bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ruthenium‐Catalyzed Alkenylation of Arenes with Alkynes or Alkenes by 1,2,3‐Triazole‐Directed C–H Activation
Authors: Li Xing Guang , Liu Kai , Zou Gang , Liu Pei Nian
Published: October 2014

The ruthenium‐catalyzed alkenylation of arenes with alkynes or alkenes has been achieved by using 1,2,3‐triazole as the directing group for the C–H activation. With [Ru(p‐cymene)Cl2]2 as the catalyst and Cu(OAc)2·H2O and AgSbF6 as additives, various triazole‐substituted arenes reacted readily with a range of internal alkynes or terminal alkenes to afford di‐ or monoalkenylated arenes with high regioselectivity and in moderate‐to‐excellent yields.
Three‐storey building retrofit: rocking isolation versus conventional design
Authors: Anastasopoulos Ioannis , Drosos Vasileios , Antonaki Nonika
Published: October 2014

Although modern seismic codes have undoubtedly led to safer structures, the seismic vulnerability of metropolitan areas is unavoidably governed by that of older buildings, which constitute the vast majority of the current building stock. Quite alarmingly, even relatively moderate intensity earthquakes have been proven capable of challenging their structural integrity, leading to severe damage or collapse. Therefore, there is an urgent need to assess the vulnerability of existing structures and to evaluate the efficiency of novel retrofit techniques. This paper studies experimentally the seismic performance of an existing three‐storey building, retrofitted through addition of shear walls. Emphasis is placed on the foundation of the shear walls, and two design alternatives are comparatively assessed: (a) conventional design according to current seismic codes and (b) ‘rocking isolation’ by reducing the size of the foundation. A series of reduced‐scale shaking table tests are conducted at the Laboratory of Soil Mechanics of the National Technical University of Athens. The physical model encompasses the structural system, along with the foundations, and the soil. The nonlinearity of structural members is simulated through specially designed and carefully calibrated artificial plastic hinges. The vulnerability of the original structure is confirmed, as it is found to collapse with a soft‐storey mechanism when subjected to moderate intensity shaking. The conventionally retrofitted structure is proven capable of sustaining larger intensity shaking, and the rocking‐isolated structure is shown to offer increased safety margins. Thanks to its inherent self‐centering mechanism, the rocking system is characterized by reduced permanent drifts. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Long‐term mild‐intensity exercise regimen preserves prefrontal cortical volume against aging
Authors: Tamura Masashi , Nemoto Kiyotaka , Kawaguchi Atsushi , Kato Morimasa , Arai Tetsuaki , Kakuma Tatsuyuki , Mizukami Katsuyoshi , Matsuda Hiroshi , Soya Hideaki , Asada Takashi
Published: October 2014

Objectives

It has been suggested that exercise improves cognitive function and increases cerebral volume even in older people. However, the relation between cognitive function and brain volume is unclear. We evaluated the longitudinal change of cognitive function and gray matter volume due to mild‐intensity exercise over 2 years, and the residual effects 6 months post‐exercise.

Methods

Subjects were 110 healthy older individuals over 65 years old in Tone town, Ibaraki prefecture. Seventy‐five participants were voluntarily enrolled in the exercise group. A mild‐intensity calisthenics regimen, which consisted of home‐based and club‐based programs for as long as 2 years, was employed as the intervention for the exercise group.

Results

The exercise group showed significant improvement in attentional shift over the course of the observation period including a 6‐month follow‐up. Neuroimaging analysis revealed the significant preservation of bilateral prefrontal volume in the exercise group with small‐volume corrections, although this effect faded after intervention. Furthermore, the longitudinal changes in attentional shift and memory were positively correlated with the prefrontal volumetric changes.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that mild‐intensity exercise could prevent prefrontal volume reduction due to aging and impede cognitive decline. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Predictive distractor context facilitates attentional selection of high, but not intermediate and low, salience targets
Authors: Töllner Thomas , Conci Markus , Müller Hermann J.
Published: October 2014

It is well established that we can focally attend to a specific region in visual space without shifting our eyes, so as to extract action‐relevant sensory information from covertly attended locations. The underlying mechanisms that determine how fast we engage our attentional spotlight in visual‐search scenarios, however, remain controversial. One dominant view advocated by perceptual decision‐making models holds that the times taken for focal‐attentional selection are mediated by an internal template that biases perceptual coding and selection decisions exclusively through target‐defining feature coding. This notion directly predicts that search times remain unaffected whether or not participants can anticipate the upcoming distractor context. Here we tested this hypothesis by employing an illusory‐figure localization task that required participants to search for an invariant target amongst a variable distractor context, which gradually changed—either randomly or predictably—as a function of distractor‐target similarity. We observed a graded decrease in internal focal‐attentional selection times—correlated with external behavioral latencies—for distractor contexts of higher relative to lower similarity to the target. Critically, for low but not intermediate and high distractor‐target similarity, these context‐driven effects were cortically and behaviorally amplified when participants could reliably predict the type of distractors. This interactive pattern demonstrates that search guidance signals can integrate information about distractor, in addition to target, identities to optimize distractor‐target competition for focal‐attentional selection. Hum Brain Mapp 36:935–944, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The use of optical trap and microbeam to investigate the mechanical and transport characteristics of tunneling nanotubes in tumor spheroids
Authors: Patheja Pooja , Dasgupta Raktim , Dube Alok , Ahlawat Sunita , Verma Ravi Shanker , Gupta Pradeep Kumar
Published: October 2014

The use of optical trap and microbeam for investigating mechanical and transport properties of inter cellular tunneling nanotubes (TnTs) in tumor spheroids has been demonstrated. TnTs in tumor spheroids have been visualized by manipulating TnT connected cells using optical tweezers. Functionality of the TnTs for transferring cytoplasmic vesicles and injected dye molecules by optoporation method has been studied. Further, the TnTs could be longitudinally stretched by manipulating the connected cells and their elastic response was studied.

