bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Accounting conservatism: A review of the literature
Authors: Ruch George W. , Taylor Gary
Published: February 2015

We review and analyze the accounting literature that examines the effects of accounting conservatism on financial statements and financial statement users. We begin by analyzing how conservatism affects the reported numbers on the financial statements. These studies primarily evaluate how conservatism affects earnings quality, including earnings persistence and the presence of earnings management. Next, we assess the effect of accounting conservatism on the users of the financial statements. We identify three primary users of the financial statements: (1) equity market users (2) debt market users and (3) corporate governance users. Within each of these categories, we analyze the findings of prior research and explore unanswered research questions. By analyzing the effects of accounting conservatism from a diverse range of research topics, we inform the discussion on the costs and benefits of accounting conservatism.
Structural elements responsible for the glucosidic linkage‐selectivity of a glycoside hydrolase family 13 exo‐glucosidase
Authors: Saburi Wataru , Rachi-Otsuka Hiroaki , Hondoh Hironori , Okuyama Masayuki , Mori Haruhide , Kimura Atsuo
Published: February 2015

Glycoside hydrolase family 13 contains exo‐glucosidases specific for α‐(1 → 4)‐ and α‐(1 → 6)‐linkages including α‐glucosidase, oligo‐1,6‐glucosidase, and dextran glucosidase. The α‐(1 → 6)‐linkage selectivity of Streptococcus mutans dextran glucosidase was altered to α‐(1 → 4)‐linkage selectivity through site‐directed mutations at Val195, Lys275, and Glu371. V195A showed 1300‐fold higher k
cat/K
m for maltose than wild‐type, but its k
cat/K
m for isomaltose remained 2‐fold higher than for maltose. K275A and E371A combined with V195A mutation only decreased isomaltase activity. V195A/K275A, V195A/E371A, and V195A/K275A/E371A showed 27‐, 26‐, and 73‐fold higher k
cat/K
m for maltose than for isomaltose, respectively. Consequently, the three residues are structural elements for recognition of the α‐(1 → 6)‐glucosidic linkage.
Strict Infection Control Leads to Low Incidence of Methicillin-ResistantStaphylococcus aureusBloodstream Infection over 20 Years
Authors: Widmer Andreas F. , Lakatos Botond , Frei Reno
Published: February 2015

OBJECTIVE

Methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA) is a worldwide issue associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Multiple infection control (IC) approaches have been tested to control its spread; however, the success of the majority of trials has been short-lived and many efforts have failed. We report the long-term success of MRSA control from a prospective observational study over 20 years.

SETTING

University Hospital Basel is a large tertiary care center with a median bed capacity of 855 and 5 intensive care units (ICUs); currently, the facility has >32,000 admissions per year.

METHODS

The IC program at the University Hospital Basel was created in 1993, after 2 MRSA outbreaks. The program has included strict contact precautions with single rooms for MRSA-colonized or -infected patients, targeted admission screening of high-risk patients and healthcare workers at risk for carriage, molecular typing of all MRSA strains and routine decolonization of MRSA carriers including healthcare workers. We used the incidence of MRSA bloodstream infections (BSIs) to assess the effectiveness of this program. All MRSA cases were prospectively classified using a standardized case report form in nosocomial and nonnosocomial cases, based on CDC definitions.

RESULTS

Between 1993 and 2012, 540,669 blood samples were cultured. The number of blood cultures increased from 865 per 10,000 patient days in 1993 to 1,568 per 10,000 patient days in 2012 (P<.001). We identified 1,268 episodes ofS. aureusBSI from 1,204 patients. MRSA accounted for 34 episodes (2.7%) and 24 of these (1.9%) were nosocomial. MRSA BSI incidence varied between 0 and 0.27 per 10,000 patient days and remained stable with no significant variation throughout the study period (P=.882).

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term control of MRSA is feasible when a bundle of IC precautions is strictly enforced over time.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol2015;00(0): 1–8
Phoretic self-propulsion at large Péclet numbers
Authors: Yariv Ehud , Michelin Sébastien
Published: February 2015

We analyse the self-diffusiophoresis of a spherical particle animated by a non-uniform chemical reaction at its boundary. We consider two models of solute absorption, one with a specified distribution of interfacial solute flux and one where this flux is governed by first-order kinetics with a specified distribution of rate constant. We employ a macroscale model where the short-range interaction of the solute with the particle boundary is represented by an effective slip condition. The solute transport is governed by an advection–diffusion equation. We focus upon the singular limit of large Péclet numbers, $\mathit{Pe}\gg 1$. In the fixed-flux model, the excess-solute concentration is confined to a narrow boundary layer. The scaling pertinent to that limit allows the problem governing the solute concentration to be decoupled from the flow field. The resulting nonlinear boundary-layer problem is handled using a transformation to stream-function coordinates and a subsequent application of Fourier transforms, and is thereby reduced to a nonlinear integral equation governing the interfacial concentration. Its solution provides the requisite approximation for the particle velocity, which scales as $\mathit{Pe}^{-1/3}$. In the fixed-rate model, large Péclet numbers may be realized in different limit processes. We consider the case of large swimmers or strong reaction, where the Damköhler number $\mathit{Da}$ is large as well, scaling as $\mathit{Pe}$. In that double limit, where no boundary layer is formed, we obtain a closed-form approximation for the particle velocity, expressed as a nonlinear functional of the rate-constant distribution; this velocity scales as $\mathit{Pe}^{-2}$. Both the fixed-flux and fixed-rate asymptotic predictions agree with the numerical values provided by computational solutions of the nonlinear transport problem.
THE DATING OF BUILDING 2, INSULA XXVII, AT VERULAMIUM: A REASSESSMENT
Authors: Cosh Stephen , Neal David
Published: February 2015

