bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transverse end effect for a high temperature superconductor electrodynamic levitation device
Authors: Shuo Li , Yu Fan , Xi Zhu
Published: January 2014

In this paper, an electrodynamic levitation device with high temperature superconductor windings and nonferromagnetic secondary is proposed. Because of the proposed device's dimensions vary with its radius, current distribution on the secondary reaction plate is not symmetrical. Therefore, traditional approach to apply correction coefficient are not accurate. In this paper, we propose to use an effective three dimensional analysis model for considering the transverse edge effect caused by the primary and the secondary. Further, we show a simple method of measuring the transverse edge effect by using the patterns of currents induced in the secondary reaction plate. With this effective analysis method, the distribution of current, magnetic field, and normal force in the secondary reaction plate is analyzed. The radial length of the device is optimized.
Operation of Lanzhou all permanent electron cyclotron resonance ion source No. 2 on 320 kV platform with highly charged ions
Authors: Lu W. , Li J. Y. , Kang L. , Liu H. P. , Li H. , Li J. D. , Sun L. T. , Ma X. W.
Published: January 2014

The 320 kV platform for multi-discipline research with highly charged ions is a heavy ion beam acceleration instrument developed by Institute of Modern Physics, which is dedicated to basic scientific researches such as plasma, atom, material physics, and astrophysics, etc. The platform has delivered ion beams of 400 species for 36 000 h. The average operation time is around 5000 h/year. With the beams provided by the platform, lots of outstanding progresses were made in various research fields. The ion source of the platform is an all-permanent magnet electron cyclotron resonance ion source, LAPECR2 (Lanzhou All Permanent ECR ion source No. 2). The maximum axial magnetic fields are 1.28 T at injection and 1.07 T at extraction, and the radial magnetic field is up to 1.21 T at the inner wall of the plasma chamber. The ion source is capable to produce low, medium, and high charge state gaseous and metallic ion beams, such as H+, 40Ar8+, 129Xe30+, 209Bi33+, etc. This paper will present the latest result of LAPECR2 and the routine operation status for the high voltage platform.
Thermal neutron diffraction determination of the magnetic structure of EuCu2Ge2
Authors: Rowan-Weetaluktuk W. N. , Ryan D. H. , Lemoine P. , Cadogan J. M.
Published: January 2014

The magnetic structure of EuCu2Ge2 has been determined by flat-plate neutron powder diffraction. Two magnetic phases are present in the neutron diffraction pattern at 3.5 K. They have the same moment, within error, and a common transition temperature. Both 151Eu and 153Eu Mössbauer spectroscopy show that the two magnetic phases belong to the same crystallographic phase. Both phases can be modelled by planar helimagnetic structures: one with a propagation vector of [0.654(1), 0, 0], the other with a propagation vector of [0.410(1), 0.225(1), 0].
Performance benefits from pulsed laser heating in heat assisted magnetic recording
Authors: Xu B. X. , Cen Z. H. , Goh J. H. , Li J. M. , Toh Y. T. , Zhang J. , Ye K. D. , Quan C. G.
Published: January 2014

Smaller cross track thermal spot size and larger down track thermal gradient are desired for increasing the density of heat assisted magnetic recording. Both parameters are affected significantly by the thermal energy accumulation and diffusion in the recording media. Pulsed laser heating is one of the ways to reduce the thermal diffusion. In this paper, we describe the benefits from the pulsed laser heating such as the dependences of the cross track thermal width, down track thermal gradient, the required laser pulse/average powers, and the transducer temperature rise on the laser pulse width at different media thermal properties. The results indicate that as the pulse width decreases, the thermal width decreases, the thermal gradient increases, the required pulse power increases and the average power decreases. For shorter pulse heating, the effects of the medium thermal properties on the thermal performances become weaker. This can greatly relax the required thermal properties of the media. The results also show that the pulsed laser heating can effectively reduce the transducer temperature rise and allow the transducer to reach its “dynamically” stable temperature more quickly.
A two-stage heating scheme for heat assisted magnetic recording
Authors: Xiong Shaomin , Kim Jeongmin , Wang Yuan , Zhang Xiang , Bogy David
Published: January 2014

Heat Assisted Magnetic Recording (HAMR) has been proposed to extend the storage areal density beyond 1 Tb/in.2 for the next generation magnetic storage. A near field transducer (NFT) is widely used in HAMR systems to locally heat the magnetic disk during the writing process. However, much of the laser power is absorbed around the NFT, which causes overheating of the NFT and reduces its reliability. In this work, a two-stage heating scheme is proposed to reduce the thermal load by separating the NFT heating process into two individual heating stages from an optical waveguide and a NFT, respectively. As the first stage, the optical waveguide is placed in front of the NFT and delivers part of laser energy directly onto the disk surface to heat it up to a peak temperature somewhat lower than the Curie temperature of the magnetic material. Then, the NFT works as the second heating stage to heat a smaller area inside the waveguide heated area further to reach the Curie point. The energy applied to the NFT in the second heating stage is reduced compared with a typical single stage NFT heating system. With this reduced thermal load to the NFT by the two-stage heating scheme, the lifetime of the NFT can be extended orders longer under the cyclic load condition.
Analysis of depolarization ratios of ClNO2 dissolved in methanol
Authors: Trimithioti Marilena , Akimov Alexey V. , Prezhdo Oleg V. , Hayes Sophia C.
Published: January 2014

