bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dissociable cortico-striatal connectivity abnormalities in major depression in response to monetary gains and penalties
Authors: Admon R. , Nickerson L. D. , Dillon D. G. , Holmes A. J. , Bogdan R. , Kumar P. , Dougherty D. D. , Iosifescu D. V. , Mischoulon D. , Fava M. , Pizzagalli D. A.
Published: May 2014

Background

Individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD) are characterized by maladaptive responses to both positive and negative outcomes, which have been linked to localized abnormal activations in cortical and striatal brain regions. However, the exact neural circuitry implicated in such abnormalities remains largely unexplored.

Method

In this study 26 unmedicated adults with MDD and 29 matched healthy controls (HCs) completed a monetary incentive delay task during functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Psychophysiological interaction (PPI) analyses probed group differences in connectivity separately in response to positive and negative outcomes (i.e. monetary gains and penalties).

Results

Relative to HCs, MDD subjects displayed decreased connectivity between the caudate and dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC) in response to monetary gains, yet increased connectivity between the caudate and a different, more rostral, dACC subregion in response to monetary penalties. Moreover, exploratory analyses of 14 MDD patients who completed a 12-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial after the baseline fMRI scans indicated that a more normative pattern of cortico-striatal connectivity pre-treatment was associated with greater improvement in symptoms 12 weeks later.

Conclusions

These results identify the caudate as a region with dissociable incentive-dependent dACC connectivity abnormalities in MDD, and provide initial evidence that cortico-striatal circuitry may play a role in MDD treatment response. Given the role of cortico-striatal circuitry in encoding action–outcome contingencies, such dysregulated connectivity may relate to the prominent disruptions in goal-directed behavior that characterize MDD.
Dhāraṇīsand visions in early esoteric Buddhist sources in Chinese translation
Authors: Shinohara Koichi
Published: May 2014

Within the wider esoteric Buddhist tradition, this paper examines visions and soteriological goals indhāraṇīpractice by looking at the early instructions that are preserved in multiple Chinese translations. A number of different but not mutually exclusive ritual scenarios are presented in these materials. Here I will focus on two specific scenarios, namelydhāraṇīpractices with and without visionary confirmation.
The evolution of the Buddhistrakṣāgenre in the light of new evidence from Gandhāra: The *Manasvi-nāgarāja-sūtrafrom the Bajaur Collection of Kharoṣṭhī Manuscripts
Authors: Strauch Ingo
Published: May 2014

This article examines the *Manasvi-nāgarāja-sūtra,a unique text in therakṣāgenre of Buddhist literature dating to the early centuries of the common era. In addition to exploring special features of the vocabulary and meaning of this text, the article places the *Manasvi-nāgarāja-sūtrain the wider context of Buddhist textual and ritual practice in the first, second and third centuriesce.
Memory reconsolidation, emotional arousal, and the process of change in psychotherapy: New insights from brain science
Authors: Lane Richard D. , Ryan Lee , Nadel Lynn , Greenberg Leslie
Published: May 2014

Since Freud, clinicians have understood that disturbing memories contribute to psychopathology and that new emotional experiences contribute to therapeutic change. Yet, controversy remains about what is truly essential to bring about psychotherapeutic change. Mounting evidence from empirical studies suggests that emotional arousal is a key ingredient in therapeutic change in many modalities. In addition, memory seems to play an important role but there is a lack of consensus on the role of understanding what happened in the past in bringing about therapeutic change. The core idea of this paper is that therapeutic change in a variety of modalities, including behavioral therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, emotion-focused therapy, and psychodynamic psychotherapy, results from the updating of prior emotional memories through a process of reconsolidation that incorporates new emotional experiences. We present an integrated memory model with three interactive components – autobiographical (event) memories, semantic structures, and emotional responses – supported by emerging evidence from cognitive neuroscience on implicit and explicit emotion, implicit and explicit memory, emotion-memory interactions, memory reconsolidation, and the relationship between autobiographical and semantic memory. We propose that the essential ingredients of therapeutic change include: (1) reactivating old memories; (2) engaging in new emotional experiences that are incorporated into these reactivated memories via the process of reconsolidation; and (3) reinforcing the integrated memory structure by practicing a new way of behaving and experiencing the world in a variety of contexts. The implications of this new, neurobiologically grounded synthesis for research, clinical practice, and teaching are discussed.
The influence of learning a second language in primary school on developing first language literacy skills
Authors: MURPHY VICTORIA A. , MACARO ERNESTO , ALBA SONIA , CIPOLLA CLAUDIA
Published: May 2014

This study investigated whether learning a second language (L2) has a facilitative effect on first language (L1) literacy and whether there is an advantage to learning an L2 with transparent grapheme–phoneme correspondences. One hundred fifty Year 3 children were randomly assigned into one of three groups: L2 Italian, L2 French, and control. Children were pretested on measures of English (L1) spelling, reading and phonological processing. The L2 groups then received 15 weeks of L2 instruction in Italian or French, respectively. The L2 groups outperformed the control group on posttest measures of English reading accuracy and different aspects of phonological processing. In addition, there was an advantage for the L2 Italian group as their scores were higher than the L2 French group on English reading accuracy and phonological processing.
Simple realization of balanced motions under different speeds for a mechanical regulator-free bicycle robot
Authors: Huang Yonghua , Liao Qizheng , Guo Lei , Wei Shimin
Published: May 2014

