bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental study on the optimization of general conditions for a free‐flow electrophoresis device with a thermoelectric cooler†
Authors: Yan Jian , Yang Cheng‐Zhang , Zhang Qiang , Liu Xiao‐Ping , Kong Fan‐Zhi , Cao Cheng‐Xi , Jin Xin‐Qiao
Published: September 2014

With a given free‐flow electrophoresis device, reasonable conditions (electric field strength, carrier buffer conductivity, and flow rate) are crucial for an optimized separation. However, there has been no experimental study on how to choose reasonable general conditions for a free‐flow electrophoresis device with a thermoelectric cooler in view of Joule heat generation. Herein, comparative experiments were carried out to propose the selection procedure of general conditions in this study. The experimental results demonstrated that appropriate conditions were (i) <67 V/cm electric field strength; (ii) lower than 1.3 mS/cm carrier buffer conductivity (Tris‐HCl: 20 mM Tris was titrated by HCl to pH 8.0); and (iii) higher than 3.6 mL/min carrier buffer flow rate. Furthermore, under inappropriate conditions (e.g. 400 V voltage and 40 mM Tris‐HCl carrier buffer), the free‐flow electrophoresis separation would be destroyed by bubbles caused by more Joule heating. Additionally, a series of applications under the appropriate conditions were performed with samples of model dyes, proteins (bovine serum albumin, myoglobin, and cytochrome c), and cells (Escherichia coli, Streptococcus thermophilus, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae). The separation results showed that under the appropriate conditions, separation efficiency was obviously better than that in the previous experiments with randomly or empirically selected conditions.
Enantiomeric separation of oxybutynin by recycling high‐speed counter‐current chromatography with hydroxypropyl‐β‐cyclodextrin as chiral selector
Authors: Zhang Panliang , Sun Genlin , Tang Kewen , Yang Weijun , Sui Guoqing , Zhou Congshan
Published: September 2014

Recycling high‐speed counter‐current chromatography was successfully applied to the preparative separation of oxybutynin enantiomers. The two‐phase solvent system consisted of n‐hexane, methyl tert‐butyl ether, and 0.1 mol/L phosphate buffer solution (pH = 5.0) with the volume ratio of 6:4:10. Hydroxypropyl‐β‐cyclodextrin was employed as the chiral selector. The influence of factors on the chiral separation process, including the concentration of chiral selector, the equilibrium temperature, the pH value of the aqueous phase were investigated. Under optimum separation conditions, 15 mg of oxybutynin racemate was separated with the purities of both the enantiomers over 96.5% determined by high‐performance liquid chromatography. Recovery for the target compounds reached 80–82% yielding 6.00 mg of (R)‐oxybutynin and 6.15 mg of (S)‐oxybutynin. Technical details for recycling elution mode were discussed.
Aggressive primary olfactory neuroblastoma of the sphenoclival region: A case report and literature review
Authors: Purohit Bela , Winder Thomas , Maggio Ewerton M. , Kollias Spyros S.
Published: September 2014

Olfactory neuroblastoma (ONB) is an uncommon malignant tumor of neural crest origin, which commonly arises in the superior nasal cavity. Ectopic origin of an ONB is exceedingly rare. We describe a rare case of an ectopic sphenoclival ONB with extensive involvement of the central skull base and with development of systemic metastases. To our knowledge, ours is the first case that describes the imaging features of this rare entity on computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging, 18 F‐fluorodeoxyglucose–positron‐emission tomography/CT, and digital subtraction angiography. We also describe the histological features, imaging differentials, and treatment options for this tumor along with a brief literature review. Laryngoscope, 125:822–825, 2015
Temporal B0 field variation effects on MRSI of the human prostate at 7 T and feasibility of correction using an internal field probe
Authors: Arteaga de Castro C. S. , Boer V. O. , Luttje M. P. , van der Velden T. A. , Bhogal A. , van Vulpen M. , Luijten P. R. , van der Heide U. A. , Klomp D. W. J.
Published: September 2014

Spectral degradations as a result of temporal field variations are observed in MRSI of the human prostate. Moving organs generate substantial temporal and spatial field fluctuations as a result of susceptibility mismatch with the surrounding tissue (i.e. periodic breathing, cardiac motion or random bowel motion). Nine patients with prostate cancer were scanned with an endorectal coil (ERC) on a 7‐T MR scanner. Temporal B0 field variations were observed with fast dynamic B0 mapping in these patients. Simulations of dynamic B0 corrections were performed using zero‐ to second‐order shim terms. In addition, the temporal B0 variations were applied to simulated MR spectra causing, on average, 15% underestimation of the choline/citrate ratio. Linewidth distortions and frequency shifts (up to 30 and 8 Hz, respectively) were observed. To demonstrate the concept of observing local field fluctuations in real time during MRSI data acquisition, a field probe (FP) tuned and matched for the 19 F frequency was incorporated into the housing of the ERC. The data acquired with the FP were compared with the B0 field map data and used to correct the MRSI datasets retrospectively. The dynamic B0 mapping data showed variations of up to 30 Hz (0.1 ppm) over 72 s at 7 T. The simulated zero‐order corrections, calculated as the root mean square, reduced the standard deviation (SD) of the dynamic variations by an average of 41%. When using second‐order corrections, the reduction in the SD was, on average, 56%. The FP data showed the same variation range as the dynamic B0 data and the variation patterns corresponded. After retrospective correction, the MRSI data showed artifact reduction and improved spectral resolution. B0 variations can degrade the MRSI substantially. The simple incorporation of an FP into an ERC can improve prostate cancer MRSI without prior knowledge of the origin of the dynamic field distortions. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Constitutive ERK1/2 activation contributes to production of double minute chromosomes in tumour cells
Authors: Sun Wenjing , Quan Chao , Huang Yun , Ji Wei , Yu Lisa , Li Xinxin , Zhang Yang , Zheng Zhibo , Zou Hongyan , Li Quanxiao , Xu Ping , Feng Yan , Li Li , Zhang Yunyan , Cui Yunfu , Jia Xueyuan , Meng Xiangning , Zhang Chunyu , Jin Yan , Bai Jing , Yu Jingcui , Yu Yang , Yang Jianhua , Fu Songbin
Published: September 2014

