bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hydrothermal syntheses of silver phosphate nanostructures and their photocatalytic performance for organic pollutant degradation
Authors: Zhao Junling , Ji Zhenyuan , Xu Chen , Shen Xiaoping , Ma Lianbo , Liu Xiansheng
Published: December 2014

Photocatalysis has been recognized as a potential strategy for energy conversion and environmental remediation. In this study, we present a facile hydrothermal method for the controlled syntheses of Ag5P3O10, Ag4P2O7/Ag3PO4 and Ag3PO4 photocatalysts by using sodium triphosphate (Na5P3O10) as the phosphate source. The phase structure and morphology of the products were investigated by X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The photocatalytic activities of the synthesized Ag5P3O10, Ag4P2O7/Ag3PO4 and Ag3PO4 nanostructures were evaluated by the degradation of organic pollutants under simulated sunlight irradiation. The kinetics of the photocatalytic degradation reaction is presented. It is revealed that the photocatalytic activity increases in the order of Ag5P3O10, Ag4P2O7/Ag3PO4 and Ag3PO4, and the Ag3PO4 nanocrystals show the best photocatalytic performance. The photocatalytic mechanism was systematically investigated, and the superoxide radicals (O2•−) and photoinduced holes are considered to contribute mostly to the high photocatalytic activity of Ag3PO4.
Cardiac resynchronization therapy in heart failure patients with less severe left ventricular dysfunction
Authors: Hai Ofek Y. , Mentz Robert J. , Zannad Faiez , Gasparini Maurizio , De Ferrari Gaetano M. , Daubert Jean‐Claude , Holzmeister Johannes , Lam Carolyn S.P. , Pochet Thierry , Vincent Alphons , Linde Cecilia
Published: December 2014

Cardiac resynchronization therapy is beneficial in heart failure patients with LVEF ≤35% and electrical dyssynchrony. However, its effects among patients with less severe LV dysfunction have not been established. Recent post‐hoc analyses of landmark CRT trials suggest that CRT benefit may be present in patients with LVEF >35% and is associated with improvement in cardiac reverse remodelling, all‐cause mortality, and need for heart failure hospitalizations. This review summarizes the currently available literature regarding the potential impact of CRT in patients with more modest reductions in LVEF.
Coordination of Alkaline‐Earth Metal Ions in Inverted Cucurbit[6]uril Supramolecular Assemblies Formed in the Presence of Tetrachloride Zincates
Authors: Zhang De‐Qing , Sun Tao , Zhang Yun‐Qian , Xue Sai‐Feng , Zhu Qian‐Jiang , Zhang Jian‐Xin , Tao Zhu
Published: December 2014

Coordination in supramolecular assemblies in aqueous HCl solutions was investigated by reacting alkaline‐earth cations (AE2+) and inverted cucurbit[6]uril (iQ[6]) in the presence of the structure‐directing agent, tetrachloride zincate ion. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis revealed that the iQ[6]–Mg2+–[ZnCl4]2––HCl interaction system yielded a supramolecular assembly of iQ[6] and [ZnCl4]2– without forming coordination complexes of Mg2+ or Zn2+ with iQ[6]. In contrast, interaction of Ca2+ or Sr2+ with iQ[6] in the presence of [ZnCl4]2– gave rise to linear coordination polymers, which formed a honeycomb‐like framework in which the linear polymers occupy cells of the framework. The iQ[6]–Ba2+–[ZnCl4]2––HCl interaction system immediately produced precipitates, thus preventing isolation of single crystals under similar synthetic conditions.
Positional distribution assessment of essential fatty acids in several fats and oils including plant, fish, and microbial sources and subcutaneous fat of Galician horse
Authors: Guil‐Guerrero José Luis , Ramos‐Bueno Rebeca Pilar , Gómez‐Mercado Francisco , Rincón‐Cervera Miguel Ángel
Published: December 2014

In this work, several oils and PUFA‐producing species have been analyzed to know the positional distribution of fatty acids within the triacylgycerol structure. Positional distribution was determined in terrestrial oils by means of enzymatic hydrolysis, while 13C‐NMR was used for marine and processed oils, which contain long‐chain PUFA. In addition to several already known sources, other new ones have been characterized; i.e., α‐linolenic acid was high in the subcutaneous fat of Galician horse (34.5% of total FAs in sn‐2); γ‐linolenic acid in Echium gentianoides and Symphytum caucasicum (47.7 and 40.1% of total FAs in sn‐2, respectively); stearidonic acid in E. plantagineum (20.8% of total FAs in sn‐2); eicosapentaenoic acid in cod liver oil (13.7% of total FAs in sn‐2); docosahexaenoic acid in salmon, cod liver, hake roe, DHASCO© and MARINOL© oils (23.0, 20.9, 19.7, 47.0 and 55.9% of total FAs in sn‐2, respectively); and arachidonic acid in ARASCO© oil (53.0% of total FAs in sn‐2). Bioavailability of some valuable PUFA has been shown to be high in some of the studied samples compared to commonly consumed oils, according to their triacylglycerol positional distribution values.

Practical applications: The positional distribution of PUFAs on the glycerol backbone of triacylglycerols is crucial for their bioavailability, since PUFA esterified at sn‐2 position are better absorbed than those located at sn‐1,3 positions. In this work, we have assessed the positional distribution of essential fatty acids in several fats and oils, both obtained from traditional sources as well as from edible species not yet prospected. Some of them might be exploited to be used as dietary PUFA sources.

