bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Zwitterionic pyridinium derivatives of [closo-1-CB9H10]−and [closo-1-CB11H12]−as high Δεadditives to a nematic host
Authors: Pecyna Jacek , Pociecha Damian , Kaszyński Piotr
Published: January 2014

Pyridinium zwitterions ofcloso-boranes were conveniently obtained from 4-alkoxypyrylium salts and investigated as high Δεadditives to nematics.
2D-ice templated titanium oxide films as advanced conducting platforms for electrical stimulation
Authors: Romeo Hernán E. , Trabadelo Fernando , Jobbágy Matías , Parra Rodrigo
Published: January 2014

Controlling film surface properties (topography and chemistry) while executing electrical stimulation is one of the most addressed research topics in materials chemistry. In this work, titanium oxide conducting films were 2D-structured by directional freezing and tested as advanced platforms for electrical stimulation.
Effects of O3 and H2O as oxygen sources on the atomic layer deposition of HfO2 gate dielectrics at different deposition temperatures
Authors: Lee Sang Young , Kim Hyo Kyeom , Lee Jong Ho , Yu Il-Hyuk , Lee Jae-Ho , Hwang Cheol Seong
Published: January 2014

Variations in the (a) growth rate and (b) film density, measured via the XRR of the HfO2 films with O3 and H2O oxidants as a function of Ts (160–360 °C).
Investigation of ionic liquids for efficient removal and reliable storage of radioactive iodine: a halogen-bonding case
Authors: Yan Chuanyu , Mu Tiancheng
Published: January 2014

Ionic liquids could be used for removal of radioactive iodine waste released from nuclear power plants by halogen bonding (XB).
An integrated study of the affinities of the Aβ16 peptide for Cu(i) and Cu(ii): implications for the catalytic production of reactive oxygen species
Authors: Young Tessa R. , Kirchner Angie , Wedd Anthony G. , Xiao Zhiguang
Published: January 2014

Affinities of Aβ16 peptide and several selected variants for Cu(i) and Cu(ii) were determined with new probes and correlated to their binding modes and abilities in promoting ROS generation.
Tailor-made compositional gradient copolymer by a many-shot RAFT emulsion polymerization method
Authors: Guo Yunlong , Zhang Jianhua , Xie Peile , Gao Xiang , Luo Yingwu
Published: January 2014

A many-shot RAFT emulsion polymerization method to synthesize gradient copolymers with high molecular weight and a tailor-made compositional gradient.
Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1A toxins are versatile proteins with multiple modes of action: two distinct pre-pores are involved in toxicity
Authors: Gómez Isabel , Sánchez Jorge , Muñoz-Garay Carlos , Matus Violeta , Gill Sarjeet S. , Soberón Mario , Bravo Alejandra
Published: January 2014

Cry proteins from Bacillus thuringiensis are insecticidal PFTs (pore-forming toxins). In the present study, we show that two distinct functional pre-pores of Cry1Ab are formed after binding of the protoxin or the protease-activated toxin to the cadherin receptor, but before membrane insertion. Both pre-pores actively induce pore formation, although with different characteristics, and contribute to the insecticidal activity. We also analysed the oligomerization of the mutant Cry1AbMod protein. This mutant kills different insect populations that are resistant to Cry toxins, but lost potency against susceptible insects. We found that the Cry1AbMod-protoxin efficiently induces oligomerization, but not the activated Cry1AbMod-toxin, explaining the loss of potency of Cry1AbMod against susceptible insects. These data are relevant for the future control of insects resistant to Cry proteins. Our data support the pore-formation model involving sequential interaction with different midgut proteins, leading to pore formation in the target membrane. We propose that not only different insect targets could have different receptors, but also different midgut proteases that would influence the rate of protoxin/toxin activation. It is possible that the two pre-pore structures could have been selected for in evolution, since they have differential roles in toxicity against selected targets, increasing their range of action. These data assign a functional role for the protoxin fragment of Cry PFTs that was not understood previously. Most PFTs produced by other bacteria are secreted as protoxins that require activation before oligomerization, to finally form a pore. Thus different pre-pores could be also part of the general mechanism of action of other PFTs.
Simulation and testing of a micro electromagnetic energy harvester for self-powered system
Authors: Lei Yiming , Wen Zhiyu , Chen Li
Published: January 2014

This paper describes a low cost and efficient electromagnetic vibration energy harvester (EVEH) for a self-powered system. The EVEH consists of a resistant (copper) spring, a permanent magnet (NdFeB35) and a wire-wound copper coil. The copper spring was fabricated by the laser precision cutting technology. A numerical model was adopted to analyze magnetic field distribution of a rectangle permanent magnet. The finite element (FEM) soft ANSYS was used to simulate the mechanical properties of the system. The testing results show that the micro electromagnetic vibration energy harvester can generate the maximal power 205.38 μW at a resonance frequency of 124.2 Hz with an acceleration of 0.5 g (g = 9.8 ms−2) across a load the 265 Ω and a superior normalized power density (NPD) of 456.5 μW cm−3 g−2. The magnetic field distribution of the permanent magnet was calculated to optimize geometric parameters of the coil. The proposed EVEH has a high efficiency with the lower cost.
Reduction of thermal conductivity of bulk nanostructured bismuth telluride composites embedded with silicon nano-inclusions
Authors: Satyala Nikhil , Tahmasbi Rad Armin , Zamanipour Zahra , Norouzzadeh Payam , Krasinski Jerzy S. , Tayebi Lobat , Vashaee Daryoosh
Published: January 2014