Double minute chromosomes (DMs) are extrachromosomal cytogenetic structures found in tumour cells. As hallmarks of gene amplification, DMs often carry oncogenes and drug‐resistance genes and play important roles in malignant tumour progression and drug resistance. The mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling pathway is frequently dysregulated in human malignant tumours, which induces genomic instability, but it remains unclear whether a close relationship exists between MAPK signalling and DMs. In the present study, we focused on three major components of MAPK signalling, ERK1/2, JNK1/2/3 and p38, to investigate the relationship between MAPK and DM production in tumour cells. We found that the constitutive phosphorylation of ERK1/2, but not JNK1/2/3 and p38, was closely associated with DMs in tumour cells. Inhibition of ERK1/2 activation in DM‐containing and ERK1/2 constitutively phosphorylated tumour cells was able to markedly decrease the number of DMs, as well as the degree of amplification and expression of DM‐carried genes. The mechanism was found to be an increasing tendency of DM DNA to break, become enveloped into micronuclei (MNs) and excluded from the tumour cells during the S/G2 phases of the cell cycle, events that accompanied the reversion of malignant behaviour. Our study reveals a linkage between ERK1/2 activation and DM stability in tumour cells. © 2014 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Outdoor characterization of amorphous silicon based photovoltaic modules with different structures
Authors: Mambrini Thomas , Migan‐Dubois Anne , Longeaud Christophe , Elyaakoubi Mustapha
Published: September 2014

Three different amorphous silicon structures of PV modules were analyzed in outdoor condition during one month. The Staebler‐Wronski effect (or light induced degradation effect) is well known for the amorphous technology and depends strongly on the manufacturing process and its structure. Due to this effect, the amorphous PV modules loose performances compared to their initial characteristics. The behaviour, during and after the aging of different amorphous silicon PV module, is investigated and a new amorphous structure, less sensitive to the Staebler‐Wronski effect and with a better response under real conditions of use is exposed. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Silicon nanowires: synthesis, optical properties and applications
Authors: D'Andrea Cristiano , José Lo Faro Maria , Musumeci Paolo , Fazio Barbara , Iacona Fabio , Franzò Giorgia , Gucciardi Pietro , Vasi Cirino , Priolo Francesco , Irrera Alessia
Published: September 2014

Group‐IV semiconductor nanowires (NWs) are attracting the interest of a wide scientific community as building blocks for a wide range of future nanoscaled devices. We used metal‐assisted chemical etching of Si substrates to synthesize Si NWs with different length and nanometer‐size diameter. NWs obtained by this technique have exactly the same structure and doping of the substrate and present quantum confinement effects. Photoluminescence (PL) emission at room temperature from Si NWs is reported. We observed an increasing behaviour of the PL intensity as a function of the NWs length. The fabrication of light emitting devices based on Si NWs, showing electroluminescence emission at room temperature under low voltage excitation, is also reported. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Gas‐phase ammonia activation by Th, Th+, and Th2+: Reaction mechanisms, bonding analysis, and rate constant calculations
Authors: Niu Wenxia , Zhang Hong , Li Peng , Gao Tao
Published: September 2014

The gas‐phase reactions of Th, Th+, and Th2+ with NH3 were systematically investigated using different approaches of density functional theory. A detailed description of the reaction mechanisms along with the bonding character analysis offers deep insights into the reaction of Th species. Different possible spin multiplicities were considered as well as the effect of spin‐orbit interactions. The analyses of results indicate that the reactions of Th species with NH3 have two types of reaction channel: isomerization and dehydrogenation. These dehydrogenation reactions are found to be exothermic, with the best thermochemical conditions observed for Th2++NH3. The bonding properties of the species involved in the reaction pathways were investigated by means of diverse analyses including electron localization function, atoms in molecules, and natural bond orbital. Reaction rate constants were computed between 298 and 2000 K at levels of variational transition state theory with the Wigner and Eckart tunneling correction. The computed results are compared with the available experimental values. A comparison with previously studied reactions of Th species with H2O and CH4 as well as U species with NH3 is performed to obtain similarities and differences of the insertion reactions of actinide atom and cations. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A QoS control scheme using dynamic window size control for wide area ubiquitous wireless network
Authors: Nuno Fusao , Sugiyama Takatoshi , Morikura Masahiro
Published: September 2014

