bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of nitrogen mole fraction on hydrogenated amorphous silicon nitride deposited by DC magnetron sputtering: transition between metallic and reactive sputtering
Authors: Mokeddem Kamel , Kechouane Mohamed
Published: September 2014

The hydrogenated amorphous silicon nitride thin films are deposited by DC magnetron sputtering in argon, molecular hydrogen and nitrogen plasma mixture. The films are deposited at 150 °C and at 130 W sputtering power with wide range of nitrogen mole fraction. The plasma is characterized by the target voltage measurement. The samples are characterized by the optical transmission measurements and the physicochemical structure is studied by the FTIR absorption spectroscopy. When the nitrogen mole fraction increases from 0.075 to 0.24 the target voltage decrease from 413 to 325 V and increases suddenly to 450 V when nitrogen mole fraction increases to 0.69. The decrease of target voltage may be due to the transition from metallic to reactive sputtering process and its increase can be explained by the implantation of reactive ions in the target. Sputtering rate and refractive index decrease respectively from 8.33 to 1.73 Å/sec and from 2.52 to 1.68 with nitrogen mole fraction. The value of refractive index at critical nitrogen mole fraction is about 1.8. When the nitrogen mole fraction increases the frequency related to Si‐H band, on FTIR spectrum, shift from 2097 cm‐1 to reach 2209 cm‐1 at the critical nitrogen mole fraction. Thereafter it varies sharply to 2190 cm‐1 and remains constant. A sudden change is observed on the sputtering rate, on the intensity of the band attributed to the stretching vibration of N‐H and Si‐H bonds. From these results we believe that the stoichiometric composition is reached at the critical nitrogen mole fraction and beyond this the deposited films are rich of nitrogen and hydrogen. This is consistent with the explanation given of the variation of the target voltage. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Distal regeneration involves the age dependent activity of branchial sac stem cells in the ascidian Ciona intestinalis
Authors: Jeffery William R.
Published: September 2014

Tunicates have high capacities for regeneration but the underlying mechanisms and their relationship to life cycle progression are not well understood. Here we investigate the regeneration of distal structures in the ascidian tunicate Ciona intestinalis. Analysis of regenerative potential along the proximal−distal body axis indicated that distal organs, such as the siphons, their pigmented sensory organs, and the neural complex, could only be replaced from body fragments containing the branchial sac. Distal regeneration involves the formation of a blastema composed of cells that undergo cell proliferation prior to differentiation and cells that differentiate without cell proliferation. Both cell types originate in the branchial sac and appear in the blastema at different times after distal injury. Whereas the branchial sac stem cells are present in young animals, they are depleted in old animals that have lost their regeneration capacity. Thus Ciona adults contain a population of age‐related stem cells located in the branchial sac that are a source of precursors for distal body regeneration.
A Journey of Discovery: SoTL in Physician Assistant Education
Authors: Kelly Patricia J.
Published: September 2014

This chapter is a description of the utilization of SoTL concepts and Brookfield's Critical Incident Questionnaire in an evidence‐based medicine course in physician assistant education.
Librarians, Libraries, and the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning
Authors: Otto Peter
Published: September 2014

Librarians are continually teaching students and faculty how to identify and access learning resources. They teach during individual reference consultations, through presentations to classes, and through library website content they create. Are librarians well prepared to design and deliver well‐crafted instruction? Academic librarians have plentiful resources for developing their pedagogical knowledge through the activities of the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL), whose extensive professional development initiatives to advance effective pedagogy are described. The ACRL's definitions of the components of information literacy skills and instructional competencies, described in the chapter, are relevant and important to all teaching faculty. The chapter discusses some of the benefits and outcomes that can arise from librarians’ efforts to build and sustain active collaborations with discipline‐specific teaching faculty. Because the library can be at the center of connections among all of the university's academic units, it is well placed to create and support initiatives that develop cross‐disciplinary pedagogical excellence. Beyond their intentional efforts to make teaching and learning resources available for faculty, academic libraries can participate in campus‐wide programs such as an Institutional Repository or a Center for Teaching and Learning that will promote steady growth in the excellence of the university's teaching and learning.
Pupillometry
Authors: Sirois Sylvain , Brisson Julie
Published: September 2014

Pupillometry is the study of changes in the diameter of the pupil as a function of cognitive processing. This review paper provides a brief historical overview of the study of pupillometry in cognitive science. The physiology of pupillary responses is introduced, leading to an outline of early pupillometry work, which began with the seminal work of Hess and Polt in the 1960s. The paper then presents a broad review of contemporary research in cognitive sciences that relies on pupillometry. This review is organized around five general domains, namely perception, language processing, memory and decision making, emotion and cognition, and cognitive development. In order to illustrate the nature of the method, and the challenges of analysis, the next section of the review details the process of compiling, processing, and analyzing data from a simple, typical pupillometry study. WIREs Cogn Sci 2014, 5:679–692. doi: 10.1002/wcs.1323

This article is categorized under:

Psychology > Attention

Psychology > Perception and Psychophysics

Psychology > Theory and Methods
Biplots: quantitative data
Authors: Gower John C. , Le Roux Niël J. , Gardner‐Lubbe Sugnet
Published: September 2014

