bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Testing the Identification/Production Hypothesis of Implicit Memory in Schizophrenia: The Role of Response Competition
Authors: Marques Valéria R.S. , Spataro Pietro , Cestari Vincenzo , Sciarretta Antonio , Rossi-Arnaud Clelia
Published: December 2015

Objectives:Previous evidence indicates that patients with schizophrenia exhibit reduced repetition priming in production tasks (in which each response cue engenders a competition between alternative responses), but not in identification tasks (in which each response cue allows a unique response). However, cross-task comparisons may lead to inappropriate conclusions, because implicit tests vary on several dimensions in addition to the critical dimension of response competition. The present study sought to isolate the role of response competition, by varying the number of solutions in the context of the same implicit tasks.Methods:Two experiments investigated the performance of patients with schizophrenia and healthy controls in the high-competition and low-competition versions of word-stem completion (Exp.1) and verb generation (Exp.2).Results:Response competition affected both the proportions of stems completed (higher to few-solution than to many-solution stems) and the reaction times of verb generation (slower to nouns having no dominant verb associates than to nouns having one dominant verb associate). Patients with schizophrenia showed significant (non-zero) priming in both experiments: crucially, the magnitude of this facilitation was equivalent to that observed in healthy controls and was not reduced in the high-competition versions of the two tasks.Conclusions:These findings suggest that implicit memory is spared in schizophrenia, irrespective of the degree of response competition during the retrieval phase; in addition, they add to the ongoing debate regarding the validity of the identification/production hypothesis of repetition priming. (JINS, 2015,21, 314–321)
FROM STENIUS’ CONSISTENCY PROOF TO SCHÜTTE’S CUT ELIMINATION FOR ω-ARITHMETIC
Authors: SIDERS ANNIKA
Published: December 2015

The book Das Interpretationsproblem der Formalisierten Zahlentheorie und ihre Formale Widerspruchsfreiheit by Erik Stenius published in 1952 contains a consistency proof for infinite ω-arithmetic based on a semantical interpretation. Despite the proof’s reference to semantics the truth definition is in fact equivalent to a syntactical derivability or reduction condition. Based on this reduction condition Stenius proves that the complexity of formulas in a derivation can be limited by the complexity of the conclusion. This independent result can also be proved by cut elimination for ω-arithmetic which was done by Schütte in 1951.

In this paper we interpret the syntactic reduction in Stenius’ work as a method for cut elimination based on invertibility of the logical rules. Through this interpretation the constructivity of Stenius’ proof becomes apparent. This improvement was explicitly requested from Stenius by Paul Bernays in private correspondence (In a letter from Bernays begun on the 19th of September 1952 (Stenius & Bernays, 1951–75)). Bernays, who took a deep interest in Stenius’ manuscript, applied the described method in a proof Herbrand’s theorem. In this paper we prove Herbrand’s theorem, as an application of Stenius’ work, based on lecture notes of Bernays (Bernays, 1961). The main result completely resolves Bernays’ suggestions for improvement by eliminating references to Stenius’ semantics and by showing the constructive nature of the proof. A comparison with Schütte’s cut elimination proof shows how Stenius’ simplification of the reduction of universal cut formulas, which in Schütte’s proof requires duplication and repositioning of the cuts, shifts the problematic case of reduction to implications.
Estimating the Risk of Monochorionic Twins in IVF Pregnancies From the Perspective of a Prenatal Diagnosis Unit
Authors: Sarais Veronica , Paffoni Alessio , Baffero Giulia Maria , Parazzini Fabio , Persico Nicola , Somigliana Edgardo
Published: December 2015

The aim of the present work was to estimate the risk of monochorionic twin (MCT) pregnancies in in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles using data from a prenatal diagnosis unit. This was a retrospective cross-sectional study reporting on the frequency of IVF pregnancies among women attending a prenatal diagnosis service specifically dedicated to the management of monochorionic pregnancies. The observed rate was compared with the local regional rate of IVF births (2.2%). A binomial distribution model was used to calculate the 95% CI of proportions. One hundred and forty-five monochorionic pregnancies were selected. Ten of these were achieved with IVF, corresponding to a rate of 6.9% (95% CI: 3.5–11.8), significantly higher than the background rate in the local population of 2.2%. When considering exclusively monochorionic pregnancies achieving delivery of two viable newborns (n= 132), the number of IVF pregnancies was nine (6.8%, 95% CI: 3.7–12.5). We did not detect major differences in pregnancy outcome between IVF and natural monochorionic pregnancies, with the exception of the proportion of newborns with a neonatal birth < 2,500 g (100% vs. 80%,p= .03). In conclusion, data obtained from the perspective of a prenatal diagnosis unit suggest that women undergoing IVF face a 3- to 4-fold increased risk of monochorionic pregnancies.
Talc-dominated seafloor deposits reveal a new class of hydrothermal system
Authors: Hodgkinson Matthew R. S. , Webber Alexander P. , Roberts Stephen , Mills Rachel A. , Connelly Douglas P. , Murton Bramley J.
Published: December 2015

