bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structure and statistical properties of plasmoids in Jupiter's magnetotail
Authors: Vogt Marissa F. , Jackman Caitriona M. , Slavin James A. , Bunce Emma J. , Cowley Stanley W. H. , Kivelson Margaret G. , Khurana Krishan K.
Published: January 2014

Plasmoids and other reconnection‐related signatures have been observed in Jupiter's magnetotail through analysis of magnetic field and energetic particle data. Previous studies have established the spatial distribution and recurrence period of tail reconnection events, and identified the location of a statistical X‐line separating inward and outward flow. Here we present new analysis focusing specifically on 43 plasmoid signatures observed in magnetometer data in order to establish the average properties and internal structure of Jovian plasmoids. We present statistics on the observed plasmoid length scale, duration, radial position, and local time distribution. On average, the observed plasmoids have a ~3 RJ radial extent and ~7 min duration and result in the closure of ~4–8 GWb of open flux from reconnection of open field lines in the postplasmoid plasma sheet. We also determine the amount of mass released and the magnetic flux closed in order to understand the role of tail reconnection in the transport of mass and flux in Jupiter's magnetosphere. The observed plasmoid properties are consistent with a mass loss rate of ~0.7–120 kg/s and a flux closure rate of ~7–70 GWb/d. We conclude that tail reconnection and plasmoid release is an important method of flux transport at Jupiter but likely cannot account for the mass input from Io, suggesting that additional mass loss mechanisms may be significant. Finally, we examine the plasmoid interior structure through minimum variance analysis and find that most plasmoids lack a core field and are better described by magnetic loops rather than flux ropes.
Energy Harvesting for Nanostructured Self‐Powered Photodetectors
Authors: Peng Lin , Hu Linfeng , Fang Xiaosheng
Published: January 2014

Harvesting the available forms of energies in the environment to create self‐powered nanosystems is now becoming a technological reality. Self‐powered nanodevices and nanosystems are expected to play a crucial role in the future development of nanotechnology because of their specific role in fundamental studies and nanotechnological applications, mainly due to their size‐dependent properties and independent, sustainable, maintainance‐free operation. As a new field in self‐powered nanotechnology‐related research, self‐powered photodetectors have been developed which exhibit a much faster photoresponse and higher photosensitivity than the conventional photoconductor‐based photodetectors. Herein, the energy‐havesting techniques are discussed and their prospects for application in self‐powered photodetectors are summarized. Moreover, potential future directions of this research area are highlighted.
Do all creatures possess an acquired immune system of some sort?
Authors: Rimer Jacob , Cohen Irun R. , Friedman Nir
Published: January 2014

Recent findings have provided evidence for the existence of non‐vertebrate acquired immunity. We survey these findings and propose that all living organisms must express both innate and acquired immunity. This is opposed to the paradigm that only vertebrates manifest the two forms of immune mechanism; other species are thought to use innate immunity alone. We suggest new definitions of innate and acquired immunity, based on whether immune recognition molecules are encoded in the inherited genome or are generated through somatic processes. We reason that both forms of immunity are similarly ancient, and have co‐evolved in response to lifestyle, cost‐benefit tradeoffs and symbiosis versus parasitism. However, different species have evolved different immune solutions that are not necessarily genetically related, but serve a similar general function – allowing individuals to learn from their own immune experience; survival of species is contingent on the acquired immune experience of its individuals.
Study of fluorescence quenching of mercaptosuccinic acid‐capped CdS quantum dots in the presence of some heavy metal ions and its application to Hg(II) ion determination
Authors: Hosseini Mohammad Saeid , Pirouz Atena
Published: January 2014

In this study, CdS quantum dots (QDs) capped with mercaptosuccinic acid (MSA) were prepared in one step. The size, shape, component and spectral properties of MSA‐capped CdS QDs were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), photoluminescence (PL) and infrared (IR) spectrometry. The results showed that the prepared QDs with an average diameter of 6 nm have favorable fluorescence, which is greatly influenced by the pH of the environment. The interaction of some heavy metal ions including Ag+, Hg2+, Cu2+, Ni2+ and Co2+ with MSA‐capped CdS QDs was investigated in different buffering pH media. Based on the fluorescence quenching of the QDs in the presence of each of the metal ions, the feasibility of their determinations was examined according to the Stern–Volmer equation. The investigations showed that Hg(II) ions can be determined in the presence of many co‐existing metal ions at a buffering pH of 5. This method was satisfactorily applied to the measurement of Hg(II) ions in some environmental samples. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development and validation of a liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry method for the quantification of flucloxacillin and cloxacillin in microdialysis samples
Authors: Larmené‐Beld Karin H. M. , Vries‐Koenjer Marie‐Therese L. M. , Horst Peter G. J. ter , Hospes Wobbe
Published: January 2014

