bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non-semi-bounded closed symmetric forms associated with a generalized Friedrichs extension
Authors: de Snoo Henk , Fleige Andreas , Hassi Seppo , Winkler Henrik
Published: July 2014

The theory of closed sesquilinear forms in the non-semi-bounded situation exhibits some new features, as opposed to the semi-bounded situation. In particular, there can be more than one closed form associated with the generalized Friedrichs extension SF of a non-semi-bounded symmetric operator S (if SF exists). However, there is one unique form [·, ·] satisfying Kato's second representation theorem and, in particular, dom = dom ∣SF∣1/2. In the present paper, another closed form [·, ·], also uniquely associated with SF, is constructed. The relation between these two forms is analysed and it is shown that these two non-semi-bounded forms can indeed differ from each other. Some general criteria for their equality are established. The results induce solutions to some open problems concerning generalized Friedrichs extensions and complete some earlier results about them in the literature. The study is connected to the spectral functions of definitizable operators in Kreĭn spaces.
Spaces with high topological complexity
Authors: Franc Aleksandra , Pavešić Petar
Published: July 2014

By a formula of Farber, the topological complexity TC(X) of a (p − 1)-connected m-dimensional CW-complex X is bounded above by (2m + 1)/p + 1. We show that the same result holds for the monoidal topological complexity TCM(X). In a previous paper we introduced various lower bounds for TCM(X), such as the nilpotency of the ring H*(X × X, Δ(X)), and the weak and stable (monoidal) topological complexity wTCM(X) and σTCM(X). In general, the difference between these upper and lower bounds can be arbitrarily large. In this paper we investigate spaces with topological complexity close to the maximal value given by Farber's formula. We show that in these cases the gap between the lower and upper bounds is narrow and TC(X) often coincides with the lower bounds.
Existence of solutions to a class of semilinear elliptic equations involving general subcritical growth
Authors: Lan Yong-Yi , Tang Chun-Lei
Published: July 2014

In this paper, we consider the semilinear elliptic equation −Δu = λf(x,u) with the Dirichlet boundary value, and under suitable assumptions on the nonlinear term f with a more general growth condition. Some existence results of solutions are given for all λ > 0 via the variational method and some analysis techniques.
Marine ecological footprint indicates unsustainability of the Pohnpei (Micronesia) coral reef fishery
Authors: RHODES KEVIN L. , WARREN-RHODES KIMBERLEY A. , SWEET SCOTT , HELGENBERGER MIKE , JOSEPH EUGENE , BOYLE LINDA NG , HOPKINS KEVIN D.
Published: July 2014

Throughout the tropics, developing countries and territories are highly dependent on nearshore marine resources for food and income, however information on the sustainability and proper management of these fisheries is lacking. In Pohnpei, Micronesia, the sustainability of a coral reef finfishery was assessed by comparing coral reef fish demand to coral reef biocapacity using a marine ecological footprint (MEF) analysis. Based on geo-referenced satellite and aerial imagery, Pohnpei and surrounding atolls have 184.2 km2 of coral reef habitat with a sustainable finfish yield of 573–1118 t yr−1, however total harvest was estimated at 4068 t yr−1, exceeding biocapacity by 360–710%. The MEF was supported by observed impacts to coral reef resources, including (1) long-term declines in fish spawning aggregation density, (2) reductions in mean size, age and fecundity of key commercial species, (3) reliance on undersized fish, and (4) decadal declines in mean size and abundance of fishes of iconic value and critical to ecosystem maintenance. The commercial fishery was responsible for 68% of finfish catch volume, while reef fish consumption, at 93 kg person−1 yr−1, was among the highest in the region. To sustainably meet current demand, up to 833 km2 of additional reef area would be required. The study illustrates the MEF, at least rudimentarily, reflects biological reality on local reefs and represents a valuable analytical tool in a marine policymaker's toolbox.
A Political Ecology of Sovereignty in Practice and on the Map: The Technicalities of Law, Participatory Mapping, and Environmental Governance
Authors: MCCREARY TYLER , LAMB VANESSA
Published: July 2014

This article examines the relationships between representations and operations of sovereignty in natural resource governance. We advance a ‘political ecology of sovereignty’, examining the participation of non-state actors in resource governance processes. We particularly argue that processes of integrating subaltern populations through mapping local ecological knowledge can modify effective governance practices while nonetheless reproducing the legibility of state sovereign authority and its territorial boundaries. Exploring the Enbridge Northern Gateway pipeline in Canada, we suggest that state jurisdictional authority is secured through incorporating indigenous interests as a delimited geography of tradition. Examining the Hatgyi hydroelectric development along the Thai–Burmese border, we argue that the territorial boundaries of those nation-states are rearticulated through the governance of this transboundary development. Through these cases, we demonstrate how the insertion of local knowledge works not only to reconfigure effective governance processes but also to reinforce the effect of state sovereignty in new ways.
The Maps of International Law: Perceptions of Nature in the Classification of Territory
Authors: MICKELSON KARIN
Published: July 2014

This article explores the understanding of nature reflected in the international legal classification of territory, as reflected in the doctrines of terra nullius, res communis, and the common heritage of mankind. It provides an overview and analysis of each of these concepts, noting the frequently problematic role they have played in legitimating the exercise of political and economic power. It then analyses the continuities and discontinuities between these categories. It argues that, despite surface changes, a narrow instrumental view of nature and the environment continues to be deeply embedded in much of our current thinking about jurisdiction over territory, and can be seen as constituting one of the ongoing barriers to thinking about the environment in more innovative and sustainable ways.
International Economic Law at a Crossroads: Global Governance and Normative Coherence
Authors: SEGURA-SERRANO ANTONIO
Published: July 2014

