bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inertial migration of neutrally buoyant spheres in a pressure-driven flow through square channels
Authors: Miura Kazuma , Itano Tomoaki , Sugihara-Seki Masako
Published: May 2014

The inertial migration of neutrally buoyant spherical particles in square channel flows was investigated experimentally in the range of Reynolds numbers ($\mathit{Re}$) from 100 to 1200. The observation of particle positions at several cross-sections downstream from the channel entrance revealed unique patterns of particle distribution which reflects the presence of eight equilibrium positions in the cross-section, located at the centres of the channel faces and at the corners, except for low $\mathit{Re}$. At $\mathit{Re}$ smaller than approximately 250, equilibrium positions at the corners are absent. The corner equilibrium positions were found to arise initially in the band formed along the channel face, followed by a progressive shift almost parallel to the side wall up to the diagonal line with increasing $\mathit{Re}$. Further increase in $\mathit{Re}$ moves the corner equilibrium positions slightly toward the channel corner, whereas the equilibrium positions at the channel face centres are shifted toward the channel centre. As the observation sites become downstream, the particles were found to be more focused near the equilibrium positions keeping their positions almost unchanged. These lateral migration behaviours and focusing properties of particles in square channels are different to that observed in microchannels at lower $\mathit{Re}$ and to what would be expected from extrapolating from the results for circular pipes at comparable $\mathit{Re}$.
Coordination of the California Winegrape Supply Chain
Authors: Franken Jason R.V.
Published: May 2014

This study investigates factors influencing coordination of the California grape and wine supply chain. Results corroborate prior findings that quality considerations and needs to protect investments in specialized or durable assets significantly increase usage of more formal coordination mechanisms, such as formal contracts and vertical integration or ownership. Consistent with findings for other industries, such investments are associated with greater contract complexity and inclusion of enforcement provisions, while trade partners' prior experience working together decreases contract complexity. Furthermore, our results suggest that quality considerations extend to greater use of formal contracts further downstream. (JEL Classifications: L1, L2, Q13)
Does Survey Participation Increase Voter Turnout? Re-examining the Hawthorne Effect in the Swedish National Election Studies
Authors: Persson Mikael
Published: May 2014

A Hawthorne effect found in election studies is that pre-election survey participation increases voter turnout. Using the Swedish National Election Studies, Granberg and Holmberg (1992) showed evidence in support of this effect. However, their findings have been criticized and more recent studies have failed to find any treatment effect of pre-election survey participation (cf. Mann 2005). This study re-examines an updated version of Granberg and Holmberg's time-series cumulative data file covering eight additional election studies (for a total of 14 election studies from 1960 to 2010). These studies have an experimental component, since half of the sample was randomly assigned to be interviewed before the election and the other half after the election. By comparing validated turnout in the pre-election sample with the post-election sample, it is possible to estimate the causal effect of survey participation on voter turnout. The results show that participating in the pre-election survey indeed has a significant and positive effect on voter turnout. Moreover, this article evaluates whether the treatment effect is unevenly distributed in the population. Results show that citizens with a low propensity to vote are more affected by taking part in election studies than citizens with a high propensity to vote. The study also estimates the long-term effects of survey participation. Results show that participating in an election survey can have significant effects on voter turnout several years later.
A NOTE ON INTERPOLATION OF PERMUTATIONS OF A SUBSET OF A FINITE FIELD
Authors: CASTILLO CHRIS , COULTER ROBERT S. , SMITH STEPHEN
Published: May 2014

We determine several variants of the classical interpolation formula for finite fields which produce polynomials that induce a desirable mapping on the nonspecified elements, and without increasing the number of terms in the formula. As a corollary, we classify those permutation polynomials over a finite field which are their own compositional inverse, extending work of C. Wells.
Socio-economic inequalities in children's snack consumption and sugar-sweetened beverage consumption: the contribution of home environmental factors
Authors: van Ansem Wilke J. C. , van Lenthe Frank J. , Schrijvers Carola T. M. , Rodenburg Gerda , van de Mheen Dike
Published: May 2014

In the present study, we examined the association between maternal education and unhealthy eating behaviour (the consumption of snack and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB)) and explored environmental factors that might mediate this association in 11-year-old children. These environmental factors include home availability of snacks and SSB, parental rules about snack and SSB consumption, parental intake of snacks and SSB, peer sensitivity and children's snack-purchasing behaviour. Data were obtained from the fourth wave of the INPACT (IVO Nutrition and Physical Activity Child cohorT) study (2011), in which 1318 parent–child dyads completed a questionnaire. Data were analysed using multivariate regression models. Children of mothers with an intermediate educational level were found to consume more snacks than those of mothers with a high educational level (B= 1·22,P= 0·02). This association was not mediated by environmental factors. Children of mothers with a low educational level were found to consume more SSB than those of mothers with a high educational level (B= 0·63,P< 0·01). The association between maternal educational level and children's SSB consumption was found to be mediated by parental intake of snacks and SSB and home availability of SSB. The home environment seems to be a promising setting for interventions on reducing socio-economic inequalities in children's SSB consumption.
Grounded Modernity in the Bavarian Alps: The Reichenhall Spa Culture at the Turn of the Twentieth Century
Authors: Rosenbaum Adam T.
Published: May 2014

