bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Water oxidation catalysis upon evolution of molecular Co(iii) cubanes in aqueous media
Authors: Genoni Andrea , La Ganga Giuseppina , Volpe Andrea , Puntoriero Fausto , Di Valentin Marilena , Bonchio Marcella , Natali Mirco , Sartorel Andrea
Published: June 2015

The increasing global energy demand has stimulated great recent efforts in investigating new solutions for artificial photosynthesis, a potential source of clean and renewable solar fuel. In particular, according to the generally accepted modular approach aimed at optimising separately the different compartments of the entire process, many studies have focused on the development of catalytic systems for water oxidation to oxygen. While in recent years there have been many reports on new catalytic systems, the mechanism and the active intermediates operating the catalysis have been less investigated. Well-defined, molecular catalysts, constituted by transition metals stabilised by a suitable ligand pool, could help in solving this aspect. However, in some cases molecular species have been shown to evolve to active metal oxides that constitute the other side of this catalysis dichotomy. In this paper, we address the evolution of tetracobalt(iii) cubanes, stabilised by a pyridine/acetate ligand pool, to active species that perform water oxidation to oxygen. Primary evolution of the cubane in aqueous solution is likely initiated by removal of an acetate bridge, opening the coordination sphere of the cobalt centres. This cobalt derivative, where the pristine ligands still impact on the reactivity, shows enhanced electron transfer rates to Ru(bpy)33+(hole scavenging) within a photocatalytic cycle with Ru(bpy)32+as the photosensitiser and S2O82−as the electron sink. A more accentuated evolution occurs under continuous irradiation, where Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) spectroscopy reveals the formation of Co(ii) intermediates, likely contributing to the catalytic process that evolves oxygen. All together, these results confirm the relevant effect of molecular species, in particular in fostering the rate of the electron transfer processes involved in light activated cycles, pivotal in the design of a photoactive device.
d-Fagomine attenuates metabolic alterations induced by a high-energy-dense diet in rats
Authors: Molinar-Toribio Eunice , Pérez-Jiménez Jara , Ramos-Romero Sara , Gómez Livia , Taltavull Núria , Nogués Maria Rosa , Adeva Alberto , Jáuregui Olga , Joglar Jesús , Clapés Pere , Torres Josep Lluís
Published: June 2015

d-Fagomine attenuates the negative effects of a high-energy-dense diet on plasma glucose, triglycerides and metabolic hormones, as well as on weight gain in rats.
Study on the solution and solid-state fluorescence of novel BF2complexes with (Z)-2-[phenanthridin-6(5H)-ylidene]-1-phenylethanone and its derivatives as ligands
Authors: Wu Ding-Er , Lu Xiao-Lin , Xia Min
Published: June 2015

A family of novel N,O-chelated BF2complexes with intense solution and solid-state emission were synthesized and their photophysical properties were studied.
l-Cysteine functionalized magnetic nanoparticles (LCMNP): a novel magnetically separable organocatalyst for one-pot synthesis of 2-amino-4H-chromene-3-carbonitriles in water
Authors: Khalafi-Nezhad Ali , Nourisefat Maryam , Panahi Farhad
Published: June 2015

Magnetic nanoparticles were functionalized with l-cysteine using a new and efficient method and introduced as a novel magnetically separable organocatalyst.
From nanospheres to micelles: simple control of PCL-g-PEG copolymers’ amphiphilicity through thiol–yne photografting
Authors: Al Samad Assala , Bakkour Youssef , Fanny Coumes , El Omar Fawaz , Coudane Jean , Nottelet Benjamin
Published: June 2015

A unique combination of polyester post-polymerization modification and photoradical thiol–yne addition is reported for the synthesis of amphiphilic degradable graft copolymers with controlled compositions, used to prepare micelles or nanospheres.
Polyamide thin film composite membrane using mixed amines of thiourea and m-phenylenediamine
Authors: Li Wei , Lou Liya , Hai Yuyan , Fu Changxin , Zhang Jinli
Published: June 2015

Polyamide TFC membranes were prepared on porous polyethersulfone support via interfacial polymerization between trimesoyl chloride and an amine mixture. Under optimal conditions, the membranes show good separation performance and excellent chlorine resistance.
Molecular dynamic simulations on the interaction between an HTPE polymer and energetic plasticizers in a solid propellant
Authors: Fu Xiao-long , Fan Xue-zhong , Ju Xue-hai , Qi Xiao-fei , Li JI-zhen , Yu Hong-jian
Published: June 2015

In order to explore effects of polymer and plasticizers on miscibility and mechanical property, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations is performed to investigate the Hydroxy Terminated PolyEther (HTPE) polymer and some energetic plasticizers.
Highly enhanced dielectric strength and energy storage density in hydantoin@BaTiO3–P(VDF-HFP) composites with a sandwich-structure
Authors: Luo Hang , Zhang Dou , Wang Lu , Chen Chao , Zhou Jing , Zhou Kechao
Published: June 2015

The dielectric strength and discharged energy density are largely enhanced in the sandwich-structured hydantoin@BaTiO3–P(VDF-HFP) composites.
Shape-controlled synthesis of α-Fe2O3 nanocrystals for efficient adsorptive removal of Congo red
Authors: Wang Jintao , Xu Lei , Zhang Zaiyong , Sun Pei-Pei , Fang Min , Liu Hong-Ke
Published: June 2015

