bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular exploration of the α1A‐adrenoceptor orthosteric site: Binding site definition for epinephrine, HEAT and prazosin
Authors: Maïga Arhamatoulaye , Dupont Mélanie , Blanchet Guillaume , Marcon Elodie , Gilquin Bernard , Servent Denis , Gilles Nicolas
Published: November 2014

Despite the physiological and pharmacological importance of the α1A‐adrenoreceptor, the mode of interactions of classical agonists and radioactive ligands with this receptor is not yet clearly defined. Here, we used mutagenesis studies and binding experiments to evaluate the importance of 11 receptor sites for the binding of 125I‐HEAT, 3H‐prazosin and epinephrine. Only one residue (F312) commonly interacts with the three molecules, and, surprisingly, D106 interacts only with epinephrine in a moderate way. Our docking model shows that prazosin and HEAT are almost superimposed into the orthosteric pocket with their tetralone and quinazoline rings close to the phenyl ring of the agonist.
Left Atrium Dilatation and Multiple Vascular Territory Strokes
Authors: Gagne Brosseau Marie-Sarah , Boulanger Jean-Martin , Leblanc Nancy , Berger Leo , Benzazon Micheal
Published: November 2014

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a cause of ischemic stroke and is associated with recurrence and with acute multi-vessel territory non lacunar stroke. Many cryptogenic strokes could be secondary to undiagnosed paroxystic AF. As left atrium (LA) dilatation is a risk factor of AF, we sought to determine if moderate or severe LA dilatation was associated with multiple vascular territory infarcts on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with acute ischemic stroke without known AF. Normal LA diameter values are ≤4.0 cm for men and ≤3.8 for women. Methods: Patients who presented at our center between 2006 and 2011 with a diagnosis of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) or transient ischemick attack (TIA) who had a transthoracic echocardiography and a brain MRI were included. Patients with known or de novo AF diagnosed within 3 months of the event were excluded. The main outcome was the presence of acute multi-vessel territory infarct(s) on MRI.Results: 356 patients were included. The mean LA diameter was 37 mm in the control group (normal or mildly dilated LA) and 49 mm in those with moderately to severely enlarged LA (p<0.001). More patients in the LA dilatation group met the main outcome (20% vs 6%; OR 3.89; 95% CI 1.32-11.43; p=0.0014). Conclusions: LA dilatation (at least moderate) is associated with acute non lacunar multiple vascular territory infarcts on MRI in patients with AIS or TIA without known AF or a confirmed diagnosis of AF. Further studies are necessary to determine if this population might benefit from anticoagulation therapy.
Coevolution of width and sinuosity in meandering rivers
Authors: Eke Esther C. , Czapiga M. J. , Viparelli E. , Shimizu Y. , Imran J. , Sun T. , Parker G.
Published: November 2014

This research implements a recently proposed framework for meander migration, in order to explore the coevolution of planform and channel width in a freely meandering river. In the model described here, width evolution is coupled to channel migration through two submodels, one describing bank erosion and the other describing bank deposition. Bank erosion is modelled as erosion of purely non-cohesive bank material damped by natural armouring due to basal slump blocks, and bank deposition is modelled in terms of a flow-dependent rate of vegetal encroachment. While these two submodels are specified independently, the two banks interact through the medium of the intervening channel; the morphodynamics of which is described by a fully nonlinear depth-averaged morphodynamics model. Since both banks are allowed to migrate independently, channel width is free to vary locally as a result of differential bank migration. Through a series of numerical runs, we demonstrate coevolution of local curvature, width and streamwise slope as the channel migrates over time. The correlation between the local curvature, width and bed elevation is characterized, and the nature of this relationship is explored by varying the governing parameters. The results show that, by varying a parameter representing the ratio between a reference bank erosion rate and a reference bank deposition rate, the model is able to reproduce the broad range of river width–curvature correlations observed in nature. This research represents a step towards providing general metrics for predicting width variation patterns in river systems.
Effects of differentn-6:n-3 fatty acid ratios and of enterolactone on gene expression and PG secretion in bovine endometrial cells
Authors: Hallé Catherine , Goff Alan K. , Petit Hélène V. , Blouin Richard , Palin Marie-France
Published: November 2014

Feeding flaxseed to dairy cows can modulate gene expression and PG synthesis in the uterus at the time of peri-implantation. The objectives of the present study were to determine which flaxseed components are responsible for these effects and how different endometrial cell types are affected. We evaluated the effects of six different linoleic acid (n-6):α-linolenic acid (n-3) ratios and three concentrations of the lignan enterolactone (ENL) on endometrial stromal cells (SC) and epithelial cells (EC). The mRNA abundance of genes with known or suspected roles in embryo survival or PG synthesis was evaluated, along with PGE2and PGF2αconcentrations in culture media. The mRNA abundance of several genes was modulated by different fatty acid (FA) ratios and/or ENL, and this modulation differed between cell types. The FA4 (FA at ann-6:n-3 ratio of 4) treatment (rich inn-3 FA) increased the mRNA abundance of genes that have positive effects on uterine receptivity and implantation when compared with the FA25 (FA at ann-6:n-3 ratio of 25) treatment (rich inn-6 FA). ENL decreased PGE2and PGF2αconcentrations in both cell types, and this reduction was associated with lower mRNA abundance of the PG synthase genesAKR1B1andPTGESin SC. The combination of ENL with FA (FA4 treatment) resulted in the greatest reduction in PGF2αconcentrations when compared with the addition of FA (FA4) or ENL alone. Because of the known luteolytic properties of PGF2α, a reduction in endometrial PGF2αsecretion would favour the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy.
A NEWLY DISCOVERED MINOAN FAIENCE PLAQUE FROM THE KNOSSOS TOWN MOSAIC IN THE BRISTOL CITY MUSEUM AND ART GALLERY: A TECHNOLOGICAL INSIGHT
Authors: Momigliano Nicoletta , Phillips Laura , Spataro Michela , Meeks Nigel , Meek Andrew
Published: November 2014

