bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The nitrification inhibitor dicyandiamide increases mineralization–immobilization turnover in slurry-amended grassland soil
Authors: ERNFORS M. , BRENNAN F. P. , RICHARDS K. G. , MCGEOUGH K. L. , GRIFFITHS B. S. , LAUGHLIN R. J. , WATSON C. J. , PHILIPPOT L. , GRANT J. , MINET E. P. , MOYNIHAN E. , MÜLLER C.
Published: January 2014

Nitrification inhibitors are used in agriculture for the purpose of decreasing nitrogen (N) losses, by limiting the microbially mediated oxidation of ammonium (NH4+) to nitrate (NO3−). Successful inhibition of nitrification has been shown in numerous studies, but the extent to which inhibitors affect other N transformations in soil is largely unknown. In the present study, cattle slurry was applied to microcosms of three different grassland soils, with or without the nitrification inhibitor dicyandiamide (DCD). A solution containing NH4+and NO3−, labelled with15N either on the NH4+or the NO3−part, was mixed with the slurry before application. Gross N transformation rates were estimated using a15N tracing model. In all three soils, DCD significantly inhibited gross autotrophic nitrification, by 79–90%. Gross mineralization of recalcitrant organic N increased significantly with DCD addition in two soils, whereas gross heterotrophic nitrification from the same pool decreased with DCD addition in two soils. Fungal to bacterial ratios were not significantly affected by DCD addition. Total gross mineralization and immobilization increased significantly across the three soils when DCD was used, which suggests that DCD can cause non-target effects on soil N mineralization–immobilization turnover.
Early effects of slash-and-burn cultivation on soil physicochemical properties of small-scale farms in the Tapajós region, Brazilian Amazon
Authors: BÉLIVEAU A. , DAVIDSON R. , LUCOTTE M. , DO CANTO LOPES L. OTÁVIO , PAQUET S. , VASSEUR C.
Published: January 2014

Increasing human occupation of the Brazilian Amazon has led to the intensification of deforestation over the last 50 years. The present study is aimed at analysing the impacts of the first year of slash-and-burn cultivation on soil physicochemical properties. Sampling was done in 26 small-scale farms of the Tapajós River basin. In August 2004, soil samples were collected from primary forest plots planned for slash-and-burn cultivation. In September 2005, 1 year after the initial burning and the beginning of cultivation, the same sites were re-sampled. The results indicated that soil fertility after burning was relatively moderate, as the increase of base cations was not particularly marked. Moreover, although an increase of some nutrients (such as exchangeable phosphorus) was observed at soil surface, total carbon and nitrogen (N) pools did not change significantly. Nutrient leaching was also detected through the accumulation of both forms of available nitrogen (NO3 and NH4) as well as potassium in subsoil horizons. In addition, signs of erosion were seen, as a significant increase surface density occurred, coupled with up to 25% fine particle loss at the surface. The present study draws attention to the early impacts of slash-and-burn agriculture on soil properties within a year of cultivation. Furthermore, its regional dimension highlights undisturbed soils natural variability as well as differentiated responses to deforestation according to soil texture.
Ulceration of the nasal dorsum: a rare cause?
Authors: Salim F , Joshi A , Hopkins C
Published: January 2014

Introduction:

Non-healing ulcers can be caused by a number of conditions, including vascular disease, diabetes, malignancy and some infections. Drug-related ulcers are rare, and a high index of clinical suspicion is required for diagnosis, in parallel with exclusion of more sinister underlying causes.

Case report:

We present a patient with a complex medical background, who had a 10-week history of a non-healing ulcer on his nasal bridge. Inflammatory, autoimmune and malignant causes for the ulcer were excluded by histopathology.

Conclusion:

Nicorandil was deemed to be the most likely cause for the patient's ulcer. Nicorandil is an anti-anginal medication known to cause oral ulceration and skin lesions in the perianal and peristomal regions and around surgical wounds. However, there are no previously reported cases of facial ulcers. The ulcer required surgical debridement and healed completely within six months, following discontinuation of nicorandil. This case highlights the importance of having a high index of clinical suspicion regarding non-healing ulcers, and of considering drugs as an aetiological factor, especially in patients with a complex medical background who are taking numerous medications.
Molecular characterization of an endo-type chitosanase from the fish pathogenRenibacteriumsp. QD1
Authors: Xing Peichuan , Liu Dan , Yu Wen-Gong , Lu Xinzhi
Published: January 2014

Renibacteriumsp. QD1, a bacteria strain capable of hydrolysing chitosan, was isolated from the homogenate of small crabs. An extracellular chitosanase, Csn-A, was purified from the QD1 fermentation broth. The enzyme was purified to homogeneity, with a yield of eight-fold, 67% recovery and a specific activity of 1575 U/mg proteins. The molecular weight of Csn-A was estimated to be 26.1 kDa by SDS-PAGE. Unlike other chitosanases, the purified Csn-A displayed maximal activity at a pH range of 5.3–6.5, and it was stable in a broad pH range of 5.0–10.0. The optimum temperature for chitosanlytic activity was 55°C. The enzyme activity was strongly stimulated by Mn2+but inhibited by Fe3+, Cu2+, Al3+, Zn2+and SDS. TLC analysis demonstrated that Csn-A hydrolysed N-deacetylated polymeric glucosamines into chito-biose and -triose in an endo-type manner. The amino acid seuquence of Csn-A showed close identity with an uncharacterized chitosanase of strain ATCC33209.
Trophic structure of the bathyal benthos at an area with evidence of methane seep activity off southern Chile (~45°S)
Authors: Zapata-Hernández Germán , Sellanes Javier , Thurber Andrew R. , Levin Lisa A.
Published: January 2014

