bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combined use of GAP and AOX1 promoters and optimization of culture conditions to enhance expression of Rhizomucor miehei lipase
Authors: He Dong , Luo Wen , Wang Zhiyuan , Lv Pengmei , Yuan Zhenhong
Published: May 2015

Rhizo  mucor miehei lipase (RML) is an industrially important enzyme, but its application is limited due to its high cost. In this study, a series of measures such as codon optimization, propeptide addition, combined use of GAP and AOX1 promoters, and optimization of culture conditions were employed to increase the expression of RML. Three transformants of the constitutive-inducible combined Pichia pastoris strains were generated by transforming the pGAPZαA-rml vector into the pPIC9K-rml/GS115 strain, which resulted in high-expression yields of RML. Using the shake flask method, highest enzyme activity corresponding to 140 U/mL was observed in the strain 3-17, which was about sixfold higher than that of pPIC9K-rml/GS115 or pGAPZαA-rml/GS115. After optimization of culture conditions by response surface methodology, the lipolytic activity of strain 3-17 reached 175 U/mL in shake flasks. An increase in the copy number simultaneously with the synergistic effect provided by two promoters led to enhanced degree of protein expression.
Monetizing the police: Corruption vectors in agency-managed off-duty work
Authors: O’Hara Patrick , A. Sainato Vincenzo
Published: May 2015

Police departments in the United States have been increasingly involved in placing their sworn officers in off-duty jobs. Individual officers, commanders or union representatives in a number of police agencies earn commissions by brokering off-duty jobs for fellow officers, a practice the US Department of Jus tice characterized as an “artery of corruption” in the New Orleans Police Department. In response to actual or potential corruption by entrepreneurial officers and unions acting as employment brokers, many police agencies now directly place officers in off-duty jobs. Corruption has tainted agency-managed officer placements as well, leading to corruption charges against Pittsburgh's Police Chief and bringing into stark relief how departments generate business and account for commissions earned by placing fully uniformed officers in private employment via “police details”—as the practice is commonly called. This paper looks at “police details” in terms of the realized and potential types of corruption they engender, and the kinds of off-duty employment activities that pose integrity threats, both for the individuals involved and for their law enforcement agencies. The paper concludes by discussing public policy questions raised when police agencies and officers monetize taxpayer-funded training, symbols of office and equipment in order to command premium wages in off-duty employment.
Melanoma‐derived factors alter the maturation and activation of differentiated tissue‐resident dendritic cells
Authors: Hargadon Kristian M , Bishop Johnathan D , Brandt John P , Hand Zachary C , Ararso Yonathan T , Forrest Osric A
Published: May 2015

Dendritic cells (DCs) are key regulators of host immunity that are capable of inducing either immune tolerance or activation. In addition to their well‐characterized role in shaping immune responses to foreign pathogens, DCs are also known to be critical for the induction and maintenance of anti‐tumor immune responses. Therefore, it is important to understand how tumors influence the function of DCs and the quality of immune responses they elicit. Although the majority of studies in this field to date have utilized either immortalized DC lines or DC populations that have been generated under artificial conditions from hematopoietic precursors in vitro, we wished to investigate how tumors impact the function of already differentiated, tissue‐resident DCs. Therefore, we used both an ex vivo and in vivo model system to assess the influence of melanoma‐derived factors on DC maturation and activation. In ex vivo studies with freshly isolated splenic DCs, we demonstrate that the extent to which DC maturation and activation are altered by these factors correlates with melanoma tumorigenicity, and we identify partial roles for tumor‐derived transforming growth factor (TGF)β1 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)‐A in the altered functionality of DCs. In vivo studies using a lung metastasis model of melanoma also demonstrate tumorigenicity‐dependent alterations to the function of lung‐resident DCs, and skewed production of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines by these tumor‐altered cells is associated with recruitment of an immune infiltrate that may ultimately favor tumor immune escape and outgrowth.
Birth of two volcanic islands in the southern Red Sea
Authors: Xu Wenbin , Ruch Joël , Jónsson Sigurjón
Published: May 2015

Submarine eruptions that lead to the formation of new volcanic islands are rare and far from being fully understood; only a few such eruptions have been witnessed since Surtsey Island emerged to the south of Iceland in the 1960s. Here we report on two new volcanic islands that were formed in the Zubair archipelago of the southern Red Sea in 2011–2013. Using high-resolution optical satellite images, we find that the new islands grew rapidly during their initial eruptive phases and that coastal erosion significantly modified their shapes within months. Satellite radar data indicate that two north–south-oriented dykes, much longer than the small islands might suggest, fed the eruptions. These events occurred contemporaneously with several local earthquake swarms of the type that typically accompany magma intrusions. Earthquake activity has been affecting the southern Red Sea for decades, suggesting the presence of a magmatically active zone that has previously escaped notice.
Chemical synthesis of a two-photon-activatable chemokine and photon-guided lymphocyte migration in vivo
Authors: Chen Xin , Tang Shan , Zheng Ji-Shen , Zhao Ruozhu , Wang Zhi-Peng , Shao Wen , Chang Hao-Nan , Cheng Jing-Yuan , Zhao Hui , Liu Lei , Qi Hai
Published: May 2015

