bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis, Characterization, and Chemical Vapor Transport of Solid Solutions in the MgMoO4‐NiMoO4 System
Authors: Steiner Udo , Drieschner Tobias , Feller Jörg
Published: July 2013

Two solid solution series exist in the system MgMoO4‐NiMoO4. The α‐Ni1–yMgyMoO4 solution series, isostructural to α‐NiMoO4, is thermodynamically stable at ambient conditions for compositions between 0 % and about 75 % magnesium content. The solution series β‐Mg1–xNixMoO4, isostructural to MgMoO4 and the high temperature β modification of NiMoO4, is thermodynamically stable at ambient conditions for compositions with < 25 % nickel content. A complete solid solution series β‐Mg1–xNixMoO4 exists at higher temperatures (> 823 K). The transition temperature for the α → β transition decreases with increasing magnesium content. The coexistence of both polymorphs at room temperature in samples with a wide range of composition is a result of the kinetic inhibition of the phase transition β → α. The chemical vapor transport of β‐Mg1–xNixMoO4 solid solutions with chlorine was investigated. Crystals with a nickel content up to 25 % were synthesized in temperature gradients 1273 K → 1223 K or 1273 K → 1173 K. Deposited nickel richer crystals are destroyed during cooling down to room temperature due to the phase transition. The observed distinctive nickel enrichment during the transport process is in good agreement with predictions by thermodynamic modeling.
Infinite Linear Zinc Chains in AAu4Zn2 (A = Ca, Ce, Pr, Nd) with YbAl4Mo2 Type Structure
Authors: Gerke Birgit , Niehaus Oliver , Hoffmann Rolf‐Dieter , Pöttgen Rainer
Published: July 2013

The intermetallic zinc compounds AAu4Zn2 (A = Ca, Ce, Pr, Nd) were obtained by induction melting of the elements in sealed tantalum tubes. The samples were studied by X‐ray diffraction on powders. The structures of the calcium and the cerium compound were refined from single crystal diffraction data: YbAl4Mo2 type, I4/mmm, a = 692.8(1), c = 527.6(1) pm, wR2 = 0.0304, 244 F2 values and 11 variables for CaAu4.08Zn1.92 and a = 699.6(1), c = 531.2(1) pm, wR2 = 0.1152, 186 F2 values and 10 variables for CeAu4Zn2. The 4d site of the calcium compound shows small mixed Zn/Au occupancy. The AAu4Zn2 structures consist of three‐dimensional gold networks (272–286 pm Au–Au in CeAu4Zn2), which are penetrated by linear infinite zinc chains (266 pm Zn–Zn in CeAu4Zn2) that extend along the c axis. The calcium or rare earth atoms fill Au12 cavities within the networks. Temperature dependent magnetic susceptibility measurements reveal Pauli paramagnetism for CaAu4Zn2 and Curie‐Weiss paramagnetism for the cerium, praseodymium, and neodymium compound, respectively. No magnetic ordering was evident down to 2.5 K. The static intermediate‐valent compound Ce2RuZn4 crystallizes with a superstructure of CeAu4Zn2 (klassengleiche subgroup P4/nmm) with a different but fully ordered substitution on the transition metal sites. This structural relationship is discussed on the basis of a group‐subgroup scheme.
Klinik und Genetik der spastischen Spinalparalysen
Authors: Schöls L. , Schlipf N. , Söhn A. S. , Bauer P.
Published: July 2013

Auch wenn die Liste der Paraplegiegenorte schon vor der Ära des Next-Generation-Sequencing (NGS) umfangreich war, ist die Zahl der unlängst entdeckten neuen Paraplegiegene kaum noch zu übersehen. Derzeit sind 52  Genorte für die hereditären spastischen Spinalparalysen (HSP) vergeben und dabei 35 HSP-Gene identifiziert worden. Aufgrund der großen phänotypischen Überschneidung zwischen vielen HSP-Formen ist eine klinisch geführte Diagnostik oft nicht zielführend. Mit Abstand die häufigste Form der HSP ist die spastische Paraplegie 4 (SPG4) mit SPAST-Mutationen, die sowohl bei dominanten als auch bei scheinbar sporadischen HSP-Formen nachgewiesen werden. Hier reicht eine Gensequenzierung zur Diagnostik nicht aus, da in 10–20 % der SPG4-Fälle eine Deletion ganzer Exons vorliegt. Eine Bestimmung seltenerer HSP-Formen gelingt am effizientesten durch NGS-basierte Paneldiagnostik oder „whole exome sequencing“ (WES).
Genetik des essenziellen Tremors
Authors: Kuhlenbäumer G.
Published: July 2013

