bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Flayed and Exquisite Self of Travelers: Managing Face and Emotions in Strange Places
Authors: Husting Ginna
Published: February 2015

Travelers who cross cultural and linguistic borders encounter recurrent failures of social competence. People routinely violate the linguistic and nonlinguistic normative order, and have few means at their disposal for repair work. These episodes lead to the experience of a flayed self: a temporary, painful identity born of one's inability to display competence, combined with heightened, exquisite self‐consciousness. Using interactionist scaffolding and travelers' accounts, I examine this self, its commitments, and resources. I examine four techniques used to avoid flayed and exquisite selfhood: denying negative experience, externalizing the causes of that experience, engaging in the mind cure, and doing time work.
Analysis of cell‐free DNA in maternal blood in screening for fetal aneuploidies: updated meta‐analysis
Authors: Gil M. M. , Quezada M. S. , Revello R. , Akolekar R. , Nicolaides K. H.
Published: February 2015

ABSTRACT

Objective

To review clinical validation or implementation studies of maternal blood cell‐free (cf) DNA analysis and define the performance of screening for fetal trisomies 21, 18 and 13 and sex chromosome aneuploidies.

Methods

Searches of PubMed, EMBASE and The Cochrane Library were performed to identify all peer‐reviewed articles on cfDNA testing in screening for aneuploidies between January 2011, when the first such study was published, and 4 January 2015.

Results

In total, 37 relevant studies were identified and these were used for the meta‐analysis on the performance of cfDNA testing in screening for aneuploidies. These studies reported cfDNA results in relation to fetal karyotype from invasive testing or clinical outcome. Weighted pooled detection rates (DR) and false‐positive rates (FPR) in singleton pregnancies were 99.2% (95% CI, 98.5–99.6%) and 0.09% (95% CI, 0.05–0.14%), respectively, for trisomy 21, 96.3% (95% CI, 94.3–97.9%) and 0.13% (95% CI, 0.07–0.20) for trisomy 18, 91.0% (95% CI, 85.0–95.6%) and 0.13% (95% CI, 0.05–0.26%) for trisomy 13, 90.3% (95% CI, 85.7–94.2%) and 0.23% (95% CI, 0.14–0.34%) for monosomy X and 93.0% (95% CI, 85.8–97.8%) and 0.14% (95% CI, 0.06–0.24%) for sex chromosome aneuploidies other than monosomy X. For twin pregnancies, the DR for trisomy 21 was 93.7% (95% CI, 83.6–99.2%) and the FPR was 0.23% (95% CI, 0.00–0.92%).

Conclusion

Screening for trisomy 21 by analysis of cfDNA in maternal blood is superior to that of all other traditional methods of screening, with higher DR and lower FPR. The performance of screening for trisomies 18 and 13 and sex chromosome aneuploidies is considerably worse than that for trisomy 21. Copyright © 2015 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Quantifying the sensitivity of G. oxydans ATCC 621H and DSM 3504 to osmotic stress triggered by soluble buffers
Authors: Luchterhand B , Fischöder T , Grimm A R , Wewetzer S , Wunderlich M , Schlepütz T , Büchs J
Published: February 2015

In Gluconobacter oxydans cultivations on glucose, CaCO3 is typically used as pH-buffer. This buffer, however, has disadvantages: suspended CaCO3 particles make the medium turbid, thereby, obstructing analysis of microbial growth via optical density and scattered light. Upon searching for alternative soluble pH-buffers, bacterial growth and productivity was inhibited most probably due to osmotic stress. Thus, this study investigates in detail the osmotic sensitivity of G. oxydans ATCC 621H and DSM 3504 using the Respiratory Activity MOnitoring System. The tested soluble pH-buffers and other salts attained osmolalities of 0.32–1.19 osmol kg−1. This study shows that G. oxydans ATCC 621H and DSM 3504 respond quite sensitively to increased osmolality in comparison to other microbial strains of industrial interest. Osmolality values of >0.5 osmol kg−1 should not be exceeded to avoid inhibition of growth and product formation. This osmolality threshold needs to be considered when working with soluble pH-buffers.
At the mercy of Janus: transitioning from the child to the adult mental health services
Authors: Butterly L. C.
Published: January 2015

This is a personal account of the transition from the child to the adult mental health services. The title references Janus, the Roman god of transitions. As such, the narrative looks to the past and the future in youth mental health. The discussion begins with a brief examination of the phenomenon of personal accounts in the broader context of evidence-based knowledge. There are a number of themes discussed throughout this perspective including access to education and loss of vocational capacity as a result of illness and service involvement. The discussion emphasises the importance of ‘Time’ in the delivery of services and provides justification for improved access to vocational and/or therapeutic options for young people with mental health difficulties. Time is also used as a structural device in order to communicate lived experience of mental illness, treatment and recovery.
Impulsive choice predicts short-term relapse in substance-dependent individuals attending an in-patient detoxification programme
Authors: Stevens L. , Goudriaan A. E. , Verdejo-Garcia A. , Dom G. , Roeyers H. , Vanderplasschen W.
Published: February 2015

Background

Impulsivity is a hallmark characteristic of substance use disorders. Recently, studies have begun to explore whether increased impulsivity in substance-dependent individuals (SDIs) is associated with a greater propensity to relapse following treatment. Despite growing recognition of its multidimensional nature, however, most studies have treated impulsivity unilaterally. Accordingly, it remains unclear whether certain facets of impulsivity are more relevant to relapse than others. The aim of the current study was to examine the relationship between multiple facets of impulsivity and short-term relapse in SDIs. As a secondary aim, we explored the role of treatment retention in this relationship.

