bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sensitivity and Specificity of Red Cell Distribution Width in Diagnosing Acute Mesenteric Ischemia in Patients with Abdominal Pain
Authors: Kisaoglu Abdullah , Bayramoglu Atif , Ozogul Bunyami , Atac Kenan , Emet Mucahit , Atamanalp Sabri Selcuk
Published: August 2014

Background

We investigated the utility of the red cell distribution width (RDW) in diagnosing acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) in patients with abdominal pain.

Methods

The patients were divided into two groups in this retrospective case–control study: patients with AMI and patients with abdominal pain who did not require urgent surgery. Venous blood was collected from the patients upon admission to the emergency department, and abdominal computed tomography angiography was performed. The RDW and hematological and biochemical parameters of the groups were compared. The primary outcome was AMI among the patients with abdominal pain. The secondary outcome was mortality, complaint period, and size of ischemia/necrosis among the AMI patients.

Results

The RDW, white blood cell lactate dehydrogenase, and blood urea nitrogen of the patients with AMI were significantly different from those of the control group. When the average RDW (15.04 %) of the patients with AMI was used as a cut‐off value, the sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (+LR), and negative likelihood (−LR) were 40.8 %, 81.2 %, 2.17, and 0.73, respectively. When patients with AMI and anemia were included in the group, the sensitivity and specificity values did not change. There was no relation between the RDW and mortality, size of the ischemia/necrosis, and complaint period. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in the average RDW between the patients with ischemia/necrosis in the small intestine only and those with ischemia/necrosis in the colon.

Conclusion

The RDW on admission is of marginal help to diagnose AMI among patients with abdominal pain.
Synthesis and Properties of N‐Dodecyl Aspartic Acid and Its Sodium Salt
Authors: Shi Yingying , Wang Jun
Published: August 2014

A novel zwitterionic surfactant N‐dodecyl aspartic acid was synthesized with dodecylamine, maleic acid anhydride and sodium hydroxide in ethanol–water as the solvent. The chemical structure of N‐dodecyl aspartic acid was characterized by IR, 1H NMR and MS. The surface properties of the surfactant were studied by measuring the equilibrium surface tensions of the dilute aqueous solutions. The synthesized surfactant can reduce the surface tension of water to 29–32 mN m−1 at temperatures of 298–313 K, the surface activity reaches its highest under mild pH conditions. The water hardness has almost no effect on foam power and foam stability of the surfactant at lower and middle water hardnesses.
Symbol ratio minimax sequences in the lexicographic order
Authors: BOYLAND PHILIP , DE CARVALHO ANDRÉ , HALL TOBY
Published: August 2014

Consider the space of sequences of $k$letters ordered lexicographically. We study the set ${\mathcal{M}}(\boldsymbol{{\it\alpha}})$of all maximal sequences for which the asymptotic proportions $\boldsymbol{{\it\alpha}}$of the letters are prescribed, where a sequence is said to be maximal if it is at least as great as all of its tails. The infimum of${\mathcal{M}}(\boldsymbol{{\it\alpha}})$is called the$\boldsymbol{{\it\alpha}}$-infimaxsequence, or the$\boldsymbol{{\it\alpha}}$-minimaxsequence if the infimum is a minimum. We give an algorithm which yields all infimax sequences, and show that the infimax isnota minimax if and only if it is the$\boldsymbol{{\it\alpha}}$-infimax for every$\boldsymbol{{\it\alpha}}$in a simplex of dimension 1 or greater. These results have applications to the theory of rotation sets of beta-shifts and torus homeomorphisms.
Fixed points of nilpotent actions on
Authors: RIBÓN JAVIER
Published: August 2014

We prove that a nilpotent subgroup of orientation-preserving$C^{1}$diffeomorphisms of$\mathbb{S}^{2}$has a finite orbit of cardinality at most two. We also prove that a finitely generated nilpotent subgroup of orientation-preserving$C^{1}$diffeomorphisms of$\mathbb{R}^{2}$preserving a compact set has a global fixed point. These results generalize theorems of Frankset al for the abelian case. We show that a nilpotent subgroup of orientation-preserving$C^{1}$diffeomorphisms of$\mathbb{S}^{2}$that has a finite orbit of odd cardinality also has a global fixed point. Moreover, we study the properties of the 2-points orbits of nilpotent fixed-point-free subgroups of orientation-preserving$C^{1}$diffeomorphisms of$\mathbb{S}^{2}$.
The Excavation of Ty-isaf Long Cairn Brecknockshire
Authors: Grimes W. F.
Published: August 2014

Ty-isaf long cairn is one of a group of 13 long cairns in the Black Mountains of Brecknockshire. The existence of the group was first recognised by Mr O. G. S. Crawford, who published them in his Long Barrows of the Cotswolds. Several—in particular Ty Illtyd, Gwernvale and the two fine examples at Fostill near Llanelieu—were already well-known; but Ty-isaf, with a number of others, was first launched on an archaeological career by Mr Crawford in 1925.

Crawford's preoccupation being with the Cotswold long cairns he did not attempt to consider every aspect of the Brecknockshire cairns. This I subsequently tried to do in Archaeologia Cambrensis for 1936. But it had long been clear that the complete excavation of at least one of the monuments was badly needed to augment what we already knew— which was little enough—from chance digging and from visible features.

