bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A gold nanoparticle-based immunosensor for the chemiluminescence detection of the hepatitis B surface antigen
Authors: Sabouri Soheila , Ghourchian Hedayatollah , Shourian Mostafa , Boutorabi Mahdi
Published: April 2014

HAuCl4acted more efficiently than the other catalysts. The modified GNPs caused a signal amplification and high specificity toward HBsAg.
Macro-/micro-environment-sensitive chemosensing and biological imaging
Authors: Yang Zhigang , Cao Jianfang , He Yanxia , Yang Jung Ho , Kim Taeyoung , Peng Xiaojun , Kim Jong Seung
Published: April 2014

We have summarized the research progress on fluorescent sensors responsive to environmental factors, including local viscosity, polarity, temperature, hypoxia and pH.
Characterisation of radicals formed by the triazine 1,4-dioxide hypoxia-activated prodrug, SN30000
Authors: Anderson Robert F. , Yadav Pooja , Patel Deepa , Reynisson Jóhannes , Tipparaju Smitha R. , Guise Christopher P. , Patterson Adam V. , Denny William A. , Maroz Andrej , Shinde Sujata S. , Hay Michael P.
Published: April 2014

One-electron bioreduction of SN30000, a triazine 1,4-dioxide anticancer drug, forms reactive aryl and carbon-centred radicals.
Topochemical polymerization using bis-thyminyl monomers
Authors: Johnston Priscilla , Wheldale Dylan , Braybrook Carl , Saito Kei
Published: April 2014

Bis-thyminyl monomers were found to undergo topochemical photo-reactions and form polymers by [2π + 2π]-cycloaddition.
Electric field effect on the ground state proton transfer in the H-bonded HBDI complex: an implication of the green fluorescent protein
Authors: Kang Baotao , Liu Hongguang , Jang Du-Jeon , Lee Jin Yong
Published: April 2014

In this paper, first-principles calculations were performed regarding the electric field effect on the ground state proton transfer (GSPT) in the H-bonded p-hydroxybenzylideneimidazolidinone (HBDI) network that represents the active site of the green fluorescent protein (GFP).
Homotropic and heterotropic allosteric regulation of supramolecular chirality
Authors: Kumar Mohit , George Subi J.
Published: April 2014

Homotropic/heterotropic allosteric control over the handedness of dipicolylethylenediamine-functionalized perylene bisimide assemblies was obtained with chiral ATP and achiral PPi guests binding.
Facile fabrication and electrochemical performance of flower-like Fe3O4@C@layered double hydroxide (LDH) composite
Authors: Li Lei , Li Rumin , Gai Shili , He Fei , Yang Piaoping
Published: April 2014

Novel core–shell structured Fe3O4@C@Ni–Al LDH microspheres were prepared by a hydrothermal method following a facile in situ growth process. The as-prepared product exhibits high pseudocapacity (767.6 F g−1), good rate capability, and remarkable cycling stability (92% after 1000 cycles).
Silicate-based bioceramics for periodontal regeneration
Authors: Zhou Yinghong , Wu Chengtie , Xiao Yin
Published: April 2014

Periodontal disease is characterized by the destruction of the tissues that attach the tooth to the alveolar bone.
Scalable approach for the realization of garland shaped 3D assembly of CuTCNQ nanorods: an efficient electron emitter
Authors: Pal Shreyasi , Maiti Soumen , Maiti Uday Narayan , Chattopadhyay Kalyan Kumar
Published: April 2014

Garland shaped CuTCNQ nano-architecture was realized over Cu nanowires and corresponding growth mechanism was elucidated by monitoring the structural evolution of intermediate products. These hierarchies with branched assemblies of nanorods exhibit an excellent electron emission performance.
Alternative substrates reveal catalytic cycle and key binding events in the reaction catalysed by anthranilate phosphoribosyltransferase from Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Cookson Tammie V. M. , Castell Alina , Bulloch Esther M. M. , Evans Genevieve L. , Short Francesca L. , Baker Edward N. , Lott J. Shaun , Parker Emily J.
Published: April 2014

AnPRT (anthranilate phosphoribosyltransferase), required for the biosynthesis of tryptophan, is essential for the virulence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). AnPRT catalyses the Mg2+-dependent transfer of a phosphoribosyl group from PRPP (5′-phosphoribosyl-1′-pyrophosphate) to anthranilate to form PRA (5′-phosphoribosyl anthranilate). Mtb-AnPRT was shown to catalyse a sequential reaction and significant substrate inhibition by anthranilate was observed. Antimycobacterial fluoroanthranilates and methyl-substituted analogues were shown to act as alternative substrates for Mtb-AnPRT, producing the corresponding substituted PRA products. Structures of the enzyme complexed with anthranilate analogues reveal two distinct binding sites for anthranilate. One site is located over 8 Å (1 Å=0.1 nm) from PRPP at the entrance to a tunnel leading to the active site, whereas in the second, inner, site anthranilate is adjacent to PRPP, in a catalytically relevant position. Soaking the analogues for variable periods of time provides evidence for anthranilate located at transient positions during transfer from the outer site to the inner catalytic site. PRPP and Mg2+ binding have been shown to be associated with the rearrangement of two flexible loops, which is required to complete the inner anthranilate-binding site. It is proposed that anthranilate first binds to the outer site, providing an unusual mechanism for substrate capture and efficient transfer to the catalytic site following the binding of PRPP.
Cardiomyocyte apoptosis contributes to pathogenesis of cirrhotic cardiomyopathy in bile duct-ligated mice
Authors: Nam Soon Woo , Liu Hongqun , Wong Joe Z. , Feng Annie Y. , Chu Gavin , Merchant Naeem , Lee Samuel S.
Published: April 2014

