bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Si‐co‐doped CuAlS2:Mn conductive phosphor thin films prepared by electron beam evaporation using phosphor powder pellets
Authors: Kawaguchi Hideki , Ishigaki Tadashi , Adachi Takayoshi , Oshima Yuki , Ohmi Koutoku
Published: May 2015

Si‐codoped CuAlS2:Mn thin films have been prepared by EB evaporation using the phosphor powder as evaporation source pellets. The selective substitution of Mn centers for both Cu and Al has been first achieved for thin film samples. A currently obtained maximum quantum efficiency is about 9% for an orange emission due to Mn centers substituted for Cu, and 3% for a red emission due to Mn centers substituted for Al. It has been found that the conductivity predominantly depends on the Al/Cu compositional ratio of the thin films. The origin of carriers is considered to be the Cu‐Al mutual substitution. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Understanding kernel ridge regression: Common behaviors from simple functions to density functionals
Authors: Vu Kevin , Snyder John C. , Li Li , Rupp Matthias , Chen Brandon F. , Khelif Tarek , Müller Klaus‐Robert , Burke Kieron
Published: May 2015

Accurate approximations to density functionals have recently been obtained via machine learning (ML). By applying ML to a simple function of one variable without any random sampling, we extract the qualitative dependence of errors on hyperparameters. We find universal features of the behavior in extreme limits, including both very small and very large length scales, and the noise‐free limit. We show how such features arise in ML models of density functionals. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An adaptable and scalable membership management for the iTrust information search and retrieval system
Authors: Chuang Yung‐Ting
Published: May 2015

The iTrust search and retrieval network is designed to impede attempts to censor or filter information accessed over the Internet, providing trustworthy access to information on the Web. In iTrust, a fully distributed membership algorithm and a detection/defensive adaptation algorithm act in concert to protect against malicious nodes in membership. By applying statistical inference for both detection and defensive algorithms, I was able to measure information that cannot be observed directly, such as the current size of the membership and the current proportion of malicious nodes in the network. Experimentation demonstrates that both algorithms are able to estimate these metrics quickly and accurately, to the point that the nodes can use them to manage the iTrust system, despite a high rate of membership churn, a large number of malicious nodes, and a mere partial view of network membership. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cleaning of pyrolytic hexagonal boron nitride surfaces
Authors: King Sean W. , Nemanich Robert J. , Davis Robert F.
Published: May 2015

Hexagonal boron nitride (h‐BN) has recently garnered significant interest as a substrate and dielectric for two‐dimensional materials and devices based on graphene or transition metal dichalcogenides such as molybdenum disulfide (MoS2). As substrate surface impurities and defects can negatively impact the structure and properties of two‐dimensional materials, h‐BN surface preparation and cleaning are a critical consideration. In this regard, we have utilized X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy to investigate the influence of several ex situ wet chemical and in situ thermal desorption cleaning procedures on pyrolytic h‐BN surfaces. Of the various wet chemistries investigated, a 10 : 1 buffered HF solution was found to produce surfaces with the lowest amount of oxygen and carbon contamination. Ultraviolet/ozone oxidation was found to be the most effective ex situ treatment for reducing carbon contamination. Annealing at 1050 °C in vacuum or 10−5 Torr NH3 was found to further reduce oxygen and carbon contamination to the XPS detection limits. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A three‐dimensional point process model for the spatial distribution of disease occurrence in relation to an exposure source
Authors: Grell Kathrine , Diggle Peter J. , Frederiksen Kirsten , Schüz Joachim , Cardis Elisabeth , Andersen Per K.
Published: May 2015

We study methods for how to include the spatial distribution of tumours when investigating the relation between brain tumours and the exposure from radio frequency electromagnetic fields caused by mobile phone use. Our suggested point process model is adapted from studies investigating spatial aggregation of a disease around a source of potential hazard in environmental epidemiology, where now the source is the preferred ear of each phone user. In this context, the spatial distribution is a distribution over a sample of patients rather than over multiple disease cases within one geographical area. We show how the distance relation between tumour and phone can be modelled nonparametrically and, with various parametric functions, how covariates can be included in the model and how to test for the effect of distance. To illustrate the models, we apply them to a subset of the data from the Interphone Study, a large multinational case‐control study on the association between brain tumours and mobile phone use. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Muscle Satellite Cell Protein Teneurin-4 Regulates Differentiation During Muscle Regeneration
Authors: Ishii Kana , Suzuki Nobuharu , Mabuchi Yo , Ito Naoki , Kikura Naomi , Fukada So-ichiro , Okano Hideyuki , Takeda Shin'ichi , Akazawa Chihiro
Published: May 2015

Satellite cells are maintained in an undifferentiated quiescent state, but during muscle regeneration they acquire an activated stage, and initiate to proliferate and differentiate as myoblasts. The transmembrane protein teneurin-4 (Ten-4) is specifically expressed in the quiescent satellite cells; however, its cellular and molecular functions remain unknown. We therefore aimed to elucidate the function of Ten-4 in muscle satellite cells. In the tibialis anterior (TA) muscle of Ten-4-deficient mice, the number and the size of myofibers, as well as the population of satellite cells, were reduced with/without induction of muscle regeneration. Furthermore, we found an accelerated activation of satellite cells in the regenerated Ten-4-deficient TA muscle. The cell culture analysis using primary satellite cells showed that Ten-4 suppressed the progression of myogenic differentiation. Together, our findings revealed that Ten-4 functions as a crucial player in maintaining the quiescence of muscle satellite cells. Stem Cells  2015;33:3017–3027
The GIPC1-Akt1 Pathway Is Required for the Specification of the Eye Field in Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells
Authors: La Torre Anna , Hoshino Akina , Cavanaugh Christopher , Ware Carol B. , Reh Thomas A.
Published: May 2015