This paper describes a quality‐of‐service (QoS) control scheme for a wide‐area ubiquitous wireless network which is designed to accommodate many wireless terminals (WTs), such as sensors and actuators, in a large cell area. The purpose of this paper is to establish a QoS control scheme in a medium access control (MAC) layer that can hold the transmission delay of high‐priority class traffic within a predefined value regardless of how much low‐priority class traffic there is. Several QoS control schemes for wireless communication use have been proposed. However, in the wide‐area ubiquitous wireless network, an access point (AP) accommodates many WTs and the AP traffic volume often drastically changes. Therefore, conventional schemes sometimes cannot control the QoS of high‐priority traffic. To solve this problem, we propose a QoS control scheme that calculates a suitable initial back‐off window size of random access for each QoS class by using equations derived from a Markov chain behavior model. The proposed scheme adjusts the window size so as to prevent increased transmission delay of high‐priority traffic. The scheme's performance is clarified by computer simulation. © 2014 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Facial attractiveness
Authors: Little Anthony C.
Published: September 2014

Facial attractiveness has important social consequences. Despite a widespread belief that beauty cannot be defined, in fact, there is considerable agreement across individuals and cultures on what is found attractive. By considering that attraction and mate choice are critical components of evolutionary selection, we can better understand the importance of beauty. There are many traits that are linked to facial attractiveness in humans and each may in some way impart benefits to individuals who act on their preferences. If a trait is reliably associated with some benefit to the perceiver, then we would expect individuals in a population to find that trait attractive. Such an approach has highlighted face traits such as age, health, symmetry, and averageness, which are proposed to be associated with benefits and so associated with facial attractiveness. This view may postulate that some traits will be universally attractive; however, this does not preclude variation. Indeed, it would be surprising if there existed a template of a perfect face that was not affected by experience, environment, context, or the specific needs of an individual. Research on facial attractiveness has documented how various face traits are associated with attractiveness and various factors that impact on an individual's judgments of facial attractiveness. Overall, facial attractiveness is complex, both in the number of traits that determine attraction and in the large number of factors that can alter attraction to particular faces. A fuller understanding of facial beauty will come with an understanding of how these various factors interact with each other.WIREs Cogn Sci2014, 5:621–634. doi: 10.1002/wcs.1316

This article is categorized under:

Cognitive Biology > Evolutionary Roots of Cognition

Psychology > Emotion and Motivation

Psychology > Perception and Psychophysics
Impact of Crystal Chemistry upon Spin Orientation Transitions in Magnetic Perovskites
Authors: Raveau Bernard , Motin Seikh Md.
Published: September 2014

The control of the spin orientation transitions in perovskites containing manganese, cobalt, iron, and chromium, based on crystal chemistry factors is reviewed. We describe herein the effect of the size and of the magnetic nature of the Ln3+ cations and of the doping and large substitutions at the octahedral sites. Spin blockade introduced by nanostructural effects and magnetic anisotropy induced by laser pulse application are also discussed.
Synthesis and Crystal Structure of the Iron(III) Oxotellurate(IV) Phosphate Oxide Chloride Fe11(TeO3)2(TeO4)3(PO4)2O4Cl3
Authors: Zimmermann Iwan , Johnsson Mats
Published: September 2014

The new compound Fe11(TeO3)2(TeO4)3(PO4)2O4Cl3 containing FeIII and TeIV crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c with the unit cell parameters a = 20.5816(5) Å, b = 26.7506(6) Å, c = 5.03910(10) Å, β = 93.587(2)o, Z = 4. Single crystals were grown in sealed and evacuated silica tubes at 550 °C. The compound exhibits an open framework structure built from [FeO6], [FeO5Cl], [FeO4Cl], [PO4], [TeO3], and [TeO4] polyhedra. The TeIV atoms adopt a one sided asymmetric coordination due to the stereochemically active lone‐pair. The lone‐pairs together with the chloride ions are excluded from the covalently bonded space and protrude into cavities extending along [001]. Bond valence sum calculations confirm iron to be in its FeIII state and the chloride ions to be underbonded and act more as counterions than being fully integrated in the covalent network.
Ochratoxin production and taxonomy of the yellow aspergilli (Aspergillus section Circumdati)
Authors: Visagie C.M. , Varga J. , Houbraken J. , Meijer M. , Kocsubé S. , Yilmaz N. , Fotedar R. , Seifert K.A. , Frisvad J.C. , Samson R.A.
Published: September 2014