α-Fe2O3 nanocrystals of different sizes and morphologies have been obtained at relatively low temperature with Tptz as template, and the Congo red can be efficient removed by these nanocrystals.
Dehydrogenation behavior and microstructure evolution of hydrogenated magnesium–nickel–yttrium melt-spun ribbons
Authors: Song Wenjie , Li Jinshan , Zhang Tiebang , Hou Xiaojiang , Kou Hongchao
Published: June 2015

High dehydrogenation kinetics are shown to be the result of a low activation energy combined with an amorphous and nanocrystalline structure.
Preparation of silver decorated silica nanocomposite rods for catalytic and surface-enhanced Raman scattering applications
Authors: Zhao Kai , Wu Chengjiao , Deng Ziwei , Guo Yingcen , Peng Bo
Published: June 2015

A straightforward approach is presented to prepare SiO2@Ag nanocomposite rods with excellent catalytic activities and surface-enhanced Raman scattering properties.
A simple Michael acceptor type quinoline derivative for highly selective sequential recognition of CN− and Cu2+ in aqueous solution
Authors: Zhu YuanRong , Li Hui , Yan GuoTao , Shi BingBing , Zhang YouMing , Lin Qi , Yao Hong , Wei TaiBao
Published: June 2015

A 2-(quinolin-2-ylmethylene) malononitrile (6) chemosensor capable of sensing cyanide and copper ions was designed through a sequential reaction with the two toxins. Significant color changes could be distinguished by the naked eye on UV lamp.
Advances and challenges of sodium ion batteries as post lithium ion batteries
Authors: Sawicki Monica , Shaw Leon L.
Published: June 2015

Na3MnCO3PO4 offers a specific capacity of 176.7 mA h g−1, reaching 92.5% of its theoretical if electronic conductivity is sufficient.106
Mechanism for improving the cycle performance of LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 by RuO2 surface modification and increasing discharge cut-off potentials
Authors: Hong Da , Guo Yufeng , Wang Huixin , Zhou Jigang , Fang Hai-Tao
Published: June 2015

RuO2 particles on LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 sustainably consume F radicals leading to the formation of a stable SEI layer. This is the reason for improvement of the cycle performance by the surface modification with discrete RuO2 particles in combination with setting discharge cut-off potentials to 4.5 V.
A fast degradable citrate-based bone scaffold promotes spinal fusion
Authors: Tang Jiajun , Guo Jinshan , Li Zhen , Yang Cheng , Xie Denghui , Chen Jian , Li Shengfa , Li Shaolin , Kim Gloria B. , Bai Xiaochun , Zhang Zhongmin , Yang Jian
Published: June 2015

The use of a mechanically robust and fast degradable POC-M-click–HA matchstick scaffold resulted in high fusion rates and high bone strengths in a rabbit lumbar interbody fusion model.
Facile and controlled synthesis of stable water-soluble cupric sulfide quantum dots for significantly inhibiting the proliferation of cancer cells
Authors: Shuang Wei , Wang Xiaobing , Wang Ge , Guo Yuming , Wang Kui , Yang Gai , Zhu Lin , Yang Lin
Published: June 2015

Stable amorphous and crystalline copper sulfide quantum dots (QDs) were obtained controllably by a facile two-step method. These QDs exhibited anti-proliferation activities on cancer cells.
Design of microstrip tri‐mode balun bandpass filter with high selectivity
Authors: Lin Shanming , Wang Jianpeng , Zhang Gang , Hong Jiasheng
Published: June 2015

A new microstrip tri‐mode balun bandpass filter (BPF) with good filter‐type and balun‐type functions is presented. To realise the tri‐mode BPF performance, the multimode stepped‐impedance resonator is introduced and parallel coupled to both the balanced and the unbalanced ports. To achieve 180° phase difference, two types of transition structures, i.e. the microstrip–coplanar waveguide–microstrip transition and the microstrip–coplanar stripline–microstrip transition, are adopted for the two balanced output ports design, respectively. A balun BPF operating at 2.6 GHz is designed and fabricated to validate the feasibility of the new approach. Results indicate that the proposed balun BPF exhibits not only high selectivity with two transmission zeros locating at 1.7 and 3.7 GHz but also good balance performance with 0.5 dB magnitude imbalance and 5° phase imbalance between the balanced outputs.
Specific absorption rate reduction of multi‐standard mobile antenna with double‐negative metamaterial
Authors: Alam T. , Faruque M.R.I. , Islam M.T.
Published: June 2015

A printed multi‐standard mobile wireless antenna loaded with double‐negative metamaterial that achieves an impedance bandwidth of 2.29 GHz (1.66 to 3.95 GHz) and 1.28 GHz (4.45 to 5.73 GHz) is presented. The proposed antenna can operate in the frequency bands of GSM (1800, 1900, 2100), WiMAX (3.2–3.6 GHZ), WLAN, Bluetooth (2.4 GHz) and WLAN (5.47–5.9 GHz). The antenna is assimilated with a semi‐circular shape radiating patch, a metamaterial loaded ground plane and a 50 Ω microstrip feed line. The antenna exhibits a planar structure and occupies a very small space of 37 × 47 × 0.8 mm3, making it suitable for mobile wireless applications. The perceptible novelties exhibited in this proposed antenna is reduction of electromagnetic absorption with the metamaterial loaded ground plane. The proposed metamaterial antenna achieved 66.47 and 66.52% of 10 g specific absorption reduction at 1.8 and 2.4 GHz, respectively.
IUPAC-NIST Solubility Data Series. 100. Rare Earth Metal Fluorides in Water and Aqueous Systems. Part 3. Heavy Lanthanides (Gd–Lu)
Authors: Mioduski Tomasz , Gumiński Cezary , Zeng Dewen
Published: June 2015