Der essenzielle Tremor (ET) ist mit einer Lebenszeitprävalenz von ungefähr 1 % eine der häufigsten Bewegungsstörungen. ET-Patienten leiden v. a. unter einem Halte- und Aktionstremor der Arme, der die Feinmotorik stark behindern kann. Die Frage, ob bei einem Teil der ET-Patienten weitere Symptome, wie z. B. leichte kognitive Defizite und eine Depression zum Krankheitsbild gehören, wird kontrovers diskutiert. Mehr als 50 % aller ET-Patienten haben eine positive Familienanamnese. In vielen Familien ist die Segregation der Krankheit mit einem autosomal-dominanten Erbgang vereinbar. Kürzlich konnten Mutationen im Fused-in-sarcoma(FUS)-Gen als eine mögliche Ursache des monogenen ET identifiziert werden. In den meisten Fällen ist der ET genetisch komplex. Zwillingsstudien deuten auf eine sehr hohe Erblichkeit des ET hin. In 2 relativ kleinen genomweiten Assoziationsstudien (GWAS) wurden Risikovarianten im Leucine-rich-repeat-and-immunoglobulin-domain-containing-1(LINGO1)-Gen identifiziert, welches eine Rolle bei der Neuroregeneration spielt. Risikovarianten wurden auch im Solute-carrier-family-1-member-2(SLC1A2)-Gen, welches für den wichtigsten Glutamat-reuptake-Transporter im Gehirn kodiert, gefunden.
Patients with 47, XXX karyotype who experienced premature ovarian failure (POF): two case reports
Authors: Sugawara Nobuo , Maeda Machiko , Manome Tomomi , Nagai Rie , Araki Yasuhisa
Published: July 2013

Purpose

Pubertal onset and sexual development are usually normal in 47, XXX individuals; however, we report two cases of premature ovarian failure (POF) in infertile women with trisomy X.

Methods

Chromosome analysis was conducted with G‐banding and fluorescence in situ hybridization using X‐ and Y‐bearing probe. Hormonal administration was primarily Kaufmann's treatment or long‐term estradiol treatment, followed by withdrawal bleeding from estrogen and progesterone.

Results

Two patients with trisomy X, aged 31 (patient 1) and 27 years (patient 2), were diagnosed with POF due to hypergonadotropic hypogonadism. Their ovaries were small. Patient 1 had a FSH level of 44.6 mIU/ml and patient 2 had a FSH level of 74.6 mIU/ml. In patient 1, with Kaufmann's treatment, the FSH decreased to 13.5 mIU/ml; however, follicle growth did not occur following HMG stimulation. In patient 2, FSH did not decrease despite Kaufmann's treatment; therefore, she was given a GnRH agonist and her FSH level decreased to 7.1 mIU/ml. However, her ovaries never responded to HMG stimulation.

Conclusion

We report on two patients with a 47, XXX karyotype who became infertile due to POF. We recommend that when a patient is diagnosed with trisomy X, the possibility of POF must be strongly considered.
Ist die „Autoabhängigkeit“ von Bewohnern städtischer und ländlicher Siedlungsgebiete messbar?
Authors: Siedentop Stefan , Roos Sebastian , Fina Stefan
Published: July 2013

There is much agreement among spatial and transport planners that urban and rural areas have increasingly become dependent on motorized transport over time, and have therefore also become more energy intensive. This paper understands “automobile dependence” as a form of structural dependence on the availability of the private motor car which results from a lack of alternative mobility options. It introduces a methodological approach for a location sensitive assessment of settlement structures with regards to their degree of automobile dependence. The methodology is based on an indicator concept that analyses the availability and quality of public transport and the accessibility of critical facilities with non-motorized transport options. The study approach is implemented in the Stuttgart region and allows for an absolute or relative assessment of car dependency in various spatial units. The results provide evidence for the existence of urban areas with a significant structural automobile dependence in Stuttgart, even in a region where public transport is generally highly developed.
132,173‐Cyclopheophorbide b enol as a catabolite of chlorophyll b in phycophagy by protists
Authors: Kashiyama Yuichiro , Yokoyama Akiko , Shiratori Takashi , Inouye Isao , Kinoshita Yusuke , Mizoguchi Tadashi , Tamiaki Hitoshi
Published: July 2013

Both 132,173‐cyclopheophorbide a and b enols were produced along with ingestion of green microalgae containing chlorophylls a and b by a centrohelid protist (phycophagy). The results suggest that chlorophyll b as well as chlorophyll a were directly degraded to colored yet non‐phototoxic catabolites in the protistan phycophagic process. Such a simple process by the predators makes a contrast to the much sophisticated chlorophyll degradation process of land plants and some algae, where phototoxicity of chlorophylls was cancelled through the multiple enzymatic steps resulting in colorless and non‐phototoxic catabolites.
NO/cGMP/PKG signaling pathway induces magnesium release mediated by mitoKATP channel opening in rat hippocampal neurons
Authors: Yamanaka Ryu , Shindo Yutaka , Hotta Kohji , Suzuki Koji , Oka Kotaro
Published: July 2013

Intracellular Mg2+ concentration (

) and NO regulate cell survival and death. To reveal the involvement of NO in intracellular Mg2+ regulation, we visualized intracellular Mg2+ using the fluorescent Mg2+ indicator KMG‐104‐AM in rat hippocampal neurons. Pharmacological experiments using SNAP, 8‐Br‐cGMP, diazoxide and several inhibitors revealed that the NO/cGMP/Protein kinsase G (PKG) signaling pathway triggers an increase in

and that Mg2+ mobilization is due to Mg2+ release from mitochondria induced by mitoKATP channel opening. In addition, Mg2+ release is potentiated by the positive feedback loop including mitoKATP channel opening, mitochondrial depolarization and PKC activation.
Activating types 1 and 2 angiotensin II receptors modulate the hypertrophic differentiation of chondrocytes
Authors: Tsukamoto Ichiro , Inoue Shinji , Teramura Takeshi , Takehara Toshiyuki , Ohtani Kazuhiro , Akagi Masao
Published: July 2013

