bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Cognitive-Emotional Brain
Authors: Pessoa Luiz
Published: May 2014

A study that goes beyond the debate over functional specialization to describe the ways that emotion and cognition interact and are integrated in the brain.

The idea that a specific brain circuit constitutes the emotional brain (and its corollary, that cognition resides elsewhere) shaped thinking about emotion and the brain for many years. Recent behavioral, neuropsychological, neuroanatomy, and neuroimaging research, however, suggests that emotion interacts with cognition in the brain. In this book, Luiz Pessoa moves beyond the debate over functional specialization, describing the many ways that emotion and cognition interact and are integrated in the brain.

The amygdala is often viewed as the quintessential emotional region of the brain, but Pessoa reviews findings revealing that many of its functions contribute to attention and decision making, critical components of cognitive functions. He counters the idea of a subcortical pathway to the amygdala for affective visual stimuli with an alternate framework, the multiple waves model. Citing research on reward and motivation, Pessoa also proposes the dual competition model, which explains emotional and motivational processing in terms of their influence on competition processes at both perceptual and executive function levels. He considers the broader issue of structure-function mappings, and examines anatomical features of several regions often associated with emotional processing, highlighting their connectivity properties. As new theoretical frameworks of distributed processing evolve, Pessoa concludes, a truly dynamic network view of the brain will emerge, in which "emotion" and "cognition" may be used as labels in the context of certain behaviors, but will not map cleanly into compartmentalized pieces of the brain.
Gameworld Interfaces
Authors: Jørgensen Kristine
Published: May 2014

An investigation into computer game interfaces, both naturalistic and symbolic, and the distinction between gameworlds and other kinds of fictional worlds.

Computer games usually take one of two approaches to presenting game information to players. A game might offer information naturalistically, as part of the game's imaginary universe; or it might augment the world of the game with overlays, symbols, and menus. In this book, Kristine Jørgensen investigates both kinds of gameworld interfaces. She shows that although the naturalistic approach may appear more integral to the imaginary world of the game, both the invisible and visible interfaces effectively present information that players need in order to interact with the game and its rules. The symbolic, less naturalistic approach would seem to conflict with the idea of a coherent, autonomous fictional universe; but, Jørgensen argues, gameworlds are not governed by the pursuit of fictional coherence but by the logics of game mechanics. This is characteristic of gameworlds and distinguishes them from other traditional fictional worlds.

Jørgensen investigates gameworld interfaces from the perspectives of both game designers and players. She draws on interviews with the design teams of Harmonix Music (producer of Rock Band and other music games) and Turbine Inc. (producer of such massively multiplayer online games as Lord of the Rings Online), many hours of gameplay, and extensive interviews and observations of players. The player studies focus on four games representing different genres: Crysis, Command & Conquer 3: Tiberian Wars, The Sims 2, and Diablo 2. Finally, she presents a theory of game user interfaces and considers the implications of this theory for game design.
Neuro-Fuzzy Approach to Measure Sociological Impact on Education
Authors: Jayathilaka Rev. P.R. , Jayaratne Lakshman
Published: May 2014

Education and Society are closely bound, such that they cannot be separated from each other because education builds up society and on the other hand society is the source of education .Education transfers culture, knowledge and etc of a society from one generation to the next. Hence, better education is for a better society and healthier society becomes the foundation of better education. Education could be formal, informal and non-formal and in this research, formal education is the prime concern. The research is aimed at tracing the correlation between the sociological environment of a Sri Lankan student and his/her educational performance during the grades 10 and 11. A thorough survey was conducted covering a selected sample of population to extract data from the students on their social aspects and conduct and their performance in the G.C.E (O Level) Examination results. A Neural Network with a Fuzzy interface was trained on past data and the performance of the network was evaluated using a test data set. The results with nearly 65% accuracy are encouraging in order to further improve the methodology towards better results. However, the final goal of the research is to prepare the ground to develop a tool which helps counselors to make decisions while helping students to enhance performance at G.C.E (O Level) Examination.
A Proposed Method for Measuring Learning in Video Games
Authors: Fowler Allan , Cusack Brian
Published: May 2014

There has been an increase in interest in the value and relevance of use of video games for learning. Some of this interest stems from frustration with the current education system. Some of this interest stems from observations of the large numbers of people that play video games and the potential of these games to provide active learning experiences. This paper seeks to investigate the educational potential of a commercial video game. It proposes a method for evaluating what learning takes place within a commercial video game using psychophysical methods.
PocketPT – A Personalized Therapeutic Game Platform
Authors: Engelsma Jonathan , Gamble April , Harro Cathy , Farris John
Published: May 2014

Consumer gaming platforms such as the Nintendo Wii and Xbox Kinect have been used for therapeutic purposes with varying levels of success. One limitation is the fact that most commercially available video games are designed for the general population and are often overwhelming and difficult for patients to use that present with motor and cognitive impairments as a result of brain injury. Specialized therapeutic medical devices are not only expensive and non-portable, they also make limited use of video games features to better engage and motivate the patient. This study aims to overcome these shortcomings and provide game developers and stakeholders with a more nuanced understanding of how video game technology can be effectively used for physical therapy. A collaborative initiative involving a group of software developers, hardware designers and physical therapists, set out to identify and address the issues that have made the adoption of existing game platforms for therapeutic purposes problematic in a clinical setting. The outcome of this initiative is PocketPT – a personalized therapeutic game platform that provides a therapist designed and configured therapeutic game experience that is customized for a particular patient’s unique presentation. Results from an initial clinical study with participants with brain injuries are reported and discussed.
Distribution as a Process for Online Technology
Authors: de Souza Pauline
Published: May 2014

