bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparation of superhydrophobic films based on the diblock copolymer P(TFEMA-r-Sty)-b-PCEMA
Authors: Zhang Ganwei , Hu Jiwen , Tu Yuanyuan , He Guping , Li Fei , Zou Hailiang , Lin Shudong , Yang Gonghua
Published: June 2015

The diblock copolymer P(TFEMA-r-Sty)-b-PCEMA was synthesized and self-assembled to form spherical micelles. Photo-cross-linking the PCEMA domains of these micelles yielded cross-linked nanoparticles. The cross-linked nanoparticles were used to prepare superhydrophobic films.
How far can a single hydrogen bond tune the spectral properties of the GFP chromophore?
Authors: Kiefer Hjalte V. , Lattouf Elie , Persen Natascha W. , Bochenkova Anastasia V. , Andersen Lars H.
Published: June 2015

Photoabsorption of the hydrogen-bonded HBDI·HBDI− dimer, simultaneously resembling the two states of the Green Fluorescent Protein chromophore, is measured in vacuum.
Thickness-dependent phase boundary in Sm-doped BiFeO3 piezoelectric thin films on Pt/Ti/SiO2/Si substrates
Authors: Sun Wei , Li Jing-Feng , Zhu Fangyuan , Yu Qi , Cheng Li-Qian , Zhou Zhen
Published: June 2015

Structure analysis and piezoelectricity characterization revealed a thickness-dependent phase diagram of Bi1−xSmxFeO3 films on Pt(111)/Ti/SiO2/Si substrates.
Uranium-mediated oxidative addition and reductive elimination
Authors: Lu Erli , Liddle Stephen T.
Published: June 2015

This Perspective article summarises the emerging research topic of uranium-mediated oxidative addition and reductive elimination.
An investigation into the photochemistry of, and the electrochemically induced CO-loss from, [(CO)5MC(OMe)Me](M = Cr or W) using low-temperature matrix isolation, picosecond infrared spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and time-dependent density functional theory
Authors: McMahon Suzanne , Amirjalayer Saeed , Buma Wybren J. , Halpin Yvonne , Long Conor , Rooney A. Denise , Woutersen Sander , Pryce Mary T.
Published: June 2015

The photophysics and photochemistry of [(CO)5MC(OMe)Me] (M = Cr or W) were investigated.
Aryl-BIAN-ligated silver(i) trifluoromethoxide complex
Authors: Chen Shouxiong , Huang Yangjie , Fang Xin , Li Haohong , Zhang Zhongxing , Hor T. S. Andy , Weng Zhiqiang
Published: June 2015

The complex (Aryl-BIAN)AgOCF3 has been synthesised and structurally characterised. The reactivity towards trifluoromethoxylation of benzyl bromides has also been examined.
Correction: Facile synthesis of phosphine free ultra-small PbSe nanocrystals and their light harvesting studies in ETA solar cells
Authors: Akhtar Javeed , Banski Mateusz , Malik Mohammad Azad , Revaprasadu Neerish , Podhorodecki Artur , Misiewicz Jan
Published: June 2015

Correction for ‘Facile synthesis of phosphine free ultra-small PbSe nanocrystals and their light harvesting studies in ETA solar cells’ by Javeed Akhtar, et al., Dalton Trans., 2014, 43, 16424–16430.
HOMO energy level regulation of novel conjugated copolymers for polymer solar cells
Authors: Zhang Jianfeng , Wang Sheyu , Liu Qida , Liu Zhiyang , Peng Ruixiang , Ge Ziyi
Published: June 2015

Novel donor–acceptor conjugated copolymers were synthesized, and the HOMOs were regulated to high open circuit voltage and wide spectral absorption.
Tandem copper (Cu) catalysed N-arylation–vinylogous nitroaldol condensation of 3,5-disubstituted 4-nitropyrazoles
Authors: Obulesu Owk , Nanubolu Jagadeesh Babu , Suresh Surisetti
Published: June 2015

A tandem process involving copper catalysed N-arylation and vinylogous nitroaldol condensation is described.
Substrate and stereocontrolled iodocycloetherification of highly functionalized enantiomerically pure allylic alcohols: application to synthesis of cytotoxic 2-epi jaspine B and its biological evaluation
Authors: Kundooru Somireddy , Das Pintu , Meena Sanjeev , Kumar Vikash , Siddiqi Mohammad Imran , Datta Dipak , Shaw Arun K.
Published: June 2015

A mechanistic study on iodocycloetherification of enantiopure allylic alcohols is established. Its application to synthesis of marine cytotoxic 2-epi jaspine B has been demonstrated.
Polyhydroxyalkanoate-based amphiphilic diblock copolymers as original biocompatible nanovectors
Authors: Barouti Ghislaine , Jarnouen Kathleen , Cammas-Marion Sandrine , Loyer Pascal , Guillaume Sophie M.
Published: June 2015

Nanoparticles derived from poly(β-malic acid)-b-poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PMLA-b-PHB) copolymers revealed no cytotoxicity towards HepaRG and SK-MEL-28 cells.
In celebration of the 80th birthday of Professor Ei-ichi Negishi
Authors: Ramachandran P. Veeraraghavan
Published: June 2015

Photo credit © Steve Scherer, Purdue University.
Water-mediated promotion of direct oxidation of benzene over the metal–organic framework HKUST-1
Authors: Liu Yanfeng , Zhang Tianyong , Wu Wubin , Jiang Shuang , Zhang Hao , Li Bin
Published: June 2015

