bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tocqueville on the Modern Moral Situation: Democracy and the Decline of Devotion
Authors: STAUFFER DANA JALBERT
Published: October 2014

Most scholarship on the moral dimensions of Tocqueville's analysis of democracy focuses on the doctrine of enlightened self-interest. Surprisingly little has been written about his account of the underlying moral shift that makes this doctrine necessary. Drawing principally on Volume II of DEMOCRACY IN AMERICA, but also on Tocqueville's letters and notes, I unearth his fascinating and compelling account of why modern democratic man loses his admiration for devotion and embraces self-interest. That account begins from individualism, but also includes democratic man's intellectual and aesthetic tastes, his low estimation of his moral capacities, and weakening religious belief. After examining what Tocqueville saw as the causes of the new moral outlook, I consider what he saw as its most profound implications. Departing from recent trends in Tocqueville scholarship, I argue that is in Tocqueville's account of the modern democratic condition as such that he has the most to offer us today.
Dietary glutamine prevents the loss of intestinal barrier function and attenuates the increase in core body temperature induced by acute heat exposure
Authors: Soares Anne D. N. , Costa Kátia A. , Wanner Samuel P. , Santos Rosana G. C. , Fernandes Simone O. A. , Martins Flaviano S. , Nicoli Jacques R. , Coimbra Cândido C. , Cardoso Valbert N.
Published: October 2014

Dietary glutamine (Gln) supplementation improves intestinal function in several stressful conditions. Therefore, in the present study, the effects of dietary Gln supplementation on the core body temperature (Tcore), bacterial translocation (BT) and intestinal permeability of mice subjected to acute heat stress were evaluated. Male Swiss mice (4 weeks old) were implanted with an abdominal temperature sensor and randomly assigned to one of the following groups fed isoenergetic and isoproteic diets for 7 d before the experimental trials: group fed the standard AIN-93G diet and exposed to a high ambient temperature (39°C) for 2 h (H-NS); group fed the AIN-93G diet supplemented with l-Gln and exposed to a high temperature (H-Gln); group fed the standard AIN-93G diet and not exposed to a high temperature (control, C-NS). Mice were orally administered diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid radiolabelled with technetium (99mTc) for the assessment of intestinal permeability or 99mTc-Escherichia coli for the assessment of BT. Heat exposure increased Tcore (approximately 41°C during the experimental trial), intestinal permeability and BT to the blood and liver (3 h after the experimental trial) in mice from the H-NS group relative to those from the C-NS group. Dietary Gln supplementation attenuated hyperthermia and prevented the increases in intestinal permeability and BT induced by heat exposure. No correlations were observed between the improvements in gastrointestinal function and the attenuation of hyperthermia by Gln. Our findings indicate that dietary Gln supplementation preserved the integrity of the intestinal barrier and reduced the severity of hyperthermia during heat exposure. The findings also indicate that these Gln-mediated effects occurred through independent mechanisms.
Modelling the epidemic spread of an H1N1 influenza outbreak in a rural university town
Authors: VAIDYA N. K. , MORGAN M. , JONES T. , MILLER L. , LAPIN S. , SCHWARTZ E. J.
Published: October 2014

Knowledge of mechanisms of infection in vulnerable populations is needed in order to prepare for future outbreaks. Here, using a unique dataset collected during a 2009 outbreak of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 in a university town, we evaluated mechanisms of infection and identified that an epidemiological model containing partial protection of susceptibles best describes H1N1 dynamics in a rural university environment. We found that the protected group was over 14 times less susceptible to H1N1 infection than unprotected susceptibles. Our estimates show that the basic reproductive rate,R0, was 5·96 (95% confidence interval 5·83–6·61), and, importantly,R0could be decreased to below 1 and similar epidemics could be avoided by increasing the proportion of the initial protected group. Moreover, several weeks into the epidemic, this protected group generated more new infections than the unprotected susceptible group, and thus, such protected groups should be taken into account while studying influenza epidemics in similar settings.
Seed banking in the columnar cactusStenocereus stellatus: distribution, density and longevity of seeds
Authors: Álvarez-Espino Ricardo , Godínez-Álvarez Héctor , De la Torre-Almaráz Rodolfo
Published: October 2014

The soil seed bank is the reserve of viable seeds found in the soil. This reserve contributes to plant population persistence in unpredictable environments; thus, determining its presence is basic to understanding recruitment patterns and population dynamics. Studies of soil seed banks in the Cactaceae are scarce, although these plants are ecologically dominant in American arid and semi-arid environments. Most studies have inferred the presence of seed banks by analysing morphological seed traits or germination of seeds stored in the laboratory for different periods of time. Few studies have determined their presence through evaluation of distribution, density and longevity of seeds in the field. To fill this information gap, we determined the existence of, and studied, the soil seed bank ofStenocereus stellatus, a columnar cactus endemic to central Mexico. This study reports the evaluation of these characteristics in the field and discusses whether this species forms a soil seed bank. We found a higher number of seeds under shrubs than in areas lacking vegetation. Recently dispersed seeds did not germinate because they have primary dormancy. This dormancy was broken after 6 months of burial in the soil. Seeds buried for 10 months entered secondary dormancy and they were not viable at 24 months, probably because of pathogen attack. Considering dormancy and seed longevity, we suggest thatS. stellatushas the potential to form a short-term persistent seed bank. However, this should be confirmed by conducting studies on otherS. stellatuspopulations throughout their geographical distribution.
Pilot study to evaluate the effects of tetrahydrobiopterin on adult individuals with phenylketonuria with measurable maladaptive behaviors
Authors: Moseley Kathryn D. , Ottina Martha J. , Azen Colleen G. , Yano Shoji
Published: October 2014

Objectives

To evaluate the effects of tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) on maladaptive behavior in patients with phenylketonuria (PKU).