Chemokine-guided lymphocyte positioning in tissues is crucial for normal operation of the immune system. Direct, real-time manipulation and measurement of single-cell responses to chemokines is highly desired for investigating the cell biology of lymphocyte migration in vivo. Here we report the development of the first two-photon-activatable chemokine CCL5 through efficient one-pot total chemical synthesis in milligram scale. By spatiotemporally controlled photoactivation, we show at the single-cell level that T cells perceive the directional cue without relying on PI3K activities, which are nonetheless required for persistent migration over an extended period of time. By intravital imaging, we demonstrate artificial T-cell positioning in cutaneous tissues and lymph nodes. This work establishes a general strategy to develop high-quality photo-activatable protein agents through tailor-designed caging of multiple residues and highlights the potential of photo-activatable chemokines for understanding and potential therapeutic manipulation of cell positioning and position-controlled cell behaviours in vivo.
Community quorum sensing signalling and quenching: microbial granular biofilm assembly
Authors: Tan Chuan Hao , Koh Kai Shyang , Xie Chao , Zhang Joela , Tan Xiao Hui , Lee Guo Ping , Zhou Yan , Ng Wun Jern , Rice Scott A , Kjelleberg Staffan
Published: May 2015

Background:

Recent reports exploring the role of gradients of quorum sensing (QS) signals in functional activated sludge have raised the question of whether shared systems of signalling synthesis and degradation, or quorum quenching (QQ), across the community inform of the means by which QS biology regulate floccular and granular biofilm assembly.

Aims:

In this study, we aimed to explore the species origin and interactive role of QS and QQ activities in such highly diverse microbial biofilm communities.

Methods:

Here, such aims were addressed systematically by a comprehensive multi-pronged RNA-sequencing, microbiological and analytical chemistry experimental approach, using two related but independently evolved floccular and granular sludge communities.

Results:

Our data revealed a distinct difference between the QS and QQ potentials of the two communities, with different species largely displaying either QS or QQ functions. The floccular sludge community showed a high rate of QQ activity, and this rate was dependent on the acyl chain length demonstrating specificity of degradation. When the floccular biomass was transformed into the granular sludge, the QQ activity of the community was reduced by 30%. N-acyl homoserine lactones with four to eight carbons on the acyl chain accumulated at the granular stage, and their concentrations were at least threefold higher than those of the floccular stage. These findings corroborated meta-community analysis where a major shift in the dominant species from potential signal quenchers to producers was observed during the transition from flocs to granules, indicating the role of species composition and associated signalling activities in coordinating community behaviours.

Conclusions:

This study suggests that QQ has an important function in regulating community level QS signalling, and provides a mechanistic insight into the role of QS biology in complex community assembly.
A database for the monitoring of thermal anomalies over the Amazon forest and adjacent intertropical oceans
Authors: Jiménez-Muñoz Juan C. , Mattar Cristian , Sobrino José A. , Malhi Yadvinder
Published: May 2015

Advances in information technologies and accessibility to climate and satellite data in recent years have favored the development of web-based tools with user-friendly interfaces in order to facilitate the dissemination of geo/biophysical products. These products are useful for the analysis of the impact of global warming over different biomes. In particular, the study of the Amazon forest responses to drought have recently received attention by the scientific community due to the occurrence of two extreme droughts and sustained warming over the last decade. Thermal Amazoni@ is a web-based platform for the visualization and download of surface thermal anomalies products over the Amazon forest and adjacent intertropical oceans using Google Earth as a baseline graphical interface (http://ipl.uv.es/thamazon/web). This platform is currently operational at the servers of the University of Valencia (Spain), and it includes both satellite (MODIS) and climatic (ERA-Interim) datasets. Thermal Amazoni@ is composed of the viewer system and the web and ftp sites with ancillary information and access to product download.
Light interaction in sapphire/MgF2/Al triple-layer omnidirectional reflectors in AlGaN-based near ultraviolet light-emitting diodes
Authors: Lee Keon Hwa , Moon Yong-Tae , Song June-O , Kwak Joon Seop
Published: May 2015

This study examined systematically the mechanism of light interaction in the sapphire/MgF2/Al triple-layer omnidirectional reflectors (ODR) and its effects on the light output power in near ultraviolet light emitting diodes (NUV-LEDs) with the ODR. The light output power of NUV-LEDs with the triple-layer ODR structure increased with decreasing surface roughness of the sapphire backside in the ODR. Theoretical modeling of the roughened surface suggests that the dependence of the reflectance of the triple-layer ODR structure on the surface roughness can be attributed mainly to light absorption by the Al nano-structures and the trapping of scattered light in the MgF2 layer. Furthermore, the ray tracing simulation based upon the theoretical modeling showed good agreement with the measured reflectance of the ODR structure in diffuse mode.
Rapid determination of multiclass fungicides in wine by low-temperature plasma (LTP) ambient ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Beneito-Cambra Miriam , Pérez-Ortega Patricia , Molina-Díaz Antonio , García-Reyes Juan F.
Published: May 2015

LTP-MS/MS is a rapid method for the qualitative and semi-quantitative determination of pesticides in wines.
Ultrasensitive and feasibly achieved protein detection based on the integration of three signal amplification reactions via sharing a DNA sequence
Authors: Huang Yue , Li Hao , Zhang Yuanyuan , Li Weiwei , Sun Lizhou , Li Genxi
Published: May 2015

