bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
1,8‐Disubstituted Xanthylidene‐Based Remote Carbenes: Photolytic Generation and Isolation of Low‐Coordinate Palladium(II) Complex
Authors: Sugawara Shun , Abe Manabu , Fujiwara Yoshihisa , Wakioka Masayuki , Ozawa Fumiyuki , Yamamoto Yohsuke
Published: December 2014

The isolation and study of carbenes with σ‐donating and π‐accepting properties stronger than those of N‐heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) have been regarded as one of the big challenges in carbene chemistry. We have investigated the properties of 1,8‐disubstituted xanthylidene‐based compounds by using two different approaches: The photolysis‐induced formation of free carbenes and the synthesis of the corresponding metal–carbene complexes by oxidative addition. The former study revealed that the carbene unsubstituted at the 1‐ and 8‐positions is kinetically more reactive than the parent xanthylidene and that the substituents at the 1‐ and 8‐positions are less effective in generating carbenes by photolysis. However, oxidative addition of palladium(0) to the 1,8‐diphenyl‐substituted precursor successfully afforded a low‐coordinate 14‐electron palladium(II)–carbene complex. This unusual complex is stabilized by agnostic interactions involving an adjacent phenyl group. This complex is the second example of a stable cationic 14‐electron palladium(II)–carbene complex to have been reported so far.
Diastereoselective Synthesis of Spirocyclic Dihydrofurans and 1‐Oxaspiro[4.5]decan‐6‐one Derivatives from Norbornyl α‐Diketones
Authors: Mahadevegowda Surendra H. , Khan Faiz Ahmed
Published: December 2014

A diastereoselective zinc‐mediated propargylation of non‐enolizable norbornyl α‐diketones and an efficient AgI‐catalyzed cycloisomerization of the resulting α‐keto homopropargyl alcohols with terminal alkynes leading to spirocyclic dihydrofurans have been reported. The dihydrofurans obtained were subjected to hydrogenation to afford spiro tetrahydrofuran derivatives in nearly quantitative yields (98–99 %). Eventually, the prepared α‐spiro tetrahydrofuran norbornyl monoketones were utilized as precursors for acid‐mediated Grob‐type fragmentation reactions and converted into 1‐oxaspiro[4.5]decan‐6‐one derivatives by treatment with p‐toluenesulfonic acid.
Normal laser‐evoked cortical responses in patients with chronic hemibody pain
Authors: Kirveskari E. , Vartiainen N.V. , Kallio‐Laine K. , Kalso E. , Forss N.
Published: December 2014

Background

Patients with widespread unilateral chronic pain associated with recurrent herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections show functional and/or structural changes in the insula, anterior cingulate cortex, frontal and prefrontal cortices, as well as the thalamus, suggesting central dysfunction of the pain system in these patients. Central pain has been associated with attenuated laser‐evoked cortical responses. We aimed to clarify whether the observed deficient activation of these areas to acute nociceptive stimuli is due to a lesion at a lower level of pain processing pathways.

Methods

We explored the functional integrity of the ascending nociceptive pathways by recording the cortical‐evoked responses to noxious laser stimulation using magnetoencephalography and electroencephalography in eight patients (age 41–51 years, mean 46) with recurrent HSV infections and a history of chronic, spontaneous, widespread unilateral pain, and in nine age‐matched healthy control subjects.

Results

The cortical‐evoked fields of the HSV patients originating from the secondary somatosensory and posterior parietal cortices, as well as the evoked potentials recorded from the midline, did not differ from those of the control subjects, indicating functionally intact ascending nociceptive pathways.

Conclusions

The present results show that our patients with chronic hemibody pain do not show signs of spinothalamic tract lesion. This indicates normal processing of sensory aspects of painful stimuli, while higher pain processing areas show altered activation. We conclude that normal laser‐evoked magnetic fields (LEF) or laser‐evoked potentials (LEP) may not exclude central pain condition.
A lipase‐catalyzed process for green synthesis of temsirolimus
Authors: Ju Xin , Li Jianyong , Hou Maoqi , Tao Junhua
Published: December 2014

Temsirolimus is an intravenous drug for the treatment of renal cell carcinoma that can be prepared using enol acyl donors, which is not favorable in process development. An improved enzymatic process to prepare temsirolimus has been developed employing lipase‐catalyzed regioselective acylation of rapamycin with environmentally friendly acyl donors. After screening of common commercial lipases and none‐enol acyl donors, it was found that p‐nitrophenyl 2,2,5‐trimethyl‐1,3‐dioxane‐5‐carboxylate reacted as efficient acyl donor when catalyzed by immobilized Thermomyces lanuginose lipase. By optimizing the process conditions (i.e., reaction temperature, solvents, and additives), the reaction time was significantly shortened while the reaction conversion reached 95.4% in methyl tert‐butyl ether after 48 h at 50°C using the new acyl donors. This work demonstrated a cost‐effective, efficient, and scalable process to synthesize temsirolimus.
Numerical models of continental and submarine erosion: application to the northern Ligurian Margin (Southern Alps, France/Italy)
Authors: Petit Carole , Migeon Sébastien , Coste Marianne
Published: December 2014

