bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of salinity and nitrogen supply on the quality and health‐related compounds of strawberry fruits (Fragaria × ananassa cv. Primoris)
Authors: Cardeñosa Vanessa , Medrano Evangelina , Lorenzo Pilar , Sánchez‐Guerrero Maria Cruz , Cuevas Francisco , Pradas Inmaculada , Moreno‐Rojas José M
Published: December 2014

BACKGROUND

Different nitrogen inputs and/or development under adverse water conditions (water stress/low quality and/or high salinity/electrical conductivity), such as those prevailing in Almeria (Mediterranean coast, south‐east Spain), may affect overall fruit and vegetable quality. This study evaluated the influence of salinity and nitrogen reduction in hydroponic nutrient solution on strawberry fruit quality and nutritional compounds (Fragaria × ananassa Duch., cv. Primoris).

RESULTS

Strawberries obtained under salinity treatments recorded the highest values for soluble solids content (SSC; all samplings); fruit taste was thus enhanced. Additionally, salinity improved fruit nutritional value, with higher contents of antioxidants compounds (first sampling). During first and second samplings, strawberries grown under N reduction and non‐saline conditions showed higher values for firmness compared to fruits developed under other treatments. Regarding health‐related compounds, few differences were found except for total polyphenols concentration and antioxidant activity for the first sampling, where strawberries grown under saline treatments obtained the highest values for both parameters.

CONCLUSION

The use of low‐quality waters, such as those found in Almeria (salinity, N9S and N5S) and low nitrogen inputs (N5, avoid environmental impact) for strawberry cultivation does not exert a negative impact on overall quality. Positive differences could be found in SSC, firmness and health‐related compounds when compared against the control treatment (N9). © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Analysing Perceptions Attitudes and Responses of Winegrowers about Sustainable Land Management in Central Spain
Authors: Marques Maria Jose , Bienes Ramón , Cuadrado Joaquín , Ruiz‐Colmenero Marta , Barbero‐Sierra Celia , Velasco Ana
Published: December 2014

This study provides a better understanding of the perspective and attitudes of farmers towards sustainable land management (SLM) practices in central Spain. Farmer's willingness to change from conventional tillage to cover crops in vineyards is seen as an indicator for adoption of sustainable agriculture. Two complementary approaches were used: open interviews (n = 25) and surveys (n = 64). The portrait of these winegrowers is of mature farmers, owners of their lands and conscious of soil erosion problems (81%), although not on their own lands. They observe soil degradation (45%); however, they are more conscious of problems in their vines or grapes (64%). Only 32% would be willing to use cover crops to avoid erosion. The barriers for adoption were mainly related to water constraints, lack of knowledge and inability to accept production decreases. Results indicate an underlying lack of information on SLM. They show confusion or mistakes regarding the relationship between tillage and erosion. Young farmers are more prone to change practices. Scientific results are not effectively communicated; there are no efficient local structures to provide them with knowledge and advice in their work, including guidance on environmental issues. The EU agri‐environment payments cover the costs of SLM practices for avoiding erosion or compaction and increasing SOC. In spite of that, participants do not apply for subsidies to compensate the income foregone. Policy makers, extension services and scientists have to face this situation to tackle the limited knowledge transfer revealed in this study. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Frictional behaviour of imidazolium sulfate ionic liquid additives under mixed slide‐to‐roll conditions: Part 1 — Variation of mixtures with identical weight ratio of ionic liquid additive
Authors: Pejaković V. , Kalin M.
Published: December 2014

Ionic liquids are getting increased attention due to their potential use as additives or lubricants. One of parameters that influence their performance is anion alkyl chain length. Three chain lengths in imidazolium sulfate ionic liquids were varied in three different types of tests in order to study the friction performance in all lubrication regimes at different shear rates. Results show significant effect of alkyl chain length on friction behaviour and surface topography. The shortest chain length ionic liquid had the poorest friction performance whilst longer alkyl chain lengths performed significantly better, which was evidenced by the electrical contact resistance. Although friction behaviour was not generally reduced with ionic liquid mixtures, clear tribological improvement was observed in high shear conditions depending on alkyl chain length. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) analysis revealed correlation between ionic liquid chemistry and surface topography of samples after the experiments, with significantly increased roughness for short chain ionic liquid mixture. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Recent advancements in and views on the donor operation in living donor liver transplantation: A single‐center study of 886 patients over 13 years
Authors: Suh Kyung‐Suk , Suh Suk‐Won , Lee Jeong‐Moo , Choi YoungRok , Yi Nam‐Joon , Lee Kwang‐Woong
Published: December 2014

