bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficient access to enantiopure 1,3-disubstituted isoindolines from selective catalytic fragmentation of an original desymmetrized rigid overbred template
Authors: Pandey Ganesh , Varkhedkar Rajesh , Tiwari Divya
Published: March 2015

Enantiopure 1,3-disubstituted isoindolines are synthesized from selective C–C bond fragmentation of a rigid overbred template, obtained through an asymmetric desymmetrization reaction.
Mild Brønsted acid initiated controlled polymerizations of 2-oxazoline towards one-pot synthesis of novel double-hydrophilic poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline)-block-poly(sarcosine)
Authors: Wu Wenzhuo , Cui Saide , Li Zhenjiang , Liu Jingjing , Wang Huiying , Wang Xin , Zhang Qiguo , Wu Hao , Guo Kai
Published: March 2015

Mild Brønsted acid initiator in polymerizations of 2-oxazoline was firstly reported as a workable protocol in the ROPs and BCPs.
Metal free access to quinolines via C–C bond cleavage of styrenes
Authors: Deshidi Ramesh , Devari Shekaraiah , Shah Bhahwal Ali
Published: March 2015

A new metal free self-sorting tandem reaction between styrenes and anilines to access 2,4-disubstituted quinolines, involving simultaneous C–C and C–N bond formation along with a C–C bond cleavage, has been developed.
Protective effect of marine brown algal polyphenols against oxidative stressed zebrafish with high glucose
Authors: Kim Eun-A. , Kang Min-Cheol , Lee Ji-Hyeok , Kang Nalae , Lee WonWoo , Oh Jae-Young , Yang Hye-Won , Lee Jung-Suck , Jeon You-Jin
Published: March 2015

We observed that exposure to phlorotannins, which include 6,6-bieckol, phloroeckol, dieckol and phlorofucofuroeckol isolated from an edible brown alga,Ecklonia cava, significantly inhibited high glucose–induced ROS and cell death.
Hydrothermal preparation of nest-like CuO nanostructures for non-enzymatic amperometric detection of hydrogen peroxide
Authors: Gao Peng , Liu Dawei
Published: March 2015

Unique nest-like CuO nanostructures with a lot of pores on the surface were prepared through a simple hydrothermal reaction, which exhibited excellent electrochemical catalytic performance towards H2O2reduction.
Multifold ring closing metathesis reactions in the formation of resorcin[4]arene cavitands
Authors: Parulekar Sumedh , Muppalla Kirankirti , Husain Ali , Bisht Kirpal S.
Published: March 2015

The formation of the resorcin[4]arene cavitands by the ring closing metathesis (RCM) reaction depends, to a large extent, on the conformation and the substituents on the upper and lower rim of the perallylated resorcin[4]arenes.
Role of acid sites and surface hydroxyl groups in isophthalonitrile hydrogenation catalyzed by supported Ni–Co catalysts
Authors: Liu Chang , Hou Ruijun , Wang Tiefeng
Published: March 2015

For hydrogenation of isophthalonitrile, the metal sites catalyzed the hydrogenation reactions, while the acid sites (including the original and new ones) and the surface hydroxyl groups catalyzed the condensation side reactions.
Adsorption of gaseous elemental mercury with activated carbon impregnated with ferric chloride
Authors: Wang Xue Qian , Wang Ping , Ning Ping , Ma Yi Xing , Wang Fei , Guo Xiao Long , Lan Yi
Published: March 2015

Fe-based modified activated carbon prepared by impregnation was used for adsorbents in Hg0 purification.
Cost-effective, low density, carbon soot doped resorcinol formaldehyde composite for ablative applications
Authors: Badhe Yutika , K Balasubramanian , Gupta Rohit
Published: March 2015

Successful in situ polymerization of highly ablation-resistant composites of resorcinol formaldehyde (RF) modified with carbon soot (CS) was carried out for the first time.
Synthesis of CaCO3@C yolk–shell particles for CO2 adsorption
Authors: Boyjoo Yash , Merigot Kelly , Lamonier Jean-François , Pareek Vishnu K. , Tade Moses O. , Liu Jian
Published: March 2015

This paper reports the first example of the synthesis of CaCO3@C yolk–shell particles and their application in CO2 adsorption.
Nanostructure and cytotoxicity of self-assembled monoolein–capric acid lyotropic liquid crystalline nanoparticles
Authors: Tran Nhiem , Mulet Xavier , Hawley Adrian M. , Hinton Tracey M. , Mudie Stephen T. , Muir Benjamin W. , Giakoumatos Emma C. , Waddington Lynne J. , Kirby Nigel M. , Drummond Calum J.
Published: March 2015

Monoolein–capric acid combinations form into particles with internal nanostructures, including inverse hexagonal and bicontinuous cubic mesophases, with differing cytotoxicity.
A polymerized ionic liquid functionalized cathode catalyst support for a proton exchange membrane CO2conversion cell
Authors: Tamilarasan P. , Ramaprabhu S.
Published: March 2015

This present study aims at the efficient conversion of CO2to formic acid using a proton exchange membrane cell by selective functionalization of a cathode catalyst support.
Sol–gel synthesis of nanocrystal-constructed hierarchically porous TiO2based composites for lithium ion batteries
Authors: Zhu Wenjun , Yang Hui , Nakanishi Kazuki , Kanamori Kazuyoshi , Guo Xingzhong
Published: March 2015