Aspergillus section Circumdati or the Aspergillus ochraceus group, includes species with rough walled stipes, biseriate conidial heads, yellow to ochre conidia and sclerotia that do not turn black. Several species are able to produce mycotoxins including ochratoxins,
penicillic acids, and xanthomegnins. Some species also produce drug lead candidates such as the notoamides. A polyphasic approach was applied using morphological characters, extrolite data and partial calmodulin, β-tubulin and ITS sequences to examine the evolutionary relationships within
this section. Based on this approach the section Circumdati is revised and 27 species are accepted, introducing seven new species: A. occultus, A. pallidofulvus, A. pulvericola, A. salwaensis, A. sesamicola, A. subramanianii
and A. westlandensis. In addition we correctly apply the name A. fresenii (≡ A. sulphureus (nom. illeg.)). A guide for the identification of these 27 species is provided. These new species can be distinguished from others based on morphological
characters, sequence data and extrolite profiles. The previously described A. onikii and A. petrakii were found to be conspecific with A. ochraceus, whilst A. flocculosus is tentatively synonymised with A. ochraceopetaliformis, despite
extrolite differences between the two species. Based on the extrolite data, 13 species of section Circumdati produce large amounts of ochratoxin A: A. affinis, A. cretensis, A. fresenii, A. muricatus, A. occultus, A. ochraceopetaliformis
(A. flocculosus), A. ochraceus, A. pseudoelegans, A. pulvericola, A. roseoglobulosus, A. sclerotiorum, A. steynii and A. westerdijkiae. Seven additional species produce ochratoxin A inconsistently
and/or in trace amounts: A. melleus, A. ostianus, A. persii, A. salwaensis, A. sesamicola, A. subramanianii and A. westlandensis. The most important species regarding potential ochratoxin A contamination in
agricultural products are A. ochraceus, A. steynii and A. westerdijkiae.
Quantifying the Contribution of Sediment Compaction to late Holocene Salt-Marsh Sea-Level Reconstructions, North Carolina, USA
Authors: Brain Matthew J. , Kemp Andrew C. , Horton Benjamin P. , Culver Stephen J. , Parnell Andrew C. , Cahill Niamh
Published: September 2014

Salt-marsh sediments provide accurate and precise reconstructions of late Holocene relative sea-level changes. However, compaction of salt-marsh stratigraphies can cause post-depositional lowering (PDL) of the samples used to reconstruct sea level, creating an estimation of former sea level that is too low and a rate of rise that is too great. We estimated the contribution of compaction to late Holocene sea-level trends reconstructed at Tump Point, North Carolina, USA. We used a geotechnical model that was empirically calibrated by performing tests on surface sediments from modern depositional environments analogous to those encountered in the sediment core. The model generated depth-specific estimates of PDL, allowing samples to be returned to their depositional altitudes. After removing an estimate of land-level change, error-in-variables changepoint analysis of the decompacted and original sea-level reconstructions identified three trends. Compaction did not generate artificial sea-level trends and cannot be invoked as a causal mechanism for the features in the Tump Point record. The maximum relative contribution of compaction to reconstructed sea-level change was 12%. The decompacted sea-level record shows 1.71 mm yr− 1 of rise since AD 1845.
The effects of processing and mastication on almond lipid bioaccessibility using novel methods of in vitro digestion modelling and micro-structural analysis
Authors: Mandalari Giuseppina , Grundy Myriam M.-L. , Grassby Terri , Parker Mary L. , Cross Kathryn L. , Chessa Simona , Bisignano Carlo , Barreca Davide , Bellocco Ersilia , Laganà Giuseppina , Butterworth Peter J. , Faulks Richard M. , Wilde Peter J. , Ellis Peter R. , Waldron Keith W.
Published: September 2014

A number of studies have demonstrated that consuming almonds increases satiety but does not result in weight gain, despite their high energy and lipid content. To understand the mechanism of almond digestion, in the present study, we investigated the bioaccessibility of lipids from masticated almonds during in vitro simulated human digestion, and determined the associated changes in cell-wall composition and cellular microstructure. The influence of processing on lipid release was assessed by using natural raw almonds (NA) and roasted almonds (RA). Masticated samples from four healthy adults (two females, two males) were exposed to a dynamic gastric model of digestion followed by simulated duodenal digestion. Between 7·8 and 11·1 % of the total lipid was released as a result of mastication, with no significant differences between the NA and RA samples. Significant digestion occurred during the in vitro gastric phase (16·4 and 15·9 %) and the in vitro duodenal phase (32·2 and 32·7 %) for the NA and RA samples, respectively. Roasting produced a smaller average particle size distribution post-mastication; however, this was not significant in terms of lipid release. Light microscopy showed major changes that occurred in the distribution of lipid in all cells after the roasting process. Further changes were observed in the surface cells of almond fragments and in fractured cells after exposure to the duodenal environment. Almond cell walls prevented lipid release from intact cells, providing a mechanism for incomplete nutrient absorption in the gut. The composition of almond cell walls was not affected by processing or simulated digestion.
‘FACT’ AND ‘FICTION’ IN ROMAN HISTORICAL EPIC
Authors: Manuwald Gesine
Published: September 2014

In the second half of the third centurybceRoman historical epic (notably that written by Naevius and Ennius) and Roman historiography (notably that of Fabius Pictor) came into being at roughly the same time. Whether and in what ways these two literary forms may have mutually influenced each other in their early development is a matter of debate, but it is obvious that there are both similarities and a generic difference, demonstrated by the use of prose or verse respectively and the accompanying style. Such characteristics enable a distinction between different types of narrative, even if the same events in Roman history are covered.
HECUBA AND THE DEMOCRATS: POLITICAL POLARITIES IN EURIPIDES' PLAY
Authors: Morwood James
Published: September 2014

In an article inThe Classical Quarterlyin 2009 I suggested that it was high time that those Euripides scholars who believe that the demagogues were ‘a bad thing’ woke up to the fact that historians of the fifth century had long since discredited that view and had been portraying them in a favourable light. The Euripideans' conviction that the passages in the plays which denounce democracy were objectively justified had led them to confuse what the playwright's characters say with what he himself felt, which of course is unknowable. I focused then onSuppliant WomenandOrestes. In this article I turn the spotlight ontoHecuba, understanding of which I feel has been damaged by a failure to take on board the clear polarizing of democratic Greeks and royalist Asians upon which the tragedy insists.
Greek Literature
Authors: Heath Malcolm
Published: September 2014

