bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biophysical Interaction of Nanodiamond with Biological Entities In Vivo
Authors: Mona J. , Perevedentseva E. , Cheng C.-L.
Published: March 2014

Nanodiamond (ND) particles play a vital role in diagnostic and therapeutic applications. The ND surface can be conjugated with various drugs/molecules for the purpose of interaction with various biological entities, such as cells, tissues, unicellular organisms, etc. The availability of methods to detect NDs and their biocompatibility with regards to various human and animal cells adds a significant advantage to their use. The prominence of ND surface functionalizations/conjugations and methods implemented to perceive their behavior after interaction with various human and animal cells are presented in this chapter. The antibacterial activity and the interactions of nanodiamond with microorganisms are discussed. This chapter also provides useful insights for future biophysical interactions of nanodiamonds in vivo.
Diamond Nano-electromechanical Systems
Authors: Mohanty Pritiraj , Imboden Matthias
Published: March 2014

Nano-electromechanical systems (NEMS) are extraordinary in their ability to transduce minute mechanical signals into an electrical response. The methods of inducing and detecting mechanical, electrical, or biological signals using diamond NEMS structures are discussed in this chapter. Diamond, with its unique mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties, is a fascinating material. It often outperforms conventional NEMS materials, such as silicon. Advances in thin-film growth and fabrication methods now make it possible to manufacture ever more sensitive devices with far-reaching implications in both applied and fundamental research. This chapter illustrates the inner workings of diamond NEMS devices. Furthermore, opportunities and technological challenges in the field of diamond NEMS are discussed.
Zirconium phosphate combined with Ru/C as a highly efficient catalyst for the direct transformation of cellulose to C6 alditols
Authors: Liao Yuhe , Liu Qiying , Wang Tiejun , Long Jinxing , Ma Longlong , Zhang Qi
Published: March 2014

An 85.5% yield of C6 alditols was achieved from ball-milled cellulose by amorphous zirconium phosphate (ZPA) combined with Ru/C.
Essential gene identification and drug target prioritization in Leishmania species
Authors: Paul M. L. Stanly , Kaur Amandeep , Geete Ankit , Sobhia M. Elizabeth
Published: March 2014

New stage specific drug targets for contemporary drug discovery for leishmaniasis.
Studying the activity of the MacMillan catalyst embedded within hydrophobic cross-linked polymeric nanostructures
Authors: Moore Beth L. , Moatsou Dafni , Lu Annhelen , O'Reilly Rachel K.
Published: March 2014

The immobilization of the MacMillan catalyst within a unique hydrophobic environment created by a lightly cross-linked nanogel structure and its resulting catalytic activity is reported.
Facile synthesis of highly branched poly(acrylonitrile-co-vinyl acetate)s with low viscosity and high thermal stability via radical aqueous solution polymerization
Authors: Huang Wenyan , Liu Chang , Yang Hongjun , Xue Xiaoqiang , Jiang Bibiao , Zhang Dongliang , Kong Lizhi , Zhang Yan , Komarneni Sridhar
Published: March 2014

Branched P(AN-co-VAc)s were obtainedviaradical polymerization using a new chain transfer monomer of 2-(3-mercaptopropionyloxy) ethyl methacrylate.
A chemically modified electrode with hydroquinone derivative based on carbon nanoparticles for simultaneous determination of isoproterenol, uric acid, folic acid and tryptophan
Authors: Mazloum-Ardakani Mohammad , Rajabzadeh Nooshin , Firouzabadi Afsaneh Dehghani , Benvidi Ali , Abdollahi-Alibeik Mohammad
Published: March 2014

An electrochemical sensor with a carbon paste electrode has been used to study the electrocatalytic oxidation of isoproterenol (IP) in the presence of uric acid, folic acid and tryptophan.
The scalable pinacol coupling reaction utilizing the inorganic electride [Ca2N]+·e− as an electron donor
Authors: Kim Ye Ji , Kim Sun Min , Hosono Hideo , Yang Jung Woon , Kim Sung Wng
Published: March 2014

An inorganic electride [Ca2N]+·e− is used as an efficient electron donor for the scalable pinacol coupling reaction with a high yield.
Predictive design of engineered multifunctional solid catalysts
Authors: Raja Robert , Potter Matthew E. , Newland Stephanie H.
Published: March 2014

Rational design of multifunctional active centres at the atomic level affords structure–property correlations for targeted industrial catalysis.
Self-healing catalysts: Co3O4 nanorods for Fischer–Tropsch synthesis
Authors: Wen Cun , Dunbar Darrius , Zhang Xin , Lauterbach Jochen , Hattrick-Simpers Jason
Published: March 2014

We combine kinetic and spectroscopic data to demonstrate the concept of a self-healing catalyst, which effectively eliminates the need for catalyst regeneration. The observed self-healing is triggered by controlling the crystallographic orientation at the catalyst surface.
Effect of surface carbon coating on sintering of silver nanoparticles: in situ TEM observations
Authors: Asoro M. A. , Kovar D. , Ferreira P. J.
Published: March 2014

In this work,in situtransmission electron microscopy heating has been used to investigate the effects of a carbon capping layer on sintering of silver nanoparticles.
New strategy to achieve La2O2CN2:Eu3+ novel luminescent one-dimensional nanostructures
Authors: Guo Xiaomin , Wang Jinxian , Dong Xiangting , Yu Wensheng , Liu Guixia
Published: March 2014

