bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Human Noxin is an anti‐apoptotic protein in response to DNA damage of A549 non‐small cell lung carcinoma
Authors: Won Kyoung‐Jae , Im Joo‐Young , Yun Chae‐Ok , Chung Kyung‐Sook , Kim Young Joo , Lee Jung‐Sun , Jung Young‐Jin , Kim Bo‐Kyung , Song Kyung Bin , Kim Young‐Ho , Chun Ho‐Kyung , Jung Kyeong Eun , Kim Moon‐Hee , Won Misun
Published: November 2013

Human Noxin (hNoxin, C11Orf82), a homolog of mouse noxin, is highly expressed in colorectal and lung cancer tissues. hNoxin contains a DNA‐binding C‐domain in RPA1, which mediates DNA metabolic processes, such as DNA replication and DNA repair. Expression of hNoxin is associated with S phase in cancer cells and in normal cells. Expression of hNoxin was induced by ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. Knockdown of hNoxin caused growth inhibition of colorectal and lung cancer cells. The comet assay and western blot analysis revealed that hNoxin knockdown induced apoptosis through activation of p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK)/p53 in non‐small cell lung carcinoma A549 cells. Furthermore, simultaneous hNoxin knockdown and treatment with DNA‐damaging agents, such as camptothecin (CPT) and UV irradiation, enhanced apoptosis, whereas Trichostatin A (TSA) did not. However, transient overexpression of hNoxin rescued cells from DNA damage‐induced apoptosis but did not block apoptosis in the absence of DNA damage. These results suggest that hNoxin may be associated with inhibition of apoptosis in response to DNA damage. An adenovirus expressing a short hairpin RNA against hNoxin transcripts significantly suppressed the growth of A549 tumor xenografts, indicating that hNoxin knockdown has in vivo anti‐tumor efficacy. Thus, hNoxin is a DNA damage‐induced anti‐apoptotic protein and potential therapeutic target in cancer.
MODEL PRIORS REVISITED: INTERACTION TERMS IN BMA GROWTH APPLICATIONS
Authors: Moser Mathias , Hofmarcher Paul
Published: November 2013

This paper provides a sensitivity analysis on the prior choice for interaction terms for the results of Masanjala and Papageorgiou (Rough and lonely road to prosperity. Journal of Applied Econometrics 2008; 23: 671–682), which has been criticized for its implementation of interaction terms by Crespo Cuaresma (How different is Africa? Journal of Applied Econometrics 2011; 26: 1041–1047). We find that the discussed priors have similar predictive power and we also evaluate alternative prior solutions that account for the special nature of interaction terms. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and Characterization of Novel N‐Alkylamine‐ and N‐Cycloalkylamine‐Derived 2‐Benzoyl‐N‐aminohydrazinecarbothioamides, 1,3,4‐Thiadiazoles and 1,2,4‐Triazole‐5(4H)thiones
Authors: Foks Henryk , Pancechowska‐Ksepko Danuta , Gobis Katarzyna
Published: November 2013

4‐Aminomorpholine, 1‐aminopiperidine, and 1,1‐dimethylhydrazine were carried out in the corresponding methyl dithiocarbamates and those in turn in aminohydrazinethioamides, which under the influence of acid chlorides (benzoyl, 4‐chlorobenzoyl, 4‐fluorobenzoyl, 4‐methoxybenzoyl and 2‐furoyl) gave arylcarbonyl derivatives. Those compounds were cyclized in concentrated H2SO4 to 2‐(N‐cycloalkylamino‐ and N‐dimethylamino)‐amino‐5‐phenyl‐1,3,4‐thiadiazole derivatives and in 10% NaOH aqueous solution to 4‐cycloalkylamino‐ and 4‐dimethylamino‐3‐phenyl‐1,2,4‐triazole‐5(4H)‐thiones.
Laser versus conventional fenestration in stapedotomy for otosclerosis: A systematic review
Authors: Wegner Inge , Kamalski Digna M. A. , Tange Rinze A. , Vincent Robert , Stegeman Inge , van der Heijden Geert J. M. , Grolman Wilko
Published: November 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

To assess hearing results and complications following primary stapedotomy in otosclerosis patients comparing the use of laser and conventional techniques for fenestration.

Study Design

Systematic literature review.

Methods

A systematic bibliographic search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and Scopus. Studies reporting original data on the effect of laser fenestration, compared to conventional techniques, on closure of air‐bone gap in patients undergoing primary stapedotomy were included. Directness of evidence and risk of bias of the selected articles were assessed. Studies with low directness of evidence, high risk of bias, or both were not further analyzed. The absolute risks, risk differences, and 95% confidence intervals were extracted only for studies with moderate to high directness of evidence and moderate to low risk of bias.

Results

In total, 383 unique studies were retrieved. Eight of these (including 999 procedures) provided high or moderate directness of evidence and carried a moderate risk of bias, and were considered eligible for data extraction. The included studies show no consistent difference in postoperative air‐bone gap closure or immediate postoperative vertigo.

Conclusions

Both footplate fractures and sensorineural hearing loss appear to occur more frequently in the conventional group than in the laser group. Therefore, we prefer laser above conventional methods for footplate fenestration in primary stapedotomy.

Level of Evidence

NALaryngoscope, 124:1687–1693, 2014
A model design for the labyrinthine membranes in mammals
Authors: Pender Daniel J.
Published: November 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

A model of the labyrinthine membranes in mammals may be useful in the study of conditions that involve membrane stress and deformation such as Meniere's disease and diving injuries.

Study Design

Conceptual design of a model of the labyrinthine membranes in mammals.

Methods

The model is constructed by emulating each of the several chambers of the membranous labyrinth and their connections with mathematically defined geometric shapes.

