bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correlation of observed‐to‐expected total fetal lung volume with intrathoracic organ herniation on magnetic resonance imaging in fetuses with isolated left‐sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia
Authors: Nawapun K. , Eastwood M. , Sandaite I. , DeKoninck P. , Claus F. , Richter J. , Rayyan M. , Deprest J.
Published: October 2014

Objectives

To assess using fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) the relationship between the position of the stomach as well as the volume of herniation of organs into the thorax, and the observed‐to‐expected total fetal lung volume (o/e‐TFLV), as a measure of pulmonary hypoplasia, in fetuses with isolated left‐sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia (LCDH).

Methods

This was a single‐center retrospective study using archived MR images from fetuses > 20 weeks' gestation evaluated for isolated LCDH over an 11‐year period between July 2002 and September 2013. We retrieved data on the gestational age at MRI, o/e‐TFLV and liver position. Images were also reviewed by a single operator to determine retrospectively the position of the stomach as well as the proportion of the total thorax volume occupied by the herniated fetal liver, stomach and other viscera. Following confirmation of reproducibility, we assessed the correlation of intrathoracic organ volumes and stomach position with o/e‐TFLV.

Results

The study included 205 fetuses which underwent a total of 259 MR examinations. The reproducibility of organ volume measurements was excellent (intraclass correlation coefficient range, 0.928–0.997). The average time spent to obtain intrathoracic organ volumes ranged from 2.28 to 5.13 min. Of all herniated organ‐to‐thoracic volume ratios, the liver‐to‐thoracic volume ratio had the strongest correlation with o/e‐TFLV (ρ = −0.429, P<0.0001). Stomach volume did not correlate, although, when categorized by the position and extent of stomach herniation, there was an inverse relationship to o/e‐TFLV. No intrathoracic organ‐to‐thoracic volume ratio was related to gestational age.

Conclusions

We observed in fetuses with isolated LCDH an inverse relationship between lung volume and the amount of liver herniated as well as the position of the stomach in the chest. Copyright © 2014 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
A Study on Material Workability by Upsetting of Non-Axisymmetric Specimens by Flat Dies
Authors: Alexandrov S. , Vilotic M. , Jeng Y.-R. , Plancak M.
Published: October 2014

Upsetting is a typical test for determining the workability diagram. In most cases axisymmetric samples are used for such tests. However, the shape of samples may have a significant effect on the ductile fracture initiation. Therefore, a greater variety of sample geometry should lead to a more accurate shape of the workability diagram. A difficulty here is that a theoretical treatment of samples in which three-dimensional flow occurs is more difficult and time consuming as compared to axisymmetric samples under axisymmetric loading. This difficulty can be overcome in the case of the ductile fracture criterion based on the workability diagram and the average value of the triaxiality factor. In particular, if fracture occurs at free surfaces then it is sufficient to determine experimentally in-surface strains after several stages of the upsetting process, up to the initiation of ductile fracture. After that, the corresponding point of the workability diagram can be found by means of a simple analytical procedure and numerical integration. This approach is used in the present paper to correct the workability diagram using non-axisymmetric upsetting of five different samples made of steel. Some previous results are combined with the new results to obtain the workability diagram over a wide range of the triaxiality factor.
Integrated brachiopod-based bioevents and sequence-stratigraphic framework for a Late Ordovician subpolar platform, eastern Anti-Atlas, Morocco
Authors: COLMENAR JORGE , ÁLVARO J. JAVIER
Published: October 2014

The Upper Ordovician (Katian–Hirnantian) brachiopods of Tafilalt, eastern Anti-Atlas, are locally abundant, diverse and well preserved, providing a near-continuous record of faunal change on a high-latitude siliciclastic-dominated platform. A chronostratigraphic framework, based on brachiopod distribution and preservation in shell accumulation events and integrated with sequence stratigraphy, has been generated for the Katian interval, which has allowed correlation with the chitinozoan-based chronostratigraphic and sequence-stratigraphic framework erected for the central Anti-Atlas. In Tafilalt, two Katian (transgressive–regressive) composite depositional sequences,c. 60 and 170 m thick and related to third-order fluctuations in sea level, were unaffected by Hirnantian glaciogenic erosion. They were deposited on a mixed platform with a bryonoderm association dominated by brachiopods, bryozoans and echinoderms. Brachiopods developed in high-energy inner shelf areas, whereas bryozoans (mainly trepostomates and fenestrates) and pelmatozoans (cystoids and crinoids) dominated in low-energy outer shelf areas. Brachiopod accumulations mark distinct event surfaces, such as lag and event concentrations, hydraulic simple and composite concentrations related to transgressive surfaces, and hiatal condensed concentrations marking maximum flooding surfaces. The taphonomic condensation displayed by the Hirnantian Alnif Member, which onlaps the erosive base of glaciogenic tunnel channels, is explained as reworking and resedimentation of allochthonous, robust, biogenic hard parts sourced from the underlying (Katian) Ktaoua Group.
Central Banks at War
Authors: Poast Paul
Published: October 2014

