bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Structure and Magnetic Properties of a Trinuclear Nickel(II) Complex Constructed by bpca– Anions
Authors: Huang Ximing , Fan Chunhua , Lu Jing , Liu Cai‐Ming , Lu Zhengliang , Nie Yong 
Published: August 2014

AbstractThe trinuclear NiII cluster [Ni3(bpca)2(bpy)2(H2O)4](NO3)4·H2O (1) (bpca– = anion of bis(2‐pyridylcarbonyl)amine, bpy = 2, 2′‐bipyridine) was isolated. Single crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis showed that three crystallographically independent NiII ions are located in a six‐coordinate distorted octahedral environment, bridged by the organic spacer bpca–. The crystal lattice is stabilized by hydrogen bonds, which are linking the Ni3 cations and NO3– anions into a three‐dimensional framework. Variable‐temperature magnetic susceptibility for complex 1 in the range 2–300 K indicates the presence of weak antiferromagnetic interactions in the Ni3 unit with J = –0.67 cm–1.
Purification and characterization of a novel alkaline β-1,3-1,4-glucanase (lichenase) from thermophilic fungus Malbranchea cinnamomea
Authors: Yang Shaoqing , Xiong Hao , Yan Qiaojuan , Yang Hongye , Jiang Zhengqiang 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
A novel alkaline β-1,3-1,4-glucanase (McLic1) from a thermophilic fungus, Malbranchea cinnamomea, was purified and biochemically characterized. McLic1 was purified to homogeneity with a purification fold of 3.1 and a recovery yield of 3.7 %. The purified enzyme was most active at pH 10.0 and 55 °C, and exhibited a wide range of pH stability (pH 4.0–10.0). McLic1 displayed strict substrate specificity for barley β-glucan, oat β-glucan and lichenan, but did not show activity towards other tested polysaccharides and synthetic p-nitrophenyl derivates, suggesting that it is a specific β-1,3-1,4-glucanase. The K m values for barley β-glucan, oat β-glucan and lichenan were determined to be 0.69, 1.11 and 0.63 mg mL−1, respectively. Moreover, the enzyme was stable in various non ionic surfactants, oxidizing agents and several commercial detergents. Thus, the alkaline β-1,3-1,4-glucanase may have potential in industrial applications, such as detergent, paper and pulp industries.
On factors of Gibbs measures for almost additive potentials
Authors: YAYAMA YUKI 
Published: August 2014