This paper looks at how distribution has not being understood as a process. For too long distribution is discussed in cultural and social technological debates.
Characteristics and dynamics of two major Greenland glacial fjords
Authors: Sutherland David A. , Straneo Fiammetta , Pickart Robert S.
Published: May 2014

Key Points

We describe fjord and shelf circulation patterns in two large glacial fjords

Time‐dependent, externally driven intermediary circulation dominates both fjords

We charactertize these fjords in estuarine parameter space
A Concise and Versatile Synthesis of Alkaloids from Kopsia tenuis: Total Synthesis of (±)‐Lundurine A and B
Authors: Arai Shigeru , Nakajima Masaya , Nishida Atsushi
Published: May 2014

A total synthesis of (±)‐lundurines A and B is described. These natural products have a unique hexacyclic skeleton which includes a cyclopropane‐fused indoline. A stereospecific construction of the pentasubstituted cyclopropane core was achieved, by radical cyclization using SmI2, with perfect stereoselectivity. Cyclizations to give seven‐ and five‐membered heterocycles, under palladium and ruthenium catalysis, respectively, accomplished the total syntheses. The late‐stage construction of the F ring by ring‐closing metathesis enabled access to the title compounds from a spiroindoline intermediate which is a common structure of other kopsia alkaloids.
Pharmacokinetic changes of drugs in a rat model of liver cirrhosis induced by dimethylnitrosamine, alone and in combination with diabetes mellitus induced by streptozotocin
Authors: Lee Unji , Oh Euichaul
Published: May 2014

Rats with liver cirrhosis induced by N‐dimethylnitrosamine (LC) and rats with LC with diabetes mellitus induced by streptozotocin (LCD) have been developed as animal models for human liver cirrhosis and liver cirrhosis with diabetes mellitus, respectively. Changes in the pharmacokinetics of drugs (mainly non‐renal clearance, CLNR) in LC and LCD rats reported in the literature compared with respective control rats were reviewed. This review mainly explains the changes in the CLNRs of drugs (which are mainly metabolized via hepatic microsomal cytochrome P450s, CYPs) in LC and LCD rats, in terms of the changes in in vitro hepatic intrinsic clearance (CLint; mainly due to the changes in CYPs in the disease state), free (unbound) fraction of a drug in the plasma (fp) and hepatic blood flow rate (QH) depending on the hepatic excretion ratio of the drug. Generally, changes in the CLNRs of drugs in LC and LCD rats could be well explained by the above‐mentioned three factors. The mechanism of urinary excretion of drugs (such as glomerular filtration or renal active secretion or reabsorption) in LC and LCD rats is also discussed. The pharmacokinetics of the drugs reported in the LC and LCD rats were scarce in humans. Thus, the present rat data should be extrapolated carefully to humans. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chemical fingerprint and simultaneous determination of alkaloids and flavonoids in aerial parts of genus Peganum indigenous to China based on HPLC‐UV: application of analysis on secondary metabolites accumulation
Authors: Wen Fangfang , Cheng Xuemei , Liu Wei , Xuan Min , Zhang Lei , Zhao Xin , Shan Meng , Li Yan , Teng Liang , Wang Zhengtao , Wang Changhong
Published: May 2014

The aerial parts of genus Peganum are officially used in traditional Chinese medicine. The paper aims to establish a high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method for fingerprint analysis and simultaneous determination of three alkaloids and two flavonoids in aerial parts of genus Peganum, and to analyze accumulative difference of secondary metabolites in inter‐species, individuals of plants, inter‐/intra‐population and from different growing seasons. HPLC analysis was performed on a C18 column with gradient elution using 0.1% trifloroacetic acid and acetonitrile as mobile phase and detected at 265 nm, by conventional methodology validation. For fingerprint analysis, the RSDs of relative retention time and relative peak area of the characteristic peaks were within 0.07–0.78 and 0.94–9.09%, respectively. For simultaneous determination of vasicine, harmaline, harmine, deacetylpeganetin and peganetin, all calibration curves showed good linearity (r > 0.9990) within the test range. The relative standard deviations of precision, repeatability and stability test did not exceed 2.37, 2.68 and 2.67%, respectively. The average recoveries for the five analytes were between 96.47 and 101.20%. HPLC fingerprints play a minor role in authenticating and differentiating the herbs of different species of genus Peganum. However, the secondary metabolites levels of alkaloids and flavonoids in aerial parts of genus Peganum rely on species‐, habitat‐, and growth season‐dependent accumulation. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cooperative data download on the move in indoor hybrid (radio‐optical) WLAN‐VLC hotspot coverage
Authors: Chowdhury H. , Katz M.
Published: May 2014