Through application of carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) stable isotope analyses, we investigated the benthic trophic structure of the upper-slope off southern Chile (~45°S) including a recent methane seep area discovered as part of this study. The observed fauna comprised 53 invertebrates and seven fish taxa, including remains of chemosymbiotic fauna (e.g.chemosymbiotic bivalves and siboglinid polychaetes), which are typical of methane seep environments. While in close-proximity to a seep, the heterotrophic fauna had a nutrition derived predominantly from photosynthetic sources (δ13C > –21‰). The absence of chemosynthesis-based nutrition in the consumers was likely a result of using an Agassiz trawl to sample the benthos, a method that is likely to collect a mix of fauna including individuals from adjacent non-seep bathyal environments. While four trophic levels were estimated for invertebrates, the fish assemblage was positioned within the third trophic level of the food web. Differences in corrected standard ellipse area (SEAC), which is a proxy of the isotopic niche width, yielded differences for the demersal fishNotophycis marginata(SEAC = 5.1‰) andCoelorinchus fasciatus(SEAC = 1.1‰), suggesting distinct trophic behaviours. No ontogenic changes were detected inC. fasciatusregarding food sources and trophic position. The present study contributes the first basic trophic data for the bathyal area off southern Chile, including the identification of a new methane seep area, among the furthest south ever discovered. Such information provides the basis for the proper sustainable management of the benthic environments present along the vast Chilean continental margin.
Fires and Recoveries Witnessed by the Dutch in Edo and Nagasaki: The Great Fire of Meireki in 1657 and the Great Fire of Kanbun in 1663
Authors: Fuyuko Matsukata
Published: January 2014

Kaji to kenka ha Edo no hana (Fires and fights are the highlights of Edo) is a famous phrase to illustrate that fires plagued the city of Edo (now known as Tokyo) during the Tokugawa period (1603–1868). Fires seem to have been considered not only terrible disasters, but also a symbol of a busy, active metropolis. The same is true in other early-modern Japanese cities, particularly those facing the Pacific Ocean or the East China Sea, such as Nagasaki.

The geographical setting of these two cities, among others, is one of four factors that contributed to many of the fires in Japan. The winter monsoon from the north or northwest caused by the Siberia anticyclone is steady and powerful from December to February, and the first summer monsoon from the south, called haru ichiban (the first wind of spring) in March or April is also quite strong. During these months, the combination of dry air, strong winds, and individual fires set to keep homes warm create fire hazard conditions. Even today, the season when most fires occur is winter.

As Edo lies in the center of the Kanto plain, there is nothing to prevent strong winds. Between 1601 and 1867, there were 1,798 fires in Edo, including 49 large fires, whereas Osaka experienced only six large fires and Kyoto nine. Although it is open to the sea on the south-west, Nagasaki is surrounded by mountains, so the winds blow from the north-east to the south-west. There were smaller fires in Nagasaki, which is a smaller city than Edo, but the number of incidents was still high. Nagasaki suffered from 232 fires during the period 1633–1868, including those that occurred in suburban areas.
Spectroscopic characterization of laser-ablated manganese sulfate plasma
Authors: Salik M. , Hanif M. , Wang J. , Zhang X. Q.
Published: January 2014

In this work, we present the spectroscopic studies of the plasma generated at the surface of manganese sulfate by the fundamental (1064 nm) and second harmonic (532 nm) of a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser. The 4s4p 4F7/2→ 4s 2H9/2 at 438.80 nm, 4p 2I11/2 → 4s22I11/2 at 440.80 nm, 4p 4G11/2 → 4s 2H9/2 at 464.27 nm, 4p 4F5/2→ 4s 4D7/2 at 467.16, 4p 4F5/2 → 4s24G 7/2 at 515.08 nm, and 4p 4F7/2 → 4s2 4G 9/2 at 519.65 nm transitions have been used to estimate the electron temperature through the Boltzmann plot method. The number density has been estimated from the Stark broadened profiles of the spectral line 348.30 nm. The spatial behavior of the electron temperature and number density has been examined at different ambient air pressures and with laser irradiance. The temperature and number density are found to be in the range from 9842 K to 9371 K and 1.58 × 1017 to 3.26 × 1016 cm−3 for the 1064 nm laser, from 9668 to 9297 K and 2.27 × 1017 to 5.79 × 1016 cm−3 for the 532 nm laser.
Command-based voice teleoperation of a mobile robot via a human-robot interface
Authors: Poncela Alberto , Gallardo-Estrella Leticia
Published: January 2014

Verbal communication is the most natural way of human–robot interaction. Such an interaction is usually achieved by means of a human-robot interface (HRI). In this paper, a HRI is presented to teleoperate a robotic platform via the user's voice. Hence, a speech recognition system is necessary. In this work, a user-dependent acoustic model for Spanish speakers has been developed to teleoperate a robot with a set of commands. Experimental results have been successful, both in terms of a high recognition rate and the navigation of the robot under the control of the user's voice.
Bridging climate science to adaptation action in data sparse Tanzania
Authors: GIRVETZ EVAN H. , GRAY ELIZABETH , TEAR TIMOTHY H. , BROWN MATTHEW A.
Published: January 2014

