bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Psychophysiological Studies of Unattended Information Processing
Authors: Valle-Inclán Fernando , de Labra Carmen , Redondo Milagros
Published: April 2014

The article describes the general methods and some of the results obtained in the Psychophysiology Laboratory of the University of La Coruña. The paper covers our research on the Simon effect and accessory effect, although it is not a review of the literature. The research strategy we followed is built around the use of lateralized motor potentials recorded from scalp. These measures allow observing the way responses are selected and when they are selected, providing an invaluable tool to study response interference and to split reaction time into two halves. The research on the Simon effect concludes that interference during response selection is critical in the Simon effect but it is dubious whether this process should be considered as automatic and stimulus-driven, as is widely accepted. The experiments with the accessory effect indicate that facilitation is produced before response selection is over, which ends a long controversy about the locus of the accessory effect.
Towards a Model To Predict Macular Dichromats' Naming Errors: Effects of CIE Saturation and Dichromatism Type
Authors: Lillo Julio , Vitini Isaac , Caballero Aurora , Moreira Humberto
Published: April 2014

Thirty macular dichromat children (12 protanopes + 18 deuteranopes) and 29 controls, between 5 and 9 years old, participated in a monolexemic denomination task. Their clinical status was determined after a repeated application of a chromatic test set (Ishihara, CUCVT, and TIDA). The stimuli to be named were 12 tiles from the Color-Aid set belonging to the green, blue, and purple basic categories. Results showed that: (a) Dichromats made more naming errors when low saturation stimuli were used; (b) protanopes made more errors that deuteranopes; and (c) pseudoisochromatic lines predicted accurately the type of most frequent naming errors but they underestimated macular dichromats' functional capacity to name colors. Results are consistent with a model of macular dichromats' vision that hypothesizes a residual third type of cone in the periphery of the retina. Implications of this fact for everyday use of colors by macular dichromats' and for the validity of standard clinical diagnoses are discussed.
Psychological and Family Factors Associated with Suicidal Ideation in Pre-Adolescents
Authors: Viñas Ferran , Canals Josepa , Gras Mª Eugenia , Ros Claudia , Domènech-Llaberia Edelmira
Published: April 2014

To assess the psychological and family factors associated with suicidal ideation in pre-adolescent children, we studied a sample of 361 students, average age 9 years old. Two groups were formed, on the basis of the presence (n= 34) or absence (n= 44) of suicidal ideation. Suicidal ideation was assessed with the Children's Depression Inventory and the Children's Depression Rating Scale-Revised. Depression, hopelessness, self-esteem, and perceived family environment were compared in both the suicidal ideation and the control groups. Students with suicidal ideation generally presented greater depressive symptoms and hopelessness, and lower self-esteem and family expressiveness, although there were differences both between sexes, and when the variable depression was controlled. Identifying these risk factors in pre-adolescents may have an impact on prevention of suicidal behavior at higher risk ages.
Eye Movements and Processing Stages in Reading: Relative Contribution of Visual, Lexical, and Contextual Factors
Authors: Calvo Manuel G. , Meseguer Enrique
Published: April 2014

The independent and the combined influence of word length, word frequency, and contextual predictability on eye movements in reading was examined across processing stages under two priming-context conditions. Length, frequency, and predictability were used as predictors in multiple regression analyses, with parafoveal, early, late, and spillover eye movement measures as the dependent variables. There were specific effects of: (a) length, both on where to look (how likely a word was fixated and in which location) and how long to fixate, across all processing stages; (b) frequency, on how long to fixate a word, but not on where to look, at an early processing stage; and (c) predictability, both on how likely a word was fixated and for how long, in late processing stages. The source of influence for predictability was related to global rather than to local contextual priming. The contribution of word length was independent of contextual source. These results are relevant to determine both the time course of the influence of visual, lexical, and contextual factors on eye movements in reading, and which main component of eye movements, that is, location or duration, is affected.
Are Facial Displays Social? Situational Influences in the Attribution of Emotion to Facial Expressions
Authors: Fernández-Dols José-Miguel , Carrera Pilar , Russell James A.
Published: April 2014

Observers are remarkably consistent in attributing particular emotions to particular facial expressions, at least in Western societies. Here, we suggest that this consistency is an instance of the fundamental attribution error. We therefore hypothesized that a small variation in the procedure of the recognition study, which emphasizes situational information, would change the participants' attributions. In two studies, participants were asked to judge whether a prototypical “emotional facial expression” was more plausibly associated with a social-communicative situation (one involving communication to another person) or with an equally emotional but nonsocial, situation. Participants were found more likely to associate each facial display with the social than with the nonsocial situation. This result was found across all emotions presented (happiness, fear, disgust, anger, and sadness) and for both Spanish and Canadian participants.
The Development of a Spanish Language Version of the Worn Out Scale of the General Well-Being Questionnaire (GWBQ)
Authors: Cox Tom , Oliver Amparo , Rial-González Eusebio , Tomás José Manuel , Griffiths Amanda , Thompson Louise
Published: April 2014

The paper describes the development of a short Spanish-language version of the General Well-Being Questionnaire (GWBQ; Cox & Gotts, 1987), based on the 12 items of its Worn Out scale. Research has shown the English-version Worn Out scale to be sensitive to aspects of the design and management of work. This study aimed to test its cross-cultural consistency in a Spanish-language workplace context. The data were collected from a sample of 229 workers in Valencia (Spain). Confirmatory Factor Analyses showed the factorial validity, reliability, and concurrent validity of the new Spanish version to be adequate. The sensitivity of the new measure to safety behavior and the reporting of accidents was also assessed and shown to be good. The new questionnaire extends the usefulness of the parent questionnaire to occupational health psychology research in the Spanish language by offering a short assessment tool appropriate for workplace studies.
Russia, 1961
Authors: Skinner B. F.
Published: April 2014

B.F. Skinner's original introductory note on page 1 of the document.

