bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Ethical Challenges of Animal Research
Authors: FERDOWSIAN HOPE R. , GLUCK JOHN P.
Published: September 2015

In 1966, Henry K. Beecher published an article entitled “Ethics and Clinical Research” in the New England Journal of Medicine, which cited examples of ethically problematic human research. His influential paper drew attention to common moral problems such as inadequate attention to informed consent, risks, and efforts to provide ethical justification. Beecher’s paper provoked significant advancements in human research policies and practices. In this paper, we use an approach modeled after Beecher’s 1966 paper to show that moral problems with animal research are similar to the problems Beecher described for human research. We describe cases that illustrate ethical deficiencies in the conduct of animal research, including inattention to the issue of consent or assent, incomplete surveys of the harms caused by specific protocols, inequitable burdens on research subjects in the absence of benefits to them, and insufficient efforts to provide ethical justification. We provide a set of recommendations to begin to address these deficits.
River port, navalia and harbour temple at Ostia: new results of a DAI-AAR Project
Authors: Heinzelmann Michael , Martin Archer
Published: September 2015

Since 1996 the German Archaeological Institute and the American Academy in Rome have been conducting a joint urbanism project on the unexcavated parts of Rome's port city. The combined use of geophysical surveys of large areas, systematic analysis of aerial photographs, and selected stratigraphic sondages has not only complemented the previously known plan of the city but also brought much new information on the urbanistic development of previously unknown sectors. One of the most important results of the 2000 and 2001 seasons is the proof that a harbor basin existed just inside the ancient mouth of the Tiber. On the E side of that basin we investigated an unusual structure: a large terraced construction the vaulted substructure of which seems to have served in part as shipsheds and in part as storage and commercial space, and, above, a marble temple, oriented toward the mouth of the Tiber and surrounded by porticos.
‘It all comes out in the wash’: Looking harder at the Romanfullonica
Authors: Bradley Mark
Published: September 2015

In the Baths of Mithras at Ostia, a lead pipe from the public urinal carried fluids directly into a basement corridor which led to two small undergroundfullonicae(figs. 1-4). As must have happened in towns and cities all over the Roman world, this product of human excretion was flushed down the urinal to re-emerge as the quintessential industrial cleansing agent. The Roman fuller has achieved notoriety for his exploitation of urine for washing woollen cloth. In this paper, I intend first to attempt a definition of fulling, and to show that the process of identifying and reconstructing afullonicarequires us to think harder about Roman cleansing processes. I will argue that the topic of cleanliness is so culturally loaded that it is very difficult to reach a neutral account of fulling. Literary discourse on these processes and their agents offers us a set of contrasting responses, most notably in interpretations of urine. I will examine the ways in which the Romans played with some of these paradoxes in a world of limited chemistry. From this, I will suggest a topographical model of water and waste in which thefullonicawas a significant unit, and examine how the proverbial smells it generated raise interesting archaeological questions about location and urban space. A final section addresses the social profile of fullers and the cultural stereotypes attached to this profession.
Les fours à chaux en Grèce
Authors: Demierre Brigitte
Published: September 2015

Lors des fouilles conduites par l'Ecole suisse en 1998 dans le secteur E/600 NW à Erétrie (Eu-bée), nous avons découvert un four présentant un aménagement peu courant. A double paroi, double bouche et banquette interne, sa configuration était pour le moins inhabituelle (fig. 1-2). En l'absence de toute trace de matériel de cuisson, seule la recherche de parallèles dans les différentes catégories de fours pouvait apporter des informations sur sa fonction initiale. Ma recherche s'est alors orientée principalement vers les fours céramiques et les fours à chaux. En effet, les autres structures analogues, destinées à la métallurgie, la verrerie ou à l'usage domestique, diffèrent sensiblement tant par la forme, la taille et le fonctionnement que par les déchets produits par la fonte du métal ou du verre.

A la différence des fours de potier, qui ont suscité un certain nombre de recherches, liées en partie à l'étude des provenances des céramiques locales, les fours à chaux restent peu étudiés. Ils ne produisent, il est vrai, aucune oeuvre d'art. En revanche, les chaufourniers utilisent parfois des marbres sculptés pour obtenir de la chaux.
The fourth flamen of the Ara Pacis Augustae
Authors: Rehak Paul
Published: September 2015

Four patrician flamines maiores appear in the center of the S frieze of the Ara Pacis, in a group between the figures of Augustus and Agrippa (fig. 1). These are thought to represent the flamines Dialis, Martialis, Quirinalis, and Iulialis, who were in charge, respectively, of the worship of Jupiter, Mars, Quirinus (the deified Romulus), and (after 42 B.C.) of the deified Julius Caesar. Following the death of Augustus in A.D. 14, a fifth (Augustalis) was added for his cult. The presence of the four Augustan flamines on the S frieze has been considered a historical crux. The current consensus is that the procession represents a general religious celebration of thanksgiving (supplicatio) in 13 B.C., on the occasion of Augustus's return from an extended stay in Spain and Gaul, rather than another one in 9 when the altar was dedicated. But Tacitus and Dio report that the office of flamen Dialis was vacant between the suicide of Cornelius Merula in 87 and the appointment of Servius Cornelius Lentulus Maluginensis in 11 B.C. Therefore, the presence of the fourth priest seems to argue against the frieze's portrayal of an event in 13. In order to resolve this problem, G. Bowersock argued on textual grounds that Servius Maluginensis became flamen Dialis in 14, not 11 — an idea that has not won wide acceptance. I suggest instead that there is a technical, sculptural explanation for the inclusion of the fourth flamen.
A new Antonine inscription and a new imperial statue-group from the bouleuterion at Ephesos
Authors: Kalinowski Angela , Taeuber Hans
Published: September 2015

