bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Coral reef organisms as bioregion indicators off Halmahera, Moluccas, Indonesia
Authors: Gittenberger Adriaan , Draisma Stefano G. A. , Arbi Ucu Yanu , Langenberg Victor , Erftemeijer Paul L. A. , Tuti Yosephine , Hoeksema Bert W. 
Published: August 2014

Abstract

In the planning of marine protected areas for the conservation of coral reef systems, it is important to be able to distinguish between certain bioregions, i.e. regions with distinct species assemblages. This was done off western Halmahera (Moluccas, Indonesia), where three such bioregions were distinguished based on species inventories of 41 coral reef sites.
The relative value of species belonging to different trophic groups was examined with regard to their possible role as indicators for these three regions. The study focused on ascidians (Ascidiacea), macroalgae, mushroom corals (Fungiidae), and a selection of coral‐associated gastropods (Epitoniidae and Coralliophilidae).
The best results for the detection of bioregions were obtained when datasets of all four trophic groups were pooled. When comparing the taxa and their indicator values, ascidians were the most suitable, followed by macroalgae, corals and gastropods with 98, 83, 71 and 66 % certainties, respectively. The occurrence of 17 species correlated strongly with the bioregions, which therefore were identified as potential indicator species consisting of 13 ascidians, three macroalgae, and one mushroom coral. These data suggest that ascidians have a significant value as indicators to evaluate bioregion boundaries.
Water quality measurements indicated that salinity and turbidity could be responsible for at least part of the differences between the species assemblages in the three bioregions.
© 2014 The Authors. Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Use of sulfur‐oxidizing bacteria as recognition elements in hydrogen sulfide biosensing system
Authors: Janfada Behdokht , Yazdian Fatemeh , Amoabediny Ghassem , Rahaie Mahdi 
Published: August 2014

AbstractFour sulfur‐oxidizing bacteria (Thiobacillus thioparus, Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans PTCC1717, Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans PTCC1646, and Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans PTCC1647) were used as biorecognition elements in a hydrogen sulfide biosensing system. All the experiments were performed in 0.1 M phosphate buffer solution containing 1–20 ppm H2S with optimum pH and temperature for each species. Although H2S was applied to the biosensing system, the dissolved O2 content decreased. Dissolved O2 consumed by cells in both free and immobilized forms was measured using a dissolved oxygen sensor. Free bacterial cells exhibit fast response (<200 Sec). Immobilization of the cells on polyvinyl alcohol was optimized using an analytical software. Immobilized A. ferrooxidans and A. thiooxidans retained more than 50% of activity after 30 days of immobilization. According to the data, A. thiooxidans and A. ferrooxidans are appropriate species for hydrogen sulfide biosensor.
(+)‐Valencene production in Nicotiana benthamiana is increased by down‐regulation of competing pathways
Authors: Cankar Katarina , Jongedijk Esmer , Klompmaker Martin , Majdic Timotej , Mumm Roland , Bouwmeester Harro , Bosch Dirk , Beekwilder Jules 
Published: August 2014

AbstractPlant sesquiterpenes, such as (+)‐valencene, artemisinin, and farnesene are valuable chemicals for use as aromatics, pharmaceuticals, and biofuels. Plant‐based production systems for terpenoids critically depend on the availability of farnesyl diphosphate (FPP). Currently, these systems show insufficient yields, due to the competition for FPP of newly introduced pathways with endogenous ones. In this study, for the first time an RNAi strategy aiming at silencing of endogenous pathways for increased (+)‐valencene production was employed. Firstly, a transient production system for (+)‐valencene in Nicotiana benthamiana was set up using agroinfiltration. Secondly, silencing of the endogenous 5‐epi‐aristolochene synthase (EAS) and squalene synthase (SQS) that compete for the FPP pool was deployed. This resulted in a N. benthamiana plant that produces (+)‐valencene as a prevalent volatile with a 2.8‐fold increased yield. Finally, the size of the FPP pool was increased by overexpression of enzymes that are rate‐limiting in FPP biosynthesis. Combined with silencing of EAS and SQS, no further increase of (+)‐valencene production was observed, but emission of farnesol. Formation of farnesol, which is a breakdown product of FPP, indicates that overproducing sesquiterpenes is no longer limited by FPP availability in the cytosol. This study shows that metabolic engineering of plants can effectively be used for increased production of desired products in plants.
Transporting and Implementing the SafeCare® Home‐Based Programme for Parents, Designed to Reduce and Mitigate the Effects of Child Neglect: An Initial Progress Report
Authors: Gardner Ruth , Hodson Dawn , Churchill Gillian , Cotmore Richard 
Published: August 2014