In the present study we developed and validated a liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) assay for the determination of flucloxacillin in human plasma and microdialysis samples and cloxacillin in microdialysis samples, using oxacillin as the internal standard for the assay. The samples were separated on a UPLC BEH C18,1.7 µm column (2.1 × 50 mm) and analyzed by a tandem–quadrupole mass spectrometer in multiple reaction monitoring mode using an electronspray ionization interface. For flucloxacillin the method was demonstrated to be accurate and precise in the linearity range of 1–30 mg/L in plasma and 0.05–5.0 mg/L for microdialysate with a regression coefficient (r) of 0.9986 and 0.9989 in plasma and microdialysate respectively. For cloxacillin it was accurate and precise in the range of 0.1–5.0 mg/L for microdialysate with a regression coefficient of 0.9972. The method presents a high sensitivity for flucloxacillin (lower limit of quantification of 1 mg/L for plasma and 0.05 mg/L for microdialysis samples) combined with a low within‐ and between‐day variation (<5.0% for flucloxacillin and cloxacillin in microdialysis samples and <6.5% for plasma samples of flucloxacillin). The validation experiments for the microdialysis probes showed a relative recovery of 85.5% for flucloxacillin at a flow rate of 1.0 μL/min. The results justify the use of this assay for clinical studies for measuring free unbound tissue concentrations of flucloxacillin in patients with a Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enantiomeric Separation in Comprehensive Two‐dimensional Gas Chromatography with Accurate Mass Analysis
Authors: Chin Sung‐Tong , Nolvachai Yada , Marriott Philip J.
Published: January 2014

Chiral comprehensive two‐dimensional gas chromatography (eGC×GC) coupled to quadrupole–accurate mass time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (QTOFMS) was evaluated for its capability to report the chiral composition of several monoterpenes, namely, α‐pinene, β‐pinene, and limonene in cardamom oil. Enantiomers in a standard mixture were fully resolved by direct enantiomeric‐GC analysis with a 2,3‐di‐O‐methyl‐6‐t‐butylsilyl derivatized β‐cyclodextrin phase; however, the (+)‐(R)‐limonene enantiomer in cardamom oil was overlapped with other background components including cymene and cineole. Verification of (+)‐(R)‐limonene components based on characteristic ions at m/z 136, 121, and 107 acquired by chiral single‐dimension GC−QTOFMS in the alternate MS/MSMS mode of operation was unsuccessful due to similar parent/daughter ions generated by interfering or co‐eluting cymene and cineole. Column phases SUPELCOWAX, SLB‐IL111, HP‐88, and SLB‐IL59, were incorporated as the second dimension column (2D) in chiral GC×GC analysis; the SLB‐IL59 offered the best resolution for the tested monoterpene enantiomers from the matrix background. Enantiomeric ratios for α‐pinene, β‐pinene, and limonene were determined to be 1.325, 2.703, and 1.040, respectively, in the cardamom oil sample based on relative peak area data. Chirality 26:747–753, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Decarboxylative Julia–Kocienski gem‐Difluoro‐Olefination of 2‐Pyridinyl Sulfonyldifluoroacetate
Authors: Wang Xiao‐Ping , Lin Jin‐Hong , Xiao Ji‐Chang , Zheng Xing
Published: January 2014

The decarboxylation of potassium 2‐pyridinyl sulfonyldifluoroacetate and its subsequent reaction with aldehydes was found to be an efficient approach for the Julia–Kocienski reaction under mild conditions to give gem‐difluoro olefins in moderate to excellent yields. Owing to its high stability in the pure state and its easy decarboxylation in polar solvents, potassium 2‐pyridinyl sulfonyldifluoroacetate is expected to be an efficient gem‐difluoro‐olefination reagent.
The log‐power‐normal distribution with application to air pollution
Authors: Martínez‐Flórez Guillermo , Bolfarine Heleno , Gómez Héctor W.
Published: January 2014

In this article, we study an extension of the power‐normal distribution to the case of the more flexible log‐power‐normal distribution. We find the density function and study some properties of the new distribution, deriving a general expression for its moments. Parameter estimation is implemented by using the moments and the maximum likelihood approaches. We obtain the Fisher information matrix for the new model, which is shown to be nonsingular in the vicinity of symmetry. Results of an application to air contamination data indicate good performance of the proposed model, validating a modification of Ahrens' law. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of nitrogen–phosphorus fire retardant blended with Mg(OH)2/Al(OH)3 and nano‐SiO2 on fire‐retardant behavior and hygroscopicity of poplar
Authors: Pan Jing , Mu Jun , Wu Zhaoxu , Zhang Xiaoteng
Published: January 2014

The aim of the study was to screen any possible synergistic effects related to the combination of nitrogen–phosphorus fire retardant and Mg(OH)2/Al(OH)3. This combination is used to improve fire performance, especially smoke suppression of poplar through ultrasonic wave impregnation after microwave treatment. In this study, nano‐SiO2 was used to impregnate poplar treated with nitrogen–phosphorus fire retardant and form a hydrophobic layer on wood cells in order to improve hygroscopicity and reduce water uptake. Cone tests and thermal analysis showed that poplar treated with blended fire retardant had improved behavior. Results show that a 20% and 25% nitrogen–phosphorus fire‐retardant solution (blended by adding 10% Mg(OH)2/Al(OH)3 based on the dry weight of nitrogen–phosphorus fire retardant) was more effective for smoke suppression. The heat release rate, total heat release, and total smoke production of a 25% nitrogen–phosphorus fire‐retardant solution blended by adding 10% Mg(OH)2/Al(OH)3 showed significant reduction. The char residual yield showed a marked increase to 35.5%. Fourier transform infrared analysis suggested a –CH2–Si–CH2– and Si–O–C stretching vibration in nano‐SiO2 treated poplar, which greatly decreased the hygroscopicity of fire‐retardant‐treated poplar. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
3‐Flows and Combs
Authors: da Silva Cândida Nunes , Lucchesi Cláudio L.
Published: January 2014