The Von Damm Vent Field (VDVF) is located on the flanks of the Mid-Cayman Spreading Centre, 13 km west of the axial rift, within a gabbro and peridotite basement. Unlike any other active vent field, hydrothermal precipitates at the VDVF comprise 85–90% by volume of the magnesium silicate mineral, talc. Hydrothermal fluids vent from a 3-m high, 1-m diameter chimney and other orifices at up to 215 °C with low metal concentrations, intermediate pH (5.8) and high concentrations (667 mmol kg−1) of chloride relative to seawater. Here we show that the VDVF vent fluid is generated by interaction of seawater with a mafic and ultramafic basement which precipitates talc on mixing with seawater. The heat flux at the VDVF is measured at 487±101 MW, comparable to the most powerful magma-driven hydrothermal systems known, and may represent a significant mode of off-axis oceanic crustal cooling not previously recognized or accounted for in global models.
Efficient chemo-enzymatic gluten detoxification: reducing toxic epitopes for celiac patients improving functional properties
Authors: Ribeiro Miguel , Nunes Fernando M. , Guedes Sofia , Domingues Pedro , Silva Amélia M. , Carrillo Jose Maria , Rodriguez-Quijano Marta , Branlard Gérard , Igrejas Gilberto
Published: December 2015

Protein engineering of gluten, the exogenous effector in celiac disease, seeking its detoxification by selective chemical modification of toxic epitopes is a very attractive strategy and promising technology when compared to pharmacological treatment or genetic engineering of wheat. Here we present a simple and efficient chemo-enzymatic methodology that decreases celiac disease toxic epitopes of gluten proteins improving its technological value through microbial transglutaminase-mediated transamidation of glutamine with n-butylamine under reducing conditions. First, we found that using low concentrations of amine-nucleophile under non-reducing conditions, the decrease in toxic epitopes is mainly due to transglutaminase-mediated cross-linking. Second, using high amine nucleophile concentrations protein cross-linking is substantially reduced. Third, reducing conditions increase 7-fold the transamidation reaction further decreasing toxic epitopes amount. Fourth, using n-butylamine improves gluten hydrophobicity that strengthens the gluten network. These results open the possibility of tailoring gluten for producing hypoallergenic flours while still taking advantage of the unique viscoelastic properties of gluten.
Simultaneously precise frequency transfer and time synchronization using feed-forward compensation technique via 120 km fiber link
Authors: Chen Xing , Lu Jinlong , Cui Yifan , Zhang Jian , Lu Xing , Tian Xusheng , Ci Cheng , Liu Bo , Wu Hong , Tang Tingsong , Shi Kebin , Zhang Zhigang
Published: December 2015

Precision time synchronization between two remote sites is desired in many applications such as global positioning satellite systems, long-baseline interferometry, coherent radar detection and fundamental physics constant measurements. The recently developed frequency dissemination technologies based on optical fiber link have improved the transfer instability to the level of 10−19/day at remote location. Therefore it is possible to keep clock oscillation at remote locations continuously corrected, or to reproduce a “virtual” clock on the remote location. However the initial alignment and the correction of 1 pps timing signal from time to time are still required, besides the highly stabilized clock frequency transfer between distant locations. Here we demonstrate a time synchronization based on an ultra-stable frequency transfer system via 120-km commercial fiber link by transferring an optical frequency comb. Both the phase noise compensation in frequency dissemination and temporal basis alignment in time synchronization were implemented by a feed-forward digital compensation (FFDC) technique. The fractional frequency instability was measured to be 6.18 × 10−20 at 2000 s. The timing deviation of time synchronization was measured to be 0.6 ps in 1500 s. This technique also can be applied in multi-node fiber network topology.
An engineered scorpion toxin analogue with improved Kv1.3 selectivity displays reduced conformational flexibility
Authors: Bartok Adam , Fehér Krisztina , Bodor Andrea , Rákosi Kinga , Tóth Gábor K. , Kövér Katalin E. , Panyi Gyorgy , Varga Zoltan
Published: December 2015

The voltage-gated Kv1.3 K+ channel plays a key role in the activation of T lymphocytes. Kv1.3 blockers selectively suppress immune responses mediated by effector memory T cells, which indicates the great potential of selective Kv1.3 inhibitors in the therapy of certain autoimmune diseases. Anuroctoxin (AnTx), a 35-amino-acid scorpion toxin is a high affinity blocker of Kv1.3, but also blocks Kv1.2 with similar potency. We designed and produced three AnTx variants: ([F32T]-AnTx, [N17A]-AnTx, [N17A/F32T]-AnTx) using solid-phase synthesis with the goal of improving the selectivity of the toxin for Kv1.3 over Kv1.2 while keeping the high affinity for Kv1.3. We used the patch-clamp technique to determine the blocking potency of the synthetic toxins on hKv1.3, mKv1.1, hKv1.2 and hKCa3.1 channels. Of the three variants [N17A/F32T]-AnTx maintained the high affinity of the natural peptide for Kv1.3 but became more than 16000-fold selective over Kv1.2. NMR data and molecular dynamics simulations suggest that the more rigid structure with restricted conformational space of the double substituted toxin compared to the flexible wild-type one is an important determinant of toxin selectivity. Our results provide the foundation for the possibility of the production and future therapeutic application of additional, even more selective toxins targeting various ion channels.
A Smart Colorful Supercapacitor with One Dimensional Photonic Crystals
Authors: Liu Cihui , Liu Xing , Xuan Hongyun , Ren Jiaoyu , Ge Liqin
Published: December 2015

To meet the pressing demands for portable and flexible equipment in contemporary society, developing flexible, lightweight and sustainable supercapacitor systems with large power densities, long cycle life and ease of strongly required. However, estimating the state-of-charge of existing supercapacitors is difficult and thus their service life is limited. In this study, we fabricate a flexible color indicative supercapacitor device with mesoporous polyaniline (mPANI)/Poly(N-Isopropyl acrylamide-Graphene Oxide-Acrylic Acid) (P(NiPPAm-GO-AA)) one dimensional photonic crystals (1DPCs) as the electrode material through a low-cost, eco-friendly and scalable fabrication process. We found that the state-of-charge could be monitored by the structural color oscillation due to the change in the photonic band gap position of the 1DPCs. The flexible 1DPCs supercapacitor is thin at 3 mm and exhibits good specific capacitance of 22.6 F g−1 with retention of 91.1% after 3,000 cycles. This study shows the application of the 1DPCs supercapacitor as a visual ultrathin power source. The technology may find many applications in future wearable electronics.
Independently tunable dual-band perfect absorber based on graphene at mid-infrared frequencies
Authors: Zhang Yuping , Li Tongtong , Chen Qi , Zhang Huiyun , O’Hara John F. , Abele Ethan , Taylor Antoinette J. , Chen Hou-Tong , Azad Abul K.
Published: December 2015