The positional distribution (PD) of essential fatty acids (EFAs) within the triacylglycerol structure determines their bioavailability, since EFAs esterified at sn‐2 position are better absorbed than those located at sn‐1,3 positions. In this work, the PD of EFAs in several fats and oils, obtained from traditional sources as well as from edible species not yet prospected, has been assessed. Bioavailability of valuable EFAs has been shown to be high in some of the newly studied oils compared to commonly consumed oils, as their triacylglycerol PD indicates.
Chitinase biotechnology: Production, purification, and application
Authors: Stoykov Yuriy Mihaylov , Pavlov Atanas Ivanov , Krastanov Albert Ivanov
Published: December 2014

Chitin is one of the most abundant biopolymers and is present in many organisms in different forms. Its resistance to degradation has caused many problems in industry (waste decomposition) and agriculture (as protective structures in pests); this has led to increased interest in chitin‐hydrolyzing enzymes: chitinases. Chitinases are enzymes that break down the 1→4 β‐glycoside bond of N‐acetyl d‐glucosamine in chitin to produce mono‐ and oligomers. The inducible nature of chitinases, low activity of synthesized enzymes, and inertia of the substrate are only a few of the problems that can be solved by biotechnology to meet industry demands for green, energy‐efficient, pollution‐free, and economically profitable chitin use. This review aims to present the pitfalls and successes in research and production of chitinolytic enzymes, as well as to promote the use of chitinases in everyday practice. The focus is on the biosynthesis of chitinases: inducers, type of fermentation, and media composition. Methods for purification and future perspectives are also discussed.
Isolation and characterization of a highly efficient chlorpyrifos degrading strain of Cupriavidus taiwanensis from sludge
Authors: Wang Daosheng , Xue Quan , Zhou Xiaolei , Tang Xinyun , Hua Roma
Published: December 2014

In this study, a highly effective chlorpyrifos (CP)‐degrading bacterium (termed strain X1) was isolated from the sludge of drain outlet of a chlorpyrifos manufacturer. Strain X1 was identified as Cupriavidus taiwanensis based upon the analysis of the 16S rDNA gene and biochemical characteristics, which is capable of transforming CP into 3,5,6‐trichloro‐2‐pyridinol (TCP), and the resulting TCP was further metabolized when performed in an aqueous medium. Degradation experiments were carried out under different conditions at the range of pH (5.0∼9.0) and temperature (22∼42 °C), and the optimized pH and temperature were 7.0 and 32 °C respectively. Biotransformation of high concentration of CP was also determined; 400 mg l−1 of CP was completely transformed within 36 h; approximately 95% of CP was removed within 48 h when concentration of CP was up to 500 mg l−1. A genomic library was successfully constructed to clone the gene encoding the CP hydrolase, and a positive transformant with clear hydrolytic zones was obtained and analyzed. The insert gene sequence exhibited close relationship with 99% similar to opdB gene encoding parathion hydrolase, whereas, transformant failed in degrading the accumulated TCP. These results highlight the potential of this bacterium to be used in the cleanup of CP.
Synthesis and Evaluation of Symmetrically PEG‐Decorated Triglycerides of Fatty Acid as Drug‐Encapsulating Agents
Authors: Elkin Igor , Rabanel Jean‐Michel , Aoun Valéry , Hildgen Patrice
Published: December 2014

New symmetrically poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)‐decorated triglycerides of fatty acid are synthesized and proposed as drug‐encapsulation systems. A method of effective grafting of PEG on secondary hydroxy groups located on long alkyl chains by the use of a short spacer represented by succinic acid is elaborated. Synthesis of new derivatives of triacylglycerols of fatty acids (TAG) based on the triolein standard and commercial olive oil, with PEG chains of different lengths (1000, 550, and 220 Da) is performed. MTT assay on the murine macrophage cell line RAW‐262.7 shows the absence of cytotoxic effects caused by the obtained products. Encapsulation tests using itraconazole (ITZ) as a hydrophobic drug model are carried out. The influence of the PEG chain length, as well as of the presence of ITZ on the size of micelles, are studied by the dynamic light scattering (DLS) method. The reduced cytotoxicity observed on Candida albicans cells of ITZ formulated with the PEG‐decorated TAG versus the free drug indicates that the systems may be promising to increase the duration of drug release and to reduce toxic side effects.

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Ultrasound‐assisted Extraction of Gymnemic Acids from Gymnema sylvestre Leaves and its Effect on Insulin‐producing RINm‐5 F β Cell Lines
Authors: Sheoran Sunita , Panda Bibhu Prasad , Admane Prasad S. , Panda Amulya Kumar , Wajid Saima
Published: December 2014

Introduction

Gymnema sylvestre is an important anti‐diabetic medicinal plant, hence it is necessary to study the effective extraction of its active medicinal components.

Objective

To develop an efficient ultrasound‐assisted extraction method for anti‐diabetic gymnemic acids from Gymnema sylvestre leaves and measure their effect on insulin‐producing RINm‐5 F β cells.

Methods

Box–Behnken's design and response surface methodology was applied to the ultrasound‐assisted extraction of gymnemic acids from Gymnema sylvestre leaves. Analysis of gymnemic acids was carried out by high‐performance thin‐layer chromatography by converting total gymnemic acids into gymnemagenin by alkali hydrolysis. Effects of extracts on insulin production were tested on cultured, insulin‐producing RINm‐5 F β cell lines.

