bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass grafting exhibit poor pre-operative intakes of fruit, vegetables, dietary fibre, fish and vitamin D
Authors: Ruiz-Núñez B. , van den Hurk G. H. A. M. , de Vries J. H. M. , Mariani M. A. , de Jongste M. J. L. , Dijck-Brouwer D. A. J. , Muskiet F. A. J.
Published: April 2015

CHD may ensue from chronic systemic low-grade inflammation. Diet is a modifiable risk factor for both, and its optimisation may reduce post-operative mortality, atrial fibrillation and cognitive decline. In the present study, we investigated the usual dietary intakes of patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), emphasising on food groups and nutrients with putative roles in the inflammatory/anti-inflammatory balance. From November 2012 to April 2013, we approached ninety-three consecutive patients (80 % men) undergoing elective CABG. Of these, fifty-five were finally included (84 % men, median age 69 years; range 46–84 years). The median BMI was 27 (range 18–36) kg/m2. The dietary intake items were fruits (median 181 g/d; range 0–433 g/d), vegetables (median 115 g/d; range 0–303 g/d), dietary fibre (median 22 g/d; range 9–45 g/d), EPA+DHA (median 0·14 g/d; range 0·01–1·06 g/d), vitamin D (median 4·9 μg/d; range 1·9–11·2 μg/d), saturated fat (median 13·1 % of energy (E%); range 9–23 E%) and linoleic acid (LA; median 6·3 E%; range 1·9–11·3 E%). The percentages of patients with dietary intakes below recommendations were 62 % (fruits; recommendation 200 g/d), 87 % (vegetables; recommendation 150–200 g/d), 73 % (dietary fibre; recommendation 30–45 g/d), 91 % (EPA+DHA; recommendation 0·45 g/d), 98 % (vitamin D; recommendation 10–20 μg/d) and 13 % (LA; recommendation 5–10 E%). The percentages of patients with dietary intakes above recommendations were 95 % (saturated fat; recommendation < 10 E%) and 7 % (LA). The dietary intakes of patients proved comparable with the average nutritional intake of the age- and sex-matched healthy Dutch population. These unbalanced pre-operative diets may put them at risk of unfavourable surgical outcomes, since they promote a pro-inflammatory state. We conclude that there is an urgent need for intervention trials aiming at rapid improvement of their diets to reduce peri-operative risks.
Postprandial glucagon-like peptide-1 secretion is increased during the progression of glucose intolerance and obesity in high-fat/high-sucrose diet-fed rats
Authors: Nakajima Shingo , Hira Tohru , Hara Hiroshi
Published: April 2015

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is secreted by distal enteroendocrine cells in response to luminal nutrients, and exerts insulinotropic and anorexigenic effects. Although GLP-1 secretory responses under established obese or diabetic conditions have been studied, it has not been investigated whether or how postprandial GLP-1 responses were affected during the progression of diet-induced obesity. In the present study, a meal tolerance test was performed every week in rats fed a high-fat and high-sucrose (HF/HS) diet to evaluate postprandial glycaemic, insulin and GLP-1 responses. In addition, gastric emptying was assessed by the acetaminophen method. After 8 weeks of HF/HS treatment, portal vein and intestinal mucosa were collected to examine GLP-1 production. Postprandial glucose in response to normal meal ingestion was increased in the HF/HS group within 2 weeks, and its elevation gradually returned close to that of the control group until day 50. Slower postprandial gastric emptying was observed in the HF/HS group on days 6, 13 and 34. Postprandial GLP-1 and insulin responses were increased in the HF/HS group at 7 weeks. Higher portal GLP-1 and insulin levels were observed in the HF/HS group, but mucosal gut hormone mRNA levels were unchanged. These results revealed that the postprandial GLP-1 response to meal ingestion is enhanced during the progression of diet-induced glucose intolerance and obesity in rats. The boosted postprandial GLP-1 secretion by chronic HF/HS diet treatment suggests increased sensitivity to luminal nutrients in the gut, and this may slow the establishment of glucose intolerance and obesity.
The effect of mealybug Pseudococcus longispinus (Targioni Tozzetti) infestation of different density on physiological responses of Phalaenopsis × hybridum ‘Innocence’
Authors: Kot I. , Kmieć K. , Górska-Drabik E. , Golan K. , Rubinowska K. , Łagowska B.
Published: April 2015

Cultivated orchids are the most abundantly attacked by polyphagous mealybugs. This study documented how different density of mealybug Pseudococcus longispinus (Targioni Tozzetti) infestation is associated with a response of antioxidative systems of Phalaenopsis × hybridum ‘Innocence’. The degree of cell damage, estimated by electrolyte leakage measurement and the level of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), the content of pigments as well as the activity of antioxidative enzymes and proline level, as measurements of stress and stress compensation in moth orchid were examined. The highest electrolyte leakage (EL) value among samples from colonized plants was found in the orchids from series III (50 individuals/plant), whereas the lowest in the plants from series II (20 individuals/plant). The TBARS content reached the highest level at the lowest number of feeding insects (series I). Peroxidase activity toward guaiacol was significantly increased in series I (5 individuals/plant). The highest catalase activity was recorded in plants colonized by the highest number of scale insects (series III). Whereas, the highest value of proline was in series II. The content of individual photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and carotenoids) in plant tissues did not vary significantly between control and colonized orchids. The results have not confirmed hypothesis that the increasing number of mealybugs occurring on plant enhanced plant physiological response. The degree of longtailed mealybug infestation on plants was positively correlated only with electrolyte leakage and catalase activity in leaf tissues.
A rotating and magnetized three-dimensional hot plasma equilibrium in a gravitational field
Authors: Catto Peter J. , Krasheninnikov Sergei I.
Published: April 2015