In May, 1961, a delegation of behavioral scientists visited Russia, Czechoslovakia, and Poland under sponsorship of the National Academy of Sciences and the State Department. The members were:Professor and Mrs. Donald G. Marquis, Professor Robert K. Merton, Professor and Mrs. James G. Miller, Professor and Mrs.George P.Murdock, Dr. and Mrs. Francis H. Palmer, Professor Anatol Rapoport, Dr. Henry W. Riecken, Professor and Mrs. B. F. Skinner, Dr. and Mrs. Ralph W. Tyler, Dr. Raymond W. Waggoner. The following comments were made whenever convenient on a portable dictating machine. My wife was often present as I dictated, and contributed details. A few changes have been made to put material in order, and in some cases forgetful repetitions have been deleted. Otherwise the record stands as made. It was prepared for purely personal reasons and contains trivialities, irrelevancies, first impressions subject to change, some pretty standard responses of new visitors to Russia, plus (it is hoped) a few fresh glimpses and reactions. It has been duplicated for limited circulation to members of the delegation and friends. Reproduction is not authorized.
Psychopathological Symptoms, Social Skills, and Personality Traits: A Study with Adolescents
Authors: Landazabal Maite Garaigordobil
Published: April 2014

The purpose of this study is two-fold: (a) to study the concomitant relationships between psychopathological symptoms, cooperation, social skills, and other personality traits; and (b) to identify the predictive variables of psychopathological symptoms. The sample consists of 322 adolescents aged 14 to 17 years old. This study uses correlational methodology. In order to assess psychopathological symptoms, cooperation, social skills, and personality traits, the following scales are used: the Symptom Checklist (SCL-90-R; Derogatis, 1983), the Cooperativeness Scale (CS; Rigby, Cox, & Black, 1997), the MESSY social skills scale (Matson, Rotatori, & Helsel, 1983), and the TPT Personality Test (Corral, Pamos, Pereña, & Seisdedos, 2002). Pearson coefficients suggest that adolescents with many psychopathological symptoms have low levels of cooperative behaviors and social skills. They also score high in inappropriate assertiveness, impulsiveness, overconfidence, and jealousy-withdrawal and have low levels of emotional stability, sociability, and responsibility. Through multiple regression analyses, the following variables were identified as predictors of psychopathological symptoms: jealousy-withdrawal, low social integration, impulsiveness, and low self-concept. The role played by intervention programs promoting socio-emotional development to prevent psychopathological symptoms and enhance mental health is discussed.
An Immunochemical Approach to Model and Long-Term Suppression of Depressive and Anxiety Behavior
Authors: Ashmarin Igor P. , Danilova Raisa A. , Rud'ko Olga I. , Belopolskaya Maria V. , Obukhova Maria F. , Shmalgausen Elena V.
Published: April 2014

The inhibitor of monoaminooxydase isatin and the ligand of B-receptors cholecystokinin-4 play a significant role in the suppression and induction of depressive and anxiety states. We induced the formation of auto-antibodies to these compounds against their conjugates with antigen-carrier by immunization of white rats. The result was long-term (more than 2 months) stimulation of depressive and anxiety behavior after immunization to isatin and, in contrast, the suppression of such behavior after immunization to cholecystokinin. The perspective of immunochemical approach to long-term correction of behavior is discussed.
Does Energy Expenditure Affect the Perception of Egocentric Distance? A Failure to Replicate Experiment 1 of Proffitt, Stefanucci, Banton, and Epstein (2003)
Authors: Hutchison Jeffrey J. , Loomis Jack M.
Published: April 2014

In a series of recent studies, Proffitt and his colleagues have reported that the perceived distance to a target is influenced by the energy expenditure associated with any action, such as walking or throwing, for spanning the distance to the target. In particular, Proffitt, Stefanucci, Banton, and Epstein (2003) reported that wearing a heavy backpack caused verbal reports of distance to increase. We conducted a study to determine whether three responses dependent on perceived distance (verbal report of distance, blind walking, and estimates of object size) are influenced by the backpack manipulation. In two experiments, one involving a between-participants design and the other involving a within-participants design, we found that none of the three responses were influenced by the wearing of a heavy backpack.
Reply to Proffitt, Stefanucci, Banton, and Epstein
Authors: Hutchison Jeffrey J. , Loomis Jack M.
Published: April 2014

