bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A numerical study of the unstratified and stratified Ekman layer
Authors: Deusebio Enrico , Brethouwer G. , Schlatter P. , Lindborg E.
Published: August 2014

We study the turbulent Ekman layer at moderately high Reynolds number, $\def \xmlpi #1{}\def \mathsfbi #1{\boldsymbol {\mathsf {#1}}}\let \le =\leqslant \let \leq =\leqslant \let \ge =\geqslant \let \geq =\geqslant \def \Pr {\mathit {Pr}}\def \Fr {\mathit {Fr}}\def \Rey {\mathit {Re}}1600 < \mathit{Re} = \delta _{E}G/\nu < 3000$, using direct numerical simulations (DNS). Here, $\delta _{E} = \sqrt{2\nu /f}$ is the laminar Ekman layer thickness, $G$ the geostrophic wind, $\nu $ the kinematic viscosity and $f$ is the Coriolis parameter. We present results for both neutrally, moderately and strongly stably stratified conditions. For unstratified cases, large-scale roll-like structures extending from the outer region down to the wall are observed. These structures have a clear dominant frequency and could be related to periodic oscillations or instabilities developing near the low-level jet. We discuss the effect of stratification and $\mathit{Re}$ on one-point and two-point statistics. In the strongly stratified Ekman layer we observe stable co-existing large-scale laminar and turbulent patches appearing in the form of inclined bands, similar to other wall-bounded flows. For weaker stratification, continuously sustained turbulence strongly affected by buoyancy is produced. We discuss the scaling of turbulent length scales, height of the Ekman layer, friction velocity, veering angle at the wall and heat flux. The boundary-layer thickness, the friction velocity and the veering angle depend on $Lf/u_\tau $, where $u_\tau $ is the friction velocity and $L$ the Obukhov length scale, whereas the heat fluxes appear to scale with $L^+=L u_\tau /\nu $.
The Spheronic Toy Universe: How Special Relativity may be Visualised to Emerge from a Wave-Nature of Matter
Authors: Schmid Manfred , Kroupa Pavel
Published: August 2014

We construct an idealised universe for didactic purposes. This universe is assumed to consist of absolute Euclidean space and to be filled with a classical medium which allows for sound waves. A known solution to the wave equation describing the dynamics of the medium is a standing spherical wave. Although this is a problem of classical mechanics, we demonstrate that the Lorentz transformation is required to generate a moving solution from the stationary one. Both solutions are here collectively referred to as “spherons”. These spherons exhibit properties which have analogues in the physical description of matter with rest mass, among them de Broglie like phase waves and at the same time “relativistic” effects such as contraction and a speed limit. This leads to a theory of special relativity by assuming the point of view of an observer made of such spheronic “matter”. The argument made here may thus be useful as a visualisation or didactic approach to the real universe, in which matter has wave-like properties and obeys the laws of special relativity.
Human gut microbiota: does diet matter?
Authors: Maukonen Johanna , Saarela Maria
Published: August 2014

The human oro-gastrointestinal (GI) tract is a complex system, consisting of oral cavity, pharynx, oesophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum and anus, which all together with the accessory digestive organs constitute the digestive system. The function of the digestive system is to break down dietary constituents into small molecules and then absorb these for subsequent distribution throughout the body. Besides digestion and carbohydrate metabolism, the indigenous microbiota has an important influence on host physiological, nutritional and immunological processes, and commensal bacteria are able to modulate the expression of host genes that regulate diverse and fundamental physiological functions. The main external factors that can affect the composition of the microbial community in generally healthy adults include major dietary changes and antibiotic therapy. Changes in some selected bacterial groups have been observed due to controlled changes to the normal diet e.g. high-protein diet, high-fat diet, prebiotics, probiotics and polyphenols. More specifically, changes in the type and quantity of non-digestible carbohydrates in the human diet influence both the metabolic products formed in the lower regions of the GI tract and the bacterial populations detected in faeces. The interactions between dietary factors, gut microbiota and host metabolism are increasingly demonstrated to be important for maintaining homeostasis and health. Therefore the aim of this review is to summarise the effect of diet, and especially dietary interventions, on the human gut microbiota. Furthermore, the most important confounding factors (methodologies used and intrinsic human factors) in relation to gut microbiota analyses are elucidated.
GLOBALISATION, MARKET FORMATION AND COMMODITISATION IN THE SPANISH EMPIRE. CONSUMER DEMAND FOR ASIAN GOODS IN MEXICO CITY AND SEVILLE, C. 1571-1630
Authors: GASCH-TOMÁS JOSÉ L.
Published: August 2014

This article aims to shed light on the process and mechanisms through which Asian manufactured goods (Chinese silk and porcelain, among others) were commoditised and how markets for such goods were formed in the Spanish Empire. After the opening of the Manila Galleon route in 1571 supply of and demand for Asian goods grew in the Spanish Empire, but retail means of supply of such goods were scantly developed. The article offers an econometric model which, when applied to data on a sample of probate inventories of elites of Mexico City and Seville, determines the influence of belonging to private, familial global networks in consumer demand expansion for Asian manufactures throughout the Spanish Empire.
ECONOMETRIC ANALYSIS OF VOLATILITY COMPONENT MODELS
Authors: Wang Fangfang , Ghysels Eric
Published: August 2014