Manipulation of cells at the surface of tumor spheroid using optical tweezers and injection of fluorescent dye into a trapped cell using optoporation technique.

magnified image

Manipulation of cells at the surface of tumor spheroid using optical tweezers and injection of fluorescent dye into a trapped cell using optoporation technique.
A smartphone‐enabled communication system to improve hospital communication: Usage and perceptions of medical trainees and nurses on general internal medicine wards
Authors: Wu Robert , Lo Vivian , Morra Dante , Appel Eva , Arany Teri , Curiale Beth , Ryan Joanne , Quan Sherman
Published: October 2014

BACKGROUND

There is increasing interest in the use of information and communication technologies to improve how clinicians communicate in hospital settings.

METHODS

We implemented a communication system with support for physician handover and secure messaging on 2 general internal medicine wards. We measured usage and surveyed physicians and nurses on perceptions of the system's effects on communication.

RESULTS

Between May 2011 and August 2012, a clinical teaching team received, on average, 14.8 messages per day through the system. Messages were typically sent as urgent (69.1%) and requested a text reply (76.5%). For messages requesting a text reply, 8.6% did not receive a reply. For those messages that did receive a reply, the median response time was 2.3 minutes, and 84.5% of messages received a reply within 15 minutes. Of those who completed the survey, 95.3% were medical residents (82 of 86) and 81.7% were nurses (83 of 116). Medical trainees (82.8%) and nursing staff (78.3%) agreed or strongly agreed that the system helped to speed up their daily work tasks. Overall, 67.1% of the trainees and 73.2% of nurses agreed or strongly agreed that the system made them more accountable in their clinical roles. Only 35.8% of physicians and 26.3% of nurses agreed or strongly agreed that the system was useful for communicating complex issues.

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, with a system designed to improve communication, we found that there was high uptake and that users perceived that the system improved efficiency and accountability but was not appropriate for communicating complex issues. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2015;10:83–89. © 2014 Society of Hospital Medicine
Antioxidative stress effect of phosphoserine dimers is mediated via activation of the Nrf2 signaling pathway
Authors: Mine Yoshinori , Young Denise , Yang Chengbo
Published: October 2014

Scope

Phosphoserine‐containing peptides have been shown to exert antioxidative stress effects, by lowering lipid peroxidation, increasing intracellular glutathione, and increasing the expression of antioxidant enzymes in human intestinal epithelial cells. However, the role of phosphoserine residues in antioxidative stress activity, and their mechanism of action, remains unknown.

Methods and results

The antioxidative stress activity of phosphoserine and phosphoserine peptides was examined using an in vitro model of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)‐induced oxidative stress in Caco‐2 cells. Phosphoserine dimers (2PS) reduced IL‐8 secretion in H2O2‐treated Caco‐2 cells, and reduced H2O2‐induced expression of genes involved in inflammation and generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), including chemokine (C‐C motif) ligand 5 (CCL5), lactoperoxidase (LPO), myeloperoxidase (MPO), neutrophil cytosolic factor 1/2 (NCF1/2), and nitric oxide synthase 2A (NOS2), and upregulated metallothionein 3 (MT3), peroxiredoxin 3 (PRDX3), and surfactant, pulmonary‐associated protein D (SFTPD), which are involved in protection against oxidative stress and activation of the Nrf2 signaling pathway. At the protein level, 2PS reduced H2O2‐induced phosphorylation of the ERK1/2 and JNK MAPKs, and increased Nrf2 expression. Moreover, the ability of 2PS to reduce H2O2‐induced IL‐8 secretion, a marker of inflammation and oxidative stress, was abrogated in Nrf2 knockdown cells.

Conclusion

These results suggest that 2PS reduce H2O2‐induced oxidative stress via the Nrf2 signaling pathway, and reveal a potential mechanism for the antioxidative stress activity of phosphoserine‐containing peptides.
Direct and sparse construction of consistent inverse mass matrices: general variational formulation and application to selective mass scaling
Authors: Tkachuk A. , Bischoff M.
Published: October 2014