Mechanical regulator-free bicycle robots have lighter weight and fewer actuators than the traditional regulator-based bicycle robots. In order to deal with the difficulty of maintaining balance for this kind of bicycle robot, we consider a front-wheel drive and mechanical regulator-free bicycle robot. We present the methodologies for realizing the robot's ultra-low-speed track-stand motion, moderate-speed circular motion and high-speed rectilinear motion. A simplified dynamics of the robot is developed using three independent velocities. From the dynamics, we suggest there may be an underactuated rolling angle in the system. Our balancing strategies are inspired by human riders' experience, and our control rules are based on the bicycle system's underactuated dynamics. In the case of track-stand and circular motion, we linearize the frame's rolling angle and configure the robot to maintain balance by the front-wheel's motion with a fixed front-bar turning angle. In the case of the rectilinear motion, we linearize both front-bar steering angle and front-wheel rotating angle, and configure the system to maintain balance by the front-bar's turning with a constant front-wheel rotating rate. Numerical simulations and physical experiments are given together to validate the effectiveness of our control strategies in realizing the robot's proposed three motions.
Optimization of a redundantly actuated 5R symmetrical parallel mechanism based on structural stiffness
Authors: Jin Sangrok , Kim Jongwon , Seo TaeWon
Published: May 2014

A redundantly actuated parallel kinematic machine (PKM) can be used to avoid singularities, normalize manipulability, and increase the stiffness of anon-redundant mechanism. In this study, a redundantly actuated symmetrical PKM with five revolute (5R) joints is optimized for isotropic stiffness in the workspace. The stiffness of the 5R symmetrical PKM is calculated by the superposition of the actuator stiffness and the structural stiffness. We compared the stiffness of anon-redundant PKM and a redundant PKM. Compliance ellipses of the actuator stiffness and the structural stiffness of the non-redundant PKM resulted in the same configurations in the workspace, while those of the redundant PKM resulted in very different configurations. Optimization was performed by determining the optimal actuator torques that are needed to maximize the conditioning index. Optimal results considering structural stiffness can provide a more uniform directional stiffness than optimal results considering the index. When the strength of the linkages in a PKM is weak, the structural stiffness affects the actual stiffness considerably. We believe that the results of this study can be used to help design and control redundant PKMs.
Rietveld texture analysis from synchrotron diffraction images. II. Complex multiphase materials and diamond anvil cell experiments
Authors: Wenk Hans-Rudolf , Lutterotti Luca , Kaercher Pamela , Kanitpanyacharoen Waruntorn , Miyagi Lowell , Vasin Roman
Published: May 2014

Synchrotron X-ray diffraction images are increasingly used to characterize crystallographic preferred orientation distributions (texture) of fine-grained polyphase materials. Diffraction images can be analyzed quantitatively with the Rietveld method as implemented in the software package Materials Analysis Using Diffraction. Here we describe the analysis procedure for diffraction images collected with high energy X-rays for a complex, multiphase shale, and for those collectedin situin diamond anvil cells at high pressure and anisotropic stress.
Serogroup W meningococcal disease: global spread and current affect on the Southern Cone in Latin America
Authors: ABAD R. , LÓPEZ E. L. , DEBBAG R. , VÁZQUEZ J. A.
Published: May 2014

Meningococcal serogroup W strains have been emerging throughout the current century with most of the isolates belonging to the sequence type (ST11)/electrophoretic type (ET37) clonal complex (ST11/E37 CC), particularly since the international outbreak following Hajj 2000. That outbreak appears to have triggered off that trend, contributing to the spread of W ST11/ET37 CC strains globally; however, local strains could be also responsible for increases in the percentage and/or incidence rates of this serogroup in some countries. More recently, unexpected increases in the percentage and incidence rate of W has been noticed in different countries located in the South Cone in Latin America, and W ST11/ET37 CC strains now appear as endemic in the region and an extensive immunization programme with tetravalent conjugate vaccine (covering serogroups A, C, Y and W) has been recently implemented in Chile. It is difficult to ascertain whether we are observing the emergence of W ST11 CC strains in different geographical areas or whether the Hajj 2000 strain is still spreading globally. Several aspects of the evolution of that situation are analysed in this paper, reviewing also the implications in immunization programmes. Closely related with the analysis of this potential evolution, it will be very interesting to monitor the evolution of serogroup W in the African meningitis belt after implementation of the extensive immunization programme with serogroup A conjugate vaccine that is currently underway. More data about carriers, transmission, clonal lineages, etc. are needed for taking decisions (target groups, outbreak control, defining the extent, etc.) to adapt the response strategy with potential interventions with broad coverage vaccines against the emergent serogroup W.
HIV drug resistance in newly diagnosed adults in a rural prefecture of eastern China
Authors: HUA J. , LIN H. , DING Y. , QIU D. , WONG F. , HE N.
Published: May 2014