The Brecknockshire Society therefore deserves the thanks of archaeologists in general for undertaking this excavation, and congratulations for the success which has attended their efforts. Gratitude is especially due to the Society's President Sir John Lloyd, by whom with Mr R. G. Sandeman most of the preliminary arrangements were carried out. Other members of the Society helped in various ways. Mr Sandeman himself was present throughout the whole course of the work, and Mr Jestyn Williams was responsible for some of the surveying upon which the plan (fig. 2) is based.
Apostrophe(')s, who needs them?
Authors: Lukač Morana
Published: August 2014

The improper use of the possessive apostrophe has for a long time been a subject of concern among the authors of usage guides in English. Apostrophes do not represent any sounds, and since nouns in the genitive, and plural nominative and accusative nouns with few exceptions sound the same, their spelling distinctions are purely grammatical (Bryant et al., 1997: 93). Because the sign exists only in the written language, its usage has been rather unstable ever since it was first introduced to the English language in the sixteenth century to mark dropped letters (Little, 1986: 15−16), and it was not until the eighteenth century when the possessive apostrophe was first introduced (Crystal, 2003: 68). The usage guide database HUGE (Hyper Usage Guide of English), which is built by Robin Straaijer as part of the ‘Bridging the Unbridgeable’ project that Ingrid Tieken-Boon van Ostade wrote about in an earlier issue of English Today, proves that apostrophe ‘misuse’ is the most popular topic in the field of language advice when it comes to punctuation. The apostrophe holds its own among numerous disputed items, such as ending sentences with prepositions, using me for I, who for whom or splitting infinitives. The first historical reference to the apostrophe in the HUGE database appears in Reflections on Language Use by Robert Baker in 1770 and it continues to be discussed to the present day. The discussion of the mark's ‘misuse’ has been widely popularized by the publication of Lynne Truss's Eats, Shoots and Leaves: The Zero Tolerance Approach to Punctuation in 2003.
ALFARABI ON CONDITIONALS
Authors: Karimullah Kamran
Published: August 2014

I examine the theory of conditional propositions (qaḍāyā šarṭiyya muttaṣila) and conditional syllogisms (qiyāsāt šarṭiyya) in the logical works of Alfarabi (d. 950). I contextualize Alfarabi's logical doctrines related to conditional reasoning against the backdrop of the context-theory of logic, which was developed by Aristotle's ancient commentators. I show that Alfarabi thought that conditional propositions have truth-conditions. I provide conjectural truth-conditions for conditional propositions, and conjectural validity-conditions for connective conditional syllogisms. These truth-conditions and validity-conditions are shown to be sensitive to the pragmatic conditions in which conditional propositions and arguments are deployed. I end by suggesting that Alfarabi's logical pragmatism is a consequence of his adoption of the late antique context-theory of logic rather than a result of his developing Aristotle's formal syllogistic theory adumbrated in thePrior Analytics.
Does Hospital Disaster Preparedness Predict Response Performance During a Full-scale Exercise? A Pilot Study
Authors: Djalali Ahmadreza , Carenzo Luca , Ragazzoni Luca , Azzaretto Massimo , Petrino Roberta , Della Corte Francesco , Ingrassia Pier Luigi
Published: August 2014

Introduction

The assessment of hospital disaster preparedness and response performance is a way to find and remove possible gaps and weaknesses in hospital disaster management effectiveness. The aim of this pilot study was to test the association between the level of preparedness and the level of response performance during a full-scale hospital exercise.

Method

This pilot study was conducted in a hospital during a full-scale exercise in the Piedmont region of Italy. The preparedness evaluation was conducted by a group of three experts, three days before the exercise, and the response evaluation was conducted during the exercise. The functional capacity module was used for preparedness evaluation, and the response performance of the “command and control” function of the hospital was evaluated by nine semiquantitative performance indicators.

Results

The preparedness of the chosen hospital was 59%, while the response performance was evaluated as 70%. The hospital staff conducted Simple Triage and Rapid Transport (START) triage while they received 61 casualties, which was 90% correct for the yellow group and 100% correct for the green group.

Conclusion

This pilot study showed that it is possible to use standardized evaluations tools, to simultaneously assess the relationship between preparedness elements and response performance measures. An experimental study including a group of hospitals, also using more comprehensive evaluation tools, should be done to evaluate the correlation between the level of preparedness and the response performance of a hospital, and the impact of hospital disaster planning, on the outcome of disasters victims.

DjalaliA,CarenzoL,RagazzoniL,AzzarettoM,PetrinoR,Della CorteF,IngrassiaPL.Does hospital disaster preparedness predict response performance during a full-scale exercise? A pilot study.Prehosp Disaster Med.2014;29(4):1-7.
The Role of Beethoven's ‘la gaiete’ Movement in the Creation of his Quartet Op. 127
Authors: Cooper Barry
Published: August 2014

Several writers, beginning with Gustav Nottebohm, have made mention of a movement entitled ‘la gaiete’ that was at one stage intended for Beethoven's String Quartet in E-flat, Op. 127, but none of them have previously given a full account of this movement. It appears in several sketch sources, notably Artaria 206 (currently in Kraków), and although it was not incorporated into the final version of the quartet, it played an important role in shaping the slow movement of the work. It also had an indirect influence on the coda of the finale. Its precise function in the creation of the quartet becomes much clearer through a detailed study of Beethoven's sketches, which are scattered in many different sources and appear in four formats that run concurrently, making assessment of them difficult. Examining the sketches for the movement also throws light on the chronological relationship between the various sketch sources. Contrary to some accounts, the movement appears never to have been part of a planned six-movement scheme for the work – a scheme that was extremely fleeting and only one of many possibilities for the work's structure.
Reading Skills, Creativity, and Insight: Exploring the Connections
Authors: Mourgues Catalina V. , Preiss David D. , Grigorenko Elena L.
Published: August 2014