War is expensive—troops must be equipped and weapons must be procured. When the enormous borrowing requirements of war make the sovereigns' credibility problem more difficult, central banks enhance a government's ability to borrow. By being the sole direct purchaser of government debt, the central bank increases the effective punishment that can be imposed on the government for defaulting on the marginal lender. This increases lenders' confidence that the government will be punished in case of default, making lenders willing to purchase the debt at a lower rate of interest. The sovereign, dependent on the low borrowing costs offered by the central bank, has an incentive to retain the bank. Data covering the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries reveal that possessing a central bank lowers the sovereign's borrowing costs, particularly during times of war.
Trophic and functional organization of the benthic macrofauna in the lagoon of Boughrara – Tunisia (SW Mediterranean Sea)
Authors: Khedhri Ines , Djabou Hanem , Afli Ahmed
Published: October 2014

The lagoon of Boughrara is the largest lagoon in Tunisia. For several decades it has been subject to the impact of increasing anthropogenic activities, and also to environmental stressors due to climate change and the low renewal of its waters. The present work is a contribution to the study of the functional organization of the benthic macrofauna of the lagoon of Boughrara 3 years after the extension of the channel ‘El Kantra’ which connects this lagoon to the open sea. In total, 13 stations facing the main prospective sources of disturbance and in areas likely to be more polluted were seasonally sampled during 2009–2010. Seasonal monitoring of the abiotic parameters shows a spatial heterogeneity linked to environmental and anthropogenic factors, including hydrodynamics, sedimentary texture and anthropogenic activities. The community of benthic macrofauna is generally poorly diversified at lagoonal-marine stations undergoing influences of both the marine and lagoon environment. The extreme seasons in terms of temperature and salinity seem to have an important role in the reduction of biodiversity in the lagoon of Boughrara. The trophic structure of the macrobenthic community is generally dominated by selective deposit feeders, and seems to be linked more to the availability of trophic resources than to disturbance.
Cost-effectiveness of preventing first-episode psychosis in ultra-high-risk subjects: multi-centre randomized controlled trial
Authors: Ising H. K. , Smit F. , Veling W. , Rietdijk J. , Dragt S. , Klaassen R. M. C. , Savelsberg N. S. P. , Boonstra N. , Nieman D. H. , Linszen D. H. , Wunderink L. , van der Gaag M.
Published: October 2014

Background

Although there is evidence for the effectiveness of interventions for psychosis among ultra-high-risk (UHR) groups, health economic evaluations are lacking. This study aimed to determine the cost effectiveness and cost–utility of cognitive–behavioural therapy (CBT) to prevent first-episode psychosis.

Method

The Dutch Early Detection and Intervention Evaluation study was a randomized controlled trial of 196 UHR patients with an 18-month follow-up. All participants were treated with routine care (RC) for non-psychotic disorders. The experimental group (n = 95) received add-on CBT to prevent first-episode psychosis. We report the intervention, medical and travel costs, as well as costs arising from loss of productivity. Treatment response was defined as psychosis-free survival and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) gained.

Results

In the cost-effectiveness analysis, the proportion of averted psychoses was significantly higher in the CBT condition (89.5%v.76.2%). CBT showed a 63.7% probability of being more cost effective, because it was less costly than RC by US$844 (£551) per prevented psychosis. In the cost–utility analysis, QALY health gains were slightly higher for CBT than for RC (0.60v.0.57) and the CBT intervention had a 52.3% probability of being the superior treatment because, for equal or better QALY gains, the costs of CBT were lower than those of RC.

Conclusions

Add-on preventive CBT for UHR resulted in a significant reduction in the incidence of first psychosis. QALY gains show little difference between the two conditions. The CBT intervention proved to be cost saving.
Water bouncing robots: a first step toward large-scale water running robots
Authors: Gallina Paolo , Bulian Gabriele , Mosetti Giovanni
Published: October 2014

Robots running on water have attracted the attention of researchers in the last decades as an alternative to conventional aquatic propulsion mechanisms. Up to now, a large scale robot capable of running on water has not been realized. Bouncing on water is a prerequisite for running on water. For this reason, the development of a water bouncing robot represents a necessary first step. The paper presents the model of a 2-degree-of-freedom water bouncing robot inspired by the pogo-stick, a device for jumping off the ground in a standing position. An analytical model of the impact force between “robot's foot” and water is provided for both water-entry and water-exit phases. Such a model has been integrated in a dynamic simulation of whole robot. The model represents a useful and general framework to gain an insight into the parameters that characterize the efficiency of robot.
The Trial That Never Was: Russian Documentary Theatre and the Pursuit of Justice
Authors: Flynn Molly
Published: October 2014

Twenty-first-century Russian theatre artists have increasingly taken to using material from real-life events to explore the intricacies of injustice in the civic sphere and its connection to the country's past. In a fifteen-year time span documentary forms have come to the forefront of Russia's theatrical avant-garde. In this article Molly Flynn offers a close reading of one of the most politically charged productions to have emerged from Moscow's booming documentary theatre – One Hour Eighteen: the Trial that Wasn't but Should Have Been (2010). The play uses verbatim texts from the prison and medical staff directly involved in the final days before the murder of Russian attorney Sergei Magnitskii in 2009. Setting the piece in a theatrical courtroom, the creators of One Hour Eighteen place their work in the context of Russia's judicial history in the previous century, during which the resemblance of trials to theatre has often been uncomfortably close. Molly Flynn is a doctoral candidate in Slavonic Studies at the University of Cambridge. She is currently completing her doctoral thesis on the history and significance of documentary theatre in twenty-first-century Russia.
Humour and the Representation of Fascism in Schweyk im zweiten Weltkrieg: Adorno contra Brecht and Hanns Eisler
Authors: Papaeti Anna
Published: October 2014