A local tissue‐specific renin–angiotensin system (local RAS) has been identified in many organs. However, no report has described the role of a local RAS in the hypertrophic differentiation of chondrocytes. To examine the role of a local RAS in the hypertrophic differentiation, we activated angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) and angiotensin II type 2 receptor (AT2R) separately in the cell line ATDC5, which involves differentiation from mesenchymal stem cells to hypertrophic chondrocytes. Activation of AT1R suppressed and activation of AT2R enhanced the expression of markers of hypertrophic differentiation, including type X collagen, matrix metalloproteinase 13 and runt‐related transcription factor 2.
Rethinking Religious Reasons in Public Justification
Authors: MARCH ANDREW F.
Published: July 2013

This article intervenes in the debate on the place of religious arguments in public reason. I advance the debate not by asking whether something called “religious reasons” ought to be invoked in the justification of coercive laws, but by creating a typology of (a) different kinds and forms of religious arguments and, more importantly, (b) different areas of political and social life which coercive laws regulate or about which human political communities deliberate. Religious arguments are of many different kinds, are offered to others in a variety of ways, and the spheres of life about which communities deliberate pose distinct moral questions. Turning back to the public reason debate, I argue then that political liberals ought to be concerned primarily about the invocation of a certain subset of religious reasons in a certain subset of areas of human activity, but also that inclusivist arguments on behalf of religious contributions to public deliberation fail to justify the use of religious arguments in all areas of public deliberation.
The informational and signaling impacts of labels: experimental evidence from India on GM foods
Authors: Bansal Sangeeta , Chakravarty Sujoy , Ramaswami Bharat
Published: July 2013

Much of the debate between the European and US positions about the labeling of genetically modified (GM) foods has been whether consumers perceive labels as a source of information or as a signal to change behavior. In this paper we provide an experimental framework for examining these roles of information and signaling. While previous studies have focused on the impact of labels on consumer behavior, our interest is also in what happens prior to the expression of aversion to GM-labeled foods. In particular, the experiment design allows the researcher to estimate a lower bound of the informational impact of labels on GM food aversion. The other novel feature of this paper is that, unlike earlier studies, it uses subjects from a developing country.
The association of ankle brachial index with left ventricular hypertrophy and left ventricular mass index: the Dong-gu study
Authors: Choi Seong-Woo , Kim Hye-Yeon , Ahn Hye-Ran , Lee Young-Hoon , Kweon Sun-Seog , Choi Jin-Su , Rhee Jung-Ae , Nam Hae-Sung , Jeong Seul-Ki , Park Kyeong-Soo , Ryu So-Yeon , Shin Min-Ho
Published: July 2013

Background: To investigate the association between ankle-brachial index (ABI), left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and left ventricular mass index (LVMI) in a general population. Patients and methods: The study population consisted of 8,246 people aged 50 years and older who participated in the baseline survey of the Dong-gu Study conducted in Korea between 2007 and 2010. Trained research technicians measured LV mass using mode M ultrasound echocardiography and ABI using an oscillometric method. Results: After adjustment for risk factors and common carotid artery intima-media thickness (CCA-IMT) and the number of plaques, higher ABIs (1.10 1.19, 1.20 - 1.29, and ≥ 1.30) were significantly and linearly associated with high LVMI (1.10 - 1.19 ABI: β, 3.33; 95 % CI, 1.72 - 4.93; 1.20 - 1.29 ABI: β, 6.51; 95 % CI, 4.02 - 9.00; ≥ 1.30 ABI: β, 14.83; 95 % CI, 6.18 - 23.48). An ABI of 1.10 - 1.19 and 1.20 - 1.29 ABI was significantly associated with LVH (1.10 - 1.19 ABI: OR, 1.35; 95 % CI, 1.19 - 1.53; 1.20 - 1.29 ABI: OR, 1.59; 95 % CI, 1.31 - 1.92) and ABI ≥ 1.30 was marginally associated with LVH (OR, 1.73; 95 % CI, 0.93 - 3.22, p = 0.078). Conclusions: After adjustment for other cardiovascular variables and CCA-IMT and the number of plaques, higher ABIs are associated with LVH and LVMI in Koreans aged 50 years and older.
Early and late outcomes of hybrid endovascular and open repair procedures in patients with peripheral arterial disease
Authors: Balaz Peter , Rokosny Slavomir , Wohlfahrt Peter , Adamec Milos , Janousek Libor , Björck Martin
Published: July 2013

Background: Hybrid endovascular and open reconstructions are used increasingly often for multilevel revascularization for lower limb ischaemia. The aim was to evaluate outcomes after such procedures in a single-center non-randomized retrospective study. Patients and methods: Consecutive patients with multilevel arterial disease who underwent single session hybrid procedures were analyzed depending on the type of ischaemia and the type of revascularization. Results: 164 patients were included with a median follow up time of 14 months (range: 0 - 70). Indication was claudication (group 1, 47 %), critical limb ischaemia (group 2, 33 %) and acute limb ischaemia (group 3, 20 %). Technical success rate was 99.3 %, perioperative mortality 2 %. Primary, assisted-primary and secondary patency rates at one year were 60 %, 61 % and 64 %, respectively. Primary, primary assisted and secondary patency were lower in group 2 and 3 compared to group 1 (all p < 0.05). Results were better when endovascular repairs were performed above compared to below the open repair site (all p < 0.05). Limb salvage at 1 year in groups 1 - 3 were 98 %, 92 % and 90 %, respectively. The risk of major amputation was highest in group 3 compared to group 1 (p = 0.001) or group 2 (p < 0.04). Conclusions: The results depend on the type of ischaemia and the localization of endovascular procedures.
Zwangsstörungen – wenn wiederholte Gedanken, Impulse und Handlungen Ausdruck einer Erkrankung sind
Authors: Weidt Steffi , Rufer Michael , Brühl Annette , Baumann-Vogel Heide , Delsignore Aba
Published: July 2013