Hierarchically porous TiO2based composites have been synthesized by a facile sol–gel method. As anode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), which exhibit excellent cycling stability and superior rate capability.
General formation of Mn-based transition metal oxide twin-microspheres with enhanced lithium storage properties
Authors: Liu Yurong , Zhang Bochen , Feng Jinkui , Xiong Shenglin
Published: March 2015

Complex metal oxide twin-microspheres were synthesized by a general strategy involving the synthesis of carbonate twin-spheres and subsequent thermal annealing. Their structural features cause excellent electrochemical performance as anode electrode materials for LIBs.
Control of the mesoporous structure of dye-sensitized solar cells with electrospray deposition
Authors: Tang J. , Gomez A.
Published: March 2015

Morphology, structure, and performance of resulting films can be controlled using unique properties of the electrospray.
Strongly acidic mesoporous aluminosilicates prepared via hydrothermal restructuring of a crystalline layered silicate
Authors: Alam Nurul , Mokaya Robert
Published: March 2015

Crystalline layered silicates may be hydrothermally restructured to generate mesostructured aluminosilicates with retained molecular ordering and strong acidity via benign template removal routes.
The origins and mechanism of phase transformation in bulk Li2MnO3: first-principles calculations and experimental studies
Authors: Lim Jin-Myoung , Kim Duho , Lim Young-Geun , Park Min-Sik , Kim Young-Jun , Cho Maenghyo , Cho Kyeongjae
Published: March 2015

Our observations indicate that thermodynamically stable and kinetically movable intermediate tetrahedral states of Mn are the main origin of Mn migration, leading to the phase transformation of Li2MnO3.
Efficient mesoscopic perovskite solar cells based on the CH3NH3PbI2Br light absorber
Authors: Cao Kun , Cui Jin , Zhang Hua , Li Hao , Song Jinkui , Shen Yan , Cheng Yibing , Wang Mingkui
Published: March 2015

Efficient CH3NH3PbI2Br perovskite solar cells have been prepared based on the TiO2/Al2O3/carbon architecture, yielding an appreciable power conversion efficiency of 11.03%.
Tailoring the dispersion of multiwall carbon nanotubes in co-continuous PVDF/ABS blends to design materials with enhanced electromagnetic interference shielding
Authors: Kar Goutam Prasanna , Biswas Sourav , Rohini Rani , Bose Suryasarathi
Published: March 2015

Highly conducting composites were derived by selectively localizing multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) in co-continuous PVDF/ABS (50/50, wt/wt) blends.
Load-bearing ability of the mosquito tarsus on water surfaces arising from its flexibility
Authors: Kong X. Q. , Liu J. L. , Zhang W. J. , Qu Y. D.
Published: March 2015

Mosquitoes possess a remarkable ability to stand effortlessly and walk freely on water surfaces because their six legs provide a large force to support the body weight. This study is focused on the role of the tarsus (the distal segment of the mosquito leg) because it was observed that normally only the tarsi make contact with water. The maximum value of the supporting force of the tarsus (6 mm long) in contact with water is estimated as 492 ± 5 μN, nearly 20 times the body weight of the mosquito, whereas the value for the whole leg (11 mm) is about 23 times the body weight. We demonstrate that the huge force provided by the tarsus originates from its flexibility, which ensures that the leg does not easily pierce the water. Adjustment of the initial stepping angle of the tarsus assists the mosquito to control the supporting force. These findings help to illustrate how mosquitoes stand or walk on water with only their tarsi in nearly horizontal contact with the water surface. Besides enhancing our understanding of mechanisms underlying “walking on water” by semi-aquatic insects, these investigations could provide inspiration for the biomimetic design of miniature robotics.
Multiferroic tunnel junctions and ferroelectric control of magnetic state at interface (invited)
Authors: Yin Y. W. , Raju M. , Hu W. J. , Burton J. D. , Kim Y.-M. , Borisevich A. Y. , Pennycook S. J. , Yang S. M. , Noh T. W. , Gruverman A. , Li X. G. , Zhang Z. D. , Tsymbal E. Y. , Li Qi
Published: March 2015

As semiconductor devices reach ever smaller dimensions, the challenge of power dissipation and quantum effect place a serious limit on the future device scaling. Recently, a multiferroic tunnel junction (MFTJ) with a ferroelectric barrier sandwiched between two ferromagnetic electrodes has drawn enormous interest due to its potential applications not only in multi-level data storage but also in electric field controlled spintronics and nanoferronics. Here, we present our investigations on four-level resistance states, giant tunneling electroresistance (TER) due to interfacial magnetoelectric coupling, and ferroelectric control of spin polarized tunneling in MFTJs. Coexistence of large tunneling magnetoresistance and TER has been observed in manganite/(Ba, Sr)TiO3/manganite MFTJs at low temperatures and room temperature four-resistance state devices were also obtained. To enhance the TER for potential logic operation with a magnetic memory, La0.7Sr0.3MnO3/BaTiO3/La0.5Ca0.5MnO3 /La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 MFTJs were designed by utilizing a bilayer tunneling barrier in which BaTiO3 is ferroelectric and La0.5Ca0.5MnO3 is close to ferromagnetic metal to antiferromagnetic insulator phase transition. The phase transition occurs when the ferroelectric polarization is reversed, resulting in an increase of TER by two orders of magnitude. Tunneling magnetoresistance can also be controlled by the ferroelectric polarization reversal, indicating strong magnetoelectric coupling at the interface.
Improvement of thermal stability of amorphous CoFeSiB thin films
Authors: Jimbo M. , Fujiwara Y. , Shimizu T.
Published: March 2015