Biplots provide visualizations of two things, usually, but not necessarily, in two dimensions. This paper deals exclusively with biplots for quantitative data X; qualitative data or data in the form of counts will be addressed in a subsequent paper. Data X may represent either (1) a matrix with n rows representing samples/cases and columns representing p quantitative variables or (2) a two‐way table whose rows and columns both represent classifying variables. Data sets of both types (1) and (2) are considered. Plotting symbols are usually points (typically for samples and distinguished by shape and/or color) and lines (typically for variables which may be calibrated or treated as arrowed vectors). Furthermore, variables may be nonlinear in both regularity of calibration and/or curvature. Interpretation is through distance, inner‐products, and sometimes area. Biplots may be improved by judicious shifts of axes, by scaling and by rotation. Nearly always, biplots give approximations to X and measures, incorporated in the biplot, expressing the degree of approximation are discussed. These aspects are illustrated with reference to examples from principal component analysis, nonlinear biplots, biplots for biadditive models, canonical variate analysis and the analysis of distance between grouped samples. WIREs Comput Stat 2015, 7:42–62. doi: 10.1002/wics.1338

This article is categorized under:

Statistical Learning and Exploratory Methods of the Data Sciences > Clustering and Classification

Statistical and Graphical Methods of Data Analysis > Multivariate Analysis

Statistical and Graphical Methods of Data Analysis > Statistical Graphics and Visualization
Hydrogen Bonds directed 2D→3D Interdigitated Silver(I) Coordination Polymer: Synthesis, Structure, and Catalytic Property
Authors: Liu Haiyan , Ji Shujing , Hao Yunhui
Published: September 2014

A new silver(I) compound, namely [Ag(MA)(FA)0.5]n (1) (MA = melamine, H2FA = fumaric acid), was synthesized via the reactions of AgNO3, MA, and H2FA. Single crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis reveals that compound 1 is 2D undulated layer, which further extended into a 2D→3D interdigitated supramolecular framework by intermolecular hydrogen bonds. In addition, the catalytic property on degradation of methyl orange for compound 1 in a Fenton‐like process was also investigated.
Bi2Pt(hP9) by Low‐Temperature Reduction of Bi13Pt3I7: Reinvestigation of the Crystal Structure and Chemical Bonding Analysis
Authors: Kaiser Martin , Baranov Alexey I. , Ruck Michael
Published: September 2014

Bi2Pt(hP9) or γ‐Bi2Pt is a high‐temperature modification, which is metastable below 420 °C. We obtained Bi2Pt(hP9) by reducing the layered bismuth subiodide Bi13Pt3I7with a high excess ofn‐butyllithium at 70 °C. The crystals endure the heterogeneous reaction and the enormous mass loss. X‐ray diffraction on a small single‐crystal revealed that Bi2Pt(hP9) crystallizes in the acentric trigonal space groupP31m(no. 157) witha= 657.30(7) pm andc= 616.65(7) pm. Although structure and stacking of the layers of edge‐sharing [PtBi6/3] octahedra resemble the 1H‐polytype of CdI2, Pt–Pt bonding interactions cause distortions that introduce polarity to the structure. Quantum chemical calculations followed by real‐space bonding analysis reveal polar covalent bonding between bismuth and platinum atoms that is not limited to nearest neighbor atoms but is essentially delocalized. The Pt–Pt bond strength in Bi2Pt(hP9) is not much weaker than in the element.
How can Databases assist with the Prediction of Chemical Compounds?
Authors: Schön J. Christian
Published: September 2014

An overview is given on the ways databases can be employed to aid in the prediction of chemical compounds, in particular inorganic crystalline compounds. Methods currently employed and possible future approaches are discussed.
Efficient time integration for discontinuous Galerkin approximations of linear wave equations
Authors: Hochbruck Marlis , Pažur Tomislav , Schulz Andreas , Thawinan Ekkachai , Wieners Christian
Published: September 2014

We consider the combination of discontinuous Galerkin discretizations in space with various time integration methods for linear acoustic, elastic, and electro‐magnetic wave equations. For the discontinuous Galerkin method we derive explicit formulas for the full upwind flux for heterogeneous materials by solving the Riemann problems for the corresponding first‐order systems. In a framework of bounded semigroups we prove convergence of the spatial discretization. For the time integration we discuss advantages and disadvantages of explicit and implicit Runge–Kutta methods compared to polynomial and rational Krylov subspace methods for the approximation of the matrix exponential function. Finally, the efficiency of the different time integrators is illustrated by several examples in 2D and 3D for electro‐magnetic and elastic waves.
On angular momentum balance for particle systems with periodic boundary conditions
Authors: Kuzkin V.A.
Published: September 2014

The well‐known issue with the absence of conservation of angular momentum in classical particle systems with periodic boundary conditions is addressed. It is shown that conventional theory based on Noether's theorem fails to explain the simplest possible example, notably jumps of angular momentum in the case of single particle moving in a periodic cell. It is suggested to consider the periodic cell as an open system, exchanging mass, momentum, angular momentum, and energy with neighboring cells. Then the behavior of the cell is described by balance laws rather than conservation laws. It is shown using the law of angular momentum balance that the variation of the angular momentum in systems with periodic boundary conditions is a consequence of (i) the non‐zero flux of angular momentum through the boundaries and (ii) torque acting on the cell due to interactions between particles in the cell with images in the neighboring cells. Three simple examples demonstrating individual and combined effect of these factors are presented. Thus the paper provides a rational explanation for the absence of angular momentum conservation in particle systems with periodic boundary conditions.
Formalizing provable anonymity in Isabelle/HOL
Authors: Li Yongjian , Pang Jun
Published: September 2014