A rotating and magnetized three-dimensional axisymmetric equilibrium for hot plasma confined by a gravitational field is found. The plasma density and current can exhibit strong equatorial plane localization, resulting in disk equilibria with open magnetic field lines. The associated equatorial plane pinching results in magnetic field flaring, implying a strong gravitational squeezing of the plasma carrying ambient magnetic field lines toward the gravitational source. At high plasma pressure, the magnetic field becomes strongly radial outside the disk. The model predicts the rotation frequency bound, the condition for a plasma disk, and the requirement for strong magnetic field flaring.
Muscle protein turnover in the elderly and its potential contribution to the development of sarcopenia
Authors: Murton Andrew J.
Published: April 2015

The underlying aetiology of sarcopenia appears multifaceted and not yet fully defined, but ultimately involves the gradual loss of muscle protein content over time. The present evidence suggests that the loss of lean tissue in the elderly is exacerbated by low dietary protein intake. Moreover, acute stable-isotope-based methodologies have demonstrated that the muscle anabolic response to a given amount of protein may decline with age, a phenomenon that has been termed anabolic resistance. Although the mechanism responsible for the inability of muscle to mount a satisfactory anabolic response to protein provision with increasing age is presently unknown, it does not appear due to impaired digestion or absorption of dietary protein. Rather, the issue could reside with any combination of: a diminished delivery of amino acids to peripheral tissues, impaired uptake of amino acids into muscle cells, or an inability of amino acids to elicit intracellular events pivotal for anabolism to occur. Despite the presence of anabolic resistance to dietary protein, present evidence suggests that protein supplementation may be able to overcome these issues, particularly when combined with resistance exercise programmes. As such, protein supplementation may prove to be an effective approach to delay the loss of muscle mass with age and has led to calls for the recommended daily intake of protein to be increased for the elderly population.
Expression of the histone chaperone SET/TAF-Iβ during the strobilation process of Mesocestoides corti (Platyhelminthes, Cestoda)
Authors: COSTA CAROLINE B. , MONTEIRO KARINA M. , TEICHMANN ALINE , DA SILVA EDILEUZA D. , LORENZATTO KARINA R. , CANCELA MARTÍN , PAES JÉSSICA A. , BENITZ ANDRÉ DE N. D. , CASTILLO ESTELA , MARGIS ROGÉRIO , ZAHA ARNALDO , FERREIRA HENRIQUE B.
Published: April 2015

The histone chaperone SET/TAF-Iβ is implicated in processes of chromatin remodelling and gene expression regulation. It has been associated with the control of developmental processes, but little is known about its function in helminth parasites. In Mesocestoides corti, a partial cDNA sequence related to SET/TAF-Iβ was isolated in a screening for genes differentially expressed in larvae (tetrathyridia) and adult worms. Here, the full-length coding sequence of the M. corti SET/TAF-Iβ gene was analysed and the encoded protein (McSET/TAF) was compared with orthologous sequences, showing that McSET/TAF can be regarded as a SET/TAF-Iβ family member, with a typical nucleosome-assembly protein (NAP) domain and an acidic tail. The expression patterns of the McSET/TAF gene and protein were investigated during the strobilation process by RT-qPCR, using a set of five reference genes, and by immunoblot and immunofluorescence, using monospecific polyclonal antibodies. A gradual increase in McSET/TAF transcripts and McSET/TAF protein was observed upon development induction by trypsin, demonstrating McSET/TAF differential expression during strobilation. These results provided the first evidence for the involvement of a protein from the NAP family of epigenetic effectors in the regulation of cestode development.
Confirmatory test of two factors and four subtypes of bipolar disorder based on lifetime psychiatric co-morbidity
Authors: Monahan P. O. , Stump T. , Coryell W. H. , Harezlak J. , Marcoulides G. A. , Liu H. , Steeger C. M. , Mitchell P. B. , Wilcox H. C. , Hulvershorn L. A. , Glowinski A. L. ,   Bipolar Disorder Genome Study (BiGS) Consortium,   Bipolar High Risk Study Group, Iyer-Eimerbrink P. A. , McInnis M. , Nurnberger J. I.
Published: April 2015

Background

The first aim was to use confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to test a hypothesis that two factors (internalizing and externalizing) account for lifetime co-morbid DSM-IV diagnoses among adults with bipolar I (BPI) disorder. The second aim was to use confirmatory latent class analysis (CLCA) to test the hypothesis that four clinical subtypes are detectible: pure BPI; BPI plus internalizing disorders only; BPI plus externalizing disorders only; and BPI plus internalizing and externalizing disorders.

Method

A cohort of 699 multiplex BPI families was studied, ascertained and assessed (1998–2003) by the National Institute of Mental Health Genetics Initiative Bipolar Consortium: 1156 with BPI disorder (504 adult probands; 594 first-degree relatives; and 58 more distant relatives) and 563 first-degree relatives without BPI. Best-estimate consensus DSM-IV diagnoses were based on structured interviews, family history and medical records. MPLUS software was used for CFA and CLCA.

Results

The two-factor CFA model fit the data very well, and could not be improved by adding or removing paths. The four-class CLCA model fit better than exploratory LCA models orpost-hoc-modified CLCA models. The two factors and four classes were associated with distinctive clinical course and severity variables, adjusted for proband gender. Co-morbidity, especially more than one internalizing and/or externalizing disorder, was associated with a more severe and complicated course of illness. The four classes demonstrated significant familial aggregation, adjusted for gender and age of relatives.