We present a new numerical surface process model allowing us to take into account submarine erosion processes due either to submarine landslides or to hyperpycnal currents. A first set of models show that the frequency of hyperpycnal flows influences the development of submarine canyons at the mouth of continental rivers. Further experiments show that an increase in submarine slope leads to faster regressive canyon erosion and a more dentritic canyon network, whereas increasing the height of the unstable sediment pile located on the shelf break leads to wider and less dendritic canyons. The models are then applied to the western segment of the north Ligurian margin (northwestern Mediterranean), which displays numerous submarine canyons with various sizes and morphologies. From west to east, canyon longitudinal profiles as well as margin‐perpendicular profiles progressively change from moderately steep, concave‐up shapes to steeper linear to convex‐up shapes suggesting increasing eastward margin uplift. Moreover, the foot of the margin is affected by a marked slope increase with evidences of mass transport due to landslides. Numerical models which reproduce well the North Ligurian margin morphologic features indicate that the western part of the margin is submitted to rather low (i.e. 0.4 mm yr−1) uplift and intense submarine erosion due to frequent hyperpycnal currents, whereas the eastern part bears more rapid (i.e. 0.7 mm yr−1) uplift and has little or no hyperpycnal currents. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sweden's first forest hydrology field study 1905–1926: contemporary relevance of inherited conclusions and data from the Rokliden Hillslope
Authors: Grip Harald
Published: December 2014

During the last decades of the 19th century, a great worry arose about forest landscape paludification in Northern Sweden. This was the original impetus for forest hydrological research in Sweden, and the Swedish Institute of Experimental Forestry established the first field research site in 1905 at Rokliden, close to Piteå in North Sweden. It comprised 8.64 ha located 2 km down a 3‐km‐long gently sloping (~4%), north facing Norway spruce covered till slope, interspersed with small mires. By 1931, it was concluded that paludification was not spreading across Northern Sweden at an appreciable rate. Within the Rokliden research site, 22 groundwater wells were installed and levels measured weekly until 1926. A map with 0.5 m equidistance, ten vegetation classes, and soil profiles was established. Groundwater flow velocity was estimated by tracing added sodium chloride. Hydraulic conductivity was measured on undisturbed soil cores, while mechanical and chemical analyses were carried out on other samples. Groundwater was collected and analysed for dissolved compounds including oxygen. Hydrology was found important for soil types and vegetation development. The necessary profile drainage for podzol soil development was identified as vein drainage at the bedrock surface. Modern measurements in the re‐established groundwater observation network and re‐analysis of old data confirmed the plausibility of these original conclusions. Partial catchment area could explain rates of both groundwater level rise and recession. Revisiting this field study reveals that many issues in contemporary hillslope hydrology were already established a century ago, even though the provenance of that knowledge is not generally recognized. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Combined exposure to lead, inorganic mercury and methylmercury shows deviation from additivity for cardiovascular toxicity in rats
Authors: Wildemann Tanja M. , Weber Lynn P. , Siciliano Steven D.
Published: December 2014

Environmental exposure to metal mixtures in the human population is common. Mixture risk assessments are often challenging because of a lack of suitable data on the relevant mixture. A growing number of studies show an association between lead or mercury exposure and cardiovascular effects. We investigated the cardiovascular effects of single metal exposure or co‐exposure to methylmercury [MeHg(I)], inorganic mercury [Hg(II)] and lead [Pb(II)]. Male Wistar rats received four different metal mixtures for 28 days through the drinking water. The ratios of the metals were based on reference and environmental exposure values. Blood and pulse pressure, cardiac output and electrical activity of the heart were selected as end‐points. While exposure to only MeHg(I) increased the systolic blood pressure and decreased cardiac output, the effects were reversed with combined exposures (antagonism). In contrast to these effects, combined exposures negatively affected the electrical activity of the heart (synergism). Thus, it appears that estimates of blood total Hg levels need to be paired with estimates of what species of mercury dominate exposure as well as whether lead co‐exposure is present to link total blood Hg levels to cardiovascular effects. Based on current human exposure data and our results, there may be an increased risk of cardiac events as a result of combined exposures to Hg(II), MeHg(I) and Pb(II). This increased risk needs to be clarified by analyzing lead and Hg exposure data in relation to cardiac electrical activity in epidemiological studies. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
First‐order systems in on with periodic matrix potentials and vanishing instability intervals
Authors: Currie Sonja , Roth Thomas T. , Watson Bruce A.
Published: December 2014

First‐order systems in
on
with absolutely continuous real symmetric π‐periodic matrix potentials are considered. A thorough analysis of the discriminant is given. Interlacing of the eigenvalues of the periodic, antiperiodic and Dirichlet‐type boundary value problems on [0,π] is shown for a suitable indexing of the eigenvalues. The periodic and antiperiodic eigenvalues are characterized in terms of Dirichlet‐type eigenvalues. It is shown that all instability intervals vanish if and only if the potential is the product of an absolutely continuous real scalar valued function with the identity matrix. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Heterogeneous neuromuscular activation within human rectus femoris muscle during pedaling
Authors: Watanabe Kohei , Kouzaki Motoki , Moritani Toshio
Published: December 2014

Introduction: We investigated the effect of workload and the use of pedal straps on the spatial distribution of neuromuscular activation within the rectus femoris (RF) muscle during pedaling movements. Methods: Eleven healthy men performed submaximal pedaling exercises on an electrically braked ergometer at different workloads and with or without pedal straps. During these tasks, surface electromyograms (SEMGs) were recorded from the RF using 36 electrode pairs, and central locus activation (CLA) was calculated along the longitudinal line of the muscle. Results: CLA moved markedly, indicating changes in spatial distribution of SEMG within the muscle, during a crank cycle under all conditions (P < 0.05). There were significant differences in CLA among different workloads and between those with and without pedal straps (P < 0.05). Conclusion: These results suggest that neuromuscular activation within the RF is regulated regionally by changes in workload and the use of pedal straps during pedaling. Muscle Nerve 52:404–411, 2015
Exact and approximate solutions to LQG homing problems in one and two dimensions
Authors: Lefebvre Mario , Zitouni Foued
Published: December 2014