Ultrasensitive protein detection is feasibly achieved based on the integration of three signal amplification reactionsviasharing a DNA sequence.
Synthesis, microstructure, growth mechanism and photoluminescence of high quality [0001]-oriented InN nanowires and nanonecklaces
Authors: Liu Huiqiang , Chu Sheng , Peng Rufang , Liu Min , Chen Zuxin , Jin Bo , Chu Shijin
Published: May 2015

Novel indium nitride (InN) nanowires and nanonecklaces were grown on a single substrate and characterised, and the growth mechanism and of the nanonecklaces was studied.
Synthesis and structural characterization of six Cu(ii)-based coordination polymers using the thermally tunable 1,2,3,4-cyclobutanetetracarboxylic acid
Authors: Díaz-Gallifa P. , Fabelo O. , Pasán J. , Cañadillas-Delgado L. , Ramírez M. A. , Gallardo A. G. , Ruiz-Pérez C.
Published: May 2015

Unravelling the Cu(ii) coordination chemistry of a thermally tunable tetracarboxylate.
Surface modification of semiconductor photoelectrodes
Authors: Guijarro Néstor , Prévot Mathieu S. , Sivula Kevin
Published: May 2015

An overview of surface engineering approaches to enhance the photoelectrochemical performance of commmon semiconductor photoelectrodes for solar energy conversion.
Ultraviolet photodissociation action spectroscopy of gas-phase protonated quinoline and isoquinoline cations
Authors: Hansen Christopher S. , Blanksby Stephen J. , Trevitt Adam J.
Published: May 2015

Gas-phase two-photon UV action spectra of protonated quinoline and isoquinoline cations are reported revealing two broad, vibrationally-structured electronic bands and multiple photoproduct channels.
Vibronic bandshape of the absorption spectra of dibenzoylmethanatoboron difluoride derivatives: analysis based on ab initio calculations
Authors: Rukin Pavel S. , Freidzon Alexandra Ya. , Scherbinin Andrei V. , Sazhnikov Vyacheslav A. , Bagaturyants Alexander A. , Alfimov Michael V.
Published: May 2015

The nature of absorption bandshapes of dibenzoylmethanatoboron difluoride (DBMBF2) derivatives is investigated using TDDFT and time-dependent linear vibronic coupling model.
Synthesis and biological evaluation of novel semi-conservative monocarbonyl analogs of curcumin as anti-inflammatory agents
Authors: Wang Zhe , Zou Peng , Li Chenglong , He Wenfei , Xiao Bing , Fang Qilu , Chen Wenbo , Zheng Suqing , Zhao Yunjie , Cai Yuepiao , Liang Guang
Published: May 2015

Novel semi-conservative monocarbonyl analogs of curcumin were synthesized and evaluated for their anti-inflammatory activities.
Photoluminescent and cytotoxic properties of multinuclear complexes and multinuclear-based polymers with group 12 metals and a tripodal ligand
Authors: Zhao Jin'an , Peng Kun , Guo Yan , Zhang Jin , Chen Shufang , Hu Jiyong
Published: May 2015

Group 12 metal-based complexes constructed with a novel tripodal ligand display prominent photoluminescence, and zinc complex shows potential antitumor activity.
Control of the 1,2-rearrangement process by oxidosqualene cyclases during triterpene biosynthesis
Authors: Takase Shohei , Saga Yusuke , Kurihara Nozomi , Naraki Shingo , Kuze Kenta , Nakata Genki , Araki Takeshi , Kushiro Tetsuo
Published: May 2015

Critical residues controlling the 1,2-rearrangement process during cycloartenol and cucurbitadienol formation in oxidosqualene cyclase were identified.
Original electroactive and fluorescent bichromophores based on non-conjugated tetrazine and triphenylamine derivatives: towards more efficient fluorescent switches
Authors: Quinton Cassandre , Alain-Rizzo Valérie , Dumas-Verdes Cécile , Clavier Gilles , Audebert Pierre
Published: May 2015

This study allowed us to design efficient electrofluorochromic dyads based on tetrazine and triphenylamine units.
A stereoselective synthesis of the reported structure of polyporolide
Authors: Patil Pradnya H. , Fernandes Rodney A.
Published: May 2015

A concise stereoselective synthesis of the reported structure of newly isolated acetogenin polyporolide is presented indicating a need for structure revision of the natural product.
Spatially nanoscale-controlled functional surfaces toward efficient bioactive platforms
Authors: Roy Dhruvajyoti , Park Joon Won
Published: May 2015

Controlled spatial placement of reactive functional groups in the optimization of bioactive surfaces and their potential applications.
A prominent dielectric material with extremely high-temperature and reversible phase transition in the high thermally stable perovskite-like architecture
Authors: Wang Fang-Fang , Chen Cheng , Zhang Yi , Ye Heng-Yun , Ye Qiong , Fu Da-Wei
Published: May 2015