Donor safety remains an important concern in living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). In the present study, we assessed recent advancements in the donor operation for LDLT through our experience with this procedure. A total of 886 donor hepatectomies performed between January 1999 and December 2012 were analyzed. Three chronological periods were investigated: the initial period (1999‐2004, n = 239), the period in which the right liver with middle hepatic vein reconstruction was primarily used (2005‐2010, n = 422), and the period in which the right liver with a standardized protocol, including a preoperative donor diet program, an evaluation of steatosis with magnetic resonance spectroscopy, no systemic heparin administration or central venous pressure monitoring, exact midplane dissection, and incremental application of minimal incisions, was exclusively used (2011‐2012, n = 225). The proportion of patients > 50 years old increased (2.5% versus 4.7% versus 8.9%), whereas the proportion of patients with a remnant liver volume ≤ 30% (6.5% versus 13.9% versus 6.3%) and with macrosteatosis ≥ 10% (7.9% versus 11.1% versus 4.4%) decreased throughout the periods. The operative time (292.7 versus 290.0 versus 272.8 minutes), hospital stay (12.4 versus 11.2 versus 8.5 days), and overall morbidity rate (26.4% versus 13.3% versus 5.8%), including major complications (>grade 3; 1.7% versus 1.9% versus 0.9%) and biliary complications (7.9% versus 5.0% versus 0.9%), were markedly reduced in the most recent period. No intraoperative transfusion was required. No cases of irreversible disability or mortality were noted. In conclusion, the quality of the donor operation has recently been standardized through a large volume of experience, and the operation has been proven to have minimal risk. However, a constant evaluation of our experience is critical for remaining prepared for any unavoidable crisis. Liver Transpl 21:329–338, 2015. © 2014 AASLD.
Triceps surae fascicle stretch is poorly correlated with short latency stretch reflex size
Authors: Cronin Neil J. , Rantalainen Timo , Avela Janne
Published: December 2014

Introduction: The short latency stretch reflex (SLR) is well described, but the stimulus that evokes the SLR remains elusive. One hypothesis states that reflex size is proportional to muscle fiber stretch, so in this study we examined the relationship between these 2 parameters in human triceps surae muscles. Methods: Achilles tendon taps and dorsiflexion stretches with different amplitudes and preactivation torques were applied to 6 participants while electromyography and muscle fascicle length changes were recorded in soleus and medial gastrocnemius (MG). Results: In response to tendon taps, neither fascicle length nor velocity changes were correlated with SLR size in either muscle, but accelerometer peaks were observed immediately after hammer–tendon contact. Similar results were obtained after dorsiflexion stretches. Conclusion: Muscle fascicle stretch is poorly correlated with SLR size, regardless of perturbation parameters. We attribute the SLR trigger to the transmission of vibration through the lower limb, rather than muscle fiber stretch. Muscle Nerve 52: 245–251, 2015
Mechanical and thermal properties of epoxy/silicon carbide nanofiber composites
Authors: Vijayan P Poornima , Puglia Debora , Dąbrowska Agnieszka , Vijayan P Pournami , Huczko Andrzej , Kenny Jose M. , Thomas Sabu
Published: December 2014

The silicon carbide (SiC) nanofibers (0.1, 0.25, and 0.5 phr), produced by self‐propagating high‐temperature synthesis (SHS), are used to reinforce the epoxy matrix cured with an anhydride hardener. Morphological studies reveal a better dispersion of SiC nanofibers and a good level of adhesion between nanofiber and the matrix in composites with lower (0.1 and 0.25 phr) nanofiber loading. The flexural studies show that a maximum increase in flexural properties is obtained for composites with 0.25 phr SiC nanofiber. The fracture toughness of epoxy is found to increase with the incorporation of SiC nanofibers, and 0.25 phr SiC nanofiber loading shows maximum fracture toughness value. The possible fracture mechanisms that exist in epoxy/SiC nanofiber composites have been investigated in detail. Thermogravimetric analysis reveals that SiC nanofibers are effective fillers to improve the thermal stability of epoxy matrix. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Combinatorial active‐site variants confer sustained clavulanate resistance in BlaC β‐lactamase from Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Egesborg Philippe , Carlettini Hélène , Volpato Jordan P. , Doucet Nicolas
Published: December 2014

Bacterial resistance to β‐lactam antibiotics is a global issue threatening the success of infectious disease treatments worldwide. Mycobacterium tuberculosis has been particularly resilient to β‐lactam treatment, primarily due to the chromosomally encoded BlaC β‐lactamase, a broad‐spectrum hydrolase that renders ineffective the vast majority of relevant β‐lactam compounds currently in use. Recent laboratory and clinical studies have nevertheless shown that specific β‐lactam–BlaC inhibitor combinations can be used to inhibit the growth of extensively drug‐resistant strains of M. tuberculosis, effectively offering new tools for combined treatment regimens against resistant strains. In the present work, we performed combinatorial active‐site replacements in BlaC to demonstrate that specific inhibitor‐resistant (IRT) substitutions at positions 69, 130, 220, and/or 234 can act synergistically to yield active‐site variants with several thousand fold greater in vitro resistance to clavulanate, the most common clinical β‐lactamase inhibitor. While most single and double variants remain sensitive to clavulanate, double mutants R220S‐K234R and S130G‐K234R are substantially less affected by time‐dependent clavulanate inactivation, showing residual β‐lactam hydrolytic activities of 46% and 83% after 24 h incubation with a clinically relevant inhibitor concentration (5 μg/ml, 25 µM). These results demonstrate that active‐site alterations in BlaC yield resistant variants that remain active and stable over prolonged bacterial generation times compatible with mycobacterial proliferation. These results also emphasize the formidable adaptive potential of inhibitor‐resistant substitutions in β‐lactamases, potentially casting a shadow on specific β‐lactam–BlaC inhibitor combination treatments against M. tuberculosis.
Fixed‐structure robust controller design for chatter mitigation in high‐speed milling
Authors: van Dijk N. J. M. , van de Wouw N. , Nijmeijer H.
Published: December 2014