Stochastic optimal control problems in which two‐dimensional diffusion processes are controlled until they enter a given set are solved explicitly. When symmetry can be used, exact solutions are obtained. The same arguments are valid for one‐dimensional processes. In the general case, it is shown how to obtain good approximate solutions. Various examples are presented.
Photo‐induced controlled radical polymerization of methyl methacrylate mediated by photosensitive nitroxides
Authors: Su Jiahui , Liu Xiaoxuan , Hu Junqi , You Qin , Cui Yanyan , Chen Yingyin
Published: December 2014

Photosensitive nitroxides bearing different chromophore groups (benzophenone, naphthalene and quinoline) were synthesized and characterized. The photochemical properties of the synthesized products were investigated by UV−visible and fluorescence measurements. The results indicated that an efficient energy transfer from the chromophore moiety to the nitroxide radical moiety could occur within the molecular distances. The photo‐induced nitroxide‐mediated polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) was performed using the photosensitive nitroxide/2,2‐dimethoxy‐2‐phenyl acetophenone as a bimolecular mediated system. The controlled character of the polymerization was confirmed by the linear tendency of molecular weight evolution with narrow molecular weight distribution (1.3−1.4). The experimental conditions, such as type of chromophore, initiator concentration and molar ratio of initiator/nitroxide, are discussed for a better understanding of the mechanism of the controlled polymerization. Using the polymerization products as macroinitiator, the chain extension reaction of MMA turned out to be able to re‐initiate further polymerization of the monomer. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Microfluidic Fabrication of Multi‐Drug‐Loaded Polymeric Microparticles for Topical Glaucoma Therapy
Authors: Leon Reno A. L. , Somasundar Ambika , Badruddoza Abu Zayed M. , Khan Saif A.
Published: December 2014

In this paper, the fabrication and characterization of multi‐drug‐loaded microparticles are demonstrated for topical glaucoma therapy. Specifically, latanoprost (“LAT”) and dexamethasone (“DEX”) are loaded in monodisperse microparticles (diameter ≈150 μm) of a biodegradable polymer–poly (lactic‐co‐glycolic) acid (PLGA)—using capillary microfluidics coupled with solvent evaporation. Both individual (LAT in PLGA and DEX in PLGA) and combined (LAT and DEX in PLGA) microparticle formulations are demonstrated. The morphology, size distribution and in vitro release kinetics are studied, and in vitro mucoadhesion of the formulated microparticles is also assessed. In addition, discussion is placed in how precise knowledge of the particle composition enabled by the microfluidic fabrication method and in vitro release rate measurements allow for facile topical formulation design and dose optimization. Such precision‐fabricated, multi‐drug loaded, sustained‐release microparticles are envisioned to serve as a promising platform for topical administration of ocular drugs. This could potentially reduce the frequency of eyedrop‐based drug administration from several times a day to merely once a day (or less), thus greatly facilitating patient compliance and adherence to a strict therapeutic drug regimen.
Shear behaviour of composite dowels in transversely cracked concrete
Authors: Classen Martin , Herbrand Martin
Published: December 2014

In steel‐concrete composite girders, innovative composite dowels can be used to transfer the shear forces between the concrete slab and the steel section. Today, composite dowels are predominately used in engineering structures such as prefabricated composite bridges. However, due to their ease of manufacture, good loadbearing and deformation properties and suitability for slender concrete slabs, these composite dowels are being used more than ever in building construction as well. The present article describes shear tests on puzzle‐shaped composite dowels for slender concrete slabs with a depth of only 10 cm. Aside from different reinforcement configurations, the influence of different longitudinal stress states and transverse cracking in the concrete slab have been investigated. In previous studies of the shear force capacity of composite dowels, the influence of transverse cracking has been neglected. However, our own experiments described in this paper show that the shear capacity of composite dowels is significantly affected by concrete cracking. In order to simulate the experiments performed and to analyse the shear behaviour of the composite dowels in cracked and uncracked concrete, a three‐dimensional, non‐linear finite element model of the shear tests was set up. The results of both the experimental and numerical investigations are summarized in this paper.
Stable π‐Extended p‐Quinodimethanes: Synthesis and Tunable Ground States
Authors: Zeng Zebing , Wu Jishan
Published: December 2014

p‐Quinodimethane (p‐QDM) is a highly reactive hydrocarbon showing large biradical character in the ground state. It has been demonstrated that incorporation of the p‐QDM moiety into an aromatic hydrocarbon framework could lead to new π‐conjugated systems with significant biradical character and unique optical, electronic and magnetic properties. On the other hand, the extension of p‐QDM is expected to result in molecules with even larger biradical character and higher reactivity. Therefore, the synthesis of stable π‐extended p‐QDMs is very challenging. In this Personal Account we will briefly discuss different stabilizing strategies and synthetic methods towards stable π‐extended p‐QDMs with tunable ground states and physical properties, including two types of polycyclic hydrocarbons: (1) tetrabenzo‐Tschitschibabin's hydrocarbons, and (2) tetracyano‐rylenequinodimethanes. We will discuss how the aromaticity, substituents and steric hindrance play important roles in determining their ground states and properties.
Prediction of small‐for‐gestational‐age neonates: screening by fetal biometry at 30–34 weeks
Authors: Bakalis S. , Silva M. , Akolekar R. , Poon L. C. , Nicolaides K. H.
Published: December 2014

Objective

To investigate the value of fetal biometry at 30–34 weeks' gestation in the prediction of delivery of small‐for‐gestational‐age (SGA) neonates, in the absence of pre‐eclampsia (PE).