Geoffrey Bakewell finds in Aeschylus'Suppliants‘an invaluable perspective on Athenian attempts at establishing their own identity in the late 460sbce’. The play presents a ‘displaced self-portrait of Athens’, and the ‘ambivalent welcome to exotic immigrants’ and ‘wariness towards outsiders’ makes that portrait ‘not entirely flattering’ (ix). I am not sure whether this judgement is meant to express a modern perspective, or that of Aeschylus' audience. Bakewell claims that metics ‘by their very nature constituted an existential threat to the democratic city and its self-understanding’ (8), and that they were perceived as ‘threatening’ (19), but provides no supporting evidence. To illustrate Athenian attitudes to metics he appeals to the Old Oligarch (not, perhaps, the most representative of witnesses), citing his frustration at not being allowed to assault foreigners; there is no mention of Dicaeopolis (Ach. 507–8). It is, of course, true that inSuppliantsArgos is imperilled by the refugees' arrival: but that is because they are pursued by an army determined to enforce a legal claim on them, which Athenian metics typically were not. The view that tragedies gave spectators a ‘mental license to think through a pressing issue in an extended way, and at a safe remove’ (123) is widely held, and may be right. But its application ought not to depend on disregarding crucial features of a play's distinctively tragic scenario.
Greek History
Authors: Vlassopoulos Kostas
Published: September 2014

Two important recent books re-examine long-standing orthodoxies which have come under fire in recent decades. Julia Kindt challenges the orthodox model of Greek religion which has put thepolisas its central organizing principle, as manifested in the work of Christianne Sourvinou-Inwood and the Paris school. The book combines methodological and theoretical discussion with a series of case studies ranging from the Archaic period to the Second Sophistic. Kindt does not deny the value of thepolis-centred model for major aspects of Greek religious life; rather, her main disagreement is that it creates simplistic polarities and leaves aside or treats as exceptions many important aspects of Greek religion. While thepolismodel sees religion as embedded in the structures of thepolis, Kindt argues persuasively for the need to conceptualize Greek religion as a series of interrelated but distinct layers. She rightly stresses the autonomy of religion as a symbolic and figural system; and she emphasizes the significance of personal experience and agency and the ways in which practices such as magic illustrate the multiple links between personal experience and agency and the religious community of thepolis. Finally, of particular significance is her challenge to the standard polarity of local versus Panhellenic and the need to adopt a wider spectrum of layers and identities.
Psychotherapeutic benefits of compassion-focused therapy: an early systematic review
Authors: Leaviss J. , Uttley L.
Published: September 2014

Background.

Compassion-focused therapy (CFT) is a relatively novel form of psychotherapy that was developed for people who have mental health problems primarily linked to high shame and self-criticism. The aim of this early systematic review was to draw together the current research evidence of the effectiveness of CFT as a psychotherapeutic intervention, and to provide recommendations that may inform the development of further trials.

Method.

A comprehensive search of electronic databases was undertaken to systematically identify literature relating to the effectiveness of CFT as a psychotherapeutic intervention. Reference lists of key journals were hand searched and contact with experts in the field was made to identify unpublished data.

Results.

Fourteen studies were included in the review, including three randomized controlled studies. The findings from the included studies were, in the most part, favourable to CFT, and in particular seemed to be effective for people who were high in self-criticism.

Conclusions.

CFT shows promise as an intervention for mood disorders, particularly those high in self-criticism. However, more large-scale, high-quality trials are needed before it can be considered evidence-based practice. The review highlights issues from the current evidence that may be used to inform such trials.
Comparison between illumination model and hydrodynamic simulation for a direct drive laser irradiated target
Authors: Temporal M. , Canaud B. , Garbett W.J. , Ramis R.
Published: September 2014

A spherical target irradiated by laser beams located at 49o and 131° with respect to the polar axis has been considered. The illumination model has been used to evaluate the irradiation non-uniformity assuming circular and elliptical super-Gaussian laser intensity profiles and the irradiation scheme has been optimized by means of the polar direct drive technique. A parametric study has been performed providing the irradiation non-uniformity as a function of the polar direct drive displacement and of the laser intensity profile parameters. Moreover, two-dimensional axis-symmetric hydrodynamic simulations have been performed for a plastic sphere irradiated by laser beams characterized by a constant flat temporal power pulse. In these simulations, the front of the inward shock wave has been tracked providing the time-evolution of any non-uniformity. The results provided by the two methods — illumination model and hydrodynamic data — have been compared and it is found that the illumination model reproduces the main behavior exhibited by the hydrodynamic data. The two models provide compatible values for the optimum polar direct drive parameter and similar optimal super-Gaussian profiles.
Continuous production of a thin ribbon of solid hydrogen
Authors: Garcia S. , Chatain D. , Perin J. P.
Published: September 2014

