stable white light-emitting diodes created by direct incorporation of Cd-free quantum dots in silicone resins using the thiol group
Authors: Yoon Cheolsang , Kim Taewoo , Shin Min-Ho , Song Young-Geon , Shin Kyusoon , Kim Young-Joo , Lee Kangtaek
Published: May 2015

WLEDs fabricated by direct incorporation of QDs into silicone resins using the thiol group exhibit enhanced color conversion and luminous efficiency with high stability.
Thiol-disulfide exchange between the PDI family of oxidoreductases negates the requirement for an oxidase or reductase for each enzyme
Authors: Oka Ojore B.V. , Yeoh Hui Y. , Bulleid Neil J.
Published: May 2015

The formation of disulfides in proteins entering the secretory pathway is catalysed by the protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) family of enzymes. These enzymes catalyse the introduction, reduction and isomerization of disulfides. To function continuously they require an oxidase to reform the disulfide at their active site. To determine how each family member can be recycled to catalyse disulfide exchange, we have studied whether disulfides are transferred between individual PDI family members. We studied disulfide exchange either between purified proteins or by identifying mixed disulfide formation within cells grown in culture. We show that disulfide exchange occurs efficiently and reversibly between specific PDIs. These results have allowed us to define a hierarchy for members of the PDI family, in terms of ability to act as electron acceptors or donors during thiol-disulfide exchange reactions and indicate that there is no kinetic barrier to the exchange of disulfides between several PDI proteins. Such promiscuous disulfide exchange negates the necessity for each enzyme to be oxidized by Ero1 (ER oxidoreductin 1) or reduced by a reductive system. The lack of kinetic separation of the oxidative and reductive pathways in mammalian cells contrasts sharply with the equivalent systems for native disulfide formation within the bacterial periplasm.
Endotoxin-induced skeletal muscle wasting is prevented by angiotensin-(1–7) through a p38 MAPK-dependent mechanism
Authors: Morales María Gabriela , Olguín Hugo , Di Capua Gabriella , Brandan Enrique , Simon Felipe , Cabello-Verrugio Claudio
Published: May 2015

Skeletal muscle atrophy induced during sepsis syndrome produced by endotoxin in the form of LPS (lipopolysaccharide), is a pathological condition characterized by the loss of strength and muscle mass, an increase in MHC (myosin heavy chain) degradation, and an increase in the expression of atrogin-1 and MuRF-1 (muscle-specific RING-finger protein 1), two ubiquitin E3 ligases belonging to the ubiquitin–proteasome system. Ang-(1–7) [Angiotensin-(1–7)], through its Mas receptor, has beneficial effects in skeletal muscle. We evaluated in vivo the role of Ang-(1–7) and Mas receptor on the muscle wasting induced by LPS injection into C57BL/10J mice. In vitro studies were performed in murine C2C12 myotubes and isolated myofibres from EDL (extensor digitorum longus) muscle. In addition, the participation of p38 MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) in the Ang-(1–7) effect on the LPS-induced muscle atrophy was evaluated. Our results show that Ang-(1–7) prevents the decrease in the diameter of myofibres and myotubes, the decrease in muscle strength, the diminution in MHC levels and the induction of atrogin-1 and MuRF-1 expression, all of which are induced by LPS. These effects were reversed by using A779, a Mas antagonist. Ang-(1–7) exerts these anti-atrophic effects at least in part by inhibiting the LPS-dependent activation of p38 MAPK both in vitro and in vivo. We have demonstrated for the first time that Ang-(1–7) counteracts the skeletal muscle atrophy induced by endotoxin through a mechanism dependent on the Mas receptor that involves a decrease in p38 MAPK phosphorylation. The present study indicates that Ang-(1–7) is a novel molecule with a potential therapeutic use to improve muscle wasting during endotoxin-induced sepsis syndrome.
Distance and Interference in the Reference Management of African American Adults
Authors: Bradford Wainwright Angela , Cannito Michael P.
Published: May 2015

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of distance and interference on the adequacy of reference management in 2 contrasting narrative conditions among age-defined groups of healthy African American adults.

Methods

Twenty middle-aged (M= 51 years) and 20 older (M= 72 years) women produced a complex story retelling and a personal narrative of a childhood experience. All narratives were transcribed orthographically, parsed into terminal units (T-units), and analyzed for surface structure markings of referents.

Results

Results varied on the basis of task complexity and specific dependent variables. Older adults produced shorter T-unit distances between nouns and pronouns in story retelling compared with middle-aged adults. Middle-aged adults, but not older adults, exhibited longer T-unit distances between referents on story retelling than on personal narratives. Both groups performed similarly in the management of intervening information between referents. The presence of African American English features was related to interference but not to referential distance.