We design a dual-band absorber formed by combining two cross-shaped metallic resonators of different sizes within a super-unit-cell arranged in mirror symmetry. Simulations indicate that absorption efficiencies greater than 99% can be achieved at two different frequencies under normal incidence. We employ a design scheme with graphene integration, which allows independent tuning of individual absorption frequencies by electrostatically changing the Fermi energy of the graphene layer. High absorbance is maintained over a wide incident angle range up to 50 degrees for both TE and TM polarizations. It thus enables a promising way to design electrically tunable absorbers, which may contribute toward the realization of frequency selective detectors for sensing applications.
Disparate metabolic response to fructose feeding between different mouse strains
Authors: Montgomery M. K. , Fiveash C. E. , Braude J. P. , Osborne B. , Brown S. H. J. , Mitchell T. W. , Turner N.
Published: December 2015

Diets enriched in fructose (FR) increase lipogenesis in the liver, leading to hepatic lipid accumulation and the development of insulin resistance. Previously, we have shown that in contrast to other mouse strains, BALB/c mice are resistant to high fat diet-induced metabolic deterioration, potentially due to a lack of ectopic lipid accumulation in the liver. In this study we have compared the metabolic response of BALB/c and C57BL/6 (BL6) mice to a fructose-enriched diet. Both strains of mice increased adiposity in response to FR-feeding, while only BL6 mice displayed elevated hepatic triglyceride (TAG) accumulation and glucose intolerance. The lack of hepatic TAG accumulation in BALB/c mice appeared to be linked to an altered balance between lipogenic and lipolytic pathways, while the protection from fructose-induced glucose intolerance in this strain was likely related to low levels of ER stress, a slight elevation in insulin levels and an altered profile of diacylglycerol species in the liver. Collectively these findings highlight the multifactorial nature of metabolic defects that develop in response to changes in the intake of specific nutrients and the divergent response of different mouse strains to dietary challenges.
Splitting of standing spin-wave modes in circular submicron ferromagnetic dot under axial symmetry violation
Authors: Bunyaev S. A. , Golub V. O. , Salyuk O. Yu. , Tartakovskaya E. V. , Santos N. M. , Timopheev A. A. , Sobolev N. A. , Serga A. A. , Chumak A. V. , Hillebrands B. , Kakazei G. N.
Published: December 2015

The spin wave dynamics in patterned magnetic nanostructures is under intensive study during the last two decades. On the one hand, this interest is generated by new physics that can be explored in such structures. On the other hand, with the development of nanolithography, patterned nanoelements and their arrays can be used in many practical applications (magnetic recording systems both as media and read-write heads, magnetic random access memory and spin-torque oscillators just to name a few). In the present work the evolution of spin wave spectra of an array of non-interacting Permalloy submicron circular dots for the case of magnetic field deviation from the normal to the array plane have been studied by ferromagnetic resonance technique. It is shown that such symmetry violation leads to a splitting of spin-wave modes and that the number of the split peaks depends on the mode number. A quantitative description of the observed spectra is given using a perturbation theory for small angles of field inclination from the symmetry direction. The obtained results give possibility to predict transformation of spin wave spectra depending on direction of the external magnetic field that can be important for spintronic and nanomagnetic applications.
Directly interrogating single quantum dot labelled UvrA2 molecules on DNA tightropes using an optically trapped nanoprobe
Authors: Simons Michelle , Pollard Mark R. , Hughes Craig D. , Ward Andrew D. , Van Houten Bennett , Towrie Mike , Botchway Stan W. , Parker Anthony W. , Kad Neil M.
Published: December 2015

In this study we describe a new methodology to physically probe individual complexes formed between proteins and DNA. By combining nanoscale, high speed physical force measurement with sensitive fluorescence imaging we investigate the complex formed between the prokaryotic DNA repair protein UvrA2 and DNA. This approach uses a triangular, optically-trapped “nanoprobe” with a nanometer scale tip protruding from one vertex. By scanning this tip along a single DNA strand suspended between surface-bound micron-scale beads, quantum-dot tagged UvrA2 molecules bound to these ‘”DNA tightropes” can be mechanically interrogated. Encounters with UvrA2 led to deflections of the whole nanoprobe structure, which were converted to resistive force. A force histogram from all 144 detected interactions generated a bimodal distribution centered on 2.6 and 8.1 pN, possibly reflecting the asymmetry of UvrA2’s binding to DNA. These observations successfully demonstrate the use of a highly controllable purpose-designed and built synthetic nanoprobe combined with fluorescence imaging to study protein-DNA interactions at the single molecule level.
Spoof surface plasmon based planar antennas for the realization of Terahertz hotspots
Authors: Zhang Yusheng , Han Zhanghua
Published: December 2015