For the first time, La2O2CN2:Eu3+ nanofibers and nanobelts were successfully prepared and exhibit excellent luminescence properties.
Palladium-catalyzed regioselective azidation of allylic C–H bonds under atmospheric pressure of dioxygen
Authors: Chen Huoji , Yang Wanfei , Wu Wanqing , Jiang Huanfeng
Published: March 2014

A palladium-catalyzed allylic azidation of alkenes with sodium azide under atmospheric pressure of dioxygen was developed.
Synthesis and biological activity of novel bis-indole inhibitors of bacterial transcription initiation complex formation
Authors: Mielczarek Marcin , Devakaram Ruth V. , Ma Cong , Yang Xiao , Kandemir Hakan , Purwono Bambang , Black David StC. , Griffith Renate , Lewis Peter J. , Kumar Naresh
Published: March 2014

The synthesis of novel bis-indole amides and glyoxylamides as bacterial transcription complex formation inhibitors and their structure–activity relationships are discussed.
p-Aminobenzoic acid polymorphs under high pressures
Authors: Yan Tingting , Wang Kai , Duan Defang , Tan Xiao , Liu Bingbing , Zou Bo
Published: March 2014

The effect of high pressure on two forms (α, β) of p-aminobenzoic acids (PABA) is studied in a diamond anvil cell using in situ Raman spectroscopy.
A simple and eco-sustainable method for the sulfonylation of amines under microwave-assisted solvent-free conditions
Authors: Lakrout Salah , K'tir Hacène , Amira Aïcha , Berredjem Malika , Aouf Nour-Eddine
Published: March 2014

A new environmentally benign, simple, and efficient protocol for the sulfonylation of amines using microwave irradiation under solvent- & catalyst-free conditions is reported. The corresponding sulfonamides were obtained in excellent yields within short reaction times.
Unexpected TFA-catalyzed tandem reaction of benzo[d]oxazoles with 2-oxo-2-arylacetic acids: synthesis of 3-aryl-2H-benzo[b][1,4]oxazin-2-ones and cephalandole A
Authors: Yan Shaoxi , Ye Leping , Liu Miaochang , Chen Jiuxi , Ding Jinchang , Gao Wenxia , Huang Xiaobo , Wu Huayue
Published: March 2014

TFA-catalyzed reaction of benzo[d]oxazoles with 2-oxo-2-arylacetic acids: synthesis of 3-aryl-2H-benzo[b][1,4]oxazin-2-ones and the natural product cephalandole A.
A new model for cell division and migration with spontaneous topology changes
Authors: Mkrtchyan Anna , Åström Jan , Karttunen Mikko
Published: March 2014

A two-dimensional single-cell based model for cell divisions and tissue growth.
X-Linked Hearing Loss: Two Gene Mutation Examples Provide Generalizable Implications for Clinical Care
Authors: Stanton Susan G. , Griffin Anne , Stockley Tracy L. , Brown Christine , Young Terry-Lynn , Benteau Tammy , Abdelfatah Nelly
Published: March 2014

Purpose

To describe the inheritance patterns and auditory phenotype features of 3 Canadian families with mutations in 2 X-linked “deafness” genes (
DFNX
).

Method

Audiological, medical, and family histories were collected and family members interviewed to compare hearing thresholds and case histories between cases with mutations in
SMPX
versus
POU3F4
.

Results

The family pedigrees reveal characteristic X-linked inheritance patterns. Phenotypic features associated with the
SMPX
(
DFNX4
) mutation include early onset in males with rapid progression from mild and flat to sloping sensorineural loss, with highly variable onset and hearing loss severity in females. In contrast, phenotypic features associated with the
POU3F4 (DFNX2)
mutation are characterized by an early onset, mixed hearing loss with fluctuation in males, and a normal hearing phenotype reported for females.

Conclusions

The study shows how this unique inheritance pattern and both gender and mutation-specific phenotype variations can alert audiologists to the presence of X-linked genetic etiologies in their clinical practice. By incorporating this knowledge into clinical decision making, audiologists can facilitate the early identification of X-linked hearing loss and contribute to the effective team management of affected families.
Supporting Narrative Retells for People With Aphasia Using Augmentative and Alternative Communication: Photographs or Line Drawings? Text or No Text?
Authors: Griffith Julie , Dietz Aimee , Weissling Kristy
Published: March 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examine how the interface design of an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device influences the communication behaviors of people with aphasia during a narrative retell task.

Method

A case-series design was used. Four narratives were created on an AAC device with combinations of personally relevant (PR) photographs, line drawings (LDs), and text for each participant. The narrative retells were analyzed to describe the expressive modality units (EMUs) used, trouble sources experienced, and whether trouble sources were repaired. The researchers also explored the participants' perceived helpfulness of the interface features.

Results

The participants primarily used spoken EMUs to retell their narratives. They relied on PR photographs more frequently than LDs; however, they reported both picture types to be equally helpful. Text was frequently used and reported as helpful by all 4 people with aphasia. Participants experienced similar rates of trouble sources across conditions; however, they displayed unique trends for successful repairs of trouble sources.