Method

A personality-based impulsivity questionnaire (UPPS) and three neurocognitive tasks of impulsivity [stop-signal task (SST), delay discounting task (DDT) and Iowa gambling task (IGT)] were administered in a heterogeneous sample of 70 SDIs shortly following their entry in an in-patient detoxification programme. Mediation analyses were performed to explore whether the effects of impulsivity on relapse were mediated by treatment retention.

Results

Performance on two neurocognitive indices of impulsive choice (i.e. delay discounting and impulsive decision-making) significantly predicted short-term relapse. The effects of delay discounting and impulsive decision-making on relapse propensity were mediated by treatment retention.

Conclusions

Neurocognitive indices of impulsivity may be more sensitive to the prediction of relapse than trait-based self-report questionnaires. Post-treatment relapse in SDIs may be reduced by targeting the processes involved in impulsive choice and by improving treatment retention in SDIs with inflated impulsivity.
Dealing with bad guys: actor- and process-level determinants of the “devil shift” in policy making
Authors: Fischer Manuel , Ingold Karin , Sciarini Pascal , Varone Frédéric
Published: February 2015

Policy actors tend to misinterpret and distrust opponents in policy processes. This phenomenon, known as the “devil shift”, consists of the following two dimensions: actors perceive opponents as more powerful and as more evil than they really are. Analysing nine policy processes in Switzerland, this article highlights the drivers of the devil shift at two levels. On the actor level, interest groups, political parties and powerful actors suffer more from the devil shift than state actors and powerless actors. On the process level, the devil shift is stronger in policy processes dealing with socio-economic issues as compared with other issues. Finally, and in line with previous studies, there is less empirical evidence of the power dimension of the devil shift phenomenon than of its evilness dimension.
Community dynamics over 14 years along gradients of geological substrate and topography in tropical montane forests on Mount Kinabalu, Borneo
Authors: Sawada Yoshimi , Aiba Shin-ichiro , Takyu Masaaki , Repin Rimi , Nais Jamili , Kitayama Kanehiro
Published: February 2015

To understand the variation in community dynamics of tropical montane forests along gradients of soil fertility, death, recruitment and growth of trees (≥5 cm diameter) were monitored over 14 y (1997–2011) in nine plots placed in a matrix of three geological substrate types (Quaternary sediments, Tertiary sedimentary rocks and ultrabasic rocks) and three topographical units (ridge, middle and lower slopes) on Mount Kinabalu, Borneo. The plot area was 0.05 ha for ridge, 0.1 ha for middle slope and 0.2 ha (on ultrabasic rocks) and 1 ha (on the other substrates) for lower slope. Recruitment rates did not show a consistent pattern across geological substrates or topographies. Mortality rates were relatively high in almost all plots during the 1997–1999 period, including the El Niño drought, and in three plots on ultrabasic rocks during 2001–2005. Binomial logistic regression analyses showed that mortality during 1997–1999 increased with soil fertility (soluble phosphorus). Background mortality, excluding these periods, did not differ across geological substrates or topographies. The average growth rate during 1997–2011 was higher on more fertile soils and positively correlated with mortality during 1997–1999. We suggest that a high mortality rate during the drought period was related to high species diversity on more fertile soils, whereas a lower growth rate was related to stunted structures on poorer soils.
Genetic differential susceptibility in literacy-delayed children: A randomized controlled trial on emergent literacy in kindergarten
Authors: Plak Rachel D. , Kegel Cornelia A. T. , Bus Adriana G.
Published: February 2015

In this randomized controlled trial, 508 5-year-old kindergarten children participated, of whom 257 were delayed in literacy skills because they belonged to the lowest quartile of a national standard literacy test. We tested the hypothesis that some children are more susceptible to school-entry educational interventions than their peers due to their genetic makeup, and thus whether the dopamine receptor D4 gene moderated intervention effects. Children were randomly assigned to a control condition or one of two interventions involving computer programs tailored to the literacy needs of delayed pupils: Living Letters for alphabetic knowledge and Living Books for text comprehension. Effects of Living Books met the criteria of differential susceptibility. For carriers of the dopamine receptor D4 gene seven-repeat allele (about one-third of the delayed group), the Living Books program was an important addition to the common core curriculum in kindergarten (effect size d = 0.56), whereas the program did not affect the other children (d = –0.09). The same seven-repeat carriers benefited more from Living Letters than did the noncarriers, as reflected in effect sizes of 0.63 and 0.34, respectively, although such differences did not fulfill the statistical criteria for differential susceptibility. The implications of differential susceptibility for education and regarding the crucial question “what works for whom?” are discussed.
Annexin A2 as a target endothelial cell membrane autoantigen in Behçet's disease
Authors: Chen Peng , Yan Hai , Tian Yaping , Xun Yiping , Shi Lili , Bao Ran , Zhang Huai , Chen Guangyu , Yang Chunhe , Sun Shutao , Wang Yajie , Liu Li , Zhou Yabin , Zhang Chunyan , Wang Xiaoxu , Wen Yongqiang , Bian Yongzhong , Du Hongwu
Published: February 2015