A perovskite-like dielectric material (C3N2H5)·[Mn(HCOO)3] (1), exhibiting remarkably highTc(phase transition temperature) and pronounced dielectric anomaly, can be considered as a model of novel extremely high-temperature dielectric materials.
Examining a new role for zinc in regulating calcium release in cardiac muscle
Authors: Pitt Samantha J. , Stewart Alan J.
Published: May 2015

It is well established that mammalian cells contain a small but measurable pool of free or labile zinc in the cytosol that is buffered in the high picomolar range. Recent attention has focused on the fact that this pool of free zinc has signalling effects that can be evoked through extracellular stimuli posing the question as to whether zinc should be regarded as a second messenger. Our knowledge of the targets, the biological significance and the molecular mechanisms of zinc signalling is limited but recent evidence suggests that zinc homoeostasis may be intimately linked to intracellular calcium signalling. In this review, we discuss the role of zinc as an intracellular signalling molecule with an emphasis on the potential role of zinc in shaping calcium-dynamics in cardiac muscle. We also consider the evidence that the cardiac ryanodine receptor (RyR2) is a potential zinc signalling target.
Bcl-2 and FKBP12 bind to IP3 and ryanodine receptors at overlapping sites: the complexity of protein–protein interactions for channel regulation
Authors: Vervliet Tim , Parys Jan B. , Bultynck Geert
Published: May 2015

The 12- and 12.6-kDa FK506-binding proteins, FKBP12 (12-kDa FK506-binding protein) and FKBP12.6 (12.6-kDa FK506-binding protein), have been implicated in the binding to and the regulation of ryanodine receptors (RyRs) and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors (IP3Rs), both tetrameric intracellular Ca2+-release channels. Whereas the amino acid sequences responsible for FKBP12 binding to RyRs are conserved in IP3Rs, FKBP12 binding to IP3Rs has been questioned and could not be observed in various experimental models. Nevertheless, conservation of these residues in the different IP3R isoforms and during evolution suggested that they could harbour an important regulatory site critical for IP3R-channel function. Recently, it has become clear that in IP3Rs, this site was targeted by B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) via its Bcl-2 homology (BH)4 domain, thereby dampening IP3R-mediated Ca2+ flux and preventing pro-apoptotic Ca2+ signalling. Furthermore, vice versa, the presence of the corresponding site in RyRs implied that Bcl-2 proteins could associate with and regulate RyR channels. Recently, the existence of endogenous RyR–Bcl-2 complexes has been identified in primary hippocampal neurons. Like for IP3Rs, binding of Bcl-2 to RyRs also involved its BH4 domain and suppressed RyR-mediated Ca2+ release. We therefore propose that the originally identified FKBP12-binding site in IP3Rs is a region critical for controlling IP3R-mediated Ca2+ flux by recruiting Bcl-2 rather than FKBP12. Although we hypothesize that anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 proteins, but not FKBP12, are the main physiological inhibitors of IP3Rs, we cannot exclude that Bcl-2 could help engaging FKBP12 (or other FKBP isoforms) to the IP3R, potentially via calcineurin.
Protein kinase C-dependent regulation of connexin43 gap junctions and hemichannels
Authors: Alstrom Jette Skov , Stroemlund Line Waring , Nielsen Morten Schak , MacAulay Nanna
Published: May 2015

Connexin43 (Cx43) generates intercellular gap junction channels involved in, among others, cardiac and brain function. Gap junctions are formed by the docking of two hemichannels from neighbouring cells. Undocked Cx43 hemichannels can upon different stimuli open towards the extracellular matrix and allow transport of molecules such as fluorescent dyes and ATP. A range of phosphorylated amino acids have been detected in the C-terminus of Cx43 and their physiological role has been intensively studied both in the gap junctional form of Cx43 and in its hemichannel configuration. We present the current knowledge of protein kinase C (PKC)-dependent regulation of Cx43 and discuss the divergent results.
Multiferroic oxide thin films and heterostructures
Authors: Lu Chengliang , Hu Weijin , Tian Yufeng , Wu Tom
Published: May 2015

Multiferroic materials promise a tantalizing perspective of novel applications in next-generation electronic, memory, and energy harvesting technologies, and at the same time they also represent a grand scientific challenge on understanding complex solid state systems with strong correlations between multiple degrees of freedom. In this review, we highlight the opportunities and obstacles in growing multiferroic thin films with chemical and structural integrity and integrating them in functional devices. Besides the magnetoelectric effect, multiferroics exhibit excellent resistant switching and photovoltaic properties, and there are plenty opportunities for them to integrate with other ferromagnetic and superconducting materials. The challenges include, but not limited, defect-related leakage in thin films, weak magnetism, and poor control on interface coupling. Although our focuses are Bi-based perovskites and rare earth manganites, the insights are also applicable to other multiferroic materials. We will also review some examples of multiferroic applications in spintronics, memory, and photovoltaic devices.
Origin of p-type conductivity of Sb-doped ZnO nanorods and the local structure around Sb ions
Authors: Liang J. K. , Su H. L. , Chuang P. Y. , Kuo C. L. , Huang S. Y. , Chan T. S. , Wu Y. C. , Huang J. C. A.
Published: May 2015

