bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Desert Migrations Project XVIII: The archaeology of the northern Fazzan. A preliminary report
Authors: Merlo Stefania , Hakenbeck Susanne , Balbo Andrea Luca
Published: April 2014

The first reconnaissance survey of the Wadi ash-Shati, the northernmost line of the oases of the Fazzan, was carried out in 2007 and 2008. This survey aimed to locate archaeological sites of the Garamantian and historic periods in a region that, despite being on record as the most populated of the Fazzan in the historic period, was never previously systematically surveyed. Following the field survey, further examination of high-resolution satellite imagery was carried out. This allowed for the discovery of more sites and the detailed tracing of a number of cemeteries that were only partially surveyed during fieldwork. The report presents the first cross-chronological map of the Wadi ash-Shati and some interpretations of the history of occupation of the area. The future investigation of specific sites, a structured dating programme and further, more detailed, study of historic sources will provide a fuller understanding of this region.
Le village de «Banū Ḥasan» entre les données littéraires et les données du terrain: étude préliminaire et contribution à sa localisation
Authors: Abdouli Hafed
Published: April 2014

Based on an analysis of the Islamic literature and a comparison with the toponyms and archaeology of the region, this article contributes to the topography of Lepcis Magna by identifying the location of the village of Banu Hassan ten kilometres to the west of Lepcis, in the territory of Silin. A survey of the site, still known as Qaryat Banū Hassan, confirms its potential as the road station mentioned by both al-Idrīsī and al-‘Abdarī, though erroneously located by al-Idrisi to the east of Lepcis.
Plant selection and avoidance by the Bornean elephant (Elephas maximus borneensis) in tropical forest: does plant recovery rate after herbivory influence food choices?
Authors: English Megan , Gillespie Graeme , Ancrenaz Marc , Ismail Sulaiman , Goossens Benoit , Nathan Sen , Linklater Wayne
Published: April 2014

The plant vigour hypothesis proposes that herbivores should favour feeding on more vigorously growing plants or plant modules. Similarly, we would expect herbivores to favour plants that regrow vigorously after herbivory. Larger animals, like elephants, may also select plant species relative to their availability and prefer species with larger growth forms in order to meet their intake requirements. The food preferences of the Bornean elephant (Elephas maximus borneensis) in the Lower Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary, Sabah, Malaysia, were investigated along 12 transects in areas where elephants were recently sighted feeding. One hundred and eighty-two plants were eaten and 185 plants were measured for species availability along transects. Species vigour was determined by the monthly regrowth in new shoot length after elephant feeding and the number of new shoots produced on each plant. Measurements were carried out on each plant for 9 mo or until the new shoot was eaten. Plant sizes were determined from their basal diameter. The Bornean elephant did not prefer more vigorous species or species with larger growth forms. New shoots did not grow longer on preferred than avoided species. Additionally, unlike other elephants that live in a forest environment, the Bornean elephant preferred species from the Poaceae (specifically Phragmites karka and Dinochloa scabrida) over other plant types including gingers, palms, lianas and woody trees.
Einstein–Weyl geometry, dispersionless Hirota equation and Veronese webs
Authors: DUNAJSKI MACIEJ , KRYŃSKI WOJCIECH
Published: April 2014

We exploit the correspondence between the three–dimensional Lorentzian Einstein–Weyl geometries of the hyper–CR type and the Veronese webs to show that the former structures are locally given in terms of solutions to the dispersionless Hirota equation. We also demonstrate how to construct hyper–CR Einstein–Weyl structures by Kodaira deformations of the flat twistor space$T\mathbb{CP}^1$, and how to recover the pencil of Poisson structures in five dimensions illustrating the method by an example of the Veronese web on the Heisenberg group.
Stability and structure changes of Na-titanate nanotubes at high temperature and high pressure
Authors: Xu Huifang , Li Chenxiang , He Duanwei , Jinag Yingbing
Published: April 2014

Stability of Na-titanate-based nanotubes at high temperature and pressure is investigated using X-ray diffraction and energy-dispersive X-ray diffraction (EDXRD). Our results show that the nanotubes can be stable at ~400 °C. Higher temperature annealing of nanotubes result in opening and flattening of the nanotubes, and subsequent structural transformation to Na2Ti6O13-based structure via an intermediate phase with Na0.23TiO2-like structure. In situ EDXRD using diamond anvil cell indicates that the nanotubes collapse at about 15 GPa, and are finally transformed into an amorphous phase at about 30 GPa. The nanotubes kept in an amorphous state were further compressed to 50 GPa according to our in situ EDXRD observation. Titanate nanotubes are mechanically stronger than carbon nanotubes under static compression.
Rules, Lawyering, and the Politics of Legality: Critical Sociology and International Law's Rule
Authors: RAJKOVIC NIKOLAS M.
Published: April 2014