Located on the Alpine frontier between Bavaria and Austria, Reichenhall was once a secluded town, historically defined by its salt industry. Its reputation began to change in the mid-nineteenth century, after a number of enterprising locals opened “cure facilities,” thereby establishing the foundations of a modern health resort. By the end of the century, the spa town drew over 10,000 guests per season. The local community accommodated these visitors with an expanding hospitality industry and a growing number of pleasurable activities. By 1900, the recently renamed Bad Reichenhall had become more than a spa: it was a multifaceted and modern tourist destination, offering progressive medical treatment and cosmopolitan entertainment, along with easy access to the Alpine environment. The following article argues that the marketing of these diverse attractions provides insight into how German society thought about modernity at the turn of the century.
Nazi Kirchenpolitik and Polish Catholicism in the Reichsgau Wartheland, 1939–1941
Authors: Huener Jonathan
Published: May 2014

With the invasion of Poland on September 1, 1939, National Socialist Germany aimed to destroy the Polish nation and Polish national consciousness. The Nazi regime attempted to accomplish this in a variety of ways, including the destruction of Polish cultural institutions, forced resettlement, forced labor, incarceration in prisons and camps, random and systematic roundups of prisoners, and mass murder. To the German authorities in occupied Poland and to many Poles, it was obvious that the occupation would target the Polish Catholic Church with vigor and brutality. Catholicism was the religion of approximately 65 percent of interwar Poland's population: it dominated religious life, held tremendous wealth and political power, and its clergy were widely respected as members of the intelligentsia. More importantly for the Germans, the Catholic Church was a locus and symbol of Polish national identity.
RE-ASSESSING COMMUNITY-DIRECTED TREATMENT: EVIDENCE FROM MAZABUKA DISTRICT, ZAMBIA
Authors: HALWINDI H. , MAGNUSSEN P. , SIZIYA S. , MEYROWITSCH D. W. , OLSEN A.
Published: May 2014

Cross-sectional surveys with carers, health workers, community drug distributors (CDDs) and neighbourhood health committees were conducted to identify factors associated with utilization of community-directed treatment (ComDT) of soil-transmitted helminths in children aged 12–59 months in Mazabuka district, Zambia. The surveys took place in December 2006 and December 2007. In addition child treatment records were reviewed. The factors that were found to be significantly associated (p<0.05) with treatment of children by the CDDs were: (1) the perception of soil-transmitted helminth infections as having significant health importance, (2) the community-based decision to launch and subsequently implement ComDT, (3) the use of the door-to-door method of drug distribution, (4) CDDs being visited by a supervisor, (5) CDDs receiving assistance in mobilizing community members for treatment, (6) CDDs having access to a bicycle and (7) CDDs having received assistance in collecting drugs from the health centre. Despite the effectiveness of ComDT in raising treatment coverage there are factors in the implementation process that will still affect whether children and their carers utilize the ComDT approach. Identification and understanding of these factors is paramount to achieving the desired levels of utilization of such interventions.
Spatial patterns of distribution of meiofaunal and nematode assemblages in the Huvadhoo lagoon (Maldives, Indian Ocean)
Authors: Semprucci F. , Colantoni P. , Sbrocca C. , Baldelli G. , Balsamo M.
Published: May 2014

Huvadhoo Atoll is a little-known and generally uncontaminated atoll of the southern Maldives, although the human pressure is increasing. This study represents the first attempt to characterize the meiofaunal and nematode assemblages of its lagoon both from a taxonomic and functional point of view. The nematode assemblage was made up of a total of 131 genera in 33 families. Desmodoridae, Chromadoridae and Xyalidae represented the richest and most abundant families, followed in terms of abundance by Selachinematidae and Comesomatidae. The nematode richness was overall higher than that reported in the previous studies carried out in the Central part of the archipelago. The diversity patterns revealed higher values than those reported for the back-reefs platforms, so confirming the positive influence of the water depth on the biodiversity of the nematode assemblage. The statistical analysis highlighted a significant taxonomic difference of the assemblages between the stations characterized by fine and medium-coarse sands, respectively, in line with the auto-ecological preferences of the taxa detected. The use of some nematode descriptors for assessing the ecological quality status (EQS) of the lagoon has revealed a slight disturbance in the station close to Viligili, one of the most urbanized islands. However, the summarization of all the descriptors used allows the highlighting of the good EQS of the Huvadhoo lagoon. Thus, the results of this study may be taken as the starting point for the future monitoring of the potential and real impact of the anthropogenic activity on the area over time.
Processing speed impairment in schizophrenia is mediated by white matter integrity
Authors: Karbasforoushan H. , Duffy B. , Blackford J. U. , Woodward N. D.
Published: May 2014

Background

Processing speed predicts functional outcome and is a potential endophenotype for schizophrenia. Establishing the neural basis of processing speed impairment may inform the treatment and etiology of schizophrenia. Neuroimaging investigations in healthy subjects have linked processing speed to brain anatomical connectivity. However, the relationship between processing speed impairment and white matter (WM) integrity in schizophrenia is unclear.

Method

Individuals with schizophrenia and healthy subjects underwent diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and completed a brief neuropsychological assessment that included measures of processing speed, verbal learning, working memory and executive functioning. Group differences in WM integrity, inferred from fractional anisotropy (FA), were examined throughout the brain and the hypothesis that processing speed impairment in schizophrenia is mediated by diminished WM integrity was tested.

Results

WM integrity of the corpus callosum, cingulum, superior and inferior frontal gyri, and precuneus was reduced in schizophrenia. Average FA in these regions mediated group differences in processing speed but not in other cognitive domains. Diminished WM integrity in schizophrenia was accounted for, in large part, by individual differences in processing speed.

