bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optical Gain in the Near Infrared by Light‐Emitting Electrospun Fibers
Authors: Morello Giovanni , Moffa Maria , Girardo Salvatore , Camposeo Andrea , Pisignano Dario
Published: June 2014

The potential integration of polymer nanofibers in photonic devices and circuits is a major driver for research on their waveguiding and optical gain properties. Emission in the near‐infrared is especially important in this framework in view of the realization of nanofiber‐based optical amplifiers. Here, the optical gain properties of electrospun fibers embedding near‐infrared light‐emitting molecules are investigated. Upon pulsed optical pumping, line narrowing typical of amplified spontaneous emission is observed, with gain of 5.5 cm−1 and threshold fluence down to 0.25 mJ cm−2. Importantly, the stimulated emission characteristics are strongly dependent on individual fiber characteristics and on the mutual alignment of nanofibers in arrays, thus being tailorable through the fiber architecture and assembling. These results open interesting perspectives for the exploitation of electrospun fibers as active components in the near‐infrared range.
Multi‐Alternating Organic Semiconducting Films with High Electric Conductivity
Authors: Mo Hin‐Wai , Lo Ming‐Fai , Yang Qing‐Dan , Ng Tsz‐Wai , Lee Chun‐Sing
Published: June 2014

High electric conductivity is observed in multilayer stack of m‐MTDATA/F16CuPc. Impedance data shows that the circuit resistance is significantly dropped by three orders of magnitude from ∼0.2 MΩ to ∼0.4 kΩ when the number of alternating units is increased from one to six, keeping a total thickness of 300 nm. Impedance results show that as the number of alternating units increases, the organic stack shows an increasing capacitance and a decreasing resistance. This result suggests the increasing charges accumulate at the heterojunctions, leading to reduction in overall film resistance. The application of the high conductive units in OLED device results in stability enhancement.
A Lithium‐Sulfur Battery with a High Areal Energy Density
Authors: Kim Joo‐Seong , Hwang Tae Hoon , Kim Byung Gon , Min Jaeyun , Choi Jang Wook
Published: June 2014

The battery community has recently witnessed a considerable progress in the cycle lives of lithium‐sulfur (Li‐S) batteries, mostly by developing the electrode structures that mitigate fatal dissolution of lithium polysulfides. Nonetheless, most of the previous successful demonstrations have been based on limited areal capacities. For realistic battery applications, however, the chronic issues from both the anode (lithium dendrite growth) and the cathode (lithium polysulfide dissolution) need to be readdressed under much higher loading of sulfur active material. To this end, the current study integrates the following three approaches in a systematic manner: 1) the sulfur electrode material with diminished lithium polysulfide dissolution by the covalently bonded sulfur‐carbon microstructure, 2) mussel‐inspired polydopamine coating onto the separator that suppresses lithium dendrite growth by wet‐adhesion between the separator and Li metal, and 3) addition of cesium ions (Cs+) to the electrolyte to repel incoming Li ions and thus prevent Li dendrite growth. This combined strategy resolves the long‐standing problems from both electrodes even under the very large sulfur‐carbon composite loading of 17 mg cm−2 in the sulfur electrode, enabling the highest areal capacity (9 mAh cm−2) to date while preserving stable cycling performance.
An approach to mechanistic event recognition applied on monitoring organic matter depletion in SBRs
Authors: Cruz Bournazou Mariano N. , Junne Stefan , Neubauer Peter , Barz Tilman , Arellano‐Garcia Harvey , Kravaris Costas
Published: June 2014

A fundamental practice in process engineering is monitoring the state dynamics of a system. Unfortunately, observability of some states is related to high costs, time, and efforts. The mechanistic event recognition (MER) aims to detect an event (defined as a change of the system with specific significance to the operation of the process) that cannot be directly observed but has some predictable effect on the dynamics of the systems. MER attempts to apply fault diagnosis techniques using mechanistic “recognition” models to describe the process. A systematic method for building recognition models using optimal experimental design tools is presented. As proof of concept, the MER approach to detect organic matter depletion in sequencing batch reactors, measuring only ammonia, dissolved oxygen, and nitroxides is applied. The event, that is, consumption of organic matter to a level below 50 gCOD/m3, was successfully detected even though microbial activity is known to continue after organic matter depletion. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 60: 3460–3472, 2014
Homocoupling of aryl halides promoted by an NiCl2/bpy/Mg system in DMF
Authors: Yamamoto Takakazu
Published: June 2014

Homocoupling of aryl halides (2 ArX → Ar―Ar) promoted by NiCl2/2,2′‐bipyridine (bpy)/Mg mixtures in DMF has been studied. Mixtures of NiCl2, bpy and Mg in DMF promoted homocoupling of aryl halides such as phenyl bromide and p‐tolyl bromide to give the coupling products in good (e.g. approximately 60–75%) yields, and the homocoupling products were easily isolated from the reaction mixtures. Application of this homocoupling to dibromo‐aromatic compounds (Br–arylene–Br: 2,5‐dibromopyridine, 2,7‐dibromo‐9.9‐dioctylfluorene and 2,7‐dibromo‐9,10‐dioctyl‐9,10‐dihydrophenanthrene) gave the corresponding π‐conjugated polymers, –(arylene)n–, in good yields. Organometallic processes for the homocoupling are discussed. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In Vitro and In Silico Studies to Explore Structural Features of Flavonoids for Aldehyde Oxidase Inhibition
Authors: Hamzeh‐Mivehroud Maryam , Rahmani Seifullah , Feizi Mohammad‐Ali Hosseinpour , Dastmalchi Siavoush , Rashidi Mohammad‐Reza
Published: June 2014