Building 2, insulaxxvii, at Verulamium is a large townhouse of three wings fronted by a corridor (porticus), facing the north side of the forum. Sheppard Frere, who excavated it between 1956 and 1960, concluded that it was constructed aroundad380, and was replaced during the fifth century by a large buttressed building, which in turn was cut by a water-pipe trench. This paper offers a reinterpretation of this site, suggesting a construction date in the late second rather than the fourth century.
Differential effects of habitual chow-based and semi-purified diets on lipid metabolism in lactating rats and their offspring
Authors: del Bas Josep Maria , Caimari Antoni , Ceresi Enzo , Arola-Arnal Anna , Palou Andreu , Arola Lluís , Crescenti Anna
Published: February 2015

Diet during pregnancy and lactation is a critical factor in relation to the health of dams and their offspring. Currently, control diets used in metabolic imprinting studies differ in composition and type, i.e. semi-purified diets (SD) or chow-based diets (ND). The aim of the present study was to determine whether two widely used control diets, a SD and a ND, that mainly differ in fat content (5·08 and 3·26 %, respectively) and its sources (soyabean oil for the SD and cereals and fish for the ND), fibre (6 and 15 %, respectively), and cholesterol (26 and 69 mg/kg diet, respectively) can influence the lipid metabolism of dams and their offspring. Wistar rats were fed either the SD or the ND during pregnancy and lactation. At weaning, SD-fed dams presented severe hepatic steatosis and increased levels of circulating TAG, NEFA and insulin. Importantly, the offspring presented an altered plasma lipid profile. In contrast, the ND allowed for a normal gestation and lactation process, and did not affect the metabolism of offspring. In parallel, virgin rats fed the SD showed no metabolic alterations. A higher intake of SFA and MUFA and a lower consumption of PUFA observed in SD-fed dams during the lactation period could contribute to explaining the observed effects. In conclusion, two different control diets produced very different outcomes in the lipid metabolism of lactating rats and their offspring. The present results highlight the importance of the assessment of the metabolic state of dams when interpreting the results of metabolic programming studies.
Electromagnetic gyrokinetic simulation of turbulence in torus plasmas
Authors: Ishizawa A. , Maeyama S. , Watanabe T.-H. , Sugama H. , Nakajima N.
Published: February 2015

Gyrokinetic simulations of electromagnetic turbulence in magnetically confined torus plasmas including tokamak and heliotron/stellarator are reviewed. Numerical simulation of turbulence in finite beta plasmas is an important task for predicting the performance of fusion reactors and a great challenge in computational science due to multiple spatio-temporal scales related to electromagnetic ion and electron dynamics. The simulation becomes further challenging in non-axisymmetric plasmas. In finite beta plasmas, magnetic perturbation appears and influences some key mechanisms of turbulent transport, which include linear instability and zonal flow production. Linear analysis shows that the ion-temperature gradient (ITG) instability, which is essentially an electrostatic instability, is unstable at low beta and its growth rate is reduced by magnetic field line bending at finite beta. On the other hand, the kinetic ballooning mode (KBM), which is an electromagnetic instability, is destabilized at high beta. In addition, trapped electron modes (TEMs), electron temperature gradient (ETG) modes, and micro-tearing modes (MTMs) can be destabilized. These instabilities are classified into two categories: ballooning parity and tearing parity modes. These parities are mixed by nonlinear interactions, so that, for instance, the ITG mode excites tearing parity modes. In the nonlinear evolution, the zonal flow shear acts to regulate the ITG driven turbulence at low beta. On the other hand, at finite beta, interplay between the turbulence and zonal flows becomes complicated because the production of zonal flow is influenced by the finite beta effects. When the zonal flows are too weak, turbulence continues to grow beyond a physically relevant level of saturation in finite-beta tokamaks. Nonlinear mode coupling to stable modes can play a role in the saturation of finite beta ITG mode and KBM. Since there is a quadratic conserved quantity, evaluating nonlinear transfer of the conserved quantity from unstable modes to stable modes is useful for understanding the saturation mechanism of turbulence.
The Patriot's Scientific Diet: Nutrition science and dietary reform campaigns in China, 1910s–1950s
Authors: LEE SEUNG-JOON
Published: February 2015

This article explores how nutrition science became a significant part of the nation-building project in both Republican China and the early People's Republic of China within the context of burgeoning popular concerns over bodily health and an increasing sense of urgency. Insofar as nutrition science offered a new type of expertise about what to eat and what not to eat in daily life, it entailed harnessing the state's potential persuasive power to garner willing compliance, if not tacit obedience, from the population. Unlike previous scholarship, which takes the viewpoint of government authorities and the medical elite, this article argues that popular concerns about bodily health and culinary curiosity that were prevalent in major Chinese cities helped to popularize state-led dietary reform campaigns that culminated during the Sino-Japanese War (1937–1945) and continued even after the revolutionary regime change in the 1950s.
On Becoming a Norms Maker: Chinese Foreign Policy, Norms Evolution and the Challenges of Security in Africa
Authors: Alden Chris , Large Daniel
Published: February 2015