Conclusions

Cognitive impairment in schizophrenia was mediated by reduced WM integrity. This relationship was strongest for processing speed because deficits in working memory, verbal learning and executive functioning were not mediated by WM integrity. Larger sample sizes may be required to detect more subtle mediation effects in these domains. Interventions that preserve WM integrity or ameliorate WM disruption may enhance processing speed and functional outcome in schizophrenia.
Précis ofThe Myth of Martyrdom: What Really Drives Suicide Bombers, Rampage Shooters, and Other Self-Destructive Killers
Authors: Lankford Adam
Published: May 2014

For years, scholars have claimed that suicide terrorists are not suicidal, but rather psychologically normal individuals inspired to sacrifice their lives for an ideological cause, due to a range of social and situational factors. I agree that suicide terrorists are shaped by their contexts, as we all are. However, I argue that these scholars went too far. InThe Myth of Martyrdom: What Really Drives Suicide Bombers, Rampage Shooters, and Other Self-Destructive Killers, I take the opposing view, based on my in-depth analyses of suicide attackers from Asia, Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and North America; attackers who were male, female, young, old, Islamic, and Christian; attackers who carried out the most deadly and the least deadly strikes. I present evidence that in terms of their behavior and psychology, suicide terrorists are much like others who commit conventional suicides, murder-suicides, or unconventional suicides where mental health problems, personal crises, coercion, fear of an approaching enemy, or hidden self-destructive urges play a major role. I also identify critical differences between suicide terrorists and those who have genuinely sacrificed their lives for a greater good. By better understanding suicide terrorists, experts in the behavioral and brain sciences may be able to pioneer exciting new breakthroughs in security countermeasures and suicide prevention. And even more ambitiously, by examining these profound extremes of the human condition, perhaps we can more accurately grasp the power of the human survival instinct among those who are actually psychologically healthy.
The inherence heuristic: An intuitive means of making sense of the world, and a potential precursor to psychological essentialism
Authors: Cimpian Andrei , Salomon Erika
Published: May 2014

We propose that human reasoning relies on aninherence heuristic, an implicit cognitive process that leads people to explain observed patterns (e.g., girls wear pink) predominantly in terms of the inherent features of their constituents (e.g., pink is a delicate color). We then demonstrate how this proposed heuristic can provide a unified account for a broad set of findings spanning areas of research that might at first appear unrelated (e.g., system justification, nominal realism, is–ought errors in moral reasoning). By revealing the deep commonalities among the diverse phenomena that fall under its scope, our account is able to generate new insights into these phenomena, as well as new empirical predictions. A second main goal of this article, aside from introducing the inherence heuristic, is to articulate the proposal that the heuristic serves as a foundation for the development of psychological essentialism. More specifically, we propose thatessentialism – which is the common belief that natural and social categories are underlain by hidden, causally powerful essences – emerges over the first few years of life as an elaboration of the earlier, and more open-ended, intuitions supplied by the inherence heuristic. In the final part of the report, we distinguish our proposal from competing accounts (e.g., Strevens's K-laws) and clarify the relationship between the inherence heuristic and related cognitive tendencies (e.g., the correspondence bias). In sum, this article illuminates a basic cognitive process that emerges early in life and is likely to have profound effects on many aspects of human psychology.
Production and on-line comprehension of definite articles and clitic pronouns by Greek sequential bilingual children and monolingual children with specific language impairment
Authors: CHONDROGIANNI VASILIKI , MARINIS THEODOROS , EDWARDS SUSAN , BLOM ELMA
Published: May 2014

The present study compared production and on-line comprehension of definite articles and third person direct object clitic pronouns in Greek-speaking typically developing, sequential bilingual (L2-TD) children and monolingual children with specific language impairment (L1-SLI). Twenty Turkish Greek L2-TD children, 16 Greek L1-SLI children, and 31 L1-TD Greek children participated in a production task examining definite articles and clitic pronouns and, in an on-line comprehension task, involving grammatical sentences with definite articles and clitics and sentences with grammatical violations induced by omitted articles and clitics. The results showed that the L2-TD children were sensitive to the grammatical violations despite low production. In contrast, the children with SLI were not sensitive to clitic omission in the on-line task, despite high production. These results support a dissociation between production and on-line comprehension in L2 children and for impaired grammatical representations and lack of automaticity in children with SLI. They also suggest that on-line comprehension tasks may complement production tasks by differentiating between the language profiles of L2-TD children and children with SLI.
Out-of-plane orientation and crystallinity of biaxially stretched polyethylene terephthalate
Authors: Bandla Sudheer , Allahkarami Masoud , Hanan Jay C.
Published: May 2014

The dependence of polymer properties on their processing history can be used advantageously. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a semi-crystalline polymer, exhibits a microstructure reliant on process and thermal history. PET undergoes strain-induced crystallization, making it sensitive to mechanical stretching. As the level of crystallinity in PET governs its mechanical behavior, it is necessary to quantify the effect of crystallinity and molecular orientation for efficient use. The present research is focused on an approach that will aid in correlating the stretch ratio of PET films to the percent crystallinity and mechanical properties. PET films with different local stretch ratios were obtained through bi-axially stretching injection-molded cylinders of increasing thickness and weight. Percent crystallinity of the PET films with different stretch ratios was measured using X-ray diffraction. Film samples were marked with respect to the stretch directions for measuring their longitudinal (primary stretch direction) and transverse mechanical properties. Local molecular orientation in the form of pole figures was mapped using the (100) plane corresponding to the PET lattice. This will help in linking the physical sample directions and processing to the molecular orientation. Associating the mechanical properties with molecular alignment helps in designing production processes that realize the material's structural potential.
Hepatitis E virus genotype 4 in a pig farm, Italy, 2013
Authors: MONNE I. , CEGLIE L. , DI MARTINO G. , NATALE A. , ZAMPROGNA S. , MORREALE A. , RAMPAZZO E. , CATTOLI G. , BONFANTI L.
Published: May 2014