During early patterning of the neural plate, a single region of the embryonic forebrain, the eye field, becomes competent for eye development. The hallmark of eye field specification is the expression of the eye field transcription factors (EFTFs). Experiments in fish, amphibians, birds, and mammals have demonstrated largely conserved roles for the EFTFs. Although some of the key signaling events that direct the synchronized expression of these factors to the eye field have been elucidated in fish and frogs, it has been more difficult to study these mechanisms in mammalian embryos. In this study, we have used two different methods for directed differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) to generate eye field cells and retina in vitro to test for a role of the PDZ domain-containing protein GIPC1 in the specification of the mammalian eye primordia. We find that the overexpression of a dominant-negative form of GIPC1 (dnGIPC1), as well as the downregulation of endogenous GIPC1, is sufficient to inhibit the development of eye field cells from mESCs. GIPC1 interacts directly with IGFR and participates in Akt1 activation, and pharmacological inhibition of Akt1 phosphorylation mimics the dnGIPC1 phenotype. Our data, together with previous studies in Xenopus, support the hypothesis that the GIPC1-PI3K-Akt1 pathway plays a key role in eye field specification in vertebrates. Stem Cells  2015;33:2674–2685
Disentangling the Effects of Racial Self-identification and Classification by Others: The Case of Arrest
Authors: Penner Andrew M. , Saperstein Aliya
Published: May 2015

Scholars of race have stressed the importance of thinking about race as a multidimensional construct, yet research on racial inequality does not routinely take this multidimensionality into account. We draw on data from the U.S. National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health to disentangle the effects of self-identifying as black and being classified by others as black on subsequently being arrested. Results reveal that the odds of arrest are nearly three times higher for people who were classified by others as black, even if they did not identify themselves as black. By contrast, we find no effect of self-identifying as black among people who were not seen by others as black. These results suggest that racial perceptions play an important role in racial disparities in arrest rates and provide a useful analytical approach for disentangling the effects of race on other outcomes.
Acute Mediastinitis as a Complication of Epstein-Barr Virus
Authors: Lloyd Taryn , Tran Vu Kiet
Published: May 2015

Acute mediastinitis is a rare, potentially life-threatening condition that is most commonly seen as a complication of esophageal perforations or cardiac surgery. The term “descending necrotizing mediastinitis” (DNM) is used to describe oropharyngeal infections that spread to the mediastinum, most commonly following odontogenic infections, peritonsillar or retropharyngeal abscesses, cervical lymphadenitis, trauma, or endotracheal intubation. Infectious mononucleosis is another rare cause of DNM. The mortality of acute mediastinitis is high, while the mortality for DNM is even higher. Major determinants of mortality are delayed diagnosis and/or treatment. While DNM is seen infrequently, its severe nature makes it essential that emergency physicians consider the diagnosis in patients presenting with upper respiratory infections, chest pain, and systemic symptoms, and also in patients with a recent diagnosis of EBV, in order to mitigate a high rate of morbidity and mortality.
Excess Length of Stay Attributable to Clostridium difficile Infection (CDI) in the Acute Care Setting: A Multistate Model
Authors: Stevens Vanessa W. , Khader Karim , Nelson Richard E. , Jones Makoto , Rubin Michael A. , Brown Kevin A. , Evans Martin E. , Greene Tom , Slade Eric , Samore Matthew H.
Published: May 2015

BACKGROUND

Standard estimates of the impact of Clostridium difficile infections (CDI) on inpatient lengths of stay (LOS) may overstate inpatient care costs attributable to CDI. In this study, we used multistate modeling (MSM) of CDI timing to reduce bias in estimates of excess LOS.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study of all hospitalizations at any of 120 acute care facilities within the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) between 2005 and 2012 was conducted. We estimated the excess LOS attributable to CDI using an MSM to address time-dependent bias. Bootstrapping was used to generate 95% confidence intervals (CI). These estimates were compared to unadjusted differences in mean LOS for hospitalizations with and without CDI.

RESULTS

During the study period, there were 3.96 million hospitalizations and 43,540 CDIs. A comparison of unadjusted means suggested an excess LOS of 14.0 days (19.4 vs 5.4 days). In contrast, the MSM estimated an attributable LOS of only 2.27 days (95% CI, 2.14–2.40). The excess LOS for mild-to-moderate CDI was 0.75 days (95% CI, 0.59–0.89), and for severe CDI, it was 4.11 days (95% CI, 3.90–4.32). Substantial variation across the Veteran Integrated Services Networks (VISN) was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

CDI significantly contributes to LOS, but the magnitude of its estimated impact is smaller when methods are used that account for the time-varying nature of infection. The greatest impact on LOS occurred among patients with severe CDI. Significant geographic variability was observed. MSM is a useful tool for obtaining more accurate estimates of the inpatient care costs of CDI.