The development of very high power laser opens up new horizons in a various field, such as protontherapy in medicine or laser-matter interaction in physics. The Target Normal Sheath Acceleration phenomenon is used in the first one. After the laser-matter impact, a plasma is generated, and free electrons move forward. It creates an electrostatic field, which can accelerate protons at the rear side of the target. The generated beam can be able to contain energetic protons with a large spectrum(1–200 MeV). This energy distribution depends on the laser power and the nature of the target. This technique has been validated by accelerating protons coming from hydrogenated contaminant (mainly water) at the rear of metallic target up to 58 MeV at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory using the Nova Petawatt laser. However, several laser teams would like to study this interaction with pure targets. In this context, the low temperature laboratory, at CEA-Grenoble has developed a cryostat able to continuously produce a thin hydrogen ribbon (50 and 100 μm thick). A new extrusion concept, without any moving part has been carried out, using only the thermodynamic properties of the fluid. First results and perspectives are presented in this paper.
Membrane lipid profile monitored by mass spectrometry detected differences between fresh and vitrifiedin vitro-produced bovine embryos
Authors: Leão Beatriz C. S. , Rocha-Frigoni Nathália A. S. , Cabral Elaine C. , Franco Marcos F. , Ferreira Christina R. , Eberlin Marcos N. , Filgueiras Paulo R. , Mingoti Gisele Z.
Published: September 2014

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of vitrification on membrane lipid profile obtained by mass spectrometry (MS) ofin vitro-produced bovine embryos. Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–mass spectrometry (MALDI–MS) has been used to obtain individual embryo membrane lipid profiles. Due to conditions of analysis, mainly membrane lipids, most favorably phosphatidylcholines (PCs) and sphingomyelins (SMs) have been detected. The following ions described by their mass-to-charge ratio (m/z) and respective attribution presented increased relative abundance (1.2–20×) in the vitrified group: 703.5 [SM (16:0) + H]+; 722.5 [PC (40:3) + Na]+; 758.5 [PC (34:2) + H]+; 762.5 [PC (34:0) + H]+; 790.5 [PC (36:0) + H]+and 810.5 [PC (38:4) + H]+and/or [PC (36:1) + Na]+. The ion with am/z744.5 [PCp (34:1) and/or PCe (34:2)] was 3.4-fold more abundant in the fresh group. Interestingly, ions withm/z722.5 or 744.5 indicate the presence of lipid species, which are more resistant to enzymatic degradation as they contain fatty acyl residues linked through ether type bonds (alkyl ether or plasmalogens, indicated by the lowercase ‘e’ and ‘p‘, respectively) to the glycerol structure. The results indicate that cryopreservation impacts the membrane lipid profile, and that these alterations can be properly monitored by MALDI-MS. Membrane lipids can therefore be evaluated by MALDI-MS to monitor the effect of cryopreservation on membrane lipids, and to investigate changes in lipid profile that may reflect the metabolic response to the cryopreservation stress or changes in the environmental conditions.
Ventricular and atrial mechanics and their interaction in patients with congenital scoliosis without clinical heart failure
Authors: Li Shujuan , Yang Junlin , Zhu Ling , Lin Yuese , Li Xuandi , Li Yunquan , Huang Zifang , Wang Huishen
Published: September 2014

Objectives: This study sought to evaluate left ventricular, right ventricular, and left atrial mechanics and their interactions in patients with congenital scoliosis without clinical heart failure.Methods: A total of 23 patients with a median age of 14 years and a median Cobb’s angle of 61° were studied. Ventricular and atrial myocardial deformation was measured using speckle tracking echocardiography. The results of the patients were compared with 22 controls.Results: Compared with controls, the patients had a significantly greater annular a velocity (p=0.04) and lower e/a ratio (p=0.03); the left ventricular deformation significantly decreased in radial global (p=0.04) and segmental systolic strain and early diastolic strain rate (p=0.03); the left atrial deformation showed a significantly lower positive strain (p=0.02), greater negative strain (p=0.01), and active contractile strain rate (p=0.01). For the patients, the Cobb’s angle was negatively correlated with the left ventricular global radial systolic strain (r=−0.65, p=0.001), left atrial positive strain (r=−0.68, p<0.001), and the left atrial negative strain was positively correlated with the left ventricular circumferential late diastolic strain rate (r=0.46, p=0.01). The left atrial conduit strain rate was positively correlated with the left ventricular circumferential early diastolic strain rate (r=0.42, p=0.03). The left atrial active contractile strain rate was positively correlated with the left ventricular longitudinal late diastolic strain rate (r=−0.4, p=0.03).Conclusions:Impaired left ventricular and altered left atrial mechanics occur relatively early in patients with congenital scoliosis, and are correlated with the severity of their scoliosis. Our findings provide evidence of preclinical heart dysfunction in patients with this disorder.
Open Law: Technology in Service of the Rule of Law
Authors: Glassmeyer Sarah , Smith Pete
Published: September 2014

In this article Sarah Glassmeyer and Pete Smith address, and focus on, ‘open law’ and the technical issues that can enable access to primary law, and the secondary materials associated with it.
Tribute to Dr Louis Keith: Twin and Physician Extraordinaire/Twin Research Reports: Influences on Asthma Severity; Chimerism Revisited; DNA Strand Break Repair/Media Reports: Twins Born Apart; Elevated Twin Frequencies; Celebrity Father of Twins; Conjoined Twinning
Authors: Segal Nancy L.
Published: September 2014