Chatter is an instability phenomenon in high‐speed milling that limits machining productivity by the induction of tool vibrations, inferior machining accuracy, noise, and wear of machine components. In this paper, a fixed‐structure active chatter control design methodology is proposed, which enables dedicated shaping of the chatter stability boundary such that working points of higher machining productivity become feasible while avoiding chatter. The control design problem is cast into a nonsmooth optimization problem, which is solved using bundle methods. Using this approach, fixed‐structure dynamic (delayed) output feedback controllers can be synthesized. Distinct benefits of this approach are the a priori fixing of the controller order, the limitation of the control action, and the fact that no finite‐dimensional model approximations and online chatter estimation techniques are required. All these benefits are important in milling practice. Representative examples illustrate the power of the proposed methodology in terms of increasing the chatter‐free depth of cut, thereby enabling significant increases in machining productivity. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
White noise testing using wavelets
Authors: Nason Guy P. , Savchev Delyan
Published: December 2014

Testing whether a time series is consistent with white noise is an important task within time series analysis and for model fitting and criticism via residual diagnostics. We introduce three fast and efficient white noise tests that assess spectral constancy via the wavelet coefficients of a periodogram. The Haar wavelet white noise test derives the exact distribution of the Haar wavelet coefficients of the asymptotic periodogram under mild conditions. The single‐coefficient white noise test uses a single Haar wavelet coefficient obtaining a test statistic as a linear combination of odd‐indexed autocorrelations. The general wavelet white noise test uses compactly supported Daubechies wavelets, shows that its coefficients are asymptotically normal and derives its theoretical power for an arbitrary spectrum. All our tests are available in the freely available hwwntest package for the R system. We present a comprehensive simulation study that shows the good performance of our new tests against alternatives commonly found in available software and show an example applied to a wind power time series. © 2014 The Authors.Statpublished by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Supramolecular Chemistry Based on Gallium–Gallium Single Bonds – Formation of Large Heterocycles and Cages with up to Twelve Gallium Atoms
Authors: Uhl Werner , Stefaniak Christina , Voß Matthias , Layh Marcus , Rogel Friedhelm , Kösters Jutta
Published: December 2014

The tetraalkyldigallium(II) compound R2Ga–GaR2 (1) [R = CH(SiMe3)2] reacted with amino and hydroxo functionalized carboxylic acids by retention of the Ga–Ga bond and release of CH2(SiMe3)2. New heterocyclic or cage‐like compounds were formed with three, two, or six Ga–Ga bonds in a single molecule. The latter dodecagallium compounds encapsulated THF or dioxane molecules in their molecular cavities (carcerands), the other compounds have up to six THF molecules coordinated by N–H···O hydrogen bonds.
Motion capacity, geography and ecological features explain the present distribution of a migratory top predator
Authors: Panuccio Michele , Lucia Giuseppe , Agostini Nicolantonio , Ottonello Dario , Bogliani Giuseppe
Published: December 2014

Presence and distribution of ecological barriers shapes the distribution of migratory birds as well as any other living organism. In Italy, short‐toed snake eagles (Circaetus gallicus) breed in the northern and western areas of the peninsula but the species is rare in the south or the islands. The Italian population of this species migrates across the Mediterranean at the Strait of Gibraltar rather than crossing the large stretch of sea between Sicily and Tunisia. This suggests that, in Italy, fall migration is oriented south–north and spring migration north–south. In this paper we test the hypothesis that the accessibility of the suitable habitat area along the Italian Peninsula is in relation to the geographical migration pattern of the studied species. We integrated information from the movement ecology, the geography and the traditional ecological features in order to provide an ecological explanation of the current biogeographical pattern of our model species. We compared statistical models with and without latitude as a predictor. Each model was based on ecological and geographical variables, including land use, prey availability, spatial distribution of environmental elements (patch analysis), geomorphology, and geography. These models predict two patterns of suitability for short‐toed snake eagles in Italy. Our results suggest that the abundance of this species increases with latitude despite the existence of large areas of suitable habitat in southern Italy. We suggest that the actual distribution of the short‐toed snake eagle in Italy is influenced by the particular migration path used by this population, supporting the hypothesis that this species is still colonizing the Italian Peninsula through an unexpected colonization direction from north to south.
Medical students find assessments stressful. Of course….but what do we do about it?
Authors: LeBlanc Vicki R.
Published: December 2014

None
Increasing volume of food by incorporating air reduces energy intake
Authors: Serisier Samuel , Pizzagalli Anthony , Leclerc Lucie , Feugier Alexandre , Nguyen Patrick , Biourge Vincent , German Alexander J.
Published: December 2014

Major challenges with weight management using weight-loss diets include hunger and rapid consumption of food, both of which lead to poor owner compliance. The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of increasing volume, by incorporating air, into dry expanded food, on satiety in dogs. Three studies have been performed. The first study aimed to measure the effect of volume of food on meal duration in dogs fed at their maintenance energy requirement. The purpose of the second study was to determine the effect of volume of food on satiety. The aim of the third study was to compare the satiety effect of the test diet with a maintenance dry diet commonly used in adult dogs. Throughout the studies, faecal score remained optimal. As volume of diet increased, the duration of food intake significantly increased (P < 0·001) and energy intake significantly decreased (P = 0·012). The present study has demonstrated that incorporating air into food to increase the volume of diet induces a satiety effect, independent of macronutrient profile, possibly by slowing food intake. Consequently, incorporating air into food might be a useful strategy for weight management in companion animals.
Cross-comparison of diet quality indices for predicting chronic disease risk: findings from the Observation of Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Luxembourg (ORISCAV-LUX) study
Authors: Alkerwi Ala'a , Vernier Cédric , Crichton Georgina E. , Sauvageot Nicolas , Shivappa Nitin , Hébert James R.
Published: December 2014