In this reply, we acknowledge that methodological differences between the experiment of Proffitt et al. (2003) and ours might explain our failure to replicate their finding. However, we maintain that our results obtained with three different response measures point to a lack of robustness. In this reply, we acknowledge that methodological differences between the experiment of Proffitt et al. (2003) and ours might explain our failure to replicate their finding. However, we maintain that our results obtained with three different response measures point to a lack of robustness of their finding. In response to their criticism of using blind walking to measure perceived distance, we argue on theoretical grounds that blind walking, while involving post-perceptual processes, can nevertheless provide a measure of perceived distance, and then cite some of the evidence indicating that it does indeed provide such a measure.
Computerized Stroop Test to Assess Selective Attention in Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Assef Ellen Carolina dos Santos , Capovilla Alessandra Gotuzo Seabra , Capovilla Fernando Cesar
Published: April 2014

Research shows abnormal function of the pre-frontal cortex in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This cortex is involved in the control of executive functions related to planning and execution of goal-oriented strategies, working memory, inhibitions, cognitive flexibility, and selective attention. Selective attention involves focus on the target stimulus, ignoring competing distractions. The Stroop Test (Stroop, 1935) is usually used to evaluate selective attention. This study investigated whether children with ADHD could exhibit modified performance in the Stroop Test. Using a computerized version of this test (Capovilla, Montiel, Macedo, & Charin, 2005), the study compared the reaction times (RTs) of 62 Brazilian children, between 8 and 12 years of age, 31 of whom were diagnosed with ADHD and sent to psychiatric clinics, and 31 without ADHD studying in regular schools. All children with ADHD satisfied the criteria of the DSM-IV-TR and were evaluated with the Conners Abbreviated Questionnaire (Goyette, Conners, & Ulrich, 1978), completed by parents and teachers. The results revealed that children with ADHD exhibit greater interference in RT than children without ADHD. This corroborated the hypothesis that children with ADHD exhibit a deficit in selective attention, consisting in augmented RTs, as measured by the Computerized Stroop Test.
Fatherhood as a Personality Development Factor in Men
Authors: Borisenko Julia
Published: April 2014

The article represents an empirical study of paternity as a male personality development factor in men. Consensus is emerging that responsible fatherhood entitles the father to establish paternity, be present in the child's life, share economic support, and be personally involved in the child's life in collaboration with the mother. Literature reviews on fatherhood yield numerous empirical studies of specific fatherhood behaviors, whereas theory and the “bigger picture” have been notably insufficient. In the present article, problems of fatherhood in modern society, methodological problems of studying fathering, and cultural specifics of fatherhood are discussed. In addition, in order to aid further study of the phenomenon, the theoretically developed and experimentally approved model of the structure of paternity and the description of a specially developed training for fathers are presented. A principal finding of this report is that fatherhood is socially determined and influenced by contextual forces within the family and the community. The absence of a father-figure is detrimental to child personality development. At the same time, fatherhood can be a factor of male personality development of the father.
Self-Concept, Self-Esteem and Psychopathological Symptoms in Persons with Intellectual Disability
Authors: Garaigordobil Maite , Pérez José Ignacio
Published: April 2014

The purpose of this study is two-fold: (a) to analyze self-concept, self-esteem, and psychopathological symptoms in individuals with and without intellectual disability; and (b) to explore whether there were gender differences in these same variables in both groups. The sample is made up of 170 participants aged 19 to 40, 128 without disability and 42 with intellectual disability. The methodology is descriptive. To measure the variables, three assessment instruments were applied: the “Listado de adjetivos para la evaluación del autoconcepto en adolescentes y adultos” (LAEA; Garaigordobil, in press), the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSE; Rosenberg, 1965), and the Revised Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90; Derogatis, 1983). The ANOVA showed that participants with intellectual disability scored significantly lower in self-concept and self-esteem, and higher in all the psychopathological symptoms except for somatization. The ANOVA did not reveal significant gender differences in any variables in either of the two groups.
Presaccadic Brain Potentials in Conditions of Covert Attention Orienting
Authors: Slavutskaya Maria , Shulgovskii Valerii V.
Published: April 2014

Twelve healthy subjects underwent investigation of averaged (electroencephalogram) EEG potentials during preparation for motor activity and in the latent period (LP) of visually evoked saccades by presentation of stimuli using Posner's (1980) design of “cost-benefit.” It has been shown that covert spatial attention orientation leads to an increase in amplitude and decrease in latency of presaccadic initiation potential peaks within the saccadic latent period (LP) (P-100, N –50). Processes of covert orientation of attention during the interstimulus interval period of anticipation of the target stimulus correlate with the increase of slow negativity of fronto-parietal-temporal localization. Spatial-temporal changes of presaccadic potentials are evidence of the fact that orientation of attention during motor preparation and saccadic initiation is reflected in intensification of fronto-parietal networks of saccadic control and attention, activating the fronto-medio-thalamic and thalamo-parietal modulating systems.
The Degree of Abstraction in Solving Addition and Subtraction Problems
Authors: Bermejo Vicente , Díaz Juan José
Published: April 2014

In this study, the incidence of the degree of abstraction in solving addition and subtraction problems with the unknown in the first term and in the result is analyzed. Ninety-six students from first grade to fourth grade in Primary Education (24 students per grade) solved arithmetic problems with objects, drawings, algorithms, and verbal problems. The participants were interviewed individually and all sessions were video-taped. The results indicate a different developmental pattern in achievement for each school grade depending on the levels of abstraction. The influence of the level of abstraction was significant, especially in first graders, and even more so in second graders, that is, at the developmental stage in which they start to learn these arithmetic tasks. Direct modeling strategies are observed more frequently at the concrete and pictorial level, counting strategies occur at all levels of abstraction, whereas numerical fact strategies are found at higher levels of abstraction.
Influence of Impulsivity-Reflexivity when Testing Dynamic Spatial Ability: Sex and g Differences
Authors: Quiroga Mª Ángeles , Hernández José Manuel , Rubio Victor , Shih Pei Chun , Santacreu José
Published: April 2014