In this work, we study the performance of hybrid (radio‐optical) wireless local area network (WLAN)‐visible light communication (VLC) hotspot and compare its performance with stand‐alone VLC‐only or WLAN‐only hotspot cases. We consider data download on move scenario in an indoor environment for single‐user and for multi‐user cases. Short‐range spotlighting cell so‐called VLC hotspot is considered for high data rate region. On the other hand, WLAN hotspot is used for providing reliable connectivity and moderate data rate support. Throughput–distance relationships are developed both for WLAN and VLC to evaluate the performance of indoor environment by taking into account the radio and optical channel characteristics. The impact of the velocity of mobile user(s) and the number of VLC hotspots present in the considered service area are also considered on the performance of hybrid WLAN‐VLC hotspot. Simulations have been performed to evaluate the performance of such network for data downloading on move scenario by taking into account performance metrics such as file size, average connectivity and system throughput. Simulation results reveal that the considered hybrid WLAN‐VLC performs always better than stand‐alone VLC‐only or WLAN‐only hotspots both for single and multi‐user cases. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Thermal Instability of 2,4 and 2,6‐N‐Alkylamino‐disubstituted and 2‐N‐Alkylamino‐substituted Nitrobenzenes in Weakly Alkaline Solution: sec‐Amino Effect
Authors: Walczak Christopher , Payne Thomas J. , Wade Colin B. , Yonkey Matthew , Scheid Melissa , Badour Alec , Mohanty Dilip K.
Published: May 2014

We report herein the preparation of two families of secondary amines by the reactions of two equivalents of monoamines with either 2,4 or 2,6‐difluoronitrobenzenes in N,N‐dimethylacetamide in the presence of anhydrous potassium carbonate, as precursors of biologically important nitric oxide donating N‐nitrosamines. In both instances, these compounds could be prepared in quantitative yield when the reaction temperature was held below 130°C. Above this reaction temperature, an unexpected cyclization reaction between the nitro and newly formed adjacent secondary amine group leads to the formation of benzimidazole or quinoxaline rings in low yields. Reasonable reaction mechanisms for the cyclization reaction are proposed.
Hydrolytic Heterocyclization of the 1,1,2,3,3‐Pentacyanopropene Salts
Authors: Khil Anna M. , Kaminskii Vladimir A. , Slabko Oleg Yu. , Kachanov Andrey V. , Gerasimenko Andrey V.
Published: May 2014

Salts of 5‐amino‐4‐cyano‐3‐dicyanomethylene‐2‐pyrrolinone are formed by action of dilute aqueous solutions of alkalis on pentacyanopropenide‐anion salts. These cyclic salts are transformed to 2,6‐diamino‐3,5‐dicyanoisonicotinates by subsequent action of alkalis.
Cu(I)‐Catalyzed Efficient Synthesis of 2′‐Triazolo‐nucleoside Conjugates
Authors: Mathur D. , Rana N. , Olsen C. E. , Parmar V. S. , Prasad A. K.
Published: May 2014

A small library of thirty‐two 2′‐triazolyl uridine and 2′‐triazolyl‐5‐methyluridine has been synthesized by Cu(I)‐catalyzed condensation of 2′‐azido‐2′‐deoxyuridine and 2′‐azido‐2′‐deoxy‐5‐methyluridine with different alkynes and aryl propargyl ethers in almost quantitative yields. Triazolo‐nucleoside conjugates, which can be evaluated for different biological activity for suitable drug development, were unambiguously identified on the basis of 1H NMR, 13C NMR, IR, and HRMS data analysis. These compounds have been synthesized for the first time and have not been reported in the literature earlier.
Segmental versus extended resection for sporadic colorectal cancer in young patients
Authors: Klos Coen L. , Montenegro Grace , Jamal Nida , Wise Paul E. , Fleshman James W. , Safar Bashar , Dharmarajan Sekhar
Published: May 2014

Background and Objectives

Guidelines on the management of colon cancer state that extensive colectomy should be “considered” for patients of young age (<50). This study aimed to compare the risk of metachronous cancer, overall recurrence and mortality between segmental and extended colon resections in patients under the age of 50 with sporadic CRC.

Methods

We performed a retrospective review of patients age <50 undergoing surgery for CRC from 1991 to 2009. Patients were divided into two groups based on extent of resection: segmental versus extended. The primary outcomes analyzed were metachronous tumors, disease recurrence, and overall survival.

Results

Two hundred seventy one patients underwent segmental resection and 30 underwent extended resection. 3.3% in the segmental resection group developed metachronous CRC versus 0% in the extended resection group (P = 0.61). There was no significant difference in the risk of recurrence or mortality for those who underwent a segmental resection compared to those with an extended resection. In a regression model, type of surgery was not an independent risk factor for recurrence or mortality.

Conclusions

Extended colectomy for sporadic CRC in patients younger than 50 does not improve disease‐free or overall survival. Further study to determine if segmental resection is appropriate oncologic treatment is warranted. J. Surg. Oncol. 2014 110:328–332. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The preoperative neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio predicts recurrence and survival among patients undergoing R0 resections of adenocarcinomas of the esophagogastric junction
Authors: Yuan Dawei , Zhu Kun , Li Kang , Yan Rong , Jia Yong , Dang Chengxue
Published: May 2014

Background and Objectives

Elevated preoperative neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet–lymphocyte ratio (PLR) predict survival rates among patients with several types of cancer. The current study sought to clarify whether NLR and PLR are clinically useful independent prognostic indicators of adenocarcinomas of the esophagogastric junction (AEG) among patients undergoing curative resections (i.e., R0 resections).