Conclusion

For narrative retells, LDs may serve as an effective visual support when PR photographs are unavailable. Individual assessment is necessary to determine the optimum combination of supports in AAC systems for people with aphasia.
Reliability‐centred maintenance for circuit breakers in transmission networks
Authors: Abbasghorbani Morteza , Rajabi Mashhadi Habib , Damchi Yaser
Published: March 2014

Reliability of power system can be influenced by the maintenance strategy adopted for the system's equipments. This study focuses on power circuit breakers maintenance planning based on the concept of reliability‐centered maintenance (RCM) and applies the proposed approach on the 400 kV transmission network in Khorasan province in Iran. The RCM strategy takes into account the technical condition and importance of each circuit breaker from the network's perspective. The technical condition index of a specific circuit breaker is a numerical representation of the physical health of the breaker and can be evaluated by some criteria. To determine this index, the performance of the circuit breakers during interval 2007–2012 is considered. The importance of each circuit breaker is related to the consequence of its failure on the network. As the main drawback of the available researches in this area is the lack of a generic tool to determine the importance of the circuit breakers, this study proposes a three‐stage procedure to accurately evaluate the importance of the circuit breakers. The main idea in the proposed approach is to analyse all failure modes of the circuit breakers and simulate the effect of each failure mode on the overall expected energy not served. The obtained results show the efficiency of the proposed approach.
Effect of pinning by an orientation gradient on the thermal stability of ultrafine grained Ni produced by equal channel angular pressing
Authors: Divinski Sergiy V. , Reglitz Gerrit , Wegner Matthias , Peterlechner Martin , Wilde Gerhard
Published: March 2014

The effect of thermal annealing on the microstructure evolution in nickel of 99.6 wt. % purity, severely deformed by Equal Channel Angular Pressing using the route BC4, was investigated. The ultrafine grained microstructure was shown to be characterized by numerous deformation bands with an average grain size of about 250 nm. High-temperature annealing induces heterogeneous recrystallization and grain growth. Though, some small grains are found to persist recrystallization in spite of pronounced grain growth in surrounding regions. This stability is suggested to be affected by specific microstructure elements containing rotational defects with a misorientation gradient of about 10°/μm along the band direction and thus perpendicular to the bounding high-angle interfaces. Pinning by orientation gradient prohibits motion of bounding interfaces and thus consumption of the grain by recrystallizing matrix.
Magneto-optical spectroscopy of ferromagnetic shape-memory Ni-Mn-Ga alloy
Authors: Veis M. , Beran L. , Zahradnik M. , Antos R. , Straka L. , Kopecek J. , Fekete L. , Heczko O.
Published: March 2014

Magneto-optical properties of single crystal of Ni50.1Mn28.4Ga21.5 magnetic shape memory alloy in martensite and austenite phase were systematically studied. Crystal orientation was approximately along {100} planes of parent cubic austenite. At room temperature, the sample was in modulated 10M martensite phase and transformed to cubic austenite at 323 K. Spectral dependence of polar magneto-optical Kerr effect was obtained by generalized magneto-optical ellipsometry with rotating analyzer in the photon energy range from 1.2 to 4 eV, and from room temperature to temperature above the Curie point. The Kerr rotation spectra exhibit prominent features typical for complexes containing Mn atoms. Significant spectral changes during transformation to austenite can be explained by different optical properties caused by changes in density of states near the Fermi energy.
Parameter estimation for chaotic systems using a hybrid adaptive cuckoo search with simulated annealing algorithm
Authors: Sheng Zheng , Wang Jun , Zhou Shudao , Zhou Bihua
Published: March 2014

This paper introduces a novel hybrid optimization algorithm to establish the parameters of chaotic systems. In order to deal with the weaknesses of the traditional cuckoo search algorithm, the proposed adaptive cuckoo search with simulated annealing algorithm is presented, which incorporates the adaptive parameters adjusting operation and the simulated annealing operation in the cuckoo search algorithm. Normally, the parameters of the cuckoo search algorithm are kept constant that may result in decreasing the efficiency of the algorithm. For the purpose of balancing and enhancing the accuracy and convergence rate of the cuckoo search algorithm, the adaptive operation is presented to tune the parameters properly. Besides, the local search capability of cuckoo search algorithm is relatively weak that may decrease the quality of optimization. So the simulated annealing operation is merged into the cuckoo search algorithm to enhance the local search ability and improve the accuracy and reliability of the results. The functionality of the proposed hybrid algorithm is investigated through the Lorenz chaotic system under the noiseless and noise condition, respectively. The numerical results demonstrate that the method can estimate parameters efficiently and accurately in the noiseless and noise condition. Finally, the results are compared with the traditional cuckoo search algorithm, genetic algorithm, and particle swarm optimization algorithm. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness and superior performance of the proposed algorithm.
Investigating the role of oriented nucleus in polymer shish-kebab crystal growth via phase-field method
Authors: Wang Xiaodong , Ouyang Jie , Su Jin , Zhou Wen
Published: March 2014

The phase-field method has been developed to simulate the shish-kebab crystal growth in polymer crystallization by introducing the oriented nucleus. With the help of this developed phase-field model, the role of oriented nucleus in polymer shish-kebab crystal growth has been investigated. It appears that the growth mechanisms of shish-kebab crystal on a preformed oriented nucleus may be attributed to epitaxial growth and lattice match. First the oriented nucleus (early shish) further grows into stable shish entity through epitaxial growth, and then lattice match supplies the sites for kebabs and epitaxial lateral growth from these sites forms the kebabs. It also has been verified that kebabs can be grown on oriented nucleus in the total absence of any flow. Therefore, with regard to flow induced shish-kebab crystal, the oriented nucleus plays a major role in the growth of shish-kebab morphology and the flow mainly helps to generate the oriented nucleus. Besides, when the nucleus possesses a rod-like profile, the kebabs are generally parallel and equidistantly distributed, and the well-defined interval between adjacent kebabs is strongly influenced by the orientation angle of the rod-like nucleus. On the other hand, when the nucleus is slightly curved and presents a thread-like profile, the distribution of kebabs on the shish is no longer equidistant and the influence of orientation angle on the kebab density becomes weak.
Seebeck effects in a graphene nanoribbon coupled to two ferromagnetic leads
Authors: Zhou Benhu , Zhou Benliang , Zeng Yangsu , Zhou Guanghui , Ouyang Tao
Published: March 2014