The scientific community has become increasingly interested in the overall quality of diets rather than in single food-based or single nutrient-based approaches to examine diet–disease relationships. Despite the plethora of indices used to measure diet quality, there still exist questions as to which of these can best predict health outcomes. The present study aimed to compare the ability of five diet quality indices, namely the Recommendation Compliance Index (RCI), Diet Quality Index-International (DQI-I), Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH), Mediterranean Diet Score (MDS), and Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII), to detect changes in chronic disease risk biomarkers. Nutritional data from 1352 participants, aged 18–69 years, of the Luxembourg nationwide cross-sectional ORISCAV-LUX (Observation of Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Luxembourg) study, 2007–8, were used to calculate adherence to the diet quality index. General linear modelling was performed to assess trends in biomarkers according to adherence to different dietary patterns, after adjustment for age, sex, education level, smoking status, physical activity and energy intake. Among the five selected diet quality indices, the MDS exhibited the best ability to detect changes in numerous risk markers and was significantly associated with lower levels of LDL-cholesterol, apo B, diastolic blood pressure, renal function indicators (creatinine and uric acid) and liver enzymes (serum γ-glutamyl-transpeptidase and glutamate-pyruvate transaminase). Compared with other dietary patterns, higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet is associated with a favourable cardiometabolic, hepatic and renal risk profile. Diets congruent with current universally accepted guidelines may be insufficient to prevent chronic diseases. Clinicians and public health decision makers should be aware of needs to improve the current dietary guidelines.
Gender, role and performer in Athenian theatre iconography: A masked tragic chorus with KALOS and KALE captions from Olbia
Authors: Braund David , Hall Edith
Published: December 2014

A vase fragment from Olbia has been recognized in recent years as a key piece of evidence for the tragic chorus in fifth-century Athenian drama, especially because it shows the use of masks by dancers in such a chorus. This article provides the first clear illustration of the fragment, revealing much detail about the dress of the dancers, with a range of further information about the object (its size, discovery etc.). The illustration shows for the first time that the scene on the fragment includes inscriptions which declare the central aulete and percussionist to be KALOS and each of the two dancers to be KALE. A survey of KALE tags and similar inscriptions shows that there is no direct parallel for these KALE inscriptions. Moreover, these KALE tags are all the more remarkable in that they are attached to dancers who are appearing in female dress and female roles, but who are also male in biological sex. That usage raises the larger issue of gender in the theatre, which is set beside other indications that actors might be treated as in some sense female.
Review Article: Recent Travels in Alexanderland
Authors: Bowden Hugh
Published: December 2014

This review of recent books about Alexander the Great and related topics focuses in particular on how much attention scholars have paid to the eastern aspects of the history and historiography of the period. It traces the identification of Alexander as an essentially ‘western’ figure back to the period of the Enlightenment, and shows how the work of scholars in the 18th century set the terms of the subsequent debate. It goes on to show how work on the Alexander Romance displays a far broader and inclusive range of intellectual approaches than traditional Alexander historiography, and suggests that the study of the historical Alexander would benefit from seeing Alexander as belonging in a Near Eastern context as well as a Greek or Macedonian one.
Childhood memories, family ties, sibling support and loneliness in ever-widowed older adults: quantitative and qualitative results
Authors: MERZ EVA-MARIA , DE JONG GIERVELD JENNY
Published: December 2014

Family relationships play a major role in individuals' lives and can be a source of comfort, support and protection during the entire lifecourse. Particularly in the context of life events, such as widowhood, family relationships may be salient for (older) adults in coping with feelings of grief, loss and loneliness. Using Dutch survey data and 18 in-depth interviews from a sub-sample, this study examines the role of family relationships through the lifespan in reducing loneliness among ever-widowed older adults (i.e.persons who have at some time during their life experienced the death of a spouse). Particular attention was paid to childhood memories, family ties and support from siblings. Quantitative analyses examined associations between loneliness and childhood experiences of relationships with parents, family ties and sibling support. Qualitative data elucidated how ever-widowed adults recall relations with parents and siblings and experience current family relations. Quantitative and qualitative data showed that emotional support from siblings reduced loneliness. Additionally, positive memories of childhood relationships and current family ties were negatively related to loneliness. In times of ever-increasing longevity, work detailing how family relationships across the lifecourse are supportive in alleviating loneliness is a key issue on the social research and policy agenda.
Swedish preschool leadership – supportive of music or not?
Authors: Ehrlin Anna
Published: December 2014