Methods

A total of 327 patients who underwent R0 resections for AEG were enrolled in the study. Data concerning demographic parameters, laboratory analyses, histopathology, and survival time were collected and analyzed.

Results

A total of 123 patients (37.6%) had elevated preoperative NLR (≥5). The median follow‐up duration was 24.7 months (range = 2–39 months). NLR was significantly related to histology (P = 0.035), pTNM stage (P < 0.0001) and tumor recurrence (P = 0.022). Univariate analyses revealed that NLR were significantly associated with disease‐free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS; both P < 0.0001). Multivariable analyses revealed that elevated NLR independently predicted poorer DFS (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.551, P < 0.0001) and OS (HR = 2.743, P < 0.0001). However, PLR did not significantly predict DFS or OS.

Conclusion

The present study indicates that elevated preoperative NLR (≥5) is a useful marker of tumor recurrence and independently predicts poorer disease‐free and overall survival among patients with AEG undergoing R0 resections. J. Surg. Oncol. 2014 110:333–340. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Neonicotinoid concentrations in arable soils after seed treatment applications in preceding years
Authors: Jones Ainsley , Harrington Paul , Turnbull Gordon
Published: May 2014

BACKGROUND

Concentrations of the neonicotinoid insecticides clothianidin, thiamethoxam and imidacloprid were determined in arable soils from a variety of locations in England.

RESULTS

In soil samples taken from the central area of fields, concentrations of clothianidin ranged from 0.02 to 13.6 µg kg−1. Thiamethoxam concentrations were between <0.02 and 1.50 µg kg−1, and imidacloprid concentrations between <0.09 and 10.7 µg kg−1. Concentrations of clothianidin and thiamethoxam were lower in soil samples taken from the edges of fields than from the centres of fields, but this difference was less pronounced for imidacloprid.

CONCLUSION

This work gives a clear indication of the levels of neonicotinoids in arable soils after typical use of these compounds as seed dressings in the United Kingdom. There was evidence that imidacloprid was more persistent in the soils studied than clothianidin and thiamethoxam. As clothianidin and thiamethoxam have largely superseded imidacloprid in the United Kingdom, neonicotinoid levels were lower than suggested by predictions based on imidacloprid alone. © 2014 Crown copyright. Pest Management Science © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Photodynamic therapy for pododermatitis in penguins
Authors: Sellera Fábio Parra , Sabino Caetano Padial , Ribeiro Martha Simões , Fernandes Loriê Tukamoto , Pogliani Fabio Celidonio , Teixeira Carlos Roberto , Dutra Gustavo Henrique Pereira , Nascimento Cristiane Lassálvia
Published: May 2014

Pododermatitis is currently one of most frequent and important clinical complications in seabirds kept in captivity or in rehabilitation centers. In this study, five Magellanic penguins with previous pododermatitis lesions on their footpad were treated with photodynamic therapy (PDT). All PDT treated lesions successfully regressed and no recurrence was observed during the 6‐month follow‐up period. PDT seems to be an inexpensive and effective alternative treatment for pododermatitis in Magellanic penguins encouraging further research on this topic. Zoo Biol. 33:353–356, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Active Spacecraft Potential Control Investigation
Authors: Torkar K. , Nakamura R. , Tajmar M. , Scharlemann C. , Jeszenszky H. , Laky G. , Fremuth G. , Escoubet C. P. , Svenes K.
Published: May 2014

In tenuous plasma the floating potential of sunlit spacecraft reaches tens of volts, positive. The corresponding field disturbs measurements of the ambient plasma by electron and ion sensors and can reduce micro-channel plate lifetime in electron detectors owing to large fluxes of attracted photoelectrons. Also the accuracy of electric field measurements may suffer from a high spacecraft potential. The Active Spacecraft Potential Control (ASPOC) neutralizes the spacecraft potential by releasing positive charge produced by indium ion emitters. The method has been successfully applied on other spacecraft such as Cluster and Double Star. Two ASPOC units are present on each spacecraft. Each unit contains four ion emitters, whereby one emitter per instrument is operated at a time. ASPOC for the Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) mission includes new developments in the design of the emitters and the electronics. New features include the use of capillaries instead of needles, new materials for the emitters and their internal thermal insulators, an extended voltage and current range of the electronics, both for ion emission and heating purposes, and a more capable control software. This enables lower spacecraft potentials, higher reliability, and a more uniform potential structure in the spacecraft’s sheath compared to previous missions. Results from on-ground testing demonstrate compliance with requirements. Model calculations confirm the findings from previous applications that the plasma measurements will not be affected by the beam’s space charge. Finally, the various operating modes to adapt to changing boundary conditions are described along with the main data products.
Adolescents' expected civic participation: The role of civic knowledge and efficacy beliefs
Authors: Manganelli Sara , Lucidi Fabio , Alivernini Fabio
Published: May 2014

In the present study we examined the role of civic knowledge and efficacy beliefs as factors that can promote adolescents' expectations to participate in civic activities, while also taking into consideration the influences of socio‐economic background and gender differences. Structural equation modelling techniques were used to examine data from the International Civic and Citizenship Study, collected from 3352 eighth grade Italian students. Gender was found to significantly moderate some relationships between the variables, while efficacy beliefs, rather than civic knowledge, positively influenced expected civic participation. Socio‐economic background influenced all the variables included in the study, but it had a very small direct influence on adolescents' expected civic participation. It therefore appears that adolescents' expected civic participation can be encouraged by making them more confident about their civic and political abilities. These results extend our understanding of civic engagement in adolescents, and can inform policies aiming to promote it.
Beyond the internal dynamics of organizational responses to conflicting institutional demands
Authors: Gutiérrez Rincón Viviana
Published: May 2014

