bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The fishes of Ascension Island, central Atlantic Ocean – new records and an annotated checklist
Authors: Wirtz Peter , Bingeman Jane , Bingeman John , Fricke Ronald , Hook Timothy J. , Young Jimmy
Published: September 2014

A checklist of the fishes of Ascension Island is presented. The speciesRhincodon typus,Alopias superciliosus,Isurus oxyrinchus,Carcharhinus obscurus,Galeocerdo cuvier,Sphyrna lewini,Hexanchus griseus,Manta birostris,Gymnothorax vicinus,Hippocampussp.,Epinephelus itajara,Cookeolus japonicus,Apogon pseudomaculatus,Phaeoptyx pigmentaria,Remora albescens,Caranx bartholomaei,Carangoides ruber,Decapterus tabl,Seriola dumerili,Thalassoma sanctaehelenae,Cryptotomussp.,Ruvettus pretiosus,Acanthocybium solandri,Auxis rochei,Auxis thazard,Euthynnus alletteratus,Katsuwonus pelamis,Thunnus alalunga,Thunnus obesus,Xiphias gladius,Istiophorus platypterus,Kajikia albida,Makaira nigricans,Tetrapturus pfluegeri,Hyperoglyphe perciformis,Schedophilussp.,Cantherhines macrocerus,Sphoeroides pachygasterandDiodon eydouxiiare recorded for the first time from Ascension Island. We have recognized two previous records as identification errors and indicate 11 other records as doubtful. Including the 40 new records, we now list 173 fish species from Ascension Island, of which 133 might be considered ‘coastal fish species’. Eleven of these (8.3%) appear to be endemic to the island and a further 16 species (12%) appear to be shared endemics with St Helena Island.
Diagnostics for the control and elimination of neglected tropical diseases
Authors: PEELING ROSANNA W. , MABEY DAVID
Published: September 2014

Practical diagnostic tools of sufficient sensitivity to detect levels of infection that can lead to transmission have been identified as a critical component of successful disease elimination programmes. In this review we describe the diagnostic tests currently available for six neglected tropical diseases that have been targeted for elimination; assess their performance in the light of the requirements for surveillance, certification of elimination and post-elimination surveillance; consider the unmet need for diagnostic tests for these diseases; and review recent technical developments that could meet these needs.
Sediment transport dynamics on an ice-covered lake: the ‘floating’ boulders of Lake Hoare, Antarctica
Authors: Allen Phillip P. , Hewitt Richard , Obryk Maciej K. , Doran Peter T.
Published: September 2014

Between 1995 and 2011 a global positioning system survey of 13 boulders and three ablation stakes (long stakes frozen in the ice) on the frozen surface of Lake Hoare was undertaken. Data interpretation illustrates complexities of post-depositional transport dynamics of boulders. Earlier studies on comparable datasets have suggested linear ‘conveyor’ type transport mechanisms for lake surface boulders. Yet explanations for non-linear boulder displacements or ‘walks’ and the mechanisms responsible for movements are inadequate. Two modes of boulder specific movement were observed. First, localized changes in the ice surface promote individual boulder movement (rolling). Second, ice rafting, which indicates the displacement of ‘plates’ of lake ice on which the boulder is located. Ablation stakes used as fixed survey control points support the hypothesis that ice cover moves as discrete plates rather than as a single homogenous mass. Factors that create the conditions to generate either of the two modes of movement may be related to location specific energy budgets. A relationship between average orientations and prevailing wind direction was also observed. The investigation describes the local-scale behaviour of surveyed boulders, and offers methodologies and interpretive frameworks for additional studies of modern and ancient sediment transportation dynamics in Antarctic lacustrine environments.
Identification of reference genes for gene expression studies during seed germination and seedling establishment in Ricinus communis L.
Authors: Ribeiro Paulo R. , Dekkers Bas J. W. , Fernandez Luzimar G. , de Castro Renato D. , Ligterink Wilco , Hilhorst Henk W. M.
Published: September 2014

Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) is an important technology to analyse gene expression levels during plant development or in response to different treatments. An important requirement to measure gene expression levels accurately is a properly validated set of reference genes. In this context, we analysed the potential use of 17 candidate reference genes across a diverse set of samples, including several tissues, different stages and environmental conditions, encompassing seed germination and seedling growth in Ricinus communis L. These genes were tested by RT-qPCR and ranked according to the stability of their expression using two different approaches: GeNorm and NormFinder. GeNorm and Normfinder indicated that ACT, POB and PP2AA1 comprise the optimal combination for normalization of gene expression data in inter-tissue (heterogeneous sample panel) studies. We also describe the optimal combination of reference genes for a subset of root, endosperm and cotyledon samples. In general, the most stable genes suggested by GeNorm are very consistent with those indicated by NormFinder, which highlights the strength of the selection of reference genes in our study. We also validated the selected reference genes by normalizing the expression levels of three target genes involved in energy metabolism with the reference genes suggested by GeNorm and NormFinder. The approach used in this study to identify stably expressed genes, and thus potential reference genes, was applied successfully for R. communis and it provides important guidelines for RT-qPCR studies in seeds and seedlings for other species (especially in those cases where extensive microarray data are not available).
Follow-up of congenital heart disease patients with subclinical hypothyroidism
Authors: Martínez-Quintana Efrén , Rodríguez-González Fayna
Published: September 2014