Little is known about HIV drug resistance (HIVDR) in newly diagnosed HIV-infected adults in eastern China where the HIV epidemic is spreading predominantly through sexual contact. During 2008–2011, newly HIV-diagnosed adults in Taizhou prefecture, Zhejiang province in eastern China were examined for HIVDR by amplifying and sequencing the HIV-1polgene. Of 447 genotyped participants, 53·7% were infected with CRF01_AE, 20·1% with CRF07_BC, 12·5% with subtype B, and 11·6% with CRF08_BC. Most of the participants had one or more minor genetic mutations in thepolgene that are associated with HIVDR. Twelve (2·7%) participants met the standard guidelines of having low to high HIVDR, suggesting that the prevalence of HIVDR in newly HIV-diagnosed adults was low in the study area and current antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimens are likely to remain effective. However, given high frequency of minor HIVDR in HIV patients and the scaling up of ART programmes in China, larger HIVDR surveillance programmes are needed.
Competences Required for the Delivery of High and Low-Intensity Cognitive Behavioural Interventions for Chronic Fatigue, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/ME and Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Authors: Rimes Katharine A. , Wingrove Janet , Moss-Morris Rona , Chalder Trudie
Published: May 2014

Background: Cognitive behavioural interventions are effective in the treatment of chronic fatigue, chronic fatigue syndrome (sometimes known as ME or CFS/ME) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Such interventions are increasingly being provided not only in specialist settings but in primary care settings such as Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) services. There are no existing competences for the delivery of “low-intensity” or “high-intensity” cognitive behavioural interventions for these conditions. Aims: To develop “high-intensity” and “low-intensity” competences for cognitive behavioural interventions for chronic fatigue, CFS/ME and IBS. Method: The initial draft drew on a variety of sources including treatment manuals and other information from randomized controlled trials. Therapists with experience in providing cognitive behavioural interventions for CF, CFS/ME and IBS in research and clinical settings were consulted on the initial draft competences and their suggestions for minor amendments were incorporated into the final versions. Results: Feedback from experienced therapists was positive. Therapists providing low intensity interventions reported that the competences were also helpful in highlighting training needs. Conclusions: These sets of competences should facilitate the training and supervision of therapists providing cognitive behavioural interventions for chronic fatigue, CFS/ME and IBS. The competences are available online (see table of contents for this issue: http://journals.cambridge.org/jid_BCP) or on request from the first author.
Vulnerability of household consumption to floods and droughts in developing countries: evidence from Pakistan
Authors: Kurosaki Takashi
Published: May 2014

Aggregate shocks such as droughts and floods cannot be perfectly insured by risk sharing within a village. Given this inability, what type of households are more vulnerable in terms of a decline in consumption when a village is hit by such shocks and what kind of microeconomic mechanism underlies the household heterogeneity in vulnerability? These questions are investigated using two-period panel data collected in rural Pakistan in 2001 and 2004. We compare consumption response to droughts, floods and health shocks and investigate how the response differs across different types of households. Empirical results show that the impact of droughts was negligible, younger and more landed households were less vulnerable to floods, and households with greater access to formal financial institutions were less vulnerable to idiosyncratic health shocks. The empirical pattern suggests the possibility of risk sharing among households that are heterogeneous in both risk aversion and credit access.
Crop microinsurance: tackling poverty, one insurance policy at a time
Authors: Mookerjee Agrotosh , Clarke Daniel , Grenham Dermot , Sharpe James , Stein Daniel
Published: May 2014

Crop index microinsurance is a novel product that has been piloted and implemented in many developing countries. We attempt to give an overview of crop index microinsurance, covering the major issues needed to design, price and implement a crop index microinurance programme. In some ways, providing insurance to the poor is fundamentally different to providing insurance to the middle-income or rich; in other ways, including in the actuarial fields of product design, pricing and risk financing, there are strong similarities. We offer a stylised discussion of these differences and similarities, with particular reference to issues of potential interest to actuaries, and propose an actuarial framework for crop index microinsurance. Case studies from Malawi and the Philippines provide examples for what does and what does not seem to work in crop index microinsurance, and motivation for further work needed.
Selective Small Molecule Compounds Increase BMP-2 Responsiveness by Inhibiting Smurf1-mediated Smad1/5 Degradation
Authors: Cao Yu , Wang Cheng , Zhang Xueli , Xing Guichun , Lu Kefeng , Gu Yongqing , He Fuchu , Zhang Lingqiang
Published: May 2014

The ubiquitin ligase Smad ubiquitination regulatory factor-1 (Smurf1) negatively regulates bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) pathway by ubiquitinating certain signal components for degradation. Thus, it can be an eligible pharmacological target for increasing BMP signal responsiveness. We established a strategy to discover small molecule compounds that block the WW1 domain of Smurf1 from interacting with Smad1/5 by structure based virtual screening, molecular experimental examination and cytological efficacy evaluation. Our selected hits could reserve the protein level of Smad1/5 from degradation by interrupting Smurf1-Smad1/5 interaction and inhibiting Smurf1 mediated ubiquitination of Smad1/5. Further, these compounds increased BMP-2 signal responsiveness and the expression of certain downstream genes, enhanced the osteoblastic activity of myoblasts and osteoblasts. Our work indicates targeting Smurf1 for inhibition could be an accessible strategy to discover BMP-sensitizers that might be applied in future clinical treatments of bone disorders such as osteopenia.
Electron transport of WS2 transistors in a hexagonal boron nitride dielectric environment
Authors: Withers Freddie , Bointon Thomas Hardisty , Hudson David Christopher , Craciun Monica Felicia , Russo Saverio
Published: May 2014