Novel spoof surface plasmon based terahertz (THz) antennas are realized using a few number of rectangular grooves perforated in ultrathin metal stripes and the properties of them, including both scattering cross sections and field enhancement, are numerically analyzed. The dependence of these properties on the incident angle and groove number is discussed and the results show that sharp resonances in scattering cross section spectra associated with strong local field enhancement can be achieved. These resonances are due to the formation of Fabry-Perot resonances of the spoof surface plasmon mode and it is found that the order of resonance exhibiting strongest field enhancements is found to coincide with the number of grooves at normal incidence, due to hybridization of the antenna resonance with the individual groove resonance. The terahertz hotspots within the grooves at resonances due to the local field enhancement may open up new possibilities for the investigation of terahertz-matter interactions and boost a variety of THz applications including novel sensing and THz detections. The planar stripe antennas with sharper resonances than dipolar-like resonances, together with their ease of fabrication may also promise new design methodology for metamaterials.
Vitamin D3 pretreatment regulates renal inflammatory responses during lipopolysaccharide-induced acute kidney injury
Authors: Xu Shen , Chen Yuan-Hua , Tan Zhu-Xia , Xie Dong-Dong , Zhang Cheng , Zhang Zhi-Hui , Wang Hua , Zhao Hui , Yu De-Xin , Xu De-Xiang
Published: December 2015

Vitamin D receptor (VDR) is highly expressed in human and mouse kidneys. Nevertheless, its functions remain obscure. This study investigated the effects of vitamin D3 (VitD3) pretreatment on renal inflammation during lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute kidney injury. Mice were intraperitoneally injected with LPS. In VitD3 + LPS group, mice were pretreated with VitD3 (25 μg/kg) at 48, 24 and 1 h before LPS injection. As expected, an obvious reduction of renal function and pathological damage was observed in LPS-treated mice. VitD3 pretreatment significantly alleviated LPS-induced reduction of renal function and pathological damage. Moreover, VitD3 pretreatment attenuated LPS-induced renal inflammatory cytokines, chemokines and adhesion molecules. In addition, pretreatment with 1,25(OH)2D3, the active form of VitD3, alleviated LPS-induced up-regulation of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in human HK-2 cells, a renal tubular epithelial cell line, in a VDR-dependent manner. Further analysis showed that VitD3, which activated renal VDR, specifically repressed LPS-induced nuclear translocation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) p65 subunit in the renal tubules. LPS, which activated renal NF-κB, reciprocally suppressed renal VDR and its target gene. Moreover, VitD3 reinforced the physical interaction between renal VDR and NF-κB p65 subunit. These results provide a mechanistic explanation for VitD3-mediated anti-inflammatory activity during LPS-induced acute kidney injury.
Tractography-based Parcellation of the Human Middle Temporal Gyrus
Authors: Xu Jinping , Wang Jiaojian , Fan Lingzhong , Li Hai , Zhang Wen , Hu Qingmao , Jiang Tianzi
Published: December 2015

The middle temporal gyrus (MTG) participates in a variety of functions, suggesting the existence of distinct functional subregions. In order to further delineate the functions of this brain area, we parcellated the MTG based on its distinct anatomical connectivity profiles and identified four distinct subregions, including the anterior (aMTG), middle (mMTG), posterior (pMTG) and sulcus (sMTG). Both the anatomical connectivity patterns and the resting-state functional connectivity patterns revealed distinct connectivity profiles for each subregion. The aMTG was primarily involved in the default mode network, sound recognition and semantic retrieval. The mMTG was predominantly involved in the semantic memory and semantic control networks. The pMTG seems to be a part of the traditional sensory language area. The sMTG appears to be associated with decoding gaze direction and intelligible speech. Interestingly, the functional connectivity with Brodmann’s Area (BA) 40, BA 44 and BA 45 gradually increased from the anterior to the posterior MTG, a finding which indicated functional topographical organization as well as implying that language processing is functionally segregated in the MTG. These proposed subdivisions of the MTG and its functions contribute to understanding the complex functions of the MTG at the subregional level.
Structural analysis of small to medium-sized molecules by mass spectrometry after electron-ion fragmentation (ExD) reactions
Authors: Qi Yulin , Volmer Dietrich A.
Published: December 2015

Electron capture dissociation (ECD) is a tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) method that utilizes the interaction of ions and electrons.
“Doping” pentacene with sp2-phosphorus atoms: towards high performance ambipolar semiconductors
Authors: Long Guankui , Yang Xuan , Chen Wangqiao , Zhang Mingtao , Zhao Yang , Chen Yongsheng , Zhang Qichun
Published: December 2015

“Doping” pentacene with sp2-phosphorus atoms could efficiently decrease both the hole and electron reorganization energies.
Improvement in the catalytic properties of ZSM-5 zeolite nanoparticles via mechanochemical and chemical modifications
Authors: Inagaki Satoshi , Shinoda Shoma , Hayashi Shunsuke , Wakihara Toru , Yamazaki Hiroshi , Kondo Junko N. , Kubota Yoshihiro
Published: December 2015

A combination of bead-milling, subsequent recrystallization and acid treatment of micron-sized ZSM-5 zeolite can provide a highly efficient ZSM-5 nanoparticle catalyst.
Theoretical investigations on the magnetocaloric and electrical properties of a perovskite manganite La0.67Ba0.1Ca0.23MnO3
Authors: Abassi Mounira , Mohamed Za. , Dhahri J. , Hlil E. K.
Published: December 2015

An investigation of the magnetic, magnetocaloric and electrical behavior of La0.67Ba0.1Ca0.23MnO3 is presented.
A straightforward access to ruthenium-coordinated fluorophosphines from phosphorous oxyacids
Authors: Delgado Calvo Fuencisla , Mirabello Vincenzo , Caporali Maria , Oberhauser Werner , Raltchev Kolio , Karaghiosoff Konstantin , Peruzzini Maurizio
Published: December 2015