We theoretically investigate the Seebeck effects for the system of a narrow graphene nanoribbon between two ferromagnetic (FM) electrodes with noncollinear magnetic moments. Both zigzag-edge graphene nanoribbons (ZGNRs) and armchair-edge graphene nanoribbons (AGNRs) have been considered. By using the nonequilibrium Green's function method combining with the tight-binding Hamiltonian, it is demonstrated that, the Seebeck coefficients are sensitive to the chirality and width of the nanoribbon in the absence of magnetic field. Compared with 22-ZGNR and metallic 17-AGNR systems, semiconducting 15-AGNR system is found to posses superior thermoelectric performance, its Seebeck coefficients can be improved by two orders of magnitude. Meanwhile, the Seebeck coefficients for both 22-ZGNR and metallic 17-AGNR systems are the same order as that of graphene system. Furthermore, the Seebeck coefficients are strongly dependent on the magnetization M as well as magnetic configuration of the two FM leads. Particularly, the Seebeck coefficient drastically enhances when the magnetization of the two FM leads is in antiparallel configuration. Interestingly, the Seebeck coefficient for both 22-ZGNR and metallic 17-AGNR systems increases with increasing temperature T, while it decreases with increasing T for semiconducting 15-AGNR system. Moreover, the dependence Seebeck coefficients on magnetic flux ϕ show an oscillation behavior. The results obtained here may provide a valuable theoretical guidance to experimentally design heat spintronic devices.
Effect of Zr, V, Nb, Mo, and Ta substitutions on magnetic properties and microstructure of melt-spun SmCo5 magnets
Authors: Fukuzaki Tomokazu , Iwane Hiroaki , Abe Kazutomo , Doi Toshihiro , Tamura Ryuji , Oikawa Tadaaki
Published: March 2014

We have investigated effects of metal substitutions on the magnetic properties and microstructure of melt-spun Sm-Co-Cu-Fe-M (M = Zr, V, Nb, Mo, Ta) magnets. We prepared melt-spun ribbons with compositions of Sm(Co1−xCux)5Fe0.54−yMy (x = 0.1–0.5, y = 0–0.43, M = Zr, V, Nb, Mo, Ta). For compositions of Sm(Co1−xCux)5Fe0.54 (x = 0.1–0.5), coercivity increased with increasing of annealing temperature, and a high coercivity of 17.6 kOe was obtained at a Cu content of x = 0.3. The coercivity was found to increase with increasing melting point of the substitution element. A high coercivity of 24.5 kOe was obtained for a composition of Sm(Co0.7Cu0.3)5Fe0.34Ta0.2.
Non-destructive quantification of alignment of nanorods embedded in uniaxially stretched polymer films
Authors: Stoenescu Stefan , Truong Vo-Van , Packirisamy Muthukumaran
Published: March 2014

Among several methods developed for uniaxial alignment of metallic nanorods for optical applications, alignment by film stretching consists in embedding the rods in a transparent thin film of thermoplastic polymer, followed by simultaneous heating and uniaxial stretching of the composite film. As to the quantification of the resulting alignment, it has been limited to statistical calculations based on microscopic examination, which is incomplete, subject to errors due to geometric distortions of the scanning electron microscope images and destructive, since it involves cutting of samples. In contrast, we present in this paper a non-destructive quantification of the average orientation of the rods, based on a probabilistic approach combined with numerical simulations of absorbance spectra and spectrometric characterization of the composite film. Assuming electromagnetically non-interacting rods, we consider the longitudinal absorbance peak of their ensemble to consist of the superposition of their individual spectra that we obtain by numerical simulation using the size and shape adapted dielectric function of the metal and the finite difference time domain method. The accuracy of the solution depends on the number of discretization intervals, the accuracy of the numerical simulations, and the accurate knowledge of the polydispersity of the rods. For the sake of concreteness, we used nanorods to describe the quantification steps but the method is equally valid for any dichroic particles.
Note: Detection jitter of pulsed time-of-flight lidar with dual pulse triggering
Authors: Hallman L. W. , Kostamovaara J.
Published: March 2014

To enable very large dynamic range of optical input amplitude for pulsed time-of-flight laser rangefinders required in industrial applications, multi-triggering receivers have been previously proposed. In this Note, the detection jitter of such a receiver using the average of leading and trailing edge crossing times as a pulse timing estimate is experimentally evaluated, with especial attention on the jitter due to signal shot noise. It is shown that the average of leading and trailing edge threshold crossing times gives smaller detection jitter than either edge solely, and that this effect is emphasized at higher signal shot noise levels.
Acoustic characterization of high intensity focused ultrasound fields generated from a transmitter with a large aperture
Authors: Chen Tao , Fan Tingbo , Zhang Wei , Qiu Yuanyuan , Tu Juan , Guo Xiasheng , Zhang Dong
Published: March 2014

