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Catalysis informatics is a distinct subfield that lies at the intersection of cheminformatics and materials informatics but with distinctive challenges arising from the dynamic, surface-sensitive, and multiscale nature of heterogeneous catalysis. The ideas behind catalysis informatics can be traced back decades, but the field is only recently emerging due to advances in data infrastructure, statistics, machine learning, and computational methods. In this work, we review the field from early works on expert systems and knowledge engines to more recent approaches utilizing machine-learning and uncertainty quantification. The data–information–knowledge hierarchy is introduced and used to classify various developments. The chemical master equation and microkinetic models are proposed as a quantitative representation of catalysis knowledge, which can be used to generate explanative and predictive hypotheses for the understanding and discovery of catalytic materials. We discuss future prospects for the field, i...

Contains fulltext : 218305.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Closed access) BACKGROUND: The X-chromosome gene USP9X encodes a deubiquitylating enzyme that has been associated with neurodevelopmental disorders primarily in female subjects. USP9X escapes X inactivation, and in female subjects de novo heterozygous copy number loss or truncating mutations cause haploinsufficiency culminating in a recognizable syndrome with intellectual disability and signature brain and congenital abnormalities. In contrast, the involvement of USP9X in male neurodevelopmental disorders remains tentative. METHODS: We used clinically recommended guidelines to collect and interrogate the pathogenicity of 44 USP9X variants associated with neurodevelopmental disorders in males. Functional studies in patient-derived cell lines and mice were used to determine mechanisms of pathology. RESULTS: Twelve missense variants showed strong evidence of pathogenicity. We define a characteristic phenotype of the central nervous system (white matter disturbances, thin corpus callosum, and widened ventricles); global delay with significant alteration of speech, language, and behavior; hypotonia; joint hypermobility; visual system defects; and other common congenital and dysmorphic features. Comparison of in silico and phenotypical features align additional variants of unknown significance with likely pathogenicity. In support of partial loss-of-function mechanisms, using patient-derived cell lines, we show loss of only specific USP9X substrates that regulate neurodevelopmental signaling pathways and a united defect in transforming growth factor beta signaling. In addition, we find correlates of the male phenotype in Usp9x brain-specific knockout mice, and further resolve loss of hippocampal-dependent learning and memory. CONCLUSIONS: Our data demonstrate the involvement of USP9X variants in a distinctive neurodevelopmental and behavioral syndrome in male subjects and identify plausible mechanisms of pathogenesis centered on disrupted transforming growth factor beta signaling and hippocampal function.

Gametophytes of the fern Ceratopteris richardii develop into either hermaphrodites or males. As hermaphrodites develop, they secrete antheridiogen, or ACE, into the environment, inducing male development in undifferentiated gametophytes. Hermaphrodites are composed of archegonia, antheridia, rhizoids and a notch meristem, while males consist of antheridia and rhizoids. Much of the research on sexual and morphological development concerns gametophytes grown in sterile environments. Using biochemical and molecular techniques we identify a soil bacterium and explore its effects on sexual and rhizoid development. Hermaphrodite and male gametophytes were exposed to this bacterium and the effects on sexual development, rhizoid length and rhizoid number were explored. The bacterium was identified as a pseudomonad, Pseudomonas nitroreducens. Gametophytes grown in the presence of the pseudomonad were more likely to develop into hermaphrodites across all gametophyte densities. Across all gametophyte sizes, hermaphrodites had rhizoids that were 2.95× longer in the presence of the pseudomonad while males had rhizoids that were 2.72× longer in the presence of the pseudomonad. Both hermaphrodite and male gametophytes developed fewer rhizoids in the presence of the pseudomonad. Control hermaphrodites produced 1.23× more rhizoids across all gametophyte sizes. For male gametophytes grown in the absence of the pseudomonad, the rate of increase in the number of rhizoids was greater with increasing size in the control than the rate of increase in males grown in the presence of the pseudomonad. The pseudomonad may be acting on gametophyte sexual development via several potential mechanisms: degradation of ACE, changes in nutrient availability or phytohormone production. The pseudomonad may also increase rhizoid number through production of phytohormones or changes in nutrient availability.