Results

The point prediction tool of the design expert software predicted 397.9 mg gymnemic acids per gram of the defatted G. sylvestre leaves using ultrasound‐assisted extraction, with ethanol at 60 °C for 30 min. The predicted condition shows 93.34% validity under experimental conditions. The ultrasound‐assisted extract caused up to about four times more insulin production from RINm‐5 F β cells than extracts obtained from Soxhlet extraction.

Conclusions

Response surface methodology was successfully used to improve the extraction of gymnemic acids from G. sylvestre leaves. The ultrasound‐assisted extraction process may be a better alternative to prepare such herbal extracts because it saves time and may prevent excess degradation of the target analytes. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Outcome following Distally Locked Volar Plating for Distal Radius Fractures with Metadiaphyseal Involvement
Authors: Matullo Kristofer S. , Dennison David G.
Published: December 2014

Background

The surgical treatment of metadiaphyseal distal radius fractures may be difficult due to the associated articular or periarticular extension that limits standard fixation techniques. Longer distal radius volar locking plates allow stable fixation of the distal fragments while providing standard plate fixation in the proximal radius. We hypothesize that this plating technique allows adequate fixation to both the distal radius and metadiaphyseal fragments. The purpose of the study is to describe the outcomes, radiographic parameters, secondary surgeries, and complication rate with this device.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was conducted on adult patients with a distal radius fracture and metadiaphyseal involvement treated with a volar, distally locked plate. All patients were followed up for radiographic union, with a mean time of 219 days (range 38–575). Fracture patterns, outcomes of range of motion, grip strength, and complications, as well as injury, post open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), and finally, healed radiographic parameters were recorded.

Results

Twenty patients with 21 fractures were included. At union, mean radiographic parameters were the following: volar tilt of 8°, radial inclination of 27°, radial height of 14 mm, and ulnar variance of −1 mm. The mean final range of motion was 52° flexion, 50° extension, 68° pronation, and 66° supination. Complications included one infection and one plate removal. Four patients developed a nonunion requiring secondary procedures. There were no incidents of hardware failure or adhesions requiring tenolysis.

Conclusion

Distally locked long volar plating for metadiaphyseal distal radius fractures is a safe and effective treatment option for these complex fracture patterns allowing anatomic restoration of the radial shaft and distal radius.
Quantifying initial cellular events of mouse radiation lymphomagenesis and its tumor prevention in vivo by positron emission tomography and magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Hasegawa Sumitaka , Morokoshi Yukie , Tsuji Atsushi B. , Kokubo Toshiaki , Aoki Ichio , Furukawa Takako , Zhang Ming-Rong , Saga Tsuneo
Published: December 2014

Radiation‐induced thymic lymphoma (RITL) in mice is induced by fractionated whole‐body X‐irradiation (FX) and has served as a useful model for studying radiation carcinogenesis. In this model, the initial postirradiation cellular events in the thymus and bone marrow (BM) are critically important for tumorigenesis, and BM transplantation (BMT) prevents RITL. However, direct assessment of these events is so far restricted by the lack of noninvasive monitoring techniques. Here, we have developed positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) methods to quantify the events critical for RITL development and the effects of BMT in living animals. Apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs) were calculated from diffusion‐weighted MRI to evaluate the changes in the BM of mice receiving FX. ADC values dramatically changed in the irradiated BM, corresponding to pathological findings of the irradiated BM, returning to normal levels following BMT sooner than with spontaneous recovery. PET with 4ʹ‐[methyl‐11C]thiothymidine, a novel tracer for cell proliferation, revealed that the irradiated thymus showed significantly higher tracer uptake than the unirradiated thymus 1 week after FX. Interestingly, its increased uptake was completely abolished by BMT, even with very few donor‐derived cells in the thymus. Thereafter, the thymus receiving BMT had significantly increased tracer uptake. These findings suggest that BMT first suppresses FX‐induced aberrant thymocyte proliferation and then accelerates thymic regeneration. This study demonstrates the feasibility of using PET and MRI for noninvasive monitoring of tumorigenic cellular processes in an animal model of radiation‐induced cancer.
The Responsibility of Economic Historians
Authors: Nef John U.
Published: December 2014

The immediate future of economic history is here. As I look over the program of our sessions, it seems plain that all of us are bound to be thinking about the nature of that future. Our president will speak on this subject with an authority that the rest of us cannot command. But it is up to each of us, however humble, to make such a contribution as the means at our disposal permit. Creative discussion always helps men to edge a little closer toward the truth. Let us hope there will be much of it during the next two days. Professor Innis has asked me to open the formal part of this session by some brief remarks on the relation of economic history to American civilization. I thank him for his confidence, but wish that he had placed the task in more competent hands. The subject I have selected is a vast and complicated one, and all I can hope to offer are a few rough and general suggestions. What I have to say is intended to provoke discussion.
‘Society’ and Struggle in the Early Twentieth Century: The Vietnamese neologistic project and French colonialism
Authors: DUTTON GEORGE
Published: December 2014

At the beginning of the twentieth century, the Vietnamese were confronted with the harsh realities of French colonialism, while simultaneously engaging with a flood of new concepts and the language that came with them. Among these concepts was that of ‘society’, whose import was enhanced by its linkages with the discourse of social Darwinism. This article explores the Vietnamese neologistic project of the early twentieth century through a close examination of the ways in which the concept and labels for ‘society’ were brought in and understood. I argue that the arrival of ‘society’ in conjunction with social Darwinism profoundly shaped the Vietnamese understanding of the term, implicating it in a notion of struggle and contestation. By illustrating the introduction of ‘society’ through early modernist school textbooks I suggest the ways in which Vietnamese conceptualized it as they embarked on their own struggle with the threats posed by colonialism.
ESTIMATION OF CHANGE-POINTS IN LINEAR AND NONLINEAR TIME SERIES MODELS
Authors: Ling Shiqing
Published: December 2014