This paper presents a new inscription from Ephesos, one not discovered through recent excavation or survey, but rather through archival research in the papers of John Turtle Wood, the first excavator of the site. Wood discovered this inscription and several others during his excavations of the bouleuterion. The stone, a low statue-base inscribed with three short lines of text, is lost. It exists only as a sketch in one of Wood's letters archived in the British Museum. When taken in the context of the other inscriptions from the bouleuterion at Ephesos, this statue-base inscription suggests that an imperial statue-group stood in the building. It also may be added to the corpus of inscriptions concerning P. Vedius Antoninus III, the well-known benefactor of Ephesos. The first part of this paper discusses the discovery of the new inscription in the archive; the second part discusses its significance.
The walled town of Dyrrachium (Durres): settlement and dynamics
Authors: Gutteridge A. , Hoti A. , Hurst H. R.
Published: September 2015

Durres (at various times in the past known as Epidamnos, Dyrrachium and Dyrrachion) lies on the Adriatic coast of Albania, c.35 km west of Tirana. The town has been continuously occupied, in some form or other, at least since the Archaic Greek period. Today it presents itself to the modern traveller arriving across the Adriatic as a busy and rapidly changing port. The relationship of the town with the sea has shaped its urban dynamic in ways which, as yet, are imperfectly understood. Modern Durres lies at the S tip of a peninsula c.10 km in length. The land to the northwest of the town is hilly, and this terrain extends as far as the ancient remains known as Porto Romano, c.7 km north of the town. The land northeast of the town is flat and low-lying, currently arable farmland criss-crossed by small irrigation canals (fig. 1). It was drained and reclaimed from marshland under the Communist régime. The overall impression of the topography around Durres (fig. 2) is that the area of high ground had once been an island, detached from the mainland or joined only by a sandbar, and that this relationship has fluctuated over time as a result of small seismic shifts, rising sea levels, and other factors. Any understanding of the town over time has to be placed against as accurate as possible an understanding of these and other features of what is a rapidly changing environment.
BEING FAIR TO THE FAIRNESS ARGUMENT FOR SAME-SEX MARRIAGE
Authors: Sartorelli Joseph
Published: September 2015

According to the fairness argument, same-sex marriage must be permitted because without it there would not be equal treatment for homosexuals and heterosexuals. In (THINK 36), Piers Benn holds that the argument does eventually deliver this conclusion, but not as readily as intuitively appears. He concludes that some conservative points against same-sex marriage achieve at least a stand-off from the point of view of the argument. I argue that he accords the conservative points much more significance than they actually deserve and misconstrues the metaphysical dimension that is an important part of how the fairness argument operates.
The Effect of Religiosity on Political Attitudes in Israel
Authors: Bagno-Moldavski Olena
Published: September 2015

This article studies the influence of religion on political attitudes in Israel by testing two propositions: “religion-friendly” democratization and “greedy” socialization. The former implies that accommodation of religious demands stimulates democratization, the latter argues that domineering religious socialization does not motivate democratic attitudes. Analysis of data from representative surveys conducted in 2006–2013, supports “greedy” socialization over the “religion friendly” hypothesis. I show that in most instances, socialization in religion-friendly environments does not moderate the political attitudes of religiously conservative groups. The results suggest that unbounded accommodation of religious needs in non-religious institutions may strengthen undemocratic political attitudes.
First record of colour abnormalities in the bocon toadfish Amphichthys cryptocentrus (Valenciennes 1837) (Teleostei: Batrachoididae)
Authors: Sampaio Cláudio L.S. , Nunes José De Anchieta C.C. , Macieira Raphael M. , Reis-Filho José Amorim
Published: September 2015

The batrachoididAmphichthys cryptocentrusis an estuarine reef-associated species, characterized by a body of a uniformly dark background colour and head greatly depressed. We report colour abnormalities for this species, based on two specimens collected in the south-western Atlantic. Additionally, morphometric data and information about the species’ feeding habits and reproduction are provided. One specimen (most of the body was non-pigmented) exhibited small dark spots over a uniformly white body, but eyes were normally pigmented. Another specimen (totally non-pigmented) was oculocutaneous albino, lacked body pigmentation and eyes were pink-reddish translucent. Potential effects of these colour abnormalities on their ecology and behaviours are discussed.
New record of the pea crab Nepinnotheres villosulus (Guérin-Meneville, 1831) (Brachyura: Pinnotheridae) from clams and cockles of Pakistan (northern Arabian Sea)
Authors: Jahangir Shahnaz , Siddiqui Ghazala , Ayub Zarrien , Boyko Christopher B.
Published: September 2015

The pea crabNepinnotheres villosulusis recorded for the first time from Sonmiani, Pakistan. It was found in six species of clams,Meretrix casta, Marcia recens, Callista umbonella, Gastrana multangula, Protapes corandPsammotreta angulataand in one species of blood cockle,Anadara antiquate,with the highest prevalence inMeretrix casta. In some clams, both male and female crabs were found inside the host. More than 60% of female crabs were soft-shelled and ovigerous.
Clinical and Sociodemographic Factors Associated with Cognitive Impairment and Neuroprotection in Diabetes Patients
Authors: Valiente-Barroso Carlos , Alvarado-Izquierdo Jesús Mª , García Emilio García
Published: September 2015