This article presents the curatorial context of a newly discovered fragment of Minoan faience, now in the Bristol City Museum and Art Gallery (BCMAG), and the technological study conducted on this piece at the British Museum. It also discusses the British Museum study of comparable fragments, now in the Ashmolean Museum, belonging to the Town Mosaic from Knossos, an important and unique find brought to light during Sir Arthur Evans's excavations of the ‘Palace of Minos’ at the beginning of the twentieth century. Both the stylistic study and the analytical results suggest that the Bristol fragment is genuine, and most likely belonged to the Town Mosaic. The Bristol piece does not possess features that can advance our understanding of Crete in the Bronze Age, but its curious biography adds something to the history of collecting and the history of archaeology.
Simulation of the relativistic electron dynamics and acceleration in a linearly-chirped laser pulse
Authors: Jisrawi Najeh M. , Galow Benjamin J. , Salamin Yousef I.
Published: November 2014

Theoretical investigations are presented, and their results are discussed, of the laser acceleration of a single electron by a chirped pulse. Fields of the pulse are modeled by simple plane-wave oscillations and a cos2 envelope. The dynamics emerge from analytic and numerical solutions to the relativistic Lorentz-Newton equations of motion of the electron in the fields of the pulse. All simulations have been carried out by independent Mathematica and Python codes, with identical results. Configurations of acceleration from a position of rest as well as from injection, axially and sideways, at initial relativistic speeds are studied.
A 22 year assessment of deforestation and restoration in riparian forests in the eastern Brazilian Amazon
Authors: NUNES SÂMIA S. , BARLOW JOS , GARDNER TOBY A. , SIQUEIRA JOÃO V. , SALES MÁRCIO R. , SOUZA CARLOS M.
Published: November 2014

Brazilian environmental law imposes more restrictions on land-use change by private landowners in riparian forests than in non-riparian forest areas, reflecting recognition of their importance for the conservation of biodiversity and key ecosystem services. A 22-year time series of classified Landsat images was used to evaluate deforestation and forest regeneration in riparian permanent preservation areas over the past two decades, focusing on the municipality of Paragominas in the state of Pará in eastern Amazonia. There was no evidence that riparian forests had been more effectively protected than non-riparian forests. Instead, deforestation was found to be comparatively higher inside riparian permanent preservation areas as recently as 2010, indicating a widespread failure of private property owners to comply with environmental legislation. There was no evidence for higher levels of regeneration in riparian zones, although property owners are obliged by law to restore such areas. A number of factors limit improvements in the protection and restoration of riparian forests. These include limited awareness of environmental compliance requirements, the need for improved technical capacity in mapping the distribution and extent of riparian forests and the boundaries of private properties, and improved access to the financial resources and technical capacity needed to support restoration projects.
Reaction mechanisms of aqueous monoethanolamine with carbon dioxide: a combined quantum chemical and molecular dynamics study
Authors: Hwang Gyeong S. , Stowe Haley M. , Paek Eunsu , Manogaran Dhivya
Published: November 2014

This study highlights the critical role of H2O molecules, particularly their availability and arrangement around zwitterionic intermediates, in the progression of competing CO2 capture and MEA regeneration processes.
Non-covalent interactions in water electrolysis: influence on the activity of Pt(111) and iridium oxide catalysts in acidic media
Authors: Ganassin Alberto , Colic Viktor , Tymoczko Jakub , Bandarenka Aliaksandr S. , Schuhmann Wolfgang
Published: November 2014

Electrolyte components, which are typically not considered to be directly involved in catalytic processes at solid–liquid electrified interfaces, often demonstrate a significant or even drastic influence on the activity, stability and selectivity of electrocatalysts.
The synergistic effect in Co–Ce oxides for catalytic oxidation of diesel soot
Authors: Zou Guchu , Xu Yao , Wang Shujie , Chen Mingxia , Shangguan Wenfeng
Published: November 2014

Oact: active oxygen species. C*[O]: carbon–oxygen intermediate. The synergistic effect in Co–Ce catalyst leads to more oxygen vacancies and enhanced redox ability, thus assisting soot combustion.
The relationship between the surface oxygen species and the acidic properties of mesoporous metal oxides and their effects on propane oxidation
Authors: Chen Shu , Li Yanhua , Ma Fei , Chen Fang , Lu Weimin
Published: November 2014

Explore the impact of the surface oxygen species of mesoporous metal oxides on propane oxidation reaction.
Asymmetric organocatalysts supported on vinyl addition polynorbornenes for work in aqueous media
Authors: Sagamanova Irina K. , Sayalero Sonia , Martínez-Arranz Sheila , Albéniz Ana C. , Pericàs Miquel A.
Published: November 2014