This paper develops an asymptotic theory for estimated change-points in linear and nonlinear time series models. Based on a measurable objective function, it is shown that the estimated change-point converges weakly to the location of the maxima of a double-sided random walk and other estimated parameters are asymptotically normal. When the magnitudedof changed parameters is small, it is shown that the limiting distribution can be approximated by the known distribution as in Yao (1987,Annals of Statistics15, 1321–1328). This provides a channel to connect our results with those in Picard (1985,Advances in Applied Probability17, 841–867) and Bai, Lumsdaine, and Stock (1998,Review of Economic Studies65, 395–432), where the magnitude of changed parameters depends on the sample sizenand tends to zero asn→ ∞. The theory is applied for the self-weighted QMLE and the local QMLE of change-points in ARMA-GARCH/IGARCH models. A simulation study is carried out to evaluate the performance of these estimators in the finite sample.
Re-Ordering Historic Churches
Authors: Cameron Sheila
Published: December 2014

Being given a title is like being given a very broad question in an examination paper. At first sight it seems obvious what should be put forward by way of answer and on closer inspection one becomes less sure! So I tender my thoughts for inspection, conscious that some will feel there are gaps and perhaps others who will think I am stating too much of the obvious.
What Exactly Did You Claim?
Authors: HÄYRY MATTI
Published: December 2014

Philosophers should express their ideas clearly. They should do this in any field of specialization, but especially when they address issues of practical consequence, as they do in bioethics. This article dissects a recent and much-debated contribution to philosophical bioethics by Alberto Giubilini and Francesca Minerva, examines how exactly it fails to meet the requirement of clarity, and maps a way forward by outlining the ways in which philosophical argumentation could validly and soundly proceed in bioethics.
THE CLASS OF (2, 2)-GROUPS WITH HOMOCYCLIC REGULATOR QUOTIENT OF EXPONENT HAS BOUNDED REPRESENTATION TYPE
Authors: ARNOLD DAVID M. , MADER ADOLF , MUTZBAUER OTTO , SOLAK EBRU
Published: December 2014

The class of almost completely decomposable groups with a critical typeset of type$(2,2)$and a homocyclic regulator quotient of exponent $p^{3}$is shown to be of bounded representation type. There are only$16$isomorphism at$p$types of indecomposables, all of rank $8$or lower.
Suicide-Bereaved Individuals’ Attitudes Toward Therapists
Authors: Ward-Ciesielski Erin F. , Wielgus Madeline D. , Jones Connor B.
Published: December 2014

Background: Suicide-bereaved individuals represent an important group impacted by suicide. Understanding their experiences following the suicide of a loved one is an important research domain, despite receiving limited attention. Although suicide-bereaved individuals may benefit from mental health treatment, their attitudes toward therapy and therapists are poorly understood. Aims: The present study aimed to understand the extent to which bereaved individuals’ attitudes toward therapy and therapists are impacted by whether their loved one was in therapy at the time of death. Method: Suicide-bereaved individuals (N = 243) from the United States were recruited to complete an online survey about their experience with and attitudes toward therapy and therapists following the suicide of a loved one. Results: Bereaved individuals whose loved one was in therapy at the time of death (N = 48, 19.8%) reported more negative and less positive attitudes toward the treating therapist than those whose loved one was not in therapy at the time of death (N = 81, 33.3%) or whose loved one was never in therapy/the deceased’s therapy status was unknown (N = 114, 46.9%). Conclusion: The deceased’s involvement with a therapist appears to be an important factor impacting the experience of bereaved individuals and should be considered when attempting to engage these individuals in postvention.
Towards scalable nano-engineering of graphene
Authors: Martínez-Galera A. J. , Brihuega I. , Gutiérrez-Rubio A. , Stauber T. , Gómez-Rodríguez J. M.
Published: December 2014

By merging bottom-up and top-down strategies we tailor graphene's electronic properties within nanometer accuracy, which opens up the possibility to design optical and plasmonic circuitries at will. In a first step, graphene electronic properties are macroscopically modified exploiting the periodic potential generated by the self assembly of metal cluster superlattices on a graphene/Ir(111) surface. We then demonstrate that individual metal clusters can be selectively removed by a STM tip with perfect reproducibility and that the structures so created are stable even at room temperature. This enables one to nanopattern circuits down to the 2.5 nm only limited by the periodicity of the Moiré-pattern, i.e., by the distance between neighbouring clusters and different electronic and optical properties should prevail in the covered and uncovered regions. The method can be carried out on micro-meter-sized regions with clusters of different materials permitting to tune the strength of the periodic potential.
Electroanalysis of nicotine at an electroreduced carboxylated graphene modified glassy carbon electrode
Authors: Xiao Hualing , Sun Lingen , Yan Hongling , Wang Wen , Liu Jiali , Yan Qingping , Chao Long , Chen Chao , Xie Qingji , Wen Jianhui , Yin Donghong
Published: December 2014