The aim of this study is to analyze the potential impact of factors (clinical and demographic variables and comorbidities) associated with Diabetes Mellitus (DM) on certain mental processes related to cognitive impairment, with special attention to the analysis of parameters that define processing speed and executive function. Neuropsychological examination of elderly Spanish patients (N = 59, 33 females, Mage 70.98 years) diagnosed with DM, in addition to application of an ad hoc questionnaire to collect information on comorbidities and other relevant demographic variables. Based on a cross-sectional design, correlational analysis was carried out. Cognitive performance showed an inverse relationship to age and cardiopathology while years of schooling and regular physical activity appeared as neuroprotective factors. DM is an illness which, linked to other variables, can be regarded as a risk factor for the development of cognitive impairment. Certain factors (physical activity and cognitive stimulation) have the potential to mitigate this tendency. There is a need to further our understanding of the neurobiological mechanisms involved.
Validation of a New Instrument for Self-care in Spanish Palliative Care Professionals Nationwide
Authors: Galiana Laura , Oliver Amparo , Sansó Noemí , Benito Enric
Published: September 2015

Self-care is a cornerstone issue for those who deal with stressful events, as it is the case of palliative care professionals. It has been related to awareness, coping with death and quality of life, among others, but no measurement instruments have been used in palliative care professionals. This research presents and validates a brief new measure with clinical and psychometric good properties, called Professional Self-Care Scale (PSCS). The PSCS assesses professionals’ self-care in three areas: physical self-care, inner self-care, and social self-care. Data come from a cross-sectional survey in a sample of 385 professionals of palliative care. The Mindful Attention Awareness Scale, the Coping with Death Scale, and the Professional’s Quality of Life measure were also used. Results of the CFA showed adequate fit (χ2(24, N = 385) = 140.66, p < .01; CFI = .91; GFI = .93; SRMR = .09; and RMSEA = .10). Evidence pointed better reliability indices for the 3-item physical and inner factors of self-care than for the social dimension (Rho and GLB of .64, .90, and .57, respectively). Evidence regarding validity was consistent with previous literature. When levels of self-care were examined, women showed higher levels of inner and social self-care (F(3, 371) = 3.19, p = .02, η2 = .03, as also did psychologists when compared to doctors and nurses (F(9, 1074) = 2.00, p = .04, η2 = .02. The PSCS has shown adequate psychometric properties, and thus it could be used as diagnostic instrument when studying professionals’ health.
Do Empathic Abilities Change throughout the Course of Becoming a Psychotherapist?
Authors: Georgi Erik , Petermann Franz , Schipper Marc
Published: September 2015

Abstract. Empathy is defined as an individually varying but stable personality trait. Contrary to this statement we proposed a model ( Georgi, Petermann & Schipper, 2014 ) in which individual empathic abilities are continuously modulated throughout life, resulting in modifications of neural processes and their underlying neural structures. To further investigate and validate the model’s assumptions we conducted a cross-sectional study using the Questionnaire of Cognitive and Affective Empathy, assessing empathic abilities of three groups of psychologists at different stages of their careers. Results showed higher cognitive and lower affective empathic measures for psychological psychotherapists compared to first-year-bachelor as well as master students. Regarding to our model these findings demonstrate possible effects of psychological education and professional experience on empathic perception.
Does low-energy sweetener consumption affect energy intake and body weight? A systematic review, including meta-analyses, of the evidence from human and animal studies
Authors: Rogers P J , Hogenkamp P S , de Graaf C , Higgs S , Lluch A , Ness A R , Penfold C , Perry R , Putz P , Yeomans M R , Mela D J
Published: September 2015

By reducing energy density, low-energy sweeteners (LES) might be expected to reduce energy intake (EI) and body weight (BW). To assess the totality of the evidence testing the null hypothesis that LES exposure (versus sugars or unsweetened alternatives) has no effect on EI or BW, we conducted a systematic review of relevant studies in animals and humans consuming LES withad libitumaccess to food energy. In 62 of 90 animal studies exposure to LES did not affect or decreased BW. Of 28 reporting increased BW, 19 compared LES with glucose exposure using a specific ‘learning’ paradigm. Twelve prospective cohort studies in humans reported inconsistent associations between LES use and body mass index (−0.002 kg m−2per year, 95% confidence interval (CI) −0.009 to 0.005). Meta-analysis of short-term randomized controlled trials (129 comparisons) showed reduced total EI for LES versus sugar-sweetened food or beverage consumption before anad libitummeal (−94 kcal, 95% CI −122 to −66), with no difference versus water (−2 kcal, 95% CI −30 to 26). This was consistent with EI results from sustained intervention randomized controlled trials (10 comparisons). Meta-analysis of sustained intervention randomized controlled trials (4 weeks to 40 months) showed that consumption of LES versus sugar led to relatively reduced BW (nine comparisons; −1.35 kg, 95% CI –2.28 to −0.42), and a similar relative reduction in BW versus water (three comparisons; −1.24 kg, 95% CI –2.22 to −0.26). Most animal studies did not mimic LES consumption by humans, and reverse causation may influence the results of prospective cohort studies. The preponderance of evidence from all human randomized controlled trials indicates that LES do not increase EI or BW, whether compared with caloric or non-caloric (for example, water) control conditions. Overall, the balance of evidence indicates that use of LES in place of sugar, in children and adults, leads to reduced EI and BW, and possibly also when compared with water.
Polarization-resolved spectroscopy imaging of grain boundaries and optical excitations in crystalline organic thin films
Authors: Pan Z. , Rawat N. , Cour I. , Manning L. , Headrick R. L. , Furis M.
Published: September 2015

