bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gas‐phase water activation by Th atom: Reaction mechanisms and topological analysis
Authors: Li Peng , Niu Wenxia , Gao Tao , Wang Hongyan
Published: February 2014

Density functional theory calculations were performed to investigate the gas‐phase reaction of Th atom with water. Three reaction pathways were identified, which leads to the formation of ThOH + H, ThO + H2, and H2ThO. The latter two are generated via the intermediate HThOH, and the H2ThO specie is generated from the isomerization of the HThOH intermediate. A thorough description of the reaction mechanism taking into account different possible spin states together with analysis of the electronic factors offer insights into the reactivity of the actinides atom. The obtained results are compared with the available experimental data. The three reaction pathways were found to be exothermic, in which the isomerization channel was observed with best thermochemical conditions around 123.9 kcal/mol. The nature of the chemical bonding evolution along the reaction pathways was studied using topological analysis including electron localization function, atoms‐in‐molecules, and natural bond orbital. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Microfluidic Assembly of Monodisperse Multistage pH‐Responsive Polymer/Porous Silicon Composites for Precisely Controlled Multi‐Drug Delivery
Authors: Liu Dongfei , Zhang Hongbo , Herranz‐Blanco Bárbara , Mäkilä Ermei , Lehto Vesa‐Pekka , Salonen Jarno , Hirvonen Jouni , Santos Hélder A.
Published: February 2014

We report an advanced drug delivery platform for combination chemotherapy by concurrently incorporating two different drugs into microcompoistes with ratiometric control over the loading degree. Atorvastatin and celecoxib were selected as model drugs due to their different physicochemical properties and synergetic effect on colorectal cancer prevention and inhibition. To be effective in colorectal cancer prevention and inhibition, the produced microcomposite contained hypromellose acetate succinate, which is insoluble in acidic conditions but highly dissolving at neutral or alkaline pH conditions. Taking advantage of the large pore volume of porous silicon (PSi), atorvastatin was firstly loaded into the PSi matrix, and then encapsulated into the pH‐responsive polymer microparticles containing celecoxib by microfluidics in order to obtain multi‐drug loaded polymer/PSi microcomposites. The prepared microcomposites showed monodisperse size distribution, multistage pH‐response, precise ratiometric controlled loading degree towards the simultaneously loaded drug molecules, and tailored release kinetics of the loaded cargos. This attractive microcomposite platform protects the payloads from being released at low pH‐values, and enhances their release at higher pH‐values, which can be further used for colon cancer prevention and treatment. Overall, the pH‐responsive polymer/PSi‐based microcomposite can be used as a universal platform for the delivery of different drug molecules for combination therapy.
“It's Just a Likelihood”: Uncertainty as Topic and Resource in Conveying “Positive” Results in an Antenatal Screening Clinic
Authors: Pilnick Alison , Zayts Olga
Published: February 2014

The recognition of uncertainty as a pivotal issue for the sociology of medicine is longstanding. More recently, the widespread integration of new medical technologies into healthcare has led to a renewed analytic focus on uncertainty. However, there remains little work on the interactional manifestations of uncertainty. This article uses conversation analysis to examine how uncertainty is introduced and used in one specific setting: an antenatal screening clinic in Hong Kong. We focus on women who have received “screen positive” or higher risk results, and reflect on the ways in which uncertainty is an “essential tension” (Mazeland and ten Have 1996) in the activity of conveying these results to them. We conclude that as well as posing potential difficulties for interaction, the uncertainty of test results is also used here as an interactional resource in managing the institutionally defined category of “high risk.”
Perceptions of time in relation to climate change
Authors: Pahl Sabine , Sheppard Stephen , Boomsma Christine , Groves Christopher
Published: February 2014

Time is at the heart of understanding climate change, from the perspective of both natural and social scientists. This article selectively reviews research on time perception and temporal aspects of decision making in sociology and psychology. First we briefly describe the temporal dimensions that characterize the issue of climate change. Second, we review relevant theoretical approaches and empirical findings. Then we propose an integration of these insights for the problem of climate change and discuss mismatches between the human mind, surrounding social dynamics, and climate change. Finally, we discuss the implications of this article for understanding and responding to climate change, and make suggestions on how we can use the strengths of the human mind and social dynamics to communicate climate change in its temporal context.

This article is categorized under:

Climate, History, Society, Culture > Ideas and Knowledge

Perceptions, Behavior, and Communication of Climate Change > Perceptions of Climate Change
Woodfuel in a global change context
Authors: Gazull Laurent , Gautier Denis
Published: February 2014

The use of woodfuel to meet the demand for energy has regularly reappeared on both European and African political agendas over the last 50 years. In the 1980s, it no longer seemed necessary or even desirable to use wood to meet energy demand. But in the last decade, energy specialists, economists, industrialists, and politicians have begun to (re)consider woodfuel as a sector worthy of interest given the rising fuel prices, fuel scarcity, and increasing awareness of climatic change. At present, the hopes, the debates, and the progresses surrounding uses of woodfuel are very different in northern and southern countries, but the trends and challenges appear to converge. In this paper, we argue that woodfuel has the potential to fulfill the increased energy demand and to play a sustainable role in the energy sector. But anxieties and lock‐ins remain. Many forestry specialists and environmentalists are putting up ideological resistance. Others question the capacity of existing forests to meet this increased demand in a sustainable way. At the very least, a trend toward industrialization and privatization of the woodfuel sector would have major implications for ownership and forest management. However, despite concerns surrounding woodfuel, we argue that the extent of the energy demand to be met and the pressure from new private industrial players will oblige the forestry sector to broaden its position. It will have to consider the possibility of entering a new transformative era that not only includes woodfuel but also has implications for forest management, rights of access, justice, and sustainability. WIREs Energy Environ 2015, 4:156–170. doi: 10.1002/wene.115