Conclusions

Older adults demonstrated an effective age-related strategy for simplifying complex story retelling by producing shorter T-unit distances and, thus, less intervening information between referents. These findings suggest that referential distance may be a more important factor in mediating story recall. (For a summary and guidelines for therapy, see Bunce, 1991.)
Beeinflussung der okulären Pulsamplitude und des Intraokulardrucks durch nicht depolarisierende Muskelrelaxanzien
Authors: Zuche H. , Morinello E. , Viestenz Anja , Fiorentzis M. F. , Volk T. , Seitz B. , Viestenz Arne
Published: May 2015

Hintergrund: Im Rahmen einer Augenoperation hat die Wahl des nicht depolarisierenden Muskelrelaxans für die Intubationsnarkose (ITN) einen erheblichen Einfluss auf das Absinken des intraokularen Druckes (IOD) und der okulären Pulsamplitude (OPA).
Patienten und Methoden: Bei 229 Patienten, die für ihre Operation eine ITN benötigten, wurden mithilfe des dynamischen Konturtonometers (DCT) der IOD und die OPA vor und nach Narkoseeinleitung gemessen. Für die ITN wurden die 3 nicht depolarisierenden Muskelrelaxanzien Mivacurium (n = 71), Atracurium (n = 91) und Rocuronium (n = 67) verwendet und deren Einfluss auf IOD und OPA verglichen.
Ergebnisse: Der IOD fiel bei Mivacurium um 4,0 ± 2,3 mmHg, bei Atracurium um 6,1 ± 2,2 mmHg und bei Rocuronium um 7,4 ± 1,7 mmHg (p < 0,001). Die relative IOD-Senkung betrug für Mivacurium 20 %, für Atracurium 31 % und für Rocuronium 37 %. Bei Mivacurium kam es zu einem Abfall der OPA von 3,4 ± 1,5 mmHg auf 2,2 ± 1,1 mmHg (p < 0,001) im Gegensatz zu Atracurium (Abfall von 3,6 ± 1,5 mmHg auf 1,8 ± 0,8 mmHg; p < 0,001) und Rocuronium (Abfall von 3,1 ± 1,6 mmHg auf 1,7 ± 0,9 mmHg; p < 0,001). Die OPA-Differenz war bei Mivacurium mit 1,3 mmHg am geringsten, bei Atracurium mit 1,7 mmHg am höchsten. Die relative OPA-Senkung lag unter Mivacurium bei 34 %, unter Atracurium bei 46 % und unter Rocuronium bei 43 % (p < 0,001). Es bestand kein linearer Zusammenhang zwischen relativer OPA-Senkung und relativem IOD-Abfall.
Schlussfolgerung: Mivacurium sollte aufgrund seines ungenügend senkenden Einflusses auf den IOD und die OPA zur Risikominimierung nicht mehr bei Operationen in der Ophthalmologie verwendet werden. Rocuronium könnte gerade bei großem OP-Zugang in der Ophthalmochirurgie bevorzugt werden, da es eine ausreichende Drucksenkung induziert.
On the accuracy of density functional theory and wave function methods for calculating vertical ionization energies
Authors: McKechnie Scott , Booth George H. , Cohen Aron J. , Cole Jacqueline M.
Published: May 2015

The best practice in computational methods for determining vertical ionization energies (VIEs) is assessed, via reference to experimentally determined VIEs that are corroborated by highly accurate coupled-cluster calculations. These reference values are used to benchmark the performance of density functional theory (DFT) and wave function methods: Hartree-Fock theory, second-order Møller-Plesset perturbation theory, and Electron Propagator Theory (EPT). The core test set consists of 147 small molecules. An extended set of six larger molecules, from benzene to hexacene, is also considered to investigate the dependence of the results on molecule size. The closest agreement with experiment is found for ionization energies obtained from total energy difference calculations. In particular, DFT calculations using exchange-correlation functionals with either a large amount of exact exchange or long-range correction perform best. The results from these functionals are also the least sensitive to an increase in molecule size. In general, ionization energies calculated directly from the orbital energies of the neutral species are less accurate and more sensitive to an increase in molecule size. For the single-calculation approach, the EPT calculations are in closest agreement for both sets of molecules. For the orbital energies from DFT functionals, only those with long-range correction give quantitative agreement with dramatic failing for all other functionals considered. The results offer a practical hierarchy of approximations for the calculation of vertical ionization energies. In addition, the experimental and computational reference values can be used as a standardized set of benchmarks, against which other approximate methods can be compared.
Experimental tests of a 263 GHz gyrotron for spectroscopic applications and diagnostics of various media
Authors: Glyavin M. Yu. , Chirkov A. V. , Denisov G. G. , Fokin A. P. , Kholoptsev V. V. , Kuftin A. N. , Luchinin A. G. , Golubyatnikov G. Yu. , Malygin V. I. , Morozkin M. V. , Manuilov V. N. , Proyavin M. D. , Sedov A. S. , Sokolov E. V. , Tai E. M. , Tsvetkov A. I. , Zapevalov V. E.
Published: May 2015

A 263 GHz continuous-wave (CW) gyrotron was developed at the IAP RAS for future applications as a microwave power source in Dynamic Nuclear Polarization / Nuclear magnetic resonance (DNP/NMR) spectrometers. A new experimental facility with a computerized control was built to test this and subsequent gyrotrons. We obtained the maximum CW power up to 1 kW in the 15 kV/0.4 A operation regime. The power about 10 W, which is sufficient for many spectroscopic applications, was realized in the low current 14 kV/0.02 A regime. The possibility of frequency tuning by variation of the coolant temperature about 4 MHz/1 °C was demonstrated. The spectral width of the gyrotron radiation was about 10−6.