Aldehyde oxidase (AO), an important enzyme in the biotransformation of drugs and xenobiotics, is inhibited by flavonoids. This enzyme can metabolize both aldehydes and N‐heterocycles. In this work, a set of 15 flavonoids was assessed for inhibitory activity on the AO oxidation of vanillin as an aldehyde substrate. Spectrophotometrically determined IC50 values showed that myricetin, quercetin, and epicatechin were the most potent inhibitors. The results also revealed that the inhibition of vanillin oxidation by flavonoids was stronger than that of phenanthridine oxidation (an N‐heterocyclic substrate) as reported previously. In order to investigate the important structural features responsible for the inhibitory effects of the studied flavonoids, a quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) analysis was performed. This study showed that the size of the flavonoids was the most important factor inversely affecting their potencies. The QSAR model can be used more broadly to predict the AO inhibitory activity of flavonoid‐like structures for application in food–drug and drug–drug interaction studies.
Optical properties and energy transfer of Eu2+/Ce3+ co‐activated Na3Ca6(PO4)5 phosphor
Authors: Zhang Fen , Tang Wanjun
Published: June 2014

Ce3+/Eu2+ co‐doped Na3Ca6(PO4)5 phosphors were prepared using a combustion‐assisted synthesis method. X‐Ray powder diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the formation of a Na3Ca6(PO4)5 crystal phase. Na3Ca6(PO4)5:Eu2+ phosphors have an efficient bluish‐green emission band that peaks at 489 nm, whereas Ce3+‐doped Na3Ca6(PO4)5 showed a bright emission band at 391 nm. Analysis of the experimental results suggests that enhancement of the Eu2+ emission intensity in co‐doped Na3Ca6(PO4)5:Eu2+,Ce3+ phosphors is due to a resonance‐type energy transfer from Ce3+ to Eu2+ ions, which is predominantly governed by an exchange interaction mechanism. These results indicate that Ce3+/Eu2+ co‐doped Na3Ca6(PO4)5 is potentially useful as a highly efficient, bluish‐green emitting, UV‐convertible phosphor for white‐light‐emitting diodes. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Design, synthesis and luminescence properties of Ba2YB2O6Cl‐ and Ba2YB2O6F‐based phosphors
Authors: Chen Wanping , Yang Xin , Liu Yan , Dai Xiaoyan
Published: June 2014

Using a high‐temperature solid‐state reaction, the chlorine in Ba2YB2O6Cl is gradually replaced by F, and a new compound with the nominal chemical formula Ba2YB2O6F and two phosphors doped with Ce3+ and Eu3+, respectively, are obtained. X‐Ray diffraction and photoluminescence spectroscopy are used to characterize the as‐synthesized samples. The as‐synthesized Ba2YB2O6Cl exhibits bright blue emission in the spectral range ~ 330–410 nm with a maximum around 363 nm under X‐ray or UV excitation. Ba2YB2O6F:0.01Ce3+ exhibits blue emission in the range ~ 340–570 nm with a maximum around 383 nm. Ba2YB2O6F:0.01Eu3+ exhibits a predominantly 5D0–7 F2 emission (~610 nm) and the relative intensities of the 5D0–7 F0,1,2 emissions are tunable under different wavelength UV excitation. The luminescence behaviors of the two phosphors are explained simply in terms of the host composition and site occupancy probability of Ce3+ and Eu3+, respectively. The results indicate that these phosphors have potential application as a blue phosphor or as a red phosphor. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Photostimulated luminescence properties of Eu2+‐doped barium aluminate phosphor
Authors: He Quanlong , Qiu Guangyu , Xu Xuhui , Qiu Jianbei , Yu Xue
Published: June 2014

An intense green photostimulated luminescence in BaAl2O4:Eu2+ phosphor was prepared. The thermoluminescence results indicate that there are at least three types of traps (T1, T2, T3) with different trap depths in BaAl2O4:Eu2+ phosphor according to the bands located at 327, 361 and 555 K, respectively, which are closely associated with the phosphor's long persistent luminescence and photostimulated luminescence properties. In addition, as a novel optical read‐out form, a photostimulated persistent luminescence signal can be repeatedly obtained in BaAl2O4:Eu2+ phosphor. This shows that re‐trapping of the electron released from a deep trap plays an important role in photostimulated persistent luminescence. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Computational analysis of the effectiveness of blood flushing with saline injection from an intravascular diagnostic catheter
Authors: Ghata Narugopal , Aldredge Ralph C. , Bec Julien , Marcu Laura
Published: June 2014