International economic law (IEL) is now at a crossroads regarding the reconfiguration of the international economic order. Many scholars regard the multilateral trading system as a major legal achievement and agree that the World Trade Organization (WTO) has performed as expected with respect to the 2008 crisis. By contrast, the recent financial crisis has demonstrated the inability of the international financial architecture to ensure financial stability. However, this article will review the strength of the multilateral trading system and the challenges that it now faces regarding its main goal (the stability of trade relations). A material reform in the mode of a horizontal expansion in order to protect societal values other than trade liberalization seems to be needed if we want the WTO to be up to the tasks and demands flowing from global governance. Similarly, this article will analyse the current structure of the international financial system as well as the elements that would need to be changed in order to achieve the aim of financial stability. To accomplish that end, an institutional reform in the mode of a vertical expansion of IEL is proposed. Global governance and normative coherence have been used as the theoretical tools to unveil the similarities stemming from the functions performed and the need for transformation that both areas of IEL have in common. The reform proposals submitted for both areas of law would introduce a meaningful step from negative regulation towards a more positive approach to regulation.
The Roots of Historic Title: Non-Western Pre-Colonial Normative Systems and Legal Resolution of Territorial Disputes
Authors: FRY JAMES D. , LOJA MELISSA H.
Published: July 2014

The validity of historic or ancient title to territory has been tested in numerous international judicial proceedings, both in the International Court of Justice and in international arbitration. Historic title usually originates in ancient normative systems, including tributary, feudal, sultanate, and Islamic systems that predate the Western international legal system. Nevertheless, the rules against which historic title has been tested in international judicial proceedings generally require that the original titleholder be a state or a central authority that exercised territorial sovereignty over a defined space to the exclusion of other sovereign powers. The rules that apply specifically to these ancient normative systems, where allegiance to authority was personal or religious rather than territorial, have been seen as irrelevant compared to the more contemporary determinations of historic title. The only exceptions have been the French medieval customary normfrankalmoign, which the international arbitral tribunal in theMinquiers and Ecrehoscase cited as evidence that the English king exercised territorial sovereignty over the disputed islands, and the personal allegiance of theOrang Lautto the Sultan of Johore, coupled with the recognition accorded to the latter by the great maritime powers, which the International Court of Justice inMalaysiav.Singaporefound sufficient to prove the historic title of Malaysia over Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh and Middle Rocks. The principles by which historic title were adjudicated in these cases appear to be the same principles by which the Western powers dealt with the claims of the People's Republic of China and Vietnam to the Paracel Islands and the Spratly Islands, not only during the colonial period but also after the Second World War. This analysis suggests how the International Court of Justice or an international arbitral tribunal might, if given the opportunity, resolve these South China Sea disputes. Readers might also find this analysis to be particularly relevant to other disputes involving historic title, including the East China Sea disputes, although the focus of this article is on the South China Sea disputes. States and other commentators are left to rely on their own preferences and allegiances in reaching their own normative conclusions using the novel analysis provided by this article.
Ambulatory-treated Clostridium difficile infection: a comparison of community-acquired vs. nosocomial infection
Authors: DELATE T. , ALBRECHT G. , WON K. , JACKSON A.
Published: July 2014

The purpose of this study was to identify the clinical outcomes of ambulatory-treated Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) and risk factors associated with community-associated CDI (CA-CDI). Adult patients diagnosed with CDI in the institutional or ambulatory-care setting between 1 April 2005 and 30 April 2011, with no other CDI diagnosis in the previous 180 days, and who purchased an ambulatory, anti-CDI agent within 7 days of CDI diagnosis were included. A total of 1201 patients were included with 914 (76%) and 287 (24%) identified with CA-CDI and nosocomial CDI (N-CDI), respectively. Patients with N-CDI were more likely to have had a recurrent CDI (P = 0·043) and died from any cause (P < 0·001). Patients with CA-CDI were younger, healthier, and had fewer traditional risk factors compared to patients with N-CDI. To prevent CA-CDI, clinicians should be aware that patients at risk for CA-CDI are unique from those at risk for N-CDI.
Childhood adversity subtypes and depressive symptoms in early and late adolescence
Authors: St Clair Michelle C. , Croudace Tim , Dunn Valerie J. , Jones Peter B. , Herbert Joe , Goodyer Ian M.
Published: July 2014

Within a longitudinal study of 1,005 adolescents, we investigated how exposure to childhood psychosocial adversities was associated with the emergence of depressive symptoms between 14 and 17 years of age. The cohort was classified into four empirically determined adversity subtypes for two age periods in childhood (0–5 and 6–11 years). One subtype reflects normative/optimal family environments (n = 692, 69%), while the other three subtypes reflect differential suboptimal family environments (aberrant parenting: n = 71, 7%; discordant: n = 185, 18%; and hazardous: n = 57, 6%). Parent-rated child temperament at 14 years and adolescent self-reported recent negative life events in early and late adolescence were included in models implementing path analysis. There were gender-differentiated associations between childhood adversity subtypes and adolescent depressive symptoms. The discordant and hazardous subtypes were associated with elevated depressive symptoms in both genders but the aberrant parenting subtype only so in girls. Across adolescence the associations between early childhood adversity and depressive symptoms diminished for boys but remained for girls. Emotional temperament was also associated with depressive symptoms in both genders, while proximal negative life events related to depressive symptoms in girls only. There may be neurodevelopmental factors that emerge in adolescence that reduce depressogenic symptoms in boys but increase such formation in girls.
Outcomes in delirium: same but different
Authors: Renjel Robert , Eeles Eamonn
Published: July 2014

Delirium has been associated with institutionalization, increased length of hospital stay, cognitive and functional decline and mortality. Research in the last thirty years has recognized that accurate diagnostic criteria allow for targeted interventions for those suffering from delirium. However, despite the advances made in understanding delirium, adverse outcomes persist.