This study uses observations and interviews to investigate how the leadership at three Swedish preschools in Sweden has impacted the didactic choices made. Two of these preschools use music as a tool for stimulating language and social development, while the third preschool serves as a comparison. The inspiration that the leadership has brought to each institution is of crucial importance to incorporating music and other activities into the everyday work. This influence has been both restrictive and supportive. Music is said to function as a teaching tool, while other functions remain in the background. This contradiction and its implications are discussed, and it is argued that further training should include developing the teachers’ musical-didactic awareness. Principals are most certainly role models at preschools and need to be aware of it.
Response to the Commentary “Reassessing Disparity in Access to Higher Education in Contemporary China”
Authors: Wang Xiaobing , Liu Chengfang , Zhang Linxiu , Shi Yaojiang , Rozelle Scott , Loyalka Prashant
Published: December 2014

We thank Anning Hu for carefully reading and commenting on our report “College is a rich, Han, urban, male club: research notes from a census survey of four tier one colleges in China.” We also thank the editor ofThe China Quarterlyfor giving us the chance to respond to the commentary. The topic of assessing disparities in college access in China (and other developing countries undergoing major transitions in their higher education systems) is an important one. We hope that ourChina Quarterlyarticle, Hu's commentary and our response will stimulate more research and dialogue on this topic in China and elsewhere.
Local emergence and international developments of conservation trading systems: innovation dynamics and related problems
Authors: MANN CARSTEN , SIMONS ARNO
Published: December 2014

Conservation trading has developed as a policy instrument for biodiversity protection. This paper traces the emergence, development, and spread of conservation trading, focusing particularly on the formation and activities of an increasingly transnational policy instrument constituency, namely the actor group that has formed around the policy instrument in its support. The development of conservation trading was predominantly guided by a constituency of dominant business-oriented actors, beginning with mitigation measures in the USA and making later connections to international networks with a similar market-driven orientation for environmental protection. By strategically combining agenda-driven research with the mobilization of political support, this constituency helped to establish conservation trading as a widely acknowledged policy solution applicable to various ecological and sociopolitical contexts. Yet, this was achieved, in part, at the cost of neglecting critical issues, such as the recognition of policy alternatives or socioecological or cultural context particularities. Whereas the development of conservation trading is sometimes portrayed as a rational process of neutral policy learning, this process, through its constituency, has developed a life and political momentum of its own, which must be acknowledged when engaging with the design and implementation of better conservation policies. A forward-looking social policy assessment approach is required, which opens up policy design discourses for debate and reflexive engagement. Acknowledging possible shortcomings with a broad range of concerned societal actors can help to assure policy transparency, add specificity, and increase the sound ecological and societal embedding of conservation trading.
Aggregation of mummified adult crabeater seals (Pinnipedia: Phocidae) in the eastern Antarctic Peninsula: age and sex structure, taphonomy and cause of death
Authors: Negrete Javier , Soibelzon Leopoldo h. , Soibelzon Esteban , Márquez María E.I. , Loza Cleopatra M. , Acosta Walter , Lusky Jorge , Pecoraro Marcelo
Published: December 2014

In Antarctica, crabeater seals tend to strand as immature animals with disorientation, due to their inexperience, given as the probable cause. In 2012 and 2013, we examined a group of 80 mummified crabeater seals on Seymour Island (Marambio). The age and gender of 28 seals was determined, and virology and stomach content analyses were performed in order to determine the cause of stranding. Around 82% of the seals examined were adults and 79% were females, some of which were pregnant. All of the seals sampled tested negative for Morbillivirus, suggesting that the stranding was not related to the mass mortality event reported in the 1950s in the region. Most seals had empty stomachs and thin blubber suggesting that they died from starvation. The state of the carcasses suggests multiple stranding events. Most of the seals were located along an ice-covered stream, suggesting that this may act as a ‘natural trap’, isolating the seals from the open ocean. This is exceptional as it is the first report of mostly adult female seals to strand in Antarctica and refutes the theory that only young animals are prone to stranding.
“This Is America”: Jimi Hendrix's Star Spangled Banner Journey as Psychedelic Citizenship
Authors: CLAGUE MARK
Published: December 2014

Jimi Hendrix's 18 August 1969 performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner” at the Woodstock Music and Art Fair has been characterized as an expression of transcendent political resistance as well as crude anti-U.S. drivel. Drawing on Hendrix's own archive of recordings, writings, interviews, stage banter, and especially live performances, this article analyzes Hendrix's artistic engagement with the United States national anthem by locating his Woodstock Banner as a central moment in a two-year fascination with the song, brought to a close only by Hendrix's untimely death. It presents the anthem as an artistic vehicle for Hendrix's political musings, a thoughtful engagement with current events, and as commentary responsive to Hendrix's immediate environment and expressive of his aspirations for the nation of his birth. Insights offered here include the roots of Hendrix's Banner performances as ornaments to the Civil War eulogy “Taps,” the plural construction of the Hendrix Banner and an account of the aesthetic development of his anthem arrangement, the value of his recorded stage banter for understanding Hendrix's Banner politics, the impact of the filmWoodstockon Hendrix's renditions, and the use of the Banner during Hendrix's final 1970 “The Cry of Love Tour” as part of a closing anti-war set and call to action for the psychedelic citizen.
Decreased H3K27 and H3K4 trimethylation on mortal chromosomes in distributed stem cells
Authors: Huh Y H , Sherley J L
Published: December 2014