To probe the origin of p-type conductivity in Sb-doped ZnO, a careful and detailed synchrotron radiation study was performed. The extended X-ray absorption fine structure and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy investigations provided the evidence for the formation of the complex defects comprising substitution Sb ions at Zn sites (SbZn) and Zn vacancies within the Sb-doped ZnO lattice. Such complex defects result in the increases of Sb-O coordination number and the Sb valence and thereby lead to the p-type conductivity of Sb-doped ZnO. The back-gate field-effect-transistors based on single nanorod of Sb-doped ZnO were constructed, and the stable p-type conduction behavior was confirmed.
Electroluminescence of hot electrons in AlGaN/GaN high-electron-mobility transistors under radio frequency operation
Authors: Brazzini Tommaso , Casbon Michael A. , Sun Huarui , Uren Michael J. , Lees Jonathan , Tasker Paul J. , Jung Helmut , Blanck Hervé , Kuball Martin
Published: May 2015

Hot electrons in AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors are studied during radio frequency (RF) and DC operation by means of electroluminescence (EL) microscopy and spectroscopy. The measured EL intensity is decreased under RF operation compared to DC at the same average current, indicating a lower hot electron density. This is explained by averaging the DC EL intensity over the measured load line used in RF measurements, giving reasonable agreement. In addition, the hot electron temperature is lower by up to 15% under RF compared to DC, again at least partially explainable by the weighted averaging along the specific load line. However, peak electron temperature under RF occurs at high VDS and low IDS where EL is insignificant suggesting that any wear-out differences between RF and DC stress of the devices will depend on the balance between hot-carrier and field driven degradation mechanisms.
The Missing Meditatio
Authors: Hirschey Olivia , Klyve Dominic
Published: May 2015

This work describes the contributions of Leonhard Euler (1707–1783), the 18th-century physicist and mathematician, to the fields of articulatory and experimental phonetics. First the authors provide evidence for Euler’s role in establishing the St. Petersburg Academy prize of 1780. Next, they consider a short and posthumously published work of Euler, the Meditatio de formatione vocum. It is shown that the Meditatio represents an early attempt to compare vowels in several languages, and includes a two-dimensional classification of vowels which anticipates in many ways the International Phonetic Alphabet vowel chart.
Evolution of User-generated Translation
Authors: O'Hagan Minako
Published: May 2015

Most conspicuous initially with Japanese anime fansubs, fan-based translation has been developing since the 1980s. In the advent of widespread availability of Web 2.0 platforms, fan translation has become a global phenomenon despite its dubious legal status. Extending the emerging interest in fansubs and scanlation in translation studies to the little discussed translation hacking by video game fans, this article brings readers‘ attention to participatory culture manifest in user-generated content in the field of translation and localisation. The article describes the evolution from unsolicited fan translation to solicited community translation now called crowdsourcing and considers them in the framework of user-generated translation (UGT). The article provides interdisciplinary perspectives, drawing on insights from media and game studies to address UGT which could profoundly impact the profession of translation and localisation as new technological environments unleash the technical competence, genre-knowledge and unparalleled devotion of the otherwise untrained Internet crowd as translators.
The Language Interoperability Portfolio (Linport) Project
Authors: Melby Alan K. , Lommel Arle , Rasmussen Nathan , Housley Jason
Published: May 2015

ISO standards for intermodal shipping containers have dramatically improved efficiency within the shipping industry worldwide. The translation/localization industry needs an analogous standard for translation projects and tasks. There are a variety of proprietary translation formats that allow materials relevant to a translation project (the source text, various resources such as translation memory files, etc.) to be put into one or more packages and sent to a translator. The translator can then use the same format to return the requested information, such as the translation. The objective of the Linport Project is to define an open, nonproprietary format for describing translation projects and creating translation packages, plus transmission and remote-access mechanisms needed to support implementation of the format. Linport stands for Language Interoperability Portfolio, where a portfolio is the description of a translation/localization project. An important feature of the Linport Project is structured translation specifications compatible with the system of parameters in recently published ISO/TS 11669.
A novel S-enantioselective amidase acting on 3,3,3-trifluoro-2-hydroxy-2-methylpropanamide from Arthrobacter sp. S-2
Authors: Fuhshuku Ken-ichi , Watanabe Shunsuke , Nishii Tetsuro , Ishii Akihiro , Asano Yasuhisa
Published: May 2015

A novel S-enantioselective amidase acting on 3,3,3-trifluoro-2-hydroxy-2-methylpropanamide was purified from Arthrobacter sp. S-2. The enzyme acted S-enantioselectively on 3,3,3-trifluoro-2-hydroxy-2-methylpropanamide to yield (S)-3,3,3-trifluoro-2-hydroxy-2-methylpropanoic acid. Based on the N-terminal amino acid sequence of this amidase, the gene coding S-amidase was cloned from the genomic DNA of Arthrobacter sp. S-2 and expressed in an Escherichia coli host. The recombinant S-amidase was purified and characterized. Furthermore, the purified recombinant S-amidase with the C-His6-tag, which was expressed in E. coli as the C-His6-tag fusion protein, was used in the kinetic resolution of (±)-3,3,3-trifluoro-2-hydroxy-2-methylpropanamide to obtain (S)-3,3,3-trifluoro-2-hydroxy-2-methylpropanoic acid and (R)-3,3,3-trifluoro-2-hydroxy-2-methylpropanamide.
Investigation of Wheat Milling Yield Based on Grain Hardness Parameters
Authors: Choy Ai‐Ling , Walker Cassandra K. , Panozzo Joseph F.
Published: May 2015