This is the third part of the volume devoted to solubility data for the rare earth metal (REM) fluorides in water and in aqueous ternary and multicomponent systems. It covers experimental results of trivalent fluorides of Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, and Lu (so-called heavy lanthanides), since no quantitative data on solubilities of TbF4 and YbF2 (the most stable compounds at these valencies) are available. The related literature has been covered through the end of 2014. Compilations of all available papers with the solubility data are introduced for each REM fluoride with a corresponding critical evaluation. Every such assessment contains a collection of all solubility results in aqueous solution, a selection of suggested solubility data, a solubility equation, and a brief discussion of the multicomponent systems. Only simple fluorides (no complexes or double salts) are treated as the input substances in this report. General features of the systems, such as nature of the equilibrium solid phases, solubility as a function of temperature, influence of ionic strength, solution pH, mixed solvent medium on the solubility, quality of the solubility results, and the solubility as a function of REM atomic number, have already been presented in Part 1 of the volume.
Study of in situ adsorption kinetics of polyelectrolytes and liposomes using quartz crystal microbalance: Influence of experimental layout
Authors: Duarte A. A. , Abegão L. M. G. , Ribeiro J. H. F. , Lourenço J. P. , Ribeiro P. A. , Raposo M.
Published: June 2015

Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM) is a widely used technique to characterize adsorption/desorption phenomena at the solid/liquid interface. However, the obtained adsorption/desorption kinetics curves are often not reproducible and present some noise and long term fluctuations. In this work, the accuracy of a commercial QCM to measure the adsorbed amount of polyelectrolytes and biological molecules was evaluated in terms of experimental QCM configurations with respect to quality, stability, and reproducibility of the measured data. Evaluation consisted in comparing the adsorption kinetics curves of the cationic polyelectrolyte poly(ethyleneimine) and the anionic 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-(1′-rac-glycerol) (sodium salt) liposomes, when setting the quartz crystal surface in stationary horizontal open, stationary horizontal closed, stationary vertical open, continuous vertical closed, and stationary vertical closed measuring configuration. For this last configuration, a new cell was designed and implemented. The analysis of the kinetics curves revealed that horizontal modes are more unstable when subjected to fostering noise due to the mechanical vibrations and lead to resonance frequency shift. This shift is caused by the measurement of non-adsorbed molecules which are deposited on the quartz crystal due to gravity force. The vertical modes proved to be more reproducible and reliable.
Sub-micrometer resolution proximity X-ray microscope with digital image registration
Authors: Chkhalo N. I. , Pestov A. E. , Salashchenko N. N. , Sherbakov A. V. , Skorokhodov E. V. , Svechnikov M. V.
Published: June 2015

A compact laboratory proximity soft X-ray microscope providing submicrometer spatial resolution and digital image registration is described. The microscope consists of a laser-plasma soft X-ray radiation source, a Schwarzschild objective to illuminate the test sample, and a two-coordinate detector for image registration. Radiation, which passes through the sample under study, generates an absorption image on the front surface of the detector. Optical ceramic YAG:Ce was used to convert the X-rays into visible light. An image was transferred from the scintillator to a charge-coupled device camera with a Mitutoyo Plan Apo series lens. The detector’s design allows the use of lenses with numerical apertures of NA = 0.14, 0.28, and 0.55 without changing the dimensions and arrangement of the elements of the device. This design allows one to change the magnification, spatial resolution, and field of view of the X-ray microscope. A spatial resolution better than 0.7 μm and an energy conversion efficiency of the X-ray radiation with a wavelength of 13.5 nm into visible light collected by the detector of 7.2% were achieved with the largest aperture lens.
Theoretical studies of the work functions of Pd-based bimetallic surfaces
Authors: Ding Zhao-Bin , Wu Feng , Wang Yue-Chao , Jiang Hong
Published: June 2015

Work functions of Pd-based bimetallic surfaces, including mainly M/Pd(111), Pd/M, and Pd/M/Pd(111) (M = 4d transition metals, Cu, Au, and Pt), are studied using density functional theory. We find that the work function of these bimetallic surfaces is significantly different from that of parent metals. Careful analysis based on Bader charges and electron density difference indicates that the variation of the work function in bimetallic surfaces can be mainly attributed to two factors: (1) charge transfer between the two different metals as a result of their different intrinsic electronegativity, and (2) the charge redistribution induced by chemical bonding between the top two layers. The first factor can be related to the contact potential, i.e., the work function difference between two metals in direct contact, and the second factor can be well characterized by the change in the charge spilling out into vacuum. We also find that the variation in the work functions of Pd/M/Pd(111) surfaces correlates very well with the variation of the d-band center of the surface Pd atom. The findings in this work can be used to provide general guidelines to design new bimetallic surfaces with desired electronic properties.
Simulations of nanoscale Ni/Al multilayer foils with intermediate Ni2Al3 growth
Authors: Gunduz I. E. , Onel S. , Doumanidis C. C. , Rebholz C. , Son S. F.
Published: June 2015