Volatility component models have received considerable attention recently, not only because of their ability to capture complex dynamics via a parsimonious parameter structure, but also because it is believed that they can handle well structural breaks or nonstationarities in asset price volatility. This paper revisits component volatility models from a statistical perspective and attempts to explore the stationarity of the underlying processes. There is a clear need for such an analysis, since any discussion about nonstationarity presumes we know when component models are stationary. As it turns out, this is not the case and the purpose of the paper is to rectify this. We also look into the sampling behavior of the maximum likelihood estimates of recently proposed volatility component models and establish their consistency and asymptotic normality.
Capitalism without Capital: Capital Conversion and Market Making in Rural China
Authors: Zhou Xueguang , Ai Yun
Published: August 2014

Situated in an agricultural township in northern China, this study examines the rise of produce markets in rural China in the face of a chronic shortage of financial capital. Drawing on theoretical ideas in economic sociology, we explicate the mechanisms of gift exchange and credit taking and the conditions under which these mechanisms are used to mobilize financial capital and to facilitate market transactions in the absence of financial capital. We illustrate these issues and ideas using our fieldwork research on different produce markets and entrepreneurial activities.
Experimentation versus progression in adolescent drug use: A test of an emerging neurobehavioral imbalance model
Authors: Khurana Atika , Romer Daniel , Betancourt Laura M. , Brodsky Nancy L. , Giannetta Joan M. , Hurt Hallam
Published: August 2014

Based on an emerging neuroscience model of addiction, this study examines how an imbalance between two neurobehavioral systems (reward motivation and executive control) can distinguish between early adolescent progressive drug use and mere experimentation with drugs. Data from four annual assessments of a community cohort (N= 382) of 11- to 13-year-olds were analyzed to model heterogeneity in patterns of early drug use. Baseline assessments of working memory (an indicator of the functional integrity of the executive control system) and three dimensions of impulsivity (characterizing the balance between reward seeking and executive control systems) were used to predict heterogeneous latent classes of drug use trajectories from early to midadolescence. Findings revealed that an imbalance resulting from weak executive control and heightened reward seeking was predictive of early progression in drug use, while heightened reward seeking balanced by a strong control system was predictive of occasional experimentation only. Implications of these results are discussed in terms of preventive interventions that can target underlying weaknesses in executive control during younger years, and potentially enable at-risk adolescents to exercise greater self-restraint in the context of rewarding drug-related cues.
Attenuated hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis functioning predicts accelerated pubertal development in girls 1 year later
Authors: Saxbe Darby E. , Negriff Sonya , Susman Elizabeth J. , Trickett Penelope K.
Published: August 2014

Accelerated pubertal development has been linked to adverse early environments and may heighten subsequent mental and physical health risks. Hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis functioning has been posited as a mechanism whereby stress may affect pubertal development, but the literature lacks prospective tests of this mechanism. The current study assessed 277 youth (M = 10.84 years, SD = 1.14), 138 boys and 139 girls, who reported on their pubertal development and underwent the Trier Social Stress Test for Children at baseline and returned to the laboratory approximately 1 year later (M = 1.12 years, range = 0.59–1.98 years). For girls, lower cortisol area under the curve (with respect to ground) at Time 1 predicted more advanced pubertal development at Time 2, controlling for Time 1 pubertal development. This association persisted after additional covariates including age, body mass index, race, and maltreatment history were introduced, and was driven by adrenal rather than gonadal development. Cortisol was not linked to boys' subsequent pubertal development, and no interaction by gender or by maltreatment appeared. These results suggest that attenuated cortisol, reported in other studies of children exposed to early adversity, may contribute to accelerated pubertal tempo in girls.
The State of Leadership Education in Emergency Medical Services: A Multi-national Qualitative Study
Authors: Leggio William Joseph
Published: August 2014

Objective

This study investigated how leadership is learned in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) from a multi-national perspective by interviewing EMS providers from multiple nations working in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Methods

A phenomenological, qualitative methodology was developed and 19 EMS providers from multiple nations were interviewed in June 2013. Interview questions focused on how participants learned EMS leadership as an EMS student and throughout their careers as providers. Data were analyzed to identify themes, patterns, and codes to be used for final analysis to describe findings.

Results

Emergency Medical Services leadership is primarily learned from informal mentoring and on-the-job training in less than supportive environments. Participants described learning EMS leadership during their EMS education. A triangulation of EMS educational resources yielded limited results beyond being a leader of patient care. The only course that yielded results from triangulation was EMS Management. The need to develop EMS leadership courses was supported by the findings. Findings also supported the need to include leadership education as part of continuing medical education and training.

Conclusion

Emergency Medical Services leadership education that prepares students for the complexities of the profession is needed. Likewise, the need for EMS leadership education and training to be part of continuing education is supported. Both are viewed as a way to advance the EMS profession. A need for further research on the topic of EMS leadership is recognized, and supported, with a call for action on suggested topics identified within the study.