Cirrhotic cardiomyopathy is defined as systolic and diastolic dysfunctions, electrophysiological changes and macroscopic structural changes. However, the underlying mechanisms of this syndrome remain unclear. A possible role of myocardial apoptosis in the pathogenesis has not been previously examined. We hypothesized that dysregulation of apoptotic signalling participates in cardiac dysfunction in the cirrhotic heart. Therefore, we evaluated apoptotic pathways in the hearts of mice with chronic BDL (bile duct ligation). A cirrhotic cardiomyopathy model was induced by BDL in mice. Left ventricular geometry and volumes were evaluated by MRI. Intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathways were evaluated by immunohistochemical staining and Western blot analysis. Fas-mediated apoptosis was inhibited by in vivo administration of an anti-FasL (Fas ligand) monoclonal antibody, and subsequently cardiac contractility was measured in isolated cardiomyocytes. BDL-mice showed significantly more PARP [poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase] staining than sham controls (18.2±11.4 compared with 6.7±5.3; P<0.05). Fas protein expression and PARP cleavage were activated, whereas FLIP (Fas-associated death domain-like interleukin 1β-converting enzyme-inhibitory protein) was decreased compared with sham controls. The Bcl-2/Bax ratio was increased in BDL-mice compared with sham controls. Anti-FasL monoclonal antibody injection in BDL-mice improved systolic and diastolic dysfunctions in cardiomyocytes, but had no effect in sham controls. A net pro-apoptotic balance exists in BDL hearts, mainly mediated by activation of the extrinsic pathway, and abrogation of apoptosis improved contractility. These results suggest that apoptosis contributes to depressed cardiac contractility in a murine model of cirrhotic cardiomyopathy.
Derivation of spin-orbit couplings in collinear linear-response TDDFT: A rigorous formulation
Authors: Franco de Carvalho Felipe , Curchod Basile F. E. , Penfold Thomas J. , Tavernelli Ivano
Published: April 2014

Using an approach based upon a set of auxiliary many-electron wavefunctions we present a rigorous derivation of spin-orbit coupling (SOC) within the framework of linear-response time-dependent density functional theory (LR-TDDFT). Our method is based on a perturbative correction of the non-relativistic collinear TDDFT equations using a Breit-Pauli spin-orbit Hamiltonian. The derivation, which is performed within both the Casida and Sternheimer formulations of LR-TDDFT, is valid for any basis set. The requirement of spin noncollinearity for the treatment of spin-flip transitions is also discussed and a possible alternative solution for the description of these transitions in the collinear case is also proposed. Our results are validated by computing the SOC matrix elements between singlet and triplet states of two molecules, formaldehyde and acetone. In both cases, we find excellent agreement with benchmark calculations performed with a high level correlated wavefunction method.
Spin-dependent transport behavior in C60 and Alq3 based spin valves with a magnetite electrode (invited)
Authors: Zhang Xianmin , Mizukami Shigemi , Ma Qinli , Kubota Takahide , Oogane Mikihiko , Naganuma Hiroshi , Ando Yasuo , Miyazaki Terunobu
Published: April 2014

The spin-dependent transport behavior in organic semiconductors (OSs) is generally observed at low temperatures, which likely results from poor spin injection efficiency at room temperature from the ferromagnetic metal electrodes to the OS layer. Possible reasons for this are the low Curie temperature and/or the small spin polarization efficiency for the ferromagnetic electrodes used in these devices. Magnetite has potential as an advanced candidate for use as the electrode in spintronic devices, because it can achieve 100% spin polarization efficiency in theory, and has a high Curie temperature (850 K). Here, we fabricated two types of organic spin valves using magnetite as a high efficiency electrode. C60 and 8-hydroxyquinoline aluminum (Alq3) were employed as the OS layers. Magnetoresistance ratios of around 8% and over 6% were obtained in C60 and Alq3-based spin valves at room temperature, respectively, which are two of the highest magnetoresistance ratios in organic spin valves reported thus far. The magnetoresistance effect was systemically investigated by varying the thickness of the Alq3 layer. Moreover, the temperature dependence of the magnetoresistance ratios for C60 and Alq3-based spin valves were evaluated to gain insight into the spin-dependent transport behavior. This study provides a useful method in designing organic spin devices operated at room temperature.
Criterion for spark-breakdown in non-uniform fields
Authors: K. Warne L. , Jorgenson R. E. , Kunhardt E. E.
Published: April 2014

We develop a criterion for spark-breakdown in non-uniform field geometries with positive polarity and small electrode separations so that breakdown evolves without the formation of a leader. We arrive at the spark-breakdown criterion by framing it in terms of gain and instability conditions, whose relative importance is established from an analysis of the experimental breakdown characteristics and correlations with streamer behavior in short gaps. Results are presented in the context of two generic geometries having coaxial and point-plane electrodes. For nearly uniform field situations, we re-confirm that the breakdown criterion obtained by the usual extension of either the Townsend or Meek criteria satisfactorily predicts the experimental results. On the other hand, for increasing non-uniformity, the results for the corona and spark branches of the breakdown characteristics are shown inconsistent with a breakdown criterion solely based on either the Townsend or streamer mechanisms. In particular, the avalanche gain factor, the primary component of the Townsend and streamer criteria, does not determine the spark breakdown criterion. Streamers can cross the gap for a significantly wide range of applied voltages without triggering a spark. We find that it is the instability condition, derived from a relation between the minimum Laplacian field in the gap and the local streamer body field (which we relate to the streamer sustaining field), that is sufficient for determining the spark threshold thereby yielding a breakdown criterion.
Influence of annular boundaries on Thomson's vortex polygon stability
Authors: Kurakin L. G.
Published: April 2014