Results

The model design uses a torus to emulate each semicircular canal, prolate spheroids for each ampulla, cylinders for the crus commune and utricle, an oblate spheroid for the saccule, hyperboloids of revolution for junctional zones, and a spiral torus for the cochlea membranes.

Conclusions

A complete model of the labyrinthine membranes has been designed that can serve as a platform for stress analysis when numerical dimensions are available for any particular species including man.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 124:E245–E249, 2014
Biological Indices for Soil Quality Evaluation: Perspectives and Limitations
Authors: Paz‐Ferreiro Jorge , Fu Shenglei
Published: November 2013

Soil quality is threatened by the increase in human population and by the fact that most of the cultivable land is intensively used. The initial interest in this topic focused on defining soil quality but shifted into how to measure soil quality in the late 1990s. There is a general agreement that soil biochemical, microbiological and biological properties are more suitable than physical and/or chemical properties for the purpose of estimating alterations in soil quality and hence soil degradation. To date, most studies have used microbial biomass, soil respiration and enzymatic activities to obtain soil quality indices, whereas less focus has been given to soil fauna (microarthropods and nematodes). This article aims to do a critical review of soil quality indices based on soil biological and biochemical activities, mainly microbial biomass, soil respiration and the activity of several enzymes. Limitations within the database of articles that are focussed on broad scale application of soil quality indices include the difficulty of selecting the highest quality soils for comparison purposes, lack of standardisation of analytical methods, and inclusion of an insufficient number of soil types and ecosystems. There is a need to validate soil quality indices, both, spatially and temporally and to explore the use of indices that integrate faunal and microbial measurements. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Thermoreversible Poly(Choline Phosphate) Based Universal Biomembrane Adhesive
Authors: Yu Xifei , Yang Xiaoqiang , Horte Sonja , Kizhakkedathu Jayachandran N. , Brooks Donald E.
Published: November 2013

A new monomer, 2‐(2‐(2‐(2‐azidoethoxy)ethoxy)ethoxy)ethyl methacrylate (AEO4MA), and its direct atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) into poly(AEO4MA), then “clicked” with prop‐2‐ynyle choline phosphate (CP) to produce a poly(choline phosphate) are described. This polymer exhibits a lower critical solution temperature (LCST) at ≈32 °C, and provides a universal thermally reversible biomembrane adhesive, which can rapidly both bind to any mammalian cell membrane and internalize into the cytoplasm of nucleated cells below the LCST. Moving above the LCST reverses cell surface binding. The use of ATRP implies that such polymers can be applied to modify the surfaces of a wide range of biomaterials. The capacity to bind and immobilize cells at room temperature and release them above the LCST should be particularly useful for in vitro cell manipulation and tissue engineering applications.
Controlled Synthesis of Multi‐Arm Star Polyether–Polycarbonate Polyols Based on Propylene Oxide and CO2
Authors: Hilf Jeannette , Schulze Patricia , Seiwert Jan , Frey Holger
Published: November 2013

Multi‐arm star copolymers based on a hyperbranched poly(propylene oxide) polyether–polyol (hbPPO) as a core and poly(propylene carbonate) (PPC) arms are synthesized in two steps from propylene oxide (PO), a small amount of glycidol and CO2. The PPC arms are prepared via carbon dioxide (CO2)/PO copolymerization, using hbPPO as a multifunctional macroinitiator and the (R,R)‐(salcy)CoOBzF5 catalyst. Star copolymers with 14 and 28 PPC arms, respectively, and controlled molecular weights in the range of 2700–8800 g mol−1 are prepared (Mw/Mn = 1.23–1.61). Thermal analysis reveals lowered glass transition temperatures in the range of −8 to 10 °C for the PPC star polymers compared with linear PPC, which is due to the influence of the flexible polyether core. Successful conversion of the terminal hydroxyl groups with phenylisocyanate demonstrates the potential of the polycarbonate polyols for polyurethane synthesis.

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Developing an international Pseudomonas aeruginosa reference panel
Authors: De Soyza Anthony , Hall Amanda J. , Mahenthiralingam Eshwar , Drevinek Pavel , Kaca Wieslaw , Drulis‐Kawa Zuzanna , Stoitsova Stoyanka R. , Toth Veronika , Coenye Tom , Zlosnik James E. A. , Burns Jane L. , Sá‐Correia Isabel , De Vos Daniel , Pirnay Jean‐Paul , J. Kidd Timothy , Reid David , Manos Jim , Klockgether Jens , Wiehlmann Lutz , Tümmler Burkhard , McClean Siobhán , Winstanley Craig ,   EU FP7 funded COST Action BM1003 “Cell surface virulence determinants of cystic fibrosis pathogens”
Published: November 2013

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a major opportunistic pathogen in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients and causes a wide range of infections among other susceptible populations. Its inherent resistance to many antimicrobials also makes it difficult to treat infections with this pathogen. Recent evidence has highlighted the diversity of this species, yet despite this, the majority of studies on virulence and pathogenesis focus on a small number of strains. There is a pressing need for a P. aeruginosa reference panel to harmonize and coordinate the collective efforts of the P. aeruginosa research community. We have collated a panel of 43 P. aeruginosa strains that reflects the organism's diversity. In addition to the commonly studied clones, this panel includes transmissible strains, sequential CF isolates, strains with specific virulence characteristics, and strains that represent serotype, genotype or geographic diversity. This focussed panel of P. aeruginosa isolates will help accelerate and consolidate the discovery of virulence determinants, improve our understanding of the pathogenesis of infections caused by this pathogen, and provide the community with a valuable resource for the testing of novel therapeutic agents.
Activation of autophagy and AMPK by gamma‐tocotrienol suppresses the adipogenesis in human adipose derived stem cells
Authors: Zhao Lu , Ha Jung‐Heun , Okla Meshail , Chung Soonkyu
Published: November 2013

Scope

This study investigated the mechanistic details by which gamma‐tocotrienol (γ‐T3) manipulates adipocyte differentiation in human adipose derived stem cells (hASCs).