The excellent soft magnetic properties of amorphous (a-) CoFeSiB films make it suited for use in the yoke of granular-in-gap sensors, but only if their thermal stability can be improved. To this end, this study investigated the effects of adding small amounts of other metals on the magnetic and structural properties of a-CoFeSiB films. It was found that adding metals with relatively large atomic radii is an effective way to increase thermal stability, with both Ta and Hf showing good thermal stability after annealing at temperatures of 473 to 573 K. Indeed, a -(CoFeSiB)96.2Hf3.8 film was found to maintain its initial coercivity of 0.2 Oe without very little decrease in magnetization after annealing at 623 K. Furthermore, even after annealing at 673 K a -(CoFeSiB)93.0Hf7.0 film still had a relatively low coercivity of approximately 0.5 Oe.
Doping electrolyte by charged nanoparticles
Authors: Shao Linbo , Zheng Mingxin , Wang Wei
Published: March 2015

Ions in electrolytes have been proposed to resemble carriers in solid semiconductors over decades. Recently, nanofluidic devices have been demonstrated to phenomenologically mimic semiconductor devices by modulating ion concentrations near the interface of electrolytes and solids. However, the link between the ion transportation in nanofluidics and the solid semiconductor is still missing. This letter proposes an electrolyte doping scheme by introducing charged nanoparticles as dopers, which holds potential in modulating ion concentration in a bulk sense. These nanoparticles show a strong modulation of ion concentrations, and thus bridge the ion transportation in nanofluidics with the well-established semiconductor physics. Ionic diodes based on the present electrolyte doping picture are theoretically and experimentally demonstrated. The current-voltage characteristics are scrutinized by the depletion approximation.
Temperature-dependent electro-mechanical actuation sensitivity in stiffness-tunable BaTiO3/polydimethylsiloxane dielectric elastomer nanocomposites
Authors: Zhao Hang , Zhang Ling , Yang Min-Hao , Dang Zhi-Min , Bai Jinbo
Published: March 2015

Stiffness-tunable BaTiO3/polydimethylsiloxane (BT/PDMS) dielectric elastomer composites using dimethylsilicone oil (DMSO) as the stiffness tuner were prepared. Significant improvements in both electromechanical actuation sensitivity (0%–490%) and actuation areal strain (0%–350%) can be observed from BT/PDMS samples with DMSO, which should be mainly contributed to the physical swelling behavior. Under wide testing temperature range, the stiffness-tuned BT/PDMS composite exhibited an excellent thermal stability of both dielectric and mechanical performance. The electromechanical sensitivity of BT/PDMS composite can be effectively tuned higher than that of VHB 4910 acrylics via the addition of DMSO under in vivo temperature range (20 °C–40 °C). This simple way endows PDMS-based composites the higher performance for being applied as implantable dielectric elastomer materials.
Photocatalytic activity of Fe3O4/Bi2MoO6 composite in Rhodamine B decomposition
Authors: Liu Jue , Zeng Min , Dong Hangrong , Wang Yu , Liu Xiaofang , Yu Ronghai , He Jun
Published: March 2015

Flower-like Fe3O4/Bi2MoO6 has been prepared via a facile two-step thermosynthesis method. The composite displays high photocatalytic activity in Rhodamine B decomposition under visible light irradiation. Bi2MoO6 with flower-like structure that has high specific surface area guarantees excellent photocatalytic performance. Fe3O4 retards electron-hole recombination that contributes to photocatalytic property. Further, the stable composite exhibits remarkable reusability due to the incorporation of magnetic particle.
Size dependence of electron spin dephasing in InGaAs quantum dots
Authors: Huang Y. Q. , Puttisong Y. , Buyanova I. A. , Yang X. J. , Subagyo A. , Sueoka K. , Murayama A. , Chen W. M.
Published: March 2015

We investigate ensemble electron spin dephasing in self-assembled InGaAs/GaAs quantum dots (QDs) of different lateral sizes by employing optical Hanle measurements. Using low excitation power, we are able to obtain a spin dephasing time T2* (in the order of ns) of the resident electron after recombination of negative trions in the QDs. We show that T2* is determined by the hyperfine field arising from the frozen fluctuation of nuclear spins, which scales with the size of QDs following the Merkulov-Efros-Rosen model. This scaling no longer holds in large QDs, most likely due to a breakdown in the lateral electron confinement.
Electron tomography of (In,Ga)N insertions in GaN nanocolumns grown on semi-polar (112̄2) GaN templates
Authors: Niehle M. , Trampert A. , Albert S. , Bengoechea-Encabo A. , Calleja E.
Published: March 2015

