bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes in summer sea ice, albedo, and portioning of surface solar radiation in the Pacific sector of Arctic Ocean during 1982–2009
Authors: Lei Ruibo , Tian‐Kunze Xiangshan , Leppäranta Matti , Wang Jia , Kaleschke Lars , Zhang Zhanhai
Published: July 2016

SSM/I sea ice concentration and CLARA black‐sky composite albedo were used to estimate sea ice albedo in the region 70°N–82°N, 130°W–180°W. The long‐term trends and seasonal evolutions of ice concentration, composite albedo, and ice albedo were then obtained. In July–August 1982–2009, the linear trend of the composite albedo and the ice albedo was −0.069 and −0.046 units per decade, respectively. During 1 June to 19 August, melting of sea ice resulted in an increase of solar heat input to the ice‐ocean system by 282 MJ·m−2 from 1982 to 2009. However, because of the counter‐balancing effects of the loss of sea ice area and the enhanced ice surface melting, the trend of solar heat input to the ice was insignificant. The summer evolution of ice albedo matched the ice surface melting and ponding well at basin scale. The ice albedo showed a large difference between the multiyear and first‐year ice because the latter melted completely by the end of a melt season. At the SHEBA geolocations, a distinct change in the ice albedo has occurred since 2007, because most of the multiyear ice has been replaced by first‐year ice. A positive polarity in the Arctic Dipole Anomaly could be partly responsible for the rapid loss of summer ice within the study region in the recent years by bringing warmer air masses from the south and advecting more ice toward the north. Both these effects would enhance ice‐albedo feedback.
Microscopic decision model for pedestrian route choice at signalized crosswalks
Authors: Xie Siqi , Wong Sze Chun , Lam William H. K.
Published: July 2016

In this paper, two‐tier mathematical models were developed to simulate the microscopic pedestrian decision‐making process of route choice at signalized crosswalks. In the first tier, a discrete choice model was proposed to predict the choices of walking direction. In the second tier, an exponential model was calibrated to determine the step size in the chosen direction. First, a utility function was defined in the first‐tier model to describe the change of utility in response to deviation from a pedestrian's target direction and the conflicting effects of neighboring pedestrians. A mixed logit model was adopted to estimate the effects of the explanatory variables on the pedestrians' decisions. Compared with the standard multinomial logit model, it was shown that the mixed logit model could accommodate the heterogeneity. The repeated observations for each pedestrian were grouped as panel data to ensure that the parameters remained constant for individual pedestrians but varied among the pedestrians. The mixed logit model with panel data was found to effectively address inter‐pedestrian heterogeneity and resulted in a better fit than the standard multinomial logit model. Second, an exponential model in the second tier was proposed to further determine the step size of individual pedestrians in the chosen direction; it indicates the change in walking speed in response to the presence of other pedestrians. Finally, validation was conducted on an independent set of observation data in Hong Kong. The pedestrians' routes and destinations were predicted with the two‐tier models. Compared with the tracked trajectories, the average error between the predicted destinations and the observed destinations was within an acceptable margin. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Energy integration on multi‐periods for vehicle thermal powertrains
Authors: Dimitrova Zlatina , Maréchal François
Published: July 2016

Internal combustion engines are the most applied energy converters in passenger cars. In order to increase their efficiency, energy integration techniques are used to recover waste heat. An adapted methodology is required to design the organic Rankine cycle (ORC) as a waste heat recovery technology and to test the influence of the external temperature on its efficiency. The idea is to cluster the external temperature profile on typical external temperature multi‐periods. The energy system design is then tested on these typical multi‐periods.

In this article the methodology is applied on a vehicle with a diesel engine, in order to define the energy integrated configuration of the vehicle and to estimate the cost of the additional equipment. The performance indicators of the energy integration technology of the internal combustion engine is done and discussed, according to the multi‐periods. The energy recovery potential of a single stage ORC for a diesel engine is assessed for different temperature profiles. The ORC equipment is simultaneously pre‐sized and its cost is estimated.
Percutaneous Closure of Paravalvular Regurgitation After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ando Tomo , Takagi Hisato ,   for the ALICE (All‐Literature Investigation of Cardiovascular Evidence) Group
Published: July 2016

Paravalvular
regurgitation (PVR) remains one of the drawbacks of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Details of percutaneous closure (PCC) of PVR after TAVI remain obscure. We aimed to explore the patient characteristics, procedural details, closure devices used, and outcomes of PCC after TAVI. A systematic search of the MEDLINE/PubMed and Embase databases from January 2002 to September 2015 was conducted. Reports considered to include same patient were excluded and only the studies with largest cohorts were included. A total of 14 studies including 58 patients (61 cases) were included in the study. A balloon‐expandable (BE) valve was used more frequently compared with a self‐expandable (SE) valve (72.6% vs 27.4%, respectively). The mean success rate was 86.9% (100% and 77.8%, respectively; P = 0.097). The median number of closure devices used was 1 (range, 1–4) and did not differ between SE and BE valves (P = 0.71). Mean time from index procedure to PCC did not differ between SE and BE valves (295 ± 380 days vs 379 ± 353 days; P = 0.71). Seven patients had history of valve‐in‐valve and 6 patients had procedural success. Among the patients with available follow‐up data (94.8%), there were 15 deaths (27.3%). Percutaneous closure of PVR after TAVI had a high success rate in selected patients in both BE and SE valves. The success rate, timing, and number of closure devices were similar between BE and SE valves. However, prognosis remains fairly poor.
Phenotypic plasticity in developmental rate is insufficient to offset high tadpole mortality in rapidly drying ponds
Authors: Amburgey S. M. , Murphy M. , Chris Funk W.
Published: July 2016