Introduction: Subclinical hypothyroidism or mild thyroid failure is a common problem in patients without known thyroid disease. Methods: Demographic and analytical data were collected in 309, of which 181 were male and 128 were female, congenital heart disease (CHD) patients. CHD patients with thyroid-stimulating hormone above 5.5 mIU/L were also followed up from an analytical point of view to determine changes in serum glucose, cholesterol, N-terminal pro b-type natriuretic peptide, and C-reactive protein concentrations. Results: Of the CHD patients, 35 (11.3%) showed thyroid-stimulating hormone concentration above 5.5 mIU/L. Of them, 27 were followed up during 2.4±1.2 years – 10 were under thyroid hormone replacement treatment, and 17 were not. Of the 27 patients (25.9%), 7 with subclinical hypothyroidism had positive anti-thyroid peroxidase, and 3 of them (42.8%) with positive anti-thyroid peroxidase had Down syndrome. Down syndrome and hypoxaemic CHD patients showed higher thyroid-stimulating hormone concentrations than the rest of the congenital patients (p<0.001). No significant differences were observed in serum thyroxine, creatinine, uric acid, lipids, C-reactive protein, or N-terminal pro b-type natriuretic peptide concentrations before and after the follow-up in those CHD patients with thyroid-stimulating hormone above 5.5 mIU/L whether or not they received levothyroxine therapy. Conclusions: CHD patients with subclinical hypothyroidism showed no significant changes in serum thyroxine, cholesterol, C-reactive protein, or N-terminal pro b-type natriuretic peptide concentrations whether or not they were treated with thyroid hormone replacement therapy.
Neuropilin‐1+ regulatory T cells promote skin allograft survival and modulate effector CD4+ T cells phenotypic signature
Authors: Campos‐Mora Mauricio , Morales Rodrigo A , Pérez Francisco , Gajardo Tania , Campos Javier , Catalan Diego , Aguillón Juan Carlos , Pino‐Lagos Karina
Published: September 2014

During allograft rejection, several immune cell types, including dendritic cells, CD4+ and CD8+ T cells among others, recirculate between the graft and the nearest draining lymph node, resulting in immunity against the ‘foreign’ tissue. Regulatory CD4+ T cells are critical for controlling the magnitude of the immune response and may act to promote or maintain tolerance. They are characterized by the expression of CD25 and Foxp3, and more recently, Neuropilin‐1 (Nrp1). The role of these suppressor cells during allograft rejection is not well understood. Our work shows that during graft rejection, there is an increase in the frequency of total CD4+ T cells expressing Nrp1, but the expression of this molecule is downregulated in the regulatory CD4+ T‐cell compartment. Interestingly, the expression of the transcription factor Eos, which renders cell function stability, is also reduced. In adoptive transfer experiments, we observed that during allograft rejection: (i) natural regulatory CD4+ T cells maintain high levels of Nrp1 expression, (ii) effector CD4+ T cells (Nrp1−) become Nrp1+Eos+ and (iii) the transfer of regulatory CD4+ T cells (Nrp1+) can promote allograft survival, and also enhance the gain of Nrp1 and Eos on T‐effector cells. Together, these data suggest that rejection occurs, at least in part, through the loss of Nrp1 expression on regulatory CD4+ T cells, their stability or both. Additionally, the transfer of regulatory CD4+ T cells (based on Nrp1 expression) permits the acceptance of the allograft, placing Nrp1 as a new target for immune therapy.
Are APOE ɛ genotype and TOMM40 poly-T repeat length associations with cognitive ageing mediated by brain white matter tract integrity?
Authors: Lyall D M , Harris S E , Bastin M E , Muñoz Maniega S , Murray C , Lutz M W , Saunders A M , Roses A D , Valdés Hernández M del C , Royle N A , Starr J M , Porteous D J , Wardlaw J M , Deary I J
Published: September 2014

Genetic polymorphisms in the APOE ɛ and TOMM40 ‘523’ poly-T repeat gene loci have been associated with significantly increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease. This study investigated the independent effects of these polymorphisms on human cognitive ageing, and the extent to which nominally significant associations with cognitive ageing were mediated by previously reported genetic associations with brain white matter tract integrity in this sample. Most participants in the Lothian Birth Cohort 1936 completed a reasoning-type intelligence test at age 11 years, and detailed cognitive/physical assessments and structural diffusion tensor brain magnetic resonance imaging at a mean age of 72.70 years (s.d.=0.74). Participants were genotyped for APOE ɛ2/ɛ3/ɛ4 status and TOMM40 523 poly-T repeat length. Data were available from 758–814 subjects for cognitive analysis, and 522–543 for mediation analysis with brain imaging data. APOE genotype was significantly associated with performance on several different tests of cognitive ability, including general factors of intelligence, information processing speed and memory (raw P-values all<0.05), independently of childhood IQ and vascular disease history. Formal tests of mediation showed that several significant APOE-cognitive ageing associations—particularly those related to tests of information processing speed—were partially mediated by white matter tract integrity. TOMM40 523 genotype was not associated with cognitive ageing. A range of brain phenotypes are likely to form the anatomical basis for significant associations between APOE genotype and cognitive ageing, including white matter tract microstructural integrity.
Two-photon AgNP/DNA-TP dye nanosensing conjugate for biothiol probing in live cells
Authors: Liu Mingli , Tang Qiao , Deng Ting , Yan Huijuan , Li Jishan , Li Yinhui , Yang Ronghua
Published: September 2014