Classical explicit finite element formulations rely on lumped mass matrices. A diagonalized mass matrix enables a trivial computation of the acceleration vector from the force vector. Recently, non‐diagonal mass matrices for explicit finite element analysis (FEA) have received attention due to the selective mass scaling (SMS) technique. SMS allows larger time step sizes without substantial loss of accuracy. However, an expensive solution for accelerations is required at each time step. In the present study, this problem is solved by directly constructing the inverse mass matrix. First, a consistent and sparse inverse mass matrix is built from the modified Hamiltons principle with independent displacement and momentum variables. Usage of biorthogonal bases for momentum allows elimination of momentum unknowns without matrix inversions and directly yields the inverse mass matrix denoted here as reciprocal mass matrix (RMM). Secondly, a variational mass scaling technique is applied to the RMM. It is based on the penalized Hamiltons principle with an additional velocity variable and a free parameter. Using element‐wise bases for velocity and a local elimination yields variationally scaled RMM. Thirdly, examples illustrating the efficiency of the proposed method for simplex elements are presented and discussed. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Three‐dimensional simulation of crack with curved front with direct estimation of stress intensity factors
Authors: Langlois C. Roux , Gravouil A. , Baietto M.‐C. , Réthoré J.
Published: October 2014

This paper consists of an extension of simulation with direct estimation of stress intensity factors to the three‐dimensional case. Here, it combines X‐FEM with localized multigrids and direct estimation of quantities of interest along the crack front (SIF, T‐stress, etc.) based on crack tip asymptotic series expansion. In practice, a three‐dimensional patch is introduced locally with a truncated basis of Williams series expansion and is linked in a weak sense with the X‐FEM localized multigrids. Some examples (with available analytical solutions) illustrate the efficiency and the robustness of the method. These examples consider planar cracks with curved front, but the proposed method aims to apply to any continuously curved crack. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
“I Connect With the Ringleader:” Health Professionals' Perspectives on Promoting the Sexual Health of Adolescent Males
Authors: Garcia Carolyn M. , Ptak Stephanie J. , Stelzer E. Brooke , Harwood Eileen M. , Brady Sonya S.
Published: October 2014

In‐depth interviews with nine professionals in adolescent health were used to identify perceived barriers, facilitators, and innovative strategies to reach, engage, and serve adolescent males for sexual and reproductive health care. Barriers included stigma, embarrassment, and lack of social norms around sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing for men. Facilitators included crisis situations and partner support. Clinic‐based approaches to reach and engage young men included developing authentic staff‐youth engagement and ensuring that access to services is easy and appealing. To be innovative, providers should become part of the real‐world context of adolescent males. Technology (e.g., text messaging) and social media can be utilized to target and eliminate barriers to health care among young men. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Non‐angiogenic tumours unveil a new chapter in cancer biology
Authors: Pezzella Francesco , Gatter Kevin
Published: October 2014

The term 'angiogenesis' was coined in 1787 and the role of vessels in cancer has been studied ever since. In 1971 Folkman introduced the hypothesis, until now widely accepted, that tumour growth is strictly dependent on angiogenesis. However, the discovery that tumours can also grow without angiogenesis by exploiting pre‐existing vessels, both in humans and more recently in mice, has demonstrated that this is not always the case. These observations highlight a new aspect of the interaction between vessels and tumours and demonstrate the existence of a previously unrecognized group of tumours that grow without angiogenesis and whose biology is, so far, largely unknown. Copyright © 2014 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thermal and thermo‐oxidative stability of thermoplastic polymer nanocomposites with arylated [60]fullerene derivatives
Authors: Kokubo Ken , Takahashi Ryo , Kato Masaaki , Harada Akio , Noguchi Takeshi , Oshima Takumi
Published: October 2014

Nanocomposite films of polystyrene (PS) and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) were prepared by loading four variations of fullerenes such as pristine C60, multiarylated [60]fullerenes with tolyl (tolyl‐C60) and phenol groups (phenol‐C60), and [6,6]‐phenyl‐C61‐butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM). The TGA analysis showed no appreciable change in their thermal and thermo‐oxidative stabilities for PS/tolyl‐C60and PS/phenol‐C60films, but significant improvement up to +45°C for PS/C60and PS/PCBM films even under air. The thermo‐oxidative stability of PMMA/phenol‐C60and PMMA/PCBM, however, exhibited slightly larger improvements over that of PMMA/C60. We believe that the radical‐scavenging ability of π‐conjugative fullerenes and the dispersibility of fullerene–polymer combinations play key roles in these enhancements. We also found that optimal loading occurred at a relatively low content of fullerenes (0.4–0.8 wt%) probably because larger amounts may interfere with the morphological interaction of polymer chains which is essential for the thermal persistency of polymer. POLYM. COMPOS. 37:1143–1151, 2016. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
The rice thermo-sensitive genic male sterility gene tms9: pollen abortion and gene isolation
Authors: Sheng Zhonghua , Tang Liqun , Shao Gaoneng , Xie Lihong , Jiao Guiai , Tang Shaoqing , Hu Peisong
Published: October 2014