Habitat suitability is strongly regulated by seasonal conditions and stochastic processes, and this is especially important in temporary aquatic systems that contain organisms with complex life cycles. We investigated the potential for phenotypic plasticity in timing of and size at metamorphosis to mitigate effects of altered habitat conditions, specifically shortened hydroperiod (duration of water in ponds) and altered predator‐prey dynamics, in the pond‐breeding boreal chorus frog (Pseudacris maculata). We simulated reduced hydroperiod and concentrated predator cue in the laboratory to understand potential benefits and costs of plasticity. Tadpoles developed faster in response to the combined effects of reduced hydroperiod and increased concentration of predator cue, potentially due to reduced conspecific density. In contrast, there was no effect of reduced hydroperiod or predator cue on size at metamorphosis. Alone, this result suggests that phenotypic plasticity may allow P. maculata to escape the negative effects of rapidly drying ponds. However, tadpole survival was significantly lower in reduced hydroperiod treatments relative to all other treatments, suggesting that even if plasticity acts as a buffer against reduced hydroperiod by facilitating metamorphosis, heightened mortality may offset benefits of this rapid response. Our results add to previous studies of plastic responses in amphibians by disentangling the costs and benefits of plasticity in habitats with multiple, simultaneous stressors. We show that while plasticity may accelerate metamorphosis, similar, heightened levels of mortality are experienced regardless of plasticity. This implies that plasticity may not completely buffer populations against the effects of altered habitat conditions, such as those that occur with climate change or urbanization.
Are stroke survivors with delirium at higher risk of post‐stroke dementia? Current evidence and future directions
Authors: Ojagbemi Akin , Ffytche Dominic H.
Published: July 2016

Objectives

The idea that delirium is a risk factor for dementia, broadly defined, is derived from heterogeneous patient samples. We reviewed available evidence as to whether stroke survivors who developed delirium during the acute phase of treatment are at a higher prospective risk of incident post‐stroke cognitive impairment or dementia.

Design

We searched 8721 records in the Cochrane database for reviews or protocols dealing with the study objective, Medline, EMBASE, PsycInfo and CINAHL for observational studies in the general adult population and PubMed for in‐process articles. Additional searches of the reference lists of retrieved articles were also undertaken. Qualitative syntheses and meta‐analysis were conducted according to conventional guidelines.

Results

Twelve relevant articles were fully appraised. Four out of these studies, comprising 743 stroke survivors, including 199 with delirium, met criteria for qualitative syntheses. Overall, the studies presented low to moderate level evidence suggesting an association between post‐stroke delirium and dementia.

Conclusions

There is a need for further studies to investigate the association of post‐stroke delirium and dementia using well‐defined cohorts of patients and controlling for factors such as pre‐stroke cognition, stroke severity and location and the presence of persistent delirium. Such studies will help understand the place of delirium identification and prevention in reducing the risk of dementia after stroke. © 2016 The Authors. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd
Liver kinase B1 regulates hepatocellular tight junction distribution and function in vivo
Authors: Porat‐Shliom Natalie , Tietgens Amber J. , Van Itallie Christina M. , Vitale‐Cross Lynn , Jarnik Michal , Harding Olivia J. , Anderson James M. , Gutkind J. Silvio , Weigert Roberto , Arias Irwin M.
Published: July 2016

Liver kinase B1 (LKB1) and its downstream effector AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) play critical roles in polarity establishment by regulating membrane trafficking and energy metabolism. In collagen sandwich‐cultured hepatocytes, loss of LKB1 or AMPK impaired apical ABCB11 (Bsep) trafficking and bile canalicular formation. In the present study, we used liver‐specific (albumin‐Cre) LKB1 knockout mice (LKB1−/−) to investigate the role of LKB1 in the maintenance of functional tight junction (TJ) in vivo. Transmission electron microscopy examination revealed that hepatocyte apical membrane with microvilli substantially extended into the basolateral domain of LKB1−/− livers. Immunofluorescence studies revealed that loss of LKB1 led to longer and wider canalicular structures correlating with mislocalization of the junctional protein, cingulin. To test junctional function, we used intravital microscopy to quantify the transport kinetics of 6‐carboxyfluorescein diacetate (6‐CFDA), which is processed in hepatocytes into its fluorescent derivative 6‐carboxyfluorescein (6‐CF) and secreted into the canaliculi. In LKB1−/− mice, 6‐CF remained largely in hepatocytes, canalicular secretion was delayed, and 6‐CF appeared in the blood. To test whether 6‐CF was transported through permeable TJ, we intravenously injected low molecular weight (3 kDa) dextran in combination with 6‐CFDA. In wild‐type mice, 3 kDa dextran remained in the vasculature, whereas it rapidly appeared in the abnormal bile canaliculi in LKB1−/− mice, confirming that junctional disruption resulted in paracellular exchange between the blood stream and the bile canaliculus. Conclusion: LKB1 plays a critical role in regulating the maintenance of TJ and paracellular permeability, which may explain how various drugs, chemicals, and metabolic states that inhibit the LKB1/AMPK pathway result in cholestasis. (Hepatology 2016;64:1317‐1329)
Biological evaluation of new [18F]F‐labeled synthetic amino acid derivatives as oncologic radiotracers
Authors: Kim Yeseulmi , Lee Sang Ju , Yook Cheol‐Min , Oh Seung Jun , Ryu Jin‐Sook , Lee Jong Jin
Published: July 2016