Bertolt Brecht and Hanns Eisler's Schweyk im zweiten Weltkrieg occupies a key but under-recognized place in debates about humour in anti-fascist art in the late 1950s and early 1960s – debates largely dominated by Theodor W. Adorno's critique of Brecht's satirical plays on the Third Reich. In this article Anna Papaeti examines the artistic strategies and reception history of Schweyk im zweiten Weltkrieg in the context of such debates. Focusing in particular on Eisler's musical additions for the parodic ‘higher regions’ interludes, as well as on the controversies sparked by the 1959 West German premiere, she analyzes the play's role in stimulating key debates, showing how Brecht's play and Eisler's music attain a more complex and defensible position of resistance to fascism than was allowed in Adorno's critique. Anna Papaeti has a doctorate from King's College London, has worked at the Royal Opera House, London, and as Associate Dramaturg at the Greek National Opera, Athens. Her postdoctoral research includes a DAAD fellowship on Hanns Eisler (Universität der Künste, Berlin, 2010) and a Marie Curie Intra-European Fellowship (University of Göttingen, 2011–14) on the use of music by the Greek military junta. She has previously published in such journals as Opera Quarterly, Music and Politics, and The World of Music, and in edited scholarly volumes.
Treading the Boards: the Significance of Walking on the Stage
Authors: Darby Kris
Published: October 2014

In this article Kris Darby examines the significance of walking on the theatre stage, responding to the growth of pedestrian performance as an area of research. He seeks to provide a point of expansion for a field that is still largely concerned with site-specific works where audiences walk during the performance. Beginning with a discussion of the possible reasons for the neglect of walking on stage, the author addresses the prominence of walking and the journey as a rehearsal tool employed by a wealth of practitioners. As further justification for the inclusion of the stage in pedestrian performance research, a series of historical case studies is presented which spans over a century of theatrical history, and includes an examination of the audience's pilgrimage to Richard Wagner's Parsifal (1882) and the ‘epic flow“ of Erwin Piscator's treadmill in Good Soldier Schwejk (1927). The significance of walking in Samuel Beckett's life is also explored through the ‘inward walking’ of Footfalls (1976), and the proscenium staging of Matthew Earnest's Wanderlust (2010) is made significant through its critique of supermodernity. The author concludes by arguing that an immobile audience can kinaesthetically empathize with the performers, embarking on their own internalized journey within the theatre. Kris Darby is a Post-Doctoral Teaching Fellow in Drama at Liverpool Hope, whose research interests concern the relationship between walking and performance.
Ship's Trajectory Planning for Collision Avoidance at Sea Based on Ant Colony Optimisation
Authors: Lazarowska Agnieszka
Published: October 2014

Swarm Intelligence (SI) constitutes a rapidly growing area of research. At the same time trajectory planning in a dynamic environment still constitutes a very challenging research problem. This paper presents a new approach to path planning in dynamic environments based on Ant Colony Optimisation (ACO). Assumptions, a concise description of the method developed and results of real navigational situations (case studies with comments) are included. The developed solution can be applied in decision support systems on board a ship or in an intelligent Obstacle Detection and Avoidance system, which constitutes a component of Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) Navigation, Guidance and Control systems.
End-of-Life Family Caregiving for Older Parents in China’s Rural Anhui Province
Authors: Zuo Dongmei , Li Shuzhuo , Mao Weiyu , Chi Iris
Published: October 2014

Cette étude a examiné les corrélats de la prestation de soins de la fin de vie fournis par les enfants adultes à leurs parents âgés et le rôle du sexe des enfants adultes en soins familiaux dans la Chine rurale. Les données proviennent de cinq vagues de l'Étude longitudinale du bien-être des personnes âgées en milieu rural dans la province de l'Anhui, en Chine, pendant 12 ans, et d'une enquête post-mortalité. On a utilisé la modélisation linéaire hiérarchique . Les résultats ont montré que l'ordre de naissance des enfants adultes, la distance géographique antérieure, et l'échange du soutien intergénérationnel antérieur étaient significativement associés à la prestation de soins de famille de la fin de vie. Les enfants les plus âgés, par rapport à d'autres frères et sœurs, fourni les plus grand soins de fin de vie pour leurs parents. Les enfants qui cohabitent avec les parents plus âgés avant leur mort, par rapport à d'autres enfants des mêmes parents, ont offert les plus grands soins. Les enfants adultes qui avaient déjà échangé le soutien instrumental avec les parents âgés avant la mort, en particulier les fils, tendaient à fournir le plus grands soins en fin de vie, par rapport à ceux d'autres.
An investigation on the microstructure and defects in the mechanically milled Cu and Fe powders
Authors: Mojtahedi M. , Goodarzi M. , Aboutalebi M. R. , Soleimanian V.
Published: October 2014