This article will first review how the evolution of diagnostic criteria has fostered improvements in the recognition of delirium and facilitated the development of therapeutic strategies. Second, we discuss how this foundation in approach to delirium has influenced outcomes and the evidence for causality. Finally, the candidate factors responsible for propagating adverse events are considered and future research direction outlined.
Unguarded mitral orifice associated with hypoplastic left heart syndrome
Authors: Su Jennifer A. , Ho John , Wong Pierre C.
Published: July 2014

In the spectrum of mitral valve anomalies, unguarded mitral orifice is an exceedingly rare malformation, with only four cases described in the current literature. All previously reported cases have been associated with discordant atrioventricular connections. We describe the first known case of unguarded mitral valve orifice, in the setting of atrioventricular concordance, in a newborn with hypoplastic left heart syndrome.
Did Ṣalāḥ al-Dīn Destroy the Fatimids' Books? An Historiographical Enquiry
Authors: BORA FOZIA
Published: July 2014

A persistent myth featuring in some modern accounts of the transition from Fatimid to Ayyubid rule (1169–71) is that one of Ṣalāḥ al-Dīn's (r. 1171–93) first actions upon attaining sovereignty over Egypt was to destroy the Fatimids’ book collections in their entirety. Medieval sources present a different, more nuanced depiction of books sold and dispersed over a decade or more, rather than extirpated and put out of circulation altogether. This article collects and examines medieval Arabic accounts of the episode, and finds further indications of the robust survival of Fatimid-era works in the composition of later chronicles, where native Fatimid-era accounts, which clearly did endure beyond the Fatimid age, are well-represented. The article also looks at the tendentious aspects of medieval accounts of Ṣalāḥ al-Dīn's policies, and the difficulties they pose to a modern appraisal of the sultan's character and intellectual-ideological tendencies.
The Influence of Islamic Orientations on Democratic Support and Tolerance in five Arab Countries
Authors: Spierings Niels
Published: July 2014

Conclusions from empirical analyses on how Islam influences democratic attitudes in Arab countries differ widely, and the field suffers from conceptual ambiguity and largely focuses on “superficial” democratic support. Based on the non-Middle Eastern literature, this study provides a more systematic theoretical and empirical assessment of the linkages between Islamic attitudes and the popular support for democracy. I link belonging (affiliation), commitment (religiosity), orthodoxy, Muslim political attitudes, and individual-level political Islamism to the support for democracy and politico-religious tolerance. Statistical analyses on seven WVS surveys for Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, and Saudi Arabia show that tolerance levels are remarkably lower than “democratic support”; the influence of being (committed or orthodox) Muslim and Muslim political attitudes are negligible however. Political Islamist views strongly affect tolerance negatively. They also influence “support for democracy,” but if the opposition in an authoritarian country is Islamic, these attitudes actually strengthen this support.
Renaturing Membrane Proteins in the Lipid Cubic Phase, a Nanoporous Membrane Mimetic
Authors: Li Dianfan , Caffrey Martin
Published: July 2014

Membrane proteins play vital roles in the life of the cell and are important therapeutic targets. Producing them in large quantities, pure and fully functional is a major challenge. Many promising projects end when intractable aggregates or precipitates form. Here we show how such unfolded aggregates can be solubilized and the solution mixed with lipid to spontaneously self-assemble a bicontinuous cubic mesophase into the bilayer of which the protein, in a confined, chaperonin-like environment, reconstitutes with 100% efficiency. The test protein, diacylglycerol kinase, reconstituted in the bilayer of the mesophase, was then crystallized in situ by the in meso or lipid cubic phase method providing an X-ray structure to a resolution of 2.55 Å. This highly efficient, inexpensive, simple and rapid approach should find application wherever properly folded, membrane reconstituted and functional proteins are required where the starting material is a denatured aggregate.
Unification of the family of Garrison-Wright's phases
Authors: Cui Xiao-Dong , Zheng Yujun
Published: July 2014

Inspired by Garrison and Wight's seminal work on complex-valued geometric phases, we generalize the concept of Pancharatnam's “in-phase” in interferometry and further develop a theoretical framework for unification of the abelian geometric phases for a biorthogonal quantum system modeled by a parameterized or time-dependent nonhermitian hamiltonian with a finite and nondegenerate instantaneous spectrum, that is, the family of Garrison-Wright's phases, which will no longer be confined in the adiabatic and nonadiabatic cyclic cases. Besides, we employ a typical example, Bethe-Lamb model, to illustrate how to apply our theory to obtain an explicit result for the Garrison-Wright's noncyclic geometric phase and also to present its potential applications in quantum computation and information.
A novel method for quantification of lactose in mammalian milk through HPTLC and determination by a mass spectrometric technique
Authors: Srivastava Amit , Tripathi Rama , Verma Shikhar , Srivastava Nishi , Rawat A. K. S. , Deepak Desh
Published: July 2014