Pretreatment of a HKUST-1 catalyst with water significantly accelerated the catalytic oxidation of benzene to phenol and hydroquinone with hydrogen peroxide as an oxidant.
Fabrication of hierarchically porous monolithic layered double hydroxide composites with tunable microcages for effective oxyanion adsorption
Authors: Tarutani Naoki , Tokudome Yasuaki , Fukui Megu , Nakanishi Kazuki , Takahashi Masahide
Published: June 2015

Hierarchical porous monolithic layered double hydroxide composites with size adjusted microcages for efficient CrO42− oxyanion adsorption.
Controllable hydrothermal synthesis of Al-doped ZnO with different microstructures, growth mechanisms, and gas sensing properties
Authors: Zan Li , Wei Qin , Xiaohong Wu
Published: June 2015

A series of Al-doped ZnO (AZO) structures, including disk-like, flake-like, flower-like and dumbbell-like morphologies, have been synthesized by a hydrothermal method without any catalyst or template.
Pressure dependent magnetic, AC susceptibility and electrical properties of Nd7Pd3
Authors: Kumar Pramod , Jain Puneet , Kumar Rachana
Published: June 2015

The effects of pressure on the magnetization and isothermal entropy change, AC susceptibility, and resistivity for Nd7Pd3 have been studied.
A double-layer moisture barrier & antireflective film based on bridged polysilsesquioxane and porous silica
Authors: Zhang Cong , Zhang Ce , Sun Jinghua , Ding Ruimin , Zhang Qinghua , Xu Yao
Published: June 2015

Preparation process of a double-layer moisture barrier protective & antireflective film.
C-doped boron nitride fullerene as a novel catalyst for acetylene hydrochlorination: a DFT study
Authors: Zhao Fei , Wang Yang , Zhu Mingyuan , Kang Lihua
Published: June 2015

Density functional theory calculations were used to investigate the mechanism of acetylene hydrochlorination separately catalyzed by un-doped B12N12 and carbon-doped BN fullerene (B12−nN11+nC (n = 0, 1)).
Structure and electrochemical performance of hollow microspheres of LiFexNi1/3−xCo1/3Mn1/3O2(0.000 ≤ x ≤ 0.267) as cathodes for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Chang Qing , Zhang Heng , Wang Xujun , Shao Weiquan , Li Hongliang , Yuan Feng , Xu Xiangang , Xu Sheng
Published: June 2015

For the LiFexNi1/3−xCo1/3Mn1/3O2(0.000 ≤x≤ 0.267) cathodes, the behavior of the lattice parameters is consistent with their specific capacities at a 0.1 C rate with the addition of iron, especially when they reach maxima atx= 0.133.
Preparation of polymersomes in pure water for facile antibacterial applications
Authors: Wang Tao , Jiang Jinhui , Xiao Yufen , Zou Yijie , Gao Jingyi , Du Jianzhong
Published: June 2015

We report the facile synthesis of antibacterial polymersomes in pure water, which show good antibacterial activities against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and can be sprayed in places which are susceptible to bacterial attack.
On the design of Ag–morin nanocomposite to modify calcium alginate gel: framing out a novel sodium ion trap
Authors: Sarkar Kangkana , Sen Kamalika
Published: June 2015

The present work describes the design of a Ag–morin nanocomposite and its subsequent incorporation in calcium alginate gels which have the unique property to uptake and release sodium ions.
Free-standing composite hydrogel films for superior volumetric capacitance
Authors: Moussa Mahmoud , Zhao Zhiheng , El-Kady Maher F. , Liu Huakun , Michelmore Andrew , Kawashima Nobuyuki , Majewski Peter , Ma Jun
Published: June 2015

Flexible, free-standing, high-performance supercapacitor electrodes were created by the development of a conducting composite hydrogel where graphene oxide sheets werein situreduced by polyaniline.
Two-terminal resistive switching memory devices with a polymer film embedded with nanoparticles
Authors: Ouyang Jianyong
Published: June 2015

This article reviews the recent development of resistive switch devices with a polymer film blended with nanoparticles.
Acoustical and Perceptual Comparison of Noise Reduction and Compression in Hearing Aids
Authors: Brons Inge , Houben Rolph , Dreschler Wouter A.
Published: June 2015

Purpose

Noise reduction and dynamic-range compression are generally applied together in hearing aids but may have opposite effects on amplification. This study evaluated the acoustical and perceptual effects of separate and combined processing of noise reduction and compression.

Design

Recordings of the output of 4 hearing aids for speech in babble noise at +4 dB signal-to-noise ratio were used in 3 experiments: (a) acoustical measurements to determine the influence of processing on speech and noise levels; (b) perceptual measurements to determine the detectability of processing differences for 16 listeners with hearing impairment; and (c) perceptual measurements to determine the effect of processing on speech intelligibility, noise annoyance, speech naturalness, and overall preference.

Results

Noise reduction and compression processing differed between hearing aids. The combined processing (noise reduction with compression) most strongly reduced noise and speech levels. The combined processing was detectably different between hearing aids, but compression processing alone was not. The combined processing did not influence speech intelligibility. Preference for combined processing was lower than previously observed for noise reduction without compression.