We formalize in a theorem prover the notion of provable anonymity. Our formalization relies on inductive definitions of message distinguishing ability and observational equivalence on traces observed by the intruder. Our theory differs from its original proposal and essentially boils down to the inductive definition of distinguishing messages with respect to a knowledge set for the intruder. We build our theory in Isabelle/HOL to achieve a mechanical framework for the analysis of anonymity protocols. Its feasibility is illustrated through two case studies of the Crowds and Onion Routing protocols.
Implementation of a Standardized HIPEC Protocol Improves Outcome for Peritoneal Malignancy
Authors: Kuijpers Anke M. J. , Aalbers Arend G. J. , Nienhuijs Simon W. , de Hingh Ignace H. J. T. , Wiezer Marinus J. , van Ramshorst Bert , van Ginkel Robert J. , Havenga Klaas , Heemsbergen Wilma D. , Hauptmann Michael , Verwaal Victor J.
Published: September 2014

Background

Experience with Cytoreductive Surgery (CRS) and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) in a pioneer hospital resulted in a treatment protocol that has become the standard in the Netherlands. Outcome of CRS and HIPEC was reviewed to assure differences between the pioneer phase and the period wherein the Dutch HIPEC protocol was clinically implemented.

Methods

The first consecutive 100 CRS and HIPEC procedures performed in the Netherlands were included as pioneer cohort (1995–1999). Two‐hundred and seventy‐two procedures that were performed in three participating HIPEC centres after the implementation of the Dutch HIPEC protocol were included as the implementation cohort (2005–2012). Another 100 recent patients of the first centre were included as a control group (2009–2011). Indications for the CRS and HIPEC treatment were peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) from colorectal carcinoma and pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP).

Results

Of the 472 included procedures, 327 (69 %) procedures were performed for PC from colorectal carcinoma and 145 for PMP (31 %). Compared with the implementation phase, the pioneer phase was characterized by more affected abdominal regions (mean 4.3 vs. 3.5, p < 0.001), more resections (mean 3.8 vs. 3.4, p < 0.001), less macroscopic radical cytoreductions (66 vs. 86 %, p < 0.001) and more patients with major morbidity (grade III–V) (64 vs. 32 %, p < 0.001). Other determinants of morbidity were high tumour load and multiple organ resections. Outcome of the implementation phase was similar to the control group.

Conclusions

This study determined that outcome had improved ever since the Dutch HIPEC protocol has been implemented based on completeness of cytoreduction and decreasing morbidity.
Transplanting native woody legumes: a suitable option for the revegetation of coastal dunes
Authors: Rodríguez‐Echeverría Susana , Roiloa Sergio R. , de la Peña Eduardo , Crisóstomo João A. , Nabais Cristina
Published: September 2014

Acacia longifolia is an invasive woody legume in many coastal sand dunes ecosystems around the world. A useful option to aid in the restoration of invaded areas after acacia removal is the revegetation of the newly open areas using appropriate native dune plants. A field experiment was performed to determine whether two shrubby legumes native to European Atlantic coastal dunes, Cytisus grandiflorus (Brot.) DC. and Ulex europaeus europaeus subsp. latebracteatus (Mariz) Rothm., are suitable to revegetate areas formerly invaded by A. longifolia. Plants of both species were grown for 5 months in a greenhouse and subsequently transplanted to three sites in a coastal dune ecosystem. We monitored survival and growth during 21 months. The effect of soil fertility at the nursery and of root nodulation on the performance of these species in the field was also analyzed. Soil fertility and nodulation had a significant effect on plant growth at the nursery, but only the symbiosis with root nodulating bacteria had a significant positive effect on the survival of both native legumes in the field and on final plant height of U. europaeus plants. We conclude that (1) both native legumes can successfully establish on sites where A. longifolia has been previously removed, thus providing a suitable tool to help in the restoration of invaded areas, and (2) the symbiosis with root nodulating bacteria is crucial for plant performance in the field.
Barriers to energy efficiency in shipping
Authors: Johnson Hannes , Andersson Karin
Published: September 2014

The shipping industry shows potential for improvements in energy efficiency. Nonetheless, shipping companies appear reluctant to adopt these seemingly cost-efficient technical and operational measures aiming at reducing energy costs. Such phenomenon is not specific to the shipping industry and is commonly referred to as the energy efficiency gap. Decades of research in other sectors have contributed to the development of taxonomy of economic, organizational and psychological barriers that determine energy efficiency gaps through the use of a variety of research frameworks. This article aims to apply this research in the shipping context through interviews and review of existing literature and applications from other industries, with the objective of providing useful insight for shipping managers. The article discusses examples of barriers that are typical to shipping and that are related to information asymmetries and power structures within organizations. Managers of shipping firms are encouraged to look through their organizations in search of principal agent problems and power structures among the possible causes for energy efficiency gaps in their companies’ operations and possibly strive towards organizational change.
Perceptions of Science Education among African American and White Evangelicals: A Texas Case Study
Authors: Korver-Glenn Elizabeth , Chan Esther , Ecklund Elaine Howard
Published: September 2014