The present study evaluated the tumoral uptake of the novel synthetic amino acid positron emission tomography (PET) tracers (S)‐2‐amino‐3‐(4‐([18F]fluoromethyl)‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazol‐1‐yl)propanoic acid (AMC‐101), (S)‐2‐amino‐4‐(4‐([18F]fluoromethyl)‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazol‐1‐yl)butanoic acid (AMC‐102), and (S)‐2‐amino‐5‐(4‐([18F]fluoromethyl)‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazol‐1‐yl)pentanoic acid (AMC‐103), all of which are (S)‐2‐amino‐(4‐([18F]fluoromethyl)‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazol‐1‐yl)alkyl acids. In vitro cellular uptake was investigated using the rat glioma cell lines 9L and C6. In vitro competitive inhibition tests were performed to identify the involvement of specific amino acid transporters. In vivo dynamic PET images of 9L xenograft tumor‐bearing model mice were acquired over 2 h after AMC administration. [18F]FDOPA PET studies were performed with and without S‐carbidopa pretreatment for comparison. All three AMCs exhibited good in vitro cell uptake through the L and alanine‐serine‐cysteine transporters and enabled clear tumor visualization on PET, leaving the brain devoid of the tracer. Thirty minutes after injection, the mean tumor standardized uptake values were 1.59 ± 0.05, 1.89 ± 0.27, and 1.74 ± 0.13 for AMC‐101, AMC‐102, and AMC‐103, respectively. Although the tumor uptake values of AMCs were lower than that of [18F]FDOPA with S‐carbidopa pretreatment, AMCs enabled higher contrast images with lower background activity compared with [18F]FDOPA with S‐carbidopa pretreatment. Our results indicate the potential uses of these new synthetic amino acids as oncologic radiotracers.
A B‐type histone acetyltransferase Hat1 regulates secondary metabolism, conidiation, and cell wall integrity in the taxol‐producing fungus Pestalotiopsis microspora
Authors: Zhang Qian , Chen Longfei , Yu Xi , Liu Heng , Akhberdi Oren , Pan Jiao , Zhu Xudong
Published: July 2016

In filamentous fungi, many gene clusters for the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites often stay silent under laboratory culture conditions because of the absence of communication with its natural environment. Epigenetic processes have been demonstrated to be critical in the expression of the genes or gene clusters. Here, we report the identification of a B‐type histone acetyltransferase, Hat1, and demonstrate its significant roles in secondary metabolism, conidiation, and the cell wall integrity in the fungus Pestalotiopsis microspora. An hat1 deletion strain shows a dramatic decrease of SMs in this fungus, suggesting hat1 functions as a global regulator on secondary metabolism. Moreover, the mutant strain hat1Δ delays to produce conidia with significantly decreased number of conidia, while shows little effect on vegetative growth, suggesting that it plays a critical role in conidiation. The hypersensitivity of hat1Δ to Congo red demonstrates that disruption of hat1 impairs the integrity of cell wall. Overexpression of the wild‐type hat1 allele enhances conidiation by boosting the number of conidia. This is the first report on the role of a B‐type histone acetyltransferase in fungal secondary metabolism and cell wall integrity.
Current and efficiency improvement for a GaAsP/SiGe on Si tandem solar cell device achieved by light trapping techniques
Authors: Wang Li , Li Dun , Zhao Xin , Conrad Brianna , Diaz Martin , Soeriyadi Anastasia , Lochtefeld Anthony , Gerger Andrew , Perez‐Wurfl Ivan , Barnett Allen
Published: July 2016

A GaAsP/SiGe tandem solar cell on Si substrate has been further fabricated using light trapping techniques, such as texturing and adding a back surface reflector, and thinning the Si substrate. This is of importance to increase the Jsc of the Si0.18Ge0.82 bottom cell in this tandem system since bottom cell is current limiting. The Jsc of the bottom cell has been increased by relative 7.4%. This current improvement leads to a predicted efficiency of near 21% for this tandem device, with an absolute efficiency improvement of 0.3% over previous results without light trapping processes. The current of the bottom cell can be further improved by optimizing the bottom cell structure and texturing process, further thinning the Si substrate and increasing Ge concentration. (© 2016 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH &Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The effects of feeding resistant starch on apparent total tract macronutrient digestibility, faecal characteristics and faecal fermentative end-products in healthy adult dogs
Authors: Beloshapka Alison N. , Alexander Lucille G. , Buff Preston R. , Swanson Kelly S.
Published: July 2016

The benefits of whole grain consumption have been studied in human subjects, but little research exists on their effects in dogs. The objective of the present study was to test the effects of resistant starch (RS) in the diet of healthy adult dogs. Twelve adult Miniature Schnauzer dogs (eight males, four females; mean age: 3·3 (1·6) years; mean body weight: 8·4 (1·2) kg; mean body condition score: D/ideal) were randomly allotted to one of three treatment groups, which consisted of different amounts of RS supplied in a biscuit format. Dogs received either 0, 10 or 20 g biscuits per d (estimated to be 0, 2·5 or 5 g RS per d) that were fed within their daily energetic allowance. A balanced Latin square design was used, with each treatment period lasting 21 d (days 0–17 adaptation; days 18–21 fresh and total faecal collection). All dogs were fed the same diet to maintain body weight throughout the study. Dogs fed 5 g RS per d had lower (P = 0·03) fat digestibility than dogs fed 0 gRS per d, but DM, organic matter and crude protein digestibilities were not affected. Faecal fermentative end-products, including SCFA and branched-chain fatty acids, ammonia, phenols and indoles, and microbial populations were not affected. The minor changes observed in the present study suggest the RS doses provided to the dogs were too low. Further work is required to assess the dose of RS required to affect gut health.
New Radiocarbon Dates for the Kura-Araxes Occupation at Aradetis Orgora, Georgia
Authors: Passerini Annapaola , Regev Lior , Rova Elena , Boaretto Elisabetta
Published: July 2016