LeggioWJJr. The state of leadership education in Emergency Medical Services: a multi-national qualitative study. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2014;29(5):1-6.
Age-Related Decline in Verbal Learning Is Moderated by Demographic Factors, Working Memory Capacity, and Presence of Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Constantinidou Fofi , Zaganas Ioannis , Papastefanakis Emmanouil , Kasselimis Dimitrios , Nidos Andreas , Simos Panagiotis G
Published: August 2014

Age-related memory changes are highly varied and heterogeneous. The study examined the rate of decline in verbal episodic memory as a function of education level, auditory attention span and verbal working memory capacity, and diagnosis of amnestic mild cognitive impairment (a-MCI). Data were available on a community sample of 653 adults aged 17–86 years and 70 patients with a-MCI recruited from eight broad geographic areas in Greece and Cyprus. Measures of auditory attention span and working memory capacity (digits forward and backward) and verbal episodic memory (Auditory Verbal Learning Test [AVLT]) were used. Moderated mediation regressions on data from the community sample did not reveal significant effects of education level on the rate of age-related decline in AVLT indices. The presence of a-MCI was a significant moderator of the direct effect of Age on both immediate and delayed episodic memory indices. The rate of age-related decline in verbal episodic memory is normally mediated by working memory capacity. Moreover, in persons who display poor episodic memory capacity (a-MCI group), age-related memory decline is expected to advance more rapidly for those who also display relatively poor verbal working memory capacity. (JINS, 2014, 20, 1–14)
Zakāt, Citizenship and the State: The Evolution of Islamic Religious and Political Authority
Authors: al-SALIMI ‘ABD al-RAHMAN
Published: August 2014

In this essay I will demonstrate the way in which the relationship between political authority and religious authority evolved throughout the history of Islam; and point out where religious rule gave way to the creation of nation states. I will map corresponding changes inZakātcollections, among various nation states, to support my argument in favour of a continued separation of religious and political functions in contemporary nations with Muslim majority populations.
Effect of dried California Mission figs on mineral status and food replacement
Authors: Alshaeri Heba K , Natto Zuhair S , Tonstad Serena , Haddad Ella , Jaceldo-Siegl Karen
Published: August 2014

Objective

Figs are a rich source of several different minerals and fibres. We studied the effect of the consumption of dried California Mission figs on mineral and nutrient levels, as well as the effect of the addition of figs to a self-selected habitual diet on dietary patterns.

Design

A crossover randomized controlled trial study design in which participants with a mean of age of approximately 56 years were randomly assigned to eat either their usual diet for 5 weeks or to add dried California Mission figs (120 g/d) to their usual diet for 5 weeks, after which they crossed over to the other group for an additional 5 weeks. Six 24 h dietary recalls and four blood samples were obtained from each participant.

Setting

Loma Linda University School of Public Health, USA.

Subjects

A follow-up study using data collected from eighty-eight American males and females from September to December 2008.

Results

Diets reported in the 24 h dietary recall during the fig-supplemented diet period were significantly higher in Ca and K in the dietary and total phase (P value<0·05). Nevertheless, data on mineral levels in the body gathered by means of biochemical analyses from blood samples were nearly the same for both the figs-added and the participants’ standard diet. The estimated displacement suggests that eating figs resulted in the elimination of 4 % of desserts, 5 % of vegetables, 10 % of dairy products, 23 % of grain products and 168 % of beverages from other sources that participants would otherwise consume.

Conclusions

Based on 24 h dietary recalls, the daily consumption of figs may increase the intake of several different minerals. However, mineral levels in blood samples were not altered significantly.
Reformulation of pizza crust in restaurants may increase whole-grain intake among children
Authors: Tritt Aimee , Reicks Marla , Marquart Len
Published: August 2014

Objective

Whole-grain intake among children is well below recommendations. The purpose of the present study was to test the acceptability and liking of pizza made with whole-grain crust compared with refined-grain crust among children in restaurant and school settings.

Design

Plate waste data were collected via observation from child restaurant patrons consuming pizza made with either whole-grain or refined-grain crust. Waste was estimated by trained observers over eight months (August 2012–March 2013). Percentage waste was calculated and compared by crust type. A taste test was conducted with school children who tasted pizza made with whole-grain crust alongside pizza made with refined-grain crust and rated their liking of each product. Liking ratings were compared by crust type.

Setting

Five Green Mill restaurant (a Midwest US chain) locations and one elementary school in the Minneapolis/St. Paul metropolitan area, Minnesota, USA.

Subjects

Child restaurant patrons (n 394) and school children (n 120, grades 3–5).

Results

Children consumed as much of the pizza made with whole-grain crust (42·1 %) as the pizza made with refined-grain crust (44·6 %; P=0·55), based on an average serving size of 350–400 g. Liking ratings for both types of pizza were high (>4·5 of 5) and did not differ by crust type (P=0·47).

Conclusions

These positive consumption and liking outcomes indicate that whole-grain pizza crust is well accepted among children in a restaurant setting. The impact on whole-grain intake could be substantial if large, national restaurant chains served pizza made with whole-grain crust.
Investigation of III–V Nanowires by Plan-View Transmission Electron Microscopy: InN Case Study
Authors: Luna Esperanza , Grandal Javier , Gallardo Eva , Calleja José M. , Sánchez-García Miguel Á. , Calleja Enrique , Trampert Achim
Published: August 2014

We discuss observations of InN nanowires (NWs) by plan-view high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The main difficulties arise from suitable methods available for plan-view specimen preparation. We explore different approaches and find that the best results are obtained using a refined preparation method based on the conventional procedure for plan-view TEM of thin films, specifically modified for the NW morphology. The fundamental aspects of such a preparation are the initial mechanical stabilization of the NWs and the minimization of the ion-milling process after dimpling the samples until perforation. The combined analysis by plan-view and cross-sectional TEM of the NWs allows determination of the degree of strain relaxation and reveals the formation of an unintentional shell layer (2–3-nm thick) around the InN NWs. The shell layer is composed of bcc In2O3 nanocrystals with a preferred orientation with respect to the wurtzite InN: In2O3 [111] || InN [0001] and In2O3 <110> || InN<
$$ 11\bar 20 $$
>.
Introduction: Hiding in plain sight or Disappearing in the rear view mirror?: Whatever happened to the revolution in information for Health and Social Care – Learning from England and Australia
Authors: Wilson Rob , Baines Susan , McLoughlin Ian
Published: August 2014