Evangelicals have been highlighted at the intersections of religion, science, and education, yet little is known about how evangelicals perceive public science education and how these perceptions compare across racial lines. Here we analyze how African American and white evangelicals view science education through 40 in-depth interviews collected from two evangelical congregations in Texas. Without raising the topic of evolution, we find that African American leaders, white leaders, and white laity engaged in faith-based, evolution-contesting discourse, but African American laity rarely framed science education in faith-based ways. For them, science education was often linked to educational resources or was distant from their lived experiences. Our findings clarify disjuncture and overlap among African American and white evangelicals by exploring perceptions that challenge and affirm the public institution of science education in different ways. Our conclusion stresses the need to examine perceptions of science and education among religious subgroups differentiated along social and historical lines.
EU protection is inadequate for a declining flyway population of Black-tailed GodwitLimosa limosa: mismatch between future core breeding areas and existing Special Protection Areas
Authors: VAN DER VLIET ROLAND E. , OQUIÑENA VALLUERCA IMANOL , VAN DIJK JERRY , WASSEN MARTIN J.
Published: September 2014

This study analyses whether effective conservation of Black-tailed GodwitLimosa limosabreeding populations in the Netherlands can be achieved through the EU network of Special Protection Areas (SPAs). An internationally important number of pairs of Black-tailed Godwit breeds in the Netherlands but the breeding population is declining steeply and is, in effect, unprotected, as the Netherlands has not designated SPAs for it. To contribute to firmer and more efficient protection of the Black-tailed Godwit, we set out to identify the core areas in the Netherlands where this species is expected to breed in 2020. On the basis of an optimal combination of three main habitat requirements (groundwater level, land-use and openness of the landscape) we identified five core areas in lower-lying (western) Netherlands: Zuidwest Friesland, Waterland, the IJssel delta area, Arkemheen and Eem polders, and Groene Hart. Because these areas are currently not designated for the breeding period of Black-tailed Godwit within the SPA network, the protection of this flagship species of Dutch meadows could be at risk. It seems likely that the Black-tailed Godwit population will continue to decline, with the result that the Netherlands will breach several policy commitments for the conservation of this species.
Differential Tiam1/Rac1 Activation in Hippocampal and Cortical Neurons Mediates Differential Spine Shrinkage in Response to Oxygen/Glucose Deprivation
Authors: Blanco-Suárez Elena , Fiuza Maria , Liu Xun , Chakkarapani Elavazhagan , Hanley Jonathan G
Published: September 2014

Distinct neuronal populations show differential sensitivity to global ischemia, with hippocampal CA1 neurons showing greater vulnerability compared to cortical neurons. The mechanisms that underlie differential vulnerability are unclear, and we hypothesize that intrinsic differences in neuronal cell biology are involved. Dendritic spine morphology changes in response to ischemic insults in vivo, but cell type-specific differences and the molecular mechanisms leading to such morphologic changes are unexplored. To directly compare changes in spine size in response to oxygen/glucose deprivation (OGD) in cortical and hippocampal neurons, we used separate and equivalent cultures of each cell type. We show that cortical neurons exhibit significantly greater spine shrinkage compared to hippocampal neurons. Rac1 is a Rho-family GTPase that regulates the actin cytoskeleton and is involved in spine dynamics. We show that Rac1 and the Rac guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) Tiam1 are differentially activated by OGD in hippocampal and cortical neurons. Hippocampal neurons express more Tiam1 than cortical neurons, and reducing Tiam1 expression in hippocampal neurons by shRNA enhances OGD-induced spine shrinkage. Tiam1 knockdown also reduces hippocampal neuronal vulnerability to OGD. This work defines fundamental differences in signalling pathways that regulate spine morphology in distinct neuronal populations that may have a role in the differential vulnerability to ischemia.
Resolution of deep angiosperm phylogeny using conserved nuclear genes and estimates of early divergence times
Authors: Zeng Liping , Zhang Qiang , Sun Renran , Kong Hongzhi , Zhang Ning , Ma Hong
Published: September 2014

Angiosperms are the most successful plants and support human livelihood and ecosystems. Angiosperm phylogeny is the foundation of studies of gene function and phenotypic evolution, divergence time estimation and biogeography. The relationship of the five divergent groups of the Mesangiospermae (~99.95% of extant angiosperms) remains uncertain, with multiple hypotheses reported in the literature. Here transcriptome data sets are obtained from 26 species lacking sequenced genomes, representing each of the five groups: eudicots, monocots, magnoliids, Chloranthaceae and Ceratophyllaceae. Phylogenetic analyses using 59 carefully selected low-copy nuclear genes resulted in highly supported relationships: sisterhood of eudicots and a clade containing Chloranthaceae and Ceratophyllaceae, with magnoliids being the next sister group, followed by monocots. Our topology allows a re-examination of the evolutionary patterns of 110 morphological characters. The molecular clock estimates of Mesangiospermae diversification during the late to middle Jurassic correspond well to the origins of some insects, which may have been a factor facilitating early angiosperm radiation.
Similarity‐Based Modeling Applied to Signal Detection in Pharmacovigilance
Authors: Vilar S , Ryan PB , Madigan D , Stang PE , Schuemie MJ , Friedman C , Tatonetti NP , Hripcsak G
Published: September 2014

One of the main objectives in pharmacovigilance is the detection of adverse drug events (ADEs) through mining of healthcare databases, such as electronic health records or administrative claims data. Although different approaches have been shown to be of great value, research is still focusing on the enhancement of signal detection to gain efficiency in further assessment and follow‐up. We applied similarity‐based modeling techniques, using 2D and 3D molecular structure, ADE, target, and ATC (anatomical therapeutic chemical) similarity measures, to the candidate associations selected previously in a medication‐wide association study for four ADE outcomes. Our results showed an improvement in the precision when we ranked the subset of ADE candidates using similarity scorings. This method is simple, useful to strengthen or prioritize signals generated from healthcare databases, and facilitates ADE detection through the identification of the most similar drugs for which ADE information is available.