Prediction and measurement of the acoustic field emitted from a high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is essential for the accurate ultrasonic treatment. In this study, the acoustic field generated from a strongly focused HIFU transmitter was characterized by a combined experiment and simulation method. The spheroidal beam equation (SBE) was utilized to describe the nonlinear sound propagation. The curve of the source pressure amplitude versus voltage excitation was determined by fitting the measured ratio of the second harmonic to the fundamental component of the focal waveform to the simulation result; finally, the acoustic pressure field generated by the strongly focused HIFU transmitter was predicted by using the SBE model. A commercial fiber optic probe hydrophone was utilized to measure the acoustic pressure field generated from a 1.1 MHz HIFU transmitter with a large half aperture angle of 30°. The maximum measured peak-to-peak pressure was up to 72 MPa. The validity of this combined approach was confirmed by the comparison between the measured results and the calculated ones. The results indicate that the current approach might be useful to describe the HIFU field. The results also suggest that this method is not valid for low excitations owing to low sensitivity of the second harmonic.
Magnetic properties of Nd-Ga-Febal-Nb-B alloy
Authors: Kim Hyunkyu , Yong An Sung , Ryong Choi Kang , Choi Moonhee , Sung Kim Chul
Published: March 2014

Here, we have synthesized Nd-Ga-Febal-Nb-B alloy by strip casting method. The crystalline and magnetic properties of sample were investigated with x-ray diffractometer (XRD), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), and Mössbauer spectrometer. The XRD pattern was analyzed with the Rietveld refinement method, indicating a tetragonal structure and the space group of P42/mnm. The temperature dependence of zero-field cooled (ZFC) magnetization curve was measured under applied field at temperature ranging from 4.2 to 740 K. From the ZFC curve, Curie temperature and spin reorientation temperature are determined to be 615 K and 130 K, respectively. Also, Mössbauer spectra were measured at various temperatures ranging from 4.2 to 620 K. Each spectrum was fitted with 6-sextets for Fe site (8j1, 8j2, 16k1, 16k2, 4c, and 4e), and magnetic hyperfine field, Isomer shift, electric quadrupole shift, and area ratio values were obtained from the fit. We observed the change in slope of magnetic hyperfine field and electric quadrupole shift at 130 K while the Curie temperature was determined to be 615 K from the measurement of zero velocity counter, agreeing with the values obtained from VSM measurements.
Real-time crystallization in fluorinated parylene probed by conductivity spectra
Authors: Khazaka R. , Locatelli M. L. , Diaham S. , Tenailleau C. , Kumar R.
Published: March 2014

Dielectric relaxation spectroscopy experiments were performed at high temperature on fluorinated parylene films during the occurrence of the isothermal crystalline phase transition. For this polymer, since the difference between the glass transition temperature (Tg) and the phase transition temperature (Tc) is very strong (Tc ≥ 4Tg), segmental and dipolar relaxation usually used to probe the crystallization are not shown in the experiment frequency window (10−1 to 106 Hz) during the crystallization. The charge diffusion becomes the only electrical marker that allows probing the phase transition. During the transition phase, a continuous decrease of about two orders of magnitude is observed in the conductivity values below an offset frequency (fc) with a tendency to stabilization after 600 min. Below the offset frequency, the decrease of the normalized conductivity to the initial value as function of time is frequency independent. The same behavior is also observed for the fc values that decrease from 160 Hz to about 20 Hz. Above the offset frequency, the electronic hopping mechanism is also affected by the phase transition and the power law exponent (n) of the AC conductivity shows a variation from 0.7 to 0.95 during the first 600 min that tend to stabilize thereafter. Accordingly, three parameters (n, fc, and AC conductivity values for frequencies below fc) extracted from the AC conductivity spectra in different frequency windows seem suitable to probe the crystalline phase transition.
Improvement of micro-bubble sizing using multi-harmonic excitations under the transducer bandwidth constraint
Authors: Fouan Damien , Achaoui Younes , Mensah Serge
Published: March 2014

A microbubble sizing method based on the use of the odd harmonics of square-like excitations is presented. The microbubble resonance signature is determined by measuring the backscattered signals using the Dual Frequency Method combined with a time-frequency representation. The efficiency and the limitations of this method are described in the case of sine-like excitations. It is then established that the harmonics of square-like excitations can be used to significantly enlarge the range of microbubble detection and sizing. These findings were confirmed and explained by theoretical studies on microbubble dynamics based on the Keller-Miksis formulation.
A phonon thermodynamics approach of gold nanofluids synthesized in solution plasma
Authors: Heo YongKang , Antoaneta Bratescu Maria , Aburaya Daiki , Saito Nagahiro
Published: March 2014

The phonon thermodynamics theory for liquids was applied to explain the thermal characteristics of gold nanofluids synthesized by a simple, one-step, and chemical-free method using an electrical discharge in a liquid environment termed solution plasma process. The specific heat capacity of nanofluids was measured with a differential scanning calorimeter using the ratio between the differential heat flow rate and the heating rate. The decrease of the specific heat capacity with 10% of gold nanofluids relative to water was explained by the decrease of Frenkel relaxation time with 22%, considering a solid-like state model of liquids.
Abnormal thermal conductivity in tetragonal tungsten bronze Ba6−xSrxNb10O30
Authors: Kolodiazhnyi T. , Sakurai H. , Vasylkiv O. , Borodianska H. , Mozharivskyj Y.
Published: March 2014

Ba6−xSrxNb10O30 solid solution with 0 ≤ x ≤ 6 crystallizes in centrosymmetric tetragonal “tungsten bronze” structure (space group P4/mbm). We report on the x dependence of thermal conductivity of polycrystalline samples measured in the 2–400 K temperature interval. Substitution of Sr for Ba brings about a significant decrease in thermal conductivity at x ≥ 3 accompanied by development of a low-temperature (T ≈ 10–30 K) “plateau” region reminiscent of a glass-like compounds. We explain this behaviour based on a size-driven site occupancy and atomic displacement parameters associated with an alkaline earth atomic positions in the title compounds.
Interface anisotropy: Simple fitting model
Authors: Visscher P. B.
Published: March 2014