Bulk nanostructured bismuth telluride (Bi2Te3) composite with silicon nano-crystallite inclusions was synthesized via sintering approach. The effect of the composite structure formed by the addition of miniscule quantity (5 at. %) of silicon on the thermoelectric properties of bulk nanostructured Bi2Te3 is shown via a 50% drop in thermal conductivity accompanied with a simultaneous enhancement in the Seebeck coefficient. We demonstrate that the addition of silicon nano-inclusions to the nanostructured compound combined with a systematic thermal treatment beneficially reduces the thermal conductivity to less than 1.0 W/mK over the entire temperature range of 300 K to 525 K. It is shown that the combinatorial techniques of nanostructuring, nano-inclusions, and annealing are effective in reducing thermal conductivity by a significant magnitude. This low thermal conductivity is comparable to that of Bi2Te3 based superlattices and significantly lower than that of bulk Bi2Te3. The technique is extendable to (Bi,Se)2(Sb,Te)3 based thermoelectric alloys for enhancing the figure-of-merit.
Resonant tunneling with high peak to valley current ratio in SiO2/nc-Si/SiO2 multi-layers at room temperature
Authors: Chen D. Y. , Sun Y. , He Y. J. , Xu L. , Xu J.
Published: January 2014

We have investigated carrier transport in SiO2/nc-Si/SiO2 multi-layers by room temperature current-voltage measurements. Resonant tunneling signatures accompanied by current peaks are observed. Carrier transport in the multi-layers were analyzed by plots of ln(I/V2) as a function of 1/V and ln(I) as a function of V1/2. Results suggest that besides films quality, nc-Si and barrier sub-layer thicknesses are important parameters that restrict carrier transport. When thicknesses are both small, direct tunneling dominates carrier transport, resonant tunneling occurs only at certain voltages and multi-resonant tunneling related current peaks can be observed but with peak to valley current ratio (PVCR) values smaller than 1.5. When barrier thickness is increased, trap-related and even high field related tunneling is excited, causing that multi-current peaks cannot be observed clearly, only one current peak with higher PVCR value of 7.7 can be observed. While if the thickness of nc-Si is large enough, quantum confinement is not so strong, a broad current peak with PVCR value as high as 60 can be measured, which may be due to small energy difference between the splitting energy levels in the quantum dots of nc-Si. Size distribution in a wide range may cause un-controllability of the peak voltages.
Development of frequency modulated continuous wave reflectometer for electron density profile measurement on the HL-2A tokamak
Authors: Zhong W. L. , Shi Z. B. , Huang X. L. , Liu Z. T. , Chen W. , Jiang M. , Li J. , Cui Z. Y. , Song X. M. , Chen L. Y. , Zou X. L. , Ding X. T. , Liu Yi , Yan L. W. , Yang Q. W. , Duan X. R.
Published: January 2014

The frequency modulated continuous wave reflectometer was developed for the first time on the HL-2A tokamak. The system utilizes a voltage controlled oscillator and an active multiplier for broadband coverage and detects as heterodyne mode. Three reflectometers have been installed and operated in extraordinary mode polarization on HL-2A to measure density profiles at low field side, covering the Q-band (33–50 GHz), V-band (50–75 GHz), and W-band (75–110 GHz). For density profile reconstruction from the phase shift of the probing wave, a corrected phase unwrapping method is introduced in this article. The effectiveness of the method is demonstrated. The density profile behavior of a fast plasma event is presented and it demonstrates the capability of the reflectometer. These diagnostics will be contributed to the routine density profile measurements and the plasma physics study on HL-2A.
Electron ionization of open/closed chain isocarbonic molecules relevant in plasma processing: Theoretical cross sections
Authors: Patel Umang R. , Joshipura K. N. , Kothari Harshit N. , Pandya Siddharth H.
Published: January 2014

In this paper, we report theoretical electron impact ionization cross sections from threshold to 2000 eV for isocarbonic open chain molecules C4H6, C4H8, C4F6 including their isomers, and closed chain molecules c-C4H8 and c-C4F8. Theoretical formalism employed presently, viz., Complex Scattering Potential-ionization contribution method has been used successfully for a variety of polyatomic molecules. The present ionization calculations are very important since results available for the studied targets are either scarce or none. Our work affords comparison of C4 containing hydrocarbon versus fluorocarbon molecules. Comparisons of the present ionization cross sections are made wherever possible, and new ionization data are also presented.
Line coupling effects in the isotropic Raman spectra of N2: A quantum calculation at room temperature
Authors: Thibault Franck , Boulet Christian , Ma Qiancheng
Published: January 2014

We present quantum calculations of the relaxation matrix for the Q branch of N2 at room temperature using a recently proposed N2-N2 rigid rotor potential. Close coupling calculations were complemented by coupled states studies at high energies and provide about 10 200 two-body state-to state cross sections from which the needed one-body cross-sections may be obtained. For such temperatures, convergence has to be thoroughly analyzed since such conditions are close to the limit of current computational feasibility. This has been done using complementary calculations based on the energy corrected sudden formalism. Agreement of these quantum predictions with experimental data is good, but the main goal of this work is to provide a benchmark relaxation matrix for testing more approximate methods which remain of a great utility for complex molecular systems at room (and higher) temperatures.
On the geometry of surface stress
Authors: Rossi G. C. , Testa M.
Published: January 2014