Methods and results

γ‐T3 specifically inhibited the early stage of adipocyte differentiation by acting on downstream of C/EBP‐β but upstream of C/EBP‐α in hASCs. In searching a potential mechanism, we identified that γ‐T3 promoted two catabolic signaling pathways: (i) AMP kinase (AMPK), and (ii) enhanced autophagy, as assessed by autophagic flux and cytosolic autophagosome (LC3II) accumulation. In addition, chronic exposure of γ‐T3 induced caspase3‐mediated apoptotic cell death. The blockage of AMPK by a dominant negative mutant of AMPK was insufficient to normalize γ‐T3‐mediated autophagy, suggesting that enhanced autophagic activity of γ‐T3 is independent of AMPK activation. Intriguingly, AMPK inhibition significantly restored PPAR‐γ activation, but marginally rescued lipid‐loaded adipocyte morphology due to, at least partly, a lack of lipid droplet‐coating protein. These data suggest that γ‐T3 activates AMPK and autophagy signaling, which synergistically contributes to the suppression of adipogenic conversion of hASCs into adipocytes.

Conclusion

These results provide a novel insight into the molecular mechanism involved in anti‐adipogenic action of γ‐T3 in humans via AMPK and autophagy activation. Thus, γ‐T3 may constitute a new dietary avenue to attenuate hyperplastic obesity in humans.
The mechanisms of carnosic acid attenuates tumor necrosis factor‐α‐mediated inflammation and insulin resistance in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes
Authors: Tsai Chia‐Wen , Liu Kai‐Li , Lin Yu‐Ru , Kuo Wen‐Cheng
Published: November 2013

Scope

Insulin resistance has been linked to a low‐grade chronic inflammatory response. Carnosic acid (CA), which is found in rosemary, has been reported to have antioxidant, anti‐inflammation, and anti‐adipogenic properties. Here, we examined the effects of CA on inflammation and insulin resistance in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes treated with tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α).

Methods and results

CA attenuated the TNF‐α‐induced mRNA expression of inflammatory genes, including IL‐6 and monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1. CA also attenuated the TNF‐α‐mediated activation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase, c‐Jun NH2‐terminal kinase, and c‐Jun; the phosphorylation of inhibitor‐κB (IκB) kinase (IKK)α/β, the phosphorylation and degradation of IκBα, the nuclear translocation of p65, and the DNA‐binding activity of NF‐κB and AP‐1. CA or PP242 (an mTOR inhibitor) suppressed the TNF‐α‐induced protein expression of mTOR, p70S6K, eIF4E, and IL‐6. Moreover, CA attenuated the TNF‐α‐mediated suppression of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ, adiponectin, and adipocyte protein 2. CA reversed the TNF‐α‐mediated suppression of insulin‐stimulated glucose uptake and the phosphorylation of Tyr632 insulin receptor substrate‐1 (IRS‐1), Akt, and FoxO1, but decreased the TNF‐α‐induced phosphorylation of Ser307 IRS‐1 and total FoxO1.

Conclusion

CA attenuates TNF‐α‐mediated inflammation via inhibition of NF‐κB and AP‐1 pathways and insulin resistance via Akt‐dependent FoxO1 signaling in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes.
Referenceless Acquisition of Phase‐sensitive Inversion‐recovery with Decisive reconstruction (RAPID) imaging
Authors: Wang Jinnan , Chen Huijun , Maki Jeffrey H. , Zhao Xihai , Wilson Gregory J. , Yuan Chun , Börnert Peter
Published: November 2013

Purpose

To describe a referenceless reconstruction approach to generate phase‐sensitive inversion recovery images without relying on the extra acquisition of reference images.

Methods

The basic idea of the Referenceless Acquisition of Phase‐sensitive Inversion‐recovery with Decisive reconstruction, or RAPID, algorithm is to retrieve the magnetization polarity by estimating the background phase variation of a complex valued image. The theory and algorithm of RAPID is described in detail. To evaluate the performance of RAPID, seven patients were recruited then scanned in different anatomical regions (cardiac, brain, and vascular). Standard Phase Sensitive Inversion Recovery (PSIR) reconstructions using reference image information were compared with RAPID reconstructions using the same source data.

Results

RAPID reconstructed images were found to provide very good agreement with PSIR reconstructed images on all cases, although no reference image info was used in the RAPID algorithm. For neuroimaging applications, it was found that RAPID reconstruction is more robust compared with the PSIR algorithm as RAPID can avoid potential errors introduced by the reference acquisition.

Conclusion

The RAPID technique for phase‐sensitive reconstruction is promising and can improve the imaging efficiency by a factor of 2 compared with PSIR. RAPID was also shown to provide more robust reconstruction by avoiding errors caused by the reference acquisition. Magn Reson Med 72:806–815, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Economic Evaluation of the Impact of Medication Errors Reported by U.S. Clinical Pharmacists
Authors: Samp Jennifer C. , Touchette Daniel R. , Marinac Jacqueline S. , Kuo Grace M. ,   the American College of Clinical Pharmacy Practice‐Based Research Network Collaborative
Published: November 2013

Objective

Medication errors defined as “any preventable event that may cause or lead to inappropriate medication use or patient harm” have been highlighted as a top national priority in a report issued by the Institute of Medicine. However, little information is available on precise costs of medication errors. This study estimated the cost of medication errors reported by clinical pharmacists using a modified societal perspective.