Methods

In an effort to determine if BH4 has any effects on the central nervous system, we studied 10 individuals with PKU and measurable maladaptive behaviors for 1 year. Behavioral assessments using the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales–Second Edition and a PKU Behavior Checklist were obtained at baseline, 6 months, and at the end of the study. Biochemical measures including plasma amino acids were obtained quarterly, and phenylalanine (Phe) and tyrosine (Tyr) were obtained monthly.

Results

Out of the 10 subjects, 2 were responders to BH4, as determined by a blood Phe reduction >30%. While blood Phe in the 8 nonresponders did not change significantly throughout the study, their Tyr levels were significantly higher at 6 months (p=0.012), but not at 12 months (p=0.23). By the end of the study, 8 subjects exhibited fewer maladaptive behaviors on the components of the Vineland Maladaptive Behavior Index, and all 10 had lower total scores on the PKU Behavior Checklist.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that there may be direct effects of BH4 on the central nervous system, independent of lowering blood Phe.
The effect of folate fortification on folic acid-based homocysteine-lowering intervention and stroke risk: a meta-analysis
Authors: Zeng Rui , Xu Chun-Hua , Xu Yuan-Ning , Wang Ya-Li , Wang Mian
Published: October 2014

Objective

Folate and vitamin B12 are two vital regulators in the metabolic process of homocysteine, which is a risk factor of atherothrombotic events. Low folate intake or low plasma folate concentration is associated with increased stroke risk. Previous randomized controlled trials presented discordant findings in the effect of folic acid supplementation-based homocysteine lowering on stroke risk. The aim of the present review was to perform a meta-analysis of relevant randomized controlled trials to check the how different folate fortification status might affect the effects of folic acid supplementation in lowering homocysteine and reducing stroke risk.

Design

Relevant randomized controlled trials were identified through formal literature search. Homocysteine reduction was compared in subgroups stratified by folate fortification status. Relative risks with 95 % confidence intervals were used as a measure to assess the association between folic acid supplementation and stroke risk.

Setting

The meta-analysis included fourteen randomized controlled trials,

Subjects

A total of 39 420 patients.

Results

Homocysteine reductions were 26·99 (sd 1·91) %, 18·38 (sd 3·82) % and 21·30 (sd 1·98) %, respectively, in the subgroups without folate fortification, with folate fortification and with partial folate fortification. Significant difference was observed between the subgroups with folate fortification and without folate fortification (P=0·05). The relative risk of stroke was 0·88 (95 % CI 0·77, 1·00, P=0·05) in the subgroup without folate fortification, 0·94 (95 % CI 0·58, 1·54, P=0·82) in the subgroup with folate fortification and 0·91 (95 % CI 0·82, 1·01, P=0·09) in the subgroup with partial folate fortification.

Conclusions

Folic acid supplementation might have a modest benefit on stroke prevention in regions without folate fortification.
An evidence-based referral management system: insights from a pilot study
Authors: Wright Ellen , Hagmayer York , Grayson Irene
Published: October 2014

Objectives

Improving the informational quality of referrals from primary to secondary care and appropriately re-directing referrals is an important goal of clinical commissioning groups in England. Based on the available empirical evidence, a referral management and booking service that combined referral guidelines, online referral templates and administrative and clinical triage, was developed by a primary care trust in southeast London.

Methods

A pilot study of 13 out of 46 practices in the trust was conducted using a mixed methods approach. Referral numbers were investigated by analysing changes in practices’ rates of first outpatient attendances in secondary care. Informational referral quality was assessed by analysing triage outcomes. Semi-structured interviews were used to inquire about practices’ evaluation of the new system. Structured telephone interviews were conducted to assess patients’ satisfaction.

Results

Overall rates of first outpatient attendances declined more strongly for pilot practices than controls. The number of referrals challenged for being incomplete or having insufficient clinical information decreased. The rate of referrals challenged by clinical triage for not conforming to referral guidelines was well below the rate of inappropriate referrals published in the literature. Interviews with practices revealed a number of themes and a broad range of attitudes. Patients were highly satisfied.

Discussion

Findings provided favourable evidence for the effectiveness of the new referral management system. They were, however, preliminary. If referrals into secondary care continued to be reduced on a long-term basis, the system would be cost effective despite the time and effort required for clinical triage.
The role of hospital payments in the adoption of new medical technologies: an international survey of current practice
Authors: Sorenson Corinna , Drummond Michael , Torbica Aleksandra , Callea Giuditta , Mateus Ceu
Published: October 2014

This study examined the role of prospective payment systems in the adoption of new medical technologies across different countries. A literature review was conducted to provide background for the study and guide development of a survey instrument. The survey was disseminated to hospital payment systems experts in 15 jurisdictions. Fifty-one surveys were disseminated, with 34 returned. The surveys returned covered 14 of the 15 jurisdictions invited to participate. The majority (71%) of countries update the patient classification system and/or payment tariffs on an annual basis to try to account for new technologies. Use of short-term separate or supplementary payments for new technologies occurs in 79% of countries to ensure adequate funding and facilitate adoption. A minority (43%) of countries use evidence of therapeutic benefit and/or costs to determine or update payment tariffs, although it is somewhat more common in establishing short-term payments. The main barrier to using evidence is uncertain or unavailable clinical evidence. Almost three-fourths of respondents believed diagnosis-related group systems incentivize or deter technology adoption, depending on the particular circumstances. Improvements are needed, such as enhanced strategies for evidence generation and linking evidence of value to payments, national and international collaboration and training to improve existing practice, and flexible timelines for short-term payments. Importantly, additional research is needed to understand how different payment policies impact technology uptake as well as quality of care and costs.
Natural volcanic CO2 seeps reveal future trajectories for host–microbial associations in corals and sponges
Authors: Morrow Kathleen M , Bourne David G , Humphrey Craig , Botté Emmanuelle S , Laffy Patrick , Zaneveld Jesse , Uthicke Sven , Fabricius Katharina E , Webster Nicole S
Published: October 2014

Atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) levels are rapidly rising causing an increase in the partial pressure of CO2 (pCO2) in the ocean and a reduction in pH known as ocean acidification (OA). Natural volcanic seeps in Papua New Guinea expel 99% pure CO2 and thereby offer a unique opportunity to explore the effects of OA in situ. The corals Acropora millepora and Porites cylindrica were less abundant and hosted significantly different microbial communities at the CO2 seep than at nearby control sites <500 m away. A primary driver of microbial differences in A. millepora was a 50% reduction of symbiotic Endozoicomonas. This loss of symbiotic taxa from corals at the CO2 seep highlights a potential hurdle for corals to overcome if they are to adapt to and survive OA. In contrast, the two sponges Coelocarteria singaporensis and Cinachyra sp. were ∼40-fold more abundant at the seep and hosted a significantly higher relative abundance of Synechococcus than sponges at control sites. The increase in photosynthetic microbes at the seep potentially provides these species with a nutritional benefit and enhanced scope for growth under future climate scenarios (thus, flexibility in symbiosis may lead to a larger niche breadth). The microbial community in the apparently pCO2-sensitive sponge species S. massa was not significantly different between sites. These data show that responses to elevated pCO2 are species-specific and that the stability and flexibility of microbial partnerships may have an important role in shaping and contributing to the fitness and success of some hosts.
Survival of Desulfotomaculum spores from estuarine sediments after serial autoclaving and high-temperature exposure
Authors: O’Sullivan Louise A , Roussel Erwan G , Weightman Andrew J , Webster Gordon , Hubert Casey R J , Bell Emma , Head Ian , Sass Henrik , Parkes R John
Published: October 2014

Bacterial spores are widespread in marine sediments, including those of thermophilic, sulphate-reducing bacteria, which have a high minimum growth temperature making it unlikely that they grow in situ. These Desulfotomaculum spp. are thought to be from hot environments and are distributed by ocean currents. Their cells and spores upper temperature limit for survival is unknown, as is whether they can survive repeated high-temperature exposure that might occur in hydrothermal systems. This was investigated by incubating estuarine sediments significantly above (40–80 °C) maximum in situ temperatures (∼23 °C), and with and without prior triple autoclaving. Sulphate reduction occurred at 40–60 °C and at 60 °C was unaffected by autoclaving. Desulfotomaculum sp. C1A60 was isolated and was most closely related to the thermophilic D. kuznetsoviiT (∼96% 16S rRNA gene sequence identity). Cultures of Desulfotomaculum sp. C1A60, D. kuznetsoviiT and D. geothermicum B2T survived triple autoclaving while other related Desulfotomaculum spp. did not, although they did survive pasteurisation. Desulfotomaculum sp. C1A60 and D. kuznetsovii cultures also survived more extreme autoclaving (C1A60, 130 °C for 15 min; D. kuznetsovii, 135 °C for 15 min, maximum of 154 °C reached) and high-temperature conditions in an oil bath (C1A60, 130° for 30 min, D. kuznetsovii 140 °C for 15 min). Desulfotomaculum sp. C1A60 with either spores or predominantly vegetative cells demonstrated that surviving triple autoclaving was due to spores. Spores also had very high culturability compared with vegetative cells (∼30 × higher). Combined extreme temperature survival and high culturability of some thermophilic Desulfotomaculum spp. make them very effective colonisers of hot environments, which is consistent with their presence in subsurface geothermal waters and petroleum reservoirs.
Combined effects of the Pacific Decadal Oscillation and El Niño-Southern Oscillation on Global Land Dry–Wet Changes
Authors: Wang Shanshan , Huang Jianping , He Yongli , Guan Yuping
Published: October 2014

The effects of natural variability, especially El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) effects, have been the focus of several recent studies on the change of drought patterns with climate change. The interannual relationship between ENSO and the global climate is not stationary and can be modulated by the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO). However, the global land distribution of the dry–wet changes associated with the combination of ENSO and the PDO remains unclear. In the present study, this is investigated using a revised Palmer Drought Severity Index dataset (sc_PDSI_pm). We find that the effect of ENSO on dry–wet changes varies with the PDO phase. When in phase with the PDO, ENSO-induced dry–wet changes are magnified with respect to the canonical pattern. When out of phase, these dry–wet variations weaken or even disappear. This remarkable contrast in ENSO's influence between the two phases of the PDO highlights exciting new avenues for obtaining improved global climate predictions. In recent decades, the PDO has turned negative with more La Niña events, implying more rain and flooding over land. La Niña-induced wet areas become wetter and the dry areas become drier and smaller due to the effects of the cold PDO phase.
Amino acid-based biohybrids for nano-shellization of individual desulfurizing bacteria
Authors: Jiang Nan , Ying Guo-Liang , Liu Shao-Yin , Shen Ling , Hu Jie , Dai Ling-Jun , Yang Xiao-Yu , Tian Ge , Su Bao-Lian
Published: October 2014