This article explores China's engagement with the development of norms on security in Africa, with particular attention to its changing post-conflict engagement. Applying the gradualism characteristic of its approach to policy formulation and implementation, the Chinese policymaking community is playing a key role in seeking to redefine the contemporary international approach to managing African security dilemmas. By reinterpreting concepts such as liberal peacebuilding, Chinese policymakers have begun a process of reframing established norms on security and development that are more in line with its principles and core interests. This agenda in the making has enabled the Chinese government to move beyond the constraints of a rhetoric rooted in non-interference in domestic affairs that prohibited involvement in African security issues to a set of practices that allows China to play a more substantive role in security on the continent.
The psychoanalytic deficiency theory of schizophrenic psychoses
Authors: Freeman Thomas
Published: February 2015

The Psychoanalytic Deficiency Theory of the Schizophrenias postulates that the symptomatology results from psychical dissolution. Its claim for credibility rests on the range of the clinical observations which it embraces – from the prodromal symptoms to the variety of courses which the schizophrenias follow. The fate of the prodromal symptoms, often indistinguishable from neurotic manifestations, suggest that dissolution and not mental conflict is responsible. The deficiency theory acknowledges the part played by phantasy and conflict in creating the content of delusions. Their form can only be determined by psychical dissolution. The therapeutic approach based on the deficiency theory is to strengthen the residues of the patient's healthy mental life within the context of the psychiatrist-patient and nurse-patient relationship in order to encourage insight into the falsifications and misinterpretations of reality which have contributed to the symptoms.
Norovirus genotype diversity associated with gastroenteritis outbreaks in aged-care facilities
Authors: BRUGGINK L. D. , DUNBAR N. L. , MARSHALL J. A.
Published: February 2015

Noroviruses are a major cause of gastroenteritis. Vaccine strategies against norovirus are currently under consideration but depend on a detailed knowledge of the capsid genotypes. This study examined the incidence of norovirus outbreaks in residential aged-care facilities in Victoria, Australia over one year (2013) and documented the (capsid) norovirus genotypes associated with these outbreaks. It was found that 65·0% of 206 outbreaks tested were associated with norovirus infection, thereby showing norovirus to be the major cause of viral gastroenteritis in residential aged-care facilities. Fifteen capsid (open reading frame 2) genotypes were identified as follows: GI.2 (0·9%), GI.3 (1·8%), GI.4 (3·7%), GI.6 (0·9%), GI.7 (0·9%), GI.8 (0·9%), GII.1 (0·9%), GII.2 (0·9%), GII.3 (1·8%), GII.4 (2009-like) (0·9%), GII.4 (2012) (48·6%), GII.4 (2012-like) (16·5%), GII.4 (unknown) (9·2%), GII.5 (2·8%), GII.6 (0·9%), GII.7 (0·9%), GII.13 (6·4%) and an as yet unclassified GII genotype (0·9%). Although GII.4 was the most common norovirus capsid genotype detected, the great diversity of norovirus genotypes in the elderly indicates vaccination strategies for this demographic are not straightforward.
Effect of a hospital policy of not accepting free infant formula on in-hospital formula supplementation rates and breast-feeding duration
Authors: Tarrant Marie , Lok Kris YW , Fong Daniel YT , Lee Irene LY , Sham Alice , Lam Christine , Wu Kendra M , Bai Dorothy L , Wong Ka Lun , Wong Emmy MY , Chan Noel PT , Dodgson Joan E
Published: February 2015

Objective

To investigate the effect of public hospitals in Hong Kong not accepting free infant formula from manufacturers on in-hospital formula supplementation rates and breast-feeding duration.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

In-patient postnatal units of four public hospitals in Hong Kong.

Subjects

Two cohorts of breast-feeding mother–infant pairs (n2560). Cohort 1 (n1320) was recruited before implementation of the policy to stop accepting free infant formula and cohort 2 (n1240) was recruited after policy implementation. Participants were followed prospectively for 12 months or until they stopped breast-feeding.

Results

The mean number of formula supplements given to infants in the first 24 h was 2·70 (sd3·11) in cohort 1 and 1·17 (sd1·94) in cohort 2 (P<0·001). The proportion of infants who were exclusively breast-fed during the hospital stay increased from 17·7 % in cohort 1 to 41·3 % in cohort 2 (P<0·001) and the risk of breast-feeding cessation was significantly lower in cohort 2 (hazard ratio=0·81; 95 % CI 0·73, 0·90). Participants who non-exclusively breast-fed during the hospital stay had a significantly higher risk of stopping any or exclusive breast-feeding. Higher levels of formula supplementation also increased the risk of breast-feeding cessation in a dose–response pattern.

Conclusions

After implementation of a hospital policy to pay market price for infant formula, rates of in-hospital formula supplementation were reduced and the rates of in-hospital exclusive breast-feeding and breast-feeding duration increased.
The origins of private property rights: states or customary organizations?
Authors: MURTAZASHVILI ILIA , MURTAZASHVILI JENNIFER
Published: February 2015

Political theories of property rights are less optimistic than self-governance perspectives regarding the ability of non-state organizations to supply private property institutions. Despite offering different answers to the question of where property rights come from, these diverse perspectives share a concern with organizational capacity, constraints, and legitimacy as explanations why organizations are able to supply private property rights. We use these shared concerns as a point of departure to investigate formal and informal private property rights in rural Afghanistan. We find that informal private property rights are more effective than formal private property rights because customary organizations fare better than the state on the dimensions of capacity, constraints, and legitimacy. More generally, these ‘political’ features of formal and informal organizations explain why self-governance works, as well as provide insight into the challenges confronting efforts in fragile states to establish formal private property institutions.
Das Nephrotische Syndrom: Wann ist eine genetische Abklärung indiziert?
Authors: Pasch Andreas
Published: February 2015