Conclusions

The BPI two-factor and four-cluster hypotheses demonstrated substantial confirmatory support. These models may be useful for subtyping BPI disorders, predicting course of illness and refining the phenotype in genetic studies.
Impact of the use of an alcohol-based hand sanitizer in the home on reduction in probability of infection by respiratory and enteric viruses
Authors: TAMIMI A. H. , MAXWELL S. , EDMONDS S. L. , GERBA C. P.
Published: April 2015

The goal of this study was to determine the reduction in risk of infection by viruses with the use of an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, used in addition to routine hand washing, in family members in households. A quantitative microbial risk model was used to determine the probability of infection from the concentration of virus on the hands. The model incorporated variation in hand size, frequency of touching orifices (nose, mouth, eyes), and percent transfer to the site of infection, as well as, dose-response for each virus. Data on the occurrence of virus on household members' hands from an intervention study using MS-2 coliphage was used to determine the reduction of viruses on the hands pre- and post-intervention. It was found that the risk of rhinovirus, rotavirus or norovirus infection after the intervention was reduced by 47–98% depending upon the initial concentration of virus on the hands.
Planning permanent air raid precautions: architecture, air war and the changing perceptions of British cities in the late 1930s
Authors: PAGE ADAM
Published: April 2015

This article considers how the imagination and expectation of future air raids impacted upon the perception of the built environment, and asks how the boundaries between peace and war, and thus military and civilian, began to be dissolved in this context. It examines the interactions between architects, planners and government officials about how the design of cities and buildings might change in an age of air power. By looking at changes and continuities either side of the 1938 Munich crisis, it examines how the civilian space of cities was recast in anticipation of war.
Preferences for forms of land conservation investment in the Ethiopian Highlands: a household plot-level analysis of the roles of poverty, tenure security and market incentives
Authors: Bekele Worku Genanew , Schneider Friedrich Georg
Published: April 2015

This study used the multinomial logistic model to examine the factors leading to differences in farm-households' preferences for various forms of land conservation measures. Using a survey of 4,795 household-plots in rural Ethiopia, the study demonstrates the inappropriateness of pooling different forms of land conservation investments in preference studies. The results suggest that poverty drives farm-households towards conservation measures which are more short term and which entail the expenditure of less skill. While tenure security has a mixed effect on such preferences, market access seems not to matter for preference decisions. Further, farm-households consider the characteristics of the plot in their preference, which also vary across villages. This study shows that a farm-household's preference is a complex decision. Major changes in conservation investments on the part of farm-households will require attention to many factors, since no single factor exerts enough control to be used solitarily as a major policy leverage instrument.
Low dietary diversity and micronutrient adequacy among lactating women in a peri-urban area of Nepal
Authors: Henjum Sigrun , Torheim Liv Elin , Thorne-Lyman Andrew L , Chandyo Ram , Fawzi Wafaie W , Shrestha Prakash S , Strand Tor A
Published: April 2015

Objective

The main objectives were to assess the adequacy of the micronutrient intakes of lactating women in a peri-urban area in Nepal and to describe the relationships between micronutrient intake adequacy, dietary diversity and sociodemographic variables.

Design

A cross-sectional survey was performed during 2008–2009. We used 24 h dietary recall to assess dietary intake on three non-consecutive days and calculated the probability of adequacy (PA) of the usual intake of eleven micronutrients and the overall mean probability of adequacy (MPA). A mean dietary diversity score (MDDS) was calculated of eight food groups averaged over 3 d. Multiple linear regression was used to identify the determinants of the MPA.

Setting

Bhaktapur municipality, Nepal.

Subjects

Lactating women (n 500), 17–44 years old, randomly selected.

Results

The mean usual energy intake was 8464 (sd 1305) kJ/d (2023 (sd 312) kcal/d), while the percentage of energy from protein, fat and carbohydrates was 11 %, 13 % and 76 %, respectively. The mean usual micronutrient intakes were below the estimated average requirements for all micronutrients, with the exception of vitamin C and Zn. The MPA across eleven micronutrients was 0·19 (sd 0·16). The diet was found to be monotonous (MDDS was 3·9 (sd 1·0)) and rice contributed to about 60 % of the energy intake. The multiple regression analyses showed that MPA was positively associated with energy intake, dietary diversity, women’s educational level and socio-economic status, and was higher in the winter.

Conclusions

The low micronutrient intakes are probably explained by low dietary diversity and a low intake of micronutrient-rich foods.
Vitamin D status in pre-school children in rural Nepal
Authors: Avagyan Diana , Neupane Sudan Prasad , Gundersen Thomas E , Madar Ahmed A
Published: April 2015

Objective

Vitamin D plays a major role in Ca and bone metabolism, and its extraskeletal functions are being appraised. Although inadequate vitamin D concentrations have been reported in populations worldwide, too little is known about vitamin D status and its determinants among children in developing countries. We aimed to determine vitamin D status and its determinants in Nepalese children of pre-school age.

Design

A community-based, cross-sectional study.

Setting

Rural Nepal at latitude 27·39°N.

Subjects

Healthy children (n280) aged 12–60 months, selected randomly from the records of a vitamin A supplementation programme. Blood samples were collected using the dried blood spot technique and analysed for serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (s-25(OH)D) concentration using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Ca intake and background variables were assessed with a structured questionnaire.

Results

Hypovitaminosis D, defined as s-25(OH)D concentration less than 50 nmol/l, was found in 91·1 % of the children. S-25(OH)D concentration was not related to gender, socio-economic indicators, sun exposure or nutritional status. Currently breast-fed children had higher s-25(OH)D concentrations (36·4 (sd13·2) nmol/l) than those who were not (28·6 (sd9·8) nmol/l,P<0·001). Adjustment for sociodemographic factors did not alter the results.