This article is categorized under:

Energy and Development > Economics and Policy

Energy and Development > Climate and Environment
Time series motif discovery: dimensions and applications
Authors: Mueen Abdullah
Published: February 2014

Time series motifs are repeated segments in a long time series that, if exist, carry precise information about the underlying source of the time series. Motif discovery in time series data has received significant attention in the data mining community since its inception, principally because, motif discovery is meaningful and more likely to succeed when the data is large.

Algorithms for motif discovery generally deal with three aspects the definition of the motifs, domain based preprocessing, and finally, the algorithmic steps. Typical definitions of motifs signify the similarity or the support of the motifs. Domains impose preprocessing requirements to meaningful motif finding such as data alignment, interpolation, and transformation. Motif discovery algorithms vary based on exact or approximate evaluation of the definition. In addition, algorithms require different representations [Symbolic Aggregate approXimation (SAX), DFT etc.] and similarity measures [correlation, dynamic time warping (DTW) distance etc.] for time series segments. In this paper, we discuss these three facets in detail with examples taken from the literature.

We briefly describe a set of applications of time series motif in various domains and elaborate on a certain application in entomology to analyze insect behavior.

This article is categorized under:

Algorithmic Development > Spatial and Temporal Data Mining

Technologies > Structure Discovery and Clustering
Synthesis, Crystal Structure, Electric and Magnetic Properties of LaVO2.78N0.10
Authors: Yoon Songhak , Maegli Alexandra E. , Karvonen Lassi , Shkabko Andrey , Populoh Sascha , Gałązka Krzysztof , Sagarna Leyre , Aguirre Myriam H. , Jakes Peter , Eichel Rüdiger A. , Ebbinghaus Stefan G. , Pokrant Simone , Weidenkaff Anke
Published: February 2014

Perovskite‐type LaVO2.78N0.10 powder was synthesized by thermal ammonolysis of the oxide precursor LaVO4. By X‐ray, neutron, and electron diffraction an orthorhombic crystal structure with space group Pnma was identified. XANES spectra showed that the oxidation state of vanadium changes from 5+ in LaVO4 to approximately 3+ in LaVO2.78N0.10. The temperature dependence of the electrical conductivity revealed an Arrhenius‐type behavior with an activation energy of 0.103 eV in the temperature range of 119–302 K indicating that the conduction process is thermally activated band transition. Based on the positive Seebeck coefficient, holes were identified as the dominant charge carriers in the temperature range of 100–302 K. Both the Seebeck coefficient and the thermal conductivity showed an anomaly at 138 K, which is attributed to the Néel temperature for antiferromagnetic ordering according to magnetic susceptibility measurements.
15‐Lipoxygenase‐Mediated Modification of HDL3 Impairs eNOS Activation in Human Endothelial Cells
Authors: Cutuli Lucia , Pirillo Angela , Uboldi Patrizia , Kuehn Hartmut , Catapano Alberico L.
Published: February 2014

Caveolae are cholesterol and glycosphingolipids‐enriched microdomains of plasma membranes. Caveolin‐1 represents the major structural protein of caveolae, that also contain receptors and molecules involved in signal transduction pathways. Caveolae are particularly abundant in endothelial cells, where they play important physiological and pathological roles in regulating endothelial cell functions. Several molecules with relevant functions in endothelial cells are localized in caveolae, including endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), which regulates the production of nitric oxide, and scavenger receptor class B type I (SR‐BI), which plays a key role in the induction of eNOS activity mediated by high density lipoproteins (HDL). HDL have several atheroprotective functions, including a positive effect on endothelial cells, as it is a potent agonist of eNOS through the interaction with SR‐BI. However, the oxidative modification of HDL may impair their protective role. In the present study we evaluated the effect of 15‐lipoxygenase‐mediated modification of HDL3 on the expression and/or activity of some proteins localized in endothelial caveolae and involved in the nitric oxide generation pathway. We found that after modification, HDL3 failed to activate eNOS and to induce NO production, due to both a reduced ability to interact with its own receptor SR‐BI and to a reduced expression of SR‐BI in cells exposed to modified HDL. These findings suggest that modification of HDL may reduce its endothelial‐protective role also by interfering with vasodilatory function of HDL.
Recent Trends in Coverage of the Mexican-Born Population of the United States: Results From Applying Multiple Methods Across Time
Authors: Van Hook Jennifer , Bean Frank D. , Bachmeier James D. , Tucker Catherine
Published: February 2014

The accuracy of counts of U.S. racial/ethnic and immigrant groups depends on the coverage of the foreign-born in official data. Because Mexicans constitute by far the largest single national-origin group among the foreign-born in the United States, we compile new evidence about the coverage of the Mexican-born population in the 2000 census and 2001–2010 American Community Survey (ACS) using three techniques: a death registration, a birth registration, and a net migration method. For the late 1990s and first half of the 2000–2010 decade, results indicate that coverage error was somewhat higher than currently assumed but had substantially declined by the latter half of the 2000–2010 decade. Additionally, we find evidence that U.S. census and ACS data miss substantial numbers of children of Mexican immigrants, as well as people who are most likely to be unauthorized: namely, working-aged Mexican immigrants (ages 15–64), especially males. The findings highlight the heterogeneity of the Mexican foreign-born population and the ways in which migration dynamics may affect population coverage.
The multifaceted von Hippel–Lindau tumour suppressor protein
Authors: Robinson Claire M. , Ohh Michael
Published: February 2014