Amino acid-based biohybrid nanoshells endow individual desulfurizing bacteria with reusability and post-functionalization such as enhanced desulfurizing activity and magnetic separation.
Oxidation-responsive Eu2+/3+-liposomal contrast agent for dual-mode magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Ekanger Levi A. , Ali Meser M. , Allen Matthew J.
Published: October 2014

An oxidation-responsive contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging was synthesized using Eu2+ and liposomes.
Nuclear spin circular dichroism in fullerenes: a computational study
Authors: Straka Michal , Štěpánek Petr , Coriani Sonia , Vaara Juha
Published: October 2014

Chemically different carbons in C70 give distinct signals in nuclear spin circular dichroism spectroscopy, a novel candidate for high-resolution identification of chemical compounds.
Plasmon-driven photoregeneration of cofactor molecules
Authors: Sánchez-Iglesias Ana , Chuvilin Andrey , Grzelczak Marek
Published: October 2014

Platinum-doped gold nanorods are able to regenerate cofactor molecules under visible and infrared light irradiation.
Lanthanide organic–inorganic hybrids based on functionalized metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) for a near-UV white LED
Authors: Lu Ye , Yan Bing
Published: October 2014

A novel near-UV white LED based on lanthanide organic–inorganic hybrid material is realized through postsynthetically modified MOFs and MOF-based polymers. The hybrids materials have high quantum yield and satisfactory luminescence stability; the assembled white LED has tuneable correlated color temperature and high color rendering index.
A fluorescent ratiometric nanosized system for the determination of PdII in water
Authors: Arca Massimiliano , Caltagirone Claudia , De Filippo Greta , Formica Mauro , Fusi Vieri , Giorgi Luca , Lippolis Vito , Prodi Luca , Rampazzo Enrico , Scorciapino Mariano Andrea , Sgarzi Massimo , Zaccheroni Nelsi
Published: October 2014

A fluorescent chemosensor, loaded on dye-doped silica nanoparticles, can be used to detect Pd2+ ions in water with high selectivity toward other cations including the platinum group ones.
Tailoring the selectivity of glycerol oxidation by tuning the acid–base properties of Au catalysts
Authors: Villa Alberto , Campisi Sebastiano , Mohammed Khaled M. H. , Dimitratos Nikolaos , Vindigni Floriana , Manzoli Maela , Jones Wilm , Bowker Michael , Hutchings Graham J. , Prati Laura
Published: October 2014

The support plays a crucial role in directing the selectivity in glycerol oxidative conversion.
Meridional vs. facial coordination geometries of a dipodal ligand framework featuring a secondary coordination sphere
Authors: Matson Ellen M. , Gordon Zachary , Lin Benjamin , Nilges Mark J. , Fout Alison R.
Published: October 2014

Ligation of bipyridine invokes a conformational change in iron and copper complexes.
Synthesis and properties of greenish-blue-emitting iridium dendrimers with N-phenylcarbazole-based polyether dendrons by a post-dendronization route
Authors: Wang Yang , Wang Shumeng , Shao Shiyang , Ding Junqiao , Wang Lixiang , Jing Xiabin , Wang Fosong
Published: October 2014

Solution processible greenish-blue-emitting Ir dendrimers with N-phenylcarbazole based polyether dendrons are developed via a convenient post-dendronization route.
Chiral mononuclear lanthanide complexes and the field-induced single-ion magnet behaviour of a Dy analogue
Authors: Lin Shuang-Yan , Wang Chao , Zhao Lang , Wu Jianfeng , Tang Jinkui
Published: October 2014

A rare series of enantiopure mononuclear lanthanide complex pairs were obtained by using a chiral macrocyclic ligand and thiocyanate. The Dy complex was revealed to be a rare seven-coordinated lanthanide-based SIM encapsulated in a macrocyclic ligand.
Efficient removal of perchlorate ion from water by a water-insoluble M2L4 type compound
Authors: Mochizuki Masaru , Inoue Tatsunari , Yamanishi Katsunori , Koike Shiori , Kondo Mitsuru , Zhang Liang , Aoki Hiromi
Published: October 2014

Highly efficient perchlorate removal from water by a water-insoluble M2L4 type molecule is described.
Tripodal tris(hydroxypyridinone) ligands for immunoconjugate PET imaging with 89Zr4+: comparison with desferrioxamine-B
Authors: Ma Michelle T. , Meszaros Levente K. , Paterson Brett M. , Berry David J. , Cooper Maggie S. , Ma Yongmin , Hider Robert C. , Blower Philip J.
Published: October 2014

A tris(hydroxypyridinone) chelator coordinates the PET imaging isotope, 89Zr4+, rapidly and quantitatively under ambient conditions, but a 89Zr-labelled tris(hydroxypyridinone)-immunoconjugate is not stable to in vivo demetallation.
Real time monitoring of gases emitted from soils using a multi-turn time-of-flight mass spectrometer “MULTUM-S II”
Authors: Anan Takahiro , Shimma Shuichi , Toma Yo , Hashidoko Yasuyuki , Hatano Ryusuke , Toyoda Michisato
Published: October 2014

The ability of simultaneous quantification of the gaseous compounds (CO2, N2O) emitted from soils within 1 minute have been demonstrated by using a fast gas chromatograph - multi-turn time-of-flight mass spectrometer.
Synthesis and biological evaluation of novel derivatives of gambogenic acid as anticancer agents
Authors: Huang Peng , Hu Zhong , He Liqin , Wang Xiaoshan , Wu Yaxian
Published: October 2014