We present the first study of the intrinsic electrical properties of WS2 transistors fabricated with two different dielectric environments WS2 on SiO2 and WS2 on h-BN/SiO2, respectively. A comparative analysis of the electrical characteristics of multiple transistors fabricated from natural and synthetic WS2 with various thicknesses from single- up to four-layers and over a wide temperature range from 300 K down to 4.2 K shows that disorder intrinsic to WS2 is currently the limiting factor of the electrical properties of this material. These results shed light on the role played by extrinsic factors such as charge traps in the oxide dielectric thought to be the cause for the commonly observed small values of charge carrier mobility in transition metal dichalcogenides.
Ecto-domain phosphorylation promotes functional recovery from spinal cord injury
Authors: Suehiro Kenji , Nakamura Yuka , Xu Shuai , Uda Youichi , Matsumura Takafumi , Yamaguchi Yoshiaki , Okamura Hitoshi , Yamashita Toshihide , Takei Yoshinori
Published: May 2014

Inhibition of Nogo-66 receptor (NgR) can promote recovery following spinal cord injury. The ecto-domain of NgR can be phosphorylated by protein kinase A (PKA), which blocks activation of the receptor. Here, we found that infusion of PKA plus ATP into the damaged spinal cord can promote recovery of locomotor function. While significant elongation of cortical-spinal axons was not detectable even in the rats showing enhanced recovery, neuronal precursor cells were observed in the region where PKA plus ATP were directly applied. NgR1 was expressed in neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPs) derived from the adult spinal cord. Both an NgR1 antagonist NEP1-40 and ecto-domain phosphorylation of NgR1 promote neuronal cell production of the NSPs, in vitro. Thus, inhibition of NgR1 in NSPs can promote neuronal cell production, which could contribute to the enhanced recovery of locomotor function following infusion of PKA and ATP.
How much has the increase in atmospheric CO2 directly affected past soybean production?
Authors: Sakurai Gen , Iizumi Toshichika , Nishimori Motoki , Yokozawa Masayuki
Published: May 2014

Understanding the effects of climate change is vital for food security. Among the most important environmental impacts of climate change is the direct effect of increased atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration ([CO2]) on crop yields, known as the CO2 fertilization effect. Although several statistical studies have estimated past impacts of temperature and precipitation on crop yield at regional scales, the impact of past CO2 fertilization is not well known. We evaluated how soybean yields have been enhanced by historical atmospheric [CO2] increases in three major soybean-producing countries. The estimated average yields during 2002–2006 in the USA, Brazil and China were 4.34%, 7.57% and 5.10% larger, respectively, than the average yields estimated using the atmospheric [CO2] of 1980. Our results demonstrate the importance of considering atmospheric [CO2] increases in evaluations of the past effects of climate change on crop yields.
Imaging single chiral nanoparticles in turbid media using circular-polarization optical coherence microscopy
Authors: Zhang Pengfei , Mehta Kalpesh , Rehman Shakil , Chen Nanguang
Published: May 2014

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a widely used structural imaging method. However, it has limited use in molecular imaging due to the lack of an effective contrast mechanism. Gold nanoparticles have been widely used as molecular probes for optical microcopy based on Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR). Unfortunately, the SPR enhanced backscattering from nanoparticles is still relatively weak compared with the background signal from microscopic structures in biological tissues when imaged with OCT. Consequently, it is extremely challenging to perform OCT imaging of conventional nanoparticles in thick tissues with sensitivity comparable to that of fluorescence imaging. We have discovered and demonstrated a novel approach towards remarkable contrast enhancement, which is achieved by the use of a circular-polarization optical coherence microscopy system and 3-dimensional chiral nanostructures as contrast agents. By detecting the circular intensity differential depolarization (CIDD), we successfully acquired high quality images of single chiral nanoparticles underneath a 1-mm-thick tissue -mimicking phantom.
Determination of sedative–hypnotics in human hair by micropulverized extraction and liquid chromatography/quadrupole-Orbitrap mass spectrometry
Authors: Miyaguchi Hajime
Published: May 2014

A rapid and sensitive determination of 13 sedatives/hypnotics in human hair using micropulverized extraction and LC/high-resolution accurate MS.
Use of core–shell nanoring amino-functionalized superparamagnetic molecularly imprinted polymer for matrix solid phase dispersion extraction and preconcentration of ultratrace levels of BPA from water samples
Authors: Zhan Ping-Ping , Gong Wen-Jie , Zhao Yong-Gang
Published: May 2014

Determination of ultratrace levels of BPA in water by MSPD with a core–shell nanoring amino-functionalized magnetic molecularly imprinted polymer adsorbent followed by UFLC-MS/MS.
Magnetic three-dimensional graphene solid-phase extraction coupled with high performance liquid chromatography for the determination of phthalate esters in fruit juice
Authors: Hao Lin , Wang Chenhuan , Ma Xiaoxing , Wu Qiuhua , Wang Chun , Wang Zhi
Published: May 2014

Three-dimensional graphene-based magnetic nanocomposite was synthesized and used as an effective adsorbent for the extraction of phthalate esters from fruit juice prior to high performance liquid chromatography analysis.
Synthesis of multi-substituted vinylsilanes via copper(i)-catalyzed hydrosilylation reactions of allenes and propiolate derivatives with silylboronates
Authors: Xu Yun-He , Wu Liu-Hai , Wang Jun , Loh Teck-Peng
Published: May 2014

An efficient and general copper(i)-catalyzed method for the synthesis of multi-substituted vinylsilanes is reported.
A multifunctional anomeric linker for the chemoenzymatic synthesis of complex oligosaccharides
Authors: Prudden Anthony R. , Chinoy Zoeisha S. , Wolfert Margreet A. , Boons Geert-Jan
Published: May 2014

