bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Composition of seed soluble carbohydrates and ultrastructural diversity of testa in lupins from the mediterranean region
Authors: Piotrowicz-Cieślak Agnieszka I.
Published: April 2013

This article present a comparison of soluble sugar levels in seeds of Lupinus atlanticus, Lupinus cosentinii, Lupinus palaestinus and Lupinus pilosus, Lupinus hispanicus subsp. hispanicus and Lupinus luteus of Juno variety. Considering that sugars are accumulated in embryos, only the embryonic tissues were used for biochemical analyses. Additionally, the share of testa and embryo in seed tissues was evaluated. The seed-coat thickness was measured using scanning electron microscopy. The seed coat had the largest share in seeds of Lupinus pilosus and Lupinus palaestinus, and the least share in seeds of Lupinus hispanicus subsp. hispanicus and Lupinus luteus of Juno variety. In the seed of Lupinus pilosus the thickness of the seed coat was 1100 µm, while in Lupinus luteus it was 300 µm. The analysed Lupinus seeds accumulated from 73 mg/g d.m. (dry matter of seed embryo) to 155 mg of soluble sugars/g d.m. The highest quantity of oligosaccharides of the raffinose series was found in seeds of Lupinus luteus, while the lowest amount in seed of Lupinus palaestinus. Galactosyl cyclitols appeared in largest amount in seeds of Lupinus palaestinus and Lupinus pilosus, appropriately 41.93 and 33.75 mg/g dm. The lowest amount of galactosyl cyclitols appeared in Lupinus atlanticus, Lupinus cosentinii and Lupinus hispanicus.
Pollen morphology of the Polish species of the genus Sorbus L.
Authors: Bednorz Leszek , Maciejewska Irmina , Wrońska-Pilarek Dorota , Fujiki Toshiyuki
Published: April 2013

This paper presents the results of the study on pollen morphology of five Polish species of the genus Sorbus L. (S. aria (L.) Crantz, S. aucuparia L. Emend. Hedl., S. chamaemespilus (L.) Crantz, S. intermedia (Ehrh.) Pers. and S. torminalis (L.) Crantz). Observations were carried out with light and scanning microscopes. Investigated pollen grains were small or medium size, most often subprolate or prolate spheroidal in outline. Exine of medium thickness, consisted of two layers. Mainly 3-zonocolporate or sometimes 4-zonocolporate (S. chamaemespilus and S. torminalis) grains were noted. Usually striatae type of sculpture was observed, except the grains of S. intermedia, which were characterized by intermediate type of sculpture, with the features both striate and regulate ornamentation. Pollen morphology of the investigated Sorbus species corresponds with their systematic classification. It is relatively easy to separate pollen grains of the following subgenera: Sorbus, Chamaemespilus and Torminaria. Only subgenus Aria includes grains of different morphology and therefore it is impossible to determine the diagnostic features of this subgenus. Pollen morphology does not confirm a close relationship between S. aria and S. intermedia. It is possible to distinguished pollen grains of all the analysed native species. However, there are no important differences in pollen morphology between the subspecies of Sorbus aucuparia. The key for Polish Sorbus species, based on pollen grain characters is given too.
Some Heteronema species (Euglenophyta) occurring in Łęczna-Włodawa Lakeland (Eastern Poland)
Authors: Poniewozik Małgorzata
Published: April 2013

One new Heteronema cf. distigmoides Christen and three rare taxa of H. acus (Ehrenberg) Stein, H. spirale KLEBS and H. nebulosum (Dujardin) Klebs were reported for the Polish flora. All of them were found in the mesotrophic Lake Piaseczno and in a small village pond in Kaniwola, in 2002. Both water reservoirs are situated on the Łęczna-Włodawa Lakeland (Eastern Poland). The above mentioned species are new to the flora of the Łęczna-Włodawa Lakeland, probably because of insufficient research, which was carried out on euglenophytes in this area previously. All the presented species are described thoroughly and illustrated in this paper.
Ophiostomatoid fungi associated with Ips typographus (L.) on Picea abies [(L.) H. Karst.] and Pinus sylvestris L. in north-eastern Poland
Authors: Jankowiak Robert , Hilszczański Jacek
Published: April 2013

This study dealt with the species distribution and frequency of ophiostomatoid fungi associated with the bark beetle Ips typographus on Norway spruce and Scots pine in north-eastern Poland. At all locations high spruce bark beetle damage has occurred in 2002-2003. Fungi were isolated from beetles and from brood systems of trees infested by the spruce bark beetle. The ophiostomatoid fungi were represented by 13 species. A similar spectrum of ophiostomatoid fungi as that recorded from Picea abies was associated with I. typographus on Pinus sylvestris trees. The most frequent ophiostomatoid species isolated from beetles, phloem and sapwood of Norway spruce were O. bicolor and O. penicillatum. The frequency of occurrence of ophiostomatoid fungi varied significantly among the examined locations. O. bicolor was the most frequently found species on Scots pine infested by I. typographus. The potential role of ophiostomatoid fungi in the epidemiology of I. typographus is discussed. Additionally, we also recorded how the ophiostomatoid fungi associated with spruce bark beetle could grow into phloem and sapwood of Pinus sylvestris trees.
Localization of acid phosphatase activity in the apoplast of root nodules of pea (Pisum sativum)
Authors: Sujkowska Marzena , Borucki Wojciech , Golinowski Władysław
Published: April 2013