After decades of rule-of-law promotion in world affairs, international law and legality have regained scholarly imperative. Yet this has not dissolved disciplinarity between international law (IL) and relations (IR), but furthered a priori theorizing and the unilateral extension of disciplinary research agendas. A prime example is the influential ‘legalization agenda’ of IR scholarship, where an institutionalist doctrine has renarrated the ‘L word’ through a fetishizing of rules and a managerial focus on rule compliance. However, this approach confronts a problem of relevance as international struggles increasingly involve contests over how to legally characterize issues, actions, and events, and this engages juridical and normative dimensions of rule application which are beyond the managerialism of compliance. This article argues for greater sociological and critical engagement with the way in which the concept of law operates through juridico-political practices of legality, and the aim is to provide a theoretical and empirical discussion that revives the significance of the juridico-political world for scholarships which have habitually underplayed the constitutive significance of lawyering for rule application. To do so, this article, first, addresses the profundity of Kant's work and concern over law's application by a rule-applier and, second, claims this has long invited a more critical sociology. To initiate that social exploration, the paper draws on both Pierre Bourdieu's concept of the ‘juridical effect’ and the Foucauldian notion of ‘normative law’ to theorize the significance of juridical and normative practices in the making of international law's rule. In the final section, I introduce the empirical benefit of these critical sociologies by turning to the law of armed conflict (LOAC), and the ways juridical and normative power have enabled sophisticated militaries of the developed world to constrain the application of the LOAC in contemporary wars of asymmetric combat.
Accession as Dialogue: Epistemic Communities and the World Trade Organization
Authors: TOOHEY LISA
Published: April 2014

Accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) is viewed as a major step in the development of a state, and the commitments made by acceding states are often interpreted as a symbolic commitment to international economic and political community. However, as a subject of scholarship, WTO accession is under-theorized – there has been no sustained academic attempt to build a theory that accounts for the complexity of the accession process. Traditional, positivist approaches can point to increasingly onerous terms of accession, but fail to probe past Article XII's one-dimensional concept of ‘the acceding state’ negotiating with ‘the WTO’. This perspective dislocates the accession process from the broader political, economic, and legal reforms that involve both state and non-state actors. This article examines the role of these actors as epistemic communities, and argues that these epistemic communities engage in a series of dialogues about the nature of law and the legal system in the acceding state.
Cultural Rights in the Case Law of the International Court of Justice
Authors: POLYMENOPOULOU ELENI
Published: April 2014

One of the most remarkable developments of the new millennium has been the expansion of debates on culture at the highest levels of the international community's decision-making processes. This has, out of necessity, had an impact on the empowerment of cultural rights, enhancing their justiciability. Substantial progress has been made both at a regional and international level. Yet not all thresholds have been reached. The International Court of Justice (‘ICJ’) has never explicitly addressed cultural rights in its case law. Despite its multicultural composition, it is only with great difficulty that the Court examines questions related to culture. However, a thorough examination of the jurisprudence of the ICJ reveals that opportunities to take cultural rights seriously have arisen more than once. Recent judgments of the Court reveal the emergence of a certain trend calling for a culturally sensitive understanding of legal issues brought to the Hague. This article submits that this trend is beneficial not only for the protection of cultural rights, but also for the maintenance of human and cultural diversity, as well as for the survival and livelihood of indigenous peoples. In light of the urgent worldwide need for peace, addressing culture as a legal issue before the ICJ, in accordance with Articles 36 and 60 of its Statute, may be a fruitful pathway for the Court to follow in order to resolve international disputes.
Comparing the Impact of the Interpretation of Peace Agreements by International Courts and Tribunals on Legal Accountability and Legal Certainty in Post-Conflict Societies
Authors: SOLOMOU ALEXIA
Published: April 2014

This article compares and contrasts the interpretation of the Lusaka Ceasefire Agreement 1999 by the International Court of Justice, the Peace Agreement between the Government of Sierra Leone and the Revolutionary United Front of Sierra Leone by the Special Court for Sierra Leone, and the General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina by the European Court of Human Rights. In doing so, it critically analyses the approach of the three different tribunals and attempts to explain the differences identified on the basis of the jurisdictional scope of each tribunal and the substantive law each has been tasked to apply. This comparison is both substantive and procedural. The article then examines the impact of these three tribunals on two specific aspects of the rule of law: legal accountability and legal certainty, both internationally and in the countries under examination. It is argued that, while these tribunals have enhanced legal certainty and accountability on the international level, any contribution they have made to the domestic rule of law has been questionable.
The epidemiology of bacteriuria and candiduria in critically ill patients
Authors: AUBRON C. , SUZUKI S. , GLASSFORD N. J. , GARCIA-ALVAREZ M. , HOWDEN B. P. , BELLOMO R.
Published: April 2014

An observational study was conducted to describe the epidemiology of bacteriuria and candiduria in the intensive care unit (ICU), and the occurrence of blood stream infection (BSI) associated with ICU-acquired positive urine culture. Between 2006 and 2011, 444 episodes of either bacteriuria or candiduria defined by positive urine culture (microorganisms ⩾105 c.f.u./ml) occurred in 406 patients. Three hundred and seventy-seven (85%) were hospital-acquired including 221 which were ICU-acquired (6·4 ± 0·8 episodes/1000 ICU days). Escherichia coli was the most common bacteria of both community- and ICU-acquired bacteriuria/candiduria (49·2% and 29%, respectively). Candida spp. represented 55% (129/236) of pathogens responsible for ICU-acquired positive urine cultures. Patients with ICU-acquired candiduria had greater illness severity at ICU admission than those with ICU-acquired bacteriuria (APACHE III score 79 ± 25 vs. 66 ± 31, P = 0·0015). BSI associated with ICU-acquired positive urine culture occurred in 0·15/1000 ICU days and was more often due to Candida. In this study, Candida was the most common pathogen responsible for ICU-acquired positive urine cultures and illness severity was a risk factor for candiduria in the study population.
Community-associated methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureustransmission in households of infected cases: a pooled analysis of primary data from three studies across international settings
Authors: KNOX J. , VAN RIJEN M. , UHLEMANN A.-C. , MILLER M. , HAFER C. , VAVAGIAKIS P. , SHI Q. , JOHNSON P. D. R. , COOMBS G. , KLUYTMANS-VAN DEN BERGH M. , KLUYTMANS J. , BENNETT C. M. , LOWY F. D.
Published: April 2014