Methods

Information on 779 medication errors was collected in the Medication Error Detection, Amelioration and Prevention (MEDAP) study that documented medication errors observed by clinical pharmacists during a consecutive 14‐day period. The rate of medication errors, outcomes (number of errors resulting in temporary/permanent patient harm, prolonged hospitalization, or life‐sustaining therapy), and interventions (communication, medication changes, patient monitoring, and treatment referrals) were collected. A decision model was developed to estimate the economic impact of medication errors reported by clinical pharmacists. Event probabilities were derived from MEDAP data. Direct costs were obtained through reviews of the literature, hospital charge data, and Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement. One‐way and Monte Carlo sensitivity analyses were used to explore uncertainty in the values.

Results

In the base case, the mean expected cost of a medication error was $88.57. In the Monte Carlo simulation, the mean cost was $89.35 (± $30.17 SD). One‐way sensitivity analysis revealed that changes in the probability of medication errors causing hospitalization and the cost of hospitalization had the greatest variability on the outcome ($50.44–$155.81 [probability of hospitalization], $32.59–$136.40 [cost of hospitalization]).

Conclusions

Medication errors are costly to the health care system. A better understanding of medication error costs may be used to justify initiatives to reduce the risk and inefficiency associated with these errors.
Meloxicam‐Induced Thrombocytopenia
Authors: Ranieri Melissa M. , Bradley Elizabeth F. , Simon Allison B.
Published: November 2013

Immune thrombocytopenia can have several causes including the use of certain drugs. Thrombocytopenia has been documented as a rare adverse effect of some nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) including diclofenac, naproxen, and ibuprofen. However, only one previously documented case of meloxicam‐associated thrombocytopenia has been reported in the literature. We describe an 84‐year‐old woman who developed a case of immune‐mediated thrombocytopenia that was attributed to meloxicam therapy. The patient's platelet count decreased from a baseline of 267 × 103/mm3 to 2 × 103/mm3 1 week after she received her first lifetime dose of meloxicam. She also experienced black stools and bruising that coincided with the meloxicam administration. The almost immediate onset of thrombocytopenia and symptoms after initiation of meloxicam, as well as the marked reduction in her platelet count, suggest an idiosyncratic reaction. According to the Hill criteria for assessing causality of adverse drug events, it is plausible that this reaction was due to meloxicam. Health care providers should be aware of the possibility of thrombocytopenia secondary to NSAID therapy including meloxicam. Immune thrombocytopenia can be life threatening if it is not identified and treated promptly. A thorough medication history is particularly important when patients present with unusual symptoms, with a focus on those drugs that have been recently initiated. Although thrombocytopenia is a rare adverse effect of NSAID therapy, it should be considered a potential cause in patients receiving these drugs who have signs and symptoms consistent with this blood dyscrasia.
Synthesis and pH‐responsive assembly of methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)‐b‐poly(ε‐caprolactone) with pendant carboxyl groups
Authors: Zhang Yan , Li Jinhong , Du Zhengzhen , Lang Meidong
Published: November 2013

pH‐responsive methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)‐b‐poly(ε‐caprolactone) bearing pendant carboxyl groups mPEG‐b‐P(2‐CCL‐co‐6‐CCL) was synthesized based on our newly monomer benzyloxycarbonylmethly functionalized ε‐caprolactone. Their structure was confirmed by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and Fourier transform infrared spectrum spectra. In addition, SEC results indicated that the copolymers had a relatively narrow polydispersity. WXRD and DSC demonstrated that the introduction of carboxymethyl groups had significant effect on the crystallinity of the copolymers. Furthermore, the solution behavior of mPEG‐b‐P(2‐CCL‐co‐6‐CCL) has been studied by various methods. The results indicated that mPEG‐b‐P(2‐CCL‐co‐6‐CCL) had a rich pH‐responsive behavior and the micelles could be formed by pH induction, and the mPEG‐b‐P(2‐CCL‐co‐6‐CCL) could existed as unimers, micelles or large aggregates in different pH range accordingly. The mechanism of which was supposed to depend on the counteraction between the hydrophobic interaction from PCL and the ionization of the carboxyl groups along the polymer chain. Moreover, the mPEG‐b‐P(2‐CCL‐co‐6‐CCL) copolymers displayed good biocompatibility according to the preliminary cytotoxicity study. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2014, 52, 188–199
Benzodithiophene‐based poly(aryleneethynylene)s: Synthesis, optical properties, and applications in organic solar cells
Authors: Wen Shuguang , Bao Xichang , Shen Wenfei , Gu Chuantao , Du Zhengkun , Han Liangliang , Zhu Dangqiang , Yang Renqiang
Published: November 2013

The synthesis and characterization of building block of ethynylene‐substituted benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b′]dithiophene (BDT), and its application in the construction of poly(aryleneethynylene)s (PAEs) are described in this article. Alkoxy‐substituted BDT and thiazolothiazole are selected as the other copolymerized units, and polymers of PEBBDT and PEBTTZ were synthesized by Pd‐catalyzed Sonogashira coupling reaction. These polymers showed intense interchain π–π interaction and deep HOMO levels (≤ −5.50 eV). Bulk heterojunction solar cell fabricated using PEBBDT or PEBTTZ as electron donor and PC61BM as acceptor display power conversion efficiency of 0.85 and 2.40%, respectively, under the illumination of AM1.5G, 100 mW cm−2. This study shows good prospect for the application of PAEs‐type polymers in organic solar cell. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2014, 52, 208–215
The effect of samarium doping on structure and enhanced thermionic emission properties of lanthanum hexaboride fabricated by spark plasma sintering
Authors: Zhou Shenlin , Zhang Jiuxing , Liu Danmin , Hu Qianglin , Huang Qingzhen
Published: November 2013