This paper presents some reflections on strategic response models, in particular the models proposed by Pache, Santos and Oliver, and it evaluates their complementarity and differences, especially regarding the interactions between decision making and the possible strategic responses to institutional demands. It is argued that the theoretical contributions of Pache and Santos can be categorized under the dimension of utility, because they can enhance the potential to operationalize and test the model. However, the reflections made in this paper not only highlight the need to take into account other external and internal factors for the study of strategic responses, but also the integration of different linkages of the decision process with strategic responses to institutional demands.
Estrategia organizacional: una propuesta de estudio
Authors: Noguera Hidalgo Ángela Lucía , Barbosa Ramírez David Hernando , Castro Ríos Guido Angello
Published: May 2014

El concepto de estrategia en el contexto de las organizaciones empresariales es uno de los temas que genera gran interés en los asuntos del management. Sin embargo, la proposición de nuevos enfoques no ha aportado significativamente al avance en el estudio de este concepto. El estancamiento se hace evidente, razón por la cual el presente documento esboza una propuesta que reúne algunos de los retos para el estudio de la estrategia. En él se presenta una revisión que deja por sentados los posibles caminosa seguir, los cuales contribuyen a la perdurabilidad de las organizaciones.
Why recommend a brand face‐to‐face but not on Facebook? How word‐of‐mouth on online social sites differs from traditional word‐of‐mouth
Authors: Eisingerich Andreas B. , Chun HaeEun Helen , Liu Yeyi , Jia He (Michael) , Bell Simon J.
Published: May 2014

We examine the conceptual difference between consumer electronic word‐of‐mouth on online social sites (sWOM) such as Facebook and traditional face‐to‐face word‐of‐mouth (WOM). We find that consumers are less willing to engage in sWOM than WOM. Such a difference in willingness to offer word‐of‐mouth can be explained by social risk associated with different communication modes. We show that the difference between people's desire to engage in sWOM and WOM is mediated by perceived social risk and amplified when social risk is made salient. Furthermore, we show that consumers' need to self‐enhance mitigates the difference in willingness to offer sWOM versus WOM.
Last glacial maximum environments in northwestern Patagonia revealed by fossil small mammals
Authors: Tammone Mauro N. , Hajduk Adan , Arias Pablo , Teta Pablo , Lacey Eileen A. , Pardiñas Ulyses F.J.
Published: May 2014

Comparisons of historical and modern assemblages of mammals can yield important insights into patterns and processes of environmental change. Here, we present the first analyses of small mammal assemblages present in northern Patagonia during the last glacial maximum (LGM). Using remains obtained from owl pellets excavated from an archeological cave site (Arroyo Corral I, levels VII–V, carbon dates of 22,400–21,530 cal yr BP), we generate estimates of the minimum number of individuals for all species detected; these estimates, in turn are used to determine relative species abundances. Comparisons of these data with similar analyses of small mammal remains obtained from a second archeological site (ACoII, levels IV–V, carbon dates of 10,010–9220 cal yr BP) as well as from modern owl pellets reveal pronounced changes in relative species abundance since the LGM. In particular, Euneomys chinchilloides and Ctenomys sociabilis – the predominant species during the LGM – declined markedly, suggesting a change from open, bare habitat punctuated by patches of wet meadows and shrubs to the more densely vegetated mosaic of ecotone habitats found in this region today. These data provide important new insights into the environmental changes that have occurred in northern Patagonia over the last 20,000 years.
Coherent X-ray mirage: discovery and possible applications
Authors: Pikuz Tatiana , Faenov Anatoly , Magnitskiy Sergey , Nagorskiy Nikolay , Tanaka Momoko , Ishino Masahiko , Nishikino Masaharu , Fukuda Yuji , Kando Masaki , Kato Yoshiaki , Kawachi Tetsuya
Published: May 2014

In the far field of the intensity distribution of the beam delivered by a two-stage transient–collisional excitation X-ray laser (XRL), a non-expected interference pattern that is stable from shot to shot has been discovered. It is demonstrated that the interference is caused by the emergence of an imaginary source in the amplifying plasma, which is phase matched to the radiation of the generator. The observed phenomenon is called an X-ray coherent mirage. To explain the obtained results, a new theoretical approach is developed. The basic essential conditions for formation of the X-ray mirage are formulated, and possible applications are discussed. This paper details the experiments, including the formulation of the necessary and sufficient conditions for formation of the X-ray mirage, and possible applications are discussed.
Post-breeding at-sea movements of three central-place foragers in relation to submesoscale fronts in the Southern Ocean around Bouvetøya
Authors: Lowther Andrew D. , Lydersen Christian , Biuw Martin , de Bruyn P.J. Nico , Hofmeyr Greg J.G. , Kovacs Kit M.
Published: May 2014