Infect. Control Hosp. Epidemiol. 2015;36(9):1024–1030
Three Paths to Constitutionalism – and the Crisis of the European Union
Authors: Ackerman Bruce
Published: May 2015

There are three paths to constitutionalism in the modern world. Under the first, revolutionary outsiders use the constitution to commit their new regime to the principles proclaimed during their previous struggle. India, South Africa, Italy and France have followed this path. Under the second, establishment insiders use the constitution to make strategic concessions to disrupt revolutionary movements before they can gain power. Britain provides paradigmatic examples. Under the third, ordinary citizens remain passive while political and social elites construct a new constitution. Spain, Japan and Germany provide variations on this theme. Different paths generate different legitimation problems, but the EU confronts a special difficulty. Since its members emerge out of three divergent pathways, they disagree about the nature of the union’s constitutional problem, not merely its solution. Thus the EU confronts a cultural, not merely an economic, crisis.
FACTORS INFLUENCING MISTIMED AND UNWANTED PREGNANCIES AMONG NEPALI WOMEN
Authors: Acharya Pawan , Gautam Rupesh , Aro Arja R.
Published: May 2015

This paper assesses the factors influencing mistimed and unwanted pregnancies in Nepal separately using data from the 2011 Nepal Demographic and Health Survey. Women who had given birth within the five years before the survey were interviewed about the intendedness of their last pregnancy. The data were analysed with a chi-squared test, followed by multiple logistic regression analysis. Among the total 5391 participants, 11.29% and 13.13% reported their last pregnancy as mistimed and unwanted respectively. Logistic regression analysis showed that women from the hill region were more likely to report mistimed pregnancy, while women from the Western and Far-Western development regions were less likely to report mistimed pregnancy. Education status was positively correlated with the reporting of mistimed pregnancy. Women involved in agriculture, with full autonomy on household decision, with some exposure to mass media, belonging to higher age group and having third or higher parity were less likely to report mistimed pregnancy. Similarly, women from the Western development region had relatively higher odds of reporting unwanted pregnancy. Women with husbands involved in a paid job had lower odds of unwanted pregnancy. Women’s autonomy was also positively correlated with unwanted pregnancy. Women with the intention to use contraceptive had lower odds of unwanted pregnancy. Interventions targeting the factors identified by this study could be useful in reduction of mistimed and unwanted pregnancies among Nepali women.
Treating Others Merely as Means: A Reply to Kerstein
Authors: PAPADAKI LINA
Published: May 2015

At the heart of Kantian theory lies the prohibition against treating humanity merely as a means. Two of the most influential interpretations of what this means are Wood's and O'Neill's. Drawing on these thinkers' ideas, Kerstein formulates two accounts of what is involved in the idea of treating a person merely as a means: the ‘end-sharing’ and ‘possible consent’ accounts. Kerstein's attempt is to show that they are problematic. He introduces his ‘reinforced hybrid account’ to alleviate the problems they face. I argue that the end-sharing and possible consent accounts are not vulnerable to Kerstein's criticism. However, they both face a shortcoming: they fail to support the Kantian conclusion that the prostitute and the servile person are treated merely as means. Through reconstructing these accounts, I surmount this difficulty. Moreover, my proposal helps Kerstein's own account overcome a problem he admits it has, without the need to resort to consequentialism.
A Simple Metric for Determining Resolution in Optical, Ion, and Electron Microscope Images
Authors: Curtin Alexandra E. , Skinner Ryan , Sanders Aric W.
Published: May 2015

A resolution metric intended for resolution analysis of arbitrary spatially calibrated images is presented. By fitting a simple sigmoidal function to pixel intensities across slices of an image taken perpendicular to light–dark edges, the mean distance over which the light–dark transition occurs can be determined. A fixed multiple of this characteristic distance is then reported as the image resolution. The prefactor is determined by analysis of scanning transmission electron microscope high-angle annular dark field images of Si<110>. This metric has been applied to optical, scanning electron microscope, and helium ion microscope images. This method provides quantitative feedback about image resolution, independent of the tool on which the data were collected. In addition, our analysis provides a nonarbitrary and self-consistent framework that any end user can utilize to evaluate the resolution of multiple microscopes from any vendor using the same metric.
The importance of collimator angle error in volumetric-modulated arc therapy
Authors: Puchades-Puchades Vicente , Serna-Berná Alfredo , Mata-Colodro Fernando , Ramos-Amores David , Alcaraz-Baños Miguel
Published: May 2015

Purpose

To evaluate the dosimetric errors associated with the effect of the collimator angle error in volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) treatments.

Methods and materials

Four patients with different planning target volume (PTV) and localisations treated using VMAT were analysed (high-risk prostate, low-risk prostate, head and neck (H&N) and holocranial with hippocampus protection) in terms of dosimetric variations when errors in the collimator angle were introduced. Original plans underwent modifications of the planned collimator angles of ±0·5°, ±1° and ±1·5°. These modified plans were re-calculated using the same original plan fluencies, and the resulting dose–volume histograms and homogeneity index (HI-ICRU) were compared.

Results

For the high-risk prostate case, there was a noticeable loss of PTV dose coverage for collimator angle errors larger than ±1°, with HI-ICRU relative variations up to 75% in the range analysed. The low-risk prostate case did not present significant changes in organs at risk or PTV dose coverage. For the H&N case, the spinal cord presented changes around 4% forD0·1 cc. In the holocranial case, optic lens showed dose variations up to 5% for collimator angle errors larger than ±1°.

Conclusions

The effect of the collimator error in VMAT increased as the PTV increased.