Zwangsstörungen sind psychische Erkrankungen, welche die Lebensqualität deutlich beeinträchtigen. In der Hausarztpraxis aber auch bei Spezialisten berichten Patienten mit einer Zwangsstörung oft über ungewöhnliche, sich aufdrängende Gedanken und sich wiederholende Handlungen. Diese Handlungen und Gedanken werden als unsinnig erkannt, treten jedoch trotzdem immer wieder auf. Ohne Behandlung verläuft die Zwangserkrankung häufig chronisch. Wichtige Grundlagenkenntnisse können helfen, Patienten in der Praxis frühzeitiger zu erkennen und geeignete Therapien einzuleiten. Unter einer evidenzbasierten Behandlung mit kognitiver Verhaltenstherapie, die mit einer Psychopharmakotherapie kombiniert werden kann, ist eine deutliche Reduktion oder sogar vollständige Remission der Symptomatik möglich. Obwohl eine solche Behandlung von Fachpersonen ausgeführt werden sollte, können erste therapeutische Massnahmen auch in der Hausarztpraxis zum Einsatz kommen.
Targeting cancer stem cells expressing an embryonic signature with anti-proteases to decrease their tumor potential
Authors: Darini C Y , Martin P , Azoulay S , Drici M-D , Hofman P , Obba S , Dani C , Ladoux A
Published: July 2013

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a specific subset of cancer cells that sustain tumor growth and dissemination. They might represent a significant treatment target to reduce malignant progression and prevent tumor recurrence. In solid tumors, several hierarchically organized CSC clones coexist, even within a single tumor. Among them, CSCs displaying an embryonic stem cell ‘stemness’ signature, based on the expression of Oct-4, Nanog and Sox2, are present in distinct high-grade tumor types associated with poor prognosis. We previously designed a model to isolate pure populations of these CSCs from distinct solid tumors and used it to screen for molecules showing selective toxicity for this type of CSC. Here we show that human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-protease inhibitors (HIV-PIs) specifically target CSCs expressing an embryonic signature derived from tumors with distinct origins. They reduced proliferation in a dose-dependent manner with a higher specificity as compared with the total population of cancer cells and/or healthy stem cells, and they were efficient in inducing cell death. Lopinavir was the most effective HIV-PI among those tested. It reduced self-renewal and induced apoptosis of CSCs, subsequently impairing in vivo CSC-induced allograft formation. Two key pharmacophores in the LPV structure were also identified. They are responsible for the specificity of CSC targeting and also for the overall antitumoral activity. These results contribute to the identification of molecules presenting selective toxicity for CSCs expressing an embryonic stemness signature. This paves the way to promising therapeutic opportunities for patients suffering from solid cancer tumors of poor prognosis.
Responses of soil bacterial and fungal communities to extreme desiccation and rewetting
Authors: Barnard Romain L , Osborne Catherine A , Firestone Mary K
Published: July 2013

The microbial response to summer desiccation reflects adaptation strategies, setting the stage for a large rainfall-induced soil CO2 pulse upon rewetting, an important component of the ecosystem carbon budget. In three California annual grasslands, the present (DNA-based) and potentially active (RNA-based) soil bacterial and fungal communities were tracked over a summer season and in response to controlled rewetting of intact soil cores. Phylogenetic marker genes for bacterial (16S) and fungal (28S) RNA and DNA were sequenced, and the abundances of these genes and transcripts were measured. Although bacterial community composition differed among sites, all sites shared a similar response pattern of the present and potentially active bacterial community to dry-down and wet-up. In contrast, the fungal community was not detectably different among sites, and was largely unaffected by dry-down, showing marked resistance to dessication. The potentially active bacterial community changed significantly as summer dry-down progressed, then returned to pre-dry-down composition within several hours of rewetting, displaying spectacular resilience. Upon rewetting, transcript copies of bacterial rpoB genes increased consistently, reflecting rapid activity resumption. Acidobacteria and Actinobacteria were the most abundant phyla present and potentially active, and showed the largest changes in relative abundance. The relative increase (Actinobacteria) and decrease (Acidobacteria) with dry-down, and the reverse responses to rewetting reflected a differential response, which was conserved at the phylum level and consistent across sites. These contrasting desiccation-related bacterial life-strategies suggest that predicted changes in precipitation patterns may affect soil nutrient and carbon cycling by differentially impacting activity patterns of microbial communities.
You are what you talk: quorum sensing induces individual morphologies and cell division modes in Dinoroseobacter shibae
Authors: Patzelt Diana , Wang Hui , Buchholz Ina , Rohde Manfred , Gröbe Lothar , Pradella Silke , Neumann Alexander , Schulz Stefan , Heyber Steffi , Münch Karin , Münch Richard , Jahn Dieter , Wagner-Döbler Irene , Tomasch Jürgen
Published: July 2013