Zoonotic strains of hepatitis E virus (HEV) in Europe have been reported to belong to genotypes 3 and 4. In 2012 and 2013, 57 pig farms in Northern Italy that had previously resulted seropositive for HEV were surveyed for the presence of the virus, with positive samples subsequently genotyped. Hepatitis E RNA was identified in 17/57 (29·8%) seropositive farms. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that distinct subtypes of genotype 3 were circulating in the north-east of Italy; as well, for the first time in the Italian swine population, genotype 4 was identified and attributed to subtype d.
Estimated paediatric mortality associated with influenza virus infections, United States, 2003–2010
Authors: WONG K. K. , CHENG P. , FOPPA I. , JAIN S. , FRY A. M. , FINELLI L.
Published: May 2014

Death certificate reports and laboratory-confirmed influenza deaths probably underestimate paediatric deaths attributable to influenza. Using US mortality data for persons aged <18 years who died during 28 September 2003 to 2 October 2010, we estimated influenza-attributable deaths using a generalized linear regression model based on seasonal covariates, influenza-certified deaths (deaths for which influenza was a reported cause of death), and occurrence during the 2009 pandemic period. Of 32 783 paediatric deaths in the death categories examined, 853 (3%) were influenza-certified. The estimated number of influenza-attributable deaths over the study period was 1·8 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1·3–2·8] times higher than the number of influenza-certified deaths. Influenza-attributable deaths were 2·1 (95% CI 1·5–3·4) times higher than influenza-certified deaths during the non-pandemic period and 1·1 (95% CI 1·0–1·8) times higher during the pandemic. Overall, US paediatric deaths attributable to influenza were almost twice the number reported by death certificate codes in the seasons prior to the 2009 pandemic.
GROUND STATE SOLUTIONS FOR -SUPERLINEAR -LAPLACIAN EQUATIONS
Authors: CHEN YI , TANG X. H.
Published: May 2014

In this paper, we deduce new conditions for the existence of ground state solutions for the$p$-Laplacian equation$$\begin{equation*} \left \{ \begin{array}{@{}ll} -\mathrm {div}(|\nabla u|^{p-2}\nabla u)+V(x)|u|^{p-2}u=f(x, u), \quad x\in {\mathbb {R}}^{N},\\[5pt] u\in W^{1, p}({\mathbb {R}}^{N}), \end{array} \right . \end{equation*}$$which weaken the Ambrosetti–Rabinowitz type condition and the monotonicity condition for the function$t\mapsto f(x, t)/|t|^{p-1}$. In particular, both$tf(x, t)$and$tf(x, t)-pF(x, t)$are allowed to be sign-changing in our assumptions.
Density functional theory simulations of complex catalytic materials in reactive environments: beyond the ideal surface at low coverage
Authors: Chizallet Céline , Raybaud Pascal
Published: May 2014

Advanced DFT models of complex catalysts, such as amorphous silica–alumina and supported subnanometric platinum particles, bridge the gap between the ideal surface model and the industrial catalyst.
The equilibrium velocity of spherical particles in rectangular microfluidic channels for size measurement
Authors: Sommer Christian , Quint Stephan , Spang Peter , Walther Thomas , Baßler Michael
Published: May 2014

We have shown the particle size dependency of the equilibrium velocity and suggest particle size measurement solely based on velocimetry.
Donut-shaped chambers for analysis of biochemical processes at the cellular and subcellular levels
Authors: Zurgil N. , Ravid-Hermesh O. , Shafran Y. , Howitz S. , Afrimzon E. , Sobolev M. , He J. , Shinar E. , Goldman-Levi R. , Deutsch M.
Published: May 2014

Micro-arrayed donut-shaped chambers (DSCs) in a range of volumes (fL to nL) have been developed and produced for various biochemical reaction measurements and offer an inexpensive and simple system for live cell analysis and the corresponding single cell content.
Sensitive and selective determination of hydroxychloroquine in the presence of uric acid using a new nanostructure self-assembled monolayer modified electrode: optimization by multivariate data analysis
Authors: Khoobi Asma , Ghoreishi Sayed Mehdi , Behpour Mohsen
Published: May 2014

A highly sensitive electrochemical nanosensor was developed using covalent modification of a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) by self-assembly of a novel Schiff base.
Sequence selective capture, release and analysis of DNA using a magnetic microbead-assisted toehold-mediated DNA strand displacement reaction
Authors: Khodakov Dmitriy A. , Khodakova Anastasia S. , Linacre Adrian , Ellis Amanda V.
Published: May 2014

Oligonucleotide modified magnetic beads for the selective capture and release of forensically relevant genes for human identification.
Capillary electrophoretic separation of anions in dimethylformamide–acetic acid medium
Authors: Tian Zhiren , Qin Weidong
Published: May 2014