A detailed analysis of the resonance Raman depolarization ratio dispersion curve for the N–O symmetric stretch of nitryl chloride in methanol at excitation wavelengths spanning the D absorption band is presented. The depolarization ratios are modeled using the time-dependent formalism for Raman scattering with contributions from two excited states (21A1 and 31B1), which are taken as linearly dissociative along the Cl–N coordinate. The analysis focuses on the interplay between different types of broadening revealing the importance of inhomogenous broadening in determining the relative contributions of the two electronic transitions. We find that the transition dipole moment (M) for 21A1 is greater than for 31B1, in agreement with gas phase calculations in the literature [A. Lesar, M. Hdoscek, M. Muhlhauser, and S. D. Peyerimhoff, Chem. Phys. Lett. 383, 84 (2004)]. However, we find that the polarity of the solvent influences the excited state energetics, leading to a reversal in the ordering of these two states with 31B1 shifting to lower energies. Molecular dynamics simulations along with linear response and ab initio calculations support the evidence extracted from resonance Raman intensity analysis, providing insights on ClNO2 electronic structure, solvation effects in methanol, and the source of broadening, emphasizing the importance of a contribution from inhomogeneous linewidth.
Origin of improved scintillation efficiency in (Lu,Gd)3(Ga,Al)5O12:Ce multicomponent garnets: An X-ray absorption near edge spectroscopy study
Authors: Wu Yuntao , Luo Jialiang , Nikl Martin , Ren Guohao
Published: January 2014

In the recent successful improvement of scintillation efficiency in Lu3Al5O12:Ce driven by Ga3+ and Gd3+ admixture, the “band-gap engineering” and energy level positioning have been considered the valid strategies so far. This study revealed that this improvement was also associated with the cerium valence instability along with the changes of chemical composition. By utilizing X-ray absorption near edge spectroscopy technique, tuning the Ce3+/Ce4+ ratio by Ga3+ admixture was evidenced, while it was kept nearly stable with the Gd3+ admixture. Ce valence instability and Ce3+/Ce4+ ratio in multicomponent garnets can be driven by the energy separation between 4f ground state of Ce3+ and Fermi level.
Polymer capture by α-hemolysin pore upon salt concentration gradient
Authors: Jeon Byoung-jin , Muthukumar Murugappan
Published: January 2014

We have measured the rate of capture of single molecules of sodium poly(styrene sulfonate) by α-hemolysin protein pore by varying applied voltage, pH, and the salt concentration asymmetry across the pore. We show that electrostatic interaction between the polyelectrolyte and the protein pore significantly affects the polymer capture rate in addition to the enhancement of drift arising from electrolyte concentration gradient. At higher pH values where the electrostatic interaction between the polymer and the α-hemolysin pore is repulsive, an antagonistic coupling with the drift induced by salt concentration gradient emerges. This antagonistic coupling results in a nonmonotonic dependence of the polymer capture rate on the salt concentration in the donor compartment. The coupling between the pore-polymer interaction and drift can be weakened by increasing the strength of the electric field that drives the polymer translocation. In contrast, at lower pH values where the polymer-pore interaction is attractive, a synergy with the additional drift from salt concentration asymmetry arises and the capture rate depends monotonically on the donor salt concentration. For higher pH, we identify two regimes for the enhancement of capture rate by salt concentration gradient: (a) drift-dominated regime, where the capture rate is roughly quadratic in the ratio of salt concentration in the receiver compartment to that in the donor compartment, and (b) antagonistic coupling regime at higher values of this ratio with a linear relation for the polymer capture rate.
Analysis of the near-edge X-ray-absorption fine-structure of anthracene: A combined theoretical and experimental study
Authors: Klues Michael , Hermann Klaus , Witte Gregor
Published: January 2014

The near-edge fine structure of the carbon K-edge absorption spectrum of anthracene was measured and theoretically analyzed by density functional theory calculations implemented in the StoBe code. It is demonstrated that the consideration of electronic relaxation of excited states around localized core holes yields a significant improvement of the calculated excitation energies and reproduces the experimentally observed fine structure well. The detailed analysis of excitation spectra calculated for each symmetry inequivalent excitation center allows in particular to examine the influence of chemical shifts and core hole effects on the excitation energies. Moreover, the visualization of final states explains the large variations in the oscillator strength of various transitions as well as the nature of Rydberg-states that exhibit a notable density of states below the ionization potentials.
How accurate is the strongly orthogonal geminal theory in predicting excitation energies? Comparison of the extended random phase approximation and the linear response theory approaches
Authors: Pernal Katarzyna , Chatterjee Koushik , Kowalski Piotr H.
Published: January 2014