Changes in the activity of acid phosphatase (AcPase) in the apoplast of pea root nodule were investigated. The activity was determined using lead and cerium methods. The results indicated a following sequence of AcPase activity appearance during the development of the infection thread: 1) low AcPase activity appears in the outer part of cells of symbiotic bacteria; 2) bacteria show increased AcPase activity, and the enzyme activity appears in the thread walls; 3) activity exhibits also matrix of the infection thread; 4) bacteria just before their release from the infection threads show high AcPase activity; 5) AcPase activity ceases after bacteria transformation into bacteroids. The increase in bacterial AcPase activity may reflect a higher demand for inorganic phosphorus necessary for propagation of the bacteria within the infection threads and/or involved in bacteria release from the infection threads.
Bees substitute birds in pollination of ornitogamous climber Campsis radicans (L.) Seem. in Poland
Authors: Kołodziejska-Degórska Iwona , Zych Marcin
Published: April 2013

Campsis radicans is an attractive climber with typical ornitogamous flowers, native to North America. In natural conditions this out-crossed plant is pollinated mostly by hummingbirds. In Poland, where C. radicans is cultivated as ornamental, it rarely sets seeds. The questions addressed in the present study were: (1) What animals pollinate its flowers in Poland?, and (2) What is the reason for infrequent fruit set? Field studies conducted in five localities in Poland showed that the principal pollinator is Apis mellifera, and the lack of seeds is usually caused by pollinator limitation or absence of genetically different pollen donor plants.
Tapetum development in transgenic tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) plants with modlfied level of histone H1 variants
Authors: Ślusarczyk Joanna , Tykarska Teresa , Wierzbicki Andrzej , Jerzmanowski Andrzej
Published: April 2013

The phenomenon of male sterility has often been observed in investigations on the role of histone H1 in regulation of morphogenetic and cytological processes in transgenic tobacco plants. These changes were accumulated by disturbances in flower development, consisting in lengthening of the pistil style in relation to stamen heads. This prevented pollination and production of seeds. As similar abnormalities occurred also in the present investigations (depending on combination, the sterility% was 84.4 to 19.9, at only 8.1 in the control), the main problem of our investigations was an attempt to explain their reasons. It is commonly known that one of the conditions for formation of fertile pollen is the properly functioning tapetum. Here, we carried out observations of ultrastructure of anther tapetum control cells in respect of abnormalities which occurred during microsporogenesis of transgenic plants with inactivated expression of two major (A, B) and two minor (C, D) histone H1 variants. The investigations were carried out on the following groups of plants: (1) control group with a full set of histone variants (K), (2) with inactivated A and B variants (-AB); (3) with inactivated A, B, C and D variants (-ABCD), (4) with inactivated C and D variants (-CD). It was found that tapetal development was normal in all the investigated groups of plants, and the sequence of changes was similar as in the control. However, certain ultrastructural differences appeared when tapetum functioned as secretory tissue, and in the degeneration phase. In tapetal cell cytoplasm, with participation of rER, lipid bodies were formed, which, having penetrated to the cell surface and to locules, took part in formation of pollen grain sporoderm. Both in the control and in the remaining combination, excluding -ABCD, these bodies looked similar: they were grey, homogenous and surrounded by black jagged deposits. In -ABCD plants, these bodies were more translucent, slightly rarefied, and not surrounded by the deposits. Moreover, in -CD plants, large lipid deposits were frequently observed between remainders of degraded tapetal cells. They did not occur in the control and the remaining combinations.
Chromoplast biogenesis in Chelidonium majus petals
Authors: Ljubešić Nikola , Wrischer Mercedes
Published: April 2013

The differentiation of chromoplasts, with special emphasis on the formation and the organisation of chromoplast fibrils, was followed in the petals of the greater celandine, Chelidonium majus L. Electron microscopic observations showed that, in the epidermis, differentiation of chromoplasts started from leucoplasts, while mesophyll chromoplasts originated from chloroplasts. During petal maturation, fibrils accumulated in the plastids, often arranging in a parallel fashion to form compact birefringent bundles. Immediately before flower opening, these fibrillar bundles started to disorganise, and, at anthesis, most chromoplasts contained widely spaced fibrils which were irregularly dispersed through the plastid interior. During chromoplast differentiation, fibrils were commonly observed to protrude from plastoglobules, suggesting the possible site of their formation. Western analysis indicated that a protein antigenically related to fibrillin from pepper chromoplasts participates in the constitution of fibrils in Chelidonium petals.
Morphological and molecular differentiation of the croatian populations of Ouercus pubescens Willd. (Fagaceae)
Authors: Franjić Josip , Liber Zlatko , Škvorc Željko , Idžojtić Marilena , Šoštarić Renata , Stančić Zvjezdana
Published: April 2013

Taxonomy of the genus Quercus L. is very complicated and often controversial because of its great variability and intense gene flow among the related species. The purpose of this research was to determine morphological and molecular variation, relationships and taxonomic status of the Croatian populations of Quercus pubescens Willd. using morphological analysis of the leaves and RAPD-PCR technique. The results of the morphological and molecular analyses were very similar, both showing differentiation of the southern (Mediterranean) from the northern (Continental) pubescent oak populations. These two groups were clearly separated and the estimated gene flow among the populations that belong to different groups (Nm=1.38) is significantly less than among the populations that belong to the same group (Nm=3.70). The obtained results were compared to the available studies. This study confirms a high variability of the Q. pubescens populations, but differences were not so big to confirm the opinion of existence of several species in this area. The conclusion is that the southern Croatian populations could be pure Q. pubescens populations, while the peculiarities of the northern Croatian populations originate probably from the Q. petraea introgression.
Algoflora and vascular flora of a limestone spring in the Warta river valley
Authors: Żelazna-Wieczorek Joanna , Mamińska Monika
Published: April 2013

