bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ionic conductivity probed in main chain liquid crystalline azobenzene polyesters
Authors: Nardele Chinmay G. , Dhavale Vishal M. , Sreekumar K. , Asha S. K.
Published: December 2014

Three main chain thermotropic liquid crystalline (LC) azobenzene polymers were synthesized using the azobenzene twin molecule (P4P) having the structure Phenylazobenzene‐tetraethyleneglycol‐Phenylazobenzene as the AA monomer and diols like diethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol (TEG), and hexaethylene glycol as the BB comonomer. Terminal C(O)OMe units on P4P facilitated transesterification with diols to form polyesters. All polymers exhibited stable smectic mesophases. One of the polymers, Poly(P4PTEG) was chosen to prepare composite polymer electrolytes with LiCF3SO3 and ionic conductivity was measured by ac impedance spectroscopy. The polymer/0.3 Li salt complex exhibited a maximum ionic conductivity in the range of 10−5 S cm−1 at room temperature (25 °C), which increased to 10−4 S cm−1 above 65 °C. The temperature dependence of ionic conductivity was compared with the phase transitions occurring in the sample and it was observed that the glass transition had a higher influence on the ionic conductivity compared to the ordered LC phase. Reversible ionic conductivity switching was observed upon irradiation of the polymer/0.3 Li salt complex with alternate UV and visible irradiation. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2015, 53, 629–641
Exploring the folding pathway of green fluorescent protein through disulfide engineering
Authors: Pitman Derek J. , Banerjee Shounak , Macari Stephen J. , Castaldi Christopher A. , Crone Donna E. , Bystroff Christopher
Published: December 2014

We have introduced two disulfide crosslinks into the loop regions on opposite ends of the beta barrel in superfolder green fluorescent protein (GFP) in order to better understand the nature of its folding pathway. When the disulfide on the side opposite the N/C‐termini is formed, folding is 2× faster, unfolding is 2000× slower, and the protein is stabilized by 16 kJ/mol. But when the disulfide bond on the side of the termini is formed we see little change in the kinetics and stability. The stabilization upon combining the two crosslinks is approximately additive. When the kinetic effects are broken down into multiple phases, we observe Hammond behavior in the upward shift of the kinetic m‐value of unfolding. We use these results in conjunction with structural analysis to assign folding intermediates to two parallel folding pathways. The data are consistent with a view that the two fastest transition states of folding are "barrel closing" steps. The slower of the two phases passes through an intermediate with the barrel opening occurring between strands 7 and 8, while the faster phase opens between 9 and 4. We conclude that disulfide crosslink‐induced perturbations in kinetics are useful for mapping the protein folding pathway.
Optical characterization of the MgO/InSe interface
Authors: Kayed T. S. , Qasrawi A. F. , Elsayed Khaled A.
Published: December 2014

In this work, a 500 nm thick MgO layer deposited on the physically evaporated amorphous InSe thin film substrate is designed as a window for the MgO/InSe terahertz resonators. The optical properties including the reflectance and the dielectric constant dependence on the angle of incidence (θi), the normal transmittance, and the absorption coefficient of the interface were investigated in the range of ∼270–1000 THz. It was observed that the total reflectivity of the substrate continuously decreases with increasing θi in the range of 33–80°. The spectra of InSe and MgO/InSe revealed strong dielectric resonance patterns below 450 THz. The energy bands of the direct allowed transitions in InSe film shrunk from 3.90, 2.75, and 1.49 eV to 3.71, 2.10, and 0.96 eV when MgO was deposited onto the InSe film. By analyzing the dielectric spectra, we were able to determine the static and lattice dielectric constants in addition to the oscillator and dispersion energies. The latter energy increased from 27.43 to 35.84 via interface construction.
Control of periodic sampling systems subject to actuator saturation
Authors: Yang Hongjiu , Li Zhiwei , Shi Peng , Hua Changchun
Published: December 2014

In this paper, the control problem of linear systems with periodic sampling period subject to actuator saturation is considered via delta operator approach. Using periodic Lyapunov function, sufficient conditions of local stabilization for periodic sampling systems are given. By solving an optimization problem, we derive the periodic feedback control laws and the estimate of the domain of attraction. As the saturation function sat(·) belongs to the sector [0,1], sufficient conditions are derived by constructing saturation‐dependent Lyapunov functions to ensure that the periodic sampling system is globally asymptotically stable. A numerical example is given to illustrate the theoretical results proposed in this paper. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fault detection in finite frequency domains for multi‐delay uncertain systems with application to ground vehicle
Authors: Li Xiao‐Jian , Yang Guang‐Hong
Published: December 2014

This paper is concerned with the actuator fault detection (FD) problem in finite frequency domains for multi‐delay systems subject to time‐varying affine uncertainties. Because of the existence of time‐varying uncertain parameters, the generalized Kalman–Yakubovic–Popov lemma based finite frequency FD filter design approaches cannot be applied. To tackle this difficulty, a new delay‐dependent bounded real lemma (BRL) is established by using Lyapunov theory and Parseval's theorem to characterize the finite frequency disturbance attenuation and fault sensitivity performances. Moreover, via the obtained BRL, convex FD filter design conditions are then derived by constructing a hyperplane tangent. Finally, the effectiveness and advantages of the proposed FD method are illustrated through a simulation example on a ground vehicle. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Short‐term frequency response of power systems with high non‐synchronous penetration levels
Authors: Ruttledge Lisa , Flynn Damian
Published: December 2014