Studies of the relationship between creativity and specific reading disabilities have produced inconclusive results. We explored their relationship in a sample of 259 college students (age range: 17 to 38 years-old) from three Chilean universities. The students were tested on their verbal ability, creativity, and insight. A simple linear regression was performed on the complete sample, and on high- and low-achievement groups that were formed based on reading test scores. We observed a significant correlation in the total sample between outcomes on the verbal ability tasks, and on the creativity and insight tasks (range r =. 152 to r =. 356, ps <.001). Scores on the reading comprehension and phonological awareness tasks were the best predictors of performance on creativity and insight tasks (range β = .315 to β = .155, ps <.05). A comparison of the low- and high-scoring groups on verbal ability tasks yielded results to the same effect. These findings do not support the hypothesis that specific reading disability is associated with better performance on creative tasks. Instead, higher verbal ability was found to be associated with higher creativity and insight.
Screening Enterprising Personality in Youth: An Empirical Model
Authors: Suárez-Álvarez Javier , Pedrosa Ignacio , García-Cueto Eduardo , Muñiz José
Published: August 2014

Entrepreneurial attitudes of individuals are determined by different variables, some of them related to the cognitive and personality characteristics of the person, and others focused on contextual aspects. The aim of this study is to review the essential dimensions of enterprising personality and develop a test that will permit their thorough assessment. Nine dimensions were identified: achievement motivation, risk taking, innovativeness, autonomy, internal locus of control, external locus of control, stress tolerance, self-efficacy and optimism. For the assessment of these dimensions, 161 items were developed which were applied to a sample of 416 students, 54% male and 46% female (M= 17.89 years old,SD= 3.26). After conducting several qualitative and quantitative analyses, the final test was composed of 127 items with acceptable psychometric properties. Alpha coefficients for the subscales ranged from .81 to .98. The validity evidence relative to the content was provided by experts (V= .71, 95% CI = .56 - .85). Construct validity was assessed using different factorial analyses, obtaining a dimensional structure in accordance with the proposed model of nine interdependent dimensions as well as a global factor that groups these nine dimensions (explained variance = 49.07%; χ2/df= 1.78; GFI= .97; SRMR = .07). Nine out of the 127 items showed Differential Item Functioning as a function of gender (p< .01,R2>.035). The results obtained are discussed and future lines of research analyzed.
The Students’ Perceptions of School Success Promoting Strategies Inventory (SPSI): Development and validity evidence based studies
Authors: Moreira Paulo A. S. , Oliveira João Tiago , Dias Paulo , Vaz Filipa Machado , Torres-Oliveira Isabel
Published: August 2014

Students’ perceptions about school success promotion strategies are of great importance for schools, as they are an indicator of how students perceive the school success promotion strategies. The objective of this study was to develop and analyze the validity evidence based of The Students’ Perceptions of School Success Promoting Strategies Inventory (SPSI), which assesses both individual students’ perceptions of their school success promoting strategies, and dimensions of school quality. A structure of 7 related factors was found, which showed good adjustment indices in two additional different samples, suggesting that this is a well-fitting multi-group model (p< .001). All scales presented good reliability values. Schools with good academic results registered higher values in Career development, Active learning, Proximity, Educational Technologies and Extra-curricular activities (p< .05). SPSI showed to be adequate to measure within-schools (students within schools) dimensions of school success. In addition, there is preliminary evidence for its adequacy for measuring school success promotion dimensions between schools for 4 dimensions. This study supports the validity evidence based of the SPSI (validity evidence based on test content, on internal structure, on relations to other variables and on consequences of testing). Future studies should test for within- and between-level variance in a bigger sample of schools.
Factor Structure of the Self-Regulation Questionnaire (SRQ) at Spanish Universities
Authors: Pichardo Carmen , Justicia Fernando , Fuente Jesús de la , Martínez-Vicente José Manuel , Berbén Ana B. G.
Published: August 2014

The Self-Regulation Questionnaire (SRQ) has been used in psychology research during the last decade. The instrument has been used in a variety of life domains: psychological well-being, dispositional happiness, depressive symptoms and career adaptability. This investigation studies the factor structure and internal consistency of the SRQ, extracting a short version in the Spanish context and examining its relation to academic variables (self-regulated learning and grades). The analysis started from a version with 63 items, representing seven conceptual dimensions. This version was administered to a sample of 834 students from Education and Psychology. The data from the above-mentioned sample were randomly divided into two sets, each containing 50% of the students (n= 417): exploratory and confirmatory. In the exploratory sample, exploratory factor analysis findings suggested a more parsimonious measurement model, with 17 items and 4 first-order factors. The confirmatory sample was used in the confirmatory factor analysis. The results show evidence for the internal consistency of the Short Self-Regulation Questionnaire (SSRQ) in the Spanish context, with indices greater than .90 and errors around .05. Regarding academic variables, both versions are related to self-regulated learning (r= .40,p< .01) and students’ grades (r= .15,p< .01). Differences from other studies done in North America are discussed, as well as similarities to a study from North-West University (in South Africa).
From Twins to Genetic Polymorphisms: Behavioral Genetic Research in Poland
Authors: Oniszczenko Włodzimierz , Dragan Wojciech Łukasz
Published: August 2014