Qualitative analysis of algae, including microhabitats and vascular vegetation in a spring niche, together with basic physical and chemical characteristics is presented. 175 diatom taxa as well as taxa of macroalgae and vascular plants were determined in the spring niche, and the community types were defined. Seasonal variability of diatom communities was observed. The influence of a flood as a catastrophe on the community of diatoms and macroalgae was noticed.
Taxonomical studies on Hormotila ramosissima Korš. (Chlorophyceae)
Authors: Matuła Jan , Pietryka Mirosława , Richter Dorota
Published: April 2013

Hormotila ramosissima Korš., a very rare in the world and poorly known species, have been found in peat bogs of Lower Silesia. The growth stages typical of this species but unknown so far, have been described and illustrated. It was found that this species has many features in common with the representatives of Volvocales, Tetrasporales, and chlorococcales. The regularly observed zoospores and hemizoospores, which accompanied the various developmental stages of that species, showed an internal structure of Chlamydomonas-type. Studies on Hormotila ramosissima were based on live material collected in ample quantities from peat bogs. The collected in this way repeatable and abundant data allowed to discuss problems concerning morphology, reproduction and development, as well as consider the taxonomic position this species.
Non-destructive methods for peat layer assessment in oligotrophic peat bogs: a case study from Poiana Ştampei, Romania
Authors: Gheorghe Iuliana F. , Vâlcu Cristina M. , Barbu Ion , Ţopa Sorana
Published: April 2013

Practices currently employed in the investigation and characterisation of peat deposits are destructive and may irremediable perturb peat bog development even in cases when exploitation is not carried out. We investigated the correlation between vegetation characteristics in the active area of Poiana Ştampei peat bog, Romania, and the underlying peat layer depth, aiming at establishing a non-destructive method of peat layer depth estimation. The presence of the Sphagneto-Eriophoretum vaginati association, dominated by Sphagnum fimbriatum, Eriophorum vaginatum, Andromeda polifolia, Vaccinium oxycoccos, V. myrtillus, V. vitis-idaea, Polytrichum commune, Picea excelsa, Pinus sylvestris and Betula verrucosa was found to predict the existence of the peat layer but not its depth. Out of the seven identified vegetation types, one type was associated with a very thin or no peat layer, one type was characterised by the presence of a thick (over 100 cm) peat layer and five types indicated the presence of variable average depths of the peat layer. pH values correlated with peat layer depth only within the vegetation type associated with thick peat layers.
Genome size in Humulus lupulus L. and H. japonicus Siebold and Zucc. (Cannabaceae)
Authors: Grabowska-Joachimiak Aleksander , Śliwińska Elwira , Piguła Magdalena , Skomra Urszula , Joachimiak Andrzej J.
Published: April 2013

We analysed chromosome lengths, karyotype structure, and nuclear DNA content (flow cytometry) in diploid (2n=20) and triploid (2n=30) European H. lupulus var. lupulus, American H. lupulus var. neomexicanus (2n=20) and Japanese ornamental hop, H. japonicus (F/2n=16; M/2n=17). Diploid female representatives of H. lupulus var. lupulus and H. l. var. neomexicanus differed in total length of the basal chromosome set (23.16 µm and 25.99 µm, respectively) and nuclear 2C DNA amount (5.598 pg and 6.064 pg) but showed similar karyotype structure. No deviation from the additivity, both in chromosome length and 2C DNA amount was evidenced in triploid monoecious H. lupulus (2n=30, XXY). H. japonicus showed different karyotype structure, smaller basal chromosome set (F/18.04 µm, M/20.66 µm) and lower nuclear DNA amount (F/3.208 pg and M/3.522 pg). There are first evaluations of nuclear genome size in diploid, not commercial representative of European H. lupulus var. lupulus and American H. lupulus var. neomexicanus and first attempt to determine the absolute male and female genome size in two Humulus species.
Utricularietum australis Th. Müller et Görs 1960 in Poland
Authors: Spałek Krzysztof
Published: April 2013

The paper presents the distribution, floristic composition and ecological requirements of the pleustonic plant community Utricularietum australis Th. Müller et Görs 1960 in Poland. The association was classifield to the Lemnetea minoris class. Utricularietum australis is considered to be a rare and endangered plant community in Europe.
Rejection of some original materiał of Juncus kochii (Juncaceae) as useless for typification
Authors: Proćków Jarosław
Published: April 2013

The identity of the potential original material of Juncus kochii is discussed. The taxon at present is best regarded as Juncus bulbosus L. subsp. kochii (F.W. Schultz) Reichg. The relevant literature (protologue and references therein) was searched and details of all residual original elements were compiled. Taxonomic remarks are given. The herbarium material from the environs of Bitche (Moselle, Lorraine) and Gérardmer (Vosges, Lorraine) – both in France, has been rejected as useless for typification of J. kochii (because of taxonomic reasons), though it was listed both in the protologue and also as indirect references therein Schultz’s earlier publications.
Mycobiota associated with Hylurgops palliatus (Gyll.) on Pinus sylvestris L. in Poland
Authors: Jankowiak Robert
Published: April 2013