The multicellular haploid generation of plants (gametophyte) is responsible for sperm and egg production. In the fern Ceratopteris richardii, gametophytes are free-living and may develop into either males or hermaphrodites. This developmental decision is not genetically programmed, but instead is environmentally determined. A pheromone released by hermaphrodites called antheridiogen induces individuals to develop as males. The presence of the bacterium Pseudomonas nitroreducens blocks male induction and results in more individuals developing as hermaphrodites. The bacterium also induces longer but fewer rhizoids to develop in both males and hermaphrodites., Gametophytes of the fern Ceratopteris richardii develop into either hermaphrodites or males. As hermaphrodites develop, they secrete antheridiogen, or ACE, into the environment, inducing male development in undifferentiated gametophytes. Hermaphrodites are composed of archegonia, antheridia, rhizoids and a notch meristem, while males consist of antheridia and rhizoids. Much of the research on sexual and morphological development concerns gametophytes grown in sterile environments. Using biochemical and molecular techniques we identify a soil bacterium and explore its effects on sexual and rhizoid development. Hermaphrodite and male gametophytes were exposed to this bacterium and the effects on sexual development, rhizoid length and rhizoid number were explored. The bacterium was identified as a pseudomonad, Pseudomonas nitroreducens. Gametophytes grown in the presence of the pseudomonad were more likely to develop into hermaphrodites across all gametophyte densities. Across all gametophyte sizes, hermaphrodites had rhizoids that were 2.95× longer in the presence of the pseudomonad while males had rhizoids that were 2.72× longer in the presence of the pseudomonad. Both hermaphrodite and male gametophytes developed fewer rhizoids in the presence of the pseudomonad. Control hermaphrodites produced 1.23× more rhizoids across all gametophyte sizes. For male gametophytes grown in the absence of the pseudomonad, the rate of increase in the number of rhizoids was greater with increasing size in the control than the rate of increase in males grown in the presence of the pseudomonad. The pseudomonad may be acting on gametophyte sexual development via several potential mechanisms: degradation of ACE, changes in nutrient availability or phytohormone production. The pseudomonad may also increase rhizoid number through production of phytohormones or changes in nutrient availability.

Reliable and accurate analysis of inhibitors is vital for decisions on efficiency and cost-effectiveness of scale inhibitor squeeze treatments. Recent developments have resolved issues for residual sulphonated polymer chemistries which were previously difficult to isolate. Attention now is directed to challenges associated with phosphonate based inhibitors, particularly when assay is required from a multi-component produced water sample containing other P based inhibitor species which currently poses a significant challenge. This paper describes the advantages and limitations of techniques used for phosphorus assay including inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy, ion chromatography and wet chemical methods (e.g. Phospho-molybdenum blue, PMB) approaches. Field examples are discussed to emphasize the analytical challenge with cases whereby speciation is readily achieved and others where this is not the case. To overcome the limitations of these methods, novel approaches for analysis of P – containing inhibitors (in the presence of other –containing additives) include time resolved fluorescence spectroscopy (TRF) and mass spectrometry (MS) detection (which also require development) are considered with potential benefits and limitations / interferences highlighted. These are discussed with highlights of TRF development presented. This technique shows significant scope and potential with promising results showing speciation and discrimination of both polymeric and phosphonate based scale inhibitors as well as a phosphate ester based corrosion inhibitor. This paper highlights the concept that for residual scale inhibitor assay, one analytical approach does not fit all environments and applications. However the availability of a range of techniques, some of which are still in development, allows for effective monitoring in complex, multi-component environments. The paper highlights development opportunities for some of the newer approaches such as TRF and MS as well as discussing their limitations in complex produced fluids.