Exploration of optical properties of organic crystalline semiconductors thin films is challenging due to submicron grain sizes and the presence of numerous structural defects, disorder and grain boundaries. Here we report on the results of combined linear dichroism (LD)/ polarization-resolved photoluminescence (PL) scanning microscopy experiments that simultaneously probe the excitonic radiative recombination and the molecular ordering in solution-processed metal-free phthalocyanine crystalline thin films with macroscopic grain sizes. LD/PL images reveal the relative orientation of the singlet exciton transition dipoles at the grain boundaries and the presence of a localized electronic state that acts like a barrier for exciton diffusion across the grain boundary. We also show how this energy barrier can be entirely eliminated through the optimization of deposition parameters that results in films with large grain sizes and small-angle boundaries. These studies open an avenue for exploring the influence of long-range order on exciton diffusion and carrier transport.
Cross-polarized photon-pair generation and bi-chromatically pumped optical parametric oscillation on a chip
Authors: Reimer Christian , Kues Michael , Caspani Lucia , Wetzel Benjamin , Roztocki Piotr , Clerici Matteo , Jestin Yoann , Ferrera Marcello , Peccianti Marco , Pasquazi Alessia , Little Brent E. , Chu Sai T. , Moss David J. , Morandotti Roberto
Published: September 2015

Nonlinear optical processes are one of the most important tools in modern optics with a broad spectrum of applications in, for example, frequency conversion, spectroscopy, signal processing and quantum optics. For practical and ultimately widespread implementation, on-chip devices compatible with electronic integrated circuit technology offer great advantages in terms of low cost, small footprint, high performance and low energy consumption. While many on-chip key components have been realized, to date polarization has not been fully exploited as a degree of freedom for integrated nonlinear devices. In particular, frequency conversion based on orthogonally polarized beams has not yet been demonstrated on chip. Here we show frequency mixing between orthogonal polarization modes in a compact integrated microring resonator and demonstrate a bi-chromatically pumped optical parametric oscillator. Operating the device above and below threshold, we directly generate orthogonally polarized beams, as well as photon pairs, respectively, that can find applications, for example, in optical communication and quantum optics.
A porous proton-relaying metal-organic framework material that accelerates electrochemical hydrogen evolution
Authors: Hod Idan , Deria Pravas , Bury Wojciech , Mondloch Joseph E. , Kung Chung-Wei , So Monica , Sampson Matthew D. , Peters Aaron W. , Kubiak Cliff P. , Farha Omar K. , Hupp Joseph T.
Published: September 2015

The availability of efficient hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) catalysts is of high importance for solar fuel technologies aimed at reducing future carbon emissions. Even though Pt electrodes are excellent HER electrocatalysts, commercialization of large-scale hydrogen production technology requires finding an equally efficient, low-cost, earth-abundant alternative. Here, high porosity, metal-organic framework (MOF) films have been used as scaffolds for the deposition of a Ni-S electrocatalyst. Compared with an MOF-free Ni-S, the resulting hybrid materials exhibit significantly enhanced performance for HER from aqueous acid, decreasing the kinetic overpotential by more than 200 mV at a benchmark current density of 10 mA cm−2. Although the initial aim was to improve electrocatalytic activity by greatly boosting the active area of the Ni-S catalyst, the performance enhancements instead were found to arise primarily from the ability of the proton-conductive MOF to favourably modify the immediate chemical environment of the sulfide-based catalyst.
Oxidation of the alarmin IL-33 regulates ST2-dependent inflammation
Authors: Cohen E. Suzanne , Scott Ian C. , Majithiya Jayesh B. , Rapley Laura , Kemp Benjamin P. , England Elizabeth , Rees D. Gareth , Overed-Sayer Catherine L. , Woods Joanne , Bond Nicholas J. , Veyssier Christel Séguy , Embrey Kevin J. , Sims Dorothy A. , Snaith Michael R. , Vousden Katherine A. , Strain Martin D. , Chan Denice T. Y. , Carmen Sara , Huntington Catherine E. , Flavell Liz , Xu Jianqing , Popovic Bojana , Brightling Christopher E. , Vaughan Tristan J. , Butler Robin , Lowe David C. , Higazi Daniel R. , Corkill Dominic J. , May Richard D. , Sleeman Matthew A. , Mustelin Tomas
Published: September 2015

In response to infections and irritants, the respiratory epithelium releases the alarmin interleukin (IL)-33 to elicit a rapid immune response. However, little is known about the regulation of IL-33 following its release. Here we report that the biological activity of IL-33 at its receptor ST2 is rapidly terminated in the extracellular environment by the formation of two disulphide bridges, resulting in an extensive conformational change that disrupts the ST2 binding site. Both reduced (active) and disulphide bonded (inactive) forms of IL-33 can be detected in lung lavage samples from mice challenged with Alternaria extract and in sputum from patients with moderate–severe asthma. We propose that this mechanism for the rapid inactivation of secreted IL-33 constitutes a ‘molecular clock’ that limits the range and duration of ST2-dependent immunological responses to airway stimuli. Other IL-1 family members are also susceptible to cysteine oxidation changes that could regulate their activity and systemic exposure through a similar mechanism.
Elephants born in the high stress season have faster reproductive ageing
Authors: Mumby Hannah S. , Mar Khyne U. , Hayward Adam D. , Htut Win , Htut-Aung Ye , Lummaa Virpi
Published: September 2015