Anions were separated by capillary electrophoresis using a dimethylformamide–acetic acid medium as a background electrolyte.
Analytical approaches for the assessment of free fatty acids in oils and fats
Authors: Mahesar S. A. , Sherazi S. T. H. , Khaskheli Abdul Rauf , Kandhro Aftab A. , uddin Siraj
Published: May 2014

Block diagram of the methods covered in the review for assessment of free fatty acids in oils and fats.
Synergistic fluorescence quenching of quinolone antibiotics by palladium(ii) and sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate and the analytical application
Authors: Wang Jian , Kong Ling , Shen Wei , Hu Xiaoli , Shen Yizhong , Liu Shaopu
Published: May 2014

Ternary complexes composed of Pd(ii)–PEF–SDBS with 1 : 2 : 2 ratio resulted in a higher fluorescence quenching efficiency and enhanced the sensitivity for the determination of Pd(ii).
Electrodeposited antimony and antimony–gold nanocomposite modified carbon paste electrodes for the determination of heavy metal ions
Authors: Dey M. K. , Satpati A. K. , Reddy A. V. R.
Published: May 2014

Sb film modified carbon paste electrode (CPE) for the determination of Cd and Pb and Sb/Au composite material for the determination of Hg. Stripping plot of Cd and Pb using Sb film modified CPE and the stripping plot of Hg using Sb/Au composite modified CPE are shown along with the SEM image of the Sb/Au composite material.
Specific antibody-induced fluorescence quenching for the development of a directly applicable and label-free immunoassay
Authors: Li Xin , Lei Jiawen , Li Peiwu , Zhang Qi , Zhang Liangxiao , Zhang Wen , Zhang Zhaowei
Published: May 2014

A simple and label-free immunoassay was proposed based on the specific antibody-analyte immune binding reaction induced by fluorescence quenching of the analyte.
Organic nanospheres with an internal bicontinuous structure and their responsive phase inversion
Authors: Ju Zhenhua , He Junpo
Published: May 2014

Responsive nanospheres with an internal bicontinuous structure and shape changing ability through phase inversion were obtained through hierarchical self-assembly of a dendritic block terpolymer in selective solvents.
Asymmetric synthesis of functionalized cyclohexanes bearing five stereocentersviaa one-pot organocatalytic Michael–Michael–1,2-addition sequence
Authors: Chauhan Pankaj , Urbanietz Gregor , Raabe Gerhard , Enders Dieter
Published: May 2014

A highly stereoselective one-pot organocatalytic procedure involving a Michael–Michael–1,2-addition sequence provides an efficient access to fully substituted cyclohexanes bearing five contiguous stereocenters in good yields and excellent stereoselectivities.
The use of a Mitsunobu reagent for the formation of heterocycles: a simple method for the preparation of 3-alkyl-5-aryl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2(3H)-ones from carboxylic acids
Authors: Sugimoto Osamu , Arakaki Tomoyo , Kamio Hiroka , Tanji Ken-ichi
Published: May 2014

3-Alkyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2(3H)-ones were prepared in a one-pot reaction using carboxylic acids and a Mitsunobu reagent.
2-Aroylindoles from o-bromochalcones via Cu(i)-catalyzed SNAr with an azide and intramolecular nitrene C–H insertion
Authors: Goriya Yogesh , Ramana Chepuri V.
Published: May 2014

A simple procedure for the synthesis of 2-aroylindole derivatives comprising a one-pot CuI-catalyzed SNAr reaction ofo-bromochalcones with sodium azide and subsequent intramolecular cyclization through nitrene C–H insertion has been developed.
The morphology transformation from helical nanofiber to helical nanotube in a diarylethene self-assembly system
Authors: Duan Yulong , Yan Shihai , Zhou Xinhong , Xu Wei , Xu Hongxia , Liu Zhihong , Zhang Lixue , Zhang Chuanjian , Cui Guanglei , Yao Lishan
Published: May 2014

Two helical nanostructures, helical nanofibers and helical nanotubes, are self-assembled from a diarylethene compound.
Highly stable photoresponsive complex framework formation involves unusual selective hydrogenation of a pyridine derivative
Authors: Zhang Jie , Geng Jianming , Zheng Guiming , Dai Jingcao , Fu Zhiyong
Published: May 2014

The self-assembly of the zinc ion with the ligand PYPDB in-situ generated from an unusual selective hydrogenation process produces a highly stable photoactive complex Zn(PYPDB)2 displaying interesting long range electron transfer behavior in the conjugated ring system.
Role of oxygen impurity on the mechanical stability and atomic cohesion of Ta3N5 semiconductor photocatalyst
Authors: Wang Jiajia , Feng Jianyong , Zhang Li , Li Zhaosheng , Zou Zhigang
Published: May 2014

Hybrid-DFT calculations were performed to study effects of oxygen impurity on the mechanical stability and atomic cohesion in Ta3N5 photocatalyst.
Dramatic promotion of copper–alumina catalysts by sodium for acetone trimerisation
Authors: Ligner Emanuelle , Meunier Frédéric , Travert Arnaud , Maury Sylvie , Cadran Nicolas
Published: May 2014

Na-doped Cu–Al catalysts are efficient catalysts for acetone condensation to linear trimers.
New supramolecular assemblies in heterobimetallic chemistry: synthesis of a homologous series of unsolvated alkali-metal zincates
Authors: Armstrong David R. , Emerson Helena S. , Hernán-Gómez Alberto , Kennedy Alan R. , Hevia Eva
Published: May 2014