Cell membrane proteins are believed to play a critical role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. However, few membrane autoantigens have been linked with Behçet's disease. Here, a cell-chip was performed to identify autoantibody target cells and the suspected autoantigens were detected using immunoblotting. The amino acid sequences of the detected proteins were determined using LC-MALDI-TOF/TOF. Putative proteins were recombinantly expressed and purified and a corresponding ELISA was developed and clinically validated using real clinical samples. It was found that a 36-kDa membrane protein - annexin A2 - was detected in approximately one-third of the patients' blood circulation. The immunohistochemistry results showed that annexin A2 was highly expressed in vascular endothelial cells. Moreover, vascular involvement was significantly higher in the anti-annexin A2 antibody-positive group versus the anti-annexin A2 antibody-negative group among all the clinical samples analyzed, indicating that annexin A2 is a novel endothelial cell membrane antigen involved in Behçet's disease.
Multiple invasions of an infectious retrovirus in cat genomes
Authors: Shimode Sayumi , Nakagawa So , Miyazawa Takayuki
Published: February 2015

Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) are remnants of ancient retroviral infections of host germ-line cells. While most ERVs are defective, some are active and express viral proteins. The RD-114 virus is a replication-competent feline ERV and several feline cell lines produce infectious RD-114 viral particles. All domestic cats are considered to have an ERV locus encoding a replication-competent RD-114 virus in their genomes; however, the locus has not been identified. In this study, we investigated RD-114 virus-related proviral loci in genomes of domestic cats and found that none were capable of producing infectious viruses. We also found that all domestic cats have an RD-114 virus-related sequence on chromosome C2, termed RDRS C2a, but populations of the other RDRSs are different depending on the regions where cats live or breed. Our results indicate that RDRS C2a, the oldest RD-114-related provirus, entered the host genome before an ancestor of domestic cats started diverging and the other new RDRSs might have integrated into migrating cats in Europe. We also show that infectious RD-114 virus can be resurrected by the recombination between two non-infectious RDRSs. From these data, we conclude that cats do not harbor infectious RD-114 viral loci in their genomes and RD-114-related viruses invaded cat genomes multiple times.
Integrative analysis of differentially expressed microRNAs of pulmonary alveolar macrophages from piglets during H1N1 swine influenza A virus infection
Authors: Jiang Pengfei , Zhou Na , Chen Xinyu , Zhao Xing , Li Dengyun , Wang Fen , Bi Lijun , Zhang Deli
Published: February 2015

H1N1 swine influenza A virus (H1N1 SwIV) is one key subtype of influenza viruses with pandemic potential. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous small RNA molecules that regulate gene expression. MiRNAs relevant with H1N1 SwIV have rarely been reported. To understand the biological functions of miRNAs during H1N1 SwIV infection, this study profiled differentially expressed (DE) miRNAs in pulmonary alveolar macrophages from piglets during the H1N1 SwIV infection using a deep sequencing approach, which was validated by quantitative real-time PCR. Compared to control group, 70 and 16 DE miRNAs were respectively identified on post-infection day (PID) 4 and PID 7. 56 DE miRNAs were identified between PID 4 and PID 7. Our results suggest that most host miRNAs are down-regulated to defend the H1N1 SwIV infection during the acute phase of swine influenza whereas their expression levels gradually return to normal during the recovery phase to avoid the occurrence of too severe porcine lung damage. In addition, targets of DE miRNAs were also obtained, for which bioinformatics analyses were performed. Our results would be useful for investigating the functions and regulatory mechanisms of miRNAs in human influenza because pig serves as an excellent animal model to study the pathogenesis of human influenza.
Disentangling the relative effects of bushmeat availability on human nutrition in central Africa
Authors: Fa Julia E. , Olivero Jesús , Real Raimundo , Farfán Miguel A. , Márquez Ana L. , Vargas J. Mario , Ziegler Stefan , Wegmann Martin , Brown David , Margetts Barrie , Nasi Robert
Published: February 2015

We studied links between human malnutrition and wild meat availability within the Rainforest Biotic Zone in central Africa. We distinguished two distinct hunted mammalian diversity distributions, one in the rainforest areas (Deep Rainforest Diversity, DRD) containing taxa of lower hunting sustainability, the other in the northern rainforest-savanna mosaic, with species of greater hunting potential (Marginal Rainforest Diversity, MRD). Wild meat availability, assessed by standing crop mammalian biomass, was greater in MRD than in DRD areas. Predicted bushmeat extraction was also higher in MRD areas. Despite this, stunting of children, a measure of human malnutrition, was greater in MRD areas. Structural equation modeling identified that, in MRD areas, mammal diversity fell away from urban areas, but proximity to these positively influenced higher stunting incidence. In DRD areas, remoteness and distance from dense human settlements and infrastructures explained lower stunting levels. Moreover, stunting was higher away from protected areas. Our results suggest that in MRD areas, forest wildlife rational use for better human nutrition is possible. By contrast, the relatively low human populations in DRD areas currently offer abundant opportunities for the continued protection of more vulnerable mammals and allow dietary needs of local populations to be met.
The Endoparasitoid, Cotesia vestalis, Regulates Host Physiology by Reprogramming the Neuropeptide Transcriptional Network
Authors: Shi Min , Dong Shuai , Li Ming-tian , Yang Yan-yan , Stanley David , Chen Xue-xin
Published: February 2015