A multifunctional linker makes it possible to purify enzymatically-synthesized glycans and can give compounds for microarray and analytical method development.
Intramolecular N–H⋯Cl hydrogen bonds in the outer coordination sphere of a bipyridyl bisurea-based ligand stabilize a tetrahedral FeLCl2 complex
Authors: Gavette Jesse V. , Klug Christina M. , Zakharov Lev N. , Shores Matthew P. , Haley Michael M. , Johnson Darren W.
Published: May 2014

A bipyridyl-bisurea ligand coordinates a tetrahedral FeCl2 complex and demonstrates secondary coordination sphere influence through intramolecular hydrogen bonding to the chloride ligands.
[enH][Cu2AgSnS4]: a quaternary layered sulfide based on Cu–Ag–Sn–S composition
Authors: Xiong Wei-Wei , Miao Jianwei , Li Pei-Zhou , Zhao Yanli , Liu Bin , Zhang Qichun
Published: May 2014

A new copper–silver–thiostannate, [enH][Cu2AgSnS4] (1), which features a quaternary two dimensional anionic [Cu2AgSnS4]− layer, has been solvothermally synthesized.
Significance of β-dehydrogenation in ethanol electro-oxidation on platinum doped with Ru, Rh, Pd, Os and Ir
Authors: Sheng Tian , Lin Wen-Feng , Hardacre Christopher , Hu P.
Published: May 2014

In the exploration of highly efficient direct ethanol fuel cells (DEFCs), how to promote the CO2 selectivity is a key issue which remains to be solved.
Aqueous solutions of tetraalkylammonium halides: ion hydration, dynamics and ion–ion interactions in light of steric effects
Authors: Bhowmik Debsindhu , Malikova Natalie , Mériguet Guillaume , Bernard Olivier , Teixeira José , Turq Pierre
Published: May 2014

The absence of hydrophobicity-driven cation aggregation is reported in TMABr and TBABr aqueous solutions, by means of microscopic simulations.
Are all polar molecules hydrophilic? Hydration numbers of nitro compounds and nitriles in aqueous solution
Authors: Sagawa Naoya , Shikata Toshiyuki
Published: May 2014

Typical highly polar nitro compounds and nitriles should be classified ashydroneutralcompounds because of their hydration numbers of zero.
Enhanced performance of polymer solar cells by employing a ternary cascade energy structure
Authors: An Qiaoshi , Zhang Fujun , Li Lingliang , Zhuo Zuliang , Zhang Jian , Tang Weihua , Teng Feng
Published: May 2014

Employing a ternary cascade energy structure was demonstrated as an effective strategy for improving the performance of polymer solar cells.
Structural, electronic and energetic properties of giant icosahedral fullerenes up to C6000: insights from an ab initio hybrid DFT study
Authors: Noël Yves , De La Pierre Marco , Zicovich-Wilson Claudio M. , Orlando Roberto , Dovesi Roberto
Published: May 2014

An accurate and detailed electronic structure study of giant carbon fullerenes, benefitting from improved symmetry exploitation in the CRYSTAL14 code.
Toward a mechanistic understanding of oxidative homocoupling: the Glaser–Hay reaction
Authors: Jover Jesús , Spuhler Philipp , Zhao Ligang , McArdle Ciarán , Maseras Feliu
Published: May 2014

The full reaction mechanism for the copper catalyzed oxidative coupling of two terminal alkynes is computationally characterized with DFT methods
Mechanistic insight into the ruthenium-catalysed anti-Markovnikov hydration of alkynes using a self-assembled complex: a crucial role for ligand-assisted proton shuttle processes
Authors: Breit Bernhard , Gellrich Urs , Li Timothy , Lynam Jason M. , Milner Lucy M. , Pridmore Natalie E. , Slattery John M. , Whitwood Adrian C.
Published: May 2014

A combined computational and experimental study into the mechanism of the anti-Markovnikov hydration of phenylacetylene by a self-assembled ligand complex.
Hydroxytyrosol induces apoptosis in human colon cancer cells through ROS generation
Authors: Sun Lijuan , Luo Cheng , Liu Jiankang
Published: May 2014

Cancer cells are usually under higher levels of oxidative stress compared to normal cells.
New trends in the use of aminoglycosides
Authors: Fosso Marina Y. , Li Yijia , Garneau-Tsodikova Sylvie
Published: May 2014

Aminoglycosides (AGs) are well known for their valuable antibiotic properties. Recent advances in the use of AGs for additional purposes are presented.
Metal complexes and metalloproteases: targeting conformational diseases
Authors: Grasso Giuseppe , Bonnet Sylvestre
Published: May 2014

Metal complexes modulate the degradation of aggregation-prone substrates by metalloproteases and can be used to tackle conformational diseases.
Characterization of phenomena occurring at the interface of chiral conducting surfaces
Authors: Chahma M'hamed , McTiernan Christopher D. , Abbas Sara A.
Published: May 2014

Chiral conducting surfaces based on leucine functionalized terthiophenes can detect bioorganic molecules via formation of hydrogen bonds.
Asymmetric synthesis of substituted NH-piperidines from chiral amines
Authors: Gautam Lekh Nath , Su Yijin , Akhmedov Novruz G. , Petersen Jeffrey L. , Shi Xiaodong
Published: May 2014