Nanoscale multilayers of binary metallic systems, such as nickel/aluminum, exhibit self-propagating exothermic reactions due to the high formation enthalpy of the intermetallic compounds. Most of the previous modeling approaches on the reactions of this system rely on the use of mass diffusion with a phenomenological derived diffusion coefficient representing single-phase (NiAl) growth, coupled with heat transport. We show that the reaction kinetics, temperatures, and thermal front width can be reproduced more satisfactorily with the sequential growth of Ni2Al3 followed by NiAl, utilizing independently obtained interdiffusivities. The computational domain was meshed with a dynamically generated bi-modal grid consisting of fine and coarse zones corresponding to rapid and slower reacting regions to improve computational efficiency. The PDEPE function in MATLAB was used as a basis for an alternating direction scheme. A modified parabolic growth law was employed to model intermetallic growth in the thickness direction. A multiphase enthalpy function was formulated to solve for temperatures after discrete phase growth and transformations at each time step. The results show that the Ni2Al3 formation yields a preheating zone to facilitate the slower growth of NiAl. At bilayer thicknesses lower than 12 nm, the intermixing layer induces oscillating thermal fronts, sharply reducing the average velocities.
Anomaly in dielectric relaxation dispersion of glass-forming alkoxy alcohols
Authors: Gao Yanqin , Chen Zeming , Tu Wenkang , Li Xiangqian , Tian Yongjun , Liu Riping , Wang Li-Min
Published: June 2015

The dielectric relaxations in six primary and secondary alkoxy alcohols with varying molecular size and different separation between –O– and hydroxyl group are studied at temperatures around glass transition. The analyses of the apparent full width at half maximum of the main relaxations of the alkoxy alcohols reveal minima in the temperature dependence of the relaxation dispersions. The stretching exponents for the main relaxations of the alkoxy alcohols are also found not to follow the empirical correlations with other dynamic quantities established for generic liquids. A comparison of the relaxation dispersions in the alkoxy alcohols with those in Debye and non-Debye (generic) liquids is presented. The impacts of the β-relaxations on the apparent main relaxation widths are reviewed for molecular glass formers.
Single scale cluster expansions with applications to many Boson and unbounded spin systems
Authors: Lohmann Martin
Published: June 2015

We develop a cluster expansion to show exponential decay of correlations for quite general single scale spin systems, as they arise in lattice quantum field theory and discretized functional integral representations for observables of quantum statistical mechanics. We apply our results to the small field approximation to the coherent state correlation functions of the grand canonical Bose gas at negative chemical potential, constructed by Balaban et al. [Ann. Henri Poincaré 11, 151–350 (2010c)], and to N component unbounded spin systems with repulsive two body interaction and massive, possibly complex, covariance. Our cluster expansion is derived by a single application of the Brydges-Kennedy-Abdesselam-Rivasseau interpolation formula.
Characteristics of anomalous skin effect and evolution of power absorption regions in a cylindrical radio frequency inductively coupled plasma
Authors: Ding Z. F. , Sun B. , Huo W. G.
Published: June 2015

In a low-pressure radio-frequency (13.56 MHz), inductively coupled argon plasma generated by a normal cylindrical rf coil, electric field, current density, and absorbed power density is calculated from magnetic field measured with a phase-resolved magnetic probe. The anomalous skin effect (ASE) for the cylindrical rf coil is compared to those previously reported for the planar and re-entrant cylindrical rf coils. Physical reasons for our observed characteristics of ASE are presented. With the increasing discharge power, the size and the number of negative and positive power absorption regions evolve into several distinct patterns. For the low discharge power (at 156.9 W), there is one area of positive and one area of negative power absorption in the radial direction. For the medium discharge power (279 W–683.5 W), there are two areas of negative and two areas of positive power absorption. For the even higher discharge power (above 803.5 W), the number of areas is the same as that of the medium discharge power, but the size of the inner positive and negative power absorption areas is approximately doubled and halved, respectively, while the outer positive and negative power absorption areas slightly shrinks. The evolution of positive and negative power absorption regions is explained as a result of electron thermal diffusion and the energy conversion between rf current and electric field. The spatial decays of electric field and current density are also elucidated by linking them with the positive and negative power absorption pattern.
Path integral and noncommutative Poisson brackets
Authors: Valtancoli P.
Published: June 2015

We find that in presence of noncommutative Poisson brackets, the relation between Lagrangian and Hamiltonian is modified. We discuss this property by using the path integral formalism for non-relativistic systems. We apply this procedure to the harmonic oscillator with a minimal length.
A note on local behavior of eigenfunctions of the Schrödinger operator
Authors: Seo Ihyeok
Published: June 2015

We show that a real eigenfunction of the Schrödinger operator changes sign near some point in ℝn under a suitable assumption on the potential.
Hardness, elastic, and electronic properties of chromium monoboride
Authors: Han Lei , Wang Shanmin , Zhu Jinlong , Han Songbai , Li Wenmin , Chen Bijuan , Wang Xiancheng , Yu Xiaohui , Liu Baochang , Zhang Ruifeng , Long Youwen , Cheng Jinguang , Zhang Jianzhong , Zhao Yusheng , Jin Changqing
Published: June 2015