Performance of the antisymmetrized product of strongly orthogonal geminal (APSG) ansatz in describing ground states of molecules has been extensively explored in the recent years. Not much is known, however, about possibilities of obtaining excitation energies from methods that would rely on the APSG ansatz. In the paper we investigate the recently proposed extended random phase approximations, ERPA and ERPA2, that employ APSG reduced density matrices. We also propose a time-dependent linear response APSG method (TD-APSG). Its relation to the recently proposed phase including natural orbital theory is elucidated. The methods are applied to Li2, BH, H2O, and CH2O molecules at equilibrium geometries and in the dissociating limits. It is shown that ERPA2 and TD-APSG perform better in describing double excitations than ERPA due to inclusion of the so-called diagonal double elements. Analysis of the potential energy curves of Li2, BH, and H2O reveals that ERPA2 and TD-APSG describe correctly excitation energies of dissociating molecules if orbitals involved in breaking bonds are involved. For single excitations of molecules at equilibrium geometries the accuracy of the APSG-based methods approaches that of the time-dependent Hartree-Fock method with the increase of the system size. A possibility of improving the accuracy of the TD-APSG method for single excitations by splitting the electron-electron interaction operator into the long- and short-range terms and employing density functionals to treat the latter is presented.
Research Update: Molecular electronics: The single-molecule switch and transistor
Authors: Sotthewes Kai , Geskin Victor , Heimbuch René , Kumar Avijit , Zandvliet Harold J. W.
Published: January 2014

In order to design and realize single-molecule devices it is essential to have a good understanding of the properties of an individual molecule. For electronic applications, the most important property of a molecule is its conductance. Here we show how a single octanethiol molecule can be connected to macroscopic leads and how the transport properties of the molecule can be measured. Based on this knowledge we have realized two single-molecule devices: a molecular switch and a molecular transistor. The switch can be opened and closed at will by carefully adjusting the separation between the electrical contacts and the voltage drop across the contacts. This single-molecular switch operates in a broad temperature range from cryogenic temperatures all the way up to room temperature. Via mechanical gating, i.e., compressing or stretching of the octanethiol molecule, by varying the contact's interspace, we are able to systematically adjust the conductance of the electrode-octanethiol-electrode junction. This two-terminal single-molecule transistor is very robust, but the amplification factor is rather limited.
Operating conditions for the generation of stable anode spot plasma in front of a positively biased electrode
Authors: Park Yeong-Shin , Lee Yuna , Dang Jeong-Jeung , Chung Kyoung-Jae , Hwang Y. S.
Published: January 2014

Stability of an anode spot plasma, which is an additional high density plasma generated in front of a positively biased electrode immersed in ambient plasma, is a critical issue for its utilization to various types of ion sources. In this study, operating conditions for the generation of stable anode spot plasmas are experimentally investigated. Diagnostics of the bias current flowing into the positively biased electrode and the properties of ambient plasma reveal that unstable nature of the anode spot is deeply associated with the reduction of double layer potential between the anode spot plasma and the ambient plasma. It is found that stability of the anode spot plasma can be improved with increasing the ionization rate in ambient plasma so as to compensate the loss of electrons across the double layer or with enlarging the area of the biased electrode to prevent electron accumulation inside the anode spot. The results obtained from the present study give the guideline for operating conditions of anode spot plasmas as an ion source with high brightness.
Mechanism of transient force augmentation varying with two distinct timescales for interacting vortex rings
Authors: Fu Zhidong , Qin Suyang , Liu Hong
Published: January 2014

The dynamics of dual vortex ring flows is studied experimentally and numerically in a model system that consists of a piston-cylinder apparatus. The flows are generated by double identical strokes which have the velocity profile characterized by the sinusoidal function of half the period. By calculating the total wake impulse in two strokes in the experiments, it is found that the average propulsive force increases by 50% in the second stroke for the sufficiently small stroke length, compared with the first stroke. In the numerical simulations, two types of transient force augmentation are revealed, there being the transient force augmentation for the small stroke lengths and the absolute transient force augmentation for the large stroke lengths. The relative transient force augmentation increases to 78% for L/D = 1, while the absolute transient force augmentation for L/D = 4 is twice as much as that for L/D = 1. Further investigation demonstrates that the force augmentation is attributed to the interaction between vortex rings, which induces transport of vortex impulse and more evident fluid entrainment. The critical situation of vortex ring separation is defined and indicated, with vortex spacing falling in a narrow gap when the stroke lengths vary. A new model is proposed concerning the limiting process of impulse, further suggesting that apart from vortex formation timescale, vortex spacing should be interpreted as an independent timescale to reflect the dynamics of vortex interaction.
Vortex formation of a finite-span synthetic jet: High Reynolds numbers
Authors: Van Buren Tyler , Whalen Edward , Amitay Michael
Published: January 2014