Proline-functionalized VA-PNBs behave as active, recoverable and reusable organocatalysts for the asymmetric direct aldol reaction in aqueous media.
Synthesis and magnetic properties of tartrate-bridging rare-earth-containing polytungstoarsenate aggregates from an adaptive precursor [As2W19O67(H2O)]14−
Authors: Wang Yuan , Sun Xiaopeng , Li Suzhi , Ma Pengtao , Wang Jingping , Niu Jingyang
Published: November 2014

Six S-shaped tartrate-bridging rare-earth-substituted polytungstoarsenates [RE2(C4H4O6)(C4H2O6)(As W9O33)]218− (HoIII (1), ErIII (2), TmIII (3), YbIII (4), LuIII (5), YIII (6)) were synthesized under conventional solution conditions.
A luminescence line-narrowing spectroscopic study of the uranium(vi) interaction with cementitious materials and titanium dioxide
Authors: Tits Jan , Walther Clemens , Stumpf Thorsten , Macé Nathalie , Wieland Erich
Published: November 2014

Luminescence line-narrowing spectroscopy has been applied to identify the mechanisms controlling the uranium retention by titanium dioxide and cement minerals.
A new insight into the chemistry of iridium(iii) complexes bearing phenyl phenylphosphonite cyclometalate and chelating pyridyl triazolate: the excited-state proton transfer tautomerism via an inter-ligand PO–H⋯N hydrogen bond
Authors: Lin Cheng-Huei , Liao Jia-Ling , Wu Yu-Sin , Liao Kuan-Yu , Chi Yun , Chen Chi-Lin , Lee Gene-Hsiang , Chou Pi-Tai
Published: November 2014

Ir(pdpit)(pppo)(bptz) complex (3) reveals a PO–H–N inter- ligand H-bond from which proton transfer takes place.
Hydrogen peroxide concentration by pervaporation of a ternary liquid solution in microfluidics
Authors: Ziemecka Iwona , Haut Benoît , Scheid Benoit
Published: November 2014

Pervaporation in a microchip is performed on a ternary mixture of hydrogen peroxide–water–methanol in order to concentrate hydrogen peroxide by removing methanol. Experimental results together with a mathematical model were used to understand the effect of the operating conditions and its limitations.
Potent chemical chaperone compounds for GM1-gangliosidosis: N-substituted (+)-conduramine F-4 derivatives
Authors: Kuno Shinichi , Higaki Katsumi , Takahashi Atsushi , Nanba Eiji , Ogawa Seiichiro
Published: November 2014

The development of chemical chaperones to decrease the inhibitory activity while increasing the enzyme enhancement activity is described.
Synthesis and characterization of a new family of energetic salts based on a guanidinium cation containing a picryl moiety
Authors: Wu Bo , Wang Zhixin , Yang Hongwei , Lin Qiuhan , Ju Xuehai , Lu Chunxu , Cheng Guangbin
Published: November 2014

A series of energetic salts based on a guanidinium cation containing a picryl moiety was successfully synthesized and characterized.
The isolation and synthesis of neodolastane diterpenoids
Authors: Marković Dean , Kolympadi Maria , Deguin Brigitte , Porée François-Hugues , Turks Māris
Published: November 2014

This account summarises the progress in isolation, characterisation and synthesis of diterpenoids sharing a tricyclic neodolastane skeleton as well as their biogenetic origin and diverse biological activities.
Monodisperse CuS nanodisks: low-temperature solvothermal synthesis and enhanced photocatalytic activity
Authors: Zhang Yu-Qiao , Zhang Bo-Ping , Zhu Li-Feng
Published: November 2014

Controllable synthesis of uniformly disk-shaped CuS nanostructures with a narrow size distribution was realized by a low-temperature (150 °C) solvothermal process using polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) as the surfactant.
A simple and efficient synthesis of isocoumarins and alkylidenephthalides from 3-(1-hydroxycarbethoxy/alkyl)phthalides with a DEAD/PPh3/TBHP system
Authors: Gadakh Sunita K. , Sudalai Arumugam
Published: November 2014

A single step approach for the synthesis of 3-carbethoxy-isocoumarin derivatives and 3-alkylidenephthalides from 3-(1-hydroxycarbethoxy/alkyl)phthalides is described.
Charge induced formation of crystalline network polymers
Authors: Raja Arsalan A. , Yavuz Cafer T.
Published: November 2014

Organic crystals: kinetic control of dynamic covalent bond formation is now possible through quaternary ammonium bridged crystalline network polymers.
Low cost and robust soot dipped polyurethane sponge for highly efficient and recyclable oil and organic solvent cleanup
Authors: Xi Pinxian , Huang Liang , Xu Zhihong , Chen Fengjuan , An Li , Wang Ben , Chen Zhong-Ning
Published: November 2014

A very hydrophobic and super oleophilic soot coated polyurethane sponge (SPUS) framework was fabricated. The SPUS exhibits higher efficiency and capacity for the selective absorption of oil and organic solvents from water.
Ionic liquid electrodeposition of 3D germanium–acetylene black–Ni foam nanocomposite electrodes for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Hao Jian , Liu Xiaoxu , Li Na , Liu Xusong , Ma Xiaoxuan , Zhang Yi , Li Yao , Zhao Jiupeng
Published: November 2014