Behavioral genetic research has been conducted at the University of Warsaw for the past 20 years. The work done at the University focuses primarily on the origins of individual differences in temperament and other personality traits. In particular, research is directed toward the traits postulated in the Regulative Theory of Temperament. We also focused on the heritability of socio-political attitudes, risk factors for human health, and post-traumatic stress disorder. The majority of the research that has been carried out is grounded in twin and family studies, although recent work based on molecular techniques has also been developed. This article reviews the most important directions and findings of behavioral genetics research at the University of Warsaw.
Pregnancy Prognosis Associated With an Isolated Single Umbilical Artery in Twin Pregnancy
Authors: Cade Thomas J. , Da Silva Costa Fabricio , Reidy Karen , Doyle Lex W. , Mitchell Sarah E. , Palma-Dias Ricardo , Umstad Mark P.
Published: August 2014

To determine the prognosis of an isolated single umbilical artery (SUA) in a twin pregnancy, we selected twin pregnancies with a second trimester ultrasound diagnosing a SUA in at least one fetus at our tertiary hospital. This was confirmed by placental histopathology or by expert review of ultrasound images. Cases were identified by searching the hospital ultrasound database over a period of 7.5 years. Higher order multiples or coexistent aneuploidy or major anomalies were excluded. Each case of an isolated SUA was assigned three consecutive twin pregnancy controls paired for chorionicity and maternal age. Primary outcomes were preterm birth <34 weeks, small for gestational age (SGA) or perinatal death. Other outcomes included antenatal growth restriction, mode of delivery, and admission to neonatal intensive care or special care nursery. Nine pregnancies (18 fetuses) were identified for analysis as cases. Isolated SUA was associated with preterm birth <34 weeks (odds ratio = 12.2; 95% CI = 2.0–75.2; p = .005) but not for SGA. There was also no difference in SGA between the affected twin and its normal co-twin. Perinatal death was increased but after controlling for gestational age and clustering this finding was no longer significant. We conclude that isolated SUA in twins adds a degree of risk to an already high-risk pregnancy but does not increase the need for surveillance for growth restriction.
An accurate and transferable protocol for reproducible quantification of organic pollutants in human serum using direct isotope dilution mass spectrometry
Authors: Boggess Andrew J. , Rahman G. M. Mizanur , Pamukcu Matt , Faber Scott , Kingston H. M. Skip
Published: August 2014

A novel and transferable method for the accurate and direct quantification of organic pollutants in human serum.
Characterisation of a micro-plasma for ambient mass spectrometry imaging
Authors: Bowfield Andrew , Bunch Josephine , Salter Tara L. , Steven Rory T. , Gilmore Ian S. , Barrett Dave A. , Alexander Morgan R. , McKay Kirsty , Bradley James W.
Published: August 2014

A systematic characterisation and optimisation of parameters of a plasma-mediated ion source to achieve the best spatial resolution for MSI.
A tailor-made nucleoside-based colourimetric probe of formic acid
Authors: Vanegas Julie P. , Zaballos-García Elena , Pérez-Prieto Julia
Published: August 2014

A ratiometric, specific probe of formic acid has been developed.
Local protonation control using plasmonic activation
Authors: Singh Pushkar , Deckert Volker
Published: August 2014

Spatial control of a protonation reaction under ambient conditions is demonstrated utilizing localized surface plasmons.
Dendrimersomes with photodegradable membranes for triggered release of hydrophilic and hydrophobic cargo
Authors: Nazemi Ali , Gillies Elizabeth R.
Published: August 2014

Amphiphilic Janus dendrimers with fully photodegradable hydrophobic blocks were synthesized and assembled into dendrimersomes in water. Irradiation with UV light triggered the release of hydrophobic and hydrophilic cargo.
Thermally activated polymorphic transition from a 1D ribbon to a 2D carpet: squaric acid on Au(111)
Authors: Ueji Kan , Jung Jaehoon , Oh Junepyo , Miyamura Kazuo , Kim Yousoo
Published: August 2014

Polymorphic transition from the 1D ribbon to the 2D carpet superstructure of squaric acid molecules on Au(111) was achieved through a thermally activated process.
Vertically aligned MoS2/MoOx heterojunction nanosheets for enhanced visible-light photocatalytic activity and photostability
Authors: Zhou Gang , Xu Xiaoyong , Yu Jianyu , Feng Bing , Zhang Yu , Hu Jingguo , Zhou Yuxue
Published: August 2014

Vertically aligned nanosheet heterostructures with partly reduced MoO3 cores and adjustable MoS2 shells were fabricated via two-step chemical vapor deposition (CVD).
Protonation induced shifting of electron-accepting centers in intramolecular charge transfer chromophores: a theoretical study
Authors: Tang Tao , Chi Hong , Lin Tingting , Wang FuKe , He Chaobin
Published: August 2014

A new series of chameleonic molecules containing azulene and benzothiadiazole (BT) were designed and synthesized.
Ionic liquid electrolytes as a platform for rechargeable metal–air batteries: a perspective
Authors: Kar Mega , Simons Tristan J. , Forsyth Maria , MacFarlane Douglas R.
Published: August 2014