In studying interface anisotropy, it is common to use a simple model in which the magnetization is assumed uniform (coherent). There are then only two parameters, the bulk anisotropy energy Kbulk and the surface anisotropy energy σ, which can be extracted from the thickness-dependence of the effective anisotropy. This procedure depends on assuming the magnetization is coherent—we show here that incoherence will bias the extracted anisotropy and suggest a method for decreasing this bias. We also suggest an alternative model (also with only two parameters) which includes incoherence effects and may be closer to real systems.
Magnetoelectric coupling characteristics of five-phase laminate composite transducers based on nanocrystalline soft magnetic alloy
Authors: Qiu Jing , Wen Yumei , Li Ping , Chen Hengjia
Published: March 2014

A five-phase laminate composite transducer based on nanocrystalline soft magnetic FeCuNbSiB alloy is presented, whose magnetoelectric (ME) coupling characteristics have been investigated. It is found that the resonant ME voltage coefficient of FeCuNbSiB/Terfenol-D/Pb(Zr1-x,Tix)O3 (PZT)/Terfenol-D/FeCuNbSiB (FMPMF) five-phase transducer is much larger than that of traditional Terfenol-D/PZT/Terfenol-D (MPM) transducer, resulting from the enhancement of the effective mechanical quality factor and effective piezomagnetic coefficient of the transducers. Appropriate FeCuNbSiB layer thickness is propitious to the resonant and low-frequency ME coupling characteristics. The maximum resonant ME voltage coefficient achieves 4.81 V/Oe with FeCuNbSiB layer thickness is 60 μm under the DC bias magnetic field Hb = 77 Oe, which is 1.48 times as great as that of traditional MPM transducer. In addition, the maximum ME voltage coefficient at low frequency is 51.2 mV/Oe under the DC bias magnetic field Hb = 442 Oe, which is 1.26 times as great as that of traditional MPM transducer. It indicates that the mentioned five-phase laminate composite transducers have great potential for the application of highly sensitive dc magnetic field sensing and vibration energy harvesting.
Efficient Synthesis of 2-Imidazolines in the Presence of Molecular Iodine Under Ultrasound Irradiation
Authors: Chen Guo-Feng , Li Hong-Yang , Xiao Nan , Chen Bao-Hua , Song Ya-Li , Li Ji-Tai , Li Zhi-Wei
Published: March 2014

An efficient one-pot synthesis process for preparing 2-imidazolines from aldehydes and ethylenediamine using molecular iodine and potassium carbonate in absolute ethanol at 25–30°C under ultrasound irradiation is described. The synthetic strategy has the following advantages: mild conditions and low costs requirements, readily available catalyst, short reaction times, simplicity of operation, and good-to-excellent yields.
Suppressing unwanted memories reduces their unconscious influence via targeted cortical inhibition
Authors: Gagnepain Pierre , Henson Richard N. , Anderson Michael C.
Published: March 2014

Significance

After a trauma, people often suppress intrusive visual memories. We used functional MRI to understand how healthy participants suppress the visual content of memories to overcome intrusions, and whether suppressed content continues to exert unconscious influences. Effective connectivity, representational similarity, and computational analyses revealed a frontally mediated mechanism that suppresses intrusive visual memories by reducing activity in the visual cortex. This reduction disrupted neural and behavioral expressions of implicit memory during a later perception test. Thus, our findings indicate that motivated forgetting mechanisms, known to disrupt conscious retention, also reduce unconscious expressions of memory, pointing to a neurobiological model of this process.
Genome-wide activity of unliganded estrogen receptor-α in breast cancer cells
Authors: Caizzi Livia , Ferrero Giulio , Cutrupi Santina , Cordero Francesca , Ballaré Cecilia , Miano Valentina , Reineri Stefania , Ricci Laura , Friard Olivier , Testori Alessandro , Corà Davide , Caselle Michele , Di Croce Luciano , De Bortoli Michele
Published: March 2014

Significance

Estrogen receptor-α (ERα) is a key protein in breast cancer and treatments targeting ERα are among the most widely used and effective in clinics. Although the role of estrogen-stimulated ERα in breast cancer has been exhaustively described, the functions of ERα in the absence of estrogen is hill-defined. In this work, we show that ERα binds extensively to the genome of breast cancer cells in the absence of estrogen, where it regulates the expression of hundreds of genes endowed with developmental functions. Our data suggest that ERα has a fundamental role in the homeostasis of luminal epithelial cells also when estrogen is ablated physiologically or pharmacologically.
Global patterns of marine mammal, seabird, and sea turtle bycatch reveal taxa-specific and cumulative megafauna hotspots
Authors: Lewison Rebecca L. , Crowder Larry B. , Wallace Bryan P. , Moore Jeffrey E. , Cox Tara , Zydelis Ramunas , McDonald Sara , DiMatteo Andrew , Dunn Daniel C. , Kot Connie Y. , Bjorkland Rhema , Kelez Shaleyla , Soykan Candan , Stewart Kelly R. , Sims Michelle , Boustany Andre , Read Andrew J. , Halpin Patrick , Nichols W. J. , Safina Carl
Published: March 2014