In addition to the generation and transmission of electricity, the reliable and secure operation of power systems also relies upon various ancillary support services supplied by power plant and loads. The portfolio of required support services has historically been well understood. However, as conventional power plant are displaced by modern variable renewable generation, such as wind and solar, so too are those traditional ancillary support services. As a result, new support services are required and changes in operational behavior are necessary. The impact of increased variable generation levels on one such support service category, short‐term system frequency response, is considered here. The evolution of power system behavior with respect to this service is assessed, with potential solutions to the associated challenges explored, and pertinent future questions in this area highlighted.WIREs Energy Environ2015, 4:452–470. doi: 10.1002/wene.158

This article is categorized under:

Energy Infrastructure > Economics and Policy

Energy Infrastructure > Systems and Infrastructure
‘Mediator‐ing’ messenger RNA processing
Authors: Huang Yan , Yao Xiao , Wang Gang
Published: December 2014

Pre‐messenger RNA (mRNA) processing, generally including capping, mRNA splicing, and cleavage‐polyadenylation, is physically and functionally associated with transcription. The reciprocal coupling between transcription and mRNA processing ensures the efficient and regulated gene expression and editing. Multiple transcription factors/cofactors and mRNA processing factors are involved in the coupling process. This review focuses on several classic examples and recent advances that enlarge our understanding of how the transcriptional factors or cofactors, especially the Mediator complex, contribute to the RNA Pol II elongation, mRNA splicing, and polyadenylation. WIREs RNA 2015, 6:257–269. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1273

This article is categorized under:

RNA Processing > Splicing Regulation/Alternative Splicing
The continuum disordered pinning model
Authors: Caravenna Francesco , Sun Rongfeng , Zygouras Nikos
Published: December 2014

Any renewal processes on $${\mathbb {N}}_0$$

N
0

with a polynomial tail, with exponent $$\alpha \in (0,1)$$

α
∈
(
0
,
1
)

, has a non-trivial scaling limit, known as the $$\alpha $$
α
-stable regenerative set. In this paper we consider Gibbs transformations of such renewal processes in an i.i.d. random environment, called disordered pinning models. We show that for $$\alpha \in \left( \frac{1}{2}, 1\right) $$

α
∈

1
2

,
1

these models have a universal scaling limit, which we call the continuum disordered pinning model (CDPM). This is a random closed subset of $${\mathbb {R}}$$
R
in a white noise random environment, with subtle features:

Any fixed a.s. property of the $$\alpha $$
α
-stable regenerative set (e.g., its Hausdorff dimension) is also an a.s. property of the CDPM, for almost every realization of the environment.

Nonetheless, the law of the CDPM is singular with respect to the law of the $$\alpha $$
α
-stable regenerative set, for almost every realization of the environment.

The existence of a disordered continuum model, such as the CDPM, is a manifestation of disorder relevance for pinning models with $$\alpha \in \left( \frac{1}{2}, 1\right) $$

α
∈

1
2

,
1

.
Population response to environmental productivity throughout the annual cycle in a migratory songbird
Authors: Pillar Andrew G. , Wilson Scott , Flood Nancy J. , Reudink Matthew W.
Published: December 2014

Environmental factors affect migratory animal populations in every phase of their annual cycle and have significant impacts on breeding success and survival. The Breeding Bird Survey provides a long‐term database for examining population trends in North American birds, allowing us to examine large‐scale environmental factors that influence population abundance. We examined plant productivity as measured by normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) over a 24‐year period from 1983–2006 in bird conservation regions (BCRs) that overlapped Bullock's oriole (Icterus bullockii) breeding, moult, and wintering ranges to ask whether plant productivity in 1 year influences population abundance in the subsequent breeding season. Bullock's orioles have a moult‐migration strategy, with a stopover moult in the Mexican monsoon region, which necessitates examining each stationary phase of the bird's annual cycle to understand the impacts of environmental factors on population abundance. Our results show increased breeding abundance in three (Great Basin, Coastal California and Shortgrass Prairies) of the six BCRs in which the species breeds following years with high NDVI values. We did not detect a response of breeding abundance to high NDVI values in the previous year in either the moulting region or in their primary over‐wintering area in central Mexico. Our results demonstrate that large‐scale annual variation in primary productivity on the breeding grounds can have an impact on breeding abundance in the following season, but further studies on migratory connectivity and on ecological mechanisms during the non‐breeding seasons are needed to understand why we did not detect an influence of productivity during these periods.
Plasmodesmata of brown algae
Authors: Terauchi Makoto , Nagasato Chikako , Motomura Taizo
Published: December 2014

Plasmodesmata (PD) are intercellular connections in plants which play roles in various developmental processes. They are also found in brown algae, a group of eukaryotes possessing complex multicellularity, as well as green plants. Recently, we conducted an ultrastructural study of PD in several species of brown algae. PD in brown algae are commonly straight plasma membrane-lined channels with a diameter of 10–20 nm and they lack desmotubule in contrast to green plants. Moreover, branched PD could not be observed in brown algae. In the brown alga, Dictyota dichotoma, PD are produced during cytokinesis through the formation of their precursor structures (pre-plasmodesmata, PPD). Clustering of PD in a structure termed “pit field” was recognized in several species having a complex multicellular thallus structure but not in those having uniseriate filamentous or multiseriate one. The pit fields might control cell-to-cell communication and contribute to the establishment of the complex multicellular thallus. In this review, we discuss fundamental morphological aspects of brown algal PD and present questions that remain open.
Mobility of signaling molecules: the key to deciphering plant organogenesis
Authors: Kawade Kensuke , Tanimoto Hirokazu
Published: December 2014