A simple process involving the electrophoretic deposition of acetylene black onto Ni foam and the ionic liquid electrodeposition of Ge has been used to synthesize a 3D Ge–acetylene black–Ni foam electrode material at room temperature.
“Quick and click” assembly of functionalised indole rings via metal-promoted cyclative tandem reactions
Authors: Capitta Francesca , De Luca Lidia , Porcheddu Andrea
Published: November 2014

An efficient and convenient synthesis of a variety of decorated indoles using a three-component tandem metal-catalysed process is described.
Metal-based magnetic functional fluids with amorphous particles
Authors: Yang Chuncheng , Bian Xiufang , Qin Jingyu , Guo Tongxiao , Zhao Xiaolin
Published: November 2014

Two metal-based magnetic functional fluids, Ga–Sn and Ga–In magnetic liquids, were fabricated by doping with Fe73.5Nb3Cu1Si13.5B9 metallic glass particles and nanoscale Fe3O4 particles, respectively.
n-Type KCu3S2microbelts: optical, electrical, and optoelectronic properties
Authors: Wu Chunyan , Wang Wenjian , Wang Xingang , Xu Jun , Luo Linbao , Chen Shirong , Wang Li , Yu Yongqiang
Published: November 2014

We report the systematical optical, electrical and optoelectronic characterization of KCu3S2microbelt, which was proved to be a typical n-type semiconductor with a bandgap of 1.64 eVas well as a promising photovoltaic or photoelectronic material.
Monodispersed nickel phosphide nanocrystals with different phases: synthesis, characterization and electrocatalytic properties for hydrogen evolution
Authors: Pan Yuan , Liu Yanru , Zhao Jinchong , Yang Kang , Liang Jilei , Liu Dandan , Hu Wenhui , Liu Dapeng , Liu Yunqi , Liu Chenguang
Published: November 2014

Monodispersed nickel phosphide nanocrystals (NCs) with different phases were successfully synthesized. The Ni5P4 NCs, with a solid structure, exhibited higher catalytic activity than the Ni12P5 and Ni2P NCs.
Trap-state passivation of titania nanotubes by electrochemical doping for enhanced photoelectrochemical performance
Authors: Tsui Lok-kun , Saito Mikiko , Homma Takayuki , Zangari Giovanni
Published: November 2014

The photocurrent of TiO2 nanotubes has been enhanced up to 200% by Li or H doping. This improvement is made possible by passivation of trap states, which reduces charge recombination.
Ferroelectricity in Dion–Jacobson ABiNb2O7(A = Rb, Cs) compounds
Authors: Chen Chen , Ning Huanpo , Lepadatu Serban , Cain Markys , Yan Haixue , Reece Mike J.
Published: November 2014

Ferroelectricity and piezoelectricity in CsBiNb2O7are demonstrated for the first time.
Methods for computing the time response of fractional‐order systems
Authors: Atherton Derek P. , Tan Nusret , Yüce Ali
Published: November 2014

There is considerable interest in the study of fractional‐order systems but obtaining accurate time domain responses is a difficult problem. This is because all methods reported on to date use approximations for the fractional derivative both for analytical‐based computations and more relevantly in simulation studies. This means unlike in integer systems exact simulations are not available and thus for considering non‐linear problems and comparisons with measured data no exact solution reference exists. In this study, the authors provide a major breakthrough for this situation by developing methods which allow the exact computation of the time responses of fractional‐order systems.
Practical and robust control for precision motion: AR‐CM NCTF control of a linear motion mechanism with friction characteristics
Authors: Chong Shin Horng , Sato Kaiji
Published: November 2014

This study presents the framework of the acceleration reference continuous motion nominal characteristic trajectory following (AR‐CM NCTF) control system, and its effectiveness in a linear motion mechanism with friction characteristics is experimentally demonstrated in comparison with the other control methods. The overall control system comprises the feedback‐loops for velocity reference and acceleration reference following controls. The AR‐CM NCTF control is an enhanced continuous motion NCTF (CM NCTF) control that has been proposed for high‐precision motion. It has the same structure as the CM NCTF controller with additional elements for high‐precision motion. The design procedure of the AR‐CM NCTF controller remains easy and is independent of friction characteristics. The usefulness and advantages of the proposed controller are shown in the experimental studies. Besides, this study also highlights the robustness of the AR‐CM NCTF controller by examining its performances in point‐to‐point and tracking motions in the presence of mass and disturbance force variations. In the robust performance, the AR‐CM NCTF controller is compared with two types of proportional derivative control systems with disturbance observers (PDDOs). The comparative experimental results illustrate that the AR‐CM NCTF controller shows the higher motion performances the higher robustness to plant parameter variations than the PDDO controllers.
Design optimisation of an axial flux‐switching hybrid excitation synchronous machine at no‐load
Authors: Liu Xiping , Diao Yanmei , Zhang Chao , Chen Dong , Zuo Liangping , Yi Liang
Published: November 2014

This paper presents an optimization analysis of an axial flux‐switching hybrid excitation synchronous machine (AFHESM) to improve its no‐load electromagnetic performances. The shapes of permanent magnet (PM), rotor‐teeth and stator slot of AFHESM are investigated for a better design scheme by finite element analysis (FEA). Some optimal results under no‐load are achieved, which mainly including the induced electromotive force (EMF), cogging torque and field control ability. Both FEA and experimental results show that the induced EMF can be improved when PM shape coefficient is 0.95 and the rotor‐teeth bevel angle is 6°.
Image transmission using unequal error protected multi‐fold turbo codes over a two‐user power‐line binary adder channel
Authors: Khalid Abbas , Khan Eraj , Adebisi Bamidele , Honary Bahram , Khan Samee U.
Published: November 2014