The formation and evolution of flow structures of a high-speed, finite-span synthetic jet issued into a quiescent flow were investigated experimentally using Stereoscopic Particle Image Velocimetry for jet peak velocities up to 150 m/s. The effect of high jet Reynolds number (Re○ = 1150, 3450, and 5750, with corresponding Strouhal numbers of St = 0.215, 0.046, and 0.028, respectively) on a finite-span synthetic jet with aspect ratios of 18 and 24 were explored. It was found that the velocity and vorticity fields were greatly affected by the Reynolds number, with the lowest Reynolds number case producing the highest normalized peak velocities and vorticity. Moreover, for all three Reynolds numbers, axis switching was observed and its streamwise location increased as the Reynolds number increased. The Q-criterion was utilized for decoupling vortices from the vorticity concentrations in the flow field. This enabled the identification of vortices in the flow field and the reconstruction of the 3D vortex ring that was formed near the orifice, and to track its evolution and advection. At this range of high Reynolds numbers, secondary flow structures were observed, where these structures were formed either immediately downstream of the orifice or farther downstream, depending on the Reynolds number and the aspect ratio. It is apparent from this work that the effect of the Reynolds number has a pronounced influence on the evolution of the flow structures and, as a result, may alter the effectiveness of flow control utilizing these jets. Furthermore, investigation of the behavior of synthetic jets with low aspect ratios (AR < 25), at high Reynolds numbers (Re○ > 1000), with peak velocities exceeding 100 m/s, addresses a critical gap in the understanding the finite-span synthetic jet flow field for practical applications.
Impact of vacancy clusters on characteristic resistance change of nonstoichiometric strontium titanate nano-film
Authors: Su Kim Yong , Kim Jiyeon , Jee Yoon Moon , Hee Sohn Chang , Buhm Lee Shin , Lee Daesu , Chul Jeon Byung , Keun Yoo Hyang , Won Noh Tae , Bostwick Aaron , Rotenberg Eli , Yu Jaejun , Don Bu Sang , Simon Mun Bongjin
Published: January 2014

In practical applications to bipolar resistance switching (BRS) memory devices with enhanced performance and high-scalability, oxide materials are commonly fabricated to highly nonstoichiometric and nanometer scale films. In this study, we fabricated ultrathin strontium titanate film, which shows two types of BRS behavior. By using micro-beam X-ray photoemission spectroscopy, the changes of core-level spectra depending on the resistance states are spatially resolved. Experimental and calculated results demonstrated that the fundamental switching mechanism in the two types of BRS is originated from the migration of anion and cation vacancies and the formation of insulating vacancy clusters near vicinity of the interface.
Electric field driven magnetic domain wall motion in ferromagnetic-ferroelectric heterostructures
Authors: Van de Wiele Ben , Laurson Lasse , Franke Kévin J. A. , van Dijken Sebastiaan
Published: January 2014

We investigate magnetic domain wall (MDW) dynamics induced by applied electric fields in ferromagnetic-ferroelectric thin-film heterostructures. In contrast to conventional driving mechanisms where MDW motion is induced directly by magnetic fields or electric currents, MDW motion arises here as a result of strong pinning of MDWs onto ferroelectric domain walls (FDWs) via local strain coupling. By performing extensive micromagnetic simulations, we find several dynamical regimes, including instabilities such as spin wave emission and complex transformations of the MDW structure. In all cases, the time-averaged MDW velocity equals that of the FDW, indicating the absence of Walker breakdown.
Electronic structure and thermoelectric performance of Zintl compound Sr3GaSb3: A first-principles study
Authors: Feng Shi Qing , Li Yan Yu , Xu Wang Yuan
Published: January 2014

By using first-principles method and Boltzmann theory, we simulated the thermoelectric transport properties of p-type and n-type Sr3GaSb3. It is found that the thermoelectric figure-of merit (ZT) of n-type Sr3GaSb3 is probably better than that of p-type, mainly due to its large band degeneracy. Moreover, a high ZT value of 1.74 at 850 K can be achieved for n-type Sr3GaSb3 along the yy direction, corresponding to the carrier concentration 3.5 × 1020 e cm−3. We propose that the high ZT value of experimentally synthesized p-type Sr3GaSb3 is originated from appearing of the larger number of band valley on the top of valence bands.
Analysis of high concentrator photovoltaic modules in outdoor conditions: Influence of direct normal irradiance, air temperature, and air mass
Authors: Fernández Eduardo F. , Rodrigo P. , Fernández J. I. , Almonacid F. , Pérez-Higueras P. , García-Loureiro A. J. , Almonacid G.
Published: January 2014

The study of high concentrator photovoltaic (HCPV) technology under real conditions is essential to understand its real behavior. The influence of direct normal irradiance (DNI), air temperature (Tair), and air mass (AM) on the maximum power of two HCPV modules was studied for more than three years. Results found are presented in this paper. As expected, the main influence on the maximum power is DNI. Also, Tair has been found to have small influence on the maximum power. Regarding AM, two different behaviors have been found. The maximum power could be considered independent of AM for AM ≤ 2, while it decreases with an approximate linear behavior for AM > 2. Also, the maximum power of a HCPV module could be estimated with a linear mathematical fitting based on DNI, Tair, and AM.
The rate of drying determines the extent of desiccation tolerance in Physcomitrella patens
Authors: Greenwood Joshua L. , Stark Lloyd R.
Published: January 2014

The effect of differential drying rates on desiccation tolerance in Physcomitrella patens (Hedw.) Bruch & Schimp. is examined. In order to provide more evidence as to the status of desiccation tolerance in P. patens, a system was designed that allowed alteration of the rate of water loss within a specific relative humidity. An artificial substrate consisting of layers of wetted filter paper was used to slow the drying process to as long as 284 h, a significant increase over the commonly used method of exposure (saturated salt solution). By slowing the rate of drying, survival rates and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters improved, and tissue regeneration time was faster. These results indicate a trend where the capacity for desiccation tolerance increases with slower drying, and reveal a much stronger capacity for desiccation tolerance in P. patens than was previously known.
Assessment of Management Scenarios to Reduce Loggerhead Turtle Interactions with Shrimp Trawlers in Georgia
Authors: Scott Jason A. , Dodd Mark G. , Castleberry Steven B.
Published: January 2014