Senescent declines in reproduction and survival are found across the tree of life, but little is known of the factors causing individual variation in reproductive ageing rates. One contributor may be variation in early developmental conditions, but only a few studies quantify the effects of early environment on reproductive ageing and none concern comparably long-lived species to humans. We determine the effects of ‘stressful’ birth conditions on lifetime reproduction in a large semi-captive population of Asian elephants (Elephas maximus). We categorise birth month into stressful vs. not-stressful periods based on longitudinal measures of glucocorticoid metabolites in reproductive-aged females, which peak during heavy workload and the start of the monsoon in June-August. Females born in these months exhibit faster reproductive senescence in adulthood and have significantly reduced lifetime reproductive success than their counterparts born at other times of year. Improving developmental conditions could therefore delay reproductive ageing in species as long-lived as humans.
IP3R deficit underlies loss of salivary fluid secretion in Sjögren’s Syndrome
Authors: Teos Leyla Y. , Zhang Yu , Cotrim Ana P. , Swaim William , Won Jon H. , Ambrus Julian , Shen Long , Bebris Lolita , Grisius Margaret , Jang Shyh-Ing , Yule David I. , Ambudkar Indu S. , Alevizos Ilias
Published: September 2015

The autoimmune exocrinopathy, Sjögren’s syndrome (SS), is associated with secretory defects in patients, including individuals with mild lymphocytic infiltration and minimal glandular damage. The mechanism(s) underlying the secretory dysfunction is not known. We have used minor salivary gland biopsies from SS patients and healthy individuals to assess acinar cell function in morphologically intact glandular areas. We report that agonist-regulated intracellular Ca2+ release, critically required for Ca2+ entry and fluid secretion, is defective in acini from SS patients. Importantly, these acini displayed reduction in IP3R2 and IP3R3, but not AQP5 or STIM1. Similar decreases in IP3R and carbachol (CCh)-stimulated [Ca2+]i elevation were detected in acinar cells from lymphotoxin-alpha (LTα) transgenic (TG) mice, a model for (SS). Treatment of salivary glands from healthy individuals with LT α, a cytokine linked to disease progression in SS and IL14α mice, reduced Ca2+ signaling. Together, our findings reveal novel IP3R deficits in acinar cells that underlie secretory dysfunction in SS patients.
In silico modeling of spore inhalation reveals fungal persistence following low dose exposure
Authors: Tanaka Reiko J. , Boon Neville J. , Vrcelj Katarina , Nguyen Anita , Vinci Carmelina , Armstrong-James Darius , Bignell Elaine
Published: September 2015

The human lung is constantly exposed to spores of the environmental mould Aspergillus fumigatus, a major opportunistic pathogen. The spectrum of resultant disease is the outcome of complex host-pathogen interactions, an integrated, quantitative understanding of which lies beyond the ethical and technical reach permitted by animal studies. Here we construct a mathematical model of spore inhalation and clearance by concerted actions of macrophages and neutrophils and use it to derive a mechanistic understanding of pathogen clearance by the healthy, immunocompetent host. In particular, we investigated the impact of inoculum size upon outcomes of single-dose fungal exposure by simulated titrations of inoculation dose, from 106 to 102 spores. Simulated low-dose (102) spore exposure, an everyday occurrence for humans, revealed a counter-intuitive prediction of fungal persistence (>3 days). The model predictions were reflected in the short-term dynamics of experimental murine exposure to fungal spores, thereby highlighting the potential of mathematical modelling for studying relevant behaviours in experimental models of fungal disease. Our model suggests that infectious outcomes can be highly dependent upon short-term dynamics of fungal exposure, which may govern occurrence of cyclic or persistent subclinical fungal colonisation of the lung following low dose spore inhalation in non-neutropenic hosts.
Depinning Transition of a Domain Wall in Ferromagnetic Films
Authors: Xi Bin , Luo Meng-Bo , Vinokur Valerii M. , Hu Xiao
Published: September 2015

We report first principle numerical study of domain wall (DW) depinning in two-dimensional magnetic film, which is modeled by 2D random-field Ising system with the dipole-dipole interaction. We observe nonconventional activation-type motion of DW and reveal the fractal structure of DW near the depinning transition. We determine scaling functions describing critical dynamics near the transition and obtain universal exponents establishing connection between thermal softening of pinning potential and critical dynamics. We observe that tuning the strength of the dipole-dipole interaction switches DW dynamics between two different universality classes, corresponding to two distinct dynamic regimes characterized by non-Arrhenius and conventional Arrhenius-type DW motions.
Secondary batteries with multivalent ions for energy storage
Authors: Xu Chengjun , Chen Yanyi , Shi Shan , Li Jia , Kang Feiyu , Su Dangsheng
Published: September 2015

The use of electricity generated from clean and renewable sources, such as water, wind, or sunlight, requires efficiently distributed electrical energy storage by high-power and high-energy secondary batteries using abundant, low-cost materials in sustainable processes. American Science Policy Reports state that the next-generation “beyond-lithium” battery chemistry is one feasible solution for such goals. Here we discover new “multivalent ion” battery chemistry beyond lithium battery chemistry. Through theoretic calculation and experiment confirmation, stable thermodynamics and fast kinetics are presented during the storage of multivalent ions (Ni2+, Zn2+, Mg2+, Ca2+, Ba2+, or La3+ ions) in alpha type manganese dioxide. Apart from zinc ion battery, we further use multivalent Ni2+ ion to invent another rechargeable battery, named as nickel ion battery for the first time. The nickel ion battery generally uses an alpha type manganese dioxide cathode, an electrolyte containing Ni2+ ions and Ni anode. The nickel ion battery delivers a high energy density (340 Wh kg−1, close to lithium ion batteries), fast charge ability (1 minute) and long cycle life (over 2200 times).
Diastereoselective construction of anti-4,5-disubstituted-1,3-dioxolanes via a bismuth-mediated two-component hemiacetal oxa-conjugate addition of γ-hydroxy-α,β-unsaturated ketones with paraformaldehyde
Authors: Grisin Aleksandr , Oliver Samuel , Ganton Michael D. , Bacsa John , Evans P. Andrew
Published: September 2015