This themed section has at its heart reflections on the development of policy of, and for, information in health and social care over the last ten years in both the UK and Australia. It addresses a set of concerns often overlooked within social policy, namely the use of information and information systems as tools by organisations, policy makers and practitioners in the modernisation or transformation of public services, including in this case health and social care. Not long ago, in both countries, information was perceived as a panacea for the problems of integrating care services between health and social care organisations and these organisations and the patient, client or user of services. The authors focus upon England and Australia and contrast them briefly with other countries in Europe where the state plays a range of roles in the provision of health and social care.
Introduction to the special issue on the future of institutional and evolutionary economics
Authors: HODGSON GEOFFREY M. , STOELHORST J. W.
Published: August 2014

This special issue of theJournal of Institutional Economicson the future of institutional and evolutionary economics consists of this introduction, four full essays, and two sizeable comments. Ménard and Shirley (2014) and Ménard (2014) discuss the future of the new institutional economics, and their two essays are followed by a reflection by Hodgson. Winter (2014) and Witt (2014) discuss the future of evolutionary economics, and their essays are followed by a comment by Stoelhorst. Here, we introduce these essays and comments by putting them in a broader historical perspective. In particular, we trace the common origins of modern institutional and evolutionary economics, particularly in the work of Veblen, as well as important additional influences such as Schumpeter and Simon. We highlight how the two approaches became disconnected, and signal the possibility of, and need for, re-establishing closer connections between them. Possible elements of a future overlapping research programme are outlined.
Risk aggregation in the presence of discrete causally connected random variables
Authors: Lin Peng , Neil Martin , Fenton Norman
Published: August 2014

Risk aggregation is a popular method used to estimate the sum of a collection of financial assets or events, where each asset or event is modelled as a random variable. Applications include insurance, operational risk, stress testing and sensitivity analysis. In practice, the sum of a set of random variables involves the use of two well-known mathematical operations:n-foldconvolution (for a fixed numbern) andN-foldconvolution, defined as the compound sum of a frequency distributionNand a severity distribution, where the number of constantn-foldconvolutions is determined byN, where the severity and frequency variables are independent, and continuous, currently numerical solutions such as, Panjer’s recursion, fast Fourier transforms and Monte Carlo simulation produce acceptable results. However, they have not been designed to cope with new modelling challenges that require hybrid models containing discrete explanatory (regime switching) variables or where discrete and continuous variables are inter-dependent and may influence the severity and frequency in complex, non-linear, ways. This paper describes aBayesian Factorisation and Elimination(BFE) algorithm that performs convolution on the hybrid models required to aggregate risk in the presence of causal dependencies. This algorithm exploits a number of advances from the field of Bayesian Networks, covering methods to approximate statistical and conditionally deterministic functions to factorise multivariate distributions for efficient computation. Experiments show that BFE is as accurate on conventional problems as competing methods. For more difficult hybrid problems BFE can provide a more general solution that the others cannot offer. In addition, the BFE approach can be easily extended to perform deconvolution for the purposes of stress testing and sensitivity analysis in a way that competing methods do not.
A quantitative comparison of simulation strategies for mortality projection
Authors: Li Jackie
Published: August 2014

We compare quantitatively six simulation strategies for mortality projection with the Poisson Lee–Carter model. We test these strategies on New Zealand mortality data and discuss the simulated results of the mortality index, death rates, and life expectancy.
Increased systemic blood pressure and arterial stiffness in young adults born prematurely
Authors: Tauzin L. , Rossi P. , Grosse C. , Boussuges A. , Frances Y. , Tsimaratos M. , Simeoni U.
Published: August 2014

Recent studies have shown that a low birth weight is a risk factor for increased systemic blood pressure (BP) in adulthood. Further, systemic BP and arterial stiffness (AS) are reported to be increased in adolescents born prematurely. The purpose of this study was to characterize systemic BP and AS in young adults born preterm. Systemic BP was measured using an automated oscillometric device. AS was assessed by measuring the right carotid–radial pulse wave velocity (PWV) using a validated non-invasive automated method. Systemic BP, pulse pressure, and PWV [mean (confidence intervals)] were compared between 16 adults (age 21 years) born preterm (age at birth 32 weeks of gestation) with a birth weight (1710 g) appropriate for their gestational age and 15 adults (21 years) born at term (40 weeks of gestation) with a birth weight (3430 g) appropriate for their gestational age. Adults born preterm had a significantly higher systolic BP [122 mmHg (114–144) v. 112 (106–127)], mean BP [89 mmHg (86–98) v. 84 (81–91)], diastolic BP [69 mmHg (66–76) v. 65 (62–78)], pulse pressure [54 mmHg (47–72) v. 47 (42–60)], and PWV [7 m/s (6.3–8.6) v. 6.4 (5.8–8)] than did those born at term. Our findings suggest that young adults with a low birth weight due to preterm birth have increased systemic BP and AS. Accordingly, preterm birth may predispose individuals to cardiovascular diseases in adulthood due to increased AS.
Technology-based interventions in health care
Authors: Kane J. M.
Published: August 2014