Recovery of loggerhead turtle Caretta caretta populations depends on many factors, including reducing anthropogenic mortality of adult turtles. Shrimp trawls are considered a major source of mortality for adult loggerhead turtles despite the mandatory use of turtle excluder devices. We modeled scenarios for reducing the likelihood of interaction between nesting adult loggerhead turtles and shrimp trawlers operating off the coast of Georgia during the nesting season (May–August). We used satellite telemetry and aerial surveys to describe the distribution patterns of nesting adult female turtles (2004–2005; n = 22) and shrimp trawls (1999–2005), respectively, across waters adjacent to the Georgia shoreline. Adult female turtles and shrimp trawlers both occupied state waters extensively during the nesting season. Turtles tended to have long, narrow home ranges that were located parallel to shore and that overlapped with the shrimp trawl distribution, which showed a slight grouping around deep channels. We modeled the efficacy of fleet reductions and spatial closures (accounting for fleet redistribution) in reducing shrimp trawler activity around loggerhead turtles. A comparison of spatial closures indicated that a large closure of state waters (∼200 km2) east of Sapelo and Blackbeard islands would reduce mean trawler activity levels in turtle home ranges. We also found that fleet reductions of 50% or more reduced potential interactions between turtles and trawlers. Although spatial closures produced a net total reduction in turtle–trawler interactions, fleet reductions yielded a reduction in such interactions across the study area. We recommend that to reduce loggerhead turtle–trawler interactions, state agencies should consider a limited-entry system or some other means to limit the number of vessels operating within state waters.

Received October 2, 2012; accepted July 17, 2013
Advancing Theory and Research and the British Journal of Management
Authors: Wood Geoffrey , Budhwar Pawan
Published: January 2014

In an ecosystem of management journals dominated by US heavyweights, the British Journal of Management (BJM) assumes a unique role. There is no other European business and management journal of the standing and stature of this journal that seeks both to be multidisciplinary and to appeal to a general readership of business and management scholars. This is a tribute to the efforts of previous editorial teams. At the same time, the journal faces the challenge of remaining relevant both to the immediate British Academy of Management community and to the wider scholarly one, while raising its own game in pioneering and leading debates, and in global esteem.
Understanding Intimidation
Authors: Murphy John
Published: January 2014

This article examines the gist, vitality and practical utility of the tort of intimidation and identifies what count as unlawful threats and as actionable harm. While two versions of the tort have been identified in the past – one involving two parties, one involving three – only the former has survived the decision of the House of Lords in OBG v Allan. In the context considering the tort's practical usefulness, the article exposes as bogus the suggestion that two‐party intimidation offers nothing that is not already supplied under the law of contract via the doctrines of anticipatory breach, duress and economic duress. The article concludes with two radical suggestions. First, that two‐party intimidation is not a specifically economic tort and secondly, in view of this fact, it was a most inappropriate tool for the House of Lords to have used in their resurrection of the tort of unlawful means conspiracy in Total Network SL v Revenue and Customs Commissioners.
Tilting at Windmills: the Defamation Act 2013
Authors: Mullis Alastair , Scott Andrew
Published: January 2014

In April 2013, the Defamation Act was passed, the culmination of a four‐year political campaign. The legislation is intended to ameliorate the ‘chilling effect’ of libel law on scientists, online commentators, NGOs, and others. This paper considers the main changes wrought: reform of the main common law defences, changes relevant to scientific discourse and online speech, and revisions that will impact on process. It identifies areas where there will be problems of interpretation for courts, and suggests that the Act will fail to provide clarity for publishers keen to assess the legality of their actions. The paper also contends that more attention should have been paid to remedies (in particular, the desirability of discursive remedies such as the right of reply). The question is posed whether the Act addresses the core problem with libel law: the juridification and over‐complication of public sphere disputes, and the attendant cost of embroilment in legal proceedings.
Confronting Religion: Veiled Witnesses, the Right to a Fair Trial and the Supreme Court ofCanada's Judgment inRvN.S.
Authors: Laird Karl
Published: January 2014

TheSupremeCourt ofCanada's decision inRvN.S.is significant because the majority seems to endorse an understanding of confrontation that assumes a defendant's right to a fair trial is imperilled by a witness who seeks to give evidence while wearing the niqab. The case is of interest because it permits reflection upon the interrelationship between the right to a fair trial and the right to confront witnesses enshrined in Article 6 of theEuropeanConvention onHumanRights. Given that theEuropeanCourt ofHumanRights conceptualises confrontation in epistemic terms, it is argued that it would be unlikely to find that a conviction based upon evidence from a niqab‐wearing witness would infringe the right to a fair trial. This note examines the value of demeanour evidence and whether the majority inRvN.S. was correct that the abrogation of the ability to assess demeanour evidence necessarily undermines trial fairness.
When trade unions succeed: Cases of blocked liberalisation in the common market
Authors: Leiren Merethe Dotterud , Parks Louisa
Published: January 2014