Previously, we reported an efficient asymmetric synthesis of substituted piperidines through an exocyclic chirality induced nitroalkene/amine/enone (NAE) condensation reaction.
Camptothecin prodrug block copolymer micelles with high drug loading and target specificity
Authors: Khan Adnan R. , Magnusson Johannes Pall , Watson Sue , Grabowska Anna M. , Wilkinson Robert W. , Alexander Cameron , Pritchard David
Published: May 2014

The effects of a novel functional reducible camptothecin (CPT) block copolymer conjugate, targeting luteinizing hormone releasing hormone receptor (LHRHR) were evaluated against differing LHRHR expressing tumour cell lines and immune populations.
Earth-abundant and low-cost CZTS solar cell on flexible molybdenum foil
Authors: Zhang Yongzheng , Ye Qinyan , Liu Jiang , Chen Hao , He Xulin , Liao Cheng , Han Junfeng , Wang Hao , Mei Jun , Lau WoonMing
Published: May 2014

Flexible Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) solar cell with 3.82% conversion efficiency is prepared by co-electrodeposited method.
Enhanced visible photocatalytic activity of Cu2O nanocrystal/titanate nanobelt heterojunctions by a self-assembly process
Authors: Liu Yueli , Yang Guojie , Zhang Hao , Cheng Yuqing , Chen Keqiang , Peng Zhuoyin , Chen Wen
Published: May 2014

Photodegradation curves of Cu2O/titanate heterojunctions under visible light irradiation.
Structure and photoluminescence characteristics of europium(iii) doped in CaAl2Si2O8phosphors
Authors: Dai W. B. , Zhou M. , Xian Z. Y. , Zeng L. K.
Published: May 2014

A series of Eu3+activated CaAl2Si2O8phosphors have been synthesized at 1350 °C in air, and their photoluminescence properties have been investigated as a function of activator concentrations.
Alumina coating on 5 V lithium cobalt fluorophosphate cathode material for lithium secondary batteries – synthesis and electrochemical properties
Authors: Amaresh S. , Karthikeyan K. , Kim K. J. , Nahm K. S. , Lee Y. S.
Published: May 2014

The high voltage cathode material, Li2CoPO4F was successfully synthesized and coated with various amounts of Al2O3 for enhanced electrochemical performance.
Graphene quantum dots cut from graphene flakes: high electrocatalytic activity for oxygen reduction and low cytotoxicity
Authors: Yan Rui , Wu Hao , Zheng Qing , Wang Junying , Huang Jianlin , Ding Kejian , Guo Quangui , Wang Junzhong
Published: May 2014

3–8 nm sized high quality graphene quantum dots with zigzag edges and multi-heteroatom doping were synthesized through a green process of electrochemically cutting pristine few-layer graphene flakes.
Ultimate H2 and CH4 adsorption in slit-like carbon nanopores at 298 K: a molecular dynamics study
Authors: Poirier Eric
Published: May 2014

Molecular dynamics calculations of gas adsorption in ideal carbon slit pores provide new insights into the physical limits of nanocarbons for hydrogen and methane storage at very high pressures and room temperature.
Poly(arylene ether sulfone) containing thioether units: synthesis, oxidation and properties
Authors: Zhang Gang , Yuan Shu-shan , Li Zhi-min , Long Sheng-ru , Yang Jie
Published: May 2014

The resultant PASSs after oxidation had excellent corrosion resistance. They did not dissolve in NMP and concentrated H2SO4.
Lithium ferrite (Li0.5Fe2.5O4) nanoparticles as anodes for lithium ion batteries
Authors: Zeng Hong , Tao Tao , Wu Ying , Qi Wen , Kuang Chunjiang , Zhou Shaoxiong , Chen Ying
Published: May 2014

Lithium ferrite (Li0.5Fe2.5O4) nanoparticles are excellent anode materials for lithium ion batteries.
Self-assembled nanopillar arrays by simple spin coating from blending systems comprising PC61BM and conjugated polymers with special structure
Authors: Hu Jian , Luo Qian , Zhang Zhanyuan , Huang Yan , Yang Daobin , Pu Xuemei , Lu Zhiyun
Published: May 2014

Three conjugated D–A copolymers were found to form well-defined nanopillar arrays through a facile spin-casting process when blended with fullerene derivatives.
Vibrational study of adsorption of Congo red onto TiO2and the LSPR effect on its photocatalytic degradation process
Authors: de Souza M. L. , Tristão D. C. , Corio P.
Published: May 2014

Chemisorption of Congo red on a P25 yielded hydrazone tautomer caused distinctions on the photodegradation preference in comparison to another TiO2catalyst based on anatase. Photocatalytic degradation in the presence of Ag NPs demonstrated considerable improvement on kinetic parameters due to the near field enhancement.
TiO2 nanoparticles @ TiO2 nanofibers – an innovative one-dimensional material for dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Anjusree G. S. , Deepak T. G. , Pai K. R. Narendra , Joseph John , Arun T. A. , Nair Shantikumar V. , Nair A. Sreekumaran
Published: May 2014

An innovative one-dimensional nanoarchitecture having TiO2 nanoparticles decorating a TiO2 nanofiber surface fabricated by simultaneous electrospinning–electrospraying technique as a photoanode for dye-sensitized solar cells.
Planarizable push–pull oligothiophenes: in search of the perfect twist
Authors: Doval David Alonso , Molin Marta Dal , Ward Sandra , Fin Andrea , Sakai Naomi , Matile Stefan
Published: May 2014