In this study, we fabricated a novel AgNP/DNA-two-photon dye (TP dye) conjugate as a two-photon nanoprobe for biothiol imaging in live cells.
In-syringe dispersive solid phase extraction: a novel format for electrospun fiber based microextraction
Authors: Zhu Gang-Tian , He Xiao-Mei , Cai Bao-Dong , Wang Han , Ding Jun , Yuan Bi-Feng , Feng Yu-Qi
Published: September 2014

A rapid and high-throughput in-syringe dispersive solid phase extraction (dSPE) system using electrospun fibers as adsorbents is presented.
Development of molecularly imprinted electrochemical sensors based on Fe3O4@MWNT-COOH/CS nanocomposite layers for detecting traces of acephate and trichlorfon
Authors: Tang Qinghua , Shi Xiujuan , Hou Xiaolin , Zhou Jie , Xu Zhixiang
Published: September 2014

In this study, we developed a novel biomimetic electrochemical imprinted sensor sensitized with a Fe3O4@MWNT-COOH/CS nanocomposite layer for the rapid detection of acephate and trichlorfon.
Ultra-sensitive solid substrate-room temperature phosphorimetry for colchicine detection based on its catalytic effect on H2O2 oxidation of acridine yellow
Authors: Liu Jiaming , Liu Zhen-bo , Huang Qitong , Lin Xiaofeng , Zhang Li-Hong , Zheng Zhi-Yong , Lin Chang-Qing
Published: September 2014

A new solid substrate-room temperature phosphorimetry (SS-RTP) method for colchicine (COL) detection has been established based on its strong catalytic effect on H2O2 oxidation of acridine yellow (AY), which sharply quenched the room temperature phosphorimetry (RTP) of AY.
Chemically deposited PbSe thin films: factors deterring reproducibility in the early stages of growth
Authors: Templeman Tzvi , Biton Moshiel , Safrani Tsofnat , Shandalov Michael , Yahel Eyal , Golan Yuval
Published: September 2014

The early stages of growth in chemical solution deposition of lead selenide thin films on GaAs(100) substrates were studied in detail.
Hydrogen adsorption on bimetallic PdAu(111) surface alloys: minimum adsorption ensemble, ligand and ensemble effects, and ensemble confinement
Authors: Takehiro Naoki , Liu Ping , Bergbreiter Andreas , Nørskov Jens K. , Behm R. Jürgen
Published: September 2014

Microscopy and spectroscopy measurements together with periodic DFT calculations provide detailed insight into the adsorption behavior of hydrogen on disordered, but structurally well defined PdAu–Pd(111) surface alloys.
Linear and nonlinear optical properties of indeno[2,1-b]fluorene and its structural isomers
Authors: Thomas Simil , Kim Kwang S.
Published: September 2014

The DMRG method reveals that third harmonic generation coefficients (γ) of indeno[2,1-b]fluorene and its structural isomers correlate with their diradical character.
Band gap engineering of FeS2 under biaxial strain: a first principles study
Authors: Xiao Pin , Fan Xiao-Li , Liu Li-Min , Lau Woon-Ming
Published: September 2014

The band gap increases with increasing tensile strain to its maximum value at 6% strain and then decreases.
Characterization of the extracted complexes of trivalent lanthanides with purified cyanex 301 in comparison with trivalent actinide complexes
Authors: He Xihong , Tian Guoxin , Chen Jing , Rao Linfeng
Published: September 2014

Dialkyldithiophosphinate forms different extracted Ln(iii) complexes across the lanthanide series not following the trend of lanthanide contraction.
Isolation and chemical identification of lipid derivatives from avocado (Persea americana) pulp with antiplatelet and antithrombotic activities
Authors: Rodriguez-Sanchez Dariana Graciela , Flores-García Mirthala , Silva-Platas Christian , Rizzo Sheryl , Torre-Amione Guillermo , De la Peña-Diaz Aurora , Hernández-Brenes Carmen , García-Rivas Gerardo
Published: September 2014

Bioassay-guided isolation of acetogenins from avocado pulp within vitroantiplatelet aggregation andin vivoantithrombotic effects in CD1 mice.
An ab initio study on the electronic and magnetic properties of MgO with intrinsic defects
Authors: Kuang Fang-Guang , Kang Shu-Ying , Kuang Xiao-Yu , Chen Qi-Feng
Published: September 2014

The magnetism in undoped MgO is mediated by holes and destroyed by electrons.
Microwave-assisted derivatization for fast and efficient analysis of saccharides on disposable microchips
Authors: Guo Jinxiu , Yang Shenghong , Peng Xianglu , Li Fengyun , Zhou Lei , Pu Qiaosheng
Published: September 2014

A domestic microwave oven was used to achieve rapid derivatization of saccharides for their microchip electrophoresis analysis.
Electrochemically induced cross-dehydrogenative coupling (CDC) reaction. An efficient electrochemical method for the synthesis of dicoumarols
Authors: Dadpou Bita , Nematollahi Davood
Published: September 2014

Electrochemical synthesis of dicoumarols was carried out by the electrochemical oxidation of N,N,N′,N′-tetramethyl-1,4-phenylenediamine in the presence of 4-hydroxycoumarin derivatives.
Development of long lifetime cathode materials for microplasma application
Authors: Kunuku Srinivasu , Sankaran Kamatchi Jothiramalingam , Dong Chung-Li , Tai Nyan-Hwa , Leou Keh-Chyang , Lin I-Nan
Published: September 2014