The absolute chronology of the Kura-Araxes (KA) culture in the Southern Caucasus still represents a challenge due to the fragmentation and inadequacy of the radiocarbon record, as well as the inconsistencies in material typologies in the region. Recent archaeological fieldwork at the site of Aradetis Orgora in the Shida Kartli region of Georgia revealed four occupation levels dating to the KA II phase according to the local relative chronology.14C samples were collected from reliable contexts and further selected according to reliability criteria, taking into account both archaeological issues and lab procedures. FTIR was applied in order to determine the preservation of charcoals and to monitor the efficiency of lab treatments on all the samples. Only accurate14C measurements were selected for Bayesian analysis incorporating stratigraphic information. Two models were run, the second of which simulated intervals corresponding to unexcavated stratigraphy or due to a lack of samples. In this article, the available14C dates for the KA occupation at Aradetis are presented for the first time and analyzed using Bayesian principles. The results of Bayesian modeling suggest that the occupation of the excavated KA II levels cover the period between 3040–2810 BC (simple model) or 3090–2720 BC (interval model).
Pregnancy as a Stressful Life Event
Authors: Geller Pamela A.
Published: July 2016

Pregnancy and childbirth typically are associated with positive emotions and with motherhood, but the reality is that this is not the case for all women or for all pregnancies. This review addresses a different aspect of these reproductive events, focusing on stressful circumstances surrounding pregnancy, as well as times when the pregnancy itself becomes a stressful life event. Pregnancy-related topics that tend to receive less attention will be emphasized. These include issues related to infertility; unplanned pregnancy; stress associated with testing and diagnosis of common medical complications; peripartum cardiomyopathy; fear of childbirth; and pregnancy foss as a risk factor for psychopathology. Epidemiologie information wiu be presented, as will relevant psychosocial factors related to each phenomenon. Healtitcare providers should be sensitive to the distress and anxiety experienced by many women and their families as a consequence of these adverse events and the stressful challenge of any consequential decisionmaking, as well as stressors in their broader life context that can further exacerbate their distress, and make mental health referrals as appropriate.
The amide C–N bond of isatins as the directing group and the internal oxidant in Ru-catalyzed C–H activation and annulation reactions: access to 8-amido isocoumarins
Authors: Kaishap Partha Pratim , Sarma Bipul , Gogoi Sanjib
Published: July 2016

The amide C–N bond of isatins was used as the oxidizing directing group for 4C–H activation and annulation reactions with alkynes.
A comparative first-principles study of the lithiation, sodiation, and magnesiation of black phosphorus for Li-, Na-, and Mg-ion batteries
Authors: Hembram K. P. S. S. , Jung Hyun , Yeo Byung Chul , Pai Sung Jin , Lee Heon Ju , Lee Kwang-Ryeol , Han Sang Soo
Published: July 2016

Lithiation, sodiation, and magnesiation of black phosphorus are clarified and compared using first-principles calculations.
The crystal structure and chemical state of aluminum-doped hydroxyapatite by experimental and first principles calculation studies
Authors: Wang Ming , Wang Liping , Shi Chao , Sun Tian , Zeng Yi , Zhu Yingchun
Published: July 2016

The crystal structure and chemical state of Al-doped hydroxyapatite have been explored using first principles calculation to provide the possible crystallographic mechanism for Al-induced bone metabolic diseases.
Organics on oxidic metal surfaces: a first-principles DFT study of PMDA and ODA fragments on the pristine and mildly oxidized surfaces of Cu(111)
Authors: Park Jong-Hun , Lee Ji-Hwan , Soon Aloysius
Published: July 2016

Using van der Waals corrected density-functional theory calculations, we study the fundamental physico-chemical properties of the molecular fragments of pyromellitic dianhydride oxydianiline (PMDA–ODA) on pristine and oxidized Cu(111) to investigate the effect of mild oxidation of the metal substrate on PMDA–ODA adsorption.
Chiral amino-phosphine and amido-phosphine complexes of Ir and Mg. Catalytic applications in olefin hydroamination
Authors: Schmid Bernhard , Frieß Sibylle , Herrera Alberto , Linden Anthony , Heinemann Frank W. , Locke Harald , Harder Sjoerd , Dorta Romano
Published: July 2016

Chiral amido-phosphine magnesium and amino-phosphine iridium complexes catalyze intra- and intermolecular olefin hydroamination reactions, respectively.
Physical and oxidation stability of self-emulsifying krill oil-in-water emulsions
Authors: Wu Qian , Uluata Sibel , Cui Leqi , Wang Chao , Li Dongsheng , Mcclements Julian , Decker Eric A.
Published: July 2016

Krill oil is a unique source of omega-3 fatty acids since it is a mixture of phospholipids and triacylglycerols.
Bis(arylmethyl)-substituted unsymmetrical phosphites for the synthesis of lipidated peptides via Staudinger-phosphite reactions
Authors: Nischan N. , Kasper M.-A. , Mathew T. , Hackenberger C. P. R.
Published: July 2016