The microstructural characteristics of mechanically milled (MM) iron (Fe) and copper (Cu) powders are investigated by means of various X-ray crystallography analysis methods. The conventional Williamson–Hall and Warren–Averbach methods are used besides the modified Williamson–Hall, the modified Warren–Averbach, and the Variance approaches, in proper cases. Afterward, the obtained crystallite size and dislocation density are used to calculate the stored energy in the nanostructured powders. For this aim, a new geometrical approach is developed which can consider three-dimensional crystallites and the thickness of boundaries between them. Moreover, the released energy during annealing of MM Cu and Fe powders is measured using differential scanning calorimetry. The results of line broadening analysis and geometrical modelling are combined to the calorimetry of a room temperature aged Cu powder. In this way, the thickness of grain boundary in the nanostructured Cu is calculated to be 1.6 nm.
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Bulimia Nervosa and Eating Disorders Not Otherwise Specified: Translation from Randomized Controlled Trial to a Clinical Setting
Authors: Knott Sarah , Woodward Debbie , Hoefkens Antonia , Limbert Caroline
Published: October 2014

Background:Enhanced Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT-E) (Fairburn, Cooper and Shafran, 2003) was developed as a treatment approach for eating disorders focusing on both core psychopathology and additional maintenance mechanisms.Aims:To evaluate treatment outcomes associated with CBT-E in a NHS Eating Disorders Service for adults with bulimia and atypical eating disorders and to make comparisons with a previously published randomized controlled trial (Fairburn et al., 2009) and “real world” evaluation (Byrne, Fursland, Allen and Watson, 2011).Method:Participants were referred to the eating disorder service between 2002 and 2011. They were aged between 18–65 years, registered with a General Practitioner within the catchment area, and had experienced symptoms fulfilling criteria for BN or EDNOS for a minimum of 6 months.Results:CBT-E was commenced by 272 patients, with 135 completing treatment. Overall, treatment was associated with significant improvements in eating disorder and associated psychopathology, for both treatment completers and the intention to treat sample.Conclusions:Findings support dissemination of CBT-E in this context, with significant improvements in eating disorder psychopathology. Improvements to global EDE-Q scores were higher for treatment completers and lower for the intention to treat sample, compared to previous studies (Fairburn et al., 2009; Byrne et al., 2011). Level of attrition was found at 40.8% and non-completion of treatment was associated with higher levels of anxiety. Potential explanations for these findings are discussed.
WELFARE IMPLICATIONS AND EQUILIBRIUM INDETERMINACY IN A TWO-SECTOR GROWTH MODEL WITH CONSUMPTION EXTERNALITIES
Authors: Chen Been-Lon , Hsu Yu-Shan , Mino Kazuo
Published: October 2014

In one-sector neoclassical growth models, consumption externalities lead to an inefficient allocation in a steady state and indeterminate equilibrium toward a steady state only if there is a labor–leisure trade-off. This paper shows that in a two-sector neoclassical growth model, even without a labor–leisure trade-off, consumption spillovers easily lead to an inefficient allocation in a steady state and indeterminate equilibrium toward a steady state. Negative consumption spillovers that yield ove-accumulation of capital in a one-sector model may lead to underaccumulation or overaccumulation of capital in two-sector models, depending on the relative capital intensity between sectors. Moreover, a two-sector model economy with consumption externalities is less stabilized than an otherwise identical one-sector model economy.
Room Temperature Synthesis of Cu2O Nanospheres: Optical Properties and Thermal Behavior
Authors: Nunes Daniela , Santos Lídia , Duarte Paulo , Pimentel Ana , Pinto Joana V. , Barquinha Pedro , Carvalho Patrícia A. , Fortunato Elvira , Martins Rodrigo
Published: October 2014

The present work reports a simple and easy wet chemistry synthesis of cuprous oxide (Cu2O) nanospheres at room temperature without surfactants and using different precursors. Structural characterization was carried out by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy coupled with focused ion beam and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The optical band gaps were determined from diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The photoluminescence behavior of the as-synthesized nanospheres showed significant differences depending on the precursors used. The Cu2O nanospheres were constituted by aggregates of nanocrystals, in which an on/off emission behavior of each individual nanocrystal was identified during transmission electron microscopy observations. The thermal behavior of the Cu2O nanospheres was investigated with in situ X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry experiments. Remarkable structural differences were observed for the nanospheres annealed in air, which turned into hollow spherical structures surrounded by outsized nanocrystals.
Blue and Purple Labour Challenges to the Welfare State: How should ‘Statist’ Social Democrats respond?
Authors: Beech Matt , Page Robert M.
Published: October 2014

This article explores two influential strands of thinking about the welfare state, Blue Labour and Purple Labour, that have emerged following New Labour's defeat at the 2010 General Election. It is argued that although both of these new approaches raise some important issues about the relational and associational dimensions of social welfare as well as diversity and pluralism, those committed to universal and egalitarian goals should not abandon the ‘Statist’ Social Democratic approach to the welfare state.
Erratum: The social structure of microbial community involved in colonization resistance
Authors: He Xuesong , McLean Jeffrey S , Guo Lihong , Lux Renate , Shi Wenyuan
Published: October 2014

Correction to: The ISME Journal (2014) 8, 564–574; doi:10.1038/ismej.2013.172; published online 3 October 2013 Since the publication of this article, the authors have identified an omission in the ‘Conflict of Interest’ section. The missing statement is as follows: Dr Wenyuan Shi is a part time Chief Science Officer of C3 Jian Inc.
Shaping complex microwave fields in reverberating media with binary tunable metasurfaces
Authors: Kaina Nadège , Dupré Matthieu , Lerosey Geoffroy , Fink Mathias
Published: October 2014