The assemblage and abundance of fungal species associated with Hylurgops palliatus on Pinus sylvestris, were studied in Poland. Fungi were isolated from beetles of H. palliatus and their galleries collected from three populations. In total, 1832 fungal isolates, including 38 species, were obtained. The most important group of fungi were the ophiostomatoid fungi. Among the seven species of ophiostomatoid fungi isolated, Leptographium lundbergii and an unknown species of Graphium sp. code-named "W" were the dominant species. Ophiostoma minus and O. piceae were also relatively common. All ophiostomatoid species, except L. lundbergii occurred more frequently on the overwintered adults than in gallery systems. Ophiostoma minus and O. piliferum are documented here as new associates of H. palliatus.
Facilitating Medication Adherence in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Remington Gina , Rodriguez Yolanda , Logan Diana , Williamson Caroline , Treadaway Katherine
Published: April 2013

This article reviews adherence to medication in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients from the perspective of nurse and social worker authors. It reviews data on patient adherence and offers practical, evidence-based strategies that health-care providers can use to facilitate adherence. In addition, it examines how emerging MS therapies may affect patient adherence and associated interventions. To promote adherence, interventions need to incorporate new and creative approaches. A proactive approach includes assessing patient needs and lifestyle before the start of medication and selecting the most appropriate disease-modifying therapy for each individual patient. Including multidisciplinary expertise and services in the treatment plan can be part of a comprehensive, holistic approach to helping patients and families. Optimization of health-care provider roles is likely to facilitate improved adherence.
Change in the Health-Related Quality of Life of Multiple Sclerosis Patients over 5 Years
Authors: Janzen Wonita , Turpin Karen V. L. , Warren Sharon A. , Marrie Ruth Ann , Warren Kenneth G.
Published: April 2013

This study examined whether multiple sclerosis (MS) patients (N = 3779) experience change in their perceived health-related quality of life (HRQOL) over a 5-year period, and investigated baseline factors that may be related to change in HRQOL. Data from the North American Research Committee on Multiple Sclerosis (NARCOMS) Registry were used to address the study's research questions. Results for the physical and mental component scores of the 12-item Short Form Health Status Survey, version 2 (SF-12v2), indicated that most of the MS sample experienced no significant changes over a 5-year period. However, 40% and 36% of the sample experienced clinically significant declines in their physical and mental HRQOL, respectively, over the 5-year period. After controlling for baseline scores, having a lower education, having greater duration since disease diagnosis, not being employed, having a lower income, not receiving a disease-modifying therapy, and taking a greater number of prescription medications were significantly associated with a clinically significant decline in physical HRQOL. After controlling for baseline scores, not being married/partnered, experiencing a greater number of relapses, not being employed, having a lower income, and taking a greater number of prescription medications were significantly associated with a clinically significant decline in mental HRQOL. Overall, most of the MS sample remained stable in their HRQOL over time. However, approximately four out of every ten patients experienced a clinically important decline in their HRQOL. While the association was statistically significant, the sociodemographic and disease-related factors linked with decline did not strongly predict decline over a 5-year period.
Experimental Study on Energy Dissipation Characteristics of ZSM‐5 Zeolite/Water System
Authors: Sun Yueting , Xu Jun , Li Yibing B. , Liu Bohan , Wang Yan , Liu Cheng , Chen Xi
Published: April 2013

Interaction with liquids at the ultra‐large surface area of nanoporous material enables a high‐efficiency energy dissipation system with wide perspective applications [A. Han, et al., Langmuir 2008, 24, 7044]. In this paper, a nanoporous energy dissipation system composed of a mixture of zeolite ZSM‐5 and water is established and studied experimentally. Firstly, quasi‐static compression experiments are carried out to analyze the pressure–volume curve and reveal the energy dissipation mechanism. Afterwards, a parametric study is conducted to explore the effects of three parameters, the pretreatment temperature of zeolite ZSM‐5 (600–1100 °C), mass ratio of ZSM‐5 to water (1:5–6:5), and average zeolite particle size (2.145–5.251 µm before heated or 6.104–9.557 µm after heated). Results show that in order to obtain optimum energy absorption performance, the pretreatment temperature of about 1000 °C, and higher ratio of ZSM‐5 with larger particle size are desired. With high energy dissipation and reusability, the zeolite‐water system with optimal parameters established herein may become an attractive cushioning device.
Near‐Field Enhanced Plasmonic‐Magnetic Bifunctional Nanotubes for Single Cell Bioanalysis
Authors: Xu Xiaobin , Li Huifeng , Hasan Dihan , Ruoff Rodney S. , Wang Alan X. , Fan D. L.
Published: April 2013