The stability analysis of the stationary rotation of a system of N identical point vortices lying uniformly on a circle inside an annulus is presented. The problem is reduced to one of the equilibrium stability of the Hamiltonian system with a cyclic variable. The quadratic part of the Hamiltonian and eigenvalues of the linearization matrix are studied. The stability of the stationary motion is interpreted as a Routh stability. The exponential instability is shown always to take place if N ≥ 7. For N = 2, 4, and 6, the parameter space is divided in two: a Routh stability domain in an exact nonlinear setting and an exponential instability domain. For N = 3 and 5, the parameter space consists of three domains. The stability of the third in an exact nonlinear setting is sandwiched between the Routh and exponential domains. Its analysis remains an open problem with its solution requiring nonlinear analysis.
Carbon nanotube forests growth using catalysts from atomic layer deposition
Authors: Chen Bingan , Zhang Can , Esconjauregui Santiago , Xie Rongsi , Zhong Guofang , Bhardwaj Sunil , Cepek Cinzia , Robertson John
Published: April 2014

We have grown carbon nanotubes using Fe and Ni catalyst films deposited by atomic layer deposition. Both metals lead to catalytically active nanoparticles for growing vertically aligned nanotube forests or carbon fibres, depending on the growth conditions and whether the substrate is alumina or silica. The resulting nanotubes have narrow diameter and wall number distributions that are as narrow as those grown from sputtered catalysts. The state of the catalyst is studied by in-situ and ex-situ X-ray photoemission spectroscopy. We demonstrate multi-directional nanotube growth on a porous alumina foam coated with Fe prepared by atomic layer deposition. This deposition technique can be useful for nanotube applications in microelectronics, filter technology, and energy storage.
Effects of alloy disorder and confinement on phonon modes and Raman scattering in SixGe1−x nanocrystals: A microscopic modeling
Authors: Vasin A. S. , Vikhrova O. V. , Vasilevskiy M. I.
Published: April 2014

Confinement and alloy disorder effects on the lattice dynamics and Raman scattering in Si1−xGex nanocrystals (NCs) are investigated numerically employing two different empirical inter-atomic potentials. Relaxed NCs of different compositions (x) were built using the Molecular Dynamics method and applying rigid boundary conditions mimicking the effect of surrounding matrix. The resulting variation of bond lengths with x was checked against Vegard's law and the NC phonon modes were calculated using the same inter-atomic potential. The localization of the principal Raman-active (Si-Si, Si-Ge, and Ge-Ge) modes is investigated by analysing representative eigenvectors and their inverse participation ratio. The dependence of the position and intensity of these modes upon x and NC size is presented and compared to previous calculated results and available experimental data. In particular, it is argued that the composition dependence of the intensity of the Si-Ge and Ge-Ge modes does not follow the fraction of the corresponding nearest-neighbour bonds as it was suggested by some authors. Possible effects of alloy segregation are considered by comparing the calculated properties of random and clustered SixGe1−x NCs. It is found that the Si-Si mode and Ge-Ge mode are enhanced and blue-shifted (by several cm−1for the Si-Si mode), while the intensity of the Si-Ge Raman mode is strongly suppressed by clustering.
Plasmonic photodetector with terahertz electrical bandwidth
Authors: Mousavi Saba Siadat , Stöhr Andreas , Berini Pierre
Published: April 2014

We propose and investigate a surface plasmon photodetector concept, based on the enhancement of electrical near-field in low-defect, low-doped In0.53Ga0.47As detection volumes located in the gaps of an array of metal nanodipole antennas. We report enhancement in responsivity in the presence of nanodipoles and predict a maximum responsivity of ∼100 mA/W at wavelengths near 1550 nm. The 3 dB electrical bandwidth of the device is estimated based on its RC rise time and the hole transit time through the detection volume for the cases of conventional and ballistic transport in InGaAs and is found to range from ∼0.7 to 4 THz. Also, trends are observed relating the responsivity to the gap dimensions, revealing a trade-off between the field-enhancement in the gap and its volume, and leading to an optimum gap length producing the maximum responsivity.
Current and illumination dependent series resistance of solar cells
Authors: Turek Marko
Published: April 2014

Precise knowledge of the series resistance is essential for failure and loss analysis as well as yield prediction of solar cell devices. In this work, a method which determines the current and photogeneration dependence of the series resistance without assuming any specific current-voltage characteristic for the internal diodes is presented. This approach is of particular interest for solar cells which cannot be described by the one- or two-diode model such as organic solar cells. Furthermore, it clarifies the difference in the series resistance values that are obtained from current-voltage curves in the dark and under illumination as well as short-circuit-current and open-circuit-voltage characteristics. Additionally, it is shown how other cell parameters, such as the shunt resistance or the current-voltage characteristic of the internal diode are determined in a consistent way. Finally, it is demonstrated that our approach can be easily implemented in a new generation of solar simulators that are based on light-emitting diodes instead of conventional light sources.
Finite element analysis of helical flows in human aortic arch: A novel index
Authors: Lee Cheng-Hung , Liu Kuo-Sheng , Jhong Guan-Heng , Liu Shih-Jung , Hsu Ming-Yi , Wang Chao-Jan , Hung Kuo-Chun
Published: April 2014