Optical techniques including fluorescence lifetime spectroscopy have demonstrated potential as a tool for study and diagnosis of arterial vessel pathologies. However, their application in the intravascular diagnostic procedures has been hampered by the presence of blood hemoglobin that affects the light delivery to and the collection from the vessel wall. We report a computational fluid dynamics model that allows for the optimization of blood flushing parameters in a manner that minimizes the amount of saline needed to clear the optical field of view and reduces any adverse effects caused by the external saline jet. A 3D turbulence (k − ω) model was employed for Eulerian–Eulerian two‐phase flow to simulate the flow inside and around a side‐viewing fiber‐optic catheter. Current analysis demonstrates the effects of various parameters including infusion and blood flow rates, vessel diameters, and pulsatile nature of blood flow on the flow structure around the catheter tip. The results from this study can be utilized in determining the optimal flushing rate for given vessel diameter, blood flow rate, and maximum wall shear stress that the vessel wall can sustain and subsequently in optimizing the design parameters of optical‐based intravascular catheters. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impedance boundary conditions for general transient hemodynamics
Authors: Cousins Will , Gremaud Pierre A.
Published: June 2014

We discuss the implementation and calibration of a new generalized structured tree boundary condition for hemodynamics. The main idea is to approximate the impedance corresponding to the vessels downstream from a specific outlet. Unlike previous impedance conditions, the one considered here is applicable to general transient flows as opposed to periodic ones only. The physiological character of the approach significantly simplifies calibration. We also describe a novel way to incorporate autoregulation mechanisms in structured arterial trees at minimal computational cost. The strength of the approach is illustrated and validated on several examples through comparison with clinical data. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
α‐Fe2O3 nanospindles loaded with ZnO nanocrystals: Synthesis and improved gas sensing performance
Authors: Zhang Jixia , Zhu Guoxing , Shen Xiaoping , Ji Zhenyuan , Chen Kangmin
Published: June 2014

ZnO/α‐Fe2O3 nanocomposites were fabricated through a two‐step hydrothermal method. The morphology and composition of the as‐synthesized products were characterized by X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). The gas sensing properties of the fabricated products were investigated towards ethanol, acetone, propanol, isopropanol, formaldehyde, chloroform and so on. The results demonstrated that the ZnO/α‐Fe2O3 nanocomposites exhibited excellent sensing properties and showed remarkably higher sensing responses and much lower optimum operating temperature compared to individual ZnO and α‐Fe2O3. In addition, the ZnO/α‐Fe2O3 nanocomposites have some selectivity for ethanol, propanol and isopropanol. The possible gas sensing mechanism was also proposed. Our studies demonstrate that our fabricated materials could be widely used in the future.
The magnitude of behavioral isolation is affected by characteristics of the mating community
Authors: Matute Daniel R.
Published: June 2014

Gene exchange between species occurs in areas of secondary contact, where two species have the opportunity to hybridize. If heterospecific males are more common than conspecific males, females will experience more encounters with males of other species. These encounters might increase the likelihood of heterospecific matings, and lead to the production of hybrid progeny. I studied the mating behavior of two pairs of sibling species endemic to Africa:Drosophila yakuba/Drosophila santomeaandDrosophila simulans/Drosophila sechellia.Drosophila yakubaandD. simulansare cosmopolitan species widely distributed in the African continent, whileD. santomeaandD. sechelliaare island endemics. These pairs of species hybridize in nature and have the potential to exchange genes in natural conditions. I used these two pairs ofDrosophilaspecies, and constructed mating communities of different size and different heterospecific:conspecific composition. I found that both the total number of potential mates and the relative frequency of conspecific versus heterospecific males affect female mating decisions in the cosmopolitan species but not in the island endemics. These results suggest that the population characteristics, in which mating occurs, may affect the magnitude of premating isolation. Community composition might thus facilitate, or impair, gene flow between species.
Diet alters delayed selfing, inbreeding depression, and reproductive senescence in a freshwater snail
Authors: Auld Josh R. , Henkel John F.
Published: June 2014

Reproductive success is a critical fitness attribute that is directly influenced by resource availability. Here, we investigate the effects of diet‐based resource availability on three interrelated aspects of reproductive success: a change in mating system based on mate availability, consequent inbreeding depression, and the deterioration of reproductive efficiency with age (senescence). We employed a factorial experimental design using 22 full‐sib families of the hermaphroditic freshwater snail Physa acuta to explore these interactions. Individual snails were reared in one of two mate‐availability treatments (isolated [selfing] or occasionally paired [outcrossing]) and one of two diet treatments (boiled lettuce or Spirulina, an algae that is rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals). Spirulina‐fed snails initiated reproduction at a 13% earlier age and 7% larger size than lettuce‐fed snails. Spirulina also resulted in a 30% reduction in the time delay before selfing. Compared to lettuce, a diet of Spirulina increased inbreeding depression by 52% for egg hatching rate and 64% for posthatching juvenile survival. Furthermore, Spirulina led to a 15‐fold increase in the rate of reproductive senescence compared with a diet of lettuce. These transgenerational, interactive effects of diet on inbreeding depression and reproductive senescence are discussed in the context of diet‐induced phenotypic plasticity.
Squalene oxidation products: Monitoring the formation, characterisation and pro‐oxidant activity
Authors: Naziri Eleni , Consonni Roberto , Tsimidou Maria Z.
Published: June 2014

Squalene (SQ), a precursor of sterols and terpenoids is a functional lipid of high importance in the food and pharmaceutical sectors. SQ oxidation studies are rather limited compared with those for other olefins. The aim of the present study was to monitor the formation of SQ oxidation products under different conditions (temperature, air supply), to characterise the most abundant of them by spectroscopic techniques and then examine their pro‐oxidant activity in a model lipid substrate. Squalane (SQA), the saturated analogue of SQ, was used as a reference compound. FT‐MIR analysis indicated the presence of alcohols, epoxides, aldehydes, and ketones. GC‐MS was used to characterise SQ primary oxidation and scission products. The presence of epoxides was further confirmed by means of 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectroscopy. It could be argued that SQ stability is due to its stereochemistry and specifically to the presence of methyl groups next to the double bonds. The pro‐oxidant activity of SQ oxidation products was evident at 62 and 40°C and suppressed only in the presence of primary antioxidants, not of SQ. The present work adds to the characterisation of SQ oxidised products. To our knowledge their pro‐oxidant activity has never been examined before.