Diamond films with three different granular structures were investigated for the employment as cathode materials in microplasma devices. The hybrid granular structured diamond films having sp2-bonded carbons hidden in the boundaries between diamond grains exhibited not only excellent plasma illumination behavior but also with long lifetime.
Promotional effect of silver nanoparticles on the performance of N-doped TiO2 photoanode-based dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Lim Su Pei , Pandikumar Alagarsamy , Huang Nay Ming , Lim Hong Ngee , Gu Guochen , Ma Ting Li
Published: September 2014

We report the first successful application of an N-TiO2–Ag nanocomposite as an efficient photoanode for highly efficient dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC).
Synthesis of oxazolidinofullerenes/thiazolidinofullerenes: novel reaction of [60]fullerene with isocyanates/isothiocyanates promoted by ferric perchlorate
Authors: Li Fa-Bao , Zhu Ye-Fei , Zhang Xiao-Feng , Shi Ji-Long , Wu Jun , Chen Liu , Liang Xiao-Xue , Liu Li
Published: September 2014

The facile one-step reaction of [60]fullerene with isocyanates/isothiocyanates in the presence of ferric perchlorate generates a series of novel oxazolidinofullerenes/thiazolidinofullerenes.
Thin metal nanostructures: synthesis, properties and applications
Authors: Fan Zhanxi , Huang Xiao , Tan Chaoliang , Zhang Hua
Published: September 2014

This minireview introduces the recent progress in the synthesis, properties and applications of thin metal nanostructures, especially metal nanoplates and nanosheets.
Toward understanding the structural heterogeneity and ion pair stability in dicationic ionic liquids
Authors: Li Song , Bañuelos José Leobardo , Zhang Pengfei , Feng Guang , Dai Sheng , Rother Gernot , Cummings Peter T.
Published: September 2014

Effects of temperature on structural heterogeneity of dicationic ionic liquids were reported by integrated small/wide-angle X-ray scattering and molecular dynamics simulation.
“Crystal-clear” liquid–liquid transition in a tetrahedral fluid
Authors: Starr Francis W. , Sciortino Francesco
Published: September 2014

For a model known to exhibit liquid–liquid transitions, we examine how varying the bond orientational flexibility affects the stability of the liquid–liquid transition relative to that of the crystal phases.
Development of new anode composite materials for fluoride ion batteries
Authors: Rongeat C. , Anji Reddy M. , Diemant T. , Behm R. J. , Fichtner M.
Published: September 2014

Fluoride ion batteries prepared in the discharged state using an anode composite of a mixture of Mg and MgF2 show promising cycling performances.
Beyond conventional electrocatalysts: hollow nanoparticles for improved and sustainable oxygen reduction reaction activity
Authors: Dubau Laetitia , Lopez-Haro Miguel , Durst Julien , Guétaz Laure , Bayle-Guillemaud Pascale , Chatenet Marian , Maillard Frédéric
Published: September 2014

The hollow PtxNi1−x/C nanocrystallites are capable of fulfilling cost, electrocatalytic performance, and durability requirements of proton-exchange membrane fuel cell applications.
Electrochemical preparation of metal–organic framework films for fast detection of nitro explosives
Authors: Li Wei-Jin , Lü Jian , Gao Shui-Ying , Li Qiao-Hong , Cao Rong
Published: September 2014

A facile electrochemical plating method by means of applying voltage onto zinc electrodes in a 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylic acid (H3BTC) electrolyte has been developed to prepare fluorescent MOF films (Zn3(BTC)2).
Super-tough and thermo-healable hydrogel – promising for shape-memory absorbent fiber
Authors: Lu Xinkun , Chan Ching Ying , Lee Ka I , Ng Pui Fai , Fei Bin , Xin John H. , Fu Jun
Published: September 2014

Super-tough and highly squeezable hydrogel by a one-step polymerization shows ultra extendability and healability and leads to a shape-memory absorbent fiber.
Doxorubicin and Fe3O4loaded albumin nanoparticles with folic acid modified dextran surface for tumor diagnosis and therapy
Authors: Hao Hequn , Ma Qingming , He Fen , Yao Ping
Published: September 2014

Doxorubicin loaded albumin nanoparticles with folic acid receptor-targeted and magnetically-guided functions significantly improve tumor therapy and MRI.
Investigation on preparation and electric field tunable dielectric properties of novel bismuth magnesium niobate transparent capacitors for opto-electronic devices
Authors: Yu Shihui , Li Lingxia , Xu Dan , Dong Heilei , Jin Yuxin
Published: September 2014

BMN transparent capacitors exhibit an average transmittance of 85% and a large tunability of 28%.
Smartphone‐based analysis of biochemical tests for health monitoring support at home
Authors: Velikova Marina , Smeets Ruben L. , van Scheltinga Josien Terwisscha , Lucas Peter J.F. , Spaanderman Marc
Published: September 2014

In the context of home‐based healthcare monitoring systems, it is desirable that the results obtained from biochemical tests – tests of various body fluids such as blood and urine – are objective and automatically generated to reduce the number of man‐made errors. The authors present the StripTest reader – an innovative smartphone‐based interpreter of biochemical tests based on paper‐based strip colour using image processing techniques. The working principles of the reader include image acquisition of the colour strip pads using the camera phone, analysing the images within the phone and comparing them with reference colours provided by the manufacturer to obtain the test result. The detection of kidney damage was used as a scenario to illustrate the application of, and test, the StripTest reader. An extensive evaluation using laboratory and human urine samples demonstrates the reader's accuracy and precision of detection, indicating the successful development of a cheap, mobile and smart reader for home‐monitoring of kidney functioning, which can facilitate the early detection of health problems and a timely treatment intervention.
Structure and phonon behavior of crystalline GeTe ultrathin film
Authors: Yu N. N. , Tong H. , Miao X. S.
Published: September 2014