Signaling molecules move between cells to form a characteristic distribution pattern within a developing organ; thereafter, they spatiotemporally regulate organ development. A key question in this process is how the signaling molecules robustly form the precise distribution on a tissue scale in a reproducible manner. Despite of an increasing number of quantitative studies regarding the mobility of signaling molecules, the detail mechanism of organogenesis via intercellular signaling is still unclear. We here review the potential advantages of plant development to address this question, focusing on the cytoplasmic continuity of plant cells through the plasmodesmata. The plant system would provide a unique opportunity to define the simple transportation mode of diffusion process, and, hence, the mechanism of organogenesis via intercellular signaling. Based on the advances in the understanding of intercellular signaling at the molecular level and in the quantitative imaging techniques, we discuss our current challenges in measuring the mobility of signaling molecules for deciphering plant organogenesis.
Expression Profiling and Structural Characterization of MicroRNAs in Adipose Tissues of Hibernating Ground Squirrels
Authors: Wu Cheng-Wei , Biggar Kyle K. , Storey Kenneth B.
Published: December 2014

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that are important in regulating metabolic stress. In this study, we determined the expression and structural characteristics of 20 miRNAs in brown (BAT) and white adipose tissue (WAT) during torpor in thirteen-lined ground squirrels. Using a modified stem-loop technique, we found that during torpor, expression of six miRNAs including let-7a, let-7b, miR-107, miR-150, miR-222 and miR-31 was significantly downregulated in WAT (P  < 0.05), which was 16%–54% of euthermic non-torpid control squirrels, whereas expression of three miRNAs including miR-143, miR-200a and miR-519d was found to be upregulated by 1.32–2.34-fold. Similarly, expression of more miRNAs was downregulated in BAT during torpor. We detected reduced expression of 6 miRNAs including miR-103a, miR-107, miR-125b, miR-21, miR-221 and miR-31 (48%–70% of control), while only expression of miR-138 was significantly upregulated (2.91 ± 0.8-fold of the control, P  < 0.05). Interestingly, miRNAs found to be downregulated in WAT during torpor were similar to those dysregulated in obese humans for increased adipogenesis, whereas miRNAs with altered expression in BAT during torpor were linked to mitochondrial β-oxidation. miRPath target prediction analysis showed that miRNAs downregulated in both WAT and BAT were associated with the regulation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling, while the miRNAs upregulated in WAT were linked to transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) signaling. Compared to mouse sequences, no unique nucleotide substitutions within the stem-loop region were discovered for the associated pre-miRNAs for the miRNAs used in this study, suggesting no structure-influenced changes in pre-miRNA processing efficiency in the squirrel. As well, the expression of miRNA processing enzyme Dicer remained unchanged in both tissues during torpor. Overall, our findings suggest that changes of miRNA expression in adipose tissues may be linked to distinct biological roles in WAT and BAT during hibernation and may involve the regulation of signaling cascades.
Association Between rs1344706 of ZNF804A and Schizophrenia: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zhu Meiyan , Liu Tongyang , Zhang Jihong , Jia Shuting , Tang Wenru , Luo Ying
Published: December 2014

Schizophrenia is one of the most serious mental diseases found in humans. Previous studies indicated that the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs1344706 in the gene ZNF804A encoding zinc finger protein 804A was associated with schizophrenia in Caucasian population but not in Chinese Han population. However, current results are conflicting in Asian population. In the present study, a meta-analysis was performed to revisit the association between rs1344706 and the risk of schizophrenia in Asian, Caucasian and other populations. Electronic search of PubMed database identified 25 case–control studies with available genotype frequencies of rs1344706 for the meta-analysis, involving a total of 15,788 cases and 22,654 controls. A pooled odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to assess the association. The current meta-analysis showed an association between rs1344706 and schizophrenia in Caucasian populations (P  = 0.028, OR = 1.138, 95% CI: 1.014–1.278; P  = 0.004 for heterogeneity) and Asian populations (P  = 0.008, OR = 1.092, 95% CI: 1.023–1.165; P  = 0.001 for heterogeneity), but not in other populations (P  = 0.286, OR = 1.209, 95% CI: 0.853–1.714, P  = 0.120 for heterogeneity). Egger’s test (P  >  0.05) and Begg’s test (P  >  0.05) are both suggestive of the lack of publication bias for the included studies. Thus, the absence of association in other populations suggests a genetic heterogeneity in the susceptibility of schizophrenia and demonstrates the difficulties in replicating genome-wide association study findings regarding schizophrenia across different ethnic populations. To validate the association between rs1344706 and schizophrenia, further studies with larger participant populations worldwide are needed.
The Cultural Logic of Politics in Mainland China and Taiwan
Authors: Shi Tianjian
Published: December 2014

Tianjian Shi shows how cultural norms affect political attitudes and behavior through two causal pathways, one at the individual level and one at the community level. Focusing on two key norms - definition of self-interest and orientation to authority - he tests the theory with multiple surveys conducted in mainland China and Taiwan. Shi employs multi-level statistical analysis to show how, in these two very different political systems, similar norms exert similar kinds of influence on political trust, understanding of democracy, forms of political participation, and tolerance for protest. The approach helps to explain the resilience of authoritarian politics in China and the dissatisfaction of many Taiwan residents with democratic institutions. Aiming to place the study of political culture on a new theoretical and methodological foundation, Shi argues that a truly comparative social science must understand how culturally embedded norms influence decision making.
Frameworks for Water Law Reform
Authors: Hendry Sarah
Published: December 2014