At-sea behaviour of central-place foraging fur seals and penguins in the Southern Ocean is understudied during the latter stages of parental care and the subsequent pre-moulting period. This biologically important period is costly to investigate due to the risk (or certainty) of losing tracking instruments when the animals moult. Early in this period, parents must meet the increasing demands of larger, more mobile offspring that are still nutritionally dependent and then the parents must recover lost body condition prior to the onset of their annual moult. This study reports late-season, at-sea movement patterns of macaroni penguins, chinstrap penguins and adult female Antarctic fur seals from the subantarctic island Bouvetøya, in relation to remotely-sensed oceanographic features. Foraging trips differing significantly in direction and distance travelled compared to those performed earlier in the breeding season, coincide with the time when offspring would be expected to become independent. On these trips, macaroni penguins moved towards the Polar Front while chinstrap penguins and Antarctic fur seals moved southward. Individuals from all three species appeared to target submesoscale ocean features once they were presumed to have been released from the constraints of feeding their young and were able to travel greater distances from the colony.
Parenclitic networks: uncovering new functions in biological data
Authors: Zanin Massimiliano , Alcazar Joaquín Medina , Carbajosa Jesus Vicente , Paez Marcela Gomez , Papo David , Sousa Pedro , Menasalvas Ernestina , Boccaletti Stefano
Published: May 2014

We introduce a novel method to represent time independent, scalar data sets as complex networks. We apply our method to investigate gene expression in the response to osmotic stress of Arabidopsis thaliana. In the proposed network representation, the most important genes for the plant response turn out to be the nodes with highest centrality in appropriately reconstructed networks. We also performed a target experiment, in which the predicted genes were artificially induced one by one and the growth of the corresponding phenotypes compared to that of the wild-type. The joint application of the network reconstruction method and of the in vivo experiments allowed identifying 15 previously unknown key genes and provided models of their mutual relationships. This novel representation extends the use of graph theory to data sets hitherto considered outside of the realm of its application, vastly simplifying the characterization of their underlying structure.
Label-free DNA detection based on oligonucleotide-stabilized silver nanoclusters and exonuclease III-catalyzed target recycling amplification
Authors: Ma Hui , Wei Wei , Lu Qian , Zhou Zhixin , Li Henan , Zhang Linqun , Liu Songqin
Published: May 2014

A label-free DNA biosensor with high sensitivity and selectivity is constructed by using DNA–Ag NCs and Exo III-catalyzed target recycling amplification.
Magnetic–fluorescent nanocomposites as reusable fluorescence probes for sensitive detection of hydrogen peroxide and glucose
Authors: Zheng Hao , Su Rongxin , Gao Zhao , Qi Wei , Huang Renliang , Wang Libing , He Zhimin
Published: May 2014

A reusable fluorescence method is developed to detect hydrogen peroxide and glucose with high sensitivity based on the Fe3O4@CdTe nanocomposites.
Antiferromagnetic Cu–Gd interactions through an oxime bridge
Authors: Costes Jean-Pierre , Duhayon Carine , Mallet-Ladeira Sonia , Vendier Laure , Garcia-Tojal Javier , Banet Luisa Lopez
Published: May 2014

The Cu–Gd oximato bridge, which is responsible for the presence of an antiferromagnetic interaction in a trinuclear Cu–Gd–Cu complex, isostructural to the Cu–Tb–Cu one, contrary to what is observed in the magnetic behavior of phenoxo-bridged Cu–Gd complexes.
Comparative experiments of graphene covalently and physically binding CdSe quantum dots to enhance the electron transport in flexible photovoltaic devices
Authors: Jung Mi-Hee , Chu Moo-Jung
Published: May 2014

The covalent binding system of CdSe and graphene effectively transports photoelectrons from the CdSe to the graphene surface.
Arylpyrrole oligomers as tunable anion receptors
Authors: Van Rossom Wim , Terentyeva Tatyana G. , Sodeyama Keitaro , Matsushita Yoshitaka , Tateyama Yoshitaka , Ariga Katsuhiko , Hill Jonathan P.
Published: May 2014

A novel class of oligomeric arylpyrrole receptors has been designed, prepared and analysed for their affinity towards anionic guests.
Control of reaction pathways in the photochemical reaction of a quinone with tetramethylethylene by metal binding
Authors: Yamamoto Hiroaki , Ohkubo Kei , Akimoto Seiji , Fukuzumi Shunichi , Tsuda Akihiko
Published: May 2014

Supramolecular photochemical reactions of a quinone derivative, bearing an oligoether sidearm, with tetramethylethylene occur upon noncovalent complexations with metal salts.
Precisely controlled molecular imprinting of glutathione-s-transferase by orientated template immobilization using specific interaction with an anchored ligand on a gold substrate
Authors: Kamon Yuri , Matsuura Ryo , Kitayama Yukiya , Ooya Tooru , Takeuchi Toshifumi
Published: May 2014

We demonstrate a novel synthetic route for molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) thin films using a bottom-up approach utilizing protein–ligand specific interactions.
Long-lived charge-separated states produced in supramolecular complexes between anionic and cationic porphyrins
Authors: Bill Nathan L. , Ishida Masatoshi , Kawashima Yuki , Ohkubo Kei , Sung Young Mo , Lynch Vincent M. , Lim Jong Min , Kim Dongho , Sessler Jonathan L. , Fukuzumi Shunichi
Published: May 2014

Photoinduced electron transfer in a porphyrin supramolecule occurs to produce an 83 ms CS state.
Resistorless BJT bias and curvature compensation circuit at 3.4 nW for CMOS bandgap voltage references
Authors: Mattia O.E. , Klimach H. , Bampi S.
Published: May 2014