Key Practitioner Messages

SafeCare is a structured training programme for parents, developed in America for families where there were concerns about possible neglect or abuse.
SafeCare has been implemented in six NSPCC sites. An evaluation is considering whether and how it can contribute to the prevention and amelioration of child neglect in the UK.
The service development and early implementation experiences are outlined, including the varying practitioner responses to the implementation of a structured, manualised programme.
NanoSelect Precious Metal Catalysts and their Use in Asymmetric Heterogeneous Catalysis
Authors: Kirby Fiona , Moreno‐Marrodan Carmen , Baán Zoltan , Bleeker Bas F. , Barbaro Pierluigi , Berben Peter H. , Witte Peter T. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractWe studied the surface modification of supported colloidal precious metal catalysts. Chiral compounds derived from cinchona alkaloids and prolinol were synthesized and used as stabilizers/reductants to yield Pd and Pt colloidal nanoparticles. The new Pd catalysts were found to be highly active and selective catalysts for the semihydrogenation of 3‐hexyn‐1‐ol to cis‐3‐hexen‐1‐ol. The stabilizers affected the activity of the catalyst but not the selectivity. The catalysts were also evaluated in the asymmetric hydrogenation of methyl pyruvate and isophorone. No enantioselectivity was observed, which indicated that surface modification by the stabilizer did not induce chirality in the substrate. Achiral supported Pd and Pt colloidal catalysts were modified with cinchonidine. The modified Pt catalysts demonstrated a high activity for the hydrogenation of methyl pyruvate and a modest enantioselectivity of 47 %, which indicated that the chiral induction of supported colloidal catalysts is possible by modifying the catalyst surface with a chiral reagent.
Spatial Concentration and Temperature Profiles in Dual‐Packed‐Bed Catalytic Reactors: Oxidative Coupling of Methane
Authors: Zohour Bahman , Noon Daniel , Senkan Selim 
Published: August 2014

AbstractOxidative coupling of methane (OCM) is a complex surface catalysis and gas‐phase reaction process to transform methane into ethane, ethylene and higher molecular weight hydrocarbons (C2+). However, the C2+ product yields in single‐pass fixed‐bed reactors have been limited by the intrusion of gas‐phase combustion reactions. To remedy this problem, a dual‐bed OCM reactor configuration was explored in which the O2 feed was distributed between two sequential packed bed reactors with interstage cooling using La2O3–CeO2 nanofiber fabric catalysts. At the overall CH4/O2 feed ratio of 4.0, the dual‐bed reactor configuration with split O2 introduction resulted in the ultimate C2+ product yield of 21%, which is significantly higher than the 16% observed in the single‐bed OCM reactor. In addition, spatially resolved species concentration and temperature profiles along the entire length of the dual‐bed reactor were also acquired by using in situ microprobe sampling.
C(sp3)H Activation without a Directing Group: Regioselective Synthesis of N‐Ylide or N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Complexes Controlled by the Choice of Metal and Ligand
Authors: Cross Warren B. , Razak Sunnah , Singh Kuldip , Warner Andrew J. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractN‐Ylide complexes of Ir have been generated by C(sp3)H activation of α‐pyridinium or α‐imidazolium esters in reactions with [Cp*IrCl2]2 and NaOAc. These reactions are rare examples of C(sp3)H activation without a covalent directing group, which—even more unusually—occur α to a carbonyl group. For the reaction of the α‐imidazolium ester [3H]Cl, the site selectivity of CH activation could be controlled by the choice of metal and ligand: with [Cp*IrCl2]2 and NaOAc, C(sp3)H activation gave the N‐ylide complex 4; in contrast, with Ag2O followed by [Cp*IrCl2]2, C(sp2)H activation gave the N‐heterocyclic carbene complex 5. DFT calculations revealed that the N‐ylide complex 4 was the kinetic product of an ambiphilic CH activation. Examination of the computed transition state for the reaction to give 4 indicated that unlike in related reactions, the acetate ligand appears to play the dominant role in CH bond cleavage.
Torréfaction de la biomasse lignocellulosique dans les liquides ioniques: Analyse comparative par spectroscopies de surface
Authors: Chérif Hadj‐Ahmed , Larachi Faical , Adnot Alain , Sarvaramini Amin 
Published: August 2014