In this article we propose to use electronically tunable metasurfaces as spatial microwave modulators. We demonstrate that like spatial light modulators, which have been recently proved to be ideal tools for controlling light propagation through multiple scattering media, spatial microwave modulators can efficiently shape in a passive way complex existing microwave fields in reverberating environments with a non-coherent energy feedback. Unlike in free space, we establish that a binary-only phase state tunable metasurface allows a very good control over the waves, owing to the random nature of the electromagnetic fields in these complex media. We prove in an everyday reverberating medium, that is, a typical office room, that a small spatial microwave modulator placed on the walls can passively increase the wireless transmission between two antennas by an order of magnitude, or on the contrary completely cancel it. Interestingly and contrary to free space, we show that this results in an isotropic shaped microwave field around the receiving antenna, which we attribute again to the reverberant nature of the propagation medium. We expect that spatial microwave modulators will be interesting tools for fundamental physics and will have applications in the field of wireless communications.
(R,S)-Tetrahydropapaveroline production by stepwise fermentation using engineered Escherichia coli
Authors: Nakagawa Akira , Matsuzaki Chiaki , Matsumura Eitaro , Koyanagi Takashi , Katayama Takane , Yamamoto Kenji , Sato Fumihiko , Kumagai Hidehiko , Minami Hiromichi
Published: October 2014

Tetrahydropapaveroline (THP), a benzylisoquinoline alkaloid (BIA) found in diverse pharmaceutical compounds, is used as a starting material for the production of BIA. THP also has various neurobiological properties but is difficult to synthesize. Therefore, a simple method for THP production is desired. Recent studies have shown that microbes, especially bacteria, can serve as platforms for synthesizing these complex compounds; however, because bacteria lack organelles, the designed synthetic pathway cannot be compartmentalized. Thus, the metabolic flow is frequently inhibited or disrupted by undesirable reactions. Indeed, in the first attempt to synthesize THP using a single strain of engineered Escherichia coli, the yield was quite low (<5 μM), mainly because of the oxidation of THP by tyrosinase, an essential enzyme in our production system. To circumvent these problems, we constructed a stepwise (R,S)-THP production system, in which the dopamine-producing step and the subsequent THP-producing step were separated. The yield of (R,S)-THP reached 1.0 mM (287 mg/L), the highest yielding BIA production method using a microbe reported to date. Furthermore, we demonstrated that (R,S)-THP produced by stepwise fermentation is useful for the production of reticuline, an important BIAs intermediate. Based on these observations, applying the stepwise fermentation method is discussed.
The common functional FKBP5 variant rs1360780 is associated with altered cognitive function in aged individuals
Authors: Fujii Takashi , Ota Miho , Hori Hiroaki , Hattori Kotaro , Teraishi Toshiya , Matsuo Junko , Kinoshita Yukiko , Ishida Ikki , Nagashima Anna , Kunugi Hiroshi
Published: October 2014

The common single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs1360780 (C/T) of the FK506 Binding Protein 5 (FKBP5) gene has been reported to be associated with an altered response of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the development of stress-related psychiatric disorders such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In the present study, we examined whether this SNP is associated with cognitive function in a non-clinical population. The full versions of the Wechsler Memory Scale-Revised and Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised were administered to 742 and 627 Japanese individuals, respectively, followed by genotyping of rs1360780 by the TaqMan 5′-exonuclease allelic discrimination assay. For both cognitive tests, we found significantly poorer attention/concentration (working memory) in aged (>50 years old) individuals carrying the T allele compared with their counterparts. This finding accords with an altered HPA axis and vulnerability to stress-related psychiatric disorders.
Homogeneous, Heterogeneous and Nanocatalysis
Authors: Albonetti Stefania , Mazzoni Rita , Cavani Fabrizio
Published: October 2014

The past decade has seen ever-increasing interest in the catalytic aerobic oxidation of alcohols, which is one of the pivotal functional group transformations in organic chemistry. Nevertheless, most of the current methods for alcohol oxidation are not catalytic, hence the use of catalysts and green oxidants such as O2 or air, instead of stoichiometric quantities of inorganic oxidants, will provide a highly desirable approach to this reaction. This chapter summarizes the latest breakthroughs in the use of homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts in aerobic alcohol oxidation in the liquid phase; the use of microwaves and photochemistry to assist and promote catalytic activities is also highlighted. Moreover, since nanoparticle systems may be considered an interesting compromise between heterogeneous and homogeneous catalytic systems, the recent development of soluble transition metal colloids as active nanocatalysts for aerobic alcohol oxidation is also presented.
Copper Catalysts for Aerobic Oxidation of Alcohols
Authors: Das OINDRILA , Paine TAPAN KANTI
Published: October 2014

Inspired by reactions catalyzed by galactose oxidase, a copper-containing enzyme, extensive studies were carried out on copper-based catalysts for alcohol oxidation using O2 as the terminal oxidant. Significant advances have been made towards the development of homogeneous and heterogeneous copper catalysts. These advances over the past decades are reviewed.
Gold-Based Catalysts
Authors: Pina Cristina Della , Falletta Ermelinda , Rossi Michele
Published: October 2014