The bismuth-mediated two-component hemiacetal oxa-conjugate addition provides a mild method for the stereoselective construction of anti-4,5-disubstituted 1,3-dioxolanes.
Carbene-derived α-acyl formamidinium cations: organic molecules with readily tunable multiple redox processes
Authors: Deardorff Cassie L. , Eric Sikma R. , Rhodes Christopher P. , Hudnall Todd W.
Published: September 2015

Singlet carbenes can impart stability, but can also be used to tailor the electrochemical properties of redox-active organic molecules.
Highly emissive organic solids with remarkably broad color tunability based on N,C-chelate, four-coordinate organoborons
Authors: Shaikh Aslam C. , Ranade Dnyanesh S. , Thorat Shridhar , Maity Arunava , Kulkarni Prasad P. , Gonnade Rajesh G. , Munshi Parthapratim , Patil Nitin T.
Published: September 2015

Herein reported are molecular fluorophores based onN,C-chelate, four-coordinate organoborons which exhibit tunable solid-state emission colors that cover the whole visible region from blue to red.
Highly effective photodynamic inactivation of E. coli using gold nanorods/SiO2 core–shell nanostructures with embedded verteporfin
Authors: Turcheniuk Kostiantyn , Turcheniuk Volodymyr , Hage Charles-Henri , Dumych Tetiana , Bilyy Rostyslav , Bouckaert Julie , Héliot Laurent , Zaitsev Vladimir , Boukherroub Rabah , Szunerits Sabine
Published: September 2015

The potential of gold nanorods coated with a 20 nm silica shell loaded with verteporfin as efficient NIR nanostructures for photodynamic therapy to eradicate a virulent strain of E. coli associated with urinary tract infection is described.
Highly-efficient dye-sensitized solar cells with collaborative sensitization by silyl-anchor and carboxy-anchor dyes
Authors: Kakiage Kenji , Aoyama Yohei , Yano Toru , Oya Keiji , Fujisawa Jun-ichi , Hanaya Minoru
Published: September 2015

A collaborative sensitization by silyl-anchor and carboxy-anchor dyes (ADEKA-1 + LEG4) in dye-sensitized solar cells realized a high light-to-electric energy conversion efficiency of over 14% under one sun illumination.
Organic solvent-assisted free-standing Li2MnO3·LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 on 3D graphene as a high energy density cathode
Authors: Xin Yuelong , Qi Liya , Zhang Yiwei , Zuo Zicheng , Zhou Henghui , Zhang Xinxiang
Published: September 2015

A novel organic solvent-assisted freeze-drying pathway, which can effectively protect and uniformly distribute active particles, is developed to fabricate a free-standing Li2MnO3·LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 (LR)/rGO electrode on a large scale.
Oxidative addition of carbon–fluorine and carbon–oxygen bonds to Al(i)
Authors: Crimmin Mark R. , Butler Michael J. , White Andrew J. P.
Published: September 2015

Addition of fluoroarenes, fluoroalkanes or benzofuran to [{(2,6-iPr2C6H3NCMe)2CH}Al] results in facile oxidative addition of either a C–F or C–O bond to the Al(i) centre.
Acid-catalyzed carboxylic acid esterification and ester hydrolysis mechanism: acylium ion as a sharing active intermediate via a spontaneous trimolecular reaction based on density functional theory calculation and supported by electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry
Authors: Shi Hongchang , Wang Yilei , Hua Ruimao
Published: September 2015

The DFT calculation revealed that acid-catalyzed carboxylic acid esterification and ester hydrolysis are brief two-step reactions.
Laser cooling of BeCl and BeBr molecules in an ab initio method
Authors: Wan Ming-jie , Shao Ju-xiang , Huang Duo-hui , Jin Cheng-guo , Yu You , Wang Fan-hou
Published: September 2015

A proposed laser cooling scheme using the X2Σ+ → A2Π transition and spontaneous decay of BeCl and BeBr.
Bismuth and chromium co-doped strontium titanates and their photocatalytic properties under visible light irradiation
Authors: Lv Meilin , Xie Yinghao , Wang Yawei , Sun Xiaoqin , Wu Fangfang , Chen Hongmei , Wang Shuwei , Shen Cai , Chen Zuofeng , Ni Shuang , Liu Gang , Xu Xiaoxiang
Published: September 2015

Bi/Cr were co-doped into SrTiO3viatwo synthetic routes. Unlike Cr, Bi does not significantly contribute to the electronic structure near Fermi level.
Low-temperature scanning tunneling microscopy study on the electronic properties of a double-decker DyPc2molecule at the surface
Authors: Zhang Yajie , Liao Peilin , Kan Jinglan , Yin Cen , Li Na , Liu Jing , Chen Qiwei , Wang Yongfeng , Chen Wei , Xu Guo Qin , Jiang Jianzhuang , Berndt Richard , Wu Kai
Published: September 2015

Inaccessibility of the Dy 4f states in the double-decker DyPc2molecule, as evidenced by dI/dVmapping in the constant height mode.
Control of localized surface plasmon resonance energy in monolayer structures of gold and silver nanoparticles
Authors: Yokota Hiroki , Taniguchi Taichi , Watanabe Taichi , Kim DaeGwi
Published: September 2015

The LSPR energy was successfully controlled in the wide range of 2.0–3.0 eV using Au and Ag nanoparticles.
Theoretical study on interactions of fluorinated organomercurials with arene and gold fragments
Authors: Mendizabal Fernando , Miranda-Rojas Sebastián , Barrientos Lorena
Published: September 2015