This study investigates the helical secondary flows in the aortic arch using finite element analysis. The relationship between helical flow and the configuration of the aorta in patients of whose three-dimensional images constructed from computed tomography scans was examined. A finite element model of the pressurized root, arch, and supra-aortic vessels was developed to simulate the pattern of helical secondary flows. Calculations indicate that most of the helical secondary flow was formed in the ascending aorta. Angle α between the zero reference point and the aortic ostium (correlation coefficient (r) = −0.851, P = 0.001), the dispersion index of the cross section of the ascending (r = 0.683, P = 0.021) and descending aorta (r = 0.732, P = 0.010), all correlated closely with the presence of helical flow (P < 0.05). Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis confirmed angel α to be independently associated with the helical flow pattern in therein (standardized coefficients = −0.721, P = 0.023). The presence of helical fluid motion based on the atherosclerotic risks of patients, including those associated with diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, or renal insufficiency, was also evaluated. Numerical simulation of the flow patterns in aortas incorporating the atherosclerotic risks may better explain the mechanism of formation of helical flows and provide insight into causative factors that underlie them.
Direct periodic patterning of GaN-based light-emitting diodes by three-beam interference laser ablation
Authors: Kim Jeomoh , Ji Mi-Hee , Yuan Dajun , Guo Rui , Liu Jianping , Asadirad Mojtaba , Detchprohm Theeradetch , Kwon Min-Ki , Dupuis Russell D. , Das Suman , Ryou Jae-Hyun
Published: April 2014

We report on the direct patterning of two-dimensional periodic structures in GaN-based light-emitting diodes (LEDs) through laser interference ablation for the fast and reliable fabrication of periodic micro- and nano-structures aimed at enhancing light output. Holes arranged in a two-dimensional hexagonal lattice array having an opening size of 500 nm, depth of 50 nm, and a periodicity of 1 μm were directly formed by three-beam laser interference without photolithography or electron-beam lithography processes. The laser-patterned LEDs exhibit an enhancement in light output power of 20% compared to conventional LEDs having a flat top surface without degradation of electrical and optical properties of the top p-GaN layer and the active region, respectively.
Solid-liquid phase transitions in single crystal Cu under shock and release conditions
Authors: He A. M. , Wang P. , Shao J. L. , Duan S. Q. , Zhao F. P. , Luo S. N.
Published: April 2014

Solid-liquid phase transitions in single crystal Cu during shock and subsequent release are studied with large-scale classical molecular dynamics simulations. During shock compression, although the equilibrium states far behind shock front converge to the same Hugoniot, the pathways from metastable states right behind the shock front to the final equilibrium states and the resulting microstructures are orientation-dependent. Premelting is followed by recrystallization of supercooled melt into a polycrystalline solid for the [110] and [111] shocks, and a superheated, more ordered, solid is observed prior to shock melting for the [100] shock. The differences in the microstructure in the behind-shock region in turn give rise to different release melting behaviors (including premelting and superheating) along different release paths for these loading orientations.
Systematic study of electronic and magnetic properties for Cu12–xTMxSb4S13 (TM = Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, and Zn) tetrahedrite
Authors: Suekuni K. , Tomizawa Y. , Ozaki T. , Koyano M.
Published: April 2014

Substitution effects of 3d transition metal (TM) impurities on electronic and magnetic properties for Cu12Sb4S13 tetrahedrite are investigated by the combination of low-temperature experiments and first-principles electronic-structure calculations. The electrical resistivity for the cubic phase of Cu12Sb4S13 exhibits metallic behavior due to an electron-deficient character of the compound. Whereas that for 0.5 ≤ x ≤ 2.0 of Cu12−xNixSb4S13 exhibits semiconducting behavior. The substituted Ni for Cu is in the divalent ionic state with a spin magnetic moment and creates impurity bands just above the Fermi level at the top of the valence band. Therefore, the semiconducting behavior of the electrical resistivity is attributed to the thermal excitation of electrons from the valence band to the impurity band. The substitution effect of TM on the electronic structure and the valency of TM for Cu11.0TM1.0Sb4S13 are systematically studied by the calculation. The substituted Mn, Fe, and Co for Cu are found to be in the ionic states with the spin magnetic moments due to the large exchange splitting of the 3d bands between the minority- and majority-spin states.
Interlayer thickness dependence of photovoltaic properties of polycrystalline p-β-FeSi2(Al)/n-Si(100) heterojunctions
Authors: Bag A. , Mallik S. , Maiti C. K.
Published: April 2014