We present results of scanning transmission electron tomography on GaN/(In,Ga)N/GaN nanocolumns (NCs) that grew uniformly inclined towards the patterned, semi-polar GaN(112̄2) substrate surface by molecular beam epitaxy. For the practical realization of the tomographic experiment, the nanocolumn axis has been aligned parallel to the rotation axis of the electron microscope goniometer. The tomographic reconstruction allows for the determination of the three-dimensional indium distribution inside the nanocolumns. This distribution is strongly interrelated with the nanocolumn morphology and faceting. The (In,Ga)N layer thickness and the indium concentration differ between crystallographically equivalent and non-equivalent facets. The largest thickness and the highest indium concentration are found at the nanocolumn apex parallel to the basal planes.
Microfluidic generation of PEG-b-PLA polymersomes containing alginate-based core hydrogel
Authors: Martino Chiara , Lee Tae Yong , Kim Shin-Hyun , deMello Andrew J.
Published: March 2015

Herein, we demonstrate a novel method for the generation of monodisperse cell-like structures containing a biocompatible hydrogel matrix surrounded by a membrane responsive to chemical cues. Specifically, we employ droplet-based microfluidics to generate PEG-PLA polymersomes encapsulating alginate in liquid form. We investigate alginate core gelation by creating an osmotic pressure gradient across the polymeric membrane that, through expansion, allows the passage of calcium ions. The effects of calcium concentration on the core gelation are explored.
Neighbourhood Change and Deprivation in the Greater Manchester City-Region
Authors: Hincks Stephen
Published: March 2015

There is a long lineage in neighbourhood research that has underpinned sustained academic and policy interest in the UK centred on understanding how spatial ‘clusters’ of neighbourhood-based deprivation might be destabilised. This has seen the privileging of composite indices in the analysis of deprivation, which have been criticised for fostering a common perception that deprived neighbourhoods are homogeneous in terms of their compositions and underlying structures. Such indices have also been criticised for being ineffective at capturing temporal change, providing only static snapshots of deprivation at particular points in time. This paper focuses on patterns of deprived neighbourhood change in the Greater Manchester city-region between 2001 and 2007. It develops a typology of neighbourhood change that is triangulated with three complementary typologies capturing the socioeconomic and demographic compositions of deprived neighbourhoods; the functional roles played by deprived neighbourhoods in redistributing population through migration; and the spatial contexts in which deprived neighbourhoods are located. The analysis reveals that an overreliance on static indices to measure deprivation has long served to conceal complexities in the ways in which deprived neighbourhoods change, owing to their variable structures and contexts. It illustrates the danger that lies in treating all deprived neighbourhoods in the same way.
The Impact of Airports on US Urban Employment Distribution
Authors: Appold Stephen J
Published: March 2015

The influence of airports on the distribution of employment within fifty-one large US metropolitan areas is measured in the context of three important elements of urban spatial structure: centers, corridors, and clusters. Analysis of tract-level census data for 2000 using spatial regression models for each metropolitan area revealed that central cities have a varying, but generally strong, effect on the distribution of metropolitan employment, as do highways and employment subcenters; favored quarters had less certain impacts while the airport influence was weaker and more variable among regions. Regressing metropolitan airport-anchored distance-decay parameters on a series of regional explanatory factors suggests that airport cities develop primarily as cities expand outward rather than as a direct consequence of air transportation. These results inform plans relying upon airports to help shape and perhaps accelerate regional development.
Inhabiting Infrastructure: Exploring the Interactional Spaces of Urban Cycling
Authors: Latham Alan , Wood Peter R H
Published: March 2015

Contemporary cities are thick with infrastructure. In recognition of this fact a great deal of recent work within urban studies and urban geography has focused on transformations in the governance and ownership of infrastructural elements within cities. Less attention has been paid to the practices through which urban infrastructures are inhabited by urban dwellers. Yet in all sorts of ways infrastructures are realised through their use and inhabitation. This paper argues for the importance of attending to the ways that infrastructures are reinterpreted through use. Focusing on a case study of commuter cyclists in London, it explores the ways in which cyclists accommodate themselves to (and are in turn accommodated by) the infrastructural orderings of London's streets. Confronted by the obduracy of a road infrastructure designed primarily for motorised traffic, cyclists show a diverse range of approaches to negotiating movement through the city on bikes. The paper describes how this negotiation can be understood in terms of the more or less skilful processes of navigation, rule following, rule making, and rule bending. This involves a polymorphous mix of practices, some common to driving, others to walking, and yet others unique to cycling. In conclusion, the paper suggests that transformations of infrastructures found within cities need to be understood as much through emergent changes between their elements, and that close attention to how infrastructures come to be inhabited offers productive avenues for thinking about ways to improve them.
Simulation of Driving in Low-Visibility Conditions: Does Stereopsis Improve Speed Perception?
Authors: Brooks Kevin R , Rafat Mohammed E
Published: March 2015