CPT Pharmacometrics Syst. Pharmacol. (2014) 3, e137; doi:10.1038/psp.2014.35; published online 24 September 2014
A directional wave measurement attack against the Kish key distribution system
Authors: Gunn Lachlan J. , Allison Andrew , Abbott Derek
Published: September 2014

The Kish key distribution system has been proposed as a classical alternative to quantum key distribution. The idealized Kish scheme elegantly promises secure key distribution by exploiting thermal noise in a transmission line. However, we demonstrate that it is vulnerable to nonidealities in its components, such as the finite resistance of the transmission line connecting its endpoints. We introduce a novel attack against this nonideality using directional wave measurements and experimentally demonstrate its efficacy.
Hes7 3′UTR is required for somite segmentation function
Authors: Fujimuro Takeshi , Matsui Takaaki , Nitanda Yasuhide , Matta Tatsuro , Sakumura Yuichi , Saito Michiko , Kohno Kenji , Nakahata Yasukazu , Bessho Yasumasa
Published: September 2014

A set of genes in the posterior end of developing mouse embryos shows oscillatory expression, thereby regulating periodic somite segmentation. Although the mechanism for generating oscillation has extensively been clarified, what regulates the oscillation period is still unclear. We attempted to elongate the oscillation period by increasing the time to transcribe Hes7 in this research. We generated knock-in mice, in which a large intron was inserted into Hes7 3′UTR. The exogenous intron was unexpectedly not properly spliced out and the transcripts were prematurely terminated. Consequently, Hes7 mRNA lost its 3′UTR, thereby reducing the amount of Hes7 protein. Oscillation was damped in the knock-in embryos and periodic somite segmentation does not occur properly. Thus, we demonstrated that Hes7 3′UTR is essential to accumulate adequate amounts of Hes7 protein for the somite segmentation clock that orchestrates periodic somite formation.
Post-assembly guest oxidation in a metallo-supramolecular host and structural rearrangement to a coordination polymer
Authors: Rancan Marzio , Tessarolo Jacopo , Quici Silvio , Armelao Lidia
Published: September 2014

The guest hosted in a metallo-supramolecular triangle undergoes post-assembly oxidation. The oxidation is triggered by selected solvents that also govern the host rearrangement to a 1D coordination polymer.
[(Salcen)CrIII + Lewis base]-catalyzed synthesis of N-aryl-substituted oxazolidinones from epoxides and aryl isocyanates
Authors: Paddock Robert L. , Adhikari Debashis , Lord Richard L. , Baik Mu-Hyun , Nguyen SonBinh T.
Published: September 2014

[(Salcen)CrIII + Lewis base] was found to be a highly active and selective catalyst system in the [2+3] cycloaddition reaction between epoxides and isocyanates to form 5-oxazolidinones.
First observation of HO˙ reactivity in water under high energy ions at elevated temperature
Authors: Balcerzyk A. , Boughattas I. , Pin S. , Balanzat E. , Baldacchino G.
Published: September 2014

Distribution of HO˙ around the energetic ion tracks is observed to be larger at 350 eV nm−1 than at 65 eV nm−1. Temperature accelerates the recombination of HO˙ in the ns time-range.
Polymer nanofibers: preserving nanomorphology in ternary blend organic photovoltaics
Authors: Salim Teddy , Lek Jun Yan , Bräuer Björn , Fichou Denis , Lam Yeng Ming
Published: September 2014

The morphology of donor–acceptor blends holds the key to good performance through the balancing of good exciton dissociation efficiency and interconnectivity for good charge collection.
Efficient and recyclable Cu2(BDC)2(BPY)-catalyzed oxidative amidation of terminal alkynes: role of bipyridine ligand
Authors: Le Hanh T. N. , Tran Thuan V. , Phan Nam T. S. , Truong Thanh
Published: September 2014

We have described an efficient method for oxidative cross coupling reactions between activated N–H amines and terminal alkynes using heterogeneous Cu2(BDC)2(BPY) as recyclable catalyst (BDC = benzene-1,4-dicarboxylate; BPY = 4,4′-bipyridine).
Rational design of MoS2 catalysts: tuning the structure and activity via transition metal doping
Authors: Tsai Charlie , Chan Karen , Nørskov Jens K. , Abild-Pedersen Frank
Published: September 2014

Density functional theory is used to elucidate and understand the trends in hydrogen evolution activity of transition-metal doped MoS2 catalysts.
Chemical characterization of a red raspberry fruit extract and evaluation of its pharmacological effects in experimental models of acute inflammation and collagen-induced arthritis
Authors: Figueira M. E. , Câmara M. B. , Direito R. , Rocha J. , Serra A. T. , Duarte C. M. M. , Fernandes A. , Freitas M. , Fernandes E. , Marques M. C. , Bronze M. R. , Sepodes B.
Published: September 2014