We report a computational study of [Hg(C6F5)2]2–{L}, [Hg3(o-C6F4)3]2·{L} (L = naphthalene, biphenyl, fluorene) and [Hg3(o-C6F4)3]{Au3(μ-C(OEt)NC6H4CH3)3}n(n= 1, 2) adducts at the HF, MP2, DFT and DFT-D3 levels.
Capping agent promoted oxidation of gold nanoparticles: cetyl trimethylammonium bromide
Authors: Plowman Blake J. , Tschulik Kristina , Young Neil P. , Compton Richard G.
Published: September 2015

The electrochemical behaviour of citrate and cetyl trimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) capped gold nanoparticles is investigated in this work, highlighting the active role which capping agents can play in charge transfer reactions.
Biomass-derived lignin to jet fuel range hydrocarbons via aqueous phase hydrodeoxygenation
Authors: Wang Hongliang , Ruan Hao , Pei Haisheng , Wang Huamin , Chen Xiaowen , Tucker Melvin P. , Cort John R. , Yang Bin
Published: September 2015

A New Lignin BioJet: Jet fuel-range hydrocarbons (C7–C18) can be produced directly from biomass-derived lignin by selective C–O–C bond cleavage and simultaneous hydrodeoxygenation using combinations of noble metal catalysts (Ru/Al2O3) and acidic zeolites (H+-Y) in the aqueous phase.
Digital quantification of miRNA directly in plasma using integrated comprehensive droplet digital detection
Authors: Zhang Kaixiang , Kang Dong-Ku , Ali M. Monsur , Liu Linan , Labanieh Louai , Lu Mengrou , Riazifar Hamidreza , Nguyen Thi N. , Zell Jason A. , Digman Michelle A. , Gratton Enrico , Li Jinghong , Zhao Weian
Published: September 2015

We present a technology that can provide digital quantification of miRNA in unprocessed plasma with a LOD of 50 copies per mL.
Subunit-directed click coupling via doubly cross-linked hemoglobin efficiently produces readily purified functional bis-tetrameric oxygen carriers
Authors: Singh Serena , Dubinsky-Davidchik Ina S. , Yang Ying , Kluger Ronald
Published: September 2015

Sequential cross-linking leads to CuAAC phase-directed protein–protein coupling.
Bis(N-substituted oxamate)palladate(ii) complexes as effective catalysts for sustainable Heck carbon–carbon coupling reactions in n-Bu4NBr as the solvent
Authors: Fortea-Pérez Francisco Ramón , Rothenpieler Berit L. , Marino Nadia , Armentano Donatella , De Munno Giovanni , Julve Miguel , Stiriba Salah-Eddine
Published: September 2015

Bis(oxamato)palladate(ii) complexes are structurally well-defined precatalysts for the Heck vinylation of aryl halide derivatives inn-Bu4NBr as benign ionic liquid.
Hydrodeoxygenation of phenol as a bio-oil model compound over intimate contact noble metal–Ni2P/SiO2 catalysts
Authors: Li Yunhua , Yang Xin , Zhu Linhui , Zhang Hua , Chen Binghui
Published: September 2015

1% Pd–10% Ni2P/SiO2, from a Ni2P reducing noble metal precursor, presents a high activity and cyclohexanol or cyclohexane selectivity due to more active sites and electrons transferring from Ni2P to the noble metal.
Rapid and maskless nanopatterning of aluminosilicate glass surface via friction-induced selective etching in HF solution
Authors: Song Chenfei , Yu Bingjun , Wang Mian , Qian Linmao
Published: September 2015

A rapid and maskless nanofabrication method on glass was proposed, which consisted of scanning with a diamond tip and post-etching in HF solution. The masking effect on scan area is attributed to the formation of AlF3during etching.
Enhancement of the catalytic performance of a CNT supported Pt nanorod cluster catalyst by controlling their microstructure
Authors: Zhou Cuifeng , Du Xusheng , Liu Hongwei , Ringer Simon P. , Liu Zongwen
Published: September 2015

Novel catalysts with Pt nanorod clusters distributed in both interior and exterior of CNTs were prepared and confirmed by TEM tomography. This structure benefits higher performance due to the CNTs' confinement effect.
Conductive enhancement of copper/graphene composites based on high-quality graphene
Authors: Li Weiping , Li Delong , Fu Qiang , Pan Chunxu
Published: September 2015

In this paper, we report an electrical conductivity enhanced copper/graphene composite based on high-quality graphene (HQG) via processes involving graphene-coated copper powders through ball milling, and subsequent spark plasma sintering (SPS).
Novel potent HIF-1 inhibitors for the prevention of tumor metastasis: discovery and optimization of 3-aryl-5-indazole-1,2,4-oxadiazole derivatives
Authors: Sheng Rong , Li Shan , Lin Guanyu , Shangguan Shihao , Gu Yongchuan , Qiu Ni , Cao Ji , He Qiaojun , Yang Bo , Hu Yongzhou
Published: September 2015

Our newly synthesized HIF-1 inhibitors 4g and 4h are proved to be the most potential therapeutic agents against tumor metastasis.
Carbon nanotube based polymer nanocomposites: biomimic preparation and organic dye adsorption applications
Authors: Xie Yili , He Chengbin , Liu Leichun , Mao Liucheng , Wang Ke , Huang Qiang , Liu Meiying , Wan Qing , Deng Fengjie , Huang Hongye , Zhang Xiaoyong , Wei Yen
Published: September 2015