Dinoroseobacter shibae, a member of the Roseobacter clade abundant in marine environments, is characterized by a pronounced pleomorphism. Cell shapes range from variable-sized ovoid rods to long filaments with a high copy number of chromosomes. Time-lapse microscopy shows cells dividing either by binary fission or by budding from the cell poles. Here we demonstrate that this morphological heterogeneity is induced by quorum sensing (QS). D. shibae utilizes three acylated homoserine lactone (AHL) synthases (luxI1–3) to produce AHLs with unsaturated C18 side chains. A ΔluxI1-knockout strain completely lacking AHL biosynthesis was uniform in morphology and divided by binary fission only. Transcriptome analysis revealed that expression of genes responsible for control of cell division was reduced in this strain, providing the link between QS and the observed phenotype. In addition, flagellar biosynthesis and type IV secretion system (T4SS) were downregulated. The wild-type phenotype and gene expression could be restored through addition of synthetic C18-AHLs. Their effectiveness was dependent on the number of double bonds in the acyl side chain and the regulated trait. The wild-type expression level of T4SS genes was fully restored even by an AHL with a saturated C18 side chain that has not been detected in D. shibae. QS induces phenotypic individualization of D. shibae cells rather than coordinating the population. This strategy might be beneficial in unpredictably changing environments, for example, during algal blooms when resource competition and grazing exert fluctuating selective pressures. A specific response towards non-native AHLs might provide D. shibae with the capacity for complex interspecies communication.
Negative regulation of bacterial quorum sensing tunes public goods cooperation
Authors: Gupta Rashmi , Schuster Martin
Published: July 2013

Bacterial quorum sensing (QS) often coordinates the expression of other, generally more costly public goods involved in virulence and nutrient acquisition. In many Proteobacteria, the basic QS circuitry consists of a synthase that produces a diffusible acyl-homoserine lactone and a cognate receptor that activates public goods expression. In some species, the circuitry also contains negative regulators that have the potential to modulate the timing and magnitude of activation. In this study, we experimentally investigated the contribution of this regulatory function to the evolutionary stability of public goods cooperation in the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. We compared fitness and public goods expression rates of strains lacking either qteE or qscR, each encoding a distinct negative regulator, with those of the wild-type parent and a signal-blind receptor mutant under defined growth conditions. We found that (1) qteE and qscR mutations behave virtually identically and have a stronger effect on the magnitude than on the timing of expression, (2) high expression in qteE and qscR mutants imposes a metabolic burden under nutrient conditions that advance induction and (3) high expression in qteE and qscR mutants increases population growth when QS is required, but also permits invasion by both wild-type and receptor mutant strains. Our data indicate that negative regulation of QS balances the costs and benefits of public goods by attenuating expression after transition to the induced state. As the cells cannot accurately assess the amount of cooperation needed, such bet-hedging would be advantageous in changing parasitic and nonparasitic environments.
Oxypnictide SmFeAs(O,F) superconductor: a candidate for high–field magnet applications
Authors: Iida Kazumasa , Hänisch Jens , Tarantini Chiara , Kurth Fritz , Jaroszynski Jan , Ueda Shinya , Naito Michio , Ichinose Ataru , Tsukada Ichiro , Reich Elke , Grinenko Vadim , Schultz Ludwig , Holzapfel Bernhard
Published: July 2013

The recently discovered oxypnictide superconductor SmFeAs(O,F) is the most attractive material among the Fe-based superconductors due to its highest transition temperature of 56 K and potential for high-field performance. In order to exploit this new material for superconducting applications, the knowledge and understanding of its electro-magnetic properties are needed. Recent success in fabricating epitaxial SmFeAs(O,F) thin films opens a great opportunity to explore their transport properties. Here we report on a high critical current density of over 105 A/cm2 at 45 T and 4.2 K for both main field orientations, feature favourable for high-field magnet applications. Additionally, by investigating the pinning properties, we observed a dimensional crossover between the superconducting coherence length and the FeAs interlayer distance at 30–40 K, indicative of a possible intrinsic Josephson junction in SmFeAs(O,F) at low temperatures that can be employed in electronics applications such as a terahertz radiation source and a superconducting Qubit.
No exacerbation but impaired anti-viral mechanisms in a rhinovirus-chronic allergic asthma mouse model
Authors: Rochlitzer Sabine , Hoymann Heinz-Gerd , Müller Meike , Braun Armin
Published: July 2013

Severe asthma and viral-induced asthma exacerbations represent a high unmet medical need as no therapy is currently available for these patients. HRV (human rhinovirus) is prominently associated with asthma exacerbations in humans. The aim of the present study was to establish a mouse model of severe asthma with additional rhinovirus infection to investigate the interplay between chronic allergic airway inflammation and acute respiratory viral infection. Balb/c mice were sensitized with HDM (house dust mite) extract (25 μg in 50 μl of saline) by i.n. (intranasal) delivery to the lung over 7 weeks. HRV1B (HRV serotype 1B) inoculation was performed i.n. on the last 3 days. Therapeutic treatment with FP (fluticasone propionate) was performed to assess steroid efficacy. Lung resistance was measured invasively to assess AHR (airway hyper-responsiveness). BAL (bronchoalveolar lavage) differential cell count, cytokines, lung histology and the proliferative and cytokine response of MLN (mediastinal lymph node) cells upon in vitro restimulation were analysed. Chronic HDM application induced a strong Th2-skewed eosinophilic airway inflammation and AHR, which was not exacerbated by superimposed HRV1B infection. Therapeutic steroid intervention in the chronic HDM model reduced BAL eosinophil cell counts, cytokine levels and AHR, while neutrophil numbers were unaffected. Steroid efficacy against inflammatory readouts was maintained during additional HRV1B infection. Animals with chronic allergic airway inflammation exhibited a diminished immune response towards superimposed HRV1B infection compared with HRV1B alone, as induction of the anti-viral and pro-inflammatory cytokines IFN (interferon)-α, IFN-γ and IL (interleukin)-12 were suppressed. Although superimposed HRV1B infection did not provoke asthma exacerbation in this severe model, a deficient anti-viral immune response to HRV1B was present under chronic allergic airway inflammatory conditions. Thus, this model is able to reflect some aspects of the complex interplay of respiratory virus infection in chronic allergic asthma.
Adaptive earth movers distance‐based Bayesian multi‐target tracking
Authors: Kumar Pankaj , Dick Anthony
Published: July 2013