A red raspberry extract reduces inflammation and the development of clinical signs of arthritis in Wistar rats.
Bitter taste genetics – the relationship to tasting, liking, consumption and health
Authors: Beckett Emma L. , Martin Charlotte , Yates Zoe , Veysey Martin , Duesing Konsta , Lucock Mark
Published: September 2014

Bitter is the most complex, and arguably the most important of human tastes; however the complex relationships to health and disease are yet to be fully elucidated.
Application of an acoustofluidic perfusion bioreactor for cartilage tissue engineering
Authors: Li Siwei , Glynne-Jones Peter , Andriotis Orestis G. , Ching Kuan Y. , Jonnalagadda Umesh S. , Oreffo Richard O. C. , Hill Martyn , Tare Rahul S.
Published: September 2014

Bioengineering neocartilage grafts of human articular chondrocytes in a custom-built microfluidic perfusion bioreactor with integrated ultrasound standing wave trap.
Investigation of the therapeutic effectiveness of active components in Sini decoction by a comprehensive GC/LC-MS based metabolomics and network pharmacology approaches
Authors: Chen Si , Wu Si , Li Wuhong , Chen Xiaofei , Dong Xin , Tan Guangguo , Zhang Hai , Hong Zhanying , Zhu Zhenyu , Chai Yifeng
Published: September 2014

Investigation of the therapeutic effectiveness of active components inSinidecoction using comprehensive gc/lc-ms based metabolomics and network pharmacology approaches.
Immobilization of microorganisms for AFM studies in liquids
Authors: Günther Tobias J. , Suhr Matthias , Raff Johannes , Pollmann Katrin
Published: September 2014

Reproducible immobilization method even for living eukaryotes and prokaryotes on polyelectrolyte coated surfaces for high resolution AFM imaging in liquids.
A novel poly(N-isopropyl-acrylamine-co-l-proline) catalyst for aldol reaction: synthesis, catalytic performance and recyclability
Authors: Liu Yubing , Tong Qing , Ge Liya , Zhang Yu , Hua Lin , Fan Yining
Published: September 2014

A novel homogeneous copolymer catalyst, poly(N-isopropyl-acrylamine-co-l-proline), possesses excellent activity and stereoselectivities. Even after ten cycles, the catalytic activity and stereoselectivities remained almost unchanged. The circular dichroism spectra of the copolymer catalyst are apparently different from the corresponding monomer.
A flexible, nonenzymatic glucose biosensor based on Ni-coordinated, vertically aligned carbon nanotube arrays
Authors: Kim Wan-Sun , Lee Gi-Ja , Ryu Je-Hwang , Park KyuChang , Park Hun-Kuk
Published: September 2014

We evaluated the use of flexible biosensors based on Ni-coordinated, vertically aligned carbon nanotubes on a flexible graphite substrate (Ni/VCNTs/G) for the nonenzymatic electrochemical detection of glucose.
Studies of structural diversity due to inter-/intra-molecular hydrogen bonding and photoluminescent properties in thiocarboxylate Cu(i) and Ag(i) complexes
Authors: Singh Suryabhan , Bhattacharya Subrato
Published: September 2014

Cu(I) and Ag(I) thiocarboxylate complexes containing 2-mercaptobenzimidazole and 2-mercapto-2-thiazoline were synthesized. Direction of H-bonding depends on the R-group of thiocarboxylate ligands. AIM and NBO (DFT) calculations revealed the nature of M-M interactions in complex 7.
Synthesis and antibacterial evaluation of novel Schiff's base derivatives of nitroimidazole nuclei as potent E. coli FabH inhibitors
Authors: Zhang Xin , Sangani Chetan B. , Jia Li-Xin , Gong Pi-Xian , Wang Fang , Wang Jun-Fang , Zhu Hai-Liang
Published: September 2014

Series of novel Schiff's base derivatives have been synthesized. Compound10qshowed the most potent inhibitory activity (IC50= 2.6883 μM).
Refining nanotopographical features on bone implant surfaces by altering surface chemical compositions
Authors: Zhao Xiaobing , Wang Guocheng , Zheng Hai , Lu Zufu , Cheng Xingbao , Zreiqat Hala
Published: September 2014

Nb2O5/TiO2 composite coatings with controllable nanostructures were achieved by adjusting the amount of Nb2O5 in one simple and single plasma spraying process and Nb2O5 doping showed its potential use in enhancing the biological properties of biomedical TiO2 coatings.
Fabricating a novel porous releaser of heparin
Authors: Wan Mi Mi , Zhu Hao Yue , Qian Wen Juan , Tao Si Qi , Wang Ying , Zhu Jian Hua
Published: September 2014

Reduced graphene oxide (rGO) could adsorb heparin of 112 mg g−1and released 80% of them within 30 days.
One-pot pretreatment, saccharification and ethanol fermentation of lignocellulose based on acid–base mixture pretreatment
Authors: Jung Young Hoon , Park Hyun Min , Kim In Jung , Park Yong-Cheol , Seo Jin-Ho , Kim Kyoung Heon
Published: September 2014