For selecting the position of the isocentre, one should be cautious, and whenever possible choose a position close to the geometrical centre of the PTVs in order to avoid or minimise errors from the calibration of the collimator angle.
Variants in ELL2 influencing immunoglobulin levels associate with multiple myeloma
Authors: Swaminathan Bhairavi , Thorleifsson Guðmar , Jöud Magnus , Ali Mina , Johnsson Ellinor , Ajore Ram , Sulem Patrick , Halvarsson Britt-Marie , Eyjolfsson Guðmundur , Haraldsdottir Vilhelmina , Hultman Christina , Ingelsson Erik , Kristinsson Sigurður Y. , Kähler Anna K. , Lenhoff Stig , Masson Gisli , Mellqvist Ulf-Henrik , Månsson Robert , Nelander Sven , Olafsson Isleifur , Sigurðardottir Olof , Steingrimsdóttir Hlif , Vangsted Annette , Vogel Ulla , Waage Anders , Nahi Hareth , Gudbjartsson Daniel F. , Rafnar Thorunn , Turesson Ingemar , Gullberg Urban , Stefánsson Kári , Hansson Markus , Thorsteinsdóttir Unnur , Nilsson Björn
Published: May 2015

Multiple myeloma (MM) is characterized by an uninhibited, clonal growth of plasma cells. While first-degree relatives of patients with MM show an increased risk of MM, the genetic basis of inherited MM susceptibility is incompletely understood. Here we report a genome-wide association study in the Nordic region identifying a novel MM risk locus at ELL2 (rs56219066T; odds ratio (OR)=1.25; P=9.6 × 10−10). This gene encodes a stoichiometrically limiting component of the super-elongation complex that drives secretory-specific immunoglobulin mRNA production and transcriptional regulation in plasma cells. We find that the MM risk allele harbours a Thr298Ala missense variant in an ELL2 domain required for transcription elongation. Consistent with a hypomorphic effect, we find that the MM risk allele also associates with reduced levels of immunoglobulin A (IgA) and G (IgG) in healthy subjects (P=8.6 × 10−9 and P=6.4 × 10−3, respectively) and, potentially, with an increased risk of bacterial meningitis (OR=1.30; P=0.0024).
Correlation coefficient optimization in partial least-squares regression with application to ATR-FTIR spectroscopic analysis
Authors: Chen Yifang , Chen Jiemei , Pan Tao , Han Yun , Yao Lijun
Published: May 2015

A wavelength selection method for spectroscopic analysis, named correlation coefficient optimization partial least-squares (CCO-PLS), is proposed, and was successfully employed for reagent-free ATR-FTIR spectroscopic analysis of albumin and globulin in human serum.
Spectroscopic and structural characterization of three silaisocyanides: exploring an elusive class of reactive molecules at high resolution
Authors: Thorwirth Sven , Kaiser Ralf I. , Crabtree Kyle N. , McCarthy Michael C.
Published: May 2015

The fundamental silaisocyanides HCCNSi, HC4NSi, and NCNSi have been characterized at high spectral resolution for the first time. All three chains are good candidates for radio astronomical detection.
Direct synthesis of macrodiolides via hafnium(iv) catalysis
Authors: de Léséleuc Mylène , Collins Shawn K.
Published: May 2015

Efficient direct synthesis of macrodiolides via catalysis using Hf(OTf)4 is possible in high yields, forming water as the sole by-product.
Cross over from 3D variable range hopping to the 2D weak localization conduction mechanism in disordered carbon with the extent of graphitization
Authors: Raj Kovummal Govind , Joy Pattayil Alias
Published: May 2015

The changes in the conduction mechanism in disordered carbon upon graphitization with increasing heat treatment temperature (HTT) are reported.
What type of nanoscopic environment does a cationic fluorophore experience in room temperature ionic liquids?
Authors: Ghosh Anup , De Chayan K. , Chatterjee Tanmay , Mandal Prasun K.
Published: May 2015

Employing spectral and dynamical resonance energy transfer technique nanoscopic environment experienced by a cationic dye (rhodamine 6G) in room temperature ionic liquids could be revealed.
Tandem deprotonation/azide–tetrazole tautomerization of 4,6-diazido-N-nitro-1,3,5-triazin-2-amine in dimethylsulfoxide solutions: a theoretical study
Authors: Chapyshev S. V. , Ushakov E. N.
Published: May 2015

4,6-Diazido-N-nitro-1,3,5-triazin-2-amine in DMSO-d6 undergoes tandem deprotonation/azide–tetrazole tautomerization to yield the anionic form of 5-azido-N-nitrotetrazolo[1,5-a][1,3,5]triazin-7-amine.
Hyperbranched polyphosphates: synthesis, functionalization and biomedical applications
Authors: Liu Jinyao , Huang Wei , Pang Yan , Yan Deyue
Published: May 2015

This review covers the recent development of hyperbranched polyphosphates, including synthesis, functionalization and biomedical applications, that may promote the interdiscipline research among dendritic polymers, functional material, and biomedicine.
Biocatalyzed asymmetric reduction of benzils to either benzoins or hydrobenzoins: pH dependent switch
Authors: Pal Mohan , Srivastava Gautam , Sharma Amar Nath , Kaur Suneet , Jolly Ravinder S.
Published: May 2015

Different enzyme activities present in a whole-cell biocatalyst have been selectively harnessed to asymmetrically reduce bulky–bulky 1,2-diketones to either 2-hydroxyketones or 1,2-diols.
Tunable acid–base bifunctional catalytic activity of FeOOH in an orthogonal tandem reaction
Authors: Vernekar D. , Jagadeesan D.
Published: May 2015

In this report, we have explored the acid–base bifunctional catalytic activity of iron oxohydroxides (FeOOH) by catalyzing deacetalization and Henry condensation reactions successively in a single pot.
Selectivity hot-spots of sirtuin catalytic cores
Authors: Parenti Marco Daniele , Bruzzone Santina , Nencioni Alessio , Del Rio Alberto
Published: May 2015