AbstractTorrefaction is a thermal pretreatment used to improve the physicochemical properties of lignocellulosic biomass prior to its thermochemical conversion. In this study, aspen wood imbued with a hydrophilic ionic liquid (1‐ethyl‐3‐methyl imidazolium trifluoromethanesulfonate) was torrefied, and the properties of the solid product were compared to those from conventional dry torrefaction. The solid products were characterized using X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy X (XPS), photoelectron energy loss spectroscopy (ESCALOSS), and X‐ray excited Auger electron spectroscopy X (XAES) in order to study the biomass surface modifications due to ionic‐liquid torrefaction in comparison to dry torrefaction. The results obtained show that ionic liquids led to lignin degradation while dry torrefaction mostly affected the carbon‐rich extractives. Lignin degradation was monitored using ESCALOSS and XAES techniques, which unveiled reduction in sp2 hybridized carbon forms. Finally, ionic‐liquid assisted torrefaction of the main biomass components, i.e., lignin, cellulose and hemicellulose, treated individually, showed a decrease in their O/C ratio in line with improved hydrophobicity and robustness against moisture uptake by the torrefied products. The diversity of trends revealed by our surface analysis study during the torrefaction of bare or ionic‐liquid‐impregnated wood, especially by means of ESCALOSS and XAES, requires the pursuit of research in order to describe more in‐depth the physicochemical processes involved during torrefaction.
Introduction to RNA‐Seq and its Applications to Drug Discovery and Development
Authors: Khatoon Zainab , Figler Bryan , Zhang Hui , Cheng Feng 
Published: August 2014

Abstract

Preclinical Research

RNA sequencing (RNA‐Seq) is a novel high‐throughput technology for comprehensive transcriptome study. It can measure the expression levels of thousands of genes simultaneously and provide insight into functional pathways and regulations in biological processes. In addition, RNA‐Seq can provide copious information on alternative splicing, allele‐specific expression, unannotated exons, and novel transcripts (gene or noncoding RNAs). This technology has revolutionized the way biologists examine transcriptomes and has been successfully applied in drug discovery and development, being able to identify drug‐related genes, microRNAs, and fusion proteins. In this overview, we will review this technology including data analysis, and its recent applications in drug discovery and development.
Stereoselective Access to the β‐D‐N‐Acetylhexosaminyl‐(1→4)‐1‐deoxy‐D‐nojirimycin Disaccharide Series Avoiding the Glycosylation Reaction
Authors: Guazzelli Lorenzo , Catelani Giorgio , D'Andrea Felicia , Gragnani Tiziana , Griselli Alessio 
Published: August 2014