Conclusions

Differences in processing between hearing aids are perceptually salient. The effect of compression should be taken into account during the development and evaluation of hearing aid noise reduction.
Three-dimensional evaluation of gettering ability for oxygen atoms at small-angle tilt boundaries in Czochralski-grown silicon crystals
Authors: Ohno Yutaka , Inoue Kaihei , Fujiwara Kozo , Deura Momoko , Kutsukake Kentaro , Yonenaga Ichiro , Shimizu Yasuo , Inoue Koji , Ebisawa Naoki , Nagai Yasuyoshi
Published: June 2015

Three-dimensional distribution of oxygen atoms at small-angle tilt boundaries (SATBs) in Czochralski-grown p-type silicon ingots was investigated by atom probe tomography combined with transmission electron microscopy. Oxygen gettering along edge dislocations composing SATBs, post crystal growth, was observed. The gettering ability of SATBs would depend both on the dislocation strain and on the dislocation density. Oxygen atoms would agglomerate in the atomic sites under the tensile hydrostatic stress larger than about 2.0 GPa induced by the dislocations. It was suggested that the density of the atomic sites, depending on the tilt angle of SATBs, determined the gettering ability of SATBs.
A unifying framework to quantify the effects of substrate interactions, stiffness, and roughness on the dynamics of thin supported polymer films
Authors: Hanakata Paul Z. , Pazmiño Betancourt Beatriz A. , Douglas Jack F. , Starr Francis W.
Published: June 2015

Changes in the dynamics of supported polymer films in comparison to bulk materials involve a complex convolution of effects, such as substrate interactions, roughness, and compliance, in addition to film thickness. We consider molecular dynamics simulations of substrate-supported, coarse-grained polymer films where these parameters are tuned separately to determine how each of these variables influence the molecular dynamics of thin polymer films. We find that all these variables significantly influence the film dynamics, leading to a seemingly intractable degree of complexity in describing these changes. However, by considering how these constraining variables influence string-like collective motion within the film, we show that all our observations can be understood in a unified and quantitative way. More specifically, the string model for glass-forming liquids implies that the changes in the structural relaxation of these films are governed by the changes in the average length of string-like cooperative motions and this model is confirmed under all conditions considered in our simulations. Ultimately, these changes are parameterized in terms of just the activation enthalpy and entropy for molecular organization, which have predictable dependences on substrate properties and film thickness, offering a promising approach for the rational design of film properties.
A versatile x-ray microtomography station for biomedical imaging and materials research
Authors: Lussani Fernando Cesar , Vescovi Rafael Ferreira da Costa , Souza Thaís Diniz de , Leite Carlos A. P. , Giles Carlos
Published: June 2015

An x-ray microtomography station implemented at the X-ray Applied Crystallography Laboratory of the State University of Campinas is described. The station is based on a propagation based phase contrast imaging setup with a microfocus source and digital x-ray area detectors. Due to its simplicity, this setup is ideal for fast, high resolution imaging and microtomography of small biological specimens and materials research samples. It can also be coupled to gratings to use and develop new techniques as the harmonic spatial coherent imaging, which allow scattering contrast imaging. Details of the experimental setup, equipment, and software integration are described. Test microtomography for setup commissioning and characterization is shown. We conclude that phase contrast enhanced x-ray imaging and microtomography with resolution below 5 μm voxel size are possible and data sets as wide as 2000 × 2000 × 2000 voxels are obtained with this instrumentation.
How non-adiabatic passing electron layers of linear microinstabilities affect turbulent transport
Authors: Dominski J. , Brunner S. , Görler T. , Jenko F. , Told D. , Villard L.
Published: June 2015

The response of passing electrons in ion temperature gradient and trapped electron mode microturbulence regimes is investigated in tokamak geometry making use of the flux-tube version of the gyrokinetic code GENE. Results are obtained using two different electron models, fully kinetic and hybrid in which passing particles are forced to respond adiabatically, while trapped are handled kinetically. Comparing linear eigenmodes obtained with these two models enables to systematically isolate fine radial structures located at corresponding mode rational surfaces, clearly resulting from the non-adiabatic passing-electron response. Non-linear simulations show that these fine structures on the non-axisymmetric modes survive in the turbulent phase. Furthermore, through non-linear coupling to axisymmetric modes, they induce radial modulations in the effective profiles of density, ion/electron temperature, and E×B shearing rate. Finally, the passing-electron channel is shown to significantly contribute to the transport levels, at least in our ion temperature gradient case. Also shown is that the passing electrons significantly influence the E×B saturation mechanism of turbulence fluxes.
Theoretical study of radiative electron attachment to CN, C2H, and C4H radicals
Authors: Douguet Nicolas , Fonseca dos Santos S. , Raoult Maurice , Dulieu Olivier , Orel Ann E. , Kokoouline Viatcheslav
Published: June 2015

A first-principle theoretical approach to study the process of radiative electron attachment is developed and applied to the negative molecular ions CN−, C4H−, and C2H−. Among these anions, the first two have already been observed in the interstellar space. Cross sections and rate coefficients for formation of these ions by direct radiative electron attachment to the corresponding neutral radicals are calculated. For the CN molecule, we also considered the indirect pathway, in which the electron is initially captured through non-Born-Oppenheimer coupling into a vibrationally resonant excited state of the anion, which then stabilizes by radiative decay. We have shown that the contribution of the indirect pathway to the formation of CN− is negligible in comparison to the direct mechanism. The obtained rate coefficients for the direct mechanism at 30 K are 7 × 10−16 cm3/s for CN−, 7 × 10−17 cm3/s for C2H−, and 2 × 10−16 cm3/s for C4H−. These rates weakly depend on temperature between 10 K and 100 K. The validity of our calculations is verified by comparing the present theoretical results with data from recent photodetachment experiments.
Bright x-ray stainless steel K-shell source development at the National Ignition Facility
Authors: May M. J. , Fournier K. B. , Colvin J. D. , Barrios M. A. , Dewald E. L. , Hohenberger M. , Moody J. , Patterson J. R. , Schneider M. , Widmann K. , Regan S. P.
Published: June 2015