Near‐field enhanced bifunctional plasmonic‐magnetic (PM) nanostructures consisting of silica nanotubes with embedded solid nanomagnets and uniformly dual‐surface‐coated plasmonic Ag nanoparticles (NPs) are rationally synthesized. The solid embedded sections of nanotubes provide single‐molecule sensitivity with an enhancement factor up to 7.2 × 109 for surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). More than 2× SERS enhancement is observed from the hollow section compared to the solid section of the same nanotube. The substantial SERS enhancement on the hollow section is attributed to the dual‐sided coating of Ag NPs as well as the near‐field optical coupling of Ag NPs across the nanotube walls. Experimentation and modeling are carried out to understand the dependence of SERS enhancement on the NP sizes, junctions, and the near field effects. By tuning the aspect ratio of the embedded nanomagnets, the magnetic anisotropy of nanotubes can be readily controlled to be parallel or vertical to the long directions for nano‐manipulation. Leveraging the bifunctionality, a nanotube is magnetically maneuvered to a single living mammalian cell amidst many and its membrane composition is analyzed via SERS spectroscopy.
A New Type of Efficient CO2 Adsorbent with Improved Thermal Stability: Self‐Assembled Nanohybrids with Optimized Microporosity and Gas Adsorption Functions
Authors: Kim Tae Woo , Kim In Young , Jung Tae Sung , Ko Chang Hyun , Hwang Seong‐Ju
Published: April 2013

A new type of efficient CO2 absorbent with improved thermal stability is synthesized via self‐assembly between 2D inorganic nanosheets and two kinds of 0D inorganic nanoclusters. In these self‐assembled nanohybrids, the nanoclusters of CdO and Cr2O3 are commonly interstratified with layered titanate nanosheets, leading to the formation of highly microporous pillared structure with increased basicity of pore wall. The co‐pillaring of basic CdO with Cr2O3 is fairly effective at increasing a proportion of micropores and reactivity for CO2 molecules and at improving the thermal stability of the resulting porous structure. Of prime importance is that the present inorganic‐pillared nanohybrids show highly efficient CO2 adsorption capacity, which is much superior to those of many other absorbents and compatible to those of CO2 adsorbing metal−organic framework (MOF) compounds. Taking into account an excellent thermal stability of the present nanohybrids, these materials are very promising CO2 adsorbents usable at elevated temperature. This is the first example of efficient CO2 adsorbent from pillared materials. The co‐pillaring of basic metal oxide nanoclusters employed in this study can provide a very powerful way of developing thermally stable CO2 adsorbents from many known pillared systems.
Low Roll‐Off and High Efficiency Orange Organic Light Emitting Diodes with Controlled Co‐Doping of Green and Red Phosphorescent Dopants in an Exciplex Forming Co‐Host
Authors: Lee Sunghun , Kim Kwon‐Hyeon , Limbach Daniel , Park Young‐Seo , Kim Jang‐Joo
Published: April 2013

An exciplex forming co‐host is introduced in order to fabricate orange organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) with high efficiency, low driving voltage and an extremely low efficiency roll‐off, by the co‐doping of green and red emitting phosphorescence dyes in the host. The orange OLEDs achieves a low turn‐on voltage of 2.4 V, which is equivalent to the triplet energy gap of the phosphorescent‐green emitting dopant, and a very high external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 25.0%. Moreover, the OLEDs show low efficiency roll‐off with an EQE of over 21% at 10 000 cdm−2. The device displays a very good orange color (CIE of (0.501, 0.478) at 1000 cdm−2) with very little color shift with increasing luminance. The transient electroluminescence of the OLEDs indicate that both energy transfer and direct charge trapping takes place in the devices.
Large‐Area Flexible Core–Shell Graphene/Porous Carbon Woven Fabric Films for Fiber Supercapacitor Electrodes
Authors: Li Xiao , Zang Xiaobei , Li Zhen , Li Xinming , Li Peixu , Sun Pengzhan , Lee Xiao , Zhang Rujing , Huang Zhenghong , Wang Kunlin , Wu Dehai , Kang Feiyu , Zhu Hongwei
Published: April 2013

New porous materials are of great importance in many technological applications. Here, the direct synthesis of multi‐layer graphene and porous carbon woven composite films by chemical vapor deposition on Ni gauze templates is reported. The composite films integrate the dual advantages of graphene and porous carbon, having not only the excellent electrical properties and flexibility of graphene but also the porous characteristics of amorphous carbon. The multi‐layer graphene/porous carbon woven fabric film creates a new platform for a variety of applications, such as fiber supercapacitors. The designed composite film has a capacitance of 20 μF/cm2, which is close to the theoretical value and a device areal capacitance of 44 mF/cm2.
Iron‐Catalysed Borylation of Arenediazonium Salts to Give Access to Arylboron Derivatives via Aryl(amino)boranes at Room Temperature
Authors: Marciasini Ludovic D. , Richy Nicolas , Vaultier Michel , Pucheault Mathieu
Published: April 2013

Complementary to previously described Miyaura borylation methods, a new access to boron derivatives via aryl(amino)boranes is described. Direct coupling between aryldiazonium salts and diisopropylaminoborane is catalysed by 0.1% ferrocene leading to the formation of a carbon‐boron bond. The obtained aryl(amino)boranes could eventually then be transformed into boronic acids, boronates or borates.
Copper‐Catalyzed Domino SN2′/Coupling Reaction: A Versatile and Facile Synthesis of Cyclic Compounds from Baylis–Hillman Acetates
Authors: Niu Qingsheng , Mao Hui , Yuan Guodong , Gao Jilong , Liu Haiquan , Tu Yawei , Wang Xiaoxia , Lv Xin
Published: April 2013