Methods

This was a screening study in 30 849 singleton pregnancies at 30–34 weeks' gestation, comprising 1727 that delivered SGA neonates with a birth weight < 5th percentile and 29 122 cases unaffected by SGA, PE or gestational hypertension. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to determine if screening by a combination of maternal factors and Z‐scores of fetal head circumference (HC), abdominal circumference (AC) and femur length (FL) or estimated fetal weight (EFW) had a significant contribution to the prediction of SGA neonates.

Results

Combined screening by maternal characteristics and obstetric history, with Z‐scores of EFW at 30–34 weeks, predicted 79%, 87% and 92% of the SGA neonates that delivered < 5 weeks following assessment, with a birth weight < 10th, < 5th and < 3rd percentiles, respectively, at a 10% false‐positive rate. The respective detection rates for the prediction of SGA neonates delivering ≥ 5 weeks from the time of assessment were 53%, 58% and 61%. The performance of screening by a combination of Z‐scores of fetal HC, AC and FL was similar to that achieved by the EFW Z‐score alone.

Conclusion

Combined testing by maternal characteristics and fetal biometry at 30–34 weeks could identify a high proportion of pregnancies that will deliver SGA neonates. Copyright © 2014 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Clinical onset and course, response to treatment and outcome in 24 patients with the cblE or cblG remethylation defect complemented by genetic and in vitro enzyme study data
Authors: Huemer M. , Bürer C. , Ješina P. , Kožich V. , Landolt M. A. , Suormala T. , Fowler B. , Augoustides‐ Savvopoulou P. , Blair E. , Brennerova K. , Broomfield A. , De Meirleir L. , Gökcay G. , Hennermann J. , Jardine P. , Koch J. , Lorenzl S. , Lotz‐Havla A. S. , Noss J. , Parini R. , Peters H. , Plecko B. , Ramos F. J. , Schlune A. , Tsiakas K. , Zerjav Tansek M. , Baumgartner M. R.
Published: December 2014

Background

The cobalamin E (cblE) (MTRR, methionine synthase reductase) and cobalamin G (cblG) (MTR, methionine synthase) defects are rare inborn errors of cobalamin metabolism leading to impairment of the remethylation of homocysteine to methionine.

Methods

Information on clinical and laboratory data at initial full assessment and during the course of the disease, treatment, outcome and quality of life was obtained in a survey‐based, retrospective study from physicians caring for patients with the CblE or CblG defect. In addition, data on enzyme studies in cultured skin fibroblasts and mutations in the MTRR and MTR gene were analysed.

Results

In 11 cblE and 13 cblG patients, failure to thrive, feeding problems, delayed milestones, muscular hypotonia, cognitive impairment and macrocytic anaemia were the most frequent symptoms. Delay in diagnosis depended on age at first symptom and clinical pattern at presentation and correlated significantly with impaired communication abilities at follow‐up. Eighteen/22 patients presented with brain atrophy or white matter disease. Biochemical response to treatment with variable combinations of betaine, cobalamin, folate was significant. The overall course was considered improving (n = 8) or stable (n = 15) in 96 % of patients, however the average number of CNS symptoms per patient increased significantly over time and 16 of 23 patients were classified as developmentally delayed or severely handicapped. In vitro enzyme analysis data showed no correlation with outcome. Predominantly private mutations were detected and no genotype– phenotype correlations evident.

Conclusions

The majority of patients with the cblE and cblG defect show limited clinical response to treatment and have neurocognitive impairment.
Plane thermonuclear detonation waves initiated by proton beams and quasi-one-dimensional model of fast ignition
Authors: Charakhch'yan Alexander A. , Khishchenko Konstantin V.
Published: December 2014

The one-dimensional problem on bilatiral irradiation by proton beams of the plane layer of condensed DT mixture with length 2H and density ρ0 ≤ 100ρs, where ρs is the fuel solid-state density at atmospheric pressure and temperature of 4 K, is considered. The proton kinetic energy is 1 MeV, the beam intensity is 1019 W/cm2 and duration is 50 ps. A mathematical model is based on the one-fluid two-temperature hydrodynamics with a wide-range equation of state of the fuel, electron and ion heat conduction, DT fusion reaction kinetics, self-radiation of plasma and plasma heating by α-particles. If the ignition occurs, a plane detonation wave, which is adjacent to the front of the rarefaction wave, appears. Upon reflection of this detonation wave from the symmetry plane, the flow with the linear velocity profile along the spatial variable x and with a weak dependence of the thermodynamic functions of x occurs. An appropriate solution of the equations of hydrodynamics is found analytically up to an arbitrary constant, which can be chosen so that the analytical solution describes with good accuracy the numerical one. The gain with respect to the energy of neutrons G ≈ 200 at Hρ0 ≈ 1 g/cm2, and G > 2000 at Hρ0 ≈ 5 g/cm2. To evaluate the ignition energy Eig of cylindrical targets, the quasi-1D model, limiting trajectories of α-particles by a cylinder of a given radius, is suggested. The model reproduces the known theoretical dependence Eig ~ ρ0−2 and gives Eig = 160 kJ for ρ0 = 100ρs ≈ 22 g/cm3.
SEMIPARAMETRIC ESTIMATION OF PARTIALLY LINEAR TRANSFORMATION MODELS UNDER CONDITIONAL QUANTILE RESTRICTION
Authors: Zhang Zhengyu
Published: December 2014