For the first time, it has been shown the deoxofluorination of metal-coordinated phosphorous oxyacids is feasible using a safe and environmentally friendly “F” source and affords fluorophosphines in a mild and selective way.
Metallic Co2P ultrathin nanowires distinguished from CoP as robust electrocatalysts for overall water-splitting
Authors: Jin Zhaoyu , Li Panpan , Xiao Dan
Published: December 2015

Microwave-assisted synthesized metallic Co2P nanowires show highly-efficient electrocatalytic activity towards hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions contrasted with the CoP nanowires.
Simple and cost-effective synthesis of graphene by electrochemical exfoliation of graphite rods
Authors: Coroş Maria , Pogăcean Florina , Roşu Marcela-Corina , Socaci Crina , Borodi Gheorghe , Mageruşan Lidia , Biriş Alexandru R. , Pruneanu Stela
Published: December 2015

A simple and efficient approach for graphene production by electrochemical exfoliation of graphite rods in acidic solutions.
Facile synthesis of mesoporous carbon nanocomposites from natural biomass for efficient dye adsorption and selective heavy metal removal
Authors: Chen Long , Ji Tuo , Mu Liwen , Shi Yijun , Brisbin Logan , Guo Zhanhu , Khan Mohammel A. , Young David P. , Zhu Jiahua
Published: December 2015

Mesoporous carbon nanocomposites, processed from natural cottonviacatalytic graphitization, show excellent organic dye adsorption and selective heavy metal removal from polluted water.
Synthesis and characterization of graphene and functionalized graphene via chemical and thermal treatment methods
Authors: Dehghanzad Behzad , Razavi Aghjeh Mir Karim , Rafeie Omid , Tavakoli Akram , Jameie Oskooie Amin
Published: December 2015

Graphene oxide was chemically synthesized, functionalized with dodecyl amine and then reduced. The graphene oxide was also thermally reduced to obtain graphene. Different analyses were employed to structural characterization of the materials.
Dependence on size of supported Rh nanoclusters for CO adsorption
Authors: Hung Ting-Chieh , Liao Ting-Wei , Liao Zhen-He , Hsu Po-Wei , Cai Pei-Yang , Lu Wen-Hua , Wang Jeng-Han , Luo Meng-Fan
Published: December 2015

The adsorption and lateral interactions of CO molecules on Rh nanoclusters supported on an ordered thin film of Al2O3/NiAl(100) altered with the size of the Rh clusters.
Preservation of biomacromolecular composition and ultrastructure of a decellularized cornea using a perfusion bioreactor
Authors: Nara Sharda , Chameettachal Shibu , Midha Swati , Murab Sumit , Ghosh Sourabh
Published: December 2015

An attempt has been made to formulate a new method of corneal decellularization using a direct perfusion through the cornea to preserve matrix ultrastructure.
Facile synthesis of ZnAl2O4nanoparticles: efficient and reusable porous nano ZnAl2O4and copper supported on ZnAl2O4catalysts for one pot green synthesis of propargylamines and imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines by A3coupling reactions
Authors: Mandlimath Triveni Rajashekhar , Sathiyanarayanan Kulathu I.
Published: December 2015

A simple, facile and efficient route was developed for the synthesis of nano ZnAl2O4using ethanolamine.
Back to basics: identification of reaction intermediates in the mechanism of a classic ligand substitution reaction on Vaska's complex
Authors: Durango-García Clara J. , Jalife Said , Cabellos José Luis , Martínez Saul H. , Jimenez-Halla J. Oscar C. , Pan Sudip , Merino Gabriel , Montiel-Palma Virginia
Published: December 2015

The mechanism of methylation of Vaska's complextrans-[ClIr(CO)(PPh3)2] by trimethylgallium was studied and the identification of the spectroscopically detected intermediates was achieved with the aid of computational methods.
Facile preparation and properties of multifunctional polyacetylene via highly efficient click chemistry
Authors: Zhang Fayin , Guang Shanyi , Ke Fuyou , Li Jing , Xu Hongyao
Published: December 2015

A series of novel multifunctional polyacetylenes bearing oxadiazole and azo groups as molecular pendants were designed and synthesizedviahighly effective click chemistry.
The effect of cerium alteration on the photocatalytic performance of WO3 in sunlight exposure for water decontamination
Authors: Aslam M. , Qamar M. Tariq , Soomro M. Tahir , Ismail Iqbal M. I. , Rehan Zulfiqar Ahmad , Ashraf M. Waqar , Hameed A.
Published: December 2015

In an effort to enhance the photocatalytic activity of cubic WO3 in sunlight exposure, its surface was modified by impregnating the Ce3+ ions ranging from 1% to 25% with a step of 5% with respect to the weight of WO3.
Improving CO2 permeability of ceramic hollow fibre-supported composite membranes by blending an ionic liquid in the Pebax/PEGDME selective layer
Authors: Cheng Jun , Hu Leiqing , Li Yannan , Ji Chaofan , Zhou Junhu , Cen Kefa
Published: December 2015

The ionic liquid [P66614][2-Op], with high CO2 capacity, was blended in the Pebax/PEGDME selective layer of the ceramic hollow fibre-supported composite membrane. CO2 permeation rate was improved by ~35% and high CO2/H2 selectivity was maintained.
Fabrication of spherical Fe-based magnetic powders via the in situ de-wetting of the liquid–solid interface
Authors: Lei Chenglong , Huang Haifu , Cheng Zhenzhi , Tang Shaolong , Du Youwei
Published: December 2015