High x-ray conversion efficiency (XRCE) K-shell sources are being developed for high energy density experiments for use as backlighters and for the testing of materials exposed to high x-ray fluxes and fluences. Recently, sources with high XRCE in the K-shell x-ray energy range of iron and nickel were investigated at the National Ignition Facility (NIF). The x-ray conversion efficiency in the 5–9 keV spectral range was determined to be 6.8% ± 0.3%. These targets were 4.1 mm diameter, 4 mm tall hollow epoxy tubes having a 50 μm thick wall supporting a tube of 3 to 3.5 μm thick stainless steel. The NIF laser deposited ∼460 kJ of 3ω light into the target in a 140 TW, 3.3 ns square pulse. The absolute x-ray emission of the source was measured by two calibrated Dante x-ray spectrometers. Time resolved images filtered for the Fe K-shell were recorded to follow the heating of the target. Time integrated high-resolution spectra were recorded in the K-shell range.
Tuning interfacial thermal conductance of graphene embedded in soft materials by vacancy defects
Authors: Liu Ying , Hu Chongze , Huang Jingsong , Sumpter Bobby G. , Qiao Rui
Published: June 2015

Nanocomposites based on graphene dispersed in matrices of soft materials are promising thermal management materials. Their effective thermal conductivity depends on both the thermal conductivity of graphene and the conductance of the thermal transport across graphene-matrix interfaces. Here, we report on molecular dynamics simulations of the thermal transport across the interfaces between defected graphene and soft materials in two different modes: in the “across” mode, heat enters graphene from one side of its basal plane and leaves through the other side; in the “non-across” mode, heat enters or leaves graphene simultaneously from both sides of its basal plane. We show that as the density of vacancy defects in graphene increases from 0% to 8%, the conductance of the interfacial thermal transport in the “across” mode increases from 160.4 ± 16 to 207.8 ± 11 MW/m2 K, while that in the “non-across” mode increases from 7.2 ± 0.1 to 17.8 ± 0.6 MW/m2 K. The molecular mechanisms for these variations of thermal conductance are clarified using the phonon density of states and structural characteristics of defected graphene. On the basis of these results and effective medium theory, we show that it is possible to enhance the effective thermal conductivity of thermal nanocomposites by tuning the density of vacancy defects in graphene despite the fact that graphene’s thermal conductivity always decreases as vacancy defects are introduced.
Enhancement of carrier collection efficiency in photodiodes by introducing a salicided polysilicon contact
Authors: Kaminski Yelena , Shauly Eitan , Paz Yaron
Published: June 2015

Suppressing recombination on silicon contact interfaces is a topic being addressed for various applications such as photo sensors and solar cells. Although salicidation of the contacts enables low contact resistance, it is usually avoided for these applications as it increases the recombination rate on the contact interfaces. This study explores the use of salicided polysilicon buffer layer in photodiodes' contacts, acting to reduce the recombination rate at the silicide contact. The contact incorporates the advantage of low contact resistance due to silicidation with polysilicon interface that reduces recombination by creating carrier selective junction. The introduction of a polysilicon interlayer was found to increase the short circuit current and the fill factor and to decrease the dark leakage current. The improvement in the light collection parameters was found to be more pronounced under high light intensity (1000 W/m2) than under low light intensity (400 W/m2). The benevolent effect of the polysilicon interlayer is expected to be noticed in devices that are sensitive to contacts' performance. This includes not only image sensors but also high efficiency silicon solar cells.
Note: Device for underwater laboratory simulation of unconfined blast waves
Authors: Courtney Elijah , Courtney Amy , Courtney Michael
Published: June 2015

Shock tubes simulate blast waves to study their effects in air under laboratory conditions; however, few experimental models exist for simulating underwater blast waves that are needed for facilitating experiments in underwater blast transmission, determining injury thresholds in marine animals, validating numerical models, and exploring mitigation strategies for explosive well removals. This method incorporates an oxy-acetylene driven underwater blast simulator which creates peak blast pressures of about 1860 kPa. Shot-to-shot consistency was fair, with an average standard deviation near 150 kPa. Results suggest that peak blast pressures from 460 kPa to 1860 kPa are available by adjusting the distance from the source.
Paternal allelic mutation at the
Kcnq1
locus reduces pancreatic β-cell mass by epigenetic modification of
Cdkn1c
Authors: Asahara Shun-ichiro , Etoh Hiroaki , Inoue Hiroyuki , Teruyama Kyoko , Shibutani Yuki , Ihara Yuka , Kawada Yukina , Bartolome Alberto , Hashimoto Naoko , Matsuda Tomokazu , Koyanagi-Kimura Maki , Kanno Ayumi , Hirota Yushi , Hosooka Tetsuya , Nagashima Kazuaki , Nishimura Wataru , Inoue Hiroshi , Matsumoto Michihiro , Higgins Michael J. , Yasuda Kazuki , Inagaki Nobuya , Seino Susumu , Kasuga Masato , Kido Yoshiaki
Published: June 2015