In the face of an already changing climate, conservation practitioners and local communities face the major challenge of how to plan for a future climate. In data-sparse areas of the world, where action is often most needed, the daunting scope of the problem can lead to inaction. This paper shows that climate adaptation planning can be accomplished successfully with publicly and globally available data by linking science and stakeholders through a facilitated process. Working with local stakeholders in the western Tanzanian Greater Mahale and Greater Gombe Ecosystems, future climate projections produced using Climate Wizard and analyses of literature provided an understanding of the climate vulnerabilities of local ecosystems and human livelihoods. Facilitated workshops enabled local stakeholders to use this information to develop conceptual models and hypotheses of change for these systems, and to identify possible modifications to conservation plans. Here, climate change planning required the modification of most current conservation strategies, developing some new strategies and abandoning others. The paper indicates that climate adaptation planning is achievable even in data-sparse rural and developing areas, but requires appropriate scientific analyses, engaged stakeholders and a facilitated process.
Parametric reconstruction of radar image based on Multi-point Scattering Model
Authors: Konovalyuk Maxim , Gorbunova Anastasia , Baev Andrey , Kuznetsov Yury
Published: January 2014

The wideband coherent-pulse radar provides high-resolution image of the target. The model of this image is a complex envelope superposition corresponding to signals diffracted by the point scatterers. The values of complex envelopes are distributed over the radar image coordinate plane in accordance with the point scatterer positions and their reflection coefficients. The radar image model consists of range and Doppler profiles. The parameters of the target point scatterers were defined by processing of two-dimensional (2D) data extracted from the complex 2D discrete Fourier transforms of the radar image. The proposed parametric system identification method performs the estimation of the model parameters for a short dwell time and the extrapolation of the radar data image beyond this time. The modified procedure of inverse synthesis aperture radar imaging applied to actual data showed a reduction of the Doppler smearing and some improvements of image resolution.
Das Kolitis-assoziierte kolorektale Karzinom: Epidemiologie, Pathogenese und Früherkennung
Authors: Scharl Michael , Biedermann Luc , Rogler Gerhard
Published: January 2014

Das Kolitis-assoziierte kolorektale Karzinom (KRK) ist für rund 5% aller KRK verantwortlich und das Erkrankungsrisiko ist bei einem Patienten mit chronisch-entzündlicher Darmerkrankung (CED) gegenüber der Normalbevölkerung – zumindest nach älteren Analysen – geringgradig erhöht. Eine effektive anti-entzündliche Therapie scheint dieses Risiko zu reduzieren. Als Hauptrisikofaktoren gelten die Entzündung des gesamten Dickdarmes (Pankolitis), die Dauer der chronischen Darmentzündung sowie das Vorliegen einer primär sklerosierenden Cholangitis. Im Gegensatz zum sporadischen KRK existiert beim Kolitis-assoziierten KRK keine charakteristische Adenom-Karzinom-Sequenz. Nichtsdestotrotz können zahlreiche Zell- bzw. Gendefekte auch in der Pathogenese des Kolitis-assoziierten KRK nachgewiesen werden. Zudem spielen reaktive Sauerstoffspezies eine wichtige Rolle bei der Entstehung. Insbesondere bei Patienten mit Pankolitis sollten Vorsorgekoloskopien durchgeführt werden, da die Prognose des Kolitis-assoziierten KRK insgesamt schlecht ist.
The immune profile associated with acute allergic asthma accelerates clearance of influenza virus
Authors: Samarasinghe Amali E , Woolard Stacie N , Boyd Kelli L , Hoselton Scott A , Schuh Jane M , McCullers Jonathan A
Published: January 2014

Asthma was the most common comorbidity in hospitalized patients during the 2009 influenza pandemic. For unknown reasons, hospitalized asthmatics had less severe outcomes and were less likely to die from pandemic influenza. Our data with primary human bronchial cells indicate that changes intrinsic to epithelial cells in asthma may protect against cytopathology induced by influenza virus. To further study influenza virus pathogenesis in allergic hosts, we aimed to develop and characterize murine models of asthma and influenza comorbidity to determine structural, physiological and immunological changes induced by influenza in the context of asthma. Aspergillus fumigatus‐sensitized and ‐challenged C57BL/6 mice were infected with pandemic H1N1 influenza virus, either during peak allergic inflammation or during airway remodeling to gain insight into disease pathogenesis. Mice infected with the influenza virus during peak allergic inflammation did not lose body weight and cleared the virus rapidly. These mice exhibited high eosinophilia, preserved airway epithelial cell integrity, increased mucus, reduced interferon response and increased insulin‐like growth factor‐1. In contrast, weight loss and viral replication kinetics in the mice that were infected during the late airway remodeling phase were equivalent to flu‐only controls. These mice had neutrophils in the airways, damaged airway epithelial cells, less mucus production, increased interferons and decreased insulin‐like growth factor‐1. The state of the allergic airways at the time of influenza virus infection alters host responses against the virus. These murine models of asthma and influenza comorbidity may improve our understanding of the epidemiology and pathogenesis of viral infections in humans with asthma.
Dehydration and crystallization of amorphous calcium carbonate in solution and in air
Authors: Ihli Johannes , Wong Wai Ching , Noel Elizabeth H. , Kim Yi-Yeoun , Kulak Alexander N. , Christenson Hugo K. , Duer Melinda J. , Meldrum Fiona C.
Published: January 2014