The discovery of the catalytic power of gold, always regarded as inert, dates back to the early 1990s. The keystone is the nanometric scale: only when bulk gold was found to be dramatically enhanced when downsized to nanometric particles did its extraordinary catalytic activity definitely come out and it still continues to show more of this peculiarity. This represented a breakthrough in chemistry, especially in organic synthesis, allowing catalyzed selective oxidations of various substrates to be carried out to give important chemicals under green conditions. Gold, alone or alloyed with a second metal, has turned out to be particularly effective in the selective oxidation of different alcohols, which can be tuned to their carbonylic and carboxylic derivatives. In this chapter, an overview of the aerobic oxidation of alcohols carried out with supported gold-based catalysts in the liquid phase is presented, with a particular focus on substrates of interest such as glycerol and allyl alcohol. Some vapor-phase processes worthy of mention are also included, plus a section introducing the main methods of preparation of gold-based catalysts and their characterization.
Aerobic Oxidation of Alcohols Catalyzed by Iron or Vanadium Compounds
Authors: Kirihara Masayuki
Published: October 2014

Both iron and vanadium compounds are generally inexpensive and play important roles in living systems (especially in redox reaction). Although they also have great potential in organic syntheses as catalysts for the aerobic oxidation of alcohols, they were seldom used for this purpose until the end of the twentieth century. A few examples of the aerobic oxidation of alcohols catalyzed by iron compounds have been reported since 2002. Several alcohols can be oxidized to the corresponding carbonyl compound in high yield using these methods. Effective aerobic oxidations of alcohols catalyzed by vanadium compounds began to be reported in 1999. In the first studies, the substrates were limited to α-hydroxycarbonyls and propargylic alcohols. Several groups developed kinetic resolutions of α-hydroxycarbonyls using asymmetric aerobic oxidation catalyzed by a chiral vanadium complex. Recently, the aerobic oxidation of a variety of alcohols, including unactivated aliphatic alcohols, catalyzed by vanadium compounds was accomplished. Furthermore, vanadium compounds supported by solids or ionic liquids have been developed, and they can be used repeatedly for aerobic oxidation of alcohols without a decrease in activity. Oxidation of hydroquinones to quinines and cleavage of the carbon–carbon bonds of glycols and α-hydroxycarbonyls can be achieved by using vanadium-catalyzed aerobic oxidations.
Gas-Phase Oxidation of Alcohols: Innovation in Industrial Technologies and Recent Developments
Authors: Ochoa Juliana Velasquez , Cavani Fabrizio
Published: October 2014

Basic principles and recent developments in gas-phase alcohol oxidation are discussed. Following a brief summary of the main technologies currently used, recent improvements are discussed, from both an industrial and a chemical perspective, by describing the most innovative materials and methods of operation. Catalyst types are briefly described, in relation to both chemical–physical requirements needed to achieve better yields and mechanistic features. Particular attention is given to the fast-growing area of biomass-derived alcohols and polyols, platform molecules for the synthesis of various chemicals by means of catalytic selective oxidation.
A multiplex chemiluminescent biosensor for type B-fumonisins and aflatoxin B1 quantitative detection in maize flour
Authors: Zangheri Martina , Di Nardo Fabio , Anfossi Laura , Giovannoli Cristina , Baggiani Claudio , Roda Aldo , Mirasoli Mara
Published: October 2014

A multiplex chemiluminescence biosensor based on a lateral flow immunoassay was developed for on-site quantitative detection of fumonisins and aflatoxin B1 in maize.
Towards improved precision in the quantification of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) enhancement factors: a renewed approach
Authors: Sivanesan Arumugam , Adamkiewicz Witold , Kalaivani Govindasamy , Kamińska Agnieszka , Waluk Jacek , Hołyst Robert , Izake Emad L.
Published: October 2014

This paper demonstrates a renewed procedure for the quantification of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) enhancement factors with improved precision.
Proteomic identification of organic additives in the mortars of ancient Chinese wooden buildings
Authors: Rao Huiyun , Li Bo , Yang Yimin , Ma Qinglin , Wang Changsui
Published: October 2014

A micro-sampling proteomic approach was successfully established to identify flour and blood additives in ancient mortars with high specificity.
Characteristic wavenumbers of Raman spectra reveal the molecular mechanisms of oral leukoplakia and can help to improve the performance of diagnostic models
Authors: Huang Liqiu , Jing Runyu , Yang Yongning , Pu Xuemei , Li Menglong , Wen Zhining , Li Yi
Published: October 2014

An effective method for diagnosing various grades of oral leukoplakia with dysplasia.
Influence of moisture on the preparation, crystal structure, and photophysical properties of organohalide perovskites
Authors: Bass Kelsey K. , McAnally R. Eric , Zhou Shiliang , Djurovich Peter I. , Thompson Mark E. , Melot Brent C.
Published: October 2014

The effect of preparing lead-based organohalide perovskites under inert conditions is investigated. On exposure to moisture a rapid crystallization is observed along with a change in the emission lifetime.
Hydrothermal growth of highly oriented single crystalline Ta2O5nanorod arrays and their conversion to Ta3N5for efficient solar driven water splitting
Authors: Su Zixue , Wang Lei , Grigorescu Sabina , Lee Kiyoung , Schmuki Patrik
Published: October 2014

We grow vertically aligned single crystalline Ta2O5nanorod arrays that can be converted to a Ta3N5nanorod arrays by nitridation.
Ammonium based zwitterions showing both LCST- and UCST-type phase transitions after mixing with water in a very narrow temperature range
Authors: Saita Shohei , Mieno Yuki , Kohno Yuki , Ohno Hiroyuki
Published: October 2014