A novel HPTLC method was used to estimate the lactose concentration present in the milk of different mammaliansviz: Indian mare (Equus caballus), Cow (Bos primigenius indicus), Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis), Camel (Camelus dromedarius) and Donkey (Equss asinus).
Highly sensitive methyltransferase activity assay and inhibitor screening based on fluorescence quenching of graphene oxide integrated with the site-specific cleavage of restriction endonuclease
Authors: Ji Lijuan , Cai Zhewei , Qian Yingdan , Wu Ping , Zhang Hui , Cai Chenxin
Published: July 2014

A sensitive and selective approach for the DNA methyltransferase activity assay and MTase inhibitor screening is reported.
An umpolung approach toward N-aryl nitrone construction: a phosphine-mediated addition of 1,2-dicarbonyls to nitroso electrophiles
Authors: Chavannavar Aditi P. , Oliver Allen G. , Ashfeld Brandon L.
Published: July 2014

An umpolung strategy toward the chemoselective construction ofN-aryl nitrones employing a phosphine-mediated addition of 1,2-dicarbonyls to nitroso arenes is described.
Orthogonal halogen and hydrogen bonds involving a peptide bond model
Authors: Vasylyeva Vera , Nayak Susanta K. , Terraneo Giancarlo , Cavallo Gabriella , Metrangolo Pierangelo , Resnati Giuseppe
Published: July 2014

N-Methylacetamide, a well-known peptide bond model, and dihalotetrafluorobenzenes form co-crystals and show geometrically orthogonal hydrogen and halogen bonds sharing the same carbonyl oxygen atom.
Preparation of Mo nanopowders through electroreduction of solid MoS2in molten KCl–NaCl
Authors: Gao Haiping , Tan Mingsheng , Rong Liangbin , Wang Zhiyong , Peng Junjun , Jin Xianbo , Chen George Z.
Published: July 2014

The electrolysis of solid MoS2to produce nano-Mo and elemental S in molten NaCl–KCl has been proposed and studied in detail.
Development of high-performance printed organic field-effect transistors and integrated circuits
Authors: Xu Yong , Liu Chuan , Khim Dongyoon , Noh Yong-Young
Published: July 2014

In this perspective article, we provide a recent overview of the route to realize high-performance printed organic transistors and integrated circuits.
Mechanistic examination of AuIII-mediated 1,5-enyne cycloisomerization by AuBr2(N-imidate)(NHC)/AgX precatalysts – is the active catalyst AuIII or AuI?
Authors: Reeds Jonathan P. , Healy Mark P. , Fairlamb Ian J. S.
Published: July 2014

The role of AuI and AuIII species in 1,5-enyne cycloisomerization reactions has been examined in this paper.
Hydrothermal saline promoted grafting: a route to sulfonic acid SBA-15 silica with ultra-high acid site loading for biodiesel synthesis
Authors: Pirez C. , Lee A. F. , Manayil J. C. , Parlett C. M. A. , Wilson K.
Published: July 2014

A simple grafting protocol is reported affording a ten-fold enhancement in acid site density of mesoporous sulfonic acid silicas compared to conventional syntheses.
The role of copper(ii) in the aggregation of human amylin
Authors: Sinopoli Alessandro , Magrì Antonio , Milardi Danilo , Pappalardo Matteo , Pucci Pietro , Flagiello Angela , Titman Jeremy J. , Nicoletti Vincenzo Giuseppe , Caruso Giuseppe , Pappalardo Giuseppe , Grasso Giuseppe
Published: July 2014

Copper(ii) coordination to human amylin has an influence on the aggregation and cytotoxic features of the polypeptide. Comparative investigations, carried out on a model peptide encompassing the 17–29 aminoacid region of amylin containing the putative metal binding site, support the non-fibrillar nature of the copper(ii) complexes.
Photocatalytic properties of Bi/BiOCl heterojunctions synthesized using an in situ reduction method
Authors: Hu Jiajia , Xu Guangqing , Wang Jinwen , Lv Jun , Zhang Xinyi , Zheng Zhixiang , Xie Ting , Wu Yucheng
Published: July 2014

Bi nanoparticles on BiOCl nanosheets, synthesized via in situ reduction, enhance the UV light photocatalytic activity and achieve visible light activity.
Thermodynamics at the nanoscale: phase diagrams of nickel–carbon nanoclusters and equilibrium constants for phase transitions
Authors: Engelmann Yannick , Bogaerts Annemie , Neyts Erik C.
Published: July 2014

Using reactive molecular dynamics simulations, the melting behavior of nickel–carbon nanoclusters is examined.
Giant magnetoresistance and spin Seebeck coefficient in zigzag α-graphyne nanoribbons
Authors: Zhai Ming-Xing , Wang Xue-Feng , Vasilopoulos P. , Liu Yu-Shen , Dong Yao-Jun , Zhou Liping , Jiang Yong-Jing , You Wen-Long
Published: July 2014

We investigate the spin-dependent electric and thermoelectric properties of ferromagnetic zigzag α-graphyne nanoribbons (ZαGNRs) using density-functional theory combined with non-equilibrium Green's function method.
Novel behaviors of multiferroic properties in Na-Doped BiFeO3 nanoparticles
Authors: Zhang Hong , Liu Weifang , Wu Ping , Hai Xiao , Guo Minchen , Xi Xiaojuan , Gao Ju , Wang Xu , Guo Feng , Xu Xunling , Wang Can , Liu Guangyao , Chu Weiguo , Wang Shouyu
Published: July 2014