Interlayer thickness dependence of photovoltaic properties of solar cells fabricated using aluminum (Al) alloyed polycrystalline p-type β-phase iron disilicide [p-β-FeSi2(Al)]/n-type Si(100) bi-layer heterojunctions are reported. p-β-FeSi2(Al) films of thickness ∼40 nm were deposited by radio frequency magnetron-sputtering on n-Si(100) substrates with varying Al interlayer thickness. Sharp film-substrate interfaces were confirmed by field emission scanning electron microscopy. The formation of polycrystalline β-phase of FeSi2 after rapid thermal annealing at ≥650 °C was confirmed by x-ray diffraction analysis. The current density-voltage (J–V) and photo response characteristics were measured at room temperature. Photovoltaic performance of the heterojunction solar cells improved significantly after the introduction of an epitaxial Al-containing p+-Si layer of thickness ∼10 nm at p-β-FeSi2(Al)/ n-Si(100) interface. An enhancement in the short-circuit current density and overall performance improvement, compared to devices having ∼8 nm and ∼12 nm thick interlayer, has been observed. Under air mass 1.5 illumination, the cells showed a maximum conversion efficiency of 3.00%. The short-circuit current density was found to be 26.01 mA/cm2 and the open-circuit voltage was found to be 335 mV.
The Challenge of Embedding an Ecosystem Services Approach: Patterns of Knowledge Utilisation in Public Policy Appraisal
Authors: Turnpenny John , Russel Duncan , Jordan Andrew
Published: April 2014

The ‘ecosystem services approach’ (ESA) to policy making has refocused attention on how knowledge is embedded in policy. Appraisal has long been identified as an important venue for embedding, but suffers from well-known difficulties. This paper examines the extent to which an ESA appears in UK policy appraisal documents, and how far implementing an ESA via appraisal may encounter the same difficulties. A clear understanding of this is vital for interrogating claims that improving knowledge necessarily leads to more sustainable ecosystem management. The paper reports on the content of seventy-five national-level policy appraisals undertaken in the United Kingdom between 2008 and 2012. Only some elements of an ESA appear, with even the environment ministry failing to systematically pick up the concept, which is indeed subject to many of the familiar barriers to embedding environmental knowledge in appraisals. Policy initiatives attempting to institutionalise ecosystem values need to be conversant with these barriers.
Cost–Benefit Analysis: A Decision-Support Tool or a Venue for Contesting Ecosystem Knowledge?
Authors: Hockley Neal
Published: April 2014

Managing ecosystems for multiple benefits and stakeholders is a formidable challenge requiring diverse knowledge to be discovered, transmitted, and aggregated. Cost–benefit analysis (CBA) is advocated as a theoretically grounded decision-support tool, but in practice it frequently appears to exert little influence. To understand this puzzle, I consider ecosystem knowledge and CBA from both the demand and supply sides. I argue that all ecosystem knowledge is contestable, which restricts the influence of technocratic tools like CBA. On the demand side, democratic mechanisms shape decision makers' motivations and incentives, but also provide a substitute for technocratic evidence. Supply-side factors limiting the influence of CBA include the scarcity of decision-pertinent evidence and the uncertain meaning and usefulness of CBA. Demand-side factors are resistant to change; but taking account of them, I suggest some supply-side reforms, arguing that CBA is best regarded not as a tool but as a venue where ecosystem knowledge is aggregated and contested.
Colorimetric Detection of Trace Arsenic(III) in Aqueous Solution Using Arsenic Aptamer and Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Yu Minglei
Published: April 2014

In this study, trace arsenic(iii) (AsIII) in aqueous solution was detected by applying a classical aptamer-based gold nanoparticles colorimetric sensing strategy. An arsenic aptamer was used as a sensing probe and gold nanoparticles as a colorimetric indicator. In the absence of AsIII, the gold nanoparticles were stabilised by the arsenic aptamer and remained dispersed at high NaCl concentrations, displaying a red solution. Contrarily, in the presence of AsIII, the gold nanoparticles were prone to aggregation, owing to the formation of aptamer–AsIII complex between the arsenic aptamer and AsIII, and thus exhibited a blue solution. By monitoring the colour change, a simple and fast colorimetric assay for AsIII was established with a detection range of 1.26–200 ppb and a detection limit of 1.26 ppb. Because this colorimetric assay only involves common reagents and can be assessed visually, it holds great potential for arsenic(iii) monitoring in environment-related and other applications.
Novel Anthranilic Diamide Insecticides: Design, Synthesis, and Insecticidal Evaluation
Authors: Hua Xuewen , Mao Wutao , Fan Zhijin , Ji Xiaotian , Li Fengyun , Zong Guangning , Song Haibin , Li Juanjuan , Zhou Like , Zhou Lifeng , Liang Xiaowen , Wang Genhao , Chen Xiaoyan
Published: April 2014

Three series of new anthranilic diamide derivatives containing sulfide, N-cyanomethylsulfilimine, and N-cyanomethylsulfoximine groups were designed and synthesized by coupling the active substructures of anthranilic diamides and sulfoxaflor. The structures of the synthesized compounds were confirmed by infrared spectroscopy, 1H and 13C NMR, and elemental analysis. Several unique structural characteristics were revealed via the crystal structure analysis of compound N-(2-(2-methyl-2-(methylthio)propylcarbamoyl)-4-chloro-6-methylphenyl)-3-bromo-1-(3-chloropyridin-2-yl)-1H-pyrazole-5-carboxamide 16e. Bioassay results indicated that most of the synthesized compounds showed superior insecticidal activities against Mythimna separata and Plutella xylostella when compared with the positive control cyantraniliprole. In particular, N-(2-(2-methyl-2-(N-cyanomethylsulfideimino)propylcarbamoyl)-4-chloro-6-methylphenyl)-3-bromo-1-(3-chloropyridin-2-yl)-1H-pyrazole-5-carboxamide 17e showed excellent insecticidal activity against Mythimna separata, with a mortality rate of 100 % at a concentration of 1 µg mL–1. These results indicated that sulfide, N-cyanomethylsulfilimine, and N-cyanomethylsulfoximine moieties, as important active substructures, could improve or maintain the activity of the anthranilic diamide and promote novel pesticide development.
Annexin A6 modifies muscular dystrophy by mediating sarcolemmal repair
Authors: Swaggart Kayleigh A. , Demonbreun Alexis R. , Vo Andy H. , Swanson Kaitlin E. , Kim Ellis Y. , Fahrenbach John P. , Holley-Cuthrell Jenan , Eskin Ascia , Chen Zugen , Squire Kevin , Heydemann Ahlke , Palmer Abraham A. , Nelson Stanley F. , McNally Elizabeth M.
Published: April 2014