A variety of substituted quinoline/pyridine, thiochromene and naphthalene derivatives, which might be of biological and medicinal value, were synthesized by copper‐catalyzed domino SN2′/coupling, SN2′/deacylation/coupling and SN2′/coupling/elimination reactions. The method provides a general and convenient approach to the synthesis of various substituted cyclic compounds from the corresponding Baylis–Hillman (B‐H) acetates and N‐/S‐/C‐nucleophiles.
Asymmetric Synthesis of Functionalized Tetrahydronaphthalenes via an Organocatalytic Nitroalkane‐Michael/Henry Domino Reaction
Authors: Enders Dieter , Hahn Robert , Atodiresei Iuliana
Published: April 2013

An organocatalytic nitroalkane‐Michael/Henry reaction sequence to functionalized 1,2,3,4‐tetrahydronaphthalen‐1‐ols is described. Starting from 2‐(nitromethyl)benzaldehyde and nitroalkenes a bifunctional quinine‐based squaramide organocatalyst is used to afford the title compounds in moderate to very good yields (25–84%), high diastereomeric ratios (dr>95:5) after crystallization and good to excellent enantioselectivities of 63–99% ee. Starting from γ‐nitro aldehydes and ketones secondary and tertiary cyclohexanols bearing four stereogenic centers can also be prepared with this Michael/Henry domino reaction.
Key factors in the transfer of information‐related competencies between academic, workplace, and daily life contexts
Authors: Ferran‐Ferrer Núria , Minguillón Julià , Pérez‐Montoro Mario
Published: April 2013

Personal information behavior has been studied within a large number of different contexts; however, individuals show different information‐related competencies in their professional, academic or daily life contexts. Literature suggests that if a person is information‐related competent in one context, then he or she will be competent in the rest of the contexts of action. But this is only true for a basic level of information competencies. This article reports results from 24 interviews performed to mature e‐learning students and suggests that in a more advanced level of information competencies, some competencies that appear in one context are not manifested in another context. Several factors have been found to be related with information competencies transfer between contexts. Attitude is a key factor and feelings regarding Internet use is another critical factor. Specifically in learning environments, the results suggest that canned content and planned learning strategies can discourage a proactive attitude and enthusiasm for information and communication technologies, and therefore the acquisition of information‐related competencies. Understanding the differences and common patterns between these contexts may be useful for designing better information systems, services and instruction.
Controlling enzyme inhibition using an expanded set of genetically encoded amino acids
Authors: Zheng Shun , Kwon Inchan
Published: April 2013

Enzyme inhibition plays an important role in drug development, metabolic pathway regulation, and biocatalysis with product inhibition. When an inhibitor has high structural similarities to the substrate of an enzyme, controlling inhibitor binding without affecting enzyme substrate binding is often challenging and requires fine‐tuning of the active site. We hypothesize that an extended set of genetically encoded amino acids can be used to design an enzyme active site that reduces enzyme inhibitor binding without compromising substrate binding. As a model case, we chose murine dihydrofolate reductase (mDHFR), substrate dihydrofolate, and inhibitor methotrexate. Structural models of mDHFR variants containing non‐natural amino acids complexed with each ligand were constructed to identify a key residue for inhibitor binding and non‐natural amino acids to replace the key residue. Then, we discovered that replacing the key phenylalanine residue with two phenylalanine analogs (p‐bromophenylalanine (pBrF) and L‐2‐naphthylalanine (2Nal)) enhances binding affinity toward the substrate dihydrofolate over the inhibitor by 4.0 and 5.8‐fold, respectively. Such an enhanced selectivity is mainly due to a reduced inhibitor binding affinity by 2.1 and 4.3‐fold, respectively. The catalytic efficiency of the mDHFR variant containing pBrF is comparable to that of wild‐type mDHFR, whereas the mDHFR variant containing 2Nal exhibits a moderate decrease in the catalytic efficiency. The work described here clearly demonstrates the feasibility of selectively controlling enzyme inhibition using an expanded set of genetically encoded amino acids. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2013; 110:2361–2370. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Bioreactor engineering using disposable technology for enhanced production of hCTLA4Ig in transgenic rice cell cultures
Authors: Kwon Jun‐Young , Yang Yong‐Suk , Cheon Su‐Hwan , Nam Hyung‐Jin , Jin Gi‐Hong , Kim Dong‐Il
Published: April 2013

Two kinds of disposable bioreactors, air‐lift disposable bioreactors (ADB) and wave disposable bioreactors (WDB) were compared with stirred‐tank reactors (5‐L STR). These bioreactors were successfully applied to transgenic rice cell cultures for the production of recombinant human cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte antigen 4‐immunoglobulin (hCTLA4Ig). In both systems, a fed‐batch culture method was used to produce hCTLA4Ig efficiently by feeding concentrated amino acids and production levels were enhanced when dissolved oxygen (DO) level was regulated at 30% using pure oxygen sparging. Agitation and aeration rate during cultivation in ADB and WDB were determined by the same mixing time. The results in both disposable bioreactors showed similar values in maximum cell density (11.9 gDCW/L and 12.6 gDCW/L), doubling time (4.8‐ and 5.0‐day), and maximum hCTLA4Ig concentration (43.7 and 43.3 mg/L). Relatively higher cell viability was sustained in the ADB whereas hCTLA4Ig productivity was 1.2‐fold higher than that in WDB. The productivity was improved by increasing aeration rate (0.2 vvm). Overall, our experiments demonstrate pneumatically driven disposable bioreactors are applicable for the production of recombinant proteins in plant cell cultures. These results will be useful for development and scale‐up studies of disposable bioreactor systems for transgenic plant cell cultures. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2013; 110:2412–2424. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Investigating contactless high frequency ultrasound microbeam stimulation for determination of invasion potential of breast cancer cells
Authors: Hwang Jae Youn , Lee Nan Sook , Lee Changyang , Lam Kwok Ho , Kim Hyung Ham , Woo Jonghye , Lin Ming‐Yi , Kisler Kassandra , Choi Hojong , Zhou Qifa , Chow Robert H. , Shung K. Kirk
Published: April 2013