A phenomenological qualitative model is proposed to understand the decrease of leakage current in Na doped BiFeO3 nanoparticles.
Energy landscapes of planar colloidal clusters
Authors: Morgan John W. R. , Wales David J.
Published: July 2014

A short-ranged pairwise Morse potential is used to model colloidal clusters with planar morphologies. Low-lying potential energy minima, free energy minima and rearrangement mechanisms states are predicted.
Self-regulated route to ternary hybrid nanocrystals of Ag–Ag2S–CdS with near-infrared photoluminescence and enhanced photothermal conversion
Authors: Zhu Guoxing , Bao Chunlin , Liu Yuanjun , Shen Xiaoping , Xi Chunyan , Xu Zheng , Ji Zhenyuan
Published: July 2014

Ternary Ag–Ag2S–CdS hybrid nanocrystals were synthesized by a self-regulated route and offer the combination of near infrared emission and enhanced photothermal conversion properties.
Nanoporous silicon nitride membranes fabricated from porous nanocrystalline silicon templates
Authors: DesOrmeaux J. P. S. , Winans J. D. , Wayson S. E. , Gaborski T. R. , Khire T. S. , Striemer C. C. , McGrath J. L.
Published: July 2014

Free standing ultrathin nanoporous silicon nitride membranes are fabricated on a wafer scale by transferring the pores from porous nanocrystalline silicon into a silicon nitride film by reactive ion etch.
A one-pot multicomponent coupling/cyclization for natural product herbicide (±)-thaxtomin A
Authors: Bourgault Jean Paul , Maddirala Amarendar Reddy , Andreana Peter R.
Published: July 2014

The herbicide (±)-thaxtomin A has been synthesized in a one-pot two step process through an Ugi reaction followed by base-mediated cyclization.
Total syntheses and structural validation of lincitol A, lincitol B, uvacalol I, uvacalol J, and uvacalol K
Authors: Mondal Soumik , Sureshan Kana M.
Published: July 2014

First total syntheses of lincitol A, lincitol B, uvacalol I, uvacalol J and uvacalol K were achieved in racemic form, validating their structure from a common intermediate, which was synthesized in six steps from low-cost and extensively available myo-inositol.
Synthesis and properties of a well-defined copolymer of chlorotrifluoroethylene and N-vinylpyrrolidone by xanthate-mediated radical copolymerization under 60Co γ-ray irradiation
Authors: Wang Pucheng , Dai Jingwen , Liu Lei , Dong Qibao , Wang Hu , Bai Ruke
Published: July 2014

RAFT/MADIX polymerization of CTFE and NVP under 60Co γ-ray irradiation with S-benzyl O-ethyl dithiocarbonate (BEDTC).
The effect of remote substitution on the formation of preferential isomers of cobalt(iii)-tetrazolate complexes by microwave assisted cycloaddition
Authors: Saha Manideepa , Nasani Rajendar , Das Mriganka , Mobin Shaikh M. , Pathak Biswarup , Mukhopadhyay Suman
Published: July 2014

Cycloaddition of cis-[Co(N3)2(en)2]NO31 or trans-[Co(N3)2(en)2]ClO41a with organonitriles affords cis/trans cobalt bis-tetrazolate complexes, depending upon ligand substitution, solvent molecules and counteranions.
Asymmetric hydrogenation of 3-substituted 2H-1,4-benzoxazines with chiral cationic Ru-MsDPEN catalysts: a remarkable counteranion effect
Authors: Qin Jie , Chen Fei , He Yan-Mei , Fan Qing-Hua
Published: July 2014

The achiral counteranions of chiral cationic Ru-diamine complexes regulated both the enantioselectivity and regioselectivity in the asymmetric hydrogenation of 3-substituted-2H-1,4-benzoxazines.
Conductive polymers/zeolite (nano-)composites: under-exploited materials
Authors: Jaymand Mehdi
Published: July 2014

This review provides a snapshot of recent progress in the synthesis, materials properties, and applications of conductive polymers/zeolite (nano-)composites reported until March 2014.
Synthesis, optical and electrochemical properties of new ferrocenyl substituted triphenylamine based donor–acceptor dyes for dye sensitized solar cells
Authors: Misra Rajneesh , Maragani Ramesh , Patel K. R. , Sharma G. D.
Published: July 2014

Two new ferrocenyl substituted triphenylamine based donor–acceptor dyes D1 and D2 were synthesized and used as sensitizers for dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs).
Cytotoxicity control of SiC nanoparticles introduced into polyelectrolyte multilayer films
Authors: Mzyk A. , Major R. , Lackner J. M. , Bruckert F. , Major B.
Published: July 2014

Nowadays, biosensor technology development is directed toward improvement of sensing devices' biocompatibility.
A smart copper(ii)-responsive binuclear gadolinium(iii) complex-based magnetic resonance imaging contrast agent
Authors: Xiao Yan-meng , Zhao Gui-yan , Fang Xin-xiu , Zhao Yong-xia , Wang Guan-hua , Yang Wei , Xu Jing-wei
Published: July 2014

The relaxivity of the complex was modulated by Cu2+, that is, in the absence of Cu2+ the complex exhibited a relatively low relaxivity value of 6.40 mM−1 s−1, while the addition of Cu2+ triggered the relaxivity to 11.28 mM−1 s−1, an enhancement of approximately 76%.
Fast photocatalytic degradation of congo red using CoO-doped β-Ga2O3 nanostructures
Authors: Bagheri Minoo , Mahjoub Ali Reza , Khodadadi Abbas Ali , Mortazavi Yadollah
Published: July 2014