This article is concerned with semiparametric estimation of a partially linear transformation model under conditional quantile restriction with no parametric restriction imposed either on the link functional form or on the error term distribution. We describe for the finite-dimensional parameter a$\sqrt n$-consistent estimator which combines the features of Chen (2010)’s maximum integrated score estimator as well as Lee (2003)’s average quantile regression. We show the remaining two infinite-dimensional unknown functions in the model can be separately identified and propose estimators for these functions based on the marginal integration method. Furthermore, a simple approach is proposed to estimate the average partial quantile effect. Two important extensions, i.e., random censoring as well as estimating a transformation model with an endogenous regressor are also considered.
Epidemiology of pertussis in adolescents and adults in Turkey
Authors: KARAGUL A. , OGUNC D. , MIDILLI K. , ONGUT G. , OZHAK BAYSAN B. , DONMEZ L. , DAGLAR D. , KUSKUCU M. A. , BINGOL A. , OZBUDAK O. , COLAK D. , GUNSEREN F.
Published: December 2014

Two hundred and fourteen patients who had a cough illness lasting at least 2 weeks were studied to investigate Bordetella pertussis as a cause of prolonged cough in adolescents and adults. Medical history and nasopharyngeal swab specimens for culture and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were obtained at presentation. Three (1·4%) patients were B. pertussis culture-positive; 15 (7%) were B. pertussis PCR-positive (including the culture-positive patients) and 11 (5·1%) were Bordetella spp. PCR-positive. Symptom combinations were significantly high both in patients with pertussis and patients with indeterminate results (P < 0·05). We conclude that B. pertussis should be considered among differential diagnoses of prolonged cough in adolescents and adults and PCR and culture should be used to detect these cases and facilitate public health response.
Twin studies advance the understanding of gene–environment interplay in human nutrigenomics
Authors: Pallister Tess , Spector Tim D. , Menni Cristina
Published: December 2014

Investigations into the genetic architecture of diet–disease relationships are particularly relevant today with the global epidemic of obesity and chronic disease. Twin studies have demonstrated that genetic makeup plays a significant role in a multitude of dietary phenotypes such as energy and macronutrient intakes, dietary patterns, and specific food group intakes. Besides estimating heritability of dietary assessment, twins provide a naturally unique, case–control experiment. Due to their shared upbringing, matched genes and sex (in the case of monozygotic (MZ) twin pairs), and age, twins provide many advantages over classic epidemiological approaches. Future genetic epidemiological studies could benefit from the twin approach particularly where defining what is ‘normal’ is problematic due to the high inter-individual variability underlying metabolism. Here, we discuss the use of twins to generate heritability estimates of food intake phenotypes. We then highlight the value of discordant MZ pairs to further nutrition research through discovery and validation of biomarkers of intake and health status in collaboration with cutting-edge omics technologies.
RHETORIC OF THE STANDARDS: THE DEBATE OVER GOLD AND SILVER IN THE 1890s
Authors: Wells Wyatt
Published: December 2014

In the 1890s, questions about whether to base the American currency upon gold or silver dominated public discourse and eventually forced a realignment of the political parties. The matter often confuses modern observers, who have trouble understanding how such a technically complex—even arcane—issue could arouse such passions. The fact that no major nation currently backs its currency with precious metal creates the suspicion that the issue was a “red herring” that distracted from matters of far greater importance. Yet the rhetoric surrounding the “Battle of the Standards” indicates that the more sophisticated advocates of both sides understood that, in the financial context of the 1890s, the contest between gold and silver not only had important economic implications but would substantially affect the future development of the United States.
Religion and inequality: the lasting impact of religious traditions and institutions on welfare state development
Authors: Jordan Jason
Published: December 2014

A strong correlation exists between inequality and religion, such that societies marked by high inequality are more religious than those with more egalitarian income distributions. What explains this correlation? Insecurity theory argues that high inequality generates intense insecurities, leading the poor to seek shelter in religion for both psychological and material comfort. This article develops an alternative perspective that reverses the chain of causality. It argues that religious institutions and movements frequently resist both the centralization of state power and socialist efforts to organize the working class. As a result, powerful religious movements constrain state-led efforts to provide social protection, increasing income inequality. Analysis of the historical record and contemporary data from 19 Western democracies reveals strong evidence that past periods of church-state conflict shaped the size and structure of welfare state institutions and, by extension, contemporary patterns of inequality.
Testing for Backlash in Hiring
Authors: Carlsson Rickard , Agerström Jens , Björklund Fredrik , Carlsson Magnus , Rooth Dan-Olof
Published: December 2014

Gender stereotypes describe women as communal and men as agentic. Laboratory-based research ( Rudman & Glick, 1999 , 2001 ) suggests that trying to disconfirm such descriptive gender stereotypes (e.g., women self-promoting their agency), entails the risk of hiring discrimination due to violation of prescriptive gender stereotypes: a backlash. To examine whether backlash occurs when applying for real jobs, we conducted a field experiment. Gender, agency, and communion were manipulated in the personal profile of 5,562 applications sent to 3,342 job openings on the Swedish labor market. The dependent variable was whether the application resulted in an invitation to a job interview or not. The results do not offer any support for the backlash hypothesis at this stage in the recruitment process.
Fundamental shift in vitamin B12 eco-physiology of a model alga demonstrated by experimental evolution
Authors: Helliwell Katherine E , Collins Sinéad , Kazamia Elena , Purton Saul , Wheeler Glen L , Smith Alison G
Published: December 2014