Significance

Loss of megafauna, termed trophic downgrading, has been found to affect biotic interactions, disturbance regimes, species invasions, and nutrient cycling. One recognized cause in air-breathing marine megafauna is incidental capture or bycatch by fisheries. Characterizing megafauna bycatch patterns across large ocean regions is limited by data availability but essential to direct conservation and management resources. We use empirical data to identify the global distribution and magnitude of seabird, marine mammal, and sea turtle bycatch in three widely used fishing gears. We identify taxa-specific hotspots and find evidence of cumulative impacts. This analysis provides an unprecedented global assessment of the distribution and magnitude of air-breathing megafauna bycatch, highlighting its cumulative nature and the urgent need to build on existing mitigation successes.
Reprogrammed and transmissible intestinal microbiota confer diminished susceptibility to induced colitis in TMF
−/−
mice
Authors: Bel Shai , Elkis Yoav , Elifantz Hila , Koren Omry , Ben-Hamo Rotem , Lerer-Goldshtein Tal , Rahimi Roni , Ben Horin Shomron , Nyska Abraham , Shpungin Sally , Nir Uri
Published: March 2014

Significance

Our data demonstrate that a knockout of a single gene (tmf1) leads to the beneficial reprogramming of the gut resident microbiota. This reprogramming results in a diminished susceptibility of the genetically modified animals to induced colitis. Notably, the reprogrammed bacterial profile is transmissible, thereby conferring altered microbiome and reduced susceptibility to induced colitis in wild-type mice, when cohoused. Our findings open previously unreported avenues for unraveling regulatory factors that affect the gut homeostasis and mammalian sensitivity to the onset of inflammatory bowel diseases.
Histone H3 lysine 4 trimethylation regulates cotranscriptional H2A variant exchange by Tip60 complexes to maximize gene expression
Authors: Kusch Thomas , Mei Amanda , Nguyen Camtu
Published: March 2014

Significance

Histone H3 trimethylated at lysine 4 and the hyperacetylated H2A variant, H2A.Z/v, are found at nucleosomes near promoters of highly expressed loci including the stress response genes. This study uses the inducible
hsp70
loci from
Drosophila
to demonstrate that the dTip60 chromatin remodeling complex incorporates and acetylates H2A.Z/v in a transcription-dependent manner to maximize the rates of Pol II release into elongation. In vivo and in vitro evidence is provided showing that H3 lysine 4 trimethylation regulates both the H2A.Z/v exchange and histone acetyltransferase activities of Tip60 complexes to ensure that nucleosome destabilization at promoters only occurs during transcription.
Molecular dissection of the evolution of carbapenem-resistant multilocus sequence type 258
Klebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: DeLeo Frank R. , Chen Liang , Porcella Stephen F. , Martens Craig A. , Kobayashi Scott D. , Porter Adeline R. , Chavda Kalyan D. , Jacobs Michael R. , Mathema Barun , Olsen Randall J. , Bonomo Robert A. , Musser James M. , Kreiswirth Barry N.
Published: March 2014

Significance

Carbapenem-resistant
Klebsiella pneumoniae
has emerged globally as a multidrug-resistant hospital pathogen for which there are few treatment options. Clinical isolates classified by multilocus sequence typing (ST) as ST258 are the most widespread. The basis for the success of ST258 organisms above and beyond antibiotic resistance is not known, nor is it clear whether infections are caused by a single clone. We used genome sequencing to reveal unexpected genetic diversity among ST258 organisms (thus disproving the single-clone hypothesis) and identified a recombination hotspot that accounts for the majority of divergence—and presumably for serologic variation—among ST258 clinical isolates. Our findings will facilitate the development of new clinical strategies designed to prevent or treat infections caused by multidrug-resistant
K. pneumoniae
.
Unexpected trapping of particles at a T junction
Authors: Vigolo Daniele , Radl Stefan , Stone Howard A.
Published: March 2014

Significance

Most flow systems we encounter in everyday life, such as cardiovascular blood flow in our body or the flow in typical domestic or industrial piping systems, present T junctions that split the flow into two streams. Another characteristic that these systems often have in common is the presence of a dispersed phase made of low-density particles or air bubbles. In this paper we present evidence that in these situations particles can get trapped at the junction, accumulate, and ultimately change the flow distribution. The unanticipated trapping mechanism can affect health and diagnostics in human beings or create malfunctions, and consequently unexpected dangers, in industrial environments. Nonetheless, the same effect can also be exploited to design new particle separation devices.
Therapeutic vaccine against DPP4 improves glucose metabolism in mice
Authors: Pang Zhengda , Nakagami Hironori , Osako Mariana K. , Koriyama Hiroshi , Nakagami Futoshi , Tomioka Hideki , Shimamura Munehisa , Kurinami Hitomi , Takami Yoichi , Morishita Ryuichi , Rakugi Hiromi
Published: March 2014

Significance

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has become a common disease, and long-term effective drugs have become a necessity. In recent years, dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4) inhibitors have been commercialized due to its ability to inhibit glucagon-like peptide 1 degradation, a hormone important for enhancing insulin secretion. Despite the availability of efficient drugs, the success of treatment is limited by patients’ inconsistent drug intake and the economic burden included in a lifelong treatment required for T2DM. To alleviate these limitations, in this study an affordable and effective immunotherapeutic method was developed and assessed for T2DM treatment. We selected and designed the appropriate peptide sequences that induce the anti-DPP4 antibody that effectively improves the diabetic phenotype without an adverse autoimmune response.
Functional regulation of BK potassium channels by γ1 auxiliary subunits
Authors: Gonzalez-Perez Vivian , Xia Xiao-Ming , Lingle Christopher J.
Published: March 2014