We present a fully general derivation of the Laplace–Young formula and discuss the interplay between the intrinsic surface geometry and the extrinsic one ensuing from the immersion of the surface in the ordinary Euclidean three-dimensional space. We prove that the (reversible) work done in a general surface deformation can be expressed in terms of the surface stress tensor and the variation of the intrinsic surface metric.
Development of the C6+ laser ablation ion source for the KEK digital accelerator
Authors: Munemoto Naoya , Takayama Ken , Takano Susumu , Okamura Masahiro , Kumaki Masahumi
Published: January 2014

A laser ion source that provides a fully ionized carbon ion beam is under joint development at the High Energy Accelerator Research Organization and Brookhaven National Laboratory. Long-pulse (6 ns) and short-pulse (500 ps) laser systems were tested by using them to irradiate a graphite target. Notable differences between the systems were observed in these experiments. Preliminary experimental results, such as the charge-state spectrum, beam intensity, and stability, are discussed.
Off-resonance photoemission dynamics studied by recoil frame F1s and C1s photoelectron angular distributions of CH3F
Authors: Stener M. , Decleva P. , Mizuno T. , Yoshida H. , Yagishita A.
Published: January 2014

F1s and C1s photoelectron angular distributions are considered for CH3F, a molecule which does not support any shape resonance. In spite of the absence of features in the photoionization cross section profile, the recoil frame photoelectron angular distributions (RFPADs) exhibits dramatic changes depending on both the photoelectron energy and polarization geometry. Time-dependent density functional theory calculations are also given to rationalize the photoionization dynamics. The RFPADs have been compared with the theoretical calculations, in order to assess the accuracy of the theoretical method and rationalize the experimental findings. The effect of finite acceptance angles for both ionic fragments and photoelectrons has been included in the calculations, as well as the effect of rotational averaging around the fragmentation axis. Excellent agreement between theory and experiment is obtained, confirming the good quality of the calculated dynamical quantities (dipole moments and phase shifts).
Energy harvesting from nanofibers of hybrid organic ferroelectric dabcoHReO4
Authors: Isakov D. , de Matos Gomes E. , Almeida B. , Kholkin A. L. , Zelenovskiy P. , Neradovskiy M. , Shur V. Ya.
Published: January 2014

We report excellent piezoelectric and pyroelectric properties of electrospun nanofibers based on the hybrid ferroelectric 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane perrhenate (dabcoHReO4). Ferroelectric nanoparticles are embedded into the fibers being naturally aligned with the major polarization component along the fiber axis. A flexible piezoelectric nanogenerator consisting of an aligned array of dabcoHReO4 fibers provides a voltage above 100 mV under a moderate strain level. The pyroelectric coefficient in as-electrospun dabcoHReO4 fiber mat is similar to that in poled polyvinylidene difluoride nanofibers. The results show that the nanofibers based on dabcoHReO4 have a great potential for pyroelectric and piezoelectric autonomous energy harvesting with natural advantages such as biocompatibility, flexibility, low cost, and easy fabrication.
Recirculation cells in a wide channel
Authors: Chauvet H. , Devauchelle O. , Metivier F. , Lajeunesse E. , Limare A.
Published: January 2014

Secondary flow cells are commonly observed in straight laboratory channels, where they are often associated with duct corners. Here, we present velocity measurements acquired with an acoustic Doppler current profiler in a straight reach of the Seine river (France). We show that a remarkably regular series of stationary flow cells spans across the entire channel. They are arranged in pairs of counter-rotating vortices aligned with the primary flow. Their existence away from the river banks contradicts the usual interpretation of these secondary flow structures, which invokes the influence of boundaries. Based on these measurements, we use a depth-averaged model to evaluate the momentum transfer by these structures, and find that it is comparable with the classical turbulent transfer.
Communication: An existence test for dividing surfaces without recrossing
Authors: Mullen Ryan Gotchy , Shea Joan-Emma , Peters Baron
Published: January 2014

The claim that Grote-Hynes theory (GHT), when it provides accurate rates, is equivalent to multidimensional variational transition state theory (VTST) has been debated for decades with convincing arguments on both sides. For the two theories to be equivalent a perfect dividing surface with no recrossing must exist. We describe an easily implemented test employing deterministic microcanonical (NVE) trajectories which can identify situations where no perfect dividing surface exists and thereby potentially falsify the claim of equivalence. We use this test to reach data-supported conclusions about the relationship between GHT and VTST.
A feasibility study on a new brushless and gearless contra-rotating permanent magnet wind power generator
Authors: Niu Shuangxia , Ho S. L. , Fu W. N. , Chau K. T. , Lin F.
Published: January 2014

In this paper, a novel fully integrated contra-rotating permanent magnet (PM) generator is proposed. In order to efficiently capture wind energy, two contra-rotating rotors are integrated, based on magnetic field modulating principle, into a single PM machine. A relatively high angular velocity is created and the torque density is improved. The steady-state and transient performance of the machine is simulated using time-stepping finite-element method. The computation results are used to showcase the validity of the proposed machine design.
Transport critical current measurements on a Cu-substituted BaFe2As2 superconductor
Authors: Garitezi T. M. , Rosa P. F. S. , Adriano C. , Pagliuso P. G.
Published: January 2014