We report high-pressure synthesis of chromium monoboride (CrB) at 6 GPa and 1400 K. The elastic and plastic behaviors have been investigated by hydrostatic compression experiment and micro-indentation measurement. CrB is elastically incompressible with a high bulk modulus of 269.0 (5.9) GPa and exhibits a high Vickers hardness of 19.6 (0.7) GPa under the load of 1 kg force. Based on first principles calculations, the observed mechanical properties are attributed to the polar covalent Cr-B bonds interconnected with strong zigzag B-B covalent bonding network. The presence of metallic Cr bilayers is presumably responsible for the weakest paths in shear deformation.
Nanomechanics of electrospun phospholipid fiber
Authors: Mendes Ana C. , Nikogeorgos Nikolaos , Lee Seunghwan , Chronakis Ioannis S.
Published: June 2015

Electrospun asolectin phospholipid fibers were prepared using isooctane as a solvent and had an average diameter of 6.1 ± 2.7 μm. Their mechanical properties were evaluated by nanoindentation using Atomic Force Microscopy, and their elastic modulus was found to be approximately 17.2 ± 1 MPa. At a cycle of piezo expansion-retraction (loading-unloading) of a silicon tip on a fiber, relatively high adhesion was observed during unloading. It is proposed that this was primarily due to molecular rearrangements at the utmost layers of the fiber caused by the indentation of the hydrophilic tip. The phospholipid fibers were shown to be stable in ambient conditions, preserving the modulus of elasticity up to 24 h.
Orientation and strain modulated electronic structures in puckered arsenene nanoribbons
Authors: Zhang Z. Y. , Cao H. N. , Zhang J. C. , Wang Y. H. , Xue D. S. , Si M. S.
Published: June 2015

Orthorhombic arsenene was recently predicted as an indirect bandgap semiconductor. Here, we demonstrate that nanostructuring arsenene into nanoribbons successfully transform the bandgap to be direct. It is found that direct bandgaps hold for narrow armchair but wide zigzag nanoribbons, which is dominated by the competition between the in-plane and out-of-plane bondings. Moreover, straining the nanoribbons also induces a direct bandgap and simultaneously modulates effectively the transport property. The gap energy is largely enhanced by applying tensile strains to the armchair structures. In the zigzag ones, a tensile strain makes the effective mass of holes much higher while a compressive strain cause it much lower than that of electrons. Our results are crucial to understand and engineer the electronic properties of two dimensional materials beyond the planar ones like graphene.
Zero curvature representation, bi-Hamiltonian structure, and an integrable hierarchy for the Zakharov-Ito system
Authors: Baxter Mathew , Choudhury S. Roy , Van Gorder Robert A.
Published: June 2015

In the present paper, we present an integrable hierarchy for the Zakharov-Ito system. We first construct the Lenard recursion sequence and zero curvature representation for the Zakharov-Ito system, following Cao’s method as significantly generalized by other authors. We then construct the bi-Hamiltonian structures employing variational trace identities but woven together with the Lenard recursion sequences. From this, we are in a position to construct an integrable hierarchy of equations from the Zakharov-Ito system, and we obtain the recursion operator and Poisson brackets for constructing this hierarchy. Finally, we demonstrate that the obtained hierarchy is indeed Liouville integrable.
Good neighbours: distribution of black-tufted marmoset (Callithrix penicillata) in an urban environment
Authors: Teixeira Bruno , Hirsch Andre , Goulart Vinicius D. L. R. , Passos Luiza , Teixeira Camila P. , James Philip , Young Robert
Published: June 2015

Context Primates are one of the most charismatic and widely studied vertebrate groups. However, the study of new world primates in green patches within urban areas has been neglected. Such primates have been viewed as a source of human–animal conflict; however, their ecological importance to urban ecosystems and their role in human well being is poorly understood. Aims To increase understanding of both ecological and socioeconomical factors affecting the distribution, density and group sizes of urban marmosets in a large Brazilian city (Belo Horizonte). Methods A map of vegetation cover and land use was produced and employed to investigate the distribution of marmosets. An online questionnaire was extensively publicised, which permitted the public to report the occurrence or not of marmosets near their residences. For sites with low salary levels and low internet availability, face-to-face interviews were conducted. Additionally, field surveys were conducted in 120 green areas identified by spatial analysis as potential areas of occurrence. The human population density, salary levels and green areas were posteriorly correlated with marmoset distribution. Key results Despite the urbanisation and high human population density, green fragments within the city still housed marmoset groups. However, the presence of green areas did not always indicate primate presence. Group presence was significantly related to the size of parks or green areas and negatively related to built-up areas, and human density. Salary levels were related to more forested streets and possibly tolerance. Marmosets were classified as urban utilisers. Conclusions The human–wildlife conflict with marmoset species was relatively low, owing to marmoset avoidance of built-up areas. The interaction of marmoset species and city dwellers was mainly limited to borders of forest fragments and inside city parks, and appeared to be human motivated. Implications This study showed the importance of public involvement in wildlife studies in urban environments; clarifying the interaction between city dwellers and wild species is essential to mitigate negative interactions.
Spatial gradient in value representation along the medial prefrontal cortex reflects individual differences in prosociality
Authors: Sul Sunhae , Tobler Philippe N. , Hein Grit , Leiberg Susanne , Jung Daehyun , Fehr Ernst , Kim Hackjin
Published: June 2015