We report a comprehensive study aimed to classify and identify the selectivity hot-spots for targeting the catalytic cores of human sirtuins using small molecule modulators.
A network analysis of miRNA mediated gene regulation of rice: crosstalk among biological processes
Authors: Mal Chittabrata , Deb Arindam , Aftabuddin Md. , Kundu Sudip
Published: May 2015

Modules of miRNAs' co-targeting and co-functional network of rice identify miRNAs co-regulating target genes having several interrelated biological processes.
Medicinal organometallic chemistry – an emerging strategy for the treatment of neglected tropical diseases
Authors: Brown Ronald W. , Hyland Christopher J. T.
Published: May 2015

This review summarises recent developments in the search for novel organometallic drug compounds for the treatment of neglected tropical diseases.
Extraction and complexation of alkali and alkaline earth metal cations by lower-rim calix[4]arene diethylene glycol amide derivatives
Authors: Sviben Igor , Galić Nives , Tomišić Vladislav , Frkanec Leo
Published: May 2015

The metal-ion extraction abilities of calix[4]arene derivatives1and2are largely dependent on the type of the amide group forming the cation-binding site. Tertiary-amide derivative2was shown to be an excellent extractant for most alkali and alkaline earth cations.
A turn-on fluorescent chemosensor for selective responses of copper(ii) ion pairs
Authors: Wang De-Hui , Gong Zhe , Sun Ran , Zhao De-Zhi
Published: May 2015

New piperazine-based aminonaphthalimide imidazolium podands as fluorescent chemosensor was designed and synthesized for selectively sensing Cu(ClO4)2 and Cu(NO3)2 over a wide range of tested metal ion pairs.
Broadband laser polarization control with aligned carbon nanotubes
Authors: Yang He , Fu Bo , Li Diao , Tian Ying , Chen Ya , Mattila Marco , Yong Zhenzhong , Li Ru , Hassanien Abdou , Yang Changxi , Tittonen Ilkka , Ren Zhaoyu , Bai Jintao , Li Qingwen , Kauppinen Esko I. , Lipsanen Harri , Sun Zhipei
Published: May 2015

A simple and low-cost polarizer, enabled by aligned carbon nanotubes, is introduced for broadband laser polarization control.
Fe(0) powder-catalyzed one-pot reaction: concurrent living radical polymerization and click chemistry for topological polymers
Authors: Zhu Hui , Chen Gaojian , Zhang Zhenbiao , Zhou Nianchen , Zhang Weidong , Zhu Xiulin
Published: May 2015

Fe(0) powder-catalyzed one-pot reaction was successfully employed to design linear and star polymers in a well-controlled manner by combining ambient temperature living radical polymerization and click chemistry.
Facile synthesis of stereoregular helical poly(phenyl isocyanide)s and poly(phenyl isocyanide)-block-poly(l-lactic acid) copolymers using alkylethynylpalladium(ii) complexes as initiators
Authors: Chen Jia-Li , Su Ming , Jiang Zhi-Qiang , Liu Na , Yin Jun , Zhu Yuan-Yuan , Wu Zong-Quan
Published: May 2015

Alkylethynylpalladium(ii) complexes were found to initiate the living polymerization of phenyl isocyanide leading to the formation of well-defined poly(phenyl isocyanide) with high stereoregularity and controlled helicity.
Fabrication of PVDF membranes entrapped with oleic acid modified TiO2 and selective adsorption toward bovine hemoglobin
Authors: Zhang Jianghua , Guo Shiguang , Zhang Yu , Zhang Xia , Liu Yufeng , Xu Junli , Han Yide , Xu Yan
Published: May 2015

An active adsorption membrane of OA-modified TiO2 entrapped PVDF showed selective adsorption toward BHb, that proposed application in protein separation.
Recent advances in the application of deep eutectic solvents as sustainable media as well as catalysts in organic reactions
Authors: Liu Peng , Hao Jian-Wu , Mo Li-Ping , Zhang Zhan-Hui
Published: May 2015

This review highlights the recent advances using deep eutectic solvents (DESs), deep eutectic ionic liquids (DEILs), low-melting mixtures (LMMs) or low transition temperature mixtures (LTTMs) as green media as well as catalysts in organic reactions.
Sensitive proteolysis assay based on the detection of a highly characteristic solid-state process
Authors: Fan Hua , Kou Jiantao , Han Dongdong , Li Ping , Zhang Dong , Wu Qiao , He Qiang
Published: May 2015

This paper reported a sensitive proteolysis assay based on the detection of a highly characteristic solid-state process.
Atomistic study of chemical effect on local structure in Mg-based metallic glasses
Authors: Wang Q. , Li J. H. , Liu J. B. , Liu B. X.
Published: May 2015

By applying a recently constructed interatomic potential, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were performed to investigate the structural origin of chemical effects in Mg–Cu–Ni ternary metallic glasses.
Palladium-catalyzed desulfurative Sonogashira cross-coupling reaction of 3-cyano assisted thioamide-type quinolone derivatives with alkynes
Authors: Wu You , Xing Yongning , Wang Jie , Sun Qi , Kong Weiqi , Suzenet Franck
Published: May 2015

A Pd-catalyzed Cu-mediated desulfurative Sonogashira cross-coupling reaction of thioamide-type quinolone derivatives was proposed for the construction of Csp2–Csp bonds.
Enantioselective syntheses of (R)-pipecolic acid, (2R,3R)-3-hydroxypipecolic acid, β-(+)-conhydrine and (−)-swainsonine using an aziridine derived common chiral synthon
Authors: Chavan Subhash P. , Khairnar Lalit B. , Pawar Kailash P. , Chavan Prakash N. , Kawale Sanket A.
Published: May 2015