The world is currently experiencing unprecedented global change, with population increase, urbanisation, climate change and environmental degradation combining to make management of freshwater resources a critical policy focus of the twenty-first century. This timely book designs and develops an original, analytical framework for water law reform processes, using case studies across four jurisdictions. Addressing the four principal areas of water law - integrated water resource management (IWRM) and river basin planning, water rights and allocation, water pollution and quality, and water services - this book provides a comprehensive study of water law, within the context of global and regional policy agendas. Case studies from England, Scotland, South Africa and Queensland, Australia, are presented, providing comparators from both common law and mixed jurisdictions, from the northern and southern hemispheres, and from developed and developing countries. A legislative framework is proposed for water law reform processes, and the consequences of different reform options are considered and investigated. A valuable resource for academics and graduate students in environmental law, resource management, hydrology and social science, this book is also highly relevant to policymakers, NGOs and legal practitioners.
Early Social Interaction
Authors: Forrester Michael A.
Published: December 2014

When a young child begins to engage in everyday interaction, she has to acquire competencies that allow her to be oriented to the conventions that inform talk-in-interaction and, at the same time, deal with emotional or affective dimensions of experience. The theoretical positions associated with these domains - social-action and emotion - provide very different accounts of human development and this book examines why this is the case. Through a longitudinal video recorded study of one child learning how to talk, Michael Forrester develops proposals that rest upon a comparison of two perspectives on everyday parent-child interaction taken from the same data corpus - one informed by conversation analysis and ethnomethodology, the other by psychoanalytic developmental psychology. Ultimately, what is significant for attaining membership within any culture is gradually being able to display an orientation towards both domains - doing and feeling, or social-action and affect.
The Sanctuary Model, Creating Safety for an Out-of-home Care Community
Authors: Leigh-Smith Chantal , Toth Kerryn
Published: December 2014

The adoption of the Sanctuary Model within Churches of Christ Care Pathways, an Australian non-government organisation in the child protection sector, has influenced a fundamental attitudinal shift towards enhanced wellbeing for clients, employees and carers alike. By drawing on the four pillars of Sanctuary, which incorporate theoretical and practical strategies, a safe environment can be created to heal trauma on an individual, organisational and community level, with the view towards a future of growth, change and resilience. The four pillars; Theory, SELF (Safety, Emotion Management, Loss and Future), the Seven Commitments and the Tools, support healing from trauma, and bring about organisational change. Examples from Pathways Residential Care and Fostering Services are used to illustrate the way in which the Sanctuary Model has enhanced safety within this out-of-home care community.
Udayan Ghars (Sunshine Homes): A Unique Model as a Developmental Support to Children in Institutions
Authors: Modi Kiran , Dyette Ksera , Nayar-Akhtar Monisha C. , Antra
Published: December 2014

The challenges to providing healthy and appropriate developmental experiences to vulnerable children in an institutionalised setting remain enormous. At Udayan Care orphanage, children arrive at our doorstep with unimaginable trauma. Udayan Care, a non-governmental organisation in India, has modelled its 13 Children's Homes and three Aftercare facilities on a holistic group care model; where small numbers of children are placed together in an apartment in a community to address their traumatic experiences and other life adversities within the context of this new environment. This paper details how, with limited funds, Udayan Care has been able to tackle the challenges of providing homes where children can undergo the slow process of healing, surrounded by supportive and dedicated professionals (carers) who do their best to meet their ongoing developmental needs. These carers work on obstacles affecting the children, concentrating their energies on aiding them in developing more secure and healthy attachments, adaptive emotional regulation skills, and capacities for resilience within the context of holding a vision for their futures. Our homes draw upon staff and the local community in unique ways to foster these developmental goals. This paper focuses especially on how issues of retention and lack of sufficient funds impact on recruiting lifetime volunteers (Mentor Parents), training volunteers and supporting them in their ongoing work. Additionally, this paper highlights ways in which we have addressed coping with these obstacles, through recruiting experts trained abroad to lead in-person and online workshops for our carers. These adjustments have led to better outcomes overall for the children we care for.
Dynamics and mass transfer of rising bubbles in a homogenous swarm at large gas volume fraction
Authors: Colombet Damien , Legendre Dominique , Risso Frédéric , Cockx Arnaud , Guiraud Pascal
Published: December 2014

The present work focuses on the collective effect on both bubble dynamics and mass transfer in a dense homogeneous bubble swarm for gas volume fractions${\it\alpha}$up to 30 %. The experimental investigation is carried out with air bubbles rising in a square column filled with water. Bubble size and shape are determined by means of a high-speed camera equipped with a telecentric lens. Gas volume fraction and bubble velocity are measured by using a dual-tip optical probe. The combination of these two techniques allows us to determine the interfacial area between the gas and the liquid. The transfer of oxygen from the bubbles to the water is measured from the time evolution of the concentration of oxygen dissolved in water, which is obtained by means of the gassing-out method. Concerning the bubble dynamics, the average vertical velocity is observed to decrease with${\it\alpha}$in agreement with previous experimental and numerical investigations, while the bubble agitation turns out to be weakly dependent on ${\it\alpha}$. Concerning mass transfer, the Sherwood number is found to be very close to that of a single bubble rising at the same Reynolds number, provided the latter is based on the average vertical bubble velocity, which accounts for the effect of the gas volume fraction on the bubble rise velocity. This conclusion is valid for situations where the diffusion coefficient of the gas in the liquid is very low (high Péclet number) and the dissolved gas is well mixed at the scale of the bubble. It is understood by considering that the transfer occurs at the front part of the bubbles through a diffusion layer which is very thin compared with all flow length scales and where the flow remains similar to that of a single rising bubble.
Biotic and abiotic drivers of dipterocarp seedling survival following mast fruiting in Malaysian Borneo
Authors: Oshima Chiaki , Tokumoto Yuji , Nakagawa Michiko
Published: December 2014