Practical applications: Characterisation of squalene oxidation products and assessment of their activity as pro‐oxidants present both scientific interest regarding the kinetics and product identity as well as a practical impact in case this bioactive lipid is provided for consumption as a functional product. In the past, cholesterol oxidation products and more recently phytosterol ones attracted the interest of researchers, who studied the stability of the respective parent compounds for food safety reasons.

Monitoring of the formation of SQ oxidation products under different conditions (temperature, air supply) and chemical characterisation of the most abundant of them by spectroscopic techniques. Examination of their pro‐oxidant activity in a model lipid substrate. Squalene may exert a weak antioxidant activity due to competitive oxidation phenomena with the lipid substrate while its oxidation products have a pro‐oxidant activity on purified olive oil model substrate that was suppressed only in the presence of primary antioxidants.
Gastrointestinal morphology, fatty acid profile, and production performance of broiler chickens fed camelina meal or fish oil
Authors: Aziza Abeer E. , Awadin Walaa F. , Quezada Nathalie , Cherian Gita
Published: June 2014

Gastrointestinal morphology, fatty acid profile, and production performance of broiler chickens fed camelina meal (CAM) or fish oil were investigated. One hundred and twenty eight 1‐day‐old Cobb chicks were randomly assigned to one of four treatments. Each treatment was replicated four times with eight chicks (n = 8). The experimental diets were: corn–soybean meal‐based with 3.2% corn oil (control), control + 10% CAM, 10% camelina meal + 3.2% fish oil (CAM + FISH), and 3.2% fish oil (FISH). Villous height (VH) was lowest in the jejunum of FISH and CAM + FISH (p<0.04). Crypt depth (CD) was lowest in the jejunum of Control and CAM (p<0.002). Villous perimeter was higher in control and CAM when compared to CAM + FISH and FISH (p = 0.02). The VH:CD followed the order of control > CAM > CAM + FISH = FISH (p<0.0001). No difference was observed in villus width, surface area, and muscularis thickness. Total omega‐6 fatty acids were higher in the duodenum of control and CAM than FISH and CAM + FISH diets (p<0.0001). Long chain (>20‐C) omega‐3 fatty acids were higher in CAM + FISH and FISH (p<0.0001). No significant differences were detected in the total saturated and total monounsaturated fatty acid content in the duodenum (p>0.05). Weight gain varied significantly and was lowest for CAM + FISH and FISH diets at Day 21 and 42 (p = 0.01). There were no differences in feed intake between control and CAM diets. However, inclusion of fish oil reduced feed consumption (p = 0.019).

Feeding camelina meal increased jejunal villus height, villus height: crypt depth and n‐3 fatty acid incorporation in the duodenum when compared to fish oil in broiler diets. Feeding fish oil led to reduction in 42 day body weight.
Influence of decanter working parameters on the extra virgin olive oil quality
Authors: Caponio Francesco , Summo Carmine , Paradiso Vito M. , Pasqualone Antonella
Published: June 2014

An experimental investigation was carried out in order to get more information about the influence of decanter processing parameters on the quality of the extracted extra virgin olive oil. In particular, both two‐ and three‐phases decanter, set up at two different differential speeds between drum and cochlea (Dn16 and Dn11), were considered. The determinations of the free fatty acids, peroxide value, spectrophotometric constants, phenols, tocopherols, carotenoids, chlorophylls, and antioxidant activity were carried out on samples, as well as sensory and volatile compounds analyses. The obtained results showed that increasing the Dn, the oils obtained were more pungent and richer in aldehydes and antioxidant compounds; whereas the oils extracted at lower drum speeds were more bitter and showed higher peroxide and K270 values, as well as higher amounts of volatile compounds related to aldehydes oxidation. Moreover, the addition of water, made when working at three‐phases, decreased significantly the level of phenolic compounds, but allowed to retain more tocopherols and carotenoids. On the other hand, the extraction with the three‐phase decanter determined a more perceivable fruity note and higher levels of trans‐2‐hexenal, but only in the oils obtained at higher speeds. The oils obtained with the two‐phase decanter were more pungent and richer of volatiles related to this sensory note.

Practical application: The results of this paper help to understand the influence of decanter processing parameters (differential speeds between drum and cochlea, working at two and three‐phases) on the quality of the extracted oil. Technical innovation in decanters would enable real‐time adjustments of working parameters in function of the different raw material characteristics.