A series of novel derivatives of gambogenic acid (GNA) were synthesized and evaluated for their in vitro antiproliferative activity against four kinds of tumor cell lines. These compounds displayed potent antiproliferative activity. In particular, compound 3f exhibited superior antiproliferative activity against these tumor cell lines than GNA.
Ga doped RGO–TiO2 composite on an ITO surface electrode for investigation of photoelectrocatalytic activity under visible light irradiation
Authors: Hasan Md. Rakibul , Abd Hamid Sharifah Bee , Basirun Wan Jeffrey , Chowdhury Zaira Zaman , Kandjani Ahmad Esmaielzadeh , Bhargava Suresh K.
Published: October 2014

Ga doping in RGO–TiO2 nanocomposite photoelectrode shows enhanced photocurrent density (4.6 mA cm−2) in CO2 photoelectrocatalysis.
Photocatalytic mineralisation of herbicide 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid: enhanced performance by triple junction Cu–TiO2–Cu2O and the underlying reaction mechanism
Authors: An Xiaoqiang , Liu Huijuan , Qu Jiuhui , Moniz Savio J. A. , Tang Junwang
Published: October 2014

A novel Cu–TiO2–Cu2O triple junction shows superior photocatalytic activity towards the degradation of toxic 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid herbicide, via a hole-dominant photooxidation mechanism.
A search for radical intermediates in the photocycle of LOV domains
Authors: Kutta Roger Jan , Magerl Kathrin , Kensy Uwe , Dick Bernhard
Published: October 2014

LOV domains are the light sensitive parts of phototropins and many other light-activated enzymes that regulate the response to blue light in plants and algae as well as some fungi and bacteria. Unlike all other biological photoreceptors known so far, the photocycle of LOV domains involves the excited triplet state of the chromophore. This chromophore is flavin mononucleotide (FMN) which forms a covalent adduct with a cysteine residue in the signaling state. Since the formation of this adduct from the triplet state involves breaking and forming of two bonds as well as a change from the triplet to the singlet spin state, various intermediates have been proposed, e.g. a protonated triplet state 3FMNH+, the radical anion 2FMN˙−, or the neutral semiquinone radical 2FMNH˙. We performed an extensive search for these intermediates by two-dimensional transient absorption (2D-TA) with a streak camera. However, no transient with a rate constant between the decay of fluorescence and the decay of the triplet state could be detected. Analysis of the decay associated difference spectra results in quantum yields for the formation of the adduct from the triplet of ΦA(LOV1) ≈ 0.75 and ΦA(LOV2) ≈ 0.80. This is lower than the values ΦA(LOV1) ≈ 0.95 and ΦA(LOV2) ≈ 0.99 calculated from the rate constants, giving indirect evidence of an intermediate that reacts either to form the adduct or to decay back to the ground state. Since there is no measurable delay between the decay of the triplet and the formation of the adduct, we conclude that this intermediate reacts much faster than it is formed. The LOV1-C57S mutant shows a weak and slowly decaying (τ > 100 µs) transient whose decay associated spectrum has bands at 375 and 500 nm, with a shoulder at 400 nm. This transient is insensitive to the pH change in the range 6.5–10.0 but increases on addition of ß-mercaptoethanol as the reducing agent. We assign this intermediate to the radical anion which is protected from protonation by the protein. We propose that the adduct is formed via the same intermediate by combination of the radical ion pair.
The accounting of noise to solve the problem of negative populations in approximate accelerated stochastic simulations
Authors: Kadam Shantanu , Vanka Kumar
Published: October 2014

A computational method based on the concept of “noise” in conjunction with the representative reaction approach is proposed to solve the problem of negative numbers. The new method performs better on the front of accuracy and efficiency than other state-of-the-art methods.
Fe(ii)(aq)uptake of Mg(ii)–Al(iii)/Fe(iii)–SO4/CO3HTLCs under alkaline conditions: adsorption and solid state transformation mechanisms
Authors: Gomez Mario A. , Hendry M. Jim , Elouatik Samir , Essilfie-Dughan Joseph , Paikaray Susanta
Published: October 2014

Abiotic reduction of Mg(ii)–Al(iii)/Fe(iii)–SO4/CO3hydrotalcites (HTLCs) was investigated under three anoxic abiotic reaction conditions: (1) a target pH of 8 and 10 mM Fe(ii)(aq), (2) a target pH of 8 and 0.5 mM Fe(ii)(aq), and (3) a target pH of 10 and 0.5 mM Fe(ii)(aq).
Catalytic performance of Pt/AlPO4catalysts for selective hydrogenolysis of glycerol to 1,3-propanediol in the vapour phase
Authors: Priya Samudrala Shanthi , Kumar Vanama Pavan , Kantam Mannepalli Lakshmi , Bhargava Suresh K. , Chary Komandur V. R.
Published: October 2014

Glycerol hydrogenolysis to 1,3-propanediol over Pt/AlPO4catalysts.
Direct co-culture of endothelial and smooth muscle cells on poly(ε-caprolactone) nanowire surfaces
Authors: Leszczak Victoria , Popat Ketul C.
Published: October 2014

In this study, we have investigated co-cultures of ECs and SMCs on nanostructured poly(ε-caprolactone) surfaces. The results presented here indicate that nanostructured surfaces may be good interfaces for use in cardiovascular applications and warrants further investigation.
One-pot synthesis and evaluation of novel 3-aryl-6-ethoxycarbonyl-4-hydroxy-2H-pyran-2-one as a potent cytotoxic agent
Authors: Dhage Ganesh Raosaheb , Thopate Shankar Ramchandra , Ramteke Shefali Nishikant , Kulkarni Prasad Padmakar
Published: October 2014