Das Nephrotische Syndrom ist gekennzeichnet durch eine definierende Kombination an pathologischen Laborwerten und klinischen Symptomen, d. h. einer so genannten grossen Proteinurie (häufig mehr als 3 – 3,5 g Eiweissausscheidung im Urin pro 24 h), Hypalbuminämie, Ödemen und Hyperlipidämie. Die Ursachen des Nephrotischen Syndroms sind vielfältig und können entweder angeboren oder erworben, chronisch persistierend oder reversibel sein. Die Häufigkeit und Verteilung der Ursachen des Nephrotischen Syndroms unterscheiden sich zwischen Kindes- und Erwachsenenalter. Während im Erwachsenenalter vorrangig von erworbenen Formen ausgegangen wird, finden sich im Kindesalter sehr häufig genetisch determinierte Formen. Allen Erkrankungen, die mit einer nephrotischen Proteinurie einhergehen ist gemeinsam, dass der ursächliche Defekt primär oder sekundär die Fussfortsatzzellen (Podozyten) der Nierenglomerula betrifft. Der vorliegende Übersichtsartikel beschäftigt sich mit der Frage, wann aus heutiger Sicht eine genetische Abklärung beim Vorliegen eines nephrotischen Syndroms sinnvoll ist.
Measuring Psychology Students’ Information-Seeking Skills in a	Situational Judgment Test Format
Authors: Rosman Tom , Mayer Anne-Kathrin , Krampen Günter
Published: February 2015

Abstract. Three studies were conducted to develop a test for academic information-seeking skills in psychology students that measures both procedural and declarative aspects of the concept. A skill decomposition breaking down information-seeking into 10 sub skills was used to create a situational judgment test with 22 items. A scoring key was developed based on expert ratings (N = 14). Subsequently, the test was administered to two samples of N = 78 and N = 81 psychology students. Within the first sample, the scale reached an internal consistency (Cronbach’s Alpha) of α = .75. Scale validity was investigated with data from the second sample. High correlations between the scale and two different information search tasks (r = .42 to .64; p < .001) as well as a declarative information literacy test (r = .51; p < .001) were found. The findings are discussed with regard to their implications for research and practice.
Measurement Invariance of the Self-Description Questionnaire II in a	Chinese Sample
Authors: Leung Kim Chau , Marsh Herbert W. , Craven Rhonda G. , Abduljabbar Adel S.
Published: February 2015

Abstract. Studies on the construct validity of the Self-Description Questionnaire II (SDQII) have not compared the factor structure between the English and Chinese versions of the SDQII. By using rigorous multiple group comparison procedures based upon confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) of measurement invariance, the present study examined the responses of Australian high school students (N = 302) and Chinese high school students (N = 322) using the English and Chinese versions of the SDQII, respectively. CFA provided strong evidence that the factor structure (factor loading and item intercept) of the Chinese version of the SDQII in comparison to responses to the English version of the SDQII is invariant, therefore it allows researchers to confidently utilize both the English and Chinese versions of the SDQII with Chinese and Australian samples separately and cross-culturally.
Compatible interface design of CoO-based Li-O2 battery cathodes with long-cycling stability
Authors: Shang Chaoqun , Dong Shanmu , Hu Pu , Guan Jing , Xiao Dongdong , Chen Xiao , Zhang Lixue , Gu Lin , Cui Guanglei , Chen Liquan
Published: February 2015

Lithium-oxygen batteries with high theoretical energy densities have great potential. Recent studies have focused on different cathode architecture design to address poor cycling performance, while the impact of interface stability on cathode side has been barely reported. In this study, we introduce CoO mesoporous spheres into cathode, where the growth of crystalline discharge products (Li2O2) is directly observed on the CoO surface from aberration-corrected STEM. This CoO based cathode demonstrates more than 300 discharge/charge cycles with excessive lithium anode. Under deep discharge/charge, CoO cathode exhibited superior cycle performance than that of Co3O4 with similar nanostructure. This improved cycle performance can be ascribed to a more favorable adsorption configuration of Li2O2 intermediates (LiO2) on CoO surface, which is demonstrated through DFT calculation. The favorable adsorption of LiO2 plays an important role in the enhanced cycle performance, which reduced the contact of LiO2 to carbon materials and further alleviated the side reactions during charge process. This compatible interface design may provide an effective approach in protecting carbon-based cathodes in metal-oxygen batteries.
Comparative genome analysis reveals the molecular basis of nicotine degradation and survival capacities of Arthrobacter
Authors: Yao Yuxiang , Tang Hongzhi , Su Fei , Xu Ping
Published: February 2015

Arthrobacter is one of the most prevalent genera of nicotine-degrading bacteria; however, studies of nicotine degradation in Arthrobacter species remain at the plasmid level (plasmid pAO1). Here, we report the bioinformatic analysis of a nicotine-degrading Arthrobacter aurescens M2012083 and show that the moeB and mogA genes that are essential for nicotine degradation in Arthrobacter are absent from plasmid pAO1. Homologues of all the nicotine degradation-related genes of plasmid pAO1 were found to be located on a 68,622-bp DNA segment (nic segment-1) in the M2012083 genome, showing 98.1% nucleotide acid sequence identity to the 69,252-bp nic segment of plasmid pAO1. However, the rest sequence of plasmid pAO1 other than the nic segment shows no significant similarity to the genome sequence of strain M2012083. Taken together, our data suggest that the nicotine degradation-related genes of strain M2012083 are located on the chromosome or a plasmid other than pAO1. Based on the genomic sequence comparison of strain M2012083 and six other Arthrobacter strains, we have identified 17 σ70 transcription factors reported to be involved in stress responses and 109 genes involved in environmental adaptability of strain M2012083. These results reveal the molecular basis of nicotine degradation and survival capacities of Arthrobacter species.
Probing the conformational energetics of alkyl thiols on gold surfaces by means of a morphing/steering non-equilibrium tool
Authors: Piserchia Andrea , Zerbetto Mirco , Frezzato Diego
Published: February 2015