With this study we introduce new unsymmetrical phosphites to obtain lipidated peptide-conjugates starting from easily accessible azide-modified amino acid or peptide precursors.
Functionalized PGMA nanoparticles with aggregation-induced emission characteristics for gene delivery systems
Authors: Qi Yu , Xu Chen , Nizam Muhammad Naeem , Li Yang , Yu Bingran , Xu Fu-Jian
Published: July 2016

AIE fluorogen conjugated cationic nanoparticles with excellent bioimaging abilities and stable morphologies were designed for multifunctional gene delivery systems.
Spectral normalisation by error minimisation for prediction of conversion in solvent-free catalytic chain transfer polymerisations
Authors: Richardson Samuel J. , Blakey Idriss , Thurecht Kristofer J. , Irvine Derek J. , Whittaker Andrew K.
Published: July 2016

This work provides a robust method to determine spectral normalization points in reactions with no known constant responses.
Ionic liquid microseeded WC/RF ablative composite for heat shielding
Authors: Gyan Deepankar Sri , K. Balasubramanian
Published: July 2016

The in situ incorporation of tungsten(iv) carbide in 3D thermosetting resorcinol formaldehyde was carried out to fabricate a resol type WC/RF heat shielding ablative material. The effect of infusing an ionic liquid on the thermal insulation properties was also investigated.
Effect of surface species and structure on the performance of CeO2 and SO42− doped MCM-41 catalyst toward NH3-SCR
Authors: Song Zhongxian , Wu Xiang , Zhang Qiulin , Ning Ping , Fan Jie , Liu Xin , Liu Qixian , Huang Zhenzhen
Published: July 2016

The different structure and surface species on the SCR activity of CeO2 and SO42− doped MCM-41 catalysts toward NO reduction by NH3 were investigated. The sulfated species generated over Cat-A and Cat-B except for Cat-C.
Affinity adsorbents for proline-rich peptide sequences: a new role for WW domains
Authors: Dias A. M. G. C. , Santos R. dos , Iranzo O. , Roque A. C. A.
Published: July 2016

The WW domain derived from human Yes-associated protein (hYAP65_WW) recognizes proline-rich peptides.
Growth of Ba1−xSrxZrO3 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) nanoparticles in supercritical water
Authors: Yoko Akira , Akizuki Makoto , Umezawa Naoto , Ohno Takahisa , Oshima Yoshito
Published: July 2016

We studied the formation of Ba1−xSrxZrO3 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) nanoparticles under highly super-saturated conditions, using supercritical water.
Fabrication of a novel chitosan scaffold with asymmetric structure for guided tissue regeneration
Authors: Yang Ling , Lu Wentao , Pang Yichuan , Huang Xiaofei , Wang Zhengke , Qin An , Hu Qiaoling
Published: July 2016

Asymmetric chitosan scaffold with a loose layer and a dense layer exhibited outstanding bone regenerative ability and appropriate degradability.
Mesenchymal stem cells in response to exposed rod-heights of TiO2 nanorod films
Authors: Ge Fei , Yu Mengfei , Lin Jun , Yu Cuixia , Weng Wenjian , Cheng Kui , Wang Huiming
Published: July 2016

Cellular responses are strongly sensitive to surface structure, so the optimization of the structures is essential in biomaterial research.
Mechanism for the enhanced reactivity of 4-mercaptoprolyl thioesters in native chemical ligation
Authors: Ali Shah Muhammad Ishaq , Xu Zhe-Yuan , Liu Lei , Jiang Yuan-Ye , Shi Jing
Published: July 2016

Ring-strain-precluded strategy benefiting from entropy effects and n → π* orbital interaction, enhances the reactivity of C-terminal prolyl thioesters in NCL.
Unusual thermal transport behavior in self-assembled fullerene nanorods
Authors: Tang Hao , Dou Kunpeng , Xiong Yucheng , Wang Feng , Zhao Yang , Wang Xiaomeng , Fu Qiang , Yang Juekuan , Zhao Ni , Xu Dongyan
Published: July 2016

Ultralow thermal conductivity (less than 0.06 W m−1 K−1) is observed for self-assembled C60 nanorods at room temperature.
Feasibility study of molecular memory device based on DNA using methylation to store information
Authors: Jiang Liming , Qiu Wanzhi , Al-Dirini Feras , Hossain Faruque M. , Evans Robin , Skafidas Efstratios
Published: July 2016

DNA, because of its robustness and dense information storage capability, has been proposed as a potential candidate for next-generation storage media. However, encoding information into the DNA sequence requires molecular synthesis technology, which to date is costly and prone to synthesis errors. Reading the DNA strand information is also complex. Ideally, DNA storage will provide methods for modifying stored information. Here, we conduct a feasibility study investigating the use of the DNA 5-methylcytosine (5mC) methylation state as a molecular memory to store information. We propose a new 1-bit memory device and study, based on the density functional theory and non-equilibrium Green's function method, the feasibility of electrically reading the information. Our results show that changes to methylation states lead to changes in the peak of negative differential resistance which can be used to interrogate memory state. Our work demonstrates a new memory concept based on methylation state which can be beneficial in the design of next generation DNA based molecular electronic memory devices.
E/N effects on K values revealed by high precision measurements under low field conditions
Authors: Hauck Brian C. , Siems William F. , Harden Charles S. , McHugh Vincent M. , Hill Herbert H.
Published: July 2016

Ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) is used to detect chemical warfare agents, explosives, and narcotics. While IMS has a low rate of false positives, their occurrence causes the loss of time and money as the alarm is verified. Because numerous variables affect the reduced mobility (K0) of an ion, wide detection windows are required in order to ensure a low false negative response rate. Wide detection windows, however, reduce response selectivity, and interferents with similar K0 values may be mistaken for targeted compounds and trigger a false positive alarm. Detection windows could be narrowed if reference K0 values were accurately known for specific instrumental conditions. Unfortunately, there is a lack of confidence in the literature values due to discrepancies in the reported K0 values and their lack of reported error. This creates the need for the accurate control and measurement of each variable affecting ion mobility, as well as for a central accurate IMS database for reference and calibration. A new ion mobility spectrometer has been built that reduces the error of measurements affecting K0 by an order of magnitude less than ±0.2%. Precise measurements of ±0.002 cm2 V−1 s−1 or better have been produced and, as a result, an unexpected relationship between K0 and the electric field to number density ratio (E/N) has been discovered in which the K0 values of ions decreased as a function of E/N along a second degree polynomial trend line towards an apparent asymptote at approximately 4 Td.
Calculation of the static and dynamical correlation energy of pseudo-one-dimensional beryllium systems via a many-body expansion
Authors: Koch D. , Fertitta E. , Paulus B.
Published: July 2016

Due to the importance of both static and dynamical correlation in the bond formation, low-dimensional beryllium systems constitute interesting case studies to test correlation methods. Aiming to describe the whole dissociation curve of extended Be systems we chose to apply the method of increments (MoI) in its multireference (MR) formalism. To gain insight into the main characteristics of the wave function, we started by focusing on the description of small Be chains using standard quantum chemical methods. In a next step we applied the MoI to larger beryllium systems, starting from the Be6 ring. The complete active space formalism was employed and the results were used as reference for local MR calculations of the whole dissociation curve. Although this is a well-established approach for systems with limited multireference character, its application regarding the description of whole dissociation curves requires further testing. Subsequent to the discussion of the role of the basis set, the method was finally applied to larger rings and extrapolated to an infinite chain.
Geometric and chemical components of the giant piezoresistance in silicon nanowires
Authors: McClarty M. M. , Jegenyes N. , Gaudet M. , Toccafondi C. , Ossikovski R. , Vaurette F. , Arscott S. , Rowe A. C. H.
Published: July 2016

A wide variety of apparently contradictory piezoresistance (PZR) behaviors have been reported in p-type silicon nanowires (SiNW), from the usual positive bulk effect to anomalous (negative) PZR and giant PZR. The origin of such a range of diverse phenomena is unclear, and consequently so too is the importance of a number of parameters including SiNW type (top down or bottom up), stress concentration, electrostatic field effects, or surface chemistry. Here, we observe all these PZR behaviors in a single set of nominally p-type, 〈110〉 oriented, top-down SiNWs at uniaxial tensile stresses up to 0.5 MPa. Longitudinal π-coefficients varying from −800 × 10−11 Pa−1 to 3000 × 10−11 Pa−1 are measured. Micro-Raman spectroscopy on chemically treated nanowires reveals that stress concentration is the principal source of giant PZR. The sign and an excess PZR similar in magnitude to the bulk effect are related to the chemical treatment of the SiNW.
Light sensitive memristor with bi-directional and wavelength-dependent conductance control
Authors: Maier P. , Hartmann F. , Rebello Sousa Dias M. , Emmerling M. , Schneider C. , Castelano L. K. , Kamp M. , Marques G. E. , Lopez-Richard V. , Worschech L. , Höfling S.
Published: July 2016

We report the optical control of localized charge on positioned quantum dots in an electro-photo-sensitive memristor. Interband absorption processes in the quantum dot barrier matrix lead to photo-generated electron-hole-pairs that, depending on the applied bias voltage, charge or discharge the quantum dots and hence decrease or increase the conductance. Wavelength-dependent conductance control is observed by illumination with red and infrared light, which leads to charging via interband and discharging via intraband absorption. The presented memristor enables optical conductance control and may thus be considered for sensory applications in artificial neural networks as light-sensitive synapses or optically tunable memories.
Electric field control of the γ-Al2O3/SrTiO3 interface conductivity at room temperature
Authors: Christensen D. V. , Trier F. , von Soosten M. , Prawiroatmodjo G. E. D. K. , Jespersen T. S. , Chen Y. Z. , Pryds N.
Published: July 2016

Controlling interfaces using electric fields is at the heart of modern electronics. The discovery of the conducting interface between the two insulating oxides LaAlO3 (LAO) and SrTiO3 (STO) has led to a number of interesting electric field-dependent phenomena. Recently, it was shown that replacing LAO with a spinel γ-Al2O3 (GAO) allows a good pseudo-epitaxial film growth and high electron mobility at low temperatures. Here, we show that the GAO/STO interface resistance, similar to LAO/STO, can be tuned by orders of magnitude at room temperature using the electric field of a backgate. The resistance change is non-volatile, bipolar, and can be tuned continuously rather than being a simple on/off switch. Exposure to light significantly changes the capabilities to tune the interface resistance. High- and low-resistive states are obtained by annihilation and creation, respectively, of free n-type carriers, and we speculate that electromigration of oxygen vacancies is the origin of the tunability.
A field theory approach to the evolution of canonical helicity and energy
Authors: You S.
Published: July 2016