The development of two-line hybrid rice has done great contribution to the food security. It is imperative to study the male sterility mechanism of rice photo-thermo sensitive genic male sterile (PTGMS) line which is the core component of two-line hybrid rice. Zhu1S is a rice thermo-sensitive genic male sterile line used frequently as female parent in two-line hybrid seed production. A cytological examination of the development of the Zhu1S anther wall and the microspores showed that tms9 encoded male sterility is caused by the failure of the tapetum to degenerate normally, thereby starving the microspores and finally leading to pollen abortion. A fine-scale genetic map based on a large F2 population allowed tms9 to be located within a 30.2 Kb segment of chromosome 2 harboring seven open reading frames. A comparison between Zhu1S under sterile temperature condition (high temperature, male sterile) and fertile temperature condition (low temperature, fertile) showed that only one of the seven genes, LOC_Os02g12290, was differentially transcribed, with its transcript abundance being much lower under the sterile temperature growing condition. LOC_Os02g12290 encodes a nuclear ribonuclease Z. Re-sequencing demonstrated that the Zhu1S LOC_Os02g12290 allele differed from that present in non tms9 carrier alleles by two contiguous nucleotides in the first exon, inducing a truncated mRNA.
Developing cognitive-emotional training exercises as interventions for mood and anxiety disorders
Authors: Iacoviello B.M. , Charney D.S.
Published: October 2014

There is an urgent need for more effective treatments for mood and anxiety disorders. As our understanding of the cognitive and affective neuroscience underlying psychiatric disorders expands, so do opportunities to develop novel interventions that capitalize on the capacity for brain plasticity. Cognitive training is one such strategy. This paper provides the background and rationale for developing cognitive-emotional training exercises as an intervention strategy, and proposes guidelines for the development and evaluation of cognitive training interventions with a specific focus on major depressive disorder as an example.
Diagnosing rare cases of anomalous origin of the coronary arteries in tetralogy of Fallot using CT in an infant and an adult
Authors: Jivanji Salim G. M. , Rubens Michael , Seale Anna
Published: October 2014

Major and minor coronary artery anomalies in tetralogy of Fallot is a well-described finding. The importance of determining the coronary distribution impacts upon the decision making for surgery and subsequent management. Traditionally, the coronary distribution is relied classically on echocardiography and cardiac catheterisation; however, they have well-known limitations. The use of CT as a first-line investigation modality for coronary artery distribution is discussed.
Macro-Level Determinants of Paid Domestic Labour Prevalence: A Cross-National Analysis of Seventy-Four Countries
Authors: Jokela Merita
Published: October 2014

The growing demand for domestic workers has been linked to several global developments, such as an ageing population, income inequality, the growth of women entering labour markets, migration and changes in the provision of care. However, empirical quantitative evidence for these associations is still scarce. This study examines how macro-level factors related to care needs (female employment rates and proportion of aged population), labour markets (proportion of migrants and vulnerable employment) and economic characteristics (gross domestic product, income inequality and level of urbanisation) are associated with the prevalence of paid domestic labour across seventy-four countries. Data are derived from the statistics compiled by the International Labour Organization (ILO). Results show that a higher prevalence of paid domestic workers is particularly associated with greater income inequality, but also with a higher proportion of migrants. The association with income inequality remained unchanged after controlling for six other variables related to the demand and supply of domestic services. These findings suggest that income inequality is a crucial factor in determining the proportion of domestic workers in the labour force.
Introduction: Hierarchical Nanostructures for Energy Devices
Authors: Hwan Ko Seung
Published: October 2014

Energy has been the hottest social issue for a long time. Energy issues have been related to the problems associated with current major energy sources such as fossil and mineral energy sources. Renewable energy sources, such as hydroelectric, solar, wind, hydrothermal, biomass and nuclear power, are expected to solve the problems associated with fossil fuels. However, energy issues are becoming more serious global problems This chapter introduces the subject matter covered in the book and discusses the concepts of the energy cycle and the role of hierarchical nanostructures in efficient energy devices.
Hierarchical Nanostructures for Photo-Electro-Chemical Cells
Authors: Lee Daeho , Grigoropoulos Costas P.
Published: October 2014

A photo-electro-chemical (PEC) cell is a device that directly generates electrical energy (photovoltaics) and converts solar energy into chemical fuels such as hydrogen (water splitting). Hierarchical structures have been adopted as photoelectrodes in PEC cells to increase the efficiency significantly. Hierarchical structures provide a substantially increased surface area enabling higher light harvesting while allowing a longer effective path for the photons to be absorbed in the photoelectrodes by intense scattering and trapping enhancement. Moreover, their large surface area boosts the chemical reactions and enhances diffusion of chemical species into the interfaces and surfaces in PEC cells. Hierarchical structures, made by hybridizing two or more different materials, provide additional functionality. For example, integrating materials of different band structures enables the absorption of photon energy over a broader range as well as each semiconductor conducting the individual half reactions with effective charge separation in water splitting PEC cells. This chapter focuses on several pathways to synthesize hierarchical nanostructures for PEC cells and their applications in photovoltaics and water splitting for fuel generation.
Binding of Ru(terpyridine)(pyridine)dipyridophenazine to DNA studied with polarized spectroscopy and calorimetry
Authors: Mårtensson Anna K. F. , Lincoln Per
Published: October 2014

Achiral Ru(tpy)(py)dppz2+ intercalated into DNA has similar intermolecular interactions as opposite enantiomers of its structural isomer, the “light-switch” complex Ru(bpy)2dppz2+.
Antimony(iii) and bismuth(iii) amides containing pendant N-donor groups – a combined experimental and theoretical study
Authors: Vránová Iva , Jambor Roman , Růžička Aleš , Hoffmann Alexander , Herres-Pawlis Sonja , Dostál Libor
Published: October 2014