Significance

How do selfish and prosocial brains function differently with regard to valuing the welfare of others? The present study addresses this question by combining neuroimaging, computational modeling, and an instrumental conditioning paradigm. Contrary to the conventional notion of the dorsal medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC) implicated in mentalization, we found that it was selfish individuals who showed greater spatial segregation between ventral and dorsal MPFC, which encoded self- and other-regarding values, respectively. Prosocial individuals, on the other hand, were characterized by overlapping self–other representation in the ventral MPFC and by stronger functional coupling between MPFC and striatum while representing and updating the value of other-regarding choices. These findings provide rigorous scientific evidence of neural markers reflecting individual differences in human prosociality.
Extracellular ATP induces the rapid release of HIV-1 from virus containing compartments of human macrophages
Authors: Graziano Francesca , Desdouits Marion , Garzetti Livia , Podini Paola , Alfano Massimo , Rubartelli Anna , Furlan Roberto , Benaroch Philippe , Poli Guido
Published: June 2015

Significance

A major obstacle to the eradication of HIV-1 by combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) is the formation of cellular reservoirs in CD4+T lymphocytes (carrying latently integrated provirus) and tissue macrophages. Infected macrophages assemble new virions in subcellular vacuoles known as virus-containing compartments (VCC), hiding them from the immune system and, in part, from antiretroviral agents. Here we report that extracellular ATP is capable of inducing the rapid release of virions accumulated in VCC via interaction with the P2X7 receptor and without inducing cell death, whereas the antidepressant agent Imipramine blocks the release. Thus, our study identifies two “druggable” targets affecting the release of stored virions from infected human macrophages that could bear relevance for purging HIV-1 reservoirs in individuals receiving cART.
High-capacity electrode materials for rechargeable lithium batteries: Li
3
NbO
4
-based system with cation-disordered rocksalt structure
Authors: Yabuuchi Naoaki , Takeuchi Mitsue , Nakayama Masanobu , Shiiba Hiromasa , Ogawa Masahiro , Nakayama Keisuke , Ohta Toshiaki , Endo Daisuke , Ozaki Tetsuya , Inamasu Tokuo , Sato Kei , Komaba Shinichi
Published: June 2015

Significance

This study describes new and promising electrode materials, Li
3
NbO
4
-based electrode materials, which are used for high-energy rechargeable lithium batteries. Although its crystal structure is classified as a cation-disordered rocksalt-type structure, lithium ions quickly migrate in percolative network in bulk without a sacrifice in kinetics. Moreover, the large reversible capacity originates from the participation of oxide ions for a charge compensation process, which has been confirmed by first-principles calculations combined with X-ray absorption spectroscopy. This finding can be further expanded to the design of innovative positive electrode materials beyond the restriction of the solid-state redox reaction based on the transition metals used for the past three decades.
Estimating seabed pressure from demersal trawls, seines, and dredges based on gear design and dimensions
Authors: Eigaard Ole R. , Bastardie Francois , Breen Mike , Dinesen Grete E. , Hintzen Niels T. , Laffargue Pascal , Mortensen Lars O. , Nielsen J. Rasmus , Nilsson Hans C. , O’Neill Finbarr G. , Polet Hans , Reid David G. , Sala Antonello , Sköld Mattias , Smith Chris , Sørensen Thomas K. , Tully Oliver , Zengin Mustafa , Rijnsdorp Adriaan D.
Published: June 2015

This study assesses the seabed pressure of towed fishing gears and models the physical impact (area and depth of seabed penetration) from trip-based information of vessel size, gear type, and catch. Traditionally fishing pressures are calculated top-down by making use of large-scale statistics such as logbook data. Here, we take a different approach starting from the gear itself (design and dimensions) to estimate the physical interactions with the seabed at the level of the individual fishing operation. We defined 14 distinct towed gear groups in European waters (eight otter trawl groups, three beam trawl groups, two demersal seine groups, and one dredge group), for which we established gear “footprints”. The footprint of a gear is defined as the relative contribution from individual larger gear components, such as trawl doors, sweeps, and groundgear, to the total area and severity of the gear's impact. An industry-based survey covering 13 countries provided the basis for estimating the relative impact-area contributions from individual gear components, whereas sediment penetration was estimated based on a literature review. For each gear group, a vessel size–gear size relationship was estimated to enable the prediction of gear footprint area and sediment penetration from vessel size. Application of these relationships with average vessel sizes and towing speeds provided hourly swept-area estimates by métier. Scottish seining has the largest overall gear footprint of ∼1.6 km 2 h −1 of which 0.08 km 2 has an impact at the subsurface level (sediment penetration ≥ 2 cm). Beam trawling for flatfish ranks low when comparing overall footprint size/hour but ranks substantially higher when comparing only impact at the subsurface level (0.19 km 2 h −1 ). These results have substantial implications for the definition, estimation, and monitoring of fishing pressure indicators, which are discussed in the context of an ecosystem approach to fisheries management.
Vulnerability of megabenthic species to trawling in the Barents Sea
Authors: Jørgensen Lis Lindal , Planque Benjamin , Thangstad Trude Hauge , Certain Grégoire
Published: June 2015