We developed a new liquid–solid interface method for the fabrication of spherical Fe-based alloy particles, which in situ de-wets from the graphite surface without pores and bulk inclusions.
Synthesis, structure and luminescence properties of new blue-green-emitting garnet-type Ca3Zr2SiGa2O12:Ce3+ phosphor for near-UV pumped white-LEDs
Authors: Zhong Jiyou , Zhuang Weidong , Xing Xianran , Liu Ronghui , Li Yanfeng , Zheng Yaling , Hu Yunsheng , Xu Huibing
Published: December 2015

A new blue-green-emitting garnet-type phosphor Ca3Zr2SiGa2O12:Ce3+ has been explored for n-UV pumped white light-emitting diodes.
Hexagonal microspindle of NH2-MIL-101(Fe) metal–organic frameworks with visible-light-induced photocatalytic activity for the degradation of toluene
Authors: Zhang Zhiguang , Li Xinyong , Liu Baojun , Zhao Qidong , Chen Guohua
Published: December 2015

This work focuses on exploring metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) for degradation of gaseous pollutants.
Luminescence of undoped and Eu3+ doped nanocrystalline SrWO4 scheelite: time resolved fluorescence complimented by DFT and positron annihilation spectroscopic studies
Authors: Gupta Santosh K. , Sudarshan K. , Ghosh P. S. , Sanyal K. , Srivastava A. P. , Arya A. , Pujari P. K. , Kadam R. M.
Published: December 2015

Effect of annealing temperature on photophysical characteristics of pure and SrWO4:Eu3+ nanoparticles were investigated and the changes observed correlated with density function theory (DFT) and positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS).
Electrodeposition on pyrite from copper(i) cyanide electrolyte
Authors: Guo B.
Published: December 2015

Copper anodically deposits on pyrite from cyanide bearing solution at neutral pH, and cathodically deposits at mildly acidic pH.
Elemental imaging of leaves from the metal hyperaccumulating plant Noccaea caerulescens shows different spatial distribution of Ni, Zn and Cd
Authors: Callahan Damien L. , Hare Dominic J. , Bishop David P. , Doble Philip A. , Roessner Ute
Published: December 2015

Elemental imaging using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was performed on whole leaves of the hyperaccumulating plantNoccaea caerulescensafter treatments with either Ni, Zn or Cd.
Bendable graphene/conducting polymer hybrid films for freestanding electrodes with high volumetric capacitances
Authors: Mao Lu , Li Meng , Xue Junmin , Wang John
Published: December 2015

Bendable freestanding films composed of reduced graphene oxide and one dimensional conducting polymers exhibit superior capacitive performance in terms of gravimetric capacitance and volumetric capacitance.
IBX-promoted domino reaction of α-hydroxy amides: a facile one-pot synthesis of isatins
Authors: Wang Yaoling , Cheng Xu , Zhan Zhen , Ma Xiaojun , Nie Ruifang , Hai Li , Wu Yong
Published: December 2015

A novel and temperature-controlled oxidation of α-hydroxy amides in the presence of IBX is described.
Surface chemistry, topology and desalination performance controlled positively charged NF membrane prepared by polydopamine-assisted graft of starburst PAMAM dendrimers
Authors: Wang Heyun , Wu Chunlin , Wei Zhong , Li Chuan , Liu Qiang
Published: December 2015

A novel and facile method was introduced to prepare positively charged nanofiltration membranes by PDA-assisted grafting of starburst PAMAM onto PES membranes surface.
Improved cellular infiltration into 3D interconnected microchannel scaffolds formed by using melt-spun sacrificial microfibers
Authors: Wang Zongliang , Gao Tianlin , Cui Liguo , Wang Yu , Zhang Peibiao , Chen Xuesi
Published: December 2015

We report a novel fabrication method using melt-spun sacrificial microfibers to make 3D interconnected microchannel scaffolds for improved cellular infiltration.
Forced desorption of semiflexible polymers, adsorbed and driven by molecular motors
Authors: Chaudhuri Abhishek , Chaudhuri Debasish
Published: December 2015

We formulate and characterize a model to describe the dynamics of semiflexible polymers in the presence of activity due to motor proteins attached irreversibly to a substrate, and a transverse pulling force acting on one end of the filament.
PBDT-TSR: a highly efficient conjugated polymer for polymer solar cells with a regioregular structure
Authors: Yao Huifeng , Zhao Wenchao , Zheng Zhong , Cui Yong , Zhang Jianqi , Wei Zhixiang , Hou Jianhui
Published: December 2015

In this study, a regioregular copolymer (PBDT-TSR) based on alkythio-substituted two dimensional conjugated benzodithiophene (2D-BDT) and asymmetric thienothiophene (TT) was synthesized through two steps.
Novel triphosphorylation polyurethane nanoparticles for blood-contacting biomaterials' coating
Authors: Zhang Jun , Sun Zhijun , Zhu Haomiao , Guo Qiaochu , He Chengai , Xia Ao , Mo Hong , Huang Xiaohua , Shen Jian
Published: December 2015

Novel polyurethane/sodium triphosphate nanoparticles were synthesized to enhance the blood compatibility of blood-contacting materials.
The radioisotope complex project “RIC-80” at the Petersburg Nuclear Physics Institute
Authors: Panteleev V. N. , Barzakh A. E. , Batist L. Kh. , Fedorov D. V. , Ivanov V. S. , Moroz F. V. , Molkanov P. L. , Orlov S. Yu. , Volkov Yu. M.
Published: December 2015