A series of new open chain analogs of Phelligridin J were synthesized and these compounds were found to be highly potent cytotoxic agents.
Xylariterpenoids A–D, four new sesquiterpenoids from the Xylariaceae fungus
Authors: Wu Zu-Yan , Wu Yang , Chen Guo-Dong , Hu Dan , Li Xiao-Xia , Sun Xiang , Guo Liang-Dong , Li Yan , Yao Xin-Sheng , Gao Hao
Published: October 2014

Four new sesquiterpenoids, sesquiterpenoids A–D (1–4), were isolated from solid cultures of the Xylariaceae fungus (no. 63-19-7-3).
Enhanced photoelectroctatlytic performance of etched 3C–SiC thin film for water splitting under visible light
Authors: Wang Yazhou , Li Sheng , Han Jisheng , Wen William , Wang Hao , Dimitrijev Sima , Zhang Shanqing
Published: October 2014

A low temperature alternating supply epitaxy grown p-type 3C–SiC thin film is further etched to enhance the photoelectrocatalytic performance.
Photophysical investigation of charge recombination in CdS/ZnO layers of CuIn(S,Se)2 solar cell
Authors: Nalla Venkatram , Ho John C. W. , Batabyal Sudip K. , Wang Yue , Tok Alfred I. Y. , Sun Handong , Wong Lydia H. , Zheludev Nikolay
Published: October 2014

Femtosecond transient photocurrents were measured on CuIn(S,Se)2 solar cell devices. The reasons for lower EQE below 450 nm wavelength excitations were investigated.
NH4PF6-promoted cyclodehydration of α-amino carbonyl compounds: efficient synthesis of pyrrolo[3,2,1-ij]quinoline and indole derivatives
Authors: Ji Xiao-Ming , Zhou Shu-Juan , Deng Chen-Liang , Chen Fan , Tang Ri-Yuan
Published: October 2014

NH4PF6is an inexpensive, safe, and low-toxicity inorganic salt; it was found to promote the cyclodehydration of α-amino carbonyl compounds in the absence of metal reagents.
Investigation of micelle formation by N-(diethyleneglycol) perfluorooctane amide fluorocarbon surfactant as a foaming agent in aqueous solution
Authors: You Qing , Li Zhuojing , Ding Qinfang , Liu Yifei , Zhao Mingwei , Dai Caili
Published: October 2014

A novel nonionic fluorocarbon surfactant is synthesized and indicates excellent foaming performance and super surface activity.
Nickel-catalyzed cross-coupling of carboxylic anhydrides with arylboronic acids
Authors: Chen Qiang , Fan Xin-Heng , Zhang Li-Peng , Yang Lian-Ming
Published: October 2014

A nickel-based catalyst was employed in the cross-coupling of carboxylic anhydrides with arylboronic acids, and various products were achieved in good yields under mild conditions.
A conformationally switchable fluorescent oligophenol foldamer for selective sensing of copper(ii) ions
Authors: Liu Jiaqiang , Sun Chang , Ma Wenliang , Lu Yu-Jing , Yu Lin , Zhang Kun , Zeng Huaqiang
Published: October 2014

A stimuli-responsive hexameric oligophenol host undergoes amine-induced co-operative folding and fluorescence quenching, enabling easy classification of the bound metal ion guests as well as selective sensing of Cu2+ ions.
4-Hydroxy-3-methoxy-benzaldehyde series aroyl hydrazones: synthesis, thermostability and antimicrobial activities
Authors: Wang Liang , Guo Da-Gang , Wang Yan-Yan , Zheng Chang-Zheng
Published: October 2014

Both number and position of hydroxyl groups contained in a series of aromatic hydrazides and aroyl hydrazones displayed remarkable difference in antimicrobial activity.
Directed self-assembly of 1D microtubule nano-arrays
Authors: Bachand M. , Bouxsein N. F. , Cheng S. , von Hoyningen-Huene S. J. , Stevens M. J. , Bachand G. D.
Published: October 2014

The intrinsic properties of microtubule filaments (e.g., biological nano-rods) direct their self-assembly into one-dimensional nano-arrays over extended timescales.
Shape transformations of toroidal vesicles
Authors: Noguchi Hiroshi , Sakashita Ai , Imai Masayuki
Published: October 2014

Morphologies of genus-1 toroidal vesicles.
Separated-structured all-organic dielectric elastomer with large actuation strain under ultra-low voltage and high mechanical strength
Authors: Tian Ming , Yao Yang , Liu Suting , Yang Dan , Zhang Liqun , Nishi Toshio , Ning Nanying
Published: October 2014

We prepared separated-structured all-organic dielectric elastomer with large actuation strain under ultra-low voltage and high mechanical strength.
Bulk heterojunctions push the photoresponse of perovskite solar cells to 970 nm
Authors: Zuo Chuantian , Ding Liming
Published: October 2014

Implanting bulk heterojunctions into perovskite solar cells successfully pushes the photoresponse to 970 nm.
Synthesis, characterization and in vitro anticancer activity of the biomolecule-based coordination complex nanotubes
Authors: Wang Yue , Zhang Chi , Li Hongmei , Zhu Guoxing , Bao Song-Song , Wei Shiqiang , Zheng Li-Min , Ren Min , Xu Zheng
Published: October 2014

Biomolecule-based Ni-folate hydrazine coordination complex nanotube exhibits excellent anticancer performance as a nanomedicine and a drug carrier.
Correlating the transition dipole moment orientation of phosphorescent emitter molecules in OLEDs with basic material properties
Authors: Graf A. , Liehm P. , Murawski C. , Hofmann S. , Leo K. , Gather M. C.
Published: October 2014