A widespread and complex distribution of vitamin requirements exists over the entire tree of life, with many species having evolved vitamin dependence, both within and between different lineages. Vitamin availability has been proposed to drive selection for vitamin dependence, in a process that links an organism’s metabolism to the environment, but this has never been demonstrated directly. Moreover, understanding the physiological processes and evolutionary dynamics that influence metabolic demand for these important micronutrients has significant implications in terms of nutrient acquisition and, in microbial organisms, can affect community composition and metabolic exchange between coexisting species. Here we investigate the origins of vitamin dependence, using an experimental evolution approach with the vitamin B12-independent model green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. In fewer than 500 generations of growth in the presence of vitamin B12, we observe the evolution of a B12-dependent clone that rapidly displaces its ancestor. Genetic characterization of this line reveals a type-II Gulliver-related transposable element integrated into the B12-independent methionine synthase gene (METE), knocking out gene function and fundamentally altering the physiology of the alga.
Efficient generation of twin photons at telecom wavelengths with 2.5 GHz repetition-rate-tunable comb laser
Authors: Jin Rui-Bo , Shimizu Ryosuke , Morohashi Isao , Wakui Kentaro , Takeoka Masahiro , Izumi Shuro , Sakamoto Takahide , Fujiwara Mikio , Yamashita Taro , Miki Shigehito , Terai Hirotaka , Wang Zhen , Sasaki Masahide
Published: December 2014

Efficient generation and detection of indistinguishable twin photons are at the core of quantum information and communications technology (Q-ICT). These photons are conventionally generated by spontaneous parametric down conversion (SPDC), which is a probabilistic process and hence occurs at a limited rate, which restricts wider applications of Q-ICT. To increase the rate, one had to excite SPDC by higher pump power, while it inevitably produced more unwanted multi-photon components, harmfully degrading quantum interference visibility. Here we solve this problem by using recently developed 10 GHz repetition-rate-tunable comb laser, combined with a group-velocity-matched nonlinear crystal and superconducting nanowire single photon detectors. They operate at telecom wavelengths more efficiently with less noises than conventional schemes, those typically operate at visible and near infrared wavelengths generated by a 76 MHz Ti Sapphire laser and detected by Si detectors. We could show high interference visibilities, which are free from the pump-power induced degradation. Our laser, nonlinear crystal and detectors constitute a powerful tool box, which will pave a way to implementing quantum photonics circuits with variety of good and low-cost telecom components and will eventually realize scalable Q-ICT in optical infra-structures.
A mass spectrometry-based unique fragment approach for the identification of microcystins
Authors: Benke P. I. , Vinay Kumar M. C. S. , Pan D. , Swarup S.
Published: December 2014

Both qualitative and quantitative methods for the analysis of microcystin variants have been established.
Near infrared reflectance spectrometry classification of lettuce using linear discriminant analysis
Authors: Brito Anna Luiza Bizerra , Araújo Dimitri Albuquerque , Pontes Márcio José Coelho , Pontes Liliana Fátima Bezerra Lira
Published: December 2014

This study proposes a methodology for lettuce classification employing near infrared reflectance spectrometry and variable selection.
A host–guest inclusion compound for reversible switching of quadratic nonlinear optical properties
Authors: Ji Chengmin , Sun Zhihua , Zhang Shuquan , Zhao Sangen , Chen Tianliang , Tang Yuanyuan , Luo Junhua
Published: December 2014

A host–guest inclusion compound [(DPA)(18-crown-6)]ClO4 (DPA = dipropylamine) can be capable of switching the NLO response between SHG-ON and SHG-OFF states.
In situ quantitation of intracellular microRNA in the whole cell cycle with a functionalized carbon nanosphere probe
Authors: Liao Xianjiu , Ju Huangxian
Published: December 2014

A method was designed forin situquantitation and monitoring of the change in intracellular microRNA in the whole cell cycle.
Chemical design enables the control of conformational polymorphism in functional 2,3-thieno(bis)imide-ended materials
Authors: Maini Lucia , Gallino Federico , Zambianchi Massimo , Durso Margherita , Gazzano Massimo , Rubini Katia , Gentili Denis , Manet Ilse , Muccini Michele , Toffanin Stefano , Cavallini Massimiliano , Melucci Manuela
Published: December 2014

We introduce a chemical design strategy to control conformational polymorphism in 2,3-thienoimide based molecular materials.
Di-macrocyclic terephthalamide ligands as chelators for the PET radionuclide zirconium-89
Authors: Pandya Darpan N. , Pailloux Sylvie , Tatum David , Magda Darren , Wadas Thaddeus J.
Published: December 2014

Octadentate terephthalamide ligands can be easily radiolabeled with 89Zr and are highly stable in vitro. They represent a novel class of bifunctional chelators for 89Zr.
Spectrally resolved confocal microscopy using lanthanide centred near-IR emission
Authors: Liao Zhiyu , Tropiano Manuel , Mantulnikovs Konstantins , Faulkner Stephen , Vosch Tom , Just Sørensen Thomas
Published: December 2014