The critical current density Jc is a crucial parameter to establish the actual technological potential of a superconducting (SC) material. Furthermore, being proportional to the SC gap parameter, it can reveal important information about the microscopic nature of the SC state in a given material. The FeAs-based class of SC materials has been a focus of intense scientific investigation lately, but direct investigation of Jc by transport measurements is rather scarce in literature. For these materials, it is very interesting to map Jc as a function of their distinct SC tuning parameters such as applied pressure and chemical substitution. In this work, detailed investigation of the field, temperature, and pressure dependences of transport critical current density Jc for Cu-substituted BaFe2As2 single crystals is reported. In this particular material, Cu-substitution has a strong magnetic pair breaking effect. However, with increasing pressure, this sample shows an almost twofold increase of Tc, from 3.2 K to 6.9 K, which is followed by an increase in Jc. These observations are discussed considering the presence of magnetic pinning centers in the Fe-As plane, which, in principle, could suggest effective routes to increase Jc in the this class of materials.
Backwall superstrate configuration for ultrathin Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar cells
Authors: Larsen J. K. , Simchi H. , Xin P. , Kim K. , Shafarman W. N.
Published: January 2014

A backwall superstrate device structure that outperforms conventional substrate Cu(In,Ga)Se2 devices for thin absorbers is demonstrated. The backwall structure (glass/In2O3-SnO2/MoO3-x/Cu(In,Ga)Se2/CdS/i-ZnO/Ag) utilizes a MoO3−x transparent back contact to allow illumination of the device from the back. In combination with a silver front reflector this cell structure is tailored to enhance performance of devices with submicron thick absorbers. It was found that devices with the backwall configuration outperform substrate devices in the absorber thickness range dCIGS = 0.1-0.5 μm. The advantage of the backwall configuration is mainly through superior JSC, achieved by application of a front reflector and elimination of parasitic absorption in CdS.
Anisotropic scattering effect of the inclined misfit dislocation on the two-dimensional electron gas in Al(In)GaN/GaN heterostructures
Authors: Jin Dong-Dong , Wang Lian-shan , Yang Shao-Yan , Zhang Liu-Wan , Li Hui-jie , Zhang Heng , Wang Jian-xia , Xiang Ruo-fei , Wei Hong-yuan , Jiao Chun-mei , Liu Xiang-Lin , Zhu Qin-Sheng , Wang Zhan-Guo
Published: January 2014

In this paper, a theory is developed to study the anisotropic scattering effect of the inclined misfit dislocation on the two-dimensional electron gas in Al(In)GaN/GaN heterostructures. The inclined misfit dislocation, which differs from the well-known vertical threading dislocation, has a remarkable tilt angle from the vertical. The predicted electron mobility shows a remarkable anisotropy. It has a maximum mobility value along the direction perpendicular to the projection of the inclined dislocation line, and a minimum mobility value along the direction parallel to the projection. The degree of the anisotropic scattering effect will be even greater with the increase of the tilt angle.
Multiplied magnetoelectric effect in multi-faceted magnetoelectric composite
Authors: Zuo Z. J. , Pan D. A. , Lu J. , Zhang S. G. , Tian J. J. , Qiao L. J. , Volinsky A. A.
Published: January 2014

A four-faceted magnetoelectric (ME) composite consisting of one cuboid bonded Terfenol-D composite and four plates of Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 (PZT) was fabricated. The ME voltage coefficients were measured along the length direction of the composite when PZT plates were parallelly or serially connected. Results show that the ME voltage coefficient remains almost the same when increasing the number of PZT in parallel mode. By contrast, the ME voltage coefficient increases multiplicatively with the increasing of the number of PZT in serial mode. This multi-faceted structure scheme offers an effective approach to improving ME effect and downsizing the ME devices.
Electrical admittance of piezoelectric parallelepipeds: application to tensorial characterization of piezoceramics
Authors: Diallo O. , Clezio E. Le , Delaunay T. , Bavencoffe M. , Feuillard G.
Published: January 2014

This work deals with the characterization of functional properties, including determination of mechanical and electrical losses, of piezoelectric materials using only one sample and one measurement. First, the natural resonant frequencies of a piezoelectric parallelepiped are calculated and the electrical admittance is determined from calculations of the charge quantity on both electrodes of the parallelepiped. A first validation of the model is performed using a comparison with Mason's model. Results are reported for a PMN-34.5PT ceramic cube and a good agreement is found between experimental admittance measurements and their modeling. The functional properties of the PMN-34.5PT are then extracted.
Band gap modification and ferroelectric properties of Bi0.5(Na,K)0.5TiO3-based by Li substitution
Authors: Quan Ngo Duc , Hung Vu Ngoc , Quyet Nguyen Van , Chung Hoang Vu , Dung Dang Duc
Published: January 2014

We report on the reduction of band gap in Bi0.5(Na0.82-xLixK0.18)0.5(Ti0.95Sn0.05)O3 from 2.99 eV to 2.84 eV due to the substitutions of Li+ ions to Na+ sites. In addition, the lithium substitution samples exhibit an increasing of the maximal polarizations from 21.8 to 25.7 μC/cm2. The polarization enhancement of ferroelectric and reduction of the band gaps are strongly related to the Li substitution concentration as evaluated via the electronegative between A-site and oxygen and tolerance factor. The results are promising for photovoltaic and photocatalytic applications.
Phonon dynamics and anharmonicity in phase segregated structural domains of MgZnO film
Authors: Huso Jesse , Che Hui , Thapa Dinesh , Morrison John L. , Grant Norton M. , Bergman Leah
Published: January 2014