Nicotine is determined at a glassy carbon electrode modified with partially electroreduced carboxylated graphene by cyclic voltammetry and semi-derivative treatment after enrichment at −1.1 V in 0.1 M pH 7.0 phosphate buffer solution.
Smart design of free-standing ultrathin Co–Co(OH)2 composite nanoflakes on 3D nickel foam for high-performance electrochemical capacitors
Authors: Yu Zheyin , Cheng Zhenxiang , Majid Siti Rohana , Tai Zhixin , Wang Xiaolin , Dou Shixue
Published: December 2014

Free-standing Co–Co(OH)2 composite nanoflakes with excellent electrical conductivity and mechanical properties were applied in electrochemical capacitors for the first time.
Cyano-substituted oligo(p-phenylene vinylene) single-crystal with balanced hole and electron injection and transport for ambipolar field-effect transistors
Authors: Deng Jian , Tang Jia , Xu Yuanxiang , Liu Liqun , Wang Yan , Xie Zengqi , Ma Yuguang
Published: December 2014

High performance symmetric OFETs (organic field-effect transistors) made with strong green fluorescent single-crystals demonstrated well-balanced mobilities of around 0.5 cm2 V−1 s−1.
[Cp*Ru]-catalyzed selective coupling/hydrogenation
Authors: Labed I. , Labed A. , Sun Y. , Jiang F. , Achard M. , Dérien S. , Kabouche Z. , Bruneau C.
Published: December 2014

Selective coupling and hydrogenation catalyzed by [Cp*Ru] have been achieved affording valuable polyfunctionalized cyclic enamide derivatives.
Solution studies on DNA interactions of substitution-inert platinum complexes mediated via the phosphate clamp
Authors: Qu Y. , Kipping R. G. , Farrell N. P.
Published: December 2014

NMR studies confirmed phosphate clamp–DNA binding in solution and the sequence dictates minor-groove spanning or backbone tracking.
The highest connected pure inorganic 3D framework assembled by {P4Mo6} cluster and alkali metal potassium
Authors: Zhang He , Yu Kai , Li Jingshen , Wang Chunmei , Lv Jinghua , Chen Zhaoyi , Cai Honghong , Zhou Baibin
Published: December 2014

Potassium cation is introduced into the {(P4Mo6} systems, leading to 18-connected assemblies, which represents the highest connection of the POMs and shows bifunctional electrocatalytic activities and excellent photocatalytic activities.
Synthesis and catalytic activity of carbon supported copper nanoparticles for the synthesis of aryl nitriles and 1,2,3-triazoles
Authors: Nasrollahzadeh Mahmoud , Jaleh Babak , Fakhri Parisa , Zahraei Ali , Ghadery Esmaeil
Published: December 2014

Various substituted aryl nitrile and 1,2,3-triazole derivatives were prepared by using carbon supported copper nanoparticles (C/Cu NPs) as a heterogeneous catalyst under ligand-free conditions, which provided good to excellent yields.
Analysis of the upconversion photoluminescence spectra as a probe of local microstructure in Y2O3/Eu3+nanotubes under high pressure
Authors: Li Zepeng , Wang Jinhua , Hou Yuanyuan , Bai Xue , Song Hongwei , Zhou Qingjun , Wei Tong , Li Yan , Liu Bingbing
Published: December 2014

In situupconversion photoluminescence measurements of Y2O3/Eu3+nanotubes under high pressure were carried out with 632.8 nm laser light excitation.
Dipropargyl ether bisphenol A based boron-containing polymer: synthesis, characterization and molecular dynamics simulations of the resulting pyrolysis and carbonization
Authors: Gao N. , Jiang X. , Liu Y. H.
Published: December 2014

The time evolution of major pyrolysis products including small-molecule species of a dipropargyl ether bisphenol A based novel boron-containing polymer was examined via ReaxFF-MD simulation (Color code: C, grey; O, red; H, white; B, yellow).
Quantum dots-based fluoroimmunoassay for the simultaneous detection of clothianidin and thiacloprid in environmental and agricultural samples
Authors: Li Ming , Ma Ming , Hua Xiude , Shi Haiyan , Wang Qiuxia , Wang Minghua
Published: December 2014

A fluorescence-linked immunosorbent assay based on QDs was developed for detecting clothianidin and thiacloprid simultaneously in environmental and agricultural samples.
Snapshotted glass and gel transitions of stable colloidal dispersions after shear-driven aggregation in a microchannel
Authors: Meng Xia , Wu Hua , Morbidelli Massimo
Published: December 2014

During the shear-driven aggregation of strongly repulsive colloids, we have observed three phases: fluid of clusters, Wigner glass of clusters and gel.
Normal contact and friction of rubber with model randomly rough surfaces
Authors: Yashima S. , Romero V. , Wandersman E. , Frétigny C. , Chaudhury M. K. , Chateauminois A. , Prevost A. M.
Published: December 2014

We report on normal contact and friction measurements of model multicontact interfaces formed between smooth surfaces and substrates textured with a statistical distribution of spherical micro-asperities.
BMSCs laden injectable amino-diethoxypropane modified alginate-chitosan hydrogel for hyaline cartilage reconstruction
Authors: Wan Wenbing , Li Qingtao , Gao Haiyun , Ge Liangpeng , Liu Yuqing , Zhong Wen , Ouyang Jun , Xing Malcolm
Published: December 2014

We developed an injectable hydrogel composed of amino-diethoxypropane modified alginate and chitosan, and also investigated bone marrow mesenchy + mal stromal cells (BMSCs) laden hydrogel for cartilage reconstruction in vitro and in vivo.
Temperature dependence of the spectra of elementary excitations for anisotropic S = 1 ferromagnetics
Authors: Butrim V. I. , Kosmachev O. A. , Fridman Yu. A.
Published: December 2014