BACKGROUND: The World Health Organization (WHO) targeted China for measles elimination by 2012. Although China made significant progress transmission continues warranting examination of Chinas measles vaccination program. The World Health Organization recommends that children receive at least 2 doses of a measles containing vaccine (MCV) to ensure protection. In Tianjin China MCV is given in 3 doses: 8 months [measles vaccine (MV)] 18-24 months [measles-mumps-rubella (MMR)-1] and 5 years MMR-2). MMR-2 is important because of the young age for MV administration. This study describes MCV coverage assesses administration timeliness and evaluates completion of the MCV series for children living in Tianjin China. METHODS: In July 2012 immunization records were selected from Tianjins Immunization Information Management System. Records were abstracted for children born from 2004 to 2011 who were aged 8 months or older. Descriptive statistics characterized the study population and assessed timeliness and coverage for each MCV dose. RESULTS: We examined records of 205982 children living in Tianjin China. Among children who were age-appropriate for each vaccine 98.6% received MV 97.6% received MMR-1 and 76.9% received MMR-2. Of the children who were old enough to receive MMR-2 78.8% received the complete series and 71.6% were fully immunized for measles by age 6 years. CONCLUSIONS: Tianjin has high rates of MV and MMR-1 coverage with lower levels for MMR-2. Most children who completed the series did so on time. Maintaining high coverage and timely administration of MV and MMR-1 and increasing coverage of MMR-2 are necessary for China to attain the goal of national measles elimination.

The synthesis and characterization of five new indium selenides, [C9H17N2]3[In5Se(8+x)(Se2)(1-x)] (1-2), [C6H12N2]4[C6H14N2]3[In10Se15(Se2)3] (3), [C6H14N2][(C6H12N2)2NaIn5Se9] (4) and [enH2][NH4][In7Se12] (5), are described. These materials were prepared under solvothermal conditions, using 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene (DBU) and 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABCO) as structure-directing agents. Compounds 1-4 represent the first examples of ribbons in indium selenides, and 4 is the first example of incorporation of an alkali metal complex. Compounds 1, 2 and 4 contain closely related [In5Se(8+x)(Se2)(1-x)](3-) ribbons which differ only in their content of (Se2)(2-) anions. These ribbons are interspaced by organic countercations in 1 and 2, while in 4 they are linked by highly unusual [Na(DABCO)2](+) units into a three-dimensional framework. Compound 3 contains complex ribbons, with a long repeating sequence of ca. 36 Å, and 4 is a non-centrosymmetric three-dimensional framework, formed as a consequence of the decomposition of DABCO into ethylenediamine (en) and ammonia.

We describe an entirely new type of tetrahedral cluster, representing a new level of structural hierarchy: a hybrid tetrahedron of supertetrahedra, formed by five T3 supertetrahedral clusters connected by bipyridyl linkers. Covalent assembly of these 37 A super-supertetrahedra with smaller (10 A) T3 clusters results in the formation of a two-dimensional covalent network which contains pores in the mesoporous range.

For annuals, the timing of flowering is directly related to fitness and many factors influence it including temperature, photoperiod, resource level, physical stress, and pathogenic infection. The expression of “flowering genes” is regulated by these factors in order to mediate this timing. The FT gene is thought to be expressed in response to all of these factors while the NPR1 gene is induced by salicylic acid (SA), a signaling molecule in the stress-induced flowering pathway. It is unknown whether stress-induced expression of NPR1 may alter expression of specific “flowering genes” such as FT or whether SA may directly influence the expression of FT. Thus, we examined the expression of FT and NPR1 in Arabidopsis thaliana in response to exogenous application of SA. Gene expression was measured using RT-qPCR. Student t-tests were used to assess differences in expression of both FT and NPR1 in response to SA application. FT expression did not significantly differ in response to SA; however, this is likely a result of mispriming due to homology of FT-related genes. Surprisingly, NPR1 expression was not induced by SA in our study. Although our results provide some insights, creative primer design to measure FT expression and modifications to the experimental design are needed to fully elucidate the relationship between FT and NPR1 expression and SA.

Objective.To investigate the simultaneous occurrence of more than 1Clostridium difficileribotype in patients' stool samples at the time of diagnostic testing.Methods.Stool samples submitted for diagnostic testing for the presence of toxigenicC. difficilewere obtained for 102 unique patients. A total of 95 single colonies ofC. difficileper stool sample were isolated on selective media, subcultured alongside negative (uninoculated) controls, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) ribotyped using capillary gel electrophoresis.Results.Capillary-based PCR ribotyping was successful for 9,335C. difficileisolates, yielding a median of 93 characterized isolates per stool sample (range, 69-95). More than 1 C.difficileribotype was present in 16 of 102 (16%)C. difficileinfection (CDI) cases; 2 of the 16 mixtures were composed of at least 3 ribotypes, while the remaining 14 were composed of at least 2.Conclusions.Deep sampling of patient stool samples coupled with capillary-based PCR ribotyping identified a high rate of mixed CDI cases compared with previous estimates. Studies seeking to quantify the clinical significance of particular C.difficileribotypes should account for mixed cases of disease.