Tutte's 3‐Flow Conjecture states that every 2‐edge‐connected graph with no 3‐cuts admits a 3‐flow. The 3‐Flow Conjecture is equivalent to the following: let G be a 2‐edge‐connected graph, let S be a set of at most three vertices of G; if every 3‐cut of G separates S then G has a 3‐flow. We show that minimum counterexamples to the latter statement are 3‐connected, cyclically 4‐connected, and cyclically 7‐edge‐connected.
Modeling Atom‐Transfer Radical Polymerization of Butyl Acrylate
Authors: Schroeder Hendrik , Buback Johannes , Schrooten Jens , Buback Michael , Matyjaszewski Krzysztof
Published: January 2014

The kinetics of butyl acrylate (BA) atom‐transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) up to 2 000 bar has been modeled via PREDICI. A novel software package has been used in conjunction with PREDICI to perform automatic simulation and data processing within an extended range of polymerization conditions. The polymerization rate is enhanced with pressure, although to a weaker extent than in the ATRP of styrene and methyl methacrylate. Modeling suggests that intramolecular chain‐transfer in BA polymerization is significantly accelerated at high pressure.
The evolution and current state of public affairs in Hungary
Authors: Lewis Gabriella , Benson Philip
Published: January 2014

This paper discusses the recent developments in public affairs in Hungary from a historical perspective. The country's communist/socialist past and the relative novelty of the public affairs industry paint an interesting picture of the evolution and the direction of this field. The paper covers the political and economic processes starting from the transition period through recent events. Although there have been several promising developments in the area of public affairs and corporate lobbying during the last 20+ years, Hungary's increasingly anti‐democratic policies, corruption scandals, and centralized decision‐making processes have hindered the proper functioning of the public affairs profession and have limited the influence of corporations and interest groups in the country. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Understanding halogen‐substituent assistance in H‐atom abstraction‐based reactions of CHCl•− with CH4 − nXn (X = H, F, Cl; n = 0–3)
Authors: Junxi Liang , Yu Li , Qiang Zhang , Zhiyuan Geng
Published: January 2014

The effect of halogen‐substituent on hydrogen abstraction mechanisms was studied by applying density functional theory functional calculations to the gas‐phase reactions between CHCl•− and CH4 − nXn (X = H, F, Cl; n = 0–3), and it is found that a heavier X substituent in the substrate results in a greater stabilization of corresponding complex, a lower activation energy, a faster H‐abstraction reaction, and greater exothermicity. However, CH4– reaction is more reactive than CH3F– reaction under the same condition because of dominant π‐donation from the electronegative F atom. We also explored the reactivity difference for the seven reactions in terms of factors derived from bond order, second‐order perturbative energy, and activation strain model analysis. The rate constants are evaluated over a wide temperature range of 298–1000 K by the conventional transition state theory. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Investigation of the factors influencing nanostructure array growth by PLD towards reproducible wafer‐scale growth
Authors: Sandana Vinod E. , Rogers David. J. , Teherani Féréchteh Hosseini , Bove Philippe , Razeghi Manijeh
Published: January 2014

The growth of catalyst‐free ZnO nanostructure arrays on silicon (111) substrates by pulsed laser deposition was investigated. Without an underlayer, randomly oriented, micron‐scale structures were obtained. Introduction of a c‐axis oriented ZnO underlayer resulted in denser arrays of vertically oriented nanostructures with either tapering, vertical‐walled or broadening forms, depending on background Ar pressure. Nanostructure pitch seemed to be determined by underlayer grain size while nanostructure widths could be narrowed from ∼100–500 to ∼10–50 nm by a 50 °C increase in growth temperature. A dimpled underlayer topography correlated with the moth‐eye type arrays while a more granular surface was linked to vertically walled nanocolumns. Between‐wafer reproducibility was demonstrated for both moth‐eye and vertical nanocolumn arrays. Broadening nanostructures proved difficult to replicate, however. Full 2 inch wafer coverage was obtained by rastering the target with the laser beam.
Aragonite Nanorods in Calcium Carbonate/Polymer Hybrids Formed through Self‐Organization Processes from Amorphous Calcium Carbonate Solution
Authors: Kajiyama Satoshi , Nishimura Tatsuya , Sakamoto Takeshi , Kato Takashi
Published: January 2014

Nanostructured inorganic/polymer hybrid thin films comprising aragonite nanorods derived from aqueous suspensions of amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC) are prepared. For the formation of calcium carbonate (CaCO3)/polymer hybrids, spincoated and annealed films of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) that function as polymer matrices are soaked in aqueous colloidal solutions dispersing ACC stabilized by poly(acrylic acid) (PAA). In the initial stage, calcite thin films form on the surface. Subsequently, aragonite crystals start to form inside the PVA matrix that contains PVA crystallites which induce aragonite nucleation. Nanostructured hybrids composed of calcite thin films consisting of nanoparticles and assembled aragonite nanorods are formed in the matrices of PVA.
[Al2(OH)8]2– Building Blocks Incorporated in Macromolecular Alumopolysiloxane Rings of the Type [O‐SiPh2‐O‐SiPh2‐O‐Al+]n
Authors: Veith Michael , Hreleva‐Caparrotti Hinka , Sahin Fadime , Huch Volker
Published: January 2014