Let$(X,{\it\sigma}_{X}),(Y,{\it\sigma}_{Y})$be one-sided subshifts and${\it\pi}:X\rightarrow Y$a factor map. Suppose that$X$has the specification property. Let${\it\mu}$be a unique invariant Gibbs measure for a sequence of continuous functions${\mathcal{F}}=\{\log f_{n}\}_{n=1}^{\infty }$on$X$, which is an almost additive potential with bounded variation. We show that${\it\pi}{\it\mu}$is a unique invariant Gibbs measure for a sequence of continuous functions${\mathcal{G}}=\{\log g_{n}\}_{n=1}^{\infty }$on$Y$. When$(X,{\it\sigma}_{X})$is a full shift, we characterize${\mathcal{G}}$and${\it\mu}$by using relative pressure. This${\mathcal{G}}$is a generalization of a continuous function found by Pollicott and Kempton in their work on factors of Gibbs measures for continuous functions. We also consider the following question: given a unique invariant Gibbs measure${\it\nu}$for a sequence of continuous functions${\mathcal{F}}_{2}$on$Y$, can we find an invariant Gibbs measure${\it\mu}$for a sequence of continuous functions${\mathcal{F}}_{1}$on$X$such that${\it\pi}{\it\mu}={\it\nu}$? We show that such a measure exists under a certain condition. In particular, if$(X,{\it\sigma}_{X})$is a full shift and${\it\nu}$is a unique invariant Gibbs measure for a function in the Bowen class, then there exists a preimage${\it\mu}$of ${\it\nu}$which is a unique invariant Gibbs measure for a function in the Bowen class.
Breakup of a conducting drop in a uniform electric field
Authors: Karyappa Rahul B. , Deshmukh Shivraj D. , Thaokar Rochish M. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractA conducting drop suspended in a viscous dielectric and subjected to a uniform DC electric field deforms to a steady-state shape when the electric stress and the viscous stress balance. Beyond a critical electric capillary number $\def \xmlpi #1{}\def \mathsfbi #1{\boldsymbol {\mathsf {#1}}}\let \le =\leqslant \let \leq =\leqslant \let \ge =\geqslant \let \geq =\geqslant \def \Pr {\mathit {Pr}}\def \Fr {\mathit {Fr}}\def \Rey {\mathit {Re}}\mathit{Ca}$, which is the ratio of the electric to the capillary stress, a drop undergoes breakup. Although the steady-state deformation is independent of the viscosity ratio $\lambda $ of the drop and the medium phase, the breakup itself is dependent upon $\lambda $ and $\mathit{Ca}$. We perform a detailed experimental and numerical analysis of the axisymmetric shape prior to breakup (ASPB), which explains that there are three different kinds of ASPB modes: the formation of lobes, pointed ends and non-pointed ends. The axisymmetric shapes undergo transformation into the non-axisymmetric shape at breakup (NASB) before disintegrating. It is found that the lobes, pointed ends and non-pointed ends observed in ASPB give way to NASB modes of charged lobes disintegration, regular jets (which can undergo a whipping instability) and open jets, respectively. A detailed experimental and numerical analysis of the ASPB modes is conducted that explains the origin of the experimentally observed NASB modes. Several interesting features are reported for each of the three axisymmetric and non-axisymmetric modes when a drop undergoes breakup.
Dramatic decline of the Vulnerable Reeves's pheasantSyrmaticus reevesii, endemic to central China
Authors: Zhou Chunfa , Xu Jiliang , Zhang Zhengwang 
Published: August 2014

AbstractThe current status and distribution of the Vulnerable Reeves's pheasantSyrmaticus reevesii, endemic to central China, is poorly known. To obtain updated information on its status we selected 89 candidate sites in six provinces and one municipality in central China and conducted interviews and field surveys from April 2011 to April 2012. Interviews demonstrated the pheasant has disappeared from 46% of the surveyed sites. Our results also revealed a population decline at 46 sites, including protected areas, although population densities in protected areas were higher than those in non-protected areas. Eighty-three, 26 and 20% of the surveyed sites had evidence of poaching, habitat loss and use of poison, respectively, which were the three major threats to this species. To ensure the long-term survival of Reeves's pheasant in China, protection and management need to be enforced in both protected and non-protected areas. We recommend that this species should be upgraded to a national first-level protected species in China and recategorized as Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
The effect of alternative forms of hunting on the social organization of two small populations of lions Panthera leo in southern Africa
Authors: Snyman Andrei , Jackson Craig R. , Funston Paul J. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractAfrican lion Panthera leo populations have declined as a result of various anthropogenic factors, and most extant populations are small, which further compromises their persistence. Lions in unfenced areas are more exposed to illegal hunting, snaring and poisoning, and populations in fenced reserves are subject to population control by removal of selected individuals from particular age and sex classes. During 2000–2011 19 lions from the mostly unfenced Northern Tuli Game Reserve in Botswana were shot, snared or poisoned. By contrast, only one lioness was shot outside the fenced Venetia Limpopo Nature Reserve 10 km away, in South Africa, where 29 lions were trophy hunted or culled. We found that the mean population size, sex ratio and litter size were the same for both reserves but population density, pride size and cub survival rate were significantly higher in the fenced reserve. The size of the population in Northern Tuli was constrained by a high rate of indiscriminate anthropogenic mortality, with 94.7% of adult mortality occurring outside the reserve. The different forms of anthropogenic suppression in evidence at the two reserves resulted in different population-level responses, which will ultimately affect population viability. As conservation strategies are attempting to remove fences and establish larger conservation areas, this study indicates how fences can influence population dynamics in areas where human presence threatens large carnivores.
Redescription of Sarcocystis fusiformis sarcocysts from the water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)
Authors: DUBEY J. P. , HILALI M. , VAN WILPE E. , VERMA S. K. , CALERO-BERNAL R. , ABDEL-WAHAB A. 
Published: August 2014