Significance

Recently, the potassium voltage-gated channel, KQT-like subfamily Q, member1 (
KCNQ1
) gene has received much attention as a candidate susceptibility gene for type 2 diabetes in Asian, European, and other populations. The molecular mechanism underlying the association of
KCNQ1
with the onset of type 2 diabetes has remained unclear; however, we have now found that a paternal allelic mutation of
Kcnq1
results in the up-regulation of the neighboring imprinted gene cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1C (
Cdkn1c
), a cell cycle inhibitor, in pancreatic β-cells of mice, with this effect being mediated by epigenetic modification of the
Cdkn1c
promoter. These changes seem to be responsible for the reduced pancreatic β-cell mass and impaired glucose tolerance characteristics of
Kcnq1
mutant mice.
Individual olfactory perception reveals meaningful nonolfactory genetic information
Authors: Secundo Lavi , Snitz Kobi , Weissler Kineret , Pinchover Liron , Shoenfeld Yehuda , Loewenthal Ron , Agmon-Levin Nancy , Frumin Idan , Bar-Zvi Dana , Shushan Sagit , Sobel Noam
Published: June 2015

Significance

Cyrano de Bergerac observed that “a large nose is the mark of a witty, courteous, affable, generous and liberal man.” Here we report that individual noses, not how they look but rather how they function, indeed say a lot about a person. Each person expresses a nearly unique set of different olfactory receptor genes, and therefore may have unique olfactory perception. We developed a highly sensitive perceptual test we call the “olfactory fingerprint” that captures this variability. Individual olfactory fingerprints are therefore mirrors of individual olfactory genomes. We demonstrate that such fingerprints predict genetic features linked to the olfactory system, such as aspects of immune regulation. Thus, a precise measure of olfactory perception reveals meaningful nonolfactory genetic information.
Genomic analysis of diversity, population structure, virulence, and antimicrobial resistance in
Klebsiella pneumoniae
, an urgent threat to public health
Authors: Holt Kathryn E. , Wertheim Heiman , Zadoks Ruth N. , Baker Stephen , Whitehouse Chris A. , Dance David , Jenney Adam , Connor Thomas R. , Hsu Li Yang , Severin Juliëtte , Brisse Sylvain , Cao Hanwei , Wilksch Jonathan , Gorrie Claire , Schultz Mark B. , Edwards David J. , Nguyen Kinh Van , Nguyen Trung Vu , Dao Trinh Tuyet , Mensink Martijn , Minh Vien Le , Nhu Nguyen Thi Khanh , Schultsz Constance , Kuntaman Kuntaman , Newton Paul N. , Moore Catrin E. , Strugnell Richard A. , Thomson Nicholas R.
Published: June 2015

Significance

Klebsiella pneumoniae
is rapidly becoming untreatable using last-line antibiotics. It is especially problematic in hospitals, where it causes a range of acute infections. To approach controlling such a bacterium, we first must define what it is and how it varies genetically. Here we have determined the DNA sequence of
K
.
pneumoniae
isolates from around the world and present a detailed analysis of these data. We show that there is a wide spectrum of diversity, including variation within shared sequences and gain and loss of whole genes. Using this detailed blueprint, we show that there is an unrecognized association between the possession of specific gene profiles associated with virulence and antibiotic resistance and the differing disease outcomes seen for
K
.
pneumoniae
.
An eIF2α-binding motif in protein phosphatase 1 subunit GADD34 and its viral orthologs is required to promote dephosphorylation of eIF2α
Authors: Rojas Margarito , Vasconcelos Gabriel , Dever Thomas E.
Published: June 2015

Significance

Phosphorylation of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2α (eIF2α) is the principal mechanism cells use to regulate translation initiation. Specific kinases phosphorylate eIF2α to inhibit protein synthesis under stress conditions; however, eIF2α dephosphorylation is catalyzed by general protein phosphatase 1 (PP1). In mammalian cells, specific
trans
-acting targeting proteins, growth arrest and DNA damage-inducible protein 34 (GADD34) and constitutive repressor of eIF2α phosphorylation (CReP), bind to PP1 and promote dephosphorylation of eIF2α. We show that GADD34 directly binds to eIF2α, and we identify and demonstrate the function of an eIF2α-binding motif that is shared among GADD34, CReP, and several viral proteins. Thus, these cellular and viral PP1-targeting proteins bind independently to PP1 and to eIF2α to form a trimeric complex and promote the specific dephosphorylation of eIF2α to maintain cellular protein synthesis.
A structural, functional, and computational analysis suggests pore flexibility as the base for the poor selectivity of CNG channels
Authors: Napolitano Luisa Maria Rosaria , Bisha Ina , De March Matteo , Marchesi Arin , Arcangeletti Manuel , Demitri Nicola , Mazzolini Monica , Rodriguez Alex , Magistrato Alessandra , Onesti Silvia , Laio Alessandro , Torre Vincent
Published: June 2015

Significance

Cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channels underlie sensory transduction in photoreceptors and olfactory epithelium and share a high degree of homology with K
+
channels. However, these channels conduct Na
+
and K
+
differently: although K
+
channels discriminate with high accuracy Na
+
from K
+
, CNG channels do not discriminate among different cations. By combining electrophysiology, molecular dynamics simulations, and X-ray crystallography we found that the pore region exhibits a dynamic structure. We show that (
i
) the selectivity filter can adapt to large and small ions with a different geometry and (
ii
) the pore diameter critically depends on the ion within. We conclude that the pore of CNG channels is highly flexible and that this flexibility is at the basis of their poor ionic selectivity.
Top-down control of the phase of alpha-band oscillations as a mechanism for temporal prediction
Authors: Samaha Jason , Bauer Phoebe , Cimaroli Sawyer , Postle Bradley R.
Published: June 2015