The high current cyclotron C-80 capable of producing 40-80 MeV proton beams with a current of up to 200 μA has been constructed at Petersburg Nuclear Physics Institute. One of the main goals of the C-80 is the production of a wide spectrum of medical radionuclides for diagnostics and therapy. The project development of the radioisotope complex RIC-80 (radioisotopes at the cyclotron C-80) at the beam of C-80 has been completed. The RIC-80 complex is briefly discussed in this paper. The combination of the mass-separator with the target-ion source device, available at one of the new target stations for on-line or semi on-line production of a high purity separated radioisotopes, is explored in greater detail. The results of target and ion source tests for a mass-separator method for the production of high purity radioisotopes 82Sr and 223,224Ra are also presented.
Mn doping instigated multiferroicity and magneto-dielectric coupling in KNbO3
Authors: Manikandan M. , Saravana Kumar K. , Venkateswaran C.
Published: December 2015

KNb1−xMnxO3 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.07) samples were synthesized by a two-step process, ball milling of the precursors and then sintering subsequently. Mn doping at Nb site induces a weak ferromagnetism at room temperature and it has been explained with the help of bound magnetic polaron model. Magnetization values at 15 kOe initially increase followed by a decrease with increase in the Mn concentration. Two phase transitions—orthorhombic to tetragonal and tetragonal to cubic, above room temperature were analyzed from the differential scanning calorimetry and temperature dependent dielectric studies. It elucidates the effect of Mn concentration on phase transition temperatures. All the samples exhibit a peak behaviour in the dielectric constant Vs temperature plot at phase transition temperatures. The samples also exhibit leaky ferroelectric loops at room temperature. PUND measurement reveals the true ferroelectric polarization of the samples. The probable origin of magneto-dielectric effect is discussed based on the dielectric study in the presence of variable magnetic field at a frequency of 1 kHz.
Sizing and techno-economic analysis of stand-alone hybrid photovoltaic/wind/diesel/battery power generation systems
Authors: Mohamed Mohamed A. , Eltamaly Ali M. , Alolah Abdulrahman I.
Published: December 2015

This paper introduces a new proposed design and optimization simulation program for the techno-economic sizing of a stand-alone hybrid photovoltaic/wind/diesel/battery energy system using the iterative optimization. The main function of the new proposed simulation program is to determine the optimum size of each component of a hybrid renewable energy system for the lowest price of generated energy and the lowest value of dummy energy at highest reliability. An accurate methodology for pairing between five Saudi Arabia sites and ten wind turbines from different manufacturers to maximize energy production and minimize the price of the generated power is introduced. This methodology changes the penetration ratio of the renewable energy sources in certain increments to meet the load requirements of the sites under study. A detailed economic methodology to obtain the price of the generated energy is introduced. The new proposed simulation program is implemented in flexible fashion, which is not possible for the market-available software, such as HOMER, INSEL, TRNSYS, and RETScreen. The results obtained from the new proposed simulation program are compared with those from genetic algorithm and HOMER software to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed program. Many valuable results can be extracted from the proposed program to assist researchers and decision makers.
A simple accurate chest-compression depth gauge using magnetic coils during cardiopulmonary resuscitation
Authors: Kandori Akihiko , Sano Yuko , Zhang Yuhua , Tsuji Toshio
Published: December 2015

This paper describes a new method for calculating chest compression depth and a simple chest-compression gauge for validating the accuracy of the method. The chest-compression gauge has two plates incorporating two magnetic coils, a spring, and an accelerometer. The coils are located at both ends of the spring, and the accelerometer is set on the bottom plate. Waveforms obtained using the magnetic coils (hereafter, “magnetic waveforms”), which are proportional to compression-force waveforms and the acceleration waveforms were measured at the same time. The weight factor expressing the relationship between the second derivatives of the magnetic waveforms and the measured acceleration waveforms was calculated. An estimated-compression-displacement (depth) waveform was obtained by multiplying the weight factor and the magnetic waveforms. Displacements of two large springs (with similar spring constants) within a thorax and displacements of a cardiopulmonary resuscitation training manikin were measured using the gauge to validate the accuracy of the calculated waveform. A laser-displacement detection system was used to compare the real displacement waveform and the estimated waveform. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) between the real displacement using the laser system and the estimated displacement waveforms were calculated. The estimated displacement error of the compression depth was within 2 mm (<1 standard deviation). All ICCs (two springs and a manikin) were above 0.85 (0.99 in the case of one of the springs). The developed simple chest-compression gauge, based on a new calculation method, provides an accurate compression depth (estimation error < 2 mm).
Electronic structure and optical properties of Cs2AX2′X4 (A=Ge,Sn,Pb; X′,X=Cl,Br,I)
Authors: Wang Guangtao , Wang Dongyang , Shi Xianbiao
Published: December 2015

We studied the crystal structures, electronic structures and optical properties of Cs2AX2′X4 (A=Ge,Sn,Pb; X′, X=Cl, Br, I) compounds using the first-principles calculation. Our optimized structures agree well with experimental and theoretical results. Band structure calculations, using the modified Becke-Johnson (mBJ) potential method, indicate that these compounds (with the exception of Cs2PbX2′I4) are semiconductors with the direct band gap ranging from 0.36 to 4.09 eV. We found the compounds Cs2GeBr2I4, Cs2GeCl2I4, Cs2GeI2Br4, Cs2SnI6, and Cs2SnBr2I4 may be good candidates for lead-free solar energy absorber materials.
Molecular phylogeny of Chinese Stephania (Menispermaceae) and reassessment of the subgeneric and sectional classifications
Authors: Xie Daotao , He Jiayong , Huang Jianming , Xie Hui , Wang Yaqin , Kang Yun , Jabbour Florian , Guo Jixian
Published: December 2015