This perspective reports on the emerging field of room temperature ionic liquid electrolytes, applicable to rechargeable metal–air batteries.
Towards highly selective ethylene epoxidation catalysts using hydrogen peroxide and tungsten- or niobium-incorporated mesoporous silicate (KIT-6)
Authors: Yan Wenjuan , Ramanathan Anand , Ghanta Madhav , Subramaniam Bala
Published: August 2014

Nb- and W-KIT-6 materials display significant ethylene epoxidation activity with H2O2 as the oxidant at mild temperatures that eliminate substrate burning.
Protein A-conjugated iron oxide nanoparticles for separation ofVibrio choleraefrom water samples
Authors: Huy Tran Quang , Van Chung Pham , Thuy Nguyen Thanh , Blanco-Andujar Cristina , Thanh Nguyễn Thị Kim
Published: August 2014

Pathogen separation is of great significance for precise detection and prevention of disease outbreaks. For the first time, protein A conjugated with chitosan-coated iron oxide nanoparticles was prepared for pathogen separation at low concentrations from liquid samples.Vibrio choleraeO1 (VO1) bacteria were used for testing the effectiveness of this conjugate. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to confirm the presence of captured VO1. The results showed that, after binding with a specific antibody, the conjugate allows separation of VO1 bacteria from water samples at a concentration as low as 10 cfu mL−1. Moreover, the conjugate can be used in parallel with conventional or modern diagnostic tests for quick and accurate detection of pathogens.
Elastic limit of silicane
Authors: Peng Qing , De Suvranu
Published: August 2014

Non-linear elastic behaviors are prominent in 2d nanostructures.
Co3O4 nanowires supported on 3D N-doped carbon foam as an electrochemical sensing platform for efficient H2O2 detection
Authors: Liu Minmin , He Shuijian , Chen Wei
Published: August 2014

Cobalt oxide nanowires fabricated on three-dimensional carbon foam (3D) can be used as a promising electrochemical sensing platform for H2O2 detection.
A unique hollow Li3VO4/carbon nanotube composite anode for high rate long-life lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Li Qidong , Sheng Jinzhi , Wei Qiulong , An Qinyou , Wei Xiujuan , Zhang Pengfei , Mai Liqiang
Published: August 2014

A unique hollow Li3VO4/CNT composite is synthesizedviaa facile method as an anode material in lithium batteries.
The search for the most stable structures of silicon–carbon monolayer compounds
Authors: Li Pengfei , Zhou Rulong , Zeng Xiao Cheng
Published: August 2014

The most stable structures of two-dimensional (2D) silicon–carbon monolayer compounds with different stoichiometric compositions (i.e., Si : C ratio = 2 : 3, 1 : 3 and 1 : 4) are predicted for the first time based on the particle-swarm optimization (PSO) technique combined with density functional theory optimization.
Fabrication of bright and small size semiconducting polymer nanoparticles for cellular labelling and single particle tracking
Authors: Wei Lin , Zhou Peng , Yang Qingxiu , Yang Qiaoyu , Ma Ming , Chen Bo , Xiao Lehui
Published: August 2014

In this work, we demonstrate a convenient and robust strategy for efficient fabrication of high fluorescence quantum yield (QY, 49.8 ± 3%) semiconducting polymer nanoparticles (SPNs), with size comparable with semiconductor quantum dots (Qdots).
Improved super-capacitive performance of carbon foam supported CeOxnanoflowers by selective doping and UV irradiation
Authors: Xu Zhemi , Younis Adnan , Xu Haolan , Li Sean , Chu Dewei
Published: August 2014

In this work, we developed a facile electrochemical deposition approach to prepare Gd-doped CeOxnanoflowers on porous carbon foam with improved supercapacitor characteristics by UV irradiation.
Synthesis of amphiphilic polyaspartamide derivatives and construction of reverse micelles
Authors: Liu De-E , Han Hui , Lu Hongguang , Wu Guolin , Wang Yinong , Ma Jianbiao , Gao Hui
Published: August 2014

Large compound reverse micelles consisting of numerous small reverse micelles with polar cores and hydrophobic shells were constructed from amphiphilic polyaspartamide in octanol solution.
Toxicity of ionic liquids toward microorganisms interesting to the food industry
Authors: Santos A. G. , Ribeiro B. D. , Alviano D. S. , Coelho M. A. Z.
Published: August 2014

Filamentous fungi were resistant to high concentrations of imidazolium-based ionic liquids, andPseudomonas aeruginosawas tolerant to [NTf2] anions.
Dielectric properties of supramolecular ionic structures obtained from multifunctional carboxylic acids and amines
Authors: González Lidia , Yu Liyun , Hvilsted Søren , Skov Anne Ladegaard
Published: August 2014

Dielectric properties of ionic networks formed from the supramolecular assembly of amine and carboxy functionalised polymers were measured and analyzed.
A three-dimensional multilayered SiO–graphene nanostructure as a superior anode material for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Guo Chenfeng , Mao Jingxuan , Wang Dianlong
Published: August 2014

A Three-dimensional (3D) multilayered nanostructure to improve the electrode performance of SiO-based material through the use of reduced graphene oxide (RGO) film and a Ni foam substrate has been developed.
Rhodium(iii)-catalysed decarbonylative coupling of maleic anhydrides with alkynes
Authors: Matsuda Takanori , Suzuki Kentaro
Published: August 2014