Significance

In contrast to canonical, stimulus-driven models of perception, recent proposals argue that perceptual experiences are constructed in an active manner in which top-down influences play a key role. In particular, predictions that the brain makes about the world are incorporated into each perceptual experience. Because forming the appropriate sensory predictions can have a large impact on our visual experiences and visually guided behaviors, a mechanism thought to be disrupted in certain neurological conditions like autism and schizophrenia, an understanding of the neural basis of these predictions is critical. Here, we provide evidence that perceptual expectations about when a stimulus will appear are instantiated in the brain by optimally configuring prestimulus alpha-band oscillations so as to make subsequent processing most efficacious.
The butterfly plant arms-race escalated by gene and genome duplications
Authors: Edger Patrick P. , Heidel-Fischer Hanna M. , Bekaert Michaël , Rota Jadranka , Glöckner Gernot , Platts Adrian E. , Heckel David G. , Der Joshua P. , Wafula Eric K. , Tang Michelle , Hofberger Johannes A. , Smithson Ann , Hall Jocelyn C. , Blanchette Matthieu , Bureau Thomas E. , Wright Stephen I. , dePamphilis Claude W. , Eric Schranz M. , Barker Michael S. , Conant Gavin C. , Wahlberg Niklas , Vogel Heiko , Pires J. Chris , Wheat Christopher W.
Published: June 2015

Significance

This research uncovers the mechanisms of an ancient arms race between butterflies and plants, seen today in countless gardens as caterpillars of cabbage butterflies that devour cabbage crop varieties. Nearly 90 million years ago, the ancestors of Brassica (mustards, cabbage) and related plants developed a chemical defense called glucosinolates. While very toxic to most insects, humans experience glucosinolates as the sharp taste in wasabi, horseradish and mustard. Here we report that this triggered a chemical arms race that escalated in complexity over time. By investigating the evolutionary histories of these plants and insects, we found that major increases in chemical defense complexity were followed by butterflies evolving countertactics to allow them to continue to attack and feed on the plants.
Swimming muscles power suction feeding in largemouth bass
Authors: Camp Ariel L. , Roberts Thomas J. , Brainerd Elizabeth L.
Published: June 2015

Significance

Over one-half of all vertebrate species are ray-finned fishes. Across this extraordinary diversity, the most common feeding mode is suction feeding: rapid expansion of the mouth to suck in water and food. Here, we find that the power required for suction expansion is generated primarily by the axial swimming muscles. Rather than being restricted to the low power capacity of the small cranial muscles, suction-feeding fishes have co-opted the massive swimming muscles for this powerful feeding behavior. Therefore, the evolution of axial muscles in ray-finned fishes should now be considered in the context of feeding as well as locomotion, changing our perspective on musculoskeletal form and function in over 30,000 species.
Antibiotic efficacy is linked to bacterial cellular respiration
Authors: Lobritz Michael A. , Belenky Peter , Porter Caroline B. M. , Gutierrez Arnaud , Yang Jason H. , Schwarz Eric G. , Dwyer Daniel J. , Khalil Ahmad S. , Collins James J.
Published: June 2015

Significance

The global burden of antibiotic resistance has created a demand to better understand the basic mechanisms of existing antibiotics. Of significant interest is how antibiotics may perturb bacterial metabolism, and how bacterial metabolism may influence antibiotic activity. Here, we study the interaction of bacteriostatic and bactericidal antibiotics, the two major phenotypic drug classes. Interestingly, the two classes differentially perturb bacterial cellular respiration, with major consequences for their intrinsic activity both alone and in combination. Of note, bacteriostatic antibiotics decelerate cellular respiration, generating a metabolic state that is prohibitive to killing. Further, we show that the efficacy of bactericidal drugs can be improved by increasing basal respiration, and we identify a respiration-related drug target that potentiates the activity of bactericidal antibiotics.
Imagined community
Authors: Woldemariam Hirut , Lanza Elizabeth
Published: June 2015

In this article, we investigate how the linguistic landscape serves as an important strategy among a diaspora community not only to maintain a transnational identity but also to construct a unique identity in the recipient society. We examine the linguistic landscape in the Ethiopian diaspora of Washington DC, referred to as “Little Ethiopia”, which provides an interesting site to investigate the role of the linguistic landscape in constructing an imaginary community built on the myth of the old homeland, including a unique African identity in a new homeland with other Africans as well as African Americans. Serving as a rich source of data for investigating language, culture and identity, the linguistic landscape in “Little Ethiopia” encompasses many semiotic resources. This Ethiopian transnational community engages in (re)constructing socio-cultural and political ideologies through the linguistic landscape.
Constructional meaning representation within a knowledge engineering framework
Authors: Mairal-Usón Ricardo
Published: June 2015

FunGramKB is a multipurpose lexico-conceptual knowledge base for natural language processing systems, and more particularly, for natural language understanding. The linguistic layer of this knowledge-engineering project is grounded in compatible aspects of two linguistic accounts, namely, Role and Reference Grammar (RRG) and the Lexical Constructional Model (LCM). RRG, although originally a lexicalist approach, has recently incorporated constructional configurations into its descriptive and explanatory apparatus. The LCM has sought to understand from its inception the factors that constrain lexical-constructional integration. Within this theoretical context, this paper discusses the format of lexical entries, highly inspired in RRG proposals, and of constructional schemata, which are organized according to the descriptive levels supplied by the LCM. Both lexical and constructional structure is represented by means of Attribute Value Matrices (AVMs). Thus, the lexical and grammatical levels of FunGramKB are the focus of our attention here. Additionally, the need for a conceptualist approach to meaning construction is highlighted throughout our discussion.
Cross-linguistic variation in metonymies for PERSON
Authors: Zhang Weiwei , Speelman Dirk , Geeraerts Dirk
Published: June 2015