Diverse strain types of methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA) cause infections in community settings worldwide. To examine heterogeneity of spread within households and to identify common risk factors for household transmission across settings, primary data from studies conducted in New York (USA), Breda (The Netherlands), and Melbourne (Australia) were pooled. Following MRSA infection of the index patient, household members completed questionnaires and provided nasal swabs. Swabs positive forS. aureuswere genotyped byspasequencing. Poisson regression with robust error variance was used to estimate prevalence odds ratios for transmission of the clinical isolate to non-index household members. Great diversity of strain types existed across studies. Despite differences between studies, the index patient being colonized with the clinical isolate at the home visit (P < 0·01) and the percent of household members aged <18 years (P < 0·01) were independently associated with transmission. Targeted decolonization strategies could be used across geographical settings to limit household MRSA transmission.
The iodized salt programme in Bangalore, India provides adequate iodine intakes in pregnant women and more-than-adequate iodine intakes in their children
Authors: Jaiswal Nidhi , Melse-Boonstra Alida , Sharma Surjeet Kaur , Srinivasan Krishnamachari , Zimmermann Michael B
Published: April 2014

Objective

To compare the iodine status of pregnant women and their children who were sharing all meals in Bangalore, India.

Design

A cross-sectional study evaluating demographic characteristics, household salt iodine concentration and salt usage patterns, urinary iodine concentrations (UIC) in women and children, and maternal thyroid volume (ultrasound).

Setting

Antenatal clinic of an urban tertiary-care hospital, which serves a low-income population.

Subjects

Healthy pregnant women in all trimesters, aged 18–35 years, who had healthy children aged 3–15 years.

Results

Median (range) iodine concentrations of household powdered and crystal salt were 55·9 (17·2–65·9) ppm and 18·9 (2·2–68·2) ppm, respectively. The contribution of iodine-containing supplements and multi-micronutrient powders to iodine intake in the families was negligible. Adequately iodized salt, together with small amounts of iodine in local foods, were providing adequate iodine during pregnancy: (i) the overall median (range) UIC in women was 172 (5–1024) µg/l; (ii) the median UIC was >150 µg/l in all trimesters; and (iii) thyroid size was not significantly different across trimesters. At the same time, the median (range) UIC in children was 220 (10–782) µg/l, indicating more-than-adequate iodine intake at this age. Median UIC was significantly higher in children than in their mothers (P=0·008).

Conclusions

In this selected urban population of southern India, the iodized salt programme provides adequate iodine to women throughout pregnancy, at the expense of higher iodine intake in their children. Thus we suggest that the current cut-off for median UIC in children indicating more-than-adequate intake, recommended by the WHO/UNICEF/International Council for the Control of Iodine Deficiency Disorders may, need to be reconsidered.
Estimating the impact of vitamin A-fortified vegetable oil in Bangladesh in the absence of dietary assessment data
Authors: Fiedler John L , Lividini Keith , Bermudez Odilia I
Published: April 2014

Objective

Vitamin A deficiency is a serious health problem in Bangladesh. The 2011–12 Bangladesh Micronutrient Survey found 76·8 % of children of pre-school age were vitamin A deficient. In the absence of nationally representative, individual dietary assessment data, we use an alternative – household income and expenditure survey data – to estimate the potential impact of the introduction of vitamin A-fortified vegetable oil in Bangladesh.

Design

Items in the household income and expenditure survey were matched to food composition tables to estimate households’ usual vitamin A intakes. Then, assuming (i) the intra-household distribution of food is in direct proportion to household members’ share of the household’s total adult male consumption equivalents, (ii) all vegetable oil that is made from other-than mustard seed and that is purchased is fortifiable and (iii) oil fortification standards are implemented, we modelled the additional vitamin A intake due to the new fortification initiative.

Setting

Nationwide in Bangladesh.

Subjects

A weighted sample of 12240 households comprised of 55580 individuals.

Results

Ninety-nine per cent of the Bangladesh population consumes vegetable oil. The quantities consumed are sufficiently large and, varying little by socio-economic status, are able to provide an important, large-scale impact. At full implementation, vegetable oil fortification will reduce the number of persons with inadequate vitamin A intake from 115 million to 86 million and decrease the prevalence of inadequate vitamin A intake from 80 % to 60 %.

Conclusions

Vegetable oil is an ideal fortification vehicle in Bangladesh. Its fortification with vitamin A is an important public health intervention.
Adherence to the Spanish dietary guidelines and its association with obesity in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC)-Granada study
Authors: Molina-Montes Esther , Uzhova Irina , Molina-Portillo Elena , Huerta José-María , Buckland Genevieve , Amiano Pilar , Menéndez Virginia , Barricarte Aurelio , González Carlos A , Sánchez María-José
Published: April 2014

Objective

Dietary guidelines are intended to prevent chronic diseases and obesity. The aim of the present study was to develop a diet quality index based on the Spanish Food Pyramid (SFP) and to further explore its association with obesity in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC)-Granada study.

Design

Cross–sectional study. The SFP score considered recommendations given for twelve food groups, and for physical activity and alcohol consumption. Obesity was defined as BMI over 30 kg/m2 and abdominal obesity as waist circumference larger than 102 cm (men) and 88 cm (women). Logistic regression was conducted to estimate odds ratios of obesity by quintiles and by 10-point increment in adherence to the score, controlling for potential confounders.