Impulsive noise is one of the major challenges for reliable transmission over power lines. Interleavers provide higher protection against the impulsive noise by dispersing information across the channel and spreading the burst of errors over multiple codewords. Multi‐fold turbo (MFT) coding is a technique that improves the communication reliability using multiple interleavers. In the MFT codes, each data subsequence is equally protected. For applications in which data constitute information with various levels of importance, it is intuitive to offer the more important subsequence, a stronger protection. A modified form of the MFT codes capable of providing unequal error protection over a two‐user power‐line binary adder channel is proposed here. As a benchmark, two test images are transmitted across the channel. The trellis‐based iterative algorithm is modified for the two‐user scenario to decode the received signal. The simulation results show a gain of 1.5 dB for the modified MFT code over the conventional turbo codes for each of the transmitted images. A gain of 2 dB is also recorded for the most protected component of each image over the least protected components.
The City of Pittsburgh goes to the Cloud: A Case Study of Cloud Solution Strategic Selection and Deployment
Authors: Mu Enrique , Stern Howard A
Published: November 2014

Faced with diminished resources and a need to provide enhanced employee email services, the City of Pittsburgh's Chief Information Officer (CIO) had to navigate a stubborn bureaucracy to achieve his objectives. Using an IT-business alignment strategic approach to decide on a suitable IT solution, the City was able to select and deploy a cloud-based system in an objective and uncontested way. The City employed an Analytic Hierarchy Process prioritization methodology, which used various criteria obtained from the stakeholders to develop a decision-making framework to select the most suitable cloud solution. The case allows a review of best practices in the cloud solution selection process, using theoretical lenses from the fields of IT alignment, decision-making, and stakeholder management. This case study is particularly useful for learning how strategic decisions to adopt IT are made in public organizations.
Probing the antisymmetric Fano interference assisted by a Majorana fermion
Authors: Dessotti F. A. , Ricco L. S. , de Souza M. , Souza F. M. , Seridonio A. C.
Published: November 2014

As the Fano effect is an interference phenomenon where tunneling paths compete for the electronic transport, it becomes a probe to catch fingerprints of Majorana fermions lying on condensed matter systems. In this work, we benefit of this mechanism by proposing as a route for that an Aharonov-Bohm-like interferometer composed by two quantum dots, being one of them coupled to a Majorana bound state, which is attached to one of the edges of a semi-infinite Kitaev wire within the topological phase. By changing the Fermi energy of the leads and the symmetric detuning of the levels for the dots, we show that opposing Fano regimes result in a transmittance characterized by distinct conducting and insulating regions, which are fingerprints of an isolated Majorana quasiparticle. Furthermore, we show that the maximum fluctuation of the transmittance as a function of the detuning is half for a semi-infinite wire, while it corresponds to the unity for a finite system. The setup proposed here constitutes an alternative experimental tool to detect Majorana excitations.
Stabilization of the surface morphology of stressed solids using simultaneously applied electric fields and thermal gradients
Authors: Du Lin , Dasgupta Dwaipayan , Maroudas Dimitrios
Published: November 2014

We analyze the surface morphological stability of bulk conducting face-centered cubic (fcc) crystalline solids in uniaxial tension under the simultaneous action of an electric field and a temperature gradient. The analysis is based on self-consistent dynamical simulations, in conjunction with linear stability theory, according to a well validated fully nonlinear surface mass transport model that accounts for surface electromigration and thermomigration induced by the externally applied fields, surface diffusional anisotropy, and the Arrhenius temperature dependence of surface diffusivity. Our simulation results validate the findings of linear stability theory and establish that the electric field and the thermal gradient, if properly directed, can work synergistically to stabilize the planar surface morphology against the Asaro-Tiller/Grinfeld (ATG) instability when the strength of the resulting effective external field is higher than a critical level. We also show that the temperature dependence of the surface diffusivity does not change the criticality criterion for surface stabilization but only affects the rate of growth or decay of the surface morphological perturbation from its planar state. Furthermore, we establish that, in fcc crystals, the morphological response of ⟨111⟩-oriented surfaces is superior to that of differently oriented surfaces. In case of failure due to ATG instability, the super-exponential growth of the surface perturbation amplitude exhibits a logarithmic singularity as the time to failure is approached. Our study provides an effective practical solution to inhibit the surface cracking of crystalline conducting solids based on the optimal combination of the simultaneous action of externally applied electric fields and thermal gradients.
Investigation of the magnetostriction coefficient of amorphous ferromagnetic glass coated microwires
Authors: Chichay K. , Rodionova V. , Zhukova V. , Kaloshkin S. , Churyuknova M. , Zhukov A.
Published: November 2014

We measured the magnetostriction coefficient using small angle magnetization rotation method in amorphous ferromagnetic glass-coated Fe, Co, FeCo, and FeCoNi-based microwires. It was found that when the metallic nucleus of the microwire has a high magnetostriction—of the order (10–30) × 10−6 for FeCo-based microwires, the changing of diameters ratio, and hence, the magnitude and distribution of mechanical stresses have no significant effect on the value of the magnetostriction coefficient. In the case of nearly zero magnetostrictive FeCoNi-based microwires, increasing of the ρ−ratio leads to decreasing in the absolute value of the magnetostriction coefficient.
Structure, electronic properties, and aggregation behavior of hydroxylated carbon nanotubes
Authors: López-Oyama A. B. , Silva-Molina R. A. , Ruíz-García J. , Gámez-Corrales R. , Guirado-López R. A.
Published: November 2014