In this study, the influence of cobalt(ii) oxide on the photocatalytic activity of Ga2O3 rod-like nanostructures in presence of 30 ppm congo red is investigated.
Ruthenium complexes as precursors for chemical vapor-deposition (CVD)
Authors: Gaur Ruchi , Mishra Lallan , Siddiqi M. Aslam , Atakan Burak
Published: July 2014

The progress in precursor chemistry for the chemical vapor deposition of ruthenium containing thin films is reviewed.
Electronic transitions and dielectric function tensor of a YMnO3 single crystal in the NIR-VUV spectral range
Authors: Schmidt-Grund Rüdiger , Richter Steffen , Ebbinghaus Stefan G. , Lorenz Michael , Bundesmann Carsten , Grundmann Marius
Published: July 2014

The dielectric function tensor elements of an YMnO3 single crystal yield M0 critical point like band-band absorption with discrete spectrally localized Lorentzian transitions within the band gaps.
An unprecedented (3, 6)-connected net featuring tcj-3,6-P21/c topology
Authors: Zhang Xiao-jing , Li Jian-qiang , Liu Shu-juan , Luo Ming-biao , Feng Xue-feng , Luo Feng
Published: July 2014

We present here an unprecedented tcj-3,6-P21/c (3, 6)-connected net based on both metal nodes and organic ligand nodes, featuring the (3 × 52)(32 × 42 × 55 × 65 × 7) topology symbol.
An ideal nanostructure of polymer/BaTiO3dielectric materials with high reliability for breakdown strength: isolated and uniformly dispersed BaTiO3nanoparticles by thick polymer shells
Authors: Hayashida Kenichi , Matsuoka Yoriko , Takatani Yasuhiro
Published: July 2014

Polymer/BaTiO3nanocomposites where the BaTiO3nanoparticles were isolated and uniformly dispersed by thick polymer shells, exhibited high reliability for dielectric breakdown strength.
Thermodynamics of native defects in In2O3 crystals using a first-principles method
Authors: Liu Jian , Liu Tingyu , Liu Fengming , Li Haixin
Published: July 2014

The stability of the intrinsic point defects in bixbyite In2O3, including oxygen vacancies, oxygen interstitials, indium vacancies and indium interstitials, under a range of temperatures, oxygen partial pressures and stoichiometries has been studied by computational methods.
A comparative electron paramagnetic resonance study of expanded graphites and graphene
Authors: Tampieri Francesco , Silvestrini Simone , Riccò Raffaele , Maggini Michele , Barbon Antonio
Published: July 2014

EPR techniques enable the disentangling of signals belonging to different types of structures.
Computational studies on magnetism and the optical properties of transition metal embedded graphitic carbon nitride sheets
Authors: Ghosh Dibyajyoti , Periyasamy Ganga , Pandey Bradraj , Pati Swapan K.
Published: July 2014

Transition metal embedded g-C3N4 sheets demonstrate promising multi usage in various fields such as memory devices, photocatalysis.
Structural and functional features of Crl proteins and identification of conserved surface residues required for interaction with the RpoS/σS subunit of RNA polymerase
Authors: Cavaliere Paola , Levi-Acobas Fabienne , Mayer Claudine , Saul Frederick A. , England Patrick , Weber Patrick , Raynal Bertrand , Monteil Véronique , Bellalou Jacques , Haouz Ahmed , Norel Françoise
Published: July 2014

In many γ-proteobacteria, the RpoS/σS sigma factor associates with the core RNAP (RNA polymerase) to modify global gene transcription in stationary phase and under stress conditions. The small regulatory protein Crl stimulates the association of σS with the core RNAP in Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, through direct and specific interaction with σS. The structural determinants of Crl involved in σS binding are unknown. In the present paper we report the X-ray crystal structure of the Proteus mirabilis Crl protein (CrlPM) and a structural model for Salmonella Typhimurium Crl (CrlSTM). Using a combination of in vivo and in vitro assays, we demonstrated that CrlSTM and CrlPM are structurally similar and perform the same biological function. In the Crl structure, a cavity enclosed by flexible arms contains two patches of conserved and exposed residues required for σS binding. Among these, charged residues that are likely to be involved in electrostatic interactions driving Crl–σS complex formation were identified. CrlSTM and CrlPM interact with domain 2 of σS with the same binding properties as with full-length σS. These results suggest that Crl family members share a common mechanism of σS binding in which the flexible arms of Crl might play a dynamic role.
The molecular regulation of Janus kinase (JAK) activation
Authors: Babon Jeffrey J. , Lucet Isabelle S. , Murphy James M. , Nicola Nicos A. , Varghese Leila N.
Published: July 2014