Rhodium(iii)-catalysed decarbonylative coupling of substituted maleic anhydrides with internal alkynes gives tri- and tetrasubstituted α-pyrones.
Wet adhesion between two soft layers
Authors: Li Kai , Cai Shengqiang
Published: August 2014

Deformation of two soft layers connected by a liquid bridge in the process of separation.
Exploring the roles of PALB2 at the crossroads of DNA repair and cancer
Authors: Pauty Joris , Rodrigue Amélie , Couturier Anthony , Buisson Rémi , Masson Jean-Yves
Published: August 2014

PALB2 [partner and localizer of BRCA2 (breast cancer early-onset 1)] has emerged as a key player in the maintenance of genome integrity. Biallelic mutations in PALB2 cause FA (Fanconi's anaemia) subtype FA-N, a devastating inherited disorder marked by developmental abnormalities, bone marrow failure and childhood cancer susceptibility, whereas monoallelic mutations predispose to breast, ovarian and pancreatic cancer. The tumour suppressor role of PALB2 has been intimately linked to its ability to promote HR (homologous recombination)-mediated repair of DNA double-strand breaks. Because PALB2 lies at the crossroads between FA, HR and cancer susceptibility, understanding its function has become the primary focus of several studies. The present review discusses a current synthesis of the contribution of PALB2 to these pathways. We also provide a molecular description of FA- or cancer-associated PALB2 mutations.
How to find a leucine in a haystack? Structure, ligand recognition and regulation of leucine–aspartic acid (LD) motifs
Authors: Alam Tanvir , Alazmi Meshari , Gao Xin , Arold Stefan T.
Published: August 2014

LD motifs (leucine–aspartic acid motifs) are short helical protein–protein interaction motifs that have emerged as key players in connecting cell adhesion with cell motility and survival. LD motifs are required for embryogenesis, wound healing and the evolution of multicellularity. LD motifs also play roles in disease, such as in cancer metastasis or viral infection. First described in the paxillin family of scaffolding proteins, LD motifs and similar acidic LXXLL interaction motifs have been discovered in several other proteins, whereas 16 proteins have been reported to contain LDBDs (LD motif-binding domains). Collectively, structural and functional analyses have revealed a surprising multivalency in LD motif interactions and a wide diversity in LDBD architectures. In the present review, we summarize the molecular basis for function, regulation and selectivity of LD motif interactions that has emerged from more than a decade of research. This overview highlights the intricate multi-level regulation and the inherently noisy and heterogeneous nature of signalling through short protein–protein interaction motifs.
Why are the 2-oxoacid dehydrogenase complexes so large? Generation of an active trimeric complex
Authors: Marrott Nia L. , Marshall Jacqueline J. T. , Svergun Dmitri I. , Crennell Susan J. , Hough David W. , van den Elsen Jean M. H. , Danson Michael J.
Published: August 2014

The four-component polypeptides of the 2-oxoacid dehydrogenase complex from the thermophilic archaeon Thermoplasma acidophilum assemble to give an active multienzyme complex possessing activity with the branched-chain 2-oxoacids derived from leucine, isoleucine and valine, and with pyruvate. The dihydrolipoyl acyl-transferase (E2) core of the complex is composed of identical trimer-forming units that assemble into a novel 42-mer structure comprising octahedral and icosahedral geometric aspects. From our previously determined structure of this catalytic core, the inter-trimer interactions involve a tyrosine residue near the C-terminus secured in a hydrophobic pocket of an adjacent trimer like a ball-and-socket joint. In the present study, we have deleted the five C-terminal amino acids of the E2 polypeptide (IIYEI) and shown by equilibrium centrifugation that it now only assembles into a trimeric enzyme. This was confirmed by SAXS analysis, although this technique showed the presence of approximately 20% hexamers. The crystal structure of the trimeric truncated E2 core has been determined and shown to be virtually identical with the ones observed in the 42-mer, demonstrating that removal of the C-terminal anchor does not significantly affect the individual monomer or trimer structures. The truncated E2 is still able to bind both 2-oxoacid decarboxylase (E1) and dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase (E3) components to give an active complex with catalytic activity similar to the native multienzyme complex. This is the first report of an active mini-complex for this enzyme, and raises the question of why all 2-oxoacid dehydrogenase complexes assemble into such large structures.
Influence of Prior Knowledge and Interest on Fourth- and Fifth-Grade Passage Comprehension on the Qualitative Reading Inventory—4
Authors: Clark Mary Kristen , Kamhi Alan G.
Published: August 2014

Purpose

In 2 experiments, we examined the influence of prior knowledge and interest on 4th- and 5th-grade students' passage comprehension scores on the Qualitative Reading Inventory—4 (QRI–4) and 2 experimenter-constructed passages.

Method

In Experiment 1, 4th- and 5th-grade students were administered 4 Level 4 passages or 4 Level 5 passages from the QRI–4. Prior knowledge was assessed by key concept questions from the QRI–4. Interest was rated on a 5-point scale. In Experiment 2, 4th- and 5th-grade students were administered 2 passages from the QRI–4 and 2 experimenter-constructed passages. One general question was used to assess prior knowledge, and 3 measures were used to assess interest.

Results

Prior knowledge as measured by key concept questions on the QRI–4 or a general question had minimal impact on passage comprehension. More important, only one third of the prior knowledge questions on the QRI–4 were related to a comprehension question. When these question pairs were analyzed, having prior knowledge was still not predictive of comprehension performance. Interest level had minimal impact on comprehension performance.