Loss of von Hippel–Lindau protein (pVHL) is known to contribute to the initiation and progression of tumours associated with VHL disease as well as certain sporadic tumours including clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). The VHL gene was first identified and cloned over 20 years ago and our understanding of its functions and effects has significantly increased since then. The best‐known function of pVHL is its role in promoting the degradation of hypoxia‐inducible factor α subunit (HIFα) as part of an E3 ubiquitin ligase complex. HIF stabilisation and transcriptional activation are also associated with various epigenetic alterations, indicating a potential role for VHL loss with changes in the epigenome. This review will highlight current knowledge regarding pVHL as well as discuss potentially novel roles of pVHL and how these may impact on cancer progression.
Hyperglycemia induces abnormal gene expression in hematopoietic stem cells and their progeny in diabetic neuropathy
Authors: Katagi Miwako , Terashima Tomoya , Okano Junko , Urabe Hiroshi , Nakae Yuki , Ogawa Nobuhiro , Udagawa Jun , Maegawa Hiroshi , Matsumura Kazuhiro , Chan Lawrence , Kojima Hideto
Published: February 2014

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is a major chronic diabetic complication. We have previously shown that in type 1 diabetic streptozotocin‐treated mice, insulin‐ and TNF‐α co‐expressing bone marrow‐derived cells (BMDCs) induced by hyperglycemia travel to nerve tissues where they fuse with nerve cells, causing premature apoptosis and nerve dysfunction. Here we show that similar BMDCs also occur in type 2 diabetic high‐fat diet (HFD) mice. Furthermore, we found that hyperglycemia induces the co‐expression of insulin and TNF‐α in c‐kit+Sca‐1+lineage− (KSL) progenitor cells, which maintain the same expression pattern in the progeny, which in turn participates in the fusion with neurons when transferred to normoglycemic animals.
Visual Impersonation — Population Registration, Reference Books and Identification in the Eastern Cape, 1950s–1960s
Authors: Rizzo Lorena
Published: February 2014

The paper looks at the population registration and issuing of reference books in the Transkei in the 1950s and 1960s. Thedompasbecame the iconic object of apartheid policing within the logic of urban racial segregation and capitalist labour exploitation. The analysis proposed here investigates population registration through the lens of materiality and visuality. It sketches the visual economies that facilitated the scheme in a rural area and explores the role of photography in one of apartheid’s most notorious administrative schemes. Along the lines of Walter Benjamin’s reflections on technological mediation the paper retraces how thedompasas an image/object oscillated between panoptic surveillance and subaltern contestation.
Sociopolitical Crisis and the Reconstruction of Sustainable Periurban Agriculture in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
Authors: Babo Alfred
Published: February 2014

This article examines the effects of the post-2002 sociopolitical crisis in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, on urban and peri-urban agriculture. Based on the case study of Abidjan, it argues for a conceptualization of sustainability that includes social as well as environmental dimensions and focuses on coping strategies of producers and merchants. In Abidjan, these strategies included internal migration within the city and its periphery, the use of organic fertilizers, and changes in market structure. The study illustrates how such strategies allowed producers to continue to supply produce to the market, despite the difficulties of war.
The life cycle ofSclerocollum saudiiAl-Jahdali, 2010 (Acanthocephala: Palaeacanthocephala: Rhadinorhynchidae) in amphipod and fish hosts from the Red Sea
Authors: Al-Jahdali M.O. , Hassanine R.M. El-Said , Touliabah H. El-S.
Published: February 2014

The rhadinorhynchidSclerocollum saudiiAl-Jahdali, 2010 was found in the intestine of its type host,SiganusrivulatusForsskål & Niebuhr, 1775, a siganid fish permanently resident in a lagoon within the mangrove swamps found on the Egyptian coast of the Gulf of Aqaba (between 28°7′N and 28°18′N). Larval forms of this acanthocephalan (acanthors, acanthellae and cystacanths) were only found inMegaluropus agilisHoek, 1889 (Crustacea: Gammaridae), a benthic amphipod abundant on algae and seagrasses in the lagoon. So, this life cycle ofS. saudiiwas elucidated under semi-natural conditions: embryonated eggs ofS. saudiiwere directly ingested by the amphipod and hatched in its intestine; the released acanthor penetrated the intestinal epithelium in 12–18 h to reach the connective tissue serosa, where it remained for about 3 days, then penetrated the intestinal wall and remained attached to its outer surface for 4 days. It then detached and dropped free in the amphipod haemocoel and transformed into an oval acanthella, growing for 16 days to reach the cystacanth stage. The cystacanth at 46 days post-infection was infective to fish (excysted in its intestine as an active juvenile). Male and female juveniles reached maturity 17 and 23 days post-infection. Recently copulated females first appeared 26 days post-infection and all females seemed to be copulated at 28 days post-infection; partially and fully gravid females first appeared 31 and 35 days post-infection. Mature males and fully gravid females started to die off naturally 31 and 43 days post-infection and were totally expelled from the fish intestine by 42 and 52 days post-infection. The cycle was completed in 89 days and is similar to other known palaeacanthocephalan life cycles, but has its own characteristics.
Paper patching of the tympanic membrane as a symptomatic treatment for patulous eustachian tube syndrome
Authors: Boedts M
Published: February 2014

Background:

Application of one or several paper patches on the tympanic membrane can improve autophony and other symptoms in some patients with a patulous eustachian tube.