This work analyzes the possibility that the differences in the performance of men and women in dynamic spatial tasks such as the Spatial Orientation Dynamic Test-Revised (SODT-R; Santacreu & Rubio, 1998), obtained in previous works, are due to cognitive style (Reflexivity-Impulsivity) or to the speed-accuracy tradeoff (SATO) that the participants implement. If these differences are due to cognitive style, they would be independent of intelligence, whereas if they are due to SATO, they may be associated with intelligence. In this work, 1652 participants, 984 men and 668 women, ages between 18 and 55 years, were assessed. In addition to the SODT-R, the “Test de Razonamiento Analítico, Secuencial e Inductivo” (TRASI [Analytical, Sequential, and Inductive Reasoning Test]; Rubio & Santacreu, 2003) was administered as a measure of general intelligence. Impulsivity scores (Zi) of Salkind and Wright (1977) were used to analyze reflexivity-impulsivity and SATO. The results obtained indicate that (a) four performance groups can be identified: Fast-accurate, Slow-inaccurate, Impulsive, and Reflexive. The first two groups solve the task as a function of a competence variable and the last two as a function of a personality variable; (b) performance differences should be attributed to SATO; (c) SATO differs depending on sex and intelligence level.
Impact of Parenting Styles on Adolescents' Self-Esteem and Internalization of Values in Spain
Authors: Martínez Isabel , García José Fernando
Published: April 2014

The relationship of parenting styles with adolescents' outcomes was analyzed within a sample of Spanish adolescents. A sample of 1456 teenagers from 13 to 16 years of age, of whom 54.3% were females, reported on their parents' child-rearing practices. The teenagers' parents were classified into one of four groups (authoritative, authoritarian, indulgent, or neglectful). The adolescents were then contrasted on two different outcomes: (1) priority given to Schwartz's self-transcendence (universalism and benevolence) and conservation (security, conformity, and tradition) values and (2) level of self-esteem (appraised in five domains: academic, social, emotional, family and physical). The results show that Spanish adolescents from indulgent households have the same or better outcomes than adolescents from authoritative homes. Parenting is related with two self-esteem dimensions—academic and family—and with all the self-transcendence and conservation values. Adolescents of indulgent parents show highest scores in self-esteem whereas adolescents from authoritarian parents obtain the worst results. In contrast, there were no differences between the priority given by adolescents of authoritative and indulgent parents to any of the self-transcendence and conservation values, whereas adolescents of authoritarian and neglectful parents, in general, assign the lowest priority to all of these values.
Illness Behavior: Prediction by Symptoms, the Grossarth-Maticek and Eysenck Personality Types, Neuroticism, Life Events, Coping, Health Locus of Control, Social Support, and Attribution Style
Authors: Hernández Santos Orejudo , Parga María Xesús Froján , Aznar Carmen Malo
Published: April 2014

A study was carried out with 501 persons to analyze the predictive capacity of various psychosocial variables—symptom perception, neuroticism, Personality Types 2 and 4 of Grossarth-Maticek and Eysenck, beliefs about health, social support, or certain coping styles—on two health-related behaviors: the frequency of visits to the doctor and self-medication. The results were analyzed by two structural equation models that revealed that some of the variables have direct effects on the behaviors, whereas other variables, such as attribution style, coping styles, or the impact of the stressors, have indirect effects via the reported symptoms or neuroticism. In addition, self-medication and the frequency of health service visits are independent of each other, which shows that their determinants are different. It is concluded that to address these factors in the two health indicators, it is also necessary to take in account the psychosocial variables considered herein.
Selective inhibition of protein kinase C β2 attenuates the adaptor P66Shc-mediated intestinal ischemia–reperfusion injury
Authors: Chen Z , Wang G , Zhai X , Hu Y , Gao D , Ma L , Yao J , Tian X
Published: April 2014

Apoptosis is a major mode of cell death occurring during ischemia–reperfusion (I/R) induced injury. The p66Shc adaptor protein, which is mediated by PKCβ, has an essential role in apoptosis under oxidative stress. This study aimed to investigate the role of PKCβ2/p66Shc pathway in intestinal I/R injury. In vivo, ischemia was induced by superior mesenteric artery occlusion in mice. Ruboxistaurin (PKCβ inhibitor) or normal saline was administered before ischemia. Then blood and gut tissues were collected after reperfusion for various measurements. In vitro, Caco-2 cells were challenged with hypoxia–reoxygenation (H/R) to simulate intestinal I/R. Translocation and activation of PKCβ2 were markedly induced in the I/R intestine. Ruboxistaurin significantly attenuated gut damage and decreased the serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Pharmacological blockade of PKCβ2 suppressed p66Shc overexpression and phosphorylation in the I/R intestine. Gene knockdown of PKCβ2 via small interfering RNA (siRNA) inhibited H/R-induced p66Shc overexpression and phosphorylation in Caco-2 cells. Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), which stimulates PKCs, induced p66Shc phosphorylation and this was inhibited by ruboxistaurin and PKCβ2 siRNA. Ruboxistaurin attenuated gut oxidative stress after I/R by suppressing the decreased expression of manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), the exhaustion of the glutathione (GSH) system, and the overproduction of malondialdehyde (MDA). As a consequence, ruboxistaurin inhibited intestinal mucosa apoptosis after I/R. Therefore, PKCβ2 inhibition protects mice from gut I/R injury by suppressing the adaptor p66Shc-mediated oxidative stress and subsequent apoptosis. This may represent a novel therapeutic approach for the prevention of intestinal I/R injury.
Preclinical anti-arthritic study and pharmacokinetic properties of a potent histone deacetylase inhibitor MPT0G009
Authors: Hsieh I-N , Liou J-P , Lee H-Y , Lai M-J , Li Y-H , Yang C-R
Published: April 2014