AbstractThe synthesis of β‐D‐GlcNAc‐, β‐D‐GalNAc‐, β‐D‐ManNAc‐, and β‐D‐TalNAc‐(1→4)‐DNJ iminosugar disaccharides has been achieved, avoiding the glycosylation reaction, using a mixed tetracetonide of lactose [2,3:5,6:3′,4′‐tri‐O‐isopropylidene‐(6′‐O‐2‐methoxy‐2‐methylethyl)‐lactose dimethyl acetal] as starting material. The synthetic process is based on the transformation of the reducing unit of suitably protected β‐D‐hexosaminyl‐(1→4)‐aldehydo‐D‐glucose dimethyl acetal disaccharides into a deoxynojirimycin derivative. Key steps of the synthesis are: (a) the selective oxidation of the 5‐position of the D‐glucose unit, (b) release of the aldehydo function, (c) double reductive aminocyclisation of the 1,5‐dicarbonyl disaccharide intermediate, and (d) complete deprotection.
Role of explicit verbal information in conditioned analgesia
Authors: Carlino E. , Torta D.M.E. , Piedimonte A. , Frisaldi E. , Vighetti S. , Benedetti F. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractBackgroundThe exact role of expectation in conditioned analgesia is still elusive as it is not clear whether conditioning is an automatic process or rather it is cognitively mediated. This study is aimed at understanding the role of explicit verbal information in conditioned analgesia.MethodsTwo groups of healthy subjects received a conditioning procedure whereby two visual cues were paired with increase and decrease in stimulus intensity. In the ‘conditioning/verbal information’ group (VER), subjects were informed about the meaning of the cues, whereas no information was given to the second group (noVER). After two conditioning blocks, an evocation session was run in which the stimulus intensity was the same, irrespective of the cues. Pain perception was assessed according to a numerical rating scale from 0 (no pain) to 10 (maximal pain). The N2–P2 component of laser‐evoked potentials (LEP) was used as an index of index of brain responses to nociceptive stimuli.ResultsIn the evocation session, only the VER group reported a decrease in pain rating and LEP amplitude when the cues were presented, suggesting that the visual–analgesic association does not occur without explicit verbal information.ConclusionsIn line with the cognitive theory of conditioning, our results indicate that just pairing a cue with different pain stimulus intensities is not sufficient, per se, to produce a learning process. What matters is the informational cognitive content of the cue, i.e. the meaning assigned to the cue itself. These findings may help understand the mechanisms of conditioned analgesia and more in general of learning.
Repeated intra‐articular injections of acidic saline produce long‐lasting joint pain and widespread hyperalgesia
Authors: Sugimura N. , Ikeuchi M. , Izumi M. , Kawano T. , Aso K. , Kato T. , Ushida T. , Yokoyama M. , Tani T. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractBackgroundSynovial fluid in inflamed joint shows a drop in pH, which activates proton‐gated ion channels in nociceptors. No studies have ever tried to develop and characterize acid‐induced joint pain.MethodsRats were injected intra‐articularly with pH 4.0 acidic saline twice, 5 days apart. Pain‐related behaviour tests including weight‐bearing asymmetry, paw withdrawal threshold and knee compression threshold were conducted. To clarify the roles of proton‐gated ion channels, rats were injected intra‐articularly with selective antagonists for ASIC1a, ASIC3 and TRPV1 on day 5 (before the second injection) or on day 14. Underlying peripheral and central pain mechanisms were evaluated using joint histology, interleukin‐1β concentrations in the synovium, single‐fibre recording of the knee afferent and expression of phosphorylated cyclic adenosine monophosphate‐responsive element‐binding protein (p‐CREB) in the spinal dorsal horn.ResultsRepeated injections of acidic saline induced weight‐bearing asymmetry, decrease in paw withdrawal threshold and knee compression threshold bilaterally, which lasted until day 28. Early administration of ASIC3 antagonist reduced the bilateral and long‐lasting hyperalgesia. Neither articular degeneration nor synovial inflammation was observed. C‐fibre of the knee afferent was activated by acidic saline, which was attenuated by pre‐injection of ASIC3 antagonist. p‐CREB expression was transiently up‐regulated bilaterally on day 6, but not on day 14.ConclusionWe developed and characterized a model of acid‐induced long‐lasting bilateral joint pain. Peripheral ASIC3 and spinal p‐CREB played important roles for the development of hyperalgesia. This animal model gives insights into the mechanisms of joint pain, which is helpful in developing better pain treatments.
Differential effects of voltage‐gated calcium channel blockers on calcium channel alpha‐2‐delta‐1 subunit protein‐mediated nociception