Method:

The charts of 21 patients treated for patulous eustachian tube syndrome between 2006 and 2011 were studied for subjective improvement of symptoms following the application of paper patches.

Results:

Paper patching of the tympanic membrane provided symptomatic relief in 76.2 per cent of patients; relief was permanent in 50 per cent of these patients.

Conclusion:

Paper patching of the tympanic membrane is a simple and effective means of temporarily or permanently alleviating patulous eustachian tube syndrome symptoms. It is postulated that the patches decrease the admittance of low- to mid-frequency acoustic input at the tympanic membrane by increasing the stiffness of the tympanic membrane, thereby counteracting the middle-ear cushion effect caused by the open eustachian tube.
Seasonal dynamics of the cestode fauna in spiny dogfish,Squalus acanthias(Squaliformes: Squalidae)
Authors: PICKERING MARIA , CAIRA JANINE N.
Published: February 2014

This study furthers understanding of cestode infections in a marine environment through time and space by following seasonal fluctuations in infection parameters of three cestode species (Gilquinia squali, Trilocularia gracilisandPhyllobothrium squali) parasitizing spiny dogfish (Squalus acanthias) in the northwest Atlantic and comparing them to work previously published from the northeast Atlantic onT. gracilis. For each cestode species, host size, season and presence of the other cestode species were analysed using generalized linear models to determine if they were good predictors of prevalence and intensity. Infection parameters differed across season for the three cestode species. However, withinT. gracilisseasonal trends were found to be remarkably similar on both sides of the Atlantic, differing only in a somewhat delayed decline in prevalence in the northwest Atlantic. The differences seen in infection measures across cestode species likely reflect the unique life history strategies of different parasite species. While general trends appear to be maintained across disparate localities, variation seen is likely due to differences in accessibility to intermediate hosts and host diet across sites. The knowledge gained from understanding cestode infections in the vast ocean environment allows us to speculate about the factors driving fluctuations in parasite infections in elasmobranchs.
Daring to tell: the importance of telling others about a diagnosis of dementia
Authors: WEAKS DOT , WILKINSON HEATHER , McLEOD JOHN
Published: February 2014

Learning to live with a diagnosis of dementia is a complex process. Being able to talk about the diagnosis to others represents a major challenge for some people with dementia. This study explores the experiences of people with dementia, and members of their families, around the task of informing others during the six months immediately following their diagnosis of dementia. Five people with dementia living in the community, and their immediate family members, were recruited into an ethnographic study. Data were collected through recorded interviews and participant observation, and were analysed through a grounded theory method within a continuing iterative process. Findings suggest that participants recognised the need to tell others about their diagnosis but these conversations were difficult to initiate and manage, and hindered the processing of emotions. Findings are discussed in relation to implications for practice.
UNIT ROOTS IN LIFE—A GRADUATE STUDENT STORY
Authors: Phillips Peter C. B.
Published: February 2014

On the evening of March 7, 2008, the New Zealand Econometric Study Group Meeting held its Conference Dinner. The venue was the Owen Glenn Building, the spectacular new home of the Auckland Business School and the Department of Economics at the University of Auckland. The meeting was organized by my colleagues, co-authors, and close companions Donggyu Sul and Chirok Han. Chirok did double duty by videotaping the evening, Donggyu coordinated festivities with consummate skill, and we settled in to a memorable evening.

Econometricians, old friends, former students, two of my former teachers, faculty, and senior administrators were gathered together to celebrate my 60th birthday. Many had traveled long distances from overseas and navigated busy schedules to come to this event. It was a singular honor. My wife and daughter were with me. Opening speeches from Bas Sharp and John McDermott broke the ice with endearing tales from the past and jokes about some mysterious hole in my vita. I stood at the front table, looked out, and felt a glow of fellowship envelop me. I was fortunate indeed. Life had bestowed many gifts. The warmth of family, friends, and collegiality were at the top of the list. My education and early training in New Zealand were a clear second.

What follows is a graduate student story. It draws on the first part of the speech I gave that evening at the NZESG conference dinner. It mixes personal reflections with recollections of the extraordinary New Zealanders who shaped my thinking as a graduate student and beginning researcher—people who have had an enduring impact on my work and career as an econometrician. The story traces out these human initial conditions and unit roots that figure in my early life of teaching and research.
Piped water supplies managed by civic bodies in medieval English towns
Authors: LEE JOHN S.
Published: February 2014

When John Leland toured England in the 1540s, he observed water conduits in several towns, including a number of smaller urban centres. Subsequent historians and archaeologists, however, have seriously understated the number and importance of piped water systems in English towns. This article uses studies of individual towns, together with civic records and Leland'sItinerary, to examine the sources and technologies of urban water supplies, the origins of civic piped water systems, their relationships to other local systems, finance, management and oversight. It will argue that the growth in piped supplies by civic bodies in the later Middle Ages reflects the importance of charitable provision and the efforts of civic authorities to establish, maintain and regulate them. An appendix lists medieval English towns known to have provided public access to piped water supplies byc. 1550.
An accountability framework to promote healthy food environments
Authors: Kraak Vivica I , Swinburn Boyd , Lawrence Mark , Harrison Paul
Published: February 2014

Objective

To review the available literature on accountability frameworks to construct a framework that is relevant to voluntary partnerships between government and food industry stakeholders.