We present a combined experimental and theoretical study to analyze the structure, electronic properties, and aggregation behavior of hydroxylated multiwalled carbon nanotubes (OH–MWCNT). Our MWCNTs have average diameters of ∼2 nm, lengths of approximately 100–300 nm, and a hydroxyl surface coverage θ∼0.1. When deposited on the air/water interface the OH–MWCNTs are partially soluble and the floating units interact and link with each other forming extended foam-like carbon networks. Surface pressure-area isotherms of the nanotube films are performed using the Langmuir balance method at different equilibration times. The films are transferred into a mica substrate and atomic force microscopy images show that the foam like structure is preserved and reveals fine details of their microstructure. Density functional theory calculations performed on model hydroxylated carbon nanotubes show that low energy atomic configurations are found when the OH groups form molecular islands on the nanotube's surface. This patchy behavior for the OH species is expected to produce nanotubes having reduced wettabilities, in line with experimental observations. OH doping yields nanotubes having small HOMO–LUMO energy gaps and generates a nanotube → OH direction for the charge transfer leading to the existence of more hole carriers in the structures. Our synthesized OH–MWCNTs might have promising applications.
Tip-contact related low-bias negative differential resistance and rectifying effects in benzene–porphyrin–benzene molecular junctions
Authors: Cheng Jue-Fei , Zhou Liping , Liu Man , Yan Qiang , Han Qin , Gao Lei
Published: November 2014

The electronic transport properties of benzene–porphyrin–benzene (BPB) molecules coupled to gold (Au) electrodes were investigated. By successively removing the front-end Au atoms, several BPB junctions with different molecule-electrode contact symmetries were constructed. The calculated current–voltage (I–V) curves depended strongly on the contact configurations between the BPB molecules and the Au electrodes. In particular, a significant low-voltage negative differential resistance effect appeared at −0.3 V in the junctions with pyramidal electrodes on both sides. Along with the breaking of this tip-contact symmetry, the low-bias negative differential resistance effect gradually disappeared. This tip-contact may be ideal for use in the design of future molecular devices because of its similarity with experimental processes.
Low frequency waves and gravitational instability in homogeneous magnetized gyrotropic quantum plasma
Authors: Prajapati R. P.
Published: November 2014

In this work, the low frequency waves and gravitational (Jeans) instability of a homogeneous gyrotropic, magnetized, quantum plasma is investigated using the quantum magnetohydrodynamic and Chew-Goldberger-Low fluid models. An analytical dispersion relation for the considered system is obtained solving the linearized perturbations equations employing the Fourier transformation. The onset criterion of the “firehose” instability is retained in parallel propagation, which is unaffected due to the presence of quantum corrections. The gravitational mode modified by the quantum corrections is obtained separately along with the “firehose” mode. In perpendicular propagation, the quantum diffraction term is coupled with the Jeans and Alfven modes whereas in parallel propagation, the Alfven mode does not contribute to the dispersion characteristics as it leads to the “firehose” instability criterion in terms of quantum pressure anisotropy. The stabilizing influences of the quantum diffraction parameter and magnetic field on the growth rates of Jeans instability are examined. It is observed that the growth rate stabilizes much faster in transverse mode due to Alfven stabilization as compared to the longitudinal mode of propagation.
Scaffold architecture and fibrin gels promote meniscal cell proliferation
Authors: Pawelec K. M. , Best S. M. , Cameron R. E. , Wardale R. J.
Published: November 2014

Stability of the knee relies on the meniscus, a complex connective tissue with poor healing ability. Current meniscal tissue engineering is inadequate, as the signals for increasing meniscal cell proliferation have not been established. In this study, collagen scaffold structure, isotropic or aligned, and fibrin gel addition were tested. Metabolic activity was promoted by fibrin addition. Cellular proliferation, however, was significantly increased by both aligned architectures and fibrin addition. None of the constructs impaired collagen type I production or triggered adverse inflammatory responses. It was demonstrated that both fibrin gel addition and optimized scaffold architecture effectively promote meniscal cell proliferation.
Influence of different sulfur to selenium ratios on the structural and electronic properties of Cu(In,Ga)(S,Se)2 thin films and solar cells formed by the stacked elemental layer process
Authors: Mueller B. J. , Zimmermann C. , Haug V. , Hergert F. , Koehler T. , Zweigart S. , Herr U.
Published: November 2014