This study describes a complete system for multiple‐target tracking in image sequences. The target appearance is represented as a set of weighted clusters in colour space. This is in contrast to the more typical use of colour histograms to model target appearance. The use of clusters allows a more flexible and accurate representation of the target, which demonstrates the benefits for tracking. However, it also introduces a number of computational difficulties, as calculating and matching cluster signatures are both computationally intensive tasks. To overcome this, the authors introduce a new formulation of incremental medoid‐shift clustering that operates faster than mean shift in multi‐target tracking scenarios. This matching scheme is integrated into a Bayesian tracking framework. Particle filters, a special case of Bayesian filters where the state variables are non‐linear and non‐Gaussian, are used in this study. An adaptive model update procedure is proposed for the cluster signature representation to handle target changes with time. The model update procedure is demonstrated to work successfully on a synthetic dataset and then on real datasets. Successful tracking results are shown on public datasets. Both qualitative and quantitative evaluations have been carried out to demonstrate the improved performance of the proposed multi‐target tracking system. A higher tracking accuracy in long image sequences has been achieved compared to other standard tracking methods.
Novel affine‐invariant curve descriptor for curve matching and occluded object recognition
Authors: Fu Huijing , Tian Zheng , Ran Maohua , Fan Ming
Published: July 2013

The authors present a new approach for affine distorted planar curve matching and exploit it for occluded object recognition. There are two main contributions in the study: First, a novel affine‐invariant curve descriptor (AICD) based on a new‐defined affine‐invariant signature and its unsigned sum is proposed to represent the local shape of a curve with high distinctiveness. Second, a part‐to‐part curve matching algorithm is developed by combining AICD with a curve segmentation strategy based on inflexion points, which can be applied to object recognition under affine distortions and partial occlusions. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method exhibits effectiveness in occluded object recognition better than the state‐of‐the‐art partial curve matching methods.
Removal of dynamic weather conditions based on variable time window
Authors: Zhao Xudong , Liu Peng , Liu Jiafeng , Tang Xianglong
Published: July 2013

Dynamic weather conditions, which mainly include rain and snow, make prevailing algorithms for many applications of outdoor video analysis and computer vision lapse. To remove dynamic weather conditions, the authors propose a pixel‐wise framework combining a detection method with a removal approach. Dynamic weather conditions are detected by a strategy‐driven state transition, which integrates static initialisation using K‐means clustering with dynamic maintenance of Gaussian mixture model. Moreover, a variable time window is presented for removal of rain and snow. Each component of the framework is addressed using detailed descriptions of corresponding algorithms. Experiments demonstrate the effectiveness of the method on detection and removal of dynamic weather conditions.
Coordinated under frequency load and capacitor shedding for bulk power systems
Authors: Samet Haidar , Rashidi Mehran
Published: July 2013

Under frequency load shedding (UFLS) scheme has been widely implemented as a safety net to prevent system collapse following major disturbances which results in large mismatch between load and generation. However, voltage related issues post activation of UFLS stages are also vital concerns in preserving system stability and should be properly analysed. Fixed and switched shunt capacitors that are in service during normal operation for maintaining system voltage and dynamic MVAR reserve can generate surplus reactive power post operation of UFLS relays which may result in over voltage issues, generator under excitation and some undesirable conditions such as transformer saturation, ferro‐resonance etc. This study addresses the need for coordinated under frequency load and capacitor shedding and its implementation approach to effectively preserve system stability following small and large disturbances. To confirm the feasibility of the approach, the proposed method has been used to design coordinated UFLS and under frequency capacitor shedding (UFCS) schemes for a real and actual power network. In addition, the proposed coordinated UFLS and UFCS scheme has been combined with automatic switching of shunt reactors to optimise the performance of the scheme.
Estimation of the overload‐related outages in distribution networks considering the random nature of the electrical loads
Authors: Gilvanejad Mojtaba , Askarian Abyaneh Hossein , Mazlumi Kazem
Published: July 2013

The overload phenomenon in distribution networks is a prevalent event, which usually causes the unwanted outages happen in distribution networks. The malfunction of the protection system as a result of high load currents during the overload situations yields network outages which are often unpredictable. The reliability indices in distribution systems are currently calculated neglecting the effect of overload condition. Having a correct estimation of the number of the overload‐related outages in distribution networks enables the network planners and operators to better choice a proper solutions to avoid or decrease the side‐effects of this event. In this study, in order to estimate the outage rates in distribution networks because of the overload phenomenon, a stochastic model for the electrical loads is presented. The normal cumulative distribution function is used to model the magnitude of the load demand at any time of the day. Monte Carlo approach is applied for random selection of the load magnitude. Load model results are compared with real measured data and the validity of the results is investigated. Electrical loads of the IEEE 34‐bus system are modified by incorporating the real load variation curves to provide more realistic results. The results are presented and analysed in detail.
Partial discharge identification system for high‐voltage power transformers using fractal feature‐based extension method
Authors: Chen Hung‐Cheng
Published: July 2013