Poly(sodium-p-styrene sulfonate) modified multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been prepared via a combination of mussel inspired chemistry and SET-LRP, and utilized for methylene blue removal with high efficiency.
From vesicles to micelles: microphase separation of amphiphilic dendrimer copolymers in a selective solvent
Authors: Lin Bo , Liu Lan , Zhang Shijie , Huang Junzuo , He Fuan , Qi Minhua
Published: September 2015

The microphase separation of amphiphilic dendrimer copolymers in a selective solvent with different excluded volume effects (αS) is investigated using three-dimensional real space self-consistent field theory.
Multifunctional high strength and high energy epoxy composite structural supercapacitors with wet-dry operational stability
Authors: Westover Andrew S. , Baer Bradly , Bello Babatunde H. , Sun Haotian , Oakes Landon , Bellan Leon M. , Pint Cary L.
Published: September 2015

An epoxy-composite reinforced structural supercapacitor is described with unpackaged performance integrity even under periods of extreme wet-dry water immersion.
Bioengineered mussel glue incorporated with a cell recognition motif as an osteostimulating bone adhesive for titanium implants
Authors: Jo Yun Kee , Choi Bong-Hyuk , Zhou Cong , Ahn Jin-Soo , Jun Sang Ho , Cha Hyung Joon
Published: September 2015

An engineered mussel glue MAP-RGD can be successfully used as a novel functional osteostimulating bone adhesive for titanium implants through improved osteoblastic cell behaviors, blood responses, and eventually enhanced bone regeneration.
Ultrasensitive biosensing platform based on layered vanadium disulfide–graphene composites coupling with tetrahedron-structured DNA probes and exonuclease III assisted signal amplification
Authors: Huang Ke-Jing , Liu Yu-Jie , Zhai Qiu-Fen
Published: September 2015

An electrochemical aptasensor is developed to sensitively detect PDGF-BB based on vanadium disulfide–graphene composites and exonuclease III signal amplification.
Graphene oxide-stimulated acoustic attenuating performance of tungsten based epoxy films
Authors: Qiu Yunfeng , Liu Jingjing , Yang Huihui , Gao Feng , Lu Yue , Zhang Rui , Cao Wenwu , Hu PingAn
Published: September 2015

A tungsten/epoxy composite film integrated with graphene oxide (GO) is preparedviaa layer-by-layer assembly method, which shows enhanced acoustic attenuating performance compared with a tungsten/epoxy composite film in the absence of GO.
Series impedance of distribution cables with sector‐shaped conductors
Authors: Urquhart Andrew J. , Thomson Murray
Published: September 2015

Models of power distribution networks require accurate cable impedance data. For unbalanced networks, both the self‐impedances and the mutual impedances are needed. However, published studies use differing approaches to determine cable impedances, leaving uncertainty over the level of detail required. This study compares impedances provided by the manufacturer with those from several analytical methods, showing the impact of modelling the non‐circular geometry and of including corrections allowing for the AC resistance. The analysis is compared to results from a freely available finite element (FE) solver where the current distribution is modelled in detail, taking account of eddy currents and the rotation of the cores relative to the neutral due to the cable lay. At 50 Hz, the analytical methods provide a good approximation, but the FE results show that eddy currents affect the impedance at harmonic frequencies. The results also show the impact of including the ground path in the impedance calculation. The current distribution in the ground has a wide cross‐sectional area, suggesting that the assumption of a perfect multi‐grounded neutral is inappropriate for low voltage networks with short cable lengths.
Improved digital beam‐forming approach with scaling function for range multi‐channel synthetic aperture radar system
Authors: Wang Wei , Wang Robert , Deng Yunkai , Xu Wei , Hou Lili
Published: September 2015

For the next generation of space‐borne synthetic aperture radar (SAR) remote sensing satellites, high resolution and wide coverage are important goals. Digital beam forming (DBF) with multiple channels in elevation (e.g.SCan‐On‐REceive) is a promising candidate to cover ultra‐wide swaths. This scheme could increase the receiver gain and signal‐to‐noise ratio so as to enhance the performance of an SAR system. As the swath width expanding, ultra‐wide beam in range for illuminated scene is needed. However, in this case, the signals received by different channels cannot always be co‐registered during the receiving window before combining them due to the imaging geometry of the DBF–SAR system. The relative migration would cause gain loss while performing DBF. In this study, according to the geometric relationship among the receiving channels, the migration of signal received by each elevation channel is analysed and the explicit expressions are derived in detail. Then, an improved DBF approach based on scaling function is proposed for registering the received signals of different channels and combining them. This proposed process can be implemented with better performance than other approach. Finally, the simulation results validate this improved method.
Cognitive waveform and receiver selection mechanism for multistatic radar
Authors: Ben Kilani Moez , Nijsure Yogesh , Gagnon Ghyslain , Kaddoum Georges , Gagnon François
Published: September 2015

Novel cognitive radar (CR) approach to improve the extended targets detection and resolution is developed in a multistatic radar context. A cognitive waveform selection mechanism based on target probability of detection maximisation in conjunction with adaptive receiver allocation/selection is proposed. Apart from the cognitive waveform selection objective, this process aims at evaluating the optimal positions for the radar receivers in an attempt to iteratively minimise the geometric dilution of precision, subsequently resulting in a high precision target geolocation estimate. The cognitive waveform selection mechanism is based on target dynamics involving time varying target scattering characteristics and clutter distribution parameters. Thus with the proposed dual objective approach, the concept of cognition can be extended to both the radar transmitter and receiver sites. Numerical results demonstrate better target detection performance and positioning accuracy using the proposed approach as compared with conventional methods based on static transmission or stationary multistatic receivers topology.