Phonon decay channels and anharmonicities in embedded domains in MgZnO film were studied via selective resonant Raman scattering at the elevated temperature regime up to 870 K. The resonant conditions provided by excitation with different ultraviolet laser lines enabled the detection of longitudinal optical (LO) phonons from domains with the wurtzite structure, and domains with the cubic rocksalt structure which lack inversion symmetry due to alloying. The phonon behavior was modeled in terms of three- and four-phonon decay processes using Ridley and Klemens type decay processes. It is found that the wurtzite phase displays dominantly three-phonon decay with a small four-phonon component. In contrast, the cubic phase displays a higher degree of anharmonicity in which the four-phonon processes contribute significantly to the temperature dependent frequency shift. At the elevated temperature range, the LO frequency shift rate is ∼−2.6 × 10−2 cm−1/K for the wurtzite structure while that of the cubic exhibits a much larger shift rate of ∼−1.6 × 10−1 cm−1/K. The larger anharmonicity of the domains with the cubic structure is discussed in terms of strain and deformation effects.
Performance comparison of dye-sensitized solar cells by using different metal oxide- coated TiO2 as the photoanode
Authors: Xuhui Sun , Xinglan Chang , Wanquan Tuo , Dong Wang , Kefei Li
Published: January 2014

In order to increase the conversion efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells, TiO2 photoanode surface is often covered with a metal oxide layer to form a core-shell composite structure. Different metal oxide coating on TiO2 as composite photoanodes can affect the cell efficiency variously. However, there still lacks the crosswise comparison among the effects of different metal oxides on TiO2 photoanode. In this study, TiO2 was coated with Al2O3, CaO, ZnO, MgO, Fe2O3 or Bi2O3 separately by liquid phase deposition method. The results indicated that cells with TiO2/Al2O3, TiO2/ZnO, TiO2/CaO, or TiO2/MgO composite film as a photoanode had higher conversion efficiency than those with un-coated TiO2 films. TiO2/Al2O3 showed the highest efficiency and TiO2/CaO ranked second. On the contrary, cells with TiO2/Bi2O3 or TiO2/Fe2O3 composite film as a photoanode had lower conversion efficiency than those with un-coated TiO2 films. The mechanism of the cell efficiency change was also investigated. To get higher conversion efficiency, matched energy level of the metal oxide with TiO2 is the first prerequisite, and then the optimum coating thickness is also a necessary condition.
A Review of Urban Water Body Challenges and Approaches: (2) Mitigating Effects of Future Urbanization
Authors: Hughes Robert M , Dunham Susie , Maas-Hebner Kathleen G , Yeakley J Alan , Harte Michael , Molina Nancy , Shock Clinton C , Kaczynski Victor W
Published: January 2014

Previously we examined how degraded urban streams can be rehabilitated, with emphasis on identifying solutions that match the scale of the problems (Hughes et al. 2014). Our findings showed that rehabilitation techniques are challenging but that some environmental benefits can nearly always be obtained regardless of existing conditions. Although rehabilitation is useful in many present-day situations, biologists need to consider the future and think about ways of preventing or reducing future environmental damage. We need to reduce future damage because urban areas are likely to expand greatly over the next century; if historical patterns continue, the number and length of streams experiencing urban stream syndrome will increase, with resulting high repair costs. However, there are several ways of avoiding or mitigating damage that are not only cost effective but provide benefits to humans and urban ecosystems.

RESUMEN

previamente se examinó cómo los ríos urbanos degradados pueden ser rehabilitados, con énfasis en la identificación de soluciones consistentes con la escala de los problemas. Los hallazgos mostraron que las técnicas de rehabilitación si bien presentan un reto, casi siempre puede obtenerse un margen de beneficios ambientales indepen-dientemente de las condiciones imperantes. Pese a que la rehabilitación puede ser útil en muchas de las situaciones actuales, los biólogos necesitan tomar en cuenta el futuro e idear formas para prevenir o reducir el daño ambiental. Esta reducción resulta indispensable toda vez que se espera que las áreas urbanas se expandan de forma importante en el siguiente siglo; de continuar los patrones históricos, se incrementará el número y extensión de los caudales que sufren del síndrome del río urbano, lo que dará como resultado elevados costos de reparación. No obstante, existen diversas formas para evitar o mitigar los daños; formas que no solo son efectivas en términos de costos sino que también proveen beneficios tanto a los humanos como a los ecosistemas urbanos.
Time course analyses of orthographic and phonological priming effects during word recognition in a transparent orthography
Authors: Zeguers M. H. T. , Snellings P. , Huizenga H. M. , van der Molen M. W.
Published: January 2014

In opaque orthographies, the activation of orthographic and phonological codes follows distinct time courses during visual word recognition. However, it is unclear how orthography and phonology are accessed in more transparent orthographies. Therefore, we conducted time course analyses of masked priming effects in the transparent Dutch orthography. The first study used targets with small phonological differences between phonological and orthographic primes, which are typical in transparent orthographies. Results showed consistent orthographic priming effects, yet phonological priming effects were absent. The second study explicitly manipulated the strength of the phonological difference and revealed that both orthographic and phonological priming effects became identifiable when phonological differences were strong enough. This suggests that, similar to opaque orthographies, strong phonological differences are a prerequisite to separate orthographic and phonological priming effects in transparent orthographies. Orthographic and phonological priming appeared to follow distinct time courses, with orthographic codes being quickly translated into phonological codes and phonology dominating the remainder of the lexical access phase.
Daily Bathing with Chlorhexidine-Based Soap and the Prevention of Staphylococcus aureus Transmission and Infection
Authors: Viray Melissa A. , Morley James C. , Coopersmith Craig M. , Kollef Marin H. , Fraser Victoria J. , Warren David K.
Published: January 2014

Objective.