Significance

K
+
channels are oligomeric complexes that typically exhibit structural symmetry arising from the homo-tetrameric core of their pore-forming subunits. Allosteric regulation of tetramerically symmetric proteins, whether by intrinsic sensing domains or associated auxiliary subunits, often mirrors the fourfold structural symmetry, as is the case for regulation of large conductance Ca
2+
-activated K
+
(BK) channels by auxiliary β-subunits. Here we describe an all-or-none regulation of BK channels by auxiliary γ-subunits that requires that a single γ1-subunit (or complex) is sufficient to produce the full regulatory effect. The contrast between incremental gating shifts produced by 1–4 β-subunits and the γ1-induced all-or-none shifts expands the range of mechanisms available to generate functional diversity in BK channels.
Analysis of current events: “towards the rule of law in Kosovo: EULEX should go”
Authors: Radin Andrew
Published: March 2014

Following Kosovo's declaration of independence in February 2008, the European Union deployed a rule of law mission in Kosovo (EULEX). While EULEX and its supporters have argued that the mission has the potential to succeed, critics claim that the mission has failed to significantly improve Kosovo's rule of law institutions, to address the rule of law vacuum in the north of Kosovo, and to prosecute high-level organized crime and corruption. I argue that the critics are correct, and explain that the mission is fundamentally flawed due to its neutrality about Kosovo's independence, its rejection of conditionality and capacity building, and its difficulty investigating politicized crimes. Consequently, the mission cannot overcome the inherent challenges of building the rule of law in Kosovo, namely the desire of the Kosovo Albanian majority for independence and the connection between politics and criminality. The paper concludes that EULEX should not be renewed, since the mission's main functions could be better fulfilled by other international organizations, namely the NATO-led Kosovo Force and the European Union Office.
Oxidative metabolism enables Salmonella evasion of the NLRP3 inflammasome
Authors: Wynosky-Dolfi Meghan A. , Snyder Annelise G. , Philip Naomi H. , Doonan Patrick J. , Poffenberger Maya C. , Avizonis Daina , Zwack Erin E. , Riblett Amber M. , Hu Baofeng , Strowig Till , Flavell Richard A. , Jones Russell G. , Freedman Bruce D. , Brodsky Igor E.
Published: March 2014

Microbial infection triggers assembly of inflammasome complexes that promote caspase-1–dependent antimicrobial responses. Inflammasome assembly is mediated by members of the nucleotide binding domain leucine-rich repeat (NLR) protein family that respond to cytosolic bacterial products or disruption of cellular processes. Flagellin injected into host cells by invading Salmonella induces inflammasome activation through NLRC4, whereas NLRP3 is required for inflammasome activation in response to multiple stimuli, including microbial infection, tissue damage, and metabolic dysregulation, through mechanisms that remain poorly understood. During systemic infection, Salmonella avoids NLRC4 inflammasome activation by down-regulating flagellin expression. Macrophages exhibit delayed NLRP3 inflammasome activation after Salmonella infection, suggesting that Salmonella may evade or prevent the rapid activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. We therefore screened a Salmonella Typhimurium transposon library to identify bacterial factors that limit NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Surprisingly, absence of the Salmonella TCA enzyme aconitase induced rapid NLRP3 inflammasome activation. This inflammasome activation correlated with elevated levels of bacterial citrate, and required mitochondrial reactive oxygen species and bacterial citrate synthase. Importantly, Salmonella lacking aconitase displayed NLRP3- and caspase-1/11–dependent attenuation of virulence, and induced elevated serum IL-18 in wild-type mice. Together, our data link Salmonella genes controlling oxidative metabolism to inflammasome activation and suggest that NLRP3 inflammasome evasion promotes systemic Salmonella virulence.
Right Heart Failure: Toward a Common Language
Authors: Mehra Mandeep R. , Park Myung H. , Landzberg Michael J. , Lala Anuradha , Waxman Aaron B.
Published: March 2014

In this guideline, the International Right Heart Foundation Working Group moves a step forward to develop a common language to describe the development and defects that exemplify the common syndrome of right heart failure. We first propose fundamental definitions of the distinctive components of the right heart circulation and provide consensus on a universal definition of right heart failure. These definitions will form the foundation for describing a uniform nomenclature for right heart circulatory failure with a view to foster collaborative research initiatives and conjoint education in an effort to provide insight into mechanisms of disease unique to the right heart.
Transient but Not Genetic Loss of miR‐451 is Protective in the Development of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Grant Jennifer S. , Morecroft Ian , Dempsie Yvonne , van Rooij Eva , MacLean Margaret R. , Baker Andrew H.
Published: March 2014

MicroRNAs are small noncoding RNAs involved in the regulation of gene expression and have recently been implicated in the development of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Previous work has established that miR‐451 is upregulated in rodent models of PAH. The role of miR‐451 in the pulmonary circulation is unknown. We therefore sought to assess the involvement of miR‐451 in the development of PAH. Silencing of miR‐451 was performed in vivo using miR‐451 knockout mice and an anti‐miR targeting mature miR‐451 in rats. Coupled with exposure to hypoxia, indices of PAH were assessed. The effect of modulating miR‐451 on human pulmonary artery smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration was analyzed. We observed a reduction in systolic right ventricular pressure in hypoxic rats pretreated with anti‐miR‐451 compared with hypoxia alone (47.7 ± 1.36 mmHg and 56.0 ± 2.03 mmHg, respectively; P <. 01). In miR‐451 knockout mice, compared with wild‐type hypoxic mice, no significant differences were observed following exposure to chronic hypoxia. In vitro analysis demonstrated that overexpression of miR‐451 in human pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells promoted migration under serum‐free conditions. No effect on cellular proliferation was observed. In conclusion, transient inhibition of miR‐451 attenuated the development of PAH in hypoxia‐exposed rats. Genetic deletion of miR‐451 had no beneficial effect on indices of PAH, potentially because of pathway redundancy compensating for the loss of miR‐451.