The role of immortal DNA strands that co-segregate during mitosis of asymmetrically self-renewing distributed stem cells (DSCs) is unknown. Previously, investigation of immortal DNA strand function and molecular mechanisms responsible for their nonrandom co-segregation was precluded by difficulty in identifying DSCs and immortal DNA strands. Here, we report the use of two technological innovations, selective DSC expansion and establishment of H2A.Z chromosomal asymmetry as a specific marker of ‘immortal chromosomes,’ to investigate molecular properties of immortal chromosomes and opposing ‘mortal chromosomes’ in cultured mouse hair follicle DSCs. Although detection of the respective suppressive and activating H3K27me3 and H3K4me3 epigenetic marks on immortal chromosomes was similar to randomly segregated chromosomes, detection of both was lower on mortal chromosomes destined for lineage-committed sister cells. This global epigenomic feature of nonrandom co-segregation may reveal a mechanism that maintains an epigenome-wide ‘poised’ transcription state, which preserves DSC identity, while simultaneously activating sister chromosomes for differentiation.
Superlattice structures in twisted bilayers of folded graphene
Authors: Schmidt Hennrik , Rode Johannes C. , Smirnov Dmitri , Haug Rolf J.
Published: December 2014

The electronic properties of bilayer graphene strongly depend on relative orientation of the two atomic lattices. Whereas Bernal-stacked graphene is most commonly studied, a rotational mismatch between layers opens up a whole new field of rich physics, especially at small interlayer twist. Here we report on magnetotransport measurements on twisted graphene bilayers, prepared by folding of single layers. These reveal a strong dependence on the twist angle, which can be estimated by means of sample geometry. At small rotation, superlattices with a wavelength in the order of 10 nm arise and are observed by friction atomic force microscopy. Magnetotransport measurements in this small-angle regime show the formation of satellite Landau fans. These are attributed to additional Dirac singularities in the band structure and discussed with respect to the wide range of interlayer coupling models.
A gas-phase amplified quartz crystal microbalance immunosensor based on catalase modified immunoparticles
Authors: Liu Wei , Huang Renliang , Qi Wei , Wang Mengfan , Su Rongxin , He Zhimin
Published: December 2014

A novel signal amplification strategy based on catalytic gas generation was developed to construct an ultrasensitive QCM immunosensor.
Spectrophotometric determination of ethyl carbamate through bi-enzymatic cascade reactions
Authors: Lu Xiaoxia , Zhou Nandi , Tian Yaping
Published: December 2014

Spectrophotometric determination of ethyl carbamate was established based on urethanase/glutamate dehydrogenase cascade reactions and the corresponding change in NADH concentration.
One-by-one single-molecule detection of mutated nucleobases by monitoring tunneling current using a DNA tip
Authors: Bui Phuc Tan , Nishino Tomoaki , Shiigi Hiroshi , Nagaoka Tsutomu
Published: December 2014

Simple stationary monitoring of the tunneling current using a DNA tip leads to single-molecule DNA detection and discovery of base mismatches and methylation.
Toward structure prediction of cyclic peptides
Authors: Yu Hongtao , Lin Yu-Shan
Published: December 2014

A computational method to provide a converged structural description for cyclic peptides.
The role of reaction conditions in the polymorphic control of Eu3+ doped YInO3: structure and size sensitive luminescence
Authors: Shukla R. , Gupta Santosh K. , Grover V. , Natarajan V. , Tyagi A. K.
Published: December 2014

Controlled synthetic conditions yielded YInO3:Eu3+ in both C-type and hexagonal modifications which exhibited a tremendous bearing of size and local structure on Eu3+ luminescence, all in a single compound.
POSS as building-blocks for the preparation of polysilsesquioxanes through an innovative synthetic approach
Authors: Marchesi Stefano , Carniato Fabio , Palin Luca , Boccaleri Enrico
Published: December 2014

A novel solvent-free solid-state synthesis was used to prepare a non-crystalline polysilsesquioxane sample.
Synthesis, structure and near-infrared photoluminescence of hexanitratoneodymate ionic liquids
Authors: He Ling , Ji Shun-Ping , Tang Ning , Zhao Ying , Tao Guo-Hong
Published: December 2014

Novel water-free lanthanide ionic liquids, with high-symmetry 12-coordinated hexanitratoneodymate, are of interest as potential near-infrared (NIR) luminescent soft materials.
Sol–gel syntheses, luminescence, and energy transfer properties of α-GdB5O9:Ce3+/Tb3+ phosphors
Authors: Sun Xiaorui , Gao Wenliang , Yang Tao , Cong Rihong
Published: December 2014

Sol–gel prepared α-GdB5O9 is a good phosphor host with advantages including controllable preparation, the absence of concentration quenching and effective energy transfer.
β-Cyclodextrin catalysed C–C bond formation via C(sp3)–H functionalization of 2-methyl azaarenes with diones in aqueous medium
Authors: Kumar Atul , Dutt Shukla Ratnakar
Published: December 2014

β-Cyclodextrin catalysed C(sp3)–H functionalization of 2-alkyl-azaarenes with homocyclic as well as heterocyclic diones in water has been developed. This biomimetic catalyst oriented methodology provides a sustainable protocol for C–H functionalization, an area mainly dominated by transition metals.
Evolution of terra sigillata technology from Italy to Gaul through a multi-technique approach
Authors: Leon Yoanna , Sciau Philippe , Passelac Michel , Sanchez Corinne , Sablayrolles Robert , Goudeau Philippe , Tamura Nobumichi
Published: December 2014