Exhibiting unprecedented supramolecular assemblies, made up exclusively of metal–carbon interactions, the structures of a homologous series of solvent-free alkali-metal zincates have been uncovered.
Facile synthesis and photoluminescence spectroscopy of 3D-triangular GaN nano prism islands
Authors: Kumar Mukesh , Pasha S. K. , Shibin Krishna T. C. , Singh Avanish Pratap , Kumar Pawan , Gupta Bipin Kumar , Gupta Govind
Published: May 2014

Facile syntheses of 3D-triangular GaN nano prism islands (TGNPI) were grown on Si(553) surface by sputter-gun technique. TGNPI exhibit ultra-violet luminescence emission at 366 nm upon 325 nm excitation wavelength.
Protective effects of apigenin against furan-induced toxicity in mice
Authors: Wang Enting , Chen Fang , Hu Xiaosong , Yuan Yuan
Published: May 2014

Furan, a food contaminant formed by heating, is possibly carcinogenic to humans. In this study, we discussed the effect of administration of apigenin on furan-induced toxicity by determining the ROS content, oxidative damage, cytokine levels, DNA damage, and the liver and kidney damage in a mouse model.
Titania-catalysed oxidative dehydrogenation of ethyl lactate: effective yet selective free-radical oxidation
Authors: Ramos-Fernandez Enrique V. , Geels Norbert J. , Shiju N. Raveendran , Rothenberg Gadi
Published: May 2014

Set them free? Combining a solid catalyst and a solid free-radical scavenger, gives a free-radical oxidation that gives high selectivity even at high concentrations.
Dissolution of wood in α-keto acid and aldehydic carboxylic acids and fractionation at room temperature
Authors: Nishiwaki-Akine Yuri , Watanabe Takashi
Published: May 2014

Wood pulverised using a ball mill was dissolved in an α-keto acid, pyruvic acid, and two aldehydic carboxylic acids, namely glyoxylic acid and formic acid, at room temperature.
Environmentally benign glycosylation of aryl pyranosides and aryl/alkyl furanosides demonstrating the versatility of thermostable CGTase from Thermoanaerobacterium sp.
Authors: Pennec Alizé , Legentil Laurent , Herrera-Estrella Luis , Ferrières Vincent , Chauvin Anne-Laure , Nugier-Chauvin Caroline
Published: May 2014

The specificity of transglycosylation of Thermoanaerobacterium sp. CGTase against aryl furanosides is reported.
Colchicine induced intraneuronal free zinc accumulation and dentate granule cell degeneration
Authors: Choi Bo Young , Lee Bo Eun , Kim Jin Hee , Kim Hyun Jung , Sohn Min , Song Hong Ki , Chung Tae Nyoung , Suh Sang Won
Published: May 2014

Colchicine has been discovered to inhibit many inflammatory processes such as gout, familial Mediterranean fever, pericarditis and Behcet disease.
Synthesis of end-functionalized boronic acid containing copolymers and their bioconjugates with rod-like viruses for multiple responsive hydrogels
Authors: Cao Jun , Liu Shuaiyu , Chen Yingjun , Shi Linqi , Zhang Zhenkun
Published: May 2014

End-functionalized boronic acid containing copolymers are grafted to a rod-like M13 virus. The resultant virus polymer can reversibly form hydrogels, which can be regulated by temperature, pH and glucose.
Effective CdS/ZnO nanorod arrays as antireflection coatings for light trapping in c-Si solar cells
Authors: Pu Xuxin , Liu Jie , Liang Jie , Xia Yusheng , Feng Wuliang , Wang Yawen , Yu Xibin
Published: May 2014

The cell with CdS/ZnO nanorod array (NRAs) antireflection coatings exhibits lower reflectance and better light trapping ability than the c-Si solar cell.
An ultrasensitive colorimetric aptasensor for ATP based on peptide/Au nanocomposites and hemin–G-quadruplex DNAzyme
Authors: Li Shipeng , Wang Liqiang , Hao Yuanqiang , Zhang Lili , Zhou Binbin , Deng Liu , Liu You-Nian
Published: May 2014

A self-assembled peptide nanosphere was firstly applied to construct biosensors. A new signal amplification strategy was proposed for colorimetric aptasensor based on PNS/AuNPs composite. The colorimetric aptasensor displayed an ultra-high sensitivity for ATP detection with a LOD of 1.35 pM.
The uniqueness and therapeutic value of natural products from West African medicinal plants. Part I: uniqueness and chemotaxonomy
Authors: Ntie-Kang Fidele , Lifongo Lydia L. , Simoben Conrad V. , Babiaka Smith B. , Sippl Wolfgang , Mbaze Luc Meva'a
Published: May 2014

This review gives an in depth coverage of the natural products derived from West African medicinal plants with diverse biological activities.
Effect of solvent and environmental conditions on the structural and optical properties of CdS nanoparticles
Authors: Wageh Swelm. , Maize Mai , Han Sancan , Al-Ghamdi Ahmed. A. , Fang Xiaosheng
Published: May 2014

Different crystal structures, and tuning of absorption and emission of CdS nanoparticles have been obtained by changing the type of solvent and environmental conditions.
Thermotropic dynamic processes in multiphase polymer systems by (cryo-)AFM
Authors: Matsko N. B. , Mittal V.
Published: May 2014