Single‐phase polycrystalline solid solutions (La1−xSmx)B6 (x = 0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.8, 1) are fabricated by spark plasma sintering (SPS). This study demonstrates a systematic investigation of structure–property relationships in Sm‐doped LaB6 ternary rare‐earth hexaborides. The microstructure, crystallographic orientation, electrical resistivity, and thermionic emission performance of these compounds are investigated. Analysis of the results indicates that samarium (Sm) doping has a noticeable effect on the structure and performance of lanthanum hexaboride (LaB6). The analytical investigation of the electron backscatter diffraction confirms that (La0.6Sm0.4)B6 exhibits a clear (001) texture that results in a low work function. Work functions are determined by pulsed thermionic diode measurements at 1500–1873 K. The (La0.6Sm0.4)B6 possesses improved thermionic emission properties compared to LaB6. The current density of (La0.6Sm0.4)B6 is 42.4 A cm−2 at 1873 K, which is 17.5% larger than that of LaB6. The values of ΦR for (La0.6Sm0.4)B6 and LaB6 are 1.98 ± 0.03 and 1.67 ± 0.03 eV, respectively. Furthermore, the Sm substitution of lanthanum (La) effectively increases the electrical resistivity. These results reveal that Sm doping lead to significantly enhanced thermionic emission properties of LaB6. The compound (La0.6Sm0.4)B6 appears most promising as a future emitter material.
Synthesis of Si nanowires using Au catalyst accompanied with silicide nanoparticle formation
Authors: Meng Erchao , Li Wen , Nakane Kaito , Shirahashi Yuya , Suzuki Hiroaki , Sato Yusuke , Tatsuoka Hirokazu
Published: November 2013

Si nanowires were grown on Si(111) substrates, and the shape modification of the nanowires was demonstrated. With the Au catalyst, the highly symmetric faceted silicide solid particle in the Au‐Si eutectic solution was formed on the top of the nanowires, and the solid catalyst defined the shape of the Si nanowire. Namely, the VLS growth mechanism was followed by the VSS growth mechanism, and the modified shaped faceted Si nanowire was formed during the VSS growth. This result makes us to expect to control the shape of the nanowires by the formation of facetted silicide particles grown during the Au catalytic growth. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Synthesis of Mg2Si and MnSi1.7 nanowire bundles using Si nanowire arrays as templates
Authors: Li Wen , Nakane Kaito , Tatsuoka Hirokazu
Published: November 2013

Polycrystalline Mg2Si and MnSi1.7 nanowire bundles were synthesized by the heat treatment of Si nanowire arrays under a Mg vapor and MnCl2 vapor, respectively. The structural properties of Mg2Si and MnSi1.7 nanowires and the fabrication phenomenon of them were in‐vestigated. The syntheses of Mg2Si and MnSi1.7 nano‐wires were carried out at 500 °C and 600 °C for 5 h, respectively, and the morphology of the Si nanowires was preserved after reaction. The density of Mg2Si nanowire bundles was increased compared to that of the Si nanowire arrays, and the density of MnSi1.7 nanowire bundles was decreased. These reactions provided the low‐cost and controllable synthetic techniques to synthesize large scale and one‐dimensional semi‐conducting metal silicides for thermoelectric applications. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Engineering thin film β‐FeSi2/Si heterojunctions to harvest solar energy
Authors: Liew S. L. , Chai Y. , Tan H. R. , Hui H. K. , Chi D. Z.
Published: November 2013

Thin film β ‐FeSi2/Si heterojunction solar cells were engineered through magnetron‐sputtering of FeSi2 and Al onto n ‐Si(001) substrates and annealing by rapid thermal processing. Al was incorporated through co‐sputtering with β ‐FeSi2 and also as an interlayer between the co‐sputtered film and Si substrate. The resulting FeSi2(Al) was polycrystalline, orthorhombic and semiconducting. Under AM1.5G, 100 mW/cm2 illumination, devices prepared with Al interlayers exhibited short‐circuit current and open‐circuit voltage improvement over devices without interlayers. These devices were found to exhibit improved interface quality and reduced dark current. Spectral response measurements revealed photocarriers contribution from β ‐FeSi2(Al) film and Si which increased with Al concentration. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Optimization of substrate pretreatment and deposition conditions for epitaxial growth of β‐FeSi2 film on Si(100)
Authors: Yamaguchi Kenji , Hamamoto Satoshi , Hojou Kiichi
Published: November 2013

Effect of substrate treatment conditions, deposition temperature and deposition rate on the crystallinity of β‐FeSi2 films formed on Si substrate was investigated. The substrates were treated with Ne+ ion beams at room temperature and then annealed at 1073 K prior to film fabrication by means of ion beam sputter deposition (IBSD) method. Combinations of experimental parameters which promote the film growth with an epitaxial relationship of β‐FeSi2 (100) // Si (100) were identified. These results were explained qualitatively in terms of the substrate treatment conditions, deposition temperature, as well as on the local Fe/Si ratio. The observed dependence of the film structure on these experimental parameters indicated that careful optimization of substrate treatment conditions and deposition parameters would further stimulate effort to fabricate β‐FeSi2 films with excellent crystalline properties. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Preparation and thermoelectric properties of Mg2Si0.9‐xSnx Ge0.1
Authors: Tada S. , Isoda Y. , Udono H. , Fujiu H. , Kumagai S. , Shinohara Y.
Published: November 2013