Laboratory-based studies of perceived speed show that, under most circumstances, perceived speed is reduced as a function of contrast. However, a recent investigation of perceived vehicular speed while driving around a closed road circuit showed no such effect (Owens, Wood, & Carberry, 2010, Perception, 39, 1199–1215). We sought to probe the source of this discrepancy, asking whether the presence or absence of stereoscopic motion information might account for the difference in results. In a two-alternative forced-choice psychophysical speed-discrimination task, observers compared the speed of high- and low-contrast driving clips filmed with a 3-D camera and presented either stereoscopically (3-D) or monoscopically (2-D). Although perceived speed was reduced at low contrast, the size of this misperception was equivalent for 2-D and 3-D presentations. However, the inclusion of stereoscopic cues to vehicular speed caused significant improvements in the precision of speed judgments. It is concluded that although stereopsis can provide access to valuable information on perceived speed, contrast-independent speed estimation as demonstrated by Owens et al. (2010) is more likely to reflect the use of the full visual field in a real driving situation (compared with limited field of view simulations), or the additional contributions of nonvisual cues rather than stereopsis.
Temporal Processing in Bistable Perception of the Necker Cube
Authors: Wernery Jannis , Atmanspacher Harald , Kornmeier Jürgen , Candia Victor , Folkers Gerd , Wittmann Marc
Published: March 2015

Perception of ambiguous figures is unstable and alternates repeatedly between possible interpretations. Some approaches to explaining this phenomenon have, so far, assumed low-level bottom-up mechanisms like adaptation and mutual inhibition of underlying neural assemblies. In contrast, less precise top-down approaches assume high-level attentional control mechanisms generalised across sensory modalities. In the current work we focused on specific aspects of the top-down approach. In a first study we used dwell times (periods of transiently stable percepts) and the parameters of dwell time distribution functions to compare the dynamics of perceptual alternations between visual (Necker cube) and auditory ambiguity (verbal transformation effect). In a second study we compared the endogenous alternation dynamics of the Necker cube with parameters from two attention tasks with different regimes of temporal dynamics. The first attention task (d2) is characterised by endogenous self-paced dynamics, similar to the dynamics underlying perceptual alternations of ambiguous figures, and we found clear correlations between dwell time parameters (Necker cube) and processing speed (d2 task). The temporal dynamics of the second (go/no-go) attention task, in contrast, are exogenously governed by the stimulus protocol, and we found no statistically significant correlation with the Necker cube data. Our results indicate that both perceptual instability and higher-level attentional tasks are linked to endogenous brain dynamics on a global coordinating level beyond sensory modalities.
A New Illusion at Your Elbow
Authors: Brugger Peter , Meier Rebekka
Published: March 2015

On experiencing distal-proximal tactile motion on the volar side of the forearm starting at the wrist, subjects significantly anticipate touch of the elbow crook. This illusion, popular as a children's game, was quantified in ninety participants (forty-seven women) on both arms. As a top-down explanation of the illusion, we discuss a model of Bayesian inferences. As a bottom-up contribution, we consider afterdischarges of cortical neurons, which receive input from skin mechanoreceptors specifically driven by slow-motion tactile stimuli. Like previously described illusions, the elbow crook illusion is larger on the nondominant arm. Women showed a smaller illusion than men, giving testimony to their reportedly superior cutaneous sensitivity.
In-use product stocks link manufactured capital to natural capital
Authors: Chen Wei-Qiang , Graedel T. E.
Published: March 2015

Significance

The determination of long-term in-use stocks of manufactured products can complement existing monetary approaches to measuring manufactured capital and helps to explore the linkage between manufactured capital and natural capital in terms of materials transfer. The development of new products, substitution among products, and the historical evolution of in-use product stocks in the United States reveal the increase in variety, improvement in quality, and growth in quantity of US manufactured capital. Because products are produced from materials, and products developed more recently tend to use a greater diversity of materials, this study also reveals that US modern manufactured capital relies on the use of more diverse materials and on the increasing use of materials that originate from natural capital.
Disentangling mechanisms that mediate the balance between stochastic and deterministic processes in microbial succession
Authors: Dini-Andreote Francisco , Stegen James C. , van Elsas Jan Dirk , Salles Joana Falcão
Published: March 2015

Significance

Across ecology, and particularly within microbial ecology, there is limited understanding of the mechanisms governing the relative influences of stochastic and deterministic processes. Filling this knowledge gap is a major challenge that requires the development of novel conceptual paradigms, experiments, and ecological models. Here we (
i
) present a conceptual model that couples the stochastic/deterministic balance to primary and secondary ecological succession, thereby integrating previously isolated conceptual domains; (
ii
) evaluate this model over 105 years of ecosystem development, revealing a systematic shift in the type and strength of ecological selection; and (
iii
) couple empirical data with a new simulation model to elucidate underlying mechanisms and characterize their scale dependency. The insights and conceptual framework provided here represent a nexus for cross-system integration.
Equation-free mechanistic ecosystem forecasting using empirical dynamic modeling
Authors: Ye Hao , Beamish Richard J. , Glaser Sarah M. , Grant Sue C. H. , Hsieh Chih-hao , Richards Laura J. , Schnute Jon T. , Sugihara George
Published: March 2015

Significance

The conventional parametric approach to modeling relies on hypothesized equations to approximate mechanistic processes. Although there are known limitations in using an assumed set of equations, parametric models remain widely used to test for interactions, make predictions, and guide management decisions. Here, we show that these objectives are better addressed using an alternative equation-free approach, empirical dynamic modeling (EDM). Applied to Fraser River sockeye salmon, EDM models (
i
) recover the mechanistic relationship between the environment and population biology that fisheries models dismiss as insignificant, (
ii
) produce significantly better forecasts compared with contemporary fisheries models, and (
iii
) explicitly link control parameters (spawning abundance) and ecosystem objectives (future recruitment), producing models that are suitable for current management frameworks.
Dynamical evidence for causality between galactic cosmic rays and interannual variation in global temperature
Authors: Tsonis Anastasios A. , Deyle Ethan R. , May Robert M. , Sugihara George , Swanson Kyle , Verbeten Joshua D. , Wang Geli
Published: March 2015