South-East Asian tropical rain forests experience sporadic, but profuse, seed production after general flowering, leading to the synchronous emergence of various seedlings and subsequent seedling dynamics, which play a crucial role in determining species distribution and coexistence. We examined the relative importance of both biotic (initial height, conspecific seedling density) and abiotic (canopy openness, per cent sand, soil water content) drivers using survival data for 1842 seedlings of 12 dipterocarp species for 1.5 y following mast fruiting in an old-growth Bornean tropical rain forest. More than 30% of all dipterocarp seedlings survived 1.5 y after mast fruiting. When all species were analysed together, we found that initial seedling height, canopy openness and conspecific seedling density affected dipterocarp seedling survival. Negative density dependence indicated that predators were not satiated, but dipterocarp seedlings rather suffered from host-specific natural enemies or intraspecific competition. Species-level analyses of seven dipterocarp species showed large variation in response to biotic and abiotic factors. These results suggest that interspecific differences in the relative importance of biotic and abiotic effects on seedling survival might contribute to species coexistence.
Fusing Stereo Camera and Low-Cost Inertial Measurement Unit for Autonomous Navigation in a Tightly-Coupled Approach
Authors: Xian Zhiwen , Hu Xiaoping , Lian Junxiang
Published: December 2014

Exact motion estimation is a major task in autonomous navigation. The integration of Inertial Navigation Systems (INS) and the Global Positioning System (GPS) can provide accurate location estimation, but cannot be used in a GPS denied environment. In this paper, we present a tight approach to integrate a stereo camera and low-cost inertial sensor. This approach takes advantage of the inertial sensor's fast response and visual sensor's slow drift. In contrast to previous approaches, features both near and far from the camera are simultaneously taken into consideration in the visual-inertial approach. The near features are parameterised in three dimensional (3D) Cartesian points which provide range and heading information, whereas the far features are initialised in Inverse Depth (ID) points which provide bearing information. In addition, the inertial sensor biases and a stationary alignment are taken into account. The algorithm employs an Iterative Extended Kalman Filter (IEKF) to estimate the motion of the system, the biases of the inertial sensors and the tracked features over time. An outdoor experiment is presented to validate the proposed algorithm and its accuracy.
An empirical assessment of two-dimensional (2D) Debye–Scherrer-type image-plate X-ray diffraction data collapsed into a 1D diffractogram
Authors: Ross Kirk C. , Petrus Joseph A. , McDonald Andrew M.
Published: December 2014

X-ray diffraction (XRD) has been routinely employed in the Earth sciences to characterize the crystallography of rocks and minerals. Routine characterization of samples too small for analysis by classic automated powder diffraction methods becomes challenging without access to single crystal or micro-diffraction equipment. Here, we show that a traditional Gandolfi camera lined with an image-plate (IP) as the detection medium can return a fully quantitative diffraction pattern from a sub-milligram single grain specimen in a simple and straightforward manner. Data pertaining to peak positions (d-spacings) were assessed using SRM640c Si powder, while intensity data were compared to the certified values for intensity standard SRM676a alumina powder. The refined unit-cell dimension of Si powder differed from the certified value of 5.4312 Å by no more than 0.0003 Å with a standard deviation (σ) of 0.0002 Å among the three experiments. For intensity, theσand disparity from the certified values of three diffraction experiments on SRM676a were both <2%. The results of a comparative study of the crystallographic parameters determined for a naturally occurring garnet and clinopyroxene given through the refinement of their crystal structure by single-crystal XRD method are presented. These show through Rietveld refinement of X-ray data obtained by the Gandolfi–IP method outlined here that both accurate and precise XRD data can be produced in a timely and cost-effective manner using only an IP, Gandolfi camera, and software freely available on the internet.
Changing Beliefs about Trauma: A Qualitative Study of Cognitive Processing Therapy
Authors: Price Jennifer L. , MacDonald Helen Z. , Adair Kathryn C. , Koerner Naomi , Monson Candice M.
Published: December 2014

Background: Controlled qualitative methods complement quantitative treatment outcome research and enable a more thorough understanding of the effects of therapy and the suspected mechanisms of action. Aims: Thematic analyses were used to examine outcomes of cognitive processing therapy (CPT) for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in a randomized controlled trial of individuals diagnosed with military-related PTSD (n = 15). Method: After sessions 1 and 11, participants wrote “impact statements” describing their appraisals of their trauma and beliefs potentially impacted by traumatic events. Trained raters coded each of these statements using a thematic coding scheme. Results: An analysis of thematic coding revealed positive changes over the course of therapy in participants’ perspective on their trauma and their future, supporting the purported mechanisms of CPT. Conclusion: Implications of this research for theory and clinical practice are discussed.
Drug-Checking für Drogenkonsumenten – Risiken und Potenziale
Authors: Wiese Salome , Verthein Uwe
Published: December 2014