The objectives of this study were to investigate the relationship between milling yield and grain hardness. A preliminary study was carried out with 20 samples (both hard and soft wheats) using the Brabender hardness tester (BHT) with two grind settings: one‐step grind (0‐10) and two‐step grind (2‐12: coarse; 0‐8: fine). The two‐step grind was correlated with particle size index, single‐kernel characterization system (SKCS) hardness, break yield, and reduction yield (P < 0.05), whereas there was no correlation with the one‐step grind method. An additional 64 samples were ground with the two‐step grind setting to further validate this method. In terms of the BHT crush profile, no discernible differences were observed between varieties for the coarse grind, whereas for the fine grind, hard wheat gave a higher BHT maximum peak height and shorter grinding time compared with soft wheat. The break and reduction yields were significantly correlated with both BHT and SKCS hardness (P < 0.05). The findings indicated that the BHT method could be used to differentiate for milling yield among the different varieties. Based on the results, two milling yield models were developed, and both gave highly significant correlations between the predicted and Buhler mill break (R2 = 0.791, P < 0.05) and reduction yield (R2 = 0.896, P < 0.05).
Modified Dough Preparation for Alveograph Analysis with Limited Flour Sample Size
Authors: Chen Yuanhong R. , Seabourn Bradfold W. , Herald Tom J.
Published: May 2015

Dough rheological characteristics obtained by alveograph testing, such as extensibility and resistance to extension, are important traits for determination of wheat and flour quality. A challenging issue that faces wheat breeding programs and some wheat research projects is the relatively large flour sample size of 250 g required for the standard alveograph method (AACCI Approved Method 54‐30.02). A modified dough preparation procedure for a small flour sample size was developed for the alveograph test method. A dough was prepared by mixing 80 g of flour with 60% water absorption (2.5% salt solution) for 4 min in a 100 g pin mixer; it was then sheeted and cut into three patties of defined thickness. Data generated by the modified dough preparation method were significantly correlated with the results from the approved alveograph method. The correlation coefficients (r) for each of six alveograph dough characteristics of 40 different advanced breeding lines and wheat varieties were 0.92 for P (mm H2O), 0.73 for L (mm), 0.83 for W (10–4 J), 0.90 for P/L, 0.90 for le (%), and 0.76 for G. The modified dough preparation was easier and more convenient than the approved method, and test time for the modified dough preparation was shorter by 20–25 min. This modified dough preparation procedure for the alveograph may be useful for wheat breeding programs as well as an alternative to the approved alveograph method for milling and baking industries and wheat quality research.
Diagnosis of irregularities in the robotized part mating process based on contextual recognition of contact states transitions
Authors: Jakovljevic Zivana , Petrovic Petar B. , Milkovic Dragan , Pajic Miroslav
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to provide a method for the generation of information machines for part mating process diagnosis. Recognition of contact states between parts during robotized part mating represents a significant element of the system for active compliant robot motion. All proposed information machines for contact states recognition will recognize one of the possible contact states even when irregular events in the process occur, and the active motion planner will continue to send commands to robot controller according to the planned trajectory.

Design/methodology/approach

– The presented framework is based on the general theory of automata and formal languages. Starting from possible regular contact states transitions in part mating, the authors create an automaton for diagnostics, which, besides regular, accepts all irregular (observable and unobservable) process sequences.

Findings

– Contact states do not appear arbitrarily during regular processes, but in certain context. Theory of automata represents a solid basis for contextual recognition and diagnosis of irregularities in part mating.

Research limitations/implications

– The proposed methodology is elaborated and experimentally verified using an example of cylindrical part mating, and stick-slip effect as an observable irregularity. The future work will address the generation of diagnosers for other types of part mating tasks and extension of the set of observable irregularities.

Practical implications

– The process diagnosis increases the robustness of active compliant motion system.

Originality/value

– Although very important feedback information provider for active motion planner, part mating process monitoring was not frequently addressed in the past. In this paper, the authors propose a methodology for generation of part mating process diagnoser that is based on general automata theory.
Dilapidations in the UK – diminution valuations
Authors: Gilbert David
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to look at the practical considerations of valuations undertaken in the UK at the end of leases when the landlord and the tenant are negotiating on the dilapidations claim.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper is a review of current professional practice and highlights the salient issues to consider when looking at dilapidation claims.

Findings

– The paper considers a fundamental principle of dilapidations. That is, how much has the market value of the landlord’s interest diminished at the end of the lease by reason of the disrepair.

Research limitations/implications

– The paper is based on the interpretation of current statute and case law. Diminution valuations are hotly contested and there is currently little professional guidance available to practitioners.

Practical implications

– The paper guides landlords, tenants, building surveyors and their valuers on the thought process and practical approach to be adopted in assessing loss in dilapidations cases where the underlying assessment will be carried out on the basis of diminution in value.