Conclusion

There is widespread vitamin D deficiency among pre-school children in a rural area of Nepal. In our sample, sociodemographic factors did not affect the vitamin D status of children, but prolonged breast-feeding was associated with higher s-25(OH)D concentrations. Further research is required to investigate the health consequences of poor vitamin D status for this population.
-TRANSITIVE DIGRAPHS PRESERVING A CARTESIAN DECOMPOSITION
Authors: MORRIS JOY , SPIGA PABLO
Published: April 2015

In this paper, we combine group-theoretic and combinatorial techniques to study$\wedge$-transitive digraphs admitting a cartesian decomposition of their vertex set. In particular, our approach uncovers a new family of digraphs that may be of considerable interest.
WHITTAKER PERIODS, MOTIVIC PERIODS, AND SPECIAL VALUES OF TENSOR PRODUCT -FUNCTIONS
Authors: Grobner Harald , Harris Michael
Published: April 2015

Let${\mathcal{K}}$be an imaginary quadratic field. Let${\rm\Pi}$and${\rm\Pi}^{\prime }$be irreducible generic cohomological automorphic representation of$\text{GL}(n)/{\mathcal{K}}$and$\text{GL}(n-1)/{\mathcal{K}}$, respectively. Each of them can be given two natural rational structures over number fields. One is defined by the rational structure on topological cohomology, and the other is given in terms of the Whittaker model. The ratio between these rational structures is called aWhittaker period. An argument presented by Mahnkopf and Raghuram shows that, at least if${\rm\Pi}$is cuspidal and the weights of${\rm\Pi}$and${\rm\Pi}^{\prime }$are in a standard relative position, the critical values of the Rankin–Selberg product$L(s,{\rm\Pi}\times {\rm\Pi}^{\prime })$are essentially algebraic multiples of the product of the Whittaker periods of${\rm\Pi}$and${\rm\Pi}^{\prime }$. We show that, under certain regularity and polarization hypotheses, the Whittaker period of a cuspidal${\rm\Pi}$can be given a motivic interpretation, and can also be related to a critical value of the adjoint$L$-function of related automorphic representations of unitary groups. The resulting expressions for critical values of the Rankin–Selberg and adjoint$L$-functions are compatible with Deligne’s conjecture.
THE “SOCIAL QUESTION,” 1820–1920
Authors: CASE HOLLY
Published: April 2015

In 1921, John A. Ryan, a priest and professor at Catholic University in Washington, DC, and one of his students, the Reverend Raymond McGowan, publishedA Catechism of the Social Question. The first question in it reads, “What do we mean by the social question?” Answer: “Aquestiondenotes a problem or a difficulty which demands solution. A social question is one that concerns society, or a social group. The social question means certain evils and grievances affecting the wage-earning classes, and calling for removal or remedy.”
Semi Spiral G-shaped dual wideband Microstrip Antenna with Aperture feeding for WLAN/WiMAX/U-NII band applications
Authors: Kaur Amanpreet
Published: April 2015

In this paper, a dual wideband microstrip antenna (MSA) has been presented for wireless local area networks (WLAN), worldwide interoperability for microwave access (Wi MaX) and U-NII band applications. The antenna is designed and simulated using CSTMWS V'10. The main goal of this paper is to get multi-frequency behavior by cutting resonant slots into the patch of the antenna and a wideband antenna behavior using an aperture coupled feeding method. The designed antenna has a semi-spiral G-shaped compact structure and an electromagnetically coupled feeding mechanism (aperture-coupled feeding). It is fabricated on an FR4 substrate with a dielectric constant of 4.4 and a dielectric loss tangent of 0.009. The testing of prototype antenna (to measure S11) is done using a vector network analyzer. The measured results are 80% matching to the simulated ones. The parametric study, simulation results, measured results, and applications of the MSA for WLAN, WiMAX, and the FCC unlicensed 5.2 GHz National Information Infrastructure (U-NII) bands are presented in the paper. The antenna shows a simulated gain of about 4.5 dB at the three wireless application bands.
High linearity lead-lag style envelope modulator for RF power amplifiers
Authors: Watkins Gavin T. , Mimis Konstantinos
Published: April 2015

A new split frequency envelope modulator for envelope tracking radio-frequency power amplifiers is proposed based on a lead-lag network. By mathematically deriving the transfer functions of the lead-lag modulator and the conventional split frequency type, the lead-lag is shown to have a significantly flatter phase response. The frequency response of the two modulators is verified by simulation, where the phase transient of the lead-lag is significantly less than the 360° of the conventional type. They are further simulated with a 3 MHz bandwidth 3GPP long-term evolution (LTE) signal and the lead-lag shown to reduce the modulator's normalized root-mean-square error (NRMSE) from −27.3 to −39.2 dB. A practical demonstrator was developed around an existing high-efficiency modulator architecture. To maintain system efficiency synthetic impedance was incorporated in the low-frequency switched mode power supply (SMPS) path. This was achieved with voltage and current feedback around the SMPS. The dynamic wideband signal response was investigated by applying a 3 MHz LTE envelope signal to the modulator and comparing the input and output signals. The measured NRMSE was improved from −27.5 to −30.0 dB by adopting the lead-lag structure and the dynamic frequency response verifies correct operation.
Does the Message Matter? A Field Experiment on Political Party Recruitment
Authors: Preece Jessica Robinson , Stoddard Olga Bogach
Published: April 2015

Do men and women respond to various party recruitment messages similarly? Working with the Utah County Republican Party, we designed a field experiment in which we invited over 11,600 male and female party activists to attend a free, party-sponsored “Prospective Candidate Information Seminar” by randomizing different invitation messages. We found that women were half as likely as men to respond to recruitment—log on to the seminar website for more information, register for the seminar, and attend the seminar. While we found some suggestive evidence about what recruitment messages may particularly motivate women or men vis-à-vis a control message, our findings are inconclusive because of a low response rate. This first attempt to experimentally test gendered reactions to recruitment in a sample of active party supporters provides a valuable baseline for future research.
Encouraging Small Donor Contributions: A Field Experiment Testing the Effects of Nonpartisan Messages
Authors: Green Donald P. , Krasno Jonathan S. , Panagopoulos Costas , Farrer Benjamin , Schwam-Baird Michael
Published: April 2015