The synthesis and structural study dealing with antimony(iii) and bismuth(iii) amides, derivatives of a pyrrole core, with pendant nitrogen functionalities is presented.
Aqueous formic acid: an efficient, inexpensive and environmentally friendly organocatalyst for three-component Strecker synthesis of α-aminonitriles and imines with excellent yields
Authors: Ghafuri Hossein , Roshani Mahdi
Published: October 2014

Aqueous formic acid (37%) was effectively used as catalyst in Strecker reaction to afford α-aminonitriles and imines in high yields.
Reaction-induced swelling of ionic gels
Authors: Liu ShaoBao , Wang PengFei , Huang GuoYou , Wang Lin , Zhou JinXiong , Lu Tian Jian , Xu Feng , Lin Min
Published: October 2014

A chemomechanical theory is proposed to describe the dynamic behavior and response time of ionic gels.
Squaraine-sensitized composite of a reduced graphene oxide/TiO2 photocatalyst: π–π stacking as a new method of dye anchoring
Authors: Joseph K. L. Vincent , Lim Jonghun , Anthonysamy A. , Kim Hyoung-il , Choi Wonyong , Kim Jin Kon
Published: October 2014

We synthesized a near infra-red (NIR) absorbing squaraine dye (VJ-S) showing a strong absorption and emission. Photocatalytic activity of VJ-S/r-NGOT in visible light wavelengths is much higher than that of r-NGOT alone.
Indocyanine Green Videoangiography in Negative: Spinal Dural Arteriovenous Fistula
Authors: Simal Julián Juan Antonio , Miranda Lloret Pablo , Sanromán Álvarez Pablo , Pérez de San Román Laila , Beltrán Giner Andrés , Botella Asunción Carlos
Published: October 2014

Introduction

This work reports the first indocyanine green videoangiography (IGV) in negative published with video format support. This technique, so called because its first phase is performed with occlusion of the vessel suspected of being pathologic, is used for the diagnosis of spinal arteriovenous fistula (sDAVF).

Case Report

The authors present the case of a 68-year-old man with an sDAVF fed by the right T7 segmentary artery. IGV was initially performed with the presumptive fistula feeder occluded for less than 1 minute, which provided both diagnostic and postexclusion control in one procedure. This technique therefore is reversible by not prolonging vascular exclusion times.

Discussion

IGV in negative is an extremely visual and intuitive procedure that represents an improvement over conventional IGV.

Conclusion

Studies with larger sample sizes are necessary to determine whether IGV in negative can further reduce the need for postoperative digital subtraction angiography.
Multi-bit quantum random number generation by measuring positions of arrival photons
Authors: Yan Qiurong , Zhao Baosheng , Liao Qinghong , Zhou Nanrun
Published: October 2014

We report upon the realization of a novel multi-bit optical quantum random number generator by continuously measuring the arrival positions of photon emitted from a LED using MCP-based WSA photon counting imaging detector. A spatial encoding method is proposed to extract multi-bits random number from the position coordinates of each detected photon. The randomness of bits sequence relies on the intrinsic randomness of the quantum physical processes of photonic emission and subsequent photoelectric conversion. A prototype has been built and the random bit generation rate could reach 8 Mbit/s, with random bit generation efficiency of 16 bits per detected photon. FPGA implementation of Huffman coding is proposed to reduce the bias of raw extracted random bits. The random numbers passed all tests for physical random number generator.
On stochastic heating of electrons by intense laser radiation in the presence of electrostatic potential well
Authors: Krasheninnikov S. I.
Published: October 2014

A simple model developed by Paradkar et al. [Phys. Plasmas 19, 060703 (2012)] for the study of synergistic effects of electrostatic potential well and laser radiation is extended for the case where electric field of the well is accelerating electrons moving in the direction of the laser field propagation. It was found that in these cases, the rate of stochastic heating of energetic electrons remains virtually the same as in Paradkar et al. [Phys. Plasmas 19, 060703 (2012)], where electric field in electrostatic potential was slowing down electrons moving in the direction of the laser field propagation. However, the heating of electrons with relatively low energy can be sensitive to the orientation of the electrostatic potential well with respect to the direction of the laser radiation propagation.
Assessment of low-scaling approximations to the equation of motion coupled-cluster singles and doubles equations
Authors: Goings Joshua J. , Caricato Marco , Frisch Michael J. , Li Xiaosong
Published: October 2014