The solvothermal synthesis and characterization of two indium selenides with stoichiometry [NH4][InSe2] is described. Yellow [NH4][InSe2] (1), which exhibits a layered structure, was initially prepared in an aqueous solution of trans-1,4-diaminocyclohexane, and subsequently using a concentrated ammonia solution. A red polymorph of one-dimensional character, [NH4][InSe2] (2), was obtained using 3,5-dimethylpyridine as solvent. [NH4][InSe2] (1) crystallizes in the non-centrosymmetric space group Cc (a=11.5147(6), b=11.3242(6), c=15.9969(9) A and β=100.354(3)°). The structural motif of the layers is the In4Se10 adamantane unit, composed of four corner-linked InSe4 tetrahedra. These units are linked by their corners, forming [InSe2]− layers which are stacked back to back along the c-direction, and interspaced by [NH4]+cations. The one-dimensional polymorph, (2), crystallizes in the tetragonal space group, I4/mcm (a=8.2519(16), c=6.9059 (14) A). This structure contains infinite chains of edge-sharing InSe4 tetrahedra separated by [NH4]+ cations.

Capillary-based PCR ribotyping was used to quantify the presence/absence and relative abundance of 98 Clostridium difficile ribotypes from clinical cases of disease at health care institutions in six states of the United States. Regionally important ribotypes were identified, and institutions in close proximity did not necessarily share more ribotype diversity than institutions that were farther apart.

Residual scale inhibitor analysis in produced waters, particularly for the sulphonated co-polymers is recognised as an ongoing challenge for many operators and chemical suppliers. Early benchtop methods have been well used and documented (e.g. dialysis / Hyamine based techniques etc.) however are considered time-consuming and laborious. This is one of the key problems faced when assaying residual sulphonated polymers to ppm and sub ppm levels as separation of the inhibitor from the brine is often a difficult operation. This has led to the development of improved solid phase extraction techniques using anion exchange cartridges for sulphonated species in our labs as detailed in our previous works in SPE 131100. [1] In addition, chromatographic techniques including Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC) [2] and various other methodologies (described in the literature as 2nd and 3rd generation approaches [3, 4]) have been developed. These have all focused on improving accuracy, speciation (assay of specific polymers in solutions containing residual levels of different polymers) and automation, thereby reducing the labour intensive nature and reducing the potential for human error. This paper describes significant progression for the analysis of sulphonated co-polymers. The new methodology, based on ion pair (IP) chromatography, is more robust and utilises conventional C18 reverse phase columns which were previously disregarded as being completely ineffective for separation of the anionic sulphonated co-polymers. This marks a step change in our ability to isolate and detect sulphonated polymers utilising standard robust (and long wearing) C18 columns together with an ion-pair reagent. This breakthrough followed an extensive search for alternative columns (including a variety of anion exchange columns) all of which proved fruitless for separation and repeatable, reliable assay of sulphonated polymers. This paper describes the development and effectiveness of this new technique and summarises the various alternative columns and HPLC approaches trialed prior to our successful development. Results from validation exercises and further developments have also been described.