The pathology of rheumatoid arthritis includes synoviocyte proliferation and inflammatory mediator expression, which may result from dysregulated epigenetic control by histone deacetylase (HDAC). Thus, HDAC inhibitors may be useful for treating inflammatory disease. This was a preclinical study of the HDAC inhibitor, MPT0G009. The IC50 values of MPT0G009 for HDAC1, 2, 3, 6 and 8 enzymatic activities were significantly lower than those for the currently marketed HDAC inhibitor suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA; vorinostat). In addition, MPT0G009 markedly inhibited cytokine secretion and macrophage colony-stimulating factor/receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand-induced osteoclastogenesis by macrophages (50 ng/ml each). These MPT0G009 effects on cytokine secretion and osteoclast formation were reduced by the overexpression of HDAC 1 (class I HDAC) and 6 (class II HDAC) in cells, suggesting that these effects were due to the inhibition of its activity. In an in vivo rat model, oral administration of MPT0G009 (25 mg/kg) significantly inhibited paw swelling and bone destruction. Furthermore, compared with SAHA, MPT0G009 exhibited longer half-life (9.53 h for oral administration) and higher oral bioavailability (13%) in rats. These results established the preclinical anti-arthritic efficacy and pharmacokinetic parameters of MPT0G009, which may provide a new therapeutic approach for treating inflammatory arthritis.
Gammaproteobacterial diazotrophs and nifH gene expression in surface waters of the South Pacific Ocean
Authors: Moisander Pia H , Serros Tracy , Paerl Ryan W , Beinart Roxanne A , Zehr Jonathan P
Published: April 2014

In addition to the cyanobacterial N2-fixers (diazotrophs), there is a high nifH gene diversity of non-cyanobacterial groups present in marine environments, yet quantitative information about these groups is scarce. N2 fixation potential (nifH gene expression), diversity and distributions of the uncultivated diazotroph phylotype γ-24774A11, a putative gammaproteobacterium, were investigated in the western South Pacific Ocean. γ-24774A11 gene copies correlated positively with diazotrophic cyanobacteria, temperature, dissolved organic carbon and ambient O2 saturation, and negatively with depth, chlorophyll a and nutrients, suggesting that carbon supply, access to light or inhibitory effects of DIN may control γ-24774A11 abundances. Maximum nifH gene-copy abundance was 2 × 104 l−1, two orders of magnitude less than that for diazotrophic cyanobacteria, while the median γ-24774A11 abundance, 8 × 102 l−1, was greater than that for the UCYN-A cyanobacteria, suggesting a more homogeneous distribution in surface waters. The abundance of nifH transcripts by γ-24774A11 was greater during the night than during the day, and the transcripts generally ranged from 0–7%, but were up to 26% of all nifH transcripts at each station. The ubiquitous presence and low variability of γ-24774A11 abundances across tropical and subtropical oceans, combined with the consistent nifH expression reported in this study, suggest that γ-24774A11 could be one of the most important heterotrophic (or photoheterotrophic) diazotrophs and may need to be considered in future N budget estimates and models.
Diverse sulfate-reducing bacteria of the Desulfosarcina/Desulfococcus clade are the key alkane degraders at marine seeps
Authors: Kleindienst Sara , Herbst Florian-Alexander , Stagars Marion , von Netzer Frederick , von Bergen Martin , Seifert Jana , Peplies Jörg , Amann Rudolf , Musat Florin , Lueders Tillmann , Knittel Katrin
Published: April 2014