The dynamics of an easy-plane ferromagnet with spin S = 1 is studied at finite temperatures taking into account a significant quantum reduction in the spin. It is shown that in this case, besides the well-known standard transverse and longitudinal modes, an additional excitation branch appears because of the nonzero probability of transitions between excited levels of the magnetic ion at finite temperatures. This mode is strongly suppressed at low temperatures since the populations of the excited energy levels fall off exponentially with decreasing temperature. However, at finite temperatures lower than the Curie temperature TC but comparable to the energy of the exchange integral J, this mode can make a substantial contribution to energy absorption and exhibits high dispersion.
Design of step composition gradient thin film transistor channel layers grown by atomic layer deposition
Authors: Ahn Cheol Hyoun , Hee Kim So , Gu Yun Myeong , Koun Cho Hyung
Published: December 2014

In this study, we proposed the artificially designed channel structure in oxide thin-film transistors (TFTs) called a “step-composition gradient channel.” We demonstrated Al step-composition gradient Al-Zn-O (AZO) channel structures consisting of three AZO layers with different Al contents. The effects of stacking sequence in the step-composition gradient channel on performance and electrical stability of bottom-gate TFT devices were investigated with two channels of inverse stacking order (ascending/descending step-composition). The TFT with ascending step-composition channel structure (5 → 10 → 14 at. % Al composition) showed relatively negative threshold voltage (−3.7 V) and good instability characteristics with a reduced threshold voltage shift (Δ 1.4 V), which was related to the alignment of the conduction band off-set within the channel layer depending on the Al contents. Finally, the reduced Al composition in the initial layer of ascending step-composition channel resulted in the best field effect mobility of 4.5 cm2/V s. We presented a unique active layer of the “step-composition gradient channel” in the oxide TFTs and explained the mechanism of adequate channel design.
Plasma-induced magnetic responses during nonlinear dynamics of magnetic islands due to resonant magnetic perturbations
Authors: Nishimura Seiya
Published: December 2014

Resonant magnetic perturbations (RMPs) produce magnetic islands in toroidal plasmas. Self-healing (annihilation) of RMP-induced magnetic islands has been observed in helical systems, where a possible mechanism of the self-healing is shielding of RMP penetration by plasma flows, which is well known in tokamaks. Thus, fundamental physics of RMP shielding is commonly investigated in both tokamaks and helical systems. In order to check this mechanism, detailed informations of magnetic island phases are necessary. In experiments, measurement of radial magnetic responses is relatively easy. In this study, based on a theoretical model of rotating magnetic islands, behavior of radial magnetic fields during the self-healing is investigated. It is confirmed that flips of radial magnetic fields are typically observed during the self-healing. Such behavior of radial magnetic responses is also observed in LHD experiments.
Multi-scale dynamics of glow discharge plasma through wavelets: Self-similar behavior to neutral turbulence and dissipation
Authors: Giri Bapun K. , Mitra Chiranjit , Panigrahi Prasanta K. , Sekar Iyengar A. N.
Published: December 2014

The multiscale dynamics of glow discharge plasma is analysed through wavelet transform, whose scale dependent variable window size aptly captures both transients and non-stationary periodic behavior. The optimal time-frequency localization ability of the continuous Morlet wavelet is found to identify the scale dependent periodic modulations efficiently, as also the emergence of neutral turbulence and dissipation, whereas the discrete Daubechies basis set has been used for detrending the temporal behavior to reveal the multi-fractality of the underlying dynamics. The scaling exponents and the Hurst exponent have been estimated through wavelet based detrended fluctuation analysis, and also Fourier methods and rescale range analysis.
Redundancy Gain in Binocular Rivalry
Authors: Ritchie Kay L , Bannerman Rachel L , Sahraie Arash
Published: December 2014

A behavioural advantage is found across a wide range of stimuli when two targets are presented in opposite hemifields compared with those targets being presented together in one hemifield, or one target being presented alone. This advantage for responses to multiple targets versus a single target is often termed redundancy gain. Here we report on the findings of two experiments investigating redundancy gain in binocular rivalry. Experiment 1 presented a rival pair in one hemifield with an additional image presented to both eyes in the opposite hemifield. There was a weak effect of this stable image on the perceived dominance of the images within the rival pair. Experiment 2 presented a second rival pair in either the same or opposite hemifield and showed that instances of joint predominance were greater when the two pairs were presented in opposite hemifields than within the same hemifield. Therefore, the findings suggest that redundancy gain may be extended to stimuli presented under binocular rivalry conditions.
Nutritional characteristics and in vitro digestibility by near-infrared spectroscopy of local and hybrid napiergrass varieties grown in rain-fed and irrigated conditions
Authors: Tiwari U. P. , Turano B. , Jha R.
Published: December 2014