In this study, we investigate the effect of different elemental selenium to elemental sulfur ratios on the chalcopyrite phase formation in Cu(In,Ga)(S,Se)2 thin films. The films are formed by the stacked elemental layer process. The structural and electronic properties of the thin films and solar cells are analyzed by means of scanning electron microscopy, glow discharge optical emission spectrometry, X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence, Raman spectroscopy, spectral photoluminescence as well as current-voltage, and quantum efficiency measurements. The influence of different S/(S+Se) ratios on the anion incorporation and on the Ga/In distribution is investigated. We find a homogenous sulfur concentration profile inside the film from the top surface to the bottom. External quantum efficiency measurements show that the band edge of the solar cell device is shifted to shorter wavelength, which enhances the open-circuit voltages. The relative increase of the open-circuit voltage with S/(S+Se) ratio is lower than expected from the band gap energy trend, which is attributed to the presence of S-induced defects. We also observe a linear decrease of the short-circuit current density with increasing S/(S+Se) ratio which can be explained by a reduced absorption. Above a critical S/(S+Se) ratio of around 0.61, the fill factor drops drastically, which is accompanied by a strong series resistance increase which may be attributed to changes in the back contact or p-n junction properties.
Sex disparity in colonic adenomagenesis involves promotion by male hormones, not protection by female hormones
Authors: Amos-Landgraf James M. , Heijmans Jarom , Wielenga Mattheus C. B. , Dunkin Elisa , Krentz Kathy J. , Clipson Linda , Ederveen Antwan G. , Groothuis Patrick G. , Mosselman Sietse , Muncan Vanesa , Hommes Daniel W. , Shedlovsky Alexandra , Dove William F. , van den Brink Gijs R.
Published: November 2014

Significance

The age-adjusted incidence of colonic adenomas and colorectal cancer is higher in men than in women. In a careful analysis of two established animal models, we found that castration reduced, and testosterone supplementation restored, the number of adenomas in the male rat and mouse colon, whereas ovariectomy and replacement of female hormones had no measureable effect on colonic adenomagenesis. In Min mice, in which most of the tumors arise in the small intestine, this testosterone-dependent sexual dimorphism in mice was specific to the colon. Our results support a paradigm shift: Testosterone promotes early adenomagenesis through an indirect mechanism, explaining the enhanced susceptibility of males to colonic adenomagenesis in the human, rat, and mouse.
Anatomical accuracy of brain connections derived from diffusion MRI tractography is inherently limited
Authors: Thomas Cibu , Ye Frank Q. , Irfanoglu M. Okan , Modi Pooja , Saleem Kadharbatcha S. , Leopold David A. , Pierpaoli Carlo
Published: November 2014

Significance

Diffusion-weighted MRI (DWI) tractography is widely used to map structural connections of the human brain in vivo and has been adopted by large-scale initiatives such as the human connectome project. Our results indicate that, even with high-quality data, DWI tractography alone is unlikely to provide an anatomically accurate map of the brain connectome. It is crucial to complement tractography results with a combination of histological or neurophysiological methods to map structural connectivity accurately. Our findings, however, do not diminish the importance of diffusion MRI as a noninvasive tool that offers important quantitative measures related to brain tissue microstructure and white matter architecture.
Maximum likelihood inference of reticulate evolutionary histories
Authors: Yu Yun , Dong Jianrong , Liu Kevin J. , Nakhleh Luay
Published: November 2014

Significance

Phylogenetic trees play a central role in biology, modeling evolutionary histories of taxa ranging from genes, to genomes, and to species. Although trees will continue to be an essential modeling tool in evolution, phenomena such as hybridization, or gene flow more generally, result in evolutionary histories that are best modeled by phylogenetic networks. Inference of such networks is complicated by the presence of other evolutionary events, such as incomplete lineage sorting (ILS). Here, we provide a maximum likelihood method for inferring reticulate evolutionary histories while accounting for ILS. The method enables new evolutionary analyses under more complex evolutionary scenarios than existing methods can handle.
New pasture plants intensify invasive species risk
Authors: Driscoll Don A. , Catford Jane A. , Barney Jacob N. , Hulme Philip E. , Inderjit  , Martin Tara G. , Pauchard Aníbal , Pyšek Petr , Richardson David M. , Riley Sophie , Visser Vernon
Published: November 2014

Significance

Governments spend billions of dollars each year managing invasive plant species. Many invasive plants have escaped from pastures and now degrade natural areas and transform ecosystems. New pasture taxa are promoted to help achieve sustainable intensification of agriculture by increasing production without using more land. However, plant characteristics that increase production also increase invasion risk. Combined with inadequate regulation and management to establish large feed-plant populations, new taxa will likely exacerbate problems with invasive species. Livestock production accounts for 30% of the world's land area. Risks associated with invasive feed-plants have been largely overlooked, even by studies explicitly critiquing the environmental risks of sustainable intensification. We suggest a suite of protocols to reduce these risks in sustainable intensification of agriculture.
Sexual transfer of the steroid hormone 20E induces the postmating switch in
Anopheles gambiae
Authors: Gabrieli Paolo , Kakani Evdoxia G. , Mitchell Sara N. , Mameli Enzo , Want Elizabeth J. , Mariezcurrena Anton Ainhoa , Serrao Aurelio , Baldini Francesco , Catteruccia Flaminia
Published: November 2014

Significance

Anopheles gambiae
females are the principal vectors of malaria, a disease that kills more than 600,000 people every year. Current control methods using insecticides to kill mosquitoes are threatened by the spread of resistance in natural populations. A promising alternative control strategy is based on interfering with mosquito reproduction to reduce the number of malaria-transmitting females. Here we show that a male hormone transferred to the female during sex induces large changes in female behavior. These changes, defined as the postmating switch, include a physical incapacity for fertilization by additional males and the ability to lay mature eggs. Tampering with the function of this hormone generates unprecedented opportunities to reduce the reproductive success of
Anopheles
mosquitoes and impact malaria transmission.
siRNAs from an X-linked satellite repeat promote X-chromosome recognition in
Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Menon Debashish U. , Coarfa Cristian , Xiao Weimin , Gunaratne Preethi H. , Meller Victoria H.
Published: November 2014