Extra virgin olive oil extraction carried out by two‐phase and three‐phase decanter, both working at two differential speeds between drum and cochlea. Effects on the chemical properties of the obtained oils.
Concentration and purification of polyunsaturated fatty acids from squid liver processing wastes
Authors: Latyshev Nikolay A. , Ermolenko Ekaterina V. , Kasyanov Sergey P.
Published: June 2014

Eicosapentaenoic (EPA, 20:5 n‐3) and docosahexaenoic (DHA, 22:6 n‐3) acids were extracted from processing wastes of the liver of the squid Berryteuthis magister. The process included three steps: concentration of the total polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) with urea; separation of individual FA by iodolactonization method, and obtainment of highly purified EPA and DHA by preparative HPLC. Concentration of the acids with urea was carried out at a ratio of urea/FA 3:1 at temperatures of 0 and −20°C, this allowed us to raise the concentration of EPA and DHA from 7.8 and 6.5% to 32.5 and 32.0%, respectively. The iodolactonization reaction was used to obtain from the concentrate individual preparations with concentrations of 93.4% for EPA and 95.6% for DHA; the total yields of the original FA were 50.7 and 41.7%, respectively. Differences in the rates of formation of γ‐ and δ‐iodolactones made a sequential extraction possible, first of DHA from the total PUFA, then of EPA from the remaining acids. Purification of the obtained PUFA products to more than 99% purity was conducted by preparative HPLC.

Practical applications: The proposed three‐step procedure for separating EPA and DHA is designed to produce n‐3 PUFA concentrates and highly purified EPA and DHA. The obtained products can be recommended for scientific experiments in vitro.

The proposed three‐step procedure for separating EPA and DHA is designed to produce n‐3 PUFA concentrates and highly purified EPA and DHA.
Ruthenium catalyzed ethenolysis of renewable oleonitrile
Authors: Bidange Johan , Dubois Jean‐Luc , Couturier Jean‐Luc , Fischmeister Cédric , Bruneau Christian
Published: June 2014

Oleonitrile is a bio‐sourced compound readily obtained by ammoniation of the renewable oleic acid. The production of the short chain undecenitrile by ethenolysis (cross‐metathesis with ethylene) of oleonitrile is reported. Optimization of the reaction conditions led to promising TONs of 1400 with high selectivity for the ethenolysis products. From a series of catalysts tested, the bulky and activated M71 SiPr catalyst enabled the best performances. The influence of feed purification method was investigated in details and it was found that thermal treatment of the feed was required to ensure the highest productivity.

Practical applications: The selective ethenolysis of oleonitrile provides a direct access to bio‐sourced 9‐decenitrile and 1‐decene. These two compounds of interest for the synthesis of polymers precursors have also some potential use as fuel additives.

The ruthenium catalyzed cross‐metathesis of the bio‐sourced oleonitrile with ethylene (ethenolysis) is presented. 9‐Decenitrile and 1‐decene were produced with high selectivity (88%) at low catalyst loading (0.0625 mol%).
Wave dispersion in high‐rise buildings due to soil–structure interaction
Authors: Rahmani Mohammadtaghi , Ebrahimian Mahdi , Todorovska Maria I.
Published: June 2014

Nonparametric techniques for estimation of wave dispersion in buildings by seismic interferometry are applied to a simple model of a soil–structure interaction (SSI) system with coupled horizontal and rocking response. The system consists of a viscously damped shear beam, representing a building, on a rigid foundation embedded in a half‐space. The analysis shows that (i) wave propagation through the system is dispersive. The dispersion is characterized by lower phase velocity (softening) in the band containing the fundamental system mode of vibration, and little change in the higher frequency bands, relative to the building shear wave velocity. This mirrors its well‐known effect on the frequencies of vibration, i.e. reduction for the fundamental mode and no significant change for the higher modes of vibration, in agreement with the duality of the wave and vibrational nature of structural response. Nevertheless, the phase velocity identified from broader band impulse response functions is very close to the superstructure shear wave velocity, as found by an earlier study of the same model. The analysis reveals that (ii) the reason for this apparent paradox is that the latter estimates are biased towards the higher values, representative of the higher frequencies in the band, where the response is less affected by SSI. It is also discussed that (iii) bending flexibility and soil flexibility produce similar effects on the phase velocities and frequencies of vibration of a building. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tracking cerebral blood flow in BOLD fMRI using recursively generated regressors
Authors: Tong Yunjie , Frederick Blaise deB.
Published: June 2014

BOLD functional MRI (fMRI) data are dominated by low frequency signals, many of them of unclear origin. We have recently shown that some portions of the low frequency oscillations found in BOLD fMRI are systemic signals closely related to the blood circulation (Tong et al. [2013]: NeuroImage 76:202–215). They are commonly treated as physiological noise in fMRI studies. In this study, we propose and test a novel data‐driven analytical method that uses these systemic low frequency oscillations in the BOLD signal as a tracer to follow cerebral blood flow dynamically. Our findings demonstrate that: (1) systemic oscillations pervade the BOLD signal; (2) the temporal traces evolve as the blood propagates though the brain; and, (3) they can be effectively extracted via a recursive procedure and used to derive the cerebral circulation map. Moreover, this method is independent from functional analyses, and thus allows simultaneous and independent assessment of information about cerebral blood flow to be conducted in parallel with the functional studies. In this study, the method was applied to data from the resting state scans, acquired using a multiband EPI sequence (fMRI scan with much shorter TRs), of seven healthy participants. Dynamic maps with consistent features resembling cerebral blood circulation were derived, confirming the robustness and repeatability of the method. Hum Brain Mapp 35:5471–5485, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Oxidation and other property changes of retrieved sequentially annealed UHMWPE acetabular and tibial bearings
Authors: Reinitz Steven D. , Currier Barbara H. , Van Citters Douglas W. , Levine Rayna A. , Collier John P.
Published: June 2014