(See the Editorial Commentary by Barbut and Rupnik, on pages 1669–72.) An increase in the incidence and severity of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe coincided with the emergence of a previously rare genotype [1]. This genotype, known as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) ribotype 027, North American Pulsed-field type 1 (NAP1), or restriction endonuclease analysis (REA) type BI, was reported to harbor an intrinsic ability to cause more severe disease compared to other pathogenic isolates [1, 2]. At least one other C. difficile lineage, ribotype 078, has been referred to as “hypervirulent” [3]. Laboratory studies identified numerous microbiologic properties to explain the increased virulence of 027 and/or 078 isolates, including antibiotic resistance [4], increased toxin production [5], enhanced ability for toxin B isoforms to bind target cells [6], and increased sporulation ability [7]. More recent data do not support the hypervirulent hypothesis [8–12], although the clinical definition of severe CDI or the methods used for data analysis are not consistent across all studies. Because institutions are often limited to retrospective review of patient records, it is important to define severe CDI using commonly recorded information. Such a definition has been recommended [13] but not universally used. We sought to quantify the prevalence of C. difficile ribotypes at a single institution and to determine whether specific ribotypes were associated with severe disease. In particular, we tested the hypothesis that C. difficile ribotype predicts severe CDI cases even after adjustment for other clinical and laboratory variables. To do so, we developed models using an initial (derivation) data set and then validated our results with the same model fitted to a validation data set.

The solvothermal synthesis and characterisation of [C6H16N2][GaS2]2 (1), [C6H16N2][Ga2Se3(Se2)] (2), and mixed-metal phases with composition [C6H16N2][Ga2–xInxSe3(Se2)] (0 < x < 2)(3–5), is described. These materials have been characterised by single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis and UV/Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The materials contain one-dimensional anionic chains. In 1, these chains consist of edge-linked GaS4 tetrahedra, whilst in 2–5, the chains contain perselenide (Se2)2– units and comprise alternating four-membered [M2Se2] and five-membered [M2Se3] rings (where M = Ga, In). Compounds 3–5 represent the first examples of ternary mixed-metal [M2Se3(Se2)]2– chains.

A new organically templated indium selenide, [C{sub 6}H{sub 16}N{sub 2}][In{sub 2}Se{sub 3}(Se{sub 2})], has been prepared hydrothermally from the reaction of indium, selenium and trans-1,4-diaminocyclohexane in water at 170 deg. C. This material was characterised by single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, FT-IR and elemental analysis. The compound crystallises in the monoclinic space group C2/c (a=12.0221(16) A, b=11.2498(15) A, c=12.8470(17) A, {beta}=110.514(6){sup o}). The crystal structure of [C{sub 6}H{sub 16}N{sub 2}][In{sub 2}Se{sub 3}(Se{sub 2})] contains anionic chains of stoichiometry [In{sub 2}Se{sub 3}(Se{sub 2})]{sup 2-}, which are aligned parallel to the [1 0 1] direction, and separated by diprotonated trans-1,4-diaminocyclohexane cations. The [In{sub 2}Se{sub 3}(Se{sub 2})]{sup 2-} chains, which consist of alternating four-membered [In{sub 2}Se{sub 2}] and five-membered [In{sub 2}Se{sub 3}] rings, contain perselenide (Se{sub 2}){sup 2-} units. UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy indicates that [C{sub 6}H{sub 16}N{sub 2}][In{sub 2}Se{sub 3}(Se{sub 2})] has a band gap of 2.23(1) eV. - Graphical abstract: [C{sub 6}H{sub 16}N{sub 2}][In{sub 2}Se{sub 3}(Se{sub 2})], prepared under hydrothermal conditions, contains one-dimensional chains of stoichiometry [In{sub 2}Se{sub 3}(Se{sub 2})]{sup 2-}, in which four-membered [In{sub 2}Se{sub 2}] and five-membered [In{sub 2}Se{sub 3}] rings alternate. Highlights: > New one-dimensional indium selenide prepared under hydrothermal conditions. >more » The [In{sub 2}Se{sub 3}(Se{sub 2})]{sup 2-} chains are a new structural motif for Group 13 chalcogenides. > Unusual presence of (Se{sub 2}){sup 2-} moieties. > Optical band gap of 2.23(1) eV.« less

Two semiconducting hybrid gallium selenides, [Ga6Se9(C6H14N2)4][H2O] (1) and [C6H14N2][Ga4Se6(C6H14N2)2] (2), were prepared using a solvothermal method in the presence of 1,2-diaminocyclohexane (1,2-DACH). Both materials consist of neutral inorganic layers, in which 1,2-DACH is covalently bonded to gallium. In 1, the organic amine acts as a monodentate and a bidentate ligand, while in 2, bidentate and uncoordinated 1,2-DACH molecules coexist.