Despite the generally accepted weakness of trade unions at the European Union level, an analysis of two high profile cases – the Services Directive and the Port Directive – shows that trade unions are able to mobilise effectively at the European level and, within constellations of actors, crucially impact EU decision making. In contrast to common claims that a lack of access to EU institutions makes such groups powerless, it is argued here that the exclusion of large opposing societal groups from consultations is neither a quick nor a sure fire recipe for dismantling opposition. On the contrary, it politicises the process and may lead to opposing groups mobilising in more contentious ways.
The Cellular Inhibitor of Apoptosis Protein‐2 is a Possible Target of Novel Treatment for Endometriosis
Authors: Taniguchi Fuminori , Higaki Hiroko , Izawa Masao , Azuma Yukihiro , Hirakawa Eriko , Deura Imari , Iwabe Tomio , Hata Kohkichi , Harada Tasuku
Published: January 2014

Problem

How is the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) α‐induced inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP) protein expression in endometriotic stromal cells (ESCs) involved in cell viability and signaling pathways?

Method of study

Endometriotic stromal cells were isolated from ovarian chocolate cysts in 20 patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery. IAP protein expression and IκB phosphorylation were evaluated by Western blot analysis. Interleukin (IL)‐8 protein expression and cell proliferation were assessed by ELISA.

Results

Cellular IAP (cIAP)‐2 protein expression in endometriotic tissue was higher than that of endometrium. TNFα markedly enhanced cIAP‐2 protein expression in ESCs. Pretreatment with a nuclear factor (NF)‐κB inhibitor attenuated TNFα‐induced cIAP‐2 expression. An antagonist of IAPs abrogated TNFα‐induced cIAP‐2 protein expression and showed a decrease in TNFα‐induced IL‐8 protein expression and BrdU incorporation in ESCs.

Conclusions

TNFα and its downstream NFκB pathway have proven to be critical regulators of highly expressed cIAP‐2 in ESCs. cIAP‐2 may be a novel therapeutic target for endometriosis.
Inhibition of eIF5A Results in Aberrant Uterine Natural Killer Cell Function and Embryo Loss in Mice
Authors: Qin Xiaoli , Liu Xiaorui , Shan Bin , Shi Lijuan , Sharma Surendra , Wu Ji , Lin Yi
Published: January 2014

Problem

The role of eukaryotic initiation factor 5A (eIF5A) in feto‐maternal immunotolerance is poorly understood.

Methods of study

The effects of N1‐guanyl‐1,7‐diaminoheptane (GC7), an inhibitor of eIF5A, on the proportion and function of natural killer (NK) cell subsets were investigated using flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, CCK8 assay, TUNEL assay, DNA fragmentation analysis, mitochondrial membrane potential assay, and Western blotting.

Results

Inhibition of eIF5A by GC7 increased embryo loss and reduced the percentage of NK cells in the uterus and spleen. GC7 treatment caused inhibition of NK cell proliferation in a time‐ and dose‐dependent manner. GC7 also induced apoptosis of NK cells. GC7 treatment increased the protein levels of FasL, bax, p53, and cleaved caspase‐3. Moreover, GC7 caused loss of mitochondrial membrane potential in NK cells.

Conclusion

Inhibition of eIF5A results in aberrant NK cell function and increased embryo loss.
Rho kinase inhibition drives megakaryocyte polyploidization and proplatelet formation through MYC and NFE2 downregulation
Authors: Avanzi Mauro P. , Goldberg Francine , Davila Jennifer , Langhi Dante , Chiattone Carlos , Mitchell William Beau
Published: January 2014

The processes of megakaryocyte polyploidization and demarcation membrane system (DMS) formation are crucial for platelet production, but the mechanisms controlling these processes are not fully determined. Inhibition of Rho kinase (ROCK) signalling leads to increased polyploidization in umbilical cord blood‐derived megakaryocytes. To extend these findings we determined the effect of ROCK inhibition on development of the DMS and on proplatelet formation. The underlying mechanisms were explored by analysing the effect of ROCK inhibition on the expression of MYC and NFE2, which encode two transcription factors critical for megakaryocyte development. ROCK inhibition promoted DMS formation, and increased proplatelet formation and platelet release. Rho kinase inhibition also downregulated MYC and NFE2 expression in mature megakaryocytes, and this down‐regulation correlated with increased proplatelet formation. Our findings suggest a model whereby ROCK inhibition drives polyploidization, DMS growth and proplatelet formation late in megakaryocyte maturation through downregulation of MYC and NFE2 expression.
Walnut allergens: molecular characterization, detection and clinical relevance
Authors: Costa J. , Carrapatoso I. , Oliveira M. B. P. P. , Mafra I.
Published: January 2014