There are several converging forces that create a particularly opportune time for technological solutions to enhance cost efficiency in healthcare. Health care costs are unsustainable, yet many patients do not have adequate access to state-of-the-art treatments or to ongoing disease management. Consumerism is an increasingly powerful force in healthcare and the emphasis on personalised medicine will help to define future research and clinical treatment strategies. At the same time, the phenomenal advances in internet utilisation and mobile device applications provide possibilities that have never before existed. We have reason to be very optimistic about these opportunities, but appropriate research will be required to develop scalable and sustainable methods as well as determine expected outcomes.
Akute Diarrhoe
Authors: Burgmann Konstantin , Schoepfer Alain
Published: August 2014

Akuter Durchfall ist ein häufiges Problem in der ambulanten wie in der stationären Medizin und meistens infektiös bedingt. Angesichts des vorwiegend selbstlimitierenden und problemlosen Verlaufs besteht die Hauptschwierigkeit für den behandelnden Arzt darin, schwere Fälle und drohende Komplikationen zu erkennen beziehungsweise zu verhindern. Die vorliegende Übersichtsarbeit soll hierbei eine praktische Hilfestellung geben: Bei welchen Patienten kann ich mich auf eine symptomatische Therapie mit Rehydratation beschränken? In welchen Fällen sind weitere Abklärungen indiziert?
Funktionelle Diarrhoe – Pathophysiologie, Abklärung und Therapie
Authors: Schaub Nora , Degen Lukas
Published: August 2014

Der wichtigste Vertreter der funktionellen Diarrhoe ist das Reizdarmsyndrom mit Diarrhoe, das charakterisiert ist durch chronisch intermittierende Diarrhoe und Bauchschmerzen. Pathophysiologisch wird eine Dysregulation der Interaktion zwischen enteralem und zentralem Nervensystem mit Störung von motorischen, sensorischen und sekretorischen Funktionen postuliert sowie eine Assoziation mit genetischen und psychosozialen Faktoren. Die Therapie soll angepasst an die individuellen Beschwerden und den Leidensdruck erfolgen und umfasst allgemeine, medikamentöse, diätetische, psychotherapeutische und alternativ-komplementäre Maßnahmen.
The impact of limiting ocean roughness on GEOS‐5 AGCM tropical cyclone forecasts
Authors: Molod Andrea , Suarez Max , Partyka Gary
Published: August 2014

Global climate models have been shown to simulate tropical cyclone‐like behavior even at relatively coarse resolution, and recent higher resolution simulations more accurately capture the intensity, structure, and interannual variability. Even the highest resolution global models, however, continue to underestimate the intensity of the strongest tropical cyclones. The simulated cyclone intensity has been shown by many studies to be greatly influenced by the fluxes at the air‐sea interface. A simple modification has been implemented in the GEOS‐5 atmospheric general circulation model (AGCM) based on existing theory and laboratory experiments, which demonstrated that the ocean roughness does not increase with surface stress beyond some threshold. A series of strong tropical cyclone simulations were performed with the GEOS‐5 AGCM to evaluate the impact of imposing a limit on ocean surface roughness at high wind speeds. The results demonstrated clear improvements in cyclone intensity and structure in the simulations with limited ocean roughness.
Cirrus cloud seeding has potential to cool climate
Authors: Storelvmo T. , Kristjansson J. E. , Muri H. , Pfeffer M. , Barahona D. , Nenes A.
Published: August 2014

Cirrus clouds, thin ice clouds in the upper troposphere, have a net warming effect on Earth's climate. Consequently, a reduction in cirrus cloud amount or optical thickness would cool the climate. Recent research indicates that by seeding cirrus clouds with particles that promote ice nucleation, their lifetimes and coverage could be reduced. We have tested this hypothesis in a global climate model with a state‐of‐the‐art representation of cirrus clouds and find that cirrus cloud seeding has the potential to cancel the entire warming caused by human activity from pre‐industrial times to present day. However, the desired effect is only obtained for seeding particle concentrations that lie within an optimal range. With lower than optimal particle concentrations, a seeding exercise would have no effect. Moreover, a higher than optimal concentration results in an over‐seeding that could have the deleterious effect of prolonging cirrus lifetime and contributing to global warming.
The sign of the radiative forcing from marine cloud brightening depends on both particle size and injection amount
Authors: Alterskjær K. , Kristjánsson J. E.
Published: August 2014

Marine cloud brightening (MCB) is a proposed technique to limit global warming through injections of sea spray into the marine boundary layer. Using the Norwegian Earth System Model, the sensitivity of MCB to sea salt amount and particle size was studied by running a set of simulations in which Aitken (re = 0.04 µm), accumulation (re = 0.22 µm), or coarse (re = 2.46 µm) mode sea salt emissions were increased uniformly by 10−11 to 10−8 kg m−2 s−1. As desired, accumulation mode particles had a negative radiative effect of down to −3.3 W m−2. Conversely, for Aitken mode particles, injections of 10−10 kg m−2 s−1 or greater led to a positive forcing of up to 8.4 W m−2, caused by a strong competition effect combined with the high critical supersaturation of Aitken mode sea salt. The coarse mode particles gave a positive forcing of up to 1.2 W m−2 because of a decrease in activation of background aerosols. Sensitivity experiments show that the competition effect dominated our results. MCB may have a cooling effect, but if the wrong size or injection amount is used, our simulations show a warming effect on the climate system.
Contractile activity of human follicular dendritic cells
Authors: Muñoz‐Fernández Raquel , Prados Alejandro , Tirado‐González Irene , Martín Francisco , Abadía Ana C , Olivares Enrique G
Published: August 2014