NIR imaging of lanthanide-coated silica particles where the photons used to generate the image unambiguously can be assigned to arise from lanthanide centred emission.
Resonance Raman detection of the myoglobin nitrito heme Fe–O–NO/2-nitrovinyl species: implications for helix E-helix F interactions
Authors: Lambrou Alexandra , Pinakoulaki Eftychia
Published: December 2014

We present resonance Raman evidence for the formation of myoglobin nitrito heme Fe–O–NO/2-nitrovinyl and propose that the species we have detected at acidic pH is the myoglobin nitrous heme Fe–(H)O–NO/2-nitrovinyl complex.
Site and chirality selective chemical modifications of boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) via Lewis acid–base interactions
Authors: Sundaram Rajashabala , Scheiner Steve , Roy Ajit K. , Kar Tapas
Published: December 2014

The pristine BNNTs contain both Lewis acid (boron) and Lewis base (nitrogen) centers at their surface.
Visualisation of quantum evolution in the Stern–Gerlach and Rabi experiments
Authors: Utz Marcel , Levitt Malcolm H. , Cooper Nathan , Ulbricht Hendrik
Published: December 2014

Simulations based on an extended Wigner function formalism allow direct visualisation of the quantum dynamics of the spin/spatial state in Stern–Gerlach and Rabi-type molecular beam experiments.
Carbon monoxide release properties and molecular structures of phenylthiolatomanganese(i) carbonyl complexes of the type [(OC)4Mn(μ-S-aryl)]2
Authors: Mede Ralf , Lorett-Velásquez Vaneza Paola , Klein Moritz , Görls Helmar , Schmitt Michael , Gessner Guido , Heinemann Stefan H. , Popp Jürgen , Westerhausen Matthias
Published: December 2014

Arylthiolatomanganese(i) tetracarbonyls form dimers or trimers and show a two-step CO release, triggered by ligand exchange and irradiation.
Correction: Preparation of hexagonal GeO2 particles with particle size and crystallinity controlled by peptides, silk and silk-peptide chimeras
Authors: Boix Estefania , Puddu Valeria , Perry Carole C.
Published: December 2014

Correction for ‘Preparation of hexagonal GeO2 particles with particle size and crystallinity controlled by peptides, silk and silk-peptide chimeras’ by Estefania Boix et al., Dalton Trans., 2014, 43, 16902–16910.
Material descriptors for predicting thermoelectric performance
Authors: Yan Jun , Gorai Prashun , Ortiz Brenden , Miller Sam , Barnett Scott A. , Mason Thomas , Stevanović Vladan , Toberer Eric S.
Published: December 2014

A high throughput route to screen thermoelectric materials is developed and validated across a broad material set.
The ligand effect on the isomer stability of Au24(SR)20 clusters
Authors: Tang Qing , Ouyang Runhai , Tian Ziqi , Jiang De-en
Published: December 2014

Density functional calculations show that the relative isomer stability of the Au24(SR)20 nanocluster depends on the ligand and that the stereochemical interaction among ligands is crucial in affecting the relative energetics.
Synthesis and characterization of poly(amino acid methacrylate)-stabilized diblock copolymer nano-objects
Authors: Ladmiral Vincent , Charlot Alexandre , Semsarilar Mona , Armes Steven. P.
Published: December 2014

Two amino acid methacrylates preparedviaMichael addition are used as building blocks to prepare novel diblock copolymer nano-objectsviapolymerisation-induced self-assembly.
Double thermo-responsive hydrogels from poly(vinylcaprolactam) containing diblock and triblock copolymers
Authors: Thomassin Jean-Michel , Mathieu Kevin , Kermagoret Anthony , Fustin Charles-André , Jérôme Christine , Debuigne Antoine
Published: December 2014

The thermally-induced gelation and gel properties of concentrated aqueous solutions of double thermoresponsive poly(N-vinylamide)-based di- and triblock copolymers are studied by rheology.
Hydrothermal synthesis of a uniformly dispersed hybrid graphene–TiO2 nanostructure for optical and enhanced electrochemical applications
Authors: Kumar Rajesh , Singh Rajesh Kumar , Kumar Dubey Pawan , Singh Dinesh Pratap , Yadav Ram Manohar , Tiwari Radhey Shyam
Published: December 2014

Highly dispersed TiO2 nanoparticles on graphene nanosheets were achieved by hydrothermal treatment of graphene nanosheets obtained by modified Hummer's method followed by thermal exfoliation.
Solvent optimization for bacterial extracellular matrices: a solution for the insoluble
Authors: Seviour Thomas , Weerachanchai Piyarat , Hinks Jamie , Roizman Dan , Rice Scott A. , Bai Linlu , Lee Jong-Min , Kjelleberg Staffan
Published: December 2014

Ionic liquids enable solvent optimization for different biofilms through solubility parameter concept.
Correlation between gate-dielectric morphology at the nanoscale and charge transport properties in organic field-effect transistors
Authors: Lorenzoni Andrea , Muccini Michele , Mercuri Francesco
Published: December 2014

Initial preparation, thermal treatment, and microscopic structure of gate dielectric polymer materials impact on the transport properties of organic field-effect transistors, as revealed by an integrated computational approach.
Exploring the optoelectronic structure and thermoelectricity of recent photoconductive chalcogenides compounds, CsCdInQ3 (Q = Se, Te)
Authors: Khan Wilayat , Goumri-Said Souraya
Published: December 2014