A novel resistorless bipolar junction transistor (BJT) bias and curvature compensation circuit for ultra‐low‐power CMOS bandgap voltage references (BGRs) is introduced. It works in the nanoampere current consumption range and under 1 V of power supply. The analytical behaviour of the circuit is described and simulation results for a 0.18 μm CMOS standard process are analysed. A junction voltage of 550 mV at room temperature is obtained (at an emitter current of 3.5 nA), presenting an almost linear temperature dependence, whereas the power consumption of the whole circuit is 3.4 nW under a 0.8 V power supply at 27°C. The estimated silicon area is 0.00135 mm2.
Bandwidth enhancement technique for CMOS RGC transimpedance amplifier
Authors: Kim Young‐Ho , Jung Eui‐Suk , Lee Sang‐Soo
Published: May 2014

A technique that can increase the bandwidth of a regulated cascode (RGC) transimpedance amplifier (TIA) is presented. The proposed new RGC input topology with a positive amplifier and an inductor enables the control of the input impedance of the circuit and isolates the large input parasitic capacitance. Using this mode the dominant pole of the input node is shifted up to a high frequency, and then the bandwidth of the CMOS RGC TIA is improved. To verify the feasibility of the proposed technique, the CMOS RGC TIA is implemented using a 1P6M 0.18 µm RF CMOS technology. The 3 dB bandwidth of 4.98 GHz is measured in the presence of a 0.5 pF photodiode capacitance with a 1.8 V supply voltage. The measured result shows that the bandwidth of the TIA can increase by about 2 GHz larger than that with the conventional RGC configuration.
Max‐margin discriminative random fields for multimodal human action recognition
Authors: Su Yuting , Ma Li , Liu An‐An , Yang Zhaoxuan
Published: May 2014

Proposed is a max‐margin discriminative random fields model for multimodal human action recognition. To incorporate multiple modalities for joint modelling, a specific graphical structure with parallel sequential observations and related hidden‐state layers is designed. Moreover, the corresponding potential functions for model formulation are designed. For model learning, the max‐margin learning method is proposed to discover both latent correlation among multimodal data and temporal context within individual modality. A comparison experiment shows that the proposed model can boost the performance of human action recognition by taking advantage of complementary characteristics from multiple modalities.
Adaptive neural control for a class of time‐delay systems in the presence of backlash or dead‐zone non‐linearity
Authors: Liu Zongcheng , Dong Xinmin , Xue Jianping , Chen Yong
Published: May 2014

This study addresses the adaptive tracking control problem for a class of time‐delay systems in strict‐feedback form with unknown control gains and uncertain actuator non‐linearity. The actuator non‐linearity can be either backlash or dead zone, and the proposed approach does not require the knowledge of the bounds of non‐linearity parameters. By applying an appropriate Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional and utilising the property of the well‐defined trigonometric functions, the problems of time delay and controller singularity are avoided. The feasibility of using a static neural network to attenuate the effect of actuator non‐linearity is proved with the aid of intermediate value theorem. Furthermore, it is proved that all closed‐loop signals are bounded and the tracking error converges to a small residual set asymptotically. Two simulation examples are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the designed method.
Optimal planning of static and dynamic reactive power resources
Authors: Liu Haifeng , Krishnan Venkat , McCalley James D. , Chowdhury Ali
Published: May 2014

This study proposes an optimisation‐based method of planning static and dynamic VAR sources for the enhancement of electric power transmission systems under a set of contingencies. The overall objective function is to minimise the total installation cost of static and dynamic VAR sources, while satisfying the requirements of long‐term voltage stability margin and transient voltage dip under a contingency list. The backward/forward search algorithm with linear complexity is used to select candidate locations for reactive power compensation. Optimal locations and amounts of static and dynamic VAR sources are obtained by solving a sequence of mixed integer programming problems. The New England 39 bus system is adopted to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method. The systematic applicability of the proposed method to a large scale practical system is also illustrated using a 16173‐bus U.S. Eastern Interconnection system.
High‐payload block‐based data hiding scheme using hybrid edge detector with minimal distortion
Authors: Tseng Hsien‐Wen , Leng Hui‐Shih
Published: May 2014

Data hiding is a technique that is embedding the secret message into the media. In 2010, Chen et al.’s proposed a scheme combined the ‘Canny’ edge detector and fuzzy edge detector to increase edge pixels, and embedded more secret data into the edge pixels than the non‐edge pixels based on the least‐significant‐bit (LSB) substitution scheme. In this study, the authors use Kaur et al.’s fuzzy logic‐based algorithm and extend the original design to block‐based design. The experimental results show that the proposed method achieves higher payload with Kaur et al.'s fuzzy logic‐based algorithm, and achieve minimal distortion by selecting the number of edge pixel's embedding length of each block which has minimum mean‐squared error.
Change in atomic coordination in a heavily deformed metallic glass
Authors: Liu Y. , Schumacher G. , Riesemeier H. , Banhart J.
Published: May 2014