One-pot pretreatment, saccharification and ethanol fermentation of lignocellulose, which is based on acid–base mixture pretreament, will greatly reduces the overall processing costs not only for the production of cellulosic ethanol but also for the lignocellulose-based biorefinery.
Effect of acrylonitrile content on compatibility and damping properties of hindered phenol AO-60/nitrile-butadiene rubber composites: molecular dynamics simulation
Authors: Song Meng , Zhao Xiuying , Li Yi , Chan Tung W. , Zhang Liqun , Wu Sizhu
Published: September 2014

By combining molecular dynamics simulations with experiment, the effect of acrylonitrile content on the compatibility and damping properties were investigated in the AO-60/nitrile-butadiene rubber composites.
Ultra-sensitive pH control of supramolecular polymers and hydrogels: pKa matching of biomimetic monomers
Authors: Cafferty B. J. , Avirah R. R. , Schuster G. B. , Hud N. V.
Published: September 2014

pKa-matched monomers self-assemble into supramolecular polymers at pH 7, producing hydrogels with high pH sensitivity.
Role of lipid polymorphism in acoustically sensitive liposomes
Authors: Kang Minjee , Huang Grace , Leal Cecilia
Published: September 2014

We investigate liposome membrane restructuring induced by ultrasound exposure. Ultrasound induces membrane thinning and when non-lamellar lipids are present there is a topological restructuring from lamellar-Lαto reversed hexagonal-HIIphases.
ROS-cleavable proline oligomer crosslinking of polycaprolactone for pro-angiogenic host response
Authors: Lee Sue Hyun , Boire Timothy C. , Lee Jung Bok , Gupta Mukesh K. , Zachman Angela L. , Rath Rutwik , Sung Hak-Joon
Published: September 2014

When carboxylated poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) is crosslinked with ROS-degradable peptide KP7K oligomers and fabricated into porous scaffolds for tissue engineering applications, the scaffolds exhibit excellent physiological ROS-mediated degradation with induction of new blood vessel growth from the host.
An unexpected increase of toxicity of amino acid-containing ionic liquids
Authors: Egorova Ksenia S. , Seitkalieva Marina M. , Posvyatenko Alexandra V. , Ananikov Valentine P.
Published: September 2014

The influence of the structure of cations and anions on the biological activity of ionic liquids is addressed.
Palm oil tocotrienol-rich fraction attenuates testicular toxicity induced by fenitrothion via an oxidative stress mechanism
Authors: Taib Izatus Shima , Budin Siti Balkis , Ghazali Ahmad Rohi , Jayusman Putri Ayu , Louis Santhana Raj , Mohamed Jamaludin
Published: September 2014

Palm oil tocotrienol rich fraction reduced the testicular toxicity effects of fenitrothion by its antioxidant properties, involved in the synthesis of DNA repairing enzymes as well as blocking the HSP70 gene transcription.
Method of blind reconstruction for trellis‐coded modulation codes
Authors: Bo Yuxing , Liao Hongshu , Cai Zhongfei , Li Liping
Published: September 2014

Since trellis‐coded modulation (TCM) was introduced, it was quickly adopted in modem standards. Unlike blind reconstruction for normal channel coding, blind reconstruction for TCM codes not only requires identifying the correct generator matrix, but also the correct type of constellation mapping. So far this has seldom been reported. This study proposes a method which recognises the generator matrix and the mapping mode of TCM codes. Based on its construction and properties, the generator matrix can be correctly identified by considering the characteristics of the actual communication system. That is, its Euclidean distance and Hamming distance are considered to discover the mapping mode. Simulations prove that the methodology can realise the blind identification of TCM codes efficiently.
Distributed H∞ filtering over sensor networks with heterogeneous Markovian coupling intercommunication delays
Authors: Ge Xiaohua , Han Qing‐Long , Jiang Xiefu
Published: September 2014

This study is concerned with distributed H∞ filtering for continuous‐time linear systems over sensor networks with heterogeneous Markovian coupling intercommunication delays. The set of sensor nodes forms a sensing and communication network whose topology is modelled by a directed graph that describes the measurement exchanged among neighbouring sensor nodes. Heterogeneous random coupling delays modelled by a Markov process are considered in the intercommunication between interacting sensor nodes. A refined two‐step decoupling technique is presented to deal with the complicated coupling of exchanged measurement in the presence of the delays. A sufficient condition on the existence of desired distributed H∞ filters is derived such that the resultant filtering error system is mean square exponentially stable with prescribed weighting average H∞ performance. Two illustrative examples are given to show the effectiveness of the proposed results.
Development of a distributed consensus algorithm for multiple Euler–Lagrange systems
Authors: Liu Lei , Shan Jinjun
Published: September 2014

In this study, a consensus algorithm for multiple non‐linear Euler–Lagrange systems is presented. This controller guarantees that all agents can reach a common state in the workspace. External disturbances acting on the system are included in the closed‐loop stability analysis, and the input‐to‐state properties of the proposed controller are investigated based on the concept of input‐to‐state consensus. Moreover, the influence of structural uncertainty is further discussed on the basis of passivity theory. The robustness of the proposed consensus algorithm is then demonstrated in the presence of both external disturbances and structural uncertainty. Experiments are conducted to validate the effectiveness of the proposed consensus algorithm.
Interval stability of time‐varying two‐dimensional hierarchical discrete‐time multi‐agent systems
Authors: Xiong Wenjun , Hayat Tasawar , Cao Jinde
Published: September 2014