We investigated the thermoelectric properties of non‐doped Mg2Si0.9‐xSnx Ge0.1 (x = 0, 0.60, 0.65, 0.75, and 0.90) solid solutions of quaternary systems prepared using a liquid–solid reaction and hot‐pressing methods. All the sintered compact samples consisted of a single phase with an anti‐fluorite structure, which was revealed by X‐ray diffraction (XRD). The lattice constant increased linearly with increasing amounts of Sn in the sample. Mg2Si0.90Ge0.10 and Mg2Si0.30Sn0.60Ge0.10 exhibited n‐type conduction and possessed a negative Seebeck coefficient. On the other hand, Mg2Si0.25Sn0.65Ge0.10, Mg2Si0.15Sn0.75Ge0.10, and Mg2Sn0.90Ge0.10 exhibited positive conduction. The resistivities ranged from 3.22 × 10‐5 Ω m for Mg2Si0.90Ge0.10 to 1.37 × 10‐2 Ω m for Mg2Si0.30Sn0.60Ge0.10 at 300 K. The thermal conductivity varied depending on the amount of Sn in the samples. The minimum value of the thermal conductivity was 1.93 W m‐1 K‐1 for Mg2Si0.30Sn0.60Ge0.10 and Mg2Si0.25Sn0.65Ge0.10 at 450 K. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Solid‐phase growth of Mg2Si by annealing in inert gas atmosphere
Authors: Ikehata Takashi , Ando Tatsuya , Yamamoto Takuya , Takagi Yuta , Sato Naoyuki , Udono Haruhiko
Published: November 2013

Magnesium silicide (Mg2Si) is an attractive semiconductor material for application to thermo‐electric conversion devices because it consists of non‐toxic and resource‐abundant elements. There were difficulties, however, in preparation of Mg2Si thin films coming from large difference in thermodynamic properties between Mg and Si. In the present study, preparation of Mg2Si thin films by solid‐phase synthesis; thermal annealing of metallic Mg on a Si substrate in argon gas atmosphere, is tested and optimum annealing conditions for the synthesis are explored. As a result, it is found that the optimum annealing temperature is 300‐350 °C and the argon gas pressure should be higher than 50 Pa. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Formation and optical properties of semiconducting thick Ca silicide films and Si/CaxSi/Si heterostructures on Si(111) substrate
Authors: Galkin Nikolay G. , Bezbabnyi Dmitri A. , Galkin Konstantin N. , Dotsenko Sergei A. , Zielony Eunika , Kudrawiec Robert , Misiewicz Jan
Published: November 2013

Si/Ca2Si/Si(111) and Si/Ca3Si4/Si(111) heterostructures have been formed by procedure of layer‐by‐layer deposition of Ca at 130 °C or 500 °C on previously formed layer of amorphous Si or on a polycrystalline Si layers. Features of electronic structure, optical and electrical properties were established by in situ and ex situ methods. Strong direct interband transitions at 0.89 and 0.912 eV were firstly found for Ca3Si4 film grown at 500 °C. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Structural and optical properties of magnetron sputtered and pulsed beam annealed Ge/Si layers
Authors: Galkin K. N. , Batalov R. I. , Bayazitov R. M. , Novikov H. A. , Shustov V. A. , Bizyaev D. A. , Gaiduk P. I. , Ivlev G. D. , Prokopyev S. L.
Published: November 2013

Recently the significant progress in the creation of thin film structures effectively emitting light in the near infrared region (1.5‐1.6 μm) at room temperature has been reached for Ge/Si system by UHV growth techniques by Kimerling's group (Ref. [13]). In this work vacuum deposition of Ge thin films onto Si substrates by magnetron sputtering followed by nanosecond pulsed annealing was performed. During deposition sputtering time (t = 3‐20 min) and substrate temperature (T = 20‐300 °C) were varied. During pulsed treatments powerful laser radiation (λ = 690 nm) or high current ion beams (C+, H+, E = 300 keV, J ≤ 150 A/cm2) were used. The dependence of structural and optical properties of Ge/Si films on parameters of magnetron sputtering and pulsed treatments was investigated. Optimum parameters for deposition and pulsed treatments resulted in light emitting layers are determined. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Growth, structure, optical and electrical properties of Si/2D Mg2Si/Si(111) double heterostructures and Schottky diodes on their base
Authors: Galkin Konstantin N. , Galkin Nikolay G. , Dózsa László , Dotsenko Sergei A. , Chernev Igor M. , Vavanova Svetlana V. , Dobos László , Pécz Béla
Published: November 2013

Mg2Si layers were grown on silicon by RDE at 150 °C and by SPE at 160 °C, and they were covered by silicon cap grown by MBE at 150‐180 °C. The silicide layers and the silicon cap were investigated by in situ and ex situ methods. The 2D Mg2Si layer continuity and electrical properties were conserved during cap growth. The point defects in the structure are dominated by contamination of the substrate and by diffusion of the not reacted Mg into silicon. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
filtering of nonlinear plants over networks
Authors: Charandabi Behnam Allahverdi , Marquez Horacio J.
Published: November 2013

In this paper, we consider the filtering problem for Lipschitz systems in a networked environment. We assume that the measurements transmitted over the network are subject to quantization, uncertain delays and communication constraints. We first analytically demonstrate how each of the these issues affect the filtering problem. Second, we tackle the filter design as an optimization problem with LMI constraints. The optimization maximizes the Lipschitz constant and thus the region of attraction for which the filter is stable and an bound is satisfied by the error system. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Inter‐annual variability, risk and confidence intervals associated with propagation statistics. Part I: theory of estimation
Authors: Jeannin Nicolas , Boulanger Xavier , Féral Laurent , Castanet Laurent , Lacoste Frédéric
Published: November 2013