Significance

Many forms of muscular dystrophy produce muscle weakness through injury to skeletal muscle myofibers and specifically disruption of the muscle plasma membrane. Using a mouse model of muscular dystrophy in a genetically diverse background, a genome-wide scan for genetic modifiers was undertaken. A modifier locus that altered plasma membrane leak was interrogated, and a splice site variant in
Anxa6,
encoding annexin A6, was identified. The
Anxa6
splice site produces a truncated annexin A6 protein. The truncated annexin A6 protein was found to inhibit membrane repair by disrupting the formation of the normal annexin A6-rich cap and repair zone. These data demonstrate annexin A6's role in muscle membrane leak and repair in muscular dystrophy.
Molecular recognition and modification of the 30S ribosome by the aminoglycoside-resistance methyltransferase NpmA
Authors: Dunkle Jack A. , Vinal Kellie , Desai Pooja M. , Zelinskaya Natalia , Savic Miloje , West Dayne M. , Conn Graeme L. , Dunham Christine M.
Published: April 2014

Significance

Increasing global spread of antibiotic resistance among pathogenic bacteria threatens a postantibiotic era in healthcare. Detailed studies of resistance mechanisms are therefore urgently required. The ribosome is a major antibiotic target, but bacteria can acquire resistance by modification of drug-binding sites. Here, we describe, to our knowledge, the first molecular snapshot of bacterial ribosome recognition by a pathogen-derived, aminoglycoside-resistance rRNA methyltransferase. Our results support a model in which initial rigid docking on a highly conserved ribosome tertiary surface drives conformational changes in the enzyme that capture the target base within a remodeled active site. Extreme conservation of the ribosome-docking surface suggests there is no impediment to the spread of this resistance activity but also presents a target for specific inhibitor development.
Regulation of the differentiation of osteoblasts and osteoclasts by a hot-water extract of adzuki beans (Vigna angularis)
Authors: Itoh Tomohiro , Nakamura Masahiro , Nakamichi Hirohisa , Ando Masashi , Tsukamasa Yasuyuki , Furuichi Yukio
Published: April 2014

Osteoporosis is a global public health problem thought to be caused by an imbalance in bone metabolism. We examined in this study the 40% ethanol fraction of HP-20 resin in combination with a hot-water adzuki extract (EtEx.40) for its effect on osteoblast and osteoclast differentiation. EtEx.40-treated murine preosteoblast MC3T3-E1 cells exhibited significantly elevated alkaline phosphatase activity and mineralization. EtEx.40 facilitated osteoblast differentiation by up-regulating such osteoblast differentiation-related molecules as runt-related transcription factor 2, distal-less homeobox 5, and osterix via p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase. EtEx.40 also suppressed the formation of large tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-positive multinucleated cells in RAW264.7 cells that had been stimulated with the receptor activator of the nuclear factor κB ligand/macrophage colony-stimulating factor. EtEx.40 significantly inhibited NF-κB activation, thus reducing the expression of such downstream molecules as c-Fos and NFATc1. Our findings suggest that EtEx.40 could be used to maintain bone mass.
Formation by yeast of 2-furanmethanethiol and ethyl 2-mercaptopropionate aroma compounds in Japanese soy sauce
Authors: Meng Qi , Hatakeyama Makoto , Sugawara Etsuko
Published: April 2014

Two aroma compounds of volatile thiols, 2-furanmethanethiol (2FM) and ethyl 2-mercaptopropionate (ET2MP), were formed in five types of Japanese soy sauce during fermentation by yeast. The concentrations of 2FM and ET2MP in the soy sauce samples increased during alcoholic fermentation. The concentrations of 2FM and ET2MP were higher in the soy sauce fermented by Zygosaccharomyces rouxii than in that fermented by Candida versatilis. The enantiomers of ET2MP were separated by gas chromatography in a capillary column. The average enantiomeric ratio of ET2MP in the soy sauce was approximately 1:1. 2FM was formed by yeast in a medium prepared from cysteine and furfural, and cysteine is considered the key precursor of 2FM by yeast in soy sauce.
Indicators of sailing performance in youth dinghy sailing
Authors: Callewaert Margot , Boone Jan , Celie Bert , De Clercq Dirk , Bourgois Jan G.
Published: April 2014