This paper investigates metonymies for person in Chinese and English in the framework of Cognitive Linguistics with an emphasis on cross-linguistic variation. Our central goal is to highlight the important role of cultural elements on the use of metonymy. Three main types of cross-linguistic variation were found at different degrees of granularities of metonymies: variation in metonymic patterns for the general target category person, variation in metonymic patterns for a specific kind of person, and variation in metonymic sources in a specific pattern. The variation was examined against its cultural background, and we conclude that some cross-linguistic differences are to a large extent rooted in culturally relevant factors. The findings suggest that although bodily experience as the general cognitive basis for metonymic pattern/source selection implies the universality of metonymies across different languages, cultural elements contribute to the language-specific preferences for metonymies of a given target.
La delimitación del significado de los adverbios evaluativos emotivos y su aprovechamiento en términos de estrategias discursivas
Authors: Meléndez Quero Carlos
Published: June 2015

Este artículo ofrece un estudio comparativo entre los adverbios evaluativosdesgraciadamenteylamentablementedel español. El estudio revisa las caracterizaciones de ambos signos en la bibliografía especializada, delimita su significado partiendo de un enfoque afín a la teoría de los estereotipos y destaca cómo las propiedades semánticas aportadas por estas voces favorecen diferentes estrategias en sus usos discursivos. Las explicaciones se basan en un corpus de ejemplos, tomados de los documentos del siglo XXI delCorpus de referencia del español actual(CREA) y de los materiales delMacrocorpus de la norma lingüística culta de las principales ciudades de España y de América.
Good-enough linguistic representations and online cognitive equilibrium in language processing
Authors: Karimi Hossein , Ferreira Fernanda
Published: June 2015

We review previous research showing that representations formed during language processing are sometimes just “good enough” for the task at hand and propose the “online cognitive equilibrium” hypothesis as the driving force behind the formation of good-enough representations in language processing. Based on this view, we assume that the language comprehension system by default prefers to achieve as early as possible and remain as long as possible in a state of cognitive equilibrium where linguistic representations are successfully incorporated with existing knowledge structures (i.e., schemata) so that a meaningful and coherent overall representation is formed, and uncertainty is resolved or at least minimized. We also argue that the online equilibrium hypothesis is consistent with current theories of language processing, which maintain that linguistic representations are formed through a complex interplay between simple heuristics and deep syntactic algorithms and also theories that hold that linguistic representations are often incomplete and lacking in detail. We also propose a model of language processing that makes use of both heuristic and algorithmic processing, is sensitive to online cognitive equilibrium, and, we argue, is capable of explaining the formation of underspecified representations. We review previous findings providing evidence for underspecification in relation to this hypothesis and the associated language processing model and argue that most of these findings are compatible with them.
Plasma flows and fluctuations with magnetic islands in the edge plasmas of J-TEXT tokamak
Authors: Zhao K.J. , Shi Y.J. , Hahn S.H. , Diamond P.H. , Sun Y. , Cheng J. , Liu H. , Lie N. , Chen Z.P. , Ding Y.H. , Chen Z.Y. , Rao B. , Leconte M. , Bak J.G. , Cheng Z.F. , Gao L. , Zhang X.Q. , Yang Z.J. , Wang N.C. , Wang L. , Jin W. , Yan L.W. , Dong J.Q. , Zhuang G.
Published: June 2015

The first comprehensive measurements of plasma flows and fluctuations nearby static magnetic islands driven by resonant magnetic perturbations are presented. These experiments were performed using multiple Langmuir probe arrays on the edge plasmas of the J-TEXT tokamak. Controlled variations of the island size and location are explored. This study aims to understand the interaction between turbulence and magnetic islands, and to elucidate magnetic island effects on edge turbulence and flow intensity profiles, edge electric fields, and thus confinement regime transitions. Turbulence and low frequency flows (LFFs) all drop inside the magnetic island, but increase at its boundary, as island width increases. The geodesic acoustic mode is damped in most of the edge area with magnetic islands. The sign of the radial electric field changes from negative to positive within the islands. The gradient of turbulent stresses vanishes at the island center, and becomes steeper at the boundaries of the islands. The particle transport induced by the turbulence is reduced inside the magnetic islands. The magnetic island effects on flows and turbulence can lead to an increase in LFFs and enhance Reynolds stresses near the last closed flux surface (LCFS). A stronger radial electric field layer can be formed near the LCFS when magnetic islands are present. The results suggest that magnetic islands can be used as a tool to enhance edge turbulence and flows, edge electric fields, and thus to trigger confinement regime transitions.
Infectious Disease Physician Assessment of Hospital Preparedness for Ebola Virus Disease
Authors: Polgreen Philip M. , Santibanez Scott , Koonin Lisa M. , Rupp Mark E. , Beekmann Susan E. , del Rio Carlos
Published: June 2015

Background.  The first case of Ebola diagnosed in the United States and subsequent cases among 2 healthcare workers caring for that patient highlighted the importance of hospital preparedness in caring for Ebola patients.