This investigation analyzed retrieved sequentially crosslinked and annealed (SXL) ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene bearings to determine whether the material is chemically stable in vivo. A series of retrieved tibial and acetabular components were analyzed for changes in ketone oxidation, crosslink density, and free radical concentration. Oxidation was observed to increase with in vivo duration, and the rate of oxidation in tibial inserts was significantly greater than in acetabular liners. SXL acetabular bearings oxidized at a rate comparable to gamma‐sterilized liners, while SXL tibial inserts oxidized at a significantly faster rate than their gamma‐sterilized counterparts. A significant decrease in crosslink density with increased mean ketone oxidation index was observed, suggesting that in vivo oxidation may be causing material degradation. Furthermore, a subsurface whitened damage region was also found in a subset of the bearings, indicating the possibility of a clinically relevant decrease in mechanical properties of these components. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 103B: 578–586, 2015.
Subchronic treatment with phencyclidine in adolescence leads to impaired exploratory behavior in adult rats without altering social interaction or N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor binding levels
Authors: Metaxas A. , Willems R. , Kooijman E.J.M. , Renjaän V.A. , Klein P.J. , Windhorst A.D. , Donck L. Ver , Leysen J.E. , Berckel B.N.M. van
Published: June 2014

Although both the onset of schizophrenia and human phencyclidine (PCP) abuse typically present within the interval from adolescence to early adulthood, the majority of preclinical research employing the PCP model of schizophrenia has been conducted on neonatal or adult animals. The present study was designed to evaluate the behavioral and neurochemical sequelae of subchronic exposure to PCP in adolescence. Male 35–42‐day‐old Sprague Dawley rats were subcutaneously administered either saline (10 ml · kg−1) or PCP hydrochloride (10 mg · kg−1) once daily for a period of 14 days (n = 6/group). The animals were allowed to withdraw from treatment for 2 weeks, and their social and exploratory behaviors were subsequently assessed in adulthood by using the social interaction test. To examine the effects of adolescent PCP administration on the regulation of N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptors (NMDARs), quantitative autoradiography was performed on brain sections of adult, control and PCP‐withdrawn rats by using 20 nM 3H‐MK‐801. Prior subchronic exposure to PCP in adolescence had no enduring effects on the reciprocal contact and noncontact social behavior of adult rats. Spontaneous rearing in response to the novel testing arena and time spent investigating its walls and floor were reduced in PCP‐withdrawn animals compared with control. The long‐term behavioral effects of PCP occurred in the absence of persistent deficits in spontaneous locomotion or self‐grooming activity and were not mediated by altered NMDAR density. Our results document differential effects of adolescent PCP administration on the social and exploratory behaviors of adult rats, suggesting that distinct neurobiological mechanisms are involved in mediating these behaviors. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) analysis of organic colourants utilising a new UV‐photoreduced substrate
Authors: Retko Klara , Ropret Polonca , Cerc Korošec Romana
Published: June 2014

In the present work, a new substrate is proposed for the surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) analysis of samples, which are of cultural heritage importance. A new and simple procedure is presented for the preparation of a stable SERS‐active substrate. It is based on the photoreduction of silver nitrate by ultraviolet light utilising hydroxypropyl cellulose as stabilising agent. The substrate's characteristics were tested and compared with a known substrate: a citrate‐reduced silver colloid, with alizarin as a reference material. Using the new substrate, it was possible to positively detect the organic dye alizarin red S, and two organic pigments: madder lake and alizarin crimson dark, as well as organic colourants prepared in paint layers with different organic binders without an interfering signal arising from the media, and without sample pre‐treatment. Furthermore, the investigated substrate also shows promising characteristics for the analysis of the cross sections of the samples because of its viscosity and the possibility of maintaining better control of the application of the substrate to the layer of interest. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interrelations of muscle functional MRI, diffusion‐weighted MRI and 31P‐MRS in exercised lower back muscles
Authors: Hiepe Patrick , Gussew Alexander , Rzanny Reinhard , Anders Christoph , Walther Mario , Scholle Hans‐Christoph , Reichenbach Jürgen R.
Published: June 2014

Exercise‐induced changes of transverse proton relaxation time (T2), tissue perfusion and metabolic turnover were investigated in the lower back muscles of volunteers by applying muscle functional MRI (mfMRI) and diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) before and after as well as dynamic 31P‐MRS during the exercise. Inner (M. multifidus, MF) and outer lower back muscles (M. erector spinae, ES) were examined in 14 healthy young men performing a sustained isometric trunk‐extension. Significant phosphocreatine (PCr) depletions ranging from 30% (ES) to 34% (MF) and Pi accumulations between 95% (left ES) and 120%–140% (MF muscles and right ES) were observed during the exercise, which were accompanied by significantly decreased pH values in all muscles (∆pH ≈ –0.05). Baseline T2 values were similar across all investigated muscles (approximately 27 ms at 3 T), but revealed right–left asymmetric increases (T2,inc) after the exercise (right ES/MF: T2,inc = 11.8/9.7%; left ES/MF: T2,inc = 4.6/8.9%). Analyzed muscles also showed load‐induced increases in molecular diffusion D (p = .007) and perfusion fraction f (p = .002). The latter parameter was significantly higher in the MF than in the ES muscles both at rest and post exercise. Changes in PCr (p = .03), diffusion (p < .01) and perfusion (p = .03) were strongly associated with T2,inc, and linear mixed model analysis revealed that changes in PCr and perfusion both affect T2,inc (p < .001). These findings support previous assumptions that T2 changes are not only an intra‐cellular phenomenon resulting from metabolic stress but are also affected by increased perfusion in loaded muscles. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Similarity as a central approach to flow‐based anomaly detection
Authors: Drašar Martin , Vizváry Martin , Vykopal Jan
Published: June 2014