Setting

EPIC-Granada study.

Subjects

Participants (n 6717) aged 35–69 years (77 % women).

Results

A 10-point increase in adherence to the SFP score was associated with a 14 % (OR=0·86; 95 % CI 0·79, 0·94) lower odds of obesity in men (P interaction by sex=0·02). The odds of abdominal obesity decreased globally by 12 % (OR=0·88; 95 % CI 0·84, 0·93) per 10-point increase in adherence to this score. The effect of higher adherence to the score on abdominal obesity was stronger in physically inactive men and women (ORper 10-point increase=0·79; 95 % CI 0·68, 0·92 and ORper 10-point increase=0·89; 95 % CI 0·84, 0·95, respectively).

Conclusions

These findings support that the Spanish dietary guidelines might be an effective tool for obesity prevention. However, prospective studies investigating this association are warranted.
Oxygen Octahedral Distortions in LaMO3/SrTiO3 Superlattices
Authors: Sanchez-Santolino Gabriel , Cabero Mariona , Varela Maria , Garcia-Barriocanal Javier , Leon Carlos , Pennycook Stephen J. , Santamaria Jacobo
Published: April 2014

In this work we study the interfaces between the Mott insulator LaMnO3 (LMO) and the band insulator SrTiO3 (STO) in epitaxially grown superlattices with different thickness ratios and different transport and magnetic behaviors. Using atomic resolution electron energy-loss spectral imaging, we analyze simultaneously the structural and chemical properties of these interfaces. We find changes in the oxygen octahedral tilts within the LaMnO3 layers when the thickness ratio between the manganite and the titanate layers is varied. Superlattices with thick LMO and ultrathin STO layers present unexpected octahedral tilts in the STO, along with a small amount of oxygen vacancies. On the other hand, thick STO layers exhibit undistorted octahedra while the LMO layers present reduced O octahedral distortions near the interfaces. These findings are discussed in view of the transport and magnetic differences found in previous studies.
High-Coherence Electron and Ion Bunches From Laser-Cooled Atoms
Authors: Sparkes Ben M. , Thompson Daniel J. , McCulloch Andrew J. , Murphy Dene , Speirs Rory W. , Torrance Joshua S. J. , Scholten Robert E.
Published: April 2014

Cold atom electron and ion sources produce electron bunches and ion beams by photoionization of laser-cooled atoms. They offer high coherence and the potential for high brightness, with applications including ultra-fast electron-diffractive imaging of dynamic processes at the nanoscale. The effective brightness of electron sources has been limited by nonlinear divergence caused by repulsive interactions between the electrons, known as the Coulomb explosion. It has been shown that electron bunches with ellipsoidal shape and uniform density distribution have linear internal Coulomb fields, such that the Coulomb explosion can be reversed using conventional optics. Our source can create bunches shaped in three dimensions and hence in principle achieve the transverse spatial coherence and brightness needed for picosecond-diffractive imaging with nanometer resolution. Here we present results showing how the shaping capability can be used to measure the spatial coherence properties of the cold electron source. We also investigate space-charge effects with ions and generate electron bunches with durations of a few hundred picoseconds. Future development of the cold atom electron and ion source will increase the bunch charge and charge density, demonstrate reversal of Coulomb explosion, and ultimately, ultra-fast coherent electron-diffractive imaging.
Verbalized desire for death or euthanasia in advanced cancer patients receiving palliative care
Authors: Güell Ernest , Ramos Adelaida , Zertuche Tania , Pascual Antonio
Published: April 2014

Objective:

We aimed to address the prevalence of desire-to-die statements (DDSs) among terminally ill cancer patients in an acute palliative care unit. We also intended to compare the underlying differences between those patients who make desire-to-die comments (DDCs) and those who make desire-for-euthanasia comments (EUCs).

Method:

We conducted a one-year cross-sectional prospective study in all patients receiving palliative care who had made a DDC or EUC. At inclusion, we evaluated symptom intensity, anxiety and depression, and conducted a semistructured interview regarding the reasons for these comments.

Results:

Of the 701 patients attended to during the study period, 69 (9.8%; IC95% 7.7–12.3) made a DDS: 51 (7.3%) a DDC, and 18 (2.5%) an EUC. Using Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS) DDC group showed higher percentage of moderate-severe symptoms (ESAS > 4) for well-being (91 vs. 25%; p = 0.001), depression (67 vs. 25%; p = 0.055), and anxiety (52 vs. 13%; p = 0.060) than EUC group. EUC patients also considered themselves less spiritual (44 vs. 84%; p = 0.034). The single most common reason for a DDS was pain or physical suffering, though most of the reasons given were nonphysical.

Significance of results:

Almost 10% of the population receiving specific oncological palliative care made a DDC (7.3%) or EUC (2.5%). The worst well-being score was lower in the EUC group. The reasons for both a DDC and EUC were mainly nonphysical. We find that emotional and spiritual issues should be identified and effectively addressed when responding to a DDS in terminally ill cancer patients.
Volunteers trained in palliative care at the hospital: An original and dynamic resource
Authors: Delaloye Sylvette , Escher Monica , Luthy Christophe , Piguet Valérie , Dayer Pierre , Cedraschi Christine
Published: April 2014

Objective:

Volunteers trained in palliative care are increasingly present in acute care units in general hospitals. Nevertheless, there still are few available data on this topic, especially concerning the integration of volunteers outside the palliative structures. Our present study aimed to describe the experience of volunteers trained in palliative care in the context of a primary care hospital. In particular, the difficulties and the benefits of this specific position were evaluated according to volunteers' own perceptions and words.