Endoparasitoids develop inside another insect by regulating host immunity and development via maternal factors injected into hosts during oviposition. Prior results have provided insights into parasitism-induced immunosuppression, including the neuropeptide accumulation in parasitized insects. Nonetheless, our understanding of neuropeptide influence on host development and behavior is not yet complete. We posed the hypothesis that parasitization alters expression of genes encoding pro-neuropeptides and used larvae of Plutella xylostella and its endoparasitoid, Cotesia vestalis to test our hypothesis. We prepared transcriptomes from the larval P. xylostella brain-CC-CA complex and identified transcripts encoding 19 neuropeptides. All corresponding cDNAs were confirmed by RACE. Our results demonstrate that parasitism significantly down-regulated, or delayed, expression of genes encoding pro-neuropeptides within 48 h post-parasitization. Changing expression of these genes may account for the previously reported decreased feeding behavior, reduced growth rates and aborted development in the host larvae. In effect, parasitization may operate at the molecular level within the CNS to create global changes in larval host biology. The significance of our finding is that, in addition to the known effects on immunity, parasitoids influence host pro-neuropeptide gene transcription. This finding reveals a new mechanism operating in host-parasitoid relationships to the advantage of the parasitoid.
A concurrent excitation and inhibition of dopaminergic subpopulations in response to nicotine
Authors: Eddine Raphaël , Valverde Sebastien , Tolu Stefania , Dautan Daniel , Hay Audrey , Morel Carole , Cui Yihui , Lambolez Bertrand , Venance Laurent , Marti Fabio , Faure Philippe
Published: February 2015

Midbrain dopamine (DA) neurons are key players in motivation and reward processing. Increased DA release is thought to be central in the initiation of drug addiction. Whereas dopamine neurons are generally considered to be activated by drugs such as nicotine, we report here that nicotine not only induces excitation of ventral tegmental area (VTA) DA cells but also induces inhibition of a subset of VTA DA neurons that are anatomically segregated in the medial part of the VTA. These opposite responses do not correlate with the inhibition and excitation induced by noxious stimuli. We show that this inhibition requires D2 receptor (D2-R) activation, suggesting that a dopaminergic release is involved in the mechanism. Our findings suggest a principle of concurrent excitation and inhibition of VTA DA cells in response to nicotine. It promotes unexplored roles for DA release in addiction contrasting with the classical views of reinforcement and motivation and give rise to a new interpretation of the mode of operation of the reward system.
Molecular evolution of the VP1, VP2 and VP3 genes in human rhinovirus species C
Authors: Kuroda Makoto , Niwa Shoichi , Sekizuka Tsuyoshi , Tsukagoshi Hiroyuki , Yokoyama Masaru , Ryo Akihide , Sato Hironori , Kiyota Naoko , Noda Masahiro , Kozawa Kunihisa , Shirabe Komei , Kusaka Takashi , Shimojo Naoki , Hasegawa Shunji , Sugai Kazuko , Obuchi Masatsugu , Tashiro Masato , Oishi Kazunori , Ishii Haruyuki , Kimura Hirokazu
Published: February 2015

Human rhinovirus species C (HRV-C) was recently discovered and this virus has been associated with various acute respiratory illnesses (ARI). However, the molecular evolution of the major antigens of this virus, including VP1, VP2 and VP3, is unknown. Thus, we performed complete VP1, VP2, and VP3 gene analyses of 139 clinical HRV-C strains using RT-PCR with newly designed primer sets and next-generation sequencing. We assessed the time-scale evolution and evolutionary rate of these genes using the Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo method. In addition, we calculated the pairwise distance and confirmed the positive/negative selection sites in these genes. The phylogenetic trees showed that the HRV-C strains analyzed using these genes could be dated back approximately 400 to 900 years and these strains exhibited high evolutionary rates (1.35 to 3.74 × 10−3 substitutions/site/year). Many genotypes (>40) were confirmed in the phylogenetic trees. Furthermore, no positively selected site was found in the VP1, VP2 and VP3 protein. Molecular modeling analysis combined with variation analysis suggested that the exterior surfaces of the VP1, VP2 and VP3 proteins are rich in loops and are highly variable. These results suggested that HRV-C may have an old history and unique antigenicity as an agent of various ARI.
A novel amino acid analysis method using derivatization of multiple functional groups followed by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Sakaguchi Yohei , Kinumi Tomoya , Yamazaki Taichi , Takatsu Akiko
Published: February 2015

We have developed a novel amino acid analysis method using derivatization of multiple functional groups (amino, carboxyl, and phenolic hydroxyl groups).
A HPLC-SRM-MS based method for the detection and quantification of methotrexate in urine at doses used in clinical practice for patients with rheumatological disease: a potential measure of adherence
Authors: Bluett J. , Riba-Garcia I. , Hollywood K. , Verstappen S. M. M. , Barton A. , Unwin R. D.
Published: February 2015

A novel assay to measure adherence to low-dose oral methotrexate.
Molecularly imprinted electrochemical sensor for selective determination of oxidized glutathione
Authors: Hai Hong , An Xiaodong , Li Jianping
Published: February 2015

A molecularly imprinted sensor was prepared for the selective determination of oxidized glutathione with a detection limit of 1.8 × 10−9 mol L−1, which was lower than most of the other methods.
Highly sensitive detection of bisphenol A in food packaging based on graphene quantum dots and peroxidase
Authors: Huang Hui , Feng Ziqian , Li Yongxin , Liu Zhenning , Zhang Ling , Ma Yunhai , Tong Jin
Published: February 2015

A novel sensing strategy for bisphenol A was designed based on graphene quantum dots and peroxidase.
pH- and redox-responsive self-assembly of amphiphilic hyperbranched poly(amido amine)s for controlled doxorubicin delivery
Authors: Cheng Weiren , Kumar Jatin N. , Zhang Yong , Liu Ye
Published: February 2015

Micelles formed from self-assembly of amphiphilic PEGylated hyperbranched poly(amido amine)s can release doxorubicin at low pH or in the presence of high GSH concentration to kill cancer cells.
Click synthesis of a novel triazole bridged AIE active cyclodextrin probe for specific detection of Cd2+
Authors: Zhang Lifang , Hu Wenping , Yu Liping , Wang Yong
Published: February 2015