Methods for fast and reliable computation of electronic excitation energies are in short supply, and little is known about their systematic performance. This work reports a comparison of several low-scaling approximations to the equation of motion coupled cluster singles and doubles (EOM–CCSD) and linear-response coupled cluster singles and doubles (LR–CCSD) equations with other single reference methods for computing the vertical electronic transition energies of 11 small organic molecules. The methods, including second order equation-of-motion many-body perturbation theory (EOM–MBPT2) and its partitioned variant, are compared to several valence and Rydberg singlet states. We find that the EOM–MBPT2 method was rarely more than a tenth of an eV from EOM–CCSD calculated energies, yet demonstrates a performance gain of nearly 30%. The partitioned equation-of-motion approach, P–EOM–MBPT2, which is an order of magnitude faster than EOM–CCSD, outperforms the CIS(D) and CC2 in the description of Rydberg states. CC2, on the other hand, excels at describing valence states where P–EOM–MBPT2 does not. The difference between the CC2 and P–EOM–MBPT2 can ultimately be traced back to how each method approximates EOM–CCSD and LR–CCSD. The results suggest that CC2 and P–EOM–MBPT2 are complementary: CC2 is best suited for the description of valence states while P–EOM–MBPT2 proves to be a superior \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\begin{document}$\mathcal {O}(N^5)$\end{document}O(N5) method for the description of Rydberg states.
Two-point statistics for turbulent boundary layers and channels at Reynolds numbers up to δ+ ≈ 2000
Authors: Sillero Juan A. , Jiménez Javier , Moser Robert D.
Published: October 2014

Two-point statistics are presented for a new direct simulation of the zero-pressure-gradient turbulent boundary layer in the range Reθ = 2780–6680, and compared with channels in the same range of Reynolds numbers, δ+ ≈ 1000–2000. Three-dimensional spatial correlations are investigated in very long domains to educe the average structure of the velocity and pressure fluctuations. The streamwise velocity component is found to be coherent over longer distances in channels than in boundary layers, especially in the direction of the flow. For weakly correlated structures, the maximum streamwise length is $\cal{O}(7\delta )$O(7δ) for boundary layers and $\cal{O}(18\delta )$O(18δ) for channels, attained at the logarithmic and outer regions, respectively. The corresponding lengths for the spanwise and wall-normal velocities and for the pressure are shorter, $\cal{O}(\delta$O(δ-2δ). The correlations are shown to be inclined to the wall at angles that depend on the distance from the wall, on the variable being considered, and on the correlation level used to define them. All these features change little between the two types of flows. Most the above features are also approximately independent of the Reynolds number, except for the pressure, and for the streamwise velocity structures in the channel. Further insight into the flow is provided by correlations conditioned on the intensity of the perturbations at the reference point, or on their sign. The statistics of the new simulation are available in our website.
Dynamics of lithium ions in borotellurite mixed former glasses: Correlation between the characteristic length scales of mobile ions and glass network structural units
Authors: Shaw A. , Ghosh A.
Published: October 2014

We have studied the mixed network former effect on the dynamics of lithium ions in borotellurite glasses in wide composition and temperature ranges. The length scales of ion dynamics, such as characteristic mean square displacement and spatial extent of sub-diffusive motion of lithium ions have been determined from the ac conductivity and dielectric spectra, respectively, in the framework of linear response theory. The relative concentrations of different network structural units have been determined from the deconvolution of the FTIR spectra. A direct correlation between the ion dynamics and the characteristic length scales and the relative concentration of BO4 units has been established for different compositions of the borotellurite glasses.
Mode specificity in the HF + OH → F + H2O reaction
Authors: Song Hongwei , Li Jun , Guo Hua
Published: October 2014

Full-dimensional quantum dynamics and quasi-classical trajectory calculations are reported for the title reaction on a recently constructed ab initio based global potential energy surface. Strong mode specificity was found, consistent with the prediction of the sudden vector projection model. Specifically, the HF vibration strongly promotes the reaction while the OH vibration has little effect. Rotational excitations of both reactants slightly enhance the reaction.
Continuous removal of glycerol from frozen-thawed red blood cells in a microfluidic membrane device
Authors: Lusianti Ratih E. , Higgins Adam Z.
Published: October 2014

Cryopreservation of human red blood cells (RBCs) in the presence of 40% glycerol allows a shelf-life of 10 years, as opposed to only 6 weeks for refrigerated RBCs. Nonetheless, cryopreserved blood is rarely used in clinical therapy, in part because of the requirement for a time-consuming (∼1 h) post-thaw wash process to remove glycerol before the product can be used for transfusion. The current deglycerolization process involves a series of saline washes in an automated centrifuge, which gradually removes glycerol from the cells in order to prevent osmotic damage. We recently demonstrated that glycerol can be extracted in as little as 3 min without excessive osmotic damage if the composition of the extracellular solution is precisely controlled. Here, we explore the potential for carrying out rapid glycerol extraction using a membrane-based microfluidic device, with the ultimate goal of enabling inline washing of cryopreserved blood. To assist in experimental design and device optimization, we developed a mass transfer model that allows prediction of glycerol removal, as well as the resulting cell volume changes. Experimental measurements of solution composition and hemolysis at the device outlet are in reasonable agreement with model predictions, and our results demonstrate that it is possible to reduce the glycerol concentration by more than 50% in a single device without excessive hemolysis. Based on these promising results, we present a design for a multistage process that is predicted to safely remove glycerol from cryopreserved blood in less than 3 min.
Income Distribution and Growth: A Global Model
Authors: Onaran Özlem , Galanis Giorgos
Published: October 2014