We report the results of a field experiment conducted in New York City during the 2013 election cycle, examining the impact ofnonpartisanmessages on donations from small contributors. Using information from voter registration and campaign finance records, we built a forecasting model to identify voters with an above-average probability of donating. A random sample of these voters received one of four messages asking them to donate to a candidate of their choice. Half of these treatments reminded voters that New York City's campaign finance program matches small donations with public funds. Candidates’ financial disclosures to the city's Campaign Finance Board reveal that only the message mentioning policy (in generic terms) increased donations. Surprisingly, reminding voters that matching funds multiplied the value of their contribution had no effect. Our experiment sheds light on the motivations of donors and represents the first attempt to assess nonpartisan appeals to contribute.
Emergence of double-dome superconductivity in ammoniated metal-doped FeSe
Authors: Izumi Masanari , Zheng Lu , Sakai Yusuke , Goto Hidenori , Sakata Masafumi , Nakamoto Yuki , Nguyen Huyen L. T. , Kagayama Tomoko , Shimizu Katsuya , Araki Shingo , Kobayashi Tatsuo C. , Kambe Takashi , Gu Dachun , Guo Jing , Liu Jing , Li Yanchun , Sun Liling , Prassides Kosmas , Kubozono Yoshihiro
Published: April 2015

The pressure dependence of the superconducting transition temperature (Tc) and unit cell metrics of tetragonal (NH3)yCs0.4FeSe were investigated in high pressures up to 41 GPa. The Tc decreases with increasing pressure up to 13 GPa, which can be clearly correlated with the pressure dependence of c (or FeSe layer spacing). The Tcvs. c plot is compared with those of various (NH3)yMxFeSe (M: metal atoms) materials exhibiting different Tc and c, showing that the Tc is universally related to c. This behaviour means that a decrease in two-dimensionality lowers the Tc. No superconductivity was observed down to 4.3 K in (NH3)yCs0.4FeSe at 11 and 13 GPa. Surprisingly, superconductivity re-appeared rapidly above 13 GPa, with the Tc reaching 49 K at 21 GPa. The appearance of a new superconducting phase is not accompanied by a structural transition, as evidenced by pressure-dependent XRD. Furthermore, Tc slowly decreased with increasing pressure above 21 GPa and at 41 GPa superconductivity disappeared entirely at temperatures above 4.9 K. The observation of a double-dome superconducting phase may provide a hint for pursuing the superconducting coupling-mechanism of ammoniated/non-ammoniated metal-doped FeSe.
Prediction of new thermodynamically stable aluminum oxides
Authors: Liu Yue , Oganov Artem R. , Wang Shengnan , Zhu Qiang , Dong Xiao , Kresse Georg
Published: April 2015

Recently, it has been shown that under pressure, unexpected and counterintuitive chemical compounds become stable. Laser shock experiments (A. Rode, unpublished) on alumina (Al2O3) have shown non-equilibrium decomposition of alumina with the formation of free Al and a mysterious transparent phase. Inspired by these observations, we have explored the possibility of the formation of new chemical compounds in the system Al-O. Using the variable-composition structure prediction algorithm USPEX, in addition to the well-known Al2O3, we have found two extraordinary compounds Al4O7 and AlO2 to be thermodynamically stable in the pressure ranges 330-443 GPa and above 332 GPa, respectively. Both of these compounds at the same time contain oxide O2− and peroxide O22− ions and both are insulating. Peroxo-groups are responsible for gap states, which significantly reduce the electronic band gap of both Al4O7 and AlO2.
Trophic Factor-Induced Activity ‘Signature’ Regulates the Functional Expression of Postsynaptic Excitatory Acetylcholine Receptors Required for Synaptogenesis
Authors: Luk Collin C. , Lee Arthur J. , Wijdenes Pierre , Zaidi Wali , Leung Andrew , Wong Noelle Y. , Andrews Joseph , Syed Naweed I.
Published: April 2015

Highly coordinated and coincidental patterns of activity-dependent mechanisms (“fire together wire together”) are thought to serve as inductive signals during synaptogenesis, enabling neuronal pairing between specific sub-sets of excitatory partners. However, neither the nature of activity triggers, nor the “activity signature” of long-term neuronal firing in developing/regenerating neurons have yet been fully defined. Using a highly tractable model system comprising of identified cholinergic neurons from Lymnaea, we have discovered that intrinsic trophic factors present in the Lymnaea brain-conditioned medium (CM) act as a natural trigger for activity patterns in post- but not the presynaptic neuron. Using microelectrode array recordings, we demonstrate that trophic factors trigger stereotypical activity patterns that include changes in frequency, activity and variance. These parameters were reliable indicators of whether a neuron expressed functional excitatory or inhibitory nAChRs and synapse formation. Surprisingly, we found that the post- but not the presynaptic cell exhibits these changes in activity patterns and that the functional expression of excitatory nAChRs required neuronal somata, de novo protein synthesis and voltage gated calcium channels. In summary, our data provides novel insights into trophic factor mediated actions on neuronal activity and its specific regulation of nAChR expression.
Super long viewing distance light homogeneous emitting three-dimensional display
Authors: Liao Hongen
Published: April 2015