The mechanisms by which amorphous intermediates transform into crystalline materials are poorly understood. Currently, attracting enormous interest is the crystallization of amorphous calcium carbonate, a key intermediary in synthetic, biological and environmental systems. Here we attempt to unify many contrasting and apparently contradictory studies by investigating this process in detail. We show that amorphous calcium carbonate can dehydrate before crystallizing, both in solution and in air, while thermal analyses and solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance measurements reveal that its water is present in distinct environments. Loss of the final water fraction—comprising less than 15% of the total—then triggers crystallization. The high activation energy of this step suggests that it occurs by partial dissolution/recrystallization, mediated by surface water, and the majority of the particle then crystallizes by a solid-state transformation. Such mechanisms are likely to be widespread in solid-state reactions and their characterization will facilitate greater control over these processes.
A novel computational biostatistics approach implies impaired dephosphorylation of growth factor receptors as associated with severity of autism
Authors: Wittkowski K M , Sonakya V , Bigio B , Tonn M K , Shic F , Ascano M , Nasca C , Gold-Von Simson G
Published: January 2014

The prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) has increased 20-fold over the past 50 years to >1% of US children. Although twin studies attest to a high degree of heritability, the genetic risk factors are still poorly understood. We analyzed data from two independent populations usingu-statistics for genetically structured wide-locus data and added data from unrelated controls to explore epistasis. To account for systematic, but disease-unrelated differences in (non-randomized) genome-wide association studies (GWAS), a correlation between P-values and minor allele frequency with low granularity data and for conducting multiple tests in overlapping genetic regions, we present a novel study-specific criterion for ‘genome-wide significance’. From recent results in a comorbid disease, childhood absence epilepsy, we had hypothesized that axonal guidance and calcium signaling are involved in autism as well. Enrichment of the results in both studies with related genes confirms this hypothesis. Additional ASD-specific variations identified in this study suggest protracted growth factor signaling as causing more severe forms of ASD. Another cluster of related genes suggests chloride and potassium ion channels as additional ASD-specific drug targets. The involvement of growth factors suggests the time of accelerated neuronal growth and pruning at 9–24 months of age as the period during which treatment with ion channel modulators would be most effective in preventing progression to more severe forms of autism. By extension, the same computational biostatistics approach could yield profound insights into the etiology of many common diseases from the genetic data collected over the last decade.
Small molecule phosphorescent probes for O2imaging in 3D tissue models
Authors: Dmitriev Ruslan I. , Kondrashina Alina V. , Koren Klaus , Klimant Ingo , Zhdanov Alexander V. , Pakan Janelle M. P. , McDermott Kieran W. , Papkovsky Dmitri B.
Published: January 2014

PtPFPP-carbohydrate conjugates are promising O2probes for 3D PLIM imaging of live spheroids and brain explants.
An unsolvated buckycatcher and its first dianion
Authors: Zabula Alexander V. , Sevryugina Yulia V. , Spisak Sarah N. , Kobryn Lesya , Sygula Renata , Sygula Andrzej , Petrukhina Marina A.
Published: January 2014

The X-ray crystallographic study of buckycatcher C60H28 revealed a unique solid-state packing of its neutral form and the significant geometry changes upon charging to the dianion.
A phthalocyanine–subphthalocyanine heterodinuclear dimer: comparison of spectroscopic properties with those of homodinuclear dimers of constituting units
Authors: Shibata Norio , Mori Satoru , Hayashi Masamichi , Umeda Masashi , Tokunaga Etsuko , Shiro Motoo , Sato Hiroyasu , Hoshi Tomonori , Kobayashi Nagao
Published: January 2014

A phthalocyanine–subphthalocyanine heterodinuclear dimer has been disclosed for the first time with its unique flat-bowl-shaped structure revealed by X-ray crystallography.
Effects of desolvation barriers and sidechains on local–nonlocal coupling and chevron behaviors in coarse-grained models of protein folding
Authors: Chen Tao , Chan Hue Sun
Published: January 2014

Coarse-grained protein chain models with desolvation barriers or sidechains lead to stronger local–nonlocal coupling and more linear chevron plots.
New p-tolylimido rhenium(v) complexes with carboxylate-based ligands: synthesis, structures and their catalytic potential in oxidations with peroxides
Authors: Gryca I. , Machura B. , Małecki J. G. , Shul'pina Lidia S. , Pombeiro Armando J. L. , Shul'pin Georgiy B.
Published: January 2014

Novelp-tolylimido rhenium(v) complexes were obtained and calculations at the DFT level were undertaken. The complexes exhibited high catalytic activity in oxidation of alkanes and alcohols with H2O2or TBHP.
A comprehensive analysis of the Streptococcus pyogenes and human plasma protein interaction network
Authors: Sjöholm Kristoffer , Karlsson Christofer , Linder Adam , Malmström Johan
Published: January 2014

A schematic figure for the analysis of bacterial interaction protein, 2 different MS methods are used.
Cadmium concentrations in human blood and urine are associated with polymorphisms in zinc transporter genes
Authors: Rentschler Gerda , Kippler Maria , Axmon Anna , Raqib Rubhana , Skerfving Staffan , Vahter Marie , Broberg Karin
Published: January 2014

We show the effect of genetic variation in the zinc transporter genesSLC39A8andSLC39A14on cadmium concentrations in humans.
Two novel aggregation-induced emission active coumarin-based Schiff bases and their applications in cell imaging
Authors: Xiao Hongde , Chen Kun , Cui Dandan , Jiang Nannan , Yin Gui , Wang Jie , Wang Ruiyong
Published: January 2014

Two coumarin-based AIE-active compounds emitting ESIPT fluorescence with large Stocks-shifts were applied to cell imaging.
NP/MS since 1970: from the basement to the bench top
Authors: Carter Guy T.
Published: January 2014

This Highlight explores the evolution of applications of mass spectrometric technologies in the context of natural products research since the 1970's. The central themes are the analysis of mixtures, dereplication and structure determination. An example of sequential analysis of fragment ions (MS/MS) to provide detailed structural information on muraymycins is presented.
Ion sources for mass spectrometric identification and imaging of molecular species
Authors: Bhardwaj Chhavi , Hanley Luke
Published: January 2014