Concise total syntheses of (R)-pipecolic acid, (2R,3R)-3-hydroxypipecolic acid and formal syntheses of β-(+)-conhydrine, (−)-lentiginosine, (−)-swainsonine and -1,2-di-epi-swainsonine have been accomplished starting from a common chiral synthon.
Eutectic ionic liquid mixtures and their effect on CO2 solubility and conductivity
Authors: Ivanova Anna S. , Brinzer Thomas , Roth Elliot A. , Kusuma Victor A. , Watkins John D. , Zhou Xu , Luebke David , Hopkinson David , Washburn Newell R. , Garrett-Roe Sean , Nulwala Hunaid B.
Published: May 2015

A simple binary system of compounds resembling short-chain versions of popular ionic liquids has been shown to have alloying properties.
Structural evolution of a Si melt in nanoscale confined space
Authors: Zhang Leining , Wu Weikang , Ren Hongru , Dong Jichen , Liu Yao , Li Hui
Published: May 2015

The quenched Si melt confined in SWCNTs shows a stratification structure composed of an ordered shell and a disordered core.
Dithiafulvenyl–triphenylamine organic dyes with alkyl chains for efficient coadsorbent-free dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Wan Zhongquan , Jia Chunyang , Wang Yan , Yao Xiaojun
Published: May 2015

Dithiafulvenyl–triphenylamine (DTF–TPA) based D-D-η-A organic dyes with different alkyl chains attached on the DTF unit were synthesized to investigate the effect of alkyl chain lengths on the photovoltaic performances of dye-sensitized solar cells.
Facile synthesis and electrochemical properties of MoS2 nanostructures with different lithium storage properties
Authors: Xu Jing , Tang Hua , Chu Yanqiu , Li Changsheng
Published: May 2015

MoS2 nanomaterials with different morphologies such as nanoplates, nanowalls, and 3D microspheres composed of ultrathin nanoflakes were synthesized via a simple solid-phase reaction process.
Effect of a three-dimensional hyperbranched structure on the ionic conduction of metallo-supramolecular polymers
Authors: Pandey Rakesh K. , Hossain Md. Delwar , Sato Takashi , Rana Utpal , Moriyama Satoshi , Higuchi Masayoshi
Published: May 2015

3D metallo-supramolecular polymers exhibited 10–100 times higher ionic conductivity than their 1D equivalents due to the improved ion conduction pathway.
Achieving dynamic behaviour and thermal expansion in the organic solid state via co-crystallization
Authors: Hutchins Kristin M. , Groeneman Ryan H. , Reinheimer Eric W. , Swenson Dale C. , MacGillivray Leonard R.
Published: May 2015

Molecular motion of an azo functional group is ‘unlocked’ via co-crystallizations.
Insight into the strong aggregation-induced emission of low-conjugated racemic C6-unsubstituted tetrahydropyrimidines through crystal-structure–property relationship of polymorphs
Authors: Zhu Qiuhua , Zhang Yilin , Nie Han , Zhao Zujin , Liu Shuwen , Wong Kam Sing , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: May 2015

Racemic low-conjugated non-emissive THPs 1–3 can form highly emissive RS- and RR/SS-packing polymorphs with mixed through-bond and through-space conjugation.
Tricyclic analogues of epidithiodioxopiperazine alkaloids with promising in vitro and in vivo antitumor activity
Authors: Baumann Marcus , Dieskau André P. , Loertscher Brad M. , Walton Mary C. , Nam Sangkil , Xie Jun , Horne David , Overman Larry E.
Published: May 2015

A short synthesis of 1,4-dioxohexahydro-6H-3,8a-epidithiopyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrazines will enable future mechanistic and translational studies of these structurally novel and promising clinical antitumor candidates.
Directional supracolloidal self-assembly via dynamic covalent bonds and metal coordination
Authors: Xu Na , Han Jie , Zhu Zhengguang , Song Bo , Lu Xinhua , Cai Yuanli
Published: May 2015

Enzyme-inspired supracolloidal networks are now available by directional self-assembly of copolymer micellesviainterfacial Zn(ii)-coordination of dynamic covalent-bonded ligand motifs.
Understanding the self-assembly of Fmoc–phenylalanine to hydrogel formation
Authors: Singh Virender , Snigdha Kirti , Singh Chandan , Sinha Neeraj , Thakur Ashwani Kumar
Published: May 2015

Multiple factors that dictate the formation of a new polymorphic form of Fmoc–phenylalanine hydrogel.
Hetero-nanocomposites of magnetic and antifungal nanoparticles as a platform for magnetomechanical stress induction in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Giannousi K. , Menelaou M. , Arvanitidis J. , Angelakeris M. , Pantazaki A. , Dendrinou-Samara C.
Published: May 2015

Cu2O NPs of 30 nm with antifungal properties were functionalized with 9 nm NiFe2O4 MNPs to construct hetero-NCs for magnetomechanical stress induction in S. cerevisiae.
Formation and selective micron-regional control of PbS quantum dots in glasses using femtosecond laser pulsation
Authors: Fan Shaohua , Wu Guobo , Zhang Hang , Yu Yongze , Qiu Jianrong , Dong Guoping
Published: May 2015

Selective micron-regional (diameter: ∼30 μm) control of PbS QDs in a waveguide directly written with fs laser in glass is confirmed with confocal Raman spectra. Adjustable photoluminescence band can be realized from ∼800 nm up to ∼1100 nm.
Tuning the chiro-plasmonic response using high refractive index-dielectric templates
Authors: Nair Greshma , Singh Haobijam Johnson , Ghosh Ambarish
Published: May 2015