This set of two companion papers aims at providing a statistical framework to quantify the inter‐annual variability observed on the statistics of rain attenuation or rainfall rate derived from Earth‐space propagation measurements. This part I is more specifically devoted to the theoretical study of the variance of estimation of empirical complementary cumulative distribution functions (ECCDFs) derived from Earth‐space rain attenuation or rainfall rate time series. To focus the analysis on the statistical variability but without loss of generality, synthetic rain attenuation time series are considered. A large variability on the ECCDFs, which depends on the duration of the synthetic data, is first put into evidence. The variance of estimation is then derived from the properties of the statistical estimator. The formulation is validated numerically, by comparison with the ECCDF variances derived from the synthetic data. The variance of the fluctuations around the CCDF is then shown to be dependent on the average of the correlation function of the time series, on the probability level and on the measurement duration. This variance of estimation is needed as a prerequisite in conjunction with the knowledge of the climatic variability to characterize the yearly fluctuations of propagation statistics computed from experimental time series. The extensions from simulations to experiments as well as the application to system planning are detailed in part II. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High‐ versus Low‐Quality Graphene: A Mechanistic Investigation of Electrografted Diazonium‐Based Films for Growth of Polymer Brushes
Authors: Lillethorup Mie , Kongsfelt Mikkel , Ceccato Marcel , Jensen Bjarke B. E. , Jørgensen Bjarke , Pedersen Steen U. , Daasbjerg Kim
Published: November 2013

Electrografting using aryldiazonium salts provides a fast and efficient technique to functionalize commercially available 3−5 layered graphene (vapour‐deposited) on nickel. In this study, Raman spectroscopy is used to quantify the grafting efficiency of cyclic voltammetry which is one of the most versatile, yet simple, electrochemical techniques available. To a large extent the number of defects/substituents introduced to the basal plane of high‐quality graphene by this procedure can be controlled through the sweeping conditions employed. After extended electrografting the defect density reaches a saturation level (∼1013 cm−2) which is independent of the quality of the graphene expressed through its initial content of defects. However, it is reached within fewer voltammetric cycles for low‐quality graphene. Based on these results it is suggested that the grafting occurs (a) directly at defect sites for, in particular, low‐quality graphene, (b) directly at the basal plane for, in particular, high‐quality graphene, and/or (c) at already grafted molecules to give a mushroom‐like film growth for all films. Moreover, it is shown that a tertiary alkyl bromide can be introduced at a given surface density to serve as radical initiator for surface‐initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (SI‐ATRP). Brushes of poly(methyl methacrylate) are grown from these substrates, and the relationship between polymer thickness and sweeping conditions is studied.
Modeling of the learning process in centipede games
Authors: Westveld Anton H. , Hoff Peter D.
Published: November 2013

According to classic game theory, individuals playing a centipede game learn about the subgame perfect Nash equilibrium via repeated play of the game. We employ statistical modeling to evaluate the evidence of such learning processes while accounting for the substantial within‐player correlation observed for the players’ decisions and rates of learning. We determine the probabilities of players’ choices through a quantal response equilibrium. Our statistical approach additionally (i) relaxes the assumption of players’ a priori global knowledge of opponents’ strategies, (ii) incorporates within‐subject dependency through random effects, and (iii) allows players’ decision probabilities to change with repeated play through an explicit covariate. Hence, players’ tendencies to correctly assess the utility of decisions are allowed to evolve over the course of the game, and both adaptive behavior as one accrues experience and the difference in this behavior between players are appropriately reflected by the model. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons Ltd
Sustainable, efficient, and equitable water use: the three pillars under wise freshwater allocation
Authors: Hoekstra Arjen Y.
Published: November 2013

There are many river basins in the world where human water footprint needs to be reduced substantially. This article proposes three pillars under wise freshwater allocation: water footprint caps per river basin, water footprint benchmarks per product, and fair water footprint shares per community. Water footprint caps for all river basins in the world—setting maximums to the water volumes that can be consumed or polluted by the various human activities per basin—would aim to ensure a sustainable water use within each basin. Water footprint benchmarks for water‐using processes aim to provide an incentive to producers to reduce the water footprint of their products toward reasonable benchmark levels. Benchmarks will enable the actors along supply chains—from primary producers and intermediate companies to final consumers—and governments responsible for water allocation to share information about what are ‘reasonable water footprints’ for various processes and products. The idea of a fair water footprint share per community aims to contribute to the debate about social equity. Water allocation may be environmentally sustainable and efficient from a resource point of view, but that does not automatically imply that water allocation is fair from a societal point of view. We need international agreement on what makes the water footprint of a community of consumers fair or reasonably acceptable, given the limited maximum sustainable water footprint per global citizen. WIREs Water 2014, 1:31–40. doi: 10.1002/wat2.1000

This article is categorized under:

Engineering Water > Planning Water

Human Water > Rights to Water

Human Water > Value of Water
Finding the target sites of RNA‐binding proteins
Authors: Li Xiao , Kazan Hilal , Lipshitz Howard D. , Morris Quaid D.
Published: November 2013