Partial discharge (PD) pattern identification is an important tool in high‐voltage (HV) insulation diagnosis of power systems. Based on an extension method, a PD identification system for HV power transformers is proposed in this paper. A PD detector is used to measure the raw three‐dimensional (3D) PD patterns of epoxy resin power transformers using an L sensor, according to which two fractal features (the fractal dimension and the lacunarity) and the mean discharge are extracted as critical PD features that form the cluster domains of defect types. The matter–element models of the PD defect types are then built according to the PD features derived from practical experimental results. The PD defect type can be directly identified by the correlation degrees between a tested pattern and the matter–element models. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the PD features extraction and the extension method, the identification ability is investigated on 144 sets of field‐test PD patterns of epoxy resin power transformers. Compared with a multilayer neural network and K‐means methods, the results show that a high accuracy together with a high tolerance in the presence of noise interference is reached by use of the extension method.
Molecular beam epitaxy growth of high electron mobility InAs/AlSb deep quantum well structure
Authors: Wang Juan , Wang Guo-Wei , Xu Ying-Qiang , Xing Jun-Liang , Xiang Wei , Tang Bao , Zhu Yan , Ren Zheng-Wei , He Zhen-Hong , Niu Zhi-Chuan
Published: July 2013

InAs/AlSb deep quantum well (QW) structures with high electron mobility were grown by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) on semi-insulating GaAs substrates. AlSb and Al0.75Ga0.25Sb buffer layers were grown to accommodate the lattice mismatch (7%) between the InAs/AlSb QW active region and GaAs substrate. Transmission electron microscopy shows abrupt interface and atomic force microscopy measurements display smooth surface morphology. Growth conditions of AlSb and Al0.75Ga0.25Sb buffer were optimized. Al0.75Ga0.25Sb is better than AlSb as a buffer layer as indicated. The sample with optimal Al0.75Ga0.25Sb buffer layer shows a smooth surface morphology with root-mean-square roughness of 6.67 Å. The electron mobility has reached as high as 27 000 cm2/Vs with a sheet density of 4.54 × 1011/cm2 at room temperature.
Push beam spot-size dependence of atom transfer in a double magneto-optical trap setup
Authors: Ram S. P. , Tiwari S. K. , Mishra S. R. , Rawat H. S.
Published: July 2013

We have studied the dependence of atom transfer between two magneto-optical traps (MOTs) on the spot-size of a push laser beam in a double magneto-optical trap setup. It was observed that the spot-size of the push beam at vapor-chamber MOT (VC-MOT) affects significantly the transfer of atoms from the VC-MOT to an ultrahigh vacuum MOT (UHV-MOT). The number of atoms accumulated in the UHV-MOT first increases with the push beam spot-size and then decreases with it after attaining a maximum value, for a given power of the push beam. Our results show that the number of atoms accumulated in the UHV-MOT is dependent on the push beam spot-size, push beam power, and capture speed of the UHV-MOT.
Spatial decomposition and assignment of infrared spectra of simple ions in water from mid-infrared to THz frequencies: Li+(aq) and F−(aq)
Authors: Śmiechowski Maciej , Forbert Harald , Marx Dominik
Published: July 2013

Ionic hydration is of fundamental relevance from chemical reactivity in aqueous solution to biomolecular function at physiological conditions. Vibrational spectroscopy belongs to the most widely used experimental methods in studies of solvation phenomena. There is, however, still limited molecular understanding as to how the vibrational response of solutions is modulated by the presence of solvation shells around solutes, i.e., by interfacial water. Liquid-state THz spectroscopy has been demonstrated to be able to detect even small solute-induced changes of the hydrogen bond dynamics at the solute-water interface. In many cases it reveals rather long-ranged dynamical correlations around solutes, involving many solvent molecules, that can be tackled theoretically by analyzing vibrational spectra in a distance-resolved manner. Here, several spatial decomposition schemes for infrared spectra are used to reveal the distinct distance- and frequency-dependent contributions of the solvation shells to the spectral response in aqueous solutions of Li+ and F−. The importance of an explicit representation of the solute's electronic structure for the proper description of solute-solvent polarization effects is demonstrated. The solvent's response to the presence of the solute is systematically disentangled and reveals important differences between the spectral responses due to intra- and intermolecular motion as probed in the mid- and far-infrared spectral windows, respectively.
Excited-state potential-energy surfaces of metal-adsorbed organic molecules from linear expansion Δ-self-consistent field density-functional theory (ΔSCF-DFT)
Authors: Maurer Reinhard J. , Reuter Karsten
Published: July 2013