The orientation of seven iridium-based emitter molecules for OLEDs is compared and surprisingly all except Ir(ppy)3 show considerable horizontal orientation.
Polypyrrole doped epoxy resin nanocomposites with enhanced mechanical properties and reduced flammability
Authors: Zhang Xi , Yan Xingru , Guo Jiang , Liu Zhen , Jiang Dawei , He Qingliang , Wei Huige , Gu Hongbo , Colorado Henry A. , Zhang Xinyu , Wei Suying , Guo Zhanhu
Published: October 2014

As well as limiting the crack propagation, polypyrrole nanofibers further initiated shear bands in epoxy to give a higher tensile strength than polypyrrole nanospheres.
Does gender make a difference to performing in‐vehicle tasks?
Authors: Yang Yan , Wong Alan , McDonald Mike
Published: October 2014

This study describes the gender differences in driving and visual behaviour observed under a high mental workload. The impacts of performing a set of in‐vehicle auditory tasks on the behaviour of 34 drivers were studied in an on‐road experiment using an instrumented vehicle. The results show that female participants tended to drive more attentively in baseline driving than males, but they were also more affected by the higher workload. The latter effect was identified by an increase in steering wheel adjustments and a slightly lower auditory task performance. Females adopted a more conservative coping strategy to compensate for the higher workload, as identified by increased headways and more stable lateral control. By contrast, male drivers did not appear to be affected in the same way, but their eye movements revealed significant gaze concentration and less mirror‐checking. This suggests that male drivers may be less aware of the impact of mental distractions on their driving performance and visual behaviour, and adopt a simplification strategy to cope with the extra workload. These gender differences in behaviours and coping strategies can be explained only through a combination of traditional measurements and drivers' eye movements, which provide a supplementary measure for understanding driving behaviour. Increased understandings of such gender differences may have significant implications for the design and safe operation of future in‐vehicle technologies.
Facile one‐pot low‐temperature solid‐state approach towards phase transformation of nanoCdS
Authors: Haque Sk Ershadul , Ramdas Balan , Padmavathy Nagarajan , Sheela Angappan
Published: October 2014

Nanocadmium sulphide (CdS) has been prepared by the one‐pot solid‐state method from cadmium chloride (CdCl2) and sodium sulphide (Na2S) without any capping agent. The grinding period plays a major role in transforming CdS from the cubic (zinc blende) to the hexagonal (wurtzite) phase, hitherto unreported at the lowest temperature of 200°C by the solid‐state approach. The compounds are characterised by powder X‐ray diffraction, UV–visible absorption spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and high resolution transmission electron microscopy techniques. On the basis of the results, it has been observed that with only grinding and without subsequent heat treatment, the compounds named with their grinding period as subscript have either zinc blende – CdS(30 min) or mixed zinc blende/wurtzite – CdS(2,4, 6 and 8 h) structures. However, when subjected to heat treatment at 200°C, there is a complete phase transformation to the wurtzite structure achieved only with the CdS(8 h) compound, while the rest of the compounds show similar phases as the compounds prepared without annealing. The photocatalytic efficiency of CdS compounds on methyl orange follows the order, CdS(cubic)> CdS(mixed phase → cubic + hexagonal)> CdS(hexagonal), with cubic phase CdS showing greater efficiency than mixed and hexagonal phases.
Application of the Huang-Hilbert transform and natural time to the analysis of seismic electric signal activities
Authors: Papadopoulou K. A. , Skordas E. S.
Published: October 2014

The Huang method is applied to Seismic Electric Signal (SES) activities in order to decompose them into their components, named Intrinsic Mode Functions (IMFs). We study which of these components contribute to the basic characteristics of the signal. The Hilbert transform is then applied to the IMFs in order to determine their instantaneous amplitudes. The results are compared with those obtained from the analysis in a new time domain termed natural time, after having subtracted the magnetotelluric background from the original signal. It is shown that these instantaneous amplitudes, when combined with the natural time analysis, can be used for the distinction of SES from artificial noises.
Virial theorem and Gibbs thermodynamic potential for Coulomb systems
Authors: Bobrov V. B. , Trigger S. A.
Published: October 2014

Using the grand canonical ensemble and the virial theorem, we show that the Gibbs thermodynamic potential of the non-relativistic system of charged particles is uniquely defined by single-particle Green functions of electrons and nuclei. This result is valid beyond the perturbation theory with respect to the interparticle interaction.
A modified model of helical resonator with predictable loaded resonant frequency and Q-factor
Authors: Deng K. , Sun Y. L. , Yuan W. H. , Xu Z. T. , Zhang J. , Lu Z. H. , Luo J.
Published: October 2014

High voltage radio frequency (RF) supply is a critical part in an ion trapping system. The RF supply should have high Q-factor and relatively high driving frequency. A frequently used RF supply for an ion trap system is a helical resonator. In certain applications, it is advantageous to have a predictable resonant frequency and Q-factor when the helical resonator is connected to a capacitive load. We develop a model to describe the behavior of a helical resonator with capacitive load. With this model, we can correctly predict the loaded resonant frequency and the loaded Q-factor. To test our prediction, we construct a helical resonator, and measure its resonant frequencies and Q-factors under different capacitive loads. The experimental results agree with our prediction.
Ultra-low frequency vertical vibration isolator based on LaCoste spring linkage
Authors: Li G. , Hu H. , Wu K. , Wang G. , Wang L. J.
Published: October 2014