Methods.  From October 21, 2014 to November 11, 2014, infectious disease physicians who are part of the Emerging Infections Network (EIN) were surveyed about current Ebola preparedness at their institutions.

Results.  Of 1566 EIN physician members, 869 (55.5%) responded to this survey. Almost all institutions represented in this survey showed a substantial degree of preparation for the management of patients with suspected and confirmed Ebola virus disease. Despite concerns regarding shortages of personal protective equipment, approximately two thirds of all respondents reported that their facilities had sufficient and ready availability of hoods, full body coveralls, and fluid-resistant or impermeable aprons. The majority of respondents indicated preference for transfer of Ebola patients to specialized treatment centers rather than caring for them locally. In general, we found that larger hospitals and teaching hospitals reported higher levels of preparedness.

Conclusions.  Prior to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's plan for a tiered approach that identified specific roles for frontline, assessment, and designated treatment facilities, our query of infectious disease physicians suggested that healthcare facilities across the United States were making preparations for screening, diagnosis, and treatment of Ebola patients. Nevertheless, respondents from some hospitals indicated that they were relatively unprepared.
Outcomes After Surgical Treatment of Adolescent Intra-articular Distal Humerus Fractures
Authors: Cook Jay B. , Riccio Anthony I. , Anderson Terrence , Chen Weichen , Shaha Steven H. , Wimberly Robert L.
Published: June 2015

Background:

To determine the radiographic and clinical outcomes of the surgical management of adolescent intra-articular distal humerus fractures.

Methods:

We performed a retrospective review of the clinical and radiographic outcomes of 31 consecutive adolescent patients surgically treated for acute distal humerus intra-articular fractures. Nine patients returned for objective measures of range of motion, strength testing, and completion of validated outcome scores including the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS); The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Score (DASH); and the SF-36.

Results:

The average age at the time of injury was 13.5 years (range, 12 to 16 y) with a mean follow-up of 1.22 years (range, 9 d to 5.5 y). Multiple surgical approaches were performed. Overall, the active range of motion for our patients was 10.7 to 133.9 degrees with a mean arc of 123.4 degrees. AO classification type C2 and C3 injuries lost significantly more motion than other fracture patterns. Twelve patients sustained perioperative nerve palsies that resolved by final follow-up; seven of these nerve injuries were iatrogenic and sustained during a Bryan-Morrey tricepital slide approach. Eight patients required implant removal; 7 of these patients had prominent olecranon screws after an olecranon osteotomy. Including postoperative neuropathies, there were 20 complications in 15 patients. Thirteen complications in 9 patients required a return to the operating room. Of the 9 patients who returned for objective testing, there was no statistically significant loss of range of motion or strength of the injured extremity when compared with the uninjured limb. The MEPS revealed 6 excellent, 1 good, and 2 fair results. The average DASH score was 5.1 (range, 0 to 19.1) and the physical (average 55.7; range, 47.4 to 59.0) and mental components (average 54.2; range, 29.8 to 63.4) of the SF-36 were comparable.

Conclusions:

After surgical intervention for an adolescent intra-articular distal humerus fracture, one can expect no significant loss of motion or strength. The reported outcomes are not all excellent. The peri-operative complication rates are high and may be related to surgical approach and fracture pattern.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV.
Does the Position of the Aorta Change With the Altered Body Position in Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients With Thoracolumbar Kyphosis?
Authors: Qu Zhe , Bang-Ping Qian , Qiu Yong , Shi Ben-Long , Ji Ming-Liang , Wang Bin , Yu Yang , Zhu Ze-Zhang
Published: June 2015

Study Design:

A prospective magnetic resonance imaging study.

Objective:

To quantitatively explore the differences in the anatomic position of the aorta relative to the spine between supine and prone positions in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients with thoracolumbar kyphosis.

Summary of Background Data:

Aortic complications may occur during the lumbar spine osteotomy in correcting thoracolumbar kyphosis secondary to AS, and a clear understanding of the spatial relationship between the aorta and the vertebrae is essential to prevent these iatrogenic complications. However, previous anatomic study was performed with AS patients in the supine position, which was different from the prone position adopted in surgery. To date, no report has been published to investigate the mobility of the aorta relative to the vertebrae between supine and prone positions in AS patients with thoracolumbar kyphosis.

Materials and Methods:

From March 2013 to September 2014, 22 AS patients (21 males, 1 female) with thoracolumbar kyphosis with a mean age of 30.7 years (range, 19–46 y) were recruited. Magnetic resonance imaging examinations from T9 to L3 in both the supine and prone positions were performed, and the left pedicle-aorta (LtP-Ao) angle and LtP-Ao distance were measured at each level. The differences of these parameters between the 2 positions were compared by the paired sample t test, and the relationships between the shifting of the aorta and the change of global kyphosis and lumbar lordosis were evaluated by the Pearson correlation coefficient. The level of significance (α) was set at 0.05.

Results:

At T9–L3 levels, no significant difference was noted in LtP-Ao distances (43.78 vs. 44.42 mm; P=0.077) and LtP-Ao angles (0.82 vs. 0.22 degrees; P=0.053) between supine and prone positions. The correlation analysis also revealed no remarkable correlation between the change of LtP-Ao angle and increase of global kyphosis and lumbar lordosis in the prone position.

Conclusions:

There is no significant change of the relative positions between the aorta and the vertebrae at T9–L3 levels after the patient turned to a prone position, which implied that the mobility and range of motion of the aorta is limited in advanced stage of AS.