The JAK (Janus kinase) family members serve essential roles as the intracellular signalling effectors of cytokine receptors. This family, comprising JAK1, JAK2, JAK3 and TYK2 (tyrosine kinase 2), was first described more than 20 years ago, but the complexities underlying their activation, regulation and pleiotropic signalling functions are still being explored. Here, we review the current knowledge of their physiological functions and the causative role of activating and inactivating JAK mutations in human diseases, including haemopoietic malignancies, immunodeficiency and inflammatory diseases. At the molecular level, recent studies have greatly advanced our knowledge of the structures and organization of the component FERM (4.1/ezrin/radixin/moesin)-SH2 (Src homology 2), pseudokinase and kinase domains within the JAKs, the mechanism of JAK activation and, in particular, the role of the pseudokinase domain as a suppressor of the adjacent tyrosine kinase domain's catalytic activity. We also review recent advances in our understanding of the mechanisms of negative regulation exerted by the SH2 domain-containing proteins, SOCS (suppressors of cytokine signalling) proteins and LNK. These recent studies highlight the diversity of regulatory mechanisms utilized by the JAK family to maintain signalling fidelity, and suggest alternative therapeutic strategies to complement existing ATP-competitive kinase inhibitors.
Direct angiotensin type 2 receptor (AT2R) stimulation attenuates T-cell and microglia activation and prevents demyelination in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in mice
Authors: Valero-Esquitino Verónica , Lucht Kristin , Namsolleck Pawel , Monnet-Tschudi Florianne , Stubbe Tobias , Lucht Franziska , Liu Meng , Ebner Friederike , Brandt Christine , Danyel Leon A. , Villela Daniel C. , Paulis Ludovit , Thoene-Reineke Christa , Dahlöf Björn , Hallberg Anders , Unger Thomas , Sumners Colin , Steckelings U. Muscha
Published: July 2014

In the present study, we evaluated stimulation of the angiotensin type 2 receptor (AT2R) by the selective non-peptide agonist Compound 21 (C21) as a novel therapeutic concept for the treatment of multiple sclerosis using the model of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) in mice. C57BL-6 mice were immunized with myelin-oligodendrocyte peptide and treated for 4 weeks with C21 (0.3 mg/kg/day i.p.). Potential effects on myelination, microglia and T-cell composition were estimated by immunostaining and FACS analyses of lumbar spinal cords. The in vivo study was complemented by experiments in aggregating brain cell cultures and microglia in vitro.

In the EAE model, treatment with C21 ameliorated microglia activation and decreased the number of total T-cells and CD4+ T-cells in the spinal cord. Fluorescent myelin staining of spinal cords further revealed a significant reduction in EAE-induced demyelinated areas in lumbar spinal cord tissue after AT2R stimulation. C21-treated mice had a significantly better neurological score than vehicle-treated controls. In aggregating brain cell cultures challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) plus interferon-γ (IFNγ), AT2R stimulation prevented demyelination, accelerated re-myelination and reduced the number of microglia. Cytokine synthesis and nitric oxide production by microglia in vitro were significantly reduced after C21 treatment. These results suggest that AT2R stimulation protects the myelin sheaths in autoimmune central nervous system inflammation by inhibiting the T-cell response and microglia activation. Our findings identify the AT2R as a potential new pharmacological target for demyelinating diseases such as multiple sclerosis.
Free-Classification of Perceptually Similar Speakers With Dysarthria
Authors: Lansford Kaitlin L. , Liss Julie M. , Norton Rebecca E.
Published: July 2014

Purpose

In this investigation, the construct of perceptual similarity was explored in the dysarthrias. Specifically, we employed an auditory free-classification task to determine whether listeners could cluster speakers by perceptual similarity, whether the clusters mapped to acoustic metrics, and whether the clusters were constrained by dysarthria subtype diagnosis.

Method

Twenty-three listeners blinded to speakers' medical and dysarthria subtype diagnoses participated. The task was to group together (drag and drop) the icons corresponding to 33 speakers with dysarthria on the basis of how similar they sounded. Cluster analysis and multidimensional scaling (MDS) modeled the perceptual dimensions underlying similarity. Acoustic metrics and perceptual judgments were used in correlation analyses to facilitate interpretation of the derived dimensions.

Results

Six clusters of similar-sounding speakers and 3 perceptual dimensions underlying similarity were revealed. The clusters of similar-sounding speakers were not constrained by dysarthria subtype diagnosis. The 3 perceptual dimensions revealed by MDS were correlated with metrics for articulation rate, intelligibility, and vocal quality, respectively.

Conclusions

This study shows (a) feasibility of a free-classification approach for studying perceptual similarity in dysarthria, (b) correspondence between acoustic and perceptual metrics to clusters of similar-sounding speakers, and (c) similarity judgments transcended dysarthria subtype diagnosis.
Radiation characteristics of terahertz waveguide‐fed circularly polarised antipodal exponentially tapered slot antenna
Authors: Lu Hongda , Lv Xin , Liu Yong
Published: July 2014

A terahertz (THz) waveguide‐fed circularly polarised (CP) antipodal exponentially tapered slot antenna (AETSA) is designed, fabricated and measured. This antenna is fed by a WR2.2 rectangular waveguide. The integrated AETSA is fabricated by deep reactive‐ion etching on silicon wafers, gold‐sputtering and gold–gold thermo‐compression bonding. Optimised exponential curves are introduced to the profiles of tapered slots to realise the CP performance. The measured radiation patterns at 490 GHz show beamwidths of 42° and 39° in the 0°‐plane and 90°‐plane, with low sidelobes. Furthermore, the measured axial ratios (ARs) from 480 to 500 GHz are lower than 2 dB. The THz waveguide‐fed CP AETSA has potential to be applied in compact THz imaging, detection and communication systems.
Approach to fault detection of time‐delay systems using functional observers
Authors: Huong D.C. , Trinh H. , Tran H.M. , Fernando T.
Published: July 2014

A new methodology is reported for designing functional observers to detect actuator faults of a class of time‐delay systems where the matrix pair (A, C) is not observable. First, a generalised state transformation is used to transform the system into new coordinates where the delay term associated with the state vector is injected into the system's output and input. Then, a minimum‐order functional observer is designed to construct a residual function that can trigger system faults. The finding is significant as it is now possible to detect faults of time‐delay systems where the pair (A, C) is not required to be observable. A numerical example is given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed design approach.
Efficient sign identification engines for integers represented in RNS extended 3‐moduli set {2n− 1, 2n+k, 2n + 1}
Authors: Sousa L. , Martins P.
Published: July 2014