Food‐induced allergies have been regarded as an emergent problem of public health. Classified as important allergenic ingredients, the presence of walnut and other nuts as hidden allergens in processed foods constitutes a risk for sensitized individuals, being a real problem of allergen management. Attending to the increasing importance dedicated to walnut allergy, this review intends to provide the relevant and up‐to‐date information on main issues such as the prevalence of walnut allergy, the clinical threshold levels, the molecular characterization of walnut allergens and their clinical relevance, as well as the methodologies for walnut allergen detection in foods. As the walnut used in human diet comes from Juglans regia and Juglans nigra, the molecular characterization of the allergens from both species included in the prolamins (Jug r 1, Jug n 1 and Jug r 3), cupins (Jug r 2, Jug n 2 and Jug r 4) and profilins (Jug r 5), together with respective clinical relevance, were compiled in this review. The most recent progresses on walnut allergen detection techniques (protein‐ and DNA‐based) are described and critically compared, including the emergent multitarget approaches.
End‐stage renal disease after liver transplantation in patients with pre‐transplant chronic kidney disease
Authors: Bahirwani Ranjeeta , Forde Kimberly A. , Mu Yifei , Lin Fred , Reese Peter , Goldberg David , Abt Peter , Reddy K. Rajender , Levine Matthew
Published: January 2014

Renal dysfunction prior to liver transplantation has a marked impact on post‐transplant kidney outcomes.

Aim

The aim of this study was to assess post‐transplant renal function in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) receiving orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) alone.

Methods

Retrospective review of 40 OLT recipients with pre‐transplant CKD (serum creatinine ≥2 mg/dL for at least three months) at the University of Pennsylvania from February 2002 to July 2010. Primary outcome was estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) up to three years post‐transplant. Secondary outcomes included incidence of stage 4 CKD (eGFR < 30 mL/min), need for renal replacement therapy (RRT), meeting criteria for kidney transplant listing (eGFR ≤ 20 mL/min), and mortality.

Results

Median patient age was 56.5 yr and 48% patients had pre‐transplant diabetes. Median serum creatinine at transplant was 2.7 mg/dL (eGFR = 24 mL/min). Median eGFR at one, two, and three yr post‐transplant was 35, 34, and 37 mL/min, respectively. Twelve patients (30%) required RRT at a median of 1.21 yr post‐transplant and 16 (40%) achieved an eGFR ≤ 20 mL/min at 1.09 yr post‐transplant. Mortality was 35% at a median of 1.60 years post‐transplant.

Conclusions

OLT recipients with pre‐transplant CKD have a substantial burden of post‐transplant renal dysfunction and high short‐term mortality, questioning the rationale for OLT alone in this population.
Genotyping by sequencing resolves shallow population structure to inform conservation of Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha)
Authors: Larson Wesley A. , Seeb Lisa W. , Everett Meredith V. , Waples Ryan K. , Templin William D. , Seeb James E.
Published: January 2014

Recent advances in population genomics have made it possible to detect previously unidentified structure, obtain more accurate estimates of demographic parameters, and explore adaptive divergence, potentially revolutionizing the way genetic data are used to manage wild populations. Here, we identified 10 944 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms using restriction‐site‐associated DNA (RAD) sequencing to explore population structure, demography, and adaptive divergence in five populations of Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) from western Alaska. Patterns of population structure were similar to those of past studies, but our ability to assign individuals back to their region of origin was greatly improved (>90% accuracy for all populations). We also calculated effective size with and without removing physically linked loci identified from a linkage map, a novel method for nonmodel organisms. Estimates of effective size were generally above 1000 and were biased downward when physically linked loci were not removed. Outlier tests based on genetic differentiation identified 733 loci and three genomic regions under putative selection. These markers and genomic regions are excellent candidates for future research and can be used to create high‐resolution panels for genetic monitoring and population assignment. This work demonstrates the utility of genomic data to inform conservation in highly exploited species with shallow population structure.
The impact of medium acidity on the chronological life span of Saccharomyces cerevisiae – lipids, signaling cascades, mitochondrial and vacuolar functions
Authors: Yucel Esra B. , Eraslan Serpil , Ulgen Kutlu O.
Published: January 2014

Because of its multifactorial nature, aging is one of the most complicated cell phenomena known. A systems biology approach, which aims to understand the organism as a whole rather than concentrate on the behaviors of individual genes, thus comprises a seamless tool for investigating the aging machinery, which arises mainly as a result of degeneration of the collaboration between signaling and regulatory pathways. In the present study, the effects of medium buffering on the chronological life span are investigated via transcriptome analyses and subsequent integration of the data obtained with the chronological aging network of yeast. The comparative inquiry of transcriptome data of young and old cells grown in buffered and unbuffered media reveals new roles for pH control (e.g. the re‐organization of lipid metabolism and intracellular signaling cascades) that have beneficial consequences on chronological longevity. Integration of the transcriptome data onto the aging network, as well as validation experiments, suggest that Snf1p is a possible intermediate player in the interjunction of sphingolipid and ergosterol metabolisms with extracellular pH control with respect to regulation of the chronological life span. Consequently, a more detailed insight of the chronological aging mechanism of yeast is obtained. The results of the present study provide a solid basis for further research focusing on uncovering the agents that affect aging and age‐related diseases in humans.
Differentiation and histogenesis of syringomatous tumour of the nipple and low‐grade adenosquamous carcinoma: evidence for a common origin
Authors: Boecker Werner , Stenman Göran , Loening Thomas , Andersson Mattias K , Sinn Hans‐Peter , Barth Peter , Oberhellmann Felix , Bos Inge , Berg Tobias , Marusic Zlatko , Samoilova Vera , Buchwalow Igor
Published: January 2014

Aims

Syringomatous tumour of the nipple and low‐grade adenosquamous carcinoma (LGAdSC) of the breast are regarded as distinct entities. To clarify the nature of these two lesions, we compared the expression of different lineage/differentiation markers in 12 syringomatous tumours of the nipple, nine LGAdSCs, and normal breast epithelium.