The molecular alumosiloxanes (O‐SiPh2‐O‐SiPh2‐O)3Al2 and (O‐SiPh2‐O‐SiPh2‐O)4[Al(OH)]4 react either with water in diethyl ether, or with 1,4‐butane‐diol to form the new macro‐cyclic compounds Al6(OH)8(O‐SiPh2‐O‐SiPh2‐O)4(O‐SiPh2‐O‐SiPh2‐OH)2·6H2O (2) or Al6(OH)8(O‐SiPh2‐O‐SiPh2‐O)4(O‐SiPh2‐O‐SiPh2‐O‐CH2–CH2–CH2–CH2–OH)2 (3). As shown by single crystal structure analyses, both compounds 2 and 3 have a center of symmetry, resemble each other structurally and display in their center an [Al2(OH)8]2– unit, which is coordinated in a similar fashion to a 24‐membered [Al4(O‐SiPh2‐O‐SiPh2‐O)4]2+ cycle branched at two aluminum atoms displaying either two (O‐SiPh2‐O‐SiPh2‐OH) (2) or two (O‐SiPh2‐O‐SiPh2‐O‐CH2–CH2–CH2–CH2–OH) (3) arms. The [Al2(OH)8]2– groups are connected to the cycles through oxygen atoms of their hydroxide groups which link to the aluminum atoms of the ring (of the four aluminum atoms in the ring two have a double contact and two a single). Parallel to this bonding, the aluminum atoms of [Al2(OH)8]2– have either a water molecule in their coordination sphere, which is incorporated in a complex hydrogen bridged network including the silanol function (2), or are bonded to the –CH2‐OH group of the siloxane‐alcohol arm of the cycle (3). The aluminum atoms of the central part are in both compounds in the centers of two distorted edge sharing oxygen octahedra (mean Al–O = 1.881(7) Å (2), 1.893(7) Å (3)), while the other four aluminum atoms display a tetrahedral oxygen environment (Al–O = 1.752(8) Å (2), 1.754(8) Å (3)). Whereas all hydroxy groups of the [Al2(OH)8]2– unit in 2 are engaged in hydrogen bonding including further water molecules which make part of the network, the [Al2(OH)8]2– unit in 3 shows fewer hydrogen bridges. We have here a rare example of the same chemical species in a more hydrophilic and a less hydrophilic surrounding. This allows a detailed study of the impact of secondary hydrogen bonding on the structure.
Syndromic and non‐syndromic disease‐linked Cx43 mutations
Authors: Laird Dale W.
Published: January 2014

There are now at least 14 distinct diseases linked to germ line mutations in the 21 genes that encode the connexin (Cx) family of gap junction proteins. This review focuses on the links between germ‐line mutations in the gene encoding Cx43 (GJA1) and the human disease termed oculodentodigital dysplasia (ODDD). This disease is clinically characterized by soft tissue fusion of the digits, abnormal craniofacial bone development, small eyes and loss of tooth enamel. However, the disease is considerably more complex and somewhat degenerative as patients often suffer from other syndromic effects that include incontinence, glaucoma, skin diseases and neuropathies that become more pronounced during aging. The challenge continues to be understanding how distinct Cx43 gene mutations cause such a diverse range of tissue phenotypes and pathophysiological changes while other Cx43‐rich organs are relatively unaffected. This review will provide an overview of many of these studies and distill some themes and outstanding questions that need to be addressed in the coming years.
Roles and regulation of lens epithelial cell connexins
Authors: Berthoud Viviana M. , Minogue Peter J. , Osmolak Patricia , Snabb Joseph I. , Beyer Eric C.
Published: January 2014

The avascular lens of the eye is covered anteriorly by an epithelium containing nucleated, metabolically active cells. This epithelium contains the first lens cells to encounter noxious external stimuli and cells that can develop compensatory or protective responses. Lens epithelial cells express the gap junction proteins, connexin43 (Cx43) and connexin50 (Cx50). Cx43 and Cx50 form gap junction channels and hemichannels with different properties. Although they may form heteromeric hemichannels, Cx43 and Cx50 probably do not form heterotypic channels in the lens. Cx50 channels make their greatest contribution to intercellular communication during the early postnatal period; subsequently, Cx43 becomes the predominant connexin supporting intercellular communication. Although epithelial Cx43 appears dispensable for lens development, Cx50 is critical for epithelial cell proliferation and differentiation. Cx43 and Cx50 hemichannels and gap junction channels are regulated by multiple different agents. Lens epithelial cell connexins contribute to both normal lens physiology and pathology.
From Firm-Controlled to Consumer-Contributed: Consumer Co-Production of Personal Media Marketing Communication
Authors: Bacile Todd J. , Ye Christine , Swilley Esther
Published: January 2014

Fueled by the sociocultural shift from firm-controlled to consumer-contributed media, the researchers explore the idea of adapting a co-production strategy from service marketing to marketing communication sent to personal media. Eleven field experiments with firms, along with a structural model tested on survey data, provide empirical evidence supporting a co-production approach applied as a communication strategy in the context of a text message mobile coupon marketing campaign. The results demonstrate a co-produced direct marketing communication strategy that increases attitude toward the communication, purchase intent, and purchase activity, while also acting as a risk-reducing mechanism. Furthermore, perceived customization of the communication interacts strongly with risk perception and marginally with coupon proneness as related to attitude toward the communication when marketers enter the world of consumers’ personal media. A push versus pull framework and a co-produced communication framework are put forth to suggest various areas marketers can make available for consumers to co-produce in a marketing communication exchange.
Suction diathermy adenoidectomy performed in the district general hospital
Authors: Sethi N , Egan P , Ward V M M
Published: January 2014

Background:

Adenoidectomy is often carried out in children for conditions such as nasal obstruction, otitis media with effusion, and obstructive sleep apnoea. Traditionally, it is performed as a blind procedure with a St Clair Thomson curette. An acceptable alternative technique is suction diathermy adenoidectomy. This study aimed to ensure that the complication rate of this latter technique was within published rates and national guidelines.