Determine whether daily bathing with chlorhexidine-based soap decreased methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) transmission and intensive care unit (ICU)-acquired S. aureus infection among ICU patients.

Design.

Prospective pre-post-intervention study with control unit.

Setting.

A 1,250-bed tertiary care teaching hospital.

Patients.

Medical and surgical ICU patients.

Methods.

Active surveillance for MRSA colonization was performed in both ICUs. In June 2005, a chlorhexidine bathing protocol was implemented in the surgical ICU. Changes in S. aureus transmission and infection rate before and after implementation were analyzed using time-series methodology.

Results.

The intervention unit had a 20.68% decrease in MRSA acquisition after institution of the bathing protocol (12.64 cases per 1,000 patient-days at risk before the intervention vs 10.03 cases per 1,000 patient-days at risk after the intervention; β, −2.62 [95% confidence interval (CI), −5.19 to −0.04]; P = .046). There was no significant change in MRSA acquisition in the control ICU during the study period (10.97 cases per 1,000 patient-days at risk before June 2005 vs 11.33 cases per 1,000 patient-days at risk after June 2005; β, −11.10 [95% CI, −37.40 to 15.19]; P = .40). There was a 20.77% decrease in all S. aureus (including MRSA) acquisition in the intervention ICU from 2002 through 2007 (19.73 cases per 1,000 patient-days at risk before the intervention to 15.63 cases per 1,000 patient-days at risk after the intervention [95% CI, −7.25 to −0.95]; P = .012)]. The incidence of ICU-acquired MRSA infections decreased by 41.37% in the intervention ICU (1.96 infections per 1,000 patient-days at risk before the intervention vs 1.15 infections per 1,000 patient-days at risk after the intervention; P = .001).

Conclusions.

Institution of daily chlorhexidine bathing in an ICU resulted in a decrease in the transmission of S. aureus, including MRSA. These data support the use of routine daily chlorhexidine baths to decrease rates of S. aureus transmission and infection.
ngsTools: methods for population genetics analyses from next-generation sequencing data
Authors: Fumagalli Matteo , Vieira Filipe G. , Linderoth Tyler , Nielsen Rasmus
Published: January 2014

Summary: Next-generation sequencing technologies produce short reads that are either de novo assembled or mapped to a reference genome. Genotypes and/or single-nucleotide polymorphisms are then determined from the read composition at each site, which become the basis for many downstream analyses. However, for low sequencing depths, e.g. , there is considerable statistical uncertainty in the assignment of genotypes because of random sampling of homologous base pairs in heterozygotes and sequencing or alignment errors. Recently, several probabilistic methods have been proposed to account for this uncertainty and make accurate inferences from low quality and/or coverage sequencing data.

We present ngsTools, a collection of programs to perform population genetics analyses from next-generation sequencing data. The methods implemented in these programs do not rely on single-nucleotide polymorphism or genotype calling and are particularly suitable for low sequencing depth data.

Availability: Programs included in ngsTools are implemented in C/C++ and are freely available for noncommercial use at https://github.com/mfumagalli/ngsTools.

Contact:  mfumagalli82@gmail.com

Supplementary Information:  Supplementary materials are available at Bioinformatics online.
An Improved Search Algorithm to Find G-Quadruplexes in Genome Sequences
Authors: Varizhuk Anna , Ischenko Dmitry , Smirnov Igor , Tatarinova Olga , Severov Vyacheslav , Novikov Roman , Tsvetkov Vladimir , Naumov Vladimir , Kaluzhny Dmitry , Pozmogova Galina
Published: January 2014

A growing body of data suggests that the secondary structures adopted by G-rich polynucleotides may be more diverse than previously thought and that the definition of G-quadruplex-forming sequences should be broadened. We studied solution structures of a series of naturally occurring and model single-stranded DNA fragments defying the G3+NL1G3+NL2G3+NL3G3+formula, which is used in most of the current GQ-search algorithms. The results confirm the GQ-forming potential of such sequences and suggest the existence of new types of GQs. We developed an improved (broadened) GQ-search algorithm (http://niifhm.ru/nauchnye-issledovanija/otdel-molekuljarnoj-biologii-i-genetiki/laboratorija-iskusstvennogo-antitelogeneza/497-2/) that accounts for the recently reported new types of GQs.
Estimate of Within Population Incremental Selection Through Branch Imbalance in Lineage Trees
Authors: Liberman Gilad , Benichou Jennifer , Tsaban Lea , Maman Yaakov , Glanville Jacob , Louzoun Yoram
Published: January 2014

Incremental selection within a population, defined as a limited fitness change following a mutation, is an important aspect of many evolutionary processes and can significantly affect a large number of mutations through the genome. Strongly advantageous or deleterious mutations are detected through the fixation of mutations in the population, using the synonymous to non-synonymous mutations ratio in sequences. There are currently to precise methods to estimate incremental selection occurring over limited periods. We here provide for the first time such a detailed method and show its precision and its applicability to the genomic analysis of selection.

A special case of evolution is rapid, short term micro-evolution, where organism are under constant adaptation, occurring for example in viruses infecting a new host, B cells mutating during a germinal center reactions or mitochondria evolving within a given host.