A redefinition of the Lagrangian of a multi-particle system in fields reformulates the single-particle, kinetic, and fluid equations governing fluid and plasma dynamics as a single set of generalized Maxwell's equations and Ohm's law for canonical force-fields. The Lagrangian includes new terms representing the coupling between the motion of particle distributions, between distributions and electromagnetic fields, with relativistic contributions. The formulation shows that the concepts of self-organization and canonical helicity transport are applicable across single-particle, kinetic, and fluid regimes, at classical and relativistic scales. The theory gives the basis for comparing canonical helicity change to energy change in general systems. For example, in a fixed, isolated system subject to non-conservative forces, a species' canonical helicity changes less than total energy only if gradients in density or distribution function are shallow.
Charge modulation and structural transformation in TaTe2 studied by scanning tunneling microscopy/spectroscopy
Authors: Feng Jiagui , Tan Andrew , Wagner Sean , Liu Jinyu , Mao Zhiqiang , Ke Xianglin , Zhang Pengpeng
Published: July 2016

We show that the (3 × 1) stripe structure observed in TaTe2 at room temperature arises from the formation of Ta4+–Ta4+ dimer chains along with a separate chain of Ta3+. More importantly, we reveal an intriguing lattice distortion and charge modulation at low temperature, which suggests an interplay and competition between the triple-axis (3 × 3) charge density wave-like modulation and the single-axis (3 × 1) stripe configuration. This work highlights the importance of TaTe2 as an alternative platform with rich structural and electrical phases to explore charge-lattice coupling.
Migration of liquid phase from the primary/peritectic interface in a temperature gradient
Authors: Peng Peng , Li XinZhong , Su YanQing , Guo JingJie
Published: July 2016

The migration of the liquid droplets from the primary α/peritectic β interface at the peritectic temperature TP has been observed and analyzed in a Sn–Ni peritectic alloy. During the isothermal annealing stage of the interrupted directional solidification, a concentration gradient is established across the liquid droplets along the direction of the temperature gradient due to the temperature gradient zone melting. Simultaneous remelting/resolidification at the top/bottom of the liquid droplets by this concentration gradient have been confirmed to lead to migration of these droplets towards higher temperatures. The dependence of the migration distance of the liquid droplets on isothermal annealing time has been well predicted. Furthermore, since the lengths of the liquid droplet are not uniform along the direction of the temperature gradient, the remelting/resolidification rates which are dependent on the local morphology of liquid droplet are different at different local positions of the liquid droplets. It has been demonstrated that the morphology of the liquid droplet was also influenced by the morphologies of the liquid phase themselves. Therefore, the morphology of the liquid droplet itself changes from spherical to some kinds of irregular shapes during its migration.
Note: Fully integrated 3.2 Gbps quantum random number generator with real-time extraction
Authors: Zhang Xiao-Guang , Nie You-Qi , Zhou Hongyi , Liang Hao , Ma Xiongfeng , Zhang Jun , Pan Jian-Wei
Published: July 2016

We present a real-time and fully integrated quantum random number generator (QRNG) by measuring laser phase fluctuations. The QRNG scheme based on laser phase fluctuations is featured for its capability of generating ultra-high-speed random numbers. However, the speed bottleneck of a practical QRNG lies on the limited speed of randomness extraction. To close the gap between the fast randomness generation and the slow post-processing, we propose a pipeline extraction algorithm based on Toeplitz matrix hashing and implement it in a high-speed field-programmable gate array. Further, all the QRNG components are integrated into a module, including a compact and actively stabilized interferometer, high-speed data acquisition, and real-time data post-processing and transmission. The final generation rate of the QRNG module with real-time extraction can reach 3.2 Gbps.
Pressure-induced shift of Tc and structural transition in “122” type pnictide superconductor Ca0.34Na0.66Fe2As2
Authors: Zhang Sijia , Zhao Kan , Yu Xiaohui , Zhu Jinlong , Liu Qingqing , Wang Xiancheng , Feng Shaomin , Chen Zhiqiang , Zhao Yusheng , Jin Changqing
Published: July 2016

The effect of pressure on superconductivity of “122” type Ca1-xNaxFe2As2 (x=0.66) single crystal is investigated through the temperature dependence of resistance measurement. Optimal Na doped (Ca0.34Na0.66)Fe2As2 shows a superconducting transition with Tc ∼ 33 K at ambient pressure. With application of pressure, Tc decreases nearly linearly with dTc/dP ∼ − 1.7K/GPa at pressures lower than 2 GPa, and disappears gradually at higher pressure. The disappearance of superconductivity is also companied with the recovery of standard Fermi liquid behaviors of the normal-state transport properties. Moreover, (Ca0.34Na0.66)Fe2As2 exhibits a tetragonal (T) to collapsed-tetragonal (cT) transition at about 3 GPa. The evolution of non-Fermi liquid behaviors and superconductivity under pressure are both related to the interband fluctuations.
A novel frequency tuned wireless actuator with snake-like motion
Authors: Zhang Kewei , Zhu Qianke , Chai Yuesheng
Published: July 2016

In this work, we propose a novel wireless actuator which is composed of magnetostrictive material/copper bi-layer film. The actuator can be controlled to move like a snake bi-directionally along a pipe by tuning the frequency of external magnetic field near its first order resonant frequency. The governing equation for the actuator is established and the vibration mode shape function is derived. Theoretical analysis shows that motion of the actuator is achieved by asymmetric vibration mode shape, specific vibration bending deformation, and effective net total impacting force. The simulation and experimental results well confirm the theoretical analysis. This work provides contribution to the development of wireless micro robots and autonomous magnetostrictive sensors.
Nonlinear restoring force of spring with stopper for ferroelectric dipole electret-based electrostatic vibration energy harvesters
Authors: Asanuma H. , Hara M. , Oguchi H. , Kuwano H.
Published: July 2016