A variety of ion sources have been developed which can be used for the mass spectrometric identification and imaging analysis of natural products within their biological source or extracted from the same.
Temperature-induced transitions of self-assembled phthalocyanine molecular nanoarrays at the solid–liquid interface: from randomness to order
Authors: Hu Fangyun , Gong Yunnan , Zhang Xuemei , Xue Jindong , Liu Bo , Lu Tongbu , Deng Ke , Duan Wubiao , Zeng Qingdao , Wang Chen
Published: January 2014

Phthalocyanine nanoarrays of uniform shape can be formed simply by the synergies of a template effect and thermodynamic balance.
Self-constructed tree-shape high thermal conductivity nanosilver networks in epoxy
Authors: Pashayi Kamyar , Fard Hafez Raeisi , Lai Fengyuan , Iruvanti Sushumna , Plawsky Joel , Borca-Tasciuc Theodorian
Published: January 2014

Tree-shape nanosilver networks in epoxy developed by controlled agglomeration and sintering of dispersed nanoparticles lead to high thermal conductivity nanocomposites.
Design of multicomponent photocatalysts for hydrogen production under visible light using water-soluble titanate nanodisks
Authors: Dinh Cao-Thang , Pham Minh-Hao , Seo Yongbeom , Kleitz Freddy , Do Trong-On
Published: January 2014

Water-soluble multicomponent photocatalysts highly efficient for H2 generation under visible light are designed in such a way to simultaneously enhance the three main factors of photocatalysis, i.e. visible light absorption, charge separation, and surface catalytic reaction.
Chain-growth polycondensation of perylene diimide-based copolymers: a new route to regio-regular perylene diimide-based acceptors for all-polymer solar cells and n-type transistors
Authors: Liu W. , Tkachov R. , Komber H. , Senkovskyy V. , Schubert M. , Wei Z. , Facchetti A. , Neher D. , Kiriy A.
Published: January 2014

Chain-growth tin-free room temperature polymerization is reported which leads to perylene diimide-based n-type polymers suitable for solar cell and transistor applications.
Dual-temperature and pH responsive (ethylene glycol)-based nanogels via structural design
Authors: Kotsuchibashi Yohei , Narain Ravin
Published: January 2014

Dual-temperature and pH responsive (ethylene glycol)-based nanogels were synthesized. Both the core and the shell of the nanogels showed a lower critical solution temperature (LCST) and the LCST of the shell was strongly affected by the solution pH and salt concentration due to the presence of carboxylic acid groups at the nanogel surface.
2,2′-Bis(3-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone)/CMK-3 nanocomposite as cathode material for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Li Hao , Duan Wenchao , Zhao Qing , Cheng Fangyi , Liang Jing , Chen Jun
Published: January 2014

The H2bhnq/CMK-3 nanocomposite, which was synthesized by a simple impregnation method, exhibits a high electrochemical performance as the cathode of lithium-ion batteries.
Synthesis and discovery of andrographolide derivatives as non-steroidal farnesoid X receptor (FXR) antagonists
Authors: Liu Zhuyun , Law Wai-Kit , Wang Decai , Nie Xin , Sheng Dekuan , Song Genrui , Guo Kai , Wei Ping , Ouyang Pingkai , Wong Chi-Wai , Zhou Guo-Chun
Published: January 2014

Some 14β-phenoxy substituted derivatives of andrographolide were designed, synthesized and investigated as FXR novel antagonists.
Synthesis of interesting β-nitrohydrazides through a thiourea organocatalysed aza-Michael addition
Authors: Alcaine Ana , Marqués-López Eugenia , Herrera Raquel P.
Published: January 2014

The synthesis of interesting β-nitrohydrazides, as the target product of our reaction, is reached for the first time under organocatalytic enantioselective conditions.
Development of a route to chiral epidithiodioxopiperazine moieties and application to the asymmetric synthesis of (+)-hyalodendrin
Authors: Takeuchi Ren , Shimokawa Jun , Fukuyama Tohru
Published: January 2014

Development of a novel methodology that takes advantage of the bridgehead carbanion and the traceless transfer of the stereochemistry of l-cysteine allowed the first asymmetric synthesis of hyalodendrin.
Light-induced remodeling of physically crosslinked hydrogels using near-IR wavelengths
Authors: Zhu Congcong , Bettinger Christopher J.
Published: January 2014

Light-induced disintegration of physically crosslinked hydrogel networks has been demonstrated by selective photodeprotection of self-assembled triblock copolymers. Physical crosslinks can be disrupted through uncaging of coumarin-based blocks using single- and two-photon absorption mechanisms. Photodegradable hydrogels exhibit promising applications as biomedical materials that can be manipulated using light at tissue-transparent wavelengths.
Schiff base derivatives containing heterocycles with aggregation-induced emission and recognition ability
Authors: Liu Gang , Yang Mingdi , Wang Lianke , Zheng Jun , Zhou Hongping , Wu Jieying , Tian Yupeng
Published: January 2014

Three new Schiff base derivatives possessing vagarious blue aggregation-induced emission (AIE) characteristics in tetrahydrofuran (THF)–water were synthesized.
A sensitive electrochemical biosensor for microRNA detection based on streptavidin–gold nanoparticles and enzymatic amplification
Authors: Peng Yunlin , Jiang Jianhui , Yu Ruqin
Published: January 2014