Conclusions

This study's findings raise concerns about the usefulness of prior knowledge assessments on the QRI–4. Interest had little impact on comprehension performance. Educational implications are discussed.
Scaling of the dynamics of flexible Lennard-Jones chains
Authors: Veldhorst Arno A. , Dyre Jeppe C. , Schrøder Thomas B.
Published: August 2014

The isomorph theory provides an explanation for the so-called power law density scaling which has been observed in many molecular and polymeric glass formers, both experimentally and in simulations. Power law density scaling (relaxation times and transport coefficients being functions of \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\begin{document}$\rho ^{\gamma _S}/T$\end{document}ργS/T, where ρ is density, T is temperature, and γS is a material specific scaling exponent) is an approximation to a more general scaling predicted by the isomorph theory. Furthermore, the isomorph theory provides an explanation for Rosenfeld scaling (relaxation times and transport coefficients being functions of excess entropy) which has been observed in simulations of both molecular and polymeric systems. Doing molecular dynamics simulations of flexible Lennard-Jones chains (LJC) with rigid bonds, we here provide the first detailed test of the isomorph theory applied to flexible chain molecules. We confirm the existence of isomorphs, which are curves in the phase diagram along which the dynamics is invariant in the appropriate reduced units. This holds not only for the relaxation times but also for the full time dependence of the dynamics, including chain specific dynamics such as the end-to-end vector autocorrelation function and the relaxation of the Rouse modes. As predicted by the isomorph theory, jumps between different state points on the same isomorph happen instantaneously without any slow relaxation. Since the LJC is a simple coarse-grained model for alkanes and polymers, our results provide a possible explanation for why power-law density scaling is observed experimentally in alkanes and many polymeric systems. The theory provides an independent method of determining the scaling exponent, which is usually treated as an empirical scaling parameter.
Simultaneous probing of bulk liquid phase and catalytic gas-liquid-solid interface under working conditions using attenuated total reflection infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Meemken Fabian , Müller Philipp , Hungerbühler Konrad , Baiker Alfons
Published: August 2014

Design and performance of a reactor set-up for attenuated total reflection infrared (ATR-IR) spectroscopy suitable for simultaneous reaction monitoring of bulk liquid and catalytic solid-liquid-gas interfaces under working conditions are presented. As advancement of in situ spectroscopy an operando methodology for gas-liquid-solid reaction monitoring was developed that simultaneously combines catalytic activity and molecular level detection at the catalytically active site of the same sample. Semi-batch reactor conditions are achieved with the analytical set-up by implementing the ATR-IR flow-through cell in a recycle reactor system and integrating a specifically designed gas feeding system coupled with a bubble trap. By the use of only one spectrometer the design of the new ATR-IR reactor cell allows for simultaneous detection of the bulk liquid and the catalytic interface during the working reaction. Holding two internal reflection elements (IRE) the sample compartments of the horizontally movable cell are consecutively flushed with reaction solution and pneumatically actuated, rapid switching of the cell (<1 s) enables to quasi simultaneously follow the heterogeneously catalysed reaction at the catalytic interface on a catalyst-coated IRE and in the bulk liquid on a blank IRE. For a complex heterogeneous reaction, the asymmetric hydrogenation of 2,2,2-trifluoroacetophenone on chirally modified Pt catalyst the elucidation of catalytic activity/enantioselectivity coupled with simultaneous monitoring of the catalytic solid-liquid-gas interface is shown. Both catalytic activity and enantioselectivity are strongly dependent on the experimental conditions. The opportunity to gain improved understanding by coupling measurements of catalytic performance and spectroscopic detection is presented. In addition, the applicability of modulation excitation spectroscopy and phase-sensitive detection are demonstrated.
X-ray power and yield measurements at the refurbished Z machine
Authors: Jones M. C. , Ampleford D. J. , Cuneo M. E. , Hohlfelder R. , Jennings C. A. , Johnson D. W. , Jones B. , Lopez M. R. , MacArthur J. , Mills J. A. , Preston T. , Rochau G. A. , Savage M. , Spencer D. , Sinars D. B. , Porter J. L.
Published: August 2014

Advancements have been made in the diagnostic techniques to measure accurately the total radiated x-ray yield and power from z-pinch implosion experiments at the Z machine with high accuracy. The Z machine is capable of outputting 2 MJ and 330 TW of x-ray yield and power, and accurately measuring these quantities is imperative. We will describe work over the past several years which include the development of new diagnostics, improvements to existing diagnostics, and implementation of automated data analysis routines. A set of experiments on the Z machine were conducted in which the load and machine configuration were held constant. During this shot series, it was observed that the total z-pinch x-ray emission power determined from the two common techniques for inferring the x-ray power, a Kimfol filtered x-ray diode diagnostic and the total power and energy diagnostic, gave 449 TW and 323 TW, respectively. Our analysis shows the latter to be the more accurate interpretation. More broadly, the comparison demonstrates the necessity to consider spectral response and field of view when inferring x-ray powers from z-pinch sources.
Single-field slice-imaging with a movable repeller: Photodissociation of N2O from a hot nozzle
Authors: Harding Dan J. , Neugebohren J. , Grütter M. , Schmidt-May A. F. , Auerbach D. J. , Kitsopoulos T. N. , Wodtke A. M.
Published: August 2014