Jarzynski's equality is applied to compute the torsion free energy, bond-by-bond, for a probe alkyl thiol tethered to a gold surface.
“Off-on” aggregation-based fluorescent sensor for the detection of chloride in water
Authors: Watt Michelle M. , Engle Jeffrey M. , Fairley Kurtis C. , Robitshek Timothy E. , Haley Michael M. , Johnson Darren W.
Published: February 2015

A new class of 2,6-bis(2-anilinoethynyl)pyridine bisureas exhibits selective turn-on fluorescence for chloride in water.
An IDB-containing low molecular weight short peptide as an efficient DNA cleavage reagent
Authors: Ma Chunying , Chen Huan , Li Chao , Zhang Jin , Qiao Renzhong
Published: February 2015

We present poly(aspartic acid) grafting bis-amine conjugates as artificial nucleases, which can effectively induce double-strand DNA cleavage.
Occurrence and fate of potential pathogenic bacteria as revealed by pyrosequencing in a full-scale membrane bioreactor treating restaurant wastewater
Authors: Ma Jinxing , Wang Zhiwei , Zang Lili , Huang Jian , Wu Zhichao
Published: February 2015

Efficient diagnosis based on pyrosequencing can address the highly likely pathogenic bacteria in wastewater.
Recyclable BINOL–quinine–squaramide as a highly efficient organocatalyst for α-amination of 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds and α-cyanoacetates
Authors: Gao Yongzhi , Liu Bin , Zhou Hai-Bing , Wang Wei , Dong Chune
Published: February 2015

An efficient organocatalytic asymmetric α-amination of 1,3-dicarbonyl and α-cyanoacetates compounds towards chiral α-amino acid precursors is reported.
Catalytic etherification of hydroxyl compounds to methyl ethers with 1,2-dimethoxyethane
Authors: Che Penghua , Lu Fang , Si Xiaoqin , Xu Jie
Published: February 2015

1,2-Dimethoxyethane is explored as a new useful etherification agent for the 12-tungstophosphoric acid-catalyzed synthesis of methyl ethers from biomass-derived hydroxyl compounds.
In situ synthesis of amorphous RuO2/AZO as a carbon-free cathode material for Li–O2 batteries
Authors: Wu Mihye , Jo Ju Young , Choi Sungho , Kang Yongku , Jung Ha-Kyun
Published: February 2015

The composite of amorphous RuO2 as an electrocatalyst and aluminum-doped ZnO (AZO) as a cathode material was synthesised and developed into a carbon-free cathode material for Li–O2 batteries via an in situ microwave-assisted hydrothermal method.
Investigation of Zr and Si diffusion behaviors during reactive diffusion – a molecular dynamics study
Authors: Chen Hui-Lung , Ju Shin-Pon , Wu Tsang-Yu , Hsieh Jin-Yuan , Liu Shih-Hao
Published: February 2015

Molecular dynamics simulation was used to investigate the diffusion behaviors of Zr and Si atoms during a reactive diffusion which produces Zr silicide.
High electron affinity: a guiding criterion for voltage stabilizer design
Authors: Jarvid Markus , Johansson Anette , Englund Villgot , Lundin Angelica , Gubanski Stanislaw , Müller Christian , Andersson Mats R.
Published: February 2015

A high electron affinity is found to correlate with the ability of voltage-stabilizer additives to improve the dielectric strength of cross-linked polyethylene, which is a highly desirable for high-voltage insulation materials.
Trigger responsive polymeric nanocarriers for cancer therapy
Authors: Kaur Shahdeep , Prasad Chandrashekhar , Balakrishnan Biji , Banerjee Rinti
Published: February 2015

Strategies for the development of polymeric nanocarriers responsive to different internal and external triggers modulating the drug release in a tumor environment, are reviewed.
Stereoselective synthesis of a highly oxygenated decahydrocyclopenta[g]chromene derivative: the common tricyclic framework of leucosceptrine and leucosesterterpenone
Authors: Abe Hideki , Horii Yuri , Hagiwara Megumi , Kobayashi Toyoharu , Ito Hisanaka
Published: February 2015

Stereoselective construction of the highly oxygenated decahydrocyclopenta[g]chromene skeleton, the tricyclic core of leucosceptrine and leucosesterterpenone, from Leucosceptrum canum, was achieved.
An aryl-thioether substituted nitrobenzothiadiazole probe for the selective detection of cysteine and homocysteine
Authors: Lee Dayoung , Kim Gyoungmi , Yin Jun , Yoon Juyoung
Published: February 2015

An aryl-thioether substituted nitrobenzothiadiazole probe was synthesized and employed to detect cysteine and homocysteine selectively in living cells.
A sustainable and simple catalytic system for direct alkynylation of C(sp2)–H bonds with low nickel loadings
Authors: Liu Yue-Jin , Liu Yan-Hua , Yan Sheng-Yi , Shi Bing-Feng
Published: February 2015