An electrochemical method for microRNA detection has been proposed with dual signal amplification based on streptavidin–gold nanoparticles and an enzyme.
Determination of hepatitis B virus surface antigen in serum with a sandwich immunoassay and capillary electrophoresis–electrochemical detection
Authors: Chen Yu , Wang Jie , Liu Zhongming , Wu Guoquan
Published: January 2014

We present a novel immunoassay that uses an efficient and specific sandwich-type protocol and sensitive capillary electrophoresis–electrochemical detection technology for the determination of hepatitis B virus surface antigen.
Enantioselective extraction mediated by a chiral cavitand–salen covalently assembled on a porous silicon surface
Authors: D'Urso Alessandro , Tudisco Cristina , Ballistreri Francesco P. , Condorelli Guglielmo G. , Randazzo Rosalba , Tomaselli Gaetano A. , Toscano Rosa M. , Trusso Sfrazzetto Giuseppe , Pappalardo Andrea
Published: January 2014

A chiral organic–inorganic hybrid device shows enantioselection properties in water solution towards bromine-marked alkyl-ammonium salts.
The crystallinity effect of mesocrystalline BaZrO3 hollow nanospheres on charge separation for photocatalysis
Authors: Ye Tian-Nan , Xu Miao , Fu Wei , Cai Yi-Yu , Wei Xiao , Wang Kai-Xue , Zhao Yong-Nan , Li Xin-Hao , Chen Jie-Sheng
Published: January 2014

Mesocrystalline BaZrO3 hollow nanospheres were used as an ideal model to study the crystallinity effect of mesocrystals on charge separation for photocatalysis.
Does the rate of competing isomerisation during alkene metathesis depend on pre-catalyst initiation rate?
Authors: Nelson David J. , Percy Jonathan M.
Published: January 2014

Detailed kinetic experiments reveal that the rates of competing isomerisation processes in alkene metathesis reactions are independent of pre-catalyst initiation rate, but are reduced by the presence of phosphine.
A cyanide selective off–on fluorescent chemosensor with in vivo imaging in 100% water: solid probe preferred over in situ generation
Authors: Das Sanju , Biswas Surajit , Mukherjee Santanu , Bandyopadhyay Jaya , Samanta Subhodip , Bhowmick Indrani , Hazra Dipak Kumar , Ray Ambarish , Parui Partha Pratim
Published: January 2014

A solid non-toxic highly sensitive cyanide fluorosensor exhibits better biocompatibility over allied in situ complexes under physiological conditions.
Functionalized mesoporous structured inorganic materials as high temperature proton exchange membranes for fuel cells
Authors: Jiang San Ping
Published: January 2014

High temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells based on functionalized mesoporous silica nanocomposite membranes.
Chirality of self-assembled metal–semiconductor nanostructures
Authors: Sun Maozhong , Ma Wei , Xu Liguang , Wang Libing , Kuang Hua , Xu Chuanlai
Published: January 2014

Plasmonic nanoparticle (NP) chiral dimers are fabricated using different types of homogenous materials.
Phosphatidylserine and FVa regulate FXa structure
Authors: Srivasatava Kinshuk Raj , Majumder Rinku , Kane William H. , Quinn-Allen Mary Ann , Lentz Barry R.
Published: January 2014

Human coagulation FXa (Factor Xa) plays a key role in blood coagulation by activating prothrombin to thrombin on ‘stimulated’ platelet membranes in the presence of its cofactor FVa (Factor Va). PS (phosphatidylserine) exposure on activated platelet membranes promotes prothrombin activation by FXa by allosterically regulating FXa. To identify the structural basis of this allosteric regulation, we used FRET to monitor changes in FXa length in response to (i) soluble short-chain PS [C6PS (dicaproylphosphatidylserine)], (ii) PS membranes, and (iii) FVa in the presence of C6PS and membranes. We incorporated a FRET pair with donor (fluorescein) at the active site and acceptor (Alexa Fluor® 555) at the FXa N-terminus near the membrane. The results demonstrated that FXa structure changes upon binding of C6PS to two sites: a regulatory site at the N-terminus [identified previously as involving the Gla (γ-carboxyglutamic acid) and EGFN (N-terminus of epidermal growth factor) domains] and a presumptive protein-recognition site in the catalytic domain. Binding of C6PS to the regulatory site increased the interprobe distance by ~3 Å (1 Å=0.1 nm), whereas saturation of both sites increased the distance by a further ~6.4 Å. FXa binding to a membrane produced a smaller increase in length (~1.4 Å), indicating that FXa has a somewhat different structure on a membrane from when bound to C6PS in solution. However, when both FVa2 (a FVa glycoform) and either C6PS- or PS-containing membranes were bound to FXa, the overall change in length was comparable (~5.6–5.8 Å), indicating that C6PS- and PS-containing membranes in conjunction with FVa2 have comparable regulatory effects on FXa. We conclude that the similar functional regulation of FXa by C6PS or membranes in conjunction with FVa2 correlates with similar structural regulation. The results demonstrate the usefulness of FRET in analysing structure–function relationships in FXa and in the FXa·FVa2 complex.
Phosphorylation by Akt within the ST loop of AMPK-α1 down-regulates its activation in tumour cells
Authors: Hawley Simon A. , Ross Fiona A. , Gowans Graeme J. , Tibarewal Priyanka , Leslie Nicholas R. , Hardie D. Grahame
Published: January 2014