This paper estimates the effects of a change in the wage share on growth at global level in the G20 countries. A decrease in the wage share in isolation leads to lower growth in the euro area, Germany, France, Italy, the UK, the US, Japan, Turkey, and South Korea, whereas it stimulates growth in Canada, Australia, Argentina, Mexico, China, India, and South Africa. However, a simultaneous decline in the wage share in all these countries leads to a decline in global growth. Furthermore, Canada, Argentina, Mexico, and India also experience negative effects on growth when they decrease their wage share along with their trading partners. The results indicate that the global decline in labour share has had significant negative effects on growth.
Effects of Acute Intravenous Iloprost on Right Ventricular Hemodynamics in Rats with Chronic Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Zeineh Nabil S. , Bachman Timothy N. , El‐Haddad Hazim , Champion Hunter C.
Published: October 2014

The inotropic effects of prostacyclins in chronic pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) are unclear and may be important in directing patient management in the acute setting. We sought to study the effects of an acute intravenous (IV) infusion of iloprost on right ventricular (RV) contractility in a rat model of chronic PAH. Rats were treated with monocrotaline, 60 mg/kg intraperitoneally, to induce PAH. Six weeks later, baseline hemodynamic assessment was performed with pressure‐volume and Doppler flow measurements. In one group of animals, measurements were repeated 10–15 minutes after IV infusion of a fixed dose of iloprost (20 μg/kg). A separate group of rats underwent dose‐response assessment. RV contractility and RV–pulmonary artery coupling were assessed by the end‐systolic pressure‐volume relationship (ESPVR) and end‐systolic elastance/effective arterial elastance (Ees/Ea). RV cardiomyocytes were isolated, and intracellular cAMP (cyclic adenosine monophosphate) concentration was measured with a cAMP‐specific enzyme immunoassay kit. Animals had evidence of PAH and RV hypertrophy. Right ventricle/(left ventricle + septum) weight was 0.40 ± 0.03. RV systolic pressure (RVSP) was 39.83 ± 1.62 mmHg. Administration of iloprost demonstrated an increase in the slope of the ESPVR from 0.29 ± 0.02 to 0.42 ± 0.05 (P <. 05). Ees/Ea increased from 0.63 ± 0.07 to 0.82 ± 0.06 (P <. 05). The RV contractility index (max dP/dt normalized for instantaneous pressure) increased from 94.11 to 114.5/s (P <. 05), as did the RV ejection fraction, from 48.0% to 52.5% (P <. 05). This study suggests a positive inotropic effect of iloprost on a rat model of chronic PAH.
Induction of the Phenylpropanoid Pathway by Acibenzolar-S-Methyl and Potassium Phosphite Increases Mango Resistance to Ceratocystis fimbriata Infection
Authors: Araujo L. , Bispo W. M. Silva , Rios V. S. , Fernandes S. A. , Rodrigues F. A.
Published: October 2014

This study used both microscopic and biochemical analyses to investigate the possible defense responses induced by acibenzolar-S-methyl (ASM) and potassium phosphite (Phi) in mango plants inoculated with Ceratocystis fimbriata. Disease development was evaluated in the stems of inoculated mango plants and these were examined using fluorescence and light microscopy. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to quantify secondary metabolites in the stem sections. Spraying the plants with ASM and Phi reduced internal necrosis and disease development. The ASM and Phi induced many microscopic defense responses in the stem tissues against C. fimbriata infection. HPLC analysis revealed that the concentrations of two alkaloids (theobromine and 7-methylxanthine) and 10 phenolic compounds (catechin, epicatechin, epigallocatechin, gallic acid, myricetin, p-coumaric acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, phloridzin, sinapinic acid, and salicylhydroxamic acid) were higher in the stem tissues of plants sprayed with ASM or Phi than in inoculated control treatment. The concentrations of phenolic compounds were higher in the stem tissues of inoculated plants than in noninoculated plants, while the inverse was observed for alkaloids. Higher concentrations of secondary metabolites in the stem tissues were detected in the early stages of fungal infection, especially in plants treated with inducers. Taken together, the results from the present study clearly support the concept that the phenylpropanoid pathway in the stem tissues of mango plants infected by C. fimbriata can be induced by ASM and Phi.
Posterior Distraction and Instrumentation Cannot Always Reduce Displaced and Rotated Posterosuperior Fracture Fragments in Thoracolumbar Burst Fracture
Authors: Wang Xiao-Bin , Lü Guo-Hua , Li Jing , Wang Bing , Lu Chang , Phan Kevin
Published: October 2014

Study Design:

A retrospective clinical study.

Objective:

To determine the imaging features that can be used to predict failure of reduction of a retropulsed fracture fragment by posterior ligamentotaxis in thoracolumbar burst fractures.

Summary of Background Data:

Posterior instrumentation and distraction with ligamentotaxis has been successfully used to shift retropulsed fragments anteriorly in thoracolumbar burst fractures. However, posterior longitudinal ligament rupture can lead to treatment failure. The exact preoperative radiographical parameters associated with failure of reduction remain unknown.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 85 patients who suffered from thoracolumbar burst fractures with significant retropulsion of fragments into the spinal canal, as confirmed by preoperative computed tomography and followed by postoperative computed tomography, were retrospectively analyzed. Seventy-three patients (85.9%) in whom the fragments were reduced by ligamentotaxis were included in the reduced group. In 12 patients (14.1%), the fracture fragment in the spinal canal was not reduced, and these patients were included in the nonreduced group. Neurologic status was classified according to the scoring system of the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA). The displaced distance and rotation angle of the fracture fragment were measured at the fractured segment.