Three-dimensional (3D) display technology has continuously been attracting public attention with the progress in today's 3D television and mature display technologies. The primary characteristics of conventional glasses-free autostereoscopic displays, such as spatial resolution, image depths and viewing angle, are often limited due to the use of optical lenses or optical gratings. We present a 3D display using MEMS-scanning-mechanism-based light homogeneous emitting (LHE) approach and demonstrate that the display can directly generate an autostereoscopic 3D image without the need for optical lenses or gratings. The generated 3D image has the advantages of non-aberration and a high-definition spatial resolution, making it the first to exhibit animated 3D images with image depth of six meters. Our LHE 3D display approach can be used to generate a natural flat-panel 3D display with super long viewing distance and alternative real-time image update.
Microscopic mechanisms contributing to the synchronous improvement of strength and plasticity (SISP) for TWIP copper alloys
Authors: Liu R. , Zhang Z. J. , Li L. L. , An X. H. , Zhang Z. F.
Published: April 2015

In this study, the concept of “twinning induced plasticity (TWIP) alloys” is broadened and the underlying intrinsic microscopic mechanisms of the general TWIP effect are intensively explored. For the first aspect, “TWIP copper alloys” was proposed following the concept of “TWIP steels”, as they share essentially the same strengthening and toughening mechanisms. For the second aspect, three intrinsic features of twinning: i.e. “dynamic development”, “planarity”, as well as “orientation selectivity” were derived from the detailed exploration of the deformation behavior in TWIP copper alloys. These features can be considered the microscopic essences of the general “TWIP effect”. Moreover, the effective cooperation between deformation twinning and dislocation slipping in TWIP copper alloys leads to a desirable tendency: the synchronous improvement of strength and plasticity (SISP). This breakthrough against the traditional trade-off relationship, achieved by the general “TWIP effect”, may provide useful strategies for designing high-performance engineering materials.
Nanoscale pillar arrays for separations
Authors: Kirchner Teresa B. , Strickhouser Rachel B. , Hatab Nahla A. , Charlton Jennifer J. , Kravchenko Ivan I. , Lavrik Nickolay V. , Sepaniak Michael J.
Published: April 2015

Lithographic fabrication of planar nanoscale chromatographic systems with separations of NBD-amines, anti-tumor drugs and fluorescent laser dyes.
A new potential energy surface for the ground electronic state of the LiH2 system, and dynamics studies on the H(2S) + LiH(X1Σ+) → Li(2S) + H2(X1Σg+) reaction
Authors: Yuan Jiuchuang , He Di , Chen Maodu
Published: April 2015

A new potential energy surface of the LiH2 system is obtained using a neural network method based on high-level energies.
A density functional theory based study of the electron transfer reaction at the cathode–electrolyte interface in lithium–air batteries
Authors: Kazemiabnavi Saeed , Dutta Prashanta , Banerjee Soumik
Published: April 2015

Electron transfer reaction at the cathode–electrolyte interface in a lithium–air battery, whereby the oxygen molecule is reduced, is modeled and the reaction rates are correlated with the structure of the cation.
The tale of RNA G-quadruplex
Authors: Agarwala Prachi , Pandey Satyaprakash , Maiti Souvik
Published: April 2015

The RNA secondary structure G-quadruplex with its malleable nature can execute diverse biological functions and can be manipulated and used for various applications.
Theoretical study on the mechanism of selective fluorination of aromatic compounds with Selectfluor
Authors: Geng Cuihuan , Du Likai , Liu Fang , Zhu Rongxiu , Liu Chengbu
Published: April 2015

The selective fluorination of aromatic compounds with Selectfluor has been studied theoretically. Our calculations indicate that the fluorine bond contributes to the stabilization of the π complexes, and the SET mechanism is preferred over the SN2 mechanism.
Self-assembled superparamagnetic nanocomposite-labelled cells for noninvasive, controlled, targeted delivery and therapy
Authors: Ereath Beeran Ansar , Fernandez Francis Boniface , John Annie , Varma PR Harikrishna
Published: April 2015

Efficient delivery of cells to targeted sites at optimal concentrations within rational limits of damage to normal tissue is a major challenge for cell delivery.
Poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride)-functionalized reduced graphene oxide supported palladium nanoparticles for enhanced methanol oxidation
Authors: Xue Yan Hong , Zhou Wei Jiang , Zhang Lan , Li Miao , Chan Siew Hwa
Published: April 2015

PDDA-functionalized rGO supported nano-size Pd particles show superior MOR activity in alkaline medium.
ZnO single microwire homojunction light emitting diode grown by electric field assisted chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Feng Qiu-Ju , Liang Hong-Wei , Mei Yi-Ying , Liu Jia-Yuan , Ling C. C. , Tao Peng-Cheng , Pan De-Zhu , Yang Yu-Qi
Published: April 2015

A single large-scale ZnO microwire (MW) homojunction LED is fabricated by an electric field assisted chemical vapor deposition method.
Enhancing the mass spectrometric identification of membrane proteins by combining chemical and enzymatic digestion methods
Authors: Smeekens Johanna M. , Chen Weixuan , Wu Ronghu
Published: April 2015

Combining chemical and enzymatic digestion methods proved to be extremely effective for mass-spectrometry (MS)-based membrane protein analysis.
Three different metal–organic frameworks derived from a one-pot crystallization and their controllable synthesis
Authors: Zhang Chuan-Lei , Li Yan-Le , Wang Ting , Ju Ze-Min , Zheng He-Gen , Ma Jing
Published: April 2015

Three different Co-MOFs have been co-crystallized in a one-pot reaction. From the form of the products and the DFT calculation results, to optimize the conditions of crystallization, pure crystals of the three compounds have been obtained.
A tetranuclear copper cluster-based MOF with sulfonate–carboxylate ligands exhibiting high proton conduction properties
Authors: Meng Xing , Song Shu-Yan , Song Xue-Zhi , Zhu Min , Zhao Shu-Na , Wu Lan-Lan , Zhang Hong-Jie
Published: April 2015