We report the drastic effect of film thickness on the structure and corresponding phonon behavior of crystalline GeTe ultrathin film. GeTe film with film thickness at ∼5 nm still shows good crystallization behavior and this highly scaled dimension confined almost all the crystallites to have preferred [111] orientation. The large specific interface area in ultrathin film give rise to the increase of tetrahedral coordinated Ge atoms and a rising Raman mode at low frequency is observed. These findings give implications for the thermal and electrical characters of phase change ultrathin films and thus for relevant scaling properties of Phase Change Memory.
A comparative study of current and magnetic structures of Weibel and filamentation instabilities
Authors: Huynh Cong Tuan , Ryu Chang-Mo
Published: September 2014

A comparative study of the Weibel instability (WI) driven by anisotropic temperature and the Filamentation instability (FI) by counterstreaming plasmas are made by using a 2D Particle-in-cell code. Under the comparable initial conditions, the linear growth rates of the WI and the FI are almost the same as the theory predicts, but in the nonlinear phase, the maximum and nonlinearly saturated magnetic fields generated by the WI are always smaller than those generated by the FI. It is noted that in the initial linear growth phase, the WI and the FI both have center-filled currents, but in the nonlinear phase, the WI and the FI develop different types of current structures such that the WI maintains a center-filled current structure, whereas the FI develops a hollow current structure. Significant particle acceleration around the drift velocity is observed for the FI, whereas it is almost absent in the WI, which indicates that the enhanced velocity of the electron by particle acceleration is related to the hollow current production in the FI.
Classical transport equations for burning gas-metal plasmas
Authors: Molvig Kim , Simakov Andrei N. , Vold Erik L.
Published: September 2014

Thermonuclear inertial confinement fusion plasmas confined by a heavy metal shell may be subject to the mixing of metal into the gas with a resulting degradation of fusion yield. Classical plasma diffusion driven by a number of gradients can provide a physical mechanism to produce atomic mix, possibly in concert with complex hydrodynamic structures and/or turbulence. This paper gives a derivation of the complete dissipative plasma hydrodynamics equations from kinetic theory, for a binary ionic mixture plasma consisting of electrons, e, a light (hydrogenic gas) ion species, i, and a heavy, high ZI plasma metal species, I. A single mean ionization state for the heavy metal, ZI, is assumed to be provided by some independent thermodynamic model of the heavy metal ZI=ZI(ni,nI,Te). The kinetic equations are solved by a generalized Chapman-Enskog expansion that assumes small Knudsen numbers for all species: NKe≡λe/L≪1,NKi≡λi/L≪1. The small electron to ion mass ratio, me/mi≪1, is utilized to account for electron-ion temperature separation, Te≠Ti, and to decouple the electron and ion transport coefficient calculations. This produces a well ordered perturbation theory for the electrons, resulting in the well known “Spitzer” problem of Spitzer and collaborators and solved independently by Braginskii. The formulation in this paper makes clear the inherent symmetry of the transport and gives an analytic solution for all values of the effective charge Zeff, including Zeff<1. The electron problem also determines the ambipolar electric field and the “thermal forces” on both ion species that are needed for the ion kinetic solution. The ion transport problem makes use of the small mass ratio between ion species, mi/mI≪1, to identify an “ion Spitzer problem” that is mathematically identical to that for the electrons but with different thermodynamic forces. The ionic scattering parameter, ΔI≡nIZI2/ni, replaces the Zeff of the electron problem, but has an extended domain, 0≤ΔI<∞, to cover all mixture fractions from the pure gas to the pure metal plasma. The extension of the Spitzer problem to include this extended domain is given in this work. The resulting transport equations for the binary gas-metal plasma mixture are complete and accurate through second order. All transport coefficients are provided in analytic form.
Measurements of the electron temperature fluctuations with a retarding field analyzer on the tokamak ISTTOK
Authors: Nedzelskiy I. S. , Silva C. , Fernandes H.
Published: September 2014

Measurements of the ion temperature fluctuations by retarding field energy analyzed (RFA) based on two point measurements on the exponentially decaying region of the I-V characteristic with two differently DC biased RFA electrodes have been tested and proved in the experiments on the tokamak ISTTOK. In this paper, a DC operation of an RFA has been applied to give direct instantaneous measurements of the electron temperature and electron temperature fluctuations. The results are in good agreement with conventional swept measurements from the RFA. The observed electron temperature fluctuations, 3 mm outside the leading edge of the limiter, have a typical normalized amplitude (standard deviation divided by the average value) of ∼13% (Teav = 6 eV) and are in opposition to the fluctuations of the floating potential simultaneously measured on the RFA slit.
Drag reduction and the dynamics of turbulence in simple and complex fluids
Authors: Graham Michael D.
Published: September 2014