Napiergrass can produce large amounts of biomass and its nutritive value has a significant effect on its effectiveness for animal production. However, temperature and drought stress limit its productivity. Drought-tolerant pearl millet × napiergrass hybrid (PMN) varieties were developed and produce high biomass yields. The nutritional content and digestibility of PMN is not well known, which limits its use in animal feeding. It was hypothesised that PMN hybrids are more drought tolerant and have higher nutritive value than napiergrass varieties. Four napiergrass varieties (Bana grass, Mott, MB4, and N51) and four PMN (PMN2, PMN3, 5344, 4604) were tested with or without irrigation treatment in a strip-plot design, with the objective of evaluating the nutritional value and in vitro digestibility of PMN hybrids and napiergrass. The forages were harvested on Day 110 of planting. Samples were hand chopped, oven-dried, ground to pass through a 1-mm screen and analysed for their nutrient content and in vitro digestibility using near-infrared spectroscopy. Dry matter (DM) content of PMN2 (24.3%) and PMN3 (22.9%) was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than 5344, Bana grass and N51 napiergrass varieties. No differences (P > 0.05) in acid detergent fibre, neutral detergent fibre, crude protein and metabolisable energy were found among napiergrass varieties. With no effect (P > 0.05) of irrigation, lignin content was highest (P < 0.08) in 4604 (8.2%) and lowest in 5344 (5.2%). Starch was highest (P < 0.05) in irrigated MB4 than both irrigated and non-irrigated 4604. Non-fibre carbohydrate content was highest (P < 0.05) in PMN2 (12.8%) than MB4 (8.7%). The in vitro true digestibility was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in 5344 and Bana grass (70.0% and 68.0% of DM, respectively), than PMN3 (54.5%). Rate of digestion was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in 5344 (4.9%/h) than PMN2 (2.7%/h), others were in between. Neutral detergent fibre digestibility (NDFD) of 5344 and Bana grass (56.7% and 53.2% of neutral detergent fibre, respectively) was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than PMN2 (38.0%). Although no effect of irrigation was observed, there was an interaction (P < 0.05) between variety and irrigation on neutral detergent fibre digestibility of napiergrass varieties. In conclusion, among four PMN varieties tested, PMN3 and 5344 has higher nutritional value and in vitro digestibility than PMN2 and 4604 even when grown in non-irrigated condition. Thus, PMN3 and 5344 is the preferred napiergrass variety for animal feeding, even in rain-fed farming conditions.
103 CIRCULATING microRNAs FOR EARLY DIAGNOSIS OF BOVINE PREGNANCY
Authors: Ioannidis J. , Ashworth C. , Raue R. , Donadeu X.
Published: December 2014

Early diagnosis of pregnancy can shorten calving intervals, improve annual milk production and increase overall profits from modern dairy herds. At present, accurate diagnosis is only possible after the third week of pregnancy. Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) have been proposed as diagnostic biomarkers for numerous human conditions such as cancer and diabetes. Moreover, distinct circulating miRNA profiles have been associated with different stages of human pregnancy. The objective of this study was to determine whether differential miRNA profiles occur in circulation during early pregnancy (Day 24 or earlier) in cattle that could be used for diagnostic purposes. Holstein-cross heifers were oestrous-synchronised and artificially inseminated (AI, n = 11) or sham-inseminated (control, n = 8) at first detected oestrus. Plasma samples were collected on Days 0, 8, 16 and 24 after insemination. Circulating miRNA levels were independently determined in pooled plasma samples (n = 3 pools for each of pregnant Day 24 and nonpregnant Days 0, 8, and 16) using Qiagen qPCR arrays (Qiagen, Valencia, CA, USA) and in individual samples (n = 11 samples for each pregnant Days 16 and 24, and 8 samples for each of nonpregnant Days 0, 8, and 16, respectively) using Illumina miRNA sequencing. The qPCR array data were analysed using the ΔΔCq method. The miRNA sequencing data were normalised using EdgeR. Differential expression between pregnant and nonpregnant groups was determined using 2-sample t-tests with false discovery rate (FDR) adjustment. Differences in miRNA expression were validated by RT-qPCR. Out of a total of 191 miRNAs analysed in pooled samples using qPCR arrays, 8 were differentially expressed (<3-fold, FDR <0.1) in Day 24 pregnant heifers relative to nonpregnant heifers (Days 0, 8, and 16 combined). No miRNAs were differentially expressed (FDR >0.1) between nonpregnant time-points. Changes in levels of 11 miRNAs were validated by RT-qPCR in individual plasma samples; although expression trends for these miRNAs were the same as in pooled samples, none of the changes in individual samples were significant after FDR adjustment (P > 0.1). Deep sequencing (96 million miRNA reads) identified 231 miRNAs in bovine plasma. There were no significant differences (FDR >0.1) in the expression of any miRNAs between pregnant heifers (Days 16 or 24) and nonpregnant (Days 0, 8, and 16 individually or combined). In addition, no significant differences were identified among nonpregnant time-points. In summary, we successfully performed miRNA profiling of bovine plasma using both deep sequencing and qPCR; however, we did not detect differences in miRNA expression between early pregnant (Day 16 or 24) and nonpregnant heifers. Changes in circulating miRNA levels may involve low abundance miRNAs that cannot be accurately quantified using current technology. Alternatively, changes in circulating miRNA levels may only occur later during pregnancy in cattle.
106 THE RECEPTIVE BEEF COW ENDOMETRIUM: POTENTIAL KEY FEATURES FAVOURING THE COMMUNICATION BETWEEN EMBRYONIC AND MATERNAL TISSUES
Authors: Van Hoeck V. , França M. R. , Gonella G. , Langbeen A. , Pugliesi G. , Binelli M.
Published: December 2014