The proposed method is a novel mixed lineage tree/sequence based method to detect within population selection as defined by the effect of mutations on the average number of offspring. Specifically, we propose to measure the log of the ratio between the number of leaves in lineage trees branches following synonymous and non-synonymous mutations.

This method does not suffer from the need of a baseline model and is practically not affected by sampling biases. In order to show the wide applicability of this method, we apply it to multiple cases of micro-evolution, and show that it can detect genes and intergenic regions using the selection rate and detect selection pressures in viral proteins and in the immune response to pathogens.
Atomic Structures of Glucose, Fructose and Sucrose and Explanation of Anomeric Carbon
Authors: Heyrovska Raji
Published: January 2014

Presented here are the structures of three biologically important sweet sugars, based on the additivity of covalent atomic radii in bond lengths. The observed smaller carbon-oxygen distances involving the ‘anomeric’ carbons of the open chain hexoses are explained here,for the first time, as due to the smaller covalent double bond radii of carbon and oxygen than their single bond radii in the cyclic forms and in sucrose. The atomic structures of all the three carbohydrates, drawn to scale in colour, have been presented here alsofor the first time.
9-[4-(Azidomethyl)phenyl]-9H-carbazole-3-carbonitrile
Authors: Ramathilagam C. , Umarani P. R. , Venkatesan N. , Rajakumar P. , Gunasekaran B. , Manivannan V.
Published: January 2014

In the title compound C20H13N5, the dihedral angle between the carbazole ring system (r.m.s. deviation = 0.027 Å) and the pendant benzene ring is 55.08 (6)°. One of the azide N atoms is disordered over two positions in a 0.65 (2):0.35 (2) ratio. In the crystal, aromatic π–π stacking is observed [minimum centroid–centroid separation = 3.6499 (13) Å] as well as inversion-dimers connected by pairs of weak C—H...π interactions.
2-Methylbenzene-1,3-diammonium dinitrate
Authors: Ben Hassen Dhouha , Rekik Walid , Naïli Houcine , Lis Tadeusz , Grobelny Roman
Published: January 2014

In the crystal structure of the title salt, C7H12N22+·2NO3−, the nitrate ions are located in the vicinity of the protonated amine groups, accepting strong N—H...O hydrogen bonds. Each ammonium group is involved in a total of three such interactions with neighbouring nitrate ions, generating a three-dimensional network. In addition, there are π–π interactions between the aromatic rings of centrosymmetrically related diammonium moieties, with a centroid–centroid distance of 3.682 (1) Å.
N-Phenyl-2-(1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalen-1-ylidene)hydrazinecarbothioamide
Authors: Oliveira Adriano Bof de , Feitosa Bárbara Regina Santos , Näther Christian , Jess Inke
Published: January 2014

The conformation of the title molecule, C17H17N3S, is stabilized by an intramolecular N—H...N hydrogen bond involving the azometinic group. The dihedral angle between the two aromatic rings is 36.49 (06)°. The non-aromatic ring of the tetralone substituent adopts a sofa conformation. In the crystal, molecules are linked by pairs of N—H...S hydrogen bonds relatedviacentres of symmetry, forming dimers.
Relative glycemic and insulinemic impact of rice and rice products
Authors: Singhania Pooja R. , Sen Ray Kasturi
Published: January 2014

Purpose

Rice is considered a high glycemic index food. However, the overall glycemic response to whole foods differs based on the presence of co‐components, cooking or processing technique, starch composition, and amount of food consumed. The purpose of this paper is to observe the relative glycemic impact (RGI) of foods based on postprandial glycemic response to equal quantities of test foods and standard‐bread expressed as glycemic bread equivalent (GBE), using rice and its products.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, five clinically healthy adult volunteers were fed 50 g test foods and bread on different days after an overnight fast. Blood sugar and insulin levels at fasting state and at 30, 60, 90 and 120 min after consuming food were recorded and corresponding area under the curve was calculated.

Findings

The GBE was highest for puffed rice at 107 g, whereas same amount of rice kheer and plain boiled rice induced glycemic response equivalent to 19.5 g and 11 g of bread, respectively. RGI of puffed rice was found to be significantly higher than that of rice kheer and boiled rice (p<0.01). Similarly, the total insulinemic effect of puffed rice (71 g) was found to be significantly higher than that of rice (6 g, p<0.01) and rice kheer (19 g, p<0.05).

Practical implications

Despite being prepared from common raw ingredient, all the three test foods produced varied glycemic and insulin responses. This can be attributed to the different processing conditions, change in nutrient composition and total quantity consumed.

Originality/value

The GBE values may constitute a simple and easy‐to‐use tool for consumers to select food in terms of their predicted glycemic and insulin responses, especially in the diabetic or insulin‐resistant group.
Nutritional composition and sensory properties of “poundmix” from yam, cocoyam, and breadfruit blends
Authors: Stephen Oladeji Babatunde
Published: January 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop poundmix for reconstitution, such as pounded yam, from yam, cocoyam and breadfruit blends and to evaluate their nutritional compositions.

Design/methodology/approach

Pregelatinized flours of yam, cocoyam and breadfruit were prepared separately. Three coded samples of 30, 40 and 50 per cent composite blends of poundmix were formulated. The proximate composition, starch, vitamin C and mineral elements contents of the poundmix were determined and the results were subjected to statistical analysis.