RNA–protein interactions differ from DNA–protein interactions because of the central role of RNA secondary structure. Some RNA‐binding domains (RBDs) recognize their target sites mainly by their shape and geometry and others are sequence‐specific but are sensitive to secondary structure context. A number of small‐ and large‐scale experimental approaches have been developed to measure RNAs associated in vitro and in vivo with RNA‐binding proteins (RBPs). Generalizing outside of the experimental conditions tested by these assays requires computational motif finding. Often RBP motif finding is done by adapting DNA motif finding methods; but modeling secondary structure context leads to better recovery of RBP‐binding preferences. Genome‐wide assessment of mRNA secondary structure has recently become possible, but these data must be combined with computational predictions of secondary structure before they add value in predicting in vivo binding. There are two main approaches to incorporating structural information into motif models: supplementing primary sequence motif models with preferred secondary structure contexts (e.g., MEMERIS and RNAcontext) and directly modeling secondary structure recognized by the RBP using stochastic context‐free grammars (e.g., CMfinder and RNApromo). The former better reconstruct known binding preferences for sequence‐specific RBPs but are not suitable for modeling RBPs that recognize shape and geometry of RNAs. Future work in RBP motif finding should incorporate interactions between multiple RBDs and multiple RBPs in binding to RNA. WIREs RNA 2014, 5:111–130. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1201

This article is categorized under:

RNA Evolution and Genomics > Computational Analyses of RNA

RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein–RNA Recognition

RNA Methods > RNA Analyses In Vitro and In Silico
Synthesis, Crystal Structure and Characterization of the Copper Iron Phosphate Cu8Fe2O5(PO4)4
Authors: Weimann Iren , Jahn Thorsten , Feller Jörg , Zak Zdirad
Published: November 2013

The system CuO‐Fe2O3‐P2O5 has been investigated by means of the solid state reaction between CuO, Fe2O3 and (NH4)2HPO4 in quartz crucibles at 900 °C. The powder samples were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, IR spectroscopy and TG/DTA. Single crystals of a new quaternary phase Cu8Fe2P4O21 were achieved by cooling from the melt of the compound in a sealed, evacuated quartz ampoule. Cu8Fe2O5(PO4)4 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/m (No 12) with a = 15.9733(8) Å, b = 5.9438(3) Å, c = 9.5530(5) Å, β = 113.76(1)°, Z = 2. The three‐dimensional framework consists of [FeO6] octahedra, three different [CuO5] polyhedra and [PO4] tetrahedra. Cu8Fe2P4O21 exhibits an incongruently melting point at 945 °C.
Investigations on the Enantiomerization Mechanism of an ­Organophosphorus Cages – DFT Study
Authors: Alzoubi Basam M.
Published: November 2013

The enantiomerization pathways of the organophosphorus cages Bz3XPO4 (X = N, P, As, CH, SiH, and GeH) were studied by quantum chemical calculations (RB3LYP/LANL2DZp), where Bz3PPO4 is octadecahydro‐2,8‐(epoxy1,2benzeno)dibenzo[d,g]1,3,2,6 dioxadiphosphocine‐2‐oxide. The twist angles of the organophosphorus cage decrease in the order Bz3GeHPO4 > Bz3AsPO4 > Bz3SiHPO4 > Bz3PPO4 > Bz3CHPO4 > Bz3NPO4. The steric factors affect mainly the activation energy and the structural data of the organophosphorus cages.
Two New Organic‐Inorganic Hybrid Compounds using Bi‐ and Mono‐Nuclear Cu‐H2biim Subunits to modify Keggin Anions
Authors: Ying Jun , Sun Na , Yan Lei , Lin Xiao‐Ling , Liu Yu‐Jing , Yang Yang , Xiao Ru , Tian Ai‐Xiang
Published: November 2013

Two new Keggin‐based organic‐inorganic hybrid compounds, namely [Cu8(H2biim)8(SiW12O40)2]·7H2O (1) and [Cu2(H2biim)4(H2O)2(SiMo12O40)] (2) (H2biim = 2,2′‐biimidazole), were hydrothermally synthesized by using the bi‐imidazole ligand and Keggin anions, and characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, elemental analyses, IR spectra, and cyclic voltammetry. In compound 1, two H2biim ligands are fused by two Cu+ ions to form a dinuclear [Cu2(H2biim)2]4+ subunit. The Cu3‐based dinuclear subunits are further connected by [SiW12O40]4– anions to construct a 1D chain. The other Cu1‐based dimer acts as a supporting unit of the anion. Through changing [SiW12O40]4– to [SiMo12O40]4–, compound 2 was obtained, including discrete anions and mononuclear subunits [Cu(H2biim)2(H2O)]2+. The electrochemical behaviors of compounds 1 and 2 bulk‐modified carbon paste electrodes (1‐ and 2‐CPE) were studied.
Saturation effects in exclusive ρ

T,L
meson electroproduction
Authors: Besse A. , Szymanowski L. , Wallon S.
Published: November 2013

Abstract

We use recent results for the
$ \gamma_L^{*}\to {\rho_L} $
and
$ \gamma_T^{*}\to {\rho_T} $
impact factors, computed in the impact parameter representation within the collinear factorization scheme, to get predictions for the polarized cross-sections σ

T
and σ

L
of the diffractive leptoproduction of the ρ meson at high energy. In this approach the helicity amplitude is a convolution of the scattering amplitude of a color dipole with a target, together with the virtual gamma wave function and with the first moments of the ρ meson wave function (in the transverse momentum space), given by the distribution amplitudes up to twist 3 for the
$ \gamma_T^{*}\to {\rho_T} $
impact factor and up to twist 2 for the
$ \gamma_L^{*}\to {\rho_L} $
impact factor. Combining these results with recent dipole models fitted to DIS data, which include saturation effects, we show that the predictions are in good agreement with HERA data for photon virtuality (Q
2) larger than typically 5 GeV2, without free parameters and with a weak dependence on the choice of the factorization scale, i.e. the shape of the DAs, for both longitudinally and transversely polarized ρ meson. For lower values of Q
2, the inclusion of saturation effects is not enough to provide a good description of HERA data. We believe that it is a signal of a need for higher twist contributions in the ρ meson DAs. We also analyze the radial distributions of dipoles between the initial γ

*
and the final ρ meson states.