Previously, we succeeded in developing a new electret [termed a ferroelectric dipole electret (FDE)] having an extremely high electric field using a polarized ferroelectric material. However, the pull-in, in which an oscillator sticks to the FDE under its strong electrostatic force, poses a problem for practical vibration energy harvesters. In this study, we propose use of nonlinear restoring force of a spring with a stopper in order to prevent pull-in for FDE-based vibration energy harvesters. The spring with a stopper was designed using a finite element method (FEM) analysis such that the restoring force of the spring will exceed the electrostatic force of the FDE. The proposed harvester combines the FDE and the spring successfully, and generated electricity without the pull-in. It also showed the highest figure of merit of output power and wide frequency band when compared with other available electret-based vibration energy harvesters.
Tropical dairy pasture yield and nitrogen cycling: effect of urea application rate and a nitrification inhibitor, DMPP
Authors: Koci J. , Nelson P. N.
Published: July 2016

In tropical dairy production systems, where high rates of urea fertiliser are applied, little is known about nitrogen (N) fertiliser response, fertiliser-use efficiency and losses to the environment. This study aimed to determine the effects of N fertiliser (urea) application rate and a nitrification inhibitor (3, 4-dimethylpyrazole phosphate, DMPP) on pasture yield and N losses in a dairy production system in North Queensland, Australia. The experiment was a factorial design with two fertiliser rates (industry standard per application 57 kg N ha–1 or half that, applied ~3-weekly), two DMPP rates (0 or 4.86 g kg–1 urea) and four replicates, completed over 1 year. Urea applied at half the industry standard rate, together with DMPP, provided annual dry matter pasture yields (11 462 kg ha–1) not significantly different from those when urea was applied at the higher rate, with or without DMPP (10 691 and 11 156 kg ha–1, respectively). The low rate of urea without DMPP had the lowest annual dry matter yield (8386 kg ha–1). Most of the fertiliser N lost from the system appeared to be via leaching, with loss in surface runoff minimal. During the ryegrass phase, an experiment with 15N labelling showed that, 3 months after application, 27–39% of the applied N had been taken up by the pasture, 23–45% was recovered in the soil, and 18–40% had been lost. Emission of N2O peaked within a day of fertiliser application, and DMPP did not reduce emissions during that period. The findings indicate good potential for farmers to use DMPP-treated urea as a means of reducing N fertiliser rates without loss of productivity and with less loss of N to the environment.
Phase variable DNA repeats in Neisseria gonorrhoeae influence transcription, translation, and protein sequence variation
Authors: Zelewska Marta A. , Pulijala Madhuri , Spencer-Smith Russell , Mahmood Hiba-Tun-Noor A. , Norman Billie , Churchward Colin P. , Calder Alan , Snyder Lori A. S.
Published: July 2016

There are many types of repeated DNA sequences in the genomes of the species of the genus Neisseria, from homopolymeric tracts to tandem repeats of hundreds of bases. Some of these have roles in the phase-variable expression of genes. When a repeat mediates phase variation, reversible switching between tract lengths occurs, which in the species of the genus Neisseria most often causes the gene to switch between on and off states through frame shifting of the open reading frame. Changes in repeat tract lengths may also influence the strength of transcription from a promoter. For phenotypes that can be readily observed, such as expression of the surface-expressed Opa proteins or pili, verification that repeats are mediating phase variation is relatively straightforward. For other genes, particularly those where the function has not been identified, gathering evidence of repeat tract changes can be more difficult. Here we present analysis of the repetitive sequences that could mediate phase variation in the Neisseria gonorrhoeae strain NCCP11945 genome sequence and compare these results with other gonococcal genome sequences. Evidence is presented for an updated phase-variable gene repertoire in this species, including a class of phase variation that causes amino acid changes at the C-terminus of the protein, not previously described in N. gonorrhoeae.
Football clubs and financial crimes in Greece
Authors: Manoli Argyro Elisavet , Antonopoulos Georgios A. , Levi Michael
Published: July 2016

Purpose

The purpose of the current article is to provide an account of the financial crimes that are committed within the football clubs in Greece.

Design/methodology/approach

First, ethnographic research with two football clubs in Greece was conducted. Additional information on the issues at stake was obtained through interviews with informed actors from the realm of Greek football. Moreover, the telephone conversations that were available as the result of wiretapping by the Greek National Intelligence Agency, in relation to the latest football match-fixing scandal (2011) were used. Finally, published media sources were used. These provided information not only on the process behind financial crimes within football clubs but also on the key actors involved.

Findings

A number of financial (and finance-related) crimes committed within football clubs were identified in the study. These include: ticket “tricks”, fake tax certificates, crimes related to the players’ salary payments, owing money, money laundering and match-fixing. Issues around financial crimes within football clubs must be located within the overall football-related context in the country, which is, of course, an extension of the general financial, entrepreneurial and political landscape in the country.

Originality/value

This is the first article on football clubs and financial crimes in Greece. Although this is a case study from Greece, it constitutes a potential template for research on an international level. By using the case of football and football clubs in Greece, this article adds to understandings of the complexity of the broader motivational context of financial crime.