The photoconductive quaternaries, CsCdInQ3 (Q = Se, Te), have been recently synthesized and have been shown to be potential materials for hard X-ray and γ-ray detection.
Preparation of high-surface-area Ni/α-Al2O3 catalysts for improved CO methanation
Authors: Liu Youjun , Gao Jiajian , Liu Qing , Gu Fangna , Lu Xiaopeng , Jia Lihua , Xu Guangwen , Zhong Ziyi , Su Fabing
Published: December 2014

High-surface-area Ni/α-Al2O3 catalysts exhibit good activity, stability and coking-resistance because the high-surface-area support is favorable to the dispersion of Ni.
Synthesis, growth and photoluminescence behaviour of Gd2O2SO4:Eu3+nanophosphors: the effect of temperature on the structural, morphological and optical properties
Authors: Manigandan R. , Giribabu K. , Suresh R. , Munusamy S. , Praveen kumar S. , Muthamizh S. , Dhanasekaran T. , Padmanaban A. , Narayanan V.
Published: December 2014

Gd2(SO4)3·8H2O, Gd2O2SO4, and Gd2O2SO4:Eu3+nanoparticles have been synthesized by CTD method.
Super flexible, highly conductive electrical compositor hybridized from polyvinyl alcohol and silver nano wires
Authors: Cui Hui-Wang , Jiu Jin-Ting , Suganuma Katsuaki , Uchida Hiroshi
Published: December 2014

Super flexible, highly conductive electrical compositors were hybridized from polyvinyl alcohol and silver nanowires using a simple one-step blending method.
Effect of ceria on the organization and bio-ability of anatase fullerene-like crystals
Authors: Gravina Noel , Ruso Juan M. , Mbeh Doris A. , Yahia L. 'Hocine , Merhi Yahye , Sartuqui Javier , Messina Paula V.
Published: December 2014

The presence of Ce atoms induce the formation of fullerene-like structures and increase the oxygen storage capacity of the anatase. It was demonstrated that such special effects can be exploited to modulate fibroblast proliferation.
The effect of surfactant type and concentration on the size and stability of microbubbles produced in a capillary embedded T-junction device
Authors: Parhizkar M. , Edirisinghe M. , Stride E.
Published: December 2014

This work presents the effect of various surfactants on microbubble formation, size and stability in a capillary embedded T-Junction microfluidic device.
Correction: Easily prepared ruthenium-complex nanomicelle probes for two-photon quantitative imaging of oxygen in aqueous media
Authors: Khan Aamir A. , Fullerton-Shirey Susan K. , Howard Scott S.
Published: December 2014

Correction for ‘Easily prepared ruthenium-complex nanomicelle probes for two-photon quantitative imaging of oxygen in aqueous media’ by Aamir A. Khan et al., RSC Adv., 2015, 5, 291–300.
Re-Storying Hearing: The Use of Personal Narratives in Person-Centered Audiologic Rehabilitation
Authors: DiLollo Anthony , DiLollo Lara D.
Published: December 2014

There has been a growing interest in the use of personal narratives in improving outcomes in almost all areas of health care, including audiologic rehabilitation. This article describes a framework, based on the use of personal narratives, around which audiologists can structure their counseling. This framework can be used to guide audiologists in the elicitation of personal narratives and the use of those narratives to facilitate adjustments to clients' identity in order to accommodate the psychosocial consequences of hearing loss and its treatment.
Minimal Hearing Loss: Implications and Management Options for Educational Settings
Authors: Richburg Cynthia McCormick , Hill Annah L.
Published: December 2014

Audibility, which refers to the ability of sound to be heard, is not sufficient for listening and learning environments, such as school classrooms. Speech intelligibility, not audibility, is the key to understanding and, therefore, must be addressed for all children, especially those who have some amount of hearing loss. It is well documented that children's central auditory systems are not fully myelinated or mature until the age of 10 to 12 years (Moore, 2002; Musiek, Gollegly, & Baran, 1984). School-age children have “developing” auditory systems due to their poorer sensitivity (when compared to adults) to small acoustic cues in speech, such as voice-onset time and formant-frequency transition (Elliott, 1986; Elliott, Longinotti, Meyer, Raz, & Zucker, 1981). Children are also less able to selectively attend to auditory tasks, have difficulty recognizing speech distorted by reverberation, and have problems with speech intelligibility in background noise and reverberation plus noise (Finitzo-Hieber & Tillman, 1978; Neuman & Hochberg, 1983; Stuart, 2005). Therefore, children under the age of 13 years (i.e., those in elementary and middle school) have been described as “special listeners” (Nabelek & Nabelek, 1994).

This article describes minimal hearing loss (MHL), the poor acoustics found in educational environments, and the impact of those acoustics on children with MHL. In addition, this article reviews environmental modifications that can be made to improve classroom acoustics. This article offers multiple researchers' strategies for better access to listening and learning, including soundfield amplification options for improving the signal-to-noise ratio in classroom settings.
Children with Minimal/Mild Hearing Loss: Do We Have a Consensus and is that Important?
Authors: Lewis Dawna E.
Published: December 2014

Children with minimal/mild hearing loss make up approximately 5% of the school-age population. While there is considerable research indicating that these children experience difficulties in a number of areas, there also is research indicating that they perform similarly to their peers with normal hearing. Understanding the potential difficulties that these children may experience and how their communication access needs may differ from those of their peers with normal hearing is important for habilitation. A lack of clear consensus could negatively impact provision of habilitation services. Awareness of factors that may affect that consensus can be useful in interpreting findings. This paper will address a number of those potential factors.