Addition of a small amount of very large polymer molecules or micelle-forming surfactants to a liquid can dramatically reduce the energy dissipation it exhibits in the turbulent flow regime. This rheological drag reduction phenomenon is widely used, for example, in the Alaska pipeline, but it is not well-understood, and no comparable technology exists to reduce turbulent energy consumption in flows of gases, in which polymers or surfactants cannot be dissolved. The most striking feature of this phenomenon is the existence of a so-called maximum drag reduction (MDR) asymptote: for a given geometry and driving force, there is a maximum level of drag reduction that can be achieved through addition of polymers. Changing the concentration, molecular weight or even the chemical structure of the additives has little to no effect on this asymptotic value. This universality is the major puzzle of drag reduction. We describe direct numerical simulations of turbulent minimal channel flow of Newtonian fluids and viscoelastic polymer solutions. Even in the absence of polymers, we show that there are intervals of “hibernating” turbulence that display very low drag as well as many other features of the MDR asymptote observed in polymer solutions. As Weissenberg number increases to moderate values the frequency of these intervals also increases, and a simple theory captures key features of the intermittent dynamics observed in the simulations. At higher Weissenberg number, these intervals are altered – for example, their duration becomes substantially longer and the instantaneous Reynolds shear stress during them becomes very small. Additionally, simulations of “edge states,” dynamical trajectories that lie on the boundary between turbulent and laminar flow, display characteristics that are similar to those of hibernating turbulence and thus to the MDR asymptote, again even in the absence of polymer additives. Based on these observations, we propose a tentative unified description of rheological drag reduction. The existence of MDR-like intervals even in the absence of additives sheds light on the observed universality of MDR and may ultimately lead to new flow control approaches for improving energy efficiency in a wide range of processes.
Experimental and theoretical aspects of a laser produced plasma
Authors: Irimiciuc Ş. A. , Mihăilă I. , Agop M.
Published: September 2014

We report certain complex behaviors of a nanosecond Nd:YAG laser produced plasma on a Ni target. For high laser fluences, a split in the transversal expansion plane along with oscillatory regimes of the ablation plasma were observed and investigated. These complex phenomena, which take place at various interaction time scales, are described using a fractal theoretical model based on continuous but non-differentiable curves of particle movement.
Novel design and sensitivity analysis of displacement measurement system utilizing knife edge diffraction for nanopositioning stages
Authors: Lee ChaBum , Lee Sun-Kyu , Tarbutton Joshua A.
Published: September 2014

This paper presents a novel design and sensitivity analysis of a knife edge-based optical displacement sensor that can be embedded with nanopositioning stages. The measurement system consists of a laser, two knife edge locations, two photodetectors, and axillary optics components in a simple configuration. The knife edge is installed on the stage parallel to its moving direction and two separated laser beams are incident on knife edges. While the stage is in motion, the direct transverse and diffracted light at each knife edge is superposed producing interference at the detector. The interference is measured with two photodetectors in a differential amplification configuration. The performance of the proposed sensor was mathematically modeled, and the effect of the optical and mechanical parameters, wavelength, beam diameter, distances from laser to knife edge to photodetector, and knife edge topography, on sensor outputs was investigated to obtain a novel analytical method to predict linearity and sensitivity. From the model, all parameters except for the beam diameter have a significant influence on measurement range and sensitivity of the proposed sensing system. To validate the model, two types of knife edges with different edge topography were used for the experiment. By utilizing a shorter wavelength, smaller sensor distance and higher edge quality increased measurement sensitivity can be obtained. The model was experimentally validated and the results showed a good agreement with the theoretically estimated results. This sensor is expected to be easily implemented into nanopositioning stage applications at a low cost and mathematical model introduced here can be used for design and performance estimation of the knife edge-based sensor as a tool.
On exact solutions with periodic structure of the ultradiscrete Toda equation with parity variables
Authors: Isojima Shin
Published: September 2014

Exact solutions of the ultradiscrete Toda equation with parity variables are constructed from the soliton solutions of the discrete Toda lattice equation. The solution has a periodic phase constant and describes a traveling pulse with a periodic variation. Its behavior is different from that of the usual soliton solution.
Is surface layering of aqueous alkali halides determined by ion pairing in the bulk solution?
Authors: Brandes Eva , Stage Christiane , Motschmann Hubert , Rieder Julian , Buchner Richard
Published: September 2014

This contribution aims to elucidate the connection between ion-ion-solvent interactions in the bulk of aqueous electrolyte solutions and the properties of their liquid-air interface. In particular, we were interested in the conditions under which ion pairs form at the surface and whether this is linked to ion pairing in the bulk. For this reason different combinations of hard (Cl−, Li+) and soft ions (I−, Cs+) were investigated. Ion hydration and possible ion association in the bulk was probed with dielectric relaxation spectroscopy. This technique monitors the cooperative reorientation of the dipolar solvent molecules and detects all ion-pair species possibly present in the solution. At the interface, the formation of contact ion pairs was investigated by infrared-visible-sum frequency spectroscopy (SFG). This nonlinear optical technique possesses an inherent surface specificity and can be used for the characterization of interfacial water. The intensity of the SFG-active vibrational stretching modes depends on the number of oriented water molecules. The electric field at the surface of a charged aqueous interface aligns the water dipoles, which in turn increases the SFG response. Hence, the enhancement of the oscillator strengths of the water vibrational modes can be used to draw some conclusions on the strengths and geometrical extension of the electric field. The formation of ion pairs at the interface reduces the intensity of the band associated with hydrogen-bonded water. The underlying theory is presented. The combined data show that there are no contact ion pairs in the bulk of the fluid and—at best—only small amounts of solvent shared ion pairs. On the other hand, the combination of hard/hard or soft/soft ions leads to the formation of ion pairs at the liquid-air interface.
Study of cation magnetic moment directions in Cr (Co) doped nickel ferrites
Authors: Lang L. L. , Xu J. , Qi W. H. , Li Z. Z. , Tang G. D. , Shang Z. F. , Zhang X. Y. , Wu L. Q. , Xue L. C.
Published: September 2014