Method:

We employed a qualitative method. Various aspects of the volunteer's role were explored by means of semistructured questions, addressing their activity, their motivations, and their feelings. Participants were volunteers (n = 19) trained in palliative care and working at a university hospital. After giving written consent, they completed the semistructured questionnaire at home. Content analysis was used to identify the main categories of answers and the principal themes reported by the volunteers.

Results:

The main difficulties were related to uncertainty of the context. As every situation is different, volunteers could not define their role once and for all. However, they derived great satisfaction from their activity. A supporting frame and a good balance between constraints and autonomy were facilitating factors. Besides, the complexity related to the context contributed to make the position valuable and challenging.

Significance of results:

Integrating a voluntary service in a primary care hospital is partly based on active participation of the volunteers in developing their position in a more adequate way. In return, this relative autonomy implies a rigorous and supportive attitude from the institution.
Pediatric delirium: Evaluating the gold standard
Authors: Silver Gabrielle , Kearney Julia , Traube Chani , Atkinson Thomas M. , Wyka Katarzyna E. , Walkup John
Published: April 2014

Objective:

Our aim was to evaluate interrater reliability for the diagnosis of pediatric delirium by child psychiatrists.

Method:

Critically ill patients (N = 17), 0–21 years old, including 7 infants, 5 children with developmental delay, and 7 intubated children, were assessed for delirium using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual–IV (DSM–IV) (comparable to DSM–V) criteria. Delirium assessments were completed by two psychiatrists, each blinded to the other's diagnosis, and interrater reliability was measured using Cohen's κ coefficient along with its 95% confidence interval.

Results:

Interrater reliability for the psychiatric assessment was high (Cohen's κ = 0.94, CI [0.83, 1.00]). Delirium diagnosis showed excellent interrater reliability regardless of age, developmental delay, or intubation status (Cohen's κ range 0.81–1.00).

Significance of results:

In our study cohort, the psychiatric interview and exam, long considered the “gold standard” in the diagnosis of delirium, was highly reliable, even in extremely young, critically ill, and developmentally delayed children. A developmental approach to diagnosing delirium in this challenging population is recommended.
Size-reduction and suppression of cavity-resonances in hybrid mm-wave antennas for polarimetric measurements
Authors: Methfessel Sebastian , Schmidt Lorenz-Peter
Published: April 2014

Size and feed structure are some of the important constraints for using antenna-elements in multi-element two-dimensional arrays, where easy planar integration and appropriate matching with transceiver chips are essential. This applies especially when differential signaling and adaptable polarization are required. Based on a balanced-fed patch-excited cavity-backed horn antenna (hybrid antenna), feeding concepts, and approaches to reduce size are discussed and evaluated in this paper. The influence of the substrate-integrated cavity is analyzed and methods to overcome the restrictions are presented, together with simulated and measured results. The antenna elements are evaluated with regard to their use in multistatic and polarimetric sparse arrays, which will be briefly introduced. The optimized antennas achieve 10 dB return loss, a gain of more than 5 dBi as well as symmetric and homogeneous radiation patterns in amplitude and phase with low cross-polarization in the desired frequency-band of operation between 70 and 80 GHz.
Lens-based 77 GHZ MIMO radar for angular estimation in multitarget environments
Authors: Lutz Steffen , Walter Thomas , Weigel Robert
Published: April 2014

The demanding tasks for automotive radar systems in multitarget scenarios require an increased target separation performance and new sensor concepts. In this contribution, a highly integrated 77 GHz time domain multiplex (TDM) MIMO radar is presented. The sensor is feasible for advanced direction of arrival (DOA) estimation in azimuth and elevation. For efficient and high-quality measurements a fractional-n phased locked loop (PLL) with integrated waveform generator, enabling chirp and frequency modulated continous waveform (FMCW) modulations, is implemented. Spatial beamforming is done with series feed array patch antennas in combination with a dielectric cylindrical lens. For the improvement of the direction of arrival (DOA) estimation performance a new lens-based MIMO radar approach is introduced. Therefore the classical MIMO approach is combined with the advantages of an optical beamforming concept. Due to the usage of these techniques the sensor performance in accuracy, ambiguity suppression, and angular resolution can be significantly increased.
Anaerobic oxidation of long-chain n-alkanes by the hyperthermophilic sulfate-reducing archaeon, Archaeoglobus fulgidus
Authors: Khelifi Nadia , Amin Ali Oulfat , Roche Philippe , Grossi Vincent , Brochier-Armanet Céline , Valette Odile , Ollivier Bernard , Dolla Alain , Hirschler-Réa Agnès
Published: April 2014