The “twistome” of push–pull oligothiophenes is covered comprehensively. Particular emphasis is on the development of conceptually innovative fluorescent membrane probes.
Enhanced thermoelectric properties of the n-type Magnéli phase WO2.90: reduced thermal conductivity through microstructure engineering
Authors: Kieslich Gregor , Burkhardt Ulrich , Birkel Christina S. , Veremchuk Igor , Douglas Jason E. , Gaultois Michael W. , Lieberwirth Ingo , Seshadri Ram , Stucky Galen D. , Grin Yuri , Tremel Wolfgang
Published: May 2014

The thermoelectric properties of the Magnéli phase WO2.90 were investigated, with special attention to how the performance can be altered by changing its microstructure.
Formation of hybrid poly(styrene-co-maleic anhydride)–silica microcapsules
Authors: van Wijk Judith , van Deventer Nedine , Harmzen Elrika , Meuldijk Jan , Klumperman Bert
Published: May 2014

A technique for the micro-encapsulation of a contamination-free aqueous droplet is presented.
Large area uniformly oriented multilayer graphene with high transparency and conducting properties derived from highly oriented polyethylene films
Authors: He Bing , Ren Zhongjie , Yan Shouke , Wang Zhaohui
Published: May 2014

We present here the synthesis and characterization of well-ordered multilayer graphene from highly oriented polyethylene films. The obtained graphene films exhibit good optical and electrical properties.
Iterative learning and adaptive fault‐tolerant control with application to high‐speed trains under unknown speed delays and control input saturations
Authors: Fan Lingling
Published: May 2014

This study investigates the speed trajectory tracking problem of high‐speed trains with actuator failures and unknown speed delays as well as control input saturations. New adaptive iterative learning fault‐tolerant control (AILFTC) strategy is derived without the need for precise system parameters or analytically estimating bound on actuator failures variables. It is shown that with the proposed method, both actuator failures can be accommodated and the unknown time‐varying speed delays and control input saturations can be analysed by means of Lyapunov–Krasovskii function. As such, the resultant control algorithms are able to achieve the L[0,T]2 convergence of the train speed to desired profile during operations repeatedly in the presence of non‐linearities and parametric uncertainties, as validated by the theoretical analysis and numerical simulations.
Robust terminal sliding mode power flow controller using unified power flow controller with adaptive observer and local measurement
Authors: Mohammadpour Shotorbani Amin , Ajami Ali , Zadeh Saeed Gassem , Aghababa Mohammad Pourmahmood , Mahboubi Behzad
Published: May 2014

Unified power flow controller (UPFC) is one of the multipurpose flexible AC transmission system devices which controls the transmission line parameters independently and simultaneously. This study presents a novel power flow controlling method based on terminal sliding mode control (TSMC) method using UPFC. The proposed controller has the advantages of finite‐time convergence and chattering‐free properties. A chattering‐free state variable controller is designed and employed to address the problems of reference tracking, robustness against uncertainties and disturbances performance of the proposed controller is compared with an existing sliding mode controller (SMC) and a PI controller. Chattering phenomena and discontinuity of the sliding mode controller are also eliminated. Another objective of the proposed control scheme is to use only locally‐measurable states, and to avoid remote long distance measurements. An adaptive observer is used to estimate the receiving end bus voltage, to avoid the data transfer problems over long distances, and to fulfil advantages such as fault detection and isolation. The presented observer could also be used to estimate the measurable states of the system. Simulation results demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed controllers. It is shown that the convergence time of the proposed TSMC is lower than those of the SMC and PID controllers’. Stability of the proposed controllers is mathematically proved. The performance of the presented adaptive observer, in the noisy environment, is also evaluated by simulation. Finally, simulation results of the suggested controllers under transient states and faulty conditions are presented.
Variational formulation of macro-particle plasma simulation algorithms
Authors: Shadwick B. A. , Stamm A. B. , Evstatiev E. G.
Published: May 2014

A variation formulation of macro-particle kinetic plasma models is discussed. In the electrostatic case, the use of symplectic integrators is investigated and found to offer advantages over typical generic methods. For the electromagnetic case, gauge invariance and momentum conservation are considered in detail. It is shown that, while the symmetries responsible for these conservation laws are broken in the presence of a spatial grid, the conservation laws hold in an average sense. The requirements for exact invariance are explored and it is shown that one viable option is to represent the potentials with a truncated Fourier basis.
Computational approach to the study of thermal spin crossover phenomena
Authors: Rudavskyi Andrii , Sousa Carmen , de Graaf Coen , Havenith Remco W. A. , Broer Ria
Published: May 2014

The key parameters associated to the thermally induced spin crossover process have been calculated for a series of Fe(II) complexes with mono-, bi-, and tridentate ligands. Combination of density functional theory calculations for the geometries and for normal vibrational modes, and highly correlated wave function methods for the energies, allows us to accurately compute the entropy variation associated to the spin transition and the zero-point corrected energy difference between the low- and high-spin states. From these values, the transition temperature, T1/2, is estimated for different compounds.
Two-dimensional single-stream electron motion in a coaxial diode with magnetic insulation
Authors: Fuks Mikhail I. , Schamiloglu Edl
Published: May 2014