Many species of Stephania Lour. are used traditionally in South-east Asia as medicinal plants. Understanding and predicting their therapeutic properties could be improved, provided that the evolutionary relationships among lineages are clarified. We present the first molecular phylogeny of the genus Stephania, focusing on the species occurring in China on the basis of nuclear (internal transcribed spacer, ITS) and chloroplast (trnL–F) markers sequenced from 29 species of Stephania. Our results showed that S. subgenus Stephania and S. subgenus Tuberiphania are not monophyletic, owing to the phylogenetic placement of a single species (S. mashanica). The relationships with the third subgenus, S. subgenus Botryodiscia, are not resolved. None of the sections in our analyses is monophyletic. Our study calls for further phylogenetic investigations including more accessions from the whole distribution area of the genus. A taxonomic revision of the genus Stephania, which would reassess the appropriateness of the macromorphological characters used so far to distinguish among subgenera (e.g. flower merism, size and aspect of the rootstock and main root), and sections (e.g. inflorescence morphology, sessiliflorous or not), is much needed.
Welfare user roles in a conservative welfare state. Are Germans citizens, consumers or co-producers?
Authors: Köppe Stephan , Ewert Benjamin , Blank Florian
Published: December 2015

Many welfare states have embraced choice and market mechanisms since the 1990s. With respect to welfare users, it has been argued that this led to a change from citizens to consumers. This paper challenges this observation and discusses changes of welfare user roles in the German welfare state. The main argument rests on the assumption that user roles are much more complex and include claimants and co-producers in addition to citizens and consumers. Based on this heuristic model of multiple user roles, empirical evidence for user roles in pension insurance, health care and schools is presented. Indeed, we observe a shift towards consumers in many fields of welfare provision, but German users are still largely addressed as claimants and citizens. Moreover, they are acting as active co-producers, entitled claimants, subversive consumers and needy patients.
On associated graded modules having a pure resolution
Authors: Puthenpurakal Tony
Published: December 2015

Let

A
=
K
[
[

X
1

,
⋯
,

X
n

]
]

A = K[[X_1,\cdots ,X_n]]

and let

m

=
(

X
1

,
⋯
,

X
n

)

\mathfrak {m}= (X_1,\cdots ,X_n)

. Let

M
M

be a Cohen-Macaulay

A
A

-module of codimension

p
p

. In this paper we give a necessary and sufficient condition for the associated graded module

G

m

(
M
)

G_{\mathfrak {m}}(M)

to have a pure resolution over the polynomial ring

G

m

(
A
)
≅
K
[

X
1

,
⋯
,

X
n

]

G_{\mathfrak {m}}(A) \cong K[X_1,\cdots ,X_n]

.
Recognition of Atypical Symptoms of Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Li Polly W.C. , Yu Doris S.F.
Published: December 2015

Background:

Atypical symptom presentation in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is associated with longer delay in care seeking and poorer prognosis. Symptom recognition in these patients is a challenging task.

Objectives:

Our purpose in this risk prediction model development study was to develop and validate a risk scoring system for estimating cumulative risk for atypical AMI presentation.

Methods:

A consecutive sample was recruited for the developmental (n = 300) and validation (n = 97) cohorts. Symptom experience was measured with the validated Chinese version of the Symptoms of Acute Coronary Syndromes Inventory. Potential predictors were identified from the literature. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify significant predictors. A risk scoring system was then constructed by assigning weights to each significant predictor according to their b coefficients.

Results:

Five independent predictors for atypical symptom presentation were older age (≥75 years), female gender, diabetes mellitus, history of AMI, and absence of hyperlipidemia. The Hosmer and Lemeshow test (χ
2
6 = 4.47, P = .62) indicated that this predictive model was adequate to predict the outcome. Acceptable discrimination was demonstrated, with area under the receiver operating characteristic curve as 0.74 (95% confidence interval, 0.67–0.82) (P < .001). The predictive power of this risk scoring system was confirmed in the validation cohort.

Conclusions:

Atypical AMI presentation is common. A simple risk scoring system developed on the basis of the 5 identified predictors can raise awareness of atypical AMI presentation and promote symptom recognition by estimating the cumulative risk for an individual to present with atypical AMI symptoms.
70th Anniversary Collection for the Microbiology Society: Microbial Genomics
Authors: Bentley Stephen , Thomson Nicholas
Published: December 2015

In the context of the Microbiology Society's 70th anniversary celebration, Microbial Genomics (MGen) is the new baby of the Society's publishing family. Born on 15 July 2015, it is still in its infancy but already showing promising signs, and we have great hopes and expectations for the future. The journal captures a new and expanding area of research, one which is already having a major impact on research in microbiology, and has and continues to accelerate discoveries in the field.
One-dimensional ion-beam figuring for grazing-incidence reflective optics
Authors: Zhou Lin , Idir Mourad , Bouet Nathalie , Kaznatcheev Konstantine , Huang Lei , Vescovi Matthew , Dai Yifan , Li Shengyi
Published: December 2015

One-dimensional ion-beam figuring (1D-IBF) can improve grazing-incidence reflective optics, such as Kirkpatrick–Baez mirrors. 1D-IBF requires only one motion degree of freedom, which reduces equipment complexity, resulting in compact and low-cost IBF instrumentation. Furthermore, 1D-IBF is easy to integrate into a single vacuum system with other fabrication processes, such as a thin-film deposition. The NSLS-II Optical Metrology and Fabrication Group has recently integrated the 1D-IBF function into an existing thin-film deposition system by adding an RF ion source to the system. Using a rectangular grid, a 1D removal function needed to perform 1D-IBF has been produced. In this paper, demonstration experiments of the 1D-IBF process are presented on one spherical and two plane samples. The final residual errors on both plane samples are less than 1 nm r.m.s. The surface error on the spherical sample has been successfully reduced by a factor of 12. The results show that the 1D-IBF method is an effective method to process high-precision 1D synchrotron optics.