The insulin/IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor 1)-activated protein kinase Akt (also known as protein kinase B) phosphorylates Ser487 in the ‘ST loop’ (serine/threonine-rich loop) within the C-terminal domain of AMPK-α1 (AMP-activated protein kinase-α1), leading to inhibition of phosphorylation by upstream kinases at the activating site, Thr172. Surprisingly, the equivalent site on AMPK-α2, Ser491, is not an Akt target and is modified instead by autophosphorylation. Stimulation of HEK (human embryonic kidney)-293 cells with IGF-1 caused reduced subsequent Thr172 phosphorylation and activation of AMPK-α1 in response to the activator A769662 and the Ca2+ ionophore A23187, effects we show to be dependent on Akt activation and Ser487 phosphorylation. Consistent with this, in three PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted on chromosome 10)-null tumour cell lines (in which the lipid phosphatase PTEN that normally restrains the Akt pathway is absent and Akt is thus hyperactivated), AMPK was resistant to activation by A769662. However, full AMPK activation could be restored by pharmacological inhibition of Akt, or by re-expression of active PTEN. We also show that inhibition of Thr172 phosphorylation is due to interaction of the phosphorylated ST loop with basic side chains within the αC-helix of the kinase domain. Our findings reveal that a previously unrecognized effect of hyperactivation of Akt in tumour cells is to restrain activation of the LKB1 (liver kinase B1)–AMPK pathway, which would otherwise inhibit cell growth and proliferation.
Examining the Examiners: Investigating IT and Music Examination Boards
Authors: Susino Marco
Published: January 2014

Business–information technology (IT) initiatives in pedagogy are no longer a novelty. Still, some of the best known music examination boards seem reluctant to change, and continue to adopt a system largely bereft of it to run their business. Aligning business and IT in music examination boards is proving to be a theoretical challenge, and an unresolved issue at the corporate level. Involuntarily participation in the increasingly prevalent reliance on new technologies to augment business opportunity, as part of a wider process of globalization, is no longer a viable option. Although some boards are seeing this alignment as an enabler of business goals, others see it as an inhibitor. Who is right? Which strategy reaches the business goal of maximum enrollments? This paper opens a discussion on possible best-aligned business–IT decisions to enable best business activity and uses a case study to examine the underutilization of business–IT alignment adopted by one of the most successful music examination board in the world. This paper questions whether the use of IT in music examination defines being a market leader or not. By using a survey, in-depth interviews and a pilot study, this paper presents an IT alignment fit between the board and its IT platforms. Finally, the paper leverages the value of an initiative composed of thoughtful business strategy and IT to open up new business opportunities, and raises unanswered questions for the reader.
Communication: Four-component density matrix renormalization group
Authors: Knecht Stefan , Legeza Örs , Reiher Markus
Published: January 2014

We present the first implementation of the relativistic quantum chemical two- and four-component density matrix renormalization group algorithm that includes a variational description of scalar-relativistic effects and spin–orbit coupling. Numerical results based on the four-component Dirac–Coulomb Hamiltonian are presented for the standard reference molecule for correlated relativistic benchmarks: thallium hydride.
Extended Maxwell-Garnett-Mie formulation applied to size dispersion of metallic nanoparticles embedded in host liquid matrix
Authors: Battie Y. , Resano-Garcia A. , Chaoui N. , Zhang Y. , En Naciri A.
Published: January 2014

The optical properties of metallic spherical nanoparticles embedded in host liquid matrix are studied. Extended Maxwell-Garnett-Mie formulation which accounts for size dispersion, the intrinsic confinement, and extrinsic size effect, is proposed for the calculation of the effective dielectric function and absorption coefficient of size dispersion of colloidal solution of Au and Ag nanoparticles in water. We demonstrate that the size distribution induces an inhomogeneous broadening and an increase of the amplitude of the plasmon band. A large redshift of the plasmon band is also observed for silver nanoparticles. Compared to the conventional Maxwell Garnett theory, we demonstrated that this model gives better description of the measured absorption spectra of colloidal gold solutions.
Scaling Measurements of the Effect of Surface Slant on Perceived Lightness
Authors: Madigan Sean C. , Brainard David H.
Published: January 2014

The light reflected from an object depends on its reflectance, the illumination, and the pose of the object within the scene. An observer is called lightness constant if the perceived reflectance (lightness) of achromatic objects stays the same despite variation in object-extrinsic factors such as illumination and pose. Here, we used a dissimilarity scaling task to measure lightness constancy as the intensity of the illuminant and the slant of test surfaces were varied. Across two experiments, we had observers rate the dissimilarity of flat grayscale test stimulus pairs. The test stimuli were real illuminated surfaces, not computer simulations. Each test stimulus was seen in its own illuminated chamber, with the two chambers viewed side by side. We varied test surface reflectance, chamber illumination intensity, and the slant of the test in relation to the single light source in each chamber. Data were analyzed using nonmetric multidimensional scaling. The data were well-described by a one-dimensional perceptual representation. This representation was consistent across observers, revealed partial lightness constancy with respect to a change in illumination intensity, and no lightness constancy with respect to changes in surface slant. An additional experiment using a matching procedure and the same stimulus set, however, revealed moderate constancy with respect to changes in surface slant. The difference in results between the two methods is interesting, but not understood.
Outcomes of gestation length in relation to farrowing performance in sows and daily weight gain and metabolic profiles in piglets
Authors: Mota-Rojas D. , Fierro R. , Roldan-Santiago P. , Orozco-Gregorio H. , González-Lozano M. , Bonilla H. , Martínez-Rodríguez R. , García-Herrera R. , Mora-Medina P. , Flores-Peinado S. , Sánchez M. , Ramírez-Necoechea R.
Published: January 2014