Methods and results

Using triple immunofluorescence labelling and quantitative RT‐PCR for keratins, p63, and smooth muscle actin, we demonstrated that syringomatous tumour and LGAdSC contain p63+/K5/14+ tumour cells, K10+ squamous cells, and K8/18+ glandular cells, with intermediary cells being found in both lineages. Identical p63+/K5/14+ cells were also found in the normal breast duct epithelium.

Conclusions

Our data provide evidence that syringomatous tumour of the nipple and LGAdSC are identical or nearly identical lesions. They contain p63+/K5/14+ cells as the key cells from which the K10+ squamous lineage and the K8/18+ glandular lineage arise. On the basis of our findings in normal breast tissue and associated benign lesions, we suggest that p63+/K5/14+ cells of the normal breast duct epithelium or early related cells might play a key role in the neoplastic transformation of both syringomatous tumour and LGAdSC. We propose that the differentiation patterns found in both lesions reflect the early ontogenetic stages of the normal breast epithelium.
Antioxidant potential of fresh and stored lentil sprouts affected by elicitation with temperature stresses
Authors: Świeca Michał , Surdyka Magdalena , Gawlik‐Dziki Urszula , Złotek Urszula , Baraniak Barbara
Published: January 2014

The effects of elicitation (induction at 4 °C and 40 °C; TC and TH, respectively) and postharvest storage on low‐molecular weight antioxidants and the antioxidant properties of lentil sprouts were evaluated. Elicitation affects the antioxidant content, bioactivity and potential bioaccessibility. Apart from 3‐day‐old TH sprouts, sprouts were characterised by higher levels of ascorbic acid (in comparison with controls and in fresh 4‐day‐old sprouts, its level was 51% and 46% higher for TC and TH, respectively). In comparison with the control, for 3‐day‐old fresh TC and TH sprouts, total phenolics were increased by 8.5% and 18.7%, respectively. Radical quenchers were highly bioaccessible. For TC sprouts, activity was 17% and 37% higher for 3‐ and 4‐day‐old sprouts, respectively. The metal chelating ability of chemical extracts from stored sprouts, except 4‐day‐old TC sprouts, was significantly elevated. The reducing and chelating power of potentially bioaccessible compounds of both fresh and stored sprouts did not differ significantly.
Implant‐Supported Fixed Dental Rehabilitation with Monolithic Zirconia: A Clinical Case Report
Authors: Thalji Ghadeer N. , Cooper Lyndon F.
Published: January 2014

Objective

Veneer chipping in bilayered ceramic restorations is a current problem reported with significant frequency.

Clinical Considerations

This clinical report describes the use of a monolithic, implant‐supported restoration with gingiva‐colored ceramics. Good esthetic and functional results were achieved with no complications reported after 3 years.

Conclusions

Prosthetic rehabilitation using monolithic zirconia may help to prevent complications associated with bilayered ceramics systems. Further studies are essential to provide long‐term data about the performance of this type of prostheses.
Individuals with Exceptional Longevity Manifest a Delayed Association Between Vitamin D Insufficiency and Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Milman Sofiya , Schulder‐Katz Micol , Deluty Jennifer , Zimmerman Molly E. , Crandall Jill P. , Barzilai Nir , Melamed Michal L. , Atzmon Gil
Published: January 2014

Objectives

To define vitamin D levels and their association with cognition in subjects with exceptional longevity.

Design

Cross‐sectional.

Setting

Community and long‐term care facilities.

Participants

Ashkenazi Jewish subjects (n = 253) with exceptional longevity, with comparison made to the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III) participants aged 70 and older.

Measurements

Serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D levels were measured using liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry analysis. Cognitive function was assessed using the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) and clock drawing test (CDT: command and copy).

Results

The median age of the Ashkenazi subjects was 97 (interquartile range (IQR) 95–104). Age‐associated rise in the prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency, defined as a serum vitamin D level of less than 30 ng/mL, was noted in NHANES III (P = .001). In the Ashkenazi group with longevity, the rate of vitamin D insufficiency was comparable with that of the NHANES III participants, who were up to 25 years younger. In the cohort with exceptional longevity, 49% demonstrated cognitive impairment as assessed according to MMSE score (impaired cognition, median 9.5 IQR 0–24); normal cognition, median 29 (IQR 18–30) P < .001). Vitamin D insufficiency was more prevalent in those with impaired cognition, defined according to the MMSE (71.8% vs 57.7%, P = .02) and the CDT copy (84.6% vs. 50.6%, P = .02), than in those with normal cognition. This association remained significant after multivariable adjustment in logistic regression models for cognitive assessments made using the MMSE (odds ratio (OR) = 3.2, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.1–9.29, P = .03) and the CDT copy (OR = 8.96, 95% CI = 1.08–74.69, P = .04).

Conclusion

Higher vitamin D levels may be a marker of delayed aging, because they are associated with better cognitive function in people achieving exceptional longevity.