A novel methodological approach of (cryo-) AFM monitoring of macromolecular rearrangements which accompany physical aging within polymer bulk is reported.
Tuning electrochemical performance of Si-based anodes for lithium-ion batteries by employing atomic layer deposition alumina coating
Authors: Li Ying , Sun Yujie , Xu Guanjie , Lu Yao , Zhang Shu , Xue Leigang , Jur Jesse S. , Zhang Xiangwu
Published: May 2014

A free-standing, conductive and three-dimensional network of Al2O3-coated Si/C composite nanofibers is fabricated by a single-nozzle electrospinning and atomic layer deposition. The as-obtained Al2O3-coated Si/C composite nanofibers exhibit excellent electrochemical performance for applications as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries.
Improved cycle stability and high security of Li-B alloy anode for lithium–sulfur battery
Authors: Zhang Xiaolin , Wang Weikun , Wang Anbang , Huang Yaqin , Yuan Keguo , Yu Zhongbao , Qiu Jingyi , Yang Yusheng
Published: May 2014

Li-B alloy has uniform Li deposition morphology and offers better capacity retention as advantageous anode properties over metallic lithium.
Archaeal MBF1 binds to 30S and 70S ribosomes via its helix–turn–helix domain
Authors: Blombach Fabian , Launay Helene , Snijders Ambrosius P. L. , Zorraquino Violeta , Wu Hao , de Koning Bart , Brouns Stan J. J. , Ettema Thijs J. G. , Camilloni Carlo , Cavalli Andrea , Vendruscolo Michele , Dickman Mark J. , Cabrita Lisa D. , La Teana Anna , Benelli Dario , Londei Paola , Christodoulou John , van der Oost John
Published: May 2014

MBF1 (multi-protein bridging factor 1) is a protein containing a conserved HTH (helix–turn–helix) domain in both eukaryotes and archaea. Eukaryotic MBF1 has been reported to function as a transcriptional co-activator that physically bridges transcription regulators with the core transcription initiation machinery of RNA polymerase II. In addition, MBF1 has been found to be associated with polyadenylated mRNA in yeast as well as in mammalian cells. aMBF1 (archaeal MBF1) is very well conserved among most archaeal lineages; however, its function has so far remained elusive. To address this, we have conducted a molecular characterization of this aMBF1. Affinity purification of interacting proteins indicates that aMBF1 binds to ribosomal subunits. On sucrose density gradients, aMBF1 co-fractionates with free 30S ribosomal subunits as well as with 70S ribosomes engaged in translation. Binding of aMBF1 to ribosomes does not inhibit translation. Using NMR spectroscopy, we show that aMBF1 contains a long intrinsically disordered linker connecting the predicted N-terminal zinc-ribbon domain with the C-terminal HTH domain. The HTH domain, which is conserved in all archaeal and eukaryotic MBF1 homologues, is directly involved in the association of aMBF1 with ribosomes. The disordered linker of the ribosome-bound aMBF1 provides the N-terminal domain with high flexibility in the aMBF1–ribosome complex. Overall, our findings suggest a role for aMBF1 in the archaeal translation process.
Directed evolution of P-glycoprotein cysteines reveals site-specific, non-conservative substitutions that preserve multidrug resistance
Authors: Swartz Douglas J. , Mok Leo , Botta Sri K. , Singh Anukriti , Altenberg Guillermo A. , Urbatsch Ina L.
Published: May 2014

Pgp (P-glycoprotein) is a prototype ABC (ATP-binding-cassette) transporter involved in multidrug resistance of cancer. We used directed evolution to replace six cytoplasmic Cys (cysteine) residues in Pgp with all 20 standard amino acids and selected for active mutants. From a pool of 75000 transformants for each block of three Cys, we identified multiple mutants that preserved drug resistance and yeast mating activity. The most frequent substitutions were glycine and serine for Cys427 (24 and 20%, respectively) and Cys1070 (37 and 25%) of the Walker A motifs in the NBDs (nucleotide-binding domains), Cys1223 in NBD2 (25 and 8%) and Cys638 in the linker region (24 and 16%), whereas close-by Cys669 tolerated glycine (16%) and alanine (14%), but not serine (absent). Cys1121 in NBD2 showed a clear preference for positively charged arginine (38%) suggesting a salt bridge with Glu269 in the ICL2 (intracellular loop 2) may stabilize domain interactions. In contrast, three Cys residues in transmembrane α-helices could be successfully replaced by alanine. The resulting CL (Cys-less) Pgp was fully active in yeast cells, and purified proteins displayed drug-stimulated ATPase activities indistinguishable from WT (wild-type) Pgp. Overall, directed evolution identified site-specific, non-conservative Cys substitutions that allowed building of a robust CL Pgp, an invaluable new tool for future functional and structural studies, and that may guide the construction of other CL proteins where alanine and serine have proven unsuccessful.
Fuzzy output‐feedback control for non‐linear systems with input time‐varying delay
Authors: Li Hongyi , Pan Yingnan , Yu Zhandong , Zhao Xudong , Yang Xuebo
Published: May 2014