Accurate and efficient simulation of excited state properties is an important and much aspired cornerstone in the study of adsorbate dynamics on metal surfaces. To this end, the recently proposed linear expansion Δ-self-consistent field method by Gavnholt et al. [Phys. Rev. B 78, 075441 (2008)]10.1103/PhysRevB.78.075441 presents an efficient alternative to time consuming quasi-particle calculations. In this method, the standard Kohn-Sham equations of density-functional theory are solved with the constraint of a non-equilibrium occupation in a region of Hilbert-space resembling gas-phase orbitals of the adsorbate. In this work, we discuss the applicability of this method for the excited-state dynamics of metal-surface mounted organic adsorbates, specifically in the context of molecular switching. We present necessary advancements to allow for a consistent quality description of excited-state potential-energy surfaces (PESs), and illustrate the concept with the application to Azobenzene adsorbed on Ag(111) and Au(111) surfaces. We find that the explicit inclusion of substrate electronic states modifies the topologies of intra-molecular excited-state PESs of the molecule due to image charge and hybridization effects. While the molecule in gas phase shows a clear energetic separation of resonances that induce isomerization and backreaction, the surface-adsorbed molecule does not. The concomitant possibly simultaneous induction of both processes would lead to a significantly reduced switching efficiency of such a mechanism.
Ion-acoustic super rogue waves in ultracold neutral plasmas with nonthermal electrons
Authors: El-Tantawy S. A. , El-Bedwehy N. A. , El-Labany S. K.
Published: July 2013

The ion-acoustic rogue waves in ultracold neutral plasmas consisting of ion fluid and nonthermal electrons are reported. A reductive perturbation method is used to obtain a nonlinear Schrödinger equation for describing the system and the modulation instability of the ion-acoustic wave is analyzed. The critical wave number kc, which indicates where the modulational instability sets in, has been determined. Moreover, the possible region for the ion-acoustic rogue waves to exist is defined precisely. The effects of the nonthermal parameter β and the ions effective temperature ratio σ∗ on the critical wave number kc are studied. It is found that there are two critical wave numbers in our plasma system. For low wave number, increasing β would lead to cringe kc until β approaches to its critical value βc, then further increase of β beyond βc would enhance the values of kc. For large wave numbers, the increase of β would lead to a decrease of kc. However, increasing σ∗ would lead to the reduction of kc for all values of the wave number. The dependence of the rogue waves profile on the plasma parameters is numerically examined. It is found that the rogue wave amplitudes have complex behavior with increasing β. Furthermore, the enhancement of σ∗ and the carrier wave number k reduces the rogue wave amplitude. It is noticed that near to the critical wave number, the rogue wave amplitude becomes high, but it shrinks whenever we stepped away from kc. The implications of our results in laboratory ultracold neutral plasma experiments are briefly discussed.
Increasing the renewable energy sources absorption capacity of the Macedonian energy system
Authors: Ćosić Boris , Markovska Nataša , Taseska Verica , Krajačić Goran , Duić Neven
Published: July 2013

Macedonian energy sector is the main emitter of greenhouse gases with share of about 70% in the total annual emissions. Also, 70%–75% of emissions are associated with the electricity generation due to the predominant role of the lignite fuelled power plants. Recently, the government has adopted a strategy for the use of renewable energy sources (RES) which identifies a target of 21% of final energy consumption from RES by 2020. In this paper, analyses are conducted in order to investigate to which extent and in which way the absorption capacity of the power system for RES electricity can be improved. For this purpose, combining various conventional and RES technologies, including pump storage hydro power plant and revitalisation of the existing lignite power plants six scenarios for the power system expansion are developed by making use of EnergyPLAN model. Critical excess of electricity analyses are conducted in order to identify the maximal penetration of wind electricity. The results have shown that in the exiting capacities maximal penetration of wind electricity in 2020 is 13% of total electricity consumption. The revitalization of the existing lignite power plants and building of pump storage power plant would increase the wind penetration. Furthermore, the developed scenarios are comparatively assessed in terms of the associated greenhouse gases emissions and import of electricity.
Wind power plant energy control and evacuation in Eastern Herzegovina
Authors: Ivanovic Bojan , Jankovic Stanko , Zepinic Cvjetko
Published: July 2013

Power plant electricity production control is very much dependent on the type of power plant. Some types, such as storage hydro, have very good power control capabilities. On the other hand, electricity production of wind power plants is strongly dependent on the wind that is forecasted with some degree of uncertainty. If wind power plant production misses the schedule submitted to transmission system operator, the production of another power plant has to be altered in order to compensate mismatch of scheduled power production. This specially refers to sudden changes caused by outage of wind generators as a result of high wind speed. Wind power plants control could cause unpredictable power flows in the transmission network if their production is controlled by power plants that are not located in their electrical vicinity. This paper reviews the Balkans region characterized by high wind potential, the existing hydro power plants enabling efficient power control, and potential for construction of perspective hydro power plants, making this region very suitable for construction of large wind power plants.
Stress distribution of GaN layer grown on micro-pillar patterned GaN templates
Authors: Nagarajan S. , Svensk O. , Ali M. , Naresh-Kumar G. , Trager-Cowan C. , Suihkonen S. , Sopanen M. , Lipsanen H.
Published: July 2013

High-resolution Raman mapping of the stress distribution in an etched GaN micro-pillar template and a 5 μm thick GaN layer grown on a micro-pillar patterned GaN template is investigated. Raman mapping of the E2 (high) phonon shows differences in stress between the coalescing boundary, the top surface of the pillar region and around the GaN micro-pillar. Increased compressive stress is observed at the coalescing boundary of two adjacent GaN micro-pillars, when compared to the laterally grown GaN regions. The electron channeling contrast image reveals the reduction of threading dislocation density in the GaN layer grown on the micro-pillar patterned GaN template.