Ammonium-based zwitterions having adequate hydrophilicity showed both LCST- and UCST-type phase transitions after mixing with water.
Dynamic structural transformations of coordination supramolecular systems upon exogenous stimulation
Authors: Li Cheng-Peng , Chen Jing , Liu Chun-Sen , Du Miao
Published: October 2014

This feature article comments on the dynamic structural transformations of coordination supramolecular systems, which can be triggered by exposure to various exogenous stimuli such as concentration, temperature, light and mechanical force, as well as their synergic effect.
Gold-catalyzed 1,2-iminonitronation of electron-deficient alkynes with nitrosoarenes to afford α-imidoyl nitrones
Authors: Singh RahulKumar Rajmani , Liu Rai-Shung
Published: October 2014

Gold-catalyzed 1,2-iminonitronation of diverse propiolate derivatives with nitrosoarenes to give α-imidoyl nitrones is described.
Squeezing water clusters between graphene sheets: energetics, structure, and intermolecular interactions
Authors: McKenzie S. , Kang H. C.
Published: October 2014

The behavior of water confined at the nanoscale between graphene sheets has attracted much theoretical and experimental attention recently.
Actinide-based single-molecule magnets
Authors: Meihaus Katie R. , Long Jeffrey R.
Published: October 2014

Actinide single-molecule magnets compose a small yet complex consortium, presenting new design and characterization challenges for magnetochemists and physicists.
Alpha-synuclein oligomers and fibrils originate in two distinct conformer pools: a small angle X-ray scattering and ensemble optimisation modelling study
Authors: Curtain Cyril C. , Kirby Nigel M. , Mertens Haydyn D. T. , Barnham Kevin J. , Knott Robert B. , Masters Colin L. , Cappai Roberto , Rekas Agata , Kenche Vijaya B. , Ryan Timothy
Published: October 2014

Size exclusion chromatography with small angle X-ray scattering and ensemble optimisation modelling reveals conformers in random pool of α-synuclein.
Therapeutic and analytical applications of arsenic binding to proteins
Authors: Chen Beibei , Liu Qingqing , Popowich Aleksandra , Shen Shengwen , Yan Xiaowen , Zhang Qi , Li Xing-Fang , Weinfeld Michael , Cullen William R. , Le X. Chris
Published: October 2014

Knowledge of arsenic binding to proteins advances the development of bioanalytical techniques and therapeutic drugs.
Electrochemical detection of nitrite based on glassy carbon electrode modified with gold–polyaniline–graphene nanocomposites
Authors: Ma Xuemei , Miao Tingting , Zhu Wencai , Gao Xiaochun , Wang Chuntao , Zhao Caicai , Ma Houyi
Published: October 2014

This study reports possible interferences for the detection of NO2− on a Au–G–PANI/GCE.
Stabilization of H3+ in the high pressure crystalline structure of HnCl (n = 2–7)
Authors: Wang Ziwei , Wang Hui , Tse John S. , Iitaka Toshiaki , Ma Yanming
Published: October 2014

Using the CALYPSO structure searching method, multicenter bonding H3+ ions were stabilized under high pressure in a hydrogen rich H–Cl system.
Diaryldichalcogenide radical cations
Authors: Mallow Ole , Khanfar Monther A. , Malischewski Moritz , Finke Pamela , Hesse Malte , Lork Enno , Augenstein Timo , Breher Frank , Harmer Jeffrey R. , Vasilieva Nadezhda V. , Zibarev Andrey , Bogomyakov Artem S. , Seppelt Konrad , Beckmann Jens
Published: October 2014

One-electron oxidation of diaryldichalcogenides is the key to the preparation of the corresponding radical cations.
MnMoO4·4H2O nanoplates grown on a Ni foam substrate for excellent electrochemical properties
Authors: Cao Yunjiu , Li Wenyao , Xu Kaibing , Zhang Yuxin , Ji Tao , Zou Rujia , Yang Jianmao , Qin Zongyi , Hu Junqing
Published: October 2014

MnMoO4·4H2O nanoplates were grown directly on a Ni foam by a facile hydrothermal route with enhanced electrochemical performances, i.e., a high specific capacitance of 1.15 F cm−2 (2300 F g−1) at 4 mA cm−2 and a good cycling stability of 92% of the initial specific capacitance after 3000 cycles, which may be considered a prospective material for high-performance electrochemical capacitors.
Enzyme-triggered supramolecular self-assembly of platinum prodrug with enhanced tumor-selective accumulation and reduced systemic toxicity
Authors: Liu Huan , Li Yanli , Lyu Zhonglin , Wan Yingbo , Li Xiaohong , Chen Huabing , Chen Hong , Li Xinming
Published: October 2014

A self-assembled Pt prodrug with enhanced drug accumulation in tumor areas was achieved through the catalysis of a locally expressed enzyme.
The putative signal peptide of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor is not required for receptor synthesis but promotes receptor expression
Authors: Ge Yunjun , Yang Dehua , Dai Antao , Zhou Caihong , Zhu Yue , Wang Ming-Wei
Published: October 2014