In a murine model of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), treatment of colitis in IL-10 gene-deficient mice with the parasitic helminth Heligmosomoides polygyrus ameliorates colonic inflammation. The cellular and molecular mechanisms driving this therapeutic host response are being studied vigorously. One proposed mechanism is that H. polygyrus infection favors the outgrowth or suppression of certain bacteria, which in turn help modulate host immunity.To quantify the effect of H. polygyrus infection on the composition of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract microbiota, we conducted two independent microbial ecology analyses of C57BL/6 mice. We obtained and analyzed 3,353 bacterial 16S rRNA encoding gene sequences from the ileum and cecum of infected and uninfected mice as well as incective H. polygyrus larvae at the outset of the second experiment and adult worms taken directly from the mouse duodenum at the end of the second experiment.We found that a significant shift in the abundance and relative distribution of bacterial species in the ileum of mice is associated with H. polygyrus infection. Members of the bacterial family Lactobacillaceae significantly increased in abundance in the ileum of infected mice reproducibly in two independent experiments despite having different microbiotas present at the outset of each experiment.These data support the concept that helminth infection shifts the composition of intestinal bacteria. The clinical consequences of these shifts in intestinal flora are yet to be explored.

Early life stress has effects on behavior and stress reactivity which are linked to enhanced sensitivity to stimulants in rodents. The present study investigated whether rhesus monkeys that experienced early life stress would show altered sensitivity to the reinforcing effects of stimulants as compared to controls. Control (n=5) and maternally-separated (n=4) monkeys were trained to self-administer cocaine (0.1mg/kg/injection) under a second order schedule of i.v. drug delivery. The rate of acquisition and subsequent dose-effect determinations for cocaine (0.01-1.0 mg/kg/injection) and amphetamine (0.003-0.3 mg/kg/injection) provided complementary measures of reinforcing effectiveness. In addition, stimulant-induced increases in home cage activity and dopamine D2 receptor binding potential were quantified with positron emission tomography (PET) neuroimaging. Compared to controls, maternally-separated monkeys showed lower responding during the acquisition of self-administration and in the dose-response curves for both stimulants and significantly lower response rates during maintenance of cocaine self-administration. Maternally-separated monkeys also failed to exhibit stimulant–induced increases in motor activity. Groups did not differ in dopamine D2 receptor binding potential in the caudate nucleus or the putamen. Taken together the results of the present study do not provide support for early life stress leading to enhanced vulnerability to stimulant use in the nonhuman primate model employed.

Although inhibition of dopamine transporters (DAT) and the subsequent increase in dopamine clearly play a role in the effects of psychomotor stimulants, the reinforcing effectiveness of DAT inhibitors varies. Previous studies suggest that pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of these drugs account for this variability. The present studies compared the time-course and behavioral effects of five phenyltropane analogs of cocaine with high affinity for DAT and varying time courses of action in rhesus monkeys. The rate of drug uptake in putamen was measured using positron emission tomography neuroimaging. The rank order of the time to peak drug uptake was cocaine < RTI-336 < RTI-150 < RTI-113 < RTI-177. Cocaine and all five analogs fully substituted for the cocaine cue in animals trained to discriminate cocaine from saline. All of the drugs were self-administered under a progressive-ratio schedule of drug self-administration and reinstated previously extinguished self-administration maintained under a second-order schedule. The time to peak drug uptake corresponded closely with the time to peak discriminative-stimulus effects, and there was a trend for the time of peak drug uptake to correspond negatively with the peak number of drug infusions. Collectively, these results indicate that the rate of drug entry in brain can play an important role in the behavioral pharmacology of psychomotor stimulants.