Method:

A retrospective case note review was conducted, and information regarding surgery, indications and complications was collected.

Results:

Post-operative haemorrhage was recorded for 2 of 121 patients (at days 10 and 11 post-operatively): 1 returned to the operating theatre and the other was managed conservatively. Two patients were diagnosed with infection post-operatively and managed with oral antibiotics. A further four patients re-presented with pain; in all cases, this was recorded as secondary to tonsillar fossa infection, rather than being pain related to adenoidectomy.

Conclusion:

Given the rare but serious potential complications, the authors support National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence guidance, which recommends that only surgeons with specific training perform this technique. By using the standard procedures for clinical governance, it is possible to ensure safe practice of even little-used techniques.
Can resveratrol help to maintain metabolic health?
Authors: Schrauwen Patrick , Timmers Silvie
Published: January 2014

The number of people suffering from metabolic diseases is dramatically increasing worldwide. This stresses the need for new therapeutic strategies to combat this growing epidemic of metabolic diseases. A reduced mitochondrial function is one of the characteristics of metabolic diseases and therefore a target for intervention. Here we review the evidence that mitochondrial function may act as a target to treat and prevent type 2 diabetes mellitus, and, if so, whether these effects are due to reduction in skeletal muscle fat accumulation. We describe how exercise may affect these parameters and can be beneficial for type 2 diabetes. We next focus on alternative ways to improve mitochondrial function in a non-exercise manner. Thus, in 2003, resveratrol (3,5,4′-trihydroxystilbene) was discovered to be a small molecule activator of sirtuin 1, an important molecular target regulating cellular energy metabolism and mitochondrial homoeostasis. Rodent studies have clearly demonstrated the potential of resveratrol to improve various metabolic health parameters. Here we review data in human subjects that is available on the effects of resveratrol on metabolism and mitochondrial function and discuss how resveratrol may serve as a new therapeutic strategy to preserve metabolic health. We also discuss whether the effects of resveratrol are similar to the effects of exercise training and therefore if resveratrol can be considered as an exercise mimetic.
Fit-for-Work – or Work Fit for Disabled People? The Role of Changing Job Demands and Control in Incapacity Claims
Authors: BAUMBERG BEN
Published: January 2014

It remains a puzzle as to why incapacity claims rose in many OECD countries when life expectancy was increasing. While potentially due to hidden unemployment and policy failure, this paper tests a further explanation: that work has become more difficult for disabled workers. It focuses on the UK as a ‘most likely’ case, given evidence of intensification and declining control at work. To get a more objective measure of working conditions, the models use average working conditions in particular occupations, and impute this into the British Household Panel Survey. The results show that people in low-control (but not high-demands) jobs are more likely to claim incapacity benefits in the following year, a result that is robust to a number of sensitivity analyses. Deteriorating job control seems to be a part of the explanation for rising incapacity, and strategies to cut the number of incapacity claimants should therefore consider ways to improve job control. Given the challenges in changing job characteristics, however, an equally important implication is that high levels of incapacity should not just be seen as a result of poor policies and a lack of jobs, but also as a result of the changing nature of work.
THE USE OF NATIVE SPEAKER NORMS IN CRITICAL PERIOD HYPOTHESIS RESEARCH
Authors: Andringa Sible
Published: January 2014

In critical period hypothesis (CPH) research, native speaker (NS) norm groups have often been used to determine whether nonnative speakers (NNSs) were able to score within the NS range of scores. One goal of this article is to investigate what NS samples were used in previous CPH research. The literature review shows that NS control groups tend to be small and highly educated and that detailed background information is usually not provided. Another goal of this article is to investigate how the NS norm group may affect the incidence of nativelike performance by NNSs. To this end, 124 NSs and 118 NNSs of Dutch completed five comprehension tasks and a vocabulary task. On the basis of mean scores and standard deviations, norms were determined for a representative and a nonrepresentative (highly educated) subsample of NSs. Also, separate norms were constructed for the high- and low-frequency items within a task. Exact McNemar tests were used to establish that the incidence of nativelike performance by NNSs was significantly higher if a representative sample norm was used. The results also showed that, insofar as there were effects of frequency, norms based on low-frequency test items tended to be more inclusive. The results imply that the selection of NSs in CPH research deserves more consideration than it has received in the past; they also suggest that NS ceiling performance is potentially useful in determining nativelike performance.
What are the roles of species distribution models in conservation planning?
Authors: McSHEA WILLIAM J.
Published: January 2014