Chiral metamaterials have recently gained attention due to their applicability in developing polarization devices and in the detection of chiral molecules.
Room temperature fabrication and patterning of highly conductive silver features using in situ reactive inks by microreactor-assisted printing
Authors: Choi Chang-Ho , Allan-Cole Elizabeth , Chang Chih-hung
Published: May 2015

Highly conductive silver was fabricated at room temperature using in situ reactive silver precursor inks by microreactor-assisted printing without any post-processing.
Using concatenated subunits to investigate the functional consequences of heterotetrameric inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors
Authors: Chandrasekhar Rahul , Alzayady Kamil J. , Yule David I.
Published: May 2015

Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors (IP3Rs) are a family of ubiquitous, ER localized, tetrameric Ca2+ release channels. There are three subtypes of the IP3Rs (R1, R2, R3), encoded by three distinct genes, that share ∼60–70% sequence identity. The diversity of Ca2+ signals generated by IP3Rs is thought to be largely the result of differential tissue expression, intracellular localization and subtype-specific regulation of the three subtypes by various cellular factors, most significantly InsP3, Ca2+ and ATP. However, largely unexplored is the notion of additional signal diversity arising from the assembly of both homo and heterotetrameric InsP3Rs. In the present article, we review the biochemical and functional evidence supporting the existence of homo and heterotetrameric populations of InsP3Rs. In addition, we consider a strategy that utilizes genetically concatenated InsP3Rs to study the functional characteristics of heterotetramers with unequivocally defined composition. This approach reveals that the overall properties of IP3R are not necessarily simply a blend of the constituent monomers but that specific subtypes appear to dominate the overall characteristics of the tetramer. It is envisioned that the ability to generate tetramers with defined wild type and mutant subunits will be useful in probing fundamental questions relating to IP3R structure and function.
Overview of the 8th UK Gap Junction meeting–5th December 2014
Authors: Johnstone Scott J. , Wright Catherine S. , Martin Patricia E.
Published: May 2015

The 8th UK Gap Junction meeting was held in Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) on 5th December 2014. Emeritus Professor Howard Evans presented an overview of 50 years of gap junction research whereas Dr Brant Isakson, University of Virginia, discussed the intriguing role of recently identified pannexin proteins in endothelial function. Forty-five delegates from across the U.K. and the Europe attended the day with 12 talks from young researchers and five posters. This issue of biochemical transactions provides an overview of the highlights of the work discussed throughout the day.
Tribology behavior during indentation and scratch of thin films on substrates: effects of plastic friction
Authors: Feng Biao , Chen Zhitong
Published: May 2015

When friction stress on a contact surface reaches material yield strength in shear, contact slippage can occur even if the slipping condition for Coulomb friction is not satisfied. In this paper, a three-dimensional (3-D) scratch model is proposed, which considers combined Coulomb and plastic friction. Influences of plastic friction are discussed for two continuous displacement loading steps: indentation and scratch. For indentation, initially the sliding on the contact surface can not take place and the complete cohesion condition should be employed; then as the indenter is further compressed down to the coating surface, plastic friction instead of Coulomb friction prevails in most of the contact region. For scratch, the previous complete cohesion at the initial indentation is substituted by plastic or Coulomb slipping, and the slippage becomes plastic-sliding governed for a slightly large indentation depth. The effects of the indentation depth and the Coulomb friction coefficient on the scratch friction coefficient are discussed in detail. Several experimental phenomena are interpreted, which include that with an increase of the normal loading, the scratch friction coefficient reduces for the soft coating but grows for the hard coating; and with the growth of hardness after heat treatment, the scratch friction coefficient increases due to weak plastic slippage. Obtained results help to elucidate tribological behaviors during scratch and are helpful for the interpretation of experimental phenomena and the improvement of numerical simulations for the scratch process.
Unbiased Measures of Interocular Transfer of Motion Adaptation
Authors: Vilidaitė Greta , Baker Daniel H
Published: May 2015

Numerous studies have measured the extent to which motion aftereffects transfer interocularly. However, many have done so using bias-prone methods, and studies rarely compare different types of motion directly. Here, we use a technique designed to reduce bias (Morgan, 2013, Journal of Vision, 13(8):26, 1–11) to estimate interocular transfer (IOT) for five types of motion: simple translational motion, expansion/contraction, rotation, spiral, and complex translational motion. We used both static and dynamic targets with subjects making binary judgments of perceived speed. Overall, the average IOT was 65%, consistent with previous studies (mean over 17 studies of 67% transfer). There was a main effect of motion type, with translational motion producing stronger IOT (mean: 86%) overall than any of the more complex varieties of motion (mean: 51%). This is inconsistent with the notion that IOT should be strongest for motion processed in extrastriate regions that are fully binocular. We conclude that adaptation is a complex phenomenon too poorly understood to make firm inferences about the binocular structure of motion systems.
Aesthetic Preference in the Spatial Composition of Traditional Chinese Paintings
Authors: Zheng Lu , Weidong Zhang , Xuchen Gao
Published: May 2015