This study investigates the stability of time‐varying two‐dimensional hierarchical discrete‐time multi‐agent systems. The first objective is to design mathematical models to present the hierarchical and time‐varying structure of two‐dimensional multi‐agent systems. Based on the hierarchical structure, the interval stability of time‐invariant multi‐agent systems can be obtained to guarantee the stability analysis of time‐varying multi‐agent systems. Then, a simple condition is given to achieve the stability of time‐invariant systems. Finally, simulation results are given to illustrate the usefulness of the developed criteria.
Fluoropolymer coatings for improved carbon nanotube transistor device and circuit performance
Authors: Jang Seonpil , Kim Bongjun , Geier Michael L. , Prabhumirashi Pradyumna L. , Hersam Mark C. , Dodabalapur Ananth
Published: September 2014

We report on the marked improvements in key device characteristics of single walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) field-effect transistors (FETs) by coating the active semiconductor with a fluoropolymer layer such as poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene) (PVDF-TrFE). The observed improvements include: (i) A reduction in off-current by about an order of magnitude, (ii) a significant reduction in the variation of threshold voltage, and (iii) a reduction in bias stress-related instability and hysteresis present in device characteristics. These favorable changes in device characteristics also enhance circuit performance and the oscillation amplitude, oscillation frequency, and increase the yield of printed complementary 5-stage ring oscillators. The origins of these improvements are explored by exposing SWCNT FETs to a number of vapor phase polar molecules which produce similar effects on the FET characteristics as the PVDF-TrFE. Coating of the active SWCNT semiconductor layer with a fluoropolymer will be advantageous for the adoption of SWCNT FETs in a variety of printed electronics applications.
Intermolecular interactions in highly concentrated protein solutions upon compression and the role of the solvent
Authors: Grobelny S. , Erlkamp M. , Möller J. , Tolan M. , Winter R.
Published: September 2014

The influence of high hydrostatic pressure on the structure and protein-protein interaction potential of highly concentrated lysozyme solutions up to about 370 mg ml−1 was studied and analyzed using small-angle X-ray scattering in combination with a liquid-state theoretical approach. In the concentration region below 200 mg ml−1, the interaction parameters of lysozyme solutions are affected by pressure in a nonlinear way, which is probably due to significant changes in the structural properties of bulk water, i.e., due to a solvent-mediated effect. Conversely, for higher concentrated protein solutions, where hydration layers below ∼4 water molecules are reached, the interaction potential turns rather insensitive to compression. The onset of transient (dynamic) clustering is envisaged in this concentration range. Our results also show that pressure suppresses protein nucleation, aggregation and finally crystallization in supersaturated condensed protein solutions. These findings are of importance for controlling and fine-tuning protein crystallization. Moreover, these results are also important for understanding the high stability of highly concentrated protein solutions (as they occur intracellularly) in organisms thriving under hydrostatic pressure conditions such as in the deep sea, where pressures up to the kbar-level are reached.
Deviations from the Paschen's law at short gap distances from 100 nm to 10 μm in air and nitrogen
Authors: Peschot A. , Bonifaci N. , Lesaint O. , Valadares C. , Poulain C.
Published: September 2014

Deviations from the Paschen's law in air and nitrogen are investigated for gaps from 100 nm to 10 μm, by using a high precision electrode positioning system. The deviation is observed when electrode gaps are smaller than 4 μm at atmospheric pressure. At distances lower than 1 μm, a nearly constant average breakdown field of 350 V/μm is evidenced in both gases with Au and Ru electrodes. A metallic plasma initiated by field emission from the cathode can explain the reduction of the breakdown voltage at such low gaps. In ambient air, the existence of a pre-breakdown current is also evidenced, probably due to the presence of water adsorbed on electrodes.
Q-plates micro-arrays for parallel processing of the photon orbital angular momentum
Authors: Loussert Charles , Kushnir Kateryna , Brasselet Etienne
Published: September 2014

We report on the realization of electrically tunable micro-arrays of space-variant optically anisotropic optical vortex generators. Each individual light orbital angular momentum processor consists of a microscopic self-engineered nematic liquid crystal q-plate made of a nonsingular topological defect spontaneously formed under electric field. Both structural and optical characterizations of the obtained spin-orbit optical interface are analyzed. An analytical model is derived and results of simulations are compared with experimental data. The application potential in terms of parallel processing of the optical orbital angular momentum is quantitatively discussed.
Bounds on the concavity of quantum entropy
Authors: Kim Isaac , Ruskai Mary Beth
Published: September 2014

We give new upper and lower bounds on the concavity of quantum entropy. Comparisons are given with other results in the literature.
The boson peak of deeply cooled confined water reveals the existence of a low-temperature liquid-liquid crossover
Authors: Cupane Antonio , Fomina Margarita , Schirò Giorgio
Published: September 2014

The Boson peak of deeply cooled water confined in the pores of a silica xerogel is studied by inelastic neutron scattering at different hydration levels to separate the contributions from matrix, water on the pore surfaces and “internal” water. Our results reveal that at high hydration level, where the contribution from internal water is dominant, the temperature dependence of the Boson peak intensity shows an inflection point at about 225 K. The complementary use of differential scanning calorimetry to describe the thermodynamics of the system allows identifying the inflection point as the signature of a water liquid-liquid crossover.