The basic leucine zipper transcription factor, CCAAT/enhancer binding protein α (C/EBPα) is involved in mitotic growth arrest and has been implicated as a human tumor suppressor in acute myeloid leukemia. We have previously shown that C/EBPα is abundantly expressed in mouse epidermal keratinocytes. In the current study, the expression of C/EBPα was evaluated in seven mouse skin squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) cell lines that contain oncogenic Ha-Ras. C/EBPα mRNA and protein levels were greatly diminished in all seven SCC cell lines compared with normal primary keratinocytes, whereas C/EBPβ levels were not dramatically changed. Reexpression of C/EBPα in these SCC cell lines resulted in the inhibition in SCC cell proliferation. To determine whether the decrease in C/EBPα expression observed in the SCC cell lines also occurred in the carcinoma itself, immunohistochemical staining for C/EBPα in mouse skin SCCs was conducted. All 14 SCCs evaluated displayed negligible C/EBPα protein expression and normal C/EBPβ levels compared with the epidermis and all 14 carcinomas contained mutant Ras. To determine whether oncogenic Ras is involved in the down-regulation of C/EBPα, BALB/MK2 keratinocytes were infected with a retrovirus containing Ras12V, and C/EBPα protein, mRNA and DNA binding levels were determined. Keratinocytes infected with the retrovirus containing oncogenic Ras12V displayed greatly diminished C/EBPα protein, mRNA and DNA binding levels. In addition, BALB/MK2 cells containing endogenous mutant Ras displayed diminished C/EBPα expression and the ectopic expression of a dominant-negative RasN17 partially restored C/EBPα levels in these cells. These results indicate that oncogenic Ras negatively regulates C/EBPα expression and the loss of C/EBPα expression may contribute to the development of skin SCCs.

This paper describes an approach that has been used to facilitate participatory catchment (watershed) planning in Australia. Integrated catchment management(ICM) is a complex process embracing not only the natural resources of a catchment, but also diverse interests and values. This paper examines experiences and issues relating to the integration of science-based research and development (R&D) in ICM. In particular, it identifies issues relating to the integration of uncertainty of knowledge on catchment processes. Using a case study of a catchment setting in Western Australia, the paper offers an early evaluation of adaptive environmental assessment and management (AEAM), a decision support systems (DSS) approach that explicitly recognizes the high levels of uncertainty in environmental processes. Previous evaluations of AEAM have tended to focus on immediate outcomes. This study forms the first phase of an evaluation that seeks to measure the long-term effects of the approach.

This article is intended to stimulate discussion on the implications of current approaches to improving the integration and adoption of research and development (R&D) in integrated catchment management (ICM). We argue that there are a series of barriers to improvements in the integration and adoption of research and development in ICM associated with fundamental characteristics of the research endeavour and the specific strategies that have been used by R&D funding organisations, particularly those focussed on the project level. Recent moves towards funding commissioned work, aimed largely at synthesising information into more ‘usable’ forms, may overcome some of the project level limitations, but the extent to which R&D organisations and researchers should take on the ‘extension’ role (or ‘implementation function’) is less clear. R&D organisations need to avoid responding to changes in funding for ‘implementation functions’ at the federal and state level by attempting to fill the gap themselves, unless s...

Yellow crystals of [NH4][InSe2] (I) are solvothermally synthesized from a mixture of In, Se, trans-1,4-diaminocyclohexane or concentrated NH3 solution, and water (autoclave, 200 °C, 5—10 d).

[H2dach][GaS2]2, [H2dach][Ga2Se3(Se2)], and [H2dach] [Ga2-xInxSe3(Se2)] (0 < x < 2) are solvothermally synthesized using gallium, indium, sulfur, selenium, and trans-1,4-diaminocyclohexane (dach) as starting materials, and 1,2-diaminocyclohexane, MeOH, and water as solvents (autoclave, 170 °C, 10 d).

[3,5-Me2PyH][In3Se5] (I) is solvothermally synthesized from a mixture of In, Se, and 3,5-dimethylpyridine (3,5-Me2Py) in a molar ratio of 1.46:2.5:66 (autoclave, 185 °C, 10 d).

A new layered indium selenide, [C(7)H(10)N][In(3)Se(5)] (1), has been prepared solvothermally using 3,5-dimethylpyridine as a solvent and structure-directing agent. This material, which was characterized by single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, UV-vis diffuse-reflectance spectroscopy, IR spectroscopy, and elemental analysis, crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/c [a = 3.9990(4) A, b = 16.7858(15) A, c = 23.930(2) A, and β = 94.728(4)°]. The crystal structure of 1 contains anionic layers of stoichiometry [In(3)Se(5)](-) in which indium atoms with octahedral and tetrahedral coordination coexist. The [In(3)Se(5)](-) layers are interspaced by monoprotonated 3,5-dimethylpyridinium cations. A closely related material, [C(7)H(10)N][In(3)Se(5)] (2), was obtained when using 2,6-dimethylpyridine instead of 3,5-dimethylpyridine.