A sustainable and simple catalytic system for the atom-economical alkynylation of benzamides with low nickel loadings is described.
A molecular pulley based on a triply interlocked [2]rotaxane
Authors: Meng Zheng , Chen Chuan-Feng
Published: February 2015

A novel triply interlocked [2]rotaxane was designed and synthesized, which showed pulley-like shuttling motion controlled by acid and base.
Polystyrene trimethyl ammonium chloride impregnated Rh(0) (Rh@PMe3NCl) as a catalyst and methylating agent for esterification of alcohols through selective oxidation of methanol
Authors: Guha Nitul Ranjan , Bhattacherjee Dhananjay , Das Pralay
Published: February 2015

Rh@PMe3NCl acts as a cross-dehydrogenative coupling-methylating agent for the selective oxidation of methanol and it's in situ reaction with benzyl/alkyl alcohols for acetate ester synthesis is presented.
Curcumin entrapped folic acid conjugated PLGA–PEG nanoparticles exhibit enhanced anticancer activity by site specific delivery
Authors: Pillai Jisha J. , Thulasidasan Arun Kumar T. , Anto Ruby John , Devika Nandan C. , Ashwanikumar N. , Kumar G. S. Vinod
Published: February 2015

Herein we report curcumin entrapped nanoparticles of PLGA–PEG copolymer which were conjugated with folic acid (PPF copolymer) for site specific targeting since many cancer cells exhibit external folic acid binding receptors.
An ionic liquid promoted microwave-hydrothermal route towards highly photoluminescent carbon dots for sensitive and selective detection of iron(iii)
Authors: Liu Ruili , Gao Mengping , Zhang Jing , Li Zhilian , Chen Jinyang , Liu Ping , Wu Dongqing
Published: February 2015

Carbon dots with a high photoluminescence efficiency of ∼22.58% are obtained by a facile microwave-hydrothermal treatment of rice straw with the presence of ionic liquid.
Silver nanowire/polyimide composite transparent electrodes for reliable flexible polymer solar cells operating at high and ultra-low temperature
Authors: Guo Xiaoyang , Liu Xingyuan , Luo Jinsong , Gan Zhihong , Meng Zhong , Zhang Nan
Published: February 2015

Silver nanowire and polyimide composite transparent electrodes are produced that show excellent properties under ultralow and high temperatures.
Band engineering via biaxial strain for enhanced thermoelectric performance in stannite-type Cu2ZnSnSe4
Authors: Zou Daifeng , Nie Guozheng , Li Yu , Xu Ying , Lin Jianguo , Zheng Hairong , Li Jiangyu
Published: February 2015

The enhancement of the thermoelectric properties of stannite-type Cu2ZnSnSe4 under biaxial strain can be ascribed to band convergence of the valence bands near the Fermi level.
Effect of boron–nitrogen bonding on oxygen reduction reaction activity of BN Co-doped activated porous carbons
Authors: Baik Seoyeon , Lee Jae W.
Published: February 2015

BN co-doped carbons enhance ORR activity with the 4-electron pathway due to the formation of B–N–C bonds.
Enhancement of thermoelectric power of PbTe:Ag nanocomposite thin films
Authors: Bala Manju , Gupta Srashti , Tripathi Tripurari S. , Varma Shikha , Tripathi Surya K. , Asokan K. , Avasthi Devesh K.
Published: February 2015

Formation of nanostructures results in the enhancement in thermoelectric power of PbTe:Ag thin films.
A new anionic metal–organic framework showing tunable emission by lanthanide(III) doping and highly selective CO2 adsorption properties
Authors: Chen Rong-Ying , Tian Dan , Li Yun-Wu , Lv Ying-Bin , Sun Hong-Wei , Chang Ze , Bu Xian-He
Published: February 2015

A 3D porous anionic MOF (1), decorated with -NH2 and N sites, can serve as a host for the encapsulation of lanthanide(iii) cations for emission tuning. Besides, it also shows high adsorption selectivity for CO2 over CH4 and N2 at 273 K.
Air-stable n-channel organic field-effect transistors based on a sulfur rich π-electron acceptor
Authors: Filatre-Furcate Agathe , Higashino Toshiki , Lorcy Dominique , Mori Takehiko
Published: February 2015

The single-crystal transistor of the sulfur rich π-electron acceptor has exhibited air-stable electron mobility as high as 0.22 cm2 V−1 s−1.
Notch ligand delta-like1: X-ray crystal structure and binding affinity
Authors: Kershaw Nadia J. , Church Nicole L. , Griffin Michael D.W. , Luo Cindy S. , Adams Timothy E. , Burgess Antony W.
Published: February 2015

The Notch pathway is a fundamental signalling system in most multicellular animals. We have determined the X-ray crystal structure of the extracellular domain of the Notch ligand delta-like ligand-1 (Dll-1). The structure incorporates the N-terminal C2 domain, receptor-binding DSL domain and the first six (of eight) EGF (epidermal growth factor)-like repeats, which form a highly extended conformation, confirmed by analytical ultracentrifugation. Comparison of our structure with a fragment of Jagged1 ligand allows us to dissect the similarities and differences between the ligand families. Differences in the C2 domains of Dll-1 and Jagged1 suggest their lipid-binding properties are likely to differ. A conserved hydrophobic patch on the surface of both Dll-1 and Jagged1 provides a likely receptor-interaction site that is common to both ligands. We also explore the binding affinity of Dll-1 for a fragment of Notch1 using different techniques. Apparent binding affinities vary when different techniques are used, explaining discrepancies in the literature. Using analytical ultracentrifugation, we perform for the first time binding analyses where both receptor and ligand are in solution, which confirms a Kd of 10 μM for this interaction.
Synthesis of Sulfur-Rich Crown Ethers via Azide–Alkyne Macrocyclization of α,ω-Diazido- and α,ω-Dipropargyl Sulfide Derivatives
Authors: Romański Jarosław , Stefaniak Monika , Jasiński Marcin
Published: February 2015