The development of species distribution models (SDMs) has benefited biodiversity conservation through their linkage of science to policy and decision processes. These models have evolved to provide scenarios of future landscapes based on known and projected environmental parameters. Whereas there are many caveats to their use, the persuasive power of the models for conveying the consequences of environmental change to the non-science community is immense. Scientists are obliged to convey the uncertainty of the futures depicted in their models, but also to involve the stakeholders who will shape those future conditions. Stakeholders can identify the natural resources they want to sustain, voice their priorities in environmental policy, and articulate the range of solutions they are willing to accept. The creation of alternative futures is an academic exercise if not linked to real viable decisions concerning important resources. SDMs only reach their full potential when they bring together scientists, public stakeholders and policy makers, and are used as an adaptive management tool to understand complex landscapes that are undergoing short- and long-term change.
Early-life vitamin D deficiency and childhood-onset coeliac disease
Authors: Tanpowpong Pornthep , Camargo Carlos A
Published: January 2014

Many studies have investigated the aetiological roles of genetic and environmental factors in coeliac disease (CD) with the long-term goal of developing an effective primary prevention strategy. CD is a condition with dysregulated systemic and intestinal mucosal immune responses to dietary gluten proteins among genetically predisposed individuals. We recently described spring birth as a novel risk factor for CD in children. We believe that the association between season of birth and CD is due to seasonal differences in sunlight exposure and subsequent vitamin D status. Concomitant with global increases in CD prevalence, vitamin D deficiency also is increasingly recognized in children worldwide. Recent studies have shown that vitamin D deficiency can cause improper immune responses, abnormal intestinal mucosal integrity and impaired local defence to pathogenic microbial agents. In conjunction with other potential aetiological factors, we propose a hypothesis model of early-life vitamin D deficiency in the pathogenesis of childhood-onset CD.
The thermal limits to life on Earth
Authors: Clarke Andrew
Published: January 2014

Living organisms on Earth are characterized by three necessary features: a set of internal instructions encoded in DNA (software), a suite of proteins and associated macromolecules providing a boundary and internal structure (hardware), and a flux of energy. In addition, they replicate themselves through reproduction, a process that renders evolutionary change inevitable in a resource-limited world. Temperature has a profound effect on all of these features, and yet life is sufficiently adaptable to be found almost everywhere water is liquid. The thermal limits to survival are well documented for many types of organisms, but the thermal limits to completion of the life cycle are much more difficult to establish, especially for organisms that inhabit thermally variable environments. Current data suggest that the thermal limits to completion of the life cycle differ between the three major domains of life, bacteria, archaea and eukaryotes. At the very highest temperatures only archaea are found with the current high-temperature limit for growth being 122 °C. Bacteria can grow up to 100 °C, but no eukaryote appears to be able to complete its life cycle above ∼60 °C and most not above 40 °C. The lower thermal limit for growth in bacteria, archaea, unicellular eukaryotes where ice is present appears to be set by vitrification of the cell interior, and lies at ∼−20 °C. Lichens appear to be able to grow down to ∼−10 °C. Higher plants and invertebrates living at high latitudes can survive down to ∼−70 °C, but the lower limit for completion of the life cycle in multicellular organisms appears to be ∼−2 °C.
The Ly49 natural killer cell receptors: a versatile tool for viral self‐discrimination
Authors: Berry Richard , Rossjohn Jamie , Brooks Andrew G
Published: January 2014

The activation of murine and human natural killer (NK) cells is regulated by families of receptors including the Ly49 and Killer immunoglobulin‐like receptors, respectively, both of which contain activating and inhibitory members. The archetypal role of inhibitory Ly49 receptors is to attenuate NK cell responses to normal cells that express major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class‐I molecules, in essence allowing for more robust responses to infected or cancerous cells that lack MHC‐I on their cell surface. However, it is now evident that Ly49 receptors have an appreciably more sophisticated array of functions. In particular, some activating Ly49 receptors can bind directly to MHC‐I‐like viral gene products such as m157, whereas others recognize self‐MHC‐I but only in the presence of viral chaperones. Although Ly49 receptor recognition is centred on the MHC‐I‐like fold, these NK cell receptors can also engage related ligands in unexpected ways. Herein we review the varied strategies employed by Ly49 receptors to recognize both self and viral ligands, with particular emphasis on the recently determined mode of Ly49‐m157 ligation, and highlight the versatile nature of this family in the control of viral infections.
Ultrafast light induced unusually broad transient absorption in the sub-bandgap region of GeSe2 thin film
Authors: Barik A. R. , Bapna Mukund , Drabold D. A. , Adarsh K. V.
Published: January 2014

In this paper, we show for the first time that ultrafast light illumination can induce an unusually broad transient optical absorption (TA), spanning of ≈ 200 nm in the sub-bandgap region of chalcogenide GeSe2 thin films, which we interpret as being a manifestation of creation and annihilation of light induced defects. Further, TA in ultrashort time scales show a maximum at longer wavelength, however blue shifts as time evolves, which provides the first direct evidence of the multiple decay mechanisms of these defects. Detailed global analysis of the kinetic data clearly demonstrates that two and three decay constants are required to quantitatively model the experimental data at ps and ns respectively.
Intra-molecular reactions as a new approach to investigate bio-radical reactivity: a case study of cysteine sulfinyl radicals
Authors: Durand Kirt L. , Ma Xiaoxiao , Xia Yu
Published: January 2014

Utilizing gas-phase intra-molecular reactions facilitated by energetic collisions, a new reaction channel, sulfinyl radical exchange with thiol within a polypeptide, was observed for the first time.
A functionalized Ge3-compound with a dual character of the central germanium atom
Authors: Li Yan , Mondal Kartik Chandra , Lübben Jens , Zhu Hongping , Dittrich Birger , Purushothaman Indu , Parameswaran Pattiyil , Roesky Herbert W.
Published: January 2014