Design

Between November 2012 and May 2013, a desk review of ten databases was conducted to identify principles, conceptual frameworks, underlying theories, and strengths and limitations of existing accountability frameworks for institutional performance to construct a new framework relevant to promoting healthy food environments.

Setting

Food policy contexts within high-income countries to address obesity and diet-related non-communicable diseases.

Subjects

Eligible resources (n 26) were reviewed and the guiding principles of fifteen interdisciplinary frameworks were used to construct a new accountability framework.

Results

Strengths included shared principles across existing frameworks, such as trust, inclusivity, transparency and verification; government leadership and good governance; public deliberations; independent bodies recognizing compliance and performance achievements; remedial actions to improve accountability systems; and capacity to manage conflicts of interest and settle disputes. Limitations of the three-step frameworks and ‘mutual accountability’ approach were an explicit absence of an empowered authority to hold all stakeholders to account for their performance.

Conclusions

We propose a four-step accountability framework to guide government and food industry engagement to address unhealthy food environments as part of a broader government-led strategy to address obesity and diet-related non-communicable diseases. An independent body develops clear objectives, a governance process and performance standards for all stakeholders to address unhealthy food environments. The empowered body takes account (assessment), shares the account (communication), holds to account (enforcement) and responds to the account (improvements).
Capturing changes in dietary patterns among older adults: a latent class analysis of an ageing Irish cohort
Authors: Harrington Janas M , Dahly Darren L , Fitzgerald Anthony P , Gilthorpe Mark S , Perry Ivan J
Published: February 2014

Objective

Data-driven approaches to dietary patterns are under-utilized; latent class analyses (LCA) are particularly rare. The present study used an LCA to identify subgroups of people with similar dietary patterns, explore changes in dietary patterns over a 10-year period and relate these dynamics to sociodemographic factors and health outcomes.

Design

The 1998 baseline and 2008 follow-up of the Cork and Kerry Diabetes and Heart Disease Study. Diets were assessed with a standard FFQ. LCA, under the assumption of conditional independence, was used to identify mutually exclusive subgroups with different dietary patterns, based on food group consumption.

Setting

Republic of Ireland.

Subjects

Men and women aged 50–69 years at baseline (n 923) and at 10-year follow-up (n 320).

Results

Three dietary classes emerged: Western, Healthy and Low-Energy. Significant differences in demographic, lifestyle and health outcomes were associated with class membership. Between baseline and follow-up most people remained ‘stable’ in their dietary class. Most of those who changed class moved to the Healthy class. Higher education was associated with transition to a healthy diet; lower education was associated with stability in an unhealthy pattern. Transition to a healthy diet was associated with higher CVD risk factors at baseline: respondents were significantly more likely to be smokers, centrally obese and to have hypertension (non-significant).

Conclusions

LCA is useful for exploring dietary patterns transitions. Understanding the predictors of longitudinal stability/transitions in dietary patterns will help target public health initiatives by identifying subgroups most/least likely to change and most/least likely to sustain a change.
243 GHz low-noise amplifier MMICs and modules based on metamorphic HEMT technology
Authors: Tessmann Axel , Hurm Volker , Leuther Arnulf , Massler Hermann , Weber Rainer , Kuri Michael , Riessle Markus , Stulz Hans-Peter , Zink Martin , Schlechtweg Michael , Ambacher Oliver , Närhi Tapani
Published: February 2014

Two compact H-band (220–325 GHz) low-noise millimeter-wave monolithic integrated circuit (MMIC) amplifiers have been developed, based on a grounded coplanar waveguide (GCPW) technology utilizing 50 and 35 nm metamorphic high electron mobility transistors (mHEMTs). For low-loss packaging of the circuits, a set of waveguide-to-microstrip transitions has been realized on 50-μm-thick GaAs substrates demonstrating an insertion loss of <0.5 dB at 243 GHz. By applying the 50 nm gate-length process, a four-stage cascode amplifier module achieved a small-signal gain of 30.6 dB at 243 GHz and more than 28 dB in the bandwidth from 218 to 280 GHz. A second amplifier module, based on the 35-nm mHEMT technology, demonstrated a considerably improved gain of 34.6 dB at 243 GHz and more than 32 dB between 210 and 280 GHz. At the operating frequency, the two broadband low-noise amplifier modules achieved a room temperature noise figure of 5.6 dB (50 nm) and 5.0 dB (35 nm), respectively.
Strikingly poor CD8+ T‐cell immunogenicity of vaccinia virus strain MVA in BALB/c mice
Authors: Russell Tiffany A , Tscharke David C
Published: February 2014