The International Society for Twin Studies has lost a valued friend and colleague. Dr Louis Keith, Emeritus Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Northwestern University, in Chicago, passed away on Sunday, July 6, 2014. His life and work with twins will be acknowledged at the November 2014 International Twin Congress in Budapest, Hungary. Next, twin research reports on the severity of asthma symptoms, a case of chimerism, and factors affecting DNA breakage and repair mechanisms are reviewed. Media reports cover twins born apart, elevated twin frequencies, a celebrity father of twins, and a family's decision to keep conjoined twins together.
Adhesion of marine cryptic Escherichia isolates to human intestinal epithelial cells
Authors: Vignaroli Carla , Di Sante Laura , Magi Gloria , Luna Gian Marco , Di Cesare Andrea , Pasquaroli Sonia , Facinelli Bruna , Biavasco Francesca
Published: September 2014

Five distinct cryptic lineages (clades I–V) have recently been recognized in the Escherichia genus. The five clades encompass strains that are phenotypically and taxonomically indistinguishable from Escherichia coli sensu stricto; however, scant data are available on their ecology, virulence and pathogenic properties. In this study 20 cryptic E. coli strains isolated from marine sediments were investigated to gain insights into their virulence characteristics and genetic traits. The ability to adhere to intestinal cells was highest among clade V strains, which also harbored the genes involved in gut colonization as well as the genes (pduC and eut operon) typically found in environmentally adapted E. coli strains. The pduC gene was significantly associated with clade V. Multilocus sequence typing of three representative clade V isolates revealed new sequence types (STs) and showed that the strains shared two allelic loci (adk 51 and recA 37). Our findings suggest that cryptic Escherichia lineages are common in coastal marine sediments and that this habitat may be suitable for their growth and persistence outside the host. On the other hand, detection in clade V strains of a gene repertoire and adhesion properties similar to those of intestinal pathogenic strains could indicate their potential virulence. It could be argued that there is a dual nature of cryptic clade V strains, where the ability to survive and persist in a secondary habitat does not involve the loss of the host-associated lifestyle. Clade V could be a group of closely related, environmentally adapted E. coli strains.
Mutually beneficial host exploitation and ultra-biased sex ratios in quasisocial parasitoids
Authors: Tang Xiuyun , Meng Ling , Kapranas Apostolos , Xu Fuyuan , Hardy Ian C.W. , Li Baoping
Published: September 2014

Selfish interests usually preclude resource sharing, but under some conditions collective actions enhanceper capitagains. Such Allee effects underlay early explanations of social evolution but current understanding focusses on kin selection (inclusive fitness). We find an Allee effect that explains unusual quasisociality (cooperative brood care) among parasitoid wasps without invoking or precluding kin selection effects. InSclerodermus harmandi, individual females produce most offspring when exploiting small hosts alone. However, larger hosts are more successfully exploited by larger groups of females, with the per-female benefits outweighing the costs of host sharing. Further, the extremely biased sex ratios (97% female) are better explained by mutually beneficial female–female interactions that increase the reproductive value of daughters (local resource enhancement), rather than by the usually invoked local mate competition between males. Thus, atypical quasisocial behaviour in a parasitoid wasp directly enhances reproductive success and selects for very extremely female-biased sex ratios.
Forest stand growth dynamics in Central Europe have accelerated since 1870
Authors: Pretzsch Hans , Biber Peter , Schütze Gerhard , Uhl Enno , Rötzer Thomas
Published: September 2014

Forest ecosystems have been exposed to climate change for more than 100 years, whereas the consequences on forest growth remain elusive. Based on the oldest existing experimental forest plots in Central Europe, we show that, currently, the dominant tree species Norway spruce and European beech exhibit significantly faster tree growth (+32 to 77%), stand volume growth (+10 to 30%) and standing stock accumulation (+6 to 7%) than in 1960. Stands still follow similar general allometric rules, but proceed more rapidly through usual trajectories. As forest stands develop faster, tree numbers are currently 17–20% lower than in past same-aged stands. Self-thinning lines remain constant, while growth rates increase indicating the stock of resources have not changed, while growth velocity and turnover have altered. Statistical analyses of the experimental plots, and application of an ecophysiological model, suggest that mainly the rise in temperature and extended growing seasons contribute to increased growth acceleration, particularly on fertile sites.
Introducing absorptive stripping voltammetry: wide concentration range voltammetric phenol detection
Authors: Nissim Rita , Compton Richard G.
Published: September 2014

“Absorptive stripping voltammetry”, a new electroanalytical method, is validated by phenol detection.
Monodisperse sphere-on-sphere silica particles for fast HPLC separation of peptides and proteins
Authors: Hayes Richard , Myers Peter , Edge Tony , Zhang Haifei
Published: September 2014

One-pot synthesis of monodisperse sphere-on-sphere (SOS) silica microspheres is developed for fast separation of peptide and protein mixtures by HPLC.
Room temperature alkynylation of H-phosphi(na)tes and secondary phosphine oxides with ethynylbenziodoxolone (EBX) reagents
Authors: Chen C. Chun , Waser Jerome
Published: September 2014

We report the alkynylation of H-phosphi(na)tes and secondary phosphine oxides at room temperature using ethynylbenziodoxolone (EBX) reagents.
Efficient delivery of siRNAs by a photothermal approach using plant flavonoid-inspired gold nanoshells
Authors: Jeong Eun Hye , Ryu Ji Hyun , Jeong Hansaem , Jang Bora , Lee Ho Yeon , Hong Seonki , Lee Haeshin , Lee Hyukjin
Published: September 2014