SUMMARYFour valid species of Sarcocystis have been reported from the water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis): Sarcocystis fusiformis, Sarcocystis buffalonis, Sarcocystis levinei and Sarcocystis dubeyi. Here, we redescribe structure of S. fusiformis sarcocysts by scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM, TEM). Twenty-one macroscopic sarcocysts from oesophagus of the water buffalo in Egypt were examined by light microscopy, SEM and TEM. The sarcocyst wall was up to 9 μm thick, depending on the section and the technique. In 5 μm paraffin-embedded sections, the sarcocyst wall was indistinct, 2–5 μm thick and appeared smooth. In 1 μm plastic-embedded sections stained with toluidine blue, the sarcocyst wall was 2·5–5·2 μm thick and had branched villar protrusions (vp)-like branches of a dead tree. By SEM, the sarcocyst wall had a mesh-like structure with irregularly shaped vp that were folded over the sarcocyst wall. On each vp there were uniform papillomatous structures that were 100 nm wide. By TEM, vp were up to 6 μm long and contained filamentous tubular structures, most of which were parallel to the long axis of the projections; granules were absent from these tubules. By TEM, bradyzoites within the same cyst varied from 11·2 to 16·8 μm in length. By TEM, bradyzoites had a very long (10 μm) convoluted mitochondrion, up to 12 dense granules, but only 2 rhoptries. This redescription should help to differentiate the sarcocysts of S. fusiformis from similar sarcocysts in domestic and wild ruminants.
Dimensional optimization of the Stewart platform based on inertia decoupling characteristic
Authors: Liu Zhihua , Tang Xiaoqiang , Shao Zhufeng , Wang Liping 
Published: August 2014

SUMMARYInertia strongly influences the dynamic performance of parallel manipulators, and ignorance of inertia is apt to result in negative phenomena such as vibrations, overshoot, and slow response. This study analyzes the inertia-decoupling characteristic of Stewart platform. Because the inertia matrix of the Stewart platform is usually non-diagonal, inertia coupling occurs between its legs. Herein, decoupling to inertia is implemented, and independent control channels are determined. The influence of decoupled inertia on the control system is analyzed using the Adams simulation software, and the inertia index of the Stewart platform is proposed. Experiments are conducted on a prototype of the Stewart platform to verify the eigenvalue characteristic of decoupled inertia. The distribution of inertia index in the operational workspace is provided, and the influence of dimensional parameters on inertia index is discussed. Finally, dimensional optimization is realized with a set of optimized dimensions for good dynamic performance.
Management of multiple myeloma in older people
Authors: Bolaños E , Iñigo B , Benavente C , Martínez R 
Published: August 2014

SummaryMultiple myeloma is a neoplastic proliferation of a plasma cell clone that produces a monoclonal immunoglobulin. It is one of the most common haematological malignancies and the incidence increases with age, with a median age at diagnosis of 65–70 years. The diagnosis of multiple myeloma requires the presence of ≥10% plasma cells in the bone marrow and an M-protein in serum and/or urine. Cytogenetic status, serum β2-microglobulin and response to therapy are the key prognostic factors. Treatment is necessary for the patient diagnosed with symptomatic multiple myeloma, with organ damage. Patients older than 65 years are ineligible for autologous transplantation. The introduction of novel agents, such as thalidomide, bortezomib and lenalidomide, have changed the management of myeloma and extended overall survival. However, in older patients the results are not as satisfactory and treatment strategies have to be individualized to improve tolerability and optimize efficacy.
The approach to patients with cognitive impairment and hip fracture: the role of orthogeriatric care
Authors: Tarazona-Santabalbina Francisco J , Doménech-Pascual Juan R , Belenguer-Varea A Ángel , Rovira Daudi Eduardo 
Published: August 2014