The objective of this study was to evaluate uterine activity at farrowing in sows with different gestation lengths (GL), and its effect on the metabolic profile, blood gases and daily weight gain of neonate piglets. The experiment covered a period of 25 weeks and involved 200 Yorkshire-Landrace sows. The animals were assigned to four groups of 50 sows each and distributed according to GL, as follows: GL1: 107–109 days; GL2: 110–113 days; GL3: 114–116 days; GL4: 117–119 days. The productive indicators of the sows were recorded, as were the survival outcomes of the neonatal pigs. Fetal cardiac frequency and both intensity and frequency of myometrial contractions were monitored using a Corometrics Fetal monitor. The blood gases, electrolytes and glucose levels of the neonates were obtained by means of an automatic blood gas and electrolyte analyser. The GL groups GL1 and GL2 had more prolonged births (>226.26 ± 4.95 min) regardless of litter size (P < 0.05). Of the four groups, GL1 presented the longest duration (P < 0.05) of the expulsion phase (P < 0.05), the highest number of uterine contractions (P < 0.05), and the highest and lowest number of intra-partum deaths (P < 0.05) and live births, respectively. The live birth piglets in this group had both the lowest birthweights (P < 0.05) and the highest incidences of hypercapnia, hyperlactatemia and hypercalcaemia (P < 0.05), which later resulted in lower rates of daily weight gain (P < 0.05). In conclusion, premature births increase the number of intra-partum deaths and result in lower birthweights, the presence of apnoea, and severe metabolic alterations in piglets.
Effect of biogeochemical redox processes on the fate and transport of As and U at an abandoned uranium mine site: an X-ray absorption spectroscopy study
Authors: Troyer Lyndsay D. , Stone James J. , Borch Thomas
Published: January 2014

Environmental context Uranium and arsenic, two elements of human health concern, are commonly found at sites of uranium mining, but little is known about processes influencing their environmental behaviour. Here we focus on understanding the chemical and physical processes controlling uranium and arsenic transport at an abandoned uranium mine. We find that the use of sedimentation ponds limits the mobility of uranium; however, pond conditions at our site resulted in arsenic mobilisation. Our findings will help optimise restoration strategies for mine tailings. Abstract Although As can occur in U ore at concentrations up to 10wt-%, the fate and transport of both U and As at U mine tailings have not been previously investigated at a watershed scale. The major objective of this study was to determine primary chemical and physical processes contributing to transport of both U and As to a down gradient watershed at an abandoned U mine site in South Dakota. Uranium is primarily transported by erosion at the site, based on decreasing concentrations in sediment with distance from the tailings. Sequential extractions and U X-ray absorption near-edge fine structure (XANES) fitting indicate that U is immobilised in a near-source sedimentation pond both by prevention of sediment transport and by reduction of UVI to UIV. In contrast to U, subsequent release of As to the watershed takes place from the pond partially due to reductive dissolution of Fe oxy(hydr)oxides. However, As is immobilised by adsorption to clays and Fe oxy(hydr)oxides in oxic zones and by formation of As–sulfide mineral phases in anoxic zones down gradient, indicated by sequential extractions and As XANES fitting. This study indicates that As should be considered during restoration of uranium mine sites in order to prevent transport.
A neuromorphic network for generic multivariate data classification
Authors: Schmuker Michael , Pfeil Thomas , Nawrot Martin Paul
Published: January 2014

Significance

One primary goal of computational neuroscience is to uncover fundamental principles of computations that are performed by the brain. In our work, we took direct inspiration from biology for a technical application of brain-like processing. We make use of neuromorphic hardware—electronic versions of neurons and synapses on a microchip—to implement a neural network inspired by the sensory processing architecture of the nervous system of insects. We demonstrate that this neuromorphic network achieves classification of generic multidimensional data—a widespread problem with many technical applications. Our work provides a proof of concept for using analog electronic microcircuits mimicking neurons to perform real-world computing tasks, and it describes the benefits and challenges of the neuromorphic approach.
Efficient surveillance for healthcare-associated infections spreading between hospitals
Authors: Ciccolini Mariano , Donker Tjibbe , Grundmann Hajo , Bonten Marc J. M. , Woolhouse Mark E. J.
Published: January 2014

Significance

Early detection of new or novel variants of nosocomial pathogens (such as hospital-acquired methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
) is a public health priority. However, surveillance effort is often limited by financial and practical constraints. Although this is widely recognized, no good evidence base exists to inform the design of efficient hospital-based surveillance systems. We address the key questions of how many and which hospitals should be included in such a surveillance system. Using hospital admissions data from England and The Netherlands, we model the spread of a pathogen among the network of hospitals connected by the movement of patients between them. We show how it is possible to design hospital-based surveillance systems that deliver earlier detection times for reduced effort.
Clostridium difficile
toxin CDT hijacks microtubule organization and reroutes vesicle traffic to increase pathogen adherence
Authors: Schwan Carsten , Kruppke Anna S. , Nölke Thilo , Schumacher Lucas , Koch-Nolte Friedrich , Kudryashev Mikhail , Stahlberg Henning , Aktories Klaus
Published: January 2014

Significance

Hypervirulent strains of
Clostridium difficile
frequently produce the actin-ADP–ribosylating toxin
Clostridium difficile
transferase (CDT), which increases bacteria adherence by formation of microtubule-based protrusions. Here we report that CDT-induced protrusions contain trafficking vesicles and endoplasmic reticulum, connected to microtubules via the calcium sensor Stim1. CDT increases calcium signaling and reroutes fibronectin-containing vesicles from the basolateral to the apical side of intestinal epithelial cells, where protrusions are formed. Released fibronectin enhances adherence of bacteria. The data reassess the role of the actin cytoskeleton in bacterial adherence and infection.