Findings

The protein contents of poundmix samples were 5.6, 6.1 and 6.2 per cent for 30, 40 and 50 per cent composites, respectively, which is an increase from that of whole yam (4.8 per cent). Significant difference also existed between the starch content of the poundmix and that of the whole yam flour (p<0.05). However, there is no significant difference in the overall acceptability of the poundmix samples and that of the whole yam flour at p<0.05.

Originality/value

The paper's findings show that supplementing poundo yam at 40 per cent composite level has the best nutritional composition and organoleptic scores and so it is recommended for both household and industrial practice.
A comparative analysis in the macro and micro nutrient compositions of bakery food products available in the Chittagong city corporation, Bangladesh
Authors: Biswas Baishakhi , Ullah Mahbub , Absar Nurul , Manchur Abul
Published: January 2014

Purpose

The chicken sandwich is familiar fast food, not only in Bangladesh but also all over the world. The purpose of this paper is to make a comparative analysis of nutrient composition of this bakery product.

Design/methodology/approach

For the study, four well reputed food industries of Chittagong city are selected: Well food (sample 1), Sizzle (sample 2), Food fair (sample 3), and Bonoful (sample 4). Among the parameters, the following were analyzed: ash, total protein, total lipid, water soluble protein, total sugar, reducing sugar, non‐reducing sugar and some mineral content. The nutrient composition was measured by using standard procedure and minerals were measured by using atomic absorption spectroscopy.

Findings

Proximate analysis indicated total protein content in the range of 11.73 to 16.18 gm/100 gm, while water soluble protein content varied from 0.006 to 0.029 gm/100 gm in the samples. Total sugar ranged between 3.5 and 6.46 gm/100 gm and lipid was high in sample no 4 (34.83 gm/100 gm). The sample no 2 is considered to be superior as it contained the highest amount of minerals such as potassium (76.58 mg/100 gm), calcium (234.83 mg/100 gm), manganese (70.50 ppm) and zinc (106.33 ppm).

Originality/value

The results of this research can be utilized to improve the nutritive value of foods and might be helpful in creating public awareness.
Free amino acid content in infant formulas
Authors: Ventura Alison K. , San Gabriel Ana , Hirota Mariko , Mennella Julie A.
Published: January 2014

Purpose

Infant formula is the sole nutrition and food source for many infants. Information on the free amino acid (FAA) content of formulas, particularly those that are protein hydrolysate based, is limited, despite emerging evidence for the role of FAAs in regulating eating behaviour. The purpose of this paper is to measure levels of essential, semi‐essential, and nonessential FAAs in commercially available infant formulas to provide a foundation for future research examining the influence of FAAs on infant development.

Design/methodology/approach

Using an automatic amino acid analyzer, we measured the concentrations of FAAs in four types of formula: two cow milk (CMF); three soy protein (SPF); and three protein hydrolysate (PHF), one of which was a partial hydrolysate (pPHF) and two of which were extensive hydrolysate (ePHF).

Findings

It was found that the amount and number of FAAs varied significantly across formula types: for CMF, total FAAs ranged from 523‐864 μmol/L, with taurine being the most prominent; SPF, 1933‐2450, methionine; pPHF, 2329, taurine; and ePHF, 80375‐85445, leucine. ePHF had the highest levels and the most diversified profiles of FAAs.

Research limitations/implications

Striking discrepancies exist for FAA profiles of infant formulas. Comparison of these data to published psychophysical data on the taste qualities of individual FAAs provides insights into the unique flavor profiles of infant formulas. Overall, the data from this study provide a necessary foundation for future research examining the influence of FAAs in formulas on infant growth and development.

Originality/value

Published data on the FAA content of PHF is limited, despite their increased availability and use. This research is the first to report the FAA content of partial and extensive PHF, and to compare these values to CMF and SPF.
Organizational culture and innovation culture: exploring the relationships between constructs
Authors: Sadegh Sharifirad Mohammad , Ataei Vahid
Published: January 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the influence of organizational culture (OC) on the building blocks of innovation culture (IC) in Iranian auto companies.

Design/methodology

In total, a sample of six large auto companies were examined and 245 questionnaires completed by employees. A conceptual model was developed and the hypotheses analyzed by using exploratory factor analysis and then the direct and indirect effects of constructs were analyzed by path analysis technique.

Findings

Findings suggest that the constructs of OC correlate with those of IC. These correlations are all positive except for the relations between consistency and organizational learning, as well as of that between consistency and creativity and improvement.

Practical implications

First, this paper has checked the validity of both questionnaires in an Iranian context so that they could be used with more confidence. Second, innovation can flow in the organizations when organizational culture supports it. This research specified those elements which can help managers and executives find the aspects of OC which can increase IC.

Originality/value

The paper serves as a reference for fostering an IC in auto companies. Paying attention to different aspects of OC can have a positive effect on making innovation pervasive in organizations. This research was done for the first time in an Asian context and is literally unprecedented in Iran.
Anbar Abstracts Issue
Authors: Sandelands Eric
Published: January 2014

This special “Anbar Abstracts” issue of the Leadership & Organization Development Journal is split into four sections covering abstracts under the following headings: Culture, Change and Intervention; Management Styles and Techniques; Leadership and Decision; Communications.
Anbar Abstracts Issue
Authors: Fojt Martin
Published: January 2014

This special “Anbar Abstracts” issue of the Marketing Intelligence & Planning is split into seven sections covering abstracts under the following headings: Marketing Strategy; Customer Service; Sales Management/Sundry; Promotion; Marketing Research/Customer Behaviour; Product Management; Logistics and Distribution.