The development of ecosystem-based fisheries management over the last two decades has increased attention on the protection of vulnerable resources that are of little or no economic significance including bycatch of benthos in bottom trawling. Current knowledge on the response of benthic communities to the impact of trawling is still rudimentary. In the present study, we used data collected in the Barents Sea during 2011 to assess the vulnerability of benthic species to trawling, based on the risk of being caught or damaged by a bottom trawl. Using trait table analysis, we identified 23 “high-risk” benthic species, which include “large weight and upraised” taxa as “easily caught” by a bottom trawl. We further identified a “low-risk” category containing 245 taxa/species and a “medium-risk” category with 80 species. A clear decline in biomass was noted for all three categories when comparing trawled vs. untrawled areas. This suggests that trawling significantly affects the biomass of all species, but predominantly the “high-risk” taxa. Some Barents Sea regions were particularly susceptible to trawling due to the dominance of the “high-risk” species, including Geodia sponges in the southwestern Barents Sea, basket stars ( Gorgonocephalus ) in the northern Barents Sea, sea pen ( Umbellula encrinus ) on the shelf facing the Arctic Ocean, and sea cucumber ( Cucumaria frondosa ) in shallow southern areas. These findings can guide management decisions to meet targets set by the United Nations Convention of Biological Diversity and the OSPAR Commission (“Protecting and Conserving the North-East Atlantic and its Resources”). We specifically recommend management action in the southwestern and the northwestern Barents Sea and on the Arctic shelf facing the Arctic Ocean.
The Great Patriotic War, 1941–1945
Authors: Andreyev Catherine
Published: June 2015

After a long period of scholarly neglect, owing partly to political reasons, the Second World War is now being studied as an integral part of the history of the Soviet Union. This chapter considers the war’s far reaching effects on state and society, taking a multi-faceted, comparative view. Beginning with German and Soviet war aims, the chapter goes on to highlight recent historiography, which has revealed much about the experience of the individual Soviet soldier and has emphasized that by concentrating on military set-pieces, such as the battle of Stalingrad, we risk distorting our understanding of the war. Also discussed are controversial subjects such as collaboration and partisan warfare, and the impact of the war on the Russian Orthodox Church and on Russian national identity.
Singing and Psychological Needs
Authors: Davidson Jane W. , Garrido Sandra
Published: June 2015

This chapter explores evidence that reveals the psychological benefits of participation in singing activity. The theoretical framework for this chapter focuses on Ryan and Deci’s(2002) model of psychological needs. This theory argues that when satisfaction of the psychological needs of competency, relatedness, and autonomy are met, health and wellbeing are achieved. It is shown how feelings of competency and social connection can be achieved by placing singing at the center of someone’s life which can enhance potential for positive well-being impact. Generating feelings of autonomy facilitate motivation and promote self-endorsed and self-governed actions. Examples from singing contexts provide evidence for this discussion. In groups such as older people, for example, the sense of individual control in the singing group can have positive effects in a life otherwise often controlled by doctors and care workers.
The Anti-inflammatory Effects of Agmatine on Transient Focal Cerebral Ischemia in Diabetic Rats
Authors: Kim Jeong Min , Lee Jong Eun , Cheon So Yeong , Lee Jae Hoon , Kim So Yeon , Kam Eun Hee , Koo Bon-Nyeo
Published: June 2015

Background:

In the previous study, we observed agmatine (AGM) posttreatment immediately after 30 minutes of suture occlusion of the middle cerebral artery (MCAO) reduced the infarct size and neurological deficit in diabetic rats. The aim of the present study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory effect of AGM to reduce cerebral ischemic damage in diabetic rats.

Materials and Methods:

Normoglycemic (n=20) and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats (n=40) were subjected to 30 minutes of MCAO followed by reperfusion. Twenty diabetic rats were treated with AGM (100 mg/kg, intraperitoneal) immediately after 30 minutes of MCAO. Modified neurological examinations and rotarod exercises were performed to evaluate motor function. Western blot and immunohistochemical analysis were performed to determine the expression of inflammatory cytokines in ischemic brain tissue. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed to measure the mRNA expression of high-mobility group box 1, receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE), Toll-like receptor (TLR)2, and TLR4

Results and Conclusions:

AGM posttreatment improved the neurobehavioral activity and motor function of diabetic MCAO rats at 24 and 72 hours after reperfusion. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that AGM treatment significantly decreased the expression of inflammatory cytokines in diabetic MCAO rats at 24 and 72 hours after reperfusion (P<0.01). Western blotting and real-time polymerase chain reaction results indicated that AGM treatment significantly decreased the expression of high-mobility group box 1, RAGE, TLR2, and TLR4 in diabetic rats at 24 hours after reperfusion (P<0.05). This neuroprotective effect of AGM after MCAO was associated with modulation of the postischemic neuronal inflammation cascade.
The importance of mammalian torpor for survival in a post-fire landscape
Authors: Stawski Clare , Körtner Gerhard , Nowack Julia , Geiser Fritz
Published: June 2015

Wildfires have increased in frequency and intensity worldwide with climate change as a main driving factor. While a number of studies have focused on population changes in regard to fires, there are essentially no quantitative data on behavioural and physiological adjustments that are vital for the persistence of individuals during and after fires. Here we show that brown antechinus, a small insectivorous marsupial mammal, (i) endured a prescribed fire
in situ
, (ii) remained in their scorched home range despite unburned areas nearby, and (iii) substantially increased post-fire torpor use and thus reduced foraging requirements and exposure to predators. Hence, torpor is a physiological adaptation that, although not quantified in this context previously, appears to play a key role in post-fire survival for this and other heterothermic species.
Negative frequency-dependent selection is intensified at higher population densities in protist populations
Authors: Minter Ewan J. A. , Watts Phillip C. , Lowe Chris D. , Brockhurst Michael A.
Published: June 2015