A novel Ge3-compound with dual character of the central Ge atom has been synthesized via direct formation of a GeC bond by using a stable cyclic alkyl(amino) carbene.
Different interpenetrated coordination polymers based on flexible dicarboxylate ligands: topological diversity and magnetism
Authors: Liu Jian-Qiang , Wu Jian , Wang Yao-Yu , Lin Jian-Tao , Sakiyama Hiroshi
Published: January 2014

This work evidently indicates that the effect of the secondary ligands, molar ratios and geometric preferences of the metal centers are critical on the resulting entangled motifs.
Halogen–halogen interactions and halogen bonding in thiacalixarene systems
Authors: Yamada Manabu , Kanazawa Ryo , Hamada Fumio
Published: January 2014

5,11,17,23-tetraiodo-25,26,27,28-tetrapropoxythiacalix[4]arene exhibited I⋯I interactions which are ca. 2% shorter than the sum of their respective van der Waals atomic radii. 5,11,17,23-tetraiodo-25,26,27,28-tetrabutoxythiacalix[4]arene were identified to have S⋯I interactions that are ca. 4.5% shorter than the sum of their respective van der Waals atomic radii. We have elucidated both interactions by computational approaches.
Mesoporous silica nanoparticles for enhancing the delivery efficiency of immunostimulatory DNA drugs
Authors: Tao Cuilian , Zhu Yufang , Xu Yi , Zhu Min , Morita Hiromi , Hanagata Nobutaka
Published: January 2014

A potential immunostimulatory double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) drug delivery system has been designed for enhancing the delivery efficiency.
Energy storage applications of activated carbons: supercapacitors and hydrogen storage
Authors: Sevilla Marta , Mokaya Robert
Published: January 2014

This review presents the state-of-the-art with respect to synthesis of activated carbons, and their use as electrode materials in supercapacitors and as hydrogen storage materials.
Mastering a biphasic single-reactor process for direct conversion of glycerol into liquid hydrocarbon fuels
Authors: Ordomsky V. V. , Khodakov A. Y.
Published: January 2014

Combination of aqueous-phase reforming of glycerol and Fischer–Tropsch synthesis in a single biphasic reactor in the presence of an acid leads to formation of long chain alkanes.
Light-harvesting of polymerizable 4-hydroxy-1,3-thiazole monomers by energy transfer toward photoactive Os(ii) metal complexes in linear polymers
Authors: Breul Alexander M. , Rabelo de Moraes Inês , Menzel Roberto , Pfeffer Michael , Winter Andreas , Hager Martin D. , Rau Sven , Dietzek Benjamin , Beckert Rainer , Schubert Ulrich S.
Published: January 2014

A dye-based polymeric antenna system for energy transfer towards a photoactive Os(ii) metal complex is described.
Laccase application in medium density fibreboard to prepare a bio-composite
Authors: Nasir Mohammed , Gupta Arun , Hossen Beg Mohammad Dalour , Chua Gek Kee , Asim Mohd
Published: January 2014

Laccase efficacy as a biological tool for the removal of lignin in pulp industries is evident and has scope for a wider application.
Multi‐level multi‐output single‐phase active rectifier using cascaded H‐bridge converter
Authors: Tsang Kai‐Ming , Chan Wai‐Lok
Published: January 2014

A high‐energy efficiency active rectifier has been implemented using cascaded H‐bridge converter. As multiple levels can be synthesised by the cascaded H‐bridge converter, the switching frequency of the active rectifier can largely be reduced. Consequently, the switching losses will be highly decreased. Novel switching strategy and control law have also been derived for the rectifier, so that power factor correction and multiple DC outputs can both be achieved. As an illustration, a 15‐level active rectifier has been implemented using only three cascaded H‐bridges. Voltage regulation for each individual bridge has also been achieved. Experimental results are included to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed rectifier.
Small‐signal model for a flyback converter with peak current mode control
Authors: Chen Shen‐Yuar
Published: January 2014

This study presents a systematic block diagram for a peak current mode controlled flyback converter to investigate its dynamic properties at high switching frequencies. At low frequencies, the proposed block diagram approximates the converter current loop to a current source. To verify the proposed model, a flyback circuit was tested. The control‐to‐output transfer function obtained from derived small‐signal model shows good agreement in frequency response between the derived result and the experimental one spanning from the DC to the approaching half‐switching frequency.
Fitting coupled potential energy surfaces for large systems: Method and construction of a 3-state representation for phenol photodissociation in the full 33 internal degrees of freedom using multireference configuration interaction determined data
Authors: Zhu Xiaolei , Yarkony David R.
Published: January 2014