The new title compound (III) crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c with Z = 4 (single crystal XRD).

Dendritic nano-sized nickel nanoparticles were synthesised using a hydrazine reduction method in ethylene glycol from a nickel chloride precursor. The resulting particles were characterised by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). Dendritic nickel has a network structure which is ideal to be used as electrode for electrochemical devices such as fuel cells. The prepared dendritic nickel nanoparticles were used as anodes for an alkaline membrane fuel cell using poly(vinyl)alcohol (PVA)/tetraethyl ammonium chloride (TEAC) alkaline blend electrolyte membrane with a PVA/TEAC ratio of 1:5. A current density of 11.5 mA cm(-2) has been achieved when methanol was used as the fuel.

Community involvement is fundamental to the management of multijurisdictional river basins but, in practice, is very difficult to achieve. The Murray-Darling basin, in Australia, and the Mekong River basin in Southeast Asia are both cooperatively managed multijurisdictional river basins where the management authorities have expressed an aim of community involvement. In the Murray-Darling basin vigorous efforts have promoted a culture of community consultation throughout each of the state jurisdictions involved, although true participation has not necessarily been achieved. In the Mekong basin the community is much more diverse and the successes so far have been largely at the local level, involving action in subsections of the basin. These case studies suggest that community involvement in the form of community consultation across large multijurisdictional river basins is achievable, but more comprehensive participation is not necessarily possible.

Measles is one of the leading causes of mortality among children worldwide resulting in approximately 158,000 deaths annually. Significant progress toward disease elimination and eradication has been made globally; between 2000 and 2011, the number of new measles cases worldwide decreased from 853,500 to 355,000 and related deaths decreased from 542,000 to 158,000. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that 20 million children did not receive the first dose of a measlescontaining vaccine (MCV) in 2011.

Exposure of lipid biomembranes to reactive oxygen species (ROS) results in the generation of a wide variety of lipid peroxidation products. Some of these products, including 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (4HNE) can form protein adducts which may impact pathways associated with tumorigenesis. We have reported that calorie restriction protects against spontaneous mammary tumor development in mice and have recently shown that this is accompanied by a decrease in serum levels of lipid peroxidation products. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) is known to inhibit mammary tumorigenesis; however, this type of highly unsaturated omega-3 fatty acid has also been shown to increase in vivo levels of lipid peroxidation products. In the present study, the interaction of calorie restriction and dietary EPA was investigated with respect to mammary tumor formation. Lipid peroxidation products of ROS were also measured. From 10 weeks of age MMTV-Her2/neu mice were fed a modified AIN-93M diet (10.2% kcal from fat) which had either 100% soybean oil (SO) as the fat source or a blend of EPA (72%) and SO (18%). Mice were further divided into groups which were ad libitum-fed, (AL); chronic calorie restricted (CCR, received 75% of AL) or intermittently calorie restricted (ICR, received 50% of AL for 3 weeks followed by 3 weeks at 100% of AL) until 60 weeks of age or until mammary tumor size required euthanasia. Mice were weighed and examined for mammary tumors weekly. Serum thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (4HNE)-protein adducts in mammary tissues were measured to assess the extent of lipid peroxidation. In both diet groups, mammary tumor incidence was highest in the AL group (SO 87%, EPA 63%). These groups also had the highest levels of serum TBARS and the AL-SO group had the highest level of mammary tissue 4HNE-protein adducts. The calorie restricted mice had lower levels of mammary tumor incidence (CCR-SO 47%, CCR-EPA 40%, ICR-SO 59%) with the lowest level in the ICR-EPA group (15%). The ICR-SO group had serum TBARS and mammary tissue 4HNE-protein adduct levels that were significantly lower than the AL-SO group (p Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 597. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-597