Sign detection is a widely used operation, namely in digital fixed‐point signal processing, but hard to perform in residue number systems (RNSs). Presented is an effective method for performing RNS sign identification in the comprehensive extended 3‐moduli set {2n − 1, 2n + k, 2n + 1}, which covers from the traditional 3‐moduli set, for k = 0, up to the set whose binary channel width is 2n (k = n). The proposed method is applied to design an efficient hardware architecture for sign detection that not only takes advantage of the arithmetic units available in the RNS, but also imposes a small overhead, both in terms of cost and performance. Experimental results for a 65 nm CMOS technology show that the proposed architecture supersedes the related state‐of‐the‐art, requiring < 40% of circuit area, reducing the imposed delay by about 25%, and the power consumption by 30%.
Low‐complexity amplify‐and‐forward relaying protocol for non‐coherent chaos‐based communication system
Authors: Kaddoum Georges , Parzysz Fanny , Shokraneh Farhad
Published: July 2014

This study proposes a low‐complexity amplify‐and‐forward (AF) relaying scheme for a differential chaos shift keying (DCSK) system. In this scenario, like the conventional AF‐DCSK scheme, a source node communicates with a destination node via one relay node, in a way that the source transmits the reference and the data carrier signal to the destination and the selected relay. This approach being sub‐optimal, presents a new relaying algorithm for the AF‐DCSK scheme to minimise the processing load, the cooperative time and the energy for relaying symbols. Furthermore, it is analytically proven that the new AF scheme benefits from less relaying complexity, and while preserving reasonable power levels, it does not degrade the error performance of the system. Finally, the scheme is evaluated by comparing the transmitted energy, the cooperative time and the error performance gain to the corresponding values in the conventional AF‐DCSK scheme.
Unified power quality conditioner allocation for reactive power compensation of radial distribution networks
Authors: Ganguly Sanjib
Published: July 2014

This paper presents an investigative study on unified power quality conditioner (UPQC) allocation for reactive power compensation of radial distribution networks. An UPQC consists of a series and a shunt inverter. The UPQC model based on phase angle control (UPQC‐PAC) is used. In UPQC‐PAC, the series inverter injects a voltage with controllable phase angle in such a way that the voltage magnitude at load end remains unchanged. Owing to the phase angle shift, the series inverter participates in load reactive power compensation along with the shunt inverter during healthy operating condition. The UPQC‐PAC model is suitably modified so as to provide the reactive power compensation of a distribution network. The impact of the UPQC‐PAC allocation is studied by placing it at each bus of a network, except the substation bus, one at a time. A load flow algorithm including the UPQC‐PAC model is devised and used in the determination of its optimal location in a network. The simulation study shows that the optimal allocation of UPQC‐PAC results in significant amount of power loss reduction, under voltage mitigation, and enhancement of voltage stability margin. Better power loss and bus voltage are obtained with UPQC‐PAC compared with some existing reactive power compensation approaches.
Decision tree‐induced fuzzy rule‐based differential relaying for transmission line including unified power flow controller and wind‐farms
Authors: Jena Manas Kumar , Samantaray Subhransu Ranjan , Tripathy Lokanath
Published: July 2014

The paper presents a decision tree (DT) induced fuzzy rule‐based intelligent differential relaying scheme for transmission lines including unified power flow controller (UPFC) and wind‐farms. The conventional distance relaying scheme fails miserably in protecting transmission lines including flexible AC transmission systems controllers such as UPFC and further, the protection issues become more challenging when wind‐farm is integrated. The proposed protection scheme extracts features from the instantaneous voltage and current signals from both ends of the transmission line using discrete Fourier transform based pre‐processor and computes corresponding differential features. The differential features are used to build the fault classification tree using a data‐mining algorithm known as DT. Further, the fuzzy membership functions are drawn using the DT thresholds and the corresponding fuzzy rule‐base is developed for final relaying decision. The proposed technique has been extensively tested (in MATLAB environment) for single circuit and double circuit transmission lines including UPFC and wind‐farms with wide variations in operating conditions. The test results indicate that the proposed DT‐induced fuzzy rule‐based relaying scheme is highly reliable and robust for protection of complex transmission line including UPFC and wind‐farm.
Array pattern synthesis approach using a genetic algorithm
Authors: Elkamchouchi Hassan M. , Hassan Mohamed M.
Published: July 2014

In this study, a new array pattern synthesis approach using a genetic algorithm (GA) is proposed. The proposed approach has a unique set of objectives to be achieved by exploiting the GA optimisation capabilities. These objectives are: (i) steering the pattern main lobe in the direction of the signal of interest, (ii) minimising the side lobes level, (iii) steering pattern nulls in the directions of jammers and interferers, (iv) forcing the pattern nulls to have prespecified values in order to insure sufficient elimination of jammers and interferers and (v) the whole pattern synthesis will be done by changing the amplitudes and phases of the array elements’ complex weights without any physical changes in the array; thus the method will be suitable for adaptive processing applications in which the array pattern will be dynamically adapted to the environments. Numerical examples will be used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed array pattern synthesis approach using a uniform linear array of isotropic elements. Finally, the effect of changing the array number of elements and the weighting factor will be investigated using numerical examples.