For the applications in precision measurement such as absolute gravimeter, we have designed and built an ultra-low frequency vertical vibration isolator based on LaCoste spring linkage. In the system, an arm with test mass is suspended by a mechanical extension spring, and one end of the arm is connected to the frame with flexible pivots. The displacement of the arm is detected by an optical reflection method. With the displacement signal, a feedback control force is exerted on the arm to keep it at the balance position. This method can also correct the systematic drift caused by temperature change. In order to study the vibration isolation performance of the system, we analyze the dynamic characteristics of the spring linkage in the general case, and present key methods to adjust the natural oscillating period of the system. With careful adjustment, the system can achieve a steady oscillation with a natural period up to 32 s. This isolator has been tested based on the T-1 absolute gravimeter. A statistical uncertainty of 2 μGal has been achieved within a typical 12 h measurement. The experimental results verify that the isolator has significant vibration isolation performance, and it is very suitable for applications in high precision absolute gravity measurement.
Generalizing the flash technique in the front-face configuration to measure the thermal diffusivity of semitransparent solids
Authors: Pech-May Nelson Wilbur , Mendioroz Arantza , Salazar Agustín
Published: October 2014

In this work, we have extended the front-face flash method to retrieve simultaneously the thermal diffusivity and the optical absorption coefficient of semitransparent plates. A complete theoretical model that allows calculating the front surface temperature rise of the sample has been developed. It takes into consideration additional effects, such as multiple reflections of the heating light beam inside the sample, heat losses by convection and radiation, transparency of the sample to infrared wavelengths, and heating pulse duration. Measurements performed on calibrated solids, covering a wide range of absorption coefficients (from transparent to opaque) and thermal diffusivities, validate the proposed method.
Design of a compact ultrahigh vacuum-compatible setup for the analysis of chemical vapor deposition processes
Authors: Weiss Theodor , Nowak Martin , Mundloch Udo , Zielasek Volkmar , Kohse-Höinghaus Katharina , Bäumer Marcus
Published: October 2014

Optimizing thin film deposition techniques requires contamination-free transfer from the reactor into an ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) chamber for surface science analysis. A very compact, multifunctional Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) reactor for direct attachment to any typical UHV system for thin film analysis was designed and built. Besides compactness, fast, easy, and at the same time ultimately clean sample transfer between reactor and UHV was a major goal. It was achieved by a combination of sample manipulation parts, sample heater, and a shutter mechanism designed to fit all into a NW38 Conflat six-ways cross. The present reactor design is versatile to be employed for all commonly employed variants of CVD, including Atomic Layer Deposition. A demonstration of the functionality of the system is provided. First results of the setup (attached to an Omicron Multiprobe x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy system) on the temperature dependence of Pulsed Spray Evaporation-CVD of Ni films from Ni acetylacetonate as the precursor demonstrate the reactor performance and illustrate the importance of clean sample transfer without breaking vacuum in order to obtain unambiguous results on the quality of CVD-grown thin Ni films. The widely applicable design holds promise for future systematic studies of the fundamental processes during chemical vapor deposition or atomic layer deposition.
Communication: Localized molecular orbital analysis of the effect of electron correlation on the anomalous isotope effect in the NMR spin-spin coupling constant in methane
Authors: Zarycz M. Natalia C. , Sauer Stephan P. A. , Provasi Patricio F.
Published: October 2014

We discuss the effect of electron correlation on the unexpected differential sensitivity (UDS) in the 1J(C–H) coupling constant of CH4 using a decomposition into contributions from localized molecular orbitals and compare with the 1J(N–H) coupling constant in NH3. In particular, we discuss the well known fact that uncorrelated coupled Hartree-Fock (CHF) calculations are not able to reproduce the UDS in methane. For this purpose we have implemented for the first time a localized molecular orbital analysis for the second order polarization propagator approximation with coupled cluster singles and doubles amplitudes—SOPPA(CCSD) in the DALTON program. Comparing the changes in the localized orbital contributions at the correlated SOPPA and SOPPA(CCSD) levels and at the uncorrelated CHF level, we find that the latter overestimates the effect of stretching the bond between the coupled atoms on the contribution to the coupling from the localized bonding orbital between these atoms. This disturbs the subtle balance between the molecular orbital contributions, which lead to the UDS in methane.
Electric transition dipole moment in pre-Born–Oppenheimer molecular structure theory
Authors: Simmen Benjamin , Mátyus Edit , Reiher Markus
Published: October 2014

This paper presents the calculation of the electric transition dipole moment in a pre-Born–Oppenheimer framework. Electrons and nuclei are treated equally in terms of the parametrization of the non-relativistic total wave function, which is written as a linear combination of basis functions constructed from explicitly correlated Gaussian functions and the global vector representation. The integrals of the electric transition dipole moment are derived corresponding to these basis functions in both the length and the velocity representation. The calculations are performed in laboratory-fixed Cartesian coordinates without relying on coordinates which separate the center of mass from the translationally invariant degrees of freedom. The effect of the overall motion is eliminated through translationally invariant integral expressions. The electric transition dipole moment is calculated between two rovibronic levels of the H2 molecule assignable to the lowest rovibrational states of the \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\begin{document}$X\ ^1\Sigma ^+_\mathrm{g}$\end{document}X1Σg+ and \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\begin{document}$B\ ^1\Sigma ^+_\mathrm{u}$\end{document}BΣu+1 electronic states in the clamped-nuclei framework. This is the first evaluation of this quantity in a full quantum mechanical treatment without relying on the Born–Oppenheimer approximation.