A tetranuclear copper cluster-based MOF with sulfonate–carboxylate ligands has been synthesized. It possesses 1D irregular channels lined with sulfonate, carboxylate, and DMF molecules, which show a high proton conductivity of 7.4 × 10−4 S cm−1 at 95 °C and 95% relative humidity.
A new visible-light-driven photoelectrochemical biosensor for probing DNA–protein interactions
Authors: Ma Zheng-Yuan , Ruan Yi-Fan , Zhang Nan , Zhao Wei-Wei , Xu Jing-Juan , Chen Hong-Yuan
Published: April 2015

A novel photoelectrochemical approach was achieved for the detection of a DNA binding protein via the protein–DNA interaction.
A facile solvothermal growth of single crystal mixed halide perovskite CH3NH3Pb(Br1−xClx)3
Authors: Zhang Taiyang , Yang Mengjin , Benson Eric E. , Li Zijian , van de Lagemaat Jao , Luther Joseph M. , Yan Yanfa , Zhu Kai , Zhao Yixin
Published: April 2015

We demonstrate a facile solvothermal approach for growing mixed halide perovskite CH3NH3Pb(Br1−xClx)3single crystals.
Self-assembled sorbitol-derived supramolecular hydrogels for the controlled encapsulation and release of active pharmaceutical ingredients
Authors: Howe Edward J. , Okesola Babatunde O. , Smith David K.
Published: April 2015

A simple supramolecular hydrogel is able to extract acid-functionalised anti-inflammatory drugsviadirected interactions with the self-assembled gel nanofibres and exhibits pH-controlled drug release.
Facile synthesis of nucleic acid–polymer amphiphiles and their self-assembly
Authors: Jia Fei , Lu Xueguang , Tan Xuyu , Zhang Ke
Published: April 2015

Facile synthesis of nucleic acid–polymer amphiphiles (NAPAs) is developed and the self-assembly behavior of the NAPAs is studied.
Pd-catalyzed carbonylative access to aroyl phosphonates from (hetero)aryl bromides
Authors: Lian Zhong , Yin Hongfei , Friis Stig D. , Skrydstrup Troels
Published: April 2015

This first carbonylative coupling employing a phosphorus-based nucleophile provides easy and safe access to acyl phosphonates under mild conditions.
Controlled synthesis of thin BiOCl nanosheets with exposed {001} facets and enhanced photocatalytic activities
Authors: Peng Yin , Wang Dan , Zhou Hai-Yan , Xu An-Wu
Published: April 2015

Thin BiOCl nanosheets with exposed {001} facets were synthesized by controlling the concentration of hydrochloric acid.
Phase stability, chemical bonding and mechanical properties of titanium nitrides: a first-principles study
Authors: Yu Shuyin , Zeng Qingfeng , Oganov Artem R. , Frapper Gilles , Zhang Litong
Published: April 2015

New crystal structures of Ti–N compounds: (a) Immm-Ti3N2 at 0 GPa, (b) C2/m-Ti4N3 at 0 GPa, (c) C2/m-Ti6N5 at 0 GPa, and (d) Cmcm-Ti2N at 60 GPa.
The role of chemisorbed hydroxyl species in alkaline electrocatalysis of glycerol on gold
Authors: Shi X. , Simpson D. E. , Roy D.
Published: April 2015

Products of glycerol electro-oxidation have been tracked by constructing a “voltammetric registry” of electron-counts from the activated reaction steps.
Configuration interaction singles based on the real-space numerical grid method: Kohn–Sham versus Hartree–Fock orbitals
Authors: Kim Jaewook , Hong Kwangwoo , Choi Sunghwan , Hwang Sang-Yeon , Youn Kim Woo
Published: April 2015

We developed a program code of CIS based on a numerical grid method and showed that Kohn–Sham orbitals from the Krieger–Li–Iafrate (KLI) approximation provide better reference configurations for CIS than the standard Hartree–Fock and Kohn–Sham orbitals.
The influence of polaron formation on exciton dissociation
Authors: Li Guangqi
Published: April 2015

The influence of the competition between polaron formation and population injection on exciton dissociation.
Effect of spacer chain length on the liquid structure of aqueous dicationic ionic liquid solutions: molecular dynamics studies
Authors: Palchowdhury Sourav , Bhargava B. L.
Published: April 2015

Cations in an aqueous [C16(MIm)2][2Br] solution aggregate spontaneously to form micelles, with a hydrophobic core composed of spacer alkyl chains and a hydrophilic surface composed of imidazolium head groups.
The effect of dispersion forces on the interaction energies and far infrared spectra of protic ionic liquids
Authors: Ludwig Ralf
Published: April 2015

Challenging conventional wisdom: dispersion forces can compete with hydrogen bonding in ionic liquids.
Theoretical chemistry developments: from electronic structure to simulations
Authors: Kirchner Barbara , Neese Frank
Published: April 2015

Theoretical chemistry – ranging from electronic structure theory to classical molecular dynamics or even coarse grained simulations – nowadays plays an eminent role in almost all branches of chemistry.
Correction: One-step fabrication of robust fabrics with both-faced superhydrophobicity for the separation and capture of oil from water
Authors: Li Jian , Yan Long , Zhao Yuzhu , Zha Fei , Wang Qingtao , Lei Ziqiang
Published: April 2015

Correction for ‘One-step fabrication of robust fabrics with both-faced superhydrophobicity for the separation and capture of oil from water’ by Jian Li et al., Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2015, 17, 6451–6457.
Rational design of carbon support to prepare ultrafine iron oxide catalysts for air oxidation of alcohols
Authors: Geng Longlong , Zhang Min , Zhang Wenxiang , Jia Mingjun , Yan Wenfu , Liu Gang
Published: April 2015