Originality/value

– There is very little written on the practical implications of diminution valuations when assessing dilapidation claims. This paper addresses that shortcoming.
Heine, Carl & O'Connor, Dennis (2014) Teaching information fluencyRowman & Littlefield (Lanham MD & Plymouth UK) isbn978‐0‐8108‐9062‐6 215 pp £34.95 https://rowman.com/ISBN/9780810890626
Authors: Johnson Mike
Published: May 2015

“Teaching” is in the title and the target audience is American, yet anyone using the internet can benefit from thumbing through these pages. Doing that will give you personal insight and strategies that will enhance any search, and raise awareness of the ethical dimension of dealing with what you find. Teachers of all subjects will enjoy the book's practical suggestions for embedding aspects of information fluency in class. If you feel the content of this book is relevant to you, I strongly suggest you borrow a copy for a while.

Mike Johnson
Wyatt‐Smith, Claire et al ed (2014) Designing assessment for quality learningSpringer (Berlin) isbn978‐94‐007‐5901‐5 426 pp £90 (ebook £72) http://www.springer.com/education+%26+language/book/978‐94‐007‐5901‐5
Authors: García Laborda Jesús
Published: May 2015

Assessment offers a challenging future for education. This welcome volume offers a new perspective towards the importance, form and role of assessment for all the stakeholders. It is a must for anyone involved in changing and improving education through assessment. If it appears likely that this book is relevant to what you do, I recommend you buy your own copy.

Jesús García Laborda
MODELLING A REGIME‐SHIFTING BEVERIDGE CURVE
Authors: Dutu Richard , Holmes Mark J. , Silverstone Brian
Published: May 2015

This paper offers new insights into Beveridge curve analysis by modelling the unemployment–vacancy rate relationship within a Markov regime‐switching environment in which the probabilities of curve‐shifting are determined endogenously by shift factors. Shift factors include structural factors such as labour market participation and net migration, while cyclical variables include GDP growth, the real rate of interest, and labour productivity. This approach enables us to estimate regime‐specific parameters and to assess the role played by these factors in influencing the transition probabilities of switching between regimes. Using New Zealand data, we show that increases in the participation rate have shifted the Beveridge curve inward, while increases in net migration have shifted the curve outward.
Terrestrial and marine perspectives on modeling organic matter degradation pathways
Authors: Burd Adrian B. , Frey Serita , Cabre Anna , Ito Takamitsu , Levine Naomi M. , Lønborg Christian , Long Matthew , Mauritz Marguerite , Thomas R. Quinn , Stephens Brandon M. , Vanwalleghem Tom , Zeng Ning
Published: May 2015

Organic matter (OM) plays a major role in both terrestrial and oceanic biogeochemical cycles. The amount of carbon stored in these systems is far greater than that of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere, and annual fluxes of CO2 from these pools to the atmosphere exceed those from fossil fuel combustion. Understanding the processes that determine the fate of detrital material is important for predicting the effects that climate change will have on feedbacks to the global carbon cycle. However, Earth System Models (ESMs) typically utilize very simple formulations of processes affecting the mineralization and storage of detrital OM. Recent changes in our view of the nature of this material and the factors controlling its transformation have yet to find their way into models. In this review, we highlight the current understanding of the role and cycling of detrital OM in terrestrial and marine systems and examine how this pool of material is represented in ESMs. We include a discussion of the different mineralization pathways available as organic matter moves from soils, through inland waters to coastal systems and ultimately into open ocean environments. We argue that there is strong commonality between aspects of OM transformation in both terrestrial and marine systems and that our respective scientific communities would benefit from closer collaboration.
Cross talk in promoter recognition between six NarL‐family response regulators of Escherichia coli two‐component system
Authors: Yoshida Myu , Ishihama Akira , Yamamoto Kaneyoshi
Published: May 2015

Bacterial two‐component system (TCS) is composed of the sensor kinase (SK) and the response regulator (RR). After monitoring an environmental signal or condition, SK activates RR through phosphorylation, ultimately leading to the signal‐dependent regulation of genome transcription. In Escherichia coli, a total of more than 30 SK‐RR pairs exist, each forming a cognate signal transduction system. Cross talk of the signal transduction takes place at three stages: signal recognition by SK (stage 1); RR phosphorylation by SK (stage 2); and target recognition by RR (stage 3). Previously, we analyzed the stage 2 cross talk between the whole set of E. coli SK‐RR pairs and found that the cross talk takes place for certain combinations. As an initial attempt to identify the stage 3 cross talk at the step of target promoter recognition by RR, we analyzed in this study the cross‐recognition of target promoters by six NarL‐family RRs, EvgA, NarL, NarP, RcsB, UhpA, and UvrY. Results of both in vivo and in vitro studies indicated that the stage 3 cross talk takes place for limited combinations, in particular, including a multifactor‐regulated ydeP promoter.
Changing mortality patterns in Kimberley Aborigines
Authors: Gracey M. , Sun W. , Somerford P.
Published: May 2015

Background/Aims

To examine the causes of officially reported deaths from several categories among Aboriginal and non‐Aboriginal people in a statistical division of north‐west Australia from 2002 to 2011.

Methods

A cross‐sectional analysis of official Death Registration data to calculate mortality rate ratios (Aboriginal against non‐Aboriginal) for that decade in six major International Classification of Disease (ICD)‐10 categories. The study setting was the West Kimberley Health District in the far north of Western Australia.