The thermophilic sulfate-reducing archaeon Archaeoglobus fulgidus strain VC-16 (DSM 4304), which is known to oxidize fatty acids and n-alkenes, was shown to oxidize saturated hydrocarbons (n-alkanes in the range C10–C21) with thiosulfate or sulfate as a terminal electron acceptor. The amount of n-hexadecane degradation observed was in stoichiometric agreement with the theoretically expected amount of thiosulfate reduction. One of the pathways used by anaerobic microorganisms to activate alkanes is addition to fumarate that involves alkylsuccinate synthase as a key enzyme. A search for genes encoding homologous enzymes in A. fulgidus identified the pflD gene (locus-tag AF1449) that was previously annotated as a pyruvate formate lyase. A phylogenetic analysis revealed that this gene is of bacterial origin and was likely acquired by A. fulgidus from a bacterial donor through a horizontal gene transfer. Based on three-dimensional modeling of the corresponding protein and molecular dynamic simulations, we hypothesize an alkylsuccinate synthase activity for this gene product. The pflD gene expression was upregulated during the growth of A. fulgidus on an n-alkane (C16) compared with growth on a fatty acid. Our results suggest that anaerobic alkane degradation in A. fulgidus may involve the gene pflD in alkane activation through addition to fumarate. These findings highlight the possible importance of hydrocarbon oxidation at high temperatures by A. fulgidus in hydrothermal vents and the deep biosphere.
Impact of diet and individual variation on intestinal microbiota composition and fermentation products in obese men
Authors: Salonen Anne , Lahti Leo , Salojärvi Jarkko , Holtrop Grietje , Korpela Katri , Duncan Sylvia H , Date Priya , Farquharson Freda , Johnstone Alexandra M , Lobley Gerald E , Louis Petra , Flint Harry J , de Vos Willem M
Published: April 2014

There is growing interest in understanding how diet affects the intestinal microbiota, including its possible associations with systemic diseases such as metabolic syndrome. Here we report a comprehensive and deep microbiota analysis of 14 obese males consuming fully controlled diets supplemented with resistant starch (RS) or non-starch polysaccharides (NSPs) and a weight-loss (WL) diet. We analyzed the composition, diversity and dynamics of the fecal microbiota on each dietary regime by phylogenetic microarray and quantitative PCR (qPCR) analysis. In addition, we analyzed fecal short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) as a proxy of colonic fermentation, and indices of insulin sensitivity from blood samples. The diet explained around 10% of the total variance in microbiota composition, which was substantially less than the inter-individual variance. Yet, each of the study diets induced clear and distinct changes in the microbiota. Multiple Ruminococcaceae phylotypes increased on the RS diet, whereas mostly Lachnospiraceae phylotypes increased on the NSP diet. Bifidobacteria decreased significantly on the WL diet. The RS diet decreased the diversity of the microbiota significantly. The total 16S ribosomal RNA gene signal estimated by qPCR correlated positively with the three major SCFAs, while the amount of propionate specifically correlated with the Bacteroidetes. The dietary responsiveness of the individual’s microbiota varied substantially and associated inversely with its diversity, suggesting that individuals can be stratified into responders and non-responders based on the features of their intestinal microbiota.
Comparison of fecal pyruvate kinase isoform M2 and calprotectin in acute diarrhea in hospitalized children
Authors: Czub Elzbieta , Nowak Jan K. , Moczko Jerzy , Lisowska Aleksandra , Banaszkiewicz Aleksandra , Banasiewicz Tomasz , Walkowiak Jaroslaw
Published: April 2014

Fecal concentrations of pyruvate kinase isoform M2 (M2-PK) and calprotectin (FC) serve as biomarkers of inflammation of gastrointestinal mucosa. The value of M2-PK in discriminating between patients with viral and bacterial acute diarrhea (AD) is currently unknown. We analyzed M2-PK and FC concentrations in fifty hospitalized children with AD (29 of which were caused by rotavirus and 21 by Salmonella enteritidis) as well as 32 healthy subjects. There was no difference in the areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves plotted for the two tests in differentiating rotaviral from bacterial AD. The sensitivity and specificity of M2-PK at optimal cut-off (20 U/g) were 75.9% and 71.4%, respectively. M2-PK and FC had similar values in distinguishing between children with AD caused by rotavirus and Salmonella enteritidis. The performance of both tests in hospitalized patients did not meet the needs of everyday clinical practice. Moreover, no advantage of fecal tests over the measurement of CRP was documented.
Universal bursty behaviour in human violent conflicts
Authors: Picoli S. , Castillo-Mussot M. del , Ribeiro H. V. , Lenzi E. K. , Mendes R. S.
Published: April 2014

Understanding the mechanisms and processes underlying the dynamics of collective violence is of considerable current interest. Recent studies indicated the presence of robust patterns characterizing the size and timing of violent events in human conflicts. Since the size and timing of violent events arises as the result of a dynamical process, we explore the possibility of unifying these observations. By analyzing available catalogs on violent events in Iraq (2003–2005), Afghanistan (2008–2010) and Northern Ireland (1969–2001), we show that the inter-event time distributions (calculated for a range of minimum sizes) obeys approximately a simple scaling law which holds for more than three orders of magnitude. This robust pattern suggests a hierarchical organization in size and time providing a unified picture of the dynamics of violent conflicts.
Enzymatic preparation of a redox-responsive hydrogel for encapsulating and releasing living cells
Authors: Moriyama Kousuke , Minamihata Kosuke , Wakabayashi Rie , Goto Masahiro , Kamiya Noriho
Published: April 2014

Horseradish peroxidase-mediated oxidative cross-linking of a thiolated poly(ethylene glycol) allows the preparation of a hydrogel that can encapsulate and release living mammalian cells.
Co-crystal formation between poly(ethylene glycol) and a small molecular drug griseofulvin
Authors: Zhong Zhi , Guo Canxiong , Chen Long , Xu Jun , Huang Yanbin
Published: April 2014

Co-crystal formation between a small molecular drug griseofulvin and poly(ethylene glycol).
Enhanced photovoltaic performance of perovskite CH3NH3PbI3solar cells with freestanding TiO2nanotube array films
Authors: Gao Xianfeng , Li Jianyang , Baker Joel , Hou Yang , Guan Dongsheng , Chen Junhong , Yuan Chris
Published: April 2014