A novel aggregation induced emission (AIE) active cyclodextrin (CD) was synthesized via click chemistry, which is the first reported clicked AIE probe for the specific detection of Cd2+.
1D, 2D and 3D liquid crystalline phases formed by bent-core mesogens
Authors: Matraszek J. , Zapala J. , Mieczkowski J. , Pociecha D. , Gorecka E.
Published: February 2015

Increasing the number of terminal alkyl chains drives the LC structure between lamellar (1D), columnar (2D) and cubic or triclinic (3D).
Charge separation and isolation in strong water droplet impacts
Authors: Wiederschein F. , Vöhringer-Martinez E. , Beinsen A. , Postberg F. , Schmidt J. , Srama R. , Stolz F. , Grubmüller H. , Abel B.
Published: February 2015

A schematic picture of the phenomenon of charge separation and charged droplet formation after high-energy impact in condensed matter.
Molecularly clean ionic liquid/rubrene single-crystal interfaces revealed by frequency modulation atomic force microscopy
Authors: Yokota Yasuyuki , Hara Hisaya , Morino Yusuke , Bando Ken-ichi , Imanishi Akihito , Uemura Takafumi , Takeya Jun , Fukui Ken-ichi
Published: February 2015

Frequency modulation atomic force microscopy was employed to show a molecularly clean interface between an ionic liquid and a rubrene single crystal for possible applications to electric double-layer field-effect transistors.
An unusual high-spin ground state of Co3+ in octahedral coordination in brownmillerite-type cobalt oxide
Authors: Istomin S. Ya. , Tyablikov O. A. , Kazakov S. M. , Antipov E. V. , Kurbakov A. I. , Tsirlin A. A. , Hollmann N. , Chin Y. Y. , Lin H.-J. , Chen C. T. , Tanaka A. , Tjeng L. H. , Hu Z.
Published: February 2015

High-spin ground state of Co3+ was found in brownmillerite-like Sr2Co1.2Ga0.8O5 by low-temperature NPD and XAS study.
Controlling factors in localised corrosion morphologies observed for magnesium immersed in chloride containing electrolyte
Authors: Williams Geraint , Birbilis Nick , McMurray H. Neil
Published: February 2015

The early stages of localised corrosion affecting magnesium (Mg) surfaces when immersed in aqueous sodium chloride (NaCl) solutions involves the propagation of dark regions, within which both anodic metal dissolution and cathodic hydrogen evolution occur. For nominally “pure” Mg, these dark areas can either take the form of discs which expand radially with time, or filiform-like tracks which lengthen with time. For Mg surfaces which display disc-form corrosion features in concentrated NaCl electrolyte, a transition to filiform corrosion (FFC) is observed as the concentration is decreased, indicating ohmic constraints on radial propagation. A similar effect is observed when Mg specimens of different iron impurity are immersed in a fixed, high concentration NaCl solution, where disc-form corrosion is observed on samples having ≥280 ppm Fe, but FFC predominates at ≤80 ppm Fe. An in situ scanning vibrating electrode technique (SVET) is used to determine current density distributions within the propagating corrosion features. Cathodic current density values of between −100 and −150 A m−2 measured in central areas of disc-like features are sufficient to sustain the radial growth of a local anode at the perimeter of the discs. However, for high purity Mg specimens (≤80 ppm Fe), cathodic current densities of −10 A m−2 or less are measured over FFC affected regions, indicating that linear propagation arises when there is insufficient cathodic current produced on the corroded surface to sustain radial growth. The results are consistent with surface control of localised corrosion propagation in concentrated electrolyte, but ohmic control in dilute, lower conductivity NaCl solution.
Nanodiamonds for field emission: state of the art
Authors: Terranova Maria Letizia , Orlanducci Silvia , Rossi Marco , Tamburri Emanuela
Published: February 2015

This review regards the use of nanodiamonds for highly efficient cold cathodes, an emerging very hot area of research.
Photo-induced conjugation of tetrazoles to modified and native proteins
Authors: Siti Winna , Khan Amit Kumar , de Hoog Hans-Peter M. , Liedberg Bo , Nallani Madhavan
Published: February 2015

The direct addition of a water-soluble PEG-tetrazole to tryptophan residues in native proteins is demonstrated.
Amorphous magnesium phosphate flower-like hierarchical nanostructures: microwave-assisted rapid synthesis using fructose 1,6-bisphosphate trisodium salt as an organic phosphorus source and application in protein adsorption
Authors: Qi Chao , Zhu Ying-Jie , Lu Bing-Qiang , Wu Jin , Chen Feng
Published: February 2015

Amorphous magnesium phosphate flower-like hierarchical nanostructures are synthesized using fructose 1,6-bisphosphate trisodium salt by the microwave hydrothermal method.
Nitrofurazone-loaded electrospun PLLA/sericin-based dual-layer fiber mats for wound dressing applications
Authors: Zhao Rui , Li Xiang , Sun Bolun , Tong Yan , Jiang Ziqiao , Wang Ce
Published: February 2015

Dual-layer nitrofurazone-loaded nanofiber mats are fabricated by electrospinning with good antibacterial activity and the mats perform well in wound healing.
Ge@C core–shell nanostructures for improved anode rate performance in lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Qiang Tingting , Fang Jiaxin , Song Yixuan , Ma Qiuyang , Ye Ming , Fang Zhen , Geng Baoyou
Published: February 2015

The Ge@C core–shell nanostructures exhibit excellent cycling performance and rate capability as an electrode material for lithium ion batteries.
Aptamer density dependent cellular uptake of lipid-capped polymer nanoparticles for polyvalent targeted delivery of vinorelbine to cancer cells
Authors: Liu Zhenbao , Zhao Huanzhe , He Lingyun , Yao Yao , Zhou Yanbin , Wu Jianping , Liu Juewen , Ding Jinsong
Published: February 2015