A recently reported algorithm for representing adiabatic states coupled by conical intersections using a quasi-diabatic state Hamiltonian in four and five atom systems is extended to treat nonadiabatic processes in considerably larger molecules. The method treats all internal degrees of freedom and uses electronic structure data from ab initio multireference configuration interaction wave functions with nuclear configuration selection based on quasi-classical surface hopping trajectories. The method is shown here to be able to treat ∼30 internal degrees of freedom including dissociative and large amplitude internal motion. Two procedures are introduced which are essential to the algorithm, a null space projector which removes basis functions from the fitting process until they are needed and a partial diagonalization technique which allows for automated, but accurate, treatment of the vicinity of extended seams of conical intersections of two or more states. These procedures are described in detail. The method is illustrated using the photodissociaton of phenol, C6H5OH(${\rm \tilde X}{}^{1} A^{\prime} $X̃1A′) + hv → C6H5OH($\tilde A{}^{1} A^{\prime} $Ã1A′, ${\rm \tilde B}{}^{\rm 1}{\rm A^{\prime \prime} }$B̃1A′′) → C6H5O(${\rm \tilde X}{}^2{\rm B}_1$X̃2B1, ${\rm \tilde A}{}^2{\rm B}_2$Ã2B2) + H as a test case. Ab initio electronic structure data for the 1,2,31A states of phenol, which are coupled by conical intersections, are obtained from multireference first order configuration interaction wave functions. The design of bases to simultaneously treat large amplitude motion and dissociation is described, as is the ability of the fitting procedure to smooth the irregularities in the electronic energies attributable to the orbital changes that are inherent to nonadiabatic processes.
Near-field mapping of Fano resonances in all-dielectric oligomers
Authors: Filonov Dmitry S. , Slobozhanyuk Alexey P. , Krasnok Alexander E. , Belov Pavel A. , Nenasheva Elizaveta A. , Hopkins Ben , Miroshnichenko Andrey E. , Kivshar Yuri S.
Published: January 2014

We demonstrate experimentally Fano resonances in all-dielectric oligomers clusters of dielectric particles. We study two structures consisting of a ring of six ceramic spheres with and without a central particle and demonstrate that both structures exhibit resonant suppression of the forward scattering associated with the Fano resonance originated from the excitation of magnetic dipole modes. By employing the near-field measurement techniques, we establish the relation between near- and far-field properties of the Fano resonances and identify directly their origin. We support our findings by an analytical approach based on the discrete-dipole approximation and find an excellent agreement with the experimental data.
Coherent states formulation of polymer field theory
Authors: Man Xingkun , Delaney Kris T. , Villet Michael C. , Orland Henri , Fredrickson Glenn H.
Published: January 2014

We introduce a stable and efficient complex Langevin (CL) scheme to enable the first direct numerical simulations of the coherent-states (CS) formulation of polymer field theory. In contrast with Edwards’ well-known auxiliary-field (AF) framework, the CS formulation does not contain an embedded nonlinear, non-local, implicit functional of the auxiliary fields, and the action of the field theory has a fully explicit, semi-local, and finite-order polynomial character. In the context of a polymer solution model, we demonstrate that the new CS-CL dynamical scheme for sampling fluctuations in the space of coherent states yields results in good agreement with now-standard AF-CL simulations. The formalism is potentially applicable to a broad range of polymer architectures and may facilitate systematic generation of trial actions for use in coarse-graining and numerical renormalization-group studies.
The permanent electric dipole moment of thorium sulfide, ThS
Authors: Le Anh , Heaven Michael C. , Steimle Timothy C.
Published: January 2014

Numerous rotational lines of the {18.26}1-X1Σ+ band system of thorium sulfide, ThS, were recorded near 547.6 nm at a resolution of approximately 30 MHz. Measurements were made under field-free conditions, and in the presence of a static electric field. The field-free spectrum was analyzed to produce rotational and Λ-doubling parameters. The Stark shifts induced by the electric field were analyzed to determine permanent electric dipole moments, $\vec \mu _{el}$μ⃗el, of 4.58(10) D and 6.72(5) D for the X1Σ+ (v = 0) and {18.26}1 states, respectively. The results are compared with the predictions of previous and new electronic structure calculations for ThS, and the properties of isovalent ThO.
Phase shift multiplication effect of all-optical analog to electromagnetically induced transparency in two micro-cavities side coupled to a waveguide system
Authors: Wang Boyun , Wang Tao , Tang Jian , Li Xiaoming , Dong Chuanbo
Published: January 2014

We propose phase shift multiplication effect of all-optical analog to electromagnetically induced transparency in two photonic crystal micro-cavities side coupled to a waveguide system through external optical pump beams. With dynamically tuning the propagation phase of the line waveguide, the phase shift of the transmission spectrum in two micro-cavities side coupled to a waveguide system is doubled along with the phase shift of the line waveguide. π-phase shift and 2π-phase shift of the transmission spectrum are obtained when the propagation phase of the line waveguide is tuned to 0.5π-phase shift and π-phase shift, respectively. All observed schemes are analyzed rigorously through finite-difference time-domain simulations and the coupled-mode formalism. These results show a new direction to the miniaturization and the low power consumption of microstructure integration photonic devices in optical communication and quantum information processing.
Symmetry dependent optoelectronic properties of grain boundaries in polycrystalline Cu(In,Ga)Se2 thin films
Authors: Müller Mathias , Abou-Ras Daniel , Rissom Thorsten , Bertram Frank , Christen Jürgen
Published: January 2014

In a correlative study applying electron backscatter diffraction as well as spatially and spectrally resolved cathodoluminescence spectroscopy at low temperatures of about 5 K, the symmetry-dependent optoelectronic properties of grain boundaries in Cu(In,Ga)Se2 thin films have been investigated. We find that grain boundaries with lower symmetries tend to show a distinct spectral red shift of about 10 meV and a weak influence on the emission intensity. These behaviors are not detected at high-symmetry Σ3 grain boundaries, or at least in a strongly reduced way. The investigations in the present work help to clarify the ambivalent properties reported for grain boundaries in Cu(In,Ga)Se2.