GLP-1R (glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor) mediates the ‘incretin effect’ and many other anti-diabetic actions of its cognate ligand, GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1). It belongs to the class B family of GPCRs (G protein-coupled receptors) and possesses an N-terminal putative SP (signal peptide). It has been reported that this sequence is required for the synthesis of GLP-1R and is cleaved after receptor synthesis. In the present study, we conducted an in-depth exploration towards the role of the putative SP in GLP-1R synthesis. A mutant GLP-1R without this sequence was expressed in HEK293 cells (human embryonic kidney 293 cells) and displayed normal functionality with respect to ligand binding and activation of adenylate cyclase. Thus the putative SP does not seem to be required for receptor synthesis. Immunoblotting analysis shows that the amount of GLP-1R synthesized in HEK293 cells is low when the putative SP is absent. This indicates that the role of the sequence is to promote the expression of GLP-1R. Furthermore, epitopes tagged at the N-terminal of GLP-1R are detectable by immunofluorescence and immunoblotting in our experiments. In conclusion, the present study points to different roles of SP in GLP-1R expression which broadens our understanding of the functionality of this putative SP of GLP-1R and possibly other Class B GPCRs.
Colour compressed sensing imaging via sparse difference and fractal minimisation recovery
Authors: Liu Ji‐xin , Li Xiao‐fei , Han Guang , Sun Ning , Du Kun , Sun Quan‐sen
Published: October 2014

In colour compressed sensing (CS) imaging, the current two bottlenecks for application are (1) high computation cost of sparse representation (SR) with over‐complete dictionary and (2) unsatisfactory imaging quality of CS recovery with l1‐norm minimisation. Thus, this study proposes a novel colour CS imaging framework. In the framework, two improvements are achieved: (1) the authors present the sparse difference to reduce the computation cost of SR in RGB colour imaging; (2) the authors use fractal dimension instead of l1‐norm as the object function to actualise high quality CS recovery. The feasibility of our colour CS imaging framework is proved by sseveral experiments.
On‐road multi‐vehicle tracking algorithm based on an improved particle filter
Authors: Liu Peixun , Li Wenhui , Wang Ying , Ni Hongyin
Published: October 2014

Forward collision avoidance systems have shown to be a particularly effective crash‐avoidance technology. Multi‐vehicle tracking capabilities play an important role in the real‐world performance and effectiveness of such systems. In order to effectively and accurately track vehicles in a moving platform and in complicated road environments, the authors proposed a multi‐vehicle tracking algorithm based on an improved particle filter. First, the authors used a vehicle disappearance detection and handling mechanism based on the normalised area of the minimum circumscribed rectangle of particle distributions. This mechanism is used to verify whether a new target is a vehicle and can also handle the vehicle exit during the tracking phase. Next, an improved particle filter‐based framework, which includes a new process dynamical distribution, allowed for multi‐vehicle tracking capabilities was used for vehicle tracking. Finally, an effective occlusion detection and handling mechanism was used to address the significant occlusion between vehicles. The combination of these added improvements in the algorithm results in the enhancement of the vehicle tracking rate in a variety of challenging conditions. Experimental tests carried out from different datasets show excellent performance in multi‐vehicle tracking, in terms of accuracy in complex traffic situations and under different lighting conditions.
Cross‐correlation of output fluctuation and system‐balancing cost in photovoltaic integration
Authors: Ikeda Yuichi , Ogimoto Kazuhiko
Published: October 2014

The authors analysed the cross‐correlation of photovoltaic (PV) output fluctuation for the actual PV output time series data in both the Tokyo area and the whole of Japan using the principal component analysis with the random matrix theory. Based on the obtained cross‐correlation coefficients, the forecast error for PV output was estimated with/without considering the cross‐correlations. Then the operation schedule of thermal plants is calculated to integrate PV output using the proposed unit commitment model with the estimated forecast error. The system‐balancing cost of PV system was also estimated with or without demand response. Finally, validity of the concept of ‘local production for local consumption of renewable energy’ and alternative policy implications were discussed.
Fibre‐tree network for water‐surface ranging using an optical time‐domain reflectometry technique
Authors: Yamabayashi Yoshiaki , Yoshii Tatsuya , Takanashi Masahiro
Published: October 2014

To monitor water level at long distance, a fibre‐based time‐domain reflectometry network is proposed. A collimator at each fibre end of a tree‐type network retrieves 1.55 μm wavelength pulses that are reflected back from remote surfaces. Since this enables a power‐supply‐free sensor network with non‐metal media, this system is expected to be less susceptible to lightning strikes and power cuts than conventional systems that use electrically powered sensors and metal cables. In the present Letter, a successful simultaneous monitoring experiment of two water levels in the laboratory, as well as a trial for detecting a disturbed surface by beam‐expanding is reported.
Design of time-delayed connection parameters for inducing amplitude death in high-dimensional oscillator networks
Authors: Sugitani Yoshiki , Konishi Keiji , Le Luan Ba , Hara Naoyuki
Published: October 2014

The present paper studies time-delayed-connection induced amplitude death in high-dimensional oscillator networks. We provide two procedures for design of a coupling strength and a transmission delay: these procedures do not depend on the topology of oscillator networks (i.e., network structure and number of oscillators). A graphical procedure based on the Nyquist criterion is proposed and then is numerically confirmed for the case of five-dimensional oscillators, called generalized Rössler oscillators, which have two pairs of complex conjugate unstable roots. In addition, for the case of high-dimensional oscillators having two unstable roots, the procedure can be systematically carried out using only a simple algebraic calculation. This systematic procedure is numerically confirmed for the case of three-dimensional oscillators, called Moore-Spiegel oscillators, which have two positive real unstable roots.