In this article, we investigate the application of contactless high frequency ultrasound microbeam stimulation (HFUMS) for determining the invasion potential of breast cancer cells. In breast cancer patients, the finding of tumor metastasis significantly worsens the clinical prognosis. Thus, early determination of the potential of a tumor for invasion and metastasis would significantly impact decisions about aggressiveness of cancer treatment. Recent work suggests that invasive breast cancer cells (MDA‐MB‐231), but not weakly invasive breast cancer cells (MCF‐7, SKBR3, and BT‐474), display a number of neuronal characteristics, including expression of voltage‐gated sodium channels. Since sodium channels are often co‐expressed with calcium channels, this prompted us to test whether single‐cell stimulation by a highly focused ultrasound microbeam would trigger Ca2+ elevation, especially in highly invasive breast cancer cells. To calibrate the diameter of the microbeam ultrasound produced by a 200‐MHz single element LiNbO3 transducer, we focused the beam on a wire target and performed a pulse‐echo test. The width of the beam was ∼17 µm, appropriate for single cell stimulation. Membrane‐permeant fluorescent Ca2+ indicators were utilized to monitor Ca2+ changes in the cells due to HFUMS. The cell response index (CRI), which is a composite parameter reflecting both Ca2+ elevation and the fraction of responding cells elicited by HFUMS, was much greater in highly invasive breast cancer cells than in the weakly invasive breast cancer cells. The CRI of MDA‐MB‐231 cells depended on peak‐to‐peak amplitude of the voltage driving the transducer. These results suggest that HFUMS may serve as a novel tool to determine the invasion potential of breast cancer cells, and with further refinement may offer a rapid test for invasiveness of tumor biopsies in situ. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2013;110: 2697–2705. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Industrial symbiosis: Corn ethanol fermentation, hydrothermal carbonization, and anaerobic digestion
Authors: Wood Brandon M. , Jader Lindsey R. , Schendel Frederick J. , Hahn Nicholas J. , Valentas Kenneth J. , McNamara Patrick J. , Novak Paige M. , Heilmann Steven M.
Published: April 2013

The production of dry‐grind corn ethanol results in the generation of intermediate products, thin and whole stillage, which require energy‐intensive downstream processing for conversion into commercial animal feed products. Hydrothermal carbonization of thin and whole stillage coupled with anaerobic digestion was investigated as alternative processing methods that could benefit the industry. By substantially eliminating evaporation of water, reductions in downstream energy consumption from 65% to 73% were achieved while generating hydrochar, fatty acids, treated process water, and biogas co‐products providing new opportunities for the industry. Processing whole stillage in this manner produced the four co‐products, eliminated centrifugation and evaporation, and substantially reduced drying. With thin stillage, all four co‐products were again produced, as well as a high quality animal feed. Anaerobic digestion of the aqueous product stream from the hydrothermal carbonization of thin stillage reduced chemical oxygen demand (COD) by more than 90% and converted 83% of the initial COD to methane. Internal use of this biogas could entirely fuel the HTC process and reduce overall natural gas usage. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2013;110: 2624–2632. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Long‐term adaptation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae to the burden of recombinant insulin production
Authors: Kazemi Seresht Ali , Cruz Ana Luisa , de Hulster Erik , Hebly Marit , Palmqvist Eva Akke , van Gulik Walter , Daran Jean‐Marc , Pronk Jack , Olsson Lisbeth
Published: April 2013

High‐level production of heterologous proteins is likely to impose a metabolic burden on the host cell and can thus affect various aspects of cellular physiology. A data‐driven approach was applied to study the secretory production of a human insulin analog precursor (IAP) in Saccharomyces cerevisiae during prolonged cultivation (80 generations) in glucose‐limited aerobic chemostat cultures. Physiological characterization of the recombinant cells involved a comparison with cultures of a congenic reference strain that did not produce IAP, and time‐course analysis of both strains aimed at identifying the metabolic adaptation of the cells towards the burden of IAP production. All cultures were examined at high cell density conditions (30 g/L dry weight) to increase the industrial relevance of the results. The burden of heterologous protein production in the recombinant strain was explored by global transcriptome analysis and targeted metabolome analysis, including the analysis of intracellular amino acid pools, glycolytic metabolites, and TCA intermediates. The cellular re‐arrangements towards IAP production were categorized in direct responses, for example, enhanced metabolism of amino acids as precursors for the formation of IAP, as well as indirect responses, for example, changes in the central carbon metabolism. As part of the long‐term adaptation, a metabolic re‐modeling of the IAP‐expressing strain was observed, indicating an augmented negative selection pressure on glycolytic overcapacity, and the emergence of mitochondrial dysfunction. The evoked metabolic re‐modeling of the cells led to less optimal conditions with respect to the expression and processing of the target protein and thus decreased the cellular expression capacity for the secretory production of IAP during prolonged cultivation. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2013;110: 2749–2763. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Production of humic acids from oil palm empty fruit bunch by submerged fermentation with Trichoderma viride: Cellulosic substrates and nitrogen sources
Authors: Motta F L. , Santana M. H. A.
Published: April 2013