Network flow monitoring is currently a common practice in mid‐ and large‐size networks. Methods of flow‐based anomaly detection are subject to ongoing extensive research, because detection methods based on deep packets have reached their limits. However, there is a lack of comprehensive studies mapping the state of the art in this area. For this reason, we have conducted a thorough survey of flow‐based anomaly detection methods published on academic conferences and used by the industry. We have analyzed these methods using the perspective of similarity which is inherent to any anomaly detection method. Based on this analysis, we have proposed a new taxonomy of network anomalies and a similarity‐oriented classification of flow‐based detection methods. We have also identified four issues requiring further research: the lack of flow‐based evaluation datasets, infeasible benchmarking of proposed methods, excessive false positive rate and limited coverage of certain anomaly classes. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Compensatory Postural Sway While Seated Posture During Tasks in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Funahashi Yoshimi , Karashima Chieko , Hoshiyama Minoru
Published: June 2014

Postural stability while seated was investigated in 16 children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and 16 typically developed (TD) children, aged 7–8 years. The lateral and antero‐posterior (A‐P) deviations of the centre of pressure (COP) were serially measured during sequential, upper limb, desk‐top tasks, including nine subtests. The average COP deviation was larger, especially in the lateral direction, in the group of children with ASD compared with TD children. However, the larger COP deviation in the children with ASD was not generalized across tasks. Analyses of subtests revealed that deviations were different on three and four (of eight) subtests in the lateral and A‐P directions, respectively. The time needed to complete each subtest was not correlated with the lateral COP deviation but with A‐P deviation during the subtest in the children with ASD. Preserved task performance with marked body sway in the children with ASD suggested that the body sway was not a functionally abnormal movement that disturbed performance but could be a compensatory movement to actually facilitate performance. A new approach with occupational therapy to support such compensatory movement of ASD children could be considered in their school life. Further studies, including those in the classroom, to clarify the relationship between daily task performance and body instability are necessary. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Studying Changes in Life Circumstances and Personality: It's about Time
Authors: Luhmann Maike , Orth Ulrich , Specht Jule , Kandler Christian , Lucas Richard E.
Published: June 2014

Most theories of personality development posit that changes in life circumstances (e.g. due to major life events) can lead to changes in personality, but few studies have examined the exact time course of these changes. In this article, we argue that time needs to be considered explicitly in theories and empirical studies on personality development. We discuss six notions on the role of time in personality development. First, people can differ before the event. Second, change can be non–linear and discontinuous. Third, change can be reversible. Fourth, change can occur before the event. Fifth, control groups are needed to disentangle age–related and event–related changes. Sixth, we need to move beyond examining single major life events and study the effects of non–normative events, non–events, multiple events, and minor events on personality. We conclude by summarizing the methodological and theoretical implications of these notions. Copyright © 2014 European Association of Personality Psychology
The Behavioural Genetics of Personality Development in Adulthood—Classic, Contemporary, and Future Trends
Authors: Bleidorn Wiebke , Kandler Christian , Caspi Avshalom
Published: June 2014

Behavioural genetic research has led to important advances in the field of personality psychology. When carried out on longitudinal data, behavioural genetic studies also offer promising ways to examine the genetic and environmental origins of personality stability and change. Here, we review the findings of longitudinal twin studies, discuss their implications for our understanding of adult personality development, and point out open questions that need to be addressed by future research. Three general conclusions stand out. First, there is a strong and relatively stable genetic foundation of individual differences in personality throughout the adult life span; second, environmental influences become more important and contribute to an increasing rank–order stability of personality traits from early to middle adulthood; and third, both genetic and nonshared environmental influences contribute to both stability and change in personality traits. Equipped with this knowledge, the most urgent tasks for the next generation of behavioural genetic studies on personality development will be to (i) identify measurable environmental factors that matter and (ii) to capture the interplay between genetic and environmental influences on personality stability and change throughout adulthood. Copyright © 2014 European Association of Personality Psychology
Moving Personality Development Research Forward: Applications Using Structural Equation Models
Authors: Jackson Joshua J. , Allemand Mathias
Published: June 2014

As evidenced by this special issue, research in the field of personality development is moving beyond merely describing patterns of development to more complex questions, such as the mechanisms by which personality develops or remains stable. In this article, we briefly describe three useful longitudinal structural equation models: latent growth curve models, latent change models and growth mixture models. Various underexamined and novel questions in the field of personality development are then described, each in the context of the longitudinal models. In doing so, we describe shortcomings of standard models and highlight questions and designs that could continue to move personality development research forward. Copyright © 2014 European Association of Personality Psychology
How Peers Make a Difference: The Role of Peer Groups and Peer Relationships in Personality Development
Authors: Reitz Anne K. , Zimmermann Julia , Hutteman Roos , Specht Jule , Neyer Franz J.
Published: June 2014