This study aimed to determine indicators of sailing performance in 2 (age) groups of youth sailors by investigating the anthropometric, physical and motor coordination differences and factors discriminating between elite and non‐elite male optimist sailors and young dynamic hikers. Anthropometric measurements from 23 optimist sailors (mean ± SD age = 12.3 ± 1.4 years) and 24 dynamic youth hikers (i.e. Laser 4.7, Laser radial and Europe sailors <18 years who have to sail the boat in a very dynamic manner, due to a high sailor to yacht weight ratio) (mean ± SD age = 16.5 ± 1.6 years) were conducted. They performed a physical fitness test battery (EUROFIT), motor coordination test battery (Körperkoordinationstest für Kinder) and the Bucket test. Both groups of sailors were divided into two subgroups (i.e. elites and non‐elites) based on sailing expertise. The significant differences, taking biological maturation into account and factors discriminating between elite and non‐elite optimist sailors and dynamic hikers were explored by means of multivariate analysis of covariance and discriminant analysis, respectively. The main results indicated that 100.0% of elite optimist sailors and 88.9% of elite dynamic hikers could be correctly classified by means of two motor coordination tests (i.e. side step and side jump) and Bucket test, respectively. As such, strength‐ and speed‐oriented motor coordination and isometric knee‐extension strength endurance can be identified as indicators of sailing performance in young optimist and dynamic youth sailors, respectively. Therefore, we emphasise the importance of motor coordination skill training in optimist sailors (<15 years) and maximum strength training later on (>15 years) in order to increase their isometric knee‐extension strength endurance.
Ultrafast nonadiabatic fragmentation dynamics of biomolecules
Authors: López-Tarifa Pablo , Grzegorz Dariusz , Piekarski  , Rossich Estefanía , Penhoat Marie-Anne Hervé du , Vuilleumier Rodolphe , Gaigeot Marie-Pierre , Tavernelli Ivano , Politis Marie-Françoise , Wang Yang , Díaz-Tendero Sergio , Martín Fernando , Alcamí Manuel
Published: April 2014

Fragmentation of doubly charged biomolecules, uracil and amino acids, has been investigated using different ab inito Molecular Dynamics Methods. Time-Dependent Density Functional Theory Molecular Dynamics give a description of the non-adiabatic effects, the charge redistributions that occur in the first few femtoseconds and reveal the importance of the chemical environment. The combination of different techniques allow us to interpret the complex multicoincident spectra obtained experimentally when the molecules collides with ions or are excited with synchrotron radiation.
A note on the linear systems on the projective bundles over Abelian varieties
Authors: Zhang Lei
Published: April 2014

It is well known that for an ample line bundle

L
L

on an Abelian variety

A
A

, the linear system

|

2
L

|

|2L|

is base point free and

3
L

3L

is very ample; moreover, the map defined by the linear system

|

2
L

|

|2L|

is well understood (cf. Theorem 1.1). In this paper we generalize this classical result and give a new proof using the theory developed by Pareschi and Popa in 2011 (cf. Theorem 1.2).
Tautological sheaves on Hilbert schemes of points
Authors: Wang Zhilan , Zhou Jian
Published: April 2014

We propose some conjectures on the generating series of (equivariant) Euler characteristics of some vector bundles constructed from the tautological bundles on Hilbert schemes of points on affinekk-spaces. We establish the surface case of these conjectures and present some verifications of the higher dimensional cases.
What's that gene (or protein)? Online resources for exploring functions of genes, transcripts, and proteins
Authors: Hutchins James R. A.
Published: April 2014

The genomic era has enabled research projects that use approaches including genome-scale screens, microarray analysis, next-generation sequencing, and mass spectrometry–based proteomics to discover genes and proteins involved in biological processes. Such methods generate data sets of gene, transcript, or protein hits that researchers wish to explore to understand their properties and functions and thus their possible roles in biological systems of interest. Recent years have seen a profusion of Internet-based resources to aid this process. This review takes the viewpoint of the curious biologist wishing to explore the properties of protein-coding genes and their products, identified using genome-based technologies. Ten key questions are asked about each hit, addressing functions, phenotypes, expression, evolutionary conservation, disease association, protein structure, interactors, posttranslational modifications, and inhibitors. Answers are provided by presenting the latest publicly available resources, together with methods for hit-specific and data set–wide information retrieval, suited to any genome-based analytical technique and experimental species. The utility of these resources is demonstrated for 20 factors regulating cell proliferation. Results obtained using some of these are discussed in more depth using the p53 tumor suppressor as an example. This flexible and universally applicable approach for characterizing experimental hits helps researchers to maximize the potential of their projects for biological discovery.
Sources of Individual Differences in L2 Narrative Production: The Contribution of Input, Processing, and Output Anxiety
Authors: Trebits Anna
Published: April 2014

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of cognitive task complexity and individual differences in input, processing, and output anxiety (IPOA) on L2 narrative production. The participants were enrolled in a bilingual secondary educational program. They performed two narrative tasks in speech and writing. The participants’ level of anxiety was assessed using the IPOA scale (MacIntyre and Gardner 1994). The results demonstrate that spoken and written modalities are influenced differently by anxiety with the impact of output anxiety being significantly stronger in speech than in writing. Another important finding was that input and processing anxiety had both facilitating and debilitating effects on learners’ L2 output. As regards the effect of task complexity on participants’ narratives, the findings suggest that the different stages of language production need to be taken into account when categorizing tasks on the basis of the cognitive load they impose on learners.
Quality assurance in the identification of deep-sea taxa from video and image analysis: response to Henry and Roberts
Authors: Howell Kerry L. , Bullimore Ross D. , Foster Nicola L.
Published: April 2014