Follicular dendritic cells (FDCs) present antigens to B cells in the lymphoid follicle and inhibit B‐cell apoptosis. In previous work, we obtained human FDC lines that allowed us to study the antigen phenotype and functions of these cells, finding that they expressed α‐smooth muscle (SM) actin (a protein involved in cell contraction) and were able to contract collagen gel matrixes in gel contraction assays. Actin polymerization associated with cell contractility is essential for many cellular functions. We report here that interleukin (IL)‐2 and interferon (IFN)‐γ increased FDC contractility, and IL‐10 reduced contractility, whereas IL‐4 had no effect. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and lymphotoxin (LT)‐α1β2, cytokines involved in FDC differentiation, also increased FDC contractility. In different cell systems, cell contraction is related with the incorporation of α‐SM actin into stress fibers. By confocal microscopy, we showed that cytochalasin D, an inhibitor of actin polymerization, inhibited α‐SM actin incorporation and relaxed FDCs. Likewise, IL‐10 significantly decreased the proportion of FDCs with α‐SM actin‐positive stress fibers, whereas cytokines that increased FDC contractility also increased this proportion. However, none of the cytokines tested significantly affected α‐SM actin expression as determined by flow cytometry. IL‐10, in addition to decreasing FDC contractility, increased the inhibitory activity of FDC in spontaneous B‐cell apoptosis (P<0.05), but the other cytokines did not affect this activity. We conclude that cytokines related with FDC physiology regulate the contractility of these cells, and IL‐10 also regulates the effect of FDC on B‐cell apoptosis.
Two-dimensional Hyper-branched Gold Nanoparticles Synthesized on a Two-dimensional Oil/Water Interface
Authors: Shin Yonghee , Lee Chiwon , Yang Myung-Seok , Jeong Sunil , Kim Dongchul , Kang Taewook
Published: August 2014

Two-dimensional (2D) gold nanoparticles can possess novel physical and chemical properties, which will greatly expand the utility of gold nanoparticles in a wide variety of applications ranging from catalysis to biomedicine. However, colloidal synthesis of such particles generally requires sophisticated synthetic techniques to carefully guide anisotropic growth. Here we report that 2D hyper-branched gold nanoparticles in the lateral size range of about 50 ~ 120 nm can be synthesized selectively on a 2D immiscible oil/water interface in a few minutes at room temperature without structure-directing agents. An oleic acid/water interface can provide diffusion-controlled growth conditions, leading to the structural evolution of a smaller gold nucleus to 2D nanodendrimer and nanourchin at the interface. Simulations based on the phase field crystal model match well with experimental observations on the 2D branching of the nucleus, which occurs at the early stage of growth. Branching results in higher surface area and stronger near-field enhancement of 2D gold nanoparticles. This interfacial synthesis can be scaled up by creating an emulsion and the recovery of oleic acid is also achievable by centrifugation.
Enhanced Tunnel Spin Injection into Graphene using Chemical Vapor Deposited Hexagonal Boron Nitride
Authors: Kamalakar M. Venkata , Dankert André , Bergsten Johan , Ive Tommy , Dash Saroj P.
Published: August 2014

The van der Waals heterostructures of two-dimensional (2D) atomic crystals constitute a new paradigm in nanoscience. Hybrid devices of graphene with insulating 2D hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) have emerged as promising nanoelectronic architectures through demonstrations of ultrahigh electron mobilities and charge-based tunnel transistors. Here, we expand the functional horizon of such 2D materials demonstrating the quantum tunneling of spin polarized electrons through atomic planes of CVD grown h-BN. We report excellent tunneling behavior of h-BN layers together with tunnel spin injection and transport in graphene using ferromagnet/h-BN contacts. Employing h-BN tunnel contacts, we observe enhancements in both spin signal amplitude and lifetime by an order of magnitude. We demonstrate spin transport and precession over micrometer-scale distances with spin lifetime up to 0.46 nanosecond. Our results and complementary magnetoresistance calculations illustrate that CVD h-BN tunnel barrier provides a reliable, reproducible and alternative approach to address the conductivity mismatch problem for spin injection into graphene.
Spatial heterogeneity of gut microbiota reveals multiple bacterial communities with distinct characteristics
Authors: Lu Hsiao-Pei , Lai Yung-Chih , Huang Shiao-Wei , Chen Huang-Chi , Hsieh Chih-hao , Yu Hon-Tsen
Published: August 2014

We analyzed bacterial communities of six distinct gut sites (the food bolus and mucus layer of the proximal small intestine, cecum and distal large intestine), using wild folivorous flying squirrels. We found significant spatial heterogeneity in composition, diversity and species abundance distributions (SADs) of gut microbiota, corresponding to physicochemical conditions. High diversity was detected in the mucus layer of small intestine and the food bolus of cecum, followed by the food bolus of large intestine and the mucus layer of cecum and relatively low diversity in the food bolus of small intestine and the mucus layer of large intestine, likely due to disturbance and resource partitioning. The SADs showed succession-like patterns in the food bolus communities from the proximal to distal gut. Notably, each mucus layer community had a unique pattern different from the food bolus community of the same compartment, with distinct relative abundances of dominant species. In combination with data from other mammalian fecal samples, we concluded that gut microbiota were apparently dynamic in community structure, from low species richness with unequal abundances to high species richness with equal abundances; these findings were interpreted as strong habitat effects on bacterial communities.
Detection of DNA using an “off-on” switch of a regenerating biosensor based on an electron transfer mechanism from glutathione-capped CdTe quantum dots to nile blue
Authors: Shen Yizhong , Liu Shaopu , Kong Ling , Tan Xuanping , He Youqiu , Yang Jidong
Published: August 2014