Significance

Here we use newly available methods to examine the dynamical association between cosmic rays (CR) and global temperature (GT) in the 20th-century observational record. We find no measurable evidence of a causal effect linking CR to the overall 20th-century warming trend; however, on short interannual timescales, we find a significant, although modest, causal effect of CR on short-term, year-to-year variability in GT. Thus, although CR clearly do not contribute measurably to the 20th-century global warming trend, they do appear as a nontraditional forcing in the climate system on short interannual timescales, providing another interesting piece of the puzzle in our understanding of factors influencing climate variability.
Mutation of a single residue in the
ba
3
oxidase specifically impairs protonation of the pump site
Authors: von Ballmoos Christoph , Gonska Nathalie , Lachmann Peter , Gennis Robert B. , Ädelroth Pia , Brzezinski Peter
Published: March 2015

Significance

Cytochrome
c
oxidase is the terminal electron acceptor in mitochondria and aerobic bacteria, where O
2
reduction is linked to proton pumping across the membrane. Understanding the mechanism by which the enzyme pumps protons requires identification of the so-called proton-loading site, which is the controlling element that assures unidirectionality in the proton flux. The position of this site has been predicted on the basis of theoretical calculations but has not been identified in experimental studies. Here we have used sophisticated biophysical techniques to investigate intraprotein electron and proton transfer in the thermophilic bacterium
Thermus thermophilus
. The data made it possible to identify the destination of the pumped proton and to unravel the sequence of reactions that leads to proton translocation.
TREM2 deficiency eliminates TREM2+ inflammatory macrophages and ameliorates pathology in Alzheimer’s disease mouse models
Authors: Jay Taylor R. , Miller Crystal M. , Cheng Paul J. , Graham Leah C. , Bemiller Shane , Broihier Margaret L. , Xu Guixiang , Margevicius Daniel , Karlo J. Colleen , Sousa Gregory L. , Cotleur Anne C. , Butovsky Oleg , Bekris Lynn , Staugaitis Susan M. , Leverenz James B. , Pimplikar Sanjay W. , Landreth Gary E. , Howell Gareth R. , Ransohoff Richard M. , Lamb Bruce T.
Published: March 2015

Variants in triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2) confer high risk for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and other neurodegenerative diseases. However, the cell types and mechanisms underlying TREM2’s involvement in neurodegeneration remain to be established. Here, we report that TREM2 is up-regulated on myeloid cells surrounding amyloid deposits in AD mouse models and human AD tissue. TREM2 was detected on CD45hiLy6C+ myeloid cells, but not on P2RY12+ parenchymal microglia. In AD mice deficient for TREM2, the CD45hiLy6C+ macrophages are virtually eliminated, resulting in reduced inflammation and ameliorated amyloid and tau pathologies. These data suggest a functionally important role for TREM2+ macrophages in AD pathogenesis and an unexpected, detrimental role of TREM2 in AD pathology. These findings have direct implications for future development of TREM2-targeted therapeutics.
Control and stabilization of the Benjamin-Ono equation on a periodic domain
Authors: Linares Felipe , Rosier Lionel
Published: March 2015

It was proved by Linares and Ortega that the linearized Benjamin-Ono equation posed on a periodic domain

T

\mathbb {T}

with a distributed control supported on an arbitrary subdomain is exactly controllable and exponentially stabilizable. The aim of this paper is to extend those results to the full Benjamin-Ono equation. A feedback law in the form of a localized damping is incorporated into the equation. A smoothing effect established with the aid of a propagation of regularity property is used to prove the semi-global stabilization in

L
2

(

T

)

L^2(\mathbb {T})

of weak solutions obtained by the method of vanishing viscosity. The local well-posedness and the local exponential stability in

H
s

(

T

)

H^s(\mathbb {T})

are also established for

s
>
1

/

2

s>1/2

by using the contraction mapping theorem. Finally, the local exact controllability is derived in

H
s

(

T

)

H^s(\mathbb {T})

for

s
>
1

/

2

s>1/2

by combining the above feedback law with some open loop control.
Orbit portraits of unicritical antiholomorphic polynomials
Authors: Mukherjee Sabyasachi
Published: March 2015

Orbit portraits were introduced by Goldberg and Milnor as a combinatorial tool to describe the patterns of all periodic dynamical rays landing on a periodic cycle of a quadratic polynomial. This encodes information about the dynamics and the parameter spaces of these maps. We carry out a similar analysis for unicritical antiholomorphic polynomials, and give an explicit description of the orbit portraits that can occur for such maps in terms of their characteristic angles, which turns out to be rather restricted when compared with the holomorphic case. Finally, we prove a realization theorem for these combinatorial objects. The results obtained in this paper serve as a combinatorial foundation for a detailed understanding of the combinatorics and topology of the parameter spaces of unicritical antiholomorphic polynomials and their connectedness loci, known as the multicorns.
Cryoprecipitate administration after trauma
Authors: Olaussen Alexander , Fitzgerald Mark C. , Tan Gim A. , Mitra Biswadev
Published: March 2015

Objectives

Haemorrhage remains among the most preventable causes of trauma death. Massive transfusion protocols, as part of ‘haemostatic resuscitation’, have been implemented in most trauma centres. Relative to the attention to the ideal ratio of red blood cells to fresh frozen plasma and platelets, cryoprecipitate treatment has been infrequently discussed. We aimed to outline the use of cryoprecipitate during trauma resuscitation and analyse outcomes in patients who received cryoprecipitate after hypofibrinogenaemia detection.