Peers are a pervasive aspect of people's lives, but their role in personality development has rarely been considered. This is surprising, given that peers are promising candidates to explain personality development over the entire lifespan. Owing to the lack of clear–cut definitions of peers, we first elaborate on their defining criteria and functions in different life phases. We then discuss the role of peers in personality development across the lifespan. We advocate that an integration of social group perspectives and social relationship perspectives is essential to understand peer effects on personality development. Group socialization theory is particularly suited to explain developmental differences between groups as a result of group norms. However, it is blind towards differences in development within peer groups. In contrast, the PERSOC framework is particularly suited to explain individual differences in development within groups as a result of specific dyadic peer–relationship experiences. We propose that a conjunct consideration of peer–group effects and dyadic peer–relationship effects can advance the general understanding of personality development. We discuss examples for a cross–fertilization of the two frameworks that suggest avenues for future research. Copyright © 2014 European Association of Personality Psychology
Investigating the potential role of TRPA1 in locomotion and cardiovascular control during hypertension
Authors: Bodkin Jennifer V. , Thakore Pratish , Aubdool Aisah A. , Liang Lihuan , Fernandes Elizabeth S. , Nandi Manasi , Spina Domenico , Clark James E. , Aaronson Philip I. , Shattock Michael J. , Brain Susan D.
Published: June 2014

Radiotelemetry was used to investigate the in vivo cardiovascular and activity phenotype of both TRPA1 (transient receptor potential ankyrin 1) wild‐type (WT) and TRPA1 knockout (KO) mice. After baseline recording, experimental hypertension was induced using angiotensin II infusion (1.1 mg−1 kg−1 a day, for 14 days). TRPA1 WT and KO mice showed similar morphological and functional cardiovascular parameters, including similar basal blood pressure (BP), heart rate, size, and function. Similar hypertension was also displayed in response to angiotensin II (156 ± 7 and 165 ± 11 mmHg, systolic BP ± SEM, n = 5–6). TRPA1 KO mice showed increased hypertensive hypertrophy (heart weight:tibia length: 7.3 ± 1.6 mg mm−1 vs. 8.8 ± 1.7 mg mm−1) and presented with blunted interleukin 6 (IL‐6) production compared with hypertensive WT mice (151 ± 24 vs. 89 ± 16 pg mL−1). TRPA1 expression in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurones was upregulated during hypertension (163% of baseline expression). Investigations utilizing the TRPA1 agonist cinnamaldehyde (CA) on mesenteric arterioles isolated from näive mice suggested a lack of TRPA1‐dependent vasoreactivity in this vascular bed; a site with notable ability to alter total peripheral resistance. However, mesenteric arterioles isolated from TRPA1 KO hypertensive mice displayed significantly reduced ability to relax in response to nitric oxide (NO) (P < 0.05). Unexpectedly, naïve TRPA1 KO mice also displayed physical hyperactivity traits at baseline, which was exacerbated during hypertension. In conclusion, our study provides a novel cardiovascular characterization of TRPA1 KO mice in a model of hypertension. Results suggest that TRPA1 has a limited role in global cardiovascular control, but we demonstrate an unexpected capacity for TRPA1 to regulate physical activity.
Aluminum doped ZnO sol–gel derived nanocrystals: Raman spectroscopy and solid solubility characterization
Authors: Efafi B. , Ghamsari M. Sasani , Aberoumand M. A. , Ara M. H. Majles , Ghamsari A. H. Sasani , Rad H. Hojati
Published: June 2014

In this study, a sol–gel method was used to synthesize Al‐doped ZnO nanocrystals (AZO). For preparation of this highly concentrated sol, zinc acetate concentration was fixed at 2M. UV‐visible absorption and photoluminescence spectroscopy were used to evaluate optical properties of the prepared samples. High temperature annealing was employed to evaluate the solid solubility limit of Al ions. XRD and Raman spectroscopy are then used to evaluate the doping process of aluminum in ZnO nanopowders. Disappearing of the second order Raman peak of ZnO at 1160 cm−1 was used to confirm the solid solubility limit. It can be found that the disappearing of second order Raman peak intensity at 1160 cm−1 is observed for sample with 2 at% Al3+ ion. Experimental results have shown that the solid solubility limit of aluminium ions in sol–gel derived zinc oxide nanocrystals was achieved.
Fabrication of ion‐sliced lithium niobate slabs using helium ion implantation and Cu–Sn bonding
Authors: Xiang Bing‐Xi , Guan Jing , Jiao Yang , Wang Lei
Published: June 2014

The fabrication of LiNbO3 waveguide slabs with sub‐micron thickness is presented using He ion‐induced splitting and the Cu–Sn bonding technique. The exfoliation time of implanted LiNbO3 was investigated as a function of annealing temperatures to reveal the activation energies during the splitting process. Defect‐free waveguide films with large areas of several cm2 are consistently produced by using the inter‐diffusion bonding of Cu–Sn interface. The fabricated film was investigated by using the Rutherford backscattering/channeling method and dark mode spectroscopy.