Vaccinia virus (VACV) strain MVA is a highly attenuated vector for vaccines that is being explored in clinical trials. We compared the CD8+ T‐cell immunogenicity of MVA with that of a virulent laboratory strain of VACV (strain WR) in BALB/c mice by examining epitope‐specific responses as well as estimating the total number of activated CD8+ T cells, irrespective of specificity. We found that MVA elicited total CD8+ T‐cell responses that were reduced by at least 20‐fold compared with strain WR in BALB/c mice. In C57Bl/6 mice, we also found a substantial difference in immunogenicity between these VACV strains, but it was more modest at around fivefold. Of note, the size of responses to the virulent WR virus was similar in both strains of mice suggesting that BALB/c mice can mount robust CD8+ T‐cell responses to VACV. Although the data for total responses clearly showed that MVA overall is poorly immunogenic in BALB/c mice, we found one epitope for which strong responses were made irrespective of virus strain. Therefore, in the context of a vaccine, some recombinant epitopes may have similar immunogenicity when expressed from MVA and other strains of VACV, but we would expect these to be exceptions. These data show clearly the substantial difference in immunogenicity between MVA and virulent VACV strains and suggest that the impact of host genetics on responses to attenuated vaccine vectors like MVA requires more consideration.
A plant factory for moth pheromone production
Authors: Ding Bao-Jian , Hofvander Per , Wang Hong-Lei , Durrett Timothy P. , Stymne Sten , Löfstedt Christer
Published: February 2014

Moths depend on pheromone communication for mate finding and synthetic pheromones are used for monitoring or disruption of pheromone communication in pest insects. Here we produce moth sex pheromone, using Nicotiana benthamiana as a plant factory, by transient expression of up to four genes coding for consecutive biosynthetic steps. We specifically produce multicomponent sex pheromones for two species. The fatty alcohol fractions from the genetically modified plants are acetylated to mimic the respective sex pheromones of the small ermine moths Yponomeuta evonymella and Y. padella. These mixtures are very efficient and specific for trapping of male moths, matching the activity of conventionally produced pheromones. Our long-term vision is to design tailor-made production of any moth pheromone component in genetically modified plants. Such semisynthetic preparation of sex pheromones is a novel and cost-effective way of producing moderate to large quantities of pheromones with high purity and a minimum of hazardous waste.
Caffeic acid: a review of its potential use in medications and cosmetics
Authors: Magnani C. , Isaac V. L. B. , Correa M. A. , Salgado H. R. N.
Published: February 2014

Besides powerful antioxidant activity, increasing collagen production and prevention of premature aging, caffeic acid has demonstrated antimicrobial activity and may be promising in the treatment of dermal diseases.
A highly stable MOF with a rod SBU and a tetracarboxylate linker: unusual topology and CO2adsorption behaviour under ambient conditions
Authors: Li Ru-Jin , Li Mian , Zhou Xiao-Ping , Li Dan , O'Keeffe Michael
Published: February 2014

A Mn-based rod metal–organic framework (MOF), ROD-6, with a new lrk net is synthesized and studied with Ideal Adsorbed Solution Theory (IAST) for selective gas adsorption.
An electron transporting unit linked multifunctional Ir(iii) complex: a promising strategy to improve the performance of solution-processed phosphorescent organic light-emitting diodes
Authors: Giridhar Thota , Saravanan Chinnusamy , Cho Woosum , Park Young Geun , Lee Jin Yong , Jin Sung-Ho
Published: February 2014

An oxadiazole based electron transporting (ET) unit was linked to the heteroleptic Ir(iii) complex and used as a dopant for solution-processed PhOLEDs, which shows a superior device performance than the dopant without the ET unit.
Recent advances on porous homochiral coordination polymers containing amino acid synthons
Authors: Yang Xiu-Li , Wu Chuan-De
Published: February 2014

The recently developed strategies on the designed synthesis of porous homochiral MOCPs based on amino acid residues and their interesting properties are summarized in this highlight.
Antenna effects in truxene-bridged BODIPY triarylzinc(ii)porphyrin dyads: evidence for a dual Dexter–Förster mechanism
Authors: Xu Hai-Jun , Bonnot Antoine , Karsenti Paul-Ludovic , Langlois Adam , Abdelhameed Mohammed , Barbe Jean-Michel , Gros Claude P. , Harvey Pierre D.
Published: February 2014

BODIPY uses the truxene bridge to transfer its S1 energy to the zinc(ii)porphyrin acceptors via a Dexter mechanism almost exclusively.
Increasing the energy yield of mechanochemical transformations: selected case studies
Authors: Politov Anatoly , Golyazimova Olga
Published: February 2014

The products of mechanical treatment are surface atoms or molecules, substances with a crystal structure different from their initial one (another polymorph, amorphous), point or linear defects, radicals and new chemical substances. It is often assumed, that to increase the yield of the products of a mechanical treatment, it is necessary to increase the treatment time and the mechanical power input. In view of the low energy yield of many mechanochemical transformations, this leads to high power consumption and contamination of the matter under treatment with the wear products of the material of a mill or reactor, in which the mechanical treatment is carried out. As a result, the technological attractiveness of mechanochemical processes is reduced, so that many mechanochemical transformations that have been discovered recently do not reach the stage of commercialization. In the present paper we describe different examples of increasing successfully the energy yield of mechanochemical processes, by a factor of several times to several orders of magnitude, for inorganic and organic substances. An increase in the energy yield of mechanochemical transformations opens new possibilities for their practical usage. In particular, the methods of preliminary treatment and the modes of conducting enzymatic processes that may find application in the production of second-generation biofuels are discussed using lignocellulose materials as examples.
Graphene nanosheets inserted by silver nanoparticles as zero-dimensional nanospacers for dye sensitized solar cells
Authors: Chang Quanhong , Wang Zhenping , Wang Jinzhong , Yan Yuan , Ma Zhoujing , Zhu Jianxiao , Shi Wangzhou , Chen Qi , Yu Qingjiang , Huang Lei
Published: February 2014