Biogeochemical and microbiological data indicate that the anaerobic oxidation of non-methane hydrocarbons by sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) has an important role in carbon and sulfur cycling at marine seeps. Yet, little is known about the bacterial hydrocarbon degraders active in situ. Here, we provide the link between previous biogeochemical measurements and the cultivation of degraders by direct identification of SRB responsible for butane and dodecane degradation in complex on-site microbiota. Two contrasting seep sediments from Mediterranean Amon mud volcano and Guaymas Basin (Gulf of California) were incubated with 13C-labeled butane or dodecane under sulfate-reducing conditions and analyzed via complementary stable isotope probing (SIP) techniques. Using DNA- and rRNA-SIP, we identified four specialized clades of alkane oxidizers within Desulfobacteraceae to be distinctively active in oxidation of short- and long-chain alkanes. All clades belong to the Desulfosarcina/Desulfococcus (DSS) clade, substantiating the crucial role of these bacteria in anaerobic hydrocarbon degradation at marine seeps. The identification of key enzymes of anaerobic alkane degradation, subsequent β-oxidation and the reverse Wood–Ljungdahl pathway for complete substrate oxidation by protein-SIP further corroborated the importance of the DSS clade and indicated that biochemical pathways, analog to those discovered in the laboratory, are of great relevance for natural settings. The high diversity within identified subclades together with their capability to initiate alkane degradation and growth within days to weeks after substrate amendment suggest an overlooked potential of marine benthic microbiota to react to natural changes in seepage, as well as to massive hydrocarbon input, for example, as encountered during anthropogenic oil spills.
Structural Instability of Epitaxial (001) BiFeO3 Thin Films under Tensile Strain
Authors: Fan Zhen , Wang John , Sullivan Michael B. , Huan Alfred , Singh David J. , Ong Khuong P.
Published: April 2014

We explore BiFeO3 under tensile strain using first-principles calculations. We find that the actual structures are more complex than what had been previously thought and that there is a strong shear deformation type structural instability which modifies the properties. Specifically, we find that normal tensile strain leads to structural instabilities with a large induced shear deformation in (001) BiFeO3 thin films. These induced shear deformations in (001) BiFeO3 thin films under tension stabilize the (001) BiFeO3 thin films and lead to Cc and Ima2 phases that are more stable than the Pmc21 phase at high tensile strain. The induced shear deformation shifts the Cc to Ima2 phase transition towards lower tensile strain region (~1% less), prevents monoclinic tilt and oxygen octahedral tilts and increases the ferroelectric polarization. The induced shear deformation also strongly affects the electronic structure. The results are discussed in relation to growth of BiFeO3 thin films on cubic and tetragonal substrates involving high levels of tensile strain.
Upconversion nanoparticles for ratiometric fluorescence detection of nitrite
Authors: Han Junfen , Zhang Cheng , Liu Fei , Liu Bianhua , Han Mingyong , Zou Wensheng , Yang Liang , Zhang Zhongping
Published: April 2014

Individual upconversion nanoparticles with green and red emissions were synthesized and used as ratiometric fluorescence probes for the detection of nitrite by selectively turning on the green fluorescence.
Label-free detection of C-reactive protein using highly dispersible gold nanoparticles synthesized by reducible biomimetic block copolymers
Authors: Iwasaki Yasuhiko , Kimura Toshihiro , Orisaka Masaki , Kawasaki Hideya , Goda Tatsuro , Yusa Shin-ichi
Published: April 2014

The label-free detection of CRP as an infection biomarker was successfully demonstrated by using the biomimetic block copolymer-protected gold nanoparticles.
The template effect of solvents on high yield synthesis, co-cyclization of pillar[6]arenes and interconversion between pillar[5]- and pillar[6]arenes
Authors: Ogoshi Tomoki , Ueshima Naosuke , Akutsu Tomohiro , Yamafuji Daiki , Furuta Takuya , Sakakibara Fumiyasu , Yamagishi Tada-aki
Published: April 2014

We have successfully synthesized a pillar[6]arene in high yield and a co-pillar[6]arene by a thermodynamically controlled cyclization process.
Illuminating host–guest cocrystallization between pyrogallol[4]arenes and the ionic liquid 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium ethylsulfate
Authors: Fowler Drew A. , Pfeiffer Constance R. , Teat Simon J. , Beavers Christine M. , Baker Gary A. , Atwood Jerry L.
Published: April 2014

Symmetry-generated packing of a cocrystal composed of c-butyl-pyrogallol[4]arene and the ionic liquid, 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium ethylsulfate.
Conformation of the neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid in liquid water
Authors: Ottosson N. , Pastorczak M. , van der Post Sietse T. , Bakker Huib J.
Published: April 2014

A combined dielectric and mid-IR pump–probe spectroscopic study reveals zwitterionic GABA to exist in predominately extended conformations in liquid water.
Base-free glucose oxidation using air with supported gold catalysts
Authors: Miedziak Peter J. , Alshammari Hamed , Kondrat Simon A. , Clarke Tomos J. , Davies Thomas E. , Morad Moataz , Morgan David J. , Willock David J. , Knight David W. , Taylor Stuart H. , Hutchings Graham J.
Published: April 2014

We report the selective oxidation of glucose to gluconic acid under mild conditions and show that if a basic support is used then the reaction can be carried out without the addition of sacrificial base or pH control.
A highly active and easily recoverable chitosan@copper catalyst for the C–S coupling and its application in the synthesis of zolimidine
Authors: Shen Chao , Xu Jun , Yu Wenbo , Zhang Pengfei
Published: April 2014

The chitosan@copper catalyst displays high efficiency as an easily recoverable catalyst for C–S couplings and the synthesis of zolimidine.
Carbon tips for all-carbon single-molecule electronics
Authors: Dappe Y. J. , González C. , Cuevas J. C.
Published: April 2014