Authors: Chang E. , Chen X. , Kim M. , Gong N. , Bhatia S. , Luo Z.D. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractBackgroundOverexpression of the voltage‐gated calcium channel (VGCC) alpha‐2‐delta1 subunit protein (Cavα2δ1) has been shown to cause pain states. However, whether VGCC are involved in pain states driven by abnormal Cavα2δ1 expression is not known.MethodsIntrathecal injection of N‐, P/Q‐ and L‐type VGCC blockers were tested in two models: a transgenic neuronal Cavα2δ1 overexpression (TG) model with behavioural hypersensitivity and a spinal nerve ligation (SNL) model with Cavα2δ1 overexpression in sensory pathways and neuropathy pain states.ResultsThe nociceptive response to mechanical stimuli was significantly attenuated in both models with ω‐conotoxin GVIA (an N‐type VGCC blocker) and nifedipine (an L‐type VGCC blocker), in which ω‐conotoxin GVIA appeared more potent than nifedipine. Treatments with ω‐agatoxin IVA (P‐VGCC blocker), but not ω‐conotoxin MVIIC (Q‐VGCC blocker) had similar potency in the TG model as the N‐type VGCC blocker, while both ω‐agatoxin IVA and ω‐conotoxin MVIIC had minimal effects in the SNL model compared with controls.ConclusionThese findings suggest that, at the spinal level, N‐ and L‐type VGCC are likely involved in behavioural hypersensitivity states driven by Cavα2δ1 overexpression. Q‐type VGCC has minimal effects in both models. The anti‐nociceptive effects of P‐type VGCC blocker in the Cavα2δ1 TG mice, but minimally at the SNL model with presynaptic Cavα2δ1 up‐regulation, suggest that its potential action site(s) is at the post‐synaptic and/or supraspinal level. These findings support that N‐, L‐ and P/Q‐type VGCC have differential contributions to behavioural hypersensitivity modulated by Cavα2δ1 dysregulation at the spinal cord level.
LOW‐INCOME, MINORITY FATHERS’ CONTROL STRATEGIES AND THEIR CHILDREN'S REGULATORY SKILLS
Authors: Malin Jenessa L. , Cabrera Natasha J. , Karberg Elizabeth , Aldoney Daniela , Rowe Meredith L. 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACTThe current study explored the bidirectional association of children's individual characteristics, fathers’ control strategies at 24 months, and children's regulatory skills at prekindergarten (pre‐K). Using a sample of low‐income, minority families with 2‐year‐olds from the Early Head Start Research and Evaluation Project (n = 71), we assessed the association between child gender and vocabulary skills, fathers’ control strategies at 24 months (e.g., regulatory behavior and regulatory language), and children's sustained attention and emotion regulation at prekindergarten. There were three main findings. First, fathers overwhelmingly used commands (e.g., “Do that.”) to promote compliance in their 24‐month‐old children. Second, children's vocabulary skills predicted fathers’ regulatory behaviors during a father–child interaction whereas children's gender predicted fathers’ regulatory language during an interaction. Third, controlling for maternal supportiveness, fathers’ regulatory behaviors at 24 months predicted children's sustained attention at pre‐K whereas fathers’ regulatory language at 24 months predicted children's emotion regulation at pre‐K. Our findings highlight the importance of examining paternal contributions to children's regulatory skills.
Modulation of ERK5 Is a Novel Mechanism by Which Cdc42 Regulates Migration of Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Zuo Yufeng , Wu Yuexiu , Wehrli Bret , Chakrabarti Subrata , Chakraborty Chandan 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACTMembers of Rho family GTPases including Cdc42 are known to play pivotal roles in cell migration. Cell migration is also known to be regulated by many protein kinases. Kinetworks KPSS 11.0 phospho‐site screening of Cdc42‐silenced Hs578T breast cancer cells revealed most dramatic change in ERK5 MAP kinase. In the present study, we set out to determine the relationship between Cdc42 and ERK5 and its significance in breast cancer cell migration and invasion. Specific siRNAs were used for knocking down Cdc42 or ERK5 in breast cancer cells. Increased ERK5 phosphorylation in breast cancer cells was achieved by infection of constitutively active MEK5 adenovirus. The cells were then subjected to cell migration or invasion assay without the presence of serum or any growth factor. We found that Cdc42 negatively regulated phosphorylation of ERK5, which in turn exhibited an inverse relationship with migration and invasiveness of breast cancer cells. To find out some in vivo relevance of the results of our in vitro experiments we also examined the expression of ERK5 in the breast cancer tissues and their adjacent normal control tissues by real‐time RT‐PCR and immunocytochemistry. ERK5 expression was found to be reduced in breast cancer tissues as compared with their adjacent uninvolved mammary tissues. Therefore, Cdc42 may promote breast cancer cell migration and invasion by inhibiting ERK5 phosphorylation and ERK5 expression may be inversely correlated with the progression of some breast tumors. J. Cell. Biochem. 116: 124–132, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.