In this work, MUC1 aptamer (designated S2.2) modified and vinorelbine (VRL) loaded lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles (Apt-VRL-NPs) were prepared.
Potent selective inhibition of MMP-14 by chloroauric acid and its inhibitory effect on cancer cell invasion
Authors: Wang Yanyan , Lu Hezhen , Yu Dahai , Zhang Jinrui , Liang Weiguo , Zhang Zhimin , Fang Xuexun
Published: February 2015

Enzyme kinetics and Matrigel invasion assay indicated that the specific inhibition of HAuCl4 on MMP-14 involves a non-competitive reversible inhibitory mechanism and HAuCl4 inhibits HT-1080 cell invasion in a dose-dependent manner.
Luminescent MOF material based on cadmium(ii) and mixed ligands: application for sensing volatile organic solvent molecules
Authors: Wang Dongmei , Zhang Lirong , Li Guanghua , Huo Qisheng , Liu Yunling
Published: February 2015

A luminescent MOF was constructed by employing a mixed ligands strategy and may be used as a potential luminescent probe for the detection of acetone.
A supramolecular assembly of methyl-substituted cucurbit[5]uril and its potential applications in selective absorption
Authors: Wang Chuan-Zeng , Zhao Wen-Xuan , Zhang Yun-Qian , Xue Sai-Feng , Zhu Qian-Jiang , Tao Zhu
Published: February 2015

A supramolecular assembly is formed in the presence of the structure-directing agent, hydroquinone (Hyq). The structure-directing effect of Hyq is useful in the construction of a novel assembly which could be a Q[n]-based porous material for absorption and separation.
Dynamic transformations of self-assembled polymeric microspheres induced by AC voltage and shear flow
Authors: Morimoto Nobuyuki , Wazawa Tetsuichi , Inoue Yuichi , Suzuki Makoto
Published: February 2015

AC voltage and shear flow are applied to self-assembled, multi-layered polymeric microspheres (MLMs) to control their transformations.
Organelle morphogenesis by active membrane remodeling
Authors: Ramakrishnan N. , Ipsen John H. , Rao Madan , Kumar P. B. Sunil
Published: February 2015

Eukaryotic cells are characterized by having well defined internal membrane bound organelles with distinct morphological identity. We explore the issue of morphogenesis in the context of organelles subject to intense membrane trafficking and show that non-equilibrium driven processes are at the heart of organelle morphogenesis.
The effect of calcium doping on the improvement of performance and durability in a layered perovskite cathode for intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cells
Authors: Choi Sihyuk , Park Seonhye , Shin Jeeyoung , Kim Guntae
Published: February 2015

The partial replacement of Sr by Ca in PrBa0.5Sr0.5Co2O5+δ layered perovskite provides a breakthrough for achieving reliable operation of high performance IT-SOFCs.
Correlation between structure and mixed ionic–electronic conduction mechanism for (La1−xSrx)CoO3−δ using synchrotron X-ray analysis and first principles calculations
Authors: Itoh Takanori , Inukai Manabu , Kitamura Naoto , Ishida Naoya , Idemoto Yasushi , Yamamoto Takashi
Published: February 2015

The ionic–electronic conduction of (La1−xSrx)CoO3−δ is studied by experiments and calculations. The spin state transition occurred concomitantly with the metal–insulator transition.
Improved catalytic activity in methanol electro-oxidation over the nickel form of aluminum-rich beta-SDS zeolite modified electrode
Authors: Liao Yanmei , Pan Shuxiang , Bian Chaoqun , Meng Xiangju , Xiao Feng-Shou
Published: February 2015

Nickel forms of aluminum-rich beta zeolite modified electrodes (Ni-beta-SDS/GC) exhibit high activities in methanol electro-oxidation compared with those of the conventional beta zeolites.
Visual detection of trace copper(ii) based on its catalytic action in the dissociation of thiosulfate
Authors: Hou Xin Yan , Chen Shu , Tang Jian , Long Yun Fei , Zhu Li
Published: February 2015

In this study, we report a new method for the detection of Cu2+based on triangular silver nanoplates (TAg-NPs), which could be corroded by sodium thiosulfate (Na2S2O3).
Enantioselective 6-endo bromoaminocyclization of 2,4-dienyl N-tosylcarbamates catalyzed by a chiral phosphine oxide-Sc(OTf)3 complex. A dramatic additive effect
Authors: Huang Hu , Pan Hongjie , Cai Yudong , Liu Mao , Tian Hua , Shi Yian
Published: February 2015

This paper describes an effective enantioselective 6-endo bromoaminocyclization of 2,4-dienyl N-tosylcarbamates catalyzed by a chiral phosphine oxide-Sc(OTf)3 complex with a dramatic additive effect.
Versatile displays based on a 3-dimensionally ordered macroporous vanadium oxide film for advanced electrochromic devices
Authors: Tong Zhongqiu , Yang Haowei , Na Li , Qu Huiying , Zhang Xiang , Zhao Jiupeng , Li Yao
Published: February 2015

An electrochromic device based on a 3DOM vanadium oxide film and a PEDOT:PSS film was fabricated, and this device shows multicolor changes with fast switching speed and good cycling stability.
New insights on the synthesis and electronic transport in bulk polycrystalline Pr-doped SrTiO3−δ
Authors: Dehkordi Arash Mehdizadeh , Bhattacharya Sriparna , Darroudi Taghi , Alshareef Husam N. , Tritt Terry M.
Published: February 2015