Hintergrund: Drug-Checking bezeichnet die chemische Analyse von illegalen Drogen und Substanzen. Die Umsetzung eines wissenschaftlichen Modellprojekts zum „Drug-Checking“ wird aktuell in Deutschland diskutiert. Ziel der vorliegenden Studie ist es, den Wunsch nach einem Drug-Checking-Modellprojekt in der Risikogruppe für Substanzkonsum aus der Techno-Szene zu klären und die bevorzugte Art einer Umsetzung zu erfragen. Methoden: Befragt wurden 433 Personen, von denen sich 338 der Risikogruppe für Substanzkonsum aus der Techno-Szene zugehörig fühlen. Die übrigen 95 Personen ohne Kontakt zu dieser Gruppe dienten als Vergleichsgruppe. Der Onlinefragebogen beinhaltete Fragen zum Drogenkonsum, zu bevorzugten Drug-Checking-Verfahren und Vorgehensweisen und zu Bedenken hinsichtlich solcher Angebote. Ergebnisse: Es zeigt sich, dass ein großer Wunsch nach Drug-Checking-Angeboten besteht (81,7 %) und eine hohe Bereitschaft existiert, für die Angebote zu zahlen (51,1 %) und sich zusätzlich über synthetische Drogen informieren zu lassen (40,9 %). Dabei werden aufwendige, sichere Analyseverfahren wie die Gas-Chromatographie bevorzugt. 30,5 % der befragten Konsumenten würden möglicherweise ihren Konsum illegaler Drogen infolge einer größeren Sicherheit über die Inhaltsstoffe durch Drug-Checking erhöhen. Die Personen der Risikogruppe für Substanzkonsum aus der Techno-Szene wiesen hohe Prävalenzen für den Konsum legaler und illegaler Drogen auf. Die am häufigsten überhaupt konsumierten Substanzen waren Alkohol (97,7 %) und Tabak (90,0 %), gefolgt von Cannabis (89,9 %), MDMA/Ecstasy (70,4 %) und Speed (69,5 %). Weit verbreitet war zudem der Mischkonsum. Die Personen, die sich nicht dieser Gruppe zugehörig fühlten, hatten insbesondere bei den illegalen Substanzen deutlich niedrigere Prävalenzwerte. Schlussfolgerungen: Die mit der Erprobung oder Einführung von Drug-Checking-Verfahren verbundenen möglichen Risiken müssen gegenüber den schadensminimierenden und präventiv nutzbaren Effekten solcher Projekte abgewogen werden.
A specific CD4 epitope bound by tregalizumab mediates activation of regulatory T cells by a unique signaling pathway
Authors: Helling Bianca , König Martin , Dälken Benjamin , Engling Andre , Krömer Wolfgang , Heim Katharina , Wallmeier Holger , Haas Jürgen , Wildemann Brigitte , Fritz Brigitte , Jonuleit Helmut , Kubach Jan , Dingermann Theodor , Radeke Heinfried H , Osterroth Frank , Uherek Christoph , Czeloth Niklas , Schüttrumpf Jörg
Published: December 2014

CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) represent a specialized subpopulation of T cells, which are essential for maintaining peripheral tolerance and preventing autoimmunity. The immunomodulatory effects of Tregs depend on their activation status. Here we show that, in contrast to conventional anti‐CD4 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), the humanized CD4‐specific monoclonal antibody tregalizumab (BT‐061) is able to selectively activate the suppressive properties of Tregs in vitro. BT‐061 activates Tregs by binding to CD4 and activation of signaling downstream pathways. The specific functionality of BT‐061 may be explained by the recognition of a unique, conformational epitope on domain 2 of the CD4 molecule that is not recognized by other anti‐CD4 mAbs. We found that, due to this special epitope binding, BT‐061 induces a unique phosphorylation of T‐cell receptor complex‐associated signaling molecules. This is sufficient to activate the function of Tregs without activating effector T cells. Furthermore, BT‐061 does not induce the release of pro‐inflammatory cytokines. These results demonstrate that BT‐061 stimulation via the CD4 receptor is able to induce T‐cell receptor‐independent activation of Tregs. Selective activation of Tregs via CD4 is a promising approach for the treatment of autoimmune diseases where insufficient Treg activity has been described. Clinical investigation of this new approach is currently ongoing.
Preparation of magnetic core–shell nanoflower Fe3O4@MnO2 as reusable oxidase mimetics for colorimetric detection of phenol
Authors: Xiong Yuhao , Chen Siheng , Ye Fanggui , Su Linjing , Zhang Cong , Shen Shufen , Zhao Shulin
Published: December 2014

In this paper, magnetic core–shell nanoflower Fe3O4@MnO2 were fabricated via a solvothermal method.
A photoCORM nanocarrier for CO release using NIR light
Authors: Pierri Agustin E. , Huang Po-Ju , Garcia John V. , Stanfill James G. , Chui Megan , Wu Guang , Zheng Nanfeng , Ford Peter C.
Published: December 2014

Amphiphilic polymer conjugates with upconverting nanoparticles serve as water-soluble nanocarriers for NIR-photochemical delivery of CO from hydrophobic photoCORMS.
Bi-compartmental responsive polymer particles
Authors: Liu Jiguang , Huskens Jurriaan
Published: December 2014

A one-pot method to prepare bi-compartmental responsive polymer particles was developed by controlling the phase separation in polymerization; the resulting asymmetric particles can change their shapes and properties due to different responsive properties of the two parts.
Behind the color switching in gasochromic VO2
Authors: Chen Jeng-Lung , Chang Chun-Chieh , Ho Ying-Kai , Chen Chi Liang , Hsu Chih-Chin , Jang Wei-Luen , Wei Da-Hua , Dong Chung-Li , Pao Chih-Wen , Lee Jyh-Fu , Chen Jin-Ming , Guo Jinghua , Wu Maw-Kuen
Published: December 2014