A new DNA detection method, which relies on the “off-on” switch of a regenerated fluorescence biosensor based on an electron transfer mechanism from glutathione (GSH)-capped CdTe quantum dots (QDs) to nile blue (NB), is proposed.
Bottom-up mass spectrometric sequencing of microRNA
Authors: Wambua Dickson M. , Ubukata Masaaki , Dane John , Cody Robert B. , Chiu Norman H. L.
Published: August 2014

By using the acidity of MALDI matrix at high temperature, sequencing ladders of miRNA were generated. The accurate monoisotopic mass of each RNA fragment was measured by MALDI SpiralTOF. Analysis of nucleotide identity and complementary sequencing ladders allowed 100% sequence coverage and accuracy to be achieved.
A method of improving classification precision based on model population analysis of steel material for laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy
Authors: Xu Lin , Liang Long , Zhang Tianlong , Tang Hongsheng , Wang Kang , Li Hua
Published: August 2014

The informative variables have been obtained by running the program of AIA.
Modification effects of meso-hexakis(pentafluorophenyl) [26]hexaphyrin aggregates on the photocatalytic water splitting
Authors: Hagiwara Hidehisa , Watanabe Motonori , Daio Takeshi , Ida Shintaro , Ishihara Tatsumi
Published: August 2014

Water splitting activity of a GaN:ZnO photocatalyst was improved by meso-hexakis(pentafluorophenyl) [26]hexaphyrin. The hexaphyrin assisted the water splitting reaction over GaN:ZnO by using visible light energy around 600 nm.
[FeIII(TF4DMAP)OTf] catalysed anti-Markovnikov oxidation of terminal aryl alkenes to aldehydes and transformation of methyl aryl tertiary amines to formamides with H2O2 as a terminal oxidant
Authors: Du Yi-Dan , Tse Chun-Wai , Xu Zhen-Jiang , Liu Yungen , Che Chi-Ming
Published: August 2014

[FeIII(TF4DMAP)OTf] catalysed anti-Markovnikov oxidation of terminal aryl alkenes to aldehydes and the transformation of N-methyl aryl tertiary amines to formamides with H2O2 as a terminal oxidant with moderate to good product yields.
Direct conversion of Cytochrome c spectral shifts to fluorescence using photochromic FRET
Authors: Manioglu Selen , Atis Muge , Aas Mehdi , Kiraz Alper , Bayraktar Halil
Published: August 2014

Photochromic fluorescence resonance energy transfer was used to determine the oxidation state change of Cytochromecthat modulated the Venus emission.
Singlet oxygen generation in porphyrin-doped polymeric surface coating enables antimicrobial effects on Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Felgenträger Ariane , Maisch Tim , Späth Andreas , Schröder Josef A. , Bäumler Wolfgang
Published: August 2014

We propose an infection-preventive functional material exhibiting a continuous antimicrobial effect upon light irradiation, based on singlet oxygen generation.
Work function shifts of a zinc oxide surface upon deposition of self-assembled monolayers: a theoretical insight
Authors: Cornil D. , Van Regemorter T. , Beljonne D. , Cornil J.
Published: August 2014

We have investigated at the DFT level the way the work function of ZnO is affected upon deposition of self-assembled monolayers made of 4-tert-butylpyridine and various benzoic acids.
Manganese(i) templates for the construction of benzannulated triphosphamacrocycles
Authors: Edwards Peter G. , Mahon Mary F. , Newman Paul D. , Reixach Elisenda , Zhang Wenjian
Published: August 2014

Benzannulated 9aneP3 macrocycles have been prepared by two different routes using a single [Mn(CO)3]+ template.
Characterisation and comparison of the uptake of ionizable and polar pesticides, pharmaceuticals and personal care products by POCIS and Chemcatchers
Authors: Kaserzon S. L. , Hawker D. W. , Kennedy K. , Bartkow M. , Carter S. , Booij K. , Mueller J. F.
Published: August 2014

This study presents new data on the sampling of ionizable and polar organic chemicals of environmental relevance with POCIS and Chemcatcher.
Sustained exposure to diets with an unbalanced macronutrient proportion alters key genes involved in energy homeostasis and obesity-related metabolic parameters in rats
Authors: Díaz-Rúa Rubén , García-Ruiz Estefanía , Caimari Antoni , Palou Andreu , Oliver Paula
Published: August 2014

Chronic intake of diets with high proportion of fat or proteins administered under isocaloric conditions to a control balanced diet is associated with changes in metabolic parameters related to adiposity and health.
Enzymatic breakdown of biomass: enzyme active sites, immobilization, and biofuel production
Authors: Dutta Saikat , Wu Kevin C.-W.
Published: August 2014

This article presents a review of current developments in the understanding of the microstructure of plant biomass, treatment of biomass using bacterial hydrolase enzymes, active site structures of hydrolytic and oxidative enzymes, and their overall impact on the biomass degradation process.
Cytoprotective effects of hydrogen sulfide-releasing N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor antagonists mediated by intracellular sulfane sulfur
Authors: Marutani Eizo , Sakaguchi Masahiro , Chen Wei , Sasakura Kiyoshi , Liu Jifeng , Xian Ming , Hanaoka Kenjiro , Nagano Tetsuo , Ichinose Fumito
Published: August 2014