Recently, we have reported a significant enhancement in the electronic and thermoelectric properties of bulk polycrystalline SrTiO3 ceramics via praseodymium doping. This improvement was originated from the simultaneous enhancement in the thermoelectric power factor and reduction in thermal conductivity, which was contributed to the non-uniform distribution of Pr dopants. In order to further understand the underlying mechanism, we herein investigate the role of praseodymium doping source (Pr2O3 versus Pr6O11) on the synthesis and electronic transport in Pr-doped SrTiO3 ceramics. It was observed that the high-temperature electronic transport properties are independent of the choice of praseodymium doping source for samples prepared following our synthesis strategy. Theoretical calculations were also performed in order to estimate the maximum achievable power factor and the corresponding optimal carrier concentration. The result suggests the possibility of further improvement of the power factor. This study should shed some light on the superior electronic transport in bulk polycrystalline Pr-doped SrTiO3 ceramics and provide new insight on further improvement of the thermoelectric power factor.
Predicting the effect of angular momentum on the dissociation dynamics of highly rotationally excited radical intermediates
Authors: Brynteson Matthew D. , Butler Laurie J.
Published: February 2015

We present a model which accurately predicts the net speed distributions of products resulting from the unimolecular decomposition of rotationally excited radicals. The radicals are produced photolytically from a halogenated precursor under collision-free conditions so they are not in a thermal distribution of rotational states. The accuracy relies on the radical dissociating with negligible energetic barrier beyond the endoergicity. We test the model predictions using previous velocity map imaging and crossed laser-molecular beam scattering experiments that photolytically generated rotationally excited CD2CD2OH and C3H6OH radicals from brominated precursors; some of those radicals then undergo further dissociation to CD2CD2 + OH and C3H6 + OH, respectively. We model the rotational trajectories of these radicals, with high vibrational and rotational energy, first near their equilibrium geometry, and then by projecting each point during the rotation to the transition state (continuing the rotational dynamics at that geometry). This allows us to accurately predict the recoil velocity imparted in the subsequent dissociation of the radical by calculating the tangential velocities of the CD2CD2/C3H6 and OH fragments at the transition state. The model also gives a prediction for the distribution of angles between the dissociation fragments’ velocity vectors and the initial radical’s velocity vector. These results are used to generate fits to the previously measured time-of-flight distributions of the dissociation fragments; the fits are excellent. The results demonstrate the importance of considering the precession of the angular velocity vector for a rotating radical. We also show that if the initial angular momentum of the rotating radical lies nearly parallel to a principal axis, the very narrow range of tangential velocities predicted by this model must be convoluted with a J = 0 recoil velocity distribution to achieve a good result. The model relies on measuring the kinetic energy release when the halogenated precursor is photodissociated via a repulsive excited state but does not include any adjustable parameters. Even when different conformers of the photolytic precursor are populated, weighting the prediction by a thermal conformer population gives an accurate prediction for the relative velocity vectors of the fragments from the highly rotationally excited radical intermediates.
Spontaneous decoration of Au nanoparticles on micro-patterned reduced graphene oxide shaped by focused laser beam
Authors: Wan Y. C. , Teoh H. F. , Tok E. S. , Sow C. H.
Published: February 2015

We report a facile, two-step method for the micro-landscaping of Au nanoparticles(NPs) on reduced graphene oxide (rGO) film en route to micro-patterned Au(NPs)-rGO hybrid functional materials. This method employs a focused laser beam to first locally convert GO to rGO before immersing the micro-patterned GO-rGO film into HAuCl4 solution. The rGO micro-pattern, shaped by the focused laser beam, serves as nucleation sites for the reduction of Au ions. The reduction mechanism that governs the decoration of Au NPs on rGO films is akin to electroless deposition process. In this instance, surface charges that are formed during laser reduction of GO to rGO provide active nucleation sites for Au3+ ions to form Au NPs when HAuCl4 solution is introduced. The number density, the size, and size distribution of the Au NPs can thus be directly tuned and preferentially anchored onto the rGO micro-pattern by varying the incident laser power, the scanning speed of the laser, or the concentration of HAuCl4. The resulting hybrid materials can be used as a substrate for Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS). Using Rhodamine 6G as the test subject, we found an improvement of SERS enhancement over bare rGO of up to four times, depending on the size of the Au NPs.
Charge storage in β-FeSi2 nanoparticles
Authors: Theis Jens , Bywalez Robert , Küpper Sebastian , Lorke Axel , Wiggers Hartmut
Published: February 2015

We report on the observation of a surprisingly high specific capacitance of β-FeSi2 nanoparticle layers. Lateral, interdigitated capacitor structures were fabricated on thermally grown silicon dioxide and covered with β-FeSi2 particles by drop or spin casting. The β-FeSi2-nanoparticles, with crystallite sizes in the range of 10–30 nm, were fabricated by gas phase synthesis in a hot wall reactor. Compared to the bare electrodes, the nanoparticle-coated samples exhibit a 3–4 orders of magnitude increased capacitance. Time-resolved current voltage measurements show that for short times (seconds to minutes), the material is capable of storing up to 1 As/g at voltages of around 1 V. The devices are robust and exhibit long-term stability under ambient conditions. The specific capacitance is highest for a saturated relative humidity, while for a relative humidity below 40% the capacitance is almost indistinguishable from a nanoparticle-free reference sample. The devices work without the need of a fluid phase, the charge storing material is abundant and cost effective, and the sample design is easy to fabricate.
Optical fibre nanotips fabricated by a dynamic chemical etching for sensing applications
Authors: Barucci A. , Cosi F. , Giannetti A. , Pelli S. , Griffini D. , Insinna M. , Salvadori S. , Tiribilli B. , Righini G. C.
Published: February 2015