Aesthetic psychology has discussed many aspects of aesthetic preferences for spatial composition. However, there have been few empirical explorations of the spatial composition of traditional Chinese paintings. The results of this experiment showed that the shape of the frame had a significant effect on aesthetic preferences. Participants preferred to put two figures at certain relative horizontal distances from each other according to the horizontal shape of the frame but may have difficulty in adapting the relative vertical distance according to the vertical shape of the frame. Furthermore, the unique aesthetic interest of traditional Chinese long-vertical scroll paintings was discussed. This discussion revealed that, in a creative way, ancient Chinese artists followed the same aesthetic principles we observed, and they developed the artistic conception and romantic charm of traditional Chinese paintings.
Syntheses of Iron(0) Complexes of Symmetrical Trialkylphosphines with Three Terminal Vinyl Groups, P((CH2)mCH=CH2)3
Authors: Lang Georgette M. , Skaper Dirk , Shima Takanori , Otto Michael , Wang Leyong , Gladysz John A.
Published: May 2015

Reactions of (BDA)Fe(CO)3 (BDA = benzylideneacetone) and P((CH2)mCH=CH2)3 (1; m = 4, a; 5, b; 6, c; 7, d; 8, e) give the trigonal bipyramidal bis(phosphine) complexes trans-Fe(CO)3(P((CH2)mCH=CH2)3)2 (2a–e) as moderately air-sensitive yellow-orange oils in 60–75 % yields after workup. These and NO+BF4– react to give the cationic iron dicarbonyl nitrosyl complexes trans-[Fe(CO)2(NO)(P((CH2)mCH=CH2)3)2]+BF4– (3a–e; orange oils, 88–98 %). Further substitution is effected with n-Bu4N+X– (X = Cl, Br, I, or CN) to give trans-Fe(CO)(NO)(X)(P((CH2)mCH=CH2)3)2 (4a–e-X; red oils, 73–93 %). The NMR (1H, 13C, 31P) and IR properties of these adducts, which provide precursors to gyroscope-like complexes by intramolecular C=C metatheses, are analysed in detail.
Enhanced Squaraine Rotaxane Endoperoxide Chemiluminescence in Acidic Alcohols
Authors: Peck Evan M. , Oliver Allen G. , Smith Bradley D.
Published: May 2015

Squaraine rotaxane endoperoxides (SREPs) are storable chemiluminescent compounds that undergo a clean cycloreversion reaction that releases singlet oxygen and emits near-infrared light when warmed to body temperature. This study examined the effect of solvent on SREP chemiluminescence intensity and found that acidic alcohols, such as 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol, α-(trifluoromethyl)benzyl alcohol, and 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoroisopropanol, greatly increased chemiluminescence. In contrast, aprotic solvents, such as trifluoroethylmethyl ether, had no effect. The interlocked rotaxane structure was necessary as no chemiluminescence was observed when the experiments were conducted with samples containing a mixture of the two non-interlocked components (squaraine thread and macrocycle endoperoxide). Spectroscopic analyses of the enhanced SREP chemiluminescent reactions showed a mixture of products. In addition to the expected squaraine rotaxane product caused by cycloreversion of the endoperoxide, a diol derivative was isolated. The results are consistent with an endoperoxide O–O bond cleavage process that is promoted by the hydrogen bonding solvent and produces light emission from a squaraine excited state.
The swinging “we”
Authors: Carta Caterina
Published: May 2015

This contribution focuses on the implications of the institutional reform advanced by the Lisbon Treaty for the framing of discourses of European institutional actors. The article adopts a focused linguistic strategy aimed at identifying patterns of pronominal selection as useful tools to depict both the ways in which different EU actors in Brussels elaborate their sense of belonging, and also patterns of horizontal and vertical inter-institutional cooperation and conflict. The article firstly introduces the data and methodology employed in the analysis. Secondly, it sheds light on the main institutional arrangements established in the aftermath of Lisbon. Thirdly, it illustrates how referential/nomination strategies are on aggregate realised by interviewees. Finally, it presents an analysis of pronominal selection and contextualises the difficulties of individual actors working for the EU’s institutions in dealing with the current institutional structure.
International leadership re-/constructed?
Authors: Krzyżanowski Michał
Published: May 2015

This article analyses European Union policy discourses on climate change from the point of view of constructions of identity. Articulated in a variety of policy-related genres, the EU rhetoric on climate change is approached as example of the Union’s international discourse, which, contrary to other areas of EU policy-making, relies strongly on discursive frameworks of international and global politics of climate change. As the article shows, the EU’s peculiar international – or even global – leadership in tackling the climate change is constructed in an ambivalent and highly heterogeneous discourse that runs along several vectors. While it on the one hand follows the more recent, inward-looking constructions of Europe known from the EU policy and political discourses of the 1990s and 2000s, it also revives some of the older discursive logics of international competition known from the earlier stages of the European integration. In the analysis, the article draws on the methodological apparatus of the Discourse-Historical Approach (DHA) in Critical Discourse Studies. Furthering the DHA studies of EU policy and political discourses, the article emphasises the viability of the discourse-historical methodology applied in the combined analysis of EU identity and policy discourses.
European parliament ‘doing’ Europe
Authors: Aydın-Düzgit Senem
Published: May 2015

This article focuses on the discourses of the main centre-right political party group (EPP-ED, EPP) in the European Parliament on Turkey’s accession to the European Union. It utilises the analytical framework of the Discourse-Historical Approach in Critical Discourse Analysis to mainly concentrate on the articulations of ‘culture’ and ‘cultural identity’ in the discussions over Turkish accession in official parliamentary debates and in-depth personal interviews with the members of this group. It is argued that a relational theorising of identity allows for analysis of the ways in which a cultural ‘Europe’ is articulated through current discussions on Turkey in the mainstream right-wing European Parliament discourse and thus reveals the cultural borders that are enacted with reference to Turkish membership within this group.