This study investigates the local electronic structure of gasochromic VO2 films by X-ray absorption spectroscopy.
Different behaviour of molecules in dark SERS state on colloidal Ag nanoparticles estimated by truncated power law analysis of blinking SERS
Authors: Kitahama Yasutaka , Araki Daichi , Yamamoto Yuko S. , Itoh Tamitake , Ozaki Yukihiro
Published: December 2014

Power law analysis of blinking SERS can estimate the behaviour of thiacyanine in dark SERS state on the Ag surface with a large or small amount of citrate anions.
Sarcosine and betaine crystals upon cooling: structural motifs unstable at high pressure become stable at low temperatures
Authors: Kapustin E. A. , Minkov V. S. , Boldyreva E. V.
Published: December 2014

Behavior of crystalline sarcosine and betaine upon cooling down to 5 K was studied and compared to that upon increasing of hydrostatic pressure.
Fluoride ion sensing in aqueous medium by employing nitrobenzoxadiazole-postgrafted mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MCM-41)
Authors: Jha Gaurav , N. Anoop , Rahaman Abdur , Sarkar Moloy
Published: December 2014

A nitrobenzoxadiazole (NBD) anchored mesoporous silica-based system has been designed and developed for the selective detection of fluoride in aqueous medium.
A silole copolymer containing a ladder-type heptacylic arene and naphthobisoxadiazole moieties for highly efficient polymer solar cells
Authors: Zhang Zhiyun , Lin Francis , Chen Hsieh-Chih , Wu Hung-Chin , Chung Chin-Lung , Lu Chien , Liu Shih-Hung , Tung Shih-Huang , Chen Wen-Chang , Wong Ken-Tsung , Chou Pi-Tai
Published: December 2014

We present a silole ladder-type copolymer, PSiNO, with a high molecular weight that affords a remarkable PCE of 8.37%.
Micro, soft, windows: integrating super-resolution viewing capabilities into soft lithographic devices
Authors: Moraes Christopher
Published: December 2014

We survey recent innovations in the design of microfluidic cell culture platforms, that will ultimately allow experimentalists to probe biological activity with high-spatial and temporal-resolution, providing new technology-driven windows into biological processes and mechanisms.
Discovery of a new class of histone deacetylase inhibitors with a novel zinc binding group
Authors: Li Youxuan , Woster Patrick M.
Published: December 2014

Substituted 2-(oxazole-2-yl)phenols: a new class of HDAC inhibitors with a novel zinc binding group.
Non-nucleoside anti-HBV agents: advances in structural optimization and mechanism of action investigations
Authors: Liu Na , Zhao Fabao , Jia Haiyong , Rai Diwakar , Zhan Peng , Jiang Xuemei , Liu Xinyong
Published: December 2014

In this review, we focus on the recent advances in discovery, structural modifications and biological activities studies of several distinct classes of synthetic non-nucleoside small molecular compounds with new mechanisms.
Water-assisted production of honeycomb-like g-C3N4 with ultralong carrier lifetime and outstanding photocatalytic activity
Authors: Wang Zhenyu , Guan Wei , Sun Yanjuan , Dong Fan , Zhou Ying , Ho Wing-Kei
Published: December 2014

Honeycomb-like g-C3N4 synthesized via thermal condensation of urea with the addition of water at low temperature, with ultralong carrier lifetime and outstanding photocatalytic activity for NOx removal.
Additive-free thick graphene film as an anode material for flexible lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Rana Kuldeep , Kim Seong Dae , Ahn Jong-Hyun
Published: December 2014

This work demonstrates a simple route to develop mechanically flexible electrodes for Li-ion batteries (LIBs) that are usable as lightweight effective conducting networks for both cathodes and anodes.
Growth of wafer-scale MoS2 monolayer by magnetron sputtering
Authors: Tao Junguang , Chai Jianwei , Lu Xin , Wong Lai Mun , Wong Ten It , Pan Jisheng , Xiong Qihua , Chi Dongzhi , Wang Shijie
Published: December 2014

The two-dimensional layer of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) exhibits promising prospects in the applications of optoelectronics and valleytronics.
Photoluminescent carbon–nitrogen quantum dots as efficient electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction
Authors: Shen Jianhua , Li Yunfeng , Su Yunhe , Zhu Yihua , Jiang Hongliang , Yang Xiaoling , Li Chunzhong
Published: December 2014

A novel carbon–nitrogen quantum dot (CNQD) with a quantum yield of ca. 31% at 365 nm possesses the co-existence of both p- and n-type conductivities and the electrochemical measurements reveal that CNQDs exhibit catalytic activity for the oxygen reduction reaction.
From α-nucleophiles to functionalized aggregates: exploring the reactivity of hydroxamate ion towards esterolytic reactions in micelles
Authors: Singh Namrata , Karpichev Yevgen , Sharma Rahul , Gupta Bhanushree , Sahu Arvind K. , Satnami Manmohan L. , Ghosh Kallol K.
Published: December 2014

Hydroxamate ions as α-nucleophiles for esterolytic reactions in water and micelles.
Energy transfer between amphiphilic porphyrin polymer shells and upconverting nanoparticle cores in water-dispersible nano-assemblies
Authors: Wu T. , Kaur S. , Branda N. R.
Published: December 2014

The synthesis and optical properties of water-dispersible nano-assemblies containing upconverting nanoparticles (UCNPs) and porphyrin molecules using a one-pot method is described.
Construction of the tricyclic core of steenkrotin-type diterpenoids via intramolecular [3 + 2] cycloaddition
Authors: Xuan Jun , Pan Saiyong , Zhang Yuanbao , Ye Bin , Ding Hanfeng
Published: December 2014