Nanoprobe tips are key components in many applications such as scanning probe microscopes, nanoscale imaging, nanofabrication and sensing. This paper describes a dynamic chemical etching method for the fabrication of optical nanoprobes. The tips are produced by mechanically rotating and dipping a silica optical fibre in a chemical etching solution (aqueous hydrofluoric acid) covered with a protection layer. Using different dynamic regimes of the mechanical movements during the chemical etching process, it is possible to vary the cone angle, the shape, and the roughness of the nanoprobes. It is found that the tip profiles are determined by the nonlinear dynamic evolution of the meniscus of the etchant near the fibre. Computational fluid dynamic simulations have been performed, showing that different flow regimes correspond to different shear forces acting on the forming nanotip, in agreement with experimental results. With this method, a high yield of reproducible nanotips can be obtained, thus overcoming the drawbacks of conventional etching techniques. Typical tip features are short taper length (∼200 μm), large cone angle (up to 40°), and small probe tip dimension (less than 30 nm).
Hidden local symmetry of Eu3+ in xenotime-like crystals revealed by high magnetic fields
Authors: Han Yibo , Ma Zongwei , Zhang Junpei , Wang Junfeng , Du Guihuan , Xia Zhengcai , Han Junbo , Li Liang , Yu Xuefeng
Published: February 2015

The excellent optical properties of europium-doped crystals in visible and near infrared wavelength regions enable them to have broad applications in optoelectronics, laser crystals and sensing devices. The local site crystal fields can affect the intensities and peak positions of the photo-emission lines strongly, but they are usually difficult to be clarified due to magnetically degenerate 4f electronic levels coupling with the crystal fields. Here, we provide an effective way to explore the hidden local symmetry of the Eu3+ sites in different hosts by taking photoluminescence measurements under pulsed high magnetic fields up to 46 T. The zero-field photoluminescence peaks split further at high magnetic fields when the Zeeman splitting energy is comparable to or larger than that of the crystal field induced zero-field splitting. In particular, a magnetic field induced crossover of the local crystal fields has been observed in the GdVO4:Eu3+ crystal, which resulted from the alignment of Gd3+ magnetic moment in high magnetic fields; and a hexagonally symmetric local crystal fields was observed in the YPO4 nanocrystals at the Eu3+ sites characterized by the special axial and rhombic crystal field terms. These distinct Zeeman splitting behaviors uncover the crystal fields-related local symmetry of luminescent Eu3+ centers in different hosts or magnetic environments, which are significant for their applications in optics and optoelectronics.
Communication: Evidence of stable van der Waals CO2 clusters relevant to Venus atmosphere conditions
Authors: Asfin Ruslan E. , Buldyreva Jeanna V. , Sinyakova Tatyana N. , Oparin Daniil V. , Filippov Nikolai N.
Published: February 2015

Non-intrusive spectroscopic probing of weakly bound van der Waals complexes forming in gaseous carbon dioxide is generally performed at low pressures, for instance in supersonic jets, where the low temperature favors dimers, or in few-atmosphere samples, where the signature of dimers varying as the squared gas density is entangled with the dominating collision-induced absorption. We report experimental and theoretical results on CO2 dimers at very high pressures approaching the liquid phase. We observe that the shape of the CO2-dimer bands undergoes a distinctive line-mixing transformation, which reveals an unexpected stability of the dimers despite the collisions with the surrounding particles and negates the common belief that CO2 dimers are short-lived complexes. Our results furnish a deeper insight allowing a better modeling of CO2-rich atmospheres and provide also a new spectroscopic tool for studying the robustness of molecular clusters.
Time dependent evolution of linear kinetic Alfvén waves in inhomogeneous plasma
Authors: Goyal R. , Sharma R. P. , Scime Earl E.
Published: February 2015

The propagation of linear Kinetic Alfvén waves (KAWs) in inhomogeneous magnetized plasma has been studied while including inhomogeneities in transverse and parallel directions relative to the background magnetic field. The propagation of KAWs in inhomogeneous magnetized plasma is expected to play a key role in energy transfer and turbulence generation in space and laboratory plasmas. The inhomogeneity scale lengths in both directions may control the nature of fluctuations and localization of the waves. We present a theoretical study of the localization of KAWs, variations in magnetic field amplitude in time, and variation in the frequency spectra arising from inhomogeneities. The relevance of the model to space and laboratory observations is discussed.
Magnetic islands and singular currents at rational surfaces in three-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic equilibria
Authors: Loizu J. , Hudson S. , Bhattacharjee A. , Helander P.
Published: February 2015

Using the recently developed multiregion, relaxed MHD (MRxMHD) theory, which bridges the gap between Taylor's relaxation theory and ideal MHD, we provide a thorough analytical and numerical proof of the formation of singular currents at rational surfaces in non-axisymmetric ideal MHD equilibria. These include the force-free singular current density represented by a Dirac δ-function, which presumably prevents the formation of islands, and the Pfirsch-Schlüter 1/x singular current, which arises as a result of finite pressure gradient. An analytical model based on linearized MRxMHD is derived that can accurately (1) describe the formation of magnetic islands at resonant rational surfaces, (2) retrieve the ideal MHD limit where magnetic islands are shielded, and (3) compute the subsequent formation of singular currents. The analytical results are benchmarked against numerical simulations carried out with a fully nonlinear implementation of MRxMHD.