Three-dimensional Ag nanoparticle/GNs hybrids as highly efficient counter electrode materials for dye sensitized solar cells are described, highlighting the Ag nanoparticles as zero-dimensional nanospacers inserting into GNs to lift the interspacing layer between individual GNs.
Orientation-tuning in self-assembled heterostructures induced by a buffer layer
Authors: Zhu Yuanmin , Liu Pingping , Yu Rong , Hsieh Ying-Hui , Ke Dan , Chu Ying-Hao , Zhan Qian
Published: February 2014

Orientation tuning of heterostructures with a nano-plate configuration was demonstrated by a complex in-plane strain and ledge growth mechanism.
Controllable synthesis of porous Fe3O4@ZnO sphere decorated graphene for extraordinary electromagnetic wave absorption
Authors: Sun Danping , Zou Quan , Wang Yanping , Wang Yujiao , Jiang Wei , Li Fengsheng
Published: February 2014

Mesoporous Fe3O4@ZnO spheres were uniformly coated on both sides of graphene sheets, exhibiting extraordinary electromagnetic wave absorption properties.
Exciton diffusion in monolayer and bulk MoSe2
Authors: Kumar Nardeep , Cui Qiannan , Ceballos Frank , He Dawei , Wang Yongsheng , Zhao Hui
Published: February 2014

High resolution transient absorption measurements reveal exciton dynamics in molybdenum diselenide monolayer and bulk crystals.
Directional size-triggered microdroplet target transport on gradient-step fibers
Authors: Xue Yan , Chen Yuan , Wang Ting , Jiang Lei , Zheng Yongmei
Published: February 2014

Directional size-triggered microdroplet target transport is achieved on gradient-step fibers, using a continuous capillary gradient cooperative effect.
A type-II semiconductor (ZnO/CuS heterostructure) for visible light photocatalysis
Authors: Basu Mrinmoyee , Garg Neha , Ganguli Ashok K.
Published: February 2014

Formation of ZnO/CuS heterostructure through a simple wet-chemical method leads to a type-II semiconductor. The heterojunction between these two moieties leads to the separation of electron–hole pairs, which further enhances the photocatalytic efficiency of ZnO.
Construction of a crown ether-like supramolecular library by conjugation of genetically-encoded peptide linkers displayed on bacteriophage T7
Authors: Fukunaga Keisuke , Hatanaka Takaaki , Ito Yuji , Minami Michiko , Taki Masumi
Published: February 2014

By using the 10BASEd-T, we have synthesized a crown ether-like macrocyclic library possessing randomized peptide linkers on bacteriophage T7.
DNA-based sensitization of Tb3+ luminescence regulated by Ag+ and cysteine: use as a logic gate and a H2O2 sensor
Authors: Zhang Min , Qu Zhi-bei , Ma Hai-Yan , Zhou Tianshu , Shi Guoyue
Published: February 2014

A simple and facile strategy was developed for regulating the luminescence of Tb3+ sensitized by DNA.
Controllable synthesis and size-dependent upconversion luminescence properties of Lu2O3:Yb3+/Er3+ nanospheres
Authors: Zheng Kezhi , Song Weiye , Lv Changjian , Liu Zhenyu , Qin Weiping
Published: February 2014

Lu2O3:Yb3+/Er3+ nanospheres with various sizes have been synthesized by the soft chemistry coprecipitation route and these samples have shown size-dependent UCL property under 980 nm excitation.
Vertical junction photodetectors based on reduced graphene oxide/silicon Schottky diodes
Authors: Zhu Miao , Li Xinming , Guo Yibo , Li Xiao , Sun Pengzhan , Zang Xiaobei , Wang Kunlin , Zhong Minlin , Wu Dehai , Zhu Hongwei
Published: February 2014

The Schottky junction properties and photoelectric conversion of reduced graphene oxide (RGO)-based devices have been investigated. The responsivity and detectivity of the photodetectors were examined, proving that the RGO material could be effectively utilized as an electrode material.
Bandgap engineering and manipulating electronic and optical properties of ZnO nanowires by uniaxial strain
Authors: Shao Rui-wen , Zheng Kun , Wei Bin , Zhang Yue-fei , Li Yu-jie , Han Xiao-dong , Zhang Ze , Zou Jin
Published: February 2014

Bandgap engineering is a common practice for tuning semiconductors for desired physical properties.
Polyaniline:poly(sodium 4-styrenesulfonate)-stabilized gold nanoparticles as efficient, versatile catalysts
Authors: Liu Xiaojun , Li Ligui , Ye Meixia , Xue Yang , Chen Shaowei
Published: February 2014

Gold nanoparticles were stabilized by a polyaniline:poly(sodium 4-styrenesulfonate) (PANI:PSS) matrix and readily dispersed in water over a wide range of pH.
Nano-ceramic support materials for low temperature fuel cell catalysts
Authors: Lv Haifeng , Mu Shichun
Published: February 2014

Nano-ceramic materials have attracted much attention for increasing the stability of low temperature fuel cell catalysts due to their outstanding oxidation and acid corrosion resistance, and excellent thermal stability.
From single crystal surfaces to single atoms: investigating active sites in electrocatalysis
Authors: O'Mullane Anthony P.
Published: February 2014