We present a new photo-fragment imaging spectrometer, which employs a movable repeller in a single field imaging geometry. This innovation offers two principal advantages. First, the optimal fields for velocity mapping can easily be achieved even using a large molecular beam diameter (5 mm); the velocity resolution (better than 1%) is sufficient to easily resolve photo-electron recoil in (2 + 1) resonant enhanced multiphoton ionization of N2 photoproducts from N2O or from molecular beam cooled N2. Second, rapid changes between spatial imaging, velocity mapping, and slice imaging are straightforward. We demonstrate this technique's utility in a re-investigation of the photodissociation of N2O. Using a hot nozzle, we observe slice images that strongly depend on nozzle temperature. Our data indicate that in our hot nozzle expansion, only pure bending vibrations – (0, v2, 0) – are populated, as vibrational excitation in pure stretching or bend-stretch combination modes are quenched via collisional near-resonant V-V energy transfer to the nearly degenerate bending states. We derive vibrationally state resolved absolute absorption cross-sections for (0, v2 ≤ 7, 0). These results agree well with previous work at lower values of v2, both experimental and theoretical. The dissociation energy of N2O with respect to the O(1D) + N2$^1 \Sigma _g^ +$Σg+1 asymptote was determined to be 3.65 ± 0.02 eV.
Theoretical calculations for structural, elastic, and thermodynamic properties of RuN2 under high pressure
Authors: Dong Bing , Zhou Xiao-Lin , Liu Ke , Chang Jing
Published: August 2014

The structural and elastic properties of RuN2 were investigated through the first-principles calculation using generalized gradient approximation (GGA) and local density approximation (LDA) within the plane-wave pseudopotential density functional theory. The obtained equilibrium structure and mechanical properties are in excellent agreement with other theoretical results. Then we compared the elastic modulus of RuN2 with several other isomorphic noble metal nitrides. Results show that RuN2 can nearly rival with OsN2 and IrN2, which indicate RuN2 is a potentially ultra-incompressible and hard material. By the elastic stability criteria, it is predicted that RuN2 is stable in our calculations (0–100 GPa). The calculated B/G ratios indicate that RuN2 possesses brittle nature at 0 GPa and when the pressure increases to 13.4 GPa (for LDA) or 20.8 GPa (for GGA), it begins to prone to ductility. Through the quasi-harmonic Debye model, we also investigated the thermodynamic properties of RuN2.
Carbon related donor bound exciton transitions in ZnO nanowires
Authors: Mohammadbeigi F. , Kumar E. Senthil , Alagha S. , Anderson I. , Watkins S. P.
Published: August 2014

Several shallow donor bound exciton photoluminescence (PL) transitions are reported in ZnO nanowires doped with carbon. The emission energies are in the range of 3360.8–3361.9 meV, close to previously reported emission lines due to excitons bound to donor point defects, such as Ga, Al, In, and H. The addition of small amounts of hydrogen during growth results in a strong enhancement of the PL of these carbon related emission lines, yet PL and annealing measurements indicate no appreciable bulk hydrogen. The observation of two electron satellites for these emission lines enables the determination of the donor binding energies. The dependence of exciton localization energy on donor binding energy departs somewhat from the usual linear relationship observed for group III donors, indicating a qualitatively different central cell potential, as one would expect for a complex. Emission lines due to excitons bound to ionized donors associated with these defects are also observed. The dependence of the PL emission intensities on temperature and growth conditions demonstrates that the lines are due to distinct complexes and not merely excited states of each other.
Real-time x-ray studies of crystal growth modes during metal-organic vapor phase epitaxy of GaN on c- and m-plane single crystals
Authors: Perret Edith , Highland M. J. , Stephenson G. B. , Streiffer S. K. , Zapol P. , Fuoss P. H. , Munkholm A. , Thompson Carol
Published: August 2014

Non-polar orientations of III-nitride semiconductors have attracted significant interest due to their potential application in optoelectronic devices with enhanced efficiency. Using in situ surface x-ray scattering during metal-organic vapor phase epitaxy (MOVPE) of GaN on non-polar (m-plane) and polar (c-plane) orientations of single crystal substrates, we have observed the homoepitaxial growth modes as a function of temperature and growth rate. On the m-plane surface, we observe all three growth modes (step-flow, layer-by-layer, and three-dimensional) as conditions are varied. In contrast, the +c-plane surface exhibits a direct crossover between step-flow and 3D growth, with no layer-by-layer regime. The apparent activation energy of 2.8 ± 0.2 eV observed for the growth rate at the layer-by-layer to step-flow boundary on the m-plane surface is consistent with those observed for MOVPE growth of other III-V compounds, indicating a large critical nucleus size for islands.
Faceting oscillations in nano-ferroelectrics
Authors: Scott J. F. , Kumar Ashok
Published: August 2014

We observe periodic faceting of 8-nm diameter ferroelectric disks on a 10 s time-scale when thin Pb(Zr0.52Ti0.48)O3 film is exposed to constant high-resolution transmission electron microscopy beams. The oscillation is between circular disk geometry and sharply faceted hexagons. The behavior is analogous to that of spin structure and magnetic domain wall velocity oscillations in permalloy [Bisig et al., Nat. Commun. 4, 2328 (2013)], involving overshoot and de-pinning from defects [Amann et al., J. Rheol. 57, 149–175 (2013)].