Methods

A retrospective review of registry data on all major trauma patients (Injury Severity Score>15) presenting to a level I trauma centre over a 4-year period (2008–2011) was conducted. We selected all patients who had received cryoprecipitate and then analysed patients who had received cryoprecipitate following the detection of hypofibrinogenaemia (<1.0 g/l). Mortality at hospital discharge among hypofibrinogenaemic patients who had received cryoprecipitate was compared with that among patients who had not received cryoprecipitate.

Results

Of 3996 trauma patients, 3571 had fibrinogen levels recorded. Most patients (n=3517, 98.5%) had initial fibrinogen counts of 1.0 g/l or higher, and cryoprecipitate was administered to a small proportion of these patients (n=126, 3.6%). Of the 54 patients with hypofibrinogenaemia on arrival, one patient died immediately and was excluded from further analysis. Of the 53 patients, 30 received cryoprecipitate and 28/53 died (53%). There was no difference in mortality between those who had received and those who had not received cryoprecipitate (14/30 vs. 14/23, P=0.31).

Conclusion

Administration of cryoprecipitate was uncommon during trauma resuscitation, even among patients with hypofibrinogenaemia on presentation. This study provides no evidence towards improved outcomes from administration of cryoprecipitate.
Cyclin-dependent kinase regulates the length of S phase through TICRR/TRESLIN phosphorylation
Authors: Sansam Courtney G. , Goins Duane , Siefert Joseph C. , Clowdus Emily A. , Sansam Christopher L.
Published: March 2015

S-phase cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) stimulate replication initiation and accelerate progression through the replication timing program, but it is unknown which CDK substrates are responsible for these effects. CDK phosphorylation of the replication factor TICRR (TopBP1-interacting checkpoint and replication regulator)/TRESLIN is required for DNA replication. We show here that phosphorylated TICRR is limiting for S-phase progression. Overexpression of a TICRR mutant with phosphomimetic mutations at two key CDK-phosphorylated residues (TICRRTESE) stimulates DNA synthesis and shortens S phase by increasing replication initiation. This effect requires the TICRR region that is necessary for its interaction with MDM two-binding protein. Expression of TICRRTESE does not grossly alter the spatial organization of replication forks in the nucleus but does increase replication clusters and the number of replication forks within each cluster. In contrast to CDK hyperactivation, the acceleration of S-phase progression by TICRRTESE does not induce DNA damage. These results show that CDK can stimulate initiation and compress the replication timing program by phosphorylating a single protein, suggesting a simple mechanism by which S-phase length is controlled.
Crystal structure of 4-azidomethyl-6-tert-butyl-2H-chromen-2-one
Authors: El-Khatatneh Nasseem , Chandra  , Shamala D. , Shivashankar K. , Panzi Mukhokosi Emma , Mahendra M.
Published: March 2015

In the title compound, C14H15N3O2, one of the methyl C atoms of thetert-butyl group lies almost in the plane of the chromene ring system [deviation = −0.097 (2) Å], one lies above and one lies below [deviations = 1.460 (3) and 1.006 (3) Å, respectively]. The C—C—N—N torsion angle is 142.33 (17)°. In the crystal, moelcules are linked by weak C—H...O hydrogen bonds to generateC(6) chains propagating in the [010] direction.
Crystal structures of the water and acetone monosolvates of bis[4′-(pyridin-4-yl)-2,2′:6′,2′′-terpyridine]manganese(II) bis(hexafluoridophosphate)
Authors: Lourenço Leandro M. O. , Almeida Paz Filipe A. , Fernandes José A.
Published: March 2015

The crystal structures of bis[4′-(pyridin-4-yl)-2,2′:6′,2′′-terpyridine]manganese(II) bis(hexafluoridophosphate) monohydrate, [Mn(C20H14N4)2](PF6)2·H2O, (1), and bis[4′-(pyridin-4-yl)-2,2′:6′,2′′-terpyridine]manganese(II) bis(hexafluoridophosphate) acetone monosolvate, (2), [Mn(C20H14N4)2](PF6)2·CH3COCH3, are described. At 150 K, (1) and (2) have monoclinic (P21/c) and orthorhombic (C2221) symmetries, respectively. Both structures exhibit octahedrally coordinated MnIIatoms and disorder. They display weak interactions, such as C—H...F, C—H...N, C—H...π, F...π and π–π. The twofold rotation axis in the molecule of (2) is coincident with a twofold rotation axis of the crystal.
Numerical simulation of gas-solid two-phase reaction flow with multiple moving boundaries
Authors: Luo Qiao , Zhang Xiaobing
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– In engineering applications, gas-solid two-phase reaction flow with multi-moving boundaries is a common phenomenon. The launch process of multiple projectiles is a typical example. The flow of adjacent powder chambers is coupled by projectile’s motion. The purpose of this paper is to study this flow by numerical simulation.