The novelty of this study was to produce humic acids by submerged fermentation of empty fruit bunch (EFB) with Trichoderma viride and to investigate the effects of the cellulosic substrates and the organic sources of nitrogen on the biotechnological production of these acids. The results obtained indicate the potential application of EFB, a waste of oil palm processing, for humic acids production. Because EFB contains cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin, fermentations were also performed using these polymers as carbon sources, separately or in combination. After 120 h of fermentation, significant production of humic acids was observed only in cultures containing either EFB or a mixture of the three polymers. Use of either potato peptone or yeast extract as a nitrogen source yielded nearly identical patterns of fungal growth and production of humic acids. The data obtained from microscopic imaging of T. viride growth and sporulation in EFB, coupled with the determined rates of production of humic acids indicated that the production of these acids is related to T. viride sporulation. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 29:631–637, 2013
Microwave‐Assisted Ethanol Reduction as a New Method for the Preparation of Highly Active and Stable CNT‐Supported PtRu Electrocatalysts for Methanol Oxidation
Authors: Nassr Abu Bakr Ahmed Amine , Bron Michael
Published: April 2013

Highly active and stable PtRu nanocatalysts supported on carbon nanotubes were prepared by microwave‐assisted ethanol reduction in an ethanol/water mixture (1:1 v/v). During the reduction process, the presence of water is necessary for fast and substantial metal ion reduction. The prepared catalysts were characterized with inductively coupled plasma (ICP‐ES), TEM, XRD, and electrochemical techniques to investigate their structural properties and electrocatalytic activities. ICP analysis confirms the presence of Pt and Ru in the catalysts, whereas XRD and TEM analyses demonstrate the formation of nanoparticles in the Pt face‐centered‐cubic structure that have a narrow size distribution and are well dispersed on carbon nanotubes. Metal loading and Pt/Ru ratio are closer to the nominal values for catalysts prepared through microwave‐assisted ethanol reduction than those for catalysts prepared by conventional ethanol reduction. Heat treatment at different temperatures from 200 to 800 °C in a reductive atmosphere has a beneficial effect on the electrocatalytic activity of the catalysts and their stabilities under electrochemical conditions. A heat treatment temperature of 600 °C was found to be optimum for the activity and stability of the catalysts and tolerance for CO poisoning, which is discussed in view of the structural properties of the nanocatalysts and the higher degree of alloying. Temperatures higher than 600 °C led to the aggregation of nanocatalysts and formation of larger particles.
A Ruthenium Catalyst with Simple Triphenylphosphane for the Enantioselective Hydrogenation of Aromatic Ketones
Authors: Zhou Han , Huang Hanmin
Published: April 2013

An efficient Ru catalyst constructed from simple and commercially available triphenylphosphane and enantiopure (1S,1′S)‐1,1′‐biisoindoline (BIDN) was applied to the asymmetric hydrogenation of aromatic ketones. A range of simple aromatic ketones could be hydrogenated with good to excellent enantioselectivities (up to 95 % ee). An appropriate enantioselective transition state was proposed to explain the high enantioselectivity obtained with this catalytic system. This study represents the first example to establish a practical Noyori‐type catalyst with a simple achiral monophosphane for highly enantioselective hydrogenation.
Temperature‐Responsive Mixed‐Shell Polymeric Micelles for the Refolding of Thermally Denatured Proteins
Authors: Liu Xue , Liu Yang , Zhang Zhenkun , Huang Fan , Tao Qian , Ma Rujiang , An Yingli , Shi Linqi
Published: April 2013

We have fabricated a mixed‐shell polymeric micelle (MSPM) that closely mimics the natural molecular chaperone GroELGroES complex in terms of structure and functionality. This MSPM, which possesses a shared PLA core and a homogeneously mixed PEG and PNIAPM shell, is constructed through the co‐assembly of block copolymers poly(lactide‐b‐poly(ethylene oxide) (PLA‐b‐PEG) and poly(lactide)‐b‐poly(N‐isopropylacryamide) (PLA‐b‐PNIPAM). Above the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of PNIPAM, the MSPM evolves into a core–shell–corona micelle (CSCM), as a functional state with hydrophobic PNIPAM domains on its surface. Light scattering (LS), TEM, and fluorescence and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy were performed to investigate the working mechanism of the chaperone‐like behavior of this system. Unfolded protein intermediates are captured by the hydrophobic PNIPAM domains of the CSCM, which prevent harmful protein aggregation. During cooling, PNIPAM reverts into its hydrophilic state, thereby inducing the release of the bound unfolded proteins. The refolding process of the released proteins is spontaneously accomplished by the presence of PEG in the mixed shell. Carbonic anhydrase B (CAB) was chosen as a model to investigate the refolding efficiency of the released proteins. In the presence of MSPM, almost 93 % CAB activity was recovered during cooling after complete denaturation at 70 °C. Further results reveal that this MSPM also works with a wide spectrum of proteins with more‐complicated structures, including some multimeric proteins. Given the convenience and generality in preventing the thermal aggregation of proteins, this MSPM‐based chaperone might be useful for preventing the toxic aggregation of misfolded proteins in some diseases.