Synchrotron investigation on sigillata to accurately assess the size and distribution of different mineral phases contained in the slip.
Real-time tracking, retrieval and gene expression analysis of migrating human T cells
Authors: Mehling Matthias , Frank Tino , Albayrak Cem , Tay Savaş
Published: December 2014

A microfluidic system for the study of T-cell chemotaxis and subsequent gene expression analysis.
Three-dimensional cell manipulation and patterning using dielectrophoresis via a multi-layer scaffold structure
Authors: Chu H. K. , Huan Z. , Mills J. K. , Yang J. , Sun D.
Published: December 2014

A multi-layer scaffold incorporating dielectrophoresis for automated cell manipulation is developed to construct 3D cellular patterns for tissue engineering applications.
ApoHRP-based assay to measure intracellular regulatory heme
Authors: Atamna Hani , Brahmbhatt Marmik , Atamna Wafa , Shanower Gregory A. , Dhahbi Joseph M.
Published: December 2014

Apo-peroxidase requires heme to properly fold into the holoperoxidase. ‘Free’ (or uncommitted) heme is transferred quickly to apo-peroxidase to form the active enzyme; heme from heme-proteins that binds heme with low affinity (or exchangeable) is very slow to transfer; while heme from stable heme-proteins does not transfer.
One-pot synthesis of ordered mesoporous transition metal–zirconium oxophosphate composites with excellent textural and catalytic properties
Authors: Miao Zhichao , Zhao Huahua , Yang Jian , Zhao Jun , Song Huanling , Chou Lingjun
Published: December 2014

A series of ordered M–X–ZrPO materials were successfully synthesized via a facile and general one-pot evaporation-induced self-assembly (EISA) strategy.
Induced oxygen vacancies and their effect on the structural and electrical properties of a fluorite-type CaZrO3–Gd2Zr2O7 system
Authors: Thampi Vaisakhan , Padala Prabhakar Rao , Radhakrishnan A. N.
Published: December 2014

A stoichiometry involving x% CaZrO3 and (100 − x)% Gd2Zr2O7 was found to enhance the electrical properties of Gd2Zr2O7 through induced oxygen vacancies.
One-pot synthesis of secondary amines from alcohols and nitroarenes on TiO2 loaded with Pd nanoparticles under UV irradiation
Authors: Selvam Kaliyamoorthy , Sakamoto Hirokatsu , Shiraishi Yasuhiro , Hirai Takayuki
Published: December 2014

TiO2 loaded with Pd nanoparticles, when irradiated by UV light in alcohols with nitroarenes, successfully produces the corresponding secondary amines with almost quantitative yield, via tandem photocatalytic and catalytic reactions.
E. coli cells expressing the Baeyer–Villiger monooxygenase ‘MO14’ (ro03437) from Rhodococcus jostii RHA1 catalyse the gram-scale resolution of a bicyclic ketone in a fermentor
Authors: Summers Benjamin D. , Omar Muhiadin , Ronson Thomas O. , Cartwright Jared , Lloyd Michael , Grogan Gideon
Published: December 2014

(1S,5R)-2-Oxalactone of >99% ee and (1S,5R)-ketone of 96% ee are produced after approximately 14 h at a temperature of 16 °C.
Towards being genuinely smart: ‘isothermally-responsive’ polymers as versatile, programmable scaffolds for biologically-adaptable materials
Authors: Phillips Daniel J. , Gibson Matthew I.
Published: December 2014

Thermo-responsive polymers are of broad interest in a range of biomedical and biotechnological fields. This review summaries the use of ‘isothermal’ transitions where thermo-responsive polymers are re-programmed to respond to other stimuli, but with the same outputs, with the aim of making them ‘smarter’.
Rapid decomposition of Direct Blue 6 in neutral solution by Fe–B amorphous alloys
Authors: Tang Yao , Shao Yang , Chen Na , Yao Ke-Fu
Published: December 2014

The morphology and the degradation ability of three different materials (200 mg L−1 DB6, 25 °C, initial pH = 7).
Direct growth of NiCo2Sx nanostructures on stainless steel with enhanced electrocatalytic activity for methanol oxidation
Authors: Qian Lei , Chen Wen , Huang Rongfu , Xiao Dan
Published: December 2014

NiCo2Sx nanostructures were directly synthesized on stainless steel and used for binder free high activity non-platinum methanol oxidation electrocatalyst.
Self-assembly of a cholesteryl-modified nucleoside into tubular structures from giant unilamellar vesicles
Authors: Losensky Luisa , Chiantia Salvatore , Holland Gudrun , Laue Michael , Petran Anca , Liebscher Jürgen , Arbuzova Anna
Published: December 2014

Phosphatidylcholine-assisted self-assembly of cholesterylaminouridine into hollow needle-like structures was observed at room temperature.
One-dimensional barium titanate coated multi-walled carbon nanotube heterostructures: synthesis and electromagnetic absorption properties
Authors: Zhu Yao-Feng , Ni Qing-Qing , Fu Ya-Qin
Published: December 2014