We present anab initiostudy of the use of carbon-based tips as electrodes in single-molecule junctions. We show that carbon tips can be combined with other carbon nanostructures to form all-carbon molecular junctions with molecules like benzene or C60. Results show that the use of carbon tips can lead to conductive molecular junctions and open new perspectives in all-carbon molecular electronics.
Tuning the chiroptical and morphological properties of steroidal-porphyrin aggregates: a mechanistic, structural, and MM investigation
Authors: Lorecchio Chiara , Venanzi Mariano , Mazzuca Claudia , Lettieri Raffaella , Palleschi Antonio , Nguyen Thi Thu Huong , Cardová Lenka , Drasar Pavel , Monti Donato
Published: April 2014

The morphology and the chirality of a steroid-functionalised porphyrin aggregate can be effectively tuned by the reaction conditions used.
An intramolecular cascade cyclization of 2-aryl indoles: efficient methods for the construction of 2,3-functionalized indolines and 3-indolinones
Authors: Ghosh Arun K. , Chen Zhi-Hua
Published: April 2014

Practical and convenient intramolecularN/O-nucleophilic cyclization of 2-aryl indoles has been developed to afford the corresponding 2-aza-3-oxa indolines and 3-indolinones in 80–95% yield.
Direct observation of athermal photofluidisation in azo-polymer films
Authors: Hurduc Nicolae , Donose Bogdan C. , Macovei Alina , Paius Cristina , Ibanescu Constanta , Scutaru Dan , Hamel Matthieu , Branza-Nichita Norica , Rocha Licinio
Published: April 2014

Light induced fluidization of azopolysiloxane: exposure to 488 nm light generates instantaneous mass transfer as a result of trans–cis isomerization in azophenol polymers. Viscoelastic mapping confirms the changes of rheological properties upon exposure to the light.
One-pot synthesis of yolk–shell mesoporous carbon spheres with high magnetisation
Authors: Liu Wen-jing , Liu Yu-xin , Yan Xiang-yang , Yong Guo-ping , Xu Ye-ping , Liu Shao-min
Published: April 2014

Monodisperse yolk–shell magnetic mesoporous carbon spheres (Fe3O4@void@C) were obtained by carbonization of Fe3O4@polymer and etching by NaOH.
Influence of conductive polymer doping on the viability of cardiac progenitor cells
Authors: Gelmi A. , Ljunggren M. K. , Rafat M. , Jager E. W. H.
Published: April 2014

Investigating the influence of conductive polymer dopants on surface properties and chemistry, and how they may modify cardiac progenitor cell interactions.
Copper nanowire based transparent conductive films with high stability and superior stretchability
Authors: Cheng Yin , Wang Shouling , Wang Ranran , Sun Jing , Gao Lian
Published: April 2014

The unique partly-embedding structure makes the copper nanowire-based film a transparent conductive electrode, with mechanical robustness and great anti-oxidation stability.
New frontiers in obstructive sleep apnoea
Authors: Ayas Najib T. , Hirsch Allen A. J. , Laher Ismail , Bradley T. Douglas , Malhotra Atul , Polotsky Vsevolod Y. , Tasali Esra
Published: April 2014

OSA (obstructive sleep apnoea), the most common respiratory disorder of sleep, is caused by the loss of upper airway dilating muscle activity during sleep superimposed on a narrow upper airway. This results in recurrent nocturnal asphyxia. Termination of these events usually requires arousal from sleep and results in sleep fragmentation and hypoxaemia, which leads to poor quality sleep, excessive daytime sleepiness, reduced quality of life and numerous other serious health consequences. Furthermore, patients with untreated sleep apnoea are at an increased risk of hypertension, stroke, heart failure and atrial fibrillation. Although there are many predisposing risk factors for OSA, including male gender, endocrine disorders, use of muscle relaxants, smoking, fluid retention and increased age, the strongest risk factor is obesity. The aim of the present review is to focus on three cutting-edge topics with respect to OSA. The section on animal models covers various strategies used to simulate the physiology or the effects of OSA in animals, and how these have helped to understand some of the underlying mechanisms of OSA. The section on diabetes discusses current evidence in both humans and animal models demonstrating that intermittent hypoxia and sleep fragmentation has a negative impact on glucose tolerance. Finally, the section on cardiovascular biomarkers reviews the evidence supporting the use of these biomarkers to both measure some of the negative consequences of OSA, as well as the potential benefits of OSA therapies.
Linear transceiver design with intercarrier interference reduction for multiple‐input–multiple‐output with orthogonal frequency division multiplexing systems
Authors: Qian Fengyong , Leung Shu‐hung , Mai Ruikai , Zhu Yuesheng
Published: April 2014

In this study, a joint design of precoder and equaliser of a linear transceiver for multiple‐input–multiple‐output system with orthogonal frequency division multiplexing in the presence of intercarrier interference (ICI) is presented. The matrix structures of the precoder and equaliser are banded for the sake of reducing the computational complexity and feedback overhead from the receiver to the transmitter. The design criterion is to minimise the mean‐squared error subject to a total transmitted power constraint of which the power is allocated over space and frequency domains in the precoder. The authors use the Karush–Kuhn–Tucker conditions to derive an iterative procedure to obtain a convergent solution and a closed‐form procedure for the optimal full transceiver. Numerical results show that the banded precoder is an efficient scheme to improve the bit error rate (BER) of the transceiver by simply increasing its band size and can provide better BER performance than that of the existing jointly designed full transceiver in the presence of ICI. With small band sizes, the proposed transceiver can give performance close to that of the jointly designed full transceiver but with lower implementation complexity and feedback overhead to the transmitter.
A theoretical analysis of the optical absorption properties in one-dimensional InAs/GaAs quantum dot superlattices
Authors: Kotani Teruhisa , Birner Stefan , Lugli Paolo , Hamaguchi Chihiro
Published: April 2014