SummaryHip fracture is very common among older patients, who are characterized by increased co-morbidities, including cognitive impairment. These patients have an increased risk of falls and fractures, poorer functional recovery and lower survival both in hospital and 12 months after discharge. We review the survival and functional outcomes of older patients with cognitive impairment and hip fracture managed in orthogeriatric units, and highlight the gaps in our knowledge of the efficacy and efficiency of specific orthogeriatric programmes for such patients and the future research perspectives in this field.
The Crucial Role of Atg5 in Cortical Neurogenesis During Early Brain Development
Authors: Lv Xiaohui , Jiang Huihui , Li Baoguo , Liang Qingli , Wang Shukun , Zhao Qianwei , Jiao Jianwei 
Published: August 2014

AbstractAutophagy plays an important role in the central nervous system. However, it is unknown how autophagy regulates cortical neurogenesis during early brain development. Here, we report that autophagy-related gene 5 (Atg5) expression increased with cortical development and differentiation. The suppression of Atg5 expression by knockdown led to inhibited differentiation and increased proliferation of cortical neural progenitor cells (NPCs). Additionally, Atg5 suppression impaired cortical neuronal cell morphology. We lastly observed that Atg5 was involved in the regulation of the β-Catenin signaling pathway. The β-Catenin phosphorylation level decreased when Atg5 was blocked. Atg5 cooperated with β-Catenin to modulate cortical NPCs differentiation and proliferation. Our results revealed that Atg5 has a crucial role in cortical neurogenesis during early embryonic brain development, which may contribute to the understanding of neurodevelopmental disorders caused by autophagy dysregulation.
Structure and function of a peptide pheromone family that stimulate the vomeronasal sensory system in mice
Authors: Abe Takayuki , Touhara Kazushige 
Published: August 2014

Mammals use pheromones to communicate with other animals of the same species. In mice, the VNO (vomeronasal organ) has a pivotal role in pheromone detection. We discovered a 7 kDa peptide, ESP1 (exocrine-gland-secreting peptide 1), in tear fluids from male mice that enhances the sexual behaviour of female mice via the VNO. NMR studies demonstrate that ESP1 adopts a compact structure with a helical fold stabilized by an intramolecular disulfide bridge. Functional analysis in combination with docking simulation indicates that ESP1 is recognized by a specific G-protein-coupled vomeronasal receptor, V2Rp5, via charge–charge interactions in the large extracellular region of the receptor. ESP1 is a member of the ESP family, which comprises 38 homologous genes in mice, and some of these genes are expressed in a sex- or age-dependent manner. Most recently, ESP22 was found to be released specifically in juvenile tear fluids and to inhibit the sexual behaviour of adult male mice. These studies demonstrate that peptide pheromones are used for chemical communication in mice, and they indicate a structural basis for the narrowly tuned perception of mammalian peptide pheromones by vomeronasal receptors.
Current perspectives on RNA secondary structure probing
Authors: Kenyon Julia , Prestwood Liam , Lever Andrew 
Published: August 2014

The range of roles played by structured RNAs in biological systems is vast. At the same time as we are learning more about the importance of RNA structure, recent advances in reagents, methods and technology mean that RNA secondary structural probing has become faster and more accurate. As a result, the capabilities of laboratories that already perform this type of structural analysis have increased greatly, and it has also become more widely accessible. The present review summarizes established and recently developed techniques. The information we can derive from secondary structural analysis is assessed, together with the areas in which we are likely to see exciting developments in the near future.
Defective pantothenate metabolism and neurodegeneration
Authors: Hayflick Susan J. 
Published: August 2014

Inborn errors of CoA (coenzyme A) biosynthesis lead to neurodegenerative disorders in humans. PKAN (pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration) manifests with damage to brain, retina and testis and is caused by mutations in PANK2, the gene encoding the mitochondrial form of pantothenate kinase, a key regulatory enzyme in CoA synthesis. Further attention has been focused on this pathway by the recent discovery that mutations in the gene encoding CoA synthase lead to a similar neurodegenerative disorder, raising the spectre of a common mechanism of pathogenesis. How do defects in CoA production result in neurodegeneration? Why are certain tissues and cell types selectively vulnerable? And what is the underlying neurodegenerative process? Answers to some of these questions have come from animal models of disease, including flies and mice, as well as directly from humans. The damaged tissue types share key features that are likely to contribute to their selective vulnerability. These include the presence of a blood–tissue barrier, the milieu with respect to oxidative stress, tissue metabolic demand, relative expression of genes encoding similar proteins in these tissues and cell membrane composition. Substantial progress in understanding these important neurometabolic disorders has been made since the first gene discovery more than a decade ago. With rational therapeutics now in development for PKAN, we foresee prevention of neurodegeneration and hope for neuroregeneration or neuro-rescue.
Exploiting the coenzyme A biosynthesis pathway for the identification of new antimalarial agents: the case for pantothenamides
Authors: Saliba Kevin J. , Spry Christina 
Published: August 2014