BaTiO3@MWCNT heterostructures have been explored as microwave absorbers, which showed the maximum reflection loss with value of −25.7 dB at 12.1 GHz for 40 wt% loadings in wax, and the frequency bandwidth less than −20 dB is from 11.3 to 13.8 GHz.
Ionic liquids–lignin combination: an innovative way to improve mechanical behaviour and water vapour permeability of eco-designed biodegradable polymer blends
Authors: Livi Sébastien , Bugatti Valeria , Marechal Manuel , Soares Bluma G. , Barra Guilherme M. O. , Duchet-Rumeau Jannick , Gérard Jean-François
Published: December 2014

In this work, the potential use of lignin combined with ionic liquids (ILs) has been investigated on the final properties of biodegradable polymer blends.
Repeat protein mediated synthesis of gold nanoparticles: effect of protein shape on the morphological and optical properties
Authors: Geng Xi , Grove Tijana Z.
Published: December 2014

Engineered repeat proteins were used to elucidate the effects of protein shape on the morphology and plasmonic properties of Au NPs, which will further guide the rational design of modular protein based bioconjugate frameworks.
Fungi-derived hierarchically porous carbons for high-performance supercapacitors
Authors: Wang Jiacheng , Liu Qian
Published: December 2014

Chemical activation of sustainable, renewable biomass fungi as the carbon precursor resulted in hierarchically porous activated carbons, demonstrating superior supercapacitor performance in organic electrolyte to commercially available carbons.
A linear DNA probe as an alternative to a molecular beacon for improving the sensitivity of a homogenous fluorescence biosensing platform for DNA detection using target-primed rolling circle amplification
Authors: Zhou Fulin , Li Baoxin , Ma Jiyuan
Published: December 2014

Linear single-labeled DNA probes are used in this RCA-based fluorescence strategy for DNA detection, which could effectively avoid the fluorescence quenching between neighboring signal probes using hairpin probe as signal probe.
Structure and evaluation of flipped chemistry courses: organic & spectroscopy, large and small, first to third year, English and French
Authors: Flynn Alison B.
Published: December 2014

Organic chemistry is a traditionally difficult subject with high failure & withdrawal rates and many areas of conceptual difficulty for students. To promote student learning and success, four undergraduate organic chemistry and spectroscopy courses at the first to third year level (17–420 students) were “flipped” in 2013–2014. In the flipped course, content traditionally delivered in lectures is moved online; class time is dedicated to focused learning activities. The three large courses were taught in English, the small one in French. To structure the courses, each course's intended learning outcomes (ILOs) were analyzed to decide which course components would be delivered online and which would be addressed in class. Short (2–15 min), specific videos were created to replace lectures. Online and in-class learning activities were created in alignment with the ILOs; assessment was also aligned with the ILOs. A learning evaluation was undertaken to determine the impact of the new course structure, using Guskey's evaluation model. Analysis of students' grades, withdrawal rates, and failure rates were made between courses that had a flipped model and courses taught in previous years in a lecture format. The results showed a statistically significant improvement in students' grades and decreased withdrawal and failure rates, although a causal link to the new flipped class format cannot be concluded. Student surveys and course evaluations revealed high student satisfaction; this author also had a very positive experience teaching in the new model. The courses' overall design and evaluation method could readily be adapted to other chemistry, science and other courses, including the use of learning outcomes, the weekly course structure, online learning management system design, and instructional strategies for large and small classes.
Noble metal-based composite nanomaterials fabricated via solution-based approaches
Authors: Liu Hui , Feng Yan , Chen Dong , Li Chengyin , Cui Penglei , Yang Jun
Published: December 2014

Recent impressive developments in noble metal-based composite nanomaterials fabricatedviawet chemistry approaches and their catalytic applications are reviewed.
Characteristic analysis and design of a novel lorentz force driving actuator for a molded case circuit breaker
Authors: Ro Jong‐Suk , Bak Hyeon‐Jeong , Jung Hyun‐Kyo
Published: December 2014

Recently, the demand for a remote controllable actuator for a circuit breaker (CB) has increased because of the trend towards the automation and information technology (IT) of the power system. However, the conventional molded case CB (MCCB) – of which demand is high among CBs – is not only manually controlled, but also liable to breakdown and difficult to find broken components because of the use of the mechanical spring type actuator. To address these problems, a novel Lorentz force driving actuator (LA) is proposed in this research. The LA is suitable for both low‐ and high‐power CBs because of its high power density and the unaffectedness of performance by the stroke. The MCCB equipped with the LA is the first remote controllable low‐power CB and low in maintenance cost. The correct and rapid analysis and design method using a two‐dimensional magneto‐static field analysis and a dynamic analysis is proposed for the small size actuator as LA in this research.
All‐textile higher order mode circular patch antenna for on‐body to on‐body communications
Authors: Tak Jinpil , Lee Seoungkyu , Choi Jaehoon
Published: December 2014

An all‐textile higher order mode circular patch antenna for on‐body to on‐body communications is proposed. The proposed antenna is compact in size and consists of a coaxially centre‐fed circular patch with two shorting vias to generate the TM21 higher order resonance mode for a monopole‐like radiation characteristic. The antenna is fabricated by using a conductive textile, conductive thread and a felt substrate. The bandwidth can fully cover the 2.45 GHz ISM band while achieving a low‐profile configuration. The effects of antenna deformation because of bending and the human body are analysed when the antenna is placed on a two‐thirds muscle‐equivalent phantom and a full‐scale human model. The performance of the antenna is minimally affected by antenna deformation and the human body because of the TM21 higher order mode excitation and its monopole‐like radiation pattern.