A concise and diastereoselective route to the [5–6–7] tricyclic skeleton of steenkrotins was developed based on an intramolecular [3 + 2] cycloaddition.
Synthesis of conjugated polymers via an exclusive direct-arylation coupling reaction: a facile and straightforward way to synthesize thiophene-flanked benzothiadiazole derivatives and their copolymers
Authors: Wang Xiaochen , Wang Kai , Wang Mingfeng
Published: December 2014

Thiophene-flanked benzothiadiazole derivatives and their copolymers were synthesized via exclusive direct-arylation coupling reactions.
Enantioselective Friedel–Crafts reaction of 4,7-dihydroindoles with β-CF3-β-disubstituted nitroalkenes
Authors: Wu Hao , Liu Ren-Rong , Shen Chong , Zhang Ming-Di , Gao Jianrong , Jia Yi-Xia
Published: December 2014

Indoles bearing C2-trifluoromethylated quaternary stereocenters were obtained with high enantioselectivities by Ni-catalyzed asymmetric Friedel–Crafts alkylation of 4,7-dihydroindoles and subsequent oxidation.
Difluoromethyl 2-pyridyl sulfone: a versatile carbonyl gem-difluoroolefination reagent
Authors: Gao Bing , Zhao Yanchuan , Hu Jingyu , Hu Jinbo
Published: December 2014

The gem-difluoroolefination of carbonyl compounds with difluoromethyl 2-pyridyl sulfone (2-PySO2CF2H) has been summarized in this tutorial account.
Novel strategies for catalytic asymmetric synthesis of C1-chiral 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolines and 3,4-dihydrotetrahydroisoquinolines
Authors: Liu Wangsheng , Liu Shasha , Jin Ruiwen , Guo Hao , Zhao Jinbo
Published: December 2014

This review summarizes recent progress in catalytic asymmetric construction of 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolines and 3,4-dihydroisoquinolines, among the most important “privileged scaffolds”.
Sulfuric acid-modified poly(vinylpyrrolidone) ((PVP–SO3H)HSO4): a new highly efficient, bio-degradable and reusable polymeric catalyst for the synthesis of acridinedione derivatives
Authors: Safaei Hamid Reza , Safaei Maryam , Shekouhy Mohsen
Published: December 2014

The synthesis of a new biodegradable polymer catalyst and its efficiency for the synthesis of acridindiones.
Cyanine-based dithienylethenes: synthesis, characterization, photochromism and biological imaging in living cells
Authors: Hu Fang , Jiang Lina , Cao Meijiao , Xu Zhiqiang , Huang Juanyun , Wu Di , Yang Wenchao , Liu Sheng Hua , Yin Jun
Published: December 2014

Photochromic materials have been widely used in many fields such as electro-optical functional materials and novel bio-materials.
Thermally responsive behaviour of the electrical resistance of electrospun P(NIPAm-co-NMA)/Ag composite nanofibers
Authors: Li Hui , Zhang Guoping , Deng Libo , Sun Rong , Ou-Yang Xing
Published: December 2014

The electrical resistance of electrospun P(NIPAm-co-NMA)/Ag fibers exhibits a high sensitivity to the change of temperature around the LCST of the polymer, making them promising candidates for flexible sensors.
Facile synthesis of single crystalline sub-micron Cu2ZnSnS4(CZTS) powders using solvothermal treatment
Authors: Chen Shanlong , Tao Haijun , Shen Yizhou , Zhu Lumin , Zeng Xiaofei , Tao Jie , Wang Tao
Published: December 2014

Single crystalline sub-micron Cu2ZnSnS4(CZTS) powders were successfully synthesized by a facile solvothermal method, usingl-cysteine as sulfur precursor.
Optical enhancement of plasmonic activity of catalytic metal nanoparticles
Authors: Antosiewicz Tomasz J. , Apell S. Peter
Published: December 2014

Plasmon-assisted direct photocatalysis through enhanced light absorption in catalytic metal nanoparticles. Enhancement is achieved by coupling the plasmon resonance of a silver nanoantenna to that of a catalytic metal nanoparticle.
Effective, transition metal free and selective C–F activation under mild conditions
Authors: Kong Xianqiang , Zhang Huizi , Xiao Yunqing , Cao Changsheng , Shi Yanhui , Pang Guangsheng
Published: December 2014

A simple and effective aromatic nucleophilic monosubstitution reaction for the synthesis of aromatic amines via selective C–F bond cleavage of various fluoroarenes with primary and secondary aromatic amines is demonstrated.
New polymethylene-based AB2 star copolymers synthesized via a combination of polyhomologation of ylides and atom transfer radical polymerization
Authors: Xue Yang , Zhang Shuang-Shuang , Cui Kun , Huang Jin , Zhao Qiao-Ling , Lan Ping , Cao Shao-Kui , Ma Zhi
Published: December 2014

Polymethylene-based AB2 star copolymers were synthesized. PM-b-(PS)2 porous films and particles were fabricated via static breath-figure process and electrospraying, respectively.
Hollow carbon-shell/carbon-nanorod arrays for high performance Li-ion batteries and supercapacitors
Authors: Wang Shengbin , Xing Yalan , Xiao Changlei , Wei Xin , Xu Huaizhe , Zhang Shichao
Published: December 2014

A novel N-doped hollow hierarchical carbon-shell/carbon-nanorod arrays (N-HPC) have been constructed. When evaluated as electrode material for LIBs and supercapacitors, the N-HPC manifests outstanding rate capability and excellent cycling performance.