Results:

Preoperatively,the average displacement distances into the spinal canal of rotated posterosuperior fragments was 0.53 cm in the reduced group and 0.94 cm in the nonreduced group (P=0.002). The average rotation angles of the fracture fragments were 43.2 degrees in the reduced group and 61.7 degrees in the nonreduced group (P=0.012). “Double cortical surfaces” of the fragment were observed in the nonreduced patients. Neurological function was evaluated and recorded at the 2-year follow-up examination. There was no significant difference in the ASIA recovery grade between the 2 groups (P=0.668).

Conclusions:

Displaced and rotated posterosuperior fracture fragments in thoracolumbar burst fracture cannot always be reduced by posterior ligamentotaxis. The 2 criteria for treatment failure that were most consistently present in our series were a displacement distance greater than 0.85 cm and a rotation angle greater than 55 degrees.
Developmental stress predicts social network position
Authors: Boogert Neeltje J. , Farine Damien R. , Spencer Karen A.
Published: October 2014

The quantity and quality of social relationships, as captured by social network analysis, can have major fitness consequences. Various studies have shown that individual differences in social behaviour can be due to variation in exposure to developmental stress. However, whether these developmental differences translate to consistent differences in social network position is not known. We experimentally increased levels of the avian stress hormone corticosterone (CORT) in nestling zebra finches in a fully balanced design. Upon reaching nutritional independence, we released chicks and their families into two free-flying rooms, where we measured daily social networks over five weeks using passive integrated transponder tags. Developmental stress had a significant effect on social behaviour: despite having similar foraging patterns, CORT chicks had weaker associations to their parents than control chicks. Instead, CORT chicks foraged with a greater number of flock mates and were less choosy with whom they foraged, resulting in more central network positions. These findings highlight the importance of taking developmental history into account to understand the drivers of social organization in gregarious species.
Consistency pays: sex differences and fitness consequences of behavioural specialization in a wide-ranging seabird
Authors: Patrick Samantha C. , Weimerskirch Henri
Published: October 2014

Specialists and generalists often coexist within a single population, but the biological drivers of individual strategies are not fully resolved. When sexes differ in their foraging strategy, this can lead them to different environmental conditions and stability across their habitat range. As such, sexual segregation, combined with dominance, may lead to varying levels of specialization between the sexes. Here, we examine spatial and temporal niche width (intraindividual variability in aspects of foraging behaviour) of male and female black-browed albatrosses (
Thalassarche melanophrys
), and its consequences for fitness. We show that females, where maximum foraging range is under fluctuating selection, exhibit more variable behaviours and appear more generalist than males, who are under directional selection to forage close to the colony. However within each sex, successful birds had a much narrower niche width across most behaviours, suggesting some specialization is adaptive in both sexes. These results demonstrate that while there are sex differences in niche width, the fitness benefit of specialization in spatial distribution is strong in this wide-ranging seabird.
Running with the Red Queen: the role of biotic conflicts in evolution
Authors: Brockhurst Michael A. , Chapman Tracey , King Kayla C. , Mank Judith E. , Paterson Steve , Hurst Gregory D. D.
Published: October 2014

What are the causes of natural selection? Over 40 years ago, Van Valen proposed the Red Queen hypothesis, which emphasized the primacy of biotic conflict over abiotic forces in driving selection. Species must continually evolve to survive in the face of their evolving enemies, yet on average their fitness remains unchanged. We define three modes of Red Queen coevolution to unify both fluctuating and directional selection within the Red Queen framework. Empirical evidence from natural interspecific antagonisms provides support for each of these modes of coevolution and suggests that they often operate simultaneously. We argue that understanding the evolutionary forces associated with interspecific interactions requires incorporation of a community framework, in which new interactions occur frequently. During their early phases, these newly established interactions are likely to drive fast evolution of both parties. We further argue that a more complete synthesis of Red Queen forces requires incorporation of the evolutionary conflicts within species that arise from sexual reproduction. Reciprocally, taking the Red Queen's perspective advances our understanding of the evolution of these intraspecific conflicts.
Genome-wide association study of carbon and nitrogen metabolism in the maize nested association mapping population
Authors: Zhang Nengyi , Gibon Yves , Lepak Nicholas , Li Pinghua , Dedow Lauren , Chen Charles , So Yoon-Sup , Wallace Jason , Kremling Karl , Bradbury Peter , Brutnell Thomas , Stitt Mark , Buckler Edward
Published: October 2014

Carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) metabolism are critical to plant growth and development and at the basis of yield and adaptation. We have applied high throughput metabolite analyses to over 12,000 diverse field grown samples from the maize nested association mapping population. This allowed us to identify natural variation controlling the levels of twelve key C and N metabolites, often with single gene resolution. In addition to expected genes likeinvertases, critical natural variation was identified in key C4metabolism genes likecarbonic anhydrases and amalate transporter. Unlike prior maize studies, extensive pleiotropy was found for C and N metabolites. This integration of field-derived metabolite data with powerful mapping and genomics resources allows dissection of key metabolic pathways, providing avenues for future genetic improvement.