We present theoretical investigations of miniband structures and optical properties of InAs/GaAs one-dimensional quantum dot superlattices (1D-QDSLs). The calculation is based on the multi-band k·p theory, including the conduction and valence band mixing effects, the strain effect, and the piezoelectric effect; all three effects have periodic boundary conditions. We find that both the electronic and optical properties of the 1D-QDSLs show unique states which are different from those of well known single quantum dots (QDs) or quantum wires. We predict that the optical absorption spectra of the 1D-QDSLs strongly depend on the inter-dot spacing because of the inter-dot carrier coupling and changing strain states, which strongly influence the conduction and valence band potentials. The inter-miniband transitions form the absorption bands. Those absorption bands can be tuned from almost continuous (closely stacked QD case) to spike-like shape (almost isolated QD case) by changing the inter-dot spacing. The polarization of the lowest absorption peak for the 1D-QDSLs changes from being parallel to the stacking direction to being perpendicular to the stacking direction as the inter-dot spacing increases. In the case of closely stacked QDs, in-plane anisotropy, especially [110] and [11¯0] directions also depend on the inter-dot spacing. Our findings and predictions will provide an additional degree of freedom for the design of QD-based optoelectronic devices.
Multidimensional spectroscopy with a single broadband phase-shaped laser pulse
Authors: Glenn Rachel , Mukamel Shaul
Published: April 2014

We calculate the frequency-dispersed nonlinear transmission signal of a phase-shaped visible pulse to fourth order in the field. Two phase profiles, a phase-step and phase-pulse, are considered. Two dimensional signals obtained by varying the detected frequency and phase parameters are presented for a three electronic band model system. We demonstrate how two-photon and stimulated Raman resonances can be manipulated by the phase profile and sign, and selected quantum pathways can be suppressed.
High-accuracy direct ZT and intrinsic properties measurement of thermoelectric couple devices
Authors: Kraemer D. , Chen G.
Published: April 2014

Advances in thermoelectric materials in recent years have led to significant improvements in thermoelectric device performance and thus, give rise to many new potential applications. In order to optimize a thermoelectric device for specific applications and to accurately predict its performance ideally the material's figure of merit ZT as well as the individual intrinsic properties (Seebeck coefficient, electrical resistivity, and thermal conductivity) should be known with high accuracy. For that matter, we developed two experimental methods in which the first directly obtains the ZT and the second directly measures the individual intrinsic leg properties of the same p/n-type thermoelectric couple device. This has the advantage that all material properties are measured in the same sample direction after the thermoelectric legs have been mounted in the final device. Therefore, possible effects from crystal anisotropy and from the device fabrication process are accounted for. The Seebeck coefficients, electrical resistivities, and thermal conductivities are measured with differential methods to minimize measurement uncertainties to below 3%. The thermoelectric couple ZT is directly measured with a differential Harman method which is in excellent agreement with the calculated ZT from the individual leg properties. The errors in both the directly measured and calculated thermoelectric couple ZT are below 5% which is significantly lower than typical uncertainties using commercial methods. Thus, the developed technique is ideal for characterizing assembled couple devices and individual thermoelectric materials and enables accurate device optimization and performance predictions. We demonstrate the methods by measuring a p/n-type thermoelectric couple device assembled from commercial bulk thermoelectric Bi2Te3 elements in the temperature range of 30 °C–150 °C and discuss the performance of the couple thermoelectric generator in terms of its efficiency and materials’ self-compatibility.
Direct inversion methods for spectral amplitude modulation of femtosecond pulses
Authors: Delgado-Aguillón Jesús , Garduño-Mejía Jesús , López-Téllez Juan Manuel , Bruce Neil C. , Rosete-Aguilar Martha , Román-Moreno Carlos Jesús , Ortega-Martínez Roberto
Published: April 2014

In the present work, we applied an amplitude-spatial light modulator to shape the spectral amplitude of femtosecond pulses in a single step, without an iterative algorithm, by using an inversion method defined as the generalized retardance function. Additionally, we also present a single step method to shape the intensity profile defined as the influence matrix. Numerical and experimental results are presented for both methods.
Nano-composite Si particle formation by plasma spraying for negative electrode of Li ion batteries
Authors: Kambara M. , Kitayama A. , Homma K. , Hideshima T. , Kaga M. , Sheem K.-Y. , Ishida S. , Yoshida T.
Published: April 2014

Nano-composite silicon powders have been produced at a maximum process throughput of 6 g/min by plasma spraying with metallurgical grade silicon powder as raw material. The obtained powders are found to be fundamentally composed of crystalline silicon particles of 20–40 nm in diameter, and are coated with an ∼5-nm-thick amorphous carbonous layer when methane gas is additionally introduced during plasma spraying. The performance of half-cell batteries containing the powders as negative electrodes has shown that the capacity decay observed for the raw Si coarse particles is significantly improved by plasma treatment. The carbonous coating potentially contributes to an improvement in capacity retention, although coexisting SiC particles that inevitably form during high-temperature processing reduce the overall capacity.