Powder samples of the ferrites MxNi1−xFe2O4 (M = Cr, Co and 0.0 ≤ x ≤ 0.3) were prepared using a chemical co-precipitation method. X-ray diffraction analysis showed that the two series of samples had a single-phase cubic spinel structure. It was found that the magnetic moments (μexp) per formula of samples measured at 10 K decreased when Cr substituted for Ni, but increased when Co substituted for Ni, in spite of the fact that the magnetic moments of Cr2+ (4 μB) and Co2+ (3 μB) are higher than that of Ni2+ (2 μB). With the assumption that the magnetic moments of Cr2+ and Cr3+ lie antiparallel to those of the Fe, Co, and Ni cations in the same sublattices of spinel ferrites, the dependences on the Cr (Co) doping level of the sample magnetic moments at 10 K were fitted successfully, using the quantum-mechanical potential barrier model earlier proposed by our group. For the two series of samples, the fitted magnetic moments are close to the experimental results.
Enhanced mobility of solution-processed polycrystalline zinc tin oxide thin-film transistors via direct incorporation of water into precursor solution
Authors: Huang Genmao , Duan Lian , Zhao Yunlong , Dong Guifang , Zhang Deqiang , Qiu Yong
Published: September 2014

Phase transition and the consequent variation in crystalline orientation of metal oxides have profound impact on their transport properties. In this work, we report a simple method to enhance field-effect mobility of solution-processed zinc tin oxide (ZTO) thin-film transistors (TFTs) via direct incorporation of water into precursor solution. It is confirmed H2O molecules could effectively facilitate the conversion and alloying processes during ZTO film formation, characterized by the enhancement of spinel Zn2SnO4 phase and the reduction of cassiterite SnO2 phase. The preferred orientation of metal oxide crystallites varies according to the amount of water added into precursor solutions. Smooth and densely packed polycrystalline ZTO films with only a few organic residuals and moderate oxygen defects are fabricated from water-containing precursor solutions. With the incorporation of 1.67 M H2O, the extracted field-effect mobility of TFT devices could be improved by a factor of 2.3, from 0.92 to 2.11 cm2 V−1 s−1. This work offers a facile and cost-effective route towards high-mobility TFTs based on solution-processed polycrystalline metal oxide thin films.
Atomic-dipole-moment induced local surface potential on Si(111)-(7 × 7) surface studied by non-contact scanning nonlinear dielectric microscopy
Authors: Yamasue Kohei , Abe Masayuki , Sugimoto Yoshiaki , Cho Yasuo
Published: September 2014

We have performed the site-specific, quantitative measurement of a local surface potential induced by atomic dipoles on a Si(111)-(7 × 7) surface by non-contact scanning nonlinear dielectric microscopy (NC-SNDM) combined with an atom-tracking technique. The measured potentials were quantitatively consistent with those estimated by a simultaneous measurement of the tunneling current, which validates a previously proposed hypothetical mechanism that explains the unexpected resemblance between the dipole and time-averaged tunneling current images in NC-SNDM imaging. The results show that an asymmetry arising in the current-voltage characteristics within the tunneling regime is governed by the local surface potential induced by atomic dipoles.
Spectroscopic identification of shallow muonium acceptors in Si0.06Ge0.94
Authors: Carroll B. R. , Lichti R. L. , Mengyan P. W. , Baker B. B. , Celebi Y. G. , King P. J. C. , Chow K. H. , Yonenaga I.
Published: September 2014

We report Muon Spin Resonance spectra for Si0.06Ge0.94 that can be attributed to undissociated shallow muonium acceptors. This effective mass acceptor state is a paramagnetic center with the core consisting of either the negative charge state of muonium trapped in a tetrahedral interstitial void or a negatively charged Si-Mu complex. Two shallow acceptors are observed with differing hyperfine interactions and symmetries suggesting two preferential sites with different local chemical environments, implying that both states are present.
A new method of heart sound signal analysis based on independent function element
Authors: Xie-feng Cheng , Bin Jiang , He Yang , YuFeng Guo , ShaoBai Zhang
Published: September 2014

In this paper, a new method is presented for heart sound signal processing in statistical domain. The multiple components obtained from the conventional linear transformation are possibly irrelevant, but usually do not possess the characteristics of statistical independence. First, the definition and obtaining method of independent function element are discussed; the method of signal decomposition and reconstruction based on the independent function element, not only inherits the advantages of linear transformation, but also has the capability of signal representation in the statistical domain. After that, the application of independent function element in heart sound signal analysis is analyzed in detail. The validity and practicability of the method are demonstrated through two experiments.
Graphene films transfer using marker-frame method
Authors: Pasternak I. , Krajewska A. , Grodecki K. , Jozwik-Biala I. , Sobczak K. , Strupinski W.
Published: September 2014

In the present work, we demonstrated a new method of graphene films transferring applying a marker-frame instead of polymer-like films as a support. This method is an alternative that is much faster, cheaper and freely available to all. Our technique guarantees cleaner graphene surface and no polymer residues on it. Consequently, it significantly increases the applicability of graphene. For instance, one can think of using graphene as a component of nanocomposites or coupling it with other nanomaterials. As an example we showed graphene films suspended on GaN nanowires. The characterization of the properties of graphene transferred following the enhanced frame method was performed by Raman spectroscopy, as well as by carrying out SEM imaging and conducting TEM investigations.
Simultaneous controls of surface waves and propagating waves by metasurfaces
Authors: Wan Xiang , Li Yun Bo , Cai Ben Geng , Cui Tie Jun
Published: September 2014