New high-resolution image data obtained from the Hebrides Terrace Seamount and analysed by ourselves and Henry and Roberts (Henry, L-A., and Roberts, J. M. Recommendations for best practice in deep-sea habitat classification: Bullimore et al. as a case study. ICES Journal of Marine Science, 71: 895–898.), suggested that we may have misidentified Solenosmilia variabilis as either Lophelia pertusa or Madrepora oculata in a previously analysed dataset from the Anton Dohrn Seamount (published in Bullimore et al., 2013). Therefore, we undertook a reanalysis of our entire image data holdings from multiple sample sites and identified possible records of S. variabilis from four sites previously sampled: Anton Dohrn Seamount, Rockall Bank, George Bligh Bank and the Hatton-Rockall Basin. The reanalysis of our image data holdings together with historic data from the wider literature suggests that, in the Northeast Atlantic region, S. variabilis is distributed from 888–2803 m (mean ∼1500 m) with reef habitat present only on Anton Dohrn Seamount. In this paper we discuss the use of video and imagery as a survey and monitoring too and make recommendations of best practice in data acquisition and analysis. We highlight the need for the development of training materials for deep-sea field identification in order to achieve reliable, replicable and comparable datasets among observers, and suggest possible quality assurance procedures.
Pharmacy Survey on Patient Safety Culture: Benchmarking Results
Authors: Herner Sheryl J. , Rawlings Julia E. , Swartzendruber Kelly , Delate Thomas
Published: April 2014

Objective

This study’s objective was to assess the patient safety culture in a large, integrated health delivery system’s pharmacy department to allow for benchmarking with other health systems.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional survey conducted in a pharmacy department consisting of staff members who provide dispensing, clinical, and support services within an integrated health delivery system. The U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality’s 11-composite, validated Pharmacy Survey on Patient Safety Culture questionnaire was transcribed into an online format. All departmental staff members were invited to participate in this anonymous survey. Cronbach α and overall results and contrasts between dispensing and clinical services staff and dispensing pharmacists and technicians/clerks as percentage positive scores (PPSs) are presented. Differences in contrasts were assessed with χ2 tests of association.

Results

Completed questionnaires were received from 598 (69.9%) of 855 employees. Cronbach α ranged from 0.55 to 0.90. Overall, the highest and lowest composite PPSs were for patient counseling (94.5%) and staffing and work pressure (44.7%), respectively. Compared with dispensing service, the clinical service participants had statistically higher PPSs for all composites except patient counseling, communication about mistakes, and staffing and work pressure (all P > 0.05). The technicians/clerks had a statistically higher PPS compared with the pharmacists for communication about mistakes (P = 0.007). All other composites were equivalent between groups.

Conclusions

Patient counseling consistently had the highest PPS among composites measured, but opportunities existed for improvement in all aspects measured. Future research should identify and assess interventions targeted to improving the patient safety culture in pharmacy.
An endogenous green fluorescent protein–photoprotein pair in
Clytia hemisphaerica
eggs shows co-targeting to mitochondria and efficient bioluminescence energy transfer
Authors: Fourrage Cécile , Swann Karl , Gonzalez Garcia Jose Raul , Campbell Anthony K. , Houliston Evelyn
Published: April 2014

Green fluorescent proteins (GFPs) and calcium-activated photoproteins of the aequorin/clytin family, now widely used as research tools, were originally isolated from the hydrozoan jellyfish
Aequora victoria
. It is known that bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) is possible between these proteins to generate flashes of green light, but the native function and significance of this phenomenon is unclear. Using the hydrozoan
Clytia hemisphaerica
, we characterized differential expression of three clytin and four GFP genes in distinct tissues at larva, medusa and polyp stages, corresponding to the major
in vivo
sites of bioluminescence (medusa tentacles and eggs) and fluorescence (these sites plus medusa manubrium, gonad and larval ectoderms). Potential physiological functions at these sites include UV protection of stem cells for fluorescence alone, and prey attraction and camouflaging counter-illumination for bioluminescence. Remarkably, the clytin2 and GFP2 proteins, co-expressed in eggs, show particularly efficient BRET and co-localize to mitochondria, owing to parallel acquisition by the two genes of mitochondrial targeting sequences during hydrozoan evolution. Overall, our results indicate that endogenous GFPs and photoproteins can play diverse roles even within one species and provide a striking and novel example of protein coevolution, which could have facilitated efficient or brighter BRET flashes through mitochondrial compartmentalization.
Capturing social network effects in technology adoption: the spatial diffusion of hybrid rice in Bangladesh
Authors: Ward Patrick S. , Pede Valerien O.
Published: April 2014

In this paper, we demonstrate a method for measuring the effect of spatial interactions on the use of hybrid rice using a unique, nationally representative data set from Bangladesh. In order to circumvent the ‘reflection problem’, we consider an identification and estimation strategy employing a generalised spatial two‐stage least squares procedure with near‐ideal instruments to effectively identify causal influences. Results indicate that neighbour effects are a significant determinant of hybrid rice use. Further, using two specifications of spatial network systems, one based on same‐village membership (irrespective of distance) and the other based on geographical distance (irrespective of village boundary), we demonstrate that a network including nearby hybrid rice adopters is more influential than a network of more distant hybrid rice adopters, and merely having a network with a large number of adopters may be relatively meaningless if they are far away. Furthermore, we show that these network effects are much more important to hybrid cultivation than interactions with agricultural extension officers.