Electrocatalysis will be at the heart of energising future transportation and technology. This article discusses the critical role of active sites and the recent efforts in their characterisation and visualisation.
Remarkable chemical adsorption of manganese-doped titanate for direct carbon dioxide electrolysis
Authors: Qi Wentao , Gan Yun , Yin Di , Li Zhenyu , Wu Guojian , Xie Kui , Wu Yucheng
Published: February 2014

Remarkable chemical adsorption of CO2 has been achieved in titanate with significant concentration of oxygen vacancies towards the efficient direct CO2 electrolysis in solid oxide electrolysers.
A rheumatoid arthritis magnetic resonance imaging contrast agent based on folic acid conjugated PEG-b-PAA@SPION
Authors: Zhong Yanqi , Dai Fengying , Deng Heng , Du Meihong , Zhang Xiaoning , Liu Qingjun , Zhang Xin
Published: February 2014

FA-PEG-b-PAA@SPPION offers a unique contrast ability for MRI of rheumatoid arthritis.
An organic microcrystal array-embedded layer: highly directional alternating p- and n-channels for ambipolar transistors and inverters
Authors: Jea Minkyung , Kumar Amit , Cho Hyejin , Yang Dongmyung , Shim Hyunseok , Palai Akshaya K. , Pyo Seungmoon
Published: February 2014

An organic microcrystal array-embedded active layer has been prepared for ambipolar field-effect transistors.
Biochemical evidence that regulation of Ero1β activity in human cells does not involve the isoform-specific cysteine 262
Authors: Hansen Henning G. , Søltoft Cecilie L. , Schmidt Jonas D. , Birk Julia , Appenzeller-Herzog Christian , Ellgaard Lars
Published: February 2014

In the ER (endoplasmic reticulum) of human cells, disulfide bonds are predominantly generated by the two isoforms of Ero1 (ER oxidoreductin-1): Ero1α and Ero1β. The activity of Ero1α is tightly regulated through the formation of intramolecular disulfide bonds to help ensure balanced ER redox conditions. Ero1β is less tightly regulated, but the molecular details underlying control of activity are not as well characterized as for Ero1α. Ero1β contains an additional cysteine residue (Cys262), which has been suggested to engage in an isoform-specific regulatory disulfide bond with Cys100. However, we show that the two regulatory disulfide bonds in Ero1α are likely conserved in Ero1β (Cys90–Cys130 and Cys95–Cys100). Molecular modelling of the Ero1β structure predicted that the side chain of Cys262 is completely buried. Indeed, we found this cysteine to be reduced and partially protected from alkylation in the ER of living cells. Furthermore, mutation of Cys100–but not of Cys262–rendered Ero1β hyperactive in cells, as did mutation of Cys130. Ero1β hyperactivity induced the UPR (unfolded protein response) and resulted in oxidative perturbation of the ER redox state. We propose that features other than a distinct pattern of regulatory disulfide bonds determine the loose redox regulation of Ero1β relative to Ero1α.
Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 is subject to post-transcriptional regulation by miR-421
Authors: Lambert Daniel W. , Lambert Louise A. , Clarke Nicola E. , Hooper Nigel M. , Porter Karen E. , Turner Anthony J.
Published: February 2014

ACE2 (angiotensin converting enzyme 2) plays a critical role in the local tissue RAS (renin–angiotensin system) by hydrolysing the potent hypertensive and mitogenic peptide AngII (angiotensin II). Changes in the levels of ACE2 have been observed in a number of pathologies, including cardiovascular disease, but little is known of the mechanisms regulating its expression. In the present study, therefore, the potential role of miRNAs in the regulation of ACE2 expression in primary human cardiac myofibroblasts was examined. Putative miRNA-binding sites were identified in the 3′-UTR of the ACE2 transcript using online prediction algorithms. Two of these, miR-200b and miR-421, were selected for further analysis. A reporter system using the 3′-UTR of ACE2 fused to the coding region of firefly luciferase was used to determine the functionality of the identified binding sites in vitro. This identified miR-421, but not miR-200b, as a potential regulator of ACE2. The ability of miR-421, an miRNA implicated in the development of thrombosis, to down-regulate ACE2 expression was subsequently confirmed by Western blot analysis of both primary cardiac myofibroblasts and transformed cells transfected with a synthetic miR-421 precursor. Real-time PCR analysis of miR-421 revealed widespread expression in human tissues. miR-421 levels in cardiac myofibroblasts showed significant inter-patient variability, in keeping with the variability of ACE2 expression we have observed previously. In conclusion, the present study is the first to demonstrate that ACE2 may be subject to post-transcriptional regulation and reveals a novel potential therapeutic target, miR-421, which could be exploited to modulate ACE2 expression in disease.
Diode‐based IQ imbalance estimation in direct conversion transmitters
Authors: Li Wei , Zhang Yue , Wang Jin , Huang Li‐ke , Xiong Jian , Maple Carster
Published: February 2014

Direct conversion transmitters are widely used in wireless systems for their inherent features of being simple and low cost. In this architecture, the inphase (I branch) and quadrature signal (Q branch) will be unconverted to the RF frequency band by quadrature modulation. However, the drawback of the direct conversion architecture is that it is sensitive to IQ imbalance caused by the impairment of analogue devices in I and Q branches. It then results in interferences in mirror frequencies which degrades the signal quality. Therefore, the accurate measurement of IQ imbalance is crucial. A diode‐based method to measure the broadband IQ imbalance is proposed which does not need additional measurement instruments. Measurement results show the effectiveness of this method.