A series of diazides and dithiols were prepared in a one-pot protocol from commercially available alcohols by a modified Appel reaction. Selected dithiols were converted into α,ω-dipropargyl sulfides and combined with thioglycol-derived diazides under Huisgen–Sharpless–Meldal reaction conditions to give a new class of 1,2,3-triazole-linked sulfur-rich crown ethers.
Coupling capacitance between double quantum dots tunable by the number of electrons in Si quantum dots
Authors: Uchida Takafumi , Arita Masashi , Fujiwara Akira , Takahashi Yasuo
Published: February 2015

Tunability of capacitive coupling in the Si double-quantum-dot system is discussed by changing the number of electrons in quantum dots (QDs), in which the QDs are fabricated using pattern-dependent oxidation (PADOX) of a Si nanowire and multi-fine-gate structure. A single QD formed by PADOX is divided into multiple QDs by additional oxidation through the gap between the fine gates. When the number of electrons occupying the QDs is large, the coupling capacitance increases gradually and almost monotonically with the number of electrons. This phenomenon is attributed to the gradual growth in the effective QD size due to the increase in the number of electrons in the QDs. On the other hand, when the number of electrons changes in the few-electron regime, the coupling capacitance irregularly changes. This irregularity can be observed even up to 40 electrons. This behavior is attributable the rough structure of Si nano-dots made by PADOX. This roughness is thought to induce complicated change in the electron wave function when an electron is added to or subtracted from a QD.
Charge transfer in proton-hydrogen collisions under Debye plasma
Authors: Bhattacharya Arka , Kamali M. Z. M. , Ghoshal Arijit , Ratnavelu K.
Published: February 2015

The effect of plasma environment on the 1s → nlm charge transfer, for arbitrary n, l, and m, in proton-hydrogen collisions has been investigated within the framework of a distorted wave approximation. The effect of external plasma has been incorporated using Debye screening model of the interacting charge particles. Making use of a simple variationally determined hydrogenic wave function, it has been possible to obtain the scattering amplitude in closed form. A detailed study has been made to investigate the effect of external plasma environment on the differential and total cross sections for electron capture into different angular momentum states for the incident energy in the range of 20–1000 keV. For the unscreened case, our results are in close agreement with some of the most accurate results available in the literature.
Effect of Ru thickness on spin pumping in Ru/Py bilayer
Authors: Behera Nilamani , Singh M. Sanjoy , Chaudhary Sujeet , Pandya Dinesh K. , Muduli P. K.
Published: February 2015

We report the effect of Ru thickness (tRu) on ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) line-width of Ru(tRu)/Py(23 nm) bilayer samples grown on Si(100)/SiO2 substrates at room temperature by magnetron sputtering. The FMR line-width is found to vary linearly with frequency for all thicknesses of Ru, indicating intrinsic origin of damping. For Ru thicknesses below 15 nm, Gilbert-damping parameter, α is almost constant. We ascribe this behavior to spin back flow that is operative for Ru thicknesses lower than the spin diffusion length in Ru, λsd. For thicknesses >15 nm (>λsd), the damping constant increases with Ru thickness, indicating spin pumping from Py into Ru.
Effect of dust-charge fluctuations on dust acoustic solitary waves in an inhomogeneous dusty plasma with nonextensive electrons
Authors: El-Labany S. K. , El-Bedwehy N. A. , Selim M. M. , Al-Abbasy O. M.
Published: February 2015

The effects of adiabatic dust grain charge fluctuation and inhomogeneity on the nonlinear properties of dust acoustic (DA) solitary waves are studied. The plasma under consideration is a hot magnetized dusty plasma consisting of negatively charged dust particles, Boltzmann ions, and nonextensive electrons. A modified Zakharov-Kusnetsov equation, which admits a solitary wave solution, is derived using the reductive perturbation theory. It is found that the charge fluctuation of the dust grain modifies the nature of DA solitary structures. The numerical results may be useful to understand phenomena in laboratory and astrophysical plasmas.
Is spin transport through molecules really occurring in organic spin valves? A combined magnetoresistance and inelastic electron tunnelling spectroscopy study
Authors: Galbiati Marta , Tatay Sergio , Delprat Sophie , Khanh Hung Le , Servet Bernard , Deranlot Cyrile , Collin Sophie , Seneor Pierre , Mattana Richard , Petroff Frédéric
Published: February 2015

Molecular and organic spintronics is an emerging research field which combines the versatility of chemistry with the non-volatility of spintronics. Organic materials have already proved their potential as tunnel barriers (TBs) or spacers in spintronics devices showing sizable spin valve like magnetoresistance effects. In the last years, a large effort has been focused on the optimization of these organic spintronics devices. Insertion of a thin inorganic tunnel barrier (Al2O3 or MgO) at the bottom ferromagnetic metal (FM)/organic interface seems to improve the spin transport efficiency. However, during the top FM electrode deposition, metal atoms are prone to diffuse through the organic layer and potentially short-circuit it. This may lead to the formation of a working but undesired FM/TB/FM magnetic tunnel junction where the organic plays no role. Indeed, establishing a protocol to demonstrate the effective spin dependent transport through the organic layer remains a key issue. Here, we focus on Co/Al2O3/Alq3/Co junctions and show that combining magnetoresistance and inelastic electron tunnelling spectroscopy measurements one can sort out working “organic” and short-circuited junctions fabricated on the same wafer.
Common features of particle beams and x-rays generated in a low energy dense plasma focus device
Authors: Behbahani R. A. , Xiao C.
Published: February 2015