Results

Death rates of Aborigines relative to non‐Aborigines were much higher, by more than 10 times in some categories. Most of the excess deaths in these categories were due to circulatory diseases, injury and poisonings, neoplasms, diabetes, respiratory, and genitourinary conditions.

Conclusion

This study has documented the heavy burden of mortality in West Kimberley Aborigines compared with the pattern found in non‐Aboriginal people living in the same region.
A binational registry of adults with pulmonary arterial hypertension complicating congenital heart disease
Authors: Strange G. , Rose M. , Kermeen F. , O'Donnell C. , Keogh A. , Kotlyar E. , Grigg L. , Bullock A. , Disney P. , Dwyer N. , Whitford H. , Tanous D. , Frampton C. , Weintraub R. , Celermajer D. S.
Published: May 2015

Background

The management of children with congenital heart disease (CHD) has improved over recent decades and several patients surviving with CHD into adulthood are increasing. In developed countries, there are now as many adults as there are children living with CHD. Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) occurs in ∼5% of patients with CHD.

Aim

We aimed to understand the characteristics and outcomes of this emerging population.

Methods

We collected data retrospectively and prospectively from 12 contributing centres across Australia and New Zealand (2010–2013). Patients were included if they had been diagnosed with PAH and CHD and had been seen once in an adult centre after 1 January 2000.

Results

Of 360 patients with CHD‐PAH, 60% were female and 90% were New York Heart Association functional class II or III at the time of adult diagnosis of PAH. Mean age at diagnosis of PAH in adulthood was 31.2 ± 14 years, and on average, patients were diagnosed with PAH 6 years after symptom onset. All‐cause mortality was 12% at 5 years, 21% at 10 years and 31% at 15 years. One hundred and six patients (30%) experienced 247 hospitalisations during 2936 patient years of follow up. Eighty‐nine per cent of patients were prescribed PAH specific therapy (mean exposure of 4.0 years).

Conclusions

Adults with PAH and CHD often have this diagnosis made after significant delay, and have substantial medium‐term morbidity and mortality. This suggests a need for children transitioning to adult care with CHD to be closely monitored for this complication.
Applying artificial neural networks to predict communication risks in the emergency department
Authors: Bagnasco Annamaria , Siri Anna , Aleo Giuseppe , Rocco Gennaro , Sasso Loredana
Published: May 2015

Aims

To describe the utility of artificial neural networks in predicting communication risks.

Background

In health care, effective communication reduces the risk of error. Therefore, it is important to identify the predictive factors of effective communication. Non‐technical skills are needed to achieve effective communication. This study explores how artificial neural networks can be applied to predict the risk of communication failures in emergency departments.

Design

A multicentre observational study.

Methods

Data were collected between March–May 2011 by observing the communication interactions of 840 nurses with their patients during their routine activities in emergency departments. The tools used for our observation were a questionnaire to collect personal and descriptive data, level of training and experience and Guilbert's observation grid, applying the Situation‐Background‐Assessment‐Recommendation technique to communication in emergency departments.

Results

A total of 840 observations were made on the nurses working in the emergency departments. Based on Guilbert's observation grid, the output variables is likely to influence the risk of communication failure were ‘terminology’; ‘listening’; ‘attention’ and ‘clarity’, whereas nurses’ personal characteristics were used as input variables in the artificial neural network model. A model based on the multilayer perceptron topology was developed and trained. The receiver operator characteristic analysis confirmed that the artificial neural network model correctly predicted the performance of more than 80% of the communication failures.

Conclusion

The application of the artificial neural network model could offer a valid tool to forecast and prevent harmful communication errors in the emergency department.
Morphology and Molecular Phylogeny of Two New Brackish Water Ciliates of Bakuella (Ciliophora: Urostylida: Bakuellidae) from South Korea
Authors: Jo Euna , Jung Jae‐Ho , Min Gi‐Sik
Published: May 2015

Two new species of Bakuella, B. (B.) incheonensis n. sp. and B. (Pseudobakuella) litoralis n. sp., were discovered in brackish water near Aamdo Shore Park, Incheon, South Korea. We conducted a morphological study based on live observations and protargol‐impregnated specimens, and a molecular analysis using nuclear SSU rRNA gene sequences. Bakuella (B.) incheonensis is diagnosed by: body size 70–105 × 20–40 μm in vivo, 21–25 adoral membranelles, three or four frontoterminal cirri, midventral complex composed of 7–10 midventral pairs with one or two rows and terminating at about 62% of body length, 20–28 left and 25–32 right marginal cirri, 58–87 macronuclear nodules, and yellowish cortical granules. Bakuella (Pseudobakuella) litoralis is diagnosed by: body size 90–125 × 30–40 μm in vivo, 25–33 adoral membranelles, 3–5 buccal cirri, midventral complex composed 10–15 midventral pairs with one or two rows and terminated at 70% of body length, one or two pretransverse cirri, 3–6 transverse cirri, 26–39 left and 29–47 right marginal cirri, 49–84 macronuclear nodules, and two types of cortical granules. Molecular phylogeny using SSU rRNA gene sequences shows a nonmonophyletic relationship among Bakuella species and emphasizes the need for further morphogenetic studies of this genus and other related hypotrichs.