This study investigates the problem of output‐feedback H∞ control for Takagi–Sugeno fuzzy systems with input time‐varying delay. Firstly, a new type of dynamic output‐feedback controller is constructed for fuzzy systems with input time‐varying delay. Secondly, by using Lyapunov stability theory, a condition with H∞ performance is developed. Based on the condition, a desired dynamic output‐feedback H∞ controller is designed to guarantee that the closed‐loop system is asymptotically stable with H∞ disturbance attenuation. The existence condition of the controller can be obtained in terms of linear matrix inequalities, which can be solved by the standard software. The difference between the results proposed in the study and other existing ones is that a new dynamic output‐feedback controller can be designed for fuzzy systems with input delay. Finally, a numerical example is provided to show the effectiveness of the proposed results.
Use of proficiency testing schemes for motorcycle exhaust emissions laboratory: Brazilian experience
Authors: Silva Paulo Roque Martins , da Cunha Valnei Smarçaro , Rocha Werickson Fortunato de Carvalho , Sarmanho Gabriel Fonseca , Andrade Joyce Costa , Depieri Marcello
Published: May 2014

In this work, the Proficiency Testing Scheme (PTScheme) was used for evaluation of the motorcycle emissions laboratories to measure the emission levels of this kind of vehicle, supplying subsidies to the laboratories to identify and solve analytical problems and contributing for the measurement harmonisation in the country. The PTScheme of automotive emissions is a type of study, provided only in Brazil, and it was the first time that this procedure was carried out for motorcycles. Such proficiency tests showed satisfactory results and shows the importance for the industry, society and environment.
Non‐invasive monitoring of the relation between building materials and indoor radon pollution
Authors: Lamonaca Francesco , Vasile Monica , Nastro Alfonso
Published: May 2014

In this work, the relation between building materials and radon indoor pollution is evaluated. The relation is performed by non‐invasive monitoring of buildings made of different materials. The work is part of a wider monitoring in progress in the Calabria Region (Southern Italy). The area under investigation is San Giovanni in Fiore (CS) located in the Sila upland plain. An annual non‐invasive monitoring is carried out on many buildings of the Sila area, with reference to their different building materials. A nuclear track detector has been used (Solid State Nuclear Track Detector). The results obtained underline that the buildings made of local granite have greater indoor radon concentrations. The local granitic rocks, representative of the geological area, have been analysed by gamma spectrometry involving a Canberra system HPGe fixed detector cooled by liquid nitrogen high radio‐emission values of standard radionuclides such as 226Ra, 232Th and 40K.
ZnO nanowires modified with Au nanoparticles for nonenzymatic amperometric sensing of glucose
Authors: Lin Siou-Yi , Chang Shoou-Jinn , Hsueh Ting-Jen
Published: May 2014

ZnO nanowires (NWs) synthesized using the vapor-phase deposition method on an Au electrode substrate with and without Au nanoparticle (NP) modification are applied for glucose detection. A significant enhancement of glucose sensitivity is obtained with Au NP modification. The Au NPs/ZnO NWs/Au electrode has peak currents gradually increasing from 41.2 to 155.5 μA, and the ZnO NWs/Au electrode has peak currents increasing from 23.6 to 82.2 μA with glucose concentration (5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 mM) in cyclic voltammograms. Moreover, chronoamperometry results indicate that the response current of the Au NPs/ZnO NWs/Au electrode reached 140 μA in 18 mM glucose in 0.1M NaOH, whereas that of the ZnO NWs/Au electrode was only around 74 μA in 31.5 mM glucose.
The motional Stark effect polarimeter in the HL-2A tokamak
Authors: Yu D. L. , Wei Y. L. , Xia F. , Cao J. Y. , Chen C. Y. , Liu L. , Chen W. J. , Ji X. Q. , Liu Y. , Yan L. W. , Yang Q. W. , Duan X. R.
Published: May 2014

A 7-channel motional Stark effect polarimeter based on four polarizers and a spectrometer has been developed in the HL-2A tokamak, which is the first time successful utilizing this kind of polarimeter on a tokamak. The accuracy of the angle can reach ±0.25° in the calibration experiments. Pilot experiments of measuring the magnetic pitch angle have been successfully carried out in the weak motional Stark effect plasma discharge with toroidal magnetic field of ∼1.3 T and beam energy of ∼25 keV/amu. The pitch angles of magnetic field are obtained for 7 spatial points covering 24 cm along major radius with time resolution of 40 ms; the profiles of safety factor are obtained by combining with the Equilibrium and Reconstruction Fitting Code. The core value of safety factor (q) is less than 1 during the sawtooth oscillation and the position of q = 1 surface is well consistent with the results measured by soft X-ray array.
Effects of the translational and rotational degrees of freedom on the hydration of simple solutes
Authors: Mohorič Tomaž , Hribar-Lee Barbara , Vlachy Vojko
Published: May 2014

Molecular dynamics simulations with separate thermostats for rotational and translational motion were used to study the effect of these degrees of freedom on the structure of water around model solutes. To describe water molecules we used the SPC/E model. The simplest solute studied here, the hydrophobe, was represented as a Lennard-Jones particle. Since direct interaction between the hydrophobe and water molecules has no angular dependence the influence of the increase of the rotational temperature on the solvation of a hydrophobe is only indirect. In the next step the central solute was assumed to be charged with either a positive or a negative charge to mimic an ion in water. Hence, depending on the charge of the ion, the neighboring water molecules assumed different angular distributions. The principal conclusions of this work are: (i) an increase of the translational temperature always decreases the height of the first peak in the solute-water radial distribution function; (ii) an increase of the rotational temperature yields an increase in the first peak in the solute-water radial distribution function for hydrophobes and cations; (iii) in contrast to this, the solvation peak decreases around ions with sufficiently large negative charge; and (iv) an increase of the rotational temperature affects cations in an opposite way to anions. For this reason complex molecules with a small net charge may not be very sensitive to variation of the rotational temperature.