Design/methodology/approach

– A one-dimensional two-phase reaction flow model and MacCormack difference scheme are implemented in a computational code, and the code is used to simulate the launch process of a system of multiple projectiles. For different launching rates and loading conditions, the simulated results of the launch process of three projectiles are obtained and discussed.

Findings

– At low launching rates, projectiles fired earlier in the series have little effect on the launch processes of projectiles fired later. However, at higher launching rates, the projectiles fired first have a great influence on the launch processes of projectiles fired later. As the launching rate increases, the maximum breech pressure for the later projectiles increases. Although the muzzle velocities increase initially, they reach a maximum at some launching rate, and then decrease rapidly. The muzzle velocities and maximum breech pressures of the three projectiles have an approximate linear relationship with the charge weight, propellant web size and chamber volume.

Originality/value

– This paper presents a prediction tool to understand the physical phenomenon of the gas-solid two-phase reaction flow with multi-moving boundaries, and can be used as a research tool for future interior ballistics studies of launch system of multiple projectiles.
A new reduced model for the moments of droplet size distribution in condensing flow
Authors: Ku Xiaoke , Hagmeijer Rob
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to create a computationally efficient reduced model (RM) for the moments of droplet size distribution (DSD) in condensing flow.

Design/methodology/approach

– The kinetic equation (KE) exactly describes the time dependence of the DSD and can be regarded as the most rigorous representation of a system with condensation. Because of the typical wide range in droplet size, the KE requires excessive computational time and is not attractive for most practical applications. To reduce the overall computational efforts, a novel set of moment equations, derived from the KE has been proposed.

Findings

– To demonstrate the simplicity and accuracy of the model, the authors employ a typical nucleation pulse experiment for which benchmark KE-solutions have also been computed. Comparison of predicted moments from both the RM and the KE approach reveals that the RM is capable of capturing the evolving feature of moments with reasonable accuracy.

Originality/value

– The authors have created a novel reduced method for numerical computations of the lower-order moments of the DSD in condensing flow. Unlike the typical method of moments, the RM eliminates the need for assumptions on the shape of the distribution function and could estimate the moments at very low computational cost.
Numerical solutions of the reaction-diffusion equation
Authors: Wu G , Lee Eric Wai Ming , Li Gao
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to introduce variational iteration method (VIM) to construct equivalent integral equations for initial-boundary value problems of nonlinear partial differential equations. The Lagrange multipliers become the integral kernels.

Design/methodology/approach

– Using the discrete numerical integral formula, the general way is given to solve the famous reaction-diffusion equation numerically.

Findings

– With the given explicit solution, the results show the conveniences of the general numerical schemes and numerical simulation of the reaction-diffusion is finally presented in the cases of various coefficients.

Originality/value

– The method avoids the treatment of the time derivative as that in the classical finite difference method and the VIM is introduced to construct equivalent integral equations for initial-boundary value problems of nonlinear partial differential equations.
The determinants of foreign direct investment in ASEAN
Authors: Xaypanya Phonesavanh , Rangkakulnuwat Poomthan , Paweenawat Sasiwimon Warunsiri
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the significant factors determining foreign direct investment (FDI) in Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam (ASEAN3) and Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Singapore (ASEAN5).

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper applies the first differencing technique to estimate the parameters on the constructed panel data starting from 2000 to 2011.

Findings

– Due to the different stages of economic development between ASEAN3 and ASEAN5, the determinants of FDI are different. We found that there are significantly positive effects of infrastructure facility, level of openness, and negative effect of inflation on FDI inflow in ASEAN3; while real exchange rate, gross domestic product and net official development assistance have no effect on its FDI. The finding in ASEAN5 showed that market size and infrastructure facility are significant factors to attract FDI. Furthermore, even though there are an increase in inflation rate as well as a decrease in level of openness measurement, ASEAN5 are still attractive to foreign investors.

Originality/value

– The time variant and invariant unobserved effects that are ignored in the previous studies are considered in this study.
CSR disclosure on the web: major themes in the banking sector
Authors: Vilar Vítor Hugo , Simão João
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– Corporate social responsibility became a core topic in the management and activity of banks. Being a bidirectional, permanent, updateable and universal access communication channel, the internet contributed to transform the way the organizations report social responsibility to stakeholders. The purpose of this paper is to understand how the banks use their web sites to disclose their social responsibility concerns and activities.

Design/methodology/approach

– The globe was divided in 11 regions, according to geographic and cultural criteria. Information was gathered from the corporate web sites of the ten major banks in each region, and their contents were analyzed. Geographic patterns and the correlation to universal development indicators were studied.

Findings

– The banks disclose on their web sites information on environmental management and socioeconomic programs. Other recurrent themes are the support to education, fight against corruption, workers’ welfare, corporate ethics and the existence of codes of conduct. There are geographic patterns in the quantity and detail of the information provided, as well as in the themes mentioned. The banks located in Europe, the American continent, and Oceania, are those who disclose more information. This confirms that the disclosure of social responsibility by the banks is larger and more detailed according to the development indexes of the country where they operate.

Originality/value

– The work studies the disclosure on the internet of information on social responsibility by the banks, being the first work to do it at the world level. This way, it provides a significant contribution to identify the themes that are more often disclosed and to establish comparisons between geographic areas.