Plant flavonoid-inspired polymer gold nanoshell (PGN) formation and NIR laser triggered siRNA delivery using PGN–siRNA conjugates.
Photoinduced charge and energy transfer in molecular wires
Authors: Gilbert Mélina , Albinsson Bo
Published: September 2014

This tutorial review focuses on photo-induced charge/energy transfer in covalently linked donor–bridge–acceptor (D–B–A) systems.
Air-processed organic tandem solar cells on glass: toward competitive operating lifetimes
Authors: Adams Jens , Spyropoulos George D. , Salvador Michael , Li Ning , Strohm Sebastian , Lucera Luca , Langner Stefan , Machui Florian , Zhang Hong , Ameri Tayebeh , Voigt Monika M. , Krebs Frederik C. , Brabec Christoph J.
Published: September 2014

We report on organic tandem solar cells with an extrapolated lifetime in excess of one decade.
Efficient biomass transformations catalyzed by graphene-like nanoporous carbons functionalized with strong acid ionic liquids and sulfonic groups
Authors: Liu Fujian , Kong Weiping , Wang Liang , Yi Xianfeng , Noshadi Iman , Zheng Anmin , Qi Chenze
Published: September 2014

Strong acid ionic liquids and sulfonic group bifunctional graphene-like nanoporous carbons with abundant nanopores, controlled acidity and excellent catalytic activity for biomass transformation have been successfully prepared in this work.
Synthesis and characterisation of glucosamine–NSAID bioconjugates
Authors: Jones Rachel A. , Thillier Yann , Panda Siva S. , Rivera Rosario Nicole , Hall C. Dennis , Katritzky Alan R.
Published: September 2014

Synthetic strategies to prepare non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug–glucosamine bioconjugates.
Synthesis of highly reactive polyisobutylene with FeCl3/ether complexes in hexane; kinetic and mechanistic studies
Authors: Kumar Rajeev , De Priyadarsi , Zheng Bin , Huang Kuo-Wei , Emert Jack , Faust Rudolf
Published: September 2014

In this study, the kinetics and mechanism of the polymerization of isobutylene catalyzed by FeCl3·ether complexes in hexane at 0 °C were investigated.
Sonochemical preparation and characterization of solid dodecyl perylene diimides/MCM-41
Authors: Zhan Xuehui , Cui Kuixin , Dou Maofeng , Jin Shengming , Yang Xinguo , Guan Haoyuan
Published: September 2014

PL spectra of DDPDI/MCM-41 illustrated peak splits in protic solvent with different attachment sites of fluorophore, and linear change of red shift with permittivity of ambient after ultrasonic treatment.
Temperature dependent cubic and hexagonal close packing in micellar structures
Authors: Wolff Nicole , Gerth Stefan , Gutfreund Philipp , Wolff Max
Published: September 2014

The delicate correlation of temperature, micellar properties and type of structure is investigated for a micellar crystal at a solid boundary. The cubic and hexagonal close packing is analyzed in detail by grazing incidence neutron scattering.
Atomic layer deposition of Y2O3 films using heteroleptic liquid (iPrCp)2Y(iPr-amd) precursor
Authors: Park In-Sung , Chan Jung Yong , Seong Sejong , Ahn Jinho , Kang Jiehun , Noh Wontae , Lansalot-Matras Clement
Published: September 2014

The Y2O3 films grown with a new and heteroleptic liquid Y precursor, (iPrCp)2Y(iPr-amd), have been investigated with chemical properties of precursor, atomic layer deposition process, and material characterization of the deposited film and its non-volatile resistive switching behaviour.
Learning, Forgetting, and Relearning: Skill Learning in Children With Language Impairment
Authors: Adi-Japha Esther , Abu-Asba Haia
Published: September 2014

Purpose

The current study tested whether the difficulties of children with specific language impairment (SLI) in skill acquisition are related to learning processes that occur while practicing a new skill or to the passage of time between practice and later performance.

Method

The acquisition and retention of a new complex grapho-motor symbol were studied in 5-year-old children with SLI and peers matched for age and nonverbal IQ. The children practiced the production of the symbol for 4 consecutive days. Retention testing took place 10 days later.

Results

Children with SLI began each practice day slower than their peers but attained similar levels of performance by its end. Although they increased their performance speed within sessions more than their peers, they did not retain their learning as well between sessions. The loss in speed was largest in the 10-day retention interval. They were also less accurate, but accuracy differences decreased over time. Between-session group differences in speed could not fully be accounted for based on fine motor skills.

Conclusions

In spite of effective within-session learning, children with SLI did not retain the new skill well. The deficit may be attributed to task forgetting in the presence of delayed consolidation processes.
Single image dehazing based on hidden Markov random field and expectation–maximisation
Authors: Kwon O.
Published: September 2014

Single image dehazing using an estimated transmission map for evaluation is proposed. When estimating the transmission map using the conventional dark channel prior (DCP) algorithm and then detecting the haze regions using a matting algorithm, the resulting transmission map invariably includes some block artefacts, as the DCP algorithm is based on patch‐based processing. Therefore, a modified transmission map is proposed based on the hidden Markov random field (HMRF) and expectation–maximisation (EM) algorithm. Experimental results confirm that the proposed algorithm is superior to conventional algorithms in image haze removal.