Natural populations of free-living protists often exhibit high-levels of intraspecific diversity, yet this is puzzling as classic evolutionary theory predicts dominance by genotypes with high fitness, particularly in large populations where selection is efficient. Here, we test whether negative frequency-dependent selection (NFDS) plays a role in the maintenance of diversity in the marine flagellate
Oxyrrhis marina
using competition experiments between multiple pairs of strains. We observed strain-specific responses to frequency and density, but an overall signature of NFDS that was intensified at higher population densities. Because our strains were not selected
a priori
on the basis of particular traits expected to exhibit NFDS, these data represent a relatively unbiased estimate of the role for NFDS in maintaining diversity in protist populations. These findings could help to explain how bloom-forming plankton, which periodically achieve exceptionally high population densities, maintain substantial intraspecific diversity.
Geographical ancestry of Lake Malawi's cichlid fish diversity
Authors: Genner Martin J. , Ngatunga Benjamin P. , Mzighani Semvua , Smith Alan , Turner George F.
Published: June 2015

The Lake Malawi haplochromine cichlid flock is one of the largest vertebrate adaptive radiations. The geographical source of the radiation has been assumed to be rivers to the south and east of Lake Malawi, where extant representatives of the flock are now present. Here, we provide mitochondrial DNA evidence suggesting the sister taxon to the Lake Malawi radiation is within the Great Ruaha river in Tanzania, north of Lake Malawi. Estimates of the time of divergence between the Lake Malawi flock and this riverine sister taxon range from 2.13 to 6.76 Ma, prior to origins of the current radiation 1.20–4.06 Ma. These results are congruent with evaluations of 2–3.75 Ma fossil material that suggest past faunal connections between Lake Malawi and the Ruaha. We propose that ancestors of the Malawi radiation became isolated within the catchment during Pliocene rifting that formed both Lake Malawi and the Kipengere/Livingstone mountain range, before colonizing rivers to the south and east of the lake region and radiating within the lake basin. Identification of this sister taxon allows tests of whether standing genetic diversity has predisposed Lake Malawi cichlids to rapid speciation and adaptive radiation.
Three-dimensional imaging of human stem cells using soft X-ray tomography
Authors: Niclis J. C. , Murphy S. V. , Parkinson D. Y. , Zedan A. , Sathananthan A. H. , Cram D. S. , Heraud P.
Published: June 2015

Three-dimensional imaging of human stem cells using transmission soft X-ray tomography (SXT) is presented for the first time. Major organelle types—nuclei, nucleoli, mitochondria, lysosomes and vesicles—were discriminated at approximately 50 nm spatial resolution without the use of contrast agents, on the basis of measured linear X-ray absorption coefficients and comparison of the size and shape of structures to transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images. In addition, SXT was used to visualize the distribution of a cell surface protein using gold-labelled antibody staining. We present the strengths of SXT, which include excellent spatial resolution (intermediate between that of TEM and light microscopy), the lack of the requirement for fixative or contrast agent that might perturb cellular morphology or produce imaging artefacts, and the ability to produce three-dimensional images of cells without microtome sectioning. Possible applications to studying the differentiation of human stem cells are discussed.
Resonance of human brain under head acceleration
Authors: Laksari Kaveh , Wu Lyndia C. , Kurt Mehmet , Kuo Calvin , Camarillo David C.
Published: June 2015

Although safety standards have reduced fatal head trauma due to single severe head impacts, mild trauma from repeated head exposures may carry risks of long-term chronic changes in the brain's function and structure. To study the physical sensitivities of the brain to mild head impacts, we developed the first dynamic model of the skull–brain based on
in vivo
MRI data. We showed that the motion of the brain can be described by a rigid-body with constrained kinematics. We further demonstrated that skull–brain dynamics can be approximated by an under-damped system with a low-frequency resonance at around 15 Hz. Furthermore, from our previous field measurements, we found that head motions in a variety of activities, including contact sports, show a primary frequency of less than 20 Hz. This implies that typical head exposures may drive the brain dangerously close to its mechanical resonance and lead to amplified brain–skull relative motions. Our results suggest a possible cause for mild brain trauma, which could occur due to repetitive low-acceleration head oscillations in a variety of recreational and occupational activities.
Boundary effect on the elastic field of a semi-infinite solid containing inhomogeneities
Authors: Liu Y. J. , Song G. , Yin H. M.
Published: June 2015

The boundary effect of one inhomogeneity embedded in a semi-infinite solid at different depths has firstly been investigated using the fundamental solution for Mindlin's problem. Expanding the eigenstrain in a polynomial form and using the Eshelby's equivalent inclusion method, one can calculate the eigenstrain and thus obtain the elastic field. When the inhomogeneity is far from the boundary, the solution recovers Eshelby's solution. The method has been extended to a many-particle system in a semi-infinite solid, which is first demonstrated by the cases of two spheres. The comparison of the asymptotic form solution with the finite-element results shows the accuracy and capability of this method. The solution has been used to illustrate the boundary effects on its effective material behaviour of a semi-infinite simple cubic lattice particulate composite. The local field of a semi-infinite composite has been calculated at different volume fractions. A representative unit cell has been taken with different depths to the surface. The average stress and strain of the unit cell have been calculated under uniform loading conditions of normal or shear force on the surface, respectively. The effective elastic moduli of the unit cell not only depend on the material proportion, but also on its distance to the surface. The present model can be extended to other types of particle distribution and ellipsoidal particles.