Significance

Modulation of X-linked gene expression is essential in organisms with XX females and XY males. Various strategies for global regulation of X chromosomes have been proposed, but all require highly selective recognition of X chromatin. How this is achieved is not understood. The siRNA pathway contributes to X recognition in a well-studied
Drosophila
model. We now show that ectopic production of siRNA from a repetitive sequence that is limited to the X chromosome also promotes X recognition. Differential activities of X-linked repeats suggest a control region model, in which siRNA produced by a few repeats acts on widely distributed X-linked target sequences to promote selective recognition, and modification, of a single chromosome.
Trajectory and genomic determinants of fungal-pathogen speciation and host adaptation
Authors: Hu Xiao , Xiao Guohua , Zheng Peng , Shang Yanfang , Su Yao , Zhang Xinyu , Liu Xingzhong , Zhan Shuai , St. Leger Raymond J. , Wang Chengshu
Published: November 2014

Significance

Fossil records have provided compelling evidence for evolution, but lack of existing transitional species has hindered our understanding of speciation at the molecular level. Genomic analyses of seven
Metarhizium
species revealed a directional speciation continuum from specialists with narrow host ranges to transitional species and then to generalists that paralleled insect evolution. This diversification was coupled with a complex interplay between an array of genomic features that worked together to drive fungal speciation at an accelerating rate and provided a roadmap for identifying variation underlying adaptation and speciation. In particular, specialization was associated with retention of sexuality and rapid evolution of existing protein sequences whereas generalization was associated with loss of sexuality and protein-family expansion.
EGR2 is critical for peripheral naïve T-cell differentiation and the T-cell response to influenza
Authors: Du Ning , Kwon Hyokjoon , Li Peng , West Erin E. , Oh Jangsuk , Liao Wei , Yu Zuxi , Ren Min , Leonard Warren J.
Published: November 2014

Significance

Early growth response 2 (EGR2) is a transcription factor that can negatively regulate T-cell activation. We unexpectedly found that EGR2 promotes peripheral naïve T-cell proliferation and differentiation, with less T-cell receptor-induced IL-2 production in
Egr2
-deficient naïve T cells and diminished cytokine production in T-helper differentiated cells. Moreover, EGR2 was required for T-cell responses to influenza, with delayed viral clearance and more severe pathology in lungs of
Egr2
conditional knockout mice, as well as decreased effector cytokine production from T cells. Thus, EGR2 can act as a positive regulator essential for a normal T-cell response to viral infection, a finding with potential clinical implications.
Simple battery armor to protect against gastrointestinal injury from accidental ingestion
Authors: Laulicht Bryan , Traverso Giovanni , Deshpande Vikram , Langer Robert , Karp Jeffrey M.
Published: November 2014

Significance

Accidental battery ingestion in children is a recognized source of significant morbidity and mortality. To mitigate the risks of accidental battery ingestion, legislation has been introduced to regulate the locking of battery compartments. Regulation of battery housings has translated into modest reductions in the number of battery ingestion cases reported. We report here the fabrication of waterproof, pressure-sensitive battery coatings that are nonconductive in the low-pressure gastrointestinal tract, yet conduct in higher-pressure standard battery housings. These safer batteries are expected to reduce complications from accidental battery ingestion.
Development of a grinding‐specific performance test set‐up
Authors: Olesen C. G. , Larsen B. H. , Andresen E. L. , de Zee M.
Published: November 2014

The aim of this study was to develop a performance test set‐up for America's Cup grinders. The test set‐up had to mimic the on‐boat grinding activity and be capable of collecting data for analysis and evaluation of grinding performance. This study included a literature‐based analysis of grinding demands and a test protocol developed to accommodate the necessary physiological loads. This study resulted in a test protocol consisting of 10 intervals of 20 revolutions each interspersed with active resting periods of 50 s. The 20 revolutions are a combination of both forward and backward grinding and an exponentially rising resistance. A custom‐made grinding ergometer was developed with computer‐controlled resistance and capable of collecting data during the test. The data collected can be used to find measures of grinding performance such as peak power, time to complete and the decline in repeated grinding performance.
Clarin-1 acts as a modulator of mechanotransduction activity and presynaptic ribbon assembly
Authors: Ogun Oluwatobi , Zallocchi Marisa
Published: November 2014

Clarin-1 is a four-transmembrane protein expressed by hair cells and photoreceptors. Mutations in its corresponding gene are associated with Usher syndrome type 3, characterized by late-onset and progressive hearing and vision loss in humans. Mice carrying mutations in the clarin-1 gene have hair bundle dysmorphology and a delay in synapse maturation. In this paper, we examined the expression and function of clarin-1 in zebrafish hair cells. We observed protein expression as early as 1 d postfertilization. Knockdown of clarin-1 resulted in inhibition of FM1-43 incorporation, shortening of the kinocilia, and mislocalization of ribeye b clusters. These phenotypes were fully prevented by co-injection with clarin-1 transcript, requiring its C-terminal tail. We also observed an in vivo interaction between clarin-1 and Pcdh15a. Altogether, our results suggest that clarin-1 is functionally important for mechanotransduction channel activity and for proper localization of synaptic components, establishing a critical role for clarin-1 at the apical and basal poles of hair cells.