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) exerts a host of biological effects ranging from cytotoxicity to cytoprotection.
Identification of 2,4-diamino-6,7-dimethoxyquinoline derivatives as G9a inhibitors
Authors: Srimongkolpithak Nitipol , Sundriyal Sandeep , Li Fengling , Vedadi Masoud , Fuchter Matthew J.
Published: August 2014

With the aim of discovering novel G9a inhibitory chemotypes, we have identified a new quinoline inhibitor scaffold and better defined the pharmacophoric features of the central heterocycle.
Sensitive recognition of cyanide through supramolecularly complexed new calix[4]arenes
Authors: Chawla Har Mohindra , Shukla Richa , Goel Preeti
Published: August 2014

A calix[4]arene based multiion fluorescent probe for copper and cyanide.
Synthesis of a multifunctional alkoxysiloxane oligomer
Authors: Yoshikawa Masashi , Wakabayashi Ryutaro , Tamai Misa , Kuroda Kazuyuki
Published: August 2014

The siloxane bonds of oligomer 1 were not cleaved by hydrolysis, indicating the suitability of 1 for controlled hybrid preparation.
The synthesis, characterization and catecholase activity of dinuclear cobalt(ii/iii) complexes of an O-donor rich Schiff base ligand
Authors: Dey Suman Kr , Mukherjee Arindam
Published: August 2014

A dinuclear CoIIIcomplex oxidizes 3,5-di-tert-butylcatechol by binding to two molecules of the substrate simultaneously during oxidation along with the formation of H2O2.
An amorphous nickel–cobalt–boron alloy as advanced pseudocapacitor material
Authors: Zhang Wei , Zhang Xiuli , Tan Yueyue , Wu Jianxiang , Gao Yilong , Tang Bohejin , Wang Yuanci
Published: August 2014

An amorphous nickel–cobalt–boron alloy exhibits a noticeable pseudocapacitance with 1310 F g−1 at 1.5 A g−1.
New insights into the echinocandins and other fungal non-ribosomal peptides and peptaibiotics
Authors: Bills Gerald , Li Yan , Chen Li , Yue Qun , Niu Xue-Mei , An Zhiqiang
Published: August 2014

Non-ribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPSs) are a primary modality for fungal peptidic natural product assembly and are responsible for some of the best known, most useful, and most destructive fungal metabolites.
Bacterially synthesized ferrite nanoparticles for magnetic hyperthermia applications
Authors: Céspedes Eva , Byrne James M. , Farrow Neil , Moise Sandhya , Coker Victoria S. , Bencsik Martin , Lloyd Jonathan R. , Telling Neil D.
Published: August 2014

Ferrite nanoparticles extracellularly synthesized by the bacteria Geobacter sulfurreducens show great potential for nanomedicine. These nanoparticles may allow both diagnostics and controlled hyperthermia in the biological environment.
Electrical breakdown of multilayer MoS2 field-effect transistors with thickness-dependent mobility
Authors: Yang Rui , Wang Zenghui , Feng Philip X.-L.
Published: August 2014

Experimental and modeling results show that multilayer MoS2 field-effect transistors can have higher electrical breakdown current than single-layer devices.
Graphene thickness-controlled photocatalysis and surface enhanced Raman scattering
Authors: Kuo Cheng-Chi , Chen Chun-Hu
Published: August 2014

Graphene thickness is the key determinant that controls the performance of graphene-enhanced photocatalysis and SERS applications.
Synthesis of meta and para-substituted aromatic sulfonate derivatives of polydentate phenylazaphosphinate ligands: enhancement of the water solubility of emissive europium(iii) EuroTracker® dyes
Authors: Delbianco Martina , Lamarque Laurent , Parker David
Published: August 2014

The use of a trifluoroethyl ester group to protect sulfonic acid moieties is used in the synthesis of a short series of water-soluble, very bright europium(iii) complexes.
New ganglio-tripod amphiphiles (TPAs) for membrane protein solubilization and stabilization: implications for detergent structure–property relationships
Authors: Chae Pil Seok , Bae Hyoung Eun , Ehsan Muhammad , Hussain Hazrat , Kim Jin Woong
Published: August 2014

This study introduces new ganglio-TPAs with enhanced efficacy for membrane protein solubilization and stabilization compared to conventional detergents.
Investigation of desilylation in the recognition mechanism to fluoride by a 1,8-naphthalimide derivative
Authors: Woo Jeeun , Kim Gunwoo , Quintero Kevanie , Hanrahan Michael P. , Palencia Hector , Cao Haishi
Published: August 2014

Desilylation based fluorescence sensor (AF-1) gives a dual signal for quantitative detection of F− in MeCN.
Sonogashira cross-coupling under non-basic conditions. Flow chemistry as a new paradigm in reaction control
Authors: Voltrova Svatava , Srogl Jiri
Published: August 2014

The Sonogashira reaction under non-basic conditions.
ZnO nanoparticle-modified polymethyl methacrylate-assisted dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction coupled with MALDI-MS for rapid pathogenic bacteria analysis
Authors: Gedda Gangaraju , Abdelhamid Hani Nasser , Khan M. Shahnawaz , Wu Hui-Fen
Published: August 2014

A new, fast nano-based approach to extract pathogenic bacteria lysates from aqueous samples is reported.