Features of energetic charged particle beams and x-ray emission in a low energy (1–2 kJ) plasma focus (DPF) device are described and the possible mechanism are explained based on circuit analyses and energy balance in the DPF system. In particular, the resistance and the voltage across the plasma column are estimated to explain the mechanisms of the generation of particle beams and hard x-ray. The analysis shows that the total inductance of a DPF might have played a role for enhancement of the particle beams and x-ray emissions during the phase of anomalous resistance.
Origin of resistivity anomaly in p-type leads chalcogenide multiphase compounds
Authors: Aminorroaya Yamini Sima , Mitchell David R. G. , Wang Heng , Gibbs Zachary M. , Pei Yanzhong , Dou Shi Xue , Snyder G. Jeffrey
Published: February 2015

The electrical resistivity curves for binary phase compounds of p-type lead chalcogenide (PbTe)(0.9−x)(PbSe)0.1(PbS)x, (x = 0.15, 0.2, 0.25), which contain PbS-rich secondary phases, show different behaviour on heating and cooling between 500-700 K. This is contrast to single phase compounds which exhibit similar behaviour on heating and cooling. We correlate these anomalies in the electrical resistivities of multiphase compounds to the variation in phase composition at high temperatures. The inhomogeneous distribution of dopants between the matrix and secondary phase is found to be crucial in the electronic transport properties of the multiphase compounds. These results can lead to further advances in designing composite Pb-chalcogenides with high thermoelectric performance.
Near-field radiation between graphene-covered carbon nanotube arrays
Authors: Zhang Richard Z. , Liu Xianglei , Zhang Zhuomin M.
Published: February 2015

It has been shown that at small separation distances, thermal radiation between hyperbolic metamaterials is enhanced over blackbodies. This theoretical study considers near-field radiation when graphene is covered on the surfaces of two semi-infinite vertically aligned carbon nanotube (VACNT) arrays separated by a sub-micron vacuum gap. Doped graphene is found to improve photon tunneling in a broad hyperbolic frequency range, due to the interaction with graphene-graphene surface plasmon polaritons (SPP). In order to elucidate the SPP resonance between graphene on hyperbolic substrates, vacuum-suspended graphene sheets separated by similar gap distances are compared. Increasing the Fermi energy through doping shifts the spectral heat flux peak toward higher frequencies. Although the presence of graphene on VACNT does not offer huge near-field heat flux enhancement over uncovered VACNT, this study identifies conditions (i.e., gap distance and doping level) that best utilize graphene to augment near-field radiation. Through the investigation of spatial Poynting vectors, heavily doped graphene is found to increase penetration depths in hyperbolic modes and the result is sensitive to the frequency regime. This study may have an impact on designing carbon-based vacuum thermophotovoltaics and thermal switches.
Converting the patterns of local heat flux via thermal illusion device
Authors: Zhu N. Q. , Shen X. Y. , Huang J. P.
Published: February 2015

Since the thermal conduction equation has form invariance under coordinate transformation, one can design thermal metamaterials with novel functions by tailoring materials’ thermal conductivities. In this work, we establish a different transformation theory, and propose a layered device with anisotropic thermal conductivities. The device is able to convert heat flux from parallel patterns into non-parallel patterns and vice versa. In the mean time, the heat flux pattern outside the device keeps undisturbed as if this device is absent. We perform finite-element simulations to confirm the converting behavior. This work paves a different way to manipulate the flow of heat at will.
Multiple refraction switches realized by stretching elastomeric scatterers in sonic crystals
Authors: Huang Y. , Chen W. Q. , Wang Y. S. , Yang W.
Published: February 2015

The effect of out-of-plane pre-stretch on the 2D sonic crystal with stretchable elastomeric scatterers is explored. The hyperelastic scatterers are characterized by a compressible neo-Hookean model. The Dirichlet-to-Neumann (DtN) map is adopted to obtain the band structure and equi-frequency contours. We focus on the first passband and find that a variety of switching functionalities for refraction behaviors can be realized in selected frequencies under a specific pre-stretch range. These refraction switches enable an active control of wave propagation and are applicable in advanced technologies where switchable and multifunctional sonic crystals are required.
Fabrication of superconducting nanowires from ultrathin MgB2 films via focused ion beam milling
Authors: Zhang Chen , Wang Da , Liu Zheng-Hao , Zhang Yan , Ma Ping , Feng Qing-Rong , Wang Yue , Gan Zi-Zhao
Published: February 2015

High quality superconducting nanowires were fabricated from ultrathin MgB2 films by a focused ion beam milling technique. The precursor MgB2 films in 10 nm thick were grown on MgO substrates by using a hybrid physical-chemical vapor deposition method. The nanowires, in widths of about 300-600 nm and lengths of 1 or 10 μm, showed high superconducting critical temperatures (Tc’s) above 34 K and narrow superconducting transition widths (ΔTc’s) of 1-3 K. The superconducting critical current density Jc of the nanowires was above 5 × 107 A/cm2 at 20 K. The high Tc, narrow ΔTc, and high Jc of the nanowires offered the possibility of making MgB2-based nano-devices such as hot-electron bolometers and superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors with high operating temperatures at 15-20 K.