We propose a hybrid metasurface to control surface and propagating waves simultaneously. The hybrid metasurface is composed of planar metamaterial to interact with surface waves and holographic metasurface to modulate propagating waves. As an experimental verification, we design and fabricate a special hybrid metasurface in microwave frequency, which contains a surface-wave Luneburg lens and a focusing holographic surface. Numerical and measured results show multi-functional abilities of the hybrid metasurface in controlling the surface and propagating waves simultaneously. It is expected that the proposed methodology will facilitate applications of surface waves in information processing, near-field detection, and wireless communications.
Atmospheric controls on northeast Pacific temperature variability and change, 1900–2012
Authors: Johnstone James A. , Mantua Nathan J.
Published: September 2014

Significance

Northeast Pacific coastal warming since 1900 is often ascribed to anthropogenic greenhouse forcing, whereas multidecadal temperature changes are widely interpreted in the framework of the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO), which responds to regional atmospheric dynamics. This study uses several independent data sources to demonstrate that century-long warming around the northeast Pacific margins, like multidecadal variability, can be primarily attributed to changes in atmospheric circulation. It presents a significant reinterpretation of the region’s recent climate change origins, showing that atmospheric conditions have changed substantially over the last century, that these changes are not likely related to historical anthropogenic and natural radiative forcing, and that dynamical mechanisms of interannual and multidecadal temperature variability can also apply to observed century-long trends.
Toward a theory of resilience for international development applications
Authors: Barrett Christopher B. , Constas Mark A.
Published: September 2014

Significance

This paper lays the theoretical groundwork necessary to inform more precise use of the term “resilience,” to articulate better theories of change, and to promote more focused measures of resilience for international development applications. Our work complements a flurry of recent notes, white papers, and policy briefs on resilience, all offering measurement tools, policy and programming prescriptions, etc., but conspicuously without any explicit theory of resilience as might be applied to the lives of the poor.
Shigella
IpaH7.8 E3 ubiquitin ligase targets glomulin and activates inflammasomes to demolish macrophages
Authors: Suzuki Shiho , Mimuro Hitomi , Kim Minsoo , Ogawa Michinaga , Ashida Hiroshi , Toyotome Takahito , Franchi Luigi , Suzuki Masato , Sanada Takahito , Suzuki Toshihiko , Tsutsui Hiroko , Núñez Gabriel , Sasakawa Chihiro
Published: September 2014

Significance

Shigella
modulates macrophage cell death by activating nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain–like receptor (NLR) inflammasome to secure its own dissemination. Here we report that
Shigella
invasion plasmid antigen H7.8 (IpaH7.8) plays a central role in inducing macrophage cell death via activation of NLR family pyrin domain-containing 3 and NLR family CARD domain-containing 4 inflammasomes in an IpaH7.8 enzyme 3 (E3) ligase-dependent manner. Importantly, an IpaH7.8-deficient mutant was unable to egress from macrophages efficiently, resulting in delayed bacterial multiplication. We identified glomulin—a member of the S-phase kinase-associated protein 1–F-box–like complex that originally was identified as a protein required for normal vascular development—as a target for IpaH7.8 E3 ligase-mediated polyubiquitination, which leads to NLR inflammasome activation. In vitro and in vivo studies confirmed that IpaH7.8-mediated glomulin degradation during
Shigella
infection activated NLR inflammasomes and promoted cell death.
Molecular matchmaking between the popular weight-loss herb
Hoodia gordonii
and GPR119, a potential drug target for metabolic disorder
Authors: Zhang Shuyong , Ma Yuyong , Li Jing , Ma Junjun , Yu Biao , Xie Xin
Published: September 2014

Significance

Obesity is one of the most common health concerns today. Herbal-based food supplements are widely used to treat obesity. Among them, the African cactiform
Hoodia gordonii
supplements are extremely popular. The development of
Hoodia
and P57, the purported active ingredient, has been problematic due to controversy about intellectual property rights and limited natural resources. To date, the true active components and molecular targets of
Hoodia
remain unclear. Here, we demonstrate that Gordonoside F, a compound from
Hoodia
, activates GPR119, a receptor critically involved in metabolic homeostasis, and leads to increased insulin secretion and reduced food intake. The successful synthesis of Gordonoside F described here will provide an opportunity for developing new drugs in treating metabolic diseases.
Human preferences for sexually dimorphic faces may be evolutionarily novel
Authors: Scott Isabel M. , Clark Andrew P. , Josephson Steven C. , Boyette Adam H. , Cuthill Innes C. , Fried Ruby L. , Gibson Mhairi A. , Hewlett Barry S. , Jamieson Mark , Jankowiak William , Honey P. Lynne , Huang Zejun , Liebert Melissa A. , Purzycki Benjamin G. , Shaver John H. , Snodgrass J. Josh , Sosis Richard , Sugiyama Lawrence S. , Swami Viren , Yu Douglas W. , Zhao Yangke , Penton-Voak Ian S.
Published: September 2014

Significance

It is a popular assumption that certain perceptions—for example, that highly feminine women are attractive, or that masculine men are aggressive—reflect evolutionary processes operating within ancestral human populations. However, observations of these perceptions have mostly come from modern, urban populations. This study presents data on cross-cultural perceptions of facial masculinity and femininity. In contrast to expectations, we find that in less developed environments, typical “Western” perceptions are attenuated or even reversed, suggesting that Western perceptions may be relatively novel. We speculate that novel environments, which expose individuals to large numbers of unfamiliar faces, may provide novel opportunities—and motives—to discern subtle relationships between facial appearance and other traits.