A receptive state of the endometrium is crucial for proper communication with the pre-implantation embryo and, thereby, a perquisite for a successful pregnancy. Both reduction of transmembrane mucin and initiation of apoptotic events have been proposed as key features prompting embryo/endometrial cell interaction and facilitating maternal receptivity of the murine and human embryo. In beef cows, however, the signature for receptivity needs to be elucidated. Therefore, we aimed to characterise “receptive” versus “refractory” endometrial tissues with the focus on (1) transcription profiles related to mucin, apoptosis and proliferative pathways, and 2) phenotypic features; that is, epithelial transmembrane mucin and apoptotic cell rates (ACR). Using a bovine model, preovulatory follicle growth was manipulated to produce 2 groups: cows with larger preovulatory follicle, longer proestrus, and higher receptivity (LF-LCL) versus cows with smaller preovulatory follicle, shorter proestrus, and lower receptivity (SF-SCL). Seven days post-induced ovulation, endometrium was collected. Transcriptome profiles of endometrial tissue (n = 3/group) were determined using Illumina RNA sequencing analyses. In addition, paraffin embedded endometrial samples (n = 6/group) were stained with Alcian Blue for semiquantitative analyses of mucin staining intensity and treated with antibodies against activated Casp3 to determine ACR. RNA-seq data showed that cell surface MUC1 gene expression was drastically reduced (fold-change –3.33) in LF-LCL tissue (P < 0.05). In contrast, the LF-LCL endometrial tissue displayed an up-regulated expression of genes involved in apoptosis pathways, such as Casp9, CRADD, DAPL1 (fold-change 1.80, 2.10, and 3.60, respectively; P < 0.05). Moreover, the expression of genes related to proliferation, such as MYC and NOV, was significantly down-regulated in LF-LCL endometrial tissue (fold-change –2.2 and –6.3, respectively; P < 0.01). Histology of endometrial samples revealed that the signal for transmembrane, anti-adhesive, mucin at the LF-LCL epithelium was consistently low, whereas the SF-SCL tissue group displayed variable amounts of transmembrane mucin at the apical epithelial boarder. Immunohistochemistry showed that gland cells from LF-LCL endometrial tissue displayed a significantly higher ACR compared with gland cells of the SF-SCL tissue (29.6 ± 1.52% v. 11.9 ± 1.26%; P < 0.05). In the surface epithelium and the stromal tissue, Casp3 positive cells were rare and ACR was similar between groups. In conclusion, a down-regulated expression of the transmembrane mucin might indicate a receptive condition of the endometrium. Furthermore, the prominent apoptotic characteristics in the LF-LCL tissue suggest that the receptive endometrium must surpass the proliferative status in order to differentiate to more specialised functions, such as embryotrophy.
107 PRODUCTION OF EPIDERMAL GROWTH FACTOR BY BOVINE ENDOMETRIAL CELLS AND ITS EFFECTS ON EMBRYONIC INTERFERONT AND PROSTAGLANDIN
Authors: Acosta T. J. , Takatsu K.
Published: December 2014

A dynamic interaction between bioactive products of the embryo (blastocyst) and the endometrium is crucial for the successful establishment of pregnancy. In ruminants, the principal signal for maternal recognition of pregnancy is interferon-τ (IFNT) secreted by the trophoectoderm between Days 8 and 20 post-fertilization. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) produced by the endometrium acting through EGF receptors (EGFR) present in the blastocyst seems to regulate embryonic production of IFNT. Epidermal growth factor and IFNT have been shown to play crucial roles in controlling luteolytic prostaglandin (PG) F2α (PGF) and luteotropic PGE2 production by bovine endometrium. However, it is unknown how these bioactive molecules regulate uterine function during maternal recognition of pregnancy. To clarify the main source of EGF in bovine endometrium and the mechanisms regulating the interaction between the hatched blastocyst and maternal uterine environment, the production of EGF by cultured endometrial epithelial and stromal cells and the effects of EGF on embryonic IFNT and PG were investigated. In addition, the effects of EGF on PGE2 and PGF production by cultured epithelial or stromal cells were examined. Endometrial epithelial and stromal cells were enzymatically isolated on the day of ovulation, seeded at a density of 100 000 viable cells mL–1, and cultured at 38°C in a humidified atmosphere of 5% CO2 in air. After the cells reached 90% confluence, they were cultured in the presence or absence of EGF (0.1, 1.0, 10, and 100 ng mL–1) for 24 h. Cells cultured in the absence of EGF and their cultured media were collected separately for protein analysis. Hatched bovine blastocysts (Days 8–10) were also cultured and exposed to EGF (1, 10, and 100 ng mL–1) for 24 h. Protein concentrations of EGF and IFNT in the cultured media were determined by commercial enzyme immunoassay kit. Hormonal concentrations were analysed by ANOVA followed by Fisher's protected least-significant difference procedure (PLSD) as a multiple comparison test by StatView (Abacus Concepts Inc., Berkeley, CA, USA). The concentration of EGF in the culture media of epithelial cells cultured in the absence of EGF was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than in the cultured media of endometrial stromal cells. Epidermal growth factor (10 and 100 ng mL–1) increased embryonic production of IFNT and luteotropic PGE2 production but not luteolytic PGF by hatched blastocyst. EGF (100 ng mL–1) increased both PGE2 and PGF production (P < 0.05) by cultured endometrial epithelial and stromal cells. The overall results suggest that endometrial epithelial cells rather than stromal cells are the main source of EGF. Epidermal growth factor produced by epithelial cells stimulates the production of IFNT by bovine trophoblasts. The capacity of conceptus to increase IFNT and luteotropic PGE2 production rather than luteolytic PGF in response to EGF stimulation may be essential for the establishment of pregnancy in cattle.