The efficient carbon supports change not only the physical but also the chemical properties of iron oxide and create new active sites for the enhancement of catalytic activity in the oxidation of alcohols with air as an oxygen source.
Does a multiply bonded oxo ligand directly participate in B–H bond activation by a high-valent di-oxo-molybdenum(vi) complex? A density functional theory study
Authors: Huang Liangfang , Wang Jiandi , Wei Xiaoqin , Wei Haiyan
Published: April 2015

The multiply bonded oxo ligand does not participate in the activation of the B–H bond with organic substrates of amides, amines, and nitriles by the high-valent oxo-molybdenum complex MoO2Cl2.
Slight channel difference influences the reaction pathway of methanol-to-olefins conversion over acidic H-ZSM-22 and H-ZSM-12 zeolites
Authors: Chu Yueying , Sun Xianyong , Yi Xianfeng , Ding Lihong , Zheng Anmin , Deng Feng
Published: April 2015

The mechanisms by which slight channel differences influence the reaction pathway of MTO conversion over acidic zeolites have been revealed.
Optimized synthesis of a tert-butyl-phenyl-substituted tetrapyridophenazine ligand and its Ru(ii) complexes and determination of dimerization behaviour of the complexes through supramolecular “Fingerhakel”
Authors: Ritter K. , Pehlken C. , Sorsche D. , Rau S.
Published: April 2015

A high dimerization constant of a ruthenium complex is observed with the aid of 1H-NMR spectroscopy. The solid state molecular structure indicates that multiple π-interactions are the reason for strong dimerization.
Synthesis and structural characterization of silver(i), copper(i) coordination polymers and a helicate palladium(ii) complex of dipyrrolylmethane-based dipyrazole ligands: the effect of meso substituents on structural formation
Authors: Guchhait Tapas , Barua Bhagyasree , Biswas Aritra , Basak Biswanath , Mani Ganesan
Published: April 2015

A striking difference in the structures of silver complexes was observed because of the different substituents at the meso carbon atom of the dipyrrolylmethane-based ligand.
A metal–organic framework constructed using a flexible tripodal ligand and tetranuclear copper cluster for sensing small molecules
Authors: Hou Chaoyi , Bai Yue-Ling , Bao XiaoLi , Xu Liangzhen , Lin Rong-Guang , Zhu Shourong , Fang Jianhui , Xu Jiaqiang
Published: April 2015

A porous MOF based on a tetranuclear copper cluster with intracluster antiferromagnetic interactions was synthesized, which reveals highly sensitive and selective sensing of small molecules.
A facile approach to fabricate halloysite/metal nanocomposites with preformed and in situ synthesized metal nanoparticles: a comparative study of their enhanced catalytic activity
Authors: Das Sankar , Jana Subhra
Published: April 2015

Halloysite/metal nanocomposites have been synthesized through the immobilization of preformed and in situ synthesized metal nanoparticles over halloysite surfaces, which in turn produce efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally benign heterogeneous catalysts.
Correction: Enzyme and voltage stimuli-responsive controlled release system based on β-cyclodextrin-capped mesoporous silica nanoparticles
Authors: Xiao Yu , Wang Tao , Cao Yu , Wang Xue , Zhang Ye , Liu Yunling , Huo Qisheng
Published: April 2015

Correction for ‘Enzyme and voltage stimuli-responsive controlled release system based on β-cyclodextrin-capped mesoporous silica nanoparticles’ by Yu Xiao et al., Dalton Trans., 2015, 44, 4355–4361.
Hysteresis-less inverted CH3NH3PbI3 planar perovskite hybrid solar cells with 18.1% power conversion efficiency
Authors: Heo Jin Hyuck , Han Hye Ji , Kim Dasom , Ahn Tae Kyu , Im Sang Hyuk
Published: April 2015

The inverted CH3NH3PbI3 planar hybrid solar cells exhibited better device efficiency and stability and lower hysteresis than the normal cells.
Spatial resolution in Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Deckert Volker , Deckert-Gaudig Tanja , Diegel Marco , Götz Isabell , Langelüddecke Lucas , Schneidewind Henrik , Sharma Gaurav , Singh Prabha , Singh Pushkar , Trautmann Steffen , Zeisberger Matthias , Zhang Zhenglong
Published: April 2015

This article is intended to set the scope of the meeting, in particular, the high spatial resolution section.
Magneto-structural properties of carbonato-bridged copper(ii) complexes: fixation of atmospheric CO2
Authors: Massoud Salah S. , Louka Febee R. , Al-Hasan Mustafa A. , Vicente Ramon , Mautner Franz A.
Published: April 2015

Weak ferromagnetic [Cu3(dmMePEA)3(μ3-CO3)(ClO4)3]ClO4 (1) and strong antiferromagnetic [Cu2(iptren)2(μ2-CO3)](ClO4)2·H2O (2) carbonato-bridged Cu(ii) complexes were synthesized via atmospheric fixation of CO2 in slightly basic solutions.
Size-optimized galactose-capped gold nanoparticles for the colorimetric detection of heat-labile enterotoxin at nanomolar concentrations
Authors: Poonthiyil Vivek , Golovko Vladimir B. , Fairbanks Antony J.
Published: April 2015

Galactose-capped gold nanoparticles size-dependently sense the bacterial lectin, heat-labile enterotoxin, allowing selective colorimetric toxin detection at 100 nM.
Radical 5-exo cyclization of alkynoates with 2-oxoacetic acids for synthesis of 3-acylcoumarins
Authors: Liu Tong , Ding Qiuping , Zong Qianshou , Qiu Guanyinsheng
Published: April 2015

A silver-promoted decarboxylative annulation of alkynoates with 2-oxoacetic acids leading to the formation of 3-acyl-4-arylcoumarins is reported. The process involves radical decarboxylative acylation, 5-exocyclization, and ester migration.