Malaria kills more than half a million people each year. There is no vaccine, and recent reports suggest that resistance is developing to the antimalarial regimes currently recommended by the World Health Organization. New drugs are therefore needed to ensure malaria treatment options continue to be available. The intra-erythrocytic stage of the malaria parasite's life cycle is dependent on an extracellular supply of pantothenate (vitamin B5), the precursor of CoA (coenzyme A). It has been known for many years that proliferation of the parasite during this stage of its life cycle can be inhibited with pantothenate analogues. We have shown recently that pantothenamides, a class of pantothenate analogues with antibacterial activity, inhibit parasite proliferation at submicromolar concentrations and do so competitively with pantothenate. These compounds, however, are degraded, and therefore rendered inactive, by the enzyme pantetheinase (vanin), which is present in serum. In the present mini-review, we discuss the two strategies that have been put forward to overcome pantetheinase-mediated degradation of pantothenamides. The strategies effectively provide an opportunity for pantothenamides to be tested in vivo. We also put forward our ‘blueprint’ for the further development of pantothenamides (and other pantothenate analogues) as potential antimalarials.
Evaluating the effectiveness of psychological and/or educational interventions in psoriasis: A narrative review
Authors: Chen Yongfeng , Xin Tiantian , Cheng Andy S. K. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractThe aim of the present study was to review the effectiveness of psychological and/or educational interventions for reducing psoriasis severity and improving psychological and quality of life (QOL) outcomes in psoriasis. Sixteen papers met the inclusion criteria. Overall, the effectiveness of the existing interventions from this narrative synthesis is positive, especially in psychological and QOL outcomes. Of the 16 included studies, only five were randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The strength of the evidence to support the effectiveness of the existing interventions was limited due to methodological weakness in the included studies. The review concludes that further research is needed to examine the effectiveness of psychological and/or educational interventions for individuals with psoriasis, including a greater number of RCTs in order to increase the methodological validity of intervention studies. Also, future research needs to be conducted to establish which interventions are most effective for specific sub‐populations who may best profit from psycho‐educational interventions.
Poxvirus‐induced angiogenesis after a thermal burn
Authors: Biyik Ozkaya Dilek , Taskın Banu , Tas Betul , Asıran Serdar Zehra , Demirkesen Cuyan , Su Ozlem , Onsun Nahide 
Published: August 2014

AbstractOrf (contagious ecthyma) is a zoonotic infection caused by a dermatotropic parapoxvirus that commonly infects sheep, goats, and oxen. Parapoxviruses are transmitted to humans through contact with an infected animal or fomites. Orf virus infections can induce ulceration, and papulonodular, pustular, or ecthymic lesions of the skin after contact with an infected animal or contaminated fomite. Rarely, orf virus provokes extensive vasculo‐endothelial proliferation as a skin manifestation. Here, we present the case of an 8‐year old female with poxvirus‐induced vascular angiogenesis that developed 10 days after a thermal burn. An 8‐year‐old female presented at our outpatient clinic with red swellings and a yellow‐brown crust on them. After a thermal burn with hot water, she went to a clinic and the burn was dressed with nitrofurazone and covered for 2 days. When the dressing was removed after 2 days, nodules were seen in the burnt areas. When the clinical findings were considered with the histopathological features, a reactive vascular proliferation due to a viral agent was suspected. Following PCR, parapoxvirus ovis was detected. Viral infections such as pox virus can trigger pyogenic granulomas or pyogenic granuloma‐like vascular angiogenesis. Infectious agents must be considered when dealing with pyogenic granuloma‐like lesions.