One of the most widespread models of electrons drifting around the cathode in magnetrons is the single-stream state, which is the Brillouin stream with purely azimuthal motion. We describe a single-stream state in which electrons not only move in the azimuthal direction, but also along the axial direction, which is useful for consideration, for example, of relativistic magnetrons, MILOs, and coaxial transmission lines. Relations are given for the conditions of magnetic insulation for 2D electron motion, for 1D azimuthal and axial motion, and for synchronism of these streams with the operating waves of M-type microwave sources. Relations are also provided for the threshold of generation in magnetrons with 2D electron motion.
Two-dimensional electron gases in strained quantum wells for AlN/GaN/AlN double heterostructure field-effect transistors on AlN
Authors: Li Guowang , Song Bo , Ganguly Satyaki , Zhu Mingda , Wang Ronghua , Yan Xiaodong , Verma Jai , Protasenko Vladimir , Grace Xing Huili , Jena Debdeep
Published: May 2014

Double heterostructures of strained GaN quantum wells (QWs) sandwiched between relaxed AlN layers provide a platform to investigate the quantum-confined electronic and optical properties of the wells. The growth of AlN/GaN/AlN heterostructures with varying GaN quantum well thicknesses on AlN by plasma molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) is reported. Photoluminescence spectra provide the optical signature of the thin GaN QWs. Reciprocal space mapping in X-ray diffraction shows that a GaN layer as thick as ∼28 nm is compressively strained to the AlN layer underneath. The density of the polarization-induced two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) in the undoped heterostructures increases with the GaN QW thickness, reaching ∼2.5 × 1013/cm2. This provides a way to tune the 2DEG channel density without changing the thickness of the top barrier layer. Electron mobilities less than ∼400 cm2/Vs are observed, leaving ample room for improvement. Nevertheless, owing to the high 2DEG density, strained GaN QW field-effect transistors with MBE regrown ohmic contacts exhibit an on-current density ∼1.4 A/mm, a transconductance ∼280 mS/mm, and a cut off frequency fT∼104 GHz for a 100-nm-gate-length device. These observations indicate high potential for high-speed radio frequency and high voltage applications that stand to benefit from the extreme-bandgap and high thermal conductivity of AlN.
Coexistence of unipolar and bipolar resistive switching in Pt/NiO/Pt
Authors: Choi Dooho , Soo Kim Chang
Published: May 2014

We demonstrate the coexistence of unipolar and bipolar resistive switching in NiO thin film fabricated by reactive sputtering. It was shown that the required voltages for switching operations in the bipolar switching mode are smaller than the voltages in the unipolar mode, while the ON/OFF resistance levels are similar for the two modes. The NiO resistive switching device also exhibited transitions between the two switching modes, with the subsequent I-V characteristics unaffected by the switching history, which clearly indicates that the two switching mechanisms are directly related. The switching versatility in NiO is expected to facilitate improved device performance, for example, by increasing the margin of programming voltages. Based on the investigation of device characteristics, we discuss the switching processes for the two switching modes and their relationship.
The effects of interstitial atoms H and B on magnetic properties and magnetocaloric effect in LaFe11.5Al1.5 compound
Authors: Zhang D. K. , Zhao J. L. , Shen J. , Zhang H. G. , Yue M.
Published: May 2014

The changes in magnetic properties of LaFe11.5Al1.5Hx and LaFe11.5Al1.5By have been investigated. By introducing interstitial atoms H or B, the magnetic ground state is changed from the antiferromagnetic to the ferromagnetic state, accompanied by significant increases in the saturated magnetization (Ms) and the Curie temperature (TC). An attractive feature is that the magnetic transition from the second-order to the weakly first-order with increasing hydrogen content compared to the magnetic transition from the weakly first-order to the second-order with increasing boron content. The maximum magnetic entropy change (−ΔSM) under a field change of 0–5 T increases from 10.1 J/kg · K for hydrogen content x = 0.12 to 12.3 J/kg · K for x = 1.3, while decreases from 9.6 J/kg · K for boron content y = 0.1 to 9.2 J/kg · K for y = 0.3.
Tunable carbon nanotube-tungsten carbide nanoparticles heterostructures by vapor deposition
Authors: Xia Min , Yan Qingzhi , Guo Hongyan , Lang Shaoting , Ge Changchun
Published: May 2014

A simple, versatile route for the synthesis of carbon nanotube (CNT)-tungsten carbide nanoparticles heterostructures was set up via vapor deposition process. For the first time, amorphous CNTs (α-CNTs) were used to immobilized tungsten carbide nanoparticles. By adjusting the synthesis and annealing temperature, α-CNTs/amorphous tungsten carbide, α-CNTs/W2C, and CNTs/W2C/WC heterostructures were prepared. This approach provides an efficient method to attach other metal carbides and other nanoparticles to carbon nanotubes with tunable properties.
The deviation from parallel shear flow as an indicator of linear eddy-viscosity model inaccuracy
Authors: Gorlé C. , Larsson J. , Emory M. , Iaccarino G.
Published: May 2014

A marker function designed to indicate in which regions of a generic flow field the results from linear eddy-viscosity turbulence models are plausibly inaccurate is introduced. The marker is defined to identify regions that deviate from parallel shear flow. For two different flow fields it is shown that these regions largely coincide with regions where the prediction of the Reynolds stress divergence is inaccurate. The marker therefore offers a guideline for interpreting results obtained from Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes simulations and provides a basis for the further development of turbulence model-form uncertainty quantification methods.