The local structure around Ni and La atoms in Al85Ni10La5 amorphous powder after ball milling was investigated by X-ray absorption spectroscopy. A continuous decrease in coordination number of Ni and La as a function of milling time was observed, while the nearest neighbour distance and the mean square atomic displacement did not change, pointing at the creation of free volume around the Ni and La atoms. These structural changes resemble those of a liquid upon temperature increase. The results are described by a shear band model in which the coordination numbers of Ni and La are different within and outside a shear band.
Second harmonic generation by propagation of a p-polarized obliquely incident laser beam in underdense plasma
Authors: Jha Pallavi , Agrawal Ekta
Published: May 2014

An analytical study of second harmonic generation due to interaction an intense, p-polarized laser beam propagating obliquely in homogeneous underdense plasma, in the mildly relativistic regime, has been presented. The efficiency of the second harmonic radiation as well as its detuning length has been obtained and their variation with the angle of incidence is analyzed. It is shown that, for a given plasma electron density, the second harmonic efficiency increases with the angle of incidence while the detuning length decreases. The second harmonic amplitude vanishes at normal incidence of the laser beam.
Facile synthesis, structural characterization, and photoluminescence mechanism of Dy3+ doped YVO4 and Ca2+ co-doped YVO4:Dy3+ nano-lattices
Authors: Dhiren Meetei Sanoujam , Deben Singh Mutum , Dorendrajit Singh Shougaijam
Published: May 2014

Light plays a vital role in the evolution of life. From sunlight to candle-light and then to other form of lighting devices, human beings are utilizing light since time immemorial. Lighting devices such as conventional incandescent lamp and fluorescent lamp have been replaced by Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) for the later is cheap, durable, etc. Now-a-days, phosphor converted LEDs have been burning issues in the fabrication of lighting devices. Especially, lanthanide ion(s) doped phosphors are of great interest for the same. However, doped phosphors have a limitation of luminescence quenching, i.e., instead of increasing luminescence on increasing dopant concentration, the luminescence decreases. Therefore, it must be rectified by one or other means so as to get maximum desirable intensity for uses in display or lighting devices. In the present work, YVO4:Dy3+ and YVO4:Dy3+/Ca2+ nano-lattices are synthesized by a facile technique. Structural characterizations such as x-ray diffraction, SEM, TEM, HRTEM, and Selected Area Electron Diffraction (SAED) of the samples are reported. Photoluminescence (PL) excitation and emission, enhanced mechanism, and lifetime are thoroughly discussed. PL intensity of the quenched YVO4:Dy3+ is made increased up to 432.63% by Ca2+ co-doping. Role of the Ca2+ on the luminescence enhanced mechanism of YVO4:Dy3+/Ca2+ is elucidated.
The inflection point of the capacitance-voltage, C(VG), characteristic and the flat-band voltage of metal-oxide-semiconductor structures
Authors: Przewlocki H. M. , Gutt T. , Piskorski K.
Published: May 2014

In a recently published paper, suggestions have been contained concerning close relations existing between the position of the inflection point on the capacitance-voltage, C(VG), characteristic of the metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) structure and the position of the flat-band voltage of this structure. In this article, a systematic, quantitative analysis of this problem is presented. The analysis of the relations existing between the voltage of the inflection point VINFL on the capacitance-voltage, C(VG), characteristic and the flat-band voltage, VFB, of a MOS structure is conducted for ideal and non-ideal (but with negligible density of interface states, Dit) MOS structures on silicon and silicon carbide substrates. It is found that, in general, there is a significant difference between the VINFL and the VFB values. The VINFL − VFB difference is found to depend primarily on the substrate doping density ND and on the dielectric layer thickness tOX. This difference is calculated for a range of ND and tOX values for structures with negligible Dit values on silicon and silicon carbide substrates. Experiments are described which were conducted to allow comparison of calculated and experimentally obtained VINFL values of different MOS structures on Si and SiC substrates. Results of these experiments support the quantitative results of our analysis for structures with negligible densities of interface states. As expected, for structures with higher Dit values, significant differences are found between calculated and experimentally obtained VINFL values.
Red seaweed derived polysaccharides, a novel marine resource for bio-ethanol production
Authors: Li Xiao-lin , Li Yin-Ping , Mou Hai-jin , Hwang Huey-Min , Wang Peng
Published: May 2014

Seaweed biomass could be a renewable feed stock source for bio-ethanol production. Kappaphycus alvarezii is a promising alternative feedstock for the production of renewable energy sources because of its high content of red seaweed derived polysaccharides (RSDP) and its abundance nationwide. Based on the success of the production of bio-ethanol from seaweed cellulose biomass, the purpose of this study was to verify the feasibility of converting RSDP (mainly composed of sulfated galactan) to fermentable reducing sugar for bio-ethanol production. In this study, RSDP, pretreated with methanolysis to remove sulfate radicals, had a better desulfuration effect than the method of organic solvolytic desulfation. The results of single factor and orthogonal experiments were conducted, and the optimal parameters for the methanolysis of RSDP were: 0.5% of substrate concentration, 1.0M HCl-methanol, temperature of 80 °C, and 20 h. The desulfuration rate and the total-sugars yield reached 93% and 91%, respectively. Using Infrared Spectra, it was proven that the sulfate radical content was reduced sharply and that the 3, 6-anhydro bond was broken. Above all, saccharification liquids of desulfurated RSDP inoculated with Saccharomyces cerevisiae L4 for ethanol fermentation could produce 0.27 g ethanol/g RSDP. The results could bring bright prospects of bio-ethanol conversion from red seaweed biomass.