TiO2nanotube array films used in the CH3NH3PbI3sensitized solar cells as perovskite hosts show a significant light absorption improvement and a reduced recombination rate over nanoparticle films.
A distinct reversible colorimetric and fluorescent low pH response on a water-stable zirconium–porphyrin metal–organic framework
Authors: Deibert Benjamin J. , Li Jing
Published: April 2014

A conceptual drawing of PCN-222 showing the reversible color change from purple to green (and corresponding reversal) upon protonation (and subsequent deprotonation) from within the pores.
Diastereoselective allylation and crotylation of N-tert-butanesulfinyl imines with allylic alcohols
Authors: Barros Olga Soares do Rego , Sirvent Juan Alberto , Foubelo Francisco , Yus Miguel
Published: April 2014

The allylation and crotylation of N-tert-butanesulfinyl imines with allylic alcohols under palladium catalysis proceeded in a stereoselective fashion with anti-diastereoselectivity.
Stepwise synthesis of a Ru4Cd4 coordination cage using inert and labile subcomponents: introduction of redox activity at specific sites
Authors: Metherell Alexander J. , Ward Michael D.
Published: April 2014

Combination of four [RuL3]2+ units, each with three pendant binding sites, and four Cd2+ ions affords the redox-active, heteronuclear, cubic cage [Ru4Cd4L12]16+.
Silver nanoparticles linked by a Pt-containing organometallic dithiol bridge: study of local structure and interface by XAFS and SR-XPS
Authors: Battocchio C. , Fratoddi I. , Fontana L. , Bodo E. , Porcaro F. , Meneghini C. , Pis I. , Nappini S. , Mobilio S. , Russo M. V. , Polzonetti G.
Published: April 2014

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) functionalized with an organometallic bifunctional thiol, leading to 2D networks, were investigated by SR-XPS and XAFS with the aim to probe the nature of the chemical interaction between the ligand and Ag atoms on the NPs surface.
Molecular self-assembly at nanometer scale modulated surfaces: trimesic acid on Ag(111), Cu(111) and Ag/Cu(111)
Authors: Baviloliaei Mahdi Sadeghzadeh , Diekhöner Lars
Published: April 2014

A modulated substrate strongly influences the self-assembly of trimesic acid: from disorder at room temperature to perfect order upon annealing.
Substitution reactions in metal–organic frameworks and metal–organic polyhedra
Authors: Han Yi , Li Jian-Rong , Xie Yabo , Guo Guangsheng
Published: April 2014

This review summarizes the advances in the study of substitution reactions in metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) and metal–organic polyhedra (MOPs).
O-GlcNAc and neurodegeneration: biochemical mechanisms and potential roles in Alzheimer's disease and beyond
Authors: Yuzwa Scott A. , Vocadlo David J.
Published: April 2014

Increasing levels of glucose responsiveO-GlcNAcylation of proteins in Alzheimer disease mouse models decreases the toxicity of tau and Aβ.
A DFT study on direct benzene hydroxylation catalyzed by framework Fe and Al sites in zeolites
Authors: Yang Gang , Zhou Lijun
Published: April 2014

Framework Fe rather than Al Lewis acidic sites in zeolites are demonstrated to show superior catalytic activity for benzene hydroxylation.
[CNN]-pincer nickel(ii) complexes of N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC): synthesis and catalysis of the Kumada reaction of unactivated C–Cl bonds
Authors: Sun Yunqiang , Li Xiaoyan , Sun Hongjian
Published: April 2014

Three novel [CNN]-pincer nickel(ii) complexes with NHC-amine arms were synthesized in three steps.
Variability in the carbon isotope fractionation of trichloroethene on its reductive dechlorination by vitamin B12
Authors: Gan Yiqun , Yu Tingting , Zhou Aiguo , Liu Yunde , Yu Kai , Han Li
Published: April 2014

The initial solution pH from 6.5 to 9.0 causes a notable change in the ε values from −14.0‰ to −18.0‰.
Flow approaches towards sustainability
Authors: Vaccaro Luigi , Lanari Daniela , Marrocchi Assunta , Strappaveccia Giacomo
Published: April 2014

Green chemistry and flow chemistry are ideal partners for accessing novel chemical spaces and define highly efficient synthetic tools.
Chiral Brønsted acid catalyzed enantioselective intermolecular allylic aminations
Authors: Zhuang Minyang , Du Haifeng
Published: April 2014

Brønsted acid-catalyzed asymmetric intermolecular amination of allylic alcohols was first achieved with moderate to high levels of reactivities and selectivities.
Iodine-catalyzed aromatization of tetrahydrocarbazoles and its utility in the synthesis of glycozoline and murrayafoline A: a combined experimental and computational investigation
Authors: Humne Vivek , Dangat Yuvraj , Vanka Kumar , Lokhande Pradeep
Published: April 2014

A new protocol for the aromatization of tetrahydrocarbazoles has been achieved using a catalytic amount of iodine. The role of iodine has been explained by DFT, and its scope is extended to the total synthesis of glycozoline and murrayafoline A.
Short peptide based self-assembled nanostructures: implications in drug delivery and tissue engineering
Authors: Panda Jiban Jyoti , Chauhan Virander Singh
Published: April 2014

Self-assembling peptides with many potential biomedical applications.
Aldehyde-functional polycarbonates as reactive platforms
Authors: Heo Gyu Seong , Cho Sangho , Wooley Karen L.
Published: April 2014

Ozonolysis of allyl-functional polycarbonates provides aldehyde-functional polycarbonates that have potential to be reactive platforms for transformation into diverse active materials.
Hierarchical porous TiO2 templated from natural Artemia cyst shells for photocatalysis applications
Authors: Zhao Yufeng , He Yunjuan , He Jing , Ren Yuqin , Liu Zhifeng , Guo Wenfeng , Gao Faming
Published: April 2014

A novel hierarchical porous TiO2 is synthesized using a natural Artemia cyst shell as template, showing improved photocatalytic performance.
Statistical single-cell analysis of cell cycle-dependent quantum dot cytotoxicity and cellular uptake using a microfluidic system
Authors: Wu Jing , Li Haifang , Chen Qiushui , Lin Xuexia , Liu Wu , Lin Jin-Ming
Published: April 2014

The response of single cells in different cell cycle phases to QD cytotoxicity studied on a microfluidic device.
A gel single ion polymer electrolyte membrane for lithium-ion batteries with wide-temperature range operability
Authors: Zhang Yunfeng , Rohan Rupesh , Sun Yubao , Cai Weiwei , Xu Guodong , Lin An , Cheng Hansong
Published: April 2014

The sp3 boron based SIPE promotes high mobility of lithium ions in Li-ion batteries with excellent performance in a wide temperature range.
NMR characterization of cooperativity: fast ligand binding coupled to slow protein dimerization
Authors: Huma Zil E , Ludeman Justin P. , Wilkinson Brendan L. , Payne Richard J. , Stone Martin J.
Published: April 2014

We describe a general approach for analysis of 2D NMR spectra to evaluate the cooperativity of ligand binding and protein dimerization in coupled systems.
Selective reduction of CO2 to a methanol equivalent by B(C6F5)3-activated alkaline earth catalysis
Authors: Anker Mathew D. , Arrowsmith Merle , Bellham Peter , Hill Michael S. , Kociok-Köhn Gabriele , Liptrot David J. , Mahon Mary F. , Weetman Catherine
Published: April 2014

Magnesium and calcium hydrido-tris(pentafluorophenyl)borate derivatives catalyse the completely selective reductive hydroboration of CO2 with pinacolborane (HBpin) to provide the methanol equivalent, CH3OBpin.
Exploring anion-induced conformational flexibility and molecular switching in a series of heteroaryl-urea receptors
Authors: Gavette Jesse V. , Evoniuk Christopher J. , Zakharov Lev N. , Carnes Matthew E. , Haley Michael M. , Johnson Darren W.
Published: April 2014

Anion-induced conformational switching provides insight into binding selectivity in a series of heteroaryl-urea receptors.
Foams stabilised by mixtures of nanoparticles and oppositely charged surfactants: relationship between bubble shrinkage and foam coarsening
Authors: Maestro Armando , Rio Emmanuelle , Drenckhan Wiebke , Langevin Dominique , Salonen Anniina
Published: April 2014

Interfacial jamming and buckling of particle-coated bubbles can result in the arrest of foam coarsening.
The cardiac ryanodine receptor luminal Ca2+ sensor governs Ca2+ waves, ventricular tachyarrhythmias and cardiac hypertrophy in calsequestrin-null mice
Authors: Zhang Jingqun , Chen Biyi , Zhong Xiaowei , Mi Tao , Guo Ang , Zhou Qiang , Tan Zhen , Wu Guogen , Chen Alexander W. , Fill Michael , Song Long-Sheng , Chen S. R. Wayne
Published: April 2014

CASQ2 (cardiac calsequestrin) is commonly believed to serve as the SR (sarcoplasmic reticulum) luminal Ca2+ sensor. Ablation of CASQ2 promotes SCWs (spontaneous Ca2+ waves) and CPVT (catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia) upon stress but not at rest. How SCWs and CPVT are triggered by stress in the absence of the CASQ2-based luminal Ca2+ sensor is an important unresolved question. In the present study, we assessed the role of the newly identified RyR2 (ryanodine receptor 2)-resident luminal Ca2+ sensor in determining SCW propensity, CPVT susceptibility and cardiac hypertrophy in Casq2-KO (knockout) mice. We crossbred Casq2-KO mice with RyR2 mutant (E4872Q+/−) mice, which lack RyR2-resident SR luminal Ca2+ sensing, to generate animals with both deficiencies. Casq2+/− and Casq2−/− mice showed stress-induced VTs (ventricular tachyarrhythmias), whereas Casq2+/−/E4872Q+/− and Casq2−/−/E4872Q+/− mice displayed little or no stress-induced VTs. Confocal Ca2+ imaging revealed that Casq2−/− hearts frequently exhibited SCWs after extracellular Ca2+ elevation or adrenergic stimulation, whereas Casq2−/−/E4872Q+/− hearts had few or no SCWs under the same conditions. Cardiac hypertrophy developed and CPVT susceptibility increased with age in Casq2−/− mice, but not in Casq2−/−/E4872Q+/− mice. However, the amplitudes and dynamics of voltage-induced Ca2+ transients in Casq2−/− and Casq2−/−/E4872Q+/− hearts were not significantly different. Our results indicate that SCWs, CPVT and hypertrophy in Casq2-null cardiac muscle are governed by the RyR2-resident luminal Ca2+ sensor. This implies that defects in CASQ2-based lumi-nal Ca2+ sensing can be overridden by the RyR2-resident luminal Ca2+ sensor